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Reps urge FG to revoke sale of NITEL/MTEL NCC slashes MTN fine to $3.4bn

ABUJA

Dogara

Vol. 5 N0. 1258

Friday, December 4, 2015

P.5

communications, NITEL, and Mobile Telecommunications, MTEL, by the Bureau of Public Enterprise,

ouse of Representatives, yesterday, resolved to conduct an investigation into the sale of Nigerian Tele-

UBONG UKPONG

EFCC arraigns Akpolobokemi, ex-NIMASA DG, over N3.7bn theft

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

P.3

Magu

National Mirror Online

N150

@NationalMirror

$2.1bn arms purchase scam

NLC insists on death penalty for looters Dasuki denies making implicating statement

OLUFEMI ADEOSUN AND DOOSUUR IWAMBE

ollowing the mindboggling revelations arising from the $2.1bn arms procurement scandal, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday insisted on its stance that corrupt public officers should face capital punishment. Addressing journalists in Abuja, NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, stated that the ongoing detention of some persons by CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

States can’t pay N18,000 minimum wage –Yari

P.4

Onitsha mayhem: Northern govs move to avert spread Women protesting the inconclusive November 21 gubernatorial election at INEC office in Lokoja, yesterday.

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UPDATED 30/10/2015

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Friday, December 4, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NLC insists on death penalty for looters CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in connection with the alleged stealing and diversion of monies meant to prosecute war against insurgency in the North East, justified the union’s calls for summary execution of corrupt public officials. Some ex-high ranking government officials, including former National Security Adviser, NSA, Sambo Dasuki are currently in the custody of EFCC over complicity in the $2.1bn arms deal. He said: “The revelations by former National Security Adviser, his erstwhile Director of Finance, Shuaibu Salisu, which we believe are just the tip of the iceberg, are mind-boggling and justify as well as reinforce our

call for capital punishment in cases of corruption in public office. “We believe with prescription of more stringent punishment for corrupt cases, few will dare to go to this extent. We need not telling that massive corruption in the system, is responsible for our lack of development and our present economic woes.” Comrade Wabba said corruption had sent so many Nigerians to their early grave, stressing that it would be unjustifiable to allow those who engaged in the acts to go without punishment. The NLC president insisted that capital punishment for corruption worked in other countries like China; hence it could also work well in Nigeria.

To this end, the congress president demanded legislation and policies to be put in place to deal with the situation. He urged the National Assembly to rise to the challenge immediately, but advised that the laws should be crafted in such a way that it should not be used indiscriminately. Besides, he called on the National Assembly to enact laws that would also protect whistle blowers, while the judiciary should also rise to the challenge by ensuring speedy disposal of corruption cases. Wabba called on President Muhammadu Buhari not to relent in his war against corruption, adding that Nigerians would salute him for it. He said: “On our part, we

urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to relent in his war against corruption. Even if it is the only major achievement in four years, it will suffice. At least it would have succeeded in loot recovery as well as set a national moral barometer capable of attracting international confidence and respectability. “In furtherance of this campaign, we call on the government to among other things, probe the power sector reform programme which has delivered darkness instead of light, despite the billions of dollars expended on it.” He said NLC would definitely not allow any attempt to politicise the anti-corruption efforts and urged the anti-corruption agencies to follow due process.

“We believe with prescription of more stringent punishment for corruption cases, few will dare to go to this extent. We need no telling that massive corruption in the system is responsible for our lack of development and our present economic woes. “Rising cases of alienation, civil disobedience, crime and insurgency are directly traceable to wanton cases of corruption in high places which did not only create avoidable diseases, ignorance and poverty, but have totally incapacitated our people. “We as a people and as a nation cannot continue like this, except we want to continue to be the laughing stock of other nations and except we want to create a state of anarchy.

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Bature Umar Masari; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Ogun State, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru and Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajia Aisha Abubakar; at the National MSME Summit in Abuja.

Reps urge FG to revoke sale of NITEL, MTEL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

BPE. Consequently, the House mandated its Committees on Telecommunications and Privatisation to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the liquidation and takeover of the two companies by NATCOM and report back to it in eight weeks for further legislative actions. The resolution followed a motion titled: “Call for Investigation of the Sales of Nigerian Telecommunications, NITEL, and Mo-

bile Telecommunications, MTEL, by NATCOM”, brought by Hon. Henry Nwawuba. In his lead debate, the lawmaker expressed the concern that since the sales and subsequent takeover of the companies by NATCOM, there have been lots of controversies, especially their alleged under-valuation. Nwawuba said the two telecomm entities have the potential to generate huge income and provide employment to Nigerians,

especially with the huge population of over 170 million. He said there was every need to resolve the issues surrounding the sales and takeover of NITEL and MTEL by NATCOM. Contributing to the debate, Minority Leader, Leo Ogor, who regretted that NITEL and MTEL are worst now than before their sales, said the privatisation policy was favoured foreigners to siphon the country’s resources. Others, who also con-

tributed were unanimous that the buyers of NITEL and MTEL were more interested in the assets of the two companies than reviving them. They alleged that almost all the telecommunications service providers in the country today were making use of the facilities of NITEL and MTEL. The lawmakers were unanimous too that the probe takes a critical look at the country’s privatisation laws to immediately reverse the sales, insisting

that there were needs “to ensure that these assets are returned to the real owners who are the Nigerian people.” The motion enjoyed an overwhelming support by the House, presided over by the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara. It would be recalled that in December 2014, NITEL and MTEL were sold to NATCOM for $242.3m by BPE. However, the probe by the House will cover the period from year 2003.

“Because certainly, our teeming youths and the army of the unemployed, who look unto their country for their means of livelihood, will not fold their hands while a few individuals corner the national resources,” he added. He said labour must be resolute and firm in their support for good governance and fight against corruption and must entrench the culture of accountability, ensuring that public officers are accountable in and out of office. Meanwhile, the Federal Government yesterday appointed a private legal practitioner, Mr. Oladipupo Okpeseyitan, SAN, to prosecute Dasuki. Okpeseyitan made a formal appearance when the case of the enforcement of human rights by Dasuki came up for hearing at the Federal High Court Abuja. The lawyer, after announcing his appearance told the trial judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola that he had filed a motion for stay of execution of the ruling of the court, which granted Dasuki permission to travel abroad for medical treatment. He applied to the court to put the ruling on hold pending the outcome of the appeal in the matter. Dasuki’s lawyer Mr. Ahmed Raji SAN, in his reply told the court that he had just been served with the motion in court, adding that he needed time to respond to the motion. The case has been fixed for December 8, 2015 for hearing. This was even as Dasuki yesterday denied that he never made any statement implicating anyone or group in the allegation of $2bn arms purchase deal. Dasuki, who is still in the custody of EFCC, was alleged to have made the statement to the anti-graft agency and named some former governors of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and chieftains of the party among others as accomplices in the alleged deal. Speaking through his lawyer, Dasuki, maintained that he never made such statement or name anyone to the anti graft agency, stressing that he wondered where the authors got their information from. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Friday, December 4, 2015

EFCC arraigns Akpolobokemi, ex-NIMASA DG over N3.7bn theft WALE IGBINTADE

conomic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday arraigned the immediate past Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Patrick Ziadeke Akpolobokemi before a Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged conversion of about N3.7bn. Also charged alongside Akpolobokemi before Justice Saliu Saidu are, Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Felix Bob-Nabena, Captain Warredi Enisouh, Governor Amechee Jua, Ugo Frederick, Timi Alari and two limited liability companies: Al-kenzo Limited and Penniel Engineering Services Limited. EFCC in charge number FHC/L/496c/15, alleged that Akpolobokemi and other accused persons had on or before December 20, 2013, conspired among themselves to converts the said sum which was derived from NIMASA. The alleged offences according to EFCC prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, are punishable under section 18(a) and 15(1) of Money Laundering Prohibition (Amendment) Act. 2012,

and section 15(3) of the same Act. Count one of the charge reads: “That you Patrick Ziadeke Akpolobokemi, Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba; Ekene Nwakuche; Felix Bob-Nabena; Captain Warredi Enisouh; Governor Amechee Juan; Ugo Frederick and Timi Alari, Al-kenzo Limited and Penniel Engineering Services Limited on or about 20th day of December, 2013, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this court did conspire amongst yourselves to commit an offence, to wit; conversion of the sum of N1,151,214.00, (One billion, one hundred and fifty one million, two hundred and forty thousand naira), property of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, which was derived from

stealing and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 18(a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition (Amendment) Act 2012, and punishable under section 15(3) of the same Act.” However all the accused persons pleaded not guilty to all the counts charge. EFCC lawyer, Oyedepo urged the court to remand the accused persons in prisons custody pending the determination of the charge. But, Dr. Joseph Nwobike, SAN, counsel to Akpolobokemi and the fourth accused person, Felix BobNabena, urged the court to grant bail to his clients in self-recognition. Nwobike said the accused persons bail applications was pursuant to sections 32 (1)(2), 158 and 165 of Administration of Crimi-

nal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015; and section 35 of the 1999 Constitution. He also urged the court not to make an order allowing the EFCC to verify the bail conditions. He told the court that all the accused persons were on administrative bail granted by EFCC and have always made themselves available to the Commission. Also, the second, third, fifth sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and 10th accused persons through their various lawyers, aligned themselves with the submission of Dr. Nwobike on their bail applications. But Oyedepo urged the court to refuse the applications. Though, he conceded that apart from other accused persons who volun-

tary honour the administrative bail granted them, it took the agency extra energy to re-arrest Akpolobokemi, who he claimed to have jumped bail. He therefore urged the court to refuse the bail applications of the accused persons. Ruling on the bail applications, Justice Saidu admitted bail to Akpolobokemi in the sum of N100m with two sureties in the same sum. One of the sureties according to the judge must be his blood relation and must have a landed property in Ikoyi or Victoria Island in Lagos State, while the second surety must be a director in either federal or state civil service. Justice Said also ordered the accused to deposit his international

traveling passport with the court’s Deputy Registrar. Other accused persons were admitted to bail in the sum of N50m with two sureties each. One of the sureties according to the judge must be blood relation of the accused, with landed property in Ikoyi, Lekki or Victoria Island, while the second surety must be a director in either federal or state civil service. Justice Said also ordered the accused to deposit their international traveling passports with the court’s Deputy Registrar. He however ordered that all the accused persons be remanded in prisons custody pending the perfection of the bail conditions Trial has been adjourned till January 29, 2016.

NLC insists on death penalty for looters CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

“I was with Dasuki yes- L-R: Country Director, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Mr Jung Sang-Hoon; Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu; Korea Ambassador terday (Wednesday) when to Nigeria, Noh Kyo-Duk and President, KOICA Alumni Association, Nigeria, Mr Isa Hussieni, at the 2015 seminar and KOICA alumni annual gathering in Abuja, the purported statement yesterday. was made. I wish to make categorical statement that my client never made any holders will register free tors who may alternative- the verification of his/her ment System, NIBSS, for statement of such nature or J OHNSON OKANLAWON the required integration of charge for the next 90 ly approach their banker bank account details. naming anybody or group in requirements, access “Registrars shall exerto process their completdays effective from Noany statement. rights to the portal and cise caution when validated e-dividend mandate vember 23, 2015, thereafter “Quote me anywhere, Daecurities and Exany further clarifications ing names generated by form(s)’. they will be charged N100 suki has not done anything change Commission, Explaining the modali- the system for the clear- required towards a smooth like that. It is absolutely unSEC, yesterday said fee to apply. ty for the use of the portal, ing house number, share- operation of the new sysSEC had recently ditrue. It is the figment of the any investor in the naSEC stated: “Every regis- holder account number tem. rected registrars to imimagination of the author tion’s capital market who This is even as it urged trar shall validate inves- and bank account number mediately commence the aimed at creating falsehood failed to complete his or investors to be educated to against the physical form tor’s shareholder account use of e-Dividend Manfor reasons best known to her e-dividend form may complete separate forms to ensure there is a reasonnumber, name, signature date Management System them and Nigerians should be penalized after 80 days. for each shareholder acable level of congruence and Clearing House Num(e-DMMS) Portal to curb disregard them. A notice posted on the count number, as upload of before the document is ber, CHN. the growth of unpaid divi“They are just out to scan- Commission’s website e-dividend mandate Forms accepted and saved on the “This shall be followed dend in the capital market. dalise the man, bring his im- advised investors to apshall be on the basis of inIt further explained with upload of scanned portal.” age and character into disre- proach their banks or dividual shareholder numThe Commission said copy of completed e-Divthat ‘all registrars’ ofpute so that his friends and Registrars to complete the ber and company of infor seamless integration idend Mandate Form(s) fices/accredited outlets well wishers can run away e-dividend mandate form vestment indicated by the and use of the portal, inon to the portal for immeshall be points of upload from him. They want him for immediate processing. investor on the physical evestors can contact the diate access by the invesof completed e-dividend deserted and that will fail,” According to the comDividend Mandate Form. Nigeria Interbank Settletor’s nominated bank for mandate forms by invesRaji said. mission, investors/share-

SEC gives investors 80-day ultimatum on e-dividend Form completion

Photo News

Friday, December 4, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Director-General, Kaduna Business School, Dr Dahiru Sani; Managing Director, Bank of Industry Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa and Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-rufai, during the signing of Tripartite Agreement on the Establishment of Kaduna Start Up and Entrepreneurship Programme in Kaduna yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

L-R: National Mirror Sunday Editor. Mr. Ayo Olesin; Managing Director, Mr. Sunday Olajide; President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) Lady Isioma Chukwuma; DirectorGeneral Mr. Kola Ahmed and Saturday Editor Gbemi Olujobi during the visit of CIIN to National Mirror in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Group CEO, United Capital Plc, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Sanni (right), accepts British Award for African Development (BRAAD Award) for Best African Business Leader from Honorable Jeremy Lefroy Member of Parliament for Stafford and member of the UK Parliament International Development Committee.

L-R: Category Manager Oral Care, Unilever Nigeria, Bunmi Adeniba; Director/Head, Dentistry Division, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Mrs. Adebimpe Adebiyi; Brand Manager, Pepsodent, Unilever Nigeria, George Umoh and Director, Expert Solution, Folusho Babashola, during a press briefing to flag off 2015 National Oral Health Week organised by the Federal Ministry of Health in partnership with Pepsodent, Abuja.

National News

States can’t pay N18,000 minimum wage – Yari insists Rotimi Fadeyi

hairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, and Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, yesterday insisted that some states may not be able to pay the N18,000 minimum wage because of the parlous state of the economy. He, however, clarified that no state government has said it will stop payment of the minimum wage. Speaking with State House correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Yari said governors were planning to meet with the President and his team to find a way forward on how to handle the poor state of the economy. On whether governors would stop payment of minimum wage, Yari said: “Let me make it very clear to Nigerians, Governors Forum is not the enemy of labour in any way. Rather, we have been working together. But

what we are saying, because not only Governor Wike but also my friend in the comradeship, Adams Oshiomhole, kicked against the decision. “Although in the decision, we never said we are going to stop payment of N18,000 minimum wage. But we are looking at the situation in the country and the global economy. “What we said is that when the National Assembly enacted the law on paying N18,000 minimum wage, oil was about $118 per barrel and today where we are, oil is $41 per barrel. “So, if it continues like that, definitely we will find it difficult to continue. We have to sit down with labour and see how we can review; either continue or downsize or whatever we are going to do.” He noted that governors are also interested in finding solution to the crisis, adding that there are many things that needed attention.

The governor further explained that federal allocation now coming to governors was not enough to tackle issues affecting the states. “Some states received N400m, some N500m, others N55m and there are other issues to tackle, not even the salary. In some states, their pension is over N1bn. So, how can we continue borrowing

and servicing this aspect of our expenditure, or overhead. How can we do that? “We are telling the public that we are planning to sit down with the president and his team and the governors as a team and the experts to come out with the way forward and how we are going to handle the poor state of the economy,” he added.

He lamented that some states find it difficult to generate money internally because most of the industries have been shut down due to lack of power supply. “For instance, in my state, the tiny state that is my own, which has more than three textile plants, but because of energy, all have been closed. “We have about 37 gin-

neries and they are not in operation because of poor power supply. “These are places where we can earn our revenue. You cannot in anyway rub shoulder with Rivers State that has giant companies in oil exploration and having so many thousands of staff that are paying their dues. The same applies to Lagos,” Yari said.

Consumer protection, FRSC partner on public safety Olusegun Koiki

onsumer Protection Council, CPC, and Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, have agreed to strengthen their partnership on issues of public safety and welfare of consumers. This was the outcome of a meeting between Corps Marshal of FRSC, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, and Director-General, Consumer Protection Council, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, when the latter paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Commission in Abuja, yesterday. According to a statement

by Head, Media Relations and Strategy, FRSC, Mr. Bisi Kazeem, the Director-General said both FRSC and CPC shared some common values on issues of protecting the safety and welfare of consumers through creation of adequate awareness on the unethical practices of some service providers. Atoki further stated that the importance of public awareness on issues of qualitative service delivery and the rights of the consumers to complain against poor services could not be overemphasised, noting that the two organisations must come

together to work in the interest of the consumers. On joint campaign to educate consumers on their rights, the Director General called on FRSC to join hands with the Council for collective efforts against importers and manufacturers of fake tyres as well as those that engage in overloading and touting in the driver’s licences, which they produce at exorbitant prices to unsuspecting members of the public. She added that CPC would support FRSC in its campaign for speed control in the country through the introduction of speed limiting de-

vices, enforcement of which would commence on 1st April 2016. Responding, Oyeyemi commended Atoki for her aggressive campaigns for consumers’ rights, saying the unrelenting efforts she had been making to create public awareness on consumer rights had made members of the public to become sensitive to issues of quality service delivery. He pledged the support of FRSC to the campaign to make the country safe for all consumers through adequate awareness creation and application of sanctions.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Friday, December 4, 2015

Petitioners’ absence stalls CCT boss’ contract scam hearing Ubong Ukpong, ABUJA

L-R: Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau; Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, and Chairman, Police Service Commission and former I-G, Mr. Mike Okiro, during the minister’s familiarisation tour of Police Headquarters in Abuja, yesterday.

PDP elects national chairman March 19 Obiora Ifoh, ABUJA

eoples Democratic Party, PDP, has fixed March 19, 2016 for the election of a new national chairman and other members of its National Working Committee, NWC. The tenure of the present NWC members ends in March next year. The process for the

emergence of new NWC members will kick-start on February 27 when the party will hold ward congresses to elect delegates for local government congresses. A statement by PDP national publicity secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, yesterday said the NWC, at its meeting on Wednesday, approved the timetable for the congresses and

national convention. He advised all organs of the party and members to adhere strictly to the timetable. There have been calls for the resignation of NWC members immediately after the general elections as the PDP which had always been the leading party lost its first major election since its formation. Only the national chairman, Alhaji Ad-

amu Mu’azu, heeded the call while other NWC members insisted on serving out their tenure. Since Mu’azu left, the deputy national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, has stepped in as acting national chairman, which has led to agitation from PDP members from the North East where the former national chairman comes from.

Assets declaration: Supreme Court fixes Feb 5 for Saraki’s appeal Doosuur Iwambe, ABUJA

upreme Court yesterday adjourned till February 5, 2016 to deliver judgement in the appeal filed by the Senate president, Dr. Bukola Saraki, challenging his arraignment on false declaration of assets at the Code of Conduct Tribunal. The apex court fixed the date yesterday after taking arguments from all the counsels in the suit. Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, who presided over the seven-man panel of justices held that the judgement would not be

delivered earlier than February because of the workload of the court. At the resumed hearing of the appeal yesterday, counsel for Saraki, Mr. Joseph Daodu, leading six other SANs, submitted that the criminal charge of false assets declaration filed against Saraki by the Federal Government was incompetent and asked the court to set it aside. Daudu submitted that the constitution makes it mandatory for the Code of Conduct Tribunal where Saraki is being prosecuted to have mandatory three members, adding that anything to the contrary is improper, illegal and unlawful.

The appellant counsel who formulated six issues for the apex court to determine insisted that the Code of Conduct Tribunal could not lawfully sit and prosecute any Nigerian until when it is properly and legally constituted to discharge its mandate. Besides that, Daudu also argued that the charge against Saraki could not stand in the face of the law in the absence of the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, to institute the trial. He said that at the time Saraki was put on trial, there was no evidence that the AGF donated or delegated his power to institute criminal charge to

anyone. On his part, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), in his submissions said an academic question by the defence counsel could not prevail on the constitution, adding that the constitution allows the tribunal to have two members to sit and hear a matter. According to Jacobs, the law did not stipulate how many of the judges should constitute a sitting on a matter and urged the court to hold that two members could conduct the business of the tribunal as it was done in the case of Saraki. Jacobs then urged the apex court to dismiss Saraki’s appeal.

ouse of Representatives’ Public Petitions Committee, probing the alleged contract scam brought against the chairman of Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, Danladi Umar, failed to listen to the matter following the absence of the petitioners. Although, the CCT team led by the respondent, Umar, was present at the committee and ready for its defence, chairman of the committee, Hon. Uzoma Abonta, however, expressed regrets that the matter could not be entertained in the absence of the complainants. He had earlier read a letter from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, praying for an extension of the date to December 10, to enable the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, attend the session as demanded by the committee. The chairman said he was informed that the petitioners were served hearing notice but expressed shock that they were absent at the hearing. Stating that justice is for both sides, he said, it would

not be appropriate to listen to the respondent without the petitioners. Abonta said he believed that the petitioners were not faceless, adding also that they would appear if given a new date. In his ruling, he mandated the committee’s clerk to again, serve all parties in the matter notices with adequate reminder, as he adjourned hearing to December 9 and 10, 2015, to also accommodate the AGF’s request. The House in its plenary few weeks ago, had received a petition alleging corruption against Umar. The CCT chairman was alleged to have been involved in the misappropriation of funds amounting to millions of Naira, including fictitious contract for the supply of office furniture and fittings to the tune of N11.4m. The petition was presented on behalf of a civil society organisation, AntiCorruption Network, by the chairman, House Committee on Army, Shawulu Kwewum, alleging that Mr. Umar was to be arrested based on the recommendation of the former Minister of Justice and AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Adoke.

NCC slashes MTN’s fine to $3.4bn ...Nigeria chief executives resign Obiora Ifoh, ABUJA

ressure from the South African government and communication stakeholders appears to be paying off as the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has finally agreed to reduce MTN’s fine from $5.2bn to $3.4bn. Also, the chief executive officer of MTN Nigeria, Mike Ikpoki, and the corporate services executive, Wale Goodluck, have resigned from the services of MTN Nigeria following the huge fine imposed on it by the NCC, the telecoms industry regulator. Recall that the NCC had in October this year, fined MTN $5.2bn (N1.04trn) for its failure to deactivate 52 million lines on the MTN network and gave the company up to November 16 to pay up. MTN could not meet up with the payment deadline and was still negotiating, until yesterday when the NCC decided to reduce the

fine to $3.4 billion. But with the latest development, MTN is expected to pay the reduced fine not later than December 31 this year. NCC, it was gathered, has communicated MTN on the decision of the commission to reduce the fine. MTN said yesterday that it received the formal letter from the commission on Wednesday and was “carefully considering” a reply. “The executive chairman, Phuthuma Nhleko, will immediately and urgently re-engage with the Nigerian authorities before responding formally, as it is essential for the company to follow due process to ensure the best outcome,” the company said. MTN Group CEO, Dabengwa Sifiso, had last month, also resigned, on the account of the MTN Nigeria’s fine. NCC’s director of public affairs, Mr. Tony Ojobo, could not be reached for confirmation as his phone was switched off.

National News

Friday, December 4, 2015

Kogi poll: Parties know fate today, as court decides Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

ustice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, will today deliver judgment on the sensitive constitutional issues that emanated from the November 21, 2015 governorship election in Kogi State which was declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. When the matter came up for hearing yesterday, counsel to all the parties adopted and argued their various briefs for and against the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commissions to proceed with the December 5, 2015 supplementary election. The court also heard arguments from counsel on

the burning issues with respect to declaratory relief ’s sought by the contending politicians and their political parties. Specifically while Governor Idris Wada is urging the court to compel INEC to issue him a certificate of return as the only surviving candidate with the highest number of votes in the election, James Falake on the other hand is also asking the court to order INEC to declare him winner of the election. Other plaintiffs in the consolidated suits, Emmanuel Idakwo, John Jacob Usman and Emmanuel Igbokwe had in their various suits, ask the court to compel the electoral body to conduct fresh election in the state following the dead of Alhaji Abubakar Audu, the governorship candidate of the APC in the elec-

tion. In canvassing their various arguments, counsel to both INEC, Yahaya Bello, and the APC, submitted that the court has no jurisdiction to adjudicate on the issues raised by the plaintiff, saying that the appropriate court is the election petition tribunal. The plaintiffs are praying the court to determine whether, having regards to the provisions of Sections 31 (1) (2) (4) (5) (6) (7) and (8),33,34,36,85 and 87 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) as well as sections 178- 181of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, INEC can lawfully conduct a second/ supplementary election into the office of Governor of Kogi State on 5th December or any other day let alone accepting nomination/substitution by

APC on the basis of votes computed and credited to late Audu. “Whether in view of the provisions of section 179 (2) (3)(4)(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and other provisions of the Electoral Act and having regards to the doctrine of necessity, Wada being the only surviving candidate with the majority votes cast at the election ought not to be declared winner of the election having secured not less than one -quarter of votes cast in two-thirds of all the local government areas of Kogi State. “Whether in view of Section 181 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 (as amended) INEC ought to conduct a fresh Governorship election in Kogi State”, the plaintiff ’s prayed the court.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Aviation Ministry stops NAPA check-off dues

…directs NAMA to remit arrears to ATSSSAN, NUATE

inistry of Aviation has stopped the yet to be registered union in the industry, Nigerian Aviation Professionals Association, NAPA, from collecting check-off dues from workers in the sector. The ministry subsequently directed the management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, to immediately remit three months arrears of check-off dues collected from workers and remitted to NAPA to the two known unions in the sector, the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, ATSSSAN, and National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE. The ministry said the remittance of the checkoff dues to the two unions should continue until NAPA is registered. But in a memorandum of understanding reached at a reconciliation meeting in Abuja between the Min-

istry of Labour, NAMA, NUATE and the National Association of Aircraft and Pilots and Engineers, NAAPE, the agency was directed to put on hold the deduction of check off dues to NAPA pending it’s registration and due process in opting out from any trade union were observed by relevant staff. On the pending registration of NAPA, the meeting noted that approval for registration had been conveyed to NAPA promoters and the intention to register as trade union had been gazetted, adding that there were objections to the registration of NAPA by existing trade unions operating in the aviation sector, NAAPE, NUATE and ATSSSAN. The parties were advised to ensure industrial peace and harmony in the sector while another meeting had been slated to hold February 2016 to deliberate on more issues.

Ekiti SSG suspended for three months Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

Students of Mobile Containerized Schools Programme of the Presidential Initiative for the North East at Dalori IDP camp in Maiduguri, yesterday.

kiti State Governor has suspended the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Dr Modupe Alade, for alleged incompetence. The suspension is to last for three months. In a statement in Ado Ekiti yesterday, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Idowu Adelusi, said the governor subsequently directed the State Head of Service, Dr Olugbenga Faseluka, to oversee the

ondary schools nationwide, adding that plans are ongoing to broaden the scope of the programme with the proposed launching/presentation of the book at the national level. On the strategies that had been adopted so far in order to ensure that the educational objective is achieved, Chukwuma, who is also the Managing Director, Nigeria Re-Insurance Corporation, explained that the professional body was also reviving up training for insurance teachers on a nationwide scale. As a take-off point, she said the institute was focusing on states within the South-South, South-East

and North-Central geo-political zones of the country. She also noted that the project tagged “The Trainthe-Trainer Project” remained a veritable platform for promoting insurance education and to ensure that insurance teachers possess the required skills for imparting the necessary knowledge to future generation of insurance practitioners. Chukwuma added that the syllabus of the institute had been completed for immediate implementation, adding that the aim of the syllabus review was to provide opportunity that would pave the way for widening of the scope of the

office of the SSG pending her resumption. Alade was the Treasurer of Ayo Fayose Campaign organization prior to the June 21 governorship election in the state before her appointment as SSG. She retired from the state civil service as permanent secretary, during which she traversed many ministries like education, local government affairs, among others. She hails from Ifaki Ekiti in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of the State.

CIIN restates commitment to insurance education, professionalism

Isaac Asabor

resident and Chairman of Council, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, CIIN, Lady Isioma Chukwuma, has restated the institute’s commitment to promote insurance education in Nigeria in furtherance of its efforts to build a strong professional manpower for the industry and boost its contributions to national development. She made the disclosure when she led the institute’s team comprising the Director General of the institute, Mr. Kola Ahmed, Rector

Centre For Insurance and Financial Management Studies, CIFMS, Dr Yeside Oyetayo, and Assistant Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr Oluseun Banwo, on a courtesy visit to National Mirror newspapers’ management yesterday in Lagos. Specifically, the risk underwriting expert explained that the institute had distributed insurance textbooks to many senior secondary schools in the country while also partnering with tertiary institutions on Diploma in Insurance programme and other courses that could fast-track its manpower capacity building agenda for

the industry in the years ahead. Chukwuma hinted that books worth several thousands of naira had been presented to Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Ondo, Kwara, Rivers and Imo states’ ministries of education under the first phase of the project even as she said another phase of the presentation would follow in Osun, Delta, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Niger, Kogi, Benue and Plateau. She confirmed that the “publication of the book was a landmark achievement of the institute and should therefore be given greater prominence in the teaching and study of insurance as a subject in sec-

institute’s examinations to include Insurance Broking and Loss Adjusting routes. In his remarks, National Mirror’s Managing Director, Mr. Sunday Olajide, commended the institute’s leadership for recognising National Mirror as the right partner in its drive towards deepening insurance penetration in the country. He promised that the medium would be ready to provide all the necessary support, including public enlightenment platform for the institute, to promote insurance education and public awareness on various activities of the professional body.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Friday, December 4, 2015

Bagii kingmakers insist on Abdur-Rasheed KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

risis over the appointment of new Bagii of Saki in Oyo State, has assumed a new dimension as eight kingmakers of the town now insist on the selection of Prince Adegoke AbdurRasheed as new Bagii. The kingmakers in a letter addressed to the state government and made available to journalists in Ibadan yesterday, called on Governor Abiola Ajimobi to approve the appointment without further delay. Those who signed the letter include the Apeeki of Saki, Chief Shittu Olayiwola; Agoro Bagii, Chief Samson Atanda; Sobaloju, Chief Ganiyu Adebayo; Baale Ibata, Chief Yekeen Salami and Baale Ayetoro, Chief Kareem Abokede. Others are the Ikolaba Bagii, Chief Benjamin Olulande; Baba Bagii, Chief Yekeen Oyedokun and Baale Soloko, Chief Falohun. National Mirror learnt that the letter by kingmakers was in reaction to a purported directive by the state government through a letter dated November 23, 2015, with reference number CB 141/25/442, that the selection process, which has been concluded, be re-opened. It would be recalled that Abdur-Rasheed was selected by the kingmakers in an election between him and Prince Yusuff Olabode, presented by the Kujeniya ruling house.

The selection of the new Bagii came up after the demise of the immediate past occupant of the stool, Chief Muritala Oladepo. According to the kingmakers, the authorities of Saki West Local Government had on September 29, 2015, wrote the Kujeniya ruling house of Baggi, whose turn it was to produce the next Bagii of Saki. They disclosed that the ruling house then at a meeting of October 6, 2015, forwarded the names of Abdur-Rasheed and Olabode to the kingmakers. They stated further that the kingmakers wrote a letter dated October 7 to inform the local government, head of Kujeniya ruling house with five members and candidates of the selection meeting scheduled for Octber 8 at Apeeki palace, Oke-Odo in Otun area of Saki. They added that all the invited stakeholders and security agencies witnessed the election, which saw the emergence of Abdur-Rasheed, stating that they unanimously voted for Abdur-Rasheed, having observed all customary rites and oath of allegiance as required by tradition that governs selection to the chieftaincy title. They then called on the governor to approve the appointment of AbdurRasheed and allow any aggrieved member to seek legal redress, assuring that they are prepared to meet the governor’s judgement with justice.

L-R: Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Akin Ibidapo-Obe; representative of Lagos State Commissioner for Justice, Mrs. Omobola Omotimirin; Chairman on the occasion, Alhaji Lateef Olufemi Okunnu SAN, and Acting Head, Department of Private and Property Law (UNILAG ), Dr. Babatunde Oni, during a two-day workshop on Lagos State Lands Registration Law, 2015, in Lagos, yesterday

Dwindling revenue: Osun recruits 300 tax marshals BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

sun State government has recruited 300 tax marshals whose specific job will be to collect taxes and levies as part of measures to shore up revenue base of the state. Those recruited will work mainly in the informal sector and will

be deployed to every part of the state with a Point of Sale Terminals, POS, for the collection of taxes from existing and prospective tax payers. Addressing the new tax marshals at the end of a 3-day capacity building workshop organised by the State Internal Revenue Service, OSIRS, Acting Chairman and

Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of the agency, Mr. Dayo Oyebanji, said the marshals were recruited to ensure that tax collection was made easy by sending out its officials to collect taxes. Oyebanji maintained that the new development would avail the state the opportunity to have a comprehensive data of tax payers and at

Hike in services as Ekiti lifts ban on tippers ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

kiti State government has approved new prices for sand and gravel in the state. With this development, the price of a load of sand has increased from N12,000 to N14,500, while the new

approved price for gravel is N28,000 from the initial N25,000 effective from January 2 next year. This was as a result of a peace parley at the instance of the founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, and security chiefs after the resolution of the stand-off

between the state government and tipper owners/ operators over new tax regime in the state. The stand-off, which followed the tipper owners/ operators’ refusal to pay the new N1,000 per trip levy imposed on them, culminated in the ban on their activities on Wednesday.

Monarchs seek more police presence in Lagos FRANCIS S UBERU

s crime-related issues continue to dominate every discuss in Lagos State, a number of traditional rulers in the state have called for tougher police action in the metropolis, just as they call for greater presence of security agents in the city. Speaking in Lagos at a forum, one of the monarchs, the Obanikoro of Lagos, Chief Adesoji Adeniji, after

commending Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for taking the initiative to equip the police, said the prevailing situation in the state now warrants tougher handling of security issues in the state. The monarch, who commended Governor Ambode for the procurement and donation of modern security gadgets to the Nigeria Police, also called for judicious use and adequate maintenance of the equipment. He said, “The present

the same time increase the consciousness of the citizenry to their civic responsibility. According to him, the new tax marshals would be integrated with the existing tax officers to work together to achieve the common goal of collection of revenue due the state in the most effective and efficient manner.

condition in the state now warrants a tough person to handle security and my feeling is that the people who are going to make use of the equipment, who will enforce the laws, I mean our police and other security agencies, must make good use of the equipment. I want them to strictly enforce the law and anyone that is against the law should be made to face the music.” Also speaking, the Opeoluwa of Lagos, Chief Lateef Aderibigbe

Ajose, thanked the governor for responding to the concerns of the people on the security situation, stressing that the development was a sign of more good things to come from the present administration. He said: “I particularly like to appreciate the fact that the intervention of the governor was very timely. The development is an eloquent testimony to the fact that the government of the day is responsive and I like to urge the people of the state to support Gov-

ernor Ambode so that he will succeed in his efforts to move the state forward. “The equipment bought is for our security and I want to passionately plead with the Nigeria Police to manage and maintain the equipment very well because lack of maintenance culture has always been a major problem.” Ajose, however, appealed for more police presence across the metropolis so as to swiftly respond to any distress calls.

Just as the ban was lifted yesterday, the tax was reduced from N1,000 per trip to N500, while all tipper owners were mandated to register their vehicles with the state government. Fayose threatened that whoever flouted the directive on registration and tax would pay N50,000 fine. He said: “I want us to come to reality that Ekiti State is in dire need of money. N934 million is being deducted from our allocation monthly. But no tipper will operate in Ekiti State without proper registration. You need to be aware that any illegal operators would be seriously dealt with.” Aare Babalola, who praised the governor’s magnanimity, told the tipper owners to continue to support the government of the day by paying their taxes. The meeting was attended by Director of State Services, Mr Duke Fubara, and Police Commissioner, Mr James Etop.

South West

Friday, December 4., 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

2m Nigerians living with cancer –Don FEMI OLAITAN, IBADAN

n expert in radiotherapy and oncology, Prof. Aderemi Tajudeen Ajekigbe, has raised alarm on the prevalence of cancer in the country, saying there are about two million cancer patients in Nigeria. Ajekigbe, who is head of the Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, and the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, UNILAG, yesterday raised the alarm while delivering the convocation lecture of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, stressing that over 100,000 new cases are recorded annually. He lamented the drain the disease costs the nation with just about five per cent of cancer patients (10,000) going abroad and paying between $10,000 and $15,000 per patient for a three to five weeks’ course of radiotherapy. “This translates to about $100,000,000 per annum foreign exchange drain, yet, chemotherapy

cost is about five-10 times the cost of radiotherapy,” he said. To curb the menace of the disease in the country, the don, while speaking on the topic, ‘Stepping Out Into The World, Potential Well-Being, Change in Life Style and Cancer Education,’ urged the government to, instead of allocating oil blocs to individuals, give them to cancer research to ensure its early detection and management. He similarly canvassed the allocation of 51 per cent of gross income of all members of the executive and legislature at Federal, state and local government levels to the same cancer cause, stressing that “you will see the wonder these deductions will do in early detection of cancer and its management.” He disclosed further that from molecular biology, “cancer is now recognised as a genetic disease where mutations in genes, inherited or acquired, result in transition from a normal to a malignant growth pattern.”

NGO targets female journalists’ training AFOLABI GAMBARI

awood Global Foundation, DGF, has restated its commitment to the development of female journalists in Nigeria in tune with the Millennium Development Goals, MGDs. National Mirror learnt yesterday that the Pakistan-based non-governmental organisation, NGO, would kick-start a programme today in Lagos tagged, ‘Educate a Girl Nigeria,’ in conjunction with LadiesFund Pakistan. The aim of the programme is to train about 250 girls in Nigeria and thus enhance their journalism career. The three-day event, which ends in Lagos on Sunday, will see participants from Sokoto, Edo, Borno, Kwara, Anambra as well as Lagos states receiving expert training on fundamentals of journalism and professionalism. “We have chosen the

field of journalism because we wish to remind our girls that they have a voice, while providing them a platform for their voices to be heard and encouraging them to express their freedom,” president of DGF, Mrs. Tara Uzra Dawood, said. “We have also partnered with the British Council, Swiss Consulate, British High Commission, Malala Fund, Pakistani High Commission, the Nigeria High Commission in Pakistan and the UNDP,” she added. Project Partner for Educate a Girl Nigeria, Mrs. Juliet ‘Kego Ume-Onyido, said the participants were drawn from mainly universities and polytechnics in the country. “We collaborated with heads of departments at the institutions to arrive at the number of participants,” Ume-Onyido, whose NGO, Whole WoMan Network, WWN, also raises funds for journalists’ training, stressed.

L-R: Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola; National President of The Apostolic Church, Nigeria, Pastor Gabriel Oladele Olutola and Osogbo Area Superintendent of The Apostolic Church, Pastor Paul Usman, during the presentation of N87.9million cheque to the leadership of The Apostolic Church of Nigeria as compensation on the demolition of its church for the construction of OlaiyaIta Olokan road, Osogbo, at the Governor’s Office, Abere, Osogbo, yesterday.

Crisis looms as Owa claims Osun obaship council chair BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

risis made a cameo appearance in the rank of Osun State Council of Obas yesterday as the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, emerged the new substantive chairman of the council. The late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, until his death, was the substantive chairman of the council, while Oba Aromolaran served as his deputy. Since the creation of Osun State, the Ooni of Ife had in perpetuity chaired the council. But since the demise of Oba Sijuade, the Owa had assumed chairmanship of the council in acting capacity, with only the Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun, openly rejecting the Owa’s leadership of the council. He also did not attend meetings summoned by the Owa, insisting that

Oba Aromolaran could not assume the position, even when an Ooni was not on the throne. Speaking with newsmen after a meeting of the council in Osogbo, Oba Aromolaran said he has emerged the substantive chairman of Osun Obas Council. The monarch told newsmen that the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, moved the motion that he should assume leadership of the council in substantive capacity. The Owa said: “Today, we held a meeting of the Council of Obas in Osun. During our discussion, we deliberated on the chairmanship of the council. “The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, moved a motion that since I have been acting as chairman, I should continue as the substantive chairman, and other monarchs supported the motion.

“I have been acting as chairman of the council even when the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, was alive. I had presided over meetings in his palace because of his old age. “Now that Osun Obas have unanimously adopted me as substantive chairman, I would work for the growth of Osun State and also collaborate with Governor Rauf Aregbesola in moving the state forward, socially and economically.” Commenting on the Monday, December 7 installation of the new Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Oba Aromolaran said monarchs in the state have not been officially invited for the event. “If we are invited with invitation cards or letters, we would go there after consulting with the governor. As at the time we concluded the meeting of Osun Council of

Obas today, we have not received any invitation from Ile-Ife about Monday’s coronation. We don’t just go to where we have not been invited.” Asked if he would still retain his present post with a new Ooni on the throne, Aromolaran said: “It is the Obas that can answer that question because they made me their chairman.” But in a swift reaction, chairman, media and publicity sub-committee for Ooni’s installation, Hon. Biyi Odunlade, said the central planning committee had already sent invitations to all traditional rulers in Osun State. “I can tell you authoritatively that we have sent out invitation individually to all the monarchs in Osun State. We believe they are one in unity, but we have to treat them individually with respect and that is why we sent the invitation cards individually,” Odunlade said.

Wife of another Ebola survivor delivers EVD-free baby FRANKA OSAKWE

rs. Opeyemi Adejoro, the wife of Dr. Adewale Adejoro, a male Ebola survivor, has safely delivered a healthy Ebola-free baby girl at the First Consultant Medical Centre, Lagos. The hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Benjamin Ohiaeri, made the an-

nouncement yesterday. The baby was born at 7:24pm on Tuesday, December 1, 2015. The baby girl, weighing 3kg at birth (its placenta 450g), a product of a term gestation, was delivered following strict guidelines and recommendations from the Centre for Disease Control, CDC, USA, through pre-natal and delivery stages. This is the second Ebolafree baby born by Ebola

survivors from First Consultant Medical Centre this year, barely 16 months after the Ebola saga stopped. It would be recalled that in November 2015, Dr. Ada Igonoh, of First Consultant Medical Centre, also delivered an Ebola-free baby girl in the United States. Dr. Adejoro was one of the doctors that attended to the late Patrick Sawyer. According to his narration,

Dr. Adejoro believed he contracted the virus when he went to set an IV line for Mr. Sawyer on the night before his death. He said the patient reached out and shook his hand just before he slipped on his gloves. Between a week and 10 days later, Dr. Adejoro’s symptoms began to manifest, but thankfully, he is among the 11 survivors in the country today.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South-East

Friday, December 4, 2015

Agric colleges have failed –Reps Emmanuel Ezeh ENUGU

L-R: Chairperson, Community Health Insurance Scheme, Enugu, Dr. Ngozi Agu; State Coordinator, Civil Society for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (CISHAN), Mrs. Chika Uwibechukwu and CISHAN Zonal Coordinator, South-East, Revd. Canon Ugo Okoli, during CISHAN general meeting, in Enugu, recently.

Most Biafran agitators did not see civil war –Ezeemo Gloria Anaeze ONITSHA

frontline industrialist, Mr Godwin Ezeemo, has called on the pro-Biafra protesters to have a re-think of their actions and consider its consequences on the generality of the Igbo residing in different parts of the country and tread with caution. He said grounding businesses in the South East, destroying properties of their brothers, and preventing women from fending for their families, among other negative implications of violent protests, do not give credibility to their call, rather dialogue and diplomacy must be employed in resolving any issue of in-

terest, not war or confrontational principle. Ezeemo said that 99.9 per cent of the people parading themselves today as proBiafra crusaders and going about their agitation in a violent manner did not see or experience the 1967- 1970 Nigerian civil war and as such do not know the consequences of their action. He called on the protesters to go home and ask their parents, uncles, war veterans in their various localities what it means to incite war and its benefits. “There is nothing good that will come out of conflict, confusion, crisis, not to talk of war where every where will be in comatose. “Native intelligence must be applied in every

frontier of Igbo existence so as to achieve the resounding progress we need to leave behind for upcoming generations, not destroying the empire we managed to build after the civil war. “Igbo are very much blessed and loved exceedingly by God, no country anywhere in the world had recovered half what that Igbo had after going through the turbulent sea of war, we need to be grateful to God for this grace,” he said. Ezeemo said the Igbo should be wiser in handling its affairs so as to ensure that all the efforts of our nationalists do not go in vain, Nigeria is for all and we cannot after much sacrifices lose out due to un-

planned and uncoordinated programmes. He said the Igbo should borrow a leaf from the manner in which the Yoruba handled their case during the annulment of June 12, 1993, presidential election and ensure that we do not inflict injury on ourselves in the course of fighting for our rights. Ezeemo urged the protesters to shelve any violence mechanism and go back to the elders who know better for advice and techniques on solving the impasse, while urging the government to wade into the reasons for agitation and for resolution as the country was going through lots of economic and insecurity crises.

Police nab customs officer’s killers, foil kidnap attempt Chris Njoku OWERRI

mo State Police Command has apprehended alleged killers of a customs officer, who was gruesomely murdered while on duty at Umuhu, Ngor-Okpala, at OwerriAba road, Imo State, on September 23. Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, who disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing newsmen at the command headquarters, Owerri, Imo State capital, said two of the prime suspects, one Chibuzo Ike of Umuota Umuota, Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, and

his accomplice, Henry Ndubuisi Simon, from Amakoahia in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, were arrested in a hideout on the outskirts of the city following a tip-off. He disclosed that the two suspects after a painstaking investigation by operatives of State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, SCID, led operatives to the hideout of other members at World Bank area in New Owerri, where an AK-47 rifle and its magazine assigned to the slain customs officer was recovered. The police boss further revealed that exhibits also

recovered from the suspects included one Mazda 626 saloon car belonging to the slain customs officer, one bucket containing suspected IED materials, two small batteries and one small rod. According to him, investigation is still ongoing while concerted efforts are being made to apprehend other members of the gang, who are still at large. However, Chibuzo Ike, one of the suspects, when questioned, denied complicity in the murder of the customs officer, but admitted that he led the police to where the AK-47 was hidden in the ceiling.

In a related development, the Police Commissioner said operatives of the command had foiled a kidnap attempt of one Chief Reginald Amanze Anyadike of Umuchukwu, Egbelu Agbala, Owerri North Local Government Area. He disclosed that on sighting the police, the hoodlums engaged them in a gun duel. According to him, in the ensuing gun battle one of the kidnappers, Ikechukwu Wisdom Ezilke (27), a native of Umulebo Obinze in Owerri West Local Government Area, was arrested with bullet wounds, while others escaped.

midst prevailing dwindling economy in the country, the House of Representatives has urged government at all levels to embrace modernised agriculture through the use of mechanical implements, researchbased knowledge and extension services. The House noted that if well-implemented, modernised agriculture would bring about food security, employment generation and wealth creation among Nigerian youths. Chairman, House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Linus Okorie, made the remarks at the inaugural meeting of the committee. He also expressed sadness over what he termed unseriousness of agricultural colleges and institutions, which are not working according to their mandate. Okorie said the agricultural sector was pivotal and strategic if Nigeria was to revolutionise agriculture and diversify the economy away from crude oil dependency, as being canvassed by the present administration. Okorie’s aide, Mr. Dennis

Agbo, quoted him as saying that, “The agricultural sector in Nigeria historically engages more than 75 per cent of the populace, who are involved in one form of agriculturerelated activity or another. Unfortunately, these are mostly at subsistence, labour intensive and often primitive levels not capable of driving economic growth and national food security. “The agricultural colleges and institutions have become mere expression of their mission statements due to myriad of problems ranging from policy instability, poor funding, lack of political will, inefficiency, bureaucracy and total neglect.” Speaking further, he said the committee will look at key areas of urgent legislative intervention to support the vision of President Buhari’s administration by reviewing some laws militating against the development of the sector. “For instance, review of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, amendment of Tertiary Education (TETFUND) and laws for extension services in the country for a National Commission for Colleges of Agriculture,” Okorie said.

Again, Glo stages premium shows in South East

niversity town of Nsukka in Enugu State, Eastern heartland, Owerri, Imo State, and commercial town of Aba in Abia State will come alive again this weekend as next generation network, Globacom, is set to stage two shows, the Slide ‘n’ Bounce Concert and Laffta Fest comedy in the towns. Globacom said in a statement on Thursday that the three cities “will be experiencing the best of entertainment for the second time in less than three weeks as we alternate the shows across the cities to delight our numerous subscribers in them.” While the Glo Laffta Fest, a comedy show, will hold on Friday, December 4, at Millipat Hotel, Nsukka, Owerri will play host to Glo Slide ‘n’ Bounce, a musical concert, at the Imo International Conference Centre, on Saturday, December 5. Aba will host the Laffta Fest show at Binez Hotel on Sunday, December 6, the state-

ment added. Globacom also said in the statement that, “We have lined up the best of the nation’s comedians such as Basket Mouth, I Go Dye, Okey Bakassi, Funny Bone, I Go Save, Buchi, Headmaster, among others, while music stars such as Wizkid, D’banj, P-Square, Bez, Omawumi, Ego, Sammie Okposo, Burna Boy, Korede Bello, MI and Di’Ja will perform at Slide ‘n’ Bounce concert in Owerri”. To qualify to attend the shows, Globacom advised its subscribers, who have used up to N3,000 in the last one month, to send SMS “LOL Nsukka” to the short code 33001 for the Laffta Fest in Nsukka, for instance, and repeat the same process for the Aba event. For those who want to attend the Slide ‘n’ Bounce show, Globacom said they should have used up to N2,000 in the last one month and should send SMS “YES Owerri” to the short code 30188.

South South

Friday, December 4, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Kidnapping: NYSC members most vulnerable in Rivers –Army …gunmen kidnap journalist’s mother Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

igerian Army yesterday said kidnapping was the major security challenge in Rivers State, with members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, as the most vulnerable group. This is as a 68-year-old mother of a Port Harcourtbased journalist, Madam Nkemdirim Umeda, was abducted by unknown gunmen on Thursday morning. Her son, Ogboka Umeda, a reporter with Rivers State Television, RSTV, disclosed to National Mirror in an emotion-laden voice. The Army, however, said most of those involved in kidnapping are young people who belong to cult groups. The Commander, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Brigadier General Stevenson Olabanji, made this known during an interaction with newsmen in Port Harcourt on Thursday. Describing the kidnappers as desperate, Brigadier General Olabanji said the kidnappers sometimes demand amount as ridiculous as N10,000 to free their vic-

tims. According to him, “within the period I have spent here (Rivers State), I have discovered that the biggest challenge we (Army) have here is kidnapping. “Many of those involved in kidnapping are young people who belong to cult groups. They even demand as low as N10,000 as ransom to free their victims,” he said. He stated that the Army and other security agencies need information from members of the public to stem the menace, especially in the communities. “Most cases of kidnapping take place in the communities and that is why we (Army) need information because these boys live in communities and are known. So, we need information when it happens,” Olabanji said. He, however, said the kidnappers usually intimidate and threaten community folks, which is why some people may be afraid of giving useful information to security agencies, assuring that all information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Delta sets up committee on undeveloped lands

elta State Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Development, Sir Dan Okenyi, has set up a committee to identify undeveloped plots of land earlier allocated to individuals and organisations in core area of Asaba, Delta State capital. The committee, which is headed by Mr. Alex Eboka, will identify plots that were yet to be developed by their owners two years or more after they were allocated. The exercise was necessitated by the prevalence of undeveloped plots of land some of which were allocated for upwards of five years and duly issued with Certificates of Occupancy. In setting up the committee, which will be inaugurated in the Conference Hall of the Ministry on Monday, December 7, Okenyi noted that some of the beneficiaries were engaging in land speculation without any intention to develop the property. Besides, some of the lands are posing security challenges as hood-

lums have turned them into their operational base. The undeveloped plots have also become unsightly and negate government’s desire of making Asaba one of the fastest developing state capitals in the country. Plots of lands that were merely fenced by their owners would be classified as undeveloped as a fence is considered a temporary structure that could be demolished with or without notice. Under the terms for issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, the plots were supposed to be developed within two years. Other members of the committee are Messrs O. Kumare (secretary), Pius Okughu, Moses Ojor, Patrick Ebikpade, Oghenovo Defiagbon, John Jibunor, Chuks Obianuko and Kennedy Okoh. Others are Ngozi Odiaka, Emmanuel Oguda, Kanayo Atalor, Uche Nwulu, Obiajura Henry Ehiobu, Paul Onelum and Morgan Otoboh.

Representative of Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr Felix Tuodulo (left) donating books to Chairperson, Izion Youth Council (IYC), Abuja chapter, Mrs Irean Jombo; President, IYC, Udengs Eradiri, and IYC spokesman, Eric Omare, at the Inauguration of Oronto Douglas Library and ICT Center, at Izon Ibe House in Yenagoa, on Wednesday.

IPAC sets up 5-man caretaker c’ttee in C`River Richard Ndoma CALABAR

ross River State branch of the Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC, yesterday said its leadership has set up a 5-man caretaker committee that would oversee its affairs and possibly politically re-engineer its activities in the state. This is coming barley one week after the National Working Committee of the Progressive Peoples’ Alliance, PPA, dissolved the party’s executive committee in Cross River State. The 5-man IPAC team is led by PPA state chairman,

do State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has told former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, that he was expecting letter from her lawyers. The governor, however, said the former minister should explain to Nigerians how so much sleaze went unnoticed under her watch rather than parrying the issues. Reacting to the former minister’s statement, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said rather than respond to issues, OkonjoIweala was making selfindicting statements on how she denied Edo people the funds needed to develop

Mr Patrick Ali, with APGA Chairman, Dr. Fidelis Okoh, as deputy chairman and the state chairman of NCP, Martin Bujor, as secretary. Other members of the executive commitee include Mrs Helen Eke, woman leader of Labour Party, LP, and state chairman of Action Alliance, Mr Eniang Offiong. National Mirror gathered that the decision to remove the entire leadership came as a result of vote of no confidence passed on them by the chairmen and secretaries of nine political parties that formed the IPAC in Cross River State. Investigation revealed

that the immediate executive committee’s tenure has ended and there were moves for them to return for a second term, which was said to have been resisted by majority of the political parties that exists in Cross River State. However, the parties that attended the meeting and reached the decision to dissolve and subsequently set up a caretaker committee includes PDP, APC, APGA, NCP, FDP, AA, LP, ID and PPA. Briefing National Mirror in Calabar at the end of the meeting, the new IPAC secretary, Marin Bujor, stated that new leadership

has promised to make all parties work for the promotion of democratic ideals as enshrined in the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria. The new IPAC Secretary, who doubles as NCP state chairman, said, “Our new leadership will be magnanimous and take democracy to the people. We’ll carry out political reforms at state level and create room for political development.” Bujor, however, maintained that the new leadership was surely going to collaborate with the Ayade administration to entrench very strong and virile democratic tenets across the state.

Oshiomhole to Okonjo-Iweala: I am expecting your lawyer’s letter

critical infrastructure. “She should be ashamed to even state that she denied Edo people infrastructure loan, when she could not redeem what was due to the state. “Would there have been need for loan request if she was truly in firm control

Oshiomhole

of the economy under her watch? “Those organisations, which have been trying to dash her awards, must as a matter of procedure carry out due diligence to properly score her, else, one would have cause to sus-

Okonjo-Iweala

pect that such awards may have been procured. “Anyone giving her award will be doing Nigeria and Nigerians a great disservice in the face of ongoing investigations and revelations that have exposed the rotten underbelly of the Okonjo-Iweala years. “In the meantime, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole awaits the letter from Okonjo-Iweala’s lawyers, but she should be reminded that public officers are accountable to the people and should be ready to answer questions on their role, while in office or out of it.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Friday, December 4, 2015

Onitsha violence: Northern govs move to avert spread • NSCIA calls for calm Wole Adedeji and Inusa Ndahi

overnors of 19 northern states yesterday took undisclosed security measures with a view to ensuring that Wednesday’s violence that included burning places of worship in Onitsha, Anambra State, does not spread to the northern part of the country. Speaking on behalf of the governors, Borno State Governor and chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Kashim Shettima, whose statement was issued by his spokesman, Malam Isa Gusau, yesterday in Maiduguri, said the governors were in touch with one another yesterday and had taken some firm measures that aim at averting any spill-over. Shettima said the governors took the undisclosed measures following media reports claiming that worship places were torched during Wednesday’s violence in Onitsha. A three-week-long pro-Biafra protest turned bloody on Wednesday, resulting in the killing of scores and many injured in Onitsha. The protesters were pressing for the release of detained Director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu. The northern governors condemned the Onitsha violence without blaming any individual or group. The governors appealed for calm, saying all Nigerians must realise that the evil being perpetrated by the Boko Haram insurgents against innocent Muslims, Christians and followers of other religions regardless of their geo-political divides since the last six years, was more than enough trouble for the country; hence the need to come together as a single unit to col-

Olufemi Adeosun ABUJA

ank of Industry, BoI, in conjunction with Kaduna State government and Kaduna Business School has developed a business programme geared towards training 4,500 business operators in the state. Tagged ‘Kaduna Start up Entrepreneurship Programme, KADSTEP,’ the initiative is aimed at improving the capacity of

lectively fight terrorism that is a threat to all law-abiding Nigerians. “We condemn the Wednesday crisis in very strong terms. We have been in touch with one another today. “The governors of major cities in the North in particular, have been in critical touch to share thoughts and we have collectively taken firm measures to ensure that the violence doesn’t spread to any part of the 19 northern states and we will also be working with our colleagues in the South to nip the crisis in the bud; but we will not disclose the measures we have taken so that those who may want to take advantage of the Onitsha mayhem don’t know our strategies. “However, it is surprising to the Northern States Governors Forum that any Nigerian at all can even contemplate any kind of violence when we already have serious problems with Boko Haram insurgents that are killing Muslims and Christians, killing northerners and southerners, attacking mosques, churches and markets in an effort to kill all of us that do not subscribe to their interpretation of Islam. We have Boko Haram that kill Hausa, Fulani, Igbo, Yoruba, Kanuri, Ijaw and anyone they are able to come across. “We thought the existence of Boko Haram should have been enough to make all Nigerians fuse into one and fight a common enemy. It is really sad that any Nigerian can contemplate violence,” he said. Meanwhile, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, has called on Muslims across the country to resist the temptation of retaliating Wednesday’s attacks on the Central Mosque of Onitsha in Anambra State.

L-R; Permanent Secretary, Kwara State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Mariam Garba; Deputy Programme Manager, Education Support Services Programme in Nigeria (ESSPIN), Mr. Jake Ross; Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed; member, ESSPIN, Mrs. Catherine Adeyemi and State Team Leader, ESSPIN, Mr. Fadokun James, during courtesy visit to Government House, Ilorin, yesterday.

We’ve achieved peace in Plateau, says Lalong James Abraham JOS

lateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, yesterday said his administration has achieved lasting peace in the state. Since the past 10 years the state has been troubled by violence, leading to loss of lives and destruction of property. Speaking when management of the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, Zaira, paid him a courtesy call in Jos as part of the institute’s 2015 par-

James Danjuma KATSINA

ore than N7.5 billion is alleged to have been mismanaged by past officials of Katsina State Road Maintenance Agency, KASROMA. The allegation was made yesterday by a committee set up by the state government to look into activities of the

BoI, Kaduna govt enlist 4,500 youths for entrepreneurship some select SME operators in the state, who will benefit from the various loan programmes of the development finance institution. Apart from benefiting from other loan windows of the bank under the KADSTED programme, successful small business operators would also have opportunities to leverage

on existing N1bn matching fund. Speaking while signing the deal in Kaduna yesterday, Managing Director of BoI, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, stated that the entrepreneurship programme would help to rev up economic activities in the state through creation of job opportunities.

ticipants’ field trip, the governor, who assumed office six months ago, said: “Some few years ago, people were afraid to come to the state, but recently people now visit the state and that is a signal that peace has been restored to the state. “Our government is for all people of the state, and we would continue to do things that would promote unity and sustainable peace in the state.” The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Professor Sonni Tyoden, added: “The state govern-

ment is willing to partner with any group that would bring meaningful development to the state. “Our administration is committed to alleviating the suffering of people of the state. “This administration would remain focused and resolute in bettering the lives of citizens of the state.” Lalong called on the institute to be more visible and add more value to the economy of the country. Speaking earlier, Director of the Transport School

in the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, Abimbola Odumosu, said the institute was committed to strengthening the transport sector, as it is charged with the responsibility of providing professional training for middle cadre managers in areas of transport and logistics and also conduct research and offer consultancy services to both public and private transport and logistics organisations, in addition to providing management training for personnel employed in all modes of transportation.

‘Katsina agency mismanaged N7.5bn in four years’ agency in the past. Chairman of the committee, Engr. Abdu Kanti, while presenting his report to the governor, said the money covered finances allocated to

According to him, the programme is targeting creation of 3,500 new businesses across the 23 local government areas of the state, building capacity for entrepreneurial management among the youths, 100 per cent utilisation of funds with BoI, Bank of Agriculture, BoA and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, creating a minimum of 20,000 jobs and improving internally generated revenue in the state.

the agency from 2011 to 2015. Kanti said the money was meant for road repairs but the allocation was mismanaged as most of the money went into private pockets or companies that did little or nothing on contracts awarded them. He cited example of a N1.2 billion approved for a contract but was spent by the agency without commensurate work to show by companies given the contract. He said some of the officials responsible for the mismanagement didn’t help matters as they avoided coming forward to help with the committee’s investigation. The officials worked un-

der the former Governor Ibrahim Shema’s administration. Governor Aminu Bello Masari set up the committee. Kanti said the committee recommended that individuals and companies that didn’t do or complete their contacts be asked to return N4.5 billion to government coffers. He said the amount was arrived at after findings revealed that much of the money allocated to the agency was not put to proper use. Responding, Governor Masari assured that the committee’s findings would be critically looked into and appropriate action taken.

North

Friday, November 13, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NULGE threatens strike over unpaid salaries Justin Tyopuusu JALINGO

igeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Taraba State, has given the government seven days ultimatum to pay the three months salaries arrears owed staff of local governments or risk industrial action. In a letter to the governor signed by the union’s state secretary, Garba Adamu, and obtained by National Mirror, the union frowned at government’s stand that the bailout released by the Federal Government did not include local government, but was meant to settle bank debts. “The union observed with dismay that the state government expended the bailout fund without a second thought to pay arrears of the salaries of local government workers, an action aimed at crippling the workers financially despite the forthcoming yuletide. “We have remained loyal to the state government despite the hardships as a result of delayed or nonpayment of salaries. The rescue mission of the present administration should be extended to the local governments,” part of the letter read. NULGE reminded the governor that the first 14 days ultimatum, which the union gave the government had since expired and that if the state gov-

Priscilla Dennis MINNA

iger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has commenced payment of the backlog of salaries, allowances of ex-councilors and others who have not been paid for over 10 years after leaving office. In a statement signed by Joint Chairman, Forum of Ex-Councilors, Supervisory Councillors, Secretaries and Vice Chairmen (for 2008 2011 and 2011 - 2014), Yahaya Shehu, and made available to journalists in Minna, he commended the governor for the gesture. It stated, “The governor’s order was carried out in September and again in November 2015” and we are in-

ernment remained insensitive to the plight of local government workers in the next seven days, the union will embark on an indefinite strike from December 8. But reacting to the union’s threat in Jalingo, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Rebo Usman, at a press briefing said government was doing everything possible to resolve the issue of salary arrears of local government workers. Rebo noted that communication gap between government and the union was responsible for the union’s position, saying government has engaged the union leaders in series of discussions, which he said the unions have appreciated the efforts of government in ensuring their welfare. “NULGE based their demand on the issue of bailout fund meant to pay workers salaries. Taraba State applied for N37.7bn for payment of salaries, gratuity and severance benefits of political appointee, including accumulated arrears of local government workers. NLC chairman in the state, Peter Gambo, who spoke on behalf of the union, said labour would call a congress that would decide the matter. National Mirror reports that judicial workers in the state have been on strike for over a month.

Bauchi State Governor Muhammed Abubakar (middle) with executive members of National Union of Bauchi State Students, during their visit to Government House, Bauchi, yesterday.

Al-Makura offers free education, medical services to disabled Igbawase Ukumba LAFIA

asarawa State Governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, yesterday declared free education and medical services for all disabled persons resident in the state. The governor made the declaration in Lafia, the

director in Senator David Mark’s Campaign Organisation, Dr. Adakole Elijah, has said the Idoma people of Benue State will support a strong character to represent their cause in the Senate instead of a lackey who carries hand-

Niger pays arrears of salaries, allowances of ex-councillors debted to him for his sympathy and respect for past office holders. “We wondered how our mature and peaceful approach to the demand, and with huge resources at the disposal of the past administration, yet, it turned a blind eye to our plight and endless agony of the ex councilors.” As a result of non-payment of their salaries and allowances, the forum said many of its members were indebted to banks and individuals who before now, finds it difficult to cater for their families, adding that the situation was almost out of hand before commencement of the payment.

Decrying the situation, the forum noted; “no other branch of political office holders was ever subjected to such hardship and neglect, we therefore thank the governor for his spirit of comradeship and high sense of responsibility and we pledge our unflinching support for the governor and offer prayers of goodwill for the administration.” It would be recalled that at the eve of the administration of Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, ex-councilors, supervisory councillors, secretaries and vice chairmen in a protest to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

state capital, during commemoration of this year’s day for the disabled. According to him; “any disabled persons resident in the state that has any educational qualification beyond secondary school level would be given automatic employment on the payroll of the state government.” To this end, the governor

directed relevant authorities to carry out a census of all disabled persons to arrive at an authentic number of disabled persons living in the state so that government will swing into action. Al-Makura said the three schools for the disabled the state government was constructing would be completed by end of this year, while

admission into the schools would commence early next year. Meanwhile, high point of the occasion was the donation of about N4 million to disabled persons by AlMakura, who encouraged them to be contented with their status in the society and contribute their quota to the development of Nigeria.

Why Idoma’ll vote Mark —Aide bags for other senators. Elijah’s statement was triggered by claims by the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in the Benue South senatorial district rerun election, Daniel Onjeh, that the Idoma people are no longer in support of Mark’s ambition to represent them at the Senate. The Court of Appeal sitting in Makurdi had last Saturday annulled Mark’s election and ordered a rerun within 90 days. Mark, who is former Senate President, is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. However, Elijah while briefing journalists in Makurdi yesterday said he would not join issues with Onjeh to dignify him even as he stressed that the Idoma whom he said are not fools would continue to maintain their support for Mark in order to protect their integrity and destiny. He described the judgment of the appellate court as shal-

low and lacking in logic, particularly that the court relied on the clerical error of the returning officer, who signed the result on 28 instead of 29 March, 2015, arguing: “what the court needed to have done was to set aside the declaration and collate since the date does not invalidate election if there was a clerical error, in so far as it does not change the result.” He bolstered his argument with the judgment delivered by President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, which he said the Court of Appeal in Makurdi misapplied in the instant case. Elijah also wondered why the Court of Appeal relied heavily on the senatorial election result Onjeh dumped on document, which was rejected by the lower court in July, and was not appealed against. He said for the Appeal Court to resurrect such a document and base its judgment on it was curious, adding that they have to explain to the

world if they had no vested interest. He wondered why Onjeh whom he said drew school fees from the purse of Mark when he was a university student would turn round to lie to Nigerians that Mark did not do anything for his people, adding that Mark, apart from assisting Onjeh, had given scholarship to over 12,000 students in the state, with each benefitting over N20,000. He also listed, among others, human capital development, employment and appointment of Idoma people into the critical sectors of the Nigerian economy, construction of a N17 billion hydro dam at Otobi Akpa in Otukpo Local Government, the multi billion naira Otukpo-Oweto road and Loco bridge, influencing of Federal University of Health Sciences to Idoma land, though it has been reversed by the APC government, construction of classrooms, boreholes and rural roads in Idoma land.

Friday, December 4, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

BAYELSA DECIDE

Tension as gunmen kill APC chieftain in Bayelsa Osahon Julius YENAGOA

here was palpable tension among members of the two contending political parties in Saturday’s gubernatorial poll, the All Progressive Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, following the killing of the Deputy Ward Chairman of APC in Ward 1 in Odi Local Government Area of Bayelsa state by unidentified gunmen. The deceased, Dieseye Dickson was reportedly shot dead in Odi community at about 11pm on Wednesday by the gunmen who were reportedly dressed in military uniform. While a version of the report claimed that the deceased was shot dead dur-

ing a shoot-out between Policemen and the gunmen, numbering about eight in a failed kidnap attempt of Chief Watson Ogoriba, a businessman and senior brother of the former member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Warman Ogoriba. The leadership of the APC in the state through the Sylva/Igiri campaign Organisation alleged that the killing was carried out by suspected thugs hired by the PDP. The Director of Media and Publicity of the Sylva/ Igiri campaign Organisation, Chief Nathan Egba, stated that the killing was wicked, unwarranted and provocative, calling on the police and other relevant agencies to wade into the matter and fish out the killers.

He said, “As at this morning, the corpse of Mr. Dickson, was still lying in a pool of his own blood where he was killed. Do note that this is the second killing being carried out by the PDP since the campaigns started. Recall that Mr. Andrew June, a ward chairman of our party in Ekeremor LGA was hacked to death. We condemned this act of desperation by the PDP to continually attack and intimidate our supporters.” “This killing is wicked, unwarranted and provocative. The APC and the campaign organization has repeatedly called on the police and other security agencies to step up their patrol to forestall any further attack on the APC members. Killers of these people must not be allowed to go unpunished.”

A member of the Federal House of Representative representing Yenagoa/ Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency, Hon.Douye Diri, however faulted the claim of Egba, saying that the incident, was a case of foiled kidnap attempt and not a party conflict. A source within the local government Area also stated “It was a case of failed kidnap attempt. It is not about PDP or the APC. When the kidnappers arrived the community, the vigilante group alerted the Police in Kaima Divisional Command and they engaged the suspected kidnappers in a shoot-out. The victim may have been caught in a cross fire.” The source revealed that aside from the deceased, a woman was also hit in the buttocks by a stray bullet.

APC, PDP trade words over Sylva’s absence at debate Osahon Julius YENAGOA

ayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has attributed the absence of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, at a public debate organized by the Nigerian Elections Debate Group, NEDG to the fear of the party’s inevitable defeat in this Saturday’s election. But the APC through its own campaign organization, while tendering apology to Bayelsans for not making it to the debate, explained that he was held back on a campaign tour to some communities in Sagbama Local Government Area including Odoni and Agbere communities in line with the party’s campaign schedule approved weeks ago. The party also claimed that their candidate, Chief Sylva, had expressed the reservation on having a close contact with Governor Seriake Dickson because of his aggressive posture in an early debate hosted by a private radio station in Yena-

goa, saying his absence was not in any way to undermine the collective interest of the people. Both speaking through their Director of Publicity and Media, Jonathan Obuebite and Nathan Egba respectively. Obuebite had said in a statement that Sylva’s absence was a further confirmation of his lack of respect for the people of the state. According to the statement, having been properly invited by the organizers of the event, Sylva had no excuse to be absent, especially at such a crucial moment. The statement reads in part; “the organizers of the event had officially invited all the governorship candidates and all of them accepted to attend, but it is disheartening that Sylva failed to show up. Most of his supporters, including party chieftains arrived the venue before the commencement of the programme and waited patiently for his arrival, but thirty minutes after the flag off of the debate, it dawned on them that, their candidate in his habitual way would not show up”

Poll: INEC tasked on neutrality Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

T INEC ad-hoc staff checking their names for the December 5 governorship election at the state headquarters of INEC in Yenagoa, yesterday.

TMG deploys 325 observers for Bayelsa poll Osahon Julius YENAGOA

head of Saturday’s gubernatorial poll in Bayelsa state, the Transition Monitoring Group, TMG, said it will deploy 325 observers for the election, just as it

assured voters that their votes will count. At a press conference addressed by the Chairman of the group, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, TMG said the Bayelsa election will be another litmus test for the Independent National Electoral Com-

mission, INEC, after the successes recorded in the presidential election and the kogi inconclusive poll. While calling on candidates and the electorate to ensure that the election is held in an atmosphere of peace, TMG said its quick count will provide inde-

pendent verification of the gubernatorial results as announced by INEC. “If the official results reflects the ballot cast at polling unit, TMG will confirm it. If the official do not reflect the ballots cast at polling units, TMG will expose it,” TMG said.

he Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has been charged to be neutral to ensure the people’s votes count in tomorrow’s governorship election in Bayelsa State. This is coming against the backdrop of alleged complicity of some INEC staff in the alleged manipulations of the 2015 governorship elections in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states. An All Progressives Congress, APC chieftain in Ekiti State, Mr. Segun Osinkolu, said that for those saddled with the statutory responsibility of conducting elections and collation of the people’s will to freely and willingly perpetrate electoral fraud in favour of

a certain political party constituted great threat to the growth of democracy and national peace. Osinkolu tasked the Prof. Mahmood Yakubu-led INEC to display unwavering patriotism and as well be seen to be neutral in every election for Nigerians, the electorate in particular, to have implicit confidence in the commission. The APC chieftain, who spoke during a chat with journalists in Ado Ekiti yesterday, cautioned INEC to guard against a repeat of the Rivers and Cross River states governorship elections in Bayelsa. He said that APC would not expect anything less than a “transparent, free and fair election that represents the true and collective wish of the Bayelsans”.

Politics

Friday, December 4, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Assembly to facilitate equipping of schools with computers

$2.1bn arms deals: CACOL demands heavy punishment for culprits L Ayo Esan

xecutive Chairman of the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, CACOL, Comrade Debo Adeniran has commended the panel investigating the procurement of arms deals and the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC on their efforts in ensuring that corrupt public officials indicted in the arms procurement deal during the past administration were revealed, arrested, quizzed and kept in custody. He said, “Anybody that stole money meant for national security must

be brought to book, and should be punished for misleading Nigerians into internecine. ” Innocent citizens and our soldiers were killed due to poor equipment and yet some self-serving persons were busy politicizing such a serious matter.” Speaking further, the anti-corruption crusader wonders why it became the job of the security adviser to disburse money for publicity as claimed by Chief Raymond Dokpesi when we have the Olisa Metuh, PDP’s Director of Publicity and even the then Minister of Information. “The EFCC should ensure that proper investigation is carried out, ensuring

that all cases goes through due judicial process and if the suspects are found culpable they should be prosecuted and equally allowed to face the full penalty; because no corruption culprit should be allowed to go unpunished. They should be used as an example for others who may want to indulge in similar act.” “Corruption is sure the only reason our blessed country is not moving forward. Nigerians should, despite our political differences, admit that at least Buhari is starting somewhere. Corruption has been so much embedded in our collective psyche that any person who has the best of intentions at giv-

ing it a kick is perceived as a nutter, bent on ‘wasting our precious time’. We must know that it takes bravery and courage to step on toes of the powerful and the untouchables”, Adeniran said. Debo Adeniran concluded by imploring President Buhari to disregard such distractions and concentrate on pursuing his anti-corruption crusade with all his vigor and ensuring that the thieves of our common patrimony are exposed and adequately punished. “We just want to hope that at the end of the arrest and questioning, true justice is served to all the principal actors of this absurd drama”.

agos State House of Assembly will liaise with business concerns in the state to equip schools with computers to aid students in their learning. Hon. Victor Akande, chairman, Committee on Business District, made the disclosure on Thursday in Lagos in an interview with journalists. Akande, who represents Ojo Constituency 1 said that business concerns would be requested to assist schools with computers. He stressed the need for students to be computer literate like their contemporaries in other climes. ``We cannot afford to groom youths that will be naïve in their work after school. ``It is at this stage that they should acquire all they needed to live with

for the rest of their lives,’’ Akande said. He noted that Lagos state, being the centre of excellence should blaze the trail in e-learning in public schools. He said that his committee would mandate business concerns operating in different areas of the state to facilitate the project in schools within their area. Akande said that the committee would work out modalities for implementation of the project which he said would commence in the first quarter of 2015. It would be recalled that Lagos the state government announced in October that every student in public school would be given a tablet to aid them and their teachers in their studies. (NAN)

Nasarawa 2019: PDP cautions members against politics of religion Igbawase Ukumba LAFIA

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara; representative of the Speaker, Conference of Speakers, Mr Maman Ali and Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Sen. Ita Enang, at the National Assembly Dialogue on Economy, Security and Development in Abuja, recently.

...Count me out –Bode George Ayo Esan

ormer Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP , Chief Olabode George has said that he is not in any way involved or has any link with the arms deal being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. In a release issued and signed by his Political Adviser, Mr. Uthman Shodipe, George condemned the story by Sahara Repoters that linked him to a

phantom N100m allegedly collected from former National Security Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan . He said : “Sahara Reporters has now gone beyond the pale of gutter journalism in its utter malicious story linking Chief Bode George to a phantom 100 million naira allegedly collected from Sambo Dasuki, the former National Security Adviser”. “The libelous publication is outrightly borne upon a twisted and depraved imagination, lacking substance, stripped of any iota of truth, prompt-

ed by a primitive malignity”, Shodipe said. He said Chief Bode George did not collect a farthing from Dasuki or anybody else whatsoever. “He has never even set eyes on the former NSA throughout his tenure in office talk less of collecting money from him . Dasuki of course is very much alive to corroborate this position . “Where then in the world did Sahara Reporters manufacture its fractured and hideous hack writing and grubby and venomous scribble from? “, Shodipe queried.

“Again, in its disdain for clarity and the truth, the grubby online outfit still refers to Chief Bode George as an ex convict despite the fact the man has been completely discharged and acquitted by the highest court in our land. “It is rather sickening and sad when any two- bit wayfarer with an access to the internet churns out absolute falsehood and desperate invectives in the name of journalism. Beer parlor reverie and drunken anecdotal scribbles are no substitute for journalism”, Shodipe said.

ecretary of the Board of Trustees of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Walid Jibrin, yesterday cautioned its members against politics of religion and other internal wrangling in Nasarawa state but urged them to exercise patience and endurance while the party re-strategises to reclaim the state by 2019. The PDP chieftain made the call during the submission of a factfinding report by a committee which the state chapter of the party had set up to investigate and report to it reasons behind PDP inability to reclaim the state during the 2015 governorship election. According to him, “the more we realize that we are one and vie in the person of quality and shun away all religion differences which has begot us in Nasarawa state. We should be ready to look into an area that will bring out votes and acceptance when we come out with our governorship candidate. “We must look ahead, we must rethink and make sure that this time around, Nasarawa state

becomes PDP. I pray that we should endure, we should be steadfast. We must always think together within PDP to ensure that PDP is alive in Nasarawa state.” The 2015 gubernatorial candidate of the party, Yusuf Agabi, recalled that those who were opposing PDP before, the All Progressives Congress, APC, maintained that status of opposition in the country for about 16 years before they saw the light at the end of the tunnel. “We the PDP would stay in the opposition for at least four years. Thereafter, we will reclaim back our seat of governance in Nasarawa state and equally at the federal level. However, my appeal to you today is that all the party machineries who are still intact would remain dogged in maintaining PDP in the state as we continue to grow in strength”, Agabi stated. State chairman of the party, Chief Yunana Iliya, assured that hierarchy of the party would study the report vividly and equally implement its recommendations to the fullest towards bringing back the lost glory of the party for a better outing during the 2019 polls.

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Politics

Friday, December 4, 2015

Benue Govt approves renovation of Assembly Complex Henry Iyorkase MAKURDI

National Chairman, Alliance for Democracy (AD) Chief Joseph Avazi (4th right) National Secretary, Mr Akin Fasogbon (5th right) Deputy National Chairman, North, Alhaji Musa Shehu and other officers after their National Convention in Abuja, Yesterday

Appeal court upholds Dankwambo’s election Livinus Menedi YOLA

he Court of Appeal sitting in Yola yesterday dismissed the petition of the All Progressive Congress, APC challenging the election of Gov. Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe state. In the judgement delivered by Justice H. M. Ogunwumiju, the court dismissed for lack of merit, the appeal instituted by Alhaji Inuwa Mohammed Yahaya, APC gubernatorial candidate, challenging the election of Dankwambo, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP on the grounds of corrupt practices against the Electoral Act. The election into the governorship seat of Gombe state was conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the third respondent in

the Appeal, who returned Dankwambo, after polling the highest number of valid votes. The court resolved 12 issues to reach its decision, out of which 9 were resolved in favour of Gov. Dankwambo and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as the 1st and 2nd respondent respectively. The first issue which dealt with whether the trial tribunal was right to have upheld the victory of Gov. Dankwambo, of the PDP, the learned justice, while resolving the issue against the appellant upheld that the petitioner “must succeed on the strength of his case and not on the weakness of the respondent, adding that she cannot find fault with the decision of the tribunal. On whether the appellant proved the issues of substantial non-com-

pliance of the election with the electoral act, the learned justices comprising of Justice F.O. Oho Saul, J.T. Tur and U. A. Ogakwu, averred in the unanimous verdict that the appeal was unmeritorious for lacking in merit. It stressed that the evidence adduced by the APC gubernatorial candidate is not enough to overturn the ruling of the trial tribunal. Although, it subtracted 7,000 votes from the votes cast for Dankwambo, however, the learned justice maintained that the scale still tilted favourably towards him because the margin of lawful votes between him and the candidate of the APC still stood at 70,000, in favour of Dankwambo, Justice Ogunwumiju stated in her summary ruling which lasted over 2 hours. Justice Ogakwu in his contribution, said it would

be a mirage to think there would be a perfect election and charged politicians to observe certain basic minimum whenever they want to challenge any election on the grounds of substantial non- compliance with the electoral act. He said when an election is being challenged for non-compliance with the electoral act, the petitioner must prove by advancing credible evidence that the winner emerged through non compliance. The court also awarded a cost of N50, 000 against the appellant. The Speaker of the Gombe state House of Assembly, Alhaji Nasiru Nunu while reacting to the judgement called on the APC to accept the verdict and join hands with the Governor to develop the state, in the interest of its citizenry.

enue State Government has approved the renovation of the State Assembly Complex in Markurdi and the Judges Quarters in Otupko The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Ode Agih disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting at the Benue People’s House in Makurdi adding that the bill of quantity for the projects was being worked on. The commissioner further said that the council has also approved the renovation and upgrading of the state Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation, BPPC, publishers of the newspaper “The Voice”. Sources alleged that the immediate past administration in 2014 renovated the Assembly Complex at a

Osun Assembly to order closure of MTN, Etisalat, Airtel offices

sun State House of Assembly on Thursday through its Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, Honourable Rasheed Afolabi, has threatened to order the closure of MTN, Etisalat and Airtel communications offices in the state, owing to the failure of the companies to honour the committee’s invitation. The committee had invited private tertiary institutions and telecommunication companies operating in the state, but only the Globacom and the institutions appeared before the committee. The companies and institutions had been summoned to render an explanation as regards their compliance

Rivers Gov: Court of Appeal reserves judgement Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

he Court of Appeal Abuja Division has reserved judgment in the appeal filed by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, asking it to set aside the judgment of the Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which nullified his election on October 24, 2015.

The appellate court took the decision after adopting the counsels addresses of parties in the appeal. Wike had in the notice of appeal by his counsel, Mr. Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), raised 26 grounds of appeal upon which he sought to set aside the entire judgment of the tribunal. However at the resumed hearing yesterday, Counsel to Dakuku Perterside and the All Progressives Con-

gress, APC, Chief Akin Olujinmi [SAN] and Yusuf Ali [SAN] respectively moved the court to strike out some paragraphs of the appeal on ground that they do not flow from the decision of the tribunal. The motion was vehemently opposed by counsel to the appellants, Emmanuel Ukala [SAN], Wole Olanikpekun [SAN] and Onyechi Ikpeazu [SAN] for Wike, PDP and INEC respectively,

who argued that the motion lacked merit and it should be dismissed. On his part, counsel to Governor Wike challenged the competent of Dakuku’s petition on the ground that it did not carry the stamp and seal of its lawyers contrary to the directives issued by the Nigerian Bar Association [NBA] that all processes filed must carry the stamp and seal of counsel.

whopping sum of N98 million but the impact of the work was not visible. It will be recalled that the former governor, Dr Suswam flagged off the construction of the new Assembly Complex in 2010 when he awarded the contract to BULKON Nigeria Limited at the cost of N370 million and the contract was expected to be completed within ten months On the renovation and upgrading of BPPC, Mr. Agih explained that the Exco had no option than to re-engaged Capital Project Abuja Limited the company which was initially awarded the contract in 2010 to complete the project after the out of court settlement. It was gathered that the immediate paste administration had reneged on the agreement thus the company had sued the state government during the Gabriel Suswam tenure for breach of contract agreement.

The issue generated heated debate between counsel who made submissions citing various case laws to support their positions for and against it. On the main appeal, the lawyers dwelt mainly on the decision of the tribunal on pegging its decision on the failure to use of Card Readers during the conduct of the April 11, 2015 governorship election in the state.

with tax laws and payments in the state. Fuming at the contempt displayed by these companies, Afolabi said the telecommunication companies must provide genuine excuses on why they could not appear before the committee on or before Monday, next week, or risk the closure of their offices. “The era of impunity is over, and appropriate sanctions would be meted out to defaulting organisations. Why would they refuse to appear if they are fully compliant and have duly paid their taxes?” Afolabi also expressed distaste at Globacom for hoarding information necessary for a proper computation of their taxes by the office of the auditor, describing the action as obstructive. He explained that the economic situation in the state and the country at large required every stakeholder to play its role towards improving the revenue of the state. According to him, the government is making serious efforts to guarantee security and provide infrastructural developments among others necessary for an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, noting that the organisations must also reciprocate and be socially responsible.

Editorial

Friday, December 4, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

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

INEC and Bayelsa polls

ith the propaganda and intrigues that accompany electioneering now over, tomorrow happens to be the turn of Bayelsans to speak with their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) on who, between Governor Seriake Dickson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); and former Governor Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC) – the man Dickson displaced four years ago to emerge as governor – should be the chief executive of their state. The intervening campaign turf was really tough and energy sapping for both Dickson and Sylva, no doubt. Dickson, Sylva and other parties’ governorship candidates had signed a peace accord supervised by the hierarchs of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on November 10 in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, in which they all agreed to ensure a peaceful and violence-free poll. Baring all political brick-bats and foibles, we assume they played according to not just the rules of the accord, but the dictates of extant electoral laws. The electoral umpire, INEC, said a couple of days ago that it had improved on its logistics and was ready to conduct a hitch-free governorship election in Bayelsa tomorrow. Mr. Baritor Kpagih, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Bayelsa State, said the

Commission prepared well for the election; and that INEC’s office in the state had started taking delivery of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials. He said the distribution of the materials would begin as soon as they were all fully delivered. The police, too, said they were ready. The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, was quoted as saying in Yenagoa, Tuesday, December 1, that 14, 000 police officers and men would be deployed to provide security before, during and after the poll. “We are very ready for the Bayelsa election. We did a similar thing two weeks ago in Kogi State and we have decided to replicate it here in Bayelsa… We are going to dominate the security space; we are going to have aerial surveillance. We are going to lock down the waterways. A DIG (Deputy Inspector-General of Police) is supposed to come and supervise the election here with three additional commissioners and about 15 units of police mobile force. So, we are very ready”, Arase stated. The Bayelsa governorship election is one of two such staggered polls slated for this year. The first was that of Kogi held on November 21. Being the first acid test for the new INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, preparations for the poll were no less tight than what is currently on ground in

A REPEAT OF THE KOGI IMBROGLIO IN BAYELSA IS UNACCEPTABLE. THE ELECTORAL BODY, ESPECIALLY, SHOULD BETTER BE REALLY PREPARED Bayelsa. But in the end, INEC, in its wisdom, declared the Kogi poll inconclusive, a decision that was compounded by the sudden death of the APC candidate in that poll, Prince Abubakar Audu, who was less than a whisker away from victory. The Returning Officer for the election, Professor Emmanuel Kucha, the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, said the cancellations were due to insecurity, ballot boxes’ snatching and related electoral frauds witnessed in Adavi, Ofu, Ajaokuta, Bassa, Ankpa, Dekina, Ibaji, Idah, Okehi, Okene, Omala, Olamaboro, YagbaWest, Lokoja, Kogi, Kabba/Bunu, Igalamela-Odolu and Ijumu Local Government Areas. Results from 21 LGAs, however, indicated that Audu was ahead of the incumbent governor, Idris Wada of the PDP, with 41,353 votes, having polled 240,867 votes against Wada’s 199,514 votes. Kucha said 49,953 votes were can-

ON THIS DAY December 4, 1977 Jean-Bedel Bokassa, ex-President of the Central African Republic (CAR) crowned himself Emperor Bokassa I of the Central African Empire. Bokassa (February 22, 1921 – November 3, 1996), was the head of state of CAR and its successor state, the Central African Empire, from his coup d’état on January 1, 1966 until September 20, 1979. He served almost eleven years as president; and almost three years as emperor.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

December 4, 1991 Journalist Terry A. Anderson was released after seven years in captivity as a hostage in Beirut. He was the last and longest-held American hostage in Lebanon. Anderson (born October 27, 1947) is the best known and longest held hostage of a group of Americans believed to be captured by Shiite Hezbollah militants in an attempt to drive United States’ military forces from Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War.

celled in 91 polling units across 18 LGAs, a figure he said was higher than the margin with which the late Audu was leading Wada, hence INEC’s decision to declare the poll inconclusive. If, however, it is confirmed, the report that of the roughly 49,000 votes at stake, only 25,000 are backed by PVCs, it then follows that even if all the 25,000 cast their votes for the PDP, APC would still have won. This being so, INEC ought to be held solely responsible for the political logjam in Kogi, presently, for its arbitrary application of discretion by declaring the Kogi election inconclusive, without appraising all the facts at its disposal that would most probably have assisted it isolate and declare the APC candidate the clear winner. Besides, apart from the problems of insecurity and ballot boxes’ snatching which Kucha made reference to as basis for the cancellation of results in 91 polling units, the election was reportedly marred in some areas by violence, failure of card readers, omission of names in voters’ register, etc. We have no reason to doubt how prepared INEC and the security apparatus are for the Bayelsa polls. But a repeat of the Kogi imbroglio in Bayelsa is unacceptable. The electoral body, especially, should better be really prepared.

x December 4, 2006 Six black youths assaulted a white teenager in Jena, Louisiana, United States. The court case that followed was highly celebrated. The teenagers were convicted for beating Justin Barker, a white student at Jena High School in Jena. Barker was injured in the assault. The case was often cited as an example of racial injustice in the US due to the belief that the defendants were charged with too-serious offences and treated unfairly.

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Friday, December 4, 2015

Poor communication and Boko Haram terrorism Counter-terrorism Tips With

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

rust, in the relationship between government and the governed, is the belief that the political system will produce preferred outcomes. The relevance of a government is contingent on the amount of trust the people invest in it. The moment citizens notice that any arm of the government or its law enforcement agencies are misrepresenting facts, particularly in security related issues, trust and confidence evaporate into thin air. Very many Nigerians feel that they were misled on Boko Haram’s threat level from the onset. Normally, the relationship between Nigerians and the Federal Government is characterised by asymmetrical power. Emergency risk communication provides the public with clear, accurate, and timely information that could check chaos and unrest in the land. Honest and effective communication concerning the position and threat level of terrorist organization during emergency can provide the public with action steps to prevent illness and injury, and this could help reduce anxiety levels and facilitate relief efforts. Communicating to the public in the event of emergencies, particularly on BH activities, must be based on building public confidence; anything short of this should be

avoided because the moment citizens lose confidence in any administration the long term consequences are unpalatable. The rules for reporting a crisis situation such as BH-induced violence stipulates that information to the public must be truthful, honest and open to ensure more effective outcomes. One fact that cannot be over looked is that no matter how you want to bend the information, if the public has low knowledge about the risk at hand it becomes more dangerous - trust plays an important part in public perceptions about the severity of any threat like the one we have faced for nearly six years now. In the case of a terrorist attack, public perceptions of trust and confidence may affect compliance with emergency response recommendations. This could likely affect the outcome of such attacks. The primary intention of terrorism is to generate fear, uncertainty. Trust also develops through mutual relationships and interpersonal exchanges. Mutual trust is also a component of public trust in government at all levels. These relationships and the expectations they prompt are particularly important in determining how the public will respond to government efforts. For the purpose of clarity on BH’s threat level and its impact, our law enforcement agencies and emergency responders who interact with the public must develop mutual trust relationship, particularly in communicating emergency risk information. Perceptions that agencies and officials are shirking their civic duties may obstruct efforts to

VERY MANY NIGERIANS FEEL THAT THEY WERE MISLED ON BOKO

HARAM’S THREAT LEVEL FROM THE ONSET promote public safety. One of the primary determinants of trusting the government is the public’s perceived confidence that the government can perform its duties with sincerity and has capacity to protect the citizens. Communication during BH-type violence has shown that officials who are perceived as knowledgeable in dealing with the victims are perceived as more trustworthy than those who are not. Therefore, reporting the activities of BH should be handled by those knowledgeable and trustworthy to tell the public what they must know in order to prepare them for the long battle ahead. Many citizens, particularly in the northeast part of Nigeria do not feel they were provided with adequate information to deal with BH attacks. Among individuals residing in areas where the sect’s threat level is high and who believed they were affected, only about 20-25 percent felt they were provided with accurate information on how to protect themselves and their families. Without doubt, perceived honesty and full disclosure of information are also key elements in building trust with the public. Falsehoods about BH’s level of atrocities for the purpose of protecting the secrecy of government eventually leads to a more general and long-

term distrust by the public, and such acts have seen off many regimes in some parts of the world. Nigerians expect our law enforcement workforce to protect the public because that was the oath they took; they were expected to be empathetic to their needs. The public expectations may or may not be realistic, but that is to be expected. Whether or not all the security agencies can act in what the public perceives as a dedicated way may be more strongly related to emergency preparedness and response than individuals’ decisions. Past experience with government agencies affected perceptions of trust and that is why it is very necessary to convey realistic information to the public at all time, no matter how uncomfortable it might be. In a terrorism situation, the worst mistake an administration can make is to deceive the public that they have everything under control when they are not. Individuals who have had poor interactions with the government may consider non-government sources of information more reliable so long they are honest. Various categories of Nigerians expect our law enforcement agencies to be honest and provide accurate information on BH activities. They have also expressed the need for more planning, realistic threat assessment, adequate training and functional equipment. In addition, more community level resources, coordination and awareness on the gravity of BH destruction, according to the people, should be made public at all times.

Medical ethics: A one wheel cart

ADEKEYE VICTOR IFEDAYO

edical ethics is a dollop of principles that governs the conduct and acts of a medical practitioner in the course of dealing with all types of patients. A medical doctor once defined it as “a sword laid down to inevitably pierce a medical practitioner either for a defect in his/her conduct or the conduct of his/her patients.” Medical ethics in medical practice has a long history going back the Hippocratic era, when the foundation for the oath taking by all medical practitioners was laid. Hence its being inducted into the practice of medicine even till date. Some of the principles include non-maleficence, confidentiality, patient autonomy, beneficence, double effect, and informed consent, amongst many others. The aforementioned principles will, however, be succinctly discussed in coming articles. Over the years, these principles have laid the ethical terrain for the practice of medicine. Medical ethics is so important in the practice of medicine that it has now formed an academic curriculum for medical students in various Nigeria universities. Medical ethics is currently being used as a leash by the human environment on the conducts of medical practitioners. However, notwithstanding the positive effect this has brought to the world of medicine over many decades, many medical practitioners see it as a torn in the flesh. Some other critics have dis-

MAINSTREAM MEDICAL ETHICS HAS PLACED A BIG AND LARGELY UNCONDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITY ON MEDICAL DOCTORS missed it to be a one sided principle which dwells exclusively on the obligation of medical practitioners to patients. However, baring the vice versa duties and obligations in the relationship between patients and medical practitioners, I believe patients have a germane role to play in medical ethics. Here is an illustrative scenario to explain this: There are road and traffic laws, which any prospective vehicle owner must be accustomed to before being accorded a licence to drive in Nigeria. But in the course of driving and road usage, there are pedestrians who are totally oblivious of road and traffic laws because they never learn them. Most times, this development plays a germane role in the formulation of the various road and traffic laws. Medical practitioners are like these vehicle owners/drivers who use the road. The need for them to know and understand these medical ethics before they become medical practitioners is sacrosanct. However, patients are like few pedestrians who still use the public road but do not have to pass a test to qualify as patients. However, their conducts invariably affect and/or deter-

mine the doctor’s abeyance and allegiance to these medical ethics. Mainstream medical ethics has placed a big and largely unconditional responsibility on medical doctors to treat patient on the principle of ‘no question asked’ with little or nothing from patients. Medical ethics preaches that competent patients should be allowed to take decisions whether to be treated or not, doctors are also obliged to communicate and explain the treatment (the nature of it, reason and end effect) to the patients, persuade without coercion etc. However, it is mind battling that little or nothing is said as regards the responsibilities of patients to make good decorum, reasonably take decisions that will uphold his health, and divulge the total truth to the medical practitioner. Medical ethics sees the patient as the weak and medical practitioners as the strong party, and in a bid to protect the weak, it puts in place these principles which are meant to curb and curtail the act of the medical practitioners. However, the vulnerability of patients does not mean they cannot be negligent or take bad decision that will affect the medical practitioner-medical ethics relationship. Let me state, however, that certain obligations are required from patients to help achieve the purpose of medical ethics. Among them are: First is obligation to protect his/her own health by taking health safeties such as clean environments amongst many others.

This aids medical practitioners in helping the patient attain great health, as required of them in the fulfilment of their beneficence duty. Second is obligation to protect the health of others by avoiding being a source of ill health to others. Most patients are used to self care, forgetting that most of their diseases are contagious. When symptoms of illness are discovered, it is expedient that reports be made to a medical centre to avoid putting others at risk. Third is respect for the person of the medical profession: During treatment, some patients constantly get abusive and uncontrollable towards medical practitioners occasioning the commitment of error in the course of treating such patient. Fourth is obligation of compliance and maintenance: Patients should comply with clinical management, instructions and medications. They should also oblige appointments and constant checkups to help adequate maintenance of their health as well as fulfillment of the beneficence duty of medical ethics. Adekeye, a medical-lawyer, wrote from Lagos. Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

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Amosun, save our education career!

T Kudos to the Nigerian Police Force

have tried the Nigeria Police Force’s WhatsApp number for reporting and addressing infractions, complaints, concerns and queries regarding activities of officers and men/ women of the NPF, and bravo, it is TRUE, and it WORKS. I got instant response within a minute, chatted with an unseen officer, who seems to know his/ her onions and is very respectful and polite. I congratulate the Nigerian Police Force on this initiative. The cell phone numbers for voice calls are 0805 700 0001 and 0805 700 0002; they are dedicated numbers for expressly reporting criminal behaviours, crimes, felonies, etc. They are also discreet and safe. I see this development as yet another good foundation, even if there are only three numbers for 160 million people. For now, I think Nigerians should bear with them. To cap this good initiative, the officer I chatted with gave me TWO other numbers for the purpose of reporting crime. First, we want a memorable and more user friendly phone number like 222 or 777. The service needs to be manned 24/7. There is technology in place to route calls to hundreds or thousands of call operators who are monitored. The members of the public must be able to register their displeasure or satisfaction with the service through customer satisfaction surveys and complaints. In addition to the service phone number, there is a need for a dedicated internet website, where members of the public could register their encounter with corrupt, brutal and unruly police officers. But I am pleading with the Nigerian public not to abuse this service, and to the Nigeria Police Force (why don’t we change the “Force” to “Service”) to sustain and improve on the service and strive to make it more effective , efficient, user-friendly and not to relent on their efforts to make our society better. I am proud to be a Nigerian. Akintokunbo A Adejumo, akinadejum@aol.com

Letters to the Editor

here is no more time to be wasted again in the conundrum caused the 2013/14 Mass Communication ND graduates by the authorities of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MaPoly), Abeokuta. Just like was reported weeks back that a top official of the school had directed that the 2015/16 HND admission (which these ND graduates are eligible for) to be deferred till next

year, the school has shown its true colours with the omission of the names of the mass communication graduates (now applicants) in the HND admission list recently released by the school. On Tuesday, November 24, 2015, the admission list was released and later withdrawn by the school with unofficial reports blaming errors in the list for the withdrawal. But

as of Thursday, November 26, new admissions were given to the HND applicants for several courses excluding mass communication applicants, who sat for the same examination on Thursday, October 8 (and for some, Friday, October 9). We saw hell on the HND screening day (ask any MaPoly HND applicants who wrote the exam), where countless number of students collapsed

Black market to the rescue as fuel scarcity getting worst in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Communication and purposeful government

ir, past Nigerian administrations have failed to satisfy the year ning of Nigerians, not because they were headed by bad or weak leaders, but because such gover nments relied on one way communication model that discarded feedbacks in the manner of opinions of the people on what they want from the gover nment, or how they feel about the programmes and policies of gover nment. Most often, gover nment sees the masses as mere receivers of its policies and programmes with no mind of their own or unable to make choices. Instead of allowing Nigerians to participate in what they want the gover nment to do for them, or the gover nment organizing townhall meetings to feel the people’s pulse on its policies and programmes and their preferences, the gover nment would rather do the opposite: shutting the people out by taking key decisions without consulting with them. For instance, the society

that is desperately in need of water cannot see the relevance of the construction of roads or provision of electricity. It is not that roads and electricity are useless, it is simply that the gover nment lacks that transactional understanding of liaising with the populace to know their immediate needs! We now have a situation where the leaders are failing to interact with their constituencies to know what the people really want at a par ticular time. These leaders prefer to go about executing projects of their preference at the wrong time even if they are relevant. Look at this issue in the twilight of the Gabriel Suswam administration in Benue State. The state’s public servants and their de pendants were dying of hunger because the state gover nment said there was no money to pay salaries; yet this same gover nment was seen busy constructing and commissioning projects as if they were the food that the

people would eat to quench their hunger. Projects are good because they can help bring development, but if the immediate needs of the society are not catered for, then the people who are denied food and workers not paid salaries will be disconnected and alienated from such a gover nment. As far as I am concer ned, the immediate past gover nments in the country failed because the objective needs of the people were ignored. The various gover nments were busy constructing roads, forgetting the physio-biological needs of the populace. I advise the present administrations across the country to lear n from the wrong priorities of their predecessors. They must dialogue with the people to know what they want. Only what the people want is good enough for the society. Aondover James Ikyobo, a Mass Communication student of Benue State University, Makurdi

while waiting for hours in the rain and sun to write this exam. We were subjected to physiological and psychological torture before this exam (security agents took time to harass us), and now more with the ‘deferred’ admission of the selected students. Some have blamed the deferred admissions on the unavailability of our results, but we will also wish to bring to the notice of the general public that it took over a year for our school to produce our final year results when we had finished studies on October 29, 2014. The results were eventually posted on Friday, November 13, 2015, but with errors ‘as usual’. More than 50 percent of the said results is still pending. Unfortunately for us, the school management has not deemed it fit to address us on either our delayed ND final year results or the ‘deferred’ HND admission. It is worrisome to note that the delay and the error-laden results have cost some of our other colleagues gainful employments and admissions into other institutions of learning (especially those seeking direct entry into universities.) How can we make progressive steps forward when the results are not ready? It is no gainsaying the fact that these ordeals encountered from the delay of our ND results happened under the watchful eyes of the immediate past Head of Department of Mass Communication, Mr. Sina Aina, but yet the institution is yet to take any punitive actions against him. Just as we are calling on Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State; we also call on the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu; the Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education, Dr. Masa’udu Kazaure; and the various civil society organizations in the country to step into this ‘perfected’ injustice on us and the infringement on our rights to quality education. Let me borrow from the words of Martin Luther King Jr. “Our lives begin to end, when we keep silent to the things that matter to us most”. Governor Amosun, this is not the ‘Ogun Standard’ we bargained for! Albert Adebule from Ibara, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

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

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FRIDAY

Flavour

Friday, December 4, 2015

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

Nollywood stars seek prayers, aid for ailing colleague News p, 31

Isiguzo Destiny

Curator’s Talk by Martin Kaltwasser

artin Kaltwasser is a Berlin-based architect, artist and curator. He studied fine arts and architecture and works in many different fields: installation, objects, design, performance, architecture, theory and urban studies. The red line through his work is the public space which he analyses, reconfigures, and reinterprets. Kaltwasser will present his ideas and works to a general audience at a public talk on December 4, 2015 at Goethe-Institut Nigeria, 4th Floor, City Hall, 30 Catholic Mission Street, Lagos Island. Martin_Kaltwasser

WEEKEND STARTERS

Nomad of Art

ezaket Ekici is a traveler and an art Nomad, she is also a printer, painter, sculptor and art performer. Nezaket Ekici has done more than 150 different performances in more than 120 cities: more than 40 countries on 4 continents in the world. She is interested in exchange with different cultures in order to find new ways to express the richness of cultures. Her performance will hold at Goethe-Institut Nigeria, 4Tth Floor, City Hall, 30 Catholic Mission Street, Lagos Island on Saturday 5 December 2015 at 3 pm. Nezaket Ekici

Wolof-Jollof exhibition in Lagos

he exhibition WOLOF-JOLLOF curated by Inês Valle, will share with Nigerians several stories and tastes that emerge from one of the most beloved Nigerian dishes - ‘Jollof Rice’ through her most recent collaborative artwork with the sculptor Folakunle Oshun. WOLOF-JOLLOF will be on display at the National Museum Onikan Lagos,on the 6th of December, 2015 at 3 pm. Venue of the event is: National Museum, Onikan, Lagos Oshun, Wolof-Jollof

Inside FCT P. 28-29 P. 26

tion which reflected in the way the dire needs of Nollywood stakeholders were urgently attended to. Emeka Ezichi a staunch Nollywood supporter however admonished that Prince Uche should seek President Buhari’s support and see if he will respond, but doubts a positive result. Uche said “there is no harm in trial but I pray he gets a response”. He also employed well meaning Nigerians to come to Uche’s aid. Prince Uche is no doubt in a very dire situation and while Nollywood stars are soliciting for funds to help treat him, they request that Nigerians should also remember him in their prayers. Musa Okezie said “with the prayers of Nigerians, we are positive that Uche will soon be hale and hearty while we believe that people will respond positively to his current situation”. This issue is generating another discourse as Nigerians are wondering why Nollywood stars are hardly insured with any insurance company to forestall ugly situations like health challenges.

Critics

Arty

Nigerian actor has been battling with illness for some time and it has become a public issue due to the hardship the sicknesses has caused him. The ailing actor is bedridden while his relations are running around to raise money for his treatment which is speculated to run into millions of Naira. This ugly situation may have spurred his colleagues and stakeholders in Nollywood into seeking help in order to help Prince James Uche, a veteran actor that has served as cultural ambassador through Nollywood films. Prince Uche is left in dire situation due to this protracted illness that is threatening his life and has taken his sight. Recently, the likes of Chike Bryan, Ngozi Nwosu, Romanus Amuta and Bruno Iwuoha have been in the news over the same situation and are healthy today due to the good will they got from kind Nigerians both in kind and James Uche in cash. While it was reported that most is currently blind and only recogniz- Nollywood stakeholders like Chike of these people have fully recovered with es people through their voices. Bryne while the formal governor of Bruno Iwuoha recuperating after a sucRita Nzeribe a Nollywood actress Lagos State and the present minister cessful surgery, Prince James Uche is yet told a story of how Uche was not of power, works, and housing, Babato heave a sigh of relief as he is yet to get able to see him but recognized her tunde Fashola saved the life of Ngozi adequate attention that will enable him through her voice when she went to Nwosu who was sick during his tenget medical care. see the ailing actor. She said she was ure as governor. Romanus Amuta Friday Flavour gathered that recently, so moved and was unable to control was also given financial aid by the the Governor of Abia State donated One her emotions over the fact that her factional AGN president Ibinabo FiMillion Naira to Prince Uche. This kind colleague who has been in different beresima who attributed the gesture gesture is indeed very commendable and films and film locations with her to Goodluck Jonathan for providing shows the level of appreciation Dr Okezie was not able to see her but recog- the funds. Ikpeazu has for Nigerian artists but it was nized her voice. Nigerians are beginning to have also gathered that the amount is a far cry Uche’s worst fear would have been doubts over the willingness of the from what the actor needs, to get medical over if this issue was discovered in present federal government to supcare. Musa Okezie a Nigerian film pro- the last administration. Nollywood port the industry like his predecessor moter and producer lamented that Uche actors enjoyed goodwill from the for- did. Speaking with Friday Flavour, needs more than a million Naira to get mer administration of Dr Goodluck most people interviewed claimed treatment and that the situation is beyond Jonathan who was magnanimous that Nollywood saw their bumper what only money can solve; and beck- and kind enough to come to the aid of period during the last administraoned on Nollywood supporters to come to Uche’s aid both in cash and prayers. peaking with riday lavour most people Uche has been suffering from heart interviewed agreed that ollywood saw her and kidney disease for about eight years, a fate that took Muna Obiekwe, early to bumper period during the last administration his grave. Matters were made worst when which reflected in the way their needs were Uche who has been off the screen for some urgently attended to years due to the illness was ejected from his residence in Lagos with his family. He

Artman In The House

Friday, December 4, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I’ll love Nigerian artistes to

Popularly known as Ade Bantu, Adegoke Adekoya is one Nigerian artiste that has affected the culture sector in no small measure, using his art to advance positive causes.

Ade Bantu

ell us about your childhood?

My childhood was interesting. I grew up in a lovely household where music was always part of our lives. My dad was a home DJ especially during weekends. I saw my parents dance and they loved music. For my parents, there is no book you will ask for that they wouldn’t buy for you. No matter how expensive, they will buy it as long as you are going to read it. That environment was very nurturing for my curious mind for me and my siblings. My dad is Nigerian and my mum, German. I spent virtually all my formative years in Nigeria. I grew up in Port Harcourt, Ibadan and in Lagos. Then I went to Germany. My curiosity for music evolved from the environment where I listened to different kinds of sounds. You started with a group in 1991? I started in 1991 at the height of rap music where it was becoming a viable art. When I moved to Germany, I met a group of young guys who wanted to start a school band. I was doing my A-levels then. We started a school band and got a recording contract. One of the members of the group helped out. Before we knew it we were signed to a record label and we started granting interviews, going for photo shoots for album cover, it was all so exciting. We released two singles and an album later on. Then I had finished my A-levels and went to a polytechnic in Leverkusen where I studied electrical electronics. As soon as I got the degree, that was the end of it, I passed but I didn’t know how I passed. Because I was already doing something more exciting, and was getting reviews by magazines, and accepted by people, I just decided to follow music and that was it. And I noticed that while writing and producing, I just evolved and got better over the years. You are also an activist; you championed Ken Saro Wiwa Week, Anti Shell campaign, ‘Borntroway’, and ‘Brothers keepers’. What is the motivation behind

it? I come from an environment where we were always encouraged to talk; I never for once called my father or mother sir or ma. There was never fear of my parents. I never feared authority. I always learned to be respectful but I was encouraged to speak up. If my parents should say something and I disagree, they’ll ask why and I will present my case and if my argument was wrong, they’ll let me know. So, there was that kind of mutual respect, a very interesting one. My parents were very open. The fact that my dad married a European, and the European decided to move to Africa. It kind of give you the idea of where they are coming from in terms of intellect and understanding of life. I also had vocal parents. I had seen my father confront authority, army officers who will point a gun at my dad for whatever reason and him confronting them too, refusing to be intimidated. My dad was not much of an activist. He was one of those who had benefitted from Obafemi Awolowo’s free educational programme. He was not an activist. He was an Awoist and he never hid that fact. Later, he got the opportunity to go to Germany to study automobile engineering. I guess that kind of rubbed off on me. When I got to Europe, I naturally spoke up on issues am not comfortable with. Also in Germany, there was a democracy that encourages people to speak up. So, it was a natural thing to be politically aware of where I come from in Germany and in Nigeria as well. Also, rap music is

also political, we were getting impulses from America, and we use to call it the CNN of music. The Shell campaign, and when Ken Saro Wiwa died once I heard, I knew I had to do something.. I and the bunch of other guys started the Ken Saro Wiwa Week and we invited Wole Soyinka and a group of other activists and we went out against Shell to mount pressure on them based on their unacceptable practices of rendering the environment inhabitable because of their explorations in the Niger Delta and make them accept the responsibility of taking care of the community. Also, when I saw that racism was becoming a big issue in Germany, I started Brothers Keepers to address it. I have always felt that you have to stand up for something. If you don’t stand up for something, you will fall for anything. And ‘Borntroway’? Borntroway is a community outreach programme that I set up for children who do not have a voice to empower them through music, dance, and dance. We audition them for free, train them for free and engage them in an empowerment workshop. At the end of the week, we have a stage performance that we present to the host community. We have done it in communities like Port Harcourt, Ajegunle, Osodi, Bariga, Obalende. We were also invited to the World Climate conference in South Africa. We try to educate the community on environmental issues, address waste, recycling and how we can make our living conditions better. These are the people that have been thrown away by the people. They are the ‘Borntroway’ of the society. You know, to some people, these children are rubbish. But to another set of people, they are gold. And we try to give them a voice through the arts. We are kind of like emancipating and empowering them. What about their parents? The parents have been supportive, once they understand what we are doing. We go to the streets, schools, distribute fliers and we tell them to come for audition. We don’t choose them based on the fact that they are extremely gifted but on the basis that they are motivated that they want to do something. It’s been very successful and the next edition is next week at Osodi and on the 4th of July, there will be a public presentation inside Osodi market. How do you get it funded? It is self-funded. We have been to multinational companies and all they do is frustrate you. They make a lot of empty promises. But we believe that with time, people will come to reckon fully with it. The main aim of it is to give voice to the children and help them to know who they are. You started Afropolitan Vibes march last year, what informed your decision to commence it and how has it been so far?

It actually looks like it started a decade ago (laughs). Since I came into the country, I noticed that there is no platform for real live music. Even though I respect the youth culture of DJ track one, track two thing and they are making money and all that. I was like what happened to live music? What happened to the great musicians I used to watch when I was growing up? And I said maybe we should just create a platform where we can entertain people with quality music. So I started Afropolitan Vibes with my 12-piece band, they go by the name BANTU, and I invite guests artistes monthly to come and perform with us. Do you pay the artistes? No, they all play for free. The Idea is let’s go on stage and have a three hour show where we can enjoy ourselves. We are free, we are having fun and we know what we are doing. And over the months we started with about 150 people and we are close to 1000. We have a dedicated and ready following and they don’t care if there is thunderstorm or rain. It’s at Freedom Park, a onetime place of sorrow, a former prison, Broad Street colonial prison for that matter and we come here to celebrate live, to celebrate the best of what Nigeria has to offer, the music. It’s a leveling place for all classes of people; the’ agbero’, staff of companies, Nigerians in Diaspora who have come back and they are respectful and loving when they interact with each other and I invite everyone to come and enjoy the wonderful experience. We perform every third Friday of the month and we have freshly tapped unfermented palm wine for everyone to relax. Let’s talk about BANTU, how has it been managing a twelve piece band? We have been together. I started with auditioning and with time those that were strong enough stayed and those that had other agendas left. BANTU is not Adebantu, BANTU is Mide the vocalist, Wura Samba, Ope the trumpeter, Ire, and so on. We are twelve people. We are trained professionals and we know what we are doing. We

It is self-funded. We have been to multinational companies and all they do is to

frustrate you.

They make a lot of empty promises. But we believe that with time, people will come to reckon fully with it Ade Bantu

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Artman In The House

Friday, December 4, 2015

engage the past –Ade Bantu

write the songs together. When I come up with an idea, they contribute their quota. That’s why people wonder whenever we are on stage because we connect. It’s not Ade and his boys. We have respect and are supportive of each other. And for us it’s good to send that message to Nigeria that music is a workforce and not about one leader and his slaves. It is challenging trying to get twelve characters together. It’s crazy! I like the fact that we argue and we agree to disagree. It shows that we have a healthy relationship. Sometimes, I feel like spanking them, four people at a time, with my legs and my hand together! You are an MTN project fame judge, how’s the experience been? Oh! It’s fun! When they first offered me the job, I was quite apprehensive at first and I didn’t know the format the reality show was going to take. I had watched other reality shows and I felt like young people were being exploited and given false hope. I told myself that before I conclude, let me join and I found out that it was very holistic. Not only are you being accessed for your showmanship but you are being groomed as well in the academy. Seeing the dedication they had towards quality both in training and transmission, I kind of blew me away. That made settle in very fast and I like the fact that I was thrown out of my comfort zone. I have cameras looking at me and I have to be real and unapologetic when adjudging. It’s interesting and I look forward to the new season next month. The transmission team Get TV also gave me the mutual platform to showcase Afropolitan Vibes. I king of appreciate that opportunity. You fought against a foreign artist ‘B-Tight’ for using the N-word. Where did end at the end of the day? I called him out! For people using the Nword to dehumanize and racially discriminate black people who have gone past slavery for over sixty or eighty years, I think one should not mock the dead and the living as well. I don’t like it when people use words recklessly. It’s a question of what do you stand for? If you stand on the principle of love and respect, and the philosophy of being my brother’s keeper, I think that’s that I try to pass on with my music to my family and friends. I don’t believe in bullying other people. I hate oppression of whatever form! You are also working on a documen-

Performing with Abigail Allen

tary ‘Elders Corner’, what’s it about? It’s the story of Nigeria told through its musical icons. It’s been an adventure. We had to source for funds ourselves, we have been working on it for about six years, travelled round the world, America, South America, various parts of Nigeria. I have various kinds of experience from being ambushed by military personnel to sleeping in quack hotels to dealing with angry old men who are being short changed by the music industry that have refused to give them their due. It’s been quite a life changing experience, I must say. It let me ask questions like what am going to do to mitigate the pain and how am I preparing myself for what is to come, health insurance and so on. Which music artistes have you spoken to? We have spoken to every legend alive. Obey, Olaiya, Oriental Brothers, Tony Allen, Black man Kareem, Lijadu sisters Los Angeles, everyone. We have travelled extensively and been to their villages. No oyinbo man can tell, our story, we have to tell our story. The director Siji, Akin Ogunsanya and myself have been working very hard on this. If we don’t tell our stories, these people are going to die. When Fatai Rolling Dollar died, we lost a whole library! A man that died at about 87 years of age and has been doing music for the past 70 years. you can imagine what we lost there. No one have ever studied to transcribe his music. Even Obey said ‘Fatai Rolling Dollar was my master’. He is a man who revolutionized the art of playing guitar. He played the ‘Agidigbo’ from using two fingers to four fingers. People like Segun Bucknor who revolutionized Afro funk and recorded the best album then and Mary Akin who was the first Nigerian to go to a conservatory, the first properly trained opera singer. Italian television offered her a job in the seventies because of this feat. How nay people know this? There is need for all these stories to be documented by us. These are people who fought Biafra war, who served their country and have been relegated to

the back quarters. These people communicate with us our story, not just their story. These are stories that they can never give to a foreigner. We have a rare piece of history. When is it coming out? We are editing at the moment, hoping that by the end of this year we will be done. It’s going to be out in the cinemas. People who are curious can see the trailers online. How do you rate the Nigerian music industry? The Nigerian music scene is more appropriate because we don’t have a structure. I love the creativity but I will love that they also engage their past more. It’s good to know the kind of musical background

you are coming from, for example, Olamide that sampled Wasiu in his ‘Anifowose’ song. I want more of that. Artistes should crossover to other cultures and involve their rich musicals in their songs. Not just Yoruba artistes sampling Yoruba songs and Igbo artistes sampling Igbo songs. We have to go back to the drawing board and involve veterans in our music. It’s like we are sitting on a goldmine and we are not making use of it. There’s so much more we can tap from them! It ia when you go back to your past that you can navigate the future. What influences your music? I listen to everything from classic to rap, Fela, Lijadu sisters, Public Enemy, Sunny Okosun and so on. I have their LPs and I’m obsessed with that. I’m in love with sounds. It inspires my lines, and I cannot really pin point one artiste as my influence. You have done collaboration with so many artistes, which one do you find most interesting? Most of them just happened, may be it is destined and they are all wonderful. I remember when my brother and I recorded with UB40, this is like one of the biggest bands in the world and we kept the album. Then one of the greatest musicians in the world ever, Harry Belafonte calls me to tell me that he wants to re-record my song. This is a man who has relieved the highest honour any artist can receive in the U.S, he facilitated Obama’s father’s return to America, he is friends with Kwame Nkrumah, Michael Jackson and Nnamdi Azikiwe. I was on the third mainland bridge, I almost had an accident. It was such a wonderful experience. How are your wife and kids? They are doing very well. Let me keep this part of me from the media. Since you know every other thing about me. Your best food? It’s Pounded yam and any stew. Or if someone can cook Ikokore that can match my grandmother’s standard…

At a performance

I remember when my brother and I recorded with UB40, this is like one of the biggest bands in the world and we kept the album

Escape

Olusegun Koiki

he ultimate ambition of an average Nigerian is to travel abroad by all means especially to countries they perceive have vibrant economies in Europe, United States of America and lately South Africa. The belief back home is that before you can become a successful man or woman, you must spread your tentacles to foreign countries. Apart from the desperate who travel through the Sahara Desert, marine through Mediterranean Sea, some also in their ignorance stowaway in the belly of aircraft in a bid to runway from the perceived harsh economy in Nigeria. Some families encourage their younger ones to travel abroad by all means by selling off their landed properties, family heritage, houses, cars and other valuables with the hope of recouping them within few months after getting to the ‘Promised Land.’ While some have been successful with this ‘risk business,’ many leave to regret their actions as their plans are truncated for several reasons. Some of the immigrants have been unfortunate with the Customs of their intending countries as they are turned back at the port of entry, just like it almost happened to this writer when he first travelled out of the country in 2007 at Gatwick International Airport, London to be precise. Some too have lost their lives in the process, some were duped while others have been lucky and eventually gained access to their dreamlands, but for several travellers in this class, that is where their ambitions died and another round of trouble starts for them. At present, there are over three million Nigerians in United Kingdom alone. The questions on the lips of many is how promising is the Promised Land? Although, at a particular time of the year in most cases during Christmas and New Year festivities, many Nigerians in Diaspora return to the country to display their ‘wealth’ and material possessions such as exotic cars, houses, Rolex wristwatches, designers wears and showers striking gifts on friends, families and colleagues. With these possessions, many Nigerians especially those in the rural areas conclude that life is a bed of roses in the foreign lands for these new generational multimillionaires, but the actual fact is that many of them are regularly lamenting their conditions and want to return home for good especially in United Kingdom where this reporter went recently, courtesy of Med-View Airline. In the cause of the short trip to U.K., I had an encounter with

Friday, December 4, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The story of struggling

For Nigerians desiring a better life outside the shores of the country, National Mirror travelled with Medview Airline during the epochal launch of their Lagos-London route and brings some glimpses of London.

Double tree London tower hotel

many Nigerians who have been living in U.K for years among whom was Mr. Wale Olawale (not real names) who claimed to have been residing in London for over seven years. Olawale in an interview with our correspondent said that before he travelled to the country in 2008, he was a graduate in Nigeria and was working in one of the new generational banks in Lagos with fat salaries, but his ineptitude led him to seek greener pastures in the Queen’s land. He however decried that since he changed country, he had not been able to fulfill his life aspirations of comfortable and secured life. He told our correspondent that when he arrived the country then, he was full of hope and thought he would be engaged in one of the best companies in U.K. having bagged Mater Degrees in Econom-

ics in Nigeria, but it later downed on him that the only job available for him was cleaning services in train stations. At first, he found it difficult to stoop low, not after his two degrees from Nigeria, but when his friend who accommodated for six months him started mounting pressure on him to contribute to the upkeep of their rented oneroom apartment in Central London, he had no any other choice, but to take up the cleaning job with hourly wages of five pounds then. After dutifully engaging in this job for years, he later got a security job at Land Securities, London. He claimed that he currently works for 12 hours daily, six times a week with an improved wages of 10 pounds per hour. Olawale told our correspondent that when the hourly pay is converted to Nigerian currency;

Olawale in an interview with our correspondent said that before he travelled to the country in

2008, he was a graduate in

Nigeria and was working in one of the new generational banks in

Lagos with fat salaries, but

his ineptitude led him to seek greener pastures in the land

Queen’s

A Nigerian in the UK

naira, it’s worth it, but bills, taxes, house rent, transport fares and others from the British Authority turn the over N3,000 per hour to a peanut. He is home sick, but can’t return to Nigeria at present because those he left behind are far-away ahead of him. He said, “If I say I regret coming to United Kingdom, is an understatement. I was gainfully employed in Nigeria, but because I had the notion of travelling abroad at an early age in life, I opted to come and stay in this country (U.K), hoping that things would work according to my plans.

“The unfortunate thing back home is that they feel you are plucking money from the trees in U.K. they demand extravagantly from me and in a bid to meet their expectations, I squeeze myself hard. Whenever I tell them that things are not easy here, they are quick to point to somebody who has just arrived from the country and his dishing out money lavishly to his peers and family members. They do not realise that some of our people here are into many unscrupulous businesses that they can’t even defend in the open.” Olawale however blamed the

Friday, December 4, 2015

22 Safar 1437A.H.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Call to Worship

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

UMA honours Banire ... to launch scholarship endowment fund

Sekinah L awal

t was a roll call of who is who in Nigerian Ummah as they gathered at the Protea Hotel IkejaLagos to pray for and hold a reception in honour of one of their own, Dr. Muiz Banire, SAN, as the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni, UMA, recently held a prayer/reception in honour of Banire on his conferment with the rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN. The National President of UMA, Alhaji Akeeb Oladokun described Dr. Banire as one of the brightest stars of the Ummah who has contributed immensely to the growth and achievement of UMA’s mission and vision. “In recent years and along with other like-mind-

ed people within and outside of UMA, Dr. Banire has been a major contributor to sustaining and enhancing the quality of UMA’s programmes. Often times, he would rather remain anonymous. His humility and commitment to the association is remarkable.” “UMA set to improve on the abysmal number of Muslim lecturers in our university community. For the records, the capacity building workshop is usually organized for graduating students to prepare them for life outside the university. Resource persons and experts in various fields are invited to discuss entrepreneurship opportunities in small scale and vocational businesses in the event that the white collar jobs are not forthcoming.

We have awarded 93 scholarships since 2002. Dr. Banire has always been a willing tool in networking UMA with the outside world intellectually, in logistics and financially.” The chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Femi Okunnu extolled the virtues of the APC National Legal Adviser, Dr. Banire and urged the Muslim elites to do more in the area of education as well as mentoring of the younger generations towards being ready to serve the cause of Allah. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said with Muiz, there is no dull moment. The Guest Lecturer and Secretary-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede thanked Allah for

turning the opportunities that came the way of Dr. Banire into blessings. “Apart from the blessings of Almighty Allah, Banire is successful because he was able to combine his opportunities with talent and turned both into success,” Prof. Oloyede said. He said that talent, opportunities and operationalised ability make success with Allah’s permission. “Studies have shown that there is no correlation between intellect and achievements. Talent without opportunities would turn into wasted talents and opportunities without talents are what usually turn into squandered opportunities. I would like to implore everyone to pray for our brother because in

the sight of Allah anyone who passes judgment on other must account on the day of judgement. Muiz belongs to the Law profession where he has to be involved in determining justice, He is also a politician and politicians are responsible for determining the fate of a country. In addition to this Muiz is a teacher and he determines the fate of his students and the future of a country is determined by what we teach the young ones. You can see that by combining these three responsibilities, he needs Allah’s guidance to become successful in the hereafter, the ultimate success.” In his response, Dr. Banire expressed his appreciation for the prayers and honour saying it is a call to do more.

L-R President University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA), Alhaji Akeeb Oladokun; Mrs. Funmi Banire, The Celebrant, Dr. Muiz Adeyemi Banire, SAN, Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Femi Okunnu, SAN, Guest Speaker, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Secretary General Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Alhaja Lateefah Okunnu during the prayer/reception party in honour of Dr. Banire, on his elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, organised by the UMA in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO BY OMONIYI AYEDUN

The God we worship 24

Prioritise children education, says Adebule 24

God’s handwriting in Kogi State 24

‘Lagos is committed to all-round development of its citizens’ Sekinah L awal

t has been made known that Lagos State is very committed to improving the spiritual development of all its citizens irrespective of their religion. This was made known recently by the State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef while presenting Certificates of Participation to 3,047 pilgrims who took part in the 2015 Hajj exercise. According to him, the presentation of the certificates was meant to remind the pilgrims of the need to be law abiding. “Whether they are travelling to Mecca or Jerusalem, we are committed to all-round spiritual development of our people so that when they return, they will become assets to government as well as be law-abiding citizens.” The Commissioner urged the pilgrims to obey all the laws of Lagos State, especially the Lagos Road Traffic Law 2012. Also, he reminded the pilgrims of their need to be partner in the development of Lagos State, adding that they must contribute to security and traffic management in the state. “We are giving you these certificates to remind you that you are ambassadors of God. You must be of virtuous conduct at all times and obey the laws of the land.”

Call to Worship

22 Safar 1437A.H. Friday, December 4, 2015

The God we worship

verything in life has a Maker. It is generally known that people have given God many names at different times. The Hausas call Him Ubangiji; the Yorubas call Him Olorun, the Igbos call Him Chineke, the people from Etsako, in Edo state, Nigeria, call Him Ogena; some other people from Delta state in Nigeria call Him Ogene, while the English call Him God. There are a million other names, which people from various parts of the world have given to Him. Every language has a name for Him. The best name of God is Allah (SWT). It is, because He, Allah (SWT) has named Himself so; and He is the only One who bears it. This is unlike His other names, which may be used for human beings. Allah (SWT) is never used for a human being. Also, its usage does not connote any gender or number as it is with other names given to Him by Men. In other words, you do not talk of masculine or feminine, singular or plural of Allah (SWT).

He is only Allah (SWT). For example, it is allowed for one to say god or gods or goddess, but you cannot say ‘Allahs’ to mean two or more, it will even sound abnormal or unheard of to say such. I am sure you have never also heard ‘Allahness’ as in goddess, or ‘Allahly’ as in godly. So, the real and true name of God without any doubt is Allah (SWT). You should always call Him by it. He lives above the seven heavens and knows all that happen in the whole world. If He is the Creator of everything and is greater and bigger than everything, can what He creates contain Him? Look at the world and see how big it is! Look at the spacious skies! We are only able to know where He lives through the Messengers He has sent to us. All spaces and places man can think of are too small to accommodate Him. He lives above His Throne. The whole world and everything therein are like a dot in His Throne. Everything in this world lives below His Throne. His name is Allah, the Creator

THE PLATFORM with

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

God’s handwriting in Kogi State

ecause God is involved in the affairs of this nation now, we pray for peace in all our states. More importantly, our hearts cry out for divine intervention in Kogi affairs at this moment as we pray for‬ ‪‎peace and development in Kogi State. I have been to the state a couple of time‬s, the state capital and other towns in the state of confluence and I must say that I am really surprised at the level of underdevelopment and degradation of social infrastructures in the state. Seeing Nigeria’s historical capital and the haven of tourism in such a state is nothing to write home and a true conviction of the need for a change of leadership from the old block to a new set of credible leaders especially from the so-called minority tribe. This is not really a tribal matter now but allowing the will of God for Kogi State to material-

ize. We would all recall that the late Abubakar Audu, may his soul rest in peace, actually promised a change of baton but God almighty has shown that He is the ultimate Giver of power. It is quite unfortunate that anytime the critical issue of neglect, under-development and poverty that has become the lot of our people principally because of the failure of those entrusted with leadership, but the time to change the situation is around the corner. With many arguments for and against of a particular candidate defecting or not working for the party during campaign thus, APC losing his unit and local government to some candidates not participating in the primaries, I feel the leadership of the change party that the people of Kogi expressed their love for in the last election, should go for neutral and more capable hands like Dr. Yekeen

of man; the Giver and Taker of life. He is one. He is the Owner of the heavens and the earth. He can never and will never die not to talk of rising from the grave. Nobody can do Him any harm as nobody can ever see Him in this world. He is not like anybody. He neither eats nor drinks; neither dozes nor sleeps; as eating, drinking, dozing and sleeping are signs of weaknesses. As for Allah we are talking about, He is ever strong and self-sufficient. He can see us but we cannot see Him. Glory is to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds This world is a big place. It is bigger than what we see. Allah (SWT) alone knows its real size and space. He creates it. He knows what is good for it. He thus makes laws for man on how to live well inside it. Many things are beyond the control of man in this world. What man does not know is more than the things he knows. He walks on the earth, how does the sand on it get to this world? Where does the sun come from? Where does the moon come from? How do we have the Habeeb who was part of the primaries. It should not also be a family rotation but the ability, experience and maturity to deliver. Enough of all these issues of minority tribe because if a minority person will bring development to a state and all the citizens, then, let it be! I feel we should put less importance on these trivial issues and move forward as a nation. Let whoever will deliver dividends of democracy to all nooks and crannies of the state, be at the helms of affairs as no people or tribes are born or destined to neither rule for life nor be subservient for life. The almighty God has spoken too and there should be a power shift or rotation in Kogi State without any bloodshed. It is not and should not be the birthright of some people to continue to rule with little or nothing to show for it. Enough of many years of misrule, embezzlement of public fund, disrespect for the rule of law and people’s trust. Nigerian politicians should truly learn a big lesson of the fact that all power belongs to almighty Allah and He gives it to whosoever He wills. All we want is all-round development of Kogi State and all other states of the federation irrespective of who is executing that. Let the able minorities have their shots too and see what will become of Kogi State. May the good Lord complete His divine mission in Kogi State and Nigeria as a whole, Aamin.

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IN HIS LIGHT with

USTAZ

A. ZAFARAN e-mail: zafabumuneeb@yahoo.com regular day and night? How do the plants actually grow? How are we able to remember and comprehend so many things with our brain? How are we able to see many things with our eyes? Why do we have only one mouth for eating and drinking all kinds of food and drinks? How is it that our ears are able to hear different things at the same and different times? How does the food we eat work in our body and also become waste products? But because Allah (SWT) is One, He creates man in the best

way He deems fit. Look at yourself; is there any part of your body you do not like or want? Or is there any one you can donate to your friends? “Glory be to Allah, the best of those who creates.” Allah (SWT) is also able, because He is One, to make the sun rise and set regularly, to make the rain fall at the right time, to make plants grow as food for us, to make seas and rivers flow, to create animals for our use, to make birds fly in the sky, to make wind blow and make us enjoy most things in this life.

Prioritise children education –Adebule

agos State deputy governor, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule has urged parents irrespective of their socio economic condition to prioritize the education of their children to secure a better future for their family and the country at large. She gave the advice as the special guest at the 9th Hijrah annual lecture organised by the Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday. She identified education as the only solution that can help a country to fight ignorance, develop its human capacity and attain greater development. “Education remains the only weapon that can be used to curb youths unrest, insurgency, violence and other anti social vices that can undermine developmental growth of a nation. Adebule while commending the organisers for their foresight in educating the public especially youths about good character, peaceful conduct and kindness towards mankind advised parents not to allow their personal engagements disturb the education of their children, rather she urged them to combine moral and civic education with western education while bringing up

their children to give them a rewarding future. She called on Muslims to emulate Prophet Muhammed in their relationship with both Muslim and non-Muslims, noting that most people during the time of the prophet embraced Islam because of his good behavior and kindness towards everybody irrespective of their religion or tribe. She urged Muslims to always demonstrate good attributes of tolerance, honesty, mutual love, peaceful conduct and above all fear of the Almighty Allah while relating with their fellow human beings. She also appealed to Muslim leaders to help educate their members on the need to support the state government in its effort at creating a cleaner and epidemic-free environment by participating actively in the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. She assured that the administration of Akinwunmi Ambode will not relent in fulfilling its campaign promises on urban renewal and sustainable infrastructure development, urging people to continue to live together in peace as ever, noting that little or nothing can be achieved when there is chaos and general unrest.

L-R: Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule and Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Muslim Community, Hon. Sikiru Osinowo at its 9th annual Hijrah lecture.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, December 4, 2015

Baitul Ahad: The Japan Mosque (2)

here are some 100 mosques in the country. The significance of our mosque is that unlike other Muslims we give true illustration of Islam, the illustration given by the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and for which his true and ardent devotee was sent in this age. It is also the responsibility of Ahmadis to present this illustration and for this strength of creed and belief is not sufficient, in fact good standard of practice is also required as well as spirit of brotherhood. We have to turn our sights to where our master’s sight was as well as the sight of his true and ardent devotee. We can find this discourse in the Holy Qur’an. It is not sufficient to say, Alhamdolillah, we have accepted the Imam of the age. And in this age Ahmadi Muslims alone are the addressees of the verse recited at the start of the sermon, who have accepted the Imam of the age and among whom the system of Khilafat is instituted for the firm establishment of faith. And God has laid down some principles for those who associate with the system of Khilafat. Firstly, attention is drawn to observance Salat. If attention is lacking in this regard then it is incorrect to claim to be true Muslims and say that we will bring about revolutionary change in the world and we have accepted the true and ardent devotee of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). This is so because the very objective of the coming of the Promised Messiah was to connect man to God, the second objective is to connect humanity with each other. The aforementioned verse states that those who fear God pay the dues of His worship and also spend for the good of oth-

Call to Worship

22 Safar 1437A.H.

ers. Not only do they follow this in their life-time they also leave behind models for others to emulate; models of how to avail the real objective of life and to protect oneself from Satan. If we accept the one commissioned by God in this age we must consider this as a grace of God because other Muslims are dispersed. We accepted the Promised Messiah and after him his Khilafat was firmly established, through which we move at the gesture/ signal of one hand. Indeed, the status of being firmly established/honoured is not simply attained through governance or power, rather it is also attained through inner peace. InshaAllah that time will soon come when governments will also accept the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). The world now looks upon us to give the true teachings of Islam, this too is an honour stemming from us being firmly established. God states that to be recipients of this grace stay firm on piety and spread it and avoid what is bad and also save others from it and this practice will give you progress. Every Ahmadi should be mindful to continue to focus on bettering our practice and this will continue to be a source of our Jama’at being firmly established and honoured and governments too will come under its umbrella and become subservient to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). This indeed is a great gladtiding for true Muslims who are not oppressors, who are fair and just, who do not forget God, who worship Him and who do not usurp others, rather who fulfil rights of others. Who are not selfish, rather are selfless and who have a sincere connection with Khilafat e Ahmadiyya and do not

simply repeat pledges at Ijtemas, rather who spread good values and stop what is evil and before doing so, who self-reflect. Who sacrifice their egos for the sake of the administrative system of the Jama’at. These aspects make them closer to God and also facilitates them to fulfil rights of humanity and make them true Ahmadi Muslims as the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) expected them to be. There are some in the Jama’at who say that they will sacrifice their all for the sake of Khilafat e Ahmadiyya, however, when they are asked to settle mutual grievances they look for endless excuses. If you want to be true believers, be those who give peace and security. Being associated with the new mosque in Japan should not be in terms of merely associating with a building of bricks and mortar. Rather, it should be associating with that person whom God sent to connect man with God and having abandoned all personal grievances, wishes and egoism, to bind people in a system which demands sacrifice. And this sacrifice may not be simply financial giving but may also be sacrifice of egoism. Enjoining good should not be only for others but should also apply on oneself and before forbidding others from evil, one should selfreflect. Large majority of Ahmadis in Japan are from Pakistan where they face persecution to worship God, where they face persecution to call their mosque a mosque, where uttering greeting of peace and security can end up in threeyear imprisonment. Some Ahmadis in Japan have sought asylum and they should ponder as to how much God has blessed them. There is no persecution in Japan as regards worship of God, no

Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya

punishment for calling mosque a mosque and rather than causing imprisonment, greetings of peace and security is appreciated. Does all this not demand that we bring about revolutionary changes in ourselves and recognise the objective of our creation? That we should live with mutual love and affection and extend this love and affection in wider society and instil those qualities in ourselves that God

wants us to have. Effort will be needed for this. God states in the Holy Qur’an: ‘They are the ones who turn to God in repentance, who worship Him, who praise Him, who go about in the land serving Him, who bow down to God, who prostrate themselves in prayer, who enjoin good and forbid evil, and who watch the limits set by Allah. And give glad tidings to those who believe.’ (9:112)

Aqdun Nikkah between Aisha Obabiyi Ajibola and Abass Oluwaseun Agbaje at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Mosque, Monatan-Ibadan, Oyo State, recently

Mr Omopariola, Dr. Dikko, Mr Abdul Qadr, Mr Abd Rahman Mrs Anifowoshe, Muallim AbdulFatah Eidun, Muallim Luqman Gazal and Mrs Gazal

The couple with Mr. & Mrs. Obabiyi.

During our graduation at the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, recently.

L-R: Groom’s mother, Dr. Basirat Dikko with the Couple and other family members

Critics

Friday, December 4, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

BOOK

Dissecting Ari-Ajia

Phyleom Publishers is set with a 113-page collection of plays called Ari-Ajia Olutayo Irantiola

he society is the bedrock of inspiration for a writer because they are a product of that locale and this can be transported into any genre of literature. The unending complexities of the country would produce sufficient themes for any writer; as it is being said; African writers are still fighting for emancipation from our brothers, who are taking us on another round of ‘colonialism’. Ari-Ajia, a product of this society, tried to show the examine the rot in the educational system, the power tussle which leads to the wanton waste of lives and what people call ‘love’ on February 14. The first place which is about a young lad; Dede, who is a book aficionado, he reads at all times in preparation for his final examinations from high school to the University. He has been having endless struggles with two tempters and his ‘tempter’ friends equally. He eventually becomes a victim of what happens to many Nigerian students; they study courses that they do not want because they do not know people who can help them during the struggle for admission. Some of the insinuations from the play are written belowThe technocrats who have proven integrity are usually scared of coming out to contest for leadership positions; while those who want to squander national

MUSIC After the song, Jo Kin Jo, produced by Dee Vee, expectations were high about Cash Kid. What went wrong?

resources keep doing it optimally. The tempter made a salient point about the populace, ‘bad people are not more than good people but observers are the largest group of the good people; while the bad guys occupied the good places in the country’ Pg. 5 The role of writers in the society which is to educate and sensitize people is no more appreciated as it used to be before. One of the statements in the text shows that, writing is not profitable. However, writers take solace in the salient truth that they are building their names and also, writers never die, ‘what people are doing is making money and neither writing nor thinking; and why, simply because education is no longer a profitable business.’ Pg. 13 Since the encroachment of private universities in Nigeria, the ability of poor men to get affordable and quality education for their children became a mirage; with the aforementioned, the playwright wrote, ‘we hardly have quality education anymore in this country. The few that we have are beyond the grasp of poor people’ Pgs. 14 & 15. Students of public schools have a thorough understanding of strikes. The public office holders rarely consider the children of the poor in the quest to ‘fill’ their pockets; as such, teachers go on strike periodically on page 23, the playwright expresses his view most especially when two releases contradict one another, ‘gov-

The second play ‘State of the Nation’ is a reflection of the tussle by the power brokers which negatively impacts on the populace

In search of Cash Kid

Ngozi Emedolib

hank God for the virtual platform; artistes can now have a feel of how the audience will react to their skills by dumping (literally) their works there. The feelers they get, tell them what to improve upon and what to remove, which has precipitated this growing trend of coming up with so many singles before the final album. It is obvious Ogunmuyiwa Oriyomi Olatunji, who goes by the stage name; Cash Kid is travelling this familiar pathway with his new single, Jo Kin Jo. It is an upbeat mix of hip-hop and rhythm and blues, which catches your attention right from the onset with its heavy bass beats, which also gives you the impression that the producer, Dee Vee knows his direction. This creative ploy of ‘arresting’ a listener, so to say, in the first seconds of the song should rank as

ernment announces resumption on rediffusion, teachers turn students back in schools. Dede’s mum told him not to return home.’ The parental vice of getting their children to pass examinations at all cost was also discussed. The friends of Dede educated him while Oga Teacher detailed the financial rates determine examination success. Gone are the days, when students write ‘Almighty May-June’ for many years. The names of the school are ‘Easy Passage College and Pyrrhic Victory College’. The result is evident in the names. On page 43, NECO, which is the acronym of National Examination Council was also given another definition, ‘Nation-wide Examination Corruption. Also, the manipulation of Computer Based Tests (CBT) to ensure that the candidate gets the desired scores to be offered admission for a course he cannot cope with; other mentioned issues are ‘indigene-issues’ and federal character was not left out of the discourse. This play is not just to satirize the educational system but also to show that there is a need to overhaul the system; if hope would be restored to the poor and our educational system would truly produce graduates that are worthy in learning and character.

one of the high points of this music. The song Jo Kin Jo, from the title is designed for the dance halls, which is not different from what the ‘artistes of the moment’ like the Iyanyas, P Squares and the KCees of this world are doing. And as one listens to this work, he

would be inundated with lots of refrains, aptly designed to leave impressions on one’s memory. While there are no restrictions to what any producer or artiste could employ to make his work the favourite of the time, it is pertinent to note that the song was created for commercial rewards. This trend is not very good for the industry. Music artistes must focus on making their works real works of art that will stand the test of time. Another pointer to what this artiste has in mind is his name-Cash Kid. This

Another pointer to what this artiste has in mind is his name-Cash Kid

The second play ‘State of the Nation’ is a reflection of the tussle by the power brokers which negatively impacts on the populace; it is about the uncompromising stand of the powerful. The power brokers consult, connive, empower touts and want to lead with impunity till there is an eventual crash of the system in form of war. The play has a heavy use of personification of animals, parables and cultural elements. The theme of ‘waste’ is depicted from the waste of energy by going to war and equally the waste of human lives. The last play titled ‘February 14’ is about the type of ‘breed’ that can result from illicit sex on that day. Janet, the character in the play, set the pace for the Patrick to come have a feel of her flesh.

reminds one of people like Davido and of course, Wizkid. Yes, they are in the same age bracket, it would be counterproductive for Cash Kid to appear on the scene looking at this two artistes, whom he made lavish representations of their refrains in his work. His stage, name will surely present a trouble of identity amongst his wouldbe fans. With the Cash and the Kid, the branding is targeting a cross between Wizkid and Davido. His lyrics are also typical of the trend in the industry. Riddled with lines with sensual undertone, they cut across like what was written for the beat made by the producer. You could tell from the lack of coordination, and lack of message. It was grossly poor in morals and revolves around extolling the sensual portions of the opposite sex. What will however interest the audience is the refrain of this song. It has every reason to catch on with time because it is quite appealing to the memory and relates with the everyday life of the people on the streets. Cash Kid’s voice is also commendable, although he could obviously come out better with a lot of training. Having returned from studies in South Africa, he appears prepared for the task in music.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, December 4, 2015

Nigerians in the UK

Nigerian Government for the exodus of Nigerians to abroad. According to him, if Nigerian government had provided the people with basic amenities and affordable food as we have in United Kingdom, many Nigerians who go out of their way to travel out by all means would have stayed back and help to contribute to the development of the country, rather than engage in peasant jobs abroad. Just like every Nigerian in Diaspora, Olawale said he would return to the country again, but was silent on when it would be, vowing that “I won’t return to my country until I am able to fulfill my dreams. “Have it in mind again that whenever you visit Nigeria, you are definitely going to spend more as their expectations of you are high,” he said. To Richard Amokwu, who left the shores of the country in 1993, although, he has safely secured British passport, but he got it in a hard way. He disclosed that on several occasions he had to hide from the eagle eyes of British Police who would abruptly visit offices to check books and arrest illegal immigrants and employees. Amokwu declined to disclose how he got the British passport, but advised other Nigerians who are gainfully employed to desist from ‘I must travel abroad by all means’ syndrome. Amokwu who is presently undergoing his second degree programmes in one of the universities in London, declared that no matter your academic attainment or qualification, it would always be hard for you to get employment in your chosen carrier, adding that racism against blacks was high in the country. He said, “For example, I got my first degree in this country and when I applied for a job even after submitting my certificates and curriculum vitae and went through their interview sessions, I was still denied a job based on my skin. So, when the expected job was not forthcoming, I had to continue with my mail dispatcher work that I have been doing for a couple of years now. “Although, now, I have two houses for which I pay mortgage monthly, I still refer to it as slavery because in most times, you pay back after 25 years and your inability to pay the mortgage for three consecutive months, leads to revocation of the property from you no matter how much you must have paid. “After my studies, I will definitely return to Nigeria for a

Sky view of the city of London

arrived London in 2009 through Afriqiyah Airways, the national carrier of Libya, he has been moving from one peasant job to the other. First, he started as a cleaner in train station and now private security personnel. Though, he claimed that the job is lucrative, but decried that it is a kind of a job where you are never promoted. According to him, some people especially Africans have been in the job for upward seven years without promotion, stressing that if he had stayed back in Nigeria, after graduation, he would have secured a good job and be sure of his promotion as at when due. Damitiri Hari, 30, a South African citizen who has been residing in U.K since 2006, said that he would leave the country after the completion of his first degree programme, which he present undergo in one of the universities in London. He however commended the effective security in the country, which he said has reduced criminality to the barest minimum in the United Kingdom generally.

London Tower Bridge 1

better and fulfilled job. For how long will one continue to be a mail dispatcher in this country? Having said that, the feedback I am getting from home does not augur well. What the media have been carrying about Nigeria is not pleasant. No security, job and even the required and necessary basic amenities in Nigeria are lacking.” Besides, Mr. Adegbemisola Ogunbona, who has been in United Kingdom since 2009 and a graduate of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, regret is an underestimation. Ogunbona hinted that since he

Immigrants leaving boats

Escape

Hari averred that unlike many African countries especially South Africa where security is one of the major challenges, U.K has one of the best security system as Closed Circuit Television, CCTV, cameras are mounted in every strategic locations in the country, noting that this has made it easier for criminals to be detected within a twinkle of an eye. On the government policy, he noted that until recently, the policy favoured foreigners, but in the last four years, many foreigners are finding it difficult securing a good job in U.K. He insisted that if African Governments were sincere and consistent with their policies and programmes, many foreigners of African descent would have stayed back home. “Now, I think the immigration policy is hard on foreigners especially with terrorism that has taken centre stage around the world. To get a job in U.K now is hard for foreigners, which is due mainly to change in government policy here. “The unfortunate thing is that there are lots of natural resources in Africa, but we lack good leadership. Some of our leaders are selfcentred and care less about their citizens,” he said. For the continent to be free from the apron string of poverty, Hari opined that continent’s governments should avoid corruption and inconsistent policies, which seek to impoverish the citizens the more. Mrs. Tope Adeyinka, a worker in one of the pre-school institutions, agreed that life in U.K is difficult, but noted that with determination and self-denial, people would still make the two ends meet. She reechoed that if the Nigerian Government could provide the basic amenities, most Nigerians would prefer to stay back in the country, rather than travel abroad to earn a decent living.

Inside FCT

Friday, December 4, 2015

Abuja’s corporate beggars Regina Otokpa

egging is fast becoming a phenomenon in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), every day in the city and suburbs, residents are faced with its various forms, either directly or indirect. Before now, the recognized form of begging was the people we see on our major streets characterised either by their mode of dressing, terrible body odour, blisters or one form of deformity or the other. While some use sticks or a guide to move about, others pick out a strategic point from where they call out for help However, we can now refer to those as traditional forms of begging following the inception and fast growth of ‘Corporate begging’ at major cities in the country but gaining more momentum in Abuja with each passing da Inside-FCT analyzing the ugly trend, got reactions and first-hand experiences from people who had fallen prey to the antics of lazy Nigerians who prefer to work on the psyche of others rather than engaging in meaningful employment. A resident of the FCT, Ibrahim Akinwale said, “have been hearing about them just as I have been insulting people who have been giving such people money until it happened to me. “I was waiting for a vehicle that fateful evening after work at Area 1 bus stop when a handsome young man nicely and neatly dressed approached me. He said he had forgotten his wallet in the office and by the time he realised and went back, his colleagues had all gone home and now he was stranded “Assessing his dressing, I concluded this was real and gave him some money

Beggars in Abuja

but some weeks later, I ran into same man at Wuse telling the same tale to another unsuspecting person. There was no way I would miss that smile and handsome features.” “They are all over the place, Wuse market, Berger, Area 1, Nyanya, Lugbe, Kubwa, Maitama, Banex Plaza, AYA. Infact, all the major bus stops and busy locations in Abuja. They deploy different tactics in getting money from people who are also struggling to take care of their family “Why can’t they go and meet the super-rich and ask them for money instead of playing on the intelligence of poor Nigerians.” “Out of the blues, someone will approach you with tales of how he had not eaten for the last two days, or has been

trekking a long distance because he or she does not have money expecting you to dip hands in your pocket to bring out cash. “When I first came to Abuja I really helped a lot of people like that but later found out it was all a hoax. Some would even carry children along just to spark sympathy from passersby. Reacting to the use of children to beg, Akinwale said, “that is the part I hate the most about this whole corporate begging thing. I have it on authority that most of these kids are from orphanage homes.

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One day at NICON Junction area, I insulted two different women who were using children to beg for money. “One of them didn’t even hide it, she said they were from an orphanage trying to raise money to feed the children under their care. “I know things are rough but it hasn’t gotten to that point where innocent children should be used as tools to fill our pockets. Isn’t it enough that these so called orphanage proprietors misuse the goodwill made available for the upkeep of the homes by concerned individuals and organisations? Christy Inyang sharing her own experience said “I boarded a bike from the market to my house and on getting home, I gave the bike man N200 but instead of giving me back my change, next thing he started narrating how he left his family in Nasarawa to hustle in Abuja. He pleaded I give him money because he hadn’t eaten the whole day “Well I refused on the basis that he had been working since morning and must have made some money for himself, for where! The old man refused to budge he kept on repeating his story. I got passed because I knew he was a blatant liar, had to him with the N150 change” Also speaking on the issue, Job Okorondu said “recently one of these mornings just as I was locking up my door, a young boy walked in to the compound dressed in a torn school uniform and bare footed asking for my assistance.

I have marked some faces especially two girls, they don’t always have money to board a vehicle, they always claim to have misplaced their money and ask for help.

Abuja residents groan as fuel scarcity persists Rotimi Fadeyi

or some weeks now, the fuel scarcity in most parts of the country continue to bite harder and it is yet to abate despite assurances by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) that there was enough fuel supply for domestic use and that there was no cause to panic. According to the NNPC, the scarcity was as a result of panic buying by motorists, particularly now that the year was coming to an end signaling the celebration of the Yuletide period when many people would travel out of their base to visit loved ones in other parts of the country. There were long queues of vehicle at few petrol stations within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that are dispensing fuel but they have to wait for several hours before they could get near the pump and buy fuel However, other motorists who don’t have the patience to queue resulted to buying from fuel hawkers who took over the streets of Abuja making brisk business.

The fuel queues at the few petrol stations that are selling fuel usually spread to the road disrupting the flow of traffic causing causing unnecessary gridlock Some motorists who spoke to Inside FCT lamented the situation that have to go through before they could get fuel. While some of them said they have to spend the night at petrol stations before they could get fuel, others said they have to go to neighbouring states to buy fuel. For Jacob Apampa, a commercial taxi driver, the fuel scarcity had been a harrowing experience for him as he had to spend many nights at petrol stations to buy fuel. “The fuel scarcity is really affecting my business as a taxi driver because it is not easy to get fuel, I have to sleep in petrol stations before buying fuel and because we drive around town, we often use a lot of fuel” “Sometimes I have to buy from the

black market but I spend more money but still will not be able to buy enough fuel to do my business because of the price they are selling the fuel”, Apampa said. Another motorist who simply identified himself as Jide said that he had to go to neighbouring towns in Kaduna State before he could get fuel to buy. “The situation is terrible, sometimes I have to go to a neighboring town in Kaduna State to buy fuel because I cannot cope with the queues in Abuja” “The government should please address the situation before the Christmas and new year celebrations so that it does not cause more problem because that is the period people usually travel and therefore need fuel to be able to make the journey”, he said. For Kazeem Jimoh, who reside in Kubwa, a satellite town in the FCT, said he has decided to park his car at home because of the fuel scarcity.

Another motorist who simply identified himself as Jide said that he had to go to neighbouring towns in Kaduna State before he could get fuel to buy.

Jimoh,who works in Garki area of Abuja which is a long distance from where he lives in Kubwa, said he has resulted to taking commercial vehicle to

d station Fuel

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Inside FCT

Friday, December 4, 2015

FCT youths and NOUN phenomenon Joel Ajayi

ntil recently, the quest for youths in the country to secure admission into tertiary institutions has been a herculean task. It was a battle for survival, especially for those who are committed and relentless to proceeding with their academic pursuit. Severally, youths in the country have expressed concern over the situation that they found themselves while parents are also helpless in assisting the ambitious youths to secure admission and take their studies to a higher level This led to introduction of other measures by government of the day but little or no attention was given to the fact that some of the Universities are overstretched. Although, Nigeria has over 120 public and private conventional universities, but it is unarguable that they are far from meeting the educational needs of the country’s teeming population. The illiteracy level in the country remains very high. Incidentally, this has caused proliferation of private universities among those labeled glorified secondary schools. Truly, this might not go well with the private university undergraduates but it appears to be a clear escape route from the embarrassing situation. The recent exodus of Nigerians seeking higher education to the National Open University many analysts have concluded is not all about the difficulties possess by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and University authorities in securing admission or the flex-

and back from work because of the fuel situation. “I decided to be going to work with commercial vehicle because of the fuel

NOUN headquaters, inset Prof Tenebe VC, NOUN

ibility of the work and learn mantra of the open distance learning, the innovations, transparency and accountability of the present management counts too. Inside-FCT gathered that, NOUN from the initial 15,000 students enrolment figure met under leadership of Prof. Vincent Tenebe on assumption to office about five years ago, rose to 400, 000, with active students in the range of 180, 000. Over the decades, NOUN has not only

experienced turbulent times, in a competitive market, but more interesting, it has survived it, as evident in its manifest visibility on the national scene. To a large extent, various people across board including Nollywood artistes, civil servants and most importantly youths increase enrolls in the school. The Vice Chancellor while sharing his vision for the varsity said;

Inside-FCT gathered that, NOUN from the initial 15,000 students enrolment figure met under leadership of Prof. Vincent Tenebe on assumption to office about five years ago, rose to 400, 000, with active students in the range of 180, 000

scarcity, I cannot go and sleep at the petrol station and waste precious time because I want to buy fuel” “It is even cheaper for me because I

will have to spend more money if I want to buy fuel from the black market, when the situation improves I will put my vehicle on the road again”, Jimoh said.

“NOUN is more concerned about the entire Nigerians and especially those in the rural areas, those boys and girls on the streets, who have necessary academic qualifications for university admission.” Upon appointment as Vice Chancellor, Tenebe met a promising institution like NOUN at the verge of extinction. The portrait of the varsity was smeared to the extent that aside the stigmatization imposed on it by conventional universities in the country, lack of accreditation of courses, the non-inclusion of graduates of NOUN in the Law School and NYSC scheme were some of the multiple bruises suffered by the university. Public interest waned and students’ enrolment into NOUN was on its record low. So far there have been increased accreditation of courses, expansion in academic programmes and the uncommon interest of even elder statesmen and high academics in acquiring NOUN’s Open and distance learning education. The stigmatization reduced significantly when the former President, Olusegun Obasanjo enrolled at the Universities while advocating for other notable Nigerians to follow suit. He went ahead to also commence his Doctorate degree programme to convince the public national Open University has come to stay. Tenebe and his team at NOUN ensured that its graduates no longer suffer any stigma arising from improper packaging of the varsities’ policies and programmes. Tenebe has set out the modalities for NOUN graduates to now participate in the mandatory one-year NYSC scheme. To concretise the deal, the varsity leadership has sealed an agreement with the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), to henceforth issue admission letters to every graduate eligible for the NYSC scheme after the payment of prescribed fees by NOUN. By implication, with effect from the next academic session, NOUN graduates below the age of 30 will be proud participants in the NYSC programme.

Capital Market

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Friday, December 4, 2015

Stock exchange daily equities summary Daily Summary as of 03/12/2015

Equities as at December 3, 2015

Printed 03/12/2015 14:32:09.009

Daily Summary as of 03/12/2015 Printed 03/12/2015 14:32:09.009

Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

1st Tier Securities

Daily Summary (Equities)

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

Symbol FTNCOCOA OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 2 18 17 37

Current Price 0.50 26.90 32.20

Quantity Traded 10,000 144,600 600,910 755,510

Value Traded 5,000.00 4,031,595.63 18,339,571.00 22,376,166.63

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 1.38

Quantity Traded 49,500 49,500

Value Traded 71,580.00 71,580.00

805,010

22,447,746.63

Quantity Traded 1,322 9,022,958 61,245 9,085,525

Value Traded 1,163.36 14,763,455.17 1,547,054.86 16,311,673.39

135 No. of Deals Current Price 2 0.50 1 14.46 3

9,085,525 Quantity Traded 112,348 5,788 Page 118,136

16,311,673.39 Value Traded 56,174.00 79,527.12 13 1 of 135,701.12

Daily Summary as of 03/12/2015

AGRICULTURE Totals Printed 03/12/2015 14:32:09.009

CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries JOHN HOLT PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY Diversified Industries Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE CONGLOMERATES Totals Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. G CAPPA PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

Symbol JOHNHOLT TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 1 103 31 135

Daily Summary (Equities)

Symbol COSTAIN GCAPPA

Current Price 0.92 1.63 25.61

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 37.44

Quantity Traded 20,315 20,315

Value Traded 758,992.00 758,992.00

Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 8 8

Current Price 6.00

Quantity Traded 36,475 36,475

Value Traded 219,243.00 219,243.00

174,926

1,113,936.12

Value Traded 500.00 500.00

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Daily Summary as of 03/12/2015 Automobiles/Auto Parts Printed 03/12/2015 14:32:09.009 DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES Activity Summary on Board EQTYPLC. JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC. CONSUMER GOODS NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Symbol DUNLOP

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,000 1,000

Symbol

No. of Deals 19 34 6 1 60 No. of Deals 120

Current Price 3.71 123.80 15.66 1.51 120.00 Current Price

Quantity Traded 362,269 96,899 137,095 700 1,058,157 Quantity Traded 1,655,120 Page

Daily Summary (Equities) CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW JOSBREW NB Symbol

Value Traded 1,308,303.59 11,956,802.07 2,147,624.70 1,008.00 125,000,664.22 Value Traded 140,414,402.58 13 2 of

Summary on Board EQTY SectorActivity Company name ICT Processing Systems E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Processing Systems Totals

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC IPWA PLC Daily Summary as of 03/12/2015 PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC Printed 03/12/2015 14:32:09.009 PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY Daily Summary as of 03/12/2015 Printed 03/12/2015 14:32:09.009 INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals OIL AND GAS

No. of Deals 19 1 5 100

Current Price 126.11 49.66 147.00

Quantity Traded 21,525 2,109 2,727 207,491

Value Traded 2,838,831.78 99,502.62 403,376.67 42,177,434.03

Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 207.00

Quantity Traded 361 361

Value Traded 77,774.30 77,774.30

2,843,295

57,723,117.25

SERVICES Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Daily Summary as of 03/12/2015 EXPRESS PLC. TRANS-NATIONWIDE Printed 03/12/2015 14:32:09.009 Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Employment Solutions Totals

Quantity Traded 46,995 88,106 135,101

Value Traded 906,972.75 71,419,021.00 72,325,993.75

Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LEARN AFRICA PLC Printing/Publishing Totals

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

Quantity Traded 10 119,299 125,199 244,508

Value Traded 283.00 568,054.50 90,147.08 658,484.58

Daily Summary as of 03/12/2015 Specialty Printed 03/12/2015 14:32:09.009 INTERLINKED TECHNOLOGIES PLC

Quantity Traded 131,856 142,836 Page 274,692

Value Traded 3,388,526.33 13 3 5,975,743.60 of 9,364,269.93

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. UNIC INSURANCE PLC. WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Daily Summary as of 03/12/2015 Printed 03/12/2015 14:32:09.009 Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC ActivityCUSTODIAN Summary on Board EQTY AND ALLIED PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. FINANCIAL SERVICES ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. Other Financial Institutions IBTC HOLDINGS Published by STANBIC The Nigerian Stock ExchangePLC © UNITED CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Current Price 5.00 2.25 15.97 1.38 19.97 1.60 1.95 3.84 5.80 0.81

Quantity Traded 6,879,483 824,770 2,378,916 2,205,033 88,770,530 1,239,941 645,535 7,398,560 342,693 267,370

Value Traded 34,477,984.11 1,854,690.00 37,989,768.52 3,045,896.14 1,775,459,215.13 1,911,842.26 1,225,047.50 27,934,814.41 1,979,785.56 216,569.70

No. of Deals 12 658

Current Price 0.95

Quantity Traded 4,612,307 115,565,138

Value Traded 4,327,728.54 1,890,423,341.87

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE EQUITYASUR HMARKINS LAWUNION MANSARD NEM NIGERINS UNIC WAPIC

No. of Deals 6 5 3 1 3 8 21 1 1 2 51

Current Price 0.90 1.05 0.50 0.50 0.55 2.70 0.68 0.50 0.50 0.50

Quantity Traded 151,232 11,700 10,000,100 Page 300 36,714 414,231 635,021 300 10,080 8,600 11,268,278

Value Traded 136,108.80 11,785.00 5,000,050.00 13 4 of 150.00 19,725.56 1,118,041.91 430,814.28 150.00 5,040.00 4,300.00 6,726,165.55

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.97

Quantity Traded 500,555 500,555

Value Traded 485,562.55 485,562.55

Symbol WEMABANK

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals Current Price AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FCMB ROYALEX Symbol STANBIC UCAP

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

37 2.45 5 4.06 22 1.95 1 0.50 No. of Deals Current Price 24 16.60 67 1.31 156 868

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NIG-GERMAN PHARMDEKO

HEALTHCARE Totals

No. of Deals 3 10 14 5 1 2 35

Current Price 0.50 2.97 36.66 1.04 4.91 2.24

ICT IT Services NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. IT Services Totals

Symbol NCR

Processing Systems CHAMS PLC

Symbol CHAMS

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Hospitality TANTALIZERS PLC Hospitality Totals SERVICES Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC TOURIST COMPANY OF NIGERIA PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 11.02

No. of Deals 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,642,143 207,038 808,853 7,598 Quantity Traded 3,299,234Page 9,051,291 15,016,157

Value Traded 4,074,220.98 840,670.28 1,575,326.00 3,799.00 Value Traded 53,958,841.88 13 5 of 11,997,500.02 72,450,358.16

142,350,128

1,970,085,428.13

Quantity Traded 109,466 285,049 66,467 44,990 1,000 51,100 558,072

Value Traded 54,733.00 837,452.53 2,399,623.35 47,301.20 4,670.00 114,464.00 3,458,244.08

558,072

3,458,244.08

Quantity Traded 111 111

Value Traded 1,162.17 1,162.17

Quantity Traded 500

Value Traded 250.00

Page

Daily Summary (Equities)

208

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 11 9 20

Current Price 4.20 0.98

Quantity Traded 131,000 264,000 395,000

Value Traded 545,150.00 277,846.64 822,996.64

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 200 Page 200

Symbol TANTALIZER

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 200 200

Value Traded 100.00 100.00

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL TOURIST TRANSCOHOT

No. of Deals 5 1 1 7

Current Price 3.34 3.51 6.42

Quantity Traded 141,100 50 Page 100 141,250

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA

No. of Deals 4 3 7

Current Price 0.57 0.63

Quantity Traded 30,000 56,000 86,000

Value Traded 17,700.00 35,260.00 52,960.00

Symbol INTERLINK

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 4.21

Quantity Traded 50 50

Value Traded 200.00 200.00

Symbol

No. of Deals 4 31 35

Current Price 1.90 3.88

Quantity Traded 77,240 423,950 501,190

Value Traded 145,676.40 1,634,223.59 1,779,899.99

No. of Deals

Current Price 2.47

Quantity Traded 163,000,914 50,000 50,000

123,500.00 2,429,505,050.32

1,173,890

3,251,824.63

163,000,914

2,429,505,050.32

Daily Summary (Equities)

Specialty Totals Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC Daily Summary as of 03/12/2015 NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Printed 03/12/2015 14:32:09.009 Transport-Related Services Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY Support and Logistics

EQTY Board Totals CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals

Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 116 DIAMONDBNK 23 ETI 24 FIDELITYBK 30 GUARANTY 272 SKYEBANK 36 Daily Summary (Equities) STERLNBANK 19 UBA 106 UBN 17 UNITYBNK 3

Symbol OANDO

OIL AND GAS Totals

Current Price 19.66 807.00

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. Daily Summary as of 03/12/2015 DIAMOND BANK PLC Printed 03/12/2015 14:32:09.009 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC ActivityUNION Summary Board EQTY BANKon NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking WEMA BANK PLC. Banking Totals

Daily Summary (Equities) AIRSERVICE NAHCO

Symbol

CAVERTON Daily Summary (Equities) 1,8731 1 Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary SERVICES Totals on Board EQTY Activity Summary on Board ASeM EQTY BoardGOODS Totals CONSUMER Published by TheProducts Nigerian Stock Exchange © Food MCNICHOLS PLC Food Products Totals

1,873 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Daily Summary (Equities) MCNICHOLS

1 1

Activity Summary on Board ASeM

Daily Summary as of 03/12/2015 CONSUMER GOODS Totals CONSUMER GOODS Printed 03/12/2015 14:32:09.009 Food Products SERVICES MCNICHOLS PLC Food/Drug Retailers and Wholesalers Food Totals JULIProducts PLC. Food/Drug Retailers and Wholesalers Totals CONSUMER GOODS Totals SERVICES Totals SERVICES Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM Food/Drug Retailers and Wholesalers FINANCIAL SERVICES ASeM Board Totals JULI PLC. Banking Food/Drug Retailers and Wholesalers Totals ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC SERVICES Banking Totals Daily Summary as of 03/12/2015 Other Financial Institutions Printed 03/12/2015 14:32:09.009 ASeMFBN Board Totals HOLDINGS PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM Building Materials DANGOTE CEMENT PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Building Materials Totals Banking ZENITH GOODS INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC INDUSTRIAL Totals Banking Totals

PREMIUM Board Totals Other Financial Institutions FBN HOLDINGS PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Equity Activity Totals

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Exchange Traded Fund Building Materials Name DANGOTE CEMENT PLC LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF Building Materials Totals Daily Summary as of 03/12/2015 Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Printed 03/12/2015 14:32:09.009 INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Daily Summary

10,000

No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded 1 1.26 10,000 No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded 10,000 11 1.75 50 (Equities) 1 50 1 10,000 1

Value Traded 100.00 13 of 100.00

Value Traded 471,291.00 167.00 13 of 610.00 472,068.00

Value Traded 123,500.00

13 10 of Value Traded 13,000.00 13,000.00 13,000.00 Value Traded 13,000.00 Value Traded 13,000.00 83.50 83.50 13,000.00 83.50

Symbol JULI Symbol ZENITHBANK

No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded 10,050 1.75 50 21 No. of Deals1 Current Price Quantity Traded 50 171 16.10 17,956,472 50 1711 17,956,472

Value Traded 83.50 13,083.50 Value Traded 83.50 287,990,102.06 83.50 287,990,102.06

Symbol FBNH

No. of Deals Current Price 4592 4.99 459

Quantity Traded 10,050 67,945,798 67,945,798 Page 85,902,270

Value Traded 13,083.50 330,201,938.24 330,201,938.24 11 of 13 618,192,040.30

Quantity Traded 180,759 Page 180,759

Value Traded 28,827,154.36 11 of 13 28,827,154.36 Value Traded 287,990,102.06 28,827,154.36 287,990,102.06

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol DANGCEM Symbol ZENITHBANK

Symbol FBNH

649 No. of Deals 459 2,524 459

Daily Summary (ETP) Symbol Symbol DANGCEM LOTUSHAL15

Current Price 160.00 Current Price 16.10

Current Price 4.99

Quantity Traded 17,956,472 180,759 17,956,472

86,083,029 Quantity Traded 67,945,798 249,093,993 67,945,798

630

85,902,270

No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded 19 160.00 180,759 1 9.20 10,800 19 180,759 Page 19 180,759

Daily Summary (ETP) Symbol NEWGOLD Daily Summary (ETP) VETBANK VETGOODS Symbol VETGRIF30 LOTUSHAL15 VETINDETF

630

No. of Deals 19 19 No. of Deals 171 19 171

Exchange Traded Fund

Name NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA BANKING ETF Exchange Traded Fund VETIVA CONSUMER GOODS ETF Name VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF VETIVA INDUSTRIAL ETF TradedStock FundExchange Totals © PublishedExchange by The Nigerian

1.26

Quantity TradedPage 10,000 10,000

1 Symbol MCNICHOLS Symbol JULI

PREMIUM Board Totals Equity Activity Totals

Value Traded 423,596.97 423,596.97

Symbol MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals 19 55 74

237,360,666.95

Quantity Traded 8,492 8,492

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

4,044,240

50.93

Value Traded 13 7 of 64,150.82 22,752.00 38,748,820.14

Value Traded 792,238.32 7,542,732.25 356,440.00 1,364,690.86 1,070,317.50 11,126,418.93

411

5 5

Quantity Traded Page 2,593 14,500 164,037

Quantity Traded 131,481 396,210 187,600 194,712 804,750 1,714,753

CONSUMER GOODS Totals

BETAGLAS

Value Traded 3,986,837.50 283,615.55 2,099,739.30 260,350.00 2,437.50 104.00 1,671,430.00 109,019,215.15 117,323,729.00

Current Price 26.04 1.60 248.65

Current Price 6.06 19.01 1.90 7.00 1.33

Current Price 26.00 43.98

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

Quantity Traded 173,433 28,000 56,388 34,100 4,875 100 463,000 1,195,579 1,955,475

No. of Deals 4 7 64

No. of Deals 18 57 14 15 11 115

No. of Deals 24 33 57

Current Price 23.00 9.70 37.95 7.41 0.50 1.09 3.61 90.61

5,087.17

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © CONOIL PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL AND GASOIL PLC.

Symbol DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON TIGERBRANDS

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 14 7 8 5 1 1 3 37 76

1,861

Value Traded 15,467,908.92 15,467,908.92

Food Products DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC TIGER BRANDED CONSUMER GOODS PLC Food Products Totals

Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER PLC. © Published by The NigerianNIGERIA Stock Exchange Personal/Household Products Totals

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN IPWA PAINTCOM PORTPAINT WAPCO

Value Traded 3,675.00 3,925.00

117,747,325.97

Value Traded 3,470,597.18 3,470,597.18

29.78 4.90 0.72

Quantity Traded 1,250 1,750

1,963,967

Quantity Traded 19,066 19,066

1 23 7 31

Current Price 2.80

Value of Shares(N)

Quantity Traded 2,635,443 2,635,443

Current Price 183.00

ENAMELWA VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 2 3

Quantity Traded

Current Price 5.85

No. of Deals 12 12

Household Durables NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC. VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY VONO PRODUCTS PLC. HouseholdGOODS Durables Totals CONSUMER

Symbol ETRANZACT

Quotation(N)

No. of Deals 106 106

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

Symbol 7UP

Food Products--Diversified Daily Summary as of 03/12/2015

No Of Deals

ICT Totals

Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals

CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. Printed 03/12/2015 14:32:09.009 NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

647,019,194.66 Value Traded 330,201,938.24 330,201,938.24

3,076,537,328.48 618,192,040.30

Value Traded Value Traded 28,827,154.36 99,360.00 28,827,154.36 13 12 of 28,827,154.36

649

86,083,029

647,019,194.66

2,524

249,093,993

3,076,537,328.48

No. of Deals 1 1 1 No. of Deals 2 1 1 7

Current Price 2,015.00 2.82 6.96 Current 12.48 Price 9.20 20.36

Quantity Traded 5 2,300 943 Quantity Traded 400 10,800 285 14,733 Page

Value Traded 10,075.00 6,486.00 6,563.28 Value4,960.40 Traded 99,360.00 5,802.60 12 133,247.28 of 13

ETF Board Totals

14,733

133,247.28

ETP Activity Totals

14,733

133,247.28

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Why NTDC launched Bongo festival’ Joel Ajayi

ongo is a musical instrument in Igbo cultural heritage that cannot be ignored in the Eastern part of Nigeria. It signifies a lot in the historical development of Igbo land. It serves as a symbol of strength, strong voice, and announcement of great passages, events and entertainment. Bongo Festival is a festivity of music, arts and culture, which will bring to the fore the cultural heritage of the eastern region of Nigeria. It is expected to gather music, arts and culture lovers from all over the country and beyond. Performing the unveiling ceremony of the Logo of Bongo Festival in Abuja, the Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Mrs Sally Mbanefo said undoubtedly, Nigeria is rich in terms of traditions and cultures, as each part of the country had one cultural heritage that stands them out of the others. She expressed dissatisfaction with the fast disappearing of some cultures, attributing it to the failure of some parents and guardians to promoting their culture by speak-

ing their language to their children, adding that they tend to teach their siblings western language and culture rather than theirs. Mbanefo maintained that this and other reasons brought the creation of the Bongo festival to promote Igbo culture and preserve “our cultural heritage”. “We ‘Igbo’ need to be proud of our culture our tribe, other tribes like Yoruba and Hausa are always proud of their tribes, we Igbo need to work on that. Others go abroad to study but they learn their language, and when they come home they speak it. But we, the Igbo, we fling our culture away, when we travel abroad.

Mbanefo of NTDC

Agric TV talk show berths

he need for Nigeria to look inward and embrace the potency of the Agriculture sector has prompted a Non Governmental organization, Uplifting Women Through Farming (UWTF) to conceptualise a television programme called Agric Talk Show with Afoma to address salient issues confronting the sector. The host of the programme and President of UWTF, Afoma Adigwe said the Television show is created to sensitise

Adigwe (Agric talk show)

Arty News

Friday December 4, 2015

Nigerian women and youth on the need to explore the opportunities that abound in the Agriculture sector. During a press parley organised by the NGO in Lagos, she outlined the various prospects of Agriculture and how women and youth can transform it in Africa into a mainstream sector for the growth and development of individual countries, as well as the positive gains and future benefits from the action plan on the transformation in Africa. According to her, the concept of the talk show which will commence in the first quarter of 2016 will feature farmers, bring stakeholders together to address issues pertaining agriculture and chronicle the challenges confronting the sector and the need for women and youth to be encouraged to go into farming. “It will present Agriculture as a goldmine in Africa. Farmers will be exposed to the world for assistance and the allocations cum loans set aside for them by the African Development Bank will be assessed.

Ugwuoke wins National Art Competition 2015

Ngozi Emedolibe

t was a joyful day for visual artist, Sebastine Ugwuoke as he emerged overall winner of the 2015 National Art competition, pocketing N 2million in the process. The event which took place at The Freedom Park Lagos also had other winners like Ngozi Omeje and May Okafor. According to the judges, Ugwuoke’s work, ‘No Rest, No Comfort, Confusion Everywhere’ was really exceptional and exhibited every attribute of a timeless art piece, a reason why it towered above the other 12 works submitted by the finalists. “The restiveness in Nigeria North – East region comes to mind when issues bordering on insecurity is discussed. The scenario is such that fear, uncertainties, homelessness, hunger and epidemic have become the order of the day in the once peaceful North-

ern part of Nigeria. This art piece hopes to use foam and other soft and stuffed materials with dangerous pins on them to represent a visual image of inaccessibility, and lack in the midst of plenty. The work predicts that if the menace of Boko Haram and other related security issues are not critically addressed, the whole country will one day be thrown into anarchy when the challenge is spread all over the country. The work process will follow a routine process of stuffing different colours and sizes of foam as bed, which ordinarily should be a place of rest w i t h sharp objects rangi n g from

nails, toothpicks and other dangerous materials to depict “no rest”, “no comfort”, “confusion” everywhere. The work warns and gives a prediction that in the near future, the effect of insecurity would have spread all over the country in the form of unnecessary apprehensions and a non-conducive environment for business and social activities to take place.” The National Art Competition is an annual art competition organised by African Artists’ Foundation (AAF) and sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc.

Anumbor unveils ‘Searching’ Regina Otokpa

osephine Anumbor has added a great work to the Nigerian film industry with her recent movie ‘Searching, which premiered in Abuja recently . Searching is a true life story that captures the life of a little girl (Glade), who was married off at the tender age of 14, and her second daughter (Oghal) who happened to be born out of wedlock. As the twist unfolds, the movie portrays the inability of a mother to save her child from the whim and consequences of early marriage, the outcome of an abusive relationship, rape, the bitter cane of betrayal, the effect of poverty and lack of education and the ill decisions undertaken in the quest for love. According to Anumbor the movie aims at unveiling the plights of the girl child and travails of women in a society where the girl child lacks pro-

tection. The producer and TV host, noted that watching the suffering of girls while growing up and its multiplier effects, inspired the production of Searching. Commenting on the choice of cast, Anumbor said the actors were particularly drawn to give proper interpretation to the script. “We engaged the likes of Yemi Blaq because we were looking for a perfect gentleman and for Eucharia Anunobi. You know that some time ago in this country, she played strong roles. So, she was given that role so she could guide the younger ones on how to correct the past in whatever they do.” Speaking at the premiere, the wife of the President Aisha Buhari, represented by Toyin Saraki, disclosed that Searching was a clear reflection of the challenges faced by girls and women in Nigeria especially within the low class. Also commenting on the movie, Chief

Anumbor

Oluwole Aina maintained that the movie was a seed and an eye opener to youths that regardless the surrounding circumstances, no one was a write off in life. He further urged youths to view every circumstance as a stepping stone to attaining greater heights in life. Searching features prominent acts such as Eucharia Anunobi, Yemi Blaq, alongside Josephine Anumbor, Charity Nnodi, Susan Emmanuel and ace comedian Gordons.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, December 4, 2015

Tackling Lagos traffic gridlock with integrated transport system Worried by the hardships and socio-economic losses associated with vehicular traffic congestion on Lagos roads, experts at the first Lagos Traffic Summit have advocated the adoption of inter-modal transportation system to ease traffic flow in the city and by implication, curb the unquantifiable losses the lingering menace is causing state government. Adejuwon Osunnuyi reports ity, presence of broken down vehicles especially on busy roads, improper parking, street trading as well as absence of weigh bridges. Other factors include improper use of transport infrastructure, proliferation of interstate major parks, activities of touts and area boys, route indiscipline and inadequate land use transportation planning. Speaking on “Tackling Current, Evolving And Future Traffic Management Needs Of Lagos State”, the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Boboye Oyeyemi said 30 percent of vehicular density emanates from Lagos and that most of the freights. “We have other means, intra –modal system, most especially rail and water and if the water and rail are effectively put to use the present traffic will be abated. “We have to diversify our means of transportation in Nigeria, 90 percent of transportation system in the country today is by road and Lagos accounts for about 70 percent of importation network in Nigeria. We really have a major problem, Lagos is a mega city by every standard. It is 11 in mega city ranking in the world. It has a population of about 21 million people according to United Nations population data. “In Nigeria today Lagos is the most economically important state, as commercial nerve center of the country a lot need to be done. That means the intra-modal networks, need to be revisited and improved upon”, he said. According to him, there is need to create parks outside the city and ensure that the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is very effective, stressig that noise pollution is much. “I think few years ago Lagos

introduced horn free day I think some of these things need to be looked into. We must collaborate, look at the best practices. “A lot need to be in terms of regulations enforcement training and there is need for synergy in the area of enforcement. Ninety percent of the trucks in Nigeria today are over 30 years and they are rickety always breaking down on the roads contributing to our problems. “We have Vehicle Inspection Officers in Lagos, these trucks as rickety as they are have valid road worthiness. They should impound and removed them from our roads. We need full enforcement. Enforcement is the solution your excellency, ” he said. Also speaking in the same vain, Professor Olukayode Oyesiku of Olabisi Onabanjo University who has over 30 years experience in transport planning lamented inability of the state government to explore the use of waterways, saying that is why armed robbers have taken to the use of waterways for their operations. “Managing the existing road facilities, I belong to the school of thought of making sure that we improve the efficiency and improving the efficiency is a function of management we must manage the demand. New constructions all the time does not out rightly reduce the volume of traffic. Because we have the highways, traffic and to that

‘

Ambode

particular extent we must face the demand aspect, in terms of why do we have to build this. We need transportation integration. “Part of what led to the early collapse of traffic at the time the present governor came in was the total collapse of enforcement for one reason or the other. No matter how beautiful your highways, flyovers, law enforcement is key in traffic management system which is continuum. Management approaches also involves reengineering and reconstruction of road infrastructure.” In his paper, Dr. Gboyega Banjo, a traffic management expert who worked with the World Bank for 17 years now a consultant on transportation stressed the need for urban renewal and strict enforcement of the law in tackling the current traffic problems in the state by improving

We have other means, intra –modal system, most especially rail and water and if the water and rail are effectively put to use the present traffic will be abated

‘

ven as early as the time was, the ambience at the Civic Centre, along Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue clearly indicated that the array of guests had gathered for a serious business. By 8 A.M, stakeholders had seated waiting patiently for the commencement of the Lagos Traffic Management and Transportation Summit called by the state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode. It was obvious that bothered about the economic losses being incurred on daily basis due to the traffic logjam being experienced in the state, virtually all of them were having one agenda at the back of their mind: Generating ideas to ensure free flow of traffic. This is more so, as economic experts say the business community in Lagos loses not less than N11 billion monthly to the daily traffic gridlock in the city as no area of Lagos is spared the nerve-wrecking traffic. With 7,941 persons per square kilometer, Lagos is over 15 times the National average in terms of density. It accommodates over 6 per cent of the national population of 140 million and over 70 per cent of vehicle ownership in the country. Lagos State occupies 3,577 square kilometers with water body accounting for about 22 per cent and an estimated population of 20 million comprising of a mobile, working, trading and schooling force of about 13 million. This mobile 13 million population commute on daily basis through inadequate transportation facilities in the State. According to the stakeholders, the traffic congestion experienced in the Lagos metropolis is attributable to a number of factors. These include indiscipline and ignorance on the part of road users, limited road capac-

Lagos traffic

on the present infrastructure. For Prof. Olumide Olusanya of the Department of Architecture, University of Lagos, the strategy for reducing the intensity of conflict is to identify the major traffic corridors and ensure continuous, uninterrupted traffic flow. According to him, while objective of the summit was to minimize or eliminate altogether conflicting traffic through minor alterations to existing urban infrastructure by a series of alternative junction modifications that reduce conflicting turning movements to the bare minimum, the emphasis is on channeling traffic to merge with, rather than cross one another. “Some examples of innovations in alternative junction designs have been implemented for gridlock troubleshooting in the Lagos metropolis with remarkable results. Needless endless hardship on our roads will be reduced only by building upon precedencies and progress will be made only by improving on our collective expediencies.” He said. Earlier, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode assured the people of the state of his strong political will to take tough decisions and implement effective strategies to bring about a robust traffic management system in the state. Ambode said as a government, his administration is keenly committed to make Lagos work for all, adding that effective traffic management, for him, is a good place to start. “Lagos, in many ways, is a victim of its own success as many people leave other states and travel to Lagos seeking better opportunities. More Nigerians want to reside in Lagos and this obviously comes with some challenges. “As one of the leading commercial centres and an emerging City-State, we need to go back to the drawing board and agree on how our transportation sector can be effectively and efficiently operated to support the kind of trade and investment we want to continually attract. “As a Government that is keen on promoting business and creating wealth opportunities for our residents, we are committed to seeking and funding substantial and comprehensive solutions to traffic challenges, therefore we are ready to take tough recommendations you come out with.” “Tackling traffic is a good place to start; a good place to begin the significant change that our people expect from us. Let us make Lagos work for us all.” Ambode stated.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, December 4, 2015

FRSC reiterates role of technology in Hyundai unveils Creta, new traffic management megacrown1@yahoo.com 08025237926

he robust use of technology in managing road traffic in the country by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has again come to limelight as the commission carted away two distinctive awards at the recently organised Nigeria Technology Awards (NITA) held in Lagos. The FRSC got the Best use of technology award in government category, while its innovativeness in the new driver’s licence earned it the Award of Technology Project of the Year 2015 also in government category. In a statement by Bisi Kazeem, Head, Media Relations and Strategy, FRSC these two Awards made the FRSC a clear leader in the use of technology tools among government owned agencies in the country. According to the organisers of the event, the Nigeria Technology Awards is put together to recognise and reward technology entrepreneurs, innovators, inventors, academicians and policy

makers (Government) in Nigeria. It further stated that the award is aimed at building a large scale and internationally recognised technology awards in Nigeria. “The objective of the Award is to promote and commend excellence achievements to which Nigeria technology professionals and organisations contribute towards building a sustainable economy using technology, and to encourage local practitioners to develop innovative and creative technology solutions, which will uplift the image of Nigeria both locally and internationally,” it stated. The Awards, which were in five categories of Technology best; Technology Services/Business; Telecom; Banking and Government, saw FRSC carting away prime positions in two of the five categories, which proved its distinctive use of technology among government institutions in the country. “This is a reward for excellence and sustained investments in the use of technology by an organisation that has continued to distinguish itself in using technology to tackle its traffic management

sub-compact SUV

Oyeyemi

challenges in the country,” one of the organisers noted. The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi while reacting to the wave of awards coming on the way of the FRSC in the recent technology competitions held across the country, expressed satisfaction with the development, saying the recognitions represent the realities of what is happening in the Corps in its determination to use technology to resolve some of the traffic management challenges facing the country. According to him, FRSC was built on modernist values that laid solid foundation for its sustained technology-based solutions.

yundai Motor Company has launched of the Creta, a new subcompact SUV, in Africa and the Middle East market. This addition to the Korean manufacturer’s car line-up marks the brand’s debut in this fast-growing segment and is set to appeal to buyers looking for an affordable SUV in a stylish, high quality package. The launch which took place in Mauritius was preceded by a test-drive by Journalists from Middle East and Africa. The Creta combines a classy ‘Modern Premium’ interior and exterior with a robust body structure and impressive performance and handling. On the road this dynamic SUV makes a strong visual statement thanks to Hyundai Motor’s acclaimed ‘Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 Design philosophy’. Jin Kim, Vice-President and Head of Operations for Hyundai Motor Company Africa

and Middle East, said: “This is a SUV that has been designed for a new generation of customers who are looking for vehicles which demonstrate forward thinking design and world-class quality at an affordable price. The Creta is a true expression of the future of our brand and is perfectly equipped to perform strongly within the highly competitive sub-compact SUV segment.” At the front the Creta’s elegant and distinctive character is illustrated by the triple slat chrome front grille, smoothly creased hood, LED-integrated headlamps, stylish skid plate and dual tone front bumper. The vehicle’s dynamic look is accentuated from the side by the rising beltline and sloping roofline while split type tail lamps with chrome edges, a sporty bumper and a stylish shark fin antenna complete the modern look at the rear.

Kia Rio emerges Nigeria’s Car of the Year

egarded as the People’s Car, Kia Rio, one of the locally assembled cars by Kia Motors Nigeria has truly lived up to its name as it emerged winner of the Car of the Year (COTY) Award at the 2015 edition of the annual Nigerian Auto Journalists Award,(NAJA). At the keenly contested award night held at the prestigious Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, which was attended by crème de la of the auto industry including the Director General, National Automotive Design and Development, NADDC, Aminu Jalal, Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Corps Marshal Boboye Oyeyemi, represented by Nseobong Akpabio, assistant corp marshal and zonal commanding officer RS-2, made

Kia Rio

up of Lagos and Ogun States, Federal Roads Safety Commission, among others, Kia Rio beat Peugeot 301, Nissan Almera and Toyota corolla to cart away with the coveted prize. For the Car Company of the Year, Peugeot beat Ford and Nissan to emerge winner as Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing went home with the Indigenous Auto Assembler of the Year Award. Other winners at the award night included Mercedes Benz S-class which bagged the Luxury Sedan of the Year Award, Briscoe won the Most Enterprising Auto Dealership of the Year Award as Iron Products Industry(IPI) bagged the Auto Builder of the Year Award. Others included; Auto Assem-

bler of the Year, Stallion, Auto Workshop of the Year, Elizade Toyota, Luxury SUV of the Year, Range Rover, Pick Up of the Year, Toyota Hilux and Truck Brand of the Year, Mercedes Benz. Also, Mitsubishi Canter emerged Light Truck of the Year, Independent Auto Workshop of the Year, Admiralty Motors, Auto Dealership of the Year, Globe and Sixt emerging as the Car Rental Company of the Year. Speaking on the awards, Chairman, Nigeria Automotive Journalists Association , NAJA, Frank Kintum said in discharging one of its duties and responsibilities as watchdogs of the society, Automotive Journalists in Nigeria organised the annual NAJA in recognition of products and persons that have stood out during the course of the year. Kintum noted that NAJA has undoubtedly become the hallmark of the auto industry having stood the test of time for over 15 years. “In the automative/automobile sector, it is the responsibility of auto Journalists to watch closely what is happening in terms of launch of new models, entry of new brands as they affected the industry.” He remarked.

Hyundai Creta

Mercedes-Benz to introduce Hydrogen Fuel-Cell GLC-class

n the heels of the turbo-four-powered GLC300,the Mercedes-Benz’s build-out of the GLC-class crossover lineup has continued as there will be a twin-turbo V-6–powered GLC450 AMG Sport model, a diesel, a plug-in hybrid, and a fuel-cell model. Indeed, at least according to Autocar, to which Benz R&D chief Thomas Weber spilled the beans about a future GLC hydrogen-fuel-cellpowered variant that won’t debut until 2017. Though given that we are nearly two years away from even seeing the fuel-cell GLC, details are thin, Weber did

tell Autocar to expect a total driving range of up to 373 miles, with refills of the hydrogen tank requiring three minutes. According to him, the fuelcell system will be all-new— and apparently not derived from the setup in the old fuelcell B-class. Though no prospective sales markets were listed, but, it is expected that Benz will not pass on the opportunity to sell or lease the fuelcell GLC in California. It might not have a choice, since that’s the only location in the U.S. with even a fledgling hydrogen-refueling network.

People In The Mirror

L-R; Lagos State President, the Boys’ Brigade Nigeria, Sir Sunny Nwos; Patron/Special Gest of Honour, Prof. Wale Omole and Chaiman of the occasion, Mr. Clement Olowokande during the Mass of investiture ceremony of Sir Nwosu as the state president of the Boys Brigade Nigeria and induction of new state patrons at St Ferdinand Catholic Church, lpaja, Lagos.

Former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana (Left),his wife Lucy (2nd left), and others during Prof. Gana’s 70th birthday thanksgiving service at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church,Maitama in Abuja on Sunday.

L-R: Chairman of the event, L-R: Chairman of the event, HRH. (Amb.) Adegboyega Ariyo; President Association of Industrial Security and Staff Operator of Nigeria (AISSON), Dr. Ona Ekhnomu; Representative of Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen Isidore Edet and representative of Chief of Naval Staff, Commodore Omosheye Nesiama, during AISSON Conference tagged, Security at the speed of

L-R: Senior Media Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Wasiu Ola Abiola; Corporate Media and Brand PR Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Edem Vindah; Co-Founder Prime Time Africa, Chief Kenny Ogungbe

Friday, December 4, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

President, Green World International, African Region, Mr. Liangjun David Zhang, presenting keys of a new Hyundai jeep to Mr. Opaleye Joseph, South-West Coordinator, Greenworld, during the 8th Green World award ceremony in Ibadan recently.

L-R: Senior Media Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Wasiu Ola Abiola; Corporate Media and Brand PR Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Edem Vindah; Co-Founder Prime Time Africa, Chief Kenny Ogungbe and Brand Manager, Star, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Omotunde Adenusi, during the hosting of two newly appointed commissioners by Ludare and Committee of Friends in Marketing Communications Industry in Lagos recently.

L-R: President, University of Lagos Muslim Alumni, UMA, Alhaji Akeeb Oladokun; Hajia Jemilat Banire; Dr. Muiz Banire, SAN; Alhaji Lateef Okunnu; Prof. Ishaq Oloyede; Alhaja Lateefah Okunnu and Prof. Murtada Bidmus at the prayer and reception in honour of Dr. Banire organised by UMA at Protea Hotel, Ikeja-Lagos on Sunday.

L-R: Managing Director, Society for Family Health, Mr. Bright Ekweremadu; President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai; Board President, Society for Family Health, Prof. Shima Gyoh and Maternal and Child Health Program Manager, USAID, Dr. Gertrude Odezugo, during the launch of Waterguard Plus.

Friday, November 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Maritime

Deploying modern cargo processing tools to forestall clearance delays Recent disclosure by the Nigerian Shippers Council that it takes over 25 signatures to clear a cargo from the seaports is no doubt, a worrisome development. This rather ugly development was further corroborated by the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria, which attested to the archaic and crude method of cargo processing in the nation’s seaports. Stakeholders, however, believe that deployment of modern tools, will eliminate extra cost associated with delays in cargo clearance, reports FRANCIS EZEM.

t is a proven fact that most successful business outfits across the globe are run using modern tools. This is, among other factors, the Information Communication Technology ICT explosion that has reduced the world to a small global village. The deployment of these tools has no doubt enhanced efficiency, reduce cost and promote competitiveness. Also well known, is the fact that shipping is an international business, whose standards and regulations do not reside in one jurisdiction and so no port system can operate in isolation. It is therefore against this background that it is worrisome that the Nigerian port system has yet to adopt modern tools and equipment that enhance speedy cargo handling. A case in point is the recent revelation by the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Hassan Bello that it takes a minimum of 25 tables for an imported cargo to leave the nation’s seaports. Simply put, it takes over 25 signatures for a consignment to be cleared out of the seaports in the country. According to him, before the port concession programme, it took a minimum of 46 signatures for a cargo to be cleared out of the ports, which has not reduced to about 25 at the present. This is a clear departure from what is obtained in efficient seaports such as Port of Singapore, where it takes only one signature, as it takes less than one hour after discharge from the vessel for the cargo to leave the port. Same is applicable in the

Port of Denmark, where it takes a maximum of two signatures while in the Cotonou Port in Republic of Benin; it takes a maximum of five signatures for a cargo to leave the seaports. Bello admitted that with the completion of the reform, there has been a level of improvement in terms of efficiency, noting that it was not yet Eldorado for the port system, as there is still need for serious improvement While taking a swipe at successive governments in the country over their failure to take concrete steps to develop the port industry dubbed ‘Gateway to Nigeria’s Economy’, he noted that the ports need to be developed to be efficient and competitive. He said: “There is huge infrastructural deficit in the maritime industry. In fact the government needs to spend an average of $10billion per annum consistently for 10 years to be able to address this infrastructural deficit” President of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria MAN, Mr. Frank Jacobs, recently decried the cumbersome cargo clearing system, which more often than not, leads to additional and avoidable cost arising from demurrage, rent and other related charges. It was gathered that though these additional cost are passed

Mobile scanner

down to the final consumers of the products, the cumulative effects are felt both at the macro and micro levels of the economy, with the attendant inflationary trends that come with such high cost. Another negative effect of this is that it makes the nation’s seaports uncompetitive because they are not user friendly, promotes cargo diversion to neighbouring West African countries. It was probably worried by this trend that the immediate past national President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders NAGAFF, Chief Eugene Nweke made a strong case for the deployment of modern tools and facilities to enhance hitch-free cargo delivery from the nation’s seaports. Nweke argued that there is so much to be done by the Nigeria Customs Service in enhancing efficient cargo delivery at the nation’s seaports According to him, the management of the service should emphasise on enhancing the operational efficiency of the service, which can only be achieved by modernising the cargo operations of the service. “Stakeholders are looking

Another negative effect of this is that it makes the nation’s seaports uncompetitive because they are

not user friendly, promotes cargo diversion to neighbouring West

African countries

forward towards modenising the operations of the service with a view to strengthening it to give impetus to the much-anticipated National Single Window platform that will promote total automation and central information warehouse for the nation’s ports and trade system”, he said. Nweke, who doubles as national vice chairman of the Customs Consultative Committee CCC, also said that particularly, concerted efforts should be made by the new management of the service to improve on the existing Nigerian Trade Portal (The Ruling Centre) to make it more interactive and thus enhance the operation of Pre-Arrival Assessment Report PAAR platform. It was also against this background that the Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents NCMDLCA, petitioned the Federal Government over the total collapse of the multi-billion scanners inherited by the service from the three service providers under the DI scheme. In a protest letter dated July 28, 2015, addressed to President Muhammandu Buhari and signed by president of the association, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, the group said that all the scanners have collapsed about one year after they were handed over to the service in line with the Build, Own, Operate and Transfer BOOT contract between the government and the service providers. Investigations showed that with the current poor state of the scanners, which stake-

holders also attributed to poor maintenance, the service has resorted to 100 per cent physical examination of containers, which wastes time and fuel s corruption. “It takes less than five minutes to scan one 40-foot container while it takes a minimum of eight hours to do a 100 per cent physical examination on the same size of container including additional cost associated with offloading and reloading the container after the exercise”, Amiwero said. “All the components of Destination Inspection have collapsed, they include, the scanners for trade facilitation and security, the risk assessment system, which collapsed due to non-functioning of the scanners, PAAR, encumbered with various duplications, imposition of illegal procedure that negate trade processes and removal of all core dispute resolution mechanisms”, the letter also said. Meanwhile, acting Zonal Coordinator in charge of Zone A, Lagos Assistant Comptroller Charles Edike in a recent interview, hinted that many of the scanners inherited by the service were obsolete and in bad shape. He however assured that plans are underway to repair the scanners and even acquire new ones subject to availability of funds. It is expected that deployment of such modern equipment would reduce the manual and cumbersome cargo clearing processes at Nigeria’s seaports.

Business Maritime

Friday, December 4, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Efficient implementation of CET ‘ll boost ECOWAS’ regional economy STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

aritime stakeholders under the aegis of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders NAGAFF, has said that the strict implementation of the Common External Tariff CET, will not only strengthen the economies of the member states of the Economic Community of West African States

ECOWAS, it will also enhance their competitiveness. Former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had in March 2015, announced that the Federal Government has kicked off the implementation of the CET 2015-2019, which covers the 16 member nations of the COWAS Deputy National President of the association, Mr. Chris Agba,

who spoke in Lagos, noted that the commencement of the implementation of the tariff structure implies that all goods entering into the Customs territory of any ECOWAS county will be assessed the same rate of Customs duty and ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme ETLS, which constitute the two main components of the ECOWAS Customs union. According to him, this trade uniformity among member states

is an important step towards the establishment of the ECOWAS Common Market and subsequently an ECOWAS Economic and Monetary union for the subregion. He argued that it has become imperative for the region to foster a common front especially given contemporary global charges in the social, political, economic and technological spheres, which have continued to pose serious challenges to the developmental efforts of the region as an economic community. “For the ECOWAS region to be competitive and to set itself on the path to sustainable development within the current global environment, it cannot continue to operate on the basis of the existing small and weak economies that characterise the region. It needs to strategically position her economies in a way that will not only provide for synergy but also strengthen the comparative advantage of the region”, he argued. Stakeholders believe that this will create an enabling environ-

ment for economic stability and growth, industrial development and investment within the sub-region, which have not been in place over time. Economic and international trade experts also believe that an enlarged market arising from a strict implementation of the CET, with a total population of about 234 million people will enhance industrial growth by making it possible for business people to widen the scope of their businesses and to benefit from the economies of scale. It is also expected that if carefully and fatefully implemented, the CET will also create an increased competition within the region and therefore bring about increased efficiency and productivity among the member states. It has also been argued that reasonable and uniform tariff levels

occasioned by the new CET, will eliminate the incentive for smuggling and fraud, which will in turn bring about increased Customs revenue.

Milestone for market-led CO2 solution

Buhari

Mahama

Nigeria’s auto, rice policies encouraging smuggling –Haastrup

eaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria STAON, umbrella body for terminal operators under the port concession arrangement has made a strong case for the review of Federal Government auto automotive and rice policies, which are believed to fuel smuggling across the nation’s porous borders. Under the auto policy, the Government imposed a 35 per cent duty on all Fully Built Units FBU of vehicles imported into the country and another 35 per cent levy, which has yet to takeoff in preference for Completely Knocked Down CKD and Semi Knocked Down parts SKD, which would be assembled in the country. Meanwhile, the government imposed a total of 60 per cent tariff on imported polished and brown rice for commercial importer as against the 30 per cent tariff for rice millers, who have evidence of backward integration, which is part of the government’s efforts at promoting local production of the commodity,

which has become a staple for most homes in the country. Chairman of the association, Princess Vicky Haastrup, who speaking in her Lagos recently, noted that neighbouring West African countries have remained the only beneficiaries of both policies, which she argued promote massive smuggling of the goods affected. “There is no need restricting the importation of rice into the country because it does not make any economic sense to do so. It is common knowledge that neighbouring countries such as the Republic of Benin and Togo rather than Nigeria are the major beneficiaries of the restrictions on the importation of rice into the country”, She said Haastrup argued that local rice production cannot meet the 1.7 million metric tons per annum demand for commodity, a development that makes a nonsense of the policy, which endpoint has become the massive smuggling of the commodity through the land borders. She also said: “I quite agree

that Nigeria as a nation must look inwards, but it has to be properly planned. It has to be gradual so that we do not lose the revenue accruing from import duty on rice to ports neighbouring West African countries”. Some stakeholders have also argued that all the rice imported into the Republic of Benin and Togo end up in the Nigerian market as a result of the porous nature of Nigeria’s border borders.

n time for COP21, 26 of the 35 charterers that include vessel efficiency in their supply chain selection have come forward to highlight their proactive measures on climate change. By using the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Rating to find the more efficient vessels these industry players are using their influence to incite change in the maritime industry by rewarding shipowners that prioritize efficiency. Following in the footsteps of early adopters Cargill, Huntsman and UNIPEC UK the following have come forward to announce their use of the GHG Emissions Rating: Baere Maritime, Dubai Supply Authority Hudson Shipping Lines, Nidera, Olin - Blue Cube, Refidomsa, South32, Z Energy and BHP Billi-

ton, among others. Developed in 2010 in response to customer demand, the GHG Emissions Rating is a tool developed by RightShip, the maritime risk management specialist. It allows charterers and other stakeholders to assess the efficiency of vessels. It utilizes an A to G scale where A represents the most efficient ships and G the least efficient. It enables companies to find the more efficient vessels and avoid chartering inefficient vessels, thus lowering fuel bills while also helping them to calculate and benchmark their carbon footprint from shipping. The 35 charterers that utilize the GHG Emissions Rating collectively undertake over 26,000 vessel movements and ship more than two billion dead weight ton annually.

Panama Canal lock slated for January 2016

he Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced that reinforcing work as a result of the leak found in the Pacific locks will be completed by January 2016. However, a final date for the completion of the new locks has not yet been set. Grupo Unidos por el Canal, S.A. (GUPC), the main contractor for the design and construction of the Third Set of Locks project, informed the ACP of the deadline during a meeting

Thursday, November 28. As part of its remaining work, GUPC will continue conducting in-depth inspections and reinforcement of each individual sill. Afterward, GUPC plans to continue the electro-mechanical testing on the filling and emptying systems of the new locks. Filling of the locks began on June 22, and the ACP announced in late August that the canal had sprung a leak. The leak that occurred in the concrete sill between the lower

and middle chamber of the Canal’s expanded Pacific Locks was the result of insufficient steel reinforcing. Although a completion date for the locks hasn’t been set, GUPC announced that they will implement a strategy, along with their providers and subcontractors, that will help reduce the impact on the delivery date. The Panama Canal Expansion Programme is currently 95 per cent complete.

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Business News

Friday, December 4, 2015

FG seeks stakeholders’ inputs to e-Govt Master Plan 2020 Stories by Isaiah Erhiawarien

he Federal Government has commenced the process of fine-tuning the e-Government Master Plan 2020 by generating fresh inputs and feedback from the stakeholders in the ICT industry. The implementation of the Plan when adopted aimed at delivering improved government services to all Nigerians. The e-Government Master Plan 2020, which was developed by the Federal Ministry of Communications is designed as a blueprint of modalities and protocols for the adoption of e-Government best practices by all Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement workshop on “e-Government Master Plan 2020”, the Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, said that government wanted fresh ideas and suggestions to be incorporated into the Master Plan. Shittu said that the stakeholders were crucial coworkers with the present government in the task of empowering the administration and “its workforce with one of the most potent tools

for it to deliver the promised positive ‘Change’ to our great country.” The Minister explained that the workshop was meant to reinforce the e-Government Master Plan 2020 with improved awareness and expert finishing touches that will lead to the best plan possible for marrying governance in Nigeria with ICT. He said: ”With technology evolving at an exponential pace, and with its relentless self-integration into various facets of our daily and national life, it is vital that governance, the most important aspect of national life, must not be left behind.” According to him, government wants the stakeholders to be aware of the content of the e-Government Master Plan 2020 as partners noting that that the purposeful implementation of e-Government in Nigeria will save cost, result to efficiency in service delivery, enhanced transparency and accountability. He explained further that with the plan, government would be able to improve public administration and economic development saying that the growth of the ICT sector will lead to more employment opportunities for Nigerian youth. While soliciting support

FMDQ, NASD platforms boost market performance –SEC Johnson Okanlawon

he Director General of Securities and Exchange Commission, Mr. Mounir Gwarzo, has said that the level of liquidity and price of unlisted securities in Nigeria had been enhanced by the operations of FMDQ and NASD Over The Counter platforms. Speaking at a workshop organized by financial journalists in Lagos, he said that SEC will continue to ensure that these platforms are optimally regulated so, that they can continue adding value to investors. He said: “I am glad that you have invited their managing directors to relate directly with you on the nature of their operations and the remarkable impact they have already having on the capital market landscape. “I will therefore leave them to handle that aspect and talk briefly about the fundamental change currently happening in our market.”

According to him, the SEC is currently leading the capital market in implementing the 10-year master plan for the growth and development of our market. “It is our main agenda for the market and we dedicated this week to tracking the level of implementation of the master plan as well as launching some of the major initiatives that have been concluded in the plan. “We held the last Capital Market Committee, CMC, meeting for 2015 last month, during which we were able to track the remarkable progress made in the i emendation of key master plan initiatives including”, Gwarzo added He explained that the commission has launched of the National Investor Protection Fund, NIPF and inauguration of its board, saying that it was the second major initiative launched that is bound to boost investor confidence in the market.

of the stakeholders, Shittu disclosed that the Plan had reached the implementation phase, saying that government believes that the Master Plan will be a major contributor to the growth of the nation’s economy, in terms of job creation particularly for the youths. The Minister said that by

2020 government, at the click of computer buttons, should be able to accurately monitor in real-time the amount of crude oil and gas that is being taken-out of Nigeria every day adding that government is expecting that through the Plan it should be able to pay pensions electronically to pensioners without their having

to stand endlessly in queues. He stressed that the benefits of speed, propriety, bestoption, transparency, accountability and mass-participation in Government available only via the e-Government framework and platform make it a sine qua non for meaningful and sustainable political and socio-economic growth and development

L-R: Deputy Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Lagos, DCP Zubairu Muazu; Chief Information Officer, Keystone Bank Plc, Mr. Femi G. Aderibigbe; Deputy Governor, Operations, Central Bank of Nigeria, Alhaji Suleiman Barau and Chairman, Nigerian Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF), Mr. Dipo Fatokun, during the 2015 NeFF General meeting in Lagos on Monday

LCCI elects Akande President

he Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), has elected Dr. (Mrs.) Nike Akande, as President for a two-year tenure. Her election was sequel to the successful completion of Alhaji Remi Bello’s tenure as President. A statement by the Director General of the Chamber, Muda Yusuf, indicated that “Akande emerged as Presidentafter a duly conducted election at the Chamber’s 127th Annual General Meeting held yesterday in Lagos. Akande, a two-time Minister of Industry in Nigeria, is an astute boardroom executive who has served the Chamber previously in various capacities such as Deputy President, Vice President, Chairperson, Public Affairs Committee, Chairperson, Financial &General Purposes Committee among others.” Yusuf expressed the pleasure of members of the group on the election of the new President, pointing out that

“as a Council Member and a key officer of the Chamber, she has brought her extensive knowledge and experience to bear and has provided inspirational leadership and direction to the success of the Chamber. “Her election will ensure and enhance the Chamber’s role as leading advocate of best business policy and practice, with the view to promoting and protecting the interest of its members and the business community at large”, the DG added. The new LCCI President

is an investment expert and a Harvard University trained professional, who sits on the board of many blue chip companies in Nigeria. She is also the first female President of the Harvard Business School Association of Nigeria, the position she held between 2010 and 2012 as well as an honorary Life Vice President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) Akande would be inaugurated as President this Saturday at an investiture ceremony scheduled for Lagos.

Budget and Planning Minister disowns Facebook Account

he Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, has disclaimed a Facebook account on the social media platform in his name. A statement signed by Salisu Haiba, Assistant Director of Press in the Ministry, indicated that the Minister did not maintain any active Facebook

account on the social media platform for now, and advised the general public to disregard any post on any social media platform in his name. The statement added that the general public would be informed when the Minister has an active Facebook account for social networking

Business News

Friday, December 4, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

LASG commends Shoprite on safety Isaac Asabor

he Lagos State Safety Commission on Monday commended the management of Shoprite, Ikeja City Mall, in Lagos over the level of commitment it exhibited within the interval of its shutdown by the Commission at the weekend for safety infractions and the re-

opening of the mall on Monday, having fulfilled the safety requirements. The Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC), Mr. Fouad Oki, commended the management of the supermarket and described the rate of improvement on earlier identified infractions as commendable. He said that the manage-

ment had kept faith with the Lagos State Government in the areas of occupational health and safety practice. To this end, he urged the management of the supermarket not to rest on its oars but to further improve on the organization’s workplace safety. He said the Commission shall at all times be willing to work with the company in

the areas of tool box training at no cost to the company and urged the management to sustain the standard that formed the basis of the customers’ trust it had earned. Oki urged the supermarket management to continues to improve in the areas it had been commended on even as he advised that there the was need for the super mart workers to be equipped with

protective devices and be also trained in proper food handling. In his remarks, the General Manager of the Supermarket, Mr. Anton Wagenaar, who, with members of his team, conducted the Commission officials round the facility, thanked the Commission for re-opening the supermarket and promised to adhere strictly to safety standards.

Access Bank’s Leadership Conference holds next week

Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnayelugo Alfred Achebe (sitting), welcoming the Nigerian Breweries Plc’s team led by Patrick Ejidoh, Public Affairs Manager, East (in suit); during the courtesy visit by the NB team to the royal father in Onitsha, Anambra State

Budget Ministry provides technical support to MDAs on budgeting

he Ministry of Budget and National Planning has commenced bilateral meetings with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in order to provide further technical support aimed at improving the quality of their submission, preparatory to their formal response to the 2016 Budget call circular scheduled to be released very soon. To achieve this goal, the Ministry has established a Help Desk to provide hands on technical support to MDAs’ core teams involved in the preparation of Budgets to clean up their completed Zero Base Budget (ZBB) templates. Speaking on the measure, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, explained that “a dedicated Help Desk has been established within the Ministry of Budget and National Planning to provide hands on technical support to MDAs’ core teams involved in the preparation of Budgets so as to clean up their completed ZBB templates. “The session will also be

used to build capacity of MDAs core teams on the process of consolidating all MDAs inputs into a single Ministry submission”, he added. According to him, the Help Desk is composed of officials of Ministry of Budget and National Planning and the Federal Public Administration Reform Programme Nigeria (FEPAR), team of consultants. The meeting which has commenced on Wednesday will end this weekend in Abuja even as a schedule for the appearances of all the MDAs had already been designed and communicated to them. It would be recalled that the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmad, had also on assumption to duty last month hinted that 2016 budget was the top priority of the Ministry and that work to that effect would start immediately Over the last three months, officials of the Ministry have been working closely with the FEPAR team of consultants to provide support to MDAs with respect to identifying, priori-

tizing and costing projects and programmes for 2016 budget, in line with the identified policy thrust and programmes of the successor medium term plan, 2016 -2020.

s a way of improving its contributions to the development of the financial system and the nation’s economy, Access Bank has lined-up global business and political leaders to attend its 2015 Access Leadership Conference which holds next week in Lagos. The Conference is titled “Leading in a transformational world – the imperative of innovation” and features a host of speakers from around the world who will discuss the major issues facing Africa, the global economy and the social transformation which is being wrought by technological change. A statement by the Bank indicated that public office decision-making is rarely straightforward. “Competing interests, rapidly changing circumstances and electoral dependencies mean that uncertainty is the only reliable constant in public policy. The discussion will look

at what it takes to make bold, and sometimes unpopular, decisions in the face of complexity and opposition.” Drawing on their varied experience from careers that include central banking and microfinance, panellists at the Conference according to the Bank, will discuss the impact of innovation so far, and where the next wave of disruption will take the sector. The Access Conference 2015 closing ceremony will feature the W Awards, which have been set up to recognise and celebrate Nigerian women who defy all odds to stand out successfully. Key categories include the W Entrepreneur award, the W Young Professional Award and the W Seasoned Professional Award. In addition to the awards, Access Bank will provide a preview of its new book, The Power of 100, which celebrates the positive contribution made to Nigerian society by women from all walks of life.

Irish minister commends FRSC on investment in technology Olusegun Koiki

he Ireland Minister for Agriculture, Food, Marine and Defence, Mr. Simon Coveney, has commended the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, for its massive investment in technology. Coveney, in a statement issued by the corps Head, Media Relations and Strategy, Mr. Bisi Kazeem stated that such practice could enhance its operations and modernisation programmes. The minister was quoted to have given the commendation when he paid a courtesy visit to the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi, in Abuja. The Irish Envoy minister was accompanied by Ambassador of Republic of Ireland to Nigeria, Mr. Sean Hoy. Coveney commended the Commission for not only embracing, but

sustaining the use of technology in its management of traffic, noting that the practice was what the corps needed to achieve its goal of making the roads safer in this era of massive motorisation. Also, he lauded the FRSC for embracing the programmes of International Computer Driving Licence, ICDL, through which about two thousand staff of the corps had been trained and certified. Conveney further stated that the certificates awarded by the ICDL were recognised globally, adding that with sustained efforts, all staff of the FRSC could equally benefit from the training programme and be certified for enhanced system management. In his remarks, the Chairman of E-Tech (Nigeria), Abdulkareem Uthman Mustapha, also Oyeyemi for sustaining the training programme, which the FRSC em-

braced some years ago, saying that the Commission had by that practice distinguished itself as a reputable public institution with leadership that believed in international best practices. According to him, with the change of leadership in the corps last year, many people had thought that the ICDL programme would die naturally in FRSC, but that they were pleasantly surprised that the succeeding leadership was prepared to take the programme to even greater heights. Ireland Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Sean Hoy, who expressed satisfaction with the level of commitment shown by the leadership and staff of the FRSC to issues of technology especially the adoption of ICDL programmes promised that his country would collaborate with the FRSC in areas of mutual interests.

Friday, December 4, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Kano restates commitment to improved food production STORIES BY ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

ano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has restated his commitment to the production of food and especially wheat through handful support to the farmers to improve productivity, while objecting to the idea of using agriculture to manage poverty in the state. The Governor said that agriculture was now to be treated as a business in the state even as plans were ongoing to “transform agriculture into viable economic activities.” Ganduje, who made the remarks at the flag-off of the 2015 dry season wheat and rice production in Kura, Kano State, announced that the state’s wheat farming programme has registered 18,200 farmers as part of the priority attention from his government. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe, who decried the huge amount of money spent on food importation by Nigeria annually, said that the N1.3 trillion annually expended on importation of assorted food commodities into the country could be used for other developmental projects if the local production could be aided. He advised the farmers to replace their replace polythene bags for grain storage with jute bags which would soon be introduced for health and safety sake. He promised that the universities of agriculture in Nigeria “will be re-oriented to do what they are set up by law to do.” With national mandate for genetic development of wheat, the Executive Director of Lake Chad Research Institute, LCRI, Dr. Gbenga Olabanji, noted that Nigeria has the potential for wheat production and able to produce wheat yielding 8 tons per hectare. He said Nigeria has 600,000 hectares of land that is good for wheat production. “The production capacity has increased from 1 to 2 tons per hectare to 5 to 6 tons per hectare through improved varieties. There is market for wheat in Nigeria now.” He announced that, by 2017, a reduction of wheat importation by 50 per cent is possible. While appealing to other wheat-producing states to urgently flag off their own dry programmes, Olabaji said Nigerians must produce what they eat and eat what they produce. Abubakar Saleh Mohammed, a chieftain of wheat farmers’ association, observed that “wheat farming has started witnessing transformation, bringing policy makers, financial institutions, researchers, millers, farmers and other

stakeholders together. Mohammed recalled that the introduction of Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) value chain has increased wheat production as wheat is now produced in 10 states. He disclosed that “flour millers are ready to off-take our production” and the “farmers association had positive discussions and agreement with mill-

Audu Ogbeh

ers recently.” Auwalu Balarabe, a wheat seed producer, reflected that the ATA and Growth Enhancement Support have proved a lot of success. He hinted that, as at 2012, 2013 and 2014, production of certified seed in Nigeria increased from 14,700 MT in 2011 to 44,400 MT, 140,000 MT and 170,690 MT respectively.

He appealed to the government to come to the aid of seed companies, arguing that the seed producers have taken loans that need to be repaid. Mair Baba Danguldi, a member of the national assembly, representing the House of Representatives, commended former minister of agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, for his work on wheat.

El Rufai

El Rufai, Bagudu among awardees at NAA 2015

overnor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, his counterpart from Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Atiku emerged top winners at the recently held Nigeria Agriculture Awards at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos. Governor Ganduje was awarded Farmer’s Governor of The Year for his immense contributions to the agricultural sector in the year 2015, as

evidenced by his swift and emphatic response to the Tuta Absoluta scourge which threatened to wipe out Nigeria’s tomato crops. Governor Nasir El-Rufai was awarded Pillar of Agriculture for his efforts at land reforms within a few months of assumption of office which has led to easy land ownership and titles in the state. Governor Bagudu was also awarded Pillar of Agriculture for his proactive

measures in fighting poverty in his state through agricultural development especially through dry season farming, which has led to an all year production cycle in the state. According to Richard-Mark Mbaram, the Chief Executive Officer of AgroNigeria, the organiser of the awards, the award sought to recognise the contribution of individuals and groups to the development of agriculture in Nigeria.

Mooketsi Market benefiting Limpopo’s emerging farmers

ince opening its doors in November 2014, the Mooketsi fresh produce market in Polokwane, Limpopo, has managed to attract the support of more than 150 producers from across South Africa. More than 100 of these are emerging farmers from surrounding communities. According to Jaco Oosthuizen, RSA Group Managing Director, not only has this regional market become a sustainable income source for these emerging farmers, but many of them have grown into regular, reli-

able suppliers to the market. “Without doubt, over the past year, the Mooketsi Market has had the greatest impact on the local community. Many of the small subsistence farmers now have an outlet for their produce, and we constantly engage these farmers around issues like their products, packaging, sizing, sorting, grading, quality, etc. “We also host regular emerging producer training sessions to educate these farmers on the mechanics of a fresh produce market to further ensure their sustainability,” Oosthui-

zen explained. Aside from jobs for producers, the Mooketsi Market has also created several direct and indirect jobs through transport functions, increased taxi activity, porter functions, market staff, and external food and beverage suppliers. In addition, as more product lines are added to the market and a consistent supply of these lines becomes available, so local market buyers will be able to increase the size of their own businesses, creating further job opportunities downstream.

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Capital Market

Friday, December 4, 2015

Naira slides 1.2% at parallel market, equities rebound Johnson Okanlawon

aira fell 1.22 per cent against the dollar on the unofficial market yesterday, as nearly half of bureaux de change operators failed to get dollar supply at a Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, sale due to incomplete documentation. About 1,599 bureaux de change agents out of 2,818 operators were denied access to participate in the forex sale on Wednesday, limiting dollar supply, the President of Bureau de Change Association, Aminu Gwadabe, told Reuters.

The naira was quoted at N246 against the dollar on the unofficial market, weaker than N243 the previous day. Meanwhile, after three days of consecutive losses, trading in equities rebounded to signal the beginning of the December effect when stocks rally. The All Share Index appreciated 0.99 per cent to close at 27,559.18 points, as against the decline of 0.10 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 27,287.89 points. Market capitalization gained N93 billion to close at N9.475 trillion, in contrast

to the drop of N9 billion recorded the preceding day to close at N9.382 trillion. Learn Africa Plc led the gainers’ table with three kobo or five per cent to close at 63 kobo per share, followed by Red Star Express Plc with 20 kobo or five per cent to close at N4.20 per share. Pharmdeko Plc gained 10 kobo or 4.67 per cent to close at N2.24 per share, while NEM Insurance Plc appreciated three kobo or 4.62 per cent to close at 68 kobo per share. Skye Bank Plc rose seven kobo or 4.58 per cent to close at N1.60 per share. On the flip side, Ikeja Ho-

tel Plc depreciated 35 kobo or 9.49 per cent to close at N3.34 per share, while Tiger Brands Plc shed seven kobo or five per cent to close at N1.33 per share. Honeywell Flour Mills Plc lost 10 kobo or five per cent to close at N1.90 per share, while Portland Paints Plc declined 19 kobo or five per cent to close at N3.61 per share. NPF Microfinance Bank Plc depreciated five kobo or 4.90 per cent to close at 97 kobo per share. A total of 249.1 million shares valued at N3.076 billion were traded in 2,524 deals.

S&P downgrades holding companies of eight U.S. banks

tandard & Poor’s cut its nonoperating holding company (NOHC) ratings on eight U.S. “global systemically important banks” by one notch, citing uncertainty about the U.S. government’s willingness to provide support to the banking system if it came under stress. The ratings apply to the holding companies of

Bank of America Corp, Citigroup Inc, Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo & Co, Bank of New York Mellon Corp, State Street Corp, JPMorgan Chase & Co, and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. The credit ratings on the banks’ operating units are not affected by the downgrade. The Federal Reserve said last week that big U.S.

banks would have an extra year to calculate a capital requirement known as the supplementary leverage ratio for stress tests. The supplementary leverage ratio creates hard limits on how much debt banks can borrow relative to their assets, without giving them credit for having relatively low-risk assets. In October, the Fed

also proposed a rule that would require six of the eight banks to raise an additional $120 billion to comply with a regulatory requirement. The requirements are aimed at ensuring that the banks are able to recapitalize without disrupting markets or requiring a government bailout. (Source – Reuters)

Stocks, bonds plunge, Euro rallies as ECB moves disappoint

uropean stocks tumbled with government bonds, while the euro rallied from a seven-month low after the scale of additional stimulus from the European Central Bank disappointed some investors. American shares extended losses in afternoon trading. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell to a two-week low as Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen signaled higher interest rates are imminent. The Stoxx Europe 600 Index plunged the most in three months, while the euro strengthened the most since 2009. Germany’s two-year note yield jumped 10 basis points, while the 10-year Treasury note rate had its biggest advance since August. Brent crude halted a five-day losing streak. While ECB President Mario Draghi added to stimulus, investors anticipated deeper cuts to the deposit rate and an increase in the amount of the central bank’s monthly bond purchases. Draghi said the ECB is “willing and able” to

act further if needed. Yellen delivered a cautiously upbeat outlook for the U.S. economy, signaling for a second day that the conditions for higher interest rates have been met. “It’s great the Fed is talking covering every angle possible, saying they may jump out of the closet but the bogeyman isn’t terrible and that it’s going to be OK,” Matt Lloyd, chief investment strategist at Advisors Asset Management in Monument, Colorado, said by phone. “We’ve used QE as a crutch and now there’s a deviation from it so there’s some anxiety. There isn’t much buying pressure but there isn’t much selling pressure either because ultimately you have a wait and see game here.” The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index dropped 0.9 percent at 12:35 a.m. in New York, sliding below its average price for the past 200 days. Yellen’s speech to Congress came as data showed service industries expanded in November at the slowest pace in six months, indicating malaise in manufac-

turing is impeding progress in other parts of the economy. The Fed chair signaled an interest rate hike would likely come in two weeks when policy makers meet. The group is expected to end a historic era of near-zero interest rates in the U.S that dates back to December 2008. “The major focus of the U.S. is going to be the Fed and it’s meeting here in a few weeks,” said Peter Jankovskis, who helps oversee $1.9 billion as co-chief investment officer of Lisle, Illinois-based OakBrook Investments. The ECB decision “might put a slight damper on stocks temporarily, but it wont be a big impact in the long run,” he said. The Stoxx 600 fell 3 percent, reversing a gain of 0.9 percent on the ECB decision. All groups in the index sank by more than 1 percent. The region’s benchmark had rallied 13 percent from its low in September through yesterday, including its best two-day rally since July after Draghi signaled on Oct. 22 that the

central bank would consider additional measures. The euro jumped 3 percent to $1.0922 and added 1 percent to 1.09144 Swiss francs. The cut to the deposit rate had already been priced into the market, and strategists at banks including ABN Amro AV, Commerzbank AG and DZ Bank AG had forecast a 20 basis-point reduction. (Source – Bloomberg) Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

N196.98 Market indicators All-Share Index 27,559.18 points Market capitalisation 9.48trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LEARNAFRCA

0.60

0.63

0.03

5.00

REDSTAREX

4.00

4.20

0.20

5.00

PHARMDEKO

2.14

2.24

0.10

4.67

NEM

0.65

0.68

0.03

4.62

SKYEBANK

1.53

1.60

0.07

4.58

FIDSON

2.85

2.97

0.12

4.21

25.00

26.00

1.00

4.00

ACCESS

4.81

5.00

0.19

3.95

PRESCO

31.00

32.20

1.20

3.87

UBA

3.71

3.84

0.13

3.50

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

IKEJAHOTEL

3.69

3.34

-0.35

-9.49

TIGERBRANDS

1.40

1.33

-0.07

-5.00

HONYFLOUR

2.00

1.90

-0.10

-5.00

PORTPAINT

3.80

3.61

-0.19

-5.00

NPFMCRFBK

1.02

0.97

-0.05

-4.90

UNITYBNK

0.85

0.81

-0.04

-4.71

CAVERTON

2.59

2.47

-0.12

-4.63

VONO

0.75

0.72

-0.03

-4.00

TRANSEXPR

1.02

0.98

-0.04

-3.92

AFRIPRUD

2.53

2.45

-0.08

-3.16

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.44

106.60

10.04

107.60

9.31

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.61

112.05

11.79

113.05

11.47

15.54 13-FEB-2020

4.23

110.02

12.41

111.02

12.12

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.19

115.56

12.67

116.56

12.46

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.32

108.17

12.58

109.17

12.39

10.00 23-JUL-2030

14.81 68.00

15.59

68.30

15.51

Closing Market Prices of November 19, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

18-Feb-16

3.53

3.56

WAUA

270

USD

196.98

26-May-16

6.36

6.58

EURO

214

20-Oct-16

6.59

7.01

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

1.1267

POUNDS STERLING

293

12.2519

13.8564

SDR

273

15.2488

NIBOR

The Fixings of November 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Nwankwo Ngozi Makuochukwu and Maachi Ngozi Nwankwo belong to one and same person. all documents bearing these names to remain valid. general public take note CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS IGE OLUWABUNMI ESTHER now wish to be known and addressed as MRS PAULEGBUNONU OLUWABUNMI ESTHER .All former documents remain valid. Brighton Hall School, Tai Solarin University Of Education and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Bamidele Oluwayemisi Omowumi now wants to be addressed as Abayomi Oluwayemisi Omowumi. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I,Formerly Known and addressed as Miss OMOTAYO OLUFUNMILAYO HAOLAT T. OMOKHAYE now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs OMOTAYO OLUFUNMILAYO HAOLAT T. DISU-OMOKHAYE . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Lukmon Babatunde Aina now wish to be known and addressed as Lukmon Olusola Maina. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Soyoye Olaide Motunrayo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs BAMGBOSE OLAIDE MOTUNRAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Agbedejobi Oluwabunmi Asake now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Efuwape Oluwabunmi Aduke. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Onyegbule Nkechi Beatrice now wish to be known and addressed as Ozoene Doris Chioma. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Salisu Shaibu, now Salisu Yussuf. My correct date of birth is 29 January 1982, not may 1978. former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Vitus Vicanics now wish to be known and referred to as Nzerem Chidubem Anthony. all documents bearing the former name shall remain valid.general public take note CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS ADISOWA RITA OGOCHUKWU now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EKWURIBE RITA OGOCHUKWU .All former documents remain valid. National Open University of Nigeria, MINN CEDAR PRIVATE SCHOOL and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEDIRAN MARIAM ABIODUN, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS ADEDIRAN DORCAS DASOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as MOJUBA FUNMI now wish to be known and addressed as HENRY OGUNDIYA. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Edun Olubunmi Abolanle now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Odunewu Olubunmi Abolanle. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS AJAYI ADEWUNMI ELIZABETH NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. BADEJO ADEWUNMI ELIZABETH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Bolatito Agunbiade now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Idowu Latifat Bolatito. All former documents remain valid. Union bank Plc and General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formally Known As Raimi Adeshina Tawakalitu Elizabeth. wish to be address as Abdulquadri Tawakalitu Olayemi. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS FASASI FOLASAYO SULIYAT now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SANUSI FOLASAYO SULIYAT..All former documents remain valid.Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education,MINN CEDAR PRIVATE SCHOOLand General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MR AUSTIN ZINGARO now wish to be known and addressed as MR BABA AKAKPO ZINGARO. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as OLISA PETER, now wish to be known and addressed as NWEKE NONSO PETER. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mr Mathew Canice now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Fadipe Oluwaponmile Emmanuel. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME formerly known and addressed as MISS AFOLAYAN BLESSING MOSUNMOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLADIPUPO BLESSING MOSUNMOLA. All other documents remain valid, general public please take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Sonola Ebunoluwa Titilayo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ashiru Ebunoluwa Titilayo. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Kolade Temitope Omolola now wish to be known and addressed as OlukunleOluranti Temitope Omolola. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Shomorin Taiwo E., now wish to be known and addressed as Ajibola Taiwo Elizabeth . All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mohammed Mala, now wish to be known and addressed as Mohammed Ali modu. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME This is to confirm that I, Mrs. Mbodo Amaka Francisca is the same person as Mrs. Ikechi Amaka Francisca. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

FAMILY CHANGE OF NAME OKUDO: We, formerly known as AUGUSTINA CHIZOBA NWABUNWANNE, CHISOM FAVOUR NWABUNWANNE, CHUKWUMA EMMANUEL NWABUNWANNE, EZENWA GOODLUCK NWABUNWANNE, KAMSIYOCHUKWU PROSPER NWABUNWANNE, KACHISARAM PEACE NWABUNWANNE, Now wish to be known as AUGUSTINA CHIZOBA OKUDO, CHISOM FAVOUR OKUDO, CHUKWUMA EMMANUEL OKUDO, EZENWA GOODLUCK OKUDO, KAMSIYOCHUKWU PROSPER OKUDO, KACHISARAM PEACE OKUDO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE DESTINED CHRIST COVENANT MISSION

This is to inform the general Public that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990. BOARD TRUSTEES: 1) PASTOR OKWANYIONU SUNDAY - CHAIRMAN/PRESIDENT 2) PASTOR CHIMA BLESSING - TREASURER 3) DORCAS CHIMA - SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1) To preach the gospel of Christ, within and internationally. 2) To promote moral and spiritual value in life of believers in Christ. 3) To promote unity in the body of Christ through her media, electronics and printing messages. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar – General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Wuse, Zone 5, Abuja within 28 days of his publication. Signed: PASTOR OKWANYIONU SUNDAY CHAIRMAN

Friday, December 4, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as SALIFU JAMES and AKOR JAMES, now wish to be known and addressed as SALIFU JAMES AKOR. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ADEYEYE FOLASHADE HANNAH, now wish to be known and addressed as DADA FOLASHADE HANNAH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. ADEKUNBI OMOBOLANLE ADEYEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADEKUNBI OMOBOLANLE ADENIKEN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as FAVOUR ADAOBI MMADUABUCHI, now wish to be known and addressed as FAVOUR ADAOBI PETER. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly Mrs Akinnagbe Funke Ola now MRS AKINNAGBE FLORENCE OLUFUNKE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS JULIET UZOMA DAVID now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JULIET UZOMA IWEDIUBA .All former documents remain valid. D-JACSOL MONTESSORI SCHOOL,Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as JENTARA JOSPHINE FATIAH now wish to be known and addressed as AKINDELE JOSPHINE FATIAH. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that Patrick John Etuk and Patrick Simeon Eno is the same person, that I now wish to be known, called and addressed as Patrick Simeon Eno. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Known and addressed as Miss Fakunle Oluwatosin Enitan now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Onagbesan Oluwatosin Enitan. All former documents remain valid. Nysc and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS OYENOLA BILIKISU OLUBISI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AKINTADE BILIKISU OLUBISI. All other documents remain valid; First Bank Plc, general public please take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Adewunmi Olapeju Bolujoko now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adewunmi Olapeju Awusinu. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as FAGBOLA AYOOLUWA ADERONKE, now wish to be known and addressed as OSIBANJO AYOOLUWA ADERONKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Okoli Chizoba Favour, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uzochukwu Chizoba Favour. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ONYEKWELU IKECHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as ONYEKWELU IKENNA SAMUEL. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as EJOGBAMU FAITH OMOTEJOWHO, now wish to be known and addressed as MARTINS FAITH OMOTEJOWHO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

zFormerly known and addressed

as Adeyemi Ismail Atanda, now wish to be known and addressed as Ayinla Ismail Atanda. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ONUORA VENESSA EBELECHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed NATASHA SIMONE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as OFOMATA Joy Ginikanwa now wish to be known and addressed as Nwankwo Joy Ginikanwa. All former documents remain valid. General public to please note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Deborah Audu, now wish to be known and addressed as Deborah Joseph. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Oyedeji Monsurat Titilope now wants to be addressed as Monsurat Oyedeji Wahab. All former documents remain valid. Osun State Civil Service and the general public should take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME RAHEEM: This is to certify that RAHEEM RAHAMAN and RAHEEM RAHAMAN ABIODUN refer to one and same person, but now I wish to be known and addressed as ABDULRAHEEM ABDULRAHAMAN OLAWALE. All former documents remain valid. General Public, please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that Olawunmi Ololade Oduntan and Abiola Oladunni Adetuyole is the same person now wish to be known and addressed as Olawunmi Ololade Abiola Oladunni Oduntan (Nee Adetuyole). All former documents remain valid. First bank, Skye bank and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME formerly known and addressed as MR. KEHINDE ABIODUN OLAYINKA COLE, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. OLATUNJI KEHINDE ABIODUN. All other documents remain valid, general public please take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Amure Ayomide Olufunmilayo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odukoya Ayomide Olufunmilayo All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS PETER GLORY now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JOHNSON-SHOYOMBO GLORY.All former documents remain valid. Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Kareem Mariam Ayoka now wants to be addressed as Kareem Sakirat Ayoka. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. CHANGE OF NAME ONOH: I,Formerly Known and addressed as ONOH CHINASA now wish to be known, called and addressed as ONOH JOY CHINASA . All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

PEDRO: This is to certify that PEDRO OLABODE AHMED and PEDRO OLABODE BOLAJI refer to one and same person, but now I wish to be known and addressed as PEDRO OLABODE OMOBOLAJI. All former documents remain valid. General Public, please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that Ibrahim Muhammed Muhammed and Ibrahim Muhammed is the same person now wish to be known and addressed as Ibrahim Muhammed Muhammed. All former documents remain valid. GTBank, Zenith Bank and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Hassan Rashidat olayide now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Osifade Racheal Olayide. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Amos Otu Ijow now wish to be known and addressed as Akubu Henry Onaji. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Aman Allen Godwin, now wish to be known and addressed as Edidiong Sunday Matthew. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ayodele Folasayo Victoria now wish to be known and addressed as Denloye Folasayo. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Raji Ruquayat Ife, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogunrinlade Rhoda Ife. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Daramola Bunmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Adeyeye Bunmi Elizabeth. All former documents remain valid. United Bank of Africa plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ILUGBO MOFOLUWAKE ABOSEDE, now wish to be known and addressed as SOFOLA MOFOLUWAKE ABOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as AZUKA ONYINYECHI GIFT, now wish to be known and addressed as ONUOHA ONYINYECHI GIFT. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Sheriff Rashidat, now wish to be known and addressed as Adeyemi Rashidat Tunrayo. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as UWE BLESSING AGU, now wish to be known and addressed as NGOZI AWO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as OMITOGUN MODUPE RUTH, now wish to be known and addressed as OYEJIDE MODUPE RUTH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as BAMGBOSE BASIRAT OLUWAKEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as LUKMAN MAMMAN BASIRAT OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as EKOFUOGIE OSARIEMEN REUBEN, wish to add all my names, to be known and addressed as EKOFUOGIE OSARIEMEN REUBEN PETER. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as UDEAGBARA CHIDIMA PRISCA, now wish to be known and addressed as PIUS CHIDIMA PRISCA. All former ddocuments remain valid. General public take note.

Friday, December 4, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as BALOGUN TOPE KELVIN, now wish to be known and addressed as AJAYI DANIEL OSEGHALE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as HAMMED ISMAILA AINA, now wish to be known and addressed as ISMEAL HAMMED ADEWALE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to certified that Muritala Lawal Gomina is the same one person as Odewale Nurudeen Taiwo, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Odewale Nurudeen Taiwo. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

This is to certified that Obakunle Modupeola Beatric is the same one person as Olaiya Modupeola Beatric, that henceforth wish to be known and called as Olaiya Modupeola. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note .

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Adekanmi Risikat Olayinka now wish to be called and known as Mrs Arogundade Folake Idayat. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Azeez Oluyemisi Ibidunni now wish to be addressed and known as Mrs Uzamot Tawakalit Folashade. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AMAECHI: Formerly known and addressed as MISS AMAECHI BLESSING ADANMA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NDIMKORA BLESSING ADANMA.. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME TAROR: Formerly known and addressed as GLADYS EMUAKPO TAROR, now wish to be known and addressed as GLADYS EMUAKPO TARORSOFOWORA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

DURU : Formerly known and addressed as MISS DURU NNEKA MAUREEN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NNEKA MAUREEN DURU OBI.. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME AMODE: Formerly known and addressed as MISS AMODE OLABISI KARIMOT now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADEAGBO OLABISI GRACE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME BENNETT: Formerly known and addressed as MR BENNETT JERRY now wish to be known and addressed as MR OSAYANDE OSAIGBOVO JERRY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME OKORONKWO: Formerly known and addressed as OKORONKWO IJEOMA CINDY now wish to be known and addressed as UDECHUKWU IJEOMA CINDY.. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Bolarinwa Esther Olufunke now wish to be known, called and addressed as BOLARINWA FUNMILAYO ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. First bank of nigeria plc and general public should please note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Abdulrafiu Danzaki Adejare now wish to be known, called and addressed as OYELEKAN RAFIU ADEJARE. All former documents remain valid general public note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly Ologun Elizabeth Bosede now Mrs Omooba Elizabeth Bosede,former documents remain valid general public note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly Miss Akingbobun Iyabode now Mrs Faleye. Iyabode Mopelola,former documents remain valid general public note CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as MISS OLUWAREMILEKUN VERONICA ODUNYEMI now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS BABATUNDE VERONICA ODUNYEMI All former documents remain valid general public note

ANI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANI ANGELA OBIAGELI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OGBONNA ANGELA OBIAGELI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Olaoye Kudirat Abosede now wish to be known, called and addressed as WASIU FATIMA. General public and authority concerned, most especially SKYE BANK PLC IDANRE take note.

This is to certify that OFUNWA ISRAEL CHUKWUKA and OFUNWA ISRAEL CHUKWUKADIDIA refers to same and one person, but now wish to be known and addressed as OFUNWA ISRAEL CHUKWUKA, all former documents remains valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE This is to inform the general public that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under Part C of the companies and Allied matters act No 1 of 1990. (CHAIRMAN) (SECRETARY) (MEMBER) (MEMBER) (MEMBER)

Any objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja, within twenty eight (28) days from the date of this publication. Signed: AMAN ANSLEM AZUOMA

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oladipupo Kuburat Oriyomi now wish to be called and known as Mrs Olaniyi Kuburat Oriyomi. All former documents remain valid, general public shoul please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Adima Martha Omeje now Ajigo Ehi Elizabeth,f ormer documents remain valid general public note CHANGE OF NAME FATAI: Formerly known and addressed as MRS FATAI ZAINAB OLAOMOJU now wish to be known and addressed as MRS POPO-OLA OLAOMOJU ESTH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME ADEDIRAN: Formerly known and addressed as ADEDIRAN ADESEGUN ADEWOYIN now wish to be known and addressed as ALONGE OLUSEGUN JOHN.. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME DIBANG: Formerly known and addressed as DIBANG SUNDAY ATTA now wish to be known and addressed as PROSPER DIBANG. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME formerly known and addressed as OJOBO MARYANN now wishes to be known and addressed as OJOBO NKECHI MARYANN. All former documents remain valid. Diamond Bank Plc, and general public please note. CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Olisa Onyebuchi Queen now Olisa Onyebuchi Stella,former documents remain valid general public note CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as GODDY OKORO. now wish to be known and addressed as GODSPOWER OJENIMA. All former documents remain valid. Zenith Bank and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Fiola Mutiu Fatimo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Fiola Bose . All former documents remain valid , general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and called IBRAHIM MUSTAPHA henceforth wish to be known and addressed as TANKO AUDU. All former documents remain valid.General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and called as Miss Aborinsade Temitope Toyin now wish to be addressed and called as Mrs Sulaiman Temitope Toyin. All former documents remain valid, Diamond Bank Plc, Skye Bank Plc, Ecobank plc and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Consin Mosheshe now Prince Uro Mosheshe, former documents remain valid general public note CHANGE OF NAME ANTHONY: Formerly known and addressed as ANTHONY OKPALA now wish to be known and addressed as KASIE OKPALA MIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME THOMPSON: Formerly known and addressed as THOMPSON PEACE now wish to be known and addressed as OKON PEACE.. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME AYINKE: Formerly known and addressed as AYINKE LAWAL HEPZIBAH now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNGBE TEMITOPE OLUWAYANMIFE. I wish to state also that my correct date of birth is 8th June, 1993. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formely known and addressed as Ikwebe .A. Unogwu now wish to be known and addressed as Ajii Kingsley Ikwebe. All former documents remain valid general public take note CHANGE OF NAME I Formerly known and addressed as ADEGBOYEGA ISREAL TOYIN now wish to be known and addressed as ADEGBOYEGA ISREAL ADEWOYE. All former documents remain valid general public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as MISS STELLA ADANORITSEWO EREWA. now wish to be known and addressed as MRS FATIMA UMORU. All former documents remain valid.The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME URUBUSI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS URUBUSI BLESSING, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OGBOANI BLESSING All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE BUILDERMITES CHURCH

Trustees are: 1. AMAM ANSLEM AZUOMA 2. AMAM ANGELA NWAKAEGO 3. OBINNA NWANKWO AGWU 4. OSUEKE ANGELINA OKWUDILI 5. EHEMUKA ONYEBUCHI ISIAH

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that am the same person bearing Mautin Suru and John Suru Ajaneson. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

YOUTH REAWAKEN INITIATIVE

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Barrister Izi Christopher Kigun 2. Sadiq Abdulmajeed Zakari 3. Engr. Chris Oloriegbe 4. Barrister Tanimu Suleiman AIMS AND OBJECTIVE ARE: 1. To initiate support for peace building, conflict prevention, resolution and promote non-violence as the only acceptable way of attainment of social justice 2. Provide youth with a workable rule for overcoming the sense of inadequacy attitude and inferiority complex 3. To nurture a legacy of peace and hope in the mind set of our youth that is bound together by cord of patriotism 4. To build on ideologies, character, deed and strategy to fascinate Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED: Secretary

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Bolarinwa Esther Olufunke now wish to be known, called and addressed as BOLARINWA FUNMILAYO ESTHER. All former documents remain,general public note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly addressed and known as Mrs Fakunle Ruth Oluwakemi now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Babawale Ruth Oluwakemi. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME This is to confirm that NWANKWO SUNDAY and OHAEGBUE P. SUNDAY refer to one and same person and now wish to be known and addressed as OHAEGBUE P. SUNDAY. All former document remain valid. United bank for Africa(UBA) and the general public please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

BRAHIM: Formerly known and addressed as IBRAHIM FALI now wish to be known and addressed as IBRAHIM DAUDA.. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME MATHEW: Formerly known and addressed as EHINOYEDUN ADESUYI MATHEW now wish to be known and addressed as ADESUYI EHINOYEDUN ADEGBAWOJO. . All former documents remain valid. General public take note CONFIRMATION OF NAME MARY: This is to Confirm that MARY UZONDU and MARY SABASTINE refer to one and same person, henceforth wish to be known and addressed as MARY UZONDU.. All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid. Banks and the general public take note..

CHANGE OF NAME Formely known and addressed as Jerry Kato Luka now wish to be known and addressed as Jerry Audu. All former documents remain valid general public take note CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as MISS OGHENEVWAERHE ISIOMA AKPENE. now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OGHENEVWAERHE ISIOMA FOVIE. All former documents remain valid.The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Bolasere Oluwakemi Ajoke now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Salahudeen Oluwakemi Ajoke . All former document remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME UGWU: I, formerly known and addressed as UGWU STELLA NKEMKAONAM, now wish to be known and addressed as IMAFU STELLA NKEMAKONAM. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Oladokun Mumeen Kolawole now wish to be known, called and addressed as YEKINI MUMINI KOLAWOLE. All form er documents remain valid. ECO bank and general public should please note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Afolabi Temitope Atinuke now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Olawale Temitope Atinuke. All former document remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Bulus Ibrahim now Sunday shamaki,former documents remain valid general public note CHANGE OF NAME CHIKE:Formerly known and addressed as CHIKE CHRISTAIN ILOH now wish to be known and addressed as CHINEDU HENRY GEORGE ARINZE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME SAIDU: Formerly known and addressed as SAIDU HANANIYA now wish to be known and addressed as SAMCHI LAZARUS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME UGWU: This is to Confirm that UGWU BLESSING EKWY and UMEH BLESSING EKWY refer to one and same person, henceforth wish to be known and addressed as UGWU BLESSING EKWY.. All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid. Banks and the general public take note..

CHANGE OF NAME formerly known and addressed as Miss Okorie Nnennaya Owoo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Nnennaya Ezekiel. All former documents remain valid Abia Poly and the general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as SAMAILA DANIEL. now wish to be known and addressed as GARBA LABARAN. All former documents remain valid.Zenith Bank,FCMB Bank and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME FORMERLY KNOWN AS ENEOYI SUNDAY NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS AJAYI YAKUBU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE. CHANGE OF NAME SUNDAY: I, formerly known and addressed as IFEANYI SUNDAY NWEKE, now wish to be known and addressed as IFEANYI PAULINUS NWEKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE ASSOCIATION OF DRIVERS, MECHANICS AND AUTO ELECTRICIANS ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA UNIVERSITY BAUCHI The general public is hereby notified that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Adamu Adamu Bello 2. Peter Tufoin Pam 3. Ayuba Jibo AIMS AND OBJECTIVE ARE: 1. To unite our members and solicit for their welfare 2. To provide a platform for professionalism Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication. SIGNED: Secretary

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluwabukola Morenike Afolabi now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLUWABUKOLA MORENIKE AKINWANDE. All former documents remain valid , general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME . Formerly known and addressed as MAGDALINE OLUCHI NZEKWE, now wish to be known and addressed as NWANORUO CHINONSO PHILOMENA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME MWANLONG: Formerly known and addressed as MWANLONG PAUL WAPSOHOT now wish to be known and addressed as APOLLOS AJEMASU. All documents, records and certificates bearing my former names remains valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AMADU : Formerly known and addressed as AMADU AHMED USMAN now wish to be known and addressed as AHMED MUHAMMAD DANLITI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as CHRISTOPHER James but now wish to be known as EGWENU Christopher. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as IBRAHIM LATIFAT OMOWUNMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. IHEKORONYE LATIFAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OSENI: Formerly known and addressed as ABDULLAHI OSENI now wish to be known and addressed as ABDULLAHI HUSSAINI DUMBULLIN. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME JERIMIAL : Formerly known and addressed as VICTOR JERIMIAL now wish to be known and addressed as VICTOR AGBOMOUDU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Sadia Kolipe now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Sadia Ayodeji Oba. All former documents remain valid ,General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Adejana Grace now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oyetunji Grace. All former documents remain valid , general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Okokhuele Linda now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Balogun Linda all former documents remain valid NYSC and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Olusanya Nojimu Kehinde now wish to be known and addressed as nojimu kehinde Adesanya Olusanya. All former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Lawal Omosalewa Adetutu now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Lasisi Oriekun Omosalewa Adetutu all former documents remain valid and general public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that I, Hamed Azeez Oluwanisola is one and the same person as Ahmed Azeez Abudulai. All former documents remain valid. The general public, please take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Onyegbule Nkechi Beatrice now wish to be known and addressed as Ozoene Doris Chioma. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss Falade Toyin Catherine now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oyerinde Toyin Catherine.All Former documents remain valid, Banks and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME IBU: I, formerly known and addressed as ARIKU JOSEPH IBU, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ARIKU MATHIAS AJA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME UGBEJE: I, formerly known and addressed as MATHEW UGBEJE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as EDO JAMES. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ALEKE PAUL ARINZE UBA, now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWU MICHAEL PAUL. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

Friday, December 4, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Raji Rasaki now wish to be known and addressed as Allison Unya .all former documents remain valid and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Olalekan Omolara & Olalere Sarah Omolola now wishes to be known and addressed as Olalere Sarah Oluwaferanmi. All former documents remain valid. The general public, please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Kolade Temitope Omolola now wish to be known and addressed as Olukunle-Oluranti Temitope Omolola. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CORRECTION OF NAME This is to affirm to the correction of my name. That my name was wrongly written as ELIZABETH ALIMA JERRY in my BVN information sheet instead of ELIZABETH IRIMIYA. That my correct name is ELIZABETH IRIMIYA henceforth. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note of this correction.

CHANGE OF NAME SALAMI: I, formerly known and addressed as SALAMI AYOBAMI IDOWU, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OMOTOSHO HAMEED IDOWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as CHRIS CHIMAMKPA NWOZUZU, now wish to be known and addressed as CHIOMA PATRICIA INNOCENTNWOSU. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as JAMES OLAIDE, now wish to be known and addressed as SAMUEL OLAIDE ADETAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MERCY Daniel but now wish to be known as KAWEDO Uju Mercy. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Obisesan Nafisat Temitope now wish to be known and addressed as Jamiu Nofisat Temitope. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as OPEYEMI KAYODE AYODEJI, now wish to be known and addressed as ADENIJI ADEDAMOLA TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS. IGHIOGHO JUSTINA IGEBINA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ANAVHEOBA JUSTINA IGHIOGHO. All former documents remain valid. Super Engineering, GTB, ECO BANK and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ABBAS: Formerly known and addressed as ZUWAIRA YAHAYA ABBAS now wish to be known and addressed as ZUWAIRA YAHAYA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. CHANGE OF NAME KHALIL : Formerly known and addressed as KHALIL SAMMANI DABO now wish to be known and addressed as KHALIL SAMMANI DIKKO. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME This is to inform the public that Sunday Elizabeth and Chukwu Elizabeth Glory refer as one person but now known as SUNDAY ELIZABETH. All former document remain valid. general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Aminu Aishat now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Aishat Mohammed NDA Saba all former documents remain valid NYSC and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Gabriel Irimiya now wish to be known and addressed as Daniel Morgan all former documents remain valid and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Ibor Nigro Esuku now wish to be known and addressed as Ibor Emmnuel Esuku. All former documents remain valid. The general public, please take note. CHANGE OF NAME I Formerly Known and addressed as Adeola Ronke Ibitoba now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oluwadamilare A Ronke. All former documements remain valid,Ekiti State Government and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME BABALOLA: I, formerly known and addressed as BABALOLA ADEOYE FATIMOH OLADOYIN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. RAIMI FATIMOH OLADOYIN . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ARISUKWU: I, formerly known and addressed as ARISUKWU NKIRU LINDA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OSONDU NKIRU LINDA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MOROLARI ABIMBOLA ABIGAEL now wish to be known and addressed as ONOJA ABIMBOLA ABIGAEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ojo Kuburatu Adebola, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Lawal Kuburatu Adebola. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

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

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Ogboduma Pere Mukele now OGBODUMA KIRIMINI MUKELE. All former document remain valid. Unity Bank Plc, U.B.A Plc and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME MATURARE: Formerly known and addressed as UBAIDA SUNUSI SANI now wish to be known and addressed as UBAIDA SUNUSI MATURARE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Umoru Favour Jemilat now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Anolu Favour Jemilat all former documents remain valid Banks and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME l formerly known as Chikezie Francis Anya now wish to be known and referred to as Chikezie Francis Anyalechi. all documents bearing the former name to remain valid. general public take note CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Muba Rolayo Esther,now wish to be known and addressed as Akinpelu Esther Arolayo. All former documents remain valid. The general public, please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Owoeye Sunday Olanrewaju now wish to be known and addressed as Owoeye Joseph Olanrewaju.All former documents remain valid,First Bank of Nigeria,Lagos Diocese and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OSAGIE : I, formerly known and addressed as VANESSA OSAGIE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AMIOLEMEN VANESSA OMONIGHO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ADEGBAYI: I, formerly known and addressed as AJAYI FAITH ADEGBAYI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AJAYI MEMUNAT ADEGBAYI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Ndidi Ojukwu Chima now wish to be known and addressed as Awa Ndidi Chima Patience. All fomer document remains valid general public take note CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ojo Kuburatu Adebola, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Lawal Kuburatu Adebola. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Faith Titilayo Imoekor now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Faith Titilayo Walton. General public please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as ABUDU BABATUNDE ADEDOYIN now wish to be known and addressed as ADESANYA BABATUNDE ADEDOYIN. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

This is to confirm that AGBO MARY EUNICE is the same person as ONOJA MARY EUNICE. That any document bearing any of the names remain valid. Authorities concerned and general public should please take note.

BLESSING: Formerly known and addressed as MISS BLESSING CLETUS EKERE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BLESSING CLETUS ADEGUN. All former documents remain valid. NTDC, LEADCITY and General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EDEKO : Formerly known and addressed as MISS FAITH EDEKO now wish to be known and addressed as MRS FAITH DAVIDS. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OZAVISA: Formerly known and addressed as HABIBAT JIMOH OZAVISA now wish to be known and addressed as HABIBAT SARAFINA SANNI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly GALO IBIYEMI RUTH now wish to be known, called and addressed as MATTHEW YEMI. All former document remain valid. Wema bank plc, Eco bank and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss.Ikeije Ijeoma now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Okeh Ijeoma Lauretta . All former documents remain valid ,general public note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly OLUMUYIWA OLUBUNMI MERCY JANE Now AKINFOLARIN OLUBUNMI MARGRET. All former document remain valid. First Bank Plc, Heritage Bank Plc and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Salami Esther Oluwabunmi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Fakunle Esther Oluwabunmi all former documents remain valid and general public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

l formerly known as chinyere hope lgbokwe now wish to be known and addressed as chinyere hope lfeabunike. all documents bearing the former name to remain valid. general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Amure Ayomide Olufunmilayo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odukoya Ayomide Olufunmilayo All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I Formerly Known and addressed as Olatunji Olukemi Yetunde now wish to be known and addressed as Badmus Olatunji Titilayo.All former documements remain valid,First Bank plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME DAVID: I, formerly known and addressed as TEMITOPE LATIFAT DAVID, now wish to be known, called and addressed as TEMITOPE LATIFAT GANIYU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS UDUAK MARGARET NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EFFIONG MARGARET. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME ONYIA: I, formerly known and addressed as ONYIA VALENTINE KENECHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as NMEREGINI KENECHUKWU EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Mbonu okoye James and Mbonu James Tochukwu, refer to one and same person now wish to be Known as Mbonu Okoye James Tochukwu. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed Magnus Ugochukwu as Okpara now wish to be known and addressed as Jonathan Ugochukwu Okpara all former documents remain valid. First bank and general public take note CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Oluwole Samuel Olugbenga is same person as Oluwole Gbenga Samuel now wish to be known and addressed as Olusoga Samuel Olugbenga all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as miss FABIYI Funmilayo Dolapo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs AJIBOYE Funmilayo Dolapo. LAUTECH, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, NYSC, Nigerian Medical Association and the General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Amos Otu Ijow now wish to be known and addressed as Akubu Henry Onaji. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Awe Bosede Omolara now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adenle Bosede Omolara .All former documents remain valid,Ekiti state SUBED and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME xDANJUMA: I, formerly known

and addressed as ISAH DANJUMA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MR. SULE ABDULKAREEM. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME BIOKO: I, formerly known and addressed as BIOKO RALPH, now wish to be known, called and addressed as IRIOGBE RAPHAEL. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Modinat Saidi, now wish to be known and addressed as Modina Lewis. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Abdulsalam Alimot Toyin, now wish to be known and addressed as Lawal Alimot Toyin. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

Friday, December 4, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Yuletide: FCT Police tighten security at motor parks, others

CT Police Command said it had tightened security at motor parks, hotels and other strategic places in the territory, ahead of the Christmas celebration. The Commissioner of Police for the territory, Mr Wilson Inalegwu, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja yesterday. Inalegwu said that the Inspector-General of Police’s directive to all Commands to ensure effective security, CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, ANIEKEME SOLOMON ENOH, also known and addressed as ANIEKEME MONDAY, ANIEKEME MONDAY UDOH and ANIEKEME ENOH PETERS, I hereby confirming that i am the bearer of all names. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as CHIOMA BOUTIQUE now wish to be known and addressed as CHIOMA CHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as USMAN MOMOH, now wish to be known and addressed as AFISI YEKINI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME OLOTU: I; formerly known and addressed as MISS OLOTU OLUWATOYIN OLUBUKOLA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. ODELEYE OLUWATOYIN OLUBUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. Delmar Medipros Ltd and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as Ogundeji Gbenga Samson now wish to be known, called and addressed as Ayodeji Gbenga Samson. All former documents remain valid. General public note CHANGE OF NAME

further reinforced the measure taken by his command. “We have taken steps to heighten security across the FCT; there are visible police deployments at all the motor parks in the FCT. “In addition, we have encouraged the transport unions and the luxury bus owners to also have their own internal security arrangements which we supervise and guide them,” he said. Inalegwu said that the command had deployed officers to hotels considered very strategic to the FCT. “We have deployed officers for hotel security coordination and we have also made additional deployment

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as EMMANUEL WILLIE TOM now wish to be known and addressed as ERNEST WILLIE TOM . All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ALABIDUN MAFUS MUDASHIRU, now wish to be known and addressed as ALABIDUN MAHFUZ MUDATHIR. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME MAKINDE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS MAKINDE MUJIDAT AINA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. OWOKIGBE MUJIDAT AINA. All former documents remain valid. Delmar Medipros Ltd and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME SEIBI: I formerly known, called and addressed as SEIBI EVELYN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADUDU EVELYN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CORRECTION OF NAME

NWOBODO: Formerly known and addressed as NWOBODO CECILIA NKEM now wish to be known and afdressed as NWOBODOMU CECILIA NKEM. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

To confirm that I am one and same person bearing DESMOND IBOR OMINI and JAMES DESMOND BASSEY as obtainable in some of my documents. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME/ DATE OF BIRTH

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that, I MMADUABUCHI JOHNSAKENNEDY UZOAGBAIKE JOHNSON is one and the same person that is known, called and addressed as KENNETH MMADUABUCHI JOHNSAKENNEDY and my correct date of birth is 12th November 1983 and not 11th December 1983. All former documents bearing all the names mentioned above are valid. General public should please take note

I formerly known and addressed as UZAMAT FOLASAYO AKINBILE Now wish to be known, called and addressed as UZAMAT FOLASAYO AKINBILE-YUSUF All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE FESTACTOWN COMMUNITY BUILDERS INITIATIVE

The general public is hereby notified that the above named organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under PART C the Companies and Allied Matters ACT CFN (Cap 20) 1990. The Trustees are: 1. Muyiwa Azike 2. Oluwaseun Olorunfemi 3. Chukwuemeka Agabu Aims and Objectives: 1 To showcase and promote talents in the festac town community by organizing social events and also creating initiatives that will improve lives in the community. 2 Create an environment where disadvantaged student can learn without the burden of financial expenses. 3 Help entrepreneurial youths in festac town community fulfill their ambitions by creating opportunities for them. Signed by Secretary Olaiya Sholape (Legal Practioner) 08034950843

to most critical hotels that we consider very strategic to the FCT,” the commissioner said. He said that the ‘Safer Highways’ had been fully deployed and mobilised with well motivated personnel. “One other thing we are doing is sustaining raids on suspected criminal hotspots where we have made important breakthroughs and arrests through,” he said. The Commissioner also said that the relationship between the police and communities was enhancing the command’s operations. He restated the command’s readiness to continue to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure

security in the FCT. “We will continue to strategise with other security agencies to secure the territory. “We have also collaborated with communities in this area. We have had a lot of engagements with the Churches,” he said.

n Ado-Ekiti High Court yesterday sentenced one David Olugboyega to death by hanging for armed robbery involving N14,570.

Justice John Adeyeye passed the judgment following the confessional statement of the convict and the

Formerly known and addressed as JOHNSON OKWUKO GLORIA, now wish to be known and addressed as ODOH GLORIA OKWUKO. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGBOOLA: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AGBOOLA AINA ADEBOLA and ADELEYE AINA ADEBOLA now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. ADELEYE OLUWADAMILARE ADEBOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

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EZEIGBO SLOT FOUNDATION This is to inform the General Public that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990

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THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. EZEIGBO NNAMDI – PRESIDENT 2. EZEIGBO NKECHI – VICE-PRESIDENT 3. EJEI KALU - SECRETARY 4 AMOBI HENRY MOGHALU - MEMBER 5 UZOMBA CHIBUZOR JONATHAN - MEMBER

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AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty eight (28) days of this publication.

Signed: TRUSTEES

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME

1 To support the education of the less privileged children in the society 2 Educational for less priviledge and provide cheap medical facilities

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conclusion of trial by the prosecution. “An accused may be convicted on his own confession alone as long as the court was satisfied. “Based on the confessional statement of the accused, the court found him guilty as charged. “Besides, the prosecution CHANGE OF NAME

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yuletide. “Don’t get careless when you are going to the Church or Mosque, ensure that all bags are searched. “Pregnant women should be screened thoroughly to ensure that the pregnancy is not fake,” he said.

Man to die by hanging for N14,570 armed robbery

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

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“Security is about partnership, we have also circulated our help lines to the public,” he said. He urged the media to help make the help lines available to residents. Inalegwu advised residents to be careful while receiving gift items during the

has also proved his case beyond reasonable doubt by providing seven witnesses. “The accused is hereby sentenced to death by hanging. “This will serve as deterrent to others in the society. “May God have mercy on your soul,” he said. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as TUNDE MOH’D, now wish to be known and addressed as MUSA MOHAMMED TUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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Friday, December 4, 2015

National sports federations’ reform

I am not bothered about my form in the Olympics 2016 qualifiers so far. I am just pleased with our team’s performance

...Pinnick says they’re national assets Everest Onyewuchi SPORTS EDITOR

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will not approve the request for International Transfer Certificate (ITC) for any member of the victorious Golden Eaglets. This is authoritative, coming from the NFF president, Amaju Pinnick, who yesterday in Lagos, described the players as “a national asset”. Pinnick said that contrary

to some recent stories that a foreign agent had signed some members of the team on its stable, no such transfer had been approved. “Quote me, the players are going no where; they are our national asset. We are the custodians of football in Nigeria, we will regulate and determine where they go and how they develop to ensure that they and their parents ultimately benefit from their career,” Pinnick vowed.

FIFA World Ranking: Super Eagles end 2015 in 66th place ... Now 14th in Africa Paul Erewuba

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

igeria’s senior national team, the Super Eagles dropped seven places to 66th position in the latest FIFA world ranking released yesterday morning. The Super Eagles gathered a total of 541 points to fall to no. 14 in Africa behind Cote d’Ivoire, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, Tunisia, Senegal, Congo, Guinea, Egypt, Cameroon, Congo DR, Mali and Uganda. Côte d’Ivoire are ranked first in Africa with 950 points while the Fennecs of Algeria end 2015 as runners-up after gathering 845 points. Ghana are third on the log with 778 points. Belgium claimed the team of the year award for 2015. The Red Devils jumped into first position (their first-ever) on the Fifa /Coca-Cola World Ranking in the November ranking, but a 3-1 victory over four-time world champion Italy in Brussels on 13 November saw

Sport

–U23 team striker, Taiwo Awoniyi

NFF stops Golden Eaglets’ foreign move

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

them hold on to the coveted position for the final ranking of 2015. Turkey received the award for best mover of the year thanks to the 329 points they collected over the last 12 months of football. Having last competed at a major tournament back in 2008, Turkey secured a place at the Uefa Euro 2016 in a campaign that saw them defeat Netherlands The highest climbers of 2013, thanks to nine wins, two draws and only one defeat, are Ukraine, who have collected no fewer than 312 points since December 2012, moving up 29 places to 18th and gaining the title of Mover of the Year for the first time. In contrast, Portugal dropped three places into 7th having lost 145 points – the most points lost by a team. Of the 137 matches taken into account for the latest ranking more than two thirds (92 games) were World Cup qualifiers; eight of the 137 games were playoff matches to determine the final four teams to qualify for EURO 2016, and the remaining 37 matches were international friendlies.

Sports

Friday, December 4, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World Cup could grow to 40 teams ... As FIFA unveils raft of reforms

IFA has delayed a decision on whether to expand the World Cup to 40 teams, proposed as part of a package of reforms approved yesterday. The executive committee voted to get more women involved in decision-making, put term limits on senior officials, and publish their salaries. Football’s world governing body wants to be seen as “modern, trusted and professional” by December 2018. But changing the World Cup format has been deferred pending a further study. A proposed move to include 40 teams in the tournament from 2026 - up from the 32 that have taken part since 1998 - has been supported by Asia and African members. However, a number of executive committee members, including England’s David Gill, insisted the administration needed to provide a detailed report into the commercial and footballing implications before final approval is given. Since scandal engulfed FIFA in May, when seven of its officials were arrested, it has come under scrutiny, with sponsors pressing for a change in culture.

Iheanacho

Bony urges ‘brother’

Iheanacho to be patient M

anchester City striker Wilfried Bony has urged Nigeria starlet Kelechi Iheanacho to remain patient in his bid for regular firstteam action at the Etihad. The two African forwards were on target during City’s 4-1 win

handle pressure,” Bony said about the 19-yearold. “We have things in common, so I talk to him a lot – he sits close to me so I see him every day. It’s good for me to push him to do it the right way. “And he is a striker, so it’s always good when

he scores. It makes me happy as well. “He has time – he is only 20 so has another 15 years in front of him to become a player in the team.” The Citizens will travel to Stoke City tomorrow, in matchday 15 of the English Premier League.

Pistorius guilty of murdering girl friend

I must prove doubters wrong – Neville, new Valencia coach

alencia boss Gary Neville accepts he must prove his managerial credentials to those who believe the Spanish club have made a “risky” appointment. Neville, 40, has been appointed until the end of the season, despite having no previous managerial experience. “I understand why these questions are being asked and I have to provide the answers on the football pitch in the coming months,” said Neville. The former Manchester United and England defender offi-

over Hull City in the League Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday, with Iheanacho coming on for the Côte d’Ivoire international on 71 minutes. “I see him as my brother, because he has come from Africa, like me, so I give him lots of advice, on how to

O Neville

cially takes over on Sunday, following Valencia’s league game against Barcelona on Saturday. His first match in charge will be Wednesday’s Champions League home match against Lyon. “I think we’ve all seen inexperienced coaches succeed and experienced coaches fail. There is no magic formula.” added Neville, speaking in his first news conference as head coach. “I accept I’ve got to prove myself and turn the doubters who say it is a risky appointment.”

lympic athlete Oscar Pistorius has been found guilty of murder after a South African appeals court overturned an earlier manslaughter verdict. Pistorius killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in February 2013 after shooting four times through a locked toilet door. He is currently under house arrest after spending one year of his original five-year sentence in jail. Pistorius will have to return to court to be re-sentenced, for murder. It was earlier incorrectly reported that the court had ruled the manslaughter verdict would remain. South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal ruled that the lower court did not correctly apply the rule of dolus eventualis - whether Pistorius knew that a death would be a likely result of his actions.

The minimum sentence for murder in South Africa is 15 years, but judges can apply some discretion. South African law does not make provision for someone to be placed under house arrest for more than five years, so Pistorius will be going back to prison, reports the BBC’s Pumza Fihlani in Johannesburg. What next for Pistorius? Will he return to jail? Yes. He will be back behind bars, less than two months after he was placed under house arrest. When will he be sentenced? We don’t have a date yet, but it will be next year. The minimum sentence for murder is 15 years, but the judge does have the discretion to lower it. Can he appeal? Yes, but only if his lawyers are convinced that the appeal judges violated his constitutional rights. So it’s a high threshold, and hard

to meet. So is this the end of Pistorius’ professional athletics career? Almost certainly, he’s 29, and will be past his prime by the time he is freed. It is also unlikely that advertisers would want to sponsor him, as the Pistorius brand is now tainted. Pistorius’ family gave a brief response, saying lawyers are studying the finding who will advise them on “options going forward”.

Pistorius

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Friday, December 4, 2015

Oliseh to go back to training under Guardiola, Enrique

igerian Football Federation (NFF) President Amaju Pinnick has debunked media reports suggesting that the body is planning to appoint a “heavyweight coach” to help solve the Super Eagles lack of goals under coach Sunday Oliseh. Pinnick said yesterday at the Muritala International airport Lagos that the NFF are not just about winning but winning games with class. “So far 100 per cent Oliseh has delivered for us and we are very impressed with him and have had no cause to regret his appointment. I was reading in the media

that we were in the market to shop for a “heavyweight” coach; that is completely wrong,” Pinnick stated. “What I said was if goalscoring was a problem there’s need to manufacture how to score goals. If it means interfacing with some coaches who have that knack for their teams to score goals do that I will sponsor it. “For instance, in the English Premier League, Manchester City is the highest scoring team in England just like Bayern Munich and Barcelona in Germany and Spain. “There’s no ill saying Oliseh should interface or do an intern-

Oliseh

ship with the coaches of these clubs on how to score goals. That’s the level we the FA are looking at to help him succeed well.” Pinnick however revealed his ambition on how he wants Nigerian football to grow. “Where we are going to is very ambitious. I want Nigerian clubs to be quoted on the Nigerian stock exchange. I want these clubs to be independent and sustained well on a long term basis,” he added. “What we need now is the passion to make it work.” He also stated that the transition of the current U-17 players to various teams in Europe will be solely determined by the Federation, adding that players’ International Transfer Certificates won’t be issued anyhow to unscrupulous agents “We are going to make sure that we determine where these players go. “No ITC will be issued for any player until we know exactly where they are going to and what plans they have for these boys. “Our own is to ensure they have the best and have a good transition.”

Asoju-Oba tourney has produced national stars –Okoya-Thomas Ifeanyi Eduzor

ponsor of the Asoju Oba Molade Okoya-Thomas table tennis championship, Deji Okoya-Thomas believes the target of discovering quality table tennis stars for the country through the championship would be fully sustained not minding the death of his father and initiator of the annual table tennis tournament, Chief (Dr) Molade Okoya Thomas. Speaking to National Mirror ahead of the finals of the 47th edition of the championship coming up today at Molade Okoya- Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun, Stadium, Surulere, Lagos he declared that his love for tennis and sports generally would propel him and his siblings to continue their father’s tradition of ensuring that quality table tennis stars that would represent Nigeria internationally are discovered. “I am very passionate about sports and I learnt so much from my father during the several years he sponsored the championship before his de-

mise. “What the entire family would guarantee Nigerians is sustenance of the tournament. The standard will never drop and we are very happy for the full backing of the Lagos State Sports Commission, the State’s Table Tennis Association and indeed Lagos State Government. We need to keep developing and encouraging our young table tennis stars until they get to stardom”, said Deji

Okoya-Thomas who stated that it would be great if the Asoju Oba Molade Okoya-Thomas table tennis championship could produce players that can play and emerge the best players in the World. While assuring that the glamour introduced by his father in the championship will be witnessed in today’s finals, he promised that winners in the various categories will go home with fantastic prizes.

National sports federations’ reform Sadiq Abdullahi

he Federation International Football Association (FIFA), International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF), and International Tennis Federations (ITF) and other international sports organizations are fighting internal mismanagement and corruption within their organizations, setting the tone for a new national leadership. The new sports minister Comrade Solomon Dalung may capitalize on the momentum to reform the sports sector as evidenced by the international organizations’ efforts to reform. He should begin first by restructuring National Sport Federations (NSF). Presidents of NSF have continuedto act unconstitutionally because federations do not have a standing constitution or bye-laws that checks powers or limit terms. For example, a president of a federation has been the president for 20 years without appreciable developmental program. Many do not have a comprehensive grassroots plan. Comrade Dalung should now set the tone by restructuring NSF to be consistent with global trends and accomplished practices. The minister should do this because for too long NSF presidents have abused their authority and have been ineffective in their leadership. They hold the key to a successful sports sectorreform. As sports have become big global business and a tool for national unity and economic development, various institutions and management must respond. Due to lack of a functional national sports policy,

Dalong

many NSF presidents have allowed various issues and problems to fester undermining grassroots development and elite athletes’ performance. As the nation prepares the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil next summer, the National Sports Commission (NSC) should begin the preparation for new elections into the NSF. Furthermore, as the global community moves in an era global accountability and transparency in sports management and governance, we should be ready as this may have implications for representation in these organizations. The Buhari administration, represented by Comrade Dalung, has made the pledge to fulfill one of its campaign promises and is ready to combat youth unemployment. Sports can indeed provide the values, education, and employment. Abdullahi, a former Nigerian tennis international, an adjunct professor at Florida International University in Miami, Florida, USA

Mobil to sponsor Corporate Soccer

Okoya-Thomas

obil Producing Nigeria Unlimited,an affiliate of ExxonMobil Mobil, has been named sponsor of the annual Corporate Soccer Nigeria scheduled to hold this weekend at Campos Mini Stadium. Competition Director, Onome Obruthe, said the measure was sequel to the company’s commitment to the competition. “Aside the sponsor, eight other companies are participating in the two-day show aimed at fostering cordial relationship among corporate bodies,” Ob-

ruthe said, listing Bourboun Group of Companies, Chevron, Emerging Markets, Lafarge, Galaticos, Etisalat and DHL as participants. Public and Government Affairs,Mobil Producing Nigeria, Patrick Utomi, who assured of his team’s readiness to excel, also assured of the sponsor’s continued support, even as he urged the organisers to ensure a hitch-free outing. “The winner will represent Nigeria at CAFCO Championship in South Africa next year,” Obruthe disclosed.

WORLD RECORD

Most subscribers on YouTube

Vol. 05 No. 1257

Friday, Deceember 4, 2015

N150

As of 7 July 2014, “PewDiePie”, aka Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg (Sweden), had 28,292,944 YouTube subscribers for his comedic videogaming highlights.

Scandalous exploits of a chief court registrar E arly in August this year, this newspaper broke the news of the Chief Registrar of Kebbi State High Court, Abubakar Siddiq Bello, who allegedly forged the judgement of a superior court to facilitate a N29 million fraud. It sounded fairy then. But the game seems up for the embattled Chief Registrar following reports that the Independent Cor¬rupt Practices and Other Related Of¬fences Commission (ICPC) had waded into the matter. In addition, President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Adamu Bukkachuwa, was said to have formally written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), who doubles as the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), Justice Mahmud Mohammed; as well as the Chief Judge of Kebbi State High Court, Justice Ibrahim Bala Mairiga, on the alleged fake judgement, requesting that the matter be diligently in-

wo FIFA vice-presidents have been arrested in a dawn raid at a Swiss hotel on suspicion of accepting millions of dollars of bribes. Concacaf president Alfredo Hawit and Conmebol president Juan Angel Na-

FRIDAY WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) vestigated and all officials found to have erred punished. When it comes to the administration of justice in the country, a Judge or Magistrate is the head of his or her court. He/ she takes responsibility, single-handedly more or less, for unbiased or jaundiced handling of matters before him/her. However, the judge does not work alone, but is assisted by a coterie of support staff led by court registrars. A former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloysius Kastina-Alu, once described them – court registrars, clerks, etc. – as operators of the engine room of the judiciary, whose absence could jeopardise proper delivery of justice. Experts also say because of the critical roles support personnel play in the judiciary, being ‘a fit and proper person’ is one of the conditions for recruiting them into the judicial system. But again, court registrars have grades. There are Chief Registrars comprising qualified Barristers and Solicitors. This group qualify for appointment to the higher bench. There are others that are not lawyers, though well educated and qualified in various disciplines other than law. We are, however, not concerned with the ‘other categories’ of court registrars, but with a Chief Registrar, in other words, a bonafide Barrister or Solicitor. Had he been graced with appointment to the higher bench before now, he would have

THEY HAVE BEEN ACCUSED OF LEAKING JUDGEMENTS BEFORE THEY ARE DELIVERED, DEMANDING BRIBES BEFORE DOING ANY PAPER WORK…

AND

NOW, JUDGEMENT FORGERY!

been presiding over the fate of fellow citizens in his capacity as an ‘Honourable Justice’, and passing ‘righteous’ judgements on the hoi polloi. As it has turned out, however, the grave allegation/petition of Olayiwola Afolabi, a lawyer, has exposed the filthy rump of the Chief Registrar in question. The aggrieved lawyer was representing the Conference of Secondary School Teachers (COSST), Kebbi State chapter, in a case – Suit No. KB/HC/M86/2006 (Faluyi O. Charles & others Vs NUT Kebbi State). On May 19, this year, according to reports, the Sokoto State Appeal Court set aside the judgement of the Kebbi High Court on the payment of all check-off dues of secondary school teachers in Kebbi State and awarded N30,000 cost in favour of COSST. But the Chief Registrar allegedly went

behind and forged a judgement that was not the product of the Court of Appeal in Sokoto, and through it, reversed the original appellate court’s ruling. Here is the details of the fake judgement: “Now therefore, in compliance with the judgement of the Court of Appeal Sokoto Division, it is hereby ordered as follows: That henceforth, all check-off dues of secondary school teachers in Kebbi State be paid directly into the bank account of Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Kebbi State with effect from June 2015; That all check-off dues from the salaries of secondary school teachers deducted and kept in the custody of Nigeria Labour Congress, Kebbi State and Trade Union Congress, Kebbi State i.e. Joint Negotiating Council, Kebbi State, be remitted to the Registry of this honourable court with immediate effect”, Bello’s purported counter order read. Reports indicated that based on the forgery cum counter-directive, the Chief Registrar received a draft cheque of N29 million as remittance to his Registry before it was quickly retrieved by Kebbi State Government authorities, following revelations by the Court of Appeal in Sokoto that the Chief Registrar’s order was ‘a counter-directive’. Indeed, there was no such ‘judgement’ in the first place. The common impression has been that judges or magistrates are the worst culprits of judicial corruption – the exploitation of the judicial process for private gain. But it appears unscrupulous court registrars, clerks and other support staff of the judiciary can constitute greater barriers to the administration of justice if left unchecked. They have been accused of leaking judgements before they are delivered, demanding bribes before doing any paper work, acting as go-between for overzealous litigants and corrupt judicial officers, etc. And now, judgement forgery! Such characters are a curse to the judiciary; and should be booted out once their culpability is affirmed.

Sport Extra

Two FIFA vice-presidents arrested over bribes pout were taken from the Baur au Lac hotel, Zurich, where several FIFA officials were also arrested in May. FIFA’s executive committee has been meeting in the city, voting on reforms.

It says it will “fully cooperate” with separate US and Swiss investigations. The US Department of Justice requested Thursday morning’s arrests as part of its ongoing investigation into corruption in football’s

world governing body. Hawit, 64, is interim president for North, Central America and Caribbean football, while Napout, 57, oversees football in the South American confederation. They are alleged to have

taken money for selling marketing rights in connection with football tournaments in Latin America, as well as World Cup qualifying matches, the Swiss Federal Office of Justice (FoJ) said.

Hayatou

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