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Jonathan, IBB, Ekwueme shun PDP conference

Supreme Court grants Saraki’s stay of proceeding application

Ekweremadu calls for ‘Shadow Cabinet’ to benchmark APC

ABUJA

Jonathan

Vol. 5 N0. 1243

Conference, which held in Abuja, the nation’s capital. Conspicuously absent

ounding fathers of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, were absent at the party’s National

OBIORA IFOH

Friday, November 13, 2015

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National Mirror Online

N150

@NationalMirror

Army reads riot act over internal security N UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

igerian Army yesterday warned against any attempt to subvert the nation’s internal security. The army also warned its officers and men engaged in internal security coordination with the

...to fish out soldiers aiding insurrection

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Reps accuse NNPC, subsidiaries of subverting crude oil swap probe

P.5

Power sector privatisation: Senate committee alleges bribe against BPE

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New Permanent Secretaries taking oath of office before President Muhammadu Buhari, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday.

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UPDATED 30/10/2015

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Friday, November 13, 2015

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Army reads riot act over internal security CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

police to be alive to their responsibilities of adequate protection of lives and property and desist from taking sides. Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, in a reminder of the Nigerian Army Rule of Engagement, ROE, for Internal Security Operations, (Operation Mesa), issued yesterday, said officers and soldiers engaged in internal security operations have been placed on surveillance with aim of fishing out those aiding and abetting insurrections in the country. The army’s position may not be unconnected

with the current state of insecurity in the country, especially the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB. It warned that officers or soldiers found taking sides in any internal insurrection or failing to perform their responsibility as expected would face grave consequences for their actions. The document frowned at “the observed short comings, especially negligence and outright ignorance displayed by troops deployed for Operation MESA and other Internal Security (IS) Operations.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the ROE and Code of Conduct set out the circumstances and limitations, under which armed force may be applied to achieve military objectives in furtherance of government policy within Operation MESA and other IS Operations. “Any officer or soldier found aiding or abetting any act of arson, vandalism or unprofessional conduct, would be severely dealt with according to the extant laws,” Usman said. Once deployed on any internal security (IS) operation, the DAPR said it was the duty of an officer or soldier to ensure the

enforcement of law and order in conjunction with other security agencies. He reminded troops that they were under duty to intervene in any situation to avoid a breakdown in peace, stability or law and order of an area where they are deployed. “It is inexcusable for troops to stand aside and watch the security situation deteriorate leading to loss of lives or damage to property without intervening. “Such intervention should, however, be based strictly on sound judgement and within the ambit of the code of conduct for IS Operations while exhibiting good profes-

sponsibility of ensuring the sustenance and furtherance of democratic gains of the last 16 years. Commenting on the judgments of the election petitions tribunal, Ekweremadu said, ``it does appear that to be a PDP governor, especially in an oil rich state is to be endangered political specie. He said that the judiciary must not only do justice, it must be seen to be just. Ekweremadu, who described the senate as one institution with the responsibility to serve Nigeria, said both PDP and

ders and Leaders Council, RELEC, has warned Biafra agitators to steer clear of the state. The elders, while condemning Tuesday’s protest march in Port Harcourt by IPOB warned that Rivers people are not Biafrans. Addressing a press conference in Port Harcourt, RELEC Chairman, Chief Albert Horsfall and Secretary, Lawrence Ibiayemie, alleged that Igbo youths were being transported in trucks from the south east to Port Harcourt to protest their agitation for Biafra. Horsfall warned the agitators not to turn Port Harcourt into a battle ground. “The attempt by these elements (IPOB members) to focus on Port Harcourt for their political rascality is totally unacceptable and is hereby condemned by Rivers Elders and Leaders Council. “The action so far taken by the Biafran protesters in Port Harcourt is highly provocative to all genuine sons and daughters of Rivers State, who have so far restrained themselves from confronting the demonstrators in Port Harcourt. “The choice of Port Harcourt (for IPOB’s protests) may be a deliberate ploy to make the Rivers State capital the battle ground for any fracas that may follow their rascality. “We reject these moves in its entirety and hereby repeat our warning that they (Biafran protesters) must desist forthwith. “Rivers State people are not Biafrans and had never been and will never be. “The RELEC wishes to call on all elders and leaders of the states from which these youths have been pouring into Port Harcourt, for this unwelcome and unwholesome political rascality, to call their youths to order and forbid them from forever staging further demonstrations and protests in Port Harcourt and other parts of Rivers State. “RELEC wishes to observe the good neighbourly relationship which has

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sional ethics,” he added. Citing Sect 217 (2) (c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides that the Armed Forces of Nigeria shall suppress insurrection and act in aid of civil authority to restore order when called upon to do so by the President, Commander-in-Chief reinforced by Sect (8) (1) and (3) of the Armed Forces Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, (LFN) 2004, the Army declared that, “this presupposes that troops have to use necessary force to quell crisis resulting in deaths, injury and damages to properties.” Meanwhile, Rivers El-

L-R: GMD/CEO, United Bank for Africa Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza; former Heads of State, Gen. Abubakar Abdusalam; Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and Emir of Minna, HRH Farouq Bahago, during the funeral of the father-in-law of immediate past governor of Niger State, Alhaji Aliyu Babangida, in Minna, yesterday.

Jonathan, IBB, Ekwueme shun PDP conference CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

were former Vice president Alex Ekwueme, former military president Ibrahim Babangida, former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani, Pius Anyim and David Mark as well as Adamu Corona. Former President, Goodluck Jonathan also boycotted the parley, which has as its theme: “PDP and the Sustenance of Democratic Ideals in Nigeria.” Deputy President of the Senate, Ike kweremadu, speaking at the occasion said there was urgent need to set up “Shadow Cabinet” to benchmark

the All Progressives Congress, APC-led Federal Government on its campaign promises. He said PDP must not be deterred in holding the APC-led government accountable, adding that the ruling party must always be put at the mercy of the truth. “That is the job of the opposition: to confront errors with the truth; to stand up for what is right; to offer constructive criticisms of the follies and errors of the ruling party and to proffer better ideas for moving the nation forward. “We need to urgently

set up Shadow Cabinet to benchmark the APCled Federal Government on its promises. It is the greatest service we can offer to Nigeria and her democracy at this time. That is our task. Citizens and indeed posterity will not be kind to us if we fail in these laudable goals,” Ekweremadu said The deputy senate president also called on the media and Civil Society Organisations to partner the PDP in this regard in the interest of Nigeria. He listed some of the promises made by the APC to include scaling up the exchange rate of

the Naira to one US Dollar and bringing back the Chibok girls in three months. Others he said, include the promise to pay N5, 000 to 25 million unemployed youths and provision of free meals to school children. Ekweremadu noted that in spite of these promises, inflation and unemployment were rising “with the construction industry lying off tens of thousands of workers.’’ He described the theme of the conference as “clarion awakening” to the PDP’s role as the main opposition party, with the re-

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News

Friday, November 13, 2015

Senate Probe committee alleges bribe against BPE GEORGE OJI

enate ad-hoc committee, currently probing all the financial allocations and usage in the power sector from 1999 to 2014 and the unbundling of Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, yesterday alleged that some members of staff of Bureau for Public Enterprise, BPE, received exotic cars, particularly jeeps to compromise the process of the power sector privatisation. The committee said the staff members doubled as board members of some of the registered power generation and distribution companies. It heaped blame for the lapses on the inability of the regulatory agency to carry out diligent and due process of the privatisation exercise. Chairman of the committee, Senator Abubakar Kyari, leveled the allegation yesterday at the final

day of the two-day public hearing of the investments in the sector and the unbundling of PHCN at the National Assembly. Kyari said: “I have the protection of the Senate to say what we have gathered. There are some staff of the Bureau of Public Enterprises that are board members of generation and distribution companies, who were given Prado and Land Cruiser Jeeps.” According to the lawmaker, the implications of such action was that the affected staff would not have the moral face to discharge effectively, their duties of protecting the interest of the Federal Government, which still remains 40 per cent equity in the firms. Chairman of the Sen-

ate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, who is also a member of the committee, said the alleged compromise of the BPE staff had affected the necessary coordination between the power firms and the power ministry. According to Abdullahi, BPE, which should be negotiating and protecting the interest of the country on the boards of the power firms and technically and morally responsible to the country failed to do so. “With the action of the staff, it seems that the BPE is short-changing the country,” he added. BPE Director- General, Mr. Benjamin Dikki, who rose in defence of the bureau explained that the organisation had not,

and will never be compromised in its responsibility of ensuring a perfect process of privatising the sector for efficient service delivery. Dikki denied ever collecting gratification in any form in the course of discharging his responsibilities and asked the senate to direct further investigation on the alleged car gifts to the affected firms. Dikki said: “We are there (on the board of GENCOs and DISCOs) to protect Nigeria’s interest. Whatever the companies are paying or have given to their board members as privileges should be referred to the respective companies. “Whether the privileges are right or not, I don’t know. I take exception that we have short-

changed the government. We balanced the interest of government and investors because what we are looking for is investment. We need to create an enabling environment for the business to thrive.” Meanwhile, former Minister of Power, Alhaji Bello Suleiman, has urged the Federal Government to investigate the privatisation of the power sector carried out by BPE. Suleiman, who was also the former Managing Director of the defunct National Electric Power Authority, NEPA, was one of the resource persons at the two-day public hearing. He said: “With all due respect, there is an urgent need for independent scrutiny of the privatisation exercise in the power

sector. The perception is that it has not been transparent; a committee of experts should do it. “The experts should examine whether the companies are capable to financially and technically take the country to the level of the 40,000 megawatts. If we do nothing now to ensure that they are the right persons, at the end of the day we may fail.” He also cautioned the country against privatising the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, because doing so would be technically wrong. Suleiman also advocated the use of the concentrated solar technology, which he described as a viable means of increasing power generation.

Army reads riot act over internal security CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

always existed between Rivers people and their neighbours. “We wish that the cordial and mutually beneficial relationship should continue to exist. Persons responsible for the pro-Biafra protests must immediately halt the unfriendly activities forthwith,” the elders said. The elders stated their “strong” to the state Governor, Nyesom Wike, who during a statewide broadcast on Wednesday ban all forms of protests in the state. The governor, in the broadcast had warned that anybody or organisation caught flouting the ban would be severely dealt with, in accordance with the law. The state Police Commissioner, Musa Kimo, had also stated that his command would not allow lawlessness or breakdown of law and order in any part of the state, hinting that his officers and men were on alert.

President Muhammadu Buhari (5th left); Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo (4th left); Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita and new Permanent Secretaries after their inauguration by President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Jonathan, IBB, Ekwueme shun PDP conference CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

APC legislators would continue to support the senate president in the discharge of his duties. In his remark, Minority Leader of the Senate, Sen. Godwill Akpabio, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to engage PDP in the governance of the country. He pledged that PDP senators would not fail the party and Nigerians in performing their duties at the National Assembly. Leo Ogor, Minority Leader in the House of

Representatives, described the withdrawal of money from the nation’s Treasury Single Account to a company as commission as `unconstitutional.’ “The constitution under the provision of section 80 sub 4 stipulated that no funds shall be withdrawn from the consolidated account or any public account except in the manner prescribed by the National Assembly. “That makes the National Assembly the custodian of the people resources,” Ogor said.

He said lawmakers would identify the people behind the withdrawal and recover the money. A communiqué issued at the end of the conference and signed by National Secretary Prof. Adewale Oladipo noted that PDP remains the only credible national political institution, committed to national interest and the deepening of democratic tenets and ideals in Nigeria. It however resolved that the party, at all levels shall continue to en-

sure credible, robust and issue-based opposition, while promoting harmonious relationship among all people and ensuring that citizens’ confidence in democracy does not wane. It rejected the alleged, “manipulation of the judiciary and security forces by the APC-led Federal Government in its desperate bid to subvert the sovereign will of the people and forcefully take over states genuinely won by the PDP in the last general elections and

ultimately impose a oneparty state in Nigeria.” It also charged the new INEC leadership to assert the independence of the electoral body, resist all exter nal influences and ensure free, fair and credible electoral process in Kogi and Bayelsa states and other future elections, as the PDP will NOT ACCEPT any results that do not reflect the true wishes and aspirations of the people, particularly in Kogi and Bayelsa states.

Photo News

Friday, November 13, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Senator Bode Olajumoke; former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Sen. Akerele Bucknor; author of the book, Sen. Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa and former National Vice Chairman of PDP, Chief Bode George, during the book launch of Sen. Akinfenwa, Footprint Since 1931: Story of a Nigerian Teacher and Politician, in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA

Executive Director, Paulash Community Development Initiative, Mrs. Folashade Okomayin (middle) with other officials of the initiative, during a 10,000th Walk for Girl Child Education, in Abuja, yesterday.

Chief Executive, African Earth Capital, Franz Swanepoel (left) and Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Uju Aisha Hassan Baba, during the visit of a delegation from African Earth Capital to the NIPC headquarters in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Members of the Association of Business Executives (UK), during their courtesy visit to Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

National News

Supreme Court grants Saraki’s stay of proceeding application Doosuur Iwambe Abuja

upreme Court sitting in Abuja yesterday ordered that the trial of Senate President, Dr.Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, on charges of false assets declaration, be suspended pending the determination of his appeal. The trial initiated by the Federal Government was put on hold pending the time the court will determine the appeal filed by Saraki. The senate president is challenging the legality of his trial at the CCT. At the hearing of Saraki’s application for stay of proceedings at the CCT, prosecution counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, who had earlier objected to granting the request, signed an undertaken that the prosecution will not go ahead any longer with the trial, once the Supreme Court can grant

accelerated hearing in the pending substantive appeal. Jacobs told the panel of five justices, presided over by Justice John Afolabi Fabiyi, that nothing on the side of the prosecution will be done to prejudice the apex court. To ensure speedy hearing of the substantive appeal, Jacobs informed the court that he will file his brief of argument against substantive appeal next week Monday. He then urged the court to compel the appellant to also file his own brief of arguments within two days so that an earlier date could be fixed for hearing of the substantive case. Jacobs also submitted that no court of law in the country has power to grant stay of proceedings in any criminal matter in view of the introduction of the Administration of Crimi-

nal Justice Act 2015. Earlier, counsel to Saraki, Joseph Daudu, SAN, who led seven other Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs, had urged the apex court to stop the proceedings at the CCT, pending the hearing of the substantive appeal. Daudu told the court that the appellant is challenging the jurisdiction of the tribunal and the legality of his trial. Among others, Saraki claimed that the tribunal was not properly constituted with two members instead of three as required by law. Justice Fabiyi, in his ruling, gave seven days each to both parties to file and exchange briefs of their arguments on the substantive appeal. In line with the undertaken of Jacobs, the court ordered that nothing should be done at the CCT level on the pending trial. Justice Fabiyi an-

nounced that a date for hearing of the substan-

tive appeal would be communicated to both

parties as soon as the date is fixed.

BVN is affecting sales of foreign exchange - BDC operators

ureau De Change operators yesterday said the requirements of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, for sale of foreign exchange was affecting their sales. They disclosed this to News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos. They said the inability of customers to provide all the required data had been posing challenges in the sale of foreign exchange An operator, who did not want his name mentioned, told NAN that many customers had discrepancies with the information on their international passports and the Biometric Verification Number, BVN. He cited the problem of not having same information such as differ-

ence in date of birth on the two requirements. The trader said the extension of BVN to the sub sector as part of requirements for sale of foreign exchange was giving the BDCs some problems. According to him, foreign exchange should be allowed to be sold without challenges. He said that the policy had reduced the level of foreign exchange sold on weekly basis by the BDCs. “Extending BVN to BDCs has brought problem to us. This is because we do not have the power to store people’s data like the bank. “Commercial banks are deposit money institutions that are backed by Data Protection Act to store customers’ data.

“In our own case, customers are not willing to divulge personal information,” the trader said. NAN reports that the requirement needed for purchase of forex before the BVN registration were international passports, travel tickets and valid visas. The adoption of BVN as a condition for the sale of foreign exchange is expected to reduce the incidence of multiple purchases, round tripping and illicit transfer of funds. It also facilitate enforcement of authorised limits of forex sales to end users, sanitize the retail segment of the market and engender policies that will facilitate better allocation of foreign exchange.

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Friday, November 13, 2015

Don’t sabotage ministers, Buhari warns permanent secretaries Rotimi Fadeyi

L-R: Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Solomon Dalong; Golden Eaglets’ Captain, Kelechi Nwakali and Head Coach of Golden Eaglets, Emmanuel Amuneke, during a reception for the victorious Golden Eaglets and Nigeria’s Scrabble Team, in Abuja on Wednesday. PHOTO: NAN

Reps accuse NNPC, subsidiaries of subverting crude oil swap probe Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

ouse of Representatives ad-hoc committee probing the sharp practices in crude oil swap deal by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, yesterday, accused the national oil corporation and some of its subsidiaries of subverting investigations by the committee. The lawmakers also raised alarm that huge rots are still deeply rooted in the NNPC, in spite of the much-acclaimed change. This investigation followed the resolution of the House few weeks ago, arising from a motion to investigate the oil swap agreement by the NNPC and its

...Says rots still rooted in NNPC partners, which the House noted were not remitting funds from that deal to the federation account. Briefing journalists in Abuja over its activities, the committee said the NNPC and its subsidiaries are playing pranks with the committee’s requests for documents and information. Chairman of the committee, Zakare Mohammed, who addressed journalists, said it had written letters of such requests to the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Nigeria Extractive Industries Initiatives, NEIIT, Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, which had since responded in utmost cooperation with

the committee. Equally, the chairman said the NNPC, Petroleum Products Marketing Company, PPMC and Department of Crude Oil Division, were also written at the same period, but proving difficult and have refused to cooperate with the committee. “We wrote a reminder but they responded tacitly that they need more time. These documents are in their hands and domain. These are documents to know what happened in the past but the NNPC and its agencies have refused. By 12 noon on Wednesday, we will bring the full weight of the law on the NNPC, even if it

Marketers call for release of N413bn subsidy claim

ome accredited oil subsidy marketers yesterday said the failure of Federal Government to release the approved N413 billion subsidy debt is disrupting their fuel importation schedule. The marketers made their feelings known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos. They said they were concerned that the money had not been released one week after the approval was granted. The marketers alleged that the delay was affecting loading activities at depots and had led to the shutting down of some filling sta-

tions due to non-availability of petroleum products. “Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, has not released any subsidy claims as promised. “As I am talking to you we have been directed by the CBN to go and meet the Debt Management Office for clarification. “All our efforts to get the said money have been in vain and to start importing has been a serious problem. “There is no money to back up the cheques presented to the marketers. “We do not even know the basis for the clarification of the cheques, but we are aware that there is no mon-

ey in the account. “It is like giving the marketers cheques only to discover that there was no money in the account. “Nothing like importing now because all marketers are angry because of the failed promised,” one of the marketers al The market said: “If you go outside Lagos you know how much they are selling fuel per litre now, it is the last stock that we are selling now. “It is unfortunate that the Department of Petroleum, DPR, is saying that we are hoarding the products, which is not the truth. “We have not collected a single coin from the money.

means to subpoena them. “We want to tell the minister and state minister of petroleum resources that the much-needed change has not got to the NNPC. We are talking about billions of naira loss. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that I, JOSEPH OLUWAFEMI JACOB is one and same person as GBEJE OLUWAFEMI JACOB. Now wish to be known and addressed as JOSEPH OLUWAFEMI JACOB. All former documents remain valid. ECO BANK PLC. and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS. MOSHOOD MUIBAT BOLANLE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. FAKOKUNDE MUIBAT BOLANLE. All former documents remain valid. General public and First Bank Plc. should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as MRS. OSUNTOYINBO TOLULOPE MARGARET OLUWABUNMI. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLA-ADEBISI TOLULOPE MARGARET OLUWABUNMI. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State Civil Service Commission and general public take note.

MISSING DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public and LBIC that the Original Allocation paper with the original receipt of payment and other important documents on Plot 110 Block 250, Flat 4, Zone D2, Iba Housing Estate belonging to Mrs. Deborah O. Jonathan are missing, all effort to trace said proved abortive. If seen please contact Kao homes ventures on 08029958989 or M.A Atunnise on 08023178490

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as EUCHERIA ADAOBI EZISSI . Now wish to be known and addressed as EUCHERIA ADAOBI UGWUMBA . All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Deleola Osire, now wish to be known and addressed as Bamideleola Osire O’Play. All former documents remain valid. Zenith Bank Plc and general public please take note.

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday warned federal permanent secretaries in the country that his administration would not condone any excesses, indifference, incompetence and corrupt practices in any form. According to him, it is in the public domain that ministers as chief executives of their ministries as well as other government officials involved in policy formulation and implementation, often complain of intolerable level of incompetence, indifference or even suspected sabotage by some of the top echelon of the civil service. Speaking while swearing-in 16 out of the 18 permanent new secretaries appointed last Tuesday, Buhari said even where permanent secretaries, in some instances, are exempted from these accusations, they are still responsible and liable for failing to provide the required leadership, control and diCHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as NJOKU OGECHI IRENE, now wish to be known and addressed as UZOMA OGECHI IRENE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ibe Priscilla Chidinma now to be addressed as Mrs. Akushie Priscilla Chidinma. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME BADRU: I formerly known and addressed as ARIKE AMINAT BADRU now to be addressed as ARIKE AMINAT IRAWO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

rection. He advised the permanent secretaries to take caution and disseminate his warning to all civil servants accordingly. The President told the permanent secretaries and all other civil servants to appreciate the fact that he had always considered the civil service as an indispensable reservoir of experience, expertise and loyalty. Buhari said he considered the civil service as a dependable ally in the quest to change the country for the better. He told the permanent secretaries that their responsibilities are enormous, stressing that the success or otherwise of the government largely depends on their competence, ability and capacity to discharge their duties most effectively and efficiently. The President noted that permanent secretaries are the chief advisers to their respective ministers and are responsible for safeguarding public funds and ensuring the propriety of expenditure under their control. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that I, AGUN OLADELE FELIX is one and same person as AGUN EBENEZER TOPE. Now wish to be known and addressed as AGUN OLADELE FELIX. All former documents remain valid. WEMA BANK PLC., UNION BANK PLC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as AGNIESZKA ANNA CHLODNICKA, now wish to be known and addressed as AGNES OSAFAMWEN OMIGIE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ONUOHA: I formerly known and addressed as NKIRUKA LOVETH ONUOHA now to be addressed as NKIRUKA ELIZABETH MGBARINE All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE PRESENT AND FUTURE GLORY CHURCH INTERNATIONAL

This is to inform the general public that the above name organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor TemuruUwhuseba Daniel 2. Mrs. Peace UcheTemuru 3. Mr. Bathson Peter 4. Mr. BariyaGeophrey 5. Mrs. Grace Makinde AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ 2. To establish branches for the spreading of the gospel of Jesus Christ Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication SIGNED: OMORHE B. DAUDU ESQ

Friday, November 13, 2015

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Friday, November 13, 2015

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Friday, November 13, 2015

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NLC asks Buhari to probe N25bn TSA consultancy deal Olufemi Adeosun ABUJA

igeria Labour Cong ress(NLC) has called on President Mohammadu Buhari to clear the air on the alleged N250bn consultancy fee on the Single Treasury Account(TSA).

NLC president Comrade Ayuba Wabba who sought the clarification yesterday in Abuja during a public lecture on “Cost of governance with the special focus on the National Assembly”, stated that probing the alleged deal would retain public confidence on the anti-corruption mantra of the present administration. It will be recalled that, upon assumption of office on May 29, 2015, President Mohammadu Buhari had directed that all MDAs maintain

a single account to enable government track its expenses with a view to checking corruption. However, the TSA system has been plagued by controversy as Remita, an e-collection agent was said to have allegedly collected N250bn in a day from the federal government as one per cent of monies earned through the process. The revelation has triggered a chain of reactions from the general public and has also prompted the Senate to direct the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) and the Federal Ministry of Finance to suspend further implementation of the policy of TSA. Wabba, who frowned at the scandal trailing the TSA, said the N250bn allegedly paid to the consultancy firm could have been

ploughed back into the system to develop the economy. On the significance of the lecture which was delivered by The Lead Director, Centre for Social Justice, Barrister Eze Onyekpere, the NLC boss noted that it was meant to interrogate policies of government with a view to

offering useful suggestions for rapid socioeconomic development. According to him, the twin issues affecting the nation’s economy are lack of good governance and corruption, adding that the country will continue to grapple with development issues until the two are gotten right.

He, however, noted that, in addressing that, government must ensure fairness and equity. In his presentation, Onyekpere, highlighted in graphic details, how emoluments payable to the Nigerian legislators must be reviewed downward. The civil rights activ-

ist who drew example from other nations like South Africa, United States and other jurisdictions, alleged undue connivance between the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and fiscal Commission(RMAFC) and members of National Assembly in fixing their salaries and emoluments.

ASUU marks Iyayi’s death, tasks Buhari, Minister on 2009 agreement Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

wo years after the death of the former President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Festus Iyayi, in a government convoy in Kogi State, the union has expressed displeasure that the Federal Government, is yet to fully implement the 2009 ASUU/ FGN agreement. It will be recalled that Iyayi, a former ASUU president, was killed in a government convoy while he and others were on their way to attend an emergency ASUU meeting to suspend the sixmonth old strike in 2013. The Ibadan Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Prof. Olusegun Ajiboye, in a release entitled “Iyayi must not die in vain”, and made available yesterday to journalists, said it is saddening that since 2013 when ASUU suspended the strike, universities were yet to get any intervention fund aside from the N200b released in 2013 from the promised N1.3trillion, sating that nothing was received in 2014 and 2015. He called on President

Muhammadu Buhari and the new Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu, to pay the remaining outstanding intervention funds, earned academic allowances and commence renegotiation of the agreement. Ajiboye who was part of an enlarged congress held in honour of Iyayi at Olabisi Onabanjo University, AgoIwoye, lamented that infrastructure in universities in the country,remained dilapidated while working environment is not conducive to impart knowledge, adding that science students face hardship doing research as laboratories are outdated and poorly equipped. Ajiboye added that academic staff in Nigerian universities are getting restive because of the failure of government to attend fully to the agreements, saying it is high time the government of President Buhari invested in education for a secured future of the country. He maintained that heroic leaders around the world invested in education and ensured it was available for the children of the masses to have access to it,.

L-R: Former National Chairman of PDP, Dr. Bello Haliru; former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido and Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, during the PDP 2015 National Conference in Abuja, yesterday.

NDLEA intercepts N59m cocaine in whiskey packs in Lagos Olusegun Koiki

he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it has intercepted wraps of white powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine weighing 6.64kg worth N59 million hidden in packs of Irish whiskey and wooden frames imported from Brazil at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. Statement by the spokesman of the agency, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju said that the narcotics officers arrested two persons, one Okwuma Sunday Michael; 31 years old and Nwajagu Chidiebere James, 30 in connection with the seizures. NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Ahmadu Garba who gave the names of the suspects said 31 year old Michael was found in possession of 3.400kg of co-

caine hidden inside wooden frames while James was found with 3.240kg of cocaine hidden inside packs of Irish whiskey. “Okwuma Sunday took off from Guarulhos Inter-

national Airport São Paulo, Brazil in a South African Airways flight through Johannesburg to Lagos. Nwajagu Chidiebere also left Brazil in an Emirates flight through United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Lagos.

Both suspects will soon be charged to court” Garba stated. Okwuma Sunday told investigators that he was given the drugs by a Nigerian who is like a father to him in Brazil.

NUC advocates free compulsory education, vocational institutions REGINA OTOKPA

he Executive Secretary of the National University Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, has called on the federal government to adopt a free and compulsory education system and a vocational enterprise institution across the country.

Making the call yesterday during a meeting with the Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu in Abuja, he stressed the need for quality primary education and the

implementation of attractive measures that would propel children to embrace education whole heartedly. According to Okojie, the free access should be made available for children up till the age of 18, including a welfare package of free school uniforms with at least one meal a day given the important role of primary education in producing disciplined and learned students at the tertiary level. Lamenting the decay in the education sector, the Executive Secretary

disclosed that state universities were the worst institutions in the country as a result of poor funding. To this end, he called on communities and retired teachers to join the federal and state governments in improving the quality of education in the country. Responding, the Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, disclosed that his government was working towards repositioning technical acquisition of skills in the state through a programme called education for employment.

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South West

Friday, November 13, 2015

NOA alerts schools, churches on insurgents’ threat in S’West ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

ational Orientation Agency, NOA has raised the alarm of threats by Boko Haram insurgents to attack the South West zone of the country. Consequently, NOA in Ekiti State said it had written letters to schools, churches and mosques among other crowded places in the state on the need to put up pro-active measures capable of nipping such planned attacks in the bud. NOA State Director, Mr. Dayo Famosaya, said in a statement entitled “Public information on security consciousness and awareness” in Ado Ekiti yesterday that the alarm had

become necessary in view of security reports at the agency’s disposal. He stated: “They have threatened to deploy cluster bombs in the zone, these cluster bombs are usually housed in discarded metallic materials such as can of beverages and soft drinks. “The bombs may be concealed in bags, cellophane papers, and for it to have more grievous effect, they have planned to deploy these bombs in crowded places such as schools, markets, stadia, churches and mosques.” Famosaya expressed fears that the Boko Haram insurgents might have sneaked into the South Western part of the coun-

try, going by the content of security agents’ reports to NOA in the state. He cautioned members of the public to watch out for people wearing flowing apparel, as it is the type of cloth they wear so as to hide their weapons. “As a result of these security tips, we wish to call our religious leaders, principals of schools, sports officials, associations and other relevant bodies to be security conscious,” the statement added. Some religious institutions, including public and private schools in the state yesterday confirmed receipt of the letter from NOA and had begun putting measures in place to foil any possible attack.

UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR NINE MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015 The Directors of Unilever Nigeria Plc announce the unaudited interim financial results for the nine months ended 30 September, 2015:

N' Mill

43,632

2,371

3,643

Profit before income tax

201

2,546

Income tax expense

(60)

(725)

Profit for the period after tax

141

1,821

Other Comprehensive Income

Total Comprehensive Income

141

1,821

Lagos records 38 murder cases in two months –Police …to deploy drones to fight crime

Operating profit

PATIENCE OGBO

agos State Police Command yesterday said 38 murder cases were recorded in the state in the last two months. The command also warned criminals to relocate from the state as drones and helicopters are to be deployed to curtail their activities. State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, speaking at a press conference in Lagos, yesterday said 70 armed robbers were arrested during the same period, 55 vehicles recovered, along with

706 ammunitions and 45 arms. He said the state witnessed 38 murder cases and 16 traffic robberies. He said the state government, in its proactive drive to secure lives and property, would hand over drones and helicopters to the state command to check traffic and crime. He said: “It is sad the way some media houses have been portraying crime in the state. They are blowing crime out of proportion and creating fear. I can tell you authoritatively from our records that crime has been reduced to the barest minimum.

Lagos triumphs in Buhari’s cabinet through Fashola, says Tinubu FRANCIS SUBERU

ormer governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday expressed delight that the state got better recognition in the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari, with his predecessor, Babatunde Raji Fashola’s supper ministerial portfolio. Tinubu who spoke at the official commissioning and launching of the Mile 12 - Ikorodu Road widening and Bus Rapid

Transit, BRT, operation at Majidun, Lagos, noted that his believe in Fashola and his ability to deliver the goods is not in doubt. He said leadership is about how many other leaders one is able to discover; saying “we deserve what we are getting in Lagos; success, continuity and good governance. For instance, Ambode didn’t lobby for the seat of Lagos but we discovered him. I am now a great grandfather.” Tinubu said he would

always give the needed support to the Buhari administration and contribute to the development of the nation until it reaches such a stage as to be able to compete with the support powers. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, while commissioning the BRT extension project and flag off of 434 new BRT bus operations, expressed optimism that it would bring comfort and convenience to commuters in the state.

9 months ended 30 September 2014

42,699

Turnover

“We have 12 cases of armed robbery in September and two cases in October. We monitored twitter and we have 11 cases. “We advice people to report crime to the police station not on social media; we have taken proactive steps to increase police visibility, sustained motorised patrol and intelligence personnel to motor parks and other areas to infiltrate these places. “It will interest you to know that as part of our proactive measures, the Lagos State Government will on November 27 inject 100 cars into the fleet of RRS. “We will deploy BMW cars, aerial patrol helicopters and the introduction of drones into the management of traffic.

9 months ended 30 September 2015

We continued to operate in a tough environment and saw some momentum behind enhanced cost and operational efficiencies. By Order of the Board

Abidemi Ademola (Mrs.) General Counsel & Company Secretary FRC/2013/NBA/00000001646 Dated this 15th day of October 2015 Oregun, Lagos

South West

Friday, November 13, 2015

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Group writes new Oluwo, assures of full support

body of professionals in various fields of human endeavour in Iwo, Iwo Local Government Area of Osun State, under the aegis of The Vision Group, TVG, has assured the new Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi, of the readiness of its members to give him their full support in the task of taking the ancient town to a laudable height. The group, in its letter congratulating the new monarch in Iwo on Wednesday, said the emergence of Oba Akanbi heralded the beginning of a new phase in the history of the ancient city which the group however regretted is in dire need of rapid development. The letter was delivered by the conveners of the TVG, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon and Dr. Rafiu Isamotu. They said it was gratifying that the choice of Oba Akanbi has lifted the spirit of the Iwo people home and abroad. The group said its members at home and in the Diaspora, came together in recent time to deliberate on the present

and future of Iwo with a view to harnessing its potentials towards greatness. “We have seen an unprecedented acceptance and reception for our monarch. We are glad that the choice of the kingmakers which was endorsed by Governor Rauf Aregbesola has proved to be a great success. We are happy to note that our land has erupted in great joy and celebration with the announcement of this choice,” Okanlawon said on behalf of the group. The group added that the interest the choice of Oba Akanbi has generated among Iwo sons, daughters and other stakeholders in Iwo, Nigeria and across the world has shown that he is widely accepted by his people. The group also urged the monarch to put in place machinery for immediate reconciliation with all contenders to the throne just as it urged the other ruling houses and contenders to join hands with the new Oluwo for the rapid development of Iwo.

L-R: FRSC Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi; President National Association of Transport Owners, Bataiya Kassim; National President, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Najeem Yasin and Chairman, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, Petroleum Tankers Drivers, Akanni Oladiti, during the stakeholders’ meeting on presidential directive on speed limiting device, yesterday.

Customs generates N23.3bn from Apapa Port in October

papa Area 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, generated N23.3 billion as revenue in October - same as it recorded in September. This was contained in the revenue report of the command made available to newsmen yesterday in Lagos by the NCS’ public relations officer, Mr. Emmanuel

Ekpa. The report showed that N12. 2 billion was generated through the Federation Account, comprising import duty, Common External Tariff, CET, and other fees. The document also showed that N11.1 billion went into the non-Federation Account from Value Added Tax, VAT, seven per cent from port’s levy, and

the levy from the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, ETLS. According to the report, other sources of revenue into the non-Federation Account include one per cent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme, CISS, National Automotive Council, NAC; and levies on rice, iron, sugar and wheat

grain. The report also showed that the command collected N1 million from the Negotiable Duty Credit Certificate, NDCC. News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports that the NDCC is a document accepted for duty payment by importers who bring in raw materials for production purposes.

StarTimes storms trade fair Osun leads in rural road maintenance –World Bank with free ‘Papilo Decoder’ B B DAVID AUDU

igital TV service provider, StarTimes Nigeria, is making a unique presence at the 2015 Lagos International Trade Fair with a deal for subscribers tagged ‘Papilo Decoder.’ The offer which is available only at the Trade Fair, allows Nigerians recharge with only N2,990 for any digital TV bouquet of their choice and get a StarTimes decoder free. Lucky subscribers will also get to personally meet and take selfies with s ex-Nigerian football star, StarTimes new ambassador, Kanu Nwankwo, and a host of other top celebrities during the trade fair that began on November 6 at the Tafawa Balewa Square, TBS, Lagos. StarTimes marketing director, Mr. Oludare Kafar, confirmed the development, adding that

“StarTimes is exploring the opportunity presented by the fair to enable more Nigerians conveniently own a decoder, enjoy digital TV entertainment and join the digital TV community in Nigeria as part of plans to guide the nation seamlessly into the digital TV switch over billed for 2017.” Kafar remarked: “There will also be opportunities for lucky dips and instant gifts for customers to win during the trade fair. “Our desire is to use the opportunity to connect more Nigerians to digital television platform where they can enjoy over 100 channels consisting of movies, series, sports, news, children’s programmes, fashion and religion. “We will also use the opportunity to reach out to more Nigerians, expand our subscribers’ base and complement our market leadership position.”

OLADALE OSOGBO

AMIGBOLA

sun has been declared the leading state in terms of rural-based road maintenance, a development that has prompted other states to seek knowledge about rural access roads’ maintenance. The World Bank disclosed this through its team, led by Engr. Olatunji Hammed during a second phase project presentation to the state governor, Mr. Rauf Areg-

besola. Management of the financial institution also rated the state as best among its peers in the implementation, management and maintenance of rural access and mobility projects, RAMP, being financed by the institution across states of the federation. Speaking further, Hammed disclosed that Osun State has put up an exemplary performance in the quality of its developmental projects that center on the lives of its people, most especially

Jide Adebayo to be consecrated bishop

rchdeacon of the Anglican Church of the Peninsula, VGC, Lekki, Lagos, Venerable Jide Adebayo, elected bishop at the just-concluded Standing Committee of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) in Akure, will be consecrated on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 as the Bishop of Igbomina West at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos

An old boy of the famous Christ’s School, Ado Ekiti, Adebayo holds an LLB, BL., MA, Dip.Th and other academic qualifications. The presenter of Hymns of Praise on Metro FM (Radio Nigeria), Lagos, on Sunday evening is married to Foluke, a deputy director with the National Population Commission, Abuja.

the rural dwellers. According to him, Osun State maintains its status as the first state that has successfully maintained its roads to enhance productivity, as well as improve its economy through motorable roads linking its communities. Hammed revealed that in spite of the fact that the state is blessed with many villages, towns and cities, it has the best road-connectivity in the country. In his address, Osun State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, said the state is the first to involve communities in the adoption and management of roads across the state since the commencement of his administration. He added that the project (RAMP) is popular among the people in the state, saying the consciousness was linked to the provision of the best his government could do in terms of quality facilities and materials for road construction.

Aregbesola said his administration, having identified the needs of its rural dwellers, embarked on massive road construction and rehabilitation across the nooks and crannies of the state in order to break the wide gap between the people in the remote areas and those dwelling in urban areas. He stressed that Osun State is keen on the project because the state has been wrongly tagged ‘Civil Service State,’ stressing that it is a peasant agrarian state. Why justifying his position, the governor said the entire resources of the state, even at the best of time, was N4.6billion which occurred when it received its highest allocation, adding that the last chunk of this statutory allocation amounts to N3.6 billion which was dedicated to the payment of civil servants’ salary arrears, gratuity, pensions and other emoluments.

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Biafra activists protest in Imo, vow to continue today Chris Njoku Owerri

iafra activists, yesterday in Owerri, the Imo State capital protested against continued detention of Radio Biafra director, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The protest which was carried out by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and a faction of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, caused gridlock in and around the city. However, unlike the Port Harcourt, Aba, Onitsha and Asaba protests where scores of people were reportedly killed, the Imo protest only shut down the streets and crippled economic activities, with youths who displayed the Biafran flag and other insignia, marching through some streets in Owerri. The protesters however were adequately policed and escorted by police vehicles, apparently to forestall break-

South East

Friday, November 13, 2015

down of law and order even though the police could not prevent them from carrying out their demonstration. State police public relations officer, PPRO, Andrew Enwerem, a DSP, said that the police’s action was based on the peaceful disposition of the protesters. Meanwhile, one of the leaders of the protesters who pleaded anonymity, disclosed that the protest was to create awareness and prepare the members for the main protest which he said would hold tomorrow (today). According to him, “what you are seeing today is not the main protest; we are just creating awareness and by tomorrow (today) we will shut down Imo State; we are mobilising our members from Aba, Onitsha Port Harcourt and Asaba, and they will storm Owerri tomorrow (today) in a grand style.”

ASUU urges Buhari to stem slide in education Aliuna Godwin Abakaliki

hairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Prof. Idenyi Ndubuisi, Ebonyi State chapter, yesterday urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to allow the falling standard of education in the country continue as it would affect the growth of the nation’s economy. Prof. Idenyi made this known while briefing journalists in Abakaliki shortly after a special ASUU

congress held at the Law department of the Ebonyi State University to commemorate the death of the former president of ASUU, late Prof. Festus Iyayi, who died in active service two years ago. He expressed regret over the death of Prof. Iyayi who, according to him, was a freedom fighter and wanted Nigeria to be liberated from educational backwardness. Idenyi however tasked the administration of President Buhari to implement the 2009 ASUU and Federal Government’s agreement,

adding that “we are not comfortable with the falling standard of education in Nigeria. “We expect the present administration with its change agenda to tackle the problem facing the educational sector.” Meanwhile, members of the union have staged a peaceful procession across major streets of Abakaliki, carrying placards with various inscriptions such as “Prof. Iyayi, your spirit lives on, Dear Iyayi, you fought and died in the cause of rescuing our ail-

ing educational system, ASUU EBSU Aluta continua, and Iyayi lives on in our minds.” Earlier, a former chairman of ASUU, Prof. Emeka Nwakpu, who delivered a lecture at the congress had said: “Unless we die we will not stop the struggle for the betterment of university education in Nigeria.” Nwakpu advocated the establishment of more universities in Nigeria, stressing that there is need for improvement of the educational sector that is falling gradually.

Ikpeazu pledges to strengthen technical, engineering studies

overnor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State said government would revive technical schools and strengthen engineering faculties in the state’s higher institutions of learning. Ikpeazu stated this when he visited Prof. Julius Okojie, the executive secretary of the National Universities Commission, NUC, in Abuja yesterday. He said his plan is to ensure the development of skilled manpower base for the state, adding that “Aba is an industrial hub that needs skilled manpower.” According to him, government has been turning around the technical secondary schools in the state, starting with one school in each local government area. “Abia is good at handcraft and small and medium enterprises and we want to impact skills starting from the primary schools. “I will strengthen the faculties of engineering in the higher institutions we have; at the lowest level, I want every primary school pupil in Abia State to be able to write his names, using the computer. “My focus is to develop those who are technicallyminded in the state to make

sure we have middle cadre manpower that can support our desire to pursue and mainstream mechanisation of production. “Talk about garments; talk about shoes; talk about things we do. We think it is critical for us to talk about providing the manpower that will drive this initiative,” he said. Ikpeazu said his plan is that at the point of exit from secondary schools, students should have enough skills to man and maintain the tools/equipment for production. He said government has created a programme tagged ‘Education for Employment’ with a view to producing students who have what the labour market needs. The governor said his government has also conceptualised industrial cluster in Aba to drive the growth of small and medium enterprises. He commended the NUC boss for expanding access to university education in Nigeria and the innovations he brought to the tertiary education sub-sector. In his response, Okojie lauded the governor for bringing in his expertise as an academic to bear in governance in Abia State.

L-R: Former Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ibrahim Mantu; Chief Tom Ikimi and former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, during the PDP 2015 National Conference in Abuja, yesterday.

Chris Njoku Owerri

hree years after executing road contracts running into millions of naira for the Imo State government, contractors yesterday cried out to the state governor, Rochas Okorocha, to expedite action to ensure that money owed them is paid. They complained that the lingering payment has led to the death of many of their members while some of them are still bed-ridden in the hospital due to hypertension developed over constant harassment by banks that loaned them the money they used in executing the contracts. The contractors, under the aegis of ‘Genuine Unpaid Imo Road Contrac-

Three years after: Imo roads contractors cry for help over non-payment tors,’ said they have met all necessary requirements, including the inspection and certification of their jobs by inspection teams of engineers and contract administrators of the state government. In an open letter to the state governor dated November 9, 2015 and signed by representatives of the group, Engr Abdulkadir Ogirima, Jonathan Onyeukwu, Goddy Oparaku, Sir Anthony Nwafor and Eze Goddy Paul with a copy made available to National Mirror, the contractors disclosed that payment certificates on the executed road contracts were processed and forwarded in memoranda by the relevant

ministry and committees to the office of the governor after necessary inspection. The letter noted that after signing the contracts, the contractors were prevailed upon by the state government to move equipment, labour and material to site and commence work on the road contracts without payment of mobilisation fees. “The excuse of the state government was that some contractors in the past had absconded with mobilisation fees paid to their companies without executing contracts.” They also said they have individually kept to the agreed percentages of work and milestone to deserve

payment in accordance with the terms and parties’ obligations in the contracts. “It is disheartening and indeed highly frustrating that the good gesture of the contractors is not reciprocated, rather the payment obligation by the government within the contract has not been fulfilled for over two years,” they added in the letter. They disclosed that having taken loans running into millions of Naira with high interest rates from commercial banks to execute the road contracts, their properties have been confiscated by banks, leading to the death and hospitalisation of some of their members.

South South

Friday, November 13, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I didn’t err in seeking loans —Wike Dennis Naku

Port Harcourt

ivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has said that he took loans from t bank to fund capital projects, pointing out that he did not err in doing so legally. This was as the governor declared that nothing will deter him from ensuring that the state remains on track despite the cash crunch plaguing country. Wike, who spoke at the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, National Executive Council, NEC, meeting in Port Harcourt yesterday reiterated that the state did not receive any financial bailout from the Federal Government. He however said the situation will not deter him from moving the state forward. He explained that since assuming office he has repositioned the state through the rehabilitation and construction of abandoned road projects, opening of courts and funding the judiciary, payment of salary arrears to civil servants, pensioners, sportsmen, and payment of bursaries to students studying abroad. Wike said his administration holds the judiciary in high esteem and is poised to harmonise and reform the courts for effective justice delivery. In line with the policy of granting autonomy to the courts, he revealed that so far about N500m has been released by his administration to the judiciary in car-

rying out capital projects, adding that plans are underway to provide conducive accommodation, vehicles to magistrates and top judicial officers. He assured NBA that in the next one year, a befitting secretariat will be built for the body in Port Harcourt as funds has already been released for the project by government. The governor, while commending NBA for hosting its meeting in the state, urged the body not to abandon its basic ideals of being advocate of rule of law and better governance in the country. On her part, Acting Chief Judge of the State, Justice Daisy Okocha, said under her administration, the judiciary is working towards building a stronger and vibrant legal system She tasked NBA not to veer from its founding principles. “We must strive to preserve from decadence and the meddlesome hands of politicians,” she added. Earlier, NBA President, Augustine Alegeh thanked the state branch and the governor for hosting the NEC meeting, stating that the parley will afford them opportunities to get first hand information about developments in the state. Alegeh lauded Wike for the efforts made in re-opening courts, funding the judiciary and for creating a robust relationship between the bar and the bench. He expressed hope that Rivers State will remain a beacon of light and hope in promoting judicial activities.

Firm to invest $120m in cassava plant in Edo

private firm, Roots Biochemical Products Limited, has begun plans to establish a $120m (N22.8bn) cassava farm and processing plant in Edo State. The prospector for the project, Mr. Franz Swanepoel, announced this in Abuja yesterday, during a visit to the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, NIPC, Mrs Uju Hassan-Baba. Swanepoel said $80m of the amount would be invested in a maltose syrup factory while $40m would go into primary agriculture. He stated that the project would provide direct

employment for over 5,000 skilled and semi-skilled Nigerians, including engineers, biochemists, agronomists, technicians and farmers. According to him, the facility will also engage thousands more as out growers for the production of cassava feed-stock for the factory. Swanepoel cited the huge market and government’s current emphasis on the agricultural sectors as the two major factors that informed the company’s choice to invest in the country. He said the project would take off in 2016 after conclusion of due diligence by the company.

Members of the Nigerian Bar Association during the National Executive Committee meeting in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

8 pro-Biafra protesters arraigned, remanded in prison Dennis Naku

Port Harcourt

ivers State Police Command yesterday said it has arraigned eight persons, including a female before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Port Harcourt, for alleged involvement in Tuesday’s protest march by supporters of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB. The accused persons are: Benedict Egine (55), Uchenna Emenike (25), Chukwunonso Nwaolisa (36), Obilor Onyemachukwu (29), Ogbonna Godwin (31), Wilson

Ezeka (42) and Destiny Amuchechukwu (19), a female. Egine was arraigned separately on charges of conspiracy and breach of peace on charge No: PMC/1357c/2015. Others were also arraigned on similar charges on charge No: PMC/1357c/2015. The accused, on count one, were said to have conspired to “levy war against the Federal Government”, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 37 (2) of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Law of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004.” On count two, they were

accused of unlawfully demonstrating and chanting “war songs” and the need for a Biafra nation, which caused panic in the neighbourhood. The offence is punishable under Section 37 (2) of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Law of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004. Shortly after the arraignment, counsel and elder brother to Egine, Chief Patrick Egine, wondered why his brother was the only person police could arrest, after the prosecution told the court that they were overpowered by the protesters. The trial Chief Magis-

trate, B. Jamabo, declined to treat the matter on grounds of lack of jurisdiction. He referred the matter to the Department of Public Prosecution, DPP, for legal advice and ordered that the accused should be remanded in prison custody pending the outcome of the advice. The matter was adjourned till December 3, this year, for mention. It would be recalled that thousands of Biafra supporters staged a protest march on November 12, paralysing business activities in Port Harcourt and its environs.

Operation Pulo Shield Commander vows to crush oil thieves Osahon Julius Yenagoa

ommander, Operation Pulo Shield, Maj. Gen. Alani Okunlola has warned those still engaging in criminal activities in Niger Delta to relocate or get crushed, promising to fish out sea pirates, kidnappers and other criminal elements operating in the oil rich region. Okunola, who gave the warning during his address to troops of the military outfit at his one day operational visit to Naval Forward Operation Base, Igbokoda, Ondo State, said

he was ready to prosecute criminals in the region. The Commander, who was received by the Base Commander, Navy Captain Luka Vonn Jehu, promised to provide necessary support for effective policing of the waterways. He commended troops for their loyalty while calling on them to key into the Operation Pulo Shield zero tolerance campaign against oil theft and illegal oil bunkering. Meanwhile, the antiillegal oil bunkering squad of Sector 1of the outfit deployed at Adagbarasa Community in Okpe Local

Government Area of Delta State arrested four pipeline vandals on 31 October 2015. The suspects, who gave their names as Tahiru Mohammed, Mohammed Ibrahim, Dan Asabe Lawal and Bashir Adamu were arrested while breaking the pipeline. Two trucks with registration numbers Kaduna KAF 626 XA and Kaduna MKA 542 XA found at the scene were also impounded. The statement signed by spokesman, Lt. Col Ado Isa, said the suspects and trucks are presently in custody of Operation Pulo

Shield for preliminary investigation. The statement also confirmed that troops on patrol along the Obangos creek in Tibo Community, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, discovered and destroyed six illegal oil bunkering sites. Among items recovered at the scene include six tarpaulin tanks containing 50,000 litres each of substances suspected to be crude oil and locally refined Automated Gas Oil, AGO, 7 cooking pots, 21 drums and hose measuring 600 meters.

Friday, November 13, 2015

Like Londoners, Lagosians deserve respect: LASG replies the Economist 14

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

APC youth protest expulsion of ex-lawmaker, other Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

outh under the aegis of APC Youth of Oluyole local government, yesterday stormed the Governor’s Office, Ibadan, to protest the expulsion of a former Commissioner in the state, Mr. Lawrence Adewale and for-

mer Majority Leader in the House of Assembly, Hon. Oyeniyi Oyeniran, from the party. The youths with various placards such as “Ajimobi save us, they want to kill APC in Oluyole local government”, Expulsion of members not the solution”, “The expulsion of Oyeniran and Adewale demands

explanation”, appealed to Governor Abiola Ajimobi, to intervene in the matter and save the party from crisis. It will be recalled that the two members of the APC were recently expelled by the state leadership of the party for engaging in anti-party activities. The spokesperson for

the youths, Kazeem Akinwale, said the expulsion of the two men, was nothing but a disservice to the party in the local government, stating that the expelled men are the backbone of the party in the council. According to him, before any member of the party is expelled, process must be followed which must start

from the ward, local government, state and national, noting that there was no complain from the ward level against the two men. He stated further that those behind the crisis in the local government could not deliver their own council in the last general elections, maintaining that the party will go into extinction in the council if the men are not recalled back. In their letter of protest, the APC youths insisted that the efforts of the expelled men to the success of the party during the last elections is unmeasurable. The letter read in part, “You will recollect that after the initial crisis of the primary election with your intervention and the matter was amicably settled. Wherein through the concerted effort of all con-

cerned, we won the governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, House of Assembly and presidential elections. “It Is therefore disheartening, uncomprehensible, ridiculous, ungratefulness and provoking that the state APC executive led by Chief Akin Oke unilaterally, unjustly and rashly decided to expel the duo of Hon. Adewale Olajide Lawrence and Hon. Oyeniyi Oyeniran Akande for unsubstantiated and cooked up act of indiscipline.” While receiving the protesting youths on behalf of Governor Ajimobi, Dr. Gbade Ojo, lauded the youths for embarking a peaceful protest, noting that there is little that the governor can do on the matter as the men have taken the party to court.

APC wants PDP to back apologies with restitution L-R: Members, Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Power, Senator Hassan Mohammed; Senator Mustapher Buka and Chairman, Senator Abubakar Kyari, at the public hearing on power with stakeholders at the National Assembly in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Dickson policies anti-people, wicked –Sylva Osahon Julius YENAGOA

he war of words between the incumbent governor of Bayelsa state and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Hon Seriake Dickson and former governor, and candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Timipreye Sylva, continue yesterday as the former governor, described the policies and programmes of the incumbent governor as ‘anti-people, wicked and painful’. He accused Dickson government of abandoning inherited projects including the five star hotel, the state library and 500-bed hospital, in which previous governments of Late Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and Chief Timipreye Sylva

had committed huge state funds. A statement by the former governor, Timipreye Sylva and signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Nathan Egba, said the so called restoration government who has continue to laments drop in allocation and high wage bill, has continued to make hundreds of political appointments to gain goodwill. The statement expressed regrets that Governor Dickson, in the last three years introduced unpopular initiatives deliberately in line with his inaugural speech in 2012 to inflict pains on the citizens and noted that true to the promise of Mr. Dickson, Bayelsans have been deliberately impoverished. The statement adds, “It will be recalled that Governor Dickson had boasted that none of his appoin-

tees, particularly the commissioners and Special Advisers would become millionaires under his government. Sylva said Dickson went further to introduce policies that have crippled businesses of Bayelsans in private enterprises so as to ensure that there would be nobody financially strong enough to challenge him in the coming election. He said, “The civil servants are worst hit as the outgoing Dickson’s administration introduced a draconian regime through multiple taxation to shortchange them and take part of their meager salaries through the back door to keep them in perpetual poverty. “It is on record that Governor Dickson also starved the entire civil service of funds for the day-to-day

running of government business as well as denies civil servants of promotion on the excuse of lack of money to pay them on the next salary grade.” “It is against all known public service norms for a political appointee to practically take over all functions of the office of the Accountant-General of the State. Governor Seriake is running an administration that is solely operated by his cronies and therefore clearly not civil servants friendly.” ‘The government has also inflicted pains on the pensioners in the state by not paying their entitlements for months. The Sylva-Igiri Campaign Organization identifies with the pains of the pensioners and promise to clear all outstanding payments as soon as the APC takes over the affairs of government.”

Priscilla Dennis MINNA

iger state chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC said the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP should make public restitution to Nigerians and return all illegal wealth they had stolen from the nations’ treasury in the last 16 years. The party in a press statement signed by its publicity secretary, Mr. Jonathan Vatsa stated that if PDP truly want forgiveness, they should act honestly and sincerely by returning the all wealth they had stolen at the state and Federal levels. It would be recalled that the PDP recently begged Nigerians to forgive it of its 16 years of misrule. According to the statement, “It is a known fact that Nigerians have been gang raped financially for 16 years, so if the plea of the PDP to Nigerians is anything to go by and it is sincere from the heart, we

are calling on the past PDP governments of the last 16 years to make restitution to Nigerians publicly and return all illegal wealth they stole from their various states and Federal ministries. “It is only by doing this that Nigerians will know that PDP are truly sorry and repentant”. The party explained that if the PDP is still holding unto the nations’ wealth and are telling Nigerians they are sorry, then they are mocking the people and their apology is not genuine. “They should have it at the back of their minds that all illegal wealth they have acquired they will someday give account on the day of reckoning.” The statement further said “If the PDP wants to be free of its guilt and want Nigerians to forgive them, then they should act honestly and sincerely, and return all our wealth, including properties they use our wealth to acquire, back to the government.”

Politics

Friday, November 13, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Like Londoners, Lagosians deserve respect: LASG replies the Economist

Steve Ayorinde

he Lagos State Government has taken note of an article in the latest edition of The Economist magazine entitled “Paralysed: Why Nigeria’s largest city is even less navigable than usual” and has considered a rebuttal necessary, in view of the bile and bias contained in it. The said article has since gained frenetic, orchestrated spread in both social and traditional media in Nigeria, helped in part, ostensibly, by a push from a recalcitrant legion of traducers still struggling with the reality of a new helmsman whose idea of progress in Lagos State factors in electoral promises and respect for human dignity. If we excuse the fact that the offensive article in The Economist came out last weekend just about the time that Lagos State Government has added some bite to its security and traffic management efforts, what shall we call the curious ‘culling’ of the said article by some local media? For only last Friday, the media had widely reported Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s comprehensive enforcement effort on traffic management, which in a matter of days has already started yielding positive results and wooing converts to the Ambode cause. Is it not painfully obvious that fifth columnists have hijacked this one-sided reportage in The Economist that failed to take into account the bigger picture of an emerging reform policy, designed to address the larger concerns in the management of security, traffic and the environment? If we were to conclude hastily, like the article did, we would have described the magazine’s effort in the same words it once famously used as “an unpleasant nose-to-stranger’s-armpit experience.” But we won’t necessarily query the original motive by asking “what is it about foreign correspondents that makes them believe they are the ultimate authority” on a city they have only covered for a few years, as India’s Swarajya magazine did last year in taking The Economist to the cleaners when it ran a harsh report on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appearance at Madison Square Garden in the United States. However, because the magazine got its report on Lagos wrong on every score, what is important is to deconstruct the fallacies therein: Firstly, The Economist claimed Governor Ambode cut the powers of “traffic controllers by banning them from impounding cars” and “officers have refused to enforce the rules.” This is inaccurate and preposterous. In July, what the Governor did was to task the officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to release to the owners hoards of impounded vehicles that had clogged LASTMA offices for several months or years without claims or retrievals. What’s the use of turning a government agency into a junkyard thereby blocking space for other offending vehicles that could be taken in? The Governor also enjoined them to choose booking offenders through a ticketing system backed by the same type of technology used in licensing and tracking vehicles instead of impounding the vehicles as first option. If technology could work for vehicle licencing and tracking, why should we be timid of exploring a similarly convenient option that saves time and money and shows a more people-friendly approach to law enforcement? Both considerations, of course, arose out of the campaign promises that the governor made to voters. But to The Economist, this is inadequate and anything that falls short of a show of force and dehumanizing traffic offenders is unacceptable to this international magazine that used to stoutly stand for human rights and civic engagements. That The Economist sees nothing wrong in recalci-

Ambode

What the Governor did was to task the officers

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) of the

to release to the owners hoards of impounded vehicles that had clogged

LASTMA offices

trant officers refusing to carry out a directive by their employer is as surprising as it is shameful. Shockingly still, the veil finally came off this curious article when it states that by choosing a compassionate approach to enforcement, Governor Ambode is less competent and has deviated from his predecessor’s template. But what legacy has The Economist bequeathed to former Governor Babatunde Fashola? “Cars were terrified into order by a state traffic agency, LASTMA, whose bribe-hungry officers flagged down offending drivers.” This is clearly an uncharitable summation of traffic management under the last administration. It is disrespectful, even more condescending to the officers of LASTMA and to Lagosians in general for whom the magazine purports to be fighting. In any case, if indeed some officers were corrupt in LASTMA, by The Economist damning verdict, should Governor Ambode continue to maintain such a tainted template? Is this the magazine’s idea of the end justifies the means or it is negligible because this is Africa? Secondly, the magazine dismissed as mere excuses Governor Ambode’s explanations that the rains and the unprecedented influx of ‘internal economic migrants’ and escaped insurgents from the North-East were major causative agents of worsened gridlock and a slight rise in crime in traffic within the metropolis. It is curious how a magazine of this stature would ignore weighty intelligence reports from both the Assistant Inspector General of Police of the Zone 2 Command and the Lagos State Police Commissioner. While the latter said at a press conference last month that as military intervention intensifies in the belea-

guered North-East of Nigeria, insurgents are escaping and finding their ways into Lagos and a few other states, the latter said Lagos has witnessed an unprecedented influx of ‘migrants’ from other states in the last six months as harsh economic realities in the country bite harder, leaving 27 states struggling with payments of workers’ salaries. In a May 3, 2014 article, The Economist in ‘The Tube Strike’ publication had no qualms linking incessant tube strikes with disruptions in traffic situation in London, it even examined it along the larger socio-economic reality of the city. The magazine agreed that “in the past decade, passenger journeys have risen by 29%. As jobs became concentrated in central London, more people are traveling from outer suburbia…and that between 2003 and 2012 the average number of people entering the underground system in zone one – the most central – on a weekday morning rose by 23%, while the number entering in zone six rose by 41%.” But it refuses to accept that as the economies in many Nigerian states face sustainability challenge, the first point of call for internal migrants is Lagos where civil servants’ salaries are not owed; the Internally Generated Revenue is larger than those of 31 states in Nigeria combined and the Gross Domestic Product is larger than those of 42 African countries combined. Changes in demography could necessitate incessant strikes in London without The Economist recommending a “terrified into order” treatment that the magazine celebrates as the only language of enforcement in Lagos. Is the magazine advocating different standards for treating people in London and Lagos? If it is called traffic management in London, why is The Economist advocating a show-of-force treatment for Lagosians? Also, it alleges that “the biggest concern is that the gridlock is a sign of a breakdown in relations between security forces, government agencies and the new governor.” Not only is this assertion unprofessional, it is equally reckless and slanderous. The bile in this is unmistakable. But it came a tad late as the Governor has since rolled out an effective, comprehensive security and traffic management solutions with the active participation of every security stakeholder like the Police, the Directorate of State Services (DSS), Army, Navy and Air Force. On this solution that has since rolled out against every form of impunity on the roads, critical stakeholders like tank farm owners, and association of trailer, commercial motorcycles, tricycles, taxi and commercial bus owners have all pledged compliance to this method that favoured consultation and advocacy over force. Lagosians have since seen the difference and are full of commendation that the Governor they elected will get the job done without being a brute or playing to the gallery. For the avoidance of doubt, the monthly Security Council Meeting, which has the leadership of every security agencies in attendance, has never failed to hold since Governor Ambode became governor five months ago. The Security Trust Fund under him is well embraced by the corporate partners. The Governor certainly has a most cordial relationship with all the security forces in the state and is in firm control of all of its enforcement agencies. President Muhammadu Buhari won the April Presidential election in Nigeria in spite of The Economist’s reluctant, tongue-in-cheek endorsement of his candidacy. We are also aware of how Boris Johnson, the Conservative London Mayor, won his reelection in 2012 in spite of The Economist’s campaign that ‘London deserved better’ and the virulent accusation of the Mayor for dealing a blow on what the magazine called “London heritage and individual liberty” after Johnson decided to do away with some of his predecesor’s mass transit CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Femi Oyeweso ABEOKUTA

rominent elders in Ogun state, include the former judge of the International Court of Justice, ICJ, Prince Bola Ajibola, Olorogun Sunny Kuku, as well as an Ogun monarch, Oba Olufemi Ogunleye yesterday hailed the appointment of Mrs. Kemi Adeosun as the Minister of Finance by President Muhammadu Buhari. With particular reference to the strategic portfolio assigned to Adeosun as the nation’s Minister of Finance, Ogun elders who spoke with National Mirror yesterday in Abeokuta, the state capital emphasised that the president’s action attested to her excellent performance as the Finance Commissioner in the state between 2011 and 2015. President Buhari is already on the right course towards repositioning Nigeria’s economy amidst

Politics

Friday, November 13, 2015

Finance Minister: Ogun monarch, Ajibola, Kuku, others hail Buhari that of her global counterpart. In the words of Ajibola, the appointment of Adeosun as the Finance Minister portends “good omen to a better Ogun state and Nigeria.” The Octogenarian explained that the development has brought “respect and dignity to the entire Ogun state”, adding that Adeosun would not disappoint Nigerians. “She will re position that important key office for better performance and also make the country proud amidst comity of nations”. In his own comment, Olorogun Kuku, who described Kemi Adeosun as a seasoned technocrat, also expressed the confidence that the former Commis-

sioner for Finance in Ogun would reorganise the nation’s finances and also make the country proud again. Kuku, a co - founder of the EKO Hospital, Lagos, noted that with Adeosun and others on Buhari’s team, it shows that the President is indeed thinking and also harbours good intention to transform Nigeria positively. “Kemi is young but she has ideas, I have no doubt in my mind that she has great potential, she has done well in Ogun which is why she was recommended to the federal

level. I think the country is going to do well, she is going to do well. “The ministers are not supposed to be the only technocrats, technocrats should also be in the ministry and remain permanently there. I think what we really like to see as a country is change, change in our thinking and change in the way we approach things”, he said. Ogun monarch, Oba Olufemi Ogunleye, the Towulade of Akinale, Abeokuta said the appointment of Adeosun was based on her ingenuity and integrity which she displayed during the course of the Ibi-

kunle Amosun’s financial re-engineering in Ogun state within the period she served her state. “It is an attestation to her ability to manage the resources of the country based on her performance as the Finance Commissioner in Ogun state where she did well. So, her records still speaks for her. I am of the belief that she will not disappoint Nigerians”. Oba Ogunleye further lauded the entire ministerial list churned out by President Buhari’s administration which he said was based on their background and credibility, stressing

that the president is on the right course towards rebuilding the once bastardised economy of the nation. Also speaking with our correspondent, the renowned senior lawyer, Idowu Sofola said Adeosun’s appointment is a great sign that Ogun state is producing the number one Finance Officer in the cabinet of President Buhari “I am confident that she will prove the experience and expertise she is made of and use same to re - position and strengthens our economy”. he said.

Like Londoners, Lagosians deserve respect: LASG replies the Economist CONTINUED FROM PAGE14 and traffic policies. Perhaps, it is high time that this vaunted magazine learnt to restrict itself to strict journalism rather than seeking to impose jaded views in a volatile political climate where, we dare say, the gluttonous lot can choke on their own bile, almost hoping that the elections leading to the emergence of the governor could be held over again. Governor Ambode won a hard contest, at the polls and at the tribunal…up to the Supreme Court. He enjoys the full backing of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and majority of Lagosians who see in him a compassionate leader and competent manager of resources. He has demonstrated his mettle by first getting the finances of the state back in shape, restructuring a choking debt exposure from 18% interest rate to 12.5%, thereby freeing N3bn every month for the state to put into other pressing use. He has paid out N11bn in pensions to those neglected since 2010; signed 2.500 C of Os; constituted a forward-looking cabinet that has hit the ground running; fixed more than 200 roads across the state in what he calls Operation Zero Tolerance for Pot Holes and has flagged off a remarkable initiative with Local Governments that will have 114 roads (two per each of the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas) constructed with standard drainages, walk-ways and street lights. This Thursday November 12, he is declaring open the BRT corridor that links Mile 12 to Ikorodu, which in itself is preparatory to the launch later this month of an ambitious roll-out of 450 new set of mass transit buses and a dedicated special BRT service that will be direct from Ikorodu to Victoria Island. He is lighting up the entire metropolis in a matter of weeks and is finalizing on a major waterways expansion project. All these and more at a time that he is fortifying the security apparatus with a set of brand new patrol vehicles and power bikes as well as three helicopters to assist in surveillance. Governor Ambode’s great plans for Lagosians are not in doubt and are already being unfolded. He will get on with it while insisting that like Londoners, Lagosians too deserve good things of life…with some respect! Steve Ayorinde is the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy

Members of the PDP during the party’s convention in Abuja, yesterday

PDP chieftain lauds Buhari on ministers’ portfolios Kemi Olaitan

chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Senator Lekan Balogun, has described the composition of the Federal Executive Council, FEC as a strong one, which will deliver democ-

racy dividends to Nigerians. Speaking with the National Mirror yesterday, the Ibadan High Chief said he knows quite few of the ministers at personal level, stating that despite reservation about one or two of the ministers, Nigerians should give kudos to President Muhammadu Buhari,

for assembling best hands as members of his cabinet. He said, “I am quite familiar with some of the ministers and it is my belief that they will not disappoint Nigerians. For example, I know that ministers like Chief Audu Ogbeh, Mr. Babatunde Fashola and my brother and friend, Barris-

ter Adebayo Shittu, will do well. “With the portfolio given to the ministers, Nigerians should laud Mr. President for the wisdom to assemble such Nigerians that the generality of Nigerians hope will help him to deliver the dividends of democracy to them.”

Osun APC expresses satisfaction with Buhari’s cabinet Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

he All Progressives Congress, APC, Osun state chapter, yesterday expressed satisfaction with the outcome of President Mohammadu Buhari’s assembly of his cabinet members. The party in a statement in Osogbo by its director of publicity, research and strat-

egy, Barr. Kunle Oyatomi, said the outcome of the exercise demonstrated the depth of thinking that went into it, stressing that the allocation of portfolios to individuals in the cabinet was unique. According to the party, President Buhari has redeemed himself from the rash critics of those who had wanted him to move with the speed of lightening in a situation that re-

quires deliberate thinking and sorting before embarking on the race to reposition Nigeria and get appropriate people to steer its course into a prosperous future. The party said: “Even the worst of critics in the PDP will not attempt to do it because what Buhari has done with this cabinet is to put people with track records of performance and excellence in positions

where they have innate capacity to excel. “Nobody should underrate the depth of thinking and the level of painstaking rationalisation in distributing those positions to the specific individuals who got them. The near perfection and suitability of the ministers to the allotted ministries is an exercise that must have taken mental, intellectual and even spiritual attention.”

Editorial

Friday, November 13, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

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

Fate of local government autonomy

hat governance at the local government level nationwide is suffering is no longer being disputed. Same goes for the steel-like resolve of most states to pocket LGs and the funds accruing to them from the Federation Account, no thanks to the country’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), which in Part II (7) (1), expressly guarantees an system that is democratically elected; but in Section 162 (6) says provides for ‘State Joint Local Government Account’, “into which shall be paid all allocations to the LGs of the state from the Federation Account and from the Government of the State”. It is stranger than fiction seeing any state pay a dime into this account from its own resources for the benefit of LGs, as the nation’s constitution demands. On the contrary, states have been recklessly feeding fat from LG allocations from the Federation Account paid into the joint account. And because a hunting dog that tastes the sumptuous intestine of a porcupine is ever ready to be asked out for hunting, most states that have eaten the cuisine of LG allocations do not want to imagine being denied of the delicacy. In his capacity as Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), former Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State did say governors would

be relentless in their campaign against local government autonomy in the country. He said Nigerian governors were opposed to LG autonomy because they believed that councils should not be designated as federating units. Amaechi said the NGF, as a pressure group, would continue to push its opposition against LG autonomy through the now stillbirth constitutional amendment process that was ongoing then at the National Assembly. Indeed, most state Houses of Assembly, in the country, in the end, eventually rejected a constitutional amendment proposal for granting financial autonomy to LGs. For, in October 2014, the National Assembly transmitted to its counterparts in states 23 items it amended in the 1999 Constitution, which required the concurrence of two-thirds (24) of the country’s 36 state Houses of Assembly, in line with constitutional provisions. Among them was the proposal for LG financial autonomy. Not surprisingly, and to the obvious pleasure of Amaechi-led NGF, however, about 23 states rejected financial freedom for LGs, having voted against the proposal. Their reasons for so doing included purported irregularities in the LG Autonomy Bill; the lack of sustainability of the proposed autonomy; and immaturity of LGs to be left unchecked

IT’S A HUGE SHAME THAT GENUINE INITIATIVES TO BRING GOVERNMENT CLOSER TO THE PEOPLE AND IMPROVE GOVERNANCE ARE BEING SCUTTLED BY GOVERNORS AND STATE LAWMAKERS by the legislature in states. The states whose lawmakers stalled the proposal were listed as Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Borno, Yobe, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe and Kaduna. Others were Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Rivers, Cross River, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Enugu and Imo. On the contrary, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Ebonyi, Anambra, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Plateau, Niger, Kogi, Benue, Kwara and Abia voted for LG autonomy. Early in the week, however, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) insisted at a round table discussion the latter organised in Abuja that the much desired development at the LG level would remain a mirage for as long as LGs are not freed from colonization by states. Comrade Ayuba Wabba, the NLC President, stated,

ON THIS DAY November 13, 1974 Ronald DeFeo, Jr. murdered his entire family in Amityville, Long Island, United States, in the house that would become known as The Amityville Horror. DeFeo, Jr. (born September 26, 1951) is a US mass murderer tried and convicted for the 1974 killings of his father, mother, two brothers and two sisters. The case is notable for being the real life inspiration behind the book and film versions of ‘The Amityville Horror’.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

November 13, 2002 Iraq disarmament crisis: Iraq agreed to the terms of the United Nations’ Security Council Resolution 1441. The Iraq disarmament crisis was one of primary issues that led to the multinational invasion of Iraq on March 20, 2003. Iraq was widely believed during the 1980s of clandestinely producing and massively running biological, chemical and nuclear weapons’ programmes.

for instance: “…The issue of joint account should be looked into. I don’t think the joint account has served the purpose for which it was intended. If we all believe that the majority of our people live local government areas, then that is where development is needed most. So we will continue to canvass for (LG) autonomy”. The Guideline for Local Government Reform of 1976 outlined detailed parameters for LG autonomy. The document said such freedom would enable LGs to have substantial control over local affairs and their staff; vest in them institutional and financial powers to initiate and direct the provision of services; determine and implement projects to complement those of state and federal governments in their areas, as well as ensure, through the devolution of functions, that local initiatives and responses to local challenges were maximized. It’s a huge shame that genuine initiatives to bring government closer to the people and improve governance are being scuttled by governors and state lawmakers, who immorally bury their heads in sand like the proverbial ostrich, while majority of the people that voted them into their high offices and chambers and their communities, are wallowing in government neglect, rejection and underdevelopment.

x November 13, 2012 A total solar eclipse occurred in parts of Australia and the South Pacific. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun’s disk. Solar prominences can be seen along the limb (in red) as well as extensive coronal filaments. As seen from the Earth, a solar eclipse is a type of eclipse that occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, and the Moon fully or partially blocks the Sun.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Friday, November 13, 2015

Reasons for Boko Haram’s continuing threat Counter-terrorism Tips With

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

ince 2009, Nigeria has confronted an increasing transnational terrorism threat from Boko Haram, transnational because the perpetrators, victims, and affected institutions and governments cut across two or more countries. Given this situation, therefore, the adopted counterterrorism measures must involve transnational externalities. Moreover, preemptive actions such as infiltration, destruction of the sect’s camps, freezing of their assets and capturing operatives, must include international intelligence sharing and extradition of suspected terrorists to their original countries or where offences were committed for trial. We must admit that there exist potential damages and anxieties associated with modern day BH type terrorism that seeks a heightened level of death and destruction than the left-wing-dominated terrorism of the 1970s. With Boko Haram and other loosely linked terrorist networks such as ISIS, some West African countries, particularly those sharing common borders with Nigeria, face threats from this same group. The sect has heightened public anxiety by making its attacks appear random so that everybody feels endangered. In fact, these

attacks lately are not random but purposely directed at soft targets that institute fewer precautions. These anxieties are also augmented when this sect attacks our national assets and our people so that there appears to be no sanctuary. The system of taking action in order to prevent BH in the first place, or any group at all, precedes any defensive action because a pre-emptive decision may eliminate terrorist threat by decreasing the group’s resources and thereby lessening the need for defence. As a matter of fact, most defensive decisions does not greatly reduce the need for pre-emption, especially if the fundamentalists are determined to attack no matter how well targets are fortified. Today’s BH displays such determination. The right to self-defence, no matter which quarter it is coming from, has been a known phenomenon since time immemorial. From the outset, individuals, states and nations enjoyed the right of self-defence, both in domestic and international law. It is admitted that a right of self-defence applicable to nations and individuals are equally necessary for the preservation of all. The right of self-defence is a means of self preservation. Everyone has the right to defend himself or herself against an aggressor, and to respond using reasonable force when force has been used against him/her. However, to restrict and confine the use of force has become necessary in society, a necessity also shown by past two world wars that brought untold sorrow to mankind. The first strict

THE USE OF FORCE IN A COUNTERTERRORISM SITUATION IS USUALLY THE LAST OPTION AFTER EXHAUSTING ALL PEACEFUL MEANS prohibition of the use of force was enshrined in the United Nations Charter in 1945. It may be necessary to correct a long standing misconception on the adoption of offensive approach as the only recognisable counterterrorism policy. The notions of anticipatory attacks or pre-emptive attacks are mostly used as synonyms describing a preventive attack. This is wrong and misleading. Anticipatory attack is adopted and applied to describe military offensive against an imminent threat such as that posed by BH. On the other hand, preemptive attacks are adopted and employed to describe the response to a threat that is more remote in time. Thus, the necessity for the adoption of anticipatory force should stem from the assessment of the nature and magnitude of the threats involved. If the threat posed is of such that may inevitably warrant invoking the use of force, that force should reasonably be proportionate to the threats suffered from the group. The norm in our circumstances should have been the exhaustion of alternative means of settlement before the application

of force. The use of force in a counterterrorism situation is usually the last option after exhausting all peaceful means. This is so because before the current insurgency BH expressed its anger and grievances to avenge the death of its leader Mohammed Yusuf, and the FG has all the time in the world to employ all other possible means of settlement. No effort to unravel or at least deal with the root causes of its grievance. All that the FG did was the application of under reaction, thinking that the BH will just stop violence on its own accord. Moreover, by the time their actions and violence became more serious, panic set in, resulting to confusion, which is still the case till date. The first steps in any terrorism situation should be the possibility to freeze all foundations for a bourgeoning terrorism and prevent the sponsoring of terrorist group. Also deploying pressures from the various host communities for peaceful resolution of grievance means could have been equally useful. Had the entire country been united against Boko Haram from the onset, we could have been spared the raging insurgency. Had appropriate measures been taken after exhausting other available means and the threat still remained, then deployment of anticipatory force would have been better. Now, anticipatory attack may still be applied intermittently whilst other means of settlement explored underground. It would have necessary at this junction to involve counterterrorism experts, consultants and specialised agencies.

Appreciating the protean effects of music

BOBSON GBINIJE

ythagorean philosophers tend to agree that Eternity and Immortality are not the attributes of Man. But, they all agree that the ne plus ultra of nature, meditation and the pulchritude of life can be touched by the power inherit in music. Music is the art and science of rhythmic combination of tones, instruments and voices etc precipitating melodious and harmonious effusions that are pleasing to the ear and danceable etc. It carries with it a spiritual, sentimental, emotional and lachrymose force. Music is also a protean and multidimensional weapon and therapeutic elixir. Music is the architectonics and zeal of exuberance; the food of love and panacea for despondence. People who know its importance will prefer to see and hear decibels and chords eulogized than instruments wasted. The historian and poet Roman Rolland (1866-1945) in his book, ‘Musicians of the Past’, said: “The political life of a nation is only the most superficial aspect of its being. In order to know its inner life, the source of its action, one must penetrate to its soul by music, literature, philosophy and the arts, where are reflected the ideas, the passions, the dreams of a whole people”. In genetic engineering, it is believed that there is a chip implanted by nature in the human DNA that stimulates positive and in very few cases negative response and receptivity on hearing the sound of music. Hence,

MUSIC IS THE ARCHITECTONICS AND

ZEAL OF EXUBERANCE; THE FOOD OF LOVE AND PANACEA FOR DESPONDENCE the English playwright William Shakespeare observed in his book ‘The Merchant of Venice’ that “the man that hath no music in himself, nor is not moved with the concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treason, stratagems and spoils. Let no such man be trusted”. As human nature varies, so also the different musical creativity index and cerebral virtuosity inherent in man. Hence, the aesthetics and nuances in music are rooted in eclectics - a kind of cosmopolitan, multicultural, multidisciplinary and serendipitous fusion, reflecting the world’s global village phenomenon. It also intra-, inter-, and multireligious blending and fusion. As a language and feeling you need not be a Chinese man or woman to appreciate Chinese music. There is a natural intuitivism feeling that makes it appeal to you. You also need not be an American, British or African etc to love and appreciate each other’s music. Music has become a universal language without borders (apologies to Voice of America). The musicologist Edith Wharton, however, posited in her book ‘The Age of Innocence’, that “An unalterable and unquestioned law of the musical world required that the Ger-

man text of French operas sung by Swedish artists should be translated into Italian for the clearer understanding of English speaking audiences”. Music in Africa has graduated from the confines of traditional folklores, instrumentation, song titles and styles. Through eclectic formats we have become the cynosure of the world with music like highlife, Sakara, Meringue, Cha-cha-cha, Juju, Apala, Fuji, Speldabuc, Afro-Beat, etc. African music, musicians and musicologists have done very well in blending highlife, afro-beat and other formats in producing very trending patterns. The great works of Bobby Benson, Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson, Fire Flies, Victor Olaiya, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, I.k. Dairo, Manu Dibango, Hughes Makesela, Mariam Makeba, Victor Uwaifo, Sunny Okosun, Dan Maraya Jos, Ebenezar Obey, Sunny Ade, Orlando Owoh, Osibisa, Shina Peters, Dele Abiodun, Oliver de Couque, and Geraldo Pino among many others are beauties to behold. The protean formats of Dizzy Gillespie, Otis Redding, James Brown, Wilson Picket, Sam Cooke, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Rolling Stones, Bum Benton, Michael Jackson, The Monkeys, Dynasty, Hot Chocolates, Isaac Hayes, Barry White, Teddy Pendergrass, Grover Washington, George Benson, Dias Muhammad, Stanley Turrentune, the Crusaders, Bob Marley, Jim Reeves, Don Williams, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Paton, Jimmy Cliff and others too numerous to mention stand out. Indeed, music is consistent with the obser-

vation of John Armstrong (1709-1779) in his book, ‘Preserving Health’, that “Music exalts joy, allays each grief, expels diseases, softens every pain, and subdues the rage of poison and the plague”. The trend in contemporary hip-hop is dwarfish in its lyrics and depth of instrumentation, but highly danceable. It appeals to the guts and not to effusions of spirituality and emotions. In all, music in contemporary Africa has taken on a global trendiness and quick silver kaleidoscopic frequency of change. This is good for the music industry and its growth. The government, musicians of all genres, recording studios, promoters and various institutions involved with music must establish a functionally viable partnership for the development of music in Nigeria and Africa. Musical bodies should stop the politics of attrition and strategically reposition themselves to develop the musical industry thereby enhancing their own welfare. The reintegration and rehabilitation of Majek Fashek is a task that must be done. Chief Gbinije, founder of Mandate against Poverty wrote from Warri, Delta State. Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

Mail Mirror

Friday, November 13, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Waste and risk of cancer

W We are yet to see the promised change

aste is the unwanted material that could be dispensed with. It can also be defined as substance which is no longer useful to man. This substance must, however, be handled with care so that it does not constitute dan-

ger to public health. Waste materials do a lot of things when brought to the landfills: They emit greenhouse gas in form of methane, which although could be used to generate energy, yet it is generally hazardous to health. Waste materials buried

in landfills also tend to leach chemicals that can contaminate ground water. Wastes could be incinerated, but the problem with incinerators is that they also produce greenhouse gas and other forms of toxin such as dioxin. Dioxin is found to

hen few weeks after Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari assumed office as the president of of Nigeria, we experienced improved electricity supply in Ado Ekiti, and by extension Nigeria. By this development I thought within myself that the big men that purchased PHCN’s unbundled companies had succeeded in sabotaging former President Goodluck Jonathan’s effort at giving Nigerians stable power supply since it was so obvious that President Buhari hadn’t done anything significant to warrant the improvement we experienced within those few weeks after he assumed office. I could remember I discussed the power improvement with the Special Assistant to Governor Ayodele Fayose on New Media and Communications, Lere Olayinka back then and he attributed the improvement to the rainfall we experienced at that time, he said that was the norm when we have much water at the dams, I disagreed with him. I told him the improvement was borne out of the fear that licences granted this electricity distribution companies may be withdrawn by the new administration if what we experienced in the past continued. Those thoughts that ran through my mind are here again. Is it that those in charge of electricity have discovered that President Buhari can only bark and not bite or that a compromise has been reached to continue to protect this people’s interest to our detriment? The decline is nationwide, not just in my neighbourhood. I sincerely hope Pa Buhari will do something, and quickly too for as it is, nothing seems to have changed six months after. No one has been jailed for corruption, only PDP stalwarts are being interrogated by the EFCC while some allegedly corrupt APC chieftains moves freely; confirmed pen robbers now confirmed ministers; FERMA no longer working; our roads remaining where GEJ left them; and petrol costing more; those who know about the economy say we are in trouble; Ajaokuta steel company not yet working, unemployment unabated, and Boko Haram still killing people in the North. Politics apart, nothing has changed has changed in Naija. Bola Agboola, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Letters to the Editor

Making money from waste.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

The Nigerian Police and Auta Bako

he attitude of the Nigerian Police towards Auta Bako, one of their own, is very revolting and should be condemned by the general public. More importantly the police authorities should look into her case before it is too late. Auta Bako as a police officer discharged her duties diligently. One morning eight years ago, she reported for duty as usual and shortly after she was called and served a dismissal letter without any explanation. It was strange but real. Thereafter, she began her investigation in order to unravel the reasons behind her ordeal. She discovered in the course of her investigation that the dismissal letter was not meant

for her, because it carried the force number of another police officer. However, Ms Bako has been unrelentingly trying to get the attention of the concerned police authorities to correct the mistake and give her the job back, but unfortunately those concerned are not ready to listen to her. However, funny enough, despite the fact that she has been discharged from the service for about eight years ago now, her salary and allowances never stopped coming. The question is who has been enjoying this largesse for eight years running! This is a poser for the police authorities. I have regularly listened to the mantra that “the police are

Lagos is beginning to work again

he recent constitution of the Lagos State Executive Council by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has completely changed the tempo of governance in the state for good. Before now the new government of Ambode was beginning to experience the cynicisms with which Lagosians react to any government perceived too slow to addressing the numerous challenges of the boisterous and hyper-

active state. One area of positive change is transportation. The past one week has seen improvements in service delivery by the fleet of buses in the BRT urban transport template. They now arrive on time to cut down the waiting period for commuters. Lagos is now working. Eko o ni baje o! Tosin Adetayo, Alapere, Ketu

your friend”. If police cannot be a friend to one of their own, how could they be a friend to an outsider? I have being following the Auta Bako’s issue with keen interest and I can vouch that she has gone to many places, seeking the attention of the concerned authorities in order to get justice, yet the needed attention is yet to be given to her. I would like to use this medium to appreciate Mr. Ahmed Isa, aka Ordinary Ahmed, who is the president and founder of Brekete Family, for his unrelenting efforts in making sure Auta gets justice. As a matter of necessity, justice and fairness, the Nigerian Police must satisfactorilyy explain why another officer’s number is used to dismiss Auta Bako, and also why her salary and allowances have not been stopped ever since. More importantly, let them also find out who is that felon confidently and happily enjoying her salary and allowances for the past eight years. The relevant authorities should please intervene into this matter. Auta Bako’s unlawful dismissal has put her into hand-to-mouth condition; something has to be done before she turns into something dreadful. Awunah Pius Terwase, Mpape, Abuja (08179289948)

cause cancer, whether waste is brought to a landfill or incinerator, it seems like it is a potential source of pollution and thus a threat to health. Although indirectly, waste causes resource depletion due to the common buying pattern: buy, throw away and then buy again. As the waste piles up high, the demand for more products also rises, almost exhausting the natural resources. This has spiral effects including threats to biodiversity, deforestation, pollution and other environmental problems. A clean environment is considered important by many Nigerians and this is the prong for governments’ primary programme on good health for all. There are still lapses here and there, leading to the need for environmental sanitation. Environmental sanitation is perhaps the most obvious element in environmental management, but certainly not the most important. Its significance lies in its effectiveness in raising and maintaining a healthy environment. Waste management has become a major issue in urban areas because of the increasing gap between the prolific level of waste generation and the limited technological capacity for evacuation. Education and awareness campaign play a great role in waste management, because not all people are aware that the one piece of waste material they are sending to landfills or incinerators constitutes a great threat to the environment. Presently, calls to recycle and waste reduction are widely active; various campaigns and projects are launched every day, adding more noise to the earlier advocacies on proper waste management. Waste recycling plays a vital role in waste management, and consistent waste reduction and recycling activities mean there will be less waste materials to be sent to landfills and incinerators. As such, the emission of greenhouse gas and other forms of pollutants will be greatly reduced. Reusing and recycling of used items will also result in less production of new products and this helps in the conservation of natural resources. There is need in understanding the importance of waste management because unless it is acknowledged by all people, waste management efforts will not progress to further heights. Omobusola Morakinyo, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

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

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

Stakeholders move against sexual harassment in Nollywood Isiguzo Destiny

as it was late at night. She insisted that it was an emergency and pleaded with me to give her the address of my hotel. Reluctantly, I gave her the address. I met her at the bar and she was seductively dressed. She said she needed to be in the movie and came to do her own audition in my room. She said she would have oral sex with me and make my night. I felt pity for her and asked why she was doing this and she said it was the way to rise in the industry. Out of pity, I cast her in my movie and urged her not to let sex become the key to her career. It was quite an awkward moment for me. Head or tail, the bottom line by these crusaders against corruption in the industry is that audition is free and no aspiring actress should pay in cash or in kind for any movie role. This position was buttressed by Uzo Philips who

Head or tail, the bottom line by these crusaders against corruption in the industry is that audition is free and no aspiring actress should pay in cash or kind for any

SLAD hosts Walk against Diabetes

argued that: “A proverb in my place says that one must first drive away the devouring wolf and then take in the straying fowl and admonish her thoroughly. What this means is that as we point our fingers at those who live to oppress our upcoming talents through sex and money we also should look at the victims who have failed to watch or look before they leaped into the waiting hands of the devouring wolves Some of the campaign tags include: “Talent is it, no sex, no cash for roles”, “Don’t violate us for roles”, “no sex for roles in Nollywood”, “Talent is power give it a chance in Nollywood”, etc. Uzo Philips commended artists like Vincent De Annointed who has joined in the campaign against impunity in Nollywood. He said in a Facebook post that: “I have been feeling so happy

LAD, Saving Lives African Foundation in conjunction with AGN and COSON and other celebrities will stage a walk to create awareness against diabetes. SLAD is coordinated Obi Madubogwu, a film producer. Participants will gather at National Stadium, Surulera. The walk takes place tommorrw at 8am.

movie role.

WEEKEND STARTERS Power, the Oil and the Execution

film on Saro Wiwa who was hanged to death, alongside 8 other Ogboni activists, by a military junta under the late General Sani Abacha on Friday 13 November 2015 at 4pm. Saro-Wiwa held peacefully campaigns against the multinational oil firms‘ pollution of the Ogboni community, and government’s complacency towards such practices. The screening of this film is in collaboration with Lagos Film Society and Lagos Book and Arts Festival and will hold at Freedom Park, Lagos.

and elated since today. Why I’m sure you are asking now. I have been happily encouraged because the campaign against corruption in Nollywood which I started like joke, like joke has started spreading like it’s supposed to be. “I excitedly read a heartwarming post by Vincent De Annointed echoing exactly what my heart has yearned to hear from more people especially in the industry. My greatest support has come strongly from female artistes who have been so willing to allow me uses their photographs for my campaign photo promos. I am highly indebted to them and to those who have followed, liked, and made wonderful and encouraging comments on my posts. I’m also grateful to those who have made and posted their own photo promos in support of the campaign and the bloggers who have written special columns in support of my BETTER NOLLYWOOD CAMPAIGNS. The open involvement now of practitioners like Vincent De Annointed is a milestone that has increased my zeal and fire for the campaign and has confirmed my belief that we will succeed and Nollywood will be better.

Live Jazz Concert

our German internationally-renowned saxophone instrumentalists and composers Dirk Raulf, Andreas Kaling, Wollie Kaiser and Jan Klare storms Freedom Park, Old Prisons Grounds, Lagos for Nigeria’s first all-bass saxophone quartet live in concert. On Saturday 14th November 2015 at 7pm. Venue is Freedom Park, Lagos.

Critics P. 22-23

Online campaign posters

Inside FCT P. 24-25

Arty

takeholders in the industry has risen to combat sexual harassment in Nollywood with producers, directors, script writers and actors lending their voices to the issue of extorting upcoming actors and actresses and sexually harassing them to the extent some of the unwilling young girls are raped. Friday Flavour gathered that some of the sex wolves that parade themselves as producers and directors often use various antics in luring unsuspecting aspiring female actresses to their traps especially, by staging phantom auditions at hotels where they invite these girls at their hotel rooms to play extra roles with their pants down. In a chat with phone chat with Emeka Ike, he confirmed that there are a lot of cases where aspiring female actresses were sexually harassed and revealed that he is handling a rape case with the president of the Lagos chapter of AGN against a producer who raped an upcoming female actress in his hotel room after the girl refused to yield to the producer’s sexual advances. This producer is well known in the industry and is said to be in the business of staging auditions that turns out to be mirages just to recruit girls to gratify his uncontrollable libido. This pathetic story and many more may have informed this campaign which started online and spearheaded by Amayo Uzo Philips who has recruited many young artists and Nollywood screen heavy weights to raise awareness that auditions are free and do not require any gratification whether in cash or in kind. Though there is a double edge to this issue, due to claims by some directors and producers that these girls voluntarily throw their selves to them just to feature in their films. Ken Okafor was narrated an experience that: “When I was shooting my first movie, Dangerous Licence, I got a call from an actress asking me where I was. I told her I was in my hotel room. She said she really wanted to see me but I told her we would see on set the next morning

News p. 32, 33

Friday, November 13, 2015

Flavour

Mirror Mongers P. 26

Artman In The House

Friday, November 13, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oxford Gardens is love story wrapped International filmmaker, Obi Emelonye is not new when it comes to making blockbusters in Nollywood. From ‘The Mirror Boy’, ‘Last Flight to Abuja’ to ‘Thy Will Be Done’ and ‘Onye Ozi’, he has always dictated the pace with his works. As part of the Africa Magic Original Films project, he has just completed a new film, Oxford Gardens, which he shot in London, United Kingdom. In this interview with NGOZI EMEDOLIBE, he talks about the work and life. Excerpts.

Obi

xford Gardens is not the typical Nollywood title; is it an attempt to take Nollywood to a more global audience? Nollywood does not need Obi Emelonye to take it to a global audience. Nollywood is already a global phenomenon. The world has suddenly taken notice of this entrepreneurial film industry that was started from nothing by untrained, semi-educated traders in a Nigerian market. At first, the world was laughing at the quality or lack of in our mainly predictable linear narratives, not to mention our melodramatic acting. But when the Nollywood school of thought evolved a global movement of digital democracy: people telling their own stories by themselves with little more than a small digital camera and bags of guts and pride; the laughter turned into tense global curiosity. Then the Nollywood industry became the second largest film industry in terms of volume of feature-length production and hit the 2 billion dollar mark in its contribution to the Nigerian economy, suddenly transforming the suspicious curiosity into a bold global cinema identity; one that I am so proud to be associated with. No, I am defined by Nollywood. I am not worthy of holding a candle to that phenomenon. I had to get that out of the way. Now to the core of your question; my lecturer Esiaba Irobi (bless his soul) used to say that.... ‘a title should be like a mini skirt, long enough to cover the subject matter but short enough to be sexy’. In an industry that produces thousands of films annually, one has to strive to stand out in every sphere; in quality of storytelling,

in the thematic direction of the film and even in the profundity of the titles. The bulk of the story in Oxford Gardens happened in a park called Oxford Gardens and the entire story, although dealing with African central characters, is set in London. So the name Oxford Gardens is apt, short, and sweet and dare I say, different. You have a flair for themes in films, what is Oxford Gardens portraying? Obi Emelonye digs deep to explore stories that our young industry has ignored for some reason or another. In 2011, it was The Mirror Boy which attempted to see Africa through the eyes of a 12 year old London-born African boy. Last Flight to Abuja, a year later dealt with the glamorous world of aviation with its excitement, glitz and unfortunately, crashes. In all of these projects, I was seeking a new vista from which to see our common existence. In Oxford Gardens, I have attempted to tell a moving love story, wrapped in boxing gloves. Nigeria has produced great boxers, old and new. However, for some reason, Nollywood has ignored stories around boxing in spite of boxing’s gritty nature that would lend itself easily to cinematography. Boxing films over the years have been hugely successful

globally because they stir potent emotions in audiences, as the Rocky series and more recently Cinderalla Man and Southpaw have proved. Oxford Gardens is a film about boxing and not a boxing film. It takes some of the elements that make boxing films successful; sympathy for the underdog, blood, sweat, tears; and weaves them into a narrative that is an allegory for our broader fight for love, life and our place in the world. Oxford Gardens tells the moving story of an ex-boxer, released from jail, down on his luck and in search of redemption. He meets a vivacious young lady with a dark secret on a park bench in Oxford Gardens, London and together they form an unlikely friendship which helps them to rise above their various challenges to a stoic acceptance of whatever life throws at them. How technically detailed is this film? As the say ‘the devil is the detail’. In Last Flight to Abuja, we attempted to crash a plane on a shoe-string budget. It was a huge lesson. As part of the story in Oxford Gardens, there is a very important accident scene where a young girl is killed. I told my team that if we can make this scene work, with a level of visual realism and hence believability, then we would have made this great story special. So, we enlisted the help of the stunt co-ordination team that worked on big budget films like Skyfall and Johnny English. Their remit was, make this accident scene the best that has been seen in an African film. By God’s grace, they did succeed. I think, beyond the boxing and beyond the moving medical elements in the film, ‘that accident scene’ would probably remain the longest lasting legacy for Oxford Gardens. You have to see it to believe it. Who are the members of cast and crew? And what directorial influences did you have on them? The cast is led by Ngoli Okafor. I was looking for an international actor that had professional experience in boxing

Obi

to make the fight scenes real and believable. And he was perfect. He was Golden Gloves (height of amateur boxing in America) Heavyweight champion... twice. He is a Hollywood actor that has been in films with the likes of Catherine Zeta Jones. He is a super model and the most downloaded black male model online. And he is Nigerian and wants to bring his experience to Nollywood. He plays this ex-boxer, down on his luck and in search of redemption. So you have a fresh, great-looking and imperiously

For some reason, Nollywood has ignored stories around boxing in spite of boxing’s gritty nature that would lend itself easily to cinematography. Boxing films over the years have been hugely successful globally because they stir potent emotions in audiences, as the

Rocky series and more recently Cinderalla Man and Southpaw have proved. Oxford Gardens is a film about boxing and not a boxing film. Ngoli Okafor in the new film

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Artman In The House

Friday, November 13, 2015

in boxing gloves –Emelonye competent leading man for Nollywood audiences to get their teeth into. The leading lady is Ngozi Thompson Igwebike with whom I worked in Onye Ozi (The Messenger). She plays Munachi, a vivacious young girl with a dark secret and an infectious enjoyment of life. There are also great performers like Savanah Roy, Iffy Chukwu, Princess Abiye, Frank Ani, and Nnenna Ani. Then there is D’Richy my daughter, making her debut. I worked very closely with my wife Amaka Obi-Emelonye on this film, more than any other. And it was refreshing to have a team member who had your back, literally and figuratively and one who saw things from all perspectives; personal, and official. For my crew, I returned to Keidrych Wasley, the Director of Photography that I worked with on Thy Will Be Done. He brings with him a great craft in cinematography and lighting. And they say, ‘better the devil you know...’. I enlisted the up port of a young Nigerian producer, Jumafor Ajogwu (producer of Murder at Prime Suites) as one of the producers on Oxford Gardens and he brought a certain youthful energy and solutional perspective on all challenges we faced. Oxford Gardens was made in collaboration with Africa Magic and the team from MNet led by Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu and Solafunmi Oyeneye made life easy for the project with their care and expertise. All in all, filmmaking is a team sport and I am glad I put together a great team that has delivered this excellent, seminal film. Your daughter got a part in the film. What qualified her for the part other than she is your daughter? There is an 8 year old character in the film that had an emotional journey. I have not been one to push my family with my projects. My wife and I believe that children should be protected from the glare of public scrutiny and we have resisted the temptation to put our children in our films, just for the sake of it. D’Richy attends drama classes and has

played lead roles in school plays. She is also a very emotive person and we felt the role will be a perfect opportunity for her to launch her interest in the arts. It was, I would say, one of the best casting decisions that I made in this film because she dug deep into her soul to find one of the best impassioned performances I have seen from a child actor. Obviously, it helps that this is mummy and daddy’s film, but she has earned her position and justified her role with a classy performance that is haunting. What is the nature of partnership between Nollywood Factory and Africa Magic as regards Oxford Gardens? Africa Magic has been at the forefront of the development of Nollywood. It was they that took a chance on the ramshackle young industry by devoting a pay channel to Nollywood films. This singular effort put Nollywood in living rooms in over 40 African countries and consolidated the influence of the Nigerian film industry across the African continent. This was at a time when the mainstay of Nollywood’s business model, VHS/DVD was declining globally as a means for distributing content. Africa Magic, through their licensing fees, provided what was an additional or alternative revenue source for Nollywood filmmakers. With trends in the industry and Africa Magic’s strategic re-evaluation of their relationship with Nollywood, these licensing fees from Africa Magic have suddenly become the main source for Nollywood producers to recoup their investment and make a profit. Not content with paying what is above-market value for Nollywood content, a few years ago, Africa Magic started a new programme of co-productions with notable filmmakers. AMOF (Africa Magic Original Films) was born. AMOF was aimed at supporting the industry in a period of dwindling returns on investment because of the demise of the DVD and stunted development of the cinema sector. Africa Magic would provide budget for film projects and share the ensuing rights with the producers / directors. This kept filmmakers and artistes in work and devised a more sustainable but frankly speaking, more expensive means of content acquisition for Africa Magic. Oxford Gardens is produced by The Nollywood Factory Ltd in collaboration with Africa Magic under the broad principles of AMOF. It is the second in a series of films slated to be made in the coming months under that strategic partnership. When is the film officially premiering? Oxford Gardens opens in Nigerian cinemas on the 18th of December 2015. It would be premiered in an exclusive gala event on the same day at Genesis Deluxe Cinema Lekki, Lagos. Aside the cinema should your fans expect online premieres? Because of the rights structure in the film, online distribution come under Africa Magic remit and I am unaware how they wish to exploit that right. I am

Emelonye and family

aware that there is a new online platform for MNet and I am positive people can also access the film there. What are the challenges you encountered in this production? Filmmaking is a very challenging enterprise. From finding the finance to choosing the right materials and right team, and then, translating the cold ideas on a page into a cinematic experience. ‘No be small wahala at all’. But on Oxford Gardens, we were pressured by the risks in the stunt co-ordination. Then there is the small matter of losing two days of sound, which resulted in ADR and a whole bunch of sound solutions. It has been challenging but exciting and I am grateful to God for His grace. Will Oxford Gardens be travelling soon to festivals? It will be coming to a screen near you, be it in a cinema, at a special screening or as part of a film festival. It will also be on Africa Magic showcase, DSTV chan-

nel 151 in the coming months. So watch out for it and ask yourself, ‘if today’s your last day on earth, how would you spend it?’ Can you put a cost to this project? I do not like to talk about money. Nollywood is a school of thought that squeezes every ounce of commercial value from budgets that would not shoot a short film in other territories. This film, through its meagre budget reaffirms that viewpoint. My 15 years of filmmaking experience, including contacts and favours have gone into making Oxford Gardens. Not to mention the non-monetary might of MNet’s Africa Magic in the African entertainment space. Having said that, this film, cost a bit more than the average Nollywood film. However, whatever money in the project has been spent on what the audience can see. So the result is a great film, with outstanding technical quality and intentional ambitions, made from a fraction of what the cost should be.

With colleagues at 2015 Nollywood Week Festival Paris

I worked very closely with my wife, Amaka ObiEmelonye on this film, more than any other. And it was refreshing to have a team member who had

your back, literally and figuratively and one who saw things from all perspectives; personal, and official

Critics

Friday, November 13, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THEATRE

Resolving conflict of identity in theatre

Another look at why ‘Belong’, a stage play will continue to thrill theatre audiences Ogah Ocheche

agos is now characterised by various theatrical performances for lovers of stage business to enjoy the fun embedded in the creative industry. It is glaring that the level of patronage that live theatre receives, is increasing geometrically on daily basis and the standard infused into stage performances, also taking a better leap. This year is never an exception as both the Lagos Mainland and Island have got busy with various outstanding theatre productions, one of which is the ‘Belong’ performance. Conflict of identity is a crucial phenomenon that has been battling with some individuals; identity of place, person and time. Some people have over the years rebuffed their origin, probably because development created an option for them in a preferred geographical setting. These issues are being treated in the story ‘Belong’ written by Bola Agbaje, UK based Nigerian playwright, directed by Tosan Ugbeye and produced by Shola

BOOK Here is Hon Ipoola Ahmed Omisore’s view, on contemporary Nigerian issues and politics Badejo Nurudeen

t includes an account of his stewardship, marital life lessons, Yoruba and family history, general tips and wise sayings. The book contents are from his daily social media posts from 2010-2015. Divided into five sections and 14 chapters, section 3 deals largely with marital life in the context of weakening family values arising primarily from marital crisis in our society, it is common knowledge that the institution of family and marriage are in endangered these days. The author dwells on the vagaries and challenges of marital life, family, love and sex. He place emphasis on home building, the age-long rivalry between mothers and wives, the importance of love in marriage (in actual fact, he encourages men not to give 100% love to their wives, suggesting 90% while the remaining 10% should be tied to the success of the marriage), according to him sex is a strong aspect in marriage. Both chapters 7 and 8 advice a man needs patience to be a good husband, though I disagreed. As a politician of the progressive circle, he eulogizes with fanaticism his leader and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola

Adenugba at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Belong was first acted in London at the Royal Court Theatre in 2012. It is a story that deals with situations of identity. Unlike some stage plays with upcoming faces dominating the stage, the producer of Belong assembled veterans in the Nigerian Live theatre to do

justice to the play. Toyin Oshinaike who plays the character of Kayode and Dolapo Oni as Rita are both resident couple in London. Rita has got so glued to the British culture that she detests her native country. In solidifying their stay in London, Kayode decides to take a giant stride to Parliament through election, but he

Issues in politics Ahmed Tinubu as a man with a lion’s heart who bestrides the country’s political space like a colossus. To him, Tinubu is a master planner, a phenomenon and a generous personality. From pages 79-87, the author gives an account of his stewardship; including the empowerment of 350 women and 250 youths in Ojokoro, free pre-WASCE lectures, 200 free medicated eye glasses, free exercise books, one day hounourable programme, youth football challenge and his visit to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) to settle the medical bill of a patient abandoned by his family and friends after an accident. He also defends his membership of the House of Assembly at 66 with a biblical proclamation! Also, refers to an incident that almost made him quit the social media when someone called him as a clown; but thank God, he kept faith. One very important aspect of this book is the author’s unwavering belief in the indivisibility of the country. He looks at those issues troubling Nigeria as dashed hopes, religious folly, insurgency in the north, Islamic banking, failed agendas, petroleum subsidy removal, the crave for private jets by Nigeria’s bigwigs, state of infrastructure, the rich versus the masses, and graduate unemployment ( a time bomb). And he offers workable solutions. Interestingly, the mentions the late Dele Giwa, the well-known Journalist killed by a letter bomb in 1986, saying they both attended the same primary and secondary school. They completed their secondary education in 1967

On the whole, this is a good book. However, publication of feedback from his audience would have enriched the book

according to Omisore. A whole section of the book (section 4) is devoted to Yoruba and Ile-Ife history. Omisore has his roots in Ile-Ife, and he gives a picture of his family history dating back to his earliest progenitors. Readers are taken on historical from the First Republic to the present. Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Akintola, Sir adesoji Aderemi and great Ile-Ife indigenes like Chief Ajani Anibijuwon Omisore (the author’s progenitor), Reverend Kayode (Femi Fani-Kayode’s grandfather) Reverend Cole, R.A. FaniKayode, SAN, Chief Alex Duduyemi (former Paliamentary secretary to Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa), Chief Ijiwoye, Chief Adeyera, Barrister Micheal Omisade are given prominence in this chapter. Chapter 13 is basically to celebrate the author’s immediate family, most especially his aged mother, wife and children, while the last section (15) is devoted to general tips and wise sayings about life and development by great political leaders, former presidents, the Bible and others. It is to serve as a guide for anyone aspiring to greater heights. On the whole, this is a good book. However, publication of feedback from his audi-

fails, having sacrificed his career to misguided allegations about the racism of his equally black political opponent. To save the situation, Fola (Bimbo Akintola) appears in the picture. She is deeply into the Nigerian dream and would do anything to persuade émigrés to return home- Nigeria. Her convincing manner-

e n c e would have enriched the book. One must commend Hon. Omisore, 66, and indeed a grandfather, for his consistent commitment in terms of time and energy to social media for five years (2010-2014) and at odd hours (3am-6am). More importantly, he deserves praise for bearing the insults associated with social media platforms. This book has shown the positive side of social media. *Badejo Adedeji Nurudeen is a Lagosbased writer

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Critics

Friday, November 13, 2015

It is not the

MUSIC

responsibility of those who have got soaked in the culture

Sodimu’s Pele Pele

of another land to come and effect a change in

Nigeria,

rather, those at home

ism and ‘proposal’ gets into Kayode and he decides to take a thoughtful break to visit his mother (Taiwo Ajai-Lycett) in Nigeria. Mama had earlier adopted Kunle (OC Ukeje), a former “area boy”, with the intention of turning him into a Local Politician to juice out the best in him. On the other hand, another desperate politician, Chief Olowolaye (Tunji Shotimirin) with the attitude of ‘Godfatherism’ is typical of a shady, wolfish and frantic leader. He grooms Kunle as his loyalist. Kayode’s visit to the country sprouts a conflicting interest between him and Chief Olowolaye. Kayode who never believes in the ideology of Chief Olowolaye tries to turn Kunle against him, after a clash. To frustrate the Chief and bring forth his political ideology of creating a positive change, he then picks up interest in contesting. As that ensues in Nigeria, Rita and Fola are busy tackling it out in London; Fola striving to change Rita’s mentality into conforming to her identity- Nigeria, while Rita has fully erased the Nigerian personality. In a nutshell, Kayode who initially wants to rule in a British way eventually changes his mind as he converses with the people in a language that they understand thereby winning their hearts. Rita got convinced by Fola to come into Nigeria and see things for herself. On her arrival, she discovers Kayode’s political ambition in the country which shocks her. Kunle is made to turn against Chief Olowolaye. Kayode is at the end left with the choice of either staying to fight the injustice in the country or retire to London with his wife. And the play ends leaving the audience to fix the end from their own perspective. The full length piece tells of the challenges of being a ‘Diasporan’, deals with love, and explores the theme of gained and missed opportunities. Furthermore, it questions the notions of identity as many people go through life questioning where they truly belong. One area that the play also addresses is the fact that it is not the responsibility of those who have got soaked in the culture of another land to come and effect a change in Nigeria, rather, those at home should do that with all sincerity of purpose. Expectedly, the setting so unusual as the play was presented in a Theatre-onthe-round stage, which gets the audience really closer to the performers. The characters inserted an unusual energy into the play. And the directorial style also assisted to aid the play. The question of where does every one belong and where do they want to truly attach their identity to, lingers in the play. In all, origin should not be forgotten! Without doubt, this is a production Nigerians would be willing to see again and again.

He warmed our hearts with hits in the late 90s. Today, he has a single, ‘Pele Pele’ for his fans.

igerian born international artiste, Seyi Sodimu who is now based in Nigeria, has released a brand new single titled Pele Pele, which is a re-make of juju music maestro turned gospel musician, Ebenezer Obey’s Ore mi se pele pele. The artiste that is popularly referred to as Seyi, who is one of the pioneers of the new Nigerian music sound, has been absent from the music scene for a while to pursue other business ventures including real estate, fashion, automotives, and many other businesses. His last single Gbedu was released two years ago. Seyi’s style of music is called Afro-soul which is a fusion of African music, soul and high-life. His style is termed adult contemporary and is geared towards a mature crowd while at the same time appealing to the youth and the masses. This new single is supposed to be the first in a series, and subsequent singles will follow to mark his return to the Nigerian music scene. The new single is bound to be a big hit from all indications. Also, the video was directed and shot by Sesan Ogunro of Film Factory in a serene location in London. On this project Seyi

Sodimu worked with master producer Shizzi (Seyi Akerele) and Bankulli of Bankulli Entertainment for A&R and direction of the whole project. The musician’s ability to sing was tested and proven in this new song Pele Pele. The horns arrangement with a compliment of the sax is a delight to the ears; a clear testimony that Seyi is miles ahead in the genre of music he has helped made popular in Nigeria. Little wonder he says Pele Pele is “beautiful music, for beautiful people”. Seyi Sodimu was born in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, located in the western part of the continent. He grew up in Lagos. While growing up in Nigeria, he was influenced by various genres of music-highlife, juju and afro beat. This indigenous music is the basis of Seyi’s style of music. After his high school education, where he majored in the arts, He travelled to America (Washington DC) for his University education. This was where he began his musical pursuits. Seyi’s style of music takes the traditional African rhythms of highlife, juju and afrobeat. He sings smoothly in English and Yoruba (his native African language) and sometimes accenting his music with Yoruba chants. He writes all his songs. His style of writing celebrates life, love and the truth, as well as the spirituality of a higher

Seyi has attracted a huge following in Nigeria, England and in America among Nigerians and Africans alike

existence. The Love Me Jeje master’s music acknowledges the trials of everyday people in today’s society and the struggles of oppressed people, but never animated in hate or revenge. His music also tells a story, and inspires people. Seyi has attracted a huge following in Nigeria, England and in America among Nigerians and Africans alike. His music has made so much impact, that he has been referred to as one of the pioneers of the new sound of Nigerian and African music as a whole. Seyi released his first album titled Born in Africa and featuring the hit single “Love Me Jeje”, on an independent record label, Goodlife Entertainment, in 1998, and it was an instant hit. The song topped the charts in Nigeria for over six months and with the album reshaping the sound of modern music in Nigeria and Africa as whole. It also earned him several nominations and musical awards. Seyi released his follow up and second studio album in 2002 titled STATE OF MIND. The album was released with rave reviews in Nigeria, England and America among Nigerians and Africans. The hit single, Money Man also topped the charts in Nigeria for several weeks and once again raised the bar in modern African music. Afterwards, Seyi has done several singles likeBoys Will Be Boys, Dying Young, and Sophisticated Woman, featuring Wayne Wonder. He has performed around the world, alongside artistes like Wyclef Jean, Guru of Gnagster, Ginuwine and Wayne Wonder.

Inside FCT

BVN blues in Abuja Joel Ajayi

ew days after the October 31st deadlines for the Bank Verification Number BVN, operation no BVN no operation activated in FCT as many residents in the Federal Capital Territory has begun to felt the challenges while many past through rigorous task to perform transaction. Recently, the BVN, introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN , is a milestone initiative aimed at strengthening banking security in the nation. BVN was launched by the CBN in February 2014 and anyone having account with banks in the country was expected to participate in the exercise. BVN initially scheduled to end on June 30, but however, later extended till October 31st to allow all compatriots Nigerian across states of the federation to have their BVN numbers. On 30th of October, any customers who enter banks for other purposes than registration from the BVN did not have seat to sit on. The banking halls were jam-pack and caused discomfort to both staff and customers However, instead of this BVN to lessen problem of many bank users in the city, frustrated were they as many customer could not have access to their account even with BVN registration a situation that had inflicted more pains into the life of resident. Thousands of residents in the FCT besieged the different ATM machine in the first bank, GTB, Ecobank to mention but

a few in the Central Area, Area 3, Wuse’s to make use of ATM. But disappointed were they, when ATM is begun to speak grammar that is extraordinary to many customers as they could not make transaction. When Inside FCT visited some banks especially customer who want to use ATM inside FCT observed the endless queues as many customers described the situation as uncalled for while many left with gnashing of teeth. A first bank customer, Emmanuel Machibi who was moving from one ATM to another for the entire day and could not performed transaction despite he has done his BVN for over six months ago lamented powerless to withdraw with his card as automobile machine was telling them to contact their bank before they could do anything. He told our correspondent: “I have been moving around since morning from one ATM to another. I could not withdraw my money, my wife needs cash to go to hospital for checkup and she could not go today because I don’t have money to give her. And when I contacted my bank, first bank, they told me they are working on it, but now time is 6pm I still don’t have any break through.” He groaned. There were many residents like Mrs. Obinatu Charity who wasted the whole day move from one ATM point to another without any result shielding the tear. She said: “my children at home right now waiting for me to bring money for food and now I cannot have access to my money, I don’t even know where to go from here, if country is broke as it was

Friday, November 13, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

BVN

claimed by government is bank broke? She asked. A visit to Automated Teller Machine cards, ATM, by Inside FCT in Area 8 where almost all the branches of banks in Nigeria are located, shows the situation is the same as Mr. Leo Ogorgor opened the book of lamentation for inability to withdraw money.

“For me I think issue of cashless policy is contributing to all these mess, because bank are not used to it. I have been moving from one bank to another bank, as I am talking to you I don’t have transport fare to my home now, I even borrowed money to eat the launch, now I don’t have any cash I don’t know what do now,” he said

I have been moving around since morning from one ATM to another. I could not withdraw my money, my wife needs cash to go to hospital for checkup and she could not go today because

I don’t have money to give her

Controversies at IDP camps in FCT

Joel Ajayi

orth, South, East or West home remain the best. The feeling for loved one happened to be a traumatic experience that is disturbing all the Internally Displaced Persons IDPs across the country. Things are longer horrible as they once were. The insurgent could not sack communities, kills. Kidnaps, with any ease these days. This could be a reason for IDPs to start thinking about going back home, where they will have best treatment and sleep in place could call of their own. There are various forms of displacement even before the emergence of insurgent in the North East part of the country such floods amongst other. However, the United Nations Humanitarian Agency has said Nigeria accommodated world’s Internally Displaced Persons IDPs, globally the figure estimated around 1.5million displaced people in the North East is one of the biggest figures. No doubt displaced person faces a lot of environmental challenges in Nigeria while in camp and government is trying its possible best to ameliorate all these. And as Boko Haram is gradually being defeated and pushed to the peripher-

ies, some IDPs have begun to indicating interest of returning home. The victory recorded by security agencies in the fight against insurgents had impelled IDPs who are currently in different camps, of different states including FCT to be dreaming of home land. Not only that, Inside FCT gathered that the rehabilitation programme put in place by the present administration in the North East also contributing to nostalgia of the IDPs to return home so that they can benefit from such initiative. As home beckons for IDPs, controversies ensued as FCT administration seek return home of about 500 displaced persons who are in various camps in the city back to their home in Borno state. However, when Borno state government was contacted and informed of coming home of about 500 IDPs who are

currently in various camps in FCT the answered gotten from state government was not palatable as government denied having aware of Borno IDPs camped in FCT. Investigations by inside fct also revealed that in the whole FCT alone over 10,000 IDPs estimated and are located in 31 recognized and non-recognized camps or settlement. When our correspondent contacted Director General of FCT Emergency Management Agency FEMA, Abbas Idris, he explained: “it’s very unfortunate for IDPs in city, there are no designated camps here. What we have is settlements set up by the IDPs themselves and many of them had indicating interest to return home. “We have to face the challenges of the IDPs in the FCT who are not recognized. Many IDPs camp in FCT are infiltrated

When our correspondent contacted Director General of FCT Emergency Management Agency FEMA, Abbas Idris, he explained: “it’s very unfortunate for IDPs in city, there are no designated camps here. What we have is settlements set up by the IDPs themselves.

by non IDPs person who are economy driven to the camp to seek basic needs “They mix up with IDPs and it becomes very difficult to manage the settlement. Most IDPs came from Borno state for instance we have up to four states from Borno to Abuja the question that is begging for an answer is why they don’t stay

Kpaduma d

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Inside FCT

Friday, November 13, 2015

Analysing Abuja Land Swap policy

esidents of Kpaduma community in the Federal Capital Territory has faulted the Land Swap policy introduced by the former Minister of FCT, Hon Bala Mohammed, saying that the minister wanted to dupe investors of their hard earned money and dehumanise the FCT indigenes by making them become part of a policy that was not understood by the people. Inside FCT recalled that the Land Swap Policy Initiative by the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Sen. Bala Mohammed involves the granting of Greenfield lands to competent real estate developers who will in turn provide infrastructure such as roads; electricity; potable water; drainages and sewer lines. Those commendations were done, considering the fact that the initiative was loaded with all the ingredients that have the potentials of transforming any city that is suffering from infrastructural barrenness. It was believed that the step to initiate the policy was because the FCT is been faced with the huge challenge of infrastructural deficit, which was why the former minister in his determination to tackle the devastating effects of such critical challenge pulled out a ‘master card’ called the land swap initiative at a town hall meeting he convened on April 26, 2013, in Abuja. However, for the Secretary of the Kpaduma community, Simon Baba Yerima in an interview said the land swap policy of the Sen. Bala Mohammed led FCT is a fraud and they are calling on President

Kerosine queue

Muhammadu Buhari to institute a panel of inquiry to probe the administration for forcefully imposing policies that are detrimental to original inhabitants of Abuja thereby denying us of our only means of livelihood. The secretary while speaking on behalf of the indigenes in the community,said the inhuman atrocities and undemocratic processes by the former minister demands urgent attention by the present administration. “The land swap policy is fraud and we call on President Buhari to institute a panel of Inquiry to probe the Bala-led administration for forcefully imposing policies that are detrimental to us, the original inhabitants of Abuja, thereby denying us our only means of liveli-

hood,” “This is a policy that is a menace that most of the FCT indigenes , leadership of Original Inhabitants Development Association of Abuja , the traditional institution in FCT and some personality who are concerned are saying this is not for the interest of the FCT indigenes but a blinded policy because there was no dialogue, no interaction . “What are they swapping? What are they swapping land with? so it is out rightly wrong and we are calling on the present government to probe the former minister of FCT, he should be probed on land swap, land allocations and other issues with all the agencies concerned because it is a dark day on the people of FCT and we will continue to talk until

ging for an answer is why they don’t stay in neighbouring states, why Abuja? He asked. A short trip by inside fct to some IDPs camps or settlement as it was described by FEMA boss revealed that many IDPs are from Borno while many are not. At Durumi, a short distance to popular area called to Area 1 in the FCT, where

IDPs, estimated to be 1,537. In his reaction to this, the Chairman of the Durumi IDPs camp, Muhammad Gowza said: “we came here September 2013, and we are from Bama, Gowza local government how on earth they will say we are not from Borno. “Even the former Minister of FCT Muhammed Bala, visited us here, how

they will now say we do not exist? We have over 1,539 IDPs, mostly women and children. “And we have been receiving relief materials from government, private organization; individual this primary school here is an attestation to the fact that we are recognized, the school, the chairs, the expenses and salary of teacher was to our children was given by somebody.” Gowza, appealed to the FCT and Borno state government as well as Nigerians to come to the aid “we want to relocate to our place of abode, we are tired of all these” he frowned. Also, the next camp visited by our correspondent was IDPs camp Karamajiji in fct gathered that the IDPs were from Borno. The Secretary of the Karamajiji camp Muhammed Dantani, stated we have been here for a year plus and we are 759 includes our children, we don’t want people to give us food anymore, we are tired, we want to go back home, for how long we will be given fish when we know how to catch fish, what we seek from government is to make sure there is peace across the country, we want to go back home, there is no place like home.” He begged

our cry is heard by the present administration,” he said. Yerima also lamented on the constant harassments meted on them by allottees from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA),on their land going against court proceedings. “We are still on court proceedings and the next ruling is a ruling on contempt of development control director going against the court order restraining them not to demolish any of our houses or harassing our peaceful living in Kpaduma community, so the issue now is because the court is even on vacation now so we are expected that at the resumption of the court, we shall be going for ruling but the challenge we have is the allottees who are subjects to the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), who gave them allocation are still coming to disturb our peaceful living , trying to take possession of their plots . “Some even brought policemen, soldiers and try to forcefully take possession of our land, so we are expecting that a better negotiation will come with this new administration. So we are still expecting that there should be justice and fairness because we are human beings. “ We are agitating with every communities in the FCT as whole we are calling on our humble, sincere personality of President Muhammadu Buhari , as our president for justice and the justice we are looking for is to let our interest be protected as FCT indigenes we have about 9 languages in FCT, so we are calling on the administration of change that we need an indigene to be Minister of FCT, someone who will understand our pains and he will know the entire terrain of the FCT indigenes and also what will be good for us,” he said. He also called on the FCT honourable member and House of Representatives, Sen. Phillip Aduda and Hon Zephaniah Jisalo, to amend the FCT acts that is giving them headache today, “No policy of the FCT indigenes is protected they sat down there and didn’t let the acts be amended and corrected so that we have an autonomy and rights just like every other Nigerians have, so I challenge them to sit up and come up with laws that will be implemented and make policies that our interest will be granted.”

Mirror Mongers

Friday, November 13, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Majek Fashek on Nigeria

es, the rainmaker has spoken. He has made his predictions that Nigeria will be great again, which is good. But there is a caveat. According to him, God has revealed that the greatness of the nation, Nigeria is at hand, but Nigeria must change the colours of their national flag. Instead of the usual green-white-green, Nigeria must add the colour red to capture the blood of our fallen heroes. Reggae super star, Majek Fashek dis-

closed this during an interview on a radio station in Lagos, and many people are wont to believe him because of what he is known for in those days when rain was seen as the prerogative of the singer. Yes, his song Send Down the Rain appeared to have a pact with the gods of rains. Truth is that Majek is bouncing back to his career and those who have met him lately are confessing that his complexion radiates life indeed.

Orji Kalu

Orji Kalu and his kinsmen

f you are wondering the Orji Kalu in question here, it is the one that has made himself a media, shipping, (political?) and aviation mogul. Now the buzz is that in an era when most rich men are running away from their home towns for the fear of being abducted, the man visits on regular basis, especially when he is in the country. He hails from Igbere in Abia State and MM gathered that what gave Kalu the effrontery to do this is his relationship with the people they call ‘The

Majek

How do you report crime?

igital era has its own prerogatives. These days when people see accident scenes, the first thing they do is to take pictures and share on the social media before going to rescue the victims. Some would also want to take pictures of robbers on duty, but not to help the Police solve the crime…no just to get it on Facebook. The Police are unhappy about this: Lagos State Police Command has urged residents

ONE-SECOND &

With

SHEHU SANI

of the state not to report traffic robberies and other crimes first on social media but to the nearest police station as that will help the police forestall further occurrence. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Joseph Offor, made the appeal earlier in the week. “People should endeavour to report every road traffic robbery to the police station so that we will know who to hold responsible. This will help us to strategise and come against those people behind the crimes. We are not denying the fact that we have a couple of traffic robberies here and there but we have arrested some of the suspects. We have also prevented some of them that were about to be committed. When somebody is a victim of a crime, he knows where to go. If you go to a police station to report, it will help us to have the statistics of crime being committed in that area; it will also help us in our planning. It will help us in our research but when people decide to report their cases to the social media, we see it as a cheap blackmail against the leadership of the Nigeria Police. And this is worrisome because it is not helping our statistics.”

As the war against corruption rages, there are divided opinions on how the present administration led by President Buhari can coast to victory. Senator Shehu Sani, the human rights activist turned politician reacts:

Boys’. Yes, he knows how to arrange the boys, and any time he is around, words usually fly around for people to assemble for handouts and other goodies. In fact, MM learnt that there is a joint called Summers (or something) where he usually asks ‘The Boys’ to take whatever they desire on him. So for those running away especially as Christmas is approaching, it would be nice to put a call across to Kalu for lessons on how to manage ‘the boys’. Goodwill will do indeed.

Corporate intervention for older acts

opular Nollywood actor, Hakeem Rahman, has joined the league of actors who continue to decry the poor remuneration they keep getting from acting. According to the actor, the industry has developed to a level where they now feature stars from America, the Caribbean and other countries but the challenge has always been poor payment. Speaking on how the new crop of actors are able to afford good luxuries they flaunt around, the actor attributed it to the endorsement deals that come their way. He stated that companies don’t use older people like him for endorsement deals but go for the younger people which is why people buy all sorts of cars. In his words, “Companies don’t use people like us. I’m over 60, they don’t use people like us for endorsement, most of the younger youths have lots of endorsement where they give them millions of naira so that can enable them to buy such

the Buhari-led What are the challenges before corruption? government as regards fighting

need hen you fight to defeat an enemy, you all as well as arity solid all the support and , time that At . that eve the backing to achi conand r acte char the you are blind to realities and you are on the tent of those backing you. By the time ed interests ench entr le seat of power, you have to batt to power. you ght brou who were part of the forces that came who le peop of One of the biggest undoing ng to havi is er pow to on a high moral high ground it is and rest inte ed detach themselves from entrench time each do rest inte clear that what the entrenched h of government they study the possibility of a dept me a liability. beco is that they jump ship and then

cars. But if it is in movies, you can never see them making such money, you can’t.”

Rahman

Friday, November 13, 2015 30 Muharram 1437AH

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Call to Worship

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

The position of the Judge

he second support of sovereignty is a qadi who is not restrained by anyone’s censure from upholding God’s law. It is stated in al-Qawanin: ‘The office of qadi embraces ten things. The first is to settle caes between litigants either by mutual reconciliation or by compelling them to accept a mandatory judgment. The second is to prevent oppressors from asking things by force, or from violating the law and so on, and to support the oppressed and help everyone to get his due. The third is to uphold the statutory penalties and carry out the commands of God. The fourth is to hear cases of homicide and injury. The fifth is to safeguard the properties of orphans and the insane and to appoint legal guardians over them, the sixth is to look after estates in mortmain (ahbas). The seventh is the executive of wills. The eight is to contract marriages for women, if they have no guardian (wali), or if the guardian has stood in the way of their marrying (adalahunna). The ninth is to care for the public utilities, such as roads…. And the like. The tenth is to command the good and forbid the evil by word and deed.’ There can be several qadis. The Mukhtasar states: ‘It is permissible to appoint more than one qadi, either to supervise all matters, or for a particular place, or for a particular branch of jurisdiction.’ The true meaning of the judicial function (qada), as al-Qarafi defines it is either to establish an obligation or release of obligation. If the judge decides in favour of payment of an allowance or something of that kind, he is establishing an obligation. But if he decides in favour of abrogating the right of ownership to a land whose inhabitants have migrated, he is releasing an obligation attached to the land. Thus it may lawfully be used by anyone. The judicial function is a collective obligation which is binding on any individual person who is fully qualified for it, provided that there is no other person with similar qaualification in the town. The wisdom behind the formation of a judiciary lies with its usefulnesss in serving as a deterrent to quarrels and assaults. It suppresses the unjust, and helps the oppressed. It helps to end disputes. It enjoins right and prohibits wrong. Injustice and submitting to one’s whims in judicial matters is one of the gravest sins. Alllah the Most High said, “But those who swerve (away from justice), they are (but) fuel for Hell fire.” The conditions of perfection for judgeship are as follows: The judge must be pious, intelligent, venerable and forbearing. He must be in the habit of seek-

Stop playing Ostrich game with women’s right 28

ing the advice of the scholars and be free from bad company. He must be an indigene (of the area under his jurisdiction) and must not be too cunning. He must not be a person who has ever been subjected to a

prescribed punishment, nor of a doubtful lineage, he must neither be poor, nor weak, nor unlettered, nor old. He must always be stern but not angry and humble but not weak. He must be well versed in the Law. Sahnun said, “If a man is poor, and yet he is the most learned man in town and the most agreeable of them all, he has the right to become a judge. But he may, however, not hold a court session until after his employer makes him rich and pays up his debts. Al-Mazari is of the opinion that the employer shall do that in the public interest. Because his poverty

In the shade of truth 29

may lead him to endear and humble himself to the rich, and give them preference over the poor in cases of disputes. It is less likely for him to do that if he himself is wealthy. It is part of good conduct for a judge to sit in a place where the strong and the weak can reach him. Such places are mosques and its environs, and not in his house. In addition to that he should hold court session at specified times (in certain times, not others). No case shall be decided upon while the judge is either angry or hungry or thirsty. No legal advice with regard to problem connected with a litigant may be made available to him (litigant). He may not hear the statement of a litigant in the absence of the other. He may not pass judgment in favour of his very close relative. However, the case may be referred to another judge in this connection. He may, however, pronounce his judgment against the very close relative. The judge may not pronounce judgment against his enemy; but he may judge in his favour. The judge shall warn off any of the litigant who encroaches upon the right of others in court by reviling him or any other means. The judge must discipline anyone who has insulted him and also must avoid mixing with people and walking together with them except when necessary. He must avoid plays and jokes (to protect his personality)… he must inspect prisons in order to release prisoners unjustly jailed. He must not attend parties except those held on the occasion of marriage; and in the event of his attending, it is preferable that he does not touch the food. He must inspect his assistants and restrain them from insulting the people and obtaining their money through deceit.

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

Lagos assures Christian pilgrims of safety

Call to Worship

30 Muharram 1437AH Friday, November 13, 2015

Stop playing Ostrich game with women’s right A , A F part from the many annoying cases of rape and incest happening in the nation recently, another research has shown that more women continue to have clandestine and unsafe abortions in Nigeria, thereby killing and maiming many of our girls and women. We really need to look into our existing laws on many issues and review where necessary. The most vulnerable group, women and the girl-child are usually taken granted in many circumstances. As a result of this new study, there is a dire need for Federal Government to improve access to modern methods of contraceptives. The study carried out by Dr. Akinrinola Bankole, Prof. Isaac Adewole, our new Minister for Health, Rubina Hussain, Dr. Olutosin Awolude, Susheela Singh,

s a result of this new study

there is a dire need for

Government to improve

access to modern methods of contraceptives Joshua Akinyemi and others, has shown that over 1.25million induced abortions were performed in Nigeria in 2012. With 41 million women of reproductive age in Nigeria and six of every 10 women living in rural areas, it was discovered that about 1 in 7 women of reproductive age have an unmet need for family planning and 1 in 10 births is mis-timed or unwanted. According to the study, unsafe abortion complications are a ma-

Healthy Corner with

Dr. Yahaya

Modern treatment of infertility

nfertility is a disease of the reproductive system defined as the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.This time interval is chosen because of the observation that 25% of young women will conceive within first month, 60% within six months, 80% within 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. However most couples consider themselves to be infertile if they conceive but due to a miscarriage they are unable to have a living child. Evaluation should be offered to all couples who failed to conceive after a year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse but a year of infertility is a not prerequisite for evaluation. Earlier Evaluation is justified for women with irregular menses, history of pelvic infection or endometriosis or having a male partner with known or suspected poor semen quality and after six months of unsuccessful efforts for women over the age of 35 years and above. Primary infertility is when a couple has never conceived before. Secondary Infertility is inability to achieve, pregnancy in a couple who has

ederal

previously conceived. Rate of primary infertility globally is 1-8%, secondary infertility is 35%. Epidemiology of infertility It affects 80 million to 168 million worldwide. Approximately 1 in 10 couple, majority of them live in the developing world where the cause is sexually transmitted diseases and old age. Advanced age at presentation due to tertiary education and advanced carrier pursuit. Availability and easy access to family planning methods, delayed marriage, small family and improved medical care enable longevity of life. Prevalent rate varies from 5% in the developed world to 30% in the sub-Saharan Africa the so called infertility belt where Nigeria, South Africa and central Africa belong.

Causes of infertility for couple A) Male factors account for 35% Causes of Male Infertility can be due to; 1. Problems affecting sperm production (2 out of 3 males). Common genetic problems, undescended testes, infection, tension, Varicocoeles, drugs, chemicals, radiation and unknown causes 2. Blockage of Sperm Transportation affects 1 out 15 males: Infections, Prostate relat-

jor contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality. Thus, it is high time we stop playing Ostrich game with abortion law and other women rights issues. Despite legal restrictions, abortion is still very common in Nigeria. It will be worthy to know that abortion is illegal in Nigeria except when performed to save a woman’s life. As a result of this, many abortions are unsafe because most are performed clandestinely or by ed problems, bilateral absence of vas deferens and vasectomy( surgery for male contraception whereby the vas deference:the tube-like structure that transport sperm from the epididymis into the ejaculatory duct are severed and tied, preventing sperm from reaching the ejaculate, therefore, no fertilization. 3. Sexual Problems: Retrograde ejaculation, failure of ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, less frequent intercourse, spinal cord injury, prostate surgery, nerve damage and drugs. 4. Hormonal problems: Congenital lack of FSH/LH, Androgenic steroids abuse. 5. Sperm Antibodies from Vasectomy, injury or infection of the epididymis. B) Uterine cavity and tubal factor: 35% • Intrauterine Adhesion • Submucous and intracavitary fibroids • Large polyps especially those blocking the ostia • Adenomyosis seen in 90% of women with pelvic adenomyosis, Is the growth of endometrial lining into the uterine myometrium. It has deleterious effect on sperms and eggstransport. • Congenital uterine anomalies: Congenital absence of uterus, others like unicornuate uterus, bicornuate, didelphys, septate, arcuate uterus are associated with recurrent pregnancy loss than infertility. Only septate uterus is associated with infertility.

THE PLATFORM with

Sekinah Lawal t: 08055102994 e: sakinah207@yahoo.com unskilled providers with many women experiencing complications from unsafe abortions. Though abortion is common in all six geopolitical zones, southsouth geopolitical zone has the highest abortion rate while southwest has the lowest. Also, it was agreed upon that there is need to promote high quality family planning programs, counseling on a wide range of contraceptive options and ability to easily switch family planning methods when needed. The first national study to examine the incidence of abortion estimated that in 1996, about 610,000 abortions, or 25 per 1,000 women aged 15–44, occurred in Nigeria Unsafe abortion complications may have serious consequences because about 40% of women who have abortions in Nigeria experience complications serious enough to require treatment with complications ranging in severity; pain, hemorrhage, Sepsis and shock. It must be noted that PAC constitute a huge financial burden to

individuals and governments too. Speaking on: “Abortion incidence in Nigeria: Policy Recommendations”, Senior Policy Advisor/Country Head of Ipas, Hauwa Shekarau said that the legal restrictions do not reduce the number of abortions; restrictions just make abortion less safe. She called for a review of restrictive abortion laws in accordance with the standards established by the African Women’s Rights Protocol. At the presentation of study findings on incidence of abortion and unintended pregnancy in Nigeria in Abuja recently, government at all levels were urged to expand Post Abortion Care, PAC, services as well as provide modern and less-invasive methods of PAC like Manual Vacuum Aspiration, MVA, and Misoprostol. “Develop guidelines at all levels of the health system to ensure that women can access modern methods of contraception and comprehensive abortion care to the full extent of the law.”

L-R: Senior Policy Advisor/Country Head of Ipas, Hauwa Shekarau; Dr. Tosin Awolude; Dr. Joshua Akinyemi and Dr. Akinrinola Bankole during the media briefing on public presentation of study findings on incidence of abortion in Nigeria done by Guttmacher Institute, University of Ibadan and Ipas in Abuja recently.

Dr. Ejike Orji and other dignitaries at the public presentation of study findings on incidence of abortion in Nigeria done by Guttmacher Institute, University of Ibadan and Ipas in Abuja recently.

TO BE CONTINUED. Dr G. L. Yahaya, is a Reproductive Physician and Medical Director, Continental Specialists Clinic( Ivf Centre) 08075004277, 07081312295

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Other dignitaries at the event.

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In the shade of truth

“I

f confronted with pure falsehood, it is easy to vanquish it. But where the truth and falsehood are intermingled and the truth is being used as a shield to protect and support falsehood, there, the propagators of the truth before making any advances in favour of the truth, have to carry on a mighty crusade for the purpose of clarifying that any fragment of the truth attached to falsehood in the order under discussion are not there for the protection of it but as camouflage for the protection and service of falsehood.” (Amin AhsanIslahi, Call to Islaam and How the Holy Prophets preached, pp. 62) History will always repeat itself. We will always learn its lessons differently. Love for this world, ignorance, bloody envy or hatred has always made people fought the truth. From time immemorial, the hearing or acceptance of this truth has always been a problem to the diseased hearts. One who does not believe in the truth or uphold it will definitely belong to the opposing camp. The declaration of truth spells doom and extinction to the upholders of falsehood. It is a bold declara-

Allah wished to established the truth according to His words, and to cut off the roots of those who disbelieve in the truth; that He might establish the truth and prove falsehood false, even if the guilty ones or criminal distaste it.” (Q8:7-8) tion and invitation to virtue from vices. It is detestation of the present order to nobler objectives. Hence, the beneficiaries cannot but oppose it with all inhuman and diabolic means possible. It is very unfortunate that the upholders of falsehood have failed to realize that the conglomerate of the whole world’s forces cannot fight the truth. It will be like somebody fighting the air. “Allah wished to established the truth according to His words, and to cut off the roots of those who disbelieve in the truth; that He might establish the truth and prove falsehood false, even if the guilty ones or criminal distaste it.” (Q8:7-8) There is nothing the agents of falsehood cannot do to get rid of the message of truth and its upholders. They can declare war on its harbin-

gers or label them as liars, fanatics, radicals, fundamentalists, destroyers and dissidents. If all these fail to dampen the spirit or dissuade the upholders of the truth, they can muster all available resources to spread calumnies about them, block their ways at all costs, persecute and imprison them, expel them from the land or even kill them. Ironically, rather than these victims being dispirited, disenchanted and discouraged, the opposition only helps to solidify and rejuvenate them in standing like a rock for the truth. One may wonder why the sincere upholders of the truth are ready to spill the last drop of their blood for it. You want to wonder why they are ready to be imprisoned for the sincere cause of truth. You do not need to think too far, it is due to the fact that truth is

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef; Permanent Secretary, Home Affairs, Mrs. Grace Oladimeji; Mr. Hakeem Oyetoro and Secretary, Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mrs. Olayinka Oye-Bamgboshe, during a day seminar for intending Christian Pilgrims in Lagos on Tuesday.

Nigeria’s first Islamic Bridal expo debuts Damilola Olaseni

rrangement has been concluded for the maiden edition of the Nigeria’s 1st Islamic Bridal Expo. In a statement signed by the organiser of the event, Arafat Adams Apooyin, she said the event is to hold between 5th and 6th December, 2015 at Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos between 10am and 6pm daily. Apooyin explained that the first segment of the symposium titled; “The Modest Nikah and Party” would be treated by the Chief

Call to Worship

Friday, November 13, 2015 30 Muharram 1437AH

Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Imam Ridwan Jamiu, while the second segment that has “Pre-Marital Issues” as its theme would be handled by the Medical Director, An-Nur Eye Centre, Dr. HalimahAlimi. Others include “Business Management in Islam”, by Dr. Jubril Salaudeen, while the bridal shows would be handled by Arabel Bridals House. According to her, there will be free sessions on Hijab Tutorials while a range of gift items will also be offered for free at the expo. “The One million naira SME loan awaits all exhibitors at the event with assurance that enter-

tainment, education, fashion, networking, inspiration and shopping throughout would be the major take away from the event.” Guests expected include the Iyaloja General of Lagos, Mrs. FolashadeTinubu-Ojo, Alhaja Nafisat Arogundade among others. No fewer than 5,000 people within and outside Nigeria are expected to participate in the maiden and historic Islamic Expo in Lagos. The Expo is to bring all Muslim Ummah in the Nigerian event industry together for business and encouragement as well as to seek mutual support while maintaining the highest standard of excellence and professionalism.

IN HIS LIGHT with

USTAZ

A. ZAFARAN e-mail: zatabumuneeb@yahoo.com constant. Every cause has its supporters. This, they give, based on the promises of such causes and the depth of conviction about its terrestrial and celestial gains. Truth is a cause and it has its supporters. The calamity that will befall the world without truth having its supporters is unimaginable. There will be total disorder and turbulence in the universe. Lions will leave their dens to devour men in the streets, plants will refuse to grow and fishes will die as the water itself will dry off. There will be drought, and the sun will burn like furnace. The constancy of truth is an all-time fact. Thus, it creates this firmness in the minds of its upholders. A mind without the truth is feeble and a fertile land for falsehood, rumour and confusion. Indeed the constancy of truth liberates the mind from hesitation, indecision, bigotry, fears and the evils of materialism. The constancy of truth takes one to history, that such message had been presented in the past and that the experience of its acceptance was not in any way different from what is presently happening. A person who truth has found a seat in his heart enjoys its illumination. The belief and acceptance of the truth is like light, which extinguishes darkness. Such a person loves all those who love Allah (SWT) and champion His cause. He is prepared for any message or change by truth. He does not harbour rancor or envy. He is eager and highly willing to interact with the Vanguards of the truth. His heart finds solace in the truth he

has been introduced to. He is overjoyed and grateful to Allah (SWT) for guiding him to the people of the truth. Without wasting time, he begins to walk on the path of his precursors in the spread of the truth. The more illuminated the heart is for the truth, the more the determination to spread it. This is the nature of the path of truth. People will not easily accept the change by the truth. They will meet the heralds with stiff opposition. But your illuminated heart for the truth should increase your enthusiasm to maintain the constancy of the message of truth. You should know that the battle between truth and falsehood is natural and age-long. Your weapon should be a conviction that is devoid of narrow mindedness and stagnation in knowledge. You require a steadfastness that will never be fizzled out by the blackmail of falsehood. Do know that the life span of falsehood is very short. Thus, its adherents will be left with no other option than to come back to you. And that is the episode of the return of the masses. When they come, do not take revenge for all persecutions they had inflicted on you in their days of falsehood. You should remember that falsehood is a cancer, which can only be treated by the natural herb of truth. Welcome them warmly and expound the truth to them. Thank Allah (SWT) for guiding them and not making them to die in falsehood. You should also seek His forgiveness, perhaps you were responsible for their failing to accept the truth on time.

Lagos assures Christian pilgrims of safety Sekinah L awal

he Lagos State Government has assured all intending pilgrims to Jerusalem and Rome of their safety during the exercise. This assurance was given during a day seminar for the state pilgrims in Ikeja recently. The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Barr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef said that government is mindful of current happenings in the Middle East and urged the pilgrims to be law-abiding and be good ambassadors of Lagos.

The Commissioner also defended the involvement of government in pilgrimages saying this is to ensure proper screening of the pilgrims and ensure cordial bilateral relationship with other countries. On his part, the Chairman of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Bishop Sola Ore revealed that about one thousand two hundred people would be embarking on the journey from Lagos. Many of the intending pilgrims also commended the ministry for carrying them along in all programmes to ensure a smooth pilgrimage.

Call to Worship

30 Muharram 1437AH Friday, November 13, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya

Proclaim the bounties of Allah (3)

he fact that this event was well organized can be gauged from what the Parliamentarian who put this event together said to a member of the Jama’at afterwards. He said that he thought the program should have been covered to a much greater extent in the media, although in our mind this had happened a lot already. But he thought that it should have been even more extensive and that the news of this event should been the headline on the front pages of the newspapers so that the people of the country could become aware of the true teachings of Islam. In any case he said that he was not satisfied and the extent of the coverage that should have resulted did not take place. The same gentleman who had organized the event while expressing his views on the events also said that he was questioned by many of his parliamentary colleagues on how he allowed such an event to take place. So not only was it difficult for us to imagine that such an event could have been held at the Dutch Parliament, even others thought the same that how could such a small Jama’at carry out such an event. The member of Parliament said that this event was far better than my expectations from the point of view of attendance and the subject matter discussed...indeed was a great success and that now it will have many far reaching benefits. Imam of Ahmadiyya Muslims Jama’at presented his teachings beautifully and the people

of Holland deserve that they be shown the peaceful face of Islam also. They need this message. He said that this was the first step, the meeting with the Khalifatul Masih and they will organize many more such programs. Many others expressed their gratitude for Islam’s true teachings being presented. Holland’s previous Minister of Defence also participated in this event. He met me and sat with me after the event for a lengthy period of time and kept discussing various things with me. While expressing his feelings about the event he said that having listened to your message I have seen the true face of Islam. He said that now I wish that you come to Holland repeatedly so that the fear that people have in their hearts of Islam is dispelled. Then he said that your answers to the questions raised were enough for any right minded person to clarify all the myths about Islam. Spain’s Ambassador was also present: He says that the answers to the questions with respect to freedom of speech were very appropriate in particular the regard for the religious sentiments of people etc. The verses of the Holy Quran and the teachings of Islam mentioned in the speech with regard to freedom of religion, tolerance and religious brotherhood touched my heart and I support them because paying due regard to these values is very necessary for world peace and promotion of harmony and understanding between religions.

L-R: Naib Amir and Missionary in-charge, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria; Maulana Abdul KhaliqueNayyar; Amir, Dr. Mashuud Adenrele Fashola; Oba Akirun of Ikirun Land, HRH Alhaji Rauf Olayiwola Adedeji II , Oba Eko-Ende; HRH Oba Rufus Adedokun, and former SecretaryGeneral, Organization of Africa Trade Union Unity [OATUU], Comrade Hassan Sumonu during Amir’s visit to Ikirun.

L-R: General-Secretary, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria; Alhaji Abass Olawale Iromini, Amir, Alhaji Mashuud Fashola, Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Dr. Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, Naib Amir and Missionary in-charge, Maulana Abdul KhaliqueNayyar and Ekiti Circuit President, Alhaji R. Lawal during a courtesy visit to Ewi’s Palace recently.

Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria presenting some literatures of the Jama’at to Chief Imam of Ado-Ekiti and President-General, League of Imam and Alfa South West including Edo and Delta, Fadhilatu Shaikh Muhammadu Jamih Kewulere Bello, during Amir’s visit to his residence in Ado- Ekiti recently.

Early marriage, girl-child rights and modern hypocrisy CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

he next time anyone wants to embark on advocacy for #ChildNotBride, such advocator should needs to tarry a while and take a look at the list of youngest mothers in the world. Lina Medina from Peru had her child when she was 5 years and 7 months old in May 1939; Yelizaveta Gryschchenko gave birth at age 6 in August 1934 in the Soviet Union; A 6-year-old girl identified only as ‘H’ had a daughter through Caesarean Section in Delhi in June 1972; In September 1936, Griseldina Acuña from Colombia had a baby boy at the age of 8; In August 1884 in Calabar, Nigeria, a girl identified as MumZi who belonged to the harem of one Chief Akkiri had a baby girl at the age of 8 and four months

while her daughter also grew to become part of the harem and had a child for the same man at the age of 8 and eight months, making her mother a grandmother at age 17. Anna from Russia had her 13-year-old neighbour’s son at age 8in April 2000. In 1759 in Switzerland, an unidentified girl had a child at age 8; another unidentified 9 year-old girl in the United Kingdom had a baby in 1881 while in March 1908, 9 year-old Estelle D. had a baby in the United States. There are also several other unidentified girls who had children at very young ages. The youngest grandmothers in the world are also not left out of the picture. Rifca Stanecu from Romania became a grandmother at the age of 23. She had eloped

from home at age 11 out of fear of being forced into marriage by her father and eventually had her daughter at age 12. The daughter, Maria had her son at age 11. The most recent one is that of 29 year Natalia Knyazkova from Russia who had her daughter at age 14 and her daughter also had her son at the same age. Meanwhile, the age of consent in Russia is 16. it is pertinent to state here that while I am not an advocate of Child Marriage, I remain an unrepentant advocate of Early Marriage as long as it will bring sanity to the society and sense of responsibility to the lady herself. Is it not better for the society to encourage ladies that are of age to settle honorably for marriages that will be bonded by law rather than to encourage pro-

fessional yet unrecognized and despicable trade of prostitution that is prevalent on our campuses and in our neighbourhoods today- the practice that only leads to unwanted pregnancies and the phenomenon of either Motherless Babies or Babyless Mothers! Motherless Babies are the very tender babes (undergraduates) in 100 and 200 levels who are mostly within the age of 16 and 18. They are often so wayward that they misbehave as if they never had mothers to nurture and tutor them about decency, morality and moral uprightness. And Babyless Mothers are the undergraduates in 300, 400 and 500 levels or even the unmarried graduates who have virtually experienced all that real mothers experience but are without any

child to show for it, since all of those motherhood ‘experiences’ were ‘acquired’ outside wedlock. In Nigeria, most parents in the South refuse to accept the fact that education of a lady should not debar her from experiencing motherhood and marital enjoyment if she wishes, as soon as she is mature and willing to go into it; just as marriage or pregnancy should not necessarily put an end to her education. There is a noble practice of the Northerners which upholds and promotes girl-child/lady’s rights to both education and association (marriage) simultaneously; but which the Southerners usually, arrogantly and sentimentally refused to copy or at least acknowledge, perhaps because the practice is not from the West!

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Friday, November 13, 2015

L-R; Managing Director, Grand Oak Ltd, Mr. Akshay Kumar; General Manager, Marketing, Grand Oak Ltd, Mr. Brajesh Kumar and Business Development Manager, Grand Oak, Mr. Adekunle Rosiji displaying the award won by Swagga bitters during the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) Marketing Awards of Excellence in Lagos.

L-R: Mr Ahmed Tijjani Aliyu; wife of the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs Gu Peihua; National Woman Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC)/ President, Conference of Africa’s Political Party (CAPP), Hajiya (Dr.) Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu and Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Mr. Gu Xiaojie, during a dinner organised by Peihua in honour of Aliyu, in Abuja, recently..

L-R: Immediate Past President of National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) Chief Yomi Otubela; Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Pharm. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf; Patron, Science Ambassador Foundation, Professor Oluwole Familoni and Country Director, Mrs Nnabugwu Peace, at the sensitisation seminar for the forth coming Science Expo Africa (SEA) 2015 in Nigeria.

L-R: National Coordinator, Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), Emanuel Ijewere; Head, Agriculture Finance, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Jerry Gushop; and MD, Huios Global Alliance Limited, Seyi Ifelaja, at the 2015 AgrikExpo held in Lagos.

People In The Mirror

L-R: Director General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr. Emeka Mba; CEO, Nollywood Global Media Group, Mr. Charles Igwe and CEO, BSP Media International (UK), Mr. Benjamin Pius, during the opening of a 3-day International summit on broadcasting content for children and young adults, in Lagos.

L-R: Andrew Enahoro, Meshack Enahoro, Greg and Bukky Enahoro at the Commendation Service held during the burial of the late ace broadcaster, Mike Enahoro, at the St. Gregory Chapel, Obalende, Lagos...recently

L-R Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Transport, Anofi Elegushi; Head, Media Relations and Strategy, FRSC, Mr. Bisi Kazeem; Deputy Corps Marshal, Operations, Adei Abu and Zonal Head of Operations, Lagos zone, Mr. Godwin Ngwekwu, during the Flag off ceremony of Ember months campaign in Lagos.

L-R: Guest, Mrs Oyinkan Badejo-Okunsanya; Member, Cross Rivers House of Assembly, Hon Akom Okora; General Manager, Business Development, MTN, Mr Kola Oyeyemi; Associate Director, Verdant Zeal and Author of the book ‘Made in Heaven’ Nkiruka Moghalu-Oguadinma and MD/CEO, Verdant Zeal , Mr Tunji Olugbodi, during the book presentation of Made in Heaven in Lagos.

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Friday, November 13, 2015

Chinwetalu Agu’s antics in ‘My Bet’

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Don Moen, Midnight Crew for Experience Lagos 2015 Basirat Muhammed

Agu

Isiguzo Destiny

y Bet which in the last two months has been generating controversy online is set for movie audience. The film produced by Chima Ewurum will be distributed nationwide under the platform of Divine Touch Productions Limited. The movie which puts on display the rise of the now modernized betting system in Nigeria, lotto otherwise known as Baba Ijebu first had copies of its DVD released, which according to requests

were limited, but after much consideration by the producers, “copies will be made available for all movie outlets in Nigeria and Africa at large.” “If not for the request we got, I’m sure we would have been cool with the normal online and DVD distribution, but because of the people calling on us to make it available to them, we are making another large release of the copies into the main market,” the producer admits. It starred Nollywood’s acts like Chiwetalu Agu, Chinyere Nwabueze, Harry B, Osinachi Dike – Egbeigwe Apama and Jazzy Okey among others.

Four writers selected for ‘Lagos Theatre Festival 2016’ Regina Otokpa

s part of UK/Nigeria 2015–16, Lagos Theatre Festival 2016 will take place at several venues on Lagos Island and the mainland with a curated programme running alongside a fringe strand of affiliated performances allowing a greater than ever number of artists and audiences to take part. In August, to support emerging playwrights, Lagos Theatre Festival sought submissions of scripts for the Festival, asking for plays that reflect the experiences of young people living in Lagos today. In addition, in September, renowned British practitioners Angela Davis, David Evans, Martin Hunt and Auriel Martin delivered a series of workshops in Lagos around production design, stage management, front of house and fringe participation. All were geared towards capacity building for the Lagos Theatre Festival 2016. At the same time creative writing

workshops led by Dr Tunde Awosanmi, Ita Hozaife, Wole Oguntokun, Tunji Sotimirin , Wana Udobang and Ahmed Yerima worked to develop the shortlisted plays. We are now happy to announce the of selected writers whose plays will be performed as part of Lagos Theatre Festival: Bode Asiyanbi, Atinuke Aweda ,Paul Ugbede and Olubunmi Familoni. They will have their manuscripts transformed into productions to be performed on stage during Lagos Theatre Festival in 2016 from 23–28 February. Ojoma Ochai, Director Arts, British Council Nigeria said: “We are thrilled to be able to create opportunities for young, talented playwrights in Nigeria. They should all feel really proud that their work was outstanding amongst the competition. I can’t wait to see how they are brought to life as part of Lagos Theatre Festival 2016.”

he annual Praise and Worship night organised by House on The Rock church enters its tenth edition this year. In its characteristics manner, the Church has begun the countdown to the day scheduled to hold on Friday 4th of December, 2015 at the Tafawa Balewa Square Lagos starting at 7pm.. The event promises to be a time of praise, worship, healing and testimonies like never before. According to the Senior Pastor of the Church, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, “Over the past decade, The Experience Lagos has proven to be a time of not just music and fun fare but a gathering of people longing for God, people truly wanting a place where worship is expressed like nothing they see or experience. It is truly the place where people come together setting aside denomination, tribe, colour, gender in other to praise the one true living God with One Voice

Midnight Crew

and one sound. The Experience Lagos is a concert that brings healing, blessings, deliverance, joy, love, and testimonies”. This year’s concert has a great line-up of artistes with renowned names such as Don Moen, Donnie McClurkin, Fred Hammond, Hezekiah Walker, Kim Burrell, Jessica Reedy, Sonnie Badu, Chioma Jesus, Nathaniel Bassey, Sammie Okposo, Midnight Crew, Micah Stampley, Frank Edwards, Julius Nglass and the Lagos City Chorale amongst others. Minis-

tering alongside other preachers from various denominations is the convener and the Senior Pastor of the House on the Rock Church, Pastor Paul Adefarasin. The concert is a family event that is open to the public. The Experience Lagos is the biggest concert of the year and the drums are rolling; feel the anticipation, the news is now everywhere and the excitement is again contagious, it’s in the air, as thick as Christmas.

AFRIMA comes to town with DNG, Aurelle Isiguzo Destiny

he 2015 All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, would be anchored by the continent’s most outstanding hosts and hostesses. While DNG and Aurelle Eliam will host the main show, Denrele Edun, Maria Okanrele and Estelle Ahonda would hold forth on the red carpet on Sunday November 15, 2015 at Eko Hotel and suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. DNG, real name Davidson Ngibuini, is an Eastern African award winning singer, model and an On Air Personality. He is the host of “Sakata Mashariki”, Kenya’s biggest Dance TV Show. Aurelie Eliam, actress, model and on air personality, is a household name in Côte D’Ivoire, her home country and Africa, particularly for her role in the highly successful television series, “DR. BORIS”. Denrele Edun, multi-award winning presenter is a marvel to behold on the red carpet, is a maverick Nigerian presenter whose dress sense has brought him international fame. Popularly referred to as “Punk and Fun”, Denrele has the enviable profile of interviewing such personalities like Beyoncé, Akon, Tyler Perry, Lil Kim, Snoop Dog now Snoop Lion, etc. Maria Okanrende AKA, Maria Beat Fm, is a well groomed

UK trained presenter with a vast experience working with BBC, MTV and DROPOUT UK. Her interviews profiles read like the who is who in “A” list entertainment. Alexander Burke Mary J Blige Wizkid, D’Banj, 2Face, Davido are some of those she had walked the red carpet with. Estelle Ahonda is a Cameroonian bilingual (English/French) communications and brand management expert. She comes with an over ten years of International experience in media and interpersonal communications. AFRIMA is expected to be broadcast live to over 80 countries across the world with African superstars billed to light up the stage are but not limited to Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Davido, Diamond Platnumz, Olamide, Yemi Alade, Busiswa, AKA, Sakordie, Charlotte Dipanda, Ahmed Soultan, Flavour, Dr.

DNG

Aurelie

Jose Chameleon, Alikiba, Vanessa Mdee, Wiyaala, Cassper Nyovest, Dark Suburb, Bebe Cool, Darey, among others. AFRIMA Is an annual African Union Initiative, to celebrate, honour and reward the best of African Music, Arts and Culture. AFRIMA is designed to be hosted in various African Nations with Nigeria hosting for 3 years. 2Face Idibia hosted 2014 AFRIMA edition, in Lagos. Meanwhile during the ceremony of unveiling the activities of the 2015 All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA ceremony in Lagos, the International Committee of AFRIMA announced a 5000 (five thousand) units of discount vouchers worth N3,000 (Three thousand naira only) to be distributed to all guests/participants by Supermart.ng, an online supermarket at this year’s All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA.

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Arty News

Friday, November 13, 2015

I want to be a legend for Christ –Feranmi

11-year old Feranmi Fafure recently pulled quite a number of notable gospel artistes when she debuted a live musical concert in Abuja. Speaking about her passion in her line of music, this Ekiti state born act, reaffirmed her love for God in this interview with REGINA OTOKPA: Excerpts: Could you tell us a little bit more about yourself? My name is Feranmi Fafure, I am 11 and I attend Faith Academy, Goshen. I sing gospel pop, and I discovered my talent at the age of five and I started writing songs as I grow up, it started developing. Regardless of your age, you are already coming up strong in the music industry, specifically the gospel music industry. What kind of gospel artiste do you see yourself growing up to become? I want to be a gospel artiste that will appeal to a lot of youths. I will like to be a Legend for Christ, preach the gospel through my songs and also, I would want my music to always be a popular demand just as Samsong, Solomon Lange and some other artistes. So many youths are very conscious about money, are you into music because of the monetary benefits attached to it? Not at all, money is not the most important reason why I sing, the most important thing is where you are going at the end of your sojourn on earth when rapture comes. If you gain everything on earth and you settle in hell what is then the benefit or would you rather lose money on earth and be with God in heaven where the streets are made of gold. Money is important, everybody needs money but I rather focus on

where I am going at the end and not paying attention to material things. Aside singing, what other talents do you have and how well are working towards developing them? I am talented in the art of playing a musical instrument popularly called the violin and sometimes I also play the talking drum for fun. I just started with the talking drum both I am very good with the violin and i look forward to making a mark there as well. I am still young but i know that before i grow up i will master them. How was it organizing a debut concert? It was not easy organizing a concert such as the one I just did, the last one I organized was with full support from my parents and it went as planned, although, the show was an awareness concert where I invited upcoming Artistes who we also gave the platform to display their talents to the glory of God. Some of the Artistes we invited include SD2, Opera David, Joshua and so many of them. Though you are still young but you are in the system, how do you see the Nigerian Gospel Industry. Do you think we have enough artistes singing to the glory of God compared to the secular artistes? They are trying in the gospel industry but I just hope that Nigeria Gospel Industry will be better where more people will discover the hidden talent and invest in them. I want more people to come into the gospel industry where God’s blessing makes rich. Could you tell us some of the persons you look up to and why? I like what the Nigerian Gospel Artistes are doing at the moment but my two favourites happen to be Sinach and Solomon Lange. For Sinach, I have watched her videos and listen to her songs; she has what it takes to take someone to the pinnacle of true worship to God, she’s got a wonderful voice that when she sings the spirit is lifted and her songs capture the minds of youths. I like Solomon Lange’s style of gospel because he focus more on his culture that is why he sings most of his songs in Hausa, his native Language. I hope to meet these two gospel stars some day and i have a feeling that will be soon. But ultimately if you search my heart of hearts you will discover that I

Feranmi

To be honest, my parents have been my backbone, they have been supporting my education and music career, they never for once discouraged me by saying i am too young to pursue my career want to be like Jesus Christ, he is my number one role model. Here on earth however, my role model is my General Overseer and founder Mountain of Fire and Miracles MFM, Pastor Olukoya, he is a man of fire and witches bow. How would you quantify the support you get from your earthly parents? To be honest, my parents have been my backbone, they have been supporting my education and music career, they never for once discouraged me by saying i am too young to pursue my career, and they ensure that anything I do stands out. I want to use this medium to express my appreciation to my parents for making me who i am today. I am blessed having them in my life as my parents and would never forget what they have been doing for me. When are we looking at for your album launch? We are not launching the album now, because by next year we will be coming out with more tracks that will be due for launch soon. The title of some of the tracks include, Imela; It’s by your grace and I love Nigeria.

You seem to have a lot f tracks already and still looking at more. For the recird, how many do you have now? I started singing at the age of five, am still singing and will continue to sing because God blessed me with a voice and i intend to use it to his glory. Right now i have seven tracks and they are very good songs that glorify the name of the lord, like i said, i would release some more next year. What is your best colour? I love Purple Do you have other hobbies besides music and instruments? I also love travelling a lot and i also love to dance. What message do you have for your teeming fans out there? I want God to bless them; i want to encourage them to guide their talents jealously no matter how weird the talent may be, no talent is a waste if properly used. No matter how small you think your talent is, just try and develop it, because with the help of God they must succeed.

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Savouring Egypt’s rich cultu Egypt is a recognised cultural trend-setter of the Arabic-speaking world

ost of Egypt’s rain falls in the winter months. South of Cairo, rainfall averages only around 2 to 5 mm (0.1 to 0.2 in) per year and at intervals of many years. On a very thin strip of the northern coast the rainfall can be as high as 410 mm (16.1 in), mostly between October and March. Snow falls on Sinai’s mountains and some of the north coastal cities such as Damietta, Baltim, Sidi Barrany, and so on. and rarely in Alexandria. A very small amount of snow fell on Cairo on 13 December 2013, the first time Cairo received snowfall in many decades. Frost is also known in mid-Sinai and mid-Egypt. Egypt is the driest and the sunniest country in the world, and most of his land surface is desert.

Biodiversity Egypt signed the Rio Convention on Biological Diversity on 9 June 1992, and became a party to the convention on 2 June 1994. It has subsequently produced a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, which was received by the convention on 31 July 1998. Where many CBD National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans neglect biological kingdoms apart from animals and plants, Egypt’s plan was unusual in providing balanced information about all forms of life. The plan stated that the following numbers of species of different groups had been recorded from Egypt: algae (1483 species), animals (about 15,000 species of which more than 10,000 were insects), fungi (more than 627 species), monera (319 species), plants (2426 species), protozoans (371 species). For the fungi, including lichen-forming species, for example, subsequent work has shown that over 2200 species have been recorded from Egypt, and the final figure of all fungi actually occurring in the country is expected to be much higher

ca” of the city. The main foreign languages taught in schools, by order of popularity, are English, French,German and Italian.

Culture Egypt is a recognised cultural trend-setter of the Arabic-speaking world, and contemporary Arabic and Middle-Eastern culture is heavily influenced by Egyptian literature, music, film and television. Egypt gained a regional leadership role during the 1950s and 1960s, giving a further enduring boost to the standing of Egyptian culture in the Arabic-speaking world. Egyptian identity evolved in the span of a long period of occupation to accommodate Islam, Christianity and Judaism; and a new language, Arabic, and its spoken descendant, Egyptian Arabic which is also based on many Ancient Egyptian words. The work of early 19th-century scholar Rifa’a al-Tahtawi renewed interest in Egyptian antiquity and exposed Egyptian society toEnlightenment principles. Tahtawi co-founded with education reformer Ali Mubarak a native Egyptology school that looked for inspiration to medieval Egyptian scholars, such as Suyuti and Maqrizi, who themselves studied the history, language andantiquities of Egypt

Literature Egyptian literature traces its beginnings to ancient Egypt and is some of the earliest known literature. Indeed, the Egyptians were the first culture to develop literature as we know it today, that is, the book. It is an impor-

tant cultural element in the life of Egypt. Egyptian novelists and poets were among the first to experiment with modern styles of Arabic literature, and the forms they developed have been widely imitated throughout the Middle East. The first modern Egyptian novel Zaynab by Muhammad Husayn Haykal was published in 1913 in the Egyptian vernacular. Egyptian novelist Naguib Mahfouz was the first Arabic-language writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Egyptian women writers include Nawal El Saadawi, well known for her feminist activism, and Alifa Rifaat who also writes about women and tradition. Vernacular poetry is perhaps the most popular literary genre among Egyptians, represented by the works of Ahmed Fouad Negm (Fagumi),

Salah Jaheen and Abdel Rahman el-Abnudi.

Cinema For over 100 years, more than 4000 films have been produced in Egypt, three quarters of the total Arab production. Egypt is considered the leading country in the field of cinema in the Middle East. Actors from all over the Arab World seek to appear in the Egyptian cinema for the sake of fame. The Cairo International Film Festival has been rated as one of 11 festivals with a top class rating worldwide by the International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations. Omar Sharif is considered the most famous actor in Egypt starring in Hollywood and winning two Golden Globe Awards

Music Egyptian music is a rich mixture of indigenous, Mediterranean, African and Western elements. It has been an integral part of Egyptian culture since antiquity. The ancient Egyptians credited one of their gods Hathor with the invention of music, which Osiris in turn used as part of his effort to civilise the world. Egyptians used music instruments since then. Contemporary Egyptian music traces its beginnings to the creative work of people such as Abdu El Hamouli, Almaz and Mahmoud Osman, who influenced the later work of Sayed Darwish, Umm Kulthum, Mohammed Abdel Wahab and Abdel Halim Hafez whose age is considered the golden age of music in Egypt and the whole Middle East and North-Africa. Prominent contemporary Egyptian pop singers include Amr Diab and Mohamed Mounir.

Dance

Languages The official language of the Republic is Modern Standard Arabic. The spoken languages are: Egyptian Arabic, Sa’idi Arabic, Eastern Egyptian Bedawi Arabic, Sudanese Arabic, Domari, Nobiin, Beja, Siwi and others. Additionally, Greek, Armenian and Italian are the main languages of immigrants. In Alexandria in the 19th century there was a large community of Italian Egyptians and Italian was the “lingua fran-

Great Pyramid of Giza

Aswan Nile

Today, Egypt is often considered the home of belly dance. Egyptian belly dance has two main styles -raqs baladi and raqs sharqi. There are also numerous folkloric and character dances that may be part of an Egyptianstyle belly dancer’s repertoire, as well as the modern shaabi street dance which shares some elements with raqs baladi. Museums Egypt has one of the oldest civilisations in the world. Thus, it has been in contact with many other civilisations and nations and also has been through so many eras, starting from pre-historic age to the modern age, pass-

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ural heritage ing through so many ages such as; Pharonic, Roman, Greek, Islamic and many other ages. Because of this wide variation of ages, the continuous contact with other nations and the big number of conflicts Egypt had been through, at least 60 museums may be found in Egypt, mainly covering a wide area of these ages and conflicts. The Three main museums in Egypt are; The Egyptian Museum which has more than 120,000 items, theEgyptian National Military Museum and the 6th of October Panorama. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), also known as the Giza Museum, is a planned museum of artefacts of ancient Egypt. Described as the largest archaeological museum in the world, the museum is scheduled to open in 2015. The museum will be sited on 50 hectares (120 acres) of land approximately two kilometres from the Giza Necropolis and is part of a new master plan for the plateau. Festivals Egypt celebrates many festivals and religious carnivals, also known as mulid. They are usually associated with a particular Coptic or Sufi saint, but are often celebrated by Egyptians irrespective of creed or religion. Ramadan has a special flavour in Egypt, celebrated with sounds, lights (local lanterns known asfawanees) and much flare that many Muslim tourists from the region flock to Egypt to witness during Ramadan.

Cuisine Egyptian cuisine is notably conducive to vegetarian diets, as it relies heavily on vegetable dishes. Some consider koshari (a mixture of rice, lentils, and macaroni) to be the national dish. Fried onions can be also added to koshari. In addition, ful medames (mashed fava beans) is one of the most popular dishes. Fava bean is also used in making falafel (also known as “ta’meyya”), which may have originated in Egypt and spread to other parts of the Middle East. Garlic fried with coriander is added to mulukhiyya, a popular green soup made from finely chopped jute leaves, sometimes with chicken or rabbit.

Tourist Attractions Mosque of Ibn Tulun Built between 876 and 879 AD, the Mosque of Ibn Tulun is one of the oldest mosques in Cairo. It was commissioned by Ahmad ibn Ţūlūn, the Abbassid governor of Egypt. The mosque is constructed around a courtyard, with one covered hall on each of the four sides. The minaret, which features a helical outer staircase similar to that of the famous

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Friday, November 13, 2015

minaret in Samarra, was probably built several centuries later. Parts of the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me were filmed at the Mosque of Ibn Tulun

Dahab Dahab is located some 85 km (53 miles) north of Sharm el-Sheikh on the Gulf of Aqaba, near the southern tip of Sinai. Once an isolated coastal village, Dahab turned into a hippie hangout in the 1980’s and became something of an “alternative resort”, mixing cheap accommodation with a laid back lifestyle. Activities such as wind surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving and camel and jeep trips make it one of the most popular destinations along the Red Sea.

Siwa Oasis Located in the Libyan Desert, Siwa Oasis is one of Egypt’s isolated settlements, with 23,000 people, mostly ethnic Berbers. Located on an old date trade route, Siwa was an oasis vital to the trade route, as the natural springs and shade giving palm trees gave travelers respite from the desert. With the collapse of the Roman Empire, Siwa began its decline. In recent decades tourism has become a vital source of income. Much attention has been given to creating hotels that use local materials and play on local styles.

Abu Simbel Abu Simbel is an archaeological site comprising two massive rockcut temples in southern Egypt on the western bank of Lake Nasser. The twin temples were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses The Great in the 13th century BC, as a lasting monument to himself and his queen Nefertari. The complex was relocated in its entirety in the 1960s, when the temples were threatened by submersion in Lake Nasser, due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Abu Simbel remains one of Egypt’s top tourist attractions. The Valley of the Kings The Valley of the Kings near Luxor is a valley where, for a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, tombs were constructed for the kings and privileged nobles of the New Kingdom. The valley contains 63 tombs and chambers, ranging in size from a simple pit to a complex tomb with over 120 chambers. The royal tombs are decorated with scenes from Egyptian mythology and give clues to the beliefs and funerary rituals of the period. All of the tombs seem have been opened and robbed in antiquity except for the famous tomb of Tutankhamun.

Red Sea Reef The Red Sea, off the coast of

Alexandria musuem

Egypt, is one of the most beautiful places in the world to go diving. The waters of the Red Sea are renowned for their spectacular visibility and features some of the most exotic seascapes. With its wide expanse of coral formation on the reefs, it is home to thousands of different sea creatures. Red Sea beach resorts are located on both sides of the sea, on the east side and part of the Sinai peninsula is the long established Sharm el Sheikh and its neo-hippy counterpart, Dahab. On the west coast of the Red Sea lies relatively old and touristy Hurghada and a cluster of new resort towns.

Karnak Although badly ruined, few sites in Egypt are more impressive than Karnak. It is the largest ancient religious site ever built, and represents the combined achievement of many generations of Egyptian builders. The Temple of Karnak actually consists of three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples located about 2.5 kilometers north of Luxor. One of most famous structures of Karnak is the Hypostyle Hall, a hall area of 5,000 m2 (50,000 sq ft) with 134 massive columns arranged in 16 rows.

Cairo opera house

San Stefano Grand Plaza

Giza Necropolis The Pyramids of Giza, situated in the immediate vicinity of the southwestern suburbs of Cairo are the undisputable top attractions in Egypt. The pyramids at Giza were built over the span of three generations – by Khufu, his second reigning son Khafre, and Menkaure. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is an awe-inspiring 139 meters (455 feet) high making it the largest pyramid in Egypt, although nearby Khafre’s Pyramid appears to be larger as it is build at a higher elevation.

Valley of the Queens

Sphinx

Muhammed Ali-Moschee

Friday, November 13, 2015

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Lagos transportation challenges‘ll soon be over – Moberola Notwithstanding the herculean traffic and transportation challenges facing Nigeria’s most cosmopolitan city, Lagos State, in recent time, the state’s new Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Dayo Moberola believes that there is going to be light at the end of the tunnel. During his maiden media interactive session with select journalists, the commissioner speaks on plans to ease transportation challenges in the state. Adejuwon Osunnuyi captures his views:

You just talked about giving Lagos residents a transportation system that is reliable, safe, accessible and comfortable. What measures are you putting in place to this goal possible considering the fact that most of the roads are not motor able, and also considering the peculiar situation we have in the state especially in regards to the lawlessness altitude of the yellow buses drivers? One thing I can tell you is about what has happened today. At the State House today, the governor has taken an initiative and that initiative meant that we have brought together heads of transport unions together with all enforcement agencies. At the end of the parley, the governor has given them the marching order that things must change. Hence, they would have to go back to their various units and talk to their members and get them to comply with the traffic laws and regulations of the state. That is to tell you that nobody is above the law. I can assure you that from now on, you see the effect taking place. Now, the other part of it is that, when you have a reliable and more efficient buses, you will also find out that people will prefer to use that rather than make use of the danfo and molue buses that have been in existence before now. That is our plan. However, the plan is not to make the danfo and molue operators jobless. Our plan is

Moberola

to bring a system, which they can also be incorporated, through good trainings, good plans. They can incorporate into the new system and do away with the danfos as well as their misbehaviour. So it is all of those things that are going to change and we strongly believe that we can get to that point. It has been noticed in recent time that LASTMA officials have relaxed probably because of a statement credited to the state governor Akinwunmi Ambode that they should stop arresting or impounding vehicles of traffic offenders. What plans do you have in place to make LASTMA effective as before? When you said LASTMA has not been effective as before, I want us to agree that inadequate workforce is part of the problems we are facing at LASTMA. As at today, we have only 2,300 officials and they are to run three shifts. It means at one point at a time, we can only have 700 LASTMA on ground. Meanwhile, we have over 9,000 roads in Lagos. You will agree with me that the workforce is inadequate. We are working on that to boost the workforce. Also, on the issue of enforcement, in which you referred to the governor admonishing the agency to adopt a civility style of enforcement, which they’ve been doing but Lagosians are not working with us on that. The Governor has again pronounced that the enforcement of our traffic laws is back and immediately we are going to start the enforcement and that too would improve the strength of LASTMA. We will be providing more adequate machinery, more equipment for LASTMA most specially, for the removal of articulated vehicles you mentioned earlier. We are bringing in more heavy duty towing vehicles to do that. We are also planning more trainings for the men of LASTMA. You will recollect that the governor just appointed a new CEO for LASTMA, these are parts of the measure being put in place to make LASTMA more effective. By the

‘

Enforcement is not

responsibility of government alone. Enforcement is the responsibility of everybody. So, apart from advocacy that you mentioned, we are going to visit each of these operators of these articulated vehicles

‘

Sir, considering the challenges of transportation, traffic gridlock among others facing the residents of Lagos State, as the new helmsman at the Ministry of Transportation, what are you bringing on board to ease these problems in the next three and a half years? Majorly, this administration is set to make public transportation and transportation in total safe, we want to make it reliable, accessible and comfortable. We also want to it in such a way that people leave their cars and use public transportation. We want to make this city an efficient city; a city that is livable, a city that people enjoy going around. These are our primary aims. To do these, we have to develop public transportation system very well. We need to develop other transportation routes, mass transportation system buses, water transportation, rail system and all of them complementing each other to make a livable city.

grace of God, in the next one month, you will see more reliable LASTMA officers on the roads. However, I am sure that you will agree with me that there has been an improvement of traffic of traffic flow in the last two to three months in Lagos state. Yes, truly, we haven’t got to where we want to get to, but travelling from Lagos Island to the Mainland now, the time has reduced reasonably. Yes, we want it to be between 15 to 20 minutes, which is what it should be, we would get there. For quite some time now, the state has embarked on a light rail project that is divided into Blue and Red line. Though the red line is yet to commence, the construction of the Blue Line seems to have taken too long to be completed and Lagosians are waiting eagerly to make use of them. Sir, what is the present state of these projects and how soon would they be completed? First and foremost, the Blue line rail project is one of the audacious and courageous programmes that the state has ever embarked on and I will tell you the reason. This is the first and the only state in the world that would embark on such a mag-

nitude project without the support of the federal government. That’s the first one. Secondly, a project of this magnitude in some places takes nothing less than seven years even where the best resources are available. I can give you an example of Dubai. Dubai rail, with all the resources that was available or still available today took them seven years and even at that, they started in phases. They opened the first station, and then proceeded to other stations. There are so many examples like that. Metro Delhi, their own metro line took 22 years, Peru, another 20 years. So, it is a long term project. I know that we have a problem of transportation in Lagos and the problem has been going on for over 40 years and everybody want immediate solutions and we are mindful of that. And we are working on it. So, also, in Lagos, we are trying to do it in phases as well because of number one, our limited resources, two, the constraints on the right of ways, and even thirdly, the technicalities for us to get it right. So, it is going to take a bit of time, but we have sorted out everything like you know, planning takes a lot of time, while implementation takes a short while. So, I can give you a kind of light at the end of the tunnel that towards the end of next year, or the beginning of 2017, you would see something happening. The crossing to Marina by next year would be almost be almost virtually ready. And we would try as much as possible try to run some trains on it and that would reduce the pressure of people crossing from the Mainland to the Island and vice versa. It is a 27km rail line, but let’s try and do it in bits. So, let’s start with this one and by the time we finish with the Mile 2 to CMS, then we would now build the Mile 2 to Okokomaiko as well because like I said, there are so many things that are holding us back. But I can assure you as I speak, the first train that was actually purchased towards the beginning of this year is a four-car train, a modern beautiful train, which when we deliver it, am sure people will give kudos to this government, because it is something for us to be all proud of. On the red line project, it was actually predominantly a BOT, which is build, operate and transfer concept. But the first problem we encountered with the red line was the fact that the right of way that we wanted to use was actually the federal government right of way, that is, the Nigerian Railway Corporation. Believe it or not, it took us almost four and a half years to get the right of way, that’s when we applied for it. But before then it has taken us another almost the same four years to go into technical discussion with the federal government and the NRC. That is to show you the type of politics that we play in this country. Now, as we have it today, the right of way has been signed, and it has been given to Lagos to implement the red line and we are in full discussion with the preferred bidder. Very soon, we would engage them to start the construction of the red line. We know it is very important and critical to the mobility of people within Lagos.

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Friday, November 13, 2015

Gombe backs FRSC on safety campaign

he Governor of Gombe state, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwabo has assured the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, of the support of the state government in its efforts at saving lives and property of road users in the state. Dankwabo gave the assurance while receiving the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi who was in the state on advocacy visit in continuation of his ongoing public sensitization programme. According to Bisi Kazeem, Head, Media Relations and Strategy, the Governor said, Gombe state government sees the need to join hands with the FRSC in its campaigns against the menace of road traffic crashes, considering the fact that the efforts are in harmony with the safety and security needs of the people of the state. He pointed out that his administration is committed to reforms that could lead to the actualisation of his policy on safety and security of the state.

Dankwabo commended the efforts of the FRSC personnel in the state towards maintenance of safety and security and restated the commitment of the state government to saving lives and property of road users. He commended the Corps Marshal for his aggressive public enlightenment programmes, noting that his presence in the state is a further testimony to his concern for the safety and security of the people of the state, saying the government and people of the state appreciate the gestures. “Your aggressive public enlightenment across the country is evidenced by your presence here today, Your staff here have been diligent in conducting themselves towards performing their statutory responsibilities of keeping the roads safer, and their contribution to the safety and security of the state is most commendable.” The Governor stated. The Governor further stressed the need for all relevant stakeholders to join hands with the FRSC in its efforts to enlighten members of the public on the need to be safety conscious, not-

ing that the campaign for safer road environment by the FRSC at this critical period of ember months is most timely, considering that the period is always dreaded by the people doing to pervasive cases of road traffic crashes recorded in the season. Other areas of partnership with the FRSC which the Governor mentioned include construction of modern truck park with adequate facilities, need to increase the number of driver’s licence centres in the state to encourage drivers to obtain genuine driver’s licence and credible data on the drivers in the state including motorcycle and NAPEP operators. Speaking earlier, the Corps Marshal informed the Governor that he was in the state in continuation of his advocacy programme, which is aimed at ensuring crash-free Christmas and New Year celebration. While thanking the Governor for his various road safety initiatives, he noted that his pro-road safety measures have contributed immensely to the drastic reduction in the rate of road traffic crashes in the state.

LASTMA goes tough on traffic offenders

he Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has declared zero tolerance for violators of traffic laws in the state Speaking to the media at the Oshodi headquarters of the Agency, the Chief Executive Officer of LASTMA, Chris Olakpe said that officials of the agency would begin the arrest and prosecution of errant motorists. Olakpe called on the commercial bus drivers to make use of the designated bus stops, and motorcyclists to limit their movement to the approved roads and desist from riding on restricted roads, that failure will lead dire consequence as such vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles will be impounded and owners prosecuted. According to him, it is in order to curb act of impunity, lawlessness and disorderliness and for decency to reign on Lagos roads that the traffic offenders will not only be arrested but will also prosecuted at the appropriate court in accordance with the appropriate law. He said that the state has already read the riot act to traffic law violators such hawkers, road side traders, motorcyclists calling on them to respect the law as the Agency as begun the full implementation of the traffic law. Working in synergy with other law enforcement agencies in the state, Olakpe said the agency would deploy all necessary to implement traffic law in order to rid the state of violators.

megacrown1@yahoo.com 08025237926

Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla, Peugeot 301, others in hot race for Nigeria’s ‘Car-Of-The-Year’ crown

ll is now set for the 2015 ‘Nigeria Car-Of-The-Year’ (COTY) Award at the forthcoming Nigeria Auto Journalists Award (NAJA) as arrangements have reached advanced stage. As a build-up for this year’s award, Toyota Corolla, Kia Rio, Peugeot 301 and Nissan Almera have been selected to compete for the coveted price. While the Nigeria Car of the Year competition has been around over the years with the strictest criteria applying to the finalists, winner of this year’s Car-Of-The-Year would be announced on Thursday, November 26, 2015 inside the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. To appraise and select the winner, each car of the listed cars

will thoroughly be put through its paces on the road by the motoring journalists. To emerge tops, the car that will win the shield will have to tick all the boxes in terms of value for money, safety, innovation, technology and dynamics. During the test drive, a number of factors will be used as parameters to select the car that would be selected as the eventual winners as “Car-Of-The-Year’’ in Nigeria. These factors include, but not limited to each car’s value proposition in terms of road handling, stability, functionality, comfort, safety features, overall design, availability and accessibility of spare parts and product affordability.

Hyundai targets customers with “We have created this new Gennew Genesis esis brand with a complete focus

H A LASTMA official controlling traffic

He therefore, called on the tank farm owners to heed the call for them to construct parking bays for tankers that come to their depots for products loading, and stop issuing out loading tickets indiscriminately to tanker drivers when it is obvious that they lack the require space and facility to accommodate such number of vehicles. Speaking further, while reiterating the fact that roads belong to members of the public and other motorists, he said tanker drivers should not see the roads as extension of their business premises for them to park at the detriment of public interest. He said, “Tank farm owners must heed the call for them to construct parking bays for tankers that come to their depots for products loading; and stop issuing loading tickets indiscriminately to tanker drivers when it is obvious that they lack the required

space and facility to accommodate such number of vehicles.” The Chief Executive Officer further stated that the agency has capacity to sanction owners of such articulated vehicles parked on the road, as it is also determine to enforce time restriction placed by law on the movement of articulated vehicles in the state. He enjoined all the stakeholders, especially those in the transport sector to team up with the agency in the ongoing efforts to restore sanity and orderliness to the Lagos roads. Olakpe assured motorists and members of the public that the reinvigorated X Squad of the Agency will monitor the activity of LASTMA officials on duty to checkmate motorists’ extortion, enforce discipline in order to enhance integrity and professionalism in line with the best global practices.

yundai Motor has announced an all-new global luxury brand – Genesis – that will deliver ‘human-centered’ luxury through a range of new models that feature the highest standards of performance, design and innovation. Created for a new generation of discerning consumers, Genesis will be a stand-alone brand that operates alongside the company’s popular Hyundai marque. Capitalizing on its success in the fast-growing global car market, Hyundai Motor will launch six new Genesis models by 2020 and will compete with the world’s most renowned luxury car brands. The Genesis brand seeks to create a new definition of luxury, one that will provide a new platform for future mobility centered on people. By anticipating human needs at every touch point, Genesis models will embody four key aspects: human-focused innovation, refined and balanced performance, athletic elegance in design and hassle-free customer experience.

on our customers who want smart ownership experiences that save time and effort, with practical innovations that enhance satisfaction. The Genesis brand will fulfill these expectations, becoming a market leader through our human-centered brand strategy,” said Euisun Chung, Hyundai Motor Company Vice Chairman. Genesis models will boast outstanding driving dynamics and design, with innovations tailored to closely-meet the needs of customers. The new model line-up will distance itself from the traditional technological overload of brandfocused competitors, concentrating instead on a personalized, hassle-free customer experience. Continuing the customer-oriented approach that flows through every Genesis model, sales and service staff will provide rapid and attentive service to customer’s requests. To elevate and differentiate the Genesis brand from Hyundai, a distinct design identity, emblem, naming structure and customer service offering is being established.

Cocktail

Friday, November 13, 2015

Campers kill, grill snake but get an unexpected fines

our young men got more than a meal when they killed and grilled a timber rattlesnake in western Maryland — they were hit with fines of $200 each in court. Online court records show the men from Glen Burnie pleaded guilty Tuesday in district court in Cumberland to possessing or destroying the rattlesnake. It’s a state-protected species. Each was fined $500, with $300 suspended. All received probation before judgment, meaning their convictions

can be expunged after probationary periods ranging from 14 to 28 months. Maryland Natural Resources Police say the men were camping in the Green Ridge State Forest in August when they killed the snake with a BB gun and grilled it. The defendants are 18-year-olds Austin Golas and Travis Luedtke and 19-year-olds Paul Lafon and Erick Reffitt. A fifth defendant, 19-year-old Jared Holt, is scheduled for trial Dec. 8.

Police find woman hiding, and now she’s really in doghouse

Kentucky woman faces charges after authorities say they found her hiding in an empty doghouse after a dangerous pursuit. Frankfort police tell local media that 28-yearold Myranda Skinner and 36-year-old Bryan Wells led officers on a chase Monday morning after an officer noticed a license plate that had been reported stolen.

Authorities say Skinner, the driver, tried to run over an officer when the suspects’ vehicle was briefly stuck at a deadend road. Police say the pursuit led to the car crashing through a gate at a golf course, with the suspects fleeing on foot. A K-9 unit found Wells inside the bed of a truck and Skinner, of Lexington, in the doghouse.

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Oddities Oddities

Deer makes surprise visit to Michigan collision repair shop A collision repair shop in wester n Michigan that fixes cars after crashes involving deer got a surprise visitor from one of the animals. Star Collision CARSTAR general manager Terry VandenToor n tells The Grand Rapids Press that the buck was spotted running down the sidewalk in Grand Rapids before it went into the business Tuesday after noon. It came in through a delivery door and got stuck inside. The buck ran round inside the shop before employees corralled it at the bottom of a set of stairs. While they were watching it, they took photos and video of the deer. Authorities responded, safely tranquilized the deer and took it away to be

released. VandenToor n joked

that with hunters waiting in the woods

for deer, “They should have just come here.”

A wild buck is shown in a stairwell of the business in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Friday, November 13, 2015

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Business Maritime

Yuletide: Addressing Apapa gridlock to checkmate port congestion The perennial gridlock on port access roads in Apapa has taken a worsening dimension, especially in the last few months. Even with the declining import volumes occasioned by Federal Government’s foreign exchange policy and the general lull in the economy, there are still fears that the nation’s seaports might witness another round of port congestion as the Yuletide and New Year celebrations approach due to the very poor state of the roads, reports FRANCIS EZEM.

o say that Nigeria’s port system is synonymous with congestion especially towards the last quarter of the year, which experiences increase in imported cargo traffic is to state the obvious. This almost annual ritual, which occurs in the last quarter of the year, is usually caused by increased volume of imported cargo traffic, bottlenecks in cargo delivery process occasioned by the multiplicity of tables at the ports and sometimes the inability of some terminal operators to cope with the increased cargo volumes, among several other factors more often than not lead to both cargo and ship congestion at the ports. In the light of this, one would have expected that the nation’s seaports, especially those in Lagos would be free from cargo congestion giving the dwindling cargo volumes. For instance, revenue statistics for September 2015released by the Apapa Area 1 command of the Nigeria Customs Service, which accounts for more than 60 per cent imports declined by over N7 billion as against the August 2015. The command generated a total of N23.3b from Imports for both Federation and non-Federation accounts as against the N30.1billion generated in the previous month

of August 2015, representing about N7billion decline. It is also projected that the yard occupancy at the APM Terminals Apapa, which stood at 42 per cent and 45 per cent for the months of July and August 2015 respectively, might further decline to about 40 per cent in subsequent months, an indication that there might be further decline in cargo volumes. Despite this decline, there are apprehensions that another round of congestion at the ports may occur given the current sorry state of the port access roads with the attendant traffic congestion. Records show that it takes a truck a minimum of three days to access the ports to lift imported consignments either from the Mile 2 or Ijora axis of the port roads and another three days to exit due to the gridlock. It was probably in reaction to this reality that Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode has taken some drastic measures to curb this trend. One of such steps is the 90day ultimatum given to all tank farm operators in Apapa to build loading bays or be prepared to shut down. The governor also announced full-scale enforcement of the Lagos Road Traffic Law, which restricts movement of container laden trucks to between 9pm-6am daily.

The governor, who sounded a note of warning said: ““This state of affairs that has accentuated gridlock in Apapa and its environs is no longer tolerable to the state government. All necessary arrangements have been made with the relevant regulatory institutions to sanction defaulting port users, importers, tank farms owners, terminal operators and shipping companies, among others”. But stakeholders have argued that beyond the enforcement of the relevant traffic laws and regulations in the state lies the problem of the poor state of the roads, which has become a nightmare to the hapless road users. President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents NCMDLCA, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, who spoke in a telephone interview, wondered why successive governments in the country over the years have chosen to pay lip service to the issue of fixing the port access roads. According to him, when

those roads, most of which are not more than two lanes were constructed, the annual cargo throughput of all the ports in Lagos was not more than 20 million metric tonnes. He argued that the average annual cargo volumes in Lagos is in excess of 80 million metric, which makes the roads grossly inadequate to take the increase in human, vehicular and cargo traffic. “Coupled with this factor is the fact that the roads apart from being very narrow, are in terrible state of disrepair with the attendant rampant cases of falling of containers from the trucks, through which many innocent Nigerians have died and goods worth several millions of naira destroyed”, Amiwero lamented. He therefore expressed concerns that with the current state of the roads, the ports might experience another congestion even in the face of the declining cargo volumes because goods cannot go in and out of the ports freely due to the congestion, which he said is no longer acceptable.

I cannot find any justification for the refusal or failure of the government to fix the port access roads all of which are less than 60 kilometres

where it makes not less than N1billion on a daily basis, with the attendant challenges it poses to the national economy

Another stakeholder, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, hinted that between the four Customs commands in Lagos comprising Apapa, Tin Can, Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited PTML and Kirikiri Lighter Terminal KLT, the Federal Government makes a minimum of N1billion daily. “I cannot find any justification for the refusal or failure of the government to fix the port access roads all of which are less than 60 kilometres where it makes not less than N1billion on a daily basis, with the attendant challenges it poses to the national economy”, the stakeholder argued. According to him, government equally loses hundreds of billions of naira annually over the years due to the poor state of the roads, as a large chunk of the nation’s cargo traffic is diverted to neighboring African countries, where the ports are more efficient and cheaper. He warned that if nothing is done to improve the state of the roads, the country might be on its way to experiencing another round of port congestion, which will ultimately lead to diversion of cargo to neighbouring seaports. It is therefore necessary and urgent for the government to take urgent steps to introduce some palliatives in the long term and a more permanent measure, which would include expanding and rebuilding the roads to international specifications.

Business Maritime

Friday, November 13, 2015

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We inherited obsolete scanners from service providers –Customs STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

he Nigeria Customs Service has said that the fixed and mobile scanners it inherited from the three service providers under the Destination Inspection contract were in terrible state of disrepair, which accounts

for why they are not currently functional.

The Federal Government had signed a seven-year Build, Own, Operate and Transfer contract to inspect imported cargo at the nation’s air, seaports and land borders under which they installed scanners inherited by the service at the end of the contract

in 2013. Zonal Coordinator in charge of the Lagos Zone A, of the service, Mr. Charles Edike, who spoke in an interview in Lagos, disclosed that the poor state of the scanners was worsened by the fact that the service does not have maintenance agreement

with the manufacturers of the equipment. According to him, since the scanners were acquired directly by the individual service provider under the DI contract, the maintenance agreements were signed by the service providers, a development that has made proper maintenance of the scanners almost impossible. “We can do grades one and two maintenance services but the grade three must be done by the manufacturers and we do not have access to them and so it became very difficult to go on with the scanners”, Edike lamented. It was however gathered that the new Comptroller General of the service Col. Hameed Ali has discussions with the manufacturers of scanner abroad with a

view to commencing grade three maintenance of the scanners. Edike also disclosed that the service has not foreclosed the option of acquiring new scanners which would be subject to availability of funds, especially given the dwindling the revenue profile of the service occasioned by the decline in import volumes, since the service gets seven per cent of its duty collection as statutory source of funding. Some maritime stakeholders had recently called on the Federal Government to look at the issue of the broken down scanners, which they argued has further worsened the delay in the delivery of cargo at the seaports, as most of the imported consignments are subjected to physical examination.

NOL confirms takeover parley with Maersk, CMA CGM

S Mobile scanners

Stakeholders caution FG over proposed Auto Policy review

aritime stakeholders under the aegis of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents NCMDLCA have said that the Federal Government should apply serious caution in its proposed review of the National Automotive Policy, which seeks to reduce importation of Fully Built Units FBU of vehicles in preference for Completely Knocked Down CKD and Semi Knocked Down parts SKD. Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo had said recently that the government was working on plans to review the nation’s automotive policy introduced about three years back by the immediate past administration. President of the association, who spoke in a telephone interview, noted that there was urgent need for the government to apply caution in approaching any review of the auto policy so as to forestall drastic consequences on the nation’s economy. According to him, with the phased commencement of the policy since September 2013, there have been increased cases of smuggling of fully built units of vehicles, especially used one

across the nation’s borders. He also observed that that there have also been loss of jobs, especially as many vehicle importing and handling firms have been negatively affected by the policy, which left them with only one option of sacking workers to reduce cost and remain afloat. “I think the government should at this time not dabble into any form of review of the policy without carefully studying the possible implications of all the options available to it because neighbouring countries have been the greatest beneficiaries of the implementation of the policy in Nigeria”, he warned. He also said: “Issues such as creation of jobs, loss of revenue by the government and smuggling of the vehicles, given the porous nature of the nation’s borders , among others should be carefully studied so as to avoid mistakes”, Amiwero also cautioned. It was gathered that some vehicle terminals, including Five Star Logistics located at the Tin Can Island Ports Complex are currently at the verge of shutting down their operations due to the effects of the policy.

The Vice President had while speaking at this year’s edition of Abuja International Trade Fair and exhibition admitted that government was aware that low patronage was one of the challenges confronting the domestic automobile industry in Nigeria. He had disclosed that the government was planning to lead the campaign of buying made-inNigeria vehicles through public procurement to stimulate the industry. Under the plan, it was gathered that the government might make it a deliberate policy to use only Nigeria-assembled vehicles for all official purposes while compelling its ministries and department and agencies to do likewise to boost patronage The vice-president had also said the government would collaborate with the local automobile firms and banks to provide interested individuals with soft loans to enable them acquire locally-made cars at discounted prices with staggered payment structure. He however expressed concerns over the high cost of importing vehicles into the country and its possible impact on the economy.

ingapore-based container shipping company Neptune Orient Lines Limited NOL, is in preliminary discussions with French CMA CGM SA and Danish A.P. Moeller-Maersk A/S with respect to a potential acquisition of NOL, the company said, thus confirming recent media reports. “NOL has a duty to assess all options to maximise shareholder value and improve its competitiveness. From time to time, NOL enters into discussions on possible combinations involving NOL, while remaining focused on returning its core liner business to sustainable growth and profitability,” NOL added. However, the company stressed that there is no assurance that any

such discussions will result in any definitive agreement or transaction, or that any offer for NOL will be made. “NOL will make an appropriate announcement in the event that there are any material developments. Shareholders of NOL and investors are therefore advised to exercise caution when dealing in shares in and other securities of NOL,” the company concluded. The confirmation comes on the back of an announcement dating back to July, in which NOL said that the investment company Temasek Holdings Pte. Ltd, NOL’s majority stake owner, was in talks with an undisclosed buyer to sell its stake in NOL, but that there was still no definitive deal yet.

Liberia launches online certificates for international conventions

he Liberian Registry has launched a certification facility on its secure eMaritime website to expedite shipowner compliance with the requirements of the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks 2007 (WRC) and following the success of that initiative, the registry decided to further enhance the website to include online applications for certification under the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage 2001 (BCLC) and the International Convention on Civil Liabil-

ity for Oil Pollution Damage 1992 (CLC), the Register said in a statement. The enhanced on-line facility is available to owners of Liberian-

flagged ships as well as owners of ships registered in non-convention States that need to obtain the WRC, BCLC and/or CLC liability certificates. The Liberian Registry issues these liability certificates as they are required to be carried on board ships to verify that registered owners maintain insurance or other financial security to cover liabilities in compliance with relevant conventions.

Considering the success of the on-line application for WRC certificates, “it was a logical decision to extend the website to include BCLC and CLC certification applications,” said David Pascoe.

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Business News

Friday, November 13, 2015

N3bn road repairs increased economic activities in Onne seaport –Stakeholders FRANCIS EZEM

takeholders in the nation’s maritime industry have disclosed that the repair of the East-West road by River state government in conjunction with its partners has boosted economic activities at Onne seaport as well as Oil and Gas centre in the state. It would be recalled that Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesome Wike along with Intels Nigeria Limited, INL, and the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, repaired the road at cost of N3 billion to boost commercial activities in the oil-rich state. Governor Wike had on assumption of office, appealed to some firms operating within the Oil and Gas ports complex to join hands to repair the sixkilometre East-West road, especially between Eleme junction in Port Harcourt and Onne port junction, belonging to the Federal Government. Intels had in response to the call, donated N1 billion while

five other firms, comprising the NPA, Indorama Petroleum Limited, West African Container Terminal Limited, Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited and Oil and Gas Free Zones, Onne contributed N2 billion. Some stakeholders, who commented on the repairs of the road, noted that economic activities at the seaports have returned in full swing. While recounting the harrowing experiences, the stakeholders equated the situation to the gridlock in Apapa, Lagos as business activities were negatively affected, due to poor access port roads. “The untold suffering this development brought on commuters and businesses within and outside the ports came with a huge cost, as profits declined annually. The long wait for governments at various levels to take responsibility and intervene to save citizens and businesses from hardship were exhaustive and unattainable, leading to the collaborations with Rivers state government”,

World Bank unveils plans to create more jobs SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

ice President, World Bank for Europe and Central Asia, Cyril Muller has said plans are underway to support global efforts for sustainable developments and inclusive growth. The Vice President also commended some countries, which embark on ambitious reforms, aimed at diversifying global economy while adjusting to the new reality of low oil prices. “We know that the adjustments carried out to fiscal and monetary policies are not easy, but these are necessary to address imbalances”, he stated during his visit to Kazakhstan. He said they are focusing on challenges of creating productive and quality jobs, given the outlook for a much less favourable environment in the coming years. Muller congratulated the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan for the progress made in advancing its business reforms by implementing the largest number of reforms in the world last year, which

secured a spot among the top ten reformers in the World and the 41st place globally. “This period presents an opportunity for Kazakhstan to put a stronger focus on economic diversification to support the creation of quality jobs. Achieving this will require continued reforms and a jobs strategy with a focus on private sector growth. Targeting directly the challenges facing rural areas by promoting connectivity, strengthening local economies, and integrating rural and urban value chains will also be key”, Muller stated. Since 2013, the Centre is the member of specialized international organizations - the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities, IAMRA, and the Society in Europe for Simulation Applied to Medicine, SESAM. The Vice President therefore commended the project achievements, reiterating the Bank’s readiness to continue supporting Kazakhstan in its efforts through knowledge programmes and investments.

a stakeholder stated. It was also gathered that Reynolds Construction Company, RCC, the contractor handling the road repair, has guaranteed the quality of the road, saying it will sustain free flow of traffic. Meanwhile, the Head, Public Relations and Nigerian Content Development for Intels Nigeria

Limited Mr. Isidore Sambol, who reacted on the issue, noted that companies and agencies are committed to their Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, just as he said, they are not taking away the responsibility of government to its citizenry “It is about identifying with the communities and

giving back to the society, being in business for the common good”, Sambol said. Intels Image Maker also assured that the daily free flow of traffic with minor hitches

show the strength and capacity of the contractor, RCC, which is also committed to delivering the job on schedule.

Portion of the East-West road in Port Harcourt leading to the Onne Oil and Gas Centree being rehabiliated by Rivers State government in conjunction with Intels, NPA and others at the cost of N3 billion.

US, EU raise concerns over CBN’s forex curbs Johnson Okanlawon with agency report

nited States and the European Union have raised concerns over the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, curbs on access to foreign currency. The CBN, seeking to conserve its dollar reserves, had said in June that importers could no longer get hard currency from the interbank market to buy 41 items, including rice, cement, private jets and steel products. Others are plastics, soap, cosmetics, furniture and Indian incense. An official of the World Trade Organization, WTO, said at least nine members have raised concerns about the traderelated impacts of the rules at a meeting of the WTO’s Council for Trade in Goods. Reuters reported that Nigeria’s representative at the

meeting noted that the nation’s Ministry of Trade was also concerned, thus requesting a rollback of the policy as soon as the bank announced it. US representative at the meeting also expressed strong concern about the effect on US exports such as agricultural goods, plastics, aircraft parts and metal as well as metal products, adding that the affected exports worth $500 million in 2013 and 2014. The US trade official also said the CBN had justified its action to encourage local production of these items, which revealed its protectionist motivation. She added that it was damaging the nation’s economy and would have the opposite of the intended effect, as the CBN had tightened the measures in the last few months. “We are unaware of any effort by Nigeria to justify the measure at the WTO,” the WTO official quoted the US represen-

tative as saying at the meeting. The EU official at the meeting said Nigeria also seemed not to have sought approval from the International Monetary Fund, IMF, for its foreign exchange curbs, and said they were having significant impacts on trade. Other countries that had also shown concerns about the curbs include Thailand, which is worried about agricultural shipments; Norway and Chile, which were concerned about fish, and Switzerland, Uruguay, Iceland and Malaysia, that were worried about the systemic impacts. Nigerian official at the meeting said the bank should have had consultations with stakeholders beforehand, including the Nigerian Trade Ministry, the WTO official said. He said the appointment of a new cabinet would include assignment of a Minister, who could talk to the bank about the issue.

Business News

Friday, November 13, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FAAN gets nod to recruit 720 workers for airside operations Olusegun Koiki

ederal Government has approved the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, to engage additional 720 personnel to boost its activities. FAAN said that the additional workforce would be

deployed to airside of the airports runways to boost safety around the facilities across the country. Spokesman for FAAN, Mr. Yaubu Dati in a statement said, the Managing Director of the agency, Engr. Saleh Dunoma dropped the hint at the opening ceremony of a threeday workshop to mark the

Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, 2015 Safety Week held at the international wing of the airport in Lagos state. Dunoma also hinted that as a result of the growing threats to airports and flight operations, the management was putting appropriate measures and equipment in place to forestall any threat in and

outside the airports. While urging participants to plan ahead to avoid accident, Dunoma assured that FAAN places premium on safety. The Guest Speaker and FAAN’s Director of Airport Operations, Capt. Henry Omeogu, said the safety week was to provide awareness to stakeholders as well as travellers on the need to observe safety measures at the airport. Omeogu however frowned at the indiscriminate posting of untrained personnel by the airport authority and airlines to airside, describing

the personnel as nothing, but hazards that may cause serious and regrettable accidents in the sector. He charged the staff to carry out daily inspections and audit of movement areas, directing all airport managers to urgently set up local runway safety teams to prevent incident of incursion and excursion on the runway. With the theme ‘’Airside Safety, the Very Essence of Aviation, various speakers harped on the need for constant interface among stakeholders to promote safety around the airside.

The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, CIS, has commenced discussions with Anambra state government on a range of developmental projects, capable of boosting economic activities in the state. Details of the discussion are still hazy; however, National Mirror gathered that when the projects are completed, the state may emerge as one of project implementers next year. As a prelude to the final decision, the Institute’s Principal Officers visited Governor Willie Obiano recently to canvass for the state’s support for the Institute’s projects. Briefing the Governor and his team, the Acting President and Chairman of the CIS, Mr Oluwaseyi Abe explained that in line with the Institute’s plans, strategic partners are required for the execution of projects. According to him, the projects include, sponsorship of customized training programme for the staff of the state agencies, sponsorship of 20,000 indigents of the state for the Institute’s Diploma Programme in Securities and Investment as well as sponsorship

of mega television documentary that would highlights the substance and essence of investments through the capital market among others. “In view of the above and the strategic positioning of the CIS in the area of capacity building and certification of professionals, we would like to among others collaborate with the Anambra state in the area of capacity building and employment creation among the teeming unemployed youths through the Institute’s training and certification programmes”, Abe stated. Responding, Governor Obiano commended the Institute for its foresight in the area of capacity building, assuring of the willingness of his administration to participate in developmental projects. He explained that his administration would study the highlights in order to take appropriate decisions. Among those that visited the governor include the second Vice President, Mr Dapo Adekoje, the Registrar and Chief Executive, Mr Adedeji Ajadi and Assistant Director and Head, Research and Technical, Mr Arize Nwobu

CIS to partner Anambra govt on devt projects

L-R: Head, Youth segment, Airtel Nigeria, Segun Aderinokun; Managing Director, Evans Pulishing Group, Lukman Dauda; Chairman, Mobi Tutor Systems Ltd, Ayo Afolabi and Vice President, Segments, Usage and Retention, Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh at the launch of Airtel Smart Trybe Junior held recently in Lagos.

Glo empowers subscribers with Twin Bash promo Isaiah Erhiawarien

obile network operator, Globacom has added more benefits to its data subscribers as it offered as much as four times the value of data they subscribed to and also give them free double airtime to call any network. The new offer, Twin Bash, which was announced in Lagos by the company’s Executive Director, Legal Services, Mrs Gladys Talabi, offers subscribers that recharge their mobile phone with N200, a 200MB of data worth N800, as well as another N200 airtime to call or send text message to any network. This is in addition to N200 airtime to call 10 friends and family members. Also the subscriber will get N1, 200 values for data recharge of N200 that is valid for four days. Talabi also explained that a subscriber, who recharges with N500 data plan, will get 500MB

of data, N500 airtime to call or text message to any network and N500 airtime to call 10 friends and family,” she said, adding that this is valid for 10 days.” She further that henceforth, “every subscriber who recharges with N1, 000 for data will get 1.2 GB of data and not 1GB as it was before now”. She added that the subscriber will also receive N1, 000 free airtime to call or send text message to any network as well as N1000 free airtime to call 10 friends and family, which will be valid for 15 days. Also, for a N2, 000 data plan, the subscriber will enjoy 2 GB of data with N2, 000 airtime bonuses to call or send text message to any network and another N2, 000 free airtime to call 10 friends and family adding that this package is valid for 30 days. With the Twin Bash promo, Globacom has taken subscriber’s data enjoyment on the company’s network to a new

height by adding bonus airtime for voice calls to every new data recharge. “It is the novel and quintessential mobile package. You pay for data and get voice and text message free,” she noted. She explained that the company has invested enormously on network upgrade in the last one year, adding that this has led to significant improvement in the quality of voice and data service.

South African firm to float $1.2bn glass business

outh African investment firm, Brait is preparing to float glass bottle maker Consol, in a deal which could value the company at around $1.2 billion, sources revealed. Goldman Sachs and BofA Merrill Lynch are working on the listing, along with South African banks, RMB and Standard Bank, who will market the deal to domestic investors, the sources added. The flotation of the Johannesburg-headquartered business is likely to come in the third quarter of next year, one of the sources added, cautioning that no deal was certain. Goldman Sachs, BofA Merrill Lynch and Standard Bank declined to comment. Brait and RMB did not

immediately respond to requests for comment. Consol is the leading glass packaging manufacturer in Southern Africa, producing everything from wine and beer bottles to mayonnaise jars, according to its website. Brait, which bought UK clothing retailer New Look earlier this year in a $1.2 billion deal, has owned Consol since it led a consortium to delist the company in 2007. Consol has core earnings (EBITDA) of around 1.5 billion South African rand ($105.81 million) and could fetch around 12 times that, one of the sources said, noting that the ongoing weakness of the South African rand could depress valuations.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Competition, part of airlines business –B.A Regional Manager Olusegun Koiki

ead, Middle East, Africa and Central Asia of the British Airways, Mr. Paolo De Renzis has said that healthy competition among airline operators would bring out the best in them while in increasing the chances of passengers to choose from array of operators. This is as he disclosed that the airline in the past five years had increased capacity on Middle East route by 40 per cent, despite the intense competition from major Gulf carriers. Renzis, who disclosed this to aviation correspondents in Lagos when he visited the country, said

Business News

Friday, November 13, 2015

British Airways has been flying to Middle East in the past 83 years and Nigeria in the last 80 years. He said the airline has built a long standing relationship in both continents, stressing that the situation led to its successes over the years. According to him, plans were underway to increase its daily flights on Dubai route from two to three next year, disclosing that it recently launched its Boeing 787900 aircraft on Abu Dhabi route. Renzis also explained that the Nigerian route was very critical to the survival of the airline, assuring the flying public that it would continually enhance its services on the route. BA currently operates 14 weekly flights from two points in Nige-

ria; namely Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja. He said, “Yes, there is a lot of competition on Dubai route, but despite this, we have been growing in terms of capacities and products in the past five years. We are familiar with the competition, we have been around for the past 80 years and we enjoy the competition pretty well and we are going to be around for so long. “In terms of investments, we have been investing in the past 80 years in new aircraft in both regions. Just recently, we celebrated the launch of our Boeing 787-900 into Abu Dhabi from London. As I said earlier, there is quite a long list of enhancement in the region

Nigeria’s Oviosu, others bag Africa Entrepreneurship awards

inners have emerged in the four categories of the prestigious Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship, AAE, 2015, organised by African Leadership Network, ALN, which is a member of influential new generation leaders in Africa. The winners were announced at an awards ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco. They emerged from a shortlist of 11 finalists chosen from four categories after a thorough due diligence exercise carried out by professional service firm. The awards were inaugurated to reward some of the continent’s most innovative entrepreneurs and this year’s top 11 finalists were narrowed down from a list of more than 500 contestants and represent a broad spectrum of sectors across Africa, including amongst others, beverages, telecoms, IT infrastructure networks and non-governmental organisations. Tabitha Karanja (Keroche Breweries, Kenya), emerged winner of the Transformational Business Award category.

The award is given to a notable business leader who has created significant socio-economic impact in Africa by building a business with revenues greater than USD $50 million. Munyaradzi Gwatidzo (Astro Mobile, Zimbabwe), came top among other contestants for the Outstanding Mature Business Award, which is given to a business leader who has built a company with revenues between USD $5 million and USD $50 million. Tayo Oviosu (Paga, Nigeria), was declared the winner of the Outstanding Growing Business Award which is given to a young remarkable African business with revenues between $500,000 and $5 million. Amina Slaoui (Groupe AMH, Morocco) emerged the winner of the Outstanding Social Entrepreneur Award category and winner of a USD $50,000 prize awarded

to an organization that demonstrates outstanding innovation and entrepreneurship while sustainably addressing the double bottom line.

APM Terminals to lay-off workers over declining cargo volumes FRANCIS EZEM

L-R –Gulder Brand Ambassador, Lil Rhymz; winner of a brand new Hyundai Elantra via raffle draw at the ongoing Gulder Ultimate Promo, Abayomi Gbenga; Marketing Manager, Gulder, 33, Life, More and stout category, Nigerian Breweries Plc ,Emmanuel Agu and Senior Brand Manager Gulder, Onyeka Okoli, both of during the prize presentation at Nigerian Breweries Headquarters Iganmu-Lagos, yesterday.

Dangote re-affirms commitment to diversification of economy Abolaji Adebayo

angote Group has restated its commitment to the diversification of nation’s economy from its monoeconomy to investing more in non-oil sectors. Executive Director, Stakeholder Management and Corporate Communications of the Company, Engr. Ahmed Mansur, who disclosed this at the 2015 Lagos International Trade Fair, re-emphasised the need for government as well as private investors to embark on practical economic diversifications. He promised that the company would strengthen its partnership with Lagos Chamber of Commerce, LCCI, being a vibrant organised private sector to further push the effort geared towards

the diversification needed for the development of the nation’s economy. Ahmed emphasised that Dangote Group has been trying to diversify the nation’s economy since 15 years ago, when the country has been showing the need for the diversification of its economy. For instance, he explained that the company has embarked on the local manufacturing of agriculture products such as fertilizer, sugar, salt, seasoning, vegetable oil, tomato paste, among others, not only for local consumption, but for export as well generating revenue for the country while stopping importation of such products into the country. He disclosed that his company produces in about 15 countries and exports to other countries, reiterating the company’s commitment to the production and exportation

of Nigerian manufactured goods. According to his statement, “Dangote Group goes where Nigerians go. Nigeria deserves diversification, being the largest industry conglomerate, we diversify Nigerian economy. This is the beginning, we shall continue in this diversification. “We promised during the last year trade fair that we would add more products, today, you will be surprised to see new products in our stable. And we promise that more would be added next year.” In his remarks, the Group’s Executive Director of the Company, Knut Ulvmoen, said that all the Dangote products were produced in good standard that could compete with other products at the international market, adding that the company is working seriously to put Nigerian products ahead of others in the world.

igeria’s biggest and busiest container terminal, APM Terminals, Apapa has concluded plans to downsize its labour force due to declining cargo outputs. Nigeria’s economy has for some time now been experiencing decline in revenue, occasioned by decline in oil price as well as sharp fall of the Naira, thus compelling government to introduce some fiscal measures, leading to decline in volume of imported goods by over 50 per cent. Head of Human Resources of the Company, Ms. Bunmi Pratt in a statement, said the effects of global oil price from $114 per barrel in the summer of 2014 to less than $50 a barrel in October 2015, have rippled throughout the Nigerian economy, thus impacting on staff requirements at APM Terminals. She said, “With cargo volumes down 30 per cent compared with a year ago, and even after extensive cost-cutting measures taken throughout the terminal, we are unfortunately being forced to reduce our staff in view of the business realities of the current

economic environment,” It was also gathered that the company’s employment profile at Apapa terminals, which began operations after the port concession programme of the Federal Government in 2006, has risen during the past 10 years from 467 to approximately 1000 in 2015. According to Pratt, Nigeria with oil and related petroleum products representing more than 90 per cent of total exports, or approximately $90 billion in 2014, and the lion’s share of government revenue, has seen austerity measures permeate the national and local economy. This has led to a sharp drop in demand for consumer goods, which has been particularly and acutely felt at APM Terminals Apapa, handling over half of all Nigerian imports, saying it has left it with the option of reducing its staff strength in order to cope with the dwindling earnings, arising from low import level. Pratt also said, “Respect and compassion for all employees are the very foundation of our business model and so the company is working closely with the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, during this period of the transition”.

Friday, November 13, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria’s cocoa output projected to hit 295,000 tonnes SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

igeria may once again, witness boom in cocoa production, as its output is expected to hit over 295,000, about 5.4 percent rise from last season. According to reports, last season’s yields totalled 280,000 tonnes, short of a 300,000 tonnes estimate as dry weather in 2014 and 2015 hindered the development of the mid-crop. Though, International Cocoa Organization, ICCO, gave lower estimates of Nigerian cocoa output, forecasting last season’s production at 210,000 tonnes. The President of Cocoa Association of Nigeria, CAN, Sayina Riman, disclosed that the output increased, after late rains in October while November will help in pod formation. He also noted that Cocoa season in Nigeria, regarded as the world’s fourth biggest producer runs from October to September with October-to-February as main crop, disclosing that it has a smaller light or mid-crop that begins in April or May and runs through September. “Our initial forecast was a drop, we were expecting 240,000 tonnes. But two months of favourable weather has brought about cherries that have grown

into pods. That’s enough to give us an increase in production” Riman stated. He said that farmers were optimistic for the main crop because of the late rains, which could push the 2015 and 2016 harvest up to March, adding that cocoa trees were shedding fruits before now due to dry weather, saying the intermittent rainfall with sunshine since

October has been helping the beans. Commenting on the prospects of higher yields, Emmanuel Ajayi, who owns five-hectare cocoa farm in Ondo state, explained that “cocoa is flowering now and bringing new leaves. Those flowers most of them will turn to pod that will come up for February/March 2016 harvest,” said.

However, farmers and produce analysts believe that the output may be affected, if the rains stopped and hoping to continue so that bean formation will not be disrupted. Federal Government is working on agricultural commodities, including cocoa, to help plug shortfalls from oil revenues, which has been hammered by low crude prices.

L-R: Managing Director, Venus Processing and Packaging Limited, Mr. Ravi Hemnani; Permanent Secretary, The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Arc. Sonny S. T. Echono; Chairman, 151 Products Limited, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa and Managing Director, Primlaks Nigeria Limited, Mr. Anil Hemnani at the Sympli stand at the 2015 FOODBEXT WEST AFRICA Exhibition in Lagos

NNPC, IOCs, indigenous firms bemoan low oil prices UDEME AKPAN

perators have bemoaned the prolonged low crude oil prices in the global market, adding that it has stilled investment and development of the industry. The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu indicated that the price of Nigeria marker crude, the Bonny light fell more than 50 per cent from about $110 per barrel in June 2014. To below $50/bbl today. In a message to the pre-conference of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, NAPE in Lagos, Kachikwu noted that in 2014 bonny light fetched more than $2 a barrel more than the global benchmark, Brent crude, according to OPEC data. He disclosed that this year, that premium has plunged to 74 cents, on average-the lowest in a decade. Some attribute the fall in the value of oil to

an unforeseen strength of the US shale market and other alternatives, others blame the surging export from Saudi Arabia. Kachikwu said that this decline showed no sign of reaching the bottom just yet in the volatile global market. He remarked that for four years, up to June 2014, oil prices had remained consistently above the $100/bbl mark. Kachikwu maintained that Ali Bin Ibrahim A;l-Naimi viewed as the optimum price to balance the market between crude oil price producers and consumers. He said while growth in global demand has been subdued in recent years, supply-mainly from non-OPEC producing countries-has increased leading to a surplus of oil in the market. The GMD said in a recent analysis, Citibank estimated that supply was exceeding demand by 700,000 barrels per day. “This resulted in a build-up of oil inventories. For example crude oil

production in the United States has increased significantly in recent years; the country produced nine million bpd in 2014 compared with five million barrels in 2008.

“This has been possible because of years of historically high and stable crude oil prices made shale oil projects mainly in North Dakota and Texas-economically viable.”, he added.

LCCI restates commitment to creative industry’s growth

he Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the premier Chamber of Commerce and one of the leading voices in the organised private sector (OPS) in Nigeria, has reaffirmed its commitment to boost the creative industry and make it a major source of income in Nigeria. To this end, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in conjunction with the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA) has put together “Eko Akete: The Lagos Creative Industry Fair,” a creative industry fair aimed at showcasing the interesting talents in showbiz, fashion and lifestyle, music, poetry, artwork and film production in

Nigeria The fair, which holds at Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos from last Friday to this Sunday, is expected to feature amongst others, the Nigerian entertainment conference tagged “Bridging pathways to the Creative Industry of our dreams; Grill fest, cultural night, musical concert by Timaya, Vector, Brymo, Project fame All Stars e.t.c. as well as music workshop to be facilitated by PMAN, fashion shows, acting and audition workshop by DStv featuring Kate Henshaw, Lancelot Imaseun, Desmond Elliot, and Gospel Concert featuring Monique, Kunke Kenny and Nikki Laoye.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Friday, November 13, 2015

NAFDAC fines Guinness N1bn over expired raw materials Johnson Okanlawon

uinness yesterday said it had been fined N1 billion by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, over alleged infractions relating to destruction and revalidation of expired raw materials without prior approval. The company said it did not fully understand the basis for the fine, or the particular regulations infringed, but was in talks with the drug agency to resolve the matter. It said Guinness has operated in Nigeria for over 65 years and had conducted its business in accordance with the law and Diageo’s procedures relating to manufacturing practice. “We remain committed to working with NAFDAC and

other regulatory authorities to produce and market quality products and look forward to being able to resolve the issue,” the brewer said in a statement. NAFDAC has given Guinness, two-weeks from November 9 to pay the fine. Meanwhile, the company had last week released its second quarter earnings for the period ended June 30, 2015, reporting a 19 per cent drop in profit after tax to N7.8billion from N9.6billion recorded in the same period in 2014. However, revenue grew by nine per cent to N118 billion, from N109 billion from the same period in 2014. A statement by the company said that the result reflect strong volume growth on the back of year-on-year impres-

sive performance of its innovation and value brands. It quoted the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Peter Ndegwa, as saying it delivered a nine per cent increase in net sales during the year in a tough trading environment. He said, “We continued to invest significantly behind our brands and our route to consumer expansion and these, together with the high interest environment, have driven a profit before tax decline of eight per cent. However, with the market entry of SABMiller into a once two-company beer market, the dynamics has changed as SABMiller and Nigerian Breweries both have an impressive roster of products in the value segment. In addition, the squeeze on

discretionary income experienced by majority of Nigerian households after the 2012 fuel subsidy removal shifted consumer taste to value brands, a category Guinness was not prepared for. There had also been challenges for the company in areas of distribution infrastructure and the capacity to meet consumer demand with rationing. However, in 2011, the company embarked on capacity expansion investment of N55 billion and has since established a presence in the value segment with brands like Dubic, which used to be a regional beer, but has since been rolled out nationally. It also re-positioned Satzenbrau into a key brand in the value segment.

FG raises N70bn in bonds at lower yields, equities shed 0.7% Johnson Okanlawon

ederal Government has issued N70 billion worth of naira-denominated bonds maturing in 2020 and 2024 at an auction on Wednesday, at lower yields than the returns at its previous auction, the Debt Management Office said yesterday. The yields are a reflection of the performance of the local debt at the secondary market, traders said. The debt office issued N30 billion in the 2020 debt at 10.24 per cent against 13.11 per cent at the previous auction in October. The same tenor bond closed at 10.16 per cent at the secondary market on Wednesday.

A total of 20 billion of the benchmark bond maturing in 2024 was issued at 10.01 per cent compared with 13.87 percent same tenor debt attracted at the October auction. The 2024 paper closed at 10.26 per cent at the secondary market on Wednesday. The debt office also allotted additional N20billion worth in the 2020 paper on non-competitive basis to mandate clients. Yields on Nigerian debt have dropped sharply since last month due to increased naira liquidity in the banking system, spurring demand for the local bond by pension, insurance firms and commercial lenders. Interbank lending rate

closed at 1 percent for overnight lending on Wednesday due to excess cash balance in commercial lenders’ accounts. Meanwhile, trading in equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday refused to consolidate gains with the market capitalisation dropping N75 billion. The market value, which opened at N9.974, dropped by 0.74 per cent to close at N9.899 trillion, while the All-Share Index also depleted by 216.11 points to close at 28,798.67 as against 29,014.78 posted on Wednesday. Expressing hope and return of investor’s confidence, the Managing Director of Cowry Asset Investment Company, Mr. Johnson Chuk-

wu, believes that the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet may not have immediate effect on the equities market. At the close of trading, losers on the trading statistics outnumbered gainers. Specifically, Nestle Nigeria Plc led 26 losers with N7.00 or 0.86 percent to close at N810.00 per share. It was trailed by 7 Up Plc with N4.40 or 2.38 percent to close at N180.10 per share, while West African Portland Cement Company Plc (WAPCO) shed N3.75 or four percent to close at N90.00 per share. In all, investors traded 167.28 million shares worth N1.302 billion exchanged in 2,990 deals.

European shares headed for biggest fall since September

top European stock index looked set for its biggest fall in six weeks yesterday, as weakness in US equities and commodity prices combined with poor earnings updates to drag shares lower. The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index was down 1.8 per cent at 1,466.93 points, heading for its biggest daily decline since September 28. The index weakened after Wall Street fell on the back of jobs data that supported the view that the US Federal Reserve could raise rates in December.

Disappointing earnings in Europe added to the sour mood, including another profit warning from RollsRoyce, which sent the British engine maker’s shares skidding 20 percent and on track for their biggest oneday percentage drop in 15 years. Commodity stocks were the biggest fallers by sector, with basic resources firms down 4 percent and energy firms down 2.5 per cent. A strong dollar and concerns about oversupply sent copper to a sixyear low, while a report from OPEC that a market surplus in oil would per-

sist sent the price of Brent lower. “Combine plentiful supply with a strong-dollar view, and commodity prices will struggle,” said Chris Faulkner MacDonagh, global markets strategist at Standard Life. “Even if there are pockets of value in the energy or commodities space, they can stay cheap for quite a while, and we have yet to see that positive catalyst.” Rolls-Royce downgraded its profit forecast for 2016, its fourth profit warning in just over a year. It blamed sharply weaker demand for spares and services to

existing aero-engines. Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

N196.98 Market indicators All-Share Index 28,798.67 points Market capitalisation 9.99trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

CAP

39.00

40.95

1.95

5.00

UAC-PROP

6.61

6.94

0.33

4.99

DANGFLOUR

2.42

2.53

0.11

4.55

IKEJAHOTEL

3.33

3.48

0.15

4.50

STANBIC

20.00

20.89

0.89

4.45

LAWUNION

0.50

0.52

0.02

4.00

AFRIPRUD

2.61

2.69

0.08

3.07

ETERNA

1.85

1.90

0.05

2.70

REDSTAREX

4.20

4.25

0.05

1.19

FIDELITYBK

1.39

1.40

0.01

0.72

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

FIDSON

3.07

2.92

-0.15

-4.89

ETRANZACT

2.70

2.57

-0.13

-4.81

MAYBAKER

1.26

1.20

-0.06

-4.76

DIAMONDBNK

2.75

2.62

-0.13

-4.73

UNITYBNK

1.30

1.24

-0.06

-4.62

WAPCO

93.75

90.00

-3.75

-4.00

SKYEBANK

1.90

1.83

-0.07

-3.68

ACADEMY

0.59

0.57

-0.02

-3.39

ETI

17.60

17.02

-0.58

-3.30

DANGSUGAR

6.51

6.30

-0.21

-3.23

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.57

100.25

14.89

100.40

14.78

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.75

102.68

15.01

102.98

14.91

15.54 13-FEB-2020

4.37

101.48

15.05

101.78

14.95

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.33

105.26

15.05

105.56

14.98

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.45

95.67

15.12

95.97

15.05

10.00 23-JUL-2030

14.81 68.00

15.59

68.30

15.51

Closing Market Prices of September 30, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

24-Dec-15

10.54

10.81

WAUA

270

USD

197

31-Mar-16

12.71

13.57

EURO

214

01-Sep-16

12.55

14.19

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

5.8333

POUNDS STERLING

293

14.1909

15.5455

SDR

273

16.6173

NIBOR

The Fixings of September 30, 2015

Friday, November 13, 2015 CHANGE OF NAME

AJEKUKO: I, formerly known and addressed as AJEKUKO OLUBUNMI ADERONKE, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEDAPO OLUBUNMI ADERONKE. All documents bearing the former name remain valid. General Public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME PEACE: I, formerly known and addressed as NKEM PEACE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as NKEMAKOLAM UDOCHUKWU JESSE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME BELLO: I, formerly known and addressed as BELLO LATIFAT, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ODUDU WEMIMO. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME BALOGUN: I, formerly known and addressed as MRS. BALOGUN ABOSEDE OLUWATOYIN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MISS. FATAI ABOSEDE OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly called Audu Imanche Joseph Now which to be known as Mr. Imanche Joseph. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

OYEKOREDE: I, formerly known and addressed as ARIBILOLA COMFORT OYEKOREDE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ARIBILOLA COMFORT BOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. General public and the Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ADAH: I, formerly known and addressed as MATHEW SUNDAY ADAH and MAJOR ADAH, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MAMUDA HAKIMI. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME UGOCHUKWU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UGOCHUKWU CHINWENDU STEPHANIE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. ALIRIAGWU CHINWENDU STEPHANIE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME KAYODE: Formerly known and addressed as MISS ADENIKE QUEEN KAYODE Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADENIKE QUEEN AYENI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as name Mr Ogochukwu Happiness.now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Ogonna Ogbonna. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Abbas Daniel Ebele, now wish to be known and addressed as John Okpe Jerome. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Igbane Sarah Miracle, now wish to be known and addressed as Onyike Sarah Miracle. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Anjorin Grace Oluwaseun, now wish to be known and addressed as Okusaga Grace Oluwaseun. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Bashiru Adewunmi Iyabode, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Balogun Adewunmi Iyabode. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nneka Jennifer Nwaokolo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nneka Jennifer Oji. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adekoya Tejumade Blessing now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Shodunke Tejumade Blessing. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as TOLUHI ISAAC now wish to be known and address as OLUWAROTIMI TOLUHI All former documents remain valid.United Bank for Africa PLC Akure and general public should please take note CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is To Certify That NZEWI ARINZE NKEMDILIM AND NZEWI ARINZE NELSON Refer To One And Same Person But Now Wish To Be Known And Addressed As NZEWI ARINZE NKEMDILIM NELSON. All Former Documents Remain Valid. General Public Take Note. CHANGE OF NAME/DATE OF BIRTH. I formerly known as CHUKS GODWIN MUOJEKWU now wish to be addressed as OLUCHUKWU GODWIN EZENNIAKA. All former documents remain valid. Also, my date of birth is 26th January, 1990 instead of 26th January, 1988. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EDEH: I, formerly known and addressed as EDEH EMEKA DANIEL now wish to be known and addressed as EDEHNWOBODO EMEKA DANIEL. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Sosanya Oluwasolafunmi Adetutu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oyeneye Oluwafunmi Adetutu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME 1, formerly known and addressed as Arawole Joy, now wish to be known and addressed as Alashe Bimbo Joy. All former documents remain valid. The General Public take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEKUNLE OLUWATOYIN CHRISTIANAH. now wish to be known and address as MRS OYETUNJI OLUWATOYIN CHRISTIANAH. All former documents remain valid.General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME UCHEAGWU : I formerly known and addressed as UCHEAGWU ADEOBI MABEL now wish to be be known and addressed as OKWUAGWU HOPE AMARACHI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OBIDI: I, formerly known and addressed as OBIDI TONIA JANE UJUNWA now wish to be known and addressed as IMOKE ANTHONIA UJU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ORAMU:I, formerly known and addressed as MR ORAMU JOHNPAUL KEDONOJO now wish to be known and addressed as MR. IBECHI JOHNPAUL CHUKWUBE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UKANACHO: I, formerly known and addressed as FRANCISCA NGOZI UKANACHO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as FRANCISCA NGOZI EKEANYAWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE I, MR JOHN OSADOLOR declare that I am the husband of STELLA OSADOLOR (Nee Noruwa). That the said marriage was contracted at Benin City in Edo State of Nigeria on the 12th of November, 1989 according to native law and custom. That the marriage received blessings and was conducted with the consent of both parties. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ETAREI: I, formerly known and addressed as ETAREI FAVOUR CHIKA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ACHILKA FAVOUR .E. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OLAOLUWA: Formerly known and addressed as OLAOLUWA SIMIAT OLUWAKEMI Now wish to be known and addressed as EKOSANMI SIMIAT OLUWAKEMI .All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Parmata Wanda, now wish to be known and addressed to Mrs. Parmata Apagu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss ISIGUZO CHINYERE ROSECOLETTE, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. OKORO CHINYERE ROSECOLETTE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Okemakinde Remilekun Abidemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Elegushi Remilekun Abidemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME .DAVID: Formerly known And Addressed As BLESSING DAVID Now Wish To Be Known And Addressed As BLESSING ALEX. All Former Documents Remain Valid. General Public Take Note CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

TIJANI: I, formerly known and addressed as MOWUNMI AFUSAT TIJANI, now wish to be known and addressed as OMOWUNMI AFUSAT TIJANI. All documents/transactions relating to my former name remain valid. General public should please take note.

AODU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AODU ELIZABETH OLUWASEYIFUNMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. OGUNSANWO ELIZABETH OLUWASEYIFUNMI. All former documents remain valid. TASCE Staff School and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as UMEOKOWONNA EZUGO ERIC, now wish to be known and addressed as UMEOKOWONNA EZUGO CHUKWU. All documents bearing the former name remain valid. General Public should please take note

To confirm that I am one and same person bearing JELPE SAMUEL and KEFAS SAMUEL SHAMTU as obtainable in some of my documents. . General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Mohammed Mustapha, now wish to be known and addressed as Alli Mustapha Alli. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OKPALAOBI:I, formerly known as, OKPALAOBI CHIOMA CHINEZE, now wish to be known and addressed as TONY-OKPALAOBI CHIOMA DYMPHNA CHINEZE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Gabriel Stella Obiageli, now wish to be known and addressed as Stella Obiageli Adibe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Oke Abdul Raman, now wish to be known and addressed as Oke Abdul Ramon Femi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Etenung Joseph Okiri, now wish to be known and addressed as Etenung Peter Okiri. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Victoria Enayoru, now wish to be known and addressed as Victoria Byrne. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Adams Omolabake Mariam now wish to be known and addressed as Raheem Omolabake Mariam. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Olubunmi Moses now wish to be known and addressed as Enock Elebi. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

OKWEMU: Formerly known And Addressed As OKWEMU STELLA ODICHE Now Wish To To known And Addressed As BAKARE STELLA ODICHE. All Former Documents Remain Valid. General Public Take Not

CHANGE OF NAME

ANIKE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS GLORIA OGECHI ANIKE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONYEDIKACHUKWU GLORIA OGECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. Enugu State Local Government Service Commission Nkanu West Local Government Council and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS FAYEHUN TEMITOPE OLUWASEUN now wish to be known and address as MRS AJIBOLA TEMITOPE OLUWASEUN. All former

CHANGE OF NAME

OKENWA: I, formerly known and addressed as UZOMA ALOY OKENWA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as UZOMA ALOYSIUS IWUAGWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

1, formerly known and addressed as Oluwatobi Arawole, now wish to be known and addressed as Arawole Oluwatobi Josephine. All former documents remain valid. The General Public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME ADDITION OF NAME I, ADEWUYI AJIBADE AYOBAMI FRANCIS was formerly known and addressed as ADEWUYI AJIBADE, but now wish to add “AYOBAMI FRANCIS” to my former names and henceforth be fully known, called and addressed as ADEWUYI AJIBADE AYOBAMI FRANCIS. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

1, formerly known and addressed as Mayowa Arawole, now wish to be known and addressed as Arawole Oluwatobi Josephine. All former documents remain valid. The General Public take note.

This is to confirm that NWOSU PHILIP CHIDIEBERE is one and same person as NWOSU PHILIP EMMANUEL, and now wish to be known and addressed as NWOSU PHILIP EMMANUEL CHIDIEBERE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

JIMOH: I, formerly known and addressed as JIMOH IDIAT TEMITOPE ABEO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ABDUL WAHAB IDIAT TEMITOPE ABEO due to the change in my marital status. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that I, VINCENT ANYAKA is one and the same person as VINCENT NWOYE. That on some of my documents my name appears as VINCENT NWOYE, while on other documents it appears as VINCENT ANYAKA. All former documents bearing any of these names remain valid. General public and Authorities concerned to take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Formerly known and addressed as MISS OMOLADE ADEBOLA RITA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SHITTU ADEBOLA RITA. All former documents remain valid.State Universal Basic Education Board Ondo State and general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is To Certify That KINGSLEY CHIKA NWAONU And KINGSLEY CHIKA AUGUSTNE Refer To One And Same Person But Now Wish To Be Known And Addressed As KINGSLEY CHIKA AUGUSTNE All Former Documents Remain Valid. General Public Take Note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS AKINDOYO CHRISTIANAH OLUWASEUN. now wish to be known and address as MRS OJAOMO CHRISTIANAH OLUWASEUN. All former documents remain valid.General public

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

CHANGE OF NAME OKPALAOBI: I, formerly known as OKPALAOBI OBINNA OLUEBUBE, now wish to be known and addressed as TONY-OKPALAOBI OBINNA HILARY OLUEBUBE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME LIGALI: I, formerly known and addressed as MR LIGALI SAFIRIYU ABAYOMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MR. OMOTAYO ABAYOMI FAVOUR. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AKINYERA: I, formerly known and addressed as AKINYERA DIRAN RIDWAN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AKINYERA AKINDIRAN OMOTOLANI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

To confirm that I am one and same person bearing MOGAJI MOJISOLA ABIBAT and MOGAJI TOLULOPE SINMIAT as obtainable in some of my documents. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Akindele Adewumi Rahfiat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olugbode Adewumi Rahfiat. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Ofutalu Chigbo Jonathan, now wish to be known and addressed as Chinedu Jonathan Ofutalu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Balogun Rukayat Sunmisola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akomolafe Rukayat Sunmisola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that KILANI WAIDI is the same person as KILANI WAHEED. That any documents bearing any of the names remains valid. General public should please take note CHANGE OF NAME This is to inform general that I Ajala Abiola Abosede is same person as Ajala Abiola Ayoni. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as AWONUBI OMOBOLANLE OLUWATOYIN now wish to be called and addressed as ABOLARINWA OMOBOLANLE OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHANGE OF NAME MADUKA : I formerly known as Miss Maduka Ifeoma Bibiana now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ejiamatu Ifeoma Bibiana. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UDOH: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS GLORIA SYLVESTER UDOH, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. GLORIA OKPO ETIM EBITO. All former documents remain valid. Authorities Concerned and the general public should please take note.

GOD’S DIVINE ASSURANCE BIBLE BELIEVERS MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above named CHURCH with headquarters in Benin City has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR MABEL IDAHOSA 2. REV (DR) CHRISTOPHER SADOH 3. PASTOR FESTUS OHENHEN 4. SIS PRECIOUS IDAHOSA 5 BRO. KENNETH ERHUMWUNSE 6 DEACON PAUL OSARENKHOE 7 ELDER EJOOR UDI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. 2. 3.

To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ all over the world To establish and maintain churches and missions in Nigeria and foreign lands To train, ordain and license candidates for the work of the Gospel Ministry

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

Signed: CHRIS AWILI & CO

Friday, November 13, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror We are here to work with you, in solving problems on ground as quickly as possible, we want to know if some of these problems are man-made or systemic. Minister of Power, Works and Housing – Babatunde Fashola

5 injured as soldiers, NSDC operatives sack quarry workers in Ogun Femi Oyeweso Abeokuta

t least, five workers of quarry companies operating in Odeda Local Government area of Ogun state were seriously injured when the joint armed personnel of Nigerian Army as well and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, stormed the site to drive away operators of the quarry yesterday. The five quarry workers were

those whom the armed security operatives subjected to corporal punishments for defying the earlier orders issued to them to keep away from the quarry site and not report for work in the sites “till further notice”. Community Mirror gathered that the armed army and NSCDC personnel had earlier on Tuesday afternoon, shut down the operations of the five quarry companies and also drove away the workers and operators of the sites with the stern warning not to return to

the area again. Our correspondent further gathered that the army personnel and their NSCDC colleague stormed the quarry sites last Tuesday in a van marked “OP Mesa” with registration number NA 875 012 when they handed the warning to the quarry operators and their staff. Reacting to the development, the Society of Quarry and Mining Operators in Ogun State accused the state Ministries of Environment, Commerce and Industry, the local government

councils ministries and other government agencies in the state of forcibly disrupting the mining operations of its members by using security personnel to harass and intimidate their members in the course of collecting illegal fees and tenement rate from them. The society’s Chairman, Sola Aikulola argued that the forcible collection of such illegal fees and charges were in conflict with all valid and operating statutory provisions guiding mining activities in Nigeria. .

Efforts by our correspondent to get the reaction of the state government proved abortive as officials in the concerned ministries and agencies declined to comment. The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Adejuwon Soyinka in his reply to SMS text seeking the reaction of the state government said, “I’m making my findings. Please, hold on.” But as at the time of filing this report he had yet to make comments.

Ikosi-Isheri LCDA launches free eye screening, distributes reading glasses Dare Akogun

kosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area of Lagos State in conjunction with Pietos Eye Hospital has launched a free eye screening and distribution of free reading glasses to the people in the council. Speaking at the flag off of the event at the council secretariat Executive Secretary IkosiIsheri LCDA, Afolabi Kazeem disclosed that the purpose of the programme is for the people in the council to be aware of any challenges with their eyes and also providing an opportunity for early detection of any eye defects. Represented by his wife Dr. Afolabi Folashade a matron in charge of Surgical emergency at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, stated that the eyes plays a very important role in the life of an individual saying that it’s a vital organ which needs constant and adequate attention. Making reference to the World Health organisation, WHO, statistics of 202 which noted that about 67.5 percent of eye defects could be prevented if detected and treated early. According to her, “This programme is targeted towards revealing the major causes of avoidable blindness such as Cataract, Glaucoma, Refractive Error and so on. “I urge everyone to please take good care of their eyes and take advantage of this free eye screening exercise, because

early detection of eye condition that may lead to blindness would be avoided if we do so,” she added. She advised the people against self medication in eye treatment, urging for proper medical check by certified ophthalmologist, while equally enjoining community leaders to sensitize their people on the need to embrace the programme. Other doctors from LASUTH that accompanied Mrs. Folashade are; Chief Modupe Pedro, Alh. Toyin Agbeniga, Dr. Moji Ojuoko; Ophthalmologist, Dr. Osoba and Mrs. Shade Bello. One of the beneficiaries Mrs. Eyitayo Aduranigba thanked the Executive Secretary for the gesture saying that he should not rest on his oars, on his quest to uplift the LCDA to the best in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.

Wife of the Executive Secretary of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA Mrs. Folashade Afolabi (middle) presenting a free reading glass to a beneficiary of the council free eye screening and distribution of reading glasses programme flanked by the Deputy Executive Secretary and Head of Admin Ikosi-Isheri LCDA Chief Abiodun Martins Kehinde Yusuf respectively. PHOTO DARE AKOGUN

NAFDAC to carry out product monitoring at Lagos trade fair Dare Akogun

ational Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, is carrying out its product monitory and surveillance activities at the ongoing Lagos international Trade fair. NAFDAC Chief Public Relations Officer MRS. Christina Oblazikwor made this know to newsmen at the venue of the ongoing Lagos International Trade fair. She pointed that the partici-

pation of NAFDAC at the fair is to put the Agency’s regulatory functions at the disposal of both organizers, manufacturers, Marketers, importers, Exporters of food, drug and other regulated products. According to her “Thus, apart from creating awareness that would enhance public understanding of registration process needed for regulated products, NAFDAC participation also will ensure that no unregistered product is sold at the fair. “The agency has also deployed its cutting edge technol-

ogy (Truscan equipment, SMS messaging, Mini lab) to instantly determine the status of regulated products being exhibited at the Lagos fair. “NAFDAC presence will therefore impact on the general fair activities particularly the members of the public who will be accessing the various exhibitions stands to shop for their families,” she added. She further pointed that the agency participation will create avenue for value exchange in terms of feedback and interaction with manufacturers

and marketers of regulated products, saying that “NAFDAC small Business support Desk is visibly present at the fair and we therefore call on intending local manufacturers to utilize this opportunity and get information on the registration of their products”. “NAFDAC will therefore use the opportunity provided by the Lagos Trade fair to further advance course of fighting fake regulated products and entrenching the culture of product wholesomeness in the country”, she added.

North

Friday, November 13, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Amaechi promises to revive transportation sector Olufemi Adeosun Abuja

inister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, has promised to implement the change agenda of the present administration in the transport sector Amaechi, who resumed duty at the Federal Ministry of Transportation immediately after the swearing-in by President Muhammadu Buhari, made this promise during his maiden interaction with the permanent secretary, management and staff of the ministry. He noted that the present administration is desirous of ensuring that Nigerians reap the benefits of democracy in the transport sector. He said: “We need to complete all ongoing railway

projects in the country and extend these efforts of government to the rural communities for the evacuation of agricultural projects.” Speaking earlier, the permanent secretary, Alhaji Sabiu Zakari, had welcomed the ministers to the ministry and congratulated them on their new appointments. He said: “Your appointments did not come as a surprise to those who know and appreciate your determination and commitment to the service of our great country.” He therefore assured the ministers of the support and cooperation of the staff and management of the ministry in ensuring that the mission and vision of the ministry, in line with the change agenda of the current administration, are achieved.

Economic recovery, moral revolution in Nigeria just started, says APC Obiora Ifoh Abuja

ll Progressives Congress, APC, said with the deployment of the ministerial portfolio, the journey to economic recovery, meaningful democracy and moral revolution in Nigeria has just started. The party also called on the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari and the new ministers to re-fix the nation. In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, APC national secretary, Malam Mai Mala Buni, said the party assures Nigerians of its desire to take them to the Promised Land. The statement reads: “The APC government will not fail the nation; Buhari will keep his words and salvage Nigeria for the benefit of all. “The unprecedented assumption of duty by the ministers, barely some hours after oath-taking, underscores the determination of the APC administration to offer a qualitative and faster service to the nation.” APC however appealed to the ministers to abide by their oath of office, render selfless service, live up to expectations and write their names in gold, adding that the Buhari ministers are a

winning team, wishing that none of them fails. “We implore Nigerians, including the increasingly impatient opposition parties, to give the cabinet a breathing space and support it to deliver dividends of democracy,” it continued. The party scribe said the argument by Peoples Democratic Party, PDP that the portfolios inspired no change, is “warped and a product of defeat hangover. “The PDP should face its rebranding pursuit instead of running down a performing government. APC is not a party which will assign portfolios to miscreants, thugs and mistresses as rampant during the misrule period of the PDP. “The task of rebuilding Nigeria is a responsibility of every citizen. Rather than sit on the fence to find faults, the opposition should join hands with the President to re-fix the nation.

Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu (right) and Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, during his courtesy visit to Birnin Kebbi, yesterday.

Minister vows to stem tide in medical tourism Adeola Tukuru Abuja

ewly-inaugurated Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Folorunsho Adewole, has pledged to stem the tide in medical tourism and improve public/ private partnership, PPP, within his first year in office.

Chidi Ugwu Abuja

ewly-appointed Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, has reassured that the finalisation of the 2016 Budget is the priority of the ministry he heads. This is in response to the wide criticism over the delay in the presentation of the budget by the Federal Government. Speaking yesterday during a brief ceremony marking his resumption of office in Abuja, Udoma reminded the

In a press release signed by the assistant director/press and public relations, Imaobong Udoh, the minister assured that they would bring back the healthcare system of the past where service was available at affordable cost so that our future generation could enjoy a better tomorrow. To achieve this, the min-

wafemi (Chairman) representing District I; Dr. Eko Maria (Vice Chairman) from District I; Mrs. Akinleye Omolara Tawa (General Secretary) from District III, Mr. Opeolu Sunday (Assistant General Secretary) from District VI, Mrs. Mosunmola Wunmi Alalade (Treasurer) from District IV, Mrs.

deployed permanent secretary from office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. (Mrs.) Amina Shamaki, who was earlier received in the ministry, maintained that the new ministers are professionals who are not new to the health family but that they have come with their wealth of experience for the benefit of Nigerians.

National Planning Minister to prioritise 2016 Budget management and staff of the ministry that Nigerians have become anxious about the future of the nation’s economy, hence the need to expedite action on the preparation of the budget. Speaking emphatically on the budget, earlier, the Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, had stated that “starting from now, our budget will be driven by the plan behind it. Each budget

STAN elects new executive cience Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) Lagos State Branch has inaugurated new Executive Officers during the last Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on the 24th July, 2015 at the STAN Secretariat Festac College, Lagos. The officers sworned in are: Mr. Oyekan Olu-

ister stated that states and local governments’ support are needed. Corroborating the minister’s dreams, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said they would endeavour to bring in changes that would transform the healthcare system from basic to tertiary level. In her remark, the newly-

Akanji Comfort Adebukola (Financil Secretary) from District II, Mrs. Olanrewaju Olayemi Olufunmilayo (Science Fair Coordinator) from LGEA Amuwo Odofin; Mrs. Onwuegbu Regina (Curriculum Coordinator) from District I, Mr. Olayinka Sanwo (PRO) from District V, Dr. Ad-

area will be linked to a strategic goal that has been predefined by the plan that has been put together.” While hinting the direction and focus the new budget would assume, she assured that it would be development and human-oriented. “This regime has a principle of following the rule of law, due process and ensuring that accountability and transparency are entrenched in everything we do. We will

eniyi Ajewole (Ex-Officio) from LACOED. The new Executive Officers will and direct the affairs of the organisation henceforth. Registered members that are present at the last conference are to collect proceedings from their district representatives.

lead by example and there will be no acceptance of any deviation,” she assured. While soliciting for the maximum cooperation of the staff of the ministry in achieving the plans of the Federal Government, Senator Udoma charged them on the need for team work and commitment to service. The minister, while acknowledging that things are difficult now, assured that they would surely get better, adding that “the new ministerial team has reported for duty and are ready to work.” Earlier, the new permanent secretary of National Planning, Mrs. Fatima Nana Mede, who had just resumed duty alongside the two ministers of the ministry, while pledging the loyalty and dedicated service of the entire staff of the ministry urged them to discharge their functions efficiently and diligently.

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North

Friday, November 13, 2015

Kogi, Enugu, host Glo Laffta Fest, Slide ‘n’ Bounce

t will be the turn of Kogi and Enugu states this weekend to host the popular entertainment shows packaged by next generation network, Globacom. The shows: Slide ‘n’ Bounce, which is a music concert, and Laffta Fest, a comedy show, have been held in several cities already, including Benin, Port Harcourt, Awka, Ibadan, Victoria Island, Surulere, Ikorodu and Abeokuta. According to a statement by Globacom, the Slide ‘n’ Bounce concert will take place at Ali Obaje Auditorium of the Kogi State University today, while Laffta Fest will be held at Golden Royale Hotel, Enugu, two days later, Sunday, November 15. For the musical concert, Slide ‘n’ Bounce, popular artistes and Glo ambassadors such as rapper, M.I, alternative soul singer, Bez, and Afro hip hop act, Burna Boy, will entertain the guests, the statement said. It added that Nigeria’s

leading comedians, including Basket Mouth, Gordons, Buchi, Uche, Funny Bone, I Go Save, D Don, Senator, Acapella, Arinze, AB Simple, will perform at the Laffta Fest event in Enugu. There will also be musical performances by Wizkid and Bez. The two shows have toured 22 locations and are scheduled to visit 7 additional locations, including Awka, Owerri, Markudi, Yenogoa, Aba and Nsukka to give Glo subscribers in those locations an opportunity to experience the increasingly popular music concert and comedy show. “Glo subscribers who wish to attend the Laffta Fest event are required to use up to N3,000 worth of airtime before the show and send ‘LOL ENUGU’ to 33001, while subscribers wishing to attend the Slide & Bounce should use up to N2,000 worth of airtime before the show and send ‘YES AYINGBA’ to 30018”, the company said.

Organised labour cautions Al-Makura over airport project Igbawase Ukumba Lafia

rganised labour in Nasarawa State yesterday called on Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura to reverse his decision for the construction of an airport in Lafia, the state capital. The workers’ body made its position about the proposed airport project known through a communiqué issued at the end of its State Administrative Council, SAC, meeting in Lafia, jointly signed by Abdullahi Adeka, Sule Ode Usman and Ahmed Mohammed. “The airport project is at the expense of other current predicament which in it stead, the governor should revive the state owned transport service by constructing a modern motor park and purchase sound vehicles which shall benefit the common man in the state. “Base on the pronouncement made by the governor that bailout funds have been accessed, the organised labour is urging the governor to disburse that of the

state for the purpose it is meant for. “We also call on the governor to urgently disburse the funds remitted by the contractor handling the 500 housing project to the beneficiaries to enable them complete some of the uncompleted aspects of the work in the project,” the communiqué said. The communiqué called on the state government to as a matter of urgency implement all issues as contained in various agreements reached between it and organized labour even as the communiqué called for the reconstitution of the state civil service commission.

North-East Liaison Officer, National Sugar Development Council, Malam Sule Tambaya (right) and Manager, Sugarcane Farmers Association, Adamawa Chapter, Mr. Godwin Sule, inspecting a sugarcane field at Savannah Sugar Company in Numan, Adamawa, yesterday.

NDLEA intercepts truck loaded with 408kg of Indian

conceal it with the chemicals he loaded from Lagos. “During interrogation, the driver denied having knowledge of what he was carrying. “He said he was asked by someone to stop over in a forest in Akure where he picked the bags of cannabis which he was asked to deliver in Jos,> she said. According to her, the driv-

Madubuike said the truck, which came from Lagos was carrying chemicals for a Jos-based company. She noted that the truck was later found to have been loaded with cannabis in Ondo State and disclosed that the item was worth over N1m. “We received a tipoff that the driver would stop over in Ondo to get the cannabis and

NHIS to inaugurate public primary school scheme —Coordinator

oordinator, National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Onimajise, yesterday announced that the Health Scheme for Public Primary Schools would commence by the end of November. He made the disclosure at a news conference in Ilorin, saying Kwara State would be the first state to begin the scheme in the country. “The Public Primary School Health Scheme is expected to be a nationwide exercise; all necessary ar-

rangements have been finalised to commence by the end of this month in Kwara,” he said. According to him, the scheme will attend to pupils in public schools as part of Federal Government’s plan to capture the entire public into insurance policies, most especially pregnant women and children under the age of five years.

Onimajise said the educational insurance scheme which started with tertiary institutions was now targeted at pupils in primary schools. On the level of synergy with state insurance, he lamented over the ineffectiveness of the programme, adding that efforts were being made for better coordination. He added that the man-

Kogi refunds N276m WAEC fees to 24, 172 parents

ogi State Government has started refunding N276,769,400 West African Examinations Council, WAEC, fees to 24,172 parents across the state. The exercise, which started yesterday with the issuance of cheque to concerned students of St. Augustine Grammar School, Kabba, was in line with an earlier promise of the state govern-

er is in company of three other persons who claimed they do not have an idea of what the driver had in the truck. Madubuike said the suspects would be charged to court soonest. She appealed to members of the public to cooperate with the agency by disclosing information relating to drug trafficking.

lateau State Command, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, said yesterday it intercepted a truck loaded with 408kg of Indian hemp in Jos, the state capital. The Commander, Dr Ngozi Madubuike, said in Jos that the truck was intercepted along Yakubu Gowon way.

ment to refund the fees. Chairman of Verification and Reconciliation Committee set up by the state government, Prof. Mathew Ajibero, said the refund was for students who sat for 2014/2015 WAEC examinations. He said the committee was able to establish that only 24,172 sat for the examinations in the state, adding that each of them will receive N11,500 being the

amount paid by their parents as WAEC fee. He said the committee, through the verification, was able to save over N200m from N515m initially brought forward for payment. It would be recalled that Governor Idris Wada had while suspending the payment of WAEC fees early this year, said some dubious and corrupt officials hi-

jacked the gesture to enrich themselves. Wada said specifically that the officials inflated the amount from N270m in 2012 when he assumed office to over N500m in 2015. Ajibero said the committee, in the course of its assignment, engaged officials of the Ministry of Education and Teaching Service Commission for adequate fact finding.

agement of NHIS had discovered that the rate of penetration into states had not been substantial and decided that states should be involved in the implementation of health insurance. He noted that the scheme introduced a social insurance programme which would jointly be funded by federal and state governments. “We want the states to amend the laws setting up the community insurance so that it can be state health insurance programme with an agency to manage it. “Once that is done in-line with National Health Acts, there is going to be funds that will be paid by NHIS to the state agencies to cater for the vulnerable group,” he said. Onimajise said the ultimate was to cover residents in every nook and cranny of the state.

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Friday, November 13, 2015 www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME FAGBOYO: I formerly known and addressed as OWOLAWI TOYIN FOLAKE FAGBOYO CHRISTIANAH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADEBAYO FOLAKE CHRISTIANAH. All former documents remain valid U.C.H Staff Ibadan For Federal Govt, All Nigeria Bank, General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

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CHANGE OF NAME KEBBI: I formerly known and called as KEBBI MOSES, now wish to be known and called as IYABENIKOREGHA MOSES GEYOBURIMO. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly called and known as Miss Ajao Ruth Gbemisola now wish to be addressed and known as Mrs Awogbami Ruth Gbemisola. All former documents remain valid, Diamond Bank Plc and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly addressed and known as Miss Oladoyinbo Omolola Taiwo, now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Adeniran Omolola Taiwo. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that Ibrahim Fatai Opeyemi and Aresa Fatai Ibrahim is the same one person as Aresa Ibrahim Fatai, that henceforth wish to be called and known as Aresa Ibrahim Fatai.. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS This is to inform the general public that original letter of allocation on the property being, lying and situate at Block 1, Flat 5, 7th Avenue, 721 Road, D- Close, Festac town, Lagos State belonging to the late Omotuyi Abiodun Benson is missing and all effort to recover it has been futile and abortive. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Oladairo Jamiu Abayomi now wish to be known and addressed as Ewedairo Jamiu Abayomi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mr OKECHUKWU NWAIZU, now wish to be know and addressed as Mr OKECHUKWU ANAELE. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mr. Sonola Alani Joseph, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Adebayo Alani Joseph. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Friday, November 13, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ojumola Adedayo Mojisola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Agoyun Adedayo Mojisola. All former documents remain valid. SUBEB and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ONI ADEBOWALE IDRIS now wish to be known and addressed as TIJANI QOZEEM ADEMOLA. All former documents remain valid. The general public, please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as RAHMAT OLAPEJU SALAMI now wish to be known and addressed as RAHMAT OLAPEJU AJALA. All former documents remain valid. The general public, please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Obebe Emmanuel, now wish to be known and addressed as Okoh John Abbah. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as RAMON DAUDA AKIN, now wish to be known and addressed as RAIMI DAUDA AKIN. All former documents remain valid. GTBANK and General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Parmata Wanda, now wish to be known and addressed to Mrs. Parmata Apagu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, Formerly Miss OLUWAROTIMI TITILAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. OMOLAYO TITILAYO ANGELA. All former documents remain valid. Federal Medical Center, and General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME MARIAN: I formerly known and addressed as MARIAN BOSELELAYEFA MIEBIBO, now wish to be Known and addressed as MARIA BOSELELAYEFA MIEBIBO. All former documents remain valid. Authoritiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; concerned and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunniyi Bukola Jumoke Esther now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs IHIEZU Bukola Jumoke Esther. All former documents remain valid,general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adebambo Aderonke Dorcas, now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs. Omotosho Aderonke Dorcas. All former document remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Known and addressed as Miss Akinrinola Oluwafunke Titilayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Majekodunmi Oluwafunke Titilayo. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MR. ASAGADE BAYO SEUN, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. OLAWALE BAYO SEUN. All former documents remain valid; United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Ubah Shakirat Ashabi, now wish to be known and addressed as Maku Shakirat Ashabi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ASUZU ONYINYE HENRIETTA, now wish to be known and addressed as OKOLI ONYINYE HENRIETTA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mohammed Mustapha, now wish to be known and addressed as Alli Mustapha Alli. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Tayo Ruth Oladeji, now wants to be addressed as Atanda Temitayo. All former documents remain valid. First Bank, FCMB and the general public should take note. CHANGE OF NAME EBISKO: I formerly Known, called and addressed as EBISKO DANIEL, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ABISCO DALE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities concerned should please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that Miss Adenoyejo Afolashade A.and Miss Adeboyejo Afolashade A is now the same one person as Mrs Adekunle Afolashade Adekunbi, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Adekunle AFolashade Adekunbi. All former documents remain valid, WAEC, NECO, NYSC and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly addressed and known as Miss Oyewo Riike Fatimo now wish to be known and called as Mrs Odulana Fatimo Riike. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Badejo Abiola Folake, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adebayo Abiola Folake. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MR. EROMAFURU EMMANUEL TEGA, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. EROMAFURU STEPHEN MICHAEL. All former documents remain valid; GT Bank Plc (GTB), general public please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS OLAIFA FUNMILOLA MOTUNRAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ODUSINA FUNMILOLA MOTUNRAYO. All former documents remain valid, general public to take note.

This is to confirm that Alamu Muideen Oloya is the same one person as Oloso Alamu Muideen, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Oloso Alamu Muideen. All former document remain valid, general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Tangnum Danjuma, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Tangnum Emmanuel Tuktur. All my former documents remain valid. UBA Plc and the public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS FAYEHUN TEMITOPE OLUWASEUN, now wish to be known and address as AJIBOLA TEMITOPE OLUWASEUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Hauwa Salihu, now wish to be known and addressed as Hauwa Adamu Danboyi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Shogunle Fatimo, now wish to be known and addressed as Shogunle Apinke. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Igwe Dorathy Oluwatosin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Majonagbe Dorathy Oluwatosin. All former documents remain valid.Ogun SUBEB, University of Ibarapa and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ojo Adetutu Abidemi, now wish to be known and addressed Mrs. Segun Adetutu Abidemi. All former documents remain valid. Ogun SUBEB and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS ITORO JOY OKOJIE WILCOX now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ITORO JOY ALAKIRI. All former documents remain valid. The general public, please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Onyejiaka Ezinne Chinonso, now wish to be known and addressed as Ernest Ezinne Chinonso. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as OBASEKI JUSTINA IZIEGBUWA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OBASEKI JUDITH IZIEGBUWA. All former documents remain valid. FIRST BANK and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Gabriel Stella Obiageli, now wish to be known and addressed as Stella Obiageli Adibe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AGBATIZINERO: I formerly known, called and addressed as AGBATIZINERO CARRINGTON, now wish to be known, called and addressed as UYOH STEPHEN OBRUCHE. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and General public should please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that Benson Okeke is the same one person as Emenike Benson Okeke, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Emenike Benson Okeke. All former documents remain valid, Ecobank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc and general public should please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Fatuagun Sunday is the same one person as Oyeyemi Timilehin Alademeye, that henceforth wish to be known and called as Oyeyemi Timilehin Alademeye. All former documents remain valid, GTBank and general public should please take note .

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Joel Odunola Easther, now wish to be known and called MRS. OYEBISI ODUNOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MR. ALABI MUDASIRU TEWOGBOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. TEWOGBOLA ADEOLU SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. Diamond Bank Plc, general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Lemboye Abibat Motunrayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akindele Abibat Motunrayo. All former documents remain valid. OGADEP and General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that Miss Oliver Blessing Ebere and Miss OHAKWE NGOZI EBERE is one and the same person, now I wish to be known, called and addressed as Miss OHAKWE NGOZI EBERE .All former documents remain valid. The general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, Formerly known and addressed as MRS EBIWARE GLADYS now wish to be known and addressed as MISS ENGBI EBIPAMOERE GLADYS . All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Akor Samuel Gowon, is the same person known and addressed as Micheal Moment. All former documents remain valid. First bank, Access bank and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Njoku Ogechi Irene now wish to be known and addressed as Uzoma Ogechi Irene. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as AKOMOLAFE OLAKUNLE is also known as EMMANUEL SUNDAY OLUWASINA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as SHASERE IYABODE OLUWATOYIN, now wish to be known and addressed as FAROMO IYABODE OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid. general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Abbas Daniel Ebele, now wish to be known and addressed as John Okpe Jerome. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that I, OKUMEBOR HUMPHREY is the same person as OHWODIASA HUMPHREY. That any document bearing any of the name remains valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and called as Miss Ahmed Olanike Jelilat now wish to be addressed and called as Mrs Salawudeen Olanike Jelilat. All former documents remain valid, Nigeria Police Forces (NPF), Diamond Bank Plc,GTB Bank Plc, Micro-Finance Osogbo and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly called and addressed as Miss Ofah Charity Ujiro now wish to be called and known as Mrs. Kapo Charity Ujiro. All former documents remain valid; First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Former ly known as MISS OLOWO FATIMOH AJOKE, NOW wish to be known as MRS. JIMOH FATIMOH AJOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS ABDULWAHEED BASIRAT, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AKINREMI BASIRAT ABIOLA. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc, general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Damilola Seun Albert now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oduwole Damilola Seun. All former documents remain valid. Ogun Tescom and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME KALU: I formerly known and addressed as MR JOSEPH ISAAC IHEME, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. JONAH DANIEL KALU. All former documents remain valid. The general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluwapelumi Lydia Olutoye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwapelumi Lydia Oboh. All former documents remain valid. Legal Practitioner and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Okogun Mary Eseoghene, is the same person known and addressed as Okogun Mary Abiodun. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Friday, November 13, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME OKPALAOBI: I, formerly known as OKPALAOBI ANOMNACHI CHIAMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as TONYOKPALAOBI CHIAMAKA TONIA ANOMNACHI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Oluwaseyi Ajayi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Safi Oluwaseyi all former documents remain valid Banks and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as John Otiko Ochuko now wish to be known and addressed as Suwakpor John Ochuko all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Gbadamosi Yusuf Tunde now wish to be known and addressed as Badmus Yusuf Tunde all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Folarinwa Olabisi Oluwaseun now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adegbuyi Joseph Olabisi Sara all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME TARABA: Formerly known and addressed as TARABA MUHAMMAD K/MATA now wish to be known and addressed as GARBA MUHAMMAD K/MATA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EPUNA: Formerly known and addressed as EPUNA EBERENNA ANTHONY now wish to be known and addressed as EBERE ANTHONY NWAEZE. All documents remain valid. General public should take note

CHANGE OF NAME This Is to Inform the general public that Eric Onuabughichi Alfred And Eric Alfred Ndimele refer as One Person now wish to be Known and addressed as Eric Alfred Ndiemele CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Okaibe Chinwendu Esther Now wish to be and addressed as Mrs Ohazurume Chinwendu Esther. All former documents remain valid general public take note CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as ESTHER AUDU(MRS) wish to be addressed as ESTHER STEPHEN YAGE.All former documents remain valid.Ministry of Education Zuru and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME EZEANWE : Formerly known as Mr Godwin Ifeanyi Ezeanwe now wish to be known and address as Mr Godwin Ifeanyi Eze. All former documents remains valid. Public take note. CHANGE OF NAME OMENUKOR : Formerly known as Miss Omenukor Chinyere N now wish to be known and address as Mrs Okoli Nkechinyere. All former documents remain valid. Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME NDUKWU: I, formerly known as MISS. NDUKWU THERESA AMARACHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. EZEONYI THERESA AMARACHI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that NWOSU OGOCHUKWU is one and the same person as NWOSU OGOCHUKWU MARTHIAS. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Lawal Biliki Temitope now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ayeye Biliki Temitope all former documents remain valid Banks and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Imale Olusegun Joseph now wish to be known and addressed as Abiodun Olusegun Joseph all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Adebanjo Modupe Victoria now wish to be known and addressed as miss Adebamiro Modupe Victoria all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Josephine Chizoba Ikeh now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Favour Josephine Chizoba Otete all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME MEDAN: Formerly known and addressed as LERINAYANG MEDAN now wish to be known and addressed as SHEKOLO TUKURA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ORIARE: Formerly known and addressed as YAHYA ORIARE JIMOH now wish to be known and addressed as YAHYA BIODUN JIMOH. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME This Is To Inform The general Public That Joseph Chidirim Goodness And Joseph Chidinma Goodness Refer As One Person but now Joseph Chidirim Goodness. All former documents remain valid general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Agbarnyim Chidinma Ina Now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Edede Chidinma Mkpa. All former documents remain valid general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss CHINENYE CATHERINE AGAH henceforth wish to be called Mrs CHINENYE CATHERINE UKUBUIWE.All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Ogunlade Olusola Joseph now wish to be known and addressed as Bejide Olusola Joseph.All former documents remain valid .Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission,Ekiti State University,Banks and general public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that MAAH PAULINUS EJIKE is one and the same person as MAAH EJIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Adesanya Adetoun Olufunmilayo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ajayi Adetoun Olufunmilayo all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Sowemimo Kafayat folorunso now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ilesanmi folorunso .k all former documents remain valid and general public take note .

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Akinola Tolu Rachael now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Awolaja Tola Akinola all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Johnson Moses Alphonsus now wish to be known and addressed as Johnson Ochigbo all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OKEKE: Formerly known and addressed as CHIZOBA ONYEWUCHIM now wish to be known and addressed as CHIZOBA ONYEWUCHIM OKEKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. CHANGE OF NAME YUNANA: Formerly known and addressed as FLORENCE YUNANA KANENG now wish to be known and addressed as KANENG DAVOU. All former documents remain valid. Ecobank, Union Bank and General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Known and addressed as Nwanorue Goodness Adaku now wish to be known and addressed as Nwokocha Peace Akudo. All former documents remain valid general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwosu Maryrose Chinedu now Dr Mrs Ojinnaka Maryrose Chinedu. All former documents remain valid general public take note CHANGE OF NAME OBIAJULU : Formerly known as Miss Obiajulu Chinonyelum Lilian now wish to be known and address as Mrs Unegbu Veronica Nonye. All former documents remain valid. Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OFOTO : Formerly known as Ofoto Cornelius Elochukwu now wish to be known and address as Ofoto Collins Cornelius. All former documents remains valid. Public take note.

YAKUBU : Formerly known as Mr Yakubu Adams now wish to be known and address as Mr Usseini Idris. All former documents remain valid. Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Albert Idowu Temilola now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Jimoh Idowu Temilola. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note

I formerly know and addressed as MISS DUPE OLUDARE,now wish to be know and addressed as MRS DUPE OLAYANU,all former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Miss Abiola Adeseeke Janet, now wish to be known as Mrs Komolafe Adeseeke Janet, All Former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Rabiu Lekan, now wish to be known and addressed as Jimoh Ridwan Olalekan. All documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Chinedu Chukwudi Njuku now wish to be known and addressed as Chinedu Okike Njuku all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Adenaike Opeoluwa Israel now wish to be known and addressed as Busari Opeoluwa Israel all former documents remain valid First bank PLC and general public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

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CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Miss Oladele Ajibola Grace, Now Mrs Ayantoye Ajibola Grace. All former documents remain valid. OYO STATE TESCOM and general public should take note. CHANGE OF NAME AKINBO: formerly known and addressed as IKUYINMINU AKINBO. Now wish to be known and addressed as IKUYINMINU ADEYEMI ONANAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME That I use FAVOUR IKPURI to open and operate an account with Eco Bank Nigeria Plc,DSC branch and also uses EWEWE IRENE to open and operate an account with Skye Bank Nig plc, Enerhen Junction branch.That both names used aboved belong to one and the same person.All former Documents remains valid.Eco Bank,Skye Bank and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Adesina Anthonia Afolake now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Orenuga Anthonia Afolake all former documents remain valid and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Mr Akpala Ochohepo Now Mr James Reuben Akpala Former Documents Remain Valid And General Public Should Take Note (2) Formerly Miss Afolabi Kehinde Now Mrs Afolabi Esther Olufunke Access bank,uba bank. Former Documents Remin Valid Oyo Subeb And General Public Should Take Note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Egene Mary Ebon now wish to be known and addressed as Abeng Mary all former documents remain valid and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Olumide Racheal Temitope now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Awobayo Racheal Temitope all former documents remain valid UBA bank PLC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS. ABOYOWA EMMANUEL OBIETAN , NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. ABOYOWA OSADEBEY. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE NOTE.

Mrs Atunishe Modupe Abibat is one and same person as Mrs Atunishe Modupe Oladuni henceforth which to be known and addressed as Mrs Atunishe Modupe Abibat Oladuni all former documents remain valid Union bank, Wema bank and general public take note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NWANORUO PRECIOUS CHIDI , NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NWANORUO PRECIOUS OLUCHI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. FIRSTBANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE NOTE .

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Akor Godday Joseph now wish to be known and addressed as Sunday Chidi Dogs all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MIRI BONIFACE SELVEN , NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MIRI NIMMYEL ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME SANI: Formerly known and addressed as SHAMSI SANI now wish to be known and addressed as BUHARI ALIYU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

NURA: Formerly known and addressed as ABDULRAHMAN NURA now wish to be known and addressed as ABDULRAHMAN UMAR. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

This is to confirm that MASUD HARUNA is the same person as MASUD BARAU but now wish to be known and addressed as HARUNA MASU’D BARAU. All former documents remain valid. NIS and the General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunya Omotola Faith now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akinseye Omotola Faith. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME FORMERL Y known as ODUNODU DAVID ADETOYE, NOW wish to be known and addressed as ODUNODU DAUDA ADETOYE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME I formerly called R.O OGUNLOLA henceforth wish to be called ABDULRASHID ABDULKARIM.All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Uchenna John Izuchukwu now wish to be known and addressed as Peter Nkemjika Emmanuel. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ONYEDUM : Formerly known as Miss Onyedum Uchenna Juliet now wish to be known and address as Mrs Ekwunife Uchenna Juliet. All former documents remain valid. Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME IBEKWE : Formerly known as Miss Ibekwe Ngozi Thecla now wish to be known as Mrs Mbanefo Ekwosi Ngozi Thecla. All former documents remain valid. Public take note. CHANGE OF NAME This is to confirm that MR.MUJIB AYODELE OSENI is also the same person known and addressed as MR.MUJIB ALAO OSENI or MR. ABDUL-MUJIB AYINLA OSENI .All former documents remain valid. The general please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mr. BULAMA DAWA ALOOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. JOHN GARBA . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Hauwa Salihu now wish to be known and addressed as Hauwa Adamu Danboyi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as LUCKY OSAMUDIAME now wish to be known and addressed as LUCKY ENAKHIMION. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME THIS IS TO CONFIRM THAT SAMUEL ARINZE MARCEL IS THE SAME ONE PERSON AS SAMUEL ARINZE AKUBUO THAT HENCEFORTH WISH TO BE CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS SAMUEL ARINZE AKUBUO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC LEASE TAKE NOTE. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formal known as Ajobiewe Atinuke, now wishes to be known as Olayemi Olajide Atinuke. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that EBA JOHNSON OWHOBENO is the same one person as ARIEMEBI JOHNSON, that henceforth wish to be known and addressed as ARIEMEBI JOHNSON. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE THE UNDIVIDED CHRIST EVANGELICAL MISSION. THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MISSION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. BOYON SAMUEL SETONJI 2. BOYON JOHN METONON 3. BOYON GRACE IDOWU 4. BOYON SHALOT MAUDO 5. OGUTON JOHN ISMAILA. 6. HUNGBEJI FELIX DANSU 7. FALAJU REBECCA MAUNAPON AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TO THE WHOLE WORLD. 2. TO PREACH SALVATION, HEALING AND DELIVERANCE. 3. TO PREACH THE GOOD NEWS OF HEAVEN. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR- GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

Friday, November 13, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I’ll work smoothly with new minister, perm sec –Yakmut

It’s of no use dwelling on the defeat to Bayern. We have to resume focus on the EPL in the first instance

Sport

–Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger

Super Eagles in training

World Cup qualifier: Super Eagles ready for Swaziland

he Super Eagles of Nigeria yesterday, arrived in Swaziland ahead of today’s 2018 FIFA World Cup African Qualifying Round 2 clash with the Sihlangu Somnikati of Swaziland. The delegation led by NFF 1st Vice President, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi, travelled aboard a chartered Arik Air Boeing 737-800 aircraft from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja

Oliseh

...kick-off 6pm today

and landed at the Matsapha International Airport, Manzini at 4pm Swazi time (3pm Nigeria time), after six hours. Later, the Super Eagles had a feel of the Somhlolo National Stadium, venue of this evening’s match, as Coach Sunday Oliseh supervised a 45-minute session under the floodlights. Oliseh said, “Our objective is clear. We are here to play well and win well. The NFF are doing their part well by ensuring comfortable travelling and accommodation arrangements. Now, we will go to the field tomorrow and give our very best for our country. “I have confidence in this group. The players still need time and matches to bond together very well, but I love the hunger to achieve that I see in

these boys.” Earlier at the Matsapha International Airport, the delegation was received by about three dozen excited Nigerians based in Swaziland, who cheered lustily and sang various songs as players and officials walked into awaiting buses. They were clad in T-Shirts specially made for the occasion. “We really appreciate this show of love from fellow Nigerians, who have left their businesses in various areas of Swaziland to come and welcome the National Team of Nigeria,” said leader of delegation,” Akinwunmi. Chief Executive Officer of the National Football Association of Swaziland, Frederick Mngomezulu, was also at the airport.

NFF decamps victorious Golden Eaglets ...await PMB Nov 29 date Joel Ajayi ABUJA

he newly crowned 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup champions, Golden Eaglets of Nigeria, received a worthy reception on Wednesday night and were yesterday decamped and would reconvene on November 29 for a Presidential reception in Aso Rock Villa. New Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Solomon Danlong, who disclosed this while speaking at the dinner organised for the Eaglets at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, said he has come to effect change in the sports sector. He said, “The era of baboon is working, monkey is eating is gone, the era of use and dump is over, players must be well taken care of even after retirement. We are here to effect change in sports sector.” Speaking also, the Director General of National Sports Commission (NSC), Alhassan Yakmut, noted that President Muhammadu Buhari would receive the Golden Eaglets alongside other sports medal winners

in international competitions on the 29th of this month at the State House. On his own, Coach Emmanuel Amuneke thanked the NFF, NSC as well as all Nigerians for their prayers and support before, during and after the competition “Our desire is to make Nigerians happy which by the grace of God today, we have achieved,” Amuneke said. Kelechi Nwakali

Sports

Friday, November 13, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I’ll work smoothly with new minister, perm sec –Yakmut Everest Onyewuchi SPORTS EDITOR

nitial fears that there would be confusion in the National Sports Commission (NSC) following Tuesday’s merging of the Youth and Sports ministries into one entity by President Muhammadu Buhari and the consequent appointment of a Permanent Secretary in the person of Mr. Christian Ohaa, have been erased. The NSC DG assured yesterday, that the Commission would operate within its core mandate and smoothly with the minister and permanent secretary. President Buhari made good his decision to prune the federal ministries, which he cut to 25, and on Wednesday, appointed Barr. Solomon Dalong to head the new Ministry of Youth and Sports. Plateau State-born Dalong becomes the 33rd minister since Nigeria’s independence in 1960 to oversee the sports sector. He is the 14th sports minister since the nation returned to democratic rule in 1999 Dalong succeeded Dr. Tamuno Danagogo, who was in office for 14 months and whose tenure ended on May 28 this year. The first minister in-charge of sports was Chief J.M. Johnson, who was Minister of Labour and had concurrent oversight on sports from 1960 to1964 and played a pioneering role. He was succeeded by Hon. J.C. Obande, Minister of Establishment and Labour, 1965-1971, whose tenure ushered in the military regime. Brigadier Henry Adefope, who later became a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) held sway between 1971 and 1976 as the Federal Commissioner for Labour. Adefope was succeeded by Major-Gen. Olufemi O l u t oye, the Federal Commissioner for Social Development, Youth and Sports from 1975-

Yakmut

1977. Dr. Dan Isokeari held sway between 1977 and 1979 as the Federal Commissioner for Social Development, Youth and Culture and was replaced by Mr. P.C. Amadike, who was in-charge till 1981. Chief Adebisi Ogedegbe was in office for one year, between 1982 and 1983, before Alhaji Buba Ahmed, former National Secretary of the then ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) was sworn-in 1983, the last year of the brief civilian government. The military returned to power and in quick successions, Group Captain Emeka Omeruah, Lt. Col. Adamu Abdullahi, Air Commodore Bayo Lawal, Chief Tonye Graham-Douglas, Air Commodore Anthony Ikhazobor and Major Gen. Yohana Kure were appointed into the ministerial sports portfolio. Vivacious Chief Alex Akinyele, pragmatic Chief Shola Rhodes and golden Chief Jim Nwobodo, were also in office before Commodore Omeruah returned again and exited with the military in 1999. Since the return of civilian government 16 years ago, 13 ministers have held the sports portfolio before Dalong. They include Mr. Damishi Sango, Late Engr. Mark Aku, Late Mr. Steven Akiga, Col. Musa Mohammed (retd), Dr. Saidu Sambawa, Hon. Bala Ka’oje, Alhaji Abdulrahman Gimba and Engr. Sani Ndanusa. Others are Alhaji Ibrahim Isa Bio, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi and Danagogo. But there had been apprehension that by the change in organogram and hierarchy of the ministry because of the presence of a permanent secretary, there would be friction between the perm sec and the NSC DG. For almost two dec a d e s now, the DirectorGeneral of the NSC has, apart from carrying out his duties, also usurped

Dalong

the functions of the perm sec. By its creation, the NSC is supposed to be a parastatal under the Presidency, with a Board and a DG as its accounting officer. The Commission is meant to be the professional arm of the ministry, dealing directly with discovering, nurturing and raising athletes and presenting them for international competitions. But over the years, the frequent change of ministers has ensured that the mission and vision of the NSC are not realised. Asked, yesterday, how the new dispensation under Dalong would pan out, NSC DG, Alhassan Yakmut, told National Mirror that he would work smoothly with the new minister and the perm sec. “The Minister has just resumed and there is a new perm sec as well. There is no friction; on a personal level, I’ve known and related with the minister since the days of late Mark Aku. “The Commission is established by a decree (that is now an Act) and has its functions spelt out,” Yakmut said. Asked if the NSC will have a Board, he replied, “When there is a DG, you don’t get a Board.”

Dalong assumes office, describes sport as unifying tool Joel Ajayi ABUJA

ollowing his swearing in on Wednesday by President Muhammadu Buhari, the new Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Solomon Dalong, yesterday assumed office with a pledge to continue using sport as only tool to unite Nigerians. Addressing the management staff of the ministry at the National Stadium in Abuja, Dalong assured that the present administration would not leave any stone unturned. According to him, it’s only sport that unites Nigeria more, adding that even in the midst of conflict if Nigeria is playing football match, there is natural cease fire in honour of our players. “We have heavy responsibility as Nigerians to give this country national peace, national unity and national integration.

“We are ready to take constructive ideas and initiative from everyone around,” he told the staff. The minister warned that his tenure in the office would have zero tolerance for errors and corruption and then charged the staff to develop attitude that will bring about growth and development to Nigerian sports. “Let me assure you today, this administration will ensure staff ’s right is not trampled upon; every privilege will be accorded, all I want from staff is maximum cooperation, hard work and discipline.” He added that there would be no protocol or bottleneck working with him. Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Alhassan Yakmut, took the new minister round the facilities at the National Stadium complex.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Beat Swaziland, move ahead, Glo urges Eagles

ext Generation Network, Globacom, has called on the Super Eagles to work assiduously towards defeating the Swaziland National team, Sihlangu Semnikati, in Lobamba today, in continuation of 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Globacom, in a press statement issued yesterday advised the Eagles to be prepared for a tough encounter as there are no minnows in African football again, adding that the Swaziland team will be battle-ready having recently trashed Djibouti by eight goals to one in the preliminary round. “It’s going to be a crucial encounter from where the Eagles must emerge victorious to advance to the league stage,” the statement added. The company commended the rebuilding process so far undertaken by the Sunday Olisehled technical crew with the aim of not only getting them in shape but also assembling the

best eleven capable of making Nigeria proud. “The Super Eagles should make Nigerians happy and complement the victories of the Golden Eaglets in Chile and Falconets in South Africa by going for victory in Swaziland,” the statement concluded.

CALABAR

hairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the ongoing Cross River Military, Paramilitary and other Uniform organisations Games, ASP Nsa Eke, has said that the competition is meant to foster unity among personnel of security agencies in the state. Speaking on the objective of the games which started on November 6 with the theme “Supporting Good Governance”, Eke said the games would help foster unity among the military, paramilitary and other uniform

Gov. Ayade

MANDATE

THE

Sylvester Ikuejamoye

mopheys13@gmail.com 0805-407-1194 (SMS only)

Golden Eaglets’ victory, music without effect

T Oliseh

LOC thumbs up C’River military, paramilitary games Richard Ndoma

Sports

Friday, November 13, 2015

agencies and position them to be alert in their respective beats. He said security agencies whose personnel are participating are the Police, Air Force, Army, Navy, Nigeria Immigration Service, Customs, Prisons and Civil Defense Corps. According to him, other paramilitary organisations competing include Federal Road Safety Corps, Fire Service, Department of State Security (DSS), University of Calabar Security outfit and the State Department of Public Transport (DOPT). ASP Nsa, a personnel of the Nigerian Prison Service, maintained that the ongoing second edition of the games is holding during this Yuletide in order to strengthen the various security agents to enable them keep fit during the season. “The second edition of the competition which started on November 6 and last for two weeks, will build unity among the various security outfits in the state and help them keep fit. “The competition is featuring both indoor and outdoor games, including football, table tennis, snooker, scrabble and draught. “I am also appealing to the Cross River State Government to support the competition so that it can stand the test of time,” Eke said, adding that SUREBET247, a football betting company is the sponsor.

he ovation was deafening, the joy and happiness can be visible and tick enough for the knife. The lads were exceptionally elated. The team officials were not left out and same for other football crazy Nigerians. Nigerians deserve to be congratulated. We have a stunning record of been the only country that has won the U-17 world cup trophy for five times. The closest country is Mexico that has won the championship for three times. Participation and winning the U-17 World football championship consistently without cor responding improvement in the fortunes of U-19 or U-21 or the Olympic U-23 as well as the senior national team (Super Eagles) leaves much to be desired. It is not enough to practically master the art of winning the cadet championship without corresponding transition of most of the players to the next national team in the order of seniority. It is difficult to explain why most of the players should go into extinction almost immediately after superlative performance at the cadet level. Aside from the past allegation of overaged players that was the lot of our football administrators, the issue of synergy among the various relevant departments in the football house should also be addressed. That the Golden Eaglets have won the U-17 championship more than any other country in the world is not in doubt, but the missing link is that Nigeria’s successes at this level of football basically evaporated and disappeared also at that level. This can be attested to by the very few members of Eaglets graduating to other senior national teams. The implication can be lik-

ened to a chart bursting music but without corresponding effect. There should be positive effect that should reasonably be the fruit of any good music otherwise it will fade away almost immediately. Nigerians should be bothered about the numbers of the cadet players able to breaking into any of the other national teams. S o m e -

Osimhen

thing must have gone wrong that need to be fixed. We should not celebrate stagnation or motion without movement. We can win the U-17 world cup one million times but without corresponding improvement and positive effect on other higher age grade national teams and ultimately the senior national team, we surely have a long way to go. This is not to take anything away from the current U-17 world champion, the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria. They have done Nigeria proud and they deserve every bit of commendation. Once again, congrats to all Nigerians and the boys. The expected positive effect arising from the superlative performance of the Golden Eaglets would be that most of the boys should be monitored and guided to the level of transiting to the next age grade national teams and upward to the senior national team (The Super Eagles). Honestly speaking, it is at the level of the more senior national teams we celebrate more

to high heavens if we like when we perform well with laurels to show for it. This is because there have been heaps of allegations of age cheating in the past which has fundamentally eroded the confidence of many football stakeholders in this particular age grade championship. Many are still sceptical even now about what transpired in Chile. It is only reasonable to hope that the reform currently going on in FIFA will also look into allegations of cheating in age grade football competitions. Indeed, FIFA’s reformation and re-organization should be all encompassing. Football with global largest audience should be allowed to be administered by people of impeccable characters. Every possible and identified loophole should be blocked. And if you ask me, the time to do that is now. One thing that has become a thing of concern for me and many other like minds is the lack lustre attitude or call it l don’t care or better still, call it nonchalant attitude demonstrated by our sports administrators against other sports compared with football. It is absurd to imagine the cold reception accorded the Mr. Wellinghton who recently won the world scrabble championship in Australia. Here is a Nigerian who won a championship out of other 449 participants from various countries in the world but was poorly received back home when compared with the huge crowd organized to welcome the Golden Eagles of several boys that won one GOLD as against an individual that dusted other 449 others to clinch the GOLD for Nigeria.

Welcome Solomon The new Minister in charge of Youth and Sports has been unveiled. He is Mr. Solomon Dalong. Welcome the Hon. Minister. There is no doubt that you need all the required wisdom of Solomon to see you through the Sports landmine. It is a place to make name or ruin name. My advice is that you should be a man of yourself. Do away with gossips, ignore praise singers. Focus on your assignment and kindly treat all sports equally. Never fall into the manipulations of the selfish hangers-on that may emerge from nowhere. Congratulations, and l wish you well.

Hard but the bitter truth Repetition of falsehood with tenacity to deceive the populace can only be the trade mark of people without conscience. Hard But The Bitter Truth. Until next week Friday, stay out of trouble and God bless Nigeria.

WORLD RECORD

Largest dessert pizza

Vol. 05 No. 1243

Friday, November 13, 2015

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Sober reflection on Kogi, Bayelsa polls

or three major purposes, namely, clarity; avoidance of the discomfiture of ‘big’ grammar; and the involvement of mostly common people in the governorship elections coming up, first in Kogi State on November 21; and Bayelsa State on December 5, this column is today rendered in the simplest possible language. For a start, one considers it relevant registering his overall disagreement with the punditry that the polls would be exceptionally exciting; and that their outcome would mark the turning point of change and progress in the affected states. Perhaps yes, but to a significant extent, such hope seems misplaced. When, for instance, this writer read Steve Osuji’s piece entitled ‘As Kogi decides’ (The Nation, Friday, November 6, 2015, back page), he did say the Kogi guber poll would be keenly contested; and one of his reasons for taking that position was

ootball’s world governing body, FIFA, has approved five of the presidential candidates for February’s election, with suspended UEFA boss, Michel Platini, and Liberia FA boss, Musa Bility, not included. Platini could be added

FRIDAY WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) that the two major contestants to slug it out – incumbent Governor Idris Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); and Prince Abubakar Audu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), were both ‘second termers’; and, therefore, his reasoning that “the people have had the privilege of assessing them both and can tell who had served the best and therefore, who would serve them better, given a second chance”. Same situation, of course, applies to Bayelsa, where incumbent Governor Seriake Dickson (PDP) and former Governor Timipre Sylva (APC) are pitted against each other. But consciously or the contrary, Steve brought out a point that deserved in-depth thought and sober reflection when he added: “While the incumbent, Wada, is cool and of quiet mien, Audu is known to rouse the rabble. While Wada is very peaceloving and has, indeed, brought peace to a much fractured environment, Audu is remarkable for his steel and hardihood”. One’s ability to ‘rouse the rabble’ and being remarkable for ‘steel and hardihood’ could mean different things to different interpreters. It could imply, for example, that personal integrity and dignity might not be the foremost considerations of the APC in giving the governorship ticket to Audu, but the latter’s ability to fight dirty and push Wada out of office. Some may also visualise along the line common traits of impunity, or at least the encouragement

WHAT THE ELECTIONS MIGHT BUTTRESS THE MORE WOULD BE HOW GULLIBLE AND NAÏVE THE VOTERS IN BOTH STATES COULD BE of it, though they may choose to bury their heads in the sand the way the ostrich does, between the APC and the PDP. Before you, dear reader, become judgemental concerning this writer’s motive or read this piece upside down, is it not worth pondering over the reasons why the APC left Kogi and Bayelsa states’ voters with no choice other two of its candidates, Audu and Sylva, who are currently being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds, exactly what the PDP did last year when it defied public outrage to field Mr. Ayodele Fayose (who is also in EFCC’s net) as its candidate for the June 21, 2014 governorship election in Ekiti State? Is the development occasioned by the lack of more credible candidates in Kogi and Bayelsa; consideration of who would serve the interests of the people of the two states better; or the notion that might is right? Yes, past governors docked by the EFCC

and, indeed, all accused persons, remain innocent of any crime – in the eyes of the law – until formally arraigned and their alleged offences are proved beyond any reasonable doubt. But the fact that APC, despite its avowed resolute commitment to ‘change’, war against corruption and impunity, among others, did not consider it necessary to censure its own in EFCC trap and discourage them from drinking from the country’s political stream which they allegedly desecrated with oozing excreta, provides additional proof that the Nigerian society has truly lost its moral bearings and is now adrift, though living in self denial. How can the very people entrusted with state resources, that were accused of cornering same for personal gratification, be so gleefully positioned by a ruling party for political reward? What encouraging hand, then, is the APC giving to prodigal past leaders to submit themselves for trial; or to the EFCC saddled with the task of prosecuting them? From the foregoing, one may very safely argue that Kogi and Bayelsa voters are filing out to vote, neither because of the fantastic alternatives presented by the ruling party to them, nor because the people have had the privilege of truly assessing the contestants and could tell who had served the best and therefore, who would serve them better, given a second chance. What the elections might buttress the more could be how gullible and naïve the voters in both states would be. ‘Gullible’, as interpreted by the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, is being “too ready to believe what other people tell you, so that you are easily deceived”; while being naïve is a condition of “not having much experience of how complicated life is, so that you trust people too much and believe that good things will always happen”. The two words are very common in Nigeria’s political sphere; and they are what the ruling elite repeatedly put to work and exploit each time they come smiling with intent to snatch your vote.

Sport Extra

Election: FIFA approves 5 candidates should his ban end before the February 26 election. But Bility was ruled out following integrity checks. Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, Jerome Champagne, Gianni Infantino, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-

Khalifa and South Africa’s Tokyo Sexwale were approved. Bility, the 48-year-old president of the Liberian Football Association, was given a six-month ban from all football activities in

2013, for using confidential documents from African football’s governing body (CAF) in a legal challenge against Issa Hayatou. He was involved in a fight against CAF rule changes to the process that effectively

allowed president Hayatou to be re-elected unopposed in March. Bility said he has been informed by FIFA that his candidacy was “principally rejected” because of the ban.

Hayatou

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