Buhari fires Marilyn Ogar, exDSS spokesperson, 43 others OMEIZA AJAYI
P
resident Muhammadu Buhari has approved the compulsory retirement of for-
Ogar
Vol. 5 N0. 1193
tor General of the Service, Lawal Daura, who had on assumption of office constituted a disciplinary committee to assess Ogar’s performance, par-
mer spokeswoman of the Department of State Services, DSS, Marilyn Ogar, seven years before her due date for retirement. Buhari’s action was routed through the Direc-
Friday, September 4, 2015
Warri Refinery to resume production first week Nov –NNPC GMD
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>
P.4
Kachikwu
National Mirror Online
N150
@NationalMirror
Buhari, Osinbajo P declare assets President had less than N30m before May 29
ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA
resident Muhammadu Buhari is worth about N30m and has seven houses, according to documents submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, yesterday. Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on the other hand has a bank balance of N94m and $900, 000. This was disclosed yes-
...Vice-President, N94m, $900,000
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>
Insurgency: Army reinstates 3,032 dismissed soldiers P.5 PDP asks President to explain depletion of ECA
Chairman, 3rd Regular Course of Nigeria Defence Academy Alumni Association, retired Gen. David Mark (5th right) with other members of the association during their Annual General Meeting at Apo Mansion in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN
FLIGHT SCHEDULE
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TUESDAYS
...calls for Fashola, Oshiomhole, elRufai’s probe P.6
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News
Friday, September 4, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Buhari, Osinbajo declare assets CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
terday in a statement by Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Mr Garba Shehu as the duo formally declared their assets in line with the extant laws of the country. According to the statement, President Buhari has two houses in Kaduna, one each in Kano, Daura and Abuja as well as two other mud houses, also in Daura. The statement said: “The documents submitted to the CCB, which officials say are still being vetted and will soon be made public, show that prior to being sworn in on May 29, President Buhari had less than N30m to his name. “He also had only one bank account, with the Union Bank. President Buhari had no foreign account, no factory and no enterprises. He also had no registered company
and no oil wells. “The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, who had been a successful lawyer before his foray into politics declared a bank balance of about N94m and $900,000 in his bank accounts. “President Buhari declared however that he had shares in Berger Paints, Union Bank and Skye Bank. “The documents also revealed that President Buhari had a total of five homes and two mud houses in Daura. “He had two homes in Kaduna, one each in Kano, Daura and in Abuja. One of the mud houses in Daura was inherited from his late older sister, another from his late father. He borrowed money from the old Barclays Bank to build two of his homes. “President Buhari also has two undeveloped
plots of land, one in Kano and the other in Port Harcourt. He is still trying to trace the location of the Port Harcourt land. “In addition to the homes in Daura, he has farms, an orchard and a ranch. The total number of his holdings in the farm includes 270 heads of cattle, 25 sheep, five horses, a variety of birds and a number of economic trees. “The documents also showed that the retired General uses a number of cars, two of which he bought from his savings and the others supplied to him by the Federal Government in his capacity as former Head of State. “The rest were donated to him by well-wishers after his jeep was damaged in a Boko Haram bomb attack on his convoy in July 2014. “As revealed by the same forms, highlights of
the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s asset declaration includes his 4-bedroom residence at Victoria Garden City, Lagos and a 3-bedroom flat at 2 Mosley Road, Ikoyi. “The Vice President also has a 2-bedroom flat at the popular Redemption Camp along LagosIbadan Expressway and a 2-bedroom mortgaged property in Bedford, England. Aside from these, the Vice President has no other landed properties on the form. “Apart from his law firm, known as SimmonsCooper, the Vice-President also declared shareholding in six private companies based in Lagos, including Octogenerium Ltd., Windsor Grant Ltd., Tarapolsa, Vistorion Ltd., Aviva Ltd. and MTN Nigeria. “According to details shown on the form, the Vice-President has about
Fire fighters at the scene of fire outbreak inside a building on Gbajumo Street, near Broad Street, in Lagos Island, yesterday.
N94m, $900,000 and nineteen thousand pounds in Nigerian Banks with the foreign currencies kept in local domiciliary accounts. “His personal vehicles are one Infinity 4-Wheel Drive SUV, one Mercedes
PPP child of necessity - FG
F
ederal Government yesterday said Public Private Partnership, PPP, concept was a child of necessity and must be nurtured to fruition. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Anastasia Daniel-Nwaobia, said this at a PPP consultative forum organised by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC, in Abuja. She said the concept was necessary in the government’s quest to reverse the country’s infrastructure deficit.
PHOTO: ABIOLA ABDULHAMMED
Buhari fires Marilyn Ogar, ex-DSS spokesperson, 14 others CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
ticularly in the months leading to the last general elections. Equally affected by the president’s directive were about 43 other top officers of the service, who were promoted in March, this year.
The disciplinary panel had reportedly recommended that Ogar and others be compulsorily retired, after it allegedly found them guilty. Daura had before now demoted Ogar who was elevated as Assistant Director in the twilight of
the President Goodluck Jonathan administration. Thereafter, she was recalled from a foreign course and deployed in Maiduguri, the Bor no State capital. Apart from demoting Ogar, the DSS boss had also directed the demo-
tion of numerous other officers of the agency who were earlier promoted in March. Although, there was no official statement confir ming Ogar’s sack, National Mirror gathered that a “signal” was sent out on
Benz and a Prado Jeep. “As soon as the CCB is through with the process, the documents will be released to the Nigerian public and people can see for themselves,” a source said.
Wednesday night announcing the development. Since Ogar was demoted, the service has refused to name a spokesperson, a situation which has continued to impact negatively on the public perception of the service.
Daniel-Nwaobia said that to close the country’s infrastructure gap, there was need for massive investments which the government could not provide. According to her, the PPP concept is a critical instrument that can marshal private sector investments in the country’s public infrastructure development. Urban Development Bank recently estimated the country’s infrastructural deficit at $300bn. The permanent secretary blamed the situation on many years of underinvestment and poor maintenance, adding that the decay was hampering development and economic growth of the country. “The Federal Government believes that the private sector can play an important role in providing some of these new investments through publicprivate partnerships. “In line with global trends, the era of government financing public infrastructure alone using the traditional procurement methods has since become a thing of the past. “For this reason, Nigeria, like other governments worldwide, is looking at new ways, including PPPs, to finance its projects involving also the provision of infrastructure and services,” she said. She, however, said that there was a major knowledge gap within the public sector about PPP since it was a relatively new concept in the country. She urged officers in the relevant ministries, agencies and departments charged with the execution of PPP projects to equip themselves with the requisite knowledge to enable them deliver on what PPP project-financing held. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Friday, September 4, 2015
3
Photo News
4
Friday, September 4, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
L-R: Managing Director, Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, Mrs. Esther Namdi-Ogbue; Managing Director, Port Harcourt Refining Company Ltd, Dr. Bafred Audu Enjugu and Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, giving a marching order on the need for efficiency in all NNPC installations in Okrika Jetty, Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Wife of former Senate President, Mrs. Helen Mark (left), Senator Tunde Ogbeha (3rd left), his wife, Esther (3rd right) and others, during the 68th birthday prayer session for Ogbeha in Abuja, yesterday.
L-R: Finance Director, UPDC Plc, Mrs. Sade Ogunde; Managing Director, Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran; Chairman, Mr. Larry Ettah and Company Secretary, Godwin Samuel, during the company’s Annual General Meeting in Lagos, yesterday.
New Country Director of Oxfam, Mr. Jan Rogge (left) and North East Head of Humanitarian Services for Oxfam, Mallam Abubakar Yakubu (right), inspecting one of the boreholes sunk at the Internally Displaced Persons settlement in Malkohi near Yola, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN
National News
Warri Refinery to resume production first week of November – NNPC GMD Chidi Ugwu and Theophilus Onojeghen
R
ecently shut Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, WRPC, will not be resuming operation any time soon, Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mr. Emmanuel Kachikwu has disclosed. The refinery will now resume full production in the first week of November. It has the capacity to process 125, 000 barrels of crude oil per day. Kachikwu disclosed this yesterday during facility tour of the refinery and the adjoining Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, Jetty and Depot in Warri, Delta State, According to him, the new date was to enable
WRPC carry out temporary maintenance on some facilities explaining that the recent shutdown was due to problem from the Fluid Catalytic Cracking, FCC, Unit at the plant. He said: “WRPC was not shut down because of lack of crude oil supply, neither was crude oil not supply because the refinery was down. The two are different things altogether. It makes no sense to supply crude oil that will be sold in the international market to refinery when it is idle. “The Fluid Catalytic Cracking, FCC, Unit had problem and that is why it was shut down. However, they are working assiduously on it. The reality is that for over 10 and 15 years, no real serious maintenance has been done on the
plants.” He charged the management and staff of the company to ensure that the plant is streamed back to full active service within the projected period. The GMD said he was ready to provide the management the necessary support to enable them fast track the target time. “So whatever you need to do to get your refinery back on track please do it now because this is the time. It’s a 90 days Fast-Track programme and whatever you need me to do to make that happen, let me know,” he assured. Kachikwu noted that the country’s refineries would henceforth be given serious attention, especially in the area of consistent maintenance to enhance productivity.
“There is a clear cut focus on the refineries to ensure they run consistently, we are beginning to take the refineries seriously to bring them to reliability platforms. By the end of first week of November, the WRPC will be back. “We will increase internal and external patrol where we have long distance pipelines like the Warri/Escravos. In the next couple of time, we are also going to have tracking device that can track whatever is happening to the pipelines. “My major goal is that by October, I like to see crude oil pumped by pipelines, rather than marine vessels transferring products into the refinery,” he said. Kachickwu also blamed faulty transmission lines as being responsible for gas supply
into national grid while dismissing fears that there was shortage of gas in the country. He also enjoined the management of the plant to resuscitate the Petrochemicals plant which was commissioned in March 1988. On the state of PPMC storage facility, Dr. Kachikwu promised to end the era where the company relies heavily on private depots to store the bulk of its petroleum products. “Some of the biggest storage facilities in this industry belong to PPMC; I recall when I was growing up in this industry we all got our products from PPMC. “In fact the fear of PPMC then was the beginning of wisdom but now PPMC is putting products more on the tanks of marketers and
letting them run the show. But that is not going to continue under my watch,” he said. Responding, Acting Managing Director, WRPC, Mr. Solomon Ladenegan pledged that measures have been put in place to ensure that the plant is back in full operation by early November in good time for the three months fast track moratorium. The 37-year old refinery which has been undergoing phased rehabilitation exercise was shut last week.
Kachikwu
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
News
Friday, September 4, 2015
5
Army reinstates 3,032 dismissed soldiers UBONG UKPONG ABUJA
N
igerian Army yesterday, announced the reinstatement of 3, 032 soldiers, whose cases were reviewed by a committee constituted by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai. The pardoned soldiers were among the 5, 000 dismissed due to various disciplinary cases in the ongoing war against Boko Haram in the North East. The Director of Army Public Relations, DAPR, Col. Sani Usman, made this known at a news conference in Abuja yesterday. Usman, however, said the cases presented to the disciplinary review committee were treated on merit, adding that the review process was still on. According to Usman, only soldiers with disciplinary cases had been reinstated as those with criminal cases were not even considered by the committee. He also hinted that soldiers sentenced to death by the General Courts Martial, GCM, were also not beneficiaries of the pardon, as they were already appealing their sentences. “You would recall that the Nigerian Army sometime ago instituted a committee to review the recent disciplinary cases in the service, especially of those soldiers in the defunct ``Operation Zaman Lafiya. “The committee has concluded its initial sitting and has made certain recommendation that led to the reinstatement of 3, 032 soldiers out of 5,000 cases reviewed so far. “The cases reviewed were only disciplinary as no criminal cases were considered, the review is ongoing but the bulk of the work has been done for the time being,’’ he said. The director said the reinstated soldiers had since commenced retraining at a military facility in Niger preparatory for their eventual redeployment to the operational theatre. He said the re-training would reacquaint the reinstated soldiers with
development in the reinvigorated fight against insurgency in parts of the North-East. “The reinstated soldiers have shown their total readiness to be relaunched into theatre to combat insurgency and have commenced a retraining at the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kontagora, Niger. “This training is to reorientate the affected soldiers and prepare them for the closing stage of the operational aspect of the counter-insurgency operations with more weapons and new leadership. “It must, however, be made clear that not all dismissed soldiers were granted pardon and recalled, those with criminal cases, had their sentences upheld,” he said. Usman expressed the commitment of the present administration towards encouraging officers and soldiers, especially those in the frontline to give their best in their service to the nation. He said government would reward the gallantry of officers and soldiers involved in the ongoing operations in the NorthEast and other operations in which the army was involved in. The spokesman assured the public that the new army command was committed to improving its relations with them. According to him, all misunderstandings between some misguided soldiers and the public are being addressed. It would be recalled that the Nigerian Army under its former chief, Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, tried and punished soldiers involved in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations for indiscipline. Usman, reiterated the stand of the Army on ending terrorism in three months as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari. He said that the army’s confidence was predicated on the successes so far attained in the war, where the recent offensive operations carried out by combined forces, had decimated the central command and leadership
base of the insurgents. He said the military offensive had left the terrorists with no formidable force. Usman said the objective of ending the reign of terror in the region in the shortest possible time, was not only feasible, but a reality that Nigerians would soon come to live with. He said troops involved in the operations had been directed to pursue the insurgents to their last known hideout in line with the general objective. “I have no iota of doubt in my mind that our troops will wipe out the insurgents in the shortest possible time and we are committed to this target. “You are aware that our troops recaptured Gamboru Ngala last
Tuesday and are now consolidating, mopping up and preparing for the next offensive against the terrorists. “It is gratifying to note that most of the terrorist group leadership has been decimated, while foot soldiers are abandoning their masters, burying their weapons in the forest and seeking solace. “It is the achievements from harmonised efforts that have confirmed our stand that the insurgency would be ended as soon as possible,” he said. Usman attributed the feat attained so far, to the strengthened collaboration among the security agencies, especially the synergy between the army and the air force. He said officers and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force had exhibited the highest level of profession-
alism to the admiration of all in the present offensive against the insurgents. The director cited the professionally executed air reconnaissance and provision of logistic support to ground troops in remote locations, among others, as some of air force’s invaluable support to the operations. “I would like to acknowledge the commendable role the Nigerian Air Force plays in the fight against terrorism, alongside sister service and other security agencies. “The bombardment of identified Boko Haram terrorists’ location, close air support, air surveillance and interdiction by the Nigerian Air Force, have enhanced the ongoing operation’s efficiency and successes. “In addition to providing water and airlift of
other logistics to the war front, the air force has been a force multiplier as troops are confident that they would receive quick medical attention when necessary,” he said. He said the pressure exerted on the insurgents by joint forces led by troops of the Nigerian Army, would be sustained until they were totally wiped out from the nation’s territory. The director assured that the military would do its part by ensuring that recaptured territories were secured well enough for the government to commence reconstruction work. Usman, however, appealed to the general public to sustain the level of cooperation in order to expeditiously end insurgency in the affected parts of the North-East.
Nigerian delegates with their German counterparts during a bilateral meeting during the 4th UN International Conference for Heads of Parliaments which ended yesterday in New York.
PPP child of necessity - FG CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
“This forum provides useful platform through which MDAs can meet regularly to compare notes on the progress of the PPP initiatives in their respective areas and also share knowledge on PPP generally. “We must not only learn individually, but also be prepared to learn collectively by sharing our experiences and resources. “There is need for ev-
ery one of us to learn from the consultants and experts working on projects with us and actively participate in conjunction with them in structuring and executing projects. “We must also learn from past mistakes from previous projects so that we can deliver quicker, more effective and better projects in a more efficient manner through PPPs,” she said. In his speech, Director-General of ICRC, Mr.
Aminu Diko, said the forum was an informal stakeholder engagement platform to accelerate knowledge and sharing of experiences among PPP personnel in federal ministries and departments. Diko, who was represented by Director of PPP Resource Department in the commission, Mr Chidi Izuwal, expressed the hope that the forum would continue to build capacity. “It is my sincere hope
that this forum will continue to build capacity and promote best practices that can deliver sustainable and successful PPP projects to actualise the Nigeria of our dreams. “On our part, the ICRC will continue to be responsive to feedbacks, provide necessary support towards up-scaling national infrastructure stock through PPP procurement methodology,” he said.
6
News
Tola Akinmutimi and Obiora Ifoh
P
eoples Democratic Party, PDP, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to account for the depletion of the Excess Crude Account, ECA, and other government savings in the last one hundred days of this government. The party also called for immediate probe of former governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, for the massive looting of the state under his watch as well as incumbent governors of Edo and Kaduna states, Adams Oshiomhole and Nasir elRufai. National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, in a statement in
Friday, September 4, 2015
Corruption: PDP asks Buhari to explain depletion of ECA, other savings
FG’s anti-graft crusade‘ll restore probity in governance —ICSAN Abuja said the corruption in the APC-led government had thrived to an unprecedented level that Nigerians must begin to see the administration for what it is. According to him, “Similarly, we invite Nigerians to note that the APC-led administration has not been forthcoming on how it has been depleting the funds it inherited in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) and other government Savings. Are they the source of the funds now being circulated to pay
back huge contributions for APC presidential campaign expenses? “Furthermore, we wish to draw the attention of all Nigerians to the fact that this administration, for obvious reasons, has deliberately turned a blind eye to the corrupt acts of most APC leaders, who as governors, ministers and labour leaders have been the worst corrupt set of people ever to bestride the political landscape of the country. “Otherwise, how else can
one explain the deafening silence by the government to the public outrage over the massive looting of public funds by some past APC governors? “How can the federal government explain its continued silence to the current indignation in one of the prominent South-West APC state over corruption issues, including but not limited to alleged mismanagement of N32 billion SURE-P fund; N78 million state money allegedly spent on the personal
L-R: Chairman of Northern Reawakening Forum, Mr. Mohammed Kumalia; Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; Chairman, Care Value Committee of the forum, Mr. Uba Malami Saidu and Financial Secretary, Adamu Modibo, during a courtesy visit on the vice president by the forum, at the Presidential Villa, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN
New CG visits Customs headquarters, eight days after Francis Ezem
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ew Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Mr. Hammed Ali, yesterday made a brief appearance in the office for the first time more than one week after he was appointed. President Muhammadu Buhari had last week announced Ali’s appointment amongst others. Sources at the headquarters of the Service hinted that most officers and men were worried when the new Customs’ boss arrived the office at exactly noon and went straight to the office of Dr. John Atte. It was gathered that the
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new CG, who was dressed in brown caftan came out of Atte’s office about 10 minutes later, entered a Toyota Prado Jeep that brought him in company of one Police escort, wave at officers and left the premises. The source noted that most officers have been waiting for the CG to resume duty and commence the long expected reforms and clean up of the service promised by the President. “Activities are generally slow here, you would expect that everybody, including topmost senior officers are waiting for the new CG to resume and under such circumstance, activities would not run on full scale,” the source said. Mixed reactions had
trailed Ali’s appointment in the maritime sector, as many stakeholders argued that bringing a military officer, who retired 20 years ago to head the Customs Service, did not conform to global reality. The stakeholders contended that the present customs administration, which is fully automated, is not the same with that of Gen. Sani Abacha administration, which also brought Ango Abdullahi, another military officer to head the service. Other stakeholders, however, expressed support for Mr. President’s avowed promise to cleanse the service believed to be corrupt. They argued that it would take an outsider to carry out a comprehensive
and holistic reform and clean up of the service for optimum performance and efficiency. Alli was Chief of Staff to the president during his regime as Head of State in the 1980s.
website of a former APC governor, who is also accused of inflating a N2.1 billion contract for the construction of pedestrian bridges, N25 billion for 1.36 kilometre link bridge, US$200 million World Bank education fund while leaving behind N500 billion debt arising from alleged reckless spending? “The party is wondering why the federal government has maintained a sealed lips on charges of looting, diversion of state funds as well as the embarrassing accusations of stashing away of billion of naira state funds in foreign banks by a former APC governor of a SouthSouth state?” Edo state governor, Adams Oshiomhole is the only APC governor from the South-South. Meanwhile, President and Chairman of Council of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, ICSAN, Dr. Nat Ofo, has described the current anti-graft crusade of the present administration as desirable for restoring probity at all levels of governance in the country. Ofo described the current state of the level of poverty in Nigeria as unfortunate in view of the country’s vast resources the impact of which are not felt by the citizenry due to prolonged mismanagement over the years. The ICSAN president, who made these remarks yesterday while unveiling the activities slated for the Institute’s Annual Conference and Dinner Awards slated for next week in Lagos, said that the corruption war of the present administration would not only bring to the barest minimum the
rate of the scourge which had eaten deep into the fabrics of the society, but also go a long way in letting the resources of the country go round. He said: “Nigeria should not be the poorest country because of our resourcesoil and others. But because these resources are mismanaged, their impacts are not felt. We should have a system to ensure prudency in financial resources. By having this, the impact will be widely felt. “President Buhari’s fight against corruption is okay and it will make our resources have impact on the people. Corruption is a major issue that should be dealt with so that the people will feel the impact of the resources we have in the country. Government should be accountable to the people so that more dividends of democracy will be felt from the little resources we get.” He said that the theme of this year’s Conference, “Disclosure and Transparency: A Paradigm Shift in Corporate Nigeria” was chosen by the institute based on the increasing need to improve corporate governance in the country as well as part of it’s (the institute’s) efforts to lead the current national drive towards transparency and accountability at all levels of governance. The corporate governance expert clarified: “In line with the resolve of the present administration to clean the Augean stable in Nigeria, the institute has carefully chosen the theme to showcase the importance of disclosure and transparency to national development.”
Buhari, govs advised against discriminatory policies Kemi Olaitan Ibadan
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ith Nigerians still divided on appointments so far made by President Muhammadu Buhari, a call has gone to the president and state governors to shun any discriminatory policy that can threaten peace and security in the country.
Two professors of Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Ibadan, Olawale Albert and Tajudeen Akanji, gave the advise yesterday, at a workshop titled; “Security in a multi-ethnic city”, organised by Konrad Adenauer Foundation presided over by Mrs. Hildergard Behrendt-Kigozi, held at the university Conference Centre. They urged governors in the country to put in place
policies that will ensure full equality of persons irrespective of their ethnicity, race or religion. Albert, who noted that corruption is a big threat to peace and security in the country, added that the more policies for protecting group rights are lacking in a multi-ethnic society like Nigeria, the more it is likely to be plunged into violent conflicts.
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10 electricity vandals electrocuted, 8 others face prosecution
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Former Senate President David Mark (right) welcoming Maj.-Gen.Yunana Nom (rtd) to the annual general meeting of 3rd Regular Course of NDA Alumni Association, at Apo Mansion in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN
MTN subscribers nationwide panic over SIM blockage Kemi Olaitan and James Danjuma
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housands of subscribers of one of the country’s major telecom service providers, MTN, yesterday besieged various MTN offices and service centres to perfect their SIM registration. The customers had earlier been served various Short Message Service, SMS, such as “Dear Customer, please visit an MTN shop immediately with a valid photo to verify your SIM registration, Thank You for choosing MTN”. Some of the customers were given few days notice, most of which ended yesterday, as deadline to complete their registration which they have done some years ago. Some of the subscribers while speaking with journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, said they have been going to the various offices and service centres of the company for some days now and were not able to perfect the registration till the final day (yesterday). The customers, who besieged various offices of the telecommunication company including the Ring Road, Iwo Road and Bodija offices, and the various offices across the country, were seen filling various forms to get their SIMs re-registered. They lamented that MTN is careless concerning passing information to customers, noting that other service providers, did not call them after they have done the registration. One of the customers
complained that he has not derived any benefit from foreign companies exploiting Nigerians. The customer speaking on the condition of anonymity, said “why all this, this is the third time, it was their carelessness, I believes the information must have been deleted in their system, are you expecting me to wait here. We went to queue for many hours, but it is unfortunate that they are telling us to come and re-register. I was calling this morning and I saw it on my phone that they will block my line today.” Speaking on the development, a staff at the MTN shop along Secretariat-UIOjoo road, said the deadline message is a directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, stating that “it was a directive from NCC, we cannot block our customers, if we block you, how do we make our money?” He added that the MTN corporate headquarters will be in the best position to address the public on the matter. As at the time of filling in this report, thousands of customers were still finding it difficult to rectify and complete their registration. The same situation played out in Katsina State, where long queues characterised the registration centres, while many that were unable to do theirs in neighbouring council areas travelled to the state capital to beat deadline. One of such customers who gave his name as Mr Tochukwu said he resides in Dutsinma Council Area,
which is some 50 minute drive from the state capital. Tochukwu said he and several others had tried to re-register their SIMs at the only available centre, but could not do so as those operating the centre complained about “no network” among other issues. Some of the customers who spoke to our reporter, raised complaints about not being given adequate and timely information about the exercise, with call for an extension to enable customers re-register. One of the customers, Malam Zaharadeen, lamented that his line was blocked a few days back
and he could not receive calls, though he could occasionally make calls and send text messages after several trials. “I only discovered that my line was blocked when someone I knew said he’d been calling my MTN line, but the calls were not going through.” He, however, said he had managed to register his line after standing for hours in a long queue. He and other customers who spoke on the exercise, called for more opening of more centres and if possible, make the re-registration easier by putting same online for free access.
o fewer than 10 persons suspected to be electricity installation vandals have been electrocuted within the jurisdiction of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC, since January 2014, an official said. Mr Collins Chabuka, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer of AEDC, who made the disclosure, also said eight suspected vandals arrested within the period were facing trial in various courts. Chabuka made the facts known at a health, safety and environment sensitisation campaign in Lafia on Thursday, saying the campaign became necessary because of the high level of fatalities recorded in the zone. He said AEDC was concerned about its customers’ welfare and would continue to enlighten and interact with them to guarantee their safety. He appealed to the people of Nasarawa State not to build houses under high tension cables to avoid deaths and other disasters that could arise from such acts. He advised the people to desist from patronising unlicensed electricians, saying that AEDC would not take responsibility for disasters caused by consumers’ illegal actions. Chabuka said the company had raised the tempo of its public awareness campaign on the safe use of electricity by consumers in
its franchise area, namely Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger state. “We take it as our prime responsibility to ensure that we educate all customers and stakeholders on the safe handling of electricity because if electricity is not handled properly, it can cause injury or even death,” Chabuka said. He said AEDC was proactive to avoid injuries or deaths from electrocution, especially during illegal practices by electricity users. Chabuka said the company was determined to drastically reduce the rate of accidents in the electricity supply industry. He, however, pointed out that vandalism on electricity installations attracted penalties and advised people to avoid vandalism, encroachment on installations and tampering with such installations. Chabuka said the company had embarked on the fencing of its installations as part of measures to protect them. He also said that the company was working in collaboration with Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to curb the menace of vandalism of its installations. Chabuka, who also visited the Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Mustapha Agwai I, said the company had very high regard for the safety of its customers and the safe use of its product.
Union accuses NCAA DG of recklessness
…alleges helmsman interviews 100 employees without ministerial approval
Olusegun Koiki
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he leading union in the country’s aviation industry, the National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, has accused the Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Captain Muhtar Usman, of administrative recklessness over the non-payment of salaries of recalled workers in the agency. The union also accused the helmsman of going ahead to interviewing 100 new employees in the past two weeks in Abuja, with or without the required ministerial approval. The petition, which was sent to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Mrs. Binta Bello, and made available
to journalists in Lagos alleged that the workers who were employed in 2014, later suspended in December of the same year due to alleged irregularities in the employment, were recalled in April this year by the former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka. NUATE in the petition signed by its Acting General Secretary, Comrade Olayinka Abioye, said despite the fact that the workers had be recalled, posted to different locations and offices, they were yet to receive salaries from the agency. National Mirror gathered that over 100 workers were affected by this development. NUATE clarified further that the workers were recalled after concerted efforts and interventions
from some quarters and the Federal Ministry of Aviation through its letter reference FMA/ NCAA.T.4555/S.6/T2/31, dated 27th April, 2015 directed that these individuals be recalled with immediate effect, which were immediately adhered to by the agency. The petition added; “On receipt of their letter of recall, and thereafter report to the Director of Human Recourses (NCAA) for further directives. It may interest you to know that having responded to their recall and resumed duties at their various posts, a ‘regularisation interview’ was conducted for these same Nigerians in June 2015, allegedly to correct and or regularise their employment. “We are however worried and concerned about
the disposition of the NCAA management to the plight of these persons, several of whom had been coming/trekking to work on regular basis, dangling the identification of the NCAA on their necks with pride, but without hope of when their salaries shall be paid to them, or at what point their employment shall start counting whereas there were some of them who were twice lucky not to be counted among these group, but whose salaries had continued from the very beginning of their employment. NUATE thereby appealed to the Permanent Secretary to intervene in the matter by prevailing on Usman to approve the salaries of the affected workers.
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Obasanjo, Ajimobi, others honour Adelabu KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN
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L-R: Coach Daniel Adekunle; Olusegun Ajose; Chairman Arik Air, Sir Joseph Arumemi Ikhide; Larry Ekundayo and Deputy Managing Director of Arik Air, Capt. Ado Sanusi, during the visit of London based Nigerian boxers, Larry the Natural Ekundayo and Olusegun Ajose to Arik, in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA
Politician’s death: Ondo police suspend 2 officers OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE
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wo policemen allegedly involved in the killing of a 50-year-old female politician in Ondo State, Ronke Adelugba, were yesterday suspended by the state command. The two officers of the rank of Inspector are Fabunmi Oladipupo and Haruna Idris. Eight other officers who were not directly involved in the matter were said to have been discharged by the command. Adelugba was reportedly beaten to death at her residence in Akure, the state capital, by a team of policemen from Oda Divi-
sional Headquarters, Ala Quarters, while trying to prevent the arrest of her sons. Commissioner of Police, Isaac Eke, at a press briefing in Akure, explained that the command took the disciplinary action in order to ensure that the case was not swept under the carpet. Eke said the command was waiting for the autopsy report to ascertain the cause of death of the politician. He said:” Ten policemen in two patrol vehicles from Oda Divisional Headquarters, Ala Quarters, led by Inspector Fabunmi Oladipupo, who is the Station Officer of
the division while acting on a tip off, raided an uncompleted building at Sijuade area of Akure. “On arrival at the building, the miscreants took to their heels and two of the suspects reportedly ran into the opposite building which happened to be the house of one Adelugba Aderonke, the deceased. “The policemen pursued the two suspects into the said house and in attempt to arrest them, argument ensued between the Police and the deceased. “Report has it that in the heat of the argument, the deceased was trying to physically restrain the
Police from whisking the duo of Awolumate Bamijoko Bolajoko and Babatunde Thomas away. Unfortunately, the deceased fell down during the melee.” Eke said that after an interval of time, some youths in the area brought the corpse of the deceased to the police station, claiming that she took ill and died before she could be rushed to hospital, soon after the policemen left the scene. The police boss, who said investigation was still going on, however, assured the public that the command would do everything to bring out truth of the matter.
Lagos CJ swear-in 107 new customary court judges MATTHEW IRINOYE
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agos State Chief Judge, Justice Funmilayo Atilade, yesterday sworn-in 107 new judges of the customary courts to replace aged customary court judges in the state judiciary. The new judges comprise of 19 presidents and 88 members and were to preside in all the local governments and local council development areas in the state. The Executive Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, JSC, Mrs. Ayodele Odugbesan, said
Section 3 and 13 of the Customary Court Law, 2011, empowers the Chief Judge to make the appointment. In her speech, justice Atilade, said the appointees were appointed to replace the aging current customary court judges in the state and urged them to be ‘responsible and live above board.’ She further said the state will soon establish a Customary Court of Appeal to replace the magistrate courts which presently handles appeals from customary courts. Speaking on behalf of the new judges, Mr Nuru-
deen Omotayo, thanked the Chief Judge for the appointment. “I want to thank you for the trust you repose in us.
We want to pledge that we will be faithful, diligent and fair. We would use our experience to handle cases,” he said.
ncomiums were yesterday poured on foremost nationalist during the preindependence era, late Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu (a.k.a Penkelemesi), with Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, described him as the most brilliant man Ibadanland has ever produced. It was at the 100th post humours’ centenary birthday celebration of the Ibadan politician and launch of foundation in his memory held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. It will be recalled that Adelabu was born in 1915 and died in 1958. Present at the event include former President Olusegun Obasanjo who was represented by a Federal Commissioner of National Population Commission, NPC, Alhaji Lateef Gbadamosi, former Governors Omololu Olunloyo and Adebayo Alao-Akala, the current CBN Governor also was represented. Others at the event are; the Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital, UCH, Professor Temitope Alonge, GMD First Bank, Mr. Bisi Onansanya among other dignitaries. Ajimobi while eulogizing the virtues of the late Ibadan-based politician announced the naming of the road from Felele junction to Agodi-Gate in Ibadan as Adegoke Adelabu road. According to him, the move was parts of his administration’s efforts in recognising those who have excelled in their chosen carriers and have done the state proud.
He described Adelabu, the country’s first Federal Minister of Social Services and Natural Resources, as a man who lived beyond his time. He said: “His emergence in the socio-political scene was an indelible mark. He was a man who always has double promotions, he has been described as the best student Government College ever produced, his record has not been matched. “A genius, apart from a market at Orita Challenge, Ibadan named after him, no other monuments have been named in his honor, even those in Lagos even recognised him more than we are in Ibadan, there is Adelabu Street in Lagos, I am happy we are recognising the person whom we suppose to recognise. I am happy I am here today. “I can take it by extension; even in Yorubaland I have not seen a brilliant person like Chief Adelabu who always has double promotions during his lifetime.” He then charged leaders to be courageous like Adelabu who defied all the odds to fight for his people. Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and one of the grandsons of the late Icon, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, described the honour as overdue. “This honour is actually overdue, we expect the Federal Government to honour him, but I am happy he is being recognised today. Nothing is too big to honour him because he fought for Ibadan and Nigeria, he was so closed to the people, I expect the Federal Government to honour him,” he said”
Ekiti PDP faults non-inclusion of Fayemi on ICPC probe list ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI
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eoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ekiti State has challenged the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to explain the noninclusion of former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, among the former
public officers under probe. The PDP said more than enough petitions and facts had been submitted to assist the ICPC, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and other antigraft agencies in getting to the root of the alleged financial misconduct perpetrated by Fayemi while in office. PDP State Publicity Sec-
retary, Mr Jackson Adebayo, while reiterating that there was deluge of petitions against Fayemi lying with the anti-graft bodies, said that it could still furnish the commission and others more information and facts if necessary. The party spoke in a reaction to the announcement by the ICPC that it was investigating some former state
governors over alleged misconduct while in office. It demanded that the ICPC would only be ethically justified after explaining to Nigerians why it decided to be selective in its dealings in recent times and in particular why a governor on whose neck a lot of petitions were hanging would be parried outside the ambit of the law.
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Lagos adopts alternative strategy to apprehend traffic offenders
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agos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, is to adopt the system of booking traffic offenders, rather than apprehending their vehicles. The new measure is parts of the efforts of the state government to ensure free flow of traffic across the metropolis. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Oluseyi Whenu handed over the directive to the officials while briefing top echelon of LASTMA on government’s new policy thrust in the transportation sector. Whenu in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer in the Ministry, Mr. Sina Thorpe, said while government appreciates the invaluable contribution of managers to the current traffic situation in the state, more emphasis should be placed on flawless flow of traffic. “That is the minimum we owe the people of the state”, he said, adding that LASTMA should synergize with other security agencies to ensure that the Lagos Road Traffic Law 2012 is enforced. He therefore directed
LASTMA officials to consider alternative traffic management methods rather than physical apprehension and arrest. He assured Lagos residents that a more perfect traffic management and documentation procedure is being put in place where offenders are booked and given a grace period for payment and defaulters apprehended at home through the information on the motor vehicle database. “Since LASTMA officials are a reflection of the state government, they should ensure that their activities add value to the government’s covenant with Lagos residents to make life easier for them,” he said. He however implored Lagosians to reciprocate the government’s humanness by obeying all traffic laws and regulations. Whenu also called on all motorists, whose vehicles have been apprehended in the past, to visit the appropriate LASTMA depot for claim after proper documentation, assuring them of a more flexible process for prompt service delivery.
LASG shuts 10 firms over N45.52m tax fraud in August
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agos State Internal Revenue Service, LIRS said it sealed 10 companies in August for failure to remit N45.52m Personal Income Tax of staff to the state government. Head, Training Unit of LIRS, Mrs. Ajibike OshodiSholola, made this known yesterday in Lagos. Oshodi-Sholola, who led the enforcement team, said the companies were sealed during a state-wide tax law enforcement exercise. She said the affected companies’ tax liabilities were for the period between 12 months and six years. According to her, six companies were sealed on August 4 for tax evasion amounting to N6.197m, while four companies were sealed on August 11 for a total of N39.327mtax evasion. She said out of the 10 firms, about seven had come to LIRS office to ratify and pay-off their debts. However, Oshodi-Sholola urged firms operating in the state to regularly remit their taxes to the service to avoid the embarrassment and disruption that comes with dodging of taxes. She said LIRS usually sent two letters of notices to defaulting companies be-
fore they embark on clampdown. According to her, LIRS has sent tax liabilities demand notice and notice of intent to the affected companies as required by the Personal Income Tax Act Amendment of 2011. The team leader noted that the enforcement would continue until tax-payers imbibed the culture of voluntary tax compliance, adding that tax evasion was a criminal offence. According to her, the companies affected by the last month tax law exercise include hotels, oil and gas firm, a hospital and a real estate firm, among others.
L-R: Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Carlos Trejo Sosa; Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Deputy Head of Cuban Commission to Nigeria, Mrs. Miriam Morales Palmero, during a dinner party organized by the state government for the Cuban envoy, in Osogbo, on Wednesday.
Accidents claim 14 on Lagos-Ibadan expressway
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o fewer than 14 persons were yesterday confirmed dead in two separate accidents at Ogunmakin on the LagosIbadan Expressway. The accidents, it was learnt occurred in the early hours of Wednesday and yesterday. The first one, which occurred on Wednesday at about 4:05 a.m., involved two vehicles and claimed 10 lives. Eyewitnesses said a trailer with registration number LSR 392 SB loaded with cows and more than 27 passengers collided with another trailer marked XE 444 KTU. The eyewitnesses said
a total of 30 people were involved in the crash with 20 injured, while 10 were confirmed dead at Ifeoluwa hospital in Ogunmakin. Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, and policemen were said to be involved in the rescue operation. Another crash was reported yesterday at about 4:00 a.m. on the same spot with a loaded tanker marked MKA 338 ZB, colliding with a luxury bus, which had registration number AAA 656 XN and coming from Abuja. Our correspondent learnt that a joint effort involving FRSC officials and policemen led to the rescue
of 50 people while 10 were injured. Four persons were, however, confirmed dead and their remains were deposited at Fakoya mortuary in Sagamu. Confirming both accidents in a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal, FRSC Zone 2 Lagos, Nseobong Akpabio, expressed worry at the spate of road accidents, especially at night. He warned Nigerians to desist from embarking on night journeys, saying the accidents may be due to loss of control or over speeding. Akpabio, however, said the commission had com-
menced investigation into both crashes, adding that details would be made public. Akpabio said driving at night was more dangerous than daytime due to poor visibility, drivers’ fatigue and other associated human errors. He disclosed that all patrol teams had been directed to carry out strict enforcement on all corridors and impound all nonroadworthy vehicles. The FRSC boss added that the commission would test drivers susceptible to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and prosecute anyone found wanting.
Abiodun Nejo,
State Council of Traditional Rulers, had last week at a meeting with the striking doctors and the Chief Medical Director, CMD, Dr Majekodunmi Ayodele, appealed to the doctors to suspend their four months industrial action to prevent the tertiary health institution from being paralysed to-
tally. Part of the resolutions was that the doctors should call off the strike immediately, while all their demands would be met as the finances improved. The meeting led by the monarchs’ Chairman and Ologotun of Ogotun, Oba Samuel Oyebade, had in
attendance, the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph, Adewole; the Alara of Aramoko, Oba Olu Adeyemi; and the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Idowu Faboro. Oba Adewole said the traditional rulers decided to mediate in the crisis to avert unwarranted death and sufferings among the masses. The monarch urged the striking doctors to give the council a benefit of the doubt about its capacity to ensure that all their demands were met and call off the strike. But ARD Secretary, Dr Deji Ekundayo, said their refusal to suspend the strike should not be seen as disrespect to the monarchs. He said the doctors had decided to continue with the industrial action until all their demands were met.
Striking doctors adamant despite monarchs’ intervention ADO EKITI
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esident doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, have refused to call off their strike, despite the intervention of traditional rulers in the state. The traditional rulers, under the aegis of Ekiti
Oloyede vs Osun Assembly: Improper service stalls hearing Boladale Bamigbola, OSOGBO
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mproper service of court process, yesterday, stalled hearing of the application filed by Justice Oloyede Folahanmi, challenging the verdict of Osun State House of Assembly, which indicted her. Justice Oloyede is seeking an order of court quashing the decision of the House that dismissed the petition she wrote to
demand the removal of Governor Rauf Aregbesola over allegations of mismanagement of state resources. Addressing the court, counsel to Justice Oloyede, Mr. Lukman Ogunsetan told of his readiness to argue the application for order of Certiorari, adding that all the parties in the case had been served. But counsel to the Speaker, Mr. Surajudeen Bashiru, opposed the move, saying court rules
demand that originating summons affecting cases of this nature ought to be served on his client personally. He further explained that the 1st respondent could not file reply to the application because it was not properly served in accordance with the law. Also, counsel to the House of Assembly Adhoc Committee, Mr. Wale Afolabi, informed the court that he appeared to protest conduct of the applicant
for improper service of the processes. Reacting, Ogunsetan said he was unaware that the court bailiff did not effect personal service on the parties. He subsequently sought the leave of the court to ensure personal service of the processes on the respondents. Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe then adjourned the matter till 15th of September for the hearing of the application.
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Corruption is worst than Boko Haram –Bishop Okonkwo SAIDAT ALAUSA
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residing Bishop of TREM, Dr. Mike Okonkwo yesterday said corruption kills Nigerians more than Boko Haram or diseases, insisting that whoever attempt to truncate the plan of God for the country will go to prison. He disclosed this during his pre-birthday celebration in Lagos. He also used the occasion to expressed gratitude to those that have supported his ministry. “I appreciate all the schools and well wishers. I pray we shall see Nigeria of our dream. No government can address the mirage of problems of a
nation. What kills more than Boko Haram or any disease is corruption. “Corruption has destroyed the system but our present government is trying to fight it now. Let me sound a note of warning to those that think they can truncate the plan of God that they would go to prison,” he said. Bishop Okokwo will on Sunday 6th September celebrate his 70th birthday. The man of God was honoured by notable Nigerians from all works of life. Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church was present at the event while other pastors sent their well wishes.
Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe (right) presenting ‘Onitsha at the Millennium’ book collection to the Rector, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Prof. Godwin Onu, in Oko, Anambra, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN
Appeal Court strikes out Ihedioha’s case against Okorocha
Aba residents urge speedy completion of roads under reconstruction …matter moves to Supreme Court
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esidents of Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia State, yesterday urged the state government to speed up work on roads undergoing reconstruction, to reduce stress of gridlocks. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in separate interviews, the residents accused the construction companies handling the jobs of being “too slow and sloppy.” A banker, Mr. Anayo Okoro, said the delay in completing the road projects was taking its toll on their lives as it was affecting their resumption and closure from work. “This work started three months ago and we thought that by now the companies would have finished or at worse lessened our sufferings in a city full of failed roads but it was not to be. “What we see is that the companies block the roads we were using before and in some cases, make the alternatives inaccessible by spoiling them with their trucks and machinery. “This is making life harder by the day for Aba residents. We know the governor wants to do our roads but the companies should be monitored to ensure that they do not
make our case worse than they met it as they seem to be doing now,” Okoro said. Another respondent, Mr. Amalaha Nwangwa, said the government’s intention to rebuild the roads should not be made to seem like it is a bad thing because of poor handling of the jobs by the companies. He, therefore, urged the state government to supervise the work and ensure they do not make life more difficult for residents as they do their work. NAN reports that gridlocks in Aba had increased since the new government began work on seven roads in the city on June 1, making easy access of the city cumbersome for residents.
CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI
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ourt of Appeal sitting in Owerri, the Imo State capital, yesterday struck out the case instituted by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2015 general elections, Chief Emeka Ihedioha against Governor Rochas Okorocha. Ihedioha had gone to the Court of Appeal to challenge the earlier dismissal of his petition at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal for improper filling. Delivering judgment, the Chairman of the Appeal Panel, Justice Jimmy Bada, said the case was dismissed on grounds of
improper service of summons on the respondents, whose addresses were not properly listed. Justice Bada further explained that the issue of service is fundamental in law and the rules of the Court of Appeal and therefore struck out the case for lack of merit. However, Counsel to Ihedioha, Mike Ahamba, SAN, referred to the provision of the law and rules that say that the addresses of those directly affected should be listed in the appeal. He said: “I have done appeals in the past but I am surprised that the rule is different in election matter. “We had a good ground for appeal but for the shortcoming in the ser-
vice, the substantive matter is still in our favour. We are not done yet, we still have another tier to go.” Counsel to Okorocha, Miletus Nnebedim, said the court dismissed the appeal because it was incompetent. In his reaction, Governor Okorocha, commended the court for upholding the ruling of the Election Petition Tribunal, adding that the judgment has justified his ‘stiff ’ confidence in the ability of the judiciary to uphold justice and also “respect the popular and lawful actions of the people over who would govern them at any given time.” The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, also commended Ihedioha for ex-
ercising his rights, which he said he is entitled to, adding that his legal actions were designed “to strengthen our democracy.” He further appealed to the PDP candidate to join hands with him and other well meaning Imo indigenes to work for the rapid development of the state. “The issue of who won or who lost the 2015 election in the state should be kept behind,” he added. But Ihedioha said he would approach the Supreme Court to seek redress against the Appeal Court ruling. He believes that justice will be served on the merit of his petition, as he insisted that he scored the highest lawful votes in the governorship election.
Ex-governor urges Umahi to increase workers’ salary, IGR ALIUNA GODWIN ABAKALIKI
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he Special Mediation Committee set up to intervene in the crisis between Ebonyi State government and civil servants in the state has recommended an increase in workers’ salaries. The committee, headed by a former governor of the state, Sam Egwu, was mandated to reconcile the state government and workers
over the refusal of Governor Dave Umahi to implement the 50 per cent salary increment approved by the immediate past administration of Martin Elechi. The committee also tasked the governor to increase the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR. Presenting the report of the committee, Egwu said the state should look inward in the area of revenue generation and rely less on federal allocation. The report said: “Con-
sidering the economic challenges/inflation of the time, the committee recommends that there be increment of salary of the workers based on the old table. “The committee recommends in line with other states that the salaries of both the local government and state workers should not be different. “The committee urges state government, while intensifying effort to improve the IGR, should also seek for other means of diver-
sifying the economy of the state.” The committee said it accepted the fact that the present salary structure is faulty, due to arbitrary percentage increment in grade levels and steps and the fact that the Labour did not accept the old salary structure. It recommended that two months be given from now to both parties to rectify or work out acceptable salary table structure. “However, when the increment is made, the differ-
ence in the two months will be paid as backlog arrears, the committee added. Umahi, while accepting the report directed the immediate payment of workers’ salaries. But, the state Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Ikechukwu Nwafor faulted the report, stressing that the union was not carried along. He said NLC was never part of the report and therefore is unacceptable to them.
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South South
Friday, September 4, 2015
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APC wants death of ex-Bayelsa PDP chairman probed O sahon J ulius Yenagoa
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he leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Bayelsa State yesterday sent a letter to the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Solomon Arase, calling for an independent investigation into the circumstance that led to the sudden death of former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, Colonel Sam Inokoba. It would be recalled that nineteen days after defecting to the All Progressives Congress, APC, and few days after declaring his intention to be governor Inokoba on Wednesday slumped and died in a mysterious circumstances. Inokoba, aged 67 years, was reported to have slumped and died in Lagos while on a private visit to his family.
While some family members claimed the former PDP chairman may have died of food poisoning, others claimed that the deceased chairman’s health was frail and should have gone on a deserved holiday devoid of political activities. But the APC in a letter to the InspectorGeneral of Police, Solomon Arase, signed by its Publicity Secretary, Panebi Fortune, copies of which were made available to newsmen in Yenagoa, stated that the sudden death of Inokoba needed further clarification. It read; “the PDP had since the defection of Inokoba to the APC two weeks ago made open statements that Inokoba would not last. Looking at the weighty statement side by side with his sudden death in Lagos, the Inokoba death needs explanation from the PDP.”
Glo-sponsored “Dance with Peter” hits Benin City
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udges and crew of the dance reality show, Dance with Peter, being sponsored by Nigeria’s integrated telecom operator, Globacom, will be in Benin city, Edo State capital, to audition candidates for the reality show today. “Dance with Peter” is organised by Peter Okoye, the sensational African dance prodigy and the twin brother and partner in the multiple awardwinning musical group, P-Square. The competition is giving dancers from all over Nigeria and Ghana to have a shot at winning the grand prize of a brand new Toyota RAV 4, N3 million and an opportunity to feature in P-Square’s next music video. They also stand a chance to win as first and second runners-up, a brand new Honda Civic car with N2 million, and a brand new Kia Rio car with N1 million respectively. The runners up will also have the chance to feature in a top Glo Ambassador’s music videos. The Abuja audition was held on Friday August 28,
2015, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, where six finalists were selected. The audition train then moved to Accra, Ghana where another six finalists were selected. Dancers from Benin City and environs will today gather at the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre, Airport Road, to slug it out for the six tickets up available in the region. The audition train will then move to Bamako Studios, 1 Bamako Street, Ojodu, Lagos on Tuesday, September 8, when the best six dancers from the South West will be selected. The final audition for “Dance with Peter” will be held in Port Harcourt on September 10 at the Atrium Event Centre, Stadium Road. The finalists from the various regions will then fight for glory, competing against each other over a few weeks later in Lagos. The competition will be beamed to Nigerians. The competition is open to individuals from all dance backgrounds, either performing solo or as a group.
Bayelsa State Governor Dicson Seriake (left) and former governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, during the governor’s visit in Amassoma, yesterday.
Petroleum marketers protest extortion by depot owners Richard Ndoma Calabar
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bout 400 members of the Cross River State branch of Independent Marketers Branch, IMB, buyers of Premium Motor Spirit, PMP, on Thursday stormed the Cross River State Governors Office, Calabar to protest against what they tagged as arbitrary extortion of money by depots owners in Calabar, Cross River State capital. The protesters took to major streets around the Murtala Muhammed High way and other major streets in Calabar metropolis causing traffic hold. The protesters carried placards with different inscriptions such as; “Help us fight illegal task force-PTD, No more bulk buyer, no 2 kobo, how can monkey dey work, baboon they chop” A member of the Independent Marketers Branch,
IMB, Mohammed Abbas, who spoke in an emotion laden voice at the gate of the Governors’ Office said: “We have a lot of problem with Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, Petroleum Equalization Fund, PEF, and Petroleum Tankers Drivers, PTD, over issues of sale of petroleum product in the state. ‘’We heard that every station should sell the fuel at N87 per litre and buy at N77.66, but they are not selling at that price to us. They connive with owners of depot and sell at N81 and N82 per litre to us and if you don’t buy at that price, you end up not getting the product” Abbas maintained that it was only North West Petroleum and Gas depot that used to sell its product at government approved price of N77.66 per litre, stressing that others sell for higher price that is what North
West used to sell. “They sell over 15 million litres a day. They sell their fuel at appropriate price. There are 19 depots in Calabar and 18 sell their products against government stipulated price of N77.66, adding that you must negotiate with them, “they will asked you to pay the normal amount at the bank and the balance, you pay cash to them. If not, they will not allow you to lift fuel. This was a way to stop you from having evidence or proof that they have extorted money from you, ”Abbas said. Abbass stated that he had evidence to proof that the depot owners extorted money from him: “I paid the appropriate amount to the bank and when I refused to pay the balance by cash, they returned my money to me. Abbas urged Cross River State Government to intervene in the matter given that it was alleged that government has percentage from
the illegal amounts collected from them, “They said the Cross River State Government do have shares with the money they collected, but from our investigations, the state government hands are not there” In a telephone discussion on the matter, the Controller of Operations, Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, Cross River and Akwa Ibom State, Mr Asukwo Antai said the protesters are not organised. “They complaint to us about the exploitation and we referred the matter to Department of State Security Services, DSS, for investigations. Instead of them to wait for the outcome of the investigations, they embarked on the protest, as at now, the DSS is still investigating the matter” and appealed to the protesters to exercise restrain while the investigations continued.
Delta APC reconciliatory move deadlock Theophilus Onojeghen Warri
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eace efforts by leaders of the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to bring aggrieved factions in the crisis rocking the state chapter of the party together yesterday ended in stalemate, as the Chief Okotie-Ebor Adolor factional leadership accused the reconciliatory committee of
bias. The Adolor faction alleged that ahead of yesterday fact-finding and Reconciliatory Committee meeting, the Prophet Jones Erue led faction, has been visiting some leaders of the committee and bribing them with money to solicit favour against their faction. Addressing newsmen at the Oleh town hall, venue of the sitting of the committee for Delta Central Senato-
rial district, on behalf of the Chief Adolor group, Mr. Alex Eyengho accused the panel of allegedly visiting a member of the party with a vested interest. Eyengho, who is the factional Public Relations Officer, said “We heard that the panel on Tuesday visited a member of the party at a hotel where N2million was used to ‘’wedge their kolanut.’’ He warned against ac-
tions capable of further fueling the crisis, while advising committee members being pressurise to change suggestions submitted by individuals in effort to move the party forward in the state. In his reaction to the allegation, a chieftain of the party in the state and Niger Delta youth leader, Chief Ayiri Emami expressed confidence in the ability of the panel to deliver on its mandate.
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Friday, September 4, 2015
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NYSC launches biometric to monitor corps members … six staff caught for aiding evasion of service JOEL AJAYI ABUJA
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irector General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brigadier General Johnson Olawumi, on Thursday said six staff of the scheme were currently facing the wrath of the law for conniving with corps members to abstain fraudulently from the service. This is even, as the scheme launched biometric technology for the conduct of monthly clearance and monitor corps
members nationwide. Olawumi, while speaking at the formal demonstration of the deployment of the biometric technology for the conduct of monthly clearance of corps members in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, said the exercise would cover all serving corps members starting from 2014 Batch ‘C’. The NYSC boss further explained that the biometric clearance would kick off in Lagos State and the FCT this month, while by next year, it would be ex-
tended to other states of the federation. Olawumi, allying the fear of the public and corps members on the exercise, assured that “it is going to be user friendly, not to impose additional sufferings on corps members.” He added that those staffs might be dismissed finally from the service to serve as deterrent to others.
In his remarks, the Director of Corps Welfare and Inspectorate, Mr. Michael Ahile, noted that with the increasing number of corps members annually, “the task of effectively monitoring corps members’ nation-wide has remained a major challenge to the scheme.” Stressing the determination of the NYSC to build a dynamic scheme, he said; “with the use of biometric to monitor corps members.
The NYSC would be able to effectively check cases of absenteeism, submission of monthly clearance letters by proxy, signing of Community Development Service, CDS, attendance register by proxy and other forms of indiscipline among corps members.” The representative of the Sidmach Technologies, Mr Hassan Alao, disclosed that with the technology, those who registered on-line by
proxy would definitely be exposed, urging corps members to note the finger used for registration during orientation camp exercise. According to him, at the end of the clearance, it will be loaded to the ‘cloud’ for the DG, finance and other departments in the NYSC headquarter in Abuja to see the number of corps members cleared from each local government in the country for payment.
108 die in road crashes in Niger –FRSC PRISCILLA D ENNIS MINNA
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iger State Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, said it has recorded no fewer than108 death in 178 auto crashes the state as a result of over speeding in five months. Making the disclosure during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalist at the NUJ, IBB Pen House Minna, the state Sector Commandant, Mrs. Susan Ajenge, stated that in all the accidents, Bida, Tegina and Mokwa had the highest rates. “As a result of over speeding and careless driving, the command has recorded 178 crashes with 108 death due to over speeding and careless driving with Suleja-Minna road having the highest, followed by Bida, Tegina and Mokwa”. She also said the FRSC has embarked on war against fake driv-
ers’ license, noting that there are syndicates presently all over the country involved in the act. Ajenge called on the public not to fall prey in the hands of fake operators by ensuring that they go through the normal procedure to obtain their licenses. The war against fake license is for everybody, because even when someone’s license expires, the person ceases to be a driver until renewal is done.” “The media should continue to help us create the awareness; that is why, we are going to have the FRSC/NUJ Special Marshall, so that we can synergise and ensure safety for the public.” Responding, the state NUJ Chairman, Mohammed Mohammed, assured the Sector Commander of the union’s readiness to support in enlightening the public on the need to drive safe on the roads.
L-R: Plateau State Deputy Governor, Prof. Sonni Tyoden; Governo Simon Lalong and new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Plateau State University, Prof. Attahiru Jega, during the inauguration of the governing council of the university, in Jos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN
NOUN graduates for NYSC, Law School soon –Director WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN
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raduates of the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, will soon begin to participate in the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, scheme and be eligible to enroll for the Nigerian Law School programme. The Ilorin Study Centre
IGP bans use of private vehicles for police operations OMEIZA AJAYI
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he Inspector General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase, has directed all police commands and formations in the country to stop forthwith the use of commercial vehicles or vehicles painted in known states’ commercial colours for police operations and
patrol duties. Force spokeswoman, Bisi Kolawole, in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday said the directive was contained in a circular issued to all police formations and commands nationwide. The circular states that the directive was due to enormous negative consequences associated with
such practices as complained by members of the public. The IGP further warned that abuse of this order by any police unit will attract severe sanctions. Men of the Special AntiRobbery Squad, SARS, in many states of the federation, including Abuja have often resorted to the use of private vehicles for their operations.
Director of NOUN, Mr. Michael Abikoye, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin where he spoke on the controversies surrounding the eligibility of NOUN graduates to participate in both the NYSC and Law School programmes. He attributed the denial of NOUN graduates from taking part in the national service and law school to the misunderstanding of the difference between Open and Distance Learning ODL, and part time studies. He said his view was against the background of the ongoing talk between the management of the National Open University and relevant stakeholders and varsities’ regulatory body. Abikoye expressed confidence about NOUN getting over the problem very soon going by the school’s sta-
tus and global recognition of open, distance learning varsity education system in conformity with the world best practices. “The denial of our graduates to participate in the NYSC scheme is based essentially on the general misunderstanding of the difference in the concept between open and distance learning system which Nigerians have equated with part time studies “But open and distance learning is not exactly the same thing as part time study. Open and distance learning is a standard form of education and it is the vogue in many advanced countries today. “Incidentally, most of NOUN programmes are accredited by the National Universities Commission, NUC that accredits programmes of conventional Nigerian Universities.
“Our course materials are prepared by seasoned academics in the conventional university system and they go through rigorous and thorough process of editing and printing before they are released to the students. “It may not surprise you to know that even in the conventional universities; our course materials are being used by some lecturers to produce their own handouts for students. “That shows you the quality of our materials and by extension, the quality of our products”, Abikoye reiterated. He further spoke on what probably gave rise to reservations about the quality and standard of NOUN laboratories as pre-requisites for the eligibility of ODL graduates participation in the said programmes.
Friday, September 4, 2015
What challenges have you faced since you assumed office? Honestly, I am a very courageous person, because I believe in God all my life. The first challenge I had on my assumption of office was my inability to keep to the promises I made to workers and students. When I was campaigning, I realised that most of our people did not understand what is called minimum wage. When I was the deputy governor, I was very close to labour and we understood the definition of minimum wage and I said I was going to pay minimum wage to our workers and that promise is sacrosanct and remain undiluted. I also made promise to our students that I will reduce school fees and in each community we went we made promises. We saw our defenceless women, mothers, brothers and sisters and their situation was very bad. But the time we made these promises, the price of oil then was still high. With what was on ground then, our allocation was enough to fulfill these promises. I was much sucked that the price of oil has fallen and it has affected our allocation. As a result I saw myself not being able to immediately implement those promises. I was badly challenged but my consolation is that it is good to be honest with the people. I had to open our books of account and showed to our people, that this is what we earn, made our intention known to them and this is what we can do now. To me that is a challenge; that I was unable to implement immediately the promises I made to the people but I am very confident that we will keep all our promises. What is your priority area, you want to achieve first? The priority area, everything in Ebonyi is a priority, because we have been left behind years back by other states. The priority is to make plans for tomorrow and in making plans, you have to plan for everything. Our health system, education, electricity, our water system and the welfare of the people; take for example, we are impoverished. And that’s why I said whatever little fund available; we will use to do projects that will benefit our people. Our people have no other source of income and we said whatever we get we will spread it to benefit our people so that they will have sense of belonging in this government. You have been accused of appointing more opposition members in your cabinet than your loyalists, how true is this? People may have helped us differently, and if you are in your ward, you cannot know what is happening in the other ward. Enemies may have fought us during the state and National Assembly elections, but became friends during the gubernatorial election. Politics is all about negotiation, dialogue, agreement and disagreement. Everyone that worked for us, will benefit from our administration and that is my assurance. But one thing that is very important is the ability to forgive. When you forgive, you set yourself free. But forgiving does not make you a foolish person. When you forgive, you are expected to be careful. When people see a man that easily forgives, they begin to think that the man is weak, he is not weak and it is you that is weak because a real child of God does what God ask him to do. The reward is from God. A man cannot be disadvantaged because he forgives. Are you ready to prosecute some prominent persons in the last administration who were alleged to have stolen money from the state government? Each person has his own method of tackling issues. I will not prosecute them, but if they fail to bring the money, I will arrest them. I will personally invite the Eco-
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Politics
No one who stole Ebonyi fund’ll go free –Umahi Chief Dave Umahi, the governor of Ebonyi State, was a former state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and a former deputy governor. He tells GODWIN ALIUNA that he will personally invite the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, to come after some persons who stole money from Ebonyi government, refuse to refund it and have defected to the ruling party, among other vital issues. Excerpts: Leadership is very important. The face of any administration is the face of leadership. If the past administration did not care so much about eradicating corruption, then we cannot allow that, we will recover the money belonging to the government that former caretaker chairmen took away. We will pardon them, but we need the money. We need the money to enable us provide infrastructure to the people of the state. The first thing to do should not be to arrest them, because if I arrest them, people will say it is politically motivated. We have decided not to arrest them since they have joined another political party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, let them not say I am arresting because they have joined another party. But let me emphatically say I will arrest them if they don’t bring the money. I will arrest them even if they are in headquarters of any political party. I will come there and arrest them and make sure they bring the money.
Umahi
The face of any administration is the face of leadership. If the past
administration did not
care so much about eradicating corruption, then
we cannot allow that, we will recover the money
belonging to the government that former care-
taker chairmen took away nomic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, to come after them, but I believe they will return the money they took away. Have you arrested any of those former caretaker chairmen who siphoned local government funds as you earlier promised when you assumed office?
Is it true that some of them have started refunding the money? I have not seen any money. None of them have refund any money, but we hope that they will refund it. We have charged the Local Government Service Commission to do something about it and soonest they will report back to us. We told them that we don’t want to remove anybody from office. This is the first government that is saying, look we want to find out all the fraud that have happened in Ebonyi State, but the bible said ‘let him that steals, steal no more,’ we want to negotiate with these people. What we need is the money they stole; we don’t need their down fall. We don’t want to destroy their political career but we need the money. By the time we get the money from them, nobody will hear the matter any longer. How true is the allegation that boarding schools in the state have been abandoned by your administration? We actually have 27 existing boarding schools and 3 technical schools. The feeding arrangement is not N5,000. The state government pays N10,000 and then the parents pay N5,000 for feeding a child per term. This means that state government is paying N30,000 per child a year. This costs government over N500 million per year. When I came on board, I was confronted with this challenge. I said thank God that the school is not in session. Some people came telling me that the contractors are asking for debt, I told them that I don’t pay debt and that is one thing I don’t do. When the schools resume, we will do whatever we can to alleviate their condition. How true is the allegation that some people indicted by a panel of inquiry were appointed into your cabinet? I am not aware of any person that was indicted by commission of enquiry in Ebonyi State that was appointCONTINUED ON PAGE 14
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Controversies trail PDP ward congress Wale Ibrahim LOKOJA
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ontroversies have continued to trail Kogi State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ward congresses across the 239 wards to elect the three-man delegate that will participate in the gubernatorial primary of the party. The ward congress commenced at about 11am in Lokoja, Ajaokuta, parts of Okene, Dekina, Olamaboro, while in some wards, some members who met at the venue said they had completed the exercise. National Mirror learnt that party members were divided in some of the
towns as the congress took place in some wards, while the exercise did not take place in others. Members were seen on queues in Ijumu, Yagba West, Okene, Yagba East, Kabba to elect their delegates for the gubernatorial primary. Speaking on the exercise, a former senator representing Kogi West senatorial district, Smart Adeyemi, alleged that some members and leaders of the party did not want the congress to hold as they only wanted the list of the delegates compiled. According to him, the people did not want the congress to hold in areas like Okene, most part of
Kogi East senatorial district and Lokoja/Koto. Adeyemi said: “We have asked the people to come out and conduct themselves in a democratic manner, what we are concerned about is the emergence of a candidate that will revive the PDP because the situation is now worrisome in the state. “We need a candidate that is loved by the people; we need a candidate that can challenge the All Progressives Congress, APC. The candidate we need is somebody that will lead us to victory; we take the exercise serious and believe that there is still hope despite the seeming displea-
sure of the people. “The success of the ward congresses will determine the success of the primary, the success of the primary will determine the success of the PDP in the gubernatorial election. If we don’t allow delegates to emerge by ballot, this can spell doom for the party.” However, speaking on the exercise, Kogi State PDP publicity secretary, Bode Ogunmola, said the exercise was conducted according to the laid down guidelines of the party. Ogunmola stated that he had been monitoring the exercise across the wards in Okene, adding that the ward congress
National Organising Secretary, All Progressive Congress, APC, Osita Izunaso (right) receiving the party’s nomination form from Bayelsa State gubernatorial aspirant, Timi Alaibe, submitting his form for the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State, at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, yesterday.
was peaceful and orderly in the visited wards. He noted that the exercise was transparent enough and the people were given the opportunity to elect their delegates. Reacting to the allega-
tion of malpractices in the exercise, Ogunmola said: “The era of impunity is over, we are doing the proper thing, the allegation is just to give a dog a bad name in order to hang it.”
Group marks Fawehinmi memorial with petition to EFCC against Osun gov Ebere Ndukwu
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s part of the commemoration of the six years anniversary of the death of the late legal luminary and human rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, the Civil Societies Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State, CSCEO, has concluded arrangement to storm Lagos office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, today to submit a petition against Osun State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, over alleged misappropriation of the state’s meager resources. CSCEO also planned to observe a special Jumat service and prayer for the repose of the soul of Fawehinmi at the Ansarudeen Mosque, Berger area, Lagos State, where prayer would be also offered for members of the Fawehinmi family. A statement signed by CSCEO’s chairman, Comrade Adeniyi Alimi Sulaiman and made available to journalists, said its
members from Osun State would move to Lagos to give EFCC details of how Aregbesola and his cohorts stole the commonwealth of the state and run the state into bankruptcy. Describing the late Fawehinmi as an icon of all times who lived an exemplary life while on earth, he noted that the late lawyer would forever be remembered by Nigerians, especially, the downtrodden masses. He said the late social crusader would be remembered for opening the political space of the country through the constitutional provision which made the country to be operating multi-party system of democracy today. His words: “We want to declare unequivocally that CSCEO had concluded arrangement to ensure that every kobo is accounted for by Mr. Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola and his cronies and also ensure that Aregbesola and his cronies are brought to justice for alleged mismanagement of all the funds accrued to the state from the federation account.”
No one who stole Ebonyi fund’ll go free –Umahi CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 ed into my cabinet. I may have appointed people that are standing trial variously, but until somebody is convicted he is presumed to be innocent. What are the plans by your administration to tackle flood? This is an opportunity for me to tell Ebonyi people that the information we had is that there will be so much flood this year. People who are living within the flood area should vacate, because if you don’t vacate, and you have your property destroyed, Ebonyi State government has no fund to come to your aid. Vacate the flood prone areas and after the flood you can come back. That is very important. There will be very serious flooding. Our own, as obedient children is to obey. If it doesn’t come, we praise God and nobody will take away your land as you vacate it. Is there any plan by your administration to renovate the Ebonyi State House of Assembly complex, which has become an eyesore? The Speaker of the House knows the economic situa-
tion of the state. We have plans to renovate the Assembly complex and whatever we can do to give a facelift to the burnt side of the House, let the Speaker come up with a plan of action for that. I love the House and I am prepared to assist them. The past administration failed because it doesn’t have time frame for accomplishment of projects, what are you going to do in this regard? The good thing is that I was a businessman, contractor and an engineer. If you start a project and you don’t have the means to fund it, you are wasting time. If you get small money and put there, the contractor will finish and be waiting for you. By the time you come back, he will give you a variation that will swallow the money you have been putting. Every contract we want to do, we will sit down and measure it with the amount of money that comes to us. If I pay the much I can pay to our civil servants and if you shout from now till next year, I have a responsibility to fulfill for Ebonyi people. A responsibility in term of security, health care, education and most importantly,
provide basic amenities/infrastructural development to the people. All these things we are talking about involve money. If we receive whatever comes to us from the federation account and use all of them to pay workers salary, then we will fold our hands. It is not even safe for our workers, because if the Commissioner of Police is not empowered to provide security for us, even if you collect the money, you will see hoodlums coming to your house to collect from you the 50 percent salary increase you are demanding. It is very annoying that little equipment we imported into the country, they stayed in the wharf and today we are paying over N130 million for demurrage for ordinary containers. This money is enough for us to do over three kilometre road for the people. Timing is very important. People are asking how long it will take us to complete the 10 urban roads we started. But I assure you by December this year, we will be able to complete them. And we will be able to do that because we are working in the raining season and you hardly do asphalt during the raining season but with concrete in some of the road where we want to deploy concrete we will be able to do that.
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Bayelsans are tired of accidental leaders –Alaibe Obiora Ifoh ABUJA
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ormer Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Timi Alaibe, has said that Bayelsans are tired of accidental leaders, even as he revealed that he has never supported bayelsa state incumbent Governor Seriaki Dickson as governor, but the party during the last gubernatorial election in the state. He said he has always being a loyal party man and that is what he is in his new party, the All Progressives Congress, APC. Addressing newsmen after he returned the nomination and expression of interest, EoI, forms bought for him by his friends, yesterday at APC national secretariat, Alaibe said Bayelsans are tired of “accidental and visionless leadership,” adding that that was why the leaders in the state purchased the nomination forms for him. He said: “You were here when the elders and leaders of Bayelsa State came to
Politics
Friday, September 4, 2015
purchase form, asking me to contest for the governorship of the state. In answer to that call and following my acceptance, I have come here to submit the EoI and nomination forms. “We as Bayelsa people are tired of accidental leadership. We are tired of visionlessness and you know that I come with a lot of experience, goodwill, integrity and reputation. As one of the major oil producing states in this country, Bayelsa has not been able to see structured development in terms of infrastructural development and even in terms of environmental development as consequence of oil production.” On why he supported Dickson four years ago but turned against him now, Alaibe said: “I am a party man and that is what I have always being. I even have course to step down for people by following party directive those days, but in spite of how we try to support them, the leopard and his skin refused to change, you cannot give what you do not have.”
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Lagos PDP passes vote of confidence on Shelle Ayo Esan
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xecutive committee of Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, rose from its meeting held at the party secretariat in Ikeja yesterday, passing a vote of confidence on the leadership of the state chairman, retired Captain Tunji Shelle. Reading the communiqué to the journalists at the end of the meeting which had in attendance the PDP chairmen in the local government areas of the state and Lagos State PDP Youth Leaders Forum, PDP Publicity Secretary, Barr Taofik Gani, said the party resolved at the meeting and agreed with the decision
of PDP National Working Committee nullifying the alleged impeachment of Shelle, describing the purported impeachment illegal and passed a vote of confidence on him. Gani said the meeting further waved aside all allegations leveled against Shelle by some aggrieved members of the party and urged Shelle to remain focused and continue to steer the ship of the party in the state as a vibrant chairman. He added that Lagos PDP exco urged the aggrieved party members to sheath their swords and embrace peace in the overall interest of the party, while insisting that issue of discipline will henceforth be taken serious in
the state chapter of the party. He said the party regretted all the distraction of the past and is ready to forge ahead and commence its meetings at all levels in the state, urging party members to immediately get set for the eregistration of members as well as start preparing for the local council polls in their respective local government areas and the local council development areas, LCDAs. The embattled chairman, Shelle, said the resolution of the meeting marks a new dawn in the history of the Lagos PDP, adding that he is ready to work with all party members towards achieving the best.
Saying that there was lot of distractions in the past, he thanked God that he was able to weather the storm, adding that the position of the NWC was the position of PDP constitution. He said: “The crisis has come and gone and we have to chart the way forward. Local council election is coming up and we are hopeful to win majority of the cases at the tribunal.” Shelle said he will ensure everybody is back on board saying the plan for 2019 general elections is on already, pledging that PDP under him will ensure that discipline is maintained, urging every member of the party to tow the line of party’s constitution.
Lagos East: Appeal Court reserves judgment amidst tight security Wale Igbintade
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midst tight security, the Court of Appeal Lagos Division yesterday reserved judgment in the appeal filed by Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for Lagos East senatorial district in the 2015 National Assembly election, Olabisi Ayodele Salis, challenging the victory of Gbenga Ashafa of All Progressives Congress, APC. There was heavy security around the court premises as well as on the Catholic Mission Road leading to the court as heavily-armed security operatives numbering about 40 were seen parading throughout the duration of proceedings. Besides, people going into the court were thoroughly screened before entering the court. Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had declared Ashafa winner of the March 28 election into Lagos East senatorial district. Dissatisfied, Salis and the PDP had filed a petition
to challenge Ashafa’s victory at the Election Petition Tribunal in Lagos, but the petition was on July 27 dismissed by the Justice C.U Anwukah-led tribunal. But, Salis and PDP equally filed an appeal challenging the judgment of the lower tribunal, on the grounds that the tribunal erred on many issues in arriving at the decision to dismiss the petition.
L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Women’s Trust Fund, Olufunke Baruwa; President, Women in Politics Forum, Ebere Ifendu, and National President, International Federation of Women Lawyers, Nigeria, Hauwa Shekarau, during a news conference on the position of women in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN
Why we exclude Ndoma-Egba from our meetings –PDP chair Richard Ndoma CALABAR
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hairman of Cross River State Peoples Democratic Party, PDD, Ntufam John Okon, yesterday in Calabar reacted to the claim by former Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba that the party shut him out from participating in party activities for three years, saying that the former Senate Leader was telling “half truth” and not the full story. Ndoma-Egba had, in an interactive session published in New Telegraph of
yesterday, alleged that the state PDP leadership shut him out from taking part in its activities, denying him and his teeming supporters from neither taking part in party activities nor even allowing his supporters the platform to contest elections. He said: “I remain in politics and you can only play politics from the platform of a political party. The PDP shut its doors against me three years ago and denied me and my supporters its platform to play politics. Since I am not retiring from politics, I must move on.”
However, Okon dispelled Ndoma-Egba’s claim, saying: “Now, you look at this scenario, if we were having a strategic planning committee meeting for aspirants to the Senate and one of his key men, Sandy Onor, who was also running for the same seat on the platform of the Labour Party, LP, consistently stayed with him, how would we have invited him to such meetings? You know it wouldn’t be wise to do so.” He maintained that Ndoma-Egba was attending PDP meetings except when he had disagreement
with the party in the state and stopped, adding the Senate Leader’s supporters also left PDP to enable them pursue their political ambitions in other political parties. He added: “In fact, he is saying half truth. He was in all caucus meetings up to the point of zoning positions in the party. He was among those who sat down to zone the gubernatorial ticket. He was there when we did the primaries. But at a particular point in time when he disagreed with the party, most of his followers went to LP to contest elec-
tions and you do not expect us at that point to call him for our strategic meetings.” Averring that after the primaries, PDP set up a reconciliation committee whcih approached NdomaEgba, but regrettably, he remained angry with the leadership of the party. He said: “We conducted the primaries and somebody got the ticket, and he lost it to somebody else. As a party man, he knows the process. But I can tell you that people have made approaches to him both in Abuja and at the state level.”
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Editorial
Friday, September 4, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
All the Facts, All the Sides A PUBLICATION OF GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LTD BARRISTER JIMOH IBRAHIM, CFR PUBLISHER
SUNDAY OLAJIDE MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO BEN MEMULETIWON ACTING DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI SATURDAY EDITOR AYO OLESIN SUNDAY EDITOR DOZIE OKEBALAMA COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR AUGUSTUS IMEKAN ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS
National Assembly: Lawmaker or impunity chamber
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uite intriguing is the recent revelation by a former Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Mr. Hamman Tukur, that the body, under his leadership, did not know the source of salaries and allowances of National Assembly (NASS) members. Tukur told an online medium that the emoluments of NASS members were in excess of what RMAFC approved; and that the commission’s effort to checkmate the parliamentarians and subject their pay to scrutiny and approval by constituted authority like other government outfits proved abortive as the lawmakers resisted the attempt. Tukur’s information, in no insignificant posture, confirmed claims that federal lawmakers have been defecating on the system of checks and balances, the hub on which the principle of separation of powers under any democracy worth its name revolves. Like Professor Olatunji Dare, a communication scholar, author and renowned columnist argued most recently, NASS sees itself as a repository of the popular will and a custodian of the people’s interests, mandated to make laws for the advancement of the nation. Indeed, as a part of its functions, NASS debates the appropriations prepared by the executive arm of government, alters them
if it so pleases in the process of debating same, and passes them into law. But with utter impunity, the same NASS prepares its own budget, debates it, approves it and passes it into law, almost without any interference, modification or input from any other arm of government. Worse still, the lawmakers see no conflict of interest in the constitutional breach they have been feasting on, perhaps since 1999, until the All Progressives Congress (APC) took over power last May, since the executive and the legislative arms of government were under the control of the now opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and were, therefore, at liberty to devour the nation’s treasury the way they pleased. This sordid definition of legislative liberty obviously powered by the ravenous lust of the NASS for profligate spending will veritably assist in finding explanations for not just the insane and perfidious quest for plum leadership positions within the two chambers of the federal legislature; though they veil the truth with claims of protecting NASS from external interference in choosing its leaders; but also give penetrating insight into why the earnings of members of NASS are shrouded in utter secrecy. Nigeria parades 109 Senators and 360 members of the House
WHAT NOVEL ENFORCEMENT INITIATIVE IS
RMAFC
CONTEMPLATING TO APPLY TO COMPEL COMPLIANCE?
of Representatives said to be the highest paid in the entire world; whereas the realities on ground support their being paid just sitting allowances. They loathe any suggestion on the nation adopting a part-time legislature, which many advocate because of the lengthy vacations NASS embarks on year-in-year-out, irrespective of how urgent matters meant for its consideration may be. Not surprisingly, too, the 7th NASS rejected with 307 nay votes against 47 yes votes and six undecided others, the abolition of the presidential system of government that sustains the bloated legislature in its constitutional review exercise which former President Goodluck Jonathan refused his assent. Following persistent public agitations against high cost of governance and economic down-turn occasioned by falling oil prices, RMAFC, widely perceived as permissive of out-ofthis-world public officers’ pay, said last week it would release
ON THIS DAY September 4, 1998 Google was founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, two students at Stanford University. Google Inc. or simply Google is a United States multinational corporation which provides Internet-related products and services. Advertising revenues from AdWords generate almost all of the company’s profits. Page and Brin founded Google while they were Ph.D. students at Stanford University.
Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to
September 4, 2007 Three terrorists suspected to be members of Al-Qaeda were arrested in Germany after allegedly planning terror attacks on both the Frankfurt International Airport in Germany and United States’ military installations. Al-Qaeda is a global militant Islamist organization founded by the late Osama bin Laden at some point between August 1988 and late 1989, with its origins being traced to the Soviet War in Afghanistan.
newly reviewed remuneration packages for all political office holders to reflect present socioeconomic realities this month. There is also no discountenancing of the principled position of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government on public sector corruption and profligacy as one of the factors that prodded an otherwise insensitive RMAFC into its current effort to scale down the bloated earnings of public officers in a country where recurrent expenditure guzzles roughly 80 percent of annual budgets, while less than 40 percent of the remaining pittance left for capital expenditure is truly disbursed for the purpose each fiscal year. Nevertheless, Mbam’s announcement on the remuneration review in line with prevailing realities is quite encouraging. But what novel enforcement initiative is RMAFC contemplating to apply to compel compliance? This is against Tukur’s lamentation that the commission’s effort to checkmate reckless NASS’ approval of outlandish pay for its members and subject their emoluments to scrutiny and approval by constituted authority was stiffly resisted by the lawmakers in past years. In the absence of any, the best bet is for the Presidency to step in and stem the impunity.
x September 4, 2010 A 7.1 magnitude earthquake which struck the South Island of New Zealand at 4:35 am caused widespread damage and several power outages. Some damaging aftershocks followed the main event, the strongest of which was a magnitude 6.3 shock that occurred on February 22 2011. Because the aftershock was centred very close to Christchurch, it was much more destructive and resulted in the deaths of 185 people.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
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Friday, September 4, 2015
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Restrategising to end the Boko Haram scourge Counter-terrorism Tips With
Ethelbert Oney ethelbertoney@zissltd.com, 08029929121 (sms only)
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igeria now faces a more diverse type of Boko Haram threat. This means the nation’s counterterrorism strategy must be adaptable and forward looking, not just to react to emerging threats but to identify and understand emerging trends of this sect. In the last six years, thousands of Nigerians have been killed or injured through the devices of the sect. The current iteration of Boko Haram inspired terrorism is only one example of the terrorist threats facing Nigeria. Other types, such as looting of public funds, stealing our oil, corruption at the highest level and multi-issue groups continue to employ terrorist tactics in support of their aims. In order to succeed against this sect, our counterterrorism efforts should not be limited to operations directed at this group or individuals already involved with these activities. They must also be reinforced by preventive measures aimed at keeping vulnerable individuals from being drawn into it. These measures call for a focus on individual motivations and other factors contributing to recruitment into terrorist activities, including looting. It is highly unlikely to completely erad-
icate all terrorist atrocities. Nevertheless, we can expect that the Muhammadu Buhari administration will take every reasonable step to prevent individuals from turning to terrorism; to detect terrorists and their activities; to deny terrorists the means and opportunities to attack, and when attacks do occur as have been, to respond expertly and proportionately. As a form of unconventional warfare, terrorism is sometimes used when attempting to force political change by convincing a government or population to agree to demands to avoid future harm or fear of harm and destabilization of an existing government. Recent events in the country remind us that threats can come from different directions, and that we cannot afford complacency in the face of a complex and evolving threat. We should change strategy by building resilience against this sect through setting out our approach to neutralise it; for example, to drop arms. This strategy should reflect on the ongoing and multifaceted activities of our law enforcement workforce that are involved in counterterrorism. It will help to organize and prioritize counterterrorism initiatives and investments and ensure that this administration’s activities address the risks we face. Ensuring the safety and security of our citizens is a key priority for the Buhari administration. This objective cannot be met by the federal government alone. Strategic partnership is key to success. Only through working with our international allies and through effective cooperation with
ENSURING THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF OUR CITIZENS IS A KEY PRIORITY FOR THE
BUHARI ADMINISTRATION all levels of government and civil society organisations can we achieve these goals. I firmly believe that it is, therefore, in our collective interest to understand the terrorist threat and also understand the strategy for confronting it. Upholding our legitimacy is an important contribution to this partnership between citizens and government. The first counterterrorism strategy should have been assessing the nature and scale of the threat and setting out basic principles and elements that underpin our counterterrorism activities. Together, these principles and elements should have served as a means of prioritizing and evaluating the government’s efforts against this dreaded group. The overarching goal of this strategy should be to unravel our predicament through the application of a counterterrorism platform to protect the Nigerian state and Nigerians from the onset. Since President Buhari appear not disposed to dialogue, Nigeria’s counter terrorism focus should be to de-motivating individuals from engaging in, or have the potential to engage in terrorism in order to permanently end the scourge. The focus will also be to address the factors that may motivate our youths to engage in ter-
rorism. Another challenge facing us is developing national capacity to identify members of the sect and its supporters, even if they disguise as a priests amongst us; their capabilities and the nature of their plans by means of profiling and threat assessment. This is done through investigation, intelligence operations and analysis, the success of which can also lead to criminal prosecutions. Strong intelligence capabilities and a solid understanding of the changing threat environment are key to the success of the new strategy. This involves extensive collaboration and information sharing with domestic and international partners. Fair enough, the relationship between our security and intelligence agencies has been strengthened over time as never before. This seamless cooperation continues to be critical in addressing the Boko Haraminduced violence. Realistically, effective counterterrorism actions can deny Boko Haram the means and further opportunities to pursue violent activities against innocent citizens. However, this involves mitigating vulnerabilities and intervening in the planning via infiltration and superb intelligence gathering operations, prosecuting individuals involved in these activities, and making Nigeria’s and Nigerians’ interests a more difficult target for would-be terrorists in the future. This element also speaks of the importance of ensuring a rapid return to ordinary life and reducing the impact and severity of Boko Haram’s activities in Nigeria.
Using the media to restore our lost glory REBECCA IKWUJE
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veryone has a unique nature and that uniqueness makes one distinctive. Our “culture” is we and we are our culture. Culture endows each group of people with the “we” attitude, as distinct from others, who are referred to as “they”. Man is essentially the product of his culture, which builds and moulds him into a particular shape. Culture makes one think, speak, dance, and behave in a particular manner. As soon as a child is born, nature assigns him/ her the task of actualizing himself/herself through culture; it is culture that makes one Yoruba, Igbo, Eggon, Hausa, Idoma etc. When our British colonial masters colonized Nigeria, they brought with them their own culture and superimposed it on ours. This way, we lost the essence of our culture and became a caricature of British culture. The moral decline in Nigeria is indubitable. Elders are no longer respected, traditional festivals are now seen as “old school”, our mode of dressing has been totally distorted by western civilization through foreign films and media content. Today we seem not to have any cultural attire. Our people now prefer to go to work from Mondays to Fridays on tuxedo because they see that as evidence of civilization. The acculturation of “blue jeans and hamburger” has gradually found a way into the young people in African society. Cases of immoral dressing have also given way
THE MOST FAR REACHING EFFECT OF CULTURAL GLOBALIZATION IS THE COMMERCIALIZATION OF CULTURE to high level of harassment among students and lecturers, bosses and their employees. Raping in our society today is mostly as a result of reckless codes by ladies. Gone are those days when life was treasured; values were welcomed and held with high level of respect; when shedding of blood was a serious offence; when parents hide their faces in shame when their daughters are found out to be non-virgins on their nuptial nights. The traditional notion of chastity has been rendered absurd by pornographic and sleazy materials displayed on screens, distorting sexuality and condoning promiscuity. These cases of reckless sex have led to the rapid spread of STDs and HIV/AIDS in our society. As this immoral evil is militating against the dignity of human person, the western civilization furnishes us with materials progress, and went ahead also to blindfold us of our vision transcendence, and deny us of our self preservation. The impact of the mass media in our society is undoubtedly tremendous. Consequently, Nigeria cultural values are not only subordinated
to, but also threatened by the western culture. The use of English Language as our lingua franca and imposing it on our educational curricula is a practical example. These days, if a student does not pass English Language in the WASSCE and NECO examinations, that student has to retake the paper. What happens if we use our local language as our lingua franca the way Germany, France and Italy do? Many elite families would like their children to learn English Language better than their local languages. Today, Nigerians use and read books written in foreign languages faster and more fluently than those written in local languages. In Nigeria, movies produced in English are more than those performed and produced in Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa and other Nigerian languages. Even the Nigerian films supposedly with local themes, have strong foreign European, or American culture emphasized. The resultant effect is the control of people’s mind, which is the gradual but steady process of “modernizing’’ Nigerian culture. The most far reaching effect of cultural globalization is the commercialization of culture, which has a disturbing impact on the people of Nigeria. For example, Nigerian markets are increasingly being bombarded with new images, new music, new clothes and new values. The familiar and the old artifacts are being discarded. The fact is that these will be lost simply because they are not valued by global markets. This undermining of the people’s existing cultural values has a
corrosive impact on the sense of who we are, what we want and what we respect. The media cannot be underestimated in its social, cultural, moral, economic goals of the nation. They must ensure that in their programmes on drama, sports, and news, they should continue to promote an integrative indigenous culture, moral and value system in ensuring nationhood identity and national prosperity. The mass media should help create a feeling of national development among people traditionally divided by their ethnic loyalty; spread information about new and better ways of living; and motivate and mobilize the entire nation so as to realize its full potentials. Government should incorporate programmes relating to traditional cultures, heritages and folklores in educational curricula at all levels. Public policies to protect the young from the abuse and misuse of modern information technologies, indecent dressing, and violence and sex materials should be curtailed for our divine endowment to be preserved. Ikwuje is a student of the Department of Theatre Arts and Mass communication, University of Benin, Benin City. 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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Mail Mirror
Friday, September 4, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Of Amosun, Ogun development and criticisms
T Ortom, Ajio community needs hospital
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t was a touching moment at Ajio Community in Kwande Local Government Council of Benue State during a recent visit there. I saw palpable neglect by past administrations in this community. Even though, the immediate past administration of Gabriel Suswam belatedly remember them by providing them with electricity in order to win their hearts and get their support for his senatorial ambition in the last general elections, yet the fact still remains that Ajio people lack basic necessities of life. The most compelling one now is a well equipped functional hospital that can assist in saving the people from premature deaths, a common development arising from lack of access to functional medical care delivery service. After my interaction with some residents of Ajio during my said visit, one of them volunteered to take me round with his motorcycle to see things for myself. I visited the only available government-owned primary health care centre, but the so called health care centre was as good as dead, as nothing reasonably was happening there. After visiting the health care centre, I was taken to a cemetery, where many people were buried. Some of the deaths would have been avoided were there to be a functional health care delivery system in the community. Interestingly, the late Charles Ayede, Senior Media Advisor to the All Progressives Congress (APC), who died from the bullets of political assassins, was an indigene of Ajio. The administration of Dr. Samuel Ortom should remember the people of this neglected community, if not for any other reason but for the death of their illustrious son, Ayede, who died as the result of fighting for change that now brought APC to power in the state. Awunah Pius Terwase, Mpape, Abuja (08179289948)
he provision of good road network, especially in a city like Abeokuta, is certainly in the interest of its residents. Beside, easy access to communication across the state offers a lot of economic benefits. As a result, the Ogun State government has embarked on massive reconstruction works in Abeokuta and the entire state to ensure smooth human and vehicular traffic. Contrary to the thinking in some quarters that the road reconstruction and expansion programme in the state is a total failure and waste of money, I make bold to say that the Senator Ibikunle Amosun initiative remains the most revo-
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Letters to the Editor
on the five cardinal areas of Affordable Qualitative Education; Efficient Health Care Delivery; Increased Agricultural Production/Industrialization; Affordable Housing/Urban Renewal; and Rural and Infrastructural Development/Employment Generation. In construction term, to rebuild, you have to destroy some or all of existing structures. It is in this light that one can situate the road dualisation projects at Abeokuta, Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, Ota, Igua, Ijohun, Papalanto, Ilaro, among many others. There is no way rebuilding these roads will not involve destruction/demolition of existing structure of private citizens. Apparently
Street mobile tailor popularly called “Obioma” on Broad Street, Lagos. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN
Buhari must rescue Nigeria
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wish to use this medium to call on President Muhammadu Buhari and leaders in the other tiers of government and their followers on the need for joint efforts to rescue Nigeria from her socio-economic and political problems. If all the negatives troubling Nigeria are to be tackled, then every one of us must have the fear of God and at the same time strive for righteousness. Things are not as expected in Nigeria now, and we Nigerians expect much from President Buhari, believing only he has the magic to fix things. The
Abia governor and development centres et me use this medium to call on Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State to use his good office to create, without delay, development centres from the existing 17 Local Government Areas in the state to take governance to the grassroots. There are enough funds in the state to support this revolu-
lutionary programme ever run by state since its creation in 1976. I do know that many discerning Ogun State indigenes and other Nigerians would agree with me that the pursuit of legal options by the opponents of the Amosun administration will take the state many steps backward. Anybody who says that the funds meant for the state’s road reconstruction and expansion programme have not been judiciously applied might have deliberately blinded himself to the reality on the ground. Governor Amosun got a state wide mandate through which he conceptualized his “Rebuilding Ogun State Agenda” anchored
tionary governance drive. It will also engender infrastructural development across the state. I appeal to all Abians to support the administration of Dr. Ikpeazu to deliver the dividends of democracy to Abians. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State .
truth, however, is that Buhari cannot do it alone, everybody must be involved. The truth also is that there is mismanagement of public funds as a result of leadership failure. In fact, every Nigerian needs a bailout. We should all call on God for divine intervention. Let everyone of us work for the interest of the nation. I also want to urge Buhari to tackle poverty. Its high incidence is too disturbing. If not quickly tackled, its effects will truncate economic growth and impair efforts to sustain enduring democracy in the country. The challenge ahead is enormous. It is only with sincerity of purpose and prayers from every Nigerian that President Buhari will overcome the various challenges and move the country forward. From my own point of view, the Buhari-led Federal Government should fix the problems in both the oil and power sectors; shore up the value of the naira;
improve infrastructure development; diversify the economy, and address the raging security challenge induced by Boko Haram. Most importantly, the administration should pay due attention to the high incidence of unemployment in the country. To rescue Nigeria from her problems, Nigerian must live according to their religious injunctions. Righteousness, the Holy Book says, exalts a nation. As we Nigerians trust in God, charting the way forward for the nation would be less burdensome. From now onward, let our leaders put aside their inordinate ambitions and their winners-take-all tendencies for the sake of the masses of this country, and believe that the omnipotent God exists to help us get to the next level. Prophet Oladipupo Funmilade-Joel (Baba Sekunderin), President, The Way of Reconciliation Evangelistic Ministries, Lagos (08033733470)
public interest has to override private interest in this matter of developing the society. The same is applicable to urban renewal, as exemplified in Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu, and Sango-Ota and Yewa axis. Except the Rock City, as Abeokuta is known, wants to maintain its old and rustic look, then some structure have to give way for modern structures and facilities to spring up. It must, however, be pointed out that in the provision of new infrastructure and amenities, the people have to be carried along to minimize the negative impact of unintended consequences. One is talking about sensitization and mobilization. A six-lane road, flyover and foot bridges, are certainly a novel thing for many motorists and pedestrians alike. Enlightenment is needed for the people to appreciate that these facilities requires new attitudes and modification of behaviour. Apparently based on the above, Amosun was on point in his “rebuilding” strategy and the mandate he got from the people. But apparently, the people were not prepared for the unintended consequence of the “re-building” agenda of his government. This understandably has fuelled emotional outbursts of even persons, who are enlightened enough to appreciate that ‘birth pains’ are not ‘death throes’ in the rebuilding strategy. But beyond rebuilding physical infrastructure in all sectors, there is a more urgent and pressing one of “rebuilding” political culture and tolerance that have gone awry in recent times. Part of the political culture prevalent in the state from time immemorial is tolerance. Friends and business associates belonging to different political parties would stand their ground based on their political affiliations; but this did not stop them from attending social functions etc organized by their opponents. However, this culture of tolerance has changed in recent times. We have now a situation where some people are known to have lost offices or other advantages for associating with the socalled ‘wrong persons’. So, people now mind what they say and who they say it to in order not to incur the wrath of the powersthat-be. Such political culture needs “re-building” to reposition Ogun State to its first position in most things in Nigeria. Ademola Orunbon, Olomore, Abeokuta, Ogun State (08029301122, 08034493944)
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Your
FRIDAY
Jennifer Onwurah Linda
KAREN IGHO: She came tops at the Big Brother Amplified reality TV show, and got the ultimate prize of thirty million naira. Karen’s feat has redefined the way people see determination and focus. Although many people did not give her a chance when she came into the house, Karen went ahead to prove these cynics wrongs, to become an instant continental celebrity. She has also demonstrated courage and boldness by admitting to the consternation of people that she lost a close relative of hers to the HIV scourge. SYLVA NDUKA: She is the current Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria. Sylva, who is the last child in her family, did not come as a surprise to fans of the beauty pageant which has lasted for over two decades. Quite pretty and humble, Sylvia who is on a salary of over six hundred thousand naira a month is an embodiment of what most men desire in women. CHIDINMA: She is the diminutive singer who pocketed the seven million naira ultimate prize for emerging tops at the last MTN Project Fame. Chidinma, who has a modest beginning has transformed the lives of members of her immediate family with this feat, and has also gone ahead to become one of the most sought after singers in the country at the moment, doing big shows and many great collaborations with older artistes. Facts like these make her delectable in the
Chidinma
Nnaji
Waje
eyes of men. LINDA IKEJI: Two words can be used to describe this enterprising lady who has established herself as the queen of Nigerian blogging: daring and frank. She is the owner of a blog Linda Ikeji blogsopt.com, and has affected so many individuals since then. Linda originally pursued a career in modeling but had to quit after a while. At the moment she is doing well as an author, blogger, modeling agent and social reformer. Her frank disposition came into view when she posted an online article that she hated penetrative sex! Several Nigerian men are still wondering why and can’t wait to find out! CORDELIA OKPEI: She is an on-air-personality and social reformer, who works with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN. Cordelia has set Nigerian men desirous of her with her witty comments anytime she is on air. Her style of presentation has made her one of the most recognizable voices on Metro FM Lagos. The Delta State
born presenter is such a delight that men often wonder what she is up to in terms of emotions. GENEVIEVE NNAJI: She has been one of the most glamorous Nigerian women ever, and has worked so hard to put herself on this radar for so long. Men adore Genevieve Nnaji’s guts and passion for success. In spite of the perceived pitfalls which almost marred her early life, the Mbaise, Imo State born actress, made the travails her triumph. Aside being an actress, she is a clothier and has also dabbled into music. FUNKE AKINDELE: Acting found Funke Akindele when she was young as a cast of I Need to Know. Now she has grown to become a lawyer and an enterprising producer with so many hit flicks. In the Yoruba sector of Nollywood, she easily stands out as the face taking the industry to the next level. When her mates are still contented with making movies that end up on movie shelves in Idumota and Alaba, Funke is now championing a revolution in the cinemas. Her streak of success-
WEEKEND STARTERS
Music Performance
S
unday 6th of September is a day for all arts and entertainment lovers. Doors will be opened at 3pm at Club Ntyce Karimu Kotun Street Lagos.The event as set by the organizers is to fill in the missing gaps of the Sunday entertainments. The event is called “the compound” and features music performance by DJ Java and DJ Spikey with side events like fashion expression, belly dance etc to tickle your fancy.
juyg
Vendors’ art event
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endors are having an event in Lagos titled “Theme up the Essence” which will hold on Sunday 6th September 2015.It will be followed by a special cocktail party that will feature art performances at 133 Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos. It is the first Nigeria first ever vendors’ event which kicks starts at 5pm with gifts for the first 100 people to get free cocktails, gift s and goody bag.
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ful efforts and her mien are a great pull to many Nigerian men. MUNACHI ABII She has many pies in her hand and has been handling them with success. Munachi started out as a beauty queen, but now she is a rapper, and has been doing great collaborations with great artistes locally and internationally. Munachi, did not let her origin from a single home to deter her from becoming what she is today. Aside her success, Nigerian men see her as particularly attractive with the face of a goddess. RITA DOMINIC: Her roles in home videos may be wild but truly Rita is one shy actress in the home video industry in real life. She has however refused to leave the comfortable enclaves of her acting success to try other things, yet she cannot be ignored. From Owerri, Imo State, Rita cajoles Nigerian men with her full lips, and often set their imaginations running wild. MONALISA CHINDA: Marriage was not fair to her but that has not made her anything less in the eyes of Nigerian men, who are craving to have a bite of her. But according to the Rivers State born actress, she is still taking her time. Monalisa, strikes the pose of a hard nut to crack, which in some ways is tempting for daring men. However, how she handled the issues of her break up, is a great confirmation that she is very emotional. WAJE: She is one of the prolific performers on the scene now. After backing up many groups, Waje is taking the limelight with ease, and this can be attributed to how she handles her shows. She performs with passion and Nigerian men are beginning to adore her on account of the natural flair she brings to it.
Arty
Here are the women who gladden the hearts of Nigerian men owing to their carriage and poise
Inside FCT P. 24-25
Female celebrities Nigerian men adore
News P. 32, 33
16 PAGES OF ARTS, REVIEWS, LIFESTYLE AND BUZZ TO START YOUR WEEKEND
Critics P. 22-23
Friday, September 4, 2015
Flavour
Literary interaction
Y
oruba Lakotan is a literary interactive audience participatory event with organized Peo Davies concept, a media inclined organization and reviewers of African Literatures published in different Newspapers and blogs. The literary event holds at 4pm on the 6th of September 2015 at Ethnic centre, 35a Raymond Njoku Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
MI
Mirror Mongers P. 26
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20
Artman In The House
Friday, September 4, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Our culture is moralistic
Emeka Ike is no doubt a screen actor that has dominated the movies for quite a long time. He is well known for his bad boy or lover boy movie roles. In this interview with ISIGUZO DESTINY, Emeka Ike talks about his person, art, career, while taking a swipe at the media.
Emeka
You have been in Nollywood industry for some decades now, what impact is the industry making on Nigerians and to the art sector? Nollywood has made a huge impact not only in terms of art but on the Nigerian Nation as a whole. The boom in the entertainment industry today is a stem from its success. You cannot talk about the art sector without talking about Nollywood. How does this boom affect ordinary Nigerians? The industry has affected Nigerians in very quality and unquantifiable ways. The industry has done this in several ways through the empowerment of so many Nigerians, job creation to engage our teeming unemployed youths and graduates and wealth creation that have added to the public coffers and increased gross domestic product. There is also a global acceptance of Nigerians because of the entertainment industry which was the reverse before it came on board. Nigerians were usually seen as fraudsters, corrupt, and are usually seen very different negative perspectives. But through our movies, we are beginning to change the negative perceptions about this country and her citizens. Nollywood has also raised awareness of so many evil and wrongs
going on in our society. Nollywood has affected this country positively and has affected ordinary Nigerians in great capacity. But the industry has been heavily criticized for a kind of cliché in presenting Nigerian issues especially, the issue of excessive magic? With due apologies, before now, we were more recognized for corruption than any other reason. The issue of movies that does not capture the Nigerian real problems is not that absolute. The very great movies we made sold us and the few controversial ones did their magic too. It’s all in the spirit of entertainment. The issue of movies that does not capture the Nigerian real problems is more of an internal agitation. Yes, some do not capture the Nigerian polity, but not all of them. Not every movie in Hollywood or Bollywood meets the essence of their polity. However, recognition for good jobs made great impact more than the criticized ones which in a way equally served their purpose. Art sometimes is used as an ideological tool that brings changes, for instance, movies like “Sarafina” was
used to fight apartheid, “The Road”, environmental degradation etc but we rarely see that in Nigerian movies. I differ in opinion here sir. Even the much criticized bloody movies did a corrective duty to our society. They exposed so much underground illicit acts which got us knocks in the head and reduced quantity of interest at that time in rituals and diabolical stuffs. Step mother, step son or daughter issues were a much more gruesome experience before the advent of our movies and it has greatly reduced in our society today due to home video decry on it. People can’t be blatantly cruel with impunity as used to be because of the awareness generated from our industry. Can you give me an example of such movie? I’ve played out so many with Franca Brown and Ernest Obi where he was dehumanized. Mama G has played out so many roles showing native wickedness to her step sons and daughters; plenty I can’t remember their tittles. With this kind of awareness, people can challenge you now for child battery ever than before and it is the same with women’s marginalization. Generally, our society has received several reviews and mirroring from our movies which is part of the new mind set. Do you have any ideology that guides you as an actor or artist? I am only a story teller, yet I remain my quality self; never confusing my story with myself, never missing in the mix. Are there ideologies that inform your acceptance of script? Good over bad, rational course over irrational, message to the society at large. How about the money? Money is very crucial too. You talked about good and evil, are you a kind of moralist? Yes I am. Our culture equally is moralistic in nature. But people don’t see you so especially with the recent issue concerning your family? When we talk about it, people usually say it’s unbelievable. You press men choose what to make of us celebrities. Many of you are paid to pull down. So it doesn’t matter what pictures you peeps paint out there. A moralist is a moralist and I’m sure you’ve equally read me saying I never
did. Also, a report from an investigative journalist who took time to visit our formal residence said there was no such thing; he got his information from my neighbors and our children. You may choose what you want. However, I’ll not make any comments on that issue. With this kind of issue, do you think the artist’s personal life should not be the concern of the media? You people make the issue my dear. I remember you promised me no scandals or private matters but here you are, making me want to believe it’s the reason for this interview. No it’s not, just because you called yourself a moralist. And I said you can choose not to answer. I feel your own side of the story should be heard. That an un-investigated scandal came online about an artiste is not to say that’s whom he really is. Even in court until every evidences are verified, nobody is criticized till verification. Rather evil men have chosen to use cheap journalists to haunt their enemies and I’m sure u can’t dispute this fact. Just write what I’ve responded to, I’m not out to discuss my family here sir. When the time is right and my investigation on the matter is concluded; maybe I’ll follow your path. Do you think there’s any difference between an artist, his work
No more charlatans answering our “stars’” names and getting attention. Emeka Ike’s wife and kids
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Artman In The House
Friday, September 4, 2015
in nature –Emeka Ike
Emeka
and his person? Yes. How? So many artists play roles they credit themselves for, cause they are a reverse of such roles. For instance, Patience Ozorkwo is a soft woman with a good heart. But a rich idiot can pay a cheap online writer to mess a good image up using the antecedences of her roles... then roll out monies to cheap journalists like “Ima Obong of AIT and Motunrayo of TVC who will report a case without cross checking with parties involved or consider the impacts on the said people thereby creating deeper divide amongst quarreling friends and making peace near impossible. Hope this is not your case my brother. Journalism I learnt pays more in scandals than real news for you guys. Well, that seals the debate of whether traditional or church truth should be the main aim of journalism or a medium of scandalizing opulent victims and getting paid off like Linda Ikeji who to me is a sadist and
anti-Nigerian, celebrating herself for negativity. So what goes on in your mind when you are on set? What go on in my mind are the role expectation and the final outcome of the Job. It seems there is so much politics or would I call it hatred going on in the industry? Anywhere people are gathered, politics is inevitable like in our nation, even in our homes. But why are there so many rancours in AGN? The industry is just a replica of our larger society. No more rancours Mr. Journalist sir. There is a judgment and issues have been laid to rest by a court of competent jurisdiction. Read carefully a copy of the court verdict and tell me if there is any good reason for rancour safe greed and lack of respect for the rule of law. You can also give your lawyer to please interpret to you. So have you taken over the roles as AGN president? Yes. Visit our web site - www.actorsguildofnigeria.org. Artists are now visible; you can trace an artist online because you can go to that web site and have a live chat with any registered artist to confirm any news of anomalies on them. Every member can generate their own email address; open a chat room, blog etc. No more charlatans answering our “stars’” names and getting attention. Be a part of Nollywood by expressing yourself. Pick up your phone; make a minute video, telling us about yourself and how you feel about the new AGN website. Also tell us your expectations from the website. Log on to www.actorsguildofnigeria.org register, create your profile and upload your video and follow us at www.twitter.com/ agn_updates www.facebook.com/actorsguildofnigeriaofficial Okay, but do you think your personal issues would have been better managed if you were not an artist and do you see it as a price you pay for being a celebrity? Scandals are people oriented and generated. I manages it the much I can. We won’t stop for haters, they only make us stronger. If we are no news, we won’t generate the much uproar we generate. We make the news, you report it. It’s all good whether bad or good. Its celebrity life styles my man. Look at you looking for me for a long while to get this interview. I made my last movie in over 5years now. It shows that we still “rock”. It shows we are trending, anyhow you view it. What is your greatest wish? That the “evil man behind all the scandals be exposed” because it is a sponsored blackmail. What’s your favorite quote? “The conscience is an open wound, only truth can heal it” said by Usman Dan Fodio. And what are your dreams for
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Emeka and friends
AGN? We have just opened actor’s guild to the world... which do u prefer sir? We are launching our web site soon here in Abuja at Transcorp. Watch out for the new era and trending AGN. No time for trash people... we are on the move for the masses. Which book or poem is the most memorable literary book or poetry collection you’ve ever read, your favourite Nigerian author, his/her book you like most and why?
I’ve read a list of great books and among them is Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart”. I love the man because of the way he told his stories, bringing out the issues of culture and cultural conflict. I so much like the character of Okonkwo, the way the man revealed the conflict that confronts humanity and the price we pay for our choices. That book for me is a master piece, something one can always go back to in order to get deep seated wisdom.
Emeka
Anywhere people are gathered, politics is inevitable like in our nation, even in our homes.
22
Critics
Friday, September 4, 2015
POETRY
Hajo Isa’s tongue
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
‘Dancing Tongues’, is gaining positive endorsement for the quality of poetic renditions and the beauty of its language. Izu Okeke
T
he beautiful collection is broken into three parts: ‘Image of Memory’, ‘Crossing’, and ‘A fiction of Farewell’ and each part contain a cache of poems loosely connected in theme. In ‘Images of Memory’ are poems like; Flight, Drawn by day, Years after Youth, Dawn Chorus, The Weaver, Across the Sands, Flower and at my Door, among others. In ‘Crossing’ are poems like; Red Hibiscus, Miles of Nostalgia, A Quiet Evening, The Sea Stirs Softly, The Letter, Crossing, One and Only, Urban Pilgrim, Sleepless, There She Ss, Dancing Tongues, Poetry and Black Days, among others. And in the ‘A fiction of farewell’ are poems like; For a Time, A Place for my Love, In Memory, Moments, On a field of Grass, Canticles of Love, I think of You, Tenderly, A Memory Drawn, Untitled, Conversation with the Rain, Night Bird, The Mist in your Mouth, among others. In all, there are about 54 poems presented in the beautifully packaged, well edited and charmingly collection, dealing with all manner of themes. One must say that
BOOK
Except that now it is not senseless, useless chatter, for everything said in the poetic lines makes a whole lot of sense. There are many grounds on which to justify the buzz this collection is getting. First, Hajo’s poetry is difficult to tie to apron strings of sentimental leanings.
You cannot say she is just a romantic writer, yet she writes romance. She is also not restricted to poetic war-mongering about the ills of society as seen often among modern writers. She writes on everything, about everything. And this makes it diffi-
of brilliant dialogue between Efua and Joke and between the student to further highlight the theme of the book. “…Joke came running to meet her.”Efua, don’t you know whats happened?” “What?” “ Some students are saying some things about you and Miss Novi!...” They said you wrote that you were lovers! That you kiss and hug and…” There was a roaring sound in Efua’s ears. She tried to talk normally but her voice came out in a quavering whisper “Did you say…a letter?” Jimi stood for his brother, Wole who stole the laboratory equipments. He admitted he was the one who stole it thereby helping his brother from being imprisoned and of course he was
punished for it. However, Efua stood for him. In chapter 19, Efua defended Jimi by showing how self centered the principal, Mr Mallum was towards his school. This is the climax of the whole book and this made the book quite interesting because the build up of the plot was exhaustive. The author was quite expressive in portraying the theme by using simple dialogue and correct punctuation, but the book wasn’t lavished with enough literary devices to buttress the theme. In all, the story is worth reading especially for Junior students to prepare their minds for their pre-adulthood stage and thus helping them deal with issues of life both at home and in school.
Life at high schools
This book highlights the secrets and fears of adolescence Ogah Ocheche
T
there is no better way to title this collection because of its wide, universal themes. Though ‘Dancing Tongues’ is a poem in the collection, if the collection can be viewed as ‘the poet saying many things at the same time’, perhaps yes, the title suits.
he 89 page “High school” prose is one with a clear theme which is youthful exuberance that characterizes senior high school students which can be easily interpreted from the cover page. It portrays the character and perception of pre-adulthood students to situations and events in school and at home. Another theme that competes closely with the main theme is the value of friendship which is standing for one another especially during hard times. The target audience of the book is clear, that is to junior high school students which is why the language is simple. The book centers on the main act Jimi, a brilliant student and athlete who is the school her having won accolades for the school; the reason for which he is attracted to so many friends especially the female folks. He has a rogue brother, Wole, an unrepentant thief who was into many vices, two neighborhood and school friends: the nerdy Ansa and devout Nene, and a new student Efua who was admitted to SS3 under controversial circumstances. The plot of the story actually started building up when Jimi’s mum died of cancer in chapter 11. This however made the book a little
casual in the first 10 chapters. Chapters 1-10 was about describing the characters using dialogue. However, it should have shortened to about 6-7 chapters. In chapter 9 which featured the school dinner, the author did well in vividly showing that the school was elite especially with the DJ’s words, “Grab your partner and feel the beat! Boys stop slacking and girls stop fronting”. This however shouldn’t have been said in the presence of the teachers which the author implied as present. Efua due to past painful sexual experiences never spoke to boys but had close relationship with a female corper, Novi, and it was misinterpreted for lesbianism by the school; all thanks to Nene’s jealousy and Jimi’s carelessness that revealed the ‘love letter’ Efua wrote concerning corper Novi in her diary. Nene and Jimi refused to believe Efua was innocent and didn’t stand for her until she was embarrassed in the school. Chapter 14 was quite thought provoking as the author explores the use
The author was quite expressive in portraying the theme by using simple dialogue and correct punctuation
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Critics
Friday, September 4, 2015
The poet is also not restricted to poetic war-
mongering about
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STAGE
Kongi’s Harvest in Abuja
the ills of society as seen often among modern writers cult to restrict the flights of her emotions as a writer and possibly yours too as her reader. For instance, in the poem ‘Flight’ she writes about flying in airplane. Just that! That same experience of uneasy quiet we all feel flying everyday in our moribund aircrafts, and which, of course, we all take for granted once we alight. But if you think this is simplistic, a poem like ‘Urban Pilgrim’ brings it home that Hajo too is a critical observer of society, who within her poetic lines also judges the psychology behind our everyday actions as human beings. Yet, in poems like ‘Conversation with the Rain’ and others, you see Hajo in poetic communion with her environment— a close emotional communication that is more than critical and intuitive, like cross pollination of feeling, by telepathy. Her style is also varied and almost difficult to define. But there is conciseness, urgency in conclusion, enchanting collocations that embed new meanings—she finds these new meanings where the old does not suffice. There are examples like ‘moving distance’, ‘still dialogue’, ‘songs of sun’ ‘broken sky’, ‘sleepless compassion,’ among others. Here, the dynamism and elasticity of language is seen in that it affords the artist the use of such meanings for new thoughts. And there are enchanting romantic usages as well, like; ‘To be a flower… touching the wind’, ‘crawling through my mind’, ‘the heart is a captive city’ and many more. And her language, though mostly shy of feminism, is yet laced with feminine tenderness that is both soft and touchy, and communicates beauty even through rust. She also often draws hard/sharp contrasts that define our social hypocrisies. For instance in the poem ‘Abuja’ she writes: ‘To a city full of pithy affairs and grating raw nights’, and in ‘Drawn by day’ she writes, ‘Bleached out from yesteryears/To these songs we do not dance’. And another sweet element of her writing is her many Haiku-like poems with congealed or suspended meanings and lucid imageries—that can be drawn from anywhere in the world, from snow to blaze, winter to summer, heaven to earth, soul to space, anywhere to anywhere. For every reviewer that has the privilege of reading Hajo Isa, it has always been how do you describe beauty in the glass of words? The best way, I think, is to tell how you see it and leave the rest to the readers. This way, I reason, is always the best escape when judging the best of works of art. So, I refuse myself to pay homage to this great literary collection. It can speak for itself; it will pay homage to itself. Then I will not be charged either for excessive euphemism or unnecessary hyperbole.
For Abiola Akindele and Eyimofe Adetola Jerry-Adesewo, their performances will no doubt remain a debut to remember Joel Ajayi
I
t was at Arojah Royal Theatre’s second show of the 2015 theatre season, and a special event tagged, Kongi’s Harvest 1, in honour of Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka whose 81st birthday anniversary highlighted activities in the literary world this July. Following on their excellent season opener in May with Ben Tomoloju’s Flowers Introspect, the Abuja-based outfit staged Childe Internationale and performances of a selection of Wole Soyinka’s poems where the two youngsters shown like a bright morning star. Abiola Akindele who played the lead role, Titi (pronounced as Tity by her ‘been to’ mother.) in the play directed by Oluwaseun Odukoya is a 16 years old, third year student of Bowen University
With musical
accompaniment,
Eyimofe who turns eleven later this month gave life to the poem on stage
where she is studying Micro Biology. Her characterisation of the spoilt little brat, Titi wowed the audience. She was absolutely excellent and her accent, faultless. It was her first time on the big stage and she ceased it with both hands. “Being my first time on a professional stage, I must say that it wasn’t easy but thanks to my directors, Mr. Adesewo Fayaman Bay and Seun Odukoya who nurtured me to this point of perfection.” She said. Responding to the question on the similarity or otherwise between Abiola Akindele and the character Titi, she responded with a smile on her face. “Abiola and Titi are two different personalities. Abiola is quite and respectful while Titi is a spoilt little brat with an accent to add.” She added “Transforming from Abiola to Titi wasn’t easy at all but as I was about to mount the stage, I tapped into my childish side, sprinkle a little bit of attitude and viola! Titi was born!” With such out of this world performance, there is no doubting the fact that Abiola Akindele has a future ahead of her. This much was corroborated by Om’Oba Jerry Adesewo, Founder and Artistic Director of Arojah Royal Theatre. “She’s got talent no doubt. She’s got what it takes to lighten up but the stage and screen. The most important thing is that she’s a fast learner.” Said the producer of Kongi’s Harvest 1 who added that “Sometime around April/May, I got a call from a young girl looking for a theatre where she can spend her vacation. I asked her to come to our meeting venue at an appointed date and that was the be-
ginning of her sojourn into the world of professional acting.” As part of the annual Wole Soyinka birthday production tagged Kongi’s Harvest, Adesewo Fayaman Bay directed a selection of Wole Soyinka’s poems rendered by members of the theatre outfit and among them, young Eyimofe Adetola Jerry-Adesewo who rendered the poem ‘I Think it Rains’. With musical accompaniment, Eyimofe who turns eleven later this month gave life to the poem on stage. Her diction, interpretation and demonstration aided the understanding of the poem and earned her standing ovation from the audience. “This is my first time on the big stage. I have performed twice at the Association of Nigerian Authors session at the French Cultural Centre and at the Korea-Nigeria Poetry Feast. That is in addition to performances in my school and church. However, this represents my most important outing and I must say I enjoyed it.” She said. Eyimofe, who is the daughter of Om’Oba Jerry Adesewo said she is considering following her father’s footstep. “I am just moving from JSS 1 to JSS 2, so for now, it’s about my education. One of my aspirations in life is to become a renowned writer, actor and theatre producer. I want to follow my dad’s footsteps. I have started writing my own poems and short stories. If there is anything to take away from that August 15 event by Arojah Royal Theatre at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, it is the potentials of these two youngsters who are currently the youngest members of the Abuja outfit.
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Inside FCT
Friday, September 4, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Tears as health workers’ strike persists
Patients in the hospital
It’s been over six weeks since the traumatising industrial action that has paralysed the health sector. Gloria Usman, writes on the impact of the strike action on both the patients and the hospital.
R
esident doctors in the country embarked on a strike action July 2, 2015 over the inability of government to pay 42 out of the 56 Federal Tertiary Hospital resident doctors the Consolidated Medical Salary Scale (COMESS 2). The doctors were said to have been angered by the claim of non-inclusion in the 2015 budget of most of the tertiary public hospitals around the country. As we trudge back and forth along deserted corridors between wards, and take empty stairs case up and down, listening to the eerily loud voice announcing each floor. The hospital somehow seems a lot bigger. On the wards everything is shrouded in semi-darkness, even at the nurses’ station. The atmosphere is hushed but it’s never really quiet. You can always hear nurses whispering, or patients snoring, or footsteps somewhere round the corner. As we walk into the male ward, it was empty with only three patients who are in need of urgent attention clinching to their sick beds feeling traumatised about the strike. For Solomon Ishaba, from Bosso Local Government of Niger State, is a kidney patient, who is in dear needs of a transplant in a hospital where doctors are on strike, lying on his sick bed with his troubled mother by his side. He has lost lot of weight, he told INSIDE FCT, “I have been admitted for over two months ago. I have not been getting the required services but they are trying. My appeal to the doctors is to visit the case and also government should hasting up because what I saw is not good, so many people that left here about three or four have died and is because of this strike. Had it been doctors were on ground they wouldn’t have left here or this wouldn’t have occurred. For Madam Ladi, Solomon’s mother, I am heartbroken due to my son’s condition and whenever we want to see the doctor we don’t get to see them because of the strike. Due to that am always sad and sometimes had to cry but God has come to our aid, because God is with us. Sometime God will touch their heart and you will see them come around and check
on us when there is any problem they will attend to us. For the nurses, I am so impressed with the nurses, they take good care of the patient at all time, when they enter the ward, they enter with a smile and asking how is your health, don’t worry you will be fine and this gives us hope and makes us happy too. But for the doctors we are pleading to the government to save so many lives from dying because when we first came there were so many people before the strike but when the strike started a lot of people died one after the other while some move to other hospitals. They should please have mercy on us. When you look at these ward we were more than these but now we are only three patient that are left. They should please consider us and help. Taiye Ade, diabetic ulcer patient, who has being on addition for over a month ago,narrated his ordeal, I have leg problem, there no doctors but the nurses have been attending to me, we need the doctors to call off the strike and come back we need them and for government to look into the problem and the doctors should come back to work. I don’t know why a doctor will go for a strike for long like this; so the government should look at the issue they’re bringing to the table and resolve it. At the antenatal section of the hospital
it is not a different scenario as only a few pregnant women were seen sitting and waiting to be attended to as the impact of the strike was further felt there as well. Some of the women who came in search of medical attention had no knowledge of the ongoing strike as the nurses and a few consultants are working round the clock to provide services to patients. For Taiye Badamasi, I have been here since 7:00am and till now I’ve not been attended to and this is my first pregnancy and they are saying first pregnancy and operation no delivery here except second or third child they can have delivery here but for first child no delivery, she lamented. As for Gloria A Sunday, I’ve been here since morning, no one has attended to me and I’ve been waiting for the doctor to come and attend to me. Since I have been coming, we have been seeing doctors attending to us, but some time we are more than 100 plus, sometimes there will be a little delay. But the truth is that the doctors they have been trying. The only thing I want them to do is to call off the strike because very soon I will deliver and what I heard if you are due for delivery during this season of strike; that up here in ‘Labour Ward’ you will not see any doctor to attend to you but you will see nurses. They have been trying anyway but I want them please and please to end the strike. The Chief Medical Director (CMD), University Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, FCT, Dr Peter Alabi, while addressing Journalist at press briefing, appealed to the resident doctors to end the strike action. While apologising to the teeming patients’ population, Dr Alabi explained that the doctors were unhappy because there was an approval from Federal Government for them to skip a salary grade COMESS 2 based on the November, 2013 circular from the Office of the Head of Service of the Federal (HOSF) just like other health workers. “After that circular, there were series of
consultations between the NMA and government. The last of such consultation was on July 3, 2014. To move forward, machineries were supposed to be in place for government agencies that have relevant authorities to working out the details of approval to meet specifically the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation and the National Salaries, Wages and Income Commission so that the circular can translate to what can be implemented. “In January 2015, there were series of agitation in our hospitals for the implementation of the skipping of COMESS. When the 2015 budget was being planned in August last year, we were told that the Budget Office did not put the skipping of COMESS in the budget and that we have explained severally. “As it is now, it’s not clear to us from the writings from the Budget Office that no provisions were made in the 2015 budget for skipping of the COMESS salary grade that is being demanded and the federal ministry of health has also come up to say that it is willing to make all efforts possible to make sure that it is captured in the 2016 appropriation,” Alabi said. He further appealed to the doctors to see reasons with the hospitals, now that the federal government has admitted that there was a circular to that effect only that provisions were not made for it in the 2015 budget but the ministry of health is determined to put it in the 2016 budget. “My appeal to all hospitals where resident doctors are still on strike and specifically in our own hospital (UATH), we should be able to call off the strike and engage in further dialogue and also let us work out ways and means of making it possible for whatever that has been approved to be put in the 2016 budget,” he said. He further stated that the strike action has affected the internally generated revenue capacity of the hospital which takes care of bills accrued to the hospital.
At the antenatal section of the hospital it is not a different scenario as only a few pregnant women were seen sitting and waiting to be attended to
41Naija ‘saves tomorrow’ with orphanage visitation Regina Otokpa
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iving back to society never gets underrated, poverty has sunk deep into the system that everyday there is a child being abandoned somewhere, children becoming orphans or losing one of their parent and as a result, survival is based on external help. With orphanage and motherless homes springing up and spreading like wild fire in the FCT, help is evident if these kids must have a bright future and become good ambassadors of themselves and country. Help this time for the children and management of Holy Family Sisters of the Needy Orphanage Home located in the heart of Bwari, came from 41Naija entertainment through one of their pet projects tagged ‘Save Tomorrow.’ The two day programme was targeted
at safeguarding poor, helpless and needy children by reaching out and giving them a future through donations from entertainers and well-meaning Nigerians with a conscience to add value to the life of a child. Kick starting with a charity football match that ended five- three in favor of members and friends of 41Naija over Abuja entertainers, the match was to generate funds via the sale of the jersey’s to assist children of the orphanage
I love the idea, it brings all of us; artistes, comedians in Abuja together to create awareness on charity School children
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Inside FCT
Friday, September 4, 2015
Buhari’s 100 days in office
Marcus Fatunmole
L
ike virtually all past administrations in Nigeria, the government of President Mohammadu Buhari has come under heavy attacks within its first 100 days over performance rate. Buhari’s government, which clocks 100 days tomorrow, has been described as slow by people who disapprove of his style of leadership, especially the opposition parties, led by the ousted Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP. However, the ruling party, All Progressive Congress, APC, has variously married the alleged slowness with steadiness, and brandished the coinage “Baba slow but steady” as a weapon for self-defence. No doubt, since assumption of office, President Buhari has taken some drastic decisions that have positively changed the face of governance in Nigeria. Some of the decisions were confusedly promulgated, nonetheless. Buhari has bailed out states owing their workers and directed debtor Governors to ensure prompt payment of salaries, hence reducing palpable suffering and heavy dependence of people in the diverse villages across the country on their relatives in the nation’s capital and other parts of the world. He has valiantly taken laudable measures to halt the ills of insurgency in the country. Under his watch, economic and other related corruptions are becoming taboo, through his sincere approach to taming the scourge. Following his determination to tackling insurgency in the country, President Buhari has been instrumental to dissipating fears that had hitherto gripped the residents of the city through repeated bombings of major institutions in the city by the Boko Haram belligerents. Strikes by the insurgents are reducing across the nation. “We can now get fuel in our fuel stations without going through the agony of long queues, with resultant effects on hitch-free socio-economic activities” said Bamidele Olumide, a resident of Bassa village, Airport in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, when
Buhari
speaking with our correspondent. But, a few of Buhari’s policies that have embarrassed his government, according to Inside FCT checks, are withdrawal of troops from the highways across the country, including the FCT few days after his ascension to power. They were promptly restored as the Presidency and a certain Defence Chief contradicted each other on the decision. Tolls from insurgency snowballed while the soldiers were off the highways. Similarly, residents had divergent views on the disputed source of bailout fund to the states. The Presidency and office of Accountant General of the Federation contradicted
each other over the source. Similarly, former spokesperson for Director of State Services, Maryln Ogar, was said to have been redeployed to Borno State shortly after her promotion was reversed by the present government. The redeployed was rumoured to have been punishment for her opposition to Buhari’s candidature for the Presidency in the last poll. The redeployment was reversed within hours by the federal government. The action also attracted mixed reactions from Abuja residents. Similarly, except he balances his appointments, President Buhari may not be soon forgiven by residents of the FCT
Hawkers now sell freely, everywhere. And, it is difficult to differentiate between the present
FCT and what existed in the early months of this century
home. For the CEO 41Naja, Nedu Romeo, it is an avenue to get his friends, colleagues and entertainers draw closer to the needy and cultivate a habit of committing to charity, picking up talents from the grass roots to become stars of tomorrow. “Save tomorrow is one of the pet projects of 41Naija entertainment, we hope to reach out to the needy, the poor, the homeless the motherless and the special people in our society. “We are trying to create awareness to the public and to ask my friends and entertainers in Abuja to come out let’s reach out to those ones, they are special people and we have to recognize them. Speaking to some of the players, they expressed enthusiasm in being part of the initiative, pledging to do more whenever any such need should arise. Timothy Elegbede, who has been supporting charity works from a tender
age with his family, stressed the need for anyone who is comfortable to reach out and support the needy in society. He said: “whatever you have to do to give to the helpless do it with all the humility, with all the happiness because God has provided us with the platform for us to give, he will also afford us the good opportunity for us to give back because what has been given to us we must give back in order for everyone to feel loved and feel happy. “I have been doing this ever since I was a young boy. I remember back in the days, every Friday me and my parents anything we could lay pure hands on like food, money, old clothes we will get them together and look for not just an orphanage, we will look for a place where there is need for such,” he added. For White Nigerian, one of the goal scorers, learning to create an impact on society through charity was the best
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who are of Southern extraction. He has been variously accused of nepotism – installing his kinsmen from the North in juicy posts. Meanwhile, in the past 100 days, Inside FCT findings showed that Abuja, the political headquarters of the nation, has been worse off with the present government. The unfolding “change” agenda of President Buhari seem to have been nebulous and perilous to the desired status of the city among its contemporaries, globally. This has been attributed by many to a rather unconstitutional failure of the President to form his cabinet three months after he took oath of office. For instance, while all security formations, government officials, civil servants and all citizens alike are keying into administrative metamorphosis employed by the President, pervasive social ills that had once been defeated in Abuja are resurfacing. A few examples will suffice. There are now motor bike operators everywhere all over the nation’s capital, including places where they had been banned, leading to increasing spate of accidents and crimes. The operators are fond of chorusing “sai Baba” – a sobriquet for the President, and riding dangerously on major roads where they could not ply before the President took over power. Hawkers now sell freely, everywhere. And, it is difficult to differentiate between the present FCT and what existed in the early months of this century in the city. Ironically, while law enforcement agencies are revving efforts to improve security and ensure compliance with law and order by residents, the rate of indiscipline and influx of nuisance into the FCT are on the rise. “The local councils are paying dearly for seeming lack of focus of this government,” said a resident of Kuje, in Kuje area council of the city, Chinedu Nebo. He continued: “Nigerians cannot be more patient with President Buhari to kick-start his change agenda. We are yet to reap the dividends of this government at the local level. Everything has been revolving around the centre.”
thing that happened to him. Expressing his joy for being a part of the initiative, he revealed that “This is my second time and I hope they will do this more often. If it is every month I don’t mind. “I love the idea, it brings all of us; artistes, comedians in Abuja together to create awareness on charity and distribute various items to needy people and children. The next day, visit to the orphanage churned out lots of support from the organizers and well-meaning Nigerians to improve the wellbeing of the children. There were various donations including settlement of school fees for no fewer than 11 children of the orphanage home, food, construction of barb wire fence round the exposed home and also free medical treatment for the over 30 vulnerable kids.
Mirror Mongers
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Friday, September 4, 2015
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Tales from Ebonyi
Andy Chukwu
E
bonyi State government recently hosted some entertainment stars. But this is generating some tales or so it seems. The brouhaha was because they refused to pay or settle their chattered aircraft back to Lagos. MM gathered that the hotel where they were all lodged was even locked with an order not to let any artiste leave without settling all outstanding accommodation bills. A source squealed that ‘’The commissioner
of Tourism had invited them on this trip in an official letter; only to back out immediately the award night was over. They denied their returning sons and daughters in entertainment whom they had written a letter from all over the world to come home for a recognition award. They told them point blank that they don’t know who they are and were not going to be responsible for their coming’’. The governor on his own side had denied them access even though they had stayed back almost three days after the event. The ADC to the governor allegedly told them they would never see the governor and if they liked, they could stay behind for as long as two weeks.” Really? This homecoming event had been put together by the Ebonyi State Ministry of Tourism whose commissioner had duely signed each artist’s invitation letter, only for him to do a 390 degrees turn around to deny them and claiming that the state was going through some financial crisis right now and was even owing workers salary. Some of the artistses affected, according to the buzz is Andy Chukwu, Denrele Edu and Grace Ama.
Officers from hell?
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ne would think the police officers are having it rough these days as video recording of their misdemeanours take centre stage in Nigeria, right? Already about four of such officers, caught on video extorting money from innocent Nigerians have been reportedly sent packing by the police authorities. But that has not deterred some of them from acting with impunity in this regard. Residents of Alagbole-Akute, a border town between Lagos and Ogun State are still bemoaning
the activities of the policemen attached to the construction sites, who usually leave their duty posts to ‘obtain money’ from motorists, especially ‘okada operators’. Pointing sophisticated weapons at the innocent bikers on a particular night, MM gathered that one of the policemen almost shot one of them who dared to bring out his camera phone to capture what was going on. Of course, some of the residents are ‘praying and wishing’ that the Inspector General of Police, looks into this matter.
Nollywood film set
Nollywood and corridors of power
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or some people, Nollywood and the ‘corridors of power’ are having an endearing partnership these days. But what is annoying some members of Nollywood is that it appears only the pretty actresses (especially the lightskinned ones) are benefitting from such partnerships. It is so worrying that the national president of Igbo Film Forum, Harris Chuma, has accused the politicians of ‘liking only their girls and not their industry’. May be, what is happening in Imo State is a confirmation of that belief, as loads of proposals for partnership from Nollywood have been turned down by the government. Barely four months after Nollywood actress, Nkiru Sylvanus (hope she is not
Evangelist Anunobi I
Nigeria Police Mobile force
Anunobi
Qa
ONE-SECOND &
With
ALEX OKOROIGWE
Many stakeholders in the Nigerian music industry are divided on the depth of creativity between young musicians and their older counterparts who existed in the 80s. Pop star and rave of the 80s, Alex Okoroigwe reacts:
today in the In what ways are the practices obtainable in was t industry different from wha the late 80s?
T
crying over this like she does in home videos) was relieved of her appointment (as Special Adviser Lagos Affairs), the Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha found another Personal Assistant in another Nollywood actress. Her name is Shirley Igwe. For those wondering who she is, Shirley has modeled for Delta soap, Sky Bank, MultiLinks, Oceanic Bank and Mama Lemon drink; she has also acted in movies like ‘Facebook Babes’, ‘I broke my heart’, ‘The kings and the Maidens’, ‘Jafar’s House’, ‘Cross of Royalty, and ‘Last Three Digits’. Like her predecessor, Nkiru Sylvanus, Shirley’s job specification sounds ambiguous.
erently hings are completely done diff ncially fina be to has ste arti now. The rding, reco responsible for his music prothe es, cas t mos video production and in for t icul diff e mor it es motion too. This mak initial the rd affo not can who ers those beginn ir careers rolloutlay, needed to help set the pany takes com rd ing. Those days the reco es make etim som and es care of all the expens the artiste to advance royalty payments to before the muhelp him put his life together e. sic star ts bringing revenu
t is noticeable that Eucharia Anunobi has been lying low since her ordination as a woman of God at the Fresh Oil Ministry, Egbeda, Lagos, a situation that has availed her ‘Evangelist’. But while staying calm and minding her business and of course the Word, some people are up with mischief against the actress, sorry evangelist. From the archives (when Eucharia Anunobi was in the world) some mischief makers have gone to unearth a photo of a skimpilydressed Eucharia, showing her necessary curves. The photo which is trending online has brought a lot of admonition to Eucharia especially amongst ‘Children of God’, who are wondering why she should show off like that as a preacher. But Eucharia’s people are calling this ‘persecution frequently meted out to Children of Christ’.
Friday, September 4, 2015 20 Thul-Qedah, 1436
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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
The Animal in Us The Fox
If you are afflicted by a man given to cunning class him with the family of foxes and leave him with his nature.
The Polecat If you are afflicted by slanderer who separates friends, class him with the family of the polecat which is an animal whose flatus is unbearable. The Arabs say when friends break up: ‘A polecat has broken wind in their midst so they dispersed’. Just a people drive away this animal when it approaches them and prevent it from getting in among them, so also should a slanderer be driven out from among them or they should move away from him.
The Dung-Beetle And when you see a man who does not give ear to learning and wise sayings, who flees from the gathering of the learned and wise, a man who is used to giving ear to worldly tales and other superstitions and what goes on in the gatherings of the common people, then class him with the family of dung-beetles and scarabs (ji lan), because they delight in eating human excrement and are accustomed to the smells of filthy things. You only see them sticking to empty places and places where clothes are washed. They have an aversion to the smell of musk and flowers. They die when musk or flowers are cast on them.
The Hawk When you meet a person whose characteristics is to grab at worldly things, and is never ashamed to seize upon them, class such a man with the family of the hawk by hiding your property away from him because he does not keep honour.
The Wolf When you see a man who looks tenders and quiet, having laid his traps fro hunting worldly things and devouring deposited wealth and trusts and widows’ and orphans’ wealth, class him with the family of wolves. A poet said (describing such a man):
Reducing poverty, crime through mechanised farming 26
Be on your guard against such a man just as you are against wolves.
The Ostrich If you afflicted with the companionship of a habitual liar, regard him as a dead man. A dead man does not tell you anything, so do not accept any information from a liar. Class (this habitual liar) with the family of the ostrich with buries all its eggs in the sand and sits on only one egg on the surface of the ground with another egg under a layer of sand, while all the other eggs are right down at the bottom of the hole. When an inexperienced man sees it, he take that one egg and goes away, or he uncovers the surface of the sand and finds the next egg and imagines that there are no more. But the man of experience, by his artifice, goes on digging until he achieves his end; he is not deceived by that first egg. Similarly, if you hear something from a liar, do not believe him; so either shun him or search him till you unmask him completely.
The Peacock When you meet a man who persistently adorns himself as a bride, bleaching his clothes all the time, adjusting his turban, taking care that nothing should touch him, looking at this shoulders and having no interest besides preening himself, then class him with the peacock and keep away from him.
The Camel When you meet a malevolent man who never forgets minor mistakes, class him with camels and avoid him. The Arabs say: ‘More malevolent than a camel.’
The Jerboa When you meet a hypocrite, concealing the opposite of what he reveal, class him with the family of the jerboa (yarbu) which is a desert rat that lives in an underground hole called nafiqa’, with two openings. It enters through
Inner Dimension Of Hajj (2) 27
the other. From this word (nafiqa) is derived the word for a hypocrite (munafiq). Turn away from such a man. In short the type of human behavour are manifold; if you treat each according to what his type of behavior requires, you will have no trouble with him nor will he have any from you. God knows best.
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
Blessings of Jalsa Salana UK 2015 30
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Call to Worship
20 Thul-Qedah, 1436 Friday, September 4, 2015
Reducing poverty, crime through mechanised farming I t is quite amazing travelling from London to Scotland through the soaring mountains, beautiful green landscape and endless wilderness, I was just wondering why Nigerian past leaders have neglected mechanised farming to the det-
riment of millions of Nigerians. It is only God that can forgive them for their great sins against God and humanity. Sitting by the window, I was able to see how other nations have being feeding their citizens conveniently, providing employ-
ment and export opportunities through mechanised farming while we allow our own fertile lands to waste away. We were in Oxford, Manchester, Birmingham, Blackpool to Glasgow, Scotland. Apart from the green attractive pasture ar-
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THE PLATFORM with
Sekinah Lawal t: 08055102994 e: sakinah207@yahoo.com
We give glory to almighty Allah that those things will be a thing of the past now by
God’s grace with President Buhari at helms of affairs
Maulvi Khalique Nayyar, Missionary in-charge, Nigeria, receiving the Pan African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association award from the Jamaat World Leader in London recently.
eas for the cows, rams among others, with comfortable farm houses, tractors for the farmers to work conveniently and happily, you can see fantastic good road networks even within mountains. In Scotland, it is free quality education up to university level as well as free healthcare for all. Unfortunately for our leaders, they know and see all these but are so selfish, wicked and bereft of ideas. They will keep awarding one road severally without results. We give glory to almighty Allah that those things will be a thing of the past now by God’s grace with President Buhari at helms of affairs. There is no doubt that if we can focus on mechanised farming with many incentives like comfortable farmhouses, lands, interest-free loans and the likes, many of our young graduates will be willing and ready to go into farming thereby reducing
unemployment and crime rates drastically. There will also be enough foods to eat and export. Many cottage industries will also come up. Why are we suffering in the midst of many favours of Allah? It is simply because our past leaders are very selfcentered and clueless. It is all about them alone. Creating class status has driven them cracy. They always feel good life should be for the few. We were at Windermere Lake with many families having fun. Ferry vide for hours appreciating nature irrespective of class or status. Here in Nigeria, the rich feel cruising should be for them alone. All that must stop. Good life must be for all and our thinking must start changing in all ramifications. Let us appoint people based on ability and not ethnicity and mediocrity. Things must truly work in this nation, enough of everything goes.
Place your adverts here for optimal reach Zakat Is 2.5% Of Your Total Wealth, Known As Nisab. After Having Fulfilled All obligations, pay your Imam Olowolayemo AbdulKabeer, Missionary, Calabar Circuit, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, along with his daughter, Faizah, presenting a gift from Etubom Council in Calabar to Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad in London after the Jalsa.
zakat
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Inner Dimension Of Hajj (2)
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his world does not exist in a vacuum. Those gifted with true sagacity and mental perspicacity do not have an iota of doubt that there is a “Brain” behind it. Due to the regularity, constancy, harmony and precision demonstrated by the different parts of the cosmos, they believe further that this “Brain” is not an ordinary but an intelligent one. This great might behind existence in all spheres as a whole, is Allah (SWT), the uncreated Creator, the unprecedented Originator and the First to exist without existence predating Him. It therefore follows that any man wanting to live in tranquility must have recourse to Him by starting all his affairs in His name. It is then that such endeavour can yield a desirable result. To enjoy and have a rewarding Hajj, the pilgrim must make his intention purely for Allah (SWT). He must proceed in all the Hajj rites as stipulated by our noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Hajj is not like any journey of life. It is purely a visit to Allah. It is a great sacrifice through wealth and physique. You leave behind all your
Call to Worship
Friday, September 4, 2015 20 Thul-Qedah, 1436
beloved ones to focus only on Allah (SWT). You need to understand the intrinsic values of the different aspects of Hajj. This will in no small measure make you feel the its impact. It is obligatory that every male pilgrim puts on the sewnless white clothes (known as Ihraam). Wearing this equalizes all men. It does not discriminate between all. The kings and their subjects become the same, the poor and the rich become alike. This spirit is expected to be translated into action during and after Hajj period. All men are servants of Allah (SWT), no man should treat another like slave or deny him service to Allah (SWT). Also, this shroud being worn by the pilgrims depict a spectacle of human end. When a Muslim dies he is buried in this kind of white clothe. He is thus by it reminded of his last moments. Wearing the cloth should instill in him a deep reflection for his death. Another inner dimension of Hajj is the gathering at the plane of Arafah. Whoever performs Hajj but misses standing at Arafah has no pilgrimage. It
is compulsory to stay there on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah. It is a great day when the non-pilgrims are enjoined to fast while the Pilgrims stay all day glorifying and supplicating to Allah (SWT). Human beings from every part of the world gather here. This they do based not on tribal or political affiliation. They gather in their multitudes for only one purpose. It is to glorify and pray to Allah (SWT). Beyond this, the gathering reminds all of the great gathering of the Last day; when all men will converge on one ground for judgement. Nobody will be able to help another. Every man shall be on his own. Tawaf, the seven circuits around the sacred House is also a compulsory part of hajj. It makes the pilgrims show their unconditional submission to Allah (SWT). Their movement is towards the same direction, none of them can reverse the course of circumambulation. It is a great spectacle of brotherhood. There is no way over a million people moving in the same direction will not step or stumble on one another; but they will understand and overlook. These
IN HIS LIGHT with
USTAZ
A. ZAFARAN e-mail: zatabumuneeb@yahoo.com
This rite is symbolic of renewal of devotion to Allah (SWT) alone are people of different tongues and complexions praying to the same God in their mother tongues. Allah (SWT) hears all and answers accordingly. It is expected that this same team spirit must permeate the ummah of Islaam. The struggle to kiss or touch the black stone is a struggle of life. Everybody wants to get there. This rite is symbolic of renewal of devotion to Allah (SWT) alone. It is a covenant by all pilgrims to live as one man serving the same Lord and not any other creature. It is a point of renewing one’s pledge to Al-
Understanding the Essence of Hajj
I
t must be realised that there is no way of attaining to God, Most High, except by divesting oneself of desires, abstaining from pleasures, confining oneself to necessities, and devoting oneself exclusively, in every movement and rest, to God, Glorified is He. It was for this reason that the ascetics of previous religions used to isolate themselves from the people, retiring to mountain caves and preferring solitude to the company of others, in quest of intimacy with God, Great and Glorious is He. For the sake of God Almighty, they forsook worldly pleasures and applied themselves to strenu-
ous exertions in pursuit of the Hereafter. God commends them in His Book, where He says: “That is because among them there are priests and monks, and because they are not arrogant.” (5: 82) But when all that had vanished, and people had become interested only in chasing their desires, shunning exclusive devotion to God, Great and Glorious is He, and getting lax about it, then God Almighty sent His Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) to revive the way of the Hereafter and to renew the method of travelling along it in accordance with the practice of God’s messengers. Members of the earlier reli-
gious communities asked God’s Messenger (peace be upon him) if the ways of the monks and anchorites were followed in his religion and he replied: “God has replaced them for us with the Jihad and the declaration of His supremacy on every elevated place [hajj],” (At-Tirmidhi). God, Great and Glorious is He, has favored this community by making the pilgrimage its form of monasticism and has honored the Ka’bah, the Ancient House, by calling it His own, Exalted is He. He has made it a goal for His servants, consecrating its surroundings as a sanctuary for His House and for the glory of His
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cause. He has emphasized the dignity of the place by declaring its game and its trees inviolate. The pilgrim demonstrates through such actions the perfection of his homage and adoration. That is why they have been enjoined to perform there certain actions to which the soul does not readily conform, and the significance of which is not easily grasped by the mind, like the stoning of the pillars and the running back and forth several times between the mounts of Safa and Marwa. The pilgrim demonstrates through such actions the perfection of his homage and adoration. The Zakah has the rational appeal of an intelligible humane purpose. Fasting breaks the hold of desire, which is the tool of God’s enemy, and is conducive to worship because it dispels distraction. Bowing and prostration in ritual prayer promote humbleness toward God, Great and Glorious is He, through actions symbolic of humility, and the soul enjoys intimacy in the veneration of God Almighty. In actions like running to and fro or throwing pebbles, on the other hand, there is no pleasure or satisfaction and nothing to suggest any rational significance. The sole inducement to perform
lah (SWT) to be His true envoy in the world. The Maqaam Ibrahim, station of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) reminds of the sacrifice and sincerity of father and son. It brings history into reality. It teaches that no sincere effort is ever wasted in life. The desert where the Kabah was rebuilt then has now become the most regularly and largely visited place in the world. You should therefore keep these dimensions in mind as you embark on Hajj. It is not a mere a visit but a divine training to return you to your human self and true servant of Allah (SWT).
them is therefore the command itself and the intention to comply with it in as much as it is an order that must be obeyed. Rationality is thus put aside, and the natural self is deflected from where its comfort lies. For if this was something readily comprehensible to the mind, there would be a natural inclination towards it. That inclination would then back up the command and provide an added incentive to act upon it, in which case it would hardly represent a perfect demonstration of homage and submission. If it were necessary to question the wisdom of God, Glorified and Exalted is He, in linking our salvation to actions that run counter to natural inclination and that are subject to the control of the Sacred Law, we would vacillate in the practice of obedience and following the dictates of submission. The performance of inexplicable duties is a form of devotion most effective in purifying the soul, and in deflecting it from its natural propensities into the habit of servitude. If you have grasped this, you will have understood that perplexity concerning these strange actions stems from inattention to the mysteries of devotions. This much will suffice, God willing, to impart an understanding of the essence of the Pilgrimage.
30
Call to Worship
20 Thul-Qedah, 1436 Friday, September 4, 2015
Blessings of Jalsa Salana UK 2015
C
ongratulatory letters and faxes are being received from around the world on the successful conclusion of UK Jalsa Salana expressing the benefits derived from watching the proceedings on MTA. Real benefit and beneficence of Jalsa can only be attained when whatever is seen and heard is made a source of spiritually adorning one’s life. Certainly no political or worldly matters are discussed at Jalsa, in fact when some distinguished non-Muslim or non-Ahmadi guests briefly address Jalsa most of them are mainly impressed by the spiritual atmosphere of Jalsa and base their comments on the teachings of the Jama’at. Jalsa is of course truly beneficial when all that is heard is put in practice by members of the Jama’at. Otherwise all the praise extended by the guests will be about something superficial. There needs to be uniformity between the inner and outer self of true believers. The world has started noticing us. Ahmadis as well as some non-Ahmadis around the world watch Jalsa proceedings on MTA, in particular Jalsa UK is watched in-depth. Hundreds of thousands are spent on MTA so that every member of the Jama’at has access to our objective. Our delight should not be limited to attending Jalsa and watching MTA broadcasts. Those who attend it in person and those who watch it around the world should practice what they hear at Jalsa in their lives and should be grateful to God that in this age of materialism He has made a worldly source a means of betterment for us. Betterment in terms of knowledge, practice and creed. It increases our faith when various means of communication and media work for us. This is something which was foretold 1400 years ago that certain inventions will assist faith. This should make us turn further to God and be grateful. God states: ‘…If you are grateful, I will, surely, bestow more favours on you…’ (14:8). The subject of gratefulness shows one the ways of gratitude to God as well as gratitude to man. As the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said one who is not grateful to man is also not grateful to God. Jalsa volunteers were enabled to organise and carry out a vast number of departments, including MTA. These volunteers were men, women, children the elderly and youngsters who tried their best to serve. These volunteers come from different walks of life and include CEOs, doctors, engineers and other professionals but they carried out duties which may be far-removed from their day jobs. Some of them happily stand and attend to hundreds of huge pots of food cooking on fire, even teenagers do this work cheerfully. Groups of men and women clean toilets most selflessly, others drive the elderly and disabled in buggy carts from one point to another. Children serve drinking water in the heat while groups of men and women serve food to the guests. There is also the very important and extensive department of security. In short each volunteer whether or not he is familiar with a particular task, carries it out with great passion and to the best of
his ability. There is also the task of winding up post-Jalsa. There has been a lot of rainfall after Jalsa which has impeded this task somewhat but Khuddam are carrying out the work just as they carried out the installation of Jalsa beforehand. The winding up task is quite critical as it has to be done within a certain time span given by the local Council. Any breach of this could make difficulties in holding Jalsa at the site the following year. This year Khuddam from Canada have joined the UK Khuddam in the wind up task and have helped a great deal. They also deserve our thanks. We are indeed grateful to all the volunteers, men and women alike, indeed they are deserving of gratitude. On behalf of the volunteers Hazrat Khalifatul Maish also thanked Jalsa guests and said there were just the odd few complaints received this year. Many dignitaries came to the Jalsa and expressed their appreciation. God covers our weak points and the guests only see the positive points. A minister from Uganda said that he was amazed by the organisation of Jalsa and felt that those serving appeared like angels. Even if something was asked of them umpteenth of times, they complied cheerfully. Praising various exhibitions at Jalsa he said that the way the Jama’at is working it will be triumphant in the world in the next few years. He appreciated the message of peace given at Jalsa. A judge from French Guyana said that when he came to the Jalsa he had pain in one leg which miraculously went away as soon as he came to Jalsa. Chairman of a Nigerian TV station who has been to Hajj said that he felt he was in the plain of Arafat. He said he had never seen a sight like this before and found the level of obedience to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih peerless. A judge from Congo said that being a judge he had the insight to discern the truth from pretence. He said he found the Jalsa to be a demonstration of what he had heard about the Jama’at and found it a true picture of Islam. Vice President of Sierra Leone said that the Jalsa was a great occasion. A mayor from Sierra Leone said three days of Jalsa were steeped in spirituality and caused to bring about a revolutionary change in him. Deputy Minister of Sports of Sierra Leone said Jalsa was an amazing experience. He said he had never seen guests honoured as they were at Jalsa. The speaker of Benin Assembly said he observed the great love Ahmadis have for their Khalifa. He said wherever he looked he found the organisation to be super and in spite of the huge numbers attending Jalsa the organisation was excellent. This was an exceptional scenario. An Ahmadi from Argentina said that he had been looking for the true faith for the past ten years and he has now found it. He was most impressed by Jalsa organisation in particular the involvement of youngsters. He took part in International Bai’at and said those were the happiest moments of his life. He was delighted to be the first Ahmadi from Argentina.
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Every Friday with
Khalifatul
Ahmadiyya As the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of
Allah be on him) said one who is not grateful to man is also not grateful to
God
A guest from Japan said that the hospitality and the service of the volunteers of Jalsa will be an unforgettable memory for him. He said Jalsa was a true model of UNO with people from all over the world coming together. Another Japanese guests said he has been looking at different faiths for the past ten years. He was given a copy of ‘The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam’ during Jalsa. He said once he started reading it he could not put it down and stayed up all night to finish it. After finishing the book he felt he had found the true faith. He took bai’at the day after Jalsa. A university professor from Japan said he is researching Ahmadiyyat and has also been to Rabwah. His hosts in Rabwah asked him to forgive if there had been any deficiency in their hospitality. He said he felt the same excellent tradition at UK Jalsa. A member of Spanish National Assembly said that seeing Jalsa organisation he wondered how his people would cope if they had to organise something on this scale. After the three day event he repeatedly said world governments could not do what Jalsa volunteers managed. A lady MP said Ahmadis are working tirelessly for peace. Speaking in historical context of the once Muslim rule of Spain she wished to tell Hazrat Khalifatul Masih to consider Spain as his home when visiting it. A large family had come from France most of whom had done bai’at. Their father, who had not done bai’at, was most impressed at Friday Prayers and said he realised after coming to Jalsa why his children had accepted Ahmadiyyat. He said he had a dream in his youth the memory of which was triggered by attending Jalsa because it was about being in a place where many people had gathered. The father and the mother both took bai’at during the International Bai’at. A member of Greek delegation said he had never seen any other Muslim group to be so organised. He said everyone greeted each other with warmth and affection at Jalsa. A member of Slovenian delegation said that before attending Jalsa he only knew the Jama’at on an academic level but participation in Jalsa has convinced him that whatever he had read about the Jama’at was real, for example the practice
of Love for all hatred for none. A university professor from Slovenia said this was the first time she had attended any Islamic programme and the introduction had been positive. She was impressed with the dedication with which the youngsters served food and water to the guests. A police officer from Sweden said attending the Jalsa gave him an opportunity to observe message of Jama’at being put in practice. He said if our message reached Sweden he would resign from his work because policing would not be needed any more. A guest from Switzerland who came on the last day of Jalsa said he had been to many events all over the world but had never seen an event like the Jalsa. He observed how calm all volunteers were and no one showed any anger. Another guest from Switzerland said the most impressive part of Jalsa was the International Bai’at. A lady journalist from Jamaica said her camera man was quite nervous about coming to a Muslim gathering. Once at the Jalsa he wondered if all the love and care shown was real or pretence. At the conclusion of Jalsa he said he had no doubt that all the love and brotherhood was real. The journalist interviewed Hazrat Khalifatul Masih and promised to try hard to spread our message in Jamaica. A guest from Panama said she had never seen such peaceful atmosphere anywhere else. She was amazed by what she saw at Jalsa and said now she would fully defend any misconceptions about Islam. A lady guest from Kazakhstan said she had seen a lot of the world in her 75 years but saw real service to humanity at Jalsa. She said she felt spiritual freshness and strength after Jalsa. A student from Guatemala said the spiritual atmosphere of Jalsa had been a guidance. An MP from Croatia said it his first experience of being with a Muslim organisation. He said if the concluding address of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih was put in practice the world would become a cradle of peace. A journalist from Sierra Leone said the Jama’at had done him a favour by inviting him to Jalsa. He decided during the course of Jalsa to join Ahmadiyyat and took bai’at during the International Bai’at. An Ahmadi guest from Ivory Coast said he had been an Ahmadi for many years but had never experienced such a spiritual ambience before. A member of The British Society of Turin shroud said the forum at Jalsa was the best such forum he has ever attended and said that Jalsa gave him the opportunity to find out a lot about the Jama’at. An expert on of the Turin Shroud said one of the objects of coming to Jalsa was to inform Ahmadis about his research on the Turin Shroud but he felt he learnt much more from Ahmadis. With the grace of God the Jalsa was widely covered through the press and media department.
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Friday, September 4, 2015
People In The Mirror
31
Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode (middle) in a group photograph with some participants at the 45th Annual Accountants’ Conference with the theme: ICAN Building On A Legacy of Service, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
L-R: Commanding Officer, NNS Lana, Navy Captain AA Mustapha; Regional Operations Director (Lagos) Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Oladokun Oye and Chief Staff Officer, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral BEE Ibe-Enwo, at a cocktail sponsored by Airtel onboard the NNS Centenary, during the Off Shore Patrol Vessel Africa Conference 2015.
L-R: Author, Prof. Benedicta Egbo; former Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr Olorunnimbe Mamora; Visiting Professor, National Universities Commission, Prof. Peter Onwualu, and retired CP Chris Ogo, during the launch of a Book titled: Education and Sustainable Development in 21st Century Nigeria, in Abuja.
L-R: Head Of Multi Media, Nan, Sani Adamu; Editor-in-Chief News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Lawal Ado; a reporter from China Daily, Mr Leo Li and Editor Foreign Dest, Mr Uche Anunne, during Li’s visit to NAN Headquarters in Abuja.
L-R: Nse Ikpe-Etim (Nigerian Actress); Amanda Nevill, Chief Executive Officer,British Film Institute (BFI); and Mo Abudu, Executive Producer of EbonyLife Film’s Fifty, during the official announcement of the 59th BFI London Film Festival programme where Fifty has been shortlisted in London.
L-R: Permanent secretary Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs; Dr Jamilla Shu’ara; Chief Executive Officer, Fortune Games Ltd. Senator Ayodele Arise and DirectorGeneral National Lottery Regulatory Commission,(NLRC), Mr Adolphus Ekpe, at NLRC Stakeholders Conference And Exhibition Expo 2015 and 10th years anniversary, in Abuja.
L-R Director food safety and applied (NAFDAC), Mrs. Ogochukwu Mainasasa; Chairman of the Occasion, HRH Omoh Oleabluele; Representing DG NAFDAC, Mrs. Titilope Owolabi and Director, Port Inspector. Mrs. Mareen Ebigbein, during 13th African Traditional Medicine Day Organise by NAFDAC in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA
Outgoing Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Katsina (left) and his Successor, CP Adeleye Oyebade, during resumption of duty by Oyebade at Oyo State Police Command, in Ibadan.
32
Arty News
Friday, September 4, 2015
‘Slide’n’Bounce’ concert at Ibadan
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Face of Hope pageant thrills guests Regina Otokpa
I
t was a spectacular night for the audience which turned out in their numbers for the Face of Hope Kiddies Pageantry and Fashion show hosted by the Face of Hope Foundation in Abuja. Dazzling guests with their moves, outfits and strong will, 13 kids between the ages of five to ten, took over the stage of the Laid Kali hall of Sheraton Hotel,
this opportunity given to me by face of hope foundation. I will work hard to make sure that children who do not have parents, those who have lost their homes or do not have food to eat or good clothes to wear are cared for so that they can grow up healthy and happy just like me.” The new king Damian Alabune also expressing gratitude said he was very happy he contested and won the crown to help other little children who are suf-
Wande Coal
I
badan city was practically kept awake Saturday night as the much-awaited Globacom music concert, the Glo Slide ‘n’ Bounce, took place in the city at the Jogor Event Centre. From the start of the concert on Saturday evening to the early hours of Sunday, there was never a dull moment as the audience rocked and danced to the music dished out by the sensational Reekado Banks, MI, Wande Coal and PSquare. Anchored by the popular radio and TV presenter, Jimmy D Hypeman, and with the music box manned by DJ XGee, the Ibadan edition of Glo ‘Slide n Bounce’, the first in the series of the 11-episode concert lined up for the entertainment of Nigerians by Globacom, will remain the talk of the town for a long time to come as all the artistes gave a good account of themselves. While Wande Coal thrilled the elated audience with a variety of songs from the old MoHit group and his latest work, ‘A si ma peyin’, MI and P-Square demonstrated that they are all-rounder entertainers as they added drama sketches to their performances. Reekado Banks was also in his element at the show and was
excellent in his delivery. Narrating her experience at the show, Omotolani Ojo, a female rapper who came second at the singing competition organized as one of the side attractions said that she felt fulfilled coming to watch the concert. “My joy goes beyond coming second at the singing competition. That Globacom can give me this huge platform to showcase my talent is a big plus, and I have no regret coming for this show. I had been looking forward to it and I am fulfilled tonight”, she said. The night was not just for the already established stars that were lined up by Globacom to delight the people, but was also an opportunity for local and up and coming artistes in the city to advertise their talents. The new singers rose gallantly to the occasion. The duo of GAD and Sossi, both local artistes in Ibadan, made a lasting impression on the crowd with scintillating performances to the acclaim of the guests who cheered them on. The Slide ‘n’ Bounce train moves to Port Harcourt this Saturday where the best of the Nigerian artistes will entertain residents of the Garden city.
racing for two crowns and two runner up positions to enable them reach out to the less privileged in society. Making good use of the stage and expressing their true selves, it was no wonder when Damian Alabune clinched the crown for the King of hope and Kofoworola Lawal as his queen, leaving Michael Pius and Iyefu Idris to 1st runner up positions. Speaking to the press, little Koforowola Lawal pledged commitment in ensuring the aim of her crown, which is to reach out to the vulnerable children in society, was not defeated. She said: “I am very excited I won the crown tonight and I promise not to waste
IoD honours corporate leaders T
he Institute of Directors Nigeria (IoD Nigeria) is set to host the investiture of Mr Samuel Yemi Akeju as the 14th President/Chairman of the IoD Nigeria Governing Council at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Sunday 6th September 2015 at 4 p.m. Announcing this in Lagos, the Director General of the Institute, Mr Victor Banjo, stated that the Presidential Investiture Ceremony is a forum used to showcase IoD’s adherence to good corporate governance as demonstrated by the seamless succession plan that the Institute has been able to sustain for thirty one years. The Investiture programme will feature Special Awards to some distinguished Nigerians and presentation of the Council and Executive Committee Members. Eminent leaders of the Nigerian business commu-
nity from both the Public and Private sector as well as members of the diplomatic community are expected to attend the event. The Institute of Directors Nigeria founded in 1983, is a prime leadership organisation that champions corporate governance and promotes business ethics. It is an affiliate of the Institute of Directors UK. IoD activities spans across all sectors of the economy and aims at securing greater effectiveness and efficiency in boardrooms. IoD offers a network of over 110,000 members in over 100 countries, and membership is drawn from directors, business leaders, policy makers in the public and private sector across diverse enterprises and industries. IoD Nigeria supports directors by equipping them to be more effective in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities to their organisations.
It provides members opportunities to meet and discuss with policy and decision makers in the economy. Membership is open to Board Chairmen, CEOs, Executive Directors, Non- Executive Directors, Company Secretaries and management staff in the private and public sectors of the economy.
Akeju
fering out there. “I feel very happy like never before. We will visit all the children who are suffering and we will wipe away their tears and put a smile on their faces.” Earlier, the founder Face of Hope Foundation and creative designer, Grazzy stitches, Grace Ojo, maintained that the pageantry was aimed at creating awareness and exposing privileged children to the plight of less privileged children, to imbibe a culture of reaching out to help the needy where ever and whenever. “The aim is to create an awareness among the privileged children that there are less privileged children out there so we try to groom ambassadors of hope amongst the less privileged to reach out to the less privileged child. “We tried to look for a way we could get them together in an entertaining environment. They will catch some fun but meanwhile they will have something tangible where they can focus on,” she added. Lamenting the increasing rate of IDP’s in the country due to the insurgency in the north, Ojo appealed to the government to support foundations genuinely concerned with improving the livelihood of the vulnerable so as to enable wider and more efficient reach. Using the occasion to showcase her work as fashion designer, the kids displayed a rich range of decent African traditional wears designed by Grazzy stitches even as other side attractions included the graduation ceremony of students trained by Grazzy Stitches for free.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Arty News
Friday, September 4, 2015
Films are completely different from commercials –Ivie Okojaye Before winning the Amstel Malta Box Office reality TV show in 2008 the platform which served as a springboard for Ivie Okojaye, she was a gem waiting to be discovered, cut, and polished to reveal its brightness. Following her public prominence, Ivie Okojaye has shone like a beacon of hope for many aspiring young actresses in Nigeria. Through a dint of hard work and dogged determination, Ivie is a multiple award winner and one of the most sought after young actresses in Nollywood today. She has won several awards including the Trail Blazer Award at the maiden edition of the award, Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) in 2013. She spoke with VICTOR UDOH.
What was your experience on the set of your new television commercial? Doing the television commercial for DStv was a lovely experience. Getting to work with the DStv crew, Banky W and Mathias, they were an extremely lovely technical crew to work with and he taught me a couple of new things. And for this, I am really glad for the opportunity and experience. For starters, now I know more about endorsements. I have never done a television commercial; it was very interesting, very humbling to know that of all the growing actors in the industries they singled me out. It is very flattering. I hope to keep working hard to get more calls like this. When you say the experience was humbling, what exactly do you mean? Doing the television commercial was humbling because I got to learn a lot of things I had never learnt before, things I didn’t know. Doing film is different from doing television commercial. Doing film is different from doing stage, doing stage is different from doing a television commercial, so for me it was a completely new experience and I was humbled to learn a lot from the entire crew and the organizers alike, it was a just genuinely educative experience. How was it working with Banky W, knowing he is relatively new in the business of TV directing? Working with Banky W on this project, as the director for this television commercial wasn’t at all different from working with any established TV or movie director. As a matter of fact, I got comfortable in the first five minutes because I saw that he knew precisely what he wanted, had excellent mental visual of what was expected but most importantly you could tell he
Working with Banky W on this project, as the director for this television commercial
wasn’t at all different from working with
TV or movie director. As a matter of fact, I got comfortable in any established
the first five minutes because
I saw that he
knew precisely what he wanted
knew what he was doing and he has was very in tune with the rest of his technical crew. As a result of this, they had a good rapport going on and they leaned on each other a lot and together I could just tell they were a very well-learned crew together. I really could tell they were. And if you know Banky, you will know he is very professional, very thorough, no such thing as African time. So it was great to work with somebody who knows his onions and has his principles intact. It was very nice. What else did you learn from Banky W? Well, I said that Banky W appreciates when people are on time not because anything out of the ordinary happened but because everything was just so well organised. If food and refreshment were supposed to come by1pm, food was there by 1pm, if the crew was supposed to start rolling that is shooting by 2pm, then the crew starts rolling by 2pm. When things are that organised then you know the person in charge knows what he is doing. So, yes, it was very good. Many actors and actress say that their acting career started on stage; did you start your career on stage? No, I didn’t start on stage even though I do have considerable stage experience in the past but I wouldn’t necessarily say I started from the stage. My platform started with the Amstel Malta Box office, something I am still very grateful to God about. Do you have something to say about the new bouquet? The bouquet is simply perfect. It is a bouquet that will work for just about every family, so I advise Nigerians who love wholesome family entertainment content at affordable price to hurry and go sign up for the bouquet. Their television viewing experience would be better for it.
Okojaye
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34
Escape
Friday, September 4, 2015
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Sights, sounds of Atlanta Characterised by humid subtropical climate, Atlanta, Georgia, means fun.
A
tlanta is the principal centre of the American South and the capital of Georgia. The romantic southern city lies in the foreland of the Southern foothills of the Piedmont Plateau and on the watershed between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic. The city has quite vivid large number of attractions, form Arts to Sports, history, performing arts venues, numerous museums, historical sites, parks, cuisine, events, lots of festivals and many forms of entertainments. The large number of lovely places to visit in Atlanta highly boost the interest of visitors to come into the city, some of the popular centers include The World of Coca-Cola, Fenmack Museum of Natural history, Atlanta History Center, The Fox Theatre, Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Turner Field Tours & Ivan Allen Jr Braves Museum and Hall of Fame and The Georgia Aquarium to mention of few. Atlanta is rather a large and vibrant City with Southern charm, It’s premier tourist attraction is the world’s largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, It is located on a 20-acre (81,000 m2) site at Pemberton Place, which is also home to the World of CocaCola and within walking distance of Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Dome, Philips Arena, the CNN Center and other downtown Atlanta tourist attractions. Atlanta has its history form the military outpost established in 1814 in the Indian village of Standing Peachtrees on the east bank of the Chattahoochee River. t. 1837 this became the terminus of the Western and Atlantic Railroad that grew up first known as a Terminus. It was renamed Marthasville in honor of the daughter of the current governor then in 1843. Two years later, It was given its present name of “Atlanta” in 1845. Some Large areas of the city was destroyed by a great fire in 1917 and in 1864 the Union General William Sherman, noted for his ruthless conduct of the war, captured the town and reduced it to rubble. In 1868 Atlanta became capital of the of state; Georgia. The popular soft drink with the largest world sales; CocaCola was created in Atlanta in 1886. During the Civil War Atlanta was an important Confederate stronghold, supply base and hospital centre, After the Second World War Atlanta enjoyed a huge economic upswing.
Tourist Attractions in Atlanta Fenmack Museum of Natural history; Fenmark Mesuem portrays the natural his-
Piedmont Park
tory of Georgia with the technical and scientific phenomena with the aid of modern techniques, it is one of the popular museums in Atlanta, it has generated popularity due to immersive and interactive exhibition organized mainly for, the exhibition has generate several national and international awards for the newest permanent exhibition; titled Fernbank Nature Quest, The exhibition was designed and produced by the Thinkwell Group. Some of other great exhibits at the museum are the huge dinosaur statues at the entrance and the dinosaur skeletons in the Great Hall. The fernmark Museum stands on about 65 acres (260,000 m2) of woodland, it was opened to the public on october 5th 1992 located behind a row of historical houses facing the Fernback forest with a glass enclosed Atrium, floors made of limestone tiles with embedded fossils after the master planning and designs from the Cambridge Graham Gund Architects. The Museum mainly present entertaining and educating exhibitions and programs which are about Natural Histories, the motive is to increase the appreciation of the planet and the People within the planet. It has several variety of Popular events like The MARTINIS and IMAX which features IMAX films, drinks, food and live music, the event runs in the evening every Fridays between January to November. Some of the awards the Museum has received includes; The 2012 Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement for Museum Exhibit and the 2011 Bronze Award for Best Museum Environment from Event Design. The Coca-Cola World The Coca-Cola World is the Museum showcasing the advent of the popular soft drink in the world, the site located at 121 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, United States contains different host of entertainment areas and attractions, the Museum represent the entertainingly history and triumphal progress of the world-famous soft drink, Representing the Company’s headquarters and also replace the original exhibit of the Coca-Cola chemist in 1886,Named Dr John Pemberton chemist in where Dr. John devised a syrup designed to relieve headaches and a friend of his mixed the glutinous liquid with water and carbonic acid, in which the chemical finally result in the advent of the world’s most famous beverage brand. The museum welcomes over one million guests each year, the original museum welcomes about nine million visitors.
Georgia aquarium
Atlanta World of Coca-Cola
fenmark mesuem
high museum of art
The world of Coca Cola Atlanta
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Friday, September 4, 2015
Escape
35
Calabar roundabout
Calabar: Clean, friendly, fun
The capital of Cross River State has so much to offer in spite of the popular attractions known by avid tourists L ape Soetan
C
alabar, the capital of Cross River state in Nigeria, is associated with tourism. It’s nearly impossible to live in a city in Nigeria and not have come across one of many discourses encouraging people to come to Calabar especially for their annual carnivals and Christmas concerts. Apart from the carnivals and concerts, when people think of Calabar, they often think of a clean place with little traffic and no okadas (commercial motorcycles). But the adverts and the fact that the town is clean and free of pesky okadas may not be enough to entice people to visit. With that in mind, I hope that this article based on my recent trip to Calabar will give you a few more reasons to visit the town. Calabar is a tourist’s idea of heaven and there are many things to see and do there. Although this article only talks about five fabulous things to do in Calabar, the list of attractions in and around that city is long. Here are five things to do if you would like to dip your toes in the river of attractions in Calabar: Relax yourself at the Marina Resort The easiest way to describe the Marina Resort is as an entertainment venue. It has got a promenade (about 500m long) along the edge of the Calabar river. Walking along the promenade watching boats and canoes speeding or bobbing along the river, it’s not hard to see why lovers favour the place. At the Resort, there’s also a game centre (with video games, billiards, darts, chess and so on), a restaurant, a bar and an open-air space where you can have a meal and a drink and in the evenings, listen to a live band. The Marina Resort is a wonderful place to chill or party, whichever you prefer.
See monkey at the Drill Ranch The main Drill Ranch, Pandrillus which is run by Peter Jenkins and Liza Gadsby, is located in Boki at the foot of the Afi Mountain about a 5-hour drive from Calabar.
Drill monkeys at Drill Ranch
Pandrillus is a conservation area where Drill Monkeys are rehabilitated and re-introduced into the wild. The Drill Ranch in Calabar is the city branch of Pandrillus. At the Drill Ranch in Calabar, you’ll find Drill Monkeys (which are endangered animals) and chimpanzees. You’ll also find other rescued animals like antelopes, parrots and more. The Drill Ranch is a great place to see these animals up close and well-looked after especially in a country like Nigeria where zoos are almost non-existent.
Visit Mary Slessor’s home Mary Slessor was a Scottish Missionary who helped end the killing of twins in Calabar. The house where she is thought to have lived from the late 1800s till when she died in 1915 still stands today in Okoyong, Calabar. The fastest way to get there is by boat from Calabar to Creek Town, a ride which takes about 15 minutes then by taking an okada (commercial motorcycle) to her house in Okoyong. The okada ride takes about 25 minutes. Getting there is an adventure but seeing the house of such a brave woman makes the journey worthwhile.
Marina resort Calabar
Eat, Calabar style Calabar is associated with good food. Although Calabar soups like Edikaikong and Afang are available across the country, it makes sense to try them in Calabar where they originated. Grilled fish is also a local delicacy and since Calabar is a riverine area, it makes sense that fish is cooked well there. Eating Calabar food in Calabar is definitely a must-do.
Stop over at the Slave Museum Calabar was a major slave port in the past and the Slave Museum is worth visiting. Even if you have been to slave museums before, the one in Calabar should be seen for its Calabar perspective of slave trade. Soetan, runs a lifestyle blog on tourism and nail art.
Mary Slessor’s house at Okoyong, Calabar
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Friday, September 4, 2015
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Mahindra Group plans $1bn investment in Africa, prioritises Nigeria’s auto sector
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igeria’s transport sector is set to receive more boosts with the coming of Mahindra & Mahindra, a multinational automobile manufacturing corporation headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India into the country. Mahindra & Mahindra, the $16.9 billion conglomerate, is looking to tap new opportunities and strengthen its focus in Africa by setting up a new business unit in Nigeria. The Mahindra Group, India’s largest utility vehicle manufacturer and also world’s largest tractor manufacturer by volume, currently has assembly bases in 30 countries across Africa. According to the firm, it has active presence in Chad, Mali, Benin, Ghana and Nigeria and generates business of $120m annually from Africa. Set to operate in the country as “One Mahindra,” the group says it sees great potential in Africa with the business growing by 10 times to around $1bn in five to seven years. Ashok Sharma, the President and Chief Executive (CE) of Mahindra Agri Business and the Group executive board member, will head the new business, which will also be a part of the newly formed South Asia and Africa Operations unit.
Sharma
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Our Nigeria operations would
be handled by a few expats and a significant number of local population which would aid us further in getting acquainted with the Nigerian economy and culture The new unit will serve as a single window for the company, addressing to the entire group’s business portfolios ranging from automotive to the agric business. With its subsidiary in South Africa and recently opened office in Kenya, and two more offices to be set up in Egypt and Nigeria, according to the group, it would like to establish a strong local presence in order to fully leverage the opportunities offered by Africa. The group said these new offices would have local employees who would be involved in developing and selling products for the local markets. Speaking on the group’s plan, Ashok Sharma, President and Chief Executive, Mahindra Agri and Africa & South Asia Operations said “Nigeria offers opportunities for all the verticals within the automotive and farm equipment sectors, notably Automotive, Tractors, Agri Businesses, Gen sets, Trucks and Buses, and Two Wheelers. This is in line with our focused strategy of introducing ‘One Mahindra’ in Africa where we shall offer our entire galaxy of products and services through a single window. Our Nigeria operations would be handled by a few expats
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Mahindra & Mahindra, multinational automobile manufacturing corporation, headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India is set to tap new opportunities and strengthen its focus in the continent. The group, which currently generates about $120m annually from Africa investment, is setting up business unit in Nigeria with the hope of increasing its total investment to $1bn within the next seven years. In this report, Adejuwon Osunnuyi writes that the group is expanding its range across construction equipment, 2-wheelers and passengers cars, small and heavy commercial vehicles that are suited to local needs of the market.
and a significant number of local population which would aid us further in getting acquainted with the Nigerian economy and culture”. West Africa is an important region for the Mahindra Group with special focus on markets like Nigeria and Angola. As a part of its plan to tap the $1 billion opportunity in Africa by 2020, Mahindra will work towards intensifying current business operations and enhance sales and service capability. In the mobility space, the company currently sells 3-wheelers in Nigeria. It also has several gasoline and left hand drive (LHD) vehicles in its pipeline that are suited to the local conditions. It has recently introduced a new two wheeler, Mahindra Arro, that has been exclusively designed keeping in mind the needs of the local consumers in Nigeria. Over the next six months, the company plans to introduce new products, expanding its range across construction equipment, 2 wheelers and passenger cars, small and heavy commercial vehicles that are suited to local needs of the market. Mahindra, with its wide range of world class power solutions products, aims to address the
challenge of power shortage faced by the Nigerian economy. The company intends to play its role there by strengthening operations to offer power generator sets in the range 5-200kVA for telecom, residential and corporate customers. The company, with its strong legacy of world class tractors, has been present in Nigeria in association with the Kewalram Chanrai Group for the last 10 years and sells tractors in the range of 35 to 95 HP. With a footprint of 200 dealers and 13 service centres across the country, Mahindra is the leading brand in Nigeria with a tractor assembly plant in Northern Nigeria. Besides being world’s largest Tractor Company by volume, Mahindra has worked intensively in India with the farming community and have offered solutions to improve agriculture productivity. The company plans to take these solutions to Nigeria and contribute in improving productivity of farmers. The company intends to drive mechanization of Nigerian farms by partnering with government and other agriculture value chain players by accelerating execution of government agriculture programs thereby driving farmer prosperity in line with its vision of FarmTech Prosperity. Mahindra & Mahindra was set up as a steel trading company in 1945 in Ludhiana as Mahindra & Mohammed by brothers K.C. Mahindra and J.C. Mahindra and Malik Ghulam Mohammed. After India gained independence and Pakistan was formed, Mohammed immigrated to Pakistan. The company changed its name to Mahindra & Mahindra in 1948. It eventually saw business opportunity in expanding into manufacturing and selling larger MUVs, starting with assembly under licence of the Willys Jeep in India. Soon established as the Jeep manufacturers of India, the company later commenced manufacturing light commercial vehicles (LCVs) and agricultural tractors. Today, Mahindra & Mahindra is a key player in the utility vehicle manufacturing and branding sectors in the Indian automobile industry with its flagship Mahindra XUV500 and uses India’s growing global market presence in both the automotive and farming industries to push its products in other countries. Over the past few years, the
company has taken interest in new industries and in foreign markets. They entered the twowheeler industry by taking over Kinetic Motors in India. M&M also has controlling stake in REVA Electric Car Company and acquired South Korea’s SsangYong Motor Company in 2011. In the 2010-11 M&M entered in micro drip irrigation with the takeover of EPC Industries Ltd, Nashik. Mahindra & Mahindra, branded on its products usually as ‘Mahindra’, produces SUVs, saloon cars, pickups, commercial vehicles, and two wheeled motorcycles and tractors. It owns assembly plants in India, Mainland China (PRC), the United Kingdom, and has three assembly plants in the United States. Mahindra maintains business relations with foreign companies like Renault SA, France. Mahindra started making passenger vehicles firstly with the Logan in April 2007 under the Mahindra Renault joint venture. M&M will make its maiden entry into the heavy trucks segment with the Mahindra Truck and Bus Division, the joint venture with International Truck, USA. Mahindra produces a wide range of vehicles including MUVs, LCVs and three wheelers. It manufactures over 20 models of cars including larger, multi-utility vehicles like the Scorpio and the Bolero. It formerly had a joint venture with Ford called Ford India Private Limited to build passenger cars. At the 2008 Delhi Auto Show, Mahindra executives said the company was pursuing an aggressive product expansion program that would see the launch of several new platforms and vehicles over the next three years, including an entry-level SUV designed to seat five passengers and powered by a small turbodiesel engine. True to their word, Mahindra & Mahindra launched the Mahindra Xylo in January 2009, and as of June 2009, the Xylo has sold over 15000 units. Also in early 2008, Mahindra commenced its first overseas CKD operations with the launch of the Mahindra Scorpio in Egypt, in partnership with the Bavarian Auto Group. This was soon followed by assembly facilities in Brazil. Vehicles assembled at the plant in Bramont, Manaus, include Scorpio Pik Ups in single and double cab pick-up body styles as well as SUVs.
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Friday, September 4, 2015
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Weststar to introduce new Mercedes AMG GT model
of many words that have been used to describe the innovative design of the AMG GT; all modern Mercedes feature the ‘Coke bottle’ theme, the GT being the most extreme example. The long bonnet with its pronounced powerdomes, the greenhouse which has been moved far back, the large wheels and broad tail end add to the vehicles distinctive look. In addition, the interior design also embodies maximum emotion and sensual purity. The model features radically low, sporty proportions, which creates a unique sense of spaciousness. Anyone opening the door of the AMG GT will discover an exciting interplay between the deep, sloping dashboard and a dominant, arched high center console; a design which evokes emotions and impresses with its perfection, which was achieved by the brand using the finest materials and workmanship. The vehicle is everything you would expect from an authentic Mercedes-AMG sports car. From the characteristic styling and the motorsport technology to the optimum weight distribution. The drive system tailored to consistently delivering driving dynamics perfectly complements this set-up. The model
also offers the perfect design and engineering combination to produce an amazing performance on the road as it uses technological DNA of the Mercedes-SLS AMG- one of the most successful cars in recent years. The Mercedes-AMG GT embraces the ‘one man, one engine’ philosophy; this philosophy has guided AMG’s approach to manufacturing and is the reason why every AMG engine is hand built from start to finish by one of the AMG master engine builders. The newly developed AMG 4.0 litre V8 biturbo engine was developed specifically for the Mercedes GT model and seals the AMG driving experience. The unique eight cylinder engine is the newest member of the BlueDIRECT engine family and boasts outstanding power delivery performance figures, on par with motor racing, lightweight construction as well as high efficiency and environmental compatibility. The engine responds immediately with power right from lower revs and delivers outstanding performance-top figures such as 3.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and a top speed of 310km/h, combined with the outstanding driving dynamics will undoubtedly translate into extremely fast laps.
KIA expands dealership network, appoints W G Motors
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n its pursuit to bring its exceptional service to the teeming customers dispersed across the country, the leading Korean brand in Nigeria, Kia, appoints W G Motors as its dealer in Minna, Niger State. The zest to work on every possible aspect of customer care and expand their dealership network across the country geared towards exceeding customers’ experience has made Kia a successful brand in Nigeria. With the appointment of W G Motors in Minna, Kia Motors Nigeria has recently increased its growing franchise portfolio. According to Jacky Hathiramani, Managing Director, KIA Motors Nigeria, “This new outlet gives us a foothold in Niger state and we believe our deeprooted commitment to offering outstanding customer service, coupled with Kia’s stylishly designed product range will make it a success.”
Leventis Motors committed to quality automobile service
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fter many years of development, the wait is finally over. Since Weststar, the authorised distributors of Mercedes-Benz Nigeria, has brought almost all of MercedesBenz performance cars to the country; it doesn’t come as a surprise that the auto firm is set to launch the sports coupé, AMG GT, into the Nigerian market. The AMG GT carries the Mercedes-Benz racing car heritage and conveys the essences of the performance brand AMG. According to a statement by Westar, the car is a product of supreme craftsmanship and engineering, in which this unique sports car embodies the passion for outstanding performance and dynamism in its purest form. The creative interaction of diverse design elements lends the coupé a superior, self-confident front: the three-dimensional diamond radiator grille, with central Mercedes star, a broad louvre and lettering, stands in the centre of the front end. LED High Performance headlamps with stylised “eyebrows” as daytime running lamps, side lights and indicators, as well as three separate high-beam reflectors lend the GT its characteristic look. The A-wing with front splitter in the lower third of the front apron, a characteristic feature of AMG vehicles, makes the sports car appear low-slung and wide. ‘Coke bottle’ shape is one
megacrown1@yahoo.com 08025237926
The Managing Director of W G Motors, Mr Iyiolawale Olawale stated, “partnering with Kia is hugely important to our company and we have great faith that with our exceptional service delivery to customers, the brand will continue to grow its market share in the Northern Nigeria in the years to come.” “Our dedicated sales staff and
Hathiramani
top-trained technicians are here to make auto shopping experience fun, easy and financially advantageous,” said Olawale. While stating that the new Kia’s extension in Minna opens to meet the increasing demand in the northern Nigeria for Kia vehicles, Olawale noted, “We have a great new outlet to display the model range together with dedicated workshop facilities and as part of our commitment to improving quality and standards across the board, we will, of course, continue striving to deliver consistent and impressive all-round experience for our customers.” Vice President, Kia Motors Nigeria, Sanjay Tatpati said the new dealership is aimed at offering a very personalized experience to the ever evolving buyers preferences and we think W G Motors is an ideal partner to give Kia’s exceptional experience at the region.
eventis Motors, a division of AG Leventis Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to the provision of quality automobiles and services to its customers in Nigeria. Nikos Giannousas, Leventis Motors Head of Commercial Vehicles Sales and Network Development, stated this at the unveiling of new Foton Light duty trucks in Lagos recently. Giannousas described the Foton Light duty trucks as having the best qualities in terms of performance, fuel consumption, comfort and low maintenance cost. “The Foton trucks are worldclass products with low fuel consumption, quality engines, comfort, and excellent payload,” he said. According to him, Foton is not a cheap brand among truck brands, noting that it is a truck brand that brings value, like Leventis Motors, which has a name in the Nigerian auto industry. Giannousas also disclosed that his company had keyed in into the Federal Government’s auto policy and had started
assemblying Foton range of trucks at its plant in Ibadan. “We have started assemblying Foton light duty trucks at our plant in Ibadan and the plant has capacity for 2000 truck per annum. The capacity of the plant could be increased if the demand increases. He added. Leventis Motors assembles and market/Foton light duty trucks, ranging from one to ten tons, 4×2, 6×4, tractor heads with 375 to 420 horse-power as well as tippers (8×4 and 6×4). He explained that the attention to their customers, in addition to their quality of trucks stands Leventis out among its competitors. “We don’t just sell trucks to you, we go step further to train customers staff on how to keep the vehicle running. “From the day our customer buys our trucks, we offer them a contract that they can use to service their trucks. We give them real pictures of what they should expect. It is not only the retail price of the truck that the customer should consider but the service contract will give him an added advantage.”
Metrobus adds 50 new buses to improve intra-city transportation
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etro-Serve Bus Limited, the operators of Metrobus in Lagos, has added 50 new buses to its fleet in the state. This latest addition brings the number of buses in the company’s fleet to 150 buses, covering nine routes from the initial three with which it began operations three months ago. A statement by the company said the move was aimed at boosting commuter movement within the Lagos metropolis. “The addition of the buses is coming at a time the company is increasing its routes from the initial three to eighty. The old routes it currently covers include Ikorodu–Obalende/ TBS, Berger– Obalende TBS, Old Tollgate–TBS while the new ones are Oshodi – Obalende/ TBS, Toll-Gate – Oshodi, TollGate – Obalende/TBS, Dopemu – Broad Street and Iyana Ipaja – Broad Street. “It would be recalled that Metrobus started operations late in the second quarter of this year following the inauguration of the first 100 of its 43 seater airconditioned bus fleet on February 17, 2015 at the Lagos State
Traffic Management Authority yard, Oshodi.” According to Metro-Serve Bus Limited, the Lagos State Government was committed to its goal of building a private sector-driven reliable and sustainable multi-modal transport system that would enhance the standard of living and improve economic activities while also creating a success template for other states in the country. The Group Chief Executive Officer of Philly and Mools, the parent company of Metro-Serve Bus Limited, Mr. Niyi Oguntoyinbo, expressed delight with the steps taken by the company towards meeting a fleet target of 1,800 buses, serving a total of 47 routes across the state. He said, “This is the first step towards increasing our fleet size to 1,800 buses in 47 routes across the state. It is safe to say we are on track since we started operations in May this year. “Our vision is to revolutionise the entire public mass transit system in Nigeria, starting from Lagos through a strict policy of not compromising on quality and standard of service.
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Cocktail
Friday, September 4, 2015
Cannonball found buried in man’s yard
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uthorities in New Jersey said a bomb squad responded when a resident discovered a live explosive cannonball buried in their yard. The Lower Township Police Department said a resident of the Villas neighborhood called authorities on Wednesday to report finding what appeared to be an explosive cannonball while digging in his yard.
Police responded and confirmed the 5-inchcircumference object, which bore a brass cap and a stamp reading, “4k, 85mm,” appeared to be an explosive device. The Atlantic City Police Bomb Squad reported and took an X-ray that confirmed the object was actively explosive. The ball was transported for detonation away from populated areas.
Oddities Oddities
Man rescues ribs in apartment fire
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California man, Robert Wright, who ushered his wife and kids out of their home during an apartment complex fire said his first thought was to save his barbecue ribs. Wright, with ribs in hand, gave an interview after the fire at his Fresno apartment complex and revealed that he was barbecuing at 3 a.m. when the fire erupted at the
apartment next door. “The only thing I think first is make sure their ribs are right and I ran over and got my family man,” he said. He said he carried his kids out of the apartment and was able to rescue his ribs. Wright explained
Nude ‘selfie’ denies applicant job
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n Illinois job applicant texted his way out of an offered position when he accidentally sent the human resources manager a nude selfie, police said. Elmhurst police said the human resources manager at a St. Charles company contacted authorities Aug. 14 to report receiving two nude pictures via text message Aug. 11 and 13 from a man who had been offered a
position with the company. “There was a conditional offer of employment made to this particular applicant,” Elmhurst Police Chief Michael Ruth said on Wednesday. “He texted the HR director and sent a nude photo of himself,” he added Ruth said the company learned the identity of the sender when he later used the same phone
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number for a follow-up call. Police said the man who sent the pictures told investigators the nude selfies were sent accidentally. The victim decided not to press charges, but police said the man’s actions were not free from consequences. “My understanding is they’ve rescinded the offer of employment,” Ruth further said.
Robert Wright
why he was barbecuing so late at night, adding, “It was three o’clock in the morning, I was hungry man, I was like put them ribs on there.” A woman and a child escaped from the fire next door to Wright and were treated for smoke
inhalation. But he said he did not require any medical attention. “I didn’t get any injuries except for all the smoke in my lungs, but I already had smoke in my lungs so I am alright,” he further said.
Friday, September 4, 2015
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Business Maritime
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Auto policy implementation sets regulatory agencies on war path Barely two months after the July 1, 2015 take-off of the new auto policy, the Nigeria Customs Service NCS, and the National Automotive Council, NAC,two principal government agencies charged with the implementation of the policy seem to be singing discordant tunes. FRANCIS EZEM reports that this rather ugly development has left stakeholders more confused.
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any port stakeholders, especially vehicle importers, dealers and freight forwarders seem to be in the dark as to the fate of the implementation of the Federal Government’s New Auto Policy, which was expected to have taken effect July 1, 2015. This is because after four earlier postponements, the government fixed the July 1, 2015 as the new effective date for the implementation of the policy, which seeks to impose a total of 70 per cent tariff on all Fully Built Units FBU of vehicles. The new policy, which is designed to promote local production of vehicles come in two major components. The first is a 35 per cent import duty revenue duty imposed on all FBUs, which took effect since April 1, 2014The second leg of the policy is the introduction of another 35 per cent levy on all FBUs, which was expected to have taken effect July 1, this year, bringing a total of 70 per cent tariff on all vehicles imported into the country including the used ones, popularly called ‘Tokumbo’. . Before this new tariff, a total of 20 per cent tariff was imposed on all fully build cars imported into the country while trucks and buses attracted 10 per cent tariff.. Regrettably, more than two months after the expected take off of the policy, port industry stakeholders are at loss as to whether the policy would be or not, as there is not official communication to that effect. For instance, few days to the July 1, 2015 takeoff date, the Nigeria Customs Service had given assurances that all was set for the takeoff of the new policy. National Public Relations Officer of the service, Mr. Wale Adeniyi, had said in an interview that the last directive of the government on the new auto policy issued by former Minister of Finance and coordinating minister of the economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was that the service should suspend the implementation of the second leg of the policy, which is the collection of the 35 per cent levy till June 30, 2015. He noted that the Federal Government has not issued any counter directive on the new policy, an indication that the collection of the 35 per cent levy would go on as scheduled. “As an agency of the government, we only implement policies, we do not make them and so if we are asked to commence implementation of a policy, we do and if we are asked to stop, we comply appropriately. So as regards the auto policy, we were given a directive before now on which no reversal has been made and so naturally we will go ahead with it”, Adeniyi, who is a Deputy Comptroller of the service, said. However in what appeared a contradiction and discordant tune, the National Automotive Council was quoted as saying that the government had again shifted the implementation of the policy. Director General of NAC, Mr. Aminu Jalal reportedly said that the implementation of the 35 per cent levy would be on hold until the appointment of new Ministers by President Muhammadu Buhari. “We have to wait for the Minister to come. As far as I know the Ministers are not around. When the new Finance Minister comes, we have to brief the person on
Imported cars at a terminal in Apapa, Lagos
what we are doing, explain the policy and why we are doing it, the Minister will then take up the issue. He has to give the order before it is implemented,” he had said. Stakeholders have however expressed concerns over the in ability of these two principal agencies to harmonise the positions and speak with one voice so as not to bring about confusion to the stakeholders. This arises from past experience from government’s usual policy summersault and inconsistency, especially in cases where government would keep mute over a cer-
The direct implication of this is that vehicle importers and dealers would be kept in the dark as regards the fate of the policy, a development that negatively affects investment decisions, which is not good for the individual operator, the industry and the entire economy
tain policy only to wake up suddenly to either cancel or begin the implementation of such policy. President of Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria ARFFN, Dr. Frank Ukoh, who spoke in an interview on the issue, noted that he was not sure of any official memo or directive of the government announcing that the policy has been kept on hold. “In sane societies, the government, especially the Federal Ministry of Finance would have written a memo through either the NAC or Customs one week to the July 1, deadline announcing its postponement or otherwise”, he argued. The direct implication of this is that vehicle importers and dealers would be kept in the dark as regards the fate of the policy, a development that negatively affects investment decisions, which is not good for the individual operator, the industry and the entire economy. A vehicle importer and dealer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that many of his colleagues in the business are currently threading with caution. According to him, no vehicle importer might want to invest large sums in importing vehicles for now given that the government might come up any day with surprise package for the industry. “You know that most of the vehicles imported into Nigeria come from the United States and you also know that it takes about three weeks or one month for a ship to sail from the US to Nigeria, considering the stop -overs she would make in the course of the voyage and within this period anything can happen. He therefore charged the government to ensure that advance information was given to the relevant stakeholders concerning the fate of the new policy so that investors are not caught in the web.
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Business Maritime
Friday, September 4, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
FG sets up committee to verify NIMASA’s projects Stories by Ezem
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he Federal Ministry of Transport has constituted a committee to carry out verification of all projects currently being executed by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA. Members of the committee arise drawn from the Federal Ministries of Transport, Works and the general services unit of NIMASA is expected to carry out an evaluation of all projects currently being executed by the agency. Acting Director General of NIMASA, Mr. Haruna Jauro, who made the disclosure, said the setting up of the committee was aimed at ascertaining the percentage of the completion of the affected projects in relation to funds already released. According to him, the evaluation has become necessary given the limited resources available to the agency, which requires the prioritisation of projects execution so as to avoid the situation where projects are being abandoned. “We need to set our priorities right as far as project execution is concerned by strategically executing projects even in a phased manner so as to avoid a situation where projects that should have been very beneficial to the development of the
Jauro
Buhari
maritime industry are abandoned due to poor planning, Jauro said. It was gathered that the committee has two weeks within which to conclude its assignment and report to the ministry. It is also expected to visit the project sites of the Nigerian Maritime University, NIMASA Shipyard and Dockyard, NIMASA Science and Technical College all in Delta State and the permanent sites of the six Institutes of Maritime Studies in six Nigerian Univisities The acting-NIMASA boss however lauded the ministry for making the membership of the committee an all-embracing by including officers of the super-
vising ministry, those of works and even staff of NIMASA. He insisted that the development was to make sure that the necessary experts are involved in the process with a view to providing a report that will reflect the correct state of completion of the affected projects. Product tanker supply about to outpace demand Impending fleet growth is expected to reduce the product tanker market’s earnings over the medium term impacting the healthy returns the market enjoyed in recent years, according to Drewry’s Product Tanker Market Annual Report 2015. The widespread switching of trade by product/chemical
maintain the open seas necessary for global commerce and scientific research, and allow for search and rescue activities, the Administration proposed acceleration of acquisition of a replacement heavy icebreaker to 2020 from 2022. The proposal also recommended to start planning for construction of additional icebreakers, and called on Congress to provide funding for these investments, estimated to be worth around USD 1 billion. US shipbuilders Huntington Ingalls industries and General Dynamics Corp have expressed interest in building the new icebreakers.
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tankers (swing tankers) from chemicals to refined products has resulted in rapid growth in the product tanker fleet, which has expanded by 11.4 million dwt through 2012-14, of which 8.2 million dwt is attributable to switching of tonnage. Drewry believes that this large-scale shift in tonnage capacity, coupled with a hefty orderbook delivery schedule for the next two years, will exert downward pressures on freight rates, despite steady growth in products trade volume and lengthening of average voyage distance (in turn tonne-mile demand). “Although seaborne trade volumes for refined products will
continue to grow at a healthy rate over the forecast years, we expect freight rates to come under pressure in the near term,” said Nikhil Jain, Lead Analyst at Drewry. The ongoing changes in global products trading patterns – led by the advent of shale oil in the US, downstream expansion in the Far East and rising oil demand in emerging economies – will ensure steady growth in tonne-mile trade for products, with strong gains expected for gasoil (diesel) and naphtha. Tonnage demand for product tankers is projected to rise at a CAGR of 2.8% over 2014-20 (compared to 2.9% over 2011-14), with the bigger MR2 and LR2 segments accounting for the majority of the increase over the forecast period. However, a major shift in “swing” tonnage entering the products trade together with the high pace of deliveries are expected to boost tonne-mile supply growth to 3.5% per annum over 2014-20, outpacing the growth in tonne-mile demand, especially during 2016-17. “A widening in the tonnage supply-demand gap and consequent decline in fleet utilisation rates during 2014 and the first half of 2015 has failed to depress freight rates for products tankers, which have benefited from the recent surge in crude tanker rates and overall market sentiments.
US pushes for icebreaker New Zealand Faces Expected Ship Officer Shortages fleet expansion
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he United States President Barack Obama has proposed to accelerate the acquisition of new icebreakers for the U.S. Arctic amid expected increase of marine traffic in the area as sea-ice cover diminishes. According to Obama, the United States needs to boost its icebreaking fleet capacity as the country technically has three icebreakers in its fleet – all under the command of the U.S. Coast Guard. “However, when age and reliability are taken into account, the fleet is down to the equivalent of two fully functional icebreakers and only one heavy-duty icebreaker. Russia, on the other hand, has forty icebreakers and another eleven planned or under construction,” Obama went on to say. As the expected growth of human activity in the Arctic region will require highly engaged stewardship to
Both shipyards claim that they have the necessary capacity and experience in constructing these types of ships and would be “very interested” in supporting the icebreaker program further
ide shortages of over 42,500 officers expected by 2019 has prompted New Zealand’s maritime industry and Maritime NZ to join up for the first time to encourage young people in this country to train for maritime careers. Maritime NZ’s Director, Keith Manch, said with the large shortfall in officers, competitive salaries (Masters of large vessels earn NZD 250,000 a year), and more than 90 per cent of the world’s goods being transported by sea, it’s a good time to start a maritime career. Internationally, Thursday, September 24, is World Maritime Day and this year’s theme is maritime education
and training. “Our #NZcareersatsea promotion is aimed at mobilising mariners to show off their careers and encourage young people to see that maritime careers are exciting and well paid,” Manch said. “Our country’s training is internationally recognised and well-regarded by employers all over the world. It gives young men and women great opportunities for local, national and international careers.” #NZcareersatsea and World Maritime Day will be celebrated at a maritime industry function in Wellington on September 16. It will include information on social media, websites, port visits, maritime school open days, advertising
and news media. A photo wall has already been created where people in the maritime industry are posting pictures of themselves and telling their own stories. The wall links people to Careers New Zealand website for details about how to train for those jobs. “There is huge variety of work, career, and lifestyles in the maritime industry including: deck hands, technical crew, ships officers, navigators, hospitality, stevedores and business,” Manch said. In New Zealand, work includes coastal shipping, Cook Strait ferries, fishing, tourism, offshore oil and gas and more. (Source – worldmaritimenews. com)
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Business News
Friday, September 4, 2015
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FG raises N172.8bn in T-bills, yields mixed Johnson Okanlawon
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he Federal Government has raised N172.85 billion naira in Treasury bills with maturities of three months to one year at mixed returns with strong local investor demand for the note at Wednesday’s auction. Statistics provided by Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) today showed that total bids for the debts stood at N283.58 billion compared with N63.55 billion naira at the previous auction on August 19, 2015, boosted by increased naira liquidity in the money market from
budgetary allocations for the month of July. The bank sold N17.85 billion naira of the 3-month debt at 10 per cent, unchanged from the August 19 auction. It auctioned N50 billion of six-month bills at 13.50 per cent, up from 13 per cent previously, while selling N105 billion of the 1-year debt at 14.69 per cent against 14.71 per cent at the August 5 auction when one year paper was last issued. Reacting to the development, Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, to National Mirror that
the government was borrowing money because its revenue is dropping. According to him, the government should have invested the money accrued from the Excess Crude Account, ECA, instead of spending it. The CBN had in June said
it planned to borrow about N872.96billion in new Treasury bills issues between June 18 and September 3. Available information on the plan provided by CBN indicated that government would auction N215.12billion worth of the three-month paper,
N238.5billion in the six-month debt and N419.34billion worth in the one-year paper. The total debt proposed for the third quarter is 12.3 per cent short of the N995.5billion raised in the second quarter of the year.
AfDB announces expansion of Bond Index to more countries Tola Akinmutimi
T
he African Development Bank (AfDB) yesterday indicated its
Dr. Niyi Odunlami (right) congratulating President of African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, after his investiture as President of the bank in Abidjan on Tuesday.
plans to accommodate more African countries in its African Bond Index to complement ongoing drives by the various countries to deepen their capital markets. The Bank, through the African Financial Markets Initiative (AFMI), launched its AfDB/AFMI African Bond Index (ABABI) last February. The new assurance came following the expressions by Botswana and Namibia to join the ABABI next month. The composite index is currently comprised of the Bloomberg South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria and Kenya local currency sovereign indices. A statement by the bank quoted its Director of Financial Service Development Department, Stefan Nalletamby, as assuring that in view of the current efforts by most countries’ domestic capital markets searching for ways to source funds for development, the development financial institution will be ready to include more countries to the index. Nalletamby said: “As more African countries are increas-
ingly looking to domestic capital markets to source much-needed financing for economic development, we are delighted to welcome Botswana and Namibia to the index and expect to include more countries to it as soon as reliable pricing information is made available.” According to the AfDB, the expanded index will now include the six most liquid sovereign bond markets in Africa and three sub-indices for different maturity ranges. To be included in the index, a security must have at least one year remaining to maturity and withstand price stability tests. The AFMI works to deepen the continent’s local currency bond markets and also strives to create an environment where African countries can access financing at variable terms. By providing transparent and credible benchmark indices, the AfDB/AFMI Bloomberg African Bond Index provides investors with a tool with which to measure and track the performance of Africa’s bond markets.
NCC fines Globacom , Etisalat N14.4m over pre-registered SIM cards Isaiah Erhiawarien
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wo mobile network operators, MNOs, Globacom Nigeria Limited and Emerging Market Telecoms Services Limited also known as Etisalat are to pay the sum of N14,400,000 to the telecoms regulator, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, for contravening the NCC law on the sale of pre-registered SIM card.
While Globacom is expected to pay N7, 400,000.00 for the sale of 37 SIM cards, which are currently active on its network, Etisalat on the other hand will pay N7,
000,000.00 for 35 purchased pre-registered SIM card that also currently active on its network. A document obtained from the NCC by the National Mirror, which was addressed to the chief executive officers of both companies gave both companies till September 7, 2015 to pay the fine, failing which additional sum of N100, 000.00 will be paid each day as penalty as long as the fine remains unpaid. According to the NCC, it had engagement session with the representatives of all MNOs wherein it directed all MNOs to mop up all preregistered SIM card from the
market before August 4, 2015. It was however learnt from the NCC that at the expiration of the deadline 37 preregistered SIM card were active on the network of Globacom while 35 pre-registered SIM card were active on the network of Etisalat. It was also learnt that the fine was impose on the duo in consideration of the prevalence of infraction and impact of the contravention on the National Data Base Telecommunications Subscribers. Also in another separate letter to MTN Nigeria, the regulator asked it to pay N102.2 million as fine just
Airtel was also ask to pay N3.3million for the same offense. In the letter addressed to MTN, titled: “Re: Monitoring of Status Compliance with Stakeholders Resolution of August 4, 2015 on Deactivation of Incomplete and Improperly Registered SIM Cards-Notice of Sanction”, NCC claimed that in continuation of its monitoring exercise it placed voice calls to 402 MTN subscribers from among the list of numbers submitted to the telecommunications for deactivation. “The numbers called are those whose registration were incomplete or invalid
as regards facial capture and the responses from those affected MTN subscribers was that MTN has neither through text messages nor any other means invited them to come forward to validate and update their registration,” Commission stated. MTN is to pay another N21.8 million for the discovery of 109 additional pre-registered SIM cards purchased and found to be active on the network. The NCC pledged that it will continue to monitor and apply appropriate sanctions for all such pre-registered SIM card purchased by the Commission.
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Business News
Friday, September 4, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Nigeria’s cargo volume up 87% in nine years FRANCIS EZEM
T
he Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, has disclosed that the nation’s cargo volume grew by over 87 per cent over the last nine years. Managing Director of the authority, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, made this disclosure on Wednesday at the official launching of the Revenue Invoicing Management Systems RIMS, and the selfservice customer portal in Lagos. The RIMS and Customer Portal are fully convergent and real time platforms for the authority’s processes, which are expected to
reduce operational cost and also shorten the time for documentation. He said that the nation’s cargo volume as at 2006 stood at 46.2million metric tonnes, which grew to 86.6million metric tonnes as at the end of 2014, representing a growth rate of 87 per cent. The managing director who attributed this growth in cargo throughput to the automation of the port processes, among other factors, also disclosed that the Registered Gross Tonnage of ports also rose from N6.75 billion in 2014 to a projected N9.2 billion in 2015, representing a 27.9 per
cent growth rate. According to him, these platforms, which would fully integrate the electronic flow of information for business-to-Customer and business-to-business streams real-time with higher availability and flexible architecture would greatly enhance processes and further boost efficiency with checking revenue leakages. It was also gathered that the fully integrated invoicing system will work with the Electronic Payment System E-PAYMENT and the Electronic Ship Entry Notice e- SEN, introduced last year to enhance improved customer
service delivery etc with a view to enhancing efficiency, block revenue leakages and reduced cost and time of doing business at the ports, “The introduction of these systems has the potential to improve our service offering, improve our partner relationship, create efficient payment methods, maximize revenue and minimize loss associated with fraud and revenue leakages”, the managing director said. Some of the features of the Customer Self Service Portal is that it will provide a platform for the authority’s customs to initiate and conclude their business processes with the authority and also communicate with the authority. Some of the benefits include improved customer service delivery, easy access to customer accounts status, enable NPA to view all transactions and status in respect of bills, enhance electronic upload of the ship manifest and lead to generating invoice and receipts electronically. The NPA-boss also said: “It is obvious that the introduction of these solutions would facilitate
business growth with high performance and unlimited scalability of the operations of the authority”. Investigations also showed that the modules of the authority’s billing applications, some of which are already operational in all port locations across the country, will soon move to the next stage, even as its covers payment processes in areas such as lease fees, service boats, passenger boats and oil terminal dues etc are already operational. Executive Director of the authority in charge of Finance and Administration, Mr. Olumide Oduntan, had while speaking at the launch, said that the deployment of these electronic platforms was part of measures adopted by the management to boost efficiency and revenue. He pointed out that the growth recorded both in terms of volume of cargo and revenue was primarily due to the automation of the processes at the ports, arguing that the depth of the channels have remained the same as well as the crop of work force at the authority.
Etisalat increases benefits of ‘Easy Starter’ package Adejuwon Osunnuyi L-R: Mrs. Bridget Golo, Council Member, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN); Council Member, Mr. Yomi Adebanjo; President/Chairman of Council, Dr. Nat Ofo, FCIS; and (Mrs.) Acting Registrar of the Institute, Mrs. Nkechi Onyenso, during the media briefing on the Institute’s 2015 Annual Conference and Dinner Awards in Lagos yesterday.
E
tisalat has announced new benefits on its leading family product, EasyStarter
FRC investigates Stanbic IBTC’s alleged transactions with foreign partners Emeka Ezekiel
T
he Executive Secretary, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN), Mr. Jim Obazee, said that the agency had begun investigations into some alleged transactions between Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc and its foreign technical partners.
Obazee made the disclosure during a meeting with the Director General, National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Mr. Dan-Azumi Ibrahim, in Abuja, on Wednesday. The FRCN boss explained that its investigation was sequel to a petition from some shareholders of the bank alleging the bank’s unauthorised transactions with its foreign technical partners. The FRC boss said: “The petition from the stakeholders of Stanbic IBTC is on issues relating to Stanbic IBTC and the way they have been ac-
cruing some monies in their account. And if you acrrue money in your account, well there is nothing wrong with accrued monies, but it must be disclosed properly. “Now they said the accrual was requiring NOTAP approvals before they can make those payments. Now the person petioning is saying that there is no need making those accruals because IBTC have not being able to secure NOTAP approval. “The petition kept coming and then we invited Stanbic IBC to hear their side in the matter. And listening to their side of the story, we believe that the petitioners have a good case. “So our next step is to look at the agencies that were duly involved. NOTAP it self which will give the approval, Central Bank of Nigeria as regulator and Security and Exchange Commission because they were asking for general mandate for the treatment of third
party transactions which we were against because that will not be line with related party transactions accounting standards”, Obazee added. He explained that the Council’s visit to the bank was to also find out if NOTAP approved any of these payments, such as historical fees, effective from 2011till date, adding that if they didn’t get approval for fees in the years under review why did they keep the monies. The financial services monitoring institution’s boss explained that the other party that was part of this entanglement is SEC, saying that the Council intends to immediately put a call to them to stand down on whatever rights issue request that Stanbic IBTC is making in a hurry to protect investors and other stakeholder’s interest. According to him, government is also involved in this matter because if a tax-paying
entity is taking out some money out of profit before tax, and it is warehousing it for a number of years, such a company is actually defrauding the Federal Government. Obazee clarified: “Because Federal Government is supposed to have taxes from the profit. But if you are keeping money from profits before tax, it means that that money was taken off and government was denied its share. “So government is losing out on it. So we want to straighten out. We want to know if it wasn’t reported correctly in the financial statement. Otherwise they will be subjected to the FRC disciplinary procedure. We can even ask them to withdraw the financial statement and reissue it.” However, the NOTAP Director General said that the agency did not approve the transaction between the bank and its foreign technical partner.
According to the telecom services provider, on the EasyStarter package, customers can now register five ‘You & Me’ numbers and stay connected to more members of their community of family and friends. Customers on the ‘You & Me’ platform get free N300 airtime to call any of the five ‘You & Me’ numbers for every N200 they recharge weekly. In addition, Etisalat said it was offering free 10MB of data weekly on recharges of ₦100 and above on the EasyStarter package. The new EasyStarter package also offers unlimited connection to 2go, Whatsapp, WeChat, Facebook and BlackBerry for only N150 weekly. Speaking on the improved offer, the Director, Consumer Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Wole Rawa, explained that EasyStarter is repackaged to give more value to customers, with which they can connect more with their families and friends. “As a network that prides itself with meeting the communication needs of its esteemed customers, we have improved our family-oriented EasyStarter package to help our customers keep aglow the bond of unity among their family members and community of friends and colleagues.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Experts list benefits of Cybercrime law to Nigeria’s economy Sam Eferaro
N
igeria’s cybercrime law has been described as a desirable legislation that could help reduce, to a large extent, the growing trend of cyber crimes for which the country is ranked third in globally. Speaking at the stakeholders forum organised by the Information Security Society of Africa-Nigeria (ISSAN) on the new law, Dr. David Isiavwe, a General Manager at Union Bank, described the enactment of the law as a milestone by the country in view of the havoc that cyber crimes are causing the nation and other economies. Isiavwe, who also the President of ISSAN, cited a CBN report which showed that 70 per cent of attempted or
successful fraud/forgery cases in the Nigerian banking system were perpetrated via the electronic channels while another study also showed that 7.5 per cent of the world’s hackers were Nigerians while 25 per cent cyber crimes in the country remain unresolved. He said: “Banks in Nigeria have lost approximately N159 billion to electronic frauds and cyber crime between 2000 and 2013 and the impact on the nation’s cashless policy is significant. In Nigeria, customers lost about N6 billion in the year 2014 whilst South Africa lost about R453 million (approximately N8 billion) in the same year to cyber criminals. “More worrisome perhaps was the recent report by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) that the global economy suffers a loss of about $445 billion annually due to all
sorts of cyber crimes on the internet. The damage to business from the theft of intellectual property alone exceeds the $160 billion loss to individuals from hacking yearly,” Isiavwe added. He, however, suggested ways to ensure that the new law achieves the objectives for which it was enacted, saying the law would go a long way in ensuring that there is some level of sanity in the nation’s cyberspace “as those who engage in bad behaviour will know that their actions will not go unpunished.” In his presentation at the forum, Dr. Emmanuel Okon, a senior Research Fellow and Head of International Law Department, Nigerian Institute of Advance Legal Studies ( NIALS ), Lagos described the Cybercrime Act as appropriate law to deal with the current challenges of cybercrime in Nigeria.
L-R: Mr Kunle Adebayor, CEO, Universal McCann Nigeria, Mr Shashikumar, Head Product 2 Wheeler Business Mahindra AFS; Mr Atalkar , the company’s Head Customer Care Genset Business; Mr Ashok Sharma, President and Chief Executive – Asia & Africa Business & Agri Business; Mr Prasad Sane, General Manager - Head of West Africa; Mr Sachin Dua, Head Marketing Service; and Mr Uday Doiphode, Head Vehicle & Tractor Business; all of Mahindra AFS
Analysts predict stable exchange rate for Naira Johnson Okanlawon with agency report
T
he naira is expected to hold steady next week, while the outlook for other African currencies was mixed, analysts have projected. The naira is expected to hold steady next week, with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, dollar sales expected to help narrow the gap between the official pegged level and the parallel market. But analysts told Reuters that it would be difficult for the central bank to sustain this action over the longer term. The naira has traded at N197 to the dollar on the interbank market, the official peg intro-
Business News
Friday, September 4, 2015
duced by the CBN in February to curb speculation, stem the naira depreciation and conserve foreign exchange reserves. On the parallel market, the naira was trading at N219 to the dollar, down from N211 a dollar last week, but was expected to stabilise next week, traders said. “The stringent order-based system and restrictions on twoway trade leave the local exchange unit unable to reflect global market turmoil and a selloff in domestic equities,” NKC Africa economics said in its notes yesterday. The CBN pegged the naira exchange rate at N197 to the dollar and abolished twice-weekly auction of forex in February in the wake of falling oil prices, leading to a rapid depreciation of the
local currency on the parallel market. Ghana’s cedi may extend a rally next week, supported by central bank dollar sales. The local unit, which weakened by about 25 per cent after a strong rally in mid-July, recouped some this week. It traded at 3.7000, compared to 4.1100 a week ago. Joseph Biggles Amponsah, analyst at Accra-based Dortis Research, said central bank dollar sales expected in the coming week would help the currency make further gains. Kenya’s shilling is expected to remain under pressure next week, hobbled by dollar strength and the retreat by foreign investors from emerging markets across the globe.
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New CG visits Customs hdqtrs, 8 days after FRANCIS EZEM
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here was palpable anxiety yesterday at the headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Abuja as the new Comptroller General of the Service, Mr. Hammed Ali, made a brief appearance in the office for the first time more than one week after he was appointed. President Mohammandu Buhari had last Thursday announced Ali’s appointment amongst other new political appointees, including the National Security Adviser Major David Lawal and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. David Lawal, who were sworn in the following Monday and subsequently resume duty effectively same day. Sources at the headquarters of the Service hinted that that most officers and men in the headquarters were worried when the new Customs’ boss arrived the office at exactly 12 noon and went straight to the office of Dr. John Atte. It was also gathered that the new CG, who was dressed in a brown caftan came of out of Atte’s office about 10 minutes later, entered a Toyota Prado Jeep that brought him in company of one Police escort, wave at officers before leaving the premises. The source noted that most
officers and men of the service have following the appointment of the new CG adopted what she described as ‘sit down and wait attitude’ while waiting for him to resume official duty and commence the long expected reforms and clean up of the service promised by the President. “Activities are generally slow here, you would expect that everybody including topmost senior officers are waiting for the new CG to resume and under such circumstance, activities would not run on full scale”, the source also said. Mixed reactions had over the past week trailed the appointment of the new CG in the entire maritime landscape, as many stakeholders had argued that bringing a military officer, who retired since 20 years ago to head the nation’s customs administration, did not conform with realities globally on the customs administration. These stakeholders had argued that the present customs administration, which is fully automated, is not the same with that of the Abacha administration which also brought General Ango Abdullahi to head the service. But some other stakeholders, who are however in the minority, have however thrown their weight behind the president, especially in relation to his promise to cleanse the service believed to be corrupt.
World Bank seeks support for IDA to finance projects
T
he World Bank (WB) Vice-President for Development Finance [Joachim] Von Amsberg asked for the support of members of the African Caucus to raise funds to replenish the International Development Association (IDA) In order to finance development in an intelligent fashion, the WB needs to mobilise some US$135 thousand million in Official Development Assistance (ODA). This amount will attract and leverage new public and private investments. “We have a large portfolio, a series of projects in preparation that will drive private investment. These are projects for which there is great demand and we are seeking to mobilise possible resources. There is the Ebola problem, floods in Malawi and the earthquake in Nepal as well, which is why the response budget for three years was already exhausted in the first year,” explained the World Bank VP in his presentation on the topic “Funding
Options for ODA.” The record ODA replenishment of US$52.1 thousand million aims to maximize impact on development by leveraging public and private resources, in addition to knowledge, with solid results and efficiency at a low cost. The demand for regional projects in Africa remains large, and most resources are committed to regional infrastructure projects. “The strong replenishment of ODA and financial innovations are crucial to fulfilling the agenda for transformation in Africa,” he concluded. The current Chairman of the African Group of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors affiliated with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank is the Angolan Minister of Finance; its first Vice-Chair is the Minister of Finance of Benin and the second Vice-Chair is the Minister of Finance of Benin (sic). The position of the organisation’s Secretary is held by the Egyptian Minister of Finance.
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Friday, September 4, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Africa ‘ll take its pride of place in agriculture, says Adesina Tola Akinmutimi
T
he new president of African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, on Tuesday assured that agriculture will be one of the major areas of his priority within the 10-year strategy the bank is about to begin to implement under his leadership. Adesina, who resumed work on Tuesday at the bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, disclosed that the bank will pay prominent attention to agriculture in Africa as it has a comparative advantage in the sector to leverage the continent’s competitiveness in the rapidly changing global commodities market. He said Africa was well positioned to feed the world as 65 per cent of the land in Africa is arable. He promised that his bank will support agriculture to create wealth. According to the president, the success recorded in Nigeria under his watch as minister of agriculture will be replicated throughout Africa. The new AfDB President noted that “while inequality is growing within our continent, women and young people do not feel economic growth in the continent.”, adding that Africa can no longer be contented with managing poverty but must grow together and develop together. Adesina, while unfolding his master plan during his tenure, disclosed that “five priorities will shape the work under his presidency, in a ten-year strategy. He listed these to include, to light up and power Africa, feed Africa, integrate Africa, industrialise Africa, and improve the quality of life for the people of Africa. “We will be more than a lending institution, providing a world class, knowledge building institution.We will build stronger partnership for impact. We will advance Africa’s priority. We will be a voice in support of Africa.” The agricultural economist expressed the resolve to steer the bank on the path of growing “our business and our revenue everywhere we are, and serve the private sector much better. We will become the development bank of choice for Africa. In his remarks Dr. Babacar Ndiaye, who headed the bank from 1995 to 2005, congratulated Dr. Adesina for his emergence as the new president of AfDB, saying that “what Adesina has in his programme reflects what the bank can do.” Ndiaye, while referring to Adesina’s speech as instructive, emphasised that “power is important for Africa and will be the blood for our infrastructural development and agricultural development. He also thinks that integration is important and that the bank should be more involved.” He pointed out that what was going to
Adesina, former Agriculture Minister
happen is a blend of positive change and continuity, with changes in areas where changes are desirable and continuity where desirable.
He expressed satisfaction that the bank had grown tremendously from the initial capital base of 250 million dollars in 1964, has attracted much more and has expand-
ed its areas of intervention since then. “The leadership is showing some direction for infrastructural development for the private sector. The bank today is a voice for Africa.”, Ndiaye said. Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Arc. Sonny Echono, expressed delight at the prospects for Nigeria as a result of the emergence of Dr. Adesina as AfDB President. According him, “this presidency of AfDB offers Nigeria bountiful opportunity to harness our potential.” He noted that the bank’s focus on power, agriculture and rural development, is good for Nigeria, with the diversifying “away from oil that Nigeria’s president is pursuing to attain growth for our country.” Echono explained that “the critical thing the bank will be bringing on board for us is expertise” and opportunity to “leverage international finances, banks guaranteeing loans and supporting them.” He noted that given the fact that Dr. Adesina “has headed agriculture ministry in Nigeria, it is going to be of tremendous benefit for Nigeria and Africa, adding that “we must begin to see development as something necessary that propels growth. We need to banish poverty so people will be in position to create wealth.” Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari, congratulated Adesina and made reference to what he described as the “zeal with which he pursued his assignment as the former minister of agriculture in Nigeria.”
Senator cautions on consumption of harmful foods ABOLAJI ADEBAYO
S
enator Joshua Lidani representing Gombe South has raised alarm over the health implication of the consumption of foods containing a high concentration of pesticide among Nigerians. Lidani raised the alarm in the wake of the suspension of some agricultural food exports from Nigeria by the European Union, EU. The food items banned from Europe till June 2016 are beans, sesame seeds, melon seeds, dried fish and meat, peanut chips and palm oil. The European Food Safety Authority had said that the rejected beans were found to contain between 0.03mg per kilogramme to 4.6mg/kg of dichlorvos pesticide, when the acceptable maximum residue limit is 0.01mg/kg. Lidani therefore, called on regulatory
agencies in the country to rise up to the occasion and save Nigerians from the dangers of consuming foods containing unacceptable levels of chemicals. “The EU ban should not have come as a surprise to us because they have very rigorous standards of checking food import especially with the shift towards organic foods. Unfortunately we do not have similar standards in Nigeria especially as it affects the food we consume. “We do not have standards of determining whether the foods we consume are noxious; whether they have chemicals that are harmful. NAFDAC and Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, are supposed to regulate but there is a limit to what they can do. “We are yet to realise the enormity of the problem; so unless we look into the effects of these harmful substances, we may end up having a population that is threat-
ened by diseases such as cancer. Lidani said that legislators would ensure that the laws establishing the regulatory agencies were strengthened to enable them to check such harmful foods. According to him, once the Senate constitutes its committees, it will begin to consider bills on food laws for amendment in order to ensure food safety in the country. He informed that the legislators would strengthen their capacity, to look at the laws under which they are operating so they will not focus on just food that are exported but food that are consumed within. He further charged the agencies to educate the populace as to the kind of foods that are harmful; as well as educating the farmers on the level of pesticides they should apply to their agricultural produce and the effects the chemical fertilizer applied to agricultural produce have on the food items.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Capital Market
Friday, September 4, 2015
Index sheds 1.5%, as YTD returns drop to 15% Johnson Okanlawon
T
rading in equities continued on a negative note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, dragging year-to-date market returns to 15.2 per cent. The All Share Index depreciated 1.17 per cent to close at 29,393.77 points, compared to the decline of 1.18 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 29,870.86 points. Market capitalization shed N164 billion to close at N10.108 trillion, higher than the drop of N122 billion recorded the preceding day at N10.272 trillion. Volume and value of transactions also declined by 37.8 per cent and 36.07 per cent respec-
tively. Investment analysts at Meristem Securities Limited noted that the two days of gains earlier in the week was responsible for the profit taking activity witnessed in the market. “We expect this to persist on the last trading day of the week, and so we advise investors to trade with caution,” the firm said. Vono Products Plc led the gainers’ table with nine kobo or 9.28 per cent to close at N1.06 per share, followed by Transnational Express Plc with seven kobo or 7.14 per cent to close at N1.05 per share. Stanbic IBTC Plc appreciated N1.20 or 5.45 per cent to
close at N23.20 per share, while Transcorp Plc added 11 kobo or 5.02 per cent to close at N2.30 per share. International Breweries Plc was up 85 kobo or five per cent to close at N17.86 per share. On the flip side, Dangote Cement Plc shed N8.70 or five per cent to close at N165.30 per share, while Flour Mills Plc dropped N1.16 or five per cent to close at N22.06 per share. PZ Cussons Plc lost N1.33 or five per cent to close at N25.28 per share, while NNFM Plc declined 52 kobo or 4.97 per cent to close at N9.95 per share. African Prudence Insurance Plc fell 13 kobo or 4.96 per cent to close at N2.49 per share. Also, the unlisted security
index and market capitalisation gained yesterday, as the lead indicator rose by 0.23 per cent to close at 940.60 points as against the previous value of 938.44 points. Market capitalisation appreciated by 5.6 per cent to close at N508.21 billion as against previous close of N481.36billion. Volume traded gained by 139.7 per cent from 178,360 units to 427,450 units, while total value of shares traded also appreciated by 667.1 per cent from N7.01 million to N53.77 million in 33 deals. Eleven securities were traded out of the 23 securities admitted to trade the NASD OTC market.
UBA profit rises 40%, half year turnover hits N167bn Johnson Okanlawon
U
nited Bank for Africa yesterday announced its audited 2015 half year financial results, showing a profit after tax of N32 billion, an increase of 40 per cent, while profit after tax rose 35.1 per cent to N39.0 billion. Analysis of the result showed strong growth in earnings, as the bank continued to benefit from its determination to provide value to its large customer base in the country. The African network of the bank now contributes over 23 per cent of profit after tax, following its prudent management of costs and risk. According to the result
presented to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the bank’s earnings grew by 21 per cent to N166.9 billion during the period, compared to N138.2 billion in the same period of June 2014. , As a reward to shareholders, the bank has announced the payment of an interim dividend of 20 kobo per share. Speaking on the results, the Group Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, noted that in spite of a challenging operating environment, the bank’s business strategy has proved to be resilient, balancing prudence, with an ability to significantly grow bottom line and continue to focus on operating effectiveness. He said, “We look forward
to continuing to support our customers and working with them to achieve financial success for them and the wider Nigerian and African economies”. Further analysis of the half year results showed significant improvement in operational efficiencies. The bank’s net operating income rose 21 per cent to N108.7 billion in June 2015, compared to N90 billion in the comparable period of 2014. The Bank has continued to focus on operational efficiency, with a cost to income ratio of 64 per cent as against 68 per cent in the same period of 2014. “We delivered strong growth of 21 per cent in gross earnings and 40 per cent in
profit after tax, reflecting better extraction of value across all business segments and our ongoing process optimization. It was also satisfying to see our cost-to-income ratio decline further. “We understand that many in Nigeria are facing difficult economic circumstances and we are very much shouldering our responsibility to support and grow wealth creation,” he added. UBA maintained a healthy loan book, a tribute to both its risk management and to the robustness of its clients’ businesses, with nonperforming ratio at just 1.8% of total loans granted, one of the lowest in the banking industry.
EU targets listing, insolvency rules in capital markets plan
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uropean Union’s executive will propose radical changes to make listing on stock markets cheaper, consider pan-EU pension products, and streamline the bloc’s patchwork of insolvency rules, an EU document showed yesterday. The European Commission’s financial services chief, Jonathan Hill, is planning a capital markets union or CMU to aid markets to raise more funds for economic growth. The document, written by Hill’s officials, sets out elements that are set to be included in his CMU action plan, due to be pub-
lished on Sept. 30. The EU executive will propose a radical modernization of the bloc’s rules on the prospectus a firm must publish to attract investors to make a stock market listing less costly. The executive will also launch work on the development of a blueprint for the creation of a pan-European market for private pension products. The action plan also contains moves to remove remaining national barriers to a fully efficient mutual funds market in Europe. Some elements tackle issues which have been languishing for years due
to their political sensitivity, such as tax and insolvency regimes. “The Commission has begun preparatory work with the intention to put in place a minimum harmonization directive focusing on specific aspects of insolvency,” the document said. “Subject to further analysis and consultation, a legislative proposal focusing on specific aspects of insolvency could be envisaged for next year, based on commonly agreed principles and minimum rules which would reduce the differences between national insolvency regimes while
strengthening weaker regimes.” Rate (%) Inflation
8.2
MPR
13
Crude oil price
$58.96
45
Source: NSE
Inter-Bank Rate Naira
US Dollar
$1
N197 Market indicators All-Share Index 29,393.77 points Market capitalisation 10.11trn
Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY
OPENING
CLOSING
CHANGE
% CHANGE
VONO
0.97
1.06
0.09
9.28
TRANSEXPR
0.98
1.05
0.07
7.14
STANBIC
22.00
23.20
1.20
5.45
TRANSCORP
2.19
2.30
0.11
5.02
INTBREW
17.01
17.86
0.85
5.00
DANGFLOUR
2.85
2.99
0.14
4.91
UBA
3.30
3.46
0.16
4.85
IKEJAHOTEL
3.12
3.27
0.15
4.81
AIRSERVICE
1.73
1.81
0.08
4.62
WEMABANK
0.90
0.94
0.04
4.44
CHANGE
% CHANGE
LOSERS COMPANY
OPENING
CLOSING
DANGCEM
174.00
165.30
-8.70
-5.00
FLOURMILL
23.22
22.06
-1.16
-5.00
PZ
26.61
25.28
-1.33
-5.00
NNFM
10.47
9.95
-0.52
-4.97
AFRIPRUD
2.62
2.49
-0.13
-4.96
UBN
6.12
5.82
-0.30
-4.90
SKYEBANK
2.66
2.53
-0.13
-4.89
ETRANZACT
2.34
2.23
-0.11
-4.70
NEIMETH
1.07
1.02
-0.05
-4.67
MAYBAKER
1.29
1.23
-0.06
-4.65
FGN Bonds
Offer
Bid
Description
Price
Yield
Price
Yield
15.10 27-APR-2017
1.65
98.95
15.81
99.10
15.70
16.00 29-JUN-2019
3.82
100.05
15.96
100.35
15.85
15.54 13-FEB-2020
4.45
98.94
15.87
99.24
15.77
16.39 27-JAN-2022
6.40
101.57
15.98
101.87
15.90
14.20 14-MAR-2024
8.53
92.33
15.87
92.63
15.80
10.00 23-JUL-2030
14.89 68.00
15.58
68.30
15.51
Closing Market Prices of September 3, 2015
Treasury Bills Maturity Date
Bid
Offer
Exchange
Rates (N)
03-Dec-15
11.00
11.31
WAUA
270
USD
197
03-Mar-16
14.27
15.36
EURO
214
04-Aug-16
13.92
15.97
CFA
0.32
YEN
1.64
Tenor
Rate (%)
SWISS FRANC
202
O/N
9.2500
POUNDS STERLING
293
1M
15.5884
3M
16.6160
SDR
273
6M
18.0128
NIBOR
The Fixings of September 3, 201
Capital Market
46
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Friday, September 4, 2015
Stock exchange daily equities summary Daily Summary as of 03/09/2015 Printed 03/09/2015 14:32:10.010
Equities as at September 3, 2015 Daily Summary as of 03/09/2015 Printed 03/09/2015 14:32:10.010
Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity
1st Tier Securities Sector
Company name
1st Tier Securities
Daily Summary (Equities)
No Of Deals
Quotation(N)
Quantity Traded
Value of Shares(N)
Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals
Daily Summary as ofTotals 03/09/2015 AGRICULTURE Printed 03/09/2015 14:32:10.010 CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries S C O A NIG. PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals
Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO
No. of Deals 36 8 44
Current Price 23.75 31.00
Quantity Traded 613,153 66,960 680,113
Value Traded 14,953,495.20 2,075,835.06 17,029,330.26
Symbol LIVESTOCK
No. of Deals 21 21
Current Price 1.75
Quantity Traded 520,498 520,498
Value Traded 877,480.58 877,480.58
1,200,611
17,906,810.84
Quantity Traded 432 12,133,667 193,233 12,327,332
Value Traded 1,797.12 27,292,963.30 6,437,420.80 33,732,181.22
12,327,332
33,732,181.22
65
Symbol SCOA
No. of Deals 1 136 17 154
Daily Summary (Equities) TRANSCORP UACN
154 Symbol COSTAIN
No. of Deals 4 4
Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals CONSUMER GOODS Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC SUGAR REFINERY Published by DANGOTE The Nigerian Stock Exchange © PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. Food Products Totals
Activity Summary on Board EQTY
Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals Household Durables VITAFOAM PLC. Daily Summary as ofNIG 03/09/2015 VONO14:32:10.010 PRODUCTS PLC. Printed 03/09/2015 Household Durables Totals Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals
No. of Deals 11 11
Current Price 42.00
Symbol UAC-PROP
No. of Deals 15 15
Current Price 7.85
30
Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW NB
ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC Daily Summary as of 03/09/2015 UNION BANK NIG.PLC. Printed 03/09/2015 14:32:10.010 UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. Banking Daily Summary as ofTotals 03/09/2015
Printed 03/09/2015 14:32:10.010 Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. ActivityCONTINENTAL Summary on REINSURANCE Board EQTY PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. FINANCIAL SERVICES Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Activity Summary on Board EQTY EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. PLC AXAMANSARD INSURANCE CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. LASACO ASSURANCE N.E.M INSURANCE CO PLC. (NIG) PLC. LAW UNION TRUST AND INS. PLC. Published bySTANDARD The Nigerian StockROCK Exchange © PLC ASSURANCE AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. MUTUAL BENEFITSPLC. ASSURANCE PLC. UNIC INSURANCE N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. WAPIC INSURANCE PLC STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC Totals Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. UNIC INSURANCE Micro-Finance Banks PLC. WAPIC PLC BANK PLC FORTISINSURANCE MICROFINANCE NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Micro-Finance Banks Totals Micro-Finance Banks Daily Summary as of 03/09/2015 FORTIS MICROFINANCE Other Financial InstitutionsBANK PLC Printed 03/09/2015 14:32:10.010 NPF MICROFINANCE PLC AFRICA PRUDENTIALBANK REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIANBanks AND ALLIED Micro-Finance Totals PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. Other Financial STANBIC IBTCInstitutions HOLDINGS PLC AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC Activity Summary onPLC. Board EQTY FCMB GROUP Published by The Nigerian Stock ExchangePLC © STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS FINANCIAL SERVICES UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Other Financial Institutions Totals
Processing Systems E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Processing Systems Totals
Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©
Page Quantity Traded 59,959 59,959
12 1 of Value Traded 2,530,234.86 2,530,234.86
Quantity Traded 23,930 23,930
Value Traded 181,617.50 181,617.50
166,025
2,763,598.04
Quantity Traded 163,900 21,549 96,900 988,055 1,270,404
Value Traded 717,912.00 2,838,003.30 1,722,296.90 122,316,335.05 127,594,547.25
Symbol 7UP
No. of Deals 23 23
Current Price 190.15
Quantity Traded 27,479 27,479
Value Traded 5,257,832.30 5,257,832.30
Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON NNFM
No. of Deals 26 43 93 41 25 1 229
Current Price 2.99 6.31 22.06 2.50 6.10 9.95
Quantity Traded 328,918 1,007,481 Page 910,832 1,291,203 635,488 100,000 4,273,922
Symbol CADBURY NESTLE
No. of Deals 26 69 95
Current Price 27.14 830.00
Quantity Traded 37,025 307,915 344,940
Value Traded 955,117.30 254,593,550.23 255,548,667.53
Symbol VITAFOAM VONO
No. of Deals 23 8 31
Current Price 5.93 1.06
Quantity Traded 429,421 250,005 679,426
Value Traded 2,553,931.00 252,505.25 2,806,436.25
No. of Deals 62 (Equities) 29 91
Current Price 25.28 42.00
Quantity Traded 565,594 227,065 792,659
Value Traded 14,303,144.83 9,972,078.85 24,275,223.68
7,388,830
450,941,045.51
Daily Summary
Symbol PZSummary Daily UNILEVER
625 Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK ETI FIDELITYBK GUARANTY SKYEBANK STERLNBANK UBA UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK
No. of Deals 210 59 43 62 268 23 20 246 61 44 81 1,117
Daily Summary (Equities)
Symbol No. of Deals AIICO 9 CONTINSURE 4 CORNERST 1 Daily Summary (Equities)
Current Price 5.02 3.40 18.04 1.43 23.90 2.53 2.09 3.46 5.82 1.41 0.94
Quantity Traded 32,268,608 Page 3,125,253 745,167 3,816,876 11,670,319 388,171 664,639 42,905,951 1,577,123 5,009,123 8,158,281 110,329,511
Current Price 0.80 0.83 0.50
Quantity Traded 358,964 24,600 5,500
Symbol EQUITYASUR HMARKINS LASACO Symbol LAWUNION EQUITYASUR MANSARD HMARKINS MBENEFIT LASACO NEM LAWUNION STACO MANSARD STDINSURE MBENEFIT UNIC NEM WAPIC STACO STDINSURE UNIC Symbol WAPIC FORTISMFB NPFMCRFBK
No. of Deals Current Price 2 0.50 1 0.50 2 0.50 No. of Deals 19 Current Price 0.50 2 0.50 16 2.42 1 0.50 1 0.50 2 0.50 14 0.66 19 0.50 2 0.50 16 2.42 1 0.50 1 0.50 1 0.50 14 0.66 6 0.50 2 0.50 79 1 0.50 1 Current Price 0.50 No. of Deals 6 0.50 2 5.42 3 1.01 79 5 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price FORTISMFB 2 Current Price 5.42 Symbol No. of Deals NPFMCRFBK 3 1.01 AFRIPRUD 38 2.49 CUSTODYINS 9 4.00 5 FCMB 54 2.44 Symbol No. of Deals Price STANBIC 67 Current 23.20 Daily Summary (Equities) AFRIPRUD 38 2.49 UBCAP 69 1.28 CUSTODYINS 9 4.00 FCMB 54 2.44 STANBIC 67 23.20 UBCAP 69 1.28 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price 237 1,438
Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH NIG-GERMAN
HEALTHCARE Totals ICT IT Services TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals
Value Traded 51,745.68 51,745.68
Current Price 4.61 138.63 17.86 124.00
Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals
Quantity Traded 82,136 82,136
No. of Deals 8 12 18 118 (Equities) 156
Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. Published by DIAMOND The Nigerian Stock Exchange © BANK PLC
Current Price 0.60
Symbol JBERGER
CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Daily Summary as of 03/09/2015 CHAMPION BREW. PLC. Printed 03/09/2015 14:32:10.010 GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals
Current Price 4.37 2.30 33.40
No. of Deals 14 5 14 16 10 1 60
Current Price 0.67 3.06 35.00 1.23 1.02 5.16
60
Quantity Traded 51,600 5,000 42,324 Quantity Traded 23,600 51,600 850,364 5,000 1,975 42,324 985,640 23,600 Page 11,000,000 850,364 5,000 1,975 100,000 985,640 20,058,828 11,000,000 33,513,395 5,000 Quantity100,000 Traded 20,058,828 40 44,500 33,513,395 44,540 Quantity Traded 40 Quantity Traded 44,500 25,094,328 475,875 44,540 4,783,757 Quantity805,452 Traded 25,094,328 3,299,352 475,875 4,783,757 Page 805,452 3,299,352 Quantity Traded 34,458,764 Page 178,346,210
Value Traded 970,413.80 12 26,344,725.19 of 20,173,003.19 3,099,287.93 3,875,908.39 995,000.00 35,458,338.50
Value Traded 160,338,273.87 12 3 of 10,602,612.76 13,463,118.22 5,351,515.72 278,455,791.72 982,072.63 1,367,672.19 146,254,344.88 9,185,163.04 6,954,099.18 7,568,239.72 640,522,903.93 Value Traded 287,191.20 21,402.00 2,750.00
Value Traded 25,800.00 2,500.00 21,162.00 Value Traded 11,800.00 25,800.00 2,034,589.96 2,500.00 987.50 21,162.00 638,534.60 11,800.00 12 45,500,000.00 of 2,034,589.96 2,500.00 987.50 50,000.00 638,534.60 10,029,414.00 5,500,000.00 18,628,631.26 2,500.00 50,000.00 Value Traded 10,029,414.00 227.60 44,820.00 18,628,631.26 45,047.60 Value Traded 227.60 Value Traded 44,820.00 62,508,082.50 1,903,868.00 45,047.60 11,620,595.93 Value Traded 18,512,290.96 62,508,082.50 4,209,356.10 1,903,868.00 11,620,595.93 12 518,512,290.96 of 4,209,356.10 Value Traded 98,754,193.49 12 5 of 757,950,776.28
Quantity Traded 389,526 1,089,553 7,683 633,153 182,002 500 2,302,417
Value Traded 255,876.14 3,337,092.18 261,720.20 779,467.03 185,666.32 2,455.00 4,822,276.87
2,302,417
4,822,276.87
Symbol TRIPPLEG
No. of Deals 3 3
Current Price 1.69
Quantity Traded 2,500 2,500
Value Traded 4,025.00 4,025.00
Symbol ETRANZACT
No. of Deals 6 6
Current Price 2.23
Quantity Traded 2,204,150 2,204,150
Value Traded 4,995,868.00 4,995,868.00
Page
6
of
Sector
Daily Summary (Equities)
Company name
No Of Deals
Activity Summary on Board EQTY
Quotation(N)
ICT ICT Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC PREMIER PAINTS PLC. LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals Daily Summary as of 03/09/2015 Printed 03/09/2015 14:32:10.010 Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals OIL AND GAS Activity Summary on Board EQTY Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services Energy Equipment and Services©Totals Published by Theas Nigerian Stock Exchange Daily Summary of 03/09/2015 Printed 03/09/2015 14:32:10.010 Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC
Activity Summary ETERNA PLC.on Board EQTY
FORTE OIL PLC. OIL AND GAS Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals
9
Employment Solutions Activity Summary on Board EQTY C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals SERVICES Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY Hotels/Lodging Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © SERVICES Media/Entertainment Hotels/Lodging DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC IKEJA HOTEL PLC Totals Media/Entertainment Hotels/Lodging Totals Printing/Publishing Media/Entertainment ACADEMY PRESS PLC. DAAR PLC LEARNCOMMUNICATIONS AFRICA PLC Media/Entertainment Totals UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. Specialty LEARN AFRICA PLC SECURE ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY PLC UNIVERSITY Specialty TotalsPRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals Transport-Related Services Specialty AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC SECURE TECHNOLOGY PLC PLC NIGERIANELECTRONIC AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY Specialty Transport-Related Services Totals Daily Summary as ofTotals 03/09/2015 Printed 03/09/2015 14:32:10.010 Transport-Related Services SERVICES Totals AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC EQTY Board Totals Transport-Related Services Totals
Value of Shares(N)
2,206,650
4,999,893.00
Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN PORTPAINT PREMPAINTS WAPCO
No. of Deals 11 4 12 15 6 2 74 124
Current Price 22.40 9.05 37.05 8.30 3.40 10.93 97.00
Quantity Traded 62,412 59,518 33,124 72,242 76,380 40 4,490,864 4,794,580
Value Traded 1,418,620.39 549,638.34 1,199,012.85 627,278.50 254,911.74 415.60 436,517,387.02 440,567,264.44
Symbol CUTIX
No. of Deals 9 9
Current Price 1.55
Quantity Traded 154,153 154,153
Value Traded 243,774.80 243,774.80
Symbol BETAGLAS
No. of Deals 7 7
Current Price 43.00
Quantity Traded 11,683 11,683
Value Traded 484,543.45 484,543.45
4,960,416
441,295,582.69
Quantity Traded 8,000
Value Traded 4,000.00
Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol JAPAULOIL
140
No. of Deals 1
Current Price 0.50
Symbol
No. of Deals 1
Current Price
Quantity Traded 8,000Page
Value Traded 7 of 12 4,000.00
Symbol OANDO
No. of Deals 214 214
Current Price 10.65
Quantity Traded 4,565,360 4,565,360
Value Traded 47,673,540.05 47,673,540.05
Quantity Traded 36,737 164,205 28,682
Value Traded 1,192,665.52 290,142.85 6,447,039.51
Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals Current Price CONOIL ETERNA FO
38 10 27
30.05 1.75 236.08
Symbol MOBIL MRS TOTAL
No. of Deals 11 1 13 100
Current Price 150.00 49.66 151.99
Quantity Traded 7,434 5,500 28,319 270,877
Value Traded 1,113,759.00 259,490.00 4,296,885.01 13,599,981.89
Symbol SEPLAT
No. of Deals 28 28
Current Price 225.21
Quantity Traded 650,925 650,925
Value Traded 144,807,099.56 144,807,099.56
5,495,162
206,084,621.50
OIL AND GAS Totals SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Daily Summary as of 03/09/2015 Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals Printed 03/09/2015 14:32:10.010 Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Daily Summary as of 03/09/2015 Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Printed 03/09/2015 14:32:10.010
Quantity Traded
343
Symbol RTBRISCOE
No. of Deals 9 9
Current Price 0.54
Quantity Traded 229,868 229,868 Page
Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR
No. of Deals 7 15 (Equities) 22
Current Price 3.80 1.05
Quantity Traded 17,800 587,879 605,679
Value Traded 67,652.00 594,693.33 662,345.33
No. of Deals 4 4
Current Price 0.50
Quantity Traded 1,117,710 1,117,710
Value Traded 558,855.00 558,855.00
Symbol IKEJAHOTEL
No. of Deals 15 15
Current Price 3.27
Quantity Traded 374,695 374,695 Page
Value Traded 1,215,056.17 9 1,215,056.17 of 12
Symbol Symbol DAARCOMM IKEJAHOTEL
No. of Deals No. of Deals3 153 15 No. of Deals No. of Deals1 37 34 12 No. of Deals 1 No. of Deals 71 41 12 No. of Deals No. of Deals1 1 14 1 15
Current Price Current Price 0.50 3.27
Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 8,500 374,695 8,500 374,695 Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 3,197 8,500 164,000 8,500 120
Value Traded Value4,250.00 Traded 1,215,056.17 4,250.00 1,215,056.17 Value Traded Value2,237.90 Traded 4,250.00 155,800.00 4,250.00 592.80
167,317 Quantity Traded 3,197 Quantity Traded 164,000 400,000 120 400,000 167,317 Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 50,000 400,000 40,316 400,000 90,316
158,630.70 Value Traded Value2,237.90 Traded 155,800.00 200,000.00 592.80 200,000.00 158,630.70 Value Traded Value Traded 90,500.00 200,000.00 174,636.67 200,000.00 265,136.67
Quantity Traded 2,994,085 50,000 40,316 217,387,738 90,316
Value Traded 3,188,371.23 90,500.00 174,636.67 1,923,685,157.18 265,136.67
Daily Summary Symbol CILEASING
Daily Summary (Equities)
Symbol Symbol ACADEMY DAARCOMM LEARNAFRCA UPL Symbol ACADEMY Symbol LEARNAFRCA NSLTECH UPL Symbol Symbol AIRSERVICE NSLTECH NAHCO Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO
No. of Deals 81 1 14 2,945 15
Current Price Current Price 0.73 0.50 0.95 5.20 Current Price 0.73 Current Price 0.95 0.50 5.20 Current Price Current Price 1.81 0.50 4.45 Current Price 1.81 4.45
Daily Summary (Equities)
Published by The Nigerian SERVICES Totals Stock Exchange ©
Page 2,994,085
81
Value Traded 124,097.36 124,097.36 12 8 of
12 103,188,371.23 of
Activity Summary on Board ASeM EQTY Board Totals
HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © AFRIK PHARMACEUTICALS PLC.
217,387,738
2,945 Symbol AFRIK
Pharmaceuticals Totals
No. of Deals 1 1
HEALTHCARE Totals
ASeM Board Totals
Current Price 0.50
1,923,685,157.18
Quantity Traded Page 1,000 1,000
Value Traded 10 of 12 500.00 500.00
1
1,000
500.00
1
1,000
500.00
Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals Daily Summary as of 03/09/2015 Printed 03/09/2015 14:32:10.010 Other Financial Institutions FBN HOLDINGS PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials DANGOTE CEMENT PLC INDUSTRIAL GOODS
Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM Building Materials Building Materials Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©
Symbol ZENITHBANK
No. of Deals 298 298
Current Price 15.26
Quantity Traded 45,391,944 45,391,944
Value Traded 692,168,286.80 692,168,286.80
Symbol FBNH
No. of Deals 367 367
Current Price 6.20
Quantity Traded 9,543,436 9,543,436
Value Traded 57,954,431.44 57,954,431.44
54,935,380
750,122,718.24
Daily Summary (Equities)
665
Symbol DANGCEM
No. of Deals 122
Current Price 165.30
Quantity Traded 1,352,455
Value Traded 224,997,676.12
Symbol
No. of Deals 122
Current Price
Quantity Traded 1,352,455 Page
Value Traded 224,997,676.12 12 11 of
INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals
122
PREMIUM Board Totals Equity Activity Totals
1,352,455
224,997,676.12
787
56,287,835
975,120,394.36
3,733
273,676,573
2,898,806,051.54
Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund Name LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals
Symbol LOTUSHAL15 NEWGOLD VETGRIF30
No. of Deals 1 1 1 3
Current Price 9.60 2,161.00 13.37
Quantity Traded 15 50 10 75
Value Traded 144.00 108,050.00 133.70 108,327.70
ETF Board Totals
3
75
108,327.70
ETP Activity Totals
3
75
108,327.70
12 Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©
Page
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Friday, September 4, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
47
Community Mirror
the come come to come Police are the extension ofWhen civil society and, the most visible everybody will sit up in this Ministry. Rev. Chris Okotie, speaking agents that protects people against any security threat. on the state of the nation
49
HON MINISTER FOR PETROLEUM RESOURCES,ALIISON MADUEKE –GOVERNOR OF OSUN STATE, RAUF AREGBESOLA
Man escapes being crushed by train Femi Oyeweso
A
middle-aged man, Lateef Jimoh who yesterday narrowly escaped being crushed by a moving train in Abeokuta, Ogun State has alleged that he was being pursued at the time by suspected hired assassins; saying he may have been killed either by the train or the assassins had he not run quickly to escape.
Jimoh, who was later whisked away from the incident scene by his business associates to an unknown place in Abeokuta, told Community Mirror that he was running away from being kidnapped by people suspected to have been hired by members of his extended family at the time he almost ran into the moving train. He further alleged that he was being hunted by members of his extended family for his refusal to
comply with a particular traditional rite that has to do with his 12 years old daughter. Community Mirror learnt from the 44-yearsold auto dealer that he had on August 30, 2015 suffered an attack in the hands of members of his extended family who accused him of bringing bad luck to the family by his refusal to surrender his daughter, Lateephat for a particular family’s traditional rites which included circumcisions. Jimoh, who had aban-
doned his business in Abeokuta and took refuge in Lagos was however, said to have been attacked by four men suspected to be working for members of his family in an attempt to abduct him to an unknown family’s shrine within the metropolis. Speaking with Community Mirror from his sick bed, Jimoh said he considered jumping past the fast moving train as the last option to enable his escape from the suspected abductors whom he suspected had been trailing
him since he suspected strange way at which their vehicles moved closer to his vehicles around the M.K.O Abiola International Stadium in Kuto. While calling on goodspirited Nigerians to come to his aid, Jimoh vowed that he would not surrender Lateephat for any family rites or circumcision even if such decision demanded that he pays with his life, stressing that “I can’t do
Katsina gets 33,000 household latrines from UNICEF James Danjuma KATSINA
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L-R: Former Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN); Korede Ogunsiji and head of Public Communication to the Abia State governor, Sam Hart, during Rise Networks Nigerian Commemoration of the United Nation International Youth Day in Lagos recently. PHOTO: DARE AKOGUN
Monarch seeks IGP’s intervention in community leadership tussle Theophilus Onojeghen WARRI
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onarch of crisis ravaged Odimodi community in Burutu Council Area of Delta State, HRM Yangaboy Angalabiri, has appealed to the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mr. Solomon Arase to urgently wade into the leadership crisis in the community to avoid further loss of lives and properties. He also raised the alarm that several persons are still missing from Sunday invasion of the commu-
nity by suspected thugs believed to have been hired by disposed community leaders where several houses were razed. While recalling the incident, the Amayanabor of Odimodi community, Angalabiri, told newsmen at his palace in company of his chiefs that gunmen numbering forty armed with weapons invaded the community at about 11pm on Sunday night and chased residents of the community into the bush. He confirmed that over five houses were burnt down by the hoodlums.
The monarch explained that the crisis not unconnected with the perceived leadership tussle rocking the community. According to him, the intervention of the police boss would help restore lasting solution to community as residents of the area have disserted the community for the fear of further attacks. He said, “As I speak with you, we can’t account for some of our relatives as we have not heard from them following the attack. We are scared for our lives and are appealing to the
Inspector General of Police to investigate the incident in a bid to bringing a lasting solution to the crisis. “I ran into hiding like everyone in the community while the thugs held sway as they looted properties and burnt houses of persons perceived to be against their aspirations in the community.” When contacted, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Celestina Kalu stated that peace has returned to the community, asking fleeing residents to return home.
that my religion, Islam forbids such practice”. Some of his business associates who spoke with our correspondent said the auto dealer was in Abeokuta for the treatment of an undisclosed ailment which may not be unconnected with an high-blood pressure which he had been managing since the crisis with his extended family reached a crescendo over Lateephat few years ago.
nited Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, says it has so far constructed 33,000 household latrines in Katsina state to help check problem of open defecation in 1,467 selected communities. UNICEF field officer, Mrs. Padmoratahe Yelda stated this in Ingawa council area when she presented five Hilux vehicles and 20 motorcycles to the state government under the Sanitation Hygiene and Water in Nigeria (SHAWN) programme. Mrs. Yelda revealed that about 720 VIP latrines were also constructed in primary school premises in five benefiting council areas that include Kaita, Mai’adua, Faskari, Dutsinma, and Sandamu. She added that UNICEF had also constructed no less than 888 hand pump boreholes and 60 open concrete wells as part of the effort to ensure provision of portable water in the benefiting councils. The UNICEF filed officer said the latrines and hand pumps were first phase of the SHWAN pro-
gramme the organisation had begun to implement several months ago. She pointed that UNICEF had approved commencement of a second phase of the SHAWN programme and that five additional council areas were slated to benefit. The five local governments according to her, include Matazu, Musawa, Safana, Batagarawa and Ingawa. Mrs. Yelda said under the second phase, about 168 hand pump boreholes would be constructed in addition to provision of five Toyota Hilux and 10 motorcycles. She assured that UNICEF would provide its counterpart funding for the second phase with appeal to the state government to ensure timely release of its counterpart contribution. On his part, Governor Aminu Bello Masari said the SHAWN programme had ensured provision of potable water to communities in rural areas as well as ensured improved sanitation in the state. Masari said each of the local government councils would provide a counterpart of N16 million while the state government would provide N42 million.
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Friday, September 4, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Oladeinde Fernandez
Charles Gyamfi
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ntonio Oladeinde Fernandez, oil magnate, diplomat and Permanent Representative of Central African Republic to the United Nations (UN) is dead, he was 79. One of Africa’s richest men, the late Fernandez was born in Lagos south western Nigeria into the Fernandez family that originated from Brazil and the first European migrant to Lagos State. He has been in diplomacy since 1966. He was adviser to the Angolan Government on Economic Matters. He held this position for two years until his appointment as Deputy Permanent Representative of Mozambique to the United Nations in 1984.He ran an oil company known as Petro Inett – which obtained a 50 per cent share with South African-based Energy Africa Limited in a deal with the state oil company for exploration rights in a 4,700 km2 area of Angola’s coast in 1996.In 1992, he was appointed as Special Adviser to the President of Mozambique on International Economic Matters, a position he held for three years. Even though a Nigerian, he was appointed the Permanent
Fernandez
Representative of Central African Republic (CAR) at the United Nations in 1997. -Fernandez had interests in the CAR’s oil industry (at a time, he was the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Central
African Republic). That does not include his bauxite (for aluminum) exports, gold mines (in Angola) and diamonds pits. He had shares in View, Sandcat Petroleum, Sanantonio, Goldfields, Voguehope, Grant-
dalem Inuola, Sandcat Goldfields, Woods and Petro Inett Equatorial Guinea. He was also once the Consul for Benin Republic (then Republic of Dahomey) (1966). He was a long-time adviser to President José Eduardo dos Santos of Angola. He was married to Aduke Fernandez, whom he divorced in July 2003 following a £300m divorce suit in Scotland. The court was asked by Aduke through her counsel, Charles Macnair QC, to compel Chief Fernandez to pay her a lump sum of £ 5 million and an allowance of £75,000 monthly for three years but the case was dismissed by the court. She died in 2013. He married Halima in 2003. He was the father of Princess Antoinette Oyinkansola Fernandez, from his relationship with the Erelu Kuti of Lagos, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu. Another of his daughter is Abimbola Fernandez, a model for Vivienne Westwood during the Edinburgh Fashion Week. In 2009, her face was the album cover for platinum selling artist Cobra Starship’s CD “Hot Mess”. She also modeled for the cover of the single “Good Girls Go Bad”.
Gyamfi
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harles Kumi Gyamfi born on December 4, 1929 was a Ghanaian footballer and coach who as a player became the first African to play in Germany when he joined Fortuna Düsseldorf in 1960, and later became the first coach to lead the Ghana national football team to an Africa Cup of Nations victory. As coach of the Ghana national football team, he won the African Cup of Nations three times (1963, 1965 and 1982), making him the most successful coach in the competition’s history. This record has since been equalled by Egypt’s Hassan Shehata. Gyamfi was also the coach of the Ghana national football team during their Olympic debut at the 1964 Summer Olympics. He returned to coach the Olympic team for the 1972 tournament. He was a member of FIFA’s Technical Study Group for the 1999 and 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship. In January 2008 he publicly lamented the modern obsession of players with money rather than the love of the game. He died in September 2015.
News
NGO seeks justice for victim of assault by police Dare Akogun
W
omen Advocate and Research Centre, WARDC, a human right and nongovernmental organisation has petitioned the Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase, to conduct an independent investigation into the assault of a woman by a policeman. The group established for the promotion and protection of women’s human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria in a petition signed on behalf of the woman Mary Sunday, and copy made available to National Mirror urged Arase to conduct an impartial investigation into the attack on Sunday by Constable Isaac Gbanwuan. The group is also seeking for an order of specific damages in the sum N10 million to cover the cost of reconstructive surgery and other health treatments for Mary Sunday, and another monetary compensation in the sum of N10 million for the pain,
suffering and harm to her dignity including physical, mental and emotional trauma. Mary Sunday, a 30-yearold woman and resident of Lagos, it was gathered, was scheduled to report for training at the Police Academy, Kano, as a cadet police officer, and has been engaged to Isaac Gbanwuan, a corporal with the Nigerian Police Force attached to the Ebute-Ero police station in Lagos State. It was reliably gathered by National Mirror that her ordeal began on the 24th of August 2012, when she and Corporal Gbanwuan had gone to see a doctor over some health issues he had. On their way back from the doctor, Mary made a phone call. When they got back to their residence, Corporal Gbanwuan queried her over the phone call she made and accused her of having called another lover. In the argument that ensued, Isaac became very aggressive and started
beating Mary, kicking and dragging her on the floor. Unable to take the beatings anymore, Mary ran to a neigbours kitchen to seek refuge. However, Isaac broke open the kitchen door and in a fit of rage, carried the cooking stove of the neighbour, with boiling stew and oil on it, and poured all the contents on Mary’s body.
The stove exploded, consequently setting Mary on fire. Mary was rushed to the Christiana Hospital in Bariga, Lagos and was admitted for the serious burns. She was unconscious for two weeks following the attack. The attack by Isaac caused Mary to lose her two ears, her upper neck and arms, glued
Mary before and after the incident
together by the fire. The incident was reported to the police at the Force Headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos State by one of Mary’s relatives with no action taken till date. However, the group alleged that the Lagos State Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Damascus Ozoani, in a news paper report, absolved
Corporal Gbanwuan of the allegation stating that the police have carried out and closed their investigation on the incident. “The PPRO stated in the report that Mary had intentionally inflicted the burns on herself. In their investigations, however, the Police did not visit or take a statement from Mary Sunday. All efforts to get the Police to reopen investigations into the case have been unsuccessful. “The perpetrator of the crime is still free and has not been brought to justice. The Police, as an interested party in the incident, have hastily concluded an investigation that was not properly done,” the group alleged. Mary was transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Lagos on January 2013, where she has been undergoing treatment since, where it was recommended that she goes for reconstructive surgery in India.
Friday, September 4, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
49
World News
We owe the search for more debris to the hundreds of millions of people who use our skies. – Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott
Afolabi Gambari
WITH AGENCY REPORT
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bola’s recent reappearance in Liberia is over, the World Health Organization said yesterday, prompting the group to declare the country free of the deadly virus for the second time this year. Liberia, one of three West African nations ravaged by an outbreak that has killed more than 11, 000 people in nearly two years, initially was declared Ebola-free on May 9. But a teen who lived near a Liberian airport contracted the virus and died in late June. Six total cases were discovered in the country from late June to July. Two people, including the teen, died, the WHO said. Because 42 days have passed since the last infected person tested clear for the disease, the WHO said it could now declare Liberia free of Ebola. Forty-two days represents two maximum incubation periods. “WHO commends the government of Liberia and its people on the successful response to this recent re-emergence,” the organization said, adding, “It is in full accord with government calls for sustained vigilance.” More than 4, 800 of the 10, 666 people who contracted the hemorrhagic fever in Liberia died since that country’s first case was reported in late March 2014. The outbreak has also killed thousands in Liberia’s northern neighbors, Guinea (2,500) and
Ebola: Liberia gets WHO’s final ‘all-clear’
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Ugandan Al Shabab victims flown home The bodies of 10 Ugandan soldiers killed in Somalia by militant Islamist group al-Shabab were yesterday flown back home. The attack was a “game changer”, and al-Shabab should expect an “appropriate response”, an army spokesman, Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda, said. Twelve Ugandan soldiers were killed in Tuesday’s raid on an African Union (AU) base in southern Somalia. Al-Shabab said it had killed 50 AU troops. Ugandan troops are part of a 22, 000-strong AU force battling the militants. “We will not relent in our efforts to help in the pacification of Somalia despite the attack,” Ankunda said in a tweet in the Ugandan army’s first comment on the raid but did not give details of the other two Ugandan soldiers who were killed.
Mozambique convicts cattle rustlers
File copy of Ebola survivors after leaving a treatment center in Paynesville, Liberia, in October last year
Sierra Leone (3,950), starting with the December 2013 death of a 2-year-old child in Guinea, the WHO has said. But the epidemic that sickened more than 28,000 people in those three nations is winding to an end, with only a few cases remaining. Just one new case was report-
ed in Sierra Leone in the last two weeks. That country and Guinea have combined for three confirmed cases per week for the last five weeks, the WHO said. An experimental Ebola vaccine may be helping. The WHO in July declared the single-dose VSV-EBOV vaccine to be “highly effective” after it was given on
a trial basis to 1, 200 front-line health care workers and 4, 000 close contacts of Ebola patients in Guinea this year. The trial was extended to Sierra Leone last month after the latest Ebola case was reported there. People who were in contact with that patient were to be vaccinated, the WHO said.
Al-Shabaab victims’ toll hits 37 t least 37 African Union soldiers were killed in an attack by Al-Shabaab militants in southern Somalia on Tuesday, according to military sources in Uganda and Somalia yesterday. A source from Somalia’s security services said that at least 25 Somali government troops were killed in the fight. Twelve Ugandan soldiers also were killed, Uganda’s military spokesman, Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda, confirmed. The attack by the Somali terrorist group occurred on a remote African Union base in the town of Janaale. It was the largest loss sustained by the Ugandan contingent of the AU Mission to Somalia, or AMISOM, since 2012. The 22,000-strong, United Nations-backed AMISOM force consists of troops from Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti
AFRICA BULLETIN
and Sierra Leone. It has been dealt serious blows in recent months in Al-Shabaab attacks. The terror group seems to be shifting tactics, moving from smaller, asymmetri-
Members of the Al Shabab group
cal suicide-bombing attacks on civilian, government and military targets to larger and more sustained operations solely focused on smaller, remote AU bases.
A member of Al-Shabaab said that the battalion behind Tuesday’s attack is the same group of about 200 fighters who assaulted an Ethiopian convoy and a base predominantly held by Burundian soldiers in Leego, Somalia, in July. Those two attacks killed dozens of AMISOM troops. The fighters call themselves the Abu Zubair Battalion-named after the Al-Shabaab leader (a.k.a. Ahmed Abdi Godane) who was killed by a U.S. drone strike in Somalia in September 2014. Al-Shabaab says the attack was in retaliation for alleged AMISOM attacks on civilians. The United States on Thursday condemned Al-Shabaab for its “brutality in its depraved efforts to destabilize Somalia and deny the people of Somalia the peaceful, prosperous future they deserve.”
Two Mozambican cattle rustlers who caused sleepless nights to local villagers were Monday caged to 14 years each after they were convicted of stealing four beasts. Khozani Mtisi, 21, and Moses Masiya, 36, both from Bakonye village, Mozambique, pleaded guilty on their own plea when they appeared before Chipinge magistrate Noah Gwatidzo facing stock theft charges as defined in section 114(2)(a)(i) (ii) of the Criminal Law (Codification Reform) Act chapter 9:23. Public prosecutor, Edith Phiri, told the court that on August 23 around 1900 hours, the two acting in cahoots went to Fairgreen farm grazing area. When they arrived, they connived and stole four beasts and went away unnoticed.
Assault: Al-Obeidi gets six-year jail term Eman al-Obeidi escaped Moammar Gadhafi’s dictatorship and became a symbol of freedom of the Libyan revolution. But four years later in America, she is no longer free. A Colorado judge sentenced al-Obeidi to six years in prison on Wednesday for assaulting two women last year in a Boulder bar. She was facing a maximum prison term of 16 years on the felony charge, but prosecutor Jonathon Martin opted for leniency, which the courts have shown her before. Al-Obeidi, 32, who now goes by the alias Eman Ali, was supposed to have been sentenced July 31, but she refused to appear in court. In a highly unusual move, Boulder District Judge Andrew Macdonald ordered the sentencing to be held at the county jail, where al-Obeidi has been confined since January.
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Friday, September September 4, 4, 2015 2015 Friday,
Gay marriage: Defiant Davis punished for Supreme Court snub
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US judge, David Bunning, yesterday ordered a Kentucky official, Kim Davis, jailed for contempt of court after she has repeatedly refused to issue marriage licences to gay couples. Davis, an elected official in Rowan County, has said that her Christian faith should exempt her from signing the licenses. The US Supreme Court declared gay marriage legal in June. Davis, who has said she is obeying “God’s law,” has been escorted out of the courtroom. “You can’t be separated from something that’s in your heart in your soul,” Davis said to the US District Judge, and said the Supreme Court’s ruling conflicts with her beliefs as a born-again Christian. “I promised to love Him with all my heart, mind and soul because I wanted to make heaven my home.” The judge said he had “no alternative” but to jail her, because issuing fines would not change her mind. “Her good faith belief is simply not a viable defence,” Bunning added, stressing, “Mrs Davis took an oath. Oaths mean things.” He added that letting one per-
son’s beliefs supersede the authority of the court would be a dangerous example to set. Her five deputy clerks were told they may issue licenses to all marriage applicants and that they would also faces fines or jail if they refused to do so. Protesters screamed “Love won! Love won!” outside of the courthouse after learning of the decision. Davis had stopped issuing marriage licenses to all couples in June after the legalisation of gay marriage, turning couples away repeatedly. The US Supreme Court on Monday rejected the argument that her faith prevented her from carrying out her duty. She can only be removed from her position if the Kentucky legislature impeaches her because she is an elected official. Various 2016 Republican presidential candidates, like Mike Huckabee, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, Senator Ted Cruz and Senator Marco Rubio, have come out in support of Ms Davis’ decisions. Others like Carly Fiorina, Senator Lindsey Graham and Ohio Governor John Kasich have said she must do her job and comply with the law.
Beijing hosts World War memorial
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hina yesterday held a lavish parade in Beijing to mark the defeat of Japan in World War Two, showcasing its military might on an unprecedented scale. President Xi Jinping in his opening speech paid tribute to “the Chinese people who unwaveringly fought hard and defeated aggression” from Japan. He also said the People’s Liberation Army would be cut by 300,000 personnel, a move expected to be finished by 2017. China’s growing military power is being keenly watched amid CHANGE OF NAME IDIGBE: formerly known and addressed as Patience Idigbe, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Patience Odiri Dudu. All Former Documents remain valid. General public take note.
regional tensions. China has several territorial disputes with neighbours in the South China Sea, as well as with Japan in the East China Sea. More than 30 foreign government officials and heads of state including Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon attended the event. But many Western leaders and Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stayed away. CHANGE OF NAME
I formerly known, called and addressed as Miss Adenike Helen Ayorinde, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Adenike Helen AMRENREY. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.
PUBLIC NOTICE PRUDENT SUPPORT FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mado Stephen Rogers 2. Iliya Davou Bwede 3. Mrs. Grace Chundung Mado 4. Dankishiya Saleh Hadi 5. Barr. Samuel Bature AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. 2. 3.
To educate the youth on the importance of self empowerment. To help and assist the youth in achieving self empowerment To eradicate unemployment through self empowerment
Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication. SIGNED: Mado Stephen Rogers
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Migrants, police clash in Budapest
Stranded migrants scuffling with police in Budapest yesterday
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cuffles broke out yesterday west of the Hungarian capital, Budapest, after police tried to force migrants off a train at a refugee camp. Amid chaotic scenes, police ordered journalists from the scene at Bicske, declaring it an “operation zone”. The train had left Budapest hours after police let migrants into the railway station following a two-day stand-off. Meanwhile, there have been sharp disagreements among European leaders over how to deal with the crisis. In Brussels, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban described the situation as a “German problem” as Germany was where those arriving in the EU “would like to go”.
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But European Council President Donald Tusk said at least 100,000 refugees should be distributed across EU states. The human cost of the crisis was put into sharp focus on Wednesday when five children were among 12 migrants who drowned in Turkish waters while trying to reach Greece. Images of the washed-up body of three-year-old Alan Kurdi, who died alongside his mother and five-year-old brother, circulated widely on social media. Earlier yesterday, migrants who had been camped outside Budapest’s Keleti railway station surged on to the platforms as soon as police withdrew. Some refugees who had been taken off the train began pushing and jostling and there was a little bit of fighting with riot police.
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And then they forced their way back on the train, which is where we are at the moment with police on the platform and several hundred refugees on the train. International services were suspended at Budapest’s station but hundreds crammed on to the first train hoping it would take them to the Austrian border. Instead, the train stopped at the Hungarian town of Bicske about 40km (25 miles) west of Budapest which hosts a major refugee camp, and police lined the platforms. Some migrants at first left the train but then forced their way back on when they realised where the authorities wanted them to go. They fear that registering at the camp will make it harder for them to seek asylum in Germany and other countries.
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Wale Ibrahim LOKOJA
F
ive former Heads of Service, HOS, and 52 retired Permanent Secretaries in Kogi State have threatened to drag the state government to court to demand full payment of their harmonised statutory pension allowances. The 57 aggrieved pensioners under the aegis of Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries disclosed this in a letter to Governor Idris Wada and made available to newsmen yesterday in Lokoja. The letter signed by the association’s chairman, Mr J.O. Mesole and secretary, Mr John Ausa, said government had placed them on 50 per cent pension since December, 2011 and were being owed N11.3 million
North
Friday, September 4, 2015
Pension: Retired HOS, Perm Secs threaten court action against Kogi monthly. They said that nine of their members had died between 2012 to date partly due to the anomaly, saying that they had reached the limit of their patience and would now take legal action to protect their pension rights as enshrined in the constitution. The pensioners said their counterparts, who retired after December, 2011 were receiving their full pension and 57 of them who retired before the 2011 harmonisation were placed on 50 per cent part-payment. “Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries are in the management cadre.
They are also on consolidated pay (not on salary grade level) and earn 100 per cent of their total emoluments as pension for life. “For this reasons, their pensions are to be automatically harmonised to be at par with the pay of their serving counterparts with effect from the date there is pay rise for them. Their own case of harmonisation is different”, the letter said. According to the association, withholding a pension or part of it violates section 210(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the country which states that ‘’ pension shall not be withheld or altered to the disadvantage of a
pensioner.’’ “Asking us to wait until the finances of government would improved before our request could be granted, is as good as saying we should wait indefinitely or that we should forget about the request,” they said. The pensioners however, said they were not unaware of the lean financial position of the state and would not ask for payment of arrears from December, 2011 to date, but approval for full implementation from July 1, 2015. “All we are requesting is for Your Excellency to kindly approve with effect from 1st July, 2015,” payment of
Head of Civil Service of Adamawa, Mr. Musa Kaibo, addressing members of the Local Government Staff Verification Committee, in Yola, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN
Kwara Poly enjoys N3bn TETFUND intervention –Rector Wole Adedeji ILORIN
K
wara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has attracted projects worth about N3billion from the Federal Government’s owned Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND as well as the presidency through the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE. This was made known by the Rector, Alhaji Mas’ud Elelu during an inspection tour of facilities at the institution in the state capital, saying the polytechnic was lucky to have drawn TETFUND’s presence after scaling the tight conditions of the fund. Among the intervened projects were a N500million Sports Arena, over N1billion Engineering equipment workshops and Theatres at the Institute of Technology, IOT, of the polytechnic, courtesy of the NBTE/ Presidency, several lecture
theatres of 200, 250 and 100 capacities by TETFUND. Also, a completed twinwing e-library worth hundreds of millions of naira consisting of 200 sitting capacity and fully equipped with furniture and information technology facilities was inspected during the occasion. However, on its own, the polytechnic had put in place a modern radio station to serve a limited radius of coverage particularly within the school campus, upgrading school medical centre and upgrading a 43-year-old water dam of the institution that was said to have become inadequate and obsolete. Explaining to journalists the reason for a hard drive to bring TETFUND, NBTE and the Presidency to help in the dire need of the polytechnic, Elelu said it would amount to a self deceit to expect that the state government who is the owner of institution would be able to meet all its
needs. He said he had to make use of his personal connections to bring about all that he needs to bestow to the polytechnic a corresponding development with its age as one of the second generation polytechnics in the country. He also said the institution which is reputed to be the only tertiary school of
the state that is not owing its workers salaries, was able to record the feat because of quick vision to go into commercial activities with a specialised trading unit and consultancy services to both government and private bodies, so as to generate resources to meet rising financial needs that the government subvention could not meet.
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the fully consolidated and harmonised pension of the five retired HOS and 52 Permanent Secretaries.” Secretary to State Government, SSG, Professor Olugbemi Jegede while responding, acknowledged receipt of two letters from the association on the arrears of 50 per cent of their
harmonised pension. Jegede, however, said the state was going through “a very difficult, excruciatingly painful financial crunch at the moment” and urged the pensioners to be patient, cooperate and understand, hoping government finances would improve soon.
Inusa Ndahi
ignorant applicants,” the PPRO said. He said the suspects operate cyber café in Potiskum, the commercial city of the state and printed as well as sell fake recruitment forms to innocent job seekers who are desperate to join the Nigeria Police Force. One of the suspects, Mohammed Kabir, while narrating his side of the story said as a cyber-operator, he is prone to printing various forms to different categories of people on request. He said on that faithful day, some job seekers came to him with the website address which he ignorantly went to the site and printed the said form and two days after, he was arrested. The suspect said he is not aware of any earlier announcement made on local media cautioning against the printing and sales of the recruitment form, but does so just as a cyber café operator who is often involved in various printings at different websites. The Yobe Police Command has recently paraded seven robbery suspects alleged to have been carrying out robbery operations along the Nguru-Kano road dispossessing travellers of their valuables.
Police arrest 3 over fake police recruitment form DAMATURU
Y
obe State Police Command has paraded three syndicates believed to be engaged in the printing and sales of fake police recruitment form in the state. Parading the suspects before newsmen in Damaturu the state capital, Police Public Relations Officer, Toyin Gbadegesin, said the command had earlier got tip-off of the activities of the syndicates and subsequently cautioned the public through local media to disregard any recruitment form being circulated. The action according to him contravenes section 97 sub- section 364 of the penal code law of Nigeria and the suspects he said, will be charge to court after investigation to serve as deterrent to others. “We got a tip-off on the activities of the syndicates; hence, we placed announcements on local media warning job seekers to disregard any sales of police recruitment form “But these three young men have been violating such directive as they have been printing and selling fake recruitment forms in their various cyber café to
Bauchi Central Mosque Chief Imam’s daughter poisoned …police nab suspect
P
olice in Bauchi have commenced investigations into the alleged poisoning of Hajara Ahmed, daughter of Chief Imam of Bauchi Central Mosque, Alhaji Ahmed Baban-Inna. Bauchi Police Command’s spokesman, DSP Haruna Mohammed, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Thursday that the crime was committed on Monday at
about 6pm, by one Jarelu Ahmed, aged 30. “On Monday, August 31, at about 18:00hrs, Police detectives attached to Township Division in Bauchi, arrested one Jarelu Ahmed of Railway road, Bauchi. “Suspect allegedly poisoned one Hajara Ahmed, an 11-year-old daughter of one Bala Ahmed Baban Inna, Chief Imam of Bauchi Central Mosque, who
eventually died and buried her in his room in order to conceal his atrocity. “Scene of the crime was visited by forensic experts attached to State Criminal Investigations Department and the remains of the victim, exhumed, photographed and taken to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, for postmortem examination. “The case is currently
under investigation,” he said. Asked to expatiate further on how the little girl was lured into the suspect room and poisoned, the spokesman said he would not want to pre-empt the outcome of investigations into the matter. “Details of what exactly happened will be made clear after the conclusion of investigations,” he said.
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Friday, September 4, 2015
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PUBLIC NOTICE OGANIRU OLILE-ANYA ASSOCIATION
The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990
THE TRUSTEES ARE(1) Okechukwu Okereke (2) kenneth Igwe (3) Ogbonnaya Chukwu (4) Chinedu Nwoye (5) Monday Chukwu (6) Alfred Frank AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To foster unity among members.
-President -Secretary General -Auditor -Treasuser -P.R.O - Financial Secretary.
Any objections to the above registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED : Secretary General.
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PUBLIC NOTICE SOLID ROCK FOUNDATION LIGHT AND LIFE CHAPEL.
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PUBLIC NOTICE AYATUTU PROGRESSIVE UNION
The general public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.
This is to inform the general public that the above named foundation has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part C of the Company and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.
The Trustees are: 1. Rev. Samuel Owuama ( General Overseer) 2. Rev. Lucky Owuama ( Pastor’s Wife) 3. Bro. Chibuzo Ogbuji ( Chairman) 4. Bro. Cletus Nnadi ( Financial Secretary) 5. Bro. Izuchukwu Ogbonna ( Member ) 6. Bro. Chimezie Arizie (Secretary)
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. TERFA TSUMBA 2. DANIEL MBAIORGA 3. DONALD IORVIHI.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. Spreading the gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ. 2. Helping the needy. 3. Delivering those who are bound. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: Trustees
AIMS & OBJECTIVES: A. Promoting positive social integration amongst members; B. Fostering of love, peace and unity among members; C. Promoting common values and interest among members; Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: Gbabo Moses Gbabo, Esq. Kings & Godman (Solicitors) 08063437930.
Friday, September 4, 2015
–Juventus midfielder, Kwadwo Asamoah
Ujah shakes o ‘failure ff ’ tag
Ahmed Musa
Joel Ajayi ABUJA
: m a la a S s e r a D f o le Batt
We won’t s a f i a T e t a r r e und –Musa
usa said. of the game,” M have trained very “That is why we will Joel Ajayi grace of God we hard and by the ABUJA fference in the e the desired di ak n, m ai pt ca ’ es gl Ea tand-in Super ch,” he added. sterday said that mat ye a, awaited the Eaus M ed Ahm the weather that On s ce an ch ke ta t a said: “For me. the team will no in Tanzania, Mus es ia gl an nz Ta of Stars against the Taifa N Africa is Africa. the sh in their AFCO cla es to think about sid when both “We don’t have or m to am la .” y Sa Dar es to adapt quickl 2017 qualifier in weather. We need st choice goalrow. standing in for fir On Na ld to d ar rw w fo usa also said: “I The CSKA Mosco er and captain, M ep rt ke pa de es my gl Ea fore the cause he is still tional Mirror be r respect Vincent be ei th do e d ul d wo at they ve to wait an se ed from Abuja th ptain. But we ha ca me. t.” best to win the ga e match pans ou essure ahead how th pr r de un t no e “We ar
W
erder Bremen striker, Anthony Ujah, has he debunked claims that der failed as striker un s’ for mer Super Eagle i, coach Stephen Kesh saying he would not fea un tured in four games as der the gaffer if he w3 not good enough. “I tried my best to jus the tify my inclusion in rteam,” Ujah said yeste day. “I would have been satin isfied if I scored goals
53
Sport
I have had a torrid time in recent months. But I am far from being dampened ahead of the new season
Arik Air to sponsor Ekundayo’s fight in Nigeria 55
S
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
ve the games as I would ha als. been judged by the go lBut I insist I am not a fai ure. “I hope this time will be my time.” Asked if he was affectin, ed by the African terra d Ujah said: “I was born an lop bred of Africa. I deve t as a player in Africa. I jus its believe everything has time. “Scoring goal is all m about team work and fro w ne philosophy of our out coach everything is ab n’t building a team so I do t ge have individual tar a other than to succeed as team.”
Ujah
Sports
54
Friday, September 4, 2015
W
US Open:
Dojokovic eases past Austrian to third round
Novak Djokovic
orld number one, Novak Djokovic, took a while to warm up against Austrian Andreas Haider-Maurer but shifted into gear to close out the first set and then raced to a 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 win that closed late Wednesday’s play of the US Open. Earlier, defending champion Marin Cilic and two-time winner Rafa Nadal also eased into the third round with straight sets win as the temperatures and stakes continue to rise at the year’s final grand slam. Djokovic, who lost only three games in his opening-round victory, led 5-4 in an indifferent first set that went with serve before suddenly snapping into focus to break the Austrian to love. Flicking winners off his forehand and burying backhands deep into corners, the Serb dropped only three more games as he sailed to victory and a place in the third round. The reigning Australian and Wimbledon champion registered 27 winners and did not face a single break point in his demolition of 28-year-old Haider-Maurer, a
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winner of nine career Challenger titles but none on the ATP World Tour. Djokovic is to play Italy’s Andreas Seppi, a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), 6-1 winner against Russian Teymuraz Gabashvili, later today. After playing his opening match on an outside court, Cilic took his US Open title defence back to Arthur Ashe Stadium and looked right at home, storming into the third round with a 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 win over Russian qualifier Evgeny Donskoy. Two-time champion Nadal got his second round contest off to a sluggish start but the eighth seeded Spaniard was quickly in control, dispatching Diego Schwartzman 7-6 (7-5), 6-3, 7-5 as the Argentine saw his record against top 10 opponents drop to 0-6. After a first round littered with upsets, second round action went largely according to script as Spanish seventh seed David Ferrer beat Serb Filip Krajinovic 7-5, 7-5, 7-6 (7-4) and Canadian 10th seed Milos Raonic fought off back pain to beat Spain’s Fernando Verdasco 6-2, 6-4, 6 -7 (7-5), 7-6 (7-1).
ARS 5: National final kicks off in Lagos Paul Erewuba
T
he national final of Airtel Rising Star (ARS) Season 5 U-17 football tournament kicked off yesterday at the Sports Complex of Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos with over 90 players made up of three zonal male and female teams vying for the championship trophy. The three-day contest, which ends tomorrow, will feature Benue boys and Plateau girls representing the North region; Port Harcourt boys and girls representing the South region as well as the male and female teams from Lagos State representing the West region. In the matches played yesterday, Team Lagos (boys) defeated Team Abuja 2-1 after the first half ended 1-1. In the girls category, Team Abuja beat Team Lagos 1-0 to avenge for their male folk. In the female category matches scheduled for today, Team Port Harcourt will play Abuja, while the Port Harcourt boys will confront the Abuja boys. Later in the day, boys and girls from Port Harcourt will slug it out with boys and girls from Lagos State in a round robin. Airtel’s Regional Operation Director, Lagos Region, Oladokun Oye, who delivered a welcome address yesterday,
said: “Airtel has consistently hosted the Season 1, 2, 3, 4 and now the 5th edition of the Airtel Rising Stars Football Championship, a pan-Nigerian football talent-hunt platform conceived by the Airtel Group with the objective of identifying and nurturing budding soccer talent from the grassroots onto a national stage.” Ex-Super Eagles stars Jonathan Akpoborie, Mutiu Adepoju and Etim Esin were also at the venue to mentor the boys and girls. Jordaan
Jordaan hails C’wealth hosting right
P
Model: Adepoju
resident of South Africa Football Association (SAFA), Danny Jordaan, yesterday congratulated the City of Durban for winning the right to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The historic announcement was made in Auckland, New Zealand on Wednesday morning, triggering widespread celebrations from people of all walks of life across the country. “Hosting the 2022 Commonwealth Games once again affirms the international community’s total trust in South Africa being the destination of choice when it comes to hosting world class events,” Jordaan, who was CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2010, said. “To SASCOC President Gideon Sam and
the City of Durban, I would like to say well done for putting South Africa on the global map once again through this prestigious event,” he added. The SAFA president said after the historic 2010 FIFA World Cup, which was called the best FIFA World Cup ever, South Africa had become a global focal point when it comes to hosting major events. “By hosting such events, the country can position itself as a tourist hub, create jobs for its citizens and in general create a better quality of life for its people,” he further said, stressing, “This is the first time an African city hosts the Commonwealth Games and South Africa as a young democracy continues to create history.”
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Sports
Friday, September 4, 2015
MANDATE
THE
Sylvester Ikuejamoye
mopheys13@gmail.com 0805-407-1194 (SMS only)
FIFA presidency: Our best at the centre Arik Air to sponsor circle, please Ekundayo’s fight T in Nigeria N L-R: Coach Daniel Adekunle, Olusegun Ajose, Chairman Arik Air, Sir Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide, Larry Ekundayo and Deputy Managing Director of Arik Air Captain Ado Sanusi during the visit of London-based Nigerian boxers, Larry Ekundayo and Olusegun Ajose to Arik Air in Lagos, yesterday
igeria and West Africa’s largest carrier, Arik Air, has offered to sponsor any of London-based Nigerian boxer, Larry ‘The Natural’ Ekundayo’s fights in Nigeria. The offer was made yesterday by the Chairman of Arik Air, Sir Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide, when the welterweight boxerwho is on the sponsorship bill of Arik Air-paid a Thank-You visit to the airline’s head office in Ikeja, Lagos. Arumemi-Ikhide, who stated that Arik Air would be willing to pick up the bill for the fight in Nigeria, expressed delight with the Ekundayo’s progress in professional boxing and promised to be present at the ring side when he fights for the African Boxing Union (ABU) crown in
London next month. The Arik Chairman disclosed that his interest in boxing and sports generally was influenced by his late father who was a boxing enthusiast. Ekundayo, who was accompanied on the visit by another London-based Nigerian boxer, Olusegun Ajose, and his coach, Daniel Adekunle, commended Arik Air for the organisation’s support in his quest to become a world champion. “I will not let Arik and Nigeria down,” he said. Ekundayo, who shot into the limelight in 1998 when he became the Nigerian Amateur Bantamweight Champion, was the winner of the 2012 Professional Betfair Light Middle Prizefighter Tournament.
Queens walked over Doves rightly–Sule Afolabi Gambari
C
hairman of Confluence Queens FC of Lokoja, Mallam Abdul Sule, says his side has successfully carried out the walk-over process over Martin Whyte Doves of Benin who failed to honour the Nigeria Women Premier League Week 13 encounter on Wednesday. Sule, who spoke through the club’s spokesperson, Tosin Ojo, said the Queens are now looking ahead to their next double away matches against Martin Whyte Doves and Osun Babes in Benin and Ede respectively. “We ensured that every arrangement was in place to host Whyte Doves but did not show up in Lokoja,” Sule said yesterday. “We have looked beyond them and are focused on the next away games with a view to getting good results out of them,” the former Nigeria internation-
al added. Sule, however, expressed optimism that the Queens would finish among the teams that will participate in the Nigeria Women Super Six. “We will not relent until we achieve our target. It has been a wonderful season for us and to end among the best six clubs in Nigeria will be a wonderful cap,” he further said. Confluence Queens have so far garnered 20 points from 12 matches and have dates with Osun Babes and Martin Whtye Doves as the NWPL cruises to an end.
Sule
he race for the presti- necessarily possess the required gious FIFA presidency is administrative qualities with algetting hotter day after most unbeatable reach or contacts day. There are many candidates with an equally sound network of showing interest globally. But connectivity. Also very important let me restrict myself to the Ni- is the capacity to raise the needgerian gladiators. e d capital to It is no longer news that Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, former governor of Abia State, has shown interest in the contest for the FIFA presidency with many supporting his ambition some of whom are notable and prominent Nigerians. Let it be notKalu ed with some measurement of decency that the race for any office had to be in tandem with the constitution or statute of the organisation, in this case, that of FIFA election. It is therefore the inalienable right of every eligible candidate to asprospire for any office of his choice. ecute the FIFA presiHaving satisfied the eligibility dency project. hurdle, the right to vote and be This in my view is where NFF voted must have been settled in is needed as the ‘political party’ conformity with the provisions that must endorse any one with of the statute book. the best marketable qualities as The news of Chief (Engineer) Nigeria candidate for the FIFA Segun Odegbami, former captain election. With thorough and in of the Super Eagles and one time depth analysis of the aspirants for 3rd best footballer in Africa in the the FIFA presidency election early 70s was announced within the next year, NFF should have a betweek. I have no doubt that Ode- ter idea of who can make an apgbami is eminently qualified for preciable impact that will impart the FIFA presidency, just as Kalu. positively on our future attempt at The emergence of Odegbami af- the global level of this kind of conter that of Kalu or any other per- test, in case we are unable to have son for that matter is to me a sign a successful run this time around. that we have self- confident people We must be united in our common and they have every right to mar- desire to have one of us contesting ket themselves. The development for FIFA presidency. Win or not, at should not be strange at this point least it would be on record that a even with more people throwing Nigerian once contested for FIFA their hats into the ring of the con- presidency. I am not in any way aptest. plying a self defeatist proposition. This can be likened to a po- It is obvious that anything called litical party with battalions of contest must be between two or presidential aspirants jostling for more candidates out of which the sole ticket of the party for the only one will emerge winner. Cangeneral election with other candi- didate with sound contact and dates from other political parties connectivity and, of course, with for the purpose of electing the enough capital base should be enpresident of a country. Needless to dorsed for the FIFA election. Elecsay that you must first emerge as tion of this magnitude entails a lot your party candidate before tak- of ground work and only people ing the next and most important with proven high level of contact step of beating other candidates with global networking can really to it. In picking a candidate, the register presence at that level. Two NFF must be sure of the market- weeks ago, I had written a piece, ability of the candidate who must asking Nigerians to support Kalu’s
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ambition. At that time, Odegbami’s ambition had not been made public. I have nothing against Odegbami’s legitimate ambition and certainly within the bracket of those whom I have lots of respect for in the sports industry. I will forever remember the three goals he scored within a space of nine minutes against either Horoya FC of Guinea in 1977 while defending the Africa Cup winners cup at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, aside from other great goals he scored for the then Green Eagles. However, on Kalu I stand for the reasons advanced in this column two weeks ago and other factors raised here. I honestly think that Kalu has an edge over and above other aspirants for now. This is my personal opinion without prejudice to any counter opinion from anyone. It is important to note some of the views and opinions of others I have read for and against either candidate, but what I found nauseating is the choice of words. My humble take is that everyone has the right to express his or her view or opinion on his or her choice candidate. No one can take that right from him and should not lead to throwing of indecent jabs at anybody. Both Kalu and Odegbami are Nigerians.
I wish you well, Team Nigeria The 11th All African games will begin tomorrow in Congo Brazzaville. We should all pray for Team Nigeria to do well. There is no reason why Nigeria should not top the medals table at the Games. I wish Team Nigeria well. They have no choice than to make us proud.
Hard but the bitter truth It is an irony of life that Africans and most people from the 3rd world countries were castigating Europeans and other advanced countries of taking them into slavery against their wish in the early 17th century for cheap and dehumanised labour. They challenged being treated worst than an animal. Today, the reverse is the case. Africans are now on their own taking themselves into slavery in Europe. They are ready to take the dangerous journey through and by any means to get to Europe with many dying daily in high seas. But the high casualty of the self-imposed journey will not deter others from doing same. This is a serious indictment on our leadership who could not provide for the need of their people but prefer to engage in all manners of corruption at the detriment of the masses. The judgment day is at hand and one found guilty will not escape appropriate punishment. Hard But The Bitter Truth. Until next week, stay out of trouble and God bless Nigeria.
WORLD RECORD
Largest hockey stick
Vol. 05 No. 1192
Friday, September 4, 2015
N150
The largest hockey stick is 62.48 m (205 ft) long, weighs 28.12 tonnes (62,000 lb) and was commissioned by Canada’s Federal Government for the Canadian Pavilion at the Expo 1986, in Vancouver, Canada.
Corruption and Buhari: Before the fatal distraction (III)
A
s relevant to the search for solution to Nigeria’s dilemma as the elegant anatomy of poverty by the Farm House Dialogue of September 20-22, 1991 would seem, however, the contributions of the late Mazi Samuel Goomsu Ikoku to the debate was, perhaps, the most pungent by way of providing a potent puncheon for the institutional remedies for the problem. For Ikoku, democracy in practical terms is all about participatory governance conducted within the political environment of basic freedoms. There is equally the resonance of links between material well-being and ‘statecraft’, in other words, governance - the central reason democracies accord hallowed recognition to the security and welfare of citizens as the major reasons for the constitution of government. But Ikoku asked: Can poverty-riddled societies practice democracy? The answer to the poser can be either in the positive or negative without altering the contents of the two
FRIDAY WITH Dozie Okebalama
dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) components of democracy Ikoku identified, namely: a. The ‘ideology component’; representing a philosophy for the organization and conduct of public life - the life-style of a community of people. It is required here that that the public life of a people should reflect a deep faith in and an abiding respect for basic freedoms; the rule of law (as against rule of ethnic, religious or absurd/arbitrary political ‘mob’); easy extraction and free-flow of information; right of choice between alternative political positions; and so forth; and b. The ‘institution component’ concerned with the institutions and processes of fruitful governance. Ordinarily, the institution component ought to elicit consensus and simultaneously respect and sustain the ideology component of democracy. But I take the special liberty of suggesting, however, that democracy can thrive in a poverty-infested, backward nation like Nigeria as it would in such advanced and wealthy nations as the United States and the United Kingdom, among other first world nations serving as Nigeria’s models. But the differences are worlds apart. Whereas advanced nations accept the ideology component of democracy and pair it with the institution component (with iron cast political will and largely uncorrupted) to yield material wellbeing from ‘statecraft’ or democracy, a backward nation like Nigeria merely accepts the ideology component and jettisons the institution component, no thanks to ethnic, reli-
COMPROMISING THE FIGHT AGAINST GRAFT IS LIKE PROMISING NO FUTURE FOR
NIGERIA
gious and political gimmickry. Therefore, Ikoku seemed well apprised when he said because of Nigeria’s underdevelopment status, “a desert of poverty and deprivation with cases of dazzling opulence means that both the electorate and the electoral mechanism are purchasable. The high level of illiteracy and ignorance, together with a fast growing youth population with poor nonfunctional education, means a high propensity to irrational vicarious mob behaviour”. He stated, in addition, that Nigeria is “a conglomerate of culturally diverse peoples in search of a cultural synthesis. Our colonial history has meant yoking together a multiplicity of communities (including nationalities) into a supra nation (Nigeria) wedded to Western values. (But) loyalty to the community is still stronger than loyalty to the supra nation…”. Though Ikoku made no reference to ‘corruption’ as a word in his submission, it’s inference in his argument is obviously glaring. There is no single cankerworm that has ever held the country down like corruption, which most regrettably, has been consciously defended even by renowned intellectuals along ethnic, religious or political lines. It has steadily robbed
Nigerians of the dividends of governance whether under military or civilian rule. Once a corrupt culprit is apprehended, unprincipled defence of the felon as a victim of witch-hunt, blackmail or victimisation are viciously launched with ethnic, religious and obscene political colorations to shield the fellow from earning commensurate punishment. In extreme cases, rented crowds are assembled to protest the arrest, investigation and prosecution of the culpable. The problem has become so systemic that many exasperated patriots now canvass that ethnicity, religious and political leanings and the loyalty they command are Nigeria’s major problems; and not necessarily corruption. Yet, unbelievably huge sums of money that could go a very long way in arresting the nation’s grave underdevelopment mess get looted in broad day light on daily basis. With President Buhari now out to square up to the challenge, allegations of lopsided anti-graft war; imbalance in political appointments, et cetera; are again wafting up from their traditional foundations. Suggestions have been advanced that the President should play the ostrich game by pretending that rapacious looting never took place in the recent past and concentrate on governance. In another breath, a governor from the North Central geopolitical axis had no qualms courting the absurd lately, when he visited Buhari to literally solicit forgiveness for his kinsman and suspended head of a federal agency that corruptly employed 1,600 workers, contrary to extant public service rules. So, before Buhari caves in to intense pressure, he should remember the massive support of the majority of Nigerians, including a lot of those whose kinsmen have stolen, for his relentless campaign against graft; as well as their agitations that heinous cases of corruption be met with harsh punishments to serve as deterrence. Compromising the fight against graft is like promising no future for Nigeria as a nation. However, in running his government, Buhari should not wilfully or hatefully sideline any ethnic nationality. Concluded
Sport Extra he Super Eagles remained stuck in the Eagles unmoved on FIFA ranking
T
ninth rank in Africa in the latest monthly FIFA ranking released yesterday. The Nigerians are now behind Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Tunisia, Senegal, Congo, Cameroon and Egypt.
Algeria remained at the summit of African football with 955 points which put them in the 19th position in the world while African champions Cote d’Ivoire are second in Africa and ranked 21st in the world.
Ghana stays third on the continent after amassing 827 points which places them in the 27th spot in the world. Nigeria’s group opponents in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualify-
ing series also saw mixed fortunes as Egypt moved up three places to 49, Chad moved a place up to 171 in the world, while Tanzania remained unmoved to remain 140th in the world. Interestingly, the Eagles
have a bright chance to upgrade their rank as they battle Taifa Stars of Tanzania in an AFCON 2017 qualifier in Dar es Salaam tomorrow where they expect to amass maximum points.
Oliseh
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