Senate resumes ministerial screening Tuesday
Falae’s abductors arraigned
Saraki forwards names of confirmed nominees to Buhari
GEORGE OJI ABUJA
Saraki
Vol. 5 N0. 1223
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enate said yesterday that it would resume the screening of
the remaining ministerial nominees on Tuesday next week. The exercise, which began on Tuesday, was supposed to continue yes-
Friday, October 16, 2015
...deny being Boko Haram members
terday, but was called off by the leadership of the Senate. Senate President, Bukola Saraki explained
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FG probes NNPC, NPA, NIMASA
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CHIDI UGWU AND ROTIMI FADEYI
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...for remitting dollar revenue in naira 101 coys compete for Offshore Processing Arrangements deal
ederal Government has commenced probe into activities of its agencies over remittance of revenue into the Federation Account This was disclosed yesterday at the meeting of the National Economic Council, NEC, by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele. Emefiele told the Council how some Federal Government agencies shortCONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>
Alamieseigha to get state burial as Dickson sets up committee P.11
Ooni’s deputy, Obalufe, dies at 85 NYSC 2014 batch ‘c’ corps members, during their passing-out parrade in Yenagoa, yesterday.
PHOTO: NAN
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FG probes NNPC, NPA, NIMASA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
changed the country by remitting naira into the Federation Account instead of the dollar revenue they collected. Briefing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa after the meeting, Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade said Emefiele presented brief report on government agencies involved in the inappropriate remittance. According to Ayade, the agencies include Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, and Nigerian Port Authority, NPA, among other agencies.
The Governor was in company of three other colleagues, including Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Darius Ishaku (Taraba) and Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo). Ayade said: “We received a brief report on how agencies remiting dollar revenues in naira into the Federation account given by the CBN governor. “He said investigations are on-going. Such agencies include but not limited to NNPC, NIMASA and NPA.” Ayade also said NEC received briefing on the excess crude account which stands at $2.2bn as at yesterday. He added: “On the provision of provisional loans to states based on collaterisation of the excess crude ac-
count, the CBN governor briefed that 27 states have made request for the N10bn facility and is currently being processed. “He has called on the affected states to complete all necessary documentation for the money. Not all states have indicated interest on this ECA collaterised loan. “On the refund of expenses incurred by state government, the Vice President also briefed Council on detail of this and said that for all those who have followed the right procedure and due process in incurring expenses, processes are being undertaken at this time to ensure refund for such Federal Government based road expenditure by states.”
Mimiko explained that the bailout funds from the Federal Government would not be enough for payment of workers’ salaries because of the continued shortfall in revenue accruing to the Federation Account. He said: “Bail out is a short term measure on arrears of salaries. But the truth is that the accruals would still not be enough and final solution to the accruals shortfall in the payment of salaries still has to be found.” The governors assured that the bailout fund would not be diverted but would be judiciously used. Meanwhile, NNPC yesterday conducted the public opening of bids tendered by
101 Nigerian and multi-national companies competing for the award of Offshore Processing Arrangements, OPA. According to a statement by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ohi Alegbe, in the OPA, NNPC undertakes to allocate a dedicated volume of crude oil for refining at offshore locations in exchange for petroleum products at pre-agreed yield pattern. The exercise, which was said to have been broadcast live on national television and conducted in the full glare of representatives of Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, NEITI, executives of the bid-
A cross-section of State Governors at the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja, yesterday.
PHOTO: NAN
Senate resumes ministerial screening Tuesday CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
that the call off was informed by the fact that as at yesterday, most of the fresh nominees were yet to forward their resume and other relevant documents to the senate to enable the exercise. He stated that the postponement was to give ample time for the candidates to furnish the Senate with all necessary information to assist the lawmakers carry out the exercise thoroughly. The nominees who would have their turn next week are former Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi
and Mr. Adebayo Shittu, who were not screened alongside the first batch of the nominees. They would be joined by 15 candidates, who made the second and final list sent by President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday. The senate has already completed screening and confirmation of 18 candidates, who formed the first batch of the nominees sent by the President on September 30. The 15 remaining ministerial nominees who would be screened next week are Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim, Claudius
Omoleye Daramola, Prof. Anthony Anwuka, Geoffrey Onyeama, Brig. Gen. M M Dan-Ali (rtd), Mr. James Ocholi, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, Okechukwu Enelamah, Muhammed Bello, Mustapher Baba Sheburi, Ms. Aisha Abubakar, Heineken Lokpobiri, Adamu Adamu, Prof. Isaac Adewole and Abubakar Bwari Bawa. Meanwhile, Saraki yesterday forwarded the names of the 18 nominees already cleared to President Buhari. The Senate President, in an official letter sent through Senior Special Assistant to the President
on Legislative Matters (Senate), Ita Enang, informed the President that the Senate has found the 18 nominees suitable to occupy the office of ministers of the Federal Republic as provided for in Section 147 (2) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended. The nominees whose appointment have been confirmed are Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Danbazau, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Hajiya Amina
Ibrahim Mohammed, Mr. Suleiman Adamu and Alhaji Ibrahim Usman Jibril. Others are Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, Abubakar Malami, SAN, Dr. (Sen.) Chris Nwabueze Ngige, Sen. Aishat Jummai Al-Hassan, Mr. Solomon Dalong, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun and Sen. Hadi Sirika, Meanwhile, the senate yesterday summoned the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, Col. Ahmed Ali to appear before it to explain his recent directives CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>
ding companies and other crucial oil and gas industry stakeholders comes as a swift departure from the previous OPA award exercises which were conducted without public participation. The statement quoted the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, to have noted that the Corporation has taken the pain to make the process leading up to the award open to public scrutiny to demonstrate before all members of the public that there was nothing to hide. “At the end of this exercise, we must be able to engage companies that are known to everybody and not shrouded in mysteries. We must have terms that are very transparent and comparative to terms anywhere else in the world where OPA are being done,” Kachikwu said. He said while efforts were being made to ensure that refineries were re-streamed to optimal levels, NNPC would in the interim maximise the OPA in such a way as to secure the best deals possible for Nigeria. “I hope that we should be able to build in futuristic growth patterns in the new deal. We should be able to come up with companies that have solid investments in Nigeria because this is not just a trading issue,’’ he said. Commenting on the exercise, Mrs. Murjanatu Gamawa, representative of NEITI commended NNPC for the giant step taken towards transparency and accountability. Managing Director, Pipelines and Products Marketing Company Limited, PPMC a subsidiary of the NNPC, Mrs. Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue, stated that the essence of the exercise was to provide a level playing field for all industry players and to cut-off middle men who have been exploiting the system. Mrs. Gamawa observed that this was the first time NEITI would be invited to witness a bid process at the NNPC, noting that it was a clear indication that the Corporation takes transparency and integrity issues seriously.
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The President of “I Will Give”, a pan-African social enterprise, Dr. Lola Dare (left) with the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Angela Merkel and the Executive Director of DSW, Mrs. Rebate Bahr, at the launch of the global programme on Secure and Resilient Health Sector at the recently concluded 70th United Nations General Assembly.
L-R: General Manager, RB West Africa, Rahul Murgai; representative of Global Hygiene Council, Dr. Nneoma Idika; Honorable member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Folajimi LaiMohammed; Marketing Director, Dettol, Oguzhan Silivrili and pupils of Bola Memorial Primary School, Ikeja at the launch of a handwash site donated to the school in commemoration of 2015 Global Handwashing Day.
L-R: Legal Officer, Open Society Justice Initiative (Africa Programme), Mr. Maxwell Kadiri; AU Commissioner, Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, Ms. Faith Pansy Tlakula and the Director- General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri, during Commissioner’s visit to NOA Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, yesterday.
L -R: Brother of the winner, Mr. Alex Braimoh; Retail Distribution Manager, Benin, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Kemi Olorunfemi; N1m Winner of the Peak Reach for Millions Promo, Imonikhe Braimoh and Mrs. Osatohanwen Esther at the Peak Reach for Millions Promo Prize Presentation in Abuja, recently.
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Shamsudeen tasks FG on early budgeting plan Chidi Ugwu Abuja
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ormer Minister of Finance and National Planning Commission, Shamsuddeen Usman, has called on the Federal Government to consider early budgeting plan to forestall delay in the 2016 budget presentation and legislative consideration. The former finance minister who made the call yesterday while coordinating the last session at the ongoing Nigerian Economic Summit, NES, holding in Abuja on the topic, ‘National Budgeting Framework to aid Competitive, Inclusive Growth and Sustainability,’ also stressed the need for the planners to do detailed and analytical work on the budget before its public presentation. ‘‘There is need for early budgeting. In the US, the budget is submitted nine months before legislative consideration; with this, they do not experience
difficulties as we do. This will enable government look into all the policies and legal implications before consideration. Government should start the 2017 budget very early - at least by March, so that it can carry the National Assembly along; so that by 2017, we will begin to have a proper budget system. ‘‘I think there is need for analytical and strategic framework in budget planning, which I know underpins government actions in the execution of budget. This we must take seriously, if we want to get it right,’’ he said. He advocated compulsory declaration of assets by all public servants serving at all levels of government, particularly, the legislature and judiciary to institutionalise accountability in the public sector. He noted that the call became necessary for public servants to make their assets public due
to the moral burden on them as servants of the people, particularly in this period of economic downturn in the country. His words: “I challenge all public servants to join the cue with President Muhammadu Buhari in declaring their assets in this moment of economic difficult facing the nation as a show of their support for anti-corruption. “I was one of the two ministers that did it under the late President Musa Yar’Adua’s government, including the President himself. I expect all public servants to do the same, including members of the National Assembly if we are serious with the anti-corruption war.’’ The former minister further charged the organisers of the summit to come up with a strong statement on the anticorruption war by compelling all its company partners to the United Nations Global Account-
ability and Pact and Clean Bill Initiative if it hopes to assist government in changing the rot in the Nigerian system and boosting investors confidence in the system. He challenged the NPC
secretary to take the reports to government as soon as he gets a minister to work with. “Everybody is looking up to government; what is private sector doing to support the anti-corrup-
tion war? I call on every minister, National Assembly members to declare their assets. Though, it is not a constitutional requirement, it is a requirement of morality,” Shamsudeen said.
National Economic Summit Group presents report to Buhari
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ational Economic Summit Group, NESG, the organiser of the Nigerian Economic Summit, NES, yesterday presented the report of the 21st summit to President Muhammadu Buhari. News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reported that the chairman of the NESG, Mr. Kyari Bukar, presented the 100-page report to Buhari at the close of the summit in Abuja. The report was received by Mr. Babachir Lawal, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on behalf of President Buhari. Lawal, who spoke on sustainable solutions for
peace and threats to human security, said the economy and security are inseparable. He said the Federal Government is doing its best to address the security challenges in the North East and to create employment for the youth in the zone. He, however, urged all sectors of the economy to be involved in re-building the zone. The secretary recalled that those in the zone have lost all their means of livelihood. Dr. Tayo Aduloju of the Institute of Workforce Development, said at the plenary on security matters that the impact of environ-
mental problems has become the driver of conflicts and insecurity. Aduloju said the impacts of climate and business practices such as oil exploration and offshore deep-water trawling have increasingly become drivers of conflict and that they pose real threats to human security. Some experts who spoke at the session called for huge investment in youth development through vocational and formal skill. They also recommended long term investment for women and youths to enhance inclusive growth and sustainable development.
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Senate resumes ministerial screening Tuesday CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
that importers of rice can do so through the nation’s land borders, instead of the sea ports as was the practice previously. The summons followed the debate and adoption of resolutions contained in the motion sponsored
by Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) and sported by 27 other senators entitled: “The Dangers Posed by the Removal of Rice from Import Restriction List and the Re-introduction of Import Duty Payment at Land Borders.” In his lead presenta-
tion, Aliero, who was a onetime Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, noted that since 2011, rice importation to the country was restricted to the seaports because Nigerian Customs lacked the capacity and machinery to effectively monitor
and control the importation through the porous and extensive land borders. He also noted that the ban placed on rice imports through land borders has reduced cross border smuggling. He expressed concern
that the decision by the Comptroller General to liberalise the importation of rice to the extent of lifting the ban on land importation will seriously escalate smuggling, thereby, reducing the revenue accruable to the Federal Government.
The lawmaker subsequently prayed the senate to resolve that all importers of rice should bring their cargo through the ports and clear such cargo after paying appropriate import duty as prescribed by the Federal Government.
Buhari’s victory would have failed forensic analysis –PDP OBIORA IFOH ABUJA
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eoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said 2015 presidential election was far from perfect and that forensic and scientific analyses of the result would have exposed its deficiency. The party said it would have challenged the outcome of the election had it not being because of the statesmanly approach by former President Goodluck Jonathan. PDP also said it is determined to return to power come 2019 by exposing the hypocrisy of the ruling party through checks and constructive criticism. At a well attended National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting of the party, the first since the general election, PDP also adopted the Senator Ike Ekweremmadu Post Election Fact Finding Committee, which recommended way forward for the party. According to statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the recommendations include sanctity of the zoning principle of the party, biometric membership registration, introduction of direct primaries (to guarantee internal democracy) as well as reconciliation. Speaking at the event, PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus called attention of Nigerians to what he called selective implementation of the anti-corruption fight. He said: “It would be morally repugnant to target PDP members while seemingly protecting APC members. “All we are calling for is an equal and fair treatment of all Nigerians under the law. Government should prevent the slide of our dear country into a police state by controlling some of the brazen acts of the security agencies against state insti-
tutions as exemplified in the invasion of the Akwa Ibom Government House by some officers of the Department of State Service, DSS. “In the same vein, we call on the Federal Government to come out straight with Nigerians on the state of our economy, which is gradually sliding into recession. “It appears that the lack of an economic direction and remedial actions from the government is having a debilitating effect on the economy – jobs are being lost and small businesses a closing shop as a result of the lack of constructive economic engagement from the APC government,” Secondus said.
L-R: Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr. Kyari Bukar; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari and President, Growing Business Foundation, Dr. Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien, at close of the 21st Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, yesterday.
Falae’s abductors arraigned, deny being Boko Haram members OJO O YEWAMIDE AKURE
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uspected abductors of Afenifere chieftain and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Chief Oluyemisi Falae, have said they were not members of the dreaded terrorist group, Boko Haram. Five of the suspects, Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibrahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal were arraigned yesterday at the Ondo State High Court, sitting in Akure, the state capital. They were arrested by Police Special Intelligence Response Team, PSIRT, from Abuja at different locations. Police charge sheet claimed that Auta was arrested from Niger State, Ibrahim, Ondo State while Muhammed, Lawan and Tanu were nabbed in Ekiti State. Three of the five suspects confessed to reporters before their arraignment that they
were involved in the kidnapping of the Afenifere chieftain. Umaru, Idris and Muhammed, who spoke in Hausa language but interpreted in English by a security operative, disclosed that they were given N100,000 each. They disclosed further that eight of them took part in the abduction of the former Minister of Finance. Claiming they did not know the ring leader of the group, the suspects said they normally speak with him on the phone and from there he gave them instructions on what to do. Ibrahim confirmed that he is a resident of Akure but refused to disclose his occupation. It was learnt that Auta, who is one of the kidnapping leaders, was caught with N823,990 as well as his car in Niger State. Auta was said to have played an intermediary role between those who kidnapped Falae from his farm at Ilado in Akure North Local Government
Area and the ring leader, who is still at large. A police source revealed that two of the suspects, Usman Kato and Babawuro, recently paraded by the Department of State Service, DSS, in Abuja were among the eight kidnappers who took part in the operation. All the suspects pleaded not guilty when the charge sheet was read and interpreted to them. The charge sheet read: “That you, Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed, Idris Lawal and others now at large, on or about Monday 21st September, 2015 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did give information for the purpose of kidnapping and abducting Chief Samuel Oluyemi Falae. “Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal, and others now at large, on or about Monday 21st September, 2015 at Kajola/
Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did aid the kidnapping and abduction of Chief Samuel Oluyemi Falae. “Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal, and others now at large, on or about Monday 21st September, 2015 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did Kidnapped Chief Oluyemi Falae, the Former Secretary to the Federation Government of Nigeria and did not release him until N5,000,000 ransom was paid. “Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal, and others now at large, on or about Monday 21st September, 2015 at Kajola/ Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did conspire to commit a felony to wit armed robbery. “Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal, and oth-
ers now at large, on or about Monday 21st September, 2015 at Kajola/ Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did rob Chief Olu Falae of N15, 000 and his handset while armed with guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapon.” The offences, according to the prosecution, are contrary to section 2 of Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Law, 5(1) (a) of the Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Laws, Section 3(11)(b) of the Anti-Kidnapping and Abduction Law, Section 6(b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act, Cap R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Section 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R11, Vol. 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, respectively. The presiding judge, Justice William Rotimi Olamide, ordered the suspects to be remanded at Olokuta prison and adjourned the matter till November 10.
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Ubong Ukpong Abuja
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hief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Abayomi Olonisakin, yesterday, said that the high rate of soft target bombings by the Boko Haram insurgents witnessed in the past couple of months, were due to the increased pressure on the insurgents in the North East. He disclosed this in Abuja, at the 2015 Nigerian Navy Research and Development seminar, with the theme; ‘Innovation and Research and Development (R&D): Turning Bright Ideas to Operational Solutions. “The issue of suicide bombings that we have been witnessing is as a result of the pressure on the Boko Haram terrorists in the North East. “They are now aiming at soft targets, and Nigerians must be security conscious and report any suspicious movement around
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Pressure on Boko Haram responsible for soft target bombings –CDS them, because security is everybody’s business especially the face we are in now,” he said. The CDS emphasised that the pressure has been on the terrorists and they were fanning out, and in the process of fanning out, they are hitting the soft targets. He however, urged members of the public to be wary, security conscious, and as well report any area where they observe suspicious movement or activities. When asked about the effort being put in place for the rescue of the Chibok girls, the Defence Chief said; “We are to ensure that everyone that have been probably abducted or even conscripted by the Boko Haram terrorists are brought safely includ-
ing the Chibok girls. So, he said, that is our desire and that is what we are working towards.” Olonisakin, however, revealed that there was no report concerning Chibok girls presently; saying that was why the military was encouraging research and development in order to improve its efficiency. The CDS also disclosed that the military was working to come up with a strategy to effectively tackle vandalism, illegal bunkering and every issue
associated with oil and gas as it plans to improve the security of the sector. Earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff, CNS, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, said the Nigerian Navy Directorate of Research and Development was established in 2004 with the aim of addressing the immediate problems associated with service’s operational, logistics and technology acquisition, but lamented that it performance had been less inspiring. Ibas pointed out that the recurring issue of
sustainability of the fleet stood imposingly and staunchly to dispel many doubt on this, and the reasons for this poor outing were not far-fetched as its include; poor resource availability, inadequate coordination of R&D activities in the NN”. To address the challenges, he noted that the seminar was one of the approaches the navy adopted to purse her inventive intentions and to reposition R&D as the pivot of attaining a technological self reliance.
“The past efforts of these initiatives have already triggered appropriate R&D activities in some development objectives contained within the extant Revised NN transformation plan 2011-2020. “The directorate has made a remarkable innovative progress in design, construction, information, technology and training; including the use of alginate extracted from sea weeds to stabilise laterite to produce Compressed Earth Blocks,” he said.
Glo takes Slide “n” Bounce and Laffta Fest Concerts to Awka, Ikorodu
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he twin concerts of Glo “Slide ‘n’ Bounce” and Glo Laffta Fest will this weekend berth in the fledgling city of Awka, Anambra State capital and , the bubbly city of Ikorodu in Lagos respectively. The musical Slide n Bounce show will hold on Friday at Marble Ark Hotels and event Centre, Enugu/Onitsha Express Road,whilethe company’s premium comedy show, Glo Laffta Fest will hold on Sunday at Ikorodu Musical Village. A statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday by Globacom disclosed that for the Awka concert, music stars such as Flavour, Wizkid, Korede Bello, Di’Ja and Bez will be on hand to entertain the residents of the city and its environs, with the sensational comedian and Nollywood star, Okey Bakassi as the anchor man. For Laffta Fest, Globacom has lined up top comedians like Bovi, Okey Bakassi, Senator, Bash, Gandoki, Buchi, Acapella, Still Ringing and Omo Baba while Di’ja, Korede Bello and Omawumi will serenade the audience with some of Nigeria’s biggest music hits.
According to the statement, Glo ambassadors Mr. Ibu and Mama G, both Nollywood stars, will be in Awka to add more side attractions to the show, “which promises to be a full bouquet of entertainment, music and dance. “...the staging of Laffta Fest in Ikorodu, just a weeks after we anchored our concert in the same city is a confirmation of our avowed resolve to keep on delighting our subscribers in the area”, the statement added. The statement added that Awka is the first city in the South East geopolitical zone to host the second edition of the Glo Slide & Bounce. We value and appreciate the loyalty of Anambra subscribers. We will further add to the excitement by organising Laffta Fest in the next couple of weeks in Awka. Glo Slide “n” Bounce had, before coming to Awka, been held in cities such as Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Ikorodu, Benin, Victoria Island, Ijebu Ode and Surulere, while the comedy show, Laffta Fest had been held in Benin City, Victoria Island, Abeokuta, Surulere, Port Harcourt, Ikeja and Ibadan.
L-R: Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ibok Ibas and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, at the exhibition stand, during the 2015 Nigerian Navy Research and Development Seminar, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN
Nigeria unable to meet 6.5% growth in food demand-ActionAid Regina Otokpa
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civil society organisation, ActionAid, yesterday decried the inability of the Federal Government to meet the 6.5per cent growth in food demand within the country. Speaking during the World Food Day celebration in Abuja, the Country Director ActionAid, Ojobo Atuluku, disclosed that even with an increased 3.7 per cent growth in food production, the nation was still grappling to address the annual growth in demand for food. She said: “There is a 6.5 per cent growth in the annual demand for food in Nigeria. Unfortunately, the 3.7per cent growth rate of food production cannot meet the prevailing 6.5per
cent growth in demand for food in Nigeria.” Represented by the Programme Advisor Food and Agriculture, Azubike Nwokoye, she also disclosed that in line with the mandate set out by the Maputo Declaration by average annual budgetary allocation to agriculture between 2011 to 2015, the Federal Government has not been able to meet the target of 10 per cent for its budgetary allocation to agriculture. According to her, the maximum allocation committed so far by the Federal Government, was 1.9 per cent in 20011 fiscal year, while only Gombe State committed a maximum of 5.09 per cent in line with the mandate given state governments towards budgetary allocation to agriculture. She lamented the drop
in agriculture saying; “Agriculture used to be the largest single contributor to Nigeria’s GDP at 40per cent, but has dropped to 24per cent according to the 2010 rebased series.” While calling on government to scale up investment in the sector, ActionAid noted that women were the major contributors in the provision of 90 per cent of food consumed in the country with about 60 per cent. “Ninety per cent of food eaten and consumed in Nigeria is provided by small holder farmers and 60 per cent of the labour force within the agriculture sector is women. Women do most of the work within the value chain. “About 70 per cent of the Nigerian population are engaged in agriculture and this is the only sector that
can provide the needed job that Nigeria needs, even for us to overcome the indexes of poverty in this country. “Before the 70s and before the discovery of oil, we were doing well, we were funding our national budget without oil and we can still do. It is providing the enabling environment in the area of social protection, access to land, access to input, access to cheap credit, access to small scale women labour tailored technology,” Atuluku added. The Country Director further implored government to ensure that relevant organisations and personalities including CSOs and small holder farmers are carried along in the agriculture policy making process, to enable a full capture of the needs confronting farmers.
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igeria and Qatar on Thursday commenced negotiation on a policy that would guarantee the general welfare of the migrant employees in both countries. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Dr Clement Illoh, said this at an InterMinisterial Preparatory meeting on Bilateral Labour Agreement between Nigeria and Qatar in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Qatar, had in 2014, requested the employment of manpower from Nigeria. Illoh said that the National Policy on Labour approved by the Federal Executive Council in October 2014 covered three broad objectives of promotion of good governance of labour migration, protection of migrant workers and promotion of their welfare and that of the families left behind. It also touched on optimising the benefits of labour migration on development while mitigating its adverse impact. “In this regard, the request by Qatar for employment of manpower from Nigeria is a validation of human resources in the country. “This is a welcome development amid the thinning job opportunities and the recent global crisis of migration. “Thus, this meeting is important to scrutinise the draft Nigeria-Qatar Bilateral Agreement, to maximse the inherent befits therein and check the potential negative outcome in its implementation.’’ Illoh said that it was important to consider the modalities that would govern the cooperation agencies, vacancy notification, recruitment and selection. Other issues include residence and work permits, terms of condition of employment, dispute settlement and social security, among others. The Chief Missioner, International Organisation for Migration, IOM, Ms Enira Krdzalic, said the meeting was convened to formalise the process. “Today’s meeting is convened in response to the shared desire by Nigeria and Qatar to formalise
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Nigeria, Qatar negotiate migrants’ policy
and must adhere to the administrative efficiency all through the migration cycle from recruitment to return. She said that both countries must ensure timely labour matching and also put in place a mechanism for monitoring progress
and identify challenges and mobilisation of resources to address capacity constraints. “This is to say that for Nigeria as an origin country, the bilateral labour agreement should include provisions achievable within its capacity. “The agreement should aim to ensure continuous access to the labour market while taking cognisance of domestic labour market needs. “ It sho uld regulate labour migration, contain legal grounds for protection of Nigerians and define the regulatory and cooperative terms and frameworks with Qatar for managing the labour exchange programme.’’ Krdzalic also urged both countries to define a mechanism for controlling irregular migration and distinct infrastructure for the selected labour migrants’ return and re-integration. She added that the meeting also provided a platform for stakeholders that would constitute the delegation to Doha to deliberate on the bilateral labour agreement in Qatar on October 21 and 22.
L-R: Media Consultant, Pastor Segun Babatope; Prof. Victor Peretomode; Vice Chancellor, Delta State University, Abraka, Mrs Ajoke Ogunsan; CEO, Executive Trainers, Prof. Hua Hiyan of Harvard University; Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Imo State, Dr (Mrs) Njoku Ndubuisi; Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Prof. Isaac Azuzu, and Chairman, Executive Trainers, Dr Ayo Ogunsan, at an ongoing Higher Education Conference at Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts,United States.
the process of recruiting Nigerians to work in Qatar through a bilateral labour agreement. “This initiative presents a timely opportunity for Nigeria to explore employment opportunities for its nationals in a state featuring employment op-
portunities in several economic sectors and across various skill levels. Krdzalic also said that both countries must meet certain conditions needed to demonstrate joint responsibility in managing migration flow. She said that both coun-
tries must jointly build coherent set of measures, incentives and division of labour among each other’s key actors. She said that Nigeria and Qatar must ensure effective inter-institutional coordination and information sharing within
Two die in five Ogun accidents Femi Oyeweso ABEOKUTA
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t least, two persons have been confirmed dead, while several others were critically injured in five separate accidents along the Abeokuta - Siun - Sagamu as well as Benin - Ore expressways. The first accident that occurred along the Benin - Ore expressway involved an 18-seater Toyota bus marked (ONDO) AKR 474 XA which plunged into the Ome river in the J4/Ogbere axis of Ijebu East local government area of Ogun State. National Mirror gathered that bodies of only two persons were evacuated when the bus, fully loaded with consumable goods, was eventually pulled out of the river. Source at the scene of the crash further stated that the Okitipupa-bound passenger bus had taken off from Idumota in Lagos Island where it was loaded with the goods. Though cause of the
crash was unknown at the time of filing this report, National Mirror however gathered that it took the combined efforts of personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, and that of the National Emergency Management Authority, NEMA, before the vehicle could be retrieved from the river. Meanwhile, the four other accidents occurred
between the notorious Onipepeiye village along the Abeokuta - Siun - Sagamu expressway where a Toyota Hilux police pilot van marked (LAGOS) BP 542 KSF escorting the bullion van belonging to an old generation bank (Wema Bank) crashed around 1:15p.m, leaving the driver and six police officers critically injured. Other crashes involved
a Mazda car with registration number (OGUN) WDE 773 AAA which crashed around 12; 29pm at Orile Imo village, while a Toyota Camry car with registration number (LAGOS) KJA 96 BG also crashed around the same Onipepeiye village around 12:50pm. The Public Relations Officer of the state Traffic Compliance and Enforcement, TRACE, Babatunde
Akinbiyi who confirmed all the crashes, also stated the fifth lone accident occurred around 1:30pm and that it involved a truck marked (LAGOS) APP 301 XN along Onipepeiye axis. Akinbiyi, however, attributed the crashes to overspeeding with resultant bursting of the front tyres of the affected vehicles, while skidded off the road and crashed.
Peter Ekanem
that youths as major section of Nigerians are the future and should be celebrated as such. “Nigerians are multitalented; we are youths and the future belongs to us. And anywhere (positions) there are youths, we should celebrate them. “In imagining change about Nigeria, we need younger men in politics, then the system will change and we can take Nigeria to the next level. At least, for the coming generation to benefit.”
Speaking on how he became a success from his very humble beginnings, the Delta-born cleric admonished youths that “we don’t have to be dubious to make it. We can be an achiever by sheer dint of hard work and with God on our side.” He also canvassed the need to dream big, have vision, passion and generate good ideas. Stressing the effect of poverty, he said his father “died because of lack of N2,000 to pay for drugs,” and enjoined Nigerian
youths to stay focused, live an impactful life as well as shun drugs and other vice. He said as a younger man he once was very violent but had learnt life’s lessons that “with God you can become anything you desire.” The church, which has 16 schools spanning primary, secondary, Colleges of Education, with about 200 staff, is an international ministry and is also involved in construction and other businesses, as well as empowerment of the underprivileged.
Youths key to Nigeria’s development –Bishop Samson
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s Senate vets ministerial nominees, Bishop Tom Samson of Christ Royal Family Church has canvassed the need to appoint younger men in the spirit of change and the determination to take Nigeria to new heights. At a press briefing to mark he and his wife’s 50th birthday, Samson stated that there is hope for the country with the new administration, pointing out
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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
How assailant killed my lawyer husband, wife tells court MATTHEW IRINOYE
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L-R: Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; his Anambra and Kwara States counterparts, Chief Willie Obiano and Alhaji Abdufatai Ahmed, during the National Economic Council meeting chaired by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, at the State House, Abuja, yesterday.
Ooni: Uncertainty as key kingsmaker, Obalufe, dies BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO
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hadow of uncertainty was further cast on the selection process of new Ooni of Ife, following the reported death of one of the two main Ile-Ife kingmakers, Obalufe of Iremo quarters, Oba Solomon Omisakin, yesterday. Obalufe, the leader of the chiefs on right side of Ooni and next in rank to him, is also the Prime Minister of Ife and oversees the town in the absence of Ooni.
Oba Omisakin’s death, it was learnt, occurred around 10 am Thursday morning in an undisclosed hospital in Ile-Ife. Though the circumstance surrounding the death of the 85-year-old Obalufe was still sketchy at the time of filing this report, but a close family source said the octogenarian slumped in his house located at Eleyele area of Ile-Ife and was rushed to a hospital in the town, where he later gave up the ghost around 10 am. When contacted, the
Chairman of Eleyele Landlord Association, Chief Elijah Adeyele, confirmed the demise of Obalufe, saying he had been in his residence to condole with the family. Also, one of the daughters of the late monarch, who spoke to newsmen on phone amidst sob, said: “He was rushed to hospital this morning and died few hours later.” At Iremo Quarters, where the palace of Oba Omisakin is located, sympathisers were seeing trooping in, while some others, who could
not hold back tears, were weeping, even as other chiefs seeing around refused to comment on the development. On what the death portend for the ongoing selection process of new monarch for the town, a source within Giesi Ruling House, told National Mirror that his passage will not delay the process. He added that the next chief in rank, Lowa of Ife, Oba Joseph Ijaodola, will step in and take full charge of the functions of Obalufe.
Lagos Assembly confirms Ambode’s 20 commissioner nominees,14 SAs FRANCIS SUBERU
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agos State House of Assembly yesterday confirmed the entire 37 nominees sent to it by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode. The confirmation was granted at Thursday’s plenary after the last nominee, Yetunde Onabule, was screened and report of the Ad-hoc Screening Committee was taken at the Committee of the Whole. The 37 nominees comprise of 20 would-be commissioners and 14 Special Advisers. They are: Former Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Lola Akande; Adebimpe Akinsola; Dr. Jide Idris (former Health Commis-
sioner); Musiliu Folami, Babatunde Hunpe, Ganiyu Johnson, Tunde Durosimi-Etti; Gbolahan Lawal, Folarin Coker, Abdul-lateef AbdulHakeem, Dr. Dayo Mobereola (CEO of LAMATA); Seye Oladejo and Kehinde Bamgbetan (former chairman of Ejigbo LCDA). The list also has: Ganiu Okanlomo Sanni; Agboola Dabiri; Yetunde Onabule; Rotimi Ogunleye; Kehinde Joseph; Akinyemi Ashade; Arc Wasiu Anifowose; Dr. Benson Akintola; Dr. Femi Onanuga; Femi Odubiyi; Dr. Mustapha Akinkunmi, Fela BankOlemoh and Wale Oluwo. Others are: Niji Kazeem; Benjamin Adeyemi Labinjo; Toyin Suarau; Anofi Elegusi; Prof Ade-
mola Abass; Deji Tinubu; Dr. Babatunde Adejare (former member of the House of Representatives); Munirat Giwanson; Uzamat AkinbileYusuf; Engineer Ade Adesanya and Steve Ayorinde. It would be recalled that the House had set up a 15-man ad-hoc committee to screen the nominees during a week-long exercise last week. At the resumption of plenary on Tuesday, the nominees were also brought to the floor of the House to tell the lawmakers about themselves. Chairman of the 15man ad-hoc screening committee, Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni, in his report to the House on Thursday, said the nominees fulfilled all the relevant provisions of the
1999 Constitution and were therefore cleared after being found fit to be members of the Lagos State Executive Council. In response to petition written against four of the nominees, Eshinlokun-Sanni said that the committee made diligent efforts to investigate the allegations, by consulting independent legal units and interrogation of the parties. But none of the candidates was found culpable, he said. He added that though the committee had written to the Directorate of State Security, DSS, to profile all the candidates, but as at the time of presenting the committee’s report, the directorate was yet to raise any red flag.
rs Kemi Fadipe, wife of late Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Kunle Fadipe, yesterday narrated to a Lagos High Court, Ikeja, how alleged killer, stabbed her husband, mother, son and her sister. Fadipe’s wife told the court presided over by Justice Atinuke Ipaye, how her husband sustained various injuries before he died in the hospital. She said the incident happened on July 3, 2014 at 10pm after the deceased returned home from office. “After his meal, he went into his room, my sons went to their room adjacent to his room. My sister, (Abiola Owolabi) who worked with him in the chamber lived with us, my mother who came for her eye surgery was with us at home. “The generating set was on because there was no light. So, I asked my 17 years old boy, Folahanmi, to go and switch off the generator. Shortly after he left, I heard him shouting “my daddy, my daddy, there is thief in the house,’ the witness said. “He (accused) was shouting that somebody was going to die that night. I was scared and hide behind my husband. He said the house is surrounded
by other members of his gang. He demanded for N500,000 naira but we kept begging him. “My husband asked me to bring the envelope in his trouser which contained money, but the defendant slapped my son at which point all of us got angry and pushed him. Immediately he stabbed my mother, son and sister. He also stabbed my husband with the knife which cut my husband’s neck.” At that time, the OPC people entered and over powered him. We took my husband to hospital some minutes before 12am, but he died some minutes past 1am. My mother died two weeks after she heard of my husband’s death.” The second witness, Abiola Owolabi, sister to the widow also a victim told the court that the accused stabbed the deceased on several parts of his body. She added that efforts by members of the family to overpower the accused by hitting him on the head with various objects were not successful as the accused ‘was too powerful’ for them. “He was very strong and had strength of 10 persons,” she said. The matter was adjourned till November 18, 2015 for continuation of trial.
HID instrumental to getting Awolowo to serve in my govt –Gowon FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA
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ormer Head of States, General Yakubu Gowon, yesterday declared that his military administration would eternally remain indebted to late Yeye Oodua and matriarch of the Awolowo family, Mama HID Awolowo, for getting her husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo to serve in his administration. General Gowon, who led the delegation of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation (OAF) on a condolence visit yesterday to the Ikenne country home of the Awolowo dynasty on the death of their matriarch, Chief (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Awolowo, also revealed that if not for Mama HID who prevailed on her husband,
the late sage wouldn’t have accepted to serve in his government as the Federal Commissioner for Finance in the civil war era. The former Head of States was accompanied to the Ikenne home of the Awolowos by other members of the Foundation which included former World Court Judge, Prince Bola Ajibola, Chief Arthur Mbanefo, Professor O.O Akinkungbe as well as Chief Richard Okafor. Others were Professor ‘Funmi Soetan, Pa Olanihun Ajayi as well as Mr. Olatomiwa Ashaolu who represented the Obi of Onitsha among others who were all received into the Efunyela Hall of the Awolowos by the eldest daughter of the family, Reverend Omotola Oyediran and Dr Tokunbo Awolowo - Dosunmu, the Secretary of the foundation.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Caleb University to graduate 13 first class tomorrow Saidat Alausa
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aleb University, Imota, Lagos State will on Saturday, October 17, graduate 13 first-class students during its fifth convocation ceremony. The event, which will hold at the main campus, would have 291 graduating students from the 13 degree programmes in the three colleges of the university. At a press conference to herald the convocation, the vice-chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Olukoju, disclosed that apart from the 13 first class, 113 others will graduate with second class upper division, 119 with second class lower division and 41 with third class would be awarded certificates at the ceremony. He added that the College of Post-graduate Studies will graduate nine students with M.Sc. degree in
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Friday, October 16, 2015
Architecture, its first set of products. Highlighting the activities slated for the convocation, the VC said a convocation lecture and presentation of awards and prizes to deserving graduates will hold at the ceremony. Olukoju said the convocation lecture with the theme ‘Strengthening the Capacity of Nigerian Universities for Research and National Developments would be delivered by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Julius Okogie. The vice-chancellor further noted that the administration’s effort to build a university that produces graduates with entrepreneurial and leadership skills grounded in faithbased ethical values are already yielding results, especially with graduation of the university’s first set of post-graduates at the convocation.
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Take permission before drilling your borehole, Lagos residents told Kemi Olaitan Ibadan
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xecutive Secretary of Lagos State Regulatory Commission, LSWRC, Kabir Ahmed Abdullahi, yesterday called on residents of the state to desist from drilling boreholes without government approval. He made the call in Ibadan during a visit to the president, Association of Waterwell Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners, AWDROP, Michael Ale. He said the state gov-
ernment has directed that henceforth, anyone interested in drilling borehole in the state must meet certain regulations, including standardisation, licensing, accreditation, training and enforcements of code of practice. He said these prerequisites and conditions must be strictly adhered to by both the drillers and beneficiaries before implementing borehole drilling project in the state. Stressing the critical role of trained and professional drillers in the health
economics of Lagos, he said drillers are important to the life of the state and the people considering the salt water intrusion resulting from unregulated drilling. Abdullahi, who was conferred an honorary membership of AWDROP, said government’s inability to provide potable water to its citizenry considering the huge investment and lack of critical urban planning, necessitated the need to dig boreholes nationwide. Ale, in his remark, ap-
preciated the efforts of the Lagos government in ensuring that hygienic water is available to people of the state to drink, given the policy put in place to guide the drilling of boreholes. He then assured of the association’s support and compliance to whatever standard is set out for the benefit of mankind, urging members of the association and citizens of Lagos State to see the standard put in place as an opportunity and not a means to witch-hunt anybody.
Include private varsities in TETFUND list —Afe Babalola Abiodun Nejo Ado-Ekiti
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ounder of Afe Babalola University, AdoEkiti, ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola, has renewed call for the inclusion of private universities as beneficiaries of Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND. Babalola, who described TETFUND as a levy on industrial establishments owned by private individuals as a form of their contribution to educational advancement in the country, said exclusion of private varsities on the fund’s beneficiaries’ list was unjust. He spoke in ABUAD during the inaugural meeting of the Association of ProChancellors of Private Universities, APPNU in Nigeria, adding that private schools should benefit since they contribute as much to the advancement of education in the country as their government-owned counterparts. Babalola said: “TETFUND money should be given to private universities that already show seriousness by being established on their own permanent sites and already have some minimum accreditation for the courses they run.” He urged the Pro-Chancellors’ Conference to seek
means to sustain the quality of education in the country, noting that quality education is expensive anywhere in the world. The body’s interim committee chaired by ABUAD Pro-chancellor, Prof Iyorwuese Hagher, lamented that Nigeria could not be among the 20 best economies in the world as its universities did not rank among the best 500 varsities on the globe. The pro-chancellors, who said private universities had come to the rescue since education was the collective responsibility of Nigerians, said universities should be able to provide the type of human resource that could help the country to face the challenges of global competitiveness. In a communiqué at the end of the meeting, the prochancellors urged Nigerian private universities to reflect “the ideals of tertiary education where leadership is born and nurtured, where the citizens are trained to contribute to peace, national unity, good governance and national development.” Hagher, who decried discrimination in the TETFUND issue, said the need for inaugurating the forum of the pro-chancellors of Nigerian private universities was long overdue.
Suspected abductors of Chief Olu Falae arraigned in Court, yesterday.
Med-View boss condoles with pilgrims’ families …as airline completes airlift
Olusegun Koiki
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anaging Director of Med-View Airline, Muneer Bankole, yesterday commiserated with the families of pilgrims who lost loved ones in the unfortunate stampede in Saudi Arabia during the 2015 Hajj exercise. This is as the airline said it has completed the return leg of hajj exercise to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The airline in a statement signed by Bankole, commiserated with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, state governments and families of victims. Bankole prayed God to
give the affected families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and described the incident as the will of God, which no one could query. “Only God knows why such a calamity should occur at the time,” he said. Latest report by NAHCON had put the number of Nigerians killed during the September 24 stampede in Mina, Saudi Arabia, at 168. More than 769 pilgrims from across the world were confirmed dead and 1,000 injured during the stampede on one of the roads leading to the Jamarat Complex (stone throwing site) in Minna. The Director of Public
Affairs of the commission, Uba Mana, said the number of Nigerians who died rose following ongoing analysis of corpses by the Saudi government. He said the number of pilgrims earlier declared missing had reduced from 165 to 144 due to the discovery of additional bodies. He said seven out of the 42 pilgrims injured during the stampede were still on admission in Saudi hospitals. Bankole also said the airline had concluded airlift of passengers from Saudi Arabia back to different originating zones. The aircraft marked “Abeke”- B767-300ER with 221 pilgrims arrived the
Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, Lagos at 12 noon via port Harcourt Airport. It would be recalled that NAHCON had contracted the airline to airlift pilgrims from states in South-West, South East, South-South Zones, Borno State and members of the armed forces. He noted that the airline complete the airlift of pilgrims back to Nigeria at record time, beating other carriers in the process. Over 9,000 pilgrims were allotted to the carrier by NAHCON while no fewer than 76,000 pilgrims embarked on the journey from Nigeria.
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Stop honouring corrupt individuals, ICPC tells monarchs Emmanuel Ezeh, ENUGU
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ndependent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, yesterday challenged traditional and religious leaders in the country to stop celebrating questionable characters. Head, South-East Zonal office of the ICPC, Hassan Mohammed, at a one-day Town Hall Stakeholders’ Meeting with traditional rulers and other stakeholders in Enugu, lamented that rather than exposing corrupt individuals within their environments, some monarchs had over the years accorded them recognition for selfish reasons. He stated that it had become obvious that the antigraft agency alone could not win the war against corruption in Nigeria hence, the need for all critical stakeholders to join hands with the organisation in fighting the menace. The ICPC boss explained that the aim of the meeting was to sensitise the royal
fathers on the need to fight corruption in their respective domains because of their influence, stressing that “every corrupt individual comes from a community. “It is obvious that ICPC alone cannot win the war against corruption. People must stop keeping quiet in the face of corruption. Corruption war must be people-driven.” The Executive Member, representing South East zone in ICPC, Dame Julie Nwarieaku, had frowned at a situation whereby traditional rulers conferred chieftaincy titles on corrupt individual simply because of their ill gotten wealth. She said as custodians of the people’s culture, royal fathers must always resist the temptation of aiding and abetting perceived corrupt wealthy individuals in their areas. She stressed that “our traditional rulers must al ways distance themselves from such people so as not to drag their integrity in the mud.’’
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Rep lauds Jonathan’s appointment on Tanzania election
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ember representing Ohaozara/ Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency in Ebonyi State, Linus Okorie, has applauded the appointment of former President Goodluck Jonathan as Leader of 33-nation observer mission to the October 25 general elections in Tanzania. Okorie, who emerged victorious at the election petitions tribunal in Abakaliki on Tuesday, commended the Commonwealth for appreciating Jonathan’s
democratic virtues, which he said is by extension a commendation on the growth and development of democracy in Nigeria. He noted that Commonwealth’s recognition of Nigeria’s former President, barely five months after leaving office is an indication that that Jonathan is a true democrat whose style of administration and politicking is enviable and a register in Africa’s political lexicon. Okorie said by that
singular appointment, Jonathan has achieved the status as a “Father of Nigerian Democracy” and asked Nigerians to celebrate the former President’s undiminished legacies and the rule of law. Jonathan was announced to lead the observation mission by the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Yahya Simba. Announcing the development in Dares Salaam, the
Tanzanian capital, Simba said the mission would comprise observers from Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific. Simba at a meeting jointly organised by the United Nations and the government of Tanzania to herald activities of the UN 70th anniversary, stated that while Jonathan will lead the Commonwealth observer team, former Mozambican President, Armando Guebuza, will lead the African Union observer team.
Ember months: Imo govt tasks road users on safety Chris Njoku, OWERRI
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mo State government yesterday advised all road users in the state to respect rules and regulation stipulated under the law to avoid preventable accident as a result of recklessness. Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Sir Jude Ejiogu, gave the advice while flagging off the 2015 Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC for Ember Months with the theme, ‘Operation Sanity: Driving Safety into Year 2016’ at Chukwuma Nwoha Junction, Egbu Road. The event attracted prominent individuals from among the police, military and paramilitary establishments in the country. Delivering an address while flagging off the programme, Ejiogu maintained that over the years, the FRSC has done credibly well to keep road traffic crashes and attendant casualties in check, saying the commission has deployed every available resources through viable programmes and strategies towards creating a serene motoring environment. He further said the vision could not be achieved by mere wish but through robust efforts geared to-
wards respecting laiddown road rules and regulations. The SGI frowned at the recklessness exhibited by drivers on the roads, regretting that majority of the defaulters do not possess valid driver’s license, and called on them to have a change of attitude. He therefore commended FRSC for not only responding promptly to distress situations, but also introducing proactive measures to forestall ugly incidents. He however advised the commission to always patrol highways to check over-speeding and reckless driving, adding that regular check on vehicles should be enhanced to save more lives. Delivering his Ember Months address, Sector Commandant of FRSC in Imo State, Dr. Godwin Omiko, stated that the flag-off was to sensitise all road users on the need to be cautious in driving, and warned drivers to shun any act of recklessness, over-speeding or drink and driving. He therefore advised them to respect road signs and avoid going beyond the speed limit of their vehicles, stressing that there was no need for anyone to lose his or her life as a result of reckless driving.
L-R: Representative of Managing Director, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mr. Joshua Etopidiok; Zonal Controller of NDIC in Benin, Mr. Sunday Oluyemi and representative of LAPO Micro-Finance Bank (MFB), Mr. Amasha Seyi, at NDIC workshop for MFBS in Enugu, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN
Ugwuanyi dissolves board of state College of Education, PPSMB
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overnor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has announced the dissolution of Governing Council of Enugu State College of Education (Technical) and the state Post Primary School Management Board, PPSMB. This is contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Govern-
ment, SSG, Gabriel Ajah, yesterday in Enugu. The statement said the dissolution is to allow for effective management of the affected institutions. It said the governor also approved the reconstitution of the PPSMB with effect from October 9, with Mr Nestor Ezeme as its new chairman.
It said Mrs Favour Ugwuanyi was appointed the Permanent Secretary of the board, while Mr Obi Kama and Mr Clement Inyaba were appointed as members. The statement also said that Mrs Veronica Ezeugwu, and Mrs Obiageli Igwesi were appointed part-time members of the board.
It said Mrs Fidelia Njeze was appointed chairman, Governing Council of the State College of Education (Technical) with effect from October 9. Other members of the board include Mathew Agu, Emeka Nwatu, Prof. Tagbo Ugwu, and Ben. Ezeugwu.
Insurgency: Ebonyi canvasses support for FG
...donates 1,000 bags of rice to troops Ubong Ukpong ABUJA
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bonyi State government yesterday urged all states of the federation to see Boko Haram terrorist sect as a common enemy and support the federal government to win the war. This is even as the state donated 1,000 bags of Ebonyi rice to support the troops in the frontline in the North East. Governor David Umahi
made the call through his deputy, Kelechi Igwe, while donating the rice to Nigerian Army at Army Headquarters, AHQ Garison in Abuja. Umahi condemned the idea of southerners viewing Boko Haram as northern problem, saying that southerners living in the north were dying and being maimed in large numbers by the insurgents. He said Ebonyi found it expedient to continue to support the military in the war by donating relief
materials to encourage the troops. “This fight cannot be left in the hands of federal government alone; state governments must do everything to support the war,” he stressed. He said at present, Ebonyi government was spending so much to maintain security on its boundary with Cross River State, adding that the soldiers were making so much sacrifice to keep the country together and safe. While commending
President Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai, on the successes so far attained, Umahi urged both states and non-governmental organisations, to toe the Ebonyi line in supporting the war which he believes would be won in a shortest possible time. Chief of Logistics, Army, Maj-Gen Ademo Salihu, who received the donation on behalf of the COAS, expressed gratitude to the state for its continuous support to the military.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
South South
Friday, October 16, 2015
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HOSTCOM clamours for pipeline surveillance contract, PIB passage Elo Ogwara Warri
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o effectively safeguard oil and gas pipelines across the country, the Host Communities of Nigeria (HOSTCOM) has reiterated its demand to secure oil pipeline surveillance and information gathering contract. In a communiqué signed by its national executive, Chief Alfred Bubor, Evang. Sanipe Ibinabobo and Dr. Kelly Peter Egedegbe, in Warri, the group urged the presidency to award the contract to HOSTCOM as promised by the late President, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. HOSTCOM, which comprises the nine states of the
Niger Delta, also urged the Federal Government to facilitate the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, with all the benefits; implement the 7.5 per cent equity participation as well as release gas flare penalty monies to HOSTCOM, adding that host communities producing oil and gas should be given priority in the PIB. Meanwhile, the oil pressure group said it remains one and has no other national chairman than Chief Alfred Bubor. According to the group, Dr. Mike Emuh and Dr. Sam Igbeneweka, who were parading themselves as chairman and executive member respectively, have been expelled from the body over alleged misconduct.
7 corps members to repeat, 20 get extension of service
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even corps members in the 2014 batch ‘C’ are to repeat while 20 got extension of their service year in Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Ngozi Chukwuka, the state coordinator of the National of Youth Service Corps, NYSC, has disclosed. Chukwuka made this known during the corps members’ passing out ceremony in Uyo yesterday. She said the seven corps members absconded from service and would have to repeat before receiving their discharge certificates. She said the punitive measure was taken to serve as a warning to corps members to take the service seriously, and as a deterrent to others. The state coordinator said the 20 corps members who earned extension of service are being punished for offences ranging from absenteeism during head count to poor performance in their primary assignments. “The extension ranges from one week to two months for minor cases. “But those who absconded or who have not been around since the past three months will repeat their service. “There are seven corps members for the 2014 batch ‘C’ in the state; most of them absconded during the service year.” According to her, the successful corps members have received adequate training during their service year to contribute their quota to the development of the nation
wherever they find themselves. In his remark, Governor Udom Emmanuel, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr. Monday Uko, urged the corps members to be good ambassadors of the nation. He advised them to be job creators as the era of white collar jobs is over in the country. Emmanuel added that they should not forget the training they received during their orientation. The governor said government would ensure the completion of a permanent office accommodation for the corps members. One of the corps members who spoke to NAN, Mr. Isaac Anekwe, from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, thanked the state government.
Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson (left), speaking during a condolence visit by prominent Ijaw leaders of thought, led by INC President, Barr. Boma Obuoforibo (second left), over the death of former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha, in Government House, Yenagoa, yesterday.
Alamieseigha to get state burial as Dickson sets up burial committee Osahon Julius Yenagoa
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overnor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, has promised an elaborate state burial for the late former governor of the state, Chief Diepreye Alamieseigha, just as he announced the setting up of a committee to plan for the burial rites of the first civilian governor of the state who recently passed on at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. A statement by the chief press secretary to the Governor, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said Dickson, constituted the committee at an enlarged emergency State Executive Council meeting in Government House. The committee has the state’s Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha
John Jonah, (rtd), as chairman. Others members include the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Kombowei Benson (vice chairman) and secretary to the State Government, Prof. Edmund Alison-Oguru as secretary. The committee also has the following persons as members: Senator Foster Ogola; member of the House of Representatives, Henry Ofongo; Commissioners for Information and Orientation; Health; Works and Infrastructure and Culture and Ijaw National Affairs. The list also includes the Chief of Staff, Government House, Yenagoa and the principal executive secretary to the governor. Others are the state chairman, secretary, woman and youth leaders of the
Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, representatives of the Alamieyeseigha family, the Ijaw National Congress, the Ijaw Youth Council, Chief Thompson Okorotie, Prof. Steve Azaiki, the chief historian and archivist of the state. Dickson, who had earlier declared a seven-day state mourning for late Alamieyeseigha, enjoined Bayelsans to come together to give him a befitting burial, adding that these are trying times for the state and the immediate family. He pointed out that Bayelsa State and the Ijaw nation have lost a major leader and pillar, stressing that the vacuum created by his departure would be difficult to fill, considering the solid foundation he laid for the development of the state. Governor Dickson who
paid a condolence visit to the family at the deceased’s Opolo and Port Harcourt residences, noted that Bayelsans are proud of his life and the legacies he left behind. In his welcome remarks, a member of the family and Commissioner of Transport, Akpoebidei Alamieyeseigha lauded Governor Dickson for the visit, stressing that at this moment of grief, the family needs the prayer of all Bayelsans. The governor who was accompanied by his wife, Rachael, Speaker and the leadership of the state House of Assembly, some members of the State Executive Council, and other top government functionaries, later visited the wife of the deceased former Governor, Mrs. Margret Alamieyeseigha, at his William Jumbo Street, Old G.R.A residence in Port Harcourt.
Angry husband kills randy wife’s lover boy in Bayelsa Osahon Julius Yenagoa
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53-year-old man, Raphael Solomon, yesterday shot dead his randy wife’s lover whom he caught with his wife on the floor in the bush of Aduku community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The angry husband, according to a source, caught the deceased lover boy pants down with his wife as both
of them engage in an unholy sex romp at a mini cassava processing plant in the area. It was gathered that the husband who is known for large cassava farming, is an indigene of Odi community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state. According to close family sources, the deceased lover boy, identified as 28-year-old Preye Bernard, was the owner of the processing plant used by the couple to process
their produce after cultivation in Odi community. It was gathered that the angry husband, who had been informed of the alleged illicit romance between his wife, Joy Godwin, and the deceased Preye, trailed the wife to the plant and caught them both sweating it out on the floor. An indigene of the community told our correspondent that the angry husband who was known to be a gentleman in Odi, in a fit of
anger, drew his gun and shot the lover boy death. Mr. Solomon who has made name for himself in the business of cassava farming and garri processing was said to be involved in the business with his wife. The source said: “We only heard that he caught the wife sleeping with another man and shot him dead.” Spokesman of the state Police Command, Astimin Butswat, confirmed the incident.
He said: “On October 13, 2015, at about 2030hrs, one Raphael Solomon, 53 years, shot and killed one Preye Bernard, with a locally-made pistol in Aduku community, Sagbama Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. “A team of crack detectives, led by the DPO, Sagbama, swung into action and arrested the suspect on the October 14, 2015, at about 1300hrs, in Gudugudu camp in Odoni, Sagbama Local Government Area.
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Three NYSC members die in Kano Abdulgafar Oladimeji KANO
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ano State coordinator, National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Mr. Abdullahi Yusuf Baba, yesterday disclosed that three members of the corps lost their lives during the 2015 service year, adding that 22 defaulters were punished According to him, those punished for violating certain laid down rules would repeat their service year. The state NYSC coordinator made the disclosure yesterday in Kano during the passing out parade of Batch ‘’C’ corps members held at Nigeria Immigration Training School, Kano. The state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, applauded the corps members for their contributions to the development of the state during their one year service. He said the corps members contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of the state, stressing that majority of the corps members rendered services in schools located in rural areas. Abdullahi said: ‘’A total of 1,681 corps members are expected to pass out today; 22 were disciplined for
various offences ranging from extension to outright repeat of service. ‘’I wish to state that we lost three serving members to the cold hand of death during the service year; may their soul rest in peace.’’ According to him, at the end of their orientation exercise, the corps members were stationed in all nooks and crannies of the state, adding that in the course of rendering service, some of the corps members distinguished themselves, thus making themselves worthy of acknowledgment by the NYSC secretariat. He disclosed that eight corps members performed enviably, singling out Miss Rukayat Adebisi Olabisi, from University of Ilorin, alongside seven others as best corps member. Speaking during the occasion, the state governor, Dr. Ganduje, who was represented by the director general, Youth Development and Economic Development, Alhaji Ado Abba Tundunwada, stated that the management of the NYSC deserves commendation for erecting an enduring legacy. He advised the NYSC to seek innovative ways of pursuing and attaining the objectives of the scheme.
Fire service wants unified law for fire fighting Omeiza Ajayi, ABUJA
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ederal Fire Service has advocated the harmonisation of laws relating to fire-fighting in the country, saying Nigeria could not afford to have different laws for state and federal fire services. Controller general, Federal Fire Service, Anebi Joseph Garba, stated this yesterday when he led participants at the ongoing National Council on Fire meeting holding in Minna, Niger State, to the palace of Etsu Nupe, Dr. Abubakar Yahaya. At the palace, the CG told the Emir that the Nigerian Fire Service and stakeholders were in Minna for the 7th National Council on Fire’s annual meeting and had come to pay homage to the custodian of the people’s culture and tradition. He told the Emir that the country’s fire service is being administered separately which does not enhance synergy, efficient and effective service delivery to the citizenry.
Anebi stated that other sister organisations are unified and administered uniformly and called for the unification of the entire fire services in the country. Responding, the Emir said the service is too significant to be neglected especially as its mandate is to save lives and property, lamenting that some fire fighters have lost dear lives in the cause of carrying out their duties. The Emir said although, the organisation had several challenges to contend with which include inadequate equipment, poorly-trained manpower and poor welfare, fire fighters in the country are still eager and willing at all times to pay the supreme sacrifice. The Etsu Nupe, pledged support for the unification of the fire services in the country to enhance service delivery in all departments of the organisation. He requested the council to make available to his palace a copy of the summary of the resolutions at the end of the conference.
Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Mr Nuhu Gidado, inspecting guards of honour at the passing-out ceremony of 2014 NYSC Batch ‘C’ corps members in Bauchi, yesterday. With him is the State Coordinator, Capt. Abdul Bala.
Farmers, herdsmen clashes: Fulani tasks Buhari on establishing ranches Igbawase Ukumba, LAFIA
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n order to mitigate frequent clashes between farmers and herdsmen in the country, the Fulani community in Nasarawa State yesterday tasked President Muhammadu Buhari on the establishment of ranches across the country. Leader of the community in the state, Alhaji Lawan Ardo Dano, gave the charge during a chat with journal-
ists in Lafia, the state capital, adding that if that is done, frequent clashes between farmers and herders would cease. His words: “If there are reserved lands meant strictly for rearing of cattle, no farmer would come into such lands to cultivate his crops. “Even the herdsman would not drive his cows out of the grazing land into farmlands to graze. The President has an uphill task to accomplish in order
to restore peace among the two groups. This uphill task arose because, in Nigeria, there is no reserved grazing land that can take care of animal rearing.” He lamented that in Nigeria, cattle are allowed to roam about in farms in search of pasture; and that there is no end in sight for farmers and herders clashes if ranches or alternative grazing lands are not carved out for cattle rearing. Moreover, the Ardon Fu-
lani Nasarawa said those perpetrating the clashes are neither genuine farmers nor herdsmen, but other elements whose stock in trade is to cause havoc in the state. He blamed some of the clashes in the state on scarcity of herbages as he added that “presently, there is acute shortage of herbages in the country because of continuous rise in population as against land which supply is fixed.”
pool of her blood,” Baba Nati, a relative, who was among the first persons attracted to scene of the incident, told newsmen. According to them, members of the household heard the deceased shouting for help at about 6am, and upon rushing to her sleeping chambers, discovered her lifeless body in the
pool of her blood. Also, Moses Yakubu, a younger brother of the suspect, said household members charged at Bravo, and beat him to up. He said his elder brother had been behaving abnormally, and had the previous night acted strangely and restless. “He is into excessive
consumption of hard drugs, and has been acting strangely of late,” the younger brother said in Hausa. The state police command’s spokesman, DSP Emmanuel Abuh, confirmed the incident, and said the police were already investigating the matter.
224 crashes recorded on our roads.” He said the development, infringements and gridlocks being witnessed daily in some parts of the state are giving a bad image to the state. Wada who was represented by the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Hajiya Maimunat Audu, said government would not fold its arms and allow the trend to continue. He said government has initiated a traffic safety project that would come into effect in the next couple of months. The governor explained
that under the initiative, motor parks and commuters would be relocated to a central motor park being constructed in the Felele area of Lokoja. He also said government would join hand with the FRSC to make motorists plying roads in the state shun bad tendencies that pre-disposes them to accidents. FRSC Sector Commander, Mr. Ogochukwu Ugboma, said his men would not take it kindly with motorists having penchant or disregard for traffic rules and regulations.
Banker hacks 80-year-old mother to death James Abraham, JOS
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olice in Jos have begun investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding how a 52-year-old man alleged hacked his 80-year-old mother to death in the early hours of yesterday at the Jenta Mangoro area of Jos, the Plateau State capital. It was gathered that the man identified as Bravo Kunle who was living with his mother at their apartment in Jenta Mangoro, a suburb of Jos, had stormed his mother’s room in the early hours of the morning and hacked her to death. Relatives and other sympathisers who expressed shock over the incident, said the man identified as a staff of Union Bank in Jos, hacked down his mother, identified only as Mama Yakubu, after a night of restlessness suspected to have been caused by excessive drugs. “He cut her with the machete and left her in the
Rampant deaths on Kogi highways worry Wada
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overnor Idris Wada of Kogi State said yesterday that he is worried about the increasing rate of death on the Lokoja-Abuja road and other highways in the state. Wada who spoke at the flag-off of this year’s Ember Months Campaign of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, in Lokoja, said the situation has become too worrisome to be ignored by stakeholders. Said he: “In our state, it is sad to note that in 2015, January to September, 213 persons have been killed on our roads, while 1,011 others sustained injuries in
Friday, October 16, 2015
Time has come to rebuild Nigeria –Okei-Odumakin 14 Kemi Olaitan IBADAN
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he staff unions at the University of Ibadan has described the nomination of the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Isaac Adewole as minister by President Muhammadu Buhari, as one based on merit, rather than primordial sentiments. The unions also urged the President to give the Professor of gyneacology, Health or Education Ministry. It will be recalled that his tenure would lapse as
IBADAN
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yo State chapter of the Accord Party, AP has warned the All Progressives Congress, APC in the state, against distortion of facts in the cases filed before the election petitions tribunal and Court of Appeal, by its gubernatorial candidate in the last election, Senator Rasheed Ladoja. The party gave the warning yesterday in a statement titled,” Don’t set Oyo State on fire”, and signed by its Publicity Secretary, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran. He said the story carried on Thursday by a national daily titled, “Court upholds Ajimobi’s election”, on the judgement delivered on Wednesday by the Ibadan Division of the Court of Appeal, was nothing but distorting and twisting the court proceedings to mislead the general public. He maintained that the APC in the state has a history of using the national daily to serve its purpose against the people, urging the newspapers to always be guided by the Journalism Code of Ethics especially Parts 1 and 3. Adeniran who insisted that the Accord Party will continue to pass correct information to the public, warned the APC of the dire consequence of dishing out ‘blatant lies’ through the
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Politics
Buhari urged to assign Adewole to Education or Health Ministry the VC on November 30, 2015 after five years in the saddle, a period which many has described as that of a meritorious positive turn-around and improving the ranking of the university in International community and infrastructure on campus. The Chairmen of Academic and Non-academic unions in the university,
Oyo AP warns APC against igniting violence Kemi Olaitan
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media to the public. He said, “It is therefore necessary for AP to state what transpired and the party’s prayers before the court. The Appellate court sitting in Ibadan yesterday affirmed the decision of the Tribunal that dismissed the application of the petitioners which seek to submit the forensic report of the recounting of ballot papers for which they earlier got leave of the tribunal. “The Appeal held that parties to a case cannot consent to contravene the law, that the verbal agreement that the counsel to the appellant based his argument on, is grossly insufficient, while the judges dismissed the objections raised by counsels to the respondents that the motion brought before the court by the appellant was not duly signed. The learned judges held that the motion was duly signed by leading counsel of the appellant R A Ogunwole (SAN), and therefore dismissed the objection. “The ruling of the appellate court does not in anyway affect the substantive suit before the election tribunal as regards the election petition filed by the ACCORD and its flag bearer in 2015 governorship election in Oyo state, Senator Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja. The tribunal has not set aside any date for its ruling”, the release informed.
while reacting to the nomination of Adewole, said he would do well if placed in the Education or Health ministry, but maintained that the outgoing VC was a good manager of men and resources. The chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU in the university, Prof. Olusegun Ajiboye, said the five -year tenure of Adewole witnessed monumental achievements, stating that though he would deliver well on any ministry assigned to him but he would prefer the nominee
to be assigned the education ministry. He said, “The university grew in leaps and bounds. He was admired by both the staff and students. I am sure he is a potential asset to the country. He will surely deliver in any assignment given to him. I wish he is assigned to the education Ministry” Adewole was recently conferred with Doctor of Science degree by University of Sutherland, UK for his outstanding academic career and commitment to the promotion of medical
screening and preventive medicine in Nigeria. According to Ajiboye, the nomination was a right step towards the change that Nigeria needs by appointing change agents who have achieved global recognition in their chosen academic career and have unblemished administrative records The chairman of the university’s Senior Staff Association of Universities, Comrade Wale Akinremi, said “the nomination of Prof. Isaac Folorunsho Adewole as a minister was received by
the university of Ibadan community with great enthusiasm. We can vouch for his professional pedigree and administrative competence.” “ He is a good manager of men and resources, good listener and compassionate leader. He is competent to handle many of our ministries. He has the prayers and support of the vast majority of the University of Ibadan community and we assure Nigerians that whatever ministry given to him is going to enjoy tremendous development”, he added.
L-R: Governors Rochas Okorocha of Imo State; Abdulfattah Ahmed of Kwara State; Umar Ganduje of Kano State and Kashim Shettima of Borno State at the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja, yesterday.
Tribunal upholds Dankwambo’s election Williams Attah GOMBE
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he Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Gombe Wednesday night dismissed the petition filed by the All Progressive Party, APC Governorship candidate in the April 11, 2015 election, Alhaji Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya against incumbent Governor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, for lacking in merit. In an over four hours ruling that lasted into the night, Chairman of the panel, Justice Mohammed Sirajo upheld the election of Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan
Dankwambo as Governor, resulting in a wild celebration by PDP supporters for most part of Wednesday night in Gombe, the Gombe State capital. According to the Tribunal Chairman, the petitioner and defeated candidate of the APC, Alhaji Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya failed to establish the authenticity of all the electoral malpractices allegations in the petition. The tibunal noted that evidence provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in Abuja on the number of voters accredited by card readers used during
the Governorship election showed that 550,000 voters were accredited and less this number voted which means there was no over voting. The tribunal therefore terminated as well as render allegation of over-voting, and giving Dankwambo illegal votes, null and void. The judgment also frowned and described the claim of cancellation of figures and mutilation of some results slips which the petitioner failed to lead evidence through his party’s agent as abuse of court process even as the petitioner sustained it as one of his critical points of complain.
The tribunal stated that none of the agents was summoned to testify on the controversy over issue of over voting by PDP as well as result slip which they refused to sign. It said the petitioner, instead, relied on what the Tribunal described as hear-say evidence which amounted to nothing in law. The tribunal Chairman said, testimonies of 19 prosecution witnesses summoned by the petitioner were full of inconsistencies and failed to flow adding that the contradiction was noticed during cross examination by lawyers of the respondents.
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Time has come to rebuild Nigeria –Okei-Odumakin Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin is the President of the Campaign for Democracy, CD. She is also the President of Women Arise for Change Initiative, a nongovernmental organisation that is fighting for the rights of women. In this interview with Ayo Esan, she speaks on issues of national interest. Excerpts:
It is still a long walk to freedom because the nation is nowhere near achieving the dreams of our founding fathers
The second batch of ministerial nominees by President Muhammadu Buhari has been submitted to the Senate for screening. How will you react to the ministerial nominees as announced by President Muhammadu Buhari.? There is nothing more to it than the practice in the past where Ministerial nominees are usually people who are either in the inner circles of the President or those who holds key stakes in the ruling party. It is therefore the usual that has been done. Nigeria this month marked its 55 years. How will you describe Nigeria at 55? It is still a long walk to freedom because the nation is nowhere near achieving the dreams of our founding fathers. There is no doubt that in the last 55 years of our Independence, our country has sunk in pandemic corruption, social crises and economic dilapidation all of which have made the living standard of our people to be on the decline year in, year out. Our much respected values of patriotism and uncompromising emphasis on integrity and honesty have been thrown to the winds by the corrupt elements that have at one time or the other been saddled with the responsibilities of leadership at various levels in our country. Education is in practical ruins, just like critical infrastructures are in shambles with healthcare almost in peril. Security of lives and property is no longer guaranteed. As the image of lawlessness is seen everywhere, even among our law enforcement agents, Nigerians live in frustration, agony, hopelessness, misery, pain and suffering. Almost 80 per cent of Nigerians today live in abject poverty while a few cliques are super rich at the detriment of the downtrodden. Nigerian youths are continuously faced with an uncertain future because of the greediness of a very few,
I do not see any clear cut difference between the various political parties in Nigeria today and the Labour party itself is not an exception. Some people believe that the anti-graft war of President Buhari is tainted towards the opposition, especially those who served under former President, Goodluck Jonathan. What is your take on this? I don’t believe in such. My major interest is that whosoever has stolen any penny belonging to the Nigerian people must be made to face the law irrespective of political or whatever affiliation. Okei-Odumakin
that are privilege to be leaders. Meanwhile, Nigeria is our country and there is no other place to call our home other than Nigeria. The time has now come for us as Nigerians to re-build our country because every problem no matter how difficult has a life span. Is Nigeria on the right path? I believe moving towards the right path is a gradual process even though we have had to deal with several distractions as a nation. What is the way forward for the country? Nigeria must be restructured and we must do away with our current system and constitution which in many ways remained the main factor militating against our national development. This military-made constitution must first be set aside. Many believe that Labour Party rather than the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is expected to provide a virile opposition, is the party capable of doing this?
How will you assess Buhari’s government in the last four or five months? The government still has a long way to go, Nigerians are yet to experience the desired change but I believe that the time ahead is still sufficient to get things right. The country is bedeviled with insurgency, armed robbery and kidnapping, how do we survive as a nation in view of these onslaughts? These are crimes found in any society but it becomes alarming in our situation when the government seems to become helpless. The only way to survive this is for government to put in more effort and work closely with the citizens in securing our society. You have been in the forefront of reducing the issue of violence against women and children. What is the situation now? It remains a prevailing issue and our advocacy in that regards have remained sustained, we only hope that the rule of law is further entrenched and perpetrators are made to face justice squarely. That will be the way to deter more people and prevent the increase.
Tribunal nullifies Ex-Taraba Ag. gov’s election Justin Tyopuusu JALINGO
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ational and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Jalingo has nullified the election of Ex-Taraba Acting governor, senator Sani Abubakar Danladi representing Taraba North senatorial district in the National Assembly on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP. Mr. Ali Sani Kona of the All Progressive
Congress, APC, had approached the tribunal challenging the declaration of Sani Abubakar Danladi of the PDP as the winner of the election on the ground that the election conducted in 54 polling units in three local government areas of Karim Lamido, Zing and Yorro were marred by irregularities. He prayed the tribunal to declare the election inconclusive and order a fresh election in the 54 polling units to deter-
mine the actual winner of the election. Counsel to both parties had during hearing exchanged written addresses and called witnesses to prove their case. In his ruling, Justice Ibrahim Yusuf who read the judgment held that the 1st and 2nd petitioners, Ali Sani Kona and APC respectively have given satisfactory evidence to prove their case. The tribunal held that given the evidence before it, election in
48 out of the 54 polling units complained of by the petitioners were not conducted in compliance with the electoral act, as there were evidence of over-voting and nonaccreditation of voters in the units, yet results were declared by the 1st respondent, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The three man panel of justices then declared the scores awarded the 3rd respondent, Senator Sani Abubakar Danladi
in the 48 polling units null and void. The panel declared the election inconclusive, saying the 36,428 registered voters in the 48 polling units were more than the marginal difference between the 1st petitioner and the 3rd respondent. The tribunal then ordered that the certificate of return issued the 3rd respondent be set aside and election conducted in the 48 polling units within 90 days and the result
added to both contestants to determine the winner. Reacting to the judgment, counsel to the 1st petitioner, Festus Kayode Idepefo Esq hailed the tribunal justices for a well delivered judgment. On his part, counsel to the 2nd respondent, People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Abayomi Akamode Esq said the justices gave the judgment based on what they saw, but he would brief his client and take instruction on the next line of action.
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Politics
Friday, October 16, 2015
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Bayelsa Poll: Group canvases support for Sylva Osahon Julius YENAGOA
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group known as Door to Door Network for Sylva,DDNS has enjoined every Bayelsan especially the youths not to be perturbed by the propaganda machinery of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and vote wisely for the All Progressive Congress, APC, credible candidate
in the person of Chief Timipre Sylva. The group who has started mobilizing support for Timipre Sylva for the December 5 governorship election in Bayelsa state, noted, “It is on record that it was during the tenure of former Governor Timipre Sylva that our youths in the creeks were granted amnesty which they are still benefiting from up till tomor-
row. The group noted that the choice of Chief Timipre Sylva became necessary following the various developmental achievements especially in the area of youth empowerment which the APC candidate embarked on when he was the Governor of the state. In a statement issued and signed by the President of the group,
Comrade Kenneth Johnson and its Secretary, Mr Christopher George respectively, they opined that a Sylva government come February, 14th 2016 would be more beneficial to the people than an impoverished PDP government. The group which has Chief Tommy Oruama ‘Ogbo’ from Eseni family of Okpoama Kingdom in Brass local government
Area of the state as its patron, stated that the choice of Sylva was agreed upon after watching the dismay performance of the present governor, Seriake Dickson. “Again, many of our youths and even lecturers were given scholarships without the story of being stranded as we are hearing in this present administration. In fact, there is a saying that any happy
person will always make another person happy. Sylva is a happy man all the time”. The group further stated that all the internal link roads in the state capital were constructed during the last administration of Sylva including the Tower Hotel, adding that if given the support again, Chief Timipre Sylva would do better and shame his critics.
Rep urges FG to upgrade grazing areas
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L-R: Member, Board of Trustees, Independent Democrats, Alhaji Mustapha Mohammed; National Chairman, Chief Edozie Madu and Chairman, Zamfara State Chapter, Alhaji Abubakar Dankade, during the press briefing on the State of the Nation in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA
Politicians express divergent views on ministerial screening
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ome politicians in the Lagos area on Thursday expressed mixed reactions to the ongoing screening of ministerial nominees by the Senate. While some praised the exercise as impressive, a few others noted that there was room for improvements. Some others noted that if portfolios had been attached to the names of the nominees; it could have provided better impetus for the type of questions being posed to the nominees by the senators. According to them, it will provide better insights into how they will perform on the job as ministers. However, it was a general consensus among some Nigerians that so far, the exercise had been wellreceived. The Senate has since screened an appreciable number of the nominees since the first batch numbering 21 were sent in by
President Muhammadu Buhari on Sept. 30. The Senate had since Oct. 12, received additional 16 new nominees to bring the total to 37. The list was transmitted to Senate through the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari. Prof. Oluremi Sonaiya, the 2015 Presidential candidate of KOWA Party, said the exercise had been fairly good. ``I feel that a fairly good job was being done, even though there is room for improvements. ``The disparity in the time spent by the nominees is understandable; the well known nominee like Lai Mohammed was not subjected to intense questioning. If the portfolios for each of the nominees was attached, it could have helped in posing the right questions,’’ Sonaiya said. She, however, urged both nominees and senators to be mindful of the seriousness attached to the
exercise in the quest for better governance of the country. The Lagos State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, Mr Olatunji Shelle, also said the exercise could be better handled. The screening exercise was okay; I was not impressed at the seriousness attached to the screening of one of the nominees, Lai Mohammed, who was virtually asked to take a bow. It almost took the shine off the exercise’’. However, the Lagos State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, Dr Akin Badmus, said that the screening was impressive. I am satisfied, indeed impressed by the exercise, considering that the opposition is well represented in the senate in terms of numbers. The questions have been relevant and germaine to the tasks at hand,’’ Badmus said.
The National Chairman of Progressive Action Council ,PAC, Chief Charles Nwodo, said it was praise-worthy that the exercise had so far been devoid of rancour. The exercise has so far been devoid of the usual rancour; there have not been ridiculous questions in spite of the party differences. Attention has been focused on issues besetting the country,’’ he said.
he House of Representatives yesterday, urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to urgently upgrade existing cattle grazing areas in the country. It has also said that the ministry should establish cattle rearing settlements and equip them with basic facilities. The call followed a motion by Hon. Wale Raji (Lagos-APC) on the need to address incessant clashes between herdsmen, farmers and their host communities in Nigeria. Raji expressed concern that in spite of measures adopted by successive governments, the problem seemed to have defied all solutions. He said that the development had assumed a dangerous dimension with the recent invasion of the farmland of Chief Olu Falae. According to him, the situation is capable of threatening the peace and unity of the country. Raji identified urbanisation, growth in population, deforestation as some of the factors re-
sponsible for the ‘’heavy’’ depletion of customary grazing lands across the country. He added that seasonal migration and strain in relationship between herdsmen, farmers and host communities also accounted for the problem. ``As a panacea for peace among the feuding parties, it is expedient for cattle rearing settlement, equipped with grazing reserves, residential accommodation, health and educational infrastructure to be established. ``This is necessary to bring cattle breeding in tandem with modern practices, thereby, discouraging pastoral migration, ’’he said. The lawmaker stressed that the prevailing precarious security situation in the country could be worsened by the increasing clashes in communities, if they were not addressed urgently. Adopting the motion through a unanimous vote, the house also passed a resolution that herdsmen should be registered in order to have a comprehensive data base on them.
Isoko Group backs Dickson re-election bid Osahon Julius YENAGOA
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head of the December 5 , 2015 governorship election in Bayelsa state, the Isoko Nationality groups under the umbrella of the Isoko Development Union, IDU, and the Isoko Support and Solidarity Group for Seriake Dickson, have given reasons for their support of the incumbent governor re-election bid.
In their separate interviews with newsmen in Yenagoa, the President of the Bayelsa state chapter of IDU, Comrade Mike Idama and Comrade David Ekah, Coordinator of the Isoko Support Group for Seriake Dickson, said they have been watching with admiration the various policies and programmes of the incumbent governor since 2012 which had endeared him to residents of the state including the
non- indigenes According to the duo, the Dickson led-administration programmes in education, road construction, infrastructural development, health, education, electricity, peace, security and appointment of non indigenes as commissioner and special assistants were some of his remarkable feats which no government since the creation of Bayelsa state in October 1st 1996 had recorded.
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Editorial
Friday, October 16, 2015
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Again, unpredictable fate of refineries I t would appear the prospects of the nation’s four refineries being rehabilitated to bridge the country’s virtual whole dependence on the import of refined petroleum products has run into a hitch, if not a ditch. Since the era of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the out-dated refineries, which performed far below their installed capacities, and couldn’t be turned around to public advantage, faced the threat of being sold to private investors. Indeed, the former president sold two of the refineries for $750 million. But his successor, the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, eventually reversed the deal. The licences the Obasanjo government availed 18 investors interested in refining in 2002 did not help matters, too. The country’s immediate past leader, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan government continued on that road, promising in one breath to build new refineries or turnaround the old ones since 2012, and in another, canvassing the non-viability of government running refineries, or private refiners’ reluctance to invest in building refineries under a regime of fuel subsidy. In order words, the government mouthed the deregulation of the downstream oil sector, on the one hand, but on the other, held tight to choking regulation of the pump prices of petroleum products through
a thoroughly corrupted subsidy policy. We have said before that had the refineries been working optimally; and additional ones built to support them, public or private, local refining capacity would have climbed, and subsidy reduced. The chief culprit of unmitigated petroleum products importation in the land has been the corrupt proceeds of subsidy which official operators of the Nigerian downstream oil sector and their private sector collaborators gleefully enjoy, even when none of the subsidised products get to the final consumer at affordable prices. It was, therefore, a piece of cheering news when the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said most recently that the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries had commenced preliminary production. According to the NNPC, the decision to revive the refineries was taken in 2011, while test-production in the Port Harcourt and Warri facilities commenced after nine months of phased in-house rehabilitation exercise by NNPC engineers and technicians, assisted by Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) representatives who handled major equipment overhaul and rehabilitation. The exercise reportedly begun in October 2014 scaled down costs by 70 percent. The refinery in Port Harcourt
WHAT THE NATION’S DOWN-STREAM OIL SECTOR YEARNS
FOR NOW IS HONEST DEREGULATION TO ALLOW COMPETITORS ENGAGE IN REFINING was expected to be operating at 60 percent of its 210, 000 barrels per day installed capacity and yielding five million litres of petrol daily; while the one in Warri would do 80 percent of its installed 125, 000 bpd capacity and contributing 3.5 million litres of petrol to local refining capacity per day. The NNPC said it had shifted its attention to the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemicals Company, which has an installed capacity of 110, 000 barrels per day. The nation’s four refineries (two in Port Harcourt, one in Warri and the other in Kaduna), most of which were built in 1979; were to feed 18.2 million litres of fuel into the system had they been producing at installed capacity. Nigeria’s average daily consumption of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS or petrol) is 40 million litres; Automotive Gas Oil (AGO or diesel) 12 million litres; Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) 11 million litres; and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) 1.2 million litres, official figures
ON THIS DAY October 16, 1996 About 84 people were killed and more than 180 others injured as 47,000 football fans attempted to squeeze into the 36,000-seat Estadio Mateo Flores in Guatemala City. The sale of counterfeit tickets led to the excess fans; and the improper design of the complex in the event of an emergency caused the fans to stampede and fall onto each other, causing many people to suffocate.
Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to
October 16, 1998 Former Chilean dictator, General Augusto Pinochet, was arrested in London on a warrant from Spain requesting his extradition on murder charges. Pinochet (1915 – 2006) was an army general and dictator of Chile between 1973 and 1990. He assumed power in Chile following a United States’-backed coup d’état on September 11, 1973, that overthrew the elected government of President Salvador Allende.
say. But the country refines only 5.10 million litres of PMS; three million litres of AGO; 2.10 million litres of DPK; and 0.34 million litres of LPG daily and imports the difference of 34.90 million litres of PMS; nine million litres of AGO; 8.90 million litres of DPK; and 0.86 million litres of LPG per day; about 90 percent of Nigeria’s daily petroleum products’ need on a rough average; and NNPC superintends the huge import and the inherent colossal subsidy paid in the process. As has always been the experience in recent years, the hope of reviving the refineries seems lost, with the recent remark credited to the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, some days ago, that the country was losing N40 billion per annum due to the poor performance of the four refineries. This means they are still unviable. It is most likely, therefore, that the so-called gains recorded by reviving the facilities were cosmetic; therefore, looking at other alternatives may be the next step. But whichever option the FG decides to settle for, what the nation’s down-stream oil sector yearns for now is honest deregulation to allow competitors engage in refining to boost supply and force down pump head prices in the long run, even if the FG wishes to sell off the four old refineries.
x October 16, 2014 Belgrade Military Parade: The Belgrade Military Parade, known as Korak pobednika (“Step/March of the Victor”), was a military parade on 16 October 2014, during the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade. The city was liberated from the hands of the Nazis by the Yugoslav Partisans, with the help of the Red Army. It was the first military parade in the country for 30 years.
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The dying-to-kill ideology of Boko Haram Counter-terrorism Tips With
Ethelbert Oney ethelbertoney@zissltd.com, 08029929121 (sms only)
ETHELBERT ONEY
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ny war at all, whether conventional or asymmetrical, involves difficult choices. The most complex aspect for Nigeria is how to defeat a deadly opponent like Boko Haram with its signed death warrants. Generally, terrorist attacks as those presently witnessed, have become increasingly frequent since the 19th century. Counterterrorism operations have many tactical options under the rules where suicide bombings are applied as primary option as in our case since the middle of last year. In order for a liberal democracy make a serious impact to reduce suicide bombing in particular, certain measures require serious consideration such as to kill or capture terrorists with high level surveillance and visibility operations by our law enforcement workforce. This step simply means reactivity in operation, stopping the suicide bombers before they act, and hardening infrastructure in order to minimise damages when attacked. Another is to oppose them by capturing or killing key leaders so that the group will collapse completely. With this strategy the whole organisation will
be disrupted through surreptitious means rather than killing. Lastly, is focusing on BH supporters and sponsors. The objective is to prevent them from supporting the sect. The first two options are now retrogressive, according to the human rights watchdogs. The offensive approaches hardly produce long term solution in counterterrorism situation. It rather aggravates threat level to unimaginable proportions, taking our scenario as a case study. The impact of these mechanisms depends on how it affected the terrorist group and how it reacts to it. They resist civil actions by carrying out attacks on schools, civil population and increase in their own efforts to attract adherents. The impact of any serious strategy carried out on this group, attracts indirect and unintended consequences on the citizenry. The trend is that the moment you attack any terrorist organisation, it often pushes it to another action that is unintended. For instance, the US counterterrorism involvements and tactics in the early stage of terrorism in Iraq backfired tremendously on them till today. Determining the best strategies to employ against BH suicide bombings is a complicated issue. The optimal strategy should have depended upon the target’s response to our tactics with the scope and scale of indirect and unintended consequences, although, these factors depend on the organisational structure of the terrorist group. From the onset, our law enforcement workforce should have analyzed the BH characteristics, using them to predict their reaction, foresee indirect consequences
ONE OF THE STEPS SHOULD BE THE PROHIBITION OR
RESTRICTION OF ‘HIJAB’ IN PUBLIC PLACES of offensive counterterrorism efforts and then determine optimal measures. Considering the most effective and result-oriented strategies adopted in the past, if not through dialoguing and peace process; attempts to work with the communities, enhancing democracy, improving relations with citizens should be applied. Also educating the public, supporting community’s endeavours, counteracting effects on BH screening and training of recruits seem to be the most productive in counterterrorism history. Any efficient intervention mechanisms to reduce suicide bombing in particular, must have numerous indirect effects that reduce the impact of the original intervention. Meaning that, the best approach must constitute a mixture of different and flexible strategies. Thus our counterterrorism workforces have not figured out the sophistication of BH recruiter technology, composition and reach due to absence of appropriate platform from the onset. If we can reasonably consider the alarming escalation of suicide bombings and the number of victims killed or injured, the current administration must take every reasonable measures to minimize this particular scourge. One of the steps should be the prohibition or restric-
tion of ‘hijab’ in public places. Let Nigerian people come to terms with reality, because tradition or religion is meaningless to a dead person. Since hijab has been seen to be used by the group to disguise and carry out suicide attacks, we should do something about it. The soonest, the better. The fact that we can never know who is inside the hijab unless unmasked, explains why this step is necessary. It is highly unlikely to cover all the public places - market places, schools, churches and stadiums - with security operatives or installation of security equipment such as; electromagnetic pulse and ultra wide band etc. Although the possibility of this measure being condemned or contested by many that do not understand that security measures override customs and religion in a wider context is expected. After all, France adopted similar measure when it was discovered that the Al-Qaeda was using the same method to frustrate France. They even went further by denying those in breaches of the ban their legitimate entitlements. All that is required is intensive creation of substantial awareness campaign to educate the person that staying alive is more important than respect for tradition or religious practices. Then, the National Assembly will need to work on an enabling bill for this compelling measure. We should take responsibility by showing citizens and the rest of the world that we are ready and willing to address our security challenges by going extra miles to stamp out the ugly situation in the land. No right thinking and patriotic Nigerian should see this move as discrimination against Islam.
Oyo APC, let Bayo Shittu be BAYO OLADOKUN
T
he ongoing media war over the nomination of Barrister Adebayo Shittu as a minister by President Muhammadu Buhari is unnecessary and could be counterproductive for Oyo State if care is not taken. The argument of the executive committee of Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) published in many dailies on Monday October 5, 2015 that Shittu is not a member of the party in the state or he engaged in anti-party activities are untenable. Bayo Shittu was a member of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), one of the legacy parties merged to form the APC. It is a known fact that ACN in Oyo State treated members from the All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP) and CPC with disdain and never integrated them into the party. For instance, let the Oyo state APC tell the whole world the number of the ANPP/CPC members in the state that are members of local government and ward executive committees of the party statewide? One would also like the APC state EXCO to tell the nation how many ANPP/CPCP members were nominated for elective positions in the last general elections in the state. Besides, the Oyo Exco should mention ANPP/CPC members who were in the campaign committee
SHITTU WAS THE SOLE FINANCIER OF THE
BUHARI SOLIDARITY ORGANIZATION IN THE STATE of the APC in Oyo State in the build up to the last general elections. As a matter of fact, the appointment of the deputy governorship candidate of the CPC in the 2011 governorship election in Oyo State as Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on political matters and the deputy chairman of the CPC in the state and the ANPP chairman in the state as commissioners by Gov. Ajimobi was to cause disaffection amongst the ANPP/CPC members, so that they would not be able to fight for equity or fairness in the distribution of party executive committee members at all levels and nomination of members for elective positions in the last elections in the state, as directed by the party leadership then. The fact of the matter is that Governor Ajimobi, after the death of the late leader, Alhaji Lam Adesina, became the de facto leader of the party and government. Consequently, his whims superseded any decision of the party. That was why the two senators of the party, Senator Ayo Adeseun and Femi Lanlehin had to leave the
party for opposition parties in the state. This does not include serving commissioners, House of Representatives members etc, including Chief M.A. Koleosho who has to quit politics because of being marginalized in the affairs of the party. To say that Barr Shittu did not partake in the APC activities in the state towards the election is a lie that should be told the marines. The Oyo APC was hostile for leaders like Shittu to operate, having contested with the Lord of the minor in the governorship primary, yet he did his bit by releasing many press releases, clamouring for people’s support for Senator Ajimobi. Not only that, Shittu was the sole financier of the Buhari solidarity organization in the state. The organization was responsible for the support enjoyed by Buhari in Oyo State. Left to the state executive committee of the APC, the General would have performed woefully because, after the mega campaign rally in Ibadan, the party went under due to the unpopularity of the governor in Oyo State. Safe Ibadan and Oke Ogun, the governor did not campaign in other zones, particularly, Oyo, Ogbomoso. The APC victory in presidential and other elections in Oyo State could not be credited to the efforts of the party’s state EXCO as they want the nation to believe. The victory was made possible by Almighty God, Buhari’s track records, PDP’s dismal performance and people’s clamour
for change. In view of the above, instead of opposing the nomination of Barrister Shittu as minister, OYO APC should be grateful to President Buhari who deemed it fit to give Oyo State a minister in person of Barrister Shittu. The nomination of Barr Shittu is significance for some reasons. One, it proves further the personal attributes of Mr. President as a man of integrity. Shittu is equally a man of proven integrity, who has never soiled his hands. Secondly, the action of Mr. President has helped in promoting equity amongst the geopolitical zones in Oyo State. Besides, the action of Mr. President in nominating an Oke Ogun indigene, the zone where the APC got the highest votes in the state in the last elections, shows that he appreciates their support. Therefore, one expects Oyo State APC EXCO to appreciate the gesture of Mr. President and solicits the support and loyalty of all indigenes of Oyo State, irrespective of party affiliations, to the Federal Government. Oladokun wrote from Ikoyi Ile, Oyo State. Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.
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Okonjo-Iweala’s unappreciated stance on reforms
F Amaechi for ministerial position?
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t is true that the former governor of Rivers State, Dr. Rotimi Amaechi, worked very hard in the last general elections to ensure the victory of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the March 28, 2015 presidential election and others competing elections in the country. Despite the fact that Amaechi has never for once agreed to have funded President Muhammadu Buhar’s campaign, the fact still remains that he spent good money to ensure the success of his party in the general elections. I agree he deserves to be applauded for that. Is it not a glaring truth that if is given a ministerial position Amaechi might do everything possible to recoup his investment in the success of his party? Instead of working for public interest, he might work for his personal interest. If we must get it right in this country, people who spent a lot in the last general elections to ensure the victory of APC should consider such investment as a worthy sacrifice for the good of this great nation. They should not insist on compensation in whatever disguise from President Muhammadu Buhari. Awunah Pius Terwase, Mpape, Abuja
ew years ago, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala wrote a book titled ‘Reforming the Unreformable: The Unfinished Business’. I had the good fortune of reading this book few days ago. What resulted from my reading this book was a light bulb moment, which I will now attempt to document with the hope that people like me, who want nothing more than to see this nation set on the right path, will get some
In the Mummy’s absences, child to the rescue.
L
I
n recent times, the recurring nature of internal conflicts and natural disasters have rendered thousands of Nigerians homeless, leaving them not only without means of livelihood, but also subjecting them to other forms of hard-
through dubious means could not stop him from being confined to the sick bed. One lesson from the development is that riches cannot give long life; they cannot guarantee same. But peace of mind can; good family environment and healthy marriage life can. Uncountable trillions of naira cannot give a long and happy life. Comrade Femi Dada, Ibadan, Oyo State .
The excesses of Lagos ‘danfo’ drivers
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agos State under Barrister Babatunde Fashola was on the right track to becoming a big success in urban renewal drive. The Fashola administration built on the legacy of his predecessor and mentor, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Once of their worthy accomplishments was taming the ubiquitous ‘danfo drivers’ with all their negativisms.
Letters to the Editor
things she quickly observed when she became finance minister under the Olusegun Obasanjo administration was that entities like the Customs, NNPC and a few others, were structured by the military to be opaque to enable siphon funds from the nation’s coffers. And these nefarious activities had gone on for so long that she knew fighting that level of corruption would be an uphill task, but she did not relent nor has she given
PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA
Disaster management is everyone’s business
Lessons of DSP Alamieyeseigha demise ast Saturday, Nigerians and indeed the rest of the world, woke up to the shocking news of the death of the former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha. His death has put finality to his existence and all that accompanied it. The death of this once ‘illustrious’ Ijaw leader proves that all his inordinate drive for crass materialism
clarity on certain matters currently filling our consciousness as a result of some raveling developments. Contrary to what we have been told and the accusations that have been hurled at the finance minister in the last year or so, I have found that from as far back as 2003, Dr Okonjo-Iweala has been calling for the reforms of the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). One of the
The once notorious Oshodi chaotic traffic, of course, caused by the excesses of these ‘danfo drivers’, was arrested. But the lull in the new Akinwumi Ambode administration is witnessing the maniacal return of anomie to the Lagos State urban transportation system. Governor Ambode should wake up to his responsibility. Tayo Ariyo, Ojota, Lagos.
ship, including loss of income from inability to work. It is on this note that disaster management becomes a collective business at all levels. Understanding this fact, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has through various media, intensified its sensitization campaigns to seek buy-in of relevant stakeholders both at national and state levels for their support and cooperation towards addressing the plights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Recently, as I retired from the day’s activities, l stumbled unto a programme on AIT, a special report focusing on the Internally Displaced Persons in their various camps and how NEMA, on a daily basis, assists in providing for their welfare. I watched as NEMA officials distributed food items, non-food items, and even medical services to the IDPs. It is worrisome that the number of IDPs in Nigeria has been growing rapidly since 2014. The bulk of displacement took place in three north-eastern states affected by Boko Haram violence, namely Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, where the Na-
tional Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had registered 868,235 IDPs as of December 2014. Against this backdrop, fullfledged involvement by everyone in disaster consciousness has become imperative, just as securing lives and properties while managing all sorts of disasters in the best way we can starts from family to communal setting and the nation at large. More importantly, parent and schools must begin to inculcate the art of disaster management, particularly consciousness in their wards as it was recently revealed that giving nylon bags to innocent children has become a new strategy employed by insurgents to launch explosive attacks on innocent citizens. It has become essential for relevant stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations and the media to support and complement the ongoing effort by NEMA to develop effective early warning systems and proactive measures to reduce disaster risks, prevent and resolve conflicts in any form to mitigate the causes of displacement across the country. Adetola Ojo, Abuja, teejojo@gmail.com
up even till now. It is amazing, and even offensive that it took a major scandal such as the allegedly missing $20 billion from the coffers of NNPC as well as the PWC audit report to open the eyes of many to the same issue that Madam Iweala has been singing about for years. Of course, NNPC is in dire need of reforms, but let us not be so distracted by all the hype and buzz this news is creating and lead ourselves in the erroneous belief that it is NNPC alone that must be dealt the firm hand of reformation. These same people who now clamour for its reform should also speak on the reform of the Customs, since it is a huge money earner for government. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala herself mentions Customs reforms in her book, calling it an outright failure. Like many other government-owned entities, when the reform was broached, it was immediately met with strong resistance and opposition because the powerful political elites controlling that and other organisations fought hard to crush her efforts. The honourable minister admitted that the structural reforms carried out at that time required time; and with the administration winding down its activities, it left behind some unfinished businesses, while some other reforms suffered major setbacks. One major cause of setbacks, apart from lack of continuity, is the ability of the political elite to influence decision-making to frustrate all efforts made and to block any hope of achieving success. It is clear that these people, who did not want their lucrative means of enrichment blocked, would stop at nothing to ensure the reforms met with little or no success at all. Powerful northern interests would besiege the Presidency to halt any reforms that would affect their pockets and bank accounts. This happened during Obasanjo government and happened under Goodluck Jonathan also. In our bid to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of our national resources through necessary reforms, let us not stop with NNPC and Customs alone. There is a call for a complete overhaul of every sector, every ministry, and every parastatal. This is the time for a wholesome reformation of the nation. Dr Okonjo-Iweala has foretold too accurately that reformation is not only important, it is the foundation upon which we must build a new Nigeria. Akinola Johnson, Garki, Abuja
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16 PAGES OF ARTS, REVIEWS, LIFESTYLE AND BUZZ TO START YOUR WEEKEND
Nigerian artistes defending the poor
In Nollywood some artistes have dutifully done this, either by floating Non Governmental Organizations NGOs or collaborating with agencies to bring succour to mankind.
OMOTOLA JOLADE EKEINDE The actress is championing her social cause through her NGO which is called Omotola Ekeinde Initiative for Youths, which organizes empowerment lectures and programmes for youths in Nigeria. During their last programme, eminent Nigerians like Prof Pat Utomi and Honourable Abike Dabiri, were brought in to give empowerment talks. According to Omotola, her concentration on youths stems from the fact that they are the fu-
ture of the society. “My passion and vision about life cannot be so hard to know after all this, you have only one life. Be happy, make others happy, Do what is right, and live your dreams”. JULIUS AGWU Perhaps Julius Agwu is one of the first stars in showbiz, who made the bold initiative of showing compassion to the less-privileged. Even when he had not hit it so big, it was a usual practice for him to mark his birthday as well as Valentine’s Day with children at charity homes. He is also one of the few showbiz personalities, who stake a percentage of his earnings on charity. He has been doing a lot with his Julius Agwu Foundation, which is one of the reasons he is respected amongst fans and owners of charity homes in the country. On his passion for charity, Julius had this to say: “I love children a lot. I get them involved in anything I do. At a point, I took a decision to give back to the society part of what it has given me.” OBY EDOZIEH-OKOROIGWE Actress and producer Oby Edozieh is currently being bugged by the menace of cancer, and she is directing her energy towards the scourge.
Afropolitan Vibes awith Yinka Davies
F
riday October 16th will be the day for music lovers. Afropolitan Vibes is at its 30th edition. This month’s show will feature: Reggae, R&B, Highlife, Afro Jazz music. The event will feature Burna Boy, R&B Singer Adekunle Gold, Ghanaian Highlife-Afro-Jazz legend Gyedu- Blay Ambolley & Afro-Jazz Diva Yinka Davies. The event will start at Freedom Park Lagos, Old Prison Grounds, Broad Street, Lagos.
Stephanie
Omotola
Although she is not looking for a cure, she is drawing attention to the pains victims go through, and she has been collaborating with corporate bodies and government agencies in this regard. Aside holding sensitization workshops and seminars in this regard, she recently produced a movie, titled Save Our Souls, to primarily drive home the fact that cancer is a big scourge in the country.
Mercy Johnson Foundation, which is concerned with making sure that underprivileged children get back to school. So far Mercy has launched series of sensitization workshops and visitations, each time doling out gifts like stationeries to the school pupils. She is doing this according to her, in recognition of the benefit of education in the life of every Nigerian citizen.
UCHE JOMBO Uche Jombo, by virtue of her rise in Nollywood through writing and acting is more in tune with breeding talents in her line, which is why she has launched Uche Jombo and You, a forum that grooms youths on how to become successful in the movie industry. With Uche Jombo and You, Uche hopes she would be able to pass across the lessons of success, which helped her become who she is in the industry to other youths yearning for opportunities.
JIM IYKE Jim may be involved in sundry controversies but he has not hidden his love and passion for children. Which was why it did not come as a surprise when he launched an NGO to help facially deformed children. The NGO through Jim Iyke Foundation, has been raising and disbursing funds to children who need corrective surgeries since 2004, and has on its board of trustees, one of the wives of the former vice president of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar. Jim’s passion for children in need of facial corrections, stems from a sad encounter with a helpless family who had such a misfortune,’ promopting me to start thinking of what could be done to bring joy to faces of such people.’
MERCY JOHNSON As Mercy gets set to marry in August, perhaps part of the goodwill she would bring to matrimony would come from the prayers of her fans whom she is touching through
WEEKEND STARTERS
Film show at Freedom Park Freedom Spoke Words
B
OYS OF BUENAVENTURA (directed by Manuel Contreras, Colombia; 2014) is a colourful musical tour through that summer of uncertainty, told through the protagonist’s tasty mash-up of classical, salsa, reggaeton, rock and folk music. Let the beats take you through this fascinating city of contradictions and move with a young Colombian generation with big dreams in the face of fewer opportunities. The Documentary film will be showing at Freedom Park Lagos, Old Prison Grounds, Broad Street, Lagos on 17 October 2015 at 7pm.
A
J House and Goethe-Institut Nigeria present an evening of Spoken Word Poetry tagged Verses of a Tale. The 8th edition of Freedom Spoke Words hosts Uche Uwadinachi and features Open Mic; AJ House of poetry crew, and James Ademuyiwa. Freedom Spoke Words exists to enrich the immediate space we live in through poetic and intellectual exchange in different areas of life and living on 16 October 2015 at 4:30PM at Goethe-Institut Nigeria, 4th Floor, City Hall, 30 Catholic Mission Street, Lagos Island, Lagos.
Inside FCT P. 24-25
INI EDO Ini has not registered an NGO, but she works in partnership with many agencies to bring succor and hope to the less-privileged in the society. She does this by garcing events that have charity undertone. During her recent birthday celebration a few weeks back, Ini Edo who is also a UN Ambassador to Youths on Habitat, celebrated with homeless kids at some charity homes in Lagos, where she doled out gifts and cash in the company of some key NGOs she has been working with.
Ini Edo
Critics P. 22-23
STEPHANIE LINUS Producer cum actress Stephanie, has never rested since she identified Vesico Vaginal Fistula as a debilitating condition amongst Nigerian women that ought to be eradicated. Through her Extended Hands Foundation, she is working with the support of international agencies to bring the condition to a reasonable control. So far, it would be difficult to quantify how much in terms of financial resources have gone into the project, but the actress has been traveling extensively, meeting with First Ladies in states where the condition is prevalent.
Arty
Ngozi Emedolibe
News P. 32, 33
Friday, October 16, 2015
Flavour
Mirror Mongers P. 26
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Artman In The House
Friday, October 16, 2015
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Veteran broadcaster, vee-jay, culture activist, music video director and founder of the longest running entertainment television show, Live Beats, Cally Terwase Ikpe, shares snippets of his life and career in the entertainment industry with in this interview. Excerpts
Ikpe
H
ow has the journey been so far? My journey has been very adventurous and quite rewarding. It wasn’t really easy going into a terrain that people weren’t interested to be in then. However, I personally have enjoyed it, even though I agree that it can be a lot better. What are the challenges you have encountered and how have been able to overcome them? The most fundamental challenge we have at Live Beats is the issue of sponsorship. Even though we get some, it has not gotten to where I want it to be. The NMVAs will be eight years this year, what will be unique about this year’s version? The Nigeria Music Video Awards is in its eighth year now and we have been a cause-driven team of people. It is not just a jamboree. We didn’t just begin the awards for fun and that is why we have a theme for each year to show that we have aims and objectives that we want to use the awards to achieve. The unique quality about this year’s award is to propagate a cause for a violence-free world. That is why the theme for this year’s event is ‘A world without violence’. What we are about is to show that the music videos in an art instrument that can be used to promote a good cultural heritage. This year’s version will also be different in that we have been able to create suspense or a sensation in the minds of the people because we haven’t released the names of the comperes for this year’s event which
we will do some hours before the event. I am very proud of it. This year’s version will be more sensational, engaging and as brief as possible. What prompted you to initiate the award? From the outset, I have started presenting music videos from Super Sound to the Live Beats show. It’s all about videos. I see myself as champion of music video revolution in Nigeria. There was a time we were producing videos and it wasn’t as bright as now. I have always been a voice to showcasing quality music videos and this I do through my programme. Through our consistency and dedication, our videos have been able to compete favorably with international videos. Now, it’s either you are in or you are out. I remember in 2006 during the maiden edition of Hip hop World awards for ‘Best Video’ category. I was honoured to present the award, so it’s only just consistent and logical to organise the NMVAs. I really feel honoured to be blessed by God with the What is your reaction to some artistes who try to bribe their way to get
awards? If anybody tries to lobby me into being honoured with the award, I see it as a shame and he or she may lose it. It leads to sanction. I find it very demeaning and insulting to lobby for an award when you are supposed to do your homework well. If your work is good, it will be awarded. It’s as simple as that. The rate of raunchy music videos is becoming alarming by the day in Nigeria. As an ace broadcaster, what do you think can be done to curb this menace because it seems all the broadcast stations are on their side? We have often discouraged that in every way we can. That is what we stand for by the initiation of the awards. It is our practice to nominate only the best, decent and culturally promoting videos. If a video is vulgar, insulting and raunchy especially if it shows the nudity and dirty scenes, it will not find expression. It will be automatically disqualified. We tell other people to follow suit. It is the function of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission to ban any song or video that does not promote the culture and wellbeing of the nation. I believe that even if the videos are shown, it should be shown to the age groups that have the minds that can accommodate it, not children who are just growing. I have said it times without number that a bad video will never earn you a good legacy. People who have tried it in the past have gone down. It’s also part of what we are using this year’s NMVAs to preach, ‘A world without violence’. The violence we are talking about is not just militancy, killings and terrorism; it encompasses all forms of violence including media violence. Media violence involves the use of insults, lewdness and obscene scenes in the media. It is violence because it has its own way of penetrating into the hearts of people and therefore sends wrong messages to people. If the next generations of leaders in the country are going to be great, it is what we teach them now especially through songs and music videos broadcasted on radio and television that will determine it. People in the media should know that the power they have as broadcasters is very great which can
I see myself as champion of music video revolution in Nigeria. There was a time we were producing videos not as bright
as what we have now.
I have always been a
voice to showcasing quality music videos
either make or mar the wellbeing of the country, especially when it come to entertainment. Entertainment can be fun and at the same time we should be careful when trying to entertain ourselves. I usually advocate that artistes should use their music to promote good culture and not embarrass people. In 2009, our theme was ‘Music edifies, play responsibly’, and we will continue to promote decency in
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Artman In The House
Friday, October 16, 2015
music videos –Cally Ikpe
music videos. I also have an NGO, Youth Culture and Human Dignity Initiative. It is a body instituted to promote the good culture against the seeming regime of obscenity and denigration of women in videos and entertainment theatres generally. I am very much concerned about entertainers being fixed on lewdness to win mass appeal. Can you give us a peep of your journey into broadcasting? My first stint with broadcasting was with Radio Benue2 FM, Makurdi in 1989. Next was a chanced apprenticeship with Mr Ime James, an independent producer; the programme was known as New Trends and it aired on NTA channel 5. The big break came for me in 1992 when my broadcasting prowess led to his being invited to anchor Super Sounds on NTA2 Channel 5, succeeding the very famous Olisa Adibua. In 1995, I started my own ‘Live Beats’ doubling as bothpresenter and co-producer. This programme was later repackaged and renamed ‘DA new Live Beats’. The first time you appeared on TV was in a drama series on NTA 10, Moving Fingers. How was the experience like for you? I was very shy! I was looking forward to it though. It was nice to be on television for the first time as young man. I think I was twenty two years old then. It was fun. Tell us about your childhood? My childhood was very adventurous. I grew up in the barracks from one battalion to the other, one camp to the other. It was also quite rough. It was then that we used to mimic soldiers in the barracks, and other wrestlers like Hulk Hogan, Mighty Eagle, Bruce Lee, and I also did dreadlocks. In school, I was always fortunate. I went to two secondary schools. I was always caught whenever I did anything wrong. Then, will say I am unfortunate but now, I will say I am fortunate because I was always caught and by God’s grace, I was never expelled and I didn’t go into any suspension. At the tail end of
my secondary school, in was feeling like it was getting too long and when it ended I felt it should not. Have you ever been tempted to be a musician, since they make lots of money? I was once a musician o… who doesn’t want money? There was a show sponsored by Maltina, where they were waiting for the guest artiste. My friend, Olisa Adibua was the compere in the event. It was that time that Matthew Anyiam was the brand manager for Nigerian Breweries. I even remember then that I tried forming a music group and we started a singing but it didn’t last long. I decided to stick to what I know how to do best. At least, if I am not a musician, I will still do something that is related to music. If you were not a broadcaster, what other profession would you have been in? I would have been a soldier because my dad was a soldier. At one time, I almost secured an admission to Nigeria Defence Academy, but I didn’t. Even now, some of my friends who got admission then are colonels and or have even higher ranks. Right now, I hold a BA in English language from the Lagos state University, A PGD, Mass Communication, University of Lagos and an MSC in Media and Communication from the School of Media and Communication- Pan Atlantic University, Lagos. There have been speculations that you brought Plantashun Boiz to limelight? I don’t know where this story came from but I wasn’t the one that brought them to lime light o. I was actually looking for content and they were good. I mean they were very good. I identified it and brought them on my program, that’s all. I played that role and I am very happy
21
g
I did. What are your hobbies? I love hanging out with my kids above every other thing. I love listening to music. I love to be at home Tell us about your family I am happily married to my wife, Tina and we are blessed with four children: Isabella, C e a s e r, Anabel and Christabel. What kind of books do you read? I read mostly philosophical books. In fact, I must tell you that I have been very busy these days to pick up books to read. But the book I read last which struck my mind was Ngozi Chamamanda Adichie’s ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’. The creativity and descriptive depth of the book
really surpassed my imagination. However, the book ‘Animal Farm’ is the best I have ever read because of its depth, style and relevance in the society even till tomorrow.
Ikpe
If anybody tries to lobby me into being honoured with the award, I see it as a shame and he or she may lose it.
22
Critics
MUSIC
Some actions in the industry leave so less to be desired as shown by Skiibii’s stunts Ugochukwu Mayor
A
fter Five Star Music, the label on which the young artist Skiibii was signed on denied that the talented musician pulled a death stunt to
Friday, October 16, 2015
Stunts in music industry
market his music, the group went ahead to sack, or however suspend its manager, Soso Soberenko over breach of contract and mismanagement. In a statement, the label said, Skiibii, born Abiodun Toyyib collapsed and was rushed to a private hospital in Lagos, but unknowingly got news of his death covering the country’s blogosphere. Can that be true? Nigerians disagreed, as they revolted in anger through their tweets and
BOOK An introspective look at Dayo Olopade’s new book… Jamie Hitchen
T
he meaning behind the term kanju, ‘a specific creativity born from African difficulty’, is instantly familiar to anyone who has spent time stuck in the traffic jams that characterise modern African cities, in which drivers can purchase a wide array of goods from roving vendors. Capturing and understanding kanju, a Yoruba word, is the theme that runs through Dayo Olopade’s recently published paperback The Bright Continent. This is a journalist’s account that provides important insights into how Africans are changing their own situation through a framework of ‘maps’ looking at family, technology, commercial, nature and youth. The book seeks to highlight the ingenuity challenging formality bias - the tendency to rely on rules and formal structures. Olopade takes a libertarian stand in arguing that formality bias is holding Africa back. The integrity of formal institutions is in doubt, she says, and they need to be reconceived, to ensure they are viewed as vehicles for change by citizens. Olopade provides valuable examples to counter pervasive narratives of Africans lacking agency, detailing innovations in technology and the design of indigenous systems to meet local needs. She cites the cases of vertical gardens in urban Kenya, digitalising patient attendance records in Malawi, Shujaaz, a multi-media youth engagement produc-
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tion in Kenya and phone applications to provide rural farmers up to date crop prices in Uganda. She reasons that ‘fat economies’, such as the USA, can learn from the resourcefulness and adaptability of the ‘lean economies’ that exist across the African continent. Olopade’s argument against external decision-making for Africa, without African involvement, is valuable. Yet her argument is weakened by the tendency to provide and interpret information that reinforces the hypothesis being set out. The cases of successful local resourcefulness given are not contrasted with less successful, or failed, ventures. Furthermore, Olopade’s in-depth focus on middle-income countries like Nigeria and Kenya comes at a cost of ignoring low-income countries, particularly in French speaking regions, like Chad and Niger. Beyond asserting the disconnection between politicians and their electorates, especially between government representatives and Africa’s youth, Olopade does not fully explain the capacity of informal structures to enact political change - to reshape the political sphere into something more representative and relevant. Finally, while Olopade gives voice to African innovators insufficient space is devoted to the opinions of beneficiaries - in other words, those best placed to comment on the successes and failures of these initiatives. Her example of paying for education through Bridge Schools in Kenya would be more powerful if the
updates online. Drastically, Soso Soberenko’s twitter account followers are reducing. Even the Skiibii that was on the news never had added followers, as his own account is stagnant. What then is the gain? Promo of the song? I’m sure you’ve not heard of what a prospective lost fan of his said. “How sick, demeaning and totally unprofessional it is to fake your own death just to promote a damn track! Of course just like the popular saying goes, you can only take a horse to the stream but you can’t force it to drink from it. Truth be told, I never knew you existed not until now. But the fact is this, you got the much desired attention but you’ve also lost the rational part of your fan base and prospective fans. “A true talent does not need such a sick stunt to get noticed and celebrated. The last time I checked your famous and rich label mates (Kcee and Harry Song) never pulled such a sick stunt before making it, obviously because they’ve got something real to offer. Trust me, if they (your record label mates) encouraged you to do this so as to get noticed, they obviously don’t think you are talented. “Hey dude, stars don’t struggle so hard to shine, they eventually get noticed be-
cause of what they carry. Trust me, if I hear your song on any of my devices, I wouldn’t even let it stay in my recycle bin. Like seriously, you don’t deserve more words than I have written. Skiibii, now we know you but we refuse to know your songs,” Paul Olarewaju wrote. After I got the update of Kcee sacking his manager, Soso, what came to my mind was: clients will always be clients. As a professional, you should for no reason allow your clients to ride on you after a signed deal you found being cool. Even before an agreement will be reached, there are certain terms that would be enlisted for you to drive on, and after stating them, you should not operate outside them. It makes you a professional, as it will also save you from future business risks. Now, the general public is blaming Soso. And even if Kcee knows anything about the death stunt, he will never agree to it. What if he had slowed on his actions of moving on without sacrificing anybody? It will definitely end up destroying his long built career. Today, he has continued his journey while Soso is paying the price. Even if his sack report was another masterminded update, in the heart of Ni-
Bright Continent voices of parents and students were audible. Overall the book delivers a valuable snapshot in capturing what happens beyond the state and aid agencies, in Africa’s informal sector. A sector which, according to the African Development Bank, contributes 55% of GNP and upwards of 80% of the labour force across the continent. Moving forwards, academics should be striving to provide more rigorous research, on a country by country basis, to fully understand where the continent is bright and where the light shines duller. Doing this, will help us to understand more fully, how kanju can meet the demands of a youthful continent striving for development and prosperity.
Overall, the book delivers a valuable snapshot in capturing what happens beyond the state and aid agencies
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Critics
Friday, October 16, 2015
gerians and their appreciative fan base it’s as good as Soso got sacked for playing on their intelligence, which makes it messier for his future endeavours. As it stands now, he will continue to suffer it until grace runs into him and career. What is the lesson? Never allow your clients to override you on professional decision. Tell them what is to be known, and stand by it. Even if they sound too pushy, avoid their rants by showing them the advantages and disadvantages. When problem will come as a result of given in to their rants and pushy request, I bet you, they will take a walk and you will bear it alone. However, before a client comes to you, he or she has something in mind, which basically is built on riding through whatever means that will make them famous. Anything that will them gain success after success, that’s their aim. Understanding the just concluded paragraph, you then need to adopt the professional guide of insisting on what you think should be done. Put together, Soso may not find it too easy bouncing back. Why? While growing, it has been an unseasonal advice to respect all not minding their level in life, as surely you will meet them on return. For Soso, I really don’t know why some people are not too comfortable with him. I remember getting series of report where most clients stated that he shuns them a lot. “First, he doesn’t reply messages or call back after a long dial. He has an attitude of scaring away most corporate business people who would come for endorsement deals or businesses. He doesn’t communicate so well with the media.” After all these got stated, I looked through myself, I saw some as being true, while some were generated as a result of hatred. Yes, haters will always be there. But from the very one I had an experience of I will like to treat it. It was when Kcee released his Take Over album. After Kcee engaged his long time personal friend who happens to be a PR Specialist to handle his album’s media project; alongside, I got hired as a joint force through that his friend who is also my colleague. You know what happened? Throughout the period we trended Kcee’s album project, Soso as his manager never knew of our engagement. He was enjoying the hype, while thinking that God directly came down from heaven to do his jobs for him. I felt terribly disappointed. And that’s not the only experience, as I have seen an investor pulling out of a deal with Five Star artistes because of perceived Soso’s attitude to business. Look at groups like Chocolate City, Mavin and the rest, with songs or no song, these groups will continue to stand as a reckoning force in the music industry. It’s about standing to terms; being strict to the rules of management and expanding frontiers of the business through accommodation of new acts. On the big lesson to what a commentator stated: “We have succeeded in knowing Skiibii, and not his songs.” But with God, e go better. Meanwhile, much respect to E-Money. *Ugochukwu Favour-Mayor (@ UgochukwuFM) is a writer, media personality and PR Specialist.
23
FILM
Dry: Gift from poetry
Stephanie Linus’ new film, Dry draws from an inspiring poem, laying credence to creativity. Isiguzo Destiny
I
spoke with Stephanie Okereke before the premiere of Dry and she proposed to send me an invite. I accepted the proposal but was disappointment the premiere “came and gone” but no invite came in my name. I decided to ignore the movie until a friend came and blew my head with tales from the movie. He is not a movie critic and I thought anything can impress anyone who isn’t a critic but my curiosity took greater part of me. I bought a ticket in one of the cinemas in Lagos but didn’t bother myself with pop corn. With a note pad and a touch phone, I sat down with suspicion. Lo, Dry came and turned out good. Dry is a good movie, I will tell you why if you a patient. But what caught my attention was the source of the story line which I think Stephanie got from the plot of a poem titled Amina by Celilia Kato. It seems Stephanie took Kato’s storyline or rather Kato’s Amina influenced Dry heavily though there are some discrepancies. As someone who had a literary background, it is possible Stephanie must have come across the poem as a University student in maybe a Feminist or African poetry course. This does not mean that real life experiences may not have helped in the script writing. The source anyway does not matter so much, it is called intertextuality and the most important thing is that credit should be given to Stephanie for turning a poem
into motion pictures. That’s a great feat. I love the poem Amina and the movie Dry. They have so much in common. The issue in the oeuvres are the same: child marriage, patriarchy and the ills associated with these two demons which manifested in the forms of VVF, exploitation and rejection. The two texts also treated the survival techniques of these childmothers. While Halima in Dry (Zubaida Ibrahim Fagge) is 13, Amina in Amina is 12. Both girls were married off to men who are old enough to be their fathers even when they have little or no knowledge of what marriage or sex are all about. In the first stanza of Amina, the poet personae said “I got here at 12/At 13 a mother”. Describing her husband in the second stanza she said “The man was my father/With grey hairs and shrivelled parts”. Intimating us with her first sexual experience with the old man in the fourth stanza, Amina said “One morning I saw blood/Blood in my pant/My father laughed when I wept/And called me his woman/And taught me what to do”. In what seems like a climax, Amina told us in stanza seven her ordeal as a pregnant child and her pain at child birth.”When the time came/Aminu tore through me” and finally in the last stanza Amina told us of her child’s death and a disease she has acquired which is known as VVF “Aminu my dream child/Suffocated/I am a urinating vegetable/Father has married/Another baby”. This story is the same with the plot of Dry especially in major themes. Talking on Dry, the film is a well crafted production of men in action. A very pedagogical and ideological movie; what most critics have termed propaganda. The difference between Amina and Dry is that Dry was extended to have
No art of work can boast of perfection even if they are. So there is a mistake in a dialogue in the scene of the hospital with
Halima and her co-wife
more complex plots which I have identified in one of my movie reviews as a strident characteristic of a good movie. Dry has a good rigorous plot like most good films. Stephanie extended the story of Amina to include her rejection, adoption, and the love and also added other themes like love this one (concerns Zara Robbins). I believe a good art work must have value which it adds to the society. In terms of pragmatic function, Dry addressed the issue of child marriage which is a prevalent practice in the north; and the negative ordeal women pass through in patriarchal society where they are seen as “homo erotica”, a sex object for the pleasure of men. Better still is the alarm raised over VVF (Vesicovaginal Fistula), or VVF, (an abnormally in the bladder allows uncontrolled discharge of urine into the vaginal vault). Assessing the movie as an art work in the spirit of New Critics, the movie has powerful components which through thorough synergy brought about a sane whole. From good cinematography to a brilliant cast with, Zubaidat Ibrahim Fagge, Olu Jacobs, Liz Benson Ameye, Tijjani Faraga, Darwin Shaw, Bill McNamara, Hauwa Maina, Rahama Hassan, Hakeem Hassan, Rekiya Attah, and Afamefuna Klint Igwemba with his well knitted comic relief although Stephanie Okereke Linus was neck-stiff in her performance. She was too conscious and didn’t allow herself free expression. I mean her roles didn’t seem task-less. The sound track is on point with sound and picture quality which can be said boast of one of the best in recent times. The locations are good and the costumes very apt. No art of work can boast of perfection even if they are. So there is a mistake in a dialogue in the scene of the hospital with Halima and her co-wife when a nurse asked them if they can’t read and write while the film has already presented the due as people with very good access to English. That question is illogical. You can’t ask someone who speaks good English if he/she can’t speak in English. Nevertheless, the movie is a Nollywood classic and I regret I was not part of the premiere of such a historical movie. I’ve forgiven Stephanie for her omission of my name in the invite because of the sweet gift she gave Nigerians and indeed the international community in Dry and hope that if she makes another film like Dry in quality; she will not miss me in the premiere.
24
Inside FCT
Friday, October 16, 2015
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Armed robbers wreck havoc in Masaka Adeola Tukuru
I
t was a gory sight at the National Hospital in Abuja as young Debora Stephen’s intestine was ripped out by Armed robbers who invaded their home in Masaka, a suburb situated between the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa state. The 15 year old who laid on the hospital bed struggling to live while recounting the incidence to Inside FCT, explained that on September 19th,2015, armed robbers who were about 30 in numbers invade their home around 1.00am. She said she heard a loud bang on the door and heard them shouting that they should open the door and while she went to the door to check, one of them shot her in the stomach. “They ordered that we should open the door and as I was about to go and open the door shot my in my stomach, I was bleeding and quickly alerted my mum because it was dark and nobody knew what was going on” “As, my mum and all my neighbours rushed me here to the National Hospital, they raided our house and carted away with all our money and properties, “ she said. It would be recalled by officials at National Hospital in Abuja said the 15-yearold who suffered a gunshot wound when armed robbers invaded her home, con-
tinues to receive treatment after President Muhammadu Buhari directed her N268,790 medical bill be covered. President Buhari had given the directive when he visited survivors of the recent Friday night’s multiple bomb explosions hospitalised at the hospital. Chief Medical Director Dr Jafaru Momoh said Stephen’s medical bills have “been settled”, and the hospital was continuing to keep her under watch. Stephen, 15, was shot when armed robbers raided her family home and brought to hospital with severe abdominal injuries since September 19. Her mother, Gwani Duniya, said the family had to borrow N250,000 which ran out long ago. She said the hospital planned to send them away when they couldn’t afford more money to continue Stephen’s treatment. But the hospital said it was the family who attempted to leave hospital earlier. Duniya has also complained of shortage of provisions as food and the hospital management informed her of her free access to any necessary provision at the hospital’s disposal following the President’s footing her daughter’s medical bill. Stephen has gone through surgeries in which surgeons removed one kidney damaged in the shooting, then cut and stapled part of her intestine outside her body to enable her excrete.
She said she heard a loud bang on the door and heard them shouting that they should open the door and while she went to the
door to check, one of them shot her in the stomach.
Umunede residents in Abuja celebrate Iwaji
Joel Ajayi
A
ll dressed in different costumes with excitement on their faces, the young and the old of the Umunede Progressive Union UPU, from six area council made up the Capital City of Nigeria gathered together at Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation NTDC’S Village Hall in Area 1 Garki to celebrate this year’s New yam festival in grand style. The New yam festival in Umunede is a yearly event usually celebrated in the month of September in the village, event that is always been handled by King and Royal place Jagadagidi of Umunede. Umunede was a city located in Ika Local Government Area of Delta State, the ancient city that has its origin from Edo state is known for farming, transportation and business. However, the festival is one of the most traditional and grounded tradition event was thrilled, excited, fun and had the message of peace one could take home. NTDC’s Village Hall a well culturally decorated and lightening added more colour to the programme which has many top officers of the corporation as well as Umunede residents from all walk of Life gazed the occasion. Some of the activities that marked the event included symbolic slicing of yam tubers, cultural dances as enough palm
wine and food was not left out of the event. While Speaking at the event, the President of Umunede Progresive Union UPU, Abuja Branch Ikem Destiny, explained that, the essence of New Yam festival (Iwaji) is to celebrate and thank Almighty God for the gift of life and a successful planting season. He also said, the festival was a tool using by the Umunede descendant home and abroad to re-direct the young people’s culturally. According to him, celebrating New Yam Festival has been there for a very long time let me says it has been existing since creation of Imunede and we celebrate our harvest and show people that our land is fertile. He said: “cutting of yam shows that we have actually mark the success of our harvest because we are predominantly farmers. We are agriculturally inclined. “Not only that, during the festival we celebrate the unity, in fact, it’s a time we bring people together to express happi-
ness, dance, eat food together, drinks together, because we are not of war like, we are peaceful people. “We are very rich in culture, our culture is very unique because our origin is from Benin City and we all know that Benin culture is very rich our dresses symbolize decency, our logo is not about bone and arrow, not about gun but about peace.” He counseled Nigerian by saying that, the needs to protect once culture should took a center stage in every society. “We the member of Abuja UPU, our culture remain with us, we are very sensitive to what culture is all about. Even despite the Christianity and civilization, we still preserve our culture. “We also, have the youth wing, younger generations are involved, we come with our children, they know our culture so, by the time they grow up they will be integrated and once they are 18 years and above they can join our group. On his own, the General Secretary
of UPU Mr. Eziokwu Richard Lincoln described the festival a very fantastic and dynamic celebration for the sons and daughters of Umunede. He also speak on the important of the event, added that, the event is designed in such a way that will give opportunity to our young ones of knowing detail about their parent culture. “It is opportunity for the young one among us of what there are up to, the
President of Umunede Progresive Union UPU, Abuja Branch, Ikem Destiny, explained that, the essence of New Yam festival (Iwaji) is to celebrate and thank God for the gift of life and a successful planting season
Umunede women at the new yam festival in Abuja d
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Inside FCT
Friday, October 16, 2015
25
Soaring school fees agitate parents Adeola Tukuru
P
arents, civil servants and artisans in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) who comprise of the focus working population have raised alarm over exorbitant school saying it is difficult getting an affordable private school for their offsprings. Owners of these schools which are scattered all over the city centres and also in the suburbs, set their eyes on the parents, like commercial banks would target prospective customers. These school owners’ primary targets are making money while providing the needed educational services for the students come second. Although many of them are making waves as centres of excellence going by the sustained production of high-flying graduates yearly, parents of such students are paying through their nose for the educational services. Compared to public schools in Abuja, which charge peanuts, the private ones are milking the low income parents who desire reasonable level of education for their children. The average range of fees in a secondary school isbetween N5, 000/N10, 000
per term, while their private counterparts charge fortune. Which is between the rate of N100, 000/ N300, 000 per term, a charge which most parents consider out of reach. A parent, who resides in Kubwa, Abuja and also a civil servant ,Mr Yemi Popoola expressed worry that the school fees keep changing every term without notice nor justification. Another parent, Mr Obi Ezechi , residing in Gwarimpa said “Just last year, I paid N120,000 as school fees for my son who was in SS1 but this term, I just paid N150,000 for the same child in the same school, who is now in SS2. The annoying thing about these private schools is that every year they increase one fee or the other apparently because the public schools are decaying very fast and not much is being done to arrest the rot,’’ Obi added. Also Mrs Jocelyn Abe in Gwarinpa whose children attend a private school in Wuse 2, recalled how she had to cough out N660, 000 for her three children in the private school this term alone. “I had to pay for new sets of uniforms including blazers, sport kits, books, and school fees. I think the proprietors of these schools just wake up and decide the fees without considering what parents can af-
I have been working in this school for the past three years now but I can tell you that my salary was only recently increased
do and don’t, ethics and most of the things you need to know to grow in life as a person. “That is why we in Abuja her we choose in a date to celebrates ours the major important is about unity an avenue where we showcase our culture and gathered both young one and old one to learn from each other. “As you can see nearly 80% of Umunede people attended the meeting.”
He disclosed. As for one of the Umunede children who was at the event expressed happiness: “now I have a very good knowledge about my father culture, I always follow him to any cultural events because I want to be cultural inclined so by the time I grow up I will not derail from it. I was made to understand by one of my teachers in my school that culture is way life so I want to know more of it,” he said.
Secondary school in Abuja
ford’’. Most of the private schools have not witnessed any significant growth in terms of facilities despite the everincreasing fees they charge parents. Nor have they considered increasing their workers’ salaries. While the charges continue to rise every term, most of the workers in private schools earn a meager pay for life. They cannot complain because of very stringent and almost ridiculous employment conditions put in place for the workers to signup on assumption of duties. As one of the private school workers pointed out, the condition of service in the schools are very strict and dehumanising. “It is not as if whenever there is an increase in school fees, our salaries are increased. I have been working in this school for the past three years now but I can tell you that my salary was only recently increased by a paltry N10, 000 by the authorities,” a female worker in one of the schools in Kubwa lamented. But have the high fees deterred parents who want quality for their children? Mrs. Ruth Isibor, whose three children attend one of the most expensive schools in Abuja, is quick to root for the private school instead of public schools. She said: “The difference is very clear between achild in a private school and another in a public/ government school. Their command of English is very good. As a parent, I am always proud when my children speak in the public, they are not only well-spoken but they are very confident. They also know a lot about Science and Technology and many other fields. Most of the time, my kids educate me; they fill me in on all the new and exciting things they are exposed to in school. So really, I get value for my money,’’ she confessed. “ I strongly believe in private schools. If God has blessed a parent with a lot of money, the child or children should be sent to a good private school because these schools tend to look out for the children. They have a lot of good facilities used in training their students
and they also conduct extracurricular activities such as music, dance, drama, swimming and karate classes which make the students well-rounded” these were the words of Mr. Solabi, a teacher and father of four whose children attend a private school in the city. Most of the public schools on the other hand, lack the basic facilities for teaching and learning as well as the capacity to enforce discipline and control needed to bring about better performance by the pupils. While most of the private schools assign 20 to 25students to a teacher, the reverse is the case in public schools. A typical public school has as many as 60 pupils in a class, which in many cases are conducted under the tree or in dilapidated classrooms. Mr Adejumo, a class teacher in one of the most popular public primary schools in Abuja said that a classroom in a public school has as many as 50 students while in a private school, it is almost impossible to record such number of students in a single classroom. She counseled that there should be a standard number of children in a class to make room for proper teaching and learning. She noted that in a private school with 12 pupils in a class for instance, it would be easier for the teacher to communicate with the pupils and impart knowledge to them than in a crowded classroom in most public schools. One of the toughest decisions that you’re going to face as a parent is that you’re going to have to decide where to send your kids to school. For some parents the choice is easy because the options are limited by funds and availability of a parent’s time. Those kids just have to go to the local public school, no doubt about it. However, most parents at least consider alternative options like private school and homeschooling. And even parents looking at public schools often have options such as charter schools and magnet schools. It’s a tough call because there are pros and cons to each option.
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Mirror Mongers
Friday, October 16, 2015
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Beyond PDP, APC M any think that once someone is not talking about APC, then it must be PDP. But that is not always the case. History that could be best described as “political tsunami” was made in Owerri the Imo state capital earlier in the week, when the election petition tribunal nullified the election of the APC candidate for Oru East
state constituency election in favour of Duru Millicent Chinasa of the Labour party. Chinasa of the Labour party who was considered by many as ‘a feather weight’ MM gathered has written her name in gold being the first candidate to win an election in Oru East on her first attempt. The surprise really is that she is neither PDP nor APC.
Okupe’s trending tribute
Police men
Ripples after FESTAC robbery
R
esidents of Lagos, especially, FESTAC have been appraising and re-appraising their situation, especially as it concerns security. Truth is that in the past couple of days, Lagos residents have been inundated with ugly incidents of kidnappers and bank robbers coming from the waterways and terrorising the neighbourhood aside being robbed in the usually snaking traffic synonymous with Lagos. But how much of caution is being exhibited by the resi-
dents? MM gathered that the two banks so raided at FESTAC earlier in the week have a busy joint sandwiched between them. This has of course, got people wondering why banks should be situated in the midst of joints, in the first place. But tears are still flowing, following the death of innocent people inside the comfort of their homes and most radio callers have been heaping the blame on government. Yes, they would tell you robberies were not this rampant some years ago.
Branding at religious services
C Okupe
S
o many things happen on the cyberspace. If you have followed the death of ex-governor of Bayelsa State, DSP Alamieyeseigha, you would have noticed the trending issues. Doyin Okupe the senior special assistant on public affairs to former President Goodluck Jonathan got some serious reactions when he took to Facebook to pay tribute to late Alamieyeseigha by eulogising him and saying that the late former governor of Bayelsa is presently in heaven with his crown of glory. According to the post: ‘Alamieyeseigha was my friend. A good man. A great man. A lover of his people. They reverently refer to him as The Governor General of Ijaw
Qa
ONE-SECOND &
With
KAKA BOLORI
Nation. And truly he was. When Goodluck Jonathan ‘s hope of succeeding the late President Yar’adua was in jeopardy, I know what he did. I know the burden he bore. I know the struggles and travails he went through. He humbled himself He silently and strenuously pleaded with friends and foes from all over the nation. Notwithstanding the fact that the resultant effect of his efforts will be to promote his subordinate to a political level that will forever be above him and a height he will never attain himself. This is a character trait uncommon among politicians. Alams my friend Alams; how indeed are the mighty fallen and the weapons of war perish.”
ompetition always brings out ingenuity, or how do we describe the place of handbills and billboards in today’s attempt to woo worshippers. Like the ewe learning to chew cud from, it appears that the younger generation of pastors, are doing well in creating themes for their church services. For the Valentine’s Day, a church Good House International, headed by a pastor in his early 20s did well with his service directed at spinsters when he organised his crusade under the theme, Give Me a Spouse or I die. While the record of those
At a crusade ground
Several suggestions have been offered on how to end insurgency in the North East; Mallam Kaka Bolori candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the Borno Central Senatorial election reacts thus:
e in order to What do you think should be don st? thea restore normalcy to the Nor can be used. There are many strategies that e the comhav uld sho But my thinking is that we lving all reso in s lder mitment of all the stakeho comshow t mus dy the issues at stake. Everybo the in edy trag the ing mitment to the cause of end ent, rnm gove ral fede Northeast. It is not just about rnment; all tiers state government or local gove rebuilding this of of government have to be part lopmental prodeve e region by bringing in som nities to the ortu opp grammes, by providing job ing agrimak and on people, by providing educati some of are e thes me, culture more attractive. To . grow can on regi the ways through which the
who may have found spouses and failed to die is not available another group of three pastors, last week held what they termed, Prison Break, Season 1, maintaining that their mission is to ‘Break Curses and Demonic covenants’. At some other locations, themes like First Fruit, were also being used to depict the fact that the first quarter of the year has berthed. MM observed that things are already getting on the digital way with some of these worship centers dealing with identification codes like BB Pins, Instagram, Whatsapp, 2Go and the likes.
Friday, October 16, 2015 3 Muharram 1437AH
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27
Call to Worship
On the authority of Anas bin Malik, the servant of the Messenger of Allah, the prophet said: “None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.” RELATED BY BUKHARI AND MUSLIM
Reaction to blame
P
eople react differently to blame: There are amongst them those, whom when they are tested by a word of blame, are angry against the critic, have hatred for him and seek to retaliate. Such a one is a tyrant and will perish unless Allah accepts his repentance. There are those amongst them, whom, when they are tested by a word of blame dislike it but acknowledge the speech of the critic displaying piety ostentatiously and hypocritically while the flames of criticism are burning within him, and he wishes the disgrace of the critic and his ruin. This one is close to the previous case and also close to the causes for perishing. And there are amongst them, those, who when they are tested by a word of blame will be patient and force themselves to swallow the bitterness of the blame in fear that they may be punished by something bigger than that, while some of the blame is dwelling in his heart. There are amongst them those, who, when they are tested by a word of blame will hate it and develop woe because of it but will struggle with themselves to be patient due to their desire for divine reward, without developing any bad will against He who blamed. Yet he may belittle the one who blames. Such is on the struggling path. They fall one time and rise at another. And there are amongst them those, who, when they are tested by a word of blame will hasten to a feeling of hatred and then go back from it and begin to be cautions and realize that they deserve this blame. Yet the status of the blamer in his own heart remains different from that of the one who did not blame. Such is on the path and some reserves of truth and kept with him. There are amongst them those, whom, when they are tested by a word of blame will not dislike it but will humble themselves at it and bow to it. And the reward of the blame as well as the one who did not blame remains in the same position. Such is on the path of love and it is to be expected for him that truth would reach him. And there are amongst them those who keep in their hearts venom and hatred against themselves when they are tested by a word of blame. They agree with it and realize that they have earned it. The word of blame to him is a great gain. Be the like of that O my brother, if you are truthful; for it has surely reached us that hypocrisy has more than seventy doors. And it is related that hypocrisy is more hidden than the sound of the footsteps of the ant on the
Better me in 1437AH 28
solid stone. My own mind falls short describing the footsteps of the ant. How then can it describing that which is even more hidden than it? The description we have given may suffice. May Allah grant us truthfulness in all conditions for He is surely the
men have said: “Safeguarding what you have is more important (for you) than seeking what others have”. Some (wise men) have (also) said, “There are two assets, which as long as you safeguard them, you will remain all right: Your money (dirham) for your livelihood and your religion for your hereafter”. Qays b. Asim told his sons, “O’ my children, take care of money and its making, for it (money) is an impetus to a generous person, by which he dispenses with the mean. You must not beg people because it is the meanest way of men’s earning a living. The recommendable earning is better than supererogatory worship, the benefit of which is confined to him (the worshipper) alone whereas the benefits of the (recommended) earning extend to others. He (The Prophet) may blessing and peace be upon him, had said “The best among the people is one who benefits them”. He (The Prophet) said, “Act of worship compete with one another (for excellence)” and he added, “Charity is the best of them. The permissible earning, (almubah) is that which is in excess of the earning, by which one helps the poor and unite the relatives. It is indeed used for good living, beautification, comfort, even to build a house and paint walls, as contained in the word of Allah, the most High: “Say who has forbidden the adornment of Allah, which he brought forth for His servants and the good things of his provision”. There is also his saying, may blessing and peace be upon him, that, “Who deserves lawful wealth more than a righteous man.”
Gene r o u s Giver.
Dignity of Labour It is narrated that Luqmon told his son, “O my son, guard yourself against poverty by lawful earning because every poor man is afflicted by three defects: religious weakness, feeble mindedness and loss of manliness. Worse than these three (defects) is the contempt’s in which he is held by people. Some wise
Do not fear, Allah is with us 29
Quoted from: Principles of Leadership According to the Founding Fathers of the Sokoto Caliphate Collated and edited by Hamid Bobboyi with the Compliments of His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar mni, CFR, LLD, Sultan of Sokoto
Hijrah: Give us public holiday –Olusi to LASG 29
28
Call to Worship
3 Muharram 1437AH Friday, October 16, 2015
Better me in 1437AH
A
s we enter another new Islamic year 1437AH, let us reflect on Qur’an 8:53; “…Allah will never change a grace which He has bestowed on a people until they change what is in their own selves. And verily, Allah is All-Hearer, AllKnower.” Expectedly, some of us might be setting new goals and resolutions for personal transformation and improvement. Of course, this will help us to remain focused. However, we must be conscious of our Islamic teachings of constantly assessing our lives daily, weekly, monthly rather than waiting for special days to do personal assessment simply because we have no control over our souls. The owner, almighty Allah, can take our souls at any time. Our noble Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said; “A servant of Allah will remain standing on the Day of Resurrection until
he is asked about four things: his life and how he spent it, his youth and how he used it up, his property and how he acquired and managed it and his knowledge and how he utilized it.” We really need to be more committed spiritually and live as the pious predecessors who give in all they have in the service of Allah, humanity and for the betterment of the society. Let us constantly ask ourselves where we stand in achieving our set goals. Unfortunately, many of us are seriously immersed in the daily chores of life; but as we are doing this, what positive impacts are we making on other people’s lives? How excellent is our relationship with our Creator and how can we strengthen that relationship by living life in accordance to His guidance and Sunnah of our noble Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH)? We must never be deceived by the vanities of this world and forget about the reality of the Hereafter. We must seriously begin to prioritise certain things that have to do with our service to Almighty Allah and form the habit of evaluating our deeds in conformity with the advice given by the second Caliph, Umar ibn Al-Khattab when he said, “Criticize and appraise yourselves before you are criticized and appraised….”. It is not mere rhetoric, in this new year, let us start taking actions that will bring us closer to Allah, the Most-High. We really need to plan and work towards achieving our lofty goals but worldly and spiritual ones. In this age of social media, many people waste their precious time. Let us try as much as possible to use time wisely. We really need to change our
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Sekinah Lawal t: 08055102994 e: sakinah207@yahoo.com
We must never be deceived by the vanities of this world and forget about the reality of the
Hereafter
attitude to so many things. As we begin another year, let us sincerely repent to Allah from known and unknown sins, major or minor and be determined not to be involved in them again.
May almighty Allah make it easy for us and may He grant all our departed souls Aljannah Fridaus and keep our feet firm on His path, Aamin. Enjoy 1437AH!
Zakat Is 2.5% Of Your Total Wealth, Known As Nisab. After Having Fulfilled All obligations, pay your zakat
Let there be attitudinal change to spending on Allah’s path –Akinbode
A
The Chief Missioner of Nasrullahi Fathi Society of Nigeria, NASFAT, Sheikh Abdullahi Akinbode, with the assistance of the Deputy Chief Missioner, Sheikh Maruf Abdul-Azeez Onike and other dignitaries, presenting a cooker and gas cylinder to Hajia Airat Ajakaye during the 3rd Zakat distribution by NASFAT Agency for Zakat and Sadaqat.
s Muslims all over the world mark the beginning of another Hijrah year, Nigerian Muslims have been urged to change their attitude to Islam most especially in the area of spending in Allah’s path. The Chief Missioner of Nasrullahi Fathi Society of Nigeria, NASFAT, Sheikh Abdullahi Akinbode, gave the advice at a special prayer session organized by NASFAT to usher in the 1437AH. While praying for members and the nation as a whole, Sheikh Akinbode called on Muslims to be united as nothing can be
achieved in a state of disunity. “We must all resolve to change our evil ways and increase our spiritual development. Let us change for better in all ways and evolve a change of attitude to our religion as part of the requirement for having abundance is to be ready and willing to make sacrifices too towards Allah’s cause.” Also speaking, the Deputy Chief Missioner, Sheikh Maruf Abdul-Azeez Onike enjoined members to have the proper religious understanding of Islam by learning the Qur’an, improve their human relations,
take good care of their health and seek for Halal sustenance. Zakat worth twenty million naira were distributed to deserving members. Hajia Mariam Shafii went home with a deep freezer, power-generating set, sewing machine and a sum of hundred thousand naira while Hajia Airat Ajakaye got a cooker and gas cylinder among other beneficiaries. Speaking on behalf of others, Hajia Shafii expressed her deep appreciation for the great assistance and praying to Allah that she will also become a Zakat payer in future.
Cross section of NASFAT female executives at the event.
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The Chief Missioner of Nasrullahi Fathi Society of Nigeria, NASFAT, Sheikh Abdullahi Akinbode, with the assistance of the Deputy Chief Missioner, Sheikh Maruf Abdul-Azeez Onike and other dignitaries, presenting a deep freezer, power-generating set, sewing machine and a sum of hundred thousand naira to Hajia Mariam Shafii during the 3rd Zakat distribution by NASFAT Agency for Zakat and Sadaqat.
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Do not fear, Allah is with us
T
he enemies actually plotted to kill the Prophet (SAW) as their last resort. They held an extra-ordinary meeting which had Shaytaan in attendance. They had a thorough deliberation on which way to go about their terrible plot. But Allah (SWT) Who saw and know all, foiled their plan. On convergence at the Prophet’s house at the zero hours, the Prophet asked Ali Ibn Abi Talib to sleep in his bed and even cover up with his green cloak. He knew that they cannot harm him. When they were all set (about 11 or 14 of them), with their dangerous weapons, to kill just one man who was weaponless, at the still of the night; it was then he walked out of his house. Then, Allah (SWT) made them not to see Muhammad (SAW) though they were not sleeping. He humiliated them by making Muhammad (SAW) dotted sand on their heads. By the time they would realize what was happening, he has gone. Now, their ‘foe’ has escaped. He has left Makkah for them since he
Call to Worship
Friday, October 16, 2015 3 Muharram 1437AH
was not wanted. That should have sufficed for them but they chose to still pursue him and even in later years went into battle fields. In the course of their search, destiny again brought them to the cave (of Thawr) where he hid for three days. They climbed the more than 700 metres mountain to no avail. They were at the mouth of the cave and that if they had looked just a little down, they would have seen Muhammad (SAW) still weaponless, and even far from Makkah. Abu Bakr heard their conversations and was terribly gripped with fear that the enemies would still kill Muhammad in his company. But the Prophet told him that, “do not be afraid, Allah is with us”. As if their search and price tag of 100 camels would work, a man called Suraqah Ibn Malik was opportune to pursue Muhammad with his arms. He actually had the opportunity to kill him; but again, Allah made him see signs that frightened him. His horse fell thrice and he had to withdraw
from his evil plan. As a believer, you have a lot to learn from these episodes. Your deep faith and trust in Allah (SWT) is your greatest weapons. Allah (SWT) can come to your aid in numerous ways that you can never imagine even if your enemies are already at your back or even in your front. They could be in your office or neighbourhood; the multitude of the enemies is immaterial if your faith in your Lord is deep and sincere. So, keep on building your faith by always obeying your Lord and working for the peaceful existence of humanity. Do always support any good cause and don’t be lured into any evil group no matter the gains. Be stable and steadfast in upholding the truth. The dynamics of change are not dissimilar in any society. The battle rages on as long as there exist the contending forces of truth and falsehood. As it has always been, the forces of evil initially and apparently tend to control the machineries or parapherna-
IN HIS LIGHT with
USTAZ
A. ZAFARAN e-mail: zatabumuneeb@yahoo.com lia of power. They oppress, persecute or even kill the upholders or promoters of truth. That was what happened when the Prophet (SAW) and his few followers called for change in Makkah. How can a minority go against the age long tradition? How can a people who were once their countrymen or even common man turn around to condemn their cherished inherited ways of life? This kind of thinking is same for all that enjoy any present order to the detriment of the majority. This is manifest in our society today. Evils and wrong ways of doing things have gained ascendancy and popularity that if the upholder of truth is not convinced, he will almost doubt his own position. The pervading atmosphere is callously canny and devilish. It is so weighty that if the believer does not derive his inner strength from Allah (SWT), he will give up. This is exactly our plight today. The rain of evil is falling torrentially. The sun of the impacts of these evils is scorching on the
called. The sea in which the society swims is deep. So, how do you cope under the heavy rain when you are yourself suffering from fever? How do you withstand the intense sun or survive in the deep sea? No sensible human will contest the fact that man is not at ease today with all that go around him. A good historian also knows that nothing is anew as regards the wanton sinfulness and crimes men are perpetrating today. The onus then lies on us as wise human creatures to learn from history to avoid repeating or replaying its horrendous past. The consequential rains of our or others’ evils have not spared anybody. As a way of making us reason and return to our Creator, we are made to suffer different natural disasters and human menaces –earthquakes, flood, fire accidents, diseases, insecurity, extreme strange occurrences, etc. Here comes Hijrah 1437 to take us on the path of change that will last forever.
Hijrah: Give us public holiday –Olusi to LASG Sekinah L awal
A L-R: Chairman, Council of Chief Imams and Ulama, Lagos Division, Alhaji Sabit Lawal; Chairman, Lagos Division, Prince Tajudeen Olusi; Alhaji Rasheed Yussuff and Imam Muhammad Adeniyi Alfa-Nla at the special prayers and march past to mark the1437AH Hijrah, organized by the Muslim Community of Lagos State, MCLS, Lagos Division, at the Campos Memorial Mini Stadium, Lagos Island on Wednesday.
Chief Aliyasau Ayinde Ogunro, Chief Imam Quranic Central Mosque; Alfa Agba Gbajabiamila; Alhaji Sulaiman Afolabi and Chief Imam Adam at the special prayers and march past to mark the1437AH Hijrah, organized by the Muslim Community of Lagos State, MCLS, Lagos Division, at the Campos Memorial Mini Stadium, Lagos Island on Wednesday.
29
passionate appeal has gone to the Lagos State government to emulate the State of Osun by declaring every 1st of Muharram, Islamic New Year, a work-free day. Making the appeal on behalf of the Muslim Community of Lagos State, MCLS, was Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Chairman, Lagos Division, during his welcome address at the special prayers and march past to mark the1437AH Hijrah, organized by the MCLS, Lagos Division, at the Campos Memorial Mini Stadium, Lagos Island. Alhaji Olusi called on Muslims to follow the tenets of Islam and be united in order to move Islam forward. He also urged Muslims in position of authority to uphold the great cardinal of Islam, which is honesty, so as to truly benefit from the change we are clamouring for. “If we are all honest and truthful in all our dealings, everything will work out better for all and sundry.” Speaking on the significance of Hijrah, the guest lecturer, Alhaji Muhammad Adeniyi Alfa-Nla, Chief Imam of Jamaatul Islami-
yyah Society of Nigeria, advised Muslims to do behavioural Hijrah from all manners of sins and allow their children to practise Islam better than they are doing. “We should do serious Hijrah on ourselves, our children and other family members. People must see Islamic identity in us in very good light.” “Hijrah taught us endurance, patience and steadfastness, hence, we must be ready for trials as we will always be tested with various degrees of calamity.” According to him, one of the significance of Hijrah is perseverance and Muslims must always be willing to assist others in need and strive to make the affairs of Muslims better by spending on the path of Allah, obey Quranic injunctions and sunnah of the Prophet. Imam Alfa-Nla also called on all those in charge of Islamic affairs and administration to fear Allah in all their dealings. Alhaji Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy, Vice-President, MCLS, enjoined Muslims to be united in their demand for 1st of Muharram public holiday while urging politicians to fear Allah and remember that they will be accountable to God on Judgement Day.
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Call to Worship
3 Muharram 1437AH Friday, October 16, 2015
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Every Friday with
Khalifatul
Ahmadiyya
The essence of trials and tribulations (2)
S
ome people allege that Allah the Exalted does not listen to their prayers or people are critical of saints that their such and such prayer was not accepted. In fact these people are foolish and unaware of Divine laws. Anyone who has experienced such a thing will be fully aware of the principle that Allah the Exalted has presented two aspects whereby He listens and also has Him listened to. Faith is in accepting these two principles. Do not stress on just one of these two aspects, lest you act contrary to what God states and be one who tries and breaks His law.’ (Tafseer Hazrat Masih e Maud, Vol. I, p. 605). ‘There are only two ways of spiritual development for man. Firstly, man takes it upon himself to abide by religious obligations as commanded by God like Salat, fasting, paying Zakat and performing Hajj. However, as abiding by these matters is in his own hands he is sometimes negligent and at other times finds an easy way out of them. Therefore, the second way is one which directly descends on man from God and is truly the source of man’s spiritual development. This is because in religious obligations man finds some way or the other of leniency or ease. If someone was given a whip and asked to hit himself with it, as a matter of principle and owing to sense of personal well-being who would want to inflict pain on himself ? This is why Allah the Exalted has placed another way for completion of human development and has stated: ‘And We will try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives, and fruits; but give glad tidings to the patient. Who, when a misfortune overtakes them, say, ‘Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.’ That is, We will continue to test you, sometimes with fear, with hunger and at times with loss of life or property or fruits. Yet, give glad-tidings of great rewards and special blessings of God to those who remain patient in face of these tribulations and hunger and say: ‘Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.’ Look, how hard a farmer endeavours to prepare land, sows seeds and then goes through the difficulties to irrigate the land. Eventually, after enduring all kinds of difficulties, endeavours and safeguards when his crop is ready, sometimes in God’s profound wisdom hailstorm comes down or the crop is destroyed due to drought. This is just an example of the difficulties that are faced owing to natural phenomenon/disasters. The pure teaching given to Muslims in such instances is a true model and lesson in staying resigned to the will and decree of God and this teaching is exclusive to Muslims.’ (Tafseer Hazrat Masih e Maud,
Vol. I, pp. 618-619). We should always keep it in view and never entertain the thought as to why God puts us through huge trials. Also mockery of opponents or the thought that if God is with us why we have sustained loss should not trouble us. As the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) has said [in the above extracts] to always remember that even Prophets and beloved of God face tribulations and with reference to this, also their communities. When those dear to God go through difficulties it cannot be they are going through Divine chastisement. In fact these experiences bring glad-tidings of blessings. However, when such difficulties befall the wicked they ruin them. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) has said that those who are patient are blessed. Patience does not mean one is not saddened at a loss. It means one does not let it get the better of one and lose one’s senses in the process. It is OK to be saddened but this should be followed by a renewed resolve to better one’s practices more than ever. It should also be remembered that only those who are patient know the realities of prayer. They understand that sometimes prayer is accepted quickly and at other times due to expediency it not accepted at once. True believers should always submit to the will of God; this is real patience and it is very well rewarded by God. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) has said that true servants of God experience pleasure even at times of loss because they can perceive continuous and limitless bounties of God. He explained that believers do not go through difficulties because of sin, in fact difficult times are a trial for them from God so that the world can see that these people are content/happy in every situation. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said God’s most beloved person was the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) yet he endured numerous tribulations, both personal and communal. His tribulations were most severe the like that no one else has suffered, yet he remained resigned at the will of God through every difficulty and his blessed model is unique and peerless. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said just as a gardener waters his plants should true believers nurture their faith with good practices so that they are successful. He advised not to be perturbed by what people say for people even criticise saints. They are unaware of Divine laws but true believers know that at times God listens and at other times He makes man listen to Him and we should not contravene this law!
From Left, Principal Mahmood Ahmadiyya College Ijede, Alhaji I.T.A. Ogunmola; Chairman Board of Directors, Mahmood Ahmadiyya College Ijede; Alhaji Hussain O. Sumonu; Executive Director, Mahmood Ahmadiyya College Ijede, Alhaji Dr. Masshood Adenrele Fashola; at the 1st Haafizul Quran Graduation Ceremony of Mahmood Ahmadiyya College Abule-Eko Ijede, Lagos, held recently.
GM Muri International Television, Alhaji Muri Okunola, presenting Certificate to one of the Grandaunts of at the 1st Haafizul Quran Graduation Ceremony of Mahmood Ahmadiyya College Abule-Eko Ijede, Lagos, held recently.
Grandaunts 1st set Haafizul Quran Graduation Ceremony of Mahmood Ahmadiyya College Abule-Eko Ijede, Lagos.
Dignitaries at the special prayers and march past to mark the1437AH Hijrah, organized by the Muslim Community of Lagos State, MCLS, Lagos Division, at the Campos Memorial Mini Sta-
Alhaji Alimi Adio, Fadhilat Sheikh Sulaiman Alaga, Chief Imam of Dowomu Central Mosque, Dopemu and Alhaji AbdulAzeez.
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Friday, October 16, 2015
L-R: Student, Samsung Engineering Academy, John Jesse; Human Resource Manager, Samsung Electronics West Africa. Ms. Diana Ussher; Student, Samsung Engineering Academy, Okafor Nkem; Director, Enterprise Business, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Charles Ojei and another student, Mr. Columbus, during the company’s Employee Volunteer Programme in Lagos, recently.
L-R: Former Chairman, Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), Alhaji Abubakar Jijiwa; DirectorGeneral, National Broadcasting Commission, Mr. Emeka Mba; BON Chairman, Mr. Sola Omole, and Board Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria, Chief Tony Okoroji, during the Content Management Seminar for Digital Broadcasting in Lagos, on Monday.
People In The Mirror
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L-R: Sons of the deceased, Olubukola, Olufemi, Olutayo; granddaughter, Ayomide and children of the deceased, Olusola, Olukemi and Oluyinka, during the funeral of Prophetess Rebecca Adenike Adeparusi in Ogun State, recently.
L-R: Chief of Strategy, Business Development and Outreach, Rosewell Park Cancer Institute, Dr. Thomas Schwaab; CEO/Managing Director, Lakeshore Cancer Center (LCC), Chukwumere Nwogu; Board Chairman, Lakeshore Cancer Centre, Dr. Paul Onwuanibe and Chairman, Pathcare Nigeria/ Board Member Lakeshore Cancer Centre, Prof. Ibironke Akinsete, during a press conference on collaborative cancer care in Nigeria with LCC, New York, in Lagos, rcently.
Recipient/Special Guest of Honour, Pastor Adesola Adeboye(left) and Captain Fisayo Gesinde, during Ogbomoso Grammar School Old Students Association (Lagos Branch) Gesinde Memorial Lecture in Lagos.
L-R: National Vice President, Ogbomoso Grammar School Old Students Association(OGSOSA), Price Adeyemi Shanka; Royal Father of the Day, Olugbo of Igbon, Oba Adegboyega Osunbade; Mr. Femi Dokunmu and Guest Lecture, Mr. Bisi Sanda, during OGSOSA,(Lagos Branch) Gesinde Memorial Lecture in Lagos.
L-R: Senior Editor, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Adebayo Sekoni; Director, Research and Documentation, Mr. Gbemi Oguntula; Head, Advocacy and Awareness, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mr. Ayodeji Akindoyeni; Oyo State Director of SON, Dr. Omolara Okunlola, during the visit of SON officials to NAN in Ibadan, on Tuesday.
National Centre for Women Development, Lady Onyeka Onwenu (middle), with students from FCT secondary schools during a preparatory meeting for 2015 Summit for Women and Girl-Child in Abuja, on Tuesday.
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Arty News
Why I’m working with Kcee –Dan Lu
Face of Independence Nigeria emerges in Abuja
Dan Lu
Ngozi Emedolibe Regina Otokpa
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s part of the 55th Independence Day celebrations in the country, the Face of Independence 2015 has emerged. Cynthia Adinmah, winner of the 2015 edition of the event speaking to newsmen, said she would use her crown as a platform to affect the lives of Nigerian girl-children who were confronted with the issue of early marriage. “I will look into the girl-child, whereby I will create a platform to give them awareness on how to stop unwanted early marriage; and also to help the poor
because poverty is one of the reasons why these girls are forced into early marriage.” Earlier in her welcome address, the CEO of Face of Independence Nigeria (FOIN), Miss Catherine Eriom said FOIN was a yearly pageant organized as part of Nigeria’s independence day celebration to give the Nigerian girlchild the platform to contribute meaningfully to society while re-engineering the country’s cultural potentials and strengthening of its unity in diversity. Alongside Adinmah, Precious Chukwu had emerged first runner-up while five other crowns were dished out to geopolitical queens.
Genevieve, Funke Akindele for WIBLES summit
G
LEEHD Foundation (Africa) and The Dream Centre have announced the holding of the 2nd annual Women In Business and Leadership, WIBLES, Summit for October 15-17 in Lagos. The event, which has as its theme: Building Greatness,would have participants coming from across the globe. Speakers expected include President Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson of Liberia, Baroness Lynda Chalker, Member of Parliament, wife of Nigeria’spresident, Aisha Buhari, former World Bank vice
president, Oby Ezekwesili, Ghebreab Dehab and wife of Nigeria’s vice president, Dolapo Osinbajo. Others are actresses Genevieve Nnaji, Funke Akindele, blogger Linda Ikeji, Funke Bucknor, Toolz and Eku Edowor. According to Mrs Opral Mason Benson, the summit president and Chair Advisory Board, GLEEHD Foundation, the conference is to help address the challenge of women as underutilised resources in community development in Africa.
Abel-J drops ‘Riddim Play’ ‘7days’
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fro-pop star, Abel Junior Odachukwu Udogwu a.k.a Abel-J signed to Maniac Entertainment and managed by Oryx Entertainment, is set with his new singles Riddim Play and 7days, featuring Daizee Banger and music producer/singer, K-Solo, the singles were released on weeks back. He is currently working on his EP titled “Farm Boy”, which will be out soon accompanied with a video for introduction. “Artiste development is our core interest and meeting this young and energetic producer turn artist we decided to give him a try and listen to his sound, matching him up with super dance hall producer K-solo on a dance beat, the official release singles tilted “7days” featuring K-solo became a reality, followed by the
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Friday, October 16, 2015
konto-Afrobeat tune By Daizee Banger which was self-tilled “Riddim Play” is his follow up single from his forth coming EP which is billed to be released by Oryx Entertainment Company”. “Riddim Play, featuring Daizee Banger, produced by ‘’Daizee Banger’’ is a feel good song which talks about two ladies at a party, one was getting along with the crowd while the other wasn’t, along the line she makes a move towards me requesting for a dance while I was already dancing with the other lady”, says Abel-J. “7days, featuring the King of Dance-hall Beat, Legendary K-SOLO, having that house fuse with the Afro hiphop tune, a sound from around Africa easy club banger and a party anthem any day any time”.
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omething new is brewing in the music industry. Dan Lu, a Malawian Afro pop artiste and one of the top notch artistes in Malawi is in Nigeria to do a collabo with Nigerian sensational Kcee. Dan Lu has recently risen as an international artiste with his popularity and acceptance in Mozambique and South Africa where he has become one of the most sought after artists. He has made head way to the Nigerian music industry with a proposed collaboration of his music label, Sisqo Productions with Kcee.
Sisqo Production is a company owned by a Nigerian Chris Tochukwu, a former super model who was the Face of Guinness and other top banks in South Africa. Sisqo Productions has shown considerable interest in music and film productions and signed Dan Lu two years ago alongside side other Nigerian artists based in South Africa. With the recent collaboration between Sisqo Production and Kcee’s music label, 5 Star Music, Dan Lu and Kcee will do a collabo that will come out very soon. Speaking with journalists at a press conference, Dan Lu and Chris Tochukwu were optimistic that the song will come out good owing to the fact that all Dan Lu’s collabos with other African artistes have come out as hit tracks. Dan Lu will be bringing rich lyrical content to partner with Kcee’s powerful beats. Chris Tochukwu on his part said he has resolved to replicate his achievements in South Africa in Nigeria and this time, has what it takes to sustain the tempo unlike his previous attempts in 2013 were he was frustrated out of Nigerian music industry due to methodological and ideological differences.
Ehiliz releases new gospel videos
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igerian gospel artiste, Ehiliz who is noted for her virtuosos performance is set to shoot all her remaining videos : God’s Love, Miraculous God, Legodu and Take your Place. According to her, “I am really happy to announce to all my fans and the public that the long awaited videos will be officially out in November. So I enjoin everyone of you to be patient till when it’s out and grab your copy” Mrs. Elizabeth Ehigiamusoe, popularly known as Ehiliz, is a talented and passionate leading gospel artiste committed to divine vision through her gospel music. She’s the convener of Vivid View with Ehiliz, ‘say and do it’, aimed at sensitizing the youth on a burning issue as well as adding positive values to millions of Nigerians through the programme showing every Sunday from 5:30pm to 6pm on TVC. Aside the unflinching joy she derives from music, she is also the Managing Director of Micro Investment Support Servic-
es Ltd (MISS) and happily married to Dr. Godwin Eseiwi Ehigiamusoe and they are blessed with five lovely children. Ehiliz is a graduate of Accounting , from the University of Benin with a Masters in Finance from same university alongside other intimidating credentials. Ehiliz is an interviewer’s delight for her versatility and spontaneity.
Ehiliz
Oporum on location for new work Regina Otokpa
N
ollywood actor, Vincent Oporum, has disclosed he is set to release his own movie soon. Speaking recently in Abuja, he said the script was ready and captures the unpredictable nature of man and its consequences on unsuspecting persons. “We are working on a powerful movie, the script is ready with Uzee Concept and any moment from now, before the close Akeju of the year probably, every one of us will
smile again and come together for it. “It is something do with Apacino ll of those years in African style and it is more or less about someone who is dangerous yet smiling and his partner who believes that he knows him so well but unfortunately something went wrong. “Just watch out for it, I won’t disappoint my fans. It is going to be of international standard, just beyond cinema standard,” he added. Oporum revealed that besides him, the cast includes Evie, Sanni Danja and a host of other great acts.
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Arty News
Friday, October 16, 2015
Senator, born Bethel Uzoma Njoku in this interview explains what it takes to entertain an audience, challenges and on how he rode to fame. When did you discover your talent as a comedian? Comedy for me was a usual phenomenon. I studied Theatre Arts in the university. I majored in directing and choreography. Then, I was so prone to either acting or directing comedy plays. Most times, I was never given serious or tragic roles because they usually end as comedy. Instead of crying and being sober, the audience goes home laughing and rejoicing over people’s tragic situations. So, comedy was a usual thing for me. But standup comedy just came in as a new trend. So as it grew into a profession, I saw myself switching into it. When did you decide to do comedy professionally? I started comedy professionally in 2004 as a radio comedy presenter on Ray power FM, Jos. But way back then in the University, I used to do mock acts on stage. I used to mime Baba Fryo’s song. Then we had just three steaming acts who thrilled the university environs: Baba Fryo, Organized confusion, and Smooth Criminals (now P’Square). These groups were a toast any day. I left Ray power in 2006 to do my own thing. I created my own show, ‘CHECK YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE’ which was a huge success then. I had Nigga Raw visiting Jos for the first time then. Shortly after then, I graced my first ever big stage at Julius Agwu’s Crack Ya Ribs in Abuja, 2006. Ever since then, I have graced various stages till date. What inspires your jokes? Environment, people’s actions, character, my power of exaggeration and divine inspiration from God.
Dad felt entertainment was for lazy people –Senator My style is unique
and possibly different because it is always
refreshing.
creativity is always functional Honestly, every experience is always memorable. There is always something new to learn. Tell us about some of the stages you have performed on? I have graced all meaningful stages, you just name it; Crack Ya Ribs, AY Live, Nigerian Kings of Comedy, African Kings of Comedy, Night of a thousand Laffs, Glo laughter fest, Laff Patter, Star trekk, Heinekein Skyfall tour, Montreux comedy Festival, Switzerland in 2011 (where I was the first African to grace the stage), including a lot of co-operate events. I have also worked with international brands like; Brandy, Joe, Keri Hilson, Loyiso Gola (South Africa), Ndumisho (South Africa) etc.
Do you have youngsters you are giving the leg-up? Well, I have younger colleagues who have benefitted from my conscious and unconscious tutelage. Even the senior ones too have benefitted from me. Senator
exmined. And with the help of God I have made great success and grown as a brand. What is your most memorable experience?
Genuine
Would you say the comedy industry has come of age in Nigeria? I would say that comedy is on the rise. There are still other forms of comedy yet to be explored. Nigerians are still occupied by the standup comedy genre. But in no time, this will make way for other genres. The challenge for the other genres are on the high with the saturating standup comedy market. But in conclusion, comedy in Nigeria has steamed a lot of influence and is still quite prospective.
How has it been since you started? The journey has been quite challenging, but I have been very consist e n t a n d deter-
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Give acabackt h e school
What is the long term plan for your comical style? As a trained Theatre Art practitioner, I am armed with all the skills of the trade. My major concentration shall be to provide content. Content is the future of entertainment. I will plore more of other genres of entertainment.
me an idea of your demic background? Well, my academic ground danced like waves at the primary level. This was so be-
cause my father worked with the Federal Civil Service and as such couldn’t stay too long in a particular location. So, I started my Primary school in Bauchi state, went on transfer to Yola, before I finally settled in Jos. In Jos, I attended Fatima Private School. And at the Secondary level, I spent a year at Methodist High School and eventually joined the popular Government College in Umuahia. From Government College Umahia, I came back to Jos for a Diploma course in Theater Arts in the very dynamic University of Jos. I eventually ran a full degree programme in Theater Arts. I graduated with a second class upper degree, Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts. Also, I received a University convocation award as the best graduating student in play writing 2004/2005 session. From there, I went to serve my nation at the NYSC level in Bauchi State. What style of comedy do you advance? My style of comedy is spontaneous, interpretative, intellectual and analytical. Dominantly, prone to corporate markets, though I am also versatile. How different is it from other brands being pushed by your notable and upcoming colleagues? My style is unique and possibly different because it is always refreshing. Genuine creativity is always functional. I don’t do art for art’s sake, I do it for functionality reasons. I guess that is why as much as my jokes have been plagiarized, but I still remain refreshed and functional. My skill of observation keeps me on the upgrade, corporate bodies find it quite comfortable working with me because of these abilities. What challenges did you face coming up? The challenges were much. At the first level, it was in my school when certain lecturers didn’t want me to break, even when I was a bright student who had guts. Then to the family level where my father felt Theatre Arts was a study for lazy people. My father felt I was escaping hard work by being an entertainer. But today, because of my success so far, he claims entertainment runs in our family blood. What do you expect to see in the industry? Development is what I hope to see in the industry. I am expecting to see more government participation and support to the industry. More private corporations should get more involved in the industry. Comedians too must open their minds towards the global advancement which is taking place.
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Friday, October 16, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
India: Great culture, tast Delhi
Imoleayo Fatunase WITH AGENCY REPORTS
T
he country operates on a single democratic government even with the potent mix of diversity, India is probably the most diverse country in the World with 22 official language and hundreds of other languages and dialects which are in mother’s tongue. According to Mark Twain; “India is the cradle of human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grandmother of tradition. Our most valuable and most astrictive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only”. India has various cultures, Languages, religion, arts and foods, the country is highly diverse with more than 1.2 billion people, the population has made the country the second most populous Nation following China. Some of the indigene has significant histories in the World, some of which the Significant advances in Architecture {Taj Mahal}, the invention of Zero in mathematics and Medicine {Ayurveda}, India is also the birth place of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, collectively known as Indian Religions. The cultural diverse Nation is the world’s seventh-largest country stretching from the high mountains of the Himalayas to the tropical greenery of Kerala, and from the sacred Ganges to the sands of the Thar Desert. Conform to its size and populations, the country has endless variety of cultures, landscapes, monuments, ancient’s ruins, fascinating religious structures, di-
Some of the destinations capture the diverse charm of India. verse landscapes, exotic cities, places, tourist attractions that cease to awe and fascinate visitors. It has more than one billion inhabitants which are divided into two thousand ethnic groups. The people of India takes their culture very important starting from their languages, dances, music, architecture, food and customs though it differ from place to place within the country, Many elements of India’s diverse cultures like the Indian religion, yoga, Indian cuisine had a profound impact across the World. Majorly in India, Families plays a significant major role in maintaining the culture, the country has a prevailing tradition of joint Hindu family system. The system of arranged marriages has been the tradition in the society not minding if the men and women have other choice of who they want to marry. Compared to some other cities divorce rate is extremely low like about 50%. Namaste, Namaskar/Namaskara/ Namaskaram, Vanakkam Namoshkaar is a common spoken greeting in Indian sub continent which means “ I BOW TO YOU”. Other languages include gujarati, marathi, tamil, telgu, urdu, sanskrit, Punjabi to mention of few. The two main official language of the country is ‘Hindi and English’. India’s culture is among the worlds oldest; civilization in India began about 4,500 years ago which is described as “Sa Prathama Sanskrati Vishvavara”; The first and the supreme culture in the world, according to the All World
Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) organization. The people of India dances to different diverse folks and classical forms, some of the popular folk dances includes; The Bhangra of Punjab, Bihu of Assam, The chhau of Jharkhand, Odisi of Orissa, Ghoomar of Rajasthan, Dandiya and Garba of Gujarat and Lavani of Maharashtra. Some of the popular cuisines include; Alu Gobi, Alu Matar, Barfi, Beef Vindaloo, Butter Chicken, Carrot Halwa, Chaat Papri, Cham-Cham, Chana Dal, Chana Masala, Chapati, Chicken Biriyan, Chicken Tikka, Chilli Chicken, and Coriander Chutney which is made from coriander (cilantro) leaves, mint leaves, small onion, cloves garlic, fresh ginger, hot green chili peppers, fresh lemon juice, water, cumin seeds, fresh grated coconut and salt to taste. Some of the tourist attractions include;
Delhi Delhi, Capital of India has many attractions like some old mosques, forts and other monuments that represent India’s history. The important places in Old Delhi include the majestic Red Fort. New Delhi on the other hand houses many government buildings and embassies, apart from places of historical interest, New Delhi is situated within the metropolis of Delhi and is one of the eleven districts of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The Qutub Minar, Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb have been declared World Heritage Sites. It represents the seat of the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches of the
Government of India and also the centre of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. New Delhi commonly used as a metonym for the central government of India. Taj Mahal Taj Mahal was built between the year 1632 and 1653 by Shah Jahan emperor during the Mughal empire’s period of greatest prosperity to represent the memory of his favorite wife. Tal Mahal is popularly called “a teardrop on the cheek of eternity”. The site remains one of the greatest tourist attractions in India. It’s an immense mausoleum of white marble masterpiece, mughal architecture and beautifully personified. Taj Mahal includes several other beautiful buildings, reflecting pools, and extensive ornamental gardens with flowering trees and bushes, apart from the immense white domed marble mausoleum. For Taj Mahal; Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder; the axiom is just the other way round and displays its different moods through its different shades. Taj Mahal is always pinkish in the morning, milky white during the evening, golden when the moon shines. The variant of the colors it appears differs during different hours of the day and different seasons in the year; the site is located on the southern bank of the Yamuna River in the Indian city of Agra.
Varanasi Varanasi is the most spiritual capital entity of India, The holy city mystical reveals rituals along the Riverside Ghats, which is used for bathing and burning of dead bodies. The city is popularly known as an important industrial centre, famous for making of muslin, silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculptures.Varanasi is situated on the banks of the River Ganges, it is usually sacred to Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Pilgrims always performs their devotions by sunrise at the River Ganges set against the backdrop of the centuries old temples usually creates scenes which are impressive in sight, the city draws pilgrims who bathe in the River Ganges’ sacred waters and perform funeral rites.Varanasi is the cultural centre of North India and closely related with the Ganges. The people take the place as the centre for pilgrimage following the Hindu’s believe that only the death of city can bring salvation, Along its winding streets are some 2,000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, the “Golden Temple,” dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
Kerala Backwaters Kerala backwaters are chain of lagoons and lakes, lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast in the Kerala state in southern India. The backwater is a home to many unique species of aquatic life like crabs, waterbirds, frogs, mudskippers and animals like turtles and otters, Visitors are exposed to enjoyment galore in the houseboat that is along the
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Escape
Friday, October 16, 2015
ty cuisine
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Varanasi Fort Kochi
Taj Mahal
palm-fringed Kerala backwaters which is tranquil and relaxing. The journey is an unforgettable for visitors as they enjoy the freshly Indian cuisines and chilled beers on the boat. Also the lush green landscape, diverse wildlife, houses and villages that line the backwaters creates more attraction and beauty to the Kerala backwaters.
Goa The beach is India’s top beach destination which stretches at Baga and Palolem to laid-back fishing villages such as Agonda., it lures visitors with the promise of parties and lazy days, there’s more to Goa than just hedonism. The city has its long history as a Portuguese colony prior to 1961 and also an evident in its preserved 16th-century churches and the area’s tropical spice plantations, it also offers an eclectic blend of history, nature, culture, and adventure activities. The beach is popular for its pristine beaches, most of the tourism activities occur mainly because of its beautiful beaches in Coastal Areas. The two major seasons in the beach is the winter and summer season, the destination has splendid climate which give foreigners, a laid back and relaxed life. Over three million foreigners visited Goa in 2008; the comfort in Goa is more of home away from home comfort.
Darjeeling Darjeeling is a town in India West
Varkala Beach
Bengal state, It owes’ its grandeur to its natural beauty. When exposed to its clean fresh mountain air, the smiling resilientsee it as their home. It is popularly known for its natural splendor, chilly air with darkness and damp,. To the east is a dull orange sun emerged painting the sky with brilliant strokes of magenta, gold, orange and fuchsia and the snow capped Everest, Kabru, Kanchenjunga, Jannu and other peaks slowly emerge from slumber to start a new day, the town best gift to its’ visitors is the dawn of a new day. The mountains awaken first with a tentative peeking of the sun.A steep ride, five kilometers from Ghoom, or an invigorating walk up a steep incline, leads sun worshippers to Tiger Hill. The sun worshippers gasp at the magnificent sight, in the Himalayan foothills. Once a summer resort for the British Raj elite, it remains the terminus of the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train,” completed in 1881. It’s famed for the distinctive black tea grown on plantations that dot its surrounding slopes. Its backdrop is Mt. Kanchenjunga, among the world’s highest peaks. In June 2008 a strike paralyzed the area,in which hotels, restaurants and shops are closed, the strike also accompany protests which turned violent a couple of times. Though inconvenient but tourists generally are not at risk, but there is always adequate check of the status before emerging on visit to the town.
Munnar Munnar is a site to visit for tea lovers; the environment is renowned for sprawling tea plantations. Visitoprs are allowed to see tea being picked, processed and tasted fresh in the garden. There’s even a tea museum. The area is blessed with the natural beauty of winding lanes, misty hills, and forests full of exotic plants and wildlife. Adventure enthusiasts can trek to Anamudi, the highest peak in south India, explore Eravikulam National Park, or go rock climbing and para gliding
Fort Kochi Fort kochi is popularly Known as the “Gateway to Kerala”. It is an enchanting city with an eclectic influence, some countries like the Arabs, British, Dutch, Chinese, and Portuguese all have left their mark there. The major attraction to the area is the architecture and historical sites.
Wayanads Wayanad is a bright green spot around mountainous region that stretches along the Western Gha with highlight of great deal of scenic appeal coconut palms, thick forests, paddy fields, and lofty peaks form the landscape. It is terrain in nature; the area also has much to offer adventure enthusiasts. Some of the popular activitiess at the Wayanad includes; trekking to
Chembra Peak and Meenmutty Falls, exploring old Jain temples, climbing to Edakkal Caves, and wildlife spotting at Muthanga and Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuaries. The Wayanad Tour packages includes; Hotels and Resorts Booking, Honeymoon packages, Holiday packages and Wayanad wild life.
Periyar National Park Kerala’s Periyar National Park is one of the most popular national parks in southern India. Visitors are allowed to take part in the excellent variety of ecotourism activities in the park like the 30 minutes elephant rides through the jungle. The park opens all round the year including the monsoon season. Periyar is also known for its elephants, Safaris are carried out by boat swith the lake being particularly captivating at sunset.
Varkala Varkala is set up in the sense that visitors breath are taken away when they see the beautiful beach, it’s long winding stretch of cliff and views which extend over the Arabian Sea. It is one of Indian’s best beach with some of the great characteristics that made it unique; it has a long stretch of sparkling beach nestled at the bottom of the beach reached by steps leading down from the cliff top and paved footpath that runs along the length of the cliff, bordered by coconut palms, quaint shops, beach shacks, hotels, and guest houses.
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FRSC restates commitment to Transportation Growth Initiative’s implementation
Armoured Nissan Patrol Y62 Series
STORIES BY ADEJUWON OSUNNUYI
T
he Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Boboye Oyeyemi has restated the commitment of the FRSC to the Transportation Growth Initiative (TGI) in view of its positive potential for the growth and development of the nation’s transport system. Oyeyemi made the promise while declaring open the meeting of the stakeholders of the Transportation Growth Initiative which was held at the agency’s head office in Abuja. A statement by Bisi Kazeem, the Commission’s Head, Media Relations and Strategy, quoted Oyeyemi as saying that agency will continue to play strategic roles for the realization of the goals of the TGI as it shares its vision. “That is why FRSC has continued to play supportive role right from its conception till date,” he stated He commended the former Corps Marshal, Osita Chidoka, for his pioneering role in
setting up the organization, pointing out that the idea of TGI was conceived in 2011 to chart a new course for the development of the nation’s transport system. The idea was to replicate same in Nigeria to provide advisory role with contents generated from research on transport engineering, operations, management, finance
Driverless bus
science and technology as well as legislation. “It is a vision which we must all work hard for its realization in the best interest of growth and development of transportation in Nigeria,” he stated. Oyeyemi further stressed that towards the realization of the goals of the Initiative, FRSC has continued to render various support includ-
ing the opening of a temporal secretariat within the FRSC National Headquarters building as well as provision of some basic furnishings like computer set, printer and file cabinet and deployment of a personnel that would ensure the day to day running of the secretariat. He called on other stakeholders to reciprocate the gestures and recom-
mit themselves to the success of the ideals of the Initiative. In his remarks, Chidoka who is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees thanked his successor for hosting the meeting. The formers FRSC boss assured that the stakeholders would not relent in their efforts for the attainment of the goals of the initiative.
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Friday, October 16, 2015
Tsaboin Traffic Talk assures on traffic Singapore launches driverless logjams phase out
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s Lagos motorists continue to battle with incessant traffic logjams in recent time, Tsaboin Traffic Talk, foremost traffic report app and Nigeria’s biggest traffic monitoring site has restated its commitment towards easing the challenge. Speaking during a press conference held recently in Lagos, Dele Odufuye, CEO of Tsaboin Traffic Talk, stated that the traffic monitoring firm is in the forefront of providing traffic solution through free live feeds from cameras installed in strategic locations around the State. Odufuye stated that 17 cameras are currently operational across locations around Lagos state while plans are ongoing to increase the number of cameras in Lagos and dexpand to other states of the federation. While adding that Tsaboin camera views had crossed 1.2 million views with 65 percent of the views originating from mobile devices, he further said that the Tsaboin app is data friendly especially for mobile smartphone users. In his words: “Tsaboin is optimized for both SMS, desktop and mobile phone users. For
Oyeyemi, Corps Marshal
users who prefer viewing our cameras on their phones, they don’t have to worry about data usage because our video feeds are optimized for data use and are less than 120kb and can be encoded to fit smartphones”. According to Odufuye, Tsaboin currently has 1,100 bus stops geo-tagged on the platform that users can subscribe to. He also added that the platform presently boasts over 20,000 subscribers with over 12,000 apps download from Google Playstore, iPad/ iPhone, BlackBerry world and Windows store. Odufuye further stated the firm is currently in partnership with two leading telecommunication firms, MTN
Nigeria and Etisalat to further enhance its services to its users. “We are pleased to announce the support of two telecoms giants, MTN and Etisalat who are partnering with us. We have a special arrangement with MTN to provide special data package for MTN subscribers who use the service while Etisalat has successfully created a USSD code for Tsaboin users. This is good news for Tsaboin Traffic Talk users on the two networks because it will enhance the quality of our services for them,” Odufuye stated. Odufuye also listed some new features that would be added to the platform to include the Tsaboin Places which would allow owners of businesses place adverts using the nearest bus stops or other places of interest, direction routes feature which will provide users with estimated time of arrival and navigation routes information for in-dash devices, among others. In recent time, the traffic logjam seem to have become a daily occurrence in the state as more motorists are calling for government urgent attention.
buses
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hile Google and a number of motor manufacturers and suppliers have said the technology to build self-driving cars should be ready by 2020, the Singapore government has become the first to unveil its driverless busses.
The Singapore government said in June that it was seeking ideas on how autonomous vehicle technology could be harnessed for more land transport options. With this, passengers commute in driverless buses along roads and freeways populated by platoons of autonomous trucks following a single driver. The city state’s plans to streamline its transport future have begun with two self-driving vehicles going through their paces in a Singapore estate that is home to research facilities and educational institutes. The vehicles are the vanguard of two projects - one run
by the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) with the National University of Singapore and one by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research. Some US states and countries including Germany also allow testing of driverless vehicles on public roads. Singapore, with its limited land and workforce, is hoping that autonomous vehicles will encourage its residents to use more shared vehicles and public transport, and avoid further congestion on its roads. “Trying to look for bus drivers, truck drivers - big challenge for us,” said Pang Kin Keong, permanent secretary in the ministry of transport. “We don’t have a huge population and these are not some of the professions which Singaporeans aspire to,” Pang said after taking a ride in SMART-NUS’s driverless car.
Nissan equips patrol Y62 with B6+armoring Stallion MMN discounts Altima, Sentra
Stories by Adejuwon Osunnuyi
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tallion NMN, the authorised Nissan sales company and owners of the Nissan vehicle assembly facility in Nigeria, has unveiled the first ever locally armoured premium sport utility vehicle equipped to certify level B6+ CEN armouring. The redesigned 5.6litre V8 Nissan Patrol SUV is armoured in collaboration with foreign experts to certify B6 armouring to protect cabin occupants from ballistic threats up to the 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition as well as explosives up to 2x DM51 hand grenades. Stallion NMN Limited Managing Director, Parvir Singh, who gave this hint in Lagos, said, “The Nissan armoured Patrol Y62 series is an emerging global leader in discreet armoured vehicles and ideal base unit for diplomatic, hu-
manitarian aid and international organisations operating in harsh terrain and dangerous region throughout the world.” Singh stated that this adaptation of the Patrol brings to four the numbers of Nissan models that were assembled locally at the multipurpose VON Automobile plant including Nissan Patrol, NP300 Pick-up and Almera sedan. He said Nissan’s performance since 2013, when it was re-inaugurated with the Stallion dealership has been remarkably appealing with key milestones achieved. “We have so far launched seven Nissan models including Almera, Sentra, Altima, Urvan, Pathfinder, X-Trail and Quashqai crossover vehicles,” Stallion NMN helmsman recalled. In his presentation, Stallion NMN Limited head of sales and marketing Amit Sharma described the redesigned Nissan Pa-
trol Y62 series as unprecedented amongst discreet armoured vehicles with inconspicuous exterior appearance that looks like normal vehicle with completely OEM interior upholstery and storage area built to accommodate full seating capacity. Sharma said: “The Nissan Patrol Y62 platform is longer, wider with more passenger room than the Toyota Land Cruiser 200 series, flaunting more horsepower, luxury and rides like an OEM vehicle.” Other distinctively attractive features of the armoured Patrol include, all round heavy duty upgraded compensated braking system, anti-explosion exhaust insert; back door configuration manual/electronic egress system; battery armour protection, door restrains, reinforced hinges and run-flat tyre systems.
Sedans in special sales offer
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n its bid to make customers enjoy the most affordable opportunity on Nissan sedans, the Nissan Sales company in Nigeria, Stallion NMN Limited has markdown prices of Nissan Altima and Sentra sedans in a special season sales Making this pronouncement in Lagos, Stallion NMN Managing Director Parvir Singh, who unveiled the offer titled: ‘Enjoy the most affordable opportunity on Nissan sedans’ said, “Starting from as low as N5.99m for Nissan Altima and N3.99m for the Sentra sedans, prospective customers can now walk into any Stallion NMN accredited dealerships to purchase one of Japan most precision engineered cars.” He said: “The evolving needs and preferences of prospective vehicle buyers prompted this mark-
down, which aims to lessen the burden of owning a serviceable car such as Altima and Sentra.” Mr Singh: “We will as part of our philosophy continue to provide the best products and services to our customers to enable them to enjoy value-added experience.” Nissan Altima is a favourite choice among family sedans, delivering excellent fuel economy and a rare blend of comfort and exceptional capacity that compares to most premium sedans, Edmunds.com, a foremost American online journal for automotive information was recently quoted. Mr. Singh said: Altima is distinctively tailored for “Stylish and confident individuals as well as responsible adults seeking personal and professional fulfilment on their terms.
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Cocktail
Friday, October 16, 2015
Mac and cheese incident spawns fundraisers
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Conn students are trying to use an embarrassing video about macaroni and cheese to raise a little cheddar. The video of a fellow student berating food service workers who refused to sell him jalapeno-bacon mac and cheese prompted a group of students to start an online fundraiser to give the beleaguered employees a well-deserved night out. “A top-20 research univer-
sity shouldn’t have to be redeeming its name after one bad egg goes and ruins our reputation,” freshman Sadie Rumsey said yesterday.. Rumsey and her friends set up a page on GoFundMe. com (https://www.gofundme.com/vs5yvngw) to show their support for the workers abused in the video captured inside the university’s student union last week. As of Sunday, the page had collected more than $1,300.
Woman stops intruder with combat skills, sword
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n Indiana woman says her training in medieval combat helped her corner a home intruder. The Indianapolis Star reported that 43-year-old Karen Dolley of Indianapolis threw punches until she had the man cornered during the last weekend’s night break-in. She then kept him subdued with a Japanese sword she keeps near her bed. Dolley says she learned to fight as a teenager in the
Society for Creative Anachronism, a group that recreates skills of the Middle Ages. She also skates with roller derby team Naptown Roller Girls. Police responding to Dolley’s 911 call arrested 30-year-old Jacob Wessel of Greenwood, charging him with residential entry, saying he forced open the home’s back door. But reports said he was taken to a hospital because he was high on an unknown substance.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Oddities Oddities
I didn’t spray Putin with wine –Hamilton F ormula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has dismissed as wide of the mark reports that he sprayed Russian President Vladimir Putin with the winner’s champagne after Sunday’s grand prix in Sochi. “I actually didn’t. I didn’t actually spray him. I think there’s a weird picture but I didn’t spray him. I definitely don’t want anything to happen,” the Mercedes driver said yesterday, beaming a smile. Hamilton, who flew back home to Britain to join the team’s celebrations after they won their second successive constructors’ championship in Russia, has got into trouble previously for his champagne-spraying antics on the podium. He was criticized and accused of sexist bullying in April for aiming a spray of champagne di-
rectly in the face of a Chinese Grand Prix hostess in Shanghai. That incident, highlighted in photographs that showed the woman flinching, triggered condemnation in Britain and Germany as well as on Chinese social media but the hostess herself played
it down. Putin presented Hamilton with the winner’s trophy on Sunday, with the Briton starting the traditional champagne spraying ritual before the president had left the podium. Photographs appeared to show dark flecks of champagne foam on the
back of Putin’s jacket as he departed. Some media reports subsequently suggested Hamilton, who is now on the brink of a third drivers’ title, had ‘soaked’ the Russian leader, leading to jokes on social media about what punishment the driver might suffer.
Lewis Hamilton spraying wine after his victory. Russian President Vladimir Putin is at the background
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Friday, October 16, 2015
Business Maritime
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N100bn CISS Levy: Counting losses of fiscal regime to economy The continued imposition of the one per cent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme, CISS, on imported cargo nearly two years after the end of the Destination Inspection Contract which it is meant to fund remains one of the puzzles stakeholders in the maritime industry are yet to resolve. In view of the Scheme’s effects on cost of doing business at the ports, analysts are worried over the seeming silence of the government on the issue. FRANCIS EZEM reports.
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t is no longer news that Nigeria’s port system is replete with fees, levies and sundry charges imposed on imported goods that are not tied to any service in the supply chain. What might be news is that most of such charges, which stakeholders have described as arbitrary are actually imposed by the government or its agencies as the case may be. The Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme CISS, which is one per cent Free On Board FOB, value of imported items was initially introduced sometime in 1977 with the PreShipment Inspection Scheme PSI, when the government hired the service of Pre-Shipment Inspection Agents PIAs, which inspected the nation’s imports at the port of origin. The government retained the levy in 2006 when it reverted to Destination Inspection DI scheme in 2006, which led to the signing of a seven-year Build, Own, Operate and Transfer BOOT contracts with three service providers comprising Cotecna, Global Scan and SGS. With the takeover of the DI by the Nigeria Customs Service since December 2013, many stakeholders had thought that the government would eliminate the CISS from the list of charges, given that it is part of the traditional responsibility Customs to inspect imports, for which its gets seven per cent of the total duty collection as its statutory source of funding. But regrettably, the levy is still being collected on imported cargo. The five per cent Sugar Levy is also one of such arbitrary charges imposed by the government on imported goods. The levy was introduced several
years ago to fund the development of the sugar industry in the country as part of measures to reduce the importation of sugar in the country with the attendant loss of scarce foreign exchange. Till date, not only has the government failed to develop the sugar industry, a larger chunk of sugar consumed in the country is imported, an indication that the levy was not channeled towards achieving the goal for which it Mobile scanner acquired under destination investigation scheme was introduced. The story of the National Au- that the government should at pose of its introduction has been tomotive Council NAC Levy is this point in time break its long overtaken by events. Government ordinarily should not wait to be also not different from the two silence over the matter. President of National Coun- asked to suspend the collection of earlier mentioned and several NAC, Sugar or the port Developcil of Managing Directors of others The government introduced Licensed Customs Agents, Mr. ment levies”, he argued. According to him, the cumuthe NAC levy more than 20 years Lucky Amiwero, who spoke in ago to enable it generate funds an interview, observed that with lative effects of these arbitrary for the development of the local the end of the DI contract with charges is that they add up to the automotive industry. More than the service providers, govern- high cost of doing business at 20 years after, it remains doubtful ment should also have decided the nation’s seaports with the attendant diversion of the nation’s if the government has utilised what to do with the fund. According to him, in sane so- cargo traffic, whose seaports are the proceeds of the fund for the the purpose for which it was in- cieties, before the termination believed to be cheaper to operate of the contract, government in. troduced. The list is endless He therefore called on the FedIt was in view of this that would have served notices to stakeholders expressed concern the relevant stakeholders, espe- eral Ministry of Finance to comover the seeming silence of the cially importers and freight for- mence moves designed to withgovernment on the fate of the warders informing them of the draw the CISS levy and others fund, which increases with an in- decision of the government to from the list o charges at the ports in order to reduce cost. crease in the volume and value of discontinue the collection. President of the National Asso“What government ought to goods imported into the country. Only recently, immediate past have done was to cancel the levy ciation of Government Approved Comptroller General of the Ni- or any other fee which the pur- Freight Forwarders NAGAFF, Chief Eugene Nweke, who critigeria Customs Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko commenced clandestine moves towards conovernment should as a matter vincing the government to transfer the fund to it as part of its of urgency commence a review and statutory funding. harmonisation of the and other The former CG had argued levies with a view to scrapping that since the fund was meant for the payment of the service especially given the expected providers, whose contracts have appointment of a new inister of ended and functions transferred to the service, the service should inance who should be directly in also inherit the fund. charge of some of these illegal This move also drew the ire of levies most stakeholders, who believe
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CISS
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cised the government for retaining charges on imported cargo that do not have cost service functions. He listed NAC Levy, Port Development Levy, Sugar Levy and the current CISS Levy, which constitutes one per cent FOB value of all imports into the country, should be abolished to reduce cost of doing business at the ports. “What the government fails to realise is that the importer passes the additional cost to the final consumers of the cargo, which also has negative effect on the economy, as this fuels inflationary trends”, the NAGAFF boss also said. He also said: “Government should as a matter of urgency commence a review and harmonisation of the CISS and other levies with a view to scrapping, especially given the expected appointment of a new Minister of Finance who should be directly in charge of some of these illegal levies”. It is therefore expedient, given the negative effects of continued collection of these levies, not only on the final consumers of these imported goods but also on the economy for the government to commence a process of withdrawing these levies that are not tied to any service.
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Business Maritime
Friday, October 16, 2015
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NIMASA, Global West contract covers only vessel supply –DG STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM
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he Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, has said that the agency signed a 10-year contract for the supply, maintenance and bunkering of vessels under a Public Private Partnership PPP arrangement with Global West Vessel Specialists Limited GWVSL.
Acting Director General of the agency, Mr. Haruna Jauro, who spoke against the background of recent reports that the agency signed a security contract with the company, clarified that the contract, which has entered its third year was strictly for supply, bunkering and maintenance of platforms used by the agency for its operations, which would revert to the agency after 10 years. He explained that the deal was
in line with the core mandate of the agency in ensuring security on the nation’s waterways in addition to enforcing the nation’s port state and flag state control regulations. Jauro had recently paid a working visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, last month, as part of arrangement for the renewal of an existing MoU between NIMASA and the Navy on the provision of secu-
rity on the nation’s waterways. A statement signed by the Deputy Director in charge of Public Relations, Hajia Lami Tumaka, clarified that what the DG said and which should be put on record is that the Global West Vessel Specialists Limited GWVSL has an existing Public Private Partnership PPP, arrangement with NIMASA. She stated that the vendor’s mandate involves procuring, bunkering and operating platforms on behalf of NIMASA on a Supply, Operate and Transfer SOT basis for a 10- year period as approved by the Federal Government in 2012 and it is presently in its third year. While denying defending any security contract since the agency does not have any such contract, Jauro explained that the vessels, which ownership will revert to NIMASA after the contract period, were being manned by officials of
NIMASA and personnel of the Nigerian Navy for the enforcement of the agency’s mandate. “This is not the same thing with a maritime security contract as has been alleged. It is therefore mischievous for anyone to allude that I defended a maritime security contract being executed by Tompolo on behalf of the agency”, he said. He insisted that the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Ibas also re-echoed this position at the same event when he said “we (Nigerian Navy) provide security, we arm those ships. The Nigerian Navy is fully manning those boats and we still do”. Admiral Ibas had during the meeting commended the agency for its anti-piracy efforts, which have reduced pirate and sea robbery attacks on the nation’s territorial waters.
Haulage industry conference, exhibition holds in Lagos
H One of the platforms acquired under the contract
IMO welcomes UN resolution on migrant smuggling
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MO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu has welcome the adoption by the United Nations Security Council of a UN Security Council resolution which authorizes UN Member States to intercept vessels suspected of migrant smuggling off the Libyan coast. UN Security Council Resolution 2240 (2015), adopted on October 9, authorises UN Member States, for a period of one year, and in accordance with international law, to inspect on the high seas off the coast of Libya any vessels that they have reasonable grounds to believe had been, were being, or imminently would be used by organized criminal enterprises for migrant smuggling or human trafficking from Libya, including inflatable boats, rafts and dinghies. “I welcome the United Nations Security Council’s clear affirmation of the necessity to put an end to the recent proliferation of, and endangerment of lives by, the smuggling of migrants and trafficking of persons in the Mediterranean Sea and the strong measures advocated to address these criminal activities,” Sekimizu
said. “There is a clear recognition among IMO Member States that using the SAR system to respond to mass mixed migration was neither foreseen nor intended, and that although Governments and the merchant shipping industry will continue rescue operations, safe, legal, alternative pathways to migration must be developed, including safe, organized migration by sea, if necessary”.
The need for a sustainable solution to the problem of migrants being placed in distress in hope of rescue, to include a response which does not focus solely on the existing search and rescue system, was the topic of a letter from the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) to IMO, which IMO Secretary-General Sekimizu forwarded to the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
aulage & Logistics Magazine has scheduled its annual conference and exhibition tagged HAULMACE next month for Lagos. The theme of this year’s conference is “Stakeholders Collaboration in Resolving the Crisis in the Nigerian Haulage . A statement by the coordinator of the event, Mrs. Uduak Henry, indicated that the yearly event was borne out of the need to provide a platform for advocacy and resolution of pressing issues affecting the nation’s haulage and logistics industry. The event, which also features an exhibition of haulage related products and services is expected to address the cur-
Port of Antwerp operations’ volume up 5.5%
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elgium’s port of Antwerp handled 156,515,552 tonnes of freight in the first nine months of this year, up 5.5 per cent on the same period last year, which puts the port firmly in position to end 2015 with a record breaking total volume of 200 million tonnes. The container volume rose during the first nine months by eight per cent, reaching 7,265,577 TEUs. In terms of tonnage, the volume came to 85,478,483 tonnes, up 5.4 per
cent The RORO volume for its part was up by 2.5 per cent to 3,463,315 tonnes, although the number of cars handled was down by 9.7 per cent to 825,312 vehicles. The conventional breakbulk volume in the meantime was down by 1.8 per cent, with 7,301,018 tonnes handled by the end of the first nine months. The volume of iron and steel was up slightly by 2.4 per cent to 4,983,794 tonnes. The decline in the breakbulk segment is due to the increasing contai-
nerisation of fruit and the consequent fall in conventional handling. The liquid bulk volume rose during the past nine months by 7.9% to 49,791,570 tonnes. By the end of the first nine months of 2015, the dry bulk volume had risen by 2.4% to 10,481,166 tonnes. A total of 10,786 seagoing ships called at the port of Antwerp during the past nine months, 2.5% more than in the same period last year.
rent crisis in the industry. This crisis has resulted in high rate of business failure among haulage operators in the country. This year’s conference is aimed at identifying possible ways of resolving the problems bedeviling haulage operations Nigeria by studying models that are working with a view to drawing applicable lessons. According to her, several stakeholders and operators in the Haulage Industry, including haulage operators, their principals, financial institutions, truck dealers, trailer builders, spare part dealers, among others have confirmed participation at the conference It was gathered that notable stakeholders such as Chisco Transport Company, Leventis Motors, Scoa Motors, Iron Products Industries Limited, Joza Global Logistics, TSL Logistics Limited, AOP Logistics, Stanbic /IBTC Bank and First City Monument Bank Plc, among others have all indicated their interest to attend. The coordinator also disclosed that speakers at the conference will deliberate on topics which include: Outsourcing Haulage Services In An Unstable Environment: Developing A Win/ Win Framework For Success; Overcoming Challenges In Petroleum Product Marketing, etc.
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Business News
Friday, October 16, 2015
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Nigeria, Turkey target $560bn merchandise trade Olufemi Adeosun, Abuja
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igeria and Turkey have resolved to address the trade imbalance between the two countries, even as they target $560billion trade volume.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory, Engr. John Obinna Chukwu stated this in Abuja at a reception held for the Turkish trade delegation by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Engr. Chukwu, who noted that trade relations between Nigeria and Turkey had in tbe past been consistently in favour of Turkey, however said that efforts were being made to address this trade imbalance by encouraging the adoption of Comparative Advantage and Technical Know How principles in the showcasing
of economic strength and identification of areas of collaboration and partnership for improved trade relations for both countries. According to him, most of Nigeria imports from Turkey are typically households products such as clothing, food items, engine and automobile parts while Turkey imports from Nigeria are mainly raw materials such as sesame seeds raw and semi processed leather and rubber. He stressed the need for Turkey to assist Nigeria in the area of technological transfer with a view to enhancing Nigeria’s ability to enjoy the benefits of value chain addition in product processing by utilizing the great natural resources potentials that abound in Nigeria. In spite of the already exist-
Total Nigeria donates medical equipment to Bwari Hospital
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otal Group in Nigeria has donated a hi-tech HIV/ AIDS screening equipment and reagents to the Bwari General Hospital in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. The company, which made the donation during the launch of the expanded community HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, FCT, also offered free HIV testing to over 1000 residents of the area. Presenting the equipment on behalf of Total Nigeria Plc and Total Upstream Companies in Nigeria, the General Manager, CSR/SD, Dr. Charles Ngeribara, said the organization was committed to positively impacting on the lives of Nigerians through health education and institutional capacity support on HIV/AIDS management. He said the project involved the training of peer educators who would create further awareness to the public, as well as the use of their service stations as centres for free HIV counseling and testing for willing members of the public. He said: “The modalities adopted in the implementation of this initiative are in full compliance with the United Nations recommended standards which involve stakeholder engagement with the communities, addressing specific issues of concern and capacity building for peer educators.” While appealing to the hospital management to put the equipment to judicious use, Ngeribara
pledged the readiness of Total to train the handlers for maximum impact and sustainability. Responding, the Chairman, Bwari area Council, Peter Yohona Ushara, described the fight against HIV/AIDS as a battle which must be jointly fought by all and sundry. In his goodwill message, Project Manager, FCT Agency for the Control of Aids (FACA), Dr Uche Okoro, thank the Total Group for involving the FCT Administration in the selection process where these medical equipment will be located and put to use to the general public. He said: “Total as a profit-oriented corporate entity, that you invest in the well-being of your staff and the local communities where you operate is highly commendable. “I equally want to appreciate the Total companies for providing employment opportunities for the Nigerian Youth through skill acquisitions in Kaduna and Delta states, hoping that such gesture will be extended to the youth in FCT especially the unemployed PLHIV”, Ukoro added. In his comments, the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr Linus Awute, noted that no country can succeed economically without a healthy workforce and so adequate attention to maintaining the health status of its citizens should be the priority of every Government.
ing enabling environment for business, Engr Chukwu said the FCT has great potentials for economic engagement in the area of industrial development, tourism development, housing, education etc. Also speaking, the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria,
Hakan Cakil stated that the volume of trade between the two countries was $2,5billion in 2014. Earlier, the Abuja Chamber president, Mr Tony Ejinkeonye disclosed that the chamber had been partnering with the Turkish em-
bassy in the area of business collaborations. He therefore appealed to participants to use the opportunities provided by this trade visit to promote business cooperation between the two countries.
L-R: Banjo Adegbohunge, Group Head, Corporate Operations, Access Bank Plc; Titi Osuntoki, Executive Director, Business Banking; Barr. Olakanmi Gbadamosi, Director, Trade & Exchange Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); Ojini Olaghere, Executive Director, Operations & IT, Access Bank, and Roosevelt Ogbonna, Executive Director, Commercial Banking, Access Bank, at a Customer Trade Forum organised by Access Bank in Lagos….. recently
Congestion: Customs to compel terminal operators on cargo transfer FRANCIS EZEM
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he Nigeria Customs Service has said that it would compel terminal operators to stem containers to private bonded terminal to forestall congestion at the nation’s seaports, especially as the Yuletide season, which is characterised by increased imports and attendant port congestion approaches.
Comptroller General of the service, Col. Hameed Ali, who read the riot act, warned that the era of terminal operators stockpiling four containers high while most bonded terminals remain empty, thus leading to congestion was over, disclosed that the service will compel terminal operators to transfer containers to these terminal operators. According to him, section 36 of the Customs and Excise Management Act CEMA, empowers the service to mandate any port concessionaire operating in any of the Customs Ports across the country to transfer containers to terminal opera-
tors to forestall congestion. The CG who was reacting to complaints by some importers and their agents that most terminal operators prefer to stockpile high heaps of containers at their terminals even when they lack the capacity to handle and deliver them efficiently, which lead to high storage charges and congestion. He also disclosed that the service has in a recent memo released new guidelines for the transfer of consignments both regular and over time cargoes to bonded terminals and other government warehouses. “We cannot sit here and allow anyone to stifle our efforts at achieving efficient cargo delivery and so we will not hesitate to invoke the relevant sections of the enabling legislation the CEMA to get things done in a proper and transparent manner, the Customs boss insisted. It was gathered that the service has issued fresh guidelines on the transfer of cargo
to out dock facilities. Under the new regime, which covers both regular and over time consignment, importers and their agents are allowed to transfer their consignments to port terminals and bonded warehouses of their choice, provided such importer of his agent has complied with the rules and regulations guiding such transfer of cargo. He disclosed that one of such guidelines is that the importer seeking to transfer his consignment would make an application to that effect to the Customs Area Controller of the command where the consignment is currently stemmed providing the details and reasons for the transfer. The Controller in charge of the Federal Operations Unit FOU Zone A, Lagos in the case of consignments within the zone would make arrangement for officers, who would escort the cargo in question from the terminal of arrival to the new one where the importer considers more convenient for him to pick from.
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Friday, October 16, 2015 day,
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CBN tweaks naira exchange rate at interbank market Johnson Okanlawon
with agency
report
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he Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday adjusted the exchange rate for the national currency,
pegging it slightly to N197 to the dollar on the interbank market from N196.98 it set on Monday, traders said.
Traders said the regulator sent a message announcing the adjustment which is the ninth since the bank in-
troduced tight currency controls in February. “The CBN sent a broadcast today advising us on its buy and selling rate on the interbank market at its intervention session,” one dealer said.
The bank has resisted calls to further devalue the naira in the face of a plunge in vital oil revenues. It devalued the currency last November and later pegged the exchange rate in another de facto devaluation. But the bank has continued to intervene at the interbank market periodically to provide forex liquidity support for the local currency. It also sells dollars twice-weekly to the bureau de change operators as part of bids to support the naira and narrow the gap between the official forex and parallel market. The currency traded at N225 to the dollar on the par-
allel market, slightly weaker than N224 traded on Monday. However, the CBN’s rules have been backed by a woman who may be Finance Minister, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, during her screening by the Senate in Abuja on Wednesday. She said that the currency devaluation on its own won’t solve the nation’s economic problems. “What the Central Bank of Nigeria governor has done is brought in some breathing
space because if we allowed the market to continue, all our reserves would have been depleted,”
Kano, Ireland to partner on agric productivity Abdulgafar Oladimeji, K ano
K The Managing Director/Chief Executive of Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) Limited, Mr. Ibrahim Boyi and the Regional Director, Abuja & North of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, Mr. Mustapha Lukman, during the launching of the FCMB/PAN Auto Loan Alliance Scheme in Abuja yesterday.
Nigeria misses 6.5% food demand growth target –ActionAid ...says women account for 60% of agric workforce
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Civil Society Organisation, Action Aid Nigeria, AAN, yesterday decried the inability of the federal government to meet the 6.5 per cent growth in food demand within the country. Speaking during the World Food Day celebration in Abuja, the Country Director ActionAid, Ojobo Atuluku, disclosed that even with an increased 3.7 per cent growth in food production, the nation was still grappling to address the annual growth in demand for food. She said: “There is a 6.5 per cent growth in the annual demand for food in Nigeria. Unfortunately, the 3.7 per cent growth rate of food production cannot meet the prevailing 6.5 per cent growth in demand for food in Nigeria.” Represented by the Programme Advisor Food and Agriculture, Azubike Nwokoye, she also disclosed that in line with the mandate set out by the Maputo Declaration by average annual budgetary allocation to agriculture be-
tween 2011 to 2015,, the federal government has not been able to meet up with the target of 10 per cent for its budgetary allocation to agriculture. According to her, the maximum allocation committed so far by the federal government, was 1.9 per cent in 20011 fiscal year, while only Gombe state committed a maximum of 5.09 per cent in line with the mandate given state governments towards budgetary allocation to agriculture. She lamented the drop in agriculture saying “Agriculture used to be the largest single contributor to Nigeria’s GDP at 40 per cent but has dropped to 24 per cent according to the 2010 rebased series.” While calling on government to scale up investment in the sector, ActionAid noted that women were the major contributors in the provision of 90 per cent of food consumed in the country with about 60 per cent “Ninety per cent of food eaten and consumed in Nigeria is provided by small hold-
er farmers and 60 per cent of the labour force within the agriculture sector is women. Women do most of the work within the value chain. “About 70 per cent of the Nigerian population are engaged in agriculture and this is the only sector that can provide the needed job that Nigeria needs even for us to overcome the indexes of poverty in this country”, Atuluku added.
ano State Government would import Irish technology to boost agricultural services in the state, the state Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has said. The state governor has expressed optimism that the state would benefit from the expertise of Irish professionals considering his administration’s renewed focus on agriculture and technology. Governor, Ganduje made the disclosure during a courtesy visit paid to him by the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Sean Hoy said Kano state government is interested in animal insemination and beef/milk management. He noted that Ireland has a strong reputation in agricultural development and technology, which could be of immense help to Kano state as the state strives towards self
sufficiency and less dependence on Federal government allocations. Ganduje said the state government is dedicated towards transforming Kano into a skill - based economy, a lust which he said call for partnership with countries like Ireland to dub form its promote of technology to drive state economic progression. On his part the Ambassador, Mr. Sean Hoy disclosed that Nigeria was the location of Ireland’s first Embassy in Africa noting that his country continues to attach great importance to the bilateral relations between the two states. He stated though his home country is smaller than Nigeria in geographical size and population, it parades great potentials in agri-
culture and technology, to help states like Kano to develop their natural and economic resources for common good.
Zambia’s apex bank adjusts forex cash transaction limits
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ambia’s central bank raised the foreign exchange transaction limits for companies and individuals holding accounts with commercial banks to encourage hard currency deposits, forex traders said. Zambia’s kwacha currency went into free fall in September as prices for its copper exports hit a one-month low. The southern African country faces external challenges including weak commodity prices, Finance Minister Alex-
ander Chikwanda, said in the 2016 budget last week. The limit of foreign exchange that companies holding accounts with commercial banks can buy or sell over the counter was raised to 100,000 dollars from 5,000 dollars per day, the central bank said. A circular to heads of commercial banks dated Oct. 9 has details on the new limit. Individuals holding accounts with commercial banks can now buy or sell up to 20,000 dollars from 5,000 dollars per
day. “This has no effect on the kwacha, but allows traders who deal in dollar cash to deposit more dollars per day,” BancABC country, Head of Treasury, John Mapiye, told media. The limit for daily cash purchases and sales for non-account holders had been maintained at 1,000 dollars.
Meanwhile, cash withdrawals and sales to account holders would also remain at 5,000 dollars per day. (Reuters)
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Business News
Friday, October 16, 2015
Estate valuers, key to privatization programme’s success –BPE Tola Akinmutimi
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he Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Benjamin Ezra Dikki has described enterprise valuation as a contentious issue in the privatization and commercialization programme of the Federal Government as it was not a precise science and is influenced by the perspectives of the reviewer. He however noted that the reports of Estate Valuers had greatly assisted in giving credibility to the enterprise valuation. The BPE boss was quoted in a statement issued by the Bureau’s Head of Public Communication, Mr Alex Okoh, when he received the Executive members of the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON), led by its Chairman, Elder Williams O. Odudu, during their courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.
Dikki said that in the light of the contention of enterprise valuation, the Bureau was ever willing to collaborate with any organization that would assist in enhancing credibility to the valuation of public assets. He commended the Board for producing a standard template to guide the production of valuation reports and pledged the willingness of the Bureau to collaborate with the Board. This is even as he noted that with the template put in place by the Board, there would no longer be ambiguity in valuation of public assets before privatization as “all grey areas have been taken cares of”. The Director General said enterprise valuation was the heart of privatization and that any effort to reduce ambiguity on the subjectmatter is appreciated, adding that the Bureau is now properly guided not to deal with surveyors who are not on the register of the Board.
“BPE will be guided by all the documents submitted by the Board and will do business only with those firms accredited by the Board”, Dikki said. Earlier, the Chairman of ESVARBON had sought the collaboration of BPE in line with Decree No.24 of 1975 (now Cap E13 LFN 2007) charged with the responsibilities of among others, to control; and regulate the practice of the Estate Surveying and Valuation profession in Nigeria. He said the Board had developed a valuations template for reporting valuations which all registered Estate Surveyors and Valuers must comply with. Odudu appealed to the BPE to ensure that henceforth, valuation of assets of public enterprises for privatization and commercialization must conform to the valuation template which is consistent with international valuation standards and compliant with global best practices.
Goldman CFO predicts delayed bond-trading rebound
H
arvey Schwartz found himself in a familiar position Thursday on Goldman Sachs Group Inc.’s earnings conference call with analysts: preaching patience on fixed-income. “You won’t really see the outcome of all the steps we’ve taken until you see a pickup in client activity and the competitive environment continue to shift,” said Schwartz, the firm’s 51-yearold chief financial officer. “That may take a while.” A 34 percent drop in thirdquarter bond-trading revenue left New York-based Goldman Sachs short of analysts’ earnings estimates for the first time in four years and was the second straight quarter results from
AfDB supports Ghana’s trade facilitation with $15m SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE
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oard of Directors of the African Development Bank, AfDB, has approved a $15 million trade finance line of credit for UniBank of Ghana to enhance its capacity to finance small and medium scale enterprises as well as indigenous firms operating within the tradable sector of the country. The facility is a fully-funded three-year trade facilitation loan, which will be used by UniBank to support trade, TF, finance instruments issued largely in favour of the SMEs and indigenous firms in the country. The project would among other things, address the criti-
cal market demands for TF and dollar liquidity in Ghana by supporting trade for indigenous firms and SMEs in vital economic sectors such as non-traditional exports, agri-business, construction and light manufacturing. It would also foster financial sector development, enhance regional integration and contribute to government revenue generation at a time when Ghana’s economy is faced with fiscal pressures and liquidity challenges. This will be in addition to provision of significant trade finance support to local businesses and SMEs in Ghana for longer tenors than generally available. The project is also expected to facilitate approximately $90
million of export-import related activity in intermediate and finished goods, raw materials and equipment to support economic growth. The majority of African banks have small capital bases, which constrain their ability to obtain adequate trade limits from international confirming banks and undertake sizeable transactions that have significant development impacts. The proposed facility aligns with AfDB’s 10-year regional integration strategies, particularly with the Bank’s financial sector development strategy which seeks to increase access to financial services for the underserved while deepening Africa’s financial systems.
that business were worse than its biggest competitors. Among the four Wall Street banks that have reported results, Goldman Sachs’s share of fixed-income revenue in the past six months is the lowest since Chief Executive Officer Lloyd Blankfein took over in 2006. Company executives, who have vocally stood by the trading operations as rivals announced plans to scale back or abandon the business, haven’t yet produced the sustained market share gains they said would materialize as others opted out. Schwartz said the firm is sticking with its strategy, even after two straight quarters of declines in bond-trading revenue that surpassed 30 percent.
Boeing’s stretch Dreamliner gets boost in $8bn Eva deal
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L-R: Managing Director, Coca- Cola Nigeria Limited, Adeola Adetunji; Top Rated Nigerian Artiste, Yemi Alade; Managing Director, Nigerian Bottling Company, Ben Langat and Marketing Director- Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Patricia Jemibewon, during a Coke Studio Meet and Greet, in Lagos recently.
43
oeing Co.’s stretched version of the 787 Dreamliner, whose sales have slowed since its 2013 unveiling, is getting a boost as Taiwan’s Eva Airways Corp. adds the plane in a widebody deal valued at more than $8 billion. Eva plans to take 24 of the 78710 models and two 777-300ERs, Boeing said Thursday in announcing the carrier’s intentions, which aren’t yet a firm purchase. The airline settled on the Dreamliner after considering a competing Airbus Group SE model, the A350. The transaction underscores customers’ interest in the -10, the longest and newest of three Dreamliner models, after the lull that followed the initial flurry of orders. Only three fresh orders have come in since 2013. Boeing’s backlog of 146 jets for the
-10 is only about 13 percent of the tally so far for the Dreamliner, the world’s first jetliner built chiefly of composite materials. “There are people who had doubts,” said Richard Aboulafia, an aerospace analyst with consultant Teal Group. “It’s good to have an endorsement.” Boeing is counting on the -10 to help reach profitability on the 787 program, whose commercial debut in 2011 ran more than three years late. The 787-10 retails for $306.1 million before the discounts that are customary in the industry, and Boeing should benefit from more efficient factory processes honed with the earlier versions. The Eva deal also helps ease concerns that the twin-aisle jet market is saturated with new aircraft, Aboulafia said by phone.
17 ships berth at Apapa port will fuel, general cargoes
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eventeen ships laden with petroleum products, general cargoes and other goods have arrived at Lagos ports, waiting to berth, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) said on Thursday in Lagos. The NPA said in a document a copy of which was obtained by National Mirror that the ships arrived at the ports with petrol, bulk gas, diesel, aviation fuel, general cargoes and bulk coal. It noted that 46 other ships
were being expected to arrive at the ports from Oct. 15 to Nov. 2. Sixteen of the expected ships would sail in with containers, while seven others are coming in with general cargoes. NPA said 17 ships would also sail into the ports with frozen fish, bulk sugar, buckwheat, bulk salt and soya beans. It said the remaining six ships would arrive at the ports with base oil, petrol and aviation fuel. (NAN)
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Friday, October 16, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
AFAN bemoans government’s inadequate support for farmers ABOLAJI ADEBAYO
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ll Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, has decried the lack of adequate support from the government, alleging that the government has been insensitive to their plights. This allegation was made against the Lagos State Government by the State Chapter of the association at its meeting which held at the Lagos State Government Ministry of Agriculture Conference Hall, Oko-Oba, Agege. The Vice Chairman for Crops, Alh. Babatunde Bamgbala, said that the association had made several attempts to have meetings with the past Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture but was turned down repeatedly. “The ministry rejected our letters saying they were not interested in farmers. However, we are happy that this new administration is taking agriculture seriously,” he said. The association also bemoaned their experiences during the 2014 World Food Day as they prepare for the 2015 edition, accusing the government of not catering for them. The Deputy Secretary of the association, Mrs. Abimbola Francis narrated how her fishes and the wares of other members were damaged because there was no space allocated to them to showcase their products. According to her, all the losses were borne by them with no compensation from the government. Another member of the association, A.S Musa from Ikorodu also decried how they made losses at the last forum due to lack of preparation for the farmers. He also said that the compensation meant for the farmers from the government never got to them. Taking a cue from the appointment of the former Lagos State CDC Chairman as a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on community matters, Musa proposed that an executive member of AFAN should also be appointed as Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture, if the government really wants to interface directly with the farmers. He alleged that the ministry of agriculture has its own farmers who are not practical farmers to whom all incentives and allocations meant for the genuine farmers are given. A member from Ikorodu North, Mrs. O. Adewunmi also declared that when she inquired from the Local Government Agriculture Department on its preparation for the forthcoming World Food Day celebration, which is scheduled to hold on November 16th, 2015, she said she was shocked to be informed that the Local
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ibok Ibas (left) and Managing Director, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company (NLNG), Mr. Babs Omotowa, during the visit of the NLNG delegation in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN
Government will only sponsor four persons in the midst of hundreds of farmers in the area. She added that it was even discovered that the four persons to be sponsored were not practical farmers.
In his reaction, the State Chairman Otunba Oke narrated how AFAN in the past was refused access to host her meeting within and outside the premises of the Agriculture Development Authority. He however said that the association would not
be deterred in any way, especially by any form of distraction while promising the members that the leadership of AFAN in Lagos State would not mingle her affairs with politics. Oke also announced to the house that the Local Government Chapter Executives would be inaugurated on November 19th, 2015 and therefore called for sponsorship from confectionery industries, agribusiness firms and individuals to support the activities of AFAN. Meanwhile, the association expressed hope that the current administration under the leadership of Governor Akinwumi Ambode would pay more attention to the farmers.
Farmers urged to adopt organic practices to cut costs Abolaji Adebayo
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igerian farmers have been urged to embrace organic agriculture practices in order for them to reduce cost of production and waste as well as promoting production of hygienic foods. This advice was given by the association of Organic Agriculture Practitioners of Nigeria, NOAN, at its 3rd African Organic Conference in Nigeria recently held in Lagos. The event with a theme: “Achieving Social and Economic Development through Ecological and Organic Agriculture Alternative” which was supported by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and other reputable international organisations and institutions involved in organic agriculture practice, gathered experts from various countries, who enlightened farmers on the benefits of organic agriculture practice.
While several international and local exhibitors had their various organic products and services displayed; experts said that organic farming was the best agriculture practice to guarantee abundant foods and other agricultural products. Speaking particularly on the benefit of organic fertilizer, Head, Communication and Strategy of Alfa Life Organic Fertilizer International, a Nigerian based company in partnership with Malaysian manufacturing company, Mr. Sunday Unwana, explained that organic fertilizer is fortified to make farming a rewarding venture at any level of farming. He said that for instance, the product is 100 per cent chemical free, saves storage cost up to 99 per cent, easy to carry and reduces cost of transportation up to 97 per cent against other types of fertilizers in the country, which the farmers are used to. Unwana added that the product has received stamp of approval from
agriculturally advanced economies of the world. And in Nigeria, it has been approved by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and three Federal universities in the country. “Organic fertilizer has been described as ‘magic fertilizer’ because it is a great farm input capable of increasing crop yield by 200 per cent against control and protect soil fertility. We have also done series of field trials, test on Nigerian based crops and soil and the results were impressive.” He said that they were making efforts to ensure that Nigerian farmers embrace Organic Agriculture practice to help their farm produces to be acceptable in the international market, while also encouraging increased consumption of organic food produce to enhance healthy living and eradicate cancer said to be caused by consumption of inorganic foods.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Capital Market
Friday, October 16, 2015
45
Index rises 0.11%, as Okomu oil lead gainers Johnson Okanlawon
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rading in equities closed on a positive note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, halting three days consecutive bearish trends. Specifically, the All Share Index appreciated 0.11 per cent to close at 29,700.08 points , as against the depreciation of 1.30 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 29,667.24 points. Market capitalisation gained N11 billion to close at N10.207 trillion, in contrast to the decline of N134 billion recorded the preceding day to close at
N10.196 trillion. Research analysts at FSDH Securities attributed the gains recorded to the share prices of some highly capitalised stocks such as UACN, Forte Oil, ETI, Dangote Cement and Union Bank, amongst others. However, analysts at DLM Securities noted that with no improvement on macroeconomic fundamentals, market direction will be determined by the nine months earnings season that would commence shortly. Okomu Oil Plc led the gainers’ table with N3.32 or 10.25 per cent to close
at N35.72 per share, followed by Transnational Express Plc with seven kobo or 6.48 per cent to close at N1.15 per share. Mansard Insurance Plc gained 12 kobo or 4.69 per cent to close at N2.68 per share, while UACN Plc added N1.10 or 4.27 per cent to close at N26,85 per share. Evans Medicals Plc appreciated two kobo or 3.23 per cent to close at 64 kobo per share, while Red Star Express Plc was up 13 kobo or 3.16 per cent to close at N4.25 per share. Conversely, Access Bank Plc dropped 24 kobo or 4.99 per cent to close at N4.57 per share, while Vi-
tafoam Plc shed 28 kobo or 4.97 per cent to close at N5.35 per share. Berger Paints Plc dipped 54 kobo or 4.95 per cent to close at N10.36 per share, while Nigerian-German Company lost 25 kobo or 4.84 per cent to close at N4.91 per share. NPF Microfiance Bank Plc declined five kobo or 4.63 per cent to close at N1.03 per share, while Flour Mills Plc fell 99 kobo or 4.50 per cent to close at N21.01 per share. A total of 172.8 million shares valued at N3.44 billion were traded in 3,226 deals.
Venture capital firm targets Nigeria’s tech sector
500 Startups, a silicon valley venture-capital firm with more than $175 million under management, is seeking its first investments in Nigerian technology companies as the country encourages industries that will reduce its reliance on oil. Venture partner at Mountain View, Mrs. Andrea Barrica, said the firm would like to invest in at least one to two Nigerian tech companies in the next year, Barrica, who spoke
to Bloomberg noted that Nigeria big population and increasing access to technology and payments’ make it an attractive market. The US investor is looking to add Nigerian assets to 10 investments on the continent in markets including Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. It’s the latest venturecapital firm to show interest in the country, with Boulder, Coloradobased TechStars saying
last week it’s seeking opportunities in the Nigerian information and communication technology industries. Barrica, who in September met business owners in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, said 500Startups is targeting companies engaged in technologies, software, online marketplaces and e-commerce.” The firm plans a $200 million fund to invest in such opportunities around the world.
The country introduced an information and communication policy in 2012 to boost investments in these industries and counter a reliance on income from crude, which accounts for twothirds of state revenue and more than 90 percent of export earnings. The government wants to increase broadband penetration fivefold from four per cent of the population, according to the National Broadband Plan for 2013-2018.
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recent years. Deutsche Bank coChief Executive Officer John Cryan is preparing to shrink the investmentbanking empire built by his predecessors to lower costs, lift capital levels and raise the company’s stock price. The bank is considering selling a life-insurance unit and a $250 billion portfolio of credit-default swaps, people familiar with the matter said this month. The U.S. private-client business, once part of Alex. Brown, was acquired by Deutsche Bank in its purchase of Bankers Trust Corp. in 1999.
The $9 billion deal was a record at the time for a foreign purchase of a U.S. investment bank. Raymond James shares climbed 2.1 percent to $51.29 at 12:32 p.m. in New York. Deutsche Bank dropped the 202-year-old Alex. Brown name from its investment bank in 2002. The Frankfurtbased company considered selling the brokerage as far back as 2001, when it employed 400 people. Renee Calabro, a Deutsche Bank spokeswoman, and Anthea Penrose at St. Petersburg,
Inter-Bank Rate Naira
Florida-based Raymond James declined to comment. Rate (%) Inflation
8.2
MPR
13
Crude oil price
$58.96
US Dollar
$1
N197 Market indicators All-Share Index 29,700.08 points Market capitalisation 10.21trn
Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY
OPENING
CLOSING
CHANGE
% CHANGE
OKOMUOIL
32.40
35.72
3.32
10.25
TRANSEXPR
1.08
1.15
0.07
6.48
MANSARD
2.56
2.68
0.12
4.69
UACN
25.75
26.85
1.10
4.27
EVANSMED
0.62
0.64
0.02
3.23
REDSTAREX
4.12
4.25
0.13
3.16
CUSTODYINS
4.09
4.20
0.11
2.69
FO
264.00
270.00
6.00
2.27
ETI
18.51
18.85
0.34
1.84
UBN
5.70
5.80
0.10
1.75
CHANGE
% CHANGE
LOSERS COMPANY
OPENING
CLOSING
ACCESS
4.81
4.57
-0.24
-4.99
VITAFOAM
5.63
5.35
-0.28
-4.97
BERGER
10.90
10.36
-0.54
-4.95
NIG-GERMAN
5.16
4.91
-0.25
-4.84
NPFMCRFBK
1.08
1.03
-0.05
-4.63
FLOURMILL
22.00
21.01
-0.99
-4.50
AIICO
0.90
0.86
-0.04
-4.44
NEM
0.68
0.65
-0.03
-4.41
COSTAIN
0.56
0.54
-0.02
-3.57
LIVESTOCK
1.71
1.65
-0.06
-3.51
FGN Bonds
Offer
Bid
Description
Deutsche Bank mulls sale of U.S. Private-Client unit eutsche Bank AG, Europe’s largest investment bank, plans to sell its U.S. private-client brokerage, according to people briefed on the matter. Raymond James Financial Inc. is in talks to buy the business, which manages money for individuals and has about 250 advisers, said two of the people, who asked not to be identified because the deal hasn’t been completed. The sale doesn’t include Deutsche Bank’s U.S. private bank, which handles some of its wealthiest clients and had been expanding in
Source: NSE
Price
Yield
Price
Yield
15.10 27-APR-2017
1.57
100.25
14.89
100.40
14.78
16.00 29-JUN-2019
3.75
102.68
15.01
102.98
14.91
15.54 13-FEB-2020
4.37
101.48
15.05
101.78
14.95
16.39 27-JAN-2022
6.33
105.26
15.05
105.56
14.98
14.20 14-MAR-2024
8.45
95.67
15.12
95.97
15.05
10.00 23-JUL-2030
14.81 68.00
15.59
68.30
15.51
Closing Market Prices of September 30, 2015
Treasury Bills Maturity Date
Bid
Offer
Exchange
Rates (N)
24-Dec-15
10.54
10.81
WAUA
270
USD
197
31-Mar-16
12.71
13.57
EURO
214
01-Sep-16
12.55
14.19
CFA
0.32
YEN
1.64
Tenor
Rate (%)
SWISS FRANC
202
O/N
5.8333
POUNDS STERLING
293
1M
14.1909
3M
15.5455
SDR
273
6M
16.6173
NIBOR
The Fixings of September 30, 2015
Capital Market
46
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Friday, October 16, 2015
Stock exchange daily equities summary Daily Summary as of 15/10/2015 Printed 15/10/2015 14:32:30.030
Daily Summary (Equities)
Activity Summary on Board EQTY
Daily Summary as of 15/10/2015
FINANCIAL SERVICES Other Financial Institutions ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals
Equities as at October 15, 2015
Printed 15/10/2015 14:32:30.030
Daily Summary (Bonds)
Sector
Company name
No Of Deals
Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals
Quotation(N)
Quantity Traded
Value of Shares(N)
Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO
No. of Deals 86 10 96
Current Price 35.72 30.50
Quantity Traded 2,784,997 6,650 2,791,647
Value Traded 95,158,611.91 205,385.00 95,363,996.91
Symbol LIVESTOCK
No. of Deals 20 20
Current Price 1.65
Quantity Traded 1,744,773 1,744,773
Value Traded 2,884,169.95 2,884,169.95
4,536,420
98,248,166.86
AGRICULTURE Totals Daily Summary as of 15/10/2015 Printed 15/10/2015 14:32:30.030 CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. S C O A NIG. PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY Diversified Industries Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE CONGLOMERATES Totals Building Construction ARBICO PLC. Building Construction Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals
116
Symbol AGLEVENT
No. of Deals 2 1 61 70 134
SCOA Daily Summary (Equities) TRANSCORP UACN
Symbol ARBICO
134 No. of Deals 1 1
Current Price 1.03 4.16 2.20 26.85
Current Price 5.30
Quantity Traded 40,560 100 4,998,326 972,710 6,011,696
Value Traded 39,748.80 396.00 10,948,535.20 25,380,674.88 36,369,354.88
6,011,696 Quantity Traded 5 5 Page
36,369,354.88 Value Traded 25.20 25.20 12 1 of
Symbol COSTAIN
No. of Deals 8 8
Current Price 0.54
Quantity Traded 317,169 317,169
Value Traded 171,678.02 171,678.02
Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals
Symbol JBERGER
No. of Deals 6 6
Current Price 39.99
Quantity Traded 25,667 25,667
Value Traded 1,021,827.47 1,021,827.47
Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Daily Summary as Development of 15/10/2015 Real Estate Totals Printed 15/10/2015 14:32:30.030 CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals
Symbol UAC-PROP
No. of Deals 6 6
Current Price 8.17
Quantity Traded 9,556 9,556
Value Traded 77,745.00 77,745.00
352,397
1,271,275.69
Quantity Traded 57,090 47,595 147,309 3,674,420 3,926,414 Quantity Traded
Value Traded 249,134.60 7,180,781.20 2,525,012.80 495,753,348.03 505,708,276.63 Value Traded
CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic
7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Daily Summary as of 15/10/2015
21
Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Daily Summary (Equities) CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW NB
Symbol 7UP
8 31 5 76 120 No. of Deals 17 17
Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Printed 15/10/2015 14:32:30.030 Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. CONSUMER GOODS UNION DICON SALT PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Food Products Totals 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. Food Products NESTLE NIGERIA DANGOTE FLOUR PLC. MILLS PLC Food Products--Diversified Totals DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. Household Durables HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC VITAFOAM NIG PLC. NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC Household Durables Totals N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. UNION DICON SALT PLC. Personal/Household Products Food Products Totals P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Daily Summary as of 15/10/2015 CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. Printed 15/10/2015 14:32:30.030 Published by The Nigerian Stock PLC. Exchange © NESTLE NIGERIA
Symbol DANGFLOUR Daily Summary DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON NNFM UNIONDICON Symbol 7UP Symbol CADBURY Symbol NESTLE DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL Symbol HONYFLOUR VITAFOAM NASCON NNFM UNIONDICON Symbol PZ UNILEVER Symbol CADBURY NESTLE
Food Products--Diversified Totals Household Daily Summary as Durables of 15/10/2015
VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Printed 15/10/2015 14:32:30.030 Household Durables Totals
Activity Summary on Board EQTY Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS CONSUMER GOODSNIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIAProducts PLC. Personal/Household
No. of Deals 28 (Equities) 19 74 2 65 2 No. of Deals1 191 17 17 No. of Deals 41 No. of Deals 34 28 75 19 74 No. of Deals 2 6 65 26 1 No. of Deals 191 24 26 No. of Deals 41 34 75
UNION BANK NIG.PLC. Insurance Carriers, UNITY BANK PLC Brokers and Services AIICO WEMAINSURANCE BANK PLC. PLC.
CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC Published byCORNERSTONE The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©COMPANY PLC. INSURANCE GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. Published byLAW The Nigerian StockROCK Exchange © UNION AND INS. PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC Daily Summary as of 15/10/2015 WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Printed 15/10/2015 14:32:30.030 Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals Other Financial on Institutions Activity Summary Board EQTY AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC Other Financial FCMB GROUPInstitutions PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock ExchangePLC © STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals
Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. PHARMA-DEKO PLC.
Current Price 2.60 6.40 21.01 2.49 7.77 9.46 11.84 Current Price 197.00 Current Price 22.00 Current Price 830.00 2.60 6.40 21.01 Current Price 2.49 5.35 7.77 9.46 11.84 Current Price 24.00 47.00 Current Price 22.00 830.00
23,359 23,359 Page Quantity Traded 245,799 297,263 1,109,317 17,885 2,439,302 8,005 7,180 Quantity Traded 4,124,751 23,359
4,598,609.30 4,598,609.30 12 2 of Value Traded 647,985.35 1,916,169.95 23,538,682.53 44,372.15 18,844,762.25 73,646.00 80,775.00 Value Traded 45,146,393.23 4,598,609.30
23,359 Quantity Traded Quantity 414,007 Traded 153,339 245,799 567,346 297,263
4,598,609.30 Value Traded 8,935,256.62 Value Traded 127,304,282.00 647,985.35 136,239,538.62 1,916,169.95
1,109,317 Quantity Traded 17,885 240,500 2,439,302 240,500 8,005
23,538,682.53 Value Traded 44,372.15 1,286,915.00 18,844,762.25 1,286,915.00 73,646.00
7,180 Quantity Traded 4,124,751 135,758 99,198 Quantity Traded 414,007 Page 153,339
80,775.00 Value Traded 45,146,393.23 3,293,400.29 4,596,956.33 Value Traded 8,935,256.62 12 3 of 127,304,282.00
567,346
136,239,538.62
Current Price 5.35
Quantity Traded 240,500 240,500
Value Traded 1,286,915.00 1,286,915.00
Symbol PZ Summary Daily UNILEVER Symbol
No. of Deals 24 (Equities) 26 No. of Deals
Current Price 24.00 Current 47.00 Price
Quantity Traded 135,758 99,198 Quantity Traded
Value Traded 3,293,400.29 4,596,956.33 Value Traded
50
234,956 Page 9,117,326
459 Symbol
Value Traded 7,890,356.62 Value Traded 56,671,597.30 700,870,089.40 3,580,196.28 8,803,032.17 2,514,384.44 Value Traded 369,635,963.13 56,671,597.30 5,422,480.66 3,580,196.28 552,371.20 8,803,032.17 135,584,134.80 2,514,384.44 9,056,996.93 369,635,963.13 359,724.96 5,422,480.66 147,863.56 552,371.20 592,328,745.43 135,584,134.80
1,585,115 Quantity 233,780 Traded 879,960 152,384
9,056,996.93 Value Traded 359,724.96 757,102.12 147,863.56
69,941,929
592,328,745.43
No. of Deals Current Price 17 Current Price 0.86 No. of Deals 16 1.00 1 0.50 1 0.50 1 0.50 7 0.50 6 0.50 8 0.50 9 2.68 3 0.50 15 0.65 1 0.50 1 0.50 2 0.50 2 0.50 1 0.50 91
Quantity Traded Quantity 879,960 Traded
Value Traded 757,102.12 Value Traded
Symbol NPFMCRFBK
No. of Deals 5 5
Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS Symbol FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP
No. of Deals 28 11 No. of Deals 117 1 17 35 209
UBA UBN
No. of Deals 50 No. of Deals 182 459 23 47 29 No. of Deals 238 182 58 23 78 47 319 29 56 238 12 58 14 78 1,056 319 56
Current Price
7,890,356.62 12 3 of 700,870,089.40
Quantity Traded 234,956 Quantity Traded 12,256,739 9,117,326 1,212,418 483,229 1,729,024 Quantity Traded 15,737,374 12,256,739 2,690,206 1,212,418 268,020 483,229 33,593,640 1,729,024 1,585,115 15,737,374 233,780 2,690,206 152,384 268,020 69,941,929 33,593,640
Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK ETI FIDELITYBK Symbol GUARANTY ACCESS SKYEBANK DIAMONDBNK STERLNBANK ETI UBA FIDELITYBK UBN GUARANTY UNITYBNK SKYEBANK WEMABANK STERLNBANK
Current Price 4.57 2.95 18.85 1.45 Current Price 23.04 4.57 2.06 2.95 2.13 18.85 4.10 1.45 5.80 23.04 1.54 2.06 1.00 2.13 4.10 5.80
Symbol No. of Deals Daily Summary (Equities) UNITYBNK 12 Current Price 1.54 AIICO WEMABANK
Symbol AIICO Symbol
CONTINSURE CORNERST GUINEAINS HMARKINS LASACO LAWUNION LINKASSURE MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM NIGERINS PRESTIGE STDINSURE UNIVINSURE WAPIC
17 14 1,056
Daily Summary (Equities)
FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Medical Supplies MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC. Medical Supplies Totals
Current Price 197.00
No. of Deals (Equities) 6 6
Banking Totalson Board EQTY Activity Summary Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services FINANCIAL SERVICES AIICO INSURANCE PLC. and Services Insurance Carriers, Brokers
4.45 151.00 17.20 135.01
Symbol Daily Summary VITAFOAM
Personal/Household Products Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY
Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © CONSUMER CONSUMER GOODS GOODS Totals Personal/Household Products FINANCIAL SERVICES Personal/Household Products Totals Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. CONSUMER GOODS Totals DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FINANCIAL SERVICES FIDELITY BANK PLC Banking GUARANTY TRUST ACCESS BANK PLC.BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC PLC DIAMOND BANK STERLING BANK PLC. ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED UNITED FIDELITYBANK BANKFOR PLCAFRICA PLC Daily Summary as of BANK 15/10/2015 UNION NIG.PLC. GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. Printed 15/10/2015 UNITY BANKPLC PLC SKYE14:32:30.030 BANK WEMA BANK PLC.PLC. STERLING BANK Banking Totals UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC
Current Price 0.50 23.00 1.38
Quantity Traded 400 120,867 1,171,279 14,292,820
Value Traded 200.00 2,778,074.27 1,592,434.30 50,199,939.62
107,008,330
664,919,555.45
1,361
1st TierHEALTHCARE Securities
Daily Summary (Equities)
Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals
No. of Deals 1 17 35 209
FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals
No Debt Trading Activity
1st Tier Securities
Symbol ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP
0.86 1.00
20,276,324 Page 5,000 10,000 500,000 211,500 Page 500
20,276,810.40 12 4 of 2,500.00 5,000.00 250,000.00 105,750.00 12 4 of 250.00
11,270 170,300 17,390 476,000 400 400 1,400 5,071 400 22,565,915
5,650.40 448,527.00 8,695.00 312,834.00 200.00 200.00 700.00 2,535.50 200.00 22,176,954.42
Current Price 1.03
Quantity Traded 207,666 207,666
Value Traded 213,915.98 213,915.98
Current Price 2.60 4.20 Current Price 2.10 0.50 23.00 1.38
Quantity Traded 1,065,568 8,563,250 Quantity Traded 3,371,456 400 Page 120,867
Value Traded 2,788,057.83 35,956,502.50 Value Traded 7,084,670.72 200.00 12 5 2,778,074.27 of
1,361
1,171,279 14,292,820
1,592,434.30 50,199,939.62
107,008,330
664,919,555.45
Symbol MORISON
No. of Deals 1 1
Current Price 1.73
Quantity Traded 5 5
Value Traded 8.65 8.65
Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH NIG-GERMAN PHARMDEKO
No. of Deals 11 9 9 3 1 1 2
Current Price 0.64 3.10 36.96 1.17 1.03 4.91 2.14
Quantity Traded 1,080,120 310,074 22,962 5,327 260 50,000 1,000
Value Traded 688,094.45 960,578.66 838,759.89 6,314.94 254.80 245,500.00 2,240.00
Sector
Medical Supplies Company name MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC. Medical Supplies Totals
Pharmaceuticals Daily Summary as of 15/10/2015 EVANS MEDICAL PLC. Printed 15/10/2015 14:32:30.030 FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY Pharmaceuticals Totals ICT HEALTHCARE Totals Processing Systems CHAMS PLC Processing Systems Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange Telecommunications Services© MASS TELECOMMUNICATION INNOVATIONS NIGERIA PLC Telecommunications Services Totals
Symbol No Of MORISON
Deals
Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH Daily Summary NIG-GERMAN PHARMDEKO
No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded Traded Quotation(N) Quantity Traded Value Value of Shares(N) 1 1
1.73
5 5
8.65 8.65
No. of Deals 11 9 9 3 1 (Equities) 1 2 36
Current Price 0.64 3.10 36.96 1.17 1.03 4.91 2.14
Quantity Traded 1,080,120 310,074 22,962 5,327 260 50,000 1,000 1,469,743
Value Traded 688,094.45 960,578.66 838,759.89 6,314.94 254.80 245,500.00 2,240.00 2,741,742.74
Symbol CHAMS
37 No. of Deals 2 2
Current Price 0.50
1,469,748 Quantity Traded 1,800 1,800
2,741,751.39 Value Traded 900.00 900.00
Symbol MTI
No. of Deals 6
Current Price 0.50
Page Quantity Traded 400,000
12 6 of Value Traded 200,000.00
ICT Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC Daily Summary as of 15/10/2015 CAP PLC Printed 15/10/2015 14:32:30.030 CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals Electronic and Electrical Activity Summary on BoardProducts EQTY
CUTIX PLC. INDUSTRIAL Electronic GOODS and Electrical Products Totals Packaging/Containers Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©
Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN FIRSTALUM PORTPAINT WAPCO
Daily Summary
400,000
200,000.00
8
401,800
200,900.00
No. of Deals 24 4 11 12 1 1 41 (Equities) 94
Current Price 23.00 10.36 38.00 7.91 0.50 3.53 98.85
Quantity Traded 180,967 53,027 44,975 76,516 1,000 1,861 195,614 553,960
Value Traded 4,123,153.45 549,359.72 1,708,822.10 592,154.39 500.00 6,885.70 19,343,584.18 26,324,459.54
No. of Deals 6 6 No. of Deals No. of Deals 1 1
Current Price 1.71
Quantity Traded 75,548 75,548 Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 1,000 1,000 Page
Value Traded 127,207.08 127,207.08 Value Traded Value Traded 41,910.00
Symbol CUTIX Symbol Symbol BETAGLAS
INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals NATURAL RESOURCES Mining Services MULTIVERSE PLC Mining Services Totals
6
Current Price Current 44.00 Price
101
Symbol MULTIVERSE
No. of Deals 1 1
NATURAL RESOURCES Totals
Current Price 0.50
7
41,910.00 of 12
630,508
26,493,576.62
Quantity Traded 1,000 1,000
Value Traded 500.00 500.00
1,000
500.00
1
OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy and Services Totals Daily Summary as Equipment of 15/10/2015
Symbol JAPAULOIL
No. of Deals 1 1
Current Price 0.50
Quantity Traded 80,760 80,760
Value Traded 40,380.00 40,380.00
Printed 15/10/2015 14:32:30.030 Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals
Symbol OANDO
No. of Deals 229 229
Current Price 9.50
Quantity Traded 4,210,743 4,210,743
Value Traded 39,999,112.36 39,999,112.36
Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC.on Board EQTY Activity Summary FORTE OIL PLC. OIL AND GASOIL NIG PLC. MOBIL Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Published by TOTAL The Nigerian Stock Exchange © NIGERIA PLC.
Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals Current Price CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL Symbol TOTAL
2 27.41 10 1.80 91 270.00 26 155.00 No. of Deals Current Price 6 150.01 135
Quantity Traded 410 90,001 3,387,977 547,297 Quantity Traded Page 2,635 4,028,320
Symbol SEPLAT
No. of Deals 6 6
Quantity Traded 1,100 1,100
Value Traded 268,995.00 268,995.00
8,320,923
1,019,906,693.40
Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals OIL AND GAS Totals SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals
Current Price 235.00
371
Value Traded 10,676.40 158,763.31 894,265,311.85 84,775,957.68 Value Traded 8 387,496.80 of 12 979,598,206.04
Symbol RTBRISCOE
No. of Deals 2 2
Current Price 0.60
Quantity Traded 11,040 11,040
Value Traded 6,292.80 6,292.80
Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR
No. of Deals 9 7 16
Current Price 4.25 1.15
Quantity Traded 545,183 150,932 696,115
Value Traded 2,315,820.07 173,853.16 2,489,673.23
Symbol
No. of Deals 4 4
Current Price 0.50
Quantity Traded 22,122 22,122
Value Traded 11,061.00 11,061.00
Hotels/Lodging SERVICES IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Hotels/Lodging Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Media/Entertainment Totals
Symbol IKEJAHOTEL Symbol
No. of Deals 16 No. of Deals 16
Current Price 3.44 Current Price
Quantity Traded 125,000 Quantity Traded 125,000 Page
Value Traded 417,143.00 Value Traded 417,143.00 9 of 12
Symbol DAARCOMM
No. of Deals 1 1
Current Price 0.50
Quantity Traded 5 5
Value Traded 2.50 2.50
Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LEARN AFRICA PLC Daily Summary as of 15/10/2015 Printing/Publishing Totals Printed 15/10/2015 14:32:30.030
Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA
No. of Deals 2 11 13
Current Price 0.65 0.80
Quantity Traded 23,243 52,790 76,033
Value Traded 15,805.24 44,263.60 60,068.84
Symbol ABCTRANS
No. of Deals 1 1
Current Price 0.55
Quantity Traded 755 755
Value Traded 400.15 400.15
No. of Deals Current Price 4 1.85 16 4.52 20 Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals Current Price 73 ZENITHBANK 220 16.85 220
Quantity Traded 13,980 46,847 60,827 Quantity Traded 991,897 20,477,675 20,477,675
Value Traded 24,711.40 206,661.29 231,372.69 Value Traded 3,216,014.21 344,823,562.02 344,823,562.02
138,842,045
2,554,237,877.90
3,015,363 30,983,070 3,015,363
482,868,326.04 406,749,696.31 482,868,326.04
3,015,363 Quantity Traded 3,015,363 33,998,433 3,015,363
482,868,326.04 Value Traded 482,868,326.04 889,618,022.35 482,868,326.04
172,840,478 3,015,363
3,443,855,900.25 482,868,326.04
Courier/Freight/Delivery Daily Summary as of 15/10/2015 RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Printed 15/10/2015 14:32:30.030 TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals
Activity Summary on Board EQTY
Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Roadas Transportation Daily Summary of 15/10/2015 Totals Printed 15/10/2015 14:32:30.030 Transport-Related Services SERVICES ANDPREMIUM LOGISTICS PLC ActivityAIRLINE Summary on Board NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC FINANCIAL SERVICESServices Totals Transport-Related Banking SERVICES Totals ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM Banking Totals
EQTY BoardSERVICES Totals FINANCIAL
Other Financial Institutions Banking FBN HOLDINGS PLC ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals Banking Totals Published by The Nigerian StockTotals Exchange © FINANCIAL SERVICES Other Financial Institutions FBN HOLDINGS INDUSTRIAL GOODS PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals Building Materials DANGOTE CEMENT PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals Building Materials Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals Building Materials DANGOTE CEMENT PLC PREMIUM Totals BuildingBoard Materials Totals
Daily Summary (Equities) CILEASING
Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO
Symbol Symbol FBNH ZENITHBANK
Symbol FBNH Symbol DANGCEM
Symbol DANGCEM
2,682
No. of Deals No. of Deals 254 220 254 220 474 No. of Deals 254 254 No. of Deals 70 474 70 70 No. of Deals 70 544 70
Daily Summary as ofTotals 15/10/2015 Equity Activity INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals Printed 15/10/2015 14:32:30.030
PREMIUM Board Totals Equity Activity Totals Exchange Traded Fund Name
Exchange Traded Fund LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF
Name Published by NEWGOLD The NigerianEXCHANGE Stock Exchange © FUND (ETF) TRADED
Exchange Traded Fund STANBIC IBTC ETF 30
Name VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals
Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©
Current Price Current Price 5.87 16.85
Current Price 5.87 Current Price 161.01
Current Price 161.01
Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 10,505,395 20,477,675 10,505,395 20,477,675 Page 30,983,070 Quantity Traded 10,505,395 10,505,395 Quantity Traded
3,226 70
Daily Summary (ETP) Daily Summary (ETP)
Value Traded Value Traded 61,926,134.29 344,823,562.02 61,926,134.29 344,823,562.02 12 10 of 406,749,696.31 Value Traded 61,926,134.29 61,926,134.29 Value Traded
544
33,998,433
889,618,022.35
3,226
172,840,478
3,443,855,900.25
Symbol LOTUSHAL15
No. of Deals 1
Current Price 9.64
NEWGOLD STANBICETF30 Symbol VETGRIF30 LOTUSHAL15
1 1 No. of Deals2 15
Quantity Traded 15 Quantity Traded Page 2,271.00 51 91.19 500 Current Price Quantity Traded 13.63 35 9.64 15 601
DailySymbol Summary (ETP) No. of Deals Current Price
ETF Board Totals
5
ETP Activity Totals
5
Page
601
601
Value Traded 144.60 Value Traded 11 115,821.00 of 12 45,595.00 Value Traded 479.55 144.60 162,040.15 11
of
12
162,040.15 162,040.15
Friday, October 16, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
47
Community Mirror The comparable advantage of the south western part of Nigeria is the fact that we have Lagos State where by iots location there is huge concentration of people that can serve as a market for agriculture produce from the hinterland. Governor of Osun State – Raufu Aregbesola
NSCDC shuts 80 private security guard companies Dare Akogun
L
agos State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has stated that no fewer than 80 private guard companies have been closed down since the beginning of the year. NSCDC Lagos Commandant Mr. Gabriel Abafi disclosed this after meeting with the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria,
ALPSPN, in his office yesterday. Abafi noted the private security companies were shut down for operating illegally in the state, while some were shut down due to the expiration of their licenses. According to him, “The command has sealed up about 80 private security guards company operating illegally from January till date. “This is necessary due to the present security situation in the country, as an agency mandated
to guard and protect the citizens from any form harm it is pertinent to regulate the activities and be acquainted with the people saddled with this task. “We have been meeting with the board of directors and chief executives of these companys to synergize and partner with them in pursuant of our mandate as an organisation,” Abafi noted. He added that about 30 companies are in the process of
renewing their licenses and 15 others are still being processed from the headquarters in Abuja. “The NSCDC has been working with the association to forge ahead and see how to identify fake security companies and also nipping in the bud guards crossing from one company to the other. “We have engaged in the training of these private guards because of the dynamism in crime and advised them on the
need to be proactive, so that the state and the country in general will be free from any form of security challenge,” he added. He equally enjoined Lagosians to be watchful and take note of happenings in their surroundings, saying that any form of strange movements, unidentified faces or objects lying aimlessly shouldn’t hesitate to report to the nearest security agency.
Clergy commends Nigeria unity at 55 Saidat Alausa
T
he President of Western Nigeria Union Conference of Seventh –day Adventist Church in Nigeria, Pastor Oyeleke Owolabi has said that , the fact that Nigeria has remained together as a nation for 55years after independence is a great achievement and highly commendable. He stressed that some countries that did not experience as much challenges as Nigeria have disintegrated or are fighting wars that their end is not in sight yet. Owolabi stated this during Community Guest Day organised by Babcock University Schools, Ogba, Lagos recently. He added that another remarkable achievement which Nigeria recorded during her 55
years of existence as a nation is her refusal of gay marriage which according to him is also pleasing to God. He therefore, said that he disagrees with some Nigerians who are of the opinion that the country has not done well since 55 years of her existence as a nation. The clergy urged Nigerians to co-operate with the leaders of the country for better Nigeria. Speaking on the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the clergy commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the work he has done so far and noted that he was proud of him because his administration has a direction. He therefore urged him to be focused and detribalized and not to relent in his fight against corruption and Boko Haram insurgency.
SLOT opens new outlet in Yaba community
From left; Maj. Bayo Daniel rtd, Charles Keku, Gbemisola Numa, Oyesanya W. Sanya (ACC), Commandant Abafi Gabriel, Wilson Esangbedo (Chairman, ALPSPN, Lagos Chapter), DCC Apeh Daniel and Ibeh Nnah (Vice-Chairman, ALPSPN, Lagos Chapter) PHOTO: DARE AKOGUN
igeria’s foremost mobile device retailer, SLOT, recently commissioned another outlet at Herbert Macaulay Way, Sabo-Yaba area of Lagos. The short but impressive ceremony attracted scores of residents of the area as well as other passers-by, who expressed delight at the development as they would no longer have to go all the way to Ikeja or Surulere to patronise the company. Speaking at the event which saw three people going away with prizes after a raffle draw, the Managing Director, SLOT Systems Nigeria Limited, Mr. Nnamdi Ezeigbo restated the company’s commitment to delivering high quality products
Man arrested for murder in Bauchi
N
and services as well as giving the desired values to its teeming customers. “We felt that Sabo in Yaba is fast developing and as a result, resorted to site an outlet there for our customers’ convenience and this opening marks an important milestone for SLOT as we continue to expand our presence in other communities within the Lagos metropolis and deliver world class services for our numerous clients,” Ezeigbo added. The company, according to the managing director, is currently giving out freebies and huge discount on every purchase made via the SLOT Mobile App.
Ezekiel Titus BAUCHI
B
auchi State Police Command has arrested 35 years Kabir Tukur for hacking a man to death and making attempt to commit suicide in the state. A statement issued by the state Police Command Public Relations Officer DSP Haruna Mohammed, made available to National Mirror in Bauchi, said the ugly incident occurred on Tuesday, 13/10/2015 at about 07:30 am in Beni village .
According to him, Police detectives attached to Kirfi Division arrested Kabir Tukur male and 35 years of Beni Town in Kirfi LGA of Bauchi State. He the suspect lured one Auwalu Manu, male and 11 years old son of his Junior brother into the bush and slaughtered him with a hand trowel, saying the suspect further used the same object and sliced his throat in a bid to commit suicide and became unconscious. The PPRO said the scene of crime was visited and a blood stained hand trowel was re-
covered as exhibit. Mohammed However, said both the victim and suspect were rushed to ATBU Teaching Hospital Bauchi, saying ‘the victim was certified death by a medical doctor while the suspect was admitted for medical attention”. The police spokesman said Corpse and the photographed were released to relatives for burial according to Islamic rites after Autopsy. DSP noted that the command have since swung into case investigation to unravel the circumstances.
48
Transition
Friday, October 16, 2015
Mathieu Kérékou
in Africa at the beginning of the 1990s, Benin moved onto this path early, with Kérékou (earlier in the year Maga had being forced to make conceshanded over power toJustin sions to popular discontent. In the midst of increasing unrest, Ahomadegbé). During his first two years Kérékou was re-elected as presiin power, Kérékou expressed dent by the National Assembly only nationalism and said that in August 1989, but in December the country’s revolution would 1989 Marxism-Leninism was not “burden itself by copying dropped as the state ideology, foreign ideology. On Novem- and a national conference was ber 30, 1974, however, he an- held in February 1990. The connounced the adoption of Marx- ference turned out to be hostile ism-Leninism by the state. The to Kérékou and declared its own érékou was born in 1933 sovereignty; despite the objecin Kouarfa, in north-west country was renamed from the tions of some of his officers to Republic of Dahomey to the French Dahomey. After having studied at military schools People’s Republic of Benin a this turn of events, Kérékou did in modern-day Mali and Senegal, year later; the banks and pe- not act against the conference, Kérékou served in the military. troleum industry were nation- although he labelled the conferFollowing independence, from alized. The People’s Revolu- ence’s declaration of sovereign1961 to 1963 he was an aide-de- tionary Party of Benin (Parti ty a “civilian coup”. During camp to Dahomeyan President de la révolution populaire du the transition that followed, Hubert Maga; following Maurice Bénin, PRPB) was established Kérékou remained president Kouandété’s seizure of power in as the sole ruling party. In 1980, but lost most of his power. December 1967, Kérékou, who Multi-party elections were Kérékou was elected president was his cousin, was made chairheld in March 1991, which by the Revolutionary National man of the Military RevolutionKérékou lost, obtaining only ary Council. After Kérékou at- Assembly; he retired from the about 32% of the vote in the army in 1987. tended French military schools Kérékou survived numer- second round against Prime from 1968 to 1970, Maga made him a major, deputy chief of staff, and ous attempts to oust him, in- Minister Soglo; while he won commander of the Ouidah para- cluding an invasion of the port very large vote percentages troop unit. city of Cotonou by mercenar- in the north, in the rest of the country he found little support. Kérékou seized power in Da- ies contracted by a group of homey in a military coup on 26 exiled Beninese political rivals Kérékou was thus the first October 1972, ending a system in January 1977, as well as two mainland African president to lose power through a popular of government in which three coup attempts in 1988. members of a presidential In the period of reforms to- election. After losing the eleccouncil were to rotate power wards multiparty democracy tion in March 1991, Kérékou left the politiCHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME cal scene and ADEIZA:Formerly known KING : Formerly known and KASAMAZA : Formerly known “withdrew to and addressed as YUSSUFF and addressed as BILKISU addressed as PIUS AMALA ABDULHAKEEM ADEIZA now JIMOH now wish to be known total silence”, KING now wish to be known wish to be known and addressed and addressed as BILKISU and addressed as PIUS AMALA as YUSSUFF AKEEM ABDUL. All a n o t h e r JIMOH KASAMAZA. All former EZEOKE. All former documents former documents remain valid. documents remain valid. General remain valid. General public move that General public should take note. public should take note.
K
should take note.
CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss MAKINDE SAFIAT ADEBISI ,now wish to be known and addressed ad MRS. DARAMOLA SAFIAT ADEBISI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note
CHANGE OF NAME FORMERLY Known and addressed as MISS OLAOGUN OLUWATOYIN ASAKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ABIOLA OLUWATOYIN ASAKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
CHANGE OF NAME
CHANGE OF NAME
AKINLUSI: formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinlusi Omonupon Christiana, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adeyemi Omonupon Christy. All former documents remain valid . National Orthopedic Hospital Igbobi and the general public take note.
.JACOB: formerly known and addressed as Blessing Josphine Jacob, now wish to be known and addressed as Blessing Josphine Ogunlana. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
PUBLIC NOTICE COMPUTER DEALERS ASSOCIATION, ENUGU STATE This is to inform the general public that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under the part C of the Company and Allied Matters Act.
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Odu Anthony 2. Mr. Umeh Emmanuel 3. Mr. Okeke Chidiebere 4. Mr. Ebena Nicholas 5. Mr. Odo Onyemaechi -
Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer Financial Secretary
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:
To foster peace and harmony among members and to create a platform for interactions with a view to promoting the interest of members and the public when it comes to information technology.
Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.
Signed: Trustees
CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Fasan Ifeoluwa Mary ,now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs. Oyetunde Ifeoluwa Wuraola Mary. All former documents remain valid, Osun State Polytechnic Iree, NYSC and general public should please take note.
CHANGE OF NAME OLABISI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss OLABISI ABOSEDE DURODOLA, now wish tom be known and addressed as Mrs. AWONUSI ABOSEDE DURODOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
was interpreted as penitential. Kérékou reclaimed the presidency in the March 1996 election. Soglo’s economic reforms and his alleged dictatorial tendencies had caused his popularity to suffer. Although Kérékou received fewer votes than Soglo in the first round, he then defeated Soglo in the second round, taking 52.5% of the vote. Kérékou was re-elected for a second five-year term in the March 2001 presidential election under controversial circumstances. During Kérékou’s second period in office his
government followed a liberal economic path. The period also saw Benin take part in international peacekeeping missions in other African states After leaving office in 2006, Kérékou stayed out of politics and spent time at his homes in Cotonou and Natitingou in northwestern Benin, his native region. He suffered a health crisis in 2014 and was taken to Paris for treatment. Although he recovered, he continued to suffer health problems, and he died in Benin on 14 October 2015 at the age of 82.
Ayoka Awodipe M adam Bibiana Ayoka Taiwo Awodipe (Nee Awotubo) was born on September 23rd 1946 into the family of Alhaji Oseni Awotubo and Madam Nusirat wotubo (Oyeti) at Sewolu Compound Iperu Remo in Ogun State. She attended Ansarudeen Primary School Ilaro in Egbeda area from 1957-1963 and St. Paul Anglican Girls Secondary Modern School Sagamu Remo Ogun State from 1963 – 1966. She got married to Pa Victor Olusegun Ibrahim Awodipe in the year 1967 and the union produced children and great grand children. She started her her business career at Oshinowo Transport Co-operation at Yaba i 1967 where she worked as a conductress fro twelve years after which she left the transport business for Oke Arin in Lagos
CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunlade-Helen Sefunmi , now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. OmoloyeHelen Sefunmi. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission and general public take note.
CHANGE OF NAME Formerly addressed and known as Miss Adegboyega Iyabo Dorcas, now wish to be known and called as Mrs. Segilola Iyabo Dorcas. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.
PUBLIC NOTICE OFU-OBI AMAKA UNITED FRIENDS CLUB INTERNATIONAL IBUSA.
Island. Shet traded in wholse sales provision as one of the distributor of NESTLE company at Ota Ogun State, due to some problem she left Oke Arin for Agege market in 1999 where she was a distributor to Tasty Time company at Ipaja. She was president of Oreduni Social club of Lagos for many years, and was also a member of confraternity of Christian mother.
CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Aina Muibat Olufunmilayo , now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Aina Mary . All former documents remain valid. General public take note
CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as ABEL OKORODUDU now wish to be known and addressed as ABEL MORRISON OKOROH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.
CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Olayode Oluwafunmilayo Omowunmi , now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Orebanjo Oluwafunmilayo Omowunmi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note
CHANGE OF NAME AKOREDE : formerly known and addressed as Miss Akorede Fatimo Olajide, now wish to be known and addressed Blessing Josphine Jacosef as Mrs. Akorede Fatimo Odunbaku .all former documents remain valid. General public take note.
PUBLIC NOTICE DELIVERANCE AUTHORITY MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL.
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.
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.
THE TRUSTEES ARE:
THE TRUSTEES ARE:
1) PASCAL GILFORDU - PRESIDENT. 2) NWANKWO CHIEDU MIGUEL - SECRETARY. 3) ANYAOKEI IKECHUKWU KINGS- FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
1) SAMUEL UKAGWU - GENERAL OVERSEER. 2) SAMUEL DORIS - PASTOR.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:
1. TO BRING PEACE AND HARMONY AMONG MEMBERS. 2. TO ENHANCE UNITY AND DISCIPLINE AMONG THE MEMBERS
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.
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: PASCAL GILFORDU
- PRESIDENT.
SIGNED: SAMUEL UKAGWU - GENERAL OVERSEER
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Friday, October 16, 2015
49
Taraba guber: Anxiety as tribunal reserves judgment JUSTIN TYOPUUSU JALINGO
A
s the Taraba State Election Petition Tribunal sitting at the Appeal Court headquarters in Abuja reserved judgment in the governorship tussle in the state, some residents of Jalingo the state capital yesterday expressed divergent views on the possible outcome of the case. All Progressives Congress, APC, and its governorship candidate in the April 11, 2015 governorship election, Hajiya Aisha Jumai Alhassan are challenging the victory of Governor Darius Ishaku who was declared winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The anxiety is coming on the heels of recent nullification of cases by the National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Jalingo, prominent among them, Sani Abubakar Danladi former acting governor of the state, representing Taraba North, Bashir Marafa Abbah, Taraba Central and Dan-Asabe Charles, Member House of Representatives, Kurmi/ Gashaka/ Sardauna federal constituency, all on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP. Though some top politicians in the state who
spoke with National Mirror in Jalingo said commenting on the issue which is before a competent tribunal would amount to sub-judice, supporters of both parties are claiming victory in the case. Our correspondent gathered that some supporters of both parties were seen discussing the development in groups in offices and strategic locations, including newspaper stands. Supporters of Governor Darius Ishaku collectively held that the election which ran into a run-off with the governor winning a landslide was free fair and credible and argued that the APC have no ground to convince the tribunal to nullify the election. But APC supporters argued that the wind of change brewing across the country would sweep across the state when the judgment is delivered as the irregularities complained of by the party were too glaring to be ignored by the tribunal. National Mirror recalled that counsels to both parties have adopted their final written addresses, with the counsel to the petitioners, Mr. Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN), urging the tribunal to return the 1st petitioner, Aisha Alhassan, as the elected governor of the state.
… Assembly clears 20 commissioner nominees JUSTIN TYOPUUSU JALINGO
T
araba State House of Assembly yesterday cleared all the 20 commissioner nominees sent to the house by Governor Darius Ishaku on Thursday last week. The house which began screening of the commissioner nominees on Monday ended the screening yesterday and confirmed all the 20 nominees sent to them by the governor. Speaker of the house, Abel Peter Diah, during the confirmation of the commissioners, thanked members for painstakingly going through the exercise. He said the house was
satisfied with the presentations made by the nominees and expressed hope that they would bring their wealth of experience to move the state forward. Answering questions from journalists, the Speaker said the state needs more vibrant hands and the 20 commissioners would assist the governor in his rescue mission. Abel noted that the nomination and confirmation of the 20 commissioners took into consideration the diversity of the state with a view to ensuring fair representation, adding that the composition of the executive council was all inclusive with a fair representation of women, youth and the elderly.
Commissioner of Police, Katsina State, Mr Usman Abdullahi (2nd right), being welcomed by officers during his familiarisation tour and interaction with the Police Community Relations Committee, in Funtua yesterday. PHOTO:NAN
No plan to scrap payment of WAEC, NECO fees –Massari JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA
K
atsina State Government says it has no plans to scrap payment of WAEC, NECO and related fees for its students. The statement comes on the heels of a report that the state governor, Aminu Bello Masari had indicated his intention to do away with payment of the said fees. But the state government, in a statement issued to newsmen and signed by the governor’s Senior Special Adviser on Media, Abdu Labaran, denied any plans to scrap payment of the fees by state government. The statement added that given the importance which state government attached to the
education sector, it was inconceivable that it would do anything that would negatively affect the development of education in the state. It said, “The claim that Governor Masari has abolished, or will discontinue the payment of WAEC, NECO and NABTEB fees is false and designed to cast the governor and his administration in bad light. “It is to be noted that on the very day the governor was said to have announced his administration’s intention to discontinue the payments of the examinations fees, the government effected the payment of NECO fees for 2015 academic year. “As for WAEC, the Governor Masari led admin-
istration had paid the fees two months earlier.” It said on the day the governor was said to have spoken on the issue, the governor had reiterated his government’s determination to do “whatever is possible to resuscitate the comatose education sector in the state.” The statement however, said Masari had lamented that the returns in terms of students success in WAEC and NECO examinations was not commensurate with the huge amount being paid by the government for the students. It added: “No where in his remarks did the governor say he would stop the payment of examination fees for the state’s secondary school students. “In fact, if there is one
thing that the governor can’t seem to get tired of talking about, it is how to revamp the education sector in Katsina State, a task which he has always maintained to be the first, second and third priorities of his administration. It stated that as part of his commitment to revive the sector, the governor had last week visited the Abuja office of the World Bank to discuss issues relating to revamping the sector. It further added that Masari told officials of the bank that his administration was prepared, ready and willing to do whatever is necessary within available resources to move the state to the next level in the area of education, among other sectors.
Wada reiterates commitment to judges’ welfare WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA
K
ogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada has reiterated the commitment of his administration to improve the welfare of judges in the state. He also stressed that his administration will sustain the renewed efforts to make their work environment more comfortable and more convenient. Wada who made this known while speaking at
the inauguration of Kogi State High Court Justice Information Communication Technology Centre as well as Lugard Court and Family Court in Lokoja yesterday, stated that the inauguration of ICT centre in particular marks a critical point in the state judiciary’s bid to enhance efficiency of judicial function through the use of information technology. The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, stated that
every one is aware that lawyer’s responsibility is information intensive and makes it imperative for him to access such tools and technologies that would speed up documentation, management and information handling. “With inauguration of this ICT centre, legal practitioners in this division have been assisted with the instruments to access all other sources of information relevant to their responsibilities which are
now available in electronic format, “he noted. Wada who lauded Kogi State Chief Judge, Justice Nasir Ajanah, for the drive towards encouraging the migration of lawyers instrument of trade to electronic format, noting that Nigerians are looking forward to the time when the justice system will transform to electronic filling of cases before the courts at all level and ultimately encourage speedy trials.
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Friday, October 16, 2015
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World News As a responsible government, we must secure this country at whatever cost, even if we lose business with Somalia. – KENYAN VICE PRESIDENT, WILLIAM RUTO
Kerekou, Benin’s ‘father of democracy’, dies at 82
AFRICA BULLETIN
Zimbabwe seeks foreign loans Reports yesterday said Zimbabwe will seek fresh loans from the World Bank, IMF and African Development Bank (AfDB) as it struggles with slowing growth, subdued commodity prices and high unemployment, Finance Minister, Patrick Chinamasa, said. President Robert Mugabe’s government started defaulting on its debt to the IMF, World Bank, African Development Bank and several Western lenders in 1999 and is struggling to emerge from a catastrophic recession that ran for a decade until 2008. Without any balance of payment support and starved of foreign credit, Zimbabwe is running its budget hand-to-mouth, leaving it with virtually no money for infrastructure. “What we agreed with the three multilateral institutions is that we start now a country financing programme,” Chinamasa said, without giving details on the amount of funding Zimbabwe was seeking.
Afolabi Gambari
WITH AGENCY REPORT
B
enin Republic’s former President Mathieu Kerekou, the man hailed as helping to usher in multi-party democracy in Africa, died yesterday at the age of 82. Kerekou had two spells as president totalling nearly 30 years, first coming to power as the head of a Marxist regime in 1972. But he then accepted the idea of multi-party democracy and organised elections, which he lost in 1991 and became the first West African leader to admit defeat in an election. Current President Thomas Boni Yayi described the former president as a great man and declared a week of official mourning. His ideological shift, from hardline Marxist-Leninist to believing in multi-party elections, was in part due to the poor state of Benin’s economy at the end of the 1980s, but also because of
SA probes bridge collapse The late Benin Republic leader Mathieu Kerekou
a change in global politics as the Cold War came to an end. He abandoned Marxism-Leninism as Benin’s official ideology in December 1989, sequel to
being under pressure because of the difficult economic situation as he faced a series of protests. He stepped down in 1991 after
losing to Nicephore Soglo in a multi-party poll, but returned to power in 1996 and then went on to win a second and final five-year term in 2001.
Fresh Lockerbie bombing suspects identified
S
cottish prosecutors said yesterday that they will interview two Libyans they have identified as new suspects over the Lockerbie bombing. The prosecutors believed the two suspects were involved, along with Abdelbaset al-Megrahi who is the only person to have been convicted of the 1988 atrocity in which a total of 270 people perished. Megrahi was released in 2009 on compassionate grounds after being diagnosed with prostate cancer but died in 2012 while protesting his innocence. Scotland’s Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland QC recently met the US Attorney General, Loretta Lynch, in Washington to review progress made in the ongoing investigation. They have now requested permission from the Libyan authorities for Scottish police and the FBI to interview the two named suspects in Tripoli. “The Lord Advocate and the US
Attorney General have recently agreed that there is a proper basis in law in Scotland and the United States to entitle Scottish and US investigators to treat two Libyans as suspects in the continuing investigation into the bombing of flight Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie,” a Crown Office spokesman said. “The Lord Advocate has today,
Wreckage of the Pan Am plane in 1988
therefore, issued an International Letter of Request to the Libyan attorney general in Tripoli which identifies the two Libyans as suspects in the bombing of flight Pan Am 103. “The Lord Advocate and the US Attorney General are seeking the assistance of the Libyan judicial authorities for Scottish police officers and the FBI to interview the
two named suspects in Tripoli. “The two individuals are suspected of involvement, along with Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed alMegrahi, in the bombing of flight Pan Am 103 in December 1988 and the murder of 270 people.” Megrahi’s part in the bombing has been called into question in a series of books and documentaries. A petition seeking “Justice For Megrahi”, backed by politicians and family members of some victims, was raised at the Scottish Parliament in 2012. The Pan Am flight was on its way from London to New York when it exploded above Lockerbie, in southern Scotland, on the evening of December 21 1988, killing everyone on board and 11 people on the ground. Edinburgh’s Appeal Court judges ruled in July this year that the law was “not designed to give relatives of victims a right to proceed in an appeal for their own or the public interest”.
Authorities in South Africa yesterday opened an investigation after a temporary pedestrian bridge collapsed over a motorway in Johannesburg killing two. “Corrective action will be taken against those responsible,” the city’s Mayor, Parks Tau, said. Yesterday’s rush-hour incident happened on the main highway linking Johannesburg to the capital, Pretoria. Traffic between Johannesburg and Pretoria was severely disrupted by the accident that happened near a busy slip road close to the Sandton financial district. The temporary bridge linked Sandton to the poorer area of Alexandra-and had been put in place while a permanent bridge was being built.
‘Rapper’s health deteriorating’
The condition of popular Angolan rapper and activist Luaty Beirao, who has been on hunger strike for 23 days, is deteriorating, his wife said yesterday. Beirao was arrested with 14 others in June for allegedly plotting to oust long-time President Eduardo dos Santos. “I’m very worried about his health and what will happen to him next,” wife Monica Almeida said yesterday. About 20 people were arrested on Monday in the capital, Luanda, during a vigil calling for the activists’ release. Police surrounded the group as they gathered in a church, holding candles and posters demanding the release of the detainees, who have been held without trial for more than three months now, the maximum allowed under Angolan law.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
WORLD BULLETIN
ISIS releases hostage photo A video that purports to show four hostages, who appear to be those kidnapped by armed militants in the southern Philippines last month, has been posted online. The video showed three hostages who appear to be foreign nationals pleading for help from the Canadian and Philippine governments. The fourth person, a Filipino woman, does not speak. The hostages are surrounded by masked, heavily armed militants and banners that appear to be ISIS flags, or jihadist flags which are very similar in appearance to the infamous black-andwhite standard. The kidnappers do not identify their affiliation in the video, but the Abu Sayyaf Islamist group is a known militant presence in the area. The abductions took place on the evening of September 21 at the Oceanview Resort on Samal Island. , which lies off the coast of the major southern Philippines island of Mindanao, according to reports. A spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said yesterday that authorities have seen the video and are evaluating it “As of now our current (military) posture is still the same,” he said. “Our posture remains, where our troops are, where our police are, they will remain to be where they are.”
Taliban exit Afghan city Weeks after they overran a strategically important city in northern Afghanistan, the Taliban said yesterday that their forces have now withdrawn from Kunduz after achieving their objectives. The Afghan Defense Ministry issued its own statement about a change on the ground, characterizing it not as some sort of strategic withdrawal but a Taliban defeat that resulted in the deaths of a “large number of enemy fighters.” The ministry said its special forces retook Kunduz province’s Char Dara district, which has been a Taliban stronghold for years, on Tuesday night and subsequently began the process of clearing it. The district is southwest of the provincial capital. Last month, Afghan officials admitted the provincial capital had “largely fallen into the hand of enemies” when Taliban insurgents seized the center of the city, including a hospital and a prison, where they reportedly freed more than 500 inmates. It was the first time they’d taken over a city of this size since 2001. After days of bitter fighting, Afghan special forces supported by U.S. military advisers, who coordinated airstrikes on the ground, managed to retake most of the city, but not without civilian casualties. In one incident the U.S. military has since described as accidental, a U.S. airstrike hit a hospital in the city run by Doctors Without Borders, killing 22 people and injuring dozens more. The facility had been treating hundreds of people wounded by shrapnel and gunfire during the intense fighting. Thousands of people fled the city, according to the United Nations.
World News 51
Friday, October 16, 2015
Migrant crisis: Merkel wants EU action on boarders A
ll European Union countries must be prepared to send security staff to the bloc’s external borders, German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, said yesterday. Merkel, was spoke as she arrived at an EU leaders’ summit in Brussels, said it would be unfair to ask EU countries seeing the majority of initial migrant entries to secure borders as well. The meeting aims to secure Turkey’s agreement to a plan to halt the flow of refugees trying to reach Europe. Nearly 600, 000 migrants have reached the EU by sea so far this year. “It’s quite obvious that only a few countries today take the majority of refugees and if these countries now are asked to secure the external borders on top of that, I don’t think it would be what we could call a fair distribution of effort,” the German leader, who described the situation as very disorderly, added. The summit aims to tackle the migration crisis by working with non-EU countries, protecting the EU’s external borders and ensuring some migrants are sent back. Estonia’s Prime Minister, Taavi Roivas, said immediate action was needed to preserve the EU’s borderless Schengen area, which has come under increasing pressure, with some states reintroducing controls to prevent migrants from crossing borders. Meanwhile Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, said his country would decide whether to close its border with Croatia by today. Orban said he would prefer the EU to defend its external border in Greece but could seal its Croatian border within an hour if necessary. There were also calls for mem-
File copy of migrants at a Hungarian camp last month
ber states to address the causes of migration by providing more money for Syrian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey and for development in Africa. “Member states need to put their money where their mouth is,” EU Foreign Policy Head, Federica Mogherini, said.
More than 400, 000 migrants and refugees have crossed the Aegean Sea this year, hundreds have drowned. But the seas are getting rougher and many in Greece are looking to EU leaders to find a solution. One idea mentioned in Germany was for joint patrols by the
UK’s Ebola patient ‘critical’
A
bout nine months ago, Pauline Cafferkey was discharged from a London hospital, seemingly signaling her victory in beating Ebola. Now, not only is Cafferkey back in the hospital with a rare relapse of the deadly virus, but she has gotten worse. London’s Royal Free Hospital announced yesterday afternoon that “Cafferkey’s condition has deteriorated and she is now critically ill.” The hospital didn’t elaborate
on the news about the Scottish nurse, who last year became the first person diagnosed with Ebola in the United Kingdom. But it’s not a good sign, coming five days after the same medical facility confirmed Cafferkey had been transferred there from Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow “due to an unusual late complication of her previous infection by the Ebola virus.” That day, the Royal Free Hospital indicated that Cafferkey was in “serious condition” and being
Obama okays Afghan stay extension
U
S President Barack Obama yesterday confirmed plans to extend the country’s military presence in Afghanistan beyond 2016, in a shift in policy. Obama said the US would keep 5, 500 troops in Afghanistan when he leaves office in 2017. Originally all but a small embassy-based force were due to leave by the end of next year. But the US military says more troops will be needed to help Afghan forces counter a growing Taliban threat. There are currently 9, 800 US troops stationed in Afghanistan. Last week, the top US military commander in Afghanistan, Gen. John Campbell, said
the US must consider extending its military presence there beyond 2016.
Obama
The slowing of the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan means that President Obama will not be able to bring home all US forces before his presidency ends. A US review of its troop presence there has been under way for some months and is not directly linked to the Taliban’s recent success in briefly seizing the town of Kunduz. But that episode illustrated the continuing need for the US training and mentoring of Afghan forces. With al-Qaeda again operating in Afghanistan and the socalled Islamic State gaining a foothold, Washington is also eager to retain a small number of bases from which it can mount counter-terrorist operations.
Turkish and Greek coastguards. But all this received a loud and clear “no” from the Greek government. EU negotiators in Ankara are making “good progress” in talks with Turkish officials, European Commission President JeanClaude Juncker said.
treated in a “high-level isolation unit.” Since her January discharge, Cafferkey has been out and about, including receiving a Pride of Britain award late last month and paying a visit to 10 Downing Street, where pictures showed her with the prime minister’s wife, Samantha Cameron. Last week Dr. Emilia Crighton, director of public health for the National Health Service group NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, insisted that the risk of the 39-year-old Cafferkey inadvertently passing on Ebola to anyone else was “very low.” “In line with normal procedures in cases such as this, we have identified a small number of close contacts of Pauline’s that we will be following up as a precaution,” Crighton said.
David Cameron, British Prime Minister
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Friday, October 16, 2015
CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss HAPPINESS OKEREAFOR, now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. HAPPINESS EZEH. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.
CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Grace Alexis Matthew, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Pamela Alexis Matthew. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.
CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as BENSON, Marvin , Now to be known as BENSON LAWRENCE OZEMOYA MARVIN. All Former document remain valid. General public take note.
CHANGE OF NAME I Formerly known and addressed as MISS UNEGBU UGOCHI CHARITY and now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. LIKENESS UGOCHI CHARITY. All former document remains valid. General public should take note. CHANGE OF NAME
CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Okonye Blessing Oritseseundede, now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ayodele-Ilevbare Blessing Oritseseundede. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.
CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Amoo Temitope Oyinkansola, now wish to be known and addressed as Osunbiyi Oyinkansola Temitope. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.
CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Ademolu Ayodele Elizabeth now wish to be known and addressed as Oyesola Ayodele Elizabeth. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.
CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as PATIENCE OZAVIZE AUDU, now wish to be referred as PATIENCE OZAVIZE MOYOSIORETI OLUWAPESEFUNMI AKINYOADE. All former document still remain valid. General public please note.
CHANGE OF NAME
MADUKO: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS FEBECHUKWU VIVIAN MADUKO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS FEBECHUKWU VIVIAN NWAGBO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.
CHANGE OF NAME UJAH:I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UJAH JACINTHA CHINASA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHUKWUMA JACINTHA CHINASA. All former documents remain valid. Federal Ministry of Education and general public should please take note.
CONFIRMATION OF NAME
This is to confirm that Ejiogu Ngozi Maureen is the same person as Ejiogu Ngozi Juilet. All former documents remain valid. FEDPONEK and the general public please take note.
OKOLO: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKOLO UCHECHUKWU MARY, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IGWENAGU UCHECHUKWU MARY. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.
CHANGE OF NAME AGBAJI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AGBAJI JESSINTA NWAKAEGO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OSSAE JESSINTA NWAKAEGO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.
CHANGE OF NAME xI, formerly known and addressed
as Durojaye Rafiat Abiodun, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Adetona Oyeyinka. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.
CHANGE OF NAME OLANIYI: I, formerly known and addressed as Olaniyi Oluwaseun Esther, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Bamigbade Oluwaseun. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authority Concerned should please take note
CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Alimi Abibat Oyinlade, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs .Yusuf Abibat Oyinlade . All former documents remain valid and general public take note
CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogochukwu Anaestia .S. Onunkwo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ogochukwu Anaestia Chukwujekwu Onumba. All former documents remain valid general public take note
CHANGE OF NAME IRIKANNU: I, Innocent Chidi Irikannu, the biological father of Endurance Ndidi Jefferson as she was formerly known and addressed, was born on August 23, 2005 at Munchen in Germany. Henceforth, I wish that my daughter be known, called and addressed as ENDURANCE NDIDI IRIKANNU. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned take note.
CHANGE OF NAME OBIDIGWE : Formerly known as Obidigwe Ekene MaryAnn, now wish to be known and address as Ndife Ekene MaryAnn. All former documents remains valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Obeten Dennis Ubi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Obeten Ebriba. All former documents remain valid general public take note
PUBLIC NOTICE WIGGINS WALKING IN THE MISSION
The general public is hereby notified that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Richard Dexter Wiggins Toyin Phyllis Wiggins Yinka Ajobere Bamidele Olamilekan Ayoola
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To reach out to the rural unreached people 2. To train young Nigerians 3. To provide shelter for refugee persecuted people Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.
SIGNED: Secretary
CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss LAMIDI TANWA KEMI now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. AJAKAIYE TANWA KEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.
CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Fayose Olubunmi Elizabeth, Now wish to be known and addressed as Odulate Opeyemi Abayomi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.
CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss PAULINA UNYI OKOH now wish to be known and addressed as MRS PAULINE CHIMAMANDA ONUCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid.General public should please take note.
CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as IWUALA IKECHUKWU now wish to be known and addressed as IKECHUKWU .C. IKECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note .
CHANGE OF NAME ADILI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ADILI FELICIA EKWUTOSI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EZEAKONOBIM FELICIA EKWUTOSI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.
CHANGE OF NAME MOMOH:I, formerly known and addressed as MOMOH HASSANA, now wish to be known and addressed as ODOH CHRISTIANA CHIZOBA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.
CHANGE OF NAME
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PUBLIC NOTICE CONQUERORS EMBASSY GOSPEL CENTRE This is to inform the general public that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Anas Abubakar Maihali 2. Surajo Khalid Lawan
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Rex Anma Ageh 2. Mrs. Ruth Mariam Ageh
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. For the protection and advancement of socio economic & cultural interest of its members and to foster unity amongst all members.
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SIGNED: Secretary
Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication. SIGNED: Secretary
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Friday, October 16, 2015
My focus has shifted to Rio Olympics –Yakmut
53
Sport
As to whether I will rescind my decision to quit the Togo team, I think we have to still wait and see
55
–EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR
Ighalo
Ighalo Enyeama
EPL:
set to dismantle Arsenal
S
uper Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, is certain that his club, Watford, can pull off a result against Arsenal when they play hosts to the London club tomorrow. The 26-year-old, despite admitting that the Gunners are one of the big guns in the English top division, is also hopeful that they can ruffle the feathers of Arsene Wenger’s men. Ighalo, who has scored The Hornets’ last five goals this season, is optimistic of adding to his number of goals for the club when Arsenal visit Vicarage Road. The Nigerian international also
knows that they would have to work their socks off if they want to stand any chance of claiming a result against the North London club. “Arsenal are a big team and it is not going to be easy. They are not a team we are going to take lightly because they are doing very well at the moment. They are not just doing well but also scoring goals. “So we just have to work hard against them - play to the coach’s instructions, and hopefully we can get all three points or may be one. It is not going to be an easy game because Arsenal are a good team. But in football
anything can happen and I am hoping by God’s grace I can add to my goal tally,” he said. Ighalo is currently the third highest goalscorer in the English top-flight this term with five goals, behind Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy and Sergio Aguero of Manchester City on seven and six goals respectively. The former Udinese man has scored a goal each against Everton, Swansea City, AFC Bournemouth and two against Newcastle United. The striker has made eight league appearances for the club this season, including two as a substitute.
Wenger
We can win the title
–Wenger
A
rsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, declared yesterday that the strength of his squad convinces him that they stand a “good chance” of winning the Premier League title this season. It is 11 years since Arsenal’s last league title, but they have won back-to-back FA Cups and are currently second behind Manchester City in the table after a strong start to the campaign. Wenger saw his side defeat Manchester United 3-0 prior to the international break and with players like Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil at his disposal, he is increasingly optimistic about their title credentials. Addressing the club’s annual general meeting at the Emirates Stadium, he said, “I know you want to ask me – will we win the championship this year? I think we are back in contention and we have a good chance. “All of our numbers confirm that we have the potential to be in the fight. We are now equipped around the whole team to say we are really advanced in the way we work, prepare and develop players.” The Frenchman, now in his 20th year at Arsenal, added, “I know I have faced some adversities, but I am more motivated than ever, more committed than ever. “I am resolute to commit until the last day of my contract here to bring back big success to this club and leave this club in the position it can do even better when I leave.”
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Sports
Friday, October 16, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Coach Emmanuel Amuneke with his Golden Eaglets players
Chile 2015:
Eaglets favourites as tomorrow’s stars begin party
A
party on our pitch’ is the slogan that Chile has chosen to welcome its guests from all over the world at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015. It is a party that 24 teams are readying themselves to take part in, as the 16th edition of the youth competition takes place between October 17 and November 8. The tournament comes at a time when Chilean football is riding high, with the senior national team champions of the 2015 Copa America and, with it, earning the right to represent South America at the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017. La Roja have maintained the feelgood factor by making an excellent start to their Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, helping to ramp up the excitement among Chile’s 17.8 million inhabitants ahead of a competition that will see the emergence of the football stars of tomorrow. The U-17 World Cup has been graced by many senior world champions over the years, among them Germany 2006 winners, Gianluigi Buffon, Alessandro Del Piero and Francesco Totti of Italy;
Ronaldinho, who was victorious with Brazil at Korea/Japan 2002; the Spanish trio of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas, South Africa 2010 champions to a man; and the German duo of Toni Kroos and Mario Gotze, who lifted the Trophy high at Brazil 2014. Meanwhile, Neymar is just one of many other worldclass talent to have lit up the global U-17 stage. This year’s crop of gifted youngsters – 504 of them in all – are dreaming of following in those footsteps. They will be well aware that the spotlight will be on them over the next few weeks and that a good showing in Chile will help them towards fulfilling their goal of making the big time. The whole of Chile is eagerly awaiting the action and is ready to take the players to their hearts, with the host cities of Coquimbo, La Serena, Vina Del Mar, Santiago, Talca, Chillan, Conception and Puerto Montt all set to stage the competition. The South American nation, which has previously hosted three major FIFA tournaments - the World Cup in 1962, the 1987 U-20 World Cup and the U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2008 - has high hopes
of La Rojita, who are aiming to emulate the seniors’ recent successes by lifting the U-17 World Cup for the first time. Historically, African nations have had the edge over their European and South American rivals in the competition, having won six of the 15 previous editions. With four tournament triumphs to their name, including the inaugural competition in 1985 and the last in 2013, Nigeria rank high among the favourites for Chile 2015. As he revealed in a recent interview with FIFA.com, Coach Emmanuel Amuneke, a former Super Eagles striker, is itching to get their title defence underway and has complete faith in his team, vowing, “Our best will come in Chile.” Nigeria can expect a stiff challenge from 2005 and 2011 champions Mexico, three-time winners Brazil, who last won the competition in 2003, and reigning European champions, France, who tasted success in 2001 and will no doubt be anxious to repeat the experience. The remaining 20 pretenders are all thinking big too, and have designs on emulating the surprise successes achieved by Saudi Arabia in 1989 and Switzerland in 2009. Germany’s youngsters will look
to follow up their elders’ glorious run at Brazil 2014 and maintain the country’s recent dominance of the global scene, while Argentina’s teenage hopefuls will be aiming to add a first world U-17 title to the nation’s collection of two World Cups and six U-20 World Cups. Indeed, there are so many teams in with a chance at Chile 2015 that another unexpected win cannot be ruled out, particularly from one of the teams with previous experience of the competition. With 52 matches taking place over the next three weeks, there will be much to keep the fans entertained as the battle to become the next U-17 world champions begins tomorrow. Group A: Chile, Croatia, Nigeria, USA Group B: England, Guinea, Brazil, South Korea Group C: Australia, Germany, Mexico, Argentina Group D: Belgium, Mali, Honduras, Ecuadoe Group E: South Africa, Costa Rica, North Korea, Russia Group F: New Zealand, France, Syria, Paraguay
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
My focus has shifted to Rio Olympics –Yakmut …as NSC plans decentralised camps
Joel Ajayi ABUJA
D
irector-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Alhassan Yakmut, has disclosed that the commission has now diverted its full attention towards better outing of Team Nigeria in next summer’s Rio Olympics. Yakmut spoke against the backdrop of Nigeria placing second behind Egypt at the recent 11th All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville. Speaking in Abuja recently when the Handball Veterans Association gave him award for his several strides and achievements since he assumed office as the NSC DG, Yakmut also reiterated that the NSC aim is not just to feature in the Olympics but to win medals and engrave Nigeria’s name in history books. On the preparedness of the commission for the Rio 2016 Games, he said, “We are working on logistics and permutation for the number of medals we are expecting in the Olympics.
“Today we had inner caucus meeting with all federations and we could not conclude on number of medals we want, but we all resolved that the result of 2016 Olympics will not be the same with the one we had in 2012. “For those federations who have qualified for the Olympics, we have asked them to draw their programmes and send to us. We are not going to do collective camping; it’s going to be decentralised camps based on specialisation and quality of environment because Olympics is high standard,” Yakmut said.
Yakmut
FIFA Presidency: ‘UEFA still backs Platini’
U
EFA president, Michel Platini, still has the support of European football’s governing body in his bid to become FIFA president, despite concerns over a £1.35m payment from Sepp Blatter. Outgoing FIFA boss Blatter is under criminal investigation over the 2011 payment, while Platini has also been questioned they deny any wrongdoing. Platini is also a vice-president of FIFA, but was last week suspended from all football matters for 90 days by the organisation while it investigates the payment from Blatter, 79 - who was also suspended. The absence of a written contract detailing the payment had caused several countries to reconsider backing Platini in next February’s FIFA presidential election. According to BBC Sport,
Platini
Sports
Friday, October 16, 2015
UEFA’s 54 members met in Switzerland yesterday to discuss the issue. Platini should have the chance “to clear his name”, a UEFA statement said. It also called for investigators to “work rapidly” and decide “on the merits of the case by, at the latest, mid-November 2015.” The report said outside the meeting reporters were told by Austrian soccer federation president, Leo Windtner, that all 54 member nations “fully support” their president. The statement issued shortly afterwards confirmed: “We support Michel Platini’s right to a due process and a fair trial and to the opportunity to clear his name.” However, one UEFA source told the BBC there was a clear split between those members who continue to back Platini and those who want “to consider a plan B”. Michael Van Praag, head of the Dutch FA, is being considered as an alternative candidate to Platini by some member associations - who, the BBC has learned, could hold a meeting on Monday or Tuesday to discuss that option. Asked by BBC Sport about the payment and his future, before yesterday’s emergency meeting, Platini refused to comment.
MANDATE
THE
Sylvester Ikuejamoye
mopheys13@gmail.com 0805-407-1194 (SMS only)
If I were Issa Hayatou
T
he long awaited exit of out completely. More so, he is FIFA President Sepp already out of the equation for Blatter was made easier the February 2016 election. It last week with the report of is therefore safe to reason that the ethics committee of FIFA Blatter is more comfortable that placed him on 90 days sus- with Hayatou than any other pension as a result of alleged person in FIFA at the moment. massive corruption that has My humble advice for Hayanegatively affected the very t o u foundation of the football house in Zurich. He was not alone as he has a co-traveller in the president of UEFA, Michel Platini, who was also slammed a 90-day suspension. There is no doubt that Hayatou is one of the very close confidants of the fallen FIFA president. This can be attested to by the huge block support by the Hayatou Confederation of African Football given to Blatter during the last FIFA election that returned Blatter to office for another five year term. What i s happened thereafter that led to be careful and run the afto Blatter calling for fresh elec- fairs of FIFA for the next three tion where he would not be a months in strict compliance candidate and his subsequent with the world body’s rules and suspension is no longer a news regulations. He has a responitem. sibility not only to Africa, but It is also interesting to note also to the black race. If I were the political sagacity of Haya- Hayatou, I will try as much tou to have survived the Tsuna- as possible not to fall into the mic storm that swept away the temptation of trying to protect great and mighty within FIFA the mafia interest and click as hierarchy. Without doubt, the represented by the disgraced Camerounian has proven that and out of favour former FIFA he has the capacity to with- president and his co-travellers. stand and play the high wire Should I be Hayatou, I politics of global sporting net- will not forget that the three work. His emergence seems the months in office will amount to product of inter-continenental three months in the eyes of the highly politicised global sport- storm globally. It will amount ing networking with possible to three months of surveillance hidden agenda. by the American secret service Blatter, like any other person and three months of peeping with human feelings, would be by the Swiss secret agents. If hard pressed to hand over tem- I were Hayatou, I will assume porarily to any person with that all my secret discussions any iota of ambition, not to and interactions are certainly talk of any one with huge am- not secret but open. I will asbition for the fear of not losing sume there is no privacy for me
55
for the duration of the three months of this assignment. Let Hayatou allow his tenure be a positive record for posterity; in which an obscure African from Cameroun and whose country has never hosted the Africa Cup of Nations and who has presided CAF for 27 years can make meaningful contribution within a threemonth span as FIFA interim president. He should not allow this brief stint be a reference point of blockage for any other African that may want to aspire for the leadership of the world football body in future. If I were Issa Hayatou, I will work hard to leave a legacy, no matter how little. That will be said of me that for just three months stay, I came, I saw and made modest impact. Sincerely, I wish Hayatou well as FIFA’s acting president. Oliseh and Enyeama show The camp drama between the Coach of the Super Eagles, Sunday Oliseh and captain Vincent Eayeama was not unexpected to me. I can also foresee the possibility of more of such fracas between Oliseh and other players in the nearest future, unless the gaffer sees himself beyond the field of coaching assignment. He needs to be told that he is not only a coach, but also a father figure for the players as well as a manager and mentor rolled into one. I hope he has not forgotten that he is no longer a player but a coach, in accordance to the description stated above. It should however be stated that no matter how big or important a player may feel, he can never be the boss of his coach. I strongly detest indiscipline in any form. Respect must be accorded your superiors, no matter what. There is need for decency and decorum in the camp. QED.
Hard but the bitter truth Let no one forget that there is always a pay-back day. Just be expectant. Work hard not to have a hard and bitter pay day in return for your deeds. Hard But The Bitter Truth. Until next week Friday, stay out of trouble and God bless Nigeria. Email: mopheys13@gmail. com or +234 0805 407 1194 (SMS) only.
WORLD RECORD
Most subscribers on YouTube
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Friday, October 16, 2015
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As of 7 July 2014, “PewDiePie”, aka Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg (Sweden), had 28,292,944 YouTube subscribers for his comedic videogaming highlights.
A tale of two Speakers
T
here are two Speakers; one is Cosmos Ndukwe, the current Deputy Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly; and the other is the former Speaker of the same House, Stanley Ohajuruka, who doubles as an ex-member of the Federal House of Representatives. Their benefactors are two former Abia governors now at daggers-drawn, namely: Senator Theodore Ahamefule Orji – Ohajuruka’s kinsman from Abia Central Senatorial District; and Chief Orji Uzor Kalu – Ndukwe’s kinsman from Abia North Senatorial District, respectively. A twist of fate, some may say. But there are other intriguing and striking similarities or dissimilarities, if you like. Ndukwe served as Chief of Staff in the government of former Governor T. A.’s government, from where he emerged now as Deputy Speaker. Ohajuruka, on the other hand, served as Abia Speaker, the one and only Speaker former Governor Kalu
NO COMPARISON, THEY ARE BOTH
A
fter having assumed the office of FIFA President on an interim basis on October 8, Issa Hayatou arrived at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, Switzerland, yesterday. Hayatou will remain in Zurich until next week, when he will chair the Ex-
FRIDAY WITH Dozie Okebalama
dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) trusted to the point he acted in Kalu’s absence as governor at a time when T. A. was Chief of Staff in Kalu’s government. Ordinarily, therefore, all the figures mentioned should have remained in peace as one political family in moving Abia forward, not fighting to level the grass like elephants do, purportedly in search of justice for the people of Abia. One would return to this shortly. But before that ‘digression’, there is yet another similarity/dissimilarity, which is the rise and rise of Ndukwe and T. A. on the political value chain; and the fall and fall of Ohajuruka and OUK in the same struggle. Ohajuruka’s fall, it may be temporarily, could be traced to his fatal gamble in 2011, when amid the last minute battle of his kinsman, T. A., to ward off the grave threat OUK constituted to his second term bid as governor, he defected from the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) and joined the Labour Party (LP) at the 11th hour to contest the governorship seat with T.A., alongside other contenders like Chris Akomas (PPA); Paul Ikonne, defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN); and Reagan Ufomba, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), etc. Ohajuruka’s benefactor, OUK, we recall, flew PPA’s flag and vied for the Abia North senatorial seat with the late Senator Uche Chukwumerije that year and failed. Kalu attributed that first-attempt-
WHY THEN ALL THE DISTRACTIONS BY JUDGES AND JUSTICE SEEKERS NOT COURAGEOUS ENOUGH TO FACE THE LAW SINCE
2007?
failure to state repression, claiming he was stopped from stepping out to vote on Election Day by four armoured tanks positioned outside his gate. But he again contested for the same seat with Senator Mao Ohuabunwa during this year’s general election and failed. He had been in court seeking a reversal of the result. But just early in the week, reports said the National and State Houses of Assembly Tribunal sitting in Umuahia upheld Ohuabunwa’s election. Like one Edward U. Egbujor wrote lately in one of the national dailies (not National Mirror), despite the claims by the Kalu camp that his successor in office (T. A.) was an unpopular governor, “the former governor is presently a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic (of Nigeria) representing Abia Central in the upper chamber of the National Assembly. Kalu has also contested for the Abia North senatorial seat in 2011 and 2015, and lost. Who then is truly more popular between the two
in Abia?” Ohajuruka himself had been on political recess until the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the last general election resuscitated his hope for a brighter political future, being one of the foundation members of APC in Abia. Yet, political desperation and blackmail, veiled as search for justice for the people of Abia are still flaring without sober reflection and self introspection. If Ndukwe is not complaining of media tyranny by political opponents to diminish the character and integrity of himself and his benefactor, the Ohajurukas are giving damning verdicts on T.A.’s era as governor. But virtually every Chief Priest of a reputable shrine knows that a deity that demanded a ram for pacification would first be served native kola as the first course. No amount of media tyranny may deter Abians and, indeed, Nigerians from insisting that justice for Abia should kick off with the completion of OUK’s money laundering trial still pending in court. The search for political justice in Abia that does not commence with the conclusion of OUK’s case is suspect and deceitful. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in 2007, arraigned him before a Federal High Court in Abuja on a 107-count charge of money laundering, official corruption and criminal diversion of public funds amounting to N5.6 billion. The court says he has a case to answer. Why then all the distractions by dubious judges and justice seekers not courageous enough to face the law since 2007? To crown it all, the huge joke has been taken to the doorsteps of FIFA. It is called “Kalu for FIFA President”, as a colleague in ‘The Nation’ newspaper group, Sam Omatseye, recently entitled it in his write-up. “I have always tried to restrain from writing on Orji Kalu, a former Abia State governor. But who can ignore his laughable new ambition…”, Omatseye’s opening paragraph says (The Nation, Monday October 12, 2015, back page). It is a must read for all interested in the OUK character.
Sport Extra
Hayatou resumes at the Home of FIFA traordinary Executive Committee meeting on Tuesday, October 20. In a statement, FIFA said the CAF President was welcomed by Acting Secretary General, Markus Kattner, and addressed the organisa-
tion’s staff before spending the rest of the day in the office. “It’s certainly an unprecedented situation for FIFA,” said Hayatou. “But we remain focused on the necessary reform process, the
presidential election and on supporting the current investigations. To restore public trust is a crucial objective. It is essential that FIFA carries on its mission of developing the game and staging international tour-
naments.” Kattner discussed the main administrational matters with the acting president and provided an overview of FIFA’s activities over the next few months.
Hayatou
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