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Multi-billion dollar Centenary City project a fraud –PDP Chieftain

NNPC to throw account books open for public scrutiny, says Kachikwu P.5

...calls for Anyim’s head OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

Anyim

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resident Muhammadu Buhari has been advised to probe the multi-billion dollar Centenary City project over

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

fraudulent acquisitions perpetrated by the sponsors, covering over 1,500 hectares of land in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

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Jonathan’s wife’s aide nabbed in Ghana with $5m cash A ...as treasury looters move to hide stolen money Buhari probes sale of NITEL/MTEL

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former aide to Dame Patience, wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, has been arrested at Accra Airport, Ghana, with a whopping $5m cash, an amount that is in excess of the basic travelling fund stipulated by CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Crash: NCAA begins audit of airlines P.9 Electricity supply below six hours daily ...17% population not served

L-R: Director, PRS, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Aethebirth Muoka; Permanent Secretary, Mr. George Ossi; President Muhammadu Buhari and Managing Director, Federal Housing Authority, Prof. Muhammad Al-Amin, during Presidential briefing by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development at the State House, Abuja, yesterday.

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Over 150 perish in Yobe River fleeing from Boko Haram ...women, children are main victims

President dissolves AMCON management

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Wednesday, August 19, 2015

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Jonathan’s wife’s aide nabbed in Ghana with $5m cash CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Ghanaian law. The aide (name withheld) is said to be already in police custody and helping investigation. Investigation by National Mirror revealed that the aide, who was arrested by the Ghanaian security, was just one of several stooges on

assignment to ferry as much cash as possible to neighbouring West African countries before the long arm of the nation’s anti-corruption agency catches up with them. National Mirror’s impeccable source said since President Muhammadu Buhari has tightened the noose around

corrupt officials, who served in the last administration, with a vow to recover all stolen monies from the public treasury, some of the concerned politicians have devised means to ferry their loot to nearby African countries as the United States of America and the United Kingdom have become

no-go areas to corrupt politicians and public officers. The source said: “It is now a common thing for those who have skeletons in their cupboards to panic and start moving their loot to other African countries. “Patience Jonathan’s aide who was caught in

Ghana was just unlucky. It has now dawned on them that President Buhari is not kidding about recovering Nigeria’s monies stolen by these people. With the cooperation coming from USA and UK, the looters know there is no hiding place for them hence the race to stash as much as they

L-R: Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase; Executive Director, Abuja and East Bank, UBA Plc, Mr. Dan Okeke and Relationship Director, Public Sector Group, UBA Plc, Mr. Sani Usman, at National Security Meeting in Abuja, on Monday.

Multi-billion dollar Centenary City project a fraud –PDP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja. Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Vice Chairman, South South, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, made the call to the President in a petition dated July 21, 2015, which was also copied the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for further action. Addressing newsmen in Abuja yesterday the PDP stalwart though said the former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan approved the project and did the ground breaking as part of activities of the country’s centenary celebrations, he was out of the loop of the scheming and fraud of top officials of the Federal Government. He said: “Yes, the former president signed the papers as was presented to him by the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, he

was not properly briefed because of vested interests. “I can defend him; he was not part of the fraud. If Jonathan had been properly briefed he would not have approved the project not to talk of going to perform the ground breaking of the project. “The former President thought that the Centenary city was for the good of all Nigerians because of the centenary spirit. Unknown to him, it was the private project of the former SGF and his cohorts. “I am calling on President Buhari now to revisit the centenary project and he will be shocked at the findings that the project was owned by private individuals but procured with government funds. “It would be interesting to note that the land owners demanded for compensation in line with the FCT administration resettlement and compensation

programme from the Federal Government but the sponsors of the project used a private firm to pay the sum of N1.2bn to the land owners. Where did they source that money from? “How can an individual still serving in the government get such a huge sum to pay compensations without government knowledge, who is the owner of Mullark? “All these President Buhari should direct the Department of State Services, DSS, the police, even the Directorate of Military Intelligence, DMI, should be brought to look into the matter as well as EFCC,” he said. Ojougboh described the project as a scheme used to defraud the Federal Government in taxes, stressing that the Free Zone status given to the multi-district estate was non-consistent with the extant laws of the FCT

as well as the rules guiding the granting of a Free Trade Zone by the Nigeria Export Zonal Authority, NEPZA. Ojuogboh said: “During my tenure as Chairman of the Board of NEPZA, I can categorically attest to the fact emphatically and unequivocally that the board did not approve the granting of the status of free trade zone to centenary City. “Centenary city cannot be a free zone because it is purely a residential estate within the confinement of the Federal Capital Territory and it is implicit that those who live in the free trade zone will require reentry visa for ingress and egress. “I make bold to say that the Federal Government has no equity in the Centenary City project and that Senator Anyim Pius Anyim is the sole owner of the 3,000 acres of land owned by the Centenary

City Abuja. “This is against the tenets and spirit of the Public Service rules for a public servant to own such a business whilst in Government.” Meanwhile, a group, New Peoples Democratic Party Reformation Coalition said the continued stay of Ojougboh as the South-South vice chairman would destroy the party. National Coordinator of the groups, Danelsi Momoh, who led his members on a protest to the National Headquarters, called on the party’s leaders to curtail the activities of Ojougboh. He accused him of planning to hijack the party for personal interest. He said if the activities of Ojougboh in the South South was not checked, it would not only weaken the operations of PDP, but also sent the party to oblivion.

could in banks around Africa.” Our efforts to get confirmation from the Ghanaian security agencies could not yield any result as all telephone lines scooped on the google website failed to sail through. It would be recalled that two major officers of the Jonathan administration - National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) and Gordon Obua, the Chief Security Officer, CSO, to the former president - were earlier quizzed by the Nigerian security over sundry allegations of mismanagement of funds before they were let out of the hook temporarily. Nine vehicles were said to have been impounded from Dasuki’s house. Jonathan, last week met with President Buhari behind closed doors at the instance of the Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar-led 2015 Elections Peace Committee. Held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the meeting was reported to have bordered on the seriousness with which Buhari had been pursuing the probe of cases of corruption, particularly, concerning those allegedly perpetrated by political office holders of the Jonathan administration. At the meeting, Jonathan was said to have sought for understanding on alleged corrupt practices and mismanagement of funds under his administration as he claimed that he was hearing about some of the corrupt practices for the first time. Buhari was however reported to have insisted that all looted funds must be returned to the nation’s coffers. The president was also quoted as saying that Jonathan had nothing to fear about. The outcome of the meeting, according to the report, informed the declaration by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, shortly after that the target of the administration’s anti-corruption war was not Jonathan.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Photo News

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

L-R: Programme Manager, Department for International Development (DFID) in Nigeria, Mr. Peters Ugwuoke; Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode; Head of DFID Office in Nigeria, Mr. Ben Mellor and South-West Regional Coordinator, Mr. Sina Fagbenro-Byron, during Mellor’s visit to Governor Ambode in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Divisional Head, Retail Bank, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Richard Madiebo; Regional Bank Head, Mr. Obaro Odeghe; Head, Saving Group, Janet Nnabuko and National Head of Sales, Chiefo Ejiofobiri, during a press conference on SAVE 4 Shelter promo in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA

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L-R: Head, Acquiring Cards and e-Banking Department, Ecobank Nigeria, Funso Oyelohunnu; First Runner-up (Ecobank customer), Richard Bamgbose ; Head, Card Business, Ecobank Nigeria; Bode Oyegoke-AKande; and Chairman, Committee of e-Banking Industry, Tunde Kuponiyi, during the presentation of cash reward to winners of the CBN e-Payment Incentive Scheme raffle draw in Lagos, recently.

L-R: Executive Director, GTBank, Wale Oyedeji; Executive Director, Global Infoswift, Afolabi Oke; Director, UK Trade and Investment, British High Commission, Lagos, Chris Maskell; Executive Director, GTBank, Ohis Ohiwerei; Executive Director, GTBank, Demola Odeyemi and Chief Information Security Officer, GTBank, Bharat Soni, during the presentation of Four ISO Certifications to GTBank by the British Standard Institute in Lagos, yesterday.

National News

Electricity supply below six hours daily –Report …17% population not served Udeme Akpan

espite recent improvement in power supply, the country is far from meeting its electricity needs as an independent study showed that the privatised Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs, are still providing consumers with less than six hours supply daily. This is even as about 17 per cent of the population is completely excluded from those enjoying electricity nationwide. An independent report by NOIPolls Limited for second quarter (Q2) of 2015 showed that the average cumulative power supply received per day by Nigerian

households within a 27-month period (April, 2013 to June, 2015) was below six hours per day. The organisation indicated that individuals were relying and spending more on alternative sources of power to ensure efficiency in the running of their homes and businesses. The report maintained that despite the reforms carried out in the power sector by government, Nigerians were still facing erratic power supply as the monthly average cumulative hours received ranged from 3.9 – 8.2 hours per day; with 17 per cent of the entire population not receiving electricity at all in the period in view. It indicated that households receiving such low periods (hours)

of power supply in the 21st century is indicative of a deficiency in infrastructural development that goes beyond theoretical reforms and unbundling of assets, while also emphasising the urgent need for an entire overhaul of the sector. The report showed further that a direct effect of the poor power supply can be seen in the number of Nigerians (77.5 per cent) who resorted to purchasing and using alternative sources of electricity for residential and business purposes, adding that this has created an additional strain on the financial burden of the households. Similarly, the report stated that findings from previous NOIPolls power

reports showed that Nigerians typically spend between 3,302 - 3,726 on actual electricity supply, while spending between 7,866 - 12,351 in running alternative sources of power supply within a 15-month period from (April 2014 to June 2015). It maintained that owing to the lack of growth and capacity to meet demand of electricity consumers, the Federal Government initiated a series of reform projects and policies whose core objective was to ensure that Nigeria has an efficient electricity supply industry that could meet the needs of its citizens in the 21st century by providing all current and prospective economically justifiable demands throughout the country.

The report observed that due to lack of adequate infrastructure in the sector, as the last transmission line was built in 1987 and the youngest plant in 1990, average daily generation dwindled down to 1,750 mw some months ago, leaving an estimated over 90 million without access to grid electricity. Despite the attempted reforms of the sector, the report noted that Nigeria had been unable to generate more than 4,500mw for over 170 million people. According to the report, the inability to meet current demand has led to a high rate of load shedding, which has inevitably resulted in low power and complete absence (in some areas of the country)

of power supply experienced all around the nation NOIPolls introduced the Power Polls in 2013 to explore the perception of Nigerians towards the power sector reforms. The company stated that the polls were being conducted monthly to explore the amount of power supply received daily and expenditures made on power supply, as well as the state of power supply to households and its effect on consumers, especially in the use of alternative sources of power and it financial implications. It also disclosed that the result presented is a 27-Month tracking of the usage of alternative sources of power supply by Nigerian households

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Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Over 150 perish in Yobe River fleeing from Boko Haram A bout 150 people have drowned or were shot dead fleeing Boko Haram gunmen who raided a remote village in Yobe State, local residents said yesterday. Dozens of militants arrived on motorcycles and in a car on Thursday last week and opened fire, scattering terrified residents of Kukuwa-Gari. “They opened fire instantly, which forced residents to flee. They shot a number of people. Unfortunately many residents who tried to flee plunged into the river which is full from the rain. Many drowned,” Modu Balumi, a resident of the village, said. “By our latest toll we have 150 people either (shot dead) or drowned in the attack. The gunmen deliberately killed a fisherman who tried to save drowning residents of the village,” he added. Balumi said the bodies of many of the drowned were picked out by locals several kilometres away. News of the attack was slow to emerge because the militants have destroyed telecom masts around the village, which is 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Damaturu, the state capital since the insurgency began in 2009. “Most residents, particularly women and children, ran towards the river in confusion,” said Bukar Tijjani, another villager, who confirmed the death toll. “They were pursued by the gunmen who kept firing at them. In the frantic effort to escape they jumped into the river, which was full to the brim.” A local government official confirmed the attack but put the death toll much lower, at around 50. The ambush came during the peak rainy season, when most waterways in the north east are swollen and can flow with dangerous speed. The village was still reeling from a raid by suspected Boko Haram militants on July 31 when at least 10 people were killed by gunmen who burned homes, food silos and livestock. The Gujba area of

Yobe State, where Kukuwa-Gari village is located, has been hit hard by Boko Haram violence in the past but had seen relative calm since troops reclaimed it in March. In September 2013 scores of students of an agricultural college in the area were massacred as they slept in their dormitories. In February last year, dozens of students of a boarding secondary school in Buni Yadi were also killed in a gun attack on their hostels. Boko Haram claimed responsibility for both attacks. The jihadist militia, which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, has waged a violent campaign for a separate Islamic homeland in the northeast which has seen more than 15,000 deaths since 2009. The military under President Muhammadu Buhari’s predecessor Goodluck Jonathan was heavily criticised for poor handling of the insurgency and its failure to free 219 schoolgirls abducted from Chibok in April last year. Buhari, who came to power on May 29 vowing to destroy Boko Haram, replaced his military chiefs last week, ordering them to end the insurgency within three months. Since May, the militants have stepped up their campaign with a wave of raids, bombings and suicide attacks which have left more than 1,000 people dead. The Islamists have also carried out deadly ambushes across Nigeria’s borders and in recent weeks, suicide bombers, many of them women, have staged several attacks in Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad. A five-nation regional force of 8,700 troops from Nigeria and its neighbours has been set up to fight Boko Haram and is expected to deploy imminently. Buhari told a national security gathering in Abuja on Monday his government would employ “at least an extra 10,000 police officers” and set up a federal anti-terrorism

task force to crush the rebellion. Chadian leader Idriss Deby declared on August 12 that efforts to combat Boko Haram had succeeded in “decapitating”

the group and would be wrapped up “by the end of the year”. Deby told reporters in the capital N’Djamena that Boko Haram was no longer led by the fear-

some jihadist commander Abubakar Shekau and that his successor, whom he named as Mahamat Daoud, was open to talks. But Shekau dramatically rebuffed the claim

in an audio recording released on Sunday and authenticated by security analysts, dismissing the Chadian head-of-state as a “hypocrite” and a “tyrant”.

L-R: Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole; representative of Permanent Secretary, Labour, Dr. O. C. Illoh; Zonal Commanding Officer, Abuja and Niger, Assistant Corps Marshal, Jonas Agwu and Oyo State Deputy Governor, Otunba Moses Adeyemo, during the Quadrennial National Delegates Conference in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

NNPC to throw account books open for public scrutiny, says Kachikwu

roup Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, said yesterday in Abuja that the corporation would operate an open accounting system that would allow public scrutiny of its books. This was contained in a statement issued by Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the corporation, Mr. Ohi Alegbe. The statement quoted Kachikwu as saying such a policy would usher in a new dawn of transparency through periodic publications of the corporation’s financial transaction.

He said the new NNPC of his dream would be a corporation anchored on the foundation of transparency, adding that transparency must be the watchword of every staff. He urged the staff to break away from the old culture and bring creative solutions to the numerous challenges facing the corporation. The GMD said with the kind of change he had in mind, the staff could not afford to continue with ‘business as usual’ mentality. He challenged the staff not to obey any directive from him or any superior officer that runs contrary to the rules governing the sys-

tem. Kachikwu said President Muhammadu Buhari would not ask him to do anything shady just as he himself would not ask any staff to carry out any unlawful duty. “I want transparency. Beginning from next month, I want to be able to publish what the corporation makes. “I have told the President that as from next week, I will be sending him weekly reports,” he said. The GMD said the publication would begin with establishing the current financial status of the corporation. Kachikwu said he would assign auditors to do prop-

er forensic audit with a view to revealing the full state of the corporation. He promised to revisit old processes that enhanced efficient operations and urged the staff to see themselves as the drivers of the changes required to bring about the new NNPC. “You are the ones who have been around and who understand the system and so you are the ones who should drive the change,” he said. The GMD said the change would be anchored on three key issues of people, processes, and profit. He dismissed reports that he was out to sack 1,000 staff.

NLC calls for security measures at motor parks

resident of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Ayuba Wabba, yesterday called on governments at all levels to evolve appropriate strategies to ensure security at motor parks. Wabba made the call at the 8th Quadrennial National Delegate Conference of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in Abuja. The NLC president said this had become necessary in the wake of increasing terrorist attacks at motor parks in some parts of the country. Wabba also called for the

provision of more subsidised vehicles for transport operators to further reduce the cost of transportation nationwide. He said since insurgency began, motor parks and markets had always been target of bombers, stressing that government should strategise on how to curtail bomb blasts. “NURTW has, and still contributing to national development despite the state of the roads and they need security and motor-able roads. “The porous nature of our motor parks and mar-

kets make people enter at different directions without restriction; this has to be addressed,” he said. Wabba said no country can develop without the development of its transport system. He said NLC would partner with governments on zero tolerance for corruption, pointing out that the money recovered from politicians should be used to provide employment to the citizens. He said the delegates’ conference was often used to account for the achievements of the unions and to

strategise on how to respond to future challenges. Corps Marshal of the Federal Roads Safety Corps, FRSC, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, said the leadership of the union had transformed it to a big organisation worthy of emulation. Oyeyemi said FRSC had been partnering with NURTW on the issue of overloading in parks and speed limit policy which would be enforced in September. He said the major challenge facing the union was their old vehicles which needed to be replaced.

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Wednesday, August 19, 2015

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Buhari probes sale of NITEL/MTEL ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

resident Muhammadu Buhari has ordered probe into the sale of Nigeria Telecommunications Limited, NITEL/MTEL by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. National Council on Privatisation, NCP, had on December 18, 2014, announced final sale of the company to NATCOM Consortium for $252.25

million. The Federal Government later handed over the company to NATCOM Consortium in April this year. But Buhari, during a briefing by the Ministry of Communications Technology at the Presidential Villa yesterday, said as much as he was not opposed to the sale of the national communication firm, there was need to ensure the country was not shortchanged in the process.

The President therefore, directed Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Tunji Olaopa, to prepare details of the transaction in a memo and forward to him. Buhari said he was concerned by continuing protests of former NITEL employees and other Nigerians over the manner in which assets of the company were sold. He directed the ministry to work harder to fully develop the revenue-generation potential of Nige-

ria’s information technology sector. He also directed Olaopa to bring forward for his consideration and approval, all pending proposals for the development of the country’s IT sector, which require the approval of the Federal Executive Council. “Where you don’t need EXCO approval and you are not in breach of the law and will not lose money, you can go ahead. Now that oil costs less and we are contending with its

theft, we have to move to areas we can realize revenue quickly,” the President said. Buhari welcomed plan by the ministry to use post offices across the country for IT and financial transactions especially in rural communities, saying he was happy to hear that “we are recovering the post offices from rats and rodents.” Speaking with State House Correspondents after the briefing, Olaopa said the President expressed concern about the sale of NITEL/ MTEL He said, “The President was concerned by the quality of service of telecom operators. He is very concerned about the whole issue of privatisation that is hindering investments in ICT infrastructure and

that he would personally champion this. “The President talked about the potential of the ICT sector in generating employment. “The President was concerned about the liquidation of NITEL. He is not opposed to its privatization, but he wants to know and he wants us to bring a memo on how the whole transaction was undertaken so that he would know whether Nigeria was shortchanged,” Olaopa added. It would be recalled that the Federal Government initially at the financial bids opening for the sale of the telecommunication company rejected a $221 million bid from NATCOM. But the firm later increased its offer to $252.25 million and won the bid.

INEC strategises for better elections OMEIZA AJAYI

I Eyo masqurade from Lagos entertaining during the Quadrennial National Delegates Conference in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

NCC to sanction telecom operators for non-compliance

igeria Communications Commission, NCC, yesterday said telecommunication operators, who failed to comply with deactivation of invalid and improper registered SIM cards, will be sanctioned. NCC’s Head of Enforcement, Monitoring and Regulation, Mr Efosa Ide-

hippers Association of Lagos State, SALS, yesterday urged the Federal Government to reduce customs tariffs to make Nigerian ports more competitive. President of the association, Mr Jonathan Nicol, made the plea at the Annual General Meeting of the association held in Lagos.

hen, disclosed this to Nigerians while briefing the press in Lagos. According to Idehen, the enforcement team visits to the operators after expiration of the deadline, showed they were not prepared to conform to regulatory directive. “When we appeared on their doorsteps unannounced, they were

caught napping. “This exercise is for national security and must be accorded the attention and urgency it deserves,” he said, adding that the NCC directive was part of a policy to correct existing anomalies in the nation’s telecommunication database. Idehen said as at September 2014 when the database was scrapped, vari-

ous numbers were sent to the operators for re-validation. He said 18.6 million numbers were sent to MTN, while Airtel got 7.4 million numbers for revalidation. Glo and Etisalat networks also received 2.3 million numbers and 10.46 million numbers, respectively.

ndependent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said it was working with various stakeholders to improve on the country’s electoral process. Acting Chairperson of the commission, Mrs Amina Zakari, stated this at a one-day workshop for selected journalists and INEC Public Affairs Officers held in Kaduna. The event was designed to examine lessons learnt from the just-concluded general elections in the country. Mrs Zakari, who was represented on the occasion by INEC’s Director, Human Resources Management, Alhaji Musa Adamu, said the event, was

Shippers’ seek review of customs tariffs Nicol said customs tariffs should be reduced while government should also reverse the revenue target given to Nigeria Customs Service. He said government should enact laws that would simplify and enable clearance of cargo from the ports within 24

hours at moderate port charges. “If tariffs are reduced and Warri port facilities are rehabilitated, this would curb unrest in Warri and environs. “We believe that government can derive more revenue on all imports as employment opportuni-

ties would be opened and millions of Nigerians will benefit. “Exports from Nigeria should attract zero per cent and facilities for receiving export cargo should be upgraded,’’ Nicol said, adding that the national carrier would be useful in facilitating

and receiving export cargo. According to Nicol, refineries should be established in the South-South region to meet local fuel demands and exports. He further advised that government should protect Nigerian shippers to sustain their businesses.

to brainstorm on what went well or wrong in the last general elections, as well as chart the way forward for better elections in the future. “Our major concern is to work together, criticize and praise ourselves too in our various contributions for us to get it right,” she said. She commended the efforts put in place by both the media and other partners which she said led to the success of the elections. On his part, representative of the United Nations Development Programme UNDP, Mr Eze Uche, said the UNDP was committed to assisting INEC in ensuring that it conducts elections that would be widely accepted. “It is our tradition to support the strengthening of democratic setting in Africa”, he said. Mr Eze remarked that the workshop would serve as an eye-opener in the commission’s bid to conduct free, fair and credible elections. At an interactive session during the programme, participants availed the commission of several ways to enhance the conduct of elections in the country.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

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25 Nigerians bag scholarship to study in Japan

apan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Sadanobu Kusaoke, said his country sees a gradual growth in the number of its companies active in Nigeria. Kusaoke spoke yesterday at a send-forth party for 25 Nigerians offered scholarship to study in Japan by Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA, in Abuja. “I hope this trend continues. It will lead to increased opportunities for Nigerians to work in Japanese companies,” Kusaoke said. Kusaoke explained that the scholarship, awarded through African Business Education Initiative (ABEI), an initiative of Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, was aimed at assisting Nigerian youths. According to Kusaoke, the programme aims at providing 1,000 African youths the opportunity to study at Japanese universities and learn its businesses. “The Japanese government, in this connection, offers the ABEI programme a five-year plan, providing 1,000 African youths with opportunity to study at Japanese universities. “The objective of this programme is to groom personnel, who can recognise and understand the code of Japanese society. “It is also to recognise the system of its enterprises to contribute to African development in collaboration with its private secCHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeoye Adeponmile Damilola now wish to be know and addressed as Mrs Oluwaleye Adeponmile Damilola.All former documents remain valid,Ekiti state Judiciary and general public note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AGU LOVINA OBIAGELI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS KANIFE LOVINA OBIAGELI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of loss of Land documents (C of O) registered as No. 45 at page 45 in volume 799 at Ministry of Lands, Enugu. Belonging to Moses Ukasonwa Ozoh of No. 41 Zik Avenue Uwani, Enugu. If found contact the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development Enugu.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015 tor.” Kusaoke expressed confidence in the participants, saying they would help to bridge the gap between the two countries after spending some years to experience Japan’s culture. The ambassador said the diversification of the economy into ICT and agriculture was needed by Nigeria in the face of current economic challenges. Mr Oladimeji Shogbuyi, Director, International Cooperation, National Planning Commission (NPC), expressed satisfaction with Japan’s assistance to Nigerian youths through ABEI programme. According to Shogbuyi, the successful candidates will benefit from diverse fields in Master’s degree and Internship Programme in Japan. He explained that it was part of Japanese Government’s policy of promoting support for the dynamic growth of Africa with stronger Public Private Partnership. He said the initiative was aimed at strengthening economic relations between Nigeria and Japan through human resource development for industrial growth. “The internship programme is the fulfillment of the promise made by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), held in Japan in 2013. “This initiative will further strengthen the partnership that exists between the governments of Nigeria and Japan by fostering trade and economic union’’, Shogbuyi said. CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Pastor Ogunleye Babalola Emmanuel now wish to be known and addressed as Pastor Oluwaleye Babalola Emmanuel. All former document remain valid,Ekiti State Housing Corporation and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. NWANKWO EZIDIMMA ANTHONIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EMEHELU EZIDIMMA ANTHONIA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Adesanya Ramota Adebukonla now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Orekoya Ramota Abolore Adebukonla all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

FAMILY CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as mrs Oppong Mercy Adedoyin now wish to be known and addressed as mrs Fredrick mercy Adedoyin, Formerly oppong Goodness Nyamesem now fredrick goodness Oluwafunmilayo, formerly oppong miracle Afriyie now fredrick miracle oluwatobi,, formerly oppong Joshua now fredrick joshua oluwagbemiga. All former documents remain valid LGEA Odogbolu and general public take note.

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Buhari dissolves AMCON management team …appoints Kuru MD Rotimi Fadeyi, ABUJA

resident Muhammadu Buhari has approved the dissolution of Executive Management Team of Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON. A statement issued yes-

terday by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Buhari has also approved the reconstitution of management team of the corporation. In the new management team, Ahmed Lawan Kuru, was named Managing Director while Kola

Ayeye, Eberechukwu Uneze and Aminu Ismail were announced as Executive Directors. Until his appointment yesterday as Managing Director of AMCON, Kuru was Group Managing Director of Enterprise Bank Limited. He started his banking

career with the old Habib Bank in 1985 and rose through the ranks to become Executive Director of Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank) in 2005. The statement further said the appointment of Kuru and three new Executive Directors takes effect from yesterday.

Amnesty: December terminal date not feasible –IYC …faults sack of N’Deltans in NNPC Osahon Julius, YENAGOA

jaw Youth Council, IYC, the umbrella body of Ijaw youths worldwide, has said the December terminal date for Niger Delta amnesty programme is not feasible. President of IYC, Mr. Udengs Eradiri, disclosed this during a news conference at Izonware, headquarters of the council in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital. He lamented that there were a lot of issues concerning the amnesty programme that were yet to be tackled such as training of some ex-militants, rising wave of insecurity in the region and other postamnesty issues. Eradiri stated, “The December deadline to terminate the amnesty programme is not feasible. The IYC is looking at it and we have already forwarded a document to the Amnesty Coordinator, asking him to CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss Amogbonjaye Odunayo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akomolede Odunayo.All former document remain valid,Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board(SUBEB) and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. NKWUDIEZE MARYANN OBINWANNE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EZEH MARYANN OBINWANNE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and adressed as Miss Owode Olaoluwa mary temitope now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adeyinka Olaoluwa Mary temitope All former documents remain valid NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as GLADYS Arworiwo Omobolanle Idhike, now wish to be known and addressed as Grace Arworiwo Omobolanle Idhike. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

look at those who have been trained, those who have not been trained, how do we also capture those boys in the creeks and the insecurity going on in the Niger Delta. “The coordinator, having come out with a holistic view of the process, should be able to advise President Muhammadu Buhari that the deadline is not feasible. It is worthy of note that the amnesty programme itself is a security programme. It is as important as the North East. And so you cannot begin to set timelines when the process, the entire programme needs to go through, has not been completed. “In IYC’s view, we do not see December as a feasible termination date for the programme.” The IYC boss said the council would in due course engage the authorities. “It was not Buhari that fixed December deadline. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mr. Lawal Olamilekan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Wahab Lawal Lekan. All former documents remain valid. GTB and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. AYOKA THERESA NGOZIKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NWAEZE TESSY NGOZIKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as damilare samuel Joseph now damilare Samuel fakoya all former documents remain valid and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Ajagboma Akpevwe Princess now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eroh Akpevwe Princess. All former documents remain valid. N.Y.S.C , To whom it may concern and general public take note.

The date was fixed by the past administration. Between when they fixed the December terminal date and making approvals, agitations started coming from other ethnic nationalities including other youths in the Niger Delta that were not captured. “The President at that time approved on one occasion 6,000 persons and another occasion 3,000 to benefit from the programme. So, it is not possible to change the rules of a game in the middle of the game. So, all those adjustments will certainly affect the terminal date,” he added. He supported the biometric exercise being carried out by the Amnesty Coordinator, but advised him to check the process CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Emmanuel Temitope Anuoluwapo Egbiveno Mogoli now wish to be known and addressed as Precious Immanuel Temitope Anuoluwapo Egbiveno Mogoli. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANICHEBE MARIAGORETTI CHINONYELUM now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AWAZIE MARIAGORETTI CHINONYELUM. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss rabiu olufunke rabiat now wish to be known and addressed as mrs Osideko Olufunke Rabiat all former documents remain valid Ogun SUBEB ijebu north east local govt Education Authority and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

again with a view to capturing those who felt they were not carried along in the programme and had resorted to causing mayhem in the region. On the restructuring of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Eradiri urged the Federal Government and the management of the corporation to apply the principle of federal character. While agreeing that NNPC needed restructuring, he however frowned at the sacking of key Niger Delta staff in the corporation without justifiable reasons, stressing that some senior managers from core oil producing states of Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom were being removed without any reason. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Ogunbusola Olasunkanmi Peter, now wish to be kown and addressed as Akinola Olasunkanmi Peter. All documents bearing my old name remain valid . Redeemer’s University, Ede; IBTC Pension Management and the public should please take note. FAMILY CHANGE OF SURNAME

We formerly known and addressed as AGUMADU now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWUDINDU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Adepoju Bamiro Adekunle is the same person as Adepoju Adekunle Abel now wish to be known and addrerssed as Adepoju Bamiro Adekunle all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as miss dairo Kehinde funke now wish to be known and addressed as mrs oyedele kehinde funke all former documents remain valid Yemi Ogunbiyi anglican Schopol (YOAS) and general public take note.

Formerly known as Saka Azeez, now wish to be known and addressed as Salami Azeez Olaiya. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Doris Ramota Saliu now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Doris Ikoyo. All former documents remain valid. To whom it may concern and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Anme Agboola Ayo now wish to be known and addressed as Anme Agboola Tolani Roland. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

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South West

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Owo FMC accuses resident doctors of sabotage OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

L-R: Osun State Deputy Comptroller of Prison Services, Mr. Charles Esan; Comptroller, Mr. Tajudeen Olalekan Kehinde; Speaker, House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salaam and Assistant Comptroller, Mr. Suhaib Ayodeji, during a familiarisation visit to the Speaker, yesterday.

Ooni: Olumobi family warns against distortion of history •Adedoyin, Adefioye, Aregbesola’s aide join race BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

s the race for new Ooni of Ife gathers momentum, members of Olumobi Family of Lafigido Ruling House, have warned against distortion of facts about the history, custom and tradition of the ancient town. The family said possession of material wealth or political influence by

aspirants to the throne should not be placed above traditional rights of those described as true princes of Ile-Ife royal dynasties. They added that the value of integrity, rich cultural knowledge and strong relationship and affinity with the people of the town and the Yoruba nation in general should be accorded priority. A statement signed by Prince Adedimeji Dauda

Adefioye, said Lafigido family deserves the right to present the new Ooni of Ife more than two centuries after the last ruler from the lineage had reigned. He said the late Olumobi, who is progenitor of the Olumobi Compound of Lafigido Ruling House had reigned as 22nd Ooni of Ife, just after the reign of Luwoo, regarded as the only female Ooni and the town’s 21st monarch.

Meanwhile, more aspirants interested in becoming the next Ooni have joined the race. Leading the pack is a member of Olumobi family of Lafigido Ruling House, said to be a director in many multinational companies, Prince Adebode Obafemi Adefioye. Also, visitor to Oodua University, Moro, Prince Rahman Adedoyin, and an ex-commissioner in Osun State, Prince Sikiru Ayedun, were said to be interested in the throne.

…pilot of crashed Bristow Helicopters didn’t declare emergency

igerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has commenced immediate comprehensive audit of all airlines operating in the country with a view to improving safety in the subsector. This is as our correspondent gathered that the pilot of the ill-fated Sikorsky 76 Bristow helicopter marked 5N-BDG did not declare an emergency with the control towers before it crashed into the Lagos lagoon last week. A statement by General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Fan Ndubuoke, stated that Director-General, NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman, gave the order yester-

day in Lagos. NCAA stated that the recent air incidents and accidents that occurred in the sector were being viewed seriously by the authority, stressing that the wholesale audit was one of the measures taken to forestall further incidents and ensure sustenance of the confidence of air travellers. Usman stated that the comprehensive audit exercise was in line with the agency’s regulatory and oversight responsibilities. The Director-General assured that its Aviation Safety Inspectors, ASI, would continue to intensify the routine ramp inspections regularly to ensure strict adherence to safety. The statement added that the directive was to forestall complacency among the nation’s airline

operators and ensured that they continued to demonstrate absolute compliance to NCAA’s regulations. Besides, the helmsman sent out a stern warning to all pilots to take precautionary measures during all adverse weather conditions and called for strict adherence to states’ weather minima and Standard Operating Procedures, SOP. He further assured Nigerians that it would continue to ensure that safety regulations were strictly upheld by all operators in the sector. The statement added, “Airline operations in Nigeria will continue to be done according to the Standard and Recommended Practices, SARPs, thereby ensuring safe and secure operations.”

Fashola warns against manipulation of 2016 census FRANCIS SUBERU

Crash: NCAA begins audit of airlines

OLUSEGUN KOIKI

anagement of Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Owo, Ondo State, has accused resident doctors in its employ of sabotaging efforts at restoring sanity to the hospital. The management, in a statement yesterday, signed by acting Head of Administration and Board Secretary, Lucky Omoaregba, said the residents doctors were making attempts to reverse recent development and progress recorded by the hospital. It warned that all necessary administrative measures would be taken to address indiscipline in the institution. The warning followed the ultimatum issued by members of the Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, to the management to address their grievances. The management, which declared that there was no strike in the hospital last week as reported in the media, slammed ARD members for giving

Also, a source close to Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, confided in our correspondent yesterday that the pilot of the Bristow helicopter did not declare for emergency before the chopper crashed. The source further told our correspondent that as at the time the chopper crashed, Air Traffic Controllers, ATC, were not aware of the disaster until the helicopter company made a contact with the towers. The source said Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, had invited NAMA personnel for its investigation on the crash. The outcome of the invitation could not however be ascertained by our correspondent as at the time of filing this report.

a bad impression of the institution. The statement said: “We wish to state that members of Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Federal Medical Centre, Owo chapter, did not declare any strike as there was no dispute between the association and management of the hospital. “It is worthy of note that of all trade unions in the hospital, the ARD curiously is the only union sabotaging management’s efforts at restoring sanity to the hospital, all in an attempt to blackmail management and reverse the development and progress within the period of Interim Administrator’s assumption of duty.” It said that normal clinical services in the hospital were being effectively carried out by members of staff of other unions, adding that ARD members who had overstayed their study period were the ones instigating others against the management. According to the statement, the hospital would continue to provide qualitative healthcare services to members of the public.

ormer governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, yesterday warned against any attempt to manipulate the 2016 census. He said the quest for rapid development will continue to be elusive if the country fails to get its census right. Fashola, who spoke at the launch of three books entitled, “The Great Leap: Speeches of Governor Babatunde Fashola in Bold Print: Thoughts of Babatunde Fashola, and The Lagos Blow Down”, compiled and edited by former Special Adviser to the governor on media, Mr. Hakeem Bello and Mr. Dapo Adeniyi, said to entrench practice of manipulating census figures in the country is impeding economic growth and development. He said: “Given the people that we are, and from

the people who did our first census now owning up that figures were falsified, the onus is on us to get it right in 2016. “I say this because data, in my view, is important. If the work of gover nment is to provide services to people, its efficiency will be deter mined by its knowledge of how many people need service. And therefore, without accurate census figures, it may seem we are not determined to head the path of development. “The numbers have changed from 160 million to 170 million and sometimes we now hear of 180 million. But I recall that during the last census exercise in 2006, we worked with the National Population Commission, NPC, then. When they returned a number of over nine million, it was clear that it has become like Fela’s words, ‘government magic’”.

South West

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Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Ambode assures on Lagos development plan FRANCIS SUBERU

L-R: Special Adviser on Media to former Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos, Mr. Hakeem Bello; former Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade; former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Alhaja Lateefat Okunnu; representative of Senate President, Mr. Gbenga Makanjuola and representative of Ogun State Governor, Mr. Bimbo Ashiru, during the launch of three books written by Hakeem Bello and Dapo Adeniyi, in honour of former Governor Fashola, in Lagos, yesterday.

Lagos motorists groan under traffic gridlock robbery R esidents and motorists in Lagos State have called on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to urgently address robberies in traffic gridlocks in the metropolis, which they said, had become a nightmare. They also urged the governor to ensure that bad portions of roads, which often created the gridlocks, were repaired. However, they admitted that oftentimes cause of traffic jams were unseen. Those who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, said they had lost valuables and were at times maimed by hoodlums, who often took advantage of the slow moving traffic to brandish gun at unsuspecting motorists and passengers before disposing them of valuables. The robbers employ various modes of operations, including the use motorcycles whereby two people rode, while one gets down to rob unsuspecting motorists, the other waits to zoom off after they had completed the robbery. At times, one of them would pretend to be crossing the road only to get the driver to stop and as soon he does, others swoop on the vehicle to rob the occupants. Sometimes they tell the driver that his tyre

had gone flat or that his fuel tank was leaking just to get him to stop. This situation makes it imperative for all to be vigilant. Narrating their experiences, some of the victims said they were helpless as there were no security agents to help. They also spoke of the need for government to repair bad portions of roads as well as get traffic moving unhindered. A lady, who did not want her name mentioned, said three hoodlums tried to rob her around 8 pm in a slowmoving traffic at Odo Iya Alaro, Maryland. According to her, she was helpless and started to horn continuously to attract help before she finally was able to zoom off. One Mr. Tony, as he preferred to be called, who was not that lucky, was robbed at Fadeyi area of Ikorodu Road. He, however, advised motorists to be security conscious whenever they are driving at night as no one could predict where the hoodlums would be operating. Another victim, one Mr. Deji, a banker, said he and his colleagues were attacked while approaching Apongbon, CMS, around 6am on their way to work. Others who spoke also urged government to rid

the roads of hawkers, as many of them were not selling enough articles that could sustain them. They expressed the opinion that such persons might apparently be robbing motorists in traffic gridlocks, especially at nights to meet their needs. It would be recalled that the state’s police command had issued various warnings on illegal possession of firearms and also promised to free Lagos of traffic robberies in. Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, has also set up a squad that monitors operations of officers and men of the force in all

aspects of policing, especially tracking activities of traffic policemen. Apparently, the unit was established because of numerous complaints by the public about the police causing traffic jams due to their insatiable greed to extort money from motorists. The unit was also to address the absence of policemen at gridlock points and black spots to offer adequate security to the populace. His predecessor, Mr. Kayode Aderanti, had in January said police would free Lagos roads of gridlocks to prevent commuters and motorists from traffic robberies.

agos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday assured Lagosians that his administration has fashioned out a framework to commence implementation of the state’s Development Plan. The governor, who spoke when a delegation of the United Kingdom Department for International Development, DFID, led by the Country Representative, Mr. Ben Mellor, paid a courtesy visit to him, said his administration was setting up a framework, which the permanent secretaries are already working on. He said the state government and DFID should be able to put together issues that are germane to Lagosians, which requires doing things and carrying out programmes that would be of tremendous benefit to people of the state. “We would like you to also know that whatever it is that we are doing, will open up areas we believe will be of benefit to Nigerians in general,” he said. According to him, the Development Plan is geared towards achieving the vision of government in all sectors on long-term basis. The governor said he remains a firm believer in the basic principles of good governance, which

thrives on accountability and all inclusive governance. “Lagosians must be able to speak about the kind of government they want, we must also be accountable to them, we should be able to explain to them in every facet of our administration what we are doing and then government should also be participatory,” he said. Ambode said he has concluded plans to embark on tour of the 57 local governments in the state, saying it would afford him the opportunity to listen to the challenges of the people first hand and address them accordingly. He commended the partnership of the state government and DFID over the years, saying it has not only being a success, but has impacted on the people in no small way. Earlier, Mellor in his remarks commended Governor Ambode for his strides since assuming office, just as he noted that his decision to run an all inclusive government was one that conforms to the ideology of DFID. He lauded the steps taken by the governor so far to achieve his vision, saying his decision to align ministries and engender public service reforms will not only increase proactive and performance based strategic administration, but will also improve service delivery to the people.

Ogun launches home purchase plan for salary earners FEMI O YEWESO ABEOKUTA

n keeping faith with the electioneering campaign promise of affordable housing programme, the Governor Ibikunle Amosunled administration in Ogun State yesterday launched a new mortgage scheme. The new initiative would afford people of the state, who are on paid employment to own property of their own. Under the new scheme tagged “OPIC Advantage Home Purchasing Plan”, prospec-

tive landlords in both public and private employment are required to make 30 per cent deposit of the total cost of the property they plan to acquire. Addressing journalists in Abeokuta, the state capital, Managing Director of the state’s Property and Investment Corporation, OPIC, Mr. Babajide Odusolu, said the mortgage plan was in line with one of the five cardinal points of Amosun’s mission to rebuild the state, particularly in the area of providing massive and affordable housing units

to not only the civil servants, but also for those on paid employment. Noting that high cost of building materials has over the years hindered many workers from building their own houses, Odusolu said the scheme was an intervention by the administration. He stressed that the scheme, which is spread across the three Senatorial districts of the state, was designed with flexible plans that ensured payment was spread across three years after initial deposit.

Odusolu, who disclosed that OPIC was able to build only 100 housing units in its 25 years of existence, however, urged the people to take advantage of the additional 250 units built by the Amosun government within the last four years, stressing that his corporation targets 1,000 housing units per annum. The OPIC boss assured that the corporation would grant discount to such category of buyers, who can afford full payment of the cost, put at N7.8m at once.

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NGO makes case for violence bill Chris Njoku OWERRI

fforts by Federal and state governments to woo investors into the country may not be achieved if leaders entrusted with the responsibility to provide enabling environment for investments to thrive fail to support determination of some private organisations to eliminate violence in both private and public life. This observation was made during public presentation of a private bill titled ‘Imo State Violence against Persons Prohibition, VAPP bill.’ Presenting the bill, which was repealed in October 2013 following its controversial abortion section, in Owerri for dialogue, the facilitator, Development Dynamics Director, Dr. Jude Ohanele, said it would be a mirage for the nation to attract investors “if we don’t urgently address the rising tide of violence in the country.” He said VAPP Bill was conceptualised and drafted in 2002 to address the rising and emerging forms of violence in the country, but regretted that all efforts started at national level met brick walls because some

South East

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

politicians did not want it to see the light of day. “In view of what was happening at the national level, Development Dynamics facilitated drafting of the bill at the state level, but unfortunately it was repealed by Imo State House of Assembly in October 2013 following the abortion controversy,” he said. While calling for support for the amended bill, which has redefined rape and other controversial sections, Ohanele urged the public to collectively advocate passage of the bill. “Our people have turned the society to a lawless society; the impunity with which our people do things is the reason we are where we are today. This has to stop if we are to move forward as a nation.” According to him, the nation has been drifting into abyss of violence, adding: “If nothing drastic is done to respond to violence particularly rape, political and domestic violence, the country is doomed.” The bill titled, ‘A law to eliminate violence in private and public life, prohibits all forms of violence, including physical, sexual, psychological, domestic, harmful traditional practices.

IGP under pressure to prosecute Enugu PDP stalwarts Omeiza Ajayi ABUJA

nspector General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase, is under intense pressure to prosecute two stalwarts of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Enugu State, Mr. Paul Anikwe and Mrs. Ify Ozoani, over alleged forgery of PDP appointment letters and deposition to false affidavit. Representative of Enugu federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Dennis Amadi, had on July 6 petitioned the IGP, alleging impersonation and perjury by Anikwe and Ozoani. He prayed the police to investigate the matter and bring the two suspects and their collaborators to book. Amadi’s petition, a copy of which was obtained by our correspondent, was consequently assigned to

Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Criminal Intelligence and Investigation (FCIID) Force Headquarters, who moved men to Enugu and interrogated the suspects on July I5 and were granted bail, but to report to Force Headquarters on July 21. “On this day, the two suspects appeared at FCIID Abuja, and continued to lay claim to the appointment letters. This then made the police to request that they should come back on July 28 so that they can meet face to face with Enugu State PDP officials in persons of Elder David Ajah, then acting chairman of the party, and Mr. Steve Oruruoh, the party’s secretary,” Amadi stated. According to him, the then acting state chairman of the party who is now its substantive deputy

chairman, Elder Ajah had also deposed to an affidavit denying that he ever appointed the duo as returning or electoral officers. In the said affidavit, a copy of which was obtained by National Mirror, the duo laid claim to have been appointed as returning and electoral officers respectively for the party primary election conducted in Udi/Ezeagu Federal constituency on December 6, 2014. The duo had allegedly tendered separate forged documents and deposed to alleged false oaths before an Abuja division of the Federal High Court hearing a case between Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi and Hon. Dennis Amadi, claiming they were appointed returning officers for the PDP primary and allegedly forged signature of the PDP acting chairman, Elder Ajah, in a bid to authenticate their

claim. However, reacting to the petition, Mr. Anikwe who admitted knowledge of the petition said the police have not found him culpable because he has done no wrong. He said as a lawmaker and former PDP chairman in the state, there was no way he could be involved in any case of forgery as alleged by the Amadi. “I am aware of the petition. The matter is before a competent court of jurisdiction in Abuja. I hope the statement I will make will not be subjudice. I do not want to preempt anything. I am a lawmaker and having served as PDP chairman, I do not think I should be involved in any case of forgery. To be very clear, it is a total fallacy. There is no iota of truth in what they are alleging. It is a total fallacy,” Anikwe claimed.

NBC to commence N80bn plant project in Imo Chris Njoku OWERRI

igerian Bottling Company, NBC Ltd., has said that work will soon commence on its mega plant project in Okigwe, Imo State, which is expected to cost the company N80 billion. The bottling company also paid over N33bn for consumption of electricity in five years. This was disclosed yesterday by Head of Public Affairs Communication, Mr. Uzo Odenigbo, during an interactive session with newsmen in Owerri, the state capital. According to him, work on the proposed site should have commenced before now except for some challenges confronting the company, adding that arrangement had been concluded to start work on the 30,000 hectares of land soon despite the

delay. He, however, denied allegation of rift between the company and Imo State government over land following its abandonment after many years it was handed over to NBC. According to him, when the plant becomes operational many Nigerians would be employed, as it would reduce youths unemployment in the country. The company’s image maker also disclosed that the management had within 2008 and 2013 paid National Electricity Power Authority, NEPA, now Enugu Electricity Development Commission, EEDC, the sum of N33 billion as electricity bills. He said the company had always settled its electricity bills anywhere it has operational plants to avoid distraction despite having other sources of electricity.

L-R: Chairman, NUJ Enugu Council, Mr. Louis Dilibe; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Aminu Wali and Igwe of Ibeagwa Nike, Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu, during induction of new members into the royal family of Ibeagwa Nike in Enugu, on Monday. PHOTO: NAN

I won’t succumb, Ikpeazu tells detractors George Opara ABIA

bia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has insisted that his administration will not succumb to the antics of opposition to distract him and deceive the people. He stated this yesterday in Government House, Umuahia, while receiving

Abiriba Peoples Democratic Party, PDP stakeholders from Ohafia Local Government Area of the state. He said: “Whatever is right for the people will continue to occupy the front burner of my administration, and I am only accountable to God and the people that elected me.” He promised to sup-

port Abiriba PDP stakeholders to move the party to greater heights and assured that every section of the state would have a positive feel of his administration. While explaining that Ohafia is important in the political equation of the state, the governor promised to carry out interventionist projects in areas such as

Abiriba Ring road and install streetlights. Leader of the delegation, Prince George Nnanna, congratulated the governor on the way he was piloting affairs of the state, particularly the construction of 30 road projects, which include Abiriba Ring Road. He also assured the governor of his people’s support.

South-South

PDP remains party to beat in Bayelsa —Dickson

overnor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State yesterday said Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, remains the party to beat in the coming governorship election in the state. Dickson, who spoke at a media parley in Lagos, said the governorship election was nothing compared to the House of Assembly poll, which took place in April. He said despite the fact that the party met stiff opposition, even from within, it still won almost all the assembly seats. The governor dismissed the gale of defection from the party to the All Progressives Congress, APC, even as he described the defectors as betrayers. According to him, the defection cannot affect the fortune of the party in the governorship election, going by its performance in the last three and a half years. Describing the defection as blackmail, propaganda, political betrayal and show of ingratitude, the governor said those involved had benefited immensely from his government and the party. According to him, he reached out to and brought

everybody into his government, adding that the defectors were still handling huge contracts for the state government. “They didn’t come begging for those jobs, we sought for them. (Timi) Alaibe has his nominees in government even as we speak,” he said. The governor said the defectors only had their eyes on federal appointments as Bayelsa had never been in opposition camp until now. “The reason they are positioning themselves for federal appointments is because APC is at the centre now. I am not in a position to do it,” he said, adding that even though he was yet to announce his intention to re-contest, Bayelsans from various constituencies in the state have been endorsing his second term bid. The governor said former President Goodluck Jonathan remains highly supportive of his administration, adding that if there was anyone who believed and understood the imperative of why he should be re-elected, it was the former president. He insisted that he enjoyed cordial relationship with the former president and his wife.

PHEDC workers protest, block offices Richard Ndoma CALABAR

ctivities at the Calabar branch of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, PHEDC, were yesterday grounded by protesting workers. The workers shut the gate of the company, preventing movement in and out of the premises. The aggrieved workers, numbering about 500 carried placards with various inscriptions such as “give us our right to unionise”, “stop enslavement of electricity workers”, “stop illegal employment”, “stop arbitrary dismissal of workers”, “PHEDC Management negotiate now!”. State Chairman of National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, Mr. Daniel Asuquo Itah, who addressed journalists, said the company’s gate would remain closed until management listened to the workers.

Itah maintained that part of the grievances of the workers was that one of them was electrocuted in Ikori, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State and the company was to compensate the family of the deceased. The union leader accused management of flouting labour laws by refusing to negotiate with the workers. He also accused management of sacking about 43 district station operators. He alleged that six cashiers were sacked at the Calabar branch without following due process. Efforts to reach the Business Manager, Calabar branch, Mr. Chukwu Emeka Otigi, did not succeed. Our correspondent learnt that he was invited by Directorate of State Service, DSS, on the crisis. At the time of filling this report, a group of fully armed mobile policemen were seen within the vicinity of the company.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

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Corruption: Group wants Abdulsalami committee dissolved Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

ederal Government has been charged to dissolve the National Peace Committee headed by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar. A group, Nigeria Rebirth Initiative, NRI, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, yesterday, said the committee has outlived its usefulness. The group expressed fear that the continued existence

of the committee may derail the ongoing investigation on the country’s looted funds under former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. The statement, which was signed by Executive Director of NRI, Comrade Joseph Ambakaderimo, said the recent visit of members of the committee to plead with President Muhammadu Buhari to keep to its terms and guidelines in prosecuting the corruption war, was aimed at finding a possible soft landing for Jonathan or members of

his cabinet. It explained that the committee was set up basically to forestall any form of violence before, during and after the March 28 Presidential election. The statement added that the visit of the committee to Buhari was “an aberration” to the fight against corruption that “almost brought the economy of this country to the canvass”. The statement also lambasted spokesman of the committee and Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto,

Matthew Hassan Kukah, for denying that they embarked on the visit to Abuja on the behest of Jonathan. Ambakaderimo, who is a kinsman of Jonathan, called on Buhari to go all out in search of anybody that has been indicted of corrupt practices and be brought to justice irrespective of his or her status in society. He assured the Federal Government of the group’s unalloyed support in the fight against graft, noting that it was high time things began to look up for Nigeria.

L-R: Rivers State Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo; Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Kanu Uche and Governor Nyesom Wike, during the Prelate’s visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, on Monday.

DELSUTH resident doctors begin strike Theophilus Onojeghen WARRI

edical activities at Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, has been grounded following strike by resident doctors over non-implementation of Consolidated Medical Salary Scale, CONMESS, by the state government. The doctors also cited long delay in payment of refund for updates, outstation postings and examination sponsorship arrears as some other reasons for embarking on the strike. President of Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, in the institution, Dr. Okocha Innocent; Secretary General, Dr. Omovigho Agbele and Public Relations Officer,

PRO, Dr. Orhewere Ejiro, in a statement yesterday confirmed the development. Aside issues of CONMESS and accumulated posting and examination sponsorship arrears, the doctors also bemoaned delayed advancement and imple-

mentation of Senior Registrars one (SR1) salary and arrears after qualifying and functioning in that capacity for more than three years. They noted that the association notified DELSUTH management of the impending strike over eight months

ago, adding that they had shown enough understanding and magnanimity by deferring it three times in the past due to intervention of well meaning Deltans, Nigerian Medical Association, NMA and National Association of Resident Doctors.

Kerosene explosions injure eight in Delta Theophilus Onojeghen WARRI

wo separate kerosene explosions in Warri South and Udu Council Areas of Delta State have left no fewer than eight persons critically injured. Our correspondent learnt that the victims were all children. The children, who suffered severe burns result-

ing from adulterated kerosene in various parts of their bodies, are now critically lying ill at the Warri Central Hospital as some were burnt beyond recognition. It was learnt that the first explosion happened last Saturday in Aladja community, Udu council area as a 9-year old, identified as Wegha Isaac, was severely injured in different parts of the body. His parents told journal-

ists that the incident happened while the child was pouring kerosene to set fire on firewood. The parent of another victim corroborated the story, lamenting that the explosion shot directly on her grandchild of less than two years old, burning her face and other parts of the body. In a similar development at Merogun community in Warri South, two victims suffered the same fate at No. 4 Sanyo Street.

Wednesday Augus-t 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Women marginalisation very glaring in present government –Tijjani

S’West: In search of direction, relevance in Buhari’s presidency

outh West region of Nigeria, with six states including Lagos, the commercial capital of the country, has been a key player in deciding the trend her affairs, most times, will assume. This is largely due to the refined manner of its politics and not necessarily due to its size, though it has good number of voters that can aid victory of any candidate that catches it fancy. The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, could be said to have immensely benefited from the manovourability of leading political figures in the race to see the back of former President Jonathan and his Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Incidentally, PDP was made ruthless electoral conqueror, sweeping polls in four national electoral contests by some of these political bigwigs from the regions that later unclad it of its invincibleness. And one of those campaign issues raised against former President Jonathan across South West region by the APC then was his failure to give any of the first six posts at party and government levels to the region. Although Jonathan’s handlers tried to unpin the antiYoruba tag firmly pinned on him, by referring to the forces within the region which they said stopped the emergence of Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola as Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2011. Their efforts clearly did little to alter the obvious electoral misfortune hovering round the head of the PDP and former President Jonathan, its candidate, even when the carrot of implementation of the outcome of the Constitutional Conference his government convoked was dangled at the region. At the poll, the region delivered five out of six states for APC, losing only Ekiti to the PDP in the historic March 28 presidential and National Assembly polls that saw a ruling party relinquishing power after 16 years of managing affairs of the country at the federal level. However, since spearheading the change revolution that ensured power returned to the North and President Muhammadu Buhari becoming president after three unsuccessful attempts, one issue that has dominated political discourse has been what the region stands to gain for all its efforts. Although many other regions in the country will be quick to point out that the South West region already has the Vice Presidency, this nonetheless, the implications of the VP, being at the mercy of the President is not lost on the ever inquisitive people of the region. In the light of this, all appointments made so far by President Buhari across regions in the country are being viewed by the people of the South West region in the light of their contributions to his emergence as the leader of the new government. Within the first few days of President Buhari’s presidency, former Managing Director of The Sun Newspaper, Mr. Femi Adesina, was appointed Special Adviser to the President on Media. The Ipetumodu, Ife North Local Government Area of Osun-born media guru’s appointment was initially seen as a sign of rosy political patronage for the region. Of particular note is the fact that Adesina’s appointment is not seen as been part of the reward package for the region by Mr. President, because the presidential spokesperson never associated with APC as a card carrying member in those struggling days, though he is a long standing friend of President Buhari. The choice of General Gabriel Olonisakin, an Ekiti man as new Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, is another key appointment

BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA examines the search by the South-West geo-political zone for direction and relevance in the Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress, APC, administration.

Buratai

AT THE POLL, THE REGION DELIVERED FIVE OUT OF SIX

APC, LOSING ONLY EKITI TO THE PDP IN THE HISTORIC MARCH 28 PRESIDENTIAL AND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY POLLS THAT SAW A STATES FOR

RULING PARTY RELINQUISHING POWER AFTER

16 YEARS OF

MANAGING AFFAIRS OF THE COUNTRY AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL that had gone the way of South West region, raising hope that eventually, the region was gradually taking a prominent place in Buhari’s presidency. But just as weeks multiplied into months and yet the new government, with unhurriedness of an aged orangutan, move to set up its cabinet and several names, from different groups and interests that rolled into one force that free the region from PDP’s grip, tension seems on the rise among members of the ruling party, the opposition members and even the non-aligned. This is due to the fear by the leaders of different groups that joined efforts to work for President Buhari’s emergence in the region, regarding from which of them he will choose his cabinet members from.

Until recently, the ruling party in the South West was only stratified into two groups: the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, one of the legacy parties that formed the new mega party, and members of new PDP that left the PDP with former national officers who were booted out of the party in the days of Bamanga Tukur as National Chairman. In nearly all states in the South West region, these two groups exist within the APC and now, another group consisting of those that disregarded the ruling party’s directive among the federal lawmakers elected on its platform, during the leadership crises that rocked the National Assembly, is gradually coming up. Between members of the defunct ACN and the new PDP in the region, the struggle is rising over who will be chosen as ministers in the new cabinet and not approaching the seat of power in unity, some opinion leaders in the region, feared may further dim the chances of the region building on the unity that saw majority in South West voting for President Buhari and thus weaken its ability to bargain well at the federal level. Gains and losses of South West in the National Assembly crises Had lawmakers elected on the platform of the ruling party respected APC’s decision, the South West, in addition to the post of VP, would have got the post of Speaker, House of Representatives, with Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila from Lagos State being the anointed candidate. Instead of getting the seat of Speaker, the almost exact scenerio of 2011 that ensured the defeat of Akande-Adeola, the PDP candidate, played out, but the region eventually got the post of Deputy Speaker through Hon Lasun Yusuf, the lawmaker from Osun representing, Osogbo/Olorunda/Irepodun federal constituency in the House. CONTINUED ON PAGE 43

Politics

Wednesday Augus-t 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Women marginalisation very glaring in present government –Tijjani As National Women Leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, are you not worried that the only leadership position women got in the National Assembly was Deputy Minority Leader? Well, I am very worried, and the situation is worrisome and pathetic. With the saga and turnout of events at the National Assembly in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, there is little we can do. Arrangements were made for women to occupy some of these principal offices. Like in the Senate, we have a candidate that was coming for the position of the Deputy Senate President. And again we have Khadija Bukar Abba in House of Representatives who also showed interest in contesting for the Majority Leader. But then, as long as the zoning arrangement ab initio favoured that, the party was mindful of how some of them could be worked out to support the affirmative action. Because we are very much aware that, the 8th has dropped in women participation, so we want to make it up and augment by the principal offices occupied by the women. Unfortunately, the quagmire we now found ourselves in the National Assembly has put us in a very difficult and tight corner. In the Senate, Binta Kaoje actually opted to contest. But as you all know again, the Senate of a country is not owned by a political party. There are Nigerians there with leadership capacity who came out to contest. As you said, we ended up with just the position of Deputy Minority Leader. But we don’t know eventually some things could change so that women can hold some strategic committees where they will also participate. But we had hoped, we really hoped that the turnout of events would have been different. Now that the National Assembly is no longer feasible, what hope do you have about affirmative action in the appointment of ministers? What would you want the President to do in that regard? Well, practically I will tell you that I believe he will do something. We have called upon him, we have paid him a courtesy visit. He saw what the women did and I know he appreciates women participation and the votes that brought him into power and the support that he enjoys from the women and competence that came from the angle of the women. Definitely I know that he is not going to do something less. He must do something reasonable in coming forth with something, even though the party is deriving a competence driven affirmative action. There are many women within the fold that he will appoint in order to do justice in the upcoming ministerial appointments as well as boards of parastatals that we have. Are you hopeful of the 35 per cent, as the last administration appointed many women? Absolutely. It might not be immediately. It might be within the time of the ministerial appointments. But it could be augmented by appointments into the boards of parastatals and other agencies. What does the APC, in its manifesto, has in stock for the Nigerian women? Can you elaborate on those programmes? There are a lot of programmes that will affect the lives of the Nigerian women, especially the downtrodden. There will be support through various empowerment strategies that will reach out to the women at the grassroots through agriculture and other programmes. There is also the need for the amendment of the constitution in areas like the ‘Land Use Act’ as it affects the women, the issues of land acquisition, the ‘Girls Child Rights Act’. So many of these things were highlighted in the manifesto and the role of women in the society and their capacity building was strongly emphasised. For

Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani, National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in this interview with OBIORA IFOH, bemoans the fate of women politicians in this present dispensation. Excerpts: Women Affairs that will also be allowed to operate independently with a budget and all these activities will start to roll into the system and across. There is this policy by some parties where women deputise for men in some positions. Is there anything that you have done so far to ensure that apart from the position of Women Leader, APC reserves some positions for women? There is no single party in Nigeria that has such arrangement where a man leads and the woman deputises or vice versa, but we have been agitating for more positions. We want that to be practised in Nigeria. But actually, even in the seventh National Assembly, we struggled to get some of these things and it didn’t get through. I think that is part of the hurdles we have especially with the men not supporting that in totality. But then I hope that this government today will rise to the occasion by bringing a kind of measure, not necessarily now, to support policies that will encourage the political parties to make it a rule principally where you have the alternative principle of governance. Where you have the male as the chair or the head of an organisation, the deputy should be a woman. It is what we are agitating for. And if you look at it holistically, that is the only way we will be able to get the 35 per cent affirmative action.

Tijani

THERE ARE MANY WOMEN WITHIN THE FOLD THAT HE WILL APPOINT IN ORDER TO DO JUSTICE IN THE UPCOMING MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS AS WELL AS BOARDS OF PARASTATALS THAT WE HAVE

example, the displaced families and their children will be relocated and empowered. But I will tell you again, I want to remind you, clearly as much as the manifesto came to bear, it is after the re-structuring that Mr. President is doing, because you cannot build on a wrong foundation. These things were not there ab initio. So all the time it has been taken, the administration will have an expedite action, but I know it will be based on the foundation, the re-structuring, the overhaul of the system and that is what he is doing completely now. With a very solid foundation all these other things will come in place through the agencies, through the Ministry of

One of the major challenges facing this administration is the issue of corruption which it promised to tackle. Many women are alleged to have engaged in corrupt practices recently. Are you not worried about this trend? I must challenge that notion about women being corrupt. Some of the things that are alleged is one thing because, you will never be found guilty until you are proven or found guilty. I have not seen in recent times, the women you are talking about and the ratio of women in existence is a decimal, but you have so many indicted men in the system, so many corrupt men, even established corrupt males in the system and that has not stopped the men from running our affairs and rising to the positions of leadership, so the few women that are alleged as corrupt are few and you know the women are just being principled. Ordinarily, we should have called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to reject all those corruption allegations against women, not because we are saying they cannot be tried but because there are so many huge, verified financial crimes and all kinds of crimes perpetrated by the males. Why is EFCC not starting with the men? Let me tell you something, it’s an unusual thing also for an organisation to just pick on a woman. She is yet to be found guilty. And even you cannot say the women being accused have been proven to have committed the corrupt practices or not. It could have been a set up for one reason or the other. That I must tell you is not going down well with women, because we refused to be indicted. For the fact that one or two women get indicted does not mean that women are all criminals. But as of being worried, yes, we are worried. We are worried because of the dimension and the trend, the perceived trend of the EFCC. We want it also to stay clear of being used as a political tool that if you want to get to a man in position, you get his wife. Just like what we are seeing, we don’t want to see that, we hope it is not that. That is why we are not protesting, we are watching keenly, we are very interested in the integrity and the image of the Nigerian women.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

From The Civil Service

FRSC Kano govt construct weigh bridges to curtail trailer accident P.16

CMAM initiatives save 200,000 children in Nigeria –UNICEF …Promise to scale-up the programme Marcus Fatunmole and Joel Ajayi ABUJA

T Retiring Comptroller-General of Customs, Alhaji Abdullahi Inde Dikko briefing State House Correspondents after a farewell visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja

VIO plans permanent offices in all Area Commands Chidi Ugwu ABUJA

he Director of Directorate of Road Traffic Services, (DTRS) also known as Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), Danjuma Garba, has disclosed plans to establish permanent offices in all area Commands in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The VIO boss said such offices will provide conducive environment for optimal performance of officers and men of the agency. He said that additional drivers’ license centres would also be put in place to cater for the growing population of drivers in the FCT. Garba made the disclosure yesterday at cocktail organised by the management of the VIO to mark his one year in office. He said “We will be looking at establishing infrastructure in terms of office facility for the area commands. This is because what we have now are makeshift offices in al-

most all the locations and if we must perform optimally we must have a conducive environment to work. We are also looking at expanding the divers’ license centres, we have six on ground, that is first phase, and we intend to get additional ones. The aim is every area council in FCT must have a drivers’ license centre considering the fact that FCT is the fastest growing city in the country and indeed Africa. And with a population of about five million plus, which about 60 per cent are potential drivers having additional drivers’ license centre will go a long way to make us serve the people better and reduce the inconvenience that people go through in attempt to acquire valid drivers’ license” he said. The VIO boss, who was obviously surprised by the party organised in his honour noted that “It has been very interesting experience since one year because I have in a place is

NNPC boss urges staff to act as change agents

P.16

related to this place before coming here. One time, I served in FCT as Sector Commander FRSC, so I have been in touch with the past directors of the DRTS. The new dispensation actually placed the saddle on my shoulder and I found out that there are a lot of issues that I have to address. Basically the issue of capacity building and that is why decided to set up a computer centre. I feel that ICT is what will power the activities of the directorate in the near future. I have started with the computerized registration of vehicles, computerised vehicle inspection, and then we are trying to get the staff to be trained so that they can cope with these challenges. We want to take it to a higher level where we look at the issue of enforcement. We are trying to do e-enforcement using tablets, computers, to see that we deliver the enforcement process in the vehicle inspection in the FCT”.

The Deputy Director, DRTS, FCT, Alhaji Aminu Iroh, in his goodwill message noted that the Director has brought a renewed sense of commitment to bear in the agency with his leadership style, stressing that all cadre of staff have benefited from innovations introduced by the director. “He has always responded to staff needs, government is continuum and we pray that our Director we achieve more. We also pray for his long life and prosperity” he said. Also speaking the Assistant Director Commercial, Abubakar Hassan, pledged the continued support for the director on behalf of the entire rank and file of the organisation, saying he had done wonderfully well in the past one year. “This past year the Director has done wonderfully well and we hope he will continue to do well. We as usual will continue to cooperate with him to achieve for feats” he stated.

NIMASA sets agenda for maritime sector P.41

he United Nations Children’s fund UNICEF has revealed that over one million children with Severe Acute Malnutrition SAM have been admitted into the programme. This even as UNICEF is pushing to scale up a programme that has helped save more than 200,000 children from acute malnutrition (SAM) in the last six years. Chief of Nutrition UNICEF, Nigeria Mr. Arjan de Wagt said this yesterday in Abuja, during a press briefing in collaboration with Ministry of Health to present a new data on child nutrition and effectiveness of Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition CMAM. According to him, At least 642 sites for community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) have opened in 11 northern states since the programme piloted in Kebbi and Gombe in 2009. “Over one million children with SAM have been admitted into the programme, according to UNICEF. More than 830,000 children have been cured, with the cure rate rising steadily—currently standing at 85%,” it said in a statement. “Without the treatment, up to 1,000 children aged under five die each day—a total 361,000 a year.” Wagt also said that “the rates of malnutri-

tion remained high, with Nigeria accounting for 10% of about 17.3 million children with SAM around the world. “Two out of three children with SAM live in northern Nigeria, where 11 states are most affected.” He said recent data published by the Emergency Nutrition Network showed the number of children under age five with SAM has risen to 1.7 million—with two out of three of them unable to receive treatment in the 11 states where CMAM has been introduced. UNICEF boss added that “we shall talks with two local firms to begin production of the food (popularly called “plumpy nuts”) within Nigeria in hopes of reducing the cost of its purchase and transport to sites where they are needed.” In his remarks, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Health Mr. Linus Awute, who was represented by Dr. Wapada Balami noted that, the Government of Nigeria is committed to reaching more children with CMAM. “We cannot accept that Nigerian children continue to die of malnutrition and that our potential future leaders should be diminished by its effects.” He said States with CMAM sites where the intervention has been on include Sokoto, Gombe, Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Kano, Jigawa.

158,000 Nigerian women are living with VVF –Ministry of Health

P.42

Civil Service

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FRSC, Kano govt construct weigh bridges to curtail trailer accident provides another opportunity for us to partner on issues of road safety in the state,” he stated. “After carefully listening to you, I am convinced that your proposal on effective traffic management in the state reflects the plans we are making to bring orderliness to the operations of haulage vehicles. I want to assure you that we would work with the FRSC to achieve the plans you have for ensuring safer road environment through various ways, part of which is construction of weigh-

L-R: Chairman Planning Committee, Mr Ephraim Offia; Chief of Staff to Enugu State Governor, Mr Victor Atuonwu; wife of the President of Colliery Old Boys Association (COBA), Mrs Juliet Ude; President COBA, Mr Max Ude; Enugu State; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwanyi ; Secretary to Enugu State Government (SSG), Mr Gabriel Ajah and wife, Uzoamaka, at a reception in honour of the SSG by COBA in Enugu, yesterday.

bridges. “When completed, we would ensure that all haulage vehicles entering the state are weighed at the weighbridges to determine their loading capacities and appropriately sanction whoever overloads his vehicle,” he further stated. While commending the FRSC for being part of the socio-economic development of the state, Ganduje expressed the readiness of the state government to establish more drivers’ licence centres in the state, saying that so many people are driving vehicle without genuine driver’s licence. This he said creates hazards to other road users and deprive the state government of revenue, adding that additional driver’s licence centres would be established across the state to create opportunity for applicants to obtain genuine licences after going through the process. Ganduje assured that Kano state government will provide the necessary logistics to realize the various safety and security plans being worked on to make roads in the state safer. Earlier in his presentation, Corps Marshal Oyeyemi identified Kano state as one of the most populous states with high traf-

ment of the workforce. He stated that the mandate given to him by President Muhammadu Buhari is to turn around the entire commercial processes and procedures in order to impact on the growth trajectory and operations of the Corporation. He said the reduction in the directorate from eight (8) to four (4) at the top management cadre of the NNPC is to refocus and sharpen the business aspiration of the Corporation, adding that training and retraining of members of staff to align with the new vision is the next stage of the ongoing reforms. The NNPC helmsman noted that all Production Sharing Contracts, Joint Venture Agreements and

all other contracts between the NNPC and its various partners would be reviewed to reflect current day realities in the global oil and gas industry. Kachikwu reassured that the recent repositioning is to put in place the right set of skills for performance stressing that the new arrangement provides a veritable vista for upcoming professionals in the Corporation to have a speedy career path. He stated that the NNPC under his watch would put in place mechanisms that would plug all revenue leakages in the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors while adding that all crude oil proceeds due for the Federation Account would be remitted accordingly.

Chidi Ugwu, ABUJA

ederal Road Safety Corps, FRSC said is partnering with Kano state government in tackling the menace of road traffic crashes being caused by tankers and trailers to ensure safer road environment. The Governor of Kano state, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, noted the need for collective efforts against the menace of road carnage, stressing that dealing with the menace of tanker and trailer

crashes require commitment of all relevant stakeholders. He said that being a state with high volume of trucks; he would work with the FRSC to implement the various policies and programmes enunciated to create safer road environment for haulage operations. According to Ganduje, the state government is already demonstrating its commitment to road safety through its ongoing census to determine the number of trucks and operators in the state,

stressing that obtaining such data would enhance the capacity of the state government to implement safety measures on them. He further stated that as part of the measures, there are plans to construct weighbridges to discourage overloading by such vehicles, adding that when fully operational, all such vehicles entering the state would be weighed at the bridges and those found to have overloaded their vehicles would be appropriately sanctioned. “We are encouraged by your visit today, which

NNPC boss urges staff to act as change agents Chidi Ugwu ABUJA

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into an efficient and profit-oriented Organization, the Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu has implored members of staff to act as change agents. He assured that with the adequate cooperation of members of staff, in the next sixty days some of the strategic targets would be translated into concrete milestones to the appreciation of all Nigerians. In a statement signed by the Corporation’s, Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ohi Alegbe, the

new NNPC boss also enjoined the management to team up with him to close the skills gap and turn the fortunes of the Corporation around. Dr. Kachikwu made this plea during the maiden interactive session with the top management of the Corporation at the NNPC Towers Abuja. The GMD said efforts are in top gear to create a conducive working environment for members of staff, adding that for the NNPC to transform into a profit center like its peers in other climes, the morale of the work force must be high. Kachikwu urged the management to provide leadership by example to the workforce while adding that sectionalism, tribalism and any form of

non-transparent transactions must be completely stamped out of the NNPC. The GMD noted that his administration would ensure that all the refineries of the Corporation are run efficiently and profitably to meet the energy needs of the country. He said the Corporate Service Unit and all the Strategic Business Units of the Corporation would henceforth be run as profit centres while noting that the days when the Corporation was perceived as a civil service organization instead of a Corporation were over. Kachikwu clarified that his mandate in the Corporation is to put in place an efficient, transparent and profit-oriented processes and not to embark on a mass retrench-

fic density comparable to such states like Lagos and Oyo, which require special safety measures to effectively manage the traffic situation, especially that of tankers and trailers. According to him, FRSC is concerned with the rate and fatality of road traffic crashes involving haulage vehicles, stating that he has been working with relevant stakeholders to bring the situation under control. The Corps Marshal further pointed out that as a state with high volume of haulage vehicles, Kano state government needs to take proactive measures to prevent road carnage, calling on the government to support its ongoing efforts to retrain and recertify tanker and trailer drivers across the country as part of the plan of action adopted at the last National Summit on Haulage operations organized by the FRSC. Oyeyemi commended the state government for its sustained support for the FRSC campaigns, assuring that the Corps will continue to work with the state towards ensuring safer road environment. As part of the strategic partnership initiative between the state and the FRSC, the Corps Marshal expressed commitment of the Corps to train the personnel of the State Traffic Management Agency at the FRSC Academy Udi and Training School Jos, to make them more efficient. He added that the Corps is in support of the state governments establishing State Traffic Management Agencies as that allows the FRSC to concentrate its operations on the highways while the state agencies take care of the metropolitan roads. The Corps Marshal was accompanied on the visit by some principal officers of the FRSC, including the Deputy Corps Marshal in charge of Motor Vehicle Administration, Theophilus Charles; the Zonal Commanding Officer Zone one Headquarters Kaduna, Assistant Corps Marshal Victor Nwokolo and the Kano State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Aminu Umar Jabaka among others.

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Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Appreciating the International Youth Day celebration SUNDAY ONYEMAECHI EZE

n August 12, Nigeria joined the rest of the world in celebrating the International Youth Day. It is a day set aside by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999 to acknowledge the unique role and contributions of young people to the development of communities and countries all over the world. It brings to fore the vital roles youth play in shaping societies; be it in governance, education, art, peace-making and security, politics, economy, religion, advocacy and entrepreneurships. Those with proper grasp of the day, especially young men and women in other climes, looked forward to celebrating it with great enthusiasm. How did the celebration go in Nigeria? What percentage of teeming youths knew they are even celebrated; the day of celebration and the relevance of the day? The celebration guarantees youths all over the world a unique annual platform to interface with their governments, establish entrepreneurs and youth-based non-governmental organisations on various issues and problems confronting them. The event is also celebrated to recharge the young minds, and ultimately remind them of their great potentials and role in nation-building. Of great importance is to bring out the best in them through networking, shared vision, informative ideas, advocacy and mentoring. Youths are guided towards being conscious

of the leadership role they must embrace to heal the world and make it a better place. The annual event challenges them to be responsible individuals, proud flag bearers of nations and to shun negative vices, such as engaging in consumption of illicit drugs, alcoholism, cultism, fraud and armed robbery to mention but a few which are at the moment the scourges of the 21st century youth. In Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in tandem with the mood of the celebration marked the day with the theme, “Youth Civic Engagement”, which highlights an important goal of United Nations System-Wide Action Plan on Youth, in addition to other activities lined up for the occasion held at the Banquet Hall, Aso Rock Villa, Abuja. The need to encourage youths all over the world and remind them of their role as drivers in leadership processes, civic engagements, especially in the formation and membership of political parties, standing for elections and guarding democratic tenets and values must have informed the choice of the theme. Speaking at the occasion, President Muhammadu Buhari commended Nigerian youths for the role they played in making the 2015 general elections a model for democratic governance in Africa. He noted the high rate of unemployment among youths, but said his party would deliver on its promises to the youth. The President also promised to provide an enabling environment for private sector to thrive so as to ensure greater opportunities for our young people. The past administration of Goodluck Jonathan bequeathed youth-friendly pro-

TYPICAL

N IGERIAN

YOUTH

IS BEDEVILED WITH PROBLEMS OF UNEMPLOYMENT ,

POVERTY , MODEST ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTH CARE AND EDUCATION grammes to bridge the unemployment gap in the country. These included YouWin, Youth in Agriculture, SURE-P, Students Computer Ownership Scheme, Gender and ICT Programmes as well as Girls and Women in Nigeria Initiative among others. However, the number of youth-beneficiaries of these programmes of government cannot match the unemployment index at hand. Be that as it may, these programmes and intervention projects should not be interrupted but should be sustained, strengthened and nurtured beyond the initiator government. Unfortunately, many Nigerian youths including those in the city centres are not even aware of the Youth Day Celebration or its impact on youth themselves and national development. Out of the 36 states in Nigeria, only the federal capital territory seems to be remotely in the know of the celebration. Apart from the routinely-government-event organised by the ministry of Youth Development to mark the day, the rev of that cel-

ebration was only evident in one noticeable private-sector driven function organised by Moses Siasia, the President of Young Nigerian Professionals. I do not want to believe that we lack locally and internationally acclaimed private sector driven companies operating in the nation that could partner and celebrate Nigerian youth through a global event of this nature. A typical Nigerian youth is bedeviled with problems of unemployment, poverty, modest access to quality health care and education, insecurity and other social welfare packages. It is estimated that about 40% of Nigerian youths are unemployed and about 100,000 of them graduate from various tertiary institutions annually throughout the nation and even abroad. Many of these graduates have been forced to take up menial jobs in order to make both ends meet. They now drive cabs, “okada” and tricycles bought by parents, relatives, friends, through their savings or those provided through government intervention programmes. It is the duty of the Nigerian state to massively invest in job creation or provide an enabling environment for it thrive. The alien idea that employment opportunities and successful economies of the world mainly grow with robust private sector participation amounts to abdication of responsibilities by the state and should be jettisoned immediately. Without jobs, there cannot be stability in the polity. Job creation in itself is another way of wealth creation. Eze , a media and communications specialist, can be reached via sunnyeze02@yahoo.com or 08060901201

EFCC and the war against corruption ADEBISI OBALOLA

n all honesty, President Muhammadu Buhari’s determined drive to frontally tackle the monster of crass corruption in high places deserves commendation. Indeed, it takes uncommon courage for any leader to set in motion pragmatic mechanisms to rein in the twin evils of corruption and impunity, which have enjoined a free rein in Nigeria for decades and made us laughing stock in the comity of nations. Little wonder that such moves have attracted national and global acclaim. And deservedly so, because no nation ever achieves sustainable socio-economic growth when corruption assumes the dangerous dimension of a rampaging cancer, spreading within its body polity and nothing is done to contain it. With the sweeping broom to cleanse the Augean Stables, the president‘s action is largely viewed as patriotic since we are all victims. It is against this bright backdrop that one would view the recent resurgence of the antigraft Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate those alleged to have soiled their hands with filthy lucre, especially since Buhari became president. The fact that the searchlight is being beamed on the high and mighty makes it more credible. Within the short span of two months for instance, the former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Lamido, and his two sons, Aminu and Mustapha, along with some others have been facing prosecution. They are to answer questions on 28 count charges of N1.351bn fraud.

NO NATION EVER ACHIEVES SUSTAINABLE SOCIO-ECONOMIC GROWTH WHEN CORRUPTION ASSUMES THE DANGEROUS DIMENSION OF A RAMPAGING CANCER In a similar vein, the EFCC invited Toyin Saraki, wife to the current the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, for questioning. She has to explain the execution of several contracts traced to her while her husband held sway as Kwara State’s helmsman. On her part, Mrs. Zaina Dangigari, the daughter of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua and wife to the ex-governor of Kebbi State, is being quizzed for alleged misappropriation of N2bn state funds. Not done, the agency has also grilled Baraka Sanni, who was the Senior Special Assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan on Schools and Agricultural Programmes. She has to defend herself against weighty allegations of diversion of funds earmarked for her office. President Buhari is also taking a closer look into the operations of the NNPC, where monumental fraud was allegedly perpetrated; not excluding massive oil theft. One cannot but align with such moves to reposition the nation’s economy for impactful growth. The truth, however, is that as one praises

EFCC’s salutary efforts it must be able to sift between the corn and the chaff, so that some Nigerians won’t capitalise on the wave of allegations to raise false alarm and perhaps settle scores. Only such would not distract wellmeaning, focused public servants who are passionate about deploying their energy and intellectual skills for the best of their country. The recent invitation of the much-respected Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr.Paul Orhii, by the EFCC readily comes to mind. Even while he willingly obliged the invitation out of his own volition, the sensational and screaming headlines crafted by some sections of the media had the intention to paint the suspect guilty, even before investigations started. People became jumpy, getting into hasty conclusions that not only undermine the image of the suspects but ultimately that of the agency in question. Is it not curious that one Mr. Ademola Magbojuri, the erstwhile Director, Finance and Account, made allegations of acts bordering on financial impropriety against Dr. Orhii only after he was redeployed to NAFDAC Training Institute at Kaduna? It is ridiculous that a public officer who has exhibited an act of insubordination would turn round to cook up cock and bull stories against his boss. That is pure mischief. What has he been doing all the while, even as media reports claim that he has all along been presiding over the meetings of the same fund disbursement he is accusing Orhii of? This, in my humble opinion, shows that the former finance director has ulterior motives. Such vindictive people out on a mission of

vendetta should not be allowed to distract the Buhari administration from his anti-graft war, which is not meant to witch-hunt any citizen. Having read and investigated with apt interest Orhii’s giant steps since assumption of office, there is ample evidence that he has taken NAFDAC notches higher. That is even if has chosen to be on the quiet side and allows his achievements to speak for themselves. What with the construction of new laboratories, upgrading them to international standards, the use of cutting-edge technology against counterfeit drugs to mention but a few. Any one in doubt should pay a visit to the new edifice at Isolo, Lagos. In fact, for a world-renowned medical practitioner, lawyer and expert on drug-related matters to have chosen to return to serve his country shows the trait of a patriot. Should we pay him back in bad coins? Certainly not. While one is not advocating that he should not be investigated, that should be done with utmost caution. The EFCC has to differentiate between the motive of the petitioners and the method it adapts in carrying out its investigations, especially under the tense political situation we currently operate. Obalola, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Lagos. Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be

Editorial

Wednesday, August 19, 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

Alleged rape by OPC members

oughly two years and seven months after some members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) allegedly masterminded what has now notoriously become the ‘Ejigbo pepper sodomy’, it is quite disappointing that four members of the group are again mired in yet another controversy on their reported gang-rape of a 30-year-old woman in Lagos. A national daily (not National Mirror) said recently that the female victim, whose name was not revealed, was violated by the four OPC men inside her makeshift shop at the popular Mile 12 market in Ketu-Alapere area of Lagos metropolis. The police were quick in denying knowledge of the incident. Reports said, however, that the suspects, after raping the woman, threatened to deal with her the more should she report the act to any third party. But she was compelled to divulge her ordeal to the staff of a hospital where she was rushed to for treatment. We recall that in February 2014, some OPC members were also fingered for the alleged torture, sodomy and attempted murder perpetrated against three women accused of stealing pepper at Oba Morufu International Market in Ejigbo area of Lagos. The video which related a graphic picture of how the victims were inhumanly

OPC SHOULD MOVE FAST AND CURB IMPUNITY WITHIN ITS FOLD beaten, as well as how pepper mixed with ‘dry gin’ and sticks were forced into their private domains went viral early last year, drawing public rage and leading to the eventual arrest of 10 suspects who are currently undergoing trial before the Ikeja High Court for the impunity in February 2014. The suspects were arraigned on a 19-count charge of unlawful assembly, trial by ordeal, assault occasioning harm, causing grievous harm, maliciously administering poison, deprivation of liberty, conspiracy to commit felony, attempted murder, sexual assault by penetration, obtaining money by false pretence and neglect to prevent a felony. Unfortunately, however, failure to produce the prosecution witness stalled the case assigned to Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye’s court last month. Though the Lagos State Police Command and its division in Alapere claimed ignorance of the alleged Mile 12 Market rape by four OPC men, it would seem they were playing the ostrich game, considering reports that an investigating officer, one Sergeant Ibrahim Isiola, was assigned to handle the case

by the police at Alapere. It is not improbable that the police may either be facing threats as well from the OPC or are under intense pressure to pervert the cause of justice through shoddy investigation of the case. If it is true that the matter was assigned to Sergeant Isiola for further investigation, why did the police feign ignorance of the alleged crime? Formed in 1994, the OPC is a pan-Yoruba nationalist organisation. Though propped up by the need to actualise the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential mandate of the late Chief MKO Abiola, its broader objectives revolve around the protection and promotion of Yoruba unification, tradition and cultural values, as well as general interest. Its membership cuts across religious divides and is in millions, locally and internationally. Besides, the OPC, for over 15 years now, is reputed for its intolerance of criminal acts; and has been complementing the roles of the police in securing neighbourhoods, especially in the South West. The group also prides itself as one rooted in strict adherence to discipline as outlined in its constitution. Members who indulge in acts that undermine the effectiveness and reputation of the organisation, like corrupt practices, sexual abuse, fighting, religious or

ON THIS DAY

any other forms of discrimination, risk severe punishment, including expulsion. With the two cases in view, however, it appears OPC’s in-house discipline is becoming lax. The impression is also given that the group’s hierarchs treat those that infract its constitution with kids’ gloves. Otherwise, how come that no measure, to public knowledge, was taken by the OPC leadership against its members involved in the Ejigbo pepper sodomy until the suspects were arrested by the police one year after? What have they done to unravel the veracity or otherwise of the alleged Mile 12 Market rape? There is no disputing the fact that the OPC is widely respected in the South West and beyond. The embarrassing scramble for pipeline protection contracts and the daylight partisan roles its leaders played during campaigns for the last general election did little or no harm to the reputation of the group, too. But a situation where OPC members take the law into their hands and seize it by the throat is unacceptable. It is one misadventure that would not only erode public confidence in the OPC, but attract mass discontent and antagonism to the group. The OPC should move fast and curb impunity within its fold.

August 19, 1991

August 19, 2012

August 19, 2013

Soviet President, Mikhail Gorbachev, was placed under house arrest while on holiday in the town of Foros, Ukraine. The coup d’état attempt by a group of members of the erstwhile Soviet Union’s government, led by Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) hardliners, was aimed at taking control of the country from President Gorbachev. The ‘coupists’ were opposed to Gorbachev’s reform programme.

A plane crash killed 32 people in Sudan. The Antonov An-26 crash occurred near the town of Talodi. All 32 persons on board the ill-fated plane lost their lives. The aircraft was carrying a Sudanese government delegation. Among the victims were members of the Sudanese government, several ranking members of the Sudanese Armed Forces and other officials, including a television crew.

A train accident in India killed at least 37 people and injured over a dozen others. The Dhamara Ghat train accident occurred when the Rajya Rani express train struck a large group of people at the Dhamara Ghat train station in the Indian state of Bihar. At least 37 people were killed and 24 others injured. The victims were mostly Hindu pilgrims returning from prayers at the nearby Katyayani Mandir.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Health & Wellbeing “We are yet to realize import of heart surgery” 22

Over 1m children receive life-saving malnutrition treatment –UNICEF 21

Agony of the deaf

We are neglected in hospitals FRANKA OSAKWE

orty-year-old Deaconess Beyioku Alase Adedoyin, appears whole and in good health, except for her deafness which makes her unable to hear any of the things being said to her. According to her, this hidden disability has made it difficult to get medical attention at hospital each time she goes to access medical care. Deaconess Adedoyin, who is currently the National President, Deaf Women Association of Nigeria (DWAN), told National Mirror how she became deaf 20 years ago after receiving a malaria injection from a private hospital. “I became deaf accidently when I was 19 years old, in 1994. I felt sick from malaria and went to a private hospital where I was given an injection. After the injection, I felt dizzy and almost fell, but a nurse helped me up, she asked if I had eaten and I said no. I was then given milk to drink and subsequently discharged.” Since that day till now, Deaconess Adedoyin had lost her hearing. “My ears have been ringing and they call it tetanus. Since then, I have received over 100 injections to have my hearing back but to no avail.” While she gets all the help she needs from people at home, the hospital is a total different scenario. “I feel the whole medical staff need to be trained, they need to know that we have hidden disability. When someone is deaf, they need interpreter. We need interpreters at the hospital, so that the doctors, pharmacists and nurses can communicate with us. They should also put pictures and caption to indicate directions at the hospitals; the toilet, the waiting room, card session, and everywhere. We need to be part of the society and the only way we can is to be able to communicate,” she cried.

Adedoyin

According to her, the hospital personnel have little or no empathy for deaf people. While standing in a queue at the card session she said, “They will call and call my name but I will not hear. Others will overtake me and when I explain that I am disabled they will say it’s not their business.” With her deafness, communication has become difficult and getting attention at the hospital is a huge task. “At different hospitals, there is no sign interpreter, they expect me to bring an interpreter along when coming to hospital but this should not be so. All my children are married so I cannot bring anyone along with me to hospitals. We want government to do something about this situation”, she appealed. Deaconess Adedoyin is however not the only deaf person going through this challenge. Another deaf woman, Mrs. Tinuke Odumosu, explained how she lost her husband, also deaf, due to the doctor’s inability to adequately diagnose his ailment as a result of communication gap. “My husband Mr. Seyi Odumosu died after a brief illness because doctors at the hospital where he

was taken in Ibadan, Oyo State, could not understand his complaints hence could not diagnose his ailment fast enough. Beside the hospital has no interpreter”, she said. Reacting to this allegation, the Director Medical Social Service, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Latinwo Laide, said LASUTH has provision for people living with disability. “LASUTH has sign language interpreter and provision for wheelchair”, she said, but admitted that there is need for more sign language interpreters. For other federal hospitals and private owned hospitals, Mrs. Laide said it is the responsibility of the office of disability to post staff that can use sign language for hearing impaired. Meanwhile, the president of the Deaf Supporters Group (DSG), Afolabi Dahunsi, had said that other disabled are easy to deal with but the case of the deaf remains a major challenge because there is little or nothing for the deaf in the law of the land. The DSG President, who is also hearingimpaired, said the hearing aids provided by some state governments hardly work, adding that rather than improving one’s hearing condition, they make the condition worse. He said the deaf in Nigeria need both government and private sector support. “We are deaf but our children are not, and we need to cater for them,” he cried out. For him, the deaf face many problems in the society and it is the duty of friends, corporate organisations, government and non-governmental organisations to help them wriggle out of these challenges. ”Be-

ing deaf does not mean one cannot be useful to the society,” he said. Dahunsi said the DSG was formed to speak for its members against injustices in the society which also include absence of articulated and sustainable policy formation on matters that affect their social, educational and economic developments. “No one is immune from the pains of disability. Everyone must therefore help us to spread the message that being deaf does not necessarily mean that we cannot be useful to the society,” he said. Explaining about deafness caused by medications, a respiratory physician, Department of Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Tunmise Bamidele, disclosed that hearing defects caused by medication are irreversible and, therefore, should be avoided at all costs. “Common drugs like quinine can cause irreversible deafness, other hearing defects can also occur due to meningitis infection. Based on this, pregnant women should not take over-the-counter drugs because such can cause hearing and respiratory defects. Our findings showed that sometimes, these defects are avoidable if the right things are done,” he said. Bamidele advised government to give deaf persons a sense of belonging by providing sign language interpreters for them to aid communication. They can also learn vocational programmes to empower them economically as such would increase their self-worth. He also advised that those that can be treated should be taken care of by Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists or speech therapists.

Health & Wellbeing

Nutrition for Health

alnuts with botanical name Tetracarpidium conophorum belong to the family, Euphorbiaceae. They are whitish in colour with a bitter after taste, enveloped in a black thick shell. Walnuts are seen as a potential source of useful food and drugs. Its oil has savory aroma and exhibits excellent astringent properties. It is used as snack or added to meals or in confectionaries. It also serves as a “carrier or base oil” in traditional medicines, in massage therapy, aromatherapy, in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. While nuts in general are a beneficial part of a healthy diet, walnuts contain almost twice the antioxidants as other nuts. It contains high amounts of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is associated with lower risk of heart attacks and blood clots. Nutrients in walnuts are also known for their vascular

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Nutritional benefits of walnuts

reactivity, or the ability of blood vessels to respond positively to changes in the environment. Up to 90 percent of the antioxidants in walnuts are found in the skin, making it one of the healthiest parts to consume. Mother nature has crafted them as nearly perfect package of protein, healthy fats, fiber, plant sterols, antioxidants, and many vitamins and minerals. Research has shown that eating just st one ounce (that is about seven shelled walnuts) provides more than 100 percent of the daily recommended value of plant-based nt-based omega-3 fats along with high amounts of some me micronutrients. W a l n u t s contain several powerful rful antioxidants that are available vailable in only y a few

Chizoba Benson chizobanwobu@yahoo.com 08120807588 (sms only)

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

commonly edible foods. These antioxidants helps control the ageing process by combating against free radicals in the body. Scientists at University of Scranton, Pennsylvania had recently discovered that walnuts have highest levels of popyphenolic antioxidants than any other common edible nuts and this may help prevent chemically-induced liver damage. They are an excellent source of vitamin E, especially rich in gamma-tocopherol. Vig p tamin E is a powerful lipid s o l -

uble antioxidant, required for maintaining several disorders such as sterility in males thereby, improving sperm quality, including vitality, motility, and morphology; it is also used in the prevention of abortion and congenital anomalies and improves skin by protecting it from harmful oxygen-free radicals. Walnuts are packed with many important B-complex groups of vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid,, vitamin B-6, p and folates. All these c can help calm nerves, acts as beauty vibe tamin for the skin, relie relieves skin eruption, acts as an an anti-stress strengthens factor, stre immunity and immuni prevents anaemia. ana They also very a are rich a source of mino erals like era m a n g a nese, copper, potassium, calcium, iron, calcium zinc, magnesium,

and selenium. Copper is a cofactor for many vital enzymes and helps stimulates growth of the red blood cells and work as a pigmenting factor for hair and skin. Zinc is a co-factor in many enzymes that regulate growth and development, sperm generation, digestion and nucleic acid synthesis. Selenium is an important micronutrient, which functions as a co-factor for anti-oxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidases. The beneficial dietary fat in walnuts has been shown to improve people with type 2 diabetes. In a study , it was observed that overweight adults with type 2 diabetes who ate one-quarter cup of walnuts daily had significant reductions in fasting insulin levels compared to those who did not, and the benefit was achieved in the first three months. Walnuts are highly perishable and their healthful fats are easily damaged. It should be stored in airtight container in the refrigerator whether they are shelled or unshelled since they are far more palatable when they are crunchy.

Sexual solutions and love products for adults

ello everybody and welcome. Today is an exciting day because we will be introducing an incredible array of exciting adult products for sexual performance enhancement and enjoyment. The first topic of today is products for organ enlargement. Penis enlargement is a topic that captivates both men and women all over the world. When it comes to sex, bigger is generally better because humans are fascinated by big sexual organs. Of course we try to encourage the less endowed amongst us to be happy with what they have got but in the event they are unable to do that, we can also recommend ways they can go about achieving enlargement. But first, is penis enlargement possible? The answer to that is a resounding yes. Simply put, there are two chambers of spongy tissue in the penis that can be expanded to contain more blood and hence a bigger erect penis. The two tissues are the corpus cavernosa and the corpus spongiosum. These tissues can be expanded through the use of the right supplements and penis enlargement exercises. Foremost amongst these supplements for enlargement is the VigRx enlargement pills for Men. The VigRx penis enlarger is ranked number one in the world by critics and industry specialists. It is a doctor recommended daily supplement that is taken chiefly to enlarge the penis while also improving the erections of the user, his sexual stamina, semen quantity and sex drive. Some users begin to see results within weeks but I will say, be patient and within a matter of months of constant use, you will see very visible enlargement. You can gain anywhere between two to four inches in length using VigRx. The penis will be thicker as well with about

half an inch to three quarters of an inch. But here is something else you also need to know about penis enlargement. It is a bit like body building. If you take body building drugs to gain massive muscles, you must also exercise in the gym to get maximum results. So to get the very best out of your body’s natural potential, combine your penis enlargement pills like VigRx with the enlargement exercises. This you can easily achieve with the help of a penis pump. Next on the list of products is what is being ranked as one of the best performance enhancers in the market right now. A few years ago, we introduced you to the Rhino brand of erection enhancers. Well, the best of them all is Rhino 7. One capsule of Rhino 7 will keep you performing like a warrior for up to one week. Rhino 7 gives you massive erections, enlarges your penis, stops premature ejaculation, gives you stamina, erection on demand and multiple rounds of intercourse. There is nothing like being too tired to perform when you take Rhino 7. It is heavy duty ammunition for bedroom shenanigans. Another new and exciting product we have for men is the Volume Pills. Volume Pills increase semen quantity by up to 500%. They also improve the quality of your erections, the sweetness of your climax and fertility. Unlike all the other semen volumizers that basically just increase semen quantity, Volume Pills contain L-Arginine, Zinc Gluconate Cowhage, Momordica and Tribulus. All of these ingredients make it possible for Volume Pills to increase semen quantity, strengthen erection quality and motility all at once. Volume Pills is also ranked number one in the world of all the available semen volumizers. We also have exciting performance en-

hancers and mood arousers for women. It is the G Female Oral tablets, a fantastic, top of the range enhancement supplement for women. It promotes the rapid growth of female hormones to stimulate sexual desire. So if you are a woman with no urge for sex or you don’t enjoy sex, the G Female Oral Tablets is the supplement for you. It starts working in as little as 10 minutes but give up to 30 to 45 minutes before the effect kicks in fully. The G Female Oral Tablets also help with vaginal lubrication so if you are a woman that complains of vaginal dryness and pain, this super supplement will help you. G Female Oral Tablets helps women reach orgasm easily and half a tablet of it is quite effective as well. But you can take one whole tablet for best results. The effects last for three whole days of mind blowing sexual desire and responsiveness. And that is all for today. These are exciting top

quality performance enhancers. Next week, we will discuss more new products. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08171912551 or 08027901621 for help or visit www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers all over Nigeria. For enquiries email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com- Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

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Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Over 1m children receive life-saving malnutrition treatment –UNICEF FRANKA OSAKWE

he United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with The Government of Nigeria, said it has reached more than a million Nigerian children

and saved over 200,000 acutely malnourished children in the past six years through its community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM). In its latest press release signed by its Chief of Communication Nigeria, Doune

Porter, the organisation described the CMAM as a highly successful and costeffective treatment for acutely malnourished children which was piloted in Gombe and Kebbi States in 2009 and has now been introduced in 11 northern Nigerian states where malnutrition poses

the greatest threat. “CMAM treats acutely malnourished children from six months to five years old on an out-patient basis. More than 830,000 children have been cured in the programme with the cure rate rising steadily – currently standing at 85 per cent.

L-R: Dr. James Kinchsular, a Podiatrist from the Sacramento Valley Podiatric Medicine Society, USA; Dr. Willaim Harris, Carolina Podiatric Group, USA; Renowned Professor of Medicine and endocrinologist, Prof. Tayo Johnson and Dr. Afokoghene Isiavwe, Medical director, Rainbow Specialist Medical Centre and Coordinator, Diabetes Podiatry Initiative, Nigeria, at the opening of the 2nd Lagos Podiatry and diabetes Foot Care workshop, on Monday.

Children’s first 1,000 day most critical –Nutritionist ...Says they are likely to die from common illnesses unless nurtured with good nutrition like breast milk FRANKA OSAKWE

he President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Ngozi Nnam once again reviewed the first 1000 days of a child’s life saying they remain the most critical period which ought to be well enhanced with good nutrition to ensure that the child’s life is not cut short by diseases and common illnesses. Speaking at a maternal and child nutrition workshop to mark this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, organized by Nestlé Nigeria, Prof. Nnam said that poor nutrition in the first 1000 days predisposes a child to chronic diseases in adulthood. “During this period, a child is likely to die from micronutrient deficiency diseases and common ill-

nesses such as pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria due to weak immune system”, she noted. The event tagged, ‘Tapping into the Window of Opportunities in the First 1,000 Days of Life’, was aimed at encouraging exclusive breastfeeding for babies within the first 6 months. According to Nnam, the period determines how brainy and healthy a child would be for the rest of his or her life. For this period, she advised on proper diet beginning with exclusive breast feeding for the first six months, and supplementary diets containing necessary nutrients such as protein, iron, folate, iodine, fatty acids and carbohydrates. Her view was supported by the MD/Chief Executive, Nestlé Nigeria, Dharnesh

Gordhon, who reiterated that breastfeeding remains the best way to provide new-born babies with the required nutrients they need from their mothers. “The very start of our life, especially the first 1,000 days, is a unique period that is crucial to achieving our optimal potentials” added Gordhon, who was represented by the Executive Manager, Stakeholders’ Relations, Marie Owoniyi. He decried poor nutrition and lack of active lifestyle which he noted gradually erodes the health of every individual at any stage in life. In her submission, a nutritionist, Dr Folake Samuel, of the Faculty of Human Nutrition at University of Ibadan, reiterated the importance of nutrition in cognitive development. According to her, the 1,000 days of life is a crucial peri-

od for neuro-developmental processes. Samuel explained that “malnutrition impedes cognitive development and affects lifelong learning as well as the future productivity of individuals towards the level of the country’s GDP”. Also speaking on the occasion, the Head of Nutrition, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Chris Isokpunwu, revealed that “every single day, Nigeria loses about 2,300 under-5-year and 145 women of childbearing age, making the country the second largest contributor to the underfive and maternity mortality rate in the world.” Isokpunwu, however, noted, “There is a floppy improvement in the reduction of child mortality going by the death records of 800, 545 and 576 in 2003, 2008 and 2013, respectively.”

Fidson urges preventive action against hepatitis MUDA OYENIRAN

oncerned about the prevalence of Hepatitis and the alarming rate of Hepatitis infection in the country, Fidson Healthcare Plc has called on all Nigerians to embark on nationwide preventive ac-

tions against the menace of Hepatitis virus in the country, in commemoration of the World Hepatitis Day. The leading pharmaceutical company advised Nigerians to prevent viral hepatitis infection by getting tested, vaccinated and seeking adequate treatment for the string of hepatitis vi-

ruses, known as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, which affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, causing acute and chronic liver diseases. The company made this call, following various media reports on statistics credited to the Federal Ministry of Health, which states that over 20 million Nigeri-

ans are presently infected with the Hepatitis virus. This figure represents a substantial percentage of the 400 million people reportedly living with hepatitis B and C worldwide, according to WHO reports, which also state that 1.4 million people die due to these infections every year.

“Of the remaining children, about two per cent do not respond to treatment and are referred to hospitals; the current mortality rate is just one per cent, while the other children have defaulted from the programme”, it said. Based on the success of CMAM in Nigeria, UNICEF Nigeria Representative Jean Gough said there was a need to scale-up the program. “We must scale-up CMAM in Nigeria. It is a proven highimpact intervention that is saving lives and helping Nigerian children reach their full potential through a good start in life,” noted UNICEF Nigeria Representative Jean Gough. “We need greater investment in Nigeria’s future by investment in good nutrition,” she added. The UNICEF report said there are approximately 1.7 million severely acutely malnourished children under five in Nigeria accounting for a tenth of the global total and nearly a thousand of these die of malnutritionrelated causes every day (a total of 361,000 each year).

“The Government of Nigeria is committed to reaching more children with CMAM. We cannot accept that Nigerian children continue to die of malnutrition and that our potential future leaders should be diminished by its effects,” said Linus Awute, Permanent Secretary of the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health. CMAM is carried out during weekly appointments over approximately eight weeks at primary health care centres. It includes education of parents and caregivers on nutrition, the importance of continuing breast-feeding and the role of hand-washing and hygiene. The nutrition status of the children is assessed during the CMAM sessions and children are given a health screening; if necessary, they are also treated for other illnesses. Children are given highly nutritious Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) during the sessions and mothers and caregivers are provided with supplies of RUTF to feed the child at home.

GSK partners PSN on training SEKINAH LAWAL

SK has partnered with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) on an innovative training program, tagged Scientific Course for Pharmacist Education (SCOPE), which is aimed at enhancing the knowledge of Nigerian Pharmacists. According to the partners, SCOPE, a non-promotional and free online training program for Pharmacists, consists of nine (9) disease area modules that is accredited by the United States based Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). In his remarks at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by GSK and the society, PSN President, Pharm. Olumide Akintayo disclosed that a successful completion of SCOPE is now one of the requirements to receive ten (10) credit points towards the required thirty (30) credit points under the Mandatory Continuous Professional Development (MCPD) programme of the Pharmacist’ Council of Nigeria(PCN) Pharm. Olumide Akintayo noted that the partnership with GSK would

further strengthen PSN’s doggedness to promote and maintain a high standard of Pharmaceutical education in Nigeria, stressing that, SCOPE “facilitates a future grounded on professionalism through new frontiers in quality education updates.’’ Also speaking at the event, GSK Managing Director, Mr. Lekan Asuni stated that the MOU signing marked a milestone for not only the Partners, PSN and GSK, but also for the pharmaceutical industry as a whole. “We consider this education partnership a great opportunity for us at GSK to fulfil our mission of improving the quality of human life. Through this innovative programme, SCOPE, we aim to enhance the knowledge of Nigerian pharmacists, and in turn, positively impact the lives of patients in Nigeria. The online platform was chosen to implement the modules because its more cost effective than face to face trainings with a wider reach as pharmacists in hard to reach area can benefit. Access to quality education will indeed build credibility in the Pharmaceutical industry,” he said.

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘We are yet to realize import of heart surgery’ Despite growing incidents of coronary disease in Nigeria, there is no functional centre for treating the condition, says Dr Adamu Yahaya, a Senior Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at the National Hospital, Abuja, in this interview with Health Reporter, Marcus Fatunmole Excerpts: Sir, what is coronary heart disease? Coronary heart disease is a disease that comes up as a result of the narrowing of the blood vessel that supplies the heart. This narrowing, more often than not, comes up with several factors either from our habit or social behaviour. For instance, when you smoke, we have high blood pressure, we have diabetes, and you eat all sort of take-away foods that are full of cholesterol. We are very sedentary; we don’t want to exercise. We have cars that drive us to the front of our office and drive us into our car park at home. We are too busy to have time to engage in any game. Eventually, we just keep piling up those things that our grandfathers will never buy. And, we are so busy to eat the good food that we are endowed with; and we take delight in eating the take-away food and all the junks that we see on the street. When all these things come together, it piles up all those bad fats we call cholesterol. By the way, there are two types of cholesterol. We have the low density and the high density. While the high density is supposed to be good and it is protective against the condition, the kind of foods you eat that give you the high density are not the same as the one that give you the low density. Even, low density happens to be one that is commoner and sweeter. People will want to eat eggs, chicken, meat, take a lot of margarine and all sort of things which they put on their bread. They eat a lot of heap bowls of rice which produces the carbohydrate and because you are not using it, the body doesn’t know how to take carbohydrate, it converts most of it into fat. So, it

ends up being like eating meat. Even the amala and pounded yam that we eat, we eat more than we need, when it gets into our body, it becomes fat. You see the way some of these things go. So, instead of doing that, we ought to step up our fruit intake, salad and other vegetable that have very little or no calorie. The reason is that most of us who eat these foods don’t just eat what our body needs. Because we have to satisfy our stomach, we keep eating. The only way to satisfy your stomach is just eat what does not have calorie. That will include healthy things like fruits and vegetable. Eat little food only. Top it up with exercises. If we must eat some protein, good legs of animal protein, probably, we must take something like sea food like fish, fish oil gives us the high density more than the low density that we get from meat. Why not go for fish? These are the things we go through. And, then, because we are very lazy, we don’t exercise. If you are very lucky, if you are not, because it is a complex cycle, you become too fat, you overcome you pancreas, then, you become diabetic. When you have diabetes, the effect of diabetes gives you hypertension. If you have hypertension, it affects your coronary artery. The cholesterol will affect your coronary artery; the diabetes itself will affect your coronary artery. You see that a cycle has been set up; and before you know, you get heart attack. What is the current situation in Nigeria? Heart surgery is a neglected part of medicine in Nigeria. Even though other countries much smaller than us have seen the need and have already moved ahead. It is unfortunate to realize that up till this time of our development as a country which is supposed to be the giant of Africa, we are still yet to realize the import of heart surgery. And, we are becoming more and more sophisticated, approaching the advanced world in their habit of eating and socialization. And, so we must agree that we must carry along the troubles that are associated with this trend of sophistication and advancement that we are going through. A country like Ghana has now had a stabilized heart care. Tanzania has been there, Kenya is there, just keep counting them. They are all smaller countries in Africa. As small as Israel is, it is an advanced country, they are only seven million, they have over twenty

Yahaya

BUT, WE ARE VERY CERTAIN, NOW, THERE IS HARDLY ANY WEEK IN THIS HOSPITAL THAT YOU WILL NOT SEE BETWEEN THREE, FOUR, FIVE CASES COMING AND GOING centres that are functioning and doing heart surgery. We are a country of over 160 million; we don’t have a centre that can boast of doing regular heart surgery. Not one, we can see the shame. The truth of it is that, yes, you talk about coronary heart disease. As a country develops and advances, coronary heart disease becomes more prominent. It is one of the non-communicable diseases that we talk about. Others include hypertension, diabetes, and kidney problem among others. Consumption of sweetened foods and chocolates is on the rise among age categories in Nigeria, is this good for our hearts? That is exactly what I was explaining to you. When you go and eat all these foods; it is not absolutely as bad. The point is that when you eat, you don’t really need much of what you eat. The fact that most of the things are conjoined together and you ask yourself, you go in there and you see all sort of fast food containing meat, probably they put about a quarter chicken for you; and you eat all these, you don’t need it. It produces all the cholesterol we are talking about. Chocolate in

children is fine. All these chicken you give to children is fine. But, we have a trend that is coming up now, children of nowadays are becoming obese. Children suffer the same problem if they become fat. Obesity is obesity. If you become fat, it doesn’t matter whether you are a child or an adult. That is the new trend. Adults have not finished solving their problems; they are introducing the children at an early age. In those days, when you eat in primary school, how did you go, was it not on foot? And, they go for evening games. Our children today don’t even go for games when they leave school. They will stock their bags and food flasks with all the fast foods. And, the children just keep growing, just the way the parents are growing. Eventually, we forget that they all have negative impact on our health. How would you describe the prevalence of this condition in Nigeria? We used to think that we didn’t have the problem of coronary heart disease. The truth is, in fact the World Health Organization now concentrates on the developing countries. While the incidence

of coronary health disease in developed countries has stabilized and has actually started going down, we are on the rise and keep increasing every day. I can assure you that there is hardly anybody who you know that will not attest to it that he has known somebody who is close to him who had a sudden complaint of chest pain and just collapsed. Most of the time, such people don’t even survive it and they die. Most of these things are coronary heart diseases. Most unfortunate thing is that we don’t have a centre where the screenings are done. We cannot give you an exact figure of the extent of coronary heart disease in our environment. But, we are very certain, now, there is hardly any week in this hospital that you will not see between three, four, five cases coming in and going. Before, you would think that it didn’t exist. We rarely ever saw it. These are even the ones that have the wherewithal to come to this hospital. So, many of them are out there, they cannot make it. It is also bad in our country that if you have a bad heart attack, you are gone. You have no option; because we don’t have any functioning heart centre. That is the truth. We may have political existence of heart centre; but there is no functional heart centre. What are the symptoms of coronary disease? The symptoms are varied. One of the most common symptoms that is peculiar to people we know is this sudden severe left-sided chest pain. Very severe that in fact, you may find it very difficult to talk. And, then, the patient will be sweating, restless and the pain may move toward the arm of that side or around the shoulder or neck around that side. You will be feeling the pain there, and you will be feeling it at the other side at the same time. There are other forms in those who are diabetic. They may not have this sudden severe pain, occasionally, they just become restless. They have difficulty in breathing. Is this condition curable? Curable? Yes, no. If you stop the habit that gives rise to that, that will help. The cure we have for it is that it is not like a disease entity as in diabetes or hypertension. What is there is that the blood vessel is blocked. So, the flow of blood to parts of the heart is obstructed. That area begins to suffer from lack of food and oxygen. The muscles in that area may die. If that muscle dies, that means that part of the heart is going to be dysfunctional. Sometimes, it would just be reduced flow or supply, it will just become dysfunctional. What do we do as cure? Two ways; there are some that will not require an open surgery; the interventional cardiologist can go through some image guidance.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arts Lounge I won’t disappoint my fans –Orezi

2015 Iri Ji Mbaise Festival holds

Engaging Nigerian society with arts A consciousness is sweeping through the art sector to attach value to arts aesthetics. Isiguzo Destiny

igerian artists are beginning to use their arts to engage the society not just indirectly through the influence of their arts or their interpretations but now directly, by using arts in solving real life problems. Art has been mostly touted as being more of ideological and does not go beyond aesthetics, but Nigerian artists are now using art to solve social challenges like unemployment, mental problems, character rehabilitation, environmental pollution etc. One of such movements of arts beyond aesthetics is the “trash to treasure” art that tends to solve environmental pollution that has bedevilled major cities in Nigeria. Speaking on the gravity of this problem, Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola referring to Lagos said “Lagos, Nigeria, is home to 21 million people, but only 40% of their trash is collected. The rest ends up in heaps, spreading diseases”. This is the issue “Trash to Treasure artists” are attempting to proffer solution to by using trash as materials for their art works. Explaining “Trash to Treasure”, an art critic and cartoonist Jimga Jimoh Ganiyu in an interview with art lounge said “the project intends to explore the use of unconventional materials in producing art forms that are not only visually appealing but environmentally friendly. It focuses on the recycling of such materials as a means of addressing such societal problems. ‘Trash to treasure’ redirects attention to a new way of exploring discarded materials in art production. This will not only generate more revenue as these materials are readily available and accessible, it will also alleviate the environment of waste toxins that follows improper disposal of wastes. Works like Muraina Akeem’s “Metal-Morphosis”, Durodola Yusuf Olanrewaju “Portrait and installation of J. P. Clark”, El Anatsui’s “Peak Project” made from milk tins and bottle tops among others are evidence of this consciousness of arts beyond aesthetics. Describing this experience, an art historian and critic Dr Adémúlèyá Babásèhìndé observed that “we buy, we use and when out-of-use or tired of use, we throw away, but it keeps coming back - just like a buried seed, it rots and spring back to life. When things are thrown away they are re-christened, they become waste, trash or junk attracting such adjectives as; useless, ‘not needed’ or ‘unproductive’; ‘un-

Peak Project

Toni Kan

Ibinabo

inhabited’, or ‘worthless’ and so on. Then in the hands of others, they begin a new life, made valuable and attractive - One man’s junk, another man’s treasure one would say”. Another artist, an up-coming teenage singer is using her talent to heal isolated and mental retarded people. Though very unknown in Nigerian’s art industry Certain as her name goes is a law student, one artist that is mesmerizing with her commitment to the Nigerian society especially in Lagos and Aba with her free performances at psychiatric hospitals and prisons. For her, songs are therapeutic and can be brought to fix fractured individual in this hostile world. This for her is the only duty of an artist. With her dazzling beauty and melodies voice, she sings to mentally challenged persons and it has become an antidote for some of the violent ones who keep still each time she comes to sing. The medical director in one of the hospitals she sings at confirmed that her songs have helped to calm and to an extent, used in managing some of the patients. The psychiatrist doctor however begged that his identity or that of his hospital should not be disclosed as some cynical critics will ridicule this artist’s activity. Certain revealed that “I can’t

bear the thought that some people no longer enjoy the privileges I enjoy due to one crime or illness. Some of the prisoners are innocent while others are awaiting trial for so long. I may not be able to give this people their health or freedom back, but I can give them my voice”. Asked of what she sings to them, she said “I sing about hope, I sing about patience, healing, sunshine, rainbow, roses and love”. The likes of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Toni Kan, Yewande Omotoso and Samuel Kolawole, etc took bold steps in using their talents in writing and storytelling to solve problems of unemployment and inadequate creative writing training institution in Nigeria. Creative writing workshops like “Writers’ Studio”, “Writivism”, “Farafina Trust Creative Writing Workshop” have not just discovered new raw talents but have helped in developing young and up-coming writers’ potentials. In an affirmative statement to the potentials of these discovered writers Adichie said at the end of this year’s workshop that “I skipped the usual basic workshop notes because of the sense of confidence I saw in them. Their stories were valid. I loved to see female characters taking charge of

Art is beyond entertainment and money making. It is beyond fame. Art is functional and is a potent tool for solving society’s needs directly.

Trash to treasure art work

their lives and dictating how they want to live their lives. This is a generation of African writers whose stories are valid”. New voices have been born through art which goes beyond aesthetics to provide solutions to the essential needs of the society. Okolo Edwin, an alumnus of the “Farafina Trust Creative Writing workshop” stressed the importance of this workshop and how it impacted in him. Admonishing Nigerians during his announcement of this year’s entry, he begged writers to “please make sure you enter. A chance like this shouldn’t be overlooked”. Actors and movie practitioners are not left as Ibinabo Fiberesima is another shining star in the darkness. Art Lounge gathered that she has been shooting movies in different locations in Nigeria and uses this medium to search for talents that their gifts have neither seen the light of the day nor maximally harnessed. She confirmed this through a text message she sent to the reporter when she was contacted over the issue. The text reads “I am shooting movies state by state, discovering talents in all of Nigeria. I have done Lagos. I am now in PH. Next stop will be Enugu”. Be it trash to treasure or any other form through which this consciousness is riding through the Nigerian society; one thing is peculiar to these artists mentioned and their like-minds; and that is: art is beyond entertainment and money making. It is beyond fame. Art is functional and is a potent tool for solving society’s needs directly.

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

VOICES

Okotie to D’Banj: Music and youth empowerment (2) Austin Emielu

opular music is a great income earner and a catalyst for job and wealth creation. From song writers or lyricists, to music publishers, composers, arrangers, producers, music recording and marketing companies, printing companies, cassette, CD, VCD, DVD manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers of musical recordings, dealers on musical instruments, studio and stage sound engineers, musicians, singers, dancers, promoters, talent scouts, entertainment writers and showbiz consultants, stage designers, lighting crew, structural engineers, advertising practitioners, media houses and many more professionals, income generation and distribution in the popular music industry is broad-based and far reaching. Not to mention monies accruing to government through various taxes across professional lines. In terms of tourism, a well developed, professionalized and institutionalized music industry will boost tourism potentials in Nigeria. In the just concluded 2008 edition of the African Cup of Nations in Ghana, popular music was a major tourist attraction. In my hotel room along Kumasi road, in Accra, one could not but admire the broad landscape of Ghanaian popular music and musicians aired on almost an hourly basis on radio and television and those played on mobile trucks on the streets. All these are with the sole aim of promoting Ghanaian music to visiting tourists. In the Nigerian experience many popular musicians like the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Sunny Ade, Lagbaja, I.K Dairo, Ebenezer Obey, Sunny Neji, Olu Kris Okotie, Onyeka Ownenu, Mike Okri, Dare Alade, Maintain, D Banj, P Square and others have attracted world attention to Nigerian popular music, and most of them achieved this feat as youths. The Osun Oshogbo Festival and the Arungungu Festival amongst others which feature music prominently have also been a major attraction to tourists in Nigeria. Most top-rated hotels in Nigeria, especially in Lagos and Abuja to which most tourist are attracted, also have inhouse popular music bands as part of

Austin Emielu

the tourist package. This is why it is being suggested in this paper that popular music should be included in the broad spectrum of youth empowerment programmes in Nigeria. So far in Nigeria, most popular musicians struggle through severe economic hardships to reach lime light, despite obvious musical endowment. Most musicians that I have worked with in Nigeria not only have to own the copyright of their works, but must also own the means of production, promotion and marketing, if their works are to see the light of day. Those that are able to manage through these hurdles, combining artistry with entrepreneurship, are usually not able to sustain their careers for long. In the live performance scene, with the astronomical price of musical instruments, especially since the advent of ‘American Pentecostalism’ in Nigeria, where churches compete with themselves in acquisition of state-of-the-art musical and sound re-

inforcement equipment, the ‘powerlessness’ of the popular musician become all the more pronounced in a capitalistic and deterministic economy. This is why we suggest professionalism and institutionalization of the music industry, as the much-needed engine that will power youth development through popular music in Nigeria. Since the music industry is a multisector enterprise, there is an overriding need for specialization along well defined lines of creativity. The starting point for this will be professional and systematic training either in a formal or informal institution. The current situation where anybody can wake up and enter the studio for recording and become a ‘star’ overnight does not represent a sustainable form of empowerment. If the industry is institutionalized, then youths can be trained to specialize in specific areas like song writing, arrangement and production, music marketing

So far in Nigeria, most popular musicians struggle through severe economic hardships to reach lime light, despite obvious musical endowment

Memorable Reads How did you get introduced to reading? I started interacting with books at a very tender age, between the age of seven and eight. But I interacted with books written in my own indigenous language which is Yoruba. The author that first of all attracted me was the late D. O. Fagunwa, a Yoruba writer. He wrote about

five or six very important novels. Beginning with the one most widely known. It is titled Ogboju Ode ninu Igbo Irunmale. That has been translated by Prof Wole Soyinka and the English translation is The Forest of a Thousand Demons. He followed this up with Igbo Olodumare, which Soyinka has also translated into The Forest of Olodumare. What makes D.O. Fagunwa’s books tick? I was in primary school when I encountered D.O. Fagunwa’s books. The books teach moral lessons, are also very easy to read, teach moral lessons and are even entertaining. We were used to listening to folktales and Fagunwa’s novels contained so many folktales. Are you fascinated by folktales only?

Tunde Babawale

Professor

The folktales were important because they teach moral lessons, they were didactic and because of the didactic nature of the stories told by Fagunwa, I got very interested. I read one after the other and I became fascinated with books. What about works in English language? I moved from Fagunwa’s novels to books written in English. The next was the one written by James Ene Henshaw, This is Our Chance. The second one I came across, I think at that time I had gotten to secondary school, I read Wole Soyinka’s The Lion and the Jewel. After that I read Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart. From there I became very interested in reading what we call the African Writers Series.

and promotion, artiste management, studio engineering, band management, film music/jingles, performance, music journalism, dance/choreography among other branches of specialization. In this case, involvement in the popular music industry will not necessarily be in the area of performance or making records as it is mostly today. The emphasis will be on training and acquisition of relevant skills for empowerment along specific lines of interest and capabilities. These trained ones will constitute a solid human resources base which will be self-sustaining through a network of ‘masters’ or specialists who are already empowered and ‘masters or specialists in training’ who are going through the process of empowerment. Coupled with the above, is the need to evolve professional bodies within the industry which will standardize and regulate practice, as well as serve as agents for re-tooling and upgrading of skills. While one may acknowledge corporate participation in the popular music industry especially through the pioneering efforts of Benson and Hedges cigarette company, MTN, Glo Mobile, Nigerian Breweries and a few others, ‘stars’ produced by these efforts are not only few but also lack ‘staying power’ as we can see from the growing list of musicians falling by the way side . Much still needs to be done in this regard. Corporate involvement should not just be to promote company products and brand name, or to build ‘stars’ through massive publicity, it should also involve imparting needed skills that ensure career sustainability, all-round artiste management including finances, as well as a deliberate attempt to explore the rich musical traditions of the Nigerian people. At the institutional level there is the need to seriously revise and ‘decolonize’ the music curriculum at all levels of education. After all, the content of education should reflect the immediate needs of the society. • Austin Emielu, is an Associate Professor of Music, Kwara State University.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

ARTISTE UNCENSORED

I won’t disappoint my fans –Orezi Afro Hip-hop star, Orezi Esegine Allen popularly known as Alhaji Orezi is set to drop his debut album. Ngozi Emedolibe

rezi with hit songs such as ‘Shuperu’, ‘Shoki’, ‘You Garrit’ and ‘Rihanna’ has been one of the most consistent and talented entertainer in the country at the moment with lots of local and continental awards and nominations to show for it alongside an international recognition. ‘’I am now ready to drop it (album) because it is hot. Every other artiste planning to drop an album in September should be advised because from September till next year, Orezi will rule the club houses, the streets and airwaves. My fans can never be disappointed. We are working with a reputable marketer to make sure it is widely spread. I am really grateful to everyone that has supported me since day one till date and I bless the name of Almighty God that maketh things come to pass. I am really grateful, and just to add, expect great and unique hit songs (RnB, Dancehall, Afro and hip hop). It is really hot,” he submitted. Scheduled to be officially released on September 1 on Sprisal Entertainment, the initial copies of ‘THE GHEN GHEN’ album initially printed have been exhausted due to high demand, according to the management of the record label. “We are reprinting a large quantity of the album as we speak because demand is high even before the official release date,” a source at Sprisal Entertainment. The album which featured collaborations with top Nigeria artistes and an international star has been described by music critics as one of the best things to happen in the music industry at a private listening party held in the Victoria Island area of Lagos recently, will surely live up to its billing as assured by the young music star. He has shot the video of the chart busting Shoki, one of the songs in the album, so also is the video of Rihanna. Rihanna’s video last year created the kind of buzz in the industry that a young artiste

His work

had

not

achieved in a long while. When all efforts to get the American super diva Rihanna to feature in the multi million naira video did not work out, Orezi and his management team as well as his label, Sprisal Records, went online and decided to shop for a Rihanna look alike. The search finally paid off when a ‘Rihanna’ sent in her entry from Mauritius. This young, beautiful ‘Rihanna’ named Kim was chosen from over 200 pictures entry. Orezi’s management till date declined to reveal the cost of bringing this stunning beauty down to the shoot location in South Africa. However,

His works

an inside source disclosed that Orezi’s label paid an initial deposit of $10, 000 to ‘Rihanna’s (Kim) master card account. Rihanna’s video was rated number seven out of eight Most Incredible Videos Around The World by the world’s number one online TV channel YouTube late last year. The presenters singled Orezi out for commendation for what they described as the great video concept especially for him going extra length to get a Rihanna look alike to feature in the video. The concept, quality and directing was great, they said.

Shoki is actually a dance that has been in existence but not popular until I saw a boy in my hood, dancing and I asked him what kind of dance is this, he said it’s called shoki

MIDWEEK JUMP

Akpororo VS Akpororo

kpororo is no doubt one of the funniest and comedian in the country today. The August edition of his comedy show will hold on Wednesday 19th August at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The highly anticipated live event will feature Akpororo and a wide array of popular comedians and artistes. Visitors will enjoy his comic act which gives laughter. There will also be good music on stage.

OAU honours Funmi Aragbaiye

He also travelled to South Africa to shoot his U Garrit song video. He spoke on his hit song, Shoki. “God has been good to me, as you can see things have really changed for me in both my music career and life. As you all know, I have a song in this album that has reshaped the music industry, it puts smile into everyone’s face anytime you listen and it’s titled Shoki. “Shoki is actually a dance that has been in existence but not popular until I saw a boy in my hood, dancing and I asked him what kind of dance is this, he said it’s called shoki and at that moment the inspiration came and played it along a beat that has been on my phone since and behold it went well I called the owner of the beat “Popito” and the rest is history.

vangelist Dr. Funmi Aragbaiye will be the cynosure of all eyes, this present moment as she receives another award. The Nigerian Universities Association of Musicologists will honour the gospel music crooner with prestigious Award of Ambassaor of Art Music in Nigeria. The National creativity award, co-ordinated by the Obafemi Awolowo University’s Department of Music, will be conferred at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. The award committee, headed by Professor Adedeji said Aragbaiye deserves the honour for her “Unalloyed love for Art music in Nigeria, coupled with her past contributions towards music development’.

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

FAR AND NEAR

2015 Iri Ji Mbaise Festival holds

Chris Njoku

At Iri Ji Mbaise Festival

tegic. He assured them that projects not yet completed would be completed in no distant. Speaking earlier, the new Chairman of Ezurezu Mbaise, Chief Cajetan Nnamdi thanked Imo State Governor for his love for the people of Mbaise. He disclosed that the evidences are found in the completed and ongoing projects sited in different areas of the three local governments that make up Mbaise.

He however appealed to Governor Okorocha to help rehabilitate Afor-OgbeIkeduru-Mbaitoli-Onitsha Expressway and complete the Mbaise Cultural Centre for promotion of Igbo culture in general. The highpoint of the event was when the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere and the Ondo State Commissioner for Sports who represented Governor, Olusegun Mimiko was led by the traditional rulers Okoro for the ritual of tasting the new yam.

Castel Down Centre brings Eko-O-ni-baje Festival

Idezuna

Imoelayo Fatunase

ulture lovers in Ibeju Lekki, Local Government Area of Lagos, should be getting ready for fun as this year’s Eko Oni baje New Yam and Beach Festival organised by Castel Down Art Centre, a Lagos-based cultural promotion outfit holds on Friday, September 18. Ozo Chinedu Idezuna, (a.k.a) Ezemoo Africa, the promoter of the festival who

TV audience brace for StarTimes’ new channels Regina Otokpa

ochas Okorocha, the governor of Imo State, has commended the people of Mbaise for unity and cohesion that exist among them as a people. The governor who made the commendation at the 2015 Iri Ji Mbaise National Cultural Festival, held at the weekend at Itu Ezinihitte Mbaise, praised the entire Mbaise nation for their consistent efforts in ensuring the culture and tradition of Ndi Igbo remain relevant to the extent of putting it in the international calendar. Governor Okorocha who was represented by his deputy, Prince Eze Madumere said: “It is not a surprise that year after year the great Mbaise nation, with friends and well-wishers assemble from different parts of the world to promote our culture and identity of Ndi Igbo”. He however added that with huge natural resources and all the professionals, doctors, lawyers, engineers, Clergy, the academia at their disposal might be responsible for the great height the people of Mbaise had attained. While commending the people for their hard working, painstaking and enterprising, he averred that Mbaise’s place in the growth and development of Imo State and their contribution to nation-building remained stra-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

spoke ahead of this year’s outing said the festival would commence with Miss EkoOnibaje beauty pageant at Ibeju Lekki on Friday September 11. Other events lined up in this year’s cultural feast includes: traditional wrestling, cultural dance performance, masquerades, palm wine drinking and many other thrills. The cultural outing according to Idezuna is aimed at fostering unity among Nigeria’s various ethnic groups. Idezuna said the Oba of Ibeju Lekki, His Royal Majesty Oba Olusegun Salami,

the Onibeju of Ibejuland will be the royal father of the event, as well as other dignitaries expected to be at the event. Grand finale of the event however, comes up on Saturday September 19, at Eleko Beach. “For years, several outcries have echoed the need for Federal government and private sector to look inwards into the non-oil sector of the economy. This clarion call was seen as a way out of the dependence on oil as the mainstay of the Nigerian economy. The searchlight beamed into several other revenue potential and tourism, culture. This objective spurred the establishment of EkoOnibaje New Yam and beach festival with the aim of promoting tourism and culture. The beautiful and serene Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos became the takes off point of a celebration of a united Nigeria with culture and tourism as a pivot. This initial idea of just an atmosphere to share yam as entrenched in Igbo culture of Nigeria metamorphosed into a gathering of several cultures such as the Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa and other ethnic groups.’’ The yearly festival now in its seventh edition is packaged as a festive campaign for awareness of culture and tourism. It also inculcates programmes that offer young talents opportunities for wide exposure. Meanwhile, the festival which holds every September in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, has added yet another admirer to its growing list of supports, the Nigerian Field Society. This support by the Field Society for the festival was formally acknowledged when the society paid a visit to Idezuna in Ibeju Lekki recently.

t is a new dawn for StarTimes’ subscribers as the pay TV provider continuously enriches their bouquet with various interesting channels. For sports lovers, it was fun as the company hosted a community of subscribers and other stakeholders at the De Hall Events Centre Ikeja, Lagos, for the formal kickoff of the 2015-2016 season of the German Bundesliga in an actionpacked match between Bayern Munich and Hamburger SV on Friday, August 14. In recent weeks, StarTimes has outlines a series of activities to reward her customers as part of their fifth anniversary, which not only saw the pay TV provider acquiring the rights of Italian Serie A and the German Bundesliga for six years but also rewarding subscribers with an all expenses-paid trip to Germany to watch some matches of the league live. On the benefits of the new move, StarTimes’ representative at the event said: “In every home, there is at least a football lover and overtime, football has become a major part of the lives of consumers. On this note, StarTimes is pleased to inform subscribers that they will now be able to view over 300 action-packed Bundesliga matches as well as other exciting sporting events. The Bundesliga is the number one football league globally in the world in terms of average attendance; out of all sports, its average of 45,134 fans per game during the 2011–12 season was the second highest of any sports league in the world. The Bundesliga is watched on television in over 200 countries globally. German Bundesliga is one of the top Football Leagues in the world, currently ranked 3rd in Europe according to UEFA’s league coefficient ranking, based on recent European performances. It boasts of some of the most expensive players in the world in the squad of its top teams. Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and other teams are tight packed with these remarkable superstars like Frank Ribery, Schweinsteiger and Lahm.”

Mr Xing Pang, StarTimes’ boss

Business

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

NNPC sets to review JVs, PSCs with IOCs

NAICOM approves Nigeria Re 2014 Accounts

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Indigenous operators, others suffer as gloomy oil outlook persist

Customs seizes poultry products worth N144m in five weeks

AIRLINES’ FLIGHT SCHEDULES

... Ogun axis accounts for highest volume Emeka Ezekiel, Abuja

sist of 6,206 cartons of the banned products, were recorded at villages around the borders in Idiroko, Badagry Creeks, Badagry Water ways, and Agbara in the Lagos and Ogun states. “The NCS made seizures worth N28,660,717 in the third week of its fight against smuggling of frozen poultry products tagged Operation Hawk Descend. The seizures which consist of 5,915 cartons of frozen poultry product, mostly conveyed in commercial vehicles was confiscated by Customs Officers around the South Western area of the country which consist of Badagry Creeks, Seme axis and Idiroko axis of Ogun state”, it added The Service stated that statistics in the fourth week of this operation, showed that frozen poultry products worth N35,651,458.00 were seized, indicating a sharp increase

he Nigeria Customs Service has seized 33, 246 cartons of frozen poultry products worth about N143. 62 million within the last five weeks, National Mirror investigations have revealed. This is contained in the latest document on the ‘NCS Operation Hawk Descend’, a copy of which obtained by our correspondent in Abuja, on Monday. The operation to tackle smuggling of banned poultry products by the Customs is currently being concentrated within the South Western axis of Nigeria – Benin border believed to be the major transit area for smugglers of the banned item. National Mirror investigation also revealed that Ogun axis recorded the highest number of seizures of banned poultry products in Nigeria. A breakdown of the seizures showed that within the period under review 13,335 cartons of banned poultry products were seized by the Ogun Command of the Nigeria Customs;, 2611 cartons by the Federal Operation Unit (FOU) ; 969 cartons from Seme; 267 cartons by the Oyo/ Osun Command and 4,888 by the Western Marine Command. Similarly, FOU A Command recorded 5,176 seizures while FOU B (Kaduna) made 6,000 seizures. According to the report, most Customs officials with seized goods of the seizures were made when commercial vehicles conveying the banned item were apprehended by Customs Officers. tanbic IBTC Bank and The report stated: “Frozen poulPAN Nigeria Limited, try products worth over N12 million makers of the Peugeot was seized during the first week of operation “Hawk Descend” in the brand of vehicles, have signed South Western axis of Nigeria – Be- an agreement to redefine vehinin border.. The seizures consist of cle financing and acquisition in 1,803 cartons of the banned prod- the country. ucts confiscated in the operation. The scheme will allow the “In the second week of the Op- seamless and convenient acquieration seizures worth N21,832,994 sition of Peugeot range of prodwas made. The operation was ucts by customers. flagged off in the South-Western A statement from the bank flank of Nigeria borders to enforce yesterday explained that under the ban on imported frozen poultry the scheme, applicants are exproducts. The seizures which con-

when compared to the report of week three which had Duty Paid Value of N28,660,717 . It pointed out further that the seizures which consist of 5,472 cartons of frozen poultry product, was confiscated at Idiroko bush path in Ogun States, Agbeji/Ife axis in Osun State and Seme axis in lagos State all around the South Western area of the country, adding that within the fifth week of the operation, NCS made seizures worth N 45,470,441 The Duty Paid Value is the highest recorded since the launch of the operation last month”. Commenting on the on-going operations to stop the smuggling of banned poultry products across the country, the Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Wale Adeniyi, told our correspondent in a telephone interview in

Abuja, on Monday, that the success so far recorded by the NCS had impacted positively in the economy in terms boosting local capacity and production of poultry products. Adeniyi said, “The operation to rid the country of the menace of importation and smuggling of banned poultry products is on course and is in line with the objectives set out by the Comptroller General of Customs. The operation is for initial three months after which we shall review the efficacy of the operation. “In fact, the successes so far recorded by through the Operation “Hawk Descend” has started impacting positively on our local poultry industry in terms boosting the production capacity. This has attracted the commendation of the Poultry Association of Nigeria.”

Stanbic IBTC partners PAN on auto financing

pected to make an equity contribution starting from as low as 10 per cent of the total value of the vehicle to be leased, and payment period can last for as long as 60 months or five years. According to the statement, other benefits of the Finance Lease Agreement, include tax reduction, competitive interest rates, comprehensive insurance policy at lower rates, low equity contribution, among others. The statement quoted Execu-

tive Director, Personal and Business Banking of the bank, Mr. Obinnia Abajue, as saying that the bank is honoured to partner with an iconic Nigerian brand like Peugeot. He added that product quality was an important consideration in the bank’s choice of PAN Nigeria Limited and assured that Stanbic IBTC will continue to identify opportunities to provide financial solutions that meet the needs of customers.

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

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

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

Executive Discourse

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Our investments in technologies, manpower The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, has in the past years acquired and installed navigational facilities to improve safety in the country’s airspace beyond. Just some few weeks ago, it continued the exercise with the installation of navigational equipment, Kano Safe Tower Project in Kano State. The Managing Director of the agency, Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam, speaks on the benefits of the initiatives and other projects for air safety in the nation’s airspace. Olusegun Koiki captures his views.

ir, a lot has been said about the state of the Safe Tower Project being executed by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, what is the importance of this project to air travels safety in the country? The Safe Tower Project is a strategic effort of NAMA to transform Air Traffic Management, ATM, services in the country and it has numerous attendant benefits. When it becomes operational, its advantages include use of electronic or paperless flight progress strips by Air Traffic Controllers, ATC, effective and efficient flight planning and reduction ATC workload. At the moment, ATM systems have all been completely installed; then we have to complete the site acceptance test before it can be used. If the site is accepted, eventually it will be commissioned. So after the site acceptance test, we look at all that have been done, look at those issues on ground, which need to be sorted out. Those that are not needed will be taken out; those that are okay will be taken in. When everything has been properly done and detailed, we can now start using them. We are likely to start using them before the end of the year, but these are technical things; its usage will depend on the site acceptance test. So far, are you satisfied with the progress being made on the project? Definitely; you saw what has been done, so what is left is to see the result of the site. Seeing it physically is one thing, but sitting down and following the details one after the other is another. That is the essence of the site acceptance test. Every component has to be looked at, the way it is done and if it is done properly and then tested to make sure it is working. In the next couple of days they are expected to have completed this test. When you migrate to the new tow-

Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam er, what will the agency do with the old equipment, considering the facilities therein? The old one will not be done away with; it will be kept on standby. In case of emergency it can be used. It is not like it is going to be de-commissioned, but would still be there to be used in case of any emergency. In what way can this scheme enhances flight operations and safety? It can enhance flight and safety in a lot of ways. For instance, operations from the old tower have been bedevilled by the fact that it is lower and a lot of things there are old. This is a completely new tower; everything in the runway

is new and it is much higher and bother end of the runway can easily be seen. Most of the all the safety issues are there and all the equipment that were installed are new. NAMA in the last few years have installed several equipment at different sites, but it seems the local airlines are not growing as fast as you, do you think your equipment are being adequately utilised by the airlines? A lot of foreign airlines are using and ready to use the new equipment and some of the local airlines are also ready to use the modern equipment. It is a mixed bag. There are those that are

If you can hold a copy of it, it will be very, very enlightening. This is because a lot of things people said about the accident was not actually

what happened.

People say whatever they wanted, but I don’t wish to join issues with anybody

readily technologically up to date and there are those that are still coming up. How far as your agency gone with the Performance Based Navigation, PBN, project? The project has been completed by us for some time, but the issue is that those that fly it are basically the foreign airlines. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, is yet to approve it for the local airlines. I understand that Arik Air is about to start using the equipment, but I am not too sure about the other airlines. But, I can tell you that Arik aircraft are equipped to use the facility. With PBN, airlines would save cost as they would consume less fuel. With the PBN, you know can take direct routing from Lagos to wherever you are going or wherever you are coming from to Lagos. Those are some of the benefits of PBN; those are some of the benefits of direct routing. It is part of the things we are enjoying at the moment and we hope to even enjoy more subsequently as we move along. What is the maintenance arrangement for the project? This has been installed in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja. Our people are already conversant with the facilities, so,

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Executive Discourse

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

‘ll enhance air safety – NAMA boss maintaining it will not be difficult for us. They are trained on it and they have been maintaining the other three stations. So, maintaining this one will not be a problem. The issue of bees attacking ATC on duty at Jos Airport has been on for some years now, what is NAMA doing about this? The Jos tower issue has been on-going. It is like a seasonal thing. We have been addressing it and it has been on and off. We have already identified where we can block so that when the place is blocked the chances of the bees coming back will be slim. As I said earlier, it is a seasonal thing. There are times you can go there and work, but sometimes it is difficult because the bees have already gone into the building. Once the window opens for us to address the issue, we will tackle it immediately. In March 2008 Beechcraft 1900D owned by Wings Aviation left Lagos to Bebi airstrip at Obudu in Cross River State and disappeared for about six months without any trace, with the improved facilities at different stations today, can this happen again in Nigeria? No, no; it cannot happen again. The point is that the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, released the report of that accident. If you can hold a copy of it, it will be very, very enlightening. This is because a lot of things people said about the accident was not actually what happened. People say whatever they wanted, but I don’t wish to join issues with anybody. If you get that report, you will be able to see what the findings are. Then, you will know what actually happened and what actually transpired. But is the route to Bebi now better that it used to be? Performance Based Navigation covers baby and world Geodetic Survey, WG84, also covered Bebi. Apart from that, even the Cross River Government has done a lot of things to improve the facilities in the airstrip. Why is NAMA installing the Save Tower Project in Kano at this particular point in time? Major milestone is being accomplished in the country with the conduct of the Site Acceptance Test of the new Kano Safe Tower project, as well as the Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication, CPDLC, training. It will be recalled that the Safe Tower Project was conceived in 2006 by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo regime with the aim of automating the provision of air traffic services at Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt Control Towers. The project was successfully completed in Abuja and Lagos in 2007, while Port Harcourt was completed in 2008. However, the completion of this project was delayed in Kano as a new control tower had to be constructed. The construction of the new Kano control tower was further delayed by the death of the contractor and eventual legal issues arising therefrom.

The project will also deliver a data recording and storage system for all air

– ground communications,

the project will deliver technical supervisor positions at both

Kano

Following the completion of the construction of the new Kano control tower in November 2014, NAMA promptly mobilised AVSATEL to site for the deployment of the safe tower automated ATM and Meteorological systems in January 2015. Shortly after AVSATEL mobilised to site, the Kano safe tower project suffered yet another delay as some of the equipment, which have been in the warehouse since 2007, had gone obsolete and had to be replaced at additional cost. Despite all the challenges, we are very glad that the deployment of the system is completed and the required conduct of a Site Acceptance Test was successfully done. A successful outcome of this Site Acceptance Test will lead to the commencement of air traffic control operations from the new Kano Control Tower. What are the benefits of this project to safe airspace? The main deliverables of the Kano Safe Tower project include, paperless or electronic strip system, automated ATM system with four working positions for Aerodrome Control, Ground Control, Approach Control and Flight Data Operator position, VHF radio systems (mains and standby) for all working positions and Voice Communications and Control System, VCCS, The main benefits of the completed Kano Safe Tower project are as follows: use of electronic or paperless flight progress strips, effective and efficient flight planning, reduction in ATC workload, additional ATC work positions for Ground and Approach Control, availability of a Radar Monitoring system for enhanced Air Traffic Situation awareness, automated data storage for effective billing, availability of meteorological information online and real time and vertical wind shear alerting system, etc. We are also conducting Automatic Dependent Surveillance and Controller Pilot Data Link Communication Training, which is another milestone being recorded today. The Automatic Dependent Surveillance and Controller Pilot Data Link Communication system (ADS-C/ CPDLC) training commenced today for Kano Area Control Centre, ACC. It will be recalled that in our strategic efforts towards addressing the challenges of long range air – ground communications, the agency signed a contract with SITA on 7th January 2015 for the deployment of satellite based surveil-

Lagos and

lance and communication systems (ADS-C/CPDLC) in Lagos and Kano. The major deliverables of the ADSC/CPDLC project are as follows: the project will deliver Automatic Dependent Surveillance Systems at Lagos and Kano with capacity for long range surveillance that would back up the TRACON Radar system. The project will also deliver Data Link Communication systems at Lagos and Kano for long range air – ground data communication covering the entire Nigerian airspace and beyond. The project will also deliver a data recording and storage system for all air – ground communications, the project will deliver technical supervisor positions at both Lagos and Kano. The system will also deliver servers for both Lagos and Kano with adequate backup, site trainings for ATSEPs at Lagos and Kano after installation and Site Acceptance Test, Site trainings for ATCs at Lagos and Kano after installation and Site Acceptance Test, AFAME Simulation Tool at Lagos and Kano for simulation of aircraft tracks or Downlink messages for system testing or simulation, playback system at Lagos and Kano for replay of recorded ADS-C and CPDLC data, etc. It is interesting to note that the following milestones have also been accomplished: factory Acceptance Test conducted at SITA Training Facility in Paris, France, in June 2015, two weeks

ATC Operational Trainings for six Lagos ATC Trainers at SITA Training Facility in Paris, France, in June 2015. There was also two weeks ATC Operational Trainings for six Kano ATC Trainers at SITA Training Facility in Paris, France, in June 2015, two weeks Technical Trainings for six (6) Lagos ATSEP Trainers at SITA Training Facility in Paris, France, in June 2015, two weeks Technical Trainings for six (6) Kano ATSEP Trainers at SITA Training Facility in Paris, France, in June 2015, pre-Shipment Inspection conducted in June 2015 prior to shipment of the systems to Lagos and Kano, in-house ATC Operational training of Kano and Lagos ATCOs to augment the 12 officers trained in Paris, etc. The benefits of the ADS-C/CPDLC Project include the following: provide extended range communication that would ensure effective ATM delivery within the Nigerian airspace, reduced ATC and Pilot workload, enhanced safety through accuracy and efficiency communication between ATC and flight crew, enhances ATM and Airspace capacity, reduces flight delays, flight times, fuel burnt and C02 emissions, provide cost effective surveillance and data communication, eliminate air – ground communication blind spots within our airspace, provides effective coverage over the oceanic airspace, etc. The current deployment of ADS-C and CPDLC is expected to significantly enhance flight operations especially over the North Eastern part of the country where the insecurity situation has severely affected the provision of surveillance and communication services. Likewise the deployment of ADS-C and CPDLC would also ensure adequate surveillance and communication coverage over the oceanic airspace. Finally, the deployment of these facilities will greatly enhance safety, efficiency and economy of flight operations within our airspace.

Abdulsalam

Business News

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NNPC sets to review JVs, PSCs with IOCs UDEME AKPAN

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC has concluded plans to review various agreements with operators in line with current realities in the global oil and gas industry. The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu indicated over the weekend that these include, the Production Sharing Contracts, PSCs, Joint Venture Contracts, JVCs and others put in place to define the Federal Government business relationships with operators. The spokesman of the Corporation, Mr. Ohi Alegbe in a statement at the weekend maintained that the review was targeted at ensuring the sustainable development of the industry. He stated: “The NNPC helmsman noted that all Production

Sharing Contracts, Joint Venture Agreements and all other contracts between the NNPC and its various partners would be reviewed to reflect current day realities in the global oil and gas industry. “Kachikwu reassured that the recent repositioning is to put in place the right set of skills for performance stressing that the new arrangement provides a veritable vista for upcoming professionals in the Corporation to have a speedy career path,” the statement added. He maintained that the NNPC under his watch would put in place mechanisms that would plug all revenue leakages in the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors while adding that all crude oil proceeds due for the Federation Account would be remitted accordingly. Kachikwu has clarified that his mandate in the Corporation is to put in place an efficient, transpar-

ent and profit-oriented processes and not to embark on a mass retrenchment of the workforce. He maintained that the mandate given to him by President Muhammadu Buhari is to turn around the entire commercial processes and procedures in order to impact on the growth trajectory and operations of the Corporation, adding that the reduction in the directorate from eight (8) to four (4) at the top management cadre of the NNPC is to refocus and sharpen the business aspiration of the Corporation, adding that training and retraining of members of staff to align with the new vision is the next stage of the ongoing reforms.

Investigations showed that the implementation of the contracts and by extension oil and gas exploration and production are hindered by many challenges. It was learnt that efforts to find a lasting solution to the challenges was delayed as a result of the inability of legislators to pass the nation’s Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB into law. The NNPC indicated that the agreements are very important to the nation’s oil and gas industry. For instance, it indicated that Joint Operating Agreements, JOA is the basic, standard agreement between the NNPC and the operators. “It sets the guidelines/modali-

ties for running the operations. It is different from the MOU. While it contains the basic understanding on the joint Venture, the MOU is a response to the specifics of fiscal incentives.” “One of the partners is designated the operator. The NNPC reserves the right to become an operator. All parties are to share in the cost of operations. Each partner can lift and separately dispose its interest share of production subject to the payment of Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) and Royalty. The operator is the one to prepare proposals for programme of work and budget of expenditure joint on an annual basis, which shall be shared on share holding basis.

NASC embarks on surveillance to combat fake seeds syndrome   Regina Otokpa

he National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC),yesterday has embarked on strategic surveillance in six geopolitical zones to flush-out fake and counterfeit seeds out of Nigerian markets.  Speaking after the Flagoff of the exercise in Zaria, the Deputy Director, Quality Control, NASC headquarters, Abuja, Mr Agboola Adebayo, stated that the activity was expected to be carried out in all the six geopolitical zones of the country.  According to him the exercise was one of the key functions of NASC to rid markets of adulterated, counterfeit and fake seeds.  “We have come for ‘seed law enforcement activities’ in the North-West geopolitical zone, this is our routine, we do it often to make sure that we checkmate the quality of seed that goes to Nigerian farmers.  “You know, seed cer-

tification is a process which starts from the field and ends in the laboratory after the laboratory, you do your packaging for selling.   “We want to find out whether along the chain there is a mix-up and that is why we are here,” he said.   Adebayo said NASC wanted a situation where Nigerian farmers at the end of the day get top quality seeds that would give them value for their money.  He appealed to seed dealers to comply with the rules and regulations governing the seeds, Adebayo prayed that in the next outing they would not see any aberration but beautiful and greater compliance.  “I want to appeal to seed dealers to always look for the signs of quality when they are buying seed from various seed companies.    “They should ensure that the seeds under their custody are safe and kept away from fertilisers and chemicals in order to prolong the storability of the seed.

L -R: Retail Business Manager, Lagos West, Airtel Nigeria, Adebisi Femi-Oderinde; Special adviser to Yaba local government chairman, Akinolu Ayodeji; Regional Operations Director, Lagos, Airtel Nigeria, Oladokun Oye; and Retail Business Manager, Airtel Nigeria, Ekpa Dapo-Olowu, at the Airtel mini shop opening at Tejuosho, Lagos, recently.

Nigerian can handle 25m tons of transit cargo yearly - Expert

he Chairman, Nigerian Port Consultative Council (NPCC),Chief Kunle Folarin, has said that Nigeria could grow its maritime revenue by handling 25 million tonnes of transit cargo for land-locked countries on a yearly basis Folarin, who gave the hint in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said that apart from Nigeria’s potential in providing port services, the country could also provide freight forwarding services for owners of

cargo designated for landlocked countries in Africa. According to the maritime expert, not less than 20 to 25 million tonnes of cargo can pass through Nigerian ports every year for landlocked countries. He said:”That is quite a lot and we can actually provide leadership in transit cargo management. We can be the forwarding agents, we can be the transporter for those cargoes as soon as they land in our country and much more. I believe that it is the way to

SA’s economy to grow by 5.4%, says World Bank SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

orld Bank has said South Africa’s economy is projected to grow by 5.4 percent yearly, doubling per capita income by 2030. According to South Africa Economic Update released by the World Bank, the expected growth

could be attained by creating a virtuous circle of job intensive growth, improved productivity, higher savings as well as better education attainment, particularly for youths, who will drive the growth in the next ten years. World Bank’s Country Director for South Africa, Guang Zhe Chen said, “We hope that the evidence offered in the report will promote informed dialogue and policy de-

bates about the country’s development priorities, pertaining job creation and economic inclusion in major demographic changes. He said, the Economic Update offers an analysis on the complex challenges, posed by changing demographics and its implications to jobs and labour markets. South Africa is undergoing a profound demographic shift in which the share of its working-

age population between 15 and 64 years has expanded substantially and will continue to grow for another five decades. Since 1994, the working age population expanded by 11 million, comprising 65 percent of South Africa’s population of 54.9 million in 2015, just as the working age population will grow by another 9 million in the next 50-years.

go. In actual fact, is the only way. “Nigeria has eight littoral states that are actually on the Atlantic and therefore, that is a very strong environment for Nigeria to engage and provide leadership and opportunity for landlocked countries to use Nigerian coast as the corridor for their maritime trade”, the NPCC chairman added He advised that Nigeria should key into the economic viability of service rendered by Niger Republic, which had been building refineries by serving as a service port, bearing in mind that Niger would be importing a lot of heavy cargo for its industrialisation process. In addition, he pointed out that the country could provide leadership because it had the potential to do that, adding that Niger Republic could use pipelines through our country to run into the Atlantic. “They are importing quite a lot of machinery and raw materials. They are trying to industrialise. They are receiving heavy quantities of aid cargo, bulk cargo, wheat, even petroleum products. We can actually provide that.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Pump maker Pentair to buy Erico Global for $1.8 billion in cash

ump and valve maker Pentair Plc agreed to buy fastening products maker Erico Global Co for $1.8 billion in cash, weeks after activist investor Nelson Peltz asked the company to bulk up through deals. Buying Erico, which sells fixing and fastening products under brands such as Caddy and Lenton, allows Pentair to broaden its offerings, the company said in a statement. Peltz’s Trian Fund Management reported a 7.2 percent stake in Pentair in June, becoming the company’s third largest shareholder. While activist shareholders such as Peltz often push companies to sell or pare divisions, Peltz has pressed Pentair to consolidate within the fragmented pump and valve industry. Pentair Chief Executive Officer Randall Hogan, who first joined the company in 1998, said he has viewed Erico as a Pentair acquisition target as far back as fifteen years ago. “This deal is probably twice the size of what people thought we’d do,” Hogan told Reuters. “We were able to take on more debt than we may have otherwise, and we’re taking a little bit more balance sheet risk.” Hogan said the deal puts Pentair’s debt at more than three times its equity, and that the company hopes to bring it below three by the end of 2016. Solon, Ohio-based Erico, originally formed to supply welding equipment to railway and mining companies, makes and sells electrical and fastening products for electrical, mechanical and civil applications. Shares of Pentair rose as much as 3 percent on Monday, before paring gains to $62.57, up 1.5 percent. Up to Friday’s close, Pentair’s shares had fallen about 7 percent this year.

Business News

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

NSC proposes minimum capital base for truckers, freight forwarders FRANCIS EZEM

he Nigerian Shippers Council, NSC, has made a strong case for the fixing of minimum capital requirement for freight forwarding and trucking firms operating in the country in line with the ongoing reforms aimed at sanitising the maritime industry. Executive Secretary/CEO of the nation’s port economic regulator, Mr. Hassan Bello, who spoke in Lagos, noted that time has come when the various regulatory agencies in the maritime industry will adopt definite policies towards streamlining the number of operators in the various segments of the industry with a view to

streamlining their numbers. According to him, such streamlining, which could come in the form of consolidation, mergers and acquisition both for the freight forwarding and trucking segments of the industry has become necessary in order to enhance capital adequacy and efficiency while weeding the quacks off the system. He observed that there are multitudes of both individual and corporate freight forwarding organizations, citing several instances where more than five freight forwarders would be clearing on vehicle or container at the port, which causes crowding and poor access control. The NSC-boss noted that consolidation is the way to go, which

would make them well funded and fully automated to do the business with global perspective. Bello said: “Freight forwarding is not like Customs Brokerage Agents, because a freight forwarder should be much bigger in terms of funding and size of business they do. So they must consolidate in order to be able to charter vessels and do several other logistic jobs required of a freight forwarder. “The Nigerian maritime industry does not need more than five freight forwarding firms and so the only way to achieve this is either by consolidation or raising their share capital so that only the serious ones can remain in business”, Bello added. While commenting on the cha-

otic nature of the traffic situation in Apapa, which houses the nation’s two biggest cargo seaports, the Lagos Ports Complex and Tin Can Island Ports with the attendant perennial gridlock, he argued that most of their trucks are old and dilapidated. “What Nigeria requires now is between six and seven trucking firms with a set minimum fleet of trucks. Just like in the case of the freight forwarders, we can suggest or recommend to the relevant regulatory agency but we cannot impose our ideas on them”. He attributed the gridlock in Apapa partly to the unregulated nature of the trucking business, which he said lacks minimum entry requirements, thus making it an all comers affair.

UK certification reposition MainOne data centre Isaiah Erhiawarien

he certification by MainOne Data Centre by business standards company the British Standard Institution, BSI, Group has reposition the company for effective service de-

livery. Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Funke Opeke who made the disclosure while announcing the certification said that the company’s Tier III data centre is the West African country’s first to be PCI DSS, ISO 27001 certified.

Opeke confirmed in a statement that the MainOne’s Tier III Data Center, MDX-I, has received Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and ISO 27001:2013 certifications saying that the certifications consolidates the company’s investment in critical infrastructure and pro-

L-R: Communications Manager, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited, Mr. Akomen Omijeh; Head, Public Affairs and Communications, Mr. Uzo Odenigbo and Public Affairs Manager, East/Central, Mr. Ekuma Eze, during an interactive session with the media in Owerri, Imo State on Monday.

Citigroup to pay $180m on hedge fund fraud itigroup Inc. agreed to pay almost $180 million to settle a U.S. regulator’s allegations that it defrauded wealthy clients of two failed hedge funds by telling them the investments were as safe as lowrisk municipal bonds. Citigroup units made false and misleading statements about the funds, which raised almost $3 billion from 2002 to

2007, the Securities and Exchange Commission said in a statement Monday. Before the funds collapsed in 2008, the bank didn’t tell most clients that an internal rating showed the investments posed significant risks to principal and Citigroup also failed to disclose that one of the funds was seeking an emergency loan. “Advisers at these Citigroup

affiliates were supposed to be looking out for investors’ best interests, but falsely assured them they were making safe investments even when the funds were on the brink of disaster,” Andrew Ceresney, director of the SEC’s enforcement division, said in the statement. The funds sought to exploit differences between yields on U.S. government debt and mu-

nicipal bonds and used borrowed money to amplify those bets. The New York-based bank pushed clients into the funds even into the second half of 2007 when the funds began experiencing margin calls and liquidity problems, according to the SEC. In settling the matter, Citigroup neither admitted nor denied the SEC’s allegations.

cesses to grow West Africa’s Digital Economy. According to her, the certifications ensure the data centre’s compliance to globally accepted standards on customer data security, as well as commitment towards the security and protection of the company’s information assets. Opeke explained that while the PCI DSS accreditation is the most comprehensive, internationally recognised data security standard focused on promoting payment card data security, the ISO 27001 standard is a globally recognised Information Security Management System (ISMS) standard which specifies the requirements for a business to establish, implement, review, monitor, manage and maintain effective information security management systems. The MainOne boss noted that the PCI DSS assessment was conducted by Digital Jewels Limited, a PCIDSS QSA and an Information Value Chain Company which also provided end-to-end support in preparing the Data Centre for certification to both standards. The audits measured the facilities at the Data Center according to several strict criteria including physical access controls as well as information security policies, procedures and infrastructure. “We have continued to see an increase in the number of payment card operators, and many of these are our customers. Our ability to ensure security of their customer data is attested to by these certifications and ensures we provide an equivalent level of security as the best in-house bank data centres”, she stated.

Business News

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

NAICOM approves Nigeria Re 2014 Accounts Isaac Asabor

he Managing Director of Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation, Lady Isioma Chukwuma has confirmed that the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has approved the Corporation’s 2014 accounts. She hinted that the approval was contained in a letter dated 3rd July to the Corporation by the Commission. The Managing Director confirmed that the Corporation had in the last two years met the NAICOM June 30th deadline for submission of accounts for insurance and reinsurance operators in Nigeria.

According to her, this achievement reinforces the Corporation’s strategy to be among the top rated and compliant companies in the industry. She disclosed further that at the beginning of year 2014, the Corporation objectively reviewed its operations and set a goal that is encapsulated in one phrase “To be a Profitable Global Player in the Reinsurance Market.” Chukwuma affirmed that the management set out to achieve the goal by restructuring the Corporation’s operations, focusing on service delivery and more specifically on prompt settlement of claims, deepening existing clients’ relationship, improving on the Corpo-

ration’s visibility, monitoring sectorchallenges within the industry and delivering superior returns. The approved accounts showed that the Corporation recorded an improvement in the Gross Premium Income of 18 per cent from N629 million in year 2013 to N743 million last year.The account further indicated a strong balance sheet figure of N18.86 billion. The Managing Director said that claim settlement was given priority during the year as part of the overall strategy to clean up the books and satisfy itsclients, adding that with the approval of the accounts and the rating in place, the Corporation is set to soar.

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UBA’s promo to sponsor 20 customers to Dubai Johnson Okanlawon

ustomers and non-customers of United Bank for Africa, UBA, who received MoneyGram and Western Union money transfers at the bank are to be rewarded through the Bank’s Remittance Awoof Promo. A statement by the bank on Monday indicated that the promo, which is now in its first season, would give 20 people the opportunity to go on an all-expense paid trip to Dubai while 60 others will win interesting prizes such as generator sets, water dispensers and rechargeable fans.  The statement quoted the bank’s Group Executive, Personal Banking, Mr. Oliver Alawuba, as urging the bank’s existing customers and new customers to take advantage of the promotion by receiving their money transfers

through the bank. He said: “This is a great opportunity for customers and even non-customers to receive their funds through UBA and at the same time win something great. No customer should miss out on this opportunity. “There is no minimum or maximum amount to receive in order to qualify for any of the prizes on offer. Just walk into any of our business offices all over Nigeria to receive your money, and you could be the lucky winner of an all expense paid trip to Dubai or any of the other fantastic prizes on offer.” He added that the bank offers money transfer services through MoneyGram, Western Union and AfriCash. “Millions of the bank’s customers rely on the UBA extensive network across Africa for transfers across the continent,” he said.

IRS says cyber attacks more extensive than previously thought

L-R: Divisional Head, Corporate Banking Fidelity Bank Plc., Adeyeye Adepegba; Guest Lecturer/ Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano and Executive Director, Fidelity Bank Plc., Chijioke Ugochukwu at the Distinguished Guest Lecture Series of the School of Media and Communication Arts organized by the Pan- Atlantic University recently.

Lagos BIRS urges firms to update addresses David Audu

he Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue Service, BIRS, on Monday urged corporate organisations in the state to update their operational addresses of face prosecution. Head, Distrain Unit of LIRS, Mrs Ajibike OshodiSholola, who disclosed this in an interview with the newsmen in Lagos said the ultimatum stemmed from recent discoveries about companies operate with fake addresses in the state. She identified false addresses as a major challenge encountered by LIRS operatives responsible for the sealing of organisations that

failed to pay tax. According to her, about 50 per cent of the addresses submitted by some organisations are non- existent. The tax administrator said that LIRS projected revenue from most of the corporate concerns with fake addresses were lost annually and unaccounted for by the service. “The taxes of the companies that are not realised will invariably affect and reduce the government’s earnings from taxation. So companies should not because of fear of the amount the government may give them to pay, continue to give false addresses,” she said Meanwhile, four companies were sealed by the LIRS over N39.33 million tax evasion in

a state-wide tax enforcement drive last week. Oshodi-Sholola, who also led the enforcement team, said that the four companies were shut on Aug. 11, adding that the affected companies’ tax liabilities were for between 12 months and five years. She explained that tax liabilities of the companies were for the 2005 - 2010 tax audit years. Confirming that the enforcement drive would continue until tax-payers exhibit full compliance with tax laws, the team leader disclosed that the companies that were affected by the last week exercise comprised a hospital, real estate firms and a consultancy company.

he U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) said Monday a hacking attack into one of its computer databases revealed in May was much more extensive than previously thought, with nearly three times as many taxpayers hit by data theft. The IRS said in late May the tax return information of about 114,000 U.S. taxpayers had been illegally accessed by cyber criminals over the preceding four months, with another 111,000 unsuccessful attempts made. A new review has identified 220,000 additional incidents where data was breached, the tax collection agency said. It identified another 170,000 suspected failed attempts by third parties to gain access to taxpayer data. The attackers sought to gain access to personal tax information through the agency’s “Get Transcript” online application, which allowed taxpayers to call up information from previous returns.

The system was shut down after the May attacks. “The IRS believes some of this information may have been gathered for potentially filing fraudulent tax returns during the upcoming 2016 filing season,” the agency said in a statement. It added that it will soon begin mailing letters in the next few days to the taxpayers whose accounts may have been accessed, offering them free credit monitoring and a new personal identification number to verify the authenticity of next year’s tax returns. In May, the agency said that as a result of the breach, some 15,000 fraudulent returns were processed in the 2015 tax filing season, likely resulting in refunds of less than $50 million. An IRS official said the agency was reviewing whether the number of fraudulent returns had grown due to the more extensive data breaches, but that requires a manual review of the individual returns. (Source – Reuters.com)

U.S. gives Shell final nod to drill for oil in Arctic

he Obama administration on Monday granted Royal Dutch Shell the final permit to drill for oil and gas in the Arctic for the first time since 2012, a move environmentalists vowed to fight. The Interior Department gave Shell the final permit to drill into the oil zone in the Chukchi Sea off northern Alaska after the Fennica, an icebreaker the company leases that carries emer-

gency well-plugging equipment, was repaired after suffering a gash in its hull. The permit was expected as the department had previously approved Shell’s exploration program before the Fennica hit uncharted shoals in southern Alaska. Shell obtained the leases in the Chukchi during the administration of former President George W. Bush.

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EnergyWeek Wednesday, August 19, 2015

SA’s economy to grow by 5.4%, says World Bank 30

Pump maker Pentair to buy Erico Global for $1.8 billion in cash 31

UBA’s promo to sponsor 20 customers to Dubai

Indigenous operators, others suffer as gloomy oil outlook persist

With the passage of Local Content Bill into law in 2010, indigenous companies started to record bold feats in the oil and gas industry, previously dominated by the International Oil Companies, IOCs. UDEME AKPAN reports that many of the oil companies have suffered setbacks because of the current lull in the volatile market.

ontrary to the predictions of some observers, the global oil market continues to constitute a serious source of worry to stakeholders because of increased supplies, low demand and drop in prices. For instance, the price of crude oil hit its lowest level in six and half years last Friday amid concerns over a slowing economy in China. The U.S. crude contract fell to $41.35 per barrel, the weakest level since early 2009. The oil contract has been declining since touching a high of $61.43 on June 10, this year. Investigations showed that some nations have been able to forge ahead without much ado. Take the case of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and United Arab Emirate as an example. They have over $2 trillion dollars in their Sovereign

Oil vessel

But at the bottom line for NBET,

feel that there are some fundamental considerations that the commission needs to look at concerning this regulation because it appears that the commission is going into trade in power instead of regulating,

Wealth Fund (SWF) accounts; which is just one of their numerous fiscal buffers. Consequently, the prolonged oil crisis has not yet impacted much on their operations. Another example is Mexico that adopted a hedging mechanism before the oil downturn at $76.40 per barrel, thus preventing it from exponential loss in the wake of the free

fall in price. But that cannot be said about Nigeria, especially as a result of its over-dependence on crude oil production and export. An energy expert, Mr. Kazeem Bello indicated that the fluctuation in the oil market following the discovery of crude oil in many parts of the world and the new wave of alternative

energy sources, particularly shale oil, have had adverse effects on Nigeria. He maintained that the country’s failure to take cushioning measures against volatility risks by implementing fiscal buffers and hedging mechanisms, has left her at the mercy of the crisis. The Chair of the Nigeria Natural Resource Charter, NNRC and former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mr. OdeinAjumogobia attributed it to lack of planning. Speaking at a policy dialogue entitled ‘Implications of the Falling Oil Price for Policy in Nigeria’, organised by the Centre for Public Policy Alternatives, a Lagos-based think-tank, he commented on the need for a hedging mechanism, saying, “because we don’t have a hedging mechanism, we are completely left at the mercy of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

Energy Week

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Indigenous operators, others suffer as gloomy oil outlook persist

Buhari Kachikwu Kentebe

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

oil price.” Expectedly, many oil and gas companies have been affected. Take Seplat Petroleum Development Company as an example. The company’s after tax profit amounted to N4.83 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2015, which represents a drop of 33.4per cent year-onyear. Full year outlook indicates after tax profit in the region of N20.21 billion for the company in 2015. The company may therefore lose as much as half of the profit figures of N40.48 billion it reported in the preceding year. The bad situation has compelled operators to adopt some measures, including cuts in capex, downsizing of operations and cancellation or suspension of contracts. For instance, Shell disclosed that it has deferred spending in many areas and this would result in a reduction in capital investment from 2015 to 2017 of over $15bn. Chevron Corporation slashed its 2015 capital budget by 13 per cent to $35bn. ExxonMobil disclosed that it would slash its capital spending by 12 per cent to $34bn from about $38.5bn last year, while French oil major, Total, cut capital spending by $2bn to $3bn from last year’s total of $26.4bn. Operators have also embarked on a lot of adjustments in order to survive. For instance, the National Petroleum Investment Management Services, NAPIMS, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has ordered a 30per cent – 40per cent cut in the JV budget. This has culminated in the suspension of several ongoing projects. A source in NAPIMS disclosed that investments in new opportunities have been deferred. This action led to a significant drop in the Nigerian rig count from 51 in September 2013 to 27 in June 2015 - a 47per cent reduction. The drop in rig count has had a negative effect on other manufacturing and services businesses such as drilling fluids and chemicals, drill bits, casing services, and marine vessels to name a few,

Acquisition of these assets usually requires these companies’ borrowing from local banks at interest rates averaging 20per cent or more. These rates make the indigenous companies uncompetitive especially when compared to foreign oilfield service companies who have access to finance at significantly reduced

interest rates and grants from their governments

leading to multimillion dollar losses to indigenous services companies who have made substantial investments towards acquiring assets, technologies and capacity to execute projects. But the highest losses are being incurred by indigenous rig owners who are stipulated by the NOGICD Act of 2010 to acquire by direct purchase at least 50per cent of deep water assets which can be valued at as much as $650m and above. These local companies are expected to demonstrate this ownership at the tendering stage with no guarantee of contract commitment. Tendering is unusually lengthy because of bureaucracy and outdated manual processes with cases of tendering going on for over five (5) years with no conclusion in sight. Acquisition of these assets usually requires these companies’ borrowing from local banks at interest rates averaging 20per cent or more. These rates make the indigenous companies uncompetitive especially when compared to foreign oilfield service companies who have access to finance at significantly reduced interest rates and grants from their governments. A combination of falling demand for rigs and cheaper foreign options has led to local rigs being left idle – according to a February 2015 BBC report industry analysts have said this is the worst oil rigs market they have

seen globally since 1985. Idle rigs are in itself cost centers as there is a daily maintenance cost to ensure they do not deteriorate and are ready to use as and when required. Consequently companies have to invest on manpower that supports every oil rig idling by- from staff on board the rigs to office support and supply related companies. The Group Lead of the NNRC Expert Panel Core Sector group, Mr. Gbite Adeniji, said oil companies were beginning to renegotiate contracts, adding that some clients were delaying payments. “There is a general waiting game in the industry. In the service sector, several companies will go out of business. Borrowing from the banks in this kind of environment is almost suicidal… Contractors are beginning to lay off staff. The implications remain that projects will be further cut, while the optimism that brought those indigenous companies into the industry is dampening, “he maintained. Investigations showed that the operations of some indigenous companies, including SeawolfLonestar have been affected. Seawolf has since gone out of business with the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON seizing its three rigs. The company terminated the contracts of its 450 employees who are currently being owed 22 months outstanding salaries. The future is not completely bleak as

the many stakeholders such as Nigeria, OPEC and others can do a lot to tackle issues in the market. While asking the government to diversify its economy, the national President of Oil and Gas Service Providers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Colman Obasi has called on both major producers and consumers to cooperate in order to find lasting solutions to issues that affect the global market, and by extension the fortune of oil producing nations as well as operators. “We want to shorten the negotiation period and have therefore made our requirements clear in this new template so that once they come in; we can just begin with clear-cut negotiations. “We have submitted this PPA template to NERC and expect it to be approved for use. Some of the previous PPAs we signed took about three years because we were going about discovering all their needs before treating them as they are to be treated,” he said. NBET recently raised a fundamental question over whether the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) can provide Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), negotiate with investors and still issue them licence. A Senior Counsel of NBET, Demvihin Tsumba, raised the issue on Tuesday during the public consultations of the commission’s draft regulations on feed in tariff, smart metering and capping on estimated billing at Abuja. She asked: “Why would the commission want to draft a PPA when the commission does not have trading” power. The NBET counsel urged the commission to explain how it would regulate the transaction that it (NERC) negotiated and handed over to the parties. “But at the bottom line for NBET, we feel that there are some fundamental considerations that the commission needs to look at concerning this regulation because it appears that the commission is going into trade in power instead of regulating,” she said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Oil prices to crash further as US deploy rigs UDEME AKPAN

rude oil prices may crash further in the volatile global market as the United States deploy more rigs for operations. Investigations showed that the prices are expected to fall following speculation that the development will culminate in increased exploration, production and supply of crude oil. “Oil prices may likely continue to crash because of the speculation that the use of more rigs will lead to more output and supply to the weak market,” said a market source. Baker Hughes Incorporated indicated that the international rig count for July 2015 was 1,118, down 28 from the 1,146 counted in June 2015, and down 264 from the 1,382 counted in July 2014. The international offshore rig count for July 2015 was 264, down 13 from the 277 counted in June 2015, and down 72 from the 336 counted in July 2014. It maintained that the average U.S. rig count for July 2015 was 866, up 5

OPEC Secretary General, El-Badri

from the 861 counted in June 2015, and down 1,010 from the 1,876 counted in July 2014. The company disclosed that the average Canadian rig count for July 2015 was 183, up 54 from the 129 counted in June 2015, and down 167 from the 350

Energy Week

counted in July 2014. It indicated that the worldwide rig count for July 2015 was 2,167, up 31 from the 2,136 counted in June 2015, and down 1,441 from the 3,608 counted in July 2014. The Baker Hughes Rotary Rig Counts are counts of the number of drilling rigs actively exploring for or developing oil or natural gas in the United States, Canada and international markets. Already, the authoritative August report of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC indicated that global oil demand is expected to grow by 1.38 mb/d in 2015, some 90 tb/d higher than last month’s projections with total oil demand anticipated to reach 92.70 mb/d. The report maintained that nonOPEC oil supply is now expected to grow by 0.96 mb/d in 2015, following an upward revision of 90 tb/d, due to higher-than-expected output from non-OPEC producers mainly outside of North America.

NEMSA beams searchlight on poor solar installations CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

he Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, NEMSA has reinforced its capacity on renewable energy sources as it moves to check poor solar installations across the country. Speaking at a workshop to boost renewable energy inspection for officials of the agency in Abuja, the Managing Director, Engr. Peter Ewesor said the agency was already in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development, USAID to check major solar power installations in selected states. Ewesor who emphasized that there will be no more room for substandard solar facilities in Nigeria said: “This expertise programme for us will improve inspection for solar technologies. Most of the facilities around in the states are just like decoration as they are not standard.” “But with this, on a gradual basis, we are going to ensure that such substandard materials are phased off by checking future materials as they come into the country,” he added.

The USAID representative for Power Africa initiative, Matthew Barton said Nigeria and other countries in the sub-Saharan Africa can now access a $75million Credit Guarantee fund (about N14.9billion) under the initiative to drive secure renewable energy projects. The fund is a risk management fund that guarantees the stability and growth of emerging renewable energy investments for private and public firms in the interim especially on coal, solar, wind and biomass power generation projects sited in the participating countries. He said the training is sponsored by President Barack Obama’s Power Africa initiative through the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Project (REEEP) in Nigeria to boost the capacity of NEMSA staff in ensuring standards in the emerging renewable energy section of the power industry. “In addition to the partnership of Power Africa on renewable energy, it has created a, $75million Credit Guarantee for renewable projects in subSaharan Africa,” he said. Recently, NEMSA has commenced a

nationwide survey of the standards of work done by the 11 distribution companies in their connection of consumers to their networks. Starting with the Abuja distribution network where it discovered instances of hazardous electrical installations within and outside of the city, NEMSA disclosed that it will assert its inspectorate authority on the operator of the distribution network, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to immediately rectify the anomalies. NEMSA’s Managing Director, Peter Ewesor told reporters when he conducted a tour of public electricity installations in the city that the agency will not hesitate to impose the necessary penalties on distribution networks that fail to rectify reported instances of hazardous electrical installations in their networks. Ewesor who inspected electrical lines that run through the Abuja rail line project and which he said had been badly executed by the AEDC, as well as exposed feeder pillars and transformers in the city centre, stated that NEMSA will take up AEDC on the development. He said on the 33kVa line that ran

Commodity

Units

Price

Change

% Change

Time(ET)

Crude Oil (WTI)

USD/bbl.

41.85

-0.65

-1.53%

16:21:47

Crude Oil (Brent)

USD/bbl.

48.62

-0.57

-1.16%

16:22:12

TOCOM Crude Oil

JPY/kl

39,360.00

+110.00

+0.28%

14:55:02

NYMEX Natural Gas

USD/MMBtu

2.73

-0.07

-2.43%

16:21:55

Source: Bloomberg as at August 17, 2015

through the rail line on the Idu industrial district axis of the project, as well as its Kubwa end, that the AEDC had failed to apply extant standard practices in its installation of the line. According to him, the Disco may have thrown caution into the wind in running the lines, adding that such disregard for standard practices constitute a danger to lives and properties within the area. “Development should not give rise to uncertainty, danger and risk to life and property. What we see hear is simply unacceptable. The people who did this realized that they have done a bad work and thereafter put PVC for house wiring to cover a 33kVa line and these tubes do not have the strength of insulation to ensure that there will not be current going to unwanted parts of the system. If somebody passes here and by mistake touches it, the person will be dead. That is why we are doing this monitoring,” Ewesor said.

Energy Week

NNPC GMD, other stakeholders for NAEC annual conference

he Group Managing Director (GMD), Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) will be leading Federal Government delegation to the annual August conference of the National Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) holding on Thursday 20th August 2015, at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. In a statement signed by the Association Chairman, Yunus Yusuf, International Oil Companies (IOCs), downstream oil and gas operators, independent producers, new owners of the privatised power assets and other stakeholders, would also be at the conference to proffer solutions to issues to be discussed. The GMD, captains of industry and other industry chief executives as well as the lawmakers, are expected to brainstorm on the ways to address deregulation of the downstream challenges and ways to tackle gas supply challenges in the power sector. The conference is expected to provide a veritable platform for the government and the industry operators to rub minds on the ways to address energy crisis sustainability towards Nigeria development and the anticipated downstream deregulation transformation and how best to achieved them for the benefit of all stakeholders and the economy. The conference will take holistic look at government’s positions and policies in the downstream subsector of the oil and gas and power industries and the stand of various key stakeholders on these policies as well as the way forward. The chairman said Dr Kachikwu would deliver the keynote address and also present the lead paper. He said that this year’s conference is segmented into two technical sessions, with the main theme: “Energy Crisis and Sustainable Development in Nigeria; The Way Forward”. The Sub-themes are as follows: “Deregulation: A key To Sustainable Development in the Oil and Gas Sector” and “Tackling Gas Supply Challenges to Arrest Power Crisis”. Discussants at the conference include the President Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Former Minister of Power and Chairman of Geometric Power Ltd., Prof Bart Nnaji, Kaztec Engineering Limited, Mr John Neizner, Dr Ransome Owen, Group Managing Director, Aiteo Power, Special Adviser on Gas to Chinedu Nebo, Dr Frank Edozie, Managing Director,/Chief Executive Officer, Egbin Power, Mr. Dallas M. Peavey, Chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, Chief Executive Officer, Frontier Oil, Thomas Dada, Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE), Benjamin Dikki, Mr Abiodun Ogunleye, Managing Director, PowerCap Nigeria Limited.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Electricity generation to hit 5,000mw – Igali CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

he Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Power, Dr. Godknows Igali has said that the power supply is heading towards 5,000megawatts, mw. Igali, who spoke at renewable energy training for the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, NEMSA in Abuja, said “We are discussing with the Senate. There are areas of misunderstanding and when things are not too clear, you dialogue and try to explain. We are closely with the Discos and we assure Nigerians that on short term, power supply will be reliable.” Concerning the fixed charge tariff component, Igali said: “if we have to have a full power supply, there must be investments in critical infrastructures like meters and transformers. For that to happen, they must charge people. But the good thing is that light has been stable now and we are going towards 5,000megawatts (mw).” At the presentation of the approved draft National Renewable Energy Action Plan policy document for a Sustain-

able Energy for All (SE4ALL) said President Muhammadu Buhari had at the power agencies’ meeting, Wednesday directed the ministry to work in a concerted effort to develop the power sector. The ministry said only Renewable Energy (RE) can guarantee sustainable power supply especially on the nation’s rural electrification strategies including the use of solar. Igali stressed on the usefulness of solar, wind, biomass and coal as sources of renewable energy saying it will reduce the technical losses incurred from using thermal and hydro power plants. “If countries like Germany, Finland or Russia which are very cold can depend on solar technology for a good part of their energy, what about us where the sunlight is a little bit too much,” he said. The Chief Executive Officer of Egbin Power Plc, Mr. Dallas Peavey, has stated that the plant has hit a generation capacity of 1,100 megawatts, thus accounting for almost onethird of the current improvement in power supply across the country. Peavy attributed the recent ramp-up of Egbin’s capacity

Power plant

to continuous investment and revamp of the plant by its new owners, Sahara Power Group and the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). In a related development, President Muhammadu Buhari, said his government had already identified the critical problems in Nigeria’s power sector and was taking appropriate actions to address them. Peavey in a statement said when the new owners took over in November 2013, generation at Egbin averaged 500 mega-

watts due to the dismal state of its six units, with only two of the six units operational at the plant’s lowest point. According to him, the last time the power plant hit the 1,000MW mark was eight years ago, adding that this peak lasted for less than two hours. He said the transformation in Egbin commenced after its acquisition by Kepco Energy Resource Limited (KERL), in collaboration with its technical partners, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO).

NBET cuts PPAs processing to six months CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

he Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading, NBET Plc said it has improved in the content of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to be negotiated by potential investors for setting up new power generation plants in Nigeria. The Bulk Trader as it is also called is a middle agent responsible for preparing grounds for new entrants while also guaranteeing payments for power generated and supplied. NBET Managing Director,

Transformer

Rumundaka Wonodi briefing newsmen in Abuja said the improvements made in the PPAs templates will drastically shorten the length of time often put in negotiating and signing them up from two years to less than six months. PPAs are instruments used to facilitate the sale and purchase of electricity. It is usually signed between a generator and a credible off-taker as the case maybe and defines the revenue cycle in such trading arrangement. Wonodi explained that if approved by the Nigerian

Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the cut in PPAs negotiation would be down by almost two and half years. “We want to shorten the negotiation period and have therefore made our requirements clear in this new template so that once they come in; we can just begin with clear-cut negotiations. “We have submitted this PPA template to NERC and expect it to be approved for use. Some of the previous PPAs we signed took about three years because we were going about discovering all their

needs before treating them as they are to be treated,” he said. NBET recently raised a fundamental question over whether the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) can provide Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), negotiate with investors and still issue them licence. A Senior Counsel of NBET, Demvihin Tsumba, raised the issue on Tuesday during the public consultations of the commission’s draft regulations on feed in tariff, smart metering and capping on estimated billing at Abuja. She asked: “Why would the commission want to draft a PPA when the commission does not have trading” power. The NBET counsel urged the commission to explain how it would regulate the transaction that it (NERC) negotiated and handed over to the parties. “But at the bottom line for NBET, we feel that there are some fundamental considerations that the commission needs to look at concerning this regulation because it appears that the commission is going into trade in power instead of regulating,” she said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Week

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

FG to reduce fuel import as refineries improves supply UDEME AKPAN

he Federal Government has concluded plans to cut importation of fuel as local refineries start to refine more petroleum products. The Port Harcourt plant has already raised its operational capacity to about 60% of its 210,000 barrel per day (bpd) capacity, while production at the Warri refinery was projected to hit 80per cent of its installed 125,000-bpd capacity. The Oxford Business Group report indicated that attention will now shift to the 110,000-bpd Kaduna refinery which is also set to come onstream shortly. The report maintained that were both plants to run at 80per ent of installed capacity, their output would be enough to meet domestic demand, according to Nigeriabased investment firm BGL. It indicated that the nation has four large refineries, with a total nameplate capacity of 445,000 bpd, but historically their capacity utilisation rate

has been low, around 30per cent, and they are far from able to address domestic demand. According to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NPPC), domestic output meets only 9per cent of daily petrol consumption, 24per cent of dual-purpose kerosene use and 28per cent of automotive gas oil consumption, with the rest imported from abroad. It indicated that the NNPC is looking to circumnavigate the risk of theft and attacks against its supply routes by Refinery making greater use of vesselnounced in mid-July by the borne shipping of oil to its reIndependent Petroleum Marfineries, along with restoring keters Association of Nigeria service on its pipeline grid. (IPMAN) to build two refinerThe report disclosed that ies in the states of Kogi and both options come at a cost, Bayelsa with a combined cawith the NNPC putting a pacity of 400,000 bpd. price tag of $1bn on replacing It maintained that the Dankey pipelines and upgrading gote Group, led by billionaire wharfs. businessman Aliko Dangote, It maintained that the naAfrica’s richest man, is also tion has granted licences for a working on developing a $9bn number of new small-scale prifacility outside Lagos. vate refineries in recent years, According to the report, but very little processing ca- when brought on-line by midpacity has been added so far. 2018, the refinery will be able The report indicated that to process 500,000 bpd. this could change in the com“President Muhammadu ing years, with a plan an- Buhari unveiled plans in July

to split the NNPC into two entities, with an independent regulator for the energy sector and a separate investment vehicle, as part of his election promises to combat corruption. No date has been set for the restructuring.” “However, in the latest step of the overhaul, the number of management staff at the staterun company was reduced from 122 to 83 in August. Four new group executive directors were also appointed, following the appointment of former Exxon Mobil executive Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu as head of NPPC a week earlier,” it added.

nored in the past. “As an agency set up by law to implement the global principles of Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative which Nigeria is a signatory, NEITI has a legitimate interest in the on-going sweeping reforms. “We are therefore delighted that the much needed political will required to boldly implement the NEITI recommended reforms is now provided, available and accessible under the leadership of President Muhamadu Buhari. “In this direction, NEITI applauds the recent appointment of Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, a renowned industry expert with the needed global exposure, competence and integrity as Group Managing Director of NNPC. The careful decision made to appoint Dr. Kachikwu is already evident in the on-going dismantling of the unwieldy structure of the NNPC that made it impossible in the past for the organization to respond to increasing public demands for reforms” reads the statement in part. NEITI expressed hope that new NNPC Group Managing Director

and his new team will consider it a priority to carefully study the findings and recommendations outlined in NEITI independent Reports of the sector with a view to implementing the pending remedial issues under a plan already developed by NEITI and the Inter Ministerial Task Team (IMTT). According to the anti graft agency, among these recommendations are the issue of inadequate metering infrastructure for accurate measurement of crude, the onerous JV cash call regime, inefficient cost determination, urgent resolution and review of pricing issues related to expired MoUs and legal agreements with oil companies that have huge revenue loss implications for the nation. Others are huge costs of fuel subsidy, crude oil swap and products exchange agreements, repair of the refineries, oil theft, review of existing fiscal regime in the industry, automation of record keeping, and the politics of acquisition and assignments of oil blocks by discretion etc. NEITI stated that it is ready and willing to provide further details if required.

NEITI offers to recover over $7bn from oil firms CHIDI UGWU

ABUJA

he Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has said if given the opportunity it will assist the government to recover over $7 billion owed by oil companies. This was contained in a statement signed by NEITI’s Director of Communications, Orji Ogbonaya Orji and made available to newsmen at the weekend. The agency applauded the steps taken so far by President Muham-

Ahmed

madu Buhari Administration to restructure the management and administrative organs of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) are consistent with the findings and recommendations of its various Independent Audit Reports. According to NEITI, the measures taken so far largely inspire hope and confidence. “One important issue that NEITI will be bringing to the table if given opportunity is how the Committee can assist the government to recover over $7 billion owed by oil companies. These disclosures are contained in NEITI audit reports as cases of under payments, under assessment’s arising from subjective interpretation of MoUs and tax laws. We have no doubt that our contributions will add value to the work of the committee. “NEITI is encouraged that the measures taken so far largely inspire hope and confidence. The measures are also consistent with the findings and recommendations of NEITI in its various Independent Audit Reports. These Reports were ig-

Paucity of fund hampers Shell’s gas projects

he efforts of Shell Petroleum Development Company to complete associated gas projects aimed at reducing gas flaring has been threaten by inadequate funding. The company confirmed in its latest report that funding challenges have resulted in delays to two major associated gas gathering projects that were expected to deliver an additional 35per cent reduction in flared gas by 2014-15. The report indicated that despite these challenges the overall trend in flares reduction is positive and SPDC continues to invest in major gas gathering projects that will drive further reductions. It indicated that SPDC has monitored ambient air quality levels around its flare sites since 1998 and regularly reports the results to government authorities, as required by Nigerian regulation. The report maintained that SPDC monitoring data shows that air quality around our flare sites complies with these standards barring occasional operational issues. It indicated that these standards are equivalent to international air quality standards followed in the EU, US and those set by the World Health Organisation. The report maintained that the monitoring work is also carried out by independent contractors. SPDC recognises the importance of addressing local communities’ perceptions and concerns about flaring, in addition to complying with regulations. It indicated that to reduce the number of operational spills, the SPDC JV is focused on implementing a work programme to appraise, maintain and replace key sections of pipeline. “132 km of new pipelines were installed during 2014, bringing the total for the last four years to more than 900km. The SPDC JV pipeline network is covered by surveillance contracts to ensure that spills are discovered and responded to as quickly as possible. There are also regular over-flights to detect new theft points.” “In 2014, the SPDC JV signed a series of agreements with communities in Ogoniland – which has seen some of the highest rates of theft in recent years – using the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) model through which the majority of SPDC JV social investment projects have been delivered since 2006. Under these Ogoni GMoUs the JV provides funding to support unarmed community patrols which report pipeline incursions and suspicious activity directly to the security forces.”

Energy Week

NCDMB sponsors 22 to China for training

he Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has concluded arrangements to sponsor 22 young persons to the Peoples Republic of China to acquire critical skills needed to operate and maintain machines that will be used at the pipe mill being set up at Polaku, Bayelsa State by Mainland Pipe Mill Nigeria with support from the NCDMB. The trainees who will travel before the end of August will be heading to the facilities of Baoji Petroleum Steel Pipe Company Limited (BSG) located at Baoji in Shaanxi Province, China and will undergo their training for 45 working days. The training is being facilitated by Mainland Pipe Mill, which has BSG of China as its technical partner. Speaking on Friday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State at the induction ceremony organized for the trainees ahead of their trip, the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Mr. Denzil Kentebe challenged them to take the programme seriously and acquire the necessary training and certifications that will enable them successfully operate the Polaku pipe mill when it becomes operational. He stated that the trainees had been offered an opportunity which millions of other Nigerians were desirous of and charged them to comport themselves as worthy ambassadors and return home as successes. Speaking further, the Executive Secretary cautioned the trainees against breaking the laws of their host country, especially as it regards the possession and use of illicit drugs as such would be met with stiff punishment by the Chinese authorities and be a disappointment to their families and the nation that have reposed confidence on them. In his presentation, the General Manager, Capacity Building Division, NCDMB, Engr. Ikpomosa Oviasu restated that the programme formed part of the Board’s efforts to imbue Nigerians with critical skills required in the oil and gas industry. According to him, the trainees would be assessed during and after the programme and the best performers would be placed in existing pipe mills in Nigeria for further onthe-job training ahead of the start of the Polaku pipe mill. Oviasu also confirmed that the Board and BSG had made arrangements for the accommodation of the trainees as well as provided other necessary materials. He counselled the participants to channel any complaints they might have through the representative of the Board who will accompany them to the trip. In his contribution, the Manager, Strategy and Policy Development Division, NCDMB, Mr. Abdulmalik Halilu informed the trainees that the focus area of their training was highly specialised and the skills set was scarce in Nigeria.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NCDMB, Bayelsa partner on oil and gas parks STORIES: UDEME AKPAN

he Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is to partner the Bayelsa State Government in the development of the Nigerian Oil and Gas and Park Scheme (NOGaPS), the Executive Secretary, Mr. Denzil Kentebe has said. The parks which are planned for all the oil producing states will be sited in Bayelsa, Imo and Cross Rivers States in the first phase. They are targeted at promoting manufacturing of oil and gas components, provide opportunities for research and development and integrate oil and gas based entrepreneurs into manufacturing through mentoring by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and other multinationals. Speaking at the just concluded 2nd Bayelsa State Investment and Economic Forum, BSIEF, the Executive Secretary promised that the Board will collaborate with the state government which has announced plans to establish a 50 hectare EcoIndustrial Park that would have designated areas for different sectors of the economy including the oil and gas industry. He admitted that both parties stood to gain by synergizing efforts so as to avoid duplication of efforts and waste of scarce resources, add-

ing however, that details of the partnership would need to be worked out. The Executive Secretary who was represented by the Director, Finance and Personnel Management, NCDNB, Alhalji Mustapha Mamudu confirmed that the Board initiated the Parks Scheme and the Polaku Pipe mill to bring operations of the oil and gas industry closer to the oil fields and stimulate industrialization in the Niger Delta region. According to him, the Board also initiated several programmes aimed at accelerating entrepreneurship and self-reliance among the youths, enhancing participation of community entrepreneurs in oil and gas activities and creating productive employment. He regretted that managers of the nation’s oil and gas industry hitherto focused on maximizing fiscal values from the industry and failed to domesticate operations of the industry locally. The wrong focus of the industry which went on for 50 years, he explained, led to the export of thousands of jobs and spend abroad, loss of opportunity to learn and alienation of the local populace from the industry. He however, stated that the implementation of the Nigerian Content Act in the last five years had started to reverse the trend, including creating over 30,000 direct and

Oil men at work

in-direct jobs for Nigerian youths in the oil and gas industry, encouraging the acquisition and ownership of critical industry assets by Nigerians and retention of a reasonable industry spend in-country among other achievements. The Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson unveiled the master plan for the Eco-Industrial Park to be located at Gbarantoru and beckoned on NCDMB as well as local and international investors to key into the project. According to the governor, his administration has started to expand the state’s economy to frontiers beyond oil and gas, adding that the plan was to achieve inclusive growth, create jobs and encourage entrepreneurship. He said the doors of the state

were open to all ministries, departments and agencies as well as the private sector that wanted to partner the state government to exploit the full economic potentials of the state. Other plans unveiled by the Governor included the 220 hectare power generation hub in Gbaran and the Deep Sea Port planned for Agge. The Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osibanjo advised the Bayelsa State Government to have a one-stop-shop for issuing permits for investors seeking to set up in the state. The Vice President who was represented by Mr. Ade Ipaye also charged Bayelsa State to reduce the incidence of corruption both in its activities and in the investments it was promoting and to make sure all industrial developments was environmentally friendly.

EITI to monitor transparency in oil nations

he extractive Industries Transparency initiative, EITI has concluded plans to monitor management of oil revenue in petroleum producing nations. EITI maintained that the oil, gas and mining sectors raise a particular challenge for development in that countries do not compete in the same way for business. It indicated that as resources do not necessarily sit in well governed countries and since the revenues are large, the sector can be particularly susceptible to capture

Oil rig

by a governing elite, corruption, conflict, and other methods of poor returns for development. EITI disclosed that these challenges disproportionately affect poor countries. These challenges can also be made worse by importing countries concerned about their own energy security and natural resource dependence. It indicated that this obviously represents a massive potential loss for development. More openness around how a country manages its natural resource wealth is necessary to ensure that these resources

can benefit all citizens. EITI is a global Standard to promote open and accountable management of natural resources. It seeks to strengthen government and company systems, inform public debate, and enhance trust. In each implementing country it is supported by a coalition of governments, companies and civil society working together. The 48 countries implementing the EITI disclose information on tax payments, licenses, contracts, ownership, production and other key elements around resource extraction. “This report allows citizens to see for themselves how their country’s natural resources are being managed and how much their government is receiving for them. So far, over USD 1.6trn of revenue have been disclosed in EITI reports – often for the first time. Transparency can only lead to accountability if there is understanding of what the figures mean and public debate about how the country’s resource wealth should be managed. Therefore, the EITI Standard requires

that EITI Reports are comprehensible, actively promoted and contribute to public debate.” “The EITI Standard contains the set of requirements that countries need to meet in order to be recognised as first an EITI Candidate and ultimately as one of the 31 EITI countries compliant with the EITI requirements. The Standard is overseen by the international EITI Board, with members from governments, companies and civil society.” “In countries like Chad where the process has identified how oil revenues should go into the budget or Peru where the EITI shows how payments are made to the regional governments, EITI reports highlight what improvements should be made in a tax collection process to ensure that governments get their due value for the country’s natural resources. This does not only mean that countries get what they should, it also removes the leakages of tax avoidance and evasion that inevitably derive from weak systems. In Nigeria, EITI reports have identified an extraordinary USD 25.3bn of the nation’s oil money to be missing,” it added.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Industry & SMEs

BOI’s N823bn loan created 1.8m jobs –Olagunju SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

xecutive Director, Business Development of the Bank of Industry, BOI, Mr. Waheed Olagunju, has disclosed that the Bank granted a loan of N823 billion to 4, 000 beneficiaries in the last fourteen years. Disclosing this in Lagos, Olagunju said the loan created over 1.8 million jobs from 2001 to 2014. He, however, said that the bank was working vigorously towards ensuring that the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs accounts for at least 30 percent of the bank’s risk assets by the year 2019 with a single digit ratio of no-performing loans to total loans. According to him, increasing bank’s exposure to MSMEs would enable it achieve its double bottom lines of finan-

cial viability and high developmental impacts. Olagunju said: “Since less than 10 percent of the loans went to MSMEs, we know that the developmental impacts and multiplier effects of our interventions such as job creation, would have been higher, if more financial assistance had gone to them’’ “Our strong resolve is to rapidly increase the volume of loans to MSMEs with very high viability prospects’’, he stated. According to him, there are internal and external constraints limiting BOI exposure to MSMEs sector to less than 5 percent of its portfolio over a 13 year period, noting despite some challenges of the sector, BOI identified potential viable projects and quality of entrepreneurship, which also impacts on deal

flow generation, mobilization of financial and non-financial resources as well as operating environment. ‘Taking all these into consideration, we are continually doing a lot of thinking outside the box and are evolving innovative solutions and taking unprecedented steps to de-risk MSMEs sector and make them more attractive to financial institutions. Olagunju also identified rejection rate of loan applications from MSMEs as one the challenges facing the sector. While putting application rejection rate at 90 percent, he urged loan applicants to go through any of the 122 Business Development Service Providers, BDSP, saying they are engaged with the MSMEs in various local government areas in the state. ‘’They are people closer to prospective

Olagunju

customers, who will help them package the proposals so that by the time they get to BOI, they have what we call a bankable proposal’’, he added.

EU ban: SON moves against export of non-certified products OLUFEMI ADEOSUN

he Standards Organisation of Nigeria, (SON) has canvassed for a law to prohibit export of products that have not been duly certified by the appropriate authorities. This is against the backdrop of the ban on some agricultural food exports from Nigeria by the European Union. Some of the food items banned from Europe till June 2016 as a result of non-compliance with standards are beans, sesame seeds, melon seeds, dried fish no meat, peanut chips and Palm oil. But the SON Director General, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, who commented on the ban at the sidelines of the launch of ‘Operation Flush’ on Monday in Abuja said that the best way to redress the unpleasant situation, was to discourage exportation of products that are not certified by the relevant agencies. Operation Flush is a local initiative of SON driving in partnership with the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to ride the

Palm Karnel processing machine

country of substandard products. According to him, till date, there is no law in Nigeria that mandates exporters to get certification from SON before shipping their products abroad. He said: “Non of the products that was shipped out of the country had gone through any process of certification. As at today, there is no law that mandates an exporter to get a certification from SON before they ship their products abroad. “Now we need to get back to our Permanent Se rotary and other people to ensure that that there is a template to guarantee that. The only thing government should do is to disallow exportation of products that are not certified. Once that is done, when you see any importer that contravenes that, you deal with him. On the significance of the launch of the Operation Flaush, Odumodu said that it was an initiative aimed at cutting down on the level of substandard products from the present stage of 40 per cent to 10 per cent. According to him, the initiative which will

be driving largely in partnership with the nation’s CSOs is aimed at expand the scope of war against substandard products by involving both the retailers and the wholesalers. “We have applied a number of solutions to reduce the level of substandard goods in Nigeria and we have only managed to reduce it to about 40 per cent. E-flush is meant to take it to about 10 per cent, which is the global average and that is our target. “Before now, we have actually been looking at manufacturers and Importers, now we want to add the value chain, the retailer and

the wholesalers. What we are saying is that wholesalers should not stock or sell products that are not certified. “A lot has changed in the mandate of SON and we will use it to change the outcome of the level of substandard goods in Nigeria. “, Odumodu added. He said the agency had got more power to deal with the issue of bad products, stressing that unlike before when it could not on its own remove substandard products from the shelf without recourse to the court, it could now do it for a period of three months.

Manufacturing in New York slumps amid bright outlook

anufacturing in the New York region slumped at the fastest pace since the depths of the last recession, a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York showed Monday. The central bank branch’s so-called Empire State index plunged to minus 14.9 in August, the lowest level since April 2009, from 3.9 the prior month. Readings less than zero signal contraction. Gauges of orders and sales also retreated. A rising dollar that makes American goods more expensive for customers overseas is hurting exports, leaving factories with too many goods in stock. At the same time, New York manufacturers were the most optimistic about the future than at any time in the past four months, a sign the slowdown is likely to be shortlived.

“Weakness in the headline matched by broadbased weakness throughout the details suggests that something is going sour in the factory sector,” said Carl Riccadonna, chief U.S. economist at Bloomberg Intelligence in New York. “Either factories are being clobbered by an aggressive attempt to unwind inventories, which we know built up pretty substantially in the first and second quarters, or they’re facing a very significant downdraft from the strengthening of the dollar.” Manufacturing in New York state accounts for about 3 percent of the U.S. total, according to figures from the National Association of Manufacturers in Washington. Factory output, in turn, makes up about 12 percent of nation’s gross domestic product. An August slowdown

in production would come as a marked shift from the prior month when U.S. factory output climbed 0.8 percent, the most since November, according to Fed data last week. It was paced by the highest level of automobile assembly since 1978. Meanwhile, another report Monday showed other parts of the world’s largest economy are doing better. Confidence among U.S. homebuilders climbed in August to the highest level in almost a decade, indicating the residential real estate market is making strides. The National Association of Home Builders/ Wells Fargo builder sentiment gauge rose to 61, the highest since November 2005, from 60 in the prior two months. Readings greater than 50 mean more respondents report good market conditions. (Source – Bloomberg.com)

Cocktail

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Zoo bans ‘wizard’ for upsetting gorillas

New Zealand man who describes himself as a “wizard” has been banned by a zoo for chanting and beating his chest at gorillas. The Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch said Andrew Wright, a self-proclaimed wizard and energy healer, has been banned from the zoo after back-toback visits last week left the park’s three gorillas agitated. Nathan Hawke, the zoo’s marketing manager, said staff members asked

Wright to stop chanting, beating his chest and mimicking the primates, but his behavior persisted. Wright said officials misunderstood the gorillas’ reaction to his presence. “They weren’t agitated at all -- they seemed to be enjoying the singing,” he told Stuff.co.nz. Wright said one of the gorillas came up to the glass to give him a high five, but officials said the gesture was misunderstood by the visitor.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

Russians see Putin’s face in flock of New York birds A video showing the “strange behavior” of birds in New York is going viral after a Russian news station spotted the shape of Vladimir Putin’s face in the flock. The video, posted to YouTube by Sheryl Gilbert, purports to show the “strange behavior of birds” flying in a flock near the Brooklyn

Bridge. The video went viral in Russia after news station Zvezda aired the footage and reporters said a shape seen in a close-up of the birds appears to be the face of President Vladimir Pu-

tin. The station, owned by the Russian Defense Ministry, cautioned the video could have been faked, but Gregory West, who identified himself as Gilbert’s husband, said on Twit-

ter the footage was real and shot from a tour bus during a recent visit to New York. “Saw it several days ago during a trip and that’s amazing! Can you see the face? Who is it?” West tweeted.

Bear tries to enter man’s home through cat door

n Idaho man snapped pictures of a bear attempting to get into his home through a cat door but only managing to fit its head through the opening. Doug Harder of Sandpoint said bears have become a frequent nuisance at his condo this year and he first snapped photos of the animals when a mother and two cubs climbed onto

his second floor deck to eat birdseed in late May. He said bear sightings continued in the area and a yearling broke into his condo while he was on vacation last week by opening the sliding glass door, which he had left cracked open with a piece of wood blocking the doorjamb. Harder said the intruder did very little damage to his property, but the animal

defecated on the carpet and raided the domicile for food including flour, brownie mix, Toblerone and Pepsi. The homeowner said he went to investigate a racket at his door Thursday and was shocked to see a bear attempting to squeeze through his cat door. He said the animal was far too large to fit more than its head through the door.

Russian TV station Zvezda said the shape in this flock of birds over New York appears to be the face of President Vladimir Putin.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Adeola Tukuru ABUJA

he Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has continued to forge ahead in carrying out its mandate in the areas of capacity building, maritime labour and maritime safety within the Nigerian Maritime sector, following the emergence of Mr. Haruna Baba Jauro as the Acting Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the agency. When President Muhammadu Buhari fired

Civil Service 41

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

NIMASA sets agenda for maritime sector Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi as DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the first concern among industry watchers was how to get the appropriate the right man to captain the affairs of a critical agency to the country’s wellbeing. Stakeholders in the industry want him to

consolidate on the gains of his predecessor tenure. In a recent interview with the Director of Mass Media and Mobilisation, Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) Comrade Felix Adadu urged the Acting Director General of the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency ((NIMASA), Mr Haruna Baba Jauro,

to as a matter of urgency engage stakeholders in the sector to drive the on-going reforms in the sector. On whether he thinks the DG will achieve that, going by his pedigree, Adadu said the fresh direction initiated at NIMASA by Mr Haruna Jauro is in line with the change agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari and he should

Cross section of Heads of Government Security Agencies at the 2015 National Security Summit in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO:STATE HOUSE

NYSC partner MTN on skill acquisition for corps members Joel Ajayi ABUJA

he National Youth Service Corps NYSC has sought for partnership with MTN mobile network on skills acquisition for its corps members. The scheme also said that private sector tends to render more services to its corps members than the government does. Speaking in Abuja, when the CEO, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Michael Ikpoki led a delegation on a visit to the NYSC Headquarters , the Director General, NYSC Brigadier General Johnson Olawumi explained that from the

total statistics of Corp members, only 20 percent work in government agencies. While identifying possible areas of partnership, the DG sought for supports in the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship development program of the scheme, where he said over 400,000 corps members have so far been trained, the Hope Alive Initiative meant to provide succour for Corps Members who at the point of service, got disabled, the NYSC Sports festival amongst others. He further stressed the need to also look into the private sector other than solely de-

pending on the government. “You will recall last year when I came on board, I came up with my vision which is to increase the relevance of the scheme and one way we are looking at doing that is to expand our collaboration with critical stakeholders and who are this critical stakeholders, they are the private sector. “Like I said, less than 20%of corps members serve with government agencies, the remaining over 80% serves with the private sector. And we feel because of this, they should do something to support the scheme rather on us relying on govern-

ment and that is why we are inviting the MTN,” he said In his remarks, the CEO, MTN Nigeria Mr. Michael Ikpoki expressed the company’s passion for youth development as this is a prerequisite to achieving economic development. According to him, the telecommunications sector contributes far more than 9 percent to the country’s GDP adding that it has a stake to contribute to the growth of youths. “Our main objective of visit is to discuss fresh ideas of the scheme and see areas where we can possibly key into to ensure youth development.”

therefore remain courageous, resolute and confident in discharging his duty.

Adadu , said the restructuring and reorganisation currently going on in NIMASA is in line with the new direction being charted for the country. While describing Jauro’s appointment as based on best standard practice of civil service seniority and basic international conventions, described the changes he has brought about at NIMASA as a welcome development. According to him, “We salute him for his initiatives to overhaul the whole system and rid the place of corrupt element that have perpetrated sharp practices that negatively affected the maritime sector and the economy. “The clean-up needed at NIMASA is unprecedented and can only be achieved by a dispassionately resolute leadership given the magnitude of rot that has permeated the organisation.” He said. The group further urged the Acting DG not to shy away from tackling policies that are inimical to the effective performance of the agency as some of them might have come into being under a system that favour patronage over practicality. It also noted that Jauro should put structures in place to block or minimise potentials for corruption in NIMASA while calling on stakeholders in the sector to rally round him in rebuilding and repositioning the agency for optimum service delivery. Chairman of Ports Consultative Council (PCC) PCC; Otunba Kunle Folarin ,is worried that previous efforts made in the past 10 years have been lopsided and unable to a address critical issues facing the maritime sector. The sector has been unable to set the nation on the right path towards greatness, given the potential of the sector. “Nigeria is blessed with a vast coastline of about 853km, with 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone,

including various types of shipping and other maritime operations. Nigeria’s economy is largely dependent on crude oil export and these accounts for about 80 percent of government revenue and 95 percent of foreign exchange earnings. “Nigeria also accounts for over 65 percent of total maritime traffics, in volume and value, into West and Central Africa. This placed the Nigerian maritime domain in the position of key destination for international ships, including tankers of all sizes. The fall in oil prices last year forced federal government to start looking more seriously into alternative sources of revenue to fund its annual budget. The maritime sector was a viable alternative, but the multifarious problem in the sector is a setback”, he said. Also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and pioneer president of Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Olisa Agbakoba said, it is realistic for the maritime industry to contribute significantly to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). Conclusively, the same industry watchers that were worried about the onerous task of rebuilding confidence in NIMASA have gotten some level of reassurance, especially when the organisation is no longer in the news for the wrong reasons. This is a path other agencies in the maritime sector must tread if only for the sake of restoring confidence in our public institutions. Such confidence will go a long way in reviving confidence in the way business is done in Nigeria with the attendant benefits to the economy. This is another avenue for Mr President to deliver on his campaign promises to create countless jobs for the teeming youths of Nigeria. The change at NIMASA mirrors the desire of Nigerians and it should be sustained in our collective interest irrespective of ethnic or political affiliations

Civil Service

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG lauds Japan’s interventions in basic education Marcus Fatunmole ABUJA

he Federal Government has commended Japan for its interventions in the nation’s basic education. Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Dr. Suleiman Dikko, gave the commendation at a ceremony in Ibadan Oyo state recently where Japan, through its agency, Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) donated additional classrooms in selected 30 public prima-

ry schools in Oke-Olola area of the state. Dikko, in a statement made available to National Mirror, described the donation of ‘over 807 classrooms” by JICA to some states of the federation as great boost to basic education in the country. He explained that between 2004 and 2011, the agency had constructed 807 classrooms, 654 toilet booths, 17,010 sets of pupil’s furniture, 762 teachers’ tables and chairs, 13 head teachers’ offices and also provided 19 boreholes in the states namely Niger,

Kaduna, Plateau and Kano. Dikko, who was represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Dr. Sharon Oriero-Oviemuno, said the agency was also engaged in a number of capacity building programmes for teachers, school administrations and beneficiary communities. “He particularly noted the JICA’s project called Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education, SMASE, targeted at improving the teaching and learning of math-

ematical sciences in the country. “He said the construction of additional classrooms in Oyo and some other states in the country was quite commendable in view of the need for expansion of infrastructure in the education sub-sector in Nigeria. “He added that the project was timely in Oyo, considering the vast population of the state and increasing demand for basic education in the state. “He disclosed that in Oyo State, JICA has offered to provide 261

classrooms, 258 toilet booths, 5,220 pupils’ desk and chairs, 275 teachers’ desks and chairs, 261 blackboards in 30 schools under its grant assistance programme,” the release added. Meanwhile, Dikko has said the commission would be at the forefront in the implementation of Interactive Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). He stated this at the opening of a five-day training workshop for members of SUBEB staff in Kaduna state

in another statement made available to National Mirror. He said the management of UBEC had approved the governance structure for the IPSAS implementation in the Commission. According to him, preparation and presentation of financial statements were not new in public sector accounting system, but that the important thing would be to ensure that the financial statement prepared and presented comply fully with the relevant provisions of IPASA.

Perm Sec assures on speedy investigation of helicopter crash Chidi Ugwu

ABUJA

he Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation, Hajia Binta Adamu Bello, has assured that the government will ensure speedy investigation into the remote and immediate causes of the crash of a Bristow Sikosky 76 helicopter with registration number 5NBGD at the Oworoshoki area of Lagos lagoon on August 12, 2015. The Assistant Director, Press and Public Affairs, James Odaud, in a statement noted that the permanent secretary made this pledge while on a visit to the crash site on August 13, 2015. She also commended the Nigerian Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other emergency management agencies for their quick response in the rescue effort. “I want to appreciate the efforts of all the rescue teams that responded promptly to the call, especially the community divers that worked with so much commitment with our rescue team”, she said. She called for patience “We have to wait for the outcome of the investigation to see what actually happened. The regulatory agencies are already doing their work, so let us wait patiently for the outcome of the investigation to de-

termine the way forward” the statement reads in part. She assured the general public that government, through the on-going reforms in the aviation sector, would do everything within its power to ensure enhanced air safety and security of passengers in the country. The Permanent Secretary also led a team of Aviation Ministry officials and Chief Executives of the aviation agencies to pay solidarity visit to the victims of the crash who were being treated in an undisclosed hospital, where she regretted the loss of some passengers on board the illfated helicopter.

L-R Executive Secretary, FCDA Engr. Adamu Ismaila; Permanaent Secretary FCT John Obinna Chukwu, Director of Treasury Ibrahim Bomoi jointly briefing the State House journalists after their meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, in Abuja.

158,000 Nigerian women are living with VVF –Ministry of Health Joel Ajayi ABUJA

he Federal Ministry of Health has disclosed that Nigeria remains one of the high burden nations which account for 40% of Vesicovaginal fistula VVF worldwide and added that 158,000 Nigerian women are living with disease.

Permanent Secretary to the Ministry Mr. Linus Awute who was represented by the Director of Family Health, Mr. Wapada Balami revealed this weekend, in Abuja at the premiere of movie titled “Dry” a film produced by a foremost

Nigerian Actress Stephanie Linus to educate Nigerian on the implication of early marriage in Nigeria especially Northern part of the country. He described VVF as a hole in the bladder through the vaginal that allow uncontrollable leakage of urine to the outside through the vaginal. According to him, about 158,000 Nigerian women are living with VVF disease with every 30,000 cases added yearly. “VVF is caused mainly by difficult or prolonged obstructed la-

bour, the impacted fetal head presses the vaginal and bladder wall against the pubic bone. “Women with VVF are the poorest in society and always spent the rest of their lives in misery without care but that VVF is curable and only a few women have access to treatment to this condition require collective resolve and action to eliminate and approach that will includes preventive and curative measures “Successful elimination of VVF in our society requires massive awareness, creation for

sensitization, education and social mobilization at all levels in addition to the effective healthcare.” He said. Also speaking the producer of the movie Stephenie Linus said that the development of any society depended on the welfare of its women She said that most Nigerian girls developed VVF and other medical challenges when they were being trafficked and forced into early prostitution or marriage. Linus identified the causes of child trafficking to include poverty,

greed, and lack of education. “And I feel this is just a platform for us to create enough awareness about the things that women are going through in our country this movie will give women who are devoid of a voice to express and make people understand their situation. “Give them access to education, good medical care and when you give them all of this you know you are building women who are sustainable and can also be able to take care of the family,” she said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Wednesday Augus-t 19, 2015

S’West: In search of direction, relevance in Buhari’s presidency CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 In 2011, during the House of Representatives’ leadership tussle, the South West region ended up with bloodied nose, as it was sacrificed either to spite political enemies or to lay a platform for a future political dogfight. Not many people, especially outside the ruling party, appeared to empathise with the region when Gbajabiamila lost the speakership seat to a Northern lawmaker, simply because his failure at the contest was not seen as a collective miss of the region, but a payback for the role parliamentarians from the region played in stopping Adeola-Akande from emerging Speaker in 2011. While the emergence of Hon Yusuff as Deputy Speaker and later, Gbajabiamila asLleader of the House could be seen as reprieve for the region that is somehow being hunted by some of its ideas that it had offered other regions in the course of struggle for relevance, the struggle for power in the Red Chamber was not in favour of the South West. Despite the region not offering any of its own for the Senate Presidency, it acted as arbiter, leading in the search for the “right” man to lead the upper chamber bearing in mind the loads of expectations from Buhari’s government and harbouring hope of getting not lesser than the post of Senate Leader. If that had been, the position of the region in the Senate would have been consolidated and could have aided its stronger participation in the affairs of the legislature, but with the game not going the way the region had envisaged, the role it had played in the whole saga, has been hunting the lawmakers elected from the region, regarding filling the post of Majority Whip ceded to it. Senator Olusola Adeyeye, the lawmaker representing Osun Central in the Senate has been the consensus candidate of both the Senate Unity Forum, SUF and Like Minds Senators, LMS, but the office he is to occupy, weeks after crises over emergence of Senator Bukola Saraki and Ike Ekweremadu as Senate President and Deputy Senate President, against the wish of the ruling party was declared over, has still not been filled. The reason, according to National Assembly sources for Prof Adeyeye not being officially announced as Majority Whip was not unconnected with the alleged insistence of the three APC senators from Oyo State that one of them must be chosen for the position because Osun had got the post of Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives. The three lawmakers; Senators Monsurat Sunmonu, Oyo Central; Soji Akanbi, Oyo South and Fatai Buhari, Oyo North, are not ranking members of the Senate, but even at that, a non-ranking member had emerged a principal officer from the South-South region, the development that somehow gave strength to the position taken by the lawmakers from the Pace Setter State. It not quite certain how long the cold war over the post of Senate Chief Whip will drag, but the fact that no senator from the region is at the moment part of the leadership of the highest legislative body in the country is a pointer to the division among conflicting interests in the region struggling for representation in Buhari’s administration. Lack of all-embracing social group to champion South West interests In the early days of the Fourth Republic, the virile Afenifere, under the leadership of Pa Abraham Adesanya, did exceptionally well in defending interests of South West region at every level of governance. Its positions on issues always put Yoruba race’s collective interests ahead of other considerations and with Afenifere at the negotiation table, people of the region were at peace that their interests were protected. But since the demise of Pa Adesanya and emergence of splinter groups like Yoruba Council of Elders and Afenifere Renewal Group, Afenifere, the flagship Yoruba social-cultural group, had not only lost its relevance in the reckoning of many people in the region, but has not been seen as non-partisan whenever it takes positions on national issues. Many chieftains of the group are usually at loggerheads with the ruling class most times because of difference in political beliefs and party affiliations. Often times, the platform of Afenifere is used to pursue personal political goals at the expense of the general good of the region.

Afenifere Leader, Reuben Fasoranti

Gbajabiamila

In recent years, among regional groups, the rating of Afenifere has been on steady decline and with no remedy to that in sight, the region looks as good as not having any group to champion its course.

Lasun

An instance of clash in the interests of Afenifere and the ruling class in the region played out in Osun State, when an official of the social-cultural group, Mr. Yinka Odumakin and a group called Osun Stakeholders, OS, attempted to hold a summit in Osogbo, Osun State capital to dissect Osun affairs and proffer solutions to some issues affecting it. The move was not only resisted but it was also condemned by all officials elected on the platform of the APC, pointing accusing fingers at the organisers as working for the PDP to deride Governor Rauf Aregbesola over his inability to pay workers’ salaries and bloodbath was only narrowly averted on the day of the summit was to hold, when police took over the venue. Also, during the last general elections, Afenifere pitched its tent with the then incumbent President Jonathan and combed all parts of the region canvassing support for him with the support of the two PDP governors in the region. It will also be recalled that notable personalities in Afenifere like Prince Dayo Adeyeye and Mr. Odumakin were active partakers in Jonathan’s administration. Adeyeye even served as minister. Afenifere as a group participated in the Conference of Ethnic Nationalities the administration of President Jonathan organised and sent delegates. However, the defunct ACN, the party that controlled most states in South West for better part of the Jonathan presidency never associated with the Federal Government, unless in statutory situations. It diligently played the role of opposition, even as the socio-political organisation that had initially served as duvet for those governing the region, especially between 1999 and 2003 hop in and out of seat of power.

Group wants Ojougboh’s removal as PDP S’South vice chair ADEOLA TUKURU ABUJA

ew Peoples Democratic Party Reformation Coalition, NPDPRC, has called for the removal of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh as the party’s Vice Chairman in South-South. While staging protest at the PDP national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja, yesterday, National Coordinator of NPDPEC, Danelsi Momoh, said they were at the sec-

retariat to protest against the activities of Ojougboh. Momoh called on the party’s national leadership to curtail the activities of Ojougboh, which according to him was aimed at hijacking the party for his personal interest. He said if the activities of Ojougboh in the SouthSouth was not checked, it would not only weaken the operations of the PDP, but also send the party to oblivion.

The coordinator also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate politically motivated killings in the country, especially in the South-South. He said: “While we salute President Buhari’s commitment to bring corrupt politicians to book, it is apt that all past cases of politically motivated killings are investigated. “This is to ensure that the characters responsible for running the armed gangs that carried out the

killings are brought to book.” The group, according to Momoh also called on Ojougboh to step aside from his position until investigated and proven innocent. Addressing the protesters, Chinwe Nnorom, the PDP’s Head of Publicity commended the protesters for their peaceful conduct, promising that their protest message would be presented to the party leadership.

Politics

Wednesday Augus-t 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Group wants Lokpobiri as Bayelsa governor OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

s the battle for who occupies Bayelsa State Government House come February 14, 2016 gets hotter, a group known as Bayelsa Progressive Movement, BPM, has called on Senator Heineken Lokpobiri to run under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the gubernatorial election scheduled to hold on December 5. Lokpobiri, a two-time senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a former Speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, was among the thousands of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, members who defected to the ruling APC in a colorful mass rally last Saturday in Bayelsa.

In a statement issued yesterday and made available to news men in Yenagoa, BPM president, Comrade Timothy Owei, said the call became necessary, having assessed the distinguished senator, who has impacted heavily on youth development in his senatorial district and in Bayelsa as a whole. BPM also said the call was as a result of its firm conviction that Lokpobiri has the requisite character, wisdom, competence and exposure to pilot the affairs of the state, urging all well meaning individuals and groups to provide every necessary incentives and motivation to achieve the vision. Owei said: “Having looked at the players for the December 2015 elec-

tions in the state, our group believes that only a tested and experienced politician with a track record of service, talent, skill, integrity and courage can rescue the people from the current dangerous drift, knowing full well the resolve by the people to reject failed

politicians. “We have reviewed the state of governance in Bayelsa State and concluded that beyond the lopsided and late payment of salaries and wages and the periodic uncoordinated award of contracts in the state, the government of the PDP

and Seriake Dickson has not fulfilled the mandate given to them in 2012 to govern Bayelsa state. “We regret that till date, the provision of very essential social amenities and services in the state is still a mirage, while Yenagoa, the state capital remains an urban slum,

a situation caused by the lack of a comprehensive development blueprint. The main purpose of government is to serve the people through the instrumentality of law, but the current regime in the state has failed woefully on all counts and the evidence is clear.”

Opposition parties charge Umahi on all-inclusive govt •Pledge loyalty

ALIUNA GODWIN ABAKALIKI

ll opposition parties, including factional All Progressives Congress, APC, among others in Ebonyi State, under the aegis of Inter-Advisory Party Committee, IPAC, on Wednesday urged Governor Dave Umahi to ensure adequate inclusion of all parties in the scheme of things. The leaders of the political parties made the call during a courtesy visit to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter-Party Dialogue, Onwe Gideon Ifeanyi, at the Government House, Abakaliki, where they pledged their loyalty to the present administration. In his address, Ebonyi State IPAC chairman, Comrade Sebastian Obyia, who led over 20 political parties on the visit, said if the opposition parties are carried along, the government will be criticised constructively. He noted that IPAC was not created to pull down any government in power, but to assist in transforming the state, adding that if the government

did not deliver on its campaign promises, the blame will be on everybody and not only the government and therefore assured that the committee will partner with the present administration in the state to enable it succeed. Obyia, who is the state chairman of the Labour Party, LP, commended Governor Umahi for the display of sportsmanship by not discriminating in his appointments, urging urged him to do more by including members of different political parties in the state in subsequent ones. On his part, the Special Adviser told the party leaders that the present government in the state is for everybody irrespective of political affiliation. Onwe noted that the governor needs men and women of proven integrity which was why he appointed All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, senatorial candidate in the last general election, Prof. Bernard Odoh, as the Secretary to the State Government, SSG. He implored them to come up with positive ideas that would help in transforming the state as the state is in a hurry to develop.

L-R: Deputy Director, INEC, Mr. Nick Dzeng; Chairman INEC Press Corps, Mr. Nnabuchi Okey, representative of INEC Chairman, Chris Iyimoga, during a workshop for INEC PAOs and INEC Press Corps in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

LP sets up c’ttee for Edo guber poll SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

abour Party, LP, has constituted a nineman committee to re-organise it in preparation for the 2016 gubernatorial election in Edo State. The committee has Mr. Sam Omokaro as chairman with Messrs Johnson Idahor, deputy chairman, Edo South; Idemudia Agbonaye, deputy chairman, Edo Cen-

tral; and K. M. E. Mohammed, deputy chairman, Edo North. Other members are: Akhere Fredrick, secretary; Uwangue Fred, treasurer; Sam Atoe, Youth Leader; Aina Adedeji, Woman Leader; and Maltilda Oviawe as Deputy Woman Leader. Inaugurating the committee with a 90-day deadline for its assignment, LP National Vice-Chairman, SouthSouth, Comrade Bobo Atari Adou, said that the creation

of the committee by the National Executive Council, NEC, of the party became necessary following the expiration of the tenure of the State Working Committee, SWC, of the party. Adou maintained that the appointment of the committee was in line with the party’s desire for congresses to be held to elect new officers for a fresh tenure, adding that hence, all activities of the LP shall rest squarely on the committee’s shoulders.

In his response, the caretaker committee chairman, Omokaro, said that the agenda of the committee included bringing back old members of the party and recruitment of new members. He added that the committee would also source for a credible gubernatorial candidate for the 2016 election in Edo State as well as conduct congresses at local government and state levels in line with the directive of the NEC of LP.

PDP scribe denies taking gratification from Governor Ortom HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

enue State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Publicity secretary, Hon. Godwin Ayihe, yesterday dismissed as unfounded the allegations of taking undisclosed gratification from Governor Samuel Ortom in the state, leveled against him. Hon. Ayihe, speaking to National Mirror yesterday in Makurdi, the Benue state capital, said the allegation was

unfounded and was aimed at tarnishing his hard earned reputation. He said: “For the sake of clarity, I met with Governor Samuel Ortom yesterday over a land matter where elders of my community sought my cooperation to follow them for collection of compensation fee of N20 million from the state government.” He further explained that some few years back, the Benue State government and Africa

Independent Television, AIT, had secured a land and what was left to be done was the compensation, which was initially N13 million but as time went by the community increased the amount to N20 million. He added: “Therefore, on the fateful day, I was in their company just to ensure that the process was successful as demanded by my elders, where I am also one of their subjects. The money was eventually released in

cheque to them. “It therefore beclouds my imagination that someone can turn round and peddle such malicious lies and insinuation that I have gone behind to take gratification which is uncalled for.” Commenting on the ongoing probe in the state, he revealed that for it to be effective, it should be extended to cover the tenures from 1999 to 2015, suggesting that it will be more comprehensive than where it has begun.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Index rises 2% as Dangote Cement leads gainers Johnson Okanlawon

rading in equities closed on a positive note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as some investors took position on stocks. Specifically, the All Share Index appreciated 1.79 per cent to close at 30,112.62 points, in contrast to the decline of 2.59 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 29,909.44 points. Market capitalization appreciated N70 billion to close at N10.2 trillion, as against the drop of N273 billion to close at N103 trillion. On the sectorial indices,

the NSE 30-Index gained 0.20 per cent to close at 1,352.28 points, but the Banking Index shed 1.07 per cent to close at 301.50 points. he Insurance Index dropped 0.18 per cent to close at 135.54 points, while the Consumer Goods Index depreciated 0.78 per cent to close at 731.94 POINTS. The Oil and Gas Index fell 1.38 per cent to close at 337.05 points, while the Lotus Islamic Index gained 0.05 per cent to close at 2,111.47 points. The Industrial Index added 1.17 per cent to close at 2,267.92 points, while the Pension Index lost 1.37 per

cent to close at 890.55 points. The Alternative Securities Market closed flat at 1,210.13 points. Dangote Cement Plc led the gainers’ table with N8.52 or 4.97 per cent to close at N180.00 per share, followed by GNI Plc with two kobo or four per cent to close at 52 kobo per share. FCMB Plc gained nine kobo or 3.98 per cent to close at N2.35 per share, while Wema Bank Plc appreciated three kobo or 3.49 per cent to close at 89 kobo per share. Vitafoam Pl was up 16 kobo or 2.81 per cent to close at N5.85 per share. On the flip side, PZ Cus-

sons Plc depreciated N3.22 or 9.74 per cent to close at N29.83 per share, while Evans Medicals Plc lost eight kobo or 9.52 per cent to close at 76 kobo per share. Eterna OiL Plc 10 kobo or five per cent to close at N1.90 per share, while Honeywell Flour Mills Plc dropped 14 kobo or five per cent to close at N2.66 per share. Unity Bank Plc dipped nine kobo or five per cent to close at N1.71 per share. A total of 307.9 million shares valued at N3.62 billion were exchanged in 4,365 deals.

Access Bank’s N42bn rights issue successful – MD Johnson Okanlawon

ccess Bank yesterday announced successful completion of the Rights Issue of N41.8billion ordinary shares at N6.90 per share. The rights issue opened on January 26, 2015 and it offered a rights issue of one ordinary share for every existing three units at a price of N6.90 per share. A statement by the bank indicated that the funds raised accounted for 80 per cent of the total number of

new ordinary shares offered to shareholders. It explained that the bank announced the outcome following the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC. The statement stresses that the capital raise puts investors firmly at the centre of the bank’s strategy, ensuring sustainable dividends through one of the strongest capital buffers as well as providing the means for further investment to exploit target markets. The bank’s Group Man-

aging Director, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, said: “We are putting in place the building blocks for our future as we work to becoming atop three banking in Nigeria by 2017. “This additional capital will allow us to invest in our infrastructure and technology, which will make speed, service and security a guarantee for all our customers, as well as providing the firepower to diversify our geographic focus and target Africa’s fastest-growing industrial sectors, “he added. He said that the capital raised will allow the bank

to retain its place amongst Nigeria’s best-capitalised banks and underscores continued commitment to prudent risk management as it seeks growth opportunities both in Nigeria and abroad. Shareholders commended the performance of the bank and ability of its management to consistently enhance the quality and value of their investments, particularly through some of the strategic initiatives and decisions taken in the last couple of years, which signaled the direction the institution is heading.

China stocks slump 6% on fears of further yuan depreciation

hinese stocks plunged yesterday as the yuan weakened against the dollar, reigniting fears that Beijing may be intent on a deeper devaluation of the currency despite the central bank’s comments that it sees no reason for a further slide. Concerns that companies may pull more money out of China as the economy slows and speculation that the government may begin to scale back its massive support for the country’s stock markets also prompted investors to take profits after a run-up in prices over the last few weeks, traders said. The Shanghai Composite Index closed down 6.1 percent at 3,749.12 points in its biggest daily decline since July 27, snapping a threeday winning streak. The CSI300 index of the largest listed companies in

Shanghai and Shenzhen fell 6.2 percent at 3,825.41. Volatility in both indexes spiked in the afternoon in what is becoming a mysteriously recurring pattern in China’s stock markets since Beijing stepped in to avert a full-blown price crash in early summer. The yuan fell against the dollar on Tuesday despite a slightly stronger midpoint set by the central bank, and traders expect the currency to remain under downward pressure as the economy struggles. The People’s Bank of China devalued the currency last week by nearly two per cent, triggering an avalanche of selling by investors who feared Beijing wanted to engineer a much sharper decline to support weak exports. The PBOC was later forced to step into the market and tell state

banks to support the currency. Shares of importers and firms with high US dollardenominated debt have been under pressure along with Chinese airlines which face higher fuel bills following the devaluation. The central bank made its biggest injection of funds into money markets in more than six months early on Tuesday, adding to worries that liquidity was tightening as investors moved more capital out of the country. Minsheng Securities estimated 800 billion yuan ($125 billion) had flowed out in July and August alone. Investors have also grown more concerned that Beijing may begin to withdraw its unprecedented support for share prices. China’s securities regulator said last Friday that the government will allow mar-

ket forces to play a bigger role in determining stock prices, the first official signal from Beijing that it could be moderating its efforts to prop up its equity markets via state-backed financial institutions. Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

N196.95 Market indicators All-Share Index 30,112.62points Market capitalisation 10.32trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

DANGCEM

171.48

180.00

8.52

4.97

GNI

0.50

0.52

0.02

4.00

FCMB

2.26

2.35

0.09

3.98

WEMABANK

0.86

0.89

0.03

3.49

VITAFOAM

5.69

5.85

0.16

2.81

ACCESS

4.10

4.20

0.10

2.44

DANGFLOUR

2.93

3.00

0.07

2.39

DANGSUGAR

6.01

6.09

0.08

1.33

AFRIPRUD

2.78

2.80

0.02

0.72

122.01

122.10

0.09

0.07

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

33.05

29.83

-3.22

-9.74

EVANSMED

0.84

0.76

-0.08

-9.52

ETERNA

2.00

1.90

-0.10

-5.00

HONYFLOUR

2.80

2.66

-0.14

-5.00

UNITYBNK

1.80

1.71

-0.09

-5.00

CADBURY

31.64

30.06

-1.58

-4.99

FLOURMILL

26.64

25.31

-1.33

-4.99

UAC-PROP

8.55

8.13

-0.42

-4.91

IKEJAHOTEL

3.48

3.31

-0.17

-4.89

LIVESTOCK

1.88

1.79

-0.09

-4.79

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

0.99

97.64

15.70

97.79

15.53

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.69

99.12

15.67

99.27

15.56

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.86

101.35

15.50

101.65

15.40

15.54 13-FEB-2020

4.49

99.78

15.61

100.08

15.51

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.44

103.72

15.45

104.02

15.38

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.57

94.41

15.39

94.71

15.32

Closing Market Prices of August 18, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

12-Nov-15

15.15

15.71

WAUA

270

18-Feb-16

13.46

14.44

USD

196.96

EURO

214

4-Aug-16

14.14

16.38

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

25.9167

17.9912

POUNDS STERLING

293

19.9617

SDR

273

21.0741

NIBOR

The Fixings of August 18, 2015

Capital Market

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Daily Summary as of 18/08/2015

Stock exchange daily equities summary Daily Summary as of 18/08/2015 Printed 18/08/2015 14:32:32.032

Printed 18/08/2015 14:32:32.032

Daily Summary (Bonds)

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board DEBT Federal

Bond Name 14.20% FGN MAR 2024 15.10% FGN APR 2017 16.00% FGN JUN 2019 Federal Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Symbol FG112024S1 FG9B2017S2 FG9B2019S3

DEBT Board Totals

No. of Deals 1 2 1 4

Sector

Company name

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Daily Summary as of 18/08/2015 AGRICULTURE Printed 18/08/2015 14:32:32.032 Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK PLC.EQTY Activity SummaryFEEDS on Board

Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals CONGLOMERATES AGRICULTURE Totals Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. S C O A NIG. PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC Published by The Stock Exchange © U A Nigerian C N PLC.

No Of Deals

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction

Printed 18/08/2015 14:32:32.032 Construction Totals Infrastructure/Heavy Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Activity Summary on Board EQTY UPDC REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE

Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Daily Summary as of 18/08/2015 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Printed 18/08/2015 14:32:32.032 Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC CONSUMER GOODSMILLS PLC. N NIG. FLOUR Food Products Products--Diversified Food Totals CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA Published by The Nigerian Stock PLC. Exchange © Food Products--Diversified Totals

Daily

5,650

5,966,908.77

5650

5,966,908.77

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Current Price 24.05 32.01

Quantity Traded 127,900 176,269 304,169

Value Traded 2,928,574.16 5,642,359.20 8,570,933.36

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 9 9

Current Price 1.79

Quantity Traded 212,560 212,560

Value Traded 380,617.40 380,617.40

Symbol AGLEVENT SCOA TRANSCORP UACN

56 No. of Deals 2 1 208 36 247

Current Price 1.00 4.44 2.61 37.00

Quantity516,729 Traded 77,156 44,062 34,748,638 Page 276,071 35,145,927

Daily Summary (Equities)

247

8,951,550.76 Value Traded 77,156.00 185,941.64 95,051,816.88 14 1 of 10,197,409.27 105,512,323.79

35,145,927

105,512,323.79

Symbol COSTAIN

No. of Deals 12 12

Current Price 0.60

Quantity Traded 380,000 380,000

Value Traded 228,541.20 228,541.20

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 13 13

Current Price 43.31

Quantity Traded 32,171 32,171

Value Traded 1,323,836.65 1,323,836.65

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 26 (Equities) 26

Current Price 8.13

Quantity Traded 245,233 245,233

Value Traded 2,028,739.19 2,028,739.19

Symbol UPDCREIT

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 10.00

Quantity Traded 9,869 9,869

Value Traded 98,690.00 98,690.00

667,273

3,679,807.04

Daily Summary

Page Quantity Traded 380,000 380,000

14 2 of Value Traded 190,000.00 190,000.00

Current Price 4.50 121.00 18.45 122.10

Quantity Traded 69,700 83,296 57,400 595,134 805,530

Value Traded 313,682.00 10,130,734.97 1,008,930.00 72,668,207.44 84,121,554.41

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 190.00

Quantity Traded 21,915 21,915

Value Traded 4,135,287.30 4,135,287.30

No. of Deals 63 40 86 20 16 4 No. of Deals 229 17 90 107

Current Price 3.00 6.09 25.31 2.66 6.30 12.83 Current Price 30.06 840.00

Quantity Traded 1,667,028 1,000,002 637,476 146,130 171,000 5,850 Quantity Traded 3,627,486 171,395 1,182,441 Page 1,353,836

Symbol DUNLOP

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW NB

No. of Deals 8 63 9 136 216

Symbol 7UP

Symbol DANGFLOUR

Daily Summary (Equities) DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON NNFM Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

Value Traded 4,996,371.29 6,066,433.99 16,178,554.59 394,792.60 1,057,553.00 73,261.50 Value Traded 28,766,966.97 5,152,332.98 993,377,931.27 14 3 of 998,530,264.25

Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 40 10 50

Current Price 5.85 0.95

Quantity Traded 4,751,579 134,598 4,886,177

Value Traded 28,683,635.15 127,919.38 28,811,554.53

Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 7 26 33

Current Price 29.83 40.00

Quantity Traded 82,968 151,655 234,623

Value Traded 2,475,720.44 6,069,990.90 8,545,711.34

11,309,567

1,153,101,338.80

Quantity Traded 45,399,464 4,647,899 1,920,375 10,539,976 19,216,560 9,115,062 5,864,540 Quantity Traded

Value Traded 186,086,090.27 14,317,523.13 35,723,075.89 13,725,689.44 433,971,284.47 16,215,415.63 12,603,641.69 Value Traded

CONSUMERas GOODS Totals Summary of 18/08/2015

Printed 18/08/2015 14:32:32.032 FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. Daily Summary as of 18/08/2015 DIAMOND BANK PLC Printed 18/08/2015 14:32:32.032 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES STERLING BANK PLC. Banking BANK AFRICA PLC ActivityUNITED Summary onFOR Board EQTY UNION BANKStock NIG.PLC. Published by The Nigerian Exchange © UNITYSERVICES BANK PLC FINANCIAL WEMA BANK PLC. Banking

ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AFRICAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. Daily Summary as of 18/08/2015 N.E.M14:32:32.032 INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. Printed 18/08/2015 NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Micro-Finance Banks FINANCIAL SERVICES NPF MICROFINANCE Micro-Finance Banks BANK PLC

647

Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 327 DIAMONDBNK 98 Daily Summary (Equities) ETI 53 FIDELITYBK 105 GUARANTY 344 SKYEBANK 134 Daily Summary (Equities) STERLNBANK 211 Symbol No. of Deals UBA UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK Symbol

ZENITHBANK

Symbol AFRINSURE AIICO CONTINSURE CORNERST GNI HMARKINS LASACO LINKASSURE MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM NIGERINS SOVRENINS STDINSURE Daily Summary UNIVINSURE WAPIC

Symbol NPFMCRFBK Symbol

Published by The Nigerian StockBrokers Exchange © Services Mortgage Carriers, and UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC. Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. Daily Summary of 18/08/2015 SIMasCAPITAL ALLIANCE VALUE FUND Printed 18/08/2015 14:32:32.032 STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers Totals Pharmaceuticals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAYNigerian & BAKER NIGERIA PLC.© Published by The Stock Exchange NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Pharmaceuticals Totals

IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC

264 3.25 48 7.29 11 1.71 29 Current Price 0.89 No. of Deals 322 16.20 1,946

No. of Deals 1 16 12 4 2 1 1 1 22 6 19 1 2 2 (Equities) 5 2 97

Current Price 0.50 0.84 0.86 0.50 0.52 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.54 0.50 0.65 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

45,002,858 Page 178,096

146,879,479.69 14 41,243,797.40 of

959,534 2,117,550 Quantity Traded 13,850,424 158,812,338

1,810,639.84 Value Traded 227,777,712.01 1,091,995,749.55

1,641,400.09

Quantity Traded 100 406,473 2,084,241 220,000 500,100 100,000 60,000 5,000 1,595,693 140,515 2,953,197 1,000,000 2,600 201,000 1,169,264 52 10,438,235

Value Traded 50.00 342,183.32 1,833,427.26 110,000.00 260,052.00 50,000.00 30,000.00 2,500.00 4,054,683.22 70,257.50 1,885,020.03 500,000.00 1,300.00 100,500.00 584,632.00 26.00 9,824,631.33

Page Quantity Traded Quantity 252,700 Traded

14 5 of Value Traded 222,476.00 Value Traded

No. of Deals

Current Price 0.88 Current Price

Symbol UNHOMES

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 5.50

Page Quantity Traded 468 468

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX SIMCAPVAL STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 60 28 363 64 1 1 79 63 659

Current Price 2.80 4.10 6.23 2.35 0.50 103.24 18.42 1.30

Quantity Traded 2,264,564 5,589,500 12,437,636 7,190,989 4,000 50 900,166 3,972,246 32,359,151

Value Traded 6,319,070.72 22,829,122.50 79,483,539.71 16,966,248.12 2,000.00 5,162.00 16,263,110.77 5,113,562.27 146,981,816.09

201,862,892

1,249,027,120.61

252,700

Daily Summary (Equities) 2,713 Symbol UNIONDAC

No. of Deals 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 4,462

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH

No. of Deals1 10 6 11 13 3 43

Current Price 0.76 3.20 38.00 1.27 1.35

4,462 Quantity Traded 200,875 464,900 41,400 Page 198,698

HEALTHCARE Totals ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems Totals

Current Price 4.20 3.05 18.67 1.27 22.40 1.80 2.15 Current Price

10 No. of Deals 10

Micro-Finance Banks Totals

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Pharmaceuticals Totals

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH

1st Tier Securities HEALTHCARE Totals

Quotation(N)

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals

No. of Deals 26 21 47

Diversified Industries Totals

Daily Summary asBERGER of 18/08/2015 JULIUS NIG. PLC.

Value Traded 459,608.52 4,069,165.71 1,438,134.54 5,966,908.77

Daily Summary (Equities)

CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

Quantity Traded 450 3,830 1,370 5650

Equities as at August 18, 2015

Bond Activity Totals

1st Tier Securities

Current Price 96.00 101.50 102.70

222,476.00 14 6 of Value Traded 2,447.64 2,447.64

Value Traded 2,231.00 Value2,231.00 Traded 154,065.00 1,491,180.00 1,494,770.00 14 7 254,308.22 of

9,907 915,780

12,780.03 3,407,103.25

920,242

3,409,334.25

Symbol COURTVILLE

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 600 600

Value Traded 300.00 300.00

Symbol CWG

No. of Deals 1

Current Price 2.95

Quantity Traded 20

Value Traded 56.20

Sector

Company name

ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Daily Summary as ofBased 18/08/2015 Computer Systems Totals Printed 18/08/2015 14:32:32.032 IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC IT Services Totals Daily Summary as of 18/08/2015 Printed 18/08/2015 14:32:32.032 Processing Systems E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY Processing Systems Totals

INDUSTRIAL GOODS ICT Totals Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLCGOODS INDUSTRIAL CEMENT CO.Stock OF NORTH.NIG. Published by The Nigerian Exchange © PLC Building Materials

No. of Deals 10 6 11 13 3 43

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

Value Traded 300.00 300.00

Symbol CWG

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 2.95

Quantity Traded 20 20

Value Traded 56.20 56.20

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 3.60

Quantity Traded 43,472,044 43,472,044

Value Traded 156,499,322.40 156,499,322.40

43,472,664 Quantity Traded 64,809 21,584 487,255 Page 67,113 Quantity Traded 507,671 50,000 36,250 7,358,809 8,593,491

156,499,678.60 Value Traded 1,427,470.38 199,483.84 19,726,290.56 8 583,027.19 of 14 Value Traded 87,646,985.66 50,000.00 142,825.00 746,732,600.85 856,508,683.48

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol ETRANZACT

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN Symbol

5 No. of Deals 18 7 22 13 No. of Deals

Courier/Freight/Delivery EXPRESS PLC. ActivityTRANS-NATIONWIDE Summary on Board EQTY Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals OIL AND GAS Employment Solutions Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors C & I LEASING PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. Employment Solutions Totals TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Exploration and Production TOURIST COMPANY OF NIGERIA PLC. SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

180.00 0.96 4.14 101.50

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 1.64

Quantity Traded 200 200

Value Traded 312.00 312.00

8,593,691

856,508,995.48

198

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 50.00 50.00

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 184 184

Current Price 11.40

Quantity Traded 2,049,879 2,049,879

Value Traded 23,547,446.01 23,547,446.01

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO Symbol

No. of Deals 7 11 74 No. of Deals

Current Price 33.28 1.90 Current219.98 Price

Quantity Traded 11,353 Page 133,265 Quantity 158,337 Traded

Value Traded 14 9 358,981.86 of 253,992.00 34,103,942.32 Value Traded

18 17 127

151.20 154.00

No. of Deals 17 17

Current Price 258.20

Daily Summary (Equities)

MOBIL TOTAL

Symbol SEPLAT

4,792 22,746 Page 330,493

Symbol RTBRISCOE

Value Traded 13,661,525.85 13,661,525.85

2,431,924

76,064,704.89

No. of Deals 14 14

Current Price 0.58

Quantity Traded 360,636 360,636

Value Traded 212,764.77 212,764.77

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.91

Quantity Traded 139,186 139,186

Value Traded 126,659.26 126,659.26

No. of Deals Current Price No. of Deals Current Price 11 0.50 18 151.20 11 17 154.00 127 No. of Deals Current Price

Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 1,709,704 4,792 1,709,704 22,746 330,493 Quantity Traded

Value Traded Value Traded 854,852.00 716,013.03 854,852.00 3,422,753.82

10 3.31 No. of Deals Current Price 1 3.51 17 258.20 17

233,090 Quantity Traded 430 51,452

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol TRANSEXPR

Symbol Symbol CILEASING MOBIL TOTAL Symbol IKEJAHOTEL Symbol TOURIST SEPLAT

716,013.03 103,422,753.82 of 14 38,855,683.03

Quantity Traded 51,452 51,452

329

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

Current Price 23.00 9.51 41.00 8.75 Current Price

75 2 3 57 197

OIL AND GAS Totals Daily Summary as of 18/08/2015 Printed 18/08/2015 SERVICES14:32:32.032 Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

Value of Shares(N)

Quantity Traded 600 600

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors

3,409,334.25

Quantity Traded

Current Price 0.50

Symbol CUTIX

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

920,242

Quotation(N) No. of Deals 2 2

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

CONOIL PLCStock Exchange © Published by The Nigerian ETERNA OIL AND GAS PLC. FORTE OIL Petroleum andPLC. Petroleum Products Distributors MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

Value Traded 154,065.00 1,491,180.00 1,494,770.00 254,308.22 12,780.03 3,407,103.25

Symbol COURTVILLE

DANGCEM PAINTCOM PORTPAINT WAPCO

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

Quantity Traded 200,875 464,900 41,400 198,698 9,907 915,780

No Of Deals

DANGOTE CEMENT PLC PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services Daily Summary as of 18/08/2015 JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Printed 18/08/2015 14:32:32.032 Energy Equipment and Services Totals

Current Price 0.76 3.20 38.00 1.27 1.35

51,452Page

329

38,855,683.03 Value Traded 771,586.30 Value Traded 1,582.40 13,661,525.85 13,661,525.85 11 of 14

2,431,924

76,064,704.89

Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 14 14

Current Price 0.58

Quantity Traded 360,636 360,636

Value Traded 212,764.77 212,764.77

Symbol TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.91

Quantity Traded 139,186 139,186

Value Traded 126,659.26 126,659.26

Symbol

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,709,704 1,709,704

Value Traded 854,852.00 854,852.00

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL TOURIST Symbol

No. of Deals 10 1 No. of Deals 11

Current Price 3.31 3.51 Current Price

Quantity Traded 233,090 430 Quantity Traded 233,520 Page

Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Media/Entertainment Totals

Symbol DAARCOMM

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 2,000 2,000

Value Traded 1,000.00 1,000.00

Printing/Publishing UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals

Symbol UPL

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 6.03

Quantity Traded 31,680 31,680

Value Traded 181,526.40 181,526.40

Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 0.53

Quantity Traded 196,973 196,973

Value Traded 104,395.69 104,395.69

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 8 18 26

Current Price 2.00 4.50

Quantity Traded 253,836 140,264 394,100

Value Traded 510,028.20 632,777.81 1,142,806.01

Symbol

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 3.99

Quantity Traded 200 200

Value Traded 760.00 760.00

Courier/Freight/Delivery Daily Summary as of 18/08/2015 TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Printed 18/08/2015 14:32:32.032 Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC SERVICES TOURIST COMPANY OF NIGERIA PLC. Hotels/Lodging Hotels/Lodging Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Transport-Related Services Daily Summary as of SERVICES 18/08/2015 AND LOGISTICS PLC AIRLINE Printed 18/08/2015 14:32:32.032 NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC

CILEASING Daily Summary (Equities)

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

3,067,999

3,397,932.83

307,988,908

4,363

Daily Summary (Equities)

Value Traded 771,586.30 1,582.40 Value Traded 14 11 773,168.70 of

3,616,152,787.05

Page

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

Symbol MCNICHOLS

No. of Deals 1 1

CONSUMER GOODS Totals SERVICES Food/Drug Retailers and Wholesalers JULI PLC. Daily Summary as of 18/08/2015 Food/Drug Retailers and Wholesalers Totals Printed 18/08/2015 14:32:32.032 SERVICES Totals

ASeM Board Totals

Quantity Traded 200 200

Value Traded 274.00 274.00

200

274.00

Quantity Traded 200 200

Value Traded 334.00 334.00

200

334.00

Symbol JULI

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 1.75

Daily Summary (ETP)

Equity Activity Totals Exchange Traded Fund Name LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

Current Price 1.32

Symbol LOTUSHAL15 VETGRIF30

400

608.00

4,365

307,989,308

3,616,153,395.05

No. of Deals 1 1 2

ETF Board Totals

ETP Activity Totals

Current Price 9.91 13.42

Quantity Traded 5 10 15 Page

15 15

Value Traded 49.55 134.20 183.75 13

183.75 183.75

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, August 19, 2014

Community Mirror A committee Let me again wouldrepeat also be what setI up have to been look into saying cases thatorGoodluck reports ofJonathan party members has no or leaders who erred personal in one agenda or theinother, convening especially this national during the conference. elections.

Ojo Oyewamide, AKURE

36-year-old man, Augustine Daniel, was on Sunday morning found dead in his sitting room at No.11 Igbalaye Street, Akure, Ondo State capital. Fetish objects found with his corpse included one bottle of Seaman Schnapp, one bottle of Jik bleach, a knife and two chickens, one dead and the other living, raising suspicion that he was a ritualist. The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the

–GOVERNOR OF PRESIDENT IMO STATE, GOODLUCK ROCHAS OKOROCHA JONATHAN

Man found dead with fetish items in Ondo morgue of State Specialist Hospital, Akure, for further examination. It was gathered that the man, an auxiliary nurse with an undisclosed hospital, reportedly locked himself inside his sitting room since Saturday evening only for his widow to raise alarm about the incident around 11am on Sunday. A source in the house revealed that the deceased’s co-tenants had been suspecting his activities for more than a month, alleging that

he had turned the house to a mini hospital where he used to performed abortions. She said: “Whenever we confronted him on his activities, he would threaten us with charms. Around11 am on Sunday morning, his wife rushed out to raise alarm about the unfortunate incident. We all rushed to his room. After breaking the door leading to the parlour, we met him lie on the chair naked. “When we challenged his wife about the incident, she told us

that her husband said he was travelling on Saturday evening, but that she eventually met his dead body inside the parlour on Sunday morning.” All efforts to speak to the widow, Folake, failed because the family and friends of the deceased prevented her from speaking with journalists. The pregnant woman was threatened and cautioned against speaking to anybody about the circumstances that led to the death of her husband,

a development that provoked serious argument between the co-tenants and the deceased’s family. Police Public Relation Officer, Wole Ogodo, confirmed the incident, disclosing that the matter had been transferred to the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for proper investigation. Ogodo said it was the wife that came to the station to report the incident after discovering that the leaving room was locked.

Communities hail Ekiti access road project Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

enefiting communities in the ongoing access road network linking some Ado Ekiti communities have lauded the state government for the socio-economic transformation. The communities include Irewumi Estate and others along the 11-kilometre Bawa-IrewumiOlorunsogo-Police Headquarters Road in Ado-Ekiti. They include the former Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Ekiti State University, Professor Abayomi Fashina, who said the road network would give a new lease of life to the communities. Fashina, who spoke at his Irewumi Estate shortly after the governor inspected the ongoing construction project, said: “Before the present administration got to office and started the opening up of this community with the road project, we were in a serious dilemma. Imagine a community of about 5000 people with no access road, but the governor has changed that”. Other residents such as Mr. Godwin Felix and Mrs Christianah Ayeni thanked the state government for the project. They appealed to the governor not to allow the pace of work to slow down and ensure that the job was done to specification. The governor had said during the inspection that the financial challenges facing the state government would not slow down the pace of the execution of the ongoing projects. He said that the ongoing open-

ing up of Ado-Ekiti metropolis with access roads would help in decongesting the city centre. He said: “One good thing is that we are trying our best and improving the quality of life of the people. We are always ready to do the needful and we won’t allow the current economic challenges to deter us. “We want to service more people by embarking on projects and policies that will make life bearable and comfortable for them. People of the state should also be praying for this government,” he said.

Parents of candidates writing post-UTME exam at Landmark University, taking a tour of the institution’s poultry farm in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, recently.

Former contractors threaten to sue NNPC Ayo Esan

ormer contractors employed by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to provide security and surveillance on pipelines between March and June this year, have threatened to sue the NNPC if it refused to settle its indebtedness to them before end of this month. Rising from its meeting in Lagos at the weekend, the security and surveillance service providers, which include Dr. Fredrick Faseun’s,NewAge Nig. Ltd; Otunba Gani Adams’s Donyx Global Concept Ltd; Alhaji Asari Dokubo’s ATEF Nig. Ltd. ; High Chief Bibo Pere Ajube-Galery Security Services Ltd; Chief Joshua MachieverBajeros Nig Ltd, High Chief Omo- Close Body Protection Ltd, and Izon Ibe Security Ltd., wrote a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari and the NNPC informing them of their

decision to go to court if their entitlements are not paid by end of this month. In a statement made available to National Mirror, the former contractors said: “We have resolved that by the end of this month, if the NNPC fails to redeem its contractual obligation and refuse to pay us, we would be left with no choice but to take them to court , an action which we think may not do the credibility of the government any good because it is a case based on contractual agreement that was legally signed by a parastatal of government”. The contractors said what is demanding from the NNPC is for it to redeem its own part of the contractual agreement and should not be seen as a favour and handout to any individual. The statement continued : “Up till now, the public perception of the NNPC Pipeline Security and Surveillance job was that former President Goodluck Jonathan gave the job to the contractors on the platter of

politics. “But nothing can be farther from the truth than this. Therefore, for the purpose of clarity, it should be noted that the contract was signed between the contractors and the management of the NNPC, an agency of government, as a way of finding lasting solutions to the incessant problem of pipeline vandalisation across the country. ”The terms and agreements of the contract were formulated and drafted by the management of the NNPC and was duly signed by all the parties, including the contractors and the legal department of the NNPC after several meetings and consultations. “It is also necessary for the public to know that, against widely held belief that the contract was terminated by the Federal Government, it should be noted that the contract indeed ran its course, which was a period of three months, starting from March 15, 2015 and ended June 15, 2015”, the contractors

said . “It is our belief that the contract agreement between the NNPC and the contractors is a public document and therefore can always be accessed by any member of public”, the statement informed ”It is also important to know that within the period of the contract, all the contractors experienced one form of loss or the other, either financially, death, physical injuries, or in most cases all the losses. “To start with, because of the enormous nature of the job, all the contractors incurred huge financial debts in forms of loans from banks and other financial institutions in order to carry out their functions of securing the pipelines.” The contractors further said that the good thing is that all the contractors executed the job like a call to service and made sure that the activities of the vandals were curtailed significantly during the period of the contract.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

World News EU migrant arrivals pass record 100,000 in July –Border agency

49 PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

We strongly believe that (the deal) cannot serve the people of South Sudan. It is a sell-out and we will not accept that –SOUTH SUDAN INFORMATION MINISTER, MICHAEL MAKUEI LUETH

‘Gabon’s President to give away father’s inheritance’

abon’s President Ali Bongo has pledged to give away all the money he inherits from his father, to set up a foundation for the country’s youth. “In my eyes we are all heirs of Omar Bongo,” he said in a national address. The will of his father, who ruled for 41 years until his death in 2009, is yet to be settled. He reportedly left a fortune worth many millions of dollars. French judges are currently probing the Bongo family over alleged embezzlement, accusations which they strongly deny. Gabon is a major oil producer, but a third of its population live in poverty, according to the World Bank. In a speech to mark the country’s 55th independence anniversary, President Bongo said that in addition to his inheritance money for the youth foundation, the fam- President Ali Bongo is expected to inherit vast sums when his father’s will is carried out ily would be donating a building this decision and gives us his look into the finances of the late as part of a previous police invesin the capital, Libreville, to start a blessing,” the AFP news agency Gabonese leader and the fami- tigation include 39 properties in new university. quotes President Bongo as saying. lies of the leaders of Equatorial France, located in affluent areas “No Gabonese must be left by Allegations of corruption have Guinea and Congo-Brazzaville, to of Paris and on the French Rivthe side of the road,” he added. swirled around Omar Bongo for see whether state funds had been iera, as well as nine luxury cars, Two properties belonging to misused on expenditures made in including Ferraris and Mercedes, many years. Omar Bongo in the French capiworth a total of $1.6m (£1m). The landmark “case of the France. tal, Paris, would also be given to Ali Bongo won presidential Under French law, a formal ill-gotten gains” was launched the state, he said. in France in 2010 after a lengthy investigation is one step closer elections in September 2009, mak“I know my father, from where campaign by corruption watch- to a trial, but some cases can be ing him the country’s third presihe is now, watches us and hears dent since independence from dropped without going to court. dog Transparency International. us. I also know that he approves Bongo family assets identified France in 1960. Two judges were appointed to

2016 poll: Ghanaian opposition demands new voters’ register

hana’s main opposition party asked the electoral commission yesterday to create a new voters’ register before next year’s election, after allegations of fraudulent registration overshadowed the West African nation’s last vote. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) said it had overwhelming evidence that the electoral roll used for polls in 2012 was bloated with ineligible voters, including the names of Togolese nationals. Togo is home to the Ewe ethnic group that is also found in southeastern Ghana, where its members are regarded as strong supporters of President John Mahama’s National Democratic Congress (NDC). “The voters’ register is incurably flawed and cannot be relied on for the 2016 elections,” NPP

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vice presidential candidate Mahamudu Bawumia told a news conference. “This morning we presented our arguments and evidence on this matter to the electoral commission. “The evidence is damning and shows that Ghana’s voters register has been compro-

mised,” he said. The new register should be created by June next year and be independently audited by an internationally reputable firm ahead of December’s election, Bawumia added. The NPP challenged the results of Ghana’s 2012 presidential bal-

New Patriotic Party (NPP) leader Nana Akufo-Addo speaks during a meeting to contest the presidential election results, at Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra

lot in court, saying Mahama had benefited from illegitimate ballots. The court upheld Mahama’s win after eight months of legal wrangling. Ghana is considered a model of African democracy thanks to a track record of peaceful elections, regular changes of power and respect for the rule of law since its return to democratic rule in 1992. The West African state enjoyed years of strong economic growth from its exports of gold, cocoa and oil but was obliged to adopt a $918-million, 3-year deal with the International Monetary Fund in April to correct a persistent fiscal deficit. The West African country is also grappling with a prolonged power crisis that has crippled industries, leading to stunted economic growth and angry voters.

AFRICA BULLETIN

Mandela’s grandson arrested for alleged rape in South Africa A man identified as one of Nelson Mandela’s grandsons has been arrested for allegedly raping a 15-year-old girl, South African police said yesterday. Mbuso Mandela, 24, is in police custody and will appear in a Johannesburg magistrates court on Friday for a bail hearing, said police spokeswoman Brig. Mashadi Selepe. He appeared briefly in court Monday when he was charged with rape. The rape allegedly took place at a restaurant in Greenside, a Johannesburg suburb, on Aug. 7, Selepe said. The matter was reported to police a week later and Mandela was arrested last Saturday, she said. Mbuso Mandela is one of late statesman Nelson Mandela’s 17 grandchildren. Mandela died in 2013 at the age of 95.

UN deploys troops in northern Mali after clashes Mali’s U.N. peacekeeping mission deployed troops around a northern separatist stronghold yesterday, seeking to prevent an escalation of clashes between rebels and progovernment militias that threaten to torpedo a peace deal. The separatists, led by Tuareg tribesmen, and the pro-government Platform militias signed the peace accord in June. The aim was to pacify the north and allow the Malian army to focus on tackling Islamist militants in the west African country. The two sides have traded blame for the clashes, which began on Saturday. On Monday, Platform fighters seized the town of Anefis from the separatist Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA), raising fears they would advance on the town of Kidal, the group’s main stronghold.

S’ Africa justice minister seeks legal advice on Pistorius parole South Africa’s justice minister said yesterday he was seeking legal advice on whether its parole board was right to decide to free Oscar Pistorius on house arrest on Friday after serving a sixth of his five-year sentence for killing his girlfriend. “Whether that decision of the parole board was regular and correct in law is what I am seeking advice about, and if it wasn’t, whether there is anything that empowers me in law to have the matter revisited,” Justice Minister Michael Masutha told Reuters. Pistorius, 29, a former Paralympic gold medalist, is due after his planned release on Friday to spend the balance of his sentence at his uncle’s three-storey mansion in a leafy suburb of South Africa’s capital Pretoria.

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World News

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

EU migrant arrivals pass record 100,000 in July –Border agency

early 110,000 migrants were tracked entering the EU in July by irregular means, official data showed on Tuesday, setting a record as the influx continues, notably of Syrians reaching Greek islands from Turkey. The European Union’s border control agency Frontex said that it had detected some 107,500 people arriving outside regular channels in July, a sharp increase on the previous record set in June of over 70,000, and more than three times as many as it registered in the same month last year. The most active frontiers were those of the Greek islands in the Aegean off Turkey, where nearly 50,000 people were recorded arriving by sea, mainly on Lesbos, Chios, Samos and Kos. Nearly 340,000 such migrants were seen so far this year arriving in the EU, mainly in Italy, A migrant woman hugs her children, moments after arriving on a dinghy on the Greek island of Kos, yesterday Greece and Hungary. That was Frontex Executive Director “Syrians and Afghans aca 175 percent rise on the same to comment on how far the inFabrice Leggeri said: “This is counted for a lion’s share of crease in numbers being detectperiod last year and much more an emergency situation for Euthe record number of migrants ed may be a result of increased than the 280,000 registered arrope that requires all EU mementering the EU illegally,” Fronmonitoring of the frontiers. rivals in all of 2014. ber states to step in to support tex said in a statement. “Most In Germany alone, which reOther EU data shows 625,920 the national authorities who of them, fleeing instability in corded 203,000 claims last year, people claimed asylum in the are taking on a massive number their home countries, initially officials expect to register some bloc last year. Frontex officials of migrants at its borders.” entered Greece from Turkey.” were not immediately available 750,000 refugees this year.

Indian police ‘detain’ abusive parrot

ndian police said yesterday in New Delhi that it had summoned a parrot accused of hurling abuses at an elderly woman. Local Police Chief, P.S. Dongre, confirmed that the parrot was summoned by the police after carrying out a test to check whether the bird was guilty of bad behaviour.

He said that the bird was summoned following a complaint by one Janabai Sakharkar, 75, of a village in the western state of Maharashtra. According to him, Sakharkar had complained that her neighbour had tutored his caged pet called ‘’Hariyal’’ to utter obscenities whenever she passed by his house.

Dongre said that the complainant also accused her stepson, with whom she has a property dispute, of colluding with the neighbour, following which all three, including the parrot, were summoned to the police station. He said the parrot seemed to have become self-conscious, with all the attention from the

police and kept mum when confronted by the complainant. “The woman repeated her name to the parrot as its cage was brought near her, but the bird would not say a word,’’ he said. The officer disclosed that the parrot had been handed over to the forest department for release into wild life.

CCTV video reveals suspected Bangkok bomber

ideo footage has emerged of a key suspect police want to question in connection with the deadly bomb blast in the Thai capital, Bangkok. The footage, from a CCTV camera, shows a man in a yellow shirt leaving a backpack in the Erawan Hindu shrine. At least 20 people died in Monday’s blast, about half of them foreigners, and more than 120 were injured. In a separate attack on Tuesday, an explosive device was thrown at a pier in Bangkok, but no-one was hurt. Nationals from China, Hong Kong, the UK, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore are among the foreigners killed in the attack. In the new footage, he is shown carefully and deliberately removing his backpack inside the shrine, getting up without it and immediately leaving the scene.

The spot where he was sitting is precisely where the bomb went off a few minutes later, says the BBC’s Jonathan Head in Bangkok. “There is a suspect... we are looking for this guy,” Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha told reporters. Authorities were “quite close” to identifying the suspect, Thai government spokesman Maj Gen Weerachon Sukhontapatipak told the BBC, but other leads were also being pursued. He said no motive was being ruled out, but that the bomber did not appear to be Thai and the character of the bombing was “quite different” from previous bombings by southern Thai insurgents. He said security at transport hubs and tourist sites was being beefed up. The bomb was detonated at about 19:00 local time (12:00 GMT)

on Monday when the shrine, and the nearby Ratchaprasong junction, were crowded. Prayuth called it the “worst ever attack” on Thailand. “There have been minor bombs or just noise, but this time they aim for innocent lives. They want to destroy our economy, our tourism.” In Tuesday’s incident, a device - possibly a grenade - was reportedly thrown at the busy Sathorn

pier in Bangkok. It landed in water where it exploded harmlessly, but police said it could have caused many injuries. Monday’s bomb was clearly placed to cause maximum casualties, says our correspondent in Bangkok. In currency trading, the Thai baht fell to its lowest level in six years over concerns about the impact on tourism.

A man wearing a yellow T-shirt and carrying a backpack is seen walking near the Erawan shrine, where a bomb blast killed 22 people on Monday

WORLD BULLETIN

Turkish Marxist group claims US consulate attack An outlawed radical Turkish Marxist group claimed responsibility for a gun attack on the US consulate in Istanbul, the latest strike by the secretive organisation. The Revolutionary People’s Liberation Front (DHKP-C) said on its website that one of its female militants carried out Monday’s attack, which left no reported casualties. It named the attacker as Hatice Asik and said she was arrested and taken to hospital after being shot by police. “The American consulate at Istinye was struck by people’s warrior Hatice Asik,” the group said, labelling the United States as “chief enemy of people in the Middle East and in the world.” “Our struggle will continue until imperialism and its collaborators leave our country and every parcel of our homeland is cleared of US bases,” it said. The attack comes as Turkey opens its south eastern Incirlik air base to US fighter jets to carry out bombing raids against Islamic State (IS) targets in Syria. Turkish authorities said Asik was captured wounded and another female militant was at large following the shooting. Turkish media reported that Asik, 51, whose code name is “Hulya”,

Saudi-led warplanes hit Yemeni port Warplanes from a Saudi-led coalition hit Yemen’s Red Sea port of Hodeida yesterday, and officials there said the raids destroyed cranes and warehouses in the main entry point for aid supplies to the north of the country. Hodeida, controlled by Iranianallied Houthi forces, has become a focal point of efforts to resupply the impoverished Arab state, battered by five months of war that has killed over 4,300 people. “Fighting, critical fuel shortages and restrictions on importing relief supplies have already helped to create one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises,” said Edward Santiago of aid group Save the Children. “The bombing of Hodeida port is the final straw ... The impact of these latest air strikes will be felt most strongly by innocent children and families,” he added. Officials said the raids destroyed the port’s four cranes and also hit warehouses, bringing work to a halt. There was no information on what was in the warehouses. Brigadier General Ahmed Asseri, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition, said the strikes on Hodeida were directed not at the civilian port but at a base where the Houthis had deployed anti-ship weapons. “There is a naval base inside the port. This is where we struck last night,” he said. He said the coalition had on Tuesday given permission to three aid vessels to travel to Hodeida’s civilian port for humanitarian aid shipments. Aid groups have previously complained that a coalition naval blockade has stopped relief supplies entering Yemen. The coalition, in which the United Arab Emirates also plays a big military role, has accused the Houthis of commandeering aid shipments for war use.

North

Joel Ajayi ABUJA

irector General of National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brig-Gen. Johnson Olawumi, yesterday debunked a report in a national daily that there were ghost corps members serving in the scheme. Olawumi refuted the report during the 2015 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Desk Officers’ Training Workshop with the theme: ‘Broadening the Horizon of FOIA Desk Officers for Enhanced Compli-

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

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No ‘ghost members’ in NYSC –DG ...warns officials against withholding information

ance’ in Abuja. The DG noted that the report might not be unconnected with failure of the newspaper to cross-check information at its disposal or inability to access such information, directing NYSC Desk Officers across the country to always comply with the Act. “I implore you; please, make information available. If you don’t do that, you are giving people opportunity to

fill all the gaps with whatever they have,” he said. According to him, “with the commitment of the present administration to fight corruption, promotion of the rule of law and other fundamentals of good governance, the implementation of the FOIA must be given additional impetus not only by the NYSC, but all stakeholders in the Nigerian project. “In furtherance of this, I

seize the opportunity to announce that corps members will be used to enlighten people at the grassroots on their right to seek information on government policies and their implementation. “The scheme will liaise with the Federal Ministry of Justice to ensure a quick take-off of this initiative.” Also, NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Abosede Aderibigbe, said the scheme had dem-

onstrated commitment towards implementing FOIA since 2011 when it was signed into law. This commitment, she said, was obvious through the workshop for NYSC Desk Officers, which had been on since 2012 to equip them for optimal performance. Delivering her paper, Head, FOI Unit Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs Stella Anukam, explained

that the desire to have a better Nigeria informed the establishment of FOIA. “The reason for FOIA is to have a better Nigeria, it is not a cliché or an old law, it is a tool to promote good governance to have a better Nigeria. FOIA is a paradigm shift from our old ways of doing things. If you know that you have done your work well, then, make it available,” she challenged.

Yobe completes Trans-saharan road Inusa Ndahi, DAMATURU

obe State government has said that in “cementing cordial and diplomatic relation” with Niger Republic, and development of border communities in northern parts of the state, it has completed construction of the Trans-Saharan road despite challenges posed by Boko Haram. This was disclosed on Monday in Damaturu during an interactive press session with Mr Abdullahi Bego, Director of Press Affairs to Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, at Government House. He said the completed Trans-Saharan road project covers a distance of over 300 kilometres. His words: “This international road that cuts across the desert in eight council areas of Yobe State will also serve over 200 communities engaged in farming, livestock rearing, fishing and other economic activities in some of the oasis the people rely on for some of their basic needs of life. “The Trans-Saharan road project also links four council headquarters of Geidam, Yusufari,

Yunusari, Karasuwa and Machina, a border town with Niger Republic.” Bego added, “Governor Ibrahim Gaidam has built more roads than altogether built since the state’s creation in 1999. From Potiskum to Garin Alkali; Kaliyari-Bayamari-Gaidam; Bayamari-Yunusari; Gaidam-Bukarti; Maiduwa-Gadaka; PotiskumDanchuwa; JajimajiKarasuwa. All these are roads built by Governor Gaidam. “We also have many road projects that are currently ongoing despite the prevailing economic and security challenges. From D a m a t u r u - B u n i - Ya d i Madgza road which is 70 kilometres long; and Gadaka-Siminti-Godowoli. “There is also a slew of roads and drainages built by Governor Gaidam in Damaturu, Potiskum, Gashu’a, Nguru and Gaidam – our major towns and, as the governor has promised, more towns, such as Dapchi headquarters of Bursari LG, will come on stream. “All these were done in the governor’s first term in office (May 2011-2015). All these projects are on ground and verifiable.”

Former Plateau State governor, Mr. Joshua Dariye (left) with representative of Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Comrade Abubakar Hamman, during the Quadrennial National Delegates Conference in Abuja, yesterday.

Anglican Church backs Buhari’s anti-graft crusade rimate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, yesterday declared the church was in support of the present administration’s efforts to prosecute every person found culpable to have looted the national treasury. Okoh, who stated this shortly after declaring open the fifth edition of Anglican Conference of Chancellors, Registrars and Legal Officers in Abuja, noted that the church had been in the vanguard of anti-corruption crusade and would not in any way compromise.

He said: “Nigeria is a nation where one single person takes what belongs to everybody and appropriates it, and others are deprived. That is a bad situation, which brings about this type of situation. “We pray it will not be a selective or witch-hunting one (crusade) and I think President Muhammadu Buhari is aware of the sentiment that such a thing could happen. He said that is why he was taking his time to ensure it is not interpreted as such. “Recently, we had the privilege to see Mr. President and he told us the anti-corruption fight was on course, and what is happen-

Meanwhile, Kwara State House of Assembly has directed its Committees on Ethics, Public Petitions, Privileges, Judiciary as well as Education and Human Capital Development to summon management of the Polytechnic and the Ministry of Tertiary Education with a view to adopting measures toward ensuring zero tolerance for cultism in the institution. This was the resolution

of the House yesterday following the motion, ‘A Matter of Urgent Public Importance over the clash between rival cult groups allegedly at the institution’. Reading the resolution of the House, Speaker Ali Ahmad said the directive became imperative to ensure cult-free activities in the polytechnic not unlike that of University of Ilorin and other tertiary institutions in the state.

Joel Ajayi ABUJA

Kwara Poly disowns victims of cult attack Wole Adedeji, ILORIN

anagement of Kwara State Polytechnic yesterday denied that the reported 16 people killed by rival cult groups last weekend in Ilorin were its students or that any of the clashes occurred on its campus. Addressing journalists yesterday, Deputy Rector,

Administration, Mr A.A. Aminu said: “There was no cult clash in Kwara State Polytechnic. The Polytechnic finished its examination for 2014/2015 academic session on August 8 without any hitches. “The lecturers are now going through the conference marking exercise. We wish to tell the general public and media that it is not true there was a cult clash on our campus.”

ing at the moment is that he is gathering facts and statistics, and as soon as this is completed they will start prosecution. “As a member of the Peace Committee before and after the election, we thank God that the crisis we so much feared did not happen. Along the line something came up, coupled with (happenings) in the National Assembly that started to raise tension in the country, which is why the chairman summoned us again to see how we can go round and ensure that the peace we had at the beginning will continue in the country. “All we need now as a nation is to pray for this administration to be painstaking enough, as well as follow due process so that everything will be done decently and in order,” he said. He added, “The church has always been the vanguard of anti-corruption crusade, preaching and teaching that people should live right, when we live right there is no need for anybody to set up the panel against anybody. If you take what belongs to you and I take what belong to me, then, there is no cheating.” On insecurity in the

North East, Okoh said; “The issue of Boko Haram has affected our economy, friendships and our movement. So, whatever will help us check insecurity, Nigeria will appreciate it. “You remember that the President recently traveled to the USA, EU for assistance and they promised him some assistance. Those who did not do anything before want to be Nigeria’s friends. We hope they will do more to overcome the situation.” The Registrar, Church of Nigeria, Mr. Abraham Yisa, stated that the conference would deliberate on issue of same sex marriage among others. He said; “The most important challenge to us now is the issue of same sex marriage arising from the decision of Supreme Court of America. “This ruling has affected a lot of Clergymen in American while many had run into troubles, because people approach them and when they refuse to marry them, they take legal action against them that is why we call this meeting, prepare ourselves in Nigeria for the eventuality.”

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Nigeria has 10.5m children school dropouts –UNICEF

ountry Director, United Nations International Children’s Fund, UNICEF, Jean Gough, has said no fewer than 10.5 million Nigerian children are out of school. Gough stated this yesterday in Government House, Bauchi, during a courtesy visit to Governor Mohammed Abubakar. She said UNICEF was collaborating with some stakeholders to strengthen the newly-introduced Quranic School System to reduce the number of out-of-school children. According to UNICEF chief, the fund had concluded plan to tackle the issue of child malnutrition in the state, having discovered that 90 per cent of child diseases was due to malnutrition. Gough also announced that the UN body would curb public defecation, especially with more than 2,000 communities in the state believed to be in-

volved in defecating in open places. “We intend to ensure that before I leave the country, at least, one local government area in Bauchi State is public-defecation free. “We will also work in collaboration with the state government to boost water and sanitation towards the supply of adequate and potable drinking water. “I will therefore, want to appeal to the state government to pay its counterpart fund to enable us execute some of the projects,” she said. In his response, Abubakar promised that the state government would renew all counterpart funding arrangements it had with donor agencies. The governor assured that he would ensure the funds are paid monthly to enable the state benefit from some of the projects. On public defecation, he promised that his government would collaborate with UNICEF to improve the public health status of the state.

UNDP rallies support for insurgency victims James Abraham, JOS

nited Nations Development Programme, UNDP, yesterday charged state governments, corporate organisations, private individuals and other well-meaning Nigerians to close ranks with a view to assisting and empowering victims of insurgency in the country. The agency said the need for synergy among stakeholders in the country had become compelling to ensure reintegration of victims back into the society, which in turn would engender social stability. Chatting with journalists in Jos yesterday, a conflict-prevention and peace-building analyst with UNDP, Mr Mathew Alao, maintained that the desired development in the country could not be achieved when insecurity and other social vices held the society hostage.

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Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Alao, who was in Jos to inspect how the crisis victims that benefited from UNDP’s empowerment programme fared, said the world body would continue to do its best to assist victims in the best way possible and work seriously to prevent crisis in the society. National Mirror learnt that over 500 crisis victims have been identified by UNDP with more than 650 others currently undergoing various training skills preparatory for empowerment. Alao said: “UNDP is committed to assisting and empowering victims of crisis so they can be fully reintegrated into the local economy. And from what we have seen so far, this empowerment initiative by UNDP has served the purpose. It only remains for other stakeholders to key into the initiative to ensure the overall success of the programme.”

NEMA alerts Kogi communities on impending flood

ational Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, yesterday warned people living in 54 flood-prone communities in Kogi State to prepare for evacuation to designated uplands anytime from now. NEMA Zonal Director in charge of Abuja operation, Mr Ishaya Chonoko, gave the warning in Lokoja at the commencement of an enlightenment campaign on preparedness and response for expected floods. Chonoko said the action was to avoid the magnitude of deaths and losses recorded during the 2012 flood disaster in the state. He said the water level in River Niger was rising already and urged people of Lokoja and Ibaji local government areas to start evacuating immediately before it is too late. Insisting that people of the affected areas get their loads ready, the NEMA of-

ficial urged them to also arm themselves with foods and other essential things. Chonoko, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Bitrus Samuel, said that NEMA on its part had stocked up on foods, drugs, mattresses, blankets and other essentials items in readiness for the floods. He, however, called on the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, to also make similar preparation. He told stakeholders at the meeting that Cameroun authorities would begin the release of water from Lagdo Dam anytime from now till November, adding that flash floods from Burkina Faso and neighbouring West African countries were already wreaking havoc in some northern parts of the country. Chonoko warned people living in identified flood-prone areas against

treating the flood warnings with levity. He said that their disregard for similar warnings in 2012 was responsible for the huge loss of lives and property. According to him, NEMA in conjunction with SEMA, Navy and Red Cross, have issued enough alerts. “We will back these up with rigorous enlightenment campaigns to the identified communities,” which he said were spread across nine local government areas. He urged the people to desist from indiscriminate felling of trees and dumping of refuse into drainage system and building along flood paths among others to mitigate the effects of flood on the environment. In his address, Governor Idris Wada commended NEMA for its proactive measures, doggedness and commitment toward alleviating the suffering

of the disaster victims across the country. He was represented by AVM Gabriel Abdulahi (rtd), his Special Adviser on Emergency Management. Executive Secretary of SEMA, Mrs Alice Ogedengbe, said more staff and volunteers had been trained on how to confront the impending floods. She said the agency had learnt a lot of lessons from the 2012 experience. She further commended NEMA and other stakeholders for their support, saying the state government had also provided some support which would help to handle the impending flood effectively. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Red Cross, Navy, police, Civil Defence, FRSC, traditional rulers, farmers and people living in floodprone communities were among those at the event.

L-R: Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service, Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi; Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and Sen. Sabo Nagudu, during the inauguration of Nigeria Customs Hospital at Karu in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Hajj: Screen pregnant women and be sacked, Ganduje warns Abdulgafar Oladimeji KANO

ny medical personnel in Kano State that screens and authorises a pregnant woman to perform hajj will be sacked, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has warned. Ganduje said the move became necessary following hajj seats lost when

pregnant women were permitted to travel to the holy land for religious obligation. He said, “Saudi authorities have stipulated that for any pregnant woman found among pilgrims from any state, the alleged offending state will forfeit 30 hajj slots in subsequent years.” According to him, the ban on expectant mothers

cleared to perform hajj by state authorities was apparently imposed because of the rigors of the religious exercise, which often resulted in premature births and loss of lives. He therefore, charged the state’s Hajj Tribunal to be alive to its responsibilities, adding that members of the state’s Pilgrims Welfare Board were also re-appointed in view of

their commitment, which resulted in accolades for Kano pilgrims last year. Chairmen of the state Pilgrims Welfare Board and Hajj Tribunal, Sheikh Abba Adam Koki and Chief Magistrate Abubakar Wakili respectively, thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them, promising that they would sustain their commitment to public service.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Gomez Yewande Henrietta, now wish to be known as Oduola Yewande Henrietta. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ogunlana Philip Olugbenga, now wish to be known and addressed as Oluwalana Philip Olugbenga. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known as Miss Oluwanishola Martha Aderonmu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwanishola Martha Folorunsho. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ESTHER OGIFUREZE OZOR, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ESTHER OGIFUREZE ADEJOH. All former Documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Bose Olabisi Sunday, wish to be known and addressed as Mrs ALUGWE ABOSEDE GRACE. All former documents remain valid. General Public Take Note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Abdulsalam Zaynab Ajoke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Aguda Zaynab Ajoke. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Temitayo Adesaola Ilori, now wish to be known and addressed as Tylor Adesola Tayo-Ilori. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as MFON MAYEN ETIM, now wish to be known and addressed as WARRIE MAYEN IFIOK. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as Dawodu Oyinkansola Ruth, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Olusola Oyinkansola Ruth due to change in marital status. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as Thamin Dhikirullahi Olaotan, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Saminu Sikiru Olaotan. All former documents remain valid. Geberal public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Chinyere Igbeaku Uloma Amajo Now wish to be known, called and addressed as Chinyere Igbeaku Uloma Offor .All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Samson Kemi Ayobami now wish to be.known and addressed as Mrs Ojuade Kemi Ayobami. All former documents remain valid.Oyo State Subeb and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Ifeoma stephania Udechukwu now wish to be known and address as Nkemjika Chinedu Ifeoma Stephania. All former documents remain valid. Abia State University Uturu and public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS KHADIJAT OLAYINKA KEHINDE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ORIABEKUN KHADIJAT OLAYINKA . All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I FORMERLY MISS. ADELEYE OLUWASEUN AJEWOLE, now wish to known and addressed as MRS. BADA OLUWASEUN AJEWOLE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. General public to please note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as Oyelowo Toluwanimi Victoria, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Oyinloye Toluwanimi Victoria. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OMOYAJOWO OLAJUMOKE OLAYEMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS IPOOLA OLUWAFIMIDABIRAIRE OLAJUMOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CONFIRMATION OF AGE

I formerly known and addressed as Mr Aro Abideen .Now wish to be known, called and addressed as Olaniyan Jimoh .All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly MISS AMUDA ADUBIODE, MISS ALIMI BUKOLA AMUDAT, MRS ESAN BUKOLA AMUDAT now, MRS AKINSULIRE BUKOLA AMUDAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Mr Gbadero Simeon, Now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Adeoye Simeon Oyetade. All Former Documents Remain Valid. Oyo-SUBEB SURULERE LG IRESAADU, OGBOMOSO AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME I Formerly known and addressed as MOHAMMED AMINU USMAN now wish to be known and addressed as MUHAMMAD MUBARAK AHMAD. All former documents remain valid. Authority concerned and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS IHENEWENGWA JENNIFER CHINONYE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SOROYE JENNIFER CHINONYE . All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE Great progressive impact traders of balogun association This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to corporate affairs commission under part c of the companies and allied matters act no. 1 Of 1990 Trustees: 1. Anthony ezike -chairman 2. Agazie chimezie bartholomew -secretary 3. Udemezue fredrick okoye 4. Udeoha uchechukwu oliver 5. Eziuzo charles ifeanyi 6. Ughanwa emmanuel onyenwenkeya 7. Ike ugo dillion Aims and objectives 1. To unify all traders with a special focus on individual progress and group integration and to work for the unity/progress and welfare of members of the association. 2. To strengthen and maintain a strong sense of inter-personal relationship among members of the association. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral. Corporate affairs commission, 420, tigris crescent, off aguyi ironsi street. Pmb 198, matiama, abuja within 28th days from the date of publication. Signed: barr. Ibezim nwonu

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as EGBUNA VIRGINIA OBIAGELI, now wish to be known and addressed as ANIUNOH VIRGINIA EGBUNA. All former documents remain valid. general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Fatogun Oluwatoyin Sarah, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Jokodola Oluwatoyin Sarah. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as FIRDAUSI ISAH BASHIR, now wish to be known, called and addressed as FIRDAUSI ISAH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Aromeh Peace Ikoojo Now wish to be known, called and addressed as Ogbologwung Peace Ikoojo .All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Abdulsalam Zaynab Ajoke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Aguda Zaynab Ajoke. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Miss Ayoola Dorcas Olayemi, Now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs . Ogunkanmi Dorcas Olayemi All Former Documents Remain Valid. Oyo State TESCOM and General Public Should Take Note. CONFIRMATION OF NAMES

This is to inform the general public that Gbadamosi Bilikisu is also the same person as Lamidi Bilikisu Romoke. All former documents remain valid. First Bank PLC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogbonna Goodness Nneka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. obinna goodness Nneka. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Apata, Christana Jumoke, now wish to be known as Mrs.Oyedele, Christiana Jumoke. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as MISS. ADEBAYO OLUBUNMI ADERONKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLAYINKA OLUBUNMI ADERONKE . All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss. Oluwole Idowu Christianah, now to be addressed as Mrs. Oshodi Idowu Christianah. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State Teaching Service commission and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss. OLAJIDE ABOSEDE ESTHER, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. DANIYAN ABOSEDE ESTHER. All former documents remain valid, OYO SUBEB,LAGELU UBEC and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Mustafa Fatimah Jumoke, Now wish to be known and addressed as Oladejo Fatimah Jumoke. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION/CHANGE OF NAME

That I was formerly known, and addressed as Chinyere Ruth Dioma as appeared on my GTBank account, due to my personal conviction changed my names to Chinyere Stephanie Chidera, that by marriage now wish to be known, called and addressed as Jahson Stephanie Chidera. All former documents remain valid. Authorities Concerned and general public should take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Fapuro Oluwayemisi Mojirayo, Now wish to be known and addressed as Obajolu Oluwayemisi Mojirayo. All former documents remain valid. general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MR AUSTIN OSAHON EREBOR, now wish to be known and addressed as DR OSAHON DANIEL EREBOR. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adenike Temitope Obadina now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adenike Temitope Owolabi.All former documents remain valid.General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunkoya Omolade Toyin now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Aloba Omolade Toyin. All former documents remain valid.Nysc and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known as Miss Okafor Victoria Ukamaka now wish to be known and address as Mrs Alison Victoria Ukamaka. All former documents remain valid. Nnamdi Azikiwe University community and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Moses Shulammite Oluchi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Jonadub Shulammite Obidiya. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Emekaobum Nnenna Juliana, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nlewechi Nnenna Juliana. All former documents remain valid, Umuahia South L.G.A and general public take note

Formerly known and addressed as MISS OJOKO AGNES B. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ABUTU AGNES OYIKOWO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS OJO KHADIJAT now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UMAR KHADIJAT . All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAMES

I, Azeez Sunkanmi Taiwo,Azeez Ayoola Henry is the same and one person as Azeez Sunkanmi Taiwo.All former documents remain valid,Ikere Local Government,Skye bank plc,College of Education Branch Ikere-Ekiti and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogundana Omowumi Omonike now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ogunlade Omowumi Omonike.All former documents remain valid, Federal university Oye Ekiti and general public note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS OKPAKO ABUGOR OGHENESUVWE, now wish to be addressed as MRS ASHER ANNE ABUGOR OGHENESUVWE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

We formerly known and addressed as

GODWIN CHUKWUEMERIE CHUKWUAGOZIE HYGINUS CHUKWUEMERIE INNOCENT IFEANYICHUKWU CHUKWUBUIKE CHUKWUEMERIE MICHAEL KELECHUKWU CHUKWUEMERIE BLESSING OYINYECHUKWU CHUKWUEMERIE JANEFRANCIS TOOCHUKWU EMMANUEL POLINA EMMANUEL AGUSTHIN OKECHUKWU EMMANUEL MICHAEL UCHECHUKWU EMMANUEL CYNTHIA NGOZICHUKWU EMMANUEL

All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as SODEKE OLUSOJI OLUDIMEJI, now wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL OLUSOJI OLUDIMEJI. All former documents bearing SODEKE OLUSOJI OLUDIMEJI remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Julius Okolie, now wish to be known and addressed as Julius Adikaesieme. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Bassey Okon , now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Comfort Jonah Effiong. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as Omolara Sobukanla, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mariam Omolara Oke. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss Bilikisu Ajoke Yunus Now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Usman Bilikisu .All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinteye Fatimo Ajibola now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ojelere Florence Ajibola. All former documents remain valid.Oyo State Subeb and General public take note CONFIRMATION OF NAMES

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ofoma Juliet Akunna now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Onyema Juliet Akunna. All former documents remain valid general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addresses as Miss Chukwuemeka Tobechi Lilian, now wish to be known and addressed Mrs Chijioke Tobechi Lilian. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as miss Nwabuzor Uchechukwuka Anita now wish to be known and addressed as mrs Abraham Uchechukwuka Anita.all former documents remain valid,the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeleye Adejoke Adenike now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ajayi Adejoke Adenike.All former document remain valid Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission and general public take note

PUBLIC NOTICE

FAMILY CHANGE OF SURNAME GODWIN UDEAGBARA CHUKWUAGOZIE HYGINUS UDEAGBARA INNOCENT IFEANYICHUKWU CHUKWUBUIKE UDEAGBARA MICHAEL KELECHUKWU UDEAGBARA BLESSING OYINYECHUKWU UDEAGBARA JANEFRANCIS TOOCHUKWU UDEH POLINA UDEH AGUSTHIN OKECHUKWU UDEH MICHAEL UCHECHUKWU UDEH CYNTHIA NGOZICHUKWU UDEH now wish to be known and addressed as

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THE REV.EJEMOTECOMAGOSPEL FOUNDATION The above-named Foundation has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004. The Trustees are: 1. Hon. Justice Eni Esan 2. Pastor David EsonEcoma 3. Mrs. Eyono Fatayi-Williams 4. Mr. Friday Anthony Friday 5. Mrs. Gladness EkorFriday 6. Rev. AkpokeBassey The Aims and Objectives are: 1. To propagate the life, teaching and ministry/preaching of the Lord Jesus Christ through the teaching of the word of God as contained in the holy bible for the salvation of souls and as particularly stated in John 8:32;2Peter 3.9 2. To teach and preach the gospel of salvation on the radio, television and the internet vide the programme “JUST WORSHIP”. 3. To organize Mobile Bible School (MBS) in the rural areas, to make available teachings and to prepare manpower for ministerial work for the end time harvest of souls. 4. To provide assistance to indigent secondary school students in the rural areas for educational advancement through the programme, Scholarship Award and Salvation Talk SAST. 5. To bring hope to those in prisons, senior citizen centres (old people’s homes) and hospitals through visitations and giving material assistance. 6. To establish and operate a radio and television stations of international standard solely to propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ to every part of the world Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar – General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed ANEKE& OSISIOGU Legal Practitioners 15th Floor, C Wing, Western House,8/10, Broad Street,Lagos, Nigeria.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

We are a solid side. The departures won’t affect our ambition for all available titles in the new season

Sport

Pedro nears Old Trafford

–Bayern Munich captain, Philipp Lahm

Fed Cup semi:

Lobi positive to survive Rangers •Nasarawa, Akwa United clash in Abeokuta

Oliseh leaves window open for Ighalo

…rates home-based after first training Joel Ajayi ABUJA

ead Coach of the Super Eagles, Sunday Oliseh, has revealed that financial consideration and current form are the factors why Watford FC of England star, Odion Ighalo, is not included in his18-man foreign-based players’ list for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification match in Tanzania next month. Answering questions from newsmen shortly after his first training session with the home-based players in camp yesterday, in Abuja, Oliseh, who expressed satisfaction with the team spirit of the players, said that Ighalo

was very much in his plan. According to him, Ighalo is part of his new Eagles, but insists that Emmanuel Emenike who plays in UAE and Werder Bremen’s Anthony Ujah are the best option for him now, stressing that Emenike was an AFCON winner and Ujah scored 10 goals in Germany last season. “Well, the young lad, Odion Ighalo, is in our plan but he couldn’t make the list for the Tanzania clash. We can only invite two players in each position because we’re trying to get competition, but it’s useless bringing three strikers and you pay their flight tickets and you will not be able to use one or two of them. “Apart from that we have to consid-

er the financial aspect of it too,” Oliseh explained. Assessing the performance of the home-based players in the camp, the former Super Eagles captain said, “I’m of the opinion that we have to get everybody on ground before we know what to do or passing judgment. But I think we need to work on our defence and so far, tactically, physically the boys are ready for the business. “Some of the players impress me while some still need to improve on their fitness. But as far as I am concerned it’s a gradual process. I am activism person, I don’t believe in telling my players what to do. What we do here is to show them how to do it.”

obi Stars captain and central defender, Anthony Agbaji, has said his side have in their kitty the magic key to unsettle Federation Cup semi-finals opponents, Enugu Rangers, today. The Makurdi outfit will confront the Coal City Antelopes for a place in the final of the annual football showpiece this afternoon at the Karkanda Stadium in Katsina. Agbaji said his side are always comfortable and homely with Premier League sides than amateurs especially in an FA Cup competition. “We know the daunting task ahead of us in the Federation Cup semifinals clash against Enugu Rangers in Katsina. We are quite comfortable with top flight sides than amateurs at this stage of the competition. “Though, we lost to them in a league clash in Enugu that somehow has availed us detail understanding of their playing pattern,” the captain said. He added, “We will apply those unlocking secrets to the fullest when both sides take to the pitch for the FA Cup semifinals clash. Enugu Rangers are traditional side in the land, we are no minnows in the Federation Cup competition. “We are expecting tough challenge but I know we will come out of the duel victorious.” Lobi stopped nonleague side, BJ Foundation, in the quarterfinals in Lokoja while Rangers outmuscled El Kanemi Warriors to pave the way for today’s semi-finals.

Rangers Coach, Amama

Sports

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Osunfuyi wins Pro-chess Afolabi Gambari

Pedro

Transfer:

Pedro nears Old Trafford switch B

arcelona striker, Pedro Rodriguez, yesterday agreed personal terms with Manchester United ahead of a proposed move, according to reports. The 28-year-old Spain international is believed to have made his mind up over a move to Old Trafford, despite interest from Manchester City.

Pedro is still waiting for the clubs to agree on a transfer fee, and it is understood Barcelona will not budge from the £21.2m release clause that is written into the player’s contract. Manchester United Chief Executive, Ed Woodward, was in Barcelona yesterday the deal would be wrapped up latest this weekend.

Pedro has featured in Barcelona’s three most recent games in the UEFA Super Cup and the two-legged Spanish Super Cup, which the Catalonians lost to Athletic Bilbao. But Barca beat Sevilla 5-4 after extra time to clinch the UEFA Super Cup on August 11.

Oshoffa League gets more teams Ifeanyi Eduzor

rganisers of the annual Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa 2015 Champions League yesterday announced that 16 parishes of the Celestial Church of Christ will participate in the second edition slated for November 19 to 23.

Chairman of the International Organising Committee of the competition, Moses Adeyemi, told National Mirror that the competition, a brain child of Olajuwon Tejuosho Cathedral of the church, would draw teams from Canaan, Ikorodu Road, Government Layout P, Igbe Olu, Ore- Ofe, Holy Cross Redemption, Osopa London, Omo-Aladealafia, Abe-

san Cathedral and Zion parishes. Other are Ayilara, Akoka, Olajuwon, International Headquarters, Holy Mary Cathedral and the defending champion, National Headquarters. “This year’s event will have 16 teams as an improvement from the maiden edition which had only four parishes and it will take place at the National Institute for

Sports play ground, Lagos on a home and away knockout basis,” Adeyemi said. “The competition is also part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the death of the founder of the church and we intend to explore it to unify the church while also discovering hidden talent that will form the church national football team.

tion, Warri, Delta State with House of Praise Area football team emerging winner. House of Praise gathered a total of 26 points ahead of Daystar Area who had the same number of points but lesser goal difference. Solid Rock Area came third

with 21 points while Amazing Grace Area trailed with 19 points. The maiden football league, organized by the Delta Province 5 Directorate of Sports with support from the Pastor in Charge of the Province, Pastor Benson Osawaru, held across

three centers in Warri and featured House of Praise, Daystar, Solid Rock, Hosanna, Calvary and Redemption Hall. Others are Rhema Area, Governor’s Assembly, Jesus Embassy Area, Youth Church Area, Open Doors Area, Tender Mercy Area and Divine Favour Area.

n emerging star in Nigerian chess, Abimbola Osunfuyi, was the hero of the Pro-chess quarterly championship held in Ibadan, Oyo State over the weekend as he beat all comers to the trophy. The prodigy, fondly referred to as ‘Young Grand Master’, secured a perfect score of five points in the pull of 120 players to win the top prize of N50, 000 and a trophy. “My victory is a stepping stone to greater things that will come in the next few years,” the calm winner remarked after his feat. The duo of Odafe Benedict and Tolulope Ogunwobi came joint second with 4.5 points and took home N30, 000 and N20, 000 respectively. Mutiu Salawu, Seye Oluwalasinu, Udeme Edet, Candidate Master Femi Balogun, Eugene Unwana and Tunde Onakoya were also joint fourth with four points and won N5, 800 each for their efforts, as Daniel Anwuli with 3.5 points placed 10th to win N5, 000. Consolation prizes of chess sets were given out to players within 11th and 20th positions. Current National female champion, Omolabake Coker, came top with three points and won a cash prize of N10, 000 in the Ladies section. There was four-way tie for the second position with Doris Adebayo, Tumininu Oyewole, Omolola Sadiku and Ganiya Jimoh, all with two points, won N1, 250. Toyosi Bakare emerged top with 4.5 points in the U-14 category, winning a trophy and standard chess set while Emmanuel Akintoye as runner-up won a Chess set. Tournament sponsor and President of Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), Mr. Lekan Adeyemi, enjoined the players to exploit the numerous tournaments on the calendar to improve their skills and ratings.

House of Praise wins RCCG League Ifeanyi Eduzor

he week-long Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Delta Province Five Football League ended over the weekend at the Sports Complex of College of Educa-

Winner Osunfuyi (left) receiving the trophy from Dr. Musa Oshodi in Ibadan on Sunday

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Midweek League with PAUL EREWUBA 08032138738

Enyimba, Pillars rumble in Aba Abdulgafar Oladimeji KANO

illars FC of Kano Coach, Mohammed Baba Ganaru, has disclosed that his side is in Aba for today’s mid week Premier League match against Enyimba to win the maxi-

mum points. Ganaru, who left Nasarawa United, had said on his return to Pillars that he would play five games unbeaten to place Pillars back in contention for title defence. Reacting to the 4-1 victory over visiting 3SC of Ibadan,

Table

Enyimba striker Mfon Udoh xxxx

on Sunday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, Ganaru said his wards had returned to winning ways, insisting that the game against Enyimba at the Aba International Stadium would be played with zeal and determination. “For us, no match is assumed an easy one. And

that was exactly what we did against 3SC and that has put us on a good stead,” Ganaru told Midweek League in Kano immediately after the encounter. “It is the same spirit that will see us through in Aba to close the gap between us and them.”

…Champions to miss Ali, Ekpai Paul Erewuba

illars FC will be without captain and midfielder Rabiu Ali and striker Moses Ekpai for today’s clash at Enyimba as both are suspended following an accumulation of bookings. “Rabiu and Moses are not available as they are suspended for a match each,” Pillars spokesman, Idris Malikawa, disclosed yesterday. Ali has been Pillars most consistent performer this season, while Ekpai was man of the

match against 3SC at the weekend and was the match winner in the first round of the league when both teams clashed in Kano. However, there could be debuts for Flying Eagles defender Zaharadeen Bello and Emmanuel Olowo. Bello, who has usually played in central defence, may be drafted to right fullback for Bala Zakka, who posted a great debut against Shooting Stars, but will miss today’s encounter because a clause in his transfer stipulated he should not play against his former club Enyimba.

the log due to the side’s wobbly home form. But Bayelsa has not fared better with its poorest away record, having picked up just one point out of a possible 33. A win for either side can’t even take them out of rel-

Sunshine

Enyimba

Wolves

Wikki

Kano

Abia Warriors

Giwa

Heartland

Nasarawa

IfeanyiUbah

3SC

Ranger

El-Kanemi

Akwa United

Lobi

Kwara United

Sharks

Dophins

Bayelsa

Taraba

Heartland eyes Kwara scalp

eartland, who are 10 points behind league leaders, Sunshine Stars of Akure, have pledged to put an end to their poor runs with the match against Kwara United in Owerri today. Captain Chinedu Efugh has vowed that their visitors would have nothing to show at the end of hostilities. “We will use Kwara United to return to winning ways and kiss poor runs goodbye,” Efugh said yesterday. “We have resolved to put behind us the defeats of the past and take the driver’s seat once again,” he added. Should Kwara display the form that has seen them secure total away points of 6 out of a possible 33, Heartland should have no worries on securing easy victory.

Ali

Taraba hinges lift on Bayelsa t will be the battle of the league strugglers as bottom-placed FC Taraba hosts Bayelsa United who are a spot and two points above them on the table in Jalingo today. FC Taraba sits bottom of

Teams

egation waters, much less a draw. Taraba Coach, Nduka Ndubuisi, says his side would not repeat the mistake that robbed his side of victory against Lobi Stars last week. “The players know that

there is the need to avoid loss of concentration that robbed us of vital points last week so that we can move up the ladder a little bit,” Ndubuisi said, stressing “WE are going all out to earn a convincing win against Bayelsa.”

Ndubuisi

WORLD RECORD

Largest stick bomb Vol. 05 No. 1180

The largest stick bomb consists of 30,849 sticks and was achieved by the Tulln Domino Team (Austria) at the BSZ-Tur nhalle, Tulln, Austria, on 30 March 2015.

N150

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Faultless leadership as antidote to Nigeria’s woes

igeria is a man-child. It could be liken to a 54-year-old man, who has the physical features, size, and behavioural attitudes of a pre-teen child. The oxymoron, Nigeria is a manchild, aptly and fittingly captures the country’s pitiable condition. For all its human and material resources, she has not joined the league of developed countries. Have her peers not out-placed her in the areas of economic prosperity and technological advancement? Think about Malaysia, Singapore and India. So, what is wrong with Nigeria? Nothing absolutely is basically, congenitally and intrinsically wrong with her. Our soil is fertile and arable; and our weather conditions equable. Abundant natural resources are deposited beneath our soil. Do acts of God cause destruction

Guest Columnist

Chiedu Uche Okoye

of human lives and properties in Nigeria as they do in Europe, America, and Asia? The answer is a categorical no. We only hear about the devastating effects of typhoon, tsunami, volcanic eruption, etc in countries other than Nigeria. More so, we have an educated populace and skilled manpower that can drive our developmental initiatives. So, why has Nigeria not realized her potentialities and become a technologically advanced country? The reason behind our national ills is a total failure of leadership. Since our attainment of statehood in 1960, Nigeria has not been led by its best politicians. And it is a known fact that no country can rise above the visions and leadership qualities of its leaders. The legacy of the imposition of leaders on the populace left behind by our colonial master, Britain, has continued to deal a fatal blow to our national progress. Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua, and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo were beneficiaries of our egregious culture of the imposition of leaders on the citizens. But did they positively transform Nigeria? No, they didn’t. So, the imperative of having an independent and efficient electoral umpire that can conduct free, fair and credible elections cannot be over-emphasized. Sanitizing our electoral process is a sine qua non for national growth. Happily, INEC didn’t let us down during the 2015 general election. Against all expectations, Muhammadu Buhari defeated incumbent Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to

OUR TODAY’S POLITICAL LEADERS WERE SIRED

INTO IMMORAL DEEDS, AND WEANED ON THE MILK OF CORRUPTION become our executive president. This was an unprecedented electoral feat. Now, President Buhari is tasked with the onerous responsibility of nation building. Nobody is in doubt that Nigeria is in dire political and economic straits. No systems of doing things work here. That’s why our educational system is dysfunctional, and the health sector comatose. The economy is in a tailspin with the concomitant effect of spiraling graduate unemployment. But at the root of our national problems is corruption. Corruption, which pervades all strata of our national life, has rendered Nigeria prostrate. So, Mr. President’s resolve to curb corruption is commendable. He should assemble incorruptible men to form his executive cabinet. There are Nigerian technocrats cum politicians, who cannot compromise on their positive morality for the sake of pecuniary enrichment. In this regard, he should look beyond APC and the factor of religion when nominating people for ministerial positions. More so, he should strengthen the institutions of the state that are tasked with fighting corruption in the country. No acts

of corruption executed by anybody, no matter how highly placed should be condoned. And making examples of perpetrators of corrupt and criminal deeds should serve as deterrence to other would-be-perpetrators of corrupt and criminal deeds. It is an indisputable fact that the erosion of moral values in our society is intrinsically linked to our youths’ perpetration of corrupt deeds in our country. Those that perpetrate bad deeds are hailed to high heavens, while those that engage in good deeds are vilified, despised and called uncharitable names. So, the necessity of effecting moral regeneration among us is overdue. It is a sine qua non in our efforts to reclaim Nigeria form the jaws of systemic corruption. The family, school, and churches and mosques are agents of socialization. Instead of assisting our children to carry out corrupt deeds that will benefit them, parents, teachers and religious leaders should inculcate in these children the virtues of industry, love, hard work and righteousness. A morally upright youth, whose character is set, cannot indulge in unwholesome deeds, and cannot become a religious insurgent or a kidnapper. The bible says “teach a child the way he should follow, and he will not depart from it when he grows up”. Our today’s political leaders were sired into immoral deeds, and weaned on the milk of corruption. So, not surprisingly, they’re imbued with the wrong notions and philosophy regarding leadership. They perceive their occupation of leadership positions as opportunities for them to make good for themselves. Now many states in Nigeria have become insolvent owing to the mismanagement and plundering of their financial resources by their governors. Effecting moral regeneration among us, forming an executive cabinet that is composed of incorruptible people, and strengthening the institutions of the state are solutions to our seemingly intractable national ills. Okoye a civil servant poet, is the author Uruowulu- Obosi Anambra State can be reached on 08062220654.

Sport Extra

African Games 2015: Nigerian umpires make ITTF list

he International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has listed John Peters and Cecilia Arinye to be on duty at the 2015 African Games holding in Congo Brazzaville. The umpires, who are

among the top rated official in the world, also officiated at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland and have handled matches at world and continental championships. Peters is the longest serv-

ing table tennis umpire in Nigeria having officiated at the 1973. 1987, 2003, 2007 and 2011 African Games and for his uprightness and understanding of the game, he was appointed to officiate the finals of the 2013 World

Junior Championships in Morocco and 2014 Commonwealth Games in Scotland. He was the deputy referee at the recent 2015 ITTF African Clubs Championships in Cameroon where excelled professionally.

Arinye, a former national player, is the Director of Sports at the University of Lagos and has officiated at previous African Games, in addition to being one of the respected umpires in Africa.

Oshodi

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