Binder1

Inflation rate rises 9% in May Emefiele

Vol. 5 N0. 1133

....as fuel scarcity drives costs P.2

Boko Haram: Nigeria gets permanent headship of multinational force

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N8bn currency fraud: Court to rule on bail application June 19 P.7

Lamorde

Friday, June 12, 2015

N150

NASS leadership crisis:

APC backs Lawan’s court move to unseat Saraki ...insists on sanctions for disloyalty

TORDUE SALEM AND UBONG UKPONG

Dogara promises to reconcile Reps members A

ll Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday, indicated

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah (left) with officers during his visit to Pulka in Borno State, yesterday.

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PHOTO: NAN

Port Harcourt refinery resumes production ...to refine 5m litres daily by month end Lagos, Osun declare June 12 work-free day

P.5 P.8

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Friday, June 12, 2015

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APC backs Lawan’s court move to unseat Saraki CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

that its aggrieved senators in last Tuesday’s National Assembly election, which produced Senator Bukola Saraki as Senate President and Ike Ekweremadu as his deputy, could explore everything within the rights and capabilities of the Senate to seek redress.

Already, Senator Mohammed Lawan, who was the party’s choice for the job, and his group, have concluded arrangements to challenge the process in court.

Emerging from a closeddoor meeting between the National Working Committee, NWC, and the group at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, the APC however said it was not aware that the aggrieved senators have gone to court over the matter.

National publicity secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who made the disclosure while fielding questions from journalists, reaffirmed the party’s decision to punish Saraki and Hon. Yakubu Dogara, who emerged as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and all other disloyal lawmakers.

Saraki and Dogara colluded with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and remnants from the APC to make nonsense of the party’s decision to produce Senators Lawan and George Akume as sole candidates for the Senate presidency and deputy, and Femi Gbajabiamila and Mohammed Tahir Monguno as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Mohammed said the aggrieved senators were at the party’s secretariat to confer with the leadership.

“They are our senators.

They have the right to confer with the party’s leadership. They came to confer on the crisis in the National Assembly,” he said, adding that the party would soon come up with a way forward.

Reaffirming that sanctions were imminent, he said: “The party has not changed its position on the matter. Sanctions must follow due process. There will be due process.

“I think the party made its position clear on the matter that it is unhappy with the outcome of the election and I think we will not say anything beyond that.

“What senators will do

is within the capability and rights of the Senate.”

The aggrieved senators, who also emerged from the brief meeting, which lasted less than 30 minutes, saddened and wearing long faces, refused to talk to journalists.

Some of them openly told journalists that they have been asked not to say anything about the meeting to avoid revealing their battle plans.

Among the senators present at the meeting were Lawan, Akume, Abdulahi Adamu and Barnabas Gemade.

It was gathered that Saraki also planned to visit the

leadership of the party at the secretariat.

However, sources said the party had asked its security details not to allow him access into the premises as they had no business with him.

Reacting to this, Mohammed said the party was not aware that he was visiting the secretariat.

Meanwhile, Dogara, who was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives on Monday, has promised to unite the factions in the House in the spirit of sportsmanship and patriotism.

The Speaker, who

emerged with 182 votes as against Gbajabiamila’s 174, hailed President Muhammadu Buhari’s democratic credentials and called on his colleagues to put nation above politics.

He announced his commitment to his party and support of its manifesto and programmes for the upliftment of the country.

He also suggested that a member from one of the North East states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe should raise a motion proposing an international conference on the re-

building of the region ravaged

by Boko Haram insurgency.

“I want to say this, and I have not said it before, that I want a member from the North East to raise a motion for the convocation of an international donor conference for the rebuilding of the region, which has been ravaged

by Boko Haram insurgency.

“My honourable brothers, I won’t call you colleagues for obvious reasons.

And the reason is that you are my brothers, even more than you are my colleagues.

Politics is over and when it comes to governance, you

must work with people that supported you.

“But as a leader, you have to embrace all people. What we must do as a party is to unite quickly and give Nigerians the change that we have promised.

“We have to rein in all the people that we can rein in to provide the change, so that we can give Buhari that smooth operation to enable him give Nigerians the change that they deserve.

“We should unite on the basis of fairness. We should not unite based on region.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

L-R: President Boni Yayi of Benin Republic, President Mahammadou Issoufou of Niger Republic, President Idriss Deby of Chad and President Muhammadu Buhari, at the Summit of Heads of State and Government of Lake Chad Basin Commission, in Abuja, yesterday.

Inflation rate rises 9% in May TOLA AKINMUTIMI

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or the sixth consecutive month, the nation’s Composite Price Index, CPI, which measures inflation, soared in May, up by 9.0 percent (year-on-year), representing 0.3 percentage points from the 8.7 per cent rate recorded in the preceding month.

The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, which released the CPI rate and represented the highest recorded since December last year, attributed the faster pace of the Headline index to increases in most Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose (COICOP) divi-

sions that contributed to the index, with the exception of those in the communications division.

The Headline Index is made up of the Core Index and Farm Produce items.

According to the bureau, the faster pace of increases in the COICOP divisions were also observed in the Food and Core sub-indices as food prices edged higher in the month under review due to the late onset of rains which pushed back the harvest season coupled with higher transportation costs associated with the prevailing Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, (petrol) scarcity nationwide.

Specifically, the agency reported that the Food

Sub-index rose by 9.8 percent (year-on-year) during the period, up by 0.3 percentage points from 9.5 per cent recorded in April, adding that though all groups within the sub-index increased at a faster pace, the highest year-on-year rises were recorded in the fish, potato, yam and tuber, and meat groups.

On advances recorded by the “All Items less Farm Produce” or Core sub-index, the national statistics producing agency reported that the Core sub-index increased for the fifth consecutive month in May, increasing by 8.3 per cent (yearon-year), 0.6 percentage points from 7.7 percent recorded in April, with

the highest pressures observed in the Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels; Alcoholic Beverage, Tobacco and Kola; and Transportation divisions.

According to NBS, on a month-to-month basis, the Headline index increased by 1.1 per cent in the month under review; the largest month-onmonth increase recorded since June 2012 due to increased PMS prices and the resulting knock-on effects on the prices of other consumer items.

The agency further clarified that in the month, both the Urban and Rural Price Indices increased at a faster pace relative to preceding month’s rate with the Urban index in-

creasing by 9.1 per cent, from 8.7 per cent in April, while the Rural index increased by 8.9 per cent, 0.3 percentage points higher than 8.6 per cent in April.

The NBS stated that on a month-to-month basis, both the Urban and Rural indices increased by 1.1 per cent from 0.8 and 0.7 percent respectively recoded in the preceding month, adding that the percentage change in the average composite CPI for the 12-month period ending in May over the average of the CPI for the previous 12-month period was 8.3 percent, marginally higher from rates recorded in April.

It noted that the corresponding 12-month yearCONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Friday, June 12, 2015

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Photo News

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Friday, June 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Managing Director, Highland Energy Solution Services, Dr. Akinpelu Shogunle (right), Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi (2nd right), during the ground breaking of Ajakanga landfill site for power generation, at the site in Oluyole Local Government Area of Ibadan.

L-R: Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Anambra chapter, Prof. Peter Katchy; Executive Secretary, Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, Chief Paul Odenigbo; Chief Medical Director, Toronto Hospital, Onitsha, Dr. Emeka Eze; Director, Relief and Rehabilitation, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Ezeh Udemezue; South-West Coordinator, Dr. Onimode Bandele and South-East Coordinator, Mr. James Eze, while making donation to Toronto Hospital for treatment of victims of Onitsha tanker accident, in Onitsha, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Chief Host, Provost, CMUL, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola; Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, CMUL, Prof. Afolabi Lesi and Guest Speaker, Dr. Adeyemi Johnson, during the 12th annual faculty scientific conference and gathering by the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, LUTH, Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Retail Ltd, Mr. Chris Osarunmwense; Managing Director, Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, Prince Haruna Momoh and Group Managing Director, NNPC, Dr. Joseph Dawha, during inspection tour of NNPC fuel retail outlets in Abuja, yesterday.

National News

Boko Haram: Nigeria gets permanent headship of Multinational Force …to present logistic needs to G7 leaders ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

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resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday urged Heads of State and Government of Lake Chad Basin Commission and Benin to allow Nigeria be in charge of the new Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF, until Boko Haram is crushed.

Buhari spoke in Abuja as coalition partners met to discuss military strategy against insurgency in the region.

Heads of state and government from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Benin were in Abuja after two days of preparatory talks involving military top brass and defence ministers.

Buhari said a six-month rotational command structure between the five nations could harm the fight against the insurgents.

He said: “While I agree that this is a joint opera-

tion with shared responsibilities, I am, however, of the opinion that military operations that are subjected to rapid turnover of command and control structures, six months duration, as it is being proposed in the documents before us, do not augur well for effectiveness and efficiency.

“Such a process will undermine, even if not intended, the military capacity to sustain the push against the insurgents, who also have the uncanny ability to adapt and re-jig their operational strategies.

“I am inclined, on account of the above, to suggest for your Excellencies’ consideration that Nigeria retains the position of Force Commander of the MNJTF for the period of the war effort.

“This command will be to the effectiveness of military strategy, since Nigeria will be providing the

bulk of the troops and the main theatre of war is on Nigerian soil.”

Maj. Gen. Tukur Buratai of Nigeria was last week announced to take charge of MNJTF, which has its headquarters in Chad’s capital, N’Djamena.

Buratai said on Tuesday the violence had been “dragging on for too long and we want to get a final solution to it.”

Buhari has made ending the insurgents’ reign of terror his top priority and has already moved the military’s command centre from Abuja to Maiduguri, in the rebels’ northeastern stronghold.

Last weekend, he appealed to world leaders at the G7 summit in Germany for more help in combating extremism and visited Chad and Niger to push for longer-term cooperation on security threats.

The flurry of activity since his inauguration on

May 29 stands in stark contrast to years of apparent inaction in tackling the group by his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan.

Buhari also stressed the need to further strengthen cross border patrol and intelligence sharing, adding that such efforts must be targeted at limiting the insurgents’ capacity to access funds and weapons.

President Buhari also said security agencies in the country have started the process of compiling comprehensive logistic needs against the insurgents, which would be presented to the group of G-7 nations.

He explained that the African Union meeting scheduled to hold in South Africa would decide on the final list He said: “I am sure you will recall that I was personally invited to the G-7 meeting. I went there and I was asked to brief the G-7 and I was impressed with the tremendous sympathy they have for this subregion, Lake Chad Basin

Commission. All of them from President Obama are willing to help us.

“And they have actually asked me to discuss with their Chiefs of Defence Staff or their ministries of defence or talk to them directly on what we need.

“So, I brought this case to our meeting here and I told them that Nigeria has gone quite far. I had five hours meeting with my service chiefs and I asked them to produce comprehensive logistic requirements.”

Meanwhile, $30m has been approved by leaders of LCBC to fund MNJTF. In a communiqué issued after its meeting in Abuja, the leaders also agreed that Nigeria would hold the position of the Force Commander until the end of the mission.

In addition, it was agreed that Cameroon would hold the position of Deputy Force Commander, but would be rotational every 12 months, while Chad would hold the position of Chief of Staff and

also rotational every 12 months According to the communiqué, LCBC also approved the immediate deployment of the MNJTF HQ at N’Djamena by implementing its human, logistic and financial requirements; They also approved the deployment of the national contingents to the MNJTF under the operational command of its Commander, assisted by his Joint Headquarters by 30th July 2015 In addition, they approved the establishment of the Executive Secretariat as the Headquarters of the Mission and the Executive Secretary of LCBC, being the Head of Mission.

Presidents and Heads of Government present at the meeting include Mahamadou Issoufou (Niger), Idriss Deby Itno (Chad) and Boni Yayi (Benin Republic) while Paul Biya of Cameroon was represented by his Minister of Defence.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Friday, June 12, 2015

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Port Harcourt refinery resumes production CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

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roup Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Joseph Dawha, yesterday confirmed that the phased turnaround maintenance, TAM, of the Port Harcourt Refinery has reached advanced stage, with the facility expected to commence production at the end of the month.

When completed, the refinery is expected to produce about five million litres of premium motor spirit, PMS (petrol) daily, a volume that would help reduce the current scarcity nationwide.

Dawha, who disclosed this to newsmen shortly

after inspecting operations at NNPC mega stations in Abuja, assured that with about 1.1billion litres of petrol to cover 27 days, scarcity of the product would end by the weekend.

He also disclosed that the phased TAM for other refineries would be completed within 18 months’ period.

He clarified: “We are carrying out phased implementation of rehabilitation of the refineries; what that means is that we are taking the refineries unit by unit and carrying out turnaround maintenance.

“In other words, the maintenance is being carried out on the run and we started this a couple of months ago.

Most of the refineries have advanced to a certain stage

whereby they would be operating very soon.

“For example, the Port Harcourt Refinery which has reached an advanced stage will start receiving crude by the end of this month and they will start contributing to the availability of products in the country.

“What we did was to draw up a programme whereby people outside will not notice what is happening in the refineries but we are carrying out turnaround maintenance on the run. And it is simultaneously taking place in all the refineries.

“At the end of 18 months most of the refineries would have been rehabilitated to a certain level whereby they can actually process crude optimally to make contribu-

tions to the availability of products in the country.”

He expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at the refineries.

He also restated government’s determination to revive the three refineries.

He said: “We have not abandoned the refineries; there is a planned rehabilitation that is going on very well and we hope that at the end of the exercise the refineries would be fully back in operation and minimise some of the problems we are having in supply.”

He noted that as the supplier of last resort, the NNPC was the only organisation bringing petrol into the country, and would continue to do so until other marketers begin to import

to supplement the corporation’s effort.

According to him, as at yesterday, the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, had PMS stock level of 1.1 billion litres, representing 27 days sufficiency, excluding volumes with firmed delivery laycans (dates) within the next couple of days.

The NNPC chief explained that with the level of stock, the corporation had intensified its distribution operation through vessels and trucking operations to ensure that PMS is available at inland depots and retail outlets nationwide.

In addition, he disclosed that the NNPC through its subsidiary, NNPC Retails Ltd, had also “embarked on

L-R: APC Senators, Abdullahi Adamu; George Akume and Ahmed Lawan, after APC National Assembly leadership meeting with the party’s leadership in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

APC backs Lawan’s court move to unseat Saraki CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Or on the basis of where the President comes from.

We are all friends. What has happened may have been as a result of friendly fire. The old members owe a duty to sustain this institution. If I build my house and you

want to destroy it, I will fight you,” he said.

Besides giving Buhari the credit for his emergence, he reiterated his plea for support from his colleagues.

“We have to abandon all this unnecessary bickering that would take us nowhere.

I thank Buhari for his very useful stance from day one, that he would not interfere in the decision of the National Assembly to elect its leaders. “When members perceive that they themselves have given themselves a leader, they would

always rally round to protect the leadership.

“We owe ourselves that responsibility. Leadership of this institution has never been about one man. I will depend on you. I am your brother. If anything goes wrong, you have my num-

ber; always call me or come to my office and tell me,” he added.

Earlier, delegations from Adamawa, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa and Katsina states were in his office to express their support for his leadership.

ties in the entire index and crucial to the construction of the price index is the monthly selection of the market basket of goods and services.

To arrive at its CPI results, the bureau stated

that every month, 10,534 informants spread across the country provides price data for the CPI and that the market items currently comprise of 740 goods and services regularly priced.

Inflation rate rises 9% in May CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

on-year average percentage change for the Urban and Rural indices edged higher from April to 8.4 percent and 8.2 percent respectively.

The CPI measures the

average change over time in prices of goods and services consumed by people for day-to-day living and its construction combines economic theory, sampling and other statistical techniques using

data from other surveys to produce a weighted measure of average price changes in the Nigerian economy.

The weighting occurs to capture the importance of the selected commodi-

massive PMS lifting to its mega and affiliate stations in Abuja and across the nation. “In the last five days, we have brought into Abuja 428 trucks of PMS, averaging 85 trucks daily to address the PMS requirement in Abuja and its immediate environs,” he noted.

He urged consumers to stop panic buying, assuring that the NNPC/PPMC was committed to ending fuel queues in Abuja and across the states by the weekend in collaboration with the major marketers and other stakeholders.

“Evidence has begun to emerge in the last two days as most of our stations are wet and the severity of the queues has started to reduce,” he said.

He said this is sequel to the Federal Government’s meeting with the oil marketers and other stakeholders on June 5.

“We have taken steps, as supplier of last resort, to improve availability of PMS in the country and ensure its effective distribution nationwide. The supply and distribution efforts must be sustained with the support and cooperation of our stakeholders in the downstream and government agencies, such as police, army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp, NSCDC,” he added.

He warned against panic buying, hoarding or patronising black market operators.

He also urged major and independent marketers, the Depot and Petroleum Marketers Association, DAPPMA, and other stakeholders to deliver their PMS allocation at regulated pump price.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of PPMC, Haruna Momoh, explained that with an estimated daily consumption of 40 million litres, NNPC was expected to supply 50 per cent of market needs while other marketers are to make up for the balance.

He explained that with the other marketers not participating in product importation, the challenge of distribution had become enormous.

“Even if we have 1.1billion litres in the coastal depots, the challenge is now how efficiently and effectively and seamlessly we can distribute what we have,” he said.

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National News

Friday, June 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

2015 budget disastrous for Nigeria’s economy –Group Omeiza ajayi

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fiscal responsibility advocacy group, Centre for Social Justice, yesterday evaluated the 2015 Federal Appropriation Act, describing it as “frivolous, wasteful, inappropriate” and depressingly short on key budget parameters.

The group, which predicated its position to point out flaws in the budget with a view to effecting change in the 2016 Appropriation process, said the economy cannot truly grow when government’s major responsibility is to pay salaries without adequately investing in capital expenditure.

“Capital expenditure is 21.36 per cent of the recurrent vote....we have got our priorities wrong.

The recurrent vote is ballooning at the expense of capital expenditure and all steps purportedly taken by previous administrations to reduce

the recurrent vote have been in vain. No country geared towards development budgets this way,” the group warned.

Lead Director of the Centre, Eze Onyekpere, who made the analysis at a media interface yesterday in Abuja, also stated that Nigeria is now heavily indebted and consequently spending more money to service debts than investing in the development of the country.

He lamented that most of the debts were incurred in flagrant violation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act which demands that loans can only be used for capital expenditure and human development.

Unfortunately, Nigeria, he said was borrowing to fund recurrent expenditure.

While stating that Nigeria is in dire straits, the centre feared that the 2015 federal budget may not deliver the needed development and change

unless it was urgently reengineered.

Onyekpere added that Nigeria’s debt service is currently 26.47 per cent of retained revenue, saying in spite of several efforts by experts to point out frivolous and inappropriate expenditure, the National Assembly was insistent on continu-

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and briefing on intervention programmes as well as projects.

“It will facilitate the growth of sustainable healthcare and social welfare investment-led economy, creating vast pool of entrepreneurs, workforce development and infrastructural upgrade.

“Engender the mass creation of clean jobs, income growth, healthy lifestyle and sustainable economy for growing upper middle class.”

Sanusi said the summit is an opportunity for commercial banks to align with the new administration’s agenda to create dedicated portfolio of profitable mainstream health and social care businesses.

He said for insurance and pension fund firms, the summit would help in creating network of the diversification of investment portfolio and rebalancing of asset allocation.

“NGOs and civil society will have access, network and connect with most influential and diverse audience of stakeholders.

“The outcome of the summit will help in move-

were running a restaurant chain. It made no sense as it was wasteful.

It seemed like the budget preparation template was uniform and sent to all MDAs who had asked for things they needed and those they did not need... otherwise, how do you justify MDAs that have no need for uniforms request-

ing and getting approval for one?” he queried.

According to him, the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, should have been ready by the middle of this month but regretted that Nigeria does not yet have a Minister of Finance who should kick-start the process.

One of the suspects involved in the N8bn CBN and other banks fraud arriving at the court for hearing in her bail application, in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Institute to raise $1bn for healthcare

hairman, Institute of Corporate Wellness and Public Health, LCWAPH, Mr. Enitan Sanusi, said plans were underway to raise one billion dollars to support healthcare in Nigeria.

Sanusi stated this while briefing newsmen on the forthcoming London Nutrition and Medication Summit in Abuja.

He explained that the main objective was to harness strategic goals and implement agenda for the health care and social welfare governance in Nigeria.

“Although the date of summit is not yet slated, the focus is on infant, children, and adult infectious and communicable diseases, occupational as well as lifestyle diseases.

“These are in addition to hygiene, water and sanitation, energy, transportation and environmental sustainability, climate change,” said the chairman.

He, however, said the summit would be of benefit to the country in terms of exchange of ideas, dialogue on policy actions

ing the waste.

“We still had a lot of votes for welfare packages after the salary, remuneration and perks of office of the staff had been voted. This is an expenditure head unknown to our law. Many agencies still got outrageous sums for refreshment and catering services as if they

ment of greater share and social care expenditure in total budget of individuals, households, enterprises, institutions and governments.’’

He also said the forthcoming summit would create jobs and general employment opportunities from the emerging social market economy.

Sanusi said the summit is designed as a strategic global publicprivate sector forum to aggregate manufacturers, marketers and distributors in the food, beverage, drug, devices and vaccine industry.

The chairman also said the summit would attract foreign and local direct investments, management expertise and modern technologies to the total healthcare businesses for accelerated job creation and income growth.

The NGO is instituted to develop professional entrepreneurs in corporate social responsibility relating to public health, occupational safety and sustainable environment for the social market economy.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Boko Haram: COAS takes over command in N’East Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

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n compliance with the Presidential directive relocating the military high command to Maiduguri, Borno State, Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Leutenant-Geneneral Kenneth Minimah, has resumed command and control in the North East, having announced the relocation earlier in the week.

According to a statement issued by Director of Army Public Relations, DAPR, Colonel Sani Usman, Minimah on Wednesday had an operational and morale boosting visit to troops in the frontline, fighting the war against the Boko Haram insurgents in Borno and Adamawa states.

Usman said, during the visit Minimah addressed and encouraged the troops of 7 Division Strike Group (7 DSG) and 121 Special Force (SF) Battalion that comprised the Armed Forces and Nigerian Army Special Forces located in Pulka, adding that the COAS also addressed troops of 26 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza, 28 Task Force Brigade and 174 Battalion in Mubi.

“In Pulka, the Commander, 7 DSG, Lieutenant Colonel Umar Faruq Abubakar and the Commanding Officer of 121 SF Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Murtala Danjuma Abdulsalam, briefed him on their respective commands.

“He commended them for their performances. The COAS thereafter, addressed

News

Friday, June 12, 2015

the troops in which he said that he came to thank and commend them for their valour, courage and bravery, which turned the tide against the Boko Haram terrorists and their accomplishments thus far.

“The COAS informed the troops that the president and indeed the whole nation are proud of them. He reiterated his determined effort to continue to support and encourage them and enjoined them to maintain the momentum.

He also urged the soldiers to be more dedicated, disciplined, professional and continue with the same zeal and determination till attainment of the set objective of locating and destroying Boko Haram camps and enclaves are achieved.

“The exploits of these troops are quite numerous; apart from recapturing most Boko Haram held territories such as Pulka and Gwoza, they were able to destroy quite a number of the terrorists’ camps in Kirawa and Kinene, as well as their workshops, training camps and arms stores, weapons and equipment. They also recovered a T-55 Battle Tank, 2 Armoured Personnel Carriers, various calibres of arms and ammunitions from the insurgents.

“At the headquarters of 26 Task Force Brigade Gwoza, the COAS was received and briefed by the Brigade Commander, Colonel Irenuma Irabor, who was accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Chidozie Amoha, Garrison Commander of 26 Task Force Brigade.

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UniOsun crisis: Govt dissolves governing council, sacks VC, 2 others boladale bamigbola OSOGBO

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sun State government yesterday okayed the recommendations in a white paper report of the visitation panel investigating the crisis rocking Osun State University by sacking the Vice Chancellor, Professor Bashir Okesina.

Government also affirmed the recommendation on the Registrar, Dr. Julius Faniran, and the Bursar, Alhaji Fatai Lasisi.

According to the white paper released yesterday based on the recommendations of the panel

headed by Professor Biyi Daramola, the government also ordered dissolution of the Governing Council of the University led by Professor Gabriel Adesiyan Olawoyin, SAN, immediately the council completes the process of the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor for the institution.

The governing council of the university and its management had been engaged in intractable crisis, a development that made Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who is also visitor to the university, to set up the Visitation Panel to probe the crisis and come up with recommendations.

The government also accepted the recommendation for the termination of appointment of Professor Siyan Oyeweso because of his “alleged negative roles in the crisis” and for not allowing his professional and academic experience have a positive impact on the university.

It also accepted the recommendation that Professor Wasiu Alamu Gbolagade should not be allowed to hold any position of responsibility in the university because of his roles in the crisis.

The panel further recommended that Professor B. R. Olorede should be disallowed from holding

positions of responsibility in the institution for the next five years.

The panel also warned Dr. Oluseye Abiona, Chairman, Uniosun Branch of ASUU to desist from using the union to pursue his private agenda and was also relieved of his appointment as Coordinator of the Centre for Renewable Energy.

Government affirmed the recommendation that the Bursar, Alhaji Fatai Lasisi, Professor Kizito Folorunsho, Professor Wasiu Alamu Gbolagade and others should refund into the coffer of the university various sums of money allegedly misappropriated.

L-R: Executive Secretary of Lake Chad Basin Commission, Engr. Sanusi Imran Abdullahi, President Boni Yayi of Benin Republic, President Muhammadu Buhari, President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger Republic, President Idriss Deby of Chad and Defence Minister Edgar Alain Mebe Ngo’o of Cameroon, at the Presidential Wing of the International Airport after the Lake Chad Basin Commission meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

N8bn currency fraud: Court to rule on bail application June 19 kemi olaitan IBADAN

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Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan and presided over by Justice Adeyinka Faaji, yesterday reserved ruling on bail applications filed by counsel to 10 bank officials involved in the N8 billion mutilated currency fraud till Friday, June 19.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had charged the accused persons to court for the roles they played in defrauding the apex bank of mutilated monies meant for destruction between 2010 and 2014.

The presiding judge re-

served ruling on the bail applications for the accused persons after hearing arguments from both prosecution and defence counsel in the case, with the prosecution opposing the bail for the accused and calling for accelerated hearing.

While opposing the bail applications, counsel for the EFCC, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), said all the three officials of the CBN and five officials of First Bank in their statements after the discovery of fraud at the CBN had stated the roles they played in defrauding the apex bank.

The CBN officials involved include Kolawole Babalola, Olaniran Muniru Adeola and Toogun Kayode Philip,while that of the First Bank were

Isaq Akano (a.k.a Isiaka), Ayodele Festus Adeyemi, Oyebanji Akeem, Ayodeji Alatishe, Ajiwe Sunday Adegoke and Idowu Oguntade now at large.

Staff of Wema bank on trial are Oni Adekola Dolapo, Afolabi Esther Olunike, Ademola Ebenezer Adewale and Omotoso Abimbola now at large.

The EFCC counsel said the deponent to Kolawole Babalola application did not state the source of information she deposed to and that this is against section 114 sub-section 5 of Evidence Act. He added that Kolawole Babalola who is the first accused is having six other similar cases against him pending before the courts and by granting

him bail; he will be tempted to abscond.

According to him, the CBN discovered the huge fraud in 2010 with one box of N10 million that sup posed to be N1,000 denomination, but filled with newspaper, adding that the CBN then notified the EFCC which later discovered that over 8,000 boxes not yet open at the treasury of CBN were in the same condition.

He said it was when the 107 boxes of mutilated money belonging to the First Bank was opened, that it was discovered that the boxes supposed to contain N1.7 billion, but over N773 million had been stolen, while the accused persons had also poured water and acid to other boxes contain-

ing N3.9 billion.

He also said the seventh accused Ajiwe Sunday Adegoke, noted in his statement that it was Isiaka Akano that directed him to provide Kolawole Babalola empty rappers of First Bank, while he collected about N60 million as his own share from the

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and called Ige Rotimi Oluwaseun, Now i wish to be known and called Ige Bamidele Rotimi. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHIWETALU: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chiwetalu Cynthia Chigorom now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Mamah Cynthia Chigorom. All former documents remain valid. UNTH and general public should please take note.

money.

Counsel to all the accused persons, Mr. Olayinka Bolanle, Mr. Olalekan Ojo , Mr. Nathaniel Oke (SAN), Mr. Michael Lana and Mr. Oluyemi Fasina, while arguing for bail application, urged the court to them bail so that the accused can face their trial .

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Temionu Olubunmi Helen, now wish to be known and addressed as Daniel Olubunmi Helen. All former documents remains valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Abiodun Temitope Odunayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adewunmi Temitope Odunayo.

All former documents remain valid Ijebu East Local Government and general public take note

8

South West

FRANCIS SUBERU

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agos and Osun governments have declared Friday, June 12, as public holiday in commemoration of the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election presumably won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola.

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Habib Aruna, said the date marked a watershed in the annals of transparent, free and fair elections in the country.

Ambode said it was the

Friday, June 12, 2015

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Lagos, Osun declare June 12 work-free day day Nigerians voted with one voice across ethnic, racial and religious lines, adding that it represented the real democracy day when Nigerians said no to voting along ethnic lines.

The governor said regrettably, 22 years after the annulment, the nation was still grappling with some of the vices the June 12, 1993 elections sought to confine to the dustbin of history through undue clinging to ethnic cleavages by some political gladiators.

He urged residents to spend the day in sober

reflection and in remembrance.

Similarly, Government of Osun State declared today as public holiday to mark the 22nd anniversary of the annulled June 12 presidential election.

A statement by Director,

Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, said government declared the holiday to mark the day the entire country united to vote a candidate of its choice without religious or ethnic considerations.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola said June 12 was significant and central to the development of democracy the nation is now enjoying.

The statement said: “Governor Rauf Aregbesola has approved Friday, June 12 as public holiday to enable our

people observe the day that Nigerians closed all ranks.

“Nigerians should reflect on the significance of June 12, the sacrifice Abiola made for all of us to come together to cultivate, consolidate and protect the current democratic experiment.”

Ambode to build 20 roads in each LG FRANCIS SUBERU

L

agos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday restated his administration’s resolve to ensure rapid development at the grassroots.

Ambode, who disclosed this at an interactive session with men and officers of Neighbourhood Watch at Banquet Hall of the Lagos House, Ikeja, was represented by his deputy, Dr Oluranti Adebule.

The governor, while declaring that the policy thrust of his administration would be community development, stated that his government was ready to make people at the grassroots level feel the impact of government.

He told the officials that henceforth “you will be playing more significant and critical role in

this administration. This administration is giving back (governance) to the communities, which is its policy thrust.

“We know if we develop the community we have developed the local government, which means we are equally developing the state. But we will not start from up; we will start from the bottom and go up.”

The governor also appreciated the contributions of Neighbourhood Watch members to the maintenance of law and order in the communities, adding that there was need for the organisation to embark on self-appraisal so as to ensure its members live up to expectations of the public.

He reiterated the commitment of the administration to ensure the provision of 20 new rural roads in each of the local government councils of the state as promised during electioneering.

Managing Director, Access Bank, Mr. Herbert Wigwe (left) and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, during Wigwe’s courtesy visit in Lagos, on Wednesday.

Oil bunkering: EFCC arraigns Russia, Ukraine, Japanese nationals WALE IGBINTADE

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ourteen nationals of Russia, Ukraine, Japan and the United Kingdom were yesterday arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for alleged involvement in oil bunkering in

Ekiti Assembly tasks security agencies on kidnapping ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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kiti State House of Assembly has charged security operatives to be alive to their responsibilities to curtail the rising wave of kidnapping.

Speaker Kola Oluwawole, against the backdrop of Tuesday night’s kidnap of a Catholic priest, Rev Father Emmanuel Akingbade, at Ido-Ekiti, described the rising spate of kidnapping in the state as a conspiracy against the state government.

In a statement in AdoEkiti yesterday, Oluwawole said the rate at which people were being kid-

napped was worrisome, and called on the security agencies to spread their dragnets wider in order to apprehend perpetrators and bring them to justice.

It would be recalled that 11 persons kidnapped between April and May were released from kidnappers’ den last month.

Oluwawole said the state lawmakers would continue to partner security agencies in the task of ensuring that the state is safe for residents and intending investors.

He assured that every available step would be taken by the state government to curb the malaise before it becomes a huge burden of distraction to

the present administration.

The Speaker described the increasing wave of kidnapping as an embarrassment to the state, charging all the citizens to see the responsibility of making Ekiti a crime-free society as a collective task, and not to be left for the security agencies alone to perform.

“The present government has been doing its best in curtailing the menace, but such should be complemented by members of the public through the release of useful information that could assist the security operatives in checking the trend of insecurity.

Nigeria’s territorial waters.

The accused persons were said to have illegally dealt in several thousands of metric tonnes of petroleum products, automated gas oil and low pour fuel oil.

The accused are Artur Pakhladzhian, Sergo Abbgarian, Vasily Shkundich, Vitaliy Bilours, Hlarion Teofilo Regipor, Laguta Oleksiy, Cadavis Gerarado, Kretov Andry, Badurian Benjamin, Chepikov Olksan, Naranjo Allian Antero, Patro Christian, Alcayde Joel and Caratiquit Michael Beyan.

They were arraigned before Justice Ibrahim Buba alongside their companies.

Information on the charge sheet revealed that the foreigners were dealing in petroleum product without lawful authority or appropriate licence, contrary to Section 19(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federal of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under Section 1(17) of the Act. EFCC lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, told the court

that the accused illegally dealt in 1,738.087 metric tons of petroleum product; 1,500 metric tons of automated gas oil aboard MT Anukret Emerald’s Cargo Tank and 3,035 metric tonnes of Low Pour Fuel Oil, LPFO, aboard the same cargo on March 27.

After the charges were read to them, the accused persons pleaded not guilty, while their lawyer, Babajide Koku (SAN), moved an oral application urging the court to grant them bail on ground of self-recognition.

Koku further urged the court to grant bail to the accused on liberal terms.

The lawyer argued that the foreigners were presumed innocent until proven guilty in the eyes of the law, and as such, they deserved to be released on bail.

In response, EFCC’s lawyer (Oyedepo) faulted the application that the accused should be granted bail on self-recognition.

Oyedepo contended that such application was not applicable to the ac-

cused, who are not citizens of Nigeria and also not residing in Nigeria.

However, Oyedepo pleaded with the court to attach stringent conditions in the event that the court was minded to grant the accused bail, so as to prevent the accused from absconding from the country.

Justice Buba in his ruling, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N50 million each with one surety in like sum.

The surety, according to the judge, must be a resident of Lagos.

Justice Buba ordered that the accused be remanded in prison pending compliance with the bail conditions.

However, the accused informed the court that they were ready to issue bond of N750 million bank guarantee in order to avoid delay of surety, a request which was granted by the court subject to the deposit of their passports with EFCC and all travelling documents.

The case was thereafter adjourned to June 17, 18 and 19, 2015 for trial.

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South West

Friday, June 12, 2015

9

Tariff increase: Court renews restraining order on NERC WALE IGBINTADE

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ustice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court, Lagos, yesterday renewed an earlier order restraining the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, from implementing the new electricity tariff billed to take off from June 1, 2015.

Justice Idris had in a ruling on an ex-parte application filed by a Lagos lawyer, Toluwani Adebiyi, restrained the NERC and the electricity distribution companies from effecting any increment in electric-

ity tariff pending hearing and determination of the suit.

At the resumed hearing of the suit yesterday, Adebiyi told the court that as directed, all processes in the matter, including the enrolled order of court, had been served on NERC. He added that by the provisions of the rules of court, NERC had seven days to respond, but the commission was yet to do so.

He said inasmuch as he would love to proceed, it would be fair to give the commission benefit of the doubt.

He, however, urged the court to renew the order, so

as to preserve the subject matter of the suit.

In response, a legal officer with NERC, Ifeanyi Umunna, said the commission had complied with the interim orders of court. He added that NERC was in the process of appointing a counsel to defend the suit, and pleaded for more time to do so.

Justice Idris, in a short ruling, held that “the exparte order remains valid and subsisting.”

The matter was thereafter adjourned to July 9, 2015 for hearing.

Adebiyi, in the suit, is seeking an order restraining NERC from implementing any upward review of

electricity tariff without a meaningful and significant improvement in power supply at least for 18 hours in a day in most communities in Nigeria.

He also wants an order restraining NERC from foisting compulsory Service Charge, SC, on prepaid meters “ until the meters are designed to read charges per second of consumption and not a flat rate of service not rendered or power not used.”

He also wants the Service Charge on pre-paid meters not to be enforced until there is visible, efficient and reliable power supply like those of foreign countries where the idea

L-R: Guest Speaker, Prof. Joseph Ojo; President, Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Prof. Isola Salawu and Vice-President, Mrs. Johanah Maduka, during the Nigerian Academy of Engineers Annual Lecture in Lagos, yesterday.

Cleric backs move to slash political office holders’ salaries BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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meritus Archbishop of Catholic Arch Diocese of Ibadan, His Grace, Felix Adeosun Alaba Job, yesterday backed the move by Federal Government to review downward, salaries of political office holders in the country.

This is just as he demanded expulsion of “clauses that legitimise and promote corruption from the country’s constitution.”

The clergy, who spoke in Oluponna, a town in Ayedire Local Government Area of Oyo State, during commissioning and graduation of Oluponna Fish Farming Education

Resource Centre, OFFERC, listed the removal of whatever constitutional provisions that backed payment of multi-million naira to governors as security votes, budgetary appropriation for the office of first lady and payment of constituency allowance to lawmakers.

He said after change was effected in government, complete attitudinal change by those trusted with positions of leadership is needed, while the led must also be ready to bear pains when wrongs of the past are being corrected.

The clergy further said: “It is only in Nigeria where husband is elected and the wife will be paid heavy sum as salary and allowances. Paying millions as

security vote to governors is also ridiculous.

“I believe because of the challenges that come with the office they occupy, governors may be spending money on some things that are not always visible to people outside government, but that does not mean one single individual will be giving such a huge money and no one can call him to account for how such is spent. It is part of institutionalised corruption.

“Paying lawmakers security votes is also another way corruption is being encouraged. Mind you, the constituencies that produced these lawmakers belong to some local government areas and states, which from time to time draw their shares from the

federation account. Why paying someone else to develop these areas when states and local governments are still in existence?” he queried.

Speaking further, the retired Arch-bishop said before another round of amnesty programme is endorsed, proper evaluation of its usefulness should be done to determine, if the programme is still relevant.

He described as “healthy” the politics that played out during the election of principal officers of the National Assembly, urging the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to resist the temptation of being dictatorial in the affairs of the legislative houses, so as not to cause confusion.

of Service Charge was borrowed.

Adebiyi is further asking for an order of court mandating NERC to do the needful and generate more power to meet the electricity use of Nigerians, adding that the needful should include and not limited to a multiple long-term financing approach, sourced from the banks, capital market, insurance and other sec-

tors of finance to power the sector.

The lawyer also asked the court to mandate NERC to make available to all Nigerians within a reasonable time of maximum of two years, prepaid meters as a way to stop the throat-cutting indiscriminate estimated bill which must be devoid of the arbitrary Service Charge, but only chargeable on power consumed.

My govt can’t be accused of financial recklessness –Aregbesola BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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overnor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State yesterday said his administration remains very sensitive to the welfare of Osun workers.

Receiving Area Comptroller of Oyo and Osun Command, Nigeria Customs Services, NCS, Mr. Muhammed Bawa, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House in Osogbo, Aregbesola described the present financial situation of the state, which has made it unable to pay workers’ salary, as “disheartening and painful,” saying, however, that no one can suggest or establish a single instance of recklessness on the part of his government.

The governor also held that an efficient and effective customs services was a veritable tool for improving the economy of the nation.

Aregbesola noted that a sure way for the country to protect and expand its economy was by ensuring that local industries were protected adequately by the country’s customs services.

He added that the customs was an essential security service for a sovereign state, saying that the NCS should be on top of its game by contributing positively to the nation’s economic development.

Aregbesola noted that for the economic development of the West African sub-region to be fasttracked, there must be a free customs zone in the sub-region.

The governor also appealed to the people of the state to cooperate with

customs officials in the discharge of their duties.

Explaining why the various security agencies have not been able to enjoy the usual regular support from his government, Aregbesola said the regular employees of his government are being owed, not due to the fault of his administration, but due to the unforeseen sharp economic downturn in the country.

He said without sounding self congratulatory, his government approached governance from the people-oriented point, adding that his comprehensive programmes to transform the state remains intact despite what he called the temporary setback.

Earlier, Mr. Muhammed Bawa said his Command had come to Osun to meet with auto-dealers in the state to educate them on how to legally run their businesses.

He admitted that Osun State unlike other state has few cases of illegal importation being a landlocked state, but noted that many illegally imported vehicles still find their way into the state.

The customs boss said, “We have come to this state to meet with motor dealers, we have come to advice on government compliance regulations to enhance understanding and compliance to rules and regulation of the land.

“We want to reach them so that most of the illegally imported vehicles do not come to Osun, and it wouldn’t be seen as being a harsh decision when officials of customs perform their legitimate functions”, the custom chief emphasised.

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South East

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Ebonyi Assembly sets up committee to probe LGs …withdraws 2015 Appropriation Bill AliunA Godwin ABAKALIKI

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bonyi State House of Assembly yesterday announced the re-constitution of a committee to probe local government council chairmen and coordinators of development centres.

The committee is to be headed by Hon. Odefa Obasi Odefa, representing Onicha East State Constituency.

The House, however, approved the withdrawal of

the 2015 appropriation bill and the appointment of six senior special advisers as requested by Governor Dave Umahi.

The immediate past governor, Chief Martin Elechi, had on December 31, 2014, presented the appropriation bill estimated at N80.017,929,870, which was tagged ‘Budget of Transition and Fulfillment,’ but which as a result of crisis and disagreement between the former administration and legislature was not

passed.

The House, following a letter sent to it by Governor Umahi, which was read at the plenary, requested members to approve the withdrawal of the budget to enable the state government reconsider it and ensure it conforms with the realities of the moment and yearning of people of the state.

“I wish to withdraw the 2015 budget proposal earlier presented to this honorable House for consideration to

enable our administration amend it to conform to the present realities and economic challenges. We shall re-submit it for your kind evaluation and consideration before June 30, 2015,” part of the letter read.

A motion moved by the leader of the House, Hon. Joseph Nwaobashi, representing Ezza North East and seconded by Hon. Ude Augusta, representing Ohaozara East, urged the members to allow the government withdraws the

budget to meet up with the present realities since the immediate past government which presented it failed to appear to defend it.

The lawmakers argued that for the budget to be practicable and workable, it is expedient for it to be withdrawn to allow the new government reconsider and make it conform to the present realities and economic challenges.

In his remark, the Speaker, Hon. Nwifuru Ogbonaya Francis, representing Izzi

West put the motion on voice votes and it was unanimously supported.

In another letter, the governor requested the consent of the lawmakers in appointing six senior special advisers to assist him in running the affairs of the state. The request was unanimously approved.

Nwifuru directed the Clerk of the House to make a memo to the governor, informing him of the approval of the letters he sent to the House.

Journalist urges Buhari to ignore Amnesty International’s report AdeolA Tukuru ABUJA

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gbo Media Practitioners of Nigeria (AIMPN), under the umbrella of Ogene Nd’Igbo, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to ignore Amnesty International’s report indicting former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, and other service chiefs, who served the country selflessly before their retirement.

National chairman of the group, Abbanobi-Eku Onyekachukwu, in a press statement yesterday in Abuja, said the allegation by AI was sponsored to by some unscrupulous big shots in foreign countries to tarnish the reputable name of the army officers.

Onyekachukwu said Nigeria has passed the era of neocolonialism and wondered why AI should stoop so low to carry out an unworthy assignment to its detriment.

According to the group, Ihejirika led the army against the Boko Haram whose aims and objectives were to wipe out Nigerians in the far North, emphasis-

ing that Nd’Igbo has not only suffered genocide while fighting for the unity of the country, but has also been the target of the terrorist group in the North and Nigeria in general.

“Is it because he is an Igbo man? Let Nd’Igbo be allowed to co-exist with other Nigerians as no one should be seen as a secondhand citizen. In the course of promoting unity in this country, my people have lost their lives and properties worth trillions of Naira in this country and AI and its sponsors did not see all that.

Enough is enough. The humiliation of Ihejirika will be the beginning of another trouble in this country,” he warned.

It would be recalled that the youth wing of Ohaneze Nd’Igbo and Aka Ikenga had also warned against the call to investigate Ihejirika.

Recently, the spokesman of the Defence Headquarters, Gen. Chris Olukolade, had spoken against the action of the AI, noting that such an attempt to rubbish the image of some senior officers and the Nigerian Army was uncalled for.

L-R: Sen. Stella Oduah, Mr. Tony Nwoye, former Special Adviser to President, Sen. Ben Obi and Igwe Kris C. Onyekeuluje, during a special Inauguration reception in honour of Ndi’igbo Senator representing Anambra North in Abuja, yesterday.

I got 15 queries out of malice, employee tells court

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n ex-employee of Delta State Hospital Management Board, HMB, Dr. Michael Gbamgbo, has revealed how he was issued with no less than 15 queries that led to his dismissal.

Gbamgbo disclosed this yesterday under cross-examination at the National Industrial Court, NIC, in Enugu.

He said the queries were

as a result of the malice harboured against him by Permanent Secretary in the state’s Ministry of Health whom he identified as Dr. Ofili.

Gbamgbo said he never received any warning letter based on the queries given him, particularly that of June 24, 2009, before the termination of his appointment.

“All the queries I received

Alleged non-payment of levy: Anambra govt clamps down on media houses nwAnyiAbiA AnAeze ONITSHA

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ver 10 offices owned by various media houses have been besieged in Onitsha, Anambra State, for allegedly owing arrears of business premises levy by the state’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Commerce, Business Premises

Registration Unit, Commerce Department.

The ministry’s officials numbering about 10 reportedly commenced the clampdown yesterday morning, using two vehicles.

At Champion office, they impounded one decoder and a television set; while at The Punch office, a generating set and a television set were removed by the officials.

The officials were not able to get into some of the media offices because they were under lock and key.

The seizure note to the Champion office reads: “In pursuit of the Business Premises Revised Law of 1991, Section 25, subsection 1, the Anambra Ministry of Industry, Trade and Commerce in conjunction with Ocha-Bridge Enforcement

Unit of Anambra State, confiscated these items for failure to register/renew your business premises for the years 2012 to 2014.”

Those who witnessed the confiscation of the items expressed surprise that the ministry could storm the media offices and impound their equipment at a very short notice and without regard for their functions.

were not given to me by one person and the answers were satisfactory and that was why I was not given any warning letter,” he said.

Counsel to HMB and Ofili, Mr. M. Omakor, had told the court that Gbamgbo had a very bad record of service while in the ministry.

Omakor said the queries issued to the claimant in the suit were meant to correct his bad attitude to work.

In a related development, one Mr. Jacob Ene of 9, Otitu Street, Sapele, has dragged the Immigrations and Prisons Service Board to the NIC, Enugu, over unlawful termination of his appointment with the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS. When the matter was called up for hearing, counsel to the claimant, Mrs. Chinyere Ifediora, told the court that the dismissal was not done in line with civil service rules.

Ifediora said Civil Service Rule 04107 provided for procedures for the dismissal of a civil servant, adding that such were not followed.

She said: “This suit is primarily against the Immigration and Prison Service Board that approved the dismissal of my client.

“The dismissal of my client on September 5, 2011 was not done in accordance with the extant rules of the civil service.”

Ifediora sought leave of the court to declare the dismissal null and void and his immediate and unconditional re-instatement with full benefits paid from the date of dismissal.

Defence counsel, Mr. J. Omezi, told the court that they were ready for the defence of the matter.

The matter was adjourned to October 13, for continuation of hearing.

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South South

Friday, June 12, 2015

11

Rivers LG bosses dare Wike over planned dissolution Dennis naku

PORT HARCOURT

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ivers State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, yesterday dared Governor Nyesom Wike to dissolve council managements in the state, saying such move would be fiercely resisted.

This is as the 23 council chairmen and supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, staged a protest at the Assembly complex to register their grievance.

Briefing newsmen earlier, ALGON legal adviser and Degema local council chairman, Sogbeye Eli, said the council chairmen were duly elected.

Reading from a paper ti-

Military seeks blood donors for injured personnel, civilians

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he military yesterday called on more Nigerians to donate blood to help save the lives of security personnel and civilians injured in counter-insurgency operations in the North East.

Brig.-Gen. Nathan Okeji, Commander, Military Hospital, Port Harcourt, made the appeal at the Armed Forces Blood Centre during commemoration of 2015 World Blood Donor Day in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.

He said the military had begun collecting blood from donors for this purpose.

Okeji said many military personnel and civilians, who needed blood urgently could not afford it as a unit of blood costs N50,000.

“The World Health Organisation, WHO, has set aside today to celebrate and encourage people to freely donate blood to save the lives of accident victims and surgery patients, among others.

“This blood donation exercise is targeted at getting as much blood as possible to enable patients who need blood have access to it at little or no cost.”

Okeji, who is the coordinator of Armed Forces Blood Bank, said more than 200 units of blood were needed for distribution to injured military personnel and civilians nationwide.

“When more than 200 units of blood are realised, they will be taken to northeast and the Niger Delta, where there are problems of Boko Haram and militancy.

“We are asking that as many people as possible freely donate blood, in order to save lives,” he said.

According to the commander, the exercise also affords donors the opportu-

nity to be freely screened for HIV and other blood-related ailments.

Similarly, Chief Nursing Officer of the Federal Ministry of Health and Donor Care Manager, Mrs Imabong Umoh, said the nation needed at least 10,000 units of blood monthly.

She said the 200 units of blood realised monthly was grossly inadequate, adding that there was severe shortage of blood in hospitals across the country.

“Blood is not something that can be substituted.

When a doctor says a patient needs blood, there is no other alternative than to provide the blood.

“Failure to provide the blood will lead to death of the patient,” she said.

The Chief Nursing Officer said accident victims, sickle cell carriers, pregnant women, surgery and HIV patients, among others, needed blood daily to survive.

“Thousands of people are dying daily because they cannot access blood; their lives could have been saved if people made it a habit to donate blood.”

tled, ‘We must defend our democracy’, Eli said the council chairmen were elected the same way the governor was elected, expressing dismay that the governor has a premeditated plan to dissolve the councils.

He said further, “We have called this briefing to inform the people of Rivers State and Nigerians about the danger looming in Rivers State over a premeditated plan to dissolve local governments in the state.

“We are saying that any

move to dissolve the 22 councils and 319 councillors outside the law would be resisted, because this may plunge the state into another political crisis.

“It is important the nation is put on red alert. If we are going to die, let us die.

We will not hesitate to resist this act of impunity by the government of Barrister Nyesom Wike.”

Eli noted that the steps taken by the House of Assembly and the Executive to dissolve the state Judicial

PORT HARCOURT

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ivers State House of Assembly yesterday approved a loan of N10 billion requested by Governor Nyesom Wike to execute some projects.

Meanwhile, the 32-member House has summoned officials of the Ministry of Health to appear before its ad-hoc committee over the scourge of local gin (ogogoro) that has so far claimed about 66 lives in the state.

Approval for the loan was

tension in Port Harcourt yesterday particularly along Moscow Road, where the state House of Assembly complex is located as hundreds of APC youths protested against the plot to dissolve the council chairmen.

The placard-carrying protesters chanting proAPC songs, however, were tear-gassed by armed police men around the Assembly complex, but they resisted, going ahead to register their grievances.

Supporters and council men in Rivers State protesting alleged plan by Governor Nyesom Wike to sack chairmen of Local Government Areas over improper election into councils, yesterday.

Don’t alter outcome of NASS poll —N’Delta leaders ChiDi ugwu ABUJA

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oalition of Nigerian Leaders for Stability, CNLS, has called on the National Working Committee, NWC, of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to respect the outcome

of the National Assembly elections that saw the emergence of Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara, as Senate President and Speaker, House of Representatives, respectively.

It warned that any move to alter the outcome may be resisted by Nigerians.

Lawmakers approve N10bn loan for Wike Dennis naku

Service Commission, JSC, and Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, were political vendetta.

He advised the government to respect court process and concentrate on developmental projects, stressing that the state needed peace to develop and not avoidable violence.

“If the government is responsible, it should respect the court. As they were elected, so, also, were we elected,” the chairmen said.

Meanwhile, there was

sequel to a letter sent to the House by Governor Wike to enable the state government fund some key projects.

Twenty-eight lawmakers voted in favour of the approval, even as legislators who spoke said the request was germane because the former administration left empty treasury for the new government.

Speaker Ikuinyi Ibani, in his address, stated that no government can survive without funds.

Ibani said the Assembly would not engage in frivolous approvals, but would support issues that are

transparent, adding that the N10 billion loan facility would be gotten from Zenith Bank and repaid through Valued Added Tax, VAT. “He (Wike) cannot do that without cash back-up. No government can run without financial base. We must provide succour for our people so that they can begin to see changes between yesterday and today.

“This Assembly will not engage in frivolous approval and resolutions. As an Assembly, we have the responsibility to know what the funds sought are meant for,” the speaker said.

National Coordinator of CNLS, High Chief Mike Loyibo, gave the warning yesterday at a press conference the group organised in Abuja.

Loyibo advised the party to see what transpired at the National Assembly as change in action.

While expressing optimism that President Muhammadu Buhari would live up to his promise of carrying all Nigerians along in the path to nation building, Loyibo noted that the immediate past administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan failed to implement the agreement with respect to the amnesty programme in the Niger Delta, pointing out that implementation of the programme was below 20 per cent.

He said currently the programme was yet to absorb over 13,000 jobless ex-militants, stressing that when neglected these repentant militants could be used to disturb the peace the region is currently enjoying.

Loyibo urged President Buhari to review the ongoing amnesty programme which is slated to expire by December 2015 with a view to extending the programme to 2019, adding that such move would pave way for the entrenchment of peace and stability in the country.

At the conference, which was attended by representatives of the South South leaders, Loyibo reiterated that the coalition after wider consultation has decided to join millions of progressive minds to call on Nigerians to put the country first by throwing full weight behind the cause of change, which is Nigeria’s new mantra.

According to the Ijaw leader, though Buhari is unarguably an exemplary leader known for his zero tolerance for corruption, he can hardly succeed without the support of majority of Nigerians, and urged every well-meaning Nigerian to support the new government.

12

North

Friday, June 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bello asks Aliyu, others to refund N2.9bn …says no money to complete grandiose projects PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

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overnor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has asked top functionaries of the previous administration to return to government coffers the N2.9 billion they shared and pocketed among themselves on the eve of their departure.

The new governor also added that in view of the electricity problem facing the state, his administration has commenced arrangement to rent a power plant from overseas to provide regular electricity before a

permanent solution is found.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Ibraheem Dooba, Bello said the immediate past governor of the state and his officials took a loan on the eve of their departure and did nothing with the money.

Dooba said the government of Abubakar Sani Bello didn’t come to office to witch-hunt or to focus on probing previous administrations, “but we can’t, in good conscience, accept this brazen theft of the people’s wealth.”

For example, the gov-

Five injured in Kogi church collapse …govt sets up probe panel WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

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t least, five persons were injured at a construction site yesterday when the 10,000-sitting capacity ongoing Immaculate Catholic Cathedral Church suddenly collapsed.

The incident occurred when the workers were on break at the Church headquarters in Lokoja.

National Mirror gathered that had it been the workers were still working, it would have been disastrous.

Sources hinted that those injured were eating and when the structure collapsed it was the bamboo tree and planks that scattered around that injured them.

It was further revealed that the building collapsed as a result of structural defects.

Deputy Governor Yomi Awoniyi, who visited the site, ordered stoppage of work pending submission of report by the committee set up by government to establish the immediate cause of the collapse.

Awoniyi described the collapse as unfortunate, saying it could have been caused by several factors, which he said, would be unraveled at the end of the committee’s investigation.

The deputy governor urged the committee made up of experts from the state government who will work

with the resident engineers to speed up their work, disclosing that their submission will aid in preventing future occurrences. He then sympathised with those injured and the church.

In his remarks, Reverend Father Anthony Akande, the Cathedral Administrator, stated that the incident happened when the workers were on break, thanking God that no live was lost.

The clergy added, that eight engineers are supervising the project, adding that last week a team of visiting engineers of the church from Abuja gave a pass mark to the work already carried out, describing the incident as unfortunate.

Those injured have been taken to Federal Medical Centre for treatment.

ernor wants to start with the provision of potable water in Niger State; and in that light, has visited our Water Board in Minna and a dam in Kontagora. In the coming weeks, we’ll provide water at predictable intervals to Nigerlites.”

The statement added that the governor had requested zero pot-holes in Minna, saying the Minna-Kataeregi road, Kontagora-Tegina, MinnaSuleja, Bakeko-Katcha, Kaffin-koro, Kuta-Sabon Gari and Maitumbi-Maikunkele roads among others, are receiving urgent attention even as contractors who abandoned some of the projects will be ordered back to site to complete what they started.

Meanwhile, Bello said he has no funds to com-

plete some of the projects left behind by his predecessor, Muazu Babangida Aliyu due to more pressing challenges confronting his administration.

Bello stated this while inspecting the Minna Airport city project initiated by his predecessor when he was told that about N12 billion would be needed to complete the project.

He explained that currently, he is most concern with how to provide of potable water, facilities for hospitals and light for the people, as well as adequate infrastructures in schools in the state.

According to him,”I do not have the money to pay for this project. I have more serious and pressing problems now. I have students sitting on the floor, people without drinking water, hospital without drugs and oth-

er necessary facilities; those are my priorities for now.

He however, suggested that the only way the project can be completed is for it to be restructured by getting an investor to invest into the project, saying,” there is no money, but, if we do not complete it, it will be a waste. Get someone who has money to invest in it to complete it.”

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Architect Adamu Jagaba told the governor that about N12 billion would be required to complete the project and so far, about N800 million has been sunk into it.

He stated that N600 million was spent on the City Tower that is supposed to be 17 floors with the contractors working on the fourth floor and another N200 million on

the shopping mall.

Earlier, the governor inspected the legislative and commissioners quarters in the proposed Three Arms zone in the state and expressed satisfaction at the level of work done, while assuring that government would source for means of completing the projects.

Bello was, however, not able to inspect the Minna Neo-Natal Hospital as the contractors handling the project locked up the building for allegedly being owed N167 million by government, and wondered why it was commissioned when contractors were still being owed.

It was gathered the contractors locked up the facility and are presently in Abuja. They vowed they only return the keys, when full payment is made.

L-R: Members of Adamawa House of Assembly, Abdulrahman Abubakar (Mubi South), Musa Kallamu (Mayo-Belwa) and Sani Shehu (Mubi North), during sitting of the house in Yola, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

547-capacity prison now houses 1,000 inmates –Controller

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total of 114 condemned inmates are currently at Kaduna Central Prison, Controller Abubakar Garba said in Kaduna yesterday.

Garba made the disclosure when Governor, Nasir el-Rufai visited the prison at the instance of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The controller said that 11 of the condemned inmates, including a woman, were from Ka-

duna State.

He, however, appealed to the governor to commute the death sentence of the 11 inmates to life imprisonment in line with section 212 of the Constitution.

The Controller expressed concern that over 800 of the 1,000 inmates were awaiting trial at the prison constructed since 1915 and meant for only 547 prisoners.

Garba said in spite of its numerous challenges,

the prison facility had strived to render educational, vocational, religious and social welfare services to the inmates to make them better citizens.

According to him, the prison has 11 training workshops in leather works, carpentry, welding, tailoring, and plumbing, among others.

He said it was through the workshop that the inmates learn new skills to live on their own after

their release.

He, however, appealed to the governor to assist in providing training materials especially in tailoring, knitting, hair dressing, shampoo making and laundry.

Responding, el-Rufai said he would champion the cause for prisons decongestion in the country.

He said that the visit was to assess the conditions of the facilities and know where the govern-

ment needed to immediately intervene to improve conditions there.

El-Rufai pledged to mobilise other governors in the country to adopt common strategy towards enhancing conditions of prisons and to decongest the facilities nationwide.

He pledged that his administration would work toward engaging the youth in productive ventures that would take them away from crime.

Friday, June 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics

Why former Governor Aliyu was booed

15

Support Saraki, Dogara, chieftain begs APC leadership Deborah DiDi

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chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State, Francis Onabis, has appeal to leadership of the party to support Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.

Onabis in a statement signed in Lagos by his media officer, Ayokunle Oloye, said it will be undemocratic for the party not to recognise the leadership of the National Assembly who are its members.

He said: “Their emergence is good for democracy in Nigeria, in as much as they are our party members, they were free to contest for the post of the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House.”

Onabis warned that the party leadership might

be over heating the polity if Saraki and Dogara are sanctioned over the manner they emerged as Senate President and Speaker respectively.

He said while the party leadership must not condone indiscipline of its members, it must also provide a level playing ground for all members at all times.

Urging APC leadership of both chambers of the National Assembly to work in line with the APC manifestos, he stressed that its unhealthy, if they form an opposition to the Muhammadu Buhari led administration.

He added: “In as much as they are prepared to make the necessary change in the congress and work with both executive and judiciary arms of government for the betterment of the nation in line with our party blueprint for a new Nigeria, APC leadership must give them total support.”

Ihim emerges unopposed Imo Assembly Speaker

…As Okorocha urges new lawmakers to represent interests of their constituents Chris njoku OWERRI

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mo State House of Assembly members yesterday elected a new Speaker Dr. Acho Ihim representing Okigwe state constituency.

Ihim emerged unopposed as a ranking member of the House after some members who went to court failed to get legal backing to amend the rule for the contest to be all comers’ affairs.

Also, Hon Ugonna Ozuruigbo, an All progressives Congress, APC, member representing Nwangele

state constituency was elected Deputy Speaker, following his nomination by the member representing Ikeduru, Dr Uche Oguwuike, another APC member.

In his address, state Governor Rochas Okorocha charged the lawmakers to put the interest of the people of the state above political and personal pursuits, urging them to justify the confidence reposed in them by the electorate.

He said: “As you are sworn in today, what should be uppermost in your minds should be the people. I urge you to make laws that will

impact on the people. The Executive arm is willing to work with you. While you exercise your freedom as an independent arm of government, you must remember the need to work together with the other arms of government to move the state forward.

“I have the confidence that you will not let us down, you should do whatever you can do to justify this. Today we have also commissioned the remodelled complex, which is one of the best in the country.”

Ihim promised to discharge his duties as Speaker

of the Assembly creditably, while assuring all members of equal opportunity.

While congratulating the newly elected members of the House, Ihim also urged them to cooperate with him,adding: “My task will be made easier if you cooperate with me.”

He added that the election of other principal officers of the House will take place at the next sitting of the House. The motion to adjourn sitting to next week Tuesday was moved

by Hon. Lugard Osuji and seconded by Hon. Nkenna Nzemo.

Independent legislature necessary for robust debates –Senator abioDun nejo ADO EKITI

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member of the National Assembly from Ekiti State, Senator Duro Faseyi, has said that a truly independent National Assembly is necessary to enhance robust debates and legislations that will have meaningful impacts on Nigerians.

He said the emergence of Dr Bukola Saraki as Senate President and Hon Yakubu Dogara as House of Representatives Speaker and as well their deputies, which he described as truly independent, would ensure deliberations that would bring meaningful and sustainable development.

Faseyi said in a statement in Ado Ekiti yesterday that “with the composition of the present leadership of the red and green chambers, Nigerians would get the best legislations.”

Describing the leadership as good omen for the country, he said: “The elections of the duo and

other leaders of the Senate had deepened the root of democracy in Nigeria because it is the first time that an opposition member would be made Deputy Senate President in Nigeria.

“Nigerian masses would be the beneficiaries of the latest development because, government policies and programmes would not be directed to All Progressives Congress, APC, members alone but all Nigerians.

“What all Senators voted for, was unity and progress of the country irrespective of their political background and affiliations.

“And at the same time, members of the House of Representatives also replicated the same scenario by voting Hon. Dogara as the Speaker”.

He described the new Senate President as “a stabilising factor and patriot as demonstrated when he was the chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF, adding that the Nigerian Senate would no doubt gain from Saraki’s experience.

Members of the 6th Adamawa State House of Assembly, during their inauguration in Yola, recently.

PHOTO: NAN

ARG replies Kingibe, says June 12 his albatross robert awokuse

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fenifere Renewal Group, ARG, has described the “June 12 struggle” as an albatross for those who betrayed its cause, particularly Ambassador Babagana Kingibe.

ARG, in a statement released yesterday by its publicity secretary, Kunle Famoriyo, said Kingibe, who, some days ago, reportedly wants the “ghost of June 12 laid to rest” on account of APC’s victory

in the last presidential election, has an antecedent that disqualifies him “from commenting on or identifying with the success of a democratic campaign.”

It said: “As the vicepresident elect, Kingibe ought to be the captain of the ship for the June 12 struggle when Chief M.K.O Abiola was arrested but he was the first to jump ship.

“ARG understands that Kingibe may have missed being in the corridors of

power and may be itching to have a voice that could be reckoned with as credible – therefore, his wish to have June 12 ‘laid to rest’.

“Kingibe’s undemocratic and treacherous antecedents disqualify him from commenting on or identifying with the success of a democratic campaign. Instead of wishing that June 12 be forgotten, it is better for him to retrace his steps and purge himself of ethnocentric perspectives.”

The statement said June 12 successfully hoisted the flag of democracy in Nigeria and each positive step that Nigeria takes towards good governance, true federalism, and concrete nationhood will continue to haunt those who played their part in subverting its cause.

ARG urges the new administration to formally recognise the June 12 mandate and honour those who lost their lives to that struggle.

14

Politics

Friday, June 12, 2015

Fred Oghenesivbe

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ur nation, in the last couple of days has been experiencing some kind of political volcano. I am really flabbergasted and lost in the deep blue sea of super sophisticated national politics. Oh yes!

The election of principal officers of the National Assembly was a drama that played out showing the political dexterity or otherwise of the major stakeholders.

Against the All progressives Congress, APC, decision, Senator Bukola Saraki and Hon Yakubu Dogara, emerged the Senate president and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Alhaji Lai Mohammed said that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, strategised to truncate the ‘change’ that Nigerians yearned for. My heart pumped for oxygen as my slim frame almost collapsed. What is happening? Nobody could provide immediate answer as friends around me were also watching the event live on television with total concentration, on that unforgettable Tuesday.

Before we could say Jack, the cookies crumble. The game of politics is deeper than the devil’s blue sea, which is why it is not advisable to beat ones chest too hard when engaged in the political cheese game. I am optimistic that somewhere along the line, parties will find a level playing ground and a new page will be open for new earth-breaking records at the National Assembly.

What I am saying however, is that it may not yet be uhuru at the National Assembly. There might just be the need for super political actors to meet at various locations during the wee hours in the next couple of days and weeks to perfect bottle-neck strategies.

As the saying goes, you don’t steal from the mafia and live to enjoy your booty. To walk naked into the lion’s den requires some fortification. The king of the jungle is a master hunter.

I want to believe that this power game will create a paradigm shift in partisan politics anchored on trust and loyalty. These two concepts will require modern day political definition so as to enable political craftsmen and women guide against last minute surprises.

It was daring. Planned and executed by some of the smartest brains in the field of active partisan politics.

Even the angels were surprised, so to speak.

I am pretty sure that core stakeholders in the APC will have to look inward and scrutinise some elements

geOrge Opara AWKA

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he sixth Abia State House of Assembly was yesterday inaugurated by the clerk and permanent secretary of the House, Johnpedro Irokansi, after reading the order of proclamation from Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

Ikpeazu had earlier sent an order of proclamation of the House to the clerk, for the House to be inaugurated, urging the lawmakers to eschew rancour and ensure they make laws that will move the state forward.

The House thereafter went into the election of the Speaker which saw a third term Peoples Democratic Party, PDP member, representing Isiala Ngwa North state constituency, Martins Azubike, emerging as speaker unopposed.

Cosmos Ndukwe, the PDP member representing Bende North state constituency emerged as the Deputy Speaker after

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NASS saga: A political volcano and last-minute u-turn NigeriaNs should however keep their fiNgers crossed aNd watch eveNts as they uNfold iN the Next comiNg days aNd weeks.

Saraki

who are super agents of the PDP in its rank and file.

I believe Mohammed that there are some “black legs” in the APC working closely with non-progressives. The events of last Tuesday need to be taken to the political laboratory for proper examination. Something went wrong and the planning was done long before May 29.

It appears that the PDP planted some political tacticians in the APC and time is now for this stock of political James Bond to be fished out through the use of scientific methodology and other known negative spirit detectors.

Mohammed said: “Senator Saraki is a technical member of the PDP.” Whatever that coinage meant is a matter for political analysts to scrutinize.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s position is democratic, never to interfere with the internal affairs of the National Assembly and promise to work with the

new principal officers. His congratulatory message to the duo seems to put paid to the scenario. But APC Lagos State through its mouth piece, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, rejected the development and informed the nation that it is not yet over, until it is over.

What more can I say? I believe this is the beginning of many more surprises that will characterise the 8th National Assembly. Yes, more surprises are underway because relevant stakeholders will not go to bed until their own interest is protected in this political dispensation. After all, politics is the struggle for power and the refinance of that same power.

Aminu Tambuwal became speaker in 2011 through this type of sophisticated political power game and he remained till the end of the 7th Assembly. Will history repeat itself ? Can Saraki remain till the end of the 8th Assembly as Senate President? We keep our fingers crossed. The political class will need to fortify their ends because the game is for the swift. Some players will need to watch their back to avoid super surprises.

Nigerians should however keep their fingers crossed and watch events as they unfold in the next coming days and weeks. In all, our leaders should be focused to give our people reasonable quantity of dividends of democracy to cure the prevailing acute poverty, hunger, infrastructural decay and epileptic power supply. God bless Nigeria.

6th Abia House inaugurated as Azubuike becomes Speaker polling a total of 13 votes against Ikedi Ezekwesili of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, who polled 9 votes.

Speaking after his election, Azubuike said that he is privileged to be elected to lead the House, which he described as an honour because of the trust reposed

in him by his colleagues.

Azubike commended his colleagues for the mature way he was elected despite the fact that the House is made up of two different political parties, adding: “Our conduct today in electing me as your speaker shows maturity”.

The Speaker said that he

would strive to serve according to the powers bestowed on the office of the Speaker, assuring that they will build a legislature that will bring stability in the state polity.

He said: “We are going to enact and review laws that will help in developing meaningful infrastructure

for the good of the state, while our oversight functions will be robust for effective governance of the state”.

The Speaker commended the state governor, Dr Ikpeazu, for not interfering with the election of the Speaker and the deputy, adding that none of the

parties have submitted names of their House leaders.

The house was later adjourned till Monday, June 15, when they are expected to nominate other house leaders.

The House consists of 13 PDP and 11 APGA members.

implement as part of his campaign blueprints and agenda, explaining that he should learn from Yuguda The PDP spokesman asked the governor to learn from President Muhammadu Buhari’s political stand not to witch-hunt former President Goodluck Jonathan, wondering why the governor has revoked and spurned Isa Yuguda’s policy on land allocation to individuals for development Regretting that if it’s

true that the administration will not provide foodstuff during Ramadan period, support both Muslim and Christian pilgrims as well provide fertiliser for farmers in the state, then it portends great danger to the nascent democracy, PDP urged the governor to kindly leave Yuguda alone and concentrate on the business governing the state.

N’East PDP tackles Bauchi gov over debt profile

•Urges him to concentrate on governance ezekiel TiTus BAUCHI

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orth-East peoples Demcoratic Party, PDP, has cautioned Bauchi State governor, Barr Abubakar Mohammed, asking him to concentrate on the business of governing the state to ensure speedy development instead of making noise over allege debt profile accrued to the state North East PDP Public-

ity Secretary, Sani Alamin Muhammed, gave the warning in a press statement made available to National Mirror, saying that Mohammed is out to smear the image of his predecessor barely few weeks in office The statement added that the governor’s media comments on the debt profile of the state of over N125 billion demonstrated his intention to settle perceive political scores where it does not exist

He said: “Mohammed’s comments indicate his move to pocket our treasury ahead of the tenure of the administration and have since portrayed him as a governor who is not ready to govern the state entirely.”

Wondering why the governor has failed to effect any appointment compared to other states, PDP said that he has nothing tangible for the people The PDP alleged that Mohammed has nothing to

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Friday, June 12, 2015

15

Why former Governor Aliyu was booed

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he presence of the military, on May 29 rescued the former governor of Niger State and chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, NSGF, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, from what would have been an embarrassing situation, at the inauguration of his successor and new governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello at the Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna, the state capital.

Aliyu was booed and pelted with bottles of water, sachets of water, shoes, stones and packs of takeaway food by the angry crowd, who called him several unprintable names. The development forced his security personnel to form a human shield round him to prevent the items from hitting him, while he was whisked alongside his wife, Hajiya Jummai Aliyu, into his car by the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Olusola Amore.

Aliyu had arrived the venue of the event with his deputy, Hon. Ahmed Musa Ibeto, mounted the podium to take a military salute and greet the mammoth, but was instead however, greeted with shout of ‘barawo’, thief, ‘ole’, ‘Change ya zo,’ (change has come), from the hostile crowd.

The people, who were apparently angry with the alleged debt profile of the state and the governors’ non performance kept shouting ‘ Changi ya zo’ , ‘Your time is over’, go’, ‘EFCC is waiting for you’ etc, while praising the new governor, chanting ‘Sai Lolo’.

Security agents made several attempts to calm the restive youths, while the former governor walked to the VIP stand and exchanged pleasantries with dignitaries, and sat beside his estranged deputy, Hon. Ibeto, for the first time in the public since the latter dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, shortly after the PDP gubernatorial primaries.

The state Chief Judge, Justice Fati Lami Abubakar, later administered the oath of office on the new deputy governor, Alhaji Mohammed Ketso and the state governor, Bello amidst jubilation from the crowd. Justice Abubakar is the mother-in-law to the new state governor.

However, matter came to a head after the oath of office, as the youths charged at Aliyu and pelted him with sachets of water, packs of take-away, shoes, among others things and called him names. Some motorcycle riders that made their way into the arena with their bikes also lifted them up high and raining insults on him.

When the situation became very tense and it was clear that there may be further attacks on the embattled former governor, two trucks of soldiers from 31 Military Artillery were quickly dispatched to the stadium to avert further attacks.

At the end of the brief ceremony, the soldiers started shooting sporadically into the air, which led many to scamper for safety in various directions, even as Aliyu was ferried out of the stadium through the back door by the state Commissioner of Police to safety.

Due to the ugly turn of event, the item on the programme where the embattled former governor was supposed to give his address was deliberately skipped.

The outgoing Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Saidu Ndako Kpaki, spoke on behalf of the governor.

A top government source told National Mirror that preliminary security report had earlier advised the outgone governor not to attend the ceremony, an advice reportedly rebuffed by the former governor.

A source close to the former governor during his eight-year reign, explained that the attack was not due to lack of performance as the restive youths claimed, but fingered some aggrieved PDP stalwarts in the state as the harbinger of the situation, noting that they were angered by certain developments in his government that did not go down well with them.

The source cited the outcome of the party primaries as one problem that snow-balled in the party losing the election and to what was witnessed on May 29.

PRISCILLA DENNIS explains why former governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu was booed and pelted with assorted materials at the inauguraton of his successor, Abubakar Sani Bello, on May 29.

Aliyu

The source said: “Aliyu failed to reconcile with all those that were aggrieved with the outcome of the primaries, especially, the governorship. That failure led to what happened. The crisis within the party got to the point that even, when members were given money to campaign for him, they did nothing. So, they masterminded the attacks, to simply embarrass him; those youths cannot do what they did on their own. He did his best and put up a lot of structures, even though many are at one level of completion or the other.”

Similar thoughts were shared by another source who served within his administration that would not want to be mentioned, saying those behind what happened were former members of the PDP, that are now in the APC. The source also attributed the situation, to another major reason; some unpopular policies embarked upon by the immediate past governor, particularly, the ban on okada riders, adding that the governor also made several promises to people which he had no plans to fulfill.

He said: “The policy threw many Nigerlites out of business. All the government would have done was to ban okada movement on major roads and allow people to do their work and earn money to cater for their families needs. That singular move alone angered many and they waited up till now to embarrass him.

“Weeks before the inauguration, we gathered that Aliyu would be attacked, if he appeared at the venue and he was told, yet he came. Then the youths did what they did at the ceremony.”

Governor Bello did not spare his emBattled predecessor as he descended heavily on his

administration, accusinG him of leavinG Behind for his Government heavy deBt Burden

Several of the youths, in a chat with National Mirror, hinged their annoyance on the treatment meted on the former deputy governor, Ibeto, that forced him to dump the party for the APC, non performance and leaving the state highly indebted.

Ibeto contested the gubernatorial primaries, alongside five others in December, 2014 and lost to Aliyus’ preferred candidate, Hon. Umar Nasko. Angered by his defeat, he quit the PDP to the then opposition APC. They also accused him of implementing policies and executing projects that have no direct impact on the people, such as the policy of ban on operation of commercial motorcycle, causing untold hardship on the people, the construction of a shopping mall at the heart of the town after moving the main market to make way for the construction of the facility and the five-star hotel, all still under construction One of the youths, who simply gave his name as Musa said: “ Talba, (Dr. Aliyu), treated his deputy badly and other party faithful. He banned okada activities, collected and sold our motorcycles. So, the youths came out to shame him and also let the new governor, Bello know that the same fate awaits him, if he decides to tow the same line. We will do even more to him.”

But, former Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mallam Danladi Ndayebo, rather said Aliyus’ administration did very well and laid solid structures on ground compared to other past administrations, adding: “His administration left the state better than it met it “The government touched virtually every area by laying down solid infrastruture across the state. There was no area that has great impact on the lives of the people that was not touched.”

Delivering his inaugural speech, Governor Bello did not spare his embattled predecessor as he descended heavily on his administration, accusing him of leaving behind for his government heavy debt burden, over bloated staff strength, abandoned projects, and corruption across the 25 local government councils.

All through the event, Aliyu sat quietly and endured all the ‘political drama’ without a word.

It would be recalled that a day to the handing over ceremony, the APC Transition Committee told the governor that his predecessor was leaving for him a debt profile of over N56 billion, abandoned projects and high corruption in the state including the 25 local governments.

Lamenting the dwindling resources and heavy debt burden the new administration is inheriting, the governor told the people to be ready to make sacrifices and have positive attitudinal change to realise the dream of a new Niger state.

He said: “The challenges facing us are numerous and daunting, the most serious being the continuous dwindling revenues from the federation account and unworkable structure of government with 36 ministries and 105 parastatals, agencies, boards and corporations, multiplicity of ghost workers in the state civil service and high profile abandoned projects like the state stadium and Minna City Centre.”

Against this backdrop, Bello explained that his administration will carry out a forensic audit to determine the debt profile and bonds, saying only projects of immense socio-economic value to the state would be continued in honest, transparent and accountable manner.

Bello then thanked the people and traditional rulers for their support for ensuring the sustenance of peace and stability in the state.

16

Editorial

Friday, June 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

SUNDAY OLAJIDE MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO BEN MEMULETIWON ACTING DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI SATURDAY EDITOR AYO OLESIN SUNDAY EDITOR DOZIE OKEBALAMA COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF AUGUSTUS IMEKAN ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

Smuggling of eight-year-old African to Spain

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he desperation of African immigrants to relocate to Europe in obvious search of the good life was ridiculously showcased recently when an eight-year-old boy, Adou Ouattara from Cote d’Ivoire, hidden in a foetal position inside a suitcase, was uncovered at a Spanish border. Reports said his family was behind the satanic mission to smuggle him into Spain. The police discovered him with a scanning machine on Thursday May 7, 2015 in El Tarajal, a point of entry at the border between Spain and Morocco.

For decades now, Africans, many of them Nigerians, have in their hundreds of thousands been undauntedly staking their lives by air, sea and land travels to escape from the generally inhospitable socio-economic climate at home.

It is not that they are cock sure of their chances of making the journey alive, or plucking greener pastures as they originally envisaged. Indeed, many of them, if not denigrated and repatriated under very harsh conditions, end up getting engaged in unspeakable odd jobs they would find extremely difficult to do in their home countries. Those without residence permits live hide-and-seek lives like wanted criminals, while others who can brave it end up with ‘arrangee’ or contract marriages that often end up disastrously. A

lot of them get so depressed and disappointed that they completely severe communication with their families back home. But notwithstanding all these vicissitudes and more, scores of Africans still crave living and working abroad.

In 2008, reports said 70 African immigrants drowned when their boat sank in the Mediterranean Sea enroute Malta, their target destination in Europe. Only eight survivors were saved by a Maltese fishing vessel. The previous year, about 1,700 illegal immigrants safely entered Malta. But in the first six months of 2008, about 380 illegal immigrants died at sea in the Sicily Canal, the Mediterranean strip between Sicily and Tunisia, according to Doctors Without Borders’ estimates.

About 500 died in the said axis in 2006. In February 2014, the Italian navy rescued 1,123 people from inflatable boats within 24 hours. Roughly 2,000 migrants had landed on Italian shores the previous month (January), nearly 10 times the number recorded in January 2013.

Indeed, 2013 saw what reports described as “incessant and massive influx of migrants” with a total of 42,925 arrivals by sea, or more than three times as many as in 2012. The true number of migrants who died attempting the perilous Mediterranean crossing was unknown, but in October

AFRICAN LEADERS SHOULD INSPIRE HOPE OF A BETTER AND GREATER FUTURE FOR THEIR PEOPLES, NOT DESPERATION 2013, more than 400 people reportedly drowned in two shipwrecks near Lampedusa, the closest Italian territory to North Africa.

In Nigeria, the country recorded two well publicised stowaway cases between 2010 and 2013, despite the grave security risks stowaways constitute to their lives and the safety of air planes and air travellers. With the obvious collaboration of lawless and greedy tarmac and security personnel, among others, the late Emeka Okechukwu Okeke, a stowaway, died in his desperate attempt to enter the United States via the nose-wheel compartment of Delta Air’s B777 in 2010. Experts said Okeke died of extreme cold (hyperthermia) during the about 12 hours’ average duration of Lagos-Atlanta flight.

Two years ago (2013), another very lucky teenage stowaway, Daniel Ihekina, was arrested at the Lagos Airport after flying in the tyre hole of an Arik air plane from Benin to Lagos, believing he was on a US-bound flight. These

ON THIS DAY June 12, 1993 An election which was later annulled by the then military government led by General Ibrahim Babangida, retired, took place in Nigeria. Babangida (born August 17, 1941) was a Nigerian Army officer. He ruled Nigeria following a coup that toppled the regime of Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, retired, on August 27, 1985.

Babangida left office on August 27, 1993, amid protests against the poll annulment.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

June 12, 2001 Robert Edward Dyer was sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment for attempting to extort money from a British supermarket chain, Tesco, through a letter bomb campaign. A blackmailer identified by the pseudonym ‘Sally’ sent letters to Tesco stores threatening to harm customers if his demands for Clubcards modified so that the holder could withdraw cash from automated teller machines were not met

are outside countless others who, for months, successfully or fatally attempt crossing over to Europe through the Sahara Desert, as well as drug couriers who walk into the waiting hands of death in some Asian countries whose laws punish drug peddling with the death penalty.

While Africa and her political leaderships deserve all the blame for the shame and embarrassment illegal migrants now constitute to the developed world, mainly because of bad governance occasioning widespread insecurity, limited economic and survival opportunities, etc, at home, it is also evident that a lot of the migrants lack the basic education and skills they need direly to cope in their foreign destinations of choice. With quality education or skill, Africans can conquer the challenges of insecurity, unemployment, poverty and destitution, which are the main drivers of the mad rush for opportunities abroad. The task of making Africa homely, however, rests with her leaders to a huge extent. Their bounden responsibility it is to provide good and purposeful leadership that will engender peace, development and prosperity on the continent. African leaders should inspire hope of a better and greater future for their peoples, not desperation to flee from the shores of the continent.

x June 12, 2009 A disputed presidential election in Iran led to wide ranging protests both in Iran and around the world.

Iran’s tenth presidential election was held on June 12, 2009, with incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad running against three challengers. The next morning, the Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran’s official news agency, announced that with two-thirds of the votes counted, Ahmadinejad had won the election.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Friday, June 12, 2015

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Is the EFCC waking up from slumber?

NEW HORIZON Wale Ajao With

waleajao2002@yahoo.com, 08023112006 (sms only)

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an we say that the Economics and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is waking up from a prolonged slumber? The news just hit virtually all the front pages of the newspapers last week about the arrest of six top officers of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and 16 others from the commercial banks for scam involving N8 billion.

According to the EFCC, the suspects were arrested for circulating N8 billion defaced Naira notes meant for destruction. EFCC also revealed that the 16 suspects in the various deposit money banks, who colluded with the CBN officials to commit the fraud, used various tricks such as burning old newspaper so as to give the impression that they have burnt the defaced and mutilated currency notes. However, investigations by the EFCC, acting on a petition from the Ibadan branch of the CBN, exposed the nefarious activities of the bankers.

The crime fighting agency has clearly determined that instead of carrying out the statutory duty of destroying the mutilated and worn out currencies, the commercial bankers substituted them with newspapers

neatly cut to Naira sizes and then recycled the defaced currency. A similar case was discovered last year when a box of N5 billion of N500 notes was filled with old newspapers.

The recent upswing in the activities of EFCC is a welcomed development. The Commission should take advantage of the clear anti-corruption mantra of the Muhammadu Buhari administration to revive its wobbling campaign against corruption. Between 2000 and 2007, the EFCC was a potent agency of government, which was dreaded by all public office holders. A few top government officials including, an Inspector General of Police faced the music and went to jail. But the dwindling fortunes of the Commission started under the late Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua presidency. It can also be safely asserted that under former President Goodluck Jonathan, the Commission practically became a toothless bull dog.

The Jonathan administration even came up with a very novel but funny theory that corruption will be fought with technology as if whatever anti-corruption technological device purchased by government will be operated by angels from heaven. More disappointing was President Jonathan’s weird definition of corruption. He argued that kleptocracy was not corruption. It is no wonder that as former President Jonathan kept saying contradictory things and giving the nation unrealistic definition of corruption the most horrendous corruption in Nigeria’s

THOSE WHO DETEST CORRUPTION MUST MAKE MEANINGFUL CONTRIBUTION TO

THE ANTI-CORRUPTION CRUSADE history went on under his leadership. The direct evidence is the yet unresolved issue of the missing $20 billion from the accounts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) brought into national attention by the current Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank, Sansui Lamido Sanusi, who was summarily removed by Jonathan.

Quite many corruption allegations were poorly investigated under the Jonathan administration because the leader of the team did not show enough commitment to fighting it. It is just in the nature of governance in less developed countries that President Buhari has chickened out of a thorough investigation of certain deals under the Jonathan administration. One clear fact that President Buhari cannot completely ignore is the management of our oil money if he is to get enough funds for all the laudable programmes he has in mind for the people. It is in this context that he should revitalize and reposition the EFCC for a decisive onslaught

on corruption, a canker worm that has eaten deep into the fabric of our entire national life.

It is gratifying to note that President Buhari is considering the establishment of special courts to prosecute those alleged to be involved in graft. There can be no gainsaying the fact that corrupt politicians have capitalized on the weaknesses in our legal system to hold on to their ill-gotten wealth.

This is the reason why the idea of special courts to prosecute corruption cases may not be a bad idea. However, everyone knows there will also be the need for judicial officers with high moral integrity just as our legal practitioners will have to be more patriotic in their attitude to corruption cases. If the nation must make significant progress in the war against corruption, both the Bar and the Bench have to adopt a new attitude to anti-corruption crusade. This is so because our learned men have, more often than not, seen corruption cases as avenues for self aggrandizement rather than an opportunity to protect the nation’s interest.

If the EFCC is now gradually waking up to its onerous responsibilities then all stakeholders must come on board and contribute their quota toward the sanitization of our society. In this connection, those who detest corruption must make meaningful contribution to the anti-corruption crusade. We must not lose the battle against corruption. We either win and remain standing or lose and just go down.

Boko Haram’s grievances as counterinsurgency strategy

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errorism is an activity intended to achieve particular goals. It is a rationally employed and specifically selected tactic. Since the victims of Boko Haram violence are of little importance to them, with one being as good for the terrorists’ purposes as another, victims or target selection can appear unprovoked. This is why finding the root cause of any conflict, domestic and international, remains the key to an effective and most successful strategy of settlement.

Many countries restructure their intelligence and security agencies based on disastrous or catastrophic experiences. For instance; the US experience in 1941 Pearl Harbour attack changed her structures, operations, outcomes and training within their intelligence community before 9/11.

In relative terms, monitoring or stopping a terrorist organisation without infiltration via (HUMINT) is practically like sipping through a straw or drinking from a fire hose. It is virtually very difficult but not impossible to penetrate a revolutionary terrorist group, particularly one structured and manned the way Boko Haram is.

The President Muhammadu Buhari administration, without doubt, will get it right as Boko Haram continues to launch attacks. Nigerians can go to bed with both eyes closed in no time because we do not require any further surprises from the sect.

No liberal democratic government can claim to be expert in handling surprises well; even the ruling class will understand it when the inevitable surprises occur. Our military have taken some bad hits under the Goodluck Jonathan administration in

ENDING TERRORISM SITUATION IS HARDLY ACHIEVED BY MATCHING SUCH ORGANISATION OFFENSIVELY this regard, and a few more will be devastating. The relocation of the nation’s Military High Command to Maiduguri signifies seriousness. However, it is still obligatory to explain to citizens its short term, mid and long term expectations.

One positive norm about Nigerians is that we handle truth fairly, well even if is not what we want to hear. This new administration, particularly the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), must craft a programme of informing the public of what it can reasonably expect in a shortmedium and long term to end this violence.

It is natural that no responsible government wants to tell the world where it is weak. We should take the immediate past regime as an example. The alternative to reasonable expectation may well be a complete loss of public trust. Due to the globalisation of terrorism, this menace can no longer be dealt with effectively if each national security agency operates independently from inside its own cocoon - there is need for a multi-agency set-up under a common leadership.

If such an institution has effectively been in place, from federal down to the local communities, majority of Boko Haram attacks may have been delayed or deterred.

In reality, before some of the attacks are

carried out, it is highly likely that information will be available to some citizens within the communities; but those with such information feel reluctant to contact the law enforcement agencies due to, lack of trust and confidence; or the law enforcement agencies are as much confused as the ordinary citizen; or afflicted with under-reaction syndrome; or because of corruption.

The good news now is that under-reaction syndrome may be a thing of the past because the current administration has witnessed how the immediate past regime became victim of such model. Furthermore, on the issue of corruption within the military and other security agencies, we may have bidden farewell to it from May 29, 2015. The first two issues could be managed by the police and other law enforcement agencies by working on their reputation so that the public can regain the long lost confidence.

Our current counterterrorism efforts seem to have fallen short of result-oriented outcome for the reasons stated above.

This is because most of these efforts were focused on the killing of the insurgents instead of focusing on how to permanently eradicate this violence as a long term solution. The long term solution can be achieved through the adoption of community based approach, that is educating communities through public awareness campaign to increase their understanding about terrorism.

Other options for a permanent peace in the country include dialogue, diplomacy, concession or tracing the root cause of BH grievances and dealing with them ones and

Counter-terrorism Tips With

Ethelbert Oney ethelbertoney@zissltd.com, 08029929121 (sms only) for all. Ending terrorism situation is hardly achieved by matching such organisation offensively. It should be more of systematisation of various specialties.

Under threat and response principles, no single policy effort can pre-empt or positively respond to deadly sects like Boko Haam with a single strategy or pure offensive. Although, some of the intended outcome of terrorist acts is to create psychological propaganda, anxiety and state of unrest, whether or not BH can stand the new regime’s offensive, only time can tell.

But on a professional level, it should be noted that a long haul still awaits us, mainly if the current administration rushes into utter offensive instead of reviewing current strategies without undermining the rule of law. This is particularly so, as Amnesty International has developed so much interest in our case.

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Nigerian edible insects

I Kudos to Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria

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lhaji Ladan Salihu, Director General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria and management members of the corporation should be applauded for professionally discharging their duties. Having listened to many programmes on Radio Nigeria, most especially, network programmes like ‘Radio Link’, ‘Network Nigeria’, ‘Nigerian Pride’, etc. I must confess that the contents of these programmes are globally competitive and they impact a lot on the public.

However, I strongly believe that the professionalism displayed by the staff of Radio Nigeria come as the result of having good and competent management. Bravo Alhaji Salihu, DG of the largest radio network in Africa that is ‘uplifting the people and uniting the nation through its numerous programmers’.

At this point, let me advise the management and staff of the corporation to do more in ensuring balanced, accuracy, fairness and objectivity in the discharge of their duties and always carry the public along in their day to day production and broadcasting as they have being doing, thereby creating more social interactive programmes that would enable the people to have their say on issues of national interest.

Awunah Pius Terwase, Mpape, Abuja (08179289948)

Amosun’s perfect choice of aides

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he choice of Chief (Mrs)Yetunde Abosede Onanuga as the Deputy Governor of Ogun State by Senator Ibikunle Amosun would bring monumental success to his second term administration. It is a belief that Onanuga will use her leadership qualities as a woman to achieve good working relationship with the gender friendly governor and she will bring her experience in Lagos public service to bear in complementing the efforts of Governor Ibikunle Amosun in his rebuilding mission.

It is generally acknowledged that Ogun State is one of the states that have been at the fore front of delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.

Femi Olayinka, Laderin Estate, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Letters to the Editor

nsects have been part of human diet for a long time. As recorded in the Holy Book, grasshoppers were the main source of proteins in John the Baptist’s diet. So much have been researched and written on edible insects by renowned professors of entomology in Nigeria, yet full benefits of eating insect are not fully explored.

One of the greatest obstacles of promoting entomology (which is the act of eating insects) in Nigeria is the varying human perception on the issue.

These perceptions arise from attitudes and beliefs people form as a result of what they

hear and see. The human perception of what insects are to be eaten and those to be avoided varies from persons to persons, between communities, and cultures and even between geographical regions of the world.

However, there seem to be a popular acceptance of some common insects that are widely consumed in Nigeria.

The winged termites, crickets, grasshoppers and the palm weevil are the most popular insects eaten in Nigeria. There are others insects either eaten at the immature stage as caterpillars or the adult stage like the caterpillar of giant silk-

worm eaten by the Tiv people of Benue State. I recently watched a documentary of how cockroaches are breed for human consumption in the laboratories across Asia. Entomologists in Nigeria have demonstrated scientifically in several publications that edible insects are rich in food qualities and contain medium to high levels protein, high levels of energy, minerals and vitamins that the human body needs to prevent malnutrition and other health challenges arising from protein deficiencies in diet. Despite these commendable efforts, the practice of eating insect remains very low

HUSTLING IN THE CITY: Jobless youths lying on slabs meant for drainage construction of Lagos-Badagry expressway at Orile Iganmu, Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Providing world class education in Nigeria

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oing to school is compulsory for all Nigerian students and getting a degree is an important requirement for every Nigerian who desires to be ‘accepted’ socially and make worthy contributions to the society.

But the questions are: Can Nigeria’s universities compete with those of South Africa and other world class universities? Are Nigerian schools conductive for learning? Are the students being drilled effectively by qualified teachers to withstand the harsh economic and business conditions they are bound to face outside school and to go head to head with students from other countries?

Many Nigerians have answered these questions, but what is encouraging is that most Nigerians agree that the Nigerian education sector has a lot of room for improvement and that the government is being lackadaisical about the sec-

tor’s numerous challenges.

On one hand, if the federal and state governments have claimed to provide free education for primary and secondary school students, well equipped libraries and laboratories as well as well qualified teachers, what then is responsible for our education sector’s ‘underdeveloped status’?’

I think it is high time that the government began thinking outside the box. Here are my proffered solutions.

• Our teachers should ensure that they do not only teach, but also train their student and ensure they are follow all they have been taught.

Only this way can the future of Nigeria be guaranteed. We all know that teenagers are into ‘fun’. Who says school cannot be fun?

• Quick learning is enhanced in a good and conducive environment, so Nigerian governments must make it their responsibility to reno-

vate schools on a yearly basis and also make sure schools are located in serene areas.

• Governments must employ qualified teachers because world class education begins with world class teachers.

• Governments should allocate more of available resources to education to ensure proper development in teaching and research.

• Exemplary students should be rewarded with scholarships to serve as motivation and inspiration to other students.

• The syllabuses should be designed to push the students out of their comfort zones constructively.

These might be overlooked as being inconsequential, l but I believe that if at least three of the contributions are put into consideration and implemented, Nigeria can boast of a world class education sector.

Adeyemi Jesutofunmi is a student of Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State.

in Nigeria compared to other geographical areas.

The popularity of crayfish in Nigerian’s diet is so overwhelming and I have always wondered how crustaceans that are very close relatives of insects became so prominent yet their cousins continue to struggle for acceptance. The only reason I would like to give for this bias against insects is the crime and atrocities committed by harmful siblings like mosquitoes, housefly, and many other insects that transmit plants and animal diseases and those that destroy human agricultural produce.

The Entomological Society of Nigeria (ESN) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

As the umbrella body of all insect scientists in this country, the task of making insect consumption more popular lies squarely on its shoulders. Individual entomologists in Nigerian universities and research institutes have continued to argue that for Nigeria to develop and compete favourably in a knowledge-based global economy, its children and citizens must be mentally active and physically fit. Edible insects can fill the nutritional gap so evident in Nigeria’s food system. These food insects in Nigeria are available all through the seasons at little or no financial cost. Further research efforts to commence the breeding of these edible insects like crickets, winged termites and grasshoppers for the purpose of human consumption should become the research focus of ESN. Instead of relying on the current practice of capturing these insects from the wild, Nigerian entomologists should begin to explore the commercial breeding of these insect as currently been done with snails.

Tastily prepared and well packaged food insects can be promoted and endorsed by the ESN especially as the Society marked its 50 years of existence in Nigeria. This will not only open up small scale business ventures for young entomologists who would most of the time end up teaching biology in schools, but could also generate much needed revenue for the Society. As ESN continues to popularize the study of insects in Nigeria, we must begin to move our research ideas and findings into the market place to demystify our trade.

Edward Omudu, Benue State University, Makurdi.

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CA, Lagos in collaboration with Muson Centre and Goethe-Institut present an unparalleled cultural moment at CCA, Lagos. Joined by artistic director of MUSON, Tunde Jegede & director and curator, Bisi Silva, we would like to invite you to the screening of the documentary film series, ‘Truth & Art’ by Sunara Begum.

The event holds on Thursday, 11th June 2015 by 3pm at CCA, Lagos, 9 McEwen Street, Sabo, Yaba. Entry is free.

Call for entries: National Art Competition

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ell an artist to tell an artist, entries are now being accepted for the eight edition of the National Art Competition, entitled ‘Future Histories’. This year’s theme is a creative production of how art explores both the imaginary and the inevitable elements of the future while maintaining its innate quality of documentation and foresight.

REGINA OTOKPA

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ho earns most in Nigeria’s film industry? It is a question that is as old as the industry. But who else would know better than the producers who sign contracts with them? While recognising that divulging such information violates professional ethics, they made very startling revelations including the fact that fees are subject to the actors’ bargaining power and of course, his desirability in the particular film project.

The names which came up for this analysis are those of Desmond Elliot, Saidi Balogun, Nkem Owoh, Olu Jacobs, Richard MofeDamijo, Majid Michel, Van Vicker, Jim Iyke, Kenneth Okonkwo, Chinedu Ikedieze, Osita Iheme, Chidi Mokeme, John Okafor and Emeka Ike, who in actual sense of the word bestride the industry.

The interesting revelation is that all these actors command at least N500,000 for a film project that would be completed in less than two weeks, but some stand taller than others and demand extra pecks in order to give their best to a film project.

Richard MofeDamijo, who was a commissioner in Delta State according to the producers command fees in excess of N1million, although ‘he hardly worked during his era as Commissioner save for a few flicks like 30 Days in Atalanta’.

Unarguably one of the most-respected actors in the industry, RMD is also one of the actors that demand extra care from movie producers.

“If he is on your set, the money you will pay as his fees will not be the only expense you should expect. You have to keep him in a very good hotel and also make arrangements for a special car that would take him to the location”, one of the producers

Nkem Owoh

TO GET HIM, YOU PAY INTO HIS ACCOUNT AND ARRANGE TO MEET HIM WITH THE BANK TELLER AND THE MOVIE SCRIPT. THE FACT THAT HE OFTEN DOES HIS DIALOGUE HAS HELPED HIM TO BARGAIN averred.

Comedian NkemOwoh, according to the producers, has a very formal approach when it comes to bargains for movie projects. He is also strict about his terms of payment. For the fact that his films usually attract huge sales, Nkem fondly called Osuofia goes between N1.5m to N2m depending on the project. He would also demand all his fees upfront, but in some special cases he could get 75% upfront payment if it is a producer he has worked with before.

One of the producers mentioned how Nkem Owoh bargains. “To get him, you pay into his account and arrange to meet him with the bank teller and the movie script. The fact that he often does his dialogue has helped him to bargain. He only gets a situation in the movie scripts and offers his dialogues”.

On account of his demand, he once got 37 scripts in 3 months, and one of the producers described it as ‘his most stressful moment in the industry’.

One would be wondering what Ghanaians have to do with Nollywood, but Majid Michel and Van Vicker are no pushovers even as Frank Artus profile continues to soar. The reason is simple: “Ghanaian market contributes so much to the sales of Nigerian home videos, owing to their stable electricity supply. Nigerian producers often target their market, which is enhanced by featuring any of the popular stars”.

Hon. Desmond Elliot

These two actors could go for between N800,000 and N1m and are always paid in US dollars.

John Okafor fondly called Mr. Ibu has also found a lot of favour amongst producers albeit movie fans, especially in Southern and Eastern African countries, a factor that has made him an item for producers targeting those markets. Getting him, according to the producers depend on the geographical location of the film project.

For movies shot in Lagos, Okafor, who started out as a production manager (before being discovered as an actor) could settle for N1million. But since his bitter experience in the hands of kidnappers in the south east, he agrees to work in the southeast with extra fees and police protection all borne by the producer.

An actor like Olu Jacob is also in high demand for his friendly working relationship. According to the producers, he has no airs and makes movie production seem easy because of his high sense of discipline. “On many occasions he contributes his ideas to the projects and strives to make every project a success for the producers. That is why he is an actor of choice”.

Stars like Chidi Mokeme, Jim Iyke, Emeka Ike and Desmond Elliot also have a place of pride, but Desmond Elliot is gradually dropping the toga of acting for directing. In this assessment , the duo of Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme are the ones whose fees are in opposite direction with their sizes. “Theirs is a classic example of size being inversely proportional to fees. Getting them on your set or show takes millions and they are always getting such roles. They are very recognisable and loved all over the world”.

However, there is no ceiling on their fees as exigencies could have them asking for much more and getting it, depending on the story line.

P. 22-23

Truth and Art Film Screening holds at MUSON

RMD

Critics

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ome enjoy the best of European and Nigerian electronic music at the closing concert of the ‘Electronic Soundscapes’ workshop. The concert will feature live performances from DJs R-Ash, Afrologic and Marko Fürstenberg alongside the workshop participants: DJ Sketch, DJ Bally, DJ Java, PJEGK, Irawo Drumline and DJ Kwest. The event holds on Saturday, 13th June 2015 by 7pm at the Federal Government Printing Press, 9 Broad Street, Lagos Island. Entry is free.

Inside FCT P. 24-25

Arty News

Highest-earning male actors in Nollywood

P. 20,21

Electronic Soundscapes Concert at Freedom Park

Artman

WEEKEND STARTERS

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

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Friday, June 12, 2015

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Why they call me culture

Isaac Izoya will surely come first in the aspect of uniting the Nigerian entertainment industry with Africans in Europe. This did not only pave way for a lot of artistes but has now engendered a film festival aptly called Nollywood Film Festival in Germany, NFFG, which holds every September. In this interview, with NGOZI EMEDOLIBE he explains the preparations being made for this year’s edition of the festival as well as his journey in the entertainment industry. Excerpts:

Izoya

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hat has been put in place for the next edition of the Nollywood Film Festival in Ger-

many?

Preparations for this edition of Nollywood Film Festival Germany are on. You know it is a platform to showcase films made

by Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora and also the third edition of Nollywood Europe Golden Awards NEGA, designed to honour those that have contributed to the growth of Nollywood. Someone asked the director of Frankfurt FilmForum Höchst, the venue of NFFG, Mr. Klaus-Peter Roth and he said, “we’re good to go again for this edition of NFFG. We’ve acquired some sophisticated machines to play some low or best standard Nollywood materials during the festival. I mean, we have the best machine any modern cinema can boast of in the world. Though, we’re really glad with what the programme director Isaac Izoya of Ehizoya Golden Entertainment e.V and his team have achieved, film festival wise, we only hope that the Nigeria government will see the need to support this noble project financially through Nigeria consulate or Embassy like the Cuba, Japan and Venezuela film festival also using our cinema to enable the organizers have enough money to translate some of these movies for screening into German language.”

That’s a white man thinking for our industry in that manner?

Yes, and it has to do with the impact the

festival has made in such a short time. Germany is a cultural society and they appreciate a good event when they see it.

How is this year’s event going to be different from the ones previously held?

We’ve gone extra miles this time to include Nigeria’s best comedians and musicians with Nollywood stars in this year programme. We want Nollywood fans to laugh, have handshakes with the Nollywood stars and later dance to have unlimited fun at the NEGA Awards gala-night which marks the closing ceremony.

Unlike the first edition when people have to drive about 12km from cinema to awards gala-night venue, we are lucky enough to have secured both cinema and awards gala-night venue within the same vicinity of about 500 meters walking distance. We also have some additional reliable partners working with us both in the media and on the field. NTA Channel 10 -Exclusive Live Boris communications Ltd and African Tide Union e.V are some of the viable new partners we’re working with now.

Other partners are Hessen State Filmforum Höchst VHS-Frankfurt Am Main, Stadt Frankfurt Kulturamt – (Ministry of Art/Culture Frankfurt City), Amt für multikulturelle Angelegenheiten - AmkA (The Office for Multicultural Affairs), City2-City Atnun Ogadriva Ltd, Moviedom and many others.

How is the Nigerian embassy receiv-

ing the event?

Unlike the last year’s NFFG event, when the Nigeria Embassy under the leadership of the then Ambassador, His Excellency, Mr. Abdu Usman Abubakar operated closed door policies and refused to support any Nollywood activities, the newly appointed Consul General His Excellency, Mr. John C. Ejinaka of the Frankfurt base Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has expressed his willingness to partner with Nigerians across Germany positively as it ought to be. The wind of change at the mission was practically confirmed during our recent NFFG project presentation courtesy call (02/06/2015) to the new Consul General His Excellency, Mr. John C. Ejinaka with his assistant, Senior Counsellor, Economic and Culture Desk, Mr. Zayyad Abdussalam said Izoya: “we’re here to supports and facilitate such laudable projects that will project Nigeria in a very good light. Nollywood undoubtedly, is like entry identity card for even the diplomats around the world. I personally love and watch Nollywood films and can’t wait to see our stars here in the city of Frankfurt during the festival. Nigeria is changing for good and entertainment has played a lead role in becoming Africa economy number one nation of today. I really appreciate what you are doing for successfully planting Nollywood seed in this part of the world based on your track record Mr. Izoya. We’re very much interested to contribute our quota for a successful NFFG event. In fact, Mr. Zayyad Abdussalam has been appointed to work with your organisation for a successful event”.

I don’t see It as my busIness. I see It as my passIon. If It was just a busIness I would have quIt sInce. I am just doIng It because I lIke promotIng nIgerIan culture, and there Is nothIng bad In askIng for government support to do that.

NFFG crew at Nigeria House Berlin

Who can participate in this festival?

The NFFG event will hold in September and for three days, the arena will be busy with works made by Nigerians who are scattered all over the world making the black race proud with their films. At the moment, Nollywood film makers from all over the world who wish to see their films screened in Frankfurt Am Main, Germany from 10th to 12th September 2015 are invited to send their films for assessment; The event will hold at the prestigious Filmforum Höchst VHS Cinema, Emmerich-Joselstr 46A, 65929 Frankfurt am Main.

Any deadline for submission of works?

The deadline for registration is August 1st, 2015. By this date, the registration form (www.ehizoyafilms.com) must have been filled out and validated). One of the accepted formats for NFFG films submitted for selection must be received by the festival jury not later than August 25th, 2015. The event would culminate in an awards ceremony on 12th September 2015 where Nigerians who have contributed to the growth of the industry would be recognised at the Nollywood Europe Golden Awards gala-nite.

Take me through the journey of your first show with Nigerian artistes?

My first show in Germany was after I connected with Nollywood’s director, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen who has done well in the Nigeria movie industry. First of all, it was a forum for Nigerian stars to meet their fans in Europe, because as at that time, there was nothing like it. The initial shows had seen star artistes Ngozi Ezeonu, Empress Njamah, Victor Osuagwu, Mr. Ibu, Jim Iyke, Patience Ozokwor, Aki and Paw-paw, Sheddy Baba, comedians

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Artman In The House

Friday, June 12, 2015

21

ambassador –Isaac Izoya

With son

like Basket Mouth, Julius Agwu, I Go Dye and host of others in shows across Europe beginning from Germany to Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, Greece to Holland.

How much does it cost to put this kind of show together?

It costs a lot of money. You have to put into consideration issues of logistics, which includes flight tickets, hotel accommodation, and in some cases, we make the white people realise how important our artistes are by treating them like real celebrities. Some of them have come here and were driven about in limousines, with body guards, so that the white man would know they should accord them respect. It takes a lot to do all these. When you bring all these aspects into consideration, you will realise it costs a lot of money.

How profitable is it?

Are you talking of profit margin or loss margin? To be frank with you, it is difficult to organise this kind of show and make profit without corporate sponsors or even government sponsorship. Some of my friends from Europe always ask me what my government has been doing to support my efforts, but I tell them nothing and they are always surprised and ask how I manage to do it.

Government support in your business?

I don’t see it as my business. I see it as my passion. If it was just a business I would have quit since. I am just doing it because I like promoting Nigerian culture, and there is nothing bad in asking for government support to do that. My friends from other European countries get grants for their activities. I have continued to pursue this, because it is my passion. I love what I am doing and I am not in it because of the money. Have you been to the French Cultural Centre in Lagos? Or the Goethe Institute? They are worldwide spreading their

countries’ world view through arts. But I have been spending my personal money to create fun for our people without Nigerian government’s support. The Germans will tell you that it’s funny; but it’s the true.

Have you approached Nigerian companies?

That is the ultimate goal. The great days are closer, because like most Nigeri-

ans resident in Europe would tell me, the show must go on. We will continue with what we are doing. I wish to use this opportunity to state that some of the shows we host in Europe are good avenues for some products and services seeking recognition amongst Nigerians in the Diaspora. The figures at our shows will testify to this.

I heard some of the artistes do not collect fees because of their quest to travel to Europe?

I will just laugh at that. I cannot think of any artiste that would not call what he is doing a job because he wants to travel to Europe. The best they could do is to reduce their fees, when we explain to them how far we go to promote them here, because our activities rub off on them as well. But this is show business. There is the show and there is the business. I will say that I have worked with some artistes who understand my perspective. On some instances, we have had to shoot movies, which I produced and acted in alongside some of these actors. I will say the artistes I work with know my desires; I try as much as possible to bring them into the picture.

What was it like working with Timaya?

As a showbiz promoter, I am moved by the need to create fun and happiness for fans. We had been trying to reach him for a long time because his fans wanted him to come to Europe and entertain. Stories kept coming of how he is rude towards show organisers. But then the people desired to see him. We took the bull by the horns and started discussing with him. We provided him with all he wanted and I tell you he had a great show.

Our show took him to Dusseldorf and

We are lucky enough to have secured both cinema and aWards gala night venue Within the same vicinity of about

meters Walking distance.

500

We also have

some additional reliable partners Working With us both in the media and on the field.

Izoya

returned to the Surprise Nite Club in Berlin, Germany. It was a day after that we took him to Frankfurt and Mainz for the world opening of Female World Cup before moving to Sinsheim, a community near Heidelberg, Germany where he was on hand to welcome the Super Falcons for the Women World Cup that year. It was a great show. We fulfilled Timaya’s obligation and he also fulfilled ours. Let me tell you, our own Abami Eda, Fela always had problems with promoters who didn’t do what he wanted but there were also promoters who promoted his shows and he was on good terms with them.

What is the worth of Ehizoya Golden Entertainment?

It’s worth cannot be measured in terms of Euros or dollars. Its value can be quantified in terms of what it has been able to achieve. You see, our inspiration comes from the fact that we believe that arts and culture would sell Nigeria’s image better than all public relation activities put together. It was in 2000 that the idea started hitting my brains. I felt that Nollywood was growing in Lagos and we needed to use it as integration platform for Africans in the Diaspora. I felt that there were so many Africans who hadn’t been home for long and needed to connect with Nigeria.

The numbers of white Europeans who storm these shows are not measurable.

That means more to me than what the bank account says. Everyone was born for something. The Dangotes and the Adenugas will make their money; the Izoyas will help promote African culture.

What will I do if I want to host a successful show?

There are several factors that produce a great show and they differ locally and internationally. The International promoter must have good records to procure travel documents for his artistes. If you do not have good reputation, the embassies would never give your artistes visas to travel.

Secondly, you must have your contacts right because we have promoted shows all over Europe -Greece, France, Spain, Belgium, Holland; so your contacts matter.

Aside from this, your eyes and ears must be on the ground to hear what the fans want. We regularly sound the fans out and give them the artistes they want and these make the shows very successful.

You have not produced a movie for some time?

We are working out the logistics. Everyone is raising the bar in movie-making, so is Ehizoya Entertainment. We have projects lined up in this direction, and at the appropriate time, we will unfold them.

Let us get personal; how is your wife?

It is an area I don’t like dwelling on. I have my kids. Some are in UK, some in the US. The story of my wife is long and boring and we just need to leave it at that.

You are still a young man?

You should have said a young-looking man, not a young man; not when I am thinking of money for tuition in higher institutions for the kids. Honestly, I do not know about the actresses running after me.

22

Critics

MUSIC

Friday, June 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Rayce’s average outing

Through this EP, it is clear that Rayce’s raw talent can’t be ignored. But will it catapult him to every artiste’s dream, “the Superstar status”?

Olawale OluwadaHunsi

T

he EP which was entirely produced by Ploops and Admire Beatz starts off with an Intro, We Bad Gan , a well produced opener on which he reintroduces himself to his fans, singing “Now they call me , Street to Street / Home to Home / Igboro T’Igboro” on a catchy tune which would definitely get listeners hooked once it comes on. Tetela which translates to “Early Success”, The next single, interpolated a little bit from King Sunny Ade’s Ja Funmi , a solid number, performed in Yoruba Language, on which he chronicles his come-up from nothing to something, and thanked God for his new-found situation. This is a song which I feel would appeal to different strata of Music listeners, from Parents to Youths, right down to young kids. Showing his Musical depth, Rayce samples yet another evergreen hit track, Baby Paulina, a song released in 1967 by Evangelist Ebenezer Obey on the next song Omoge Marina, a contemporary interpretation of Juju Music, complete

BOOK

Rayce with Yoruba percussion, as well as the talking drums, which encapsulated what he was trying to do and created a melody which would definitely put a smile on the face of the great Musical Evangelist.

The first of the three guests on the album, Seyi Shay assists on the next track, We On Fire, an up tempo song which was created to capture and recreate the current “Afro-Pop” sound which is rul-

ing the airwaves at the moment, It didn’t sound like something Rayce would be involved with and was a bit too underwhelming to fit into the Musical sequence on the project. I’m Ready is another fast paced Pop fusion of South African House sounds and a Neo-Kwaito vibe.

It’s an average song, that was inspired mainly by his breakout hit Roll, though it is not close to that in terms of hit quality, I actually see this being played in a couple of African countries if well promoted. If you want to dance, the lead single of this EP Ring’o is your best bet, a love song which also borrows “Afro Pop elements” and is actually the better of the Pop tracks on this Al-

Chronicling a rising continent

Dayo Olopade’s book rekindles hope in the African continent.

Jamie HitcHen

T

Rayce album

he meaning behind the term kanju, ‘a specific creativity born from African difficulty’, is instantly familiar to anyone who has spent time stuck in the traffic jams that characterise modern African cities, in which drivers can purchase a wide array of goods from roving vendors. Capturing and understanding kanju, a Yoruba word, is the theme that runs through Dayo Olopade’s recently published paperback The Bright Continent.

This is a journalist’s account that provides important insights into how Africans are changing their own situation through a framework of ‘maps’ looking at family, technology, commercial, nature and youth.

The book seeks to highlight the ingenuity challenging formality bias - the tendency to rely on rules and formal structures. Olopade takes a libertarian stand in arguing that formality bias is holding Africa back. The integrity of formal institutions is in doubt, she says, and they need to be reconceived, to ensure they are viewed as vehicles for change by citizens.

Olopade provides valuable examples to counter pervasive narratives of Africans lacking agency, detailing innovations in technology and the design of indigenous systems to meet local needs.

She cites the cases of vertical gardens in urban Kenya, digitalising patient attendance records in Malawi, Shujaaz, a multi-media youth engagement production in Kenya and phone applications to provide rural farmers up to date crop prices in Uganda. She reasons that ‘fat economies’, such as the USA, can learn from the resourcefulness and adaptability of the ‘lean economies’ that exist across the African continent.

Olopade’s argument against external decision-making for Africa, without African involvement, is valuable. Yet her argument is weakened by the tendency to provide and interpret information that

Furthermore, olopade’s indepth Focus on middle-income

countries like

nigeria and kenya comes at a cost

oF ignoring low-

income countries, particularly in

French speaking regions, like chad and niger.

reinforces the hypothesis being set out. The cases of successful local resourcefulness given are not contrasted with less successful, or failed, ventures.

Furthermore, Olopade’s indepth focus on middle-income countries like Nigeria and Kenya comes at a cost of ignoring lowincome countries, particularly in French speaking regions, like Chad and Niger.

Beyond asserting the disconnection between politicians and their electorates, especially between government representatives and Africa’s youth, Olopade does not fully explain the capacity of informal structures to enact political change - to reshape the political sphere into something more representative and relevant.

Finally, while Olopade gives voice to African innovators insufficient space is devoted to the opinions of beneficiaries - in other words, those best placed to comment on the successes and failures of these initiatives. Her example of paying for education through Bridge Schools in Kenya would be more powerful if the voices of parents and students were audible.

Overall the book delivers a valuable snapshot in capturing what happens beyond the state and aid agencies, in Africa’s informal sector. A sector which, according to the African Development Bank, contributes 55% of GNP and upwards of

BOOK COVER 8 0 % of the labour force across the con- t i nent.

Moving forwards, academics should be striving to provide more rigorous research, on a country by country basis, to fully understand where the continent is bright and where the light shines duller.

Doing this, will help us to understand more fully, how kanju can meet the demands of a youthful continent striving for development and prosperity.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Critics

Friday, June 12, 2015

While fans should support him solely

for his raW talent, and creativity,

he should bear in mind that he needs do more to prove his appeal for a certified superstar status bum, Rayce holds this song down like an experienced singer, and utilized his vocal ability to a quite decent result.

Wetin Dey, the 7th Track borrows the Dancehall/Ragga Sound, and gives the sound a club vibe. This is one of the songs on this project that would get spins in clubs, and get everyone on their feet, definitely one of the better songs here. Property is a mellower offering, on which the beat is slower, and is inspired more by Afrobeat. This one is a more sombre song on which he states “Anything you get na your property”, it is definitely a song for the grown and sexy folks to groove to. M.I Abaga lends 16 bars to the project on African Beauty, which was supposed to be a celebration of Nubian Queens at least from the title, but wound up with “Let’s get the Party started” on the hook. The song interpolated the bassline of RnB 2 Rue, a 2001 hit track by French Artiste Matt Houston, which was quite popular in Nigeria. It is a decent song, but one that I think is highly forgettable despite the high profile collaboration which was primarily there to push the song further and give it more appeal. Rayce andGeneral Pype complimented each other on the next cut Higher, a previously released single, which is directed to the ladies, and utilizes a slower laid back Reggae Vibe on the production.

The Album closes up on a soft note with an acoustic rendition on For You; Rayce showcased his vocal range, and serenaded the ladies over the plucking of guitar strings soulfully, to create an song which is not only an appropriate album closer, but also a song he could use to end his shows and live performances.

Rayce is a well versed artiste, one of the Brightest music Artistes of this generation, who has the ability to make hit tracks, and articulate his music properly with meaningful lyrics, but he kind of fell short on this Project. Lyrically he was on point, but the production was linear, and it failed to make a proper case for Rayce as an artiste of a high calibre. To me, this EP leaves him stuck in the same category which he was before it dropped, and the absence of his hit tracks like Roll, Jack Sparrow and Just like that points at record label politics and industry drama. While fans should support him solely for his raw talent, and creativity, he should bear in mind that he needs do more to prove his appeal for a certified superstar status

23

FILM

Dissecting Champagne

Emem Isong has made her directorial debut in ‘Champagne’. But it leaves little to be desired.

IsIguzo DestIny

A

fter I saw the so much hyped romance thriller, ‘Champagne’, I remembered the first time I cooked.

It was ‘jolloff ’ rice. It came out looking very appetising with a radiating tomato colour. I so much announced it, packed it in a flask and trekked to my parents’ shop at Ahia Ohuru market in Aba. They celebrated me. While my mum was busy showing off the appetizing looking rice to the neighbours, my more critical dad took a spoonful of the rice and I suddenly saw goose pimples appear from nowhere on his face and then he asked me, “did you put salt?”

The title Champagne is very attractive and spells a kind of ecstasy. I must say it is a very suitable and creative title.

In fact I was first attracted to the movie because of the catchy title. I listened to Isong’s comment on the title where she said: “I just wanted to do something that is a bit associated with glitz and glamour, so I decided to name the lead character ‘Champagne’. There’s really nothing more to it”. I just wished the creativity of the title and Isong’s oratory on the title reflected in the content of the film.

Champagne is neither a good nor a bad movie especially, when you think of the fact it was a take-off movie of Enem Isong. Nigerian producers are somehow in a haste to bring directors and actors on set over scripts that the writers refused to add salt in order to season it and bring out good taste. A lot was wrong with that movie: the inconsistencies in the story’s plot and lighting, the cliché subject matter, the long time it took the movie to talk on an intricately loose and too watery story, failure of the actors to interpret and realize the characters and the characterization of the story and the lack of verisimilitude in the film. Nevertheless, Emem is a newcomer and may have a lot in stock for the movie industry in subsequent films. But if the likes of “Champagne” are what

‘champagne’ is too straight forWard and lacks the rigorous plot many good stories have.

from the

beginning of the plot, to the end

seems an eventless effort

she will be offering, I will advice her to maybe to directing in music videos. That will be simpler to handle.

The movie is one of those Nigeria movies that I know the end from the first few scenes; it assaulted my concept of creativity and looks like a creative nightmare with its consumption of people’s valuable time. If films fail in everything, they must not fail in the presentation of conflict, because the bane of every film is its poise towards capturing human conflict. The conflict must be such that is delicate that which viewers will be glued to see its denouement. Champagne has no creative conflict, its conflict was no conflict at all or rather, not convincing. The conflict the issue of infidelity in the lives of a young couple in the film would have been salvaged through an exceptional interpretation by the characters. The commendable Rosemary Zimu’s character gave life to the film but few good characters can’t make a film very successful. Alex Ekubo was not at his best in this movie but Majid added colour to the film especially in his fourth time appearance though he struggled with his role at the beginning.

The technicality and lighting of the film is an apology. In the scene of Majid’s fourth appearance, the lighting was dull and clumsy. I may allude this to unrefined technicality because the audio of the film is such that I am

tempted to say that viewers should be given an apology after the money they paid to watch the movie is refunded.

There is no suspense at all in the movie, in fact, I would have gone to add salt to my ‘jollof ’ rice on the cooker and come back without feeling I’ve missed anything from the film. ‘Champagne’ is too straight forward and lacks the rigorous plot many good stories have. From the beginning of the plot, to the end seems an eventless effort. I will recommend Emem to go and read any of Shakespeare’s tragic classics with Aristotle’s “Poetics” to be able to have a better and firmer grip on good plots and suspense.

The film tells the story of a young couple who entered into a “one chance marriage”, a marriage that lacks the core values of matrimony. Like all such marriages founded on a stale foundation, a twist was added to the couple’s love with the introduction of a character, Douglas (Majid Michel). The couple’s life is such that they are in the business of duping unsuspecting people in order to pay their bills.

Though it sounds interesting, it is not that interesting. I recommend that the film should be watched so that people can form their own opinion on the basis that I may have been too hard on the film. Again we may use this film in judging Emem Isong’s subsequent films.

24

Inside FCT

Thursday, June 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wuse Market: Mixed reactions over allocation of shops joel ajayi ABUJA

T

raders, shop owners, artisans of Wuse Zone 3, market popularly known as Ajegunle market, located behind Neighborhood shopping mall in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were gripped with fear over unauthorised allocation of their space to unknown persons.

Artisans and petty traders are groaning that they can no longer sleep with their eyes closed, following a recent threat and harassment from persons to demolish the market.

A neighborhood marketplace over 500 shops comprises workshops, food vendor amongst other believed to be temporary market serving residents of Wuse’s, where thousands of resident reside in the FCT. Inside FCT, gathered that the place is a transit corridor for Abuja rail project, that’s was why government want market to move, because the railway construction is coming very close.

Shop owners in their numbers told Inside FCT who visited the market at the weekend that nobody in the market has a rest mind since the news of the purported planned demolition broke out.

It was on this uncalled for situation, artisans, food vendor, and traders, in their hundreds last week, stormed the premises of the FCT Administration in Area 11, Garki District, Abuja, demanding an audience and explanation over the demolition threat.

The incident that occurred barely five days after former Minister Senator Mohammed Bala bowed out of office, the aggrieved traders barricaded the entrance and exit gates of the FCTA Secretariat, barring movement around there, for hours, Uchechukwu Matthew, the chairman, Abuja Computer Village Technicians and Dealers Association, said, recently, we got information that this place has been allocated to somebody, who came to verbally inform us that we should start vacating this place, as he has bought it and wants to take possession of the place.

“And on every effort to find out the possibility of here being a transit corri-

Wuse Market

dor, and at the same time being allocated to a company rather than allowing us (traders) that are the occupants, the right of first refusal. There was no effort by the FCTA to provide with any answer, all we were told is to move out.

“They cannot provide job and this is where traders eke out a living to take care of their various immediate families to be sincere with you, over 1,500 youth, and every quarter of the year, we are empowering about 500 youth with technical skills, and but today, government wants to throw us on the street, to do what or go to where?

Although there was no demolition notice from officials of the FCTA, past experiences have shown that anything can happen in FCT, when it comes to demolition of structures.

“The man claiming ownership of the land, came here with a detached team of mobile policemen, and did not allow any of us to come close to their shops, and he was measuring the place. He showed us the land papers that legally allocated the place to him; So, we have every cause to

be afraid, with or without demolition notice from FCTA. “For so long, we were told that the only place that the government would give to us to use as Abuja Computer village, but until today nothing has been heard of it.

Also lamenting, cloth seller, Emeka Victor narrated that FCDA has collected a lot of money from occupant of this market, in fact, 80 of profit made here were been used to pay all manner of levy.

“The last time they came for demolition, I have goods worth N1m in my shop destroyed and my families rally round me to get back on my feet now they are trying to demolish it again.

“Government cannot create employment for the citizens. A country with high unemployment rate, but derives pleasure in destroying goods and properties? Where do they want us to start from? He groaned Resident are not left out, lending out their voices, a resident identified as Mrs. Esther Alege said: “This market has been helping the occupant of area; we need to take distance to get our goods and services, I think this will have adverse effect on the resident I am begging the Buhari’s administration not to make demolition one of his priority, for its better to build than to destroy.”

although there waS no demolition notice from officialS of the fcta, paSt experienceS have Shown that anything can happen in

fct, when it

comeS to demolition of StructureS

Politicians groan as rent soars in Abuja Wole oladimeji

A

fter the nation waited patiently for the handover of government to the newly elected APC presidential candidate, Gen Mohammodu Buhari in May 29th this month and the inauguration of the National Assembly members in June, the new set of politicians have started relocating to the seat of power in earnest thereby affecting the cost of house rent in the federal capital territory.

Before now, the house rent in the FCT is something else as most middle class found it difficult to live in Abuja because

of the ever soaring cost of house rent, although situation is a bit better in the suburb but still if compare to other states.

The politicians and public office holders especially the lawmakers are finding it difficult to secure accommodation in Abuja pending the time government

would give them housing and furniture allowances as the case may be.

As some of these people and their aides stormed Abuja to secure where they would live in the next four years, the major challenge they are facing is how they are going to solve the problem of accom-

Some of them expreSSed concern over what they Saw and Said that thiS trend haS to be addreSSed becauSe it iS thoSe who are into corruption that can afford the high coSt of living.

Abuja apartments

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Inside FCT

Thursday, June 12, 2015

25

Super Eagles donate cash, food to orphans Joel AJAyi

I

n a bid to help the less-privileged in the society to further their education in Federal Capital Territory FCT, the Super Eagles players frolicked with orphans, while donating money as well as goods worth N1.5m.

It was euphoric experience for the children of Divine Wounds of Jesus Orphanage of Kubwa a suburb of FCT, when they had a wonderful time out and extraordinary experience with senior players of the most populous black nation, Nigeria.

The event which took place on Saturday June 6 will for long time be fresh in the memories of the affected orphans in the FCT, it was the day the Super Eagles players led by the Coach, Stephen Keshi and the rest of the technical crew played host to over 110 orphans in their camp.

The national team players showered gifts and food items on the less-privileged kids while also pledging cash donations to help with their education at a Corporate Social Responsibility event held at the National Stadium in Abuja.

Announcing the cash and presenting the food items orphanage home, inside the Main-Bowl of Abuja National Stadium on Saturday, The Eagle’s players showed generosity to orphan with cash and a lot of food items as part of their community service.

Food item includes cloth, toilet roll, drinks, beverages, rice, yam, play-station games, snacks and toiletries amongst other to take care of some of the children’s immediate needs.

Team captain, and Eagles goalkeeper of the Super Eagles Vincent Enyeama, who promised to donates his match bonus to the orphans, said the team would continue to support the less privileged in the society, especially those in orphanages.

According to him, we were prompted to donate the items to ensure that the orphans were well taken care of he added that the education of the kids was important to the team as that was the foundation of their success as footballers.

“We are here to support this kids and their course. We just got to know about it and we said we want to be part of it.

“Personally on behalf of this team, my share of the bonus for the match against Chad will be paid into the orphanage account for education of the kids, to encourage them to push on.

“From time to time, we will continue to assist them in whatever way we can; this is our little token and appreciation from God for the work you are doing,” Enyeama said.

Also, CSKA Moscow and Nigeria winger Ahmed Musa also, pledged cash price of N500,000 naira to the orphans.

While thanking the Director of the Orphanage home, Charles Ikezemuoka, promised that, the money donated by the players would be judiciously used in the education of the children.

According to him, it is exciting for me to see that the Eagles are giving back to the community where they come from.

It has been a challenge in the education of these children for some time, but

While thanking them, the Director of the orphanage home, charles ikezemuoka, promiseD that, the money DonateD by the players WoulD be juDiciously useD in the eDucation of the chilDren

modation or how to get the money for the rent which some of the estate agents are asking for.

Following this development, some banks officials took these advantages during induction course for the lawmakers by luring them to come and take loans to solve their immediate problems.

Some of the naïve lawmakers fell to this juicy offer but some who were privileged to have been schooled on the danger in rushing for loans rejected the offer which may put them in serious danger throughout the period their stay in Abuja.

The most unfortunate thing is that those lawmakers that could not return would not go back to their various states and the new ones would gain them in Abuja thereby over stretching the infrastructure and housing provided.

While it os difficult for the public office holders including politicians to secure a befitting accommodation, their aides who could not live in town have to move to the satellite towns around the FCT which is a little better because house rent is equally high in those suburb areas of Abuja.

To secure a befitting three bed room flat or a duplex in any of the popular estate now would cost like N4 to N5 million per year, a situation these people just coming out of election expense do not expect.

In some cases in town, such house attract more than that. While those who attempted buying were frustrated due to the cost placed on the house.

Investigation conducted revealed that some of these lawmakers have to arrange on how to scott with their friends

with this, we will go very far.

“We are looking to add extra spaces to their accommodation and add more buildings in their school; buy more educational materials and be able to get them qualified teachers.

“We are also looking to expand the school, add more laboratories, libraries and some other things and ensure that they get quality education which the Eagles have demanded for them.

“Talented ones who were willing to take the part of football would be given the opportunity, and our prayer for the kids is to grow and become great.

One of the kids, who spoke on behalf of others, Kingsley Ojo, a Junior Secondary School JSS 1 student of the orphanage commended the players for their kind gesture.

“I want to thank you for the privilege to come and visit you in the camp; I want to thank you for welcoming us. May the good Lord continue to bless you and strengthen you; you will never lack.” He prayed.

and relations for a while before they would be settled.

Some of them expressed concern over what they saw and said that this trend has to be addressed because it is those who are into corruption that can afford the high cost of living.

One of the lawmakers from Ogun complained bitterly about the cost of houses and rent in Abuja, how is it possible to live comfortably in FCT under this condition. Living in hotel is ruled out because the daily expences is something else. So it is not easy for a poor man to survive in Abuja.

Fear of demolition and high of land in FCT have sent away the prospective estate developers who would have invested in housing. The house policy of the federal government and the FCT are not favourable as to attract developers.

Mirror Mongers

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Friday, June 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

As UNIPORT prepares for convocation Radio station for women

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University of Port Harcourt

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n a few days from now, the University of Port Harcourt would be having her 30th convocation ceremony. Of course, it is expected to be a top of the range event with invitees like President Muhammadu Buhari and the immediate past President, Goodluck Jonathan, who incidentally graduated from the school. But that is not the buzz making the rounds about the event. If you have

watched the commercial of the event on TV, you would understand what is slightly (that is the word) ‘wrong’ with the event. Considering that the university has a host of academics, who are knowledgeable in the writing of English language, you would marvel at the spelling of ‘Honourary’ in the campaign. MM notes that the spelling is neither English nor American, and that leaves a lot of foul taste on the ‘knowledge buds’ of people looking up to the school.

Honourable outcry at Oshodi/ Isolo?

Hon. Shadimu

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on. Mutiu Shadimu, the newlyelected House of Representatives member ‘representing’ Oshodi/ Isolo Constituency 1 seems to be savour-

Qa

ONE-SECOND &

With

CHARLES SOLUDO

African woman

ing his victory with a slight discomfort, especially with fears that the group he defeated in the March 28 elections is yet to get over the defeat. He wants them to act like exPresident Goodluck Jonathan by conceding defeat, so that everyone works in the interest of the constituency which needs good representation at Abuja at the moment.

MM gathered that on a number of occasions peace of the area has been threatened by acts of some supporters of the opposition who are not in tune with the victory. There are even claims that attempts have been made at his residence and this is making him uneasy. As the matter rages, there are calls on the security agencies to wade into the matter; while the two major political parties seek the constitutional means of resolving the differences as availed by the tribunal. But the camp of Shadimu says their opponents will get over the ‘trauma’ after a while.

As one of the people who fervently criticised President Jonathan’s administration, speculations are rife that Prof Charles Soludo was doing so to find favour in the new government of Buhari.

He reacts to rumours of this plan:

he gender issue is really advancing, and it may be good and bad depending on the side of the divide you belong. It may sound surprising but Nigerians will soon have a radio station dedicated to the women folk. St. Ives Communications was recently granted license to operate Nigeria’s first radio station for women by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). The radio station will provide a platform to engage on issues of local, national and international importance for Nigerian women. One of the proponents of the idea is Toun Okewale Sonaiya.

According to her the programming style will be interactive and engaging, to foster a sense of connection among Nigerian women and their families across all ages, social, cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds. Yes, a platform to discuss how much a husband should bring for a pot of soup may have berthed, if you ask some male chauvinists.

Prayer warriors on board

Inside an airplane

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hen one gets stung by the bee, the mere sight of a house fly sends shivers down someone’s spines.

That is the best way to describe what happened at the Abuja airport, following the news of an Aero aircraft which developed ‘slight’ (is there anything like that in air accidents?) problem mid air a few days ago.

It was so traumatising that even after the repairs had been done after the emergency landing at Abuja, majority of the passengers still refused to fly. They actually opted to use the road to their final destination, Kaduna.

This reminds one of what happened

ernment Are you likely to serve in this gov as speculated?

F

ment or sure, I wish the new govern eria, Nig of e sak the for success and st assi to ute trib con st everyone mu trib con will I . ceed suc President Buhari evr, eve How . can I way ute in whatever t in order to eryone can’t sit in governmen time bafull on e ther be serve: some will outfrom ute trib con can sis while others t poin this at and ally son side. For me per for le ilab ava or d ose disp in time, I am not full time public service now.

shortly after the news of the helicopter crash that took the lives of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Patrick Yakowa, the former National Security Adviser, Andrew Azazi, and their aides in Bayelsa State some years ago. Passengers who were getting set to board a plane coming to Lagos shortly after the news, all broke loose in prayers, ‘binding and casting’ all satanic influences responsible for plane crashes during turbulence. MM scooped that for once ‘Muslims and Christians’ united in prayers against a common enemy: forces responsible for plane crashes.

Friday, June 12, 2015 25 Shaban, 1436

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

27

Call to Worship

On the authority of Anas bin Malik, the servant of the Messenger of Allah, the prophet said: “None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.”

RELATED BY BUKHARI AND MUSLIM

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he representatives of Muslim Youth organizations from the states in the Southern Zone of Nigeria attended a 3-Day Capacity Building / Leadership Training Programme held at Islamic Propagation Centre (IPC), Warri, Delta State from 5th to 7th of June, 2015. The workshop with theme, “Productivity In The Life of A Muslim”, had scholars and professionals who presented papers on aspects relating to theme.

The participants were equipped with knowledge aimed at making them to be productive, efficient and self-reliance in their various endeavours and professions. At the programme, issues relating to nation building and development were raised and deliberated upon. At the end of the workshop, the following resolutions were adopted.

Muslims in all spheres of life should be productive, hardworking, honest, and efficient in order to contribute to the economic development of the country, noting that it is by being productive that our country can attain greatness and prosperity.

As Ramadhan is fast approaching, Muslims are enjoined to use the period to pray for continued

NACOMYO holds workshop on nation building, empowerment peace, stability and progress of our dear country, while also appealing to Nigerians to exercise patience with the new government to co-operate with it in the onerous task of governance.

Muslims were called upon to uphold the teachings of their faith and strengthen their brotherhood with a view to ensuring inter-religious harmony, while also charging them to display love, kindness and good neighborliness with other Nigerians to enhance peaceful co-existence required for development.

Participants noted the patriotism displayed by Nigerians in the face of the recent fuel scarcity across the country and urged them to sustain such spirit and understanding, particularly with the new government as it settles down to address our multiple challenges. They called on government and other stakeholders in the petroleum industry to revive the trend which has sub-

jected Nigerians to unnecessary hardship.

On the incessant killing and kidnapping in the country, the workshop noted President Muhammadu Buhari’s directives for a relocation of Nigerian Military Command from Abuja to Maiduguri as a step in the right direction and urged the Military to sustain its current efforts in the fight against insurgency. It also commended the neighboring communities whose military partnership has contributed to the progress made in onslaught against Boko Haram.

NACOMYO observed marginalization of Southern Muslims especially from South-East and South-South geopolitical zones in political appointment, urging the present government at all levels to avoid such imbalance, while also ensuring that the rights of every group are accorded and protected.

7. On National Identity Card

project, Council observed that Muslims in the South were being deprived of maintaining their Islamic identity by not allowing them being captured with their caps and hijabs (for males and females respectively) and thereby called on the federal government to call the National Identity Card Management Commission (NIMC) to order and to eschew bias in the discharge of their duties. The Council noted that government has a duty to ensure that citizens are not molested in the face of adherence to the teachings and tenets of their faiths and this is in keeping with constitutional provisions of free practice of faith in the country.

8. The workshop also called on the three tiers of government to exercise caution in their plans at rationalizing the labour force, noting that such initiative will aggravate the socio-economic problems of such Nigerians. The Council, in the instead, urged

governments to create job opportunities for the teaming youths of the country, while also consolidating on the youth empowerment initiatives of the last administration. It also enjoined federal government to create the enabling environment through improved provision of energy and infrastructure for a thriving entrepreneurship.

NACOMYO sympathized and condoled with generality of Muslims on the demise of eminent Islamic clerics and leaders including Alh. Abdul-Rasheed Oyekan (Lagos State), Alh. Mutalab Ogunnaike (Remonic), Alh. Imam Abdul-Azeez Okanlawon (Ogun State), Alh. Imam Suarah (Oyo State), Alh. Ibrahim Nwagui, Alh. Shauib O. Ajah (Ebonyi State), whose profound leadership benefitted the country.

Participants also extend similar condolence to other Nigerians who lost their beloved in their service of the nation.

L-R: AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef; Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO) Mufti Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shafi’i; CIO Lagos Coordinator Abdullahi Shuaib; Mallam Luqman Balogun; Al-Fatiu Quareeb Society of Nigeria Missioner Sheikh Sulayman Adangba; Markaz Salam founder Sheikh Moshood Ramadan Jibreel during CIO Pre-Ramadan Lecture at Beleke Smith Memorial Mosque Hall, Surulere, Lagos, on Tuesday

Hijab cases in US and Lagos 28

Reading your qur’aan in Ramadan 29

Stop preaching violence –Fashola

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Call to Worship

25 Shaban, 1436 Friday, June 12, 2015

Hijab cases in US and Lagos

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t is quite baffling how we handle things in this part of the world. When I read about the case involving Samantha Elauf, a Muslim woman from Oklahoma who was denied a job at an Abercrombie & Fitch clothing store in 2008 after wearing a hijab during her interview, I feel sorry for our judicial system.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission took on her case, sued, and recently, the Supreme Court sided with her by a vote of 8 to 1.

It then reminded me of a recent public school girl’s hijab case in Lagos where the court ruled against the girls’ right to wear hijab.

Just like it was argued at the US court that the company had sufficient basis to understand that Samantha needed an accommodation for her religious beliefs, I think it is high time our public office holders, courts and other stakeholders must realised that Muslim children in public schools and institutions, must be accommodated based on their religious belief.

If we are truly democratic, open-minded, tolerant,

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THE PLATFORM with

Sekinah

Lawal E-mail: sakinah207@yahoo.com t: 08055102994

committed to diversity and inclusion, then our girls and women must be given their rights.

We have cases of many Muslim nurses being discriminated against for using Hijab.

I could remember the last time I was at the UK embassy, despite the fact that the immigration rules give room for religious use of Hijab, we have many overzealous Nigerians who are bent on asking us to adjust or even remove Hijab. Anyway, I let them realise that they will be be capturing a different image because that will not be the way I appear ordinarily.

I see it as hypocrisy because when musicians decided to wear their trousers above their ankles (Michael Jackson style) out of their own self desire, nobody cares (it’s the in-thing). But let a Muslim wears his trousers above his ankle, he is a fanatic.

When someone wears a 3 piece suit & tie under a scorching sun, nobody is worried, it’s his business.

But when a Muslimah wears her hijab, then the question; isn’t she feeling this heat?

When a professor decides to grow his beard, no-

We have cases of many muslim nurses being discriminated against for using

hijab

body is worried (it’s his identity), let a Muslim brother do so, he becomes a threat. When any musician wears mask, nobody is worried (it’s his UNIQUE style of fame). But when a Muslimah wears her niqab as commanded by her Lord, then, she is oppressed & marginalized. We just have to please Allah, regardless of what people think about us. Yes, it is as simple as that.

Oh mankind, fear your lord, for the convulsion of the final hour is a terrible thing. (Suratul Hajj vs 1).

May Allah take our souls as righteous servants, Aamin. Ramadan Kareem in advance!

Groups walk for life, good governance

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non-governmental organization, Human Concern Foundation International (HCFI) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to embark on a service-oriented administration.

The group, which was partnered by the Center for Global Peace Initiative (CGPI), The Muslim Congress (TMC) and Globacom Communications, held a street walk tagged, “Walk for Life, Peace and Good Governance” at the weekend in Lagos.

The walk covered about 10 kilometers taking off from Jibowu, Yaba through Maryland and back to Jibowu.

HCFI Executive Director Dr Ibrahim Oreagba said researches have shown that when you walk on a regular basic, it reduc-

es the incidence of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and hypertension, adding that walking should be on a daily basis.

“Walking should be on a daily basis, sometimes you can walk from a particular point to the other rather than taking public transport or taking our vehicles; we should be familiar with it on a daily basis.

“We are also doing this to encourage the present government to practice good governance,” Dr Oreagba of the Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, said.

According to him, the walk is one of the annual programmes of the foundation meant to ensure that Nigerians are fit - physically, mentally and emotionally.

HCFI, Dr Oreagba, a Senior Research Fellow/Consultant

and Coordinator Pharmacovigilance in South West said, has been providing limited services in the area of health enlightenment campaign and medical counseling at the grassroots where medical facilities are grossly absent or inadequate.

“Our main objectives of HCFI are to improve the health status of Nigerians and equally to positively change the attitudes and practices of community residents with respect to sound health and hygiene.

“HCFI has, through the support of Nigerian pharmaceutical companies and corporate organizations has organised health programmes in Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Edo, Niger and Kwara States. We have also been to Abuja the Republic of Benin.”

Dr Oreagba addressing the participants. With him (from right) are AbdulWasiu Bangbala; Dr AbdurRaheem; Imam Shuaib and Ishaq

He added that if people could be doing that on their own twice or thrice a week, they will be fit physically and emotionally and guide against heart-related diseases.

He said: “If you look at the world today, many people are suffering from heart related diseases, obesity among others which are actually avoidable, and one of the ways we can avoid heartrelated diseases is to cultivate the culture of walking; not really jogging at this stage of our life. When we must walk, we will sweat and burn energies that are not useful, by so doing we will be physically and mentally fit.

Senior Lecturer, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Dr Luqman AbdurRaheem, enjoined President Buhari to learn from the past mistakes and ap-

Participants during the walking excerses

point like-minded Nigerians who are ready to work for development of the country.

Dr AbdurRaheem hailed HCFI for trying to keep Nigerians fit.

Executive Director, Zakat and Sadakat Foundation Imam Abdullahi Shuaib urged Nigerians to be patient and support the present administration for good governance.

Imam Abdullahi said Nigerians look forward to enjoying good dividends of democracy.

“There are a lot of leakages in Nigeria’s democratic experience in the last sixteen years and we are hoping that with this new dawn that we have witnessed last Friday, a new chapter would be opened in the Nigerian democratic experience for us as Nigerians to benefit from them,” he said.

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Call to Worship

Friday, June 12, 2015 25 Shaban, 1436

Reading your qur’aan in Ramadan

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he glorious Qur’aan was revealed in the month of Ramadan to guide humanity. It gives guidelines on all that a Muslim does in life: greeting, naming, burial, marriage, politics, environment, health, hygiene, science, human relation, economics, etc. The power and marvel of the Qur’aan however lies not in mere reading but conscious reflection and sincere application of its commandments.

It is said that the ‘extent of the connection of a Muslim to the Qur’aan defines the extent of his connection with Allah.’ The messenger of Allah is reported to have said: “Have glad tidings!

Because this Qur’aan has one of its edge in the hands of Allah and another edge in your hands.

So, hold on to it because you will never be destroyed or go astray after it”. Whenever you hold the Qur’aan, you should have that in focus. You should see Allah (SWT) as addressing you per-

sonally. You should humble and calm yourself. Take your mind away from the world and focus on the verses in the Qur’aan.

Allah (SWT) enjoins that you reflect on the Qur’aan so He says: “This is a blessed Book We have revealed to you, so that they deliberate in its verses” (Q38: 29). Ali (RA) explained this when he also said: ‘There is no good in recitation that is devoid of pondering.

Ibn Al-Qayyim also emphasized this meaning when he said: ‘There is nothing more beneficial to the heart than recitation of the Qur’aan with pondering and reflection. This is because it gathers all the stations of the travelers, the situations of the world and the positions of the knowledgeable. If men were to know what is in the recitation of the Qur’an with reflection they would occupy themselves with it away from other things. The recitation of a verse with reflection and pondering is better than fin-

ishing the Qur’an without reflection and understanding.’

We all love to amass plenty of rewards. Reading just a letter from the Qur’aan could fetch you as much as 70 rewards. This kind of reading requires correct pronunciation of the letters and words, not our stagnant wrong ones for the past decades. Most of us fail to really accord the Book of Allah (SWT) its worth by failing to devote time to learn the first step into interacting with the Qur’aan. We have time to expand our businesses but none for improving our Tilaawah! It is a great disservice to Allah (SWT) to read His Scripture poorly or even badly. Were you to be called upon before the whole world on the Last Day to recite the Qur’aan, will you be happy to do so? The case of a beginner or revert who falters is understandable, but do some of us want to be beginner for life?

Imaam Ghazaali has said that, “The role of the tongue is

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IN HIS LIGHT with

USTAZ

A. ZAFARAN e-mail: zatabumuneeb@yahoo.com the correct pronunciation of the letters in orderly manner, the role of the intellect is to interpret the meaning and the role of the heart is to take admonition, and be impacted by trembling.

So, the tongue recites (with Tajweed), the intellect interpret and the heart takes admonition.” It should be our greatest and most cherished value in life to be able to read the Qur’aan fluently. This is very possible if we devote time for it. We must note that it is an individual obligation to recite the Qur’aan correctly. So, Ramadan time is a golden opportunity to pursue this agenda. You can’t plan to complete 2 to 3 Qur’aan in Ramadan when your recitation is full of unpardonable and grievous flaws. It is better you devote more time to learning how to read more correctly than multiplying your mistakes.

As for those who can pro-

nounce the letters correctly, the rules of tajweed must be applied.

Beyond reading or completing the Qur’aan several times, there is this most important aspect of understanding the Qur’aan. It is tadabbur, deep reflection over the meaning and application of the Qur’aan.

Reading the Qur’aan will not change any soul if the messages are not understood. With the help of translated or exegetical books you can start to do tadabbur. You need to create time daily to study the meaning of the Qur’aan. Over the years, we have read the Qur’aan but what has it changed in our lives?

What impact have we made in the society? How closed has it taken us to Allah (SWT)? So, this year’s Ramadan must really make a positive change in our lives. Let us read it to live as the beloved of Allah (SWT) on earth.

The Companion holds national discourse Sekinah L awaL

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L-R: Dr. Sulaiman Ogunkanmi, Sheik Tejidinni and the Consular, Cultural Consulate of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Saeed Omidi at a lecture organised in honour of Imam Khomeini in Ikoyi-Lagos.

Stop preaching violence –Fashola JoeL aJayi ABUJA

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eligious leaders have been urged to stop preaching violence but progress, peace, stability and welfare of the people.

This advice was given in Abuja at the 4th Northern Region Jalsa Tarbiya Conference on Islamic education and moral traning of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Nigeria .

In his address, the Amir, Dr. Mashhud Fashola, noted that the essence of the gathering is to preach and teach members and the public, moral and religious education on ways of becoming exemplary role model in every aspect of life, particularly national leadership.

According to him, the purpose of religion is to develop and promote attainment of piety and nearness to God which

should not be used as a tool of violence but a tool for national development.

Revd Oche Job of Methodist Cathedral of Unity, noted that all religions seems to be one saying that the greatest problem in this country was lack of knowledge.

“We need religious tolerance and never to look down on one religion.”

Also, former Head of State, Gen. Abdusalam Abubarkar was honoured with ‘peace award’

for his efforts along with other Nigerians, at ensuring that Nigeria enjoyed a stable, peaceful and successful political transition.

Some of the dignitaries who graced the occasion include; Deputy Amir, Northern Region, Dr. Yekeen Habeeb, Parish priest, Catholic Arc diocese of Abuja, Rev. Fr. Willy Ojukwu, Dr. Isreal Abido, National President progressive Judaism amongst other.

n Association of Muslim men in Business and Profession, The Companion is adding its voice to the widely anticipated New Nigeria debate, with a lecture slated for Sunday, June 14th, 2014.

In a release signed by its National Amir, Barr. Musbau Oyefeso, the group is holding a National Discourse this weekend with the theme: “2015 General Elections: Setting Agenda For the New Government”, to be delivered

by Prof. Abubakar Momoh.

Also on hand to deliver the keynote addresses are Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) and Comrade Isaa Aremu.

Venue is the main auditorium of the University of Lagos with Dr. Muiz Banire; Mr. Wahab Shittu and Comrade Abiodun Aremu doing further discussion.

Mr Fola Adeola is expected to be the Chairman while Lagos State Chief Imam, Sheikh Garuba Akinola Ibrahim, will lead a special prayer for Nigeria.

Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai discussed the theme: Corruption and the Challenge of Good Governance” at the maiden edition last year.

‘Spend quality time with your children’

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ith 520 students in attendance, the national coordinator of the Young Muslims Association, TYMa, AbdulAzeez Ajala, at an event to mark the children’s day, emphasised the need to support children with love and care, and the need to build

and develop ideal personalities who will not only be useful to themselves and their families but also to the nation at large.

According to him, today’s child have been denied the initial school of home where basic values are inculcated on the children.

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Call to Worship

25 Shaban, 1436 Friday, June 12, 2015

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Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya

Striving for revolutionary self-reformation

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ith the grace of God today Jalsa Salana Germany commenced.

Jalsa Salana is an important part of Jama’at Ahmadiyya programmes wherever in the world the Jama’at is established.

There was a time when it was difficult for even some people within India to afford to travel to Qadian for Jalsa Salana. In this regard the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) urged Ahmadis to save up during the year to afford travel expenses to Qadian for Jalsa. Today the number of cars in which Ahmadis living in developed countries travel to Jalsa is so huge that organisers have to make diligent car parking arrangements.

Ancestors of many participants of today’s Jalsa would have endured hardship to travel to Jalsa, but does anyone today feel gratefulness towards God for the comforts and prosperity they have and in turn find this to be faith enhancing? Do we match the level of faith and connection with God that our forefathers had? Some of our elders who were around at the time of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and who accepted him and desired to visit him could not do so because of financial constraints. Whereas people travel from abroad on their own expense to today’s Jalsas which are attended by a servant and Khalifa of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). In addition seekers of truth, who have not yet accepted Ahmadiyyat, also travel from different countries to participate in Jalsa.

While it is heartening that things have changed for the better and God’s message is spreading fast around the world, families of elders should self-reflect as to where do they stand as regards connection with God, faith

and compliance of all Divine commandments. It is a cause for concern if there is decline in this matter. We may be successful in worldly terms but our spiritual condition may ring hollow. At times man is so sunk in worldliness that he ends up in the lap of Satan and coming to Jalsa becomes a mere ritual. Efforts should be made to identify our weaknesses during Jalsa and endeavours made to better ourselves. We should pray that neither we nor our next generation ever be culpable of Divine wrath.

Jama’at is ever-expanding as God opens up hearts and enables people to join the Jama’at. May those who are joining the Jama’at to polish their faith also fulfil the requisites of attending Jalsa!

The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) told us that the objectives of Jalsa Salana were to develop connection with God, to live one’s life according to God’s commandments, to pay the dues of one’s brothers and to spread God’s message in the world. All this demands sense of sacrifice. Jalsa Salana is not a worldly fair and it is not a source of attaining worldly objectives. People coming to Jalsa should engage in remembrance of God and do so all the time. Remembrance of God when done on individual level, also has communal significance as the individual benefits from it as does the Jama’at. Another benefit of remembrance of God is that it draws attention of others to engage in it rather than spend time in idle chat. With the grace of God, practices formed during Jalsa leave their imprint for some time and when focussed on, the imprint can last for considerable time. Jalsa days should be spent as the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) explained and expected of us.

L-R: Representative of former Head of State, General Abubakar Salami, Dr. Tanko Yinusa; Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaát Nigeria, Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fashola; Cardinal John Onayikan and Naib Amir, Northern Zone, Dr. Yeqeen Habibu, during the presentation of peace award for General Abubakar Salami, at the 4th Northern Region Jalsa Tarbiyya and 1st National Peace Symposium in Abuja.

L-R: Naib Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaát Nigeria, Eastern Region, Dr. Abdul Ganiyyi Enahoro; Principal Ahmadiyya School, Kano, former Information Minister, Alhaji Tanko Yakasi and Naib Amir, Speacial Duties, Engr. Alhaji Al-hassan Ahmed, at the 4th Northern Region Jalsa Tarbiyya and 1st National Peace Symposium in Abuja.

L-R: The Ejeh of Anpa, HRH. Alhaji Ahmadu Yakubu; Missionary-in-Charge of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaát Nigeria, Maulvi AbdulKhalique Nayarr; Representative of Nupe, Alhaji Mohammed Habibu Abubakar and other, at the ceremony.

Social justice will ensure peace –Omidi Sekinah L awaL

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he Consular, Cultural Consulate of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Saeed Omidi has called on leaders all over the world to ensure justice to all irrespective of class or creed in order to ensure that peace reign all over the world.

Making the appeal in Lagos recently at a lecture organised in honour of Imam Ayatollah Khomeini, Omidi urged Muslim leaders in particular to emulate the great legacies of Imam Khomeini in the area of social justice and equity. Addressing a large gathering of faithful at the Embassy in Ikoyi-Lagos, Omidi commended the Founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran saying that his teachings and principles of pure Islam should be followed.

Omidi also commended Nigerians for a peaceful transition calling on the new administration to ensure peace among all

faiths. On the coming month of Ramadan, he urged Muslims to take good care of the poor and move closer to Allah.

Delivering his lecture on the 26th anniversary of passing away of Imam Khomeini, Ustaz Tajudeen Adebayo made it known that one of the major challenges facing the world is lack of peace and justice saying Imam Khomeini’s legacy of absolute social justice for all will bring about peace.

Dr. Sulaiman Ogunkanmi of Peace Foundation referred to the Imam as one that showed serious support for the poor and opposition to aristocracy, “He was one of the greatest thinkers of Islamic thoughts, seriously supporting the world’s oppressed with explicit opposition to international bullying [powers] and emphasis on national unity.”

He then advised all Muslims to radiate justice in their daily activities, advocating for social justice, affection and kindness, particularly to the poor.

L-R: Guest/Panellists, National President, Progressive Juadaism, Dr. Isreal Abido; member of Progressive Juadaism Nigeria, Sir Hon, Abdul Josua; Paris Priest, Catholic Arch diocese of Abuja Central Area District, Rev, Fr, Willy Ojukwu and His Grace, Most Revd. Joseph Oche, , at the 4th Northern Region Jalsa Tarbiyya and 1st National Peace Symposium in Abuja.

From Left, Director, Mission and Dialoque. Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Fr. Prof. Cornelius Omonokhua’ former Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaát Nigeria, Mallam Mohammed Maishanu and The Paramount rule of Ara Chiefdom, Nasarawa State, HRH. Alhaji Ibrahim D. Galadima 11, at the ceremony.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday June 12, 2015

President Muhammadu Buhari and German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, during the working session of the G7 outreach programme in Schloss lmau, Germany, recently.

People In The Mirror

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Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (left) congratulating the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, after his election at the inauguration of the 8th National Assembly in Abuja, recently.

PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Director, Public Affairs, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr. Awwalu Salihu; Director-General, Emeka Mba and Director, Human Resources and Administration, Mr. Faruk Salah, during a news conference on the future of television in Nigeria, in Abuja, recently.

Sarauniyan of Dass Emirate Council, Amb. Comfort Ene-Attah, rifing on a horse during her Turbaning recently.

L-R: Director, Lawyers for Human Rights, Pretoria, South Africa, Mr. Jacob Van Garden; South African philanthropist, Mrs. Seline Phoko; Nigeria’s Consul General in South Africa, Amb. Uche Ajulu-Okeke and President, Nigerian Union in South Africa, Mr. Ikechukwu Anyene, during the inauguration of the National Secretariat of Nigerian Union in Pretoria, South Africa, at the weekend.

L-R: Head of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Prof. Victor Adetimirin; representative of University of Abomey, Benin Republic, Prof. Pascal Houngnandan; representative of University of Cheith Anta Diop of Dakar, Prof. Djibril Sane and Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Emilolorun Ayelari, during the visit of delegates of International Master of Tropical Biotechnologies to the University of Ibadan, in Ibadan, on Tuesday.

PHOTO: NAN

PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Remo Diocesan Bishop, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt. Rev. Michael Olusegun Akinwale; Lay President, Sir. Engr. Adelana Odutola and former Conference Lay President, Sir David Soremekun, during the Diocesan 2015 Annual Synod at Ojumele Circuit, Sagamu, Remo, recently.

L–R: Couple, Kolawole and Eyitope Daniel with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, during their traditional marriage at Lekki in Lagos recently.

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Arty News

Friday, June 12, 2015

Ini Edo reaches out to the needy

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Youngest Oldman unites entertainers

Ini Edo

REGINA OTOKPA

N

ollywood actress, Ini Edo last Sunday showed her philanthropic and motherly side when she visited and spent ample time with the children of Heart of Gold Children’s Hospice, a place where children with disabilities are catered for in Lagos, showering lots of love and kindness to them.

Moved by her experience during the visit, the actress took to her Instagram page to solicit more help for the children while pleading with good Nigerians to contribute their ‘widow’s mite’ for the upkeep, medical bills and maintenance of those innocent children suffering from anf form of deformity.

She said: “Yesterday, I visited the Heart of Gold Children’s Hospice and I was devastated.

It was such a sad experience. I saw so many beautiful children and couldn’t understand why they had to suffer so much.

“What got to me more was that though with their illnesses, they were still children, happy children that still wanted to play, some of them cracked me up. I must say I was

very impressed with how neat they all looked; it shows they are well taken care of.

“The nurses and attendants are kind to them and very pleasant. It takes a heart of gold indeed to watch over those amazing souls. In all, I’m thankful for their life because this only means there’s hope.

We serve a miracle working God. “Guys, we all can help in so many ways; volunteers, sponsor a child, support with food, diapers, wipes name it. There’s so much we can do to help just one child. It costs just N15,000 a month to sponsor a child and N180,000 a year.

“Salaries for staff a month is N550,000 and trust me, they are angels seeing them work so closely with these kids melted my heart. We can do this together, it takes a kind heart to make a difference to those wonderful kids.

“The baby I’m carrying, Prince, is the cutest 9 months old ever, his lashes, skin, I can go on. Seeing his condition broke my heart literally. I’m certain God is working something. So guys, call in, plan a visit and go see the kids. You will be happy you did,” Ini Edo pleaded.

Youngest Oldman

JOEL AJAYI

P

opular comedian and Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Adams Oshiomhole on Entertainment, Rolland Igbadumhe aka Youngest Oldman has taken a bold step to unite the different arms of the entertainment industry, so as to have a united front in the call for sustained support by the Federal Government.

Our correspondent gathered that several meetings have been held in this regard especially in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, where the different genres of the industry have already united so as to speak with one voice.

The unified body presently consists of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN; the Performing Musicians’ Employers Association of Nigeria, PMAN; and the Abuja Body of Comedians, ABC, with plans to include the Association of Beauty Pageant Organisers, as well as authors and artists.

At the forefront of the unification along with Youngest Oldman are: Agility Onwurah, chairman of the Abuja chapter of the AGN; as well as Collins Adeyemi, Governor of the Abuja chapter of PMAN. “Despite the fear entertained by some that President Buhari might not support the entertainment industry like his predecessor in office did, some of us are convinced that this new political change will rather improve on the standard and opportunities available for entertainers and thereby create a means to reduce the unemployment rate among the youths,” Youngest Oldman said, “any people oriented government in Nigeria today will not close its eyes to the contribution of the entertainment industry in human capacity building and employment generation which are key to improving our economy.”

And sources within the industry said the union has begun to yield results as the First Lady, Hajia Aisha Buhari has already held

Beni Suites enriches tourism in Lagos OLAWALE OLUWADAHUNSI

B

eni Apartments and Suites have scored high in their quest to add quality to the tourism sector of the economy. In a recent interview with the general manager, John Ekuyiwo Uadiale, explained that the hotel was so named to say ‘Yes’ to tourists wish and aspirations to live in a home away from home.

“When you first get in here, what you see is a spacious and conducive

environment for relaxation and rejuvenation after a hard day’s work.

Our name ‘Beni’ is a short form of ‘Beeni’, a Yoruba word which means ‘yes’ in English.

We have all the facilities including a swimming pool, a leisure gym centre, a relaxation bar and Wifi internet service that can be accessed by everyone. One very beautiful and unique edge we have over our contemporaries is the relatively low prices we charge per night for our apartments. They are called apartments because each room

contains a kitchenette, living room, a bedroom, toilet and bathroom. I mean, this is just like home away from home because there is enough space for you to do whatever you like and we have sixty of this in this place. Not just that, we have them for prices as N45,000 when other hotels like Radisson Blue and Oriental will give this away for hundreds of thousands.

“We believe in turnover in making profit rather than just charging high fees because we have in mind to cater for more people who want access to quality service than just a few and this is what we have been do-

ing for five years now. The smile on the faces of guests speaks volume to us and we strive to achieve that all the time” The hotel which began operations five years ago have expanded its frontiers to birthing three other branches, two in Lagos and one in Abuja.

“We have been able to commence operations of two other branches of Beni Apartments apart from the head office at Victoria Island. We also have another at Abuja. We will keep improving on our services and making sure our guests keep getting satisfied on every visit.”

Uadiale

a couple of meetings with the unified body of entertainers, urging them to speak with one voice.

“The First Lady was happy that the entertainers have united and resolved to work with the government of President Buhari and she has assured us of her support in any way possible, advising that we speak with one voice and present a common demand.”

Already they have come up with a group known as the “Buharian Culture Entertainment Group,” which represents entertainers from different genres of the industry who believe in change, discipline, abhor corruption and are ready to work with the government in re-orientating the value system in the country through their works of art.

When contacted, although not wanting to comment on the new group or his role, Youngest Oldman confirmed that he is aware that the First Lady is willing to work with the entertainment industry and has already held meetings with them in that regard.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arty News

Friday, June 12, 2015

33

Nigeria, work in progress -‘Face of Democracy’ Imo State born Ohia Ifeoma Jennifer is the new Face of Democracy in Nigeria. The democratic queen emphasises the need for Nigerians to exercise patience with the new government in this interview with REGINA OTOKPA. Excerpts: With your emergence as Face of Democracy, how do you intend to leave a legacy for generations to follow?

One of the ways is to carry out life-changing programmes that will affect the public particularly youths in the most positive way.

I just finished one recently when i circulated a book i wrote on electoral reform, i printed about five million copies of the book which i distributed to schools and members of the public for free. I am currently working on organizing an essay-writing competition amongst students in different institutions, this is aimed at making them to have a say and advise government where the need arise. Mouth-watering-award prizes shall be presented to those that will come out tops in the first, second and third positions, respectively. The third aspect is my periodic visits to orphanages to give them love and sense of belonging. I have been doing that for some time now and it will continue even after i leave office, because i don’t joke with it. Every pageant has its own vision, but i see FDN as a unique idea, i was even lured to participate in an international pageantry show but i declined.

What makes Face of Democracy in Nigeria (FDN) Beauty Pageant different from other pageants?

FDN is designed to promote and encourage women and the girl-child to participate in governance. At FDN, we also use culture and tourism as a tool to reach out to the public. As part of our objectives to contribute our quota to the consolidation of our democracy by advising and criticizing government where necessary; for instance, we also participated in the last election and ensured that the election was credible.

Apart from the FDN Beauty contest, have you participated in any other pageant?

The FDN is my first pageantry; I got the information through the social media. I opted for it because it does not only recognise and celebrate both beauty and the brains, it also allows for effective participation in governance. FDN’s vision is good is to do things that will help consolidate our hard earned democracy. We have over 30 candidates who contested for the crown; the victory did not come to me as a surprise because i believe i have outstanding qualities to carry the day.

I must say there was no much competition and the girls were no threat to my ambition of getting the crown, God gave me the courage and i was able to go through the whole process starting from when we were at the camp to the grand finale on the 9th of November, 2015.

As a guest to the Miss UN Beauty show, how would you rate the event?

LET ME ALSO USE THIS PLATFORM TO APPLAUD THE GIANT STRIDE OF OUR IMMEDIATE PAST

PRESIDENT, GOODLUCK JONATHAN, HIS CONTRIBUTIONS AS A GOOD LEADER LED TO A VERY PEACEFUL ELECTION.

xxxx

EVEN AFTER LOSING THE ELECTION, HE SWALLOWED PRIDE, CONCEDED DEFEAT AND CONGRATULATED THE WINNER The Miss UN event has a taste of quality, and well packaged.

What can you say of Nigeria’s democracy since the past 15 years?

Nigeria is work in progress, even though some politicians are not playing by the rules by cutting corners, it is amazing to see that 15 years down the line our country is getting to where we want it to be even though we are going through some rough roads but with time, patience and cooperation with the Federal Government, we will surely get to our promised land. Let me also use this platform to applaud the giant stride of our immediate past President, Goodluck Jonathan, his contributions as a good leader led to a very peaceful election. Even after losing the election, he swallowed pride, conceded defeat and congratulated the winner, his actions has registered his name in the hall of true African democratic leader. He gave us freedom to access and make use of certain information for the development of the country through the signing of the freedom of information bill. As citizens of the country, we are now more confident compared to how it was. President Jonathan will continue to be my true hero, because prior to the election, we were all scared because of the tension the elections generated. He said his ambition does not worth the blood of anyone.

Do you see President Buhari fulfilling his campaign promises?

First of all, let me congratulate our new President, Muhammadu Buhari, I believe we need to give him time because as we know, Rome is not built in a day. Like he said,

Jennifer

he has vision for this country, he needs like three to four years to accomplish the promises he and his party promised Nigeria. I believe also that he is already working for the country, as you can see, we have traffic light everywhere in the capital city. Why do we all of a sudden wake up from our sleep and start putting in place traffic light all around the city centre? I think things are naturally taking shape simply because the man Buhari has come to power. Jonathan, at the twilight of his administration took some steps that would he would have taken long before now, but be that as it may, you cannot rule out the fact that he contributed largely to the peace we enjoy today. The rescue of hundreds of women held captive by Boko Haram was a feat achieved by President Jonathan Good-

luck.

Could you point out some of the things you see in society that makes you feel uncomfortable?

The basic problem of the country is corruption, some of our leaders are not leading by example, and they often go for personal interestrather than public interest.

After your present office, what other bigger opportunities will you go for?

Face of Democracy is enough for me, I want to get an appointment with my connections, i don’t intend to go for any other beauty contest. The youths who look out for opportunities should go for what they want, and when they pursue their dream they will surely realise it.

34

Escape

Friday, June 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Exotic scenes in

•Cayman Islands National Museum George Town, Grand Cayman

Crystal clear waters in striking shades of blue slosh upon the shores, coral reefs, shipwrecks scattered off their shores, and steep underwater walls teem with a treasure trove of marine life!

OLAWALE OLUWADAHUNSI WITH AGENCY REPORTS

C

ayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the western Caribbean, offer some of the best diving in the world. One of the nation’s top tourist attractions is Stingray City, a shallow sandbar where visitors can interact with throngs of graceful rays.The popular cruise port of Grand Cayman is the largest and most Americanized of the three islands. Stunning Seven Mile Beach is its crown jewel with a range of water sports and beachfront resorts, and the island offers many other attractions.

Visitors can browse the dutyfree stores in the colorful capital of George Town, stroll through botanic gardens, hike the nature trail, commune with critters at the Turtle Farm, and escape to the island’s tranquil East End. Cayman Brac lures nature lovers with its craggy coastline, deep caves, and slower pace, and Little Cayman is positively sleepy. But this diminutive island reveals its own riches. Some of the best dive sites in the world lie in its sparkling seas, and the island is famous for its bonefish flats and Tarpon Pond.

Tourism One of Grand Cayman’s main attractions is Seven Mile Beach, site of a number of the island’s hotels and resorts. Named one of the Ultimate Beaches by Caribbean Travel and Life, Seven Mile

Beach is on the western shore of Grand Cayman Island. It is a public property and possible to walk the full length of the beach, past all the hotels, resorts, and public beach bars. Historical sites in Grand Cayman, such as Pedro St James Castle in Savannah, also attract visitors. Tourists also visit the Sister Islands, Little Caymanand Cayman Brac.

All three islands offer scuba diving, and the Cayman Islands are home to several snorkelling locations, where tourists can swim with stingrays. The most popular area to do this is Stingray City, Grand Cayman Stingray City is a top attraction in Grand Cayman and originally started in the 1980s, when divers started feeding squid to stingrays. The stingrays started to associate the sound of the boat motors with food, and thus visit this area year round.

There are two shipwrecks off the shores of Cayman Brac, including the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts; Grand Cayman also has several shipwrecks off its shores, including one deliberate one.

On 30 September 1994 the USS Kittiwake was decommissioned and struck from the Naval Vessel Register. In November 2008 her ownership was transferred for an undisclosed amount to the government of the Cayman Islands, which had decided to sink Kittiwake in June 2009 to form a new artificial reef off Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman. Following several delays, the ship was finally scuttled according to plan on 5 January 2011. The Kittiwake

has become a dynamic environment for marine life. While visitors are not allowed to take anything, there are endless sights.

Each of the 5 decks of the ship offers squirrelfish, rare sponges, Goliath groupers, urchins, and more. Experienced and beginner divers are invited to swim around the Kittiwake. Pirates Week, an annual 11 day November festival, was started in 1977 by Jim Bodden, then Minister of Tourism, to boost tourism during the country’s tourism slow season.

Other Grand Cayman tourist attractions include the Ironshore landscape of Hell, the 23-acre (93,000 m2) marine theme park Boatswain’s Beach, also home of the Cayman Turtle Farm, the production of gourmet sea salt, and the Mastic Trail, a hiking trail through the forests in the centre of the island. The National Trust for the Cayman Islands provides guided tours weekly on the Mastic Trail and other locations.

Another attraction to visit on Grand Cayman is the Observation Tower, located in Camana Bay. The Observation Tower is 75 feet tall and provides 360-degree views across Seven Mile Beach, George Town, the North Sound, and beyond. It is free to the public and climbing the tower has become a popular thing to do in the Cayman Islands.

Points of interest include the East End Light (sometimes called Gorling Bluff Light), a lighthouse at the east end of Grand Cayman island. The lighthouse is the centerpiece of East End Lighthouse Park, managed by the National

•Cayman Islands Camana bay

Trust for the Cayman Islands; the first navigational aid on the site was the first lighthouse in the Cayman Islands.

Tourist attractions Cayman Turtle Farm Cayman Turtle Farm is a research and breeding farm housing five species of sea turtles.

It provides a large export business for the island, but has also helped to protect the turtles from extinction. Touch tanks and wading pools provide plenty of opportunities for animal lovers to commune with these gentle creatures. For an upgrade in the admission price visitors can enjoy the attractions at the adjoining marine park, including an aviary full of tropical birds, a fish-filled snorkeling lagoon, swimming pools, and a replica of a typical Cayman street lined with gingerbread houses.

Camana Bay A few minute’s drive north of George Town, Camana Bay is a new pedestrian-friendly waterfront development with restaurants, shops, a cinema, interactive fountains, and an Obser-

vation Tower. Visitors can enjoy 360-degree views across Seven Mile Beach, George Town, and the North Sound from the top of the tower, and the development’s Town Square hosts community events as well as a popular farmers’ market.

East End Far from the cruise ship crowds of George Town, the East End offers a slower-paced alternative to the popular attractions on the island’s west coast.

This side of the island also offers superb snorkeling, authentic island food, blowholes, secluded beaches, and excellent dive sites.

Only fifteen minutes from the East End on the island’s northern tip lies Rum Point, a peaceful pine-fringed cove slung with hammocks and volleyball nets.

Little Cayman The smallest of the Cayman Islands, Little Cayman is known for its superb fishing and diving.

Bloody Bay Marine Reserve lies just offshore here with wreck sites and the famous Bloody Bay Wall. Fishermen flock to the Southern Cross Club, a venerable resort where guides take visi-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

•Cayman Islands Cayman brac

•Cayman Islands hell

35

•Cayman Islands Atlantis Submarines

•Traditional caymanian home east end

tors to prowl the flats for bonefish or to cast a line in the island’s Tarpon Lake. Little Cayman is also home to the Booby Pond Nature Reserve, a large breeding colony of red-footed boobies and frigate birds with a popular café and museum. Owen Island, a deserted sliver of sand 180 meters from the island, is a popular picnic spot.

Cayman Brac A thirty-minute flight from Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac rewards visitors with dramatic coastal scenery, fantastic dive sites, and breathtaking bluff top hikes. The island is the second biggest of the three Cayman Islands. Bat colonies congregate in the island’s deep caves, and the 42-foot limestone Bluff, the highest point in the Caymans, lies on the island’s eastern tip. Along the Bluff, visitors might spot nesting sea birds as they climb the steep walkway to a lighthouse with beautiful ocean views. Another scenic trail leads hikers through a National Trust Parrot Preserve.

Other attractions on the island include West End, a small resort originally established in the 17th century, and Spot Bay, Cayman Brac’s largest village with dutyfree shopping. A highlight for divers is the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts, a 330-foot sunken Russian

Escape

Friday, June 12, 2015

•Cayman Islands east-end

frigate.

Grand Cayman Q.E. II Botanic Park The Grand Cayman Q.E. II Botanic Park preserves the island’s flora and fauna, including the endangered blue iguana. Visitors can stroll the garden’s peaceful paths past lily-topped ponds, palm gardens, woodland habitats, orchids, and colorful flowers. Plants and trees are labeled, and benches beckon from shady nooks. In addition to the iguanas, visitors may also spot snakes, birds, lizards, turtles, and agoutis. History buffs and green thumbs alike will enjoy the Heritage Garden with medicinal plants and a restored Caymanian cottage.

Pedro St. James National Historic Site About 20 minutes drive east of George Town, the Pedro St. James National Historic Site is home to a restored 18 th century plantation house known as Pedro’s Castle.

One of the oldest buildings on the island, this elaborate threestory stone structure is known as the “Birthplace of Democracy in the Cayman Islands”. It was here in 1831 that the decision was made to form the nation’s first elected parliament. Today visitors can tour the restored house and

•Cayman Islands turtle farm

learn about its history during a 3D multi-media presentation in the theater. Also on the grounds, the Hurricane Ivan Memorial tells the tragic story of the 2004 natural disaster. After touring the house, visitors can explore the surrounding woodland and admire the bluff top views.

viewing windows at the kaleidoscopic vistas. Tropical fish, shallow reefs, underwater canyons, and even shipwrecks are just some of the sights to enjoy. The company also offers night submarine tours and shallow-water excursions in their Seaworld Observatory.

Cayman Turtle Farm Cayman Turtle Farm is a research and breeding farm housing five species of sea turtles. It provides a large export business for the island, but has also helped to protect the turtles from extinction. Touch tanks and wading pools provide plenty of opportunities for animal lovers to commune with these gentle creatures. For an upgrade in the admission price visitors can enjoy the attractions at the adjoining marine park, including an aviary full of tropical birds, a fish-filled snorkeling lagoon, swimming pools, and a replica of a typical Cayman street lined with gingerbread houses.

Atlantis Submarines Atlantis Submarines offer visitors a chance to experience the underwater world without getting wet. This 48-passenger submarine takes tourists down to depths of 30 meters where they can peer through the submarine’s large

The Mastic Reserve The Mastic Reserve on Grand Cayman is designed to protect an area of dry subtropical forest, which is typical to the Caribbean but disappearing through deforestation. Within the reserve, the three-kilometer long Mastic Trail takes visitors across jagged iron shore and through dry forest, silver thatch palms, and black mangrove wetland. Originally built more than 100 years ago, the trail was no longer used and became overgrown when the island’s roads were developed.

With much help and repair the trail was reopened in the mid 1990s. Today nature lovers can stroll along the well-marked trail and spot wild orchids, birds, and small animals such as lizards and hermit crabs. Guided tours educate guests about the reserve’s flora and fauna and are highly recommended.

Seven Mile Beach

•Cuba the Malecon

Sublime Seven Mile Beach is one of the most famous stretches of sand in the Caribbean. Fringed with casuarinas and coconut palms, this ravishing sweep of flour-soft sand and turquoise sea flanks the island’s main road north from Georgetown. Even with hordes of cruise ship passengers spilling onto its shores, this broad stretch of beach provides a peaceful patch of sand for everyone and is usually free of roaming vendors.

Large resorts and posh homes line its creamy shores, and the entire beach is public and impeccably maintained.

Stingray City Anyone with a fear of stingrays will be cured after this trip.

Stingray City is one of the most famous shallow water snorkels and dives in the Caribbean and one of Grand Cayman’s top tourist attractions. Custom-built boats zip out to a shallow sand bar surrounded by crystal clear water where guests can feed, kiss, and cuddle these satiny creatures. Timid visitors may prefer to kneel on the sandy bottom and just watch in awe as the gentle animals glide around them. Guests can snorkel, dive, or swim at the sandbar.

•Cayman Islands pedro St. James national historic site

36

Friday, June 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Concerns mount over incessant tanker explosions With the spate of tanker explosions being experienced in recent times, destroying lives and unquantifiable investments, Adejuwon Osunnuyi reports the efforts being made by stakeholders to curb the menace

i

A gasoline tanker explosion

‘

Nigeria must urgeNtly

reiNveNt the refiNeries aNd put aN eNd to shameful explosioN-

‘

n recent time, the rate at which tankers transporting petroleum products have been going aflame across the country destroying lives and investments worth of several millions has been nothing but alarming.

While it is apparent that petroleum products have had to be transported by roads using tankers, as expected, citizens, stakeholders, as well as government officials concerned seem not to have had cause to sleep with their two eyes closed, as no one knows where or when another occurrence could happen. a recent research indicated that out of about 358 transport accidents recorded in the country between 1999 and 2002, about 70 per cent involved articulated trucks and heavy duty vehicles. the survey further shows that about 32 per cent of truck drivers are below 30 years and probably immature and inexperienced to handle such psychologically demanding task. also, studies have equally confirmed that 62 per cent of fuel trucks involved in serious road mishaps that resulted in fire disasters were of poor quality, which probably aided fire outbreaks whenever there was an accident. study has also revealed that about 54 per cent of fuel spilling that had led to fire outbreaks was as a result of negligence on the part of truck drivers. in the last few days, there have been series of such incidents occurring in the country. for instance, at idimu in lagos, an explosion occurred when a tanker conveying diesel fell close to a petroleum pipeline. it killed many people while investments worth of several millions were destroyed. it was learnt that the incident occurred when two tanker drivers were competing on the idimu-ikotun road, as one of the tankers was laden with premium motor spirit, otherwise known as petrol, while the other tanker loaded with 33,000 litres of diesel. according to the south-West spokesperson of National emergency agency, ibrahim, the tanker was on high speed before crashing and spilling its content to a stand

proNe petroleum products’ importatioN where beans cake were fried. several residential apartments were affected while fire fighters were able to stop the inferno from spreading to a nearby petrol station as total of 34 houses and 70 shops and six tricycles were affected by the explosion. the crash occurred just days after a loaded fuel tanker crashed around the iyana-ipaja bus stop in lagos on tuesday injuring at least 12 persons and destroying 30 shops. it was the third of its kind in within a week. at magbon area of Badagry, lagos, another tanker, loaded with kerosene had crashed spilling all its products. also, the asaba motor park, located along onitsha-enugu road, was the scene of a petrol tanker accident where 89 people were burnt to death and 50 persons sustained injuries on may 31. the petrol tanker was said to have lost control and exploded at a crowded bus station in onitsha, the state capital, and started a huge fire that also spread to many other vehicles, including 15 buses.

While various stakeholders have continued to condemn the menace,lagos state governor, akinwunmi ambode on a visit to one of the scenes of the tanker explosion, noted that it “is another unfortunate incident happening within one week; unfortunate in the sense that we are begin-

ning to lose a lot of our assets and property to fire.” he said he had been briefed that there were two tanker drivers actually competing on the road as at midnight including a commercial bus driver, noting that one of the drivers lost control at the bend and it was 33,000 litres of premium motor spirit. in his own reaction, human rights lawyer, mr. femi falana, asked the federal road safety corps (frsc) “to henceforth prosecute all reckless drivers including those who drive public officers and the owners of vehicles that are not roadworthy.” falana, a senior advocate of Nigeria (saN) called for the prosecution of reckless drivers in a statement he issued in response to a petrol tanker explosion that set ablaze 12 buses carrying passengers, thereby killing 85 people while 30 other victims suffered varying degree of burn. describing the rate at which tanker explosions are taking lives of innocent Nigerians not in any way different from the activities of the Boko haram sect, the Nigeria labour congress (Nlc) noted government should take preventive measures through urgent revival of domestic refineries, railway and road transportation infrastructure, enforcement of road/driving rules which are the panacea to the unacceptable killing of innocent Nigerians without official declaration of war.

in a press statement issued by the deputy president, Nlc and general secretary, textile Workers union, comrade issa aremu, said, “congress joins all Nigerians to condole with hundreds of victims of the recent unacceptable criminal serial tanker explosions throughout the country.” according to the statement, Nigeria must urgently reinvent the refineries and put an end to shameful explosion-prone petroleum products’ importation. it said, “We must return to the era in which petroleum products were moved from refineries through protected pipelines to depots at short distances which put less burden on drivers and no risk at all on communities. “it is bad that we import petroleum products. however, it is worse that Nigeria moves highly inflammable products (which are indeed mobile bombs!), through hundreds of bad roads. it is a peculiar Nigerian underdevelopment that must stop with the new administration of president muhammed Buhari. “rail transportation remains one of the cheapest and safest inter-city means of transportation of products and humans.

Buhari and osinbajo presidency must hit the ground running and deepen the ongoing revival of the railways through public investment.

Jolly david, a motorist, told National mirror that Nigerian government should learn to be proactive rather than reactive. meanwhile, in response to the incessant occurrence of the tanker explosions, the lagos state government had to set up a committee to investigate the remote and immediate causes of tanker explosions in the state with a view to addressing the situation. the state governor, akinwu-

mi ambode, after a meeting with the leadership of tanker drivers’ association and other stakeholders, set up the committee, saying the government could no longer tolerate the hardship that the recurring incidents of tanker fire had inflicted on the residents of the state. those to serve in the committee included the secretary to the state government, mr. tunji Bello, as the chairman of the committee, while other members included the permanent secretary in the ministry of transportation, oluseyi coker and the permanent secretary, special duties, dr. aderemi desalu. others are the deputy commissioner of police, Babatunde Kokumo; the director of lagos state fire service, rasak fadipe; and the state commander of the federal road safety corp, mr. hygenus omeje. also in the committee are the chief executive officer of the state drivers institute, a representative of the association of maritime trucks owners, a representative of the National union of petroleum and Natural gas Workers and a representative of the National association of road transport owners. ambode said the committee had two weeks to examine the causes of the tanker explosions that occurred in the last eight days and also prepare guidelines on ethical conducts for tankers and other trucks in the state. meanwhile, industry analysts believe that to redress the current trend, the federal government would need to urgently revive the failed refineries, as continuous importation of fuel, no doubt, exacerbate the pressure on the country’s roads.

While the federal government is expected to invest massively in the infrastructure development of the transportation sector, they noted that investment in transportation infrastructure enhances private sector activities as it lowers operational cost, enhances productivity, job and wealth creation through exchange of goods and services. it is also noted that it is important for governments at all levels to enlighten the public on fire prevention and safety measures. a research conducted by a non-governmental organisation with a focus on fire prevention, control and management, fire disaster prevention and safety awareness association of Nigeria (fdpsaaN), shows significant low level of awareness on fire safety in Nigeria. less than 2 per cent of the over 140 million Nigerians have the required basic fire safety knowledge.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, June 12, 2015

37

PAN to commence Peugeot 301 CKD production in Nigeria

P

AN Nigeria Limited has concluded arrangements to commence the Complete Knocked Down, CKD production of Peugeot 301 in earnest.

This historic feat was attained recently when the Managing Director of the company, Alhaji Ibrahim Boyi and the PSA Group Vice President, Middle East and Africa, Mr. JeanChristophe Quemard, signed a technical agreement that will allow PAN Nigeria to migrate from SKD (Semi-Knocked down) to CKD (complete knocked down) production.

Speaking shortly after the signing of the agreement, Alhaji Ibrahim Boyi, expressed his happiness with the new development noting that the signed pact was a confirmation of confidence PSA Group has in the company.

He stated that the mutual relationship between both parties have become more robust and stronger than ever before.

He added that the early transition to CKD operation is

Peugeot 301

in line with the objectives of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP), which encourages local production of vehicles and components in the country.

Alhaji Boyi re-affirmed the commitment of PAN Nigeria, a leader in the Nigerian auto industry, in realizing to fullest the objectives of the National Automotive Policy.

CKD operations represent a bold step towards real domestication of production activities in the localization of the auto industry, creating opportunities for jobs, skills and component parts manufacturing.

It would be recalled that in July 2014, PAN flagged off the local production of Peugeot 301 under SKD platform.

“The auto policy had provid-

ed a strong incentive to re-open industrial production for Peugeot vehicles after many years of in-activity, and attract the full support of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) partners, Automobile Peugeot (AP) France.

“This partnership has created a new window of opportunity for employment and re-engagement of disengaged workers and also resuscitate the businesses of the largely moribund local component manufacturers” the Managing Director stated.

With the commencement of CKD production, PAN is the first to achieve such milestone in the auto industry since the commencement of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP).

CFAO Yamaha to assemble motorcycles in Nigeria

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FAO and Yamaha Motor Corporation Japan have jointly incorporated a company named CFAO Yamaha Motor Nigeria Limited, which will assemble Yamaha motorcycles in Nigeria.

This development was announced recently in Lagos by Mr. Olivier Levigne, the pioneering Managing Director of the new company, who has decades of experience with automobile brands such as Peugeot, Chevrolet and Mitsubishi in Nigeria.

The incorporation of the company is said to have been achieved less than four months after a joint venture agreement was signed by the two parents of the new company with the objective of contributing their quota to the development of the country’s transportation industry.

As a result of this incorporation, CFAO Yamaha Motor Nigeria Limited is now set to fix its factory equipment; test-run the assembly process and ap-

point several dealers in preparation for the first roll out of brand new YAMAHA motorcycles with effect from September this year.

Levigne said that his team, which includes a couple of Japanese experts from YMC is confident that Nigerians and the country at large would enjoy the benefits that Yamaha motorcycles would bring especially with quality assured local assembly line and a wide distribution network nationwide.

The assembly plant of the new company is located in the premises of CFAO within the Amuwo Odofin industrial zone in Lagos and it has a production target of 70,000 Yamaha motorcycles by 2018.

The new company will take advantage of the manufacturing and marketing expertise of Yamaha Motor Corporation, Japan and CFAO’s business experience and vast distribution network in Nigeria spanning over 113 years.

Moreover, the company will

Levigne

introduce also other Yamaha products such as outboard engines, water vehicles (like jetski), ATV (all-terrain vehicles), power generators and water pumps.

Olivier Levigne announced also that the management of CFAO Yamaha Motor Nigeria Ltd is ready to admit more dealers for its marine products, motorcycles, power generators and spare parts, whilst empowering authorized workshops and professionally trained mechanics for the task ahead.

megacown1@yahoo.com 08025237926

GMC gets new officers

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he Guild of Motoring Correspondents, GMC, an umbrella body of motoring correspondents in Nigeria has elected new officers at the end of its General Congress held at the Lagos State Secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists in Alausa, Ikeja.

Mr. Frank Kintum of Transport Day newspaper emerged as President while Mr. Mike Ochoma of Business Day newspaper emerged as Vice Chairman.

Other officers elected include Odunewu Segun of National Daily as General Secretary while Daphne Uduneje of Pilot Newspapers emerged as the new treasurer of the Guild.

Speaking shortly after his

election as Chairman, Mr. Frank Kintum told the congress that the success of the new administration depends on the support and cooperation of members, while he pledged to work for the safety and welfare of members of the Guild.

According to Kintum, the new administration would be sensitive to the plight of the members, especially in fostering good relationship with stakeholders in the Nigeria auto industry.

He noted that efforts would be geared towards working closely with the stakeholders in the industry as well as the government in order to make sure that the sector is at par with other countries, especially South Africa.

Made-in-Nigeria Rio, affordable to Nigerians - Kia Motors

I

n line with its promise to provide affordable best in class cars to the Nigeria publics, Kia Motors Nigeria has presented an unprecedented great customer savings on its made in Nigeria Kia Rio. To this end, with an unwavering commitment to bringing to the fore an affordable madein-Nigeria vehicle, Kia Motors Nigeria has featured highly competitive special offers on the most sought after B-Segment sedan in Nigeria with both the Big Deal of N1.98m on Kia Rio manual transmission and Mega Deal of N2.97m on the automatic transmission powered Kia Rio. The people’s car as it is dubbed at the unveiling of the made-in-Nigeria Kia vehicles by the former Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Mrs. Olajumoke Akinjide, is built with remarkable features that exceeds customer expectations and has remained the preferred option for teeming customers.

A statement from the firm said the offers are to reassure the customers that their interest is always edged at the core values of the company.

To ensure that all lovers of the People’s Car benefits from this offers, the offer is valid Kia Rio

while stock lasts, the statement said.

The Kia Rio is an extremely well-built car with innovative engineering, low cost and fun to drive, with its interior suitably comforting.

Emanating flair from every angle, the Rio’s low, wide stance and short overhangs give it a strong, youthful identity all of its own. Kia’s designers have engineered a car with features that are cutting-edge yet at the same time effortlessly simple to use.

A highly visible supervision cluster incorporates an on-board trip computer, while the steering wheel itself is tilt and telescopically adjustable so that you can find your perfect driving position.

Switches are positioned for ultimate convenience – such as steering wheel-mounted controls for the audio system and auto cruise control. With minimal hand movement you can operate numerous controls without having to take your hands off the wheel.

From a structural framework that absorbs impact forces in both frontal and side-on collisions to a range of active and passive safety measures, the Rio is built to protect those that matter. The Kia Rio and comes with high efficiency and performance, low emissions and reduced fuel consumption, not to mention safety specifications of the highest order.

XXXX

38

Cocktail

Friday, June 12, 2015

Impatient ferry passenger nearly crushed by walkway

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n online video of a ferry coming ashore captured the moment an impatient passenger stepped off the walkway too soon and was nearly crushed by the boat.

The video, believed to have been shot in South America and shared on YouTube, shows themanmovingdownthewalkway while the ferry is still moving toward shore and falling to the ground, where he is nearly crushed by the walkway mak-

ing contact with the ground.

A fellow ferry passenger darts to the man’s rescue and pulls him out of the path of the walkway at what appears to be the last possible second.

Reddit users said voices that can be heard speaking Spanish in the video appear to be saying the man was “almost killed” by the walkway. They posited the Spanish slang used by the voices indicates the video was shot in Venezuela.

Couple threatens divorce if same-sex marriage passes

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n Australian man said an expected parliament vote on same-sex marriage later this year would “force” him to divorce his wife if the measure passes.

Nick Jensen wrote in an opinion piece for the Canberra CityNews that he and his wife, Sarah, have decided they will get a divorce if the country approves marriage rights for gay and lesbian Australians.

“The decision to divorce is not one we’ve taken lightly. And certainly,

it’s not one that many will readily understand.

And that’s because it’s not a traditional divorce,” he wrote.

Jensen, a former employee of the Australian Christian Lobby, said he and his wife will continue to live together, raise their children together and will still consider themselves “married by the Church and before God.” “The reason, however, is that, as Christians, we believe marriage is not a human invention.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities Oddities

Waitress donates kidney to customer

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Georgia Hooters waitress who donated her kidney to a customer she had known for only three months said the organ is “working amazingly” post-surgery.

Marianna Villareal, who serves tables at the Hooters in Roswell, said she struck up a friendship with customer Donald Thomas while her own grandmother was suffering kidney problems similar to those faced by Thomas.

Villareal said her inability to help her grandmother spurred her decision when she learned about Thomas’ troubles.

“I said, ‘Well I have two kidneys, do you want one of mine?’” Villarreal told WXIA-TV. “I wasn’t able to do anything for my grandma,” Villareal said, “If [Don] can live two more years, happy as he’s ever been, that’s fine with me. That’s not up to me.

I did my part, now it’s God’s turn to keep him alive.”

The two went into surgery Friday.

“The kidney is a PERFECT match and is working amazingly!” Villareal wrote in an Instagram post after the operation. “As for me my kidney is working like there’s still 2 in there. I know God will watch over

us for the rest of our lives and may the glory always be for the lord of lords!

Once again thank you all!”

Villareal offered an update on Thomas’ condition Sunday.

“So today Don used the bathroom by himself for

Villareal and Thomas who received one of her kidneys

the first time in 5 years!

He was so proud of himself that he began to cry!

Apparently we broke a record on how fast my kidney started working.

As soon as they connected it he began to urinate on the operation table,” she wrote.

Friday, June 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Maritime

39

Anxiety heightens as July 1 Auto Policy deadline approaches Barring any last minute change of policy stance by the Federal Government, the implementation of the Auto Policy will commence on July 1 this year. With just a few days to the commencement of the fiscal policy, stakeholders are wondering whether the country’s current infrastructure base as well as the general macro-economic conditions support the planned initiative.

FRANCIS EZEM, reports.

T

he expected takeoff of the new Automotive Policy of the Federal Government come July 1, is currently sending cold jitters down the spine of most stakeholders.

Only recently, in what appeared the final sensitisation forum, the National Automotive Council NAC, organised a town meeting with stakeholders in the nation’s supply chain ostensibly to prepare them for the eventual takeoff of the policy, which would imply the imposition of a total of 70 per cent tariff on all Fully Built Units of vehicles imported into the country. The government through the policy wants to discourage importation of FBUs of vehicles Under the policy, the government imposed a 35 per cent import duty on all FBUs, which has already taken effect since April last year and another 35 per cent levy bringing to a total of 70 per cent tariff.

The policy also involves a zero levy on FBUs within the policy, 10 per cent tariff on Semi Knocked Down SKD Parts, five per cent tariff on other categories of SKD and zero per cent tariff on Completely Knocked Down CKD and Capital Equipment used in Auto Assembly parts.

One of the direct consequences of the new policy is an imminent astronomic rise in the prices of used buses and cars. For instance, from July 1 when the new tariff takes effect, the popular Toyota Camry (Pencil Light), which costs about N1.3million now will go for over N1.6million while Volkswagen bus mainly used for transportation in Lagos, which currently costs about N900, 000 would sell for over N1.4 million, among others. This means an increase in transport cost, which is also expected to affect the price of other goods and services, considering the critical nature of transportation in an economy.

Director General of the NAC, Mr. Aminu Jalal, had told the stakeholders during the town hall meeting that the country will conserve a whopping N1.46 trillion annually

Imported brand new cars at the Port in Apapa

if the new policy is allowed to run its full course over a period of time.

He said that Nigeria has an annual spending on imported vehicles to the tune of N1.2 trillion ($6.212billion), which would be conserved if the vehicles are assembled in the country According to him, the country in addition to this spends over N260 billion ($1.3 billion) on the importation of tyres and spare parts, thus making the sector the highest user of foreign exchange in the country after machinery and appliances.

“Given the growing middle class of over 40 million people and a potential vehicle market of 1, 000,000 vehicles annually, which brings about a demand of auto products of 400, 000 vehicles annually comprising both brand new and used ones”, he insisted.

While enjoining Nigerians to support the policy, he said that the automotive industry, which is a major component of the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan NIRP, which is a five-year programme developed by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment is to diversify the economy.

In addition to promoting industrialisation, the policy is also expected to enhance government’s revenue and also increase the

contribution of the manufacturing sector to the Gross Domestic Product GDP. But stakeholders have expressed serious doubts over the workability of the policy, especially given current economic realities in the country, especially the poor infrastructural base, especially the near absence of public power supply, which is critical to the operations of the assembly plants.

Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council PCC, Otunba Kunle Folarin, who spoke in an interview, expressed fears that most of the assembly plants might hide under the cloak of the five per cent tariff on CKD only to bring in FBUs to the detriment of the country and her foreign exchange reserves.

He also wondered whether the assembly plants would be able to sustain the policy this time around given that when a similar policy was introduced in the 1980, it could not be sustained partly due to the economic down turn of the 1980s in the face of government’s low patronage.

“We should ask ourselves whether the investors can sustain competiveness, slow growth of the economy or any change in the means of transportation of the people probably as a result of improved public mass

STAKEHOLDERS BELIEVE THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD IMPROVE THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN THE COUNTRY OCCASIONED BY THE LIQUIDITY SQUEEZE, WHICH HAS REDUCED THE PURCHASING POWER OF THE PEOPLE

transport system”, he further wondered.

Meanwhile a stakeholder, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, noted that a more germane issue is the affordability of these cars by Nigerians.

Investigations showed that the cheapest of the locally assembled vehicles costs N4million and above, which is not affordable to the man on the street, whose take home salary is less than N50, 000 minimum wage..

“The economic situation in the country seems to have wiped off the middle class leaving the super rich, which are the political class and the very poor masses, most of who cannot afford a N4 million locally assembled car an indication the policy would favour only the rich, also given that the 70 per cent tariff would also make used vehicles unaffordable to the masses”, he also said.

On a general note, stakeholders believe that government should improve the current economic conditions in the country occasioned by the liquidity squeeze, which has reduced the purchasing power of the people and would naturally reduce patronage for the locally assembled vehicles.

Besides, it makes more sense for the government to establish functional public mass transportation systems comparable to what is obtained in Europe, America and Asia, which have reduced the urge to own personal cars in those regions.

This will no doubt reduce the current high cost and time-wasting means of transporting people and goods and therefore engender the growth and development of the economy.

40

Business Maritime

MSC plans Asia-Europe services revamp to Improve reliability

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editerranean Shipping Company MSC, world’s second largest container line and Maersk Line’s partner in the 2M vessel sharing alliance, plans to optimise all of its Asia-Europe services in an effort to improve its schedule reliability.

Over the next several months the Swiss carrier plans to progressively implement changes to port combinations, vessel rotations and capacity deployment within its AsiaEurope services.

MSC launched the new AsiaEurope network in January 2015. According to data gathered by MSC, the Asia – North Europe trade was reported to be performing at 92.1 per cent reliability as of May 2015.

The optimisation is expected to sustain and improve on this figure.

The company also plans to reduce the average vessel size on the Condor service, which operates on the Asia – Europe trade, from 9,500 TEUs to 6,500 TEUs. The network changes apply equally to MSC’s 2M partners, and the changes are expected to be fully effective by the middle of August.

Revised rotations and full service details, which are subject to regulatory requirements, are currently being finalised.

Friday, June 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Maritime University ’ll bridge over 150,000 personnel gap in Nigeria’ STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

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he newly appointed ProChancellor of the Nigerian Maritime University NMU, Okerenkoko, Professor Viola Onwumere has said that the specialised university, when fully operational would address the over 150, 000 personnel gap that currently exists in the Nigerian maritime industry.

The Federal Government had in addition to constituting the Governing Council of the institution, also set up the management of the NMU headed by its Vice Chancellor, Professor Maureen Etebu, a Professor of Engineering.

The Pro-Chancellor, who spoke during a grand reception in honour of the Governing Council and management of the university by the host community, the Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri-South Local Government Area, said that the decision of the Federal Government to establish the university remains one of the best things that happened to the nation’s maritime industry in the last few years.

According to her, the industry currently grappling with the negative effects of over 150,000 personnel gap, which she said would be bridged by the institution when it becomes fully operational.

She regretted that with a coast-

line of over With over 850 kilometers of vast coastlines and an Exclusive Economic Zone in excess of 3,000 square kilometers, several seaports and a population of over 170 million people, Nigeria has only one maritime university, which she said was grossly inadequate to cater for the training of the personnel needs of the country.

She noted that the Republic of Philippines with a population of less than 70 million has 44 maritime training institutions, Indonesia 22, the United Kingdom over 24, Turkey 11 and Canada 25, a development that she noted needed to be addressed urgently to enable the country tap her vast

maritime potential.

She disclosed that the members of Governing Council are currently working with the Vice Chancellor to complete all relevant approvals at the Federal Ministry of Education preparatory to the expected takeoff of the university before the end of 2015.

“As a former Minister of State for Education, we are doing all the necessary leg works to obtain all the required approvals and so I know where to go and who to talk to. We are also talking with the Nigeria Universities Commission with a view to obtaining all the relevant approvals before takeoff come September this year”, she said.

The Vice Chancellor had while speaking at the reception, restated the commitment of the management for the prompt takeoff o the university in the 2015 academic year, assuring that all is on ground for the school to commence academic programmes.

She also assured the people of the host communities, especially the Gbaramatu Kingdom that the university would give preference to the indigenes of the area in its employment policies.

She also assured that the management would strive to ensure high academic standards so that products of the university can compete anywhere in the world.

Administrative blocks at the temporary site of the Nigerian Maritime University expected to commence academicprogrammes in September, 2015.

Local Content: Operators seek mega dockyard facility in Nigeria

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xprts operating in Nigeria’s shipping industry have made a strong case for the establishment of a mega dockyard facility in the country that will cater for the dry docking of ships operating not only in the country but also for the rest of the shipping nations within the West African sub-region.

Meanwhile, this call coincides with plans by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas NLNG to promote the establishment of a dockyard facility in the country at the cost of $1.7billion. (N334.9billion).

Maritime lawyer, Mr. Kasa Opara, who spoke in Lagos said such shipyard will handle Very Large Crude Carriers VLCC and LNG vessels that are involved in crude oil affreightment in the country.

According to him, Nigeria as a major oil and maritime nation has remained a big market for bigger ocean going vessels, industry experts said such shipyard will fill the existing gap in the country.

He said: “Apart from vessels involved in transportation of crude petroleum products, the shipyard when established will handle repair works of other ships involved in dry cargo trade within the West African sub-region”.

“The establishment of such ship repair yard would also be in line with both the Coastal and Inland Shipping Cabotage Act 2003 and the Nigerian Content Act 2010 (Local content policy), both of which aim at promoting the development of indigenous capacity and also enable Nigerians participate in the lifting of crude oil and refined petroleum products”, he also said.

He argued that the multiplier effect of such project on the national economy would be great.

Similarly, another maritime lawyer, Mr. Emma Ofomata also said such projects will excel considering the current political stability in the country.

Ofomata added that the coun-

try will continue to experience huge investments, including increased cargo and vessel traffic in the country as a result of conducive business environment made possible by political stability.

Many other industry stakeholders had stressed the need for a dry dock facility in the country, which they argued is of strategic importance to the economy, adding that Nigeria will take advantage of the growing opportunities occasioned by the increased ship and cargo traffic in the country.

Meanwhile, the clamour for a mega shipyard is coming on the heels of plans by the Nigeria LNG to promote the establishment of a $1.7billion dockyard in the country.

It was however gathered that the NLNG dockyard, which has been described as the first of its kind, will undertake the repair of different types of ships trading not only in Nigeria but also other West African nations.

Investigations showed that the planned dockyard which is

aimed at promoting local content

by NLNG is expected to become operational in 2020, and will also undertake the repair and maintenance of oil rigs.

The stakeholders however expressed the confidence that the existing dry dock facilities in the region would not pose any threat to the NLNG’s in terms of competition, given that most of them are small in size and therefore cannot handle VLCC s and LNG carriers or even oil rigs, which gives it a more competitive advantage.

Crew members rescued as Chinese box ship sinks

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Chinese-flagged container ship sank early this morning while underway off Guangzhou port taking all of its eight crew members with it.

Fortunately, the crew was plucked out of the water in time by patrol boats, dispatched by

Guangzhou Maritime Safety Administration to the scene, Xinhua news agency reports.

The ship, identified as Xin Hong 328, was underway toward Nansha port’s Dongfa pier from Hong Kong when it started to sink. It was loaded with 72 containers, Xinhua said.

According to the Maritime Safety Administration, salvage operation of the containers that fell into the water is underway.

A traffic control has been imposed in the area as the containers pose navigational hazard.

The cause of the sinking has not been disclosed.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, June 12, 2015

41

Neglect of agriculture, bane of Nigeria’s economic growth WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

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ith the crash of global oil revenue and its attendant effect on economies, Nigeria has further lost survival standing because it neglected her agricultural economic potential that should be her natural mainstay as a nation.

A professor of Agriculture Economy, University of Ilorin, Professor Abayomi Omotesho, made this submission while delivering the 158th Inaugural Lecture of the institution titled; ‘Let The Small Farmers be in Good

Standing’.

Omotesho, who graphically illustrated how Nigeria, with an approximate land area of 91,000 sq kilometers, could only cultivate only 40 per cent of the land, use only 7 per cent of its irrigable land and worse still and left 90 per cent of farming in the hands of resource-poor farmers in the rural areas.

He wondered why the small scale farmers whose farming is characterised by low asset base, low fixed capital investment, poor technology, crude tools, low production were still the ones driving the substantial feeding

of the nation’s populace as well as serving the agro-needs of its Gross Domestic Products, GDP, providing jobs for 70 per cent of about 170million Nigerian population.

In addition, the university don said that even when previous government attempts to formulate policies and programmes like Operation Feed The Nation, Green Revolution and others never yielded any meaningful change, the country’s small scale farmers were left to bear the harshness of poor attention to the sector.

He listed some of the constraints facing the farmers to

include, “declining productivity, risks associated with diversification to high value crops, uncertain financial viability, limited access to services and markets, environmental constraints and idiosyncratic risks like floods and droughts.”

Omotesho therefore called for favourable agricultural policies by government that would ensure that Nigerian small scale farmers are made technically efficient and consulted, if not directly involved in executing agricultural projects involving huge sums of money, so that it won’t go down the drain again.

Other remedial measures he advocated to mitigate the challenges of farmers are, provision of credit facilities to farmers, develop rural infrastructures to ease marketing of farm produce, and enact farm products protection policies.

He also wanted the government to regulate pricing of agricultural products, ensure social security schemes for farmers, improve access to market, ensure policy implementation, adequately fund agricultural research and effectively disseminate agricultural research findings.

FAAN clarifies heavy traffic at Abuja airport OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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Managing Director/CEO, New Horizons Solutions Limited, Mr. Tim Akano (right), and Vice Chancellor, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo Ogun State, Prof J. A. Kayode Makinde, at the singing of memorandum of understanding (MOU) event on Entrepreneurship professional program at the university campus...recently.

German firm lauds Nigerian distributive trade ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

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erman company, APC by Schneider Electric, has hailed the potential of the Nigerian distributive trade, saying that it is delighted by the performance of the players in the business among their contemporaries in Africa.

APC by Schneider Electric Channel Distribution Manager, Oluwaseun Oloyede, made the remarks while announcing the winners of its Business Achievement Awards in the Home and Business Networks (HBN) and Enterprise and Systems (E&S) distribution category at the APC by Schneider Electric Distributors’ Conference for Middle East and Africa (MEA) held in Budapest.

He expressed his delight by the performance of Nigerian distributors among their contemporaries in the region noting that it is a confirmation of the potential of the Nigerian market.

He said that it was obvious that new standards had now been set and there is no doubt that the next set of winners will do much more.

The APC by Schneider Electric distributors’ conference for Middle East and Africa, brings together all major channel partners of the HBN and E&S network, to share the current year business objectives, promote best practices, announce new product launch and reward best performing distributors of the precedent year.

It also served as an avenue for the reflection of the company’s channel partners’ business performance for 2014.

The Nigerian distributing companies which emerged winners in the five awards category are, Technology Distribution Nigeria Limited, which won the award for Outstanding Distributor for West Africa, Coscharis Technologies Limited, Outstanding Performance of the Year for West Africa, HDF SAS, value added partner of the year for North West Africa.

Uche Nnadi of Technology Distribution won the Product Manager of the year award for West Africa.

Responding on behalf of the awardees, Nnadi noted that the award was an indication of effective support being provided

by APC by Schneider Electric to ensure that their channel partners develop adequate capacity to deliver on every aspect of product and service distribution.

he Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, yesterday gave reason for the heavy vehicular traffic on at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja, road in recent times.

The agency through a statement signed by its spokesman, Mr. Yakubu Dati stated that the heavy vehicular traffic was caused by the recent on-going projects at the airport.

Some of the ongoing projects according to Dati are the construction of a new international terminal building close to the existing terminal and an ultra-modern car park, which he said has taken up considerable land space along the internal road leading to the existing terminal.

He stated that these projects unavoidably caused the recent con-

gestion on the road and apologized to the users of the airport for the inconvenience caused them.

The statement added, “We appeal to all airport users at the airport to bear with us as the authority takes measures to ameliorate the situation, pending the completion of these projects.

“However, in view of the present traffic situation, we advise passengers departing from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to arrange to leave their homes early on their travel days, to enable them complete all boarding formalities in good time before departure.”

The statement further appeal to drivers coming to receive their arriving guests at the airport to arrive the airport not more than one hour before scheduled arrival times as coming to the airport to park for longer periods, takes up valuable parking space at the only existing car park thereby leading to unnecessary traffic congestion.

Institute plans human right forum for business stakeholders ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

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e Institute of Human Rights and Business Africa, IHRBA, has unveiled plans to organize a forum aimed at educating business operators in Nigeria and other African countries on global best practices on corporate respect for human rights.

During the 3-day conference slated to hold in September this year in Lagos, entrepreneurs and business leaders, including small and medium entrepreneurs, would be sensitised on the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and respect for Human Rights.

Giving the hint on the benefits of the proposed conference during a chat with National Mirror, the Founder/Managing Consultant of the Institute and organizers of the event, Mr. Eustace Onuegbu, said apart from promoting respect for human rights within enterprises, business owners would also be privileged to meet industry experts, know Africa-global investment destinations of their choice, and also assess investment opportunities around the world.

Onuegbu noted that most business operators in Africa infringed on the rights of both their customers and their employees due to lack of strict legal measures and lack of

awareness about what operates in other developed nations.

According to him, the human rights within enterprises must always be safeguarded and respected, adding that deficiency in this aspect has kept most of the African countries undeveloped in terms of business and economy as a whole.

He said that it was part of his organisation’s concern on the need to reverse the trend that the forum would be organised, adding that target participants are government officials, policy makers, investors, organisations, civil society groups, students and trainees in all sectors.

42

Business News

Friday, June 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NLC tasks FG on fuel scarcity, opts for deregulation MESHACK IDEHEN

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he Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said President Muhammadu Buhari must quickly fix the current lingering mess in fuel supply within the country to alleviate the suffering or ordinary

Nigerians A statement issued by the Acting President of the Congress, M.r Kiri Mohammed, yesterday indicated that if the current scarcity of petrol was a deliberate ploy by oil marketers to arm-twist the government into deregulating the country’s downstream petroleum

sector, it would not work as the union will firmly oppose such attempts.

He stated: “The current scarcity of petroleum products entered the fourth month, this month and a credible solution is yet to be provided other than media reports of promises to end the crisis, a crisis that has already further slowed

NDIC submits report to Financial Reporting Council TOLA AKINMUTIMI

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he Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has hinted of the submission of its 2014 audited financial statement to the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN).

A statement issued by the Head, Communication and Public Affairs Department of the Commission, Mallam Hardi Bichi, indicated that the Council’s Head of Inspection and Monitoring, Mr. Titus Osakwe, who received the report on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the Council, Mr. Jim

Obazee, commended the NDIC for its regular rendition of its financial statements to the Council.

He noted that with the step, the Commission had, once again, “distinguished itself among public interest entities in the country”.

While presenting the report, the Director of Bank Examination, Mr Adedapo Adeleke, who represented NDIC’s Managing Director, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, said the Corporation took the issue of stewardship to its stakeholders as a priority.

He described the FRCN as an important institution whose ac-

tivities were geared toward aligning the operations of Nigerian business concerns with international best practices, adding that as a professional public institution, the Corporation would continue to work in tandem with the rules and regulations set by the Council.

The Year 2014 Audited Financial Statement of the NDIC was prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and in line with the NDIC Act No. 16, 2006 and the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act No. 6, 2011.

down our national economy and caused hardships to many families and homes, with workers, both in the formal and informal sectors being the most hit.

“It has become extremely difficult for workers to get to work because of the perpetual scarcity of petroleum products, which has burdened their salaries as they now have to pay exorbitant transport fares to commute to work, even as majority of them have not received salaries in months.

“This has become worse as public transportation are scarce due to unavailability of fuel, and this might cause workers to stop resuming at work, “ the labour leader added.

Mohammed said while the Congress appreciated the fact that the present government is new, that it is important that the administration takes full control of the situation and declare an emergency that will ensure the pumps at all fuel stations across the country are selling effectively at the official price of N87 per litre.

He stated further that government must not allow itself to be

blackmailed, not even by petroleum marketers, to abandon the delivery of goods and services required to pull the nation’s economy out of prevailing doldrums, adding that lack of “petroleum products and lack of electricity are some of the reasons our economy is down and any serious government must direct serious attention to these.”

According to him, while the Congress commends the present administration for taking firm steps at confronting the prevalent terror attacks in some parts of the country, it also urges the government to see the scarcity of petroleum products as yet another major challenge that must be frontally tackled, and urgently too.

Mohammed stated that this scarcity must end and the government must do much more to ensure it ends in order not to further hurt the economy and exacerbate the suffering of the masses.

He also restated the Congress’ opposition to the removal of subsidy, saying that if the scarcity is a ploy to arm twist government to do so, it will fail.

SAP reveals new partnership for Africa

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L-R: Representative, Qhue Concept, Mr. Jeff Geofrey; Public Relations Manager, Recare Ltd, Mrs. Toyin Adepegba; winner, Miss Tourism Nigeria 2012, Miss Tomi Salami and Head of Media, Miss Tourism Nigeria 2015, Mr. Moses Umanah, during a courtesy visit by the final contestants of Miss Tourism Nigeria 2015 to Natures Gentle Touch Hair Institute, in Lagos at the weekend.

AP Africa has announced its participation in a partnership with the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Titled “Digital Africa”, the project is focused on how new technologies and innovative solutions will determine the future for Africa.

The partnership sees digitisation as pivotal to development and growth and BMZ is joining forces with the private sector to support the development and sustainable management of Africa’s digital potential.

The strategic partnership also intends to concentrate on German core competencies in the ICT sector.

The private sector in Africa faces numerous chal¬lenges and

for German businesses – especially small and medium-sized enterprises – many African countries are largely uncharted territory. For this reason, SAP is particularly pleased to be a strategic partner to BMZ. At a recent Berlin-based workshop, SAP’s Skills for Africa initiative was introduced to international participants, which was met with interest. SAP is a longterm strategic partner with BMZ and is therefore pleased to not only continue the relationship, but also to take it to the next level.

“Digitisation offers huge potential for making headway on Africa’s sustainable development, which can benefit all sides – including German and European enterprises.

at the Abu Dhabi hub to the A380 to London, offering our Londonbound guests the comfort and convenience of an all-A380 service all the way.”

The new daily A380 service, together with an upgrade to a B777300ER from the current A340-600 for the airline’s other four weekly flights, will increase the total number of two-way seats on the route by 30 per cent to 9,568 seats per week.

Hogan recalled that in 2014, the airline achieved an 88 per cent seat load factor on its Sydney route, maintaining that the A380 would provide it with much-

needed additional capacity, particularly in business class, where it consistently enjoy high levels of demand for its services.

Sydney Airport Managing Director, Kerrie Mather, said: “Sydney Airport is thrilled to be the first and only airport in Australia and one of only two destinations in the world to welcome Etihad’s new flagship A380 service.

“The upgrade will bolster Sydney Airport’s status as the leading airport globally for nextgeneration aircraft and boost tourism to Sydney and NSW by increasing seat capacity.”

Etihad Airways Airbus 380 arrives in Sydney OLUSEGUN KOIKI

E

tihad Airways’ muchanticipated Airbus 380 recently arrived in Sydney, beginning an exciting new era of luxury travel on the SydneyAbu Dhabi and Sydney-London routes.

The A380 features The Residence by EtihadTM, the airline’s luxurious private three-room suite in the sky, a first in commercial aviation, as well as groundbreaking innovations in all cabins.

An online media statement

by the airline’s consultant in Nigeria stated that the inaugural Abu Dhabi-Sydney A380 flight – EY454 – departed Abu Dhabi International Airport at 10pm last Sunday and touched down at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport at 5.55pm in the evening of the following day.

The aircraft, in the airline’s new ‘Facets of Abu Dhabi’ livery, was welcomed to Sydney by a traditional water cannon salute.

The return Sydney-Abu Dhabi flight – EY455 departed Sydney at 9.25pm the same night.The A380 now operates one of the airline’s two daily services between Syd-

ney and Abu Dhabi. The airline’s additional four weekly Airbus A340-600 flights the airline said would be upgraded to a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

The Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of the airline, Mr. James Hogan stated that “Today marks another major milestone in the short history of Etihad Airways.

Guests on the A380 between Sydney and Abu Dhabi will enjoy a superior level of luxury, comfort, service, and inflight technology that will totally transform their flying experience.

“Furthermore, the A380 out of Sydney connects seamlessly

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, June 12, 2015

Again, CBN adjusts naira exchange rate JOHNSON OKANLAWON WITH AGENCY REPORT

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, adjusted its exchange rate peg yesterday to N196.90 against the dollar from the 196.95 set last week, data on the bank’s website showed.

Dealers told Reuters that the CBN had sold dollars to the interbank market at the new rate the previous day, dismissing the move as a currency appreciation as it wasn’t market driven, but noted it could signal the coming of a new policy.

The naira opened trade on thin volumes at N198.90 to the dollar on the interbank market. It traded at N220a on the black market yesterday.

“This is not a real appreciation .... the CBN is probably trying to guide the market. Its most likely an indication to a new policy change in the foreign exchange market,” one commercial bank treasurer said.

The CBN made a tiny adjustment to the exchange rate peg last week, with one analyst saying the move may indicate that the bank is beginning to think about how to loosen its currency regime.

Another dealer said the CBN may be trying to guage the level at which it can defend the naira, but noted that the bank was running low on ammunitions to do this.

Last week JPMorgan said it may eject Nigeria from its Government Bond Index (GBI-EM) by the year-end unless the country restored liquidity to currency markets in a way that allowed foreign investors tracking the benchmark to transact with minimal hurdles.

The foreign reserves fell to $29.18 billion by June 9, down 1.65 percent from last month, as the CBN burned cash to defend the local currency.

43

WHO tasks Nigeria on law against tobacco

W

orld Health Organisation, WHO, has urged the Federal Government to ratify the United Nations Protocol to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products.

Coordinator of WHO in Lagos, Dr Sunday Abidoye, who made the call during an event organised by the UN Information Centre, UNIC, the Nigeria Heart Foundation and the UN Association of Nigeria in Lagos state.

The event with the theme “Stop Illicit Trade of Tobacco Products” was to commemorate ‘’World No Tobacco Day”.

Abidoye, who noted that it was not enough for Nigeria to only sign the protocol, said “Recognising the enormity of illicit trade in tobacco products, the international community came together with a protocol to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products. To date, only 14 countries in

the African region have signed the protocol and just two have ratified it’’ It however urged the Federal Government to urgently join other African countries that have ratified the protocol in their countries,’’ he said.

The WHO official said that Nigeria’s domestication of the protocol would protect her from financial, legal, social and health consequences associated with the illicit trade.

UN Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki-Moon in a message presented on his behalf by UNIC Administrative Assistant, Ms Adeola Adedeji, said the trade has lured younger and poorer groups into addiction.

Ban said that the illicit trade had continued to deplete the ability of states to charge taxes that would have supported health services.

Firm plans new diapers factory JOHNSON OKANLAWON

H L-R: Service Manager, Diamond Bank, Seun Adebayo; Chief Executive Officer, Konga.com Sim Shagaya; Head, Business Service Group, Diamond Bank, Uche Uzoebo and Business Manager, Nonso Anyaegbuna, during the unveiling of the KongaPay solution in Lagos on Tuesday.

ECOWAS member states endorse Gender mainstreaming SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

E

conomic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has endorsed a regional policy to mainstream gender in all energy projects and initiatives in member states.

Represented by the Ministries of Energy in Dakar, Senegal, the member states said the regional policy will also include large scale energy infrastructure projects and investments.

ECOWAS Commissioner for Energy, Dr. Morlaye Bangura, who described as “revolutionary” the goal of the Policy for Gender Mainstreaming in Energy Access, said it would address the existing barriers hindering equal participation of women and men in expanding energy access in West Africa.

He said, specifically, the Policy

aims at achieving widespread understanding of energy and gender considerations at all levels of the society while ensuring that energy interventions are gender-inclusive and directed towards addressing inequalities and energy poverty.

This, he said, is in addition to increase women’s public sector participation in energy-related technical fields and decisionmaking positions as well as ensuring that women and men have equal opportunities to enter and succeed in energy-related fields in the private sector.

According to him, to be able to achieve universal access to sustainable energy by the year 2030, gender considerations must feature significantly in the implementation of SE4All initiative.

“Lives can be transformed when gender dimensions are integrated in development poli-

cies”, he stated.

ECOWAS Policy for Gender Mainstreaming in Energy Access is being developed in a context of severe energy crises with countries in the region having some of the lowest modern energy consumption rates in the world and gender inequalities that hinder member states from harnessing and utilizing its male and female human capital to address its energy challenges.

“Inequality in any facet of a society should not be condone, even more so when it is preventing sustainable development, as is the case for the gender inequalities in the energy sector”.

Having been validated by the technical experts, the Policy will be presented to the responsible ECOWAS Ministers for adoption.

It is envisaged that the Policy will be adopted in the fourth quarter of 2015.

ayat Kimya has announced its plans to begin the production of Molfix brand of baby diapers in the country.

Unveiling the plans during its gala dinner for distributors in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Hayat Kimya said, he targets about 30 percent of Nigeria’s market in the next three years.

He said that Nigeria will be positioned as a production centre for West and Central Africa.

The company’s investment in the country will make Nigeria, a key player in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods, FMCG, sector and it is expected to improve the balance

of trade in Nigeria by increasing goods and services for exports.

According to him, Nigeria is key to West Africa as it has huge potential market, especially with dynamic young population.

While noting that his company is committed to bringing high quality and hygienic home care products into the country, Kimya said: “I would like our distributors to be a key part of this vision. We will make Nigeria, the production hub for West and Central Africa and support its economy by providing employment opportunities’’.

Kimya, a strong company in the region has approximately 14,000 employees and 22 manufacturing sites with a $3 billion revenue and $4 billion in assets.

UBA wins infrastructure deal award JOHNSON OKANLAWON

U

nited Bank for Africa has won the African Investor (Ai) Social Infrastructure Deal of the Year award.

A statement by the bank indicated that the award was announced at the Ai CEO Infrastructure and Sovereign Investment Summit in Cape Town, South Africa.

The statement quoted the bank’s Group Managing Director, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, as saying that the award is a reflection of the bank’s commitment to supporting the growth of critical sectors of the African economy with its financial expertise and strong balance sheet.

Oduoza enthused: “Infrastruc-

tural development is important is driving and sustaining Africa’s growth momentum. Over the years, we have built the expertise to package and support the right infrastructure deals that deliver value to the majority of Africans and support economic growth.

We are happy that this award recognizes the significant efforts we have made in this direction” The Ai’s Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman said, Mr. Hubert Danso, explained that showcasing Africa’s infrastructure investment success stories is critical to creating references and increasing the required finance and institutional infrastructure investment to develop and implement the continent’s unparalleled infrastructure investment opportunities.

44

Friday, June 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

University don sets food security agenda for new govt TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

T

he Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun has set a 10-point agenda for the new administration and other stakeholders amied at improving agricultural productivity, food security and agriculture’s contribution to national development.

He gave the task while delivering the 69th inaugural lecture of the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA. Speaking on the topic, “Nigeria’s Agricultural Policy, Productivity And Poverty: The Critical Nexus”, Ajibefun, was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the institution’s spokesman, Mr. Adegbenro Adebanjo, that for the nation to achieve food security and reduce poverty, urgent steps must be taken particularly by the Federal Government to invest heavily in research and development.

He also canvassed unhindered access of small scale farmers to productivity-enhancing inputs as well as provision of sustainable rural financial and other services to farmers and access to breed of highly productive animals that could withstand tropical environment, enhance rural earnings and promote innovative solutions to

Buhari

Farm machinery

poverty.

Ajibefun, also recommended the establishment of communitydriven development approach, promotion of irrigation agriculture and drainage infrastructure for climate change adaptation and effective capacity building to strengthen the most vulnerable group in agricultural production as the pathways to the development and sustainability of the sector.

The don, who is a Professor of Agricultural Economics, expressed optimism that agriculture could regain its position as

the mainstay of the nation’s economy if farmers who constitute the bulk of the population continue to derive their livelihood from agriculture.

To him, sustainable agricultural productivity growth can only be achieved through sustained local and global investment in agricultural research and development which will ensure delivery of improved technologies to farmers.

While not discountenancing the importance of farmers, he said suppliers of productivityenhancing inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides and seeds as well

Agric sector, source of revenue, job creation, Says Wada WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

T

he Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada, has described agricultural sector as an alternative source of effective revenue generation for government at all levels as well as tackle the unemployment problem in the country.

The Governor, made who disclosed this while flaggingoff the distribution of certified maize seeds to farmers in the state at the ADP premises, Felele, Lokoja yesterday noted that with the current fall in oil prices in the global market and the attendant dwindling allocation from the federation account to

the three tiers of government, youths in the country should embrace farming.

He explained that apart from taking care of the nation’s food security, agriculture would equally create job opportunities for the teeming youths in the country in the face of current lack of jobs in the formal sector.

The governor also advised civil servants in the state to embrace agricultural activities in support of their little salaries in view of the prevailing economic meltdown in Nigeria.

Wada expressed joy that the state had made progess in boosting agricultural activities, especially in the area of cassava and rice production and promised

that he will not relent to continue to sustain the legacy.

He directed the state Ministry of Agriculture to ensure equitable distribution of the 20metric tones of the improve maize seeds to all the local government areas of the state.

Earlier, the state commissioner of Agriculture, Zacheaus Atteh, commended the governor for the creation of enabling environment for agriculture transformation of the state.

Atteh assured that his Ministry would ensure that farmers were adequately educated on the use of certified maize to justify the purpose for the purchase.

as other key chain players such as transporters, traders and processors, providers of technology or rural finance , domestic and foreign buyers are also critical to

improving agricultural productivity.

In his remarks, the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

Adebiyi Daramola urged the policy makers in agriculture and relevant stakeholders to make use of the recommendations of the guest lecturer, saying doing so would help not only the sector but the entire economy.

FOREIGN BRIEFS

SA to resume importation of US chicken

S

outh Africa has agreed to resume the importing of chicken from the United States into the country, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

“South Africa and United States agreed on a framework to restore market access into the South African market for US bone-in chicken cuts,” said the DTI. This follows a two-day meeting held from 4 - 5 June 2015 in Paris, France. The meeting was facilitated by the United States and South African governments with their respective industry associations which resulted in a breakthrough after several months of industry-toindustry negotiations.

South Africa has for some time had in place, an antidumping duty on chicken portions coming from the US. The DTI said the agreement between the two countries will secure the continued participation of South Africa in the reauthorised 2015 Africa Growth

and Opportunity Act (AGOA) that is being extended by the US congress for a further 10 years.

AGOA is a legislation that provides duty-free market access to the US for qualifying sub-Saharan African countries by extending preferences on more than 4,600 products.

In addition, the South African poultry industry was represented by the South African Poultry Association (SAPA) and the United States industry represented by the National Chicken Council and United States of America Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC).

The framework agreement follows enhanced engagement between the two parties towards resolution of concerns raised by the United States regarding South Africa’s inclusion and continued participation in AGOA. It entails a rebate on the anti-dumping duty for a specified volume of US bone-in chicken cuts into the South African market.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Friday, June 12, 2015

NASD transaction hits N40bn JOHNSON OKANLAWON

T

rading in unlisted securities on NASD Over the Counter platform has witnessed the largest single trade since the market opened in July 2013.

Data from the NASD showed that Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited and BGL Securities Limited in a single deal exchanged 127,184,030 units of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc shares at the market price of N315.67 per share.

Speaking on the volume of trade, Head of Operations, NASD, Mr. Gbubemi Iyomere said

the transaction highlights the increasing confidence in the services the market is providing.

He said, “We expect more asset managers and pension fund administrators to invest their funds through the transparent trading platform.”

Reviewing the performance of the market in 2014, the Managing Director, NASD Plc, Mr. Bola Ajomale, had recently said 120 million shares worth N2.32 billion were exchanged in 417 deals by investors on the NASD OTC market from January to December 2014, compared

to 239,165 shares worth N76million that were exchanged in 34 deals from July to December 2013.

Before the establishment of the NASD OTC market, shareholders had challenges selling their holdings in unlisted companies with some of them turning to the black market where they are exposed to exploitation.

According to Ajomale, since the market commenced operations it has recorded steady growth with more companies being traded and investors adopting the platform.

Commenting further on the state of the market, Ajomale said it closed

2014 with a nominal value of N41bn and total market capitalisation of N590bn, adding that the total number of issued shares that could trade on the market was, therefore, 83 billion shares.

He, however, said the dematerialisation levels were still low at 2.05 billion shares or 2.48 per cent, while expressing optimism that it would improve.

He said, “We expect that this will increase significantly as shareholders become more aware of the safety and liquidity advantages of dematerialisation.”

Equities rise 0.3%, PZ Cussons leads gainers

N

igerian equity market broke its three-day losing streak yesterday, as the broad market index closed higher on improved investors’ interest in banking and consumer goods.

The All Share Index appreciated 0.28 per cent to close at 33, 56.35 points, from 33,462.34 points it closed the preceding day.

Market capitalization N32billion to close at N11.45trillion, from N11.42trillion recorded the preceding day.

PZ Cussons led the gainers’ table with N2.81 or 8.73 per cent to close at N35.00 per share, followed by May and Baker Plc with eight kobo or five per cent to close at N1.68 per share.

Portland Paints Plc rose 19 kobo or 4.76 per

cent to close at N4.18 per share, while Okomu Oil Plc gained N1.45 or 4.73 per cent to close at N32.10 per share.

Sterling Bank Plc appreciated nine kobo or 4.50 per cent to close at N2.09 per share.

Conversely, Red Star Express Plc shed 25 kobo or 4.90 per cent to close at N4.85 per share, while MC Nicholas Plc depreciated seven kobo or 4.67 per cent to close at N1.43

per share.

Mansard Insurance Plc lost N12 kobo or 4.12 per cent to close at N2.79 per share, while Wapic Insurance dropped four kobo or 2.70 per cent to close at N1.44 per share.

UBA Capital Plc fell four kobo or 2.79 per cent to close at N1.44 per share.

A total of 153.9 million shares valued at N4.04billion were exchanged in 3,513 deals.

Embrace capital market for infrastructural devt — SEC boss JOHNSON OKANLAWON

D

irector General of Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Mounir Gwarzo, has urged state governments to take advantage of the numerous benefits inherent in the capital market to bring about desired development to Nigerians.

Gwarzo, who stated this in Katsina at the ongoing Katsina State Trade Fair, said such advantages can be accessed through equities, bonds or mortgage bond securities.

Represented by Head Kano Zonal office of SEC, Malam Adamu Sambo, Gwarzo, said the Nigerian capital market has the capacity to provide long term funds needed to solve the infrastructural challenges in the country and act as a springboard that would fast track de-

velopment of their states.

He disclosed that the Commission was attending the fair in order to manifest one of its broad functions which is to carry out enlightenment on the activities in the market.

“We are here to enlighten the Katsina state government and its people on the need for them to take activities in the market as a means for development. We have a new government in place and we hope that they will access the capital market to raise funds to meet their development needs “The President has already said he is keen on development of the country and we therefore urge the state governments to use the capital market as a channel to raise funds.

States have a lot of potentials and we believe that they can use the capi-

tal market as one of the means of achieving their potentials” he said.

He noted that both the federal and state governments in the last dispensation tasted the potential of the market as over N500 billion was raised from the nation’s bourse through bonds by various states for infrastructure development between 1999 and 2013.

Gwarzo told governors to explore the opportunities available in the market to deliver infrastructural development to their people saying that it is better to borrow to meet infrastructural needs than to be contented with just paying salaries.

He said “indebtedness is not bad, what is bad is a situation where such funds are used for consumption. If there is commensurate infra-

structural development on ground, there is no regret in borrowing. Even abroad, states borrow for development”.

He therefore urged the state governments to embrace the capital market in their economic strategy in other to meet the needs and aspirations of their people.

Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

13

Crude oil price

$58.96

45

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

$1

N197.00 Market indicators All-Share Index 33,556.35 points Market capitalisation 11.45trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

PZ

32.19

35.00

2.81

8.73

MAYBAKER

1.60

1.68

0.08

5.00

PORTPAINT

3.99

4.18

0.19

4.76

OKOMUOIL

30.65

32.10

1.45

4.73

STERLNBANK

2.00

2.09

0.09

4.50

ZENITHBANK

19.20

19.88

0.68

3.54

FIDELITYBK

1.77

1.81

0.04

2.26

NEIMETH

1.22

1.24

0.02

1.64

SKYEBANK

2.50

2.54

0.04

1.60

NB

147.90

150.16

2.26

1.53

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

REDSTAREX

5.10

4.85

-0.25

-4.90

MCNICHOLS

1.50

1.43

-0.07

-4.67

MANSARD

2.91

2.79

-0.12

-4.12

WAPIC

0.54

0.52

-0.02

-3.70

UBCAP

1.48

1.44

-0.04

-2.70

TRANSCORP

2.92

2.85

-0.07

-2.40

GLAXOSMITH

44.99

44.15

-0.84

-1.87

VITAFOAM

5.25

5.16

-0.09

-1.71

CILEASING

0.68

0.67

-0.01

-1.47

MOBIL

150.00

148.00

-2.00

-1.33

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.18

99.06

13.89

99.21

13.75

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.88

101.88

13.90

102.03

13.81

16.00 29-JUN-2019

4.05

106.07

13.98

106.37

13.88

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.63

110.65

13.87

110.95

13.80

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.76

101.93

13.80

102.23

13.74

10.00 23-JUL-2030

15.12 68.00

15.55

68.30

15.48

Closing Market Prices of June 10, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

10-Sep-15

11.23

11.55

WAUA

270

USD

197

03-Dec-15

11.45

12.11

EURO

214

02-Jun-16

12.65

14.44

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

13.0467

POUNDS STERLING

293

1M

15.4133

3M

16.5498

SDR

273

6M

17.4621

NIBOR

The Fixings of June 11, 2015

46

Capital Market

Friday, June 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at June 11, 2015 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Friday, June 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

47

Community Mirror Multiple taxation will no longer exist when this administration settles down. We will work with local government councils to streamline taxes, so that businesses will not pay tax in a local government and replicate same in another.

Governor of Rivers State – Nyesom Wike

Wife accuses Monarch of threatening her life Dare akogun

P

aramount ruler of Ataigboukwu autonomous community in Umuzomgbo Ihechiowa in Arochukwu Local Government area of Abia State, Eze Linus Nto, has been accused of alleged threat to the life of his queen.

In a press statement issued on behalf of the queen, Mrs. Ugoeze Chinyere Mbah, by a Non Governmental organisation, NGO, Project Alert stated that problem started in the union when the queen showed his displeasure over alleged infidelity of the monarch.

According to the group Chinyere narrated that trouble started when the monarch allegedly began an affair with

her cousin which she vehemently kicked against.

In her words “We both live peacefully until 2004 when he started his cruelty towards me.

Although all this years he has been having extra marital affairs, but I was not bothered, I only reacted when he started having an affair with my cousin.

“My Cousin confessed and apologized but my husband never took it lightly so on August 2004 he attempted to strangle me while I was praying, I managed to escape his and he pursued me round the house with a knife.

“I was three month pregnant then, with the help of the neigbours I was taken to a hospital and I started living with my

pastor,” she added.

She noted after about a year her husband came begging and with the advice and pleading of the pastor and other family members on his behalf she forgave and returned back to her matrimonial home.

But her hope of blissful marriage and peaceful was dashed as she was allegedly accosted by unknown gun men at three different times whenever she visits her home town.

In her words, “When I got home and narrated the incidents to my husband, he didn’t say or do anything about it other than to call me a witch, I then suspect he may have a hand in the serial attack against my life,” she alleged.

She further alleged that the

LEFT: Chinyere Mbah. Right: The shop and some computer system vandalised

Ikota shopping complex to install CCTV Victor uDoh

A

s part of effort to enhance security of lives and properties in Ikota Shopping Complex, the executives of the market have announced their plan to introduced CCTV cameras in the complex.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new executive members, Chairman of the group, Barr. Chinedu Ezeobi said that during his tenure they would install CCTV in strategic positions and also reposition the

security arrangement in the complex.

He added that the new executive would take the group to greater heights, by taking responsibility, enhancing accountability, and commitment to partnership that would serve greater society.

Ezeobi further said that they would move against indiscriminate parking of cars and abandonment of same of vehicles in the market by empowering the task force and security agents to clamp on any wrong parking and abandonment of vehicles.

Speaking earlier at the event immediate past chairman of the market Sir. Mathew Ojugo, advised the new executives to be people of shinning character and integrity and see the opportunity as a call to service.

Other elected executive are as follows; Vice Chairman Stella Aghatise, Secretary General Barr Robert Anyanwu, Legal Adviser Barr Danbo, Treasurer Arc. Nkechi Nnamah, Financial Secretary Philip Odoekwu, Assistant Secretary Tolu obude and PRO Temple Ngwoke.

JALINGO

monarch destroyed 20 computers in her cyber café, and locking it up till date. She further alleged that the Police at Abayi division had the records of the incident but could not do anything about it.

She revealed she has since

been ejected from her home late last year with nothing and her children taken away from her.

“He pushed me out to the gutter after enslaving him for17years and yet still go about to threaten me and my family” she lamented.

One killed in police, cultists gun duel osahon Julius YENAGOA

A

gun duel between men of the Nigeria Police and suspected cultists in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital has left one young man identified as Blessing Amakiri from Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, dead.

The incident, which occurred at the Ovom axis of Yenagoa about 4.30pm yesterday left residents in fear as they scampered for safety during the exchange of gunfire between policemen and cultists It was learnt that Amakiri, aged 20, who was visiting the area died immediately and his body was abandoned by the police, although they returned later to take away the corpse.

Some eyewitnesses allege that the victim was hit by a pellet from a police rifle and they expressed outrage why the police would contrive to abandon the corpse in the first place.

An eyewitness who spoke on condition of anonymity said “I wonder why they left the corpse but went ahead to arrest many young men after flogging both boys and girls mercilessly.”

It was further gathered that trouble started when three policemen from ‘A’ Division went to the area which is notorious for drugs and cultism to arrest a suspect.

The policemen were met by some cultists who asked them to leave the area but as the policemen refused to leave, they began to pelt them with missiles including stones and

broken bottles.

Just then, a senior police officer arrive the scene and immediately ordered the policemen to go after the cultists which are believed to have spurred the sporadic exchange of gunfire.

When contacted over the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Asinim Butswat, said the incident occurred when the police were responding to a distress call about a clash between rival cult groups, Icelanders and Greenlanders.

Butswat said the corpse of Amakiri was identified by his mother and has been deposited in the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Yenagoa while investigations are ongoing.

He disclosed that two persons were arrested and detained in connection with the incident and that at the conclusion of investigations, the file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, for advice.

Gov. Dickson

48

Transition

Nicholas Liverpool

N

icholas Joseph Orville Liverpool born on September 9, 1934 was a Dominican politician and jurist who was the sixth President of Dominica, from 2 October 2003 to 17 September 2012.

Friday, June 12, 2015

In 1957 he entered the University of Hull and obtained an LL.B (Hons.) degree in 1960. He was called to the bar at Inner Temple in 1961. He obtained a Ph.D degree from University of Sheffield in 1965. He served as a regional judge and then an appeal court judge in several countries in the Caribbean including Belize and Grenada.

He also served as a high court judge in Antigua and Mont-

serrat and served on a number of tribunals and commissions for legal reform. In 2002 he was chairman of the constitutional review commission for Grenada.

The University of Hull awarded him a degree of Doctor of Laws in July 2011.

He became Ambassador to the United States in March 1998 and served in that capacity until 2001. In the same year as elected president Dr. Liverpool was awarded the Dominica Award of Honour. Between 2002 and 2003 he also served as a Member of the UNESCO governing board.

In July 2008 he agreed to serve a second term as President upon the expiration of his first term, following a joint nomination by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and Opposition Leader Earl Williams.

In 2012 he was awarded and invested by HRH The Duke of Castro as a Knight Grand Cross with Gold Star of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George in recognition to his contribution to law and Catholic Life and served from 2014 as Vice Delegate for Dominica for

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Risikat Balogun

M

other of Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, an Assistant Editor In Chief with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Alhaja Risikat Ajoke Balogun, is dead.

Alhaja Balogun passed on peacefully in her son‘s residence in Ibadan on Friday June 6, at the age of 80 and was buried according to Islamic tenets in her Lagos residence on Saturday.

In a statement issued by the deceased eldest child, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the eighth day Fidau prayers will hold at 10 Ogundipe Street, Alapere, Lagos on Saturday June 13.

Balogun said some Islamic clerics from Ibadan, Lagos and Ogun states as well as family members are slated to grace the prayers.

The late Alhaja Balogun, a.k.a Alhaja Temitope was born in Oko Olomi in IbejuLekki area of Lagos State in

1935.

She was survived by six children and 19 grandchildren, among whom is Abdur-

News

Community debunks dispute with estate agent Adeleke AdesAnyA

M

owo Kekere community in Ikorodu area of Lagos State has debunked what it described as rumour over serious dispute between them and an estate agent, Otunba Kamorudeen Lamina.

The community, while speaking through one of their elders, Chief Safari Ayeola, who is also head of Ifegbuwa clan, said report of disputes between the community and the estate agent was far from the truth.

National Mirror had earlier heard from a source that the community has been in disagreement with Alhaji Sikiru over illegal possession of their land properties which was in his care.

The source added that the community through it leaders had on various occasion made series of efforts to curtail Otunba Lamina who was also alleged to have threatened their dwellers with hoodlums over the landing properties, but their effort to no avail.

Chief Safari however explained that though what seem to be like misunderstanding wanted to erupt between his clan over portion of land sold

to Otunba Lamina, but the issue was later settled by the elders.

“We don’t have any issue with Alhaji Sikiru because the portion of land he possessed from us long ago was done legally.

“Though when he got the land from us, there was a misunderstanding in our family, but later we settled it among ourselves. I don’t think our community is having any issue with him, he has been a good friend of us since we have been dealing with him”, he said.

Meanwhile, Otunba Kamorudeen Lamina has attributed all sorts of allegations against him as efforts by his professional competitors to bring him down.

Otunba Lamina, who was also alleged to have possessed several landed properties via usage of hoodlums and other illegal means within Mowo Kekere community and others, while sharing his side of what transpired between him and people of the community said, “The allegations against me are not real because wherever we have properties, we purchased legally, including this Mowo Kekere because we believe so much in doing thins legally.

Explaining how his company

strikes business with people, Otumba said, his legal team always make good findings of any properties available before they purchase it.

He also confirmed his earlier issue with some families at Mowo Kekere community which was later settled at Abu-

ja.

“When they wanted to indict me, they said I was declared wanted by Police in Abuja, and i went there, but to my surprise there was nothing like that.

They also, later, summoned again me over the same allegation, and my lawyer and I took

it up with them, but to my surprise the complainant didn’t come up while court struck out the case after which I have been to court nine times. I believe that all that is happening are effort of my competitors to bring me down”, he said.

Taraba crisis: Monarch calls Justin tyopuusu JALINGO

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hief of Mutum-Biyu in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State, Alhaji Sani Suleiman Duna, has implored the state government to consider dialogue in ending communal clash in the state.

The chief, who made the call when he received Catholic priest of Jalingo Diocese, who paid him a courtesy visit in his palace in Mutum-Biyu, said he remained committed in ensuring that peace reigns in his chiefdom at all times.

He condemned in strong terms the unfortunate crisis that engulfed the state in recent past and called on government to engage the warring parties in a dialogue to

bring an end to the killings.

The chief wondered why some miscreants who want to cause trouble would use the names of Islam and Christianity to kill and destroy peoples’ property.

“There is no basis for Christians and Muslims to fight. Prophet Isa (referred in Christianity as Jesus Christ) is a factor in Islam and we respect and honour him. Those miscreants killing in the name of Islam are not representing Islam.

They are the most dangerous human beings you can ever meet.

“Those miscreants are not only in Islam, they are in Christianity too. People should learn to be patient and change their approach

to issues,” he said.

He commended the priests for always working for the well being of the people, saying he is always ready to partner with them to maintain a peaceful and developed society.

Earlier, leaders of the delegation Rev. Father George Dogo and Rev. Paul Kangkai condoled with the King over the death of his father and urged him to emulate his father who stood firm to ensure that peace reign in his domain during his rule.

According to them, the king’s late father stood his ground above all odds to ensure that in spite of the crisis that displaced thousands close to his domain, he stood firm to ensure that it did not

Friday, June 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

49

World News

China jails top leader for life over corruption

Kyrgyzstan has ambitious plans to promote inter-ethnic harmony and to protect the rights of all, including minorities.

50

–United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon

Ghana suspends Ebola vaccine trial, claims citizens used as guinea pig Paul arhewe

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

G

hana has suspended a trial for an Ebola vaccine after complaints that locals were being needlessly used as “guinea pigs” in a country currently free of the deadly disease.

The West African nation had agreed to join other countries in hosting trials to test the safety and effects of two experimental vaccines against a virus that has killed more than 11,150 people, mainly in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

It had started Phase 1 safety tests on one vaccine developed

by US pharmaceutical giant Johnson and Johnson and Denmark’s Bavarian Nordic in the south-eastern Volta region, giving volunteers a mobile phone and 20 cedis ($4.7, 4.2 euros) each.

But faced with mounting opposition to the trial, Health Minister Alex Segbefia, who is

The World Health Organization launched clinical trials for experimental Ebola vaccines on March 7, 2015

currently out of the country, decided to suspend the tests, his spokesman Tony Goodman told Citi FM radio.

“The minister has got a lot of calls from numerous Ghanaians saying that they are not interested in any trial,” he said Wednesday.

“So he said... the trial should be suspended until he

returns to look at the issues.”

Leaders of the ruling National Democratic Congress in the Volta region said the trial was a “needless experiment”.

“We have cases of malaria, cholera and HIV/AIDS among others. We need vaccines or remedies for these diseases,” they said in a statement.

“Why should a country that is

Kenyan rights groups laud court over terrorist ruling

T

wo Kenyan rights groups welcomed a court injunction yesterday blocking the government from declaring them as terrorist groups, although their bank accounts remain frozen.

The two key Muslim civil society organisations, HAKI Africa and Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI), had their activities suspended in April for suspected links to Somalia’s Al-Qaeda-linked Shebab, and were placed on a list of 85

individuals and organisations accused of supporting the Islamists.

The list, which also froze key money transfer companies vital for poverty-stricken Somalia, was part of a crackdown on alleged Shebab supporters following the massacre of almost 150 people at Garissa university by the extremists.

The two groups sued banks to access their cash.

Judge Anyara Emukhule, speaking in the High Court in the coastal

Hussein Khalid, director of HAKI Africa human rights group, during a press conference.

city of Mombasa on Thursday, issued an order “restraining” the government from declaring the two groups as “specified entities”, or backers of terrorist groups.

“HAKI Africa and Muhuri are happy with the court ruling today which affirmed the constitutional and fundamental freedoms of the two institutions,” they said in a statement.

“We are happy to have obtained an injunction... in the meantime HAKI Africa and Muhuri are following up and cooperating with all the necessary government agencies.”

Kenyan and foreign rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch (HRW), said both organisations were trying to combat extremism, not foment it.

“HAKI Africa and MUHURI are working to protect human rights in Kenya under difficult circumstances,” HRW said Thursday, adding that they “should be supported for their human rights work, not harassed and intimidated.”

not threatened by Ebola risk the lives of its citizens for an unnecessary experiment?

“We would be grateful if the experiment is cancelled completely to prevent the use of innocent Voltarians as guinea pigs.”

There is no licensed treatment or vaccine for Ebola and the World Health Organization has endorsed rushing potential ones through trials to try to halt the epidemic.

So far, two vaccines that are in their most advanced stages of development appear to be safe, the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said in March.

The Ghanaian Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has said the vaccines cannot trigger an outbreak of the deadly haemorrhagic fever.

UN envoy quits role as mediator in Burundi crisis talks

T

he U.N. special envoy to the Great Lakes region has quit his role facilitating talks between rival factions in Burundi’s political crisis but is staying on in his broader regional position, a U.N. official said yesterday.

Said Djinnit has hosted dialogue between the government, the ruling party, opposition parties and civil society groups to try to resolve a row over President Pierre Nkurunziza’s bid for a third term, but there have been only limited signs of progress.

A series of elections have been delayed by weeks of unrest and violent clashes between police and protesters, plunging the nation into its worst crisis in a decade and alarming a region which has a history of ethnic killing.

Djinnit has faced criticism from the opposition, who said he was biased towards the government, a charge he dismissed.

“He has just left his work as facilitator for the dialogue in Burundi,” the spokesman for the U.N. mission in Burundi, Vladimir Monteiro, said. “He remains the special envoy.”

WORLD BULLETIN

Senegal seizes illegal elephant hair jewellery Senegalese authorities have broken up a ring of traffickers selling jewellery made from the tuft of hair at the end of an elephant’s tail, an advocacy group said yesterday.

Investigators found more than 450 items including bangles, rings and bundles of hair worth around $65,000 during a raid last week and detained eight people involved, according to Eco Activists for Governance and Law Enforcement (EAGLE).

The hair is thought to have been imported illegally from central African countries by Senegalese jewellers who sold the finished items both locally and to European clients.

The jewellery, which can be plaited with gold or encrusted with gems, can be sold for the equivalent of thousands of dollars.

Elephants use the hair on their tails as a fly swat. While it can theoretically be removed from a tranquilized elephant without killing it, EAGLE’s Ofir Drori said that, in reality, they were killed by poachers for their tusks and other products such as the hair.

“It was surprising for us to expose such a magnitude of trade of killed elephant tails artifacts to Europe,” said Drori, a founding director of EAGLE, which led the investigation and informed Senegalese authorities.

Israel denies spying on Iran talks at Swiss hotels Swiss and Austrian investigators have launched probes into alleged spying in hotels hosting delicate Iranian nuclear talks, with Israel denying yesterday its secret services were involved.

The revelation comes in runup to a June 30 deadline for a historic agreement between Iran and world powers on curtailing Tehran’s nuclear programme in return for relief from punishing sanctions, and a day after a Russian-based security firm said a computer worm widely linked to Israel was used to spy on the negotiations.

Israel is vehemently opposed to a nuclear deal with Iran, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning that the accord would not “block Iran’s path to the bomb”.

But it has denied spying on the talks with deputy foreign minister Tzipi Hotovely telling Israeli army radio on Thursday: “There is no basis to the all the international reports on Israel’s involvement in the affair. What is much more important is that we prevent a bad agreement, otherwise at the end of the day we’ll find ourselves with an Iranian nuclear umbrella.”

50

World News

WORLD BULLETIN

Iran envoy declines to commit to nuclear transparency measures Iran’s envoy to the U.N. nuclear agency declined yesterday to commit to nuclear transparency measures that were part of a preliminary deal Tehran and world powers reached in April, deflecting U.S. demands to implement such provisions.

The United States urged Iran to implement the so-called Additional Protocol, which allows more intrusive access to Iranian sites, and Code 3.1, which requires from Iran early notification of the construction of any new nuclear facilities.

“These are the issues still under discussion and I believe we should wait to see the final text... and before that, we cannot prejudge anything,” Reza Najafi told reporters.

He added that Iran and the powers could seal a final deal by their self-imposed June 30 deadline, despite lingering disputes over the capacity of Iran’s uranium enrichment programme, the extent of U.N. inspections and sanctions relief for Tehran.

South Korea MERS virus death toll rises to 10 South Korea reported a 10th death from the MERS virus yesterday, although officials say they believe the disease has peaked.

The victim was a 65-year-old man who had been treated for lung cancer and was hospitalized in the same facility as another MERS patient, the Health Ministry said.

The outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome has caused panic in South Korea. It has infected more than 120 people since the first case, a 68-year-old man who had traveled to the Middle East, was diagnosed on May 20.

Macedonian police find 128 migrants hiding in border village A Macedonian police raid has found 128 migrants and refugees, mostly from Iraq and Syria, hiding in a northern border village as they make their way across the Balkans toward the more prosperous countries of the European Union.

The migrants, mostly from Syria and Iraq, were found in five houses in Vaksince, about 55 kilometers (35 miles) north of the capital, Skopje, police said yesterday.

Macedonia has become one of the main transit routes for thousands of migrants from the Middle East and Africa who enter the European Union in Greece from Turkey and then make their way overland on foot to the more prosperous northern countries.

Friday, June 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

China jails top leader for life over corruption

C

hina’s ex-security chief Zhou Yongkang has been jailed for life - the most senior politician to face corruption charges under Communist rule.

He was found guilty of bribery, abuse of power and “intentionally disclosing national secrets”, China’s official Xinhua news agency reports.

Until his retirement in 2012, Zhou was one of China’s most powerful men.

He was put under investigation one year later as part of President Xi Jinping’s major anti-corruption campaign.

State TV showed a clip of Zhou, 72, pleading guilty at a closed-door trial in the northern city of Tianjin. When responding to the judge, he said he would not launch an appeal.

“I’ve realised the harm I’ve caused to the party and the people. I plead guilty and I regret my crimes,” he said.

It was expected that Zhou Yongkang’s trial would be played out for the Chinese public; his failings strung out for every citizen to see.

In similar high-profile cases, like that of Zhou’s protege, Bo Xilai, the foreign and Chinese media were given 48 hours’ no-

Zhou Yongkang pictured as Politburo member in 2010, then again at his court hearing in 2015

tice that Bo’s trial would begin.

Reporters camped outside the courthouse for days, breathlessly waiting for updates.

In March, the head of China’s Supreme People’s Court had promised that Zhou Yongkang’s trial would be “open in accordance with the law”. The trial was set to take place in the eastern port city of Tianjin. It seemed Zhou was set to

follow Bo’s pattern. Like other senior officials convicted of serious crimes, it was expected he would receive a suspended death sentence.

Months passed without any word. Some guessed that Zhou Yongkang was not co-operating with prosecutors. Others believed that his crimes were too much of an embarrassment for the government.

After all, Zhou Yongkang had held a seat at the very top of the Chinese government pyramid. If he was thoroughly corrupt, some in China might ask whether others at the top were rotten too.

In the end, the decision to keep Zhou Yongkang’s trial secret matches the case surrounding him, and Zhou’s own public persona: inaccessible and secretive.

Canadian PM Harper, Pope Francis discuss school abuse scandal

P

rime Minister Stephen Harper during a meeting with Pope Francis yesterday discussed decades of abuse

suffered by aboriginal children at Catholic boarding schools in Canada, a government statement said.

Pope Francis meets Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper (L)

Harper’s meeting with the pontiff at the Vatican wraps up nearly a week of travel for the Canadian leader, including his participation at the G7 summit in Germany.

Harper did not, however, ask the pope to apologize for what a truth and reconciliation commission report recently called the “spiritual, cultural, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse” of students at Churchrun institutions.

Canada’s aboriginal affairs minister, in advance of Harper’s visit to the Vatican, sent a letter to the Holy See outlining the truth and reconciliation commission’s 94 recommendations, including the call for a papal apology, which is widely supported by Canadian tribal chiefs.

Beginning in 1874, 150,000 Indian, Inuit and Metis children in Canada were forcibly enrolled in 132 boarding schools

run by Christian churches on behalf of the federal government in an effort to integrate them into society.

Many former students alleged abuse by headmasters and teachers, who stripped them of their culture and language.

At least 3,200 students never returned home.

The experience has also been blamed for gross poverty and desperation in native communities that has led to abuse, suicide and crime.

Most of Canada’s Indian Residential Schools, modeled after US Indian industrial schools of the period, were shut down in the 1970s. The last one closed in 1996 in Saskatchewan province.

The two men also discussed the plight of Christians and other religious minorities currently under threat in the Middle East, Eastern Ukraine, Crimea and Africa,” the prime minister’s office said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Friday, June 12, 2015

51

IDPs in Taraba seek protection to return home JUSTIN TYOPUUSU JALINGO

I

nternally displaced persons, IDPs, in Taraba State have called on the state government to provide adequate security to enable them return to their ancestral homes.

Spokesman of the IDPs in Mutum-Biyu camp at Jalingo-Wukari highway,

Malam Yusuf Nadabu Akata, told our correspondent they were tired of staying in camps and called on government to provide security for them to return to their homes.

Nadabu, who said over 2,500 of them were forced out of Wukari early last year following series of attacks on the town, lamented that they lacked

basic necessities of life in the camp and that life was becoming unbearable for them.

“We don’t even have food to eat. The last time we were given relief materials was four months ago. Just last week, two of our children who were trying to cross the road to get water were knocked down and killed by speed-

ing vehicles.

“We can’t continue like this. Government should quickly provide security for us and many others either staying in camps or with their relations in difficult situations for us to return to our homes,” he said, adding that as farmers they need to go back to their homes to continue with their farm-

ing occupation, which is their only source of livelihood.

“For over a year now, our children have been at home without going to

Police assault protesting teachers in Kogi WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

A

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Plateau State Ministry of Works, Mr. Sunday Hyat; Deputy Governor, Prof. Sonni Tyoden and Governor Simon Lalong, going through construction design sheet of the State Secretariat Bridge junction during inspection of some selected projects in Jos, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Katsina LGAs ordered to account for monies recently received

•Masari promises non-interference with councils JAMES DANJUMA, KATSINA

T

he 34 local government areas of Katsina State have been ordered to account for the money they recently received from the immediate past administration in the state.

Specifically, the council areas have been asked to account for monies received after the April 11 gubernatorial election from former Governor Ibrahim Shema’s administration.

Governor Aminu Bello Masari, who gave the directive when he met with council area chairmen, said the measure was part of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, zero tolerance for corruption.

The order contained in a statement issued to newsmen by the Acting Press Secretary, Abdu Labaran, followed reports that over N8.5 billion had been disbursed within the period under reference to

the council areas by the last administration.

Masari, according to the statement, assured that state’s resources would be judiciously utilised under his watch, but warned that “anyone caught stealing government money would not be spared commensurate punishment.”

He called on the council chairmen to sit up and face their responsibilities with “all seriousness and sense of responsibility, especially in the areas of education and health at the primary and secondary levels.”

He said with education, agriculture and health as the administration’s priority areas, local governments in the state must cue in accordingly to play their part.

He said his administration would not tolerate any situation where the crying needs of the people are subordinated for frivolous undertakings that add no value to the society.

Meanwhile, Governor Masari has said that councils would be allowed to perform statutory functions as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution without let, hindrance or interference from the state government.

He gave the assurance when he received a committee report on Local Government Reform.

The governor said in the past, local governments had been allowed to freely perform their statutory functions, which was why their contribution to the nation’s development was immense.

He said unless local government autonomy was restored, the result would be further decay of the economy as well as stunted progress and development of the society.

He said if council areas are allowed to do their work, and state governments allowed to do theirs, there would be peace and little dependence on the Federal Government.

Head of the committee, Abu Jalil Gambo, had earlier informed the state governor that the immediate past administration had rendered local governments ineffective as their functions were performed by the state governor himself.

“Our findings show that local governments were not allowed to perform their statutory functions, as every decision affecting them was taken and implemented by the state government on their behalf.

“In the course of the committee’s investigation, we discovered that the input of the third tier was never sought before decisions were taken for and on their behalf, whether or not such decisions were in their interest.”

Gambo, therefore, called on the state governor to critically study the report and implement recommendations consistent with his administration’s plans for the local governments.

school. We have lost so many of our relations to common illness because we don’t have access to medical care. Life here is terrible,” he lamented.

rmed policemen numbering over 50 yesterday fired canisters of teargas at primary school teachers during a protest over non-payment of their 2014 November and December salaries, as well as other entitlements and allowances.

The teachers, under the aegis of Basic Education Staff Association of Nigeria, BASAN, had converged on Nataco junction for a peaceful protest march to the office of the State Universal Basic Education Board yesterday after their chairman had addressed them; but police stormed the area to disperse the protesters by firing canisters of teargas.

Some of the protesting teachers, who scampered for safety, sustained some injuries, while others who could not run were seriously assaulted by the police, who warned them to abandon the protest.

While speaking with journalists before the police assault, BASAN Chairman, Comrade Adomu Sule, had

said the protest was in reaction to a statement credited to chairman of SUBEB that the state government was not owing basic education teachers.

“The state government is owing teachers in Ajaokuta, Ofu, Okene, Olamaboro and Omala local government councils November 2014 salary. Government is also owing us 2014 December salary.

We have not received leave bonus for five years, while incremental/promotion allowances have not been paid, yet the government claimed it was not owing us,” he said.

Adomu explained that the teachers are worried because of the propaganda by the state government and SUBEB which tends to mislead the general public on their plight, some of who have died of heart attack and high blood pressure as a result of the deprivation.

“We are out today to let the world know that the Kogi State government owes basic education teachers in the state.

“We also want the Federal Government and the public to know how government is killing public schools.

Cholera claims 500 lives in Nigeria, says UNICEF

U

nited Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) said more than 500 people have died as a result of cholera outbreak in Nigeria in the last five months.

Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, UNICEF, Mr. Olusoji Adeniyi, disclosed this at a two-day workshop for ethical and humanitarian stories’ reporting for journalists in Kano.

Adeniyi said the mortality rate following the outbreak of the scourge calls for prompt action and pro-

vision of good and accessible water.

“The mortality rate for cholera in 2015 is over 500 in Nigeria and there are so many deaths still occurring.

“We need to provide good water to prevent cholera outbreak and ensure that the things we eat, especially fruits, are properly cleaned before consumption,” he said.

Adeniyi added that not less than 1,500 persons die in Nigeria annually as a result of the disease.

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I formerly known and addressed as Uchenna Grace Ohaja, now wish to be known and addressed as Uchenna Grace Chijioke.

All former documents remain valid. General public to take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known as Miss Owota, Peibuloulayefa Daisy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akintokun, Peibuloulayefa Daisy.

All Documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ayinde Grace Oluwafunke, Now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oyetunbi Oluwafunke Grace. All former documents remains valid. OYSUBEB and general public take note

PUBLIC NOTICE CHRISTIAN BUSINESS MEN’S CONNECTION INITIATIVE

The general public is hereby informed that the above named body has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

David Okhirhia Boluwaji Awofolaju Gabriel Ajileye Wemimo Olatoye Jolade Olu-Ige (Mrs) Gideon Umukoro Emmanuel Ojo Isaac Ajonibode

– Chairman – Secretary – Treasurer – Member – Member – Member – Member – Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To Present Jesus christ as Saviour and Lord to business and professional men.

2. To develop Christian business and professional men to carry out the great commission.

3. To raise desciples of Jesus Christ among business and professional men through sound Biblical teaching.

Any objection to the registration should be fowarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi, Maitama District, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

CHANGE OF NAME

HAMZAT: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Hamzat Ramotalai Temitope, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Adebisi Hannah Temitope. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Sangosanya Ayodele Oluwatosin Taiwo, now wish to be known and addressed as Adenugba Ayodele Oluwatosin Taiwo. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

FAPETU: I formerly known and addressed as Miss Fapetu Olasumbo Olayinka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Bababunmi Olasumbo Olayinka.

All existing documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

JIMOH: Formerly known and addressed as Jimoh Saka Ajadi now wish to be known and addressed as Alabi Saka Ajadi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EZE: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss. Eze Ujuwa Geraldine now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eze-Ekene Ujuwa Geraldine All former documents remain valid. NYSC, and general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adumati Funmilayo Deborah, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Olubobokun Funmilayo Deborah.

All former documents remain valid.

Ekiti West Local Government Council and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Usman Hauwa, now wish to be known nd addressed as Mrs. Kadiri Usman Hauwa. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Thomas Veronica Iyabo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Unumoste Veronica Ileakwe. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

OSUNDE: I, formerly known and addressed as Mr Innocent Osunde, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mr. Innocent Enowogohomenma Osayande.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Olanrewaju Kikelomo Olayinka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ige Kikelomo Olayinka. All former document remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Mrs Balogun Diekola Ololade, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Akintomide Diekola Ololade.

All former Documents remain valid.

All general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

MAIRO: Formerly known and addressed as Mairo Magaji now wish to be known and addressed as Maryam Magaji.

All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

IKE: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ike Angela Obiageli, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ahanonu Angela Obiageli. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

BIBLE RESTORATION (REV, 10:7) FELLOWSHIP

This is to inform the General Public that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part C of the Company and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Abolaji Oluwasanmi David 2. Femi Dada Moses 3. Folorunsho Adesanya David 4. Ake Ayodele Paul 5. Afolabi Olakunle Samson 6. Badakin Timothy Oluwasegun

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote the teaching of the Holy Bible 2. To promote the worship of our Lord Jesus Christ 3. To foster peace and unity among the body of Christ.

4. To advance the gospel of Jesus Christ to other parts of the world.

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 days of this publication.

SIGNED: CHIBUZOR EKECHUKWU & CO. SPRING LAW CHAMBERS, 27, OYEWOLE STREET, PALMGROVE, LAGOS. 08023223109

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE THEATREMASS MINISTRY

The General public is hereby notified that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for registration under part ‘’C’’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Akintunde Stephen Akinyemi Akinkunmi 2. Iweha Iheanacho Chukwumaobi 3. Julie Steve Dowoh 4. Kwatwa Priscilla Enoch 5. Mamven Pirfa Daniel 6. Amidu Mohammed James 7. Iweha Iheanacho Sarah 8. Bala Stephen

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.

Teaching and training youths through media arts such as drama, films, publication etc.

2. Teaching youth on camera operations and theatre 3. To help youths discover and develop their talents for the good of the society Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris crescent Street, Maitama, P.M.B 189, Garki- Abuja, within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Miss Daramola Funmilayo Hope now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Akinola Funmilayo Hope. All former documents remain valid, Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME IYANTAN : Formerly known and addressed as Miss Iyantan Omonike Joy, now wish to be known nd addressed as Mrs Fayomi Omonike Joy. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF SURNAME CHUKWU: I, formerly known, called and addressed as Cosmas Uzomah Chukwu, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Cosmas Uzomah Chukwuocha. This change of surname from Chukwu to Chukwuocha is necessitated by the fact that the family surname in full, is Chukwuocha. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKEREKE: I, formerly known and addressed as Benedict Friday Okereke, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Ben Okereke. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to inform the General public that Morgan Kelechi Grant and Nwankwo Paulson Katchy Grant refer as one person but now wish to be known and addressed as Nwankwo Paulson Katchy Grant. All former document remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nusirat Olaminike Oluwambe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Joan Olaminike Munis. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Helen Yohanna, now wish to be known and addressed as Hadiza Mohammed. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ANIEKE: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Anieke Abigail Chiegeonu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Chukwuani Abigail Chiegeonu. All former documents remain valid. ESUT, Office of Head of Service Enugu Enugu, and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

We formerly known and addressed as Mr. Victor Akpan and Miss. Oluwadamilola Oluwasefunmi Victor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Umonwa Victor Akpan and Miss. Oluwadamilola Oluwasefunmi Umonwa. All former and existing documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Dawodu Joseph Tokunbo now wish to be addressed as Dawodu Okun Sulima Joseph.

All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

I Usman Subaidat Omo-Oshe is the same person as Usman Subiadat Omoshie, Usman Subiadat Omooshe and Usman Subaidat Anitha. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKUNGBOWA: I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Okungbowa Abosede, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Miss Abosede Adeniji. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ADERIBIGBE: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Aderibigbe Adetoun Oni, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Balogun Adetoun Oni due to marital status.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekundayo Monisola Christianah now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ajiboyo Monisola Christianah.All former document remain valid,Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

NWORGU : Formerly known as Mr Nworgu Arinze Miracle, now wish to be known and address as Mr Okwuchukwu Arinze Miracle. All former documents remains valid. Fed Poly Oko and public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

KABIRU: Formerly known and addressed as Kabiru Ahmed Isah now wish to be known and addressed as Baba Isah Ahmed. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinkuoye Josephine Modupe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akinkuoye Josephine Modupe. All former documents remain valid. SUBEB Akure, Pension Board Akure and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunyemi Olufisayo Elizabeth, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oladunjoye Olufisayo Elizabeth. All former documents remain valid. First Bank plc and general public take note.

AUCTION! AUCTION!! AUCTION!!!

IFO LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Ifo Local Government, Secretariat, PMB 5023, Ifo, Ogun State, Nigeria.

There will be Public Auction of Unservable Vehicles of Ifo local Government Council, Ifo, Ogun State LIST OF ITEMS ARE : Nissan Primera Cars, Toyota Model F Bus, Toyota Hummer Buses, Honda Accord, Toyota Hillux Jeep, Toyota Hiace Bus, Nissan Vannet Buses, Honda Accord (baby boy) Toyota Camry (Orobo) CONDITION OF SALES : 1) The highest bidder shall be the Purchaser 2) Payment is Strictly by Cash 3) Purchases Must be backed with Ifo local Government Council and Auctioneer Receipts 4) Removal of Vehicles Purchased is two Working days after Payment.

DATE OF INSPECTION : 15th of June To 22nd of June, 2015 DATE OF SALES :23RD OF JUNE, 2015, VENUE : Ifo Local Government Secretariat, Ojodu Abiodun and Agbado Area Office TIME : 10:00AM PROMPT For Further information: Please Contact Auctioneer, Alh Owolabi (08033761482)

PUBLIC NOTICE KUKURUKU – AFENMAI YOUTH INITIATIVE The general public is hereby notified that the above named body has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Wesley Olowojaiye Awolike 2. Jamil Gavin Mohammed 3. Anthonia Ohiwerei 4. Gerald Asekhameh 5. Anthony Igebor 6. Theophilus Adolphus Ibodemhe

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

a. To promote unity amongst Afenmai youth b. To promote and protect welfare and interest of the people of Afenmai Land c. To promote and encourage healthy and peaceful co-existence amongst the people of Afenmai irrespective of gender, religion or political affiliation.

Any objection to the registration of this body should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: R.O. ISENALUMHE ESQ. SOLICITOR, 08023368855

Sports

54

Friday, June 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

AFCON Qualifier:

Minimah Boxing gets date

Mashaba wary of Scorpions

B

afana Bafana Coach, Shakes Mashaba, says South Africa’s opponent in this weekend’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, Scorpions of Gambia, will not be easy to contend with.

Mashaba spoke in Durban yesterday as the team rounded of preparation ahead of the tie scheduled for the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

“The Gambians will be happy to get one point here, so it’s a big task for us to dismantle that defence,” the gaffer said.

When asked about how he aims to approach the match, the coach added that he prepared his charges regarding losing the ball and how to regain it.

“We worked on regaining possession as it is a problem in South Africa after losing it, we worked on how to work in regaining the ball.

“We also worked on attacking, how we will use our strengths when we have the ball, we talked about using the width as well as depth.”

IfeanyI eduzor

N Mashaba

Foundation holds swimming event Paul erewuba

T

he Elias Nelson Oyedokun Foundation will tomorrow at Grange School, GRA, Ikeja Lagos hold its inaugural swimming competition.

According to Founder of the organisation, Mrs. Lola Ilaka, the competition meant for swimmers between the ages of 7 and 16 years was aimed at attarcting national attention to better management of asthma in children and adults.

“We want to encourage fitness

in children as well as create an awareness of asthma,” Ilaka said.

“I lost my son to asthma in November 2011. I went through a lot of pain and I wouldn’t want another child to die prematurely as a result of asthma.

“Swimming can increase lung volume, improve an asth-

matic’s general fitness and help them develop good breathing techniques, according to Wang Jeng-Shing from the Taipei Medical University.

“Swimming is not very popular in Nigeria, but it is fast gaining ground amongst young children and adults alike.”

Zenith Bank B’ball: First Bank sets benchmark Paul erewuba

D

efending champion First Bank Basketball Club of Lagos demonstrated class performance yesterday at the 2nd phase of the Zenith Bank Female Basketball League holding at the Ilorin Township Stadium, becom-

ing the first team to score 90 points.

Four- time league MVP, Nkechi Akashili, led the Elephant girls to a 90-28 points victory over Sunshine Angels of Akure, scoring 24 points and shooting a near excellent 90 percent from the field.

Kenya import, Lynette Atieno, Chioma Udeaja and Elaware all added double digits scoring 11,

14, 14 points respectively.

The champion remains unbeaten this season and are poised to make it 10 straight games as it faces the Benue Princess next.

Meanwhile, the IGP Queens have continued their winning streak from the first phase.

Shooting guard, Christiana Issac, has averaged 23.7 points per

game in the 3 games played so far in Ilorin and the leading scorer at the first phase.

“It’s not like I am the best shooter in our team. But I work hard in practice,” the D’Tigress invitee said after putting up 23 points yesterday in their 7216 points win over Coal City Queens.

igeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has concluded plans for the maiden Kenneth Minimah National Men and Women Open Boxing Championship holding from June 28 to July 4 at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Gym, National Stadium, Lagos.

Secretary General of the Federation, Olusola Luke, told National Mirror that men will fight in ten different categories while only six weight divisions will feature in the women category namely; 51kg, 54kg, 57kg, 60kg, 69kg and 75kg weight class.

“The Championship is open to all the states of the federation including Abuja and all affiliated boxing clubs in the country,” Luke said.

“We have asked all interested states to forward the list of ten male boxers in various weight categories and their best six female fighters for the women event,” he added.

“The championship will also serve as selection trials for the 2015 All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville.”

Meanwhile, President of the NBF, General Kenneth Minimah, has advised states to take the championship seriously, warning that only boxers that featured in the tournament would be selected for the All Africa Games.

Abeokuta Team player on the ball against Lagos 2 at the Pepsi Academy UK Scholarship selection exercise in Abeokuta, Ogun State yesteday NBF boss, Minimah

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Memorial Challenge: Okpe nears N10m jackpot

S

tephen Okpe of the Minna Cantonment Golf Course is dictating the pace at the 2015 Dr. Mrs Odushola Ojerinde Memorial Golf Championship with a level par (72) score that he returned on Wednesday.

The event, one of the flagship events of the Professional Golfers’ Association of Nigeria, has consistently posted one of the biggest purses as testified by the interest from big players.

However, a leap forward by Okpe ahead of all the 80 players jostling for the title, has given some of the stars the Otukpo Golf and Country Club in Benue State something to fight for.

The PGA Director, Festus Makelemi, says Okpe’s surge portended an advantage that could sustain him through the weekend.

“The leap being experienced by Okpe takes after the likes of Olapade Sunday, Marcus Elisha, and Kamalu Bako and that portends progress,” Makelemi said yesterday.

Top star Oche Odoh trails Okpe with one stroke deficit, while number one player, Ghanaian Emos Korblah, lies three strokes adrift.

The Memorial Championship ends today with amateur round and the fourth day play for the professionals.

Stephen Okpe

British Open: Odoh, AK Fly, others target Qualifier

N

igerian Oche Odoh, Akinwande Oladapo, Monday Ezeh and Ifeanyi Chukwu are billed to vie for a spot at the 144th British Open Regional Qualifier next week when it tees-off in the United Kingdom.

The quartet, including Markus Elisha (who has pulled out) are listed at one of the 13 regional qualifying centers at the Sandy Lodge Golf Course North West of London on the border of Hertfordshire and Middlesex, UK. However, only current Cam-

eroon Open winner Odoh and rapper Oladapo (known better by his stage name, AK Fly) will be making their first attempt at the world’s oldest major among the four Nigerians who would depend on their current form and good fortune to scale the qualifier hurdle among over 1, 300 others.

“I am feeling very positive and I believe this is the time to take such a leap,” Odoh, who last month became the first player to win the Cameroon Open backto-back at the Yaounde Golf Course, said.

Karate: Lagos ready for Zainab Saleh Open AfolAbi GAmbAri

T

eslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos will host to Zainab Saleh International Female Open Karate Championship tomorrow.

According to Chairman of Lagos State Karate Association, Alfred Ohimain, the tournament, sponsored by the Technical Director of the association, Zainab Saleh, will feature karatekas from Republic of Benin, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast and clubs

Sports

Friday, June 12, 2015

across Nigeria.

“Aside from developing the sport, exposing Lagos athletes to an international tournament of this nature will also help the female karatekas to keep fit ahead of future competitions,” Ohimain said.

“We expected all the invited athletes to be in Lagos later today tomorrow (today) as we are ready to host a memorable tournament,” the Lagos karate boss said.

Organisers said prizes and certificates will be given to participants.

MANDATE

THE

SylveSter Ikuejamoye

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

Blatter, this is un-European

T

o talk about the drama in the house of football in Zurich, headquarters of FIFA within the last ten years or so is no doubt a daunting task. FIFA, the organizing body of world most loved sport, football, has nose-dived astronomically that its “white garment of dashing white snow” has suddenly become stained, dirty and smelly.

Unfortunately, the period falls within the 16 years of Mr. Joseph Sepp Blatter’s leadership of the world body. It has been a period of everything in FIFA for sale. The allegation of racism and financial inducement that trailed the 2006 World Cup bid won by Germany against South Africa is still fresh in the memory of most people, particularly the Africans. This allegation was not known to have been investigated till date. Blatter did not buckle.

The 2010 World Cup bid won by South Africa was seen by many as a way of compensating South Africa for the 2006 failure with many people pointing accusing finger at Blatter of influencing the rights for South Africa. Again, Blatter did not budge.

Brazil 2014 World Cup has come and gone but not without some allegations of underhand cuts both administratively and in officiating. The beginning of the end for this mafia of a leader was the “vote for money” episode of about three years ago that engulfed the FIFA hierarchy and which led to the suspension of some key members of the Executive Committee of FIFA who were used as sacrificial lamb. Again, Blatter did not budge and knows that it is time to go.

The last tsunami straw that finally broke the camel back was the current FBI investigation into the financial dealings of FIFA which has unearthed monumental fraud being perpetrated under Blatter leader-

ship and his cohorts. Though Blatter is still denying any wrong doing, but one of the big wigs in FIFA is already squealing and owing up for the dirty job done on behalf of the mafia in FIFA. Mr. Blazer, a top kitchen member of Blatter inner caucus, has admitted that money indeed changed hands during the 2010 World Cup bid hosted by South Africa.

Though investigations into FIFA activities by the United States’

Sepp Blatter

FBI a n d the Swiss police are on-going, but one name that has resonated in practically all the negative or the dark areas of FIFA misdeeds is Jack Warner, former Vice President of FIFA, who was suspended over the ‘vote for money’ mess during the bidding process for the Qatar and Russia World Cup slated 2018 and 2022 respectively. Before the current FBI revelation, Jack Warner has always been seen as a member of FIFA mafia and as the major hatchet man for the group. There is hardly any dirty deal in FIFA without the stamp of Warner on it.

The approach and attitude of Blatter in the face of all the allegations and misdeeds of some key members of the world football body under him gave a wrong and contradicting impression of what the Europeans are known for.

Certainly, Blatter’s insistence to contest the last election for FIFA presidency despite the

55

FBI and Swiss investigation and revelations is absolutely UN-EUROPEAN. Not a few believe that Blatter may jolly well not be a full breed European. It is assumed that he should have resigned a long time ago as a result of some of the heart breaking revelations on the fraud and other issues inimical to the round leather game.

FIFA has become a disappointment and embarrassment to the beauty, joy and satisfaction as well as the fair play spirit the game of football epitomized. It will take some time for FIFA to recover from the mess it has found itself. It seems it has lost the baseline for virtue and responsibility.

FIFA under Blatter has lost the confidence of the global support for the game of football.

It therefore requires urgent surgical operation to really reposition itself in this very turbulent period if it must continue to enjoy the support and the patronage of its partners, sponsors and other stakeholders.

It is however good news that Blatter has seen the futility of his stubbornness and insistence to continue to head the fraud fraught FIFA body and has now announced his resignation after five days of securing or call it ‘procuring’ another five year term to allow a new president to be elected for FIFA to chart a new path of honour for the world football ruling body. It was almost late before Blatter could rediscover himself as a European with some measure of standards and off-limits.

It is however, better late than never. There is urgent need for New and Fresh Air in FIFA.

Dont mind FIFA, go on with your game At the time of writing this piece, one can safely say well done to our girls participating in the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada. Just concentrate on what you are doing out there, girls. Forget FIFA and its trouble. Play well with determination and I wish you the best.

Hard but the bitter truth Working for success and achieving success is one thing but managing success is another kettle of fish. Failure is no nobody’s wish but inability to manage success is a failure in itself. Learning from history plays major role in absolute failure or absolute success.

Hard But The Bitter Truth.

Until next week Friday, stay out of trouble and God bless Nigeria.

WORLD RECORD

Fastest rugby league hat-trick

Vol. 05 No. 1133

Friday, June 12, 2015

N150

The fastest hat-trick of tries scored from the start of a match is 6 min 54 sec by Chris Thorman (UK) playing the semi-final of the Buddies National League Cup at Doncaster, South Yorkshire, UK on 19 May 2002.

Corruption: Tinkering with Buhari’s war chest?

M

ore than any other promise, the epicurean that fired the will of Nigerians to return Muhammadu Buhari of the hitherto opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) as their elected President at the last March 28 general election was his campaign avowals to root out corruption from the land.

It was widely acclaimed that no epaulet was good enough to cover any portion of the cankerworm under a Buhari-led government. This explains why during the campaigns, the more personal attacks on his person Buhari received from exPresident Goodluck Jonathan and the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the more popular he became. On the contrary, Jonathan was not taken seriously because of the robust tolerance of corruption and impunity under his watch. Publicly, he was told he lacked the courage, zeal and will to fight corruption.

R

eigning French Open champion, Stan Wawrinka, has predicted that world number one Novak Djokovic will win the French Open after the 2015 eluded the Serbian again on Sunday.

The 30-year-old Waw-

FRIDAY WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) He availed convicted corrupt public and other officials of state pardon. A surfeit of other reasons led to the widespread conviction, namely: epic fraud scandals in the oil industry centering on massive subsidy and oil thefts, unremitted funds to the Federation Account, profligate hiring of jet for the oil minister, etc.; questionable processes for the award and review of contracts, and so forth.

At a point, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, now the governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, lamented at a public function in December 2013 that cases of corrupt practices in the nation’s public sector was legion, “ranging from direct diversion of public funds to private pockets, contract over-pricing, bribery, impunity, nepotism, general financial recklessness, fraudulent borrowing and debt management, public assets’ stripping, electoral fraud, shielding of corrupt public officers, among others”. Tambuwal says if the roots of the overwhelming majority of the woes of Nigeria and her citizens were traced, they would sure terminate at the doorsteps of corruption. And since a corrupt government can never fight corruption, apologies to the APC National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Buhari’s anthem on giving corruption a good fight caught the fancy of the majority of Nigerians like the harmattan haze.

Now that he is in the saddle, Buhari’s

SHALL NIGERIA AFFORD TO REMAIN IN SIN THAT GRACE MAY ABOUND? deftness, persistency and consistency in confronting the monstrous menace is inevitable, because, like former President Olusegun Obasanjo said during one of his numerous foreign engagements, the people involved are strongly entrenched “and unless you are ready to confront them at the point of even giving your life for it, then you will give in; and when you give in, that is the end of it”.

But as it were, it does seem Buhari is not persuaded to giving the first cut - which a popular saying describes as the deepest - to the flesh of corruption. And the reasons, most probably, may be found in Buhari himself battling with self-restraint or erring on the side of caution; deferring to the opinions of influence peddlers within and outside the ruling APC; and appraising the damaging roles of ethnic bigots against anti-corruption campaigns in the country. For, ours is a country where ethnicity is exploited, not for the purpose of reprimand for wrongdoing, but as a fodder to shield corrupt ethnic sons and daughters, notwithstanding how grave or sacrilegious their offences while holding public positions of trust may be.

The first pointer to possible dilution of Buhari’s planned war against corruption was noticed after the general elections

were rescheduled from February 14 and 28 to March 28 and April 11, when at a rally in Kaduna, he ruled out probing past governments. Secondly, reports said Buhari’s last-minute change of mind on the day he was inaugurated as president saved many ministers and aides that served under Jonathan, perceived as corrupt, from being detained. Buhari was said to have originally decided to announce an immediate clampdown on the top officials in his inaugural speech, Friday, May 29, but was persuaded by some associates to drop the idea. Indeed, he not only jettisoned the idea, but also ordered security operatives not to molest former government officials or stop them from travelling abroad.

Thirdly, former President Jonathan, shortly before he vacated Aso Rock, in response to widespread agitations for the probe of his administration, also placed a sobering moral albatross on Buhari’s shoulders when he implored him not to limit such probe to only his administration, but to others before him. Earlier, Jonathan had told his ministers and aides to be prepared for ‘persecution’. The inherent danger, however, is that if Buhari allows too many distractions from advisers and associates against his ‘bull-in-a-china-shop’ confrontation of corruption in the country to have a firm grip of him, the battle will be half lost. The questions are: Shall Nigeria afford to remain in sin that grace may abound?

Has Buhari not realised as yet that he will inevitably step on very powerful toes in his bid to stem corruption? What headway can he make on the campaign relying on what people say? If Israel is fickle-minded as a nation; and allowed sentiments and distractions to govern her fight against corruption, would ex-Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, sentenced recently to six years in jail for taking bribes in a real estate deal, not be walking tall in Israel and beyond, like many former and serving Nigerian public officers who criminally abused their offices are now doing? Therefore, it is time to separate sound bites from action.

Sport Extra Tennis: ‘Djokovic ‘ll win Roland Garros title one day’ rinka, seeded eighth, defeated Djokovic 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 to win his second Grand Slam title, denying the latter the one major title that has so far evaded him.

“I know Novak is look-

ing badly and desperately for this title but I am very sure he will win it soon,” Wawrinka said yesterday.

“The way he has played these days has been just amazing,” the Swiss said.

Wawrinka recovered

from a set down to end Djokovic’s 28-match winning streak, with a final tally of 60 winners illustrating his aggressive approach.

“That’s the way I have to play if I want to beat

him,” he recalled the Sunday’s triumph, stressing, “I’m still surprised the way I played, because I think I played amazing game and was always going for my shot the right way.”

Djokovic

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