Binder1

More heads roll at NNPC, 38 fired

Customs boss, Inde Dikko resigns

New GEDs, MDs appointed UDEME AKPAN

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s part of ongoing re-organisation in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, following the

Kachikwu

Vol. 5 N0. 1176

resumption of Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu as Group Managing Director, no fewer than 38 top management staff have been retired.

The exercise, which was made known by Kachikwu, has reduced to 122 the num-

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

ber of staff in that cadre.

The names of top management staff affected were, however, not made known.

Only last week, shortly after Kachikwu’s appoint-

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

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@NationalMirror

Trial of treasury looters P begins soon –Buhari

N150

OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

...gives reason for single treasury account

Gen Abubakar urges FG to be guided by rule of law

resident Muhammadu Buhari has pledged to begin prosecution of persons, who have stolen national resources, “in a matter of weeks.”

The president spoke yesterday at a meeting with members of the National Peace Committee led by Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar at the Presidential Villa.

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NDLEA seizes N2.8bn drugs at Lagos airport in 6 months P.7

Reps summon CBN governor over ban on dollar deposits

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L-R: Immediate Past President of Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Mr. Bola Temowo; Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, CFR ; Mr. Sammy Chukwuma; New President of CIIN/Managing Director/CEO, Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation, Lady Isioma Chukwuma; Chairman of the event, Chief (Dr.) Michael Ade Ojo; Guest of Honour, Commissioner of Insurance, Alhaji Mohammed Kari; new Vice President of CIIN, Funmi Babington-Ashaye and Bishop of Anglican Communion, Enugu, Archbishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, during the Investiture of Lady Isioma Chukwuma as 47th President of the Institute, in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Senate orders NERC to halt fixed electricity charges

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FG to spend N15bn to generate 8,000mw by 2016 We’re all guilty of electing Yar’Adua, Jonathan in 2007 –OBJ Saraki

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News

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Trial of treasury looters begins soon –Buhari CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said Mr President declared that his administration was irrevocably committed to doing all within its powers to break the vicious cycle of corruption, unemployment and insecurity in Nigeria.

“Nigeria has to break this vicious cycle before we can make progress,” the President said.

He added that his administration was diligent-

ly getting facts and figures pertaining to the nation’s stolen funds, before proceeding to the prosecution of identified culprits.

President Buhari told General Abdulsalami and members of his committee that the Federal Government, under his leadership, will not only ask for the return of stolen funds that have been stashed in foreign banks, but will also ensure that those who stole the funds are put on trial.

He explained that as

part of its actions to address national problems it inherited, his administration was reorganising the country’s revenue generating institutions.

According to him, the establishment of a single treasury account for all Federal revenue was to ensure greater probity, transparency and accountability in the collection, disbursement and utilisation of national funds.

“We have really degenerated as a country. Our

national institutions, including the military, which did wonderfully on foreign missions in the past, have been compromised. But we are doing something about it. The military is now retraining and morale has been resuscitated.

“As Petroleum Minister under Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo in the 1970s, I could not travel abroad until I had taken a memo to the Federal Executive Council asking for estacode. Now, everybody does

what he wants.

“That is why securitywise and economically, we’re in trouble.

“Those who have stolen the national wealth will be in court in a matter of weeks and Nigerians will know those who have short-changed them,” Buhari stated.

Earlier, Gen. Abubakar had urged the Federal Government to be guided by the rule of law in its fight against corruption.

Members of the National Peace Committee who

L-R: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Alhaji Maitama Sule and Alhaji Sambo Lamido, during Maitama’s visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

More heads roll at NNPC, 38 fired CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ment, a shake up was carried out with eight Group Executive Directors, GEDs, sacked and replaced with new officers.

Also, as part of ongoing re-organisation, the GMD has announced the appointment of four new GEDs to manage the corporation’s four new Directorates already approved by the Presidency.

Kachikwu disclosed that the appointments were in line with the Federal Government’s aspiration to transform the Corporation into a lean, efficient, business-focused, transparent and accountable national oil company in keeping with international best practices.

The appointees are: Dr. Maikanti Baru, Group Executive Director, Exploration & Production;

Mr. Isiaka Abdulrazaq, Group Executive Director, Finance & Services; Mr. Dennis Nnamdi Ajulu, Group Executive Director, Refining & Technology; and Dr. Babatunde Victor Adeniran, Group Executive Director, Commercial & Investment.

Similarly, a new Company Secretary/Legal Adviser and Managing Directors have also been appointed for the Strategic Business Units.

They are: Chidi Momah, Group General Manager, Company Secretary & Legal Adviser; Mrs. Esther Nnamdi Ogbue, Managing Director, Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC; Mr. Chinedu Ezeribe, Managing Director, Warri Refining & Petrochemicals Company, WRPC; Mr. Babatunde Bakare, Managing Director, Ni-

gerian Gas Company, NGC; Mr. Inuwa Ibrahim Waya, Managing Director, Hyson; Mr. Abubakar Mai-Bornu, Managing Director, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC; and Mr. Ladipo Fagbola, Managing Director, NNPC Retail.

Others include, Mr. Rowland Ewubare, Managing Director, Integrated Data Services Ltd, IDSL; Mr. Modupe Bammeke, Managing Director, NNPC Properties; Mr. Abdulkadir Saidu, Managing Director, Duke Oil; and Mr. Dafe Sejebor, Group General Manager, Nigerian Petroleum Investment Management Services, NAPIMS. The corporation is expected to make more changes in the coming weeks.

Also in line with the aspiration to reposition the Corporation, 12 persons have been recruited from

the private sector into the top management cadre to jump-start a new business outlook to enhance the operational environment as a profit-driven business as against the current civil service orientation.

Meanwhile, investigations showed that Kachikwu had started inviting oil traders who were awarded crude oil swaps and offshore processing contracts for review.

A source at the Corporation said the actions were aimed at determining if the traders met the terms of the contracts in terms of delivery of products to Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC. Department of State Services, DSS, had opened a probe into the crude oil swaps and OPAs entered into by NNPC and oil trad-

ers a few weeks ago.

The traders claimed then that the probe was a witch-hunt triggered by one of their competitors in the industry and argued that swaps and OPAs were covered by irrevocable standing letters of credit to the value of the crude lifted or petroleum products scheduled for delivery to PPMC. The suspicion is that some of the traders lifted crude oil and sold it, but under-delivered product cargoes to NNPC, thus costing the country several billions of dollars.

The New York-based Natural Resource Governance Institute, NRGI, had in its report indicated that Nigeria lost over $32bn as a result of the mismanagement of Domestic Crude Allocations, DCA, by NNPC.

accompanied Gen Abubakar on the visit were Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, Primate of the Anglican Church of Nigeria.

Others were Justice Rose Ukeje (rtd), Prof Ameze Guobadia, Vanguard Newspaper Publisher, Sam Amuka, Dame Priscilla Kuye, Senator Ben Obi, Dr. Yunusa Tanko and Dr ArthurMartin Aginam.

The National Peace Committee, formed before the 2015 general elections, was granted permission by the President to transform to a National Peace Council.

Meanwhile, Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission, ICPC, has absolved a former Inspector General of Police and current Chairman, Police Service Commission, PSC, Sir Mike Okiro of corruption allegations.

According to a letter dated August 6 and addressed to the Permanent Secretary, PSC, ICPC said investigations have not revealed “any act of criminal infraction against the person of Sir (Dr.) Mike Mbama Okiro, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission as all issues outlined above are administrative in nature and within the ambits of career public servants handlings.”

The letter which was signed by ICPC Chairman, Ekpo Nta however directed that the balance of N133m from the N350m 2015 election monitoring exercise domiciled within FCMB be remitted to the Federal Treasury through the ICPC Recovery Account No. 1012929790 at Zenith Bank Plc. The letter also stated: “The Staff of your Commission who took part in the 2015 General Election Monitoring Exercise and were paid 2-way Return Ticket and Airport Taxi to location within FCT and States of close proximity to Abuja amounting to N11,750,000 (list attached)

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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News

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

3

Senate orders NERC to halt fixed electricity charges GEORGE OJI ABUJA

S

enate yesterday asked the National Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, to immediately stop the monthly fixed charges being collected from electricity consumers across the country.

The lawmakers also asked NERC to account for all the monies that has so far been collected on fixed charges across the nation.

Furthermore, the legislators directed Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs, to discontinue the practice of compulsory bulk metering of villages and communities in rural areas because a consumer should have the right to elect to be part of bulk metering scheme or not.

These directives were the outcome of some of the resolutions adopted by the Senate, which were contained in the motion

by Senator Sam Egwu (Ebonyi North) and cosponsored by Senator David Umaru (Niger East) entitled: “Unfair Trade Practices of Electricity Distribution Companies in Nigeria.”

Senate also resolved to direct NERC to make a regulation to mandate the DISCOs to discontinue the practice of making consumers pay for meters, poles and transforms, which by law are properties of the DISCOs. The senators noted that where consumers purchase those items, they should give notice of the purchase to the DISCOs and should be entitled to recover their expenses from subsequent electricity consumption.

This was in addition to the Senate calling on NERC to bring an end to the monopoly of DISCOs on the sale of energy meters to enable consumers purchase them, either from the distribution companies or from any other suppliers, subject to the regulation and specifications by the regulator.

Furthermore, the Senate implored NERC and the Nigerian Consumers Protection Council, NCPC, to sensitise elec-

tricity consumers on the remedies available to them in the event of inefficient services by the distribution companies.

While calling for inquiry into the numerous complaints before NERC by consumers in line with the provision of section (74), subsection (1)(b) of the Power Sector Reform Act, the Senate expressed concern that even those who have the prepaid meters are also billed a fixed rate per month, irrespective of whether or not they consumed electricity.

In his lead debate, Egwu posited that he was disturbed by the avalanche of complaints by electricity consumers in the country about the unwholesome practices of the DISCOs, which fall short of standards established by the NERC and do not also meet up to global best practices, whereby failing in the discharge of their contractual obligations to the Nigerian people.

Almost all the senators who commented on the motion were bitter with the services the discos are currently rendering to customers in the country.

Perhaps, the only differing senator on the matter was Adamu Aliero (Kebbi North) who pleaded with his colleagues to give the distribution companies some time to improve on their services.

Aliero was of the view that given that most of the distribution companies were new on the job, it was imperative that they would falter initially, and adjust with time.

On his part, Senator Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central) argued that all the new owners of the electricity chain, including those involved in generation, transmission and distribution had all failed the nation and should be made to sit up.

Senator Ben Murray Bruce (Bayelsa East) narrated a sad experience he went through with the DISCO whereby he was first slammed with a bill of N10m in the first month and later another N20m, and urged that the service providers must be called to order.

Senator Athan Achonu (Imo North) simply lamented that at a time, “the electricity companies nearly destroyed my businesses.”

In his concluding remarks, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, lamented that after the unbundling of the power sector, there is yet to be any noticeable change in the country.

Saraki also pointed out that there is something fundamentally wrong with the privatisation programme, hinting that it was either that those that bought the distribution companies lacked the financial capacity to deliver, or they simply ignored them.

He said Nigerians are hoping for changes in electricity supply, adding that it is time the govern-

ment reviews the challenges facing the power sector reform.

Meanwhile, Deputy Managing Director, Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, Dr. Atiku Abubakar, yesterday said about N15bn was required for the nation to generate 8,000 megawatts of electricity by 2016.

Abubakar made this known during inspection of some ongoing electricity projects at the sidelines of a training programme for auditors in Lagos.

He disclosed that electricity generation in the country recently improved and attributed it to improved gas supply to generating stations.

He said: “We have been able to reach the highest peak so far in July of

about 4,652 megawatts while the transmission capacity remains a little above the power generated so far.”

He said that contrary to other opinions, TCN had the capacity to transmit about 5,300 megawatts of electricity.

“As generation is improving, we are expected to expand transmission capacity to be able to evacuate all that is being generated in the stations for distribution. “l can assure that we have our plans, targeting projects that are very critical which have been mapped out so that within the shortest possible time, will be able to hit 8,000 megawatts transmission capacity by end of 2016,” he said.

Abubakar said interested investors, who were willing to invest in the

transmission segment had been shortlisted, adding that over 30 investors that could deliver on project had been chosen.

He said that he would not disclose the names of the investors now, adding that “we are trying to see that they are capable both technically and financially, because it is expected that they will fund the project.

“Presently, we are in the process of coming up with the framework which will enable them to recover their investment in time.

“Since Federal Government will not give them sovereign guarantee, we are coming up with modalities of repayment from our billing charges and internally generated revenue for over a period of time,” Abubakar said.

L-R: Senate Leader, Sen. Ali Ndume; Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki; South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Noh KyuDuk and Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Sen. Francis Ailimikhena, after Kyu-Duk’s courtesy visit to the Senate President at the National Assembly in Abuja, yesterday.

Trial of treasury looters begins soon –Buhari CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

should refund same to the Treasury through the ICPC Recovery Account No. 1012929790 at Zenith Bank Plc. “That, if the Presidency approves of the utilisation of the application by the Chairman to Utilise the Abuja-Orlando-Abuja airfare for an upcoming conference; we will consider the matter. “However, if approval is refused the fund thereof should be returned to the Police Service Commission and ICPC be so informed.”

ICPC had acted on a petition against Mr Okiro, bordering on corruption, abuse of office and fraudulent act to swindle PSC to the tune- of N275.52m.

Part of the letter reads; “Investigation findings revealed that the Commission budgetted for training of 900 staff and to conduct training in Abuja, Lagos and Kano.

“However, the entire staff force was not more than 391 and that is the figure actually trained in a programme held in Abuja only. The Commission

accepted the explanation that due process could not be adhered to strictly because of time constraint “The Police Service Commission paid DTA to all staff, including those based in Abuja that participated in the training programme held within Abuja.

“Air-Ticket and DTA were paid to Management staff and others who monitored elections within Abuja and its environs; even at locations where airports do not exist such as Lokoja and Minna (schedule of affected offi-

cers attached).

“It was also confirmed that the chairman collected 5days each for two conferences that ran simultaneously in Dublin and Orlando, Florida. However, it was discovered that he expended the entire 10days on the trip.

“Though, he only expended the ticket-fare for Abuja-Dublin-Abuja, he has however, written to the Presidency to expend the ticket-fare for AbujaOrlando-Abuja on another trip coming up by October, 2015.”

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NAFDAC’s six-year giant strides under Orhii

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ational Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, remains a leading institution of government in Nigeria that has distinguished itself in the pursuit and achievement of its mandates.

Led by Dr Paul Orhii, the agency has left no stone unturned in ensuring that all its activities are technology-driven, and consequently making itself a foremost regulatory agency, globally.

Since its establishment in 1993, the agency has steadily pursued the realization of its mandate namely safeguarding the health of the public by regulating and controlling the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water generally recognized as NAFDAC regulated products.

NAFDAC carries out this onerous task through several mechanisms which include improving access to quality medicines; preventing the influx of substandard products by anti-counterfeiting measures and system strengthening to sustain local manufacturing; use of information technology in the regulation of food, chemicals and other consumables amongst others.

NAFDAC has drastically reduced the quantity of fake, adulterated and substandard products in the country through the introduction of cutting-edge technologies such as the Truscan, Black Eye Infrared, Mobile Authentication Service, MAS, Radio Frequency Identification, RFID and Minilab.

These devices have either helped to prohibit the importation of multi-billion dollar fake, substandard and adulterated drugs into the country, or resulted in their seizures and destructions.

In its determination to maintain its leading role as regulatory agency worldwide, today NAFDAC boasts of several physical infrastructures aimed at fast-tracking its activities. Some of these are the newly completed ultra-modern Lagos Administrative Office of the agency, newly constructed Kaduna Area Laboratory ready for commissioning; block of buildings at the newly-acquired Port Harcourt Zonal office undergoing reconstruction; renovated Yaba Area Laboratory, equipped with modern equipment, renovated Oshodi Laboratory Complex wearing a new look and equipped with modern equipment. Others are the agency’s corporate headquarters which received facelift; completion of Kaduna Area Laboratory which was razed down by fire in 2004 and now ready for commissioning, and, the newly renovated Agulu Area Laboratory.

Counterfeit medicines pose a very significant challenge to both the economy and public health in Nigeria. Earlier this year alone, NAFDAC officers intercepted a huge consignment of counterfeit medicines and other regulated products worth 270 million.

Also, NAFDAC officers busted and sealed up five warehouses in Lagos belonging to a notorious drug faking syndicate with counterfeit medicines worth over five billion naira.

More than N30 billion worth of counterfeit drugs and other substandard regulated products have been intercepted and destroyed between 2009 that Orhii took over the leadership of NAFDAC and now.

Through a focused leadership, intense efforts have been made towards the sustainable implementation of a legal policy framework against counterfeiters. This now serves as an effective deterrent to people who might want to engage in criminal activities such as manu-

facture or importation of counterfeit products.

Current law of NAFDAC stipulates a fine of N500,000 or 15 year jail term upon conviction of counterfeit products. Reviewed law of NAFDAC, awaiting approval of the National Assembly seeks lifetime jail and confiscation of assets upon conviction, compensation for victims where the counterfeit product is found to be the proximate cause of severe bodily injury, as well as to make counterfeiting a non-bailable offence.

In the new law, a whistle-blower clause is also proposed. This comprises a legal provision to reward genuine persons who come forward with information that will lead to the interception of counterfeit products The Federal Executive Council has already reviewed the draft, and it will soon be passed as Executive Bill to the National Assembly for enactment.

For the first time in the history of the country, perhaps worldwide, NAFDAC secured a Federal High Court in Lagos to pass a 14 years jail term on each of the two production staff of Barewa Pharmaceutical Company which manufactured the deadly “My Pikin teething mixture that killed 84 children in the country in 2008.

Recent statistics showed that the agency had secured 11 major convictions while 18 cases had been decided in favour of the agency, while several other cases were still pending in courts.

Public health implications of drug counterfeiting are numerous. They include denial of patients access to quality medicines leading to treatment failures and deaths; increased hospital admissions; prolonged hospital admissions; development of resistance such as drug resistance, multidrug resistance and cross resistance. All of these lead to increased cost of controlling disease; increased out-of-pocket expenses; increased human suffering; loss of confidence in the healthcare system; and increased burden on the healthcare system.

A major area of focus by NAFDAC is the regulation of herbal medicine. Nigeria is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of abundance of, and use of herbal products as medicine. The preponderant use of herbal medicines particularly in the rural areas poses a huge task on NAFDAC in ensuring the best quality of herbal medicines and the most accurate information on the products.

Fighting illegal and misleading claims of herbal medicine dealers while promoting and developing Nigerian herbal medicine products towards achieving the feat so far recorded in China and India in the area of integration of traditional medicine and orthodox medicine, NAFDAC has set up a National committee of e x -

Paul Orhii

perts for verification of claims by herbal medicine practitioners. Already, eight products are being listed for the first phase of the verification exercise, while guidelines have been developed for this purpose.

Regulation of bottled and sachet water production and consumption occupies large space in the heart of NAFDAC. Water is a multi-billion naira business in the country.

And, NAFDAC has consistently deployed various technologies such as mobile water laboratory to ensure that only safe commercial water gets to the public for consumption.

Defaulters of the agency’s standards have severally been sanctioned.

In addition to the Veterinary Medicine and Allied Products Directorate, being one of the five newly-created directorates in the agency, NAFDAC has stepped up sensitization of the public through various media outfits in the country. Costs of public enlightenment consume huge resources of NAFDAC and remain a burden on the agency’s lean finance.

For the first time in Africa, two NAFDAC laboratories (the Mycotoxin and the Pesticide Residue laboratories) were accredited by the American Association of Laboratory Accreditation (AALA) with ISO 17025. The ISO 17025 accreditation will significantly boost international acceptance of Nigeria’s export of value-added food products and foreign exchange earnings. Other laboratories are undergoing various international accreditations.

Two other laboratories namely Food Compliance and HPLC laboratories recently got ISO 17025 accreditation from the American Association of Laboratory Accreditation just as the earlier accredited ones received renewed accreditation. This is even as most of the agency’s laboratories are being upgraded.

No doubt, NAFDAC is today rated one of the top 20 medicines regulatory agencies in the world based on these achievements.

Following NAFDAC’s outstanding feats, Nigeria became the first chair of 194 member nation of the World Health Organization’s newly-created Member State Mechanism, MSM, on substandard/spurious/falsely-labelled/falsified/counterfeit medical products.

NAFDAC is actively encouraging local pharmaceutical industries to work towards attaining WHO prequalification of their products. WHO prequalification will facilitate access to medicines that meet unified standards of quality, safety, and efficacy for HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other essential medicines.

Nigeria, through the support of NAFDAC now has four pharmaceutical companies that have attained WHO GMP. These companies include SWIPHA, CHI, Evans and May and Baker, making these companies the first in West Africa to attain the status.

As a result of his dynamic and innovative approach to transforming NAFDAC, Orhii is frequently sought after to contribute to global community. He has been invited four times by the US Council on Foreign Relations to share Nigeria’s experiences in the fight against counterfeiting and presented a position paper that was used at the G-8 Summit.

In spite of its enormous responsibility, the agency is faced with some potential challenges which include spending of more than 60 percent of its budget on fighting drug counterfeiting, spending of so much money on prosecution of offenders in courts and on public enlightenment campaigns because of low literacy level in the country, especially at the grassroots.

Till today, NAFDAC uses many obsolete vehicles, laboratory equipment which gulps sizeable part of its budget, with only a little left for regulatory control. NAFDAC also faces the challenges of inadequate funding for infrastructure, including the withdrawal of the agency from the nation’s ports.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

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Photo News

Wednesday August 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Regional Operations Director, Airtel, South Region, Veronica Onoja; Captain of Rivers State male team, Tari Ogidi and former Super Eagles player and ARS 5 Technical Adviser, Etim Esin, during the presentation of trophy to the team at Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt, on Saturday.

Country Director, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Nigeria Office, Mr. Jung Sang-Hoon (2nd right), with nominated judges and senior judicial officials going to Korea for a workshop on high level partnership for judicial development, during their pre-departure orientation in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Group Managing Finance, Berger Paint Plc, Mr. Kola Ajayi; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema; Managing Director, Berger Paints Plc, Mr. Peter Folikwe and Head, Corporate Services Division, NSE, Mr. Bola Adeeko, during the closing gong ceremony to celebrate the appointment of Berger Paints’ new Managing Director at the Exchange, yesterday.

L-R: Trade Union Congress (TUC) South-East officials, Secretary for Imo, Mr. Basil Iwu; Chairman, Mr. Paul Akalazu; Secretary for Enugu, Mr. Ben Asogwa; Chairman, Mr. Igbokwe Igbokwe and Chairman of Abia, Mr. Christopher Okpara, during TUC South-East news conference on labour malpractices by Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

National News Tordue Salem ABUJA

H

ouse of Representatives yesterday summoned Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Godwin Emiefele, over decision to ban deposits of foreign currencies in domiciliary accounts.

The resolution came after a motion on matters of Urgent Public Importance brought by Hon. Emmanuel Ekon from Akwa Ibom State was taken.

The motion was titled: “Need for the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria to Address the House on CBN’s Foreign Exchange Policy on Rejection of Foreign Currency Deposits by Commercial Banks in Nigeria.”

Ekon noted that although, by virtue of the provisions of section 12 of the CBN Act of 2007, the bank is conferred with statutory powers

Reps summon Emefiele over ban on dollar deposits and responsibilities to formulate monetary and credit policies for the country, the recent policy decision of the bank is already inflicting untold hardships on Nigerians and manufacturers.

He said: “Though the policy may have both short and long term economic benefits for the country, Nigerians do not have any explanation from the CBN on the merit and otherwise of the said policy and has not created avenues to address the fears of parents wishing to remit money abroad for their children’s education or manufacturers placing orders for goods abroad.

“The explanation of the said policy to mem-

bers of the House by the Governor of the Central Bank will enable members to disseminate the information on the said policy to their respective constituents and thereby leverage on the enlightenment drive of the bank on the necessity of the said policy.

“If the CBN fails to give proper explanations and carry out proper enlightenment of the said policy to Nigerians, it may appear unpopular, counterproductive and grossly misunderstood by the general populace.

“Mr. Speaker, there is a lot of panic within the economy as we speak.

People don’t know what becomes of their businesses, which largely de-

pend on foreign exchange for transaction. Banks are crying, Bureau DeChange, BDC, operators are crying, importers are also crying.

“There is the need for the CBN to carry out adequate sensitisation of the public regarding this policy by way of explaining reasons behind it and its benefits or otherwise to the nation’s economy.”

Ekon’s submission was however challenged by a point of order raised

by Hon. Chidoka from Anambra State, who said the motion was unnecessary as its concerns would be address when the CBN governor appears before the Senate, which had already summoned him on the state

of the economy.

The Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, however, intervened, stressing the need for such an interaction with the bank’s management for the purpose of informing Nigerians.

“If you look at the last motion in the Senate, this is very different. As we speak, there is serious confusion out there. The reason for allowing the presentation of this motion is that we all have to be sensitised on what the CBN is doing,” Dogara said.

Chris Azubogu (PDP, Enugu) also supported the motion.

“The need for us to be properly informed and educated is what the motion is talking about.

When we get better expla-

nations, people will know what it’s all about and banks’ customers also will know what the limit of borrowing is and take into cognisance the need to prepare their minds for what they want to embark on,” he said.

Deputy Whip of the House, Hon. Pally Iriase (APC, Edo): “I’m in support of this motion because the policy is so confusing to everybody.

Domiciliary account is one asset that a country that does not have a viable foreign exchange market uses to transact business abroad. “We should be able to sit down with the CBN to find out what the bank has done with this policy so we can make informed decisions.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

AMCON clarifies oil firm’s ex-staff protests

A

sset Management Cooperation of Nigeria, AMCON, yesterday described the protests staged on Monday within its premises by some ex-staff of Seawolf Oilfields Services Limited as frivolous and smacked of the workers’ ignorance of the contending issues relating to its roles in the company.

AMCON is a special purpose entity established via the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria Act No 4. Of 2010 (AMCON Act) for the purpose of efficiently resolving the non-performing loan assets of banks in Nigeria and for other related matters.

A statement by the corporation indicated the workers alleged that AMCON failed to pay their entitlements which they claimed at various times was in the range of N3bn, N5bn and N7bn.

Puncturing their claims and allegations, AMCON stated that it was created to assist in reviving the ailing Nigerian financial sector in particular and the economy in general and also to save jobs.

It explained further that it acquired the nonperforming loan of Seawolf from First Bank of Nigeria Plc with the outstanding balance of N98,328,553,722.15 for a total consideration of the sum of N88,495,698,350 during the 3rd phase of EBA purchase. The indebtedness was secured by an All Assets Debenture over Seawolf ’s assets.

AMCON stated that towards recovery of the indebtedness and pursuant to its powers as a secured lender, it appointed Messr Mike Igbokwe SAN, as Receiver/Manager over Seawolf and its assets.

The corporation stated that consequent upon the Receiver/Manager taking over the administration of the company, it was discovered that apart from its staff, the company had also contracted the employment of skilled workers to offshore Management Services Limited (OMS) and that OMS consequently issued its letters of employment undertakings with their retained staff.

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Wednesday, August 12, 2015

“Upon review of the records of Seawolf, it was observed that Seawolf owed OMS certain contractual sum and same is not secured. We are aware that OMS has lodged records of its indebtedness with the Receiver/Manager as is practice with Receiverships. The Receiver is duty bound to review the outstanding amount with that of other Seawolf creditors vis-a-viz the secured indebtedness to AMCON. “It is trite law that the interest of the secured lender takes priority over that of unsecured lender.

The illegal actions undertaken by the staff of OMS is therefore orchestrated towards arm-twisting AMCON into ceding to the demands of staff of OMS without recourse to due process.”

The corporation disclosed that prior to the effective take-over of the company by the Receiver/Manager, none of the three drilling rigs was functional. The workers comprised Seawolf and OMS staff.

It also pointed out that sometime in May 2014, the Receiver carried out staff audit due to the observed opaqueness in management of the rigs, the contract of some of the workers was formally terminated, thereby reducing the workforce from 220 workers on the Onome and Oritsetimeyin rigs to 44 so that those retained could carry out skeletal services towards ensuring the maintenance of the rigs.

“We are aware that the bulk of the current complaints are coming from staff of Seawolf laid off by the company in 2010 even before the establishment of AMCON as an entity. Some others laid off by the AMCON appointed Receiver/Manager have joined to take benefit of any possible upside,” AMCON stated.

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NDLEA seizes N2.8bn drugs at MMIA Olusegun Koiki

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ational Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, attached to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos said it has seized narcotic drugs with the estimated street value of N2.8bn.

The agency also intercepted $2.5m cash, while 75 suspected drug traffickers, including 62 males and 13 females and money launderers were arrested in connection with the sei-

zures.

The agency stated that all the arrests and seizures were made between January and June this year.

Spokesman of the agency, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju in a statement stated that the total seized drugs weighed 455.215kg while the intercepted money included $2.1m seized from a bureau de change operator.

The sum, Ofoyeju stated, had been transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for further investigation.

In the statistics, Ofoyeju said Emirates Airlines recorded the highest number of drug related arrests with 15 suspects, while Qatar Airways had 11 arrests.

Ethiopian Airline followed closely with eight arrests and Etihad Airways, seven.

Commenting on the seizures, NDLEA Commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr. Hamza Umar said the drugs include cannabis sativa 138.304kg, ephedrine 133kg, methamphetamine 93.85kg, cocaine 43.426kg and tramadol 42.025kg.

He added the $2.1m was seized from one Mr. Ibiteye John Bamidele, a bureau de change operator as well as other financial seizures totaling $403,825.

The commander noted that several modes of concealment adopted by suspects were detected by the agency.

Chief Executive of the agency, Ahmadu Giade, said illicit drug proceeds were highly injurious to the economy and that Nigeria could not afford to handle drug trafficking with kid gloves.

Commonwealth Secretary-General, Amb. Kamalesh Sharma (left) and President Muhammadu Buhari, during an audience at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

New CIIN president unveils 11-point agenda David Audu

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ew President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, CIIN, Isioma Chukwuma, yesterday unveiled an 11-point agenda to move forward the industry in Nigeria.

She unfolded the plans during her investiture as the 47th president of the Institute.

In her speech titled, ‘Consolidating The Gains Of The Industry For National Growth’, Chukwuma said the promotion of the ideals and gains of the ‘Insurance Industry Consultative Council, IICC, especially the sustenance of the industry Mega conference, of which

the just concluded maiden edition would be a reference point, would be priority.

She explained that the huge potential of the Centre for Insurance and Financial Management Studies shall be given prominence through sustained publicity geared at tapping fully into the opportunity for human capital development for the insurance industry.

Chukwuma said her tenure would also intensify efforts aimed at positioning the CIIN on the global stage by enhancing the Institute’s certificate for global acceptability, especially by up scaling ‘its collaboration with the Chartered Insurance Institute of the United Kingdom, UK. Other areas she said

that the institute would pay attention during her tenure includes promotion of insurance awareness by increasing the visibility of insurance in national consciousness She also promised to ensure that all necessary approvals are obtained so that the institute’s certificate holders are appropriately placed in the Civil Service structure, while ensuring that further work on achieving wider coverage in the presentation and distribution of the Institute’s sponsored Insurance Textbook for Senior Secondary Schools would be pursued Besides, she disclosed that there will be renewed pursuit of training for In-

surance teachers on a national scale. “This will focus on states within the SouthSouth, South-East and North- Central geo-political zones of the country. The Train-the- Trainer project is a veritable platform for up scaling insurance education and ensuring that insurance teachers possess the required skills for imparting the necessary knowledge to the future generation of insurance practitioners.

Other areas Chukwuma promised to pay serious attention include the completion of the institute’s examinations syllabus review.

She also said that work on the institute’s Victoria Island Property will commence soon.

Customs boss, Dikko resigns after six years in office Francis Ezem

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trong indications emerged yesterday that the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Inde Abdullahi Dikko, may

have resigned as the Chief Executive Officer of the apex import verification and revenue collection agency.

Dikko, before his appointment as CG of the service sometime in 2009, was the Assistant Comptroller

General, ACG, in charge of headquarters, having been the Customs Area Controller in charge of Seme Border command of the service as a Comptroller after which he was promoted to the rank of an ACG.

Competent sources close to Federal Ministry of Finance, supervisory ministry to the service, said the Customs boss had filed his notice of retirement to President Muhammandu Buhari.

The source hinted that the

notice of retirement, which was submitted to the President through the Head of Service of the Federation, is expected to take effect from Monday next week, as the 10-day notice period given by the CG expires this Friday.

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Wednesday, August 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Reps move to end gridlock at Apapa Ports Tordue Salem ABUJA

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ouse of Representatives, yesterday, urged the Federal Ministry of Works to reha-

bilitate all roads leading to Apapa Ports and put an end to the traffic gridlock in the axis.

The House also appealed to the ministry to construct a dedicated bridge for cars

Ooni: Ife residents in panic buying to beat restriction

•OAU tells students to stay indoors Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

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nxiety filled the air in Ile-Ife, Osun State, yesterday, over restriction of movements, as rites of passage for the Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuade, enters crucial stage.

As part of rites of passage for the monarch, informed palace sources said a particular drum that is only beaten on the night preceding the formal announcement of Ooni’s death, was sighted in the palace court, suggesting that the final rites were nearing completion.

Leader of Oro Cult in Ile-Ife, Oba Layi Adereti, had on Monday said formal declaration of Oba Sijuade’s passage would be done today when Oro rites was expected to take centre stage.

He also added that there would be restrictions of movement between 9am and 4pm, when Oro procession would move round the town to formally announce Ooni’s passage.

Royal Traditional Council, RTC, of Ile-Ife, however, dismissed the restriction order and appealed to people not to panic, but to go about their normal lawful businesses.

Lowa of Ife, Oba Joseph Ijaodola, in a message monitored on an Ile-Ifebased radio station, said there will be no restriction of movement in the town, adding also that no procession of Oro would move through the town.

He warned newsmen to disregard further information about Oba Sijuade that does not emanate from the RTC, saying the town will deal with anyone that flouts its directive on the matter.

But despite the appeal, residents were seen buying basic needs in preparation for the restrictions

that may last for 7 hours.

At many Automated Teller Machines, ATM, points visited in the town, long queues were seen and in markets, residents were seeing shopping till very late in the evening.

Also, some residents, especially non-indigenes, sources said have left the town for other neighbouring towns in fear.

Meanwhile, Dean, Students’ Affairs of the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, yesterday told students of the institution to stay indoor during the duration of the burial rites.

A statement signed by the Acting Dean, Dr. Mrs. I. M. Durosinmi said: “This is to inform the generality of students that there shall be a curfew in Ile-Ife, on Wednesday, 12th of August, 2015 from 9am to 4pm and from 11pm till dawn.

“Students are therefore strongly advised to stay on campus and those off campus to remain indoors.

“The Division of the Students’ Affairs counts on the maturity and sense of responsibility of Great Ife students and appeals to all students to comply with the information and continue to keep the peace.”

It was gathered that classes and Continuous assessment tests fixed for the day had been shifted.

A reliable government source also told our correspondent that Ife chiefs may visit Governor Aregbesola today to formally inform him of Oba Sijuade’s death.

and buses only and restrict trucks and trailers to a dedicated lane to reduce traffic congestion.

A motion on the matter raised by Hon. Ayodeji Adebayo Joseph (Lagos/APC), was summarily considered and an ad-hoc committee set up to determine reason why the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, has failed to ensure that condition for granting licences, which included

locating tank farms outside Lagos metropolis was kept.

Joseph, who led debate on the motion, expressed concern that oil marketers were flouting the criteria for which they were granted licences to site oil tank farms within the locality rather than outside the metropolis.

He said Apapa Ports, which is close to Mile 2 and Ijora, has heightened economic and commercial

activities, leading to traffic gridlock.

Speaker Yakubu Dogara referred the motion to the House Committee on Works when constituted.

Apapa, Nigeria’s premier port city, where over 57 petroleum tank farms are located, ranks among the worst business environment in the world.

About 3,000 tankers come to Lagos daily and over 90 per cent of them

find their way to Apapa to lift petroleum products.

As a result, all roads and bridges leading to the ports community are blocked to motorists and residents almost permanently, forcing commuters to spend hours in gridlock.

Efforts by successive administrations in the state to reduce the traffic bottleneck have yielded little or no results as the tankers remain on roads and bridges.

L-R: Deputy General Manager, Consumer Affairs, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Mr. Imamuddeen Talba; General Manager, Finance and Management Services, Mr. Mustapha Bukar; Deputy General Manager, Public Affairs, Dr. Usman Abba-Arabi and Deputy General Manager, Enforcement Unit, Mr. Chijioke Obi, during a public consultation of the commission’s draft regulations on feed in tariff, smart metering and capping on estimated billing, in Abuja, yesterday; PHOTO: NAN

FG moves to reunite IDPs with kin

Omeiza Ajayi ABUJA

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ederal Government has resolved to reunite Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in several parts of the country with their families.

Consequently, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs to intensify efforts to re-unite families whose members are currently scattered in different camps.

The president, who

expressed particular concern about the well-being of children in the camps, said appropriate mechanisms must be put in place to ensure proper up-bringing of the children so that they don’t grow up to become another national problem.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, who confirmed the presidential directive in a statement, said Buhari spoke after receiving a briefing from Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Special Duties, Dr.

Jamila Shu’ara.

He also called for a follow-up on the supervision and audit of constituency projects.

Officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, also briefed President Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa.

At the end of the briefing, Osinbajo urged FCTA to explore alternative sources to boost its revenue base and reduce dependence on the currently lean resources of the Federal Government for

development and maintenance of infrastructure in Abuja.

“With the coming of the FCT Internal Revenue Board and property taxation, you must be able to generate substantial income to take care of your needs,” the Vice President told the Permanent Secretary in the FCTA, Mr. John Chukwu and other officials.

He, however, praised Chukwu and his team for a “very comprehensive, very detailed and adequate reporting” on activities of the administration.

... directs revenue agencies to pay into new account Omeiza Ajayi ABUJA

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ederal Government has directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Federal Inland Revenue Service FIRS, Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, as well as other rev-

enue-collection agencies to pay dividends accruing to them into the new treasury single account.

The directive, which was contained in a circular issued by Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Danladi Kifasi, followed determination of the new administration to

plug all identified leakages in revenue generation.

Mr. Kifasi said other institutions affected by the directive were Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs. President Muhammadu Buhari had recently approved the establishment and operation of Trea-

sury Single Account for eCollection of Government Receipts for all Federal MDAs. “To aid transparency and facilitate compliance with sections 80 and 162 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), all receipts due to the Fed-

eral Government or any of her agencies shall be paid into the TSA as follows: Account Name: Accountant General (Federal Sub-Treasury), Account No. 3000002095 maintained in the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, except otherwise expressly approved,” Kifasi stated.

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Wednesday, August 12, 2015

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Lagos denies sponsoring pilgrims for hajj …says it only coordinates operations

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L-R: Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni; Chief Security Officer to the Governor, Mr. Saheed Kassim and Governor Akinwumi Ambode, during the decoration of Kassim with his rank of Superintendent of Police, in Lagos, yesterday.

N25b fraud: EFCC appeals against Atuche, others M ATTHEW I RINOYE

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conomic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has appealed the judgment of a Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, which discharged a former Managing Director of defunct Bank PHB, Francis Atuche, of the N25.7 billion theft charge preferred against him.

Also discharged of the theft charge were his wife, Elizabeth and a former Chief Financial Officer of the bank, Ugo Anyanwu.

It would be recalled that the trial judge, La-

teef Lawal-Akapo, while delivering judgment in the matter on June 22, upheld the submissions of the defence team, including Chief Anthony Idigbe, SAN and Sylvia Ogwemoh, SAN, that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit and that the prosecution’s case lacked merit.

The EFCC in its appeal filed by counsel Kemi Pinheiro SAN, is seeking an order of the court of appeal setting aside the order of justice Lawal-Akapo for striking out the counts contained in the amended information dated June 1, 2011.

Other reliefs sought by the EFCC include an order allowing its appeal and an order directing a continuation of trial and defence before justice Lateefa Okunnu of the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja.

The anti-graft agency, which based its appeal on five grounds, told the court that the learned trial judge erred in law by proceeding to strike out the entirety of the amended information when by the unambiguous and plain provisions of section 252(3) of the constitution, no exclusive criminal jurisdiction is conferred on the federal

high court (at least, to the exclusion of the Lagos High Court) on the matters provided for under section 251(1).

The commission also contended that it was wrong for the court to strike out counts 1 to 24 and 26 in the amended information against the third defendant when the order of the Court of Appeal against which he claimed the lower court assumed jurisdiction over the charge was in respect of the appeals initiated by the first and second appellants only, stressing that the third defendant was not a party to it.

Ambode accuses federal taskforce of land grabbing, lawlessness FRANCIS SUBERU

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agos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday accused the Presidential Taskforce Implementation Committee on the Alienation of Federal Government landed properties of being lawless and involved in land grabbing.

Hence, Ambode called on President Muhammadu Buhari to disband the taskforce, saying its disregard for human rights was appalling.

The governor equally expressed doubts over legality, even as he said the federal taskforce ac-

tivities in the state was inimical to the state.

Ambode in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Habeeb Aruna, said he was seeking disbandment of the taskforce following several petitions, lamenting the nefarious and reprehensible activities of the presidential taskforce set up on the alienation of Federal Government landed properties in Lagos.

He explained that the taskforce, whose existence and legality was still in doubt, had unlawfully embarked on a brazen seizure, taken

over and appropriated state and Federal Government properties without due investigation.

The statement read: “The taskforce has left in its wake a near total destruction, displacement, stoppage including unprovoked mass harassment, intimidation, molestation and denial of the original owners of the land and properties.”

He noted in the statement that the taskforce’s activities is coming despite knowledge of an existing consent judgment duly entered into by the same com-

mittee and some of the petitioners on one hand and an order of interlocutory injunction granted by the High Court of Lagos State, with the restraining orders widely published in newspapers.

The governor therefore, called on the president “to immediately disband the taskforce, so as to forestall breakdown of law and order,” stressing that its activities constitute “security risk in the state.”

It would be recalled that the committee began its operations during the era of Jonathan’s administration.

agos State government yesterday denied sponsoring pilgrims for 2015 hajj contrary to speculations in some news media, even as the amirul hajj restated the state’s readiness to conduct a hitch-free pilgrimage.

Reacting to publications in some dailies that some pilgrimage forms allocated to key officials of the state government had been hijacked, the amirul hajj and chairman of the ad-hoc committee on 2015 hajj, Abdullateef Abdul Hakeem, in a statement said the state government does not sponsor pilgrims to the holy land and that the government is only interested in making sure Lagos pilgrims were properly catered for.

“I wish to inform the public that Lagos State has not sponsored nor intends to sponsor any pilgrim for the 2015 hajj

operations. Our mandate is to coordinate the affairs of all intending pilgrims for this year’s hajj,” he said.

The amirul hajj added that as a responsive and responsible government, Lagos’ involvement is limited to medical and general welfare.

He said, “We are giving support by providing welfare personnel, medical officials and clerics to guide them and ensure they remain good ambassadors.

“Lagos State government recognises that pilgrimage is a private affair of individuals, but the primary essence of governance is to ensure the welfare of the people within and outside the state so that they remain law-abiding.”

He therefore, urged all intending pilgrims to expect hitch-free hajj operations and be good ambassadors of the state.

Osun slams Odumakin over petition to EFCC

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ureau of Communication and Strategy in the office of Osun State governor yesterday described as another gimmick the petition allegedly written and submitted to the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, by a selfstyled activist, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, saying it was part of a ploy to continue to get media attention.

The bureau said, “All discerning Nigerians can spot the difference between the supposed petition to EFCC and that submitted by a high court judge in Osun, which has ended up discrediting the petitioner.”

This was contained in a statement by the bureau Director, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, who said seriousminded Nigerians no longer take Odumakin’s media hype with any seriousness.

“I don’t think seriousminded people take Odumakin serious anymore.

After brainwashing a judge to waste her status and privilege of being a

judge of a high court to join the fray against Aregbesola on their dubious agenda, their next strategy is to keep making noise all over the place with hyped visits to EFCC or ICPC. “The question discerning Nigerians should ask Odumakin, Niyi Owolade, and other sponsors of this mindless pull-himdown project is: ‘with all the anxieties raised by the frivolous allegations against the governor by their hired judge, why did the judge chicken out when called by the House of Assembly to which they made her to submit her petition? Why did they also not encourage her to pursue her petition to its logical conclusion by simply availing the EFCC the opportunity to defend and substantiate the allegations when invited?’

“Nigerians are no fools and so, Odumakin’s trip to EFCC today is another in the series of their media hype aimed at keeping the subject of their destructive mission in the minds of the people. It is a failed project!”

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Female lawyers seek 35% women appointment in govt …want rapists jailed for life ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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L-R: Eletu of Ikate Land, Chief Ayuba Elegushi; Director, Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Mrs. Saida Otulana and Araba of Oworoshoki, Chief Awodiran Agboola, during a seminar for registered traditional groups and associations in Lagos, yesterday.

Group tasks Ajimobi on recovered N500m loot KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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hange Agent Movement, a nongovernmental organisation in Oyo State, yesterday called on Governor Abiola Ajimobi to publicise how his administration spent the alleged N500 million loot recovered from an ex-governor of the state through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The group in a statement jointly signed by its chairman and secretary, Messrs Abolaji Adeosun and Malik Adehun, respectively, and made available to journalists, said the query was to verify why projects the

governor claimed to have spent the money on were abandoned for over six months.

The NGO also wondered why model schools the governor claimed to have spent the money on were abandoned at the foundation level.

The statement reads in part, “Prior to the 2015 elections, there were allegations and counter allegations between Governor Ajimobi and the exgovernor. The governor claimed the state had recovered N500m loot from EFCC, which the state government was using to construct six model schools.

“The model school projects started last year and it has since been

abandoned at the foundation level. We wonder if it was rock that was used as the foundation for it to have cost the government N500m. After the foundation of the project which was given to a single contractor, nothing has been done so far.

“The contractor has abandoned the site for months now. We challenge Governor Ajimobi to explain to the good people of the state how he spent the N500m. We are in a change era and our leaders must account for what they are doing.

“It will come as a surprise to some people that the governor left the shores of this country on Friday for Dubai where

he has been directing the affairs of the state. This is coming after the governor spent over 20 days outside the country last month and later claimed to have engaged three nameless cum invincible investors who he said had agreed to come to Oyo State.

“We call on political, religious and community leaders especially the Ibadan Elders to guide the governor with their advice and suggestions so that the electorate will not regret the second term mandate given to Governor Ajimobi. The people are already lamenting allowing the governor to break the second term jinx.”

Train, trailer collision kills two FRANCIS S UBERU

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here was pandemonium at Agege area of Lagos State on Monday evening when a trailer collided with a moving train, killing two people.

The unfortunate incident occurred around 8:45pm as the trailer driver marked YOBE PKM 180 XA attempted navigating through Agege railway crossing.

Two hangers-on were said to have fallen off and died immediately due to the impact.

The accident led to extreme traffic gridlock in Agege and environs as motorists spent over four hours navigating through the area. Motorists, who got wind of the accident through the Lagos State Traffic Radio took alternative routes.

It took several hours before the police, officers of the state’s Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and others could remove the train and trailer from the

road to ease traffic.

As at yesterday morning, a crowd still formed in the area with people discussing the accident, while the trailer was impounded and parked in front of the Railway Police Station.

General Manager, LASEMA, Michael Akindele, confirmed the story, saying two persons hanging on the train lost their lives when they fell off as a result of the impact of the trailer and the train.

He gave the name of

the deceased as Saka Nagim and Segun Adebambo, appealing to Lagosians to value their lives and stop hanging on trains.

Akindele said the train was coming from Ikeja while the trailer coming from Okekoto towards Pen Cinema wanted to push through the rail line before it rammed on the train.

However, eye-witnesses said the driver of the trailer absconded when the accident occurred, while his assistant was arrested and detained by the police.

emale lawyers under the aegis of International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, have urged President Muhammadu Buhari to comply with the 35 per cent affirmative action in the appointment of women into his cabinet.

Chairperson of FIDA, Ekiti chapter, Mrs Rita Ilevbare, also solicited that only women who are credible and have integrity should be called for such national assignment.

Ilevbare also appealed to the President and the National Assembly to continue to give support with stricter laws to tackle increasing menace of all forms of violence against women so that Nigeria could be rid of gender inequality.

The FIDA chairperson spoke yesterday in Ado Ekiti during a paralegal training for some selected women as part of efforts

to tame the monsters of rape and domestic violence against women.

She charged the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmoud Mohammed, on the need to enforce implementation of life imprisonment for people convicted for rape.

Ilevbare thanked the French Embassy and FIDA National President, Mrs Hauwa Evelyn Shekarau, for giving support to Nigerian women to overcome some of their social challenges.

She said: “What the law says is that adult found guilty of rape should be sentenced to life imprisonment. Then in children, it carries 14 years jail term.

“It is most disturbing that nobody had been given life imprisonment for rape offence in Nigeria. Though, we want to commend the Judiciary, particularly in Ekiti State which had passed seven or more years jail terms pronouncement on offenders.

Glo Laffta Fest kicks off in Lagos, other locations

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elecoms operator, Globacom, yesterday announced kick-off of its comedy show, Glo Laffta Fest, in Benin City on August 30.

It also said the train would move to 10 other locations across the country.

Announcing debut of the show in Lagos, Globacom said it would feature top Nigerian stand-up acts, including Glo ambassadors like Basket Mouth and Helen Paul, as well as new signing, Bovi, and AY with a guest appearance by Salvador from Uganda.

Other attendees are Nigeria’s ever resourceful Okey Bakassi, I Go Die, Seyi Law, Funny Bone, Dan De Humorous, Julius Agwu, Buchi, Gordons, Omo Baba, Osama, Bash, and others.

Following the debut in Benin, the show would move to Victoria Island, Abeokuta, Surulere, Port Harcourt, Ikeja, Ibadan, Ikorodu, Egbeda, Abuja and Ijebu-Ode in weekly succession.

To spice up the event, the company said top acts in the nation’s music industry, who are also Glo Ambassadors, such as Flavor, Whiz

kid, Burna Boy, Wande Coal, Korede Bello, D’ija, Rekaardo Banks, Pasuma and Saheed Osupa would be on hand, while DJ Jimmy Jatt, DJ Neptune, DJ X Gee, DJ Spinali, DJ Switch and DJ Tor would dish out tunes from the ‘Wheels-ofsteel’.

On the modalities for joining the fun train, the company explained that the show would be open to new and existing customers of the network who use up to N3,000 on calls, SMS and data on the network in a month, and text ‘LOL’ and location of the show which they want to attend to ‘33001.’

For example, subscribers wishing to attend the show in Port Harcourt are encouraged to text ‘LOL PORT HARCOURT’ to 33001.

The first 100 guests to arrive at each location will enjoy photo opportunities with Glo ambassadors at the venue.

Laffta Fest was launched by Globacom to bring fun and entertainment to millions of subscribers on the network across the country.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

JTF confirms arrest of suspected Imo state gang leader Osahon Julius YENAGOA

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oint Military Task Force, JTF, has confirmed the arrest of Imo State most wanted gang leader, who has been terrorising residents of the state and environs for quite some time.

He was arrested by the special squad of the Task Force nicknamed ‘Operation Pulo Shield’ deployed in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, who had raided cultists’ hideout at Eziorsu community.

A statement by Coordinator of the Joint Media Campaign of the outfit, Lt. Col. Ado Isa, gave the name of the suspect as Mr. Ukwa, while items recovered from him included sophisticated weapons and live cartridges.

The statement added that the suspect together with the recovered weapons were currently in custody of the JTF for preliminary investigation before they would be handed over for prosecution.

In another development, the statement said that troops in collaboration with the Department of State Service, DSS, also arrested two suspected kidnappers

who gave their names as Suleiman Hamza and Rabiu Isiaku.

The kidnappers were said to be behind the kidnap of a member of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC. The suspects were handed over to the DSS for further investigation.

“The JTF troops of Sector 2 also arrested an illegal oil bunkering truck with registration number DBT 244XA on NNPC-PPMC pipelines with stolen Automated Gas Oil, AGO. Two occupants of the truck were arrested and detained in custody of the JTF, while PPMC conducted test and confirmed the product to be adulterated.

“The truck with its contents were successfully moved to an isolated area along Refinery-Onne road and destroyed. “Another truck loaded with black oil with registration number ANC 80 XA was intercepted along refinery road.

“The driver of the truck is at large while the laden truck is in custody of the JTF pending the provision of valid documents by the owners authorising them to engage in the activity of oil dealing,” the statement added.

German firm to establish power plants in Imo Chris Njoku OWERRI

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mo State Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, yesterday, received a delegation of Germanbased investors, who indicated interest in establishing power plant in the state.

This is just as the Enugu Electricity Distribution Commission, EEDC disclosed moves to increase its tariff.

Addressing the German investors, Prince Madumere stated that Imo State would not renege on its promise at industrialising the state.

The deputy governor, who received the German investors on behalf of Governor Rochas Okorocha, assured his visitors of government’s readiness to assist them with incentives for speedy take-off of the project.

He lamented the dearth of Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, which he attributed to problem of power.

He assured the group of government’s support since power remains the key for

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Wednesday, August 12, 2015

revitalisation of SMEs and establishment of industries in the state.

Speaking earlier, leader of the delegation, Mr. Wilson Chukwunyere, said it has been his desire to contribute his quota towards building an industrial base in the state.

He revealed that the first attempt was when they intended to establish motorcycle plant under the administration of Chief Sam Mbakwe, which was thwarted by military incursion into politics.

He stated that he has come with his partners who are willing to establish a 50 megawatts power plant and another 30 megawatt Solar Energy Power plant, stressing the need for government to provide them with enabling environment.

Also speaking, Business Development Manager of the Company, Mr. Volker Gutijahr assured the state government that they will not disappoint if given the opportunity.

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Imo begins verification of displaced persons in 27 LGAs Chris Njoku OWERRI

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mo State government has commenced verification of internally displaced persons, particularly those sacked by natural disasters in all the 27 local government areas of the state, with a view to giving them a new lease of life.

Secretary to Government of Imo State, SGI, Sir Jude Ejiogu, made this known yesterday when he had a crucial meeting with 27 Directors of Administration and General Services, DAGS, at the Cabinet office, Owerri, the state capital.

Ejiogu further directed the 27 DAGS to compile and submit names of all internally displaced persons to

enable government take urgent actions.

He urged them to embark on radical sensitisation exercise geared towards educating the rural people on the need to be cautious during the ongoing rainy season to avoid a reoccurrence of what the state witnessed in previous years, where individuals were sacked from their

homes as a result of natural disasters.

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Chief R.O. Dike commended the SGI for the meeting, and appealed to the state government to give more attention to LGAs, while assuring of their willingness to continue to support the administration of Governor Rochas Okorocha.

Coordinator, Baby-Friendly Initiative, Enugu State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Pauline Enewali educating nursing mothers on the importance of breast feeding, to round-off breast feeding week at Nsude Health Centre, Udi, Enugu state, yesterday.

PHOTO: DENNIS AGBO

Red Cross extols Obiano on improved, standardised healthcare Gloria Anaeze ONITSHA

N

igerian Red Cross Society has commended Governor Willie Obiano on his determination and commitment to improve and standardise healthcare delivery in public health institutions in Anambra State.

Chairman of Red Cross, Anambra chapter, Justice Paul Obidigwe (rtd), gave the commendation while speaking at the 6th National Youths Super Camp in Awka, the state capital.

The camp, which is a sixday event, has the theme: “Empowering the Youth for Effective Development.”

The chairman noted that the governor had expanded and enhanced the capacity of the state’s health and emergency institutions to quickly respond to health concerns and disaster situations.

He said public hospitals and health centres in the state have been appropriately considered with a view to improve governance, financing, infrastructural installations, appurtenances, staffing and management, Obidigwe, who was former Chief Judge of the state,

urged youths to be focused and ready to be committed to efforts geared towards national cohesion and development.

The facilitator of the programme, Prof. Peter Katchy, noted that the national youth camp was meant to be a forum to mould the character

and motivate youths to be goal-getters in life.

Earlier, the Red Cross Youths Coordinator, Mr. Kingsley Okoye, said the camp was meant to bring youths together to share a common goal, vision and knowledge that can help the society.

Enugu election tribunal gives parties 14 days to prove cases

S

tate and National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal in Enugu State has given petitioners and respondents 14 days each to prove their case as such petitions would elapse by Oct. 13.

Chairman of the tribunal, Justice M.O. Adewara, gave the order yesterday during pre-trial reports and urged the parties to adhere to the 14-day arrangement as the tribunal was out of time.

Adewara said the tribunal had only 11 days left to deliver its judgement after the 14 days, adding that they will treat all the cases at their disposal within the allowed time.

The pre-trial report showed that no party had withdrawn from the tribunal and they all relied on the documents submitted as evidence to prove their cases.

The report also showed that no additional witnesses

were required by the parties and the witnesses listed in the petition would not adopt their written addresses as required by law as evidence.

The petitions include the one from the All Progressive Grand Alliance Partym APGA, candidate, Mr. Okafor Nwabueze against Senator Gilbert Nnaji of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for Enugu East senatorial zone.

12

South South

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

NEMA predicts flooding in 4 Rivers councils Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

F

our local government areas in Rivers State are likely to witness heavy flooding at the peak of the rainy season this year, according to the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA. The South South Zonal Coordinator of NEMA,

Benjamin Ogena, who disclosed this to journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, named the councils as Abua/Odua; Ahoada West; Ahoada East and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni.

Ogena called on the authorities of the concerned local government areas, community leaders and members of the communities to take proactive measures to reduce the effect

of the expected flooding.

He noted that it was wrong for authorities of local councils and those who live in coastal communities to wait for NEMA before taking measures to prevent the effects of flooding, adding that people should not be looking at disaster as a means of getting relief from government, saying”Government can-

not give you enough relief to compensate for what you lost.”

He called on flood-prone areas to deliberate as a community on what they can do to help themselves rather than wait for disaster to strike and await government handouts, which he insisted would in no way be commensurate with what they would have lost.

L-R: Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Sean Hoy; Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson and a member of the delegation, Fr. Kevin O’Hara, during a courtesy visit to Government House, Yenagoa, yesterday.

APC hails Buhari over Ogoni clean-up Olajide Omojolomoju

A

ll Progressives Congress, APC yesterday said President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval of actions to fasttrack environmental cleanup of Ogoniland due to oil spill is undoubtedly one of his most significant decisions taken since assuming office on May 29.

The APC National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, at a press conference described the President’s action as one aimed primarily at giving hope to the long-suffering people of the area, as it touches directly on the wellbeing of a people, whose farmlands, drinking water, homes and sources of livelihood had been deeply affected by hydrocarbon pollution beyond “all the needless arguments about the appointments so far made by him.”

Mohammed noted that Buhari’s action had now breathed life into a fouryear report by the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, which hitherto had been gathering dust on the shelf since it was published on August 4, 2011.

He said: “This action of the President transcends all the needless arguments about the appointments so far made by him, because it touches directly on the well-being of a long-suffering people, people whose farmlands, drinking water, homes and sources of living have been deeply affected by hydrocarbon pollution.

“Even if all the appointments made so far by the President have gone to the Niger Delta, that would not have been as momentous as the President’s approval of actions to fast-track the environmental clean-up of Ogoniland, a 1,000-sq-kilo-

metre area that has been the site of oil exploration and production since the 1950s, and which has suffered pollution from oil spills and oil well fires.

“The action also puts a lie to the antics of those who insinuated that the President would ignore those who didn’t vote for him in the March 28 presidential elections. As it were, undoubtedly the most far-reaching action by the President has been to the benefit of the Niger Delta, where he is not known to have garnered many votes!

What a pleasant irony!”

The APC spokesman recalled that the Federal Government commissioned the environmental assessment of Ogoniland, which invited UNEP to undertake the assessment, saying that the assessment was carried out by national and international experts assembled

by UNEP. He said the government

took the step against the backdrop of serious threats to human health from contaminated drinking water to concerns over the viability and productivity of ecosystems.

Mohammed said the report revealed the nature and extent of oil contamination in Ogoniland, covering several areas, including contaminated land, contaminated groundwater, contaminated surface water, air pollution and public health, adding that the report represented the best available understanding of what had happened to the environment of Ogoniland, and the implications on the affected population.

He said what the President had now done was to give approval to actions to fast-track the implementation of the UNEP report, as far as the recommendations directed at the Federal Government were concerned.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tordue Salem ABUJA

S

peaker, House of Re p re s e n t at ive s, Yakubu Dogara, yesterday said not all members should expect to be appointed chairmen or deputy chairmen of committees in the yet-to-be reconstituted committees of the Green Chamber.

Notwithstanding, the Rivers State caucus of the House has pleaded with Dogara to include its members as chairmen of committees when constituted.

The House is expected to adjourn for recess this week to resume next month before heads of its over 90 committees are announced.

In a visit to Dogara in his office yesterday, the Rivers State members’ caucus led by Betty Appiafi, while pledging their complete loyalty to Dogara, also begged the Speaker to consider its members as chairmen of committees.

“I want you to remember that even in your election, we gave you 100 percent of our votes, because

we believe you were the best among other contestants for the seat of Speaker and you have the capacity to lead the House,” the group said.

In his response to their plea, the Speaker assured the lawmakers that the leadership will be fair to all, in the allocation of committees’ chairmen and deputies.

According to him, every state and every zone will be adequately represented in the exercise.

Dogara, however, reminded the members that not every member can be made committee chairmen or deputy, because there are approximately 180 positions which cannot go round all the members.

He however assured that every region will be represented in the sharing of positions.

The Speaker said as soon as the House resumes from recess, they will commence sectoral debates as contained in the House’ Legislative agenda.

He urged members to prepare themselves and come up with issues that would be discussed at plenary.

Rivers to rehabilitate major public schools Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

R

ivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has said his administration will commence a comprehensive rehabilitation of all major model schools in the state.

Wike, shortly after inspecting the dilapidated Government Comprehensive Secondary Borikiri yesterday, regretted that the former administration allowed most of the public schools to rot.

He said a committee has been set up to compile list of the schools that needs immediate intervention.

According to him, the committee will also compile all the facilities needed to upgrade the schools for proper learning to take place.

He also directed that officials of the state Ministry of Education should

check residents from trespassing the schools.

Wike said: “I was shocked by the deplorable condition that the immediate past administration left the Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borikiri.

This school has produced several notable personalities in the state and we shall restore all facilities.

“We are also working towards restoring all prominent model schools across the state. A committee has been set up to draw up a list of schools and the necessary requirements to revive such schools.”

The governor noted that education remains one of his priorities, noting that his administration will revive the state’s education sector which was left comatose by the immediate past administration.

Wednesday Augus-t 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics

We’re all guilty of electing Yar’Adua, Jonathan in 2007 –Obasanjo

14,43

JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

T

he committee set up

by Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong to look into the activities of the past Governor Jonah Jang administration yesterday submitted its report, revealing that former Governor Jang squandered over N747 billion state funds between May 2007 and May 2015 without any tangible achievement to show for it.

The report also claimed that Governor Jang lied in his hand-over notes, as he claimed the state’s indebtedness as at May 29 was N103.9 billion, instead of N222.3 billion which findings showed, adding that what was left as credit in all the government accounts was N93 million.

Headed by the deputy governor, Prof Sonni Tyoden, the 188-member committee, comprising of 12 central and 27 sub-committees, the committee disclosed at the new Government House in

Lalong’s committee indicts Jang on N747.65bn state fund Jos yesterday, that between May 2007 and May 2015, the sum of N525.35 billion accrued to the state, statutory allocations inclusive, but the state was left with a debt of N222.3 billion by May, 2015.

Tyoden said: “In other words, N747.65 billion could be said to have been expended on Plateau State citizens in the last eight years. Looking at the state in its current condition, we are at a loss where all this money went to.”

He also submitted that from findings, governance between 2007 and 2011 can be said to have been conducted along familiar lines, without some semblance of respect for known rules of procedure and civilized democratic governance,

noting that after 2011, there was a sharp decline and descent of governance to the level of bestiality, where impunity, nepotism, sectionalism became the order of the day, with dire consequences for good governance, the unity of state and the collective welfare of the vast majority of the people of Plateau State.

He disclosed that the

Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, remitted N2 billion to the coffers of Plateau State for the benefit of small and medium scale industries in the state, adding: “However, about 90 per cent of this amount, remitted to the state on March 17 was drawn in two days, between March 24 and 26, for unexplained expenditure, without a single small and

medium scale enterprise in the state benefitting from the fund, yet the hand-over notes of May 29 stated that government was yet to access the fund.

“In addition, various sums totaling N6.1 billion were transferred from the accounts of SUBEB, SUREP and Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to government

accounts, without justifiable explanations on how the funds were used.

“On May 27, four political appointees of a certain government agency who were not entitled to severance allowances as specified by the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission illegally paid themselves the sum of N30 million severance allowance.

Atiku extols Odigie-Oyegun’s indomitable fighting spirit at 76 OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

F

ormer Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said Nigeria’s democratic struggle for good governance is incomplete without a mention of the unquantifiable contributions of the All Progressives Congress, APC, National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, who admirably led the opposition to power for the first time in Nigeria’s political history.

In a tribute to Odigie-Oyegun on the occasion of his 76th birthday anniversary, the former Vice President noted that Chief Odigie-Oyegun demonstrated admirable leadership finesse and sagacity that propelled the former opposition to victory during the 2015 general election.

He said the story of opposition on merger in Nigeria to oust the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from power would be incomplete without recognising Oyegun’s effective leadership, explaining that

holding the opposition partners together, despite efforts by the former ruling party, was no mean achievement, adding that Oyegun deserves credit for being “a capable captain in a rough political sea.”

Saying that sustaining unity is one of the greatest tests of any leader, and that Odigie-Oyegun demonstrated these requisite qualities remarkably, the Turaki Adamawa said Odigie-Oyegun is one of the finest and gentle politicians he has ever known and interacted with, adding that there is a lot of great virtues to learn from the APC National Chairman.

He said: “I will always be proud of our National Chairman who, despite all odds, led a formidable struggle to dislodge the PDP from power after 16 years of political dominance. This is an admirable record for which Odigie-Oyegun deserves our respect. May God continue to grant him more wisdom, good health and long life.”

L-R: Member of the 2015 Election Peace Committee, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah; Chairman of the Committee, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar; another member, Dr. Yahaya Tanko and President Muhammadu Buhari, during a courtesy visit by the National Peace Committee to President Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

PDP on path of recovery –Oladipo •As Osun chapter holds rejuvenation summit

BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

P

eoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Secretary, Prof. Wale Oladipo, yesterday said the party was on the path of recovery, just as the Osun State chapter of the party demanded sincere efforts to reconcile aggrieved members.

Addressing a gathering tagged PDP Rejuvenation Summit held in Osogbo, Oladipo said at the national level, the party

was making progress in its reconciliation moves.

Oladipo, who was represented at the event by Dr. Yinka Ayantunji, also assured that the party will not suffer more defections but will soon start receiving defectors from other parties.

In their separate remarks, former chairman, Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, Dr. Jide Adeniji and Hon. Dosu Ladipo, said discipline and lack of dedication have been negatively affecting the PDP.

Other speakers at the summit also posited that the Osun State chapter was in need of far reaching reconciliation to bring back all aggrieved party members back into the fold.

Reading the communiqué issued after the summit, one of the conveners, Barr Kayode Oduoye, said Osun PDP noted “the nefarious activities of an extra-constitutional outfit called “State Boys” that are being used to terrorise the citizens.

“We also associate with

the war against insurgency and corruption by President Muhammadu Buhari, but we insist that it must be holistic and not selective.

“In the spirit of democratic ethos, Mr. President should ensure that all election petition tribunals should function freely and transparently.

We also condemn and reject the appointment of Alhaja Amina Bala Zakari as the acting chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.”

14

Politics

Wednesday August 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

We’re all guilty of electing Yar’Adua Thank you, sir, for granting us this opportunity to talk about your book. Some people say it is selling like hot cake, I don’t know if it is true but that’s what people say.

How has it been? What has been the financial reward from there?

The book was not written for financial reward. If it was written for financial reward, now that…what do you call him… Kashamu had done the stupid things he did, I would have sued him for damages and I would have got damages. But that’s not what the book was written for. The book was written for my experience, my understanding, my knowledge, and what you may call wisdom as a result of all these, to put it for others to be able to learn or acquire knowledge. That’s one. Two, it was also written to set the record right. One of the things that people that I call arm-chair presidents don’t know is that they don’t know what goes in before decisions are made or what led the man making decisions, to make those decisions.

Take for instance, the decision on privatising all refineries. I explained that what I met were refineries that were not working, refineries that were given to an amateur for repairs, for maintenance, what they call turn around maintenance to the company of Emeka Offor – Chrome Group. Where has Emeka Offor maintained refineries before? Where has he? That’s what we met.

So the refineries were not working. I called Shell. I said ‘come and help us, just run the refinery.’ Shell was frank with me.

It said that ‘we make our money from upstream, downstream is more of a service. Two, your refineries are small. Port Harcourt is 60,000 barrels a day. Refineries now go 300,000 barrels a day. Three, your refineries have not been maintained well. Four, we don’t want to go into the corruption that is entailed in all these’. I said ‘ok, come and help me run it’. They refused. Now when I then saw people who agreed to take 51 per cent equity in two of the refineries; they did not promise to pay, they paid 750 million, I was dancing and I said ‘look, this is God sent.’ My successor came (and) they cancelled it and paid them the money back. Those refineries today – you won’t get them because they’ve become scrap.

They recently said that they are working again…

Who made them work? (laughs) You mentioned Emeka Offor. There were lots of stories about the refineries you met, how you handled it.

But you never recovered anything from Emeka Offor.

What can you recover? A man who was paid upfront.

He had people. He got some police…people were there.

And like they have said to you now, look, if it works for a week, that’s all you get. And Emeka Offor, after I left he became friends with every government that has come.

Now he’s not only into refinery and oil and all that, he’s now also in energy.

Something came out of your book. You said that before you were elected, that the feeling and perception was that only a Northerner could be elected in Nigeria. How did you feel breaking that myth, because you called it a myth in your book?

It’s a myth. It’s a myth that….well, before my election, we have had, since independence, three or four elections. We had election in 1959 that was conducted by the British, NPC won. We were still in the days of parliamentary. We had election in 1964 that was conducted by ourselves. It was a coalition of NPC and NCNC but the head of the government was Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa.

We had election again in 1979, Shagari won. We had again in 1983, again Shagari won. And then we had the June 12…

(Cuts in) I was thinking that (1993) was when the myth was broken.

Election which result has not been declared, you cannot talk of… It doesn’t matter what you may see but until the election result is formally declared, it could be

Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, took some time off his busy schedule to spea issues he wrote about in his book: “My Watch.” The retired army General speaks at length abo decisions he took while in office, his relationship with some key political figures, and the Halli

I THINK MY BECOMING

PRESIDENT WAS GOOD FOR NIGERIA. IT WAS ONE OF THE GREAT STRIDES THAT

NIGERIA MADE. JUST AS I BELIEVE THAT GOODLUCK JONATHAN WINNING ELECTION IN 2011 WAS ALSO A GREAT STRIDE FOR US AND THAT IN

2015, THE

INCUMBENT WAS DEFEATED

BY THE OPPOSITION ARE LANDMARKS, OR IF YOU

LIKE, REFERENCE POINTS IN OUR ADVANCEMENT IN DEMOCRACY

anything.

So you think that period was a very momentous period in Nigeria’s history?

I think my becoming President was good for Nigeria.

It was one of the great strides that Nigeria made. Just as I believe that Goodluck Jonathan winning election in 2011 was also a great stride for us and that in 2015, the incumbent was defeated by the opposition are landmarks, or if you like, reference points in our advancement in democracy.

In the Volume 2 of your book, you wrote extensively about the role God used you to play in enthroning Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Jonathan. You also admitted later – extensive analysis – how both leaders performed poorly. There are those who believe that you owe Nigerians an apology for leading them to enthrone nonperforming leaders.

(Cuts in) You are absolutely wrong. Now you voted for them. I didn’t just take them and put them there. And they went through a process. Don’t you know that? Do you know or don’t you know that they went through a process? Do you know or don’t you know? Answer!

I know.

Okay. They went through a process. And that is the process that the constitution and the electoral system allow.

In other words, are you saying that all of us are guilty?

Of course. If you want to put that, everybody who voted for them is guilty.

But you know people believed you. When you speak….

(Cuts in) When I speak, I am not an oracle. And I’m not infallible. But on this particular one, I have said to

Obasanjo

all of you, you can get a job for a man you cannot do it for him. Even your own son if you put him in a job….

There is a good saying that if you want to know how anybody will perform, put him in position of power or put money into his hand.

May be, the thing to say is that you didn’t do enough due diligence…

(Cuts in) No. You are wrong. There’s no due diligence that you can do to allow a man…. You cannot know the quality of a gift from the wrapping. You don’t know that, you will never go anywhere. That is absolute wrong.

That point has to be made…

(Cuts in) But I’ve always made it. I keep on making it.

In my book, I said look, Gowon sent me to the war front and because of my performance there, my popularity started to rise…

(Cuts in) Because he knew you had the capacity, he checked you very well…

(Cuts in) No, no, no. Benjamin Adekunle was there before me. So he didn’t know Adekunle had the capacity? Answer me. In that same Division, Adekunle was there. And if Adekunle had remained there, there’s the possibility that Nigeria could have lost the war. So will you blame him for that?

We won’t. But you know a lot of people believe that between 1999 and 2007 when you left was a time that a lot changed in Nigeria for the better. And people just keep saying that you destroyed everything that you put in place with the successors you enthroned.

But take Ngozi (Okonjo-Iweala), who worked for me.

And who worked competently for me. Because I know Ngozi’s weaknesses, but I know her strong points. Her

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

National News

15 15

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

From The Civil Service

Nigeria to beat deadline in attaining HIV, maternal mortality targets P.16

Kaduna appoints new Accountant-General, retires more permanent secretaries A za Msue KADUNA

K

L-R: Deputy Director, Enterpreneurship Education, National Board for Technical Education(NBTE), Kaduna, Abdul Isa Kofarmata; Rector, Yaba Colllege of Technology, Dr. (Mrs.) Kudirat Ladipo; Director Research Planning and Statistics NBTE, Mr. Ekpenyong Ekpenyong; Loh Siewmeng and Rector Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Mr. Samuel Sogunro, during the 4-day workshop on Engendering Enterpreneural Mindset in the Nigerian Tertiary Institutions, in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Government to empower agencies to fight film piracy Joel Ajayi ABUJA

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has said that his administration will empower some government agencies to put to an end to the lingering piracy in film production.

This is just as he reiterated the government’s effort in repositioning the Nollywood to help boost the tourism sector and attract international investors.

President Buhari made this known at 28th Annual International Conference of the Society of Nigeria Theatre Artists (SONTA), organised by the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO). With the theme: “Repositioning Noollywood for the promotion of Nigerians cultural diplomacy and national security.”

Speaking at the conference, President Buhari who was represented by the Per-

manent Secretary Ministry of Tourism Culture and National Orientation, Mrs. Nkechi Ejele, decried the high level of piracy in the film industry.

He, therefore, said “relevant agencies of the government will be empowered to deal with the menace of piracy which has become an albatross to both practitioners and government”.

He also promised to support the repositioning of the film industry to serve as a tool for uplifting the cultural values of the nation.

“We support the call for the Nollywood to be repositioned to serve as a veritable tool for the promotion of cultural diplomacy in view of the popularity Nollywood enjoys globally.

“This national asset can be used to project and promote our rich cultural heritage internationally and make Nigeria attractive for tourists and direct foreign investors.

“Am deeply convinced

PAT explains failure of Abuja Taxi Scheme

P.16

that through Nollywood our film industry, our cultural values may be reinvented.

It is pertinent to state that this administration is committed to revamping the Nigerian economy, thus diversifying the economy in the face of dwindling oil price is imperative.

“In this regard, an industry that generates huge sum of money annually for the Nigerian economy and employs over a million Nigerians requires or attention”.

In his remark, the Executive Secretary of NICO, Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma said that the choice of the theme of the conference ‘Repositioning Nollywood for the promotion of Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy and National security ‘ has been informed by the need to direct the attention of states that could significantly contribute to their internally generated revenue through the platform of the Nigerian film industry.

“We believe that abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, Lagos, Oyo and Kano are states that could ride on the platform of film production and marketing to create jobs and generate employment for our teeming youths”, he added.

Also, the National President of SONTA, Professor Sunday Ododo stated that “Nollywood is a goldmine that has not been fully exploited for gainful impact in our socio-cultural system in Nigeria.

“Indeed, interrogating Nollywood and National Security opens up fresh vista on how the current security challenges in Nigeria can be addressed.

“Repositioning the Nigerian film industry to play key role in character transformation, national consciousness and security sensitivity shall be the overall interest of all Nigerians”.

New NCC boss pledges commitment to improved service delivery

P.41

aduna State Government yesterday announced the appointment of a new Accountant-General, Umar Hassan Waziri.

In a statement issued and signed by Governor Nasir El-rufai’s Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan said that “The new Accountant-General is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). He studied Accounting at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and graduated in 1995. Born in Zaria in 1971, Waziri has worked with

Shell Petroleum Development Company as internal auditor. He was most recently running his own accounting firm.”

The statement also announced the retirement of Adamu Makadi (permanent Secretary, Local Government), Ibrahim Balarabe Musa (permanent secretary, Youth, Sports and Culture) and Ishaku K. Shekari (accountant-general).

Aruwan said they were directed to hand over to the most senior director in their ministries adding that the governor has expressed the appreciation of the state for the services of the retired officials.

NUC orders reinstatement of sacked Plateau State varsity’s VC Marcus Fatunmole and Joel Ajayi, ABUJA

E

xecutive Secretary, National University Commission, NUC, Prof Julius Okojie, yesterday ordered the reinstatement of sacked Plateau State University Vice Chancellor, Doknan Sheni.

This is even as he blamed former governor of the state, and now serving Senator, Jonah Jang, over the crisis rocking the institution.

Okojie stated these while addressing journalists in Abuja yesterday when Plateau State Governor, Barr.

Simon Lalong, paid him a courtesy visit and pledged his administration’s commitment toward resolving the lingering crisis in the institution.

He attributed the fracas in the university to selfishness on the part of the for-

mer governor.

Okojie said the Vice Chancellor was removed from office over alleged inappropriate conduct, a decision he said was the climax of months of internal wrangling within the institution.

His words: “I was amazed when I hear that Plateau state university, now Solomon Lar University, was having problem.

I was amazed and l called on the then state governor to come so that we could resolve the issue; the plan that did not see the light of the day.

“And in our own wisdom, we sent a committee there to go and find out what is happening, the government of former Governor Jonah Jang was very hostile to that committee.

“I think most of the problem we are having in the state universities today is caused by state governors,’’ the Nuc boss said.

PTDF mandate critical to oil, gas industry, says Baroness Chalker

P.42

16

Civil Service

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PAT explains failure of Abuja Taxi Scheme Chidi Ugwu, ABUJA

T

he Chairman Painted Abuja Taxi Nigeria Limited, Comrade Shehu Shugaba Yar’ Adua has said the Taxi Scheme failed because major stakeholders were excluded from the negotiation for the purchase of the vehicles.

Yar’Adua, who spoke to select journalists in Abuja, blamed the Abuja Investment Company

for not carrying major transport stakeholders along during the negotiation process, stressing that only the transporters could have been in a better position to negotiate for good deal.

According to the PAT boss, there were many flaws with regard to scheme which government claimed it was providing as palliative measures.

He declared that the market value of the Chevrolet Aveo is N1.5

million while Abuja Investment Company which claimed the vehicles were subsidized supplied them at the cost of N2.5 million.

Yar’Adua also stated that instead of dealing with the manufacturers, the Abuja Investment went and negotiated with mere suppliers who are incapable of providing adequate after-sales service.

He said that most of the vehicles have parked up for a long time a re-

sult of engine failure, lamenting that the operators are now at loss as to where to buy new engines for the cars.

Even though, most of the vehicles are no longer in use for some time now, the TPAT boss said Abuja Investment Company is still calculating their bills to the tune of N25 million.

He vowed that the bill will be contested to ensure that no member was short-changed by the Company.

L-R: Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Ado Muhammad; Chairman, Expert Review Committee, Prof. Oyewole Tomori and Senior Advisor, Global Immunization Division, Centre for Global Health, Dr. Stephen Cochi, during the 30th meeting of the Expert Review Committee on Polio Eradication and Routine Immunization in Nigeria, in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

“Many of the vehicles engines are knocked and we do not know where we are going to get engines.

And they are counting the vehicles that are parked and that is why the money has accumulated to N25 million. So we wrote to them for us to have a round table meeting, to intimate them that the operators are not happy. And i advised that all the operators should be called upon to address these issues. That will enable each operator to know exactly how much he owes, but Abuja Investment insisted that they are not going to attend to anybody. We were there, SECDA was there, and RTEAN was there.

To see the Abuja Investment but failed to listen to us” He added “So the only option was that we have had a meeting and at the meeting which included SECDA, NURTW, it was agreed that we should go on protest which I disagreed with because my organisation does not believe in protest. First and foremost, there a legal means of tackling the issue since they refused to listen to us, in that meeting we all

agreed that everybody should go and consult his lawyer for us to go to Abuja Multi –door court to mediate on the issue.

“Secondly, if the suppliers of these vehicles are conspiring with the Abuja Investment they should be blamed because the so called company from Lagos are manufacturers they are dealers.

Continuing the PAT boss declared “We were never part of negotiations to purchase these vehicles called Chevrolet and that is why we are have maintained that the failure of the scheme is because the transport secretariat along.

“And it is not a surprised thing that NURTW is conniving with them to make such statement after everybody has agreed to challenge this illegality.

“The vehicle is valued at N1.5 million, why it is that Abuja Investment is giving us at N2.7 million even when government say they are going to give us palliative. We did not rush to court we rush for immediate after they failed to listen to us because we cannot allow them to fix our debt to N25 million” he stated.

Nigeria to beat deadline in attaining HIV, maternal mortality targets Adeola Tukuru, ABUJA

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head of the September, 2015 target date of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Federal Government said Nigeria has attained the targets on HIV/AIDs and Maternal Mortality in the global development goals.

This was revealed by the Director/Secretary of Programmes in the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs, (OSSAP-MDGs), Ogenyi Ochapa, at the sensitization and workshop on transition from Millennium Development Goals, MDGs to Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs and the 2015 MDGs Report for Conditional Grant Scheme to Local Govern-

ments’ Technical Assistants and Zonal Technical Officers held in Abuja.

According to a statement issued by the Media Consultant to OSSAPMDGs, Ochapa started that since Nigeria commenced the implementation of the MDGs in 2006, appreciable progress has been recorded, particularly in the areas of health, water, gender equality, reduction in the spread of HIV/AIDs, the prevalence of hunger and global partnership.

The statement also hinted that Nigeria had over two years before the deadline attained the Hunger Target in Goal 1, with the Food and Agricultural Organisation honouring the country for the achievement in Rome.

Ochapa, who noted that, while the final MDGs exit

Report, which will contain the actual achievement in the implementation of MDGs is still being collated, however stated that the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has dropped from 1,000 per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 243 per 100,000 live births in 2014 indicating success in the attainment of the target.

“In 1990, the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) was estimated as 1,000 per 100,000 live births; in 2008, this figure decreased to 545 and in 2012, the figure was 350. The 2014 MMR figure stands at 243 per 100,000 live births, which means that this Target has been achieved.”

Ochapa also added that: “Nigeria’s HIV prevalence decreased from a figure of 5.8 to 4.1 in 2010. This falling trend satisfies the

criteria for the attainment of Target 6.A. In addition, the percentage of the population using improved drinking water sources increased from 57% in 2004 to 62.2% in 2014.

Until recently, due to debt forgiveness negotiated from the Paris Club, the debt-export ratio was as low as 0.4. There has also been remarkable improvement in tele-density and Internet penetration.”

According to the Director/SOP MDGs, Nigeria has also recorded huge success in the areas of universal primary enrolment, gender parity in education, reduction in child mortality.

“Specifically, Nigeria has reduced by half the population of those who suffer from hunger way ahead of the 2015 deadline.

The Primary Six Completion Rate improved to 88% in 2012 from a baseline of 82% in 2004 but declined to 74% in 2014.

“Nigeria has achieved the gender parity targets at primary and secondary education levels with the national average Gender Parity Index (GPI) being 1.

Our under-five mortality rate declined from 157 per 1,000 live births to 89 per 1,000 live births in 2014.

The 2012 infant mortality rate of 61 per 1,000 live births declined slightly in 2014 to 58.”

“These findings are being detailed in the Exit MDGs Country Report which is at the moment nearing completion. As you are aware, Nigeria published its first MDGs Country Report in 2006.

The 2006 country Report

presented a preliminary assessment of the progress made towards the achievement of the eight MDGs. “The second and third Reports produced in 2010 and 2013 respectively, provided in-depth analytical reviews of progress recorded and actions required for attaining the MDGs. “The 2015 MDGs Report is like none other, as it will present trends in MDGs progress over the years as well as end-point statuses.

This document will draw on lessons learnt from the implementation of the MDGs Agenda and make recommendations critical for the successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals framework in Nigeria.”

Ochapa stated.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Wednesday, August 12, 2015

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Remembering Hiroshima/Nagasaki and malady of arms race BOBSON GBINIJE

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he month of August marks the 69th anniversary of the unleashing of the atomic bomb on the people of Hiroshima (6th August, 1945) and Nagasaki (9th August 1945), two communities in Japan during the Second World War. Over 150,000 people were killed and millions injured, and some would carry an emotional eternal wound in their hearts.

It ultimately culminated in the end of that war (1939-1945).

The dropping of the ‘anota as it was called, climaxed the writing of one of the saddest, darkest and bleakest pages in the history of mankind, confirming the Shakespearian refrain that “Men have lost their reasons and powers have flown to the brutish beast”, and further resonated by Nicholo Machiavelli in his book, ‘The Prince’ that “you must know that there are two ways of contesting, the one by the law, the other by force; the first method is proper to men, the second to beasts; but because the first is frequently not sufficient it is necessary to have recourse to the second”. And this the Allied Forces, led by America, did in that horrendous war.

Paraphrasing the renowned scientist Albert Einstein –“It is not the weapons invented that are dangerous, it is the ‘man’ who put them to wrong use”. The extent to which ‘man’ could go in exercising his primordial and Neanderthal propensities came to the fore in the Hiroshima and Na-

gasaki tragedies. It remains not only a tragedy for Japan, but also for the human race.

In the ‘Memoirs of Survivors’ (publication of the Japanese authority) quoted in the ‘AWAKE’, a Jehovah’s Witnesses publication of August 22, 1985, one Nosuyo Fukushima said “when we got to the hospital, it was packed with people. The heads and faces of many of them were covered with blood, while others had burned flesh dangling in strips. The hair on some of them, being singed by the heat, was standing on end. Others with fragments of wood and glass blasted into their bodies were groaning deeply. Their faces were so bloated that it was difficult to tell one from the other.

The city had become the large, burned outfield, with only an occasional crushing concrete wall still standing in the ashes. Every night, there were fires on the river bank where the dead were cremated. I vividly recall the red glow of the fires and the terrible odour of the burning bodies, like oily fish being grilled. I still shudder and feel sick at heart whenever I think of it”.

This is just one testimony from a catalogue of so many.

In the historic, concessionary and statesman speech of Emperor Hirohito of Japan on August 15, 1945 he said: “It is according to the dictates of time and fate that we have resolved to pave the way for a great peace for all the generations to come by enduring the unendurable and suffering the insufferable”. By this singular act and subsequent amendments of their constitution Japan became a pacific nation, denouncing and

IT

IS A KNOWN

J APAN STEPPED -

FACT THAT HAS

UP IT MILITARY BUDGET AND THERE ARE MANY UNMENTIONABLE COVERT ACTIVITIES OF THE

J APANESE

GOVERNMENT renouncing war as a means of settling disputes.

In Japan’s Constitution, Article 9 glaringly states: “Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes. In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized”.

From the foregoing, Japan seems to have learnt its lesson from the atomic bomb episode. But a more insightful view will show that in recent years Japan is on course again to acquiring weapons and the setting up of military units. It was superlatively present, although playing background sup-

portive role to America and is allies in the Gulf War. It is a known fact that Japan has stepped-up it military budget and there are many unmentionable covert activities of the Japanese government. Does this show that Japan has learnt its lessons?

The allies have, of course, become worse.

Even after the end of the cold war era, Glasnost and Perestroika, America and Russia are still covertly and overtly busy stockpiling weapons of mass destruction like the Tomographic X-Ray Laser, Neutron, Atomic and Hydrogen bombs. Different ranges of missiles - the exocet, patriot, scud and the intercontinental ballistic missile etc, have been stockpiled. Does this stockpiling of nuclear weapons show any penitence on their side?

In the midst of fear of likely outbreak of a Third Word War and mutual distrust among nations, the nuclear weapon acquisition fever has currently taken over the world. There is current nuclear craze in South East Asia. India, Pakistan and Bangladesh have joined the race. Iran has followed suit. Africa is not left out as South Africa has publicly acknowledged its nuclear capability. It is likely Nigeria is doing something underground.

In the light of the aforesaid one could state without fear of contradiction that the world has not learnt any lessons from the Hiroshima and Nagasaki’s colossal malady and genocide.

Chief Gbinije, founder of Mandate against Poverty, Warri, can be on 08023250378

Lamenting seedy Olivet Heights @ 70 GBENGA AJAYI

T

he activities marking the 70th year anniversary of Olivet Baptist High School (founded as Oyo Baptist Boys’ High School), Oyo are on. This great school was founded on January 29, 1945 by the American Southern Baptist Missionary.

No wonder its wide gate, which boasts exotic flowers and well arranged trees, many structures of architectural designs of different eras had since penultimate Sunday been receiving crowd of old students for a historic reunion.

Also Olivet’s great host, Oyo City, in a fresh resurge of hospitality and interest in the school that has imparted the town educationally and also served as a venerable landmark, is agog with splendid expectation of the large number visitors that will grace the august event and preparations to accommodate them.

In the past 70 years, Olivet Heights, as it is popularly known, has fairly played a critical role as a citadel of knowledge and an institution that provides exciting secondary education based on a comprehensive curriculum, the type which gives its students the opportunity to determine their future specialty with ease. It also combines a formidable academic structure with the teaching of morals. A testimonial of the effective programme of studies it offers every student destined to pass through it are the countless old students, who are holding their own, in many fields of human endeav-

THE CLASSROOMS (ESPECIALLY H AND I BLOCKS), ARCHITECTURAL BEAUTY IN THE 1960S, 70S AND

80S, NOW HAVE THE

NATURE OF VILLAGE HUTS ours in the country and in the Diaspora.

The school, which started in its old site, Ishokun, Oyo, with few students, all from the locality, some already old and married with children, has grown numerically to about 3,000 and some few hundreds, now broken into three schools headed by a principal and five assistants.

It has also witnessed changes in ownership from its proprietors, the missionaries, to state government; while its character as a boys’ high school, the founding fathers designed it, also has changed to co-education.

Yet, despite its transformations over years, Olivet Heights retains its standard, integrity, reputation, excellence and high academic hallmarks that have made it an enviable first-rate school. Its students have, however, added ‘unique style’ or ‘distinctive identity’, because as its achievements became news reported by the media and admired by the government, its admission catchment area transcended the old Oyo Province, making it

a melting pot of cultures and civilisations.

Without doubt, 70 years in the life of a school is no mean feat. If one compares it with the life of mortals, it is an age when one loses steam and strength for senility and debility to set in. But this is not the fate of Olivet Heights as it continues to grow from strength to strength, recording astounding records of achievement from season to season, thus making it the school to beat, or emulate. As pacesetter, it is also the school many try to overtake.

Conspicuously standing today on a holy land that is auspicious for excellent teaching and learning, mind development, cultivation of spirit and propagation of culture, many past Olivetians will find to their utter dismay the monumental tear and wear to facilities that many of them freely enjoyed, but are now crying for repair, reconstruction and rehabilitation because they are not only depreciating but seeing their last days of utility.

An excursion to the great school clearly revealed some of the school’s hostels overgrown with wild weeds, which provide balanced diet to a new species of insects and ‘homely’ wild animals that will provoke zoologists and botanists to research because of their sizes and strange characteristics.

The classrooms, (especially H and I Blocks), architectural beauty in the 1960s, 70s and 80s now have the nature of village huts. A fresh supply of doors, windows, fans, blackboards, chairs and desk will make them again classrooms for future leaders they used to be.

But nowhere in Olivet will many old

students be forced to shed tears than the many fields, lawns, courts, sporting arenas for soccer, basketball, hockey, handball, athletics, lawn tennis, cricket, squash, badminton, volleyball, chess and table tennis that produced many Western Nigeria, Oyo State and Nigerian sports ambassadors. They are now turned into event centres, maybe because of the school’s new managers’ belief that a sound mind does not necessarily have to reside in a sound body.

Special thanks must, however, be given the National Old Students’ Association (NOSA), the umbrella body of old students, for always ensuring that continuous education of current students of the school is unimpeded through giving priority attention to their needs, most especially by sinking boreholes, equipping laboratories and library with relevant books and employing teachers to take care of the shortfall in staffing.

As old students meet to celebrate the graceful ripe age of our old school with love and sense of responsibility, they should remember this is the time for a renewal of oath of allegiance to the school that made them.

Ajayi wrote this piece from Lagos.

Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs.

Pseudonyms may be used but must be

18

Editorial

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

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

Return of Port Harcourt, Warri refineries

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hat Port Harcourt and Warri refineries commenced preliminary production most recently should be a pleasant surprise to Nigerians. This is because the refineries literally written off by past governments could be rehabilitated less than three months into the life of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

Political glory hunters in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) insist the credit goes to Buhari, while opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwarts laud former President Goodluck Jonathan government for the feat. Both sides cannot be right. It is common knowledge that the government lacked the commitment to revive the old refineries or building new ones while Buhari, from day one, insisted the refineries must work.

In truth, as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) told it, however, the decision to revive the refineries was taken in 2011. The Original Refinery Builders (ORB) were initially contacted for the project. They declined and nominated partners who embarrassed the FG with horrible terms, forcing the NNPC to look inwards. Preliminary production in the Port Harcourt and Warri facilities came after nine months of phased in-house rehabilitation exercise by NNPC engineers and technicians; assisted

THE DOWN-STREAM SECTOR YEARNS FOR HONEST DEREGULATION TO ALLOW COMPETITORS ENGAGE IN REFINING TO BOOST LOCAL SUPPLY

by Original Equipment Manufacturer representatives, who handled major equipment overhaul and rehabilitation. The exercise begun in October 2014 scaled down costs by 70 per cent. All things factored, the refinery in Port Harcourt will be operating at 60 per cent of its 210, 000 barrels per day installed capacity and yielding 5 million litres of petrol per day, while the one in Warri will be doing 80 per cent of its installed 125, 000 bpd capacity and contributing 3.5 million litres of petrol to local refining capacity. The NNPC says it has shifted its attention to the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemicals Company, which has an installed capacity of 110, 000 barrels per day.

The nation’s four refineries (two in Port Harcourt, one in Warri and the other in Kaduna), most of which were built in 1979, were to feed 18.2 million litres of fuel into the system had they been producing at installed capacity. Nigeria’s average daily consumption of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS or

petrol) is 40 million litres; Automotive Gas Oil (AGO or diesel) 12 million litres; Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) 11 million litres; and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) 1.2 million litres, official figures say.

But the country refines only 5.10 million litres of PMS; three million litres of AGO; 2.10 million litres of DPK; and 0.34 million litres of LPG daily and imports the difference of 34.90 million litres of PMS; nine million litres of AGO; 8.90 million litres of DPK; and 0.86 million litres of LPG per day; about 90 per cent of Nigeria’s daily petroleum products’ need on a rough average. The NNPC superintends the import outrage and the inherent monumental subsidy fraud, which critics believe is one of the major reasons the Federal Government never bothered about the rehabilitation of the old refineries, construction of new ones or encouraging private refiners to come onboard.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, before he left office in 2007, sold two of the refineries for $750 million. But his successor, the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, reversed the deal. Earlier in 2002, Obasanjo government issued licenses to 18 investors to build refineries, all to no avail.

The Jonathan government continued in that path, promising in one breath to build new refineries

ON THIS DAY

or turnaround the old ones since 2012; and in another, canvassing the non-viability of government running refineries; and private refiners’ reluctance to invest in such facility under a regime of fuel subsidy. But had the refineries been in shape and additional ones built, local refining capacity would have climbed, while subsidy would be paid on just the difference imported to meet local demand.

We insist that it is stranger than fiction that an oil-endowed nation like Venezuela has a network of refineries operating at 74 per cent of capacity, running 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude. Singapore is not a crude oil-producing nation, but she owns about 60 refineries.

Singapore takes pains to import crude, refines, sells and makes huge profit, among others. May it, therefore, be hoped that the era of business as usual in the oil sector and incessant hikes in the pump price of fuel is over with the rehabilitation of the old refineries. Nonetheless, the National Assembly should fasttrack the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) to pave way for openness, transparency and accountability in the oil sector. The down-stream sector yearns for honest deregulation to allow competitors engage in refining to boost local supply and force down products’ pump prices in the long run.

August 12, 1976

August 12, 2005

August 12, 2007

Between 1,000 and 3,500 Palestinians were killed in the Tel al-Zaatar massacre, one of the bloodiest events of the Lebanese Civil War. The war was a multifaceted civil strife in Lebanon, which lasted from 1975 to 1990 and resulted to an estimated 120,000 fatalities. Today, approximately 76,000 people remain displaced within Lebanon. There was also a mass exodus of almost one million people from Lebanon as a result of the war.

Sri Lanka’s foreign minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar, was shot dead by an LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) sniper at his home. Kadirgamar was shot in Colombo as he was getting out of the swimming pool at his private residence in Cinnamon Gardens. Early reports indicated he was shot twice in the head, once in the neck, and once in the body. He was rushed to a stateowned hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Panamanian bulk-carrier cargo ship, ‘M/V New Flame’, collided with the oil tanker ‘Torm Gertrud’ at the southernmost tip of Gibraltar, ending up partially submerged. The collision occurred off Europa Point, the southernmost tip of Gibraltar. The ship ended up partially submerged in the Strait of Gibraltar. It later broke into two in December 2007 as a result of unsuccessful recovery efforts.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

19

Health & Wellbeing Majek Fashek’ll bounce back, says MD Rehab Centre 22

NIROPHARM urges government to sustain zero tarrif on imported drugs 21

How quacks help Nigerians go blind •They prescribe glasses, not minding underlying diseases –Experts

Eye examination and prescription of lenses should be carried out by professionals

FRANKA OSAKWE

A

s experts worry over the increasing number of blind people in Nigeria, more people have continued to patronize quack eye clinics. Recent disclosure by the Nigerian Optometric Association, NOA during a conference to mark their 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and scientific conference last month, indicates that no fewer than 20 million Nigerians are totally blind and many of this blindness could be blamed on quack eye clinics, the experts disclosed.

Investigation by National Mirror revealed that many fake eye clinics have their tentacles burrowed everywhere all over Lagos masquerading under the guise of frame and lens dealers, these business men carry out eye tests, fix lenses and sell frames.

From Awolowo way and Olowu street Ikeja, through Pen Cinema Agege motor way to their arrays of shops in Lagos Island, especially Broad Street, they are everywhere, sometimes beckoning on passersby to patronise their wares.

This reporter while undercover paid a visit to one of these quacks at Olowu Street Ikeja and had a chat with the operative Mr. Sunday who is just a standard six holder. According to him, he learnt how to operate the trial lens set while serving his master five years back. He thereafter bought his own eye test kit with twelve thousand Naira at Lagos Island and started his own eye test

business as well as lens fixing.

Chatting away excitedly, Sunday proudly boasted that the business is a secret gold mine. Anyone with eye defect who comes to them and have their eye problem detected and corrected, will not only keep patronizing them but will also refer friends and family to them.

The bothering concern is why anyone would hand over their precious eyes so cheaply to be examined by a quack instead of going to the rightful qualified and licensed operatives known as Optometrists.

The reason is not farfetched; top on the list is the exorbitant amount charged by the private clinics for eye checks and prescription. Some clinics charge as high as twenty five to fifty thousand Naira for eye examination and lenses whereas these quacks do same for three to six thousand maximum.

Another reason people go to quacks is their availability and easy accessibility unlike some government hospital were people have to cue from morning till evening for eye check.

Bur experts say eye examination and prescription of lenses should be carried out only by the Optometrists at the primary level. Optometrist’s duties include: examining the internal and external structures of the eyes to diagnose eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, retinal disorders, systemic diseases, including hypertension and diabetes; vision conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. They also perform tests to

SOME CLINICS CHARGE AS HIGH A AS TWENTY WENTY FIVE TO FIF FIFTY THOUSAND NAIRA

FOR OR EYE EXAMINATI EXAMINATION AND ND LENSES WHERE WHEREAS THESE QUACKS DO SAME FOR THREE TO SIX THOUSAND MAXIMUM determine the patient’s ability to focus and coordinate the eyes, and to judge depth and see colors accurately.

Optometrists prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, low vision aids, vision therapy, and medications to treat eye diseases.

They are the ones who refer patients to Ophthalmologists or Opticians for more advanced and complex treatment or for surgical procedures if required.

However, these optometrists are almost none existence at some of the primary health care facilities in Nigeria. Investigation revealed that most PHC’s in Lagos and other cities do not have optometrists. Some of these health centers at times manage a student optometrist for their centre while others do not even bother at all. One of such corp member serving at Ikeja health centre

(name withheld) told National Mirror that the centre did not have its own facility for optometrists. She had to bring her own trial test kit with her when she started. Being the only eye care giver in the centre, she usually has a busy schedule from morning till evening.

However, moving up the ladder to General Hospitals and Teaching hospitals is where few optometrists are absorbed, leaving majority of them scattered in private clinics.

In a chat with one optometrist in private practice, Dr Ehimare Asabi working at Vision Care Optical Clinic Ikeja, the young doctor complained bitterly about how the quacks have usurped them. “Awareness is one of the greatest challenge we face in the practice; people are not aware that they are supposed to check their sights from time to time and so many do not know the right people to meet for their eye examination; some go to the general medical practitioners while majority patronize the quacks especially those people selling glasses on the street”.

Dr Ehimare pointed out that government needs to absorb more optometrists in government hospitals. According to him, government establishments are biased as they take few optometrists and more of other health professions particularly medical doctors. The government needs to balance this scale; they should work with the board of optometrists in ensuring that more space is allocated to optometrists in general hospitals and primary health care centers because that is where you find few number of optometrists, sometimes non existence”.

Speaking more on the issue of quacks, the doctor said: “these quacks just prescribe lens for people without knowing if there are some underlying disease condition behind the eye problem. Conditions such as Glaucoma cannot be dictated by a quack, many other conditions cannot be detected by a quack. Correcting the sight without treating the underlying cause will lead to the situation worsening and eventual blindness.

What they do is trial and error…”

Dr Ehimare appealed to the government to wake up and fight harder to ensure that these quacks are put out of business. He said that most people get blind from preventable causes such as; not going for checkups or going to the wrong places for checkups. Some just sit at home believing that things will get better or applying one native medicine thereby worsening their situation.

According to a survey carried out by The Nigeria national blindness and visual impairment study group, over 1,000,000 adults in Nigeria are blind and another 3,000,000 are visually impaired. Dr Ehimare says Quacks are to blamed for some of this blindness.

20

Health & Wellbeing

Nutrition for Health chizobanwobu@yahoo.com 08120807588 (sms only)

H

ave you ever wondered why some people still choose to remain underweight even when they are physically wasting away, sickeningly thin, hollow-looking eyes and pasty looking skin tone? Anyway, some people see it as being fashionable while others see it as been healthy.

Not weighing enough can put a person’s health at risk. If a person is underweight because of diet restrictions he/she is at risk of a number of nutritional deficiencies. Excessive thinness therefore, is a condition whereby an individual is underweight that is when the Body Mass Index (a measurement of weight in relation to height) is less than 19.The ideal healthy weight range is 19-25.

Different people have different reasons of wanting to remain thin. Some reasons may be social comparisons by oneself, peers groups or parents, dissatisfaction of body

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Problems with excessive thinness: what to do to gain weight

image especially in women- they see their body shape and weight as a sort of social value, some engage in weight loss behaviors and cosmetic surgery in an attempt to measure up to standards, models and actresses appear to be the standard in today’s media so people tend to develop an attitude that thinness is socially desirable, etc.

Researchers suggests that “a larger magnitude of media exposure may be linked to a greater risk of body dissatisfaction, internalization of the thin ideal, and development of eating disorders symptoms particularly among young girls or women”. For boys and young men, the lure is often to restrict drastically their eating habits, or engage in excessive exercises to build muscles. This kind of eating disorder, also known as anorexia nervosa can cause severe health problems such as anaemia (lack of iron)in young women, insufficient calcium in the body (this can lead to osteoporosis in later life), amenorrhoea (missing menstrual periods) resulting to infertility

Chizoba Benson

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

problems, impaired immune system, damage to bodily organs and mental health problems, brittle hair and nails, dry skin, hair loss from scalp, hollow-looking eyes and pasty skin tone, weakness and tiredness, dizziness, palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, malnutrition and dehydration, stunted growth if anorexia occurs before or during adolescence, and even death.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder by which an individual becomes so afraid of gaining weight and this usually leads to a distorted view of body size and shape. Excessive concern about weight may cause or lead to such unhealthy behaviors as constant dieting, hiding food or food wrappers, eating in secret, eating to the point of discomfort or pain, selfinduced vomiting, self-induced vomiting, and the abuse of laxatives or other medications, frequent use of the toilet after eating, etc. Scientists say that “the exact cause of this type of eating disorder is unknown but biological, psychological and societal causes have been identified”. Biological cause

could involve genes that make certain people more vulnerable to developing eating disorders.

If another family member has suffered with anorexia nervosa, the likelihood of developing it may be increased. Psychological problems are associated with certain personality traits such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, impulsive behaviour and troubled relationships, anxiety and depression. There are also the social causes. The modern western cultural environment often cultivates and reinforces a desire for thinness. Success and worth are often equated with being thin these days. Thinness treatment mainly consists of first assisting the individual with regaining weight to a healthy level by making sure that unhealthy behaviors are discontinued, prescribing the right dietary advice by consulting a dietician or nutritionist who will properly guide one on meals to restore nutrients, rebuild tissues and finally maintain the ideal Body Mass Index (BMI). Remember, calorie intake should be a gradual process, it is never automatic!

Sexual solutions and love products for adults Hello everybody. For years, we have written repeatedly about a variety of products that can aid human sexual functions and improve relationships as well. So a few weeks ago, we decided to do a survey and find out how people feel about products they have used. Were they poor, just okay or very satisfying? Of course some people did not respond. Not everybody feels comfortable talking about their sex life which is understandable. But some were kind enough to write us which was very helpful. This is some of what they had to say: At 64 years of age, I wasn’t too sure if it was safe for me to use any of these products I read about. I am not the trusting type. Last year I started losing my erection and it kept getting worse so I had to take a chance. Your customer service gave me good assurances and your wife explained the different aphrodisiacs to me. I bought Magic Mike tablets. So far, it has been okay. I use it twice a week and each time I want intercourse, I get a firm erection that gets the job done. So I am satisfied – Mr Okereke The first time I bought from you, I got the Max Desire supplement. Frankly, I wasn’t all that impressed. I got it because I had problems getting in the mood for sex which caused a lot of friction between me and my husband. I am 47 years old. I don’t know but some days I felt horny and eager for intimacy but at other days, it was as if I wasn’t taking anything at all. Months later, I called to discuss things with your people and they recommended Kangaroo for me. It was hands down the best. It made me so horny. I thought about sex every day and each time I did, I get so

wet. I would take one capsule and feel like this for days. It was as if my body wasn’t mine because I had never felt that way before – Lola Three years ago, I bought a penis enlargement pump from you. My penis was about five inches long. I had wanted one of those instant enlargement creams but you advised me to take a penis pump if I wanted something with permanent results. I used it for a while. At first, I would use the pump and get bigger instantly but only for a few hours. It will go back to my usual size after a while. But I kept using it.

I never noticed any changes until my girlfriend was giving me oral one day and kept saying, ‘this is too big’. That was when I knew the enlargement was working – Bernard I have been using the Extreme Tri Twister vibrator I bought now and there are no problems. I never had any doubts. My problem has always been men. The ones I have been with can’t satisfy me or give me an orgasm but with a vibrator, it is so easy. Remember not to use my real name for this thing you are doing – Samantha I am a Cockring man. I have never felt comfortable taking drugs. Whenever I want to impress and last longer, I just wear my Cockring. As always, when I ejaculate, I am still hard and erect to keep on going and my woman does not complain so life is good – Kenneth I bought your Encounter Orgasm gel for my wife. She is not available to comment but as far as I know she is not complaining. This is the third time I

have bought it for her – Chinedu You people are behaving like MTN now. Only phone companies call to ask if you are satisfied with their services.

I have bought many things from you.

I like the movies especially and Magic Mike erection drug. My wife buys your lingerie.

We are fine and thanks for asking – Kayode I used your cream for premature ejaculation many years ago. I don’t like applying it when a woman is waiting for me to come to bed.

That is my only complaint but it helped me so I use it when I need to - Yusuf That is all we have space for now. You are welcome to call us when you have any questions and we will also appreciate feedback on the products you have bought. As usual, the names of people mentioned here have been changed for

their privacy. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08171912551 or 08027901621 for help or visit www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers all over Nigeria. For enquiries email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.comUche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

21

NIROPHARM urges government to sustain zero tarrif on imported drugs ... wants ECOWAS common external tarrif retained FRANKA OSAKWE

I

n a bid to increase the affordability of essential and life saving medicines, the Nigerian Representatives of Overseas Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (NIROPHRAM) has called on The Federal Government of Nigeria to continue sustaining the Ecowas Common External Tariff (CET) with its zero per cent duty on imported medicines. NIROPHAM made this call in response to the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMGMAN)’s suggestion of an import adjustment of 20 % tax on imported finished pharmaceutical products of HS Code 3003 and HS Code 3004.

In a press briefing held in Lagos recently, NIROPHARM President, Mr. Lekan Asuni, explained that the products with HS Code 3003 and HS Cod 3004 include life saving medicines used to treat chronic diseases such as cancer, asthma, heart and kidney disease, among oth-

ers, which are currently on the increase amongst Nigerians. According to him, the drugs required for treating these ailments are not produced locally, therefore levying tax on these drugs means that many Nigerians will be paying more for their drugs.

“Most Nigerians live below the poverty line currently estimated at 60.9% and only about 3.5 % are covered under National Health Insurance Scheme, so increasing tax on these essential products will plunge many into financial challenges.

“In Nigeria, over 70 % of essential medicines that are required are imported, while less than 30% are supplied by the local pharmaceuticals manufacturers (PMGMAN, 2014). This is because no local manufacturer has the requisite technology as of now, to manufacture some critical and life saving medicines such as insulin and vaccines”, he said.

The association argued that the CET will ensure reduced smuggling of medicine as a result of the standardized tariffs across the

West African sub-region.

They said: “prior to the adoption of the CET, medicines were more expnsive in Nigeria compared to other ECOWAS countries like Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic. This prize differences resulted in high level of cross-border smuggling of medicines and parallel import, and consequently loss of revenue to Nigerian unregistered companies and the government. ” Rather than doing away

Group trains health NGOs on curbing maternal, child deaths MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

I

L-R: Admin Manager, Rainbow Specialist Medical Centre; Dosunmu Yemisi, Project Coordinator Diabetes Podiatry Initiative Nigeria and Medical Director of Rainbow Specialist Centre, Dr. Afoke Isiavwe, and Senior Medical Officer Rainbow Specialist Centre, Dr. Akaeme Gregory at the press conference to announce the forthcoming Podiatry and Diabetes Foot Care workshop.

Expert decries increased foot amputation from diabetes ... as hospital holds Podiatry training workshop

FRANKA OSAKWE

I

t has been estimated that a lower limb is amputated globally every 20 seconds due to complications of diabetes. This was disclosed recently by an endocrinologist Dr. Afoke Isiavwe at a press conference to herald the 5-day podiatric workshop coming up from 17th August to 21st August 2015 in Lagos.

Dr. Isiavwe, Coordinator of the Diabetes Podiatry Initiative and Medical Director Rainbow Specialist Hospital, explained that early presentation and

Compliance to treatment are key to successful treatment of diabetes foot problem.

According to her, diabetes mellitus foot is the second leading cause of diabetesrelated deaths in Nigeria and account for 19.5 to 24 percent of all diabetes mortality.

Unfortunately, she said, lack of policy on foot care and the dearth of specialists have prevented the country from adopting necessary measure to curb the growing incidence of diabetes foot and also manage the problem effectively.

To help bridge this gap and raise awareness on the condition, Dr. Isiavwe disclosed

that Rainbow Specialist Clinic has established the Podiatry Initiative Nigeria which will be training Nigerian medical doctors on prevention and management of diabetes foot complications and raising awareness of proper foot care for patients in Lagos.

“The aim is to build local capacity on diabetes foot care through regular workshops and seminars. The next annual 5-day workshop comes up from 17th August to 21st August. 2015, and the theme is ‘Building Local Capacity in Diabetes Foot Care’. Diabetes Podiatry Initiative Nigeria is a project Supported

by Rainbow Specialist Medical Centre, World Diabetes Foundation and Podiatry Institute USA”, she said.

It would be recalled that the first podiatry and diabetes foot care workshop was held last year in Lagos.

The conference which was organized by the centre in partnership with the training faculty members of the Podiatry Institute, Decatur, Georgia, USA, addressed the podiatry service needs in Nigeria and in particular the problem of diabetes foot disease and diabetesrelated amputations in the country.

Indian hospital offers free health services for less privileged MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

A

n Abuja-based Indian hospital, Primus International Super Specialty Hospital, has offered free “Health Check-up Camp” for residents of the Federal Capital Territory.

A statement made avail-

able to National Mirror yesterday by Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Umaru Jibia, said the exercise was part of the hospital’s corporate social responsibility to open its services and state ofthe art equipment to Nigerian patients, majority of whom, the release said, could not afford treatment overseas.

Some of the programmes carried out during the exercise, the release informed, were dietician consultation/ general physician, eye check, blood sugar, gynecology consultation and cardiology.

“It would be recalled that in the last seven months, the hospital conducted six free health check-up Camps in 2015 at

Petroleum Technology Development Fund Garki, Ecwa Gospel Church, Karu and at Sheraton Hotel, with over 450 patients benefiting from free consultation and other services.

“The hospital has also offered free first aid assistance to residents in the FCT,” the release added.

with the ECOWAS CET and jeopardizing the health of Nigerians, NIROPHARM has proposed that raw materials for the local pharmaceutical manufacturing be allotted 0% importation tariff.

“Access to funds should be available to local manufacturers at lower digit interest rates. The incentives from the federal government to local manufacturers should be retained and sustained”, the association said..

n support of global community’s goal of drastically reducing maternal and child mortality, a group, ‘Champion for change Project,’ has offered a week-long training for organizations working on maternal and child health in Nigeria.

The training which took place in Abuja recently focused on building the capacity of civil society leaders and their organizations to effectively carry out advocacy in relation to reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health in the country, according to Country Representative of the group in Nigeria, Theresa Effa.

Efa said Champion for

Change, also known as C4C, based at Public Health Institute, California in United States believed that with increased sensitization of the nation’s population, maternal and child deaths figures would go down.

“Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of maternal, newborn and child deaths.

We are counting down to 2015 deadline for the Millennium Development Goals. And, we have made very little efforts to reduce maternal and child deaths in Nigeria. We have found out overtime, based on survey, that civil societies can coordinate what government is doing. It could also be influencers to decisions, actions and programmes being implemented by government.”

CSOs seek legislation on lactation programmes at workplace

P

articipants, including activists, medical practitioners, women and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at the World Breast Feeding Day forum in Abuja last week have called for a proper legislation to protect and promote lactation programmes for breastfeeding mothers at the work place.

As part of activities to mark the Day, Civil Society - Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), organised a sensitisation and mobilization of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) other major stakeholders on the essence of exclusive breastfeeding. The participants jointly canvassed for a proper legislation to protect and promote the rights of women, during the period of breastfeeding, most especially at work places.

With the theme; “Breastfeeding at work, let it work”, Prof Ngozi Nnam,

steering committee chairman of CS-SUNN, in her keynote address, advocated an Exclusive BreastFeeding (EBF) for all and encouraged the adoption of breastfeeding friendly workplaces, calling for the formulation of policies that would encourage working mothers to successfully breastfeed and work.

“Approve maternity leave with full pay for mothers for six months to encourage mothers to exclusively breastfeed for six months. Mothers who desire to enjoy maternity leave for more than six months should be paid a percentage of their salary . Pass laws that will protect, promote and support breastfeeding example: All babies have right to breastfeeding. All babies are born to be exclusively breastfeed for six months”, she said.

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Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Majek Fashek’ll bounce back, says MD Rehab Centre Recuperating Nigerian reggae star, Majekodunmi Fasheke, popularly known as Majek Fashek, is undergoing rehabilitation at an Abuja-based hospital, Synapse Services, after taking ill of alcohol and perhaps other banned substances. His doctor, a consultant psychiatrist and Managing Director of Synapse, Vincent Udenze, in this interview with Health Reporter, Marcus Fatunmole, speaks of his condition, and urged Nigerians having mental condition to seek help in hospitals. Excerpt: How did you get to know about Mr Majek Fashek and his alcoholic problem?

As you are very much aware, about six to seven weeks ago, a charity that I am involved in, Reconnect Health Development Initiative had a dinner where we informed people about our programs directed at mental health difficulties, drug awareness, the national helpline and support for people living with HIV/AIDs. Mr Charly Boy also attended that dinner and said he was going to be a part of Reconnect HDI. It was after this that Charly Boy and Monica made contact with each other regarding rehabilitation for Mr Majek. Charly Boy then contacted me saying that funds are being raised to rehabilitate Majek, and wondered if we could get involved. I said we had the expertise and competence to be able to provide him an international standard rehab program in this country. That was how I got to know about Majek.

Which substances is Majek abusing?

I am unable to tell you what his substance abuse profile is like. However you heard him say that he has an alcohol problem which he is working on, and that is correct. There is so much information in the press. If you google Majek Fashek’s name on the internet, there is so much information out there and in fact the recent information we saw yesterday was that a Warribased billionaire flew some experts into the country to look at Majek Fashek Are you flying in experts to manage him?

Synapse Services is a very high profile rehabilitation centre in Nigeria, and we have experts from America, United Kingdom involved in the rehabilitation program as an ongoing process. So it is routine for us to have experts coming in and out of Synapse Services.

I am a consultant psychiatrist and I practise in the UK and I

am just one of the people coming to Nigeria among the experts who are actually based here, who are fantastic in what they do. So the combination of the international experts and our Nigerian-based experts give our program a fantastic success rate. So that is yes to the fact that our experts who came were involved in his care, but these experts were not specially flown in just to cater for Mr Majek Fashek. It is a standard of our program. Thank you.

How has it been since he has come in?

Well, I cannot go into the fine details of his specific rehab program. We have run different types of program here but what’s most important is that our programs are individualised and he has a specialised program written for him which is different from our average rehab program and unfortunately I am not able to go into the specifics of his own individualised rehabilitation program.

Why did he get addicted? Why him?

Good question. Addiction is a problem that can affect anyone irrespective of race, socio economic status and religion.

In our practice now, we have a lot of people who are addicted to drugs that we see. Now what you need to realise is that different substances are more commonly abused by different socio economic groups. For example, cocaine would be more abused with the more affluent people because cocaine is expensive.

While some people just take in the monkey tail mixture of some alcohol, skunk, etc, the lizard faeces, the glue would be seen with the lower socio economic group.

There are other substances as well like codeine; cough syrup which is readily affordable; you can find it being abused across all socio economic groups. Drugs are more commonly abused by a lot of young people. It is quite commonly abused by people

Fasheke

ADDICTION IS A PROBLEM THAT CAN AFFECT ANYONE IRRESPECTIVE

OF RACE, SOCIO ECONOMIC STATUS AND RELIGION in the entertainment industry, by regular workers, so there is nothing special about the fact that Majek eventually got addicted to I’ll say alcohol which he openly talked about himself.

I think what is important is that we stop pointing a finger to him when three fingers are pointing at us. It is a big problem in

our country. He is a Nigerian like everyone else, he has got a problem, he has identified that fact that he has got a problem, he is seeking help, and I am happy to say that he is making significant progress. I’ll encourage other Nigerians whether you are in the entertainment industry, whether you are a worker and so on. It is time to reach out; it is time to seek help. Come for help and you will be helped.

What message do you have for other artistes who might have gone through what Majek has gone through?

Well the truth is Majek is someone who has come out openly and willing to let people know about his problem and that he is seeking help. But he is not the only artiste; he is not the only top politician that I have been involved in their care. Synapse is a very highly confiden-

tial service and we provide very scale up specialised professional service to people. Just last week I was with Tony Okoroji; the former president of Pman, who is now the chairman of CUSANG. I recently had a discussion with the president of the gaming association of Nigeria, Yahaya Maiori and we were all trying to put together a support system for artistes in this country so that what happened to Majek will not happen to any other artiste in this country.

What other comments can you make of Fashek?

I am humbled that Majek is proud to come out and talk to the press because Majek is now bringing home the fact that if you got an alcohol or drug problem, you should seek help.

I am saddened by some of the pictures I see on the internet.

At least today, the gentlemen and ladies of the press can see him for who is today. What he is going to become tomorrow, I don’t know because I am not God. But, I do know that he is responding to treatment. He is a great person. We are honoured and privileged to have him with us.

My message to people out there is that it doesn’t matter whether you are in the entertainment industry. It doesn’t matter if you are a civil servant. It doesn’t matter if you are a man on the street. Once anything, be it a drug, be it glue, whatever it is, that it starts affecting you, to the extent of affecting your functioning, there is help out there. Please, seek help. Do not feel marginalized; and do not feel stigmatized…

In terms of rehab, rehab is a very personalized programme.

The type of programme I gave to him is very personalized. I also have to correct people’s mind set on rehab. People believe that rehab means being locked away somewhere. That is not what it means. If tomorrow, you see Majek somewhere, it does not mean that he has attended… The last time he went to bank to collect some money, some people took his picture and started saying ‘yes, we’ve seen him on the street.’ He is not in prison. He goes to Lagos for a short period and comes back, it is still part of the process. So, rehabilitation in that sense is a journey; and it is a long term journey that even if he leaves the centre and goes home, he is still on that journey.

That is how we conceptualize rehabilitation. Even if he goes home, he will still be in touch with his psychologist. The process continues. Please, let’s not define rehab as the day he stops spending his nights here, it is over. The support continues.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

23

Arts Lounge Dad forced me to become an artist –Yusuf

Foundation announces pageant for kids

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As foreign soap operas invade Nigeria Television audiences in Nigeria appear to have hit great affinity to soap operas produced in India and South America.

Bad news is that it is hurting local creativity.

Ngozi Emedolibe

T

elevision was eagerly looked forward to in the 70s and 80s. Most evenings, neighbours, who were not privileged to own television sets would cluster around any that was available in the vicinity. The audience would be glued to the sets, taking in every action and emotions of the characters on-screen. Thereafter, they would leave with so much suspense, wondering what would happen next. Often times, some members of the audience would shed tears over the agonies of a character.

Perhaps those days are over, at least with respect to Nigeria-made soap operas.

Those were the days of the monumentally successful soap operas like New Masquerade, Village Headmaster, Behind the Clouds, Checkmate, Mirror in the Sun, and Cock Crow at Dawn to mention a few.

But this excitement seems to have left the Nigerian audience. Although a few soap operas, like Tinsel, Spider, Domino, Treasures, Super Story and Footprints, amongst others have emerged in the last couple of years, fortified with fair acting, and technical details, none has been able to sway the audience like it was the case in those days, when acting and filming were probably at their lowest ebbs in Nigeria’s televisions history. The situation however portends a scary picture when compared to the reaction of the Nigerian audience to soap operas imported from India and South America like Passion, Secrets of the Sands, The rich also Cry, When You are Mine, and Second Chance, which have over the years, recorded astounding success with the Nigerian audiences that the faces of the stars in the soaps are currently ‘illegally’ branding products in Nigeria.

Arts Lounge learnt that the advertising revenues in Mexican soaps, like When you are Mine, was so much that the local marketing company in charge of advertising became selective about the commercials to carry. While the local soap opera producers are keen to see the industry blossom, a lot of challenges seem to be confronting them.

Producer and director, Chico Ejiro, who has a soap, Treasures says the problems are a reflection of the problems afflicting the entire nation. “One of the

Pavitra Rishta

Crown of Tears

Second Chance

Reina de Corazones

biggest challenges we have is the lack of sponsorship, which is traceable to the economy. The truth is that we have many shows pursuing the few commercials. If you take a look at the movie industry, you will realise that there was a time when the sales were high, until people came from all walks of life. The same thing is happening in the soap opera industry now. But a few of us, who have a knack for quality, still manage to confront the challenges.

But it is not easy. Bolaji Dawodu, a director, whose directorial skills excited audiences in Checkmate (and currently in some of the soap operas from Wale Adenuga Productions) heaps the blame on the poor talent in the industry. “If you produce a soap that is good, there is no way, advertisers will not come. I tell the young ones that they must come up with fantastic ideas that advertisers cannot afford to resist, before complaining that things are so bad. When we were younger, we understudied people; that has been thrown overboard today. These days, what they do is to graduate and think they can do it one day. It has never worked that way”.

Jerry Isichei, who produces Footprints, another soap opera currently running on 20 stations, told Art Lounge that he decided to branch off to television

soap operas when it became difficult to recoup investments in the movie industry, but cited one of the greatest pains of the TV soap industry as the price of airtime. “There was a movie I shot in Nollywood a couple of years back, and I was almost drowned in debts because of piracy. That was why I decided to move to soap operas because here we do not bother about pirates, but things are not so well here as well. After sourcing funds to make the soap opera, you will have to contend with the greatest challenge, which is paying for air time.”

Air time, Arts Lounge, learnt is as high as N1.2million on the network service of the African Independent Television for an episode of a soap opera that runs for thirty minutes. At Silverbird Television, with about five television stations on its network, it is not any easier as most soap opera producers are usually asked to pay at least 70% of the value of the cost of the air time in a quarter before the programme begins to run. It is only when these conditions are met that the producer would begin to look for commercials.

Aside this, the Nigerian audience appears not to be having the suspense that would command viewership, which is vital for the success of a soap. Mojaide Mariah, a publisher, who once document-

If you follow the Mexican or Indian soap opera, you will realise that they have suspense, which makes Nigerians want to see the end of the programme

ed the lives of some Mexican stars on Nigerian TV, told Art Lounge that suspense is what the Mexican writers have over their Nigerian counterparts. “If you follow the Mexican or Indian soap opera, you will realise that they have suspense, which makes Nigerians want to see the end of the programme. I have published a number of books on the stars from the Mexican soap and they sold well, but can I do that with the stars in our local soap opera? Mexican and Indian soap operas know how to hold the audience and since they are shown on daily basis in most cases, Nigerians do not have any option than following the story because they are equally interesting.”

While it may seem that the bane of soap operas in Nigeria lied on the fact that the producers usually cast unknown faces, the trend has been changing these days with a lot of movie stars, being offered roles in the soaps. But this has not helped so much.

Madu Chikwendu, another filmmaker said, the success of the Mexican soaps in the country can be traced to people putting their best feet forward. “All over the world, South America is known for their tele-novella culture. Their movies are not as hot as their soaps, and they have realised that and right now they are everywhere. Nigeria can do the same thing with what they are best known for”.

Nigerian can do a great deal also by creating stories that are indigenous to them, which would hold audiences for long similar to what Coronation Street, has been able to do in the Western World to become the longest running soap in history.

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Arts Lounge

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

VOICES

Okotie to D’Banj: Music and youth empowerment Austin Emielu

K

ris Okotie and D’Banj represent in this paper, two significant and generational demarcations along a historical continuum in popular music practice in Nigeria. Okotie’s historic appearance on the music scene in Nigeria with two smash hits “ I need Someone’ and ‘Just For You’ between 1979 and 1981 blazed a new musical, economic and social trail on which so many Nigerian ‘Musical Youths’ have walked or are struggling to walk since the 1980s. Musically, Okotie’s emergence in the popular music scene heralded a new era of parttime/solo musicians who were not necessarily or needed to be professionals. In other words, it could be argued that Kris Okotie was the youth who championed the ‘solo artiste’ syndrome in Nigeria, beginning from his release of the album ‘I need Someone” in 1979 (Emielu, 291). The financial success of Kris Okotie’s ‘I need Someone’ and ‘Just for You’ albums, his sell-out concerts, the social elevation that he received through extensive air play and media publicity, not to mention the social status of being an undergraduate law student at that time, re-defined the Nigerian musician in new economic and social terms.

The long chain of solo musicians since the era of Kris Okotie is inexhaustible: Jide Obi, Gbubemi Amas, Dora Ifudu, Felix Liberty, Oby Onyioha, Lemmy Jackson, Evi Edna Ogholi, Majek Fashek, Mike Okri, Ed Jatto, Tony Okoroji, Nkono Teles, Emma Ogosi, Mandators (1980s), Lorine Okotie, Idris Abdulkareem, Tony Tetula, Tu Face, Black Face , Blakky, Zakky, Felix and Moses, Andy Shurman, Orits Wiliki, Ras Kimono (1990s), 9ice, D Banj, Olu Maintain, Durella, 2short, Stereo man and Adaz ( 2000s). Although the social content and context of performance, as well as mode of expression keep changing from one historical period to another, popular music practice has shown great potentials for youth empowerment in Nigeria.

However, one disturbing phenomenom is the high rate at which these youthful musicians ‘rise and fall’. While Nige-

Austin Emielu

rian popular musicians like Kris Okotie, Mike Okri, Evi Adna Ogholi, 2Face, Orits Wilki, Ras Kimono and many others have shown tremendous musical talents, others may have stumbled on music as a means of economic survival in a country where 7 out of every 10 people live on less than one United States dollar (US$1) a day ( NEEDS, 11).

In 2008 also, the Glo mobile show, ‘Glo Moment’ gave a prelude to a growing list of Nigerian musicians who have gone into obscurity abroad, notable among them, Mike Okri, Felix Liberty and Ras Kimono. From my involvement in the

popular music industry in Nigeria over the last three decades, I can also add some names to this list namely: Evi Edna Ogholi, Peterside Ottong, Oby Onyioha, Lorine Okotie, Felix and Moses, Blakky, Alex O, Alex Zitto, not to forget such great producers and instrumentalists like Fortune O’Tega (with whom I worked in Lagos between 1989-1992), Lemmy Jackson, Beckley Ike Jones, Nkono Teles (with whom I worked in Lagos in 1983), Laolu Akins, Odion Iruoje, Emma Ogosi, Majek Fashek, Amos Mcroy just to mention a few.

Reacting to his disappearance from active musical life in Nigeria, reggae musi-

Because of the huge potential of the music industry in Africa, the World Bank has agreed in principle to divert a substantial part of its

$300 million dollars allocation for culture to six African countries

annual

Memorable Reads

W

hat book are you reading right now?

Right now, I am reading Ryszard Kapuscinski. I stumbled across an excerpt from his book, The Soccer Wars, which he had on Nigeria during the civil wars. I am reading a lot about the Nigerian civil war, I read Elechi Amadi’s book, I read, Why We Struck, and then in the cause of reading these stories I came across an excerpt from a Capuchinsky

book where he had been in Nigeria during the civil war and had described an area of Ibadan that – I lived in Ibadan for many years – but I did not recognise in his writing.

You are reading a lot of civil war literature...

It’s that time, I mean, a few months ago I was reading a lot of village literature. A few months before that I was reading a lot of sex literature, so it just happens that now I am reading about the civil war.

Is it part of the research for your book?

No it is not. It is just that I realised that I didn’t know much about the civil war beyond fiction and I wanted to also have a non-fictional basis of comparing, of forming impressions of that period. That, I think, is what sparked my interest.

A.Igoni Barrett Author

Your father is a man of letters so I am guessing he introduced you to reading. Is that how it went?

Actually, yes, my parents, my mother, I think she probably had more hand in my being introduced to reading than my father did. My father abandoned us when I was about seven, and I say that with love, but there were always books around the house. In an interview somewhere I have stated that for me growing up in the sort of house I grew up in, books were like toys, I had more books than I had toys and so it was easy to get into reading that way. So, both my parents are responsible for.

Do you have plenty of books in your own house?

Yes, that is what takes all my money.

cian, Ras Kimono explained that “when I left, the music industry has become very frustrating for us who play pop music….. there was nothing for us then”. This statement coming on the heels of his seemingly outstanding success in Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa before leaving for the United States where he currently resides with his family highlights the problem of career sustainability among urban popular musicians in Nigeria and the need for empowerment beyond rhetoric or political propaganda.

The popular music industry in Nigeria as in most parts of the world, hold great economic potentials. In Nigeria, this is testified to by increasing record sales which seems to defy Nigeria’s unstable economy. For example, statistics of record sales in Nigeria shows that in 1981, 4.5million records were sold; in 1986 5.5million; in 1991 8.5million and in 1995, 12 million records were sold nationwide (Gronov and Saunio, 193). In 2000 also a World Bank estimate of music sales around the world stood at 6 billion dollars per year. A quarter of this estimate ($1.5 billion dollars), is said to be derived from African music, especially the popular music genre. Because of the huge potential of the music industry in Africa, the World Bank has agreed in principle to divert a substantial part of its annual $300 million dollars allocation for culture to six African countries (Collins, 9).

Senegal is the first African country to receive the first installment of $15 million dollars towards the development of the music industry in that country and also as a feeder to the World Music category. There is therefore a huge economic potential in the popular music industry which if fully tapped, can replace crude oil as the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy.

It the thesis of this paper that Nigeria can tap into this huge potentials and the economic lifeline provided by the World Bank, which will translate in concrete terms into actual and sustainable empowerment.

• Austin Emielu, is an Associate Professor of Music, Kwara State University.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

25

ARTISTE UNCENSORED

Dad forced me to become an artist –Yusuf Durodola Yusuf Olanrewaju is well-known as a trash to treasure artist because of his love and mastery in turning waste materials into art pieces. He revealed how he became an artist at the eleventh hour.

Isiguzo Destiny

D

urodola Yusuf Olanrewaju is one of those artists who set out to become other things but ended up in arts. Like every child, he had his own career dream and aspiration and was very steadfast in his pursuit of his dream.

Born in Ibadan, Oyo State in 1979, He attended CAC Grammar School, Aperin Oniyere and graduated in 1996. From there, he moved to Arabic school in Lagos to acquire Islamic learning before proceeding to Federal College of Education Akoka and also University of Lagos where he banged degrees in Art. Yusuf as he is fondly called has an innate talent as an artist, a gift he was ready to jettison due to the influence of his environment. As a child, he was influenced by some tailors and designers who worked very close to his house. He was attracted to their vocation and began to copy them. It didn’t take long before he began to develop his own cloth designs even as a child. Like most kids in our neighborhood, he was also engaged in cartoon drawing. One can see the feeling of nostalgia written all over his face as he narrates the story of his journey into arts. “My art started right from when I was a kid drawing ‘FidoDido’ and football cartoons. I later picked up interest in design as at the time I was in primary 2 because there was a fashion outfit beside my house and they majored in embroidery design so I started copying their design and later developed my own ideas.

Eventually, my sketch book was bought by one of the designers”. While telling his story, Yusuf paused as he tried to remembered his childhood and eventually said “art for me is a gift which I did not see as a serious issue while I was pursuing my educational career. I did art from primary to junior secondary school but dumped it when I got to senior secondary.

MIDWEEK JUMP

I was in the commercial class because I love accounting and wanted to become a banker. But when I got to second term in my ss3, my dad forced me to enroll in an art class and also registered it as part of the subjects I will take in my WAEC examination. It was as if the world was coming to an end for me because I had only a term to master both the theoretical and practical aspects of the subject.

He got me a special art teacher and also a graphics artist (sign writer). He assigned one of his apprentices to train me in calligraphic writing. I was the only candidate that sat for art subject in WAEC that year in my school. This was the beginning of my visual art journey.

Yusuf have since settled as an artist and is making a remarkable mark as a trash to treasure artist. An aspect of act he said simply means “a process of turning waste items into a meaningful art piece either for utilitarian or aesthetic purpose. He went further to say that trash to treasure “is a creative transformation of a dumped object into a fantastic and meaningful piece”. Looking at some of his works, one will notice they are made with used Coca-Cola cans, empty sardine tins, used slippers, disposed toothbrush, rough bottle opener, video cassettes, disposable cups, empty tooth paste container, Omo sachets, crown cocks, burnt wood and other unthinkable waste products.

When asked why he has chosen the aspect of turning trash and waste products into art piece, he revealed that he finds it “interesting, tasking and adventurous”. He added that he saw the need to do something about the state of our environment as most cities are filled with filth and nothing is being done about it.

For him, he sees it as a call. “I believe there must be a call or a need before one can develop an idea, there must be a reason because that is when the ingenuity in you will come out because there is a pressing need to solve”. He also revealed how he started taking this aspect of art seriously. “My art of trash to treasure started as a result of an experimental art class I did when I was a student in the university. I got deeply in it when I could not achieve my initial plan for my degree project which I resolved must be an environment oriented one and must be able to be a record breaking one so I chose to

We own Thursday Nights

W

e Own Thursday Nights is a weekly event hosted by Peju_A and Ab_Kay at Club 57 , the event paves way for music lovers, dancers and people looking for way on how to enjoy themselves after work on Thursdays nights. Thursdays night is the new Friday at club57 located at 57,Awolowo way Ikoyi Lagos, Event holds on August 13th, its set to entertain visitors with different types of music, club 57 is the best place for people looking for a place to chill, dance, relax from work and spend time with family and friends. The weekly show opens by 11pm to its fun loving customers.

His works

do something in ‘trash to treasure arts’. I wanted to use an unusual art medium so I arrived at modifying trash into meaningful art materials”.

Yusuf do other things like graphics design, photography, art teaching, portraiture, general painting, printing production, customized handmade cards and art event planning.

Asked if he has forgiven his father for thwarting his dreams of becoming a banker, he said “yes” and that he is also grateful and owes him a lot of appreciation for forcing him into arts. Being an artist has given him an opportunity of working with so many kids and has given him a chance to help proffer solutions to the environmental issues that have

ridden most cities in Nigeria. Yusuf said our environment is being polluted with filths and harmful materials and nothing has been done about it; trash to wealth is a veritable means of resolving this issue he insisted. Most importantly, Yusuf revealed his art works celebrate life.

Yusuf as an artist, eco-critic and environment protection crusader has no regrets whatsoever in his mandated venture into arts; he said he might have not been as fulfilled or happier as he is now.

He declared “I am very happy as a visual artist”.

He also admitted that his dad, Leonardo Da Vinci, kolade Ohinowo, Edosa Oguigo and Bolaji Ogunwo are his role models.

I believe there must be a call or a need before one can develop an idea

Bottles night

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ednesday August 12th is set aside for Bottle’s night at the Bottle’s Bar and Grill as they entertain their visitors with different good varieties of foods, good vibes, Frozen Margaritas and melodious songs from The Prudence band. Bottles Bar and Restaurant is located at 8, Imam Agusto Close, Lagos, Nigeria! The bar opens by 6pm to 11pm.

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Arts Lounge

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

FAR AND NEAR

Foundation announces pageant for kids

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

El Nukoya’s ‘Baron of Broad Street’

Regina Otokpa

K

ids have been given another opportunity by the Face of Hope Foundation, to give back to society and showcase their talents during the ‘2015 Face of Hope Beauty Pageant and Fashion Show’ slated to hold in Abuja.

The pageant for children between the ages of 5 to 10, aims to inculcate in the younger generation the act of giving, most especially on helping the less-privileged and also to promote Nigeria’s beautiful culture, behavior, cuisine, language and lifestyle to the wider world in a very entertaining environment.

In a statement released by the founder of the foundation and CEO Grazee Stitches, Grace Ojo, all hands are on deck to refurbish this year’s edition, taking into cognizance the importance of imbibing the values and knowledge of Nigeria’s rich and diverse culture into the sub-consciousness of every Nigerian child.

She said this would help curb the growing influence of western influence on the children who know little or nothing about their cultural heritage.

“All is set for the 2015 Face of Hope Beauty Pageant and Fashion Show. We had the maiden edition last year and it was very successful, so building on that, we hope to transfer the baton to our new King and Queen of Hope 2015.

Last year’s edition produced Master Eyitayo Daniel and Miss Chinonyelu

El Nukoya reading Baron of Broad Street at the event

Ngozi Emedolibe

A Outgoing King and Queen of Hope

Nwakalor as King and Queen of Hope, respectively and we have achieved so much with them as Ambassadors in our campaign towards reaching out to the less-privileged of society.”

“We kindly urge parents to take advantage of this opportunity to involve their children and wards in this laudable event. The main event will be held at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja on 29th August 2015,” Ojo said. The lucky Little King and

Queen of Hope will be crowned out of a lineup of participants to represent other kids in giving back to the society. The main event was preceded by an audition carried out to select finalist who would be groomed to become ambassadors of the foundation for the next one year.

Face of Hope Foundation is a nongovernmental organisation with a primary focus on less-privileged children and women in the society. It is a charity foundation of Grazee Stitches, an Abujabased fashion line known for simple and stylish designs.

‘Dance with Peter’, TV show debuts

Peter Okoye

Imoleayo Fatunase

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lobacom has announced that it is sponsoring a reality TV show that will raise the entertainment bar in Africa. The 13-week show tagged “Dance with Peter”, a dancing competition, organised in collaboration with the Africa’s dance emblem, Peter Okoye of the P-Square, is set to change the face of entertainment in the continent and promote the dance culture across Africa.

Unveiling the show at the Atrium, Silverbird Galleria, Lagos, Globacom said that “Dance with Peter” would promote the dance culture among West Africans and assist those who may want to go into the dance profession to pursue their

dream.

Promising that the show will be the biggest ever in Africa, Globacom assured that “Dance with Peter” would come “with huge benefits for the participants in the competition, entertainment lovers and television viewers generally”.

Winner of the competition, the company disclosed, would go home with a brand new Toyota RAV 4 with N3million and the special privilege of featuring in P-Square’s forthcoming music video.

The first and second runners-up, on the other hand, would go home with a brand new Honda Civic car, N2million and a brand new Kia Rio car with N1million respectively. Both will also have a chance of featuring in a top Glo Ambassador’s

music video.

Globacom further disclosed that poster faces in the dance segment of the entertainment industry such as Peter, Kaffy and Flex would feature in the show as judges with Ehis Okoegule of MTV Base as the host.

Cities where auditions for the show will be held include Lagos, Port Harcourt, Benin and Abuja in Nigeria, as well as in Accra, Ghana. The auditions will produce six dancers to be selected by the judges from each location for the real battle in Lagos.

Glo explained that the show would run for 13 weeks, with the first two weeks spent on profiling and auditions, while the next 10 weeks would be for the elimination series which would have different dance themes. The last episode will be the grand finale of the show to be held in Lagos.

Dance with Peter is in line with our commitment to keep on delighting our teeming subscribers and adding value to their lives, economically and socially.

Fun seekers on the continent in general and in West Africa in particular are about to witness the best dance show ever. It is going to be 13 weeks packed full of excitement,” it said.

Dance with Peter will be broadcast on Africa Magic, AIT in Nigeria, TV3 in Ghana and ORTV in Benin Republic. Globacom said registration for the competition has started and it is open to only Glo subscribers in Nigeria and Ghana.

fter Nine Lives, a book that heralded by rave reviews, Nigerian writer, El Nukoya, has availed the reading public another well-crafted work, Baron of Broad Street. At a wellattended book presentation to announce the availability of the work in stores, Nukoya took time to explain that he wrote the book to get Nigerians reading again.

“The intention is to make sure that next time you get on the train in UK, you will not possibly see the man sleeping as a Nigerian when others are reading.”

The work which is currently available on hard cover chronicles the polarised worlds of the Lagos impoverished and the affluent, living side-by-side. It captures the limited prospect for mobility in an often negligent society, and the determination of a select crop of youths to take it upon themselves and change this seemingly rigid equation, by all means necessary.

Dwelling on Disun Falodun and his bosom friend, Ige, it explains how they grew up within the squeeze and squalor of Makoko. As they sit on the banks of the Lagos Lagoon, they contemplate life on the other side of town, the exclusive district of the metropolis covering Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and, Broad Street that mysterious area, so distant, yet so close. Disun is the optimistic of the duo, resolute in his faith in a fair chance at success in Lagos, his ordinary background notwithstanding. Ige, on the other hand held by a vibrant, radical mind reasoning that the expectation of a fair chance was utopian, entrenches himself in the firm belief that the only reliable choices open to them were illicit.

El Nukoya earned his first degree in Lagos, before proceeding for graduate studies in North America. He currently lives and works in Lagos. His debut novel, Nine Lives dedicated to Bono (Paul Hewsen) of the U2 rock band and to the memories of departed Nigerian heroes, Obafemi Awolowo and MKO Abiola, won the ANA- ¬Jacaranda Prize for Prose.

Toni Kan and El Nukoya at the book presentation

Business

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Quality statistics can only be produced by professionals who are guided by practice ethics –Tumala 28

Nigeria Re targets 50% of reinsurance market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Dormant electricity firms hinder post privatisation gains 33

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‘FG needs N100bn to bridge E maritime infrastructure gap’ FRANCIS EZEM The Nigerian Shippers Council has said that the Federal Government needed to make a minimum of N100 billion investments in order to upgrade the current infrastructure deficit that makes Nigeria’s seaports inefficient and uncompetitive.

The Executive Secretary of the Council, Mr. Hassan Bello, who spoke at the weekend shortly after a two-day training programme for maritime journalists in Lagos, noted that the government needs to make a minimum of N10 billion per annum over the next 10 years in order to address the current infrastructural deficit in the industry.

According him, Nigeria in terms of market size based on the 170 million population, has what it takes to assume the position of a hub port of destination for the West and Central African sub-region but the ports must also be competitive in terms of efficiency and cost to attain such a standard, which will also bring about increased revenue for the government.

In this wise, government must also enthrone a regime of conducive operating environment, by addressing the current huge infrastructural deficit that would address a modern, efficient and competitive port system.

He said: “Nigeria’s ports are in competition. How do we make

the nation a hub port and if she is sleeping, she will lose the opportunity to other neighbouring countries whose seaports are more efficient.

“Efficient port system begins from the ship side up to the time the cargo gets to gets to its destination and so the government needs to make investments that would bring about this level of efficiency”, Bello added.

Many port service users have decried the poor infrastructure, especially poor access roads and the total absence of a multi-modal transport system that connects the

three major means of transportation comprising rail, road and sea, which currently inhibits efficient port operation in the country.

Some stakeholders have therefore called for the adoption of a Public –Private sector Partnership PPP arrangement for fixing the transport infrastructure.

While insisting that he does not oppose the idea of a PPP arrangement in providing certain infrastructure, he however argued that the government has the responsibility to provide a good operating environment that would allow the industry to thrive.

He argued that with the right investment in key infrastructure upgrade coupled with the automation of port operation mechanisms by the relevant stakeholders, the nation’s seaports would attain a high level of efficiency and competitiveness among their peers.

On the negative effects of rickety and outmoded trucks on the port access roads, he noted that what government needed do is to make the right kind of investments in upgrading the multimodal transport after which substandard vehicles would naturally be phased.

conomic conditions in the United States have largely returned to normal and a Federal Reserve decision to raise interest rates should come soon, Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart said on Monday.

“I think the point of ‘liftoff’ is close,” Lockhart said in a speech to the Atlanta Press Club. “The economy has made great gains and is approaching an acceptable normal ... conditions are no longer extraordinary.”

He later told journalists he was “very disposed” to a rate increase at the Fed’s September policy meeting, but emphasized that the path of subsequent hikes should be gradual.

Fidelilty Bank

T

…sees global rating as an asset to operations Managing Director of Nigerian Re-Insurance Corporation, Lady Isioma Chukwuma, has projected that the company would increase its share in the nation’s reinsurance market to about 50 per cent within the next two to three years. Chukwuma, who disclosed this in an exclusive interview with National Mirror while appraising the performance of the corporation recently, said with the strategies being adopted to improve Nigerian

Rates

Udo Onyeka

Nigeria Re targets 50% of reinsurance market David Audu

27

Re’s stake in the industry, the attainment of the 50 per cent share of the market looked feasible. She said: “I don’t want to be too optimistic, even though there is nothing wrong in being too ambitious, but if we can gain at least up to 40 or 50 per cent of the re-insurance market, which is our target, it will be good for us as a leading player in the market. “One of the strategies is to improve our on service delivery, which we have done, and improving on our paying claims ability”, the industry player added. Chukwuma

disclosed further that as of today, the company had zero per cent outstanding claims. “We have almost cleared all the outstanding claims in our books. Before, the issue of rating used to be a major problem for us, now we have rating. So, for now all those problems have been dealt with.

“Another issue that used to count against us was the issue of late approval of our accounts, but luckily we have also achieved that.

Now, all those obstacles have been overcome”.

She expressed optimism that since the obstacles on the way to growth had been cleared, what is next for the company is to step ahead and consolidate on the gains of those things they have been able to achieve.

On the state of the nation’s insurance sector generally, the industry leader noted that the industry was yet to get to where it should be in terms of capacity to contribute more to the nation’s GDP, adducing the reason to low penetration of insurance, amongst other factors.

he Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI has adjudged Fidelity the SME Lender Bank of the year 2015.

The declaration was made at the weekend in Lagos at an award ceremony to recognise deserving corporate organisations that have made significant contributions towards the advancement of the economy.

The organisers of the award said that Fidelity Bank came tops in all the measuring parameters after a rigorous selection process involving competing SME focused banks in the country.

“This award is the outcome of a painstaking selection process from entries received for this award and backed by feedbacks from industry/ market monitoring and regulatory bodies”, a statement said.

Managing Director, Fidelity Bank Plc. Nnamdi Okonkwo, said that the award underscored the bank’s role in the SMEs space which completely aligns with the government’s goal of ensuring rapid economic development using the SMEs as the catalyst.

Represented by the Executive Director, Shared Services, Chijioke Ugochukwu, the company’s boss explained that the Bank recognised the role of the SMEs as the engine room of the economy prompting the management of the Bank to set up the Fidelity Managed SME to address the gaps in the sector.

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Executive Discourse

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Quality statistics can only be produced by professionals After several years of relentless efforts to ensure that statistics quality is given appropriate attention in national development agenda, the Nigeria Statistical Association, NSA, recently secured the National Assembly’s consent with the passage of the Chartered Institute of Statisticians of Nigeria (CISON) Bill. In this interview with a select team of Business Editors, the National President of the Association, Dr. Mohammed Tumala, speaks on what the country stands to benefit by professionalizing statistics practice in the country. TOLA AKINMUTIMI reports:

S

ir, over the years Nigeria’s developmental strategies appeared not to have paid much pay emphasis on use of statistics as a tool for national development until recently. What would you say the country has lost for relegating statistics development to the background in the past?

You cannot measure and monitor national development without statistics. You cannot also possibly get the right mix of policies that will work if statistics is not used in planning.

For coming to realize at this hour when nations have moved forward far ahead of Nigeria, that we need statistics, the country has lost an important ingredient in human activity and that is time. Unfortunately, it is not only time that we lost, knowledge and technology has moved far beyond our comprehension, our people are poor, our society is not cohesive.

It has really left us at the bottom of human development.

In the past few years, the World Bank has taken so much interest in supporting the country’s statistical development through manpower and institutional capacities building. How have these impacted on the quality of official statistics in the country?

The National Strategy for the Development of Statistics was implemented with supported from development partners and prominence of the World Bank has turned the statistical infrastructure in the country positively. It unified the National Databank and the Federal Office of Statistics; it resulted in the provision of legal backing for a system with clear demarcation of responsibilities for the production of official statistics.

In particular, the production and dissemination of macroeconomic statistics like output, prices, monetary

Tumala and international trade data has improved in terms of methodology, frequency and timeliness. However, more work is required in the areas of social, sanitation and environmental statistics, and some aspect of financial statistics particularly public and private corporate finance.

The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, has continued to evolve better by the day in pursuit of its mandate, particularly in creating awareness about its roles and timely production of statistical data. What is your assessment of its performance and how can this be improved upon?

The NBS has transformed the Nigerian statistics environment. As

earlier mentioned, national output is now produced on quarterly basis, prices are available on monthly basis, and many more other macroeconomic variables. These are now released electronically to all users impartially. It is complying with international standards in the production of data. However, government seemed to be gradually withdrawing its support for the new agency in terms of financing. Governance responsibilities were also assigned to persons without technical capacity in data production, while routine surveys necessary for data production remained unfunded. At the helm of affairs and the clearing house of

CISON will work with training institutions on curriculum

development, assist in improving the skills of teachers and retraining of practicing statisticians in data production.”

the Nigerian Statistical System is the Governing Board of the NBS, Government needs to appoint technically competent persons on the Board to manage technical responsibilities.

Government needs to understand clearly the processes of the NBS and fund data production as a capital project or as an investment.

Just a few weeks ago, the CISON Bill was passed by the National Assembly. Could you say how your Association was able to get this through after many years of advocacy?

The time has come for statistics to have its way. There is the growing demand for data in the country. The National Assembly has realized that its functions become very effective when statistics is available. Quality statistics can only be produced by professional statisticians who are guided by documented code/ethics of practice and adore their profession. Indeed, many of the members of the National Assembly we interacted with wish to see the statistics profession practiced like the accounting profession in the public service where the Statistician General recruits, trains and posts statisticians

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Executive Discourse

29

who are guided by practice ethics - Tumala to all ministries under a unified condition of service. That will be the next step we shall take as soon as Mr. President assents to the CISON Bill.

For now, we have been challenged to produce quality data for Nigeria.

When your body is legally recognized as a professional body, what would this portend for national capacity building for Nigeria’s statistical system?

Presently, those who wish to practice as statisticians can either go through one of our educational institutions or attend the NBS statistics school with campuses in three locations. And, in almost all MDAs, we have people who found themselves posted to PRS departments and are not statisticians by training. CISON will provide training opportunities for non-statisticians and retraining for statisticians for enhanced professional practice. This will go a long way in complementing government training programmes. CISON will also provide avenues for knowledge sharing and professional interaction that would bring about professional bonding. This has the potential of growing public confidence in the statistics being produced, and hence its use.

Getting the enabling law is one thing and mobilizing members for bodies like yours is another. Do you have strategies in place to make NSA more visible in the public domain such that those who intend to join the Association become aware about its existence nationwide?

CISON is ready for take-off from day one. The Bill has provided for transition from NSA to CISON. The NSA over the years has been collecting CISON development levy from members specifically for the smooth take-off of CISON on establishment.

In addition, the NSA is an old organization that I, for instance, have known before graduation. The level of awareness is high, active participation in NSA activities give statisticians advantage in recruitment and promotions. Students of statistics look forward to becoming members on graduation. I may be right to say that we have a very high level of awareness within the statistics and allied professions.

In most professional bodies, examinations are conducted to admit new members while old ones are elevated to Fellows or other positions in recognition of their contributions to the development of their bodies. Is NSA likely to adopt this approach?

Sure that is the appropriate way to go and we shall adopt it. What makes the statistics profession different is the need for close monitoring of practice. The data we produce and publish are aggregates of numbers collected on individuals, firms, government agencies, etc. High professional ethics and compliance

“We know that easiest way to fight financial corruption is through data

mining.

As a country, we have invested

in infrastructure that are currently producing huge volumes of data like;

BVN registers, national ID, driving licenses, international passport, bank transactions, phone calls, social media usage, etc”

the

establishes trust and confidence in those who provide the numbers.

If such trust is not there, they give you wrong numbers and you have no way of knowing. If the numbers are wrong, aggregates will be wrong and consequent policies inappropriate.

In addition to examinations, CISON will also monitor non-disclosure and sincerity in data collection.

National Planning is at the heart of nations’ development globally. For Nigeria, the right priority has not been given to it so much in the past, especially through budgetary support at national and sub-national levels.

What is your advice to the present government on national planning for development?

First, the National Planning Commission, NPC, should be the focal point for economic management playing the role of coordination of fiscal and monetary policies, and development plan implementation. As the custodian of the nation’s strategic plans, the NPC should play a leading role in the budget process since

Tumala

the budget is the cost component of the national plan. Secondly, over the years the level of monitoring of plans/budgets implementation has become almost absent. The NPC and state planning offices should be empowered to monitor and evaluate the implementation of strategic plans and annual budgets which are short term components of the plan.

Analysts believe that the time for Nigeria to prioritise statistical data development for growth cannot be better than now when revenue is dropping so fast and causing concern for socio-economic transformation of the country. How do you react to this?

The dimensions of human behavior are becoming more complex by the day. Populations have become so mobile, economies are becoming service driven and so dependent on IT and global information. No economy can therefore be possibly insulated from vulnerabilities from global markets developments. The way to go is for policy makers to understand all

sources, detect early emerging vulnerabilities and take counter cyclical actions. Statistics is possibly the only scientific way of understanding sources and timing of shocks to economic growth. I think the present government has taken the right step so far in its consultation with the national planning commission and we hope that this is sustained.

What roles do you think your Association could play in improving the nation’s fiscal efficiency through plugging channels of leakages in public finance?

Statistics plays a leading role in public or national finance. Economic theory anticipates leakages in the circular flow of money, either within the domestic economy or between domestic and other jurisdictions. It is statistics that provides an idea on the size and direction of leakages.

When government spending is high and human development measures are deteriorating, that statistics indicate leakage. When the country’s exports are consistently far more than its imports, and its external reserves depleting, that statistics indicate leakage. We know that easiest way to fight financial corruption is through data mining. As a country, we have invested in infrastructure that are currently producing huge volumes of data like; the BVN registers, national ID, driving licenses, international passport, bank transactions, phone calls, social media usage, etc. Organizations like the DSS and EFCC should develop their capacities to use information from these sources and take proactive steps to curb financial corruption.

Financial corruption can be reduced to bare minimum by mining banking data alone. Most countries have gone beyond data mining and have migrated to the so called “big data”, which is data large in quantity and diversity, and high in frequency of availability to understand human behavior. Analog methods cannot fight crimes anymore.

Do you have plans to take statistics as a course of study to universities and other tertiary institutions where it is not being run now? If yes, how and when?

CISON will work with training institutions on curriculum development, assist in improving the skills of teachers and retraining of practicing statisticians in data production. Statistics as a course has become more popular with students than most physical science subjects because of its cross-cutting content.

Most universities will therefore on their own establish a course in statistics or mathematics and statistics.

CISON will focus on improving the learning environment in existing departments rather than establishing new departments.

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Business News

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Experts task aeronautical engineers on aviation sector’s growth

…. canvass zero tolerance for corruption in industry Olusegun Koiki

A

eronautical engineers in the Nigeria’s aviation industry have been told to play pivotal role in the development of the sector and ensure it can compete with other countries’ industry globally.

This is just as other players in the industry were also charged to eschew corrupt practices and desist from any act that could bring the sector into disrepute.

Speaking at a one day seminar for Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Aeronautical Division at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, lead speakers decried that the inability of professionals in the industry to participate in developmental activities in the country had relegated the sector to the background.

The Chairman of the occasion, Prince Julius Adeluyi, explained that the strengthening of the aeronautical division of NSE would be beneficial not just to the industry, but to the country at large.

He explained that the only way they could be recognized in the scheme of things was for them to speak in unison and make their voice heard.

Adeluyi explained that there was hope for the country if professionals could shun sharp

practices, obey etiquette and show contentment in carrying out their jobs, maintaining that a professional with integrity would always carry out his duties professionally without being monitored.

In his remarks, the Interim Chairman of NSE, Aeronautical Division, Grp. Capt. John Obakpolor (rtd), called engi-

neers and other professionals in the sector to re-strategise and move the sector forward.

He spoke against the call for the removal of some charges collected by the agencies in the sector, stressing that any removal at the moment would spell doom for the parastatals.

In his presentation, ‘Public Procurement: Avoiding and

Navigating Procurement,’ the Guest Speaker, Director-General of Bureau for Public Procurement, BPP, Engr. Emeka Ezeh urged professionals in the sector to avoid corrupt practices in their procurements of facilities and goods for the sector.

Ezeh noted that since the agency was set up, corruption had reduced in the system.

According to him, there are three stages of corruption in procurement, which BPP had

identified in the system; prebid, bid and post bidding stages, stressing that some of the stages are regularly being checkmated by the Bureau for improved efficiency.

The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Engr. Saleh Dunoma asked aviation agencies to initiate quality control procedures to strengthen Jet A1 in the industry. .

NIMASA disclaims social media sponsorship publications Francis Ezem

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he Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, has disassociated itself from recent publications mainly on social media, which claimed that the agency was offering scholarship programmes.

finally out” with contact numbers as 08052873989, 07064847811”, the statement said.

According to her, there is no iota of truth in such publications, as they did not emanate from the agency.

“It has therefore become

imperative to state that this information is not from NIMASA. Members of the public are therefore advised to disregard such information concerning any scholarship by the agency, which is clearly the handiwork of scammers”, the Deputy Director

also said.

She therefore implored members of the public to explore the agency’s website and other channels of communication to authentic information on the activities of the maritime regulatory agency.

A statement issued by the agency’s Deputy Director, Public Relations, Hajia Lami Tumaka, clarified that the agency has been inundated with calls by well-meaning Nigerians trying to confirm the authenticity of online reports. ”The attention of NIMASA has been drawn to recent publications in the social media entitled “2014/2015 NIMASA scholarship form

Airtel Nigeria’s subscriber base hits 30m Isaiah Erhiawarien

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harti Airtel has improved its share in Nigeria’s telecoms market, raising its subscriber base to 30 million..

Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Christian de Faria, explained that the company’s success was driven mainly by its GSM network and a stable internet growth from its residential and business segments.

He enthused: “This is a great milestone for Airtel Nigeria which has been successful despite the numerous challenges in the market, notwithstanding the increasingly competitive telecoms landscape. This is a testament of our focus on delivering quality products and services backed by innovations that impact the day to day lives of our customers.”

Recent Nigerian Communications Commission statistics showed that the total

number of mobile subscribers in the country has risen from 144 million in May 2015 to 146 million in June 2015.

Nigeria’s mobile operators added 2.1 million new subscribers in June 2015 with the subscriptions to fixed networks increasing from 181,625 in May 2015 to 182,643 within the same period.

The company’s Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Segun Ogunsanya said that the achievement signaled a major milestone in Airtel’s Africa growth story.

He said: “It is a clear sign that our strategy is working and that our customers continue to enjoy the wide range of quality services that we offer. We remain committed and will continue to invest in Nigeria to tap into the huge potential that this market offers.”

It would be recalled that Bharti Airtel moved up one position in global rankings, beco

President, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Mr Kashim Ali (left), and registrar COREN, Mr Kamila Moliki at a news conference on the forthcoming 24th Engineering Assembly in Abuja yesterday.

Global air travel passengers’ traffic up by 5.7% in June Olusegun Koiki

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he International Air Transport Association, IATA, has reported that global passenger traffic results (revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) in June year-to-year showed a 5.7 per cent increase in demand compared to June 2014.

However, the association noted that Africa recorded a two per cent decline in the review period, due to negative economic developments in parts of the continent including Nigeria, which relies heavily on oil revenues.

Capacity in the continent also slipped by 1.7 per cent and

load factor dipped 0.2 per cent points to 67.1 Per cent. That was the fifth time in 2015 that passengers and load traffics would dip in the continent.

IATA however noted that the global traffic was a slowdown compared to the 6.9% year-over-year growth recorded in May, which the association attributed to the timing of Ramadan, which depressed travel demand in the Middle East.

June capacity (available seat kilometers or ASKs) climbed 6 per cent and load factor dipped 0.2 per cent points to 81.1 per cent.

The Director-General, IATA, Mr. Tony Tyler stated that June

was another healthy month for demand for air connectivity, although slower trade activity in emerging Asia-Pacific markets and the impact of the Greek debt crisis on European travel remain worrisome.

On international market traffic, IATA stated that June demand rose 5.3 per cent compared to June 2014, adding that airlines in all regions except Africa recorded growth although there was wide variation between regions.

Capacity climbed 6.0% pushing down load factor 0.5 percentage points to 80.4%.

Asia-Pacific airlines’ June traffic rose 6.8 per cent compared to the year-ago period,

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Business News

31

Nigeria Re targets 50% of reinsurance market …sees global rating as an asset to operations David Audu

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anaging Director of Nigerian Re-Insurance Corporation, Lady Isioma Chukwuma, has projected that the company would increase its share in the nation’s reinsurance market to about 50 per cent within the next two to three years. Chukwuma, who disclosed this in an exclusive interview with National Mirror while appraising the performance of the corporation recently, said with the strategies being adopted to improve Nigerian Re’s stake in the industry, the attainment

of the 50 per cent share of the market looked feasible.

She said: “I don’t want to be too optimistic, even though there is nothing wrong in being too ambitious, but if we can gain at least up to 40 or 50 per cent of the re-insurance market, which is our target, it will be good for us as a leading player in the market. “One of the strategies is to improve our on service delivery, which we have done, and improving on our paying claims ability”, the industry player added. Chukwuma disclosed further that as of today, the company had zero per cent outstanding claims. “We have almost cleared all the outstand-

ing claims in our books. Before, the issue of rating used to be a major problem for us, now we have rating. So, for now all those problems have been dealt with.

“Another issue that used to count against us was the issue of late approval of our accounts, but luckily we have also achieved that.

Now, all those obstacles have been overcome”.

She expressed optimism

that since the obstacles on the way to growth had been cleared, what is next for the company is to step ahead and consolidate on the gains of those things they have been able to achieve.

On the state of the nation’s insurance sector generally, the industry leader noted that the industry was yet to get to where it should be in terms of capacity to contribute more to the na-

tion’s GDP, adducing the reason to low penetration of insurance, amongst other factors.

Similarly, she identified lack of awareness about insurance as another factor, saying that if the needed awareness is created for insurance, people will be encouraged to take insurance policies and give it attention that they require.

GMOs safe for human consumption, environmentfriendly – Expert, Tola Akinmutimi

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he Director General, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Mr Rufus Ebegba, has comfirmed that Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in agricultural produce portended no risks to people and the environment Ebegba, who declared this on Monday in Zaria during the inspection of GMOs sorghum and cowpea test sites being managed by the Institute for Agricultural Research of the Ahmadu Bello University ( ABU), Zaria, said that the agency had begun survey of GMOs for biosafety measures.

According to him, the purpose of the inspection is to ensure that the genetically modified materials are proper and safe for consumption and the environment as well as acquainting staff of the newly established agency on biosafety measures.

He said: “The agency will ensure biosafety in all its ramifications. We will ensure the thorough check of any GMO crops before it is released for human consumption. I am satisfied with the biosafety measures at the sites” In his remarks, the Principal Instructor of the sorghum site, Prof. Mary Yeye, said that three varieties of sorghum from three ecological zones of the country were currently undergoing

tests in site.

She listed the ecological zones to include Sudan Savannah, Guinea Savannah and Sahel Savannah.

Yeye explained further that the genetically modified sorghum had high content of vitamin A which was lacking in the conventional species, adding that 80 per cent of Nigerians consume sorghum and that the modified specie will help in fighting eye defects in consumers.

Similarly, the Trial Manager of the Genetically Modified Cowpea Trial Site, Mr Muhammed Lawan, regretted that Nigeria was not currently meeting the demands on cowpea.

He pointed out that biotechnology tests on cowpea would help the country meet its demand as there were no proven health implications for using or consuming biotechnology agricultural produce.

He clarified: “Cowpea is one of the staple crops in Nigeria. Nigeria is the largest cowpea producer in the world but unfortunately, it is the largest consumer. All the cowpeas we produce are used in Nigeria so we had to make alternatives to meet the demand of other countries.

“There are many challenges to the production of cowpea due to pest infestation and diseases,” Lawan

L-R: General Manager, Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho; Managing Director, John Ugbe; Assistant Brand Manager, Guinness, Afolabi Kasomo and General Manager, SuperSport, West Africa, Felix Awogu, during the live screening of new season of the European premier league in Lagos, recently.

‘FG needs N100bn to bridge maritime infrastructure gap’ FRANCIS EZEM

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he Nigerian Shippers Council has said that the Federal Government needed to make a minimum of N100 billion investments in order to upgrade the current infrastructure deficit that makes Nigeria’s seaports inefficient and uncompetitive.

The Executive Secretary of the Council, Mr. Hassan Bello, who spoke at the weekend shortly after a two-day training programme for maritime journalists in Lagos, noted that the government needs to make a minimum of N10 billion per annum over the next 10 years in order to address the current infrastructural deficit in the industry.

According him, Nigeria in terms of market size based on the 170 million population, has what it takes to assume the position of a hub port of destination for the West and Central African sub-region but the ports must also be competitive in terms of efficiency and cost to attain such a standard, which will also bring about increased revenue for the

government.

In this wise, government must also enthrone a regime of conducive operating environment, by addressing the current huge infrastructural deficit that would address a modern, efficient and competitive port system.

He said: “Nigeria’s ports are in competition. How do we make the nation a hub port and if she is sleeping, she will lose the opportunity to other neighbouring countries whose seaports are more efficient.

“Efficient port system begins from the ship side up to the time the cargo gets to gets to its destination and so the government needs to make investments that would bring about this level of efficiency”, Bello added.

Many port service users have decried the poor infrastructure, especially poor access roads and the total absence of a multi-modal transport system that connects the three major means of transportation comprising rail, road and sea, which currently inhibits efficient port operation in the country.

Some stakeholders have

therefore called for the adoption of a Public –Private sector Partnership PPP arrangement for fixing the transport infrastructure.

While insisting that he does not oppose the idea of a PPP arrangement in providing certain infrastructure, he however argued that the government has the responsibility to provide a good operating environment that would allow the industry to thrive.

He argued that with the right investment in key infrastructure upgrade coupled with the automation of port operation mechanisms by the relevant stakeholders, the nation’s seaports would attain a high level of efficiency and competitiveness among their peers.

On the negative effects of rickety and outmoded trucks on the port access roads, he noted that what government needed do is to make the right kind of investments in upgrading the multi-modal transport after which substandard vehicles would naturally be phased.

32

Business News

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Global air travel passengers’ traffic up by 5.7% in June

…as demand drops in Africa Olusegun Koiki

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he International Air Transport Association, IATA, has reported that global passenger traffic results (revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) in June year-to-year showed a 5.7 per cent increase in demand compared to June 2014.

However, the association noted that Africa recorded a two per cent decline in the review period, due to negative economic developments in parts of the continent including Nigeria, which relies heavily on oil revenues.

Capacity in the continent also slipped by 1.7 per cent and load factor dipped 0.2 per cent points to 67.1 Per cent. That was the fifth time in 2015 that passengers and load traffics would dip in the continent.

IATA however noted that the global traffic was a slowdown compared to the 6.9% year-over-year growth recorded in May, which the association attributed to the timing of Ramadan, which depressed travel demand in the Middle East.

June capacity (available seat kilometers or ASKs) climbed 6 per cent and load factor dipped 0.2 per cent points to 81.1 per cent.

The Director-General, IATA, Mr. Tony Tyler stated that June was another healthy month for

demand for air connectivity, although slower trade activity in emerging Asia-Pacific markets and the impact of the Greek debt crisis on European travel remain worrisome.

On international market traffic, IATA stated that June demand rose 5.3 per cent compared to June 2014, adding that airlines in all regions except Africa recorded growth although there was wide variation between regions.

Capacity climbed 6.0% pushing down load factor 0.5 percentage points to 80.4%.

Asia-Pacific airlines’ June traffic rose 6.8 per cent compared to the year-ago period, which was down from a 9.3 per cent rise recorded in May while capacity climbed 5.8 per cent and load factor increased 0.7 per cent points to 78.1 per cent.

Latest data showed that trade activity to and from Emerging Asia is down 8 per cent compared to the end of 2014, while China’s manufacturing sector had been struggling in recent months, accompanied by weakness in export orders, according to the financial data firm Markit.

European carriers saw demand climb 4.1 per cent in June versus June 2014, which was below the 5.7 per cent rise in traffic in May. Although business activity indi-

cators suggested that the region’s economic recovery was on track, consumer sentiment had been hampered by events in Greece including the potential consequences of the country exiting the Eurozone. Capacity rose 3.5 per cent and load factor climbed 0.4 per cent points to 84 per cent.

North American airlines experienced a 2.7 per cent increase in traffic, which was above the 2 per cent increase recorded in May. Capacity rose 2.8 per cent and load factor slipped 0.1 per cent points to 84.9%, which still was the highest among the regions.

While it is expected that the US had better economic performance in the second quarter than the first quarter, the strengthening dollar is likely to continue to put pressure on international leisure travel to the US. Middle East carriers’ June demand climbed 10.5 per cent, but this was eclipsed by a 19.5 per cent jump in capacity that caused load factor to plunge 5.7 per cent points to 74.3 per cent.

Although June traffic growth was slower than in May with 14 per cent, this was partly owing to the timing of Ramadan, which started in June this year, but occurred mostly in July in 2014.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Alibaba plans $4.6bn investment in China’s Suning

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libaba Group Holding Ltd will invest $4.6 billion in Chinese electronics retailer Suning Commerce Group Co Ltd, its biggest step yet towards integrating online and store-based shopping.

Alibaba is paying 28.3 billion yuan, $4.56 billion, for newly issued Suning shares and will ultimately hold a 19.99 percent stake. Suning will in turn invest 14 billion yuan to acquire 1.1 percent of Alibaba through the purchase of new shares, the two said in a joint statement.

The deal comes when Chinese companies, as well as the country’s top policymakers, have espoused combining offline and online sectors as a lucrative new business model.

Baidu Inc, China’s dominant Internet search provider, has said it would invest $3.2 billion over the next three years in such services, while property conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group said last month its entertainment arm would lead a $1 billion investment in a travel website.

Alibaba’s latest alliance would, in practical terms, allow its online customers to go into one of Suning’s 1,600 outlets in China to try out a product before purchasing it on Alibaba’s website using their smartphone.

Suning, which has long boasted a formidable logistics operation, would join forces with Alibaba’s distri-

bution network to deliver goods in as little as two hours, the companies said.

China’s leaders have been fleshing out a broad Internet sector strategy known as “Internet Plus” to combine online and offline industries and encourage more technology-driven, high-value economic output as the world’s second-largest economy wrestles with slowing growth.

For Alibaba, the alliance could reinforce its position against its main e-commerce rival JD.com, which has traditionally enjoyed healthy sales of electronics and gadgets. Alibaba will open a new section dedicated to Suning on its popular TMall shopping website.

Alibaba has been seeking to strengthen its electronics offerings in recent years, inking tie-ups with Gome Electrical Appliances Holding Ltd and Haier Electronics Group Co Ltd to offer home appliances online.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Alibaba Chief Executive Daniel Zhang said he would consider striking more deals with brick-and-mortar stores beyond electronics, as long as those retail chains “can bring us additional customers.”

But he maintained that Alibaba’s interest in Suning did not reflect any fundamental shift in Alibaba’s strategy toward becoming more of a physical retailer itself.

Sterling Bank ‘Plus Cash Reward’ promo’s first millionaire emerges

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, Secure ID Limited, Kurt Robert Burger; Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed; Managing Director, Secure ID Limited, Kofo Akinkugbe and Senior Special Assistant (Government House) to the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Adeyemi, during a courtesy visit by Secure ID Limited to the Governor at his Abuja residence, yesterday.

NSE, UBA bag LCCI’s corporate disclosure, agric awards Johnson Okanlawon

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he Nigerian Stock Exchange said it has received the 2015 Award for Promoting Best Practice Reporting and Corporate Disclosure from the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI. A statement by the NSE, which indicated the award was the third it received within the past month, the Director General of LCCI, Mr. Muda Yusuf, as saying that the

objective of the annual awards is to recognize, celebrate and promote private and public institutions that have exhibited the core values of best business practices.

He said that the LCCI’s Commerce and Industry Award remained a highly credible event where winners emerge through a painstaking selection process from hundreds of entries backed by feedbacks from dedicated research and market intelligence.

Commenting on the award,

the Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar N. Onyema, noted that the award highlights the positive reaction to the strong corporate governance regime place on listed companies.

He said, “We are encouraged to do more by ensuring that our listed companies continue to act in the best interest of investors thereby adding tangible value in protecting and sustaining the corporate health of the exchange and the capital market in general”.

A couple, Mr. and Mrs. Ojigwe, have jointly won N1million in the special holiday draw of the Sterling Bank Cash Reward Promo, a new proposition from the Bank.

The couple, who runs a joint account with the Bank, received the prize money at a ceremony held at the corporate headquarters of the Bank at the weekend.

Also Mr. Adams Joshua Terna who won the prize of N500, 000 in the quarterly draw also received his prize money at the event.

It would be recalled that the Bank two weeks ago rewarded 40 customers selected via an electronic raffle draw.

The New Sterling Plus is a hybrid offering with the promise of many goodies and freebies such as free Lenovo

smart phones pre-installed with Sterling Mobile banking application and loaded with ‘cool’ financial and entertainment apps and cash rewards amongst others for customers.

The promo started in June this year and was aimed at rewarding customer loyalty and encouraging a savings culture among Nigerians.

The Bank’s Executive Director, Finance & Strategy, Abubakar Suleiman said that Sterling Bank will continue to demonstrate its commitment to building an enduring relationship with its customers and in the process enrich their lives.

He explained that the presentation of the prize money was in fulfilment of the Bank’s

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

EnergyWeek Wednesday, August 12 2015

33

Dormant electricity firms hinder post privatisation gains Consumers of electricity in Nigeria were optimistic that the privatisation of Electricity Generation Companies, GENCOS and Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs will culminate in adequate and stable supply. But CHIDI UGWU here reports that the gains of privatisation are hindered by many issues, including low investment.

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ast week, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, threatened withdrawal of licenses of 27 power generation companies as penalty for their inability to meet up with terms and conditions of the agreements.

The outburst by NERC on the non-performing generation companies (Gencos), obviously indicates that the power sector reforms, which translated to the privatisation of formerly state-owned Power Holding Company of Nigeria, may be under threat.

Apparently, no nation can develop with erratic and unstable supply of electricity, because to a very large extent, the economic and industrial growth of any nation is intricately tied to its ability to constantly supply electricity. Looking back, at the onset of the democratically elected civilian administration in 1999, the Nigerian Elec-

The 10per cent GDP growth annually cannot happen until we increase the supply

in power sector.

While we will maintain the generating capacity which stands at 13, 000 megawatts

tricity Supply Industry, NESI had reached, perhaps, the lowest point in its 100 year history.

Then, of the 79 generation units owned largely by the vertically integrated publicly owned electric utility in the country, only 19 units were operational with an average daily available generation capacity of only 1,750 MW. With the last set of generation plants completed and inaugurated in 1990 and the last transmission line built in 1987, no new electricity infrastructure was built

between 1989 and 1999, while storage and maintenance culture were extremely poor.

It was also estimated that over 90 million people were without access to the national electricity transmission system; and over 50 million had to engage in costly and environmentally unfriendly private electricity generation.

Accurate and reliable estimates of systems, commercial and payment losses were reportedly unavailable, but were estimated to exceed 50per cent. Nigeria had

one of the lowest cost recovery electric power sectors with the tariff recovery put at only 30per cent of historical cost, making the sector insolvent and perennially unsustainable. Long term neglect saw this critical developmental requirement starved of investments for over 20 years.

Population growth, estimated at almost 3per cent meant that the existing capacity of power production and transmission could not cope with the increasing demand as the society became more complex and growth efforts were requiring more electricity. The unsustainability of the process of power provision model at that time saw the need for a radical reform programme that will change the shape and scope of power provision in Nigeria.

Hence, Federal Government through CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

34

Energy Week

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Dormant electricity firms hinder post privatisation gains CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 the National Council on Privatisation, NCP in 1999 constituted the Electricity Power Sector Implementation Committee, EPIC to undertake a comprehensive study and review of the entire industry in order to prepare grounds for liberalising the electricity power sector to attract private sector investment and ensure competition in the market.

Prior to the enactment of the Electricity Power Sector Reform Act, EPSRA, 2005, the Federal Government was responsible for policy formulation, regulation, operation, and investment in the Nigerian power sector. However, EPSRA Act became law in 2005, providing legal backing to the power sector reform programme, leading to the launch of the Power Sector Roadmap by former President Goodluck Jonathan in August 2010.

Subsequently, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC was reconstituted to give the required institutional support to ensure a balanced regulatory framework to protect both investors and consumers. Also, the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading, NBET was further created to provide securitisation which was seen as critical to driving power production efforts. The services of a management contractor-Manitoba Hydro International, MHI of Canada was also engaged in fulfillment of the power sector roadmap to reorganise the Transmission company of Nigeria (TCN) into technically, financially and commercially viable and market driven company. Later, Federal Government unbundled PHCN into eighteen (18) successor companies to transfer of management and financing of successor company operations to the organised private sector.

Consequently, the Federal Government handed over its assets and eighteen generation, transmission and distribution successor companies of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria to the “core investors” on Friday November 1, 2013 having successfully concluded the privatisation.

Generally, the objective of whole exercise was to achieve increased access to electricity services, improved efficiency, affordability, reliability and quality of service and greater investment in the sector to stimulate economic growth.

The new owners of the privatised companies from the unbundled PHCN, was given a target to ensure increased generation of an additional 5,000MW within the next five years. Former Vice President Namadi Sambo had during the formal handover of share certificates and licenses to the new core owners of the PHCN successor companies, emphasised that the target has been captured in the performance agreement reached with the investors.

He said: “The new owners of the generation companies are expected to build up capacity from the present levels of performance to additional 5,000MW within a period of five years. This promise has already been clearly captured in the performance agreement that the new owners have with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPE) which will be monitored by the regulator.”

But, in a recent statement signed by the Head, Public Affairs Department of NERC, Dr. Usman Abba Arabi, the regulatory agency threatened to cancel licenses

Sam Amadi Buhari

Alison-Madueke

of some 27 generations companies within 30 days after an audit exercise conducted on licensees revealed that some the licenses have been lying fallow.

According to Arabi, already 27 power generation companies have been told to provide justification why their licences should not be cancelled within the next 30 days. He added that the notice for cancellation of licensees posted on the Commission’s website on Tuesday July 28, 2015 was sequel to the discovery through an audit exercise that the affected firms could not meet the terms and conditions for their licences.

According to NERC, even though 63 generation and distribution companies rated as category one, have no issue with the Commission, about 40 other firms in categories one to four in the notice will, however, have to justify their continued ownership of their licences or get it withdrawn within the next 30 days to 12 months.

NERC noted that in category two are those licensees that have ceased operations including CET Power Projects which being promoted by West African Portland Cement Company, Ewekoro, Ogun State and Contour Global Solutions of Nigeria Bottling Company of Apapa, Lagos State.

The Commission in its notice is to immediately “start the process of cancellation of these licences in line with clause 17 of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act of 2005” which listed five conditions for cancellation of licences.

Thirteen other power generation firms in category three are “not in operations but have substantially satisfied their milestones.” These are Ethiope Energy; Supertek Nigeria; Mabon Energy; Bresson AS; Hudson Power; Knox J & L; Tower Power, Abeokuta; Zuma Energy Nigeria transferred to Itobe Coal 1, 2, 3 and 4 firms.

Others in this category are MBH Power; Delta Electric Power; Wedotebary Nigeria; Century Power Generation and Supertek Electric.

According to NERC, those in this category will “be required to satisfy their outstanding milestones and start construction within the next 12 months, failure

which the commission will commence the process for withdrawal of their licences in line with clause 18 of the NERC Application for Licences (Generation, Transmission, System Operations, Distribution and Trading) Regulations, 2009.”

Top industry stakeholders as well as operators in the sector, in separate interviews with our correspondent, said the aim of privatising the sector has not been achieved as the country was still struggling to generate 4,000 megawatts of electricity. According to them, the projection before the sector was privatised was that by the end of 2014, Nigeria would have been generating over 10,000MW, a figure that remained a mirage at the moment.

The Chairman, Society of Exploration Geophysicists, Nigeria, and former Head of Exploration, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Prof. Charles Ofoegbu, said despite the inauguration of completed power plants by the previous administration, the sector had failed to deliver adequate electricity to the citizens.

He said, “The privatisation of the power sector needs to be reviewed. The incoming government needs to do this before it can get the issue of power supply right.

We keep inaugurating power generating plants, but I had warned in the past that power supply would keep diminishing and we have discovered that we are not making progress but rather retrogressing in the sector. This is beginning to happen because we are getting shorter hours of power supply whereas we are inaugurating many distribution and generation firms.”

Ofoegbu argued that an adequate gas master plan was not implemented; a development that he noted had rubbished the privatisation exercise. He said, “The reason for this is because we did not implement an adequate gas master plan. It has not been fully implemented and you are beginning to put in place generating points on a master plan that is not implemented. Gas supply is not there. We don’t have adequate gas supply. There are some power stations that we have in this country that don’t have pipes that take gas to them”

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr. Sam Amadi, told our correspondent that the new administration of President Muhammadu Buhari would have to follow due process before it could review the privatised power sector. Amadi said, “A government that comes into power has a responsibility of making policies.

It can change policies, improve existing ones or can more vigorously pursue existing policies. So, through due process, the National Electric Power Policy, which also led to privatisation, can be reviewed by the incoming government to meet certain demands and improve the industry.”

An analyst at FBN Capital Research, Anda Ovayinoh noted that addressing the power challenge was a priority for the incoming administration. “One of the priorities for the new administration will be the power sector. The previous government broke up the former Power Holding Company of Nigeria, privatised its generation and distribution arms, and indicated that transmission could also have a future in the private sector” he said.

However, the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo disclosed at the 10th Anniversary of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Osinbajo that the government will maintain Nigeria’s current 13, 000 megawatts generating capacity, and would work to increase the transmission capacity which he said currently stands at 5, 000 megawatts. “The 10per cent GDP growth annually cannot happen until we increase the supply in power sector. While we will maintain the generating capacity which stands at 13, 000 megawatts, we must also increase the transmission capacity which currently stands at 5, 000 megawatts, without that, it doesn’t matter the number of megawatts we generate. We must improve the generating capacity and also improve the evacuating capacity. The gas is there but the infrastructure that can transmit the gas is not in place, we observe that the project has been awarded for long but not completed; we will ensure the completion of the infrastructures while we also look at the privatization of the transmission,” he said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Week

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

35

International rig count drops to 1,118 UDEME AKPAN

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rude oil and natural gas exploration has dropped following low oil prices and limited investments in different parts of the world.

The low investments in exploration is reflected in a significant drop in rig count which is usually used to observe the performance of investors.

Baker Hughes Incorporated announced that the international rig count for July 2015 was 1,118, down 28 from the 1,146 counted in June 2015, and down 264 from the 1,382 counted in July 2014.

The international offshore rig count for July 2015 was 264, down 13 from the 277 counted in June 2015, and down 72 from the 336 counted in July 2014.

The average U.S. rig count for July 2015 was 866, up 5 from the 861 counted in June 2015, and down 1,010 from the 1,876 counted in July 2014.

The average Canadian rig count for July 2015 was 183, up 54 from the 129 counted in June 2015, and down 167 from the 350 counted in July 2014.

The worldwide rig count for July 2015 was 2,167, up 31 from the 2,136 counted in June 2015, and down 1,441 from the 3,608 counted in July 2014.

The Baker Hughes Rotary Rig Counts are counts of the number of drilling rigs actively exploring for or developing oil or natural gas in the United States, Canada and international markets.

Baker Hughes has issued the rotary rig counts as a service to the petroleum industry since 1944, when Hughes Tool Company began weekly counts of US and Canadian drilling activity. Baker Hughes initiated the monthly international rig count in 1975.

North American rig count data is scheduled to be released at noon central time on

Oil vessel

the last working day of each week.

The international rig count is scheduled to be released on the 5th working day of the month at 5:00 a.m. central time.

Baker Hughes is a leading supplier of oilfield services, products, technology and systems to the worldwide oil and natural gas industry.

The company’s 49,000-plus employees today work in more than 80 countries helping customers find, evaluate, drill, produce, transport and process hydrocarbon resources.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Martin Craighead, commented, “Revenue of $4 billion for the second quarter declined 33per cent yearover-year, outperforming the 36per cent drop in the global rig count, despite incremental headwinds from deteriorating pricing and unfavorable currency changes.”

“Even though the severity of the revenue decline has compressed our margins,

we have minimized the impact by aggressively reducing costs and rightsizing our operational footprint. These actions have resulted in decremental margins of 35% compared to the prior year, a significant improvement from the prior industry downturn. Furthermore, earnings for the quarter were impacted by an unfavorable tax rate which resulted primarily from a change in the geographic mix of earnings.”

“Our focus on revenue growth in markets we expect to be more resilient in this lower commodity environment has led to significant drilling and production chemical wins in Norway, Saudi Arabia, West Africa, and the Gulf of Mexico. With our efforts on cost reductions and targeted growth, we are well positioned to manage through these difficult conditions while generating positive cash flow, reducing working capital, and improving profitability,” he added.

Total completes OML 58 projects, prioritises local content

T

otal Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited has said that it exceeded Nigerian Content targets in the execution of Oil Mining Lease 58 upgrade projects which it completed recently.

The OML 58 is located onshore Rivers State, approximately 85 kilometers North West of Port Harcourt and the upgrade projects were designed to improve oil recovery, boost gas supply for industrial and domestic use and increase deliveries to the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) while meeting the Federal Government’s Gas flare out policy.

Oil production from OML started in 1966 from Obagi field while gas production started in 1999 from Ibewa. Gas export from the facility to Bonny NLNG is through the GTS1 while oil is exported to Shell Bonny terminal through SPDC

lines at Rumuekpe.

Giving a breakdown of the project during a visit by the NCDMB media crew recently, the Project General Manager, Engr. Kayode Akiode listed the components to include the upgrade of the Ogbogu flow station, erection of a new field logistics base, construction of a new Obite Gas Treatment Centre, construction of the 42 kilometer O.U.R Pipeline from Obite to Rumuji and the construction of 50 kilometer 24inch Northern Option Pipeline (NOPL).

Listing key Nigerian Content achievements on the Obite Gas Plant and Ogbogu Flow Station, Akiode maintained that detailed engineering on the project was done by Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited and Cakasa while Carbon Steel was executed by Dormanlong Nigeria.

Another major Nigerian Content accomplishment on the project was also the Obagi pipe insulation which was executed by Deepwell Technical Nigeria led by Mr. Lawrence Ezeh.

Other Nigerian companies that executed key scopes on the projects included NEGRIS, PNL, CHIMESS and LUBROK Nigeria.

Firms like Point Engineering, DAMAGIX Nigeria, Pipe Coaters, SURVICON, Fezinar, Sanaglobe and MUDIAME were among other firms that worked on other aspects of the project.

According to the General Manager, the company set out to achieve 70 per cent Nigerian Content on the upgrade of the Ogbogu Flow Station but exceeded expectations by recording 73 per cent.

He also reported that Total targeted 78 per cent on the O.U.R Pipeline but

Commodity

Units

Price

Change

% Change

Time(ET)

Crude Oil (WTI)

USD/bbl.

45.30

-1.82

-3.86%

13:15:08

Crude Oil (Brent)

USD/bbl.

49.79

-2.42

-4.64%

13:15:08

TOCOM Crude Oil

JPY/kl

39,910.00

-1,520.00

-3.67%

13:14:54

NYMEX Natural Gas

USD/MMBtu

2.72

+0.00

+0.04%

13:14:54

Source: Bloomberg as at August 3, 2015

achieved 79 per cent while it accomplished 91 per cent Nigerian Content on the Northern Option Pipeline (NOPL) as against the target of 89 per cent.

The OML 58 upgrade project also sponsored and trained 247 Nigerian youths in diverse areas including machining, welding, instrumentation, pipe welding and pipe fitting, with 42 of them getting their training in Norway and Namibia.

In its determination to develop its host communities on the back of the project, Akiode said Total E&P signed 25 memorandum of understanding. The highlight of the MoU is that the members of the community constituted 100 per cent of unskilled labour that worked on the project, 60 per cent of semi-skilled labour and 40 per cent of skilled personnel.

The company also committed to train over 100 community personnel on welding, and fitting, scaffolding and other specialised skills.

He put the number of contracts awarded to community contractors at 2,743 even as he said that steady power supply to its primary host communities-Egi has been provided free since 2005 at the an-

36

Energy Week

NCDMB inaugurates Bell Oil facility

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he Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Denzil Kentebe on Wednesday in Port Harcourt commissioned Bell Oil & Gas glassfibre spooling facility, which is reputed to be the first of its kind in Africa and worth about $4m.

The facility manufactures pipes with diverse bends and angles, delivering liquids to various outlets at different temperatures and pressures, hence cannot be manufactured in conventional pipe mills.

Spools which are forms of Glassfibre Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) pipes, believed to be resistant to corrosion because they do not have metal as part of its composition and can handle pressure up to 3500 pound per square inch (psi) and temperatures of up to 121 degrees centigrade.

Speaking at the occasion, the Executive Secretary commended Bell Oil & Gas for the investment, which came on the back of the Board’s Nigerian Content Equipment Component Manufacturing and Certification (NCEC) program commenced under the leadership of the pioneer Executive Secretary, Dr. Ernest Nwapa.

He described the NCEC initiative as laudable, pledging that the Board under his leadership will continue to implement the framework and other programs geared towards encouraging investments and establishment of facilities in Nigeria.

Speaking further, Kentebe noted that such facilities contribute to the Board’s vision to use Nigerian Content as a vehicle to industrialize Nigeria and create employment and training opportunities for qualified Nigerians.

He stressed that the strategic focus of the Board is to create shop floors that will train and empower Nigerians in all sectors of the industry, adding that NCDMB will continue to promote hands-on training opportunities in manufacturing, engineering, fabrication, marine, subsea, drilling and well services and all other activities across the value chain.

In his welcome address, the Managing Director of Bell Oil & Gas, Mr. Kayode Thomas explained that the company blazed the trail in the installation of GRE pipes in Nigeria since 2004 on Bonga floating production, storage and offloading platform.

He announced plans by the company to take on complex projects, become certified to train and certify other trainers and make Nigeria the West African hub for GRE pipes.

Wednesday, July 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NERC, SON sign MoU on safety standards in electricity sector UDEME AKPAN

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igerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC and Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON has signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at boosting power supply in the nation.

The Chief Executive Officers of the two Federal Government regulatory agencies signed on behalf of their respective organisations at a brief ceremony held at the headquarters of the NERC in Abuja.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi said, “The law requires that we ensure electricity is safe, adequate and reliable. You cannot talk of reliability and safety without standard” and SON is reputed for setting standard.

“We have areas of collaboration beyond signing of this MOU which has been going on for some years now. This MOU is to build on that collaborative effort.

“We have been experiencing increase in electricity supply lately and we only hope that the trend will continue. We do not want to see the downside of that increase, we therefore need to set safety and reliability standards,” Amadi said.

In his comment, the Director General of SON Dr., Joseph Odumodu said that “Nigerians living in Nigeria should be safe as any other

person living in any other part of the world. We are not there yet but we shall get there. We are beginning to see the benefits of standardisation in the electricity supply industry.”

Parties in the MOU are to “ensure compliance and enforcement of approved technical standards and government policies of standardisation of quality products; size and destroy substandard or defective goods” in the electricity market.

Parties in the MOU also agreed “to preserve and promote the enforcement of already existing standards established by SON.” The two organisations are to set up a six-man committee with three members from each of the organisations to give effect to the objects of the MOU. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued an Order imposing financial penalties on any electricity distribution company that rejects electricity allotted it by the System Operators (SO).

This is especially when there is no notification ahead of such rejection.

Order number NERC 139 entitled “Order on the Imbalance Application Mechanism during the Transitional Electricity Market” was issued on account of high incidence of non-compliance with load allocation formular by distribution companies who reject loads allotted them by the SO. Nigerian Electricity Supply Indus-

try (NESI) operates on the basis of a sharing formula approved by NERC, which the SO uses to allocate generated electricity to the distribution companies (DISCOs), many of which are lately rejecting allocation.

Rejection of load allocation besides causing imbalance in the system is preventing electricity consumers from realising the maximum benefit of the recent increase in the electricity generation. Electricity generation in the country about two weeks ago notched 4,600 megawatts threshold.

Joseph Odumodu As a hold back on this trend, NERC in the Order said, “Where network. a distribution company has a conGiving an insight into the backstraint on its network that will make ground of the Order which became it unable to receive load, the DISCO effective over the weekend, the Comshall declare such constraint to the mission’s Chairman, Dr. Sam AmaSO a day ahead. Where a DISCO fails di said it was aimed at eliminating to give the required notice, it will be imbalance and make Nigerians have penalised.” maximum impact of the improveBesides, “Every DISCO is obliment in the generating capacity and gated to receive load as directed by to also incentivise operators to invest the SO, even beyond its statutorily in their network to take more power. allocated load at any time. This addiAmadi said most of the distributional load will not attract penalty. In tion and the transition companies allocating additional load to distribuhave been using inadequacy of election companies, the SO shall take cognisance of historical data on distribu- tricity supply as an excuse not to tion company’s ability to take power strengthen their networks and “the new threshold of power generation beyond their location.”

However, the Transmission Com- has exposed this weakness in their pany of Nigeria will be sanctioned if networks and we (NERC) have that rejection of load allocation is caused responsibility to force them to invest by constraint in the transmission in their networks.”

NNPC raises alarm over false facebook account UDEME AKPAN

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he Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC has drawn the attention of members of the public especially stakeholders in the global oil and gas industry to the existence of a spurious facebook account purportedly belonging to its newly appointed Group Managing Director, Dr. Emmanuel Kachikwu.

The NNPC noted that the said facebook account which bears the photograph and name of the GMD

Kachukwu

is the creation of some nondescript internet fraudsters bent on exploiting the personae and the office of the new GMD to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

According to the NNPC, the scammers have been using the fake FB page to send all manners of scam letters and phantom contract deals cum cash solicitations to some highly placed contacts within and outside the oil and gas industry. ``While we explore all options to arrest this menace, we wish to advise members of the public to disregard any such FB page purportedly belonging to the GMD of NNPC as he does not operate any Facebook account.’’

Already, Kachikwu, has appealed to friends and well-wishers to stop placing congratulatory adverts on him in the media.

Kachikwu said he sees his appointment as a serious national assignment that does not require the frivolity of congratulatory adverts and the celebration they connote.

He said he would rather appreciate that friends and well-

wishers support him with their prayers for divine guidance to carry out the onerous task ahead.

Under his leadership, NNPC has concluded plans to put 90 per capacity utilisation at the end of its ongoing Turn around maintenance of the nation’s four refineries.

The Group General Manager Services, of the Corporation, Mr. Abubakar Muhammed gave the assurance at the ongoing 4-day International conference of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and exhibitions in Lagos.

Muhammed indicated that of the 90 per cent production capacity of the country’s output crude production; about 40 per cent would be on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) which is known as petroleum.

He said that additional refineries would be expected at the long and short term to increase the country’s refining capacity and domestic consumption.

Muhammed intimated that the Federal Government was committed to the gas development and revive of gas infrastructure.

He said that the nation was in need of renovation and Petroleum

Industry Bill (PIB) that would define the country future oil and gas production and generation.

“The PIB has been in the pipeline for 15 years. We are hopeful that the present legislature will address the bill,” he said.

He said that crude oil theft had been a major challenged in the country, adding that the decline has been impacted on the on the average sale of government equity crude, with an average joint venture cash call budget of about $600 million per month.

“This comes at a time when the cash call budget has remained unattainable in the last few years.

Management of funding is our most immediate challenge and innovative financing approach is currently being developed to address the issue.”

“Another challenge is the development of shale oil in Nigeria’s largest market US, this has forced Nigeria to look for alternative market in Asia. Despite these challenges we are focusing on strategic realignment of our crude oil exports to graphically and more direct and user transactions in sustainable markets.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Week

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

NEITI restates reform imperative in extractive sector

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he Executive Secretary of Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, Mrs. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed has solicited the support of the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai towards the implementation of findings and recommendations contained in NEITI Audit reports.

She described issues thrown up in the reports which have remained unimplemented as “an unfortunate recurring decimal”.

Ahmed made the call when she led a delegation of NEITI management on a courtesy visit to the Governor in Kaduna.

The visit was part of a planned sensitization programme for key officers in the new administration on the principles, methods and benefits of Nigeria’s membership of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, EITI. She said that data from the NEITI Audit reports show that Nigeria lost about 160 million barrels of crude oil valued at $13.7 billion to crude oil theft from 2009-2012.

The records she said was gotten from three international oil

companies; Shell Production and Development Company, Nigerian Agip Oil Company and Chevron Nigeria Limited.

The NEITI Executive Secretary disclosed that over 4.8 trillion naira has been expended by Government on subsidy payments alone.

Ahmed lamented that the scheme which was designed to benefit the ordinary Nigerian has become a drain pipe of government revenue by a few privileged individuals through all forms of manipulation and corrupt practices.

The Executive Secretary informed the Governor that between 2009-2012, Nigeria lost about $1.1Billion to crude oil and product swap, while NLNG dividends paid to NNPC to the tune of $11.6Billion is yet to be remitted to the Federation Account.

She further disclosed that from the NEITI 2012 Report, Nigeria spent over $7Billion on Joint Venture Cash Calls with international oil companies.

She conveyed NEITI’s position that the Federal Government should divest its shares in the Joint Ventures, incorporate the Joint Ventures and/or transit

them to other types of operating arrangements like the Production Sharing Contracts.

Ahmed joined the calls for the unbundling of the NNPC and commercialization of the new sub business units to free the Corporation from regulatory functions.

On NEITI’s recent Audit that examined how states disburse and use revenues accruing to them from their share of the Federation Account, the Executive Secretary told Governor El-Rufia that what NEITI found was that most states in Nigeria have over the years depended on oil revenues and did little or nothing to generate revenues internally.

“The country and the states are over reliant on oil revenues.

They have neglected the huge potentials abundant within. Some states have as little as 3per cent internally generated revenue, carry a huge recurrent expenditure and deploy very little to capital and social services like education, health care and security. What we saw from the report of the nine of the states sampled are shocking”.

Ahmed said that the report will benefit Kaduna State and is in line

Ahmed

with the philosophy of the EITI which believes that “when the citizenry are able to ask how revenues from their natural resources are used, then accountability has been achieved.”

Ahmed said that the NEITI Audit reports of the oil and gas sector covering years 1999-2012, the Fiscal Allocation and Statutory Disbursement Audit findings and recommendations covering years 20072011 and the Solid Minerals sector Audit that spanned years 2007-2012 contain a wealth of information that further informs the need for urgent and speedy reforms of the extractive sector in Nigeria.

Miners intensify mining sector revival drive CHIDI UGWU

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igerian Society of Mining Engineers, NSME has concluded plans targeted at assisting the government to revive the mining sector.

The chairman, Central Planning Committee, Engr. Gallio E. Dagu and Chairman, Fund Raising Sub-Committee, Prof.

Stephen J. Mallo maintained in

Miners

a statement that this would be done through it planned conference on, “Resurgence of the Mining Industry: a Key to Revival of Nigerian Economy.”

“The Society aims to professionally address the theme and put forward specific recommendations before the Federal Government to further enhance the contribution to the policies already

initiated and formulate strategies to put the Mining industry in its rightful position as major contributor to the Country’s GDP.” Dagu and Mallo indicated that the Nigerian Society of Mining Engineers, NSME, an organization that brings together all practicing Mining and Mineral Processing Engineers from all over the country will be holding its 15th Annual General Meeting/Conference in Jos from 3rd to 6th November, 2015.

They added that it will be hosted by the Jos Zonal Chapter which comprises Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States with Headquarter in Jos, Plateau State.

The National President, Miners Association of Nigeria, Sani Shehu, said that the Miners Microfinance Bank for small-scale miners would no longer be established this year, as earlier proposed.

Shehu added that the proposed bank would begin operations before the end of 2016.

According to him, the proposed bank owned by the association, which is meant to cater for the small-scale miners,

will no longer be completed this year, as scheduled.

“The bank is still in process; it will no longer start operation this year as proposed because when the idea was conceived, the association thought it could be formalised in just two months.

“At a recent meeting we had with our consultant handling the project, he indicated that there were procedures to be taken; hopefully, it will now commence operation before the end of 2016,’’ he said.

Shehu said the establishment of the bank would cover the funding gap in the nation’s mining sector, adding that smallscale miners carried out about 90 per cent of the mining activities in the country.

He said the terms and conditions of the bank’s loans would be favourable as the interest rate and loan repayment terms will be different from that of the conventional banks.

Shehu, however, added that the bank would be supported through multiple windows, saying that investors would be involved in the bank to enable it to generate some interest from its operations.

37

BP’s profit drops to $1.3 bn as low crude oil prices persist

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he second quarter profit of British Petroleum has dropped from $2.6 billion to $1.3 billion following the prolonged lull of the global market.

The company maintained in its latest report that the result reflected the impact of continued low oil and gas prices, a reduced contribution from Rosneft, and one-off charges arising from circumstances in Libya, but also continuing strong earnings from BP’s downstream businesses and lower cash costs throughout the Group.

It indicated that the company had reached agreements in principle to settle all outstanding federal and state claims and claims made by more than 400 local government entities arising from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, an additional non-operating pretax charge of $9.8 billion was included in the result for the second quarter.

The company maintained that as a result of this charge, together with other non-operating items and fair value accounting effects, BP reported a replacement cost loss for the quarter of $6.3 billion.

Bob Dudley, BP’s Group Chief Executive, said: “The external environment remains challenging, but BP moved quickly in response and we continue to do so. Our work to increase efficiency and reduce costs is embedding sustainable benefits throughout the Group and we continue with capital discipline and divestments.”

In the second quarter the Brent crude price averaged $62 a barrel, compared with $54 a barrel in the first quarter and $110 a barrel in 2Q 2014. In the third quarter to date, the price has averaged [$58] a barrel.

“In the past few weeks oil prices have fallen back in response to continued oversupply and market weakness and the recent agreements regarding Iran. I am confident that positioning BP for a period of weaker prices is the right course to take, and will serve the company well for the future,” said Dudley.

BP also today announced a quarterly dividend of 10 cents per ordinary share, expected to be paid in September.

BP’s operating cash flow in the second quarter was $6.3 billion.

This compares with $7.9 billion a year earlier.

Organic capital expenditure in the quarter was $4.5 billion, bringing the total for the first half of the year to $8.9 billion.

Full year organic capital expenditure is now expected to be below $20 billion. BP has also now agreed $7.4 billion of divestments towards the current $10 billion divestment programme.

38

Energy Week

Shell to sell stake in Tongyi lubricants

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hell has signed an agreement to sell its 75per cent stake in Tongyi Lubricants in China to Huo’s Group and The Carlyle Group.

The transaction is expected to complete by late 2015 or early 2016, subject to regulatory approvals.

Tongyi, a joint venture between Shell and Huo’s Group, is a prominent Chinese lubricant supplier with blending plants in Beijing, Xianyang of Shaanxi province and Wuxi of Jiangsu province.

Shell acquired its 75per cent stake from Huo’s Group in 2006. The sale is consistent with Shell’s strategy to concentrate its downstream footprint on a smaller number of assets and markets where it can be most competitive.

Shell is committed to growing its lubricants business in China through strong relationships with distributors, collaboration with key vehicle and equipment manufacturers, and the sale of premium products across all sectors.

In June 2015, Shell opened a new lubricants blending plant in Tianjin with the capacity to produce 330 million litres of finished lubricants per year, enough to fill more than 65 million cars.

Other recent downstream divestments include the sale of downstream businesses in Australia and Italy; a number of retail sites in the UK, and the initial public offering of, and further drop downs to, Shell Midstream Partners L.P. Shell has also agreed the sale of its marketing business in Denmark and Norway and its LPG businesses in France. In July 2015, Shell announced the sale of its shareholding in Showa Shell in Japan to Idemitsu.

Early this year, the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc (Shell), had also completed the assignment of its interest in oil mining lease (OML) 29 and the Nembe Creek Trunk Line (OML29 and NCTL) and related facilities in the Eastern Niger Delta.

Its interests in OML29 and the Nembe Creek Trunk Line were assigned to Aiteo Eastern E&P Company Limited. Total cash proceeds for Shell amount to some $1.7 billion.

This divestment is part of the strategic review of SPDC’s onshore portfolio and is in line with the Federal Government of Nigeria’s aim of developing Nigerian companies in the country’s upstream oil and gas business.

Shell has been in Nigeria for more than 50 years and remains committed to keeping a long-term presence there – both onshore and offshore. Through SPDC and its other Nigerian companies, Shell responsibly produces the oil and gas needed to help fuel the economic and industrial growth that generates wealth for the nation and jobs for Nigerians.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria requires 10,844mw to close demand gap UDEME AKPAN

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he Federal Government needs additional 10,844 megawatts, mw of electricity to meet domestic demand.

The latest report of the Presidential Task Force on Power showed that the nation currently generates 3,785.74mw of power.

This showed that it needs to generate additional 10,844mw in order to meet the nation’s estimated 14,630mw.

Investigations showed that the shortfall would not likely be generated in a short and medium term because of many challenges, especially inadequate funding.

Meanwhile, NERC has issued an Order imposing financial penalties on any electricity distribution company that rejects electricity allotted it by the System Operators (SO).

Order number NERC 139 entitled “Order on the Imbalance Application Mechanism during the Transitional Electricity Market” was issued on account of high incidence of non-compliance with load allocation formular by distribution companies who reject loads allotted them by the SO.

Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, NESI operates on the basis of a sharing formula approved

by NERC, which the SO uses to allocate generated electricity to the distribution companies (DISCOs), many of which are lately rejecting allocation.

Rejection of load allocation besides causing imbalance in the system is preventing electricity consumers from realising the maximum benefit of the recent increase in the electricity generation. Electricity generation in the country about two weeks ago notched 4,600 megawatts threshold.

NERC in the Order indicated, “Where a distribution company has a constraint on its network that will make it unable to receive load, the DISCO shall declare such constraint to the SO a day ahead. Where a DISCO fails to give the required notice, it will be penalised.”

“Every DISCO is obligated to receive load as directed by the SO, even beyond its statutorily allocated load at any time. This additional load will not attract penalty. In allocating additional load to distribution companies, the SO

Transformer

shall take cognisance of historical data on Distribution Company’s ability to take power beyond their location.”

The Transmission Company of Nigeria will be sanctioned if rejection of load allocation is caused by constraint in the transmission network.

The Commission’s Chairman, Dr. Sam Amadi said it was aimed at eliminating imbalance and make Nigerians have maximum impact of the improvement in the

generating capacity and to also incentivise operators to invest in their network to take more power.

Amadi said most of the distribution and the transition companies have been using inadequacy of electricity supply as an excuse not to strengthen their networks and “the new threshold of power generation has exposed this weakness in their networks and we (NERC) have that responsibility to force them to invest in their networks.”

FG to bar marketers from fuel importation CHIDI UGWU

WITH AGENCY REPORT

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he Federal Government is putting structures in place to ensure that only the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) would henceforth import petroleum products, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has informed.

Emefiele, who spoke in an interview with Financial Times of London recently, said that the president actually promised to work very hard to reduce importation of petroleum products by ensuring that

Fuel tanker

Nigeria’s refineries work.

According to Emefiele, “The president came on board and said that we will work very hard to reduce importation of petroleum products by ensuring that our refineries work. Our refineries are working now. Warri and Port Harcourt have started producing, they have not obtained the optimal capacity but they will. Kaduna refinery will start working this month.

“Now, there are other actions that the presidency is putting in place to ensure that we reduce importation of petroleum products where the NNPC will solely be responsible for procuring refined petroleum.”

“Those who are importing petroleum products will only just need to go to the NNPC and pick up petroleum products. So in that area I would say that we are already moving in the direction of reducing the import of petroleum products. And we will achieve it.”

“As the President is making efforts to recoup stolen oil revenues which he said were deposited in banks, the CBN boss said the issue is still being looked at, assuring that “as the central bank, we will also assist in drilling them once we get to that stage, and we will be happy to have that money back because it will improve our reserves,” he said.

He added that there are other leakages that are being blocked that are expected to improve the country’s foreign reserves position, explaining that although the Treasury Single Account is a policy that was being pursued before President Buhari assumed office, it is now more vigorous.

“It means that all revenuegenerating agencies are compelled that once they receive the revenues, the revenues must come to the centre, and that

means those revenues will come to the Central Bank of Nigeria.”

“We had instances where some of those revenues were trapped outside the central bank. The president came on and he insisted that all revenues come to the centre and that’s what we are saying, and it’s the reason why you are seeing some improvements in the reserves position,” he noted.

Emefiele maintained that the CBN is closing the gap between the parallel market and the inter-bank rate, stressing: “The gap is closing and I imagine that foreign investors should be happy that we are doing everything possible to close the gap.

Based on that, they will believe us when we say that the parallel market is a shallow market, and that there is no need to use the parallel market as the benchmark for determining the real value of our currency.”

Latest data by the CBN on Sunday, showed that external reserves stood at $31.522 billion as of August 5, 2015, representing a month-on-month increase of about $1.973 billion or 6.67 per cent, compared to the $29.548 billion level on July 6.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Industry & SMEs

39

FIIRO partners Epina on ceramics production development ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

T

he Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, FIIRO, has entered into a formal agreement with Epina Technogies Limited to collaborate on the development of ceramics production in Nigeria.

This is an effort to make the economic diversification of the country a reality at a faster pace as the two organisations are set to empower the small and medium business operators along ceramics value-chain.

Speaking at the signing of Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between the two organisations, the Director General/CEO of FIIRO, Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Elemo, said the synergy of the duo organisations was a solution to the economic development of the country as the signing of an MOU between the institute and Epina Technologies was coming up at the crucial time of the nation’s quest for new and innovative technologies that would create the path to alternative resources and economic growth.

According to her, the duo, being technological solution providing agents, were in the position to upgrade the Nigerian industrial sector with the right equipment and technological know-how provided by the institutes.

She said: “It is of utmost interest to note that while FIIRO pursues excellence in food science, post harvest process technologies, including our other deep core mandates and interests, Epina Technologies commands Top level expertise in solid minerals, ceramics, metallurgical and human capacity development with national and international reach which is also among the interest of the institute.

“Therefore, I see the coming together today, to sign an MOU between the two establishments as a major step in taking the relationship further to enable us work together to identify the key sectors and areas in which both organizations can collaborate successfully.”

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Epina Techologies Limited, Prof. Patrick Oaikhinan, who noted the current economic challenge facing the country, said there was the need for collaborations among capable agents if the country must surmount its economic predicaments.

According to him, their challenge is to improve domestic manufacturing business/trade so that the country can attract investment, provide employment opportunities, and facilitate technology transfer and skills building.

He said that tough times were for the two collaborative organisations to get together and not use the current cli-

WE ARE ALL WELL AWARE OF THE CURRENT, ECONOMIC DIFFICULTIES PRESENT WITHIN OUR NATION AND THIS MEANS THAT WE NEED TO GET EXTRA CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS mate as a negative block but rather an energizing spring board for new ideas with this collaboration.

“We are all well aware of the current, economic difficulties present within our nation and this means that we need to get extra creative and innovative solutions. There is a change in the weather ahead for all businesses. It is one being shaped and swirled by the changing winds and tides of human demographics and markets. It will affect every business- and will threaten the

very survival of many. We will quite literally, need all hands on deck if our businesses are to survive. We’ve got to face the challenge of embracing diversity. Any business hoping to survive and thrive should be listening, collaborating and acting now.

“Under the new dispensation in Nigeria today, collaboration is going to be an essential facet of every business wishing to succeed. In turn it will bring that business greater adaptability and flexibility. It will mean that the

business is in a position to attract the best talent from a range of groups. It will mean potentially vast savings in hiring personnel and training/retraining. it will mean an expanded marker share of local and global business it will mean increased sales and profit. It will mean a happier ship with its sails full of wind.

“As we embrace collaboration today, our workforce will be different to the ones we’ve known before. It is time that we prepared for the future that is in store. We have got to have an open mind be prepared to do our research and we will find that our businesses will grow.

We are more ready to move forward with this exciting new collaboration,” Oaikhinan declared.

He promised that his company and FIIRO would be more than ready to support the government in the expansion of the economy through industrial production by adding value to raw materials, development of high quality human resource, and promotion of regional and international trade in manufacturing business, particularly in ceramics manufacturing business.

This, as he said, would help to pace small and medium ceramics manufacturing businesses, sensitise investors and traders, link local ceramics producers and promote cooperative development.

He further said that the company was aware that improving domestic trade and attracting investment in the ceramics industry was a major issue for nearly all including the government, adding that acting together with FIIRO, the results of development of value chain drivers in order to engender inclusive growth and aid job creation in Nigeria would be achieved.

Africa needs foreign investments to boost local capacity ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

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frican continent would require the support of foreign investors to realise its potential as the existing local capital capacity is insufficient to drive the opportunities in infrastructure development, agriculture and manufacturing, among others.

The Executive Director, Sahara Group, Mr. Tonye Cole has said adding that the continent offers huge opportunities for investors despite misconceptions about African over the years due to lack of firsthand experience.

Noting that investors were generally risk cautious and these misconceptions about Africa were stereotypes, which were not completely in tune with reality, Cole said in reality, the opportunities in Africa were endless, while the continent boasted of profound endowment in culture, human

and natural resources.

He added that it has since emerged as the last frontier with the potential for sustainable growth and development.

According to him, the foundation for attracting such offshore support would be a demonstrable and sustainable capacity to establish and abide by global governance codes in African economies.

He stated that to ensure attract patronage for the investment opportunities presented by Africa, ethical local partners and experts who have an in-depth understanding of the terrain and robust governance systems is required.

He added that there was need for the local partners to work with investors to review the policies, processes and procedure that govern the industries in other to create the necessary and required environment for new investors.

“With continuing reforms in place, in-

vestor engagement in prospective projects and policy reviews, the financial challenges that threaten investments will, to a large extent, be resolved, thereby attracting more foreign direct investment, FDI, in supporting proposed viable ventures and also creating an environment that fosters trust and security for investors,” he added.

Cole noted that the continent also has to enhance its information database to facilitate accurate projections on returns in the process of investor commissioned due diligence and feasibility studies before investment.

Experts say regardless of the perception about Africa, the continent remains the only part of the world where investors can make up to 20 per cent returns on investment. This is because the market allows for investors to come in and play in markets which offer reviews in regulations to suit their investment portfolios.

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Woman’s bra saves her from hunter’s stray bullet

A

female cyclist’s underwire bra may have saved her from lifethreatening injuries after a hunter accidentally shot her.

The 41-year-old tourist was riding across a field with her husband when she unknowingly rolled into a boar hunt, German newspaper Gadebusch-Rehnaer reported Friday. During a break, the woman felt a sudden sharp pain in her chest, soon realizing the underwire from her bra deflected a bullet.

The couple immediately alerted the alleged shooter of

the accident after he was spotted at a neighbouring farm.

“Those in charge of the hunt broke it up straight away” area police spokesperson Andre Falke said.

The shooter is reportedly being investigated on suspicion of injury caused by negligence.

This isn’t the first report of the undergarment blocking a potentially deadly bullet. In Feb., a Brazilian woman’s life was saved when her black underwire bra stopped a stray round from hitting her in the heart.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

Taxi company pranks customers with three-year-old driver T he British company behind taxisummoning smartphone app Hailo pranked customers by making it appear that a 3-year-old boy was driving a cab.

The video, posted to Hailo’s official YouTube channel, features the toddler sitting on the lap of an actual driver disguised to look like part of the

front seat of the taxi.

The reactions from customers ranged from laughter to bewildered concern.

Hailo said the prank

video was created to celebrate the company’s “3rd birthday.”

“We’ve just turned 3!

To celebrate we thought we’d have a little fun

with our customers by introducing them to the youngest driver in the world, our very own 3 year old taxi driver,” the video’s description reads.

Cannabis residue found on pipes in Shakespeare’s garden

S

outh African researchers announced they found cannabis residue on pipe fragments found in William Shakespeare’s garden.

Francis Thackeray, an anthropologist at Johannesburg’s University of the Witwatersrand and the lead author of the study published in the South African Journal of Science, said he and his

team used gas chromatography mass spectrometry to analyze residue found on 24 pipe fragments from the bard’s hometown of Stratford-Upon-Avon, England, and cannabis residue was discovered on four fragments taken from Shakespeare’s garden.

The team said cannabis residue was found on four other fragments excavated

from elsewhere in the town and evidence of Peruvian cocaine was found on two other pipes that were not discovered on Shakespeare’s property.

All of the pipe fragments were more than 400 years old, dating from around the playwright’s lifetime. The items studied by the researchers were on loan from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

A 3-year-old boy “drives” a cab on the lap of the actual driver, who is disguised as a seat.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Regina Otokpa

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he newly appointed Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Danbatta has pledged his commitment to improved quality of service in the telecom industry.

Danbatta takes over the reins of leadership in acting capacity pending confirmation by the Senate, from Dr. Eugene Juwah who was absent during the handover ceremony held behind closed doors at the NCC headquarters in Abuja.

The new EVC during

Civil Service 41

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

New NCC boss pledges commitment to improved service delivery his first visit and formal ceremony had said he would as soon as e settles down to the task ahead, tackle the challenges of poor quality of service and other issues confronting the industry.

According to him, close attention would be paid to affordability, accessibility and availability of service to Nigerian consumers within the available resources even as he promised to maintain the edge which the commission

has over other regulatory agencies in the African continent.

He said: ‘‘I also want to pledge improved quality of service, affordability, accessibility and availability for the Nigerian public we are serving. ‘‘We will be focused and be consistent with high quality of service and embark on exposing the Commission to international best practice, training and building capacity of staff.’’

Noting the challenges

in the telecom industry, the professor of electronics engineering while calling for support and cooperation of his new staff in order to succeed in the task ahead, stressed that the challenges were not insurmountable given the application of resources available to the Commission. ‘‘I will bring to bear the resources available to the Commission and use it judiciously for better service delivery.

“We will judiciously use the resources of the commission to ensure that we maintain this position in a manner that will enhance the image and prestige of the Commission as well as serve as a reminder to government of the important role that this agency can play in improving the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“This, we can only do if all of us live up to our responsibilities as ambassadors of the commission, and in these I urge everybody’s cooperation to enable us accomplish this very important task for the country,” Until his appointment, Danbatta was the acting Vice-Chancellor of Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil. He had served as a lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering, Bayero University Kano for 28 years where he taught courses in telecommunications

engineering and electronics and also held academic positions of Dean of the faculty and Head of Department at different intervals.

He had served as vice president of the NCC owned Digital Bridge Institute and also served two terms of five years as a member of Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), where he is a registered engineer and member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).

The new NCC boss was born in Danbatta local government council of Kano State; he obtained his Bachelor of Engineering, Master Of Science and Ph. D degrees from the Technical University of Wroclaw in Poland and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology in the United Kingdom respectively.

NIMASA DG urged to engage stakeholders to implement reforms Adeola Tukuru, ABUJA L-R: Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Dr. Bridget Okuguale; Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, Dr. Paul Orhii and Vice President, Global Health Initiatives Programme, Dr. Patrick Lukulay, during a stakeholders’ forum to disseminate antimalarial medicines quality in Nigeria, in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

FRSC boss urges motorists to embrace safety enlightenment programmes Chidi Ugwu, ABUJA

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orps Marshal and Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi has cautioned motorists in the country to embrace enlightenment programmes on road safety to reduce road traffic crashes.

Oyeyemi who made the call recently at a book launch entitled, “The potency of public enlightenment on road crash reduction in Nigeria” in Abuja, said that various enlightenments efforts by the FRSC were to keep the roads safer for all users.

The FRSC boss, who was represented at the occasion by the Assistant Corps Marshal, Head, Policy Research and Statistics in the

commission, Kayode Olagunju, noted that the book would go a long way to educate both the young and the old on road safety.

He said that FRSC, a knowledge-based organisation, have many publications where they share knowledge with road users and other stakeholders in road transportation sector to ensure safety and sanity on the nation’s roads.

According to him, “There are road signs on our roads and we also talk to road users through various sensitisation programmes and literature for them to know what they should do and what they shouldn’t do while on the road.”

On the issue of the activities of the pirates in the country, the Corp Marshal urged members

of the public not to patronise pirated copies, saying that would discourage those involved to stop.

He also called on the government and the regulatory authorities to the arrest and persecutes all those that are into the business of pirating books and other products to serve as deterrent to others.

Speaking, President, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Dr Rotimi Oladele, who was also represented

by Mr. Remi Adeniran, Deputy Registrar of the institute, urged public to buy the book, saying that the book would be useful to the entire public.

He suggested the translation of the book into Pidgin English and some local languages in order to capture larger members of Nigerian

public who could not read the general English language.

The Chairman of the occasion, Mr. David Fadairo, urged the public especially, the motorists to consider the book as a guide to safety of lives and property on the roads.

The author of the book, a Superintendent Route Commander in FRSC Ohaeri Osondu, said he was inspired by the numbers of the participants and the need to share experience with general public on how the roads could be safer.

Osondu further said that volunteers from communities should be encouraged so that the commission could further reduce its response time to accident scenes which currently stands at 15-minute.

T

he Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) Director of Mass Media and Mobilisation, Comrade Felix Adadu has urged the Acting Director General of the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency ((NIMASA), Mr Haruna Baba Jauro, to as a matter of urgency engage stakeholders in the sector to drive the on-going reforms in the sector.

Adadu ,in a press statement yesterday said the restructuring and reorganisation currently going on in NIMASA is in line with the new direction being charted for the country.

While describing Jauro’s appointment as based on best standard practice of civil service seniority and basic international conventions, described the changes he has brought about at NIMASA as a welcome development.

“The fresh direction initiated at NIMASA by Mr Haruna Jauro is in line with the change agenda of President Muhammadu

Buhari and he should therefore remain courageous, resolute and confident in discharging his duty.

“We salute him for his initiatives to overhaul the whole system and rid the place of corrupt element that have perpetrated sharp practices that negatively affected the maritime sector and the economy.

“The clean-up needed at NIMASA is unprecedented and can only be achieved by a dispassionately resolute leadership given the magnitude of rot that has permeated the organisation.” The statement said.

The group further urged the Acting DG not to shy away from tackling policies that are inimical to the effective performance of the agency as some of them might have come into being under a system that favour patronage over practicality.

It also noted that Jauro should put structures in place to block or minimise potentials for corruption in NIMASA while calling on stakeholders in the sector to rally round him in rebuilding and repositioning the agency for optimum service delivery.

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PTDF mandate critical to oil, gas industry, says Chalker Chidi Ugwu, ABUJA

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he co-ordinator, Nigeria’s Honorary International Investor Council, Baroness Linda Chalker has said the mandate of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund in building capacity for the oil and gas industry is critical to the survival of the Industry and for maximising the benefits of the oil and gas resource in Nigeria.

Linda Chalker, who in the last 30 years has been canvassing for new investments into Africa, visited PTDF Corporate Office for a courtesy call on the Executive Secretary, Femi Ajayi.

“Unless you build capacity you would not get the best out of your industry, and it doesn’t matter whether it’s in the oil industry or any other industry, Capacity building helps government to make better use of their resources” she noted.

Chalker argued however that for such trainings to be meaningful, and sustainable, the trainees must be effectively engaged and made to practice the skills they acquired in the course of their training.

“When you train people, you want them after the period of training to go on using that training , and you would only per-

suade a funder of training to bring in more people in if they are going to go on using the best outcomes of that training” she added.

On whether the international oil companies who are in joint venture partnership with the Federal Government in the development of the nation’s oil resources should be compelled to employ Nigerian professionals trained by PTDF, Baroness Linda Chalker cautioned against that but advised that the Fund should adopt the dialogue option. “You need to know if the IOC’S value the training you are giving as appro-

priate to their needs, to fill their skills gaps. Unless you do that, and you don’t do it just once off, you have to repeat it and update it to make sure the training you are giving is what the customer wants. I think a dialogue with the IOCS is essential” she said.

It will be recalled that at the Close-Out of the 2012/2013 research Cycle of PTDF Annual Research Grant Competition, the Executive Secretary, Femi Ajayi made a case for oil companies in the country to be compelled to employ Nigerian professionals who passed through PTDF capacity building

programmes, to help in developing the oil and gas sector.

According to PTDF records, 90% of Nigerian oil is produced by joint venture companies (JVC). The Federal Government equity share in the project is 60 percent while 40 percent is for the IOC’S. Ajayi posited that if Nigeria controls the large share of the JVC, then it must be able to have its professionals employed in the project.

He said PTDF spends huge money in manpower development through research and training of Nigerian professionals in engineering, geology,

geosciences, management, economics and relevant fields in the petroleum and solid minerals industry. “ If we put so much money in training these people and don’t have any value domestically, it means that we are spending without getting result. We need political will to compel oil companies to employ our trained professionals to work in the sector.

We don’t need to wait for them to do that, they need to be compelled to do so, by so doing, government is getting value for the money it is spending in training, research and

Ministry embarks on ICT capacity development Regina Otokpa

F

ollowing the intentions of the federal government to harness the potentials of Information Communication Technology tools, the ministry of Communication Technology has begun a series of seminar to prepare principal officers ahead of the impending task.

Speaking during the opening ceremony in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Tunji Olaopa, said that it was important for the core team of the ministry to begin prospecting based on the President’s indication to be able to provide a high level and easy response when the full scope of the change agenda was revealed.

According to him, the federal government was working towards placing the ICT sector on the front burner, given the sector’s potential contribution to job and wealth creation, combating of crime and most importantly, its role in enhancing transparency in governance.

He said “As the President Muhammadu Buhari’s Change Management requirement is bound to be fundamental and disruptive, it stands to reason that

as the specifics of government’s ICT policies and programmes will unfold, change in the sector requires strict regime of process, factors and framework that will guide a successful management of the outcomes for the benefit of growth in the national economy”.

Olaopa revealed that issues examined would include “those that were thrown up by the outcome of the end-of-the year Retreat of the Ministry held in December 2014.

Also, he noted that fresh issues to be discussed with the guidance of Change Management Experts would cover “factors that will constitute the critical success for ensuring that change in ICT sector produce its intended consequences.

“Factors that would account for the ministry of communication technology rating non-change, low change, or highchange in the context of the change agenda of the ministry.

“Changes the ministry needs to implement to set it in a change mode while at once resetting for change implementation capability readiness to support the federal government in achieving its Change Agenda, real time,” he added.

L-R: Guest Speaker/Chief Executive Officer, New Horizons Systems Solutions Ltd, Mr. Tim Akano; Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase and President, Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Mrs. Agharese Arase, during the 1st POWA Retreat on Practical Entrepreneurship Skills Development for women in Abuja on Monday.

NOA lauds humanitarian groups for support to needy Nigerians Joel Ajayi ABUJA

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he National Orientation Agency (NOA) has hailed all humanitarian organizations around the world especially those operating in the country for its support for Nigerians in distress saying that disposition is the hall mark of patriotism which is required in abundance in the country today.

The Director-General of the NOA, Mr. Mike Omeri expressed this appreciation in Abuja, when he received in audience the Rotary International (9125) District Governor, Mr. Mike

Omotosho, describing Rotary International as the ‘first wholly Nigerian body that supports and promotes core value of patriotism in the country.

Omeri said the intervention of humanitarian groups like Rotary has helped to complement Nigeria’s national emergency response architecture. He commended Rotary for its engagement in humanitarian activities of building schools, assisting governments in polio eradication and sinking boreholes for ‘disadvantaged’ Nigerians.

The NOA DG said that

the core objectives of the NOA were reflected in Rotary International activities which are essentially to promote the humanity of our people in the world.

“Our two organizations are constantly engaging with people of Nigeria. Our activities are built around them.

We always communicate similar messages to them. That provides for increased cooperation between us,” Omeri stressed.

DG NOA appealed to Nigerians to allow love for the country shape their attitudes while canvassing for real ‘posi-

tive’ behavioral change to complement government’s efforts to take us to ‘desired’ destination.

Earlier, Omotosho of Rotary International commended the Agency for ‘being the parent body’ for all attitudinal change establishments in the country, noting that partnership with the NOA would further enhance campaigns for patriotism among Nigerians.

Omotosho also hailed memorandum of understanding which will form basis for robust engagement with the NOA to promote patriotism.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday August 12, 2015

Politics

43

a, Jonathan in 2007 –Obasanjo

ak at his Abeokuta home on some of the out the reasons behind some of the key iburton bribery scandal. Excerpts:

for you now?’ I said Oby is doing Solid Minerals. He said ‘Sir, in all sincerity, I know you don’t like to rank ministries, but will you say Ministry of Solid Minerals is as important as Ministry of Education.’ I said yes I don’t rank ministries, they are all important. He said, ‘Can’t you take any of these three to do education and then get somebody else to do solid minerals?’ So I took Oby there.

Now in the Ministry of Finance we had got debt relief, so I could afford to take Ngozi to Foreign Affairs. That’s all. And then she had Nenadi (Usman) who was the minister of state. She’s not a buffoon. And then, which is also part of her weakness, she came to me and said, look, since it’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she will like to take International Finance along with it. I said talk to your sister with whom you are working and I don’t see anything wrong with that provided you work out a relationship. But she didn’t accord Nenadi the recognition and the consideration that was necessary. I then said International finance should go back to Finance and that happened. She said she couldn’t act. She put in a letter of resignation. And she had done that before, and before she could come and get people to come and beg, I announced acceptance (of her resignation).

She once resigned before and she took it back?

Yes. Which means you were always having disagreements…

No no no. I know her character.

So why did she resign the first time?

She just felt if she cannot have her way, with me….

If I am the one in charge, then it has to be what I see as what is the best interest of the nation.

So even when she resigned, if you didn’t announce the acceptance she would have come back? So all efforts to make her come back didn’t work?

No, no, no. Because I had announced.

strong point is technical competence. But Ngozi needs to be led and to be supervised. Now will you comment on Ngozi who worked for me as the same Ngozi who worked for Jonathan? Will you? But it’s the same person.

At what point do you think she derailed if I may use that word?

No. Is it at the point that you changed her – because you removed her as finance minister. Was it at that point that she began to derail?

She derailed because….when Jonathan even said he wanted her, I said ‘I hope you can manage her.’ And Ngozi herself sent me a text (and) I told her times have changed.

But why did you change her? She was managing the economy very well for you. Why did you now remove her suddenly?

I wrote it in that my book.

It didn’t come out clearly enough?

It must have come out. Maybe you haven’t read the book very well. I said I’ve touched reform. I’ve touched almost everywhere except Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. So one day, I was in my office and the Head of Service, Yayale (Ahmed), came in. He said ‘look, you are looking not happy, what is the matter?’ I said I am worried about two ministries and the ministers who can do the work I wanted to be done there in these two ministries are already doing good work where they are. And he said ‘talk let me see.’ I said education and foreign affairs. And he said ‘who are the ministers that you think can do the job.’ I said Oby (Ezekwesili), Ngozi, and El-Rufai. He said ‘what is Oby doing

In 1999, IBB supported you to become president…

(Cuts in) I said that?

Yes, you said that. And many even said he helped fund your campaign at the time.

No. You didn’t say that. You said he supported you. But in your book, you spoke of how in 2011, you chose to support Jonathan…..because you called a South-West Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, meeting where Jonathan was endorsed, even when IBB had also indicated interest in running. Why did you prefer to act that way?

I wrote in my book that this is the opportunity we have for a minority. And I’ve said that. I’ve explained that. I’ve said that times without number. And we have scaled that hurdle. Nobody in Nigeria today can say ‘oh, because I’m a minority I cannot get there.’

So was he not angry with you, having backed you in 1999?’

That’s not…What nonsense is that? Because you backed me I must back you? It doesn’t matter who you are? And I don’t have consideration for Nigeria? It’s consideration that you backed me? No, if that is the way you think then you are short-sighted and myopic and stupid. No Nigerian should think that way. You backed me? And if you don’t back me others will back me. So everybody who backed me that time, I must now come and say, look, when you want anything, any office…. I don’t act like that.

It means that you were able to break the jinx of the problem of minority.

It is necessary that we deal with that.

You said something very shocking in your book – that

the presidency instructed the Economic and Financial crimes Commission, EFCC, to remove a vital document in Gbenga Daniel’s file in their custody as a way of getting the former governor off their hook.

No. The president knows about it but it was his chief of staff who gave the instruction.

With the consent of the then president?

The president knows about it.

Now listen to what you wrote in page 81 of your book: “To fight corruption, the leader needs absolute transparency, no skeleton in the cupboard, clean hands, a clear mind, fear of God, and absolute honesty and integrity, submission to scrupulous investigation. Search and enquiries are also good for a leader who wants to lead by example.” Great message for any leader all over the world! This is prescriptive. Now what do you say to those who keep linking you with corruption during your own tenure, especially the unresolved Halliburton scam for which some of your aides were arrested?

Look, anybody can make any allegation. Go and read the EFCC report on me. I’m the only leader who has left office who has had, I said they should carry out clinical… did you see that in the book? And if you haven’t seen that in the book then you haven’t read the book.

So what else do you want? (Ndudi) Elumelu carried out a report. Did you see the report of the House and the action of the House? What more do you want? So it doesn’t matter the allegation you make, that’s entirely up to you. Halliburton, Bodunde (one of his aides) has been taken to court twice and the court has dismissed the case. What more do you want? The latest was the one Jonathan did. Just before he left, he took Bodunde back to court. He was discharged and the case dismissed the first time. The second time Jonathan took him to court and he was discharged again. So what do you want?

You may not know about it, you may not have a hand in it, but it does appear, especially from reports from US investigators that some officials of your administration perhaps took bribe from Halliburton?

No, no, no! I don’t deny that. But not me! I don’t deny their reports about Halliburton but not me. I don’t even know what Halliburton was doing here. So what’s your problem?

And EFCC looked into it. You read the report of EFCC bordering on Halliburton.

The only gap is that people are wondering why you didn’t take steps to bring those officials of your regime to book.

There’s no gap. You can make any allegation. Now EFCC – you can count number of people who are taken to court.

I don’t take anybody to court.. And don’t annoy me. Now you have the system that takes them to court. I don’t take anybody to court. Because if I have to be the one to say ‘take this one to court,’ that will be witch- hunting. That’s not my job. My job is – set up the system and if anybody in that system is not performing then look for somebody to perform.

So it doesn’t matter what allegation. If you read that report of EFCC, one man was hired, and he went out with all sorts of spurious allegations and EFCC took it one by one.

Even Nuhu Ribadu told me that when he gave that report, because he didn’t give the report to me…I said, look, carry out a critical investigation. I thought that was good. Then when he wrote his report, he gave it to Yar’Adua. And he said Yar’Adua asked him, ‘You can’t find anything at all?’

He brought Metropolitan Police here and he said whenever they are doing investigation in the past, when they get somewhere they will say ‘oh, yes, some people are interested.’ But this is the first time they had free hand to carry out investigation. So what more do you want? And what I put there is what I believe in. Has anybody working under me said to you that ‘oh, he asked me to take bribe?

•Culled from premiumtimesng.com To be continued tomorrow.

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Peace emerging in Benue at last –Gov Ortom HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

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enue State Governor Samuel Ortom has observed that insecurity in recent times has decreased drastically in the state as a result of the measures being taken to reconcile aggrieved parties in the state by his administration.

Governor Ortom made the assertion while speaking with journalists in Makurdi during the inspection of facilities at the Ministry of Justice, stating that prior to the inception of his administration, there was constant attacks leading to violence and killings of innocent citizens ravaging every nook and cranny of the state.

He revealed that concerted efforts in restoring peace by his administration had witnessed succour as warring parties has realised the need to embrace peace and put the past behind them with view to forge ahead as one indivisible people.

The former Minister of State for Trade and Industry further stated that the amnesty granted to those illegally in possession of firearms will not be extended after the deadline expires on August 31 for those who failed to surrender their weapons.

He said: “We shall not hesitate to go all out to fish them out and will compel the culprits to account for their action and whoever is in possession

NASS member counts gains of Osun Stakeholders’ Conference BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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he just concluded Osun Stakeholders Conference organised by Osun Legislators’ Forum was yesterday said to have achieved its aim of solving most critical challenges facing the state.

This was disclosed by one of the organisers of the conference and a member representing Iwo/Isokan/OlaOluwa federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr Gafaru Amere, while speaking with newsmen in Osogbo.

Expressing optimism that the resolutions of the conference would be fully implemented by Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Amere added that the financial challenges facing Osun was not caused by its own doing.

He restated Aregbesola administration’s commitment to infrastructural and economic emancipation of the state, adding that the governor had effectively managed the state resources before the recent economic slump.

Calling on the people of the state to continue to display maturity and high

level understanding for the situation the state has found itself, the lawmaker stressed that the governor will very soon resolve the economic crises.

He said federal legislators from the state will continue to do everything within their limits to assist the governor in his quest to transform Osun.

He urged anyone with genuine suggestions on how to move the state forward to, rather than criticising the governor on pages of newspapers, reach out to him and his officials.

of firearms should better voluntarily come forward and submit it before it is late.”

Governor Ortom however carpets critics who

say insecurity has not decreased as fallacy, adding that since the assumption of duty barely two months, cases of Fulani and native attacks and

MAKURDI

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hree witnesses due to testify for former Senate {President David Mark at the National and State Legislative Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, have bot only absconded, but ave also defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. Lead counsel to Mark, Kenneth Ikonne, before commencement of resumed hearing on Monday told the tribunal that he would be calling

been cases of cultists and other criminal elements stressing that law enforcement agents are doing their best to curtail the situation.

L-R: Former Osun State Commissioner of Commerce, Mr. Ismaila Alabada; Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti and Deputy Head of Political Section, British High Commission, Abuja, Mr. Andrew Fleming, during an investment mission to Osun, yesterday.

10 new SAs yet to get portfolio in Bayelsa OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

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wo weeks after their swearing-in as Special Advisers, SAs, Bayelsa State governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, is yet to assign the 10 new political office holders their portfolios.

The governor had sworein the 10 appointees on Friday, July 31, at an elaborate ceremony at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Yenagoa, amidst questions from political observers, who had question the rationale behind their appointments.

Their arguments was that, it was the same Gov-

ernor Dickson, who raised alarm that the wage bills of political appointees was weighing down the economy of the state and so why could he now go ahead and appoint same in the twilight of his first tenure.

The governor had assured them after the oaths of office were administered on them that they would be allocated portfolios “next week,” however, it was learnt on Tuesday, August 11, that the governor had yet to assign them the offices in which they would function.

Some of the new SAs confided in National Mirror that they had not been assigned portfolios by the governor,

David Mark’s witnesses defect to APC HENRY IYORKASE

counter attacks on each other has dropped to the barest minimum.

According to him, in some few instances in recent times there have

eight witnesses for the day, having expressed concern that he is losing some of his witnesses to the APC. However, when the sixth witness for the day was called, he was nowhere to be found, even though according to Mark’s counsel, they were seen in court following an earlier mobilisation to that effect.

Addressing the tribunal on the situation, Ikonne expressed concern that even though he is not familiar with the Benue State political terrain, “something strange seems

to be happening here. My witness came to me to say that he has gone to the APC, he spoke with other witnesses and now I cannot see them in court.”

Onazi Emmanuel, Paul Okpe Anyebe and Julius Ali who were called to testify were nowhere to be found.

Testifying before the court earlier, witnesses told the court that the March 28 election was free and fair. When shown voters register for their polling units however, they were not ticked to indicate accreditation, the court heard.

saying they would not know what was causing the delay.

One of them who spoke on condition of anonymity said: “No, not yet. We are still waiting for the governor to assign us portfolios. And it’s going to two weeks now since we were sworn-in.”

Some of the new SAs are also believed to be ‘estranged’ political associates of former Bayelsa State governor and leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva.

They include Sylva’s former political adviser and godfather, George Fente

and Michael Ogbolosingha, a two-time chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Council under Sylva.

Others were Sylva’s former loyalist and immediate past lawmaker in the state House of Assembly, Kuroghoekigha Dorgu, Dauprebo Ikuromo, Obieriakumo Yousuo, Bright Erewari-Igbeta, Mathias Odogu-Abule, Tari Dadiowei, Kemi Prefa and Barnabas Edure.

When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Daniel IworisoMarkson, said it was not true that the SAs had not been assigned portfolios.

Group seeks more unity in Esanland DEBORAH DIDI

E

san Journalists Forum, EJF, an umbrella body of media practitioners from Esanspeaking area of Edo Central senatorial zone of Edo State, has appealed to leaders and well meaning citizens of the various towns and villages that make up the entire Esanland, to close ranks and work for the peace, unity and progress of the area.

EIF, which has its national headquarters in Lagos, made the appeal in a statement signed by its National President, Timothy OkojieAve, calling on leaders of the zone to begin to speak with

one voice, if Esanland must attain a better position in Edo State and the country as a whole.

Esanland, the statement further said, is one that is seriously yearning for progress and development; adding that it was time for wellmeaning sons and daughters of the area “to roll up their sleeves and be ready to join hands to build the zone.”

Noting that the zone had remained challenged and neglected in spite of the many contributions of her sons to the development of the country, EJF said: “For example, we all know that it was Chief Anthony Enahoro, a son of the zone that moved the much celebrated motion for Nigeria’s independence.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

45

Equities shed 0.5% on low earnings Johnson Okanlawon

I

n response to unimpressive earnings reports from most companies, the equities market closed lower on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, though volume and value of transactions increased by 91.5 per cent and 102.7 per cent.

The All Share Index shed 0.50 per cent to close at 31,269.71 points, compared to the depreciation of 0.01 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 31,427.68 points.

Market capitalisation closed at N10.72 trillion, down N54 billion from N10.77 trillion it closed on Monday.

Across the African mar-

kets, the South African, Kenyan, and Egyptian markets, witnessed positive investor sentiments, resulting in 0.55 per cent, 2.19 per cent, and 0.68 per cent increases in their respective index levels. The Mauritian market however dipped by 0.13 per cent.

Research analysts at Meristem Securities Limited, an investment firm, noted that the equities market has traded negative thus far in the week, and “we do not anticipate a significant change in the prevailing mood in the remaining days of the week.

“This outlook is based on our expectation of a slowdown in market activities due to the dearth of market mov-

ing news and unimpressive earnings releases even as investors take profits following last week’s market rally,” the firm said.

Evans Medicals Plc led the gainers’ table with eight kobo or 9.88 per cent to close at 89 kobo per share, followed by Flour Mills Plc with N2.60 or 9.87 per cent to close at N29.50 per share.

Begrer Paints Plc gained 48 kobo or 4.81 per cent to close at N10.45 per share, while Nigerian Police Micro Finance Bank Plc added 50 kobo or 3.85 per cent to close at N13.50 per share.

AIICO Insurance Plc appreciated three kobo or 3.66 per cent to close at 85 kobo

per share.

On the flip side, Conoil Plc depreciated N3.59 or 9.74 per cent to close at N33.28 per share, while NigeriaGerman Company lost 61 kobo or 9.65 per cent to close at N5.71 per share.

Eterna Oil Plc fell 21 kobo or 9.42 per cent to close at N2.02 per share, while Transcorp Plc shed 23 kobo or 8.65 per cent to close at N2.43 per share.

Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc was down 75 kobo or 7.89 per cent to close at N8.75 per share.

A total of 280.9 million shares valued at N2.91 billion were exchanged in 3,716 deals.

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

$1

N196.95 Market indicators All-Share Index 31,269.71points Market capitalisation 10.72trn

Stock Updates

Berger Paints acquires new technology to boost shareholders’ returns

COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

EVANSMED

0.81

0.89

0.08

9.88

FLOURMILL

26.90

29.50

2.60

9.67

Johnson Okanlawon

BERGER

9.97

10.45

0.48

4.81

NNFM

13.00

13.50

0.50

3.85

AIICO

0.82

0.85

0.03

3.66

UNITYBNK

2.00

2.05

0.05

2.50

ZENITHBANK

16.20

16.54

0.34

2.10

UACN

36.25

37.00

0.75

2.07

NESTLE

850.01

865.00

14.99

1.76

DANGSUGAR

6.00

6.10

0.10

1.67

CHANGE

% CHANGE

B

erger Paints yesterday said it has acquired new machinery designed to produce top quality and innovative products at reasonable prices.

The machine, which is said to be one of the best in SubSahara Africa,is expected to reduce inefficiency, increase the company’s turnover and market share.

Speaking at the Nigerian Stock Exchange during a courtesy visit, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr Peter Folikwe stated that the company had acquired a new machine to ensure innovative products at competitive prices.

Folikwe who was accom-

panied by the company’s top management team explained that said the paints manufacturing company had embarked on other growth strategy such as strengthening of its managerial capacity, restructuring of sales , distribution, marketing and upgrade of plants in order to boost the top and bottom lines for enhanced shareholder value.

He said,“Specifically, we are on the track to build the first automated paint manufacturing plant in the Sub-Sahara Africa. When completed, it will revolutionize our production and distribution processes, enhance product quality and delivery and reinforce our competitive edge.”

He noted that as a stakeholder in the stock market, the company identifies with

all the efforts being made by the Exchange to attract more investors both retail and institutions to participate in the market.

“In no distant time, the Exchange would celebrate more listing of blue chip companies.

As a proud winner of the prestigious Annual President’s Merit Award of the Exchange several times in the past, Berger Paints shall continue to uphold the sanctity of the Post Listing Requirements which place premium on full disclosure at all time”, he said.

Folikwe paid glowing tributes to Berger Paints Chairman, Dr Oladimeji Alo for his professional approach to Corporate Governance practices which, according to him, is the hallmark of the company.

The Chief Executive Of-

GAINERS

ficer of the NSE, Mr Oscar Onyema lauded the company for sustaining a long legacy of corporate excellence.

He advised the company’s management to uphold the highest standard of corporate governance in other to be on the Exchange’s Premium Board Index for companies that excel in corporate governance.

Speaking on behalf of stockbrokers, the Chief Dealer, Compass Investment and Securities Limited, Mr Sam Ndata urged the company to take advantage of corporate events such as Facts Behind the Figures to update the market on the development in the company.

Begrer Paints Plc gained 48 kobo or 4.81 per cent to close at N10.45 per share.

China devaluation hits stocks, boosts US dollar on currency warfare

C

hina’s 2.0 per cent devaluation of the yuan yesterday pushed the United States dollar higher and hit equity markets worldwide as it raised the prospect of a new round of currency wars and fed worries about slowing Chinese economic growth.

Stocks fell in Asia, Europe and the Americas, as investors worried about the implications of a move designed to support China’s slowing economy and exports. The MSCI All World Index of global shares fell 0.7 percent.

“What is good for growth in China is unfortunately bad for everybody else,” said Bill McQuaker, co-head of multi-asset at Henderson

Global Investors.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI fell 137.33 points, or 0.78 per cent, to 17,477.84, the S&P 500 .SPX lost 11.74 points, or 0.56 per cent, to 2,092.44 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 20.10 points, or 0.39 per cent, to 5,081.70.

The devaluation especially hit the stock prices companies exposed to China, with shares of US heavy equipment maker Caterpillar losing 2.3 per cent and Germany’s Volkswagen dropping 4.6 per cent.

European shares fell. The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index was down one per cent, led lower by car makers and luxury goods companies, whose products have

just got more expensive for Chinese consumers.

Against the trend, shares in Athens, however, gained 1.5 per cent after the country secured a third bailout deal with creditors, making it the only European bourse to rise.

On Chinese stock markets, airlines and importers fell, though exporters rose.

The CSI300 index of the largest listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen lost 0.4 per cent and the Shanghai Composite closed flat.

China’s move, which the central bank described as a one-off depreciation based on a new way of managing the exchange rate that better reflected market forces,

triggered the yuan’s biggest fall since 1994, pushing it to its weakest against the US dollar in almost three years.

Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

13

Crude oil price

$58.96

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CONOIL

36.87

33.28

-3.59

-9.74

NIG-GERMAN

6.32

5.71

-0.61

-9.65

ETERNA

2.23

2.02

-0.21

-9.42

TRANSCORP

2.66

2.43

-0.23

-8.65

CCNN

9.50

8.75

-0.75

-7.89

CAP

37.95

36.06

-1.89

-4.98

ACADEMY

0.81

0.77

-0.04

-4.94

FCMB

2.66

2.53

-0.13

-4.89

REDSTAREX

4.37

4.16

-0.21

-4.81

DANGFLOUR

3.38

3.22

-0.16

-4.73

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.02

98.00

15.25

98.15

15.08

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.71

99.57

15.35

99.72

15.25

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.88

101.22

15.55

101.52

15.45

15.54 13-FEB-2020

4.51

100.34

15.43

100.64

15.34

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.46

104.43

15.28

104.73

15.21

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.59

94.49

15.37

94.79

15.30

Closing Market Prices of August 11, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

12-Nov-15

14.46

15.02

WAUA

270

11-Feb-16

14.56

15.71

USD

196.96

EURO

214

04-Aug-16

13.92

16.13

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

27.6667

1M

16.3020

POUNDS STERLING

293

3M

17.3804

SDR

273

6M

17.7441

NIBOR

The Fixings of August 11, 2015

46

Capital Market

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at August 11, 2015 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Wednesday, 12, 2014 2014 Wednesday,August March 26,

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

46 47

Community Mirror There were forces around Jonathan, Let me which again herepeat himself what did Inot have understand been saying andthat thatGoodluck is why I stressed Jonathanthat hasyou no have got to choose your circles of advisers personal very carefully agenda when in convening you are this in charge, national heconference. was caged.

49

Justin Tyopuusu, JALINGO

S

addened by frequent border conflicts along Taraba/ Benue border, Tiv people of Taraba have urged Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State to liaise with his Taraba counterpart, Darius Ishaku, to bring permanent peace to the affected border communities.

President, Tiv Cultural and Social Association, Taraba State, Hon. James Nungwa, made the appeal at a press briefing yesterday in Jalingo while reacting to recent killings and abductions of people in Takum Local Government Area of the state.

–NOBELPRESIDENT LAUREATE,GOODLUCK PROF. WOLEJONATHAN SOYINKA

Tiv community urges Ortom, Ishaku to end border killings There have been reports that some Tiv youths from Benue state and Jukun youths in Taraba have engaged in kidnaping and killing of innocent Tiv and Jukun people in the area, raising tension of imminent crisis.

Nungwa who said the association was shocked that despite commendable steps taken

by Governor Darius Ishaku to bring peace back to the state, some elements are making it to appear as if the Tiv people are

not peace lovers.

He appealed to Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue to liaise with his Taraba state counterpart, Darius Ishaku to end frequent clashes on the border of the two states, even as he assured of their cooperation in finding lasting solution to the problem.

Nungwa condemned in strong terms recent killings and adoptions involving the Tiv and their Jukun brothers in

the area, describing it as handiwork of some elements who are bent on causing insecurity to loot people’s property.

“No right thinking Tiv man of Taraba state origin would want to take arm against anybody at this critical time that governor Ishaku is doing his best to return peace back to the state and resettle internally displaced persons.

“We condemn the killings and adoptions in Takum and

want to assure our Jukun brothers, Governor Ishaku and indeed the entire Tarabans that we shall go down the roots of the matter with a view to assisting government in finding lasting solution to the problem,” he said.

While commiserating with the victims of attacks and adoptions in the area, Nungwa urged the people to remain calm while efforts are being made to ensure the return of peace in the area.

Court strikes out suit against alleged environmental offenders Bosun Olanrewaju

S

pecial Offences Court of Lagos State has struck out a suit filed against four persons alleged to have violated environmental laws.

The defendants, Gbolade Onalaja, Yinka Agbabiaka, Gloria Ocheme and Adeola Egbeyemi were arraigned on a three-count charge filed against them by Attorney-General of Lagos State.

But, the defendants through their lawyer, Mr. Gbenga Ajala, in a preliminary objection challenged the jurisdiction of the court, arguing that the court lacked the requisite jurisdiction to entertain the case.

Ruling on the preliminary objection, Chief Magistrate J O A Adeyemi upheld the objection and ordered that the charge be struck out of the course list. ‘’I have perused the application of the defendants, I find same to be meritorious and hereby quash the charges against them’’, the court held.

The defendant had in a 7-page notice of preliminary objection, filed by their lawyer, (Ajala) prayed the court to quash all the charges leveled against them.

Ajala had argued that the first count on the charge sheet brought pursuant to the provision of the Criminal Law of Lagos state is outside the jurisdiction of the Magistrate court.

Ajala further argued that the second count is related to offences committed in relation to collection of dues by a body registered under the Trade Union Act which is contrary to the offence allegedly committed by the defendants.

He submitted that, the court

being a creation of statute by virtue of the provision of section 1 (1) of Special Offences Court Laws of Lagos state lacked the mandatory power to conduct the trial.

Besides, Ajala argued that there was no provision enabling law that empowered the court to entertain offence created under the Criminal Law, the lacked jurisdiction to entertain the case.

Citing plethora of legal authorities, Ajala submitted that ‘’where the commencement of a prosecution of a charge does not disclose facts supporting prima facie case against accused person, the charge must be quashed against the accused persons’’.

Officials of FRSC ensuring that lorries, trucks and trailer drivers comply to road rules and regulations at the inauguration of ‘operation scorpion’ phase 2 in Onitsha, Anambra State, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Man remanded in prison for raping neighbour’s daughter Dare Akogun

A

45-year-old man, Santana Obend, was on Tuesday remanded in prison by a Lagos State Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ikeja for raping his neighbour’s 14-yearold daughter.

In his ruling, Chief Magistrate, Mr. Tajudeen Elias, ordered Obend to be remanded in Kirikiri Prison pending determination of his bail application on September 18, 2015.

Obend, a security guard, who resides at 9, Ajegunle Close, Isheri area of the state, was accused of kidnapping and raping the minor.

He is facing charges of abduction and rape.

Testifying in court, the police prosecutor, Sergeant Jimah Isegede, said the accused committed the offence on August 7, in his apartment.

Isegede said, “The accused abducted his neighbour’s 14-yearold daughter for three days in his apartment and unlawfully had sexual intercourse with her several times.

“All effort for the victim’s par-

ents to see their daughter proved abortive until she was sighted by another neighbour in the apartment of the accused.”

The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 141(1) and 258(1) of the Criminal Code of La-

gos State, 2011.

The accused however pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him by the police.

The Chief Magistrate consequently adjourned the case to September 18.

Police arraign motorcyclist over manslaughter Patience Ogbo

P

olicemen attached to the Alakuko Division have arrested a motorcyclist Solomon Eni, over the death of a woman.

It was gathered that the light complexioned lady whose identity is not known, boarded a motorcycle from Alakuko area of Lagos State over the weekend but half way into the ride, the motorcyclist conveying her ran into an electric transmission plant

and she was electrocuted.

The police from Alakuko Division deposited her corpse at the Ifo General Hospital mortuary.

According to the police, the victim could not be identified and her family could not be traced as other Okada riders who arrived the scene shortly after the accident stole the victim’s phone and other belongings including her purse which contained her identity card.

A police source said, “We

cannot identify the woman or contact her relation because her phone and other belongings including her purse where her identity card should be were stolen.

“We identified the Okada rider as one Solomon Eni of 5 Ahmed Way Alakuko, Lagos.

He was said to be drunk as at the time of the accident and has been charged to court for manslaughter”.

It was gathered that the suspect was arraigned at the Ikeja Magistrate Court on Monday.

48

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

World News WikiLeaks launches campaign for info on US-EU trade deal

IWe are trying to address the legacy of apartheid, and it’s going to be with us a long time

49

PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

R

–SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT, JACOB ZUMA

Rival Libyan factions restart peace talks in Geneva

ival Libyan factions yesterday restarted peace talks aimed at creating a unity government, with representatives of the powerful Tripoli parliament expected to join the negotiations after boycotting them last month.

Libya, which plunged into chaos after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, currently has two rival parliaments vying for power as well several militia groups battling for control of the country’s vast resource wealth.

United Nations special envoy Bernardino Leon, who is brokering the talks in Geneva, has urged the key camps to reach a political deal in hopes that a unity government could enforce a durable ceasefire.

A partial deal was reached last month, but leaders of the Islamist-backed General National Congress (GNC) parliament that sits in Tripoli boycotted the pact, Libya has been plagued by near relentless violence since the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi calling it “unsatisfactory”.

Mohammed Ali Abdallah Ad- ment that sits in the eastern port “There will not be an agree- as a general under Gaddafi before darrat, who sits in the Tripoli par- city of Tobruk, which installed ment if General Haftar is still ex- relocating to the United States, liament and is the head of the Na- the controversial General Khalifa pected to lead an army in Libya,” where he worked at times with tional Front party, said that Leon Haftar as its army chief in March. he told journalists. the CIA, according to reports in had over the past 24 hours given “Those who were involved in US media.

The GNC -- which took power the GNC “some guarantees” that after an Islamist militia alliance escalating the political and miliHe returned to Libya last year the issues they raised last month captured Tripoli last year -- will tary crisis in Libya cannot be the and took charge of the army, vowcould be resolved. not sign any deal that safeguards ones who lead the solution. This is ing to crush the Islamist militias The international community a senior military post for Haftar, a given.” while urging the West to support currently recognises the parlia- according to Addarrat.

The 72-year-old Haftar served his forces.

Zimbabwe partially lifts ban on big game hunting

Z

imbabwe has partially lifted a ban on big-game hunting around Hwange National Park that was imposed after an international outcry over the killing of Cecil, the country’s most prized lion, by an American dentist last month.

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority said in a statement seen by Reuters on Tuesday that the ban remained in place for two private game parks and rural communities near the park. In the areas where it has been rescinded, all lion, leopard and elephant hunts must be supervised by park staff.

Cecil, a rare black-maned lion, was killed on one of the farms adjacent to the park where the ban on big game hunts, first imposed on Aug. 1, remains in force.

Authorities in Zimbabwe imposed the indefinite ban after it emerged that American hunter

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Walter Palmer had killed Cecil with a bow and arrow after, they say, his guides used bait to lure the big cat out of the park’s protective embrace.

“Individuals involved in illegal hunting activities are banned from hunting for life as they tarnish the image of the hunting

industry ... Their actions border on economic sabotage,” the parks agency said in its statement.

A Zimbabwean court last week postponed until Sept. 28 the trial of local hunter Theo Bronkhorst.

He is accused of failing to prevent Palmer from illegally killing Cecil, a 13-year-old lion

A vehicle carries visitors arriving at Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, recently.

which had been fitted with a GPS collar as part of an Oxford University study, and was a favorite with tourists visiting Hwange park.

Zimbabwe also wants Palmer, 55, extradited from the United States to face trial over Cecil’s death.

AFRICA BULLETIN

Angola to destroy 11 million eggs imported illegally Angola will destroy 11 million eggs imported illegally into the country, the agriculture minister has said.

The chicken eggs were brought in without an official health certificate, Afonso Pedro Canga is quoted by the state news agency as saying.

He did not say from where the eggs, seized at the port in the capital Luanda, had been imported.

Angola’s government said in January that it wanted to boost consumption of domestically produced food and drink.

Speaking at an agricultural fair in the south-western city of Lubango, Canga said the production of eggs in Angola was increasing to meet demand.

About 25 million eggs were laid each month, and he wanted this to increase by 10-15 million, Mr Canga said.

Millionaire governor gears up for Congo’s 2016 presidential poll Democratic Republic of Congo’s richest and most powerful provincial governor is courting disaffected parties in President Joseph Kabila’s coalition, fuelling speculation he is preparing a 2016 electoral challenge, political sources said.

Moise Katumbi, the 50-year-old governor of copper-rich Katanga province in the southeast of the vast African nation, is also getting help from top Washington lobbyists pushing for an orderly vote in November next year, U.S. filings show.

Although Katumbi, owner of top flight Congolese soccer club TP Mazembe, was coy about his ambitions when contacted by Reuters, one source close to him said he would throw his hat into the ring as a presidential candidate in the next month.

Russia, Saudis talks on Syrian president deadlocked Russia and Saudi Arabia failed in talks yesterday to overcome their differences on the fate of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a central dispute in Syria’s civil war that shows no sign of abating despite renewed diplomacy.

Russia is pushing for a coalition to fight Islamic State insurgents -- who have seized swathes of northern and eastern Syria -- that would involve Assad, a longtime ally of Moscow. But, speaking after talks in Moscow, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir reiterated Riyadh’s stance that Assad must go.

“A key reason behind the emergence of Islamic State was the actions of Assad who directed his arms at his nation, not Islamic State,” Jubeir told a news confer-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

WikiLeaks launches campaign for info on US-EU trade deal

W

ikiLeaks yesterday launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise a 100,000 euro ($110,000) reward for anyone leaking insider information on a proposed free-trade deal between the United States and European Union.

The controversial whistleblowing website, which hit the headlines in 2010 after publishing more than 700,000 classified US government documents, had already reached 20 percent of its target by yesterday afternoon.

High-profile donors included Greece’s former finance minister Yanis Varoufakis, fashion designer and environmental campaigner Vivienne Westwood, journalist Glenn Greenwald and WikiLeaks editor-in-chief Julian Assange.

Hundreds of demonstrations were held in April, mainly in Europe, against the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

“TTIP, which is currently under negotiation between the US Demonstrators stage a protest against Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) in Brussels , recently and the European Union, remains closely guarded by negotiators wild. The TTIP affects tions of rape and sexual steps to ensure that Europeans can finally read the and big corporations have been the life of every Euro- assault. monster trade deal,” it added. given privileged access,” said a If concluded, TTIP pean and draws Europe “The secrecy of the TTIP casts a shadow on the fuWikiLeaks statement. “The pubinto long term conflict would be the world’s bigture of European democracy,” warned Assange. lic cannot read it. with Asia. The time for gest trade deal, linking “Under this cover, special interests are running “Today WikiLeaks is taking its secrecy to end is now.” about 60 percent of the Assange is currently globe’s economic output CHANGE OF NAME FAMILY CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME holed up in London’s in a colossal market of Formerly known and addressed We formerly known and I formerly known and addressed as NWOYE, as Miss Raji Kehinde Fatimot, as Miss Olowookere Cecilia addressed Ecuadorian embassy 850 million consumers, now wish to be known and adDada, now wish to be known now wish to be known and where he is fighting ex- creating a free-trade and addressed as Mrs Ishola addressed as CHUKWUDI. dressed as Mrs. Raji Kehinde Cecilia Dada. All former docu- All tradition to Sweden for corridor from Hawaii to former documents Abubakar. All former documents remain valid,Ekiti state remain valid General public ments remain valid NYSC and questioning over allega- Lithuania. university and general public general public take note. take note. note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Idowu Emanuel Dare, now wish to be known and addressed as Idowu Emanuel Oluwadamilare. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as miss kehinde Oluwafunmilayo Okuyade, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs David Funmilayo Tanwa. All former documents remain valid First Bank PLC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mr. Obadiah Omolade Ademola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Gold Omolade Micheal. All former documents remain valid First Bank PLC and general public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ODANWU PEACE CHINAZU now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ACHIGBO PEACE CHINAZU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. OGBOBE CONSTANCE UCHE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ONUNZE CONSTANCE UCHE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. CHUKWU ANNASTECIA OGECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. EKE ANNASTECIA OGECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

PUBLIC NOTICE COVENANT HOUSE OF PRAYER BIBLE CHURCH The general public is hereby notified that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Change of Members of Board of Trustees under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The reason for the change is that the removed trustees are no longer members of the association.

OLD TRUSTEES 1.

OVIE MUDIAGA AGBOMEDARHO 2.

THADDAEUS PHINEHAS UGBEH 3.

FRANKLIN AGHOGHO UMUEDAFE 4.

NELLY OWVIGHO AGBOMEDARHO NEW TRUSTEES 1.

OVIE MUDIAGA AGBOEDARHO 2.

THADDAEUS PHINEHAS UGBEH 3.

TOBORE OJIGHO 4.

NKECHI IDUGBOE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE 1.

To preach the gospel of Christ to the entire world 2.

To ordain pastors for the work of God 3.

To propagate Christian education Any objection to the change should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja, within 28days of this notice.

Signed By the Secretary THADDAEUS PHINEHAS UGBEH

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Okuyade Adebimpe Abosede, now wish to be known and addressed as miss Ayedun Adebimpe Abosede.

All former documents remain valid First Bank PLC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mr. Obi Chukwuma Edward, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Ihator Chukwuma Edward. All former documents remain valid First Bank PLC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OLAWOYIN OLUWAPELUMI FUNBI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SAMUEL OLUWAPELUMI FUNBI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. MAUREEN NNEOMA EZUGWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SABASTINE NNEOMA MAUREEN. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UGWU LAWRENCIA OGOCHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OZOCHI LAWRENCIA OGOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. OGBODO JULIANA CHINENYE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ANI JULIANA CHINENYE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION, DEVELOPMENT, EMPOWERMENT AND SUSTENANCE OF THE YOUTH AND VULNERABLE This is to inform the general public that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Company and allied matters Act No 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Prof. Agu Gab Agu 2. Prof. J.E. Tabotndip 3. Barr (Mrs) Edna Agu 4. Barr Nkiru Okpala 5 Barr. Ernest Agu 6. Barr (Rev Sis) Carol Njoku 7. Barr Okezikam Agu

- President

- Legal Adviser

- Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To empower and protect the youth and Vulnerable 2. To provide free legal services to the Youth and Vulnerable 3. To provide skill for the Youth and Vulnerable.

4. To engender entrepreneurship, community development, leadership and poverty alleviation.

5. To protect and provide for the Youths and Vulnerable during internal conflicts & wars.

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

Signed: Secretary

49

WORLD BULLETIN

Turkish Marxist group claims US consulate attack An outlawed radical Turkish Marxist group claimed responsibility for a gun attack on the US consulate in Istanbul, the latest strike by the secretive organisation.

The Revolutionary People’s Liberation Front (DHKP-C) said on its website that one of its female militants carried out Monday’s attack, which left no reported casualties.

It named the attacker as Hatice Asik and said she was arrested and taken to hospital after being shot by police.

“The American consulate at Istinye was struck by people’s warrior Hatice Asik,” the group said, labelling the United States as “chief enemy of people in the Middle East and in the world.”

“Our struggle will continue until imperialism and its collaborators leave our country and every parcel of our homeland is cleared of US bases,” it said.

The attack comes as Turkey opens its south eastern Incirlik air base to US fighter jets to carry out bombing raids against Islamic State (IS) targets in Syria.

Turkish authorities said Asik was captured wounded and another female militant was at large following the shooting.

Turkish media reported that Asik, 51, whose code name is “Hulya”, was released on July 8 from an Istanbul prison pending trial.

She had been arrested for providing a house for two DHKP-C militants who attacked an Istanbul police station three years ago, the Hurriyet newspaper reported on its website.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Mr Joseph Awe Adamolekun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Adamolekun Joseph Ayo. All former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ejiofor Chika Peacemirian, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ojo-Akin Chika Peacemirian.

All former documents remain valid and general public take note.

This is to certify that, EZEH HYACENTH CHIMDI and KING HYACENTH CHIMDI refers to one and same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as KING HYACENTH CHIMDI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss Jejeleko Bosede, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Bamigbade Bosede. All former documents remain valid, Ijero local Government and general public note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss Grace Titilayo Abidakun now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Grace Titilayo Ayo-Alofun.

All former document remain valid,Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss.

Obarisiagbon Aghafekokhian, now want to be known and addressed as Mrs. Obadiaru Aghafekokhian Christabel.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAMES

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Okafor Oluchi Esther, now wish to be known called and addressed as Benson Oluchi Esther.

All Documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. OZOAGU CAROLINE UZOAMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AMANI CAROLINE UZOAMAKA. All former documents remain valid.

ESUT Teaching Hospital Parklane Enugu and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. UDEIGWE CATHERINE CHINWE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. UDEIGWEENEH CATHERINE CHINWE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as MISS IKWUEME CHINWE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OBIORA CHINWE .E. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. EZE JOY CHIKASIEMOBI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. UGWU JOY CHIKASIEMOBI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. ONUH JOSEPHINE NNEKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. JOEL JOSEPHINE NNEKA. All former documents remain valid. Umaru Federal Polytechnic Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State and general public should please take note.

50

North

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Gunmen injure soldier, five others in Plateau James Abraham JOS

S

ix persons, including a security agent with the Special Task Force, STF, deployed to restore law and order in Plateau State, have sustained injuries when unknown gunmen attacked Bisichi community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state yesterday.

A community leader, Sarki Ibrahim Isa, said five men from the community and a subsector command-

Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima test-driving one of the combined harvesters acquired by the state during his assessment of imported agric equipment at Borno State Agricultural Mechanisation Authority in Maiduguri, yesterday.

Boko Haram on the run –Police • Over 20 killed in fresh Borno village attacks Inusa Ndahi MAIDUGURI

B

orno State Police Command yesterday said the Boko Haram terrorists are on the run, following massive bombardment by the military.

The command said the group does not have the capability to win the ongoing war and have been fleeing to Niger, Cameroon and Chad, while their remnants attack soft targets in the northeast sub-region.

The group, however, killed about 20 people, mostly traders, while several others sustained injuries in a bomb attack on Sabon Gari community market in Damboa Local Government Area of the state yesterday.

Police Commissioner, Mr. Aderemi Opadokun, speak-

ing during an interactive session with journalists in Maiduguri on security situation in the metropolis, said the public should not entertain fear about insurgents winning the ongoing war.

According to him, relative peace has being restored in the state.

His words: “Let me take this opportunity to inform the people of Borno State that Boko Haram is not winning this war. They should not be afraid of these terrorists, who are currently fleeing and attacking soft targets to survive this ongoing war on terror in the northeast sub-region.

“The insurgents are not winning this battle, instead they are the ones fleeing and attacking to survive the war against terror, not only in Nigeria, but our neighbouring

countries of Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republic.

“They are fighting how to get food, water and fuel to survive, as the war rages in routing all terror suspects from perpetrating terrorists’ activities on innocent people.”

He noted that the media should also join hands with the military and police in defeating Boko Haram.

Meanwhile, the Sabon Gari blast occurred at about 1:30p.m when traders crowded the open commercial area, witnesses said.

“Many people were killed in Sabon Gari market this afternoon (yesterday), when bomb explosions rock the local market,” Aminu Adzur, a vigilante official patrolling the Biu-Damboa highway said.

“We heard loud explo-

sions at about 1:35pm. When we got there people were scattered, it was not a suicide bombing attack; the bomb was planted at the centre of the market.

“The bomb created a wide hole at the spot where it exploded. We counted about 20 dead bodies, while several other human bodies were battered beyond recognition” An official of the local Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Abbas Gava, confirmed the attack.

He said: “Our officials in Biu town arrived SabonGari village about two hours after the blast and informed us that about 24 persons were confirmed killed, while over 60 others were seriously injured and were being taken to the hospital for treatment,” Gava stated.

NERC, NBET clash over renewable energy policy Chidi Ugwu ABUJA

N

igerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, and the Nigerian Electricity Bulk Trading Company, NBET, may be heading for collision following the decision of the former to introduce new regulations on renewable energy.

NERC yesterday presented to power sector stakeholders a consultation paper on the draft Feed-in tariff regulations on renewable energy sourced electricity in Nigeria.

According to NERC, the policy instrument is designed to promote generation of electricity from renewable energy sources (RES) by allowing power producers to sell renewable energy sourced electricity to distributors at a predetermined fixed tariff over a guaranteed period of time, usually from 35 to 20 years.

Ortom probes government properties, funds Henry Iyorkase MAKURDI

G

overnor Samuel Ortom of Benue State yesterday inaugurated a fact-finding combined commission of enquiry towards ascertaining the verification of funds accruing/received and utilised while the other is to handle the sale/ lease of assets of the state government between 2007 and 2015.

Ortom stated during commissioning ceremony at Benue People’s House in

Makurdi that setting up the two committees was not meant to witch-hunt anybody, but to comply with the rule of law by straightening records, accountability and transparency in the conduct of government business.

“As we inquire into past officials, my administration must take into cognizance that one day our work too may also be put under scrutiny, hence the need to live above board,” the governor said.

He, however, emphasised that whoever makes his cabinet must ensure transparen-

cy and accountability as well as fairness.

The verification of funds/received and utilised committees has Hon. Justice E.N. Kpojime as chairman, while other members are Mr. J.I. Abaagu, Rev. Francis Wegh, Dr. Christopher Obute, Jacob Mulya, Mr. Sekegh Akaa and Michael Agber as lead counsel.

Their terms of reference are to identify all revenue resources and the total amount of revenue from 2007 to 2015 which accrued to the state from the federation account, lo-

cal government and internally generated revenue as well as bonds and loans, excess crude account, ecological fund, SURE-P funds amongst others.

An update of shares and stocks of the state government in Julius Berger, Dangote Cement PLC as well as others is another point of reference.

Assets Committee is led

by Mr. Moses Atagher as chairman, while Mr. Ngutor Anyam, Omale Omale, Prof.

Moses Ogbajo, Mr. Andrew Amee as well as a representative of the commissioner

er with the STF were shot by the gunmen.

Isa said the attackers surrounded the community around 7am and shot at innocent civilians.

He said the injured could not be evacuated to hospital because the roads were blocked.

He, however, said four Hilux vehicles and an armored tank had been stationed in the community.

STF Media and Information Officer, Captain Ikedichi Iweha, confirmed the incident.

of police are members.

The committee is to investigate the sale/lease of government assets.

The mandate of the Assets committee is to determine sale or lease of government assets, status and correct value of such properties as at the time of sale or lease.

Furthermore they are to establish whether the transactions were in the interest of the government or not, identify those who bought them as well as ascertain whether due process was followed.

NERC stated that the idea for the new policy is that government wants at least 10 per cent of electricity generation in the country to come from renewable energy by 2020.

In the presentation, NERC already made assumption costs of renewable energy sources from Wind, Bio-mass Solar, among others.

But the representative of NBET at the programme, Demvihim Tsumba, a senior counsel with the organisation, noted that the document lacked specifics, adding that the regulatory agency was assuming the position of off-taker as well as regulator at the same time.

According to NERC, the Federal Government would produce renewable energy worth 20,000 megawatts, which would be injected into the National Grid in 2020.

Principal Manager Renewable Energy Research Unit, of NERC Mr. Abdulsalam Yusuf, made the disclosure at the forum.

According to Yusuf, 1000mw of renewable energy is to be injected into the grid in 2018, while the remaining 19,000mw would be injected before the end of 2020.

He listed the ratios of the targeted grid renewable energy as solar 387mw, wind 412mw, small hydro power 675 and Biomass 526mw.

Yusuf said, to acquire these renewable energy, the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company PLC would procure fifty per cent, while the distribution companies would obtain the remaining fifty per cent.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ex-minister flays rise in private schools Ezekiel Titus

James Danjuma KATSINA

E

mir of Daura, Farouk Umar Farouk, has lamented lack of quality primary school teachers and teaching materials in Katsina State.

Farouk, while receiving new executive chairman of the state’s primary education board, Lawal Daura, said lack of quality teach-

James Danjuma

N

F

Yakubu

world except in Nigeria where private schools are replacing public schools.

He insisted private schools by their function are not meant to provide public education.

He also argued that private schools don’t have the capacity and disposition to take over the functions of public schools as they were not meant to do that because their driving force is essentially commercial.

“That is not saying there shouldn’t be private schools, but those private schools should be guided by certain specific objectives and desires to strengthen the public schools but not to replace them,” he admonished.

The former minister further stated that once public schools are fully functional, majority of the private schools will close down, as only the best would remain with fewer people patronising them.

He cited private schools such as Harvard and Cambridge University that are contributing to the development of specialised knowledge where people all over the world go to strengthen their earlier foundations.

He said public schools are meant to prepare citizens to be good and acquire skills, and described as dangerous the trend of allowing children of preparatory stage to be tutored by unprepared and unqualified private hands.

51

Nigeria’s teledensity hits 98% KATSINA

BAUCHI

ormer Minister of Police Affairs, Dr. Ibrahim Yakubu Lame, yesterday expressed dismay over the increase in private schools and educational institutions, saying this would affect standard of education in the country.

He said many wealthy individuals in the country prefer to establish private educational institutions because they see it as the easiest way to accumulate wealth.

“You don’t joke with education; you don’t give educational platforms for money-making, and the best way to approach the problem is to start from the beginning to ensure policy makers, top government functionaries and businessmen are not allowed to take their children to private schools,” he said.

Lame, also a proprietor of private schools in Bauchi and Abuja, however, told journalists in Bauchi that private schools are meant to supplement public schools and not replace them, describing it as a disservice to Bauchi and the country to allow private schools to flourish.

He stressed the need to devote enormous resources for the rehabilitation, rebuilding and repositioning of public schools, which would make people return to them.

“If we do that, many people will take their wards to public schools and thus help reduce the number of mushroom private schools, and only genuine private schools will remain. Only people who really need to go there (private schools) will be there,” he said.

According to him, this is the trend all over the

North

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

igeria’s telephone density rose to 98.08 per cent in 2014 from its former level of 68.50 per cent in 2011.

Telephone density or tele-density is the number of telephone connections for every 100 individuals living within an area.

Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Peter Jack, stated this while commissioning a ‘Knowledge Ac-

cess Venue’ at a pilot secondary school in Katsina State.

Jack also said that internet access had increased from 29 per cent to 52 per cent within same period, while personal computer/ mobile ownership and penetration have significantly improved.

He attributed increase of the telephone density and internet access to the implementation of various initiatives and provision of enabling environment by government.

He said the agency in col-

laboration with the Federal Ministry of Communication and Technology was working to solve problem of infrastructure, low egovernance index, innovation and skills acquisition facing the growth of internet ecosystem, adding that the commissioning of the ‘knowledge access venue’ was part of agency’s support for information technology to schools across the nation.

He said the project would benefit students and other users for acquisition of Information and Commu-

nication Technology, ICT, skills, research capabilities and entrepreneurship.

Earlier, Governor Aminu Bello Masari said the project would enhance teaching and learning in secondary schools through use of ICT and education empowerment initiatives.

Represented by his deputy, Mannir Yakubu, the governor said his administration would give priority to existing science and technical schools to meet up with current wave of globalisation in science and technology in the 21st century.

Intending Muslim pilgrims receiving vaccine in preparation for 2015 Hajj in Gombe, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Kogi refutes workers’ death over unpaid salary Wale Ibrahim LOKOJA

K

ogi State government has refuted reports in some national dailies that nine civil servants in the state died due to the non-payment of salaries.

This is contained in a statement by Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Jacob Edi. Edi described the story as totally false, borne out of

ignorance and mischief on the part of the reporter and workers.

He explained that the company was liquidated in 2011 and that at the time Captain Idris Wada was not governor of the state.

He further stated that the edict that established the state’s transport company states clearly that workers of the company were not civil servants, but staff of the organisation employed by management of the com-

pany.

The special adviser disclosed that the law also stated that the state government was to provide takeoff capital for the company.

He said after liquidation of the company, workers who were deployed from various ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs, were returned to their original offices to continue their civil service careers.

He explained that the

state governor has never contemplated the option of retrenching workers in the state’s civil service despite the financial challenge facing the state, because of his humane and godly posture.

He therefore appealed to journalists in the state to always verify their information before going public in order not to create disaffection among the peaceloving people of the state and the government.

Katsina emir decries shortage of quality teachers ers had resulted in poor delivery of education at the primary school level.

The emir said this had resulted in the graduation of primary school students with poor academic background.

According to him, lack of teaching materials, depleted structures and poor working condition for

teachers were some of the problems facing quality education delivery in the state.

He said there was need for the state government to allocate more funds to the Ministry of Education towards addressing the problem.

He also said that teachers, particularly those

teaching in the rural areas need to be assisted with free accommodation and special allowances.

The emir said such would go a long way to solving the problems between pupils and teachers, as well as improve relationship between teachers, parents and community leaders.

He said traditional rulers in the state would soon meet with the state governor, Aminu Bello Masari to discuss problem facing the sector and how to effectively address same.

Earlier, chairman of the board, Lawal Daura, said the visit was to solicit for support and suggestions from the emirate

on how to successfully handle assignment of running the board.

He however called on traditional rulers in the state to reintroduce schools visits in their domain as doing so would complement effort by the state government in reviving primary education.

52

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

I formerly known and addressed as MISS EGBEBIYI MODUPEOLA ADEKEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLADAPO MODUPEOLA ADEKEMI. All former documents remain valid.

University College Hospital, Ibadan and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Miss ETSEGBE Mercy Michael, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. UMOLU Mercy Omoze Amhanoghena. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Raji Anke Latifat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Opakunle Anke Latifat. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Miss Fagbemijo Bashirat Bolanle, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bello Bashirat Bolanle. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Cecilia Anike Oladele now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Cecilia Anike Roberts.all former documents remain valid.General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Adedigba Maryam Busayo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ibraheem Maryam Busayo Adedigba.All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as Adamu Koli, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Adamu Ibrahim. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS ABIOYE COMFORT OMOLARA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. BABARINDE COMFORT OMOLARA. All former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Omitogun Oluwatobi Oluwakemi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Dairo Oluwatobi Oluwakemi.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Akwarendu Lilian Uchenna, now wish to known and addressed as Mrs. Lilian Prudence Onwunata.

All former documents remain valid NYSC and the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ukeje Uchenna Chinonye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Obichere Uchenna Chinonye.

All former documents remain valid general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as Okereke Uzoamaka Yvonne, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Igwe Uzoamaka Yvonne. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Constance Alozie, now wish to known and addressed as Mrs. Constance Emmanuel Uba. All former documents remain valid NYSC and the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as ODEBODE ESTHER TEMITOPE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS.SALAMI ESTHER TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Theresa Peter, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Theresa Peter Olaitan.

All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Amalachukwu Cassandra Okonkwo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Amalachukwu Cassandra Chukwurah. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly addressed and known as Miss Ojo Funmilayo Jumoke now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Olajide Funmilayo Jumoke. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Miss Ugwuodo AGATHA Chinenye, now wish to known and addressed as Mrs. Odoh Agatha Chinenye. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Miss Sanusi Oluwabukola Victoria, now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. Awosoji Oluwabukola Victoria. All former documents remain valid. Osun state government and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adedoyin Adesanya Bilikisu now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adedoyin Adesanya Dada former documents remain valid general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Adekunle Kosemi Quadri, now wish to be known and addressed as Adekunle Kosemi Adepegba.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Falowo Grace Funmilayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kayode Grace Funmilayo. All former documents remain valid.

Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as CHUKWUEMEKA MBAMALU RACHEL IFEOMA now wish to be known and addressed as OBENDE RACHEL IFEOMA,all former document remain valid, General public take note.

ADDITION OF NAME Formerly known as Miss Adebowale Abosede Bernice, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adegbite Abosede Bernice. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known, called and addressed as Afam Augustine Chinonso, now wish to be known called and addressed as Afam Augustine Okonkwor. All former documents remain valid.

General Public note.

I formerly known and addressed as Okolie Peter, Now wish to be known and addressed as Esikabu Peter Okudilichukwu . All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Miss Oso Damilola Tolulope, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olusegun Damilola Tolulope. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State Judiciary and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ojo Abosede Mary, now wish to be addreesd as Mrs. Oke Abosede Mary. All former documents remain valid.

First Bank PLC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinyemi Tolulope Francisca, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Akinbola Tolulope Francisca. All former documents remain valid. Zenith Bank PLC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Bajimi Olawunmi Dolapo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Banjo Olawunmi Dolapo.All former documents remain valid.Ogun State Civil Service Commission and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Sobowale Temitope Funmilayo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Kogbe Temitope Funmilayo.

All former documents remain valid.General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Erinoso Ibukunoluwa Abolanle now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ilo Ibukunoluwa Abolanle .All former documents remain valid.UBA and General public take note.

CHANGE OF SURNAME Formerly known as Khadija Aliyu Girka, now wish to be known and addressed as Khadija Shamsudeen Ma’a Gafai. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Master Ohrue Rakpor Odafe Smile, now wish to be known and addressed as Master Efetimor Odafe Smile . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ESHOVO ADENIYI BLESSING, now wish to be known and addressed as ESHOVO ADENIYI . All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CORRECTION OF DATA PASSPORT

Formerly known as Miss Nlewedim NWokolo Ugomma Blessing, Now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Nlewedim Ugomma Blessing Ngozi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Usman Anotalahi Adewumi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akinnuoye Anotalahi Adewumi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ayankeye Oluwaseun Felicia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olabiyi Oluwaseun Felicia.All former document remain valid Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Formerly known as Uchendu John Charles now wish to be known and address as Umelue Charles Chukwudozie. All former documents remain valid. Public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF AGE

I, Mr James Igwe Hereby Confirm That I Was Born On 10Th May 1965, In Arochukwu Local Government Area Of Abia State. All Previous Documents Submit By Me Remain Valid.

Nichemtex Nig Plc And The General Public Take Note CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mamman Alau Bata Mshelia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mohammed Alau Bata Mshelia. All former documents remain valid.

Authorities concerned and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Husseni Ramota Bolanle, Now wish to be known and addressed as Jimoh Ramota Bolanle.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS NOFISAT BUKOLA AKINSANYA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NOFISAT BUKOLA AKINFOLARIN, all former document remain valid, General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS.OWOKADE ELIZABETH ADEYINKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. LAYODE ELIZABETH ADEYINKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Vincent Promise Chekwubechukwu, now wish to be known and address as Nweke Promise Chekwubechukwu. All former documents remain valid.

General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known as Emmanuel Joy Enejiata, Now wish to be known and addressed as Moretti Joy Enejiata. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Jemilat Abiola Alimi, Now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oguntade Jemilat Abiola .

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Adeoye Adekanmi Oluwaseun now wish to be addressed as Adekanmi Oluwaseun. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME FORMERLY known as MISS ONAKANMI ABIGEAL BOSE, NOW wish to be known and addressed as MRS.SAKA OYENIKE ABOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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All former documents remain valid.

Osun state government and General public take note.

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General public take note.

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PUBLIC NOTICE SOCIETAL REFORMATION AND PEACE FOUNDATION (SORP)

CHANGE OF NAME

PUBLIC NOTICE PEACE ASSOCIATION FOR THE GENERAL ERADICATION OF SLAVERY AND TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS IN NIGERIA.

NOTICE is hereby given to the general public that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies’ and Allied Matters Act 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named body has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the part C of the Company and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. BARRISTER BOLANLE JESURETIRE 2. PROFESSOR LATEEF OLADIMEJI SANNI 3. MR EFE FRIDAY JAMES 4. ELDER BABATUNDE OLUGBENGA OLADIPIPO 5 MR VICTOR OSAHON UADIALE

TRUSTEES ARE:

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1 To promote peace and peaceful co-existence among all citizens 2 To empower the poor and less privileged.

3 To promote justice and protect the rights of the less privileged 2. To promote good governance and accountability 3. To strengthen the human capacity of citizens in conflict management and resolution .

Any objection to the incorporation of the above foundation should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B. 198, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed TRUSTEES

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

1. Chukwuma Onyeka Chukwuma

- President General.

2. Osanebi Benneth, 3. Ukpe Ifeanyi Petrus, 4. Ockiya Amaechi Sydney, 5. Hon Godstime Egworabor.

AIMS: 1. TO ENHANCE UNITY AND DISCIPLINE AMONG THE MEMBERS Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Trigis Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street,Maitama, Abuja,within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: Chukwuma Onyeka Chukwuma

- President General.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Mrs Veronica Adaobi Akpotareghe Omoliki, now known and addressed as Miss Veronica Adaobi Nwafeli.

Former documents remain valid Delta state Civil Service Commission, Asaba and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME : I, formerly called Miss CHRISTIANA OGECHI ANOSIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. CHRISTIANA OGECHI ANORUE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of the loss of original Deed of Assignment dated 19th August, 1988 and registered as No. 81 at page 81 in volume 1896 of the Register of Deeds kept at the Lagos State Lands Registry Office, Ikeja, Lagos, made between DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (WEST AFRICA) LIMITED of No. 44, Calcutta Crescent, Apapa Lagos formerly known as Colonial Development Corporation (West Africa ) Limited (Assignor), and NIGERIAN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BANK LIMITED of NIDB House, 63/71, Broad Street, Lagos (now known as BANK OF INDUSTRY LIMITED) (Assignee), over all that property situate at plot 4 and 8 in section XLIII of the Government Residential Area Ikoyi and now known as Nos. 23A and 25, Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi Lagos including No. 21A and 21B, Mekuwen Road, Ikoyi, Lagos particularly described in survey plan No. L2894 annexed to the root of title. The Original Deed of Assignment got lost at the collapsed building at 63/71, Broad Street, Lagos.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

I wouldn’t say we are up for the title yet. But this season will be far more rewarding for us than the last

53

Sport

My form is intact –Toure

54

–Arsenal striker, Alexis Sanchez

NFF President Amaju Pinnick Inset: Late Sam Okwaraji

Fed Cup q/final fixtures (Men) Lobi

vs

BJ Foundation

El-Kanemi

vs

Rangers

Nasarawa

vs

Ifeanyi Ubah

Akwa

vs

Tornadoes

(Women) Rivers Angels

vs

Confluence Queens

Edo Queens

vs

Bayelsa Queens

Osun Queens

vs

Nasarawa Amazons

FC Robo

vs

Sunshine Queens

Samuel Okwaraji: 26 years after…

He’s a patriot, consummate professional –NFF boss

P

resident of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr. Amaju Pinnick, has praised the patriotism and professionalism of Samuel Okwaraji, who died of cardiac arrest on August 12, 1989 while playing for the Super Eagles in a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Angola at the National Stadium, Lagos.

Pinnick spoke with the late player’s mother, Lady Jane Okwaraji, to com-

miserate the family on the eve of the anniversary yesterday.

“Please rest assured that Sam will continue to be in our hearts and consciousness,” the NFF boss said.

“He was a rare gem and I assure you that the NFF will continue to keep in touch with you,” he added.

“As a young boy, I was at the National Stadium to watch the big match only to go home with a heavy heart after news

broke of Sam’s tragic departure,” Pinnick recalled, stressing, “It was a horrible day for someone like me and several other Nigerians who were right inside the National Stadium on that day.”

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, who was also one of the scores of thousands of fans at the stadium, said: “We lost one of the most dedicated and committed players to have featured for any of the national teams.”

A doctorate degree student of law until his death, Okwaraji slumped 13 minutes to the end of the match and was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital.

Meanwhile, the NFF has announced that the portrait of the late midfielder would be displayed round the eight venues of the Federation Cup quarter finals today in remembrance of the late hero.

get to hear anything about his contribution to football when he was alive. Twenty six years gone and no single stadium was named after him,” he added.

Another ex-international, Etim Esin, said it was pathetic that nothing had been done to appreciate the Okwaraji family since his demise.

“Rashidi Yekini was celebrated in far away Portugal when he died but we cannot

celebrate a man that died on active duty and 26 years after his death, there is nothing to show for it,” Esin lamented.

Another ex-Eagle, Friday Ekpo, said a charity match should be played annually in Okwaraji’s honour.

“A competition should be organised in his memory so that generations yet unborn will know that there was once a football legend who played passionately for Nigeria.”

…Ex-Eagles demand memorial Paul Erewuba

T

wenty-six years after the sudden death of Super Eagles midfielder, Samuel Okwaraji, his former national team mates have charged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to institute an annual programme in his remembrance.

A former Eagles defender, Bright Omo-

karo, said that it was unfortunate that Okwaraji’s memory had faded away from the heart of Nigerians.

“It will not be a bad idea if a sport facility is named after Okwaraji in order to give the present crop of footballers the push to represent the country meritoriously,” Omakaro, who is currently assistant coach at 3SC of Ibadan, said.

“It is very unfortunate that we don’t

54

Sports

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

My form is intact –Toure M

anchester City midfielder, Yaya Toure, yesterday said he was never off-form following his superb display in his side’s opening 3-0 League victory over West Brom at the Hawthorns on Monday night.

Despite being criticised for a dip in form last season, the 32-year-old said he was never far from his best, insisting he never took the comments made about him to heart.

“I know what I have to do and I don’t care what people say about me,” Toure said, adding, “I’m not

back I’m always there. Sometimes people criticise you unfairly but we don’t care what they say.”

The Ivorian said he was content with his scoring start to the new season, yet insists there is a long way to go for the team.

“It was a great start as we have 37 games to go. It is early but we are in good form. We played very well against a good team.”

City faces a tough task in its second League encounter on Sunday as it hosts reigning EPL champion Chelsea.

Yaya Toure

Beijing 2015: Bolt, Fraser headline Team Jamaica

Team Nigeria list to Beijing 2015

U

sain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will defend their sprint titles in Beijing 2015 after being confirmed as part of the Jamaican team for t h e I A A F World

Russian capital, have been included in the relay squads this time.

Other wild card entries on Jamaica’s team of 53 athletes include 2014 Diamond Race winners Kaliese Spencer in the 4 0 0 m hurdles Bolt (l) and Fraser a n d N o v lene WilliamsMills in the 400m.

ChampionAmong the ships. male athletes inBoth athletes won the v i t e d by the federation are 100m, 200m and 4x100m in Moscow two years Nickel Ashmeade, Kemar Bailey-Cole, Usain ago. Nesta Carter, Kemar Bailey-Cole, Nickel Bolt and Asafa Powell (100m), Nickel Ashmeade, Ashmeade and Kerron Stewart, who all formed Usain Bolt, Rasheed Dwyer, Julian Forte and part of the triumphant 4x100m teams in the Warren Weir (200m).

Africa Games: No pros in camp –Yakmut

D

irector General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Alhassan Yakmut, has disclosed that there are no professionals in Team Nigeria camp ahead of the 2015 Africa Games in Congo.

Yakmut said Nigeria would be represented by mainly amateurs, as he reacted to allegations that athletes were paid N1, 000 allowance per day.

“If there is any athlete that

found his or her way to our camp as a professional, he or she should be responsible for his flight ticket,” the director general said.

“We are participating in this camp on the level of amateurism, so no one will come out and bamboozle us under the camouflage of professionalism,” he added.

In a related development, the National Sports Commission has promised to liaise

with the sports councils in the states to ensure adequate awareness for cricket.

Yakmut gave the pledge at the final of Nigeria Cricket Federation U-17 Girls Championship which was won by the South West on Sunday.

“We want to ensure that cricket is enshrined in the councils’ programmes because we cannot get it to the grassroots without collaborating with them,” he said.

1. Blessing Okagbare 2. Gloria Asumnu 3. Stephanie Kalu 4. Cecilia Francis 5. Deborah Odeyemi 6. Patience Okon George 7. Regina George 8. Oluwatosin Adeloye 9. Margaret Etim 10. Rita Ossai 11. Uhunoma Naomi Osazuwa 12. Miles Ukaoma 13. Doreen Amata 14. Lindley Weyinmi Lindsay 15. Tosin Oke 16. Tega Odele 17. Amaka Ogoegbunam

Ugboaja is new BAPAN boss

T

he Basketball Player Association of Nigeria (BAPAN) has elected Ejike Ugboaja as the new president of the body.

The former NBA draft from Union Bank basketball club of Lagos defeated former president of the association, Umar Bala, and Tijani Idris, polling 25 votes to emerge with a unanimous decision of accredited delegates.

Ugbuoaja described his victory as a new dawn for former and current league players in Nigeria.

“I will get all players together as a unit and give them right orientation to know their rights in the sports,” he said in post-election speech.

“BAPAN will ensure that all intending and current league players return to the class room to acquire the necessary formal education which will help them to have life outside basketball and I will dialogue with the federation and clubs in the league to provide a comprehensive insurance plans for all players.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Efugh blames ‘bad luck’ for Oba loss

C

aptain of Heartland FC of Owerri, Chinedu Efugh, has attributed the team’s loss to 3SC of Ibadan in their week 22 match in Rojenny to bad luck.

Heartland lost 3-1 to Shooting Stars in a rescheduled match on Monday, the first victory over the Owerri by the Stars in five years.

“We are still in a shock after the Week 22 loss to Shooting Star,” Efugh lamented

Midweek League with PAUL EREWUBA 08032138738

Table

yesterday.

“The game just turned against us. We didn’t deserve to lose the game. It was a surprise to me and the entire team because we prepared very well and had the confidence that victory would swing our way.

“But the truth is that Shooting Stars utilised all their chances to win the game. That’s football for you.”

xxxx

Heartland captain Chinedu Efugh

Giwa ace rues points loss

G

iwa FC of Jos fullback, El-Shittu Lawal, says he is disappointed the side dropped points to Warri Wolves over the weekend, but remains confident they can compete for the title. Giwa moved ahead of Kano Pillars and Abia Warriors into fifth place in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), but would have risen as high as third if they had beaten Wolves.

“It’s unfortunate we dropped points against Warri Wolves but we are focused on the next game against Sunshine Stars,” Lawal said.

“We tried our best but it just wasn’t to be. Wolves are a good side but we would have won if we took our chances.

“The rain also didn’t help at all because the ball wasn’t bouncing well and movement was a bit hard. I actually thought the referee will call the game off but he didn’t.”

Week 23 fixtures Lobi

vs

Taraba

Bayelsa

vs

Enyimba

Nasarawa

vs

Heartland

Akwa

vs

Sharks

Rangers

vs

Ifeanyi Ubah

Sunshine

vs

Giwa

Wolves

vs

Dolphins

Abia

Vs

El-Kanemi

Kwara

Vs

Wikki

Pillars

Vs

3SC

Dolphins’ relegation woes worsen

T Dolphins Coach, Oguma

55

he relegation trouble of Dolphins of Port Harcourt showed another symptom during their Week 22 match against Abia Warriors and the side is seriously in need of fortune if relegation is to be avoided.

And with a week 23 debacle away against hungry Wolves in Ohgara, Dolphins might as well swim deeper into relegation waters unless the unexpected like it did between Heartland and 3SC on Monday.

Ex-Dolphins striker Bolaji

Sakin, now with the Umuahia-based outfit, came back to haunt his former employers as Abia Warriors held Dolphins to a 1-1 draw at the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt.

Sakin, who left Dolphins at the start of the season, cancelled out Isiaka Olawale’s 30th minute strike and remained a constant menace to the home side’s defence before an injury forced his eventual withdrawal in the second half.

Teams

P

Pt

1

Enyimba

22

41

2

Sunshine

22

40

3

Wolves

22

37

4

Wikki

22

35

5

Giwa

22

35

6

Kano

22

34

7

Abia Warriors

22

34

8

Heartland

22

33

9

3SC

22

32

10

Rangers

22

32

11

Nasarawa

22

30

12

El-Kanemi

22

30

13

Ifeanyi Ubah

22

29

14

Kwara United

22

26

15

Akwa

22

26

16

Lobi

22

24

17

Sharks

22

22

18

Dophins

22

21

19

Bayelsa

22

20

20

Taraba

22

19

FA aspirant sues for peace

A

chairmanship candidate for the Anambra State Football Association (ASFA) executive board, Olisa Aniuno, has urged members of the association to embrace peace, saying it is the only thing that will make the sport to grow in the state.

Aniuno said in Awka that football was suffering in Anambra because of the leadership crisis that had dogged the board since February 28.

“I am very sad because Anambra football has not taken its pride of place in Nigerian football. We need to get away from the present situation,” he said.

“The association under my leadership will lay emphasis on the provision and upgrading of sports facilities in the state,” he added.

Gov. Obiano

WORLD RECORD

Largest stick bomb Vol. 05 No. 1175

N150

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

The largest stick bomb consists of 30,849 sticks and was achieved by the Tulln Domino Team (Austria) at the BSZ-Tur nhalle, Tulln, Austria, on 30 March 2015.

Of gays and the captives of liberty

S

ome might say the correlation is farfetched. But the power of ICT has obliterated national boundaries and shrunk our world. Our march of history is now conveyed in contemporary, real-life tempo by agencies of instant communication. When Pope Francis 1gave his opinion on gay in July 2013, he spoke directly to Justice Anthony Kennedy and his brother justices, who formed the majority in the judgement that legalised gay marriage in the US. He also addressed directly such tendencies across the world, some of whom will rule on same-sex suits in the future.

I fantasised the likes of Justice Anthony Kennedy argue thus: “Eh! We are a liberal democracy. This is a holy man who should be the embodiment of the Holy Book saying practically there is nothing wrong with being gay. So who are we ordi-

Guest Columnist

L

Opeyemi

nary mortals to judge, condemn and deny gays marital rights? Even if we were to be sentenced to eternal hell on the Judgement Day, we already possess a plea in mitigation!”

Here is how The Guardian (UK) reported the dangerous remarks of the pontiff on Monday, June 29, 2013. “Pope Francis says he will not judge priests for being gay.”

“Pope Francis reached out to gay people on Monday, saying he would not judge priests for their sexual orientation... ‘If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?’

Francis asked. His predecessor, Benedict XVI, signed a document in 2005 that said men with deep-rooted homosexual tendencies should not be priests. Francis was much more conciliatory...”

The comments of the pontiff, repeatedly broadcast across the world, are branded on my mind. “Is Pope Francis seeking worldly acceptance at the expense of the truth? If an armed robber is full of good works, who am I to judge him?” I knew instantly there would be repercussions, the scale of which I might have underestimated. I thought of taking him up publicly, as an individual, but I eventually did not.

I recall a similar sentiment by the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, had attracted my censure some years ago, where I called on him to take the most honourable path by repudiating his leadership of the Anglican Communion.

Ibe puts Eagles’ future on hold

iverpool winger, Jordon Ibe, has told Super Eagles Coach, Sunday Oliseh, that he will take a decision on his international future December 21 2016 when he would be 21 years old.

Soyombo

Oliseh has not hidden his interest in the youngster who he believes will fit nicely in the type of football he plans to play with the Eagles and has gone ahead to sound out the exciting winger in England.

A GAY PERSON LIVES OUTSIDE NATURE, OUTSIDE THE LAW OF

GOD

He had even expressed a more sacrilegious opinion in a letter he allegedly wrote before he became the leader of the Anglican Church: “I concluded that an active sexual relationship between two people of the same sex might, therefore, reflect the love of God in a way comparable to marriage, if and only if it had about it the same character of absolute covenanted faithfulness.”

This was blasphemy writ large!

According to Pope Francis, “When I meet a gay person, I have to distinguish between their being gay and being part of a lobby. If they accept the Lord and have goodwill, who am I to judge them? They shouldn’t be marginalized. The tendency [to homosexuality] is not the problem… they’re our brothers.”

No, Holy Father. Gays are not our brothers. They are like armed robbers. They become our brothers only if they repent and forsake their evil ways. A gay person lives outside nature, outside the law of God. You cannot continue to be gay and please the Lord, the same way an armed robber cannot continue in his or her criminality and at the same time “accept the Lord and full of good will.”

By the way, we do not know the exact passage of the Bible that guided the opinion of the pontiff. The Bible is unambiguous on the place of gay, sodomy, lesbianism, etc. Here is 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (NKJV): “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” The United States Supreme Court ruled on Friday, June 26, 2015 that same-sex couples could get married in the country.

Justice Anthony Kennedy, who read the lead judgement in the consolidated suit, Obergefell v. Hodges, declared: “The Constitution promises liberty to all within its reach, a liberty that includes certain specific rights that allow persons, within a lawful realm, to define and express their identity. The petitioners in these cases seek to find that liberty by marrying someone of the same sex and having their marriages deemed lawful on the same terms and conditions as marriages between persons of the opposite sex.”

This ruling is obscene and debases our shared humanity. It is the very second in the row of notorious liberties in the US that places humanity below the level of animals. The first being the right to kill (the so-called freedom to possess firearms), since it is easier to purchase a gun than buy candies in a supermarket. And so our humanity is continually assailed by captives of liberty, as Americans gun themselves down daily for no just cause. Yes, in the name of liberty!

Gay is obscene and violates human dignity. Therefore, the infamous 5-4 majority decision of the US Supreme Court ought to be reviewed and set aside. All lovers of humanity must unite on this. We must not allow America to turn our world upside down.

Soyombo, a public affairs commentator, sent this piece via densityshow@ yahoo.com

Sport Extra “Jordon has consulted with his family and he now wants to wait a little longer before he decides on the direction of his international career,” a source close to the player’s family said yesterday,” stressing, “He

has also consulted with his father on the prospect of either playing or not for Nigeria.

Reports however suggested that Ibe could be aiming to buy time at Liverpool to impress the

England national team handlers after having represented the English at U-18, U-19 and U-20 levels.

Interestingly Oliseh had last week unfolded plans to convince Ibe to play for Nigeria.

Ibe

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