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DSS charges former NSA, Dasuki to court OMEIZA AJAYI

Dasuki

Vol. 5 N0. 1185

rue to its promise, Department of State Services, DSS,

has charged immediatepast National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, to court. He is accused of being in possession of fire arms

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Warri refinery not shut over faulty facility

without licence, an offence punishable under section 27(i)(a)(i) of the Firearms Act Cap F28 LFN 2000. A statement signed by CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

–Investigations

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Kachikwu

National Mirror Online

@NationalMirror

Buhari extends probe P to Yar’Adua’s govt

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ROTIMI FADEYI, AND TORDUE SALEM

...AVM Ode heads investigative committee Reps hail president’s plan to set up anti-graft court

resident Muhammadu Buhari has directed the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, to convene an investigative committee on the procurement of hardware and munitions in the Armed Forces from 2007 till date. This period covers the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and immediate past President Goodluck CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Ambode revokes Fashola’s last-minute Lekki land allocations to relatives

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Govt withdraws diplomatic passports from unauthorised persons P.6 President Muhammadu Buhari (right) welcoming Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

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PHOTO: NAN

UN demands unconditional release of Chibok girls P.2

FG sets up committee on national carrier

EFCC dares Senate over alleged diversion of N1trn

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Tuesday, August 25, 2015

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UN demands unconditional release of Chibok girls ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

he United Nations yesterday called for the unconditional release of over 200 school girls of Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, abducted on April 14, 2014, by the Boko Haram sect. The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, made the call during his remarks at a joint press conference after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, even as it would be 500 days on Thursday since the abduction of the schoolgirls. Ki-Moon, who was on a two-day visit to the country, reiterated his support for the Chibok girls and other innocent abducted girls and boys whose fate remains unknown. “This week marks the 500 days of the kidnap of the Chibok girls; I want to reiterate my support for the Chibok girls and so many other innocent abducted girls and boys whose names and fate remains unknown. “It is intolerable that their lives and schooling have been disrupted in this way. The whole world has been moved by their fate. I once again call with the strongest terms on those responsible to uncondition-

ally release these girls and many other abducted children. “I express my solidarity again with the Nigerian people so that United Nations will work together to address the encountering extremism and terrorism”, Ki-Moon said. According to him, terrorism knows no boundary and no bounds, stressing that he had laid wreath in memory of Nigerians and other victims in the bombing of the UN building in Abuja in 2011 as part of activities to mark the fourth anniversary of the incident. Ki-Moon stressed that collaboration was indispensable in addressing the menace of terrorism and other crimes. He noted that Buhari had made regional engagement efforts and expressed hope that the rapid operational direction of the Multinational Joint Task Force would tackle terrorism, particularly the Boko Haram sect. The UN Secretary-General stressed that Buhari had embarked on an agenda for change and commended him for prioritising insecurity, anti corruption and unemployment issues. “My message is simple: United Nations supports your efforts to advance hope, peace, sustainable develop-

ment and human rights in a comprehensive way. “I am convinced that when you change Nigeria, you have changed Africa. Nigeria has been a source of stability in West Africa and the wider continent. “You have been a key contributor to UN peace keeping operations including its successful mission in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Nigeria is once again playing a crucial role in the UN Security Council over which Ambassador Joy Ogwu is now presiding in this month

as President of the Security Council,” Ki-Moon said. He commended Nigeria for conducting a peaceful and credible election which he said should be emulated around the world as well as the message of hope that would be spread out around the world. In his own remarks, Buhari commended the UN Secretary-General for his depth of the appreciation of Nigeria’s problems stressing that it showed genuine interest in his approach to the nation’s problems.

“We had discussed with him the difficult times Nigeria has found itself, the destruction of infrastructure, especially in the North East, the rehabilitation of the infrastructure and over 1.5 million internally displaced persons which have to be morally, physically and materially rehabilitated, and the efforts we think the UN Scribe can covey to the UN so that Nigerian can be helped in the identified problems we have,” Buhari said. “I thank the SecretaryGeneral for inviting me

between 27-28 September, when we are to be at the UN General Assembly meeting to discuss issues globally on security and economy. “I very sincerely on behalf of the federal government of Nigeria thank the Secretary General for his visit and for identifying with us on our problems, and for appreciating the efforts Nigeria was able to make in terms of stabilising the region and the neighbouring regions in Central African area, where they have crisis,” Buhari added.

L-R: Partner, Templars Law Firm, Mr. Chike Obianwu; Director, Consumer Protection Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Hajiya Umma Dutse; Director, Banking and Payment System Department, Mr. Dipo Fatokun and Managing Director, Jaiz Bank Plc, Mr. Muhammad Nurul-Islam, during a meeting of the Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum in Lagos, yesterday.

Buhari extends probe to Yar’Adua’s govt CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Jonathan. Yar’Adua was President from May 29, 2007 to May 5, 2010 when he died in office. He was succeeded by Jonathan who was sworn in as Acting President before he became elected President on May, 29, 2011 and left office on May 29, this year. A statement issued yesterday by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the investigative committee’s mandate is to identify irregularities and make recommendations for streamlining the procurement process in the Armed Forces. According to the statement, the investigative committee’s mandate is to identify irregularities and make recommendations for streamlining the procure-

ment process in the Armed Forces. The statement further said that following the President’s directive, the NSA has constituted 13-member Investigative Committee headed by Air Vice Marshal J.O.N. Ode (rtd.). Members of the committee include Rear Admiral J.A. Aikhomu (rtd.); Rear Admiral Ogbor (rtd.); Brig. Gen. L. Adekagun (rtd.); Brig. Gen. M. Aminun-Kano (rtd) and Brig. Gen. N. Rimtip (rtd.). Other members are Commodore T.D. Ikoli; Air Commodore U. Mohammed (rtd.); Air Commodore I. Shafi’I; Colonel A.A. Ariyibi; Group Captain C.A. Oriaku (rtd.); Mr. I. Magu (EFCC) and Brig. Gen. Y.I. Shalangwa as Secretary. According to the statement, the establishment of

the investigative committee is in keeping with President Buhari’s determination to stamp out corruption and irregularities in Nigeria’s public service. The statement further said the probe comes against the background of the myriad of challenges that the Nigerian Armed Forces have faced in the course of ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the NorthEast, including the apparent deficit in military platforms with its attendant negative effects of troops’ morale. The committee would specifically investigate allegations of non-adherence to correct equipment procurement procedures and the exclusion of relevant logistics branches from arms procurement under past administrations, which, very often resulted in the acquisition

of sub-standard and unserviceable equipment. The statement said, “President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the National Security Adviser to convene an investigative committee on the procurement of hardware and munitions in the Armed Forces from 2007 till now. It would be recalled that Jonathan’s former security aides, including his Chief Security Officer, Gordon Obua and National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, had earlier been detained over alleged misappropriation of security funds. Meanwhile, a group of lawyers representing their senatorial districts and federal constituencies in the National Assembly yesterday commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to establish special anti-cor-

ruption courts in the country. The lawmakers, through Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta (Abia-PDP), a co-convener of Forum of Lawyers in the Nigerian Legislature, on Monday applauded President Muhammadu Buhari’s ongoing move to establish special anti-corruption courts. Nkem-Abonta who is a third-tenure member of the House of Representatives gave the commendation at an inaugural meeting of the forum held in the National Assembly. He noted that the establishment of the special court was in order in the bid to stem the scourge of corruption, just as he reiterated the legislature’s commitment to support the present administration. To achieve the feat, NkemAbonta emphasized, there is the need for thorough re-

form of the criminal justice and legislations including police, prison and judiciary. He said, “It is normal to have special courts for dispensation. We are fighting for the criminal justice reform; the laws are being passed; the laws are amended so that we can have enough criminal reform that will bring justice to all our citizens too. “Criminal justice reform covers a whole lot of sectors. It encompasses court rooms; even police and court itself. Even the attitude of the prisoners is involved. “The Police Act we are using now is about 1950 Act. Is it still relevant today? So, it’s a whole lot of reform. The Prison Act is it contained in the Constitution? Who is running the prison?” To effectively support CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Photo News

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

L-R: Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Kufre Ekanem; Managing Director/ CEO, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Nicholas Vervelde; representative of Enugu State Governor, Barr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo; wife of the MD, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Clementine, and Sales Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Hubert Eze, during the launch of Gulder Ultimate Promo at Michael Opara Square, Enugu, yesterday.

L-R: Assistant Coordinator, Peoples Democratic Institute, PDI, Mrs. Lydia Makka; DirectorGeneral, PDI, Dr. Lanre Adebayo and Consultant to PDI, Mr. Chika Nwaozuzu, during PDI 2016 programme planning meeting in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

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L-R: Head, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Division, TGI Group, Nigeria, Mr. Anuj Bhatia; General Manager, Wacot Ltd, Mr. Subirkumar presenting Zonal Director of Education, Malumfashi, Alhaji Surajo Salisu with copies of exercise books, during the inauguration of six classrooms renovated by Wacot at Mairuwa Community School in Katsina State, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Brand Manager, Star, Obabiyi Fagade; comedian/host, Gbenga Adeyinka, and talent manager, Efe Omorogbe, during the Ibadan Star Music Trek at Trans Amusement Park, on Saturday.

National News Tola akinmuTimi and olusegun koiki

ederal Government yesterday took another step in the processes that would culminate in the take-off of a national carrier. At a modest ceremony in her office in Abuja, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Hajya Binta Bello, inaugurated a Ministerial Committee for the National Carrier project, with a charge to members to pursue the assignment with vigour in view of its national importance. She said the inauguration of the Committee became imperative in view of the interest shown in the venture by President Muhammadu Buhari and his recent directives to the ministry to immediately commence the process of establishing a National Carrier. Hajiya Bello said the establishment of a national carrier was not only justified by economic considerations, but also strategic to national interest, national pride and job creation potentials. The committee, which

FG sets up National Carrier Committee has a former Managing Director of Discovery Airlines, Captain Mohammed Abdulsalam as Chairman, is charged with the mandate of reviewing previous consultants’ submissions and recommendations on a National Carrier as well as also reviewing the report on the failure of the defunct Nigeria Airways and other failed private airlines. In addition, the committee was also charged

to consult widely with stakeholders on the national project, including interested international partners on the basis of Public Private Partnership model. This is just as the Committee was mandated to invite the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, to determine the debt profile of domestic airlines to serve as a guide in its recommendations, and to develop the optimum model

for a National Carrier. Responding, Captain Abdulsalam regretted the issues that led to the collapse of Nigeria Airways and promised that they would develop an economically robust model that would stand the test of time and meet the aspirations of Nigeria as a nation. The committee has four weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report. It would be recalled

that agitations by stakeholders in the nation’s aviation sector on the need to have a National Carrier, after over two decades of the collapse of Nigeria Airways had been on the increase. But then, while most industry experts described the initiative as healthy for national interest in view of the Open Sky policy which Nigeria had endorsed, they however cautioned that all factors that were identi-

fied as responsible for the death of the former national carrier must be avoided in the proposed project. Specifically, most of them canvassed a PublicPrivate-Partnership, PPP, model in which the Federal Government would create the enabling environment for the project to thrive and allow private experts to take charge of the management of the airline in the interest of the country.

41,260 prosecuted for drug-related crimes in Nigeria in 5 years emeka ezekiel ABUJA

bout 41, 260 persons were arrested for drug related offenses by the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, between 2010 and 2014. This was contained in the latest report on DrugRelated Crimes in Nigeria, released by the NBS

in Abuja yesterday. The report, titled: “National Bureau of Statistics Drug-Related Crime Statistics (2010 -2014), a copy of which was obtained by our correspondent, covered the period from 2010 to 2014, as documented by the NDLEA. The report revealed that between the periods under review, the highest number of drug related

cases were recorded in 2013 with a total of 8,843. Specifically, it stated that in 2010, 6,787 cases were recorded while 2011, 2012, 2014 had 8,640, 8,185 and 8,805 respectively. The report further revealed that out of the 41,260 people arrested, 38,640 were male, while 2,620 were female suspects.

According to the report, within the same period, NDLEA was able to successfully prosecute 10,067 suspects just as the agency was able to secure 8,671 convictions against drug offenders. A detailed breakdown of the prosecutions revealed that 2,314 persons were prosecuted in 2010, while in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, total number of

convictions were 1,501; 2388; 1,832 and 2,032 respectively. Apparently disturbed by the growing incidence of drug-related crimes across the country, NDLEA said it has developed a new roadmap, “Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan”, to curb the menace of drug abuse and trafficking across the country.

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Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Stringent conditions preventing access to N220bn MSMEs fund –SMEDAN DG

mall and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, said the conditions for accessing the N220bn Micro and Small Medium Enterprises, MSMEs, funds are too stringent. Its Director-General, Alhaji Bature Masari, said this at a forum of the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja. According to him, the conditions have prevented some intending entrepreneurs from accessing to the funds. Masari said although, many Nigerians had been able to access the funds, there was the need to review the conditions for the disbursement. “They have been doing the disbursement using commercial banks and micro finance institutions and even financial NGOs and very many Nigerians have been able to access the fund.

“But it is also true that they are having a lot of complaints by Nigerians who have been trying to access the fund. “But it has proved to be a little bit difficult, mainly because the conditions attached for Nigerians to meet up before they can be able to access the fund are a bit stringent for the ordinary Nigerians. “Very many Nigerians who have enterprise ideas and would want to go into enterprise set up and development lack the requisite collateral for them to approach any commercial bank for financial intervention. “And the Central Bank of Nigeria did not fully take that into cognisance when it was introducing the N220bn MSMEs development fund. “And that is why we are still having to contend with the problem of lack of access to finance,” he said. Masari said for MSMEs

in Nigeria to develop and provide the needed employment and economic empowerment to the masses, the issues of funding must be addressed holistically. According to him, the challenge of access to finance has been militating against the development of MSMEs in the country. He said that many Nigerians were eager to establish business enterprises, but could not do so due to their inability to provide collateral security to financial intuitions for loans. Masari said in its bid to tackle the challenges of funding for the MSMEs sector, SMEDAN had initiated series of measures. He listed the establishment of the National Council of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, NCMSME, as one of the measures. Masari said the establishment of the council was designed to address the challenges militating against the

development of the MSME in the country. “That is an issue we have been handling for the past one year using the platform of National Council of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises. “We were able to engineer the establishment of the council by the former administration and the council is being chaired by the Vice-President of Nigeria. “So that we can be able to have the highest backing of government in order to bring stakeholders that are operating within that sector of the economy for us to address the major uplifting MSME development. “The issue of the disbursement of the N220bn MSMEs fund has come under the search light of the national council. “We have been brainstorming on how the disbursement of the fund can be made much better so

L-R: UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Suomi Sakai; Deputy Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations (UN), Amb. Usman Sarki; Secretary-General, UN, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon; Resident Coordinator of UN in Nigeria, Mr. Daouda Toure, during the visit of Ki-Moon to address staff at the bombed UN building in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Buhari extends probe to Yar’Adua’s govt CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

the anti-graft crusade, he emphasized, parliamentary lawyers and other supportive staff should improve their capacities with the view to assist the Legislators at all levels. While inaugurating the forum, Speaker Yakubu Dogara explained that the forum’s objectives include: to enhance the role and productivity of lawyers in the Nigerian legislature by organising capacity building programmes and training workshops and seminars in

collaboration with durable institutions and bodies for its members. Dogara who disclosed that over 200 lawyers are working in various capacities in the National Assembly, observed that the establishment of the forum would help in promoting cooperation and networking among members as well as develop legislative practice as an enviable area of legal practice in Nigeria. On his part, Senator Ita Enang explained that the inauguration of the forum

was to create necessary awareness on the roles of the Legislature and legislators in the judicial system. He stated: “Lawyers in the legislature either as senators, members of the House of Representatives, members of the State Assembly, staff of the National Assembly, as Legal Adviser in the Senate or Committees or Clerks in the legislature, should get on top of their games in terms of what they are expected to do and that they update their skills.

“Their work should speak for them so that when the legislations come out, it will show that it was made by the legislature that is clean and clear of impurity. “It is all to create awareness and standing that legislature practice is an arm of legal practice. It’s to make everybody know that the laws that are being interpreted by the Supreme Court is made by the legislature and so the legislature and legislators are highly cerebral.”

that Nigerians who do not have collateral before they can be able to get funds for enterprise setup and development can approach commercial banks. “Who has key into MSME N220bn development to be able to get funds access to the fund for enterprise set up and development. “We had been working diligently with the CBN with a view to fine-tuning

some of the conditions so that the ordinary Nigerians can be able to access the fund,” he added. He, however, expressed optimism that with the support of the council, the agency would address the challenges facing the sector. It would be recalled that the Federal Government had in 2013 launched the N220bn MSMEs development fund.

Lagos warns of impending flood FRANCIS SUBERU

agos State Government yesterday alerted residents living in coastal and low line areas of impending over-flooding with the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. The government in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, Oluwatoyin Onisarotu, said the warning became necessary based on the outcome of the recent 2015 Flood Management Stakeholders Roundtable Meeting organised by the Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja where preparations were made for the forecast of the 2015 Flood Management Strategies Onisarotu explained that there are consequences of the release of water from the dam and its attendance effect on the coastal waters and the wetlands.

“It was also disclosed at the Abuja meeting that the release of excess water from the Lagdo Dam flood might cause flooding that will affect the Benue River Basin and states like Adamawa and the NigerDelta amongst others with flooding problems,” he said. Onisarotu advised residents within the coastal and low line areas to ensure that all canals and drains are properly taken care of. “Likewise, they should ensure discouragement of people from dumping waste and refuse into the canals and drainages that may cause havoc and flooding,” he urged. He added that the state government was committed to ensuring that several flood mitigating measures it has put in place are fully deployed to ensure minimal discomfort for all those who might be affected by the rising water levels that come with the release of that water.

DSS charges former NSA, Dasuki to court CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Tony Opuiyo of the DSS recalled that on 16th July, 2015, the Service had carried out a search operation on properties belonging to Mr. Dasuki in Abuja and Sokoto State. He said the action was necessitated by credible intelligence, which linked him to acts capable of undermining national security. “The search operation led to the recovery of large cache of arms and ammunition among other things and for which further investigation was conducted,” he recalled. Consequently, the DSS charged Mr. Dasuki to court based on evidence so

far obtained in relation to the possession of fire arms without license. “This is in line with democratic practice and our avowed commitment to the rule of law, in which nobody is deemed to be above the law no matter how highly placed in the society. “Accordingly, the general public will be duly informed as the matter progresses,” he said. According to him, the Service recommits itself to the fundamental role of providing adequate security for all Nigerians to enable them pursue their legitimate aspirations and businesses.

News

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

EFCC dares Senate over alleged diversion of N1trn …says allegation a smear campaign against Lamorde

Olufemi AdeOsun, ABUJA

conomic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has reacted to the allegation of diversion of N1trn, saying it was ready to subject its activities to any scrutiny. A statement by the commission’s spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said the allegation was a smear campaign aimed at tarnishing the good image of Mr. Ibrahim Larmode. It would be recalled that a national newspaper had on Monday reported the impending probe of the commission’s boss by the Senate. Declaring the story as spurious and veil, the commission noted that even if it had not returned a kobo of recovered funds in its 12 years of existence, in addition to the yearly appropriated budget from the federation account, its assets would still be nowhere near the alleged N1trn. The anti-graft body also faulted the petitioner for not following procedure by the Senate in demanding for the probe. It said: “More sinister is the discovery that the socalled petition did not follow the procedure for consideration by the Senate. It

was sent, not to the Senate but to a member, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, a first term senator from Delta North. “Under the senate rules, petitions meant for consideration by the red chamber are sent to the senate, not to a member. “Also, petitions meant for the senate are tabled at the plenary, before they are referred to the relevant committees for further consideration. “In this instance, the senate has been on recess and there is no evidence that the so called petition was considered at plenary and referred to any committee. “The EFCC as an agency that is founded on transparency is not afraid of any ‘probe’ or request for information regarding its activities by individuals, groups or organs of government; so far as such requests followed due process of law.” According to the statement, if Larmode had wanted the activities of the commission to be shrouded in secrecy, he would not have hired an international audit firm, KPMG to carry out comprehensive audit of exhibits and forfeited items. It said the report of the audit, which covers 2003 till date, would be made public as soon as it is ready.

IGP redeploys four DIGs OmeizA AjAyi

nspector General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase, has announced the redeployment of four Deputy Inspectors General, DIGs. A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer,

Emmanuel Ojukwu, gave the names of the affected officers as Dan’Azumi Doma in-charge of Department of Finance and Administration; Christopher Kakwe Katso, Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department; Chintua Amajor-Onu, Department of

ABUJA

lateau State Governor Simon Lalong yesterday met President Muhammadu Buhari over the recent suspension of Comptroller-General of Immigration, David Parradang Parradang was suspended last Friday over the issuance of Nigerian Visa to a leader of ISIS, Amed Al Assir, in Lebanon but was arrested as he attempted to fly out of the country. The suspended Immigration boss, who was sighted at the Presidential Villa in company of the governor, however, hid himself from the prying eyes of journalists. Speaking with State House Correspondents after meeting the President, Lalong explained that his visit was to show concern over the suspension, even though the matter was still under investigation.

“I came to see the President on some issues affecting my state. I feel comfortable with the response I got and that is why I am smiling. I told him what we are doing on insecurity in our state. “There is also the prevailing issue of suspension of the Comptroller General

Information and Communications Technology and; Jubril Adeniji, Department of Research and Planning, all at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. Other senior officers, including Mamman Tsafe, Department of Logistics and Supply; Saliu Argungu

Hashimu, Department of Training and Development and Sotonye Leroy Wakama, Department of Operations will maintain their current duty posts at the Force Headquarters. He said the redeployment is with immediate effect.

L-R: Nigerian Navy Secretary, Rear Adm. Francis Bobai; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ikot-Ette Ibas and Flag Officer Commanding, Navy Training Command, Rear Adm. Babs Egbedina, during the visit of Vice Adm. Ibas to officers and rating at the Western Naval Command in Lagos, yesterday

FG withdraws diplomatic passports from unauthorised persons

OmeizA AjAyi

ederal Government has ordered the immediate withdrawal of diplomatic passports from unauthorised persons.

The government was miffed by the fact that some Nigerians, who are not entitled to such privilege, are already in possession of the official documents. A statement signed by Director of Press in the

Lalong leads Immigration boss to beg Buhari ROtimi fAdeyi,

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of Immigration, who incidentally is from my state. When you have issues like this in a political period, you must find ways of looking for reasons; if anything affects any part of your body, you must show concern. “Paradang’s case is still under investigation. A man

was suspended and he is from Plateau State. It is my concern because I am the governor of the state. For every appointment we must show concern no matter how small. “The President is handling it. At the end of the day whatever is the outcome, I will agree with it,

Ministry of Interior, Isiaka Yusuf, said Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Musa Magaji, said government was determined to protect and promote Nigeria’s integrity in the comity of nations.

but I also need to get some explanation as the governor of the state,” Lalong said. On insecurity, Lalong admitted that there were still pockets of crises, particularly in Jos, stressing that his administration was doing everything possible to tackle the situation.

Consequently, Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, has been ordered to commence the withdrawal of such documents. Government had at the weekend suspended Comptroller General of NIS, David Shikfu Parradang, for illegally recruiting about 1, 600 personnel into the service. Under his administration, Nigeria’s diplomatic documents reportedly found their way into the hands of some unauthorised persons, even as some foreigners were said to be in possession of valid Nigerian passports.

Osinbajo decries slow pace of justice dispensation •Kenyan CJ wants Nigeria to respect citizens’ rights

ise-OluwA ige, ABUJA

ice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday decried the slow pace of justice dispensation in the country. He spoke at the venue of the ongoing annual conference of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, holding in Abuja. Osinbajo said delay in the justice sector and undue bureaucratic process-

es in the public and private sectors constituted a major obstacle to investments in the nation’s economy. He also restated the commitment of the Federal Government to tackle corruption in the country. Osinbajo, while speaking on the broad economic policy of the Buhari administration, said bureaucracies and slow adjudication processes in the justice sector must be addressed for the country to be able to attract foreign

and local investments. He equally bemoaned the impact of the Boko Haram terrorists on education, agriculture and the attendant effects on the economy, and reassured the commitment of government to rebuild the North-East region where the destruction by the insurgents were most pronounced. Meanwhile, Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya, Justice Willy Mutunga,

yesterday, pleaded with the Federal Government to be mindful of the rights of innocent citizens while prosecuting the war against Boko Haram. Justice Mutunga spoke at the headquarters of the National Human Rights Commission, Abuja. He was in the country to attend the ongoing conference of the NBA. He had already presented a paper during the opening ceremony of the conference sharing the

Kenyan experience in reforming its judiciary. Justice Mutunga noted that in prosecuting the war against terror, there must be balance between security and rights, adding that achieving such goals were usually a difficult one, even in developed democracies. He said it was necessary to find the balance for the stabilisation of the society, adding that due process of law and rules of engagement must be followed.

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Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Improved aviation industry part of Buhari’s agenda – Ministry

Giesi Ruling House ready to present next Ooni

oluSegun KoiKi

Boladale BamigBola

ermanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Mrs. Binta Bello, has said that one of the critical areas President Muhammadu Buhari is focusing attention on is the nation’s aviation sector. She also said the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, is well prepared to respond to any air mishap in the country. Speaking at a week-long programme for members of the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents, LAAC, being held at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, NCAT, Zaria, Bello said President Buhari had demonstrated a clear commitment to the development of the sector and enjoined all stakeholders and professionals to collaborate with the government to propel the industry forward. She added that the industry was one of the critical parts of the change agenda, maintaining that its development would enhance productivity at all spheres of the economy. She also stressed that the nation’s response to air disasters had improved over the years with the acquisition of state-of-the-art facilities by the management of AIB. She insisted that the bureau had been the leading factor in ensuring a rapid response to air disaster and in recent time had concluded on time crash investigation. Bello also commended the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, for deploying modern navigational facilities to stations and airports, stressing that these had made the nation’s airspace one of the safest in the world. She noted that the current investment in airport developments by state government indicated the sector in the next couple of years would contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Production, GDP, of the country, adding that the Federal Government on its part has remodelled new airports for the comfort of users especially air travellers.

OSOGBO

fter over a century of filling the stool of Ooni, Giesi Ruling House of Moore, IleIfe, yesterday said it was ready to produce the next monarch for the town. The last Ooni to emerge from the Giesi Ruling House, Derin Ologbenla, reigned between 1880 and 1894. Addressing a press conference in Osogbo, spokesperson for Giesi Ruling House, Prince Kunle Adelowo, said the rotation of the stool among the Ruling Houses favours the emergence of a prince from Giesi Ruling House. Adelowo added: “As indicated by government declaration captioned; ‘The Ooni of Ife Chieftaincy Declaration’ reference number CB141/7/1/540 dated 22nd

August, 1977, addressed to then Executive Secretary of Oranmiyan Local Government, Ile-Ife, from the office of Military Governor of Oyo State of Nigeria and duly signed by then Secretary to the Military Government and Head of Service, paragraph (a) in the letter states that; ‘the order of rotation among the ruling houses should be as follows: Osinkola, Ogboru, Giesi, Lafogido. “To buttress our claim, we like to refer to another memorandum released by the Executive Council of Oyo State of Nigeria number OYSGM,(80) 107 dated 16th September, 1980 captioned ‘ Appointment of a new Ooni of Ife, Memorandum by the governor’. “ Paragraph (1) of the memorandum states that the Ooni of Ife is a category one ruling house chieftaincy in Oranmiyan Local Government area ( which

now comprises of Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North and Ife South local government area of Osun State) to which part II of the Chief ’s Law, Cap 19 has been applied. It has an approved and registered declaration provided for four ruling houses, the identity of which is as follows: The Osinkola House, Ogboru House, Giesi House and Lafogido House in that order of rotation. “ We want all and sundry to please note that the Osinkola House produces our father Oba Adesoji Aderemi who ruled for 50 years in Ile-Ife and was immediately succeeded by Oba Okunade Sijuwade from Ogboru House who has just transited to greater glory. It then follows that the next ruling house to produce the next Ooni of Ife should automatically and normally come from Giesi Ruling House as per the two government approves rota-

tional arrangements sited above.” He added that Giesi Ruling House has resolved to work together in order to ensure the best candidate is produced to fill the stool vacated by Oba Okunade. “We hereby unequivocally state that the entire members of the family Giesi Ruling House, Moore Ile Ife, are set to produce names of competent and credible candidates that can easily ascend to the exalted throne of Ooni of Ife,’’ he added. However, Prince Adesoji Isaac Fadehan, the first contestant from Giesi Royal Family, yesterday signified intention to contest the stool. Fadehan, who is currently the Director General of Osun State Broadcasting Corporation, OSBC, said the stool of Ooni cannot be occupied by an individual who has no right to royalty by birth and lineage.

L-R: President, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon and Special Adviser to the UN Secretary General on Post 2015 Development Planning, Ms. Amina Mohammed, during Ki-Moon’s meeting with Nigeria’s Business and philanthropy leaders, in Abuja, yesterday.

Buhari opens 3-day NUTGTWN confab in Kaduna SeBaStine eBhuomhan

ll roads lead to Kaduna State today as President Muhammadu Buhari leads a strong team of Federal Government officials, governors, captains of industry and professionals to the ancient city of Kaduna in Kaduna State for the 27th Annual National Education Conference. Organised by the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, in collaboration with the Nigeria Textile,

Garment and Tailoring Employers’ Association, NTGTEA, the opening ceremony of the three-day conference will hold today at the National Teachers’ Institute, NTI, Zaria road, Rigachikun, Kaduna State, under the theme: Buhari Administration: Revival of Textile Industry and Creation of Mass Decent jobs. A release from NUTGTWN said both NUTGTWN President, Comrade Oladele Hunsu, and General Secretary, Comrade Issa Aremu, would be waiting to welcome Mr President and his entourage to the event today.

At the forefront of the powerful team that would accompany President Buhari into the venue of event are state governors whose states hosted the bulk of Nigeria’s textile factories of old and contributed much revenue to the nation’s economy; some of which are still functional till today. The objectives of the conference is to amongst others: bring together stakeholders to critically examine the strategies for the revival of textile industry and to provide the platform for participants to interact and network so as to focus on the ways

and means to help the new government fulfill its electoral promises of reviving the textile industries and job creation. Other objectives are: to identify and discuss practical policy option for quick and sustainable revival of the textile industry and to discuss critical issues of labour market policies and how they affect workers. It was gathered that a communiqué would be issued after the three-day conference which will be presented to the Federal Government as a guide for policy implementation by President Buhari.

UCH discharges Baba Sala Kemi olaitan IBADAN

opular Yoruba comedian and actor, Chief Moses Adejumo popularly called Baba Sala, was yesterday discharged from the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, after eight days in hospital. It would be recalled that Adejumo was rushed to the hospital last week Monday after he complained of discomfort, which his son, Emmanuel Adejumo, said was confirmed to be old-age related ailment. National Mirror learnt that the comedian was discharged around 3:47 pm. His son, Emmanuel while writing on his Facebook wall, said: “To the glory of God, my daddy has been discharged from hospital today (Monday). Want to use this opportunity to thank all friends and fans of my daddy for the love, care and concerns. He actually thanks everyone for all comments and love.” Since his admission in the hospital, members of his family had continued to express unhappiness over the constant rumour of his death. Several family members, including his children and one of his wives, said they were advised to stay outside the ward so the hospital medical team would have enough time to observe the health of the comedian. Last week, the Chief Medical Director, CMD, of UCH, Professor Temitope Alonge, during a visit to the veteran comedian, said the hospital would offset his hospital bill because of his contributions to the society.

South West

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lagos urges FG to repatriate 199 Togolese immigrants

L-R: Political Adviser, Swiss Embassy, Mr. Pascal Holliger; leader of Swiss Embassy Delegation, Dr. Daniel Caregn; Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola; Sen. Babajide Omoworare and a representative from Finland Embassy, Mrs. Toran Ekland, during a courtesy visit to the governor at Government House, Osogbo, at the weekend.

Ambode revokes C of Os signed by Fashola FrAncis suberu

agos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has called back Certificate of Occupancies, C of Os, in which about 25 plots of land were issued by his predecessor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, purportedly to his relatives and cronies towards the end of his administration. Though the state government is yet to issue an official statement on the revoked allocations, sources said the decision was taken

without any malicious intent, since the plots of land in question were hurriedly allotted without following due process at the twilight of Fashola’s administration. The source said: “Aside the fact that the lands were allocated hurriedly, the land was hitherto earmarked for a government project before former Governor Fashola erroneously allocated it to people. “I believe the former governor was not properly advised by his aides and the retired permanent secretary at the time he issued the Co-

fOs.” Investigations showed that the plots of land located at Lekki Phase One had initially been given to the State’s Water Corporation by the then military administration of Brigadier Mohammed Buba Marwa in 1998, while the certificate of occupancy was signed by former Governor Bola Tinubu in 2006. The land had, however, been lying fallow since then. Most of the plots given out by Fashola were allegedly given to the former governor’s relatives, aides and

associates. It was gathered that the knowledge of the anomalies came to the notice of the governor when the State Water Corporation wrote him, complaining the land belonged to the corporation and that the original certificate of ownership was still valid as it was not voided by Fashola before reallocating it. Special Adviser to the Fashola on Media and Strategy, Mr. Hakeem Bello could not be reached for comment as at the time of filing this report.

Court detains man after divorcing wife Abiodun nejo ADO EKITI

n Ado-Ekiti Customary Court yesterday ordered the detention of a civil servant, Mr. Ebenezer Bankole Agbetuyi, in police custody few minutes after dissolving his 11-year-old marriage. Agbetuyi had dragged his wife, Bukola, to court, seeking dissolution of the marriage and custody of their two children, Yetunde (10) and Biodun (1). But the court was forced to order his detention as a result of his unruly behaviour after the marriage was dissolved. He had accused the wife of frequent fighting, keeping late nights, lack of care and showing no respect for his family. The court president, Joseph Ogunsemi, dissolved the marriage on grounds

that the union had collapsed irretrievably and both parties are no longer interested. But Ogunsemi awarded custody of the children to Bukola in view of their tender ages and evidence had proved that the respondent had been taking good care of them. The court ordered Agbetuyi to be paying N4,000 on each of the children for their monthly maintenance and the money would be paid through the court with effect from next month. It also ordered that Agbetuyi would be responsible for the education of the children at all levels, while Bukola would only be assisting him. The court added that the plaintiff would have access to the children but he must give prior notice before doing so. But the judgment on custody did not go down well with Agbetuyi as he became

restless and asked the court to allow him speak. However, on being cautioned that he could not respond after the verdict had been delivered, he barged into the office of the Registrar to protest the award of the custody of Yetunde to his estranged wife. The man became unruly in the court premises, saying he would not pay the N4,000 ordered by the court for the upkeep of the children. Ogunsemi, however, ordered the police officer attached to the court to bring back the petitioner, who was already causing a scene outside the premises and wrote another ruling in which he ordered him detained for “exhibiting indiscipline, ignorance and disturbing the peace of the court”, especially when another matter was going on. Ogunsemi expressed disappointment that Agbetuyi,

who claimed to be a Higher National Diploma (HND) graduate could “behave like an illiterate in a court of record.”

agos State government yesterday urged the Federal Government to prevail on its agencies; Ministry of Internal Affairs and Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, to repatriate 199 illegal immigrants currently being harboured in the state. The Togolese immigrants are at the Lagos Emergency Resettlement Centres, ERCs, in Igando, Alimosho Local Government and Agbowa, Ikorodu. Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr. Tunji Bello, said it was the statutory responsibilities of the federal agencies to relocate the immigrants back to their country. Bello said it was impossible for the state government to continue accommodating the immigrants due to the enormous pressure put on its Igando and Agbowa facilities. The SSG noted that the Togolese nationals were first sighted at Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, directly in front of the United Nations Refugees office. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode then directed that the relevant state agency should take up responsibility of accommodating them. Mr. Bello further explained that the governor also directed that the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NIS be notified, a directive that was immediately carried out. “Surprisingly, the state

government realised that these agencies have not taken any step to address the situation because the numbers of illegal immigrants from Togo have continued to increase by the day. “As at today, the number of Togolese illegal immigrants has increased from 114 to 199, putting serious pressure on the limited spaces at the two camps,” he said. According to him, investigations by the state revealed that the Togolese were expelled from Benin Republic where they had lived for over 10 years. “They came to Nigeria, Lagos to be precise, and because of the accommodation provided by the state government at its ERCs, those illegal immigrants at the Igando camp started calling others on phone in Benin Republic to come to Nigeria, telling them that they now have a new home. “As at the weekend, another 85 illegal immigrants of same Togolese descent were taken to ERC, Agbowa. “The state has discovered that many of them smuggle their ways through Nigeria borders,” he added. The SSG warned that the state’s magnanimous hospitality to Nigerian residents and other lawful inhabitants in distress should not be abused or over-stretched as the ERC was built to accommodate Lagosians and Nigerian residents, not illegal immigrants, during emergencies and period of disasters.

Ibadan agog for Glo ‘Slide n Bounce’

xcitement is gradually building up in the city of Ibadan as it prepares to host Glo’s music concert, Slide and Bounce show, on Saturday at Jogor Hall of Grace on Liberty Road. A number of residents, who spoke with our correspondent, expressed joy that the show was returning to the city, saying they had great fun in the 2013 edition. Commenting on the show, a salesman, Mr. Olaniyi Asenuga, said since the SMS announcing the show in Ibadan was sent to him, he has

been counting the days. On his part, a Computer Science graduate of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Tomiwa Adediji, stated that he looks forward to seeing Nigerian music stars that would be on stage during the show. Adediji said he was particularly excited that he would be seeing the stars perform live on stage free of charge. “The beauty of this coming Glo Slide and Bounce concert in Ibadan is that while we had paid many times in the past to watch some-not-toobig artistes, Globacom

is bringing all these big artistes like Whizkid, Flavour, D'banj, Wande Coal, Korede Bello and others to perform free of charge. “So far, I have made up to N2,000 calls, so I am sure I will be selected to attend the show,” he said. According to Globacom, the Ibadan edition of the Glo slide n Bounce concert, will parade the crème of the nation's entertainment industry such as PSquare, MI, Wande Coal and Reekado Banks. Jimmy d Hypeman will anchor the show, while DJ Xgee will be the DJ.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

2015 hajj: Med-View Airline commences pilgrims airlift Olusegun KOiKi

ajj 2015 exercise commenced in Lagos zone yesterday with the airlifting of 540 pilgrims by Med-View Airline to the holy land in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims from Ogun State were airlifted in two jumbo aircraft B777-200ER and B767-300ER, from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos, by the designated carrier.

Speaking with journalists at the event, Managing Director, Med-View Airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, said the pilgrims airlifting would continue for the next two weeks when the over 9,000 pilgrims allotted to the airline by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, would be airlifted to the holy land. Bankole said the return leg would commence immediately after conclusion of the first leg. He noted that the airline would operate from four

airports; Lagos for South West, Port Harcourt - South South; Enugu for South East states and Maiduguri for Borno State pilgrims. He added that officials of NAHCON for the zone have expressed satisfaction over Med-View Airline preparedness for the airlift when they inspected the aircraft dedicated for the operation on Saturday. Bankole further assured pilgrims of hitch-free operations throughout the period and told them during documentation at the

Hajj camp of Murtala Muhammed Airport that they were being flown direct to Medina. He said their direct airlifting to Medina would remove the stress and hazard associated with road transportation from Jeddah to Mecca. The Lagos zone comprises Lagos, Ibadan, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Edo and the Armed Forces, while about 76, 000 pilgrims were approved for the exercise nationwide by the Saudi Arabian authorities.

L–R: Group Head, Lagos Island, FirstBank, Mr. Tunde Owolabi; Group Head, Lagos Mainland, Mrs. Funke Smith; Oba of IgbobiSabe, HRM Oba Owolabi Adeniyi and Managing Director, Environmental Accord, Mr. Ibrahim Salau, during the FirstBank Voice of the Customer Forum in Lagos, recently.

JAMB begins sale of 2016 UTME forms Aug 31

oint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, says arrangement has been concluded for the sale of its 2016 JAMB form. This is contained in a statement by the board's Head of Information, Dr Fabian Benjamin, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Monday in Lagos. According to the statement, the sale of the form is to prepare candidates early enough for the 2016 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME. He advised candidates to purchase the examination scratch cards from Zenith Bank, Sky Bank and First Bank. “The registration fee for UTME is N5,000 and candidates are also to pay N500

to obtain the textbook, ‘The Last Days at Forcados High School’. “Candidates will, however, be issued the book at the point of registration after showing evidence of payment,'' the statement said. It added that the registra-

tion period would span from August 31 to January 15, 2016. According to the statement, the registration website will close on January 19, 2016. It noted that the UTME had been slated to com-

mence on February 29 and end on March 14, 2016. The statement said the board had advised all prospective candidates to ensure they obtained the application forms early as well as fill their personal data correctly to avoid any mix-up.

Group tasks Ajimobi on policy Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

group, Change Agent Movement, CAM, has advised Oyo State people to prepare for the worst under the administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi, as he would only aggravate their suffering and hardship during his second term in office instead of alleviating it. The group made the charge in a release issued yesterday by its Chairman and Secretary, Messrs Abolaji Adeosun and Malik Adehun, respectively, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the state capital. While reacting to the stoppage of payment of WAEC fees and reintroduction of school fees, tagged 'developmental fee' in public schools in the state, the group said the actions were just a tip of the iceberg among anti-people's policies to be introduced by the governor. It said the administration had withdrawn the free transport for workers in the state few weeks after the second term inauguration of the governor on alleged nonsupportive posture of the civil and public servants to his second term bid. The group maintained that it is a great disservice to the people for someone who had barely been visible in the state in the last three months to be introducing policies that would further add to the existing hardship faced by the people. “It is rather unfortunate for a government who does not see the urgency in paying workers outstanding salaries de-

Jehovah Witnesses hold annual convention

tarting from this month till December 20th, the Jehovah Witnesses will every weekend feature resources that would assist families throughout Nigeria to be stronger and more united. This is the focus of their 2015 three-day annual regional convention with the theme “Imitate Jesus!” Currently going on around the globe, the se-

ries of 259 conventions scheduled to hold at 29 locations in Nigeria will begin on Friday, August 28. It will be presented in 17 Nigerian languages in addition to English, French and American Sign Language. According to the statement made available to the press by spokesman of Jehovah’s Witnesses Convention for Lagos and Ogun states, Mr. Ademola

Adeagbo, all is now set for commencement of the three-day spiritually enlightening convention in four different locations in the states. “Jesus, the founder of Christianity, is widely considered as one of the most influential and significant men who ever lived. As Christians, the core belief of Jehovah’s Witnesses is that Jesus lived his life as a model for us to follow. The

‘Imitate Jesus!’ convention will examine Jesus’ life, as outlined in the Bible, and emphasise how all regardless of their background, lifestyle, or religion can benefit in practical ways from his example and teachings. A highlight of the programme will be the keynote address on Friday morning, entitled ‘Concealed in Him Are All the Treasures of Wisdom,’’ Adeagbo said.

Ajimobi spite the Federal Government's bail out plans to be introducing anti- people policies. Just about two months ago, the governor withdrew the free transport buses given to the workers for no just cause “This same Ajimobi administration has embarked on workers verification exercise while it hasn't produced the results of the last verification or accounted for the funds used for the last verification exercise. Even the loot recovered for the state by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, which was claimed to have been expended on model schools are not visible. “Nobody is saying it is mandatory for government to pay WAEC fees and provide free education for anyone, but we get pained because this same administration that used welfarist slogan during electioneering process to seek for people's votes has suddenly turned around imposing anti- people's policies. “We recall with nostalgia how the Ajimobi administration used deceit to defraud thousands of indigent students on bursary award. The government had advertised in 2013 that indigent students who were qualified for bursary should pay N1,000 as registration fee. Thousands of students registered, but up till today, no bursary award was given. This action caused hardship for the students, many of who were striving to meet their educational financial obligation. “We stand to be corrected that this Ajimobi administration would be a burden to people of the state rather than being a blessing", the group said.

South East

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Why I want South East govs G to unite –Okorocha

Imo gov inaugurates special task force on environment

Chris Njoku OWERRI

mo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has said his desire is to see that governors and leaders of the South East are united in working together with President Muhammadu Buhari’s Federal Government to enable people of the zone be on the same page with other parts of the country. Okorocha told journalists at the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport on arrival from Abuja yesterday that as the only All Progressives Congress, APC, governor in the South East, he could not play politics of establishing a strong relationship between

the zone’s other governors and the Federal Government alone. As such, he said every governor and leader in the zone must be carried along. He also explained that while in Abuja, the South East governors were able to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari, adding that leaders from the area were more determined to work with the president. He said: “We, the governors of the South East and indeed, leaders from the zone are all determined to work with the president and the president himself is also more determined to work with the South-East. “We have been able to

establish a very wonderful relationship with Mr. President, and we have been assured that the South East would not be left out of the whole political and economic equations of Nigeria. “Whatever others enjoy in the country, we will enjoy. The president is a thorough Nigerian. He knows the country perfectly well, having been on the seat before. We are happy he is the president. “I am also happy and grateful to my colleagues, the governors from the South East for their understanding and show of support for all of us to work together for the common good of our people, the South East. And that is

indeed the beginning of the relationship between the Federal Government and the South East. “We also had meeting with Ban ki Moon, the Secretary-General of the United Nations and it was such a wonderful meeting that allowed us to relate directly with issues of MDGs and SDGs. “We have come to realise that dealing with the Federal Government alone without the states, means a lot of things hanging in the air, but when states and local governments are involved, it gets directly to the grassroots. And that is what we were able to establish with the UN Secretary-General.”

Children of Archbishop Valerian Okeke Music Academy performing a traditional rendition 2015 music, cantata of the academy, at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, Anambra State, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

GodwiN okeh ABAKALIKI

rovost, Ikwo College of Education, Prof. Omebe Silas, yesterday blamed lecturers for alleged involvement in sexual harassment of female students. Prof. Omebe, who made this known to journalists in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, also lamented high level extortion of students by the lecturers through handout purchase. He said lecturers and leaders of the College of Education Academic Staff Union, COEASU, in the state allegedly force students to buy handout, which is against the rules of the college, adding that students

overnor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has inaugurated a 30-member special environmental task force with a mandate to check acts capable of causing flooding and other environmental degradation in the state. The task force was inaugurated on behalf of the governor yesterday in Owerri by his Adviser on Special Duties, Mr. Emma Ibediaro. He told the task force to arrest those who dump refuse, solid wastes and construction materials indiscriminately on drains and waterways. Okorcha also directed the task force to apprehend those who damage tarred roads while engaging in unauthorised construction. “Henceforth, dumping of refuse at designated dump sites in all the urban centres in the state has been reserved between 7pm and 6am daily,” the governor said. He said the inauguration of the task force was in line with the ‘Imo My Pride’ vision and a proactive measure towards checking flood disaster in parts of the state. It would be recalled that Imo was among the worst hit states during the flooding that ravaged many communities across Nigeria in 2012. The governor, who rated

Obi urges CBN to review some monetary policies

Provost accuses lecturers of F extortion, sexual assault

paid their school fees and should not be subjected to paying for any unapproved handout. The provost was reacting to a petition against him to Governor Dave Umahi by union leaders in the institution. He also accused one of the signatories to the petition, Comrade Greg Esheya, of tarnishing the image of the college, pointing out that the union leader had been suspended as chairman of COEASU/ JAC. He stated that the former union leader ought not to be

parading himself as chairman, adding that those who masterminded the petition were those against his disciplinary measures against erring lecturers. It would be recalled that trade union leaders had petition the governor, accusing the Provost of various misconducts, including issuance of certificates to students expelled from the school, refusal to adhere strictly to the provisions of the law in appointment of principal officers of the college and establishment of WAEC miracle center among others.

The Provost was also accused of deduction of Pay As You Earn, PAYE, tax without remitting it to the government. The union also maintained that staff of the institution were being sanctioned by the provost unjustly especially those who against falsification of data. The petition was signed by Greg Esheya, Nwanga Felix, Emegha Udu, Sunday Okoro Agha, a former Commissioner for Education and lecturer in the institution, Agbo Sunday, among others.

Imo people as one of the highly educated citizens of Nigeria urged members of the task force to treat the residents with respect. “I will not entertain any report of abuse of the rule of this assignment given to you,” he warned. He also appealed to all security agencies to co-operate with the task force, adding that the state government was committed to restoring the aesthetics of the state. Head, Imo State Environmental Protection Agency, Mr Leo Chimezie, also urged people of the state to support government’s programme to put their environment in proper shape. Chimezie said keeping the state clean would further open more windows of opportunities for tourism and hospitality industries. Responding on behalf of the task force, Mr Canice Amadi, the chairman, thanked Okorocha and Ibediaro for the opportunity given them to serve, adding that members will work in line with the rules. “In the spirit of the Rescue Mission Agenda of Governor Okorocha, we will do our best to serve the people. “All we crave for is support and co-operation of the public in this assignment of putting Imo environment in proper order,” Amadi said.

ormer Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to re-consider its recent monetary policies, especially those whose adverse effects outweighed their positive impacts. Obi said while interacting with newsmen in Awka yesterday that he, however, appreciated the motives behind some of the regulations. He said the issue of domiciliary account needed to be re-considered as it was hurting the economy due to its effects on small and medium scale businesses, which formed the biggest employers of labour in the country. He said any policy not fa-

vourable to small and medium scale businesses both in short and long terms should be re-examined, especially now that one of the biggest challenges of Nigeria was unemployment. He said: “Those small and medium businesses are pivotal to the fight against extreme poverty.” Obi said a survey of small and medium scale businesses in areas such as Onitsha, Nnewi, Aba, Lagos and other trading cities would show that traders were suffering. He said unintended negative impacts of the policy dwarfed its positive effects. He advised CBN to commission a study, to obtain the realities on ground and possibly review the situation.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Warri refinery not shut over faulty facility –Investigations Theophilus onojeghen WARRI

arri Refining and Petrochemicals Company, WRPC, in Ekpan, Delta State, which commenced operation barely a month ago, was not shutdown over faulty facilities or age-long rotten equipment at the refining plant, National Mirror investigations can authoritatively report. Our correspondent in the state, who has been monitoring activities at the plant, was reliably told that the Warri refinery stopped working due to vandalised pipelines supplying the plant crude product. Senior authorities at the refinery, who pleaded not to be named, disclosed that as against what is being widely reported, the plant was not shut due to aging facilities, stating that there was nothing wrong with the newly refurbished equipment. Our sources also disclosed that management of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporations, NNPC, was working round the clock to fix the situation, which they said President Muhammadu Buhari was not happy about. One of the sources told our correspondent last Friday, that the plant was shut last week Wednesday due to shortfall in supply of crude oil. The source disclosed that since the recent commencement of refining of petroleum products, the Chanomi and Jones Creek pipelines situated in Warri South West and Warri South have been damaged by activities of pipeline vandals. While blaming the situation on activities of saboteurs, the sources claimed that continuous repairs infected on the affected pipelines have not yielded fruitful results. According to them, management of the WRPC could not foot the bills of bringing crude through barges and ships as it was becoming too expensive to maintain, a source at the production department told National Mirror. "As I speak with you,

South South

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Wealthy Nigerians tasked on fight against cancer Kemi olaiTan IBADAN

C Kachukwu there's nothing wrong with the Warri Refinery. Our facilities are very okay and fine. We're not fully working now because we don't have crude oil," one of the sources told our correspondent. Another source added, "If you have been following our activities, the pipelines which supposed to supply us with crude to refine are all vandalised and have not been fixed. "We've been working on the damaged pipelines, but the youths in the region keep destroying them. The Chanomi and Jones Creek pipelines which supply crude are under repair." It was gathered further that petroleum products are still being lifted despite the current situation. When our correspondent visited the premises yesterday several tankers were seen queuing to lift product. A driver of one of the tankers confirmed lifting of products to National Mirror. According to him, there are already refined products available for lifting before present development. But it was further learned that the presidency has ordered the Group Managing Director, Emmanuel Kachikwu to infect immediate repairs on the vandalised pipelines as it was determined to end fuel scarcity and oil subsidy in the country. Several efforts to speak with the Head, Public Affairs WRPC, Emmanuella Ate on the state of affairs of the refinery were unsuccessful. Also calls and SMS to Ohi Alegbe, NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs were not responded to even at the time of sending this report.

hief Medical Director, University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, Professor Temitope Alonge, yesterday called on wealthy Nigerians especially the political class to assist in the current efforts at curtailing the spread of cancer among Nigerian women. He said necessary enlightenment, diagnosis and treatment of the disease required joint efforts of all to reduce it in the country. Alonge made the appeal while speaking with journalists shortly after the opening session of one week international scientific seminar on cancer held at the UCH.

The seminar, which has the theme: "The role of Pathologists in Oncologic Diagnosis and Management," was organised by the West African Division International Academy of Pathology, WADIAP, in conjunction with the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology, Friends of Africa and AORTIC. According to him, funding remains key in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer especially among women, maintaining that in as much as the UCH and its medical personnel were ready to also enlighten people about the disease and offer best of treatment for those already with the disease wherever they may be

in the country, wealthy individuals and politicians need to offer their own assistance too to reduce the number of those affected in the country. The President of WADIAP, Dr. Yawale Illiyasu, also suggested the creation of six diagnostic centres across Nigeria to assist in the early detection of cancer among women in the country, stating; "prevention is always better and cheaper than cure." Present at the seminar include guest lecturer, Professor Steffen Hauptmann of Institute of Pathology Hamburg, Lademannbogen, Hamburg, Germany; Professor Adekunle Adesina of Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Texas and Dr. Oyedele Adeyi

of University of Toronto, Canada, among others. They all agreed that all hands must be on deck to curb the spread of breast cervical and liver cancer among women in the West Africa sub-region especially in Nigeria. They also called for collaboration among public and private sectors in the funding of diagnosis and treatment of the disease, adding that there should be massive enlightenment of women in the sub-region on the need for them to make themselves readily available for test for the disease. They maintained that this has contributed immensely to the reduction of cancer cases in Europe.

L-R: Account Manager, Brandlife Limited, Vincent Umoh; winner of Community Wash-a-thon, Mrs. Chinyere Aholu; Brand Manager, Morning Fresh, Mina Georgewill and Territory Sales Manager, Morning Fresh, George Agwulonu, during the Prize Presentation to Winners of the Morning Fresh Community Wash-a-thon Competition in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, recently.

UN hails Dangote’s philanthropic works

mpressed with the philanthropic activities of the Dangote Foundation to improve human conditions in Africa and the rest of the world, United Nations Secretary General, Mr Ban Ki-Moon, yesterday in Abuja commended Chairman of the Foundation, Aliko Dangote, and urged him not to relent because posterity will be kind to him. Ki-Moon, who is on a twoday working visit to Nigeria, described the philanthropic activities of the Foundation as a ‘dedication to humanity’ that is commendable.

Speaking with Nigeria’s business and philanthropic leaders in Abuja at a meeting hosted by Dangote Group yesterday, the UN Secretary General said he was impressed by the contributions of Dangote and appealed to other leaders to emulate him to make the world a better place. In his own remark, President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said the Dangote Group was not resting on its oars in the area of philanthropy because he owes his wealth to the society that has been kind to him.

Dangote, who expressed disgust at the level of poverty in Nigeria especially the fact that more than 60 percent of the population in the North West and North East of Nigeria are in severe poverty, lamented that it was only Nigeria that recorded economic growth without reduction in poverty He therefore called other investors to join him in changing the lives of Nigerians and the African people and join hands with the United Nations to actualise its various social and economic reform programmes

in Africa. Dangote said that his Group was supporting the government in growing the real sector of the economy. Speaking, Ms. Amina Muhammad, Special Advisor to the UN scribe on post 2015 development planning, said the UN is collaborating with key stakeholders and the Nigerian government to stake up it works in the country. She, however, added that some of the gains of the UN efforts have been wiped out in the North East part of the country.

North

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Switzerland to assist Boko Haram affected areas

Rift in Kwara State varsity over ASSU formation

Inusa ndahI

WOle adedejI

MAIDUGURI

witzerland government has agreed to partner with Nigerian Northeastern states affected by Boko Haram insurgency in reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement of its destroyed communities. Speaking in Maiduguri, capital of Borno State, Charge de Affairs and Acting Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, Dr. Daniel Cavegn, said his country was aware of the level of destruction of insurgency not only Nigeria, but the surrounding countries of Niger, Chad and Cameroun Republic and has decided to expend US$8 million on aids to the affected countries in the sub-region. He revealed that his country was ready to partner in agriculture to create job opportunities for the teeming youths of the zone, citing Chad Basin as areas of concern. Cavegn, who was accompanied to Maiduguri by the Political Adviser of the Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria, said it believes that the key to

putting an end to the insurgency is the creation of jobs and improved economy of the zone and that the Swiss government will assist in this regards. He expressed the willingness of his home government to increase aides to the area as the need may arise, explaining that before now, Switzerland has been involved in humanitarian efforts to the zone through renowned global agencies. Responding, the Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Alhaji Usman Jidda Shuwa said the state was in dire need of aides from all quarters. He added that Borno State is richly endowed with fertile land suitable for agricultural activities, which also allow for many crops to be grown in commercial quantity to support processing and manufacturing companies. He also insisted that the state was endowed with minerals such as manganese, felspar, kaolin, uranium, gypsum, limestone, river sand among others.

ILORIN

here is trouble between the management of Kwara State University, KWASU, Malete, Moro Local Government Area, and the academic staff over the latter’s plan to form a branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, in the institution. Apparently determined to go ahead with their intention, the academic staff recently inaugurated the university’s arm of ASUU’s Caretaker Committee, preparatory to for-

mation of a full academic staff union in the institution. Chairman of the caretaker committee is Dr Dauda Adeshola, while secretary is Dr Shehu AbdulGaniyu Salau. However, management of the institution descended heavily on the development, describing any form of unionism in the university illegal. Meanwhile, Dr. Adeshola shortly after his inauguration urged members to be resolute in their determination to bargain for better conditions of service for ASUU members in the university, giving assurance that the branch

union would not contravene laid down rule and regulations of the institution. In a letter dated August 17th, 2015 and signed by Dr Adeshola himself, he said: “This is to officially inform the university management and the academic community that ASUU, KWASU chapter was officially inaugurated Thursday the 13th of August, 2015 where a caretaker committee was set up for the take-off. The letter titled: ‘Inauguration of ASUU, KWASU chapter’ was addressed to the University Registrar, informing him that the inauguration which took

place at E-place Plaza, Malete had five acting officers after a keenly contested election. They were elected to run the affairs of the union until new executives are elected. However, according to a circular from the Principal/Protocol Officer, KWASU, Hamidat Yusuf, the university authority said the meetings that cumulated in the emergence of the caretaker committee was illegal. National Mirror gathered that similar faith is befalling students of the institution who are also said to be anxious to for a students’ union of the institution as well.

Police arrest 10 robbery suspects abdulgafar OladImejI KANO

olice yesterday confirmed the arrest of 10 alleged armed robbers that had been involved in various armed robbery operations in Kano metropolis and environ. According to the police, a seven-man robbery gang that attacked a Kano-based private company, Fullmark, carting away N4 million and killed a watchman on guard were part of the suspects arrested. A three-man bandit that specialised in invading private homes to rob residents of cash and valuables was also smashed by the police. Parading the suspects at Kano State Command of the Nigeria Police, the command’s spokesman, ASP Magaji Musa Majia, said the police also apprehended two persons for attempting to strangle a fuel tanker driver to death. “A team of SARS operatives, while on surveillance at Tudun Muritala quarters intercepted a gang of armed robbery suspects, namely, Rabiu Suleman a.k.a Rabs, Muritala Sani, a.k.a Oluseh, Nasiru Haru-

na, Jamilu Haruna Usman Isah a.k.a Mani, Aminu Garba and Muazu Adamu. The police said it also arrested Rabiu, Rabiu , Abubakar Baba, and one Ibrahim, all residents of Yandod quarters for having criminally conspired and armed themselves and hijacked a fuel tanker, DAF with registration No GML 729XA. The suspects in a chat with journalists at the Bompai police headquarters, confessed to the crime levied against them. The police said, on completion of investigations, the suspects would be charged to court for prosecution accordingly.

Vice Chancellor, University of Maiduguri, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi (right) presenting souvenir to Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, during a visit to the governor in Gombe, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Kogi inaugurates task force on child rights Wale IbrahIm LOKOJA

ogi State government has inaugurated task forces in each of the 21 local government areas of the state for enforcement and implementation of child rights. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Bilkisu Momoh, disclosed this when

children of Osara and Osaragada communities paid her a courtesy visit in Lokoja. The visit was facilitated by the European Union, EU, project on promoting rights of children in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria. Momoh said the task forces to function alongside the Child Rights Implementation Committees, CRIC, and Child Protection Net-

work, CPN, were on ground in the council areas to enhance prompt report of violation and rights’ abuses. The commissioner who was represented by Mr Stephen Ojo, Director of Administration in the ministry, stated that the ministry was also in the business of prosecuting violators of children’s rights. Masters Wahab Audu and Miracle Sheigaba, representing the children of

Insurgency: Adamawa sets up N5bn Reconstruction Trust Fund lIvInus menedI YOLA

damawa State government has established a N5 billion trust fund for reconstruction of displaced communities in the state affected by insurgency. Governor Jibrilla Bindow made this known on Monday, while receiving members of Adamawa Peace Initiative, API, in

Government House, Yola. Bindow said the fund would be used for partial rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in the state. He said technocrats had already designed the infrastructure model for the rehabilitation, adding that the committee was already working on modalities to identify communities that are peaceful for people to return. The governor further

stated that his concern was for the displaced people to return to their ancestral homes and restart life again. Bindow said funds would be made available for any viable group or individual who could develop viable ideas for the programme. The governor added that some of his associates had already started contributing to the trust, saying one of his uncles

had already donated a N100 million into the fund. While commending the API for their support to peace and the plight of the IDPs, Bindow said his vision for the state was to turn it into ‘’the state of our dream.’’ He announced his membership of the API and vowed that his administration would not be dictated by the political `big wings in the state.

Osara and Osaragada communities respectively, had earlier presented a sevenpoint charter of demand to the commissioner. Among the demands were; enforcement of their rights to “free, qualitative, conducive, standard and compulsory universal basic education; right to health and health services and prohibition of child marriage. Responding, the EU and ActionAid Nigeria team lead by Mrs Gift Owonipa, Acting Project Manager of ActionAid in the state, commended the ministry for its efforts at ensuring protection of children’s rights. She called on the children themselves, parents, teachers and all relevant stakeholders to be actively involved in the cause as she promised continued collaboration with the ministry to ensure protection of the most vulnerable.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

SUPER TUESDAY

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

2015 polls: Jonathan, architect of his own downfall –Rep Kwewum

14,43

Season of endorsements as Wada caves in to pressure, picks EoI/nomination forms T

he November 2015 Kogi State gubernatorial election promises to be one to be contested by the two major political parties in the political landscape of the country, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the All Progressives Congress, APC. It promises to be a clash of the titans, as PDP, bloodied in the last presidential and National Assembly elections, tries to rise above the ethos of defeat, while the APC, riding on the back of its success, not only in Kogi, where it win majority of the federal legislature seats, but across the country, where it takes over as the governing party at the centre. As political activities heighten in the Confluence State ahead of the November 21 gubernatorial election, political gladiators, party chieftains, stakeholders and foot soldiers of aspirants have gone back to chess board once again to strategise for the titanic battle for the number one position at Lugard House. The political parties are not left out as the hierarchies are not leaving any stone unturned to ensure that they present an acceptable candidate that will fly their flag for the election, and with congresses election for delegates having been conducted, except in the PDP which fixed its delegates’ congress for early September; the preparation towards the gubernatorial election is gathering momentum. As part of efforts to ensure cohesion and formidable front, the Kogi PDP Elders Advisory Council recently endorsed the candidacy of the incumbent governor, Captain Idris Wada to run for second term. Former governor of state and chairman of the PDP Elders Advisory Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, after several hours’ closed door meeting with stakeholders in Lokoja, told journalists that the PDP, having reviewed development activities in the state is ready to support Captain Wada for re election. Alhaji Idris explained that Captain Wada has performed very well in the past three and half years, stressing that Kogi PDP Elder Advisory Council and critical stakeholders have resolved that Wada should be allowed to contest for the second tenure. As part of resolutions of the meeting, the former governor pointed out that machinery would be put in place to ensure the return of Captain Wada as governor of Kogi State in the November 21 gubernatorial election in Kogi State. On power rotation, being agitated for by majority of the people of the Confluence State, especially from the Central and West senatorial districts, the former governor stated that PDP has now arranged for power shift from 2019 at expiration of Captain Wada’s second tenure of office. Alhaji Idris also commended Captain Wada for his efforts towards developing the state, adding that he was optimistic that if Captain Wada is elected for second term his record in terms of development will be greatly enhanced. He assured that the PDP will come out victorious and stronger in the November 21 gubernatorial election in the state, stressing that the party has learnt its lesson from the its poor performance in the last general election. He noted that the credible performance of the party in the state House of Assembly elections showed that the party has what it takes to maintain its leadership position in the states, even as he called on members of the PDP Elders Advisory Council to re-double their efforts towards achiev-

WALE IBRAHIM previews the gale of endorsements of incumbent Kogi State governor, Captain Idris Wada ahead of the November 2015 Kogi State gubernatorial election, which is expected to be a battle of the titans between the All progressives Congress, APC, which promises to take the battle to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the race to occupy Lugard House.

Wada

ing victory, saying that with the caliber of people who constituted the council, the party has nothing to fear. Idris said: “We have learnt our lessons from the presidential and National Assembly elections. Our outing in the state House of Assembly elections showed that we can make the difference with determination. “With the caliber of people I am seeing here, we have nothing to fear. With hard work, we are sure of retaining our leadership position in the state. “Our party has done very well in terms of infrastructural development. We have what it takes to campaign. We are a party to beat in the next election.” All those who spoke from the three senatorial districts of Central, West and East respectively, also assured that the party has the structure on ground to ensure that the governorship position does not slip from the party’s fingers.

OUR PARTY HAS DONE VERY WELL IN TERMS OF INFRASTRUCTURAL

DEVELOPMENT.

WE HAVE

WHAT IT TAKES TO CAMPAIGN.

WE ARE A PARTY TO BEAT IN THE NEXT ELECTION

Barely 24 hours after the adoption of Captain Wada by the PDP Elders Advisory Council, the PDP Stakeholders Forum in Kogi Central senatorial district also endorsed Captain Wada for second term in office. The PDP stakeholders also urged the governor to declare his support for the idea and actualisation of power rotation in 2019 to either the Kogi Central or West senatorial districts of the state. The resolution to endorse the incumbent governor was moved by Engr Suleiman Aliyu, who was seconded by General Salihu Ibrahim, rtd, after an amendment by Chief Moses Ado Okino in Okene, the headquarters of Kogi Central senatorial district. The forum averred that Captain Wada deserved another tenure in office to enable him consolidate on his achievements in maintaining peace, improving rural development and providing basic social amenities to the people of the state. Chairman of the forum and former Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Patrick Adaba, stated that the issue of power rotation requires the fusion of the Central and Western people of the state through consultation, assuring that the idea would be actualised in 2019. Adaba said: “We have been agitating for power rotation among the districts that form the state and for us in the Central and West, we need to come together to get the support of the Eastern part of the state to actualise the agitation. “We cannot achieve it alone. There is need for dialogue and serious consultation; the agitation is about Kogi State and not a personal or individual struggle.” Adaba however disclosed that Captain Wada is completely disposed to the realisation of the power rotation in 2019, charging the people of the Central and Western senatorial districts to pursue the idea in a peaceful manner devoid of rancour and crises. Kogi State PDP chairman, Engr Sam Uhuotu, charged the people agitating for power rotation to manage their desire and reality properly, saying the quest for power rotation should be beyond lip service, urging every stakeholder in the state to support the idea in the interest of Kogi state. In his remark, the Senior Special Assistant 1 to the governor in charge of Okene Local Government Area, Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya Karaku, cautioned the Ebira people against the use of force to actualise the power rotation struggle. Karaku added that with patience and perseverance, power rotation can be achieved through the PDP-led government in the state. Meanwhile, the leadership of Kogi West PDP has also endorsed the re-election of Captain Wada for a second term. The endorsement of the governor for a second term in office, took place at a meeting held at the Rekiya Ogbeha Place on August 13. CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

Politics

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

2015 polls: Jonathan, architect of h •says Ex-President discarded politicians who delivered him in 2011 for Okonjo-Iweala, others •Insists Jega evenly distributed SCRs across states Hon Rima Shawulu Kwewum represents Takum/Donga/Ussa federal constituency of Taraba State in the House of Representatives. The spokesman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, minority caucus of the House gives a frank and scathing review of the 2015 general elections, explaining why former President Goodluck Jonathan lost, the legislative agenda of the eighth House and the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, among other issues. TORDUE SALEM brings excerpts:

Wh iis your llegislative What i l i agenda? d ? The legislative agenda that I have is that: in the first place we need a legislature that is truly independent. We need a legislature that has connections with the public, and for that to happen, members of the National Assembly, including myself, will need to know what legislation is all about. We need to know the historical origin of the parliament. Why it came to be and what distinguishes it from other arms of government. Secondly we need to have connection with the people, and what do we mean by connection? It means the agenda that will push you in terms of budget, in terms of laws and things that the people that elected us, want to happen. Specifically, in terms of governance, you will realise that Nigeria has had the misfortune of going through military regimes for more than half of its more than 50 years of independence, and during this period, a lot of laws which offend the rights of people were enacted and you will recall too, that the military came into power and they spoiled the system of planning. Before the military, we had development planning. The military destroyed it and started using this method of proposals; if you had a proposal, you will come and projects are created that have no connection with one another; they have no connection with the development goals of the country, so you don’t really know how one project affects the overall development plan, and that is why we are where we are now. And part of the problem that was created was that the revenue that was budgeted for to be put into the planning thing may not come. Individual institutions that should send money into the coffers of government end up remitting only the surplus, which would be very little. So you have a situation today where organisations like the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS; Nigerian Customs Service, NCS; Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA; Nigerian Maritima Security Agency, NIMASA; and Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, determine what they bring in. They do not have any law guiding them. Even the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, does not have any agency or person supervising it. The CBN board decides what it wants to do. The budget that the CBN spent as part of its corporate responsibility during Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s time as governor, was N150 billion. That is more than the budget of two states. And that did not go through the National Assembly; it did not through any external body. He was the Alpha and Omega. And you know those things create problems for the economy. You may say we don’t have money, but these are part of the leakages that if we had planned our development, perhaps, Nigeria will not be where it is now. We will know where money is coming from, we will know where the money we are planning to spend is coming from, and you will decide how the money is expended. You are a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and now you are in the minority as a result of your party’s historic loss in the March and April general elections, what really led to that sorry pass for the PDP?

Kwewum

Well, I want to disagree with those who claim that President Goodluck Jonathan lost elections because he did not keep to his promises. I want to assure you that what had happened; if you look at the results of the 2015 elections, and compare it with the 2011 elections, you will see that the legacy parties, that is the parties that form the All Progressives Congress, APC: the All Nigeria Peoples Party, (NPP; the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC; the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, received 15 million votes put together in 2011, after they merged and formed APC. The APC also got 15 million in the 2015 presidential election. The difference between what the legacy parties altogether got in 2011 and what APC got in 2015 was a paltry 155,000 votes.

WHEN THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO CAMPAIGN FOR

JONATHAN,

THEY WERE NOT CAMPAIGNING FOR HIM.

WHEN THEY WERE

SUPPOSED TO CONNECT WITH THE PEOPLE, THEY DID NOT

CONNECT WITH THE PEOPLE AND THE MISTAKE STARTED RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING

So I want to tell you that it was not about a popular party overthrowing a government of the country. A lot of factors o came to play in the elections that just passed. First of all, c there was friendly fire from friends and members of the t PDP P . One of them; for instance, there were some state governors who were too greedy that they wanted to manage e and a take over everything. We had the former governors of o Benue, Plateau and Kogi states that created problems for f the party in their states, that’s number one; we also had party officials at the national secretariat, who for one reap son s or the other, did not want President Jonathan to come back to power, and so they were like fifth columnists withb in i the party; they were sabotaging the party from inside. Number three, we had a President Jonathan who became captive to the interests of his appointees, the appointees who should have been working for him, were now using Jonathan to work for themselves, to the extent that it was their interests that they were pursuing. Even when they were supposed to campaign for Jonathan, they were not campaigning for him. When they were supposed to connect with the people, they did not connect with the people and the mistake started right from the beginning. How did it start? Between 2010 and 2011, the PDP presidential candidate, was a national phenomenon in the context of the fact that, it was new. His candidacy was new; it was for change. Somebody from the Niger Delta, who had not tested power before, and he was younger than his rival then, President Muhammadu Buhari, so Nigerians in their millions, trooped out to vote for him. If you recall, there were large rallies held across the country, and after he won, people who were not part of the campaign, people like Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, were appointed into government and they came in with policies that the PDP did not use during campaigns to canvass for votes from the people. That was why by January 2012, the country was in turmoil, and the government was almost overthrown. Because what they were now implementing, was not part of what we promised the people. We had young Nigerians who were taking to the streets, fighting against Jonathan, because without prior notice, without any planning, he was advised and he accepted the advice to remove fuel subsidy. That created a disconnect between him and the public and it’s not only Okonjo-Iweala, the President appointed those he called technocrats. Technocrats who did not go to campaign, technocrats who had nothing to do before they were appointed; let me give you some examples: some state chairmen of the party, were phoning ministers from their states and the ministers said they did not know them; that who they knew was the President that appointed them, but that was a mistake. The fact that I’m in politics today, doesn’t make me less a journalist - a profession that I spent the last 20-something years practising. The fact that you are a politician today, does not take away from you, your technocracy, if we may put it that way. So it was a mistake that drew a wedge between President Jonathan and the people that supported him in 2011. Also, the people who found themselves in power surrounding Jonathan, kept misleading him. You must not forget the fact that when the issue of corruption came up, President Jonathan needed to immediately remove the people who needed to be removed, but he did waited for too long and the impression was created that he was not fighting corruption and those were some of the factors that led to his loss at the presidential elections. The gap between President Buhari and Jonathan for instance, was just a mere 2.5 million votes, and the 2.5 million votes was because there was a massive drop of votes from areas of President Jonathan, whereas, the votes that the legacy parties got in 2011 in the North-West, was the same 7 million votes that Buhari got in 2015. What happened was CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

A PUBLICATION OF NATIONAL MIRROR NEWSPAPERS

Pipeline explosion: Investigation underway –Bayelsa Govt osahoN Julius YENAGOA

he Bayelsa government yesterday confirmed that investigations into the July 9, 2015 pipeline explosion that killed 14 people at Agip’s oil field was underway as the state government said it was irrevocably committed to an exhaustive investigation of the incident. It will be recalled that a regulatory official of Bayelsa Ministry of Environment and National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and 12 maintenance crew members were amongst the victims that died in the blast. Mr Iniruo Will, Bayelsa Commissioner for Environment

said on Monday, said that the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment, oil industry regulators and thepolice was working closely to unravel the cause of the explosion. He said that the report of the investigation will be made public and will provide a basis for actions to forestall reoccurrence. “The Governor had made clear commitments to ensure that there is full accountability in this matter and there will be comprehensive investigations, and there is no reason to think that the state government nor indeed the governor will back down on that. “Investigations are going on, there are further measures and processes that will still come up, it is not going to be an overnight

thing, and investigations are already going on. “But the scale and manner in which this disaster happened is such that it throws up a number of dimensions and a number of possibilities as to not just investigations but sanctions and so on can be explored. “So while investigations are going on, there are still other measures that government has been considering. Do not be surprised that by tomorrow or next week we call you and announce that there is a new step or measure or sanction or whatever measure else it is that is undertaken to ensure that there is full accountability. “But one thing I can assure you is that this is not a matter that that can go away just like

that, the state government is fully and the governor himself is fully committed to ensuring that the right thing is done. “And we will expect that all parties, all stakeholders all concerned would also play their part,” Wills said. Wills said that the explosion had elicited the concern of federal government including several interest groups including local and foreign civil society groups and rights groups and hence could not be swept under the carpet. The Commissioner explained that Bayelsa government has unveiled a policy christened “LIVES BEFORE OIL’ to ensure safety of human lives in oil field operations within the state as one of its immediate response.

L-R: Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson; Principal Security Officer to the Governor, Mr. Ebipamowei Okoyen and State Commissioner of Police, Mr. John Okafor, during the decoration of Okoyen with his new rank as Chief Superintendent of Police, in Yenagoa, recently.

Bakassi returnees task SEMA,NEMA on permanent resettlement RichaRd Ndoma CALABAR

akassi returnees over the weekend charged State Emergency Management Agency SEMA to collaborate with National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) so that they can find a

way and permanently resettle the displaced people of Bakassi Peninsula in Cross River. Camp leader for the Bakassi returnees,Etim Okon dropped the charge at the Magaret Ekpo International Airport Calabar,while speaking with journalists shortly after returning from a 2-Day Consulta-

tive Summit facilitated by Fort Foundation in Collaboration with National Commission for Refugee Migrants and Internally Displaced persons in Abuja . Okon stated that there was need for returnees to permanently get resettled instead of being left to take refuge in a primary school at Ikot Eyo Edem in

Akpabuyo Local Government. Commenting on the issue, Chief Executive Officer of Rhema Care, Eric Shu,said,”We have been working with other international partners,we are just coming back from a summit which was organized to bring back stakeholder, government CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

C’River communities may boycott Leboku Festival over N3.5m debt RichaRd Ndoma, CALABAR.

bout three communities in Yakurr Local Government of Cross River State have threatened to boy-cot the 2015 Leboku international cultural festival which is scheduled to hold on Thursday, August, 27,because of state government ‘s inability to redeem N3.5m owed the aggrieved communities last year. The communities are Mkpani, Ekori and Inyima. A source in Ugep who does not want his name mentioned in print said that the money was part of the prizes won by these communities in last year’s Leboku contest could not be redeemed to winners of the contest by the Sen Liyel Imoke`s administration due to the dwindling finacial resources of the state. A source told National Mirror that Mkpani,winner of first prize was to take home N2m, Ekori community which took second position was to go home with N1m whereas Inyima community which took third position was to go home with N500,000. The cash prizes owed were to be for best harvesters,dancers. However,those who won car prizes got their prizes redeemed but redeemption of cash prizes to individuals and community became a problem due to the dwindling economic fortune of the state. Leboku international cultural Newyam festival is a popular yam festival which until 2006, was localized. But the state government, intent on exploring tourism opportunities, decided to take over the sponsorship of the festival in partnership with MTN. When National Mirror put a call across the council Chairman for Yakurr Local Government Area,Hon. Ikpi Akpama for his reaction,he said,”who told you that?,Nobody is boy-cutting the festival”. But the Special Adviser to Governor Ayade on Events Management, Mr. Kenneth Aklah,in a telephone interview stated that he is aware that the communities are threatening to boy-cott the event adding that he was aware that previous administration left a debt burden behind. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

16 Dennis naku, PORT HARCOURT

any youths from Ogoni blocked the AkpajoEleme axis of the EastWest road yesterday, alleging that the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was not carrying them along in the proposed implementation of the UNEP Report in Ogoniland. The section of the East-West which the youths under the aegis of the Ogoni Central Indigenous Authority barricaded leads to the Port Harcourt Refiney, Indorama Petrochemicals Company Limited and scores of firms in the Onne Free Trade Zone, including Intels. The protest, which began at about 7am, caused a gridlock along the road, forcing motorists to wait for almost two hours to leave the area.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ogoni youths block East-West road over UNEP report implementation •They’re faceless –MOSOP They protesters among other things , said they should be included in the ongoing dialogue on the modalities in implementing the UNEP’s recommendations on the clean-up of Ogoniland. Speaking on behalf of the group, Dumbari Boodam, said any attempt to exclude them from the clean-up process would be resisted. Boodam, who said he was speaking on behalf of their leader, Dr. Goodluck Diigbo, alleged that the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People,

MOSOP was not working in the interest of Ogoni people MOSOP, umbrella body of the Ogoni people, he added was politicising the issue of the implementation of the UNEP Report “We want to be carried along in the process of the implementation of UNEP Report. Failure by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to carry the group along will cause problem in Ogoniland. As far as we are concerned, MOSOP is not working in the interest of Ogoni people.”

But in a swift reaction, MOSOP condemned the protest, describing it as an , illconceived, ill-informed and unwarranted demonstration by a faceless group. Spokesperson of MOSOP, Mr. Bari-ara Kpalap, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt cautioned Ogoni people and members of the public to ignore the group, adding that the protesters were being manipulated to draw Ogoni back. It further warned that the people of Ogoni would deal decisively with anybody attempting

to truncate their efforts relating to the smooth implementation of recommendations of the UNEP environmental assessment report on Ogoniland. The statement said the sponsors of the demonstration were deluding themselves that the five-year take-off grant of $5 billion for the implementation of the report was to be shared, accusing the sponsors of the protest of circulating falsehood to the people of Ogoni, even as it urged the people of Ogoniland to discountenace the protesters and their sponsors.

Bakassi returnees task SEMA,NEMA on permanent resettlement

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Iniruo Wills (left) and Director, Petroleum Pollution Department, Bayelsa Ministry of Environment, Mr. Banks Japhet, during a news conference on the release of guidelines for oil spill response and management in Yenagoa, recently. PHOTO: NAN

Communication strategy, panacea to host communities, oil companies hostilities –Don Theophilus onojeghen WARRI

ommunication strategy has been identified as panacea to solving the age-long feud existing between host communities and oil corporations in the country. An Associate Professor of Digital, Development and Political Communication, University of Jos, Dr. Victor Ayedun Aluma gave the recommendation last week in Warri during the maiden edition of Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria, ACSPN, South-

South Zone. The programme with the topic “Communication Strategies for Building Better Relationships between communities and corporations in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Adventures”, Ayedun Aluma said both oil companies and host communities must shift ground by employing communication strategies to solve lingering crisis that have hindered development in the country. Communication strategy, according to the university don is the single, coherent narrative that describes communication solutions to a prob-

lem or bundle of problems. He noted that “communication strategy functions as a bridge between objectives of cor porations/communities and the tactics/actions of corporations and communities.” Ayegun-Aluma observed that today’s relationship between corporations and communities is that of estrangement devoid of intimacy and cordiality. The Associate Professor stressed that the extraneous relationship could be described as”Supportive community, indifferent corporations, hostile community, indifferent

corporation.” But he recommended that through effective communication strategies using supportive community and corporation the feud could be settled. In his opening remark, South-South President of ACSPN, Dr. Majority Oji stressed that there is need for synergy between host communities and oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region. Oji appealed to oil bearing communities to give President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa time to evenly develop the country and the Delta region.

CONTINUED ON PAGE15 agencies to look at issues of National legal and policy framework, t o solve problems of internal displacement in Nigeria. Shu said,”that is why we got the representatives of Bakassi returnees to be part of that discussion and to join hands in defining the policy agenda for quite a long time.Bakassi issue had been relegated to the background given the fact that the whole attention of Nigeria government is being diverted to the North East.” The CEO of Rhema Care Non Governmental Organisation stated that the reason why they got Bakassi returnees involved in the summit was to let the federal government know that the issue of Bakassi returnee was still at the front burner calling on federal government to quickly address the Bakassi issue to get the lives of the displaced people back on track.

C’River communities may boycott Leboku Festival over N3.5m debt CONTINUED ON PAGE15 “I am aware that the previous administration left a debt burden behind, but then I am interested in the 2015 edition of the festival. I have told them that this very one will be redeemed. You are asking me if I am aware that some communities are going to boycott the festival. I don’t know what to say. Yes I am aware but I really don’t know what to say,”Anlah maintained .

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Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Nigeria and the corruption albatross ALEX O. ATAWA-AKPODIETE

owever, how does the average Nigerian define corruption? I had a discussion a few days ago with a cousin concerning someone who we suspected looted funds from where he was working. My relative stated that the man had not done anything wrong because the man in question has a large heart and has helped many people with “his” money. He went further to ask me whether God does not allow people to profit from their positions, and whose rights the man had violated. The mythical Robin Hood was famous for stealing from the rich to help the poor. So, I guess my cousin’s hero was justified for stealing from the government to help people. It is classical situational ethics or ‘the end justifies the means’ analysis. Dishonesty, stealing, fraud, corruption, or whatever name we call it, is wrong; no matter what good you use the ill-gotten money to do. I have always opined that the eradication of corruption is a basic obligation of all Nigerians. Although corruption is rampant in today’s Nigeria, corruption is not new to our society. It has been a problem in Nigeria even before independence with some of our independence fighters accused of corruption. I agree wholeheartedly with Professor Muhammadu Jibril when he stated

that “in order to avoid the total collapse of the Nigerian state which corruption is accelerating, all patriots must come together and fight it, for if we fail to do so the inevitable anarchy that will follow will consume us all.” I echoed it in the Preface to my book, “Financial Crimes Law & Fraud Management”. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) states in its Handbook for Anti-Corruption Revolution Partnership that “corruption has been identified by experts and stakeholders as the greatest impediment to good governance and development in Nigeria.” Furthermore, we know that corruption has underdeveloped Nigeria. It deters private (foreign and domestic) investment and thus, growth and poverty reduction. If President Muhammadu Buhari wants to develop Nigeria, he must fight corruption because economic growth and poverty reduction cannot be achieved in an environment of corruption. He must keep to his campaign promises and prosecute all looters of our national treasury. Also corruption deters foreign investments. If there is to be any fruit from the President’s visit to America, we must tackle corruption. To eliminate corruption, leaders must lead by example. So, in the upcoming ministerial appointments, President Buhari should endeavour to appoint only those that have not been tainted with corruption.

I HAVE ALWAYS OPINED THAT THE ERADICATION OF CORRUPTION IS A BASIC OBLIGATION OF ALL

NIGERIANS

NEPAD Nigeria (2007:5) stated that “corruption is a huge challenge in the public administration in Nigeria. It is at the core of the crisis of governance, the establishment of a stable democratic order, rule of law, development and the welfare of citizens.” Erstwhile Minister of Education, the late Professor Babatunde Fafunwa puts it best as follows: “Name any problem we have in this country and I will tell you that corruption is the root cause. If there is a plane crash, car crash, bad road, poor health facilities, bad economy, insecurity, bad education, corruption is at the root of all these challenges and we must kill corruption before it kills us.” Also, the National Vision 20: 2020 realizes that “eradication of corruption” must be part of its strategic framework. In other words, we must put in place structures to eliminate corruption. Section 1of Part 1 of the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which deals with Code of Conduct for Public Officers states that “A public officer shall not put himself in a position

where his personal interest conflicts with his duties and responsibilities.” Section 6 states that “(1) A public officer shall not ask for or accept property or benefits of any kind for himself or any other person on account of anything done or omitted to be done by him in the discharge of his duties. Another relevant section is Section 8, which warns that “No persons shall offer a public officer any property, gift or benefit of any kind as an inducement or bribe for the granting of any favour or the discharge in his favour of the public officer’s duties.” Articles 15 & 18 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and Article 8 of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC) both shed light on the global understanding on corruption. Former chairman of ICPC, Hon .Justice Emmanuel O. Ayoola (retd) opines that “unless corruption is brought to its knees, the Nigerian nation may manage some sort of existence but it will be as a sick and grossly retarded nation.” Nigeria must be healed of the disease called corruption. It is an albatross that will drown the nation, if not eradicated. As another slogan goes, let us kill corruption before it kills Nigeria. Rev. (Prof.) Atawa-Akpodiete, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Okpanam, Delta State via Profatawa@gmail.com

Imperative of emission control in Ogun ADEMOLA ORUNBON

n November 2012, some stakeholders in Ogun State, including industrialists, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Tricycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (TORAN), etc, admitted that air pollution, a phenomenon principally caused by green house gases released through various forms of emissions to form a blanket of energy curtailment within the stratosphere, poses threats to human health in the state. They then resolved and called on the state government to reintroduce emission control to curtail the menace in the state. The then former Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Adebayo Fari, also charged the stakeholders to help the fight scourge, stressing that vehicular and power generating set emissions in particular account for more than 90 percent of all sources of air pollution. However, studies have shown that of all the sources of air pollution, vehicular emission accounts for more than 50 percent, followed by industrial discharges. This was the more reason why the stakeholders in the state agreed to partner the state government in combating the menace. It is now important for the residents of Ogun State to cooperate with the state government to protect the public from the hazards of air pollutions, as it is our collective responsibility to combat the menace. Most people don’t really know the dangers of air pollution, the state government, therefore,

has a responsibility to constantly enlighten the populace of the damages air pollution does to human health. Though, the enlightenment programme is not new in the state, its abuse and mismanagement led to its initial cancellation. There is, therefore, the need for its reintroduction to save the masses from untimely death. The General Manager, Parks and Garages Development Board (PAGADEB), Mr. Ayoola Ogunsolu, joined in the push for stakeholders, especially the transport unions in the state to cooperate with the consultants handling the programme to avoid any altercation that could have negative effects on the existing rapprochement among them. He assured that the programme was not designed to extort money from anybody, but an intervention to protect the public from air pollution and other environmental hazards in the state. The overhauling of the scheme is necessary for optimal result; it will help reduce air and noise pollution and other environmental hazards in the state to the barest minimum. This way, the residents of the state are assured of a healthy living. The success of the current campaign is also contingent on all stakeholders’ spirit of togetherness. This emission control scheme should not be targeted at the commercial transporters and industrialists in the state alone, it should also be extended to those homes and business premises that use plants, generators and other gaseous plants to generate electricity for their day-to-day activities, as these also collectively contribute at least 40 percent of air pollution in the state.

STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT OF ALL THE SOURCES

OF AIR POLLUTION, VEHICULAR EMISSION ACCOUNTS FOR MORE THAN

50 PER CENT

I appeal to all stakeholders in the state to joins hands with the Ogun State government to rid the state of air pollution hazards in line with the United Nations Organizations (UNO) environmental safety regulations and other relevant international agencies’ efforts to check, control and monitor vehicular emissions in the state. Though, Section 6(6) (C)) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) emphatically stipulates that “The state shall protect and improve the environment...”, it is non-justiceable. This makes it mandatory for all hands to be on deck. It obvious that this is a responsibility only state government cannot shoulder. This appeal is backed Section 24 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which enjoins all Nigerians to “make positive and useful contribution to the advancement, progress and well being of the community” where they reside. Since so many commercial and industrial air pollution activities occur in the state, we should expect high risks from gaseous, industrial and vehicular air pollution. It is equally pertinent to emphasize the fact that

air pollution in the country has caused a lot of damage to human health such that if care is not taken in checkmating the menace it will soon get out of hand. To this effect, therefore, I commend the Ogun State Ministry of Environment; Parks and Garages Development Board (PAGADEB), and Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), for the Environmental Sanitation Advocacy seminar recently organized then for the transport unions in the state. It is now time for the state government to implement the remedial programme designed in the interest of the sanity and safety of the masses. It should take a cue from Lagos State government, which is now clamping down on churches and mosques in its bid to stem the tide of noise pollution, a more serious dangers to human health. It is time for Ogun State government to also look inward in proffering a lasting solution to the high level of air pollution in the state. It is my candid hope that with proper orientation and sensitization, Ogun State people will know what to do to prevent air pollution and other environmental hazards in the state. Ademola Orunbon wrote from Abeokuta, Ogun State via orunbonibrahimademola@gmail.com 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.

Editorial

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

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

Female genital mutilation in South East

he United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) expressed concern on the prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the country’s South-East region lately; stressing it was worrisome that there was no significant reduction in the rate of the practice in spite of sustained awareness campaigns. The agency’s Chief Field Officer in Enugu, the Enugu State capital, Mr. Charles Nzuki, at a mid-year review and planning meeting with implementing partners for the South-East zone, said Ebonyi State had the highest number of FGM cases among SouthEast states with a 62.3 per cent prevalence rate. Imo and Enugu followed with 58.4 per cent and 45 per cent, respectively. For Abia and Anambra states, the prevalence rates were 44 per cent and 30.8 per cent, in that order. The observation of UNICEF may not sound strange to the average south-easterner, considering the traditional/ cultural myths surrounding the age-long, harmful practice. Popularly viewed as circumcision, virtually all male and female children of South-East origin are subjected to it very early in life. The World Health Organisation (WHO), among others, confirms that a mix of cultural, religious and social

factors peculiar to families and communities support FGM. They include social pressure to conform to what others do and have been doing; the view of FGM as a necessary part of proper up-bringing of the girl-child, especially in relation to tolerable sexual behaviour, premarital virginity, marital fidelity; and so on. Experts say, however, that whereas FGM has no health benefits, it does immediate and long term harm to girls and women in several ways. Immediate complications might include severe pain, shock, haemorrhage (bleeding), tetanus or sepsis (bacterial infection), urine retention, open sores in the genital region and injury to nearby genital tissues. The long term health challenges could be recurrent bladder and urinary tract infections; cysts; infertility; increased risk of childbirth complications and newborn deaths; as well as later-day surgeries. If, for example, a circumcision procedure allows the sealing or narrowing of a vaginal opening early in life, the procedure would need to be reversed later to allow for sexual intercourse and childbirth. Sometimes, it is stitched again several times, including after childbirth, exposing a woman to repeated opening and closing procedures, which

August 25, 1961 Brazil’s President Janio Quadros resigned after seven months in power, leading to the political crisis that culminated in a military coup in 1964. Quadros cited foreign and ‘terrible forces’ in his cryptic resignation letter. His resignation is commonly thought to have been a move to increase his power and returning to the presidency by the acclamation of the Brazilian people or by the request of the National Congress of Brazil and the military.

PERSEVERING IN A LONG-DRAWN PLAN OF ACTION AGAINST

FGM IS ABSOLUTELY IMPERATIVE SINCE NOT JUST LOCAL ‘DOCTORS’ AND QUACKS CONDUCT THE OPERATION increase short and long-term health risks. In 2008, the World Health Assembly passed a resolution, WHA61.16, on the elimination of FGM, with emphasis on the need for concerted action in all sectors - health, education, finance, justice and women’s affairs. WHO itself concentrated efforts towards the elimination of the scourge through the strengthening of health sector response involving guidelines, training and policy provision to ensure health professionals can provide medical care and counselling to girls and women living with FGM; building evidence by generating knowledge about the causes and consequences of the practice, how to eliminate it and how to care for those who have experienced FGM; and increasing advocacy via the development of publications and advocacy tools for international, regional

ON THIS DAY August 25, 1997 Egon Krenz, the former East German leader, was convicted of a shoot-to-kill policy at the Berlin Wall. ‘Order to fire’ was a common term that referred to a standing order that instructed border patrols of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR) to prevent border penetration by all means, including lethal force. Krenz is a retired politician from East Germany and was that country’s last Communist leader.

and local efforts. Early in May this year, The Nigerian Senate passed the ‘Violence against Persons (Prohibition) Bill’ which sought, among others, to prohibit female circumcision or genital mutilation, forceful ejection from home and harmful widowhood practices. That FGM is still prevalent in the South-East seems, however, an indication of how deeply rooted it is in the South-East cultures and traditions; and the need to persevere in applying a therapy that combines advocacy, public enlightenment, poise and laws in tackling the challenge. Indeed, quite instructive was UNICEF’s observation that most of those at the Enugu meeting knew nothing about Nigeria’s anti-female genital mutilation laws. Persevering in a long-drawn plan of action against FGM is absolutely imperative since not just local ‘doctors’ and quacks conduct the operation. Welltrained medical personnel also carry out FGM on request. However, we are quite optimistic that since no empirical evidence as yet has confirmed the positive attributes tradition and culture confer on FGM, it will be relatively easy, over time, to convince FGM practising communities on the need to jettison the primitive and outdated pastime.

August 25, 2013 Six people were confirmed dead and 22 others injured, 16 of them in grave condition, when a train derailed in Huimanguillo, Tabasco, Mexico. The fatal train accident occurred after the freight train “La Bestia”, with 300 passengers on board, most of them illegal immigrants, derailed in Huimanguillo, Tabasco.

Business

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

AfDB tasks Nigeria, others on resources utilization

BoI approves N903.4m loan for SMEs in Gombe 21

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Corruption in engineering sector, Stakeholders seek Buhari’s intervention

AIRLINES’ FLIGHT SCHEDULES Med-View Airline

Nigerian Stock Exchange building

Investor Protection Fund: Giving succour to investors when operators err After the 2008 downturn experienced in the global financial system, particularly in the Nigerian capital market, all efforts by the nation’s regulators to restore investors’ confidence in the stock market have not yielded significant results. Johnson Okanlawon writes on the new effort to build confidence in the market through the Investor Protection Fund initiative.

o give investors a statutorily backed avenue for reducing the losses they suffer as a result of bankruptcy, or negligence of a stockbroking firm, the Board of Investors’ Protection Fund, IPF, of the Nigerian Stock Exchange commences payment of claims last week. Statistics obtained from the Nigerian Stock Exchange showed that the total sum payable to the 154 claimants whose identities have been verified by the Identity Verification Consultants to the board is N40.627 million.

The Vice Chairman of the board, Mr. Fubura Anga, said that 379 claimants had been verified out of which the board approved 154 claimants for payment. According to him, the actual value of losses of the 379 claimants verified by the board is N1.69 billion and 23 claimants have been paid N7.282 million, as at August 17, 2015, which indicates that each of the affected investors got N400,000. According to him, from a seed capital of about N625 million as at 2012, the fund has increased to N247 million because they are placed in fixed deposits and treasury bills,

The IPF Is a sTaTuTory Fund esTablIshed by The

nse PursuanT To secTIon 197 oF The InvesTmenT and securITIes acT, Isa, To comPensaTe InvesTors who suFFer PecunIary losses From The sTock markeT.

with accruing interest. The IPF is a statutory fund established by the NSE pursuant to Section 197 of the Investment and Securities Act, ISA, to compensate investors who suffer pecuniary losses from the stock market. Currently, dealing member firms of the Exchange are meant to contribute a mandatory initial payment of N1 million to the IPF prior to the dealing members firm’s acquisition of a license from the Exchange, though the value of the mandatory initial payment may be changed from time to time, as determined by the board of the IPF, subject to the approval of the Exchange. But major shareholders association have faulted the NSE for not making details of the fund public, particularly the names of the beneficiaries. The Chairman, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mr. Boniface Okezie, argued that “an average investor does not

know whether the fund is existing or not,” and that the modalities of the fund were unknown to investors. He cited the selection of a representative, Mr. Shola Abodunrin, a member of the board in charge of fund who represents Registered Shareholders’ Association, saying that he wasn’t nominated by any of the members of the association. The President, Nigeria Shareholders Solidarity Association, Timothy Adesiyan, urged the board to name the beneficiaries, claiming that none of his member is a beneficiary of the fund. “The payment should be proofed, as the constitution of the board was not transparent. How did Abodunrin got there? He didn’t get there through us,” he said. Adesiyan, who argued that the board should have allowed the shareholders to nominate their representative as it is being done during company’s Annual General Meeting where they nominate a shareholder that will represent them at the CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Lagos- Abuja (Mon-Fri): 07.00, 08.50, 12.00, 16.30. Abuja- Lagos (Mon-Fri): 09.00, 14.00, 15.00, 18.30. Lagos-Yola (Mon-Fri): 8.50am. Yola-Lagos (Mon-Fri): 13.00. Lagos- PHC (Mon-Fri): 17.00. PHC-Lagos: 19.00. Abuja-Yola: 11.00. Yola-Abuja: 13.00. Lagos-Abuja (Sat): 08.00, 08.50. Abuja-Lagos (Sat): 10.00, 15.00. Lagos-PHC (Sat): 17.00. PHC-Lagos (Sat): 19.00. Lagos-Yola (Sat): 08.50. Yola-Lagos (Sat): 13.00

Dana Air Abuja-Lagos 9am, 1pm, 5.28pm daily Lagos-Abuja 7am, 11am, 1.23pm,3.30pm daily Lagos-PH: 7.20AM, Ph-Abuja9.54am, Abuja-ph: 3.30pm and Ph-Lagos: 5.28pm daily Lagos-Uyo: 9.20am, Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am, Abuja-Uyo 1.05pm, Uyo-Lagos: 3pm daily Weekends Lagos-Abuja: 7.02am, 9am, 3.30pm Abuja-Lagos: 9am, 2.20pm and 5.28pm Lagos -Phc: 11.07am Phc-Lagos: 1.05pm Phc-Abuja: 12.51pm Abuja-Phc: 10.50am Lagos-Uyo: 9.18am Uyo-LOS -3.03pm Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am Abuja-Uyo: 1.05pm

Aero Contractors Lag-Abj: 06.50, 13.30, 16.30, 19.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun), 12.30 (Sun) 16.45 (Sat) Abj-Los: 07.30, 13.00, 19.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat, 10.30, 14.30, 19.30 (Sun, 18.30 Sat) Lag-Benin: 07.45, 11.00, 15.30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun) 12.30 (Sun 15.30 (Sat) Ben-Lag: 09.15, 12.30, 17.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 17.00 (Sat) 14.00 (Sun)Lag-Owe: 7.45am, 2pm daily

Business News

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Investor Protection Fund: Giving investment succour to investors CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 company’s committee, pointed out that Abodunrin was handpicked by the NSE. “He (Abodunrin) was handpicked by some people who knew they could make use of him. We know him as a shareholder, but how he gets there, we don’t know,” Adesiyan said. The National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association, Mr. Sunny Nwosu, urged the board members to ensure full disclosure and accountability in the management of the fund. When National Mirror contacted Abodunrin on the allegations, he said he represented shareholders’ group on the board and investors’ who have claims, saying that he neither know any of the claimant nor a beneficiary. The Chairman of Association of Broking Houses of Nigeria, ASHON, Mr. Emeka Madubuike, told National Mirror that those compensated for the losses applied and screened, saying that there are criteria for disbursing the fund. He added that names of the beneficiaries should be published by the board to ensure transparency and confidence. Reacting to the board nomination, the Head, Legal and Regulation Division of the NSE, Ms. Tinuade Awe, said that the Investments and Securities Act states that a maximum of nine persons only can be on the board of trustees of the IPF and it provides a list of categories within the market from which the board members should come. According to her, one of the categories is shareholder’s associations and a representative had been selected based on registered shareholders associations whose records were updated as well as a representative who is credible. She said that the decision to nominate Mr. Abodunrin, was reached in conjunction with and approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC. She stressed that the names of all the nominees had been forwarded to the SEC for approval, which was granted. “We followed the law and we did the right thing,” she insisted, adding that any investor who claims to have suffered loss unduly as a result of the activities of a dealing member- company of the NSE can come forward to make a claim from the fund. Available data on the NSE’s website showed that members of the board include Mr. Gamaliel Onosode, the nation’s premier stockbroker and corporate czar as Chairperson, Mr. Fubara Anga, Vice Chairperson, Partner, AELEX, a legal practitioner knowledgeable in capital market matters; Mr. Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer of the NSE, representing the Exchange; Mr. Sam Onukwue, Managing Director, Mega Equities Limited, representing Dealing Member Firms Aand Mr. Kyari Bukar, Managing Director, Central Securities Clearing Systems, representing CSCS. Others are, Mr. Edosa Aigbekaen, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, representing SEC; Alhaji Umaru H. Modibbo, Managing Director, Sigma Pension Limited, representing Institutional Investors; Mrs. Misan Kofi-Senaya, Managing Director, DataMax Registrars Limited, representing Institute of Capital Market Registrars and Mr. Sola Abodunrin, Chairperson, Ibadan Zone Shareholders’ Association, representing Registered Shareholders’ Associations. On why the board did not name the

Gwarzo

Onyeama

“It has been a long, rIgorous and transparent process gettIng to thIs stage.

We researched

global best practIces and based on our fIndIngs, We took decIsIons on varIous Issues regardIng the

Ipf,

benchmarkIng our processes and procedures agaInst other InternatIonal Investors’ protectIon funds.

beneficiaries of the fund, Onyema told National Mirror that the payment was made online. A beneficiary, Mr. Douglas Odita, who was the only person present when the announcement of N7.282 million paid to 23 claimants was made on August 17, 2015, said he got an invitation from the board to attend an interactive session with journalists. Douglas, who told National Mirror that he lost huge sum of money in 2007 when he discovered that his stockbroker did not buy shares for him, said he complained to the NSE in 2007. “When I discovered that he (the stockbroker) did not buy the shares, I went to the CSCS to check his firm’s name, it was not there. When I got a call recently to submit indemnity form, that I would be compensated, I was glad,” he added. Speaking on the IPF initiative, Onyema, said: “This milestone gives me great pleasure as it affirms our commitment to the continuous development of initiatives that will bolster confidence in the capital market. Though the compensation payment may not be a complete restoration, it is a show of good faith on our part to investors.

“I thank the Board of Trustees for their guidance and commitment, the claimants for their valuable patience, and all other stakeholders for their contributions towards the success of this exercise.” He explained that investor protection was one of the five pillars upon which the transformation agenda of his management team is built, adding that this is being complemented with other initiatives like investor education, holding investor clinics, revamping complaints management framework to become more nimble and efficient, as well as implementing zero tolerance policy for violation of rules and regulations. Onyeama expressed optimism that the IPF would further strengthen the confidence of investors in the market. Similarly, Anga said: “It has been a long, rigorous and transparent process getting to this stage. We researched global best practices and based on our findings, we took decisions on various issues regarding the IPF, benchmarking our processes and procedures against other international investors’ protection funds. “First of all, we put in place an ap-

propriate corporate governance structure for the Fund; we adopted rules for the IPF and then following transparent and auditable selection processes, we appointed auditors as well as identity verification consultants. We then commenced the process of identifying claimants and verifying their claims. We must thank the claimants for their patience.” Figures sourced from the Exchange’s website showed that on January 29, 2012, the National Council of NSE resolved to take the necessary steps to establish a fund to be known as the IPF pursuant to the provisions of the Investments Securities Acts, ISA. But restoring investors’ confidence has been a herculean task for regulators. This has affected the new initial public offering segment of the primary market. Companies have been reluctant to float shares for fear of under subscription by investors. However, analysts believe that investors who are bidding their time to return to the market are not to be blamed. For instance, during the market crisis of 2008-2009 period, many retail investors endured losses that decimated their confidence in the capital market. The lead indicator of the NSE, All Share Index lost 14 per cent in 2014 and a negative year- to- date return of 13.79 per cent. The year 2013 had closed in a promising way, with capitalisation closing at N13.226 trillion, while the market closing bell caught the All-Share index at 41,329.19 points. It was the highest it had come close to its all-time high of 66,371.20 points recorded on March 5, 2008. Capitalisation had surpassed the previous level of N12.64 trillion (attained also on March 5, 2008). In 2012, the NSE’s capitalisation stood at N8.974 trillion, while the index closed at 28,078.81 points Hence, convincing them to return entail serious enlightenment and assurance of strong regulatory environment where they will feel protected. Although the ISA, which is the law regulating operations in the capital market, makes provisions expected to protect stakeholders in the market.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

BoI approves N903.4m loan for SMEs in Gombe OluFEMI AdEOSuN, AbujA

he Bank of Industry (BoI) has put the loan approval for the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Gombe State at N903.4 million The Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa who disclosed this during the commissioning of BOI’s new office in the

state, stated that agro-processing accounted for 80 per cent of the loan portfolio. Olaoluwa said that so far, projects being financed through loans from the bank had created 1, 900 direct and indirect jobs in Gombe state. Giving update on the bank dealing in the state, he said that shortly after his assumption of office on May 2011, the Governor of Gombe State expressed the desire

for partnership with BOI as a vehicle for accelerating the socio-economic development of Gombe State adding that to actualise the partnership, he made a pledge to contribute the sum of N500.00 million towards the establishment of a N1.0 billion Entrepreneurial Development Fund which was to be matched in like sum by BOI. Olaoluwa: “The first tranche of the State’s contribution to the Matching Fund in the sum of N250.0

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Sofunix Investment and Communications, Mr. Sola Oni; Chief Executive Officer, Anabel Group, Dr. Nicholas Okoye; and Communications and Public Relations Manager, Anabel Group ,Mrs. Chika Nnodu, during Anabel’s interactive session with the media in Lagos

NAGAFF tasks new Customs CG on modernisation, trade and tariffs FRANCIS EZEM

he National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF, has made a strong case for the acceleration of the modernisation of the operations of the service as well as adopting international best practice, especially in terms of standardised trade tariffs. The immediate past Comptroller General of the Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko had following his resignation, handed over to Deputy Comptroller General in charge of Finance and Administration, Dr. John Atte, who is the most senior officer on an acting capacity as directed by President Buhari. President of the association, Chief Eugene Nweke, at the weekend observed that as a thorough bred officer, who grew from the ranks, Atte had all it takes to consolidate on the reforms started by the immediate past Customs boss. According to him, the present management 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 forward towards modernising 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 concerted efforts should be made by the new Customs-boss 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. He said: “Nigeria should begin to apply a more standardised tariff regime and to this effect, the PAAR platform applications should be improved upon to be interactive so as to conform to

Article 20 of the Agreed Customs Valuation ACV, applications as domesticated and provided in the United Nations General Agreement On Trade and Tariff GATT”,. Stakeholders have also called for the review of the Customs and Excise Management Act CEMA, which is the enabling legislation for the service so as to accommodate the principles of the New World Economic Order. The stakeholders have also canvasses enhanced integrity training programmes for the newly recruited young officers in order to instill discipline and moral development, while adopting the World Customs Organisation’s administrative theme of People, Partnership and Political Support. The Acting Customs boss had on assumption of office commenced some reforms in the service, which include, disbanding all special task forces, as well as insisting that Customs Area Controllers must be prepared to take responsibility for the actions and inaction of officers and men of the service within their jurisdictions.

million was released in August 2011. This amount was equally matched by BOI thereby creating an initial pool of N500.0 million for on-lending to entrepreneurs in the State. “By this gesture, Gombe State emerged as the first in the North East geopolitical Zone to collaborate with the Bank of Industry in entrepreneurial development under the States’ Matching Fund Scheme. “I am pleased to inform you that to date, a total sum of N903.4 million was approved for 171 projects. However, because the available matching fund was N500.0 million, only 55% of the approved loan amount could be funded under the Matching Fund Scheme. It is evident that there is an urgent need for the State Government to release its outstanding contribution of N250.0 million to the Matching Fund. “Notwithstanding, BOI had disbursed N110.0 million to 16 enterprises in the State from its own resources. In terms of impact, 1,277 direct and 623 indirect jobs totalling 1900 were created. Gombe State is a predominantly agrarian state and this is evidenced by the fact that, 80 per cent of the approved loans was committed to agro-processing, while 20 per cent was for other sectors like beverages, construction products, plastic and chemi-

cal products, etc” The BoI boss noted that given the fact that Gombe State had been identified as a major hub for commodity-based industrial clusters within the North East, the bank would concentrate its lending efforts in major industrial clusters such as meat processing, metal fabrication rice milling and groundnut oil production, among others. According to him, in a bid to deepen its developmental impact in the country, BOI has identified 34 product clusters nationwide, adding that Gombe, being a major hub for clusters in the North East of Nigeria, will be a beneficiary of the initiative. He expressed his desire to see the promotion of more Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in state and likewise, see microenterprises financed under the first phase of the Matching Fund Scheme transform into SMEs. Responding, Gombe State Governor, Dr. Ibrahim Dankwambo noted that the Entrepreneur Development Partnership Scheme had been of immense benefits not only in promoting small business concerns, but also in its multiplier effects on the State. He said while 171 cooperative societies had so far benefitted from the programme, it had led to the creation of 1,190 direct jobs, 562 indirect jobs.

IMF gets new committee chairman

embers of the International Monetary and Financial Committee, IMFC, a Policy Advisory Committee of the International Monetary Fund, IMF, have unanimously selected the Governor of Banco de México, Mr. Agustín Carstens as Committee Chairman for a three year term, beginning from March 23, 2015. Carstens will succeed Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, whose term will end on March 22, 2015. Carstens has been the Governor of the Banco de México since January 2010 and served as Mexico’s Finance Minister from December 2006 to December 2009. He Chaired the IMF and World Bank Joint Development Committee from March 2007 to October 2009. From August 2003 to October 2006, he also served as Deputy Managing Director of the IMF, and was an Executive Director, IMF Board from 1999 to 2000. Besides, he was Mexico’s Deputy Minister of Finance from 2000 to

2003, and held several positions in Banco de México in a career, spanning over 20 years. Currently, Carstens is on the Board of Directors of the Bank for International Settlements, where he chairs the Global Economy Meeting of the Central bank Governors and Economic Consultative Committee. He was also a member of the Financial Stability Board’s Steering Committee. The IMFC, comprising Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, is the Primary Advisory body of the IMF Board of Governors, deliberating on the principal policy issues facing the IMF. The Committee has 24 members, reflecting the composition of the IMF Executive Board. Each member country appoints, and each group of countries that elects an Executive Director also appoints a member of the Committee. The IMFC meets twice a year. Its next meeting will be held from April 17 to 18, 2015 in Washington, D.C.

Business News

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

AfDB tasks Nigeria, others on resources utilization SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

frican Development Bank, AfDB, has urged Nigerian government and indeed African leaders to ensure judicious use of human and material resources to better the lots of the growing population in the continent. Acting Chief Economist and Vice-President of the Bank, Mr Steve Kayizzi-Mugerwa, who disclosed this during the annual lecture of the Nigerian Economic Society in the country, also enjoined the leaders to ponder over Africa’s future by establishing mutually-beneficial trade relations in the continent

and by extension the world. Kayizzi-Mugerwa in his paper entitled, “Development State in Africa–The Quest for Inclusive Growth and Economic Transformation”, listed some key attributes of developmental states to include elimination of poverty as well as utilization of resources for the betterment of the African population. He also enjoined African leaders to exploit the benefits of global economy while eliminating civil wars among themselves. It would be recalled that the President of African Development Bank, Mr Donald Kaberuka recently visited Nigeria in preparation of handing over to the new President, Mr Akinwu-

mi Adesina of Nigeria. During his visit, Kaberuka gave the assurance that AfDB will continue to support economic projects in the country. President Buhari had informed the outgoing President of AfDB that his administration would welcome more support from the Bank for projects in some versatile sector like agriculture, saying it can be explored to create more jobs for unemployed Nigerians. He had also expressed shock of falling oil prices and lack of revenue and insecurity, urging Nigerian elites to provide guidance in their communities while leading the economy on the right path.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fidson to commission N7.5bn plant MUDA OYENIRAN

o offer options in manufacturing and grow its product portfolio, Nigeria, Fidson Healthcare Plc has indicated its intention to commission a N7.5 billion manufacturing plant later this year. A statement the company’s Assistant Manager, Corporate Communications, Sylvester Iriogbe, indicated that the facility, which is built to conform to the World Health Organization (Geneva) current Good Manufacturing Practice (WHO-GMP) standards, would double the company’s production capacity and will also for the first time, add intravenous fluids to Fidson’s product portfo-

Emefiele

Nigerian firm to export agrochemicals to Ghana SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

ne of Nigeria’s agricultural inputs development and distribution companies, the Candel Company Limited, has unveiled plans to commence exportation of agrochemical products to Ghana. Chairman of the Group, Mr. Charles Anudu, disclosed this during plant inspection and assessment visit to the company by the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, of Ghana, aimed at ensuring compliance with global environmental and quality standards. Anudu said the plant, inaugurated barely three months ago, had the capacity to export crop

protection chemicals and foliar fertilizers to Ghana, assuring that other African markets would follow in line with its vision as an international agro-input company with Nigerian content. He said: “As a company, we have been operating in Ghana for about 15 years, trading in agrochemical products made for us in Asia and Europe, but now we want to export our made-in-Nigeria products, which are made with the context of the West African farmer as the focus. We will supply our own distribution network as well as private label customers in that market’’. Anudu also noted that quality was of utmost importance to the company, saying ‘’we will ensure that the quality of the chemical content in our bottle is exactly

as written on the label. Our approach to quality is a holistic one” Speaking shortly after the plant inspection, the Head of Chemical Control and Management Centre of EPA, Ghana, Dr. SamAdu-Kumi, commended the company’s management on the factory’s initiative which, he noted, would set a good foundation, not only for the nation’s economy, but the entire West African sub region. He said: “Most of the agrochemical products that come into our country are substandard. In our sub-region, we only have one factory. Candel’s plant and standards are welcome developments that would help boost the nation’s economy, trickling down to other West African countries”.

He stated that the company had continued to invest in research and development across various disease areas in order to achieve its strategic objective of consistently improving products and consolidate its market position in the nation’s pharmaceutical industry. Iriogbe stated: “This has seen her record a number of firsts, key among which was becoming the first company in Sub-Saharan Africa to manufacture anti-retroviral drugs in 2005. The company has over 200 products across several therapeutic classes, which cut across anti-infectives, gastrointestinal, antiretroviral, anti-malarial, cardiovascular, analgesic, haematinics and supplements”

Why we present ANLCA with new Toyota Hilux – SAHCOL boss OLUSEgUN KOIKI

Buhari

lio.

he Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited, SAHCOL, has explained why it recently presented a brand new Toyota Hilux vehicle to the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA. Speaking with journalists in Lagos at the weekend, the Managing Director, SAHCOL, Alhaji Oluropo Owolabi, said that the vehicle was necessary in order for the association to be able to effectively monitor and enforce activities within the cargo terminal at the Murtala Muhammmed International Airport, MMIA. The vehicle was handed over to ANLCA at the headquarters of SAHCOL, located at the cargo terminal of MMIA, by the General Manager, Cargo Services of SAH-

COL, Boma Ukwunna, who represented the Owolabi, at the presentation ceremony. Speaking on behalf of ANLCA, the Vice Chairman, MMIA Chapter, Mr. Bola Ashiru Balogun, commended SAHCOL for the gesture, adding that the vehicle presentation has signalled a new dawn of excellent working relationship between it and the handling company. Also present at the occasion were the Management staff of SAHCOL and the Executive members of ANLCA, MMIA branch. SAHCOL is a gateway to imports and exports within the Nigerian Aviation sector, it is an enterprise, which currently runs the best custom bonded warehouse facility in the West African Sub Region, as evidenced by the World Customs Organisation’s recent recognition award.

Guaranty Trust Bank declares 53bn profit in half year JOhNSON OKANLAwON

uaranty Trust Bank on Thursday reported a profit after tax of N53.4 billion for the half year ended June 30, 2015, an increase of 21 per cent from N44.0 billion recorded in the same period of 2014. The bank’s gross earnings for the period grew by 15 per cent to N153billion from N133billion reported in the June 2014, driven primarily by growth in interest income. According to the result presented to both the Nigerian and the London Stock Exchanges, profit before tax stood at N63.11billion, representing a growth of 18 per cent over N53.39billion recorded in the corresponding period of

June 2014. The bank’s loan book grew by two per cent from N1.276trillion recorded as at December 2014 to N1.299trillion in June 2015 and total customer deposits increased by five per cent to N1.71trillion from N1.618trillion in December 2014. It closed the half year ended June 2015 with a total assets and contingents of N3.04trillion and shareholders’ funds of N385 billion. The bank’s non-performing loans remained low at 3.73 per cent, while the return on equity and return on assets stood at 28.1 per cent and 4.4 per cent respectively, just as it proposed interim dividend of 25 kobo per ordinary share of 50 kobo each for period ended June 30, 2015.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Jobs & Career

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Buhari urges workers on productivity, work discipline isaac asabOr

resident Muhammadu Buhari has advised workers in the country to eschew all acts that are inimical to current efforts to rebuild the nation by showing greater commitment to their work at all levels. The President said this was required to make Nigeria’s economy competitive and productive. President Buhari, who gave the advice at the 2015 National Productivity Day and conferment of National Productivity Order of Merit Awards on deserving Nigerians, pointed out that his administration was

aiming at competitive economy that would make the citizens to be creative, innovative, responsive, accountable, incorruptible, patriotic and diligent. Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Clement Illoh, at the occasion, the President advised civil servants who were in the habit of absconding from their duties and malingering to be prepared to embrace the change that is inherent in his administration. He promised to ensure that the citizens were collectively and individually responsible for the planning and implementation of the change process, adding that he will personally

champion the cause of the productivity crusade in the country and charged the National Productivity Centre to prepare an enabling environment for him to launch the Productivity Movement in Nigeria. This is just as he directed the establishment of productivity and efficiency units in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to pursue the change agenda in the public sector. He said: “The National productivity Centre is hereby directed to put in place a machinery for my formal launching of the productivity movement in Nigeria. I will expect the Executive Governors to do the

Jobs created in economy drop by 327,702 in Q2, 2015 – NBS emeKa ezeKiel

he National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), at the weekend reported that the number of jobs created by the Nigerian economy declined in the second quarter of this year stood at 141,368 jobs. When compared with the 469, 070 jobs generated in the various sectors of the economy in the preceding quarter, the second quarter figures represented 327, 702 or about 70 per cent decrease and 45.5 per cent decline when compared with the jobs created in the corresponding quarter of 2014. The Quarterly Job Creation Survey is a nationwide survey, covering all 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. A sample of 5000 establishments was taken across the country covering all sectors of the economy. The NBS report indicated that

NLC President, Ayuba Wabba1

in the formal sector, 51,070 new jobs were generated, representing 36.1percent of total jobs generated in the second quarter of 2015. However, this figure represented a decline of 61.6percent (79,871) jobs when compared to the first quarter of 2015, and a 35.2percent decline compared to the same period in 2014. In the public sector of the economy, the NBS disclosed that there was a 11.7 percent (669) increase in the number of jobs created making 6,395 new jobs generated in the public sector in the 2nd quarter of 2015 representing 4.5 per cent of the total jobs generated during the reference period. The report clarified: “Under informal jobs, which typically consists of jobs generated by individuals or businesses employing less than 10 or those businesses operating with little or no structures such as those in agriculture, wholesale and retail trade. “In the second quarter of 2015, an estimated 83,903 new jobs were created in this sector, compared to 332,403 new jobs in the first quarter of 2015.This signifies a 74.8 percent decrease between the two periods.” The Bureau stated further that in the informal sector jobs, which typically consists of jobs generated by individuals or businesses employing less than 10 or those businesses operating with little or no structures e.g. those in Agriculture and Wholesale and Retail Trade an estimates 83,903 new

jobs were created in this sector in the quarter under review compared to 332,403 new jobs in preceding quarter. This represents a 74.8percent decrease between the two periods. According to the agency, among the reasons why employers hired new hands, business expansion accounted for the top factor, representing about 46.1 per cent of why the employers secured them. The second reason is new skill required in the various offices. This accounted for 32.6 per cent for hiring the new workers.

same in their respective states. Productivity has to be a way of life for our people” While assuring that the National Productivity Centre will be revived to pave way for the Implementation of the directive to make Nigeria a productive nation, President Buhari said that “in consonance with the resolve of this administration to chart a new course for good governance in Nigeria, a great deal of premium is placed on making change a reality in all spheres of national life, especially through productivity improvement initiatives. “This administration assumed office at a time that morale was at its lowest ebb at all strata of the Nigerian society and the nation was functioning as a rudderless ship. There was a clear evidence that the system was not working the way it should and the people had even lost confidence and hope in the government hence the inevitable clamour for the much needed change”. He explained that his government would do everything reasonable to ensure that Nigeria’s economy is competitive and productive and urged Nigerians to give their necessary to achieve the goal. He said “The mission of this administration is to move Nigeria forward to become a strong strategic and proactive state through a deliberate, pragmat-

Buhari

ic and productivity conscious programme of action. We want to rebuild Nigeria into a competitive, virile, strong and productive economy; a state whose citizens are creative, innovative, responsive, accountable incorruptible, patriotic and diligent.” “The public service as the organ of government responsible for the formulation and implementation of government policies has a critical role to play in this new dispensation. It is my intention to hold the public servants collectively and individually responsible for the planning and implementation of the change contemplated by this administration. From now on, it will no longer be business as usual. Excellence will be rewarded and mediocrity will not be tolerated”, the President added.

FAAN boss bags National Productivity Award …as President Buhari tasks Nigerians on hard work Olusegun KOiKi

he Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Engr. Saleh Dunoma, has received the 2015 National Productivity Order of Merit Award held in Abuja. Organisers of the award said that Dunoma was recognised for being a seasoned and astute administrator with diverse experience, whose humility and mana-

gerial skills had endeared him to many as a silent achiever and beacon of hope for his colleagues, friends and staff. Dunoma and 11 other awardees were presented with certificates at 15th National Productivity Day. President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented at the ceremony by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Clement Iloh, urged all Nigerians to work

assiduously towards a new, improved, recharged and productive Nigeria. Iloh, who spoke on the theme: “The Role of Productivity in the Change Agenda” said the concern of the present administration was to build a productivity culture among the citizenry. “We shall dedicate ourselves to the ideals of resilience, integrity, excellence, standards, goodwill, accountability, good governance, patrio-

tism and productivity,” he said. In his appreciation remarks, the FAAN boss thanked President Buhari for the honour, particularly for being recognized out of over 10,000 nominees for the award, stating that he and his team will continue to give their best. Dunoma, is a seasoned and astute administrator with diverse experience, whose humility and managerial skills has endeared him to many as a silent achiever and beacon of hope for his colleagues, friends and staff. An alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a certified Civil Engineer, he had a brief stint in the private sector before joining the public service.

Jobs & Career

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cover letter failures

our cover letter is your potential employer’s first insight into you. That’s why you need to make absolutely certain that what you’re portraying on paper is nothing less than impressive. Careers24 has put together a list of things to avoid including in your cover letter. If you’re on the hunt for a new job, or if you’re just entering the job market, use this list as a guide when writing your cover letter and you won’t go wrong. 1. Cover letters count Firstly, cover letters are not optional; they matter a lot. Think about it, this is your only chance to impress your potential employer without seeing them face to face. Use this opportunity to sell yourself – make your potential employer see that you’re passionate about the job and hungry to succeed. Simply including a resume is not enough. The cover letter is where you entice the hiring manager and make them understand that you are the perfect person for the job. The letter serves as a selling tool and a summary of your resume, without it,you

run the risk of getting ignored. 2. Overselling – don’t do it Your cover letter reveals a lot about your personality. Try not to oversell yourself as it may come across as arrogance – which is no one’s favourite trait, regardless of how experienced or talented you are. If you’re naturally arrogant, try to tone it down – the person reading your cover letter must want to meet you and work with you every day. 3. Choose your positions wisely If you’re fresh out of university, chances are that you won’t get hired as a manager or a senior staff member, for that reason applying for these positions is not the smartest thing to do. Don’t waste your time on applying for positions that you know you won’t get, you’ll only be setting yourself up for failure. Rather focus on jobs that are in your league and then customise your cover letter accordingly. 4. Grammar matters Take time to craft your cover letter. After you’ve written it, read it a few times to check for spelling and grammar. A badly written cover letter and

ompany - Arik Air Position: Company Lawyer (Secretary) Requirements: A graduate of Law or related field. Masters in Law (Desirable) Membership of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (preferred). A minimum of 10 years work experience, preferably in the Aviation Industry of which at least 5 years must have been in heading the Legal Affairs. Should have received specialized training in Aviation Law, Airline Contract Law, Aircraft Financing, Conflict of Law, Contract Negotiations, International Law and Legal Drafting. (Source – jobberman.com) Mars Energy Services Position: Junior Business Development Requirements: The successful candidate will have • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, finance or economics from a top university • Experience and competency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and Word software, and a track record of learning how to use new software tools • Experience interacting with senior professionals in a manner consistent with high quality service • Impeccable references (Source – careers.com.ng) Company – Agrivel Agro Processing Ltd Position – Marketing Executive Location: Lagos Agrivel Agro Processing Ltd is an agro allied company engaged in the importation and marketing of food products such as packaged rice and located in Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos. Requirements: • Should have experience in food services • should know lagos major market eg trade-fair and garri market • 25 and above, OND, 2 Years • should be able to speak igbo will be and added advantage (Source – jobberman.com) Company - Gozprop Ltd, Halcon Limited Position - Financial Consultant Qualification and skills: • Bachelor’s degree in banking /finance /accounting .MBA preferred

Workers exchanging ideas in office

resume will never get you an interview. Read, craft and read again. 5. Ensure your job matches your letter While there’s nothing wrong with applying for more than one job, you could get ignored for the position if you don’t customise your cover letter

each time. Many people tend to reuse their cover letter without bothering to check whether the skills listed matches the new job they are applying for. Golden rule of the day: don’t rush your cover letter. (Source: careers24.com.ng)

Job vacancies • Minimum of 15 years post qualification experience as a consultant. With the last 5 years in the real estate sector. • Corporate Finance, Developing Standards, Quality Management, Problem Solving, Process Improvement, Cost Accounting, Statistical Analysis, Financial Planning and Strategy, Reporting Research Results, Requirements Analysis, Financial Skills • Must possess ICAN, ACCA; and • Excellent computer related skill, must have sound knowledge of MS excel, and accounting package skills, amongst others (Source – jobberman.com) Company – Reuters News Agency Position – Commercial Partnerships Manager We are the leading source of intelligent information for the world’s businesses and professionals, providing customers with competitive advantage. Intelligent information is a unique synthesis of human intelligence, industry expertise and innovative technology that provides decision-makers with the knowledge to act, enabling them to make better decisions faster. We deliver this must-have insight to the financial and risk, legal, tax and accounting, intellectual property and science and media markets, powered by the world’s most trusted news organization. Reuters, the news and media division of Thomson Reuters, is the world’s largest independent multimedia news provider, reaching more than one billion people every day. Over 2,500 journalists in nearly 200 locations around the globe deliver unparalleled international and national news coverage in 16 languages with speed, impartiality and insight to professionals via Thomson Reuters desktops, the world’s media organizations and directly to consumers on Reuters.com. Reuters stays true to the letter and spirit of the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles, ensuring independence, integrity and freedom from bias. Overview: The Manager of Commercial Partnerships role sits within the Content Solutions division of Reuters News Agency. This person will join our team to develop creative marketing concepts surrounding our new Custom Content initiative, in an effort to drive new business and grow existing accounts. This role is part of a new division of the Reuters News Agency, focused on providing tailored solutions for brands and publishers. The Commercial Partnerships Manager will be essential in enhancing our custom content product offerings and support the growing sales efforts in the EMEA and Asia markets. The candidate will work hand-in-hand with the Con-

tent Solutions team, while being a strategic liaison between the New York and London offices. (Source – reuters.com) Company – NetherRealm Studios, USA Position – Senior Software Engineer Location: Chicago, IL NetherRealm Studios, a division of WB Games Inc. seeks a Senior Software Engineer to join the team behind the Mortal Kombat X, Injustice and WWE Immortals mobile games. Our small, creatively-independent team brings premium action games to the iPhone and iPad, utilizing WB’s most valuable and exciting properties. As a member of our studio’s mobile engineering team, you will work closely with designers, artists, and other engineers to develop our next ground-breaking mobile title. Your domain will span as much of the codebase as your skills and interests dictate, as you design and implement extensions to existing systems, as well as new game systems. You’ll be working to support our designers’ vision on a team open to your creative input as well. As a senior engineer, you’ll be helping our team establish and maintain excellent coding standards, style and philosophy. You’ll use your industry experience to lead by example, contributing to our team’s culture of growth and self-improvement. Job responsibilities • Design, author, maintain and refactor game systems that meet all design, technical and schedule requirements. • Work closely with QA and your technical leadership to ensure the stability and accuracy of game systems by identifying, communicating and resolving defects. • Author, review and provide feedback on technical and end-user documentation of game systems. • Collaborate with technical leadership and other engineers to help establish overall technical design and architecture. • Collaborate with designers and content creators to brainstorm solutions that satisfy design and content requirements. • Work closely with the production staff in building and maintaining realistic schedules and identifying dependencies. • Coordinate with QA and leads to ensure successful roll out of new features to the team and establish testing and maintenance of systems. (Source - http://gamasutra.com)

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Real Estate & Environment

Corruption in engineering sector: Stakeholders seek Buhari’s intervention ,,,, As the anti-corruption war gathers momentum, stakeholders in the construction sector have called on President Buhari to beam searchlight on the growing corruption in the engineering sector with a to sanctioning culprits and by implication, create a healthy atmosphere for the sector’s growth. Olufemi Adeosun reports.

Kenya restores electricity to slum areas

part from money laundering, the nation’s construction sector remains one of the conduit pipes for diversion of public funds. Perhaps, this might have been the reason why Nigeria is regarded as one the countries with highest cost of public sector infrastructure projects. This verdict has become a source of concern to successive administrations as well as professionals in the built environment, who bear the brunt. Recently, the 24th Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN, held its Assembly Abuja, where stakeholders deliberated extensively on endemic corruption associated with execution of government projects with a call to President Mohamma-

du Buhari to take decisive action against the rot in the sector. Although, the essence of the gathering, which had in attendance practitioners in engineering profession across the thirty six states of the federation, was to explore ways of leveraging engineering profession to diversify its revenue base, however, the issue on how to curb the endemic graft, also resonated throughout the two-day conference. Speaking on the theme: ‘Overcoming the Challenges of Nigeria’s Monolithic Economy: The Role of the Engineering Profession’, the COREN President, Engr. Kashmi Ali urged the Federal Government to make a proclamation making corruption in engineering projects a punishable offence irrespective of whose ox is gored.

Mortgage Education and Training 30

Justifying his call, he said, “The request is informed by the fact that over the years a lot of corruption has been perpetuated in engineering projects, starting from the project conceptualisation to procurement and implementation. Even though, the beneficiaries of the proceeds of these ignoble acts are usually non-engineers, it is Nigerian engineers that receive all the blames and insults’’. While seeking presidential intervention, he disclosed that COREN had begun the process of internal cleansing by collaborating with the nation’s anti-corruption agencies to help in the fight against corruption in the sector. “In COREN, we have escalated the fight beyond advocacy. In 2014, we entered into a CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Stakeholders endorse carbon pricing as antidote to gas emission 27

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Corruption in engineering sector: Stakeholders seek Buhari’s intervention CONTINUED FROM 25 Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the Independent Corrupt Practices, ICPC. The key point of this relationship is that an infringement of COREN. Act easily gets identified as an infringement of the ICPC Act. This novel collaboration is paying off pretty well, and the projection is that steady progress will continue to be recorded in the days ahead,” he added. On the issue of whether fake cement contributes to the incessant building collapse, the COREN boss also noted that a test carried out with the support of cement manufacturers on the concrete produced using cements commonly produced in the country, revealed that there is no substandard cement in circulation in the country. According to him, confirmatory tests are being carried out at the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, NBBRI, with the aim of providing sufficient data to enable the regulatory agency produce a Nigerian Concrete Mix Design Manual in the nearest future. Ali, who restated the commitment of Nigerian engineers to the infrastructure development of the country, asked the present administration to challenge them in to bid to diversify the nation’s economic base. He averred: “Mr. President, the Nigerian engineers are waiting for presidential challenge in the areas such as crude oil refining g, power supply, railway transport, modernization and so on. “If Nigerians living in the eastern part of this country during civil war could produce the fuel they needed for months and if the illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta are refining crude oil there, Nigerian engineers can come up with a Nigeria solution to the fuel importation problem. We must not continue to rely on foreigners to solve our problems”, Ali added. Chairman of the occasion and Governor of Osun state, Engr. Rauf Aregbesola, stated that although, engineering hold the key to the diversification of the nation’s economy, however, Nigerian engineers had not lived up to their callings, thus questioning the roles

Estate

President Buhari

EFCC chairman, Lamorde

While We express our commitment to continue to patronize indigenous

engineers, engineering personnel must be ready to give in their best in the discharge of their professional duties

of Nigerian engineers in nation’s infrastructure development. He said, “Where is the Nigerian engineering in electronics and household products? Every year, hundreds of thousands of televisions, refrigerators, microwave oven, wall clocks, wrist watches and myriads of other gadgets are brought into the country with zero engineering inputs from Nigeria. “Where is our engineering in the automobile industry? What has happened since Prof. Ayodele Awojobi made his famous contraption? There is a motor mechanic in every nook and cranny of our cities and villages, yet there is no made in Nigeria car. “Of course, we had assembly plants that

used to assemble Volkswagen, Peugeot, Leyland and Styr vehicles. Recently Nissan has joined the fray but Styr and Leyland have since shut down. Even if we don’t have a wholly indigenous vehicle manufacturer, at least we should be able to do what the United States did to the Japanese brands manufactured on its soil. According to the governor, if Nigerian engineers must take their place in the annals of the nation’s development, they must begin to interrogate some of the infrastructure challenges confronting the country. In his own address, Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello, challenged the Nigerian engineers to always ensure value for money

Ambode, Lagos State governor

in order to justify the confidence reposed on them by government, adding that engineering personnel must be ready to give their best in the discharge of their professional duties. While he expressed the commitment of government to continue to patronize indigenous engineers, he armed that engineers assigned to projects would be held responsible for the success or otherwise of such projects. He said, “While we express our commitment to continue to patronize indigenous engineers, engineering personnel must be ready to give in their best in the discharge of their professional duties. Every engineer assigned to project will be fully accountable to the success of that project. Gone are the days when professionals conduct their duties with impunity. “The Niger state government will not tolerate any act of professional misconduct from any engineering personnel. I am informed that COREN has an investigatinganel and tribunal for erring professionals. My administration is ready to collaborate with COREN by forwarding the name of any engineering personnel found wanting.” He therefore used the occasion to draw the attention of COREN to the spate of building collapse in the country, urging it not to spare any effort in finding lasting and enduring solutions to the scourge.

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Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Real Estate & Environment

MORTGAGE NOTES

Afriland justifies Falomo shopping complex contract ....as expert urges Lagos to rethink on contract termination

Mortgage Education D and Training

SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) guidelines for a housing finance entity includes a mandatory employee training programme. The big problem for most of such entities is how to implement a programme without clarity and/or access to the most effective solutions available for their needs. My column today will hopefully put you on the right path. The first and most critical step towards effective training programme is actually having one. You must have a cogent, well-planned training programme for the employees actually hands on involved in the loan production department. We have developed a customized pyramid programme that has worked very well for our own mortgage brokerage company as well as for clients we consult for. Please feel free to adapt the ideas therein for yourself, and if you need to, email me at nike@mvpsolutionsinc.com for advice or suggestions. As I stated in my last column, it is called the “Pyramid Level Plus”, and it is based on our firm belief that every officer, from the clerk to the chief executive of a mortgage company, must be able to handle the basics of loan origination. The programme actually looks like an inverted pyramid. This must be the first training programme organized for all applicable staff. From that initial “level”, the training programme must pyramid in multiple levels, increasing in sophistication as it rises. Every officer on an increased level must be proficient; both in the training modules for his/her level as well as for every level below. At the very top of the pyramid will be the executive director level, which should be able to personally take a

mortgage application from start to finish. The goal is to ensure that, at any given point in time, there is the requisite expertise to keep the business open and operating, and to keep customers satisfied enough to keep the referrals coming. A typical training pyramid might look like this: Level 5: Executive Compliance; Compliance; Secondary Markets; Securitization; Loan Origination to Closing (3); Taking an application Level 4: Compliance; Secondary Markets; Securitization; Loan Origination to closing (3); Taking an application Level 3: Securitization; Loan Origination to closing (3); Taking an application. Level 2: Loan Origination to closing (3); Taking an application Level 1: Taking an application. And there is your training (inverted) pyramid. This should be the initial training programme because it is the most easily implemented. Once this is accomplished, the company is secured enough to start adding more programmes, with a focus to continuing education at least on an annual basis.

In order to expand beyond the Nigerian market, such training must cover both national and international applications, whether or not the company plans to expand immediately. There is a confidence that comes with knowing your stuff, and it is apparent to your customer as soon as you start to speak. Does international training mean international travel? Nm ot at all. There are several great training programmes available without leaving your desk. If you prefer to be in a seminar setting, you will find equally great programmes. You just need to be able to separate the wheat from the chaff. Your goal should always be to provide your employees with actual practical, useful and relevant training. At the end of the training, you should be able to put that employee in a position, and he/she should be able to at least recognize the basics of what is required of them, and perform with reduced supervision. So, how much is your business continuity worth to you? You might have the clout to attract clients, but it is your expertise that will keep them to either come back or not. As usual, all questions and/ or comments are welcome, and I hope you will choose to follow me on this column.

The firsT and mosT criTical sTep Towards effecTive Training

programme is acTually having one.

you musT have a cogenT, well-

planned Training programme for The employees acTually hands on involved in The loan producTion

deparTmenT.

we have developed a

cusTomized pyramid programme ThaT has worked very well for our own morTgage brokerage company as

well as for clienTs we consulT for.

isturbed by the alleged shoddy deals in the Falomo shopping centre contract, Afriland Properties Limited has described allegations made against it by Lagos State Government as unfounded. This is just as the company affirmed the transparency of the contract processes and restated its commitment to executing the contracts based on agreed terms with the state government. It stated: “These unverified reports have implied that the contract with Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, LSDPC, was terminated on the grounds that the concession terms are “grossly detrimental” to Lagos state and its residents’’. The report claimed that Afriland Properties Plc only made a payment of N50 million for a 50-year lease of the governmentowned land.” It further noted that Afriland Properties and Lagos State Development Property Corporation, LSDPC, acting on behalf of the Lagos state government, established a special purpose vehicle, SPV, which is jointly owned by the parties for

the specific purpose of developing the Falomo project. Debunking such allegations, the company said, under the terms of the agreement, the SPV- Falomo Shopping Centre Development Company Limited, was granted a concession to amongst other things, develop, build, operate and maintain the project on a Build, Operate and Transfer, BOT, basis. “We paid N50 million to LSDPC as an expression of interest in the redevelopment project”, the company stated. “The LSPDC will receive a 35 per cent interest in the SPV for its land contribution and through this significant Equity Holding, will continue to receive significant ongoing value. Afriland is obliged to fund the entirety of the development costs, which is projected to exceed N30 billion without recourse to Nigerian taxpayer’’, it added. The company has maintained that its dealings were above board, stating that “as an organisation, Afriland Properties Plc and its affiliated companies have always upheld the values of integrity and excellence. We have nothing but the utmost respect for the dictates of the law and till date have acted accordingly.”

Property confiscation hampering real estate devt -Investigation SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

nvestigations have revealed that the anti-corruption war of the Federal Government, leading to confiscation of some buildings owned by public servants has been taking tolls on the nation’s real sector. President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to confiscate buildings owned by public servants, whose earnings do not support ownership of such grand structures, thus causing massive offload of properties, especially in the high end of the market. According to investigations, some buildings in some parts of the country have been confiscated and some public servants with such properties have been selling them to avoid losing the. General Manager of Alphamaed Property Development, Damola Akindolire had noted that property space with higher vacan-

cy ratios, have gone up about 10 per cent, stressing that in a sharp move to avoid losing the property, some of them have been in the market for sale. He said, such move would lead to decline in the high-end property market as many people may not buy those buildings. According to Akindolire, the property is quite “over-priced” and will unlikely lead to investment greed as developers built most of these properties when the market was in an off-swing. Akindolire further noted that the liquidity of the nation’s market is not currently at a place where it can take advantage of this current state, citing the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics Report that said Nigeria’s foreign direct investment had declined by 46 percent. “We will continue to see pressure on suburbs that are within 35 minutes from the major CBDs and this pressure will continue until the infrastructure deficit on [property development] goes down’’, he stated.

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cool ceil

GO DARK Walls in the master bed room are covered in Donghia’s Sil k Texture II, and the ceiling is painte d in Benjamin Moore Regal Select in Night Horizon to dramatize the soa ring space in a Long Island Shingl e-style beach house decorated by Rob Southern.

Source: www.housebeautiful.com

800 Coop societies indicate interest in FHA’s housing scheme Olufemi AdeOsun, AbujA

o fewer than 50,000 members of 800 Cooperative societies nationwide have indicated interest in the Social and Co-operative housing programme of the Federal Housing Authority, FHA. Managing Director and Chief Executive of the FHA, Professor Mohammed Al-Amin made this known in an interview with newsmen in Abuja. He said many of the cooperatives came on their own on the heels of the Social and Cooperative housing scheme of the Authority, saying the Authority is deliberately on including cooperatives in various parts of the country, so as to strengthen them to tap into the scheme. Al-Amin said financially weak members of cooperative societies could latch on to the strength of the group to make real their home ownership dreams. Al-Amin said the Authority was focusing on housing deliv-

ery for the most vulnerable groups in the society, comprising the no-income, low-income and middle low-income earners. To that end, he said the Authority had developed special packages for collaboration with non-governmental, Faith-based and Community-based organizations. According to him, the FHA was also working with research institutes for the development of local materials for the construction of houses. In the effort towards making housing available, accessible and affordable, he said the Authority would provide primary infrastructure in its estates while also aiming at expandable housing intervention. Such intervention, he explained, was aimed at building the minimum housing unit on a plot of land for prospective home owners to occupy while they would embark on gradual expansion as their incomes improve. The FHA Chief Executive

also disclosed that the Authority was initiating a savers scheme which would enable workers in the formal and nonformal sectors of the economy own their houses. Also, he said the FHA was working with state governments towards the implementation of a rent-to-own housing scheme which would convert rents paid by tenants for the eventual ownership of such houses. Al-Amin said the preference of many Nigerians for bogus housing designs was one of the major impediments to home ownership adding that the Authority would embark on a campaign to get people to moderate such tastes. He identified lack of housing finance for off-takers, poor conceptualization and haphazard land acquisition processes as the major causes of the collapse of the National Housing Programmes of the Shagari and Abacha administrations. He said the FHA, conscious of these problems, was mobiliz-

ing all stakeholders to ensure the success of its housing programmes. Al-Amin who was part of the Management Team of the Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development that briefed President Muhammadu Buhari on the state of affairs in the housing sector said the President was passionate about the delivery of affordable mass housing for Nigerians and the rehabilitation of houses destroyed in the on-going insurgency in the North East. He said the President requested for a viable road map for the implementation of Social Housing for the masses of Nigerians and adding that Buhari was emphatic about quick wins to enable the people benefit from governance. On the North East programmes, he said the President said assistance would come from the G7 nations but directed immediate implementation of all proposals in that regard.

Stakeholders e as antidote to Olufemi AdeOsun, AbujA

takeholders in the environment and business sector have adopted carbon pricing as key strategy to reduce global carbon emission. The adoption took place in Lagos during a Breakfast Dialogue on Climate Change, Carbon Pricing and Renewable Energy hosted by the Carbon Exchange Trade, SMEFUNDS, the Nigeria-German Business Association and New Nigeria Foundation. Carbon Exchange Trade is a platform facilitated by SMEFUNDS for promoting carbon emission reduction in Nigeria through carbon trading systems that enable growth in renewable energy and clean technology deployments, to achieve a zero or low carbon economic development. Director of Carbon Exchange, Mr. Innocent Azih, disclosed that key outcome of the conversation was the formation of the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition Nigeria. According to him, with this development, Nigeria’s Coalition becomes

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Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

ling ideas

LACQUER

In the kitch en of a New York apartment designed by Philip Gorrivan, iridescent mosaic tiles and a ceiling lacq uered in Benjamin Moore’s Oce anic Teal pick u p a color fr om the wallpaper in the hallway . Thonet barstoo ls by York Street Studio. Rom an shades in Homer wool in Verdigris by Gorrivan by High land Court.

GOLD LEAF

endorse carbon pricing gas emission the latest to partner the World Bank’s Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition which already had about fifteen countries. The Carbon Leadership Pricing Coalition, he added, was formed create the necessary awareness among policy, economic and civil society actors in the country on the mechanism and opportunities in climate change mitigation, particularly through carbon pricing; engage in global advancement of carbon emission reduction and overall environmental preservation; and enable Nigeria attain a low-zero carbon economic growth and diversification. The conversation cantered on the theme “Climate Change, Carbon Emission Reduction & Economic Diversification Taking Action for Sustainable Future”. Participants at the Dialogue observed that Nigeria must not lose the current opportunity

in contribution to the regulations and implementation strategies in the Sustainable Development Goals starting September 2015. They particularly frowned at how the country had stood aloof without tapping into the groundswell of opportunities to wealth creation and economic diversification provided by climate change, renewable energy and particularly in the carbon pricing mechanism. Also speaking at the occasion, the Chief Executive Officer, SMEFUNDS Mr. Femi Oye stated that Nigeria like many economies of the world must become a major driver towards ensuring urgent domestication of the new Price on Carbon Mechanism is institutionalised across all the states of the federation. He said, “Ensuring clean and green growth methodology in urban planning and development is key going forward. Before new projects and industries are established, a baseline for its lifetime emission reduction must be de-

To make the Tony Duquette chandelier feel more at home, Ruthie Sommers had decorative painter Peter Bolton create an elaborate tree design in gold leaf on the dining room ceiling. Jacaranda and plum trees inspired the vibrant pink Penny Morrison fabric on the front of the chairs and the Claremont floral on the back. Rug from Melrose Carpet.

GEF approves $90m grant for wildlife conservation G lobal Environment Facility, GEF, has approved about $90 million grants for global partnership to promote biodiversity conservation and preserve wildlife while encouraging sustainable livelihood in Africa and Asia. The new global partnership on Wildlife Conservation and Crime Prevention for Sustainable Development, according to GEF, would among other things, address the wildlife poaching and illegal trade. Besides, it would also strengthen cooperation among development partners, which will bring together biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihood activities as well as poverty reduction. “GEF is pleased to support the critical fight against illegal wildlife trade and poaching, and we are looking forward to work with country partners and other stakeholders to address this significant driver of biodiversity loss that has such negative impacts on protected area and human wellbeing in Africa and elsewhere’’, the CEO and Chairperson of GEF, Naoko Ishii said. “The recent wildlife poaching crisis in Africa has undermined its financial, social and economic capital while threatening the development of tourism and fuelling political instability. We hope, that this partnership will preserve wildlife and

increase resilience of communities, whose livelihoods depend on these natural resources, the VicePresident of the Africa Region of the World Bank, Makhtar Diop said. Participating countries include Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Congo Republic, Gabon, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, India, and Indonesia while the GEF agencies contributing to the partnership include the Asian Development Bank, International Union for Conservation of Nature and the United Nations Development Programme. Others are the United Nations Environment Programme, the World Bank and World Wildlife Fund. In addition to the GEF grant funds, the partnership will leverage $513 million in co-financing from other sources including, IBRD and IDA. The World Bank, as lead agency of the new programme will coordinate the partnership and ensure a cross-fertilization of the lessons learned across projects and countries. “UNDP is fully committed to work with our partner countries in addressing the illegal wildlife trade which is pushing endangered species toward extinction, fuelling corruption and conflict, destroying lives and deepening poverty and inequality.

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Kenya restores electricity to slum areas

fter years of struggle, Kenya’s national utility has found a way to bring electricity to the country’s poorest neighbourhoods. Using a community-based approach, Kenya Power has gone from 5,000 households connected under its informal settlements program, to over 150,000, in just one year. The program has received multi-faceted support from the World Bank, which has made new connections affordable to

slum dwellers and helped Kenya Power learn from the experience of other countries. “It’s like when you light a fire: it starts small and then suddenly it gets big. We would get 20 people to sign up, and then it went to 40, and so on. And that’s how we started.” Mary Njiraini, Kenya Power Marketing Officer for Nairobi North, is describing the new approach that the national utility took to one of its toughest challenges: electrifying the

country’s slums. Kenya has some of the largest urban poor areas on earth. In Nairobi alone, a city of 3.4 million, an estimated two million people live in informal settlements. One area, Kibera, is routinely referred to as Africa’s most populous slum. Until recently, many areas of these settlements had to rely on poor-quality and unsafe electricity. People had to buy illegal connections from local cartels. Services and business activity

were highly constrained, insecurity was rife, and electric fires and electrocutions were common. Kenya Power and Lighting Corporation, the national utility, with support coming from a multi-faceted partnership with the World Bank, is now overseeing a major scale up of electricity connections in urban poor settlements – a 30-fold increase in just one year. This success, however, has only come after long struggles, the eventual

adoption of a community-centric approach that targeted specific settlements and a firm commitment by the top management of the national utility. “Our program started in Kibera, but for a long time we were stuck,” said Dr. Ben Chumo, Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Power. “We would go into Kibera, and we would sense resistance. Eventually we established the reason for this resistance: lack of involvement by the community there.”

Echono urges Architects to improve standard in rural communities

Uhuru Kenyatta, Kenyan President

he Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Arc. Sonny Echono, has tasked the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) on the need to uphold standard and improve living conditions in the rural communities. Echono stated this last week while declaring open the 2015 Archibuilt Exhibition in Abuja. Speaking as a special Guest, the Permanent Secretary advised the professional body to use the opportunity provided by the present administration to seek for creative ways of providing job opportunities for the youth of the nation. He emphasised the need to promote apprenticeship, devel-

op our young artisans to enable them contribute to the development of the nation. The construction industry expert is just as he congratulated the NIA for its continued service to the country, saying Nigerians should be able to benefit from the exhibition, which has been showcasing building and construction technologies for over twenty six years. Echono undertook a tour of the over 100 exhibition stands featuring products, innovation and new ideas for users and other professionals involved in all the stages of construction. The keynote address was delivered by the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

an’s interminable desire and greed has brought many wildlife species to the brink of extinction. Our world`s wildlife remains in crisis and they also face many threats such as habitat loss, climate change, over-exploitation, and unregulated development. But the greatest threat of many species is poaching and illegal trafficking of wildlife parts and products. The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed World Wildlife Day, as an opportunity to celebrate all wildlife, both plants and animals, and to raise awareness of the benefit of ensuring their continued existence. The General Assembly said that this reaffirms “the intrinsic value of wildlife and its various contributions, including its ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic contributions to sustainable development and human well-being.”

World Wildlife Day also acknowledges the security impacts of the global conservation crisis. Wildlife trafficking now has become one of the most transnational organized crime today with revenues up to $10 billion and it jeopardizes the decades of conservation work by the international community. Wildlife trafficking not only decimates endangered species, it also threatens security, undermines rule of law, fuels corruption, hinders sustainable economic development, and contributes to the spread of disease. It was on March 3, 1973, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was adopted. CITES is a critical international treaty that works to ensure that global trade does not threaten the survival of species in the wild. Constituting of 179 member states CITES is one of the world`s most powerful tools for biodiversity conservation through the regulation of trade in wild fauna and flora.

Climate change causes loss World wildlife goes into extinction of flora, fauna-Report M C limate change has led to decline in more than 50 per cent of common plants and 33 per cent of animals can see this century, a report has revealed. The report looked at 50,000 globally widespread and common species and found that more than one half of the plants and one third of the animals will lose more than 50 percent of their climatic range by 2080 if nothing is done to reduce the amount of global warming and slow it down. This means that geographic ranges of common plants and animals will shrink globally and biodiversity will go down almost everywhere. Plants, reptiles and particularly amphibians are expected to be at greatest risk. Sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, Amazonia and Australia will lose the most

species of plants and animals and a major loss of plant species is projected for North Africa, Central Asia and Southeastern Europe. The study was led by Dr Rachel Warren from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at UEA. Collaborators include Dr Jeremy VanDerWal at James Cook University in Australia and Dr Jeff Price, from UEA`s school of Environmental Sciences and the Tyndall Centre. Warren said that the potential range loss in widespread species is a serious concern as even small declines in the species can significantly disrupt ecosystems. He said that their research predicts that climate change will greatly reduce the diversity of even very common species found in most parts of the world, assert-

ing asserted that this loss of global-scale biodiversity will significantly impoverish the biosphere and the ecosystem services it provides. Warren said the team looked at the effect of rising global temperatures, but other symptoms of climate change like extreme weather events, pests, and diseases mean that their estimates are probably conservative. He said that the animals may decline more as their predictions will be compounded by a loss of food from plants. He added that the prompt and stringent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally would reduce these biodiversity losses by 60 per cent if global emissions peak in 2016 or by 40 per cent if emissions peak in 2030, showing that early action is very beneficial.

Aviation

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bristow Chopper Crash: Stakeholders seek improved attention on helicopter operations Stakeholders and professionals in the Nigerian aviation industry have once again called on the Federal Government to strengthen the search and rescue operations in order to save lives in case of an accident and also to pay more attention to helicopter operations in the country. OLUSEGUN KOIKI writes.

he crash of Bristow Helicopters’ Sikorsky S76 C+ chopper with the registration number 5N-BDG inside a lagoon close to Oworonshoki Area of Lagos on the Third Mainland Bridge on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 once again threw the aviation industry in particular and the entire nation in general into a grieving mood. The chopper had departed SEDCO Oil Platform on the fateful day while on approach to landing at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, Lagos, it crashed with 12 souls onboard. Six of the souls were fatality injured while six other survivors are still in critically situation in a hospital in the state. The accident occurred barely 20 months after an Associated Air aircraft Embraer 120 with the registration number 5N-BJY crashed in Lagos Airport, just 31 seconds after take-off and with 20 souls onboard. Before the latest ill-fated crash, the country’s aviation industry had been under immense focus and mentions from analysts, stakeholders and professionals in the sector arising from the at least two on ground collisions involving three airlines and air returns all in a spate of one month. The incidents prompted the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Mrs. Binta Bello to call for a meeting of all Chief Executive Officers, CEOs, in the agencies to Abuja while another meeting was held in Lagos a week later, despite the seemingly proactive step, the accident still occurred, but in the rotary wing. However, rotary wing (helicopter) operations had hardly been the focus of players in the sector over the years, but the subsector had experienced several calamities with lots of souls lost in recent time, raising anxiety over the competence and safety of operators in that aspect of aviation. Before the crash, the helicopter subsector had witnessed six air crashes since 2004 with Bristow Helicopters claiming half of those crashes in eight years. On July 26, 2004, a Pan African Airlines’ helicopter crashed into the Atlantic Ocean in Escravos, Delta State. It killed the four people on board. On November 10, 2006, an OAS Service Helicopter crashed in Warri, Delta state killing another four on board. In a similar development, on August 3, 2007, a Bristowowned helicopter crashed inside ExxonMobil facility in Port Harcourt. On July 30, 2011, a helicopter belonging to Ogendengbe Air Service, OAS, crashed on the Oke-Obanla hill inside the Osun State Government Reserve in Ikonifin with casualties. The same year, another Bristow helicopter with the registration 5N-BMM

Bristow Helicopters Sikorsky S76 C+ chopper

So, we have a SeriouS problem at handS and the fact iS that nigeria haS never appreciated civil aviation. we don’t know what it repreSentS and how to uSe it to grow the economy crashed at Port Harcourt International Airport, PHIA, on July 14, 2011. Aviation experts in the country spoken to by our correspondent advised the Federal Government through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, to intensify its oversight functions on all operators in the industry especially the helicopter sub-sector. The analysts also wanted the government to strengthen the search and rescue mission in the country and effective community coordination in case of any emergency, stressing that the efforts of the local fishermen helped in great measures to the early rescue of the accident victims. The Managing Consultant, PTD Consulting, Mr. Taiwo Adenekan speaking on helicopter operations in Nigeria observed that most of their operations are in oil and gas sector, which he described as the mainstay of the country’s economy. He explained that the sector and the entire country required their operations to access the rigs, but noted that they needed to beef up their operations and ensured safety in all spheres. Adenekan emphasised that the regulatory agency, NCAA was doing enough of supervision of the industry, but could not prevent human errors in accidents. He however said that immediate and remote cause of the crash could not be ascertained at present until the Accident In-

vestigation Bureau, AIB, released its investigation on the crash to the public. He equally urged helicopter operators to intensify safety and security in their operations in order to curb a recurrence. He said, “We need them, but need them to get very effective in their operations. Three crashes in a spate of eight years in aviation are rather low, but what we are doing is zero crash. What NCAA is doing is zero crash and that is what the government wants too. This is really unfortunate because there is a draught in the number of pilots here and to lose two pilots at ago is really bad and would affect the helicopter pilots in the country. “NCAA is doing enough supervision, but doesn’t have a control on human errors. All they can do is that they wanted to ensure that the pilots are fit and certified. That’s the most important thing. The accident could be as a result of several things. Unless the AIB comes out to tell us what happened through its investigation. Bristow and other helicopter companies would by now step up whatever they are doing to improve safety and security in their operations.” Also, former Airspace Manager, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, Mr. Sam Akerele explained that most important aspect of helicopter was the rotor, saying that if anything goes wrong with the facility, such a chopper would not be able to glide so easily and might lead to an accident. He however called for upgrading of chop-

pers in the country’s helicopters companies, maintaining that old machines were more expensive to maintain and stay longer in maintenance hangar. Generally, he said that pilots carry out checks on aircraft before embarking on any flights, but noted that mechanical faults could still develop en route, which could lead to an accident depending on the fault. Like Adenekan, he insisted that the probable cause of Bristow Helicopters could not be determined until AIB carried out its investigation, but assured that the sector was safe for flight operations. He decried the response of search and rescue operations in the country, stressing that NAMA was supposed to be the nearest in the sector to coordinate the exercise. “There is nobody or agency responsible for search and rescue in Nigeria. NAMA, which is supposed to be the nearest is to coordinate the aircraft emergency search and rescue and then, what are you coordinating? In the past, it used to be the air force trying to assist with helicopters or private organisations donating their resources, but with this Boko Haram thing, all the facilities have been deployed to that area. “And on ground, we don’t have a system that would check maybe every three or six months to know the deficiencies, observations or the gap. Otherwise, they would have invited you to come and watch. So, we have a serious problem at hands and the fact is that Nigeria has never appreciated civil aviation. We don’t know what it represents and how to use it to grow the economy.” On the way out of the present quagmire, Akerele urged the government to put more financial resources into developing the country’s aviation, organise a comprehensive workshop on aircraft emergency, search and rescue, eliminate all the open gaps and curb corrupt practices in the system. The CEO Centurion Security Services, Grp. Capt. John Ojikutu also called on the government through the local governments to absorb the local people into its rescue and emergency programmes, stressing that without the local fishermen who stood as the first responders, virtually all the victims would have perished. “Lagos is a riverine area and whenever an accident happens, the closest people to the site of the accident are the local governments, but how many local governments in the state have ambulances or incorporated into the emergency services? “An accident cannot happen on the third mainland bridge and you start waiting for people from Alausa or the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, from Abuja. The people there must be the ones you need to incorporate. What have you told them in case of an emergency?” he said.

Aviation

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Greater Washington organises risky goods seminar for cargo agents StorieS: oluSegun KoiKi

n a bid to further boost safety of equipment and passengers onboard of aircraft in the Nigerian aviation industry, a leading cargo company, Greater Washington recently organised a one-day seminar for over 100 cargo agents staff in the sector. The Corporate Services and Admin Manager of the company, Mr. Bright Aogban, told journalists at the venue of the seminar in Lagos that through such seminars in the past, dangerous goods items, which were prohibited in the country’s aviation industry had been exposed and rejected by field workers. He explained that with such activities, cargo agents would be in tune with the industry standards as recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, International Air Transport Association, IATA, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA. He noted that aviation industry globally was highly regulated and training was one of the integral parts the industry regulator ensured that stakeholders and operators conduct for their staff regularly to aid safety and security in the sector. Aogban noted that dangerous goods items were totally prohibited to be airlifted on any airline in the industry, but still the company needed

Airside shegzzy4live2000@yahoo.co.uk 08186007273

Time for Buhari to take a look at the CCTV cameras

F L-R: Group Internal Auditor, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, BASL, Mrs. Yosola Popoola; Chief Finance Officer, BASL, Mr. Olusola Olayinka; winner of the MMA2 new slogan competition, Temitope Bodunde and the Chief Operating Officer, BASL, Ms. Adebisi Awoniyi, during the presentation of prize to the winner, in Lagos recently.

to continuously create awareness and intensify its sensitisation of the workers on the items. He said: “Training is parts of the standards that we are supposed to meet in the industry. The aviation industry is highly regulated and training is one of the integral parts the regulator ensures that stakeholders carry out. The reason for this workshop is to identify dangerous goods items when they are brought to them and they are able to report it as one of their duties as an IATA agent. “We are doing this because we are a major stakeholder in the industry in Nigeria. So, we work with about the 100 per cent of the cargo agencies at the airport. As part of our contribution with regards to the safety of lives and properties in the industry, this is just a little bit of our own quo-

ta to ensuring that our agents that are made to understand what dangerous goods constitute and what their responsibilities are in airlifting of dangerous goods.” Also at the event, the Head, Cargo Section of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, BASL, Mr. Deji Akinremi, said that as a terminal operator, the company had put in place several security measures to forestall breach in the system. Akinremi informed that it currently collaborate with the State Security Services, SSS, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, bomb squad and other security agencies for users of the cargo section to be safe and convenient while conducting business activities at the terminal.

to sponsor the travel industry writing contest because it tallied with its vision of investing on future generations in an effort to help contribute to the growth and development of the aviation sector in the country while encouraging research, industry awareness and healthy competition among the youths. Also commenting, Iroro who led the contingent to visit the General Manager appreciated the airline for being a reliable partner in progress that had supported such a laudable initiative consistently for six years since inception of the contest in 2009. He stated, “We remain ever grateful to EgyptAir for this mutually beneficial partnership that has grown over the years into a close bond that has positively affected the lives of over 60 Nigerian youths.”

The highlight of the visit was the presentation of winners with tickets to various destinations on the airline’s network. Miss Blessing Halim, a student of Princeton College, Surulere came 1st and went home with the Grand Prize of a free ticket to Dubai and Discount tickets for her family. In 2nd place was Emmanuella Kyllians, a student of Murtala Muhammed Airport Secondary School, MMASS, Ikeja who went home with a discount ticket for her and her family to any destination on the airline’s network.

EgyptAir boss urges Nigerian youths on excellence

igerian youths have been called upon to eschew violence and embrace excellence in their various academic pursuits in order to emerge prominent leaders of tomorrow. The General Manager, EgyptAir in Lagos, Mr. George Wadie made this call during a courtesy visit to the airline’s office by a contingent comprising of winners of the recently concluded 6th National Travel Essay Competition, NTEC 2014/15, in the company of their parents and siblings. Media statement by the Editor, Travel & Business News and Founder of NTEC, Mr. Ewos Iroro stated that Wadie commended the winners for their exceptional performance during the competition and urged them to keep up the good work. He explained that EgyptAir chose

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Mr. George Wadie with winners of NTEC 2014 – 2015 at the airlines office in Lagos recently.

rom the Ikeja under bridge to the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos, there are no fewer than 50 Closed Circuit Television, CCTV, cameras mounted on the highway to the major car park at the international wing of the terminal since 2011. The installations of these cameras are indeed good for safety and security of the complex users. But, that is where the story ends. There are feelers that most of these CCTVs are non-functional. A typical example was when dare-devil armed robbers struck at the car park right in front of the CCTV cameras, carting away several millions of naira and other foreign currencies and killing no fewer than two policemen

on the fateful day. Till date, the so called CCTV cameras could not trace the robbers. Though, several authorities have argued that the cameras were functional. But, Airside challenges the authorities to show to the public the control room of the CCTV cameras installed on the tarred road to the car park. Unconfirmed report even alleged that a former National Security Adviser, NSA, who was supposed to know much about importance of safety and security, actually carried out the implementation of the project. Airside charges President Mohammadu Buhari-led administration to take a second look at this gigantic project, which sunk the country’s billions of naira.

Bristow crash: The politics of manifest and new era

n the past whenever an air disaster occurs in Nigeria, the full manifest consisting of the identities of passengers and crewmembers onboard are released to the public almost immediately by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, in collaboration with the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB. That is also the norm anywhere in the world. But, it seems all that has changed with the recent crash of Bristow helicopter as both the regulatory and investigative agencies engaged in hide and seek game with the media for nine days before the latter finally released the manifest last Thursday. The two major agencies in the crash also declined to divulge the necessary information like the names of the casualties involved in the ac-

cident and the company they represented to the media even through, Bristow Helicopters had published the names of its crewmembers almost immediately. Rather than release the manifest, both Chief Executive Officers, CEOs, insisted that the manifest would not be released to the public until all the family members of the victims were contacted. Airside thinks both agencies attempted to re-invent the wheels with their action. It is unfortunate that the accident occurred, but it is also necessary that the public are given required information on such accident in the future to dispel speculation. May God give the families of the deceased the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable losses.

Etihad Airways appoints Business Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa

he national airline of the United Arab Emirates, UAE, Etihad Airways has appointed new Regional Business Development Manager, Mr. Bradley Edwards for the Sub-Saharan Africa and Indian Ocean region. The airline stated that Bradley would be based t its new office in Sandton, Johannesburg and would from there oversee key sales strategies across seven countries in Africa with the objective of accelerating the growth of Etihad’s revenues through expanded distribution and segmentation strategies.

Speaking on the new appointment in a statement by its media consultant in Nigeria, Etihad’s Vice President Africa Sub-Sahara and Indian Ocean, Mr. Maurice Phohleli said the workers in the continent were delighted to welcome Bradley to its regional team. He stated that the airline’s growing commitment in Africa had seen the regional team grow in order to serve its customers and partners even more efficiently. Alumni of Henley Business School, Bradley completed his Master of Business Administration in 2013. He also studied Tourism Management at the University of South Africa and Tech-

nikon Witwatersrand. Bradley has worked in the tourism sector for over 15 years. Prior to joining Etihad Airways, he held various managerial positions at Comair Ltd, British Airways PLC Group and South African Airways, driving sales strategies and ensuring route profitability. On taking up his new position, Brad said: “I’m honoured to be joining Etihad Airways’ regional team. The increase in regional demand presents some exciting opportunities for the industry and I look forward to engaging with various stakeholders to meet this growth.”

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Insurance

Law Union & Rock, IFMA partner to deepen insurance penetration

anaging Director of Law Union and Rock Insurance, Jide Orimolade, has disclosed plans to partner with International Facilities Managers Association (IFMA) primarily to further deepen insurance penetration in the country. Orimolade, who gave this hint this during a courtesy visit by the Association to the company in Lagos, urged the facility managers to assist the insurance sector in creating awareness for Public Buildings Insurance and Builders and Occupiers Liability Insurance which falls within the category of insurances that were made compulsory by law. He stressed the importance of facilities management in corporate organizations, in view of

“the safety and security of people and assets as well as business continuity in event of fire outbreak and other risks”. The insurance expert described the company as a dependable and consistent underwriting entity that had been in the market for more than six decades while also advocating insurance patronage by Nigerians irrespective of the premium cost as one of the benefits of insurance is to provide peace of mind when in times of unforeseen incidents. In his response, the IFMA President, Tunji Okesola, commended Law Union and Rock Insurance for its achievements and contribution to the insurance sector

Commissioner for Insurance, Kari

and assured the firm of the support of the facility management firm. The IFMA members were conducted round facilities at the company’s premises by Gbenga Obadua, the Managing Director of Lavender Property Company Limited.

British Prime Minister, David Cameron

Prudential and Legal & General, as L&G adds protection for a portion of its pension bulk annuity business. Prudential has become one of the largest providers of longevity reinsurance protection, often assuming all of the risk from a transaction on its own, rather than as one of a panel of reinsurers. L&G is a provider of annuity transfers to pension funds, which means that it has been assuming a growing amount of longevity risk. Some of this risk can be retained, but increasingly it will need to look to solutions to transfer this risk to other parties, using longevity swaps or reinsurance. This latest transaction sees Prudential Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company providing longevity reinsurance on approximately $2.9 billion of Legal & General’s liabilities for retirees covered by its

pension bulk annuity portfolio. The longevity reinsurance protection provides two benefits to L&G, helping it to optimise its capital, while also offloading some of the longevity risk associated with its underwriting of annuities portfolios. “We’re pleased that Legal & General has offered us an opportunity to partner with them again to help solve pension challenges,” commented Bill McCloskey, vice president of longevity reinsurance at Prudential. “The impact of longevity on pension plans is a global issue that affects employees and employers across the U.S. and the U.K.,” added McCloskey. “This latest transaction demonstrates the capacity we have as a reinsurer to support the pace of the market in the U.K., which remains very active.”

5 rationalizations for not purchasing earthquake insurance DaviD Costello

Prudential reinsures $2.9bn of longevity risk for Legal & General ne of the subsidiaries of Prudential Financial Inc. has entered into a new longevity reinsurance arrangement with UK-based insurer Legal & General Group, covering $2.9 billion of its pension liabilities against the risk of longevity improvements. This is the second longevity reinsurance transaction between

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hen a big disaster hits everybody talks about it, the media covers it, and at that time it seems like a good idea to invest in protection. But as time passes, typically 2-4 years, attention fades. The California Napa area 6.0 magnitude earthquake, the first large quake event in 25 years resulting in over $1 billion in damage, has put earthquake insurance back on people’s radar screens. Only 12% of Californian’s homeowner’s have earthquake insurance. Are the rest in denial or making a rational choice? The following are a list of commonly mentioned rationalizations for not purchasing coverage. Rationalization No. 1: “I’ll just hand over the keys to the bank.” Homeowners who let their banks foreclose on earthquake devastated homes not only lose all of their equity, but also put their credit rating at risk which could make it difficult or impossible to borrow money for years to come. Rationalization No. 2: “My home survived the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.” For anyone that knows anything about earthquakes, this is the silliest of arguments. Rationalization No. 3: “My home is bolted to the foundation.” This is a better argument than most, however, no amount of retrofitting can protect against a truly devas-

tating shaker. Bolting seems to work best for one-story frame homes; homes that are two or more stories—or that have big picture windows or other large gaps in the frames—are likely to suffer more damage, even if bolted. Of course, all the bolting in the world won’t help if the soil you home is subject to liquefaction (such as San Francisco’s Marina District). Rationalization No. 4: “I will just apply for government assistance/ FEMA.” The common assumption is that a high impact event will be covered by the Federal government. Not so. Assistance to individuals and households is only intended to get people back in their homes. FEMA’s maximum grant to homeowners is $32,000, and most rebuilding aid comes from the Small Business Administration (SBA). Applicants should remember that such low interest loans won’t cover their existing loans and must be paid back. Servicing double mortgage payments could be financially devastating. Rationalization No. 5: “I’m on bedrock.” This is one of the most widespread rationalizations for not purchasing earthquake insurance. Even homes on bedrock can sustain severe structural damage depending on the magnitude and duration of a powerful quake. Homeowners should be more concerned with their homes proximity to major fault lines such as the San Andreas, Hayward, and Calaveras faults (which is most of the SF Bay Area). (Source - propertycasualty360.com)

Workplace insurance may not foot slander bill susan MassMan

hile Abraham Lincoln may have said, “Truth is generally the best vindication against slander,” many also gain some satisfaction by filing a defamation suit. When defamation occurs in the workplace, insurance may or may not foot the bill if the company is sued. Sometimes coverage hinges on whether the defamed claimant was considered an employee or if the defamation occurred in an em(Source – www.artemis.bm) ployment situation.

For instance, in Peerless Indem. Ins. Co. v Moshe & Stimson LLP, 22 N.E. 3d 882 (Ind. App. 2014), an attorney sued her former law partner for defamation. Moshe and Stimson were a sister-brother law partnership, and after Moshe told Stimson that she intended to leave the firm, Stimson—among other unbrotherly things—began making negative statements about Moshe’s integrity and competence, so she filed suit against him for defamation. (Source - propertycasualty360. com)

Insurance

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

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Sokoto to implement Health Insurance Scheme StorieS iSaac aSabor

okoto State Government has unveiled plans to introduce its own version of the Health Insurance Scheme. The state Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, said that any policy that would ensure universal access to healthcare was commendable and should be supported. He said while its implementation was being expected that wide consultations on the health policy from insurers’ perspective will be jointly looked into with religious scholars and legal experts. The governor made this known

at the weekend while receiving officials of the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, who paid him a visit in his office. According to him, the proposed consultations with religious scholars and legal experts became expedient in order to carry all stakeholders and the people of the state along so as to ensure that the objectives of the project are achieved. The Governor explained that for the implementation of the health programme to be successful, some aspects of extant laws in the State needed to be amended, adding that in order to ensure this, the state work in conjunction

with NHIS to meet required objectives. He commended the health insurance body for introducing state support programme which, he said, would make healthcare accessible to the people. Governor Tambuwa pledged to provide a plot of land in Sokoto town towards the operation of the health insurance programme as requested. The NHIS Acting Executive Secretary, Olufemi Akingabade, disclose that the primary mission of the health insurance officials to the said was to let the governor know some of their plans and seek the support of the state towards the successful implementation of the programme in the state.

Tambuwa

NAICOM bans insurance firms from offshore investments

he National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has in its new guidelines stopped insurance companies from investing in offshore investments. Apart from being barred from engaging in international business, they are also prohibited from investing their income in their parent’s companies. As specified in the guidelines, Section 3.4.2 under sub-section H of the new policy it is categorically stated that “Insurance funds

Commissiioner for Insurance, Mohammed Kari

shall not be invested offshore.”The guidelines in Section 3.4.1 under sub-section D also specifies that “no insurer shall invest its funds in its parent company.” As contained in the new policy, no insurer shall invest in derivatives without obtaining an approval from the regulatory body. Also, not more than 20 per cent of the total current account balances and bank placements shall be placed in any one bank. The regulatory document further states that no insurer should invest in any company that had neither reported profits nor paid dividend in the last three years. Another aspect of insurance practices that was outlawed by the regulatory body is that no insurer should outsource its investment functions without an approval from the commission. However, it stated that insurance firms could invest in banks’ acceptance and commercial papers guaranteed by an issuing bank. In a similar vein, the commission said insurers can invest in

debt instruments issued by the Federal Government or the Central Bank of Nigeria, provided such securities meet set conditions. According to the commission, the conditions include, obtaining the approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). It further said that beyond obtaining SEC’s approval that the instruments must be marketable and issued in accordance within the ambit of existing regulations. The guideline also noted that Insurance firms would also be allowed to invest their funds in debt instruments issued by state governments as long as such securities have the full guarantee of the Federal Ministry of Finance. It added that insurance firms can also invest their funds in debt instruments issued by corporate entities with clearly defined terms, periodic and terminal payout as well as interim, terminal and contingency redemption features. To this end, it said “Investment shall be in a company that has minimum corporate rating of BB+ range by at least one recognized risk rating agency registered by SEC,”

The commission however prohibits insurance companies from investing their funds in shares or any other securities issued by a shareholder of an insurer, subsidiaries or associates, joint ventures and affiliates of the company or its shareholders. The commission further extended the proviso by saying that an insurer should not engage in the selling, transferring or exchanging insurance funds with any shareholder, director or affiliate of the insurer, an employee of the insurer or other related party. It also warned that insurance funds should not be used as collateral by an insurer. Added to the foregoing is that investment shareholders’ investment funds in unquoted equity, including investments in associates, subsidiaries, joint ventures and other related companies should not surpass 20 per cent of such funds. NAICOM also noted that an insurer must not invest more than 25 per cent of the proceeds of public offers and private placements of shares in non-insurance related companies or ventures. It cautioned further that “all investments relating to insurance and annuity funds shall be distinguished from those representing other funds in the financial statements.”

Insurance Australia Group to explore China for investment

nsurance Australia Group on Friday said it was exploring opportunities for a bigger presence in China and would scale back its investment in regional Chinese insurer. The remarks come after the company posted a 41% drop in full-year net profit and slashed its dividend due to record claim costs from storms last year, sending its shares down 5%. IAG said it will cut its ownership in Tianjin-headquartered Bohai Insurance, which currently provides it

with a regional presence in China, to under 14% from 20% now. “We continue to see opportunities in China as being very attractive to us,” CEO Mike Wilkins told reporters on a post-earnings call. “We believe the better way is to explore a national presence rather than a regional presence that we have.” Net profit for IAG, in which Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. owns a 3.7% stake, fell to 728 million Australian dollars ($537.1 million)

compared with AU$1.23 billion ($1.16 billion) a year ago. It had claim costs of AU$1.05 billion ($774.6 million). Insurance profit fell 30% and it cut its final dividend by 10 cents to 16 cents a share. It had a reported insurance margin of 10.7% for the year, at the lower end of its target range of 10.5% to 12.5%. IAG reaffirmed guidance for a reported insurance margin of 14%-16% in the current business year but cut

its outlook for gross written premium growth to flat from earlier expectations of an up to 3% increase, citing challenging market conditions and subdued inflationary pressures. Earlier this week, Australia’s biggest insurer by premium income, QBE Insurance Group Ltd., posted a 24% rise in first-half net profit, helped by gains from the sale of noncore assets. (Source - Customstoday.com.pk)

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Money

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NeFF, experts advocate improved awareness on Cybercrime Act 2015 The Cyber Crime Prohibition Act 2015 provides a legal backing that will assist in the fight against electronic fraud and other related offences in all forms of transactions within the Nigerian economy. Despite its strategic importance to the economy, ordinary Nigerians know little or nothing about it. In this analysis, UDO ONYEKA reports on experts’ views on how to make the law known to the public.

igeria Electronic Fraud Forum, NeFF, since its establishment in 2011, has been at the forefront among other stakeholders in the fight against cybercrime and to secure the payments system within the financial services sector and the economy at large. Within this period NeFF has been very active in educating, enlightening and checkmating electronic fraud in the epayment space, through the activities of its members. Even though Nigerian Inter Bank Settlement Systems, NIBSS, 2014 fraud report shows an increase in the cases of cybercrimes, experts at the NeFF meeting held in Lagos last week agreed that the Cyber Crime prohibition Act, which was signed into law in May 2015, provided comprehensive legal, regulatory and institutional framework for the prohibition, prevention, detection, prosecution and even punishment of cyber criminals in the country. According to NIBSS, Nigeria lost over N6.2bn in 2014 and in 2013, it was N485m. The report in the first half year 2015 also revealed that 1544 fraud cases were reported with an attempted value of N1.34bn, and actual loss value of N654.4m. A look at e-frauds on ATM, e-commerce, internet banking, mobile, PoS and web, showed a total of N925.7m was attempted. However experts have said that but for the efforts of NeFF and the regulators, it would have been worse. The volume and value of electronic transactions in e-payment globally and even in Nigeria have been on the increase, so the volume and value of frauds globally is also on the increase. According to Chairman NEFF and Director, Banking Payments System, Department, CBN, Dipo Fatokun, when the rate of increase globally and in Nigeria is compared, “we will count ourselves as one of those that have been fortunate because we put so many controls in place. So the assessment shows that Nigeria is not doing badly compared to so many other countries in the world when it comes to cyber crime and the issue of e-fraud”, he said. Fatokun said the Cyber crime Prohibition Act that signed into law this year is a very good step in the right direction, saying “ it is actually a very strong force that will help us at the forum in combating electronic fraud in the sense that so many things that were not criminalise in the past have now become criminal offenses.” He said the reason for the gathering is to educate stakeholders first and subsequently pass the information to the public to give warning to those who may have criminal intensions as far as e-payment platform is concerned. “The CBN and banks are collaborat-

President Nigeria Society of Computer, David Adewumi

CBN Gov. Emefiele

The CBN aNd BaNks are CollaBoraTiNg To eNsure e-fraud is reduCed To BaresT miNimum. also, The CoNsumer proTeCTioN eduCaTioN aNd seNsiTisaTioN programmes help iN advisiNg The puBliC oN whaT They Need To kNow aNd To avoid BeiNg viCTims of fraudsTers ing to ensure e-fraud is reduced to barest minimum. Also, the consumer protection education and sensitisation programmes help in advising the public on what they need to know and to avoid being victims of fraudsters. “We have enough procedure in place. For example, if anyone is dismissed from the bank because of fraud the name of such person will be sent to the banking supervision department of the CBN where a database is maintained and such a person is blacklisted. By being blacklisted means such a person cannot work in the banking industry anymore,” he sai d. Speaking at the Forum, Managing Director, Jaiz Bank, Muhammad Ibrahim said that many financial crimes always have insider involvement. According to Ibrahim Nigerian banking landscape continues to experience rapid growth as operators relentlessly deploy technology as a means to drive innovation and deepen financial inclusion. “This is being driven primarily by the use of web and mobile channels, payment cards, ATM, POS, mobile and agency banking which have helped to increase the number of offerings and channels available to the customers. For example, a dominance of ATMs can be seen across banking outlets while other channels such as internet

banking and mobile banking have become a standard service. “This expansion is due to the rapid penetration of internet services across the country which serves as the backbone to each innovative drive and the growth of the middle class and youth population within the countries demographic spread”, he said. He said Cybercrimes are illegal activities carried out using information processing facilities to gain financial advantage by extortion or theft, achieve political or moral recognition by denial or interruption of services. He noted that Cybercrimes range from the everyday social engineering attacks to large scale government sponsored cyber terrorism. External cyber-attacks are increasing in frequency and causing extensive damage to companies and organizations. They are typically launched from the Internet and circumvent the poor security controls of a government or corporation. The internal cyber threat is the most damaging to an organisation due to the insider knowledge that an internal source has of an agency or company. This is why the Act is very important and timely and I know with the collaboration of stakeholders cybercrime would be drastically reduced”, he said.

A legal practitioner and partner , Templars Law firm, Chike Obianwu, while speaking at the NeFF meeting a call for all operators to increase collaboration with regulators, law enforcements and law making bodies with the goal of strengthening the legal framework and promoting situational awareness to the general public. “Effective policing, collaboration and public awareness will definitely go a long way to winning the war against cybercrime”, he said. He said the need for a legal framework has become critical with increase in electronic transactions such as electronic banking, e-commerce and e-business and the corresponding rise in cybercrime. According to experts the Nigerian information technology policy clearly states the nation’s commitment to protection of individual privacy as well as data protection. This has led to the passing of the Cybercrime Bill, into law. “The Act aims at protecting National Information Infrastructure and has laid down penalties for its violation. The Act’s objectives relate to the provision of an effective and unified legal, regulatory and institutional framework for the prohibition, prevention, detection, prosecution and punishment of cybercrimes in Nigeria. “ It also relates to ensuring the protection of critical National Information Infrastructure and promotes cyber-security and the protection of computer systems and networks, electronic communications data and computer programs, intellectual property and privacy rights”, experts at the meeting said. Experts say internet access has created for some, a virtual global crime scene. According to report Nigeria is ranked 8th globally on the use of internet. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, ACFE, in November 2013 identified Africa as the continent with the highest percentage of its online transactions ranked as fraudulent, the highest being in Nigeria and Ghana. The 2015 Security Summit in Johannesburg revealed that South Africa suffered from the most cyber-attacks in Africa. It revealed South Africa’s annual cybercrime loss estimated at $573 million, while Kenya’s loss is placed at $36 million (Daily Nation, IMF and Norton). Many experts have noted that cybercrime undermines public confidence, did not only distort the reward system and work ethic and but also posed a grave danger to economic and financial system as well as constituted a national security threat.

Global Business

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

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China fears and global growth doubts grip markets I

Expensive Shake Shack short bets may have paid off

arkets will be watching for China’s next move as signs of a slowdown in the world’s second-largest economy stack up, raising expectations it will act to stoke growth. A looming snap election in Greece and a closely watched conference hosted by the Federal Reserve in the United States are also likely to keep investors on their toes next week, in particular as they look for hints on when the U.S. will raise interest rates. Fears that Chinese growth is weakening, dragging down the global economy with it, are already hammering commodities and world stock markets. Both tumbled on Friday after a survey showed Chinese manufacturing slowed the most since the global financial crisis in 2009 - adding to other worrying clues about the country’s health, including its falling exports. China devalued the yuan earlier in August, by pushing its official guidance rate down 2 percent. The central bank has said there was no reason for the currency to fall further, but investors are also bracing for further interest rate cuts. “It will be all eyes on the Chinese authorities for any further policy support steps, alongside the People’s Bank of China yuan fixings and trading swings,” analysts at Investec Economics said in a note to clients. China is also widely expected to relax reserve requirements ratios for its banks again in the coming months, a measure intended to spur lending by reducing the cash they need to hold. It is

trying to keep its economy on course to grow 7 percent in 2015 - its slowest pace in a quarter of a century. “We continue to expect a total of 100 basis points of reserve requirement ratio cuts by end-2015, with the first cut likely to take place within the next two weeks,” economists at Standard Chartered said. The cash reserves ratio has already been cut three times this year. By the end of next week attention may shift away to the Rocky Mountains, where policymakers are due to gather from Aug. 27-29 for the Fed’s conference of central bankers, finance ministers, academics and financial market participants in Jackson Hole. Fed chair Janet Yellen is not expected to attend, raising the prospect that other Fed officials may be more tight-lipped about the likelihood of the first rate increase in almost a decade, some analysts said. The prospect of an increase as soon as September receded this week as the Fed released minutes of July meeting. They gave no clear signals as to the timing of such a move - which would affect markets across the world and could cause more pain for emerging market assets, already being hit by China’s woes. Fed policymakers are still concerned about the weakness of the global economy, the minutes showed, but they were also more confident about US growth prospects.

China President Xi Jinping

Further clues on both matters should be gleaned from data releases this week, including secondquarter gross domestic product figures for the United States, due on Thursday. Quarter-on-quarter GDP growth in the period is expected to be revised upwards to 3.2 percent from 2.3 percent, according to a Reuters poll. In the euro zone, investors will also be looking at an German economic sentiment survey due on Tuesday for a better idea of the scope of the bloc’s recovery. Preliminary August consumer price readings for Germany and Spain on Friday will provide further insight into how effective the European Central Bank’s bondbuying efforts have been at warding off deflation.

nvestors short-selling Shake Shack Inc (SHAK.N) may have made money over the past week, even after paying exorbitant interest rates to borrow the stock. The fast-casual burger chain’s Aug. 10 quarterly report beat Wall Street’s expectations, but that was not enough to prevent a slide in the stock, which had traded at sky-high valuations since its January IPO. In a week when the S&P 500 lost 5 percent over three days, Shake Shack’s example shows that sophisticated investors can profit in down markets but often do so at a high risk. Since its initial public offering in January, Shake Shack has been wildly popular with Wall Street and with consumers, who wait in long lines for its indulgent hormone- and antibiotic-free burgers and sides. The stock surged over 300 percent in four months, but also attracted skeptics betting its shares would reverse. Short sellers borrowing record numbers of Shake Shack shares have created a shortage, driving up borrowing costs to unusually high levels that make it more difficult to profit from a decline in the stock and riskier to bet against the company. The annual interest rate short sellers paid to borrow Shake Shack shares was an

exceptionally high 210 percent on Monday before moving down to 50 percent by Friday, according to SunGard’s Astec Analytics, which tracks securities lending. Investors borrowing Shake Shack shares at Monday’s interest rate and selling them at the day’s closing stock price would have paid $1.29 in interest to maintain their bet through Friday at midday, when they could have bought them for back for $7.08 less than their selling price, for a profit of $5.79 a share. It has fallen 47 percent from its May record high and short sellers may have recently taken profits, with the stock falling 30 percent since August 10. The dip in borrowing costs since Monday also follows an additional 4 million shares hitting the market after a secondary offer from insiders completed this week. “The alreaday ‘oversubscribed’ demand meant that utilization of this new stock available to lend held near the 100-percent mark even as volumes climbed during the week,” SunGard analyst Karl Loomes said in an email. The interest rate paid to borrow shares tends to rise in line with demand from short-sellers, who borrow and sell stocks they think will fall in value, hoping to make a profit by buying the stock back more cheaply later on. A significant percentage of stock in a short position indicates that investors expect a stock to drop in value.

Ashley Madison: More data leaks Iran says an OPEC emergency meeting on to dark net

may stop oil price slide – Shana

ran’s Oil Minister, Bijan Zanganeh, said on Sunday that holding an emergency OPEC meeting may be “effective” in stabilizing the oil price, Iran’s oil ministry news agency Shana reported. Algeria said earlier this month that the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries could hold an emergency meeting to discuss the drop

Oil vessel

in oil prices but other OPEC delegates said no meeting was planned. “Iran endorses an emergency OPEC meeting and would not disagree with it,” Zanganeh told reporters in Tehran, according to Shana. U.S. oil prices CLc1 fell below $40 a barrel on Friday for the first time since the 2009 financial crisis, pressured by

signs of oversupply in the United States and weak Chinese manufacturing data. [O/R] OPEC is not due to meet until Dec. 4. While OPEC rules say a simple majority of the 12 OPEC members is needed to call an emergency meeting before then, some OPEC delegates say a meeting is unlikely unless Saudi Arabia is in favor. Saudi Arabia, the world’s top oil exporter, and other Gulf states pushed OPEC’s strategy shift last year to defend market share rather than cut output to support prices. Relatively wealthy, they are better able to cope with low oil prices than Iran, Venezuela or African members. OPEC delegates see little chance of the exporting group diverting from its policy of defending market share, although the latest drop in prices is starting to sour the business mood even in Saudi Arabia.

fresh set of files that appear to be leaked Ashley Madison data has been uploaded to a part of the internet known by some as the “dark web”. The data dump was accompanied by a note addressed to the infidelity dating website’s boss saying: “Hey Noel, you can admit it’s real now.” The name of one of the files indicates that it contains nearly 14 gigabytes worth of data from the chief executive’s email account. However, there is a problem with it. The archive in question has been compressed, and efforts to expand it to normal size bring up an error message, “It’s in a zipped format, and when I try to decompress the contents a message comes up saying it won’t work,” Per Thorsheim, chief executive of cybersecurity firm God Praksis, told the BBC. “I can’t yet say why.” The BBC has independently verified that the archive ap-

pears to be damaged. Other files, however, can be viewed. Mr Thorsheim said they appeared to contain collections of computer instructions. “The one that I opened up - Avid.tgz - looks to me like source code,” Mr Thorsheim said. “I can’t say [for sure] that it’s from Ashley Madison, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it is.” Another security firm that has taken a cursory look at these files highlighted the threat they could pose. “If this turns out to be legitimate, which it in all aspects appears to be, having full source code to these websites means that other hacker groups now have the ability to find new flaws in Avid Life’s websites, and further compromise them more,”wrote Dave Kennedy, chief executive of TrustedSec, on his firm’s blog. Ashley Madison’s owner, Avid Life Media, could not be reached for comment.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Demutualisation: Charting new course to deepening investments in capital market J ohnson o kanlawon

takeholders in the Nigerian capital market have identified demutualisation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange as a major factor that would help reduce to the barest minimum, over dependence on foreign investors and woo more local/retail investors into the stock market. The Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, has released final rules on demutualisation of securities exchanges in Nigeria. According to SEC, the rules are not specific to the NSE alone but are aimed at operations of any other registered exchange in the country. Demutualisation is the process of changing a member-owned stock exchange, otherwise known as mutual exchange, to a corporate entity owned by shareholders. In a mutual exchange, the three functions of ownership, management and trading are concentrated into a single group, hence the broker members of the exchange are both the owners and the traders on the exchange and they further manage the exchange as well. In a demutualised exchange, the three functions of ownership, management and trading are clearly separated. The draft rules by SEC simply defined demutualisation as “the separation of the ownership of the Securities Exchange from the right to trade on such Securities Exchange.” The Managing Director of Stanwal Securities Limited, Mr. Augustine Ofonagoro admitted that demutualization would go a long way to reduce overdependence on foreign investors and attract local ones into the market. He explained that when the NSE is fully demutualized and the ownership structure clearly spelt out, the generality of the populace would come to the knowledge that the Exchange is not government enterprise. According to him, as NSE demutualizes and sell its own shares to the people, more people will know what is happening here and they will bring all the money they are stocking elsewhere because they will believe that the place belongs to them. He however lamented over dependence of foreign investors in the nation’s bourse. “This does not augur well for the country. If anything goes wrong in their country, like in the global financial meltdown, they would sell off their investment in Nigeria to go and survive over there and that

NSE DG, Gwarzo

NSE DG, Oscar Onyema

In a mutual exchange, the three functIons of ownershIp, management and tradIng are concentrated Into a sIngle

group, hence the broker members of the exchange are both the owners and the traders on the exchange and they further manage the exchange as well way, the Nigerian Stock Market would be at the receiving end. That is why we incurred the lot of losses here because they dump their shares and moved outside,’ he said.

The Chief Executive Officer of Lambeth Trust & Investment Company Limited, Imafidon Adonri said demutualization will enable the Exchange operate efficiently like a commercial

business. He explained that it will give the Exchange greater latitude to explore more income generating possibilities. “With more income, it can acquire worldclass facilities which will enhance competitiveness. As a business limited by shares, the standard of corporate governance and transparency will be enhanced and with this, several retail investors would have opportunity to be shareholders in the Exchange,” he said. The General Secretary, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mr. Adebayo Adeleke, said, “We have always agreed that the Nigerian Stock Exchange should be demutualised, the council of the exchange has lacked the courage and the will power to pull the demutualisation bill through and it is not unconnected with personal interest because quite a number of them are trying to personally manipulate and manoveur shares when it is eventually demutualised. “I think that is why they have not been able to pull that through. With the SEC coming out to give out some guidelines will bring out some issues, I think the issue is not about capital members or current members of the exchange being allotted certain percentage because that is where we are having challenges. When you say shares are made available then there is no reason why you should allot certain percentage to anybody, you allow the market to determine the flow of that particular share.”

CSCS profit up 6% in six months J ohnson o k anl awon

he Central Securities Clearing System, CSCS, an agent for Central Depository, Clearing and Settlement of transactions in the capital market has declared a profit after tax of N2.35 million for the half year ended June 30, 2015, an increase of 5.68 per cent from N2.23 million recorded in the same period of 2014. The company that operates a computerized depository, clearing, settlement and delivery system for transactions in securities in them market recorded a total revenue of N3.94 billion in the review period, from N3.80 billion recorded in

the corresponding period of 2014. Although the percentage of total income of investment income declined between 2014 and FY 2013 financial years, transaction/depository fees increased as a percentage of total income signifying improvements in the business. The company reported a slight increase in total expenses of 0.83 per cent leading to a decline in profit before tax of 0.57 per cent. CSCS had a stronger second quarter performance as total revenue and profit after tax grew by 10.42 per cent and 0.29 per cent respectively. Analysts at GTI Securities, an investment firm, attributed the increase to the company’s

commitment to deliver on services driven by innovative technology and intention to support diversification, scale and growth. Valuating the company, the firm said, “Based on our analysis, CSCS Plc is currently undervalued. It is trading at a discount to our estimated fair value of N7.19 with a year investment horizon. In arriving at our fair value for the stock, we focused on the historical financial performance of the stock and our expectation for FY 2015.” The firm forecast at revenue of N9.58 billion, representing a 20.00 per cent growth relative to

for the 2015 financial year, while profit after tax estimates for the same year is N5.52 billion, a 19.58 per cent increase from 2014. “This yields an improved earnings per share of N1.10 and a forward price earning ratio of 5.88X which signifies inherent growth potentials in the company,” the firm said. The company has continued to broaden its operations with the assignment of symbols for 33 new securities in the equities and Over The Counter, OTC market to facilitate listing and trading on the floor of the Exchanges.

Features

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

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Nasarawa First Lady brings succour to HIV/AIDS victims Igbawase UkUmba LAFIA

iving with HIV/AIDS is seen as a curse in some societies due to existing taboos which make victims to be subjected to embarrassment by their beloved ones. Everyone of such people has a different experience. But being diagnosed with the disease can create raft emotions; including anger, denial, depression, anxiety, fear of how everything will progress, fear of isolation from family and friends, and worries about infection of others. By bearing such a heavy emotional burden, it is not surprising that depression is twice as common in people living with HIV and AIDS. It is very disturbing to note that statistics has shown that 19 million out of 35 million people living with the disease do not know their status. Perhaps it was on this premise that the first lady of Nasarawa state and wife of Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, Hajia Salamatu, commended those victims, who had undergone a skills acquisition training and were graduating from her pet project, Mother and child Care Enforcement Foundation, McCEF, for boldly accepting their status as a normal way of life. The Nasarawa first lady therefore told the gathering that they have learnt from experts that with the test and counseling, and regular visits to professionals and following medical advices, HIV is a less deadly disease than hepatitis and diabetes and even malaria. Nevertheless, life, it is said, is for the living and humans can only do their best while they still have the ability to do so; hence Hajia Salamatu’s Non-Governmental Organization, NGO, McCEF, with the help of the World Bank Assisted Programme, the Wold Bank HAF Project 2 through the Nasarawa State AIDS Control Agency, NASACA target People Living With HIV/AIDS, PLWHA, and mother to child transmission. It was at this background that the First Lady’s pet project, McCEF, recently graduated its 40 trainees, who are virtually all HIV/AIDS victims, in the skills of dyeing, tailoring, design, bends making, soap and pomade making, knitting, hairdressing salon amongst others. Speaking at the graduation ceremony that was attended by a cream of the Nasarawa society, including her husband and Executive Governor of Nasarawa state, Tanko Al-Makura, Hajia Salamatu said: “In this first phase of the project, we selected two communities from two local government areas of the state. namely; Doma and Obi with 20 persons from each local government.” The First Lady who expressed immense pleasure in working with the graduates as she said: “I really do appreciate their determination and zeal in putting their status behind and taking up challenges of living a positive life. This empowerment programme is a step ahead in giving you your destiny in your hands. I urge you to make good use of the skills acquired here and even become an employer of labour.” Hajia Salamatu AlMakura therefore concluded his address by calling on family, friends and associates of PLWHA to show them love and care at all times. And to the society, she appealed to it not to stigmatize them. “Kindly give them all the help and assistance where the need arises,” she emphasized. In his speech ,at the occasion, the executive director of NASACA, Dr. Zakari Umar, said NASACA is very proud of the good work and will not only continue to patronize the services of McCEF when the need arises, but will also encourage developmental partners with the intention to work with an NGO to consider working with McCEF for successful delivery of their interventions,

Gov. Al-Makura

Hajiya Salamatu Al-Makura

I really do apprecIate theIr determInatIon and zeal In puttIng theIr status behInd and takIng up challenges of lIvIng a posItIve lIfe.

thIs

empowerment programme Is a step ahead In gIvIng you your destIny In your

hands.

I urge you to make

good use of the skIlls acquIred here and even become an employer of labour

Dr. Umar said: “Over the months, reports received by NASACA and independent monitors recruited by World Bank confirmed that McCEF, is working along the terms as agreed. Today we will be witnessing the concrete evidence of McCEF work which is this graduation ceremony for some persons living with HIV on income generating activities.” The initiative of the first lady, no doubt, puzzled Gov-

ernor Al-Makura who was at the venue of the ceremony as according to him “the initiative of the first lady is quite unique.” It was at this juncture that Al-Makura declared that the Nasarawa state government has offered automatic employment to ten persons living with the deadly virus, HIV/AIDS who have graduated from the McCEF. The governor also announced a cash donation of one hundred thousand naira to each of the 40 graduated trainees to enable them start their businesses. He explained that the gesture was meant to alleviate the hardship being faced by the victims of the disease and as well fast track the viability of their businesses. AlMakura commended the state first lady for the initiative, noting that the gesture was in line with his administration’s commitment to enhance the living condition of the people of the state, especially the vulnerable group in the society. “I also commend the beneficiaries for knowing their health status. I will, in addition to other things, showcase you to not only the state but the entire world. The graduates on their part were highly esteemed and honoured by the benevolence of the duo of Govenor Al-Makura and his wife, Salamatu which they said they actually lack words to express their gratitude to their benefactors. However one of the graduate trainees, Farida Ozayashi from Doma local government area said she will ever remain indebted to the governor Al-Makura and his wife for uplifting her life from grass to grace. She also called persons with such ailment not to see it as the end of their life on earth, but to strive and shake off the depression in them for testing positive and get engaged in meaningful activities that would promote their livelihood. Corroborating, another graduated trainee, Usman Ogbole from Obi local government area said: “We thank the state governor and the first lady for strengthening our psychology and as well giving us this rare opportunity to become producers in the nation’s economy. We are going to make use of the knowledge and tools gotten courtesy of the first lady to develop ourselves as well as our neighbours .

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Features

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

How disasters claimed 23 lives in S/West –NEMA

NEMA Donates Relief Supplies To Yobe Victims Freed By Boko Haram

National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, [South West Zone] recently gave details of its quarterly activities in responding to emergency in the south west zone between March and June 2015 DARE AKOGUN examines the agency’s report.

he South West Zonal Office of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, in the review of its activities from March to June, 2015 disclosed that various disasters in the south west zone claimed the lives of about 23 persons including seven children with a six months old baby consumed in a fire disaster. Nema South West zonal spokesperson Ibrahim Farinloye also said that the agency recorded two suicide attempts as one person who climbed a television mast was rescued while the other had died before help could reach him while ten persons suffered various degree of injuries in the course of the period under review.According to him, “The Zonal Office recorded about 200 fire disasters incidences and several others that were handled by the efficient firemen of Lagos State Fire Service who have been making effective use of the State-of-the Art fire appliances acquired by the state government, to attend to about five fire calls daily. “However, it is disheartening to say that in the period under review,a fire man was lost on duty line while trying to rescue a victim in a local well; he was in coma for a long before given up the ghost. “This incident really dampened the morale, passion and spirits of the officers and men of Lagos Fire Service as it was the first time, the Service would experience such incident. The State Government, which has always applaud the diligence of the service personnel, is passionately implore to kindly urge to further look into enhancement of the firemen welfare,” he stated. Farinloye further revealed that, a total of 1675 houses and three hundred and 13 shops were affected by fire and windstorms’ disasters across the zone. “Out of these, Lagos has a record of 989 houses and 219 shops affected while Oyo state has a record of 430 houses affected and Ogun State recorded 280 houses and 85 shops affected by fire and windstorms’ disasters,” he added. He disclosed that NEMA provided relief materials to victims of various disaster in 15 communities; Odofin,

Out Of these, LagOs has a recOrd Of 989 hOuses and 219 shOps affected whiLe OyO state has a recOrd Of 430 hOuses affected and Ogun state recOrded 280 hOuses and 85 shOps affected by fire and

windstOrms’ disasters Agboju and Alakija in Amuwo Odofin LGA; Epe, Ogunmodede, Epetedo, Odo Iragbusi, Iraye, Poka and Ketu communities in Epe Local Government Area; Ijede, Imota and Ikorodu in Ikorodu Local Government Area; Ajara, Ibereko and Kakoa in Badagry Local Government Area; while Iba, Obadore, Abule Ado, Ije Ododo and Okokomaiko in Ojo Local Government area relief materials have been delivered to Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, for distribution to the victims. The victims of the windstorms and fire disasters in seven communities of Igboho in Oorelope Local Government Area; Igangan in Ibarapa North Local Government Area; several communities in Afijio, Atiba and Oyo West Local Government Area have received through the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency. In Ogun State, the victims of market fire at Igbo Aje market in Yewa South; Abeokuta South; Abeokuta North; Ayetoro and Topolo communities of Yewa North have received relief materials by NEMA

through the Ogun State Emergency Management Agency. NEMA is hereby appealing to Nigerians and corporate organisations to invest more in disaster risk reduction measures to secure their lives and property. There is need for Nigerians to be more fire safety conscious in their course of their daily activities as fire disaster does not have any season when it can occur. Many people have been wondering while frequent occurrences of fire disasters on daily basis, they should be aware that fire is a good friend if you manage it carefully and can cause extensive destructions if not properly managed well at any time. We should avoid leaving children alone in a locked-up apartment without neighbours having knowledge or access to the area in case of emergency. If we must use candle at any time, the elders must ensure that it is put off before leaving the place for children. Community responsibility of being a brother keeper must be enhanced and encouraged for the best interest of everyone as we do not when we may need the help of our neighbours. People should use the onset of rainfall to plant trees in their premises to serve as windbreaker that would help in reducing the increasing rate of windstorm disasters that are exposing more families to disaster risk. In the foreword to the 2008 National Emergency Management Agency Annual report written by President Goodluck Jonathan stressed that the Federal government is aware of the enormity of the challenges faced by the disaster management Agencies. He said “Disaster threaten national development, poverty reduction initiatives and the attainment of the millennium Development Goals of government, while Nigeria has been spared the occurrence of major disasters, with devastating socio-economic consequences, as witnessed in other parts of the globe, we cannot afford to be complacent. “We should continue to build on our capacity for effective and prompt response so as to reduce the vulnerability. The capacity is crucial today more than ever before in the face of daunting challenges”. Governments have explicit responsibility for the safety of publicly owned assets and for protecting the lives, livelihoods and uninsured private assets of households and communities after disasters. Each country has its own unique risk profile of extensive, intensive and emerging risks. Ideally, governments should adopt a mix of prospective, corrective and compensatory risk management strategies. As new development decisions and investments are taken, risks may not be immediately apparent and the potential losses could go unmanaged.This may cause longer-term effects such as increasing poverty, declining human development and reduced economic growth. Climatechange adaptation in particular requires increased attention to underlying risk drivers, reducing vulnerability and strengthening risk governance capacities.

Global Business

Emerging market worries prompt selloff, but bulls remain

he steep selloff that pushed down the benchmark Standard & Poor’s 500 index five percent over three days may say more about the outlook for emerging markets than U.S. companies in the fourth quarter, fund managers and analysts say. China’s economic slowdown, recessions in Latin American countries such as Brazil and Chile, and a breakdown in commodity prices combined with a thinly-traded market as many investors become more focused on tide charts than trading terminals - are prompting traders to overlook improving U.S. economic data, said Alan Gayle, portfolio manager at RidgeWorth Investments. “There’s a great deal of nervousness around the weakness in China, and that’s overshadowing the fact that the U.S. economy is sound and the European Union economy is firming,” he said. Sales of existing U.S. homes rose in July to their highest level since 2007. U.S. auto sales, meanwhile, are on track for their best year in a decade. Attention will return to those domestic metrics as the Federal Reserve begins its annual meeting in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, next week. Investors will be looking for any signs that the central bank is increasingly worried about global issues or whether it is going ahead with what had been a widely-expected interest rate hike in September.

The Fed has said its decision to raise rates will depend on data such as an improving jobs market and housing market. Should the Fed signal that it plans to raise rates, investor sentiment toward the United States and emerging markets may further diverge. Minutes released Wednesday of the central bank’s most recent meeting revealed Fed officials were concerned about “recent decreases in oil prices and the possibility of adverse spillovers from slower economic growth in China,” a detail which helped spark the selling. At the same time, North Korea put its troops on war footing Friday after South Korea rejected an ultimatum to halt anti-Pyongyang broadcasts. The prospect of war, or signs of more global worries, could further dampen U.S. stocks in the week ahead. The slowdown in China and other emerging markets such as Brazil is hurting commodityrelated companies, but it is not enough to affect either 2015 or 2016 earnings estimates for the S&P 500 as a whole, said Gina Martin Adams, equity strategist at Wells Fargo. Second-quarter earnings rose 0.1 percent from a year earlier, an improvement from the expected decline of 3.4 percent. Low energy costs should benefit consumer discretionary

Obama

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Boeing on track to meet 737 MAX production targets – Spokesman

oeing Co (BA.N) remains on track to meet production targets it has set for its 737 MAX jetliner, a company spokesman said on Friday following a report on industry concerns that slow output at supplier GKN PLC (GKN.L) could cause delays. The Chicago-based aircraft maker expects to roll out the first 737 MAX before the end of 2015, fly it in early 2016 and deliver it to customers on time beginning in the third quarter of 2017, Boeing spokesman Doug Alder said in a statement.

companies, which Martin Adams expects to grow earnings by 12 percent for the year, up from her previous forecast of 8 percent. Mutual fund managers are also making bets on U.S. companies that get the majority of their revenues from the domestic market. The average large-cap fund is overweight in U.S.-focused companies, including JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM.N), railroad Union Pacific Corp (UNP.N), Boaing aircraft American Express Co (AXP.N), and Comcast Corp (CMCSA.O), according to research by Goldman Sachs. Martin Adams estimates the S&P 500 will reach 2,222 over the .S. oil prices traded below next 12 months, an 11 percent $40 a barrel for the first time gain from the 1,997 the index since the 2009 financial crireached on midday Friday, after sis, ending 2 percent lower on Fricommodity prices bottom and day on signs of U.S. oversupply and earnings improve. weak Chinese manufacturing and notching the longest weekly losing streak in almost three decades. U.S. crude dipped below the $40 threshold following weekly data that showed U.S. energy firms added two oil drilling rigs last week, the fifth Cottarelli said the IMF would dis- increase in a row. The rise in the cuss in coming months with Chinese number of rigs emerging after a secauthorities their decision to weaken ond quarter lull in prices is adding to concerns U.S. shale production the currency. China is eager for the yuan to join is proving slow to respond to fallthe IMF’s Special Drawing Rights ing prices, prolonging a global glut. basket of currencies. But the fund [RIG/U] “Everyone is still looking at it is considering extending the current SDR basket by nine months until saying ‘Wow, you still don’t have production coming down,’” said Tariq September 30, 2016.

IMF, MD, Lagarde

markets on Friday, driving Wall Street to its steepest one-day drop in nearly four years. “Monetary policies have been very expansive in recent years and an adjustment is necessary,” said Carlo Cottarelli, an IMF executive director representing countries such as Italy and Greece on its board. “It’s totally premature to speak of a crisis in China,” he told a press conference. He reiterated an IMF forecast for a 6.8 percent expansion in the Chinese economy this year, below the 7.4 percent growth achieved in 2014. “China’s real economy is slowing but it’s perfectly natural that this should happen ... What happened in recent days is a shock on financial markets which is natural,” he added. China’s stock markets have fallen more than 30 percent since mid-year. Following a slew of poor economic data, Beijing devalued the yuan in a surprise move last week.

On Thursday, The Wall Street Journal reported concern among industry executives that the process could be slowed because of problems at GKN producing the jetliner’s engine thrust reversers. A spokesman for GKN declined to comment on Friday. Boeing is attempting to hit record production speeds for the popular 737 jetliner program, often called a cash cow. It aims to build 52 per month by 2018 versus 42 currently. Its shares were down 2.8 percent on the New York Stock Exchange.

Oil ends down more than 2 percent as U.S. drilling points to glut

IMF official says ‘premature’ to speak of Chinese crisis hina’s economic slowdown and a sharp fall in its stock market herald not a crisis but a “necessary” adjustment for the world’s second biggest economy, a senior International Monetary Fund official said on Saturday. Fresh evidence of easing growth in China hammered global stock

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Turning to Greece, which is heading to an early election in September, Cottarelli said the IMF would decide in two or three months whether to join the latest international rescue efforts. The IMF deems Greece’s debt unsustainable and has called for debt relief as a condition to participate in a third bailout. “The debt sustainability assessment will take place after the launch of the program (agreed with creditors) in two or three months. The IMF will then be able to evaluate whether to intervene,” he said.

Oil rig

Zahir, founder at Tyche Capital in Laurel Hollow, New York. U.S. October crude CLc1 settled 87 cents, or 2.1 percent, lower at $40.45 a barrel, having touched a new 6-1/2year low of $39.86 a barrel. Frontmonth U.S. crude has fallen 33 percent over eight consecutive weeks of losses, the longest such losing streak since 1986. It pared some losses late in the trading session, as U.S. RBOB gasoline futures RBc1 rebounded from a contract low, on news of a fire in a gasoline-making unit at PBF Energy Inc’s 182,000 barrels per day Delaware City, Delaware, refinery. Brent oil LCOc1 ended $1.16, or 2.5 percent, lower at $45.46 a barrel. It hit a low of $45.07 and threatened to break below $45 a barrel for the first time since March 2009.

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Council chairman raises alarm on HIV/AIDs RIchaRd Ndoma CALABAR

ormer House of Representatives member who represented Akpabuyo,Bakassi and Calabar Constituency at the lower House of National Assembly and now current Chairman for Akpabuyo local government council in Cross River, Hon. Patrick Ene-Okon,has decried the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in his council Area in recent times. Okon raised the alarm while receiving a team of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) who recently paid him a courtesy visit at Ikot Nakanda council Headquarters for Akpabuyo Local Government Area in Cross River State. This came as he decried the council’s inability to finance some of its capital projects due to the fall in crude oil prices and requested for urgent attention from all concerned to checkmate the incidence adding that HIV/AIDS discovery was made recently by a group based in the United Kingdom. The group according to him had earlier visited the area to offer free medical services to the people stressing that prior to the exercise, some of the victims, he explained had little or no knowledge concerning the virus. The Akpabuyo council helmsman lauded USAID’s role in the fight against the scourge of the dreaded diseases threatening the wellbeing of youths in the area and advocated for intensive education which according to him had become necessary to be given to the locals to help reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS disease. “We have really been having high incident of HIV in this local government area. “There is one organization that came from the UK to provide free medical services, after some people were tested; we discovered that many tested positive”Okon said. “If we don’t work hard to lessen the spread it would become a huge problem because some of them do not even know that they were positive”. We need to educate the people on this virus”,The chairman maintained. Earlier, the Programme Manager of USAID, Tessie Philips, said the organization’s goal was to add value to the lives of the people and assured that USAID was working towards addressing the vulnerabilities identified in the area.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Electricity consumers protest blackout, bogus tariff RIchaRd Ndoma CALABAR

bout 0ne thousand Electricity consumers in Obudu main town in Obudu local government area of Cross River State at the weekend took to the streets to protest poor supply of Electricity provided by Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) within the town. The protesters who paraded themselves with placards with different inscriptions and tree branches expressing their grievances,thronged through major streets of Obudu town to the Obudu Local Government Secretariat. Spokeperson for the group, Barr. Emmanuel Obuah who field questions from journalists said that the demonstration was fuelled by pent up frustration by electricity consumers who are being forced to live in perpetual darkness but pay high tariffs to PHEDC.

The legal luminary maintained that they had in several occasion complained to PHEDC about incessant power outage and continuous use of arbitrary estimated billing system that makes people to pay for power that they did not consume, but the company had paid deft eyes. The protesters explained that sometimes the area will not have electric power4 supply for weeks only for power to be supplied briefly with accompanying high bills. When that happens those who cannot afford to pay the bills are disconnected. The protesters described themselves as peace-loving Nigerians who are tired of having their rights trampled on and have decided to demonstrate in order to bring their plight to public glare for the whole world to see. In a 3-page “Save Our Soul” SOS letter addressed to governor of Cross River state, Sen. Ben Ayade and Council Chairman for Obudu Local Government Area, Mr Emmanuel Ugbe

by the protesters, The protesters urged government to save the residents from the exploitative tendencies of the PHEDC and wondered why Obudu in spite of its strategic position as one the hubs of the state tourism drive should be denied regular power supply. The letter stated apart from the epileptic power supply, the billing method was outrageous and arbitrary especially for people who have not been provided meters even after paying for them. The Electricity consumers accused PHEDC of extortion in billing the people without supplying them power and refusal to install meters to continue exploiting with estimated bills. The protesters maintained that Obudu might have been left out of the on-going nationwide upgrade and expansion of power infrastructure as the 132kva Utuhu booster power station an IPP project has been abandoned. “It also feared that work on the transmission line in and out of the plant has also been aban-

doned meaning that the power situation in the area may not change in a long run while in Obudu and Obanliku LGAs. ‘We deserve to enjoy the dividends of democracy like everyone else’, one of the protesters told newsmen, ‘there is wind of change blowing across Nigeria, it should also extend to PHEDC’, The Protesters said. Also speaking on the issue, secretary to Obudu Local Government Council, Barr. Emma Ogboaka who received the protesters on behalf of the council chairman, Mr Emmanuel Ugbe commended the peaceful conduct of the protesters and promised to forward their complaint to thestate government. The leader of the Obudu legislative council Mr Agabi Sylvester, told the protesters that their action resonates with the council as the Obudu Legislative council is debating a motion for a resolution to stop the collection of electricity bills in the area until normalcy is restored.

L-R: Member, Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Elizabeth Ativie; Wife of Edo State governor, Mrs. Iara Oshiomhole and Chief Commissioner, Nigerian Girls Guide Association, Edo State, Mrs. Maria Gorretti-Sule, during the decoration of Mrs. Oshiomhole as Patron of the association, in Benin City, recently.

Communities begin verification of oil spill victims’ claims osahoN JulIus YENAGOA

ommunities impacted by the Bonga 2011 oil spill in Bayelsa and Delta have commenced verification of people impacted by the devastating incident four years ago. Prince George Ibobra, immediate past Community Development Committee Chairman of Koluama 2 in Southern Ijaw Local Government of Bayelsa told newsmen on Monday in Yenagoa that the verification had reached the final stages.

Ibobra who represents Koluama 2 on the Spill Impact Verification Committee said that the December 2011 oil spill incident from Shell’s Bonga offshore oil spill impacted six local governments in Delta and Bayelsa. It will be recalled that some 40,000 barrels of crude was discharged into the Atlantic during an operational mishap at the oil field operated by Shell Nigeria Production and Exploration Company (SNEPCO). The House of Representatives and National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) had in December

2014 recommended a compensation of $3.96 billion for victims of the incident. Ibobra explained that the impacted communities in Delta and Bayelsa had inaugurated a 30 man committee in 2014 drawn from the six LGAs in the two states to conduct the verification of impacted people in Delta and Bayelsa. According to him, Southern Ijaw, Brass and Ekeremor LGA all on the Atlantic shoreline were the worst affected in Bayelsa while Burutu, Warri North and Warri South LGAs in Delta were worst hit in Delta.

He said that some groups had taken undue advantage of the ongoing verification to circulate compensation forms to unsuspecting members of the public across the two states. He advised members of the public to disregard the syndicates who were working outside the affected areas and advised those who suffered impact to approach their community leaders to get verified. “It has gotten to our notice that people are currently circulating oil spill compensation forms in most Bayelsa Communities.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ammended DESOPADEC bill does not favour oil producing communities –Newuwumi

Sir, the Delta state government and the state house of assembly just amended the DESOPADEC bill which has sparked a lot of protest from the host communities, what is your take on this sir? Though the new bill is about oil and gas host communities in Delta state but as an Itsekiri man who both paternal and maternal communities produce and feel the impact of the exploration of oil activities, the new bill does not favour the Itsekiri man or any other ethnic nationalities that produce oil. That is the Ijaws, the Isokos. The former bill was even a little bit okay even though there were some issues with it but this present bill sponsored by the executive especially regarding the formation of the governing council and others do not favour the oil producing areas it was meant to serve. There are lots of abnormalities in the new bill that we need to challenge, things that are not in our favour.

Are you saying that the communities and stakeholders were not consulted before the amendment of the bill? That is another problem concerning the way that bill was forced down our throat. There was supposed to be town hall meetings, consultations before the bill was passed but only for the House of Assembly to tell us that there will be a public hearing of the bill. I think that our representatives in the house ought to have come home and consult with his constituency before going with the bill. It is not all local government in the state that are oil producing and so I think that the house would have got audience with people in the local governments that are directly affected by oil and gas exploration. To answer your question, No, there were no consultations from our representatives in Warri North local government area. What is wrong with the new bill concerning the governing board and its component ? To me that is another jamboree because it has a Chairman, a Managing Director, three executive directors and nine representatives coming from the three senatorial districts that make up Delta state. That to me is not being fair to the oil producing communities, the local governments or the senatorial districts that produce oil and gas; they bear the burden of oil exploration and exploitation. The issue of oil production and derivation does not have anything to do with population. Senatorial districts are determined on basis of population and electorate; it has nothing to do with the principle of derivation or oil production as enshrined in the constitution. In this sense if we say DESOPADEC, which means Delta Sate OIL Producing Area Development Commission, and you are sharing the proceeds from the 13 percent derivation among communities who do not produce oil or impacted in any way, then there is a problem. If you are sharing by senatorial districts then the people in the communities and local government who are directly affected and impacted by oil exploration activities are short changed. We will be short changed because in Delta south senatorial district where you have the Ijaws, the Isokos and the

Comrade Omolubi Newuwumi, a Niger Delta activist and immediate past Commissioner, Ministry of Youth recently examined the DESOPADEC amended bill as sponsored by the state governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, and picked holes in the bill that has caused much controversies in the communities, local government areas and the ethnic nationalities which produce the bulk of the crude oil that qualifies Delta to be called an oil producing state. He spoke with Niger Delta mirror’s JULIUS OSAHON. Excerpts: as such the state is supposed to negotiate with the communities where these oil is produced and where the impacted is devastating before anything is done with the fund. What they have done now is autocracy, it is not democratic because the people were never consulted and that is why we are taking the state government to court because there was no where it was stated that the state share the derivation fund with oil producing communities.

Newuwumi

Itsekirisall in one senatorial district. The Urhobos are in one senatorial district while the Delta Igbos is in one. Now, in terms of oil production, the Ijaws, Itsekiris and the Isokos produces 91% of the oil and gas in the state and this is what qualifies Delta as an oil producing and derivation state. So if these three tribes are producing 91% are in one senatorial district and you say it will have three director in the commission which will spread among the senatorial districts, that means that the three tribes who produces 91% of the oil will have just one slot and the one that produces less than ten percent will produce tow directors. That is why I say that the issue of oil production and derivation has nothing to do with population because it is called derivation. It is called so because there are people, communities, local governments that are derived, where the environment has been polluted, their economic and Heath devastated by oil exploration activities and these people are the Ijaws, Itsekiris and the Isokos. For you to say you are sharing per senatorial amount to marginalization of these ethnic nationalities and its people. I am against this as stated in page (2) paragraph (4) of the new amended bill because it does not represent the true principle as stated in the constitution. Are you okay with the 50-50 percent sharing formula between the state and the oil producing areas because some people seem to be kicking against it? That’s another criminal act been perpetrated by the state against the oil bearing communities because if you see the bill it clearly stated that the fund belong to the oil producing communities and that is why it’s called oil producing areas development commission. It’s not called Delta state producing commission but oil producing areas was clearly stated, it was not a general statement and so it was not generalized that the13 percent derivation was for all Deltans but for the oil producing areas. So

why do you have to wait till now before coming out with this because for eight years Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who is an Itsekiri was at the helms of affairs as Delta state governor and you did not mention anything about the sharing formula between the state and the oil producing communities then? I will summarize like this in the local parlance ‘yanga dey sleep, trouble go wake am’ because if the House of Assembly and the governor did not wake up one day and began looking for ways to further deprive us maybe we would not take a closer look at the bill. This is an executive bill sponsored by the state governor and if they have not woken up seeking to short change us we wouldn’t have seen the abnormalities in the bill. The average Itsekiri man is not a greedy man, we are contented but that does not mean that if we have an opportunity to address injustice we won’t do it, we are capable and have enough human resources to do that. What about the other tribes in the Delta south who are also part of the marginalized in this case, don’t you think you need to have a collective front to fight this fight? That is why I am using this opportunity to call on my Ijaw and Isoko brothers that this issue is a collective fight to liberate everyone of us. It is these three tribes that is been marginalized by this bill and we must fight this together. We are going to ask the state government what they are doing with 50% of the 13% derivation fund because it is clear that the state budget is planned according to the revenue allocation from the federal government and its internal generated revenue. The 50% from the 13% fund which they deduct from the amount given to DESOPADEC is not included in the state budget presentation, so we need to ask what they do with the money. If DESOPADEC can present their own budget, develop communities; capacity building with their own 50%, what did the state do with their own share of the money? Again, what is the actual amount of money coming in as derivation from the federal government? These and more are the questions they need to answer. This is where we are calling on the federal government to please start publishing the amount each state gets every month

The sTaTes in The niger DelTa anD The people negoTiaTeD wiTh The feDeral governmenT on The issue of DerivaTion anD arriveD aT

13%

as derivation fund as it is done for the states monthly allocation. It is only when these allocation are publish that we can know how much is accruable to the oil producing areas and that is the only way we can ask them to account for the money if we are not satisfy the way it was used. It is a criminal and that is why we are going to court for four reason. One, we are not going with the senatorial sharing formula; it does not favour the oil producing communities and the ethnic nationalities. Two, we no longer accept the benchmark of 50-50% out of the 13% derivation fund being force down on us by the state government because we are directly affected by oil and gas exploration. The states in the Niger Delta and the people negotiated with the federal government on the issue of derivation and arrived at 13% , so let the people in the oil producing communities negotiate with the states on how to share the proceeds from derivation fund which is for their sake and welfare. Number three, the bulk of the derivation fund should go directly to the oil producing communities because by the principle of derivation, this fund is not to be shared by the governor without input from these communities who suffer as a result of oil exploration. Number four, we are going to join the Attorney General and the Fiscal and Mobilization Committee in the suit for them to interpret these laws. What is the way forward? The Delta state government should leave the oil producing communities to develop their areas themselves because sitting down in Asaba and drawing out program for the suffering people in the creeks is not satisfactory to the people. The state government must make sure that the communities and its inhabitants are carried along in the sitting of project to avoid a situation where you give them what they don’t need or what they never agitate for. There must be genuine effort to develop the communities and not lip services, we have seen some projects executed before by the commission but it must be improved upon.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Politics

his own downfall –Hon Kwewum CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 that in Benue, Plateau and Kogi states, people were too disillusioned to vote. They didn’t care to go and vote and there was nothing anybody could do. Let me tell you about smart card readers, SCRs: people will lie to you that the SCRs were not evenly distributed, but it is not true, the SCRs were fairly distributed and they represented the same percentage of the differences involved between the states and the six regions of Nigeria. You cannot fault the 2015 elections on the basis of card readers. That is the pedestrian view of people who do not know how politics is played. Then what happened? What happened was that the President did not hold the people that voted for him in 2011, and they were too disillusioned to vote for him again. Take for instance; President Buhari’s votes were higher than Jonathan’s by 2.5 million votes. The vote that Jonathan lost in South-East; in 2011, Jonathan got 2.9 million votes in the South-East. In 2015, he got 2.4 million votes in the South-East, so if Jonathan had campaigned properly and taken the South along the way they should have been taken along, the vote from SouthEast and South-South was enough to have wiped out the difference in the votes of APC and PDP in the last election. Or let’s look at from the North. If you look at the votes Jonathan did not get in Kaduna in 2015; in 2011, he got 1.2 million votes in Kaduna, but in 2015 he got about 400 or 450,000 votes. Plateau was 1 million in 2011, but reduced to about 600,000. If you look at the Adamawa State which he won, it dropped, so these are strong states that the President did not reward for what they did for him in 2011. People were disillusioned. The people that voted for Jonathan in 2011, he neglected them. Bauchi State did not give the President 25 per cent in 2011, but when he came to power, Bauchi had two ministers and the National Chairman of the party, Adamu Mu’azu. And it may interest you to know that Jonathan got only 38 votes in the polling unit of Mu’azu in Bauchi, and he had more than 100 people as family members in his father’s CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 The leaders of the Kogi West senatorial district PDP Forum disclosed that the endorsement was not conditional as they declared their resolve to see to the actualisation of power rotation in the state after Wada’s tenure of office in 2019. They also commended the governor for his ability to maintain and strike careful balance between human and infrastructural development in the management of the resources of the state, despite all odds. The leaders at the meeting disclosed that a notice of their resolution to engage with other stakeholders of the state on power rotation has been communicated to Governor Wada, former National Chairman of the PDP, Senator Ahmadu Ali, former governor of Kogi State and chairman of Kogi PDP Elders Advisory Council, Alhaji Idris, and other members of the Kogi State PDP Elders Advisory Council. While the leaders at the meeting noted the activities of groups that have advocated for power shift, they admitted that the agitation has been acknowledged by Captain Wada, as an issue that should not be spontaneous only at election periods, but one that should be planned and executed methodically and conscientiously. They equally noted that the achievements of Captain Wada in the face of current financial challenges have remained under publicised, leading to unsavoury comments by a section of the populace who know the truth but have chosen to play politics with serious economic issues. The leaders at the meeting also reviewed issues relating to workers’ salaries and commended the governor for the efforts he has made so far on the payment of the salaries of the state public service. Meanwhile, Kogi State governor, Captain Wada has finally bowed to persuasions and pressures mounted on him to run for second term by the elders of the ruling PDP

house, and his blood brother of the same father, was Buhari’s campaign coordinator in Bauchi. So the people that worked for Jonathan, he kept them aside and was looking for new friends that did not like him, and that is why he lost the election. What would be your advice to the leadership of the House on the composition of committees? I am a member of the Selection Committee, and we held our inaugural meeting with the Speaker present. No decision has been taken, because there is a proposed amendment to the Rules of the House on whether there should be a merger or splitting of committees. The selection committee could not continue its work, because the matter was not hitherto brought to the House for approval, so you cannot be working based on the previous House Rules

Kwewum

that are being amended, so when the House resumes, the first thing that will be done will be the approval of the House Rules, the committee will go to business. Positions are zoned, and there is the principle of equity, so no particular member will take over any committee that is regarded as juicy. Every member will be entitled to belong to at least two committees that are regarded as juicy and you can then choose three other committees. So the policy and principle is that no member will be left out of Grade A committees, so there is no controversy. Is it true that you want to amend the Rules of the House to curtail the powers of the Deputy Speaker? For example, bar him from chairing the Committee of Supplies (plenary committee on money bills). Well, I haven’t seen the draft report of the amendment to the rules of the House, but if that is the case, the report will be brought to the plenary and the plenary will adopt or reject it. These things cannot be done secretly. So anything other than this is just speculation. The rules are not amended in secret. The Deputy Speaker is the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole, so he will sit over that report also. So there’s no big deal about that. How do we resolve the unending communal clashes in Taraba State? Some Jukun people were kidnapped in Benue State, and some Tiv people were kidnapped in Taraba State recently. The first challenge that the new governor, Darius Ishaku, has had to face is to bring stability to the areas, because without stability and peace, you won’t be able to even do anything there. A road contract was awarded to link us to Cameroon by the military government of late General Sani Abacha, but because of the communal clashes, it could not be done. So the governor has gone a long way to resolve the conflicts. In Takum area, the two churches there, NKST and the RCCN, as well as the CRCN, have been trying to resolve the conflicts and tension is coming down. Once tension has come down, a lot can be done.

Season of endorsements as Wada caves in to pressure, picks EoI/nomination forms as well as other relevant stakeholders in state. Wada has therefore formally agreed and declared his ambition to contest the state governorship election slated for November 21. The governor in his acceptance speech after a meeting with critical stakeholders from the Eastern senatorial district, said: “The words of our elders are words of wisdom, but I have come to appreciate in the last few weeks that before elders speak, they must have employed experience, patience, candour and courage. “This latest gesture from our leaders has added to the weight of responsibility that I shoulder. My pledge and response is to surpass your expectations, God helping me.” The governor, who was speaking at a well attended meeting stalwarts of PDP and beyond commended the elders for their support to his administration. Earlier, the PDP stakeholders chaired by the immediate past governor of the state, Alhaji Idris, Alhaji Sule Iyaji, former deputy governor in the then Benue State has called Wada to seek a re-election based on his track records of achievements in the state. Critical stakeholders from the three senatorial districts, and the PDP Elders Advisory Council, have unanimously endorsed the re-election bid for another term in office of Captain Wada, and also adopted him as the party’s sole candidate in the forth coming governorship election slated for November. The stakeholders resolved to aside the endorsement of Capt Wada as the party’s candidate ahead the governorship poll, has also agreed that power rotation be entrenched in the state body politics. The meeting resolved that after the tenure of the incum-

bent, power should rotate between the west and central senatorial district of the state. The decision to adopt Capt Wada, according to Alhaji Iyaji was borne out of his monumental achievements in the last three and half years. Among those present at the meeting were, Alhaji Iyaji, Chief Adaba, Prince Olushola Akanmode, the Speaker Kogi State House of Assembly, and a host of other party faithful. Others are party chieftains present at the meeting include General Ibrahim, Prince Olusola Akanmode, former Secretary to Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Musa Amadu, Mr. Timothy Omara, Ambassador Usman Bello and former Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Chief Olushola Ojo, commissioners, members of the state House of Assembly, former local government chairmen and host of party loyalists. The meeting was attended by over 150 leaders of the PDP from Kogi West, prominent among whom were Kogi State Deputy Governor, Arc. Awoniyi; Senator Ogbeha and Dr (Mrs) Gunwa. In preparation for the PDP gubernatorial primaries in Kogi State, Captain Wada has obtained the expression of intent and nomination forms from the PDP National Secretariat at Wadata Plaza in Abuja. The battle proper will however kick off after the conclusion of parties’ primaries in August and September, among candidates of the different political parties that will participate in the epic battle, but analysts believe that the major contenders for the plum prize are the PDP and the APC. For now, aspirants are working round the clock in both the PDP and APC to emerge as the standard bearers of the two parties.

Politics

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Kogi guber: Unending agitation for power rotation WALE IBRAHIM examines the strident agitation by the people of Kogi Central and Kogi West senatorial districts for power to rotate to either of the two zones and the likely implication on the November 21 gubernatorial election in

ne of the most salient issues in Kogi State politics today is the issue of power rotation or power shift, which has become so preeminent that it cannot be swept under carpet. Its echo has become almost reverberating every four years, thus becoming a ritual, when aggrieved ethnic groups agitate for power shift from the Kogi East senatorial district, where it has reside since the beginning of the present a democratic dispensation in 1999. No doubt Kogi State, created in 1991, was politically built on three tripod of the major ethnic groups in the state: the Igalas, the Ebiras and the Okuns, the Yorubaspeaking people with other minority groups, thereby making the state a miniature of Nigeria with three major ethic groups of Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo and other over 250 ethnic groups. In Kogi State there are over 20 ethics nationalities with their distinctive dialects, such as Owes, Bunus, Ijumus, Gbedes, Yagbas and Oworos in the Yoruba speaking areas; the Ogori/Magongo (with Yoruba and Akoko Edo background), Ebira Okene, Ebira Koto, Eggans, Kupas, Kakandas, Nupes, Gwaris, Bassa Nge,Bassa Komu, Ebira Mosum, Ibaji and Igalas, the largest and 9th most populous ethnic group in Nigeria, according to history. Since the creation of the state, aside military administrators who are non-indegenes and who had brief stints at the number one seat of governance, the Igalas, the largest ethnic group in Kogi State have been at the helms of affairs of the Confluence State since 1992. National Mirror investigations revealed that power was voluntarily relinquished to the Igalas, as symbol of love and unity of the old companions from old Kabba province, having being together before the creation of states that took them to both Kwara and Benue states respectively at different times. In successive gubernatorial elections in the state, the Igalas have been clinging to power, this, it was gathered, has not gone down well with the Ebiras in the Central senatorial district and the Okuns, the Yoruba-speaking area of the state. Against the backdrop of continued domination, marginalisation, mistrust and distrust, the Ebiras had made frantic efforts in 2007 to change the tide against the Igalas, but alas, this could not get the much needed support from the Okuns, who came from old Kwara State with them. Yet they have proved a point by voting massively for their son Senator Mohammed Salami Ohiare, who was the defunct Action Congress, AC, gubernatorial candidate in the 2007 general election. The attendant consequence of the move later set some Ebira politicians in the Central senatorial district on war path, leading to the loss of several lives, property worth billions of naira destroyed, residential buildings raised down and many were forced into exile between 2007 and 2009. Another joint attempt was made in 2010 by the Okuns, who were ready to join hands Ebira in the Central district with a view to form a formidable force and common front to present one gubernatorial candidate. This mission was led by Professor Albert Anjorin and assisted by Dr. David Atteh, a former Commissioner for Education in old Kwara State and host of other stakeholders, who met various interest groups in Okene and agreed to work together, but unfortunately the alliance did not work. The failure of that alliance might not be unconnected with individual ambition of some political office holders, particularly from the Western senatorial district, who held the conviction that the immediate past governor, Al-

Audu

Melaye

BECAUSE OF THE SENSITIVE NATURE OF

THE ISSUE, NEITHER THE PARTY NOR ITS NATIONAL LEADERS HAD MADE THEIR POSITION KNOWN ON POWER SHIFT IN

STATE

KOGI

haji Ibrahim Idris, would hand over power to the Okuns on a platter of gold in 2011. No fewer than 21 aspirants emerged and later became disillusioned as many were forced to withdraw, while some hurriedly joined hand with other aspirant to accept the Deputy Governorship position. They finally fell to hi- tech politics that later came to play. However as the political activities are heightened ahead of the Kogi State November 2015 gubernatorial election, the issue ower shift is already re-echoing again, following the array of aspirants that have emerged to contest the gubernatorial election. Another alliance was formed called the Coalition of Kogi West and Central Committee to pick one gubernatorial candidate on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC. It was very sad that the exercise by the coalition may have ended in futility, as barrage of criticism welcomed the outcome of the almost four weeks exercise. In what appeared to be history repeating itself again, with the most preferred aspirant favoured to win the PDP primaries, other aspirants from West refused to step down and they lost the chances in2011. Intrigues, cries and hues were said to continue to trail the emergence of Alhaji Suleiman Baba Ali as pointer to the fact the Okuns preferred their own to be the first to have the taste of power at Lugard House in the struggle for power rotation. As at last count, no fewer than 28 aspirants have cleared by the APC Screening Committee, which sat at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. The APC gubernatorial aspirants cut across the three senatorial districts with Kogi East leading the pack with several aspirants to contend with. Lending credence to power shift, the senator representing Kogi West, Senator Dino Melaye, was said to have led other stakeholders to the state leader of APC in the state, Prince Abubarka Audu, at his Abuja residence to deliberate on the contentious issue, but the meeting was said to have ended in a deadlock. It was learnt that Melaye also took the matter beyond Kogi State to meet other stalwarts of APC to consider

power rotation option by the party, while some groups of elders were said to have taken the matter to President Muhammadu Buhari, calling on him to intervene. Meanwhile, because of the sensitive nature of the issue, neither the party nor its national leaders had made their position known on power shift in Kogi State. At his formal declaration to contest for November 21 gubernatorial election, former governor of the state, Prince Audu, disclosed that he was not against power shift, stressing he was the only man that can make it realisable because he will spend only four years and will not seek reelection again. Audu pointed out that he was an apostle of power rotation, because one particular tribe cannot continue to rule the state for eternity, arguing that he was heeding to clarion calls from his teaming supporters to come and rescue the state from poverty, hunger and infrastructural decay that were staring in the face of the state. He said: “When the issue of power shift was raised at a stakeholders meeting recently, I told them that I am in support of power rotation and after next four years I will relinquish power and the power will rotate. But they asked me why not now? And I said that Kogi needs experience hand to rescue, revive and reform the state from the near state of despair.” He explained that what is agitating the mind of people now is power rotation, stressing that Kogi State was an off shoot of old Kabba province, which comprised of Igalas, Ebiras and Okuns and it is not appropriate for one tribe to continue to dominate. He assured that he would only spend four years in office this time and power will shift to other areas, calling on party loyalists to give him the mandate because he has been tested, trusted and he has delivered. Incumbent governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada, has disclosed that he is in full support of power rotation in the state. Addressing thousands of Kogi indigenes, comprising of Igalas, Ebiras and Yorubas residing in Lagos, Captain Wada lamented that it is sad that the issue of power rotation or power shift always surface when election is around the corner. He said he as an individual is fully in support of power rotation or power shift among all the ethnic groups in the state, adding that all stakeholders need to seat down and map out strategy on how it can be achieved. His words: “Am very much in support in of power rotation, but power shift does not come with just a statement, or people vying for the governorship of the state, it need to be done in a systematic or methodical manner.” Captain Wada told the gathering that the discussion of power rotation or shift should start now among all the ethnic groups in the state adding that no zone can win alone. He said all ethnic groups need one another’s support to move power from one ethnic group to another, noting that it is funny that every four years when some people want to be governor of the state, they try to use power shift sentimentally to disorganise the state. He said: “No single CONTINUED ON PAGE 45

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

APGA gubernatorial form for Kogi, Bayelsa polls costs N1.5m •As INEC set for voter registration in both states ROBERT AWOKUSE

ll Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, yesterday said its form for upcoming gubernatorial election in Kogi and Bayelsa states would cost N1.5 million. APGA National Director of Publicity, Mr Ifeanacho Ogbuejiofor, stated this in an interview in Abuja. Ogbuejiofor said that Expression of Interest, EoI, form would cost N500,000 while the nomination form would be obtained at the cost of N1 million. He said that the sale of the forms commenced yesterday, adding that the forms would be obtained at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja. He expressed the readiness of the party to participate in the elections in both states, saying that the party would ensure that it fielded a good candidate for the contest. The spokesman said that the date for the primaries to pick the candidate would be decided after the sale of forms and knowledge of the number of aspirants. He said: “Before now, many persons indicated interest to contest in the elections in both states and I hope that now that the party is ready, they will come for the forms.” INEC to conduct voter registration in Kogi, Bayelsa Sept. 2 to Sept. 7

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said it would commence Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, in Kogi and Bayelsa on September 2 through 7, ahead of the gubernatorial elections in both states. In its daily bulletin issued yesterday in Abuja, INEC said the exercise will take place at the local government areas in the states from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day, adding that the fiveday exercise would afford three categories of eligible persons opportunity to be registered. The groups were those who were eligible but did not register before the 2015 general elections and those who were registered but their names were not in the voters’ register. It said: “The other is those who have attained the age of 18 years since the last registration exercise.” INEC, therefore, urged prospective voters in both states to turn out and take advantage of the exercise to register in order to vote in the forthcoming elections. It added that the commission already had a stakeholders meeting in Kogi and would have a similar one in Bayelsa on Thursday, even as it urged election observers to continue to make meaningful observations and recommendations that would fur-

ther strengthen the electoral process. The bulletin quoted INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, as making the call at a stake-

holders’ post-election review of gender responsiveness during elections. Represented by INEC’s Deputy Director of Publicity, Mr Nick Dazang, OsazeUzzi said the commission

had immensely benefited from the recommendation of elections observers, adding that such recommendations had been factored into the commission’s plans towards strengthening the country’s electoral process. He said: “It is what ob-

servers say about an election that gives it credibility. That is why it is always important, especially for a growing democracy like that of Nigeria, to always factor and invite observers and report the process before, during and after the election.”

Bauchi State Governor Muhammed Abubakar (left), and State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Hashimu Gital, during the presentation of commendation PHOTO: NAN letter to the governor for payment of two months out-standing workers’ salary in Bauchi, recently.

Kogi: Don’t destroy power shift, group begs Okun aspirants OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

coalition of Okun Democratic movements has over the weekend urged aspirants from the Okun land in Kogi West, not to allow their personal ambition to destroy the power shift struggle by the leaders of the area. The movement in a press statement signed by it general secretary, Chief Kayode Bamidele Ariyo, insisted that

there can never be power shift in Kogi state, if aspirants from Okun land or any any place within the central and west, continue, to settle down for deputy governor from the eastern part of the state. “Some of our aspirants in Okunland, are into this race, to woo delegate for an Igala aspirant in the name becoming running mate. We say no this time around, we won’t allow this to continue. If there aspiration is to end up becoming deputy governor to

an Igala man, they should pls not to turn our delegates to betrayal like they are. “We have already accepted the report and result of the screening committee on equity, fearless and Justice, which Alhaji Suleiman Baba Ali emerged first. We don’t care whether he is from minority of the west or not, but what we care about is to get this power to the west and central. Ariyo expressed disappointment on some aspirants

who have refused to realised the fact that power will shift this time around, “they either join the moving train or stay away, because no delegate is ready to fall their prey again.” The movement general secretary, therefore urged delegates in the western senatorial district to follow the report of the west/central screening committee, and vote for Alhaji Suleiman Baba Ali, come this Saturday primary election.

Kogi guber: Unending agitation for power rotation CONTINUED FROM PAGE 44 political party can implement power shift, the two parties must agree when power shift should rotate, there are social implication, political implication, there are wider implication and most important religion implication.” Noting that all of these need to be discussed by the state leaders and should not start now but need long time planning, he added: “Now that election is around the corner, the issue of power shift should have started since 2012 and not in 2015 when the election is about to hold, but if we can all come to gather right now we can start discussion on power rotation before 2019.” He opined that a committee should be set up ahead of 2019 so that the committee can come out with critical suggestions and solution and also talk to the voters on the need for power rotation among the ethnic groups in the state. At a PDP stakeholders’ meeting recently in Lokoja, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, while briefing the newsmen after a closed door meeting of Kogi State PDP Elders Advisory Council stated that

PDP is not against the agitation for power shift. Idris, who chairs PDP Elders Advisory Council, explained that the council at meeting with other critical stakeholders has adopted Governor Wada for second term and that power will shift at the end of Wada’s tenure in 2019. He stated that the Advisory Council has resolved that a committee be set up to look at modalities for the power rotation among the three major ethnic groups in Kogi State. The question agitating the mind of watchers of political events in the Confluence State is that would there be power shift? As tongues have continued to wag among the major three ethnic groups in the state over perceived marginalisatiion in the scheme of things in the state, the continued mistrust and distrust among others still remain visible on daily basis. However, political pundits argued that the issue of power rotation is a critical one that should not be handled with kids’ glove, noting that if the principle of “lassa faire” is anything to go by, every component parts of the state must have equal opportunity to participate actively

in the affairs of the state. Also given the current political awareness and wind of change blowing across the nation, no ethnic group will want to continue playing second fiddle roles in the scheme of things. Speaking in a telephone chat with National Mirror in Lokoja, Executive Director of Centre for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, CHRCR, Idris Miliki Abdul, stated that agitation for power rotation is a legitimate one, stressing that it is a sensitive issue that cannot achieved without contribution of other senatorial districts. Idris pointed out that all the three senatorial districts leaders must sit in roundtable to fashion out strategies for power shift among the ethnic nationalities in the state. The rights activist added that all the political parties, party hierarchies and stakeholders must be deeply involved in the issue and must not play lip service to it. He noted that at party level, the quality of the aspirants before and after the party primaries is essential to the success of such party, adding that power shift is very fundamental and germane and must be handled maturely.

Politics

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lawyers petition IGP over death of ex-PDP vice chairman in S’South A DEOLA TUKURU ABUJA

awyers under the aegis of Nigerian Young Lawyers Initiative for Peace and Justice, NYLIPJ, have called on the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Solomon Arase, to reopen investigation into the killing of former National Vice-Chairman, South-South, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Alfred Dikibo which occurred in 2004. The lawyers in a strong worded petition dated August 18 and addressed to the IGP and made available to newsmen in Abuja wondered why the panel of inquiry set up by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo since 2004 was yet to come out with a public statement identifying the perpetrators of the killing. The petition, signed by NYLIPJ’s Coordinator and Secretary General, Edward Omaga and

Barr Samson Esekhaigbe respectively, accused the police of complicity in the matter while wondering why there was no presence of policemen on the road where the assassination was carried out, even as there was supposed to be heavy traffic of top government functionaries plying the route to the meeting which was aborted due to the death of Dikibo. NYLIPJ further stated that the probe panel had already established that the killing was politically-motivated, while accusing Dr. Cairo Ojougboh of being responsible for the murder, judging from the manner he hurriedly took over Dikibo’s position in the PDP. The lawyers expressed their expectation that after 11 years down the line, Nigerian Police should have published the findings of its investigation in the media to clear doubts as to the culpability or not of Dr.

Ekiti 2018: APC guber aspirant rejoins PDP ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

rrangement may have been concluded by a former Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly and All Progressives Congress, APC, gubernatorial aspirant, Hon Femi Bamisile, to dump the party and rejoin the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. This appeared to be the high point of a meeting between the state governor alongside some PDP chieftains and Bamisile in Ado Ekiti yesterday. Although the politicians did not respond to inquiries from journalists after the one-hour closed-door meeting, their countenances showed that the APC chieftain must have been won over. Bamisile, who was deputy chairman of Ekiti State PDP until June last year when he defected to the APC to pitch tent with former Governor Kayode

Fayemi, had since early in the year declared his intention to contest the governorship under the APC platform. At the meeting, which the governor drove himself to, the state Commissioner for Environment, Hon Bisi Kolawole; two prominent PDP members and four traditional rulers were in attendance just as Bamisile was accompanied by two prominent APC chieftains in the state. Aside setting up his campaign team, Bamisile had started the tour of the 177 wards in the state in advancement of his gubernatorial aspiration on the platform of the APC. During his meeting with the APC State Working Committee, SWC, last Thursday with his governorship campaign team, Bamisile had said that APC had no reason to rely on federal might to defeat Ayo Fayose in the coming election with him leading the pack.

Ojougboh in the case. Accusing the police of incompetence, as it is saddled with the primary responsibility of protecting lives and property of all citizens of the country, NYLIPF

maintained that until the murder of Dikibo is solved and those responsible brought to book, it will be the conviction in many quarters that Nigeria is a lawless state where any crime can be

committed without consequences. They therefore issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the police to publish the findings of its investigation or face legal actions, adding: “We maintain

that the inordinate delay on the part of the Nigerian Police Force to make public their final investigation report as it concerns the assassination of Chief Dikibo, is unacceptable.”

L-R: Plateau State Deputy Governor, Prof. Sonni Tyoden; Governor Simon Lalong and Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jonathan PHOTO: NAN Richardson, during his visit to the governor in Jos, recently.

Group seeks fairness in graft-war OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

socio-political group, United Democratic Forum, UDF, has warned against frustrating efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari to tame the monster of corruption in the country. The group said only enemies of the country’s development would hesitate to support the current war

against corruption. UDF, however, enjoined the Federal Government to be fair in its fight against the scourge, saying there should be no sacred cows and scapegoats. Ondo State Coordinator of UDF, Oseni Bamisile Oscar, said in Akure yesterday while inaugurating local government coordinators of the group that those who had brought the country to its knees were not only in Peoples Demo-

cratic Party, PDP. He urged President Buhari not to give the impression that the war was only against members of the PDP, noting that this would rob his effort of credibility. He said: “We support the current war being waged against corruption in the country. The monster has brought Nigeria to her knees and rob her of her greatness. “It is our position that it is only those who don’t

have the interest of the country at heart that will discourage efforts to tackle the problem. But our concern is that the way the war is being prosecuted, it seems PDP members are the targets. “There is need for fairness in order to make the war credible. But in a situation where there are sacred cows and scapegoats, the war will fail because people will see it as being selective.”

Kogi: APC aspirant urges delegates to shun moneybags WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

head of the August 29 All Progressives Congress, APC, gubernatorial primary in Kogi State, an aspirant, Umar Abubakar Adabara, has urged delegates to shun money bags but vote for a credible person that can move the state forward. Adabara said this while addressing hundreds of his supporters at the APC sec-

retariat in Lokoja yesterday, adding that it was time for the delegates to realise that those who buy their votes during the primary are those who would come to loot the state if elected. Adabara, an indigene of Okene in the Central senatorial district of the state, said if elected he would transform the state to an enviable height which all Kogites would be proud of. He explained he would make agriculture, education, massive construction

of feeder roads and employment generation his cardinal points, adding that his administration would embark on industrialisation of the state if elected. The gubernatorial aspirant who painted a gory picture of marginalization, which gave rise to ethnic distrust and suspicion among the ethnic groups in the state, said a state where there was no love cannot have peace and sound development. He therefore pledged to

bring unity and cohesion to all tribes in the state and embark on programmes that will enhance the peaceful co existence of tribes in the state, if elected. He decried the deplorable roads within the state capital and described Lokoja as the dirtiest state capital in the country with the worst road network. He therefore called on the electorate to vote out the PDP, stressing that the party was the architect of the woes in the state.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Index sheds 2.2% as banking stocks’ sale rises Johnson okanlawon

rading in equities closed on a negative note yesterday on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, as more investors sold their holdings particularly on banking stocks. Specifically, the All Share Index depreciated 2.22 per cent to close at 29,214.13 points, in contrast to the increase of 0.44 per cent recorded on Friday to close at 29,878.33 points. Market capitalisation lost N227 billion to close at N10.01 trillion, as against the increase of N44 billion recorded on Friday to

close at N10.24 trillion. On the sectorial indices, the Banking Index shed most value of 3.22 per cent to close at 285.58 points, followed by the NSE 30-Index with 2.08 per cent to close at 1,317.24 points. The Insurance Index dropped 1.62 per cent to close at 131.43 points, while the Consumer Goods Index fell 1.17 per cent to close at 744.00 points. The Oil and Gas Index gained 0.53 per cent to close at 336.13 points, but the Lotus Islamic Index was down 1.71 per cent to close at 2,122.41 points. The Industrial Index declined 1.85 per cent to close at 2,188.23 points, while

the Pension Index depreciated 1.81 per cent to close at 862.18 points. The Alternative Securities Market remained flat at 1,207.64 points. Paints Manufacturing Company Plc led the gainers’ table with 10 kobo or 9.09 per cent to close at N1.20 per share, followed by Wema Bank Plc with seven kobo or 8.75 per cent to close at 87 kobo per share. Flour Mills Plc added N1.25 or 4.99 per cent to close at N26.32 per share, while Forte Oil Plc N10.40 or 4.55 per cent to close at N239.90 per share. Dangote Flour Mill Plc was up three kobo or 1.05

per cent to close at N2.90 per share. Conversely, PZ Cussons Plc lost N2.90 or 9.72 per cent to close at N26.93 per share, while Vono Products Plc depreciated eight kobo or 8.79 per cent to close at 83 kobo per share. Transcorp Plc shed 17 kobo or 7.20 per cent to close at N2.19 per share, while Seplat Plc dipped N12.26 or five per cent to close at N233.04 per share. Red Star Express Plc depreciated 20 kobo or five per cent to close at N3.80 per share. A total of 257.7 million shares valued at N2.78 billion were exchanged in 4,247 deals

Enugu governor urges quoted firms to invest in state Johnson okanlawon

overnor of Enugu State, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has called on listed companies and other establishments to invest in the state. Ugwuanyi speaking at the unveiling of the world’s biggest promotion poster to launch the Gulder National promotion at the Okpara Square, Enugu said the state had over the years created an enabling environment for both local and foreign investors. The governor who was

represented by the State Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Barrister Sam Ogbu Nwaobodo applauded Nigeria Breweries Plc for choosing Enugu for the kick off of the promo said it was an eloquent testimony of the state as an investment destination in Nigeria. He noted that recently Rockfeller Foundation added Enugu as one of 100 resilient cities in the world. “Enugu is the 56th and the first in Africa to be listed by the foundation. What that means is that it opened up the state for

more investment opportunities in the state,” he said. He called on Nigerian Breweries to join the state in its drive to encourage more investment inflow in the state. Speaking at the event, the Managing Director Nigeria Breweries Plc, Mr. Nicolas Vervelde, said that in 2004 Gulder masterminded the first wholly local reality show produced in Nigeria, the Gulder ultimate search which has run for 11 consecutive seasons. “In 2008, Enugu State played host to the GUS which has also created

platform to showcase Nigeria’s hidden tourist locations in addition to bringing out the best in our youths through an adventurous journey that tests their mental mettle, physical strength and social adaptability. “Today we are pleased to expand the frontiers with the biggest consumer promotion in the history of Gulder with four million prizes to be won”, Vervelde added. He noted that with the unveiling of the world’s biggest promotion poster, Gulder breaks the record for the world’s largest poster with an area of 5.3 m square.

U. S. stocks rebound after massive plunge

.S. stocks pulled back from a sell-off after Standard & Poor’s 500 Index reached a level equivalent to a correction, as Apple Inc. rebounded and investors assessed if a global rout had gone too far. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1,000 points and the S&P 500 was down more than 10 percent from its May record in the opening minutes of trading. The equity gauges cut those losses by more than half within the first hour. Apple gained 2.3 percent after earlier slumping 13 percent. The S&P was down 1 percent to 1,951.59 at 12:27 p.m. in New York, after earlier dropping as much as 5.3 percent.

The Dow lost 142.31 points, or 0.9 percent to 16,317.44 after losing 6.6 percent. The Nasdaq Composite Index slid 0.2 percent after earlier falling as much as 8.8 percent. The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index rose 12 percent to 31.27, trimming an earlier 90 percent surge that temporarily sent the index to its highest level since January 2009. The gauge known as the VIX more than doubled last week, soaring 118 percent to 28.03. The S&P 500’s rout sent valuations tumbling. The price-to-earnings ratio for the gauge sank to 16.76, the lowest level since the October pullback. Then, the

measure bottomed just above that are less export-oriented. (Source – Bloomberg. 16.50, the cheapest since Jancom) uary 2014. The less-expensive shares Rate (%) helped entice some buyers, 8.2 with equities sharply trim- Inflation ming their opening losses. MPR 13 The Dow was down more Crude oil price $58.96 than 1,000 points at this morning’s bottom. Exchange Rates (N) “As prices go lower, we see 270 selective opportunities to buy WAUA 196.95 as opposed to a provocation to USD become more bearish,” said EURO 214 Bruce McCain, chief investCFA 0.32 ment strategist at Key Pri1.64 vate Bank in Cleveland, the YEN private-banking unit of Key- SWISS 202 Corp that oversees more than FRANC $25 billion in assets. “We’re POUNDS 293 emphasizing large-caps rela- STERLING tive to smaller ones,” and SDR 273 within the U.S., companies

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

N196.95 Market indicators All-Share Index 29,214.13 points Market capitalisation 10.01trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

PAINTCOM

1.10

1.20

0.10

9.09

WEMABANK

0.80

0.87

0.07

8.75

FLOURMILL

25.07

26.32

1.25

4.99

228.70

239.10

10.40

4.55

DANGFLOUR

2.87

2.90

0.03

1.05

NAHCO

4.43

4.47

0.04

0.90

DANGSUGAR

6.01

6.05

0.04

0.67

WAPCO

99.50

99.99

0.49

AFRIPRUD

2.53

2.54

0.01

0.40

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

29.83

26.93

-2.90

-9.72

VONO

0.91

0.83

-0.08

-8.79

TRANSCORP

2.36

2.19

-0.17

-7.20

SEPLAT

245.30

233.04

-12.26

-5.00

REDSTAREX

4.00

3.80

-0.20

-5.00

AGLEVENT

1.00

0.95

-0.05

-5.00

BERGER

9.23

8.77

-0.46

-4.98

ETRANZACT

3.42

3.25

-0.17

-4.97

OKOMUOIL

21.71

20.63

-1.08

-4.97

UBN

6.64

6.31

-0.33

-4.97

FGN Bonds

Bid

Description

Offer

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.02

98.05

15.19

98.20

15.02

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.71

99.64

15.30

99.79

15.20

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.89

101.47

15.47

101.77

15.36

15.54 13-FEB-2020

4.51

100.62

15.34

100.92

15.25

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.47

104.53

15.26

104.83

15.19

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.59

94.58

15.35

94.88

15.28

Closing Market Prices of August 10, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

12-Nov-15

14.85

15.39

18-Feb-16

13.38

14.35

4-Aug-16

14.21

16.47

NIBOR Tenor

Rate (%)

O/N

34.2917

18.7545

21.5301

23.5772 The Fixings of August 10, 2015

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Stock exchange daily equities summary Daily Summary as of 24/08/2015

Equities as at August 24, 2015

Printed 24/08/2015 14:32:08.008

Daily Summary as of 24/08/2015 Printed 24/08/2015 14:32:08.008

Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

1st Tier Securities

Daily Summary (Equities)

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

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

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 16 8 24 No. of Deals 12 12

AGRICULTURE Totals Daily Summary as of 24/08/2015 Printed 24/08/2015 14:32:08.008 CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

Current Price 1.73

Symbol AGLEVENT

No. of Deals 5 187 48 240

TRANSCORP Daily Summary (Equities) UACN

Quantity Traded 174,300 1,818,133 1,992,433

Value Traded 3,610,680.00 56,407,359.00 60,018,039.00

Quantity Traded 179,290 179,290

Value Traded 308,263.34 308,263.34

2,171,723

60,326,302.34

Current Price 0.95 2.19 37.00

Quantity Traded 57,670 18,656,982 188,955 18,903,607

Value Traded 54,841.50 41,517,637.46 6,650,443.16 48,222,922.12

18,903,607

48,222,922.12

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

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

Current Price 20.63 31.00

240 Symbol COSTAIN GCAPPA

No. of Deals 4 1 5

Current Price 0.57 14.46

Quantity Traded 57,890 250 Page 58,140

Value Traded 34,055.10 3,435.00 10 1 of 37,490.10

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

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 19 19

Current Price 43.31

Quantity Traded 101,150 101,150

Value Traded 4,162,322.50 4,162,322.50

Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals Printed 24/08/2015 14:32:08.008

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 23 23

Current Price 7.89

Quantity Traded 132,545 132,545

Value Traded 1,047,268.91 1,047,268.91

Symbol SKYESHELT

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 100.00

Quantity Traded 5 5

Value Traded 500.00 500.00

291,840

5,247,581.51

Quantity Traded Quantity379,760 Traded 788,751 57,890 470,562 250 1,639,073 58,140

1,537,412.40 Value Traded 91,854,297.30 34,055.10 56,135,828.39 3,435.00 149,527,538.09 37,490.10

Daily Summary as of 24/08/2015

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE CHAMPION BREW. PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other GUINNESS NIG PLC COSTAIN (W A) PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. G CAPPA PLC Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Totals Building Structure/Completion/Other

No. of Deals

Current Price

22 No. of Deals 52 4 116 1 190 5

4.04 Current Price 116.00 0.57 118.00 14.46

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 19 19

Current Price 43.31

Quantity Traded 101,150 Page 101,150

Value Traded 4,162,322.50 10 2 of 4,162,322.50

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

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 23 23

Current Price 7.89

Quantity Traded 132,545 132,545

Value Traded 1,047,268.91 1,047,268.91

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals

Symbol SKYESHELT

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 100.00

Quantity Traded 5 5

Value Traded 500.00 500.00

291,840

5,247,581.51

Value Traded 1,537,412.40 91,854,297.30 56,135,828.39 149,527,538.09

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals

Symbol CHAMPION Symbol GUINNESS COSTAIN NB GCAPPA

Daily Summary as of 24/08/2015

Printed CONSTRUCTION/REAL 24/08/2015 14:32:08.008 ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. EQTY Activity Summary on Board Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Daily Summary as of 24/08/2015Totals Food Products--Diversified Printed 24/08/2015 14:32:08.008 Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals Personal/Household Products Activity Summary on Board EQTY

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

Symbol

No. of Deals 22 52 116 190

Current Price 4.04 116.00 118.00

Quantity Traded 379,760 788,751 470,562 1,639,073

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 25 25

Current Price 191.00

Quantity Traded 38,617 Page 38,617

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON NNFM UTC

No. of Deals 28 34 81 11 30 1 2 187

Current Price 2.90 6.05 26.32 2.51 5.99 11.59 0.50

Quantity Traded 369,434 6,622,961 3,788,713 118,609 438,730 92,000 2,991 11,433,438

Value Traded 1,087,508.26 40,177,002.16 95,698,814.97 298,035.13 2,631,927.15 1,066,280.00 1,495.50 140,961,063.17

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 29 9 38

Current Price 28.56 965.98

Quantity Traded 44,266 12,378 56,644

Value Traded 1,201,379.24 11,359,166.82 12,560,546.06

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 15 4 (Equities) 19

Current Price 5.80 0.83

Quantity Traded 240,193 150,100 390,293

Value Traded 1,317,084.58 126,583.00 1,443,667.58

Symbol PZ

No. of Deals 19

Current Price 26.93

Quantity Traded 104,267

Value Traded 2,811,365.54

Symbol UNILEVER

No. of Deals 30 49

Current Price 40.00

Quantity Traded Page 90,648 194,915

10 3Value Traded of 3,571,152.94 6,382,518.48

Daily Summary (Equities) CHAMPION GUINNESS NB

Daily Summary

CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC Daily Summary as of 24/08/2015 GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. Printed 24/08/2015 14:32:08.008 SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. ActivityZENITH Summary on Board EQTY INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Insurance InsuranceCarriers, Carriers,Brokers Brokersand andServices Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC INSURANCE PLC. © Published byGUINEA The Nigerian Stock Exchange LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Value Traded

508

Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 423 DIAMONDBNK 44 ETI 60 FIDELITYBK 96 GUARANTY 361 SKYEBANK 77 STERLNBANK 23 UBA 214 UBN 37 Daily Summary (Equities) UNITYBNK 23 WEMABANK 21 ZENITHBANK 569 1,948

Current Price 4.47 2.86 18.53 1.20 21.55 1.94 2.11 3.10 6.31 1.54 0.87 14.40

Value Traded 7,367,801.78 10 of 7,367,801.78

13,752,980

318,243,135.16

Quantity Traded 46,489,167 5,997,772 2,793,881 3,674,071 15,249,314 6,872,397 1,265,793 21,509,774 323,127 1,758,837 771,500 75,755,830 182,461,463

Value Traded 211,470,889.31 17,185,746.50 51,777,018.23 4,467,852.14 329,497,032.88 13,348,105.54 2,594,705.34 69,067,774.98 2,040,751.18 2,715,962.54 649,861.44 1,095,971,560.10 1,800,787,260.18

No. No.of of Deals Deals Current Current Price Price 19 0.81 5 0.85 1 0.50 1 0.52 1 0.50 1 0.50 8 0.50 9 2.30 6 0.50 25 0.64 1 0.50 2 0.50 8 0.50 87

Quantity Quantity Traded Traded 929,816 903,599 100 89,500 1 Page 600,000 377,100 763,014 108,543 1,797,707 1,000 1,500,010 256,077 7,326,467

Value Value Traded Traded 760,773.96 768,739.15 50.00 46,540.00 4 of 0.50 10 300,000.00 189,110.00 1,811,349.60 55,586.93 1,155,636.17 500.00 750,005.00 128,038.50 5,966,329.81

Micro-Finance Banks FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals

Symbol FORTISMFB NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 2 4 6

Current Price 5.42 0.89

Quantity Traded 68 6,200 6,268

Value Traded 368.56 5,558.00 5,926.56

Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC.

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB

No. of Deals 53 11 411 55

Current Price 2.54 4.00 5.69 2.18

Quantity Traded 795,476 1,225,059 12,216,403 1,382,263

Value Traded 2,064,149.09 4,900,336.00 69,967,276.74 2,993,817.29

Page

FINANCIAL SERVICES Other Financial Institutions STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

No Of Deals Symbol STANBIC UBCAP

Quotation(N) No. of Deals 24 66 620

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals Daily Summary as of 24/08/2015 HEALTHCARE Totals Printed 24/08/2015 14:32:08.008 ICT Processing Systems CHAMS PLC E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Processing Systems Totals

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH NIG-GERMAN

Current Price 18.00 1.24

No. of Deals 26 18 18 13 7 2 84

Current Price 0.67 3.21 35.00 1.24 1.23 5.16

Symbol CHAMS

No. of Deals 1 4 5

Current Price 0.50 3.25

Daily Summary (Equities) ETRANZACT

ICT Totals

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC Daily Summary as of 24/08/2015 DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Printed 24/08/2015 14:32:08.008 PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

Quantity Traded

2,661

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Quantity Traded 138,975 2,264,803 18,022,979

Value Traded 2,499,198.22 2,849,566.95 85,274,344.29

207,817,177

1,892,033,860.84

Quantity Traded 2,116,586 231,191 319,654 351,750 163,728 394 3,183,303

Value Traded 1,517,196.68 745,077.53 11,191,166.00 441,981.00 201,385.44 1,934.54 14,098,741.19

3,183,303

14,098,741.19

Quantity Traded 4,000 51,600 55,600

Value Traded 2,000.00 167,870.00 169,870.00

55,600

169,870.00

Current Price 22.00 8.77 41.00 8.32 170.00 1.20 3.94 99.99

Quantity TradedPage 529,997 272,851 35,487 175,737 1,478,635 162,000 4,000 370,014 3,028,721

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 1.56

Quantity Traded 97,169 97,169

Value Traded 151,583.64 151,583.64

Symbol Symbol ASHAKACEM BETAGLAS BERGER CAP CCNN DANGCEM PAINTCOM Symbol PORTPAINT JAPAULOIL WAPCO

No. of Deals No. of Deals 26 1 8 1 16 14 218 113 4 No. of Deals 2 3 32 3 215

Current Price Current Price 22.00 43.00 8.77 41.00 8.32 170.00 1.20 Current Price 3.94 0.50 99.99

Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 529,997 100 272,851 100 35,487 175,737 3,125,990 1,478,635 162,000 Quantity Traded 4,000 19,341 370,014 19,341 3,028,721

Value Traded Value Traded 11,660,060.03 4,299.00 2,404,712.78 4,299.00 1,385,275.25

Integrated Oil Gas Services Electronic andand Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Stock Exchange © Published by The Nigerian Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

Symbol Symbol CUTIX

No. of of Deals Deals No. 2 2

Current Price Price Current 1.56

Quantity Traded Traded Quantity 97,169 Page 97,169

Value Traded Traded Value 10 7 151,583.64 of 151,583.64

Packaging/Containers Daily Summary as of 24/08/2015 BETA GLASS CO PLC. Printed 24/08/2015 14:32:08.008 Packaging/Containers Totals

Symbol BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 43.00

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 4,299.00 4,299.00

3,125,990

306,063,133.52

Electronic and Electrical Products

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CUTIX PLC.

Electronic GOODS and Electrical Products Totals INDUSTRIAL Building Materials Packaging/Containers ASHAKA CEM PLC BETA GLASS CO PLC. BERGER PAINTS PLC Packaging/Containers Totals CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OFTotals NORTH.NIG. PLC INDUSTRIAL GOODS DANGOTE CEMENT PLC OIL AND GASAND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC PAINTS Energy Equipment and&Services PORTLAND PAINTS PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals Building Materials Totals

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN DANGCEM PAINTCOM PORTPAINT WAPCO

Value of Shares(N)

No. of Deals 26 8 16 14 113 4 2 32 (Equities) 215

Daily Summary

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL &on MARITIME SERVICES PLC Activity Summary Board EQTY Energy Equipment and Services Totals OIL AND GAS Integrated Oil Oil and and Gas Gas Services Services Integrated OANDO PLCStock Exchange © Published by The Nigerian Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

218

Value Traded 6 of 10 11,660,060.03 2,404,712.78 1,385,275.25 1,470,125.09 251,870,005.49 189,400.00 16,520.00 36,911,152.24 305,907,250.88

1,470,125.09 306,063,133.52 251,870,005.49 189,400.00 Value Traded 16,520.00 9,670.50 36,911,152.24 9,670.50 305,907,250.88

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 19,341 19,341

Value Traded 9,670.50 9,670.50

Symbol Symbol OANDO

No. No. of of Deals Deals 189 189

Current Current Price Price 10.42

Quantity Quantity Traded Traded 3,213,077 Page 3,213,077

Value Value Traded Traded 733,628,292.87 of 10 33,628,292.87

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL TOTAL

No. of Deals 3 11 97 17 35 163

Current Price 33.28 1.90 239.10 150.00 152.00

Quantity Traded 5,465 185,016 216,542 53,068 187,673 647,764

Value Traded 172,803.30 337,082.96 50,747,359.31 7,961,114.00 28,837,246.70 88,055,606.27

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

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 19 19

Current Price 233.04

Quantity Traded 16,749 16,749

Value Traded 3,922,767.54 3,922,767.54

3,896,931

125,616,337.18

Daily Summary of 24/08/2015 OIL ANDas GAS Totals Printed 24/08/2015 14:32:08.008 SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

374

Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 9 9

Current Price 0.55

Quantity Traded 235,358 235,358

Value Traded 129,446.90 129,446.90

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 13 8

Current Price 3.80 0.87

Quantity Traded 192,414 296,159

Value Traded 731,429.20 255,758.33

Symbol

No. of Deals 21

Current Price

Quantity Traded 488,573 Page

Value Traded 8 987,187.53 of 10

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 30,000 30,000

Value Traded 15,000.00 15,000.00

Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 2.85

Quantity Traded 17,100 17,100

Value Traded 46,341.00 46,341.00

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

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA

No. of Deals 1 4 5

Current Price 0.76 0.99

Quantity Traded 2,000 2,335,695 2,337,695

Value Traded 1,580.00 2,330,645.00 2,332,225.00

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 0.53

Quantity Traded 132,277 132,277

Value Traded 70,106.81 70,106.81

Symbol NSLTECH

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 800,000 800,000

Value Traded 400,000.00 400,000.00

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 4 23

Current Price 1.81 4.47

Quantity Traded 368,000 128,904

Value Traded 663,280.00 579,998.15

Symbol

No. of Deals 27

Current Price

Quantity Traded Page 496,904

Value Traded 10 9 of 1,243,278.15

Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. SERVICES Courier/Freight/Delivery Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals © Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Road Transportation Daily Summary as of 24/08/2015 ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Printed 24/08/2015 14:32:08.008 Totals Road Transportation

Symbol Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE CORNERST GNI GUINEAINS LASACO LINKASSURE MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM NIGERINS UNIVINSURE WAPIC

on Board Sector Activity Summary Company nameEQTY

Specialty SECURE ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY PLC Specialty Totals Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC SERVICES

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Daily Summary (Equities)

4,537,907

5,223,585.39

EQTY Board Totals

SERVICES Totals

4,247

257,737,058

2,775,245,469.25

Equity Activity Totals

4,247

257,737,058

2,775,245,469.25

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund Name LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

Symbol LOTUSHAL15 NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 1 1 3 5

Current Price 10.18 2,228.00 13.24

Quantity Traded 10 51 40 101

Value Traded 101.80 113,628.00 532.35 114,262.15

ETF Board Totals

101

114,262.15

ETP Activity Totals

101

114,262.15

Page

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Community Mirror All that is required of everyone is to give unalloyed support to the government and where we believe that we should give criticism that is objective and positive, we should give. –FORMER PRESIDENT OLUSEGUN OBASANJO

VictOr UdOh

s civilian and military causalities from war against insurgency in the North eastern part of the country continue to increase by the day, the secretary General centre for defense of human rights and democracy in Africa (CDHRDA) Prof. Maurice Fangon has charged the federal Government to negotiate the country’s peace with insurgents without delay. The CDHRDA boss, who said this at the weekend in Lagos at Development for Drastic change, lamented the increasing death toll in the war against insurgency in the country. He said, “We are all interested in peace in this country. Our NGO for instance, center for the defense of human rights and democracy in Africa, our motto is justice peace and democracy. When we are talking about peace, we must take cognizance of other factors, when other factors are not in existence, it is difficult for peace to reign. “When there is justice, peace will reign and without peace we cannot widen Democracy. Democracy will stand when there is peace. We are appealing to our brothers in some regions of the country who have some rancor, we don’t know for which reasons that they had to take up guns,

NGO tasks FG on negotiation with insurgents

Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

A vehicle passing through an improvised bridge constructed by villagers near Kala village in Hong LGA of Adamawa State, at the weekend, due to the destruction of the main bridge (left) linking Hong, Mararaba, Mubi, Michika, Gulak and Madagali, eight months ago by Boko Haram insurgents. PHOTO: NAN

bombs to settle issues, to drop those actions. “Dialogue is still there. If they embrace dialogue, we in the human rights sector will support them, it is important for dialogue to start for peace to reign in Nigeria. We have seen the war in Afghanistan, where the almighty America went into dialogue with Taliban forces for peace reign.

“If America with all their sophistication go into peace negotiation with Taliban insurgents, I do not see anything wrong if we too negotiate peace with the book Haram insurgent group who are ready to die, kill themselves and kill others. You don’t even see them to charge them to court. “We appeal to them to drop their arms and come to the round

table for peace to reign in Nigeria. Peace reigning in Nigeria is a good thing for Africa.” Earlier, the president of the Africa Global Development for Drastic Change (AGDDC), Prince Dan Mbachi said the organization is a proactive response to the high rate of poverty, unemployment, illiteracy among others in the country.

Community decries toxic waste dump by Kaduna refinery omen living in Rido community in Chikun Local Government area of Kaduna State took to the street in a peaceful protest over dump of toxic waste and flares from the industrial plants in the area. Rido is the host community to the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. The women, who complained about the hard time they were passing through due to the chemical emission they inhale from toxic waste, said they were always counting their losses as their men can’t fulfill their marital obligations to them. According to the women, who blamed their husband’s erectile dysfunction on the KRPC, the chemical wastes and fumes from the company into their environment, have contributed to their husbands’ loss of sexual potency,

Group takes health care to traders in Ibadan

making them unable to satisfy their women in bed. They also complained of neglect by the company they play host to, saying they were deprived of employment. “After all, the KRPC came and met us on our fathers’ land. We are not the ones who went to settle down on their land. They don’t even care about our existence. They just abandoned us.

“Our husbands are impotent and KRPC is not doing anything about it,” they alleged. Investigation by community mirror revealed that KRPC had empowered most of the youths in the community with a scheme, tagged, Youth Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Programme, YESAP. However, some of the women denied, saying though such a pro-

gramme exists, they were only given slots. However, some medical experts and professionals explained that if the government wants to site project such as the KRPC with industrial plants, it is advisable that they relocate people around the community instead of allowing them to settle down around the industrial area, particularly looking at the health hazards involved.

Katsina to spend N65m on new council secretariat James danJUma KATSINA

new secretariat that would gulp N65 million is to be constructed in Malumfashi Local Government Area in Katsina state. The council’s Head of Administration and Finance, Dikko Bala stated this yesterday while handing over land where the secretariat is to be built to the contractor.

Bala said the local government has paid a mobilisation fee of N24 million to the contractor to enable him commence work. He said the old secretariat was razed during the 2011 post election violence, and that since then the local government has been operating in make-shift offices. He commended the state Governor, Aminu Bello Masari for granting approval for relocation the secretariat to a more suitable

location from where it is currently located. He however called on the contractor to employ labourers as well as purchase building materials from the council area with a view to improving economic status of the area. The contractor, Abbas Saddiq in his response, assured that he would execute qualitative work and ensure timely completion.

igerians have been urged to join voluntary organisations of their choice so as to serve humanity more. The District Chairman, Inner Wheel 913, Chief (Mrs.) Serifat Bolanle Sofela, made the call in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, during the club annual health project held at the Bodija market. She said with the health project, the club yearly brings health services to the door step of the traders as it helped treating between 200 and 300 of them.

According to her, the traders are treated free of charge for whatever ailment they bring, stating that those who also required surgery are taken care of. She said that the club relied on the contributions of its members and the support of some sponsors to carry out its activities, maintaining that being a member of such club should be embraced by all Nigerians as it affords them the opportunity of serving the less privileged in the society. She said, “It is not easy to quantify the amount spent on a project like this, but I know that whatever we spent represents what we get from our members and our sponsors. The Chairman, Ibadan Foodstuff Sellers Association, Bodija Market, Alhaji Olalekan Azeez, while lauding members of the club for having the interest of the traders at heart, said such a health project is a God-given assignment. He enjoined political leaders in the country to emulate members of the Inner Wheel, stating that if the health project is the only thing that they do once a month for the traders, they will really appreciate such.

North

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Reversal of varsity status: FCE Kano begins strike ABDULGAFAR OLADIMEJI KANO

embers of Academic Staff of the Federal College of Education, Kano, under the aegis of Academic Staff Union, yesterday commenced a one week warning strike over alleged reversal of the university status of the school by the Federal Government. The action paralysed academic activities as thousands of students

were denied the services of their lecturers, following their decision to down tools. Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities, FCE Kano chapter, Dr Abubakar Sadiq, said the decision to embark on industrial action was aimed at compelling the Federal Government to clarify the confusion surrounding alleged reversal of the initial upgrading of the institution from college of

education to university of education. According to him, the circular delivered to the institution had stated that the school should hold forth pending provisions of legal framework that would enable it enjoy appropriations in accordance with the law, noting that the secular did not state that the new status of the institution has been reversed. He further faulted the circular, pointing out

that the circular was not accompanied by a memo under which the decision to reverse the status of the school was arrived at. “The confusion surrounding this problem is the hand work of some mischievous persons, they said President Muhammadu Buhari gave a direct order, if he gave a direct order, it must have to be documented. “From today, we have proceeded on a one week warning strike to task the

government to clear air on the issue, by coming out to tell us its position on this matter, therefore from today, the strike action has commenced and the level of compliance is praise worthy of our staff and the students who are equally aggrieved over the development. “This is the third time such pronouncements are made, during Yaradua and Obasanjo era, similar pronouncements were made that FCE Kano has been upgraded and later reversed. “We are aware that President Buhari has mandated the Vice Presi-

dent to delve into this matter, but we want further clarity, and we are aware that there is a draft bill on the issue of our upgrade, where then come up the issue of reversal, when what we were told is to hold forth for necessary legal work to be done,” Dr Sadiq said. He stated that, the struggle to achieve the upgrading of FCE Kano has lasted over 20 years, adding that the seven days warning strike would be succeeded by various forms of industrial action to ensure the institutions sustain its new status.

FERMA begins federal roads repair JAMES A BRAHAM JOS

F Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Samaila Yombe (right) listening to a member of the Federal House of Representatives, representing Suru Constituency, Hon. Abdullahi Hassan, during Yombe’s visit to the area, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Kaduna Electricity Coy recruits 3,000 workers –Official

aduna Electric Distribution Company, KEDC, said it had recruited 3,000 workers in its renewed bid to shore up power supply to its 390,000 customers in Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna and Zamfara states. Managing Director of the firm, Mr Garba Haruna, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Sokoto on Monday

on the sideline of a twoday induction of 1,020 of the new employees. Haruna, represented by Director, Engineering and Technical Services of the company, Mr Bello Musa, added that “such boost of power supply is expected to create 15,000 indirect jobs in the four states.’’ According to him, the new members of staff

have qualifications ranging from diplomas to degrees and would be in charge of all activities of the firm. “The company is wholly private sector driven and anything short of hard work, dedication and commitment would not be condoned. “The new workers must imbibe the com-

pany’s agenda of providing efficient, adequate and quality services to the customers. “We will not rest on our oars to add value to our activities and eventually boost power supply to customers,’’ he added. Haruna further stated that the company would provide over 100,000 prepayment meters to its customers annually.

Al-Makura gives Mararaba traders 2 months to relocate IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

asarawa State Governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, yesterday gave two months notice to owners of business premises in Mararaba axis of the state to evacuate their business premises to safer places. The governor gave the notification while on a working visit to decongest the area, assuring

that he would provide a conducive area in the same Mararaba for them to relocate their business outfits. He said: “I want to advise you to start thinking about what to do because apart from choking the area where you are supposed to do business, the congestion is also encroaching into the road, which is not good for the environment. “We will give you the

next two months to prepare to relocate because by Christmas, this market would not be here. But we will not get you out of this place until we find an alternative place for you to relocate.” Incidentally, the Karu International Market is coming on stream so that by Christmas; we should have a sanitised environment. Al-Makura who said he has come to talk with the marketers person-

ally in a manner that they will be convinced that the idea is for the goods of everybody, hence he advised them try and plan to that effect in the next two months by meeting with the state Director of Development Control so that government can make allocation to the different types of material they sell. Responding to the governor’s directive on behalf of other marketers, Mr Ejike Petre, appealed

ederal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, yesterday said it has begun rehabilitation of federal roads in Plateau State. Director General, FERMA, Mr. Gabriel Amuchi, said the need to put the roads in good shape become necessary in order to curb the rate of accidents in line with President Muhammadu Buharı’s determination to make life more meaningful to Nigerians. He said the intervention on federal roads across the country is geared towards preventing frequent auto crashes that might lead to the death of innocent Nigerians as a result of major and minor portholes. Amuchi spoke with journalists through

to the government to provide an enabling environment for the traders, even as he assured the governor that they are ever ready to comply with the arrangement. “Even the traders have seen reasons for that problem as our business premises are daily congested with the influx of people. Therefore, we will be pleased if that is done to sanitise the environment,” he said.

Plateau State Federal Road Maintenance Field Officer, Mr. Muritala Aderemi Salaam, who was on inspection of rehabilitation work at Mararaban Jama’a road to Hawan Kibo and repairs of gully erosion on bridges and culverts along Langtang-Lalin-Shendam road, among others, to avert accident. “Due to persistent auto crashes and the desire to maintained federal roads, in line with the philosophy of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, we are working along Mararaban Jama’a roads to Hawan Kibo where fatal auto crashes have been recorded over the years. “You can see that motorists are expressing their satisfaction on the ongoing work and some are calling on the Federal Government to release more funds to the agency to continue with filling of portholes and building of bridges wash by erosion on federal roads in Plateau State. “Our desire is to focus more on repairs and rehabilitation of roads washed by erosion to reduce if not eliminates auto crashes that are claiming innocent lives in the country,” he stated.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

France honours Americans, Briton who disarmed train gunman

PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

ierra Leone released its last confirmed Ebola patient from hospital yesterday and began a 42-day countdown to being declared free of the virus, medical sources said. The world’s worst known Ebola epidemic has raged in West Africa for more than 18 months, infecting more than 28,000 people and killing more than a third of them. Sierra Leone confirmed its first case in May 2014 and has since recorded the highest number of cases in the region, although neighboring Liberia has suffered more fatalities. Adama Sankoh, 35, responded well to treatment and received her second negative test result on Sunday before her release the following day, which was marked by a ceremony attended by President Ernest Bai Koroma. Medical staff celebrated and Ebola survivors held up signs of praise to Koroma at the International Medical Corps treatment center in the city of Makeni 140 km (87 miles) east of Freetown. “...Today is without doubt a day for celebration and reflection on the thousands of lives lost during this devastating crisis,” said Sean Casey, regional director for

But if we receive a proposal to start, even gradually, restoring these channels, mechanisms for dialogue and cooperation that have been frozen by our American partners, I am sure ... we will agree to restore these channels

– FORMER RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER, SERGEI LAVROV

Sierra Leone releases last confirmed Ebola patient

British health workers lift an Ebola patient onto a wheeled stretcher at the Kerry town Ebola treatment centre outside Freetown, Sierra Leone.

the International Medical Corps West Africa Ebola response. Sankoh is thought to have caught the virus from her son who was a victim of the last known transmission chain in the country in the northern village of Massessebeh. The entire com-

munity of more than 500 people was quarantined for three weeks as a result to contain the infection. During the course of the epidemic, the outbreak has ebbed only to flare back again. Liberia was declared Ebola-free in May

but a fresh cluster of cases appeared nearly two months later. Scientists say sexual transmission is the most likely explanation for the resurgence in Liberia since the virus can live on in semen beyond the usual 21day incubation period.

Pistorius killed our daughter deliberately –Steenkamps

scar Pistorius shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp deliberately, her parents said, ahead of an appeal hearing in which prosecutors are seeking to overturn a South African court ruling that the athlete was not guilty of murder. It was the first time Steenkamp’s parents have spoken out against the court’s verdict. Pistorius, 28, was found guilty last September of culpable homicide, the equivalent of manslaughter, after Judge Thokozile Masipa said state prosecutors had failed to prove the Paralympic gold medalist had shown “intent” to kill. The state argued throughout the six-month trial that Pistorius had deliberately killed Steenkamp when he fired four rounds through a locked toilet door where she was hiding after a row. Pistorius says he believed an intruder was inside the toilet cubicle.

Prosecutors filed an appeal last week asking for the verdict to be changed to murder. They argue Pistorius must have known when he fired that the person behind the door could be killed, even if he did not know it was Steenkamp. The appeal hearing is due to start in November. “What actually came out in court is not the truth,” Barry Steenkamp told Australia’s Channel Seven television in an interview aired on Sunday. “He got angry, she went off to the toilet, locked herself inside, and then him pulling out the gun and shooting.” June Steenkamp adds: “Why didn’t he just let her walk away?” Pistorius, nicknamed the “Blade Runner” because of the carbon-fiber prosthetics he used during his career on the track, was due to be released from prison last Friday after serving 10 months of his five-

year sentence. Justice Minister Michael Masutha blocked his release because he said the decision was made without legal basis, an intervention the Pistorius fam-

ily said left them “shocked and disappointed”. The decision has been returned to the parole board for reconsideration, which could take up to four months.

AFRICA BULLETIN South African currency hits record lows The prospects of rising interest rates in the United States, coupled with a downturn in the Chinese economy contributed to the South African currency’s record drop yesterday, said economists. The South African rand plunged to 14 rand to the dollar before recovering slightly to 13 rand as trade closed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The rand was the worst affected among 25 other emerging market currencies, buckling under China’s currency devaluation, reported Business Day, a financial newspaper. In the United States, the Dow Jones industrial average lost more than 1,000 points as trade began on Wall Street. Since the beginning of the year, the rand has lost 15 percent against the dollar and is further weakened by a number of domestic factors, said economist Richard Downing. A rudderless economic policy, labor strikes, frequent electricity blackouts and a neglected manufacturing sector make the South African rand vulnerable to international currency fluctuations, he said.

‘Migrant seriously hurt in France, likely hit by train’ A man trying to get into Britain was seriously hurt yesterday in northern France, most likely hit by a train, while the Channel Tunnel was temporarily closed after migrants flocked onto train tracks nearby. “Around 10 this morning, firemen went to Eurotunnel’s boarding platforms to tend to an injured migrant,” local authorities said. “He was immediately hospitalised in Calais and he is in a serious condition.” The man, a 22-year-old Eritrean, suffered from a head injury and internal bleeding, and is thought to have been hit by a train, rescuers said. Authorities said his life was not in danger.

Kenya’s ivory kingpin bail suspended

Barry Steenkamp, father of Reeva Steenkamp, being consoled by his wife June Steenkamp during the sentencing hearing of Olympic and Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, last year.

A court in Kenya yesterday suspended the release on bail of a suspected ringleader of an ivory smuggling gang following an appeal by government prosecutors. Kenyan national Feisal Mohammed Ali, who figured on an Interpol list of the nine most wanted suspects linked to crimes against the environment, was arrested by international police agents in Tanzania in December after fleeing Kenya and was extradited to face charges in the port city of Mombasa. In March, bail was granted on medical grounds, but Kenyan prosecutors successfully appealed that decision at the High Court. On Friday, magistrate Davis Karani again granted him 10 million shilling ($96,900/85,800 euro) bail, but that was again suspended yesterday.

World News

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

France honours Americans, Briton who disarmed train gunman

rench President Francois Hollande yesterday awarded France’s highest honor, the Legion d’honneur, to three U.S. citizens and a Briton who helped disarm a machine gun-toting suspected Islamist militant on a train last week. “Faced with the evil called terrorism there is a good, that’s humanity. You are the incarnation of that,” Hollande told the four men. The suspect’s lawyer said on Sunday the man named by intelligence sources as Ayoub el Khazzani, 26, of Morocco, is “dumbfounded” they had him down as a sus-

pected Islamist militant. She said he told her he only intended to rob people on board because he was hungry. Spencer Stone, a 23-yearold U.S. airman traveling with two friends on the train from Amsterdam to Paris on Friday, told reporters on Sunday how he

plugged the blood-spurting wound of another passenger with his fingers after himself being wounded by the attacker. I just stuck two of my fingers in the hole, found what I thought to be the artery, pushed down and the bleeding stopped,” he said at a news conference along-

side his friends, student Anthony Sadler, also 23, and National Guardsman Alek Skarlatos, 22. The man Stone helped, a Franco-American Hollande named as Mark Moogalian, remains hospitalized. U.S. Ambassador to France Jane Hartley said he was “doing pretty well.”

WORLD BULLETIN

UK may lift Iran sanctions next spring International sanctions on Iran could start to be lifted as early as spring next year, Britain’s foreign minister said yesterday, as Tehran and the West rebuild their ties and potentially open up billions of dollars of trade deals. Six world powers agreed in July to lift sanctions in return for Iran accepting long-term curbs on a nuclear program that the West suspected was aimed at creating a nuclear bomb. Tehran has always denied seeking nuclear arms. British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond told Reuters he expected Iran and the United States could endorse the deal by October. Combined with Iran meeting its commitments in the deal, that could see the start of trade restrictions being lifted. “We could be talking as early as next spring to start to see sanctions lifting off,” Hammond said in an interview, referring to the March to May period. A range of restrictions on Iran have been imposed over several decades, dating back to 1979 when Iranian students stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. Oil-related sanctions were imposed by the United States and the European Union in 2012. Hammond was speaking a day after he had raised the British flag at a reopening ceremony in the garden of Britain’s opulent 19th century embassy in Tehran - a building which still bears the scars of a 2011 ransacking by protesters which put a deep freeze on diplomatic relations. Eyeing deals between British firms and Iran, particularly in the oil and financial sectors, Hammond said preparatory work should be done ahead of lifting sanctions so investment can start to flow as soon as the measures are removed.

French President Francois Hollande (C) delivering a speech as British businessman Chris Norman (L), U.S. student Anthony Sadler (2ndL), U.S. Airman First Class Spencer Stone (2ndR) and U.S. National Guardsman Alek Skarlatos (R) listen to during a ceremony at the Elysee Palace in Paris, yesterday

Chris Norman, a 62-yearold British consultant who lives in France, was also decorated by Hollande yesterday. Stone said another man, who is French and whose name has not been disclosed, “deserves a lot of the credit” because he was the first one to try to stop the gunman. Stone thanked the doctors who reattached his thumb, which was almost severed by the gunman, who had been armed with a box cutter, a pistol and a Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle. According to Spanish security sources, Khazzani traveled to France in 2014 and went to Syria. French security sources said he went to Berlin airport for a flight to Istanbul on May 10 this year. Turkey is a preferred destination for would-be jihadists heading for Syria. He is on a French

list of around 3,000 people who are documented as being a potential militant Islamist threat. His father, Mohammed el Khazzani, was quoted by Spanish newspaper El Mundo as saying he had not spoken to his son since he left the Spanish southern port town of Algeciras for France in 2014 to work for a mobile phone company that fired him one month into a six-month contract. “They are saying Ayoub is a terrorist but I simply can’t believe it,” said Khazzani, 64, a scrap merchant who lives in the poor El Saladillo district of Algeciras with his wife and some of his six children. “Why would he want to kill anyone? It makes no sense,” he said of his son. “The only terrorism he is guilty of is terrorism for bread. He doesn’t have enough money to feed himself properly.”

Criminal justice reformers await holy ally –Pope Francis

here’s a long history of religious leaders writing and teaching from inside prisons — from Martin Luther King to Paul the Apostle. But 78-year-old Pope Francis may be the most prominent religious leader to ever advocate for prison reform from the outside. Last year, Francis called for an end to solitary con-

finement, the death penalty and life imprisonment. He has knelt down to wash and then kiss the feet of Roman inmates on two of the first Holy Thursdays of his papacy. Visiting a group of Bolivian prisoners recently, the pope told them he sees no difference between them and himself — they are all sinners. Now Francis is coming

to the United States, much to the delight of criminal justice reformers who have waged a growing bipartisan battle to scale back and remake the mammoth U.S. penal system. Reformers hope Francis’ visit to the CurranFromhold Correctional Facility in Philadelphia next month as part of his six-day U.S. tour will grab lawmakers’ attention. A few days

before visiting the inner-city prison, the pope will address Congress and could raise the issue of criminal justice reform there as well. One in three Americans today has a criminal record, and the United States remains the largest jailer in the world, thanks in part to lengthy sentences for drug crimes. These bleak statistics have led many Re-

North, South Korea agree to stop clash

orth and South Korea reached agreement early on Tuesday after more than two days of talks to end a standoff involving an exchange of artillery fire that had pushed the divided peninsula into a state of heightened

military tension. Under the accord reached after midnight on Tuesday morning, North Korea expressed regret over the recent wounding of South Korean soldiers in a landmine incident and Seoul agreed

to halt anti-Pyongyang propaganda broadcasts, both sides said. North Korea also agreed to end the “quasi state of war” it had declared. The two sides will hold follow-up talks to discuss a range of is-

South Korean soldiers sit on a military vehicle, just south of the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas, in Yeoncheon, South Korea, on Saturday

sues on improving ties, the joint statement said. “It is very meaningful that from this meeting North Korea apologized for the landmine provocation and promised to work to prevent the recurrence of such events and ease tensions,” Kim Kwan-jin, national security adviser to the South Korean president, told a televised news briefing. Pyongyang has previously denied laying the landmines, and in the statement did not explicitly take responsibility for them. The marathon talks at the Panmunjom truce village inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas began on Saturday, shortly after Pyongyang’s deadline for the South to halt its propa-

publicans and Democrats — including most of the candidates for president — to question the current system. Yet despite broad bipartisan support that has joined unlikely allies such as the Koch brothers and President Obama, major legislative proposals have stalled in Congress. A big spotlight from this rock-star-like pope could give the issue a boost.

ganda broadcasts or face military action. Seoul and Pyongyang have remained technically in a state of war since the 1950-53 Korean war ended in a truce, rather than a peace treaty. The recent escalation in tensions began early this month, when landmine explosions in the DMZ wounded two South Korean soldiers. Days later, the South began blasting anti-Pyongyang propaganda from loudspeakers along the border. The standoff reached a crisis point on Thursday when the North fired four shells into the South, according to Seoul, which responded with a barrage of artillery fire. Neither side reported casualties.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Okagbare fails in Beijing

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

I still have got more fire in me to fight for playing times. But yeah! I am fully settled here –New York City FC midfielder, Frank Lampard

‘Blame NFF if Siasia’s team fails’ JOEl AJAyi ABUJA

B NSC Director General, Alhassan Yakmut (left) with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday

AAG: Max Air flies Team Nigeria to Brazzaville EvErEst OnyEwuchi

he first batch of about 400 athletes and officials of Team Nigeria to the 11th All Africa Games (AAG) will be airlifted to Congo on Saturday, August 29. Nigeria will be represented by a contingent of about 450, who will take part in 21 sports at the quadrennial, multisports fiesta. Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Alhassan Yakmut, told National Mirror exclusively that the contingent would travel aboard a Max Air airliner. Already, an advance party of the NSC arrived in Brazzaville, the Congolese capital

...as Yakmut briefs Buhari on games

and venue of the Games last Sunday, to ensure that all logistics to receive the Nigerian contingent for optimal performance in the AAG are put in place before their arrival. Yakmut also disclosed that the track and field athletes would be coming to Brazzaville later, since their federation and elite athletes are currently engaged in the ongoing International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) World Championship in Beijing, China. “Athletics events will be taking place later as the games progress, so we would get a smaller plane to fly the team to Congo,” the NSC helmsman

explained. Meanwhile, all the coaches of the participating sports federations were expected by last night to have made their final selection of their athletes. Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) was the earliest to select 13 boxers for the Brazzaville Games, followed by table tennis that selected nine pingpongers, taekwondo 16 and fencing federation 11 athletes. National Mirror had earlier reported exclusively that the NSC had spent about N58million to buy general kits for Team Nigeria from Peak, the Chinese sportswear producer. Yakmut also confirmed that the Commission also

arely 10 days to the beginning of the All Africa Games (AAG) slated for Brazzaville, the owner of Amakson Soccer Academy of Abuja, Bishop Emmanuel Amakiri, has charged the NFF to give the Samson Siasia-led U-23 national team the needed support to win medal at the games. Amakson made the appeal last weekend in Abuja when the Dream Team VI pounded his team 4-0 in a friendly match played inside the Abuja National Goal Project as part of preparations for the tournament. According to Amakson, “I am not very happy the way they are treating the young man (Siasia). NFF must give him the needed support if they want him to succeed at the forthcoming AAG. He added, “The young man has given his best as a player and coach. So if NFF fails to understand that it is their responsibility to give him all the required support to take Nigeria to grater height, then they are prone to failure. We are not praying for that but if it happens, the first people we must make to take responsible is NFF.”

paid another $150,000 USD to purchase off-the-shelf sports specific kits for members of the contingent, while the team will wear iro and buba and kaftan traditional dress during the opening ceremony march past. Yesterday, Yakmut made a presentation to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The DG was at the briefing with a number of chairmen of sports federations, including the NFF president, Amaju Pinnick. The games, Africa’s version of the Olympic Games, will take place from 3-19 SeptemNFF boss, Pinnick ber in Brazzaville.

Sports

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Glo League:

Enyimba shoots back to top

nyimba FC of Aba yesterday returned to the top of the Nigeria Premier League after Musa Najere’s lone strike earned the side a 1-0 victory over Taraba FC in a Week 25 game The game was to have been played on Sunday, heavy rain rendered the pitch at the Enyimba International Stadium in

Aba unplayable. Enyimba now tops the league table with 48 points from 25 matches. Najere broke the deadlock in the 76th minute off Peter Onyekachi’s pass. Markson Ojobo’s penalty in the 54th minute after Daniel Etor was brought down in the box was saved by Taraba goal-

keeper Obilo. Kingsley Sokari had his effort at goal in as early as the second minute parried away to corner by Obilo. Taraba’s Chimaobi Nwaogwu headed ball into the net in the 51st minute, but it was cancelled by the referee for an infringement.

Wolves edged Wikki Tourists 1-0 on Sunday courtesy of a first-half goal from the spot by Nigerian international Gbolahan Salami. The players claimed that they are owed five months’ worth of salaries, eight match bonuses and 15 percent of their signing-on fees from last season. “The only payment we got this season as salaries was in June when we were paid two months and after that nobody has explained or told us when we will be paid the remainder of our five months of salaries. Most of us are family men and soon out children will be returning to school,” one player said, adding, “Right now we are demanding that we are paid

not just the outstanding five months salaries and bonuses but we want them to pay us our signing-on fees too before we resume training of any kind.” Wolves, who are currently in third place on 44 points, four behind league leaders Enyimba, have an away game on August 30 when they will face Heartland at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

Enyimba Coach, Kadiri Ikhana

Wolves players on strike

Wolves boss, Owumi

layers of Glo Premier League side Warri Wolves have stayed away from their first training of this week in protest of unpaid wages, supersport.com revealed yesterday.

African Games: Fencing targets top spots PAul ErEwubA

he Nigeria Fencing Federation (NFF) believes it has the fencers capable of being among the best three at next month’s African Games in Congo as the federation over the weekend officially named an 11-man squad that will represent Nigeria. According to the federations’ boss, Adeyinka Samuel, the Nigerian team will compete for honours with eight male and three females. The male fencers are Adeniyi Williams, Harrison Okoro, Femi Sangowawa, Fega Okwa, Zulu Shuaib, Olayinka Oladele Sulaimon Bello and Samuel, who is a top fencer

having been ranked in the top 100 in the world years ago. US-based Aikenosi Akhigbe, UK-based Jane Ishioma Yadi and Damilola Odeleye are the female members of the team. Samuel, who has featured in a host of international championships, expressed confidence in the team to scoop medals which he believed would help Nigeria’s course to finish among the top three in the final table. “We are delighted to be officially registered for the Africa Games and we are determined to make the most of the opportunity,” he said. Nigeria will feature in the individual and team events in Sabre, Epee and Foil cities.

Commission boosts Kiddies Olympics AfolAbi GAmbAri

he maiden Kiddies Olympics has received the support of the Lagos State Sports Commission ahead of the competition scheduled for October 24 to 31. Chairman of the Project Management Committee for the Olympics, Mr. Nurudeen Aluko, said the support had come at the best time to encourage the organisers on the competition aimed at discovering talent at the primary school level. National Mirror gathered yesterday that the endorsement was signed on behalf of the Acting Director of the state sports commission by Mr. Lanre Adelekan. “The letter stated that approval has been granted to us at no cost to the state government since ours is a private sectordriven initiative,” Aluko disclosed. “The commission also promised to afford us the facility for the competition for free, even as

it said we would be monitored by the Schools Sports Department of the commission,” he added. Meanwhile, sports officers of the State Universal Education Board (SUBEB) have called on corporate bodies in the country to support the Olympics. “This event is meant for our kids and support for it is support for their future,” Sports Director of Lagos SUBEB, Prince Olu Akapo, said yesterday, adding that over 10, 000 sports offi-

Lagos DOS, Tandoh

cers from National Association of SUBEB Sports Forum (NASSOF), Association of Lagos State Sports Officers (ALSSO) as well as games teachers in private and public schools would be involved in the competition. The kiddies’ event, packaged by Klozit Limited and Isaac Daniels, will have about 2, 000 children from private and public primary schools participating in football, tracak and field, scrabble, table tennis and handball.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Mercyjacob_26@yahoo.com Tel: 08063056537

Okagbare fails in Beijing

igeria’s Blessing Okagbare was a pale shadow of herself yesterday, losing a race for the first time in recent months as she surrendered the 100m women title to Jamaican Shelly-Ann FraserPryce at the Bird’s Nest Stadium. Fraser-Pryce, who is the defending champion, reached

the 100m final without any stress at the on-going World Athletics Championships. The latest champion, who is also the current holder of the world and Olympic titles, was too strong for her rivals in the opening semi-final as she eased home in a time of 10.82 seconds ahead Commonwealth champion Okagbare.

A slight stumble could not prevent USA’s Tori Bowie from claiming victory in the second semi-final with a time of 10.87 seconds, while Kelly-Ann Baptiste of Trinidad and Tobago did enough to clinch second spot. Okagbare has with the latest performance demonstrated her poor showing at the biggest stage.

Blessing Okagbare

World bits…

Kovacs strikes gold

Metu

Metu eyes Congo glory

espite missing out of the World Championships in Beijing, China, African Games bronze medalist Obinna Metu has his eyes fixed at the African Games slated for next month in Congo, Brazzaville. Metu is currently in the Port Harcourt camp for athletes preparing for the African Games. He told National Mirror yesterday that he was ready to compete for honours at the quadrennial continental event. “Over here in Port Harcourt I am doing my possible best training, working hard and pray-

ing to God to favour me in Congo,” he said. “As one of the athletes that would represent Nigeria at the games, I want to give it my best and to come back with a medal,” Metu added. Technical Director of Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, said the federation took athletes with medal potential to Beijing. “We settled for a more compact team,” Nesiama argued, stressing, “We also wanted to avoid distraction of the World Championships and concentrate more on the African Games.”

Star Quote…

I’m very confident in myself, and I’d like to share that: I’m 41, and here I am, I’m happy.

–Olympic archer, Khatuna Lorig

hen Joe Kovacs entered the Bird’s Nest Stadium last night, shortly before winning his first world title in the men’s shot put, his mind couldn’t help but wander to the past. It had been a long journey to get to the IAAF World Championships, Bejing 2015 and before he entered the arena for the biggest night of his life, he took

stock of the path he’d travelled. Alhough Kovacs is as American as the proverbial apple pie, his family’s roots are Hungarian, and those closest to him were foremost in his mind last night. Back home in Pennsylvania, his mother Joanna who had decided against travelling to Beijing to avoid being a distraction– was also on his mind.

Fraser-Pryce makes history

amaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce celebrates after winning the women’s 100 metres gold at the World Championships in Beijing yesterday. With her long, dyed green braids flowing behind her, the diminutive 28-year-old was not quickest out of

the blocks, but soon got into her stride and powered down the track to add to her triumphs in Berlin in 2009 and Moscow two years ago. Fraser-Pryce’s time was the second fastest of the year after her own 10.74 in Paris last month, but she was not satisfied.

Bolt revels in win

amaican athlete, Usain Bolt, is still savouring his gold effort in the men’s 100m final in Beijing, China on Sunday. “I am enjoying this moment and I must say that I deserve it,” Bolt said yesterday. “Competition makes me want to

do much more, even though it also makes me calm. Honestly, I cannot but enjoy this moment while hoping that it lasts longer,” he added. On his recent charge at doping athletes, Bolt said: “Please, let me just enjoy myself and we talk about that later.”

WORLD RECORD

Fastest sandwich madetwo using feet Fastest marathon dribbling basketballs

N150

Vol. 05 No. 1184 Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Using just his feet, Rob Williams of Austin, Texas, USA, made a Bologna, cheese and lettuce sandwich, complete with olives on cocktail sticks, in 1 min 57 sec

Africans as meal for the Mediterranean fishes

n November 2013, BBC ran a shocking story captioned “I buried my family.” It was a story of a 14-year old girl called Shafa. Shafa cheated death (miraculously) in the Sahara Desert after burying her two sisters and mother – they had died of intense heat and dehydration. Little Shafa and family weren’t alone, but among the passengers (numbering more hundred) of two lorries bound to Algeria from Niger Republic. “We are on our way to visit our family members,” the poor girl said, but from all indication, they were on a run – trying to leave behind a woeful existence for opportunities in Algeria and possibly Spain. But they didn’t enter Algeria much less Spain. Their drivers turned back on see-

Guest Columnist

Asikason Jonathan

ing Algerian forces-”they didn’t want to be caught carrying us since it was illegal,” poor Shafa observed. En route back to Niger, their trucks ran out of fuels and, the drivers after extorting fuel money from them vanished. Passengers of more than a hundred were trapped in Sahara desert. “We waited for two days –no food, no water –before we decided to start walking.” Eighteen made it back home and raised the alarm but before anything was done, ninety-two migrants had already transmogrified into decomposing corpses. Their belated rescuers couldn’t help but offer them a Muslim burial. The story of Shafa came to mind because of the pervading cum nauseating culture of deafening silence on the part of African leaders on what could be called a weekly report from Mediterranean Sea, where many African youths in quest for greener pasture in Europe ignorantly make themselves a perfect meal for sea lives. Why this spike in migration through Sahara Desert and Mediterranean Sea? And why are African youths so desperate to leave Africa? Answering these questions will offer us a perfect analysis of how politics and government have degenerated in the continent. If governments are working, that is, ‘doing for the people what they cannot do for themselves,’ no African youths will fancy leaving their country let alone through Sahara desert and with derelict ship over Mediterranean. What this is telling us is simple: leadership failure! Africans are fleeing Africa because of the vicious circle of poverty ravaging the continent. They are fleeing because of the stag-

AFRICA’S PROBLEM CENTERED SQUARELY ON LEADERSHIP AND IT CAN ONLY BE SOLVED BY

AFRICAN

YOUTHS gering level of unemployment hitting their countries. They are fleeing because their governments lack the vision needed to transform Africa to a better place. The environment is configured to suit and serve the needs of the elite class and their cronies. Ordinary man in Africa is just a mere pawn in the political chess board. So, tell me why there won’t be migration spike? Africa is no longer conducive for youths. Everything - virtually everything - is in state of disarray. No African youths will ever decline any opportunity to leave this continent that our leaders have associated with backwater. What do you expect from a youth from Burundi, where Pierre Nkurunziza is running an illegitimate government, to do when he heard that he could make it to Spain if he makes it to Algeria through the Sahara Desert? What do you expect from a youth from Zimbabwe, where god Robert Mugabe reigns, to do when he heard that a ship can take him to Italy only if he could make it to Libya? Or a Nigerian youth, a country in which 90 per cent of her youths are potential migrants, who is so convinced of making it to Italy if

he enters Libya? Or a youth from the failed state of Libya that does not need to cross the Sahara Desert? What do you expect of them? Each month – nowadays weeks – able and energized African youths leave their families, friends and relations and embark on a perilous journey to Europe through the Sahara Desert and Mediterranean Sea. Many die or get killed by traffickers in the Sahara; dozens drown in Mediterranean Sea and a few make it to Europe – some even got deported. That’s the plight of the African youth. According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), 25, 000 people fled to Italy from North Africa in 2005, the number dwindled to 9,575 in 2009. In 2011, the figure rose to 61,000 and skyrocketed to 130,000 in 2014. African leaders are uninterested in these reports because they are suffering what Barbara Tuchman dubbed ‘woodheadedness.’ Is it not scaring that no emergency meeting has been called by the African Union (AU) to consider the matter? Is not appalling that no campaign has been started by AU to deescalate this spike? Seriously, Africa needs regeneration. That said, African youths should come to grips that it is only a fool that finds solution in running away from his problem. Africa’s problem centered squarely on leadership and it can only be solved by African youths. So, why running away? Also, wearing the cloaks of hard work and contentment will do! The mentality for what we Igbo dubbed ‘ego mbute (sharp, sharp money)’ should be jettisoned. You must not travel to Europe or the Americas to make it. If Dangote made it in Nigeria, you too can make it here! European Burden One interesting but paradoxical aspect of this migration spike is the crisis it is generating in Europe. European leaders are complaining about this unprecedented influx in immigration forgetting that you cannot beat a child and at the same time prevent him from crying. Asikason Jonathan wrote in from Lapai , Niger State.

Sport Extra

ut-of-favour Liverpool striker, Mario Balotelli, yesterday returned to former club AC Milan, bringing his troubled season with the Anfield club to an end. Frozen out of the first team squad this season,

Balotelli returns to Milan on season-long loan Balotelli still has three years left on his Liverpool contract but the chances of him ever returning to Anfield to see out the contract are not feasible. The controversial for-

ward had been left out of the Reds’ pre-season tour, although Liverpool Manager, Brendan Rodgers, said his fitness was in serious doubt. He has also not been involved in the team’s run so

far this season and many believed his time at Liverpool had all but ended. The transfer was not official at press time yesterday but various reports said the Italy international would

have all the percentage of his £80,000-a-week wages borne by Milan management who is believed to be interested in helping the 24-year-old rekindle his dwindling career.

Balotelli

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