Binder1 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Yoruba leaders threaten secession over Falae’s kidnap KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

he recent kidnapping of Chief Olu Falae by Fulani herdsmen in Akure, Ondo

Vol. 5 N0. 1218

State, may have taken another dimension as prominent Yoruba leaders yesterday, rose from an emergency summit in Ibadan, with a threat that the Yoruba nation might

Friday, October 9, 2015

Boko Haram: Watch out for cluster bombs, military warns

reconsider its place in the Nigerian federation if the country is not restructured to reflect genuine federalism. “If we do not see any CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

National Mirror Online

P.12

Olonisakin

@NationalMirror

Ministerial screening

N150

GEORGE OJI ABUJA

Assets declaration compulsory –Senate Exercise to be guided by Senate rules, Constitutional provisions

creening of ministerial nominees, which begins in the Senate Tuesday next week, would be guided by relevant provisions of the Senate’s standing rules as well as relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, the Senate has said. In particular, the exercise would be guided by the provisions of Order 120 of the Senate Standing Rules 2015 and sections CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Ex-PDP chairman rejects Mimiko’s appointment

P.8 P8

Four shortlisted for Ooni stool Troops of the Nigerian Navy ship, Pathfinder, impounding about 105 drums containing about 101,000 litres of stolen automated gas oil in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

…Giesi Ruling House alleges manipulation P.7

News

Friday, October 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Assets declaration compulsory –Senate CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

147, 14(3), 65, and 5 of the Constitution of Nigeria. The senate would also insist that all the nominees, especially all former public office holders must provide their assets declaration certificates before they can scale through the screening. Chairman of the senate ad hoc committee on media and publicity, Senator Dino Melaye provided these explanations yesterday while briefing newsmen at the end of the plenary session.

He stated that these conditions and procedures were agreed upon by the senators during their executive (closed door) session yesterday, which lasted for about two hours. On the old practice of according special respect for some ministerial nominees by allowing them to bow and go, Melaye explained that the practice has been modified. According to him, henceforth, the only persons that would be accorded such special privileges

would be former National Assembly members. He stated that the privileges to be accorded to past lawmakers arise from the fact that as former members of the National Assembly, such persons have automatically satisfied the basic condition for being a minister as contain in section 147(5) of the constitution, which states that, “No person shall be appointed as a minister of the government of the federation unless he is qualified for election as a member of the House of

Representative.” Melaye further disclosed that a decision was taken that all former National Assembly members nominated as ministers would be made to face the screening of only the Senate President, who may wish to asked such candidates few questions before he is allowed to bow and go. A new privilege that would be extended to past lawmakers who would be appearing before the senate for screening according to Melaye is that they

Okurounmu, Chief Idowu Sofola SAN, Dr Tola Adeniyi, Chief Shuaib Oyedokun, General Raji Rasaki, Prof. Lola Adekunle, Alhaji Rasaq Adekola, Chief Akin Omosebi, Chief Akin Onigbinde, Chief Seinde Arogbofa, Dr Olu Alabi, Chief Adebayo Akande, Prof. Toun Ogunseye, Alhaji AbdulJelil Adesiyan, Mr Yinka Odumakin, Mr Sina Kawonise, Chief Supo Shonibare, Mrs Bola Doherty, Professor Olatunde Oluwasanmi, among others. The summit asked President Muhammadu

nomination of any person who has held any public office as contained in part 11 of the fifth schedule of the constitution prior to his nomination unless there is written evidence that he has declared his assets and liabilities as required by section 11(1) of part 1 of the fifth schedule to the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. Such declaration shall be required for scrutiny by the senators.” Melaye in addition disclosed that in the screening process, the senate shall not have course to import any ethnic, religious, cultural or indeed any forms of primordial considerations, but must apply the principles of federal character, fairness and equity to all. He in addition stated that the ministerial nominations by the President must satisfy federal character principles. Melaye expressed optimism that before the completion of the screening of the first batch of the nominees, President Buhari would live by his honour and would forward the remaining names, which would then reflect the representatives of the remaining states. He expressed hope that the resume and curricula vitae of the ministerial nominees would reach all the senators before Monday next week, to enable the lawmakers pose informed and incisive questions before the candidates during screening. Melaye reiterated that in line with the tradition and norms of the senate, if two senators from a state oppose the candidacy of any nominee from that state, such a nomination stands automatically disqualified. The lawmaker also confirmed that the senate has continued to receive more petitions against some of the nominees, stressing that, “all of these would form part of the materials we would use to carry out the screening.” This was also as the Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday urged the senate committee on petitions, ethics and privileges to ensure that the committee concludes

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

would be given priority in terms of being invited first before their other colleague nominees for screening. He also disclosed that in line with order 120 of the senate standing orders rule book, the senate would insist that all the candidates must tender their assets declaration certificates a s a pre condition for their confirmation. Order 120 of the senate standing orders 2015 states that, “The senate shall not consider the

L-R: Chief of Defence, United Kingdom, Gen. Nicholas Houghton; British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright and President Muhammadu Buhari, during Houghton’s visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Yoruba leaders threaten secession over Falae’s kidnap CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

step in this direction within a reasonable time, the Yoruba may reconsider their place in a union that cannot protect them and would not allow them to protect themselves and use all legitimate and peaceful means to attain self-determination,” part of the communiqué read. The summit was held mainly against the background of the kidnap of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and former presidential candidate, Chief Olu Falae by the Fulani herdsmen and temerity of the herdsmen to return to

his farm this week after his release. The summit, for the first time in almost a decade, brought leaders of the various Yoruba groups together for a common cause of the ill treatment of the Yoruba nation in the country, particularly the incessant attack of the Fulani herdsmen on their hosts in the SouthWest zone. The theme of the summit was National Insecurity and the Menace of Fulani Herdsmen in Yorubaland. The groups that were represented at the summit included the Yoruba

Council of Elders (YCE), the Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), the Oodua Foundation, Afenifere, the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), the Coalition of Yoruba Autonomy (COYA), the Oodua Democratic Coalition (ODC), the Ominira Yoruba Apapo, and the Agbekoya Organisation. The communiqué was signed by the conveners, that include a former military governor of the defunct Western Region, Major General Adeyinka Adebayo (chairman), Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Prof. Banji Akintoye, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, Dr Fredrick Faseun, Chief

Gani Adams, Abitoye Tunde, Rasaq Oladosu, Oyebamiji Olalekan, Alhaji Hamad Raji, Dr Kunle Olajide (chairman, planning committee) and Evangelist Kunle Adeshokeru. Governors Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State were represented by their deputy, Chief Moses Adeyemo and Commissioner for Environment, Chief Sola Ebiseni respectively. Other leaders at the summit included Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Dr Saka Balogun, Chief Kola Ogunjobi, Senator Femi

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 9, 2015

Photo News

Friday, October 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Diamond Bank Plc, Uzoma Dozie (middle) with some customers at the Isolo branch of the bank as part of activities to mark the World Customer Service Week in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Denys Graver; Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Bank, Mr. Segun Agbaje; Country Director, French Development Agency, Olivier Dellefosse, and Consul-General, Laurent Polonceaux, during the signing of agreement to launch the Ariz Portfolio Guarantee Scheme, in Lagos, yesterday.

Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha (2nd left), with the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Fatima Mede, during the visit of environmentalists to Government House, Owerri, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

L-R: 2nd Deputy National Chairman, NUPENG PTD, Dayyabu Garga; FRSC Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi; National President, NURTW, Najeem Yasin and Acting National Grand Patron of NARTO, Saleh Majero, during a meeting of transport union executive with the Corps Marshal in Abuja, yesterday.

National News

Electricity supply drops to 3,630.25mw Udeme Akpan

he nation’s power supply has dropped significantly as a result of low gas and poor state of some power stations. Investigations showed that power generation, which had surged to over 4,600mw in the past few weeks dropped to 3,682.78mw on Wednesday. Presidential Task Force on Power, PTFP, which indicated this in its latest report, puts the nation’s electricity supply at 3,630.25mw. The report showed that about 200mw was conserved to maintain system stability. A top official in the ministry of power, who preferred not to be named, confirmed in a telephone interview that some Electricity Generation Companies, GENCOs, and Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs, were experiencing one challenge or another.

The official, who declined to mention the affected GENCOs and DISCOs maintained that efforts were ongoing to solve the problems. “We are aware that some of them are having challenges. But they have also said efforts were being made to tackle them. “So, we hope that very soon, the challenges will be solved to enable them increase generation and supply of electricity to consumers,” he said. Meanwhile, Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi has inaugurated a 9-man committee on how to make electricity available to the real sector. Amadi said the idea to improve power supply to the manufacturing sector came up last year. “We have a written policy on how to support industrialisation by increasing electricity supply quantitatively. The whole idea is on having

a dedicated power to the industries. “The next stage is thinking about microgrid; NERC will like to be the champion for this innovation and we are happy to have MAN as our partner,” he enthused. MAN’s President, Dr. Frank Jacob, who read the terms of reference to the committee, noted that electricity challenge to industries can be surmounted if a legal framework can be provided to help the association reduce cost of production. He urged the committee to complete its assignment within a week so as to fast track further processing of engagement with the Federal Government. The terms of reference for the embedded power generation and micro-grid for industrial clusters include; development of policy and regulatory framework models for viable and feasible micro-grid, development of

business models for prioritising the financial viability of micro-grid technologies within existing framework and identifying relevant stakeholders and key interest groups and describe what they will likely contribute to the micro-grid industrial cluster initiative. It also includes devel-

opment of a framework for grid interface, evacuation agreement, purchase obligation as well as encouragement of renewable energy sources based projects. This is in addition to identifying eligible existing incentives and to design special concession for innovative micro-grid

projects that converts waste to energy. Members of the Committee are Reginald Odiah, Ibrahim Usman, Nkoli Anyam, Ijeama Ezeasor, Chinedum Ukabiala, Abdul Bello Mohammed, Dr Abdulsalam Yusuf as well as Trade and Industry representatives.

Lagos backs community against Nigerdock’s plan to relocate school Francis Suberu

agos State government has expressed support for Igbologun community in Amuwo Odofin Local Government as they resist moves by Nigerdock Nigeria Plc to force a relocation of the only secondary school in the community. In an interaction with journalists yesterday, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Olabisi Ariyo, said

the issue of relocation of the community school from where it is currently situated as proposed by Nigerdock has been permanently put to rest. She explained that Nigerdock had proposed relocation of the school on the premise that there could be harmful air pollution in the environment as a result of the gases being emitted by the company. According to her, the state government in re-

sponse to Nigerdock’s observation ordered an investigation which was conducted by the State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, and Safety Commission. Ariyo said the feedback was that there is no emission from the company or the surrounding that could be harmful or injurious to the health of the students, hence the decision to support the community’s quest against the relocation.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Friday, October 9, 2015

Yoruba leaders threaten secession over Falae’s kidnap CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Buhari to see to “the immediate arrest and prosecution of the abductors of Chief Falae and all perpetrators of the violent crimes which have been reported at different police stations in Yorubaland arising from cattle rearing activities.” The text of the communiqué tagged “Ibadan Declaration of Yoruba Leaders of Thought on Fulani Herdsmen’s Siege on our Nation” was entitled “We Shall Take it no More.” The communiqué read in part, “After an extensive and inclusive debate on the threats to our survival as a people especially by the unprovoked, unwarranted and mindless serial attacks on the economic rights of our people by nomadic Fulani cattle rearers, which have snowballed into loss of precious lives, raping of our women and criminal abduction of our people for ransom; the following communiqué was adopted: “Summit observed that despite the non-aggressive disposition of the Yoruba people, we have been victims of crude aggressions, violent violations from our hostile neighbors from pre-colonial days till modern time. “From the 18th century Fulani Jihadists onslaught against Yoruba space, through the travails of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, through the June 12 saga to the latest war declared on our people by the Fulani herdsmen, we have always risen about the hurt on us to strive to make our neighbors see the need to deal with ourselves peaceably in justice and fairness not because we are cowards but because God created to fight only as a last resort. “We have since the amalgamation of Nigeria gone to every part of the country to live and work respecting our hosts and posing no threat to them because our fathers say when you are in the city of lepers you have to fold your fingers. “Summit paid glowing tributes to the memories of our illustrious sons and daughters who became sacrificial lambs in the course of these

aggressions against us over the years such as Adekunle Fajuyi, Bashorun M.K,O Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Alfred Rewane, Suliat Adedeji, Layi Balogun and hundreds of our people mowed down on the streets of Lagos by ethnic cleansing forces of the late General Sani Abacha; “Summit recalled that in spite of the untold injustices meted on us over the years within the Nigerian project, we remain the only one out of the biggest tribes that has never questioned the corporate existence of Nigeria even with the obvious and sustained agenda of forces of domination to deny us the opportunity to live our civilisation ,build on our golden achievements of the Awo years and move at our own pace; “Summit was alarmed by the recent abduction of a foremost Yoruba nationalist and Nigerian patriot, Chief Olu Falae by Fulani herdsmen on his farm the day he turned 77. His violent abduction during which machete cuts were inflicted on him was sequel to the running battles he has had with nomadic Fulani cattle rearers who at various times destroyed his crops and thereby denying him the sweat of his labour. “In one instance two months before his kidnap, he sought police intervention and the effort led to the herdsmen being asked to pay him compensation. His abdication and payment of ransom before he was released is an assault on the Yoruba nation and all that we cherish. “The return of the herdsmen to his farm on Monday October 6th, 2015 to continue their mindless grazing is to us an open declaration of war on the Yoruba people by these invaders ; “Summit was not unmindful of the fact that the ordeal of Chief Falae is a continuation of the series of attacks these herdsmen have inflicted on our farmers over the years in their contempt for our land and the people therein which now appears to mean nothing to them than a grazing reserve. “They have violated

and killed our women like Mrs AyesiI Balogun who was raped and killed by Fulani herdsmen on 7th February, 2015 in Asa in Yewa North Local Government of Ogun state. A newly-wed lady was reported to have been raped by the same Fulani herdsmen in the same community. “Regrettably, the Nigerian law enforcement system has woefully showed it cannot protect our people given the plethora of reports that different communities have made to them with little or no action at all; “Therefore, given the gravity of the situation and the apparent unwillingness of the Nigerian state to put an end to this siege and also because we cannot afford to leave our people at the mercy

of violent herdsmen who not only destroy their economic activities but also rape our women and kill innocent people, “Summit demands immediate end to the lawless nomadic cattle grazing in Yorubaland and ask all those who want to engage in cattle business in any part of our land to do animal husbandry ivy establishing ranches. Our people are no longer prepared to tolerate further encroachment on their farmlands and brutal attacks on them. To this end, all nomadic herdsmen are to wind up their criminal nomadic activities in Yorubaland. Failing to do so may attract several consequences; “Summit asks the Federal Government to ensure immediate arrest and prosecution of the

abductors of Chief Falae and all perpetrators of the violent crimes which have been reported at different police stations in Yorubaland arising from cattle rearing activities. “Realising that the crisis that we are witnessing presently over the actions of the Fulani herdsmen is a function of the refusal of Nigeria to practice true Federalism which would guarantee significant autonomy to the constituent units, Summit demands an immediate restructuring of Nigeria with the implementation of the report of 2014 National Conference as a starting point”. Governor Ajimobi cautioned that the development should not be viewed as a North versus South situation but one which should be consid-

ered through the perspective of illegality versus legality. He stressed that the people of the South-West should refrain from taking laws into their own hands, while vowing to ensure the security of life and property in the state. The founder and national coordinator of OPC, Faseun and Gani Adams, said the patience of the Yoruba nation was no longer elastic and expressed the determination of the self-determination group to secure every inch of Yoruba territory. Adams said OPC would mobilised men and material for the security of Falae and his farms henceforth and threatened war with the Fulani herdsmen should they dare to make a third visit to the septuagenarian.

Members of Nigerian Optometric Association, Abuja chapter, on a road walk to mark the 2015 World Sight Day in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Assets declaration compulsory –Senate CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

work on all pending petitions about the ministerial nominees before the commencement of the screening exercise on Tuesday. President Muhammadu Buhari submitted a list of 21 ministerial candidates to the Senate President last Thursday, September 30, but it was not until Tuesday this week that the names were made public by Saraki.

The list of the ministerial nominees include former governors of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola (Lagos); his counterpart from Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and that of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); National Publicity Secretary of All progressives Congress (APC), Lai Mohammed (Kwara); former PDP National Chairman, Audu Ogbeh (Benue); Group Managing Director of the

NNPC, Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu (Delta). Others are: Senator Chris Ngige (Anambra); Senator Hadi Sirika (Katsina); Abubakar Malami (SAN) (Kebbi); Abdurahman Bello Dambazau (rtd) (Kano), Aisha AlHassan (Taraba); Barrister Adebayo Shittu (Oyo); Barrister Solomon Dalong (Plateau); Amina Ibrahim (Kaduna); Osagie Ehanire (Edo); Sulaiman Adamu (Jigawa); Kemi

Adeosun (Ogun), Ogbonnaya Onu (Ebonyi); Ahmed Ibeto (Niger); Ibrahim Jibril and Udoma Udo-Udoma (AkwaIbom). The transmission of the ministerial nominees for screening and confirmation by the senate is in line with the provisions of section 147(2) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

News

Friday, October 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Court assumes jurisdiction to hear Saraki’s appeal Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

ourt of Appeal sitting in Abuja yesterday formally assumed jurisdiction in the appeal brought before it by Senate President, Dr Bu-

kola Saraki, to challenge his trial by the Federal Government on alleged false assets declaration at the Code of Conduct Tribunal. The appellate court in a decision granted accelerated hearing in the suit in which Saraki is asking

Insecurity: Reps probe failed CCTV projects Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

ouse of Representatives yesterday directed its Ad-hoc Committees on Information and Communication Technology, ICT, Public Safety and National Security to undertake a fresh probe into the failure of the ZTE Corporation to install Closed Circuit Television, CCTV, cameras in Abuja and Lagos State. The lawmakers also urged the federal, states and local governments to install/reactivate CCTV cameras and other security gadgets in the FCT, state capitals and major cities across the nation in a bid to guard against insecurity. These resolutions followed a motion brought by Hon Adekoya Abdul-Majid and Hon Abiodun Faleke calling “for the Reactivation/Installation of Closed Circuit Television, CCTV, cameras in Abuja, state capitals and major cities and investigation of the failure of ZTE Corporation to complete the contract of installing the cameras in Abuja and Lagos.” Abdul-Majid expressed concern about the dormant state of the CCTV cameras installed in Abuja by ZTE after it procured a contract in 2010 to do same in Lagos with both costing $470m “By the contractual terms, Nigeria was required to make a down payment of 15 per cent, amounting to about $70.5m, while the Chinese EXIM Bank was to provide the remaining 85 per cent amounting to $399.5m, which Nigeria was required to repay on a three percent interest rate within ten years at prevailing exchange rate,” he said. While regretting the fail-

ure of ZTE Corporation, a Chinese firm to complete the contract which would have gone a long way in containing security challenges in the country, Hon. Abdu-Majid expressed worries that each loan secured from the Chinese Government is always tied to specific contracts for that project having to be awarded to Chinese companies thereby repatriating certain percentage of the sum loaned, including interest; in the process, creating employment for the Chinese and shortchanging local Nigerian companies. House Majority leader, Hon, Femi Gbajabiamila argued that the issue came up on the floor of the 7th Assembly and was debated with resolutions passed, but nothing was done. “We had documents and paragraphs with damning revelations at that time. When it relates to the security and welfare of this country, it’s our concern, and we have to start asking real questions. “A contract has been signed, who signed the contract. Who was the person responsible for the signing? At that time, they couldn’t say, and they were passing the bulk.

the court to stop his continued trial pending determination of his case. Justice Moore Adumein granted the speedy hearing after listening to the argument of counsel to Saraki, Mahmud Abubakar Magaji, SAN, on the need for the matter to be expeditiously determined because of the utmost urgency involved. Saraki through the counsel is praying the court for an order to stay, stop or halt his trial on a

13-count charge of false assets declaration pending the hearing and determination of his motion on notice. Respondents in the appeal case are the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, Federal Ministry of Justice and one Mr Musiliu Hassan, a lawyer in the ministry. The appeal by the Senate President followed the ruling by the CCT that the Federal Government has power to ini-

tiate a criminal charge against him even in the absence of the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice vested with powers by the constitution to initiate such trial. Chairman of the tribunal Justice Danladi Yakubu Umar had in the ruling last month held that in the absence of a substantive Attorney General, the Solicitor General of the Federation has constitutional powers to execute or carry out the

functions of the AGF. The tribunal also held that any lawyer in the Federal Ministry of Justice or a private legal practitioner has power to prosecute on behalf of the Federal Government once such counsel has the mandate of the Solicitor General. However,

dis-satisfied

with the ruling, Saraki had stormed the Court of Appeal to ventilate his anger on the decision of the Tribunal.

Why security remains priority of my government –Buhari Rotimi Fadeyi

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said significant improvement in national security remains the top priority of his administration, stressing that the country currently has 1.5 million Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs. According to him, other socio-economic initiatives cannot be successfully implemented without adequate security. A statement issued yesterday by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Buhari spoke at an audience with Britain’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Sir Nicholas Houghton During the meeting, Buhari reaffirmed his administration’s determination to end the Boko Haram insurgency as quickly as possible. “For a country to be efficiently administered, it must first be well-secured because other social and economic initiatives cannot thrive in an atmosphere

3x2

This advertisement appears as a matter of record only

On behalf of

GOLDEN CAPITAL PLC RC 773454

In compliance with the provision of Rule 312(6) of the Rules and Regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and as approved by the Commission, announces the abortion of the offer by way of rights to existing Shareholders of 749,007,703 Ordinary Shares of 50 kobo each at 50 Kobo per share

Dated: October 2, 2015.

of insecurity. “An environment has to be secured before it can be rehabilitated. Nigeria currently has about 1.5 million internally displaced persons and they need to be returned to their homes and brought out of trauma. “Their schools, hospitals, churches, mosques, farms and livelihoods have been destroyed by insurgents. If they are not catered for, the country

may lose their loyalty. “When Boko Haram is pushed out and the environment secured, normal life will be restored. That is what we are determined to do. Other things like farming, economic activities and social life will then return. Nigerians are quite enterprising,” Buhari told the British Defence Chief. The President said Nigeria appreciated Britain’s support for the retraining of its Armed

Forces and asked for more assistance in other areas such as logistics, equipment and intelligence. He also called for more international support for regional efforts to improve security in the Gulf of Guinea through which crude oil stolen from Nigeria is shipped. In his remarks, Houghton said the Buhari Presidency was a huge opportunity for Nigeria to make progress.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News 7

Friday, October 9, 2015

Town hall meetings will benefit governor, Lagosians, says APC

L-R: Oyo State Deputy Governor, Otunba Moses Alake-Adeyemi; Chairman of occasion, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo and Chairman, Planning Committee of the summit, Dr. Kunle Olajide, during Yoruba Summit on National Insecurity and Menace of Fulani Herdsmen in Yorubaland, in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Four shortlisted for Ooni stool

…Giesi Ruling House alleges manipulation Boladale Bamigbola, OSOGBO

resh crises yesterday rocked Giesi Ruling House of Ile Ife, over alleged manipulation of screening of candidates that showed interest in the vacant stool of Ooni, even as the screening committee shortlisted four candidates. The search for the next Ooni has been narrowed to only the Giesi Ruling House which has 7 royal families. They include; Moniki; Waniki; Luugba; Debooye; Idu; Idu-Ofin and Agbedegbede. National Mirror yesterday learnt that the latest crisis was not unconnected with how the screening committee allegedly manipulated the exercise to favour only contestants from Agbedegbede Royal Family. The shortlisted names are expected to be presented to kingmakers for onward presentation and ratification of the state government. All the names purportedly selected were from the Agbedegbede Royal Compound. But in a protest letter addressed to the kingmakers by six of the seven royal families, signed by Venerable Samuel Ishola Ojo from Moniki Roral Compound and Prince Babatunde Olafari Olasaare from Luugba Royal Compound, copies of which were obtained by newsmen, the aggrieved families alleged that the screening exercise was “a one man show.”

They claimed the committee chairman, Prof. Adekanye Aderibigbe, alleged conducted the screening alone. The letter reads part: “Following the recent receipt of the letters from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, dated 14th September, 2015 and letter from Ife-East Local Government dated 16th September 2015, we the undersigned representatives from the royal compounds from Giesi Ruling House come together to protest the following anomaly: “The composition of the screening committee did not reflect the representatives of the entire Royal Compounds that constituted the Giesi Ruling House, as all members of the committee came from only Agbedegbede Royal Compound to make the committee look as if it is only Agbedegbede alone that constituted Giesi Ruling House. “List of the contestants from different royal compounds within the Giesi Royal House was not made known to all royal compounds concerned or the public. “The criteria for screening were not spelt out for all and sundry to be abreast or appraised. History concerning other royal compounds within the Giesi Ruling House has been distorted to pave way for Agbedegbede alone to present candidate(s) to the vacant stool of Ooni of Ife. “It remain a public knowledge that we had earlier subjected our sons

in the race to participate in the screening, hoping that the integrity of the committee members will not give room for suspicious. Our calmness, cooperation and tolerance should not be taken for granted. We only believe that Giesi should do things differently and

amicably to make Ile-Ife greater again.” The aggrieved families therefore urged the kingmakers to cancel the earlier screening and called for fresh one by a new committee that will comprise all the royal compounds in Giesi Ruling House.

ll Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos State has said the one week set aside by Governor Akinwumi Ambode for his Town Meeting will afford the electorate to appraise the governor’s score card and rate him regularly. In a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, the party said the governor has, with the initiation of the meetings, shown that his government will not only be accountable but mindful of the needs of those that voted him into office across the state. It said the quarterly parley will serve as a feedback mechanism for the government to know how its policies and programmes affect the people. The statement reads: “With this proven desire to carry the people of Lagos along his policies, Governor Ambode will take governance down to the grassroots that form the base of governance. We urged the good people of Lagos to continue to support the governor in his resolve to continue the legacy of uninterrupted development of Lagos for the good of every Nigerian.

Nigerian Governors hold crucial meeting Tuesday Obiora Ifoh, ABUJA

igeria Governors Forum, NGF, would hold an extra ordinary meeting on Tuesday next week to discuss crucial issues of national importance. The meeting, which is slated to hold at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, is conveyed by Governor Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari of Zamfara and Chairman of the Forum. Yari in a statement yesterday said the meeting

will receive presentations from strategic MDAs and development partners regarding their proposed reforms and supports to states of the federation. Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Federal Ministry of Health/World Bank, Nigeria Communication Commission, NCC, and the UK Department for International Development, DFID, are also to make presentations at the meeting. United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, and

the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, are also expected to make presentations at the meeting among others. The meeting according to the statement will also discuss major issues affecting states of the federation and the wellbeing of the people as well as the forums` peer review initiative. Secretaries to State Governments are required to come with their governors to this crucial meeting.

Woman stabs police inspector to death in Ondo Ojo Oyewamide AKURE

police inspector, Israel Amuwa, has been stabbed to death with a fork by his lover, identified as Wumi after a minor disagreement. Amuwa, who was attached to 17 Mopol squad, was allegedly stabbed in the neck. The incident occurred at the Olu foam area of

Akure, Ondo State capital. Residents wondered what might have caused the disagreement between the two lovers. The remains of the late police inspector have been deposited at the morgue of a private hospital in Akure. A source said the deceased and Wunmi met shortly after he lost his wife, adding that they always had disagreement. The suspect was said

to have confessed that she stabbed the deceased in self-defence. Chairman of Ayegbaju Resident Association, Taiwo Owanikin, said there were conflicting reports on what really transpired, describing the incident as shocking. State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Femi Joseph, confirmed the incident, saying the suspect was now already providing useful information.

“We salute this initiative of the governor in practicalising the engagement of the people in governance. We see the Town Hall Meeting and its commencement as a needed drive to make governance compliant with the wishes and aspirations of the Nigerian people. “Our party believes the governor’ll make the people the epicenter of his governance through regular fora where he renders periodic accounts and gets feedback. We see this as being in consonance with the ideology and belief of our great party which places the interests of the people at the height of governance. “Lagos APC is elated by the overwhelming turnout at the meetings held so far as we say that this points to the fact that the people have keen interest in how they are governed and overwhelmingly affirm their support for governor Ambode and our party.”

Fire consumes N3.7bn properties in three months Francis Suberu

roperties worth N3.71bn were estimated to have been lost to fire outbreak in the last three months in Lagos State. According to a report by the State Fire Service, fire servicemen responded to 464 emergency calls, which include fire outbreak, collapsed buildings and other rescue operations. The report further revealed that properties worth N22.26bn were saved from being consumed by fire The fire service said it secured the release of an undisclosed fund for aggressive public enlightenment programme to sensitise citizens on fire and disaster prevention. In a related development, the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board has apprehended 33 suspected pirates and seized 11 bags of illegal and pirated movies in the last three months. The agency also arrested 55 offenders, prosecuted and sentenced them to varying terms of imprisonment from one to six months while six of them had options of fine, just as it registered four cinemas and viewing centres in addition to the existing ones.

South West

Friday, October 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Four suspects remanded for defrauding Osun govt of N2.4m …pose as NYSC doctors BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

F L-R: Representative of Kwara State governor, Daniel Ogungbe; Mother of the Day, Doris Fafunwa and Chairman on the occasion, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, during the 19th Babs Fafunwa Education Foundation Lecture and award ceremony in Lagos, yesterday

Ex-PDP chairman rejects Mimiko’s appointment OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

ormer chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo State, Ebenezer Alabi, has rejected his appointment as Senior Special Assistant to Governor Olusegun Mimiko. Mimiko had on Tuesday announced 42 appointments of which only seven members of the old PDP were considered. It was learnt that some beneficiaries of the appointments had turned down the offers, considering them as demeaning. Alabi was state chairman of PDP until he was

forced to resign last year, following the defection of Mimiko from Labour Party, LP, to PDP. Alabi, who is a former chairman of Akure North Local Government, was succeeded by the governor’s ally, Clement Faboyede, as PDP state chairman. In a letter dated October 7, 2015, and addressed to the governor, Alabi said he could not accept the appointment due to some personal engagements. The letter read: “The moment I stepped down as chairman of our great party and following the ouster of our party from government at the fed-

eral level, as well as the sudden dissolution of the federal board, which I was chairman, I have set up business plans that now demand my attention. “Pending the time the setup stage will be scaled and surmounted, my presence must be sufficient in the day to day running of the business. “Your Excellency, I am also working on my professional practice which, by the grace of God, will commence soon. In a few months time, the office will be opened for business. “In a few months to come, I shall have two businesses that will be

competing simultaneously for my attention. For the above reason, I humbly plead you allow me turn down the offer.” A chieftain of PDP in the state, Biyi Poroye, applauded Alabi for taking such a decision which would save him and his political career. Poroye berated Mimiko for not taking good care of old PDP members in the appointments, describing Alabi’s appointment as an embarrassment. He said Mimiko betrayed the agreement he had with the old PDP members during his defection to the party in Abuja last year.

Ambode unveils plan to light-up 67 villages FRANCIS SUBERU

agos State government through the Ministry of Energy has unveiled plans to light up 67 villages in darkness for 35 years in Lekki area of the state. This came to the fore during a press briefing held at Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. Speaking during the briefing, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Energy, Deji Williams, said Governor Akinwunmi Ambode had given express directive that in addition to the 67 communities, the entire stretch of road from Berger to Lagos Island and from Ikorodu to Lagos Island be lit up. According to Williams, a team from the electricity board is currently studying the architectural drawings of the roads to

ascertain the number of streetlights needed to light up the entire stretch. He stated that most of the streetlights would be connected to the existing Independent Power Projects, IPP, to reduce operational expenses, saying that each of the poles would be affixed with 250 watts. Williams said jobs would be created for the fact that the private sectors would be involved in the maintenance of the street lights, adding that the Gani Fawehinmi and MKO Parks would also be illuminated. On vandalism, he said the service providers would be held liable for any of such act as they were meant to secure the facilities, adding that the projects would be completed latest by December. Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy

and Mineral Resources, Taofik Fashola disclosed that the lighting up of road from Berger to Lagos Island would be undertaken in the first phase; the light up of Ikorodu to Lagos Island in the second phase and the light up of the 67 villages in the third

phase. Head of Power, in the ministry, Ibilola Kasumu disclosed that the 67 villages to be light up had been in darkness for about 35 years, saying that the governor is giving them hope by deciding to undertake the project.

our accused persons have been remanded in Ilesha prisons for allegedly defrauding Osun State government to the tune of N2, 472, 825. The names of the accused, who were said to have perpetrated the crime at the office of CHAMS, the company contracted to pay workers’ salaries in the state, were given as Oyeniyi Kazeem Wale, Lawrence Akinwale, Kolade Oladiran Samson and Akinlabi Zacheaus. When arraigned before Magistrate Olusola Aluko of an Osogbo Chief Magistrate’s Court, the accused pleaded not guilty to the 8-count charge preferred against them. Addressing the court, the prosecutor, Mr. Moses Faremi, explained that the accused and three others now at large, in 2014 at

Brace up for flooding effect, Government warns Lagosians FRANCIS SUBERU

s torrential rainfall pounds Lagos, the state government yesterday alerted residents to prepare for the consequences of flooding this month. Permanent Secretary, Ministry for the Environment, Mr. Oluwatoyin Onisarotu, said the warning became necessary in order to sensitise the populace to ensure

Police warns shoppers over internet fraudsters KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

yo State Police Command yesterday warned online shoppers to beware of new tactics being employed by internet fraudsters to dispossess them of their hard-earn money and property. Police Commissioner, Mr. Leye Oyebade, while parading four members of a criminal syndicate in Ibadan, said online transactions, which have become rampant, calls for concern as criminal syndicate are using the oppor-

tunity to commit fraud of monumental dimension. He said: “The command’s effort to combat internet fraud yielded fruit recently when it busted a criminal syndicate that specialised in stealing property of unsuspecting victims using fake bank credit alerts. “The suspects, apart from moving from place to place searching for goods on display also defraud through online shopping by posing as potential buyers to steal valuable property ranging from posh cars, computers, electronic gadgets, cameras,

CHAMS Plc office, Ministry of Finance, Accountant General’s office, Osogbo, conspired to defraud government by forging letters of posting and identity cards of five members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC. He added that the accused presented themselves as medical doctors serving in NYSC batch ‘B’ 2014, the claims later discovered to be untrue. According to him, the act contravened section 422, 467, 516, 108 and 509 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II Law of Osun State of Nigeria, 2003 and punishable under same sections. Magistrate Aluko, before adjournment, told counsel to the accused, Seye Oluyombo, to file formal bail application, and fixed further sitting on the matter for 28th October, 2015.

etc. “On 15th September, 2015, a member of the syndicate had signified interest in buying a Toyota Corolla Saloon car advertised on Cheki.com by Segun Okeowo, an automobile dealer in Ibadan, having completed negotiation, the suspect sent a manipulated false credit alert of one million, four hundred thousand naira to the bank account of the unsuspecting auto dealer who thereafter released and caused the car to be delivered to the supposed genuine buyer at Port Harcourt.

free-flow of storm water in drains. He said the warning was imperative so as to avert consequences listed in the report of the Nigerian Metrological Agency, NIMET, which predicted heavy rainfall for the state, among others. Onisarotu, who pointed out that the rainy season was not over, appealed to Lagosians to clean and clear the drains in their frontage and environs regularly. The permanent secretary advised residents not to panic whenever it rains, as they would start to experience accumulated water concentration on some parts of the roads and highways, depending on the intensity of the rains. He assured that the accumulated water will recede in no time, stressing that whatever flash floods recorded during the rains will gradually discharge in no time because of the effectiveness of the state’s drainage channels.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Two Ekiti agency staff held over N7m fraud Abiodun Nejo Ado Ekiti

wo officials of Central Medical Store located within the premises of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, EKSUTH, have been arrested over a N7m fraud. An audit of the finances of the agency early in the year showed that the amount was missing from its account. The account officials, a man and a woman, were handed over to the police yesterday following directive of the governor that a thorough investigation of the matter be conducted. The woman, who is the prime suspect in the matter, accused the man of collecting the money from her on various dates beginning from April this year. While she claimed she lent the money to her senior counterpart, the man denied any such transaction, saying he was on leave when the said fraud took place. According to her, before she started giving the money to him few days after her posting, she informed a fellow worker that her boss asked her to borrow him the agency’s money in her care. She said: “The fellow worker warned me against doing this, but because he is my boss, when he came

to ask that I borrow him the money again, I obliged. I know this is against civil service rule. “The first money he took from me was N100,000 that was on April 16, 2015. He went ahead to borrow from the government money 36 times. The least he took was N50,000 and the highest was N300,000.” She also alleged that sometimes he would take drugs on credit from the store and asked her to write official receipt to cover the payment without paying. But the man denied ever taking any money from the woman, saying some of the dates listed by her were public holidays like May 29, 2015. The man said that he was on leave from early May to June and that it was when he resumed and was asked to audit the account that he discovered the fraud. He said he drew the woman’s attention to the anomaly and that for three weeks, she was dodging the issue and he had to report to his superior. Ministry of Health officials, including the general manager of the store and the Permanent Secretary, Dr Folake Olomojobi, said it was because the people were not complying with extant rule of paying all daily proceeds to the banks that allowed them to perpetrate the fraud.

Lagos commissioner-nominees: Lawmakers promise impartiality Francis Suberu

agos State House of Assembly has promised not to disqualify any nominee whose name was submitted by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as commissionerdesignate. The lawmakers’ position was made known after a petition was written against one of the nominees, Dr. Femi Onanuga, and subsequent protest to the Assembly by some Lagosians in his favour. Ambode had forwarded a list of 37 names to the House for confirmation. Already, a 15-man adhoc committee chaired by Deputy Speaker, Wasiu Sanni-Eshilokun has been set up to screen the nominees.

South West

Friday, October 9, 2015

Dr. Onanuga’s nomination was opposed by Oladele Benson, who through a petition to the House alleged misappropriation of funds against him. The petition, dated September 28, 2015, said Onanuga, as vice-chairman of Ikoyi Club 1938 and a member of the General Committee of the club between 2007 and 2008 was made to face disciplinary panel in the club as a result of diverse investigation into financial/ administrative activities and was subsequently expulled. A group known as Lagos Good Governance Coalition, LAGCO, also petitioned the House asking that Onanuga should not be confirmed for reason of his alleged indictment.

Doctors’ strike helped curtail Ebola spread —Guild president

ational President, Guild of Medical Directors, Dr Tony Phillips, said doctors’ strike during the Ebola crisis in 2014 helped to curtail its spread in Nigeria. Phillips made the assertion during a visit to First Consultant Hospital, Obalende, Lagos, yesterday, as part of activities to mark 25th National Annual General Meeting of the guild. He said the visit was significant because of the role the hospital played in cur-

tailing the spread of Ebola in the country. It would be recalled that the first Ebola patient in Nigeria, Patrick Sawyer, a Liberian, died at the hospital, leading to the death of Dr Stella Adadevoh. “Ebola is one disease that has kept the world on its toes, especially Nigeria, and what Nigeria did with regards to curtailing its spread was significant. “I have said it before that the doctors’ strike that time was divine and if not for the

intervention of First Consultant Hospital, it would have been worse. “Ebola would have been all over the place because Patrick Sawyer wouldn’t have travelled all the way from airport to this hospital. “What if he went to a general hospital like the Lagos State Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, and met with out-patients? It could have been a fatal spread. “This hospital lost many of its staff and re-

sources as a result of this incident and this necessitated the honour of visiting the hospital,” he said. Phillips said most Nigerians still entertained the fear of going to hospital, but advised that the facility was safe for people as the government had certified it so. Chief Medical Director, Dr Benjamin Ohaeri, later conducted the guild’s president and his entourage round the facility.

L-R: Warrant Officer, Abdullahi Tukur; Wing Commander Ridwan Abdullahi; Osun State Deputy Governor; Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori; Governor Rauf Aregbesola; Managing Director, Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Ltd, Air Commodore Emmanuel Eze; Osun Airport Project Engineer, Engr. Aminu Suleiman and Warrant Officer, Sulman Tosho, during a courtesy visit to the governor towards the completion of the MKO International Airport, in Abere, Osogbo.

MKO Abiola Int’l Airport ready next year —Osun govt Boladale Bamigbola Osogbo

ontractor handling MKO Abiola International Airport in Osun State, Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Limited, has assured that the project would be ready for operation next May. Managing Director of the Nigeria Air Force-owned company, Air Commodore Hyacinth Eze, stated this when he led a team of engineers handling the project to Governor Rauf Aregbesola in Osogbo. The airport at Ido-Osun in Egbedore Local Government Area, when completed, would be a cargo and aircraft maintenance hub. At completion, the airport, it was said, would be the first to have a hanger for maintenance of different types of

aircraft and helicopters in the West African sub-region. He explained that the delay in completing the project was caused by little hitch that has been overcome. Eze assured that work will be fast on the project site so as to meet the tentative target of eight months being proposed for full com-

Saidat Alausa

ndomie Independence Day 8th edition Award for Heroes, IIDA, will hold tomorrow in Lagos. IIDA is the Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of Dufil Prima Foods Plc, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles. A statement signed by Public Relations and Event Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju, said

mencement of operation at the airport. He said: “Our company has two on-going projects in the state, one, which is the most important of the projects is the airport named MKO Abiola International Airport. “It is a project that we started and we have little

hitch along the line but today, I am happy to inform you that this project is being revived. “We have gone up to seventy per cent of the work and in another eight months we are hoping that this project will be completed and handed over to the state of Osun.”

Finalist of Indomie Independence Day hero emerges Saturday the award eulogises the exemplary accomplishments of children who are young, yet mature and have shown courage and determination in situations that ordinarily would bring fear, discouragement and self-pity. The event will be graced by top government functionaries, captains of industry, celebrities, the media and

students. The statement further reveals that the finalists emerged after a very thorough selection process carried out by eminent Nigerians who constituted the panel of judges. Winners will be rewarded with scholarship of N1m, N750, 000 and N500, 000 respectively.

South-East

Friday, October 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

HIV prevalence increases in Enugu –CiSHAN Emmanuel Ezeh ENUGU

non-governmental organisation, Civil Society for HIV/ AIDS in Nigeria, CiSHAN, Enugu State Chapter, has raised the alarm over the high rate of HIV infection in the state. The state coordinator of CiSHAN, Mrs. B.C Nwibechukwu, who disclosed this in an address when the organisation paid a working visit to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Edward Ubosi, advocated that more funds should be budgeted for HIV/AIDS related cases. She lamented that the infection had increased among heterosexual group, which includes people who are in marital or cohabiting relationship. “The state of HIV prevalence shows that the rate of infection is on the increase and presently far above the national and zonal average,” Nwibechukwu stated. She pointed out that a 1986 survey report showed that Enugu State had high prevalence of above 6.5 per cent, which was the highest then in the country but that with time, the rate came down. She expressed surprise that it had begun to rise again. Explained the source of her fears, she said: “Recent

studies and surveys carried out reveal new infection trends coming from the hitherto low risk segment of the population that were not targeted for preventive services. “Mother-to-child transmission of HIV constitutes a huge public health concern globally and especially in resource-poor countries.” The coordinator, who used the visit to intimate the Speaker on the forthcoming launching of their maiden Strategic Plan document in November, expressed worry that if nothing was done fast, Enugu State might be in serious danger in future because some donor agencies would soon stop their financial intervention. “Honourable Speaker sir, we are worried and concerned on the ability of the state to sustain the gains made in the areas of HIV & AIDS prevention, treatment, care, and support. “Our worry is worsened by the continuous donor fatigue and also due to the fact that most donors would be closing shops towards the end of 2015. “What this portends is that if no proactive measure is taken to sustain the gains and improve on it, we may find ourselves in a state worst than we were some few years back,” she further stated.

Anambra orders ‘stop work’ at motor park project in Onitsha Gloria Anaeze ONITSHA

n a bid to avoid environmental hazard at Housing Estate, Fegge Onitsha, Anambra State, the state government yesterday ordered that an illegal motor park and toilet facility currently being constructed be stopped immediately. The project which is being sited along the Onitsha/Asaba expressway (bridge head approach) according to the state Chief of Staff, Prof. Joseph Asika, be terminated forthwith stating that the project has no approval from Ministry of Land and that the site is meant for flower pots to help beautify the environment. He also ordered that the culvert being constructed on the drainage be removed. The Chief of staff, who stormed the project site at about 2.30pm to see things by himself based on com-

plaints from the President General of the Housing Estate, Chief Ikechukwu Odumegwu Omus and other residents posited that such projects if allowed to be constructed would make the area unsafe for residents. Omus said: “Former Governor Peter Obi planned the estate in such a way to beautify the expressway so that those coming from the west to the eastern part of the state through Asaba would see the beauty of Onitsha that is the commercial nerve centre of the state.” He expressed happiness that the state government realised the importance of the estate and its adjoining service lanes that help to beautify the expressway with flower pots. The Chief of staff warned that no construction should be held there except the flower pot to help beautify the environment.

L-R: Head of Anti-Corruption Unit of ICPC, Mr. Justin Kuatsea; representative of Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr. Abubakar Jimoh and Head of Corruption, Monitoring Unit of ICPC, Mr. Akeem Lawal, during close of sensitisation workshop on anti-corruption in Enugu, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Nigeria witnessing a rebirth –Iloh Ifeanyi Eduzor

residing Pastor of Soul Winning Chapel, Yaba, Lagos State, Rev. Dr. Moses Iloh has said Nigeria is witnessing a rebirth under President Muhammadu Buhari. The man of God also enjoined Nigerians to exercise patience with the present administration as it strive to bring the desired change that will make the country better. Iloh, who stated this during an interactive session with the media, also urged Nigerians to stop complaining about those the President has chosen as his ministers because he deserves the right to choose those whom he

feels can help him achieve his set objectives. “I want every Nigerian to understand that the country is witnessing a rebirth under President Muhammadu Buhari because he is trying to block every loophole through which people siphon our Commonwealth. “It is unfortunate that some politicians who are bent on pulling him down have already started assessing him after only four months because it is no longer business as usual. “Some are even complaining about his ministerial list but the truth of the matter is that the President as an anti- corruption crusader is on the right track and unless he fights the cancer called corruption, Nigeria will never

move forward,” he said. On the decision of the President to retain the petroleum portfolio, the cleric noted that it was a wise decision as that is the only way he can checkmate the wrath in the oil sector which has caused the country millions in foreign exchange. According to him, all the President wants is to ensure that NNPC is sanitised and the issue of oil theft becomes a thing of the past to enable the government have enough revenue to provide good roads, hospitals, schools , constant electricity supply and other social amenities to the people. “Anybody who is not happy with the decision of Mr. President to retain the Oil Portfolio should be re-

garded as an enemy of the country. When you consider the wrath in the NNPC and the reported cases of oil theft, you will appreciate his decision. I think he wants to bring sanity to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources for at least a period of one year after which he can now hand over the place to another person”, said the Reverend gentleman. Rev. Iloh while maintaining that it is too early to assess the President, urged Nigerians to pray for him so that he will complete the good work he started; saying that by the time the President succeeds in reducing corruption to its barest minimum, Nigerians will appreciate him more.

Tanker drivers lament state of Enugu-Onitsha road …loses over N200m in 3 months Francis Ekpone ONITSHA

orried by the deplorable state of the Enugu-Onitsha expressway and other highways across the country, the Petroleum Tanker Drivers, PTD branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas workers, NUPENG, yesterday, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to prioritise the rehabilitation of federal roads, which they said has become death trap for motorists and commuters across the country. Unit chairman, Comrade Godwin EzebuiloAnyim, in a press briefing with journalists in Onitsha disclosed that over N200m worth of products was lost on the road in the last three

months. He added that a good number of tanker drivers and conductors have lost their lives in many carnage that often occur on the road. Anyim, who was flanked by Deputy Chairman, Pius Ani, noted that all federal roads in the south east, including Enugu-Onitsha expressway, Nnewi-Arondizogu road, Enugu-Port Harcourt road, NnewiOkigwe road, Ihiala-OrluUmuahia road and the Aguleri-Nsukka-Adani road that link south east to the northern part of the country are all impassable. Enugu-Onitsha expressway that is about 110 kilometres, they said, takes tanker drivers almost the whole day. “Apart from the lives of

our members that are at great risk, the 33-35 capacity load of products valued at N9 million are lost, as they burn to ashes whenever tanker crashes on the road. “In the last three months, we have lost over N200m worth of products and in most cases, the drivers die or sustain serious injuries,” he said. The unit chairman also noted that a gully erosion is about to cut the highway into two around Nkpor-flyover axis in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The erosion site, which is located beside the flyover after the Mgbuka Market road, Nkpor has already eaten a sizable part of the road, investigation revealed.

Contributing, Ani said the road when rehabilitated, will open up economic activities in the area. He commended the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano for providing terminal where tanker drivers can take rest. He stated that tanker drivers cannot move in the night as directed by government due to the condition of the roads and the activities of the men of the underworld. It would be recalled that senators, in August this year lamented the deplorable state of road infrastructure across the country, regretting that successive administrations since 1999 had committed trillions of Naira to maintain the various highways.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Friday, October 9, 2015

NDDC accused of funding PDP guber campaigns Elo Ogwara Warri

iger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has allegedly concluded arrangements to finance the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, with funds running into billions of naira in Bayelsa State gubernatorial election later this year. National Mirror also gathered that the commission has paid millions of naira to some top-notch party members in both Akwa Ibom and Delta states in anticipation of rerun elections and in Edo State, for the 2016 governorship race. According to sources, who did not want their names mentioned, NDDC through its top management paid for projects belonging to affiliates of Bayelsa State governor and former President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the December 5 election. Among the projects paid in Bayelsa are the Otuoke road project and the Women Empowerment Training Programme, birthed by former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, our sources revealed. In Akwa Ibom, the sources stated that loyalists of for-

mer governor, Godswill Akpabio are being paid millions of naira in readiness for a governorship and senatorial rerun. They further alleged that a former NDDC Representative and PDP leader in Delta State has received huge sums of money in anticipation of the various rerun elections in the state, while in Edo, an equally enormous sum has been paid to a former Representative of the PDP, to support the party in the 2016 governorship campaign. In a related development, a group under the aegis of Niger Delta Political Watch has expressed concern over alleged underground activities between the PDP and the NDDC. Wondering why the Presidency is yet to make moves against the opposition, which it claimed uses the Commission to fight All Progressives Congress, APC, the group condemned the partial dissolution of the NDDC board, asking for a total dissolution. It also urged the Federal Government to keep close watch on the agency and make haste to prosecute any official guilty of the said allegations.

World Sight Day: Optometrists screen 500 patients in Anambra Francis Ekpone Onitsha

nambra State chapter of the Nigerian Optometrists Association, NOA, yesterday screened over 500 patients at Abagana in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, as part of activities lined up to mark the 2015 World Sight Day. Disclosing this to newsmen in Awka, state chairman of the association, Dr. Obi Ifeanyi, who led a team of his members on an advocacy visit to the office of Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Akabuike, observed that the celebration offers them opportunity to engage with wider audience, especially those who seldom get eye examination. Dr. Obi, however, noted that the visit to the commissioner and other stakeholders in the state was aimed at contributing to the achievement of the global action target of reducing avoidable blindness and vision impairment as major international and local public health issues.

According to him, the celebration will raise public awareness of blindness and vision impairment and as well influence government to participate and designate funds for blindness prevention activities. He regretted that there are about 286 million people globally who are visually impaired, pointing out that statistics shows that un-operated cataract and glaucoma contributes more to severe visual impairment in Nigeria. While commending Governor Willie Obiano for his developmental initiatives in the state, he stressed the need for government to employ more optometrists as primary eye care providers and post them to local government and rural communities. Receiving them on behalf of the Commissioner, state Director, Medical Services, Dr. Nethan Ojekwu appreciated them for the complementary effort of the association in the healthcare delivery services in the state and assured them.

Residents of Ogbenogbo, Ogbegbuya and Goodwill/Trade Fair communities protesting at the Benin Electricity Distribution Company’s Headquarters over alleged persistent blackout, in their communities for over two years, in Benin, Edo State, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

UCTH quarantines 10 over Ebola scare in C`River Richard Ndoma Calabar

niversity of Calabar Teaching Hospital, UCTH, yesterday quarantined 10 persons, following the death of a patient in the hospital who died of symptoms suspected to be Ebola virus. Briefing journalists on the issue at the hospital

Amour Udemude Asaba

ollowing what it called present danger to the economy and national security as a result of years of systematic rot, looting, lack of accountability and lack of patriotism, the Vanguard for Transparent Leadership and Democracy, VATL, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emer-

conference room in Calabar, Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, UCTH, Dr Queeneth Kalu, stated that blood samples had already been sent to the Ebola Diagnosing Centre in Benin, Edo State, for test and analysis. She said: “On Wednesday, October 7 this year we managed a patient who presented symptoms mim-

icking viral hemorrhage (Ebola Virus) and have decided to take the necessary measures.” The chairman maintained that those quarantined are principally nurses who attended to the patient and those who came in contact with him before his death. “The following have been informed, National

Centre for Disease Control, Federal Ministry of Health, Cross River State Government, Calabar Municipality, and the Department of Security Services, DSS, ” Queeneth added. Kalu said that further information would be provided as soon as the result of the blood samples is received.

Declare emergency on petroleum, defence, group urges Buhari gency on the petroleum and defence sectors. National President of the group, Comrade Emmanuel Odafe Igbini, in a statement signed in Asaba, called on the President to unconditionally and urgently invoke Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, to declare a state of emergency

in both sectors. Igbini said during the emergency period, Buhari should directly carry out his constitutional duty to exercise his executive powers as stipulated by section 5 of the 1999 Constitution to take full and direct charge of the affairs of the sectors until sanity is restored. According

to the transparency group, while the state of emergency is in place, members of the National Assembly should cooperate and give the president maximum and political support and encouragement in the task of restoring sanity to governance and management of the nation.

Akwa Ibom to revisit contributory pension scheme

kwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel has said his administration was gearing up to review the existing pension laws with a view to putting in place efficient structural framework for smooth implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme. The measure, according to the governor, is to ensure proper management of the pension scheme to forestall the prevalent deficit on pension arrears of workers dur-

ing retirement. Governor Emmanuel dropped the hint while fielding questions from Government House reporters on his arrival at Ibom International Airport where he attended the World Pension Summit held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. The governor, who maintained that the Contributory Pension Scheme was far better than the Definite Pension System currently in operation, said the measure will checkmate misappropria-

tion and change the perception of workers, who look forward to retirement with gloom as they usually wait for years without receiving their entitlement. “I want to see a state that within a short period, we don’t have any deficit of the pension arrears,” the governor stated. Commenting on their participation, Commissioner for Finance Mr. Akan Okon noted that the state has a lot to gain from the Summit and gave an insight into

how the state will tap into the pension reserved fund which has been dormant. His counterpart in the Ministry of Investment, Commerce and Industry Mr. Emmanuel Enoidem, who described the Summit as a congregation of practitioners and experts from within and outside the country in the management of pension funds, remarked that the Summit has given the state opportunity to deepen it knowledge in pension funds management.

North

Friday, October 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Boko Haram: Watch out for cluster bombs, Military warns …sends reinforcement to Geidam Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

igerian military yesterday warned that Boko Haram insurgents have resorted to dropping clusters bombs all over the North East and other parts of the country, asking everyone to be on the lookout. A statement by Defence Headquarters, DHQ, through its Director of Defence Information, DDI, Colonel Rabe Abubakar, said such cluster bombs also known as scatter bombs, have been recovered in contested areas by Nigerian Army Engineers serving in Adamawa State. It said the military high command has discovered that Boko Haram terrorists in the areas have used such lethal instruments over time to push their callous cause. “For easy identification, it is important to note that cluster bombs are bombs that house submunitions, that is, smaller explosives contained in individual cases. “These bombs are used against large areas containing many targets, such as columns of vehicles, marketplaces, places of worship or large troop concentration, as the case may

be. “Some cluster bombs carry several hundred of very small explosives wrapped in a metal container like a pot, while others carry larger sub-munitions that can find specific targets such as tanks. “Some of these submunitions do not blow up immediately, but remain behind and act as landmines. “This can be an acceptable explanation for the recovery of catches of these bombs by Nigerian Army Engineers in the area,” DHQ said. It requested the public to be wary of such concealed dangerous equipment now being used by the terrorist elements to cause havoc to both innocent lives and property. DHQ also advised that such objects/materials if seen anywhere, should immediately be reported to security agencies for prompt action. It said that the terrorists are desperate and frustrated and could use any cruel instrument to actualize their evil intention. Meanwhile, Nigerian Army said it has sent reinforcement to troops in Gaidam, Yobe State, following the attack on Sector 1 of 27 Task Force Bri-

Buhari’s wife, Okorocha condole with Sokoto over Hajj deaths

ife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, and Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, have condoled with the people and government of Sokoto State over the death of pilgrims from the state in Saudi Arabia during the last Hajj. A statement issued by Malam Imam Imam, spokesman to Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, said the two personalities expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident and prayed God to bless the souls of the dead. The statement said while the President’s wife sent a letter and delegation to commiserate with the state government, Okorocha led a delegation of

Imo State officials to meet with Governor Tambuwal in Government House on Wednesday. Both leaders urged the people of Sokoto to take heart and be consoled by the fact that the pilgrims met their deaths while engaged in acts of worship. They prayed to God to bless the dead, heal the injured and for Him to give their immediate families the fortitude to bear the loss. Governor Tambuwal thanked the two leaders for their prayers and prayed to God to reward them abundantly. While in Sokoto, Governor Okorocha inspected the site for the proposed Rochas Okorocha Foundation College to be built in the state.

gade located in that town. Director of Army Relations, DAPR, Colonel Sani Usman, who said a Special Task Force, STF, was sent on that reinforcement mission, confirmed that the attack by the terrorists, which claimed three soldiers, was successfully repelled. Usman also said that the troops killed most of the attacking terrorists and destroyed their weapons and equipment. He said the Army also lost some equipment during the encounter.

Also, the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, LtGen. Tukur Buratai, who was on operational visit to the North East, personally visited the troops location and assessed the damage done. Buratai used the opportunity to warn the officers of the unit that such ugly incident should not be allowed to happen again. The COAS also drove into the town and further assessed damage by the terrorists and gave further directives to the troops for the defence and

improved security of the general area. He also met with some of the community leaders and Idris Aloma Polytechnic staff where he assured them of their safety and improved security. He noted that the situation in Geidam was now calm and people are going about their normal businesses. Buratai assured the public that the isolated incident would not be allowed to repeat itself. He also reaffirmed the Army’s determination and

commitment to route out the terrorists in all their enclaves before the end of the year. Buratai was received at Geidam by the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Major General Hassan Umaru and Acting Commander 27 Task Force Brigade who led the reinforcement team. After visiting Geidam, COAS has continued his operational visit to other formations and units within the theatre of war against the Boko Haram terrorists.

L-R: Executive Director Business Development, New Nigerian Development Company (NNDC), Abass Wazir; Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed; Executive Director, Investment, NNDC, Abdullahi Ali Gombe and Managing Director, NNIL Commercial Company, Usman Sarikinyaki, during a courtesy visit to the Government House, Ilorin, yesterday.

Abdulgafar Oladimeji KANO

ano State Police Command has apprehended a cleric for conspiring with one of his followers in a $100.000 fraud. The duo was alleged to have duped a businessman resident in Nasarawa quarters of the Kano metropolis. The police said Sayyadi Hassan Muhammad of Unguwa-Uku Quarters encouraged Mukaila Ibrahim (37) of Nasarawa GRA to steal the equivalent of N22 million from his employer. Spokesman of the state police command, Magaji Musa Majiya paraded the suspects before newsmen yesterday. He said: “Before you is Mallam Sayyadi Hassan Muhammad of Unguwa

Uku Qtrs Kano. A self acclaimed Islamic scholar who induced a domestic servant Munkaila Ibrahim aged 37yrs of Nassarawa GRA Kano, to steal the sum of $100,00 (N22m), from his employer. “After the deal was done, the Malam gave the sum of N6m to the said Munkaila and converted the balance to himself. “Investigation revealed that the Malam used his own part of the loot for the following: A Honda Civic valued at N850, 000. A tricycle machine valued N430,000, a Mercedes Benz valued N1.6m, a shop rented at Kantin Kwari Market at the cost of N1.5m, textile materials valued N1.650 and cash sum of N432,100. Also recovered are white clothes and papers with Arabic inscriptions for

rituals. “On the side of Munkaila, a plot of land built at Hotoro area valued N2,165,200. Golf car valued at N550,000. Zongshen motorcycle, valued N135,000, a fridge, a set of television, decoder and gas cooker. “Another suspect Habibu was given the sum of N90,000. Investigation is on top gear”. The cleric told journalists that the allegations levied against him were true, adding that he engaged in spiritual exercises to tether the owner of the stolen money from complaining. “My spiritual powers failed me,” he said. The police spokesman also disclosed that men of the command engaged in gun duel with an armed robbery gang that stormed the

residence of a former military administrator. “Men of the Kano State special force on tactical duty along Kwairanga Road Nassarawa GRA Kano responded to a distress call that some armed men have attacked the resident of a retired senior police officer and former military administrator. “With superior fire power the men gunned down one of them on his leg who was later identified as Kelechi Sunday ‘m’ of Mbano LGA of Imo State. “On spot search, a knife, two live cartridges and one empty shell were recovered from him, while another suspect, Nnoye from the same Mbano LGA and one other escaped with the operational weapons.

Friday, October 9, 2015

Open govt, way forward for Nigeria –LP scribe 14 Ayo Esan

ormer Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olabode George has dissociated himself from the grievances of former Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, Sure-P employees describing the publication that linked him with their grievances as outrageous, cruel and outrightly libelous. Speaking with journalists, George said ‘“it is a wild thrashing in the wind, a desperate grasping for scapegoat. But this idiocy will never work”. It would be recalled that workers of the SureP/FERMA Federal Task Force protested against an alleged fraudulent extortion of money from them by the some executives of the pro-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

George dissociates self from former Sure-P employees’ grievances gramme. The workers allegedly mentioned their National co-ordinator, Alhaji Abdurazak Rafiu , Chief Bode George , Senator Ogunlewe and others as the ones that extorted money from them. George however told journalists that he did not authorize, employ or mobilize anyone as Sure-P workers and that he never at any particular time encouraged anyone to levy anybody or extort any party member under the guise of dubious employment scheme. He said that in some warped and disturbed minds whatever aches the Lagos State PDP must somehow be the making

of Chief Bode George saying that, “ he is at no time the general superintendent of the PDP but merely a guide, an avuncular stabilizing presence amid the ebb and flow of politics”. George said “ Chief Bode George continues to spend his hard-earned resources to assist all and sundry who need support . He never asks for recompense save for the grace of Heaven. “At the height of the electioneering period all kinds of groups, clubs, gatherings and innumerable association often emerge ,

with each making all kinds of claims and clamouring for partisan advantages . To deceive and suborn the unwary, many of these groups often invoke ties to party leadership that never exist. “Whenever the party leadership is informed of any dubious engagement among these groups we immediately refer the matter to the law enforcement agencies”, George said. He further said that, when it was reported to the party leaders that some people were being recruited into a Sure-P employment scheme in Lagos, “we

responded promptly that the outfit is illegal and without government approval”. “We encouraged various disclaimers in the newspapers by the legitimate SureP in Abuja to put the matter to rest”, he said. “To help our young men and women who were unemployed, we arranged a strategic partnership with FIIRO at Oshodi for a federal government skill acquisition scheme. The participants pay directly to FIIRO for the programme. We invited gentlemen of the press to interact with

the participants of the programme after they had successfully completed the project. The various graduates of the FIIRO scheme are now self employed and are presently contributing meaningfully to our society. “This is basically the kind of civic intervention we engage in. The PDP is not an employment agency and we never encourage extortion of any kind. If anyone has been conned by unscrupulous elements, we advise that the real culprits should be brought before the law swiftly for justice to be served”.

Kogi Election: Vote not fight campaign launched Wale Ibrahim LOKOJA

head of Kogi State Gubernatorial election slated for November 21, 2015, a media campaign ‘Vote not Fight, election not war’ has been launched in Kogi state. The Vote not fight campaign was officially launched in October 2014 by 2face Foundation and Young Stars Development Initiative, YDI ahead of March 2015 general election. It was officially launched by the collaboration of National Democratic Institute, 2Face Foundation and Centre For Human Rights and Conflicts Resolution to ensure violence- free governorship election in the state. Speaking at the launching ceremony, the Founder and popular musician, Innocent Idibia urged the youths not to engage themselves in violence before, during and after governorship election in Kogi state. He advised that under no circumstance should the youths allowed themselves

to be used as thugs for any politician to prosecute his selfish agenda. The NDI Senior programme, Citizen for Participation, Mr. Machill Manidu Maxiwell who spoke at the occasion stated that the slogan” Vote not fight, Election no be war” encourages youths to be peaceful during the election. “The Campaign is focused on Nigerian youth and upholds the belief that Nigeria greatest resource for its future development is its youthful population”, he stated. The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Kogi State , Alhaji Halilu Hussien Pai called on other stakeholders to join the campaign against violence in an election, noting that, INEC cannot do it alone. The REC who was represented by the Head of Voters Education, Mr Daniel Kure called on the youths in the state not to allow themselves to be used by politicians as thugs before, during and after election in the state.

L-R: Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima; Nasarawa State Governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and Sen. Philip Aduda, during the Leadership 2014 Annual Conference and Awards in Abuja, on Wednesday.

Tribunal dismisses petition against Adamawa legislator Livinus Menedi YOLA

lection Petition Tribunal for Adamawa sitting in Abuja has dismissed an election eligibility suit instituted against Alhaji Mohammed Hayatu Atiku, member representing Uba/ Gaya state constituency in the state assembly. The suit which was dismissed on technical grounds, yesterday in Abuja, was filed by Hon. Mustapha Maigari, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, challenging the eligibility of Mohammed Hayatu Atiku, of the All Progressive Congress, APC after he defeated the former

to clinch the Uba/ Gaya state constituency seat in the state assembly. Hon Mustapha Maigari, the two-term member of the State assembly while reacting to the tribunal judgement, told newsmen, about his plan to appeal the judgment. Maigari said his case at the election petition tribunal was struck out on technical ground, adding that, Hayyatu Mohammed Atiku, whom he has dragged before the tribunal over his ineligibility, because of alleged certificate forgery is living on borrowed time. According to him, Hayatu who replaced him as a state

legislator is only warming his seat in the house, because he is likely to get justice at a higher court. He said his reason for believing that he could get victory, if he appealed the tribunal verdict followed the technicality which the judge used in striking out his case. He explained that justice Anthony Onovo struck out his allegation of certificate forgery against his opponent on the grounds that he failed to give cause why a fresh election should be conducted having also failed to ask for the cancellation of the election. “Since the petitioner did

not seek for a fresh election in his prayer before the tribunal therefore, the tribunal will not act as father Christmas,” the tribunal judge upheld while delivering his judgment. During the legal fireworks, the tribunal had subpoenaed the registrar of the Ahmadu Bello University to appear and testify before the tribunal. It was gathered that the Deputy Registrar of the institution who appeared before the tribunal and testified that the certificate allegedly presented to INEC by Alhaji Atiku was not that of the institution but rather forged.

Politics

Barrister Kayode Ajulo is the National Secretary of the Labour Party, LP. In this interview with AYO ESAN, he reacts to the list of ministerial nominees as announced by President Muhammadu Buhari and assesses Nigeria at 55, among other issues of national importance. Excerpts:

Friday, October 9, 2015

Open govt, way forward for Nigeria –LP scribe ing its voice as the credible opposition. Our approach has been very unique in that we do not just attack the president and the party in power, APC, without cause. Ours has been scientific, objective and positive criticism which strives to correct the wrong steps of the government while also commending them when they are worthy of commendation. The great goal is a better nation for us all, so we do not see it as a battle to tear down the president or to make the nation ungovernable, as some had vowed to do in the past. We are working with the president, the government, and the party in power to return Nigeria to greatness. And we believe the response from the presidency is to acknowledge indelible contribution by doing what is right and desirable to all Nigerians.

How would you react to the ministerial nominees as announced by President Buhari? The list happens to be confirming the fears of many that change, as touted by the APC, is little more than a fraudulent marketing gimmick that was used to take advantage of the desires and aspirations of Nigerians. Have you seen the list yourself ? What resembles or symbolizes change in the entire list? Nothing. It confirms a common saying, “The more things change, the more they stay the same. President Buhari has spent up to six months assembling a coteir of the same forces that have brought Nigeria to the sorry pass we are currently in. Honestly, it is not fair on the part of the President. It is not fair to the sixteen million Nigerians that voted for him, neither is it fair to the entire nation who has accepted him as president. What we have in the much anticipated list is an assemblage of the old guard, the average age on the list is 61 years old, very sad, whereas it is on record that 76% of the winning votes are those within the bracket age of 1843 years old. Honestly, to say I am disappointed will be a gross understatement. How do you expect the Senate to go about the screening? For long, ministerial screening at the Senate has been a comedy of sorts. We have had cases where the nominee is directed to “take a bow, and go” exempting him or her from what should be a rigorous screening process to determine credibility and capability. The actual screening, when it is even conducted, has been somewhat lukewarm and half-hearted with the panel often being unwilling to ask the tough questions and to inquire into the background and antecedents of the nominee. Now, given that the APC promised Nigerians Change, I expect that it will not be business as usual any longer. I expect that the nominees will be required to give account of their stewardship in the various places where they have served prior to now. The panel should address any and every allegations of misconduct regardless of whether it has been brought before the courts or not. The Senate, under the leadership of Senator Bukola Saraki, cannot afford to let Nigerians down now. Indeed they should not compromise or make light of their duty to screen this set of ministers painstakingly. Nigeria marked its 55th year birthday last week. How will you describe Nigeria at 55? Is the nation on the right path? Like I wrote in an article published in the media last week, it is a milestone marked by mixed feelings. While there is reason to be hopeful as it is commonly said that “while there is life there is hope”, and as it is written in the Bible, “A living dog is better than a dead lion”, we should also examine ourselves in an objective and uncritical light, comparing notes and drawing lessons with nations who have successfully navigated the path we are on in the never-ending journey of nation-building. We have weathered many storms, and while there are many challenges yet to be surmounted, we have reason to be hopeful. However, Nigerians must fasten their garments tightly if indeed we want this democracy to work. We must be relentless in demanding good and transparent governance from the appointed leaders. What is the way forward for the nation? The way forward, as you have described it, is ac-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Some believe that the anti-graft war of President Buhari is slanted towards the opposition, especially those who served on the cabinet of former president, Goodluck Jonathan. What is your take on this? Well, while I am inclined to trust the motives of President Buhari, this allegations of so-called witchhunting cannot be totally dismissed. When you have a situation in which the ruling party’s flagbearer for gubernatorial elections is saddled with allegations of misappropriations of public funds worth billions of naira, then you know that those who are shouting “witchhunt” have something they have observed. When the president’s inner circle is riddled with men of questionable character and records of embezzlement, then you cannot really blame those who say they smell a rat in the anti-corruption war. I support the anti-graft war but I advise President Buhari to ensure that there are no sacred cows.

Ajulo

Governance

should

no longer be shrouded in secrecy; an open

government is the way forward

tive participation in the process of governance, by the citizens. No longer should citizens fold their hands and adopt a siddon look approach. The public has to take the leadership of this nation to task, and hold them accountable. Governance should no longer be shrouded in secrecy; an open government is the way forward. Citizens should also forsake the Ghana-mustgo kind of politics in which elective positions are reserved for the highest bidder. It is time to begin to aspire for responsible leadership across all three tiers of government. Labour Party is expected to provide a virile opposition. Is the party capable of doing this effectively? On that, I think the result so far speak for itself. Even before the May 29 inauguration of President Buhari as president, the Labour Party has been consolidat-

What is your assessment of the Buhari administration in the last four months? It is yet too early to rate his performance. As you know, he has only just announced his ministerial nominees so it is too early to say. However, Nigerians are reeling under the blows of an emerging recession and the Naira continues to plummet on the international market. These are not good signs and Nigerians expect to see the signs of a new dawn as soon as possible. Anything contrary to this, will be unacceptable and the Buhari administration will be in for a backlash from the public. I have urged President Buhari to make known his economic policy so that we can know what he has for the nation. This will go a long way to assure Nigerians that they are in for better times. Again, I urge the president not to take Nigerians for granted and not to take their patience for naivety. We want to see performance and improvement in the standard of living of Nigerians. The country is bedeviled with insurgency, armed robbery and kidnapping. How do we survive as a nation in view of these onslaughts? The challenges you have mentioned cannot be divorced from the abject poverty in the land. The scriptures also teach that “where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint”. Therefore, lack of vision on the part of leadership is also another major cause. Thirdly, an erosions of the ethics and values that build up a nation is to blame for where we have found ourselves as a nation. If we can devise innovative approaches to address these three cardinal issues, I am confident that we would solve these challenges and the troubles would be a thing of history. Let us elect credible leaders, let the leaders appoint credible officials, let the economy be sorted out, and let us educate our youth with the timeless values that build a strong nation, we will find our way out of this wilderness into our own Canaan land.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ayo Esan

he acting Consul General of the United States Consulate in Nigeria, Mrs. Dehab Ghebreab has said that the United States of America will continue to partner Nigeria to achieve peaceful co-existence and sustainable development especially in the country’s drive towards attainment of enduring democracy. She said this on Thursday at a press conference shortly before the premiere of Captive, at the House on the Rock Cathedral in Lagos that peace is not negotiable in any nation that aspires to achieve sustainable democracy and development. Ghebreab said her country; the United States of America is in partner-

Politics

Friday, October 9, 2015

US Consular assures Nigeria of America’s support for enduring democracy ship with The Rock Cathedral to send a strong message that will change people’s life. ‘’We are partnering on a theme to look at a purpose driven life. The movie, Captive shows how the struggle between hope and despair play out’’, Ghebreab said. The American diplomat reminded all that societies learn from each other and in order to extend the American democracy beyond America, ‘‘we decided to share that experience with Nigerians through Selma. “It’s a long term commitment and that’s what we are doing today to send

the message about a purpose driven life which will help contribute to having a purpose driven nation.” The host of the event and Senior Pastor of House on The Rock, Paul Adefarasin earlier spoke on the need for Nigerians to live a purpose driven lifestyle too. He said Nigeria, in her 55 years as an independent nation, has faced a series of challenges such as oppressive regimes, mis-governance and now terrorism. He noted that the country has however overcome most of these challenges that posed great threat to us in the past.

Adefarasin recalled that the public premiere of the movie, Selma in the twilight of Nigeria’s general elections achieved a lot as the movie spoke to the subject of peace at a time when it appeared that Nigeria was going to disintegrate. He said the success of Selma may not have been seen in the physical, but several discerning Nigerians will agree that the peace we enjoy today is very soothing. The clergy also said House on The Rock is working assiduously hard for the attainment of peace because it is only a peaceful atmosphere that

brings about development in a country. Adefarasin charged Nigerians to see themselves as one family. ‘’Do we continue to view one another as different people? Do we accept that we are a united nation or do we insist that we are an amalgam of different nationalities? Do we accept that we are Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Fulani, Kanuri, Bini, Kalabari, Ibibio, Tiv, Birom, Idoma, Efik or the many more tribal distinctions that exist in our country or do we accept that we are simply and proudly Nigerians’’? he asked. Adefarasin further stated that ‘’all the great nations of our world today only became great because they purposed to do so as one people of one nation around an uncompromised system of shared values. Value systems that invariably included Equal Opportunity, Equity, Justice, Freedom,

Peace, Progress and the Majority Principle’’. We must build a country that offers her citizens progress and development in an atmosphere of justice, freedom and equal opportunity. Present at the event was the former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, who expressed delight in the collaboration between the United States Consulate and House on The Rock. According to her the church plays an important role in nation building. “We thank the US consular for this kind of partnership. Strategic partnerships matter. Partnering on such a day as our annual independence makes it much more relevant and is important for nation building’’. She said. Captive was later screened to a cross section of Nigerians from the political, business and social class.

Group urges Buhari to ignore opposition to Shittu’s nomination

M L-R: Members of Nigeria Evangelical Fellowship (NEF), Pastor Joseph Olayemi; Rev. Dr. Aiah Khatenje; Rev. Dr. Dachollor Datiri; Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and Rev. Johnson Adeyemi, during a courtesy visit of NEF to the Government House, Ilorin, yesterday.

PDP raises campaign committees for Kogi, Bayelsa elections Obiora Ifoh ABUJA

he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has set up national campaign committees for the forthcoming governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states, scheduled for November 21 and December 5, 2015 respectively. The Kogi state campaign committee has Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu as Chairman; PDP Board of Trustees, BoT Secretary, Senator Walid Jibril as

Deputy Chairman, while the National Legal Adviser of the party, Barr. Victor Kwon serves as Secretary. The Kogi committee also has the former Senate President, Senator David Mark, seven PDP state governors and other key stakeholders as members. In the same vein, the Bayelsa state campaign committee has Acting BoT Chairman, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed as Chairman, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon.

Emeka Ihedioha as Deputy Chairman, while the Deputy National Secretary of the party, Barr. Onwe Solomon Onwe serves as Secretary. Also on the Bayelsa committee are Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, House Minority Leader, Hon. Leo Ogor, four PDP state governors and other critical stakeholders. In a statement issued by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh on Thursday, the party also approved that all state chairmen, sena-

tors and members of the House of Representatives from the respective zones of the two states are automatic members of the committees. It said that the date for the National flag-off of the gubernatorial campaigns in the two states will be announced in due course. The NWC also urges all PDP members, particularly those in the two states to remain committed and continue to work hard for the success of the party in the governorship elections.

embers of the National Association of Saki Elite, NASE, at home and abroad have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to discountenance the objection raised by the leadership of Oyo State All Progressive Congress, APC for the nomination of Barrister Bayo Shittu as a Minister from the state The call was contained in a statement made available to newsmen yesterday and signed by both the National President and General Secretary of the association, Messrs Dele Togunde and Abraham Ogunkanmbi, respectively. Condemning in totality the opposition to Barrister Shittu as ministerial nominee, the Association stated: “Such opposition is a calculated attempt by the enemies of Saki in particular and Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State in general to continue with the marginalization process that has been on-going for many years”. NASE, which described

Shittu as an illustrious son of Saki, pledged the members’ unalloyed support for him for a ministerial position based on his antecedent. According to the Association, Barr Shittu was a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly during the second republic, a former Oyo State Commissioner for Justice and a political big wig in Saki, Oke-Ogun area and Oyo State for many decades. “Barrister Bayo Shittu was once a Governorship aspirant in Oyo State on the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC. He is noted for his dogged commitment to truth, fairness, justice, openness and accountability. “The National Association of Saki Elite, NASE is calling on President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly to please go ahead to ratify the appointment of Barrister Bayo Shittu as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in this political dispensation”, the association said.

Editorial

Friday, October 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

SUNDAY OLAJIDE MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO BEN MEMULETIWON ACTING DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI SATURDAY EDITOR AYO OLESIN SUNDAY EDITOR DOZIE OKEBALAMA COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD

OSUN

CALLISTUS OKE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR OBIORA IFOH ACTING ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF AUGUSTUS IMEKAN ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

Threats of further insecurity

he remark by Ambassador Layi Laseinde, a keynote speaker at the recent 4th Biennial International Conference of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, that the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), might eventually unleash another round of security challenge of the Boko Haram magnitude on Nigeria if not nipped in the bud, appeared a piece of advice the Federal Government could not afford to gloss over. It may be added, however, that not only MASSOB possesses such threat, considering the saber-rattling of Niger Delta militants before and after the last general elections. We recall that at a meeting with Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State on January 24, which had in attendance former Niger Delta militants’ leaders like Commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Victor-Ben Ebikabowei, aka Boyloaf; leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Mujahid Dokubo-Asari; and Government Ekpudomenowei, aka Tompolo, the militants threatened unrest should former President Goodluck Jonathan lose his second term bid. Of course, Jonathan lost the poll and the militants could still be ruing their electoral loss. Shortly after the

inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari government, MEND equally threatened to resume hostilities purportedly in protest against the huge salaries and allowances of members of the National Assembly. But special cognizance ought to be taken of MASSOB, which is fuelled by some of the factors Laseinde identified as the root causes of insecurity in Africa, like low level of development, corruption, uncontrolled population growth, illiteracy, poor infrastructure and introduction of democracy without recourse to the cultural differences of the people. The threat deserves a closer scrutiny with the long leadership failure the country has witnessed for decades, as well as the current resonation in the South East of alleged marginalisation under the Buhari leadership. Of note too would be the response of MASSOB to the position conveyed to its leadership lately by the youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndi’gbo, to the effect that seceding from Nigeria, which is the dream of MASSOB, would not be in the interest of the Igbo. The militant group, however, thinks otherwise; and is insisting that its members are ready to die for the secession of Biafran Republic from Nigeria. The group’s Director of Information,

BUHARI SHOULD BE FAIR TO ALL THE

FEDERATING UNITS; AND STRIVE TO ADDRESS THE FRUSTRATING SETBACKS THAT INCITE CITIZENS AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT Mr. Uchenna Madu, was quoted as saying there were several Igbo people who believed in MASSOB’s mission, but who would not identify with the group for fear of incarceration. This may not be out of place, considering the recent revelation by the Nigerian military that some prominent individuals and political groups from Borno State in particular and North East in general, appeared determined to undermine and scuttle the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the country. “It has come to our knowledge that they are employing all means to see that our operation does not succeed, in order for them to continue to enjoy certain benefits. People should place the interest of the nation above any personal gain or ambition”, the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, was quoted as saying. It is to avert complicated situ-

ON THIS DAY October 9, 1983 The attempted assassination of South Korean President, Chun Doo-hwan, during an official visit to Rangoon, the capital of Burma, occurred. Although Chun survived, the blast killed 17 members of his entourage, including four cabinet ministers; and injured 17 others. During the visit, President Doo-hwan planned to lay a wreath at the Martyrs’ Mausoleum to commemorate Aung San, who founded independent Burma but was assassinated in 1947.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

October 9, 2006 North Korea purportedly tested its first nuclear device. It announced its intention to conduct a test on October 3, six days prior, and in doing so, became the first nation to give warning of its first nuclear test. The blast was estimated to have had an explosive force of less than one kiloton; and some radioactive output was detected. United States’ officials suggested the device might have been a nuclear explosive that misfired.

ations amid daunting security challenges as the type that the nation’s military is enmeshed in that cutting further threats to the nation’s security to size should be confronted decisively, before they morph to national conflagrations; whether in the East, West, North or South; and by whatever name called. The nation’s law on treasonable felony and the punishment for culprits are clear, but were hamstrung in the past by undue politicisation and the absence of political will to enforce them. Yet no nation can truly lay claim to being a sovereign state when lawlessness and impunity reign supreme. The nation has wasted and is still injecting gargantuan funds and resources fighting insurgency up North, and more in trying to pacify restiveness and militancy in the Niger Delta region. The Buhari government should avert anything that would attract the kind of embarrassing letter a group that addressed itself as ‘Patriotic Army Officers’ wrote Jonathan shortly before he left office, in which the soldiers accused the government of the former president of not acting timely to combat insurgency. Buhari should be fair to all the federating units; and strive to address the frustrating setbacks that incite citizens against the government.

x October 9, 2012 Members of the Pakistani Taliban made a failed attempt to assassinate Malala Yousafzai on her way home from school. Yousafzai (born July 12, 1997) is a Pakistani school pupil and education activist from the town of Mingora in the Swat District of Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. She is known for her education and women’s rights activism in the Swat Valley, where the Taliban had banned girls from attending school.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Views

Friday, October 9, 2015

Extremists versus moderate Nigerians Counter-terrorism Tips With

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

hese years of Boko Haram-inflicted violence are surprisingly seen as part of a defensive jihad of Abubakar Shekau. For that we believe it is our collective obligation to forcefully resist these jihadists and punish them, using our legal system in the same way they have been punishing us by reflecting on the Independence Day bomb blasts in Borno, Kuje and Nyanya. In sum, BH is propagating a bleak ideology, glorifying death and advancing a wholly utopian ideal. This sect employs a simple, but powerful narrative of false revolution and resistance, honour and retribution; all grounded in a particular interpretation of Islam. This has allowed it to control its ideology even as its organisational structure has fragmented and flattened under the current administration’s persistent onslaughts. The BH’s greatest achievement has been the grasp of the potential of modern media. Partly, this success was a matter of timing as the group has come to prominence at a time when two key trends in modern media have assisted its ideological narrative. For instance, satellite television itself emerged as the

dominant form of mass communication, reaching audiences that were hitherto subjected to state censorship. The evolution of the Internet into a multimedia distribution network capable of handling video and audio communications has equally subsequently been an important development. To exploit this, the group developed its own video production capabilities, with its own media arm, dispatching combat camera teams on operations, and disseminating professionally polished films over the Internet, often mixing terrorism, combat footage, and ideological exposition. Another trend in modern media that has aided the distribution of the narrative is the gradual supplanting of mass communication with online social networks. This allows ease of recruitment, ideological development, and operational planning that is difficult to map out and suppress. These two have played an important part in the promotion of BH ideology. Boko Haram believes in the principle words are dead until we give them life with our blood. Experts on terrorism have tried in vain to identify a common predisposition of BH hate-campaign. The only thing that can be said of this group’s adherents with any degree of confidence is that they are not in reality representing any particular religion as they portray. This deadly sect has become the dominant global terrorist brand, largely a result of its successful use of violence

OUR IDEOLOGICAL FAULT LINE SHOULD NOT BE BETWEEN MUSLIMS

AND THE CHRISTIANS; RATHER IT SHOULD BE BETWEEN EXTREMIST AND MODERATE NIGERIANS

against the Nigerian state. And this has severely strained relations between confessional communities, states and ethnicities in the land. The FG government’s choosing to engage in a battle of ideas with Boko Haram should have had two related goals: the narrow goal to stop the terrorists, and the much broader one to contest BH’s ideology. Whichever way you look at it, terrorism is a troubling concept for a democracy, whose political elites must negotiate the difficult terrain between message control and liberalism. BH seeks to persuade, not to debate, in creating a mental landscape in which certain ideas lie beyond the imagination of indoctrinated minds. Realistically, the aim of BH has been to persuade its subjects or public to subscribe to one point of view; foreclosing other options in the process. Some key themes have emerged clearly in our counterterrorism narratives, although there are still some sense of moving forward even as BH’s existence has exposed our vulnera-

bilities from various fronts, for example; our military might, the relevance of the Nigeria Police, our intelligence gathering capabilities, our understanding of threat assessment, corruption level within the military with respect to arms procurement etc. We all have a good knowledge that most of our security challenges in this country are all politically motivated, BH is not an exception. The politicians that initiated the Niger Delta militancy, or the first phase of BH insurgency lost control of their members, and we all have suffered for nearly six years because we see politics and power as a do-or-die affair, forgetting that the unity, peace and harmony of our country precede the quest for individual glory. It is imperative we develop a series of messages via the mass media. The aims should include building on our need for national cohesion around ideas that challenging extremism and willingness to expose those that support or sponsor them, will just do that. Secondly, our ideological fault line should not be between Muslims and the Christians; rather it should be between extremist and moderate Nigerians. The more we can convince people that the ideas they have, if they are in support of extremists and violent activities, are ones that are condemned by every religion in the world, the more we make progress. By the way we are now 55 years old as a nation. The road may be long and rough, but we shall get there.

Appreciating Gov Shettima’s well focused leadership ABBA MOHAMMED BASHIR SHUWA

hen Borno State governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, recently constituted a 21 member cabinet, one was designated the Commissioner for Ministry of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Resettlement. This ministry is the first of its kind since the creation of Borno State in 1976. The creation of the ministry itself, which is a child of necessity, is an affirmation of the determination and commitment of Governor Kashim Shettima to ensure that the plague inflicted on the state by the affliction of Boko Haram insurgency is drastically minimized if not completely eradicated. The insurgency has inflicted on Borno deaths, sorrow and blood. It has desecrated humanity and reduced the state to almost a colony of orphans, widows, and saddled it with the challenging of managing about two million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The Boko Haram-induced insurgency has destroyed schools and other infrastructure. The sad story is endless, and it is in this sorrowful state that Governor Shettima had to bolster through the debris of unimaginable catastrophe. However, hope is not lost as the Nigerian Armed Forces are making remarkable progress to end this madness before the end of the year. It is within this context the Borno State government has to put in motion pre- and post-insurgency

THE POVERTY ALLEVIATION SCHEME OF

GOVERNOR SHETTIMA ADMINISTRATION IS

INDEED, COMPREHENSIVE AND ELABORATE,

EMBRACING ALL THE VARIOUS SECTORS efforts aimed at reconstruction of wasted infrastructure, and the rehabilitation and resettlement of all those affected by the insurgency. These are the fundamentals that necessitated the creation of the Ministry of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Resettlement to take charge of these challenges. Before the creation of the new ministry, Governor Kashim Shettima administration had evolved various poverty alleviation and youth empowerment programmes aimed at exposing especially the youths to various skills to afford them employment opportunities and thus become self reliant. This is in the realisation that poverty and unemployment are part of the socio-economic ills of the nation, more so in the northeast part of the country in general and Borno State in particular. As a matter of fact, the IDPs have now been incorporated into the poverty alleviation programmes of the state to ensure that on getting back to their respective abode,

they would have something to fall back on. The poverty alleviation scheme of Governor Shettima administration is indeed, comprehensive and elaborate, embracing all the various sectors. While the state government on its own initiated most of the programmes, it also went into partnership as well with the some reputable organisations to achieving the same result. So far, about a million people, including the IDPs are expected to be the beneficiaries. Having realised that poverty, ignorance, illiteracy and youth unemployment were the offshoot of inept or poor leadership, Governor Shettima never spared the rod early in the life of his administration to frontally address both their causes and effects. He deployed all the necessary arsenals in this regard. Various skill Acquisition Centres have been created and equipped and trainees drawn from catchment local government areas. In other areas, the beneficiaries are exposed to skills acquisitions and entrepreneurial training. As an agricultural economist, Governor Shettima is fully aware that agriculture is the greatest employer of labour, and he has thereby chosen to address the problem of poverty alleviation and youth unemployment via agriculture without prejudice to other areas. While thousands of youths and rural farmers in a joint partnership between the state government and Chad Basin and Rural Development Authority have benefited from the train-

ing and farming scheme of the latter, the state government has also gone into partnership with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for the same purpose. The beneficiaries are being exposed to various aspects of agriculture; the benefit of value chain system, whereby a farmer gets the maximum benefit of his labour; production for domestic use and the market; essence of cooperatives; harvesting and post harvesting the essence of irrigation farming, and all year season farming and several others. For the farmers to get the maximum benefit of his produce, the state government has bought different categories of mills to assist the farmers in this regard, while tractors of various grades and silos for storage are on ground to aid the farmers and thus boost agriculture. As pointed out, the government is impacting skills on the people in other areas, which include block making, tailoring, sewing and knitting, carpentry, making of tiles and at the same assisting the beneficiaries to set up their business through soft loans and other logistics. Shuwa is Senior Special Assistant (ICT) to Governor Shettima of Borno 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.

Mail Mirror

Friday, October 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria, not yet uhuru!

I Congoni Company and Nigerians

he Congoni Company Limited, the producer of Zappo Liquid Spray Insecticide that kills mosquitoes and other insects, is located in Kano State. However, the ineffectiveness of Zappo Liquid Spray Insecticide against mosquitoes and other insects, as claimed by the company, is what necessitated this writing. I must admit that before now, Zappo Liquid Spray has being very effective as testified by many, but now I doubt if Zappo Liquid Spray can be said to be as effective against mosquitoes and other insects as being claimed. Recently, I visited Wurukum Market in Makurdi, Benue State capital, to help a fried purchase some provisions. While in the market, my friend, Mr. Ahua Samuel, wanted to buy RedPower Spray, one of the numerous anti-mosquitoes’ sprays, but could not found it. Therefore, he decided to go for Zappo Liquid Spray due to the fact that when the preferable is not available, the available becomes the preferable. The Zappo Liquid Spray became the opportunity cost of Red-Power Spray to my friend! Before I left for Abuja, I spent two days with my friend. And to my greatest surprise, the first night, we sprayed this Zappo Liquid, the mosquitoes still tortured us. We thought that we made a mistake. Therefore, for a second night, we took the Zappo, read the instructions on it, one of such instructions is to shake the Zappo before spraying it. This we did, yet the mosquitoes even tortured us more for following the instructions. At this point, I want to challenge and call on the management of Congoni Company, Nigeria Limited, the producer of Zappo Liquid Spray, to quickly begin to repackage, rebrand, rekindle or revitalize the production of Zappo Liquid Spray by making it more effective. To me what they are currently doing is marketing sub standard product to Nigerians. They should stop deceiving and duping Nigerians with a product that doesn’t work. Awunah Pius Terwase, Wrote from Mpape, Abuja 08179289948

Letters to the Editor

n the 55 years of Nigeria’s existence as a nation, the singular achievement of 16 years of continuous democratic rule stands out as a beacon of hope. While it is a known fact that the vast mineral, human and geographic advantage Mother Nature bestowed upon her have been underutilized, we must not cease to evaluate how far we have come as an entity.

A general consensus that government could be better run led to a large turnout of the electorate in the 2015 general elections. Indeed, democracy in Nigeria has grown in leaps and bounds in recent years due to a more transparent electoral process. Improved access to information blossomed into citizens’ awareness and hence the desire to play their part in building the

nation of their dreams. Furthermore, there has been a renaissance among youths as they now clamour to make their voices heard by the government. Access to internet and technological advancements has made it easy for government to feel the pulse of the masses on matters germane to them. With the crash in oil prices, the reality of the folly of a mono-cultural econo-

LABOUR FOR SURVIVAL: Young girls hawking roast fishes during school hours at CMS in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Nigeria at 55: The tender, the tough and the terrible

hat makes every country great is not it’s geography but its people. Nigerians have had it both rough and smooth, yet we are on the move. We have endured torrential rain, raging storm and puddle waters in the course of building a country we can proudly call our own. In all these Nigerians have carried on despite the odds we face because we have hope that one day the storm would be over and the dreams of our founding fathers realized. We have gone a long way, with 13 men already taken oath as the Commander-InChief; Nigerians have heard many inaugural speeches and state of the nation addresses, seen various types of government and had witnessed different polices. In the last five decades, every regime/administration had talked about one programme or the other with regard to national development. Nigeria has been in a permanent state of introducing transformation programmes. The tragedy, however, is that of transformation to nowhere in particular as our nation and people remain underdeveloped. The various promises made were not

all kept as the people’s hopes were spuriously raised and dashed. As a result, there is the temptation to define some government agenda and planning as instrument of exploitation based on the arbitrary use of it by the ruling class to maintain or control the ‘business’ of the state in terms of authoritative allocation of state resources to their own advantage and against the masses. The trend has created a lacuna between the leaders and the led with a far-reaching network of hatred and violence. The reasons for these myriad of problems are not far-fetched. Before now, Nigerians have been denied the opportunity of having a leader who had actually struggled or canvassed for his ticket on the basis of his aspiration and leadership qualities since 1960. The effect has been that our leaders have been foisted on us by circumstances, profession or godfatherism, etc. On the other hand, a dependent economy like Nigeria coheres with foreign control in terms of economic and national planning. Hence, it has reduced Nigerian lead-

ers or policy makers to a mere pawn, thereby making effective planning impracticable. Consequently, we cannot have a truly independent nation without the firm control of our economy even as we claim the Africa’s number one economy. It is also not in doubt that the dividends of democracy are yet to be fully realized due to the alleged mismanagement of political power. In Nigeria, the extent of immunity and privileges enjoyed by the political elites is still an ongoing debate. Be that as it may, democracy did not come on a platter of gold. We should know that no man is all virtue and no vice, likewise democracy has its rough edges. Yet, democracy is seen as the best form of government in the contemporary world. The outcome of the 2015 general elections was a glaring testimony of the fact that the people remain the true custodians of power. However, we can begin to trust each other again (the leaders and the led) if we are ready to make hard choices and sacrifices to see Nigeria as our home country and not a mere amalgamated entity. Comrade Chike Leo Oguanya, University of Abuja.

my has dawned on us. Rhetoric on how to diversify the economy is being reviewed in a bid to wean the nation off its total dependence on oil to the detriment of other resources. Corruption, and the era of stealing the commonwealth of the people with impunity, is being replaced by the era of accountability in governance. In all sectors, erstwhile ‘sacred cows’ are discovering that ‘all animals are equal’. While these and many more reflect that Nigeria as a nation is not stagnant, it would be a fallacy to assert that all is rosy. Falling oil prices have triggered the fall of the naira against other currencies with its attendant negative effects in the economy. Unemployment is still a major challenge as our educational institutions annually churn out more manpower than available market can absorb. The National Bureau of Statistics stated that 54 percent of Nigerian youths were unemployed in 2012, as opposed to 80 percent rate in 2014. The education system is in a sorry state as obsolete curricula have not been updated to reflect the needs of the times; research and development has been underfunded and underexploited as a fundamental element for growth in our education system. Insecurity is still rife in the country. Public safety has become a mirage. From armed robbers to vigilante groups, Boko Haram to militant groups, even security outfits who are a law unto themselves, citizens daily sleep with one eye closed. More so, kidnappings have become a lucrative business where foreigners, locals, elderly and even minors are not spared. Inadequate infrastructure is another major challenge in Nigeria. The importance of energy to the industrialization drive of any nation cannot be overemphasized. The huge deficit in public electricity supply is the reason most cottage industries in Nigeria die in infancy. Roads and railway networks are not well maintained, making transportation across the country an endurance test. In all these, we should not throw away the baby with the bath water. While Nigerians wait with bated breaths the transformation which we all crave and which the President Muhammed Buhari administration has promised, we as a people should endeavor to play well our parts. Ajibola Taiwo, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Send your letters The Editor reserves thethe right letters or or mails mailsto toPMB PMB10001, 10001,Ikoyi, Ikoyi,or orour our Email: Email:mirrorlagos@yahoo.com mirrorlagos@yahoo.comand andinfo@nationalmirroronline.net info@nationalmirroronline.netoror08056180209, 08054103275,07033375481 07033375481(SMS (SMSonly). only). The Editor reserves right to to edit and reject letters photographs. Psuedonyms may used, must clearly marked such. edit and reject letters or or photographs. Psuedonyms may bebe used, butbut must bebe clearly marked asas such.

Your

FRIDAY

Flavour

Friday, October 9, 2015

OPU in Ghana

Yoruba drummers in Atlanta, USA

dying embers of the pristine Yoruba cultural values and heritage which is alarmingly trekking towards extinction particularly among the Yoruba in Diaspora “ He disclosed that “We realise that Cote D ‘Ivoire harbours a substantial percentage of Yoruba , some of who cannot speak

Tales from the days of old.

their mother’s language or exhibit their cultural values . Some here have lost contact with history , culture and norms of their progenitor . This is why we have to be here in accordance with the mission bestowed on us by Oduduwa and the necessity of saving members of the Yoruba race from cultural extinc-

We realised that Ivory Cote D’Ivoire harbours a substantial percentage of

Yoruba , some of whom cannot speak their mother’s language or exhibit their cultural values

WEEKEND STARTERS

ales from the days of old is a lifetime art experience event holding at Event Hall, Niger Palace Hotel, Thorbun Avenue at 12pm, October 10, 2015. At this event, you share with people your music, poetry and a life tale in an artistic form with our musicians, giving you a folktale sound. At the event, one is given an opportunity for social interaction with music, storytelling by audacious and talented narrators and personal expressions from a selected number of people just like you.

Beauty Africa

eauty Africa Exhibition and Conferences is the continent’s largest event dedicated to beauty, medical aesthetics and wellness and holds on 9th October 2015 at Eko Centre, Lagos, Nigeria. The event stages the latest developments and opportunities within Africa’s beauty, medical aesthetics and wellness sector and provided a strategic platform to establish successful partnerships within Nigeria and

Shattered on stage

hattered which is one in Nigerian theatre’s October Fest is a play about a serious subject. It is about the silence sometimes imposed around rape and other incidents of sexual violence against women and the increased strain this places on an already traumatised victim. Starring in the performance are Bola Haastrup, Ijeoma Aniebo,Bunmi Sogade, KelvinMary Ndukwe, Goodness Emmanuel and Martins Iwuagu in what promises to be a serious but entertaining affair. Shattered is onstage at Terra Kulture on October 4, 11, 18 & 25 at 3 & 6PM daily.

Arty

he capital cities of three countries in the West Coast , Ghana (Accra ) Cote d ‘Ivoire ( Abidjan ) and Togo ( Lome) within the last two weeks experienced unprecedented presence of dignitaries and showcasing of Yoruba cultural- tourism display when Otunba Gani Adams , the National Coordinator , Oodua People’s Congress ( OPC ) formerly inaugurated , Oodua Progressive Union ,( OPU ) in each of the countries and the cities . Otunba Adams led a 32 strong delegates which include four traditional rulers from the Yoruba land viz , Oba Joseph Adeoye Adewole , the Owa Ajero of Ijero kingdom , Oba Yisa Olanipekun , the Zaki of Arigidi , Ondo State , Oba Walidu Sanni Onigedegede of Igededgede , Ondo State and Oba Lasisi Olawuyi .,.Asagangan of Igangan , Oyo state , Captain Adetokunbo Adesina Yomi Fash – Lanso , a foremost Yoruba actor , MC kirikiri , notable members of Oodua Peoples ‘Congress , OPC in Abuja ,Lagos , Ilorin, bloggers , journalists and others for a 12 day Yoruba Cultural tourism revival in these three countries In each of these cities, the Yoruba joyfully received Otunba Adams and his entourage with wonderful display and exhibition of cultural dance, drumming , chants and fascinating display which enchanted and attracted the citizens of the countries to the venues. The cultural evangelization kicked off in the city of Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire , a country where Yoruba is reputed to constitute 2.5 million of the population, Otunba Adams led the delegate to the warm embrace of the Nigerian Ambassador , Ifeoma Jacinite Akabogu – Chinwuba who, together with members of the Embassy rolled a red carpet reception for the visiting Yoruba cultural revivalists. Otunba Adams clinically explained the mission of his delegate to the Ambassador. “We are not here for political reason . Far from it . We are neither here for self – determination tendencies but we are here to stoke and rekindle the

tion “ Otunba Adams revealed the difference between Oodua Peoples ‘Congress , OPC and Oodua Progressive Union , OPU , “ OPC is a self determination group solely to protect the territorial integrity of Yoruba within the political geography of Nigeria and within Nigeria while Oodua Progressive Union , OPU , is a socio – cultural organisation saddled with the responsibility of re- awakening and resuscitating the dying embers of pristine Yoruba culture among the Yoruba in the Diaspora ‘. It is non- political and non –militant “ The Ajero of Ijero , Oba Adewole also gave an insight into the cultural revival mission of OPU “ This association is to save our race from cultural doom . It is an association which has received the backing and blessing of the traditional Oba and Chiefs in Yoruba land. Thus we are here with Otunba Adams in support and in alliance with his stride to revive and sustain the cultural heritage and value of our race .” Ambassador Akabogu – Chinwuba in her response commended Otunba Adams for “ Coming out at this time to wake up his people from cultural slumber . I have read the Mission Statement of the association and I believe Otunba Adams is on the right path of history “ The Ambassador gave her blessing to the inauguration of the Union “I am sure and confident that OPU as an association will not only help in cultural revival of the Yoruba value but also serve as a coordinating platform for members of the race and an institution of behavioural adherence.“ Otunba Adams while inaugurating OPU Cote D ‘Ivoire pointed out that “This is the 59th OPU Chapter being launched here today . It is a clarion call upon all of you all to remember, embrace, perpetuate and display your cultural antecedent and value and ensured it passage to the next generations so that generations unborn will not lose their identity to foreigners”.

Inside FCT P. 24-25

Ayo Esan & Isiguzo Destiny

Critics P. 22-23

Yoruba cultural tourism sweeps through West Africa

News P. 32, 33

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

Mirror Mongers P. 26

Artman In The House

Friday, October 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I always wanted to do a love story –Akin Omotoso Nigerian-born Akin Omotoso has been working in the South African film and television industry since the mid1990s, doing a bit of everything – acting (Lord of War and Blood Diamond); producing (Jozi and TV show Sorted); writing and directing (TV series A Place Called Home, plus movies including his first directorial project, God Is African, in 2003, and the hard-hitting drama about xenophobia, Man on Ground, which came out in 2011). Tell Me Sweet Something is his new movie, a romantic comedy set in Johannesburg. Written by Omotoso with producer Robbie Thorpe, it stars Maps Maponyane, Thomas Gumede and Nomzamo Mbatha.

Akin Omotoso

hat drew you to this particular project? I always wanted to do a love story. I was very inspired by Love Jones, in 1997 – it’s a classic, and it started a new wave of romantic comedies. I liked the feeling it gave me. I thought I’d like to make a movie with that feeling – you know, you just feel good when you walk out. I had that idea for a long time. Then the African Women’s Development Fund got hold of me. They had seen my 2008 short, Jesus and the Giant, and they asked me: “What do you want to do next?” I told them I wanted to develop a love story from the ground up. So they funded the development of the project. What was the process from then onwards? I went away, I wrote. We got 10 actors together for workshops to develop the story. We wanted to be able to let it develop organically. We paid the actors and workshopped it. Then Robbie and I went off and wrote it for the next two years. When we finished, we had a month of rehearsals, so that everyone was focused; then we shot it in one month – May – in Johan-

Akin at a movie location

nesburg. And then we edited it for a year. Tell Me Sweet Something is a movie in which, as they say, the city itself is a character. In this case, it’s the city of Johannesburg. Does it make a good character? I love cinema as a representation of a city. When I went to New York, I thought: Why do I know this city? And of course it’s because of the movies – Woody Allen and Diane Keaton, say, on the Brooklyn Bridge, in Manhattan. We live in this city, Johannesburg, but what representations of the city do we see? Many times I’ve driven through the city, sometimes at night, and looked at it and thought: Wouldn’t it be great to put that on screen? Look at Amélie and La Haine – they are both set in Paris, but they give very different views of Paris. One is romantic, beautiful; the other is hellish. We see a lot of the hellish Johannesburg, but in this movie we wanted to look at Johannesburg through the prism of love. Was it important to do a film that was relatively light? The key thing was to make a film that was fun – to be able to say it’s okay to have fun. My previous film, Man on Ground, was about xenophobia in South Africa, and so inevitably it was very sombre. Working on Tell Me Sweet Something, it was really nice to be able to come on set and laugh. So you got funding to develop the script from the African Women’s

Development Fund, but to actually make it you had to get more funding, right? Yes. We got further funding for the movie – funding from M-Vest Media, Red Pepper’s Ladies & Gentlemen Films, the National Film and Video Foundation, the department of trade and industry, and some from the American video-ondemand channel, PanaTV, which hasn’t launched yet, but Tell Me Sweet Something will be one of the first films to show on it. Then the rest was crowd-funded. One of the financiers backed out at the last minute, so we had to fill the gap. We had a crowd-funding evening, and invited about 70 people – and 10 people showed up. But one guy who was invited by chance ended up putting money into the movie. In the end, about 30 people contributed to the crowd-funding.

the South African film industry, generally? We need to have a dialogue about our audiences in this country. Last week, Leon Schuster’s new film was released, and then there’s Ayanda, Necktie Youth, and others. Every two weeks, it seems, there’s a new South African movie coming out. So that’s a sign we’re growing. What have the reactions to the film been, so far? Responses to the film have been very good. One person who saw it and said to me that it was nice to see a film that doesn’t have any violence in it, that’s about love.

How do you feel about the state of

My previous film, Man on Ground, was about xenophobia in South Africa, and so inevitably it was very sombre.

His work

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Artman In The House

Friday, October 9, 2015

How we started Storymoja –Muthoni Garland Muthoni Garland is author and storyteller who with a couple of other book lovers like herself, founded the popular annual Storymoja Hay Festival in Kenya. Widely published and nominated for the Caine Prize in African Writing, she describes her art in this interview.

ould you say that you are a late bloomer considering that you started writing at 40? Maybe I am a bit misleading in the sense that I have always told stories and when I was raising my children I loved telling them stories and they really challenged me because they wouldn’t sleep unless I came up with a new story literarily every day. And many people would keep telling me, my relatives would say, why don’t you write them, or record them or something? We didn’t think about recording until years later but it never really sank into my head that it is something, I don’t want to say of value, but let’s just say it never really came into my head that this could be an actuality of writing. And at the time I was very busy with the things that young parents are busy with, which is making a living, trying to think, how are we going to educate the children, how are we going to live? You know the usual questions that you go through especially in your 30s and maybe 40s. So what happened is that fortuitously my husband was posted to Cairo and I decided to accompany him. My children had just entered boarding school around that time so I said let me go and try to be a housewife for a while and see what that is like. I had been very busy in the corporate world, I used to work in market research, and I thought okay, I will go and be housewife. That didn’t quite work out the way I thought it would work out. It is the same old story, you realise that no matter how much you polish a floor, it is very rare person who would turn around and say, wow, that floor is really shining today. So that was quite funny but I thought that after a while you start seeking intellectual stimulation so I thought, you know what, I have always loved poetry and I used to write a lot of poetry when I was teenager especially the usual selfabsorbed nobody loves me nobody understands me type stuff. So I took a poetry course online. Really, just to see, what is poetry? Really? Unfortunately, the poetry course that I signed up for, within a week, I knew I had made a mistake because it was classical forms basically they were teaching sonnets and I thought I just want to express myself. So I asked for my money back and they said, well, why don’t you try fiction? And I tell you as soon as I had my first attempt at writing a story I said this is what I was going to do for the rest of my life. I don’t know, sometimes the gods conspire and show you in this roundabout way what you should be doing. But like I said, it could be misleading in the sense that I told stories, I have always read – a very avid reader, I have always known books to be something of great value to me, to others. And have been very fortunate that both my parents advocated reading widely. Storymoja is perhaps the most popular in Kenya, East Africa and you said you had not support all this time? When we started Storymoja – we started in 2007 August – five writers getting together. We were actually inspired by Binyanvanga Wainaina who is here. It was really something he was saying, he was quite irritated by me and I was kind of telling him, you know... because I love Kwani? and I was part of the

founding family, if you like, but at that time I was very bothered about the fact that it relied so heavily on NGO money. And I thought, what if we made very small books and charge a bit of money, 100, 200 bob, sell them when you are about to board a matatu or danfo, yeah. When you are about to board it you can by it and read and by the time you come together maybe you can sell it off for 50 bob or whatever. That was my big idea. Bob would be shillings? Yeah. And Binyavanga said if you thought it was that easy go and do it (laughter). I was like, okay, let me go do it. That book, Tracking the Scent of My Mother had just been shortlisted for the Caine Prize that year. And then there is a very popular writer who writes for the newspapers but is well known as a management consultant. He wrote a little book on customer service, and I know Kenyans like to read business books, they are into making money so, I thought we will print those two books sell them for very little money. Print 20,000 copies of each and I am sure by the end of the year, if we launch in November,

Her book

Tracking the Scent of my Mother within a year, we would have finished selling them and then we would have the money to continue financing it. Needless to say that we started the company in August, November had the books printed, December had a big launch with storytelling competitions and what have you. End of December post-election violence and Kenya was in flames for basically the next six months. And by the end of the year we had sold maybe 300 books. And suddenly we have this huge stock (laughter). I had promised people we were going to make money, this is how we are going to do it and we went through this crisis of confidence but also a financial crisis and asking ourselves, do we continue to be closed, what do we do? Then the mother of invention, necessity yeah, we started thinking of more creative ways. How do we get rid of this stock even if we are going to end the company? So we started selling to companies, the customer service book, we would go to a company and say all your employees need to have this book. We were quite successful with that and sold quite a few thousand copies that way over the next year. And then with Tracking the Scent... we couldn’t figure out an angle because everywhere we went looking for bulk holders they said the content was too adult and it is only children who read books. For the first time we got a major donor that said, we will buy those books that you published with that particular title then work

with peer councillors and yourself to tell the story and get the kids to discuss tribalism. That worked and then we said interesting, this space for children seems to be much more open so we started publishing for children. But in the meantime, the different shareholders are still interested in different things and we still publish for adults, but not as much. Then we started looking at what is the real problem, why are we not moving as many books? We realised that the real problem, the root cause of this is that the reading culture is so underdeveloped, it is not nurtured, not promoted and unlike here traditionally, storytelling died around the time of colonialism dying off and Christianity coming in. So, even storytelling wasn’t continuing so parents and children were not spending time discussing stories anymore. So we realised we needed to do more than just sort of talk about it within the limits of marketing and we started thinking about other things we could do. We started running events and there was a time we went crazy trying to do an event every month in parts of greater Nairobi. What forms did these events take? Storytelling, then we have a poet and then a bit of music, an author talks about their works. We took this around greater Nairobi and it was just not enough with the audiences too difficult to organise. In the end I happened to attend the Hay Festival in the UK. I attended it before that but it crystallised in my mind at that time that maybe what we should do is run a festival. We ran our first festival five years ago now, managed to convince, fortuitously because one of our shareholders Dayo Forster a Gambian who was living in Kenya at that time, her book had just come out, Reading the Ceiling and Hay invited her to the Hay Festival and she was able to lend weight to my initial request, which had been rejected. They said, okay, fine, we will help you. So they helped us with the logistics. You didn’t get support for the festival? When we started, the only support we got, obviously, we had Hay Festival as a partner. That helped to open some doors so we could go to the embassy and say to them help us bring somebody from your country to Kenya. That really helped and the first authors we got tended to be western authors, UK-based authors because the Art Council or the British High Commission or the Swedish, whoever agreed to bring in somebody. It was very hard to convince any local organisation especially the corporate to support us because they would say, ‘who is going to come to a book festival?’ that is still the main reaction to the doors we knock on now.

Critics

FILM

Friday, October 9, 2015

Frank talk about Africa

Movies are released all the time, but few speak to the reality of the lives of African immigrants in God’s own country, the good old US of A. Joe Cassidy

ilmmaker, Rahman Oladigbolu has chosen to address this issue in his directorial debut titled, In America: The Story of the Soul Sisters. As the protagonist, Sade George, a Nigerian immigrant and medical student seeking greener pastures in Boston, Massachusetts laments, “In the past they were forcing us into slavery, but today, we’re voluntarily selling ourselves into it,” viewers are quickly drawn into the movie’s plot, which the talented cast brilliantly bring to life. This award winning movie recently won the African Movie Academy

Award’s (AMAA) Best Film for African Abroad Award, the Best Emerging Filmmaker Award at the Roxbury International Film Festival and Artist of the Year in Boston last year. It was also officially screened at the Cannes Pan African Film Festival and it has also been screened to critical acclaim at the International Black Film Festival in Montreal, the Mid-Atlantic Black Film Festival in Virginia, and the Pan-African Film Festival in Los Angeles. Other film festivals around the world such as the African, Asian and Latin American Film Festival in Italy, have made requests for the movie to be screened at their festivals. This movie which is a fictionalized account of real life experiences is a must see for everyone, especially African Americans and Africans in Africa and in the diaspora because it helps in educating us about our perceptions of each other. In America: The Story of the Soul Sisters is the story of the inspiring

‘They call me Mama! From the underbridge diaries’, written by Dolapo Osinbajo is a delight to read. Isiguzo Destiny t gives us a glimpse into the world of typical ‘Area boys’ in the city of Lagos and how some religious, non- governmental organisations and individuals try in their little way to care for them and possibly take them off the streets. The 175 page hard cover book, written in a first person (writer’s) view makes an interesting read. It is full of intrigues. From the colourful painting on the cover page, which is a graphic illustration of a mother and her child, which was painted by one of the ‘boys,’ to those on the inside pages, and that at the inside back page of the book, you are tempted to know the content in de-

friendship between two young women, Sade George and Sonya Muhammad. Sade is an “illegal immigrant,” a medical student from one of Nigerian universities, who abandoned her education in the fourth year and seized the scant opportunity to flee her birth land for the perceived opportunities of America. Sonya is an African-American young woman dealing with the pressure of cultural ambiguity, struggling with the separation of her loving parents, and seeking an identity that is articulate of her soul’s yearning. In America, Sade hopes to settle down and continue her education, but what life holds in stock for her is different. Through the lives of a lonely and sexually frustrated uncle,

a n d the conflicted life of a

Life of street urchins

BOOK

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

tail. The book has different topics but no clear cut chapters. Some of the topics are; ‘Bentley’, Mr. Cool’, ‘Walkman’, ‘Play’, Fertile ground’, ‘Speakerphone’, ‘S’ayo’, ‘On Holy ground’ among others. The author includes Bible passages at the end of some of the topics. The title of the book came about as a result of the boys showing their appreciation of the care given them by the writer and her group. They usually hail her, ‘Mama!’ each time they catch a glimpse of nicely-packed food and drinks brought for them by their regular visitors. In turn, the boys always love to do her favour ; like stopping the traffic for her to drive home after their meetings and would not mind fighting other motorists to do this. The book reveals various experiences of the writer during her interactions

with the ‘boys’ under the Muri Okunola Bridge, on Lagos Island. It is a documentation and it is the origin of the Step Up programme which aims to give those on the street with no help, a way out through vocational training and assistance to set up their own businesses as opposed to seeking employment. The stories in the book are true life stories. According to Osinbajo: “Most of the stories were penned down within a week, in May 2003, I had the irresistible compulsion to document at least some of the experiences, in a bid to share the reality of the street boys and men in Lagos State, giving them a human face to the surprise of those to whom they are presented as demonised.” Life under the bridge could be likened to buying a brand new car, park it and cover it up and no one is allowed to drive it. The life of the boy under the bridge is covered up and his talents and opportunities would not be realised as long as he chooses to remain there. There was a particular boy that drew the attention of the writer with his wellspoken English language, though dressed in dirty cloth; he looked so familiar to her. ‘I cannot shake the feeling, that I know this boy’s parents. They must be looking for him as we speak. If only I knew who they were, where they were, I would have told them where he is, speaking of Bentley, under the bridge!” The boys are like family to one another. When one of the boys, simply referred to as ‘F’ got into trouble and landed in prison, others, with the help of ‘Mama’ would speak with him on phone and also visit him from time to time. The boys were provided with spiritual

One of the boys even confessed to selling Indian hemp at Kuramo. He had realised it was wrong and was sorry for it.

food i.e. preaching, teaching of God’s word and physical food also. They are encouraged to come out from ‘under’ to worship in the church and the group would offer cloth to those who wish to go to church either for mid week services or Sunday morning services. It got to a time the author was discouraged by the attitude of some of the boys as majority of them were stuck in the dreadful cycle of life under the bridge while some of them were able to come out of the horrid life. This leaves the writer wondering, “Do they not listen to what we had to say to them week after week? Do they not desire to live like those who they see daily, driving or riding to work purposefully, clean, dignified and accomplished?” On one of the visits of the author and her group to the boys on a particular Sunday, the air was thick with smoke and smell of marijuana. The visitors were upset with what they saw and they let the boys know they were not happy about this. By the following week, there was an improvement. The age range of the boys hovers between 13 and 35years, but sometimes it is difficult to ascertain their ages due to malnutrition which often makes them emaciated. The writer noted: “Over the years, we learnt that most of the boys were like coconuts, hard and tough on the outside, but soft on the inside.” Sometimes when ‘Mama’ and her Step up group speak to them, they cry. Some of the boys were ready to learn, hear God’s word and change while others like ‘Mono’ is described as ‘cold’ and ‘unfeeling’. He is not touched, not caring and he is full of mischief. “He never spoke his mind and always looked as though he was wiser and cleverer than we were and that he was not on to what we were trying to do.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Critics

Friday, October 9, 2015

The movie also attempts to bridge the unnecessary and internecine

MUSIC

King of Queens

tension between many

African immigrants and AfricanAmericans in the US

young man trapped in the racial forces of the American society, Sade’s journey reveals the various existential elements that, often innocently, combine to determine the experience of the individual anywhere in the world. When Sonya meets Sade, they feel a connection that grows into a relationship that will lead them to individual and mutual self-discovery, and help define life for both of them. Empowered thus, Sade faces the present bane of her life: the American immigration policy. Disillusioned about the American dream, she has to make a decision what step to take next: remain in America as an “illegal alien” or return to her homeland. The movie parades a sterling cast which includes: Jimmy Jean-Louis of Heroes and Phat Girlz, Mirlyne Dorvilus, Kandace Cummings, Cristian DeJesus, Roger Dillingham and Linda Starks. The primary motive behind this movie is the wish to deal with the immigration issue from human perspective. In an attempt to enlighten the ambivalent American perspectives on the issue, I wanted to show the humanity of immigrants, and how they are like every other American, with dreams, hopes, fears, and character complexities. At this time in the history of America, we think the climate is ripe for such a movie, and this is one of the reasons we were very passionate about getting it made. The movie doesn’t intend to take sides or argue a point in the on-going immig ration debate, however, it is an artistic venture to reveal the life of a typical immigrant, and provides the debaters with additional infor mation about the subjects of their arguments, symbolized in the character of Sade George. The movie also attempts to bridge the unnecessary and internecine tension between many African immigrants and African-Americans in the US. In meetings with key individuals and groups in Boston and around the country, including Massachusetts’ first black Mayoral candidate Mr. Mel King, and New York House of Rep Mr. Major Owens, I have learned, disturbingly, about the pervasiveness of this misunderstanding. Hence, this movie tries to bring light into the areas of mutual reconciliation. As the first movie dealing with this smoldering crisis, it is the hope of the filmmakers to hold up a mirror and nudge the people to see themselves and find a solution to the problem. -- Producer, Director, Writer, and Co-Executive producer, Rahman Oladigbolu.

Another critical look at Yemi Alade’s artistry Sifon Baba

‘

Kings of Queens’, an album produced by some of the best producers around, exposes Yemi Alade’s versatility as she explores various genre’s, including Afropop, Reggae, and R&B. The album, punctuated with skits from Bovi, is richly blessed with premium features from Diamond, Phyno, Chidinma, R2Bees, and Dil. The album begins with a skit from comedian Bovi, introducing Ms Alade’s Hit single, Johnny, the single that catapulted her to stardom. Next on the album is Why, and she flaunts her versatility on this reggae beat produced by veteran producer, OJB Jezreel. Ms Alade delivers effortlessly, and this song is one that will have you nodding your head to the suave tune. In Pose, Yemi Alade features

R2Bees, and the trio delivers a good afro pop song, with Yemi Alade infusing her wonderful personality on the song. R2Bees also puts out a good performance on the song. Duro Timi is one of the best songs on the album, if not the best, with Ms Alade putting in a near flawless effort as she displays her impressive vocal range for all to hear. In this RnB song, laced with pop undertones, Yemi Alade reminds us of the captivating performances she put out in 2009 at the peak talent show. To me, this is the best song on the album, and I’m looking forward to more songs like this from Ms Alade in the future. Rapping towards the end on Catch You, Ms Alade delivers a nice bedroom number, describing what she will do to a guy she misses, on a beat produced by Shady Bizniz. It’s a four minute track that will leave any guy wishing he is the guy she’s singing about. The K.I.N.G interlude, produced by fliptyce goes on to buttress her point as the “King of Queens”. On Money, Ms Alade delivers a song for the clubs, and GospelOnDeBeatz gives us a nice beat that will definitely get the club rocking.

Yemi Alade has called herself the King of Queens, a bold step in a music industry already dominated by other female acts

I Like is a good song, which you’d definitely enjoy listening to, and it’s dotted with Hausa vibes which further broadens the appeal of the song. Taking Me Over, featuring the always impressing Phyno, sets the tone for a very good collaboration. Philkeyz on the beat on Sugar is also a number for the clubs, but Ms Alade fails to convey any message at all on this song, but if you want to dance, go ahead! Chidinma makes an appearance on Selense, one of standout songs of the album, delivering nice vocals on another song, for the clubs. Maybe she’s planning a club tour soon, with all the club bangers she has on her album…who knows? On Temperature, Ms Alade features Dil, and the duo offers a wonderfully blended love song, with Yemi Alade showing us her impressive command of the Igbo language. Kissing, an afro pop song is next on the album, and I feel the remix of the song featuring Diamond is better. This is clearly a song, made by the beat. She has to specially thank Diamond for saving the song with his impressive vocals. Yemi Alade has called herself the King of Queens, a bold step in a music industry already dominated by other female acts. If this title is a prophetic declaration, fine, but for now, Yemi Alade still has ladders to climb before she eventually becomes the “King of Queens”

Inside FCT

Friday, October 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Succour at Independence in FCT Adeola Tukuru

t was a cheerful moment for patients at Kubwa General Hospital, King’s Care Hospital, Unity Clinic and Maternity, children at the Wound of Jesus Orphanage, Ark of Refuge Orphanage, Kubwa Divine Orphanage and Detainees at Police Area Command Headquarters Kubwa,when church members of Dunamis International Gospel Centre Phase 4, Kubwa, Abuja donated food items to them as part of activities marking the 55thindependence celebrations. The food items donated include bags of rice, cartons of noodles, toiletries, fruit juice, diapers, biscuits, baby milk, foodstuffs, shoes, cloths, bibles and the church’s daily devotional, Seeds of Destiny. Pastor of the church, Great Olusegun Ayodele said the donation was part of the

Joel Ajayi

esidents of Federal Capital Territory FCT have commended the Federal government and Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA, over security arrangement in place for the success of this year’s Eid-el-Fitri in the nation’s capital of the most populous country in black race. Without mincing the words, this year’s successful Sallah celebration will be the first in the past five years where issue of bomb blast will not be recorded across the 36 states of the federation. Unlike previous year where the reported spate of bombings in Northern part of the country by Boko Haram, where there where palpable anxiety, fear in the heart of FCT resident that such incident could occur at this year’s Sallah celebration Despite, the fear that, FCT could come under attack, given instances of what had taken place in the country in the past especially nation’s capital But city was very peaceful all through period of the festivity. Security arrangement for Sallah were at the best, as officers of various security institutions in the country helped the celebration to be one of the best in the past five years. Many faithful residents of the fct described this year’s Sallah celebration as one of the best in the past five years while some commended the security operatives who fine-tuned its security strategy for the hitch free celebration in the capital nation. Salifu Ibrahim, told inside fct “I did not expect the atmosphere could be so calm, during the celebration period; the security arrangement in the territory and its environs, was very good and no issue of bombing or threat, I think its commendable and I must give to the government of the day for well-done Job toward the citizen security. “Honestly, this year’s Sallah celebration encourages more residents and visitors to go out on special occasions. We are

church’s social responsibility to its host community. He prayed for the recipients and enjoined them to renew their faith in God who is able to set them free from all afflictions and restore their destinies. In his Independence Day sermon titled, The Forces of Freedom, Pastor Ayodele who read from Leviticus 26:13 charged the congregation to rededicate their lives to God, stating that the independence celebration was another opportunity for Nigerians to build a prosperous society. He commended the founding fathers of the nation and charged leaders at various levels of government to rule with the fear of God. He prayed for sustainable democracy in Nigeria and urged the populace to be patriotic in the onerous task of building a strong, virile, progressive and decent nation.

Praying for patients

The food items donated include bags of rice, cartons of noodles, toiletries, fruit juice, diapers, biscuits, baby milk, foodstuffs, shoes, cloths, bibles and the church’s daily devotional, Seeds of Destiny.

Residents laud FCTA on Eid-el-Fitri

Abuja gate

grateful to Almighty God for granting us peace. I have to give it to citizens, security agencies and the traditional and religious leaders for the joint efforts that brought about hitch-free Sallah celebrations.” As for Atahiru Musa who lives in FCT, he explained; “it was a memorable day for us as Muslims and as Nigerians in general; everything went on smoothly. “I had wanted to travel to meet my family members because of the fear of insecurity, but I could not because I don’t have enough money with me, I therefore, remain in Abuja. “However, to my surprise, every strategic place in the city was heavily and adequately policed by combine team of the security agencies. I saw Nigerian Security Civil Defence Corps NSCDC including National Emergency Management

Agency NEMA and Federal Road Safety Corps officials policing everywhere. It was just perfect; and we enjoyed the moment” he added. A police officer who did not want his name to be mentioned blamed the security challenges in the city on needless disharmony among security operatives He said: “Most time in the past we could have achieved better result but there seem to be sabotage among the security agencies but since the challenges is being jettisoned and we are now understand the important of working together which is today is yielding the result. “Thank God, as it is today we can now say we are on top of the situation as many Nigerian had never wanted to hear it from government before now. Everyone now sees that we are working

As for Atahiru Musa who lives in FCT, he explained; “it was a memorable day for us as Muslims and as Nigerians in general; everything went on smoothly.

and our efforts are yielding positive result” The officer added that: “The time has come that all Nigerian should see security as their business when they we help us with useful information thing going on around them so that security operatives will be able to implement and mapped-out strategies very well to overcome the enemies.” However while the celebration lasted, parks and recreation centers were crowded by residents of the city as security were put in place. Besides, many residents used the four-day break of the Sallah to reunite with their family, renew love of friendship and engage in sumptuous feasting. ‘Inside FCT’ observation showed that most residents who traveled out of the city resumed work on Monday. Unlike the previous years where the city would look deserted one week after festivity period, with business and government activities on the lowest ebb, life has returned to the city as at the time of filling this report; and security agencies are possibly living up to public expectation in FCT.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Inside FCT

Friday, October 9, 2015

‘How I lost my wife, mother-in-law in Kuje explosion’ Adeola Tukuru

ctober 2, 2015 will forever remain a black day for the family of Samuel Olu Abolarin, as he lost his wife, mother-in-law and brother-in-law, in the bomb explosion that rocked Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Samuel, a resident of Aleita, Lugbe Airport road and also a Gym instructor in the Ministry of Finance, while recounting to Inside FCT, at the National Hospital, explained that his late wife, a student of Nasarawa State Polytechnic on Wednesday told him she was visiting her parent in Kuje to celebrate the independence day not knowing that it will be the last day he will see her. According to him, his wife Christiana Abolarin, got Kuje on Wednesday and celebrated the independence with her parents who own a garden close to Kuje market and while they were all strolling home at about 9pm. “She called at around 9pm that they have closed her mum ‘s garden and they were all strolling home because it wasn’t far from the house. I expected her call again until around 11 pm when we heard that there was an explosion in Kuje, I tried her number but I couldn’t reach her. “My father in law called me at mid night that the explosion affected them and they could only see the younger sister of Samuel’s wife and his 11 month old baby “He said they searched all round and couldn’t see them, so we waited till the next day were we came to the National Hospital and found my wife, mother-inlaw and brother-in-law all bodies man-

gled beyond recognition at the mortuary. “In fact, I could only recognise her through the wrapper my mother gave her to always use to carry our baby,” he said. He regretted that if he had known that his wife whom he has been married for just one year and who also just finished her National Diploma, would met her timely death in Kuje, vhe wouldn’t have allowed her go. “I was looking for where she will do her Industrial Training (IT) in my office and the Budget Department so that she would be able to take care of our baby who I also intend to put in the day care of our office but I never knew Boko Haram had other plans for us,” he lamented. It would be recalled that at least twenty people were killed in a twin bomb blast at different location on Friday night by suicide bombers in Kuje Area Council, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Eye witness recounted that a female suicide bomber detonated the first bomb while attempted to gain entrance at the Kuje Police station. A resident in the council, one Samuel

Scene at Kuje explosion

Eko, explained that the first blast occurred at about 9:45 pm, while the second blast went off at the Kuje main market 15 minutes later by a male suicide bomber. Eko said that the female suicide bomber while attempting to gain entrance to the police station through the fence detonated and killed her instantly.

I was looking for where she will do her Industrial Training (IT) in my office and the Budget Department so that she would be able to take care of our baby who I also intend to put in the day care of our office but I never knew Boko Haram had other plans for us

Bomb blast victims

According to him, a young man on a motorcycle rode close to the entrance of Kuje main market and detonated his explosives, killing 14 people who were mostly Hausa traders on the spot. “I thought it was a transformer that exploded , until when I went there and discovered that it was a bomb blast and discovered dead bodies littered all over the place. He said he joined hands with some of the security agents who arrived at the scene to evacuate 20 bodies into the ambulance, even as he said security agents responded to the scene about 15 minutes later. Another witness, Esther Uchena, residing close to the market, said it was about 9:47 pm when she heard the sound of the bomb blast.

Empress Njamah’s passion at Independence Regina Otokpa

Empress Njama’s Independence Party

elebrating Nigeria’s 55th year as an independent nation, Empress Njamah once again pulled out a crowd of celebrities, well wishers and friends to spend the day, entertain, play with and give vulnerable children from various orphanage homes within Abuja a sense of belonging. All dressed in white and green tee shirts, the national color, it was another day of fun as the celebrities alongside Empress, engaged in various games with the kids that spurned endless laughter from the happy crowd. Hailing her courage for consistently embarking on more than seven humanitarian activities with the vulnerable on a yearly basis, Ace comedian and presenter, Lukman Olarewaju aka Ambassador Wahala, noted that it could only take someone with a heart of gold to continue to embark on such initiatives. “I have observed that Empress is a lady who loves kids. On her birthday, children’s day, Independence Day celebration and other celebrations, she comes out to celebrate with the children.

That is somebody who has not forgotten her root, where she is coming from and at least this is the third edition that I personally witnessed. Highly acclaimed WAZOBIA FM on air personality, Stella Nwosu best known as Willy Willy, noted that she had much respect for the Nollywood diva for disregarding the emotional and financial stress attached to running several back to back humanitarian services for vulnerable children residing within the FCT. “When someone keeps doing same thing every year, forget that some people will always support, for her to continue doing this every time and every year shows that she has passion for it. “Someone like Empress, she loves what she is doing, it is in her blood and if she doesn’t do it, she would be restless. Even when she can’t afford to do it in a grand style, she always strive she spends the day with the children even if it has to be in a small way because that’s her kind of person.” Also speaking, Comedian Israel Jones aka Chucks d General, maintained that the house of empress foundation has stood out among other celebrities in giving hack to society.

Mirror Mongers

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 9, 2015

Who wants Obiano sad?

B Oshodi bus stop

Life at Osodi

sodi used to portray a scary spectacle in the days of yore. Then someone could tuck his fingers into a vehicle and snatch a wrist watch from a commuter without bothering to run. Then buses would always be insufficient leading to ruffling of shoulders before one gets into a bus. The same situation seems to be coming back as explained by a source with this photo, earlier in the week. According to him, “Getting a bus from Oshodi to Lekki/ Ajah was not an easy task this

morning. People were entering the bus through the window! You know Oshodi is a place with all kinds of people. During the struggle, anything, I mean anything could be stolen from your bag. I am sending this because I want the appropriate agencies to fix it. I have never seen such a rush before in my entire life! At the bus park for that matter! Leaving the mainland to the Island is not a child’s play!” But someone would agree that this witness is new in Lagos.

ad belle people and Governor Obiano of Anambra State. In the past couple of days, rumour mills were strong, especially on the social media that the wife of Willie Obiano of Anambra State has passed on, but that is a typical lie. Of course, the governor’s media aide quickly responded the detractors thus: “Our attention has been drawn to the vicious rumour injected into the social media by an immoral opposition, alleging that the amiable wife of the governor of Anambra State, Chief Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano, Osodieme has passed on. This poisonous lie is a new low in opposition politics in Anambra State and one that must be condemned by anyone who has the slightest respect for the right to life and the dignity of the human person. For the avoidance of doubt, Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano is alive and in the best physical, psychological and emotional condition possible. She is observing her annual vacation in the United States and has not had any reason to spend a night in the hospital.” Antics of opposition?

Obiano

AIG’s misdemeanour

t is expected that the mantra of change should also be taking over affairs at the Louis Edet House in Abuja, which houses the Nigeria Police. Now something is happening consistently in one of the zones of the Force. MM gathered that it concerns a certain Assistant Inspector General of Police, whose stock in trade has become to demand recharge cards from DPOs under his formation. According to the buzz, this AIG demands as much as N6000 worth of recharge cards from

men under his command each week. Yes, the bubble burst last week when one of the DPOs mistakenly sent MTN worth N4500, while the remaining N1500 had a wrong PIN. The AIG, got so furious and was at the verge of ‘blacklisting’ the DPO for daring to send him a fake card. MM heard the matter was later resolved when the DPO resent the card. The text from the AIG read: “God saved you that you truly made a mistake. I now know from the PIN”. Waooh! Nollywood on set

Nollywood copycats

ome things happen that makes one wonder where the growth really lies in the Nigerian movie industry. This is because we are still hearing details we ought to have forgotten, especially as regards portrayal of characters in movies. Those who are conversant with the movie landscape will definitely remember the actress called Alex Lopex and how she earned N150,000 in 2000

ONE-SECOND &

With

KINGSLEY KUKU

Kingsley Kuku, immediate past Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta, travelled abroad at the onset of the Buhari administration fueling speculations that he is running from being arrested. He reacts to the issue:

away in order Some have alleged that you ran C? EFC to escape the probe by the it makes me Any time I reflect on this thing, se of AsHou the of very sad. I was the captain r’s team rno gove the sembly playing football with execuan was It . 2006 to mark Ondo State Day in our for alty pen a was tive football match and there man I it. take to was team and, as the captain, I and alty pen the ed aged to strike the ball and scor that, I discovered we all rejoiced. But just as I did I could not stand and that my legs were wobbling out. I must have n take firmly on the field and was ess that reproc the been seriously wounded in er been the nev had e sulted in the penalty. My kne the U.S. in ery surg same until I underwent the

for shaving her head bald in the movie, Echoes. She got that (fantastic?) fee then for the role of a widow in the movie. However years later, while the industry should have outgrown such practices, actresses are still walking crude pathways to play their roles in an era when resin masks cost less than N3000. One day someone will cut off a limb to play the role of an amputee.

Friday, October 9, 2015 24 Thul-Hijjah 1436

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

Mutual tolerance is vital

ruler has to accustom himself to patience and to gulp down the bitterness of his subjects’ aversion. Be it known O leader, that you are not a god, so do not desire that people be loyal to you when they have not been loyal to God who created them and conferred on them all kinds of blessing and when they say unseemly things about Him and attribute to Him what is impossible for Him. The leader should be kind, more inclined to forgiveness and abstinence from anger. He should be generous and forbearing with good qualities, natural disposition and patience in the form of courage and openhandedness. If the rulers is not kind and preferring forgiveness to anger, more inclined to generosity and tolerance, one fears that people might be bored with, and desert him, as mentioned by the Most High. If he is not a brave man fear is expressed that he might be baffled when confronted with problems, and bewildered, when faced with calamity and tribulation. In such as case, his authority would be weakened and the interest of his people would be lost. But what is right for him is to be stronghearted, composed and a steady support for his employees and people. To him they will turn for help in any frightful matter. If he is not generous, fear is entertained that he might be stingy in spending money for the benefit of his people. People might be able to do without him and condemn him for that. Such a situation is not appropriate. O my brother, when people are filled with anger against the one who speaks ill of them, be unlike them. Struggle to train yourself to accept criticism with satisfaction in spite of the dislike and bitterness, which rises to the heart and from which only a few are safe. Hearken O my brother to that which is hidden in the souls. Do you find sadness at the world of praise like that which you find at the word of blame? Do you find anger against who speaks well, like that which you find against him, who speak ill of you? Is sitting with someone, who praise, more pleasant to your heart, than looking at the one who blame? Do you tolerate assisting the do for the one who praise? Is the excellence of the praise and blame of the blamer exactly equal to you? These and the like are the secrets hidden in the soul. O y brother, the truth of belief will never be complete until he who blame you, and he who praise

Spend on Allah’s cause before death comes 28

you are equal in your judgment at the time of claiming their rights. So be satisfied with the blame and the one who blames; be merciful to him and say special prayer for him and so respond to his needs if you are truthful. And listen O m y

brother, to anothe r thing amongst the things which are also hidden in the souls. If you say that I get angry with the one who blames because he is religiously disobedient, you ought to look and see whether you feel angry yourself upon somebody who backbites and speaks ill about you. Do you get angry with yourself when you speak ill about the worshippers of Allah, as you yourself get angry when they

Hijrah: The road to change 29

backbite and speak ill of you? This is also one of the hidden things of the soul. O my brother, the highest degree of modesty is that you should hate to be mentioned with regards to acts of piety and fear of Allah

Attitude to Praise O my brother, surely people are of various types with respect to their attitudes ton praise. There are those amongst them who wish to be praised and perform acts of piety because of their love for praise. Such a people are perishing except if Allah pardon them. And there are amongst them, those who do not want to be praised; but when they are tested by getting some praise, they will hasten to rejoice. Such a people should struggle to get rid of this from their heart. They are still in the struggling phase; they fall once are rise again but they may reach (the goal) although they are in danger. And there are amongst them those who, when tested by being praised, will not rejoice because of their knowledge of the harm it can bring. They find only dislike for praise in their souls and are distressed at it. Such are on the right path if Allah, the exalted is willing. They have managed to preserve the service of sincerity. There are amongst them, those who, when tested by praise, are offended by it, hate it and feel disabled, due to their anger at this praise. Such are on the right path and it is expected that they will attain the truth. The there are amongst them those, who when tested, by praise become angry because of it, and are afflicted by grief for the one who is praising them.

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

Ahmadiyya Nigeria produces 9 more Hufaz 29

Friday, October 9, 2015

! %

" "#$$"

&"#' $

$( # )

* + ,

- (.

(# (&#$ $

. %

$-''.

/01 * .!

" -)(.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 9, 2015

Call to Worship

24 Thul-Hijjah 1436 Friday, October 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya

The essence of trials and tribulations

‘A

nd We will try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives, and fruits; but give glad tidings to the patient, Who, when a misfortune overtakes them, say, ‘Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.’ (2:156-157) These verses mention qualities of true believers that they demonstrate in times of difficulty, trial or any kind of loss. God states that a true believer is only identified when he has these qualities. True believers at times sustain personal and at times communal loss but they come out of these losses successful having sought God’s pleasure; indeed, they should seek God’s pleasure. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) has elucidated this subject as follows: ‘Tribulations should not be considered bad. One who considers tribulations as bad is not a true believer. Allah the Exalted states: ‘And We will try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives, and fruits; but give glad tidings to the patient, Who, when a misfortune overtakes them, say, ‘Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.’ When such difficulties descend on Prophets of God they bring them glad-tidings of blessings and when the same difficulties descend on the wicked they ruin them. At times of trouble one should read: ‘… say, ‘Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return’ to seek the pleasure of God Almighty at a time of trouble. Life of a true believer has two parts. When a believer does something good he is rewarded for it, but the reward of patience is immeasurable and boundless. God Almighty states, these are the patient and these are the people who have understood God. God divides the lives of those who understand the purport of patience in two parts. Firstly, when he prays God Almighty accepts his prayer, as stated: ‘…Pray unto Me; I will answer your prayer…’ (40:61) and ‘…I answer the prayer of the supplicant when he prays to Me…’ (2:187) Secondly, at times Allah the Exalted does not accept the prayer of a true believer owing to some expediency and at such time a true believer bows down to the will of God Almighty… it is said that Allah the Exalted has dealings with a true believer like a friend. Just as with two friends at times one listens to the other and at other times he makes the other listen to him. The connection between Allah the Exalted and a true believer is also the same. At times He listens to the prayer of a true believer, as He states: ‘…Pray unto Me; I will answer your prayer…’ and at other times He wishes to make true believers lis-

ten to Him and states: ‘And We will try you with something of fear…’. Faithfulness is in understanding not to stress on being one-sided in this regard. A true believer should not be saddened at times of tribulation, he is not greater than a Prophet of God. Truth is that at times of difficulty a fountainhead of love starts. True believer does not go through a difficulty which does not bring him thousands of kinds of pleasures...Beloveds of God Almighty do not face tribulations because of sin…tribulations reveal accomplishments of true believers. Observe, how the high morals of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) were demonstrated at painful times and in triumph. Had the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) not gone through tribulations what could we now say about his high morals! No doubt tribulations of true believers are seen as tribulations by others but true believers do not deem them as tribulations…it is important for man to stay firm on his sincere repentance and realise that repentance will give him a new lease of life. If you wish to experience the fruits of repentance then realise your repentance with your practice. When a gardener sows a sapling he waters it to make it grow. Likewise, faith is a sapling which is nurtured by practice. Therefore, practice is extremely important for faith. If there is no practice with faith, the sapling will wilt away and will be lifeless.’ (Tafseer Hazrat Masih e Maud, Vol. I, pp. 603-604) ‘Do not consider trials as bad while being a true believer. One who considers them bad is not a complete believer. The Holy Qur’an states: ‘And We will try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives, and fruits; but give glad tidings to the patient, Who, when a misfortune overtakes them, say, ‘Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.’ God Almighty states that He will at times try you with loss of property, loss of life, children and crops etc. And those who remain patient at such times and are grateful should be given the glad-tiding that for them the doorways to grace of Allah the Exalted are wide and they will have God’s blessings who at such times say: ‘…Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.’ That is, we and everything we have is from God and everything will ultimately return to Him. They are not aggrieved at the loss of any kind. These people inhabit the station of God’s will. Such people are patient and the reward for the patient is without measure with God.’ (Tafseer Hazrat Masih e Maud, Vol. I, p. 605).

Khalifa of Islam telling Dutch lawmakers that the right of free speech shouldn’t be abused to defame any Holy personage or faith.

L-R: Executive Director, Mahmood Ahmadiyya College Ijede, Alhaji Dr. Masshood Adenrele Fashola; Chairman of the Day: Alhaji Abass Olawale Iromini; Chairman Board of Directors, Alhaji Hussain O. Sumonu; and HRH, Baale of Oko-Ope Ijede: Alhaji Saulabiu Sikiru at the Luncheon and Award Ceremony to commemorate 21st Anniversary of the College held at Lagos Chambers of Commers and Industry Building Alausa Ikeja, Lagos State.

L-R: Special Guest, HRH Alhaji Abdul Azeez Ashas, Baale Ayetoro Bariga Lagos; Engr. Abdul Azeez Shonibare and Engr. Murtadha Muhammad Shittu.

L-R: Vice Principal Admin, Dr. Mrs. Basirat Olajumoke Dikko; Special Guest of Honor, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Deputy Governor, Lagos State, represented by Alhaja Fatimah Oyefeso and Alhaja Husaifat Kikelomo Sumonu.

Former Amir of TMC, Engr. Abdul Ganiy Atitebi presenting a premium award to the Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Mukadas Fujah as The Muslim Congress, TMC, Lagos Branch honoured her patrons and well-wishers last weekend.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 9, 2015

L-R: Elder brother to Mrs. Lola Are-Adegbite, Mr. Miftah Bolaji Are; Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; newly appointed Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary for Education District IV, Mrs. Lola Are-Adegbite; her daughter, Miss Detola Adegbite and a relative, Mrs. Olaide Agoro, during Mrs. Are-Adegbite swearing in ceremony, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, yesterday.

L-R: Secretary, African Church College of Bishops, Rt. Rev’d Michael Adeyemi; Arch Bishop, OkaAkoko Province, Most Rev’d Batholomew Adeyemi; Primate, The African Church, Most Rev’d Emmanuel Udofia; Solution Camp Chaplain, Venerable Jeremiah Okunlola and Chairman, Convention planning committee, Rt. Rev’d David Akinremi during the ongoing 2015 National convention of The African Church in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

People In The Mirror

L-R: Widow of Late Pa Samuel Olorunfunmi Adebanjo, Mrs. Adedoyin Adebanjo; Mr. Adebayo Adebanjo; Mrs. Olufunlola Ojomo; Mr. Olukayode Adebanjo; his wife,

L-R: Representative of Inspector-General of Police, CP Leye Oyebami; Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi, and focal point of the book, ACP Sybil Akinfenwa, during the public presentation of the book, Imaging The Nigeria Police - A Public Perception, at the University of Ibadan.

L-R: Tinsel cast, Beverly Naya, Funlola Aofiyebi, Funmi Holder; Regional Director, AfricaMagic, West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu and Tinsel cast, Segun Abiola-Williams and Ireti Doyle, during the Tinsel Charity Ball in Lagos.

L-R:Vice President Ekankar Nigeria, Mr Okon Osuna;wife of Emeka Ezeh,Nkechi;Regional ECK Spiritual Aide, Nigeria, Mr Ifeatu Areh;Mr Emeka Ezeh and Managing Partner Fred Okonta and Co. Chartered Accountants, Chief Fred Okonta, at the Harji Dinner of Ekankar Nigeria, Northern SubRegion in Abuja on Saturday. PHOTO:NAN

L-R: Representative of Surulere Constituency one, Honorable Desmond Elliot; Star winner, Port Harcourt Zone, Gulder Ultimate Promo, Mr. Chidibere Gift and Marleting Manager, Gulder. Life, 33, More and Stout Category 1, NBPlc, Mr. Emmanuel Agu, during the presentation in Lagos, on Wednesday.

Arty News

Friday, October 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Kcee, Malawian star, Dan Lu hit studios Ngozi Emedolibe

Victor Ike

Meet Victor Ike, new buzz from Paris steve akpos

ictor Ike, a Nigerian musician based in France and younger brother to Emeka Ike is here to sizzle in the effervescent music industry. But before that, he has put concrete plans in motion to reconcile the bad marriage afflicting his brother. The artiste who arrived in Nigeria a few days ago disclosed this on arrival. According to him, “marriage is an institution where people attend to learn the intricacies of marriage and make positive adjustment where necessary .So, my brother’s marriage is not going to collapse as rumored by people. Emeka Ike is my beloved brother by blood and I will ensure that their marriage doesn’t

only fall short of love and peace but will ensure that those envisaging the collapse of the long marriage are disappointed .God is the only one who institutionalized marriage not man and His plans and purpose will be fulfilled in my brother’s marriage”. Victor Ike a trained and passionate R&B music star who performed alongside with 2Face, RaskiMoni at the Independence Beach Carnival played host to Emeka Ike and other dignitaries in attendance. Victor, whose hit track Beauty of Love is gaining tremendous air play on MTV Base,TRACE and other cable stations and highly rated on YouTube is about to storm Nigerian TV stations anytime soon. His new job “Baby” featuring DMX, will rock the scene

Korede Bello at Glo’s ‘Slide n Bounce’

or the second time in two weeks, Ijebu Ode was literarily on fire as the Nigeria’s next generation telecoms network, Globacom last Saturday held the Ijebu Ode edition of its flagship music concert, Slide and Bounce in the town. The Ijebu Ode edition of the Slide “n” Bounce where thousands of residents of the town enjoyed first class performances from top rated artistes was coming shortly after the network treated the residents of the town to a blissful Ojude Oba Festival, which it capped with a music concert at the Equity Resort. At the show held at De Prime Event Centre, paraded some of Nigeria’s most entertaining songsters, the duo of “I Don Get Alert” maestro, Koredo Bello and the nation’s biggest vocalist, Wande Coal, were practically on fire as they dazzled the crowd with their superlative performances, just a seven-year old dance prodigy, Tolulope Orimoloye impressed the audience with his amazing dance stunts.

The Bumper 2 Bumper exponent, Wande Coal regaled the crowd with endless hits and crowned his 7-star performance with, “My Woman, My Everything”, a chart-topping collaborative work he did with other artistes, just as Powerful vocalist, Ego Ogbaro added soulful touches to the evening with her powerful rendition, thrilling the overflowing crowd with her hottest songs including Don’t give up and Love me now. She engaged the crowd and took control of the stage with the confidence and mastery of a tested vocalist. Burna Boy, known for his ability to switch to different genres of music such as Afrobeat, R&B and Hip-hop, during performance, came to the stage with full force and thrilled the crowd with his hyper-energetic delivery. He was immediately followed by the Supreme Mavin Dynasty’s starry-eyed boy, Korede Bello brought down the roof when he sang “Godwin” and told the audience that “I Don Get Alert”.

Slide n Bounce at Ijebu Ode

an Lu, a Malawian Afro pop artiste and one of the top notch artistes in Malawi is in Nigeria to do a collabo with Nigerian sensational Kcee. Dan Lu has recently risen as an international artiste with his popularity and acceptance in Mozambique and South Africa where he has become one of the most sought after artists. He has made head way to the Nigerian music industry with a proposed collaboration of his music label, Sisqo Productions with Kcee. Sisqo Production is a company owned by a Nigerian Chris Tochukwu, a former super model who was the Face of Guinness

Chris Sisqo and Dan Lu

and other top banks in South Africa. Sisqo Productions has shown considerable interest in music and film productions and signed Dan Lu two years ago alongside side other Nigerian artists based in South Africa. With the recent collaboration between Sisqo Production and Kcee’s music label, 5 Star Music, Dan Lu and Kcee will do a collabo that will come out very soon. Speaking with journalists at a press conference, Dan Lu and Chris Tochukwu were optimistic that the song will come out good owing to the fact that all Dan Lu’s collabos with other African artistes have come out as hit tracks. Dan Lu will be bringing rich lyrical content to partner with Kcee’s powerful beats.

Kcee

Toni Kan becomes Samsung ambassador Isiguzo Destiny

uthor, blogger and journalist, Toni Kan, has become a Samsung ambassador, making him the first Nigerian writer to be so recruited for product branding. This happened on Wednesday October, 7, fuelling excitement in the literary industry, which has all the while watched their counterparts in the music and movie scenes corner all the juicy endorsement deals. Responding to the development, Toni Kan wrote: “It is a fabulous time to be a Nigerian writer. I have just been formally announced as brand endorser for the Samsung Galaxy Note 5. A first for writers in Nigeria and harbinger of good things. Live your dream. Life is too

Akeju Toni Kan flanked by Samsung executives

transient to be taken too seriously.” Thank you Samsung. Thank you dear God for the gift.” Anthony Kan Onwordi known as Toni Kan (born 11 June 1971) is author of the collection of short stories, Nights of a Creaking Bed, noted for exploring themes on African sexuality, and published by Cassava Republic (Nigerian publishers of writers such as Teju Cole). He was the winner of the NDDC/Ken Saro Wiwa literature prize, awarded by the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), in 2009. Kan studied English literature at the University of Jos and earned an M.A in English literature at the University of Lagos in 1999, graduating at the top of his class. He became a magazine editor at the age of 26

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arty News

Friday, October 9, 2015

Josephine Anumbor is a movie producer, presenter and child activist, whose passion for the well-being of young people is a major driving force in her life. In this interview with REGINA OTOKPA, she talks about her new film. Excerpts:

What’s the title of your new movie and what is it about? The title of the movie is Searching. It focuses on the travails and abuse women face in their lives. Looking at society today you will see many young people who have been abused in one way or the other. That is why this movie was made so people can rise up against this abuse.

My life as film producer, child activist –Anumbor

How did you find the cast of the film? The characters were drawn from various spheres, the likes of Yemi Blaq because we were looking for a perfect gentleman. And the role Eucharia Anunobi played, you know some time ago in this country people like her played strong roles, so that she could guide the younger ones on how to correct the past in whatever they do. She came in to help them to find skills and lead them out of the streets. She was able to tell some of them that it’s not nice to be a prostitute, to be on the streets or even to sell your body. The movie will premiere on November 26th and the stars would be on hand to grace the event. Others that will be there include those who believe in the protection of the girl child. That was how we were able to come up with the characters. For the other ones, we did mass auditions in Abuja, Kaduna and Warri because we wanted to do something a little bit different and we were very happy about the kind of cast we got. In the movie, you chronicled the past with the kind of scenes you portrayed, what were you trying to say? And was it shot in Zaria? No, Kaduna. Yes you could see that there’s a long time span in different occurrences. The start of the movie was set a long time ago. I started writing this movie 19 years ago. Talking about social vices like rape, how do you think the movie will help in sending across a message to viewers? Anyone watching the movie will see how bad it is. We wanted to show the rapist themselves how animalistic they are. Now if we wanted to provide answers to all of the questions, we will probably have ten parts to the movie. What we succeeded in doing is to show how bad it really is. Now if anyone who is involved in raping women sees this movie, I’m sure he will not want to continue with the act. Do you think offenders should be punished? You see, let me tell you something, punishment doesn’t necessarily stop people from doing the wrong things they do. What punishment does is, when nobody is looking and they have the freedom to do what they want to do, they will do it and escape. But then if you are able to see it for yourself that this thing is bad, you will be able to stop it yourself rather than someone telling you to. Apart from producing movies, what else is your organisation into? Love to the World is into lots of things. We are into music with songs like Where Do We Run To and Heal the Land, all of that is our contribution to the society. We have organised workshops for over 150 people, especially the youth to leave the streets. Some went into tailoring, welding, fishery, aluminium works and tiling. You will be surprised that so many of them have started up their own businesses today while others have left the streets because of our counseling. We also visited the juvenile prisons too because we discovered that some parents got fed up with their children and sent them there. One young man said that when he came out of the prison he was sure he was going to be worse, until

Anumbor

Now if anyone who is involved in raping women sees this movie, I’m sure he will not want to continue with the act

we met and counseled him. We used storytelling, drama and things that you can see to tell you what you are and when he saw that, he wrote us a song at the end of the day. So that’s the kind of things Love to the World have also been embarking on. Aside what the movie is trying to show to the public, do you think we have enough laws to really stop people from indulging in these practices? I think there are existing laws, but I believe there should be stricter laws and the implementation must

be followed through to serve as a deterrent to people from engaging in these violent crimes in society. But aside the laws, there is the need for enlightenment because if you have a headache and you keep on taking drugs for it without looking for the cause of the headache, you will keep on taking the drugs. It is like holding a balloon and trying to sink it inside the water, it won’t work until the air is deflated. I believe that there should be more enlightenment so that the people who indulge in these acts can change their mind.

Escape

Friday, October 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Paris: Bubbling in enlight Ogah Ocheche

Paris, the capital of fashion, has the reputation of being the most beautiful and romantic of all cities, brimming with historic associations.

Eiffel Tower Paris

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

ituated on the Seine River, in the north of the country, it is at the heart of the Île-de-France region, also known as the région parisienne (Paris Region in English). The city of Paris has a population of 2,249,975 inhabitants (January 2011), while itsmetropolitan area is one of the largest population centres in Europe, with 12,292,895 inhabitants at the January 2011 census. About 2.7 million of this total were born outside Metropolitan France and represent a multitude of different countries and territories from around the world. Paris was founded in the 3rd century BC by a Celtic people called the Parisii, who gave the city its name. By the 12th century, Paris was the largest city in the western world, a prosperous trading centre, the home of the University of Paris, and one of the most influential centres of learning in Europe. In the eighteenth century, it was the centre stage for the Enlightenment, theFrench Revolution, and an important centre of commerce, fashion, science, and the arts. The Paris Region has one of the largest GDPs in the world, 612 billion (US$760 billion) in 2012. It hosts the world headquarters of twenty-nine of the largest companies in the world listed in the Fortune Global 500. Paris is today one of the world’s leading business and cultural centres and has a global influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, science, and the arts. Paris is also one the world’s leading tourist destinations; the City of Paris welcomed 29.3 million tourists in 2013. The Paris Region, which includes Disneyland Paris, the most visited tourist attraction in France, welcomed 32.3 million visitors. Paris is the third largest earner from tourism worldwide, after London and New York. Paris in 2013 was home to three of the ten most visited art museums in the world: the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and theCentre Georges Pompidou. It also is the home of several of the most visited architectural landmarks, including the Cathedral ofNotre-Dame-de-Paris (12th century); SainteChapelle (13th century); the Eiffel Tower (1889); and the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur onMontmartre (1919). Paris is known for its fashion designers, high-end boutiques, and the twice-yearly Paris Fashion Week. It is world-renowned for its haute cuisine, and celebrated threestar restaurants. Most of France’s major universities and Grandes Écoles are in Paris or its suburbs, and most of France’s major newspapers, including Le Monde, Le Figaro, and Libération, are based in the city, whileLe Parisien in the suburb Saint-Ouen.

Climate Being located in Western Europe, Paris has a maritime climate with cool winters and warm summers. The moderating effect of the Atlantic Ocean helps to temper temperature extremes in much of Western Europe, including France. Even in January, the coldest month, temperatures nearly always exceed the freezing point with an average

high of 6°C (43°F). Snow is not common in Paris, although it will fall a few times a year. Most of Paris’ precipitation comes in the form of light rain year-round.

Geography Paris is located in northern central France. Overall, the city is relatively flat, and the lowest point is 35 m (115 ft) above sea level. Paris has several prominent hills, of which the highest is Montmartre at 130 m (427 ft). Montmartre gained its name from the martyrdom of Saint Denis, first bishop of Paris atop the “Mons Martyrum” (Martyr’s mound) in 250. Major monuments and attractions The banks of the Seine from the Pont de Sully to the Pont d’Iéna are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991. From the Middle Ages to the 21st century, the banks have been enriched with successive monuments over time on a large area extending from the Île de la Cité, hosting Notre-Dame(1163-1345) and Sainte-Chapelle (1242-1248), to the Eiffel Tower (1887-1889) and Musée du Quai Branly (2006). Between both ends can be found from east to west the Louvre (1202-1989), Musée d’Orsay (1900-1986), Les Invalides (1671-1678) and the Grand Palais (1897-1900). The Axe historique of Paris has inspired many major cities worldwide. The east-west perspective starts in the centre of Paris at the Louvre Palace, follows then through the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, theTuileries Garden, the Luxor Obelisk (erected in the centre of place de la Concorde), continues along theavenue des Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe at place de l’Étoile, crosses the périphérique at Porte Maillot, the Seine

river at Pont de Neuilly, then follows the central esplanade of the business district ofLa Défense, dominated by its skyscrapers, and ends at the Grande Arche. Major monuments and attractions from the 20th and 21st centuries are scattered all over the city: consecrated in 1919, the basilica of the Sacré-Cœur is built atop Butte Montmartre;[88] Centre Pompidou(1971-1977) and the Forum des Halles (currently under reconstruction and due to be completed by 2016) have been built in the heart of the city; Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie (1986), the largest science museum in Europe, and Cité de la Musique (1995) are both located in the Parc de la Villette. The Contemporary Art museum of the Louis Vuitton Foundation, designed by architect Frank Gehry, opened on October 2014 in the Bois de Boulogne.[91] The entertainment resort of Disneyland Paris is the most visited attraction in the Paris Region, with 14.9 million visitors in 2013. In the Seine-Saint-Denis department, the Basilica of St Denis is the royal necropolis of French kings and queens, as well as princes and princesses of the blood. The Paris region also hosts 3 other UNESCO Heritage sites: the Palace of Versailles in the west, the Château de Fontainebleau in the south and the medieval fairs site of Provins in the east.

Parks and gardens Paris today has more than 421 municipal parks and gardens, covering more than three thousand hectares and containing more than 250,000 trees. Two of Paris’s oldest and most famous gardens are the Tuileries Garden, created in 1564 for the Tuileries Palace, and redone by André Le Nôtre be-

tween 1664 and 1672, and the Luxembourg Garden, for the Luxembourg Palace, built for Marie de’ Medici in 1612, which today houses the French Senate. The Jardin des Plantes was the first botanical garden in Paris, created in 1626 by Louis XIII’s doctor Guy de La Brosse for the cultivation of medicinal plants. Between 1853 and 1870, the Emperor Napoleon III and the city’s first director of parks and gardens,Jean-Charles Alphand, created the Bois de Boulogne, the Bois de Vincennes, Parc Montsouris and theParc des Buttes-Chaumont, located at the four points of the compass around the city, as well as many smaller parks, squares and gardens in the Paris’s quarters. One hundred sixty-six new parks have been created since 1977, most notably the Parc de la Villette (1987-1991), Parc André Citroën (1992), and Parc de Bercy (1997). The Promenade des Berges de la Seine (2013), is built on a former highway on the left bank of the Seine between the Pont de l’Alma and the Musée d’Orsay. It has floating gardens and recreation and playground areas, and is designed so that all the equipment of the park can be moved to higher ground in less than 24 hours if the Seine rises too high.

Culture Painting and sculpture For centuries, Paris has attracted foreign artists arriving in the city to share their creativity, educate themselves, or seek inspiration from its vast pool of artistic resources and galleries. As a result, Paris has acquired a reputation as the “City of Art”.[205] Italian artists were a profound influence on the development of art in Paris in the 16th and 17th centuries, particular in sculpture and reliefs.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 9, 2015

tenment and fashion Photography Paris was the birthplace of modern photography, with the invention of the Daguerreotype by Louis Daguerre in the 1830s, and through the work of Étienne-Jules Marey in the 1880s. Since then it has attracted communities of photographers, and was an important centre for the development of photography. Numerous photographers achieved renowned for their photography of Paris, including Eugène Atget, noted for his depictions of early-19th-century street scenes; the early 20th-century surrealistmovement’s Man Ray; Robert Doisneau, noted for his playful pictures of 1950s Parisian life; Marcel Bovis, noted for his night scenes, and others such as Jacques-Henri Lartigue and Cartier-Bresson. Paris also become the hotbed for an emerging art form in the late 19th century, poster art, advocated by the likes of Gavarni.

Literature The first book printed in France, Epistolae (“Letters”), by Gasparinus de Bergamo (Gasparino da Barzizza), was published in Paris in 1470 by the press established by Johann Heynlin. Since then, Paris has been the centre of the French publishing industry, the home of some of the world’s best-known writers and poets, and the setting for many classic works of French literature. Almost all the books published in Paris in the Middle Ages were in Latin, rather than French. Paris did not become the acknowledged capital of French literature until the 17th century, with authors such as Boileau,Corneille, La Fontaine, Molière, Racine, several coming from the provinces, and the foundation of theAcadémie française. In the 18th century, the literary life of Paris revolved around the cafes and salons, and was dominated by Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Pierre de Marivaux, and Beaumarchais.

Libraries There are 74 public libraries in Paris, including specialised collections spread throughout the city. In the 4th arrondissement, the Forney Library is dedicated to the decorative arts; the Arsenal Library occupies a former military building, and has a large collection on French literature; and the Bibliothèque historique de la ville de Paris, also located in Le Marais, contains the Paris historical research service.

Museums The Louvre was the world’s most visited art museum in 2013 and is the home of masterpieces including the Mona Lisa (La Joconde) and the Venus de Milo statue. Starkly apparent with its service-pipe exterior, the Centre Georges Pompidou, the number two most visited art museum in Paris, also known as Beaubourg, houses the Musée National d’Art Moderne. The Musée D’Orsay, in a former railway station, was the thirdmost visited museum in the city in 2013; it displays French art of the nineteenth century, including major collections of the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. The Musée du quai Branly was the fourth most visited national museum in Paris in 2013. It displays art objects from Africa, Asia,

Escape

Oceania, and the Americas. The Musée national du Moyen Âge, or Cluny Museum, presentsMedieval art, including the famous tapestry cycle of The Lady and the Unicorn. The Guimet Museum, orMusée national des arts asiatiques, has one of the largest collections of Asian art in Europe. There are also notable museums devoted to individual artists, including the Picasso Museum the Rodin Museum, and the Musée national Eugène Delacroix, while the artistic community of Montparnasse is chronicled at the Musée du Montparnasse.

Entertainment and performing arts The largest opera houses of Paris are the 19th-century Opéra Garnier (historical Paris Opéra) and modern Opéra Bastille; the former tends towards the more classic ballets and operas, and the latter provides a mixed repertoire of classic and modern. Theatre traditionally has occupied a large place in Parisian culture. This still holds true today, and many of its most popular actors today are also stars of French television. Some of Paris’s major theatres include Bobino, the Théâtre Mogador, and theThéâtre de la Gaîté-Montparnasse.

City pass Paris

Music Paris has a long musical history: NotreDame had a polyphony school as early as the late 12th century. Parisian aristocrats called ‘’trouvères’’ (the origin of our English “troubadours”), known for their poetry and songs, flourished in the capital between the late 12th and 14th century. Paris is the spiritual home of gypsy jazz in particular, and many of the Parisian jazzmen who developed in the first half of the 20th century began by playing Bal-musette in the city. Django Reinhardt rose to fame in Paris, having moved to the 18th arrondissement in a caravan as a young boy, and performed with violinist Stéphane Grappelli and their Quintette du Hot Club de France in the 1930s and 40s. Some of the more notable jazz venues include the New Morning, Le Sunset, La Chope des Puces and Bouquet du Nord. Several yearly festivals take place in Paris, including the Paris Jazz Festivaland the rock festival Rock en Seine. The Orchestre de Paris was established in 1967.

Facade Paris

Cinema Paris hosted the first projection of a motion picture on the 28th of December 1895. The film, a creation of the Lumière Brothers, was shown in the basement of the Grand Cafe to thirty-eight people, among them the future director of the first science fiction film, Georges Méliès.[232][233][234] When cinema was becoming popular in the 1930s, its concert/dance hall venues were waning, and many of the latter were transformed into movie theatres. Appearing first in the form of large halls, most of the larger cinemas were later divided into multiple, smaller rooms, giving birth to the “multiplex” concept. Paris’s by far largest cinema today is Le Grand Rex theatre with 2,800 seats,[235] whereas Paris’ other cinemas all have fewer than 1,000 seats. There has been a recent trend towards modern multiplexes like the recently opened “Pathé quai d’Ivry” cinema, with its IMAX theatre and 14 projection rooms.[236]

Waterside looks romantic in Paris

Louvre-Museum Paris

Friday, October 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Weststar introduces Mercedes Maybach S-Class into Nigeria

Stories by ADEJUWON OSUNNUYI

eststar Associates Limited, the authorised general distributor of MercedesBenz in Nigeria is set to add the Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class to the portfolio of S-Class Saloons in the country. While there is no doubt that the Maybach traditionally stands as a proud example of high-end automotive luxury, the Maybach S500 is expected to be made available by Weststar before the end of 2015. This state-of-the art vehicle is a combination of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class’ perfections and the exclusivity of Maybach, thereby assuming the top-of-the-range position. Available at any of the authorised dealerships, the MercedesBenz Maybach S-Class is 5453 mm long with a 3365 mm wheelbase, which makes it 20 cm larger in both dimensions than the S-Class Saloon with long wheelbase. Rear passengers will benefit from this increased size as well as from standard equipment that includes executive seats on both left and right and other exclusive details such as innovative voice amplification. In the rear, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is also the world’s quietest production Saloon car. According to a statement from Westar, the Mercedes-Maybach SClass combines stylish, effortless superiority with trend-setting exclusivity. The model has retained sweepy, domed-shaped rooflines from the SClass but a number of exterior features have been adapted to take the Maybach to a new level of luxury.

An extension between the C and B pillar makes the Maybach 207mm longer than the S-Class and increases the level of comfort. Inside of the newly transferred arch triangle is the double M engraving, which means from first glimpse you instantly know it’s a Maybach. Speaking on the latest car, Ola Källenius, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG/ Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales said, “The history of prestige vehicles made by Mercedes-Benz extends back to the earliest days of the motor car. We have now commenced a new chapter with the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class,” He added, “As an addition to the portfolio of S-Class saloons, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class sets new standards in the luxury segment. The vehicle satisfies the very highest requirements in terms of exclusivity appointments and comfort.” The architecture captures clear elegance creating the very best from the very best. From an exclusive look, the front centre armrest is covered with Nappa leather upholstery which features embossed Maybach crests (and also the armrests in the rear in conjunction with the First-Class rear suite). Another special feature in the dashboard is the analogue clock with an IWC design. The numbers and indicators are individually milled and applied, underlining the analogue clock’s exclusive design. Both the numbers and indicators are made of fine metal adding to the lavish interior. Following the standards of all Mercedes-Benz the Maybach door’s trim has been hand stitched as part of the standard equipment in

Nappa leather but there is also the option to add more personalisation and choose from a range of exclusive leathers. Additional exclusive features include trim parts in wood/chrome and leather at shoulder height in the door panels, chrome-plated tweeter grilles and fibre-optic cables for the ambience lighting to the side on the armrest. Together they create a modernised atmosphere conveying a sense of capacious style. The vehicle’s remarkable V8 biturbo engine has an output of 335Kw(455 hp), a maximum torque of 700 Nm available from 1800rpm,207g/km C02 emissions, and perfect acceleration with a speed of 250 km/h. Like all Mercedes-Benz, safety is always key. Therefore, there are a number of new assistance systems to make the car more seamless The Intelligent Drive systems include PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection, Stop&Go Pilot, Brake Assist BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic

Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and Night View Assist Plus. A lot more innovative safety features are available that are unique to the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. Looking at some of the systems in closer detail, the standard rear end seats come with unique cushion airbags that are located under the seat upholstery. The seat belt buckle extender has an electric motor, which raises and lowers the buckles making it easier to move around the pelvis and thorax. From the rear, the seat belt buckle emerges from the upholstery when the back doors are opened making the usage easier. Overall the seat belt device has made it simpler to assist children or those who require assistance fastening their seat belts. Likewise, to reduce the impact of injury, the car comes with a belt bag-which is an inflatable seat belt with an extra-soft belt strap edge. This received top marks in practical trials for being extremely comfortable to wear. The Maybach also come with

a range of exclusive options to be chosen from. An example standard sound system with ten loudspeakers including Frontbass system, of which the alternative is available, i.e. two very high-quality audio systems are available which were developed together with high-end audio specialist Burmester: The Burmester® high-end 3D surround sound system offers a unique optical and acoustic experience. As a visual highlight, the tweeters in the mirror triangle of the driver’s door and their counterparts in the rear doors are particularly sophisticated in the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. They rotate through 360 degrees when the head unit is turned on, moving ten millimeters towards the passengers in a spiral motion. This movement aligns the tweeters to give the optimum sound impression. If the ambience lighting is switched on, the tweeters are illuminated in one of the seven available colours.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 9, 2015

FRSC set to prosecute erring drivers

clampdown on overloaded tankers, trucks and motor vehicles. Oyeyemi pointed out that these offences violated the provisions of section 122 of the National Road Traffic Regulations on lighting system as many don’t have reflectors and adequate rear light. He explained further that the permissible maximum weight (gross weight) on the road should not exceed 32 tonnes for heavy duty vehicles carrying two or more axle trailers and axle load not more than 9,600kg (9.66 tonnes) as stipulated in the Federal Highway Act Cap 135 and regulation 145 (1) of the

National Road Traffic Regulations 2012. The traffic regulation expert threatened that any trailer carrying 900 bags or 50kg approximately 45 tonnes, would be considered as beyond the permissible limit. The Corps Marshal said: “Similarly, a trailer conveying 45,000 litres of fuel will weigh about 34 tonnes, which has also exceeded the permissible weight. “This attitude is unacceptable especially in view of the robust partnership which the corps has built with stakeholders in the haulage and transport sector such as the National Union of Road Transport, National Association of Road Transport Owners, NUPENGPetroleum Tanker Drivers and Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria to enthrone sanity and decorum in their activities.” It would be recalled that the Commission recently flagged off this year’s Ember month campaigns along the Onitsha axis as part of measures to address not only the menace of tankers and trucks but to also ensure improved road conduct among other category of vehicles and road users.

representatives of both business concerns said: “We are coming together in a win-win partnership to reward loyal customers and essentially, reinforce the commitment of Nigerian Breweries and Hyundai Motors Nigeria to the ‘Don’t drink and drive’ refrain.” Nigeria Breweries has however cautioned that the bonanza is only applicable to customers above 18 years of age, seeking to own Hyundai Elantra car - one of the trendiest and fastest selling passenger cars. “Every customer who buys a bottle of Gulder Ultimate Premium Larger beer during this campaign is eligible to win a coveted Hyundai Elantra car,” the facilitators assured. Also adding that every cus-

tomer could increase his/her chances of winning by simply buying additional drinks, the facilitators charged users to always open the seal underneath the crown cocks and send whatever alphanumeric codes to 20388, where it would be instantly logged in for the national electric draw that holds fortnightly. Any lucky draw that emerges thereafter routinely wins a new Hyundai Elantra car and the names of the winners are published in the newspapers and Nigerian Breweries website says the motivators. Already, Mr. Chuka Nnabuife, a journalist with National Light Newspaper has won the first Hyundai Elantra car at the launch of the Gulder Ultimate Campaign in Enugu while other winners are to emerge subsequently.

Stories by Adejuwon Osunnuyi

n its determination to ensure safer roads in the country, the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has directed its patrol officers nationwide to arrest and prosecute drivers found overloading their vehicles and causing traffic hazards for other road users. The Commission accused some tanker drivers especially those conveying wet cargo such as fuel of being in the habit of exceeding the axle load capacity of their trucks. The FRSC Corps Marshal, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, lamented that it was disturbing to find drivers of tankers with 30,000 litres capacity, adding firewood and other unnecessary items to highly inflammable substance with the tendency of resulting in fire outbreak in the event of a road traffic crash. He explained that against this ugly backdrop and pursuant to the Commission’s renewed determination to ensure safer roads, commanding officers and patrol operatives had been directed to commence immediate nationwide

Subaru showcases 2016 Forester at Tokyo motor show

apanese car-maker, Subaru has confirmed it will unveil a facelifted version of the current SUV, Forester at the Tokyo motor show later this month. Receiving a light nip and tuck, the new car’s nose has been tweaked to give it a tougher SUV-like appearance, while at the rear there’s also a pair of new rear tail lamps. Inside, there’s an updated instrument panel which gains a new multi-function display. Subaru has also said the interior will feature better-feeling, higher-grade materials. The final updates inside include a new SD-based satnav, the option of a new Harmon Kardon sound system, while rear passengers (in colder markets) will benefit from the addition of heated rear seats. It’s not known if there’s been any improvements under the bonnet but Subaru says

the revised Forester should prove a better drive with the facelifted car coming with more linear steering responses while the suspension has been rethought for a better ride quality. To help improve handling the Forester has also been given a bigger front cross-member for better rigidity. The fastest turbocharged models also gain torque vectoring for better high-speed cornering. Safety is where most of Subaru’s mid-life tweak budget has been spent. The tweaked SUV now comes with adaptive LED headlamps that work for both high and low beam and are quicker to respond and better at ‘bending’ round corners. Subaru’s new Forester also comes with an active lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking.

Customers win Hyundai cars in Gulder Volvo introduces robot-controlled Ultimate Drink ‘n’ Win promo refuse trucks

o fewer than 15 lucky customers are expected to go home with latest Hyundai Elantra cars currently up for grabs at the ongoing National Gulder Ultimate campaign inspired by renowned brewery, Nigerian Breweries PLC with prime representatives of No 1 Korean carmaker, Hyundai Motors Nigeria. Both companies had collaborated to create excitement and reward Gulder Premium Larger Beer consumers with brand new Hyundai Elantra cars and various prizes including cash gifts during the 2015 National Consumer Promotion that would culminate with six raffle draws and eight experiential draws. Giving the hint at a fanfare in Enugu, South East Nigeria, where the Gulder Ultimate Promo was recently unveiled,

here are indications that the auto industry is set to witness the introduction of robotic trucks. The Volvo Group says it is developing a robot that will interact with the refuse truck and its driver to quietly enter the neighborhood, collect refuse bins and empty them into the truck. It said this would be done without waking up the sleeping families. Although the initiator of the project said the new product would be unveiled soon in developed countries such as the United States, for the Nigerian market, it was silent when the robotic truck would be made available. The driverless cars have not been introduced to the country either. It described the robot-con-

trolled refuse truck as a joint venture being developed in conjunction with the Chalmers University of Technology and Mälardalen University in Sweden, Penn State University in the United States, and a waste recycling company, Renova. According to a report obtained from its website the project, Robot-based Autonomous Refuse handling, aims at developing tomorrow’s smart transport solutions. “The goal is to introduce a robot that, with the help of instructions from a truck’s operating system, can collect refuse bins in a neighborhood, bring them to a refuse truck and empty them. All of this occurs under the supervision of the refuse truck’s driver, who can thereby avoid heavy lifting,” it stated.

Cocktail

Friday, October 9, 2015

Police: Partially-clothed intruder found sleeping in home

53-year-old man has been charged with burglary and harassment after he was found asleep in an empty bedroom of someone else’s Missouri home. Gregory Trent Cole was charged Monday. Authorities say Cole entered a home in the St. Louis suburb of Wentzville and went into a bed-

room early Sunday while the people who lived in the home were in another room. They say he removed some of his clothes and went to sleep. Police say the man was discovered around 8 a.m., wearing only underwear and a shirt. Cole was taken to the St. Charles County Jail, where he is jailed on $15,000 bond.

Oddities Oddities

Orphaned Wild Boar Piglet Is Adopted by German Herd of Cows A n orphaned wild boar piglet has found a new family: a herd of milk cows. “I spotted the little fellow about two weeks ago,” 16-year old Jakob Kraft told NBC News from his family’s farm near the German

Caterpillar that’s new to Pennsylvania can cause skin rashes

he bad news is that a Canadian caterpillar now found in Pennsylvania can cause a nasty rash. The good news is that most cases can be treated at home with lotion and ice,

though it’ll cause several hours of discomfort. There have been many recently reported cases in State College and elsewhere in central Pennsylvania.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The white hickory tussock moth caterpillar is to blame. The caterpillar’s fuzzy black spines contain venom they use to ward off predators. But it can also irritate human skin. State College resident Bryant Martin says he and his 5-year-old son learned that the hard way. The boy was letting the caterpillar crawl on his hand Sunday and developed a rash minutes later. MedExpress Dr. Joseph Betz says the rash is only temporary.

town of Goettingen. “We thought it was quite funny that the little boar was mingling among the cows on our meadow.” The piglet appears to have been adopted by the herd. “We have seen the cows gently push the boar with their heads, I think they like him,” said Kraft, who is an

apprentice in electrical engineering. The farmer’s family, which lives near a forest in the state of Lower Saxony and owns 30 cows, believes that the bristly fellow is orphaned. “We have seen no other wild boar for weeks,” Kraft said. The boar has been

named Johann, but Kraft said that he had not come closer than three feet to the wild animal so far. “When we bring the herd back into the stables at the end of the month, we will see if the piglet tags along or if it goes back into the woods,” he added.

A farmer’s herd of cows has adopted a wild boar piglet near Goettingen, Germany. SWEN PFOERTNER / EPA, file

Friday, October 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Maritime

Building indigenous fleet to enhance cadets’ training Recent revelations by the Oron, Akwa Ibom State-based Maritime Academy of Nigeria that more than 6, 000 of its cadets, who completed their training over 11 years ago are yet to do their practical sea time training due to lack of funds has stirred stakeholders’ concern about the career prospects of the graduate cadets. FRANCIS EZEM reports on the issues and how indigenous fleet capacity could help in reversing the ugly trend.

ore than 20 years after the demise of former national carrier, the Nigerian National Shipping Line NNSL, the shipping industry is still grappling with the negative effects of that decision of the then Military regime under General Sani Abacha. In addition to creating jobs and lifting the nation’s bulk import and export cargo, the NNSL, which had over 27 ocean going vessels provided berths for the one –year mandatory training of Nigerian cadets, most of who completed their cadetship training at MAN, Oron. The International Maritime Organisation IMO, convention on Standards, Certification and Watch-Keeping STWC 1995 for seafarers requires that cadets should go on a one-year mandatory practical training on board ocean going vessel after their classroom, leading to the award of Certificate of Competence CoC, without which they could not be employed on ocean going ships, as they are considered untrained, uncompetitive and unemployable. It was probably in line with this that the Rector of MAN Oron, the premier maritime training institution in the country, Mr. Joshua Okpo raised serious concerns over the inability of more than 6, 00 former cadets of the academy, some of who graduated 11 years ago to do their mandatory training due to the absence of a training vessel. This development has no doubt denied them the opportunity of being gainfully employed, as many of them have taken all forms of menial jobs including riding commercial motor cycles popularly called Okada to make ends meet. It was however gathered that the former Minister of Trans-

port, Senator Idris Umar structured a training scheme with some foreign ship owners, which led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding MOU with the such ship owners in the Republic of Philippines, Georgia and Turkey, which is part of the condition for the commencement of the training programme. Under the arrangement, the ship owners were to train 250 cadets, being the first batch of the ca- Container on high sea dets, comprising 100 Naval Officers and 150 Engineers at the cost of training that will not limit Nigeri- th country to take Nigerian cadets N8.2 billion, which would be done an seafarers to the coastal region. on board their ships other a special on a yearly basis. “The Federal Government arrangement. Investigations showed that the must undertake the signing of According to him, there are over ministry could not honour its fi- bilateral agreements with nations 500 vessels comprising of indignancial obligation in terms of whose vessels trade in her waters enously and foreign owned ones funding the terms of the MoU due to provide berths for Nigerian ca- operate in the country, which if to the sharp decline in global price dets on their vessels”, he said. properly harnessed will provide the of crude oil and the attendant reMeanwhile, president of Ship- necessary training opportunities duction in government’s earnings, owners Association of Nigeria for Nigerian cadets, most of who leading to the failure of the govern- SOAN, Engineer Greg Ogbeifun, are languishing, doing menial jobs. ment to meet is financial obliga- spoke on the need to train a crop He insisted that this option has tions to even staff and contractors. of young and competent seafar- become expedient so as to fill the Sequel to the failure of this ers, observed that most of the able gap created by the demise of the scheme, many stakeholders have seamen in the country are either NNSL, which before now provided canvassed different options to the over-aged or young but unemploy- training platforms on board its vesproblem of training Nigerian sea- able because they are not properly sels for Nigerian cadets, arguing farers, who are not only competent trained. that it was not worth it churning but also employable and competiOgbeifun, who doubles as out cadets, who are not certificated tive with their peers in the global chairman/CEO of Starzs Invest- and therefore unemployable in the seafarers’ market. ments Company Limited, an in- international market place. President of National Associa- digenous shipping firm, however But a former Director General tion of Master Mariners NAMM, said that best option was for the of NIMASA, Mr. Temi Omatseye umbrella association for retired government to compel all the for- believes that Nigeria has no better indigenous ship captains, Chief eign shipping lines operating in option than to develop an indigEngineers and Engineers, Captain Ade Olopoenia, who spoke in an NIMASA is implementing the interview, observed that only a biNigerian Seafarers Development lateral training programme could guarantee adequate capacity for Programme NSDP, which seeks to Nigerian cadets and facilitate their train Nigerian cadets, MAN, Oron global acceptance. also churns out cadets every year, if According to him, over the years, training of Nigerian cadets there is no ship, these cadets cannot from the early days of the nation’s do their mandatory one-year sea time maritime history till now has been training and so would not secure jobs mainly limited to the coastal voyages, a development that necessitated on international vessels the creation of a programme of

enous fleet. According to him, until the government puts in place deliberate and consistent measures designed to enable the indigenous shipping firms to build a formidable fleet that would fly the nation’s flag, the desire to build a pool of able sea men that is competitive in the international market will continue to be a mirage. He cited Ethiopia, a land locked country, which has over 15 vessels of various types and capacities and therefore brings the freight rates down for consignments coming into or going out of the country and also trains seafarers on board these vessels. Omatseye, who doubles as president of African Ship Owners Association said: “NIMASA is implementing the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme NSDP, which seeks to train Nigerian cadets, MAN, Oron also churns out cadets every year, if there is no ship, these cadets cannot do their mandatory one-year sea time training and so would not secure jobs on international vessels”. It is therefore expedient for the Nigerian government to show a measure of interest in boost indigenous fleet that will not only provide training platforms for Nigerian cadets, but also boost job creation in line with its progamme on job creation.

Business Maritime

Friday, October 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Importers, agents may close shop over Forex policy regime STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

trong indications emerged that the Federal Governments Foreign Exchange policy is currently taking its toll on the volume of activities in the shipping industry, as many importers, freight forwarders and clearing agents are at the verge of closing shop due to lack of business.

Emefiele

The policy, introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria to curtail the high demand of foreign currencies, especially the dollar, leading to the fall of the naira, excludes 41 import items from the list of imported products to source foreign exchange at the official market. Managing director of Port Passages Limited, an Customs licensed firm, Mr. Mike Nwokeafor, who spoke in a telephone inter-

view, said that the volume of activities at the ports had dropped significantly, as very few imports come into the country how. According to him, if nothing is done in the next few weeks about the policy, many clearing and freight forwarding businesses would close shop because of low business activities, a development that would lead to massive loss of jobs in the industry. “As we speak on phone now, I

Ali

Stakeholders canvass stronger export trade for Nigeria

takeholders in the international trade business have made a strong case for the building of a strong export base as part of efforts to diversify the nation’s economy. This is against the backdrop of the current dwindling fortune of crude oil in the international market, which Nigeria unfortunately depends on with economic uncertainties in the country. This is part of the decisions reached at the just concluded International Sea Trade and Investment Convention ISTI), conference, which held in Lagos. The stakeholders lamented the low turn of Nigeria’s export trade and charged the government to introduce policies that would revamp the nation’s export sector with a view to reducing over dependence on crude oil export for foreign exchange earnings, which is currently taking its toll on the nation’s economy. The stakeholders also observed that Nigeria is currently behind its peers, especially among the Asian Tigers, who built their export bases to avoid

running a mono-product economy. They also argued that as long as the country continues to run a mono-product economy by depending only on crude oil export for her foreign exchange earnings, she would continue to face the current economic hiccups with the attendant dwindling national revenue, which has dire consequences both on the people and the economy. In attendance at the one-

day event were former Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigeria Shippers’ Council NSC, Mr. Hassan Bello, former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Mrs. Mfon Usoro and Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA, Mallam Habibu Abdullahi, among several others.

Britain must look abroad if it is to reverse the long decline of its shipping sector, stakeholders at the maritime union Nautilus’s conference have said. The union’s general secretary Mark Dickinson told delegates: “The Dutch maritime policy package illustrates how things could be different if the UK government had strategies to support shipping and investment in the skills of our young people. “The Dutch have a highly structured and co-ordinated commitment to the future of the nation’s maritime skills — with 100 per

cent support for training costs and a job guarantee — which is delivering a reversal of the decline in the skills base.” He said the union must see the 2006 Maritime Labour Convention the so-called “bill of rights” for the world’s 1.2 million seafarers as a “foundation” rather than “job done.” Nautilus, which represents seafarers in Britain, the Netherlands and Switzerland, also heard from International Transport Workers’ Federation maritime co-ordinator Jackie Smith at its general meeting in Liverpool.

am at home because it is no longer advisable to come to Apapa everyday with the high cost associated with fuelling the car and running the generator and other sundry cost, which is no longer sustainable given the low level of business activities. Another importer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, faulted the decision of the CBN in allowing some products of import source foreign exchange at the official market, which is cheaper while others were asked to go to the parallel market, which is lower. He cited the instance of par boiled rice, which is affected by the policy, arguing that there is no way the country cannot import rice at least for now, especially given that Nigeria as at now cannot produce enough rice to feed her 170 million people, as development that necessitated the importation of the product. “We have all resigned to fate while waiting for the government to possibly rethink the policy with a view to reviewing it or scrapping it entirely as the case may be because we cannot source foreign exchange at that exorbitant price and still expect to make profit, so it is better not to import than to import and incur loses”, he said. Meanwhile, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry LCCI, last week took a swipe at the CBN over the new foreign exchange policy, warning that it might lead to the closure of many production

factories in the country with the attendant loss of jobs. According to the LCCI, the policy has caused considerable pressure on the Bureau de Change segment of the market and also widened the gap between the official and parallel markets, which it believes is not good for the economy. But Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has assured that the new policy is merely a short term measure to stabilise the local currency from the effects of the supply and demand for foreign exchange at the global market. He however said that the policy will remain in force for now, an indication that the importers and other port operators are in for a long wait. The Vice President was quoted as saying that the apex bank would retain the foreign exchange restrictions for now to preserve the country’s currency and foreign reserves due to the dwindling revenue from crude oil export. The CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele,who has insisted that Nigeria has no other option than to introduce the restrictions, argued that the country can no longer sustain the spending of over N1.3tn annually on items that could be manufactured locally. According to him, this huge sum had become a significant drag on the nation’s foreign exchange reserves and therefore needed to be checked.

International Container cuts spending as global growth lull

nternational Container Terminal Services Inc. expects to spend only half of the $530 million it budgeted for this year as the Philippine port operator limits its expansion amid slow-

Britain must look abroad to halt shipping decline

“Gone are the days when [unions dealt with] a national company and national negotiations, and the trade union movement needs to bring these discussions into the international arena,” she warned. International Container cuts spending as global growth slows International Container Terminal Services Inc. expects to spend only half of the $530 million it budgeted for this year as the Philippine port operator limits its expansion amid slowing global growth, Chairman and President Enrique Razon said.

ing global growth, Chairman and President Enrique Razon said. “The growth picture of the global economy is not looking too great,” Razon, 55, said in an interview Oct. 2 in Manila. Profit at the company has mainly been driven by acquiring new terminals rather than by organic growth, he said. The company, known as ICTSI, has built a portfolio of sea ports from Manila to Oregon to Ecuador as global trade boomed over the past decade, driven by China’s rapid growth. The trade picture has since dimmed, with the World Trade Organisation recently cutting its forecast for global trade to 2.8 percent growth this year, from 3.3 percent previously. In July, the International Monetary Fund forecast the world economy to grow 3.3 percent this year, down from 3.4 percent in 2014.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, October 9, 2015

BoI commissions N44m solar power for Niger State SMEs Olufemi Adeosun

he Bank of Industry((BoI) has commissioned a micro-grid solar system in Bisanti, Niger State, to support Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, in the community and its environs. The 24KW micro-grid solar electrification system, which is billed to be replicated in six communities in a pilot phase across the country, is part of the bank’s Solar Energy Partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). GVE Projects Limited, the project developer, implemented a 6KW PV solar rural micro-grid at Egbeke, Rivers State in 2013 and is said to be currently implementing a 18KW solar micro-grid solution in the same location.

Speaking during the commissioning of the project, the bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, explained that the project would not only help to drive entrepreneurship and boost economic activities in the community, it would also help to improve the quality of lives of the people. He also said that by eliminating the use of kerosene lanterns, oil lamps and other dangerous and unhealthy sources of power generation, the lives of the community members would be preserved while also protecting the environment. Olaoluwa, who noted that the current electricity situation in the country could not adequately support the growth of MSMEs in the country, stated that the time had come to deploy the abundant renewable energy sources that abound in the country for the nation’s economic develop-

ment. He explained: “Each home will have sufficient solar electricity to power three(3) LED light bulbs, 1 electric fan, 1 radio/Tav set and of course, mobile phone charging. “These are the basic energy needs of an average rural family. What we have initiated is a commercially sound model for delivering power to Nigerian rural homes at affordable rates, to provide a long-term alternative to the problematic

national grid. While advocating for the diversification of the nation’s energy sources, Olaoluwa explained that the central power generation, transmission and distribution system being operated in Nigeria scold no longer deliver competitive, cheap and reliable electricity to remote customers through the national grid. “Rather than wait in vain for the national grid to

reach these areas,” he further noted,”we should explore the golden opportunity that renewable energy presents for the provision of clean, affordable and sustainable energy for our rural communities.” The District Head of Bisanti Community, Alhaji Mustapha Babadoku, who respire seated His Royal Highness Etsu Nupe, commended the development finance institution for considering his community for the project.

Institute opposes Labour Ministry’s supervision of Dept of Cooperatives ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

He however declared that the members of the Institute had been very comfortable and happy with him. Okechukwu cited Decree 5 of 1974 that moved out the Department of Co-operative from Ministry of Labour, saying successive governments in Nigeria also recognized the synergy between the Co-operative Department and Agric Ministry. According to him, 68 per cent of the co-operative societies in Nigeria are agriculture biased, which enhance government policy towards food sufficiency and rural development. In his submission, Okechukwu maintained that agricultural co-operatives remain a major sector in the Nigerian economy as majority of Nigerians rely on agriculture for their livelihood and therefore requested for the creation of a separate ministry for co-operatives, and where impossible, the Cooperative Department should remain with the Ministry of Agriculture where seamless co-ordination effort could be achieved. Responding on behalf of the Permanent Secretary FMARD, the Director, Federal Department of Agriculture, FMARD, Mr. Damilola Eniaiyeju, emphasised the importance of

L-R: Head of Department, Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Prof. Adebayo Omoloye; Lecturer, Department of Zoology, University of Lagos, Dr. Kehinde Kemabonta; National President, Entomological Society of Nigeria, Prof. Dan Enobakhare; Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Prof. Winifred Makanjuola; and Lecturer, Department of Zoology, University of Lagos, Dr. Joe Anikwe, at the Golden Jubilee anniversary/46th Annual Conference of ESN in Lagos/

AfDB boss harps on economic benefits of regional integration SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

resident of the African Development Bank, AfDB, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has urged the Ivorian President, Alassane Ouattara to support economic policies, aimed at boosting regional developments. Adesina, who disclosed that a solid pipeline of projects, including Abidjan–Lagos road corridor was being prepared, said such move would enhance economic integration in the West Africa region. According to him, it would also create enabling environment for increased value addition for primary products in the region. Adesina, who commended the Ivorian President for his support for the Bank, said

that the support facilitated the return of the organisation and its staff to its headquarters in Abidjan and reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to strengthen its cooperation with the country. “A solid pipeline of projects is being prepared, including the Abidjan–Lagos road corridor, which will enhance economic integration in the West Africa region’’, he stated. President Ouattara also acknowledged the Bank’s strong support of Côte d’Ivoire’s development programme alongside other partners. He rolled out the agenda of his government, which focuses on industrial processing and value addition for agricultural exports, universal access to energy with the target of powering all villages with more than 500 in-

habitants, and regional integration, particularly within the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS. He however appreciated the commitment of the new AfDB President to support agricultural development in Côte d’Ivoire, as production continues to be characterized by a low level of local processing. Minister of State for Planning and Development and the AfDB Governor for Côte d’Ivoire, Albert Toikeusse Mabri, stated that Ministerial and AfDB teams are working collaboratively on important programmes to finance the transport sector, particularly road programmes. The Bank’s project portfolio in Côte d’Ivoire amounts to some $2.1 billion since 1967 with 16 ongoing projects worth nearly $640 million.

Business News

Friday, October 9, 2015 Fri-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

IMF revises Nigeria’s economic growth forecast downward SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

nternational Monetary Fund, IMF, has revised downward its economic growth forecast for Sub-Saharan Africa, especially Nigeria and South Africa. The multilateral institu-

tion, in its World Economic Outlook report released in Lima Peru, at the ongoing World Bank/IMF meetings, cuts Nigeria’s growth outlook down to 4.0 percent the current year and 4.3 percent for 2016. These estimates are down from 4.5 per cent and 5.0 per-

cent for the respective years and are still above many private sector growth forecasts for Nigeria. The IMF also revised down its estimate of South Africa’s growth from 2.0 percent to 1.4 percent for 2015 and from 2.1 percent to 1.3 percent for 2016.

These forecasts appear more realistic, but are still slightly above other estimates of 1.4 percent for 2015 and 1.1 percent for 2016. The downward revision to South Africa’s growth outlook partly reflects the IMF’s concerns about the performance of emerging markets. IMF explained that the world economy was at the intersection of at least three powerful forces, namely, China’s economic transformation, which is away from export and investment ledgrowth as well as manufacturing, in favour of a greater focus on consumption and services. This is in addition to China’s slowdown due to the fall

in commodity prices and the impending increase in US interest rates, which can have global repercussions while adding to current uncertainties. What this means is that external conditions are becoming more difficult for most emerging economies, including South Africa. This does not mean that external factors are entirely responsible for South Africa’s weak growth performance, but are exacerbating the weakness in the domestic economy caused by electricity outages, heightened labour market unrest, weak consumer and business confidence, policy uncertainty and a lack of fixed investment spending.

Access Bank acquires security infrastructure software Isaiah Erhiawarien

A L-R: Non Executive Director, Vitapur Nigeria Limited, Mr. Bayo Adeola; Chairman, Vitapur Nigeria Limited, Dr. Dele Makanjuola; and Group Managing Director, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi, during the inauguration of Vitapur new SAIP machines in Lagos... on Thursday.

ICPC inducts National Planning Commission’s ACTU members

he Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) yesterday inaugurated and inducted members of the National Planning Commission Anti- Corruption Transparency and Monitoring Unit (ACTU) The ACTU is an establishment of the office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in all the Federal Ministries/ Extra- Ministries Bodies and Agencies Secretary to the National Planning Commission, Bassey Akpanyung, represented by the Director Administration, Mr. Chris Ezeilo, said that the ACTU would assist the ICPC in performing its function under the active supervision of the Commission as well as also serve as an autonomous outfit to function basically as a whistle blower and a watchdog for the ICPC. Akpanyung, also expressed the hope that the inauguration and induction of the members in the Commission would check

and possibly eliminate all forms of corrupt practices and attain huge successes for the purpose it was intended to achieved. He said: “Your selection as members is a pointer to the fact that your records are encouraging and would want you to continue in that light even as I express my confidence in your abilities to effectively discharge your functions. “It is my belief that you would periodically undergo various forms of training aimed at enlightening and empowering you

on your functions; nevertheless, I would like to inform you that the job at hand is enormous and challenging, hence I charge you to be forthright, dedicated and tactical in the discharge of your duties”, he added The Chairman of the ICPC, Ekpo Nta, noted that the crucial role of the NPC in evolving plans to manage the national economy cannot be over emphasized, especially given the size of the nation’s economy and crucial roles of the Commission in economic policy formulation and implementation.

ccess Bank has tightened security infrastructure of its ATM, Internet and mobile banking by modernising its infrastructure through a solution that it acquired from CR2, Ireland’s leading self-service banking software provider.

A statement by CR2 indicated that the Bank selected CR2’s BankWorld omnichannel suite to manage their self-service channels including ATM, Internet, and Mobile, saying that the strategic alliance was celebrated at Access Bank’s London headquarters. The statement hinted further that the bank acquired the solution in order to which allow it launch the right product, in the right place, at the right time which can only be achieved through a true omnichannel approach. CR2 noted that by selecting BankWorld and holding

Rating agencies predict negative reinsurance outlook

our major rating agencies have a negative outlook for the reinsurance sec-

tor. Significant declines in pricing during 2014, and the continuing pressure on pricing this year is one of the factors noted by agency AM Best. It also noted the effect of intensifying competition between companies, which has resulted in thinner underwriting margins.

AM Best, along with fellow rating agencies Fitch, Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, have placed a negative outlook on the reinsurance sector. Merger and acquisition trends that started last year will continue with global companies getting larger, believes AM Best, something that has been evident this year with the likes of XL and Catlin, Endurance and Montpelier, and Ace and

Chubb among those involved in M&A activities. Smaller profits and tighter margins is also the rationale behind S&P’s negative outlook on the sector. The agency feels that reinsurers’ capital and earnings positions could be reassessed in view of the downward pressure on pricing. Those are among the insights included in an industry outlook report by Aon Benfield.

CR2’s self-service platform at the core of its strategy, Access Bank now have the tools to stay competitive and highly flexible to market changes as well as personalising each interaction with their customers at every touch point. With CR2, Access Bank will be empowered to reduce their operational costs by managing all channels from a single point while also having the opportunity to generate revenue through the launch of targeted and personalised services. The bank’s Group Managing Director, Herbert Wigwe said: “We aim to become the leading bank in Nigeria and provide new services that will change the way people bank”, stressing that “having a best of breed self-service offering, providing convenient banking and managing all our client’s relationship from a single place are at the heart of our strategy and we believe that BankWorld will help us to achieve our vision.” Commenting on the partnership, Chief Executive Officer, CR2, Franky Van Damme, said CR2 welcomed Access Bank as a new client of CR2 in Nigeria adding that his team believes that CR2 can help Access Bank in offering their customers innovative and unique services across their entire electronic self-service network. “We are committed to innovation and look forward to working with Access Bank to deliver cutting-edge banking and enhanced customer experiences”, Damme enthused.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, October 9, 2015 Fri

Entrepreneurs’ participation ‘ll boost capital market –Stockbrokers Johnson Okanlawon

tockbrokers have explained that the Nigerian capital market was in dire need of entrepreneurs to boost activities and reposition the market for global competitiveness. The stockbrokers, who spoke under the aegis of the committee saddled with the responsibilities of executing the 2015 Stockbrokers’ Annual Conference, noted that no capital market can thrive without the participation of entrepreneurs who have the capacity to bring their companies for listing on the stock exchanges. Addressing the Capital Market Correspondents as a prelude to this year’s conference, scheduled for October 29 and 30 in Lagos, the Chairman, Programmes Committee, Mr. Akeem Oyewale said that this year conference is

themed, “Entrepreneurship and the Capital Market: Fast Tracking a New Economy for Africa”. According to him, the capital market has capacity to bring together an entrepreneur, investor, market operators and regulators. Oyewale explained that this year’s conference, the 19th in the series would attract over 750 participants from all over the world. “It has been proven that our Annual Conference is a platform for articulating issues that would help the government in its policy planning and implementation. Last year’s conference focused on the Entertainment Industry and many of the key players in that sector have been utilizing the market facilities to expand their businesses. Capital Market is not just about listing alone, there are other windows such as the use of debt instruments to raise fund.

“We are focusing on the Entrepreneurs this year as part of our input towards strengthening the African Capital Markets. We want to promote entrepreneurs because they occupy a pivotal role in the development of a Capital market,” he said. In his remarks, the Chairman of Annual Conference Sub-Committee, Mr. Wale Agbeyangi, explained that participants for this year’s conference had been carefully selected with emphasis on those who are knowledgeable about issues of Capital Market development. Agbeyangi stated that the Vice President of the Federal Republic, Professor Yemi Osinbajo is expected to flag off the Conference while the Acting President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) Mr Oluwaseyi Abe would present a welcome address.

European economic data dips below experts’ prediction

ince the Federal Reserve left rates on hold on September 17, the dollar-bloc currencies have outperformed the euro, yen, and sterling, all three of which are lower against the dollar. So far this week the New Zealand dollar is the strongest, rising 2.8%, followed by the Australian dollar’s 2.1% gain. The Canadian dollar is up 1%. Higher commodity prices, including oil and copper, are lending support. The EIA’s warning that US output will slip through the middle of next year helped lift the November light sweet crude oil futures contract to almost $50. This is its highest level since late-July. A good dairy auction helped the New Zealand dollar. Yesterday the RBA signaled no urgency to cut rates. The US dollar briefly slipped below CAD1.30 for the first time since mid-August. Support is in the CAD1.2950-CAD1.2980 area. A move back above CAD1.3050CAD1.3065 would stabilize the technical tone. The Aussie poked through $0.7200. Last month’s high near $0.7280 is the next target. Finishing the North American session today below $0.7200 would be disappointing. The New Zealand dollar is up

nearly four cents since September 23. The August highs in the $0.6690-$0.6710 area is the next target, but seems too far today, even though the intra-day technicals warn of the risk of new session highs. Sterling has gained 0.5% today to $1.5310 to test the 20-day moving average. There are two main forces lifting it. First, news that Anheuser-Busch raised its bid for the UK’s SABMiller to GBP68 bln excites the bulls. We are typically skeptical of the direct investment boost as corporations can borrow and need not buy the target currency. However, it seemed to have lifted sentiment before the other force was clear. That other force was news that despite the softness in the manufacturing PMI, industrial output rose 1.0% in August. The consensus forecast was a for a 0.3% increase. The 0.4% slippage in July pared to only 0.3%. Manufacturing itself was up 0.5%. The consensus was also for a 0.3% increase. In contrast, both German and Spanish industrial output figures disappointed. German industrial production fell 1.2% in August. The market expected a small gain.

CAC links disruption of services to innovation, TSA policy Tola Akinmutimi

L-R: Executive Director, Business Development of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, Mr. Adam Nuru; Group Head, Corporate Communications of the Bank, Uchenna Mojekwu and the Captain, Ikoyi Club Golf Section, Mr. Tony Onwu, during a dinner organised as part of activities of the 2015 Nigeria Cup, (a Golf Tournament of the Ikoyi Club 1938) supported by the bank.

Chivas Regal stakes $1m on ‘The Venture’ award Johnson Okanlawon

hivas Regal has launched ‘the venture’ award in the country to support the most exciting social entrepreneurs around the world. This follows the success of the first year of the competition, which saw over 1000 startups compete for a share of a $1 million fund. The venture is part of the luxury whisky new campaign tagged ‘Win The Right Way,’ a global initiative celebrating those social entrepreneurs who run their businesses in a way that benefits society, not just shareholders, and is the latest

in the brand’s campaign which will be launching in Nigeria. Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, Marketing Director, PernodRicard Nigeria, Mr Sola Oke said the award was the second year of the global search but the first in Nigeria to support the most exciting social entrepreneurs around the world. He said, “With over $1 million in funding and resources, the venture is open to any forprofit start-up that creates both financial value and a positive impact on the lives of others. “Last year’s competition awarded businesses tackling diverse social and environmental issues: from awareness field-

monitoring system that makes water use in farming more efficient, to a Columbian enterprise that turns waste materials into stylish furniture.” To herald its launch in Nigeria, Chivas Regal in partnership with Co-Creation Hub will reach out to social entrepreneurs across all fields, and identify exciting business ideas through three main stages of competition with a shortlist of 15 expected to make it to the Semifinal Boot-Camp after an open assessment process with clear criteria. A final cut down to five will make it to the Finals with a winner expected to emerge in December 2015.

he Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) yesterday said that the temporary disruption of services experienced by its customers recently was due to ongoing implementation of new innovation and government policies. Giving the hint during its Customer Service Week celebration in Abuja, the Director of Customer Service, Lady Azuka Azinge, specifically explained that the Commission was undergoing changes in several operational areas, including migration to the Treasury Single Account (TSA), with their attendant challenges. She pointed out that the initial challenges had been significantly addressed, including sensitisation of the customers on how to make their payments into the TSA. Azinge said: “One of the reasons you have this problem is because we are going through changes in several operational areas. For instance, we changed our main service portal, moved into something

more efficient and more modern. So, naturally such things come with difficulties and problems. “The new TSA which government has just introduced is also another one, because linking to our own portal and all that took a while but gradually things are taking shape. We have linked to the remittal, which is the main portal that government is using to drive this policy and it is working very efficiently now. “Initially, it was difficult but we are already operating it. For those who are not aware we also have our enquiries unit where they walk up to our staff who put them through. We also pass circulars, did newspaper adverts and we also had a write-up we circulated, showing them the right steps to take to get into that portal”, she added. According to her, one of the challenges the Commission had with the TSA was the delay experienced by customers in the process of verifying their payments at its offices, adding that in order to fasttrack the process, the number of staff carrying out the verification had been increased.

Friday, October 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Institute opposes Labour Ministry’s supervision of Dept of Cooperatives  Stories: ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

he Institute of Co-operative Professionals of Nigeria, ICOPRON, has rejected the move to domicile the Federal Department of Co-operative in the Labour Ministry.   Expressing the displeasure of the Institute on the move when its delegation visited the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, FMARD, in Abuja, the National President of ICOPRON, Dr. Emma Okechukwu, said that the proposed move would be a ‘rape’ on the co-operatives body.   He explained that the Institute was only trying to table its grievance on the proposed bid without the intention of any kind of confrontation with government or its agency but to register its displeasure in a most enlighten manner through interactions and verification of ideas.   The Institute, according to its President, once petitioned the Presidency on the appointment of the present Fed- People buying kerosene at a fuel station, in Lagos. eral Director of Co-operatives with the thinking that his appointment would model had helped in bringing every- of consultants in the implementation of stagnate its members seeing the post as body together even in the insurance sec- government policies and agricultural a career, which ought to be filled by pro- tor, assuring the ministry’s support for programmes.  The Chief Executive Officer of Tuns fessionals in that field.  He however de- the Institute in view of  the benefits of Holdings and Farms Nigeria Limited, clared that the members of the Institute co-operatives to the nation. Agro entrepreneur links sector’s lull Alhaji Khamis Olatunde Badmus, said had been very comfortable and happy to consultants’ involvement  The slow this during an interactive session with with him.    Okechukwu cited Decree 5 of 1974 growth of the nation’s agricultural sec- journalists on the state of agriculture that moved out the Department of Co- tor has been linked to the involvement recently.  operative from Ministry of Labour, saying successive governments in Nigeria also recognized the synergy between the Co-operative Department and Agric Ministry.  According to him, 68 per cent of the co-operative societies in Nigeria are agriculture biased, which enhance government policy towards food sufficiency and rural development.   In his submission, Okechukwu maintained that agricultural co-operatives remain a major sector in the Nigerian s part of its contributions towards eration source for the country. economy as majority of Nigerians rely expansion of foreign exchange Enobakhare noted that much as insects on agriculture for their livelihood and earnings and boosting of the Gross could damage food, destroy harvested food therefore requested for the creation of a separate ministry for co-operatives, and Domestic Product (GDP) in Nigeria, ex- in storage and often cause loss of entire where impossible, the Co-operative De- perts in pest management have proposed crops, some insects and arthropods play partment should remain with the Min- setting up of pest zoo by the Federal Gov- beneficial roles using their biodiversity and ecosystem for benefits of mankind. istry of Agriculture where seamless co- ernment. Besides, they have lamented poor fundThe university don explained that given ordination effort could be achieved.   Responding on behalf of the Perma- ing for various research organizations that the diverse nature of pests in Nigeria and nent Secretary FMARD, the Director, have technical knowledge of the pests in the need to maximize their benefits, ESN Federal Department of Agriculture, order to harmonize their findings for pro- had always been at the forefront of establishing a Pest Museum in Nigeria. FMARD, Mr. Damilola Eniaiyeju, em- ductive use in the economy. Addressing participants at the golden He stated that ESN had acquired a large phasised the importance of co-operatives in every successful agricultural jubilee and 46th Anniversary of Entomo- expanse of land but needed involvement of programme, saying agricultural exten- logical Society of Nigeria (ESN) in Lagos, the Federal Government to establish a pest sion cannot work without co-operatives.   the President, and Professor Dan Eno- museum which will ultimately enhance NiHe explained that since agriculture bakhare, explained that Nigeria was long gerian’s Gross Domestic Product. “It is incredible to know that African had become a business, the co-operative overdue for a pest museum that could be a major tourist centre and an income gen- Livestock for example succumb easily in

He alleged that most of the consultants employed by the government to implement its various agricultural programmes did not know anything about practical aspect of farming, thereby mismanaging the programmes to the detriment of the sector and the farmers.  Bhadmus also said that that those consultants were always hanging around government agencies and ministries, with high-tech power presentation of how farming production would be done, deceiving the government while in real sense, they did not know anything about practical farming.  He, therefore, advised government to make good use of real practicing farmers, who operate on the farms in order to promote its agricultural policies and programmes, noting that the government needs to identify such practicing farmers and channel its agricultural programmes through them for effective and maximum results.  Badmus further stressed the need for government to encourage mechanised farming as being practiced in other countries, claiming that that was what made agriculture work over there.  “For effective agriculture development, productions of agricultural crops should be based on geo-political zones with comparative advantage. This is a major way by which we can produce enough food crops that will feed the whole nation,” he said.

Pest Museum ‘ll boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings –Experts …as Entomological Society marks golden jubilee

their millions to insect and tick borne diseases which result in losses of milk, meat and traction power with huge yearly momentary losses. However, some insects and arthropods play beneficial roles using their biodiversity and ecosystem among others. “Our society has been calling on the federal Government to establish a pests zoo in Nigeria as a major tourist center to earn foreign exchange for the Federal Government. This is done in many developed economies” he said. Enobakhare, the Chairperson, and ESN’s Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for 2015 Conference, Professor Winifred Makanjuola, lamented the extent to which paucity of funds had reduced frequency of research on the pests.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Friday, October 9, 2015

Barclays to review Nigeria’s listing in bond index Stories: Johnson Okanlawon

arclays will consult with its index users on whether Nigeria’s sovereign debt should remain in its emerging market local currency government bond benchmark, the bank said yesterday. According to a statement, Barclays listed the eligibility of Nigeria for inclusion in the emerging market local currency government index among the primary topics to be considered in its annual review process though it gives no additional details. An exclusion by Barclays could add to its list of financial headaches after rival index provider JP Morgan announced in September it would drop Nigeria from its index, citing a

lack of liquidity and currency restrictions. Barclays said the consultation would run through October and results will be published shortly afterwards. However, the Federal Government had expressed plans to reissue its five – and 10-year bonds in the last quarter of the year to raise up to N270 billion after JP Morgan’s index delisted half of the maturities belonging to the country. The 10-year bond, among those to be delisted on the index, edged higher to yield 15.09 per cent after the Debt Management Office, DMO, on Wednesday released its calendar showing it will reintroduce the benchmark paper, which was not issued in the third quarter. The DMO said that it will

sell between N60 billion and N90 billion each in five- and 10-year bonds in each of the remaining three months of the year as reopenings of outstanding maturities. JP Morgan removed half of Nigerian bonds listed on its emerging markets bond index (GBI-EM), as part of its month-end index rebalancing, cutting the West African country’s weight to 0.79 per cent. The United States bank had warned Nigeria this month that it would drop it from its index, citing a lack of liquidity and currency restrictions. The 2024 bond to be issued from October will pay a coupon of 14.20 per cent while the 2020 paper will pay 15.54 per cent. Nigeria in 2012 became

Market capitalistion dips by N6bn

enchmark index of equities dropped further on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as more investors dumped their holdings. Specifically, the All Share Index depreciated 0.06 per cent to close at 30,123.20 points, compared to the decline of 0.62 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 30,141.06 points. Market capitalisation lost N6 billion to close at N10.352 trillion, compared to the drop of 59 billion recorded the pre-

ceding day to close at 30,141.06 points. Stock analysists attributed the depreciation to the losses recorded in the share prices of some highly capitalised stocks such as Guaranty Trust Bank, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, PZ Cussons and Transcorp, amongst others. Transnational Express Plc led the gainers’ table with nine kobo or 9.18 per cent to close at N1.07 per share, followed by Berger Paints Plc with 49 kobo or 4.95 per cent to close at N10.39 per share.

Okomu Oil Plc appreciated N1.16 or 4.22 per cent to close at N28.66 per share, while Evans Medicals Plc gained two kobo or 3.28 per cent to close at 63 kobo per share. Fidson Healthcare Plc was up 10 kobo or 3.17 per cent to close at N3.25 per share, while Beta Glass Plc added N.130 or 3.04 per cent to close at N44.00 per share. Conversely, Ikeja Hotel Plc shed 18 kobo or five per cent to close at N3.42 per share, while BOC Gas Plc declined 21 kobo or 4.78 per cent to close at

Interbank overnight rate ebbs to five-year low

nterbank overnight lending rate fell to a five-year low yesterday, hit by excess liquidity in the market that spurred renewed bond buying from commercial lenders and pension funds, traders said. The overnight lending rate halved to one per cent from the previous day. It had hovered around a threemonth low of three per cent last week after the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, repaid matured open market bills and did not issue fresh ones to mop up the funds, in a bid to keep borrowing costs low. The CBN has been injecting cash into the banking system in a bid to ease liquidity and stave off recession in the

economy, which has suffered as oil prices fell. “The problem with allowing excess liquidity to drive interbank rates lower is that it calls into question the effectiveness of the monetary policy rate,” said Razia Khan, head of Africa research at Standard Chartered Bank Last month liquidity dried up as authorities ordered commercial lenders to move government deposits into a single account at the central bank, part of an anti-graft drive. The CBN then lowered cash reserve requirements for lenders to 25 per cent from 31 per cent in a bid to loosen monetary policy but left its benchmark interest rates on hold at 13 per cent.

Analysts doubted the excess cash will trickle down to businesses by way of lending as commercial banks look to the bond market for yield. Yields on the 10-year bond fell 71 basis points to 13.59 per cent while the seven-year bond shed 77 basis points to 13.31 per cent as the excess liquidity filtered through. “Most banks will likely still take their guidance from the policy rate in order to set loan rates. Unless interbank rates are sustained at these extremely weak levels ... it is unlikely that we will get a real economy lending spurt on the back of this,” Khan said. Banking system credit opened at N1.05 trillion, traders said. The CBN on Wednesday refunded N740.80 billion

the second African country after South Africa to be listed in the index with a weight of 1.8 per cent. The estimated yield for Nigeria bonds on the index was quoted at 14.83 per cent as at September 25, marking the second highest yield after Brazil at 15.75 per cent, the bank said. Analysts said they expected bond yields to trade flat after the delisting because domestic buyers had stepped in since foreigners left the market. Yields on government bonds spiked this month on the news of the delisting with the 10-year benchmark debt rising to as much as 16.68 per cent, prompting the bond market regulator to widen spreads to calm volatility.

N4.18 per share. Mansard Insurance Plc dipped 11 kobo or 4.42 per cent to close at N2.38 per share, while NEM Insurance Plc depreciated three kobo or 4.29 per cent to close at 67 kobo per share. Skye Bank Plc was down nine kobo or 3.98 per cent to close at N2.17 per share, while Access Bank Plc fell 20 kobo or 3.75 per cent to close at N5.14 per share. A total of 219.6 million shares valued at N1.91 trillion were exchanged in 3,126 deals.

withdrawn from lenders before the cut in cash reserve requirement. Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

N197 Market indicators All-Share Index 30,141.06 points Market capitalisation 10.36trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

UNITYBNK

1.42

1.54

0.12

8.45

GLAXOSMITH

35.20

36.96

1.76

5.00

CONTINSURE

0.96

1.00

0.04

4.17

AGLEVENT

0.99

1.03

0.04

4.04

MBENEFIT

0.50

0.52

0.02

4.00

NPFMCRFBK

1.03

1.07

0.04

3.88

VONO

0.98

1.01

0.03

3.06

SEPLAT

225.54

230.00

4.46

1.98

UBCAP

1.38

1.40

0.02

1.45

NASCON

7.00

7.10

0.10

1.43

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

VITAFOAM

5.88

5.51

-0.37

-6.29

BOCGAS

4.62

4.39

-0.23

-4.98

UACN

30.59

29.07

-1.52

-4.97

FLOURMILL

22.68

21.60

-1.08

-4.76

ETERNA

1.93

1.84

-0.09

-4.66

AVONCROWN

1.59

1.52

-0.07

-4.40

CADBURY

22.90

21.90

-1.00

-4.37

GUARANTY

24.09

23.04

-1.05

-4.36

MANSARD

2.60

2.49

-0.11

-4.23

INTBREW

18.00

17.30

-0.70

-3.89

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.57

100.25

14.89

100.40

14.78

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.75

102.68

15.01

102.98

14.91

15.54 13-FEB-2020

4.37

101.48

15.05

101.78

14.95

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.33

105.26

15.05

105.56

14.98

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.45

95.67

15.12

95.97

15.05

10.00 23-JUL-2030

14.81 68.00

15.59

68.30

15.51

Closing Market Prices of September 30, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

24-Dec-15

10.54

10.81

WAUA

270

USD

197

31-Mar-16

12.71

13.57

EURO

214

01-Sep-16

12.55

14.19

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

5.8333

POUNDS STERLING

293

14.1909

15.5455

SDR

273

16.6173

NIBOR

The Fixings of September 30, 2015

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 9, 2015

Stock exchange daily equities summary Daily Summary as of 07/10/2015 Printed 07/10/2015 14:32:05.005

Equities as at October 8, 2015 Daily Summary as of 07/10/2015 Printed 07/10/2015 14:32:05.005

Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

Daily Summary (Equities)

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 Fishing/Hunting/Trapping ELLAH LAKES PLC. Fishing/Hunting/Trapping Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties Daily Summary as of 07/10/2015 LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Printed 07/10/2015 14:32:05.005 Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 9 2 11

Current Price 27.50 30.55

Quantity Traded 37,650 13,000 50,650

Value Traded 1,006,183.00 390,350.00 1,396,533.00

Symbol ELLAHLAKES

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 4.26

Quantity Traded 20 20

Value Traded 81.00 81.00

No. of Deals 12 12

Current Price 1.72

Quantity Traded 217,200 217,200

Value Traded 372,004.88 372,004.88

267,870

1,768,618.88

Quantity Traded 2,352,988 20 13,688,561 Quantity984,330 Traded 17,025,899

Value Traded 2,423,577.64 75.20 31,247,471.16 Value Traded 28,700,219.14 62,371,343.14

Symbol LIVESTOCK

AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS PLC. Activity Summary onNIGERIA Board EQTY CHELLARAMS PLC. CONGLOMERATES TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC Diversified Industries U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

No. of Deals 4 1 64 No. of Deals 102 171

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. G CAPPA PLC Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

Daily

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals Summary as of 07/10/2015

Printed 07/10/2015 14:32:05.005 Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Activity Summary on Board EQTY Automobiles/Auto Parts CONSUMER GOODS DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC Published by The Nigerian StockBREWERIES Exchange © PLC. INTERNATIONAL NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. PREMIER BREWERIES PLC Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products Daily Summary as ofFLOUR 07/10/2015 DANGOTE MILLS PLC Printed 07/10/2015 14:32:05.005 DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Food Products--Diversified CONSUMER GOODS CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals

Household Durables Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS Totals Daily Summary as of 07/10/2015 FINANCIAL SERVICES Printed 07/10/2015 14:32:05.005 Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC BANK PLC. ActivityGUARANTY Summary TRUST on Board EQTY SKYE BANK PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES STERLING BANK PLC. Banking UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC BANK Stock PLC. Exchange © Published by WEMA The Nigerian Banking Totals

Current Price 1.03 3.95 2.26 Current 29.07 Price

Page 17,025,899

171

No. of Deals 16 1 17

Current Price 0.56 14.46

Quantity Traded 732,910 20 732,930

Value Traded 434,450.02 274.80 434,724.82

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 40.00

Quantity Traded 17,318 17,318

Value Traded 661,728.00 661,728.00

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 8.17

Quantity Traded 14,330 14,330

Value Traded 117,950.96 117,950.96

764,578

1,214,403.78

Daily Summary (Equities)

Daily Summary as of 07/10/2015 IT Services Printed 07/10/2015 14:32:05.005 Daily Summary as of 07/10/2015 COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC Printed 07/10/2015 14:32:05.005 TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC.

Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals Daily Summary as of 07/10/2015 Packaging/Containers Printed 07/10/2015 AVON14:32:05.005 CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS

Current Price 0.50 Current Price 4.50 0.97 149.50 17.30 141.00 2.95

Quantity Traded 2,053 Quantity Traded 2,053 11,920 1,000 412,296 Page 549,718

Value Traded 1,026.50 Value1,026.50 Traded 53,747.00 960.00 61,053,228.62 14 2 9,474,641.40 of

1,199,113 100 2,174,147

169,049,239.34 281.00 239,632,097.36

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 20 20

Current Price 195.70

Quantity Traded 13,258 13,258

Value Traded 2,532,753.72 2,532,753.72

No. of Deals 17 26 76 8 19 (Equities) 1 147

Current Price 2.60 6.60 21.60 2.76 7.10 0.50

Quantity Traded 90,941 9,218,473 848,323 53,767 677,530 1,894 10,890,928

Value Traded 230,658.52 60,766,522.95 18,815,731.88 141,407.21 4,801,471.00 947.00 84,756,738.56

Symbol CADBURY Symbol NESTLE

No. of Deals 16 No. of Deals 43 59

Current Price 21.90 Current830.00 Price

Quantity Traded 469,789 Quantity Traded 77,434 547,223

Value Traded 10,309,418.50 Value Traded 64,300,648.71 74,610,067.21

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 20 3 23

Current Price 5.51 1.01

Quantity Traded Page 901,500 102,020 1,003,520

14 3Value Traded of 4,974,255.00 102,939.20 5,077,194.20

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 29 27 56

Current Price 25.05 46.50

Quantity Traded 162,162 272,543 434,705

Value Traded 4,064,895.69 12,516,971.36 16,581,867.05

15,065,834

423,191,744.60

Quantity Traded 40,060,591 3,860,575 3,000,155 5,831,687 75,817,902 1,109,619 29,635 Quantity Traded 23,883,018 831,507 7,530,210 903,566 Page 162,858,465

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE GNI GUINEAINS HMARKINS LASACO LINKASSURE MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM NIGERINS PRESTIGE SOVRENINS WAPIC Daily Summary

No. of Deals 20 8 1 1 1 1 2 6 12 18 2 1 1 5 (Equities) 79

Current Price 0.87 1.00 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.49 0.52 0.70 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,216,945 3,879,664 2,000 20 10,000 4,500 5,300 103,838 3,225,516 1,263,988 8,360 263 100 32,630 9,753,124

Value Traded 1,052,311.81 3,876,464.00 1,000.00 10.00 5,000.00 2,250.00 2,650.00 259,415.98 1,616,858.00 888,682.16 4,180.00 131.50 50.00 16,315.00 7,725,318.45

Symbol FORTISMFB NPFMCRFBK Symbol

No. of Deals 2 6 No. of Deals 8

Current Price 5.42 1.07 Current Price

Quantity Traded 220 106,480 Quantity Traded Page 106,700

Value Traded 1,251.80 113,565.86 Value Traded 14 5 114,817.66 of

Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Symbol ASOSAVINGS RESORTSAL

No. of Deals 4 2 6

Current Price 0.50 0.50

Quantity Traded 7,800 1,100 8,900

Value Traded 3,900.00 550.00 4,450.00

Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FCMB STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 46 9 58 24 59 196

Current Price 2.68 4.02 2.26 22.80 1.40

Quantity Traded 888,303 25,343 2,398,183 630,733 2,045,285 5,987,847

Value Traded 2,384,650.48 102,922.54 5,425,828.99 14,380,347.20 2,826,643.21 25,120,392.42

178,715,036

2,256,813,090.61

Quantity Traded 20 20,000 20,020

Value Traded 70.80 10,000.00 10,070.80

Quantity Traded 325,300

Value Traded 198,331.47

FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Published by The Nigerian Stock Micro-Finance BanksExchange Totals ©

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers EKOCORP PLC. UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC Healthcare Providers Totals Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC.

1,215

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals NATURAL RESOURCES Activity Summary on Board EQTY Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals Totals Metals

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals

Current Price 5.34 3.12 18.50 1.50 23.04 2.26 2.13 Current Price 4.32 5.89 1.54 1.00

Activity SummaryBanks on Board EQTY Micro-Finance

BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals

ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION IND. PLC. Published Metals by The Totals Nigerian Stock Exchange © Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 146 DIAMONDBNK 56 Daily ETISummary (Equities) 69 FIDELITYBK 72 GUARANTY 208 SKYEBANK 50 STERLNBANK 20 Symbol No. of Deals UBA 169 UBN 41 UNITYBNK 58 WEMABANK 37 926

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. Daily Summary as of 07/10/2015 N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. Printed 07/10/2015 14:32:05.005 NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Processing Systems CHAMS PLC E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL Activity Summary on Board EQTY PLC Processing Systems Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY INDUSTRIAL GOODS ICT Building Totals Materials INDUSTRIAL GOODS ASHAKA CEM PLC Building Materials PAINTS Published by BERGER The Nigerian StockPLC Exchange © CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DN MEYER PLC. IPWA PLC PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

No. of Deals 2 No. of Deals 2 7 1 105 16 130 1 260

567

Symbol EVANSMED

No. of Deals 1 1 2

Current Price 3.72 0.50

No. of Deals 12

Current Price 0.61

Value Traded 208,974,266.48 11,656,715.91 55,502,477.31 8,744,474.18 1,815,604,669.86 2,509,049.52 61,082.71 Value Traded 103,619,989.81 4,901,320.48 11,394,219.37 14 4 879,846.45 of 2,223,848,112.08

Page

Quantity Traded

Current Price 3.15 36.96 1.26 0.97 2.14

Value of Shares(N)

Quantity Traded 22,466 100,518 72,465 6,000 1,750 528,499

Value Traded 72,102.90 3,713,759.84 91,678.60 5,640.00 3,622.50 4,085,135.31

548,519

4,095,206.11

Symbol OMATEK

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 20 20

Value Traded 10.00 10.00

Symbol CWG TRIPPLEG

No. of Deals 1 1 2

Current Price 2.67 1.69

Quantity Traded 1,800 1,000 2,800

Value Traded 4,806.00 1,610.00 6,416.00

Quantity Traded 1,424,000 1,624,000 3,048,000

Value Traded 712,000.00 4,872,015.00 5,584,015.00

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals Current Price

Daily Summary (Equities) CHAMS

1 7 8

ETRANZACT

0.50 3.00

Symbol ASHAKACEM Symbol BERGER CAP CCNN DNMEYER IPWA PAINTCOM WAPCO

11 Current Price No. of Deals 16 Current Price 22.00 No. of Deals 12 9.90 51 37.08 7 8.32 3 0.73 1 0.50 3 1.20 41 98.00 134

77,441 Quantity Traded 22,841 Page 367,460 35,238 9,000 20 60,020 412,634 984,654

5,590,441.00 Value Traded 1,704,977.04 Value Traded 7 215,240.85 of 14 13,698,736.39 294,443.07 6,300.00 10.00 72,024.00 40,375,818.69 56,367,550.04

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 8 8

Current Price 1.82

Quantity Traded 101,476 101,476

Value Traded 183,707.80 183,707.80

Symbol AVONCROWN BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 5 3 8

Current Price 1.52 42.70

Quantity Traded 567,082 10,430 577,512

Value Traded 861,964.64 423,145.10 1,285,109.74

1,663,642

57,836,367.58

Daily Summary (Equities)

3,050,820 Quantity Traded

150

Symbol BOCGAS

No. of Deals 5

Symbol ALEX

No. of Deals5 Current Price 1 9.84 1

Current Price 4.39

Quantity Traded 1,625,733 1,625,733 Quantity Traded 800 Page 800 Page 1,626,533

Value Traded 7,136,967.87 7,136,967.87 Value Traded 7,480.00 8 of 14 7,480.00 9 of 14 7,144,447.87

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 400 400

Value Traded 200.00 200.00

Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 100 100

Current Price 10.01

Quantity Traded 968,589 968,589

Value Traded 9,878,102.59 9,878,102.59

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Daily Summary as of 07/10/2015 CONOIL PLC Printed 07/10/2015 14:32:05.005 ETERNA PLC. Daily Summary as ofOIL 07/10/2015 FORTE PLC. Printed 07/10/2015 14:32:05.005 MOBIL NIG PLC. Daily Summary as ofOIL 07/10/2015

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL TOTAL

No. of Deals 1 11 59 12 13 (Equities) 96

Current Price 27.41 1.84 253.65 145.07 154.90

Quantity Traded 20 222,280 295,124 600,422 5,505 1,123,351

Value Traded 520.80 410,495.20 75,206,439.63 87,146,936.32 812,190.45 163,576,582.40

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals Current Price SEPLAT 31 230.00 Daily Summary (Equities) 31

Quantity Traded 836,905 836,905

Value Traded 191,748,130.80 191,748,130.80

228

2,929,245

365,203,015.79

TOTAL14:32:05.005 NIGERIA PLC. Printed 07/10/2015 Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Exploration and Production Activity Summary on Board EQTY SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Production Totals OILExploration ANDSummary GAS and on Activity Board EQTY

OIL AND GAS Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY OIL AND GAS Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © SERVICES OIL OIL AND AND GAS GAS Totals Automobile/Auto Part Retailers OIL AND GAS Totals SERVICES R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Part Retailers Retailers Totals Automobile/Auto SERVICES R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Courier/Freight/Delivery Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals R T BRISCOE PLC. RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals Courier/Freight/Delivery TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Courier/Freight/Delivery TRANS-NATIONWIDE PLC. RED STAR EXPRESS EXPRESS PLC Employment Solutions Totals Courier/Freight/Delivery TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. C & I LEASING PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Employment Solutions Totals Employment Solutions Daily Summary as of 07/10/2015 C & I 14:32:05.005 LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Printed 07/10/2015 Hotels/Lodging Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Totals IKEJA HOTEL PLC Employment Solutions Totals Hotels/Lodging Totals Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Printing/Publishing Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTELTotals PLC ACADEMY PRESS PLC. Hotels/Lodging Totals Printing/Publishing Activity Summary onPLC Board EQTY LEARN AFRICA ACADEMY PRESSTotals PLC. Printing/Publishing Printing/Publishing SERVICES LEARN AFRICA PLC ACADEMY PRESS PLC. Road Road Transportation Transportation Printing/Publishing Totals LEARN AFRICA PLC Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUSTotals COMPANY PLC Printing/Publishing Totals Road Transportation Specialty Published by The Nigerian Stock © PLC ASSOCIATED BUSExchange COMPANY Road Transportation SECURE ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY PLC ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Published by The Nigerian Specialty TotalsStock Exchange © Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Transport-Related Services

AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC Daily Summary as of 07/10/2015 NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Printed 07/10/2015 14:32:05.005 Transport-Related Services Totals Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals

Daily Summary

228 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price 228 RTBRISCOE 1 0.56 Symbol No. of Deals 1 Current Price RTBRISCOE 1 Current Price 0.56 Symbol No. of Deals Symbol No. of Deals 11 Current Price RTBRISCOE 0.56 REDSTAREX 10 3.98 1 Symbol No. of Deals TRANSEXPR 4 Current Price 0.98 REDSTAREX 10 3.98 14 Current Price Symbol No. of Deals TRANSEXPR 4 0.98 REDSTAREX 10 3.98 Symbol No. of Deals 144 Current Price TRANSEXPR 0.98 CILEASING 5 0.50 14 Symbol No. of Deals 5 Current Price CILEASING 5 Current Price 0.50 Symbol No. of Deals Symbol No. of Deals 55 Current Price CILEASING 0.50 IKEJAHOTEL 4 3.60 5 Symbol No. of Deals 4 Current Price IKEJAHOTEL 4 Current Price 3.60 Symbol No. of Deals Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals 44 Current Price IKEJAHOTEL 3.60 ACADEMY 1 0.62 4 Symbol No. of Deals LEARNAFRCA 2 Current Price 0.92 ACADEMY 1 0.62 3 Current Price Symbol No. of Deals LEARNAFRCA 21 0.92 ACADEMY 0.62 Symbol No. Current Symbol No. of of Deals Deals Current Price Price 3 LEARNAFRCA 2 0.92 33 ABCTRANS 0.53 3 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Symbol No. of Deals3 Current Price ABCTRANS 0.53 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price NSLTECH 1 0.50 ABCTRANS 3 0.53 1 Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 4 17 21

Current Price 1.85 4.45

Symbol

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 3.21

CAVERTON Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary SERVICES Totals on Board PREMIUM FINANCIAL SERVICES EQTY Board Totals Banking ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals Other Financial Institutions FBN HOLDINGS PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Building Materials Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF)

Page Quantity Traded 25,800 45,244 71,044

14 11 of Value Traded 49,129.22 200,214.54 249,343.76

Quantity Traded 1,000 1,000

Value Traded 3,050.00 3,050.00

652,833

1,180,858.97

222,310,809 Quantity Traded 30,516,022 30,516,022

3,186,409,538.33 Value Traded

Symbol FBNH

No. of Deals 258 258

Quantity Traded 9,144,402 9,144,402

Value Traded 56,328,434.09 56,328,434.09

Current Price 6.15

492

Symbol DANGCEM

No. of Deals 40 40

Daily Summary (ETP) Symbol NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

Exchange Traded Fund Totals

ETF Board Totals

14 10 of 365,203,015.79 Value Traded 365,203,015.79 1,620.00 Value1,620.00 Traded Value1,620.00 Traded Value1,620.00 Traded 1,620.00 516,125.21 1,620.00 Value Traded 124,185.00 516,125.21 640,310.21 Value Traded 124,185.00 516,125.21 Value Traded 640,310.21 124,185.00 64,950.00 640,310.21 Value Traded 64,950.00 64,950.00 Value Traded Value Traded 64,950.00 64,950.00 113,715.00 64,950.00 Value Traded 113,715.00 113,715.00 Value Traded Value Traded 113,715.00 113,715.00 3,250.00 113,715.00 Value Traded 47,900.00 3,250.00 51,150.00 Value Traded 47,900.00 3,250.00 Value Traded Value Traded 51,150.00 47,900.00 56,710.00 56,710.00 51,150.00 Value Traded Value Traded 14 11 of 56,710.00 Value Traded 10.00 56,710.00 11 of10.00 14

2,495 Current Price No. of Deals 234 16.30 234

Exchange Traded Fund

EquityVETIVA Activity Totals30 ETF GRIFFIN

Page 2,929,245 Quantity Traded 2,929,245 3,000 Quantity Traded 3,000 3,000 Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 3,000 3,000 128,869 3,000 Quantity121,750 Traded 250,619 Quantity128,869 Traded 121,750 128,869 Quantity250,619 Traded 121,750 129,900 250,619 Quantity129,900 Traded Quantity129,900 Traded Quantity129,900 Traded 129,900 33,250 129,900 Quantity Traded 33,250 33,250 Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 33,250 33,250 5,000 33,250 Quantity Traded 52,000 5,000 57,000 Quantity Traded 52,000 5,000 Quantity Quantity Traded Traded 57,000 52,000 107,000 107,000 57,000 Quantity Traded Quantity 107,000 Traded Page Quantity Traded 20 107,000 Page 20

Symbol ZENITHBANK

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Daily Summary as ofGOODS 07/10/2015 INDUSTRIAL Printed 07/10/2015 Building14:32:05.005 Materials

Daily Summary (ETP)

39,660,424 Page Current Price 167.00

558,233,798.64 14 12 of

Quantity Traded 255,327 255,327

Value Traded 42,573,728.66 42,573,728.66

255,327

42,573,728.66

40 No. of532 Deals 1 3,027 1 3

501,905,364.55 501,905,364.55

Current Price 2,183.00 13.98

39,915,751 Quantity Traded 600,807,527.30 Value Traded 256 558,848.00 262,226,560 10 3,787,217,065.63 139.80 276 559,084.30 276

559,084.30

Exchange Traded Fund Name Totals ETP Activity

LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF

Quotation(N) No. of Deals 4 9 9 4 1 39

Symbol JAPAULOIL

PREMIUM Name Board Totals Symbol EKOCORP UNIONDAC

No Of Deals Symbol FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH PHARMDEKO

IT Services Totals

Symbol DUNLOP Symbol CHAMPION GOLDBREW GUINNESS INTBREW NB PREMBREW

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON Daily Summary UTC

Company name

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

ICT Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC Computers and Peripherals Totals

14 1 of 62,371,343.14

Symbol COSTAIN GCAPPA

Sector

HEALTHCARE Totals

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol AGLEVENT CHELLARAM TRANSCORP Symbol UACN

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Symbol LOTUSHAL15

No. of Deals 3 1

Current Price 9.65

Quantity Traded 276 10 Page

Value Traded 559,084.30 96.50 13

Friday, October 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror Our government came into office at a time many people had abandoned the country’s manufacturing, agricultural and mining sector. We are doing our best to encourage diversification into these sectors which can employ a lot of people. President Muhammadu Buhari

Imo set to relocate mechanics to Avu community

Chris Njoku OWERRI

mo State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the people of Avu Autonomous Community in Owerri West Local Government Area to relocate mechanics to there. Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Sir Jude Ejiogu, who represented the state government at the signing of MoU in his office at Sam Mbakwe Road, Owerri, commended the courage of Avu

people for the dialogue, assuring them that government would do everything possible to make them benefit from the project. According to Sir Ejiogu, government’s decision to build a permanent ultra modern mechanic village in Avu community was to make life meaningful for people of the state, as well as decongest the rate of human influx in the capital city thereby creating job for the citizenry. He therefore, thanked them for their cooperation, under-

standing and peaceful coordination they exhibited throughout the period of negotiation with government, pointing out that government would do a lot in return to appreciate their good gesture. Speaking shortly after signing the MoU with the state government, Traditional Prime Minister of Avu autonomous community, Maj Gen Roland Ogbonna (rtd) applauded the state government for actu-

alising the project that had lingered for several years, describing the present administration of Governor Rochas Okorocha as masses’ friendly. General Ogbonna therefore, commended the government through the SSG for approaching the issue with vigour, which according to him, was different from the action of previous individuals who called on the community for the same purpose, but regret-

ted that they were rejected by Avu people as a result of their wrong approaches. He assured the state government of their loyalty in ensuring the project was accomplished, and pleaded with his people to rally support to the rescue mission administration of Governor Okorocha, while maintaining that Avu community would enjoy the project more than the government.

Traders, CDA resist demolition of market by LCDA

repodun Community Development Association and Traders of Olorunshogo market, Isheri Idimu in Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development area of Lagos State are at war with the LCDA over the plan to demolish their stalls and build another ones without given them enough time to prepare for the demolition. The traders, it was gathered, stormed the secretariat because of a letter that emanated from the LCDA, dated September 15, 2015 and signed by A.N. Kazeem, Market Master, on behalf of the executive secretary. In the letter titled “To Whom It May Concern”, reads that “You are hereby informed that Egbe Idimu LCDA will commence the re-development of Olorunsogo Market into a modern market. Notice is hereby given to the shop/ space occupier to vacate their shops/space within seven days of the receipt of this notice. “ The protesting traders were insisting that even the plan of the LCDA to demolish their markets and build another is also illegal because the market is under a power line, saying that legality cannot be founded on illegality. It was gathered that on Tueday, traders in the market, led by Alhaji Alao Salami, Babaloja of the market, held a meeting with LCDA officials and pleaded to the LCDA to give them six months grace, but officials of the LCDA vowed to carry out the demolition exercise in few days time.

In the same vein the Irepodun Community Development Association in the area had vowed to “resist the proposed demolition /development within the stipulated time and in the nearest future.” The CDA in a two page letter dated September, 15, 2015 written to the Area Commander, ‘Area M’ Police Command, Pipeline, Idimu, Lagos, Lagos, noted that in other to “avert the consequential breach of peace and harmony within the community, we implore you to use your good office to quickly arrest the situation by calling Kazeem, his agents and all other concerned authorities to order before it is too late.”

NSCDC Commandant, Lagos State Command, Mr. Gabriel Abafi (middle) flanked by Tijani Nureni (2nd left); Makanjuola Gbolahan (3rd left); Azike Vera (2nd right), OC Sports, Lagos Command, and Ajiduah Chris (2i/c) Sports, Lagos Command (far left); after presenting medals won by officers of the command, who represented Nigeria at the just concluded All Africa Games, yesterday.

Katsina community benefits from NYSC medical scheme James Danjuma KATSINA

cores of rural dwellers in Dutsen-Kura, a community in Kafur council area of Katsina state have began to access free treatment scheme organised by the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC. The scheme is a one-week event aimed at enhancing public health amongst rural dwellers through medical outreach by way of giving them free treatments for various types of ailments. Wife of the state Governor, Mrs. Hadiza Aminu-Masari, who flagged off the scheme, said

only healthy individuals become productive in society, with call on and community leaders and other stakeholders to complement NYSC’s free health initiative programme. She said heath is wealth and that such initiative when complemented, would go long way to benefit many in the state, especially those at the grassroots. She assured that the state government under her husband’s supervision would come up with friendly policies that would live to the people’s expectations in the uplifting of their well-being. The NYSC state coordinator, Mrs. Mairo Muhammad, who spoke on behalf of NYSC

Director General, Brig. Gen. J. B. Olawumi, said initiative was conceived a year ago and was expanded to 36 states of federation following its success in Kwara and Lagos states. She said goal of the initiative, known as Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers, HIRD, is to mobilise Corps Medical Volunteers in provision of health intervention through diagnosis, treatment referrals and proper prevention mechanisms. She said enhancing general well-being of rural dwellers across nooks and crannies of the state and country was aim of the programme, and that Mani, Dutsinma, Matazu and Kafur council areas had been

selected for the scheme. Mrs. Muhammad said the volunteer corps medical personnel would form a core team and work as health intervention agents in driving the wheel of the health initiative. She said success of the programme lies in the “fact that we have been able to secure support of some stakeholders, who are either assisting us with their personnel or providing other material support of drugs and other medical equipment.” She said the programme was for the benefit of everyone and called for the need for community members to take ownership of the scheme for the good health of its people.

Transition

Friday, October 9, 2015

Michael Awosunle E lder Michael Okunola Awosunle was born on 11th November, 1934 into the family of Late Mr. Francis Adereti Awosunle and Late Mrs. Cecilia Omoyeni Awosunle in Ejesi-Ika Compound, Ile Ife. He attended St. Peter and Paul Primary School in 1949-1954 and after he got his Standard Primary at the same school, he was employed as a pupil teacher and later, he attended Murrumba’s Teacher Training College in (R.C.M) Lagere Ile Ife. Then, he entered full teaching line where he taught in many primary schools around Ile Ife, later he became headmaster from one school to another like St. Raphael Primary School, Toro and later to Kwara in 1963 as a senior teacher at Ikoro-Iyagba Community Primary school now Kogi State and left for London in 1964 where he studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the Westeld College of Technology Holbon now called Queen Mary University London where he obtained HND in Electrical Engineering and B.Sc in C.E.C Engineering in the year 1964-1972. He worked with many engineering companies in London and Birmingham as well and returned to Nigeria in 1974 to join James Kilpatrick Nig Ltd. as an electrical engineer for years before he later formed his own company known as OkunAwo Engineering Nig. Ltd. as Executive Director of the com-

pany. Okun-Awo Nig. Ltd. operated mostly in the eastern part of Nigeria like Enugu, Calabar, Owerri, Yenagoa & Port Harcourt as the headquarters. He handled many projects at various towns and higher institutions like University of Port Harcourt, P & T Sta Quarters and General Hospital Okolobiri Rivers State. He was an elder in Christ

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Deaconess Ibilola Famadewa

Apostolic Church worldwide and a qualied academic reverend from Bible Seminary. A liberal man, Elder Awosunle loved the things of God as he always gave generously to the house of God where he worshipped in his lifetime at the Christ Apostolic Church Ifako, Agege, Lagos. Late Elder Michael Okunola Awosunle is survived by wife, children and grandchildren.

eaconess Ibilola Famadewa, the mother of Prince Adetona Famadewa, former General Manager (Procurement), Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), died on November 22, 2014 at the age of 75. Her remains according to the family will be buried by 9:00am next Friday at her Opa residence near Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) complex on Ilesa Road, Ile –Ife, Osun State while a thanksgiving\outing service will be held in her honour at The Apostolic Church, Eleyele District, Ile-Ife immediately thereafter. Madam Famadewa was born on 25th October, 1939 to Chief Anthony Adeyemi (aka Baba Igbinmo) and Princess Adejola Adetoba (both of blessed memory) from Ifewara in Atakunmosa West Local Government area of Osun State. She had her primary education at Local Authority Primary School, Akure and Modern Secondary School, Owo, both in Ondo State for

her modern school leaving certificate in the 1950s. She married to Prince Johnson Adebowale Famadewa(of blessed memory), a native of Ile-Ife. Madam Famadewa, who later studied Community Health at the School of Health Technology, Ilesa in the 70s worked among others at the Wesley Guild Hospital (now OAUTHC) Ilesa as Health Assistant Officer. She was also a sales distributor for Guinness Nigeria Limited and Manager of Ifewara Guest House in the 80s. A devout Christian who had been a member of The Apostolic Church all her life was described by family as humane, who touched many lives positively in and outside her community. She is survived by many children and grandchildren including Princess Aralola Bagbenro, Prince Adedapo Famadewa, Prince Adetona Famadewa, Princess Aderonke Ojo and Prince Adediran Famadewa, among others.

News

Why we train couples on marriage sustenance –NGO Chidi Ugwu ABUJA

non-governmental organisation, Aqui Agora, has explained that it trained couples on how to overcome challenges and sustain their marriage to stem increasing tide of failed marriages in the country. Over 20 couples were among beneficiaries of twoday training, including newly married and old couples held in Abuja at the weekend. Speaking with journalists at the end of the training, Public Relations Officer of the NGO, Ms Nelly Ohuche, said the training was to make the couples remain united in marriage, no matter the challenges. According to Ohuche, family unity remains the bedrock of every society. “These days, many couples

face challenges, so the essence of the training is to enhance the quality of marital union and develop stable marriage relationship,” she said, adding that the training, which theme is “Rose and Hearts” also offered participants the opportunity to examine common marital challenges with a view to proffering solutions to them. She listed lack of love, infidelity, quest for materialism, family interference, lack of trust as causes of separation and divorce in most marriages. Ohuche said other factors were ineffective communications, keeping of malice and domestic violence. She said the training would be held biannually to promote dialogue between couples, with professional counselors proffering solutions to causes of misunderstanding among couples.

One of the resource persons at the event, Mr Emmanuel Igba-Ujene, said the concept of the training was to promote better understanding and good relationship between

couples. Igba- Ujene said there were a lot of challenges in the marriage institution, which such training could help to resolve. One of the participants,

Mrs Timothy Osuba, thanked the organisers of the training, saying that many marriages were in ‘critical condition’ and needed urgent intervention to survive.

Delta youths accuse council chairman of neglect Amour Udemude ASABA

ouths in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South local government area of Delta state have accused the council chairman, Mr. Isaac Anwuzia of deliberately paying deaf ears and neglecting the plights of the community. The aggrieved youths under the Ogwashi-Uku Youth Development Association (OYDA) also frown at a recent statement credited to the council chairman that he is not answerable to the people of Ogwashi-Uku. Addressing a press conference in Asaba yesterday, Presi-

dent of the OYDA, Port-Harcourt branch, Mr. Ubabudike Osume, expressed the youth body’s anger over the comment by Anwuzia, who is a son of the community, describing it as the height of irresponsibility. According to him “Recently, the OYDA was reliably informed by the elders council of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Union (ODU), that our local government council chairman, Mr. Isaac Anwuzia told them to their face that he is not answerable to the people of Ogwashi-Uku. “The ODU said they met him over the perennial electricity problem in Ogwashi-Uku to seek his assistance in negotiating

with the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) in restoring electricity supply to the community. “The council chairman’s response to the aspirations and expectations of the Ogwashi-Uku peolple was regrettable; any attempt to undermine the collective interest of the people would be resisted by the youths.” Osume stated. Osume while threatening that the OYDA may be forced to mobilize the various youth bodies in protest against any irresponsible leadership in the community stated that the youths remained committed to the unity and progress of Ogwashi-Uku.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Call to Worship

Friday, October 9, 2015 24 Thul-Hijjah 1436

Spend on Allah’s cause before death comes

any people see wealth as theirs when it actually belongs to almighty Allah. While many feels their wealth will reduce, Allah, the Most-High, assures us in Qur’an 2 verse 261 that: “The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is as the likeness of a grain which grows seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. Allah increases in manifold to…” Also, in Qur’an 47 verse 38: Allah SWT says; “Beware! When you are called upon to spend in the way of Allah, some among you hoard. But he who hoards does so for himself: Allah is above need, and it is you who are the needy. If you turn away, then Allah will bring other people in your place who will not be like you.” In order for us to be truly at

peace with our Creator, we must spend our money, time, effort, resources and knowledge in the way of Allah. Going through Qur’an 57:18, it will gladden our heart to read that; “Lo! Those who give alms, both men and women, and lend to Allah a goodly loan, it will be doubled for them, and theirs will be a rich reward.” To be truly beneficial, we must give the loan for the love of Allah and not as a favour. By so doing, Allah will forgive us our sins and grant us paradise among other rewards. Come to think of it, Allah is not in need of our help, we are only helping ourselves. May Allah grant us the means and love to give all we have generously on His path, Aamin. One of those worthy organ-

isation to spend on in Nigeria is The Muslim Congress. This issue was of top priority during The Patrons’ Family Gettogether, PAFGET, organised by TMC, Lagos Chapter recently, where TMC expressed deep apprreciation to patrons, philantropists, well-wishers and sponsors who believe, support and share in the ideals, vision and mission of The Congress. As a trusted and worthy organisation, TMC is focused on the provision of multi-faceted services, for both the young and the aged, in the areas of education, sprititual development, vocational training, economic empowerment, healthcare support, physcial training, welfarism and re-orientation. These among others are achieved through all-year round programmes and activities in various communities.

Alhaji Alao Surajudeen Rahim, the Olori Omokeu of Olomore with Olomore Irepodun Muslim women after a special prayer marking his 50th birthday

THE PLATFORM with

Sekinah Lawal t: 08055102994 e: sakinah207@yahoo.com

Come to think of it, Allah is not in need of our help, we are only helping ourselves. May Allah grant us the means and love to give all we have generously on

Aamin

According to the Wali, it is, however, sad to note that, in spite of all their selfless contributions to the promotion of Islam and its aim for virtuous and upstanding society, Muslims have lost grasp of, unarguably, the most effective tool to facilitate this uphill task, the Media.

Celebrant with family members

To support the TMC’s media project, kindly pay into The Muslim Congress GTBank Account No: 0014795878. Many dignitaries including my humble self were honoured at the occasion. May Allah preserve our lives for the service of Islam and humanity, Aamin.

GIC holds annual career day

Dignitaries at Alhaji Surajudeen Rahim’s 50th birthday bash in AbeokutaOgun State recently.

His path,

L-R: Lagos TMC Waali, Alhaji Mansour Adebayo; Special Guest of honour, Alhaji Abdul-Wasiu Sowami, while Ustaz Abdul Ganiy Atitebi did the presentation of award to another dignitary.

lorious Islamic Centre, GIC, is set to hold another career day seminar on Thursday, 15th of October, 2015 at Ansar-ud-deen College, SurulereLagos. GIC organizes the annual Career Day for Secondary School Students from Muslims Schools all over Lagos State as part of ways of fulfilling her vision of creating peace, tolerance and

Celebrant with some Olomore Elders

goodness in the light of Islam. According to GIC’s President, Engr. Akin Laguda, the aims and objectives of the centre include to educate Muslims and Non-Muslims alike in the light of Islam, cater for social, moral and spiritual needs of all persons, co-operate with lawful organizations for the proper understanding for Islam, promote education and scholarship through study, symposia, debates, conference, film-strips, reference libraries and other lawful means and be a place for research and information sharing among others. The Centre also runs Arabic and Quranic Classes for adults and children who want to acquire Arabic, Quranic and Islamic Knowledge. Monday – Thursday: 4:00pm-6:00pm, Saturday & Sunday: 10:00am-12noon.

Place your adverts here for optimal reach

Call to Worship

24 Thul-Hijjah 1436 Friday, October 9, 2015

Hijrah: The road to change

he Muslim world, in a couple of days, will start the New Year 1437. The counting started when the early Muslims emigrated from Makkah to Madinah in 622 AH. It will ever remain a reference point for Muslim callers, planners, strategists, historians and all human beings. It will always come to remind us how mortals dared God. It will always lay bare to us how truth and falsehood could never co-exist; so the same the supporters of either. It is not enough to tell the story of the momentous Hijrah and downplay its lessons. All those who narrate this historical event must act rightly. Is it not the case today that some Muslims are the ones acting as Meccans, pursuing Muhammad (SAW) and wanting to kill him? This, they do by actions and words when they oppose or fail

to represent Islam truly. The intelligent believer who wants to learn from history should liberate himself from all affiliations that are antithetical to the spirit and letters of Islaam. He must not be deterred by the predominance or ascendancy of corruption and its agents. He has succor in some occurrences during the Prophet’s Hijrah. No food! No road! No education! No security! No road! No electricity! No shelter! No family! It is with all these we are starting another new year. What a pitiable and painful vicissitude of life! Life continues. Days continue to run like the clicks of the clock. Death keep occurring in different ways without anybody having any power to stop its course. This reality of life is what the entire humanity fails to understand;

for if we do, our actions will tilt towards Godliness and fellowfeeling. A world where sophisticated weapons gain ascendancy cannot be in peace. There will be perpetual insurgency, oppression, resistance and dissatisfaction. Hence, the only pathway to a peaceful world is to believe in the Lord of peace. It is for us as Muslims to live by the dictates of Islaam and nothing but that. We need to live our entire lives as Vicegerents of Allah (SWT). The meaningfulness of our existence resides in ensuring the law of Allah (SWT) rules the world. If this is missing, we do not worth the name khulafaa. The least we can do then is to keep struggling to re-establish it. We have to embark on Hijrah, this time around not to Makkah but by distancing our-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

IN HIS LIGHT with

USTAZ

A. ZAFARAN e-mail: zatabumuneeb@yahoo.com selves from all evils pervading the society and its traces. The road to Madinah was long and tortuous. There were hills, valleys and mountains. There were the enemies on pursuits. Not joining them in their fasad (corruption) is again considered a threat. You should expect a lot to happen during your Hijrah. Taking cue from the Prophet’s Hijrah to Madinah, it opens a new chapter in the life of humanity. Notwithstanding the battles of Badr, Uhud, Khandaq, Khaybar, Hunayn; notwithstanding the challenges and intrigues of the hypocrites and Jews, notwithstanding the

sacrifices of living their birth place and lost lives, it was indeed a victory at the other side of the tunnel. Returning to Madinah today is inevitable. Victory is bound to come. So far you get prepared for it. On this return, you must realize that you are not doing something new but simply repeating history. Carry out a thorough evaluation of your last one year as you start 1437 AH. Make firm resolutions. Pray, work and support all that are for Allah (SWT) alone in politics, business and all life endeavours. HAPPY HIJRAH 1437 in advance.

Ahmadiyya Nigeria produces 9 more Hufaz

L-R: Captain Wakil; Alhaji Mumuni Alao; Engr. Abdul Ganiy Atitebi; Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Mukadas Fujah and Ustaz Sherifdeen Ibraheem as The Muslim Congress, TMC, Lagos Branch honoured her patrons and well-wishers last weekend

TMC Lagos honours patrons

t was indeed a day of honour and appreciation as The Muslim Congress, Lagos Branch honoured her patrons and wellwishers last weekend. The Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Mukadas Fujah, urged Muslims to be united and be ready to spend in Allah’s cause for the progress of the Ummah generally. Also speaking, the Special Guest of honour, Alhaji Abdul-Wasiu Sowami, commended TMC for her numerous worthy projects and called on the whole Muslim Ummah to give the needed support to Allah’s cause irrespective of the Islamic society they belong to. Present at the programme were past and present leaders of The Congress. According to the Lagos TMC

Waali, Alhaji Mansour Adebayo, the Patrons’ Family Gettogether, PAFGET, was meant to celebrate the well wishers of The Congress, not only to fraternise but also generate ideas and resources to enhance and consolidate the society oriented mission of The Muslim Congress in a collaborative move reminiscent of the Ansar-Muhajirun exploits of the prophetic era. Alhaji Adebayo expressed deep apprreciation to all the patrons, philantropists, well-wishers and sponsors who believe, support and share in the ideals, vision and mission of The Congress. “TMC is focused on the provision of multi-faceted services, for both the young and the aged, in the areas of education, sprititual development, vocational training, eco-

nomic empowerment, healthcare support, physcial training, welfarism and re-orientation. These among others are achieved through all-year round programmes and activities in as many communities. Therefore, the Patron’s Forum has been like a lever, helping to cushion the challenges often associated with these extensive society-oriented programmes and activities of TMC.” “It is, however, sad to note that in spite of all our selfless contributions to the promotion of Islam and it aims for virtuous and upstanding society, we have lost grasp of, unarguably, the most effective tool to facilitate this uphill task, the Media. Today, we are neither on TV nor Radio, not even on the social media like our counterpart.”

he Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Nigeria has produced another set of Hafizul Qur’an graduates from the Mahmud Ahmadiyya College, Ijede, Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria. The graduates, Hafiz Dhikrullah Akinreti, Hafiz Adegbola Abdul Warith, Hafiz Al Ameen Sanusi, Hafiz Subhannallah Busari, Hafiz Irfan Ahmad Akinola, Hafiz Ojo Rokeeb, Hafiz Akinpelu Nuru Rahman, Hafiz Abdus Salam Sanusi and Hafiz Mubarak Abdul Rafi were the first set of students who memorized the holy Qur’an from Suratul Fatiha to Nas, beginning to the end within two years and equally sat for the West African Junior Certificate Examinations, Junior WAEC for 2015.

The students were from cross section of Muslim community in Nigeria, Ahmadis and non-Ahmadis, under the supervisions of Missionary Saheed Mikhail Falade, Rokeeb and two others. The graduation ceremony marked the 21st anniversary of the college. The school was funded by some members of the jamaat, three national leaders, Engr. Hussein Sunmonu, Dr Moshuud Adenrele Fashola, Engr. Alhassan Ahmed. Others are Alhaji Akinsanya, Alhaji Parakoyi, Alhaji Lakunle Bello and Mrs Huseifa Sunmonu, under the auspices of Fadl Omar Ahmadiyya Muslim Education Foundations, FAME, to support the realization of the educational vision of the jamaat worldwide.

‘Do not use right of free speech to abuse any faith’

n appeal has gone to Dutch lawmakers and other people of the world not to use their right of free speech to abuse or defame any Holy personage or faith. Making this appeal was the world Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad while he arrived Holland and addressed the Parliamentarians, policy makers and opinion leaders on peaceful coexistence in the world and the current realities.

He was welcomed to Holland in Nunspeet by the local Mayor, Honourable Dick van Hemmen. During his visit, His Holiness also attended a number of other official engagements. His Holiness led the Maghreb and Isha prayers for the first time in Baitun Noor Mosque, rebuilt in the Nunspeet complex, Holland. The National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Holland, Mr Hibbatun-Noor and various other officials were in his entourage to Holland.

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

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

National Mirror Friday, October 9, 2015 www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 9, 2015

We’ve paid salaries up to date –Ahmed Wole Adedeji, ILORIN

overnor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State yesterday said he has paid the salaries of civil servants up to date even with the present paucity of funds. The governor, who was speaking on a programme “The Governor Explains” aired live on the network of all radio and television stations in the state disclosed that he had intervene in the plight of primary school teachers and local government staff salaries by tak-

ing a bank loan on their behalf to pay up He insisted that the business of paying primary school teachers and council staff was that of the local governments and not the state, wondering how critics of his government would heap the blame of salary arrears of these categories of workers on him. Governor Ahmed added that it was no longer news that allocations from Federation Account to states and local governments had dropped drastically in recent time with a spiral effect on government activi-

ties at all levels. The situation, he said, would not deter him from doing everything possible to assuage the burden of salary arrears on workers. He added that the reality on ground had made it mandatory for him to design ways to generate complementary revenues to drive governance and deliver the programmes of his administration. Responding to a caller, who claimed that Alhaji Lai Mohammed; the nominated minister to use the slot of the state, even when the National APC spokesman was

more of a Lagos man , who has not contributed much to the state, the governor said he did not have much to say. His words: “What else do I say? The president has made his choice. All that is left to do is to harmonise and forge ahead to get the best for our people and the generality of Nigerians.” The governor said as his second term tenure continues, he would ensure completion of ongoing projects and move on to initiate new ones that included water, roads and health care deliveries.

a similar amount which is flat in nature. He said the N10bn has nothing to do with the payment of salaries or pension arrears of workers, but specifically designed for infrastructural development of the state. His words: “It is not a bailout, but a soft loan which each state in this country will get a flat amount of N10bn. The bailout for salaries is different from infrastructural development fund. We have two categories of

funds which include bailout for salaries and funds for infrastructural development. “The bailout for salary has N4.3bn for local governments in the state, while N3.9bn is for the state government to enable these tiers of government pay their outstanding salaries and pensions.” He said payment of workers’ salaries in the state for the month of September commenced yesterday. “We have released that

of the state assembly and judicial staff. So definitely, we are only waiting for specimen signature of some permanent secretaries and directors of finance to commence the payment of salaries in other ministries, departments and agencies,” he stated. He said September salaries were delayed due to some logistics reasons which were connected with the ongoing biometric screening exercise across the state.

Nasarawa processes N10bn infrastructure loan facilities Igbawase Ukumba LAFIA

asarawa State government yesterday said it is processing a N10bn soft loan from Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to enable it embark on infrastructural development of the state. State Accountant General, Alhaji Mohammed Musa, stated this in Lafia, the state capital, while chatting with journalists. He said each state in the country would access CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

EKETE: I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS EKETE JOSEPHINE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. EDEH JOSEPHINE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Jolaolu Yetunde Omowunmi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Okunola Yetunde Omowunmi all former documents remain valid. State Universal Basic Education Board Ogun state and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKOYE: I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS OKOYE PRECIOUS NWANYIBUIFE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. OKORO PRECIOUS NWANYIBUIFE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Adeniye monsurat Oluwadamilare now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oyeledun Mary Oluwadamilare all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKOYE I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS CHETACHI CECILIA OKOYE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. CHETACHI CECILIA ENEMCHI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS OKOYE CHIOMA EVELYN NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED MRS. ONWUZULUIKE CHIOMA EVELYN. . ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

PUBLIC NOTICE CAVEAT EMPTOR This notice is hereby given to the general public and Ministry of Lands, Survey and Town planning Awka Anambra State that the parcels of land lying and known as Ngene Ogbu, Nchisa Udu, Ngene Laya, Utere Udene, Azu Agba, Nkishi or generally known as Nkwe land, situated at the Boundary between Umuokpara Akpugoeze in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State and Aguowa, Enuguaboh Ufuma, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, or by any name, however called, known or described by any individual,group or groups or body commonly belongs to Aguowa Clan of EnugwuaboUfuma is not for sale or lease. Anybody or body or group negotiating to buy or sale the above mentioned lands from anybody or group of persons or body is doing so at his/her and thier own risk. Signed Barrister Christopher Nweke 08178828815 Solicitor for Aguowa Clan Enugwuabo-Ufuma.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as OGOKO CHINYERE JOVITA, now known and addressed as FELIX CHINYERE JOVITA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME IGBOKWE: I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS UCHENNA ROSEMARY IGBOKWE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. UCHENNA ROSEMARY NNAMDI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mr Yahyemi Shalomon, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Oluwole Abayomi Yayemi all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Sangowole Oladunni Alabi now wish to be known and addressed as Olabode Oladunni Alabi. All former documents remain valid general public should take note

CHANGE OF NAME AGHEDO: I, formerly known and addressed as AGHEDO ANNET IYERE now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS USIFOH ANNET IYERE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Adeniyi Festus Ojo, that I now wish to be addressed as ALONGE been our Family name, that I now wish to be addressed as ALONGE Festus OjoAdeniyi. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as OGHORUVWE BLESSING, now known and addressed as BLESSING EJIRO. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME NWACHUKWU: I,FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS UKAMAKA EASTER NWACHUKWU, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. UKAMAKA EASTER UMEH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oriola Olabisi Victoria, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olabisi Victoria Ayodele all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Mr. Oha Solomon Kelechi now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Benjamin Solomon Kelechi. All former documents remain valid general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as Aminat Abdullahi now wish to be known, and addressed as Aminat Abdullahi Abdulkadir. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EGES: Formerly known and addressed as MISS RACHEAL CHIDIMMA EGES now wish to be known and addressed as MRS RACHEAL CHIDIMMA KENNEDY. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

Jaiz Bank’s assets base hits N44bn

aiz Bank, a non-interest bank, yesterday said its assets base had hit N44bn. It said the bank had also exceeded the N10bn required by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, for a national licence. The bank’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Idris Salihu, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja. Jaiz Bank, which is the only non-interest Islamic bank in Nigeria, got its regional licence to operate in North East, North West and Abuja from the CBN in November 2011. The bank commenced operations in January 2012 with three branches in Abuja, Kaduna and Kano. Salihu said CBN had also granted Jaiz Bank “approval in principle to go national in view of the robust growth of the bank.” According to him, CBN gave Jaiz Bank six months to open branches CHANGE OF NAME IBIYOMI:Formerly known and addressed as MISS IBIYOMI DOLAPO ABIGEAL-A, now known and addressed as MRS ONABANJO DOLAPO ABIGEAL-A. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EZE: I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS EZE JULIANA AMOGE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. ANEKE JULIANA AMOGE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. NYSC AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Omenihu Kelechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Esinwoke Chinenye Kelechi. all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS AYANKOLA DORCAS ABIDEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLANREWAJU DORCAS ABIDEMI. All the former documents remain valid, OSUN TEPO and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as Damilola Caroline Awomodu now wish to be known, and addressed as Damilola Caroline Akinnifesi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ODUMUKO : Formerly known and addressed as MISS CHIDIEBERE ODUMUKO now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NDUBUEZE CHIDIEBERE REJOICE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should take note.

in the six geo-political zones of the country. “We are working hard to achieve that target at most by December to enable CBN ratify the national licence,” he said. He said many businessmen in the South East and South West of the country were already urging the bank to establish branches in their areas. He said Jaiz Bank currently “has 20 branches and will increase it to about 30 by December 2015 and would open at least a branch each in all state capitals by next year.” Salihu commended the CBN for its financial inclusion policy through which “unbanked Nigerians are being banked.” He said Jaiz Bank had provided banking opportunities for Nigerians both Muslims and Christians, wary of banking with conventional banks due to fear of interest or usury. “We are happy to provide alternative to interest-based banking,” he said, adding that “risk and reward sharing banking is not just for Muslims, but for all Nigerians.” CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Miss. Fakuade Omoyemi Racheal. Now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Odeyemi Omoyemi Racheal. All former documents remain valid. Local Government Service Commission Ado-Ekiti and General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Miss Akinpelu Ronke Victoria Now Mrs Oyegbami Ronke Victoria All Former Documents Remain Valid Oyo State TESCOM And General Public Should Take Note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Miss Oladapo Olufunmilola Rodah Now Mrs Ogunjinmi Olufunmilola Rodah All Former Documents Remain Valid Oyo State TESCOM And General Public Should Take Note

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ojo Taiwo Catherine now wish to be known and addressed as MRS YAKUBU TAIWO CATHERINE. All former documents remain valid. University of Lagos and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AHMAD: Formerly known and addressed as MISS FATIMA IDRIS now wish to be known and addressed as MRS FATIMA IDRIS AHMAD. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 9, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekezie Cynthia Nkiruka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs UCHE~OFFOR Nkiruka Cynthia. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Miss Akinpelu Ronke Victoria, now Mrs. Oyegbami Ronke Victoria. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State TESCOM and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Egbeyemi Helen Yetunde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogunsola Helen Yetunde. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Miss Oladapo Olufunmilola Rodah, now Mrs. Ogunjinmi Olufunmilola Rodah. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State TESCOM and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY known as KALEIJAYE AYOKARI ADEOMO, NOW wish to be known and addressed as OLUBIYO AYOKARI ADEOMO. All Former documents remain valid. General public note.

Formerly known as Farayola Esther lyabode Oluwatoyin, Now wish to be known as komolafe Esther Iyabode oluwatoyin. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AWE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AWE STELLA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS KAMALU AJIA STELLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLUPONMILE: I, formerly known and addressed as OMOBOLA OLUKEMI OLUPONMILE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OMOBOLA OLUKEMI OLORUNNISHOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Isaac Oluwakemi Olayemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adegbuyi Oluwakemi Olayemi . All former documents remain valid. Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), National Youth service Corps (NYSC) and the general public take note.

Formerly known as Miss Oladiji Aminat Oluwabunmi, now wish to be known as Mrs Usman Aminat Oladiji . All former documents remain valid general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Anueyiagu Chidinma Oluchi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Uche-Amaechi Chidinma Oluchi . All former documents remain valid general public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Jonathan Akudo Chidinma now wish to be known and addressed as known as Mrs Ogbonna Akudo. All former documents remain valid general public take note

ADDITION OF NAME.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Adeniyi Festus Ojo, that I now wish to be addressed as ALONGE been our Family name, that I now wish to be addressed as ALONGE Festus Ojo-Adeniyi. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Monica Naanzuan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Monica Naanzuan Ogbidi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunbajo Agnes Oluwabukonla now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adeleke Agnes Oluwabukonla. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olusoga Adebola Oluwatoyin now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Moses Olusoga Adebola Oluwatoyin. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME OSOFUYE: I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS CAROLINE NIKE OSOFUYE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS TAIBAT ADENIKE OSOFUYE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE

IHMOUDU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS IHMOUDU IYESOMI VICTORIA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. UTHO IYESOMI VICTORIA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFERMATION OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that I Balogun Roseline Bolaji is the same person as Mrs Aluko Roseline Bolaji. All former documents remain valid, GTB and general public should please note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olaoti Adenike Bamgbala, now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs Ajagbe Bamgbala Adenike Aina. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE JESUS THE KING OF GLORY BIBLE CHURCH. This is to inform the general public that the above named body has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the part C of the Company and Allied Matters Act

TRUSTEES 1) VEN JAMES OGHENERO AMUKU - GENERAL OVERSEER. 2) PASTOR OGHENERO AMUKU EMMANUEL AMUKU JR. 3) EVANG. OKOTIE ONORIODE ABRAHAM. 4) EVANG. ULOH FREEBORN OROVWIGHO. 5) EVANG. MRS. UMUDJE EMAMOKE NELLY. 6) EVANG. MRS GRACE AMUKU. AIMS: TO EVANGELIZE THE WORLD FOR GOD. Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Trigis Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street,Maitama, Abuja,within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED VEN JAMES OGHENERO AMUKU - GENERAL OVERSEER.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Osisanya Bolajoko Aina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogunsola Bolajoko Aina. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and called BAKO ISAH TUKAYO now wish to be known and addressed as ISAH ABUBAKAR GORONYO. All former documents remain valid.GT bank Kontagora and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Miss OLUWAKEMI ADEBISI OMITOGUN, Now wish to be known as Mrs. OLUWAKEMI ADEBISI TOGUN. Former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EKUNG: I, formerly known and addressed as EDET EFFIONG EKUNG, now wish to be known, called and addressed as EDI ELLA PETER. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AMONIA - I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS IYINGI AMONIA PRINCEWILL , NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS IYINGI EEVA PRINCEWILL-ADESHINA .ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ezenkwu Chioma Doris now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Okechukwu Chioma Doris. All former documents remain valid general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Fomerly known as Miss OLUWAKEMI ADEBISI OMITOGUN, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. OLUWAKEMI ADEBISI TOGUN. All Former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adetutu Damilola Eweje now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olalowo Adetutu Damilola. All former documents remain valid. Ogun state Tescom and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME SALAMI: Formerly known And Addressed As Salami Morufat Adetoun Now Wish To Be known And Addressed As Fatai Morufat Adetoun. All Former Documents Remain Valid. General Public Take Note.

CHANGE OF NAME JEGEDE: I, formerly known and addressed as ABIKE BISI OJO JEGEDE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MARIAM ABIKE JEGEDE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS OBENDE AINA OMETERE, now wish to be known and addressed Mrs. ACHUDUME AINA OMOTERE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Japhet Remilekun Modinat now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Gbaiye Modinat Aderounke all former documents remain valid. First Bank, wema Bank. Zenith bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as OLUPONA TITILOLA OPEYEMI, Now wish to be known and addressed as OLANREWAJU TITILOLA OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Known and addressed as Miss GBAMBISOMO ENIOLA ADEFISAYO Now wish to be known and adrressed as Mrs EDUKUGHO ENIOLA ADEFISAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MR OSAWARU KINGSLEY, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MR OSAWARU NORENEGBE KINGSLEY .ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. NIGERIA METEOROLOGICAL AGENCY, NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY. PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as AWEDA AZEEZ ENIOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as AGBALAYA AZEEZ ENIOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Ajala Olubunmi Ayomide, now wishes to be known and addressed as Ajala Adesewa. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Amosu Temitayo Florence now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Alabi Temitayo Folakemi. All former documents remain valid. Ogun SUBEB and genenal public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME This is to confirm that Adijat Tafa Olarewaju, is the same one person as Yusuf Adijat, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Yusuf Adijat. All former documents remain valid, First Bank Plc and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OGUNJOBI: I, formerly known and addressed as OGUNJOBI OLUWATOYIN FUNMILAYO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OGUNNUPE OLUWATOYIN FUNMILAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE DOOSHIMA HOPE 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 Companies and allied matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Anthony Idowu Ibatuemoh 2. Siniya Christopher 3. Bilkis Oluremi Shobo 4. Comfort Ishaya Zawaya 5. Joseph Godwin Amubonuvie 6. Itodo Suzan Dooshima AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To play a positive contribution and role in providing services, equipping the less privileged, transforming housewives 2. Rendering a pertinent role in shaping quality of educational services and spiritual development 3. Providing employment to the unemployed 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 28 day of this publication

SIGNED: SECRETARY

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Muhammed Faidat Tanwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Alabi Faidat Tanwa. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Monica Naanzuan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Monica Naanzuan Ogbidi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADEWUYI IRETI BUSAYO NOW WISH TO BE KNOWNED AND ADDRESSED AS AWOMUSE IRETI BUSAYO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME AKANDE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AKANDE SADIA ADELADUN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OTARU SADIA ADELADUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ANYAGHER: Formerly known and addressed as MISS MNENA ANYAGHER now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MNENA GABRIEL BEM. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should take note. CORRECTION OF NAME This is to inform the authorities concerned that my name, SANOH IBRAHIM MOHAMMED was mispelt as SANOH IBRAHIM SORY, in my Ecobank Account, and my correct names are as follows SANOH IBRAHIM MOHAMMED. All former documents remain valid. ECOBANK PLC and general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS SANGOTUMO ADEBISI BUNMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ABIKANLU ADEBISI BUNMI. All former documents remain valid; Ogun state Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinbo Rachael Temitope now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Shittu Rachael Temitope. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Imoo Dupe, now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Adebisi Modupe. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as Imam Mojeed Alhaji, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Alhaji Imam Shittu Abudu Mojeed. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Chinyere Nnam, now wish to be known and addressed as Nnaji Chinyere. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Margaret Udoh John. Now wish to known as Ofre Margaret Hephzibah Denis . former document remain valid. General public please note CHANGE OF NAME AGHEDO: I, formerly known and addressed as AGHEDO ANNET IYERE now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS USIFOH ANNET IYERE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss Christy Osayevinma Osawe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Christy Osayevinma Okoronkwo . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Solihull Taibat Itopa now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Marcellinus Faith Taibat. All former documents remain valid. Ecole Suprerieure Sainte Felicite, Cotonou, NYSC and general public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as Miss Agbede Modupe Rachael, now to be addressed as Mrs. Omoyajowo Modupe Rachael. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS OPARA EBERE ROSEMARY, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLANIYANOPARA EBERE ROSEMARY. All former documents remain valid; National Youths Service Corp (NYSC), general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS OLUGA MARGARET KEHINDE. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. ADEMOYE MARGARET KEHINDE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly addressed and known as Miss Oladiran Ruth Abosede, now wish to be known and called as Mrs Fashesin Ruth Abosede. All former documents remain valid, Osun State Government and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AMODUN: Formerly known and addressed as MISS AMODUN ALABA RISIKAT now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AJAKAIYE ALABA RISIKAT. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE PSALMIST GENERATION CHRISTIAN CENTRE The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor James Orobosa Yolo 2. Pastor Mrs Rita Mabel Yolo 3. Pastor Emmanuel Afolayan Sowande 4. Mr Samuel Edun THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1 To provide the opportunity for teaching of God’s word 2. To pray for the church and her members, providing support and encouragement. 3. To encourage the growth of individual believe towards maturity in faith. 4. To ensure all members have the opportunity to serve 5. To share the gospel both locally and internationally through evangelism Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar -General, Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C.), P.M.B. 198, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

Friday, October 9, 2015

At last, Messi to be tried on tax fraud charges

ille OSC of France goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, has retired from international football after 13 years with the Super Eagles of Nigeria. The 33-year-old goalkeeper took the decision to quit just hours before Super Eagles faced Leopards of DR Congo in an international friendly in Belgium yesterday. According to supersport.com, the immediate past Super Eagles captain left the Nigerian camp in Belgium and headed to his base in France. The former Enyimba shot-stopper took to social media to announce his departure as Nigeria’s goalkeeper in

the wake of a row with Coach Sunday Oliseh on Tuesday. “I am no more the captain of the Nigerian senior football team. I am no more the goalie of the team. I am out of the team. I am no more available for international duties,” Enyeama stated yesterday. Enyeama, it was learned met with Oliseh at the team’s Hôtel Van Der Valk Verviers lodging in Belgium briefly to announce his departure from the national team. On Tuesday after his row with Enyeama, Coach Oliseh confirmed Ahmed Musa as the skipper of the Eagles and further said, “As a coach, I have looked at the team and I have looked at Nigeria going forward. We need a captain who will think of stay-

Sport

–Manchester United legend, Gary Neville

Enyeama

Vincent Enyeama retires! Everest Onyewuchi

I think Manchester City are back on track to chase the title once again. They have started well already

Congo 2 - 0 Nigeria

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ing with Nigeria for several years to come, who is regularly in front. And Ahmed Musa did a great job for us in Tanzania under very difficult circumstance. He is a very responsible player and he is the captain of the team, there is no question of tussle.” Lamenting how he was treated and thrown out of the camp with hotel security before some reprieve came for him, Enyeama had said, “After 13 years of national service, having this smile on my face and this passion in my heart. Through the billows, the waves of the ocean, the tears of defeat, the sound of rejoicing from victory chants. Now the thought of being stripped naked and security agents throwing me out breaks me completely.”

Chile 2015: Eaglets beat Argentina in test game

igeria’s Golden Eaglets secured a 2-1 win over their Argentine counterparts in a test game on Wednesday as they reached the business end of their preparation for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup to be held in Chile from next week. Eaglets head coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, and his wards are in the Argentine capital for the final leg of their preparations as Nigeria try to defend the trophy they won two years ago in the UAE. The match was scheduled for Tuesday evening, but had to be postponed because of weather conditions in the Argentine capital which forced the game to be shifted to Wednesday. The game was divided into two halves of 40 minutes by the organisers and Argentina started the brighter of the two sides testing the Nigerian defence. The Eaglets were able to get into the game and scored in the 21st minute through a beautiful combination between Chinedu Madueke and Bamgboye who set up team’s top scorer Victor Osimhen for the opener. Nigeria are in Group A of the 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup alongside hosts Chile, Croatia and the United States.

Sports

Friday, October 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

At last,

Messi

to be tried on tax fraud charges A Messi

rgentina and Barcelona star, Lionel Messi, and his father, Jorge, are to stand trial on three counts of tax fraud that could carry prison sentences, a Spanish court confirmed yesterday. In a court filing, the judge in charge of the case rejected a request by the public prosecutor to try only the footballer’s father. The pair were accused in 2013 of defrauding the taxman out of 4.16 million euros ($4.69 million) in taxes related to Messi’s image rights between 2007 and 2009 through the creation of fake companies in Belize and Uruguay.

No date has been set for the trial, which will take place in Vilanova i la Geltru, a town 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of Barcelona. Prosecutors had asked for the case against the four-time World Player of the Year to be dropped as the alleged fraud was in their estimation carried out by his father, who has managed his son’s affairs since he was a child. They asked for Jorge Messi to be handed an 18-month prison sentence and a fine of half the defrauded amount. However, lawyers acting on behalf of the tax authorities pleaded for the player to also be tried and for both defendants

to face a 22-month prison sentence. In any case, both are unlikely to end up in jail as sentences of less than two years are normally suspended for first time offences in Spain. “There are rational signs that the criminality was committed by both accused parties,” said the judge. Messi, 28, is the fourth richest sportsman in the world, according to Forbes magazine which estimates he earns almost $65 million a year. The news is just the latest blow for the Argentine, who will be out of action for six weeks due to knee ligament damage.

Corruption: FIFA suspends Platini, Valcke

IFA yesterday, also provisionally suspended its secretary general, Jerome Valcke, and vice-president Michel Platini for 90 days. The punishments were handed out by the ethics committee of football’s world governing body, which is investigating them and suspended president Sepp Blatter over corruption allegations. It also banned ex-FIFA vicepresident, Chung Mong-joon, for six years. Spain’s Angel Maria Villar is expected to head UEFA - European football’s governing body while its current president Platini is suspended.

Platini

Explaining its decision to ban Platini and Valcke, the ethics committee said, “The grounds for these decisions are the investigations that are being carried out by the investigatory chamber of the ethics committee.” Platini, Valcke and Blatter are banned from any football activity in the interim. They deny any wrongdoing. Britain’s FIFA’s vice-president, David Gill, has called for an emergency meeting of its executive committee following yesterday’s developments. The Football Association, which last week reiterated its support for Platini’s presidency bid, said it would “await the results” of FIFA’s inquiry and the Swiss investigation, with chairman Greg Dyke said the organisation would withdraw its support if Platini is found to have “behaved dishonestly”. Platini and South Korean billionaire Chung - who was also fined 100,000 Swiss Francs (£67,000) by the ethics committee - are two of the leading candidates to replace Blatter. Yesterday, Platini issued a statement questioning how the fines information had been made public. “This is clearly an extremely serious matter,” he said. “This information appears to have come from an official FIFA source.

Kloop

Liverpool: Klopp agrees 3-year deal

urgen Klopp has agreed a three-year deal to become Liverpool manager. BBC Sport reported that the 48-year-old German replaces Brendan Rodgers, who was sacked last Sunday after three and a half years in charge with the club 10th in the Premier League. Klopp has been out of work since May, when he ended a seven-year spell at Borussia Dortmund to take a sabbatical. He is expected to have

Zeljko Buvac and Peter Krawietz - his former assistants at the Bundesliga club - as part of his coaching staff at Anfield. Meanwhile, Sean O’Driscoll, who was Brendan Rodgers’s assistant, has left Liverpool, while Gary McAllister has been moved from first-team coach to a new “ambassadorial position”. Klopp will take over a Liverpool side who have won only four of their 11 games in all

competitions this season. The international break means his first game in charge is a Premier League match at Tottenham on 17 October. After seven years as Mainz boss, Klopp joined Dortmund in 2008 and led them to two Bundesliga titles. They lost to Wolfsburg in last season’s German Cup final - his final game - at the end of a campaign in which they struggled domestically, finishing seventh in the league.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Para- athletics federation invites 7 for World Championship Ifeanyi Eduzor

he Nigeria Para-Athletics Federation has invited a total of seven athletes’ one guide-runner and three coaches to camp ahead of the World Para-Athletics Championship holding in Doha. UAE from October 21-31, 2015. President of the Federation, Dr. Frank Thorpe who also doubles as the Secretary General of the Paralympics Committee of Nigeria, who disclosed this to National Mirror said the seven athletes were invited based on merit. Made up of two men and five women, the invited athletes include: Solomon Amarakuo for F56 and Kyiem Emeka F57 for men’s shot put field event while the five women are Uwak Uy-

ime T47 100m and 200m events, Lovina Onyegbune C II 100m and 200m class for the blind and Anna Babalola who will be competing in four events of the C54 wheelchair, category, 100m, 200m, 1,500m and 5,000m race. Others include Flora Ugwunwa for F54 discuss event and Onye Lauretta that will be representing Nigeria in the F40 dwarf discuss category, while Patrick Anieto, Adesoji Adekunle and Kolawole Emmanuel are the three coaches that are taking charge of the athletes. Secretary General of the Nigeria Para-Athletics Federation, Bisi Aziz, said the event which serves as Rio 2016 Para-lympic qualifiers is very crucial hence the involvement of a guide runner Chidozie Kalu to assist the blind athlete, Lovina Onyegbune.

Tambuwal commits Sokoto to Abuja badminton tourney Joel Ajayi ABUJA

okoto State Governor, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, has said that his administration is determined to continue to deploy its resources to the support and promotion of sports in the country. The former Speaker of the House of Representative made the promise last week in Abuja, at the closing ceremony of this year’s Annual Abuja International Badminton Championship, a four-day event that featured over 100 internationally ranked badminton players. He said, “Sokoto State Government under my leadership inherited from the immediate past government the support and sponsorship of this important tournament and we intend to continue in lending our support because we are convinced that we need to continue to promote sports so that many of our youths can be gainfully engaged and employed. “Sport is one of the very important sectors where you find people gaining employment, where you find people improving their health, where you find people promoting love, and respect for each other.” The governor commended the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) for organising

the successful tournament that projected Nigeria’s image positively around the World. Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Alhassan Yakmut, who also graced the occasion, stated that Nigerian youths are multi-talented in different sports, adding that there is need to support them in turning such talent to glory. United States’ Howard Shu emerged the men’s overall winner, with Luke Waraba of Austria and Edwin Ekiring from Uganda finishing first and second runner-ups. In the women’s category, Grace Gabriel of Nigeria was crowned the singles winner, while Mauritian Kate Fookune and Ebru Yazgan of Turkey placed second and third.

Tambuwal

Sports

Friday, October 9, 2015

MANDATE

THE

Sylvester Ikuejamoye

mopheys13@gmail.com 0805-407-1194 (SMS only)

Nigeria @ 55 and the sporting tasks ahead N igeria has been participating in major sporting activities since her independence from Britain on October 1st, 1960. While it is right and in line with human method of analysis to examine the past and compare it with the present so as to be able to plan for the future, it is also important to be guided by every available indices of objectivity. I have no doubt that Nigeria should have done better in sport than what she has achieved within the last 55 years of her existence as an inde pendent country. I’m however, not unaware of the mileage and image sport has given this country in the global arena. The stand point of many who felt we have not fared well premised on the huge talented population available in the country can be understandable. What we need is a workable or implementable sports policy with which results are achievable. Granted that Nigeria has made her presence modestly felt in sports world – wide in practically most of the major dominating sports, e.g. in football, aside from qualifying and played in at least five world cup finals, Nigeria remains a major dominant factor in the U-17 football cup with the highest number of winning the championship globally. In athletics, boxing, Weightlifting, etc. At the Olympic games, Nigeria do have a minimal and good story to tell, particularly, our Atlanta ’96 exploit cannot be forgotten in a hurry. Needless to say we are always a force to be reckoned with on the continent of Africa with particular reference to the all Africa games. Our story as a country cannot be said to be completely a bad one but obviously should have been better with our size

and huge population. The opportunities of the last 55 years should have been used to turn Nigeria into another Mecca of sort in sports for other countries to emulate. We can still remember the oil boom period when money was alleged not to be our problem but how to spend it. It was a period of spending s p re e

Yakmut

when oil money was everywhere. It should be pointed out that a major minus in our sports administration, past and present is the very condemnable lack of maintenance culture. They are quick in awarding mind burgling contracta for sports facilities but very (intentionally) deficient in maintaining them. I have made repeated reference to what can be called the ’National stadium Surulere, Lagos, heart trembling disaster’. An edifice built with millions of naira, when money was indeed money. The equivalent of that money in today value must certainly be in several billions of naira. Sad enough, that stadium has been in ruins for about ten years now without anybody looking at the direction from the relevant supervisory agency of government which is the National Sports Commission. Let it be noted, that the mess at the Lagos national stadium is obviously a replica of what is an eye sour in most segments of our national life. For those of us who have the rare privilege

to have travelled round most states in Nigeria, you are faced with roads that should have been fixed when it started with a little potholes but will be left until it has become a gully for the sake of a fatter contract sum not minding how many lives it would have consumed in accident form or how many cars would have been destroyed. That was the old Nigeria of 55 years for you. Thank God of and for a new Nigeria that must be supported and allowed to flourish from now where people must be held responsible and accountable for their deeds. It is certainly not enough to lobby for positions without the capacity to function effectively. People who have failed woefully in the past should not be given responsibility to shape the future for a new Nigeria of our collective dream. There is no guaranty that they will not rock the boat. Our approach to sports development should take a new dimension for the better. There is the urgent need to harness our God given talents potentials and develop them for our collective good. Sports have the potentials of addressing so many areas of human needs and deficiencies. There is also the urgent need to put in place sports policy that can stand the test of time. I’m aware of various reports of committees instituted to proffer or make recommendations for the way forward in the sports sector. There is the Gen. Ishola Williams report. There is also the Cdr. Emeka Omerua’s report and also that of Chief S.B Williams report. The presidency should be in a better position to ensure the possibility of dusting-up these reports with the aim of making use of the good recommendation therein. We must work hard to better our last 55 years sporting records in all ramifications, both in terms of technical, officiating, administration as well as support for athletes and also athletes’ performance. The private sector must be encouraged to participate fully in the new sports policy for the country.

Hard but bitter truth When common sense becomes scarce, you will not know when to act wisely. It will also be difficult to know when the game is up. For those who dishonourably engaged themselves, may end up disengaged dishonourably. Hard But The Bitter Truth. Until next week Friday, stay out of trouble and God bless Nigeria.

WORLD RECORD

Most cosmetic procedures

Vol. 05 No. 1217

N150

Friday, October 9, 2015

Cindy Jackson (USA) has spent $99,600 (£53,148) on 47 cosmetic procedures, including nine full-scale surgical operations since 1988.

Manatt Democracy Award for Attahiru Jega A s the man – Attahiru Jega – gracefully stepped forward, September 29, to the warm embrace of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems’ (IFES) Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award in the United States, countless imaginations criss-crossed one’s mind on what the state of the Nigerian nation presently would have been had he wavered or allowed himself to be cowed by desperate wolves who wanted everything except results that reflected the mood and desire of the Nigerian electorate during the last general elections. Indeed, what would have been the posture across the length and breadth of the country had ex-President Goodluck Jonathan marked the success of his second term bid in a blaze of glory? Would the party and merriment become more intensified than they had been? Would the revellers’ songs been noisier and more deafen-

NO COMPARISON, THEY ARE BOTH

ssa Hayatou of Cameroun has taken over as acting FIFA President after Sepp Blatter was provisionally suspended for 90 days on Thursday by an ethics committee, soccer’s governing body confirmed in a statement.

FRIDAY WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) ing; and their dance steps more sweeping than macabre? What would have been the state of the war against insurgency and corruption? Then the economy and economic plight of Nigerians, infrastructure – like electricity and all, et cetera. Would there be sober reflection and selfintrospection in power and its corridors? Countless questions! But the phone call of the ex-President, who saw through the veil of vain glory and refused to be brow-beaten into taking hellish, irrational, selfish, immoral or regrettable decisions by his colony of fixers saved the day; though certainly not without the iron cast resolve of Jega and his team to deliver free and fair elections, notwithstanding dubious official plots, strictures and criticisms. This is the brief history of Jega’s recent Journey to IFES’ Sixth Annual Charles T. Manatt Democracy Awards Dinner held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, D.C., United States, himself being one of the awardees. The Washington D.C.- based IFES is an international, non-profit organisation founded in 1987; while the Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award derived its name from Manatt, who served as Chairman of IFES’ Board of Directors from 1993 to 1999; and described as a distinct leader dedicated to spreading democracy around the world and nurturing the next generation of political leaders. The organisation provides assistance and support for elec-

FOR DEMOCRACY

TO TRULY FLOURISH, CREDIBLE ELECTIONS MUST RESULT IN IMPROVED DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT tions in new and emerging democracies; while the Award accredits the outstanding work of individuals who demonstrate an untiring commitment to freedom and democracy. IFES presents the Democracy Award annually to three individuals: a Republican, a Democrat (in the United States); and a member of the international community. This year’s awardees included Jega, former chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who superintended the keenly contested 2015 general elections which IFES described as “a watershed moment for democracy in the country and Africa, as the largest country by population, with the biggest economy on the (African) continent, experienced its first democratic transfer of power”. For IFES, Jega was vital in ensuring a credible and transparent electoral

process. The Voice of America, IFES’ media partner for the September 29 dinner, detailed the challenges Professor Jega and the INEC faced in a video presented during the ceremony, according to reports; and the 2015 Democracy Award President, Sweeney, while welcoming him to the stage as the international recipient for this year, stated: “Professor Jega embodies what we hope for from every election administrator”. Jega also spoke up when he said the collaboration between domestic and international stakeholders would be vital to consolidating democracy in Nigeria. “IFES has done a commendable job in supporting and strengthening the INEC; and we hope that others in the international community follow this example and join hands to contribute to democratic consolidation in Nigeria… Free and fair elections are only the starting point. For democracy to truly flourish, credible elections must result in improved democratic governance and socio-economic development. That is the hope of so many Nigerians”; Professor Jega said. As ‘The Guardian’, Nigerian newspaper reported when hints about the award filtered in last July, Jega’s expert management of the 2015 general elections positioned him as a credible election administrator, and by extension, earned him the Democracy Award honour. “The complex Nigerian electoral environment consisted of 69 million eligible voters, 155,000 polling booths and 700,000 temporary staff deployed across the country”, according to the newspaper. The poll resulted in the country’s first, peaceful democratic transfer of power from one political party to another following the defeat on March 28, 2015, of President Jonathan. We pray such recognition for Jonathan, too, at least because he relinquished power when it mattered most to Nigerians, notwithstanding the ungodly wishes, desperation and vicious plots by hirelings to prod him to do the contrary.

Sport Extra

Hayatou takes over at FIFA Hayatou, the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), takes over, in accordance with FIFA statutes, as the longest-serving vice-president on FIFA’s executive committee, the statement

said. But International Olympic Committee (IOC) president, Thomas Bach, said an outsider should have succeeded Blatter. “FIFA should consid-

er an external candidate to succeed the suspended Sepp Blatter, while also accelerating and deepening their reform process as the embattled world soccer body must regain credibility quickly,” Bach

said yesterday. “Enough is enough. We hope that now, finally, everyone at FIFA has at last understood that they cannot continue to remain passive,” the IOC boss added.

Hayatou

Printed and Published by Global Media Mirror Ltd: Head Office: Mirror House, 155/161 Broad Street, Lagos Tel: 07027107407, Abuja Office: NICON Insurance House, Second Floor, Central Business District Area, Abuja Tel: 08070428249, Advert hotline: 01-8446073, Port-Harcourt Office: Suite 115, NICON Hotel, 6, Benjamin Opara Street, Off Olusegun Obasanjo Rd, GRA Phaze 3, Phone: 07032323254 Email: mail@nationalmirroronline.net. Acting Editor: BEN MEMULETIWON. All correspondence to PMB 10001, Marina, Lagos. Printed simultaneously in Lagos, Abuja and Akure. ISSN 0794-232X.