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Insurgency: Army drafts student pilots to war front P.6

Minimah

Vol. 5 N0. 1143

EU to offer €150m grant for power sector

...as NERC inaugurates technical inspectors P..2

Friday, June 26, 2015

National Mirror Online

BBOG movement writes President, seeks audioence over missing Chibok girls P.7

Buhari

N150

@NationalMirror

House of Reps’ H show of shame ...exchange blows over Gbajabiamila

GEORGE OJI AND TORDUE SALEM

21, OLOWU STREET, IKEJA, LAGOS www.medviewairline.com 01-4540927/8

FLIGHT SCHEDULE WITH EFFECT FROM JUNE 29, 2015 MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS DESTINATION

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Pro-Saraki senators emerge principal officers

ouse of Representatives erupted in a two-hour fracas yesterday over attempts by the Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara to close plenary without reading a letter from the All Progressives Congress, APC, endorsing Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and others as principal officers. The party on Tuesday, CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

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Updated June 12, 2015

Rowdy session at the House of Representatives over appointment of principal officers in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Obama to host Buhari July 20, says White House

…Boko Haram, stronger bi-lateral relations top agenda

Cholera kills three in Ebonyi, 17 hospitalised

P.5 P.10

News

Friday, June 26, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

House of Reps’ show of shame CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

wrote the Speaker, notifying him on the decision to endorse Hon. Gbajabiamila (Lagos) as House Leader, Hon. Ado Doguwa (Kano) as Deputy Leader, Hon. Mohammed Monguno (Borno) as Whip, and Hon. Pally Iriase (Edo) as Deputy Whip. But the Speaker, who walked into the Chamber at 11:02am, directed the Acting Leader, Hon. Orker Jev, an APC member from Benue State after prayers, to raise a motion for a closed session. But midway into Hon. Jev’s motion, the House busted into a protest, as Hon.

Balarabe Abdullahi Salame (Sokoto-APC) and other colleagues who claimed to be loyal to the party, made for the mace and the seat of the Speaker. While Hon. Salame, who was clad in a sky-blue overflowing Babariga with a tapestried fez cap, made for the Speaker’s chair, asking him loudly to get up, Hon. Doguwa went for the mace (the symbol of authority of the Speaker). Doguwa was however resisted by Chamber staff and parliamentary security and the mace snatched from its platform and taken to the office of the

Clerk of the House of Representatives from the exit door, as the fracas continued. Doguwa later mounted the mace platform shouting expletives and demanding the ouster of the Speaker, before he was stoned off the table with several voluminous books (copies of laws of the Federation) by Hon. Chukwuma Onyema (PDPAnambra). Some anti-Dogara protesters formed a cluster around the mace platform, shouting hoarse. Others in the middle of the Chamber, raised cardboard-paper placards with

the inscription “Nigerians Voted for Party; Party is Supreme.” While Dogara’s supporters (both APC and PDP) formed a protective ring around him on the dais shouting “Sai Dogara” and “APC shame”, others loyal to Gbajabiamila, shouted “APC” and stressed their belief in the supremacy of the party. While the fight lasted, Hon. Gbajabiamila was calm. When the heat was apparently becoming unbearable for the Speaker, he summoned the ex-Minority

Leader (Gbajabiamila), for a tete-a-tete that lasted for about 5 minutes and calm was restored shortly after at 12:32pm. After the agitated legislators returned to their seats, Hon. Jev moved a motion that reversed the House to order, before the plenary was summarily adjourned to Tuesday, July 21, 2015. The Speaker, before the adjournment of plenary, pleaded for peace and understanding from his colleagues, amidst applause and support across party lines. He said: “Events of today

President Muhammadu Buhari (right) and President of ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, during a meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

are very unfortunate, and as leaders, we must rise beyond partisan interest. This is the House of Nigerian people. We can agree to disagree, but we must put the nation first. We are a very fortunate class. In a nation of 170 million people, only 360 of us are elected to represent our people. “Nigerians expect us to really talk about issues that bother them, which are about insecurity, unemployment, but as long as this House is divided, we cannot achieve that. “I therefore appeal to us that as leaders, all hands must be on deck to achieve the desired unity to move this nation forward. We will sit down as leaders and make sure these issues are addressed.” Acting spokesman of the House, Hon. Sani Zoro (APC-Jigawa), while briefing the press, apologised to Nigerians on behalf of his colleagues for the fight on the floor. “The House therefore sincerely apologises to Nigerians for the ugly events of today. “We reiterate the admonition of the Hon. Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, that the 8th House in fulfillment of its electoral mandate shall devote its time and energy to address the hydra headed problems confronting the nation,” he said. He explained that the call for executive session (closed session) was to make peace CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

EU to offer €150m grant for power sector CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

three-man delegation from the European Union, EU, yesterday disclosed the availability of €150m grant for the country’s power sector. Speaking at an interactive session with Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi and other members of the Commission, leader of the delegation, Mr. Peter Cameron said they were in the country to assess possible areas the EU could be of assistance in solving the country’s power challenge. Other members of the

delegation are Gerrit Clarke and Daud Carew. Cameron said that the delegation, which has been around the country for some days, had held discussion with other stakeholders in the sector and was rounding off its consultation with the Commission so that it would be properly guided on possible areas of assistance. The Commission has, however, requested for the details of the grant for it to study and arrive at a well informed position on how best the offer could be accessed and optimally utilised. Briefing the delegation, Amadi appreciated EU’s good gesture, even as he listed three major areas of possible intervention as bridg-

ing the huge metering gap; transmission bottlenecks; and the need for embedded generation to improve shortage in power supply. Embedded generation entails consumption of power generated from a plant within a distribution network without passing it through the transmission network. In his analysis of the situation in the power sector, Amadi said: “It is a vicious circle; they (electricity firms) cannot get funds if they cannot deliver quality service and the customer will not be willing to pay without quality service. Without quality service there will be no public acceptability.” He listed other areas of

challenges as gas supply bottlenecks and vandalism of gas pipelines. He said that some of the decisions taken recently by the Commission like removal of collection losses were evidence based and in the best interest of the market. Carew, in his speech described the country’s power sector as a big challenge considering the amount of electricity available to the population. “The Commission has been able to do a good job by being very flexible, open and ready to listen,” he added. In a related development, the NERC has appointed technical inspectors to monitor performances and compliance with extant market

rules by electricity firms despite the newly assented technical power agency. Speaking at a workshop for the inspectors yesterday in Abuja, Dr. Amadi said electricity inspection is a vital function of the regulator as it informs sensitive decisions in reviewing electricity tariff. The appointment of the inspectors is coming at a time when the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, NEMSA, a technical power enforcement agency was established by an Act signed into law last month by former President Goodluck Jonathan. It would be recalled that NEMSA transformed from the Electricity Management

Services Limited, EMSL, which was started in 2013 to fill the gap in technical inspection. NEMSA’s Managing Director, Mr. Peter Ewesor, said the new agency will interface with market operators to inspect and test electrical equipment and facilities while ensuring that operators comply with NERC rules. In his remark, Amadi said: “The Electric Power Sector Reform Act, EPSRA, 2005 says NERC will do inspection; it allows the regulator to appoint inspectors to do the work. “In its provision, there is an obvious link between economic regulation and techCONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, June 26, 2015

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Photo News

Friday, June 26, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Director-General, Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI), Mrs. Olubunmi Adekoje (left); President, Mr Solomon Ogunbusola (3rd left); Deputy President, Mr. Moses Anisa (right) and members of the federation, during a product presentation in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Head, Business Development, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited [SIPML], Mrs. Nike Bajomo; Executive Director, SIPML, Mr. Steve Elusope; Zonal Head, South-South, National Pension Commission, Mr. Kehinde Awotunde; and Head, Compliance, SIPML, Mrs. Idu Okwuosa, during an employers’ forum in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Executive Director, ACTS Generation, Mrs. Laila Mathew Daniel (left) and Executive Director, Partnership for Justice, Mrs. Itoro Eze Anabam, during a discourse on new sexual offence bill and NAPTIP Act 2015, in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: ABIOLA ABDULHAMMED

L-R: Privatization Adviser, Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility, Mr. Bill Slegg; NERC Chairman, Dr. Sam Amadi and Deputy General Manager, Engineering Division, Mr. Abdullahi Mohammed, during a workshop for NERC-appointed inspectors in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

National News

NIPOST closes four illegal courier firms C

ourier Regulatory Department, CRD, of NIPOST yesterday announced the closure of four companies, allegedly operating courier services without licence. Senior assistant postmaster-general of NIPOST, Dr. Simon Emeje, told newsmen in Lagos

that three of the illegal operators were closed down in Ilorin on Monday, June 22. Emeje, who is also head of CRD, added that one illegal courier company - Kasmag Express - was closed down in Lagos. News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that

the three illegal companies shut down in Ilorin are Royal Ryders Express, Success Transport and Kwara Express - all located at Murtala Muhammed Road, Challenge Area, Ilorin. He said the clampdown on them was a national assignment and essential for the sanity of the cou-

rier sub-sector. According to him, it is the mandate of CRD to provide a level-playing ground for the courier sector to thrive. The senior assistant postmaster-general said there was need for the clampdown because of the critical nature of the sub-sector to the nation’s

economy. He said the sub-sector also needs to be sanitised in the interest of investors. According to him, the sector is very viable, adding that only 20 per cent of the market has been tapped. He said the courier operations are classified

into three, namely - international courier companies, indigenous international companies and domestic companies. Emeje said the licence fee for the international is N10 million, the indigenous international, N10 million; while the domestic is N2 million.

Nigeria, ECOWAS, ECCAS to agree on new summit date on Boko Haram ROTIMI FADEYI Abuja

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday welcomed efforts to strengthen and expand cooperation between Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, and the Economic Community of Central African States, ECCAS, on the war against terrorism. A statement issued by special adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said Buhari spoke at a meeting with President of

ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Kadre Desire Ouedraogo. At the meeting, Buhari restated his view that greater regional and international cooperation was needed to ensure victory over terrorism in Nigeria and other countries. The President assured Ouedraogo that Nigeria would hold further consultations with other stakeholders to agree on a new date for the ECOWAS-ECCAS security summit on Boko Haram, earlier scheduled for Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on April 8, 2015.

The summit was postponed because of the general elections in Nigeria on March 28 and April 11, 2015. Buhari also assured Ouedraogo that Nigeria would continue to fulfill its financial obligations to ECOWAS to enhance the regional body’s ability to attain its objective of regional integration and development. The President commended the ECOWAS Commission and other ECOWAS institutions for progress made on the biometric identity card system, which would come into force in 2016, saying its

introduction would be a major milestone towards full regional integration and free movement of ECOWAS citizens within the sub-region. Prosecute governors over non-payment of salaries -Aremu tells NLC president Labour leader, Mr. Isa Aremu, yesterday said the President Ayuba Wabba-led faction of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, should have taken governors to court for non-payment of workers’ salaries. Aremu, general secretary,

National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTW, and vice president of the Joe Ajaero-led faction of the NLC, spoke in Lagos on the division in NLC. Speaking on the outcome of the National Industrial Court, NIC, case on the presidency tussle between Ajaero and Wabba, Aremu said the labour leaders had been together before. He explained that the strength of the organised labour was not in fighting one another but in fighting a common enemy.

News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, recalls that the controversial 11th delegates’ conference of the NLC held on March 12, in Abuja produced Wabba as president; while another delegates’ conference that held on March 19, 2015 in Lagos, elected Ajaero as president and since then there has been factions in the labour organisation. Aremu said Wabba should not have taken the Ajaero’s faction to court as the time spent in litigation should have been used to tackle issues of welfare of workers and national development.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Friday, June 26, 2015

Obama to host Buhari July 20, says White House ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

resident Barack Obama of the United States is scheduled to host President Muhammadu Buhari on July 20 as a symbolic show of solidarity after the peaceful transition of power. According to a statement from the White House, discussions between the two leaders would focus on ways to strengthen collaboration in the fight against the Boko

Haram sect. A Multinational Joint Task Force made up of Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon is already in place to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency. “President Obama will host Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari at the White House on July 20. The visit will mark our support for the Nigerian people following their historic democratic elections and peaceful transfer of power,” a statement said. The Obama’s administra-

tion had faced criticism for not planning to visit Nigeria during a two nation Africa tour, also slated for July. That trip will take him to Kenya and Ethiopia, countries which have held highly questioned elections in recent memory. When contacted on telephone yesterday, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina said he was aware there is a planned trip to the United States but added that he was yet to have the full details.

During his inaugural speech, Buhari had said the security challenge in the country and winning the war against Boko Haram would be his priority. Shortly after he was sworn in as President, Buhari was on his first official visit to Niger and Chad for discussion with the leaders of the two countries on cooperation to defeat the sect. He also travelled to Germany on June 6 to attend the G7 Summit on the invitation of German Chancellor, An-

gela Merkel Although, Buhari did not participate in the main meetings, since Nigeria was not a member of the G7, he was in a group of seven other Heads of State who were called in as guests. Buhari was also in South Africa on June 13, to attend the 25th African Union Sum-

mit in Johannesburg, where he sought the cooperation of African leaders in the fight against the insurgents. It was his first continental assignment after he took over as President as he also chaired a meeting of the Peace and Security Committee of the African Union during the Summit.

EU to offer €150m grant for power sector CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

PHOTO: NAN

nical inspection because it is the result of technical inspection that will feed into economic regulation.” He decried the absence of a clear technical regulation framework in the sector, adding that there are many other codes and rules, including the metering and grid codes. “What is left is the technical capability to monitor, inspect and find out how the codes are being implemented and the inspectors report to the commission so that the commissioner can regulate better,” he noted. The 14 inspectors drawn from private electrical firms will be in each of NERC’s Distribution zone. Amadi said: “These are technical firms that have experience and their duty is to

support, investigate and do the work. “They are 14, who are to do the work while our zonal offices monitor and evaluate them.” Meanwhile NERC has dismissed allegation that it is creating double technical regulator in the infant privatised sector. Amadi faulted double regulation citing, Ghana’s case where the economic and the technical regulator are in chaos over tariff. “Clearly, it is wrong to have double regulation. The NEMSA law has been signed but it has not been operationalised, so it is left for government to review and advise us on what to do. I do know that government’s policy during its campaign was not to recognise any other regulator apart from NERC,” he said.

to occupy the vacant principal offices. The Senate President was however, silent on the Chief Whip, because members of the South West caucus, who were expected to produce a representative, did not write any letter to him to that effect. He subsequently asked the Sergeant-at-Arms to lead the three principal officers to their respective seats to assume offices immediately. Saraki again frustrated attempt by the senator representing Zamfara Central Senatorial District, Kabiru Marafa, to read the letter from the National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, containing lists of the principal officers, which were chosen by the party. Marafa cited Senate Standing Order 28 (1) and the constitution’s point of

order Section 65, (1E), to drive home his arguments. He said: “According to the provision, there should be a Majority Leader of the Senate, who should be a senator nominated from the party with the highest number of senators. “This point of order was raised yesterday and another colleague raised another point of order distinguishing between the word, from and by, which was used there. That is why I am joining it with order 65 (1d) of the constitution. “It says subject to the provisions of section 66 of the constitution, a person shall be qualified for election as a member of the senate if he or she is a member of a political party and sponsored by the political party. “Mr. President, there is a communication from the APC which is the party with the majority repre-

sentatives in the senate. However, for reasons best known to you Mr. President, you declined to read it yesterday (Wednesday) on the floor of the senate when your attention was drawn to the communication from the party. “The constitution provision just cited clearly put the party ahead of any other caucus from anywhere. Therefore, if the communication from the party can so be regarded, I suggest that you, Mr. President cannot read any communication from any caucus because there is no caucus that is bigger than the political party.” Marafa was immediately tackled by Senator Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central), who urged the senate president to disregard his submissions because the same issue raised by him had been ruled upon.

Sergeants-at-arm guarding the mace after the fracas at the House of Representatives in Abuja, yesterday.

House of Reps’ show of shame CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

on some contentious matters, but regretted that lawmakers could riot on the floor of the House. “The mechanism of an executive session is usually employed by the leadership to discuss and resolve any issue that may require urgent attention of members or that may be contentious. Only members are participants in the executive session. “The Speaker had hardly finished calling on the chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Rules and Business to move a motion to that effect, when some Honourable Members tried to interrupt and disrupt the House proceedings. “The conduct of these members at this point in time was contrary to the Standing Orders of the House as no further activities could take place at that

point. “It was obvious from the action of these members that they were acting on a premeditated script, as some of them even carried placards with inscriptions on them. “These members attempted to seize the Mace, which is the symbol of authority of the House and other sundry acts of fighting, fracas, misconduct, disruption and committed unparliamentary actions unbecoming of the status of Honourable Members. “The House wishes to state that the action of these members is regrettable and not in consonance with the objectives of the 8th Assembly as the House was set to continue deliberation on its legislative agenda, and other matters that directly affect the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians,” he stated.

At the senate, loyalists of Senate President, Bukola Saraki yesterday emerged as principal officers. Senator Ali Ndume (Borno, Northeast) emerged as the new Majority Leader, while Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah (Kebbi, Northwest) was named the new Deputy Leader. Also, Senator France Alimikhena (Edo, South South) emerged as the new Deputy Chief Whip. The trio emerged from the three zones as the choices of the people for the three principal offices zoned to those regions. They were elected by APC senators from the zones. Saraki at the resumed sitting of the senate read out the three separate letters addressed to him by the APC senate caucuses from the North East, North West and South South, listing the trio as those chosen by the zones

National News

Friday, June 26, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Deputy speaker warns against merger of water ministry Tordue Salem ABUJA

eputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yussuf Suleiman Lasun, yesterday warned the Federal Government against merging Water Resources Ministry with other agencies. The deputy speaker was particularly worried that there was abundant water in the country, yet there was no drinkable water for a sizeable num-

ber of the populace. Lasun gave the warning when Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water Resources, Mr Musa Istifanus, along with members of the House Committee on Water Resources paid him a courtesy visit. In his address to the delegation, the deputy speaker warned against merging of Water Ministry with Agric Ministry. He opined that both ministries were important for

the development of the country. “We have not succeeded in resolving the problems of water not to talk of merging water with agriculture,” he said. In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Lasun said; “One of the major problem we have as a country is that there is water everywhere, but

no water to drink. We take this sector lightly. We have not come to term with the fact that to turn water to drinkable water cost a lot. People at the top have not appreciated that there is the need to spend money on water.” He added that, whenever opportunity is given to lawmakers, they would like to vote more money

into the water sector,” promising that he would use his office to promote the water sector and ensure that enough money is voted for the sector in the annual budget”. The Permanent Secretary, Mr Musa Istifanus, said the visit to Lasun, was to congratulate him, as well as wish a smooth administration in his new

office. According to him; “We heartily congratulate you on your well deserved emergence as the deputy speaker of the 8th assembly. Your re-election as an honourable member of the House did not come to us as a surprise knowing your antecedents in the water resources committee”.

Insurgency: Army drafts student pilots to war front Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

hief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt-General Kenneth Minimah, has drafted Nigerian Army student pilots into the ongoing military operations to rid the country of insurgency. The army had charged the student pilots to “at all times be ready to work and live with troops wherever operational exigency demands without any thought of leaving their chosen line of flying combat helicopters.” A statement issued by the Nigerian Army through its Director of Army Public

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Onajobi Yetunde Adebisi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ogunleye Yetunde Adebisi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as Adeleke Badajo Lawal now wish to be addressed as Adeleke Badejo Lawal. All former documents remain valid. General public and transporters company please take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as Olawoyin Toyin Elizabeth, now wish to be known and addressed as Sodiya Toyin Elizabeth. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Relations, DAPR, Colonel Sani Usman, said the COAS had already addressed the student pilots, who are undergoing helicopter flying training at the International Helicopter Flying School, Enugu. In his words, “You should all be ready at all times to live and work with troops wherever operational exigency demands. You should also banish all thoughts of leaving your chosen line of flying combat helicopters. The Nigerian Army will not train you and afterwards allow you to branch out to other arms or services on flimsy excuses.”

CHANGE OF NAME

MBONU: I, formerly known and addressed as Uche Njideka Mbonu, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Uchechukwu Njideka Enoma. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

BAKARE: I, formerly known and addressed as Atinuke Olutayo Bakare, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Atinuke Segun Okewusi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as Okeleke Joy, now wish to be known and addressed as Oche -Edache Joy. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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This is to conﬁrm that Mercy Ahuforo Obiahuba, Mercy Ahuforo ObiahubaAgharanya and Mercy Richard Agharanya are one and the same person, henceforth wish to be known and addressed as Mercy Ahuforo Obiahuba-Agharanya. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Mr. Roland Akinola Idowu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Falayi Isaac Idowu. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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OCHOIFEOMA: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinwe Joy Ochoifeoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chinwe Joy Morah. All former documents remain valid. UNN and general public should please take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as Salami Abimbola Rukayat, now wish to be known and addressed as Iluyemi Abimbola Rukaya. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

Formerly known as Miss Cole Omolola Omotunde, now wish to be known and addressed ad Mrs. Oyekan Omolola Omotunde. All former documents remain valid. LGSC and general public take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as Miss Opekilede Esther Olukemi, nowwish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akanbi Esther Opekilede. All former documents remain valid. OSUNTESCOM and general public take note.

L-R: Executive Director, Treasury and International Banking, UBA Plc, Mr. Femi Olaloku; Managing Director, First Bank Plc, , Mr Olabisi Onasanya, and Managing Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Peter Amangbo, at the CEO Roundtable on Banking and Oil Industry, organised by Bloomberg and NSE in Lagos, yesterday.

Court sets July 1 for fresh request to arrest Kashamu Ise-Oluwa Ige

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday

CORRECTION OF NAME/DATE OF BIRTH

This is to certify that I, Maku Isiaka Aliu is one and the same person as Maku Isiaka Ishola. That in my documents with First Bank of Nigeria Plc, my name was written as Maku Isiaka Ishola, on the same documents my date of birth was mistakenly written, but the correct date is February 28, 1968. Henceforth wish to be known as Maku Isiaka Aliu. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

IBRAHIM: I, formerly known and addressed as Ibrahim Oyiza Aisha now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Ibrahim Khan. All former documents remain valid. General public and all Authorities Concerned should please take note.

fixed July 1 this year to rule on a request by the Federal Government to issue it warrant of arrest to produce a serving sena-

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IMONISA: I, formerly known and addressed as Imonisa Bukky Joy, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Ogunnowo Bukky Joy Tomiwa. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

JOACHIM: I, formerly known and addressed as Joachim Nwachukwu, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Martins Charles Nwachukwu. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

COVENANT ACCESS CHURCH This is to notify the general public that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Aﬀairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1, of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. Pastor Samuel Tolani Ajipe 2. Evang. Dele Odeleke 3. Evang. Christanah Funmilayo Ajipe 4. Pastor Emmanuel. O. Ajipe

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. To spread the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 2. To evangelise the world for Christ 3. To rescue multitude, the world over through the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar -General, Corporate Aﬀairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Oﬀ Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES.

tor, Kashamu Buruji, in court. Kashamu, who is representing Ogun-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, is alleged to be wanted in the United States for prosecution over purported drug related offences. The trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, adjudicating in the case yesterday, said he would not only decide the fate of the application for warrant of arrest on July 1, but also decide whether or not there were enough reasons for commencement of the extradition proceedings against Kashamu by the Federal Government on that same day. At the resumed hearing of the extradition application yesterday, counsel to the federal government, M. S. Hassan prayed the court to issue a bench warrant of arrest against Kashamu for him to appear in court to face the extradition case against him. Kashamu’s counsel, Oluyede, who held brief

for Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), in his submissions, asked the court to strike out the matter as the orders made by Justices Ibrahim Buba and O.E Abbang of Federal High Court, Lagos had extinguished the current action by the prosecution. He urged the court to give effect to the orders made by the two courts and strike out the matter as filed by the prosecution. Prosecution counsel, M. S Hassan, in his submission urged the court to discountenance the submission of the defence counsel, saying that Federal High Court in Lagos has no supervisory jurisdiction over Federal High Court in Abuja. According to him, at the time the orders were made in Lagos, extradition process had not been initiated and urged Justice Kolawole to nullify the orders of the Federal high courts in Lagos, pointing out that a court of coordinate jurisdiction can nullify an order made in error by another court.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Customs may surpass 2014 collections —Investigations …rakes in N220bn from Apapa 1, Tin-Can ports Francis Ezem

here are strong indications that despite the current fiscal challenge facing the country, especially the dwindling import volumes and real sector under-performance, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, may surpass the revenue it raked in last fiscal year (2015). Maesrk Line, the global shipping giant, which accounts for shipment of over 50 per cent of the nation’s container traffic, had in the first quarter of 2015 raised an alarm that imports into the country had declined by over 30 per cent, an indication that most of the shipping lines were losing revenue due to economic situation of the country. Investigations by National Mirror showed that despite political uncertainties occasioned by the 2015 elections in the first quarter, which put most economic activities in a lull and the very difficult operating environment, NCS may rake in more revenue than it did last year. Indeed, revenue statistics released by the two major commands, Apapa Area 1 and the Tin Can Island, both of which account for more than 80 per cent of the service’s revenue for the first five months covering January to May, showed that the Service was on the track of surpassing the 2015 budget’s revenue collection projections. For instance, Apapa Area 1 command collected a total of N119.4 billion in the first five months of 2015, an amount that is higher than the 112.9 billion collected the comparative period of 2014 by about 5.8 per cent. Details of the command’s revenue figures indicated that N20.7 billion, N21.6 billion and N32.4 billion was collected in the first quarter of 2015 comprising January, February and March. Collections in the corresponding months of last year were N19.1 billion, N17.1 and N19.2 billion from January to March respectively. Similarly, N20.8 billion and N23.9 billion was collected in April and May 2015 respectively, which compares to the N29.3 billion and N28.2billion in the compara-

News

Friday, June 26, 2015

tive period of 2014. For Tin Can Island command, a total of N100.1 billion was collected for the first five months of 2015, which represents a decline of 11.3 per cent when compared to the N112.9 billion collected in the comparative period of 2014. The revenue details show that a N20.9 billion, N19.2 billion and N21.5 billion was collected in January, February and March, 2015 apiece which compares to the N21.7 billion, N21.7 billion and N16.7 billion generated in the first quarter of 2014. Other figures reflected that while N20.3 billion was collected in the month of April 2015, N18.2 billion was collected in May as against the N26.3 billion and N26.5 billion generated in the comparative period of 2014. Customs Area Controller in charge of Apapa Area 1 command, Comptroller Charles Edike, said that the revenue collection improvement was facilitated by the introduction of the PreArrival Assessment Report, PAAR, regime. According to him, the coming on stream of the PAAR regime, in addition to the sustained initiatives targeted at improving the transparency of the clearing system, also blocked revenue leakages in the system. He also said that the command had taken steps to boost non-oil revenue to cushion the effect of the dwindling oil resources occasioned by the massive decline in the price of crude oil across the globe. Despite the improvements recorded by the Service, analysts believe that it could still do more if the logistics and other operational constraints it is still battling with are removed. To support this claim, the newly appointed General Manager in charge of the Western Ports, which controls the ports in Lagos, including Lagos Ports Complex, Apapa, Tin Can Island Ports Complex and other terminals, Chief Michael Ajayi, said recently that whatever the ports are currently generating as revenue represented only 50 per of accruable revenue. He blamed the shortfall partly on the perennial gridlock in Apapa and environment.

Chibok girls: Campaigners seek audience with Buhari C o-coordinator of the BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) campaign movement, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, says the group has written President Muhammadu Buhari seeking a meeting with him over the missing Chibok girls. Ezekwesili told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday in Lagos that the movement was seeking to meet Buhari over the fate of the missing girls and ef-

forts to successfully bring them back. She said the group was not giving up on the girls. ‘’We have written to request a meeting with the President as we did on several occasions with the previous government. ‘’The meeting shall enable us to express our deep anxieties at the failure of the Federal Government to rescue our 219 Chibok girls. ‘’We shall also use the

meeting to understand and contribute to the strategy for countering terrorism, ensuring post-insurgency recovery and other related issues. ‘’We have formally written on behalf of the BringBackOurGirls movement in Abuja, nationwide, and all over the world to the President and sought to meet with him. ‘’We now await official confirmation and sched-

ule for the meeting from the President; 276 Chibok schoolgirls abducted, 57 escaped, 219 still missing, zero rescued and we are not giving up on them,’’ she said. The female students were kidnapped from Government Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State on the night of April 15, 2014. The Boko Haram sect claimed responsibility for the kidnap of the girls.

L-R: First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Buhari; wife of Speaker, House of Representatives, Hajiya Asmauwu and others, during an interactive dinner with governor’s wives at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday

Wale Igbintade

defence witness, Dr Rotimi Olulana, has told an Ikeja High Court that he did not inform the West African Examination Council, WAEC, that part of the land known as Plot 6, Southern Industrial Estate, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, sold to the council belongs to one Mr. Kayode Euzibio. Under cross-examination by Babatunde Oshilaja, lawyer to the claimant, Olulana told Justice Marian Emeya that as an agent it was not his duty to inform the examination body that part of the land it bought for N250 million belongs to the claimant. Olulana disclosed this at the resumed hearing of a suit filed by Mr. Euzibio against Maxi Market Limited (1st defendant), the Attorney General of Lagos State (2nd defendant), WAEC (3rd defendant) and the Registrar of titles, La-

Land tussle: Informing WAEC about owners not my job —Witness gos State (4th defendant) over the disputed land. He said it is the responsibility of the first defendant (Maxi Market) to inform WAEC that the land in dispute is jointly owned by it and the claimant. Olulana told the court that the original Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) was transferred to WAEC on November 9, 2009, adding that the certificate had been in his possession since 2003. He further told the court that the owners of the land had tried to recover the land from Lagos State government without success and that he used his personal resources to secure the land from the Lagos State government. In suit number ID/920/2011, the claimant had through his lawyer, sought court declaration that he is entitled to the stat-

utory right of occupancy in respect of the disputed land. The claimant urged the court to hold that he did not appoint either directly or an agent to sell the said land to WAEC International hence there was no sale or transfer of possession of the disputed land to the 2nd defendant. The claimant averred in his statement of claim that as far back as 1985, he obtained by purchase four plots of land measuring 3233.643 square metres from Maxi Market limited through the company’s Managing Director, Olusola Omoniran (now deceased). The claimant added that the 1st and 2nd defendants without his consent and against his interest had wrongfully, illegally and unlawfully entered, occupied and are on his plots of

land and have commenced preparation for buildings and construction works on the disputed land. But the 1st and 2nd defendants in their counter affidavit dated November 2, 2011 stated that the lands in dispute had been subject matter in suit ID/171/2006 and that judgment was entered on February 2009 pursuant to the terms of settlement dated November 27, 2008 between the claimant and Maxi Market Limited (1st defendant). Specifically, the 1st defendant added that it appointed its agent, Olulana to negotiate with the claimant on the value of said land and after serious negotiation the parties allegedly agreed to the conclusive payment of the sum of N25 million which was paid to the claimant as the final settlement of his claim of land.

South West

Friday, June 26, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Osun receives another letter demanding Aregbesola’s probe BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

sun State House of Assembly yesterday received yet another letter demanding the probe of Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s administration. A serving judge in the state’s judiciary, Justice Oloyede Folahanmi, had earlier written the assembly demanding the probe of Aregbesola. Receiving the letter from members of Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice, CHRSJ, a rights group, Deputy Chief Whip of the assembly, Adeyemi Taiwo, said the letter would be passed to the Speaker, Mr. Najeem Salaam. He said the lawmakers were also feeling the pains of the workers over the issue of unpaid salaries and assured that measures were being taken to resolve the matter. Addressing a rally

organised by the rights group at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, CHRSJ chairman, Comrade Adeniyi Alimi, backed the position of Justice Oloyede, calling on the assembly to investigate the alleged mismanagement of the state’s resources raised against Governor Aregbesola. He also demanded close watch on the judge by security agents to forestall any untoward incident happening to Oloyede and members of her family. Sulaiman also alleged that Aregbesola plunged the state into financial crisis due to the way he handled its resources. He averred: “We are using this opportunity to call on the House of Assembly through its Speaker, Mr. Najeemdeen Salaam, to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor based on the highlighted constitutional breaches by him.”

Celebrate fellow citizens’ achievements, Obasanjo urges Nigerians FEMI O YEWESO ABEOKUTA

ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday enjoined Nigerians to always celebrate successes and achievements of fellow countrymen without waiting till outsiders discover and celebrate such people. Obasanjo gave the charge while speaking at the send-forth launch organised by his family in honour of His Lordship, Most Reverend Josiah Idowu-Fearon, who has been appointed Secretary General of World Anglican Communion. Speaking at the event held at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, the former president lamented that Nigerians appear to usually demonstrate carefree attitude by not seeing anything good in themselves until outsiders discover such and take the glory away. “One of the things we don’t often do well in Nigeria is that we don’t often see the good in our-

selves; and one of the things God does fairly well for us is that He makes others to see the good in us. “I believed that is what has happened in the life of the man we are celebrating and honouring today. I believe that Bishop IdowuFearon, who is going as Secretary General for the Global Anglican Communion, falls into this category.” Obasanjo, who boasted that Nigeria and Nigerians are enviable treasures globally, however, expressed optimisms that citizens would continue to use their God endowed treasure hood to the honour and glory of the continent, Africa and Nigeria in particular. The former president also admonished IdowuFearon to put in his best in the service of the Global Anglican Communion to the point that there would be testimonials that previous occupiers of the position have never performed well like him, a Nigerian.

Former President Obasanjo with others at a sent-forth lunch organised by his family for Most Rev. Josiah Idowu-Fearon on his appointment as Secretary General of World Anglican Communion.

Apapa gridlock: Ambode decries indiscriminate tankers’ parking

... sets up taskforce on traffic decongestion FRANCIS SUBERU

overnor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State yesterday lamented indiscriminate parking of trailers and tankers in Apapa area of the state. The governor subsequently set up a taskforce on congestion of roads in the area from time to time. Ambode, who paid a visit to major traffic points in Apapa and Ajah areas of the state on Thursday, noted that the contributions of tanker and trailer drivers to Apapa gridlock was unacceptable, adding that traffic problem in Apapa area was multifaceted. According to him, “it is also not acceptable that they (tankers and trailers)

would decide to block all lanes that lead to Apapa. We’ve also seen that we must do something immediately to alleviate the challenges residents and businessmen are facing.” The governor noted that roads leading to Apapa Wharf and Tin-Can Island belong to the Federal Government; saying the TinCan Bridge, for instance, had been under construction for the last six years. He also lamented that a trailer park that can contain about 500 trailers at once, owned by the Federal Government in the area, had been abandoned. “What we want to do now is first to appeal to the Federal Government, especially Mr. President, that the contractor constructing this particular

bridge should come back to site and once we are able to open the trailer park, we would be able to allow other trailers and tankers to use the park,” Ambode said. Speaking on the security situation in the area, the governor said high concentration of tank farms in Apapa area poses serious security challenge, adding that his government would soon summon tank farm owners to a very crucial and strategic meeting to proffer lasting solutions to security and traffic situation in Apapa. Still on security, Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, said the concern of the state’s police command was the nexus between infrastructural development and the rate

of crime experienced in the area. “What we have observed in the last one year, due to the road network, the resultant effect is that most of these trailers always collapse and when this happens, you see a lot of hoodlums coming around to steal most of the items that is meant to be shipped to different parts of the country;” Aderanti said. Also speaking, NNS Beecroft, Apapa Naval Base Commander, Commodore Daniel Ikoli, said his command had been supporting the state government and other security outfits in enforcement and decongestion of the area. He promised that his command would double its efforts at ensuring freeflow of traffic in Apapa area.

Driver’s licence: Interstate drivers decry harassment in Lagos …allege extortion by state traffic agencies

nterstate drivers in the country have called on the Lagos State government to prevail on its agencies to stop forthwith, the unwarranted harassment and exploitation of its members in the state. The drivers particularly expressed grievances at being harassed for not owning Lagos Driver’s Licences, despite presenting federal licences. “Our members are daily

being disturbed by officials of the Lagos State government over driver’s licence, despite the fact that we show them our federal driver’s licences. They collect N5,000, N10,000 from us even when we show them our federal licences. “Is it mandatory that we must have state plus federal driver’s licences before we can ply roads in Lagos? Is it right?” they queried. Speaking through na-

tional chairman, Interstate Driver’s Association, Peter Joseph, the drivers, who said the action was impeding their businesses, urged the state government to step in forthwith to prevent any ugly incident in future. While expressing support for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, government at the centre and the state, the drivers said Nigerians were much expectant of the change promised and urged the

new administration not to let the people down. The association called on the Federal Government to sustain the good works of the previous administration in providing some good roads, among others. Meanwhile, the drivers have appealed to Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, to fast-track the provision and distribution of speed-limit devices to its members in line with its mandate for accident-free, safer roads.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Friday, June 26, 2015

Education, key to unlocking Africa’s greatness –Oyedepo SAIDAT ALAUSA

hancellor, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Dr. David Oyedepo, has said only quality education can

solve Africa’s challenges. He said this yesterday during convocation lecture at the 2014/2015 session of the university. According to him, politics will not change the story of the nation, but

through right investment in education the change the nation craves would be achieved. He noted that people only think of money, stressing the need for Nigerians and Africans to

change their orientation by thinking of ways to develop the country as well as the continent. “Nothing is in the white skin, it is just implementation. That is why the change must start now

L-R: Partner, Brand Protection, Jackson, Etti and Edu, Obafemi Agaba; Partner and Head Intellectual Property Practice, Jackson, Etti and Edu, Uwa Ohiku; Director Corporate Affairs and Health and Value, Pfizer, Margaret Olele; Partner, Anadach Consulting, Dr. Enoma Alade and Director Regulating Affairs, Pfizer, Bunmi Femi-Oyekan, during a Media conference on Intellectual Property PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN issues in Nigeria, in Lagos, yesterday.

Lagos robbery: Govt assures residents of security ...Gives 21 days ultimatum to Okada riders FRANCIS SUBERU

agos State government has allayed fears of residents following apprehension created as a result of incessant robbery attacks in the state, saying there is no need to panic. Reacting to the frequent robbery and insecurity in the state after meeting with motorcycle (Okada) unions in Lagos yesterday, Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr. Tunji Bello, said there was no need to panic as the robbers only capitalised on the transition period to wreak havoc. He assured that the Akinwumi Ambodeled administration will crush and flush out robbery in the state. Bello said: “This is a transition period. Look

at Boko Haram; they have come back because it is transition period. The RRS new boss just resumed, some people are just exploiting that period to wreak havoc. There is nothing to panic about, we will respond. Don’t worry, we will respond very well.” The state government equally gave Okada riders in the state a 21-day ultimatum to vacate all restricted routes in the metropolis. The SSG, who chaired the meeting at the State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, told newsmen that government had decided to give Okada riders 21day ultimatum for the unions to sensitise their members to vacate restricted routes before enforcement begins. “We just held a meeting with the okada unions on what should

be done; we met with security agencies before now. Recently, we noticed resurgence of okada riders going back to their old ways. “Some of them even drive one way on Apapa Expressway. When you go to Apapa, Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Gbagada, and others, you will see them. We have to call them to let them know,” he said. According to Bello, when the enforcement of the law restricting Okada operation commenced, the rate of accidents dropped, adding that many hospitals like Igbobi Orthopaedic and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, felt relieved over no longer having lots of patients. The SSG stated that enforcement was relaxed during the last election so that political par-

ties would not capitalise on the enforcement for cheap political gains. “We relaxed during the election because we don’t want crisis and violence. We needed to avoid crisis at the time so that political parties will not capitalise on it. The enforcement will be in full force after three weeks,” he said. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Oluseyi Coker, said the law restricting Okada riders from major roads was still in force, as government had not suspended it. “We are doing this so that when we start enforcement, they will not say government is doing this and that. The violation is much and we want to call the unions together to give them opportunity to say their mind;” he said.

with quality investment in promoting education in order to develop Nigeria and Africa. “It is important we keep Nigeria working so that our citizens will not continue to be slaves in another man’s country,” he stated. Oyedepo also said that Africa needs its people to effect the change the continent needs through value commitment and love for the nation. Delivering the lecture titled, ‘Higher Education and Africa’s Future: Doing What is Right,’ former National Universities Commission, NUC boss, Prof. Peter Okebukola, said safety in schools should be approached creatively. He explained that a planned approach is needed not just to prevent physical and psychological danger to both staff and students but to build a culture of safety consciousness, linked to the

university curriculum in order to develop young people to manage risks associated with schooling. Listing the challenges facing quality education to include depreciating quality of higher education teachers, research capacity deficit and infrastructural and facilities inadequacies among others, Okebukola said quality higher education is imperative for actualisation of the 2063 vision of African Union.

Oyedepo

Edo Old Boys to honour outstanding students, teacher

agos branch of Old Boys Association of Edo College, Benin, Edo State, will on Friday, July 17, honour 11 students and a teacher of the college, who have shown outstanding performance in the 2014/2015 academic session. Various prizes endowed by prominent members of the association in various subjects will be given to students in various classes. This gesture, according to Mr. Godwin Ize Iyamu, chairman of the association, is meant to recognise and reward academic excellence displayed by students and the teacher’s dedication to duty. In the Senior Secondary, SS3 category, Senator David Dafinone’s prize for mathematics will go to Shanomi Emmanuel, while his prize for Economics goes to David Osayande. Master Irhekpono Tevin will cart home the Engr Edward E. Iyamu’s prize for Physics, while Omo Osagie prize for vi-

sual arts goes to Omare Victor. Ofure Akpata’s prize for Biology will go to Ugeokhe Osiga, and Adonis Eugene will pick the Omaha prize for Geography. In the Senior Secondary, SS 2 category, Atavwoda Dennis will bag the Engineer Emmanuel Aguele’s prize for mathematics. In the Junior Secondary, JS 3 category, Mrs. Omokhuwe Alegeh’s Prize for English Language and Godwin IzeIyamu’s Prize for Mathematics go to Master Ikegwuonu Emmanuel. In Sports, the B.A. Guobadia’s Prize for Athletics goes to Master Glory Iyenoma, while Uyi Akpata’s Prize for the Best Sportsperson of the year is earned by Master Ekhorutomen Osaro. On the side of the teachers, Mr. Hensahw Igbinuwen wins Omaha’s Prize for the Best Teacher in Geography. All the winners will be given a plaque at the event.

South East

Friday, June 26, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cholera hits Ebonyi, 3 dead, 17 hospitalised

Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

o fewer than three persons were yesterday confirmed dead in Ndiogbu Ndieze village, Izzi Local Government

Area of Ebonyi State, while 17 others were hospitalised following outbreak of cholera in the area. It was gathered that Dr. Francis Onwe, an epidemiologist and other officials of the state’s Ministry of

Anambra moves to reduce flood effects on citizens

nambra State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, yesterday said the state government had embarked on measures to reduce effect of flooding on the people. Executive Secretary of SEMA, Paul Odenigbo, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Otuocha, Anambra Local Government Area. Odenigbo said that part of the measures was sensitisation of communities prone to flood disaster in the state as predicted by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency in the 2015 Annual Flood Outlook. He said the 2012 flood disaster had helped the state to know the worst areas prone to flood, what to expect and extent of the flood. The SEMA official said during the 2012 flood disaster, Governor Willie Obiano was actively involved in giving succour to the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs. He said though Obiano was not a governor then, he

offered his personal compound to serve as camp for IDPs. Odenigbo said due to the experience, the governor was passionate about embarking on proactive measures that would reduce the impact of flood in the state. He said the agency decided to borrow from the experience of 2012 in order to prepare for smooth evacuation operations should another flood occurr. The scribe said the agency has already gone on sensitisation tour of Otuocha, Umueze-Anam and Anaku to prepare the people ahead of the likelihood of flood disaster this rainy season. Odenigbo explained that during the sensitisation, the people were also taught how to pack their valuables and be ready for quick evacuation in the event of disaster. He, however, called on all local government chairmen in flood-prone areas of the state to cooperate with SEMA in its task.

FMC Owerri: MD, union urged to dialogue

concerned citizen, Mr Adefila Kamal, has called for truce in the dispute between staff of Federal Medical Centre, FMC Owerri, and its Medical Director, Dr Angela Uwakem. Kamal made the call yesterday in a statement to newsmen in Abuja. The statement advised FMC staff against agitating for the removal of Uwakem. It called on the union to sheathe its sword and work out modalities that would ensure good working relationship between them and the hospital’s management. It further urged the workers to consider the interest of patients seeking medical help in the hospital and embrace dialogue to resolve

the issues in dispute. The statement said Uwakem had made some positive changes in the centre in a bid to re-position it, hence the need to support her. Staff of the centre took to the streets to demand the removal of Uwakem on May 15. The workers alleged that the fund released by Accountant-General of the Federation in 2014 for the 2013/2014 promotion arrears was used for capital projects. Chairman of FMC chapter of National Union of Allied and Health Professionals, Mr Clifford Ezeukwu, said the workers’ protest was informed by the unresolved issue.

Health were forced to visit the area to find remedy for the cholera and to distribute drugs to people of the area. Earlier, Director of Public Health and Disease Control in the state, Dr. Christian Achi, had confirmed five deaths in Ikwo community, Ikwo Local Government Area, due to fresh outbreak of the disease in the area. A stakeholder of Ndiogbu Ndieze village, Chief Austin Edeze, whose younger brother was among those who died of the disease, said

people who attended burial of a resident of the area came back and started vomiting and defecating uncontrollably. “Nobody suspected that cholera was responsible for the frequent vomiting and defecation by the people that attended the burial ceremony. “Before we noticed, it was cholera, he was down, vomiting and stooling. We took him to the hospital where he died early in the morning. “We raised alarm to the

Ministry of Health and the officials advised that we should quickly bury him to avoid the disease spreading to other people around. We obeyed and buried him immediately. “The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry sent a team who visited us for enlightenment on the prevention of the disease and donated some drugs after the lecture,’’ he said. Earlier, while addressing the people on the disease outbreak, the state epide-

miologist, Onwe, said state health officials were contacted by Chief Edeze. He advised the residents to ensure personal and environmental hygiene to avoid contracting the disease. Onwe further advised them to ensure they bury any victim immediately such person dies to avoid spreading the epidemic and also desist from drinking stream and contaminated water which he explained were sources of contracting the disease.

FRSC Sector Commander in Anambra, Mr Sunday Ajayi (middle); Head of Public Enlightenment, Mrs. Chinelo Ezekwesili (2nd left); Mrs. Nneka Gbemudu (2nd right) and fleet operators, after a transport stakeholders quarterly meeting in Awka, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Police panel rewards cleaner who returned N12m Olusegun Koiki

olice Community Relations Committee, PCRC, Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA Division, yesterday presented Ms. Josephine Ugwu, the airport cleaner who returned N12 million found at the Lagos Airport toilet, with a certificate and award for her honesty. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Haminu Makama, who presented the award to her on behalf of PCRC members, urged her to continue being honest despite the high unemployment rate in the country. Ugwu is a cleaner with a concessionaire of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Patovilki Industrial Cleaning. Before returning the N12 million late last year, she was on a monthly salary of N7,000.

Makama explained that Ugwu was honoured for doing the right thing in a society where many would have disappeared with such money, stressing that her conduct would go a long way in projecting the image of the country across the globe. He urged other Nigerians, especially workers to emulate her exemplary character in their conduct. Chairman, PCRC, MMIA Division, Falekulo Lamidi, on the occasion said the committee recognised Ugwu for her model character, stressing that her honesty was being recognised worldwide. He insisted that her character was a lesson to others in the system, maintaining that some of her colleagues were using their positions to further impoverish the country while she has decided to toe a line of dignity for herself and her family. Lamidi further informed

that the conduct of the airport cleaner had opened fresh window of opportunity for the company where she works, which he noted had a good reputation, with the attendant capacity to attract investment. He promised that the committee would hang her picture in the proposed PCRC building at Beesam Police Station within the airport. Besides, Ewu town’s royal father, Oba Shakirudeen Adesina-Kuti lauded the award recipient for her courage.

Arase Police boss

He advised that riches could not be attained by stealing or duping people, but by hard work and honesty, which Ugwu displayed with the return of the money. He insisted that the honesty she displayed would open doors for her in all her endeavours. Also, Ugwu noted that it was not the first time she was returning found money within the airport vicinity. She recalled when she returned the sum of N600,000 left at the airport toilet, and another sum of N3 million few years ago. She thanked the committee for recognising her efforts and promised to continue to display honesty in all her deeds. She however informed that she was yet to get the job promised her by the management of FAAN, but noted “it is under process and I have submitted my credentials with them.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Friday, June 26, 2015

No cause for alarm over election tribunal’s order —A’Ibom govt

urrent furore over the order by Akwa Ibom State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, should move all materials used in the April 11, 2015, governorship election in the state to its headquarters in Abuja is simply a routine exercise and no cause for alarm.

Making this clarification during a chat with newsmen in Uyo, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, who served as chairman, media/publicity committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Campaign Organisation, as well as former Commissioner for Information and Communications, observed that the tribunal’s order for inspection of election

South Africa opens visa centre in Rivers Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

overnor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State yesterday commissioned a South African Visa Application Centre in Port Harcourt, the state capital, saying it was a clear message that the state was safe for investors. The centre now makes it easy for would-be travellers from the South South to that country to obtain their visas without first going to Lagos or Abuja. At a brief but colourful inauguration of the centre operated by VFS Global in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Wike said the state government has taken measures to ensure that businesses operate in a secure environment. He commended South African government for confirming that Rivers State was safe for business by opening a visa application centre in the state. He urged the South African government to work towards ensuring that South African Airways flies to Port Harcourt, adding that his administration would work harmoniously with the Federal Government to ensure that businesses thrive in the state. Governor Wike further assured that the state government would do everything possible to develop the state to a level where it would be the envy of others. In his remarks, South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Lulu Mnguni, called

for the development of tourism ties between Nigeria and South Africa, adding that such ties would improve relations between the two countries. Mnguni noted that the centre in Port Harcourt would eliminate the distance barrier hitherto experienced by those in Port Harcourt and the South South states who had had to travel to Lagos for their visas. The high commissioner said despite the new visa regulations, the embassy would always put into consideration the support Nigeria gave to South Africa in its trying moments. Also speaking, ConsulGeneral of South Africa in Nigeria, Mokgethi Monaisa, said with the rising number of visa applications in Nigeria, the setting up of the centre in Port Harcourt would be critical station for applicants in Rivers and adjoining states.

materials granted the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the fuss it is generating in the party’s camp was needless and amounts to the proverbial storm in a tea cup. The former information chief confirmed that PDP was aware that APC propaganda machine was awash with all manner of insinuations and news skewed to soothe itchy ears and mislead the public to believe the order amounts to victory for the petitioners

over PDP. He stressed that this was far from the truth. Mr. Umanah also argued that the APC was finally coming to terms with the fact that there was indeed an election in Akwa Ibom State, the materials of which it now seeks to inspect. This, he said, is a contra-position to its earlier claim that elections did not hold in the state. According to him, the APC is embarking on a wild goose chase of inspecting materials that would only

further reaffirm its defeat and the victory of PDP in the election.

L–R: Wife of former Cross River State governor, Pastor (Mrs.) Onari Duke; Governor Benedict Ayade; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and his wife, Dolapo, during unveiling of the last book written by Justice Peter Ondo Effiong Bassey on the Nigerian judiciary, in Calabar, yesterday. PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

I’ll join APC soon, says Ogboru Theophilus Onojeghen WARRI

overnorship candidate of Labour Party, LP, in the 2015 election in Delta State, Chief Great Ogbo-

ru, yesterday said discussion were in top gear for a possible defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in no distant future. Although Ogboru said he was still a member of the LP, he is seriously

Wike restores Omehia’s rights as former gov Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

overnor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has formally restored all entitlements and benefits of Sir Celestine Omehia as a former governor of the state. Wike yesterday also formally reinstated the official portrait of Omehia among the line-up of former governors of Rivers State at the executive council chamber of Government House, Port Harcourt. Performing the exercise, the governor said

Udom

He restated his call to all members of the PDP as well as stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State project and the supporters of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration to remain loyal and steadfast as the government settles down to the onerous obligation of delivering good governance, democracy dividends and the much-anticipated leap into the era of industrialisation, wealth and job creation for all and sustainable development.

Wike

the decision to restore the entitlements and privileges of Omehia as former governor stemmed from the fact that he worked as governor of the state

between May 29, 2007 and October 25, 2007, wherein he took decisions on behalf of the state and initiated projects. Wike said: “I hereby put back his official portrait among those of former governors. He is now entitled to the benefits of all former governors.” In his remark, former Governor Omehia described the day (Thursday) as the most historic in his political career. He said the restoration of his rights as a former governor indicates that his dark political days were over.

considering moving to the APC. The governorship candidate, who had contested the gubernatorial seat five consecutive times, stated this in Ughelli, headquarters of Ughelli North Local Government Area, while answering questions from newsmen during commissioning of a new fuel station by Mr. Julius Akpovoka, a House of Representatives candidate in the last election for Ughelli/ Udu Federal Constituency. Ogboru, fondly called the ‘Peoples General’ by admirers, said: “I am still in LP, but we are discussing with the APC.” He said he believed the wind of change sweeping across the country under the APC platform would soon visit the oil-rich Delta State, adding that he would be victorious at the election tribunal. The LP candidate added: “I believe God for a victory at the election tribunal be-

cause we have confidence in the word of God that when He says something, it would come to pass. We know what the people of Delta did with their votes during the last election and we would reclaim our mandate at the appropriate time.” He particularly commended Deltans for supporting his ambition to enthrone good leadership in the state. He urged the people of the state to remain resolute as the change that has started in the country would soon visit the state.

Ogboru

North

Friday, June 26, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Buhari names Ahmed Idris new accountant general OMEIZA A JAYI ABUJA

resident Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Alhaji Ahmed Idris as Accountant General of the Federation. Until his appointment, Idris was Director of Finance and Accounts in the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development. Announcing this in Abuja, yesterday, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Danladi Kifasi, said the appointment was with effect from June 25, 2015. Signed by Director of Communications in the Office of Head of Civil

Service of the Federation, Haruna Rasheed Imrana, the statement added that the appointee, who hails from Kano State, was born on November 25, 1960. In another development, the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, DRTS, in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, is seeking approval to limit the influx of vehicles to the nation’s capital. Consequently, DRTS has requested the FCT Administration to help it recruit more personnel to execute the mandate. Director of DRTS, Danjuma Garba, stated this yesterday while commissioning DRTS

ICT Training Centre in Mabushi District, Abuja. He said the directorate in its efforts to improve service delivery through seamless vehicle registration system, has established six additional driver licencing centres in the territory. Deputy Director, Press in the FCTA, Muhammad Hazat Sule, quoted the DRTS boss as pleading “with the FCT Administration to provide the directorate with additional manpower to help curb the influx of vehicles in the FCT.” Commissioning the centre, permanent secretary in the FCTA, Engr. John Obinna Chukwu, directed that all reve-

nue-generating agencies in the FCTA have been directed to ensure that revenues accruing to the Administration are properly paid into designated banks. While saying that it is no longer business as usual, the permanent secretary emphasised that bank account records would be verified for transparency and accountability. He stressed that all infractions against service, financial and administrative due processes; rules and regulations would attract strict sanctions and possible prosecution. He said: “All revenues generated should be properly accounted for, and paid to only approved

L-R: Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai; representative of the Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Salma Mohammed and President, Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria, Malam Husaini Dikko, during opening of the 5th Building and Construction Economic Roundtable in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Borno denies nominating Chibok school’s principal

orno State government yesterday denied an online media report over alleged nomination of Mrs. Asabe Kwambura, principal of Government Secondary School, GSS, Chibok, as a commissioner by Governor Kashim Shettima. Special adviser on Communications Strategy to the governor, Mallam Isa Gusau, in a statement in Maiduguri, described the report as “a mischievous joke”. “In the last one week, we have noticed very strange information being circulated by some online media platforms,

claiming that Shettima had nominated Mrs. Asabe Kwambura, principal of GSS, Chibok, for the post of Commissioner for Education. “We completely ignored the report for what it was, a mischievous joke and cheap blackmail that did not deserve any response, as it was mainly ‘trending’ on the social media.’’ Gusau lamented that it was sad that some media organisations had lifted the report without verifying the source. “However, we noticed, and most unfortunately, that in recent days, some otherwise respected F.M.

stations reported such a joke without even making the slightest attempt to cross-check with officials in Borno, or at least, find out from journalists or media houses that have correspondents resident in the state, who are in a position to have accurate information about the activities of the state. “To start with, neither a president nor a governor nominates anyone as minister or commissioner for a particular ministry.’’ “The usual practice is to nominate someone as minister- or commissionerdesignate for screening by lawmakers, and it is only after the nominees are ap-

proved by lawmakers and administered with oaths of offices and allegiance, that they are allocated ministries. “In government procedures across Nigeria, only special advisers, heads of federal or state government establishments, commissioners in commissions and certain chief executives, are announced by a president or governor, stating their specific responsibilities at the time of their nomination for screening by lawmakers, or in some cases, they are out-rightly sworn in without lawmakers’ screening, depending on constitutional requirements.

bank accounts as records would be verified.” Chukwu also instructed that all officers and men of the FCT DRTS should adhere to the change mantra of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Thus, the permanent secretary implored the management and staff of DRTS to intensify efforts to continue to enforce the regulations on the ban on motorcycle, restriction of tricycles, unpainted taxes, illegal mechanic workshops and illegal car marts.

15 Boko Haram fighters killed in Niger •NSA gives financial benefits to deceased soldiers’ families UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

ifteen Boko Haram fighters were killed and 20 others arrested by Defence and Security Forces (FDS) during clashes in the Diffa region of Niger, near the Nigerian border, defence ministry announces. It said yesterday in Niamey that FDS launched ground and air operations in the area in retaliation for attack carried out on June 17 in Gueskerou community by the Islamist sect, killing 38 civilians. Spokesman for Niger’s Defence Ministry, Mustapha Ledru, said 15 terrorists had been killed, 20 others arrested, one armoured vehicle recovered and 20 motorcycles destroyed during the latest army operation. He affirmed that no injuries were reported on the part of the army. Nigerien National Defence Minister, Karidjo Mahamadou, hailed the “FDS for the brilliant operation against the terrorists.’’ He encouraged them to continue with the fight to restore peace and security in Niger as well as the subregion. For over three months, Niger, just like other countries in the Lake Chad Basin, has come under deadly attacks from Boko Haram from its bases in Nigeria, leaving tens of civilians and soldiers dead. Nigerien and Chadian forces are currently engaged in a large scale operation against the Boko Haram sect to secure Lake Chad basin and stop further attacks in Nigerien regions of Diffa and Bosso. Meanwhile, National Se-

curity Adviser, NSA’s office has released cheques of undisclosed sums to assist families of soldiers who died in the course of fighting Boko Haram insurgency in the North East. The cheques were presented to the next of kin of 62 deceased soldiers yesterday, in Abuja, by the Nigerian Army. Chief of Army Administration, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Abubakar, who presented the cheques to beneficiaries, said they were provided by the Office of the National Security Adviser to assist the families. Abubakar said the money was part of palliative measures put in place to cushion the effect of the loss of the fallen heroes to their immediate families. He said: “These cheques are not part of the statutory payments; they are just a relief for the families of our fallen heroes in the North East. “I must reiterate that the families must try as much as possible to start the processing of the benefits of their deceased relations as early as possible so that we can make prompt payment. “After this, you still have a lot to collect; you have the group life assurance claim, benevolent fund, Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme and the gratuity of the soldier. “And the last one will be the sponsorship of children that are below the age of 18 from nursery school up to the university which the Nigeria Army will take responsibility of.” One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Esther Odigie, expressed gratitude for the gesture as the amount given would go a long way to help the families.

Friday, June 26, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Buhari must address fundamental issues militating against Nigeria –Omo-Agege

Buhari under pressure to restructure NNPC Obiora Ifoh ABUJA

weeping changes at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, are imminent as a proposal for the restructuring of the corporation into eight organisations has been submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari by some powerful and influential forces for immediate implementation. According to a source, most of the top beneficiaries of the restructuring will be from the North, a development that is already creating ripples within and outside the NNPC as some industry expert posited that such a policy if allowed to scale through would spell doom for the petroleum sector in the country. An oil expert from the South-South zone, Mr. Oscar Oti Abuam, however said no responsible gov-

ernment will implement such a proposal bearing in mind the complex nature of the Nigerian state, particularly when considered against the backdrop that oil is mainly from the South-South. Abum said: “Nigerians voted for change irrespective of religion and or ethnic background. NNPC remains the cash cow for sustaining the economy and any attempt to implement such a slanted policy will affect the economy terribly.” Findings however indicated that in the proposed new structure, Northerners plan to occupy all Group Executive Director, GED, positions and other strategic positions, including Group Managing Director, GMD, of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, as well as the Managing Director and GMD of the Crude Oil Marketers Division, COMD.

Tribunal to hear Ambode’s preliminary objection to Agbaje’s petition Matthew Irinoye

agos State Governorship Election Tribunal headed by Justice Muhammad Ibrahim Sirajo, will today decide on whether to hear the preliminary objection filed by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, against the petition filed by Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Jimi Agbaje, in the April 11 election. It would be recalled that Agbaje is challenging the declaration of Ambode by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC as the winner of the election. At yesterday’s proceeding, the tribunal proposed that all preliminary objections should be taken along

with the petition, asking the parties in the matter to make their submissions. Counsel to Agbaje, Clement Onwuenwunor, aligned himself with the proposal of the court saying that the proposal represents the position of the law contained in paragraph 12 of the Electoral Act, 2012 as amended. Onwuenwunor also argued that the Supreme Court decision in Belgore and Ahmed sanctioned the proposal suggested by members of the tribunal. He further said that if the preliminary objections are taken and later results to an appeal which would take months, the right of his client to present his case would be infringed on; he therefore prayed the court to follow the proposal it had suggested. Counsel to Akinwunmi,

Wole Olanipekun, SAN, however opposed the proposal arguing that paragraph 18 and 47 (1) of the Electoral Act specified that objections shall be taken before the hearing of the petition. Olanipekun stated that paragraph 47 of the Electoral Act particularly forbid that any motion be heard without first taken preliminary objection except in extreme circumstance, insisting that the tribunal does not have discretion to change the election petition hearing procedure as the Electoral Act leaves no room for manoeuvring. He added that the petitioner has not presented any extreme circumstance before the court to warrant the non-hearing of the preliminary objection before the substantive motion.

He said that the preliminary objection which his client has raised bordered on the competence of the petitioner to file the suit and as such should be taken before hearing the actual petition. Counsel to the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr Muiz Banire, also opposed the tribunal’s proposal, saying that the procedure would automatically terminate all preliminary objections in the matter. He argued that the position of the law is that whenever an objection is brought through a motion, such objection must be heard immediately. After hearing argument of all parties, the tribunal adjourned till today for ruling, insisting that the statutory 180-day period for the hearing would commence after the ruling.

APC leadership tasked over crisis in National Assembly Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

eadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has been urged to handle with care the ongoing rumblings among its members in the National Assembly without compromising party supremacy. President of Nigeria Voters Assembly, NVA, Comrade Mashood Erubami, gave the charge yesterday in a release made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. He said no merger has succeeded from political history of the country, stating that it then behoves on APC leadership to carefully manage the successful APC merger and the party’s victory at the general elections, so as not to allow strange bed fellows that strayed into the party to stray back, like they came in. He said: “If recalcitrant party members who take

delight in sub-merging their party’s instruction on the platform of opportunism are allowed to stray out, it may rock the boat of unity among the merging parties and advertently put power back into the hands of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, disguising under a new name at an unexpected time.” He said it was unthinkable that the Senate will fail again last Tuesday to elect its remaining principal officers given the obvious indiscipline that permeated the first attempt to elect leaders in the Senate and all attempts made by the party to move on in the interest of peace. He maintained that for the Senate to fail to heed the suggestion contained in the letter sent from the office of APC National Chairman stipulating those that should be selected for the principal offices in the Senate, things are now being made more difficult for the APC government.

PDP members of House of Representatives addressing pressmen after a rowdy session in Abuja, yesterday.

Why I’ve not appointed commissioners, SAs –Masari James Danjuma KATSINA

atsina State governor, Aminu Bello Masari, yesterday said his administration didn’t want to rush issues, hence reason why he was yet to appoint commissioners and special advisers.

Speaking yesterday in an interview with newsmen, Masari said his administration was still studying findings of a transition committee that was set up when he assumed office on May 29. He said his government would rather follow due process in everything, including appointments into public offices.

The governor revealed that council areas in the state were being looked into over monies running into billions that were yet to be accounted for. He said some public office holders during the immediate past administration had refused to appear to defend their financial expenditure, even after several invitations to do so.

He said there were financial and fertiliser scandals perpetuated under immediate past administration, adding that investigations were still ongoing on the issue. Masari however assured that normal government activities, including appointments into public offices, would be carried out in due course.

Politics

Friday, June 26, 2015

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Buhari must address fundamental issues militating against Nigeria –Omo-Agege T

he general elections have been concluded and winners declared. What is your general view on the polls? The very purpose of elections is to produce acceptable leadership. Its outcome must reflect the wishes of the electorate as expressed by the eligible voters who voted. We went into the elections with high hopes, believing that we would have free, fair, transparent and credible elections due to the introduction of the card readers. Those hopes were dashed in Delta State. The elections were plagued by widespread, unprecedented electoral misconduct - rigging, ballot box-snatching, inadequate and late arrival of voting materials at polling centres, intimidation of voters, vote buying, connivance between PDP elite and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to distort and doctor election results. This is unacceptable because the peace and progress we seek as a nation will continue to elude us until we are able to have a credible electoral process. Our voting process must be clear and free of fraud for us to maximise our democratic dividends. The introduction of the permanent voter cards, PVCs, and card readers has helped to bring some sanity but a lot more needs to be done urgently to fully arrest the drift in our electoral process. What else can the new administration do to rid the electoral system of fraud? A successful electoral fraud has the same effect as a coup d’état. It is simply an illegal seizure of government or political control. There is no reason for not punishing offenders of the electoral law and beneficiaries of electoral fraud unless we want perpetrators to continue to interfere with the voting process with little fear of the consequences of their actions. Therefore all those involved in election fraud should be prosecuted and beneficiaries banned from contesting re-run and future elections. This will serve to discourage others from engaging in these acts. We also need stricter voter rules. The use of incident forms should be reviewed and abolished by INEC so that only legitimate holders of PVCs who have successfully authenticated their ownership of the PVC are allowed to vote. This will make it impossible for desperate politicians who have bought PVC cards from their rightful owners or illegally collected them from INEC to use them. In Delta Central where you contested the senatorial seat, Chief Ighoyota Amori of the PDP was returned. What went wrong? We did all we were supposed to do! We campaigned throughout the length and breadth of the district - villages, towns and cities - and people came out on the Election Day and voted en mass for me. But the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, elite, aided by rogue elements in the security agencies and INEC, using violence and the threat of violence interfered with the process. Amori knows that the people of Delta Central rejected him at the polls and we will prove that at the election petitions tribunal. With the elections over, what are the options left for you? The elections proper are over but because of the massive malpractices that marred them, we’ve rejected the outcome as declared by INEC. The LP is seeking redress in the election petition tribunal. I am very hopeful that our petition will be successful! Against all odds, the PDP retained the Delta governorship and most other elective offices. Were you surprised at the feat? The PDP in Delta State knew it couldn’t win a free and fair election; so it made a conscious decision to get declared under any circumstances, daring those who are not satisfied to go to court. This is common knowledge. It was something the party bragged about. It has this belief that once sworn in; it will use the office and state resources to

Barrister Ovie Oharasi Omo-Agege was the Delta Central senatorial candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the last election. He tells BENSON EDJEWHOVBO that the last elections in Delta State were plagued by widespread, unprecedented electoral fraud. He added that the peace and progress we seek as a nation will continue to elude us until we are able to have a free, fair, transparent and credible electoral process. Excerpts:

Omo-Agege

unjustifiably uphold its illegal victories. The extent the party went to subvert the will of the people surprised me. It was beyond any stretch of imagination! There was this startling level of arrogance and stupidity! The Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, adopted Ogboru as its governorship candidate. Now that Ogboru has failed to make it, where does that leave the Urhobo in the next political dispensation? The UPU did the right thing when it endorsed Chief Ogboru as the candidate of the Urhobo nation in the justconcluded election. The love for Ogboru by the Urhobo people did not start today. Since 2003, the Urhobo people have consistently supported Ogboru in their determination to bring change to Delta State. With a proven crossover appeal in all the three senatorial districts of Delta State, the Ogboru candidacy gave the opposition a fight and indeed, the best chance to win the state. There is no one else the opposition can turn to. Among the grassroots, no one else matches his political stature and acceptability in the whole of Delta State. He has the kind of followership and support President Muhammadu Buhari has in the North. It is like cult-followership and the support is unwavering. Ogboru is simply the best choice for the opposition in Delta State; so the UPU made the right choice. Finally, what agenda will you prescribe for President Buhari? Let me first of all use this opportunity to congratulate President Buhari for his victory. It is a testament to the fact

A successful electoral fraud has the same effect as a coup d’état. It is simply an illegal seizure of government or

political control. There is no reason for not punishing offenders of the electoral law and beneficiaries of electoral fraud

that winners never quit and quitters never win. His dogged persistence for the presidency has paid off. It is my hope and wish that his presidency comes with optimal dividends of democracy for the Nigerian people. To maximise our democratic gains, his government must as a matter of urgency resolve the issue of nation building. The fundamental issues that are preventing Nigeria from achieving its potential as a truly great nation must be tackled. No doubt, we are burdened by the weight of unemployment, widespread corruption, ethnic and religious intolerance, insecurity and insurgency that are threatening the very existence of the Nigerian state. These challenges are not new. We have been with them for a long time. The root causes of these problems have not been addressed and the impacts have been magnified. Nigeria which was an agricultural economy at independence is today neither agricultural nor industrialised due to its persisting structurally defective set up. President Buhari now has the can. What he does with it remains to be seen. It is my hope that he does not kick it down the road again. We must tackle these limiting factors head on now. First, Mr. President must ensure the decentralisation political power and transfer responsibilities and resources to the states and local governments and allow them to compete and develop at their own pace. Secondly, there is the urgent need to reduce the cost of governance. Nigeria cannot continue to use almost its entire annual budget on recurrent expenditure. Nigerians should stop believing that government should be the main employer of labour. A small and efficient government that can increase its capital budget and create the enabling environment for private sector-driven economy, capable of creating the needed jobs for the pool of the unemployed is the way to go. Thirdly, the cost of doing business in Nigeria is too high. If we are to attract the much-needed investment to the productive sectors of the economy, especially direct foreign investment, the cost of production in Nigeria must come down. We can’t continue to run the biggest economy in Africa on expensive privately-generated power. Our energy needs have to be met locally. The downstream sector should be privatised so that existing refineries can be made functional and new ones built. Nigeria has no business importing refined petroleum products. Our transport infrastructure has to be modernised and expanded. So too are our educational and health facilities. It is only by reducing the cost of production in Nigeria that we can diversify the economy. Fourthly, we need stronger institutions that will act as check on people in authority and put an end to impunity. The anti-corruption and other law enforcement agencies - the judiciary, the legislative arm of government at all levels and the local government authorities - should be strengthened and adequately funded and given freer hand to operate. Finally, we need further electoral reforms to check the abuse of the electoral process. We must recognise that until we have free, fair, transparent and credible elections at all levels, our politics can’t be right. And until our politics is right, the economy will continue to provide less than the needed opportunities for our people and this is the root cause of the social problems we have in Nigeria today. In a nutshell, my agenda for Mr. President are constitutional reforms, political deregulation, infrastructural development, institutional rejuvenation and electoral reforms. This five-point agenda require strong political will. Only President Buhari can bring this about. He has demonstrated in the past that he is someone who can muster the necessary political will to get things done.

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SKC Ogbonnia

Politics

Friday, June 26, 2015

he events since the inauguration of Nigeria’s 8th National Assembly are not trending exactly like the making of the change the world had hoped for when Muhammadu Buhari was elected president. The opposition is already weakened and compromised. Party indiscipline, which had been a cancer of past regimes, is now full grown. The discredited corrupt oligarchy of Nigeria’s legislature once more appears primed to dictate the content and character of the much anticipated change. And the very enemies of the change are having a blast. It is common knowledge that any democracy with a weak opposition activity is prone to dictatorship. It is no wonder then that most political insiders in Nigeria - including two reliable barometers of military opinion in the persons of Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida -have agreed that the country’s history with weak opposition fundamentally led to past leadership crises: from electoral irregularities, lack of checks and balances, mismanagement of resources, corruption, dictatorship, impunity, among others. These true statements explain why well-meaning Nigerians as well as the international community roared in jubilation when a strong opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, was born. The euphoria brimmed as the country witnessed in the 2015 election campaign, the closest semblance of a true democratic culture. For the first time in our national life, instead of mass revolt or the military alternative, the opposition was finally able to replace an inept party in power. This historic victory saw us bubbling with renewed hope like never before. We had hoped to witness true change in the business of governance. We had hoped for a return of discipline in the society as well as consequences for bad behavior. Until June 9! Like June 12, 1993 before it, June 9 was another fateful day in which fears eclipsed hope. It was the day that treacherous disease that has been tormenting Nigeria since 1999 reared back its ugly head. The day the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in an embarrassing dexterity, and to the chagrin of a deserving society, suddenly abandoned its new role and wangled to become a part of the ruling party by default. The implication is that the very hope of instilling essential components of democracy in the new administration, such as party discipline, dynamic competition, choice politics, and checks and balances has taken a dramatic nose dive. To add salt to injury, the PDP has been indiscreetly obtuse with ceaseless media campaign to whip up public support. Its army of cohorts triggered the debate by comparing the events of June 9 to the First and Second Republics where leadership positions in the legislature were shared with opposition parties. But it is clear they are viewing the history from a rear view mirror. Unlike the chicanery of the 8th Senate, the past examples were products of mutual party agreements. The PDP has also been peddling the manner Hon. Aminu Tambuwal became Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2011, as an ancient similarity to the June 9. But what has consistently escaped their memory is that, not only did Tambuwal emerge in the full view of the entire body, the legislator was a bonafide member of the ruling party as at the time. Sum it this way: Unless in cases of coups, worldwide history is yet to prompt any democratic nation where a losing party fudged itself into the leadership of a new government without the consent of the ruling party. The most disingenuous yet is the archaic attempt by opposition elements to overheat the polity by injecting tribal sentiments into the debate, tossing the Igbo nation as an unfortunate bet. But the Igbos should not fall for the show of shame this time. It is an old movie. Even worse, the leadership of the legislature under

Buhari and lessons of June 9

Buhari

the new government is also a product of gross party indiscipline, leading to untold level of political treachery and unholy alliances. The challenges of party indiscipline are well chronicled in democratic history. For example, Senator Jibril Aminu, after analysing the crises facing the country, lamented in 2011 that lack of party disciple within the PDP was the main problem with Nigeria. Not long after, April 27, 2012 to be exact, a serving National Security Adviser, General Andrew Owoye Azazi, shocked the world by revealing that the Boko Haram menace is indeed as a result of lack of internal democracy within PDP - the then ruling party. This type of relationship is what the famous Italian political scientist, Giovanni Sartori, probably had in mind when he wrote in 1976 that that any value system that is exhibited by the political parties, particularly the ruling party, has direct consequences on the entire society. The salutary lesson here is that the political party is a picture-perfect genre of our everyday life. It also goes to say that the nature of discipline or even of democracy within the political parties is organic and usually permeates both the public and private sectors. It is not surprising then that the current leadership of the legislature has already become a hybrid of the very corrupt cabal that Nigerian masses swept out on March 28. The ruling APC must therefore recognise that any hope of delivering the desired change without restoring discipline within the party ranks is only a pipe dream. The tragedies of the leadership of the legislature are a dizzying tale. And to continue to enumerate them

Like June 12, 1993 before it, June 9 was another fateful day in which fears eclipsed

hope. It was the day that treacherous disease that has been tormenting

Nigeria since 1999

reared back its ugly head.

here does nothing but further ridicule the notion of common sense. The simplest takeaway is that the act of indiscipline must be confronted head on. Any nation where anything goes goes nowhere. To conclude this piece without admonishing President Muhammadu Buhari is akin to performing a sanguine Igbo ritual without the presence of a vulture. Yes, it is gladdening to learn that the President has tacitly accepted responsibility for his perceived indifference to the leadership of the National Assembly, which some impostors had exploited in attempt to betray our change. But that is not enough. Moving forward, Buhari has to realise that the era of passing the buck ended on May 29. Regardless of the location of the crisis, whether in the executive, legislative or judiciary, or any of the parties, be it a APC or PDP, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces is expected to own the crisis and influence the desired change. The executive branch in successful democracies, including that of the United States of America, also influences the leadership of the legislature as well as that of the judiciary. Yet, Buhari deserves some sympathy on two grounds. First, having said that he would not meddle with the affairs of the legislature, he does not want to appear to be vacillating back and forth. At the same time, the President has to remember that not only is leadership a dynamic process, it is also contingent upon the prevailing environment. Effective leaders are pragmatic and, where and when necessary, can be influenced by what are objectively desirable in the particular environment and, in course, find ways to shift from their individual core beliefs. Even as it is vitally important for leaders to be unwavering in their convictions, any conviction should be able to advance the greater good, if it is to translate to effective leadership. Blind following of ideology is another name for dogmatism and can easily lead to destructive leadership. Second, the President is trying to walk a fine line between the nuances of control and the perceived freedoms of democracy, including separation of power among the three arms of government. The thinking is to avoid evoking a choking nostalgia of his military regime, unfairly defamed by the opposition during the presidential campaign. Yet, it is interesting to note that the same opposition has emerged as the loudest cheerleader of the President for removing himself from the leadership crisis rocking the legislature. But the General from Daura is an old soldier. He does not need to be told that relying on enemy command is a recipe for disaster. The fact of the matter is that, contrary to what the opposition wants us to believe, Nigerians are under Buhari’s government and the President has to be fully involved. Effective leadership is the ability to successfully integrate and maximise available resources within the internal and external environment in line with organisational or societal values, standards, and goals and objectives. The process in this case entails being able to influence all segments of the polity towards greater good. Passing the buck has the tendency to stoke a series of excuses. A habit of excuses, as my father would say, is an existential catalyst for failure. Finally, President Buhari has to be very careful not to squander his overflowing goodwill. He must not undercut the core attributes that endeared him back to the masses. The history beckons on him to lead by reinforcing the original credo of our change. The most compelling way forward is to confront the gross indiscipline that is not only tearing the ruling party apart but also undermining his agenda proper. •Ogbonnia, a leadership scholar, writes from Houston, Texas in the United States of America, USA.

Editorial

Friday, June 26, 2015

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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

CJN on fraudulent, corrupt judicial officers

hat former and serving Chief Justices of Nigeria (CJNs) have repeatedly drawn public attention to the pre-eminence in the Nigerian Bench of fraudulent and corrupt officers (like incumbent CJN, Mahmud Mohammed reiterated lately), suggests the endemic nature of unethical behaviour and misconduct among judges and other judicial officers on whom the nation entrusted its justice administration system. It calls more for a radical surgery in the entire garbled judicial system than the persistent references being made to the rot by those statutorily empowered to halt the pandemic. In 2012, at a public function in Lagos, a former CJN, Justice Muhammadu Uwais, confessed that Nigeria inherited a strong judiciary from the colonial masters, but that corruption had incapacitated that arm of government. “When I was the CJN, I worked with the president to remove quite a number of the judges from office on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC). This is because they were found wanting. That was the standard we expect from the NJC. Unfortunately, judges who were corrupt were allowed to go scot-free”. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also stated during that occasion: “We believe

that the judiciary is the last to be affected by corruption. Now, the judiciary has been riddled with corruption and this has affected other sectors of the country. If the judiciary becomes corrupt, where is the hope for the nation?” When the mantle of CJN later that year fell on her, Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, reiterated that corruption existed in every facet of the nation’s life, adding that she could not pretend it wasn’t existent in the judiciary. “What I intend to do to curb this is to lead by example and to hope and pray that others will follow. As the chairman of the NJC, I will encourage internal cleansing based on petition…I will try to make sure that the confidence reposed in the judiciary as it was before will be restored”. Indeed, Mukhtar, later at a National Judicial Institute (NJI) function few weeks before she left office, further opened up when she stated: “Now more than ever, the public has become more critical of the conduct of the judicial staff, perhaps buoyed by public outcry against unwholesome conduct of the judicial staff, like leakage of judgements before delivery, demanding bribes before the preparation of records of appeal, acting as go-between for some overzealous litigants and some corrupt judicial officers, ostentatious lifestyles beyond

JUDICIAL OFFICERS FOUND WANTING SHOULD EQUALLY BE PROSECUTED AND MADE TO FACE THE WRATH OF THE LAW LIKE ORDINARY CITIZENS legitimate earnings, and a host of other activities”. In other words, it is not just judges and complicit senior lawyers that indulge in the judicial gammon, judicial assistants, court registrars, clerks and bailiffs constitute parts of the leprous syndicate. True to her pledge, however, by the time Mukhtar handed over her seat to Justice Mohammed late last year, she, like Uwais, did her modest best to clean the Augean stables in the judiciary. A couple of indicted judges were sent on compulsory retirement, while others were either censured or suspended for a while. Mukhtar on account of her performance came across to her admirers as a high judicial officer of impeccable integrity before the nation’s Bench and Bar. Though soft in looks and speech, she was firm in her resolve to retrieve the judiciary from further value and confidence depreciation. CJN Mohammed has since

ON THIS DAY June 26, 2006 Mari Alkatiri, the first Prime Minister of East Timor, resigned after weeks of political unrest. Alkatiri (November 26, 1949) was the first Prime Minister of an internationally-recognized East Timor. He served from May 2002 until he resigned on June 26, 2006 following weeks of political unrest in the country. He is the Secretary-General of the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (FRETILIN).

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

June 26, 2012 The Waldo Canyon Fire descended into the Mountain Shadows neighborhood in Colorado Springs, United States, bur ning 347 homes in a matter of hours and killing two people. The Waldo Canyon fire was a forest fire that started approximately four miles (6.4 km) northwest of Colorado Springs, Colorado on June 23, 2012, and one mile (1.6 km) from a wester n neighborhood.

assuming expansively deposed to leave behind a judiciary that is committed to the rule of law; is financially autonomous; proactive and vibrant, with staff of proven integrity. He has manifested his commitment to having a dynamic judiciary manned disciplined, committed and competence officers; and has equally demonstrated his repulsion for bad eggs in the judiciary and their accomplices in the senior bar. The NJC he heads has probably not punished as much erring judicial officers like Mukhtar did. But the latest template released by his regime to ensure vacancies in the Bench are filled based on merit, hard work and integrity, instead of dubious or extraneous considerations, promises a plus for the job of cleansing the Bench if strictly put to work. Therefore, the Mohammed-led NJC should see to it that the process works. However, beyond filling vacancies in the Bench, merely sending acclaimed corrupt judges on compulsory retirement is a slap on the wrist that is not commensurate with the havoc they wrought on the system. Judicial officers found wanting should equally be prosecuted and made to face the wrath of the law like ordinary citizens, having betrayed the nation and their calling. We expect less talk, but more action.

x June 26, 2013 Riots in China’s Xinjiang region killed at least 36 people and injured 21 others. The attack began when a group of people with knives attacked a Chinese police station and a local government building. Following the riots, domestic-security chief, Meng Jianzhu, and head of minority affairs, Yu Zhengsheng, were dispatched to the region. Security forces also conducted military parades in the region in a show of force.

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Views

Friday, June 26, 2015

On morality and high cost of governance NEW HORIZON Wale Ajao With

waleajao2002@yahoo.com, 08023112006 (sms only)

overnance is a costly commodity in Nigeria. As far as the political class is concerned to be in power is to be in money. Any talk of service to the fatherland by that privileged class is farcical. Public service by the members of the class is basically about how much money you can make legally and illegally while in office. The society is also not helping matters. The people expect too much from whoever is representing their constituency. A kind of moneyoriented value system has permeated the entire society. It is not as if there are no honest people in Nigeria. Millions of Nigerians are really very honest. The problem is that quite many Nigerians have come to accept a little bribe here and there, a little financial manipulation here and there, as the normal part of business in public life. It is a cycle in which the rich and poor find themselves enmeshed. That the poor hopes to get rich just by any means is not necessarily evil or clearly dubious, what is evil is

the subtle manipulations of figures or facts. The leaders do the same to stay on top. Opportunism is the order of the day. No one can really tell how money and its unalloyed, untainted love have come to possess virtually everyone. But everyone agrees that many Nigerians interpret business or political opportunity as a situation where they can corner just a little bit more than they are morally entitled. And so the legislator sees nothing wrong in being paid several millions of naira far more than what is obtainable in the civil service, university, or even among the armed forces. Has it ever occurred to anyone to ask why the governor, minister, senator or representative has no qualms pocketing the huge remuneration supposedly approved for them by the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC)? Has anyone bothered to ask why since 1999 not up to 10 governors have been seen to be transparent in their handling of state resources? Since this piece is about morality and value system in Nigeria, what we are saying here is that when huge financial allocations are approved for the leaders why do they gladly accept it as if they are oblivious of the grinding poverty prevailing all over the land? Why do these political office holders hide under

THE REALITY TODAY IS THAT MORALITY IS DYING VERY FAST. GREED HAS

PERMEATED THE SYSTEM the cover of approval by appropriate agency to accept huge financial allocation even when workers are being owed salaries sometimes for as long as eight to 18 months? This scenario came into the public domain last week when the RMAFC said 109 senators and 360 representatives would share N19bn as salaries and allowances among them. The breakdown of what RMAFC approved for senators and representative shows that for four years the nation will spend N67, 609, 440 on a senator. This adds up to N72bn on the senate alone when multiplied by the 109. For the House of Representatives, it is N53,981,940 to keep a representative for four years, and multiply by 360, we get over one trillion. Pardon me if my calculation is wrong as I have never calculated such a figure all my life. It is interesting that virtually all the legislators are keeping quiet as they are all, with the exception of one or two, expecting payment which RMAFC said will start this week. State assembly men are also set to take their own share.

Ministers at the federal level are going to have many aides all of who will also collect big remuneration. Commissioners at state level and local government chairmen are also going to have aides all of who will collect their own share of the bogus but approved salaries and allowances. The issue becomes clear that it is not that we have too many institutions of government that need to be pruned down or merged. It is not just that. The important question about high cost of governance is the high and unsustainable salaries and allowances of political officeholders. If the National Assembly alone gulps five percent of our national budget, is anyone surprised we do not have enough to pay workers? In other words the insatiable urge of the political leaders has become a bad example, which has become widespread even among the ordinary folks. The reality today is that morality is dying very fast. Greed has permeated the system. The political leaders have imbibed a negative culture which has percolated down the system. People now believe the best way they can be their brother’s keeper is to accumulate so much legally or even illegally so that they can take just a little of their huge accumulation to help their brothers, who they expect to always be in need and keep coming cap in hands.

Understanding Boko Haram’s motivation

oko Haram has now entered the lexicon of any average Nigerian, home and abroad. Their activities being a game of quantity, we seek to understand them so that we cope with their ever changing tactics. We cannot counter effectively a concept we have not fully understood. The grief and fear the insurgents represent are still a new experience for many Nigerians. The subsequent and ongoing military and political response by Nigeria and its allies to the sect’s threats level have changed our country in many ways, although many of these changes are appreciated by us. Terrorism being the naked struggle for power always goes with the questions who shall wield it and to what ends. The coercive character of the amount of damages done is plain enough to require little beyond description. Where the process does not produce the requisite submission, escalation is inevitable and action begets reaction. This is the real challenge to the high-minded, and it is here as a nation we must find it needful to characterise what Boko Haram does while seeking to distinguish its own counteraction as something quite different and lacking in reprehensible quantity. For the purpose of long term counterterrorism policy, increased emphasis should be placed on the analysis of the interaction between those cultural and political factors that influence uncommitted but impressionable young people to join the BH sect. With no successful attacks in any other part of Nigeria other than the Northeast lately, Chad and Niger, it is natural that many people want to turn their attention

TERRORISM CAN MERGE INTO A CYCLE OF REVENGE AND RETALIATION THAT NEITHER SIDE CONTROLS away from attacks to other concerns. It should be noted that attacks to other cities in Nigeria has not by any means receded. The perspectives afforded in the sect’s overall activities by the Muhammadu Buhari administration with the multilateral cooperation can be helpful in understanding future, perhaps inevitable actions within Nigeria’s borders and other West African countries. Regardless of the number of victories recorded currently, with the relocation of service chiefs to the epicenter of the insurgency, history teaches us that terrorism is endemic to human conditions and cannot be eliminated by diligent application of the current strategies because terrorism is not a kind of disease that can be wiped out, but can perhaps be managed and confined, at least temporarily, to a reasonable proportion, then followed by diplomacy for a long term permanent settlement. It is important to take into account other factors of interpersonal and ideological nature to explain mobilization. Such factors can help explain why one particular individual might follow a path of terrorism, while another from a comparable situation and background does not. Many are of the opinion that poverty and unemployment are the determining factors for mobilization, but in our case

and from expert point of view, this is not absolute because on careful scrutiny, you may be disappointed that majority of the insurgents, including their hierarchy are from a sophisticated socio-economic backgrounds. For instance; Omar Faruk, the first Nigerian tried under US Terrorism Act, and Osama bin Laden hail from middle or upper class background. Our problems are compounded due to large unoccupied areas in Nigeria particularly in the North, under reaction and overreaction by our past leaders. In principle, both syndromes kill a nation faster than any terrorist organisation. Apparently, time and environment are very relevant to the motivations behind individual members for many reasons. The socialisation of members of subgroups with regards to violence and its justification must be looked into by the new Buhari administration. When there is a long violence history such as with BH, generation after generation will be taught values that support the conflicts. However, considering the purpose of a terrorist behaviour is basic to understanding why a human being will wake up one day and turn a monster. Terrorism can merge into a cycle of revenge and retaliation that neither side controls, for instance the sudden death of Mohammed Yusuf in prison in 2009. However, this singular reckless act does not make up for nearly six years of violence. Apart from their behaviour, understanding their motivation can never be over emphasised. They motives can be analysed into three categories. The first be-

Counter-terrorism Tips With

Ethelbert Oney ethelbertoney@zissltd.com, 08029929121 (sms only) gins with ‘this is unacceptable condition and it is not right’. But what is not right? The second category follows with resentment and a sense of injustice. Thus, ‘it is not fair’. What is injustice and unfair’; none of the sect members can categorically state. And the third category often starts with personifying the injustice; for example, ‘it is the government’s fault’. Now, the question here is what has the government done that warrants perpetual killing of fellow innocent Nigerians? In reality, terrorist organisations always have reasons to justify their atrocities against a regime. Only a few of those affected by oppressive social and historic contexts eventually turn to terrorism. The categories stated above by all means apply to any conventional or asymmetrical conflicts without exception. Externalisation contributes immensely to the uniformity of BH rhetorical style. Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

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Friday, June 26, 2015

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When sympathisers mock Osun workers

I Gov Ikpeazu’s commendable move

et me say that the recent directive by Abia State governor, Dr. Okeze Ikpeazu, banning jingles about him in the state’s media and unnecessary solidarity visits to Government House, Umuahia and his community is highly commendable. Like the governor rightly observed, they do not only constitute avoidable distractions, they represent sycophancy of the worst order. Having taken this surefooted step, Governor Ikpeazu should be bold enough to tell Abians, and indeed all Nigerians, how much debt he inherited from his predecessor, Chief Theodore A. Orji. Abians will hold him responsible if he fails to deliver good governance on account of paucity of funds after he has created the impression that Chief Orji left him a healthy bank balance. Governor Ikpeazu should also take the necessary steps to reduce the cost of governance in the state by cutting down the number of political appointees and doing away with never do good politicians around him. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State (07084644222)

Onanuga, a woman with a golden heart

was an eye witness at an accident scene some Sundays ago, around 5.45pm along Ijebu Ode-Ososa road, where the Ogun State deputy governor, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, stopped her convoy to participate in a rescue operation of the victim of the accident, a lorry driver with Lagos registration No.LXD718XD, who was trapped and seriously wounded. It is quite commendable that despite the usual busy schedule of such a high ranking public figure, she used one of the vehicles in her convoy as an ambulance to convey him to a hospital in Ijebu Ode. She also gave the victim some money for the treatment. If there are many like Deputy Governor Yetunde Onanuga, Nigeria will no doubt be a better country. Femi Olayinka, Abeokuta.

Letters to the Editor

read with dismay a media report in the national dailies that the Osogbo branch of a Pentecostal church has opened a food basket for Osun workers, who are going through hard times occasioned by the delay in payment of their salaries by the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola-led state government. Although the church asked its members and the public to contribute to the basket, a later report claimed that the call had been largely gone unheeded. Around the same time, the

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state also charged the governor to sell the state’s security patrol helicopter and use the proceeds to pay workers salaries. How can any sane person ask that a security patrol instrument be sold? Randomly, we hear the voices of other miserable comforters shedding crocodile tears for the workers, in a false show of pity. It is strange and regrettable that a church will lend itself so easily for political use. Jesus instructed us that when we give

Pains and agony of life on the street.

alms and render assistance to the poor, we should not let the right hand know what the left hand is doing. Why then would a church call a world press conference over helping the needy? For the records, I am aware that some parishes of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in the state have been assisting civil servants since the salary problem began and have never publicised it. God sees and will give them their due reward. Christians must know that those who advertise their ‘good’ works

PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Checking ritualists on the prowl

hat on earth could have led some cannibals and ritualists to kill a 21 year-old undergraduate, dismembered her body and cooked some of her parts in a shrine at Eposo-Akaka community, Isara, in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State? The female student of Gateway ICT Polytechnic identified as Miss Morenikeji Owolabi, an indigene of Ekiti State, had been declared missing since June 7, 2015. The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Valentine Ntomchukwu, who led a team of journalists to the scene of the crime reportedly discovered a lot of fetish items including an iron mesh filled with some cooked flesh of the victim. To get to the root of this matter and other related incidents,

the security agencies should act decisively and follow due process in dealing with the suspected ritualists and their patrons. The satanic herbalists could not have continued to be in business without the active collaboration and patronage of these members of the society who want power and wealth at all cost. And as a pre-emptive move, the authorities should engage the services of community policing in the form of local vigilantes, hunters, forest guards and even farmers for proper monitoring and intelligence gathering since the regular security agents cannot be everywhere at every time. Besides, the terrains of those criminalhideouts can be better policed or put on surveillance by the locals.

Gbemiga Olakunle, General Secretary, National Prayer Movement, Abuja.

Bravo, Raymond Musa

was impressed after watching keenly how a police officer, one Raymond Musa, fought and defeated a gang of armed area boys, who blocked the road before Tile Gyado’s College, North Bank, Makurdi and was forcefully collecting money from motorists before allowing them to pass. This happened in broad day light sometime this month. Mr. Raymond, a police officer, who upon investigation, I discovered was attached to the immediate past Secretary to Social Development, Abuja, was coming from Abuja to Makurdi. Getting to the

Ogun Home Charter revolutionised property market

he introduction of Home Owners Charter in Ogun State by the government of Senator Ibikunle Amosun has helped to minimize disputes on ownership of landed properties

in the state, reduce stress experienced in getting certificate of occupancy (C of O) and building plans, which are now electronically documented. This is a good Initiative for the benefit of the citizen of the

for others to behold have no reward with God since they have already received their reward from men. How many of these emergency sympathisers are sincere? A lot of the people pretending to be concerned about workers are just using this crisis as a platform to attack Governor Aregbesola and score cheap political points. They are actually praying secretly that the governor would never find the money to pay the workers so that they will use the failure to destroy him and his party politically. But they have failed because Governor Aregbesola will find the money to pay the workers; and the state will move forward. Where were these people when the governor was paying workers 13th month salary for four consecutive years? Where were they when the governor increased pension from N200 million monthly to N530 million? Where were they when the governor resuscitated overseas training for senior civil servants and gave workers housing and car loans? And where were they when the governor was paying salary on or before the 25th of every month? These false sympathisers are just mocking the workers by pretending to be concerned about them. We must all know God will judge every intention of the heart, irrespective of what we say to the world and our fellow human being. Michael Ogundele, Osogbo, Osun State.

state. Indeed, it has revolutionized the property market by making it possible for property owners to access banks’ loan facilities. Ademola Orunbon, Olomore, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

scene of the incident where the armed gang was extorting money from motorists, he asked to know what was going on, to which one of the area boys reacted violently. It was at this point that Raymond began to display his skills and bravery as a well trained police officer. He systematically and tactically dispatched the entire armed gang after teargassing it without even using his gun. According to him, bullets should be used for something more serious. Permit me to use this medium to appreciate the officer in question for the brilliant job and urge him to keep it up. Also, I would like to call on other police officers to emulate Raymond’s smartness, brilliance and commitment. Awunah Pius Terwase, Mpape, Abuja (08179289948)

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

rt Twenty One’s next exhibition will be an art lover’s dream, judging from the impressive artist line-up: Joseph Eze, Demola Ogunajo, Namsa Leuba, Abraham Oghobase, Paa Joe, Jacob TettehAshong, Yarisal, Kublits and Vincent Michea!

Etisalat Prize for Literature opens

elecommunications giant, Etisalat, calls for entries for the 2015 Etisalat prize for literature. The winner of the Etisalat Prize for Literature gets £15,000, a device, a book tour to 3 African cities, an Etisalat Fellowship at the University of East Anglia mentored by Professor Giles Foden (author of The Last King of Scotland) and significant opportunities to meet writers and publishers to work on a second book.

Arty News

OLAWALE OLUWADAHUNSI

ollywood recently has some reason to mourn as it was bereaved of one of its pioneer movie producers, Mr Francis Adetunji Oladele. He passed on after a brief illness on Monday, 22nd June, 2015 around 8am in Oyo town a few days after the deaths of Dan Maraya Jos and Village Headmaster’s Femi Robinson. Born to Oyo parents, Oladele, worked in Nigeria first as a photographer and later as a photo-journalist with the Daily Times before travelling to the United States in 1955, where he studied photography at the New York Institute of Photography. He worked briefly with Technicolor (USA) before returning to Nigeria to work as the Pioneer African Head of the Film Unit of the then Western Nigeria Television (WNTV). An adventurous arts promoter, Francis Oladele was not satisfied with the strangle hold of government officialdom on the arts. His determination to express his innate artistic talent left him with no other option but to resign from the Western Nigeria Television, WNTV. He later established what has come to be known as Calpenny-Nigeria Films Limited, also with a pioneer status, on September 21, 1965. He complimented these efforts with the establishment of Kongi Club at Adamasingba in Ibadan, which became the rallying point for artistes, like Wole Soyinka, Dapo Adelugba, Wole Soyinka, John Pepper Clark, as well as Tunji Oyelana, who actually honed his artistic stage performances as the Resident Artiste. Apart from being a pioneer in the Nigerian feature film industry, Francis Oladele achieved another first for Nigeria by deciding to make films based on the work of successful and internationally acclaimed Nigerian writers. By indicating a creative preference for historical epics, he also established for the Nigerian film industry the vital link between great literary works and film of which many filmmakers have followed this trend . This adaptation of novels into film not only assures future feature filmmakers in Nigeria of a storehouse of material as manifested by the prolific output at Nigerian writers, but also serves as an inspiration for future writers who can now write with the wider and more immediate cinema

I REMEMBER WHEN I VISITED HIM IN 2013 TO RE-PRESENT HIS I-REP AWARD. HE WAS VERY CHEERFUL, CHARMING

Inside FCT P. 24-33

Art Exhibition: Elsewhere

One of Nigeria’s pioneer filmmakers, Pa Francis Oladele passed on recently after a harvest of quality works spanning decades.

AND FULL OF ANECDOTES AS HE CONDUCTED US ROUND HIS RICH LIBRARY AND WOODED

COMPOUND, ENDING THE TOUR WITH HIS PREPARED GRAVE OF MORE THAN 15 YEARS

audiences in mind. Francis Oladele’s first film was Kongi’s Harvest (1970), based on Wole Soyinka’s dramatic epic of the same title. Shot on location in Nigeria at the turn of the 70s with a Nigerian cast and a mixed technical crew of foreigners and Nigerians, it was directed by the Afro-American actor, Ossie Davis. Oladele followed this trend up with the production of Things Fall Apart (1971), also based on an amalgam of Chinua Achebe’s novels; Things Fall Apart and No Longer at Ease, shot under the title ‘Bullfrog in the Sun’ due to the raging civil war at the time. He equally produced documentaries for the United Nations, as well as the war in Congo, featuring the Late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed. These are apart from several other documentary efforts, like Ballard Dubar, Meet Olu. He also did a major documentary on the late Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed, sponsored by the United Nations. A notable film-maker with Pan-African vision, Oladele introduced several innovations into African film industry by bringing in notable film practitioners of African descent into his crew, in addition to picking the actors and actresses from outside Nigeria. For the lead roles, he chose John Seka of Sierra Leone and: Princess Elizabeth Toro of Uganda. Both Kongi’s Harvest and Things Fall Apart enjoyed good box-office responses in Nigeria and Things Fall Apart was well received particularly in Atlanta, Georgia in the USA. Reacting to the news of his death, seasoned film-maker, Tunde Kelani, says the Nigerian film industry

P. 22-23

nfluenced by the Yoruba Oro festival, Ayo Akinwande explores the concepts of perception, duality, and the multifaceted layers of the human reality in Boju Boju (meaning ‘hide and seek’ in Yoruba). In an attempt to engage the audience in a game of hide and seek, the entire exhibition is stretched on a 100 meter canvas. Akinwande employs nude models and some selected West African masks to highlight maladies which seem to have attained normalcy, urging the viewer to ask important questions about these issues. Time for the event is 6pm and the opening reception is on Saturday June 27th 2015 at Osh Gallery, 381 Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba, Lagos. Ticket is Free. The exhibition will run till the July 4th 2015.

Francis Oladele: Culture sector counts losses

PA Oladele

has just lost one of its greatest pioneers. “I remember when I visited him in 2013 to re-present his i-Rep award. He was very cheerful, charming and full of anecdotes as he conducted us round his rich library and wooded compound, ending the tour with his prepared grave of more than 15 years, right by his late wife’s grave. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.” His last feature film effort was the production of Eye of Life (1988), a multi-million Naira film project, which, however, could not be released due to the sudden devaluation of the Naira by the Babangida administration in 1988. As a prolific writer, he has written and delivered several papers at conferences across the globe. His works have continued to attract scholarly attention by students and researchers in the area of film production, both at home and abroad. The veteran who is arguably reputed to be Nigeria’s first indigenous filmmaker ought to be 83 years on August 30, 2015. He was 82.

Critics

Boju Boju holds at Osh Gallery

P. 20,21

WEEKEND STARTERS

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

Artman

Friday, June 26, 2015

Flavour P. 34-35

Your

FRIDAY

Artman In The House

Friday, June 26, 2015

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In my family, we watch TV

Tajudeen Adepetu is at the helm of one of Nigeria’s biggest media conglomerate. The fifty year old media mogul who has been described as the Ted Turner of Nigeria is the executive producer of Soundcity Music Video Awards (SMVA) and Managing Director of Consolidated Media Associates. Tajudeen who has been a top industry player in the Nigerian scene for over a decade, and has provided many TV viewers with TV soaps such as Saints and Sinners, Candlelight, Treasures, One Love, Everyday People, Domino and others. His flagship channel, ONTV serves as Africa’s premier destination for content cutting across music, movie, soaps, Telenovela, fashion, sports and more even as it seeks to provide unrivalled entertainment screen value to TV audience across the continent. In this interview with ISIGUZO DESTINY Tajudeen Adepetun speaks about his latest value offering, ONTV Max.

Tajudeen Adepetu

ou have recorded success in the Arts band entertainment Industry, how did you begin? My interest started from my love for watching TV. In my family, we love and watch TV a lot. While watching TV, we make a lot of criticism and comments and as we watched, I could easily see flaws in the programs, and I usually point them. And my members would usually challenge me to go and fix it since I believed I could do it better. I took the challenge and that is what spurs me into Arts. Where exactly or what event really marked your take-off ? I would say is “Family Circle” after it was immediately accepted. It was the very first drama production that AIT showed. They so much liked it that they showed it for about six times on the first day. It was really good, ad the viewers bought into it because they could see themselves in it. It was a huge success from the beginning, and that was how we got the motivation to continue producing it, even though our resources was very

lean, for two years. From then, I started surging forward. I also brought out successful programs mostly in Arts and entertainment. The response was amazing. I had another drama that was also a success “Everyday People” and won many awards. I’ve done other ones like “Saints & Sinners”, “Scale of Justice”, “One Love”, “Blaze of Glory”, “Young Single and Free”, “Laugh Patterns”, and “Love Stories”. How do you get your ideas and inspirations? I like to study others and observe what people are doing all over the world, discover new trends and get new ideas on what to give out to my audience. With the coming of internet, it is easier than it used to be and not as difficult as it was, say, ten years ago. The coming of the Internet has made the world a global village; one can see virtually what everyone is doing all over the world. I also believe in research and I see it as basically an important part of me. Through it, I will discover what is going on all over the world

as it relates to my industry so that I can position myself and be able to deliver to my viewers, quality programs. Soundcity is very popular; can you tell us about it? The TV is the mother brand of SMVA, which is one of the brands of Consolidated Media Associates, a company that has her interest in producing and syndicating programs across Nigeria. Soundcity TV with every sense of modesty is the first of its kind in Nigeria and has now become a national favorite across the African continent. It has been positioned as a dedicated 24-hour music channel that gives the Nigerian artistes a platform for projecting their image and our culture, while also contributing positively to the Nigerian music industry and the African continent. What is next for Soundcity? Well, I must say I am very excited about the possibilities the brand has been able to harness in order to achieve the success thus far. I know we are on our way to achieve our set objectives With the addition of ONTV Max, how many channels do you now have

Soundcity TV with every sense of modesty is the first of its kind in Nigeria and has now become a national favorite across the

African continent. It has been positioned as a dedicated 24-hour music channel that gives the Nigerian artistes a platform for projecting their image and our culture, while also contributing positively to the

Nigerian music industry and the African continent

Everyday People Pulse

under your stable? And what are they? With this latest addition, the CMAGROUP now has four channels on the MultiChoice platforms; DStv and GOtv. They are; the Soundcity Music Channel, Spice Fashion Channel, Televista Series Channel and the new ONTVMAX General Entertainment channel. CMA is a General Media Production and Television powerhouse with footprints in Satellite, Cable, Digital and Terrestrial Television; Consolidated Media Associates Limited is the ultimate brand/product enhancing and exposing company in today’s world, offering excellent creative choices in the production of content either for awareness, perception or product elongation. The CMAGROUP produces six channels in general; Soundcity, Spice, Trybe, Access24, OnTV and Televista. Consolidated Media Associates Limited is Nigeria’s No. 1 leading Television Production Media House. The CMA television brands and products have grown to be admired by vast television groups and audiences across Africa. The success achieved by

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Artman In The House

Friday, June 26, 2015

a lot –Tajudeen Adepetu

CEO, Soundcity,Tajuddeen Adepetu, Ego Boyo, Chris Ihidero, Chris Ubosi, Engr. Lekan Onimole, Charles Igwe, Femi Ayeni and Seye Kehinde also graced the .

the company and her offerings over the years has created huge follower-ship for each of the individual Television Channel brands. Consolidated Media Associates Limited as a National and Continental Player and Heavyweight originating from Nigeria has over the years strategically developed different Television Brands to suit and cater for clients and households. These CMAGROUP television channels are cut amongst the different spheres and genres in television viewership thereby maintaining a tailor made open-window for different advertisers. In relation to the existing ONTV, what is different about ONTV Max? ONTVMAX is a further rebranded extension of the ONTV experience and will broadcast other syndicated content from other CMAGROUP channels on DStv and GOtv, specifically from Trybe Movie Channel, Televista content like the telenovelas, spanking new and fresh music videos and exclusive contents from Soundcity, fashion and lifestyle content from Spice fashion channel and actualities / News information from Access24, making and creating a complete television package experience unrivaled by any platform currently in operation. For how long has ONTV been in existence? What have been your key drivers? ONTV has been in existence now for 3 years, and from inception has consistently been rated the number one terrestrial station in Lagos. What has defined the success of ONTV has been its content.

ONTV meets its viewers expectations in their various spheres of need, so if it’s drama, movies, music, telenovella, news, kiddies content and other family programmes and shows you will find ONTV there. What sort of programs should viewers look forward to with the launch of ONTV Max? Our key drivers for content include, sports; the Omnisports daily global sports news package, which comes up every night and the highlight show of the same package, which gives breaking news, updated sports news six times a day. We have an extensive library of telenovelas, be it Mexican, Filipino Brazilian or Indian, our viewers have come to expect the best from us, and we are yet to let them down. We also take news seriously, and provide a headline news service six times a day. We provide a wide variety of quality productions on our Nollywood movie belt, whilst also providing a wide library in original drama productions; this we believe is why we have been rated number one for two straight years. For best fresh music, we have partnered with Soundcity, the leading light in African urban entertainment and we dare say we are the first to bring viewers the best Nigerian and Pan African music hot from Nigeria’s talented artistes and global artistes. And for Lifestyle, we have an array decent shows and delightful content from

Spice TV, the only fashion channel in Africa. What is your relationship with MultiChoice? How many other channels do you have on their DStv and GOtv platforms? Our relationship with Multichoice is a unique one, where we provide the best of thematic channels for their various bouquets. The CMA GROUP has four of six channels now live on the DStv and GOtv platforms, these are: The Soundcity music and lifestyle channel; Nigeria’s truly first music channel, and the emerging leader in African urban entertainment, number one in ratings and now celebrating 10 years of its existence. The Spice Fashion Channel, Nigeria’s leading lifestyle channel and Africa’s first fashion channel. Televista Series Channel and ONTV MAX general entertainment channel. When did ONTV Max launch on DStv and GOtv? ONTVMAX launched on Thursday, 11 June 2015 Why did you decide to launch ONTV Max on DStv and GOtv? Our aim when we launch a channel has always been to provide an avenue for all to watch all our channels’ creative content, now with DStv and GOtv, viewers are

Reading is my hobby and I have always loved it. I also relax with watching TV, and remember it was the foremost love and passion for

TV that I turned into my career.

Tajudeen Adepetu

able to see our other channels’ programs like the telenovelas which hitherto only broadcast on Televista, now available on GOtv as well as DStv. Access is the key point of television, ONTVMAX provides for her various viewers that access to a more enriched viewing experience. What motivates you? (Laughs) The fear of poverty is a constant motivator. This provides a driving force for me to succeed because if you don’t, it means hunger. What are your challenges in the art and entertainment industry? The major issue we have been facing is sponsorship, and this is because the society hasn’t totally embraced the idea or concept of paying for entertainment. Only a few people pay for terrestrial TV, and advertisers would rather use the regular TV to reach their various target market. I think Nigerians will come to term with the advantage of terrestrial TV and exploit it. How do you relax? I relax with my family whenever I have the time. I’m usually very busy due to my commitment to our brands. Reading is my hobby and I have always loved it. I also relax with watching TV, and remember it was the foremost love and passion for TV that I turned into my career.

Critics

FILM

Friday, June 26, 2015

Antics in Antique

Female heroism gets a fresh start in Antique, a film directed by DJ Tee, who has made a mark in music video directing Isiguzo Destiny

he movie brought in series of actors known for their adequate character interpretations. Olu Jacobs is one man that has raw talent in him. The actors did their best in realising their different roles except in few occasions with irrelevant dialogue which was perpetuated by Akpororo. The story line is not bad and the technical details echoed the sentiments of Femi Ogunrombi that something new is happening in the industry. There is good cinematography, sound, lighting and costume. The technicality is not perfect because we are not there yet but the reality is that the best is yet to come especially with the revolution going on in Nollywood. With an avalanche of music, it is usually difficult to choose a suitable music. But Cobham’s score is an appropriate selection because of its rhythm and sync with the adventure. The locations were not short of standard. The locations in the movie were very close to verisimilitude especially the forest locations were very convincing and really portrayed adventure in the African cosmology. It also added credence to the plot. “Antique” by Darasen Richards and DJ Tees is an

MUSIC

The Antique major conflict emanating from a stolen antique which was symbolically tied to the cosmology of the community. The absence of the antique is such that spells doom for the community because of its sacredness and its role as the protec-

Katapot: Two sides of a coin

The video is a reflection of envy, frustration and humiliation. Here is a glance through Reekado Banks love story Imoleayo Fatunase Subscribe he video analyses the real meaning of frustration, humiliation and hatred being rescued by love. The song can be described as “Anthem of love”. The video well explains that love covers all no matter the level of frustration and humiliation. The music video was shot in a Lagos market. Analysing the story line, Reekado Banks was humiliated by the conglomeration several market sellers ranging from sellers of tomatoes, pepper, fish, eggs, all looking scornfully at him. It was a brave attempt by the director, Unlimited L.A to go the extra mile in bringing clear, decipherable and yet deep intriguing visuals to the lyrics of the song. It was looking funny at the beginning with the little balls of onions and tomatoes thrown at him. However, the game changed and all imaginations were left to wander when it rose to the height of hitting the just graduated Chop am crooner with an egg with its viscous liquid emptying the contents on his pure white angelic fabric. Like it’s not enough, an angry woman looking like someone whose husband didn’t give her money for soup before leaving home poured on him a splash of pepper mixture. A beggar was not left out in the hate

epic that centres on female heroism which can be seen as a new consciousness in the feminist movement of some African artists. I’m not calling the script writer, the director or the producer feminists. I am saying some feminist will be thrilled at the heroism of a woman in an African setting known for male chauvinism. I love the story for turning a victim into a victor and the ability of the film to recreate and re-engage the discourse of caste system in African societies. The movie is one that sets out to socially re-engineer the African society towards seeing every human being as equal by making Uki, an outcaste a heroine. It can also be seen from a Marxian perspective for its identification with the underdog and making out heroes from the least and lest privileged class of the society. Uki (Oge Indiana) is an outcast in Godo Kingdom, who was loved by Uyi (Gabriel Afolayan) and Darasen Richard and DJ Tee failed in their portrayal of Uki as an outcast without feeding the viewers with the information concerning why she was branded as an outcast. The story also lacks grounded foundation. The film was meant to be one that the

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party. He didn’t hesitate to contribute his own quota in ‘Katapoting’ the poor lover boy. What could he have done to deserve all this? Just love? Na wah O! This is the question they didn’t answer in the video. What is the relationship between Reekado, his boo and the frustration in the heart of the market people? As far as the video is concerned, more scenes needed to be provided to explain their school of thought. Or was it just an Art, explaining metaphorically the pains many people go through to prove their point when they are in love? It surely represents the biblical verse of King David who said ‘God prepares a table for him in the presence of his enemies’…Hmm! In Katapot, they are enemies indeed in the market of life! But he was rescued by his lover who didn’t mind how humiliated he was. She stood by him in the public and walked through the humiliation to lift him up and out of the situation. Hmm…how sweet! The director, Reekado and his lover put in a very wonderful ‘confluence’ display in a seemingly slow motion. Of course, this moment will ‘wow’ any ardent music video enthusiast as it represents the climax of the short flick. However, the special effect put up there-

The song is a good Afro fusion that has traditional drums and

harmonic strings.

after by the director was needed but overemphasized. That scene could have been cinematographed in simple shots with better ‘wowing’ effects while also saving time for better scenes. Also, the ‘singlealone’ intimate moment (mind my vocabulary) between the Romeo and his Juliet where they formed a nucleus in the center of a crowd of haters, ranging from minors to old men and women. They all formed the irregular shape of an animal cell venting their unrelenting ‘if I catch you’ anger on the innocent love native drunk souls in the middle. part was made What a tale of two worlds! real, Katapot is an exkatapot The song is a good Afro fupression of good music..the sound sion that has traditional drums of the song was real, it came out at its and harmonic strings. However, the back- best. up doesn’t harmonize with the song as it The idea of the all white dress is the should, thus it doesn’t make the song ‘an- best because it shows that when people themic’ like other rhythmic loves songs envy others, they find a way to tarnish we are accustomed with. A Don Jazzy’s the goods about the person, it was a great bass voice, it could have made the chorus creative idea. After the lover descended, more melodious and pleasing to the ear. all the dirts where been removed which The characters in the video performed means if love exist, human will not have well, they create any idea which was the mind to do wrong or evil to others. real with the message the song was pass- The MAVIN must really be a genius to ing across, the song can actually be ex- put this story line together to become so pressed as “song for the fans”. The imagi- real, it is a great work.

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Critics

Friday, June 26, 2015

I love the story for turning a victim into a victor and the ability of the film to recreate and re-engage

the discourse of caste system in

African societies tor of Godo Kingdom. I wondered why it has to be after forty years that the people of Godo kingdom had to start feeling the absence of the sacred antique. If the antique holds the community as implied by the story line, why postponing the dooms day? It is not rational and does not justify the importance of the antique if its presence was never missed until after four decades, I mean a whooping forty years is enough to wipe out the community out of existence when the source of their lives went on sabbatical. We don’t even know why the antique was stolen in the first and why it holds such an important place in the community or why the antique is so important in reversing the anarchical situation in the community. There was little confrontation in what should have been and epic movie. Trust Hollywood for a good action. The adventure in the forest is not worth it. There were no serious battle fields or scenes; what good technology could have made possible. The ones we had where unable to impress me as the actors did very little as if they were asked to play their roles from safe distances away from the adversaries or as if they were barred from making contacts with the antagonists. Though some will argue that in Africa, one doesn’t make contacts with supernatural forces. Just go a see the movie “Hobbit”, and then you will appreciate contacts. The scene where some characters and the super warriors were entrapped in a net is just laughable. The fact that the entrapped warriors were moving their bodies especially their hands and legs portrayed absolute freedom and not entrapment at all. The appearance of the net was even poorly executed. This brings us back to good technicality. This issue cannot be overemphasised for a good film production. Some things cannot just fit into good movies; Akpororo scenes are out of touch and had no business in that movie. Well, some will argue his scenes are a sort of comic relief to reduce tension but I will stand on the ground that whatever the scenes were set to achieve, they didn’t work for me. He was over-acting and made the epic which is usually a serious and action heightened movie look very unserious. Comic relief is part of movie creation but must be appropriate and well-interpreted in order not to reduce the seriousness of the movie which was what Apooro scenes succeeded in not doing. The scene were the Elders ran away when they called up the warriors was exaggerated. One does not run from something one created.

TELEVISION

DSTV, Nigerian subscribers and CPC The news that Consumer Protection Council, CPC will investigate the myriads of complaints by Nigerian consumers against pay-TV company, DSTV is soothing. But will it calm the many frayed nerves? Ngozi Emedolibe

t is unarguable that today’s pay TV market in Nigeria is dominated by DSTV, owned by MultiChoice. But the route to this destination can be viewed through the prism of various unsavoury comments by Nigerian consumers. While some would agree that the company was the first to avail competitive TV content, others would be wont to believe they got to the height by ‘arm twisting and bullying’ of other competitors who may have the interest of the Nigerian consumers at heart. This has inadvertently put DSTV in a position as a luxury brand that cannot be afforded by many Nigerians. In the past few years, DSTV has often been in the news with one legal battle after another from aggrieved subscribers, who are angry with the services, especially as regards what some may term ‘unreasonable’ subscription hikes across their various bouquets. This can be vividly illustrated by the actions of a certain Seun Akinfolarin, an aggrieved subscriber who started an online petition on www.change.org against DSTV’s exploitation under the theme: “It’s time to end the exploitation of Nigerians by DSTV. Nigerians deserve respect from DSTV and we will get it.” Aside that, other concerned Nigerians have followed suit in the demand to stop DSTV’s ‘arbitrary’ price hikes. Obumselu Ebuka, another aggrieved

CPC poster

subscriber said, “I’m signing this petition because I think MultiChoice is exploiting the Nigerian citizenry and also because I think we should be offered a pay-as-you-go service. I also believe there should be a standard set of about 25 channels and then an opportunity to choose other channels for the lower bouquets.” This is not going down well with many Nigerians who have been fed with stories that in South Africa, the home of the company, subscribers are billed on pay-as-you-go basis. Some consumers also have issues with the advertisement patterns with their services. A consumer captured it thus: “What I however can’t understand is why I need to listen into an ad that lasts up to 40seconds whenever I put a call through to customer service. Once you put the call through, a male voice responds on the other line informing you of the several online platforms where your subscriptions can be paid. This surely is a free ad at the expense of the caller (customer).” That is why news that following the high number of complaints, the Consumer Protection Council, CPC, has commenced investigation into the operations of DSTV should be heartwarming. In a statement by its Director General, Dupe Atoki, said that there are lots of complaints from consumers alleging wide-range abuse of subscribers’ rights. According to the notice of investigation, CPC said “These complaints in effect allege that the DSTV service does not conform with international best practice and is specifically designed to exploit Nigerian consumers who have suffered loss by not being able to fully enjoy or receive the benefit or actualize the full purpose for which they purchased or subscribed to the service.” The council pointed out that the consumer complaints against

Something needs to be done about informing

Nigerian

consumers of other viable options in the pay

TV market

DSTV include: Poor quality of service such as incessant disruption of service without compensation while subscription is current, wrongful abrupt disconnection of service during subsisting subscriptions, monthly subscriptions lasting less than 30 days and poor redress mechanism and customer services, advertisements on customer care lines at the expense of consumers, poor implementation of decoder swap policy and effecting price increase for subscriptions despite payment before due date of increase. What Nigerians expect from this investigation can be seen through the eyes of Gboyega Falode, a corper: According to him, “DSTV is hardly found in homes of common masses. The cheapest package they offer is the DSTV Access, which is between N1,500 and N1,800. But how many of the channels on that bouquet would one really enjoy? To enjoy DSTV you need to go for at least the Compact package which costs over N9,000 and that’s a lot in a country with N18,000 as minimum wage.” While this investigation lasts, CPC, should recognise the fact that it is a statutory agency funded by Nigerian masses to protect their interest in terms of what they (tax payers) consume, which means they (CPC) must strive to get a good bargain for Nigerians and mete out necessary sanctions to DSTV if found culpable. Something also needs to be done about informing Nigerian consumers of other viable options in the pay TV market to break this seeming stronghold. This is important because monopoly always leaves the consumer vulnerable and exploited. Many countries will not subject their citizens to this predicament.

Inside FCT

Thursday, June 26, 2015

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FCT residents bemoan soaring rents

Adeola Tukuru

he challenge of sub-standard houses in Nigeria is of utmost concern to all as the high cost of residential and office accommodation in Abuja has become a thing of grave worry especially to the low and middle income earners, who are virtually at the mercy of shylock landlords, paying huge sums of money yearly as rents in the Federal Capital Territory. Notably, many have agreed that the effort of the former Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed, towards affordable mass housing in the FCT through land swap and other policies is acknowledgeable. However, looking at the huge costs towards confronting the challenge of high rent, Real Estate Developer Association of Nigeria (REDAN) is determined to support the incoming administration with special interventions in the area of affordable mass housing. According to official report, Nigeria has over 17 million housing deficit if it must provide houses for its over 170 million people. As one of the basic necessities of life, provision of shelter remains one of the major responsibilities of any government. Section 16 (1) (d) of the 1999 Constitution under the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy is categorical on the exigency of the state to provide adequate shelter for its citizenry. It enjoins the state to ‘provide suitable and adequate shelter for all citizens’. On the other hand, developers have argued over standardisation of housing. Some are of the view that standard does not matter for as long as they erect buildings in the name of shelter, prospective buyers or rentals have little or no choice while some others strongly feel that it is either standard or nothing at all. The latter have built integrity over the years hence cannot afford to stain it under any circumstances. It was this reason and some others that REDAN at its executive meeting held recently in Abuja, prioritised standardisation of processes and products as remedy to estates that are vacant yet empty in the Federal Capital Territory. The National President of REDAN, Rev Ugochukwu Chime, said the association

Housing estate in FCT

under his leadership will fine-tune existing statutory provisions and implement existing standards in the National building Code especially with respect to planning, design and production. Chime said the association will regularly review standards that are necessary to identify deficiencies and address them while REDAN will exercise its powers to check the excesses of non-committed developers and contractors. Real estate experts observe that if the unoccupied houses in private housing estates in Abuja are made accessible to Nigerians at affordable costs, accommodation in the FCT will not be as difficult as it is at present. Chime, a Geomorphologist by discipline said the new REDAN exco will create more jobs as well as encourage professionalism of practitioners in the housing chain delivery. “Our quest is to reduce the housing deficit which is presently put at about 17 million units. The issues such as alternative and affordable construction finance, titling and approvals is key for us to bridge this enormous gap and it is left for us stakeholders (both government, private and public sector) to come together to re-visit this issues and come up with solutions that will enhance efficiency in housing delivery. An isolated failure on the part of one developer any where is used as a pretext for

the enactment of unfriendly policies that induce stress on others. Yet the success of many developers is not analysed and used to improve the system. The current notion that the problem is with developers alone is erroneous and very unhelpful”. “I believe we have rested on our oars for a long time and there is the need for the Association to stop basking on old glory but must pick itself up through unification of distant members, creation of quality programmes for its members and the housing sector at large.” The Federal Government of Nigeria recognises the fact that provision of adequate housing is a national challenge and is worse in Abuja with over three hundred thousand career civil servants alone, experts have argued that Nigeria’s Housing deficit is now estimated at 17 million. The position of Abuja as the Federal Capital City (FCC) and the daily influx of people are factors for housing shortages

and soaring rents. The cost of accommodation has continued to sky rockets in the FCT (both in the Metropolis and the satellites towns) in spite of the Federal Government efforts and assurances in making housing affordable to residents through the provision of plots of land and loans for some Housing schemes. Unfortunately, the demand for housing has continued to be far ahead of the supply The Master Plan of the City made adequate provision for various uses including residential developments for public officers. Since it was the desire of the Federal Government to encourage people to move in and settle in the new City it also became their responsibility to develop not only the various institutional properties but residential houses too. They argue that if the owners of such houses were a bit flexible with their terms, the high cost of rent would have been reduced in Abuja.

The Federal Government of Nigeria recognises the fact that provision of adequate housing is a national challenge and is worse in

Abuja with

over three hundred thousand career civil servants

Youth Corper avails health services in Kuchingoro Joel Ajayi

he joyous experience of Monday, June 15, 2015 will for a very long time be fresh in the hearts of residents of Kunchigoro, a largely-agrarian community in the nation’s capital. It was the day the over 1,000 residents received free treatment on various silent killer diseases, after such sickness had sent many residents to their early grave. Not only that, the occasion also featured a presentation of 56 wheel chairs to less-privileged physically challenge persons. Kunchingoro is roughly a 2-kilometre drive from Abuja National Stadium, which is not far from FHA Lugbe a popular suburb in the Federal Capital

Territory, FCT. The gesture came courtesy of a benevolent corps member Dr Omanudhowho Kennedy (FCT/14B/4578) at Primary Health Care Centre, Kuchingoro, in Abuja. He is a corps member serving at the National Assembly Dental Clinic Abuja. Omanudhowho graduated from University of Benin, as a dental surgeon Speaking with Inside FCT, he said what inspired him was that, while in school he had the privilege of travelling to one community in Bayelsa state, that

had no clinic, where he saw a six month old pregnant woman who had a serious problem of lump excision but he could not help her. “I was disturbed, but I was not equipped enough to take care of her and with her condition as a pregnant woman, she was in tears and I was actually touched, on that day I said how I wish I could help her and since then I vowed that anywhere I find myself, I should be able to locate rural environment and try and help so, that is the inspiration behind

I vowed that anywhere I find myself; I would locate a rural environment and help Kuchingoro residents

Friday, June 26, 2015 9 Ramadan, 1436

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Call to Worship

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

Luhansk Cathedral Mosque

Qur’an 3:103 “And hold fast, all together, by the rope which God (stretches out for you) and be not divided among yourselves…”

Tatars among other nations are native population of multinational region of Central Eurasia, especially its steppes – modern territories of Russian Federation, Ukraine, Kazakhstan. During the second half of 19th century Volga Tatars from central Russia, as citizens of Russian empire, in great number moved to the Donbas area of southern Ukraine to work at mines and factories. The number of Volga Tatars at the Luhansk region grew up to about 400,000. Tatars had their own mosques and schools. During Soviet era, authorities closed almost all of them, so people had no place to gather, to pray and to listen about God during that period. Great changes in social life of Central Eurasia and Eastern Europe in the 1980s–1990s – decay of Soviet Union, independence of Ukraine led also to revival of religious, cultural and social life of different communities (among them Tatar communities of Ukraine) and society in whole. After great period of religious intolerance in central Eurasia it became possible to build and open new mosques and other religious and cultural establishments and buildings. Luhansk Cathedral mosque was built by the Muslim community (mostly Tatars) of the Luhansk region. It was officially opened on 29 May 2010. The mosque building is a two-storied construction with an area of 550 square meters. In a basement floor there is a sports hall and a kitchen. On the ground floor there is a library, classroom, and office.

Leadership as Moral Responsibility

he Leader should order his people to observe justice, goodness and avoid doing injustice to each other, and to love good deeds and hate evil deeds. In short the moral value and the conduct of the leader is a reflection of the moral value and the conduct of his people. Therefore, if they behave well

First test for our legislators 26

in the sight of their Beneficent Master, the Glorious and the High, He will inject mercy in the hearts of their leaders to do good to them. If, on the other hand, they disobey their Lord and seek to corrupt the world, He will cause their leaders to subdue and consequently ill-treat them. The Most High said: “Thus we

Ramadan is a reminder 27

let some of the wrong-doers have power over others (because of what they want to earn).” And in the Hadith it is reported, that you will be governed “as you are.” Quoted from: Principles of Leadership

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

Harnessing the blessings of Ramadhan 32

Call to Worship

9 Ramadan, 1436 Friday, June 26, 2015

First test for our legislators

n the spirit of Ramadan, all Nigerians deserve all fourteen allowances being collected by our lawmakers. I feel our lawmakers should realise the fact that reducing the huge income gap between those in public office and the citizenry will go a long way in reducing the security crisis in our nation. Considering the fact that we do not have any power over our souls, whenever the one and almighty Creator of all creations decide to terminate our existence, that is it! Thereby, it’s usually a baffling situation to see people behave as if they own today not to even talk about tomorrow or years to come. Instead of putting aside all personal interests and settling down to serious legislative business, our lawmakers are busy creating unnecessary tension just because of personal ambitions. Anyway, it would make a great sense if they all come to the reality of not knowing whether they will all live to witness another election period and discharge their duties with the needed fear of their Creator. As some people would argue that it is poli-

ticking, fine, but that is too early now, Nigerians deserve better governance at this stage. On the issue of the jumbo take-home of our legislators, at states and national assembly, which ranked the highest in the world, this must be their first test as they begin deliberations on the floor at the 8th session. Yes, Nigerians are watching keenly, the ongoing drama at the national

Nigerians now have a crucial role to play by not waiting for another four years to change our

lawmakers; we must begin to use our power of recall

Standing from left to right: Dr. M. Jimoh, Director for Special duties, NAFDAC; Fr. Anselm Adodo, Director of PAXHERBALS; Dr. Paul Orhii, Director-General of NAFDAC; Prof. Joseph Okogun, Head of Science and Development at PAXHRBALS and Dr. Monica Eimunjeze, Head of Regulatory and Registration Directorate, NAFDAC, on an official visit to PAXHERBAL Clinic and Research Laboratories, Ewu, Edo State, On June 15, 2015.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii on an inspection tour of PAXHERBAL production factory at Ewu, Edo State, On June 15, 2015.

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THE PLATFORM with

Sekinah

Lawal E-mail: sakinah207@yahoo.com t: 08055102994 assembly and are anxious to see how it will all play out. Why should we be running the costliest democracy in the world when our roads, health facilities, schools among other social infrastructures, power supply inclusive, are in very pathetic state? Our legislators should not be feeling that because their current take-homes are “constitutional”, they are covered. This is part of the change Nigerians are clamouring for. Though it will be a difficult task for them because they are involved, this will let us know if truly they are there to serve their fatherland as they proclaim. I believe they will prove wrong, many people who have said that they will not vote against themselves. As a matter of fact, Nigerians now have a crucial role to play by not waiting for another four years to change our lawmakers; we must begin to use our power of recall now for those lawmakers who are bent on being selfish. There is no sense in using a huge chunk of our resources to service just less than 1,000 people in a country of close to 200 million people. Yes, forget that official population, we are far more than that. For those who are currently fasting in this holy month of Ramadan, we call their conscience to question. Where is the sense of having sympathy for the poor and needy while they smile to the bank with all manners of allowances they do not need in the first instance while many members of their constituencies wallow in abject poverty. This remind me of a very brilliant young boy in my neighbourhood whom I noticed has stopped schooling just because of the inability of his parents to meet up. And this is just a case out of several millions of such cases. Where is thy conscience our dear “honourable” legislators! Many Nigerians have lost their lives for not being able to pay hospital bills; quite ridiculous amount in some instances. Not to talk of avoidable deaths on our bad roads among other ridiculous incidents. It is a thing of joy that almost all our legislators confess to believers in one faith or the other. And we thank God that all known religions preach kindness to humanity. Let us see this as our legislators begin legislative duties soon by cutting many of these unnecessary allowances. If we can begin from them, it will be an easy task doing so for others. There is need to appeal on this ground because we are very “religious” people. Come to think of it, it is only God that can make any wealth an enduring one or even make the so called children we are trying to “secure” their future for, outlive us. Let us fear God in all our dealings. As a nation, we must begin by making governing at all levels to be service-driven in order to discourage rogues and fraudulent people from wanting to be there at all cost. With the salary of a federal lawmaker in Nigeria being 116 times the country’s GDP per person while that of his British counterpart is just 2.7 times, there cannot be peace and security. The rich will have to keep using all manners of gates to barricade themselves from intruders. Again, many Nigerians are in dire need of some of these annual allowances; accommodation: N4 million, vehicle loan: (once in four years) N8 million; furniture allowance: (once in four years) N6 million; severance gratuity: (once in four years) N6.09 million; vehicle fuelling and maintenance: N1.52 million; constituency allowance: N5 million; domestic staff: N1.519 million; personal assistant: N506, 600; entertainment: N607, 920; recess: N202, 640; utilities: N607, 920; newspapers/periodicals: N303, 960; house maintenance: N101, 321; wardrobe: N506, 600; we really need to start the change with our lawmakers in order to achieve success with other arms, agencies and parastatals both at state and federal levels.

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Ramadan is a reminder

amadan comes every year to remind us of the final return. The rewards for all activities therein are clear evidence of Allah’s love for us. He wants us to return to Him and enjoy His bounties. This confirms the fact that Allah’s mercies are boundless. Ramadan reminds us that we all belong to Allah (SWT). This is why the spirit is very high doing all things to please Him alone. Most rich Muslims find it easier spending in this month. Ramadan reminds us of the importance of discipline. It makes us guard our tongues from all foul languages, abuses, useless talks, backbiting, etc. It is expected that this spirit permeates our lives. The central spirit of Islaam is peace, this we should demonstrate in the way we relate with our fellow men. We can live without abusing or cursing people. We must guard our tongues which have become the major cause of societal woes today. Lying has no place in Islaam. Whoever fasts and tells lies has no fast. Has your discipline got to a level that you do not tell lies even while joking? Ramadan reminds that we

Call to Worship

Friday, June 26, 2015 9 Ramadan, 1436

must be sincere in all that we do. The rigorous training for a whole month during the days and nights; forsaking food and drink; observing voluntary prayers after Ishai and before Subh; reading the Qur’aan continuously to please Allah (SWT) requires that we must be sincere. Otherwise, everything done will be in vain. It wants man to deal with his fellow man honestly. It wants relationship to be based on sincerity. If our leaders are sincere, our country will not be where it is as they will manage our resources with consciousness that Allah (SWT) is watching them. Ramadan also reminds us of the transient nature of life which makes death inevitable. Its 30 days is like 30 years to some and more for others. Just as the days of Ramadan are numbered such is our life span. We engage in the yearly workshop of one month of virtually 12 hours daily which sums to 360 hours for 30 days or 15 full days. This is like our daily activities. A time will come upon us when all these will cease. Ramadan wants to constantly remember death because nothing is as certain as it. We may

dwell in this world for years, but death remains inevitable. The poor may not get rich, the oppressed may not get strength, the barren may not give birth, but all shall drink from the cup of death. Remember that your feet will ever remain at a standstill on the Judgment Day until you have been queried on how you have spent your life span, how you utilized your knowledge, how you have got and spent your wealth and on what you have expired your body. Remember that the al -Jannah certified Abdr-Rahman Ibn Awf

O you Mankind, you shall be gathered to Allah

barefooted, naked and uncircumcised

IN HIS LIGHT with

USTAZ

A. ZAFARAN e-mail: zatabumuneeb@yahoo.com could not still be spared in accounting for his wealth. It is said by the Prophet (SAW) that the poor Muslims would have been in Paradise half a millennium before rich ones will join them. Thus, your true faith should energize you to spend all your possessions to have all that is with Allah (SWT). Remember, this world is ephemeral. You are here to be tried. Your tongue, hands, feet, ears, eyes, skin, the earth, the night, the day, the angels, men and your wealth shall all serve as witnesses for or against you in the hereafter. The Prophet (SAW) has said: “O you Mankind, you shall be gathered to Allah barefooted, naked and uncircum-

JNI, NACOMYO laud uniform commencement of Ramadan Sekinah L awal

his year’s uniform commencement of Ramadan has been commended and described as a good omen and adherence to divine injunctions by leaders, as well as sign of unity, the hallmark of Islam. The Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, headed by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has commended Nigerian Muslims for the successful commencement of Ramadan

fasting on same day. JNI and National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations, NACOMYO, in separate statements signed by Dr. Khalid Aliyu and Alhaji Kamal’ddin Akintunde, National President, NACOMYO, noted that the laudable initiative of the leadership of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, under the able leadership of the Sultan, had broken the jinx which has caused a seemingly national embarrassment to the Nigerian Ummah in the past. NACOMYO described the

involvement of the National Space Research and Development Management Agency, NSRDMA, in the sighting of the new moon as a proactive initiative and a step in the right direction. “It is an enduring legacy which must be sustained for unity and advancement.” JNI called on Nigerian Muslims to utilize the spirit of Ramadan by being more Godconscious, punctual in the observance of the five daily prayers in congregation, the night prayer, Taraweeh, fre-

cised” The Prophet (SAW) proclaimed at Tabuk in Syria in 9 A.H that: “The best of the religions is the faith of Ibrahim…. The best of affairs is that which has been already firmly resolved … The best of the ways is the path of the Prophets. The noblest of death is the death of martyrdom. The greatest blindness is going astray after guidance. The best of actions is that which is followed in practice. The worst of blindness is the blindness of the heart. The little but sufficient is better than the abundant but alluring. The worst apology is that which is made at the point of death. The worst regret is that which will be felt on the day of Resurrection!”

Jamia Mubashireen produces first batch of missionaries he Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria has graduated its first batch of missionaries of the Jamia Mubashireen programme, an equivalent of a degree programme in Islamic Theology at the Jamia Ahmadiyya College, Ilaro, Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria. The graduation ceremony, performed by the “Visitor “ to the College, the Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Dr. Mashuud Fashola , was witnessed by delegates from Republic of Benin, the leadership of the Jamaat in Nigeria, parents and well-wishers. He enjoined them to be good ambassador of the Jamaat and Islam in general by impacting on their community the virtues of love,trust in Allah, honesty and good deeds.

Muslims women during a prayer section.

quent recitation of the Quran, and continued remembrance of Allah. “Likewise, Muslims are called upon to fervently pray for the restoration of peace, stability and security in our dear country.” It also asked Islamic scholars to conduct their respective Tafseer sessions in line with the Qur’an and Sunnah of the Noble Prophet, using courteous language and kind words. JNI also urged leaders at all levels to fear God in discharging their responsibilities.

Dr. Fashola also called on the parents and members of the Jamaat to continue to pray for the graduants as they step into the world. The Missionary-in-Charge, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria Maulvi Abdul Khalique Nayyar equally admonished the new Missionaries to be good exemplary character and demonstrate the better understanding of theological values learnt in the last four years at the Jamia Mubashireen. The Principal of the College, Maulvi Nadeem Waseem, appreciated the support of the jamaat and the cooperation of the staff to ensure that the students covered all aspect of the curriculum. he said the students undergo seminar sessions leading to the submission of a thesis at the end of the programme. The graduating students too thanked the jamaat for their support.

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Call to Worship

9 Ramadan, 1436 Friday, June 26, 2015

Shettima sets up iftar committee Inusa Ndahi MAIDUGURI

n line with the spirit of Ramadan, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, through his Permanent Secretary, Government House and Security, Alhaji Zanna Ali Garga, approved the appointment of the Borno State IFTAR Committee to handle the preparation and distribution of Iftar materials to the less-privileged members of the society for 29 to 30 days of the fasting period. The Committee headed by the wife of the Governor, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima has Alhaji Tijjani Lawan serving as Secretary. Already, Borno state government

reviewed the curfew imposed on Maiduguri and its environs following the period of the Ramadan Kareem. Maiduguri, the state capital of Borno has been under 6am to 7pm curfew for the past several months following the insecurity posed by insurgency in the state, but because of Ramadan and for Muslim faithful to have a relief, the curfew is now from 6am to 9:30pm throughout the period to enable them move about and observed their prayers. The committee which has a mandate of preparing meals and distribute same to various centres in Maiduguri metropolis for the breaking of the Ramadan fast has started

receiving commendations from the people of the state as the gesture has helped in cushioning the economic hardship in the state which has been ravaged by activities of insurgents. A visit to former Hajj Camp where iftar food is centrally prepared and packaged before distribution indicated that adequate personnel were recruited for the various jobs to ensure a hitch free exercise, even as one of the recruited staff, Mrs. Halima Yagana expressed gratitude to Allah and governor Shettima for given her the opportunity to not only benefit from the programme but also share from the blessings of Allah during Ramadan.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Adamu Timta and other members of the Committee inspected various points to see what is on ground and assess the quality of food being prepared. Alhaji Timta said, Governor Shettima approved the funds because of its significant benefits to the less-privileged members of the society to enable them break their fast with ease. According to him, the food is on daily basis, being distributed to over 10,000 persons in various mosques, motor parks, streets, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps and other business centres in the state.

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Food for Thought

or a believer, death is a gift. Rosulullah (SAW) said: “The gift for a believer is death, and due to hardship gone through in this world, death becomes easy for him as all his anxieties disappear”. Prophet (SAW) said: “Mankind likes two things so much. One of such is life, even though death is much better. And the second is wealth even though poverty makes accounting easy”. Nowadays, we tend to forget death by occupying our minds with worldly affairs. Allah Almighty will grant three (3) graceful things to anyone who remembers his death more: (1) Wisdom of repenting often. (2) Peace of mind - satisfaction of the heart. (3) Peace in worship. Also, for the one who is unmindful of his death, there will be 3 calamities for him: (1) He will have no wisdom of repenting for his sins. (2) He will not be satisfied with little. (3) He will delay his SALAT prayers and worships (ibaadat). We all know that not offering our prayers (salat) as at when due is HARAM!

How many of us really do this? 1. Go to sleep with Wudhu. 2. Sleep on your right shoulder. 3. Fall asleep with the intention to pray fajr. 4. Read the Kalima. 5. Drift off reading the Ayat-ul-Kursi. 6. Recite Salawat 10 times. 7. Read Surah Fatiha 4 times. 8. Read Surah Ikhlas 3 times. 9. Read 4 Qul Surahs 10. Do Istighfaar 11. Forgive everyone before falling asleep. 12. Finally, “whoever says ‘Bismillah’ 21 times before falling asleep, Allah tells the angels to write down a good deed for every breath he takes.”

Quran as cure. . . Good things to know. 3 important & beneficial things: 1.Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was reported to have said that if a person recites Ayatul Qursi after every Farz Namaz, then there will be nothing between him The Emirs arriving for a meeting with President Muhhamadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Aso Rock Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO:STATE HOUSE

Al-Hikmat College emerges winner of Lagos Science Olympiad Sekinah L awal

t was a joyful moment for staff, parents and students of Al-Hikmat College, Agege-Lagos State as the College emerged the overall winner at the justconcluded grand finale of the Lagos State Science Olympiad. Held on 6th June, 2015 at Taqwa Private School, Lagos, Al-Hikmat College along with several other schools participated in many projects including Junkyard Challenge, Disease Detector, Shock Value, Can’t Judge the Powder, Elevated Bridge, Dynamic

Planet and Anatomy. As Al-Hikmat College took the first position, the College’s Principal, Mr. Musbaudeen Bishi revealed that the vision of the school is a great one while describing the atmosphere in Al-Hikmat College as that of total education. He revealed this while speaking on the students experience at the Science Olympiad competition.. Bishi also emphasised the need for Nigerians to pay more attention to the development of research and technical skills among our children and young people. “It is a deserved

honour for the school and students to have participated in a unique and important event organized for young scientists, inventors and constructors because it will prepare them as future scientists and researchers who will surely make our world a better place and a more technologically-advanced nation. Besides the competition, we engage the students in many other educational events. The students were at the Airport for excursion as part of activities marking their emergence as overall winner. One of the students,

Hassan Ajala revealed that being part of the competition has really helped in building his confidence. “Our school usually strives to bring out the best in everybody.” Also speaking, he said he was indeed elated to be among other participants from various schools and interact freely with them. “I pray that our school will continue to win always.” “Though, it is very challenging and time-consuming, parents should cooperate with and encourage their wards. We are very proud as we equally raised the bar by winning.” Mr. Bishi concluded.

& heaven except death. 2.”La haula wala quuata illa billahil aliyul Azeem” is such a great medicine that it cures every disease and the most minor disease it cures is Sorrow. 3.”If a person recites Surah Ikhlaas (QUL HUWALLA) 10 times in a day, then Allah will build a palace for him in heaven. Did u know if u do wudhu before going to bed, your soul goes to Allah SWT and does sajda. Allah SWT then appoints an angel to stand next to your bed and every time you move, he makes dua for your forgiveness. So do wudhu before bedtime. It has been scientifically proven that; Listening to Qur’an reduces the prevalence of Cancerous cells in the human body and even destroys them. The prolongation of

prostration strengthens

memory, and prevents stroke. Prostration removes positive charges in the body in a world where EVERYTHING uses electricity and affects us negatively, learn the importance of this.

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Call to Worship

Friday, June 26, 2015 9 Ramadan, 1436

Lend a hand for widows and orphans

he world is full of ups and downs with different people with different stories of happiness, difficulties and confusion to share. Such is how Allah has structured the life of every man. Our life is such that at different times in life we experience different sides of life. For this reason as Muslims we need to be there to give a shoulder to our brothers to lean on when they need one. It is in this light that the Here and Hereafter Foundation was set up to lend a hand to the Muslim widows and orphans, to give them hope for a better tomorrow, recognize with them and give them all the affection they might need. The pain of losing a dear one, a confident and an helper is great enough, the realization that it might be the end of a dream, aspiration and self actualization is worse than this and this is why H and H foundation is out to give the widows

hope for better tomorrow by financially empowering them and the orphans by taking care of their educational needs. Since inception the H&H Foundation has been able to sponsor children’s whose education might have stopped without this opportunity. We work with them through primary school up to the secondary level. Most Widows under our auspice had been used to been the secondary bread-winners in their families, the shift in this role to being primary bread-winners is often very difficult. They have to cope with feeding, housing, clothing and schooling of their kids. Extended families are often too extended thus nowhere to be seen. Thus financially empowering these widows with their businesses provides succor, hope and courage for them to be able to shoulder their responsibilities more effectively. We have spent a total of Four Hundred and Fifty Five Thousand, Nine

Hundred Naira (N455, 900) on Tuition for the 2014/20i5 Academic Session for 6 orphaned children. Right after, Ramadan, the academic session end and plans for the 2015/2016 begins. We hope to double this amount and implore you to use the blessings of Ramadan to earn Allah’s pleasure for the sake of the masakin. We cannot achieve this goal without your continued support, so please keep your financial donations coming in. May Allah reward you. All praises and adorations due to ALLAH the beginning without an end and the end without a beginning. We beseech Him in His bounty to bless the entire Muslims till the day of reckoning, Amin. .It gladdens our heart that we set out on a mission to reach out to people and this dream of ours has recorded a huge success. We strongly believe that the success we have recorded will be a stepping stone

to greater achievement. In the year 2014 we were able to reach out seven (7) children by paying their school fees. Jamiu Amure,(13years old), is one of the beneficiaries of the H&H Foundation Education Fund. He lost his father when he was in Year 2, and his mother being a teacher has had it pretty challenging keeping the roof over her children’s head. With this partial scholarship, Jamiu’s education has remained undisturbed, Alhamdulillah. Surah At-Taghabun, Verse 17: “If you set apart for Allah a goodly portion, He will double it for you and forgive you; and Allah is the Multiplier (of rewards), Forbearing.” Help us keep this good work going by donating to: Guaranty Trust bank account, Here and Hereafter Foundation for W&O 0005910158.

‘Prices of food item increasing beyond reach’ N igerian Muslims and other residents are lamenting the high cost of major food items like tomatoes, pepper, onions among others, making it too expensive for the common Nigerian to afford. National Mirror observed that the trend is becoming terrible. Traders at Mushin and Agege markets in Lagos explained that the cost of transporting these products from the farms to the end

users is on the increase. Others blamed the situation on the activities of insurgents in the North where these items, like tomatoes, pepper and onions are cultivated. A house wife, Hajia Halimah Adamu decried the high cost of tomatoes and pepper saying that she could no longer pay for the items, as 5 pieces of big tomatoes was sold for N200. “Food prices are getting more expensive by the day, yet we

are not making more money, how will the common man survive in this country? It was gathered that the prices of tomato and pepper have increased by over 100% over the past three weeks now. A small basket of tomato formerly sold for between N5, 000 and N6, 000 now goes for N18, 000, while the big basket sold initially for N12, 000 now goes for between N26, 000 and N30, 000 depending on the dealers and bargaining ability.

Meanwhile a tomato trader at the Ketu market in Lagos, Muazu Jibril, explained the problem started before the just concluded general elections, when the supply in tomato and pepper reduced drastically. Some buyers also alleged that the Ramadan fasting was another reason for the increase, saying that the hike in price is a calculated attempt by market operators to squeeze out more profit.

Call to Worship

9 Ramadan, 1436 Friday, June 26, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The belief in the Angels

he existence of angels is a universally accepted doctrine in different countries and different religions. However, they are sometimes discussed under other titles, the distinction being only one of nomenclature. Similarly, the nature of angels is understood differently among the followers of different religions. Islam speaks of angels as celestial beings of a spiritual nature who have their own entity as persons. The major role they play is the transmission of messages from God to human beings. But they are misunderstood by many, even within Islam, as having human shape or some shape and form, which in fact is an inseparable idea from that of material existence. Matter must have shape and a well defined boundary. But spirit lies beyond the five dimensions of man’s understanding. One can only believe in the existence of spirit if he is a religious person; otherwise it is beyond his reach to conceive the shape and form of spirits. Perhaps to resolve this problem and to make it easier for man to visualise angels, they are sometimes mentioned in religious books as appearing to holy people in the form of human beings. Not only that; they are also known to have appeared to some messengers of God in the form of certain birds. The Holy Ghost appeared to Jesus in the form of a dove: As soon as Jesus was baptised, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. (Matthew 3:16) These various references found in religious books were perhaps largely responsible for the misperceptions about the form and nature of angels prevailing among the adherents of various religions. Out of angels, in some religions, deyotas and gods were created, while the original books may have only mentioned them as agencies specifically created by God for performing certain tasks in the universe; of this we have ample evidence in many divine books. So, it is not unlikely that some people misunderstand the significance of these statements and start treating angels as junior partners of God. Let us now try to comprehend the nature of angels with reference only to the Quran and the traditions of the Holy Prophet of Islam, and not with reference to commonly held views. According to the Quran, the entire material universe as well as the entire religious universe is governed by some spiritual powers, which are referred to as angels. Although some angels are referred to as single persons -- such as Gabriel, Michael or Israel -- they in fact do not work alone. For each function there is one leader or one supreme angel who governs that function and under him work a host of angels, who are referred to in the Holy Quran as the Junood of the Lord. Whatever they do is completely subject to the will of God and the design that He has created for things. They cannot make the slightest deviation from the set course of functions allocated to them, or from the overall plan of things made by God. According to the Quran, for each human being two angels are appointed to record good deeds and misdeeds, as the case may be. In this way the task of the angels is to organise the most intricate and profound system of recording. It does not mean that each has a book in his hand, jotting down in it whatever he observes. In fact, angels are responsible for a very complex system of registering the effect of man’s deeds on his soul and personality so that a good man develops a healthy soul

and a bad man breeds an unhealthy one. The soul as it is takes shape in every man till his death, needs a conscious organiser who transfers the effects of human thoughts, actions etc. to the soul. This is an intricate process not fully comprehended by man. However, we do partially witness this in the case of criminals acquiring a different visage from those of noble conduct. It is not at all impossible for anyone to observe such a difference, although it cannot be described in terms of black and white or other material terms. In fact, the administration of the huge universe, right from its inception through the entire course of the billions of years of its evolutionary history, requires an enormous organisation of constant attention and control. This is performed by innumerable angels, who literally govern the vast universe and its intricate system of laws, as agents of God. As far as the traditions go, we can comprehend to a degree the versatility of angels in being able to materialise in various forms or apparitions, which have no relation to their real form or existence, which is beyond man’s comprehension and has different dimensions from those known to us. Once it is reported that a stranger suddenly entered the mosque where the founder of Islam was sitting along with his companions. This man approached the assembly, sat respectfully in the front row, and started to ask questions regarding the nature of Islam. Having finished his list of questions, he took leave and departed. Those present were amazed because first this man was a complete stranger who must have travelled some distance to reach the mosque. In small townships the knowledge of such visits does not remain a secret, and everybody seems to know who has arrived and for what purpose. In his case, the arrival was so sudden that it appeared mysterious. Secondly, there were no marks of a journey on his bearing or his clothes. A fresh looking gentleman, he was of immaculately clean dress. Moreover the manner in which he began to ask questions without any introduction, and his abrupt departure, was extremely unusual to say the least. Before the companions of the Holy Prophet (sa) could say anything, the Holy Prophet (sa) himself informed

them that the person had actually been the angel Gabriel, who had asked the leading questions so that the companions become acquainted with the facts contained in the answers given. Some companions ran out of the mosque to meet the angel in disguise, as they thought, but there was no trace of him anywhere. No-one in the township admitted to seeing such a man. As this incident is reported in the highly authentic books of tradition, we can safely infer that angels sometimes appear in ordinary human form for the purpose of discharging sundry errands. We find mention of angels in many other traditions, particularly in relation to the battles of Badr and Uhad, but it would be inappropriate perhaps to enter into a lengthy discourse on this issue. As against the Quranic view explained above, almost in every country the commonly held view about angels among followers of various religions is more on the pattern of fairy tales than of them belonging to a celestial form of existence. They are said to have wings like birds or fairies, flapping them about as they fly from place to place. This misconcept is perhaps born out of over- much literalising of religious terminology, which is cryptic and has, most often, metaphorical allusions. Thus we also find mention in the Holy Quran of wings in relation to angels, which speaks of them as having wings in twos, threes and fours: All praise belongs to Allah the Maker of the heavens and the earth, Who employs the angels as messengers, having wings, two, three and four. Surah Al-Fatir (Ch. 35, v. 2) The Holy Quran has a very special style of elucidating all such passages where there lies a danger of obscurity -- it does this with the help of other similar usages. About the wings, for instance, we also find these mentioned in relation to a son’s attitude towards his elderly parents. Building this subject, the Holy Quran admonishes the son to lower his wing of mercy over his parents, as they brought him up from the time of his infancy. ‘Wing’ only means attributes and powers, and we believe it is in this sense that wings are attributed to angels, or to persons claiming divine manifestation from among the various religions. For instance, in Gita, Krishna is known to have possessed four arms instead of two. There the extra pair of arms serve the same purpose as the wings found in other divine books. Angels are responsible for controlling and maintaining the laws of nature. Virus and bacteria are governed, organised and maintained by specific angels, who work in harmony with each other to maintain a perfect balance. Similarly, eco-systems are not accidental or chaotic, but are regulated by the invisible, spiritual beings that we call angels. The Case of the Fallen Angel There is another very much misunderstood episode concerning Satan. It is said, and it is believed, that prior to his fall he belonged to the category of angels. The Holy Quran rejects this view and presents Satan as possessing a fiery nature, thus belonging to such forms of life as are created from fire, for example the Djinn.

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Call to Worship

Friday, June 26, 2015 9 Ramadan, 1436

From our young minds

Al-Hikmat College emerged overall winner in the Lagos State Science Olympiad at the 2015 grand finale

In our time

Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem

The peerless antidote

Daily are killing, rapping and robbery often is abortion and adultery rampant is duping and kidnapping and so common is corruption and bribery

Fastly, things are changing for taqwa is fading in river of immoralities people are drowned in totality In suffering and oppression people live in this nation of hunger and thirst several lose their breath and many die of illness after lots of pain and stress The rich are getting richer The poor are getting poorer death, some prefer to life for the serious struggle to survive In mansion and palaces some sleep, while in shop fronts some do lavishly some eat daily, some starve They hardly find a calabash of gain Even after lots of toil Restless they sleep at night And up again before it’s bright

Million miles away is peace Gboah! Gbuh! Yeah! Everywhere The rich has no peace The poor has no rest Our condition! Allah will never change! until our souls,for good we change a promise from THE ONE, whose words never fade. Regardless of our nomenclatures regardless of our tittles regardless of our complexions regardless of our positions the umbrella of Islam tightly, let’s uphold together Birds fly with feathers and not with a feather in brotherhood lies our strength let’s uphold it till last breath Under Allah’s shade all, we shall be and once again there shall be GLOBAL PEACE.

Fatimah bint Tirmidhi ASSIDDEEQAH E-mail:courageousspeakers1434@ gmail.com

Nowadays, a lot is happening And these are things really saddening Daily are Killings, raping and robbery Often is abortion duping and adultery Rampant is kidnapping and forgery So common is commotion and bribery Free mixing divorce and nudity Impersonation, assassination and lot of illegalities are the immoralities that erode the society With supporting and oppression People are living in this nation of hunger and thirst, several lose their breath in the hospitals, are a lot in distress undergoing a serious sickness in penury they die after lots of pains and stress. To stop the fire burning To stop the music playing ISLAM, The peerless ANTIDOTE Not only a religion it is But a way of life, the best and complete

In the past, globally, it had ruled then corruption and tribulation went mute it did survived for ages Leaders then, earned the least of wages the many years without fear the many years without tears Can be back if we draw it near Islam says no to Godlessness and idol propagation Islam says no to usury, bribery and destruction Let’s say no to nudity, free mixing and fornication Let’s say no to sales of infants and unconditional abortion A BIG YES TO UNITY AND CO-OPERATION A big yes to justice and remembrance of resurrection. With the right education We’ll get to precious positions To stop the disheartening destructions Quench the kindling fire of corruption And spread the true identity of salvation If only we can repeat HISTORY Surely we’ll celebrate a new VICTORY Fatimah bint Tirmidhi ASSIDDEEQAH E-mail:courageousspeakers1434@ gmail.com

Call to Worship

9 Ramadan, 1436 Friday, June 26, 2015

Harnessing the blessings of Ramadhan

he Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said that there is an hour on Friday when whatever a true believer supplicates gains acceptance by God. And he told us about Ramadan that during this month doors to Paradise are opened while doors to Hell are shut. God’s grace and mercy is particularly stirred in Ramadan and true believers are showered with blessings. Indeed the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said there are some conditions to attract God’s grace. One should shun idle, vulgar matters and chaos, eschew using abusive language and getting involved in altercations and should respond to all evil with: I am fasting and I am eschewing all this for the sake of God. This would make one fast in the true spirit. God has tied the significance of Ramadan with acceptance of prayer in the following verse: ‘And when My servants ask thee about Me, say: ‘I am near. I answer the prayer of the supplicant when he prays to Me. So they should hearken to Me and believe in Me, that they may follow the right way.’ (2:187). Thus stressing the blessedness of Ramadan by placing this verse directly after the verse regarding Ramadan and tying in acceptance of prayer with fasting during the holy month. Fridays during Ramadan are of enhanced significance but God has not pinpointed the hour during Friday when supplications gain acceptance, thus emphasising that supplications should be made night and day. Generally speaking during Ramadan God puts Satan in fetters, opens doors to Paradise and comes closer to man. On top of this, Fridays during Ramadan should be fully availed of. The main prayer of a believer should be made with humility to be included among those whose prayers of night and day are accepted all the time and not only in Ramadan; so that one may be permanently guided. The verses preceding 2:187 state that earlier people also fasted, but this is not the impetus for fasting. The impetus for fasting is to adopt righteousness and avoid spiritual and moral weaknesses. 2:187 states: ‘…may follow the right way.’ This signifies having correct morals and maturity of senses on a permanent basis. Ramadan is a month of countless blessings but these blessings are given to those who follow the commandments of God and enhance in faith. If one only offers

Friday Prayers during Ramadan and does not carry on afterwards, one is not abiding by God’s commandment and has weakness of faith. How can one go on to complain that one’s prayers are not answered! Those who are restless to come in the refuge of God need to spend their time praying with extreme humbleness and humility by acknowledging their shortcomings. Some people assume that God comes closer to man during Ramadan so praying during this month is sufficient. This is a misleading thought. One should seek God’s closeness with complete and utter humility. Indeed, God is Ever-Present but man can only gain nearness to God when he abandons all else except God and turns only to Him with humility. It should be understood very well that the objective can only be attained with righteousness and piety leading us to enjoy personal as well as communal fruits of success that God has destined. Man does wrong and man sins but as long as he has fear of God and acknowledges his wrongs and has righteousness, God covers his sins and wrongs and ultimately enables him to repent. We should pray during Ramadan for ourselves, our near and dear ones and for members of the Jama’at that may everyone attain righteousness and fear of God. If we pray for each other with compassion angels will join in our prayers. What is righteousness? It is fear of God and as long as we have righteousness God will cover our shortcomings and our sins unless we become so audacious that fear of God leaves us when committing sin! If weakness leads us to sin but is followed by fear of God, God forgives us. Fear of God is love of God and as long as we have it we will be saved from ruination. Indeed, it is conditional that this love is true love. God knows what is in hearts and none can deceive Him. Thus, owing to God’s love if we stumble and then pick ourselves up and follow His commandments, God keeps His sense of honour for our love for Him and does not let us go to waste and enables us to repent. However, if man discards the very essence of righteousness and rejects it, he is punished. We are most fortunate that we accepted the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) who repeatedly told us to abide us by righteousness. After him we have been given a spiritual system [of Khilafat] which reminds us time and again regarding the es-

sence of righteousness. Indeed, Ramadan too comes each year to nourish and sustain this essence. Everyone should try and avail the beneficence of this sacred month and become servant of God. If due to our shortcomings and failings God delays acceptance of our prayers it is like when a mother momentarily shows her displeasure in order to correct her child. But when the child realises his fault and goes to the mother, she embraces him. Indeed, God’s love is greater than mother love. He is ever looking out for man to repent so that God may forgive him. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said that man’s repentance pleases God more than a person who finds his lost she-camel in wilderness. If man turns to God with the intention to repent during Ramadan, God runs to that person. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him)

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Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said that man’s repentance pleases God more than a person who finds his lost she-camel in wilderness said God says if man comes one span nearer to Me, I go one yard closer to him and if he comes one hand span closer to Me, I go a distance of two hand spans and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running. Thus if man does not avail of so many ways and means that God has put in place to seek His pleasure then it is nothing but man’s own hard-heartedness. We cannot imagine or indeed explain the love God has for us. Indeed the aforementioned hadith creates a most excellent

concept of God’s love, yet it not possible for us to really encompass God’s love. Our knowledge is weak and limited; we cannot even know what is in hearts of other people. Describing this Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) said we cannot even understand the works of God, how could we understand His love! The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) tried to explain God’s love to us through examples and analogies.

Left, Naib Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaát Nigeria, Eastern Region, Dr. Abdul Ganiyyi Enahoro; Principal Ahmadiyya School, Kano, former Information Minister, Alhaji Tanko Yakasi and Naib Amir, Speacial Duties, Engr. Alhaji Al-hassan Ahmed, at the 4th Northern Region Jalsa Tarbiyya and 1st National Peace Symposium in Abuja.

From Left, The Ejeh of Anpa, HRH. Alhaji Ahmadu Yakubu; Missionary-in-Charge of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaát Nigeria, Maulvi AbdulKhalique Nayarr; Representative of Nupe, Alhaji Mohammed Habibu Abubakar and other, at the ceremony.

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Inside FCT

Thursday, June 26, 2015

NHIS launches health insurance scheme in Lugbe Marcus Fatunmole

ugbe community, a suburb of Federal Capital Territory, was recently agog with the launch of Community-Based Social Health Insurance Programme, CBSHIP, by the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, in the district. NHIS has variously sensitised the public that CBSHIP remains a veritable platform for the vulnerable, the less-privileged and other groups making up the non-formal sector to have easy access to affordable and quality health care in the country. Coincidentally, the event was the first official function to be performed by the Acting Executive Secretary of the NHIS, Mr. Femi Akingbade, since he took over from Dr. Femi Thomas who was sacked by former President Goodluck Jonathan on April 27 this year. Lugbe was also the first community in the nation’s capital to enjoy the programme. The scheme would in addition to subsidising the programme, through the payment of premium contributions for all registered pregnant women and children below the age of five, for a period of three years with effect from the time of the launch, offer technical support to the community’s health society, the Lugbe Mutual Health Society, said Akingbade at the launch. Akingbade informed that communitybased health insurance programme “is one of such strategies that is paying off remarkably well. With a well-developed blueprint and an implementation strategy in place, implementation has been going on across the geo-political zones of the country. Indeed, from an assessment of the work already done in that area by the scheme, it is our hope to flag off similar community-based health insurance programmes in 84 locations around the country between now and the end of the year.” He pledged that the scheme would work to ensure the target universal coverage of the nation’s population by 2025. The NHIS boss added: “Since the commencement of the public sector social

Patients in a hospital

health insurance programme for employees of the Federal Government which was flagged-off on the 6th of June 2005, over 4.5 million employees and their dependents have been covered. In addition, about 1.6 million pregnant women and children under the age of five have also covered under the NHIS-MDG/Maternal and Child Health Project in 14 states of the federation. Efforts are at various stages to scale up coverage under this project by engaging more states, depending however on the willingness of the state governments to

work with NHIS in that context.” He listed the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Progress, which he said would provide coverage to “about 3 million students of tertiary institutions in the country, 900,000 of whom are currently covered under the programme”; and the Voluntary Contributors Social Health Insurance Programme as part of the initiatives by the scheme to boost universal health coverage in the nation. Meanwhile, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Lugbe Mutual Health Insurance Cooperative Society, Amb Prince

It is our hope to flag off similar community-based health insurance programmes in 84 locations around the country

es, on 20th of May 2015, we gave 56 wheelchairs to less privilege physically challenged persons in FCT. And right now we are doing the Second phase which is one week free treatment, 50 surgeries, requiring local or required Anesthesia Hernia repairs, Appendectomy, Fibroid, lump excision among others. I have some corps member from Jos, Benue, FCT, Edo are also here with me assisting in the project. We also believe it should be a whole package, we have the counseling section to help them.” Asking him the challenges he encountered before and during the whole process, he replied; “The first phase was a bit easier because an international donor provides the wheelchair, but the second phase is a bit difficult; you know there is this mentality that young people cannot do things out of compassion and love alone, if you are

embarking on this kind of project, some people will be saying he has an ulterior motive, getting fund was really difficult but I thank God, finally we able to get them at our disposal through some Nigerians. For the surgery, we are targeting 50 for other cases we are targeting 1000 for now.” In his remarks, the Director General of NYSC, Brig-Gen. Johnson Olawumi said their support became imperative to trickle down to rural dwellers, who constitute about 70 percent of the country’s population. The DG who was represented by the NYSC Director of CDS and Special Projects, Mrs. Bose Okakwu, explained that NYSC community projects were geared towards improving standard of living of Nigerians at local level. “The NYSC scheme is all about

Mustapha, said at the event that the community “is a peaceful cosmopolitan community with a growing population of about 750,000 rural dwellers with diverse health backgrounds. The community due to its growing population was divided into ten administrative zones and three phases.” He added: “Each zone containing at least 500 buildings consisting of pregnant women, nursing mothers and children in need of serious medical attention, accident victims with terribly demanding health cases, aged parents that require constant medical attention, but to mention only a few. All these health-care-demanding residents look up to the primary health care (AMAC PHC) centre in Lugbe for proper medical attention, but most times their needs cannot be met sufficiently as the presence of the PHC centre is like ‘a small fish in the midst of hundreds of hungry lions.”

service to our fatherland. Corps members are deployed and charged to identify the felt needs of their respective host communities with the view of mobilising members of the communities to address these needs through the NYSC Community Development Service (CDS). “The impact of CDS activities in our rural communities can be seen in the areas of education, agriculture, infrastructural and technological development, poverty eradication through socio-economic empowerment and health care delivery services.” Coordinator of NYSC FCT chapter, Pastor Alao Olanipekun, described the project as “a demonstration of the FCT NYSC capacity and availability as a tool to affect and effect change at the basic levels of the economy.”

Arty News

Friday, June 26, 2015

DJ Spinall becomes brand ambassador

Unveiling Tina Newman ADEWUNMI PETERS

DJ Spinall

VICTOR UDOH

mirnoff, a spirit brand from the stables of Diageo has announced the signing of DJ Spinall as its brand ambassador. The signing of the ace DJ took place at the headquarters of Guinness Nigeria Plc in Lagos as part of the brand’s activities to further entrench the brand among its esteemed consumers. It will be recalled that Smirnoff, renowned as the world’s number one party brand, recently launched a new variant labelled Smirnoff Guarana at a thrilling Double Side party that took place at the Auto-Max Car care shop at Oregun, Lagos. Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Head, Marketing, Spirits and RTD, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Ms. Liz Ashdown, explained the rationale behind the choice of DJ Spinall as its brand ambassador in Nigeria. “Smirnoff is recognised

worldwide as the world premium vodka drink and also the world’s most renowned party brand where high energy parties are occasioned. The party experience gets more exciting when you have the right kind of music. DJ Spinall has demonstrated over time that he understands the essence of excitement as far as parties and gatherings are concerned. The official unveiling of Spinall as Smirnoff Brand Ambassador later took place at the Industry Nite that held at the Spice Route. It was a thrilling and energetic party that witnessed the best of disc jockeying from “TheCAP” himself. DJ Spinall is an electrical engineer. An international disc jockey, he has over a decade of experience as a DJ. TheCAP is a member of the coalition of Nigerian DJs (NDJs). He is also currently the official DJ for Channel O Africa, Beat FM Radio Station and Wande Coal, among others.

ast-rising act Tina Newman has taken her advocacy for upcoming artistes to a whole new level. The pretty singer was unveiled recently by Cornel Media Entertainment on the 7th of June at Club Vegas, an event that had in attendance several A-list celebrities including Dele Momodu, Bisi Olatilo, Ozzy Bosco, comedian Kofi, actresses Sophie Chikere, Clarion Chukwurah Abiola and Amanda Ebeye to name a few. Tina has no doubt been busy raising awareness concerning the hardships upcoming artistes face when trying to make it into the big leagues but how she is going about it now shows she is genuinely interested in making a positive change. At the Kings Music Organisation Award (KMORA) award ceremony where she was

being awarded Next Rated Female Singer for her trending track, Sugar Baby, Tina dedicated the award to every upcoming artiste trying to break it into the music industry and promised to assist the cause. She describes her music journey as “one that is a miraculous success story, I actually started music way back when I was a kid, I dropped my first track, Ikaraka and the video, it was wellreceived but I almost gave up on music, due to the cost of promotion and circulation. I know what every upcoming artiste is going through because I once was in that position, government needs to lend a helping hand because the institutions set up to assist aren’t doing much to be of assistance. The graduate of History and Strategic Studies from the University of Lagos is proving she isn’t just another pretty face in the entertainment industry. Newman

AFRIMA, AU honour African kids IMOLEAYO FATUNASE

ll Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in partnership with Africa Union Commission, AUC, and ONE commemorated the Day of the African Child (DAC) with a special event as part of the programme of events of the 2015 Africa Union (AU) Summit which held from June 7 to June 15. The DAC event which came up at the Soweto Hotel, Soweto, South Africa took place under the theme: “Ending Child Marriages”. It was attended by South Af-

rica’s Minister of Social Development, Ms. Bathabile Dlamini; Director of Social Affairs of the AUC, Ambassador Olawale Maiyegun; Representative of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to the AU, Jane Okello; and Commissioner, Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistics Communities, Sheila T. Khama, among other delegates. Nigerian film star, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, who is also ONE’s “Poverty is Sexist” campaign ambassador, took part on the panel of an intergenera-

Abuja PMAN wants ‘Ministry of Entertainment’ REGINA OTOKPA

he Governor, Performing Musician Employees of Nigeria (PMAN) Abuja chapter, Collins Adeyemi has called for the establishment of an entertainment ministry to spearhead the activities of entertainers in the country. Making the call recently in Abuja, he maintained that without a ministry in place, the chances of protecting the interest of entertainers and developing the business of enter-

tainment would continue to remain slim. He added that there was also need for massive support from the Federal Government, corporate and financial institutions, to enable the entertainment sector in Abuja wear a new face which would involve organizing of more shows and festivals. While commending the efforts of the immediate past administration in positioning the industry on a global scale, he revealed that Abuja chapter of PMAN was in collaboration with other arms of the industry and the gov-

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ernment to organise a concert tagged: ‘The Wind of Change Concert’. The governor explained that this was aimed at enlightening the youths on policies to be undertaken by the present administration, while providing a platform to generate ideas on how best to advance the industry. He said the concert would “be an informative, educative, entertaining and mentoring concert. The politicians will also be invited to be a part of it. It will be a good platform to continue to raise my voice and indeed our voices in asking for a Federal Ministry of Entertainment that will seek to

Cross Section of participants at the AFRIMA -ONE event

tional dialogue on the theme. In line with the AU declaration of 2015 as the Year of Women Empowerment and Development, “Poverty is Sexist” is ONE’s global

Judging panel announced for ‘Etisalat Prize for Literature’ OLAWALE OLUWADAHUNSI

T Collins Adeyemi, PMAN

protect and advance the cause and business of entertainment in Nigeria. “I want to appeal to corporate organizations and government agencies to come out boldly to support the industry. I also appeal to the financial sector to come out to support us as all hands should now be on deck,”Adeyemi added.

campaign to push African leaders to step up with a clear set of policy reforms and budget commitment in their declaration at the 2015 AU Summit.

elecommunications company, Etisalat Nigeria, has announced members of the judging panel who will decide the winner of the 2015 Etisalat Prize for Literature. The judging panel will be chaired by Professor Ato Quayson a Professor of English and inaugural Director of the Centre for Diaspora Studies at the University of Toronto; completing the panel is Molara Wood, writer, blogger, journalist, critic and editor and Zukiswa Wanner, author of The Madam and Men of the South.

Commenting on the choice of judges for the prize, Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher stated that Etisalat carried out extensive research and consultation in deciding the choice of judges for this year, and also expressed the belief that the selected judges will bring their experience to bear on the Etisalat Prize for Literature. The judges, he said, will have the responsibility to develop the long list of nine novels as well as a shortlist of three novels before finally selecting a winner. Submission of entries are ongoing, having opened June 18, 2015 and would close on the 27th of August 2015.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arty News

Friday, June 26, 2015

Entertainment industry, gender-biased –Dunnie Young and vibrant Oladunni Lawal aka Dunnie, is a bundle of talent aiming to leave a legacy through her music. She talks about her life as an artiste and the challenges ladies face in this interview with REGINA OTOKPA. Excerpts: People say you are multi-talented, what exactly are we looking at? I am a singer, I rap, play the guitar, I play piano, I play drums, I produce and I write. I used to present for radio, I did a little bit of TV presentation and live TV production for a while, I was acting as well. I can do a lot of things. I am sure it hasn’t been easy? It has been ‘Work! Work! Work’. One of the major challenges I have had so far is how to manage my talents and how to do what at the same time and know what next. Eventually I discovered that music is first and it has always been first so I decided to let go of the other parts for now and focus on music. After I have built a career in music to a level, I will definitely branch into other things. It has been very interesting, I have gained a lot, I have met a lot of people and I have developed myself over the years. When did you go into music professionally? At a tender age, I would sing the whole house down with songs I learnt from church. One fateful day, my mum got tired and handed me over to the person in charge of the children’s choir. As I grew older I discovered I like to make a lot of noise beating my mum’s pans and breaking her things. That was the beginning of my journey into the world of instrumentals, and later singing and performing. I went into music professionally about three years ago, it started like a joke. Originally, I wanted to be a producer, out of frustration, I went ahead to learn production but I wasn’t getting what I wanted from people around. Shortly after my secondary school education, I spoke to a friend who told me he was going to connect me to someone he called Sunky, he said he was the guy who produced ‘Olufunmi’ but funny enough, when we got close to the studio the guy left me at a café and ran away. I summoned courage went in, introduced myself and told him to teach me how to produce. He taught me a lot of things and gradually, I started recording and before I could know it the making of music as a musician took over the mood of production. How much of a tomboy are you? There is a bit of masculinity in a side of me and I am not too ashamed to embrace it. Every cool girl is half boyish but I am not that tomboyish not to ever wear a gown and all that, I still respect that feminist side of me. Have you in any point in time been criti-

cized for being multitalented? I wouldn’t say I have really been criticized for my many talents, what I have encountered the most is people looking down on me, a lot of people take me for granted. Naturally if I tell anyone I can produce they just laugh until they hear what I can do and I like that feeling. That is what drives me, the fact that people look down on me makes me want to really get better in everything I do. The industry is very gender biased, they are more male than female so people generally feel female musicians in Nigeria are not serious. They feel they just want to do music for a while, get married, have children and forget about music which is even making record labels skeptical about signing female artistes and because of this factor, females have to work twice as hard to prove themselves than a man would. In Nigeria, the men are more successful than the women but do I think women can give up easily than men? Yes because once a lady gets to the age of 30 pressure to get married starts weighing in that means that it is not just about ladies but also about the people around her in society. Those who are making it are the ones with massive support from family and friends. What inspired your trending single, ‘My Tomorrow’? People, who are looking down on me and not expecting anything good, there was a day I was invited to a youth empowerment programme I was thinking about what to write and the chorus just came. At that time I wrote it for that event which was about two years ago but last year it stunned me there was a lot of things happening to women in the world and not too many people are talking about it, the industry is filled with music about the money people are earning, the champagnes they are popping. The real serious issues that are going on people are shying away from them because they think it s not cool enough so I decided to lend my voice to women empowerment and tell a story about what young women are facing in Nigeria which is domestic violence. I discovered about 70% of ladies in Nigeria have been abused in one way or the other. Do you have other works? Before I released the single, I put out two covers of Wizkid’sJaiyeJaiye and Don Jazzy’s Surulere There are quite a few Nigerian female musicians making waves at the moment, how do you intend to step up your game? Talent is not just enough, if it were, there are several talented people that would be making more money than the music kings and queens in the world. I have several plans laid out but most importantly it is God making a way for me. All I need do is to be faithful to myself, make sure I do not lose focus or get discouraged along the way. I am very careful not to make songs that won’t last a life time, I am more focused about tomorrow than the present. Men would do anything to get hold of pretty young women that are talented, how do you cope with their advances?

Dunnie

I ONCE HAD A STALKER WHO SAID HE HAD A VISION FROM GOD THAT

‘I AM HIS WIFE’. HE WAS EVERYWHERE AROUND ME I honestly don’t know, sometimes it can be a little overwhelming but I try as much as possible to be friendly to everybody. I know what I want and one thing I have learnt is never to mistake admiration for love. How would you describe your relationship with your management company, 41Naija? It has been fun, crazy, inspiring and at the same time difficult. It is a new feeling for me because I have never really worked with a team before now. When I started working it took me a lot of time to really balance. It is really refreshing because they lifted a lot of burden off my shoulder. How supportive has your family been? I am very lucky; they are so supportive that it is really annoying sometimes. My mum can’t wait for my album launch to come, in fact she has written her speech for the past three years to tell stories how I broke all her bowls. Even if I want to give up when I remember they are expecting more from me I brace up. What’s the craziest moment you have

encountered as an artiste? I once had a stalker who said he had a vision from God that I am his wife. He was everywhere around me that I had to report him to people who gave him serious warning to stay clear off me. Where do you see your music in the next five years? I see my music in the midst of everybody, I see my brand as a house hold name, an impact to my generation and relevant in the industry. Who could your mentors be? I like the originality of Alisha Keys music, she is very real and I can relate to what she talks about. I love India Arie, she is conscious, brave and bold because she puts her life out there, she uses music to express exactly what she feels. Production wise I love Kanye West he is a very good producer. I love Jay Z’s rap, Beyoncé’s performance and her work epic. I love Asa so much and also Tuface, he is the first to place Nigeria on the world map and Flea is my grandfather musically. If you didn’t have a thing for music or instruments, would you have considered going into pageantry? I had a lot of dreams growing up, at age thirteen I said I would contest for Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, my nick name on my street then was Miss Nigeria but by the time I turned 18, I totally forgot. Probably if I wasn’t into music, I would have become a model.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, June 26, 2015

Tackling commercial transport drivers’ menace on highways Desirous of seeing lasting solutions to the chaotic traffic situation in the commercial road transportation sub-sector, stakeholders are urging governments to establish an agency to regulate the operations of the sector. Adejuwon Osunnuyi captures the issues in the report

‘

There must be a proper

framework that will be beneficial to all concerned with government at all levels partnering with stakeholders in the sector

Boboye Oyeyemi, FRSC boss

tivities of operators in the road transportation sector. According to Afolabi, who is also the Chairman, Young Legacy Motors, road transportation catered for over 50 per cent of travellers, making it imperative for the government to set up a body to regulate the sub-sector. He further urged the National Assembly to enact a law on the establishment of a regulatory body for the road transport sector. Afolabi said the body, when established, would regulate and set standards for operators in the road transport sector. He also said that the body would supervise all motor parks in the country and rid them of touts and miscreants constituting a menace to travellers. To Chief Rex Olawoye, a regular traveler, who also called for a regulatory body to work with the FRSC and the various transport unions, government must

review the operation of motor parks and rid them of miscreants. Also responding, Malam Sulaiman Yaru-Yite, the Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara, in an interview urged the government to ``tackle the rot in the sector before talking of a regulatory body’’. Yaru-Yite said that the government had neglected the sector for so long in spite of the high patronage by travellers. In his comments, Mr Benjamin Ugu, the Manager of Ifesinachi Transport Company, supported the view for the establishment of a regulatory body for the road transportation sector. To Mr Muyiwa Aluko, the Assistant Organising Secretary of NURTW, Challenge Park, Ibadan, the government must put in place a proper framework to boost the sector. “There must be a proper framework that will be beneficial to all concerned with government at all levels partnering with stakeholders in the sector.’’

‘

t is obvious that transport, especially road, plays a key role in the economic and social development of any nation. While a well functioning and integrated transport system amongst other things is said to stimulate national development and enhance the quality of life for all, its ability to allow markets to operate by enabling the seamless movement of goods and people cannot be overemphasised. In Nigeria, today, due to government not paying much attention to the railway and inland waterways, road transport accounts for about 90 per cent of the internal movement of goods and people. At present, the road transport in Nigeria is almost totally driven by the private sector participation as it is characterized by large number of small-scale operators of goods and passenger vehicles, with many having limited professional and business capacity, resulting in inefficient services. Apparently, its uncoordinated activities and services leading to inefficient services have been source of worry to most Nigerians as virtually in all cities across the country where they operate, it has been a titanic battle dealing with the operators. Responding to the anomalies in commercial transportation activities, cross sections of Nigerians have expressed concern over what they described as a chaotic state of affairs in the commercial road transportation sub-sector. In this regard, while some are canvassing for a conference of stakeholders to discuss the issue and proffer solutions to the challenges, others called for the establishment of an agency to regulate operations in commercial road transportation. For instance, a transporter, Alhaji Fatai Afolabi, expressed support for the establishment of a commission to regulate the ac-

Aluko condemned the absence of a road transport policy, noting that majority of the roads were bad. According to him, a summit will address the challenges facing the sector such as abandoned roads while evolving proactive policies that would boost the sector. Underscoring the urgent need for a regulatory body to monitor the sector, most commuters noted that many operators were toying with the lives of Nigerians. Mrs Adebunmi Akinade said that any time she boarded a commercial vehicle for a journey, she went into prayers because of the excessive speed of the drivers and the bad condition of the roads. Responding to the issue, an official of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the commission was adequately equipped to monitor operators. He said the speed limit device recently introduced by the commission would check road accidents.

‎The General Manager, Ogun Parks and Garages Development Board (PAGADEB), called for the review of the existing policy on road transportation with a view to sanitising the industry. He said the call had become necessary in the light of the challenges associated with the sector. Ogunsolu stressed the need for effective collaboration among transport-related agencies in order to check the excesses of drivers on Nigerian roads. He expressed concern over what he described as “wilful defiance of existing rules and regulations” by drivers and other people in the industry. “Unless the agencies come together and synergise, the land transport system will remain undeveloped,’’ he said. Mr John Omobomi, the Ondo State Deputy Chairman, NURTW, agreed with the suggestion for the establishment of a regulatory agency. Omobomi said the agency, when established, would address the issue of underage driving and the use of rickety vehicles. “When we started this work, we used brand new cars; as at today, we have tokunbo or second hand cars everywhere which makes it hard for Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to ensure that vehicles meet standards,” he said. Mr Megbowon Enikanselu, the Secretary of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Ondo State chapter, also urged the government to invest in the transportation sector to boost the economy. “If the three tiers of government in the country can invest in transportation, I believe it will boost the economy of our nation. “There is no business anyone can do without involving transportation.’’ Enikanselu , while urging the government to provide good roads, urged law enforcement agencies to also monitor the activities of road users in the country. Meanwhile, Mr Husaini Muhammad, the Osun Sector Commander of FRSC, suggested that the age limit for commercial drivers should be 70 years while that of vehicles should be based on its usage and mechanical state. On the issue of touts, Muhammad said that only duly employed members of road unions with identification uniforms and cards should be allowed to operate in motor parks.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, June 26, 2015

Nigeria’s auto crash injury, mortality rates rise

he Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita said Nigeria has been recording a significant number of injury and mortality from road traffic crashes in recent time. Oyo-Ita said this in a speech delivered at the opening of 3-day international conference with the theme: “Roadmap to Safe, Efficient and Sustainable Road Transportation in Nigeria.” The 2015 conference is the second NBRRI conference on road transport and is sponsored by the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). According to her, the conference should generate deep discussions from the technical presentations made by researchers and stakeholders on issues of road safety and national importance. “The conference is a gathering of local and international intellectuals intended to disseminate research results and stimulate research activities at Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) and other stakeholder institutions. “NBRRI should be commended for partnering and collaborating with other relevant stake-

Oyo-Ita

holders in the building and road construction sector to examine national challenges of safety, efficiency and sustainability of the sector.’’ Oyo-Ita said. She, however, appealed to the stakeholders in the power sector to strive to ensure stability in the power supply so that the roadmap could become a reality. She said for the agency to achieve its vision of safety in road transportation, constant power supply was required to facilitate street lightening and traffic lights control that engender safety on the roads. In his remark, Chief Dele Okeya, Chairman, NBRRI Governing Board, said the focus of this year’s conference was apt

considering the dire need to make our roads safer. “I am certain that this year’s conference will be highly qualitative, robust and comprehensive in terms of paper presentations. “It is expected that at the end of the forum there will be concrete and implementable resolutions, which will ensure a vast improvement in the safety standards of road transportation,” he said. The board chairman, however, urged the new government to provide adequate funding for NBRRI and other research agencies in the country to ensure that Research and Development drives our economy. In a goodwill message, Prof. Mohammed Jibrin, DirectorGeneral, National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), said inadequate transportation was a constraint to a nation’s ability to utilise natural resources. He explained that distribution of food, finished goods and integration of manufacturing and agricultural sectors were dependent on good road infrastructure. Jibrin stressed the need to maintain and improve on the existing road transportation infrastructure and to build new infrastructure for the generation of national wealth.

GoMyWay to explore new markets after Nigeria’s launch

ust days after launching in Nigeria, Nigerian ridesharing marketplace GoMyWay is planning to expand its scope to South Africa shortly, with Kenya and Ghana also in its sights. Funded by investors including Konga founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Sim Shagaya, Co-Creation Hub (CcHub) and former Amazon and Naspers executive Bill Paladino, GoMyWay looks to connect passengers with car owners going the same route with empty seats to spare, in a bid to provide a solution to transportation problems in Nigeria via a people-powered transportation network. “We believe the platform offers a more convenient, reliable and affordable way to travel across the country. It will also help reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions, thereby

protecting our environment,” Damilola Teidi of GoMyWay Africa said. GoMyWay believes compared to public transport it offers the cheapest, most fun and most convenient way to travel. Based on a formula that takes into account fuel costs, the platform suggests a fee that car owners can charge their cotravellers, with passengers paying the stated amount to the car owner. In order to create a safe community, GoMyWay has put in place four verification levels for all members: Facebook, phone numbers, email addresses and valid IDs. There is also a member rating and reviewing feature, as well as a dedicated support team to monitor activities on the platform. Co-travellers can contact car owners of their choice, with car

megacrown1@yahoo.com 08025237926

Two Nigerians among 20 Ranger Odyssey event finalists

wo Nigerians, Moyosore Fawole and Giftson Onuiri have been named among 20 finalists of the Ranger Odyssey event for the final Namibia showdown. The finalists were chosen from a total of 38 contestants from South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa at the Boot Camp in the Karoo region of South Africa after a rigorous session between June 18 and June 21. They were said to have gone through four days of extensive training and assessment to determine the top 20 finalists for the event in Namibia. Two people from Ivory Coast, one each from Angola and Mozambique and 14 others also made it to the final stage of the contest. Ford said in a statement that Ranger Odyssey 2015 would take the selected contestants on a 12-day expedition through the remote and challenging NorthWest of Namibia from July 23 to August 3, 2015. According to the General Marketing Manager, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, Tracey Delate, “The Boot Camp action was intense, but we had a great group of contestants and everyone gave it their all, enjoyed themselves and learned a lot over the four days. “The 20 finalists chosen for Namibia represent a fantastic mix of individuals that bring a superb level of energy, enthusiasm, camaraderie and a desire for adventure to this event. We look forward to setting off for Namibia in July with them for this truly life-changing experience.”

Ford also said for the first time, the winner would be selected from the final 14 to win an Odyssey Ranger for a year with ZAR5,000 worth of fuel per month. The four Nigerians participating in the event had been selected in a prequalifying contest held at the Awoyaya-Lekki head office of the Coscharis Motor. Onuiri and Fawole were the winner and first runner up, respectively at the preliminary contest held the Awoyaya-Lekki head office of the Coscharis Motors for Nigerian participants. John Amadi emerged the second runner up. The fourth contestant, Chinonso Okezuo, was the sole winner in last year’s event from Nigeria but could not attend the African finale of event in Namibia owing to a travel ban on travellers from Nigeria at the time. The firm recalled that 12 contestants were selected from about 800 entries that applied to take part in the Lagos Ranger Odyssey. It said, “The participants had the opportunity to drive the Ford Ranger in a variety of conditions, and were assessed and scored on a variety of factors in terms of brain and brawn during the group and individual tasks. “This included testing their driving abilities along with several challenges to assess their interpersonal and communication skills, leadership abilities, interaction and competitiveness. Proficiency in English was also evaluated.”

Luxury Hiace version storms Nigerian market

Shagaya

owners able to accept or decline requests. As it launches its services in Nigeria, GoMyWay is offering car owners the chance to win one month’s supply of fuel by offering rides on the platform. Three winners will be announced weekly via the startup’s social media platforms.

oyota Nigeria Ltd, TNL, has added the luxury version of the Toyota Hiace bus to its line up in Nigeria. The new Hiace luxury bus which joined the Toyota family in Nigeria recently is a ten seater vehicle and is available in high roof grand cabin, with full option. The new luxury Hiace version, according to Toyota Nigeria, was launched to offer customers a wider option of choice to meet their demands. G o v e r n m e n t agencies, companies, transporters and families are expected to find the luxury version of the Hiace handy in carrying passengers in Hiace luxury bus

utmost comfort and safety. Boasting better legroom, shoulder room and comfort amenities, comparable to aircraft cabin, Hiace luxury version is more luxurious than the normal versions. Powered by 2700cc petrol engine, (DOHC 4 cylinder 16 valve engine type, the Hiace luxury version is available in two wheel drive and four wheel drive versions as well as manual and automatic transmissions.

Cocktail

Friday, June 26, 2015

Road sign advising to ‘drink more beer’ sells for $600

n auction company has sold an electronic road sign that was drawing eyes in Michigan for its beer-centric slogan. The Bay City Times reports the auction company, 1Bid.us, has had the sign that says “DRINK MORE BEER” on its property in Bay County’s Frankenlust Township for about a week. Company co-owner Curtis Pennell says the sign’s

previous owner had programmed it. According to Pennell, around 100 people wanted to take a picture beside the sign. He says a few people called to complain about the sign’s message. Pennell says the company sold the sign for about $600 early this week. He says he thinks the sign’s new owner will use it for advertising.

British man with dwarfism jailed after pretending to be a Dalek

e’s 3 feet tall and disabled, but Ian SalterBromley’s threats to kill a worker at an assisted living community were apparently serious enough to get him Tasered and sentenced to jail time. Salter-Bromley, 55, who lives at the facility in Hull, England, admitted to impersonating a Dalek -- an antagonist alien from the “Doctor Who” television universe -and threatening to kill a caregiver at the facility last July, the Telegraph UK reports. The events were recounted at a hearing in Hull Crown Court, where Salter-Brom-

ley was sentenced to nine months in jail for breaching an antisocial behavior order that he received last year. The man, who has dwarfism, announced that he was a Dalek, stuck a suction dart to his forehead, put dominoes in his mouth and yelled, “Exterminate! Exterminate!” at staff, his attorney said in court. He also yelled, “I’m going to kill you, Joe.” Facility workers called authorities after SalterBromley barricaded himself inside his apartment. Police gained entry after a stand-off and shocked the man twice with a stun gun.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities Oddities

Naked couple arrested in Booze-Fueled Joyride

n Ohio couple’s Saturday-morning joyride ended in arrests after police discovered them naked behind the wheel. Police in Westlake, Ohio, received complaints about a naked man and woman standing outside a parked car in a commercial parking lot at 12:20 a.m. Saturday. An overnight worker spotted the couple in the company’s parking lot, called the cops and then watched the man and woman hop in the car and drive away over a curb and a tree lawn, according to the New York Daily News. (You probably know what a tree lawn is, even if you don’t call it that.) When officers pulled over the vehicle, they found Alexandria Mauer, 24, behind the wheel eating a slice of pizza, according to WKYC. Her passenger, 33-year-old Kenneth Gillespie, was cradling an

open beer can between his feet. Both were “without a stitch on,” police Capt. Guy Turner said, according to the New York Daily News. Police ordered Mauer and Gillespie out of the car and told them to put clothes on. Gillespie only had a sweatshirt and underwear with him, so police gave him shoes and an old pair of jail pants. Mauer refused a breathalyzer test and was arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. She was

The couple

released into the custody of a relative, but jumped out of the car on the ride home. Police found her wandering along the road two hours later and arrested her for disorderly conduct while intoxicated, according to WKYC. Gillespie, who was on probation for drug possession, was arrested for disorderly conduct and public indecency, as well as an open container charge. He later urinated in the back of a police cruiser, according to ABC Cleveland.

We don’t wish to cause alarm, but it seems that naked driving might be turning into A Thing, possibly because the warm weather is finally here. In May, Michigan policearrested a naked woman after she led them on a five-mile chase while driving on the wrong side of the road. Fortunately, the woman, Jessie Schwaub-Devault, had left her husband and child -- who were also naked -- at a rest stop before taking off.

Friday, June 26, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Maritime

Boosting shipping business through funding, human capital devt

The collapse of the Nigerian National Shipping Line NNSL, which provided a platform for the training of indigenous professionals in maritime business led to increasing foray of foreign players in the domestic industry over the past years. Analysts believe that changing the game such that indigenous players can regain the control of the business would require a deliberate policy targeted at human capital capacity building writes FRANCIS EZEM.

o say that Nigeria’s shipping industry is heavily dominated by foreign players in terms of the required vessel tonnage needed to lift the abundant import and export cargo is to state the obvious. This is also true of the human capital required to harness the vast maritime resources in the country. Even with the passage of the Coastal and Inland Shipping Cabotage Act 2003, which provides that vessels to be used in coastal and inland trade must be built and registered in Nigeria, crewed and owned by Nigerian citizens, the level of foreign domination is still amazing. It was also in line with this thinking that the Federal Government replicated the Cabotage regime in the oil and gas sector in the country with the passage of the Nigerian Content Act 2010. In addition to the passage of these legislations, it is on record that successive governments in the country have over the years adopted measures designed to develop the much needed indigenous capacity in the nation’s maritime industry. These measures even date back to the pre-independence days, which led to the establishment of the defunct former national carrier, the Nigerian National Shipping Line NNSL. It is no doubt on record that the NNSL facilitated the training of most Nigerian seafarers then, most of who are overaged and out of circulation now. One of such policies and progammes designed to build indigenous capacity was the enactment of the National Shipping Policy Act, which in addition to creating the Ship Acquisition and Ship Building Fund SASBF, the 40-40-20 cargo sharing scheme and the creation of the National Maritime Authority NMA, to administer these schemes. The government had also in line with the need to train indigenous manpower, established the Maritime Academy of Nigeria MAN, located in Akwa Ibom State. This academy in more than 35 years of its existence has not been able to train the much needed manpower due to a combination of poor management, occasioned by the politicisation of the process of appointment of the management team and poor funding. Only recently, the rector of the academy, Mr. Joshua Okwo disclosed that no fewer than 5, 000 cadets of the academy, who have completed their cadetship trainings have yet to do their mandatory sea time training as mandated by the International Maritime Organisation IMO,.

A Tanker Vessel

This requirement provided for in the IMO Convention on Standards of Training, Certificate and Watchkeeping for Seafarers STCW, 1978 prescribes one-year mandatory sea time training on board ocean going vessels as a pre-requisite for the issuance of Certificate of Competence CoC, without which they cannot secure jobs on board ocean going vessels. It was probably in attempt to address this funding challenge that the National Association of Master Mariners NAMM, umbrella association for indigenous retired ship captains, Chief Engineers and Engineers made a strong case for Nigeria to go into bilateral agreements in order to train indigenous seafarers. President of the association, Captain Ade Olopoenia, observed that only a bilateral training programme could guarantee adequate capacity for Nigerian cadets and facilitate global acceptance for Nigerian seafarers. “The dearth of professional manpower in the industry accounts significantly for the domination of the industry by foreigners more than 10 years after the enactment of the Cabotage Act 2003 and five years after

the Local Content Act”, he argued. “The Federal Government must undertake the signing of bilateral agreements with nations whose vessels trade in in Nigerian waters to provide berths for Nigerian cadets on their vessels”, he also said. However in what appeared a quick response to this clarion call that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency further amplified the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme NSDP, which has led to the training of over 2, 500 Nigerian seafarers both at home and abroad across various maritime specialised institutions in the United States, United Kingdom, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, India and Egypt. Made up of two platforms, the first under the programme involves a 60:40 per cent counterpart funding in which NIMASA pays 60 per cent of the training cost while participating state governments pay 40 per cent. Under the second platform, the agency bears the full cost of the training, under which more than 2,000 Nigerian have been trained. Director General of the agency, Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, who restated the agen-

NIGERIA CAN NO DOUBT COMPETE AND OVERTAKE COUNTRIES LIKE THE PHILIPPINES IN THE EXPORT OF SEAFARERS IN THE WORLD, FROM WHICH SHE IS ALSO EXPECTED TO EARN OVER $6 BILLION PER ANNUM

cy’s commitment to indigenous capacity building, said it would leave no stone unturned in creating a large seafarers’ market in the country both for the local industry and for the international labour market. “Nigeria can no doubt compete and overtake countries like the Philippines in the export of seafarers in the world, from which she is also expected to earn over $6 billion per annum”, he said The agency also has other capacity building initiatives such as the establishment of six maritime training institutes in existing Nigerian universities comprising University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Lagos, Ibrahim Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State and the Niger Delta University located in Bayelsa State, among others. The agency had also established the NIMASA Science and Technical College, Okoloba, Warri, Delta State, to serve as a demonstration school for these institutes in addition to the establishment of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko. Managing Director of KAMANY Nigeria Limited, an indigenous oil and gas, freight forwarding firm, Mr. Charles Okerefe, said the government should do everything possible to sustain these initiatives. Okerefe, who is also a lecturer with the Chartered Institute of Shipping argued aggressive human capacity building, was the only panacea for checking foreign domination. He also made a strong case for the refloating of a national carrier through a Public-Private Participation PPP, model to boost the indigenous fleet.

Business Maritime

Friday, June 26, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG to domesticate five IMO instruments STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

ederal Government is currently at the final stage of the processes that would culminate in the domestication of five regulatory instruments of the International Maritime Organisation IMO. This is sequel to the submission of the instruments of assent to five protocols of the IMO in London. These instruments include, the Safety of Lives at Sea Protocol 1988 (as amended) and the Marine Pollution MARPOL Protocol of 1997. Others are, the Protocol of 2005 to the Suppression of Unlawful Acts SUA Convention 1988, Protocol of 1988 to the SUA Convention Against Fixed Platforms on the Continental Shelf, and the Protocol of 1988 to the International Convention on Load Lines. Nigeria’s High Commissioner and Permanent Representative to the IMO, Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, presented the instruments

Akpobolokemi

to the Secretary-General of the IMO, Koji Sekimizu in London on behalf of the Nigerian Government. “This submission is borne out of the desire of the Nigerian Government to curb the menace of piracy and promote shipping activities in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea in line with international best practices’’, Ta-

Sekimizu

fida noted. Sekimizu had in responding, expressed the organisation’s pleasure on the submission of these core instruments, particularly three of which border on Ships Standard, SUA Convention and SUA Protocol, which are significant towards prevention of piracy. He therefore urged the Nige-

rian government not to relent in its war against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, who was represented by the Executive Director Maritime Safety and Shipping Development, Captain Bala Agaba, noted that with the deposition of the instruments of assent, the agency was

obliged to enforce the provisions of the conventions to the letter, not only on Flag Ships but also Port State Administration. It was however gathered that one of the implications of this development would be that Nigeria will now domesticate and gazette these instruments, which will provide the basis to develop guidelines on the implementation of the conventions and protocols. This will further enhance the nation’s status at the global shipping regulatory body, where she is not only highly placed but also occupies a strategic position in world shipping trade, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea. Stakeholders believe that the signing of these instruments will therefore mark a turning point in the fight against ship piracy, pollution prevention and control as well as load line convention on the ship standards. The nation’s maritime administration had last year also domesticated the Maritime Labour Convention MLC.

ANLCA insists on non-payment of practicing fee Japan not backing down on Whale-hunt plans

he Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents has said that its members will not pay the Federal-Government approved Practitioners Operating Fees. The fees are aimed at funding the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria contrary to directive by the Federal Ministry of Transport to that effect. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mallam Mohammed Bashar, recently summoned all the major freight forwarding associations comprising of ANLCA, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders NAGAFF, Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria ARFFN to a meeting on the collection and disbursement of the contentious fees for the CRFFN. Also at the meeting, where the Permanent Secretary directed all parties to maintain the status quo to pave way for the payment of the fee include, the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents NCMDLCA, and National Association of Freight Forwarders and Consolidators NAFFAC. ANLCA President, Alhaji Olayiwola Shittu, said that the CRFFN should go ahead and commence collection from other practitioners, as members of the association would not comply with the directive until all ‘grey areas’ about the fee are sorted. According to him, the Nation-

al Executive Committee NECOM, which he described as the highest policy making organ of the association has set up a committee to liaise with the management of the CRFFN to discuss and sort all relevant issues around the collection. “We have since written a letter to the Registrar/CEO of CRFFN on the need to meet the management to sort all grey areas but as we talk, the council has decided not to give us audience and so there is nothing we can do about the payment until the committee completes its work”, he also said emphatically. ANLCA, who resigned his membership of the governing board of the CRFFN in 2013 to protest government’s approval for the collection of the practicing levy, blamed the Council for what is happening now, insisting that freight forwarders and Customs brokerage agents should not have been lumped together under the CRFFN Act 16, 2007. The government had following the approval for the collection of the levy, had also created a sharing formular compsising of 60 per cent for the CRFFN, five per cent for the agent or freight forwarder who makes the declaration or clears the cargo and 35 per cent for the five freight forwarding associations licensed by the CRFFN. Shittu faulted the immediate past Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, for allocating part of the levy’s proceeds to other

beneficiaries, leaving the freight forwarders to fight while sharing theirs. “What I will say here is that Caesar should be given what is due to him because ANLCA remains the mother of the other associations and should therefore not be equally yoked together with the others”, he also claimed. On the election of the governing board of the council, he said that it was illegal for the management to carrying on with the activities of the council in the absence of a board, which is statutorily empowered to do so. He also picked holes in the position of the former Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, SAN, who directed that the management of the CRFFN should carry on with the activities of the council in the absence of a board. The Permanent Secretary, had while directing the various parties to maintain the status quo, threatened that the Ministry would not hesitate to clamp down on any association, which tries to make the resolve of the Ministry to resolve the feuding parties fruitless. He specifically warned that the Ministry will not condone any freight forwarder, individual or corporate organization flouting the CRFFN regulations, promising that the Ministry would reconvene the meeting to further deliberate on the issues in the collection and disbursement of the practicing fees.

apan has declared its intent to continue hunting whales in the Southern Ocean regardless of the conclusion of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) that Japan failed to demonstrate any need to hunt whales for scientific research. Under the NEWREP-A proposal, Japan plans to kill 3,996 minke whales over the next 12 years for “lethal research,” IWC’s Scientific Committee said. At a press conference in Tokyo on Friday following the release of the IWC report, Japan’s IWC Commissioner, Joji Morishita, said that Japan’s plans remain unchanged. “We of course intend to resume whaling again this year,” Morishita told a news conference. Despite its determination that Japan had failed to demonstrate the need for lethal research, the Scientific Committee noted they could not make definitive findings on NEWREP-A, because the plan contained “insufficient information.” The IWC had been expected to decide whether NEWREP-A addressed the issues that led to Japanese whaling being ruled illegal by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) last year. “Japan insists they are a nation that adheres to the rule of law, yet the International Court of Justice has ruled and their verdict was that Japan’s whal-

ing is not ‘scientific research’,” said Captain Paul Watson, Sea Shepherd founder and senior strategic advisor for Sea Shepherd USA “Japan cannot demonstrate any new science to the IWC to justify their illegal activities for the simple reason that the science does not exist; it never has and no matter how much they dress it up, the plan is flawed scientifically,” Watson went on to say. In response to the ICJ decision, Japan suspended its Southern Ocean whale hunt during the 2014-2015 season. However, last fall, Japan introduced NEWREP-A, the plan that the Scientific Committee rejected Friday. “Japan is either bluffing or they have lost the plot entirely. They simply cannot go whaling in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary under the guise of scientific research without the approval of the IWC. If they do, it will invalidate the very reason that the IWC exists and it will broadcast to the world that Japan has no respect for international conservation law,” adds Watson. “Sea Shepherd expects the international community to strongly condemn and to censure any attempts by Japan to ignore their obligations to the rule of law.”

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Friday, June 26, 2015

LCCI lauds CBN on forex measures for imported items TOLA AKINMUTIMI

he Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), has commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for its effort to reduce the pressure on the foreign exchange market with the exclusion of some goods from the official forex sources. Giving the commendation yesterday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) the Director General of the Chamber, Mr Muda Yusuf, said that the measures taken demonstrated the apex bank’s concern on the pressure on the foreign exchange market over the months with the attendant result of the devaluation of the naira According to him, it is obvious that the nation needed to moderate the demand for foreign exchange and boost the country’s external reserves as a strategic

option of sustaining the current macroeconomic stability in the country. Yusuf advised that in order to achieve the medium and long term intentions of the policy measure, there was the need for the apex bank to tinker with the list of products excluded from the foreign exchange market in view of the fact that some of them are intermediate products in which the country has limited domestic production capacity.

doing, could encourage round tripping of foreign exchange. Yusuf said: ‘’This structure of pricing is fraught with a lot of abuse and corruption; this is a major problem to watch out for in this new policy.’’ He pointed out that improved productivity and competitiveness in the economy should be encouraged, while issue of high cost of production should be urgently addressed through appropriate policy measures.

Specifically, he listed iron and steel products amongst items which Nigeria lacked competitive production advantage, saying that ‘’an example is the iron and steel products which are critical for use in the construction sector, housing and development of infrastructure,’’ he said. The LCCI boss explained further that situation could pose the risk of widening the gap between inter-bank forex and parallel market rates and by so

He advised the fiscal and monetary authorities to pursue the implementation of the nation’s industrialisation strategy by anchoring its drive on key principles of competitive and comparative advantage. It would be recalled that the CBN had on June 24, stopped the sales of foreign exchange from official sources to importers of rice, private jets, textiles, tomato paste, poultry products and 35 other times.

Stallion Group targets N30bn investment in rice production ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

he Stallion Group has concluded plans to expand its operations in the country’s fully integrated rice value chain with huge investment in the local rice production. The company stated that this aligned with its commitment to align with the country’s food se-

said the company’s investment decision was stimulated by the need for local self-sufficiency and alignment with Nigerian government’s ambitions for food security, adding that the company was working to improve farm yields and bring in sustainable and scalable growth to farmers. Vaswani disclosed an increase in local production of up to 430,000 MT per annum, with a

curity agenda. The Group, in a statement yesterday, indicated that it was leveraging on the policy impetus provided by the Federal Government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda, with a target investment exceeding N30 billion in the rice supply chain. Speaking on their expanded investment efforts, Chairman of Stallion Group, Sunil Vaswani,

target for local rice production at 1.5 million tonnes through the establishment of more milling capacities and structured farming activities. He also revealed that the Group has established fully integrated rice mills at strategic locations, to promote milling and paddy cultivation in selected areas.

Experts urge youths to embrace agriculture KEMI OLAITAN

L-R: The Chief Executive Officer of Bubez Foods, Mrs. Ijeoma Ndukwe-Egwuronu; the Branch Manager, Aminu Kano Crescent (Abuja) of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Kingsley Uzodinma; the Zonal Service Manager of the Bank in Abuja, Mrs. Theodora Okpanachi and Mr. Ndukwe Egwuronu of Bubez Foods, at the Public Health and Fitness Walk organized by FCMB last weekend in Abuja.

econdary school students and those from tertiary institutions across the South West geo-political zone yesterday attended an awareness seminar on soils management organised by the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan, Oyo State. The seminar was organised as Nigeria joined other parts of the world in celebrating the 2015 International Year of Soils aimed at increasing understanding of the importance of soil for food security and essential ecosystem functions. The Director, IAR&T, Prof. James Adediran, while addressing the forum, said proper soils management holds the ace for the future of the country’s economy while describing soil science as “the bedrock to healthy life and so-

Verizon completes $4.4bn acquisition of AOL DAVID AUDU

erizon, the US technology company, has completed its $4.4 billion acquisition of AOL less than seven weeks after the deal was announced. Verizon made its cash offer for internet company AOL in a deal valued AOL at $50 a share. In a letter to employees on Tuesday, AOL chief executive, Tim Armstrong, said: “Today marks a

seminal moment for AOL and Verizon as we become the #1 global media technology company, connecting consumers, creators, and advertisers across all screens – online and offline. “Over the past several years, AOL has worked tirelessly to deliver value to our clients, unleashing the world’s best builders of culture and code and placing AOL squarely at the center of the media industry’s disruption. And today, we proudly join forces with Veri-

zon who is committed to investing in our future opportunity and success. “We are now operating at scale touching the vast majority of the internet traffic across hundreds of millions of PCs, TVs and mobile devices globally. As we embark on this new partnership, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering the highest possible value to our clients: “Consumers will get the content they crave in one place seamlessly

linked across all their devices. Content Creators will get a scaled partner to drive superior audience development and monetisation. Advertisers will get data-driven audience scale against the most desirable content and screens. “From all of us at AOL, we look forward to bringing you the next generation media technology company that is transparent, open and modular and generates an incredible return on your investment.”

cietal peace”. He urged Nigerian youths to have a better understanding of and make a career in soil science and contribute to food security in the country. According to him, the campaign for all to contribute to the ways to better manage, protect and sustainably utilize soil resources had become imperative because of the negative contributions from wrong use of soil and natural resources to climate change on hand and the multi-dimensional impact of climate change on human and environment on the other hand. He said: “The implications of many unsustainable uses of soil resources for agricultural related activities pose danger for the environment in the near and distant future. We are already facing these problems in our strive to attain food security in Sub-Saharan Africa and in Nigeria in particular.” While expressing concern that most youths no longer show interest in agriculture because of their erroneous belief that agriculture does not give quick returns, Adeniran said that food security can be attained through proper soil management. “We therefore have no option than to make friend with soil and care for it”, he said. Other speakers at the awareness seminar include Prof. Ayo Ogunkunle of the Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan; Prof. Gabriel Oluwatosin of IAR&T, as well as Prof. A. A. Amusan, another renowned agriculturist.

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Friday, June 26, 2015

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BoI’s boss attests to quality of local rice DAVID AUDU

anaging Director and Chief Executive Officer, Bank of Industry, Rasheed Olaoluwa, has attested to the quality of Nigerian rice at this year’s Rice Trade Fair held in Kano, saying that there is huge market potential for local rice production. Olaoluwa, who graced the event as special guest, observed that the quality of the fair is remarkable, given that the local rice industry is yet at a developmental stage.

He noted that the commitment of conglomerates like Olam Nigeria to the development of the rice industry in Nigeria was encouraging, adding that with the quality of investment made by the company, Nigeria can look to the future with optimism as far as the rice industry is concerned,’ he said. Olaoluwa’s observations indicated that investment in the rice segment, led by Olam was not going unnoticed while the enthusiasm that greeted the local rice brands of Olam affirmed the huge market for local rice brands if the quality is good.

Head Corporate and Government Relations, Olam Nigeria, Ade Adefeko while expressing pleasure at the outcome of the fair said they are pleased with the outcome of the fair, adding that they want more of such activities to help boost rice production, increase awareness and improve patronage of Nigerian brands of rice. On the acceptance of his company’s brand of locally produced rice brands, he said, ‘as per our brands, generally, people love Mama’s Pride because of its packaging, grain length and brightness.’ The organizers of the event

were equally happy with the outcome, especially, the active participation of local players led by Olam Nigeria. The primary organizer, represented by Team Leader, Growth and Employment in States Program, Tunde Oderinde, said ‘Olam Nigeria has reinforced its position as the biggest local rice player in the country with an investment outlay in billions of naira as it had the most coordinated and attractive stand at the trade fair. “The outcome of the fair gives hope for local rice production and packaging because there is

noticeable enthusiasm both from farmers, millers and consumers”, he said. On his company’s showing at the fair, Adefeko said that ‘these giant strides are possible because Olam Nigeria has made huge investments in Agriculture, particularly in local rice production. We have a 19 billion naira 10,000 hectare farm and mechanized mill with a capacity to produce 36,000 metric tonnes of milled rice in Rukubi Nasarawa State and out-grower programme which currently employs about 3,000 farmers.’

We are committed to well-being of physically challenged –FCMB

L-R: Director, Healthcare Programs, Bayer Pharma AG, Dr. Michael Heerde; Director, Health, Population and Nutrition Office, USAID Nigeria, Dr. Nancy Lowenthal; Senior Bayer Representative/Head, Bayer Healthcare West Central Africa, Mr. Amechi Nwachukwu and Senior Manager, Healthcare Programs, Bayer Pharma AG, Mr. Kai Risse, during the launch of Microgynon Fe Oral Contraceptive in Abuja, recently.

irst City Monument Bank (FCMB) has restated its commitment to the welfare of the physically challenged in the society with the sponsorship of Mr. Folawiyo Adisa, a parabadminton player, to participate at the 1st International ParaBadminton Championship in the United States of America. The management of the bank stated that the gesture was in furtherance of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability practice within its fold and the larger society. The sponsorship of Adisa marked the eight consecutive year the Bank has been supporting the multiple Africa and world

FAAN targets higher revenue, inaugurates taskforce OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, yesterday said that it had set up a special taskforce on revenue enhancement to boost its generation capacity. The agency expressed its optimism that with the taskforce, greater productivity would be achieved while more capital projects would be embarked upon and staff welfare would be improved. A statement by the agency’s spokesman, Mr. Yakubu Dati, indi-

cated that the taskforce was headed by the Managing Director, Engr. Saleh Dunoma. Dunoma was quoted as disclosing the setting up of the taskforce at a meeting yesterday with Regional and Airports Managers in Lagos where he urged them to recover revenue at the point of collection as and when due, while applying sanctions where necessary. Dati stated further that the airport managers were also mandated to step up efforts in recovering debts and initiating non-aeronautical revenue streams in order to meet up with revenue targets

based on the Authority’s 2015 approved budget. He emphasised that during the meeting, which was attended by the top management of the authority, Dunoma reiterated the agency’s commitment to delivering services at international standards of quality, in line with its mission statement. The Managing Director also charged the managers to promote a healthy working relationship between the authority’s Aviation Security, AVSEC, and other government agencies at the airports, to discourage misunderstandings

between various agencies at our airports. FAAN as the manager of airport facilities nationwide generates billions of naira monthly with 75 per cent of the revenue coming from the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos alone. But, the agency had been accused of mismanaging its revenues over the years by industry’s stakeholders and professionals. Just in 2014, FAAN stated that it expected to generate N70 billion revenue from automated sources, representing about 17 per cent increase over the 2013 collections.

gold medalist in the sport. At this year’s competition in the United States, Mr. Jimoh won the silver media to add to his horde of laurels, including the gold medal he won at the 2013 Spanish International Para-badminton tournament. According to FCMB’s Group Head, Corporate Communications & CSR, Mrs. Uchenna Mojekwu, the bank’s support to Adisa stems from the bank’s belief that in every disability, there is ability. She said: “We acknowledge his exploits in the game of parabadminton over the years. As a bank driven by the culture of excellence, we will continue to encourage him and other physically challenged individuals to realise their dreams and bring more laurels to the country’’. On his part, Adisa commended the bank for believing in him. “FCMB has been a great pillar of support and motivation. The Bank’s support to me since 2008 has encouraged other physically challenged people to believe in themselves through the platform that badminton and other sports provide’’, he said. The management stated further that the bank had created a safe and conducive work environment for all its employees, including the physically challenged, to carry out their duties in line with the Bank’s strategic objectives while developing their careers.

Oil steadies as stronger demand balances glut

rude oil prices steadied just above $60 a barrel on Thursday as strong demand for oil products helped balance a global overhang of oil for immediate delivery. North Sea Brent crude oil LCOc1 traded within a narrow 58-cent range as investors eyed a very weak physical crude market in the Atlantic basin amid reports

of stronger demand for gasoline and diesel in the United States and Europe. Official prices for Nigerian crude have hit their lowest in at least a decade with as much as 10 million barrels of unsold light, sweet crude oil capping Atlantic basin prices. But demand for oil products is fairly strong. U.S. gasoline de-

mand in the week to June 19 hit the highest seasonal level since 1991, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Brent for August LCOc1 was up 20 cents at $63.69 a barrel by 7.10 a.m. EDT, after ending the previous day down 96 cents, or 1.5 percent. U.S. crude for August CLc1 was down 20 cents at $60.07 a barrel, after finishing Wednesday

down 74 cents. “Reports of unsold physical cargoes in the North Sea combined with a Brent crude oil contango that shows no signs of tightening are a warning that the market is currently not tightening up into the high demand season as one should expect,” said Bjarne Schieldrop, analyst at SEB Markets in Oslo.

An EIA report on Wednesday said U.S. gasoline stocks climbed 680,000 barrels to 218.49 million in the week to June 19. A Reuters poll had indicated a 304,000-barrel drop. U.S. crude stocks declined for the eighth straight week, by 4.9 million barrels to 462.99 million, in the week ending June 19, compared with analyst expectations of a 2.1 million barrel draw, the EIA said.

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Business News

Friday, June 26, 2015

Airtel chief seeks review of mobile money model ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

hief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, Mr Segun Ogunsanya has called for a review of the current mobile money (m-money) model, arguing that telco-led model would help to expand retail banking, thus driving financial inclusion in un-banked segment. Currently, telecommunication companies are not permitted to provide own mobile money services, as the current model approved by the financial regulator, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, empowers banks to provide mobile money services while telecommunication companies play only a supporting role. Speaking at the annual lecture of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Nigeria, CIBN, held in Lagos, Ogunsanya said for the

mobile money market to reach its full potential, it is important the restrictions on telco activities in m-money be lifted. According to him, the Agency and Agent Banking as well as mmoney can help to deepen penetration in retail banking in the country, noting that m-money sector is rather slow at this point in time, because they are led by banks. “The overwhelming majority of the adult population is unbanked; however mobile penetration is approximately 78 percent. The market opportunity for m-money is therefore vast. The number of mobile money transactions has increased at a rapid rate over the past 3 years, further adoption will be driven by increased awareness’’, he stated. Ogunsanya however advised that for banks to expand its retail footprints, they must seek to develop simple products, push

for transparency and ensure that their products and services are relevant to the target segment. Chairman, Lafferty Group in UK and guest lecturer at the occasion, Mr. Michael Lafferty said, he is a strong advocate of retail banking becoming a profession and passionately believes that retail bankers should be required to act in the best interests of their clients at all times. “This means that retail bankers must be educated to a similar standard as accountants and lawyers bound by a demanding ethical code and required to commit to continuing professional development,” he said. The lecture, chaired by the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku had as its theme: “The Changing Global Retail Banking Landscape: How Competitive Are Nigerian Banks”.

L-R: Partner Brand Protection Jackson,Etti and Edu, Obafemi Agaba; Partner and Head Intellectual Property Practice, Jackson,Etti and Edu, Uwa Ohiku; Director Corporate Affairs and Health and value, Pfizer, Margaret Olele and Partner Anadach Consulting, Dr. Enoma Alade, during a Media conference on Intellectual Property issues in Nigeria, in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Labour pickets Alpha Beta over workers’ sack MESHACK IDEHEN

he Association of Senior Staff of Bank and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) picketed Alpha Beta Consulting Limited, over the sack of 300 workers. The workers alleged that their sack was because they signified their intention to become unionised in order to improve their working conditions. The ASSBIFI officials, under the auspices of Trade Union Congress, (TUC) besieged the company’s premises around 7am yesterday, displaying placards and punctured the action of the company, with some of the workers displaying inscriptions such as:

“300 workers sacked during Ramadan haba!”, “Alpha-Beta have no respect for government, law and humanity” , “injustice to humanity must stop” among others. It was learnt that workers of Lagos State Water Corporation were also forced to join the action because the building that houses Alpha Beta Consulting Limited is in the same premises, while visitors were barred access to the entrance to the company. Addressing the protesters, the Deputy President of ASSBIFI, Mrs. Olasanoye Oyinkan, decried the action of the company in the face of economic hardship in the country. She explained that before the company sacked the workers, they union has already reported

the matter to the Ministry of Labour and Productivity, saying but before the meeting, that AlphaBeta had gone ahead to sack 300 workers. She said the union will stage another round of picketing of the company and shut the entire banks in the country next week if the company refused to recall the sacked workers. On his part, the General Secretary of TUC, Mr Musa Lawal, said the congress was in solidarity with the affected workers because of the unfair manner in which they were sacked by the company. He challenged the company to learn how to do right thing and desists from compounding the problems for the families of the workers.

NIMET predicts cloudy weather, rains today TOLA AKINMUTIMI

he Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudy weather conditions across the central states of the country today. The prediction, which is contained in the agency’s Central Forecast Office (CFO) Weather Outlook issued yesterday indicated that there would be chances of localised thunderstorms over the region in the afternoon and evening hours. It also forecasts localized rains over the east coast in the morning

hours with chances of localized thunderstorms over one or two places within the region in the afternoon and evening hours. This is just as it predicted that inland areas would experience cloudy conditions in the morning with chances of localised thunderstorms in the afternoon hours. While forecasting cloudy conditions in the morning over the North West region of Northern states, NiMet also hinted of prospects of localised thunderstorms over Kano axis and some parts of the North-East region in the afternoon and evening hours.

European stocks rebound as Greece’s creditors table proposal

uropean stock markets rebounded on Thursday as jittery investors pinned their hopes for a deal to avert a Greek default on a proposal from its creditors, as negotiations with Athens have so far produced no agreement. The market’s assumption this week has been that a deal would eventually be reached after European officials said on Monday andTuesday a proposal from Greece was a good basis for talks. No progress has been achieved after that proposal and negotiations stumbled on Wednesday, with euro zone finance ministers accusing Greece of refusing to compromise ahead of a deadline next week when an International Monetary Fund loan tranche of 1.6 billion euros comes due.

The creditors will now put forward their own proposal for a cash-for-reforms deal - on the basis of an offer agreed on in Berlin at the beginning of June between Germany, France, the European Central Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the European Commission. The revised proposal, seen by Reuters, extends the deadline by which Greece would have to completely phase out a pension supplement, called EKAS, by two years to 2019, compared with the previous position of the creditors. The creditors also agreed that a value added tax reform that scraps lower VAT exemptions for islands and raises VAT on restaurants and hotels could be reviewed at the end of next year.

NAMA, AFISNET parley on service delivery OLUSEGUN KOIKI

n order to ensure maximum availability and integrity of network provision in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, standards, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, has met with members of the Africa Indian Ocean Region Satellite Network, AFISNET, evaluation and re-engineering audit in Lagos. A statement by the Acting General Manager, Public Affairs, NAMA, Mrs. Olajumoke Adetona, indicated that the meeting, which provided a platform for all stakeholders in the AFISNET group to interact and exchange ideas on network performance and improvement, also appraised available network infrastructure, identify gaps and make recommendations in line

with modern trends. Adetona stated that NAMA as a member of Air Navigation Service Provider, ANSP, enjoyed the satellite platform of AFISNET for the provision of Air Traffic Services (voice coordination with adjacent FIRs), Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network, AFTN, and extended range VHF coverage. In his remarks at the occasion, the Director of Safety Electronics and Engineering Services, NAMA, Engr. Emma Anasi, who represented the Managing Director, Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam, harped on the need for the network to be critically ex-rayed to explore new frontiers in satellite communication schemes in order to harness the advantage of greater efficiency and cost effectiveness by adopting new technical solutions for improvement of network.

Friday, June 26, 2015

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Stakeholders task FG on farm mechanisation funding ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

he National President of the Agriculture and Allied Employees’ Union of Nigeria, AAEUN, Comrade Simon Anchaver, has called on the new administration to focus more on mechanised farming by improving on the funding in order to grow the agricultural sector. He gave the charge during the Agricultural Development Programme, ADP, Trade Group fo-

rum and courtesy visit to the center by Engr. Ikechukwu Azogu, the Executive Director. Anchaver commented on the need to increase the funding of Nigeria’s foremost mechanisation institution, considering the agricultural sector’s strategic role in the agro-driven economy. He said: “The leadership at NCAM needs more encouragement and proper funding by the Federal Government to enable it record more successes and be able to help in repositioning the country’s status on the food production

index table among the committee of Nations. “Oil prices instability and economic meltdown being experienced intermittently by even First World Nations is forcing global leaders to prioritise agriculture and our own President Muhammadu Buhari cannot afford to miss out on this juicy opportunity to revive agriculture so that it can be the new driver of our growing economy,” the AAEUN leader added. He also urged the Federal Government on the revival of all the

37 Agricultural Development Programmes, ADPs, and the need for it to join hands with the state governments to adequately provide the requirements of the ADPs. Describing ADPs as the engine room for the attainment of food security in Nigeria, the National Chairman of ADP Trade Group Forum, Comrade Jibril Abdul Nggada, said that the ADPs were confronted with a lot of challenges which hindered their effectiveness. He listed some of their constraints as, poor counterpart funding and shortage of field staff. Meanwhile, the National President of the Tractors Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria, TOOAN, Mr. Bitrus Elesa, said the country needed about 1.5 million

units of tractor in order to meet her agricultural mechanisation plan. The TOOAN President called on the Federal Government to collaborate with the banks and other service providers to inject 20,000 units of tractors per annum into the Nigerian agricultural space. He explained that the 20,000 units of tractor would in turn cultivate five million hectares of land to boost food production and guarantee food security. Elesa also advocated the local manufacturing of tractors that would be suitable for Nigerian soil and climate, noting that sustainable agricultural mechanisation cannot be fully achieved in the country through the importation of tractors.

FOREIGN BRIEFS

US, South Africa poultry export deal ‘ll help small farmers

T Farm machinery

Poor storage costs Africa 50% agric losses –NGO ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

arming communities in sub-Saharan Africa has lost between 30 and 50 percent of fruits and vegetables to inadequate storage. Harvest Protection Network, HPN, an Non-Governmental Organisation that provides customdesigned buildings to meet specific needs like the need to stop crop spoilage losses, disclosed this while announcing the introduction of a programme to reduce crop spoilage losses in Africa. According to the organization, the business model will test the premise that revenues from the sale of crops previously lost to spoilage will pay for these buildings. HPN noted while many pro-

grams focus on how to increase food production, HPN will focus on protecting what it already grow saying that in addition to providing waterproof and pest proof storage, these buildings can serve as a distribution center and/or an indoor market. The founder and owner, Ian Bennett said that the programme also contemplated outright ownership of these buildings by smallholder farmers. Bennett, who has been involved in the business of agriculture in Africa for over 40 years, pointed out that the programme was not a “handout” programme, noting that “while participating African countries are not being asked to provide any of the funds to deliver and assemble these buildings, they are being asked to remove any import duty and the participat-

ing farmers are being asked to provide the land on which these buildings will be erected.” He stated that preliminary talks with foundations have been characterised by surprise that HPN is not interested in grant funding. “Our immediate challenge is to confirm that these buildings are self-funding. If this pilot program is successful, HPN will seek a renewable credit facility to make it possible to continue delivering these buildings to Africa’s farming communities”, he said. Africa.com Chief Executive Officer, Teresa Clarke said his company remained “in a unique position to help bring awareness to important projects desiring to reach the continent and expressed his pleasure to have the opportunity to follow and document the HPN programme.”

he poultry export deal reached between South Africa and the United States does not only help secure South Africa’s inclusion in the African Growth Opportunities Act (AGOA) but will result in the development of the small farmer sector. The deal in the long-standing dispute of the export of bone-in chicken pieces from the US was struck recently in Paris. The US poultry industry, represented by the National Chicken Council and United States of America Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC), had demanded that the current anti-dumping duties that South Africa has in place be dropped from the tariff book so that the exports can resume. An agreement was reached on a quota of 65,000 tons per annum, as long as South Africa is part of AGOA. Briefing the National Assembly on Wednesday, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies said negotiations to a final compromise had to find a balance in that they had to ensure that the poultry industry could manage any negative impact on production and jobs. This objective said the Minister, has been reached. “Both the dti and Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) have built a strong relationship with the poultry sector to continue to

work with them on the transformation of the sector and the development of the small farmer sector,” explained the Minister. He added that the US offered to provide development support for the small farmers through investment, skills development and support with processing. “This offer will need to be concretised with requests for scholarships on poultry production, investment, and transfer of processing technology.” He said the quota creates new opportunities for new and emerging importers of poultry to benefit from the deal. “DAFF and the dti will determine the manner and quantum that will be allocated to historically disadvantaged individuals,” explained the Minister. AGOA is a preferential agreement that has been in place since 2000 between the US and Sub-Saharan African countries. The current AGOA is due to expire at the end of September. The US Congress is discussing the extension of AGOA. So far, the Senate has agreed to extend AGOA for 10 years and it has also agreed to include South Africa. In 2014, major A GOA-beneficiary sectors, amongst others, included vehicles, mineral and metals, chemicals, and agricultural products.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Friday, June 26, 2015

Market indices dip 0.4% in bearish trading JOHNSON OKANLAWON

enchmark Indices of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday closed on a negative note, shedding 0.4 percent apiece. The market capitalization dipped N50 billion or 0.4 per cent to close at N11.30 trillion from N11.35 trillion level of Wednesday. All Share Index also declined 145.22 basis points or 0.4 per cent to close at 33,121.65 as against 33,266.87 points posted a day before. Unilever Nigeria Plc emerged the most traded

equity in the top five with 36.37 million shares valued at N1.65 billion while Guaranty Trust Bank Plc followed with 32.87 million shares valued at 887.59 million. UBA Plc came third with 32.38 million shares valued at N158.80 million. First Bank Holdings Plc (FBNH) traded 25.26 million shares valued at N201.75 million. Also, Diamond Bank Plc recorded 22.10 million shares worth N93.10 million. The price movement chart also maintained negative stance as 33 stocks closed trading in

red zone against 13 gainers. Vono Products Plc led the losers chart, shedding six kobo or five percent to close at N1.14 per share. Bata Glass Plc dipped N1.86 or 4.98 percent to close at N35.46 per share, while Dangote Flour Plc declined 20 kobo or 4.93 per cent to close N3.86 per share. Evans Medical shed seven kobo or 4.83 per cent to close at N1.38 per share, while Skye Bank Plc lost 12 kobo or N4.71 per cent to close at N2.43 per share. In spite of the bearish outlook, Eterna Oil Plc topped the gainers chart

with 12 kobo or 4.98 percent to close at N2.53 per share while Mansard Insurance Plc followed with 14 kobo or 4.96 percent to close at N2.96 per share. Learn Africa Plc gained five kobo or 4.13 per cent to close at N1.26 per share. Total Nigeria Plc and Neimeth International gained N6.50 and five kobo to close at N165.00 and N1.50 respectively. Overall, investors staked N5.19 billion on 306.59 million shares which were exchanged in 3,435 deals.

SEC, JPMorgan in talks to settle product steering probe

PMorgan Chase & Co is in talks with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to settle a probe by the agency on whether the bank inappropriately advised its private-banking clients toward its own investment products, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing

people familiar with the matter. A settlement may come as early as this summer and could include a fine, the size of which was not known, WSJ said, citing people familiar with the matter. JPMorgan Chase & Co disclosed in May that it re-

ceived subpoenas from the Securities and Exchange Commission over how it sells its mutual funds. Other government authorities and a self-regulatory organisation, apart from the SEC, have also sought information about the bank’s use of proprietary products in its wealth-

management business, JPMorgan said in a regulatory filing last month. Representatives at JPMorgan and the Securities and Exchange Commission were unavailable for comment outside regular business hours. (Source: Reuters.com).

America’s new bond underwriters intensify marketing drive

usiness of underwriting bonds is being turned on its head in the U.S. Gone are the days when money managers would passively wait for Wall Street banks to pitch them deals. Now, they’re often the ones cooking up sale plans with corporate issuers, haggling over maturities and interest rates before taking them to the banks to finish off the transactions. The goal: Carve out and keep a chunk of the new debt -- a precious commodity in a market awash with cash after years of central banks’ easy-money policies -before letting Wall Street distribute the rest. It’s a transformation that’s been building since BlackRock Inc., the world’s biggest fund manager, brought in a former Bear Stearns Cos. banker to start a capital markets group five years ago, a hiring that helped mark investors’ inten-

tions to drive more of the process. Babson Capital and AllianceBernstein Holding LP, among others, have since followed suit. While the Wall Street banks still collect the fees on the bond sales, the shift underscores how they have ceded some of their influence in financial markets to the world’s top asset managers in the aftermath of the 2008 credit crisis. Precise -- and even imprecise -- estimates on how much of the nearly $1 trillion of U.S. corporate debt sales this year was initiated by fund managers are hard to come by, but traders, bankers and analysts all agree that these deals account for a growing share of the market. One recent example of a deal initiated by fund managers that produced quick returns: Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.’s $2.3 billion sale in April. These transactions, known as reverse inqui-

ries, “went from a weird, one-off type thing until now,” said Peter Tchir, head of macro credit strategy at Brean Capital LLC. “It’s become extremely prevalent and a tool that everyone is trying to use. It lets you have a little more control over what the issuance looks like.” The initiative sprung up because the sales have become more critical than ever for fund managers. They provide access to bonds that can otherwise be hard to obtain; and can juice returns when prices on the debt rally right after the sale is completed -- a huge advantage in a market where a paltry 3 percent yield has become the norm. A study carried out by Tchir, whose two-decade career in credit markets has included stints at UBS AG and Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc, showed that a $168 billion pool of corporate debt sold in early 2014

added $1.5 billion of market value in the first 10 days after issuance. The underwriting business provides a window into the changing landscape in the $39 trillion U.S. bond market. Much of the shift started with banks’ retrenching after new rules forced them to pare back risk in the wake of the 2008 crisis. (Source – Bloomberg. com). Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

N197.00 Market indicators All-Share Index 33,121.65 points Market capitalisation 11.31trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

ETERNA

2.41

2.53

0.12

4.98

MANSARD

2.82

2.96

0.14

4.96

LEARNAFRCA

1.21

1.26

0.05

4.13

TOTAL

158.50

165.00

6.50

4.10

NEIMETH

1.45

1.50

0.05

3.45

TRANSCORP

2.86

2.90

0.04

1.40

DIAMONDBNK

4.20

4.25

0.05

1.19

CONTINSURE

0.99

1.00

0.01

1.01

VITAFOAM

5.63

5.66

0.03

0.53

UACN

42.00

42.02

0.02

0.05

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

VONO

1.20

1.14

-0.06

-5.00

BETAGLAS

37.32

35.46

-1.86

-4.98

DANGFLOUR

4.06

3.86

-0.20

-4.93

EVANSMED

1.45

1.38

-0.07

-4.83

SKYEBANK

2.55

2.43

-0.12

-4.71

COSTAIN

0.88

0.84

-0.04

-4.55

187.99

182.00

-5.99

-3.19

HONYFLOUR

3.56

3.45

-0.11

-3.09

GUINNESS

163.40

158.50

-4.90

-3.00

UBA

5.15

5.00

-0.15

-2.91

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.14

98.74

14.24

98.89

14.09

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.84

101.25

14.27

101.40

14.17

16.00 29-JUN-2019

4.01

104.81

14.38

105.11

14.28

15.54 13-FEB-2020

4.64

102.69

14.70

102.99

14.61

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.59

108.42

14.36

108.72

14.29

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.72

100.17

14.15

100.47

14.09

Closing Market Prices of June 25, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

24-Sep-15

11.23

11.55

WAUA

270

USD

197

17-Dec-15

11.02

11.63

EURO

214

02-Jun-16

12.88

14.66

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

11.1250

POUNDS STERLING

293

15.7222

16.7750

SDR

273

17.9716

NIBOR

The Fixings of June 25, 2015

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, June 26, 2015 Daily Summary as of 25/06/2015 Printed 25/06/2015 15:15:12.012

Stock exchange daily equities summary Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

ICT Processing Systems CHAMS PLC E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Processing Systems Totals

Daily Summary as of 25/06/2015 Printed 25/06/2015 15:15:12.012

Equities as at June 25, 2015

Daily Summary (Bonds)

Sector

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

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

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 9 14 23

Current Price 29.98 33.50

Quantity Traded 95,017 331,800 426,817

Value Traded 2,770,450.67 11,095,830.43 13,866,281.10

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 15 15

Current Price 2.20

Quantity Traded 231,389 231,389

Value Traded 508,232.72 508,232.72

658,206

14,374,513.82

Daily Summary as of 25/06/2015 Printed 25/06/2015 15:15:12.012 AGRICULTURE Totals

CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC UA C N PLC.on Board EQTY Activity Summary Diversified Industries Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE CONGLOMERATES Totals Building Structure/Completion/Other

Symbol

No. of Deals 2 111 78 191

Current Price 1.47 2.90 42.02

Quantity Traded 4,000 9,895,336 639,041 10,538,377

Value Traded 5,600.00 27,987,899.61 26,846,199.63 54,839,699.24

191 No. of Deals 25 25

Current Price 0.84

10,538,377 Quantity Traded 650,612 650,612

54,839,699.24 Value Traded 533,929.60 533,929.60

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 24 24

Current Price 49.78

Quantity Traded Page 175,730 175,730

13 1Value Traded of 8,750,861.50 8,750,861.50

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 9 9

Current Price 10.50

Quantity Traded 14,450 14,450

Value Traded 152,245.02 152,245.02

840,792

9,437,036.12

Daily Summary (Equities) AGLEVENT TRANSCORP UACN

Symbol COSTAIN

COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals

Daily Summary as of 25/06/2015

CONSUMER GOODS Printed 25/06/2015 15:15:12.012 Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW Daily Summary NB

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Beverages--Non-Alcoholic CONSUMER GOODS 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Food Products Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals

Daily Summary as Durables of 25/06/2015 Household

Printed 25/06/2015 15:15:12.012 VITAFOAM NIG PLC.

VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICOSERVICES INSURANCE PLC. FINANCIAL CONTINENTAL PLC Insurance Carriers,REINSURANCE Brokers and Services

CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. ASSURANCE CO. PLC. Published byPRESTIGE The Nigerian Stock Exchange © STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC Daily Summary as of 25/06/2015 WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Printed 25/06/2015 15:15:12.012 Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Mortgage Carriers, and Services Activity Summary on Brokers Board EQTY

ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Other Financial Institutions

AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FCMB GROUP PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Symbol 7UP Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR MULTITREX NASCON

No. of Deals 11 No. of Deals 11 34

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

ICT HEALTHCARE Totals Processing Systems CHAMS PLC E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Processing Systems Totals

Value Traded 1,400,960.00 14,794,965.38 429,201.20 643,181,889.72 659,807,016.30

Metals ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION IND. PLC. Metals Totals

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals Integrated Oil and Gas Services Daily Summary as of 25/06/2015 OANDO PLC Printed 25/06/2015 15:15:12.012 Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. OIL AND GAS TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Products Distributors Petroleum and Petroleum Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

Quantity Traded 25,684 252,048 277,732

Value Traded 904,217.94 214,285,921.00 215,190,138.94

Courier/Freight/Delivery Daily Summary asSTAR of 25/06/2015 RED EXPRESS PLC Printed 25/06/2015 15:15:12.012 TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC.

No. of Deals 32 11 43

Current Price 5.66 1.14

Quantity Traded 2,393,287 286,010 2,679,297

Value Traded 13,490,975.06 327,551.40 13,818,526.46

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Quantity Traded 155,645 36,371,024 36,526,669

Value Traded 4,814,553.18 1,654,773,578.40 1,659,588,131.58

52,682,911 Quantity Traded 17,244,887 22,103,271 1,944,049 Page 13,790,012 32,872,233 2,426,607 1,727,021 31,389,717 478,955 1,928,786 621,407 16,084,544 142,611,489

2,637,632,646.99 Value Traded 103,011,974.23 93,103,899.25 13 342,756,160.73 of 23,797,336.36 887,598,151.18 5,929,949.83 3,460,776.44 158,801,971.22 4,475,076.64 4,765,209.35 600,368.36 315,881,115.93 1,644,181,989.52

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE Symbol CORNERST EQUITYASUR INTENEGINS LASACO MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM NIGERINS PRESTIGE STACO STDINSURE UNIVINSURE WAPIC

No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded 20 0.96 2,189,291 12 Current Price 1.00 Quantity Traded 815,393 No. of Deals 1 0.50 50,000 1 0.50 1,000 1 0.50 2,000,100 1 0.50 4,800 10 2.96 166,555 2 0.50 7,000 23 0.70 1,405,788 2 0.50 2,400 1 0.50 5,000Page 2 0.50 5,070 1 0.50 3,000 7 0.50 1,445,078 32 0.50 19,678,967 116 27,779,442

Value Traded 2,125,581.04 819,390.33 Value Traded 25,000.00 500.00 1,000,050.00 2,400.00 484,197.80 3,500.00 986,013.31 1,200.00 2,500.00 13 4 of 2,535.00 1,500.00 722,539.00 9,839,483.50 16,016,389.98

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 8 8

Current Price 1.00

Quantity Traded 308,240 308,240

Value Traded 308,562.80 308,562.80

Symbol ASOSAVINGS RESORTSAL

No. of Deals 1 2 3 No. of Deals

Current Price 0.50 0.50

Quantity Traded 5,000 400,000 Quantity405,000 Traded

Value Traded 2,500.00 200,000.00 202,500.00 Value Traded

31 77 108

31.80 45.50

569 Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 186 DIAMONDBNK 31 ETI 39 FIDELITYBK 119 GUARANTY 271 SKYEBANK 54 STERLNBANK 25 UBA 186 UBN 40 UNITYBNK 29 WEMABANK 22 DailyZENITHBANK Summary (Equities) 221 1,223

Current Price 5.94 4.25 22.00 1.69 27.00 2.43 2.00 5.00 9.35 2.47 0.96 19.50

Daily Summary (Equities)

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

51 7 368 61 1 32 59 579

Current Price 2.75 4.00 7.98 3.00 0.50 27.05 1.40

1,929

Symbol No. of Deals EVANSMED 8 FIDSON 3 GLAXOSMITH 20 MAYBAKER 27 Daily Summary (Equities) NEIMETH 22 PHARMDEKO 5 85 Symbol CHAMS ETRANZACT

Current Price 1.38 3.18 44.00 1.40 1.50 2.20

85 No. of Deals Current Price 1 0.50 3 3.34 4

6,672,418 1,184,991 Page 136,100 100 18,807 8,561,697

1,035,977 146,292 25,268,472 Page 16,421,710 1,000 3,425,682 2,724,530 49,023,663

2,887,349.83 585,168.00 201,755,657.13 13 5 of 48,886,082.27 500.00 92,668,187.23 3,827,402.23 350,610,346.69

220,127,834

2,011,319,788.99

Quantity Traded 310,700 15,926 56,470 418,148 493,636 302,550 1,597,430

Value Traded 429,096.00 51,087.46 2,476,614.73 589,357.32 717,547.68 658,533.50 4,922,236.69

1,597,430 Quantity Traded 5,000 2,250 7,250

4,922,236.69 Value Traded 2,500.00 7,155.00 9,655.00

Page 7,250

45,595,235.28 39,976,743.91 2 472,315.00 of 13 50.00 151,262.14 88,339,773.11

13 of 9,655.00

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN DANGCEM PORTPAINT WAPCO

No. of Deals 31 5 18 11 37 1 47 150

Current Price 21.50 11.24 41.00 11.00 174.15 4.45 100.05

Quantity Traded 254,851 10,429 34,513 220,005 23,280 10,000 2,633,377 3,186,455

Value Traded 5,520,576.40 111,381.72 1,280,929.49 2,420,534.10 4,039,417.08 46,500.00 263,457,019.71 276,876,358.50

Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 1.73

Quantity Traded 10,000 10,000

Value Traded 17,500.00 17,500.00

Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC.

Symbol BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 5

Current Price 35.46

Quantity Traded 391,810

Value Traded 13,893,582.60

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP No Of Deals CCNN DANGCEM PORTPAINT WAPCO

Quantity Traded 5,000 2,250 7,250

Value Traded 2,500.00 7,155.00 9,655.00

7,250

9,655.00

No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded Value Traded 31 21.50 254,851 5,520,576.40 5 11.24 10,429 111,381.72 18 41.00 34,513 Quotation(N) Quantity Traded Value of 1,280,929.49 Shares(N) 11 11.00 220,005 2,420,534.10 37 174.15 23,280 4,039,417.08 1 4.45 10,000 46,500.00 47 100.05 2,633,377 263,457,019.71 150 3,186,455 276,876,358.50

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 1.73

Quantity Traded 10,000 10,000

Value Traded 17,500.00 17,500.00

Symbol BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 35.46

Quantity Traded 391,810 391,810

Value Traded 13,893,582.60 13,893,582.60

Daily Summary (Equities) Daily Summary (Equities)

Symbol BOCGAS Symbol Symbol ALEX

157 No. of Deals Current Price 3 4.86 No. of Deals 3 Current Price

3,588,265 Quantity Traded 75,528Page Quantity 75,528 Traded

No. of Deals 2 2

Quantity Traded 210 210

Value Traded 2,268.00 2,268.00

75,738

367,724.88

Current Price 10.43

290,787,441.10 Value Traded 13 7 365,456.88 of Value Traded 365,456.88

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 23,400 23,400

Value Traded 11,700.00 11,700.00

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 206 206

Current Price 15.80

Quantity Traded 5,237,586 5,237,586

Value Traded 81,910,884.28 81,910,884.28

Symbol

No. of Deals 1 9 14 51 11 25 No. of Deals

Current Price 0.50 40.85 2.53 182.00 158.85 Current165.00 Price

Quantity Traded 9,873,516 72,029 425,352 230,888 20,951 Quantity 151,886 Traded

Value Traded 4,936,758.00 2,942,763.00 1,075,535.62 42,047,169.65 3,201,367.88 25,069,824.64 Value Traded

Current Price 331.25

10,774,622Page Page Quantity Traded 30,010 30,010

79,273,418.79 8 of 13 9 of 13 Value Traded 9,943,535.70 9,943,535.70

BECOPETRO Daily Summary (Equities) CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL TOTAL Symbol

111 Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 6 6

OIL AND GAS Totals SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

Current Price 0.50 3.34

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

Current Price 37.00 850.25

66 63 9 1 7 180

Value Traded 889,060.60 Value Traded 889,060.60 2,144,166.78

Packaging/Containers Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS NATURAL RESOURCES INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals Chemicals NATURAL RESOURCES GASES PLC.Exchange © Published by B.O.C. The Nigerian Stock ChemicalsTotals Chemicals

No. of Deals 22 43 65

Published The Nigerian Stock Exchange © ICTby Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

Quantity Traded 218,100 93,237 21,744 4,299,469 4,632,550

Packaging/Containers

Activity Summary BETA GLASS on CO Board PLC. EQTY Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Quantity Traded 4,966 Quantity Traded 4,966 549,281

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Daily Summary as of 25/06/2015 Pharmaceuticals Printed 25/06/2015 15:15:12.012 EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY Pharmaceuticals Totals

Current Price 6.30 158.50 19.07 150.00

Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

Current Price 177.20 Current Price 3.86 6.80 33.01 3.45 0.50 8.10

PZ UNILEVER

ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK Published by The NigerianTRANSNATIONAL Stock Exchange ©INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC Daily Summary as of 25/06/2015 STERLING BANK PLC. Printed 25/06/2015 15:15:12.012 UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals

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

No. of Deals 16 46 5 (Equities) 95 162

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

Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC.EQTY Activity Summary on Board Personal/Household Products Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES CONSUMER Banking GOODS Totals

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC Sector Company name CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC Daily Summary as of 25/06/2015 LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Daily Summary as of 25/06/2015 Printed 25/06/2015 15:15:12.012 Building Materials Totals Printed 25/06/2015 15:15:12.012

1st Tier Securities

Daily Summary (Equities)

Company name

No. of Deals 1 3 4

ICT Totals

No Debt Trading Activity

1st Tier Securities

Symbol CHAMS ETRANZACT

328

16,065,618

171,139,538.77

Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 0.77

Quantity Traded 35,096 35,096

Value Traded 26,112.13 26,112.13

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 2 4 6

Current Price 4.75 1.27

Quantity Traded 5,500 5,000 10,500

Value Traded 26,625.00 6,050.00 32,675.00

Symbol

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 0.52

Quantity Traded 21,700 21,700

Value Traded 11,304.00 11,304.00

Symbol CAPHOTEL IKEJAHOTEL Symbol

No. of Deals 1 7 No. of Deals

Current Price 4.07 3.75 Current Price

Quantity Traded 50 57,280 Quantity Traded

Value Traded 203.50 223,046.60 Value Traded

Symbol DAARCOMM

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Page Quantity Traded 2,000 2,000

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

Symbol LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 4 10 14

Current Price 1.26 5.90

Quantity Traded 95,276 40,513 135,789

Value Traded 119,903.04 233,648.13 353,551.17

Road Transportation

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 0.51

Quantity Traded 55,300 55,300

Value Traded 28,385.00 28,385.00

No. of Deals 3 19 (Equities) 22

Current Price 2.08 5.01

Quantity Traded 11,000 81,526 92,526

Value Traded 21,800.00 404,223.28 426,023.28

No. of Deals 3 3 No. of Deals 8 70

Current Price 3.42

Quantity Traded 300 300 Quantity Traded 57,330 410,541

Value Traded 975.00 975.00 Value Traded 223,250.10 1,103,275.68

Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Hotels/Lodging CAPITAL HOTEL PLC SERVICES IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging

Daily Summary (Equities) CILEASING

Hotels/Lodging Totals Published byMedia/Entertainment The Nigerian Stock Exchange © DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Media/Entertainment Totals

ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Daily Summary as of 25/06/2015 Road Transportation Printed 25/06/2015 15:15:12.012 Totals Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC SERVICES Support and Logistics Totals Hotels/Lodging Hotels/Lodging SERVICES Totals Totals Media/Entertainment

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO Daily Summary Symbol CAVERTON Symbol

57,330

Current Price

223,250.10 10 of 13 Value Traded 1,000.00 1,000.00

Symbol DAARCOMM

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 2,000 Page 2,000

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

Symbol LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 4 10 14

Current Price 1.26 5.90

Quantity Traded 95,276 40,513 135,789

Value Traded 119,903.04 233,648.13 353,551.17

Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 0.51

Quantity Traded 55,300 55,300

Value Traded 28,385.00 28,385.00

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 3 19 22

Current Price 2.08 5.01

Quantity Traded 11,000 81,526 92,526

Value Traded 21,800.00 404,223.28 426,023.28

Symbol

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 3.42

Quantity Traded 300 300

Value Traded 975.00 975.00

Transport-Related Services AIRLINE Daily Summary as of SERVICES 25/06/2015 AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Printed 25/06/2015 15:15:12.012 Transport-Related Services Totals Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals

CAVERTON Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary SERVICES Totals on Board EQTY EQTY Board Totals

Value Traded 1,000.00 of 13 1,000.00

410,541

1,103,275.68

3,434

306,592,962

5,195,933,557.28

Quantity Traded 5,000 5,000

Value Traded 7,500.00 7,500.00

5,000

7,500.00

Page

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board ASeM CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC Food Products Totals

Symbol MCNICHOLS

No. of Deals 1 1

CONSUMER GOODS Totals

Current Price 1.50

ASeM Board Totals

5,000

7,500.00

Equity Activity Totals

3,435

306,597,962

5,195,941,057.28

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund Name Daily Summary as of 25/06/2015 LOTUS15:15:12.012 HALAL EQUITY ETF Printed 25/06/2015 NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) STANBIC IBTC ETF 30 VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Symbol LOTUSHAL15 NEWGOLD STANBICETF30 VETGRIF30

Daily Summary (ETP)

No. of Deals 1 1 1 2 5

ETF Board Totals

ETP Activity Totals

Current Price 10.57 2,253.00 103.00 15.30

Quantity Traded 1 52 300 51 404 Page

404

Value Traded 10.57 117,156.00 30,900.00 789.80 148,856.37 12

148,856.37

Friday, June 26, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror Why should the country continue to import rice when vast amounts of paddy rice of comparable quality produced by poor hardworking local farmers across the rice belts of Nigeria are being wasted and ignored? Central Bank Governor – Godwin Emefiele

NAFDAC task food manufacturers on standards Dare Akogun

ational Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has called on manufacturers in the food industry to set up Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, system plan in their facilities and adhere strictly to laid down standards or risk closure. Director General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, sounded this warning in Asaba, Delta State, during NAFDAC workshop on Food Safety in collaboration with UTOPIA TRANING for food industries and selected NAFDAC officials in SouthSouth and South-East zones. Orhii, who was reperesented by NAFDAC Director Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Directorate, Mrs. Ogochukwu Mainasara, in the workshop tagged: International Food Safety – Capacity Building Workshop for Industry and Regulators, asserted that NAFDAC being among top 18 regulatory agencies in the world in the hue of United

States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), European Food Safety Authority, United Kingdom Food Standard Agency, Food Directorate of Canada, etc, will not compromise food safety, hence the training work– shop and capacity building for stake holders. He said that the agency restructuring in 2013 led to the establishment of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Directorate due to the high premium NAFDAC placed on food and to adequately regulate the sector, warning that unsatisfactory, GMP, GHP and HACCP will led to closure of establishments after the capacity building workshop. “Build up your capacity because I cannot joke with Food Safety, 167 million Nigeria Nigerians eat food at least once a day and it will result to unmitigated disaster if standards are compromised. There are food borne diseases and epidemics due to unsatisfactory Good Hygienic Practice (GHP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). Nobody boarders to adhere to HACCP, this will not be allowed to continue.” Orhii warned.

He said that the government trust is to build up the local industries so that they can compare favorably with the outside world, noting that the agency analyses export products free of charge and the recent review of NAFDAC charges did not affect local manufacturers. The three-day workshop was highly interactive with the C.E.O. of UTOPIA TRAINING, Mr. William Thomas and other resource persons taking the participants through the processes of hazard control (HACCP) in food industries. Food industries representatives in all the states in South-South and South-Eastern part of the country attended the workshop.

Consumers warned on fake edible oil in circulation Dare Akogun

onsumers have been warned to be careful and vigilant when buying edible oil in the market, this Ramadan season. President of Edible Oil Sellers Association of Nigeria of Lagos State, Alhaja Jumoke Yusuf, who gave the warning in a chat with newsmen, said fake products of oil harmful to the health are in wide circulation across markets in the state. Alhaja Yusuf who claimed to have been in the business of Edible oil for 40 years stated that

some people have flooded the market with fake oil in their desperation to make quick money. She explained that large numbers of fake vegetable oil in the market is giving the association a serious concerned and called on relevant government agencies to act and check the influx of the fake product in the markets. Alhaja Yusuf explained further that NAFDAC numbers are being forged to deceive consumers in purchasing them. She charged NAFDAC to raid markets across the country and ensure that those behind the fake products be brought to book.

… Tasks sachet water factories on regular maintenance of filters Justin Tyopuusu JALINGO

araba State coordinator, National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Mr. Joseph Asikpo, yesterday urged sachet water producers in the state to always maintain industrial filters to enhance quality water production. Asikpo disclosed this in Jalingo while speaking with journalists at the end of annual monitoring of water quality standard and compliance for water manufacturing factories exercise in the state. He said regular removal of particles that usually stick to the filters would make the water look clean and prevent

it from smell. The state coordinator advised the factories to always boost the PH Level of their sachet water with hydrolyte. Asikpo who said the result of the Physico-Chemical test the agency ran on 40 samples of sachet water was satisfactory, however, said the results for the Microbiological test would be ready in about two weeks time. Reacting to the inspection exercise, Mr. Thomas Awoshire, Chairman, Association of Table Water Producers in The state, said the exercise would make sachet water more acceptable to the customers. He said every responsible factory was supposed to conduct its water analysis every three months, and not to wait for the agency to compel it to do so.

LEFT & RIGHT: That moment in traffic standstill caused by fuel tankers queuing to lift oil on Apapa-Oshodi expressway in Lagos, when a tanker driver had all the time to wash his clothes and dry them in the sun on a road he could have been speeding 100km/h, on Wednesday. PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Cleric calls on Nigerians for rededication

cleric of the Methodist Church Nigeria, the Very Rev. Olumide Faluyi, JP, has expressed great concern over rising insecurity in the country, calling on Nigerians, irrespective of religion, to rededicate themselves to God for the nation’s progress, peace and unity.

Faluyi, who is the Presbyter/Minister-In-Charge of Ilupeju Circuit of the church in Ekiti State, made the call in his sermon during a funeral service for Mama Caroline Aina Adelusi, mother of Lagosbased veteran journalist, Chief Akinloye Adelusi, in Ilupeju Ekiti

recently. The cleric, who described the rising incidence of kidnapping among other vices in Ekiti State especially, in recent times as worrisome, said by rededicating to God by Nigerians, most of the socio-economic problems facing the country would

become a thing of the past. “What God is asking Nigeria and Nigerians is rededication in all ramifications, in our deed to fellow beings, to the nation and to God. If we can do this, Nigeria’s problems in all forms will become a thing of the past,” he added. He described the deceased as a

good Christian, who served God with passion in her life time having been secretary of the church’s women group for 35 years and later leader of the group until her death recently. He charged others to emulate the deceased’s good deeds and totally dedicate themselves to God.

Transition

Friday, June 26, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

A. I. Uwadiae

he death has occurred of Honourable A.I. Uwadiae, a member of the old Bendel State House of Assembly and proprietor of Mid West Secondary School, Benin City. Honourable Uwadiae, who passed away on Sunday,

June 7, 2015 at the age of 83, is survived by 12 children, many grandchildren as well as eight siblings. His children include Dr. Enobakhare Uwadiae of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and Mr. Sylvester

Süleyman Demirel

Adekunle Amuwo

rofessor Adekunle Amuwo, foremost iconic Political Scientist, former MAMSER scribe and an International Crisis Group (ICG) consultant, is dead. He was aged 58. Amuwo attended St James’ Primary School, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, between 1963 and 1968 and the famous Ibadan Grammar School, between 1969 and 1973. University of Ibadan 1974 – 1978. He went on to earn his doctorate in Political Science, from the University of Bordeaux, Talence, France and his thesis, a comparative study of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, obtained a distinction in October 1984. Professor Adekunle Amuwo began his academic career as Lecturer 2 at the University of Ibadan, in 1984. Between October 1984 and October 2004, he taught undergraduate and graduate level classes at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria,

rising through the ranks to become a full Professor in October 1998. He also taught at the University of the North, now Limpopo (South Africa), as well as a parttime lecturer in two other Nigerian Universities within the same period. Between April 2009 and December 2010, he taught at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN), Durban (South Africa). He joined Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria, in February 2014, as a Professor of Political Science & International Relations (PSIR). Until his death, Professor Amuwo was a versatile analyst in comparative politics, theory and methodology with a rich understanding of African politics, society, economy and integration processes. Amuwo was until his death, a Professor of Political Science at Covenant University.

Uwadiae, who is based in the United Kingdom. Among his siblings are Dr. Sam Uwadiae, who is also based in the United Kingdom and Registrar of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Dr. Iyi Uwadiae.

üleyman Gündo du Demirel was born in Isparta, Atabey, a town in Isparta Province. Upon completion of his elementary school education in his hometown, he attended middle school and high school in Isparta and Afyon, respectively. He graduated from the school of civil engineering at the Istanbul Technical University in 1949. His political career started with his election to the executive board of the Justice Party founded by the former General Ragıp Gümüşpala, as directed

by the Head of State Cemal Gürsel as the replacement of the Democrat Party that was closed after the military coup of 27 May 1960. Having been identified as a potential future Prime Minister by Adnan Menderes, Demirel was elected leader of the Justice Party in 1964. He supported the government of Suat Hayri Ürgüplü until his party won a parliamentary majority in the 1965 general election. Claiming to be the successor of the banned Democrat Party, he was re-elected as Prime Minister in 1969 by winning a

parliamentary majority for a second time. He resigned as Prime Minister after his budget was blocked by parliament, but formed his third government shortly after. His premiership came to an end following the 1971 Turkish coup d’état. In the 1987 constitutional referendum, Demirel regained the right to actively participate in politics and assumed the leadership of the True Path Party. He won the 1991 general election and formed a coalition with the Social Democratic Populist Party (SHP), assuming his fifth and final term as Prime Minister. Following the sudden death of serving President Turgut Özal, Demirel contested the 1993 presidential election and subsequently became the 9th President of Turkey until 2000. Demirel died on 17 June 2015 at the Guven hospital in Ankara where he had been undergoing treatment for a respiratory tract infection.

News

Community expresses readiness to work with Ogun govt Odinaka Uruakpa

andlords and residents of Yakoyo-Odozi community have appealed to Ogun State government to keep them abreast of its plans for the state as it affects their community, pledging their allegiance to the gover nment. President of YakoyoOdozi Landlords and Residents Association Professor Kunle Macaulay speaking on behalf of the community made this appeal recently in the state. He said: “It is our desire to infor m you that the landlords and residents of yakoyoodozi streets have unanimously decided to work with our able leader Hon lbikunle Amosun FCA and his gover nment. We shall therefore be grateful

if he can let us know his plans for the whole state as it affects our community. Our readiness to work with the gover nment is based on the merit of the gover nment that cares for its peo-

ple and that is sensitive to the plight of the people of the state. “We also want to call the gover nor’s attention to the laudable road project that he has started which we pray he

completes for the benefit of our community but wish to appeal to his Excellency that we should be given enough time to allow us to move our moveable properties before the demolition and also pay

those affected the necessary compensation”, he added. The president also revealed that over 80% of the residents are small time traders and senior citizens who depend on their properties for existence.

Ambode tasked on widows’ welfare Adeleke Adesanya

overnor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has been called upon to give credence to the less privileged in the society, the widows who are at the mercy of God after the demise of their husbands. Speaking at the celebration of world’s widows day in Lagos, founder of God’s Wives international, a nongovernmental organization that care for the need of widows in the soci-

ety, Mrs. Yemisi Jaiyeola said it was high time the government and the well to do in the society came to the rescue of the widows in the society as most of them are helpless. Yemisi, while addressing over one thousand widows at the celebration in Lagos yesterday, encouraged them to be out of emotional distress, which most of them have been by engaging in vocations that will benefit them. While speaking with National Mirror on her affinity to take care of the widows in

the society, Yemisi said “ Having discovered that over 5000 women are widowed yearly, and almost 75% of them live in extreme poverty, therefore, most of them become subject of discrimination, incase ration, terrible superstitions. Meanwhile Mrs. Taiwo Adejumo, a partner with the founder of God’s wives international, has encouraged the widows in the society not to see the demise of their beloved husbands as the end of life, adding that widows having lost their husband can

still live a meaningful life with their children. She also encouraged them on the need to ensure proper grooming of their children in the manner that will give them hope even at their old age. Taiwo added that the Widows need spiritual help and empowerment to move on with life. She said that she took into partnership with God’s wives international in order to offer encouragement, support and guidance to women who have lost their husbands.

Friday, June 26, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

We fully expect and will insist that Russia keep its commitments under the arms control agreements that we have and that all of this will be within that system of verifications” –US Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs, Victoria Nuland Afolabi Gambari

WITH AGENCY REPORT

eports yesterday said the heat wave that wreaked havoc on Southern Sindh Province in Pakistan has claimed more than a thousand lives. The raging heat has not spared the very young, the very old and those in the prime of their lives, official said. Hospitals were overwhelmed, relying on volunteers and donors for ice, water and even spare beds. At the Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center in Sindh’s capital, Karachi, heat stroke victims are wheeled in daily, swelling the numbers well beyond capacity. But with supplies limited, the government-run hospital is relying on volunteers and donors for even the basic necessities, they say. Family members tend to many of the patients, wiping their brows with sponges and keeping them cool with wet, grimy towels. “I felt so hot, I was vomiting,” an elderly man told reporters yesterday, adding, “I felt weak and my heart sank.”

Heatwave: Pakistan death toll hits 1000

Residents taking shower in a fall in Southern Sindh Province yesterday

At the Edhi morgue, the largest still operating in Karachi, a charity runs the facility, but it is also overwhelming.

A handwritten sign outside says the morgue is filled to capacity, while bodies lie outside. Daily power outages, as the

city tries to keep up with the demands of 16 million residents, mean the cold storage unit that houses bodies is hot and sticky.

Supreme Court rescues Obama care

n a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court yesterday saved the controversial health care law that will define President Barack Obama’s administration for generations to come. The ruling holds that the Affordable Care Act authorized federal tax credits for eligible Americans living not only in states with their own exchang-

Obama

es but also in the 34 states with federal marketplaces. It staved off a major political showdown and a mad scramble in states that would have needed to act to prevent millions from losing health care coverage. “Five years ago, after nearly a century of talk, decades of trying, a year of bipartisan debate, we finally declared that in America, health care is not

a privilege for a few but a right for all,” Obama said from the White House, stressing, “The Affordable Care Act is here to stay.” In a moment of high drama, Chief Justice John Roberts sent a bolt of tension through the Court when he soberly announced that he would issue the majority opinion in the case. About two-thirds of the

way through his reading, it became clear that he again would be responsible for rescuing Obamacare. “Congress passed the Affordable Care Act to improve health insurance markets, not to destroy them,” Roberts wrote in the majority opinion. “If at all possible, we must interpret the Act in a way that is consistent with the former, and avoids the latter.” He was joined by Justice Anthony Kennedy, who is often the Court’s swing vote, and the four liberal justices. Justice Antonin Scalia wrote the dissent, joined by Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. Republican presidential candidates quickly denounced the ruling. “I disagree with the Court’s ruling and believe they have once again erred in trying to correct the mistakes made by President Obama and Congress in forcing Obamacare on the American people,” Florida Senator, Marco Rubio, said.

WORLD BULLETIN

Inquiry reveals SA miners’ death South African police had a “defective” plan to break up a strike at a platinum mine, which led to the deaths of 34 miners, an inquiry disclosed yesterday. President Jacob Zuma said a commission into the deaths at the Marikana mine in August 2012 concluded the police were wrong to go ahead with their plan. Police have always claimed self-defence over the shooting of the workers during a protest over wages. It was the worst violence in South Africa since the end of apartheid, leading to intense scrutiny over the roles of the police, mining companies, unions and the government. Reading out the findings of the inquiry, Zuma said that the police had planned to encircle the strikers with barbed wire in the morning on August 16 and allow them out after disarming them. But as the number of strikers grew later in the day, they implemented a “tactical option” which resulted in the deaths of 34 strikers.

Greece, creditors’ talks deadlocked Greece and its international creditors remained in deadlock yesterday over the former’s debt crisis despite a series of top-level meetings. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras failed to reach a deal with Greece’s lenders, after which a meeting of European finance ministers broke up without progress. The Athens government faces default if it fails to make a €1.6bn (£1.1bn) IMF debt repayment by Tuesday. As EU leaders met in Brussels, Germany’s Angela Merkel warned that talks were going nowhere.

Third term: Burundi VP flees over threat One of Burundi’s vice presidents, Gervais Rufyikiri, has fled the country, saying he felt threatened after opposing President Pierre Nkurunziza’s third-term bid. Burundi has seen months of turmoil since Nkurunziza announced that he would be running for office again in July’s election. Rufyikiri insisted that a third term for the president would be unconstitutional. There are also reports that Burundi’s National Assembly Speaker, Pie Ntavyohanyuma, has left for Belgium, citing medical reasons, although he has been one of the critics of the third term agenda.

News

Friday, June 26, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Middle belt demands solid minerals commission

iddle Belt people have warned that Federal Government’s planned turnaround of the economy will fail abysmally without its rigid commitment to diversifying from oil and restructuring along the lines of true federalism. This is even as they appealed to the government to immediately assuage the long neglect of the region, which they described as having the most mineral resources in the country, by setting up

a Solid Minerals Peoples Area Development Commission, SOMPADEC. Making the call through the President-General, Middle-Belt Indigenous People’s Network, MBIPN, Barrister Abuka Omababa in Lagos, the people argued that practicing true federalism would ensure all ethnic nationalities and regions get their due and are treated equally in appointments, investments and allocations of resources in the country. “Middle-Belt demands

restructuring of the country and true federalism. We are neglected as if we don’t have any contributions to the economy except the military and police, If there was fair play, President Jonathan would have established for us a Solid Minerals Area Development Commission, SOMPADEC. We’ve the largest concentration of solid minerals in the country. And we have the resources to stay on our own without depending on oil.”

Masari says N13bn missing from state treasury

overnor Aminu Masari of Katsina State has declared the N13billion missing from the account of the State’s Ministry of Finance. Masari made this known during his maiden news conference in Katsina yesterday. “We are investigating the whereabouts of this staggering sum in the document handed over to the Transition Committee.

“The ministry of finance has failed to account for this whopping sum of money.’’ The governor said there was a huge gap from the records the former administration handed over to the transition committee of his government. Masari said the government had set up a panel to go through the financial records which the former

administration handed over to his administration to know the true position of things. The governor said N700 million got missing from account of the Primary Education Board within one year. He said the government had directed the Chairman and Executive Secretary of the board to go on compulsory leave.

Ireti Junior Grammar School, South West, Ikoyi, Lagos. The entire staff of the school thank all those that graced Mr Bolarinwa’s retirement and birthday party, most especially the Eti-Osa ANCOPPS, Vice principals and teachers of schools in District III and the entire Lagos State. May the season of the time you graced our occasion bring you happiness.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Friday, June 26, 2015

Don laments increasing orphans, vulnerable children ABDULGAFAR OLADIMEJI KANO

L-R: Head of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring Unit, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Miss Margaret Ogundipe; representative of Commander, Guards Brigades, Lt.-Col. Ikwe Omoke; representative of FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. Udoh Atong and NDLEA Chairman, Alhaji Ahmadu Giade, during the burning of drug exhibits in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Dwindling revenue: Kano seeks salvation in agriculture ABDULGAFAR OLADIMEJI KANO

ano State government has disclosed its resolve to resuscitate the agricultural sector in a bid to shore up its revenue, so as to salvage the state from the current hardship arising from dwindling revenue from federal allocation. Commissioner for Information, Comrade Mohammed Garba, said yesterday in Kano that the abundant agricultural

resources in the state, if well harnessed possess the wherewithal to sustain the economy of the state. Mohammed noted that Kano was endowed with a comparative advantage in the agricultural sector, adding that if properly and strategically utilised, it has the antidote to the current fiscal challenges facing the state. The commissioner stated that the desire to revive agriculture was a tactical effort adopted by the state

government to create access for the development of untapped solid mineral resources abundant in the state. “Kano has resolved to revive the agricultural sector to boost it’s revenue base, provide employment and guarantee food security,” the commissioner stressed. “We have a comprehensive blueprint that could turn around the agricultural sector as major leap to other areas of economic development.

Garba said the state government has set up a committee under the leadership of the Commissioner for Finance, Professor Isah Dandago to come up with a blueprint on how to boost it’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR. According to him plans are equally underway to put to full utilisation the existing 27 dams spread across different parts of the state to generate hydro power and for the purposes irrigation farming.

Niger APC solicits patience for Bello’s govt PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

ll Progressives Congress, APC, Niger State chapter, has pleaded with people of the state to continue to support and exercise patience with Governor Abubakar Sanni Bello’s administration so as to move the state forward. It assured that even in the face of daunting challenges and rot inherited from the former government, Governor Bello will not let them down. The APC in a statement signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jonathan Vatsa, lamented that the rotten egg PDP incubated for 16 years were product of corruption and mismanagement of public fund that needed cautious

and people-oriented move to restore total change for positive development.” He said the move must be cautious to ensure the APC government did not embark on window dressing, but on people-oriented programmes and projects. According to him, for the avoidance of any booby trap, the APC government has chosen to be cautious in kick- starting implementation of the party’ manifestos and campaign promises. The party stated: “ We in APC want to assure Nigerlites that all these cautious movements and tactical move to make huge differences in a positive way should not be mistaken for being slow, it is better to make a slow and steady journey than making noisy journey and

ending up with nothing to show for it. “The memory of the noisy journey made for 8 years in Niger State is still fresh, and we shall not make such journey, our party’s government will be that which will always connect with the people based

on principle of social contract.” The party therefore calls on the people to exercise patient and not to consider any move too slow, but a cautious movement that will bring the desired development to the state and to the people.

ack of concern and negligence by various levels of government is responsible for continuous increase in the number of orphans and vulnerable children in Nigeria, Professor Oladipo Oladapo has stated. He also blamed failure to squarely address the problems associated with orphans and vulnerable children on the lackadaisical attitude in empowering of groups committed towards working to alleviate the menace, by sensitising and identifying the vices responsible. According to him, one of the factors that contributed immensely to the huge rise in the number of orphans and vulnerable children is the break in communal relations, adding that today children belong to their parents only, as against the past when children be-

NDLEA arrests 148 suspected drug peddlers in Benue H ENRY I YORKASE MAKURDI

o fewer than 148 suspected dealers of hard drugs have been apprehended by officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, while 1,271.529kg of Cannabis (Indian hemp) were seized in the past 12 months. Making the disclosure yesterday in Makurdi, Benue State capital, Commandant of the agency, Mrs. Florence Ezeonye, at a press conference ahead of the

Niger govt dissolves LGs caretaker committee PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

iger State government has dissolved the Local Government Caretaker Committees in 25 local government areas of the state. Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Ibraheem Dooba, who made this disclosure in Minna, said the caretaker chairmen have been directed to hand over to the Director of Personnel

Management in the various local government councils. He stated: “The state government has dissolved the caretaker committee of all 25 local government areas in the state with effect from June 24. The caretaker chairmen have been directed to handover to Director of Personnel Management in the local government councils.” Urging the people to remain calm, while they await further information

longed to everyone in the community. Oladipo, who is president of Association of Reproductive and Family Health, made these remarks yesterday in Kano when handing over to Kano State Government, a three-year project on Orphans and Vulnerable Children, OVC, funded by Global Funds through his group, and carried out in six local governments in the state. He disclosed that the project, succeed in rehabilitating 946 children within the three years span of its operations in the state, disclosing that the local governments areas where the projects were carried out are; Wudil, Nassarawa, Gwale, gaya, and Kura. He added that the beneficiaries were aided to go to school, some were provided with medical support, while infrastructures were renovate alongside other basic facilities needed by the targeted persons.

from the state government on the date council election will be conducted. He explained that the DPMs will administer affairs in the various LGs, until then. The governors’ spokesman hinged the dissolution of the caretaker committees to the fact that they were not appointed by the present administration hence, it is natural for us to let them go.

2015 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, said male suspects arrested were 133, representing 87.9 per cent, while females were 15, representing 10.1 per cent The NDLEA boss observed that the cannabis sativa seized stood at 1,223.329kg, while that of psychotropic substances seized was 48.2kg, with 61 convicts secured of which male suspects were 57, representing 93.4 per cent, while females convicted were four, representing 6.6 per cent and 206 drug users rehabilitated and counselled in the last one year. This year’s event is themed ‘Let’s develop our lives, our communities, our identities without drugs.’ Ezeonye said the command has succeeded in infusing elements of drug abuse education into the relevant subjects in primary education and senior secondary school curriculum, tertiary institution curricula as well as the curriculum of adult and non formal education sector.

Friday, June 26, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss. Oni Abimbola Oluranti now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Bamgbaiye Abimbola Oluranti. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekwutosi .P. now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Eze Patience Ekwutosi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ohuche Chinwendu Lucy, now wish to known and addressed as Mrs Chidi Chinwendu Linda. All former documents remain valid general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Sandra Oluchi Mbakwe, now want to be address as Mrs Sandra Oluchi Ejiofor. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Babatunde Oluwaseun Isaac, now wish to be known and addressed as Aluko Oluwaseun Isaac.All former document remain valid. Skype bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinbobose Titilayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Sam-Dasaolu Olayinka Titilayo Esther. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OBIKWUE : Formerly known as Miss Obikwue Chioma Gladys, now wish to be known and address as Mrs Ajaegbo Chioma Gladys. All former documents remains valid. NYSC and public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Enoh-Gift Etim Okon, now wish to be known and addressed as Enobong Gabriel Anthony Israel. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss. Bunmi Oluwaseun Ojo, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Bunmi Oluwaseun Esan. All former documents remain valid, University of Ibadan and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinelo Maureen Anayamele, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Chinelo Maureen Ogidi. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Awaridhe Elizabeth Kome, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akintan Elizabeth Kome. All former documents remain valid.General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Taylor Adenike Serifat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adeoye Adenike Serifat. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Abigail Ojuolape Popoola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Abigail Olonade. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Olubunmi Gloria Oshanipin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olubunmi Gloria Olalere. All former document remains valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Olawoore Aishat Iyabo, now wish to be known and addressed as Kadiri Aishat Iyabo. All former documents remain valid. General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Gabriel Anthony Unah, now wish to be known and addressed as Gabriel Anthony Israel. All former documents bearing my former names remain valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NKANU RENAISSANCE FORUM

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Aﬀairs Commission (CAC) for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) Prince Sam Ejiofor (2) Barr. Anthony Nwafor (3) Engr. Mike Okolo

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ayinla Qudus Olamilekan, now wish to be known and addressed as Oganla Qudus Olamilekan. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to inform the general public that Udo Kingsley Ezeala and Udo Kingsley Ezeala Osuagwu refer as one person but now known as Udo .K. Ezeala Osuagwu. All former documents remain valid general public ‎ take note

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinkere Grace Kelechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Chibuzor Grace Kelechi. All former documents remain valid general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adenekan Adebisi Maria, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Shotomi Adebisi Maria. all former documents remain valid.General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Mr Augustine Oise Eguabor, now wish to be known as Mr Austine Oise Baldwin. All former documents remain valid. General public please note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Emmanuel Ejike Jeremiah, now wish to be known and addressed as Onoja Ejike Jeremiah. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

COMFORT: I formerly known and addressed as Comfort Patricia Abire, now wish to be known and addressed as Patricia Abire. All former document remains valid. Ecobank Plc and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olamide Bolanle Johnson, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olamide Bolanle Ojo. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Nicholas Anthony Unah, now wish to be known and addressed as Nicholas Anthony Israel. All former documents bearing my former names remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Sunday John, now wish to be known and addressed as Uzowulu Ihejiofoeme Maximus. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to Registrar-General Corporate Aﬀairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent oﬀ Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: ENGR. CHUKWUEMEKA NGENE NO 24 AKPUGO ROAD AGBANI, P.O. BOX 70, AGBANI

AUCTION! AUCTION!! AUCTION!!!

ODOGBOLU LOCAL GOVERNMENT

SECRETARIAL COMPLEX, IKENNE ROAD, P. M. B 2008,ODOGBOLU, OGUN STATE There will be public auction of unserviceable vehicles/plants of Odogbolu local Government Council, Ogun State LIST OF ITEMS ARE : DATSUN LAUREL, TH 10 ROLLER, KOMATZU PAIL LOADER, BEDFORD TIPPER, PEUGEOT 504, NISSAN BLUE BIRDS, MAZDA 626, CAT GRADER, MITSUBISHI BUS, NISSAN PRIMERA/SUNNY, NISSAN VANETTE BUS, TRACTOR EURO 700,USED ENGINES, TOYOTA HILUXES, LISTER ENGINE, CASE INT TRACTOR, TRACTOR TRAILER, FEED MILL MIXER, FEED MILL MOTRO, DIESEL TANK AND YAMAHA MOTORCYCLES. CONDITION OF SALES : 1) The highest bidder shall be the Purchaser 2) Payment is Strictly by Cash 3) Purchases Must be backed with odogbolu local Government Council and Auctioneer Receipts 4) Removal of Vehicles/Plants Purchased is two Working days after Payment. DATE OF INSPECTION : Wed, 24th of June to Wed, 1st of July, 2015. DATE OF SALES : Thursday, 2nd of July, 2015. VENUE : Odogbolu Local Government Secretariat, Odogbolu, Ogun State TIME : 10.00am Prompt.

For Further information Please Contact Auctioneer No 08094663239

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Kuye Dolapo Monsurat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Soretire Dolapo Monsurat. All former documents remain valid. Excel Kiddz Foundation,Abeokuta and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as Oluwole Mike Blaise Osuolale Oluwasakin, now wish to be known as Oluwole Irapada Blaise. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

OLUWAFOYISE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluwafoyise Olayemi Now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olugboye Omoyemi. All former documents remains valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Erinfolamin Olanrewaju Oluwatosin, now wish to be addressed and called as Mrs Adeniyi Olanrewaju Oluwatosin.All fomer documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Stella Nwamaka Nwosu, now wish to be known and addressed as Stella Nwamaka Anakwa. All former documents remain valid. NIPOST and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Henry Gloria Olohije, now wish to be known and addressed as Fagbemi Olohije Gloria. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UDEH: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Udeh Catherine Chiegeonu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Alor Catherine Chiegeonu. All former documents remain valid. First Bank, UBA and general public should please take note.

AUCTION! AUCTION!! AUCTION!!! REMO NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: (1) To foster promotion and progress of members profession and vocation by employing the services of each members whenever there is opportunity for that. (2) Sensitization of our youths with respect to any on-going project of “Odenigbo Extraction” (3) To take back our rightful leadership position in Nkanu Land. (4) Rendering all manner of support within our reach to our aspiring brothers and sisters who are seeking elective and appointive positions.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Abdul Mojeed Olaide Shodeke, now wish to be known and addressed as Shodeke Sholanke Siraj. All former documents remain valid. Zenith, Ecobank, Access, Fidelity banks and general public take note

AGO IWOYE ROAD, P. M. B 2001,ISARA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA.

There will be Public Auction of Unserviceable Vehicles/Plants of Remo - North local Government Council, Isara , Ogun State LIST OF ITEMS ARE : Hummer Bus, Toyota Hiace Buses, Toyota Yaris Car, Nissan Altima, Toyota Scion XD, Fiat - Aliss Bulldozer D7,Cat Grader (14G) and Suzuki Motorcycle

North local Government Council and Auctioneer Receipts 4) Removal of Vehicles/Plants Purchased is two Working days after Payment.

DATE OF INSPECTION : Friday, 26th of June - Thursday, 2nd of July, 2015 DATE OF SALES : Friday, 3rd of July, 2015 CONDITION OF SALES : VENUE : Remo-North Local Government 1) The highest bidder shall be the Purchaser Secretariat, Isara, Ogun State 2) Payment is Strictly by Cash TIME : 10.00am Prompt. 3) Purchases Must be backed with RemoFor Further information Please Contact Auctioneer No 08025752256

PUBLIC NOTICE

ODU’A GBEWA YOUTH INITIATIVE The general public is hereby notified that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Aﬀairs Commission for Registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. 3. 5. 7. 9.

Akanji Adewale Wunmi Olorumfemi Adegun Lukman Olakunle Babatunde Adeboye A. Ayoade

2. 4. 6. 8. 10.

Dasola Ilyas Akinlaja Folashade Segun Arosanyin Shoyemi A. Damilare Feyisetan T. Adebayo

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote Yoruba culture & values 2. Provide social services, educational and practical assistance for youth within area of benefit 3. To foster good relationship with host communities & other communities. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Aﬀairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris crescent, oﬀ Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication

SIGNED: PRESIDENT

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME

DINAH: Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Oluwafunmilayo Oluwafolakemi Dinah now wish to be known and address as Mrs Oluwafunmilayo Oluwafolakemi Olubile. All former document remains valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

‎ I fomerly known and addressed as Miss Linda Orogbu, now wish to be known and called as Mrs Linda Robinson. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olagunju Folake Helen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Sanyaolu Folake Helen. All former documents remain valid. FirstBank of Nig Plc and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as Miss Patricia Bosede Onize Osuolale Oluwasakin now wish to be known as Mrs Onize Patricia Blaise. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Akande Olubisi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olatunde Olubisi. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and general public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ONYEDIBE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyedibe Justina Nneka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Anene Justina Nneka. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ezeanyim Henrietta Chinwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Chigboh Henrietta Chinwe. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Agboola Adedotun Sharafadeen, now wish to be known and addressed as Adegboyega Adedotun Sharafdeen. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly addressed and known as Miss Salami Rukayat Oyindamola, now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Oyebamiji Rukayat Oyindamola. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Amure Adeola Ikeoluwa, now wish to be known and called as Mrs Dangana Adeola Ikeoluwa. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Esther Ogene, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Esther Donatus. All former documents remain valid.General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and called Yahaya Ambali Adegbola now wish to be addressed as Badmus Ambali Adegbola. All former documents remain valid.General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Chumatex Leonard Ozor and Chukwuma Ozor, now wish to be known and called Mr Ozornwokike Chukwuma Leonard. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and general public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Raheem Morufat Adewumi, now wish to be known and called Mrs Yahaya Morufat Adewumi. All former documents remain valid. FBN and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mr. Sunday Akpan Ikot, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Sunday Edet. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Olaniyi Bukola Enitan, now wish to be known and addressed as Okuboyejo Bukola Enitan. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 2004 CAMA AND IN THE MATTER OF AXINOVA POLYOLEFINS LTD THE “COMPANY” IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP.

NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING PURSUANT TO SECTION 468 OF CAMA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the final meeting of Axinova Polyolefins Ltd shall hold on Monday, 6th day of July 2015 at No 81a Younis Bashorun Street, Off Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos at 10.00am to transact the following business: Agenda: (1) To lay before the meeting the account of winding up of the Company and to receive any explanation thereof.

Signed:

LIQUIDATOR.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 2004 CAMA AND IN THE MATTER OF LEKKI EXPORT PROCESSING ZONE LTD THE “COMPANY” IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP. NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING PURSUANT TO SECTION 468 OF CAMA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the final meeting of Lekki Export Processing Zone Ltd shall hold on Monday 6th day of July 2015 at No 81a Younis Bashorun Street, Off Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos at 10.00 am to transact the following business: Agenda: (1) To lay before the Meeting the account of winding up of the Company and to receive any explanation thereof.

Signed:

LIQUIDATOR

Friday, June 26, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ramos, Devils in talks

I want to coach a La Liga club next season. But honestly I really still do not which club I will be handling

Sport

–Real Madrid legend, Zinedine Zidane

Heartland players greeting their fans before a match. They are now appealing for their unpaid salaries

Glo League: Heartland risk walkover at Sharks …unpaid wages rile players

eartland FC are risking a walkover at Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Sharks. The Naze Millionaires are guests of the Garden City landlords in Sunday’s Glo League match day 14 clash at the Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt. An unnamed source said the 2009 CAF Champions League finalists are finding it extremely difficult to

source funds for the clash at Sharks on Sunday. “It’s most likely we won’t honour the Glo League match day 14 clash against Sharks on Sunday in Port Harcourt. “There is no money anywhere to facilitate movement of material and men to Port Harcourt for the match against Sharks,” the source told supersport.com.

“Already the players are threatening to embark on an indefinite strike over three months unpaid salaries and other entitlements. “At the moment training is a bit skeletal as some key players are deliberately giving one reason or another to avoid daily training. “The situation is really bad that the team tasked themselves to prosecute the match day 13 clash against FC

Taraba at Rojenny Stadium in Oba, the side’s temporary home ground.” Heartland are fifth on the 20-team Nigerian top flight log on 21 points from a possible 39. Meanwhile, the League Management Company (LMC) has approved a shirt sponsorship deal between Sharks and Eunisell in line with provisions of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) rules and framework.

Pillars’ captain calms fans, pledges wins T he captain of Kano Pillars FC, Rabiu Ali, has appealed to fans of the club to show understanding over their recent poor form, especially in the 0-3 away loss to Sunshines of Akure in the week 12 fixture. Ali told the News Agency of Nige-

ria (NAN) in Kano yesterday that the team would get better as the league progressed. He, however, promised the fans that the team’s next home game against the Dolphins of Port Harcourt last Sunday would be better one as they were poised to win the match.

“It is a game, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. We are ready and we will ensure we go all the way as a team to win our subsequent matches. “We look forward to playing to win; a win will be a morale booster that we are hoping,” he said. The captain also expressed concern

at the club’s declining fortunes at away games. “That is football. At times you play and you don’t get the desired results. Everybody can attest to the fact that we used to play well at away matches; I can only blame the poor results to ill-luck,” he said.

Sports

Friday, June 26, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ramos, Devils in talks R

Schweinsteiger

Transfer:

‘Schweinsteiger

should embrace caution’ B

ayern Munich Honorary President, Franz Beckenbauer, has advised midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger against leaving the club for Manchester United. Schweinsteiger made 28 outings for the Bundesliga champions last season, with injuries curtailing his progress under Coach Pep Guardiola.

Speculative reports have since linked the 30-year-old with United. But while former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus believes Schweinsteiger should move to Old Trafford if the opportunity arises, Beckenbauer feels otherwise. “Bastian does not need a challenge like that anymore at his age,” Beckenbauer said yesterday.

“I would advise him not to make the move to England. He might as well stay here at Bayern. “He still has one or two more years at the highest level in him. If he still feels like playing football then, I would advise him to consider a move to MLS and to New York.” Schweinsteiger has two years left on his contract with the Bavarians.

I’ve emerged with strong character –Welbeck

Welbeck

rsenal forward, Danny Welbeck, feels he has come out a stronger player after enduring a number of injuries earlier in his career. In his youth days at the Manchester United academy, the English striker suffered from Osgood-Schlatter disease before enduring various other injury layoffs after which he was finally being promoted to the first team. Now at Premier League rival Arsenal, the 24-year-old feels the hardships he injured during his younger years has made him a better player today.

“It’s not always going to be a clean sail through,” he said yesterday. “Getting injured is a massive setback. When you look back at it, it makes you a better and a stronger person today but at the time it’s hard to deal with. Welbeck managed eight goals in 37 appearances this past season, but has always received a warm reception from the fans, which he appreciates. “The fans are very special in this game and it’s great that the Arsenal fans have taken to me so well,” he added.

Arse-

nal kick offs its 2015/16 E P L c a m p a i g n against London rival West Ham.

eports yesterday revealed that there has been initial contact between Manchester United and Real Madrid over a potential Sergio Ramos transfer, claiming United has made an offer in the region £35m for the Spanish player. “There are tentative discussions between Manchester United and Real Madrid,” one report claimed. Influential Spanish sports newspaper, AS, claims Ramos wants to leave and met with Madrid’s General Director Jose Angel Sanchez at the team’s training ground on Wednesday. The former Sevilla player, signed by Madrid in 2005 for 27million euros, is contracted at the Bernabeu for another two seasons and has not been offered an extension as yet. The Spain international has been a key player for Madrid over the last decade. He was also a World Cup winner with Spain in 2010 and won the European Championship in 2 0 0 8 a n d 2012.

Ramos

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Friday, June 26, 2015

MANDATE

THE

Sylvester Ikuejamoye

mopheys13@gmail.com 0805-407-1194 (SMS only) L-R: Technical Director, Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Tunde Kazeem; Chairman, Lagos State Badminton Association, Mr. Francis Orbih; Permanent Secretary Office of Sports, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development, Mr. Whenu Oluseyi and Vice President, Nigerian Olympic Committee, Mr. Fatayi Williams in Lagos, yesterday PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Badminton: Lagos ready for International Classics

bout 28 countries will participate in the 2nd Lagos International Badminton Classics scheduled to hold from July 15 to 18 at the Indoor Sports Hall of Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Yaba, Lagos. Chairman of Lagos State Badminton Association, Francis Orbih, told National Mirror that the classics which he described as the biggest in Africa will attract athletes from Nigeria, England, Germany, Belgium, Ireland, India, France, Portugal, Slovak, Czech Republic and The Netherlands. Turkey, Mauritius, Egypt, South Africa, Uganda, Benin Republic, Zambia and Ghana, among others, will also compete for three-day event whose prize is fixed at $15, 000. According to Orbih, who is also Vice President of the Nigeria Badminton Federation, the

organisers opted for Lagos as host due to its successful hosting of the maiden edition which attracted 16 countries. “We at the federation are happy that the classics is coming few months to the All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville as it will enable us prepare our athletes adequately,” Orbih said, stressing, “The World Badminton Federation has commended Nigeria for a successful hosting of the maiden edition, hence the influx we have witnessed this time.” Chairman Technical Committee of the BFN, Tunde Kazeem, said the classics would be in men singles, women singles, men doubles, women doubles and mixed doubles categories with 80 Nigerian players competing to improve their international ranking, even as he appealed to the Corporate Nigeria for support.

NNL: Kogi United eyes flourish end Afolabi Gambari

layers and officials of Kogi United Football Club of Lokoja are determined to end the first stanza of the Nigeria National League on high this weekend as guests of Kaduna United United. Spokesman of the club, Wale Mustapha, told National Mirror yesterday that the Yomi Elijahtutored side had prepared well for the encounter. “We targeted two wins in the last two games of the first stanza, even though they are away ties but lost the first one last week to Jigawa in Dutse,” Mustapha said.

Sule

“So, we cannot afford to lose vital points in Kaduna as we enter the two-week break after this weekend,” he added. Meanwhile, Confluence Queens Football Club of Lokoja midfielder, Mary Saiki, has been handed the chance to fight for a spot in the Peter Dedevbocoached Falconets’ side as the national U-20 women team resumed camping in Abuja on Tuesday. Chairman of Confluence Queens, Mallam Abdul Sule, who reacted through the club’s spokesperson, Tosin Ojo, said the Edo-born player has the capacity to compete at the national camp. “It’s a good development for our club,” Sule said.

Keshi and Enyeama panel: Ideal but wrong time

’m a firm believer in the doctrine of discipline and respect for the rule of law. In the same token, relevant extant rules and regulations should be observed and respected. I hate insubordination and unnecessary pride with passion. It is expected that those in leadership positions should be careful in what they say and what they do. However, there are things l can consider to be minor and of no weight that serious minded people should not dissipate time and energy on. There are many things to do with energy and time. My concern on the panel set up by the NFF to investigate the Super Eagles Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi is the TIMING. The coach was alleged to have applied to coach the Ivory Coast national team while on the Super Eagles’ job. The same committee Keshi is also to investigate the comments of the Super Eagles captain Vincent Enyeama over the choice of Kaduna as the venue of the last match played against Chad national team. Enyeama was alleged to have expressed security concern on Kaduna as venue for the match which the NFF disapprove of. The NFF also felt that Enyeama’s comment must have cost the body millions of naira in sponsorship and gate-taking. I believe the setting up of panel over trivial and mundane issues like this should be the last on NFF’s priority list. It is absurd to imagine that the NFF has forgotten that similar in-fighting and divisions within the Super Eagles and NFF cost Nigeria’s qualification for the last Nations Cup. It is only reasonable to be guided by history as those who refused to learn from history are often victims of their actions. It is ridiculous for the NFF to engage in self destructive path at a time the country should be seen to be serious with her preparations for qualification for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. I don’t want to believe that there are more to it than we are being made to know. If the board is determined to see to the exit of Keshi, so be it. But it must be done without inflicting avoidable injuries on our collective

interest. To make matters more delicate, what the NFF should have managed in-house in respect of the comment of the Eagles captain was mismanaged and allowed to snowball into a conflict between the board and the captain. I think issuing Enyeama a query over his comment was an administrative blunder, not to talk of setting up committee to investigate a comment for which he has apologised. I would not want to accept, though could be a possibility, that the board could not find a better way to address this minor issue than setting up a committee to investigate what should necessar-

ily b e considered a family matter. Does it also mean there is no one on the NFF board that can proffer a better option than this panel of distraction? This will surely have a negative impact on the road map on our determination to ensure that Nigeria will not be conspicuously missing at the 2017 AFCON finals. The NFF should take full responsibility if Nigeria fails to qualify for both AFCON 2017 and World Cup 2018. The other unimaginable after effect of their action is the division it may have created among the Eagles players. Take it or not, some of the players are of the view that Enyeama was speaking for them as their captain and the concern expressed was also in their interest. This group of players will not see any justification in either investigating or penalizing Enyeama as a result of his comment. Either way, the setting up of the committee to investigate the duo will ultimately do more harm to the team than good. This is why I believe the panel was not a well thought out remedy for whatever it was meant to achieve. Another approach I considered may be counterproductive is the recently announced NFF selec-

tion committee whose responsibility it is to pick players for the coach to use in subsequent matches of the Eagles. I hope it was wrongly reported in the media, even though it was massively circulated. I can see conflict and clash of interest and responsibility here between the coach and the selection committee. Again, if I may ask, who will be held accountable for failure or success? And are we not inadvertently creating excuse for the coach in case of failure? Do we really need this misadventure? Is this not a clear case of a vote of no confidence on the coach? Or is there any iota of truth in the conclusions of many that Keshi was indeed forced on the NFF board by the previous administration? If the NFF board no longer needs the services of the coach, they should be bold enough to summarily sack him, but in line with the terms of the contract already signed with him. In doing so, they should try not to incur FIFA wrath regarding contractual obligations. Nigeria should not forget that the NFF has taken us through similar road in the past and it was not rewarding at all. The crisis within the NNF board and the technical crew led to the Eagles woeful outing at 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The same was repeated before, during after the Confederation Cup in Brazil prior to the World Cup in 2014 and the woeful outing that followed is still fresh in our memory. It was the same old story before, during and after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, resulting in Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the AFCON 2015. This NFF panel is ill timed, awkward and absurd. It looks like an ill wind that blows no one any good. Our time, energy and concentration should be geared towards Nigeria qualification and to also excel at the next Nations Cup and the World Cup finals. I am not speaking for or against Keshi. If the NFF was not sure before now that Keshi lacked what it took to be the Super Eagles coach, they should have dropped him long ago. This is certainly not the right time for this unnecessary drama.

Just to say thanks Words alone may not be able to express my profound gratitude for your enormous show of love and affection for me on my birthday last week Friday, June 19. I’m grateful and deeply appreciate all your kindness. Once again, many thanks and may the joy, love and affection of the Lord never depart from your homes.

Hard but the bitter truth Deceitful and insincere approach can only produce failure and regret as rewards. Hard But The Bitter Truth. Until next week Friday, stay out of trouble and God bless Nigeria.

WORLD RECORD

Largest hockey stick

Vol. 05 No. 1143

Friday, June 26, 2015

N150

The largest hockey stick is 62.48 m (205 ft) long, weighs 28.12 tonnes (62,000 lb) and was commissioned by Canada’s Federal Government for the Canadian Pavilion at the Expo 1986, in Vancouver, Canada.

Still on Reuben Abati and German Piper of Hamelin

phenomenal truth it is, from the days of yore, even to the present day that the job of the piper is to provide music at ‘viable’ ceremonies. You may call them praise singers of this generation. They played whatever music people enamoured by their presence tipped them to play. When their wells run dry and no one is doing the tipping, they just tune their praise singing tones loudest to attract the requisite dosage of attention and patronage. They abound in rural and urban settings as strolling drummers or full time musicians, some with recorded albums to their eternal credit. The central points of this discourse, however, are: Firstly, there are variations in types and the kinds of services pipers render to their clients. Secondly, they are neither naïve nor unprincipled, like some of the critics of Abati would want us swallow; the reason being

ayern Munich Coach, Pep Guardiola, says he would rather be loved than looking for titles. The former Barcelona gaffer has won two consecutive Bundesliga titles since joining the German club two years ago, yet has

FRIDAY WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) that pipers do not perform for nothing, and whoever paid for their services had the right to tell them which tunes to put out. This is particularly deserving of special emphasis, here. For, the bargain may be likened to a temporary employer-employee relationship that can go awry anytime either way depending on how both sides stick to the spirit and letters of the bargain. Remember, the original legend itself actually portrays the pied piper as an ambivalent figure, both good and evil; and to be a pied piper is used to refer positively or negatively to various types of figures. If Dr. Abati chose to play his pied piper role from the positive side, it most probably indicated that the bargain, whatever it was for him, was right and deserving of the profuse strength he gave to his piper responsibility under former President Jonathan. He personally suggested that much in an interview he obliged one of the national dailies about the middle of last year, when he said: “Well, whatever seat anybody occupies in government or in life, there will be times when the seat will appear to be very hot and there will be times when the seat will appear to be very cold. That is just the fact of life. What is important is that whatever situation you occupy, and you have a job to do, you must give it your best shot. So,

RETURN TO DEMOCRACY IN 1999… DID NOT CHANGE THESE TRADITIONS OF THE PAST I don’t complain and I don’t have any regrets at all”. Never mind his strident defence or denials of the glaring inefficiencies and policy twists of the Jonathan era, including the state pardon granted persons convicted for being overly corrupt. Bother no more about allegations of last minute looting of government property and valuables even in Aso Rock on the eve of Jonathan’s exit. Abati for this writer remains a gaffer that once shook his audience with caustic criticisms of the profound rots across the land and in high places at a time, like portions of his 2007 piece in ‘The Guardian’ captioned “Empty treasuries all over”, reproduced here, would amply testify. It is just that many a stellar minds have been lost to the power, fame and fiduciary flipsides of life. It all appears a gelid circus show of history recycling old mistakes. Who is next? Femi Adesina or Garba Shehu? Hopefully, too, Abati may in the fullness of time, tell the rest of the story in his ‘Aso Rock Memoires’. Now read part of vintage Abati on

“Empty treasuries all over” (2007): Not many Nigerians would be surprised that the state treasuries are literally empty. The existing culture of governance in Nigeria is such that a sitting governor sees public funds as a form of personal allocation; as his own personal share of the proverbial national cake. Since the civil war, it has been standard practice for a new administration to inherit debts and an empty treasury. On the eve of their departure from office, military governors and administrators in the past carted away public funds and property. The most dramatic case being the realisation by the General Sani Abacha government that some past military administrators had, in fact, cleared out the treasury within two days. New government appointees who were allocated government quarters met empty apartments; it was common practice for departing government officials to park away government furniture, including kitchen utensils and mattresses. The new men would then apply afresh for furniture allowances, and they too would later repeat the same pattern of outright theft. Cars were not spared either. Every government official had a panel beater on stand-by, just in case, as well as extra drivers who could move government vehicles to a safe location at short notice. As a rule, new administrators did not complain, since this was a possibility for the new men too at the end of their tenure. This is the sordid tradition that civilian administrators have inherited… The return to democracy in 1999, in the context of the drawn-out struggle against military rule, did not change these traditions of the past. Any hope that the emergent political elite would behave differently was misplaced. This is one bitter lesson that Nigerians have had to learn… Concluded.

Sport Extra I prefer to be loved than win titles –Guardiola fallen short in continental competition, losing to former club and eventual champion Barcelona in the semifinals this past season. “If you want to know what I want in life and

from my work, it is that I just want to be loved,” Guardiola said yesterday. “I do not seek more. At this point, I am no longer seeking titles,” he added. Guardiola, who is renowned for coaching play-

ers on life’s philosophy, also admitted that he has affected many players positively. “If I have to leave players out there on the bench, they are offended because they think that I do not

like them,” he offered, stressing, “They do not think that my decisions were mainly tactical, but because they are not loved. But I made up by taking them out for chats.”

Guardiola

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