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ECA: S’Court awaits Buhari’s inauguration for settlement ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

full panel of the Supreme Court yesterday gave the Federal Government till December

Vol. 5 N0. 1121

8 this year, to explore fresh possibility of resolving the legal dispute between it and state governments over alleged illegal diversion of funds meant for the Federation Account to maintain

Jonathan, Sambo to vacate Villa on Friday P.2

Excess Crude Account, ECA. The decision by the apex court to give the matter a long adjournment followed a joint request by parties to CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

N150

Ihedioha becomes Speaker as Tambuwal bows out D WOLE OLADIMEJI AND TORDUE SALEM

eputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihe-

Group commends APC’s stand on Speakership

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

B’Haram using more children, women as suicide bombers –UNICEF P.6

Disbursement of N300bn RSSF yet to commence, says CBN P.7

Director, Military Intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Letam Wiwa (4th right), United Kingdom Assistant Chief of General Staff, Maj.-Gen. David Cullen (middle) with participants, during the opening of a two-day seminar on 20 years development strategy plan for the Nigerian Army in conjunction with the British Army in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

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Why FG must hand over Kashamu to US govt –Lawyers Nigeria has responsibility under extradition treaty

Fuel scarcity persists nationwide

P.2 P.5

Emefiele

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Wednesday, May 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ihedioha becomes Speaker as Tambuwal bows out CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

dioha would, in fulfilment of the provisions of the House Rules, but against the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, complete the tenure of the Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, which is statutorily expected to end May 29. It is instructive, that with a sleight of uncommon fate, Ihedioha, a member of the defeated Peoples Democrat-

ic Party, PDP, would lead the 7th House to its closure. Tambuwal, governorelect for Sokoto State would be sworn-in on May 29. His tenure as Speaker and member of the House of Representatives ends on the same day But to avoid a vacuum and to prevent a brewing constitutional crisis, Tambuwal, at a press briefing at the National Assembly yesterday, said the

House would today, resolve the matter by “empowering the Deputy Speaker”, Emeka Ihedioha to preside till a new Speaker is elected for the 8th Assembly. The House is expected to suspend the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and other relevant conventions, to effect the transfer of the power to Mr. Ihedioha who himself, flopped in his ambition to govern Imo State.

The House, which is expected to elect a substantive Speaker for the 8th Assembly in June, has been in a constitutional crisis on the issue of a possible leadership limbo on abrupt end to the eventful speakership of its helmsman Tambuwal. But Tambuwal himself announced a solution to the matter. Though the House Rules provide for a Speaker Pro

Tempore (provisional Speaker), their reign can only be established in the case of a removal of a Speaker by way of impeachment, resignation, death or indisposition. Tambuwal will leave the House for Sokoto today, preparatory to his being sworn in as governor. In his remarks at the press briefing, he commended the House Press Corps

President Goodluck Jonathan (middle) with members of the Universal Peace Federation led by Chief Mike Ozekhome, during their visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday.

Why FG must hand over Kashamu to US govt –Lawyers FRANCIS FAMOROTI

wo notable lawyers, Mr. Jiti Ogunye and former second VicePresident of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr. Adekunle Ojo, have justified why Prince Buruji Kashamu may not escape extradition to the United States of America, USA. The two lawyers who spoke in separate interviews with National Mirror yesterday, argued that under the treaty of reci-

procity, the country was bound to consider a request for extradition from the US where an alleged offender escapes from to Nigeria. Ogunye said: “There is an extradition request and that request has not been withdrawn; Nigeria has a responsibility to fulfill her obligation under the treaty that exists between Nigeria and USA. “Although a subject of extradition has a right provided by the canopy of the law to explore the benefit of ac-

cess to court to determine the legality of his extradition, the court has every responsibility also to help Nigeria to fulfill her obligation on deserving cases, such as we have in Lanre Shittu Motors case and a few others.” Ojo shared the same view, arguing that the existence of a bilateral relationship between Nigeria and the US and understanding from such agreement makes it mandatory that persons suspected to be dealing in hard drugs

should be extradited and prosecuted where the alleged offence was committed. The ex-NBA second Vice-President further explained that where a suspect escapes justice in a particular country, the other reciprocal country had a duty to ensure the suspect was extradited. He said: “If all the legal steps are taken by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and the steps taken so far are in order, and if Kashamu

was innocent, he should have handed himself over to the authorities.” Kashamu, a Senator– elect from Ogun East Senatorial district in Ogun State is having a running battle with NDLEA over alleegd attempt to extradite him to the US. Already, he has filed a committal application before the Federal High Court in Lagos, challenging attempt by NDLEA operatives to fulfill a request by the US government for his extradition.

Jonathan, Sambo to vacate Villa Friday ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said he and Vice President Namadi Sambo are packing out of the Presidential Villa on Friday. He spoke when the Universal Peace Federation, UPF, honoured him with the award of “Peace Loving Global Citizen” for his decision to accept the result

of the 2015 Presidential poll and congratulating Gen. Muhammadu Buhari as the winner of the election. The President urged the incoming administration to accept the contribution of all Nigerians to the progress and development of the country. “We have a country, the country will be more united, I believe and only pray that the incoming government should appreciate the con-

tributions of everybody and see how we run Nigeria as a country that belongs to everybody and all citizens, irrespective of political persuasion,” Jonathan said. While commending the group for the honour, Jonathan said Sambo also deserved the honour, saying accepting defeat in the election also affected him. Jonathan explained that he took the decision to accept

the result of the election because there must be a nation first before any ambition. “I use to say that even if I will be President for the next 25 years, I will not be a happy person if many people die because of me. One thing is to hold office, another thing is to be able to satisfy your conscience,” he added. He stated that when he leaves office, the remaining part of his life would be dedicated to

issues that would bring unity and peace to the country. Speaking earlier, leader of the group, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN,saidJonathanhasattracted global recognition considering hisdecisiontoacceptdefeat. He noted that Nigeria is now respected in the comity of nations not only because of Jonathan’s achievements but because of his decision to accept the result of the election.

for helping in stabilising the Green Chamber and keeping faith with the tenets of democracy. He pledged to continue his service to the nation as governor and the Nigerian people. Meanwhile, the 8th Assembly Consolidation Group yesterday declared the position of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on the Speakership race in the House as a welcome development. It would be recalled that the party has said that it would not interfere with the election to pick the leadership of the National Assembly. The group also commended APC leader and President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari. In a statement signed by Jagaba Adams Jagaba, representing Kachia/Kagarko federal constituency of Kaduna State in the North West; Zakari Mohammed, representing Baruten/ Kaima federal constituency of Kwara State in the North central; and Haliru Jika, representing Darazo/ Ganjunwa federal constituency in the North-East, the members urged that House should be given the free hand to choose their leaders without any external interference from some godfathers. The group stated that this will further deepen and consolidate on the gains of the 7th Assembly under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Tambuwal. They said: “It is our belief and conviction that this 8th Assembly will not only consolidate on the achievements of the previous parliament, but further exemplify the vibrant and brilliant qualities of a national legislature. “Indeed, we believe the 8th Assembly will mark a turning point in the history of our nation from the business-as-usual syndrome to become a House of legislation per-excellence.” As representatives of the people of the federation, the group noted, it is important that the House is seen as a bastion of freedom, liberty and justice. “It is therefore imperative that the 8th session of the House of Representatives assembles a leadership that will reflect competence, experience, professionalism, discipline and independence,” the group said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Photo News

Wednesday May 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: National Coordinator, Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Ogenyi; Chief Communication Officer, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Mrs. Toyin Aderibigbe and UNAIDS Country Director, Mr. Bilali Camara, during a workshop on 90.90.90 ambitious treatment target to end AIDS in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Zainab Maina (right) with pupils during a press conference to mark the 2015 National Children’s Day celebration in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Secretary, Niger Delta Anti-Corruption Network, Mrs. Rita Kigbara (left) and Coordinator, Niger Delta Citizens and Budget Platform, Mr. Ken Henshaw, at a news conference on Rivers 2015 Budget in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

L-R: National Secretary General, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Dahiru Maishanu; President, Comrade Tijani Usman and Project Coordinator, Orteeyz Ltd, Mr. Tayo Oluwole, during the signing of memorandum of understanding between NANS and Orteeyz Ltd in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

National News Ebere Ndukwu

ll Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday denied reports that its National Working Committee, NWC, had zoned the seats of Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives to the North-Central and SouthWest zones, respectively. A statement yesterday by APC National Secretary, Mai Mala Buni, in Abuja, said the party was deeply embarrassed by the story, which he said was apparently planted in the media to sow seed of instability in the party. “The NWC never discussed the issue of zoning at its meeting. Therefore, the report of its decision on zoning is a figment of the imagination of whoever concocted the story,” he said. The statement added that nothing had changed since the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, said he was ready to work with anyone from

APC denies zoning Senate Presidency, Speaker to N/Central, S/West N4.1trn needed to pay arrears of salaries, others –Odigie-Oyegun any part of the country, who occupied any of the principal offices of the incoming National Assembly. It has been intense political fight among Senators George Akume, Bukola Saraki, both from North Central geopolitical zone, and Ahmed Lawan from Yobe State in the North East. Before now, Senator Saraki held the ace in the race. His influence as a former Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) seemed to pay off, and all he had to contend with was APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s preference for former Benue State governor, George Akume, as Senate President. Akume is the current

Minority Leader in the Senate, and Tinubu appears determined to reward his consistency. Meanwhile, Chairman of APC, Chief John OdigieOyegun, yesterday raised the alarm that the Buhari government would have to source for N4.1trn to pay accumulated arrears, oil subsidy debts, costs of debt servicing of salaries and many others. He stated this at a twoday retreat for members of the House of Representatives-elect on the platform of the party in Abuja. He said: “Upon assumption of office, our government will be expected to raise about N4.1trn to pay accumulated arrears of salaries at federal and state levels,

oil subsidy debts, costs of debt servicing and other sundry indebtedness incurred by the outgoing administration. “When this is weighed against the massive depletion of national savings like the Excess Crude Account, ECA, additional huge debt of about $60bn and the sharp fall in crude oil prices in the international market, one can begin to contextualise the magnitude of problems confronting the incoming administration. “This has not taken into account huge amount of funds lost to crude oil theft on an ongoing basis through negligence and in some cases officially sanctioned corruption. “Yet, our people ex-

pect massive investment in infrastructure, public works to create jobs and cash transfer reliefs to ameliorate the harsh economic environment.” Odigie-Oyegun noted that as representatives of the people, the lawmakers could be called upon at any time to take “unusual actions to address the extraordinary challenges that confront our nation.” He added: “Our new administration will need the support and cooperation of the 8th National Assembly to fulfill its campaign promise to Nigerians. “You may be required to pass important bills at very short notices. There will be unprecedented demands on you, but as

members of the same party with the President and having campaigned on a common manifesto, your buy-in to the programmes of the President and the party is assumed. “There is therefore, an assured willingness to work with him and the party for the benefit of all Nigerians. The demands on you will be tasking, but you are up to the task!” He urged the lawmakers to dig deep into their inner reserves of wisdom, and have an unshakeable faith in country and a fearless commitment to the service of Nigeria in order to surmount the daunting legislative challenge that would swiftly face you in the days and weeks to come.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Wednesday, May 27, 2015

ECA: S’Court awaits Buhari’s inauguration for settlement CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

the suit to allow the new government of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and the new state governments to look at the subject matter of the dispute afresh with a view to settling out of court. Lead counsel to Bauchi State government, which is the plaintiff in the case, Prince Lateef Fagbemim

SAN, and Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, representing the Federal Government had agreed with each other to allow the new governments to settle down to look at the case afresh with a view to settling the dispute out of court. Both senior counsel said they felt the matter could be resolved amicably with-

out wasting the time of the court. The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmoud Mohammed, who presided over the seven-member panel of the Supreme Court, commended the silks for the initiative of exploring the fresh out of court settlement. The two parties, however, did not immediately agree on

Gridlock at City Gate on Airport Road due to military check point in Abuja, yesterday.

the return date as the Bauchi State government wanted a date in September for either report of settlement or hearing, while the Federal Government as the defendant wanted a longer adjournment to enable governments at all levels settle down very well. The court then adjourned the case till December 8, 2015. In a short ruling, Justice

Mohammed said: “The request for settlement between parties, having regard to change of government on the part of both parties is adjourned till December 8 for report of settlement. Parties should face the issue of settlement with vigour.” The 36 states had urged the Supreme Court to compel the Federal Government

PHOTO: NAN

Fuel scarcity persists nationwide UDEME AKPAN AND CHIDI UGWU

espite assurances on Monday by oil workers to ensure availability of petrol nationwide, long queues persisted yesterday in most filling stations in Abuja, Lagos and other major cities, thereby sustaining the black regime that had characterised the downstream market over the past month. The oil workers, including the major and independent marketers, NUPENG and PENGASSAN had at the public hearing concluded at the National Assembly on Monday resolved to end the lingering crisis within six hours by ensuring products lifting from the depots. The Executive Secretary of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN, Mr. Femi Olawore, told National Mirror yesterday that marketers would consult extensively today in order to determine the next

line of action to be taken by members of the association. The spokesman of Tankers Drivers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Abdul Abdulkidar, in a telephone interview, said his members were not the problem since they were committed to ensuring that petroleum products are lifted and delivered to all parts of the country. But market survey by National Mirror yesterday showed that the scarcity was yet to abate just as some marketers were observed to be selling fuel above the official N87 per litre. In Abuja, National Mirror gathered that most filling stations that were hitherto closed since the scarcity began have opened for business. But some still sold above N87 official pump price. Motorists told our correspondent that they bought at between N140 and N150 per litre, but major filling station such as NNPC and Total maintained the of-

ficial pump price of N87 at the Central Business District. “I bought at N140 but they said they are selling N150 in Masaka area” a motorist stated. Also, it was gathered that some filling stations sold at N170 in Bwari area council. In Lagos, the situation was the same as a litre of petrol sold at between N150 and N200 in most of the filling stations with the exception of a few that maintained the official pump price. For instance, in one of the major marketers’ filling stations monitored along Ahmadu Bello Way in Victoria Island, the attendants were more disposed to black marketers who came in jerry cans to buy at any price while motorists waited on end without getting served. One of the attendants interviewed told our correspondent that he was acting on instruction to

sell to hawkers “as they pay us better than these motorists who are not ready to give us anything.” Mobile Telecommunications of Nigeria, MTN, restated that the current scarcity of diesel being experienced across the country was affecting its operations adversely. This is contained in Short Message Service (SMS) sent to its subscribers, informing them that they might experience “degraded service” due to the scarcity. “Dear customer, due to the diesel scarcity nationwide, you may experience degraded services,” MTN said yesterday. The message, however, said the company was working hard to tackle the problem and solicited for the understanding of its subscribers. Meanwhile, some capital market operators have expressed fears that the energy crisis could impact terribly on the capital mar-

ket if not urgently tackled. President, Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria, ASHON, Mr. Emeka Madubuike, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that the level of activities in the market had dropped drastically because of the energy crisis. Madubuike said the stalemate had grounded the economy to halt, adding that the capital market was passing through hard times. A former President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu, was also quoted as saying that the lingering energy situation is disturbing. Unegbu said that volume of transactions in the market would reduce as many investors would find it difficult to place their orders due to the crisis. He said the market was going through tough times due to different dislocations in the economy.

to pay into the Federation Account N5.51trn, being the balance of the money that accrued to the central purse between 2004 and 2007 from the proceeds of crude oil sales, petroleum profits tax and oil royalties. The Federal Government had classified such earnings as excess crude proceeds and excess royalties which were paid into an account termed the Excess Crude Account. The governors further asked the court to order the Federal Government to transfer to the Federation Account all sums standing to the credit of the Excess Crude Account. They were also challenging the legality of the Sovereign Wealth Fund account maintained by the Federal Government from proceeds from the Excess Crude Account. The states had applied to the Supreme Court to restrain the Federal Government from making any withdrawals from the Excess Crude Account or any account replacing same by any name howsoever, pending the hearing and determination of the suit. They also asked the. Supreme Court to order that all sums standing to the credit of the Excess Crude Account be paid into a dedicated account at the instance of the court or be otherwise secured as the court may deem fit, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit. They said they were forced to file the application because the Federal Government and its officials had consistently, and in total disregard for the pending suit, withdrawn, utilised, disbursed and allocated funds from the account and had nearly depleted N5.51trn being the balance on the account as at 2008 when the case was instituted. They further stated that the Federal Government had announced its intention to withdraw, disburse and utilise another $1bn from the credit balance from the account in disregard to the subsisting suit and in disrespect for the authority of the Supreme Court. The governors said unless the order of injunction was granted, the Federal Government would continue to disregard, disrespect and ignore the pending suit in the Supreme Court.

News

FG flags off distribution of N5bn cooking stoves Rotimi Fadeyi, ABUJA

ederal Government yesterday flagged off distribution of N5 billion clean cooking stoves to rural women across the country. Speaking at the inauguration of the stoves, Vice President Namadi Sambo said the stoves would reduce the rate of desertification in the country and ensure alternative sources of cooking for the women. According to him, the President approved N9 billion to procure the cooking stoves and utensils, which would be distributed across the country to rural women. He explained that the stoves would also boost job creation and reduce smoke-related diseases. Minister of Environment, Laraba Malam, disclosed that only 15 per cent of the N5 billion, amounting to N1.3 billion, has been paid to the contractor for the supplies so far made, adding that the stoves would be distributed through her ministry and the local governments. The minister said: “We have only paid 15 per cent to the contractor and he has supplied. There is no controversy about the cost of the contract. The truth is that Mr. President and the Federal Executive Council approved N9 billion for 750,000 pieces of clean stoves.” “Meanwhile, N5 billion was released to the ministry, and the ministry, following due process, gave the contrator 15 per cent, which is N1.3 billion and he has supplied. So no controversy here,” she said The prices of the stoves which were assembled in the country ranges between N3,000 and N36,000. The minister urged the incoming government of General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) to continue with the project in order to ensure better life for rural women.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sekinah Lawal and Marcus Fatunmole

he United Nations Children Fund, UNICEF, yesterday said more women and children had been used for attacks in states ravaged by insurgency in the country in the last five months than the similar gender population used for the heinous activity throughout last year. The agency stated this in a message made available to National Mirror by its Communications Consultant, Geoffrey Njoku, to commemorate this year’s Children Day. In the statement titled, ‘Children bear the highest burden of violence in the Northeast,’ UNICEF expressed concern that children in Borno State have not been to school in the last one year. It stressed that an estimated 743,000 children had been uprooted by the conflict in the three most affected states in the country; and that the number of unaccompanied and separated children could be as high as 10,000. UNICEF opined that children and women used for bombings are victims, not perpetrators of suicide bombings as largely believed by the society; and

L-R: Vice Chancellor, Kwara State University, Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’allah; Poet, dramatist and literary critic, Prof. Niyi Osundare; Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Emilolorun Ayelari; former Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Ayo Banjo, during Niyi Osundare International Poetry Festival in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

More children, women used as suicide bombers in 2015 – UNICEF …Says over 743,000 displaced by insurgency that children bear the biggest brunt of the insurgency in the country. The organisation lamented that insurgency hampers health care delivery, not only for women and children, but also the whole population affected by the crisis, which it said threatened the survival of the people. The statement quoted UNICEF Country Representative, Jean Gough, as

FCT projects N400bn in IGR for 2015 Omeiza Ajayi, ABUJA

ederal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Bala Mohammed, has inaugurated the FCT Board of Internal Revenue Service, with a projection to internally generate about N400 billion within this fiscal year. Until the presidential assent to the Act establishing the board, the FCT had in the past relied on the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, to collect most of its revenue, a situation that exposed many leakages. Performing the inauguration, the minister said the board would also work in concert with the six area councils in the territory to collect tenement rates and property tax. According to him, the money so realised would be shared between the FCTA and the councils. Reflecting on his stew-

ardship, the minister said his greatest regret was his inability to meet the administration’s contractual obligations. According to him, in the past 10 years, the FCTA’s total debt profile, including commitments, has risen to N400 billion. Out of this figure, the administration incurred N80 billion this year alone. “I started when FCT was getting N200 billion, but now we get N17 billion from the national budget for national priority projects in the territory,” he said. Mohammed restated that the FCT Administration’s financial profile presented a grim picture of over N1 trillion commitments to be paid within the 30-year infrastructure plan and the government has to be proactive. He added that he had no selfish motive in inaugurating the board just days to his exit, adding that the ceremony is a culmination of long years of hard work.

saying that “children are not instigating these suicide attacks; they are used intentionally by adults in the most horrific way. They are first and foremost victims – not perpetrators.” It explained further that since July 2014, nine suicide incidents involving children aged between

approximately seven and 17 years – all of them girls – had been reported. Their identity and exact ages, UNICEF claimed, had not been verified, “as estimates are based primarily on eyewitness accounts.” Gough was further quoted by the statement s saying that “many children

have been separated from their families when they fled the violence, and have no one to look after them. Without the protection of their families, these children are at greater risk of exploitation by adults, and this can lead to involvement in criminal or armed group activities.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Jonathan condoles with Obasanjo over sister’s death Rotimi Fadeyi ABUJA

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday commiserated with former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the death of his younger sister, Madam Adunni EwejeObasanjo. A statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, said Jonathan joined Obasanjo and his family in mourning EwejeObasanjo, who passed

away recently at the age of 76. As they mourn her, the President urged Obasanjo and his family to be consoled by the knowledge that his sister lived a worthy and very fulfilled life in the service of her family and community. The President prayed that God would grant Obasanjo and his family the fortitude to bear the loss. He also prayed that God would receive EwejeObasanjo’s soul and grant her eternal rest.

Disbursement of N300bn RSSF yet to commence –CBN Tola Akinmutimi

entral Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday stated that contrary to speculations disbursement of N300 billion Real Sector Support Facility, RSSF, was yet to commence. The apex bank clarified that currently only appraisal of over 200 applications received in respect of the fund was being conducted. A statement by Director, Corporate Communications of CBN, Ibrahim Mu’azu, disclosed that the policy objectives of the RSS Facility were to provide long-term, low-interest financing intervention in support of the real sector of the Nigerian economy to increase output, create jobs and conserve foreign exchange. He further stated that the appraisal of applications by Nigerian small and medium scale enterprises, SMEs, for the N300 billion RSS facility was still in progress in strict compliance with eligibility criteria of the facility. Mu’azu assured that recommendations would be made to management of the bank for approval as soon as appraisals were concluded, adding that disbursement would follow thereafter. He therefore, urged applicants for the RSSF to disregard speculations and exercise patience to enable the bank conclude the appraisals. The N300 billion facility, by its enabling policy framework released in March this year, is to be administered at an interest rate of nine per cent yearly payable on

a quarterly basis. While the apex bank shall be entitled to three per cent interest, the Deposit Money Banks, DMBs, or lending banks are to get six per cent. According to CBN, guidelines for the facility stated that the fund would be used to support large enterprises for start-ups as well as expansion financing needs of N500 million up, to a maximum of N10 billion. The real sector activities’ targets of the facility are agricultural value chain manufacturing and select service sub-sectors. The apex bank stated on its website that it would help to improve access to Nigerian SMEs to fast-track the development of the manufacturing, agricultural value chain and services sub-sectors of the Nigerian economy. In addition, the fund is also packaged as an intervention initiative, to increase output, generate employment, diversify the revenue base, increase foreign exchange earnings for the country as well as provide inputs for industrial sector on a sustainable basis.

Franka Osakwe

News

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

ational Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, ACPN, Olufemi Adebayo, has called on the incoming government to develop a policy that would make fund available to community pharmacists at a single-digit interest rate.

Army begins 20-year strategic development plan Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

igerian Army has kicked off processes to achieve its newly introduced 20-year strategic development plan, aimed at transforming it into a world-class fighting force. The strategic development plan, which enjoys support from the British government, the Army said, would better equip it to deal with contempo-

rary security challenges like global terrorism. Already, the British Army team comprising about five senior officers led by the United Kingdom Assistant Chief of General Staff, CGS, Maj-Gen. David Cullen, have arrived Abuja, and yesterday commenced brainstorming on the action-plan with 13-man Strategic Development Plan Committee headed by Director of Military Intelligence, DMI, Maj-

Gen. Letam Wiwa. Wiwa, at the opening of the two-day seminar, commended the British Army for yielding to the Nigerian Army’s request for support towards improved and comprehensive strategic development of the Service for the next 20 years. Wiwa explained that the seminar was the outcome of series of meetings by the committee to work out the development plan for Nigerian Army.

The DMI said the development plan was occasioned by ongoing security challenge in the country, particularly Boko Haram terrorist attacks, ethno-religious crisis in North Central and other forms of militancy in southern part of the country. Cullen said the British Army is always ready and would use its experience to assist Nigeria’s Army 2020 Team achieve its aim.

L-R: Chairman, Chad Basin Authority, Sen. Aziz Zego; Chairman, board of directors, Ogun, Osun River Basin Development Authority, Col. Ibrahim Hassan; Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe and Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Istifanus Fuktur, unveiling documents on the ministry’s key achievements in Abuja on Monday night. PHOTO: NAN

Contractors seal FHA’s office over N750m debt Olufemi Adeosun ABUJA

usiness activities were yesterday disrupted at headquarters of Federal Housing Authority, FHA, as over 50 contractors blocked the main gate over debt estimated at N750 million. The protest, which started at midday, continued till about 2pm, with angry contractors laying siege to the gate and vowing not to leave until the

management addresses their grievances. A police officer, who tried to bar them from gaining entrance into the premises, was molested before he was rescued by colleagues. Some inscriptions on placards carried by the visibly angry protesters read, ‘FHA, we are tired of empty promises’; ‘Partnership is a fraud, pay us our money now’; and ‘No payment, no partnership.’ Chairman, FHA Contrac-

tors Union, Mr. Innocent Odika, led the protesters to block the main entrance of the organisation. Addressing journalists about their plight, he said, “We are pleading with the management of FHA to pay our money, which is owed since 2010. Since then, people have been dying and many of us can’t pay our children’s school fees. Many of the big fishes in this country have acquired the houses we are talking about.

Some of those houses in Lagos have been occupied. Why won’t they pay us our money?” However, FHA’s General Manager (Finance), Col. Rufus Adejoro, assured the protesters that management would look into the matter. As at the time of filing this report, management had commenced an emergency closed-door meeting with executives of the contractors union, shutting out journalists.

Community pharmacists plead for loans Adebayo, who made the appeal at a press briefing to announce the upcoming national conference of the association that would kick-off on Sunday, May 31, to June 5, at Jojein Hotel and Resort, Akure, Ondo State, also explained that the single-digit chain pharmacy outlet will make drug affordable to citizens.

While congratulating the President and Vice President-in-waiting, Muhammadu Buhari and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Adebayo further appealed for the closure of all open drug market in order to reduce proliferation of illicit drugs in the country. Conference Planning Committee, CPC, Chairman,

Babayemi Oyekunle, said in line with the wave of change taking place in the nation, this year’s annual conference will focus on exploring new frontiers in community pharmacy practice. He said the one week event will commence with a health walk around Akure and courtesy call on dignitaries. In addition, he said

there would be series of sessions with particular focus on veterinary medicine, immunisation and chronic diseases. The ACPN also called for the proper implementation of the National Drug Distribution Guideline, NDDG, in other to solve the problem of chaotic drug distribution in Nigeria.

South West

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Osun Assembly to pass bill for 31 LCDAs BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

sun State House of Assembly may today pass a bill establishing additional 31 local council development authorities, LCDAs, three area councils and two administrative offices in the state.

When passed in addition to the existing 30 local government areas and one area council, the state will have 31 LCDAs, four area councils and two administrative offices. Presenting the report of his committee, Chairman, House Committee on Local Government, Mr. Wasiu Adebayo, disclosed that the

panel recommended the creation of 31 local government councils, contrary to 27 earlier proposed in the bill. Explaining the rationale behind the increase, Adebayo said the reality on ground during the committee’s visit to the proposed headquarters of the new councils forced it

to add three new council areas. Considering the bill at the committee of the whole House, members acceded to the recommendations of the committee and added three new LCDAs. According to the bill, the new councils would be known as Local Councils Development Authorities,

pending being listed in the Constitution as full local government councils. The House also approved the parliamentary system of government for the proposed council areas. In separate remarks, Deputy Speaker, Adegboye Akintunde, Ajibola Akinloye and Folorunsho Bamisayemi said the creation of the LCDAs was long awaited by the people and commended the committee for

presenting detailed report to the House. Speaker, Mr. Najeem Salaam, said funding for the proposed councils would not be difficult, adding that the House would determine how to finance them in line with the present economic realities. He subsequently directed the Clerk of the House to produce a clean copy of the bill by Wednesday for final passage.

Lagos commissions 12mw IPP to power Lekki Trade Zone FRANCIS SUBERU

Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi (6th left), his deputy, Chief Moses Adeyemo (6th right) and other members of the State Executive Council during a valedictory session at the Governor’s Office on Monday.

agos State government has commissioned a new Independent Power Plant, IPP, to generate 12 Megawatts and supply uninterrupted power to the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ), Lagos. The 12mw power project, which was built by the Chinese Railway Construction Company, CRCC, will be the sixth to be commissioned by Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration.

Rise to challenge of rebuilding Nigeria, Bishop tasks Buhari FRANCIS SUBERU AND FEMI OYEWESO

head of his inauguration scheduled for Friday, May 29, president and founder of Sword of the Spirit Ministry, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, yesterday charged the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), not to be intimidated by the present level of rot in the country, but rather rise to confront the challenges of rebuilding Nigeria without fear. Bishop Oke gave the charge while speaking with National Mirror shortly after his sermon at the Ministers and All Believers’ Prophetic Prayer Conference organised by Ogun State chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital. The clergyman, who

solicited the prayers of all citizens to enable the new administration succeed, also warned Nigerians to stay away from making unrealistic demands from the Buhari/Osinbajo government in the spirit of collectively rebuilding the nation. Bishop Oke emphasised that unrealistic demands from the citizens were the driving factors usually responsible for corrupting politicians in the country. Earlier in his sermon at the event held to commemorate the 40th anniversary of his call as a servant of God, Bishop Oke said God had revealed to him that he was raising “a new generation of builders, restorers and developers” in the incoming administration that would take Nigeria to the desired height. The clergyman further called on the citizens to also cooperate with the

incoming administration to enable it deliver the messages God has for Nigeria through it. Meanwhile, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, has demanded that the incoming administration of General Buhari wages genuine fight against corruption, adding that there must be consequences for every act of corruption perpetrated by corrupt officials. The church said this at a press briefing addressed by the chairman of RCCG National Council of Elders, Pastor Israel Abatan in Gbagada to mark the 14th annual elder’s congress and praise night scheduled to hold on Friday and Saturday at the Redemption Camp, Mowe, Ogun State. According to the council’s publicity secretary, Pastor Ayodeji Olulani, who also spoke at the briefing, if the Presi-

dent-elect and the Vice President-elect, Prof. Oluyemi Osinbajo “must succeed in the next four years, there must be consequences for all acts of corruption.” He emphasised that “there must be consequences for all categories of corruption, either for those involved in drug trafficking or engaged in armed robbery; corruption is corruption. Contractors that built substandard roads or bridges should face the full consequences of their actions.” Pastor Olulani explained that pharmacists that import inferior drugs should face the music; same for dealers who bring sub-standard spare parts into the country. The publicity secretary urged Nigerians to desist from glorifying criminals and corrupt leaders in the country. “We should question corrupt leaders and

reject their ill-gotten wealth in order to reestablish the country’s moral values;” he said. Other church leaders at the conference include the council’s vice chairman, Pastor Obadiah Mulero, member of the RCCG Board of Trustees and Pastor Kayode Ajayi, among others. Justifying the above position, Mulero expressed grave concerns at the scale of corrupt practices in the country’s political system; arguing that corruption could be minimised if crucial measures are taken. On the elder’s congress, Abatan said the 2015 edition would hold with the theme, ‘The Unfading Hope.’ According to him, it would bring together over 10,000 senior citizens from the church’s 189 provinces and 24 regions across the federation.

The project was done under the Build, Operate and Transfer, BOT, partnership agreement with state government. The agreement allows the state to take full possession of the project after the construction firm must have recouped its investment over a period of time. Governor Fashola also commissioned the Candel Agrochemical Manufacturing Plant in the area. He described the facility as another milestone in the life of his administration, saying it was the end-product of its commitment to the business zone. Fashola commended the stakeholders and investors for keeping faith with the state government since 2006 when the journey towards developing the zone started, adding that it would outlive this generation. He urged the host community to continue to support the trade zone, adding that the power plant would also supply power to residential homes in the area. The governor added that irrespective of languages differences among the people, business and development speak one language, which is that of prosperity for us all. He emphasised that “the road to prosperity in Nigeria is in three words – ‘Made in Nigeria.’ China has shown that example and that is why it is the largest economy in the world today. We can replicate that achievement here and that is why that country is our formidable partner.”

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South West

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

FG, states must reduce import bills –Aregbesola BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

sun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has charged federal and state governments to gear up efforts toward developing local industries to reduce the nation’s import bills and enhance growth of local ones. Aregbesola, who stated this at the commissioning of a branch of Bank of In-

dustry, BoI, in Osogbo, said the bank must also provide long term financial support to various industries in the state. According to him, management of the bank last year came to solicit his administration’s assistance to establish a branch in the state. The governor said he yielded to the demand of BoI and provided a befitting office for its operation because of inherent ben-

efit in having such organisation in the state. Represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Grace Laoye-Tomori, Aregbesola also harped on the need for all tiers of government to explore opportunities in non-oil sector to create jobs for many unemployed youths. He further stated that he facilitated establishment of the bank’s branch in a deliberate effort aimed at bringing windows of in-

dustrial funding to the doorsteps of investors in the state. While advising small and medium scale business owners to take advantage of the presence of the bank, the governor enjoined the bank to inject sizeable investible fund in the state for immediate and massive industrial investment. Managing Director of the bank, Rasheed Olaoluwa, said BoI had partnered

with 10 banks that would provide working capital for small and medium enterprises, SMEs, to make their operations easier. He commended the state government for providing office for the bank in Osogbo and expressed the hope that the development would further strengthen the existing relationship

Police arrest two Ekiti kidnap kingpins …set to restructure SARS OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

L-R: Visiting President Alpha Conde of Guinea; APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Lagos State Governor-elect, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and APC chieftain, Chief Bisi Akande, welcoming President Conde to Lagos, yesterday.

N150bn libel suit: Dokpesi, others listed as witnesses MATTHEW IRINOYE

hairman of DAAR Communications Plc, owner of Africa Independent Television, AIT, Raymond Dokpesi, and seven others have been listed as witnesses to testify in a N150 billion libel suit filed by National Leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, against AIT. Others listed include Namure Joy Edoimioya, Medan Tenke, Ajibola Adewusi, Olumide Idowu, Stanley Odidi, Engr. Nwabueze and Dr. Stanley Bassey. Tinubu, former Lagos State governor, had instituted the suit against AIT before an Ikeja High Court for allegedly peddling false accusations about his personality in a documentary titled ‘Lion of Bourdilon.’ Tinubu, in the suit, said the documentary was politically sponsored to tar-

nish his reputation in the eyes of the populace. It would be recalled that the presiding judge, Iyabo Akinkugbe, had on April 1 granted an interlocutory injunction restraining AIT from further airing the documentary, pending determination of the suit. But in a statement of defence and counter-claim filed by AIT yesterday, the defendant denied each and every allegation as contained in the claimant’s Amended Statement of Claim. It stated that Tinubu (defendant) founded his entire claims on a non-existent ground or cause of action because contrary to his (Tinubu) claim, the documentary aired by its media outfit was not titled ‘The Lion of Bourdilon,’ but ‘Unmasking the Real Tinubu.’ AIT in its statement of defence also said the documentary, in its honest opinion, was not false and neither aired out of mal-

between Osun and BoI and impact positively on the state’s economy. Olaoluwa further said BoI has disbursed over N2.4 billion to SMEs in Osun to grow their businesses, assuring that more funds would be provided for the benefit of more business owners in the state.

olice have announced the arrest of two kidnap kingpins in Ekiti State. The two men, whose identities were not disclosed, were rounded up yesterday morning. Disclosing this at a meeting with senior police officers from the rank of Commissioners of Police and above, Inspector General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase said “no group of people would be allowed to turn Nigeria into a Hobbesian state.” “They do not even have that capacity. We will deal decisively with any such group,” the IGP vowed. While declaring that organised cult gangs in Edo State have now been “technically amputated,” the police boss said as soon as the courts reopen, all 56 cult kingpins arrested in the state would be arraigned. On activities of men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, the IGP said he had set up a team to assess the unit with a view to recommending appropriate sanctions for erring personnel. He pledged to change the mode of operations of SARS to make them more human-rights compliant,

stating that even their dress code is repugnant to everything decent. On security situation in Okene, Kogi State, as well as the predominance of unlicensed vigilance groups, Arase said the police was already investigating activities of many of such groups to establish whether their activities were inimical to the society and also evolve ways to tackle same. According to him, the recently deployed 259 vehicles would ensure safer highways, stating that police roadblocks remained banned. However, the IGP was quick to add that where credible intelligence shows that a crime has been committed, the police in the area could lock down road in the area by conducting a stop-and-search operation. He ordered all Command Commissioners of Police to ensure they feed their men on operations at least once a day, adding that he would this week deposit money in identified fuel stations across all federation in order to ensure policemen on patrol get fuel daily. Arase also re-echoed his administration’s determination to keep Nigeria safe for all well-meaning residents to be able to express their full potentials for the nation’s advancement.

ice against the person of the claimant. It further averred that as the fourth estate of the realm, it is empowered by Section 22 of the Constitution to, at all times, hold those in government accountable and responsible to the people of Nigeria. According to AIT, the said documentary, which it did not author, was only aired for a short period and was last aired on March 6, when it learnt the defendant had filed a libel suit.

Also attached to the filed statement of defence and counter-claim was a list of documents to be relied on which comprises links to online publications. Dokpesi in his statement on oath also claimed the defendant merely exercised its constitutional, statutory and social responsibility to inform, educate, entertain and provide a platform for national discourse, to all shades of opinion and political persuasion.

OJO OYEWAMIDE

Man rescued from mob in Ondo

AKURE

en from Ondo State Police Command yesterday rescued a man, Peter Oyeyemi, from mob action in Akure, the state capital. Some youths were about to set Oyeyemi ablaze for allegedly attempting to abduct some primary school pupils when the policemen arrived the scene and

whisked him away. It was gathered that the suspect disguised as a lunatic and tried to lure the kids to his side with the aim of kidnapping them. Passport photographs of different people, pictures of a teenage girl, Tecno handset, cash, female dresses as well as Holy Bible and Quran were reportedly found on him. It was the items that

raised suspicion that the suspect might be a kidnapper. Police public relations officer in the state, Wole Ogodo, confirmed the incident, but said the suspect was a psychiatric patient. Ogodo explained that it was during interrogation of the suspect that the police discovered that he had lost his sanity. He said parents of the

suspect had been contacted and had confirmed he escaped from the psychiatric hospital in Akure, where he was receiving treatment. Ogodo said: “The suspect was mistakenly taken for a kidnapper. He is not; he is a psychiatric patient and his parents too have gone to the station to show the police documents of his health status.”

South East

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Incoming govs tasked on open budget system Chris Njoku OWERRI

xecutive Director, Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights, CCIDSOR, Emeka Ononamadu, has called on the incoming administration in the five South East states to focus more on open budgetary system to curb pervasive corruption scandals and underdevelopment facing the zone for decades. He made the call yesterday during the second summit on budget and open public resource management programme in Owerri, Imo State. According to him, transparency and accountability globally benefits citizens as well as government and would make for better record management, decision making and effective services. This, he said, would also serve as safeguard against misgovernment and corruption. “The purpose of this summit therefore is to stimulate open budget and open government through fiscal transparency in the South

East. Fiscal transparency is important for two reasons: First, it protects people’s right to know what their governments do with public resources. It has a transformative potential in reshaping the type of relationship that exists between governments and their citizens,” he stated. The executive director said when governments give more information on their fiscal operations, citizens are better able to monitor government actions and can hold them accountable for public resource expenditure. He however regretted that this is not happening in South East because budget information is rarely available to citizens, noting that when such information are available, the timing and form are inadequate to empower citizens to hold government accountable. He wondered why governments across the zone find it difficult to ensure access to their publicised budget cost, adding that the various governments see it an indirect affront when a citizen demands a copy of the government’s annual budget.

APGA to reconcile aggrieved members …decries Agbo’s defection Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

hairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Jerry Obasi, yesterday ahead of the June 6 national convention of the party, expressed regrets over defection of its former governorship candidate, Senator Anthony Agbo, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ebonyi State. Obasi stated this in Abakaliki while briefing journalists who called on national chairman of the party, Victor Umeh, to reconcile aggrieved members of the party. He said the time was right to bring back aggrieved party members, adding that those offended should be allowed to run for any position in the party. Obasi noted that the coming convention would

afford the opportunity to create ward, local government, state and zonal congresses, adding that the convention was a replica of that of 2005 that produced Umeh as national chairman of the party. The state chairman further stated that this was the first time APGA was functioning as an effective political party in the country, and that APGA has never held congress following that of 2005. He pleaded that party faithful, particularly financiers, be accorded all necessary respect and allowed to vie for positions. He warned against neglect of members, especially local government area chairmen and ward chairmen, adding that imposition and undemocratic party tendencies were among factors that led to APGA’s loss in many states including Ebonyi.

Students of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, residing at Odenigwe area of Nsukka town protesting poor electricity supply and outrageous billing at the district office of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company in Nsukka, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Group urges Buhari to overhaul nation’s security system Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

group, Ugobueze Education Advancement Foundation, UEAF, has called on President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to overhaul Nigeria’s security apparatus to safeguard lives and properties of citizens. Addressing a press conference in Abakaliki, the group’s President, Marcellinus Nwokporo, who is also a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ebonyi State, said the resignation of the party’s National Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu, and BoT Chair-

man, Tony Anenih, was not enough to reposition it. He said he expected PDP to ask executive members at all levels, national to ward, to resign so the party would commence new registration and election of officers. He said PDP’s woeful defeat was caused by corruption within the party, pointing out that nominations were given to the highest bidders and not popular candidates in the elections nationwide. Nwokporo decried actions by some key party members like Femi FaniKayode and Governor Ayo Fayose, who he alleged, contributed to the party’s defeat at the polls by insulting peo-

ple through the media. He was also critical of the National Assembly under David Mark, which he said though witnessing some stability, was bedeviled with corruption, noting that the issues of constitutional amendment and creation of new states were mishandled. He, however, commended President Goodluck Jonathan for conceding defeat in good time and saving the country from terrible violence; just as he congratulated President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, for his victory and urged him to pursue a realistic wage for political leaders in the country. While recounting that

Ebonyi would remain grateful to late Sani Abacha regime for saving its people from the shackles of poverty, Nwokporo carpeted Governor Martin Elechi and his predecessor Sam Egwu as cowards for failing to immortalise Abacha because of fear of Obasanjo, adding that his Foundation intends to immortalise the late General soon. He congratulated the governor-elect, Engr Dave Umahi, for his victory in the just concluded April 11 governorship poll and urged him to establish a unit of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to enable him fight corruption in the state.

Onu fuelling crisis in Ebonyi APC —Nwobasi Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

ll Progressives Congress, APC, in Ebonyi State yesterday accused national leader of the party and former national chairman of the defunct All Nigerians , of masterminding and fuelling crisis in the party. Chairman of the party, Ben Nwobasi, disclosed this in Abakaliki in a press statement signed and made available to National Mirror. He alleged that Onu was desperate to secure the position of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF. Nwobasi noted

that the recent crisis in the party that led to a solidarity rally in support of President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, by “disgruntled elements” in the party with the Labour Party and All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, was a ploy to cause disaffection in the party and create parallel state working committee. He lamented that Onu did not promote the electoral fortune of the party in the last general election in the state, adding that the solidarity rally as claimed was a deceit, as the leadership of the national working committee of the party was not contacted.

He informed the party’s supporters that Onu has not been named SGF, as the Southeast zone had forwarded some names to the President-elect for consideration. “It is a show of shame that the former National Chairman of ANPP, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, accepted the false notion that the rally was to honour him as next Secretary to the Government of the Federation.” “We are pained that a politician of Dr. Onu’s calibre should associate himself with illegality with opposition parties to destabilise the fortunes of APC

in the state,” he added. Earlier at the weekend, Onu had appealed to party members to remain peaceful, adding that the APCled government would perform, even as he would fulfill his campaign promises.

Onu

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South South

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

NDDC project review committee not to witch-hunt anybody –Dickson OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

Women of Egbebiri at Biseni in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State protesting expired memorandum of understanding with Nigerian Agip Oil Company, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Seven ports ready to invest in Ibaka Deep Seaport

even foreign port authorities have indicated interest to participate in the development of Ibaka Deep Seaport in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. Governor Godswill Akpabio, who stated this on Monday when elders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from Oro paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Uyo, mentioned Bolorous, a Spanish group, among the core investors. Akpabio, however, commended President Goodluck Jonathan for granting approval for

commencement of the Ibaka Deep Seaport and Ibaka Deep Seaport Authority, which confers on the port the status of a free trade zone licence that would enable prospective investors build and pay no tax for five years. He recalled that the state government has spent huge amount of money to secure documents to meet international requirements for the port, and attributed delay in getting approval for the port to strict due process, adding that the port has got approvals from the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Federal

Ministries of Finance and Transport. The governor said the port was expected to create 50,000 - 100,000 jobs for the youths and that it would complement Apapa and other ports in the country. He is therefore, calling for sensitisation and education of the youths to guarantee peace and cooperation in the area. Akpabio stated that the Federal Executive Council has approved establishment of a Federal University of Maritime Studies at Oron to offer Ordinary National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and de-

gree programmes to students. Earlier, leader of the delegation, Dr. Esin Nkereuwem, had lauded the governor for the construction of roads, provision of free education and establishment of Akwa Ibom International Airport, among others in the state. Nkereuwem, therefore, called on the governor to fully integrate the Oro nation into the mainstream politics of the state, while also appealing to him to redeem the pledge of a bus he made to the Methodist Church Nigeria, Oro Diocese.

Delta health professionals accuse perm sec of intimidation THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

ealth professionals in Delta State, under the state’s chapter of National Union of Allied Health Professionals, NUAHP, have accused permanent secretary in the state’s Hospital Management Board, HMB, Dr. Caroline Ajuya, of intimidation and plotting to undermine their ongoing industrial action. The workers alleged that Dr. Ajuya has perfected plans to thwart the industrial action of the union in the state, which commenced yesterday (May 25) through efforts to hire the services of technicians and non-profession-

als to reduce the impact of the strike. Addressing newsmen yesterday at the Ughelli Central Hospital, Mr. Joseph Owholo, who is state chairman of NUAHP, said the permanent secretary deployed technicians and quarks, who are not qualified to embark on jobs meant for scientists, with a threat to sanction members of the executive at the end of the industrial action. Owholo, flanked by executive members of the association, stated: “On hearing of the actions of Ajuya, I contacted her for clarification as a member of the union. She insulted and threatened to sanction the state NUAHP executive at the expiration of the

strike.” However, when contacted on the development, Dr. Ajuya said she only directed staff, who were joining the strike to handover government properties in their possession to other staff willing to work.

She said: “I never said I would sanction him, but told him I would discipline him if any of my instruments are destroyed as a result of their actions. If they are not working, they should allow my technicians to work.”

ayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, said the rationale behind setting up a committee to review projects executed by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in the state was not to witch-hunt anybody, but to ascertain if the state was getting its fair share of the intervention fund. The governor, who stated this shortly after receiving an interim report from the committee in Yenagoa on Monday, expressed delight that the committee’s findings would assist the present administration to determine the extent to which the commission has contributed to the development of the state. While appreciating the Federal Government for establishing the NDDC, Governor Dickson noted that activities of the commission would go a long way in complementing development efforts of the affected states if well-coordinated. The governor also commended chairman and members of the committee for doing what he described as a painstaking and dili-

Asaba newspaper vendors threaten Delta govt over debts A MOUR UDEMUDE ASABA

saba Newspaper Distributors Association in Delta State has threatened to blacklist the state government in the supply of newspapers and magazines to government offices over debts it owes the association. In a statement signed by the association’s

Police arrest 27 for cult-related attacks, killings in Bayelsa OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

wo secondary school dropouts and 25 others have been apprehended by authorities of the Bayelsa State Police Command over their alleged involvement in cult-related attacks and killings in different parts of the state. Spokesman of the state

police command, Mr. Butswat Astimin, said the arrested suspected cultists were between the ages of 18 and 21years. “The suspected cultists are made up of members of the Islanders and Greenlanders groups,” he said. Astimin said the command has forwarded their case files to the State Director of Public

gent job and assured them of government’s determination to study the report with a view to implementing it for the collective wellbeing of Bayelsans. Making a veiled reference to some of the challenges the committee reportedly encountered in the course of carrying out its assignment, especially in the area of accessing names of contractors from the commission, the governor said: “I agree with you that this state has the right to have access to that critical piece of information, so that we can find out exactly who was supposed to have done what and did not do and who has done well.” Presenting the report, the committee chairman, Chief Lionel JonathanOmo, noted that about 553 projects were at various stages of execution in the state, and that when completed would give a great boost to the development efforts of the present administration. According to Chief Jonathan-Omo, the committee reached its interim recommendations after conducting baseline studies, with competent technical support staff in all the three senatorial districts of the state.

Prosecution, DPP for advice and diligent prosecution. It will be recalled that the state Governor, Seriake Dickson, had warned cultist in the state to desist from being used by politicians as he expressed concern over the rising incidence of kidnapping and cult killings in some parts of the state,

chairman, Comrade Ekwueme Kelechi, and secretary, Comrade Floxy Isu, titled ‘Non-Payment For Newspapers/Magazines Supplied By Asaba Newspaper Vendors,’ and made available to our correspondent in Asaba, the association lamented what it called “I don’t care attitude” of the state government in paying debts it owes its members. According to the association, all entreaties to government establishments to pay the debts have fallen on deaf ears, stressing that with effect from Monday, June 1, 2015, members of the association would be left with no option than to suspend t supply of newspapers and allied products to affected Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

North

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Striking Plateau workers stop Jang from commissioning projects JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

triking workers in Plateau State, yesterday laid siege to the newly built Jos Revenue House to prevent the outgoing governor, Jonah Jang, from commissioning the magnificent edifice. Also yesterday other group of workers led by Plateau State Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC chairman, Jibril Bancir, laid siege to the Plateau State House of Assembly to prevent the lawmakers from sitting to deliberate on the tenure of the present elected local gov-

ernment chairmen allegedly seeking for extension of tenure from two years to three. The lawmakers and the labor leaders allegedly were due to discuss chiefdom and district areas that Governor Jang has just created and gazette this week. Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Comrade Ade Akinbon, told journalists at the gate of the besieged multimillion Naira newly-built Plateau Revenue House in Jos, that the labour unions were directed from their headquarters in Jos to picket all government institutions in Jos and would not allow Governor Jang to com-

mission the edifice without fittings and furniture. According to TUC secretary, construction work at the Revenue House project is not completed as they were told that they were several items that the contractor who handled the project stil bring to site to complete the project. When Natıonal Mırror visited the state House of Assembly complex, labor union members were milling around while armed police personnel were spotted with the trucks around the gate of the complex, keeping vigil to prevent break down of law and or-

der. Speaker of the House, Hon. Titus Alams and his colleagues were nowhere near it and might have been holding a meeting at a secret location to deliberate on issues of urgent importance to the state. It would be recalled that only on Sunday at a church service to mark the Democracy Day at Government House chapel, Speaker Alams tender an apology to the workers and the people of the state for any shortcoming on the part of the state legislators in the course of discharge of their responsibilities.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PDP put Kaduna in grave for 16 years, says el-Rufai AZA MSUE KADUNA

aduna State Governor-elect, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, yesterday said the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, administration put the state in the grave for 16 years, adding that it would be great again. El-Rufai, who stated this when he received the All Progressives Congress, APC, Kaduna Transition Committee’s interim report ahead of the May 29 handover in Kaduna, said his government would politely ask government officials, who stole public funds to refund them for development. His words: “PDP has succeeded in putting Kaduna State in the grave in the past 16 years of misrule. The people of Kaduna State need to see a functional government, which our incoming government will work hard to make a

reality.” El-Rufai, while commending the transition committee members for a job well-done averred that the APC government would be accountable and transparent to the people of the state. Presenting the report to Governor elect, chairman, APC Kaduna Transition Committee, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said despite lack of proper cooperation from the outgoing PDP government, “our report is unfortunately an interim report as critical information required by the various subcommittees have not been provided despite several formal and informal attempts to persuade the outgoing government to accede to our requests.” Lawal said the incoming administration would require strong political will and determination to facilitate the much-needed change that the electorate is yearning for.

Lalong lambasts Jang for creating districts, chiefdoms L-R: Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III and Governor Aliyu Wamakko, during a courtesy visit to the Sultan in PHOTO: NAN Sokoto, yesterday.

Fuel crisis vindicates my position on subsidy removal -Aliyu PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

iger State Governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, said the current fuel crisis between the Federal Government and oil marketers in the country has vindicated his earlier stance that fuel subsidy be completely done away with. He said he was one of the few governors that supported its removal in 2012, sensing that the fuel subsidy

regime was a ‘cartel of corruption.’ Aliyu, who stated this at the commissioning of the Niger State Development Company, NSDC Suites in Minna, said: “When government wanted to remove it, some people said the common man will suffer; which common man? They are now selling three times the amount in the market, even government filling stations are not selling it cheap.” Aware that they may soon be out of business, he

explained, those enjoying the fuel subsidy regime are now afraid of current development on the issue. Speaking, Managing Director, NSDC, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, said the facility built at a cost of N620 million, as a partnership between the state government and the state SURE-P, has state-of-the-art facilities, and is to be managed by Shelter Suites Company. He also debunked claims that the state government leased the facility to the

firm to manage for a period of 30 years. Also, the director general, SURE-P, Hassan Nuhu said the suites built through direct labour, if contracted out to a construction firm, would have cost N1.5 billion. According to him, while the state SURE-P contributed N449 million, the state government sank N171 million into the project that comprise of 46 standard rooms, four diplomatic suites, two presidential suites and a swimming pool.

to be last seen at the Ilorin Shoprite Mall and thereafter was not seen again in Tanke Area, where she lived. Sources told National Mirror that Yetunde allegedly was given a free ride, a claim the police could not confirm because investigation was still ongoing. The deceased’s corpse was found somewhere in the GRA, Ilorin.

Her family was, however, contacted preparatory to her corpse’ release for burial, the corps member served with the State Broadcasting Corporation, (Radio Kwara). Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Okasanmi Ajayi, while commenting on the matter said: “We are still investigating; we cannot conclusively say it is a case of abduc-

tion or ritual killing because no part of the body was missing. It could be a case of hit and run, careless driver or an accident outright. “I can’t confirm that she was raped because all the examinations conducted on her did not show any sign of rape and we are still investigating but I cannot say exactly what happened yet.”.

Youth corps member’s body found after mysterious death WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

youth corps member, Miss Yetunde Shukurat Idowu, of the 2014 Batch ‘B’ set, serving in Kwara State, has been found dead few days after she was found missing. The corps member, who hailed from Ogun State, but Lagos-based, was said

JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

lateau State Governorelect, Barrister Simon Lalong, yesterday lambasted the outgoing Peoples Democratic Party administration in the state, led by Governor Jonah Jang, for creating fresh chiefdoms and districts a few days to the end of his tenure, describing the action as mischievous and in bad faith. Jang had on Monday announced the creation of 13 districts and 168 chiefdoms in the 17 local government areas in the state, a development which has been generating controversies among stakeholders. But speaking with journalists in Jos yesterday on the issue, the governor-elect said the action of the outgoing governor could not stand as they were done in bad faith and a ploy to cause confusion and crisis in the state, adding that there was no proper consultation with the stakeholders on the sensitive matter; more so, the issue is in the court of law. Barrister Lalong enjoined the people of the state to ignore the government action and wait for his administra-

tion’s position after handing over on Friday, adding that the creation of the districts and chiefdoms amount to nothing and has no legal backing. He implored the people of the state to go about their normal businesses and disregard the government pronouncement on the projects, promising that his administration would critically look into the matter after May 29. Explaining the rationale behind the development, the state government in a statement signed by the Commissioner of Information, Abubakar Mohammed Badu, had said upon assumption of office by the Jang administration in 2007, complaints were received by various traditional councils in the state on grounds that they were not consulted. According to the government, the administration set aside the creation of chiefdoms and districts that were created based on complaints from the traditional councils that they were not informed nor consulted, adding that a high-powered committee headed by Nde Joshua, Waklek was set up to work with the traditional councils on behalf of the governor and submitted its reports to government.

Wednesday March 11, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

APC, INEC, frustrating my efforts to reclaim my stolen mandate â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Adewale

Know your lawmakers: Incoming senators of the 8th NASS

In continuation of our series on the incoming senators of the 8th Senate of the National Assembly, ADELEKE ADESANYA profiles another tranche of senators.

ajority of the incoming senators into the 8th Senate are greenhorns, who are making their debut in the Red Chamber for the first time. Will their impact on national legislation be felt? Only time will tell.

Bauchi North: Sulaiman Mohammed Nazif Nazif was first elected senator representing Bauchi North in the National Assembly at the 2007 polls, on the platform of the Action Congress, AC, until 2011, when he vied for the seat of the governor. He was also member of the House of Representatives, between 2003 and 2007. Nazif is a native of Katagum, in Gamawa Local Government, Bauchi North. He is returning to the Senate on the All Progressives Congress, APC platform. Bauchi South: Malam Ali Wakili He is a first timer in the incoming 8th Senate on the platform of the APC. He defeated incumbent Governor Isa Yuguda of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to represent the Bauchi South senatorial district in the National Assembly. Wakili, 55, had served with the Bauchi State government before transferring his service to the Nigeria Customs Service in 1991. While in Customs, he held command positions at Ikeja Industrial Area, Tin Can Island, Seme Area Command as well as Commandant, Kano Training School. He retired from the Nigeria Customs Service in 2009 as comptroller of customs. He is going to the Senate as an APC senator.

Majority of the incoming senators into the

8th Senate are greenhorns, who are making their debut in the Red

Chamber for the first time.

Jibrin

Faseyi

Rasaki

Utazi

Sekibo

Gobir

Melaye

Gnnaji

Wamako

Bauchi Central: Isah Hamma Misau Misau of the APC, who won the senatorial position of Bauchi Central senatorial district, having defeated PDP Deputy Senate Leader, Abdul Ningi with a total vote of 208,741 while Senator Ningi scored 57,172 is among the new comers in the Senate.

Central.

ENUGU Enugu East: Gilbert Emeka Nnaji Nnaji began his political career on the PDP platform, where he has remained till date. He was re-elected for a second time to represent Enugu East in the March 28 national Assembly election. The former member of the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007 floored the preferred candidate of Enugu State governor, Sullivan Chime, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo, a former Chief of Staff to clinch the PDP ticket for the senatorial contest for Enugu East and was declared winner of the March 28 National Assembly poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

EKITI Ekiti North: Duro Faseyi Faseyi is a senator-elect on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to represent Ekiti North senatorial district, as a first timer in the legislature. Ekiti Central: Fatimat Raji-Rasaki Wife of former military governor of Lagos and Ogun states, Brig-General Raji Rasaki, Fatimat, is one of the incoming senators of 8th National Assembly who will be going into the Red Chamber for the first time. She was elected on PDP platform and will be representing the people of Ekiti

Ekiti South: Biodun Olujimi The journalist-turned politician is a former deputy governor to incumbent governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, during his first stint as Ekiti governor. She was nominated into the board of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in late 2011. The former National Publicity Secretary of defunct National Centre Party of Nigeria, NCPN; All Peoples Party, APP and All Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP, was a former Special Assistant to Ekiti State governor, former member of the House of Representatives and former Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure. She was Director of Women Affairs in the PDP presidential primary election is going the upper chamber of the National Assembly as a first timer on the platform of the PDP.

Enugu West: Ike Ekweremadu Ekweremadu is the Deputy Senate President of the outgoing 7th Senate. He would be returning to the Senate this time around for a third term, having being first elected in 2007 and later 2011. Ekweremadu was instrumental to the clearance and appointment as minister CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Politics

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 of Ojo Maduekwe in 2007, following a barrage of objections to his nomination. When in September 2009, late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s Principal Private Secretary, David Edevbie, was indicted by a British court for corruption and money laundering, Ekweremadu refused to take a position, stating that he did not know the facts. He co-chaired the PDP gubernatorial primary election committee in Anambra State in 2010 and was leader of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, ad-hoc committee for the return of constitutional order in Niger Republic in September 2009. He was elected First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament and emerged the Speaker of the regional parliament in August 2011. Ekweremadu was re-elected on PDP platform as senator to represent Enugu West in the March 28 National Assembly election after beating Enugu State governor, Chime to the PDP ticket for the district. He would however be in the minority in the incoming 8th Senate, as the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, won the majority in the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly. Enugu North: Utazi Chukwuka Chukwuka is the immediate past Commissioner for Transport in Enugu State and he is making his debut in the Senate to represent the people of Enugu North senatorial district, having vied for and won the PDP ticket to contest the March 28 polls and declared winner by INEC. KANO Kano North: Barau Jibrin Jibrin is making a first time appearance at the Senate at the resumption of the 8th Senate of the National Assembly. He contested the March 28 National Assembly election on the platform of the incoming ruling party, APC and won to represent the people of Kano North senatorial district at the National Assembly. Kano South: Kabiru Gaya Gaya, a former governor of Kano State is making a return to the Senate on APC platform. He was re-elected to retain the Kano South senatorial district seat in the March 28 National Assembly poll. He polled 488,528 votes, to defeat Alhaji Sani Rogo of the PDP, who polled 145,923 votes. Kano Central: Rabiu Kwankwaso Kwankwaso is perhaps one politician who has seen it all in the political landscape of Nigeria. A two-term governor, former minister and a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Kwankwaso is coming into the Senate, though as a first timer, but not a stranger to legislative procedures. Bold, strong-willed and a dogged fighter, the Kano State incumbent governor, who contested for the APC presidential ticket in December 2014, coming second behind the eventual winner and President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, will bring to bear his experience as a former legislator, executive governor and minister to the upper chamber. 58-year old Kwankwaso is going the

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Know your lawmakers: Incoming senators of the 8th NASS

Kwankwaso

Ekweremadu

Olujimi

Olaka

Abba

Wakili

8th Senate as the representative of the people of Kano central senatorial district on the platform of the APC.

East senatorial district. He is 60 years old.

won elections to the upper chamber in 2007 and 2011. His 2007 election was disputed, but in December 2008, was upheld by the Court of Appeal. He was appointed to Senate Committees on Niger Delta; Gas; Federal Character and Inter-Government Affairs; Environment; Downstream (Petroleum) and Commerce. As chairman of Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Sekibo severely criticised the Solid Minerals Ministry for failing to release $10 million granted by the World Bank to assist artisanal miners in the country. In February 2009, Senator Sekibo sponsored a probe into misuse of the Development of Natural Resources Fund, DNRF and related funds operated without National Assembly approval. In April 2009, Sekibo’s Committee on Solid Minerals said that Julius Berger Nigeria may have been illegally exporting granites from quarry sites in Ebonyi State. Sekibo ran again for re-election as Rivers East Senator on the PDP ticket in the March 28 National Assembly poll and won. he also contested in March 28 election and won to represent his people for the third time.

KOGI Kogi West: Dino Melaye Melaye will be going to the Senate on the platform of the APC as a first term senator but not a stranger to legislative responsibilities, having being a member of the House of Representatives up till 2011. A very popular politician, especially among Nigerian youths, because of his active presence on social media, Melaye revived his battered political image as a House of Representatives member, when he aligned with the progressives and started giving the outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan Presidency a tough time. He was always at the forefront of organising protests against unfavourable government policies. He defeated another charismatic senator, former National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Smart Adeyemi, to emerge as the senator to represent the people of Kogi West senatorial district in the Senate on the platform of the APC. Kogi Central: Abdulsalami Ohiare Ohiare is going to the Senate as a returnee senator on the platform of the APC to represent the people of Kogi Central senatorial district, having been elected into the Senate between 2003 and 2007. He would no doubt bring to bear on the incoming 8h Senate his experience as a former meber of the upper legislative chamber. Kogi East: Abdulrahman Abubakar Having contested for and won the APC ticket for the Kogi East senatorial district, Abubakar contested the March 28 National Assembly polls and was declared winner by INEC to represent Kogi

SOKOTO Sokoto East: Ibrahim Gobir Gobir is a returning senator. He began his senatorial career in 2011 after which he contested and won the 2011 senatorial election under the umbrella of the PDP to represent the people of Sokoto East. He re-contested in the March 28 senatorial election after his defection to APC and won to represent the people of Sokoto East for the second time. Sokoto South: Ibrahim Abdullahi A first timer at the National Assembly, Abdullahi will be representing his people from Sokoto South senatorial district in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly. He contested the election and won the March 28 election under the umbrella of APC, aged 58. Sokoto North: Aliyu Wamakko The outgoing governor of Sokoto State will be joining the league of former governors who have found the Senate as a new playground, as a first time senator. He contested for and won the Sokoto North senatorial district seat on the platform of the APC. Honoured by The Sun newspaper as the Man of the Year 2014, Wamakko’s presence in the Senate will be well received by political analysts as the 62-yearold former deputy governor of his home state, is heading to the red chamber armed with decades of experience in the civil service and government. His performance in office in the last eight years no doubt paved the way for his smooth entry to the Senate to represent Sokoto Central senatorial district. RIVERS Rivers East: George Sekibo Sekibo is making a return to the Senate for the third consecutive time having

Rivers South-East: Olaka Nwogu A first time senator, Nwogu, who flew the banner of the PDP in the March 28 National Assembly poll, will be representing the people of Rivers South-East senatorial district at the 8th National Assembly. Rivers West: Osinakachukwu Ideozu Another PDP senator-elect, Ideozu, aged 49, will be making his first appearance at the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly to represent the people of Rivers West senatorial district in the incoming 8th National Assembly.

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From The Civil Service Don’t scrap YOUWIN, Okojo-Iweala begs incoming govt P.42

NTD seeks FG support for tropical disease victims MARCUS FATUMOLE AND JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

L-R: Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council (NPC), Mr. Nnamdi Njemanze; Minister of Information, Sen. Patricia Akwashiki; Director of Administration, Mr. Victor Egharevba; Lagos Liaison Officer, Mr. Patrick Izobo-Agbebaka and Director, Finance and Accounts, Mr. David Adeniken, during official visit of the minister to NPC headquarters in Abuja, recently.

OFAB calls for new agency to regulate GMO REGINA OTOKPA

ollowing the recent passage of the long awaited bio safety bill into act, the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), has called on the federal government to establish a new agency to enhance effective implementation and regulation of genetically modified organisms. The country director OFAB Nigeria chapter, Mrs. Rose Gidado, speaking in Abuja during an interactive session with experts tagged ‘Next Harvest 11: Biotechnology Capacity in Africa, a Way Forward’ said that the next line of action was the appointment of a director general to head the National Bio Safety Management Agency.

According to her, it was pertinent to have an agency guide the affairs and processes that would ensure the safe consumption of GMO and boost confidence of people who had expressed concern over accepting these products. “the bio safety act is here and the next action is the implementation strategy which has to commence with the president appointing a director general CEO of the national bio safety management agency because the law states that after the bill has been put into an act, the act gives birth to a new baby which is the national bio safety management agency. “As soon as that is done, the DG would take charge and begin to implement that law, to enforce what is stated in the law which provides for regulatory frame-

NUC, Science, Tech Ministry, sign MoU on regulation of research

P.41

work, administrative and institutional mechanism. The law has the power to release genetically modified crops, gives approval for import, safety and contained trail”. Gidado further noted the need for the incoming administration to boost funding of research and development that would allow for commercialisation of products, to enhance economic development in the country adding that there was no way products could be commercialised without carrying out adequate research. “We are calling on the incoming government to key into research and development and with the use of technology tools we can make it especially at this time when we are moving from the oil economy to the non oil economy and

in carrying out economy diversification, you cannot do it without science and technology, you cannot do it without research. On the availability of the GMO for farmers, the country director disclosed that it could take up to three years before farmers would have access to the seedlings which she noted, must pass through containment trials to ensure the safety of consumers. The chairman Cotton Growers Association Katsina State, Salman Abdullahi, expressed optimism that with the level of success recorded by cotton farmers in African countries including Burkina Faso, Nigeria would be able to reduce the rate of unemployment and insecurity prevalent in the country.

NOA urges orderliness during federal, state inaugurations P.16

eglected Tropical Diseases NTD has called on the federal government of Nigeria as well as global community to rise to support victim of tropical diseases. The agency disclosed that lack of funds has affected it in the area of transportation and distribution of donated drugs stressing that heaps of donated drugs by international partners are about to expire. Disclosing this at a stakeholders meeting of the NTD held recently in Abuja, the Minister of Health Dr. Khaliru Alhassan who was represented by the national coordinator of Guinea worm intervention in Nigeria and Acting Director of NTD Mrs. Ifeoma Anagbogu, noted that essence of the forum is to determine priority locations, identify those most at risk, and most efficiently deliver treatments. According to her, in recent years Nigeria has witnessed a global awakening about the burden of NTDs and as a country we have not been left out of progress and notable achievements made. After eliminating guinea worm, Nigeria has maintained a zero case status till date. She said: “Federal Government and States have launched community education programmes and bolstered drug distribution, which have led to improvements in the control of other NTDs in the country.

“Yet despite promising gains, efforts may appear to be stalled by a persistent funding gaps and imperfect national coordination that have kept the best solutions away from those who need them most. “These diseases caused much arms, it caused mal-nutrition in children, it contributed to the poverty, it affects every sectors of economy, it affects our children, the less privilege, the downtrodden, the voiceless poor and Nigeria happen to be the most affected by this neglected tropical diseases in Africa, over a 100 million people are at risk of infection of this disease. “We stakeholders are meeting to create more awareness on this disease . Government of Nigeria at all tiers have been working with various partners. These partners have been supporting NTD in 50% that is why we called them to this forum and told them where we are, the success, the status of implementation, achievements and show them the gaps, because we need to bridge this gap. “The gaps are basically funding, we need funds for surveillance, for mapping that will help us assess the area where these diseases occur.” She added that another challenges is how to distribute the donated drugs. “Most of these drugs are in various places which I don’t even talk about, it was so sad, when we came on board, we saw huge donated drugs almost expiring, and the partners have spent Millions in giving us this support.

Doctors tackle Jonathan over ‘Yayale Ahmed report’ P.16

Jonathan

Civil Service

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

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Doctors tackle Jonathan over ‘Yayale Ahmed report’ MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

he Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, MDCAN, has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to release the report of the Presidential Committee of Experts on Inter-Professional Relationship in the Public Health Sector, otherwise known as the Alhaji Yayale Ahmed-led Committee Report. The doctors, in an Open Letter addressed to the President, through its Principal Solicitor and Counsel, Jiti Ogunye, Esq., made the call, and requested the President to present his administration’s views and decisions on the report. MDCAN informed that despite inaugurating the committee which provided its report within 15 months and submitted it to the President, the President has since refused to officially publish the report or implement it. They urged him to both publish the report and make the position of his administration on the report known. MDCAN warned that should he refuse to release, implement and make his administration’s views and decisions known on the report, it would summarize such action as dereliction of public duty, “which may be cured by an order of mandamus duly applied for and appropriately issued by a court of competent jurisdic-

tion, compelling the Federal Government of Nigeria to release the said Report, and the views and decisions of the Government thereon. “…failure of the President to publish and implement the report would not only be a disservice to the crisis ridden health sector in particular, but also Nigeria in general, if the said report and the views and decisions of Government thereon were discarded or jettisoned at the tail end of the exercise initiated by Mr. President himself.” MDCAN said it believed that the release of the report and views and decisions of the Federal Government on the report might help cure “the erroneous but pervasive assumptions of non-existing rights being claimed by non-medical health workers in the sector, which have been the driving force of their virulent and poisonous agitations against the lead roles being played in the public health sector (and health sector in general) in Nigeria by medical doctors. “The complaint of domination, subordination, and discrimination which has now become the battle cry for the inordinate and selfaggrandizing desire of nonmedical health workers to fragment and segment our public health institutions, which until now, has been operating as integrated entities, into disjointed autonomous theatres merely to feed the illusion of independent territorialities, can be

NOA urges orderliness during federal, state inaugurations JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

he National Orientation Agency NOA has called on Nigerians to maintain the highest level of orderliness and discipline during the various inauguration ceremonies to usher in new administrations at the Federal and State levels on May 29, 2015. Director General, of NOA, Mike Omeri, in a statement, issued yesterday in Abuja, he urged citizens to turn out at the various inauguration venues well ahead of the commencement time for the events in order to fa-

cilitate security screening and hitch-free events. He also charged Nigerians to show love, social and national solidarity before, during and after the inauguration events. He also advised vigilance and cooperation with security personnel. The Agency assured Nigerians of a peaceful and successful Democracy Day celebration, expressing confidence that all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure a memorable 2015 Democracy Day and this year’s, which comes with great expectations, coincides with the formal inauguration of our President Elect, Muhammadu Buhari.

resolved by the immediate release of the said Report and the views and decisions of Government on the recommendations that were made in the Report.” The doctors accused the Federal Government for subjecting itself to the “whims and caprices of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA), and indulge them, ostensibly to placate and propitiate them so that they do not continue to disrupt the public health sector by strikes. Meetings were being held, decisions were being taken, and circulars were being issued on contentious issues in the

health sector, including issues being sat and deliberated upon by the Presidential Committee of Experts in Inter-Professional Relationship in the Public Health Sector.” They also condemned the outcome of a meeting between the Federal Government and JOHESU where they claimed three broad issues were discussed and agreements reached. The issues are grant of consultancy statuses to other health care professionals and approval of payment of specialist allowance to other health care professionals other than medical and dental practitioners, in all tertiary health institutions

in the Country; abolition of the post of Deputy Chairman Medical Advisory Committee ( DCMAC) in all Teaching Hospitals, Medical Centres and other tertiary health institutions, in the Country; and reference of a number of matters, including the review of the procedure and process of appointment of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Teaching Hospitals, appointment of Directors of Departments in the Hospitals. “Firstly, the meeting was said to have communicated that a circular No. MH/ PM/138/Vol.111/79 of 16th May, 2014 had been released by Government, formally

restoring consultancy statuses to other health care professionals and approving the payment of specialist allowance to other health care professionals other than medical and dental practitioners. In line with this so-called circular, JOHESU/ AHPA have directed that all their members who are due and have satisfied the existing criteria, as upheld by a court judgment, for consultancy positions, should apply for the payment of the allowance with its accrued arrears with effect from 1st January, 2010 in line with the CONHESS Circular Reference SWC/S/04/S.410/ Vol.11/349, dated 8th December 2009.

L-R: Executive Secretary, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group, Mr. Olakunle Okelola; Director, Registration and Regulatory Affairs, NAFDAC, Dr. Monica Eimunjeze; Director-General, Dr. Paul Orhii and CEO, Evans Medical Pharm. Plc, Bunmi Olaopa, during 2nd NAFDAC Regulatory Forum in Lagos, at the weekend.

Ado Mohammad honoured over efforts on polio MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

he Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, Dr Ado Mohammad, has been honoured for leading the country to a polio-free status. Notice of the award, by the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence award, NHEA, was conveyed to him via a letter, as the winner of the 2015 Healthcare Excellence Award in Nigeria, according to a statement made available to National Mirror by Head,

Public Relations Unit of the NPHCDA, Saadu Salahu, yesterday. In a letter signed by project coordinator of the NGO, Dr. Alabi Olusola, Mohammad was described as “outstanding” in the country’s drive to completely bring polio scourge to an end. NHEA explained that NPHCDA won the award in recognition of the agency’s remarkable services in the healthcare industry and the role it played in ensuring that primary health care attained global standard. “The coordinator disclosed that the official investiture of the award would take place by June

in Lagos this year. Dr. Olusola explained that Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award is an initiative of Global Health project and resources in collaboration with the famous Anadach Group based in the United States of America,” the statement added. Over 500 leading corporate organizations and stakeholders in the health sector are scheduled to participate in the event, according to the release. “It will be recalled that Nigeria was also singled out for commendation on the polio Eradication initiative by the Director – General of the

World Health Organisation, Dr. Margaret Chan at the just concluded World Health Assembly in Geneva. “Similarly, the co – chair of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr. Bill Gates commended Nigeria for her success story on polio eradication in his 2014 Annual letter to the World. “Nigeria has not recorded a single Wild polio Virus in the last 10 months and by WHO guideline, her ability to sustain no polio transmission status by July this year will earn the country polio – free status by the WHO,” the release concluded.

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Wednesday, May 27, 2015

For God, Nigeria is work in progress MARK TAIWO

f there is any nation on this planet Earth so favoured by God , it is Nigeria. There are series of events and indices that point to this assertion. In the highly stage of our nationhood, we survived a brutal civil war, and it was because God favours us. We also survived Maitasine religious war, several sectarian and religious crises, many military coups, industrial strikes, students unrests, youth restiveness, and now terrorism. Despite all the satanic prognostications and doomsday prophecies that Nigeria will break up in 2015, God has proved himself faithful on our behalf and turned such counsels to foolishness. Many nations of the world were expecting that Nigeria would break up over the outcome of this year’s general elections, but God has proved he is greater than their expectations. Do not forget he’s said that his thought towards us is of good and not of evil and to give us our expected ends. We need to come to the realisation that God loves Nigeria, and this realisation should propel us to acknowledge him in all our undertakings as a people and carry out our national assignments with the fear of God. Before the general elections, campaigns of hate were the order of the day, especially between the two main political parties. The Ijaw youths went ballistic, spitting fire and brimstone that it

would be war should President Goodluck Jonathan lose the presidential election. The North did similar grandstanding over General Muhammadu Buhari, but when God was ready to save the poor masses of this nation, he miraculously intervened in the affairs of the nation and influenced President Jonathan to concede defeat to Buhari, putting to rest all insinuations that Nigerians would go to war against themselves. We have demonstrated to the whole world that we are able as a nation to find solutions to our internal squabbles without recourse to any foreign country. We stood united against Ebola virus disease (EVD) and won the bio terrorist attacks through the patriotic approaches of many Nigerians, some even paid the supreme sacrifices to save the rest of us. So, for this year’s general elections to have come and gone without the predicted disintegration is something worth thanking God. Actually, kudos should be given to President Jonathan for making history as the first sitting president that conceded defeat to the opposition. His altruism and love for the future cohesion of Nigeria was so paramount to him than the realization of his personal second term ambition. His action has won him more international reputation as an African elder statesman. Now that General Buhari has been elected according to the wish of the majority of Nigerians, to whom much is given much is expected. So, he should

NOW THAT GENERAL BUHARI HAS BEEN ELECTED ACCORDING TO THE WISH OF THE MAJORITY OF

NIGERIANS, TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN, MUCH IS EXPECTED brace up to the challenges ahead, because the masses of this country are banking on him to liberate them from the shackle of poverty and unemployment ravaging the nation. He should get his acts right by hitting the ground running and defeat the monster of corruption fair and square. He should not play to the gallery by playing politics of retaliation like the ban he allegedly placed on AIT from covering any of his events. He should be magnanimous in victory by treating every Nigerian equally. It would be inscrutable that some people will be making profits of several billions of naira a day from oil blocks, while the majority of us barely survive. This will not be acceptable to us. It was unfortunate that many past leaders shared our oil blocks among themselves. He should be ready to step on toes and cancel all these oil licences and spread our oil prosperity to the greatest majority of Nigerians. His an-

Can Buhari fit the mold of Lee Kuan Yew? There is nothing more touching than the sight of a nation In search of its great men, nothing more beautiful Than its readiness to accept a hero on trust - James Russell Lowell

BOBSON GBINIJE

he Holy Bible stated with clarity that “there is a time for everything.” Hence, the famous English playwright, William Shakespeare posited that “there is a tide in the affairs of men, which when taken at the floods leads on to fortune. Omitted, all the voyages in their lives are bound in tempestuous waves.” Indeed, the political tidal surge in Nigeria lifted General Muhammadu Buhari to the zenith of its mountainous height when he won the presidential election conducted on March 28, 2015 with 15,424,921 votes as against President Jonathan’s 12,853,162. This was a glorious victory indeed. It will be recalled that like Abraham Lincoln, Buhari unsuccessfully contested for the same position in 2003, 2007 and 2011. But the long awaited victory race came to fruition in the 2015 presidential election after his political marathon race; we also commend the Trojan courage, patriotic, and gracious conceding of defeat of the outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan. The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, must be commended also for doing a yeoman’s job in the way

NIGERIA IS A

COUNTRY THAT HAS BEEN WALLOWING IN THE LABYRINTH AND OUBLIETTE OF POLITICAL, SOCIO-

ECONOMIC MANACLES FOR OVER

53 YEARS

and manner in which he conducted the 2011 and 2015 general elections in the face of provocations by political Lilliputians. Indeed, he remains one of Africa’s heroes of the 21st century. The essayist Henri Frederic Amiel (1828-1881) said that “Heroism is the brilliant triumph of the soul over the flesh – that is to say, over fear… Heroism is the dazzling and glorious concentration of courage.” Jega deserves commendation. Deserving of the greatest commendation are the Nigerian people. They stood under the sun, rain and other inclement weather elements including crass insecurity, to forestall the pauperization of their franchise by voting in an orderly manner for the candidate of their choice. They were the quintessential exemplification of the pulchritude of democracy. We commend their courage, integrity and honour. We take solace in the words of William Shakespeare that “Mine honour is my life; both grow in one; Take honour from me and my life

is done.” Indeed, we commend all the electoral umpires, observers from the United Nations, African Union, European Union ECOWAS, and the Nigerian press. To God Almighty be all the glory. After all the splendiferous political theatrics and social brouhaha, we now come to call a spade a spade and not a mere gardening tool. We must set forth at dawn. Nigeria is a country that has been wallowing in the labyrinth and oubliette of political, socio-economic manacles for over 53 years. The march to nationhood has been straddling between psychotic corruption and arrested development. We have seen all types of military regimes and the socalled democratic governments to no avail. We are still cocooned in the throes of crass underdevelopment. Nigeria bears the similitude of an experimental guinea pig subjected to all types of laboratory surgeonisation to no avail. This is mainly due to the domineering prevalence of mundane and moribund leadership sunken in solipsistic gratification and the metastatic malady of prebendalistic graft, ethno-religious bigotry and extremism, nihilistic tribalism, political intolerance, nepotistic chauvinism redounding to grandiloquent poverty, massive unemployment and overwhelming crime rates etc. We need no soothsayer to tell us that to clear the nation’s Augean stables requires the stout guts of Herculean proportions. We call on General Buhari to rise to the occasion by confronting these problems head-on. We admonish him and his APC

tecedents as a no nonsense man make the people to repose much confidence in him and thus elected him president. He is not elected to come and serve the interests of the aristocrats, who have been looting our treasuries. The issue of jumbo pay for the legislators should be looked into. He should pursue vigorous and radical economic reforms that will shore up the value of the naira. During the late General Sani Abacha regime, the exchange rate was pegged at N22 to $1. Buhari should replicate this feat. This is the wish of all Nigerians. The fuel subsidy is another debacle that needs urgent attention. Nigerians cannot afford to pay higher price for a product that we have in excess. Buhari should make use of people like Prof Tam David West, men and women of impeccable character to man the oil sector. Our refineries should be put to maximum use so as to reduce the prices of refined oil products, and also spare Nigerians the rigour of accessing fuel. Stable electricity is very essential to the growth of our national economy, infrastructural development and industrial growth. With God on our side, Nigeria is on the path of greatness. I wish the incoming administration the best of luck and God’s guidance Pastor Taiwo wrote from Ogbomoso via markdebotaiwo@gmail.com and can be reached on 08038264924 (SMS only)

team to remember, amongst others, the unblemished immaculacy and perfect and exemplary example in nation building set by Lee Kuan Yew, the late Singaporean leader. Singapore was a trading entre-pot until destroyed by the Javanese in the 14th century. The city was revived by Sir Stamford Raffles for the British East India Company in 1819, and developed rapidly as a port for shipping Malaya’s tin and rubber. It acquired a cosmopolitan population and became a strategic British base. Occupied by the Japanese from 1942 to 45, it achieved self-government in 1959, joined the Federation of Malaysia in 1963 and left to become independent from Britain in 1965. Since independence, it has become wealthy under the strong rule of the late Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew (1923-2015). Lee Kuan Yew is gone, but his all-embracing developmental strides will remain chiseled on the sands of time in Singapore. Is Buhari and his APC ready to interrogate developmental indices in Nigeria? Time will tell. Chief Gbinije is founder of Warribased Mandate against Poverty and can be reached on 08023250378 (SMS only) Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

Editorial

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

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

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

Just another day for Nigerian children

oday, May 27, Nigerian children will join their peers in countries across the globe to celebrate Children’s Day. Globally recognised as a day to honour children, different days are set aside as Children’s Day. First proclaimed by the World Conference for the Well-being of Children in 1925, it was universally established in 1954 and proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly to encourage all countries to institute a day, first to promote mutual exchange and understanding among children, and second, to initiate action to benefit and promote the welfare of children. The United Nations, on November 20, 1958, adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which relates to a series of children’s rights proclamations drafted by the founder of Save the Children Fund, Eglantyne Jebb, a British, female reformer (1876 – 1928) in 1923. Jebb’s initial 1923 document, according to reports, says: “The child must be given the means requisite for its normal development, both materially and spiritually - the child that is hungry must be fed, the child that is sick must be nursed, the child that is backward must be helped, the delinquent child must be re-

THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILD-HOUSE-HELPS AND DOMESTIC WORKERS BELOW THE AGE OF

12 YEARS IS STILL RAMPANT…

claimed and the orphan and the waif must be sheltered and succoured”. It argues that the child must be the first to receive relief in times of distress; must be put in a position to earn a livelihood and protected against every form of exploitation and in the consciousness that its talents must be devoted to the service of its fellow men. The United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1989, which deals with the specific needs and rights of the child and requires that states act in the best interests of the child as against the common law approach that treated children as mere possessions. The Convention requires an overhaul of child custody and guardianship laws or a creative approach to same within existing laws; acknowledges every child’s basic rights to life, name and identity, to be raised by parents under a family or cultural set-

ting and to have a relationship with both parents, even if they are separated. The Convention also acknowledges that children have the right to express their opinions and to have those opinions heard and acted upon when appropriate; to be protected from abuse or exploitation; to have their privacy protected and not be subject to excessive interference. It also obliges signatory states to provide separate legal representation for children in any judicial dispute concerning their care. Rights to be protected from hazardous, harmful work and economic exploitation, and not to be subjected to torture or other degrading treatment or punishment, are also there. But as Nigeria’s public and private schools, as well as religious bodies parade gaily-dressed Nigerian kids to mark Children’s Day 2015, the nation should soberly reflect against the facts, first and foremost that the day is recognized around the world strictly for the purpose of honouring children, and that Nigerian children have not gained much from the import of Children’s Day as yet. The employment of child-househelps and domestic workers below the age of 12 years is still rampant, though declared unlawful lately by the Federal Government,

ON THIS DAY

the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has ranked Nigeria high among countries with a very large number of outof-school children, approximately 10.5 million, out of a total population estimate of 170 million; and about 17,000 children under the age of five died from preventable ailments every day in 2013 , according to UNICEF records. Indeed, child abuse - maltreatment of children, sexual harassment, denial of education, child labour, intimidation and molestation, physical assault, neglect, and even child trafficking, etc - are still rampant in Nigeria. Following the United Nations’ General Assembly adoption in 1989 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, over 178 countries, including Nigeria, ratified same. Nigeria’s National Assembly passed the Child’s Rights Law in 2003, but only 16 out of the nation’s 36 states have domesticated the law so far. The said law prescribes a five-year jail term and heavy fines for perpetrators of child labour, for example. Most of the culprit states are in the northern part of the country; and their reasons are hinged on religious and cultural reservations. This should be a ‘food for thought’ for Nigerian authorities as they laugh off today’s Children’s Day.

May 27, 1980

May 27, 1998

May 27, 2006

Airborne and army troops of South Korea retook the city of Gwangju from civil militias, killing at least 207 people, possibly many more. The Gwangju massacre refers to a popular uprising in the city of Gwangju, South Korea from May 18 to 27, 1980. Estimates suggest up to 2,000 people were killed in the crisis. During the period, citizens rose up against Chun Doo-hwan’s dictatorship and took control of the city.

Oklahoma City bombing: Michael Fortier was sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined $200,000 for failing to warn authorities about the terrorist plot. The bombing killed 168 people, injured over 680 others, destroyed or damaged 324 buildings within a 16-block radius, destroyed or burned 86 cars, and shattered glass in 258 nearby buildings. It causing at least an estimated $652 million worth of damage.

The May 2006 Java earthquake struck, devastating Bantul and the city of Yogyakarta in Indonesia. The earthquake occurred at 05:54 local time, with a moment magnitude of 6.4 and a maximum intensity of IX (Destructive) on the Medvedev–Sponheuer–Karnik scale. The incident caused a disproportionate number of casualties, with more than 5,700 deaths, 37,000 injuries and financial losses of (Rp 29.1 Trillion [$3.1B]).

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Health & Wellbeing ‘We’re currently treating 30 million people for river blindness’ 22

Don’t abort Boko Haram babies, group pleads 21

Budget implementation, bane of Nigeria’s maternal health –Experts

Not all health centres are functional like this

FRANKA OSAKWE

ack of implementation of budgets allocated for health commodities and services at the state and local government level, is one reason why maternal and child mortality has remained high in Nigeria and unless this issue is addressed by the incoming government, more women, children and vulnerable people will continue to die needless death. This was surmised by some group of Civil Society Organization (CSO’s) who gave a shocking report of how some health facilities appearing on government expenditure list as on-going or already accomplished projects, were in actual fact mere piece of paper. Explaining this during a workshop on improving accountability on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn And Child Health (RMNCH) organized by Champions for Change, a nongovernmental organization on RMNCH in Lagos few days ago, one of the CSO’s, National Coordinators of Civil Society for Family Planning in Nigeria, Wale Adeleye, told National Mirror how some government projects kept reoccurring every year even when the government report showed that the project has been done. “During one of our budget tracking, we found out that one particular health facility in Ekiti State kept reoccurring in the budget

every year and when the ministerial report comes, it will show that it has been done. Yet it kept reoccurring in the budget every year and the state kept allocating money for it for 4 years now. We are hoping that when the budget analysis for this year is done, they would have corrected the error”, he said. Adeleye said they also discovered that some constituency projects allocated for in the budget handled by the House of Representatives and senates are not executed. “Some that involved building health facilities at the community level are not been built yet the money are reported as being spent,” he added. More details by Adeleye revealed that some state government act as emperors, withholding allocations meant for the local government and when the money is finally release it goes into someone’s pocket. He mentioned that tracking government spending in other to find out what has been done can be very challenging due to lack of expenditure details.“What you see in most government web sites are bulk details of the budget expenditure. There is no bit by bit detail of how the money was spent. Also, most local government has combined allocation with the state government and this is another challenge”, Adeleye said. Expounding on this, another CSO member from Evidence for Action for Maternal and Newborn Health, and the resource

Adeleye

person at the workshop, Esther Agbon, narrated the cases of health facilities reported as functional with the health workers receiving salary in some local government, while in actual fact, these places were deserted and the workers absent. “These are places where women should have gone for maternal services yet they are denied this. That is why the community has to be involved in budget tracking. Anyone that notices such thing should quickly alert the community and local government about this situation so that it can be reverted”, she said. However, Nigeria Country Representative, Champions for Change, Theresa Effa, believes that if all health budgets are fully implemented at the state and local govern-

ment level, then maternal and new born health services will improve and this will in turn reduce death rate. “So it is important that the public and civil society organizations participate in government process by monitoring the budget implementation. They can go to the health facilities and monitor the services and commodities and report back to the authorities. This will ensure proper implementation”, she said. In recent past, a lot of fund has been spent on health related issues in Nigeria by both government and donor agents. These funds have been more visible on paper than in actual fact giving the fact that health facilities and services especially at the rural level have remained poor and the rate of maternal, newborn and child death still high. Going by the recent record by World Health Organization, one in 13 Nigerian women dies during pregnancy or child birth, while one in eight Nigerian children dies before their fifth birthday. As the new government takes over the baton in two days’ time, one thing it must do is to make sure budgets are fully implemented at local, state and federal level. In other to actualize this, a cash audit of the ministerial expenditure should be carried out. The new government must also ensure the actualization of universal health coverage to rural communities through the National Health Insurance Scheme.

Health & Wellbeing

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

arlic, is a strongly aromatic perennial spice that has been cultivated for many decades. It belongs to the family of vegetables called Alliaceae, related to the onions family. It is made up of cloves which are enclosed in a white or purple tinged covering with swollen leaves. It is believed to have originated from Central Asia, with emphasis on early civilization, as recorded in the Holy Bible (Numbers 11:5), “We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic...” Today, it is widely grown in all parts of the world. Garlic has been associated with superstitious beliefs and worn for protection and luck, love and lust, charm against evil, to enhance sensual feelings, oath-taking and as part of burial rituals. Herbalists considered the garlic as poisoning antidote and a cure for intestinal worms, stings of venomous beasts,

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The healing power of garlic

and a remedy for all diseases or hurts. It has been reputed to promote abortion and contractions of the uterus. Garlic is known for its odor and flavor, but it is actually odorless until it’s ruptured by being bruised, cut or crushed. When a garlic clove is cut, allicin, an odourless-sulphur is produced and this is responsible for garlic’s odour. Its distinctive taste and smell is thus, used for food preparations, flavoring and seasoning in the preparation of soups, sauces, vinegars, breads, meats, salad and practically in any dish. This herb and spice is encumbered with nutritional value and health benefits. It contains carbohydrates, proteins, water, vitamins and minerals with traces of iodine, sulphur and chlorine. This powerful combination of nutrients gives garlic its nutritional and healing properties. Garlic has been known as a natural “wonder drug” for thousands of years in chinese medicine and was reportedly used to treat dental cavities, bronchitis and respiratory problems, gastrointestinal problems, leprosy, deafness, menstrual

Chizoba Benson

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

cramps, high blood pressure, diabetes and externally for arthritis, muscular pains and serves as food for the hair. Recently, clinical experiments have begun to confirm many of garlic’s ancient medicinal uses. It has been shown to have powerful antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal properties. It is used in preventing colds and flus, lowers blood cholesterol and scavenges harmful free radicals. It has been known to even reverse high blood pressure, heart diseases and cancer notably stomach, colon and prostate cancers, reduces fat levels in the liver, lowers blood sugar and used as post-stroke therapy. It has also demonstrated anti-inflammatory property in treating arthritis and rheumatism. It could be used to boost our immune system and overcome fatigue. Robinson, an eminent American sexologist, touts garlic as a tonic that is excellent as a cure for sexual disabilities, impotence and nervous exhaustion. He recommends garlic for older men who may be experiencing diminished sexual drive. Garlic could be applied externally on wounds and ulcers, skin

disorders such as removal of spots, pimples, acnes, eczema, insect bites and stings. Garlic could be used in garlic oil preparations, ear drops, poultices, syrups, ointments, and other garlic treatments. Reports indicate that pain can be relieved by robbing the affected part with the cloves of the cut or meshed garlic. Researchers at the National Cancer Institute said that: “garlic should be chopped and allowed to sit for 10-15 minutes before cooking to stabilize beneficial compounds and maximize garlic’s anti-cancer properties”. There are many folk remedies for garlic breath. Many recommend chewing chlorophyll-rich plants like mints and other possible remedies include bathing in warm water, eating milk, yogurt or honey, and drinking red wine. One source suggests rubbing peppermint oil on the feet to remove the scent.

Susan Belsinger, a researcher in Herb Society of America recommends that: “although some of these remedies may help, none will eliminate the odor completely. She is of the opinion that eating garlic everyday and encouraging everyone else around you to do the same. Then no one will notice, she exclaimed”. Regular consumption of small amounts of garlic may also reduce the odor. To remove garlic odor from hands after peeling, rubbing hands with salt and lemon juice and then rinsing with water would help. Although garlic is loaded with nutritional value and health promoting effects, it should be given only with caution to children since it can irritate their sensitive digestive tracts. Some sources also caution the use while breastfeeding since garlic is excreted into breast milk. It is important to note that large doses of garlic may cause gastrointestinal distress in some individuals, and those allergic to garlic may need to avoid it altogether.

Sexual solutions and love products for adults

was engaged to be married until I met my fiancée’s younger sister. Emotionally, I have connected with her younger sister and the more we talk, the more I realize that she is the one that I like the most. We are not having an affair or anything like that but when I talk with her, it feels more like I am talking with my soul mate. Marriage is for life and I don’t want to make the mistake of marrying the wrong woman - Daniel Dear Daniel, marrying a woman is not like buying a car where you can change your mind half way and choose a different colour. If you fell in love with another woman from another family entirely, that is different. But breaking up with a woman so that you can date or marry her younger sister? What do you think is going to happen if you attempted such a catastrophic move? You will destroy that family. You think your fiancée will just smile and let you marry her sister? That is not going to happen and members of her family will attack you for wanting to break their family up. If you are beginning to feel that your fiancée is not the one for you, call her and break off the engagement. And then leave her family alone. There are plenty of women out there and I am sure that sooner or later you will fall in love with some other girl that feels like your soul mate. It happens all the time. This soul mate issue is just a gut feeling. There is no scientific way of verifying that a person is your soul mate. It just feels that way when we are in love – Uche My friend just used the X Again Platinum Enhancer for strong erections and performance and he liked it. I am wondering if that is what I need as well. My problem is that I get erections but when

I have sex once in the night, I have no erection or energy to do it a second time – Chuks Yes X Again Platinum Enhancer will help you. It does many things like giving strong, multiple erections and stamina for back to back sex, enlarging the penis and stopping premature ejaculation – Uche Ever since I was young, I have always experienced premature ejaculation. I am 36 years now and it is still happening to me. Can I really overcome this? I thought I was going to outgrow it – Fabian Premature ejaculation can happen to anybody at any age. Some men overcome it as they get older while others continue to suffer from it. But you can get help. Apply the Prolonging Delay Spray during intercourse and you will last longer – Uche Good day sir. I hear that there is a way to keep my erection strong after ejaculation without drugs. Please I need to know how. It takes me too long to get a second erection after climaxing - George Yes you can achieve that through the use of a Cockring. A Cockring has the unique ability of retaining blood within an engorged penis in order for a man to maintain his erection for up to twenty minutes, after ejaculation – Uche I use Extenze Plus penis enlarger and I like it. But I now hear there are better products like Rhino 5 and X Again Platinum Enhancer. Which one should I continue with? Lekan Lekan Extenze Plus is a good product. I always tell people to stick with what works for them. Yes X Again Platinum Enhancer and Rhino 5 are superior because they do more than just enlarge the penis. They

also stop premature ejaculation and give the user strong erections and stamina for multiple rounds of intercourse that will last for days. But Extenze Plus also gives hard erections in addition to enlarging the penis – Uche Please I got a text message saying that you now have that vibrator that thrusts in and out. Is it true? I have been waiting for it since Christmas – Joy Yes it is true. We now have the Thrusting Butterfly Stroker. The rising price of the dollar affected our ability to bring in some of these products but yes most of them are available now as we find a way to cope – Uche That is all for today. The names of the people featured here have been changed for their privacy. Adults in need of these treatm e n t s / n ove l ties can call 07086754515 or

08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www. zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, send your emails to custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

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Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Don’t abort Boko Haram babies, group pleads FRANKA OSAKWE

n few months time, about 214 children, conceived by the Boko Haram Sect, one of the notorious terrorist groups in the world today, will be born in Nigeria, if the rescued Chibok girls did not abort their pregnancies. Recent report has shown that the 214 pregnant

Chibok women and girls in the Internally Displaced (IDP) camp at Borno State are told by the United Nations Populations Funds (UNFPA), to abort their babies for fear that the babies will become Boko Haram terrorists. But the Project for Human Development (PHD), a non-governmental organisation that promotes fundamental values in soci-

ety, are insisting that these children deserves to live and should not be aborted because they are innocent of the terrorist acts perpetrated by their fathers. Speaking at a press conference recently in Lagos, Director-General (DG) of the group, Mr. Jerry Okwuosa, Director-General (DG) of the group, described as uncharitable and criminal

the decisions and actions of UNFPA, to make the women pass through the trauma of abortion after what they had passed through in the hands of their captors and rapists. “No matter how a child is conceived, the right to life has been given to him/her at conception by God and nobody has the right to take it,” he said. Okwuosa, commended the

agency for its support and counselling to the women in Internally-Displaced Camps (IDP), for aiding the safe delivery of their babies without recording any maternal or child death but accuses the agency of seeking to depopulate Nigeria through abortion and sterilization. “Reports reaching us are that the UNFPA is offering the visibly pregnant Chibok girls abortion and sterilising for the rest. UNFPA’s abortion and sterilisation services are geared towards depopulation, or how else can one explain that after all the sufferings from physical and sexual violence, indignities and humiliations which the Chibok girls and the IDPs have undergone, rather than coming up with how best to

help these deeply wronged and wounded mothers, all UNFPA could offer are abortion and sterilisation. In his view, Okwosa said the pregnant girls and women should be offered free maternity homes and rehabilitation centres where they can safely give birth to their babies and afterward, give them out for legal adoption if, for any reason, they do not want to keep them. Okwuosa explained that killing an innocent baby because it was conceived through rape cannot erase the fact that a woman was a victim of rape, noting that nobody knows what the child will become. He added that there is also the danger of the woman becoming barren after the abortion.

History’ll record I fought Ebola –Anonobi Chairperson, Association for Good Clinical Practice in Nigeria (AGCPN), Prof Ifeoma Okoye, Major-General Life Ajemba, and Prof Maurice Iwu, a professor of pharmacognosy, at the Pre-Summit press briefing on 3rd Annual Clinical Trials Summit in Abuja, on Monday.

Lekki residents benefit from Lagos free medical mission FRANKA OSAKWE

o fewer than 15,595 residents in Lekki Local Council Development Area of Lagos and its environs have benefitted from free health consultation, screening and treatment for various ailments and diseases held recently in the area, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris has said. Idris who made this known recently while reviewing the report of the five days medical expedition stated that the Mission was a comprehensive health care initiative that covered primary, secondary

and tertiary levels of health care and was introduced in the quest to find ways to take health care to the grassroots and under-served areas of the state. He said the Health Mission was particularly significant because it assisted the government in its efforts at bringing to the barest minimum the number of untimely deaths in the State. According to him, the beneficiaries of the programme included the most vulnerable members of the population at the grassroots like the elderly, children, youth and pregnant women who are prone to infections and other maternal and child health-related diseases.

The Commissioner disclosed that a total of 1,595 people benefitted from eye screening and treatment including getting free eye glasses and medications, adding that 547 people were treated for various dental ailment while 2,807 people had access to reproductive health services. He also added that 10,644 people were treated for other ailments like hypertension, diabetes, malaria amongst others. Idris stated that the periodic organization of the medical missions is meant to compliment the normal health delivery services in the state with the objective of addressing the pressing health issues of

the rural communities in the state in line with the state government’s free health policy and the health sector reform as part of an overall efforts geared towards tackling the challenges in the health sector. The Commissioner added that the free medical missions were embarked upon to serve as alternative source of healthcare delivery access, especially to the people at the grassroots since government cannot wait until infrastructure, equipment and manpower championed by the health reform are ready before people have access to qualitative and affordable healthcare service.

Stakeholders advocate improved health care to end obstetric fistula MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

takeholders have argued that if governments and owners of private hospitals improve their health facilities, obstetric fistula, a major condition among girls and women, would be defeated. Obstetric fistula is a hole in the birth canal, and accounts for up six percent of all maternal deaths, according to the stakeholders. More than two million young women live with untreated obstetric fistula in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa with 50

000 to 100 000 women developing the condition worldwide every year, the stakeholders further informed. A message on the disease from the stakeholders, which include World Health Organization, WHO; the NOTAGAIN Campaign; Accountability for Maternal and Child Health in Nigeria (AMHIN); United Nations Population Fund; and Development Communications (DevComs) Network, was made available to National Mirror by Communications Officer of DevComs, Ayodele Adesanmi, recently. The advocacy was in com-

memoration of this year’s International Day to End Obstetrics Fistula 2015 which has the theme “End fistula, restore women’s dignity.” The statement informed that Obstetric fistula was linked to inadequate access to basic health care and stressed the need to provide universal access to reproductive health and help uphold the fundamental rights of women. Doing so, the statement argued would be key in the prevention of obstetrics fistula among girls and women. “The World Health Organisation (WHO) says it is

one of the most serious and tragic injuries that can occur during childbirth where there is prolonged, obstructed labour without treatment. “The NOTAGAIN Campaign, shares a global view that obstetric fistula as well as maternal deaths and morbidity still exists because the health care systems have failed to provide adequate and accessible quality maternal health care, including family planning, skilled care at birth, basic and comprehensive emergency obstetric care, and affordable treatment and delivery,” the statement said.

MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

oshi Anonobi, a nurse at First Consultant Hospital, Lagos State, who was infected with the killer Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, and survived, returned to the country at the weekend with 249 other compatriots from Liberia and Sierra Leone where they had volunteered to fight the scourge. Anonobi told National Mirror at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where her chartered flight arrived at about 2:30 am, that it will always be remembered that she joined the efforts to bring the scourge of Ebola to an end on the continent. Asked what impression she thought her contributions to the fight against the disease would be, she said: “At least, it will be recorded in the history of Africa that I once fought Ebola; that I was among the team that helped our sister countries bring their Ebola crisis to an end. Thank God we did our job very well. We thank God, most especially, all of Nigeria’s contingent that went; we registered no casualty.” She said she was initially in Sierra Leone, and that her experience was great. “We did a wonderful job. At the initial stage , I was part of the team that went to Sierra Leone. When we went there, they dispatched us to various departments.

Where I worked was a triage, a hospital. I was among the people that worked in the triage that was set up. Actually, they had had many health workers that died in that hospital. They had almost lost their confidence. It is a place where people are checked thoroughly to know whether they should go to hospital or treatment centre. “If you get a case like the Ebola symptoms, they called the treatment centre at a go to come and do test. But, if the person does not need case definition, we allow the person to go to the hospital and see doctor. We were warmly welcomed. We thank God for everything. National Mirror also requested from Anonobi what the situation was before her team left Sierra Leone. She responded: “It was not yet Ebola free, but it was minimal. They are waiting to declare them free, but it is not yet over. For now, there are no new cases, except the ones already at the treatment centre. When they finally discharge them, they will start counting from zero to 42 days for WHO to declare them Ebola free.” When leaving for the assignment in Lagos State last December, Anonobi told our correspondent that she was moved by her experience with the disease and the need to save lives and nations in the grip of the virus.

Health & Wellbeing

Onchocerciasis has been mistaken for various diseases like malaria and typhoid in Nigeria, with about 50 million people in the country expected to be on treatment for the condition. This is even as the Federal Government attempts to defeat the disease by 2020. Acting Head, Neglected Tropical Diseases, NTDs, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifeoma Anagbogu, spoke with Health Reporter, Marcus Fatunmole, when the Minister of Health inaugurated a committee to help defeat the disease in Abuja, recently. What do we mean by onchocerciasis? Onchocerciasis is ordinarily called the blinding disease. It is caused by the black fly, simulium damnosum. When we were in school, we were taught that simulium has much effect in places that have flowing water that hits the rocks. But, today, we find the black fly in places where we didn’t expect it to be. Onchocerciasis is also known as river blindness. Are people living where there is no water vulnerable to the disease? Yes, it is a water-related disease because you know, where there is no potable water, people will have to go to fetch water in natural water sources, which could be streams, rivers and ponds. I am not saying only onchocerciasis can be transmitted from vectors that breed around ponds, diseases that can be transmitted from such places include guinea worm disease or diarrhea disease. But, since people have to get water, they get bitten by the flies and these flies transmit the pathogen… Nigeria is the most endemic for non-tropical diseases in Africa. And, onchocerciasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases. We have several of them. For onchocerciasis, over 30 million Nigeria, in fact, 50 million Nigerians are prone to having the disease. As of today, we have 30 million accessing treating. There is a huge gap as more than 20 million people need to be treated for onchocerciasis. How is the condition managed in Nigeria? We have been managing it in Nigeria; the strategy we use is mass administration of medicine, using ivermecin. These medicines are given annually. We have donor, giving us the medicine; the Mectizan group. Every eligible person, every person that stays in places

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘We’re currently treating 30 million people for river blindness’

elimination of this disease in other countries. We have international agencies, we have the UN and WHO that says you attain a certain level that you eliminated the disease, it is no longer a public health problem, or you’ve eliminated transmission, we have them on that committee. What they are supposed to do is make sure we the implementers are on the right track, doing the right thing to eliminate the disease. And, then, advise government accordingly.

Anagbogu

that are risky for transmission of this disease has to take the medicine at least once every year, for as many years that interruption of the disease hasn’t occurred. In addition to that, we also try to educate people to keep away from sources that can expose them to the vectors, to these black flies. Can the disease cause blindness as it name suggests? It actually causes blindness. It causes noodles, you see some people with noodles; fat burns on their bodies. It is like a big carbuncle, a big burn. For some people, you have their skin like elephant skin. You know how elephant skin is, like leather. Onchocerciasis causes the skin to be like roughened “khaki”. You also see some people walking about with deep pigmented skin. The person might be dark, but, he has parches of whitish pink and rashes as well. Are there symptoms of the condition inside human body? Yes. There could be general debility of the body. The person might feel feverish. The person might have rashes. The person might feel ill. As one progresses, the various symptoms occur. It could be nausea. The person might be feeling he or she has malaria, while it is not malaria. That is why we tell Nigerians, if you have any form of illness, please, go to the nearest health facility. How can this disease be prevented? Like I told you, Nigeria has

embarked on various strategies, comprising ethological to see the possibility of vector control, mass administration of medicines, we give ivermecin, once every year. And, we also promote WASH strategies, like advocating for safe water supply, so that we reduce the man-vector contact. The measures include improved sanitation and hygiene, health education and informing people about the disease. At times, when people see these huge lumps on their bodies, some people will go to traditional doctor and say that he should cut the boil. And, that could lead to various problems. It could cause secondary infection. And, in some cases, it could be fatal. It is good for people to know that when they have some of these symptoms, it is not a witch or wizard that is doing it, it is not their step mother or their maids or any enemy; it could be caused by any of the non-tropical diseases. These flies are very tiny; black flies. That is the common name. But, the scientific name is simulium. And the major culprit is the damnosum sensolato. Is onchocerciasis curable? It is curable. Some people have taken the medicine for over 17 years. Every year, what we do when we give it consecutively over a certain period of time, we conduct surveys to check if transmission has been broken in that place. Some good news we have is that some people in some areas have eliminated this disease. In those areas, the transmission has broken down. However, we need

to have people to come and check to make sure that transmission is interrupted. And, then, we learn from lessons we gathered there to scale up activities in other places. At the same time, I told you that over 50 million people are at the risk of this disease. At the moment, we are treating 30 million, we have that 20 million gap. We need to scale up activities to scale up that gap. We have to treat for so many years. We are even considering other strategies. It is a policy thing; I may not talk about it for Nigeria. But, I know some countries are now treating people twice. We are putting safe water sources so that people don’t go to stream to fetch water. We are promoting use of long-lasting insecticide nets. We know it is for malaria, but in some places, it’s been used to eliminate some of these NTDs. If you sleep under the net, black flies won’t bite you. If you don’t go to stream to fetch water, black flies won’t bite you. Take this medicine; you will kill the young larvae of this black fly that will form the adult. If one picks the organism, one could transfer it to another person. The disease is curable; if one complies with the directive. What does the committee set up by the Minister intend to achieve? The committee comprise experts, both local and internationally. We have a lot of professors there, both from Nigeria and abroad. We have experts that have contributed towards

You are targeting this disease to be eliminated in 2020, how do you intend to do this? Of course, we want government to give us political support, so that we’ll take ownership of this programme. Our local and international partners keep asking us, all of us are here to help you, what is your government doing? We tell them we have government backing. I have been so excited for the Permanent Secretary of Health and Honourable Minister of State for Health to come to this meeting and inaugurate the committee. This shows their commitment to achieving that target. That means there will be a renewed support, hope and zeal to eliminate that disease. That means government has reaffirmed its commitment to give us the practical support we need. Of course, we need funding, we need logistics, and we need safe water supply in rural areas. We even have urban transmission of this disease. Anywhere the flies go, they carry the disease… We are restrategizing to be able to reach every eligible person that require treatment for this disease. Findings show that mectizan is not available in most health facilities in the FCT (where this correspondent works), except the FCT public health office. Why? Don’t worry, we will get because as I am talking to you now, over20 million tablets have arrived in the country. To be precise, about 28 million tablets are ready in the country. We are also expecting more. We will make sure every eligible state or local government area get supply, while we await the arrival of the second consignment sometime in June. Meanwhile, these drugs have been given to us free of charge by international donors and some pharmaceutical companies. You may want to know that all the medicines we use to treat these neglected tropical diseases are donated free-of-charge by various pharmaceutical companies.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arts Lounge My major challenge as MC is lack of brief

Dheepan wins at Cannes 2015

–TomiwaSage

Visual arts: Consolidating on gains at Africa Now Nigerian art pieces once again recorded appreciable patronage at the last Bonhams auctions in London. How can the country consolidate on this positive development? ISIGUZO DESTINY Onobrakpaye

istory was made in Bonhams, London when some Nigerian artists set a new record as the hammer fell to stamp the global acceptance of some contemporary Nigerian creative artists last week Wednesday at the end of the Africa Now sales in Bonhams, London. Ben Enweonwu’s sculpture “Anyanwu” and his “Africa Dances painting” were sold at the whooping prices of £74,500 and £68,500 respectively to set new records. The contemporary Nigerian art has had a leap in growth, striving to be very relevant in the global art industry and serving as a powerful instrument of message to the world especially, with their echoes of Nigerian culture, sentiments and issues that concerns Nigeria, and their artistic showcasing of Nigeria to the globe through their arts. Nigerian artists like Uche Uzorka who was selected with nine other artists from other African countries to exclusively showcase their works recently at Bayreuth University, Germany; and Yusuf Grillo who also dominated the auction at Bonhams, London are crystal evidence that the contemporary Nigerian artists are unarguable, making waves in arts. Confirming this stance, Giles Peppiatt, director of African Art at Bonhams reiterated the greatness of artists like Enweonwu, saying that it was not out of place to have Enweonwu and other Nigerian artisst receive attention in the auction. He believes that Africa has come to stay in the global contemporary arts. “Once more records fell in our Africa Now sale. The strength of demand from buyers for this newly appreciated art is growing steadily.” Bruce Onobrakpeya, the Niger Delta artist images were sold for $13,750 at the ArtHouse auction recently in Nigeria at an Auction at the Wheatbaker Hotel with El Anatsui’s “Zata” recording the highest sale at $77,000. The recognition of contemporary Nigerian art and to an extent African art is something that has seen the light of global day and one cannot overemphasize the importance of Enweonwu’s work as one of the most important precursors in modernist painting and sculpting. His artistic prowess had set a pace which has helped push other

Ben Enwonwu

Fishermen by the Beach

Nigerian artists to achieve greatness in the global artists’ world. Again, the field of collectors has equally grown with Sammy Olagbaju, Rasheed Gbadamosi, Hakeem Adedeji, Femi Akinsanya, Brian Voakes and others making Nigerian artists reckon materially with their work. In a recent interview, Jess Castellote, the director of the Virtual Museum of Modern Art in Nigeria accepted the fact that there is an ever increasing growth and demand for Nigerian art works all over the world. He said “since early post-independence years, a steady transformation of the Nigerian art scene has taken place.” Stakeholders believe that there is more to be done in making sure that this increase in demand does not decline. In one of his research works, Diakparomre, Abel Mac of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Delta State University identified regulation of the artists as one of the practices that will ensure quality production from Nigeria artists. He said there seems to be a decline in the quality of art works irrespective of the exploits Nigerian creative artists are recording globally “the practice of the visual arts in post-independence Nigeria has been variedly characterized. This has been more so since 1977 when the 2nd World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture was

held in Nigeria. This epochal event is, today, said to have engendered mercantilism, a decline in standard of art products, and a laisser-faire attitude towards art practice in Nigeria. These, it is said, have singly and collectively affected the status and working conditions of the Nigerian artist. It is also said that the practice of the arts, as well as the artist, are in jeopardy, at the moment. For this to be resolved, the University don bared his mind on the regulation of Nigerian artists to ensure quality. “To remedy this situation, it is suggested by some, that the practice of the arts be regulated and that a code of conduct should be instituted. These suggestions are interrogated in this paper with the aim of finding out the suitability of these prescriptions for solving the identified problems in a 21st century art environment. The interrogation identifies that resorting to regulation would amount to imprisoning creativity and lead to retrogression”. Another issue is that a good number of Nigerian art works are left to decay in the hands of artists due to poor awareness and low patronage. Though the works of Nigerians artist are sought after abroad, the level of patronage from Nigeria is low with the bulk of patronage coming from expatriates and foreigners who have the where withal

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ARTS MARKED AN IMPORTANT LANDMARK IN THE HISTORY OF NIGERIA’S ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT

to buy art works that are really expensive. Other emerging economies like Japan, Korea and China seem to appreciate their arts more as visitors are often given souvenir from the bulk of their art work in order to promote them. This has been replicated by the Nigeria Federal Government by presenting Nigerian art works as souvenir to guests though the patronage is still at the barest minimum. Nigerians must begin to patronize their own and get involved in the promotion of these artists as this will even add to the growth of the Nigerian economy. Recently, the directorgeneral of National Gallery of Art , Dr Abdullahi Muku, stated the importance of arts to the Nigerian economy, reiterating the importance of arts institutions that showcases Nigerian art works and his resolve to make the sector move.“I am reiterating the determination of NGA towards repositioning of modern works of art as an investment vehicle that will drive Nigerian economy to greater heights but it can only be realised when all artists come together as one entity.” The role of the National Gallery of Art is another valid step that has been ensuring the promotion of Nigerian art works locally and internationally. It is seen by Muku as one of the most effective way of disseminating information concerning Nigerian artists and their art works. “The establishment of the National Gallery of Arts marked an important landmark in the history of Nigeria’s artistic development recorded since the Nok period, through the Ife, Benin and Igbo-Ukwu civilisations to the present, spanning over 3,000 years. It is in every respect, the abode for an effective dissemination of Nigerian contemporary art that started over 75 years ago”.

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

VOICES

Mada’s festival of reconciliation ABDULLAHI MUKU

his year’s edition of the Festival is very special because of the significant events accompanying the celebrations. Firstly, it marks the installation and presentation of First Class Staff of Office to The Chun Mada, His Royal Highness Samson Gamu Yare by the Nasarawa State Government; which is well deserved. Secondly, the Festival is also coinciding with the general elections. The theme of this year’s Festival: “Festival of Reconciliation and Consolidation” is reflective of the mood of a nation that is going through elections. This theme is apt and a timely message for all and sundry to embrace peace and reconciliation. It is also for various political parties to work together for the common good of our state and country. Going through almost 30 years of protracted chieftaincy struggle could be a challenging experience, but the succour, which culminates in the celebrations are far-reaching especially in the hearts of the sons and daughters of Mada. May I therefore congratulate His Royal Highness for his installation and conferment and the good people of Mada land. While the people are the proverbial clothes that drape you with honour, your unfettered commitment to the socio-cultural, economic and humanitarian development of the various congregating communities is the integrity that perfectly puts you in a good stead for this great, ancestral, ordained honour. I pray that the Almighty God will seamlessly grant you the wisdom with which you will tirelessly provide good leadership to the generality of the people and the communities at large. A festival is an event ordinarily staged by a community, centring on and celebrating some unique aspect of that community and its traditions. Festivals often serve to meet specific purposes, especially in regard to commemoration and/ or thanksgiving. They are associated with celebrations and may also provide entertainment. These celebrations offered a sense of belonging for religious, social, or geographical groups. Festivals that focus on cultural or specifically ethnic topics also seek to inform members of their traditions and the involvement of community elders sharing

NIGERIA IS BLESSED WITH A VARIETY OF FESTIVALS SUCH AS THE OSUN OSOGBO IN OSUN STATE; THE IGUE FESTIVAL IN EDO STATE, THE NEW YAM FESTIVAL IN ANAMBRA STATE AND THE EYO FESTIVAL IN LAGOS STATE stories and experience provides a means for unity among families. A carnival typically involves a public celebration and/or parade combining some elements of a circus, masks and public street party. It is an explosion of colour, music, revelry, and creativity, offering all of us a dynamic tool for self-expression and exploration. Nigeria is blessed with a variety of festivals such as the Osun Osogbo in Osun State; the Igue Festival in Edo State, the New Yam Festival in Anambra State and the Eyo Festival in Lagos State to mention a few. These festivals are very well comparable to festivals and carnivals around the world. It is gratifying, however, to note that the 2015 edition of Nzeh Mada Festival, which is a festival of reconciliation and consolida-

tion, is being celebrated with oneness of purpose, pomp and pageantry. The celebration began on Tuesday and will continue till Sunday. It is therefore commendable that Mada land have kept faith with the tradition of carrying on the Nzeh Mada Festival as an annual event. Festivals and Carnivals as we are now already aware are platforms for cultural preservation, renaissance, reawakening and exposition. Festivals are a means of showcasing deep cultural manifestations inherent in a community. It is a celebrative congregation designed to re-present the beauty and flavour of our tradition, custom and social manifestations to the world. But there is an economic dimension to it, which is where I would like to dwell on. With the global oil recession and its mag-

nitude impact on our national economy in particular, there is the need to explore alternative sources of income. Culture is one of such products. Subsumed under this aegis are our indigenous music, performance, visual arts, folklore, indigenous literature, tourism reactivation and many more. All these can be transformed into cultural avenues that engender economic re-awakening and revenue generation. It is my expectation therefore that the Nzeh Mada Festival should begin to restructure in order to tap into its economic potentials. In this regard, I will be expecting that there will be rapid economic activities generated from the large number of participants drawn from within and the neighbouring communities and states. It should be an occasion where annotative works of arts and crafts produced by members of the community will be on display for participants and visitors to patronize. Governments at all levels can also purchase these works of art which can be exhibited in a befitting gallery. Beyond the economic benefits, the gallery will preserve, protect and present these works for posterity. This is an area that the State Government is tasked to make manifest. For the progress recorded so far in the State on this subsector of the economy, I want to sincerely thank the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Alhaji Umaru Tanko Al-Makura for his leadership style that breeds productivity and progress, but like Oliver Twist, Your Excellency, we will always ask for more. Nasarawa State is endowed with many cultural festivals and tourist sites that the State can develop to the desired standard for economic benefits. The annual Nzeh Mada Festival is rich, appealing and sustainable. I believe it can be packaged to elicit collaborations and sponsorships from well-meaning Nigerians, especially sons and daughters of the Mada land, and the private sectors so as to extend the reach of the festival. I have an outstation in Lafia, the National Gallery of Art, Lafia which I think can collaborate with the Nzeh Mada Festival Secretariat so as to project the visual arts aspects of the festival. With the possibility of these collaborations and sponsorships, Nzeh Mada Festival will grow in leaps and bounds. *Muku, is the Director General of National Gallery of Arts, Abuja

Memorable Reads Who is your favourite author? I am one person that cannot point at anyone as my best author. I am paying more attention to books that can develop me as a person and a musician. I have however taken time to read about the musicians whom I listened to before my break, because they shaped my career. I particularly liked George Benson and there is a book on him I like by Wolf Marshall, titled: Best of George Benson: A step By Step Breakdown of his Guitar Techniques. Does it mean you do not like African authors?

Alex Okoroigwe

Producer/musician

I like them; but I do not have any as my favourite. I read them as a student; I must say they are good. Aside books, I indulge a lot in newspapers and magazines. I read them to get enlightened and know what is going on in the society. How much is your annual budget on books? I do not have a budget, but with e-books now available, books are cheaper. You just download what you need and pay a little. That’s going to revolutionise the reading industry, much as it has done to music.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

ARTISTE UNCENSORED

My major challenge as MC is lack of brief –TomiwaSage

He is a multi-talented actor, TV host, stand-up comedian, writer and blogger. Enter the dynamic world of Tomiwa Kukoyi popularly known as TomiwaSage! OLAWALE OLUWADAHUNSI

ny ardent follower of the 2011 edition of the ‘Next Movie Star’ would remember vividly the versatile and never-a-dull-moment performances of this young, soft spoken artiste, TomiwaSage. He ended up being the 1st runner up of the event leaving many fans with mixed feelings. He has since then added more ‘flesh’ to his burgeoning artistic profile by featuring in several movies and soap operas like Zone222, Kopa, This Life, Tales of Eve, This House is not for Sale, Osunfunke, Sarahology, Awoyaju, Boseje, and Somewhere along the Line. Other productions he has participated in include A Day with Death, Wages, D8, Omo Jagba, and award winning Tinsel. He has also hosted two Television programs namely Fun Zone and The Scoop Tomiwa, a Theatre Arts graduate from the University of Ibadan, narrates how it all began. “As a child, my grandmother would always sit us around her and tell

us tales most especially tales about our village, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State and she will make me play several characters. This grew with me and whenever there were events in his primary School, I always took part in acting, do funny skits or sing. “I love that I give life to group of people, gathered in a place, waiting to have fun, and I provide that, while having fun myself. There’s nothing more interesting than that. In high school, my love for acting and performance grew even deeper. My High School’s curriculum was top-notch and we won a lot of national and International Trophies in Acting, Debates and Quiz. It made me a star in High School along with the popular Nigerian Child Actor in the 90’s Peter Bunor Jnr. So, when it came to choosing a course to study at the university, I went straight up to study Theatre Arts. HERE S NOT “I started my professional acting HING D career in 2007, when my Lecturer, RATHER BE DOING ASID Dr. Tunde Awosanmi introduced E B E ING AN ACT us into professional acting and we OR OR played parts in plays that toured THAT AM NOT DOING the Country like the ‘Chams Theatre Series’. During the 10th Year PRESENTLY TomiwaSage OR HAVE Anniversary of Bayelsa State, we D O NE BEFORE performed a stage play ‘Ozidi’ directed by Prof. Femi Osofisan and Pro- it’s crude in his expressions and he pays duced by JP Clarke” He has also consistently performed at no consciousness to keeping his handsome himself, has this to say. different Elite, Corporate and face intact but always breaks himself to giv“Not to be cocky, there’s nothing I’d Comedy Shows and events to Mov- ing his absolute best to every character he rather be doing aside being an actor or MC ie and Stage production. In 2012, plays. that I am not doing presently or have done Even as a Master of Ceremony, he outhe performed Muta Baroka’s ‘Dis before. Before I got into the University, I Poem’ at the Campaign Launch lines his major challenge on the job. was a freelance contributor for the Time “My major challenge as an MC is lack of of ‘1 Billion Reason To Believe in Magazine, and local newspapers, I have brief for an event. You are at an event where Africa’ by Coca Cola. had some of my short plays performed. When asked why he stands you have been asking for a brief, they give I performed as a Spoken Word Artiste at out as an Actor, Tomiwa says you pieces of information, you get there and Coca-Cola’s ‘1Billion Reasons to Believe he believes every actor has ‘his find something else, then someone come to in Africa’ media campaign, I host two teleturf, strong characteristic, some you and say “just continue talking’. There is vision shows, run an online social media their voices, some their bodies nothing more upsetting than that. A profesmarketing firm and a Luxury Lifestyle and others their ability to play sional MC has plotted, arranged his materiCourier Service Firm. Note in mind that someone else’. He says most als according to the program of events, any I said not to be cocky’. When asked to deof the directors he has been altercation on the job can throw him off” scribe himself in three words he simply What would he rather be if he weren’t opportuned to work with said said, ‘Spontaneous, well Spoken and dithey like his acting because an artiste? The ‘Ijebu boy’ as he fondly calls verse’.

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MIDWEEK JUMP

2015 ANA Prize accepting entries

Normal Heart shows at Goethe Institut

Normal Heart (directed by Ryan Murphy, USA; 2014) is a true life story depicting the rise of the HIV-AIDS crisis in New York City between 1981 and 1984, as seen through the eyes of writer/ activist Ned Weeks, the founder of a prominent HIV advocacy group. Weeks prefers public confrontations to the calmer, more private strategies

favored by his associates, friends, and closeted lover Felix Turner. Their differences of opinion lead to arguments that threaten to undermine their shared goals.

he Association of Nigerian Au- (prose) N 100,000.00 (published & unpublished thors [ANA] hereby announces a works). range of prizes for its 2015 literary 6. ANA\Mazariyya Teen Authors Prize (poetry) competitions. These are: N 50,000.00 (published & unpublished works). 1. ANA Prize for Poetry (published & unpublished) – N 100,000. 2. ANA Prize for Prose Fiction (published & unpublished) – N 100,000. 3. ANA Prize for Drama (published & unpublished) – N 100,000. 4. ANA Prize for Literary Journalism – N 100,000 (Deadline: August 30, 2015). 5. ANA\NECO Teen Author Prize

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FAR AND NEAR

Dheepan wins at Cannes 2015 T

he 68th Cannes Film Festival came to a surprising close on Sunday night when the Palme d’Or was awarded to ‘Dheepan’,Jacques Audiard’s tense drama about three Sri Lankan refugees struggling to assimilate in a violent French ghetto only to end up in a pastoral British backyard. The movie was well received by critics if far from a passionate favorite. The Grand Prize, in effect the Palme runner-up, went to the widely praised Hungarian movie “Son of Saul,” a first feature from Laszlo Nemes. Set almost entirely in Auschwitz-Birkenau, it follows a Sonderkommando, one of those Jewish prisoners who were forced to help run the Nazi extermination camps, as he attempts to bury a child and locate a rabbi to recite a funeral prayer. The Jury Prize went to “The Lobster,” an absurdist comedy from the Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos, about a world in which people who remain unmated are turned into animals. The Taiwanese master Hou HsiaoHsienwon best director for “The Assassin,” a glorious martial arts film. The French actor Lambert Wilson again served as the host for the awards, which took place in

the grand Lumière Theater in the festival’s headquarters and this year included dance and musical numbers that gave the ceremony a distinctly Oscar-ized feel. The American filmmaking brothers Joel and Ethan Coen presided over a main competition jury that included the Mexican director Guillermo del Toro and the Malian singer Rokia Traoré. The Caméra d’Or, for best first feature, went to “La Tierra y la Sombra,” from the Colombian director César Augusto Acevedo; the film was shown in a parallel section and was inexplicably preceded by a performance of “I Ain’t Got Nobody” sung by a tuneless John C. Reilly. Mr. Wilson followed this by singing “Happy Birthday” to Mr. Reilly. After another musical number, the trailblazing French filmmaker Agnès Varda, who will turn 87 on Saturday and whose films include classics like “Cléo From 5 to 7,” received a much-deserved hon-

orary Palme d’Or. The Mexican director Michel Franco won the screenwriting award for the English-language drama “Chronic,” about a nurse (Tim Roth) who draws intense emotional and psychological sustenance from his terminally ill patients. In another surprise, Rooney Mara, one of the stars with Cate Blanchett of “Carol,” Todd Haynes’s much-admired lesbian romance, shared the best actress award with Emmanuelle Bercot for “Mon Roi,” a less-loved melodrama from the French director Maïwenn about a woman recovering from a skiing accident and a terrible marriage. Vincent Lindon won best actor as a middle-age factory worker who, after being laid off, ends up taking a job as a security guard in the French film “The Measure of a Man,” directed by Stéphane Brizé.

r won the Palme d’O Jacques Audiard

Uduaghan

his eight years of selfless service to Delta State,” Jude Banye, co-producer of the film said in a press statement last week. The film he said would be premiered in Asaba the Delta State capital later this month with filmmakers and members of the cast in attendance for the Red Carpet and media interviews as well as post screening panel discussions. “Deltans and Nigerians need to know the level of achievements of Dr. Uduaghan in his eight years against all odds. With all the litigations he faced in the first stanza of his eight year tenure, it was a miracle that this man could rise up and turn around Delta State after all the storm. So, it is pertinent that these facts be documented in a movie format for posterity to see that there was once a Governor of our dear state that achieved so much in spite of many hurdles placed on his way,” Banye said. The docu-movie he said will take Deltans round “the giant strides developments Uduaghan caused to happen across Delta. Some scenes will be re-enactment while others will feature the Governor, especially when initiating and commissioning a proj-

At 2015 LaffXpress

The Uduaghan Chronicles: Docu-movie on outgoing governor of Delta State s a way of documenting for posterity, the achievements of the outgoing Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (CON) in his eight years in office, Golden Periwinkle Entertainment, is set to premiere the docu-movie titled The Uduaghan Chronicles: The Movie – Diary of a Public Servant. The work, an independent effort, is an all-new docu-drama chronicling the life and times of Uduaghan, “based on

Mc Ayanfe at LaffXpress

ect in the state.” Igho Ugbegu, one of the co-producers reiterated what Banye said adding that “eight years of anyone’s life, devoted to the service of a state in its formative years, is good enough reason to chronicle in the annals of the state. Delta State is only 24 years old, and here is a man who has given eight years of his life to a 24 year old project; he sure has an unmistakable position in history books. However, the place of His Excellency has to be carefully defined. If we don’t objectively do it today, someone may subjectively do it tomorrow, hence the need to do a proper assessment of the work, circumstances, life and times of His Excellency in service to the state and her people. This is what we have captured in this movie styled documentary. Probably the most unsung Nigerian hero, Uduaghan’s policies have touched the lives of millions in Delta State and beyond. Key proponent of Delta Beyond Oil, visionary and peoplecentric leader, Dr. Uduaghan’s work and how it was made possible is captured visually for present and future generations,” Ugbegu submitted.

he maiden edition of Laff Xpress, an initiative to create great fun and excitement by one of Nigeria’s fast rising comedian and compere, MC Ayanfe has kicked off. The show which was powered by MTN Nigeria commenced at about 6pm and ended three hours later but not without implanting memories of amusement and delight into its audience who came en mass to watch at the thousand capacity Ara Hall venue, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway not minding the fuel scarcity that plagued the day. With a convergence of talented, burgeoning comedians, like Simply Saka, MC Coded, Laff Doctor, MC Bleach and comic maverick, Mc Ayanfe, the hall was turned into a den of cracked ribs as they reeled out jokes the audience cannot forget in a long while. History too was made as Laff Xpress becomes the first comedy show in the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway axis, thus bringing fun and excitement close to the people instead of going far to the Island as people normally do. The host of the event, although christened Abel Oladokun Asogba, but goes by the stage name, MC Ayanfe, said the choice of Ibafo, Ogun State and not Lagos, is basically to allow the people in the area who are often use to ‘work-home-work’ syndrome have time to relax. MC Ayanfe, an Awori man from Lagos State, assured his fans that the next edition will be bigger and that he is committed to churning out unlimited fun and excitement to the people. “I will continue in my quest to bringing laughter and excitement close to the people. I am excited by the turnout and I hope we will get more sponsors next year.” Speaking on why MTN Nigeria chose to sponsor the event, Adeyemi Odubayo, Trade Marketing Consultant (TMC), Ogun State, said the telecom giant is poised to see that it help upcoming artistes to achieve their dreams. “MTN Nigeria remains committed to improving individual and communal lives through social investment projects that nurture people’s inherent abilities, care for and respect people’s dignity and help create economic value in their lives.”

xxxxx

Business

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

It’s in our national interest to patronise made-in-Nigeria goods –MD, BoI 28 Tola Akinmutimi

igeria’s prospects of sustaining the current macroeconomic stability and real sector growth has dimmed with the decline in the country’s capital importation by $1,232.96 million (about N243 billion), representing 31.58 per cent in the last year Capital inflows represent the amount of money available from external or foreign sources for purchase of local capital assets such as lands, buildings, machines and other assets for productive endeavours. What this implies is that with the declining capital importation into the country, major sectors such as manufacturing, power, housing, agriculture, automotive, aviation, amongst others will be facing challenges of capital assets inadequacy with the attendant negative implications for productivity and job creation in the economy The latest National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, on Nigeria’s capital inflows in the first quarter of this year indicated that capital importation totalled $2,671.59 million (about N526.6 billion), representing the lowest value recorded by the country in the last two years of review. The NBS attributed the huge decline on capital inflows to high levels of uncertainty in the quarter occasioned by the postponed election and depressed oil price. The agency reported that on a quarterly basis, there was an acceleration of the downward trend observed since last quarter of year 2014, with a further drop of $1,828.15 million or 40.63 per cent. It noted further that prior to this, Q4, 2014 saw a 31.22 per cent quarter-on -quarter decline from the $6,542.58 million peak recorded in the preceding quarter of last year. A further categorisation of the capital importation by Investment type in the quarter under review showed that Portfolio Investment remained the largest of all investment types, totalling $1,860.65 million in Q1, 2015. The NBS clarified however that despite declining by $142.56 million or 7.11 per cent from the

African economy to grow amidst exploding population, says report

Dispute over OMLs 40, 42 hampers upstream production

Nigeria records N243bn drop in capital inflows

AIRLINES’ FLIGHT SCHEDULES

.... real sector, others’ growth may slowdown

value in the fourth quarter 2014, the drop was the smallest of the three Investment types’ declines, thereby increasing its share of the total capital importation from 44.52 per cent in the last quarter of last year to 73.48 per cent and 3.84 per cent points greater than the 69.65 per cent recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2014, adding that year-on-year, declines were much greater at $1,008.55 million or 35.15 per cent. According to the agency, both

year-on-year and monthly reductions in portfolio investment inflows were primarily driven by declines in equity capital, which were lower by $1,120.98 million or 49.59 per cent year on year, and by $402.69 million or 26.11 per cent relative to Q4, 2014. It stated that both year-on-year and monthly, reductions in portfolio investment inflows were primarily driven by declines in equity capital, which were lower by $1,120.98 million or 49.59 per cent

year-on-year, and by $402.69 million or 26.11 per cent relative to Q4, 2014. This is just as declines in Money Market instruments stood at 87.22 per cent. The NBS reported further that capital imported as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stood at $394.61 million, representing 14.77 per cent of the total, adding that the sector showed the lowest year-on-year declines in inflows, at $96.09 million, growing at -19.58 per cent.

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

Aero Contractors

L-R: Brand Manager, Goldberg, Mfon Basseyl Public Affairs Manager for West, Mid-West, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Tayo Adelaja presenting Goldberg beer to Owa Obokun of Ijesha Land, Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran in Ilesha at the weekend.

Lufthansa records 3.8% fuel efficiency in 2014 Olusegun Koiki

ufthansa has claimed that airlines in its group in 2014 set a record for efficiency with an average of 3.84 litres of aviation fuel consumed on 100 kilometres per passenger plane. The airline in a statement by its media consultant in Nigeria stated that this represented 1.6 per cent over the previous year where a passenger plane consumed 3.91 l/100pkm per passenger. As in previous years, the airline

stated that the group had met the demanding aerospace industry target of annual efficiency gains of 1.5 per cent. It added that all the airlines in the Lufthansa Group; Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines and Germanwings have continued to improve their specific consumption values. The statement added that the cargo aircraft of Lufthansa Cargo were also more efficient than ever, with 0.183 litres/tonne kilometres - an improvement of 5.2 per cent over 2013. In 2014, Group-wide efficiency in

cargo transportation was increased by 0.8 per cent. In the reporting year 2014, the absolute fuel consumption in the Group increased slightly by 0.7 per cent with an increase in transport capacity of 1.9 per cent. So, the trend towards the decoupling of transport capacity and fuel consumption was also continued successfully. The statement added, “The further reduction of specific fuel consumption is foreseeable through the investment in new, more efficient and low-noise aircraft. Lufthansa has now put the last of 19 Boeing 747-8 aircraft into service.

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

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

Executive Discourse

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

It’s in our national interest to patroniz

The Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BOI), Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, hosted industry correspondents and business editors in a retreat penultimate week in Lagos during which he gave a scorecard of the bank’s modest achievements over the years. OLUFEMI ADEOSUN, who was at th event, captures his views on how the development finance institution has impacted on key sectors of the economy since his assumption of office about a year ago, particularly the interventions in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises’ sub-sector. Excerpts You have been at the helm of affairs of the Bank of Industry in the last one year. What would you say are the challenges of SMEs in the country? The challenges confronting SMEs in the country are quite enormous. It would be of no interest to anyone to continue to itemise them. The mandate of BOI is not really to try and tackle all these challenges. We are not a government; we are just a development finance bank. However, because we are a member of very important government forum, we make our contribution known at such forum. For instance, when the Federal Government launched the SMEs Council, BOI is a member. It is chaired by the Vice President. We also have the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Manufacturer Association of Nigeria as well as Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), National Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) .All these problems are being discussed at the Council and it is exploring solutions to them. What would you say are the major highlights of what the bank has done to boost the growth of SME in the last one year? We have done a lot to support SMEs. It is clear that SMEs need finance, but we also believe their needs are beyond finance. While, we are giving the loans, we are also trying to make the process also more efficient. We are trying to hold their hands and that is why we appointed over 100 Business Development Service Providers. The role of the BDSP is to help our customers to prepare lendable business plans. Our BDSPs understand our risk acceptance criteria; they know exactly what we are looking for. What we have also done is that because we know people are afraid of the fee charge by these consultants, we have

Olaoluwa

negotiated and agreed very reasonable token fees for the SMEs. For instance, if you are applying for a loan less than N10m, the chargeable fee is N10, 000. If the loan

amount is between N10m to N50m, all you pay to get your business plan done to international standard is N25, 000. However, if it is between N50m and N200m, the amount chargeable is N50, 000. It is really very reasonable. It is not easy to get them to accept this. The BDSPs have taken it as part of their social responsibility to the national and economic development of the country. We believe that, going forward, the rate of successful application would be higher.

WE HAVE DONE A LOT TO SUPPORT

SMES. IT IS CLEAR THAT SMES NEED FINANCE, BUT WE ALSO BELIEVE THEIR NEEDS ARE BEYOND FINANCE

Besides, we are also doing a lot to support even working capital requirement. You will recall that late last year, we signed agreement with10 SMEs-friendly banks. The essence of the agreement really was the interest rate that we negotiated with the banks. If we recommend SME to them to get working capital facilities, they will only charge interest rate of MPR+6. MPR today is about 13 per cent as set by the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), plus 6 gives 19 per cent. If you are to approach any of the banks yourself, you will probably be charged between 25 to 26 per cent. That is something we have done for our SMEs. We have also expanded our national coverage. Before we used to have seven locations, but today we are taking about 14 locations just to make sure that we get closer to our SMEs. Also, in order move along with the technological advancement across the world and to serve our customers better, we are automating a lot of our processes and we also want to give our SMEs the opportunities to enjoy that benefit of digita-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Executive Discourse

ze made-in-Nigeria goods –MD, BoI

he e

lization. A lot of our SMEs do not know how to keep records because; first they don’t have accountants who understand technical details of accounting. We want to empower the SMEs with a simple solution that enable them do it on their mobile telephone. What strategies is BOI exploring to check undue arbitrariness of BDSPs? While we expect our customers to help us in monitoring their activities, on our part, are going to publish the token fee payable to the BDSPs. We can blacklist them if we find out they go beyond our terms of agreement. There are performance benchmarks we have agreed in terms of how things should be done. You talked about patronage of Made-in-Nigeria goods. Could you be more elaborate on this? It is in our national interest to patronise made-in-Nigeria products. We all complain about no jobs, we complain about economic issues. If we don’t patronise our local producers, we will not make progress as a nation. It is not a brainer. There are people who have invested in facilities to produce here and after they have produced and they can’t sell, they go bankrupt, they lay off staff. If they produce and able to sell, they can grow, hire more people and in the process engender economic development. I am not saying we should support any local producer because there are many local producers who just produce trash. But there are a few companies producing to international standard. Such companies should be patronised by the people and government all levels. Are the officials of government doing so? I believe, to some extent, they do it. But there is always room for improvement.

ON THE ISSUE OF LOAN REPAYMENT, YOU WILL AGREE WITH ME THAT FOR THE INSTITUTION

TO BE SUSTAINABLE, WHEN IT GRANTS LOANS, THE CUSTOMERS MUST PAY BACK

What parameters do you use to measure loan repayment and how do you ensure that those who get loans pay back on schedule? Our job is about lending. As a lending institution, we develop what is called Risk Acceptance Criteria. These Criteria vary, depending on the sector, customer grouping, or whether a large enterprise or SME and that is all about risk management. That is why we have a whole risk management division. It is their job to ensure we are able to filter the good quality applicant from the bad quality applicant. Recently, we published something in the papers; we said “getting loans from BOI is now as simple as A-Z. What we did was to list the criteria. We are very transparent in the Bank of Industry. If you satisfy these Criteria, you are eligible to get loans from BOI. You don’t need to know anybody; it is your application that fetches the loan. On the issue of loan repayment, you will agree with me that for the institution to be sustainable, when it grants loans, the customers must pay back. First, we make sure before we grant the loan, we have reasonable assurance that that customer can pay back. But in the event he doesn’t pay back, then we talk about security, about collateral and we fall back on that. We also have a loan monitoring department that monitors the loans. We have an automated system that monitors what goes on in the bank.

Is BOI looking at the area of training, capacity building to ensure that the SMEs produce to international acceptable standard? Yes. We have realized that many of our interventions have not been as effective as we would have desired because of this issue of quality standard. We have been working with a number of agencies to address that. For instance, we are working with United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to support the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria to upgrade their facilities to meet the World Health Organisation (WHO) code of good manufacturing practice. I am pleased to announce to you that three companies have now been certified as meeting such standard. What that means is that if there is any international bid for supply of drugs for international agencies, our Nigeria manufacturers of pharmaceutical products can also participate. Standard is very important. Again, I am happy that the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has also up its game. They have set up a lot of standard certification facilities such that when you have NSO certified, it means that you as a consumer have the comfort that you have Olaoluwa a good product.

How do you ensure that loans given are invested on the actual project outlined in the application? When you come to take a facility, we don’t just dump the money on your laps. You will have to show us what you want to use the money for. If you say, for instance, you want to buy equipment, if it is international equipment sourcing; we do a letter of credit. The supplier will get a letter of credit and it is after the equipment is shipped that we release the money. If it a domestic equipment supplier, we will tell the supplier of the equipment to go and deliver it, we will guarantee, and pay. We have a way of controlling disbursement. There has been a recurring issue concerning accessibility to loans from the BOI. Some are of the view that if you don’t know anyone at the bank, you cannot successfully get loans no matter how viable your business plan is. How would you react to this? That is in the past. It doesn’t happen anymore. Go and get a copy of A-Z and ensure you meet the criteria and you get our loan. Take my words. Could you tell us your level of Non-Performing Loan as of today? Our Non Performing Loan, NPL, was relatively high in the past. However, we have embarked on a number of initiatives to manage it downward, including loan recovery. In the past some loans were not properly monitored and therefore became

a challenge. We have engaged with the customers and repayment has commenced. The summary of it is that, today in BOI our NPL is less than 5 per cent. Let me put this in perspective, like I always tell my colleagues, the Development Bank in Brazil, their NPL is 2.2 per cent, the Development Bank in South Africa; the NPL is 16.8 per cent. In Nigeria, among the commercial banks, the average NPL in the industry today is between 6 to 7 per cent. Going by that statistics, you will agree with me that less than five per cent NPL is not bad for BOI. We know that the outgoing administration has embarked on a number of initiatives to revamp the nation’s industrial sector. What would you advise the incoming government on ways to keep up with such policies and programmes? In every country, new administrations come with an agenda which people have endorsed by electing them into power. What is critical is that the agenda will resonate to the people. We believe that, in terms of the current policies, there are several good elements that will continue to resonate with the Nigerian private sector, because many of them have been discussed at such forum like the Economic Summit Group. In terms of the National Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP), I believe the policy is sustainable and will not suffer heavy reversal. Remember, when I was talking about the NIRP, I also alluded to the fact that, it was based on a report that was issued by the Economic Commission for Africa. We have three types of natural resources.We have agricultural resources, we have solid minerals and oil and gas. The concern of government is how to implement programmes that will ensure domestic value addition. I believe that the incoming administration will also find these policies useful.

Business News

hareholders of quoted commercial banks in the country yesterday expressed their worries over the N56.42 billion levies paid by seven financial institutions to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) last year. The affected financial institutions and their contributions include, FBN Holdings which paid the highest levy of N17.13 billion; UBA , N11.09 billion, GT Bank , N9.52 billion; Access Bank , N8.52 billion; FCMB, N4.93 billion; Sterling Bank, N3.56 billion, and Wema Bank which paid N1.67 billion. The investors were said to have particularly noted that apart from the fact that the levies, classified as Banking Sector Resolution Cost Fund, seriously undermined the banks’ capacities to provide credit to the economy, and also constituted a huge erosion of shareholders’ funds, The Banking Sector Resolution Cost is a funding-pool agreed upon by commercial

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Banks’ shareholders decry N56.4bn levies paid AMCON in 2014

banks to mitigate the challenges that the nation’s banking sector may face in the event of major financial crisis as was witnessed during the 2008/2009 global economic recession. Speaking during an interview with NAN, he National Chairman, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN), Mr Boniface Okezie, said that the shareholders were worried by AMCON’s resolutions on what the banks should contribute. Okezie, who noted that strict regulatory policies and levies have made it difficult for banks to lend to the real and other sectors of the economy, said that the in view of the depreciative impact of such levies, banking stocks were no longer attractive to both local and foreign investors because

of decreased dividends, concerns over regulatory penalties and threats to banks shareholders’ funds. He described the levies charged by AMCON in 2014, as one of the major challenges that made it difficult for the banks to intermediate in the economy and create value for investments, adding that AMCON has overstayed its usefulness and therefore should be wound up. “AMCON should close shop and should not continue to exist to the detriment of the shareholders and the national investment,” Okezie said. Similarly, the National Coordinator, Independent Share-

holders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Mr Sunny Nwosu, was quoted as saying that the shareholders are groaning under poor dividends and low capital appreciation while AMCON was collecting 0.5 per cent of banks’ total assets annually. He pointed out that this had made most of the banks that contributed to AMCON unable to declare dividends during the period under review just as he aligned his views with PSAN chief that the banking sector was over-regulated. Some of the commercial banks noted the negative impact of regulatory policies in their 2014 operations in their Annual Reports.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and commercial banks had in 2011 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the sinking fund to assist AMCON to meet its goals and also to ensure that government will not bear the cost of financial crisis in future. Under the initial MoU, the regulatory banking institution contributed N50 billion and any participating bank was expected to contribute 0.3 per cent of its total assets annually for 10 years. The contribution was in 2013 reviewed upwards to 0.5 per cent of such bank’s total assets and 33.3 per cent of off-balance sheet assets into the fund pool.

China cuts import taxes to boost consumer demand

hina will cut import taxes on consumer goods by more than 50% on average in a bid to boost consumer spending. High tariffs for imported goods have prompted some Chinese consumers to shop abroad or through agents. By lowering the fees, China may hope to bring some of that consumer spending home. The government is particularly keen to promote domestic demand as the country is growing at its slowest rate since 2009. The tariff reduction is an “important measure to create stable growth and push forward

structural reform”, said the Ministry of Finance. From 1 June tariffs for Western-style clothing will be reduced to 7-10% from 14-23%. Taxes on ankle-high boots and sports shoes will be halved to 12%. Import tariffs on skincare products will fall from 5% to 2%. However, its not just import taxes that drive up the prices of imported consumer goods in China. VAT and other taxes also play a part. Analysts say consumers in China pay around 20% more for luxury goods than those in Europe.

Malaysia steers ASEAN towards economic union

summit of the ASEAN group of countries in April, hosted in Malaysia, brought the bloc one step closer to realising plans to launch the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by the start of 2016. Media headlines focused on an unexpectedly strong position against China’s reclamation activities in the Spratly Islands, with a concluding statement from the summit noting that these activities have “eroded trust and confidence and may undermine peace, security and stability in the South China Sea”. Leaders called for the implementation of a code of conduct with China to

better manage the dispute. Assuming the chair of ASEAN for 2015, Malaysia laid out eight priorities it said would be acted upon during its term. These include formally establishing the AEC; developing the bloc’s post2015 vision; expanding intraASEAN trade and investments; promoting regional peace and security through moderation; and enhancing ASEAN’s role as a global player. While the success of Malaysia’s chairmanship will not become apparent until after January 1st, the groundwork for a positive outcome appears to have CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

L-R: Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola; Chief Executive Officer, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Deepak Singhal; Coordinator, Indomie Fan Club, Mrs. Faith Joshua and Head of Public Relations, Dufil, Mr. Temitope Ashiwaju, during Indomie Fan Club Children’s Day Programme in Lagos recently.

Japan shares hit 15-year high on trade data

apan’s shares closed at a 15-year high after data showed the country’s trade account fell into a deficit in April, but was still better than expected. The deficit was 53.4bn yen ($440m; £283m) - lower than 825.5bn yen a year ago, and below expectations of 318.9bn yen. There was a surplus in March. Exports in the world’s third largest economy rose 8% from a year ago - up for the eighth month - but imports fell by 4.2%, well above the 1.5% forecast. The Nikkei was up 0.7% to 20,413.77. That marks the seventh consecutive rise for the benchmark

index, which is on its longest winning streak since December. It has gained 4.3% in the period. Investors were expecting the deficit, but sentiment was boosted by the fact that the shortfall was much lower than anticipated. Shares of Japan Tobacco were up 1.1% after local reports that Suntory Beverage & Food would buy its beverage vending machine business for 150bn yen. The firm had announced in February that it was getting out of the beverage industry. Chinese shares hit another seven-year high with the Shanghai Composite up 2.4% to 4,768.98 - leading the region’s gains.

Infrastructure and transport stocks boosted the benchmark index after Beijing said it was seeking private funding for over $300bn (£193bn) worth of public projects. The Hong Kong market was closed for a public holiday. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 ended higher by 1% to 5,721.5. Shares of miner Sirius Resources jumped more than 21% after fellow miner Independence Group launched a $1.4bn bid to take it over and create a diverse base metals and gold mining group. Meanwhile, markets in South Korea were closed for Buddha’s birthday holiday.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Nigeria to drive Africa’s growth via Mobile phones David Audu

anaging Director, Jumia Nigeria, Mr Jeremy Duatte, said with Nigeria’s internet users more than that of Germany, France and the United Kingdom, and more than the entire population of Ghana, and most them accessing internet through mobile smart phones, then Nigeria as the most populous African nation is positioned to drive the much anticipated Africa’s economic development. He said with more people embracing mobile internet in Nigeria and across Africa, it is no doubt set to foster faster economic development, innovation and entrepreneurship, say-

ing there is a massive wave of change the smart phone and its internet connectivity is bringing to bear on the way people think and behave, thus, ensuring a new approach to entrepreneurship development. He also predicted that mobile phones uses and its internet accessibility may be the next economic magic that is set to catapult Africa’s economic development in the nearest future. Duatte who spoke to newsmen in Lagos recently to announce its partnership with mobile services provider, MTN Nigeria for the upcoming mobile megathon event, while buttressing his assertion, said over 50 percent of Google users’ access it through the smart phone and over 60 per cent of people who visit Jumia

do so through the mobile devices, therefore, it no doubt is the economic fulcrum of the future. On retail marketing in Nigeria, Duatte said when Jumia started no one thought that emarket was going to be possible, but that three years down, they have proved sceptics wrong, that not only is e-market possi-

ble but it is also a profitable venture, which Nigerians have embraced, adding this was made possible with the introduction of mobile phone into the country, Sharing his experience as on fuel scarcity, he said the fuel scarcity is a challenge for all Nigerians and hope that it will be

overcome soon, but expressed his company’s commitment to deliver services to Nigeria in spite of the challenges. He said it has been a threat, but noted that Jumia in anticipation has been able to build a reserve that would enable them to fulfil their obligations to their customer

Malaysia steers ASEAN towards economic union CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30 been laid, with many of the targets likely to be met within the timeframe set out by Kuala Lumpur. According to Mustapa Mohamed, Malaysia’s minister of international trade and industry, the achievement of the first objective, that of formally establishing the AEC by the end of the year, is well on track. Of the 505 measures that need to be implemented under the requirements set out for full AEC integration, 457 – or 90.5% of the total – had already been enacted ASEAN-wide, he said. “The remaining 9.5% which have not been implemented include the 10th services package,

single self-certification scheme, chapters with Japan and ASEAN single window,” Mustapa told delegates attending the opening session of an investment conference in Kuala Lumpur on April 24th. The final 10th AFAS Package negotiation is targeted for completion and signing by end of 2015, and forms part of a wider process to open up the services sector to foreign participation in a bid to accelerate growth. One of the key trade measures is the elimination of tariffs. The ASEAN Six – Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei and Singapore – have to date eliminated tariffs on 99.65% of all lines, with the final tariffs to be lifted by year’s end.

African Insurers to increase industry’s relevance to growth

perators and other stakeholders in the Insurance industry in Africa have been advised to take advantage of projected economic growth; industrialization and infrastructure development to deepen insurance penetration in the continent. President of the African Insurance Organisation (AIO) Jean-Baptiste Ntukamazina, who gave the advice at the opening of the 42nd African Insurance Organization conference in Tunis, Tunisia, predicted remarkable developments of major economies in the continent wouldl impact on healthcare services, housing and urban infrastructure, protection of assets and increased savings among others. The theme of the conference

is “African Insurance facing mass events” Ntukamazina said: “These are exactly the opportunities we have to tap in by proposing new products, increasing insurance penetration, improving distribution techniques, cost-cutting etc. “And because our profession is risk taking, we can boost, push and support other businesses by mitigating their risks and hence ameliorate the lives of our populations. Africa can show a better face to the world.” According to him, Africa today is synonymous with civil wars, political violence, terrorist attacks, natural disasters, HIV/AIDS disease, Ebola outbreak and other natural catastrophes.

L-R: Representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Gabriel Aduda; Director, Customer Business Development, Procter and Gamble, Mr. Ayman Fahmy; Director, Global Government Relations, Temitope Iluyemi and Business Manager, Diamond Bank Plc, Mrs. Uloma Jide-Afonja, during the P&G G-Win/YouWin Small and Medium Enterprises Development Training in Abuja recently. PHOTO: NAN

Ghana secures growth with major port investments

everal years of rapid hydrocarbons-fuelled growth in Ghana have put increasing pressure on its transport infrastructure, prompting a spate of expansion projects that will increase capacity for bulk and container handling, as well as specialised oilfields services. In April, local press reported that China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) won a $600m contract to build a new majority private-owned port at Atuabo, 326 km west of Ghana’s capital, Accra, and just 100 km west of Takoradi, the centre of the country’s nascent oil industry. The Atuabo Free Port, to be built over 25 months, includes an 18.5-metre channel and three berths, and according to statements from Atuabo Free Port’s development manager, Steven Gray, it will focus predominantly on servicing the oil and gas sector in West Africa. The port is a joint venture, with 10% of shares held by the government of Ghana, 35% by Ghanaian companies, and 55% by Londonbased Lonrho and other interna-

tional investors. There are plans to list the company on the Ghana Stock Exchange once the company is operational. An increase in the use of semisubmersible rigs, drill ships and floating production storage and offloading vessels in West Africa – in part a result of discoveries made in Ghana’s Jubilee field, as well as an increase in activity in Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire – has led to growing demand for servicing facilities in the region. According to Gray, most rigs now must travel 20 days to South Africa for repairs, increasing costs and delays for upstream operators in the Gulf of Guinea. The number of rigs in the Gulf of Guinea and nearby waters rose by around 20% year-on-year, USbased oilfield services company Baker Hughes reported in February. This is likely to increase further as countries look to ramp up production; Ghana itself aims to increase output nearly five-fold to 500,000 barrels per day over the next 10 years. The bulk of Ghana’s foreign trade – roughly 70% or so, ac-

cording to the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) – is handled at Tema Port, just east of Accra. The 3.9m-sq-metre port is reasonably well equipped to handle current levels of traffic, but growth in volumes indicates just how much pressure the current infrastructure is under. In 2008 the port handled roughly 8.73m tonnes of cargo and 555.01 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containerised freight, but by 2013, that had reached 12.18m tonnes and 841,989 TEUs, respectively. The jump in traffic comes in part from Ghana’s own increased demand for imports on the back of higher growth, but also as a result from a shift in transit and trans-shipment trade from Côte d’Ivoire’s Port Autonome d’Abidjan, which traditionally served as the primary gateway to West Africa’s landlocked countries such as Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali. Unrest in Côte d’Ivoire in 2010 and 2011 led shipping companies to reroute cargo through Tema port as a result. (Source Oxford Business Group).

Business News

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

African economy to grow amidst exploding population, says report Isaiah Erhiawarien

he economies of Africa is predicted to experience growth five percent growth by 2016, however, its population will witnessed triple by 20150, report from the African Economic Outlook 2015 has revealed. The report, which hinges more inclusive growth on unlocking potential of local economies, said that the continent should capitalise on youth, develop rural-urban trade corridors. It said with Africa’s population set to triple by 2050, modernising local economies will be vital to make the continent more competitive and to increase people’s living standards released at the African Development Bank Group’s 50th Annual Meetings said that surpassing most regions in spite of the global financial crisis, African economies will grow by 4.5 percent in 2015 and may reach 5 percent in 2016, converging with Asia’s current growth rates. However, it said lower oil and commodity prices, uncertain

global conditions, the consequences of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and domestic political uncertainties could delay an expected return to pre-2008 levels of growth. Foreign direct investment (FDI) is forecasted to reach USD 73.5 billion in 2015, underpinned by increasing greenfield investment from China - which remains Africa’s largest trade partner after the European Union. The report also showed an increase in intra-African and outward FDI flows adding that South African companies are the leading investors on the continent. “African countries have shown considerable resilience in the face of global economic adversity. For future growth to be sustainable and transformative will require that its benefits are shared more equitably among the population and that governments continue to pursue policies that promote economic stability,” stated Acting Chief Economist and Vice-President of the African Development Bank, Steve Kayizzi-Mugerwa. He said that human develop-

ment levels in Africa have increased since 2000, with 17 out of 52 countries reaching middle or high levels of development saying that the region’s poverty rates remain stubbornly high while progress in health, education and income are uneven. According to him, “huge inequalities persist between and within countries, and between women and men. In many areas, low productivity and investment, the absence of infrastructure and rural-urban networks and too few jobs outside of the agricultural sector are holding back economic and development progress.” The report, which captured the continents demographic boom’s exacerbating challenges, stated that by 2050, both cities and rural communities in Africa will see their population grow drastically, with the countryside gaining an estimated 400 million people. For instance, the report stated that over the next 15 years, 370 million youth will enter sub-Saharan Africa’s labour markets, making it necessary to create many more jobs and opportuni-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Moving data to cloud saves cost, Isaiah Erhiawarien

he moving of data from traditional servers to cloud, an emerging data storage technology not only saves cost but also provides better services for clients. Group Deputy Managing Director, The Meristem Group, Sulaiman Adedokun made the remark following the migration of its data storage to cloud technology saying that moving business operations and data storage fully to the cloud stands as the best development in its organisation with regard to IT management. According to him, whose company recently installed Microsoft Azure, the first Azure in Open Licensing implementation in Nigeria said that the nature of Meristem Securities Limited business as investment managers, servicing clients and partners from all over the world calls for the cloud data storage technology. Meristem Securities Limited installed Microsoft Azure along with Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Microsoft Azure SQL Database. Prior to implementing Microsoft’s solution, Meristem had been using locally built, custom software, which had some hiccups in day-to-day operations, and required users to be on premise in order to access data. Also, due to constant power cuts, the company had to con-

stantly run a power-generating set, significantly increasing the costs of doing business. Adedokun revealed that its infrastructure was on the premises and that made it very difficult to operate with the desired level of efficiency, thus, informing our decision to implement Microsoft Azure and Azure SQL. As thought, we have seen that cloud access is paramount. “Moreover, we have five subsidiary companies. A number of our employees are not only located at different locations within Lagos, but also across other parts of the country. People need to access information, data, etc real-time to serve our clients and they cannot shuttle between the Headquarters and other locations in quick successions.” He stated that the company’s policy is to operate on the cloud saying that “Everything we want to do, we can do straight from the cloud. This Microsoft solution has enhanced our service-delivery capacity to provide more satisfying services to our clients; and we believe that there are many other Microsoft products we can leverage on now that we are on the cloud to grow our company.” Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lotus Beta Analytics, a Microsoft’s implementing partner, Ademola Akinbade, explained that Meristem wanted standardised, world-class software with a proven track record of reliability and sustainability.

Glo introduces mobile Rhapsody of Realities Isaiah Erhiawarien

Company Secretary, Heritage Banking Company Ltd, Tomi Ojo, with pupils of Pampers Private School, Lekki, Lagos, during the Heritage Bank Children’s Day Treasure Hunt to locate the ‘Fairy Godmothers’ at the bank’s head office in Victoria Island, at the weekend.

Greece pledges to ‘meet June debt repayments’

reece intends to keep repaying its debt, a government spokesman said, days after Interior Minister Nikos Voutsis warned it had run out of funds. Gabriel Sakellaridis said Greece would maintain repayments to its EU-IMF creditors for as long as possible. He also rejected the idea of possible capital controls that would restrict money transfers and access to savings. Greece and its creditors must reach a deal within weeks to unlock bailout funds needed to honour debt repayments.

The government, led by the radical-left Syriza party, was elected in January on a pledge to end austerity measures imposed as a condition of its 240bn (£170bn; $263bn) bailout. It has spent the past four months trying to reach a deal with creditors in the IMF, the European Union and the European Central Bank to release the final bailout tranche, worth 7.2bn. However, they have failed to agree over economic reforms being demanded by the creditors. In a Greek TV interview over the weekend, Mr Voutsis said the repayment money owed in June

“will not be given and is not there to be given”. On Monday, however, Mr Sakellaridis said the government wanted to meet its obligations. He also said a deal would soon be reached in talks with creditors. “That is the government’s intention and the target we have set,’’ he said. “By the end of May, the start of June, to be able to have a mutually beneficial agreement.’’ He also dismissed the possibility of imposing capital controls if repayments were not met, as has recently been suggested by some experts and an opposition MP.

elecommunications service provider, Globacom has launched Rhapsody of Realities, ROR, a devotional mobile service that provides daily reading and voice content for the spiritual edification of the Christian faithful. The materials are based on the Rhapsody of Realities devotional published monthly by Christ Embassy Church. Rhapsody of Realities is a daily devotional with translations in various languages. The ROR Mobile Service from Glo is a Value Added Service that offers subscribers the opportunity to receive Rhapsody of Realities content on their phone via Interactive Voice Response, IVR text message or WAP. According to Globacom’s Chief Regional Marketing Officer, Mr. Ashok Israni the service is offered in English, Hausa and Pidgin English. He explained that the service

comes in the following versions E-Rhapsody and Download, ROR Voice Services and the Daily ROR SMS service. The E-Rhapsody and Download is an electronic version of ROR where a subscriber can receive a link to download a PDF version of ROR. Content will be in text format (PDF) supported by mobile OS, Androids, Blackberry, Windows phone, iPhone and any data enable devices. “The Daily ROR is SMS-based and the subscriber receives a text message, which will have a mini URL for more of the message to be read from Rhapsody of Realities WAP portal,” Israni explained . ROR Voice Service is the voiced Rhapsody of Realities reading for the day. For ROR voice content, subscribers will get an out-bound call daily with content in the language subscribed for. The subscriber can subscribe to the ROR voice service by sending the activation keyword to the particular shortcode.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

EnergyWeek Non-OPEC oil supply to grow by 0.68 mb/d 35

Groups blames National Assembly on PIB delay, other issues 37

Addax to complete OML 123 development

Dispute over OMLs 40, 42 hampers upstream production

The conflict between oil workers and two indigenous companies - Elcrest and Neconde - has affected oil and gas production in the nation. UDEME AKPAN reports on the issues and ways of resolving the crisis. OML Shell

nlike some other nations, Nigeria has not been able to build a very strong national oil producing company because of many reasons. First, the development of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oil and gas industry was pioneered by the International Oil Companies, IOCs. Second, the Federal Government through the defunct Nigerian National Oil Corporation, NNOC, forerunner of the present Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC was not interested in direct investment at the early stage. Third, the previous governments did not allocate many oil blocks to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC which is a subsidiary of the NNPC. Fourth, some of its oil blocks were even taken over and reallocated to private com-

panies. Moreover, some past administrations alleged that NPDC did not even have the capacity to operate such oil fields. Despite these and other allegations, the President Goodluck Jonathan-led admin-

istration assisted NPDC to acquire many new Oil Mining Leases, OMLs, including 40 and 42. The company was also made the operator of the OMLs, particularly as the NNPC subsidiary was seen, at least from

THE STRIKE WHICH WAS STARTED BY OIL WORKERS UNDER THE AUSPICES OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS SENIOR STAFF ASSOCIATION, PENGASSAN WAS JOINED BY OTHERS AT THE GROUP LEVEL OF NNPC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES NATIONWIDE

outside of doing well. For instance, NPDC had announced a $5.2 billion, four-year investment plan aimed at raising oil production to 300,000 b/d mainly from assets acquired from International Oil Companies, IOCs, including Shell. Unfortunately, production started to drop significantly. Joint venture partners cashed in on the development to call for a change of operatorship. For instance, the Joint Venture, JV partner on OML 42, Neconde Energy called for the replacement of NPDC as the operator, alleging that the company lacked the capacity to operate the business. Neconde Energy maintained that the production capacity CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

Energy Week

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Dispute over OMLs 40, 42 hampers upstream production CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 of fields in OML 42 divested by Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC in 2011 has fallen from 30,000 barrels per day, bpd to 13,000bpd in 2014. Neconde which entered into various agreements with Shell, Total E&P Nigeria and Nigerian Agip Oil Company to acquire a cumulative 45 per cent participating interest in OML 42 attributed the decline in output to lack of the firm’s ability to manage the business. The block is a large license containing previouslydiscovered oil fields in the Niger Delta area of onshore Nigeria. The remaining 55 per cent participating interest in OML 42 is currently held by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC. After Neconde had acquired 45 percent interest, NNPC transferred the interest to Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC as operator of the block. Specifically, the Chairman of Neconde Energy Dr Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi disclosed in an interview that NPDC lacked the capacity to continue as the operator of OML 42. Obiejesi called on the Federal Government to direct Neconde to take over. He said, “Three years is enough time to test anybody and NPDC has been tested and can’t operate OML 42. The production that Shell gave to us has gone down. NPDC has not added one barrel for three years to the production level of 30,000bpd that Shell gave to us. We are begging the government to do the right thing. Three years is enough to test NDPC to know whether it can deliver or not .If after three years it cannot do anything, government should please give us the chance to operate our oil assets,” he noted. “As a private investor, it will be possible for us to borrow money, bring all the expertise to bear. But if government is denying Neconde as the operator necessary access to the asset, there will be no increase in production output from fields of OML 42. Seplat is set to list on the London Stock Exchange and Nigeria Stock Exchange respectively.” “Shell gave them 20,000 bpd and today they are doing over 28,000bpd. NPDC got 29,000bpd from Shell as operator and today producing 13,000bpd in three years. We don’t want to take it to the national assembly. We don’t want to present ourselves as if we are fighting the government because we know we have reached everybody in high places of authority including the NNPC, the Petroleum Minster and the Presidency,” he confirmed. The government seemed to have been listening. A few days ago, the government placed the operatorship of OMLs 40 and 42 directly on Elcrest and Neconde respectively. It explained that the two indigenous companies possess much competence to operate the OMLs more profitably. This triggered oil workers in NPDC to embark on strike, stressing that they were not consulted nor carried along. But the last has not yet been seen as investigations showed that the Federal Government has made a strong case for joint operatorship to end conflict between oil workers and two indigenous companies - Elcrest and Neconde over the management of Oil Mining Lease, OMLs 40 and 42. The arrangement would involve

Jonathan

Alison

Sunmonu

Dahwa

THE BUHARI-LED ADMINISTRATION MAY LIKELY SUPPORT

ANY OF THE PARTIES, DEPENDING ON ITS VISION FOR THE INDUSTRY AS WELL AS ITS PERCEIVED IMPRESSION OF THE PARTIES

the joint management of the oil fields by representatives of both the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC and the two companies. A top official of NNPC who confirmed the development said the proposal did not go down well with NPDC workers who embarked on strike a few days ago to support their insistence on sole operatorship of NPDC. “The idea seems to be a good one but workers of NPDC are opposed to it. They have insisted that the two OMLs be

handed over to the NNPC subsidiary,” he said. The oil workers, it was learnt have also rejected the advice of Group Managing Director, Dr. Joseph T. Dawha of NNPC not to embark on the strike at this crucial period. Investigations showed that the nation’s oil production and export has dropped by and 205,000 barrels per day, bpd from since Monday this week because of the strike. The suspended 205,000 bpd constitute the present output of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC from its 12 oil fields located in different parts of the Niger Delta. The strike which was started by oil workers under the auspices of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association, PENGASSAN was joined by others at the Group level of NNPC and its subsidiaries nationwide. It was gathered that the oil workers, including NUPENG members that constitute junior workers in the oil and gas industry mobilized seriously to ensure the strike. Specifically, the workers said they are opposed to the Federal Government decision to grant the operatorship of OMLs 40 and 42 to Elcrest and Neconde respectively. They said that the strike would culminate in the complete shutdown of operations, including oil production, export and gas supply to gas to Nigerian Gas Compa-

ny, NGC. The oil workers said the refining and distribution of petroleum products would also be affected during the strike. From all indications, the indigenous companies may operate the OMLs more profitably. For instance, Starcrest Nigeria Energy Limited is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company focused on the acquisition and development of oil and gas reserves in the Gulf of Guinea region. The company already has interests in the deep offshore reserves and is presently seeking interests on on-shore and shallow off-shore reserves. Neconde Energy Limited is a Nigerian Exploration and Production Company. It started operations officially in December 2011. The Company currently is in a joint venture with NPDC (Nigerian Petroleum Development Company) on OML 42 which is a large license containing previously discovered oil fields in the Niger Delta area of onshore Nigeria. This Oil Property was acquired from SPDC (Shell Petroleum Development Company) in November 2011 as a result of the Local Content Act signed into law in April 2010. Also, OML 42 is an 814 sq km lease originally awarded in 1962. Initial production commenced in 1969 and aggregate production from the 5 fields discovered within OML 42 reached a peak of approx. 250,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) in the 1970’s. Production, which was primarily oil, continued until the first part of 2005 when the producing fields were shutin due to security issues in the Niger Delta area. Production at the time of the shut-in was more than 50,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) and more than 80 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) of natural gas. From all indications, it is the incoming administration that would settle the strike. A Port Harcourt-based energy analyst, Mr. Bala Zaka said the position of the new government would depend on many factors, including its interest in building NPDC and perception of indigenous companies. “The Buhari-led administration may likely support any of the parties, depending on its vision for the industry as well as its perceived impression of the parties. It can support the operators to carry on the operatorship of the OMLs or return them to NPDC. It decision would likely depend on what it intends to accomplish in the industry and best interest of Nigeria,” he maintained. The Duke Energy Distinguished Professor of Environmental Engineering, Prof. Hilary Inyang added, “It is not only rushing to take action on the operatorship of OMLs 40 and 42, President Buhari would need technically sound experts to review and advice the government on a lot of issues in the industry because of its importance to the nation. This is imperative to avoid the making of mistakes.” He also remarked that the administration should push for early passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB into law in order to guide the orderly development of the industry. Inyang maintained that this is desirable in order to boost local and foreign investments, and by extension oil reserves from about 36 billion barrels to 40 billion barrels in 2020.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Non-OPEC oil supply to grow by 0.68 mb/d

Energy Week

he oil supplies of United States and other non-OPEC members may grow by 0.68 million barrels per day in 2015, according to an authoritative report. The latest report of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC has it that this would not constitute a serious threat to the volatile oil market. “OPEC NGLs are expected to grow by 0.19 mb/d in 2015, following growth of 0.18 mb/d last year. In April, OPEC crude oil production increased by a marginal 18 tb/d to average 30.84 mb/d, according to secondary sources.” “Product markets in the Atlantic Basin were mixed in April. Strong gasoline demand ahead of the US driving season lent support to crack spreads at the top of the barrel; however, middle distillates were pressured by higher refinery runs in the US Gulf Coast amid increasing inflows from Europe,” it added. The report has it that in Asia, margins fell due to weakening market fundamentals across the barrel, as increasing supplies outweighed strong regional demand. It maintained that dirty vessel spot freight rates dropped m-o-m as a result of limited tonnage demand mainly in the Suezmax and Aframax markets, while VLCC rates rose 17per cent compared to the previous month. The report indicated that both OPEC and global spot fixtures declined by 4.2per cent and 2.9per cent, respectively, on the back of lower fixtures for eastern and western destinations. In April, “OECD commercial oil stocks rose by 16.0 mb in March to stand at 2,745 mb. At this level, inventories were 98 mb higher than the five-

Oil vessel

year average. Crude saw a surplus of 99 mb, while product stocks remained almost in line with the five-year average. In terms of days of forward cover, OECD commercial stocks stood at 61.0 days, 2.8 days higher than the five year average.” “Demand for OPEC crude in 2015 is expected at 29.3 mb/d. This follows a slight upward adjustment from the previous month and represents a gain of 0.3 mb/d over the estimate for 2014 of 29.0 mb/d,” it disclosed. It maintained that recent data from various economies has shown that 1Q15 did not turn out to be as promising as initially forecast. Some projections have been revised down, leading to adjustments to the short-term outlook for countries that had been expected to

contribute to the improvement in overall global growth. The report indicated that in the OECD countries, the US – as in the previous year – has seen unexpectedly lower growth in the first quarter, which is now seen growing by only 0.2% in the quarter. “If the latest information regarding the increase in trade deficit – released after the 1Q15 GDP growth – is taken into consideration, growth in the first quarter is likely to be revised even lower. A closer look at the details shows that the key factors behind lower 1Q15 growth were cold weather, the West Coast port strike, and the strong appreciation of the US dollar. In addition, the decrease in investments also contributed to the lower GDP growth.”

by the Dangote Group at its cement plant located at Obajana in Kogi State. The Dangote Group is said to be currently generating electricity in excess of the requirement of its cement production plant located in Obajana area of the Confluence state. According to the spokesman of AEDC, Ahmed Shekarua, at a meeting held in Abuja mid last week, the AEDC management and the Kogi government resolved to work together towards getting the Dangote Group to sell off the excess energy to the Disco, in order to help boost power supply to various parts of the state. Present at the meeting held at the AEDC office in Abuja were the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Neil Croucher, while the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Prof. Olugbemiro Jegede led the state government’s delegation. Others at the meeting include Engr.

Abimbola Odubiyi, Executive Director, Regulatory and Stakeholders Affairs, AEDC; the company’s Chief Finance Officer, Mr. Andrew Atterbury, and its Executive Director, Technical Services, Engr. Joe Chiyassa, while Prof. Jegede was accompanied by the Senior Special Assistant to the Kogi State governor on Power, Dr. Paul Attah. Both the AEDC and the Kogi government were hopeful that such surplus energy, once accessed from the Dangote Group, will help significantly to enhance electricity supply in various parts of Kogi State. Mr. Croucher used the opportunity of the meeting to reassure the government and people of Kogi State that the AEDC does not bill its unmetered customers arbitrarily. While revealing his company’s plans to roll out its mass metering project for its customers in Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the AEDC boss urged those who cannot wait for the company’s metering plan to take advantage of a

Abuja Disco apologises to consumers over poor electricity CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

buja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC has apologised to all consumers over poor supply, saying the energy allocated to the zone has dropped. National Mirror gathered that only 200mw was allocated to the Disco down from 800mw being allocated only monthly basis, making it impossible for the company to meet the demand of the teeming electricity consumers in the capital city. The apologies which came in form of short message service, SMS was sent to majority of the consumers at the weekend. “We apologise for the drop in electricity supply to you. This is due to the drop in energy allocated to AEDC from 450mw to below 200mw recently” the statement read. AEDC in collaboration with the Kogi State government are exploring the possibility of accessing the excess power being generated

Commodity

Units

Price

Change

% Change

Time(ET)

Crude Oil (WTI)

USD/bbl.

59.88

+0.16

+0.27%

12:23:30

Crude Oil (Brent)

USD/bbl.

65.80

+0.43

+0.66%

12:23:17

TOCOM Crude Oil

JPY/kl

49,280.00

+340.00

+0.69%

12:23:11

NYMEX Natural Gas

USD/MMBtu

2.85

-0.04

-1.39%

12:22:30

Source: Bloomberg as at May 19, 2015

scheme put in place by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) called CAPMI. The CAPMI-Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation-is intended to speed up the metering project nationwide by allowing customers to advance money to the Discos to meter their premises, while the latter reimburse such customers in various installments. Earlier in his remarks, Jegede extended Governor Idris Wada’s appreciation to the management of AEDC for delegating a high-powered team led by an executive director, to an earlier meeting held with representatives of the state government in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital. At the meeting held in Lokoja, various issues of mutual interest between the state government and the company were discussed, with a resolve to review progress made in implementing resolutions passed at that forum after one month. It is recalled that the Permanent secretary, Minister of Power Godknows Igali disclosed that the activities of pipeline vandals have forced power generation to drop to 2000mw from 4500mw.

Energy Week

India emerges Nigeria’s top crude importer

ndia is expected to displace the US as the primary destination for Nigerian crude exports this month, according to a report by a consultancy firm Energy Aspects. The report obtained from Bloomberg indicated that oil tanker trade is growing at its fastest rate in a decade as the boom in US production forces exporters that in the past supplied the American market to seek new customers further afield. The report reads in part “Indian imports from Venezuela have increased threefold since 2011, according to Energy Aspects, a consultancy, and India is expected to displace the US as the primary destination for Nigerian crude exports as soon as this month” The number of oil tonne-miles – a proxy for the global oil trade that captures both the volume traded and the distance travelled – surged last year by almost 10 per cent to record 7.8tn tonne miles, according to Icap Shipping, a brokerage. The data covers the major oil importers, who account for 80 per cent of seaborne trade. The sharp rise comes even as the volume of oil traded has flat lined, and reflects crude being shipped much longer distances as oil tankers sailing from West Africa and Latin America travel to India and China instead of the US. The increase in seaborne oil trade will generate welcome additional revenue for major tanker companies such as Bermuda-based frontline and US-based OSG. Tanker rates have fallen to a fraction of their 2008 peaks, as the market has had to absorb a wave of new vessels ordered before the financial crisis. The changing pattern of the oil trade is putting pressure on key transit points to Asia such as the Strait of Malacca, a narrow maritime route into China, in a stark illustration of how the US shale revolution is creating new security dilemmas. “The increase in US production is changing trade flows and causing increased pressure on some of the world’s major choke points,” said David Goldwyn, a consultant who was previously the US state department’s top diplomat for oil affairs. “For global energy security, that means increased vulnerability to piracy”. The boom in US production is in particular forcing Venezuela, Nigeria and Angola, all members of the OPEC, to find new customers for their output. Brahma Chellaney, a defense expert at the Center for Policy Research in New Delhi, said India had seized on reduced US imports from Latin America and West Africa to diversify its own supplies away from Gulf States.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Power supply drops to 1,348mw

lectricity supply has dropped from 3,000 megawatts, mw to 1,348.23mw in Nigeria as a result of low gas supply to power plants. Of the 1,365.03mw generated, the 1,348.23 mw was supplied while the balance was reserved to stabilise the system. Already, electricity consumers who complained about poor supply said they have been compelled to go into private generation of electricity at higher cost. One of them who preferred not to be named said, “We have been using our generator to generate power for several weeks. The government and others should make efforts to restore constant supply.” But the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi, at an interactive session with members of civil society organisations, representatives of industrial, com-

mercial and residential electricity consumers to consider a concept note on consumer advocacy network in Abuja on Monday, April 27, 2015. Amadi noted that information asymmetry was not in the interest of electricity market even as he recommends that geographical or occupational clusters of knowledgeable consumer advocates need to be galvanised to promote accessibility and reliability of service in the market. He, however, cautioned that efforts at establishing a virile consumer advocacy groups should be based on rational economic decisions rather than an attempt at instigating the consumers against the operators. According to him, “there is a noticeable under-representation of consumer voice, with superficial and adversarial tendency that lacks impact. “This is in sharp contrast to the powerful position of the service providers, who though

few in number, have the fund and negotiating power to push their demands, thus, a deficit in the democracy of the electricity market.” ‘’A deficit occurs when the ordinary processes of governance of an institution creates and reinforces dis empowerment of critical stakeholders of an institution. In this case, the system is the Nigerian electricity market and the critical stakeholder that is dis empowered is the consumer’’ Amadi said. The concept note on the formation of an advocacy network is to be fine tuned by a 15-man committee of the various advocacy groups present at the interactive session and would be presented to a reconvened session at a later date. The network will be expected to develop and implement a robust work plan to educate electricity consumers on their rights and privileges about critical electricity issues, conduct regular studies aimed at market

issues on a sustainable basis. The Monday session was a follow-up to an earlier advertisement by the Commission requesting application from interested and qualified consumer advocacy groups who will be registered to participate at stakeholders meetings of the Commission.

guarantee adequate returns on their investments. Fawibe said investors would not invest in new refineries because the Federal Government still regulates the prices of many petroleum products, including petrol. The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Mr. Dakuku Peterside identified other constraints. “The other one is even the funding environment, it is stifled. In terms of security, you know the challenges we are having every day. Pipelines are being destroyed and so even when you bring in a vessel, piracy is still on. So many things are going on in

terms of security.” “We are not getting it right yet. Not very many persons will want to invest in the real downstream assets in this kind of environment. The environment is heavily regulated. It is not like deregulation will solve all our problems, but it is very critical. The regulatory environment will stifle any investment and so I don’t see anybody investing to build refineries until we address those fundamental issues,” he maintained. He said, “Are we happy that we are importing almost all our petroleum products, the answer is outright no. That is not where we desire to be. That is not where we want to be. We are concerned as other Nigerians. But the reality is that most of our refineries are in a dilapidated state. And in the shortterm, we must import.” “Are we providing that environment? We are making effort, but we have not provided the environment yet. In terms of power, you know we are not getting power right. In terms of regulation, we are still grappling with the Petroleum Industry Bill. In terms of funding, most Nigerian banks do not like to invest in long-term projects.” He indicated. A Port Harcourt-based energy analyst, Mr. Bala Zaka stressed that a lot can be done to change the situation. The energy analyst main-

tained that the government can invest part of its huge funds currently used in paying fuel subsidy to establish new refineries in selected parts of the nation and later privatise them to private investors. Zaka maintained that this strategy should be adopted because it is a very fast approach to ensuring that huge funds are staked in the sector for the overall benefit of the nation. He stressed that it would be better to sell such plants later as government officials have not yet demonstrated their competence to manage state assets. Zaka remarked that the involvement of government officials should not be prolonged to prevent them from running down such investments. He remarked that the Federal Government should deregulate the downstream sector so as to pave the way for only the forces of demand and supply to determine prices. “It is imperative that the government should deregulate the sector in order to attract local investors with adequate resources and technology to invest in Nigeria. We need to attract investors with deep pockets to stake huge funds in the sector through deregulation. These investors, including oil and companies cannot invest in refineries because they are not sure of recovering their investments,” he said.

Amadi

Stakeholders make case for new refineries O perators in the nation’s oil and gas industry have made strong cases for the construction of new refineries. The stakeholders said at separate interviews that the new refineries are needed to meet the rising demand for petrol and other petroleum products in the nation. For instance, the Chairman of International Energy Services Limited, Dr. Diran Fawibe maintained that the government would need to create enabling environment in order to attract local and foreign investors into the sector. He explained that local and foreign investors can only invest in environments that can

Refinery

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Week

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Group blames National Assembly A on PIB delay, other issues

Petrobras signs $5bn agreement with bank

UDEME AKPAN

ome stakeholders in the nation’s petroleum industry have blamed legislators for perpetuating corruption through their inability to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB into law. BudgIT, Nigeria’s civic technology organisation, which raises the standards of transparency and accountability in public finance the PIB, was designed to check abuse, corruption as well as bring about orderly development of the industry. For many decades, BudgIT explained, the industry had been characterized by lack of transparency in oil industry operations and management, noting that oil revenue receipts and management had been shrouded in much secrecy. “Because transparency, due process and accountability were hardly of priority concerns in the past, large scale corruption thrived, exacerbating poverty and undermining the development process. These developments combined with other policy failures contributed to make most Nigerians poor despite being citizens of a country that is petroleum wealthy.”

It maintained that when President Goodluck Jonathan assumed office, the first thing he wanted to address was the corruption through deregulation of the downstream sector. The group noted that the efforts were resisted, as Nigerians protested against the deregulation, saying that the huge amount of money spent on subsidy was not enough to reason deregulate the downstream sector. A public affairs analyst, Mr. Austin Ibekwe, while reviewing the forensic report of PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) on the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), said: “The blame for the problems at the NNPC lies squarely with the National Assembly. The PIB laid before the Nigerian National Assembly is still strangely awaiting approval by the legislators after nearly eight years. “The PIB clearly separates policy, regulation, and commercial activities that are currently bundled in NNPC, but the legislators refused to pass it. Nigeria needs to know why. If the PIB had been implemented by the National Assembly (NASS), many of the issues raised by the PwC report would have been taken care of years ago. “The PIB may not be perfect. Legislation rarely is. But the PIB is much

better than anything the Petroleum Industry in Nigeria has ever had. The outgoing 409 Representatives and Senators in the Nigerian National Assembly have been unable to pass the PIB for more than two years. “Yet, they have always been able to pass bills that enhance their welfare and comfort at the expense of millions of other Nigerians. Rather than pass the PIB, the National Assembly specialised in calling the Minister of Petroleum and other colleagues to testify before them on everything under the sun. But they sat firmly on the PIB until the recent election,” he stressed. A development consultant, Mr. Arubi Agama, who also noted that the recently released PWC report, just like those of the AigImoukhuede-led committee, Nuhu Ribadu Committee, KPMG, NEITI and several others, said it highlighted the level of fraud and infractions not only in the operations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), but also in the petroleum industry. Agama, while emphasising the inevitability of the PIB, said: “The suggested reforms, if implemented, will create wealth for the country through sale of assets and taxes to be earned from profitable enterprises.

of Nigeria. Mr. Colman Obasi said the end of the strike marks relieve to investors in the nation’s economy. He said many investors spent huge funds in an attempt to sustain operations during the long period of the strike. National Mirror learnt that normal fuel supplies may be witnessed as Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, NARTO and Tanker Drivers Association of Nigeria that embarked on strike over unpaid N20 billion have called off their strike. The strike was called off after a crucial engagement with the Minis-

ter of finance and coordinating minister of the nation’s economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and other parties, including Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC in Abuja yesterday. The Executive Secretary of Depot Owners and Petroleum Products Marketers Association DAMPPA, Mr. Femi Adewole who was at the meeting remarked in a telephone interview that the Federal Government has issued a letter of commitment guaranteeing that the over N200 billion outstanding subsidy to oil mar-

David Mark

“It will also enhance savings, creation of workplaces, industrial expansion in the oil and gas sector and the economy deepening. Those wishing to expand Nigeria’s participation in the sector through the creation of subsidiaries would, probably, never envisage the NNPC that would be unable to look after itself,” he added. The Managing Partner of Ascension Consulting Services, Mr. Azeez Alatoye, admitted that the PIB would increase Federal Government’s take and reduce the returns on investment of the International Oil Companies (IOCs), thus ranking Nigeria one of the highest government take regimes in the world.

Investors to resume operations as fuel crisis ends UDEME AKPAN

layers in the nation’s economy may start full operations as oil workers end their prolonged strike. The operators, including Heritage Bank and Union Bank had expressed their determination to close their doors to customers much earlier because of high cost of operations fuel. But investigations showed that these and other players are wellpleased with the decision of oil workers to end the strike. The National President of Oil and Gas Services Providers Association

Fuel tanker

keters would also be paid. He maintained that the promise to settle the outstanding subsidy to marketers has raised the hope of tanker drivers and NARTO that they would be paid. The Minister of finance and coordinating minister of the nation’s economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has issued a commitment letter to guarantee that the balance would be paid. That explains why the tanker drivers and NARTO have resolved to go back to work.” “We are also optimistic that once the Committee made up of CBN, PPPRA and Ministry of finance complete its review of the claims, oil marketers would be paid so as to ensure more petrol is imported into the nation,” he said. He said, “It should be noted that DAMPPA and members of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN were never on strike. It was NARTO and taker drivers that went on strike.” Adewole said it was the strike that affected our ability to lift and deliver petrol and other petroleum products in all parts of the nation. The spokesman of taker drivers, Mr. Abdul Aldukabar said in a telephone interview that the drivers have resolved to return to work.

major oil company with presence in Nigeria, Petrobras has signed a $5 billion funding agreement with financial institution in order to assist in expanding its operations. In a statement, the Company maintained that it has signed a US$5 billion funding agreement with China Development Bank. “Petrobras signed a cooperation agreement with the China Development Bank (CDB) for the years 2015 and 2016.” “The deal encompasses funding of US$3.5 billion already disbursed, as announced on April 1, and an additional disbursement of US$1.5 billion, adding up to US$5 billion in 2015,” it maintained. The company indicated that the agreement was signed by Petrobras CEO Aldemir Bendine and CDB Chairman Hu Huaibang at a ceremony in Brasília. It disclosed that this deal furthers the strategic partnership between CDB and Petrobras, strengthening cooperation between the two countries’ economies. The company disclosed that it has upwards of 135 production platforms, 15 refineries, 31,000 kilometers of pipelines and more than 8,000 service stations. Our proved reserves are around 16 billion barrels of oil. “We have built a track record of overcoming challenges since 1953, when the company was created. The main one was developing technology to explore and produce oil in deep and ultra-deep waters, where upwards of 90per cent of our reserves are nestled. Petrobras’ Research Center is the biggest in Latin America, and is in constant growth.” “We undertake our activities with socio-environmental responsibility, and that is why we are among the world’s most sustainable corporations,” it indicated. “We have been listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index since 2006, with the spotlight on the ongoing improvement of the corporate governance practices and on the adoption of international transparency standards.” It maintained that, “We are world-renowned for our ultra-deep water oil exploration technology. However, it is not enough to reach the field and lift the oil and gas out of it. It is a long process. We have to get it to our refineries. And they have to be equipped and in constant evolution to supply the best products.” It maintained that since our business is energy, it has researched and developed new sources of energy, such as biodiesel. “Wherever we operate, we take the degree of demand and quality of the Petrobras brand with us.”

Energy Week

NERC blames poor power supply vandalism, gas shortage

he Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC has attributed the nation’s poor power supply on pipeline vandalism and acute shortage of gas. The Commission maintained that these and other factors culminate in low generation, transmission and distribution of power for use in the nation. NERC indicated that it has noticed with concern the acute shortage in power supply and the attendant hardship Nigerians are passing through. “In the last couple of months, electricity supply has been generally poor on account of increase in vandalism in the run up to the April 2015 elections. But this bad supply condition has worsened in the last few days.” “At present, 18 out of the 23 power plants in the country are unable to generate electricity due shortage of gas supply to the thermal plants with one of the hydro stations faced with water management issue. This has led to loss of over 2,000megawatts in the national grid,” it maintained. It indicated that this situation is further compounded by the recent industrial actions embarked upon by workers in the oil and gas industry, a development which is taking toll on other sectors of the economy. The Commission has it that gas supplies to the thermal plants have been further constrained by the industrial actions of workers in the oil and gas industry. The Commission had proactively engaged the gas supply companies and its licencees when two weeks ago discussion was held on how to firm up gas supply in order to increase power supply. It maintained that unfortunately, not much progress was made through this meeting as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its subsidiary Nigeria Gas Company, disclosed of high incidence of vandalism in some areas that were relatively peaceful along its pipeline networks. “That meeting was told of the damaged done to Trans-Forcados pipeline in the western axis and ELPS gas pipeline in the eastern axis. NNPC had explained at the meeting that repair works are being intensified even as it expressed worry on the integrity of the pipelines on account of incessant damage it has sustained.” “In essence, what has brought about this development is the increased incidence of vandalism which is beyond the control of the regulator and the industry operators,” it indicated. It also disclosed that this situation is further compounded by the industrial actions declared by the oil and gas workers.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Addax to complete OML 123 development UDEME AKPAN

ddax Petroleum has expressed its commitment towards the development of Oil Mining Lease, OML 123 in Nigeria. The company indicated in a statement that OML123 is Addax Petroleum’s largest lease area as measured by reserves and production and is located offshore approximately 60 km south of the town of Calabar in the south-eastern part of Nigeria, in the Gulf of Guinea. “It covers an area of 90,700 acres (367 km2) in water depths ranging from 3 to 40m. Both Kita Marine and Adanga North Horst are located in the north sector of OML123 in around 10 m water depth.” “For the past couple of years, these two fields have been the key assets of OML123. Together, they have totalised more than 55% of OML 123 production and contain 40% of OML’s probable reserves among the lease’s producing fields in 2013 and 2014,” it indicated. The company maintained that these impressive contributions are, among other things, the results of two intensive and consecutive drilling campaigns. It disclosed that the develop-

ment of Kita Marine started in the summer of 2011. Prior to development, oil was proven in four reservoirs: P-6, P-7, I-2 and I-4. The company indicated that one of the key things that happened over the course of the development was the appraisal of other reservoirs: I-3, I-3.05, I-3.1 and I-3.2. “As a result of the successful appraisal an additional eight production wells were drilled that weren’t planned in the original development programme. In order to accommodate the increase in the number of wells, the Kita Marine B Platform was expanded to increase capacity from 12 slots to 16 slots, all of which were used.” “The same rig used for the development of Kita Marine – Adriatic X, a jack-up owned by Shelf Drilling – was used for the development of Adanga North Horst from December 2013. In 2014 seven production wells – ADNH-16HST1, 17H, 18H, 19H, 20H, 21H, 22H – and three sidetracks – ADNH-10HST1, 12HST1, 15HST2 – were drilled based on the original Field Development Plan (FDP),” it added. It maintained that the FDP for Adanga North Horst was revised in May 2014 and proposed the

Oil rig

drilling of 11 development wells in the P-0.5 and P-1 reservoirs, using the ADN-A platform already existing. The company stated that the aim of this campaign is to recover an additional 12.6MMstb of oil that would otherwise not be produced. “In addition, it proposed the drilling of pilot well to appraise an unpenetrated fault block and the first two wells based on the FDP phase 2, ADNH-24H and 23H were drilled. Thanks to these two successive drilling campaigns and a continuous operation of the Adriatic-X drilling rig production levels of 50,000 bopd were experienced in OML123 last year.” It pointed out that, “Peak dai-

ly production rates for Adanga North Horst were 12,407 bopd (1,000 more than the production rate of up to 11,100 bopd anticipated in the revised FDP) and 25,438 bopd for Kita Marine. At the end of 2014, Kita Marine was responsible for 34% and Adanga North Horst of 27% of OML123 production.” “Generally, production from OML123 was also enhanced in 2014 thanks to the installation of two booster compressors, BC-1 (became operational in July 2013) and BC-2 (became operational in August 2014) providing more gas lift. Thanks to these and many other diverse efforts, OML123 attained the key milestone of having produced 300 MMbbls on 22 March 2014,” it added.

have required the company to undertake measures to adapt to changing market dynamics.” It disclosed that these developments include continued rapid growth in demand for power, the discovery of oil and gas in Ghana, and the emergence of independent production companies in Nigeria. The company emphasised that the first major change WAPCo undertook was in July 2012, when WAGP was declared an “open access” system to allow multiple shippers to use the pipeline to transport gas to any of the three gas importing countries. It maintained that any suitably qualified entity can now apply to become a shipper with a view to entering into gas transportation contracts with WAPCo. WAPCo has recently qualified two new shippers and is working with them to develop agreements for gas transportation. The company indicated that WAPCo is currently undertaking various projects aimed at increas-

ing the volumes of natural gas transported to consuming countries. It stated that the company is working with the Volta River Authority on an upgrade of the Tema gas metering station so that it can receive higher volumes of gas in Tema, Ghana. “The company is also implementing facility improvements to accommodate an additional consumer in Lome, Togo. In addition, the company is in discussions with the Ghana Gas Company and other stakeholders, to establish a connection at Takoradi (Aboadze) between the WAGP and the Ghana Gas system.” “This connection, when undertaken will allow gas from offshore Ghana to flow from Western Ghana to Tema for use in power generation. While engaging in all these activities WAPCo continues to maintain its strong focus on the security of the pipeline,’ it maintained.

WAPCo adopts strategies for energy markets competitiveness

he West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo), operator of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) is undertaking a number of activities in response to developments in the energy sectors in the countries in which it operates. The company maintained that WAGP is now available to entities interested in shipping gas from Nigeria to Benin, Ghana and Togo.

Gas pipeline

“In conjunction with the Volta River Authority, WAPCo’s facility at Tema is being expanded to deliver higher gas volumes and the company is in discussions with the Ghana Gas Company to establish an interconnection at Aboadze, in the Western Region,” it disclosed in a statement. “WAPCo began commercial operations in March 2011 and a number of developments since then

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Industry & SMEs

Oil sector deregulation key to Nigeria’s growth – Expert With the various hindering factors that continue to befall the economy of the country, especially the epileptic power supply and incessant fuel scarcity, Nigeria’s economy has started collapsing as businesses and other social activities continue to suffer. Analysts have clamoured for deregulation of oil sector and review of other sectors of economy. ABOLAJI ADEBAYO reports.

n addition to the existing factors hindering the development of the economy, the current lingering fuel scarcity situation has started sinking the economy of the nation. This has compounded the electricity power outage saga, which has already made the businesses relatively difficult to operate in the country. With the current situation in the country, The President, Ceramics Professionals Association of Nigeria, CERAPAN, Professor Eguakhide Oaikhinan said not only the economy but also all aspects of human life have been subjected to hardship as many Nigerians continue to struggle for survival amidst fuel scarcity, power outage, business standstill and other untoward factors hampering both economic and social progress. Economies world over survive on the basis of consistence in improving productivity, better performance, and shrinking prices facilitated by the availability of amenities such as electricity, infrastructure, which make conducive business environment. Indeed, to continue to remain relevant among world economies, it is important for a country to keep investing in capacity building of local manufacturing and set standards for the locally produced goods by making the business environment more attractive and rewarding. Based on the current situation in the country, experts have emphasized the need for the deregulation of the oil sector and review of other sectors as they affect the economy of the country in order to urgently diversify the economy of the nation for the expected growth and development. For instance, the President of he Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Alhaji Remi Bello has warned that the nation’s economy may collapsed beyond bearable level if urgent action is not taken by the government to deregulate the oil sector and remove the subsidy on petroleum products outright. The CERA-

Palm karnel processing machine

Aganga

MAN President, Kola Jamodu

HE ALSO IDENTIFIED THAT THE CURRENT SITUATION HAS BEEN TAKING A HUGE TOLL ON THE CITIZENS AND THE ECONOMY IN THAT ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES ACROSS VIRTUALLY ALL SECTORS WERE PROGRESSIVELY GROUNDING TO A HALT PAN boss was also in support of this view. Noting the effect of the current fuel situation on the entire economy and businesses, Bello believed that the deregulation of the oil sector would be the right solution to the crisis being faced through fuel scarcity in the country. He said, “Options available to the incoming administration in this matter are very limited. The current regime of subsidy and governments direct involvement in the operations of oil and gas sector should be discontinued. Government needs to get out of the way, so that the sector and the economy as a whole can make progress. This will pave the way for the restoration of normalcy in the sector and attract pri-

vate capital, boost investments and create jobs. “We appeal to the labour unions and the citizens to give the reform of the oil and gas sector a chance. The current model of managing the sector has done a colossal damage to the Nigerian economy. It is in the overriding interest of the economy and the citizens to quickly deregulate the sector.” Speaking current energy crisis in the country, the LCCI boss said that the public power supply has practically collapsed with a power generation of slightly above 1000 mw; while the option of alternative power generation was fizzling out with the acute shortage of petroleum products. According to him, most economic and social activities have been paralysed with an imminent shut down of the entire economy, yet there was no evidence of active engagement with stakeholders in the petroleum industry to bring an end to the crisis. He also identified that the current situation has been taking a huge toll on the citizens and the economy in that economic activities across virtually all sectors were progressively grounding to a halt. He said that the situation has created avoidable social tension in the country, noting that many businesses have either shut down or drastically cut down on operating hours, not to talk of the cost of transportation, which has skyrocketed. While urging the incoming administration to immediately deregulate the oil and gas downstream sector (on assumption of office), in order to provide an enduring solution to the recurring problem of petroleum product scarcity, corruption inherent in the subsidy regime, the collapse of

refineries, lack of investment in the downstream sector, loss of jobs and so on, Bello called for an urgent intervention by President Goodluck Johnathan to bring a halt to the imminent collapse of economic and social life in the country. It also demanded immediate engagement of stakeholders in the petroleum industry to discuss the outstanding issues of indebtedness and related labour matters, in the interest of the economy and the citizens. It is a fact that Nigeria’s economic capacity is being wined away due to persistent fuel scarcity despite the consistent drop in the price of crude oil at the global market, which has served as the main source of income for the country and the backbone of its economy. Hence, the country has been seen as a mono-economy nation. The country’s insensitiveness to economic diversification before now has compounded its economic woes, when the oil economy disappointed. Aside reforming and improving the economy of the nation especially through diversification, experts said attention must also be given to improvement of conditions and business competiveness in Nigeria. According to them, the economy can only thrive if the cost of doing business is drastically reduced. Speaking to National Mirror, the President, Oyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Adegoke Oguniyi noted that the country stands behind small African countries like Ghana, Cameroun and Kenya in global competiveness. Referring to the Global Competitiveness Report Index by World Economic Forum, WEF, which indicated that Nigeria ranked 115th out of 144 countries assessed - behind Ghana, Kenya and Cameroun, he said improving on locally produced goods becomes imperative. He explained that the significant, longterm problems Nigeria is facing in the new Century require major shifts in mindset and consistent adaptation to new societal shifts that will serve as panacea to boost non-oil export growth. According to them, government and stakeholders have critical roles to play to drive the economy of the country to a vantage position at which it can achieve the status of global competitiveness. Some of the areas that need improvement, according to him, as a matter of urgency, include value addition to non-oil products before exportation, development of manufacturing capacity through agriculture, as well as redeeming the image of the country among other nations. He said in spite of the present afflictions, Nigeria still has a number of strengths on which to build on her economy, including its relatively large market, which provides its companies with opportunities for economies of scale, as well as sophisticated regional standards, with some cluster development companies to promote its non-oil export products.

Cocktail

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Alligator strikes decisive victory in fight against truck

motorist filming while taunting an alligator with his truck learned a valuable lesson when the reptile ripped into the front of the vehicle. The “Gator vs. Truck” video, posted to YouTube by user keet246, shows the truck approach the alligator, which slowly backs away with bared jaws, and the driver can be heard saying, “Hey,

watch my truck,” when the gator gives a warning bump to the vehicle’s front bumper. The truck continues to slowly roll toward the gator, which responds by ferociously tearing off a portion of the vehicle’s fender. “Oh, that’s nice,” the driver says, “Son of a gun.” “Messing with a gator and he won!” the video’s description reads.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

Elephant snatches student’s camera, snaps an ‘elphie’

n elephant in Thailand confiscated a Canadian tourist’s GoPro camera and snapped a once-in-a-lifetime “elphie” with the student. Christian LeBlanc, 22, a University of British Co-

lumbia student who shared the photo on Instagram this week, said the elephant on Thailand’s Koh Phangan island snatched his GoPro camera while it was in time

lapse mode, so it continued to shoot photos from its vantage point at the end of the elephant’s trunk. LeBlanc dubbed the ensuing picture an “elphie”

World’s oldest person turns 116

ecently crowned as the oldest person in the world, Michigan resident Jeralean Talley turned 116 years old on Saturday. Talley became the world’s oldest person last month after the death of Gertrude Weaver, who was also 116. Weaver held the title for less than a week, as she died just five days after Japan’s 117-year-old Misao Okawa. Talley is one of three living members of the 19th century club, having been born on May 23, 1899 in Montrose, Ga. In 1935, she moved to Michigan, where she married her husband, Alfred,

who died at the age of 95 in 1988. Relatives say she remains in good health, active and mentally astute. Until just a few years ago, she continued to bowl -- a favourite pastime -- and even mow her own lawn. Two birthdays ago, Talley received a personally-written letter from President Barack Obama, congratulating her for being a part of an “extraordinary generation.” This year, she received yet another well wish from her presidential pen pal. “The breadth of your experiences and depth of your wisdom reflect the long path

our Nation has traveled since 1899,” Obama wrote. “During this time, there have been setbacks and breakthroughs, false starts and improbable victories, and through it all our country’s spirit has endured -- strengthened and enriched by each generation.” The world’s oldest woman also received a token of appreciation from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services this week -- a check for $116. Talley has never really offered a firm formula for living so long, saying simply, “It’s all in the good Lord’s hands. There’s nothing I can do about it.”

The elephant taking a picture of itself with the seized camera

-- a selfie taken by an elephant. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw how well the photo turned out,” he told CTV News.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Civil Service 41

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

NUC, tech Ministry sign MoU on regulation of research MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

he Federal Government has taken fresh step to regulate and harmonize various research activities in the country to help boost the nation’s transformation bid. A committee to ensure the realization of the objective was set up in Abuja yesterday, while a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, was signed between the National Universities Commission, NUC, and the Ministry of Science and Technology, from which the committee’s members were drawn. The committee is expected to ensure products of research from both

public and private institutions in the country are integrated for nation’s benefit.Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, NUC, Prof Julius Okojie, said the effort was worthwhile given the roles of universities in research development in the country.“We are very serious about regulation. I know that NUC as a regulator, we would be able to put the universities in very good stead to help in the implementation of the MOU,” Okojie said. He said further: “For the first time, Education and Ministry of Science and Technology are having a very good rapport because of the leadership of the systems.” In her remarks, Per-

manent Secretary in the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, said a lot of MOUs on research were being signed without the knowledge of either of the two parties for controlled purposes of research activities, hence the need for the NUC and the ministry to synergize effort on the regulating research in the country. She also expressed hope that the committee would assist in drafting research agenda for the country. “There is the need to develop research agenda for the nation. True, there is a National Science and Innovation policy on ground, but we also need to develop research agenda for this country to enhance the

performance of our institutional development. At the end of the day, all this will pay off and we’ll realize there is a need to formalize this association into force “Let people know what is happening between the NUC and the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology. It shouldn’t be something that we’ll just do underground because a lot of misconceptions go out that various agencies are not collaborating,” Oyo-Ita added. Inaugurating the committee, Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Abdu Bulama, said though science and technology drives every sector of the nation’s economy, lack of coordination had been a major setback.He

challenged the relevance of most ongoing research activities in the country to science and technology. “Relevant industrial research going on in the country is relevant to the private sector; this is the key challenge that science and technology has in this country. The new policy of science and technology and innovation by Mr President two years ago has identified these challenges and has come up with ways to resolve these issues. One key element of the policy is to have at the apex a structure, National Research and Innovation

Construction firm staff down tools over workers’ kidnap DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

orkers of Okmas Nigeria Limited have down tools over the kidnap of three of its staff at construction site belonging to the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC in Patani, Delta State. Those abducted are two expatriates and a Nigerian working for the indigenous firm, even as the workers are demanding for the immediate release of their colleagues. Public Relations Manager of Okmas Nigeria Limited, Owhondah Ebere, who disclosed this in a statement issued listed the abducted staff as Sari Naser Karin, a Syrian and Tarek Maroun, a Leba-

Minister of Environment, Mrs. Lawrencia Mallam (left) inspecting Federal Government–procured clean cooking stoves at the National Stadium Abuja, at the weekend. PHOTO: NAN

NYSC celebrates 42 years of selfless service JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

orty-two years in the life a man is an age of maturity. Similarly, if an organization clocks 40 years and above, the celebration should be grand, fun-filled and extraordinary. It is on this note NYSC management rolled out drums and celebrated the society’s 42th anniversary a couple of days ago.

The NYSC scheme that was created in 1973, in a bid to reconstruct, reconciles and rebuilds the country after the Nigerian Civil war. However, unfortunate antecedents in our national history gave drive to the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps by decree No.24 of 22nd May 1973 which stated that the “NYSC is being established with a view to the proper encouragement and development of common ties

among the youths of Nigeria and the promotion of national unity”. The former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, at the inauguration of new National Youths Service Corps NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp built by the Sokoto State Government at Wamakko Local Government Area was full of praised of state government for the project, which he said would enhance the comfort of Corps members.

Performing the ceremony, Gowon, praised the State Governor Dr. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko for the project, which he said would enhance the comfort of Corps members. According to him, the NYSC Scheme was established by his administration to help keep Nigeria together, and went on to commend successive batches of Corps members for the sacrifices they had made in the service of their fatherland.

Council, that coordinates all science and technology activities in the country,” the Minister argued. Terms of reference for the committee include working out a blueprint for collaboration between the NUC and Research institutes of FMST; to fashion out of a National Research and Development Agenda; to develop modalities for commercialization of Research and Development results from the Tertiary Institutions and the agencies of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, FMST.

nese while the Nigerian was identified simply as Sahara. The workers, he said, have insisted that they would not return to work at the site until adequate security was provided for them to forestall a recurrence of the situation in the futute. He disclosed that the workers were kidnapped at about 10.30am last Wednesday at the construction site. He expressed concern that the whereabouts of the kidnapped workers were still unknown about five days after their abduction. Ebere said, “The whereabouts of two expatriates and a Nigerian who were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 10.30am, in Patani area, Delta state, is still unknown.

Katsina commissions shopping complex JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

shopping complex worth over N1.8 billion has been commissioned in Katsina State. Also commissioned was a multi-billion naira 500 housing unit estate, named after the first Premier of the Northern Region, late Sir Ahmadu Bello. Speaking at the event yesterday, the state Commissioner for Works, Abdulaziz Kaita said state government had also constructed another shopping complex with 250 shops.

Kaita said over 2,600 housing units were constructed under the present administration, including 500 at Barhim estate, and 510 which was commissioned yesterday. He said the state decided to construct such number of houses to make accommodation affordable and available to civil servants and interested public members. He said Nigeria had highest number of deficiency in housing accommodation in the world, but that with the little effort, the percentage of such deficiency would be drastically reduced in the state.

Civil Service

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Don’t scrap YOUWIN, Okojo-Iweala begs incoming govt JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

L-R: General Manager, CCECC Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Li Bing; PRO, Mr. Ferg Tao and Governor Abiola Ajimobi, exchanging documents during the signing of a memorandum of understanding on construction of light-rail transport system for Oyo State in Ibadan, at the weekend.

ut-going Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozie OkonjoIweala has appealed to the incoming administration of President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari not to jettison the YOUWIN initiative of the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration considering its benefits. The minister who spoke at a reception organised by Ndi-Igbo Youth Organization in partnership with Voice of All Arewa Youth in

Joint Aviation, ICPC committee indicts seven over corruption CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

he Aviation Ministry has said its collaboration with Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) has yielded results with the joint commission arresting seven airport officials for corrupt practices. In a statement, Assistant Director, Press & Public Affairs, James Odaudu said Minister of Aviation Osita Chidoka received the report of the Joint Aviation and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) Committee on the reduction of corruption at the airports across the country with the assurance that collaboration between the two bodies would clean up the airports of low level corrupt practices. According to the Minister, the war against corruption cannot be won through the arrest of perpetrators alone but by strengthening institutions that would make it difficult to thrive. Chidoka revealed that the collaboration between the Ministry and the Commission had the full support of President Goodluck Jonathan, bearing in mind the fact that whatever happens at the airports, being the first points of contact,

had the capacity to define how visitors to the country perceive Nigerians. He expressed happiness with the successes recorded so far and hoped that the kind of collaboration should be replicated in other Ministries, Departments and Agencies. Chidoka added that in order to reduce man-toman contacts at the airports, he has ordered that free trolleys be made available at the airports so that passengers who prefer to carry their goods on their

MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA)

ear is palpable in ministries, agencies and departments of Federal Government as President-elect, Major General Mohammadu Buhari, is inaugurated next Friday. Already, the outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan has directed all heads of the MDAs not only to remain in the country, but ensure they continue working in their various offices while Buhari resumes as President. Nigeria’s MDAs have been notoriously renowned as breeding and nursing grounds for corruption, which the incom-

own can do so without paying. The ICPC Chairman, Mr Ekpo Nta, while presenting the operational activities report of the Aviation and ICPC Anti-Corruption Committee on curbing corruption at the airports to the minister earlier, revealed that the collaboration between the ministry of Aviation and ICPC at eradicating corruption at the airports across the country has yielded positive results. According to him, the

effort of the group has reduced the rate of incidents of direct solicitation for gratification, undue friendliness with passengers, and harassment of travellers particularly in relation to their dealings with international visitors which was hitherto the hallmarks of the airports. He also informed the Minister that so far, about seven persons had been arrested for corrupt practices by the Commission’s operatives at the airports. Those arrested included

the solicitors and givers of bribes. The arrests, he said, sent a message to the workers resulting in a situation where monetary appreciation is no longer accepted by them, said investigation concerning those arrested in Lagos is still ongoing. He expressed the need to further reduce man to man contact in our airports through the use of e-payment and self service solutions which would drastically reduce the penchant for corrupt practices.

Abuja on Sunday to honour her for meritorious service, equally urged the government to continue with economic policies that are benefic0ial and review the ones that needs to be improved upon. Acknowledging that youth were central to any transformation, the minister said the President charged the economic team to evolve programmes that will address the unemployment crisis fac0ing the nation. She said: “My charge as minister was to create jobs. so, we set out to find out how many jobs that were needed bec0ause you cannot c0reate jobs in a vacuum. You also realize that the bulk of the nation’s population is the youth; so, if you don’t factor them into any transformation, it is bound to fail. “We realized that we needed to create 1.8 million jobs yearly to address the unemployment challenges”. The minister further explained that the government encouraged several sectors that created jobs adding that YOUWIN alone was able to c0reate 22,000 direct jobs and 88,000 indirect jobs. “This is one area that I hope the incoming administration will continue bec0ause it is a laudable programme that has excited our youths”

Fear grips MDAs as Buhari resumes ing President perennially kicks against. Buhari’s posture against corruption has been internationally applauded; a major reason he unseated the incumbent President in the last Presidential poll. Buhari has emphasized his determination to prosecute corrupt persons in the country, and entrench probity, accountability and productivity in public service. He has also vowed to block all leakages that allow corruption and economic wastage to thrive, in all sectors of the nation’s economy. Many heads of MDAs

in the country live above their means, amassing enormous wealth for themselves with sheer impunity. The nation’s executive and judiciary have been blamed for the menace which swells in all facets of the nation’s life by the day. Budgets are inflated, doctored and misappropriated in the MDAs, with minimal checks from institutions who are legally empowered to carry out oversight functions on them. Similarly, contracts are awarded to cronies and relatives with kickbacks by heads of the MDAs. This practice cuts

across all tiers of government in the country. A statement made available to National Mirror recently by Director, Communications, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Haruna Rasheed Imrana, had the title “suspension of leave for Permanent Secretaries and directors in the federal public service.” The release said: “The Federal Government has directed the suspension of leave for Permanent Secretaries, Chief Executives of Government Agencies and Directorate Level Officers in the Federal Public Service. “The directive was con-

tained in a circular titled ‘Suspension of Leave’ signed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Barrister Danladi Kifasi, and issued to all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government. “He said that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan gave the directive in order to ensure a smooth and seamless handover to the incoming Administration on 29th May 2015. “Accordingly, the Head of Service of the Federation said, “All affected officers presently on leave are to resume duty immediately,” the statement concluded.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

here was allegation you where robbed, what really happened? It’s clear, we have 10 local governments in our senatorial district and I won election in eight local governments, but Solomon Olamilekan was declared paradoxically. As am talking to you now, I got the Certified True Copies, CTCs, of the result that shows that I won. I scored above 372,491 votes, Olamilekan scored 294,612 votes, but his original result was altered and he was scored over 400,000 votes literally and was returned. I have gone to the tribunal but as I’m talking to you, I’ve been frustrated by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. It seems they are working hand-in-hand with the APC. The essential result that we need, the CTCs for all the local governments, which we need in court, I can’t get it. We called INEC, we have petitioned them severally, but INEC will complain that it is the local government and local government EO will say that it is the SOD leader that is withholding the document. My time is limited. It’s tribunal, 21 days your case is thrown out. Imagine Ifako Ijaye Local Government, the EO refused to give us the document, Alimosho is the same, rather they will make available documents in places that I clearly won like Ojo, Amuwo-Odofin, Ajeromi-Ifelodu, Isolo and other local government areas. All those areas there results are available. We said ok, since APC said they won in Mushin, no problem, let me have the document but the document is not available. The other day, at Alimosho Local Government, I spent a lot of money to get the CTC. After all the money that I spent, they took the document to the legal for him to sign and bring back to me, the legal said that we should come back the next day. When we came back the next day, the legal was now trying to make photocopy of a photocopied CTC. By this time, they have altered something in the photocopied document and wanted to make another photocopy from it to give to us. In Ifako Ijaye, literarily they did not give us anything; the EO has refused to give us document for almost two months. I want people at the helm of affairs to call INEC Lagos to order. INEC chairman, Attahiru Jega, has to call them to order because I need my documents to go to court. You see, the reason INEC is doing this is because it cannot come to court, which is the new rule, it is only me and APC and I need my results to prove to the judge that I won the election. What I have with me is the summary, I need to have form EC8A, EC8B and EC8C and they refused to release it. What role is your party, the PDP playing here? PDP in Lagos, I’ll say right now is having challenges. You heard the story of the chairman of the party being removed, so we are having difficulty taking this problem to the party because right now the party is not really stable. Party members at the moment are on their own. What other efforts are you making? I have no choice now, if we can’t get anything from INEC Lagos anytime soon, I’m taking the matter to Abuja because we have no choice. The problem we will have with Abuja INEC is that the results sent to them are those from card reader machine. The problem we have in my senatorial district during the presidential and National Assembly election is that over 50 per cent of voters voted manually and did not use the card reader machine. So, majority of the documents are here and not in Abuja. We have written to INEC, they keep telling us they are going to see to it. There was one time we wrote them, they apologised and asked us to come and when we got there, they made copies of the result of governorship election for us instead of the senatorial results. My question here is, must everybody be a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Must everybody serve Bola Ahmed Tinubu? I’m frustrated because an election was won, the result is there, it’s clear and somebody altered it and wrote something on it and said Olamilekan won. I said ok no problem, give me my result,

Politics

APC, INEC, frustrating my efforts to reclaim my stolen mandate –Adewale

Segun Adewale is the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Lagos West senatorial district candidate. He spoke to DEBORAH DIDI in Lagos on his alleged stolen mandate and how some people are sabotaging his efforts to reclaim his mandate in court. Excerpts: sion inside PDP. So PDP won the election for APC, they didn’t win us. Even in Lagos after all the rigging, the difference in presidential election was less than 160,000 votes, the difference between Ambode and Agbaje was less than 150,000 votes. On my own, after they falsified the result the difference is 52,000 votes. This is despite the fact that they have been here for the last 16 years. They rigged the election, but for peace to reign, President Goodluck Jonathan accepted the result. If you remove Kano alone, that’s the end, how can about three million people register and three million people voted? No voided votes, nobody was sick, travelled or relocated? While celebrating Buhari’s victory, about six APC members died in the North, now you can imagine what would have happened if they lost the election. That’s why I keep telling my colleagues that you don’t need to go to APC because PDP won the election for the APC. They should know they are not popular, 2.5 million votes is not significant. In 2011, we won with about 12.8 million votes.

Adewale

it is my entitlement but they refused. Even Olamilekan was supposed to be in court, we need to serve him, the bailiff went to his house they didn’t allow him to even drop the document, he went to his campaign office at Acme Road, the same thing happened; they didn’t allow the bailiff to drop the document. Now the bailiff is trying to go to his office and paste the document like a notice. They are doing it to buy time. That was what happened in 2011. I won the 2011 election and the result was not announced till today. I went to court and it was the same process, the case was adjourned indefinitely, since 2011 till now they’ve not called us. Generally how will you assess the process of the last election? I have seen a lot of people in my party especially, complaining about what really happened in the last election, but for me personally, we didn’t do badly. Although my colleagues here will not agree, I believe that if you are contesting an election and almost all your generals left and you still score short of three million votes from the person that won the election I don’t think you have done bad. Apart from the generals, you have PDP governors that left to APC and won their states for APC. About five of them, it was only Rotimi Amaechi that lost his state. So, what are we talking about? To me, we haven’t done badly at all, the only problem we had was the implo-

I need my results to prove to the judge that I won the election. What I have with me is the summary, I need to have form EC8A, EC8B and EC8C and they refused to release it.

But people argue 2011 has inflated figures unlike 2015 which had card reader? Ok! Accepted there was inflated result in 2011, what about 2015? If Kano alone in 2015 had three million registered voters what was the difference? The 2.5million votes they won us with is not significant. Card reader machine, I was the one on Channels TV saying that the card reader machine was a fraud at the end of the day what happened? It didn’t work. 2pm on the day of the election, they called from Abuja that if the card reader didn’t work that people should vote manually, with that alone the election ought to be cancelled but Jonathan allowed it to go. Meanwhile, in 2011 when less than five per cent of particular area could not get electoral materials, it was postponed till a week but this one, it was allowed to continue because Jonathan felt that any attempt to shift the election again there will be problem. Because our President is a peace loving President who wants peace to reign, you know he keeps on saying that his ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian. I didn’t really understand until when I saw Kano result, I mean it was impossible for you to have such figure and the President didn’t say anything. What we are saying is, if the President had led a good example by conceding victory to Buhari in good faith, let Buhari not sit back and allow daylight robbery to be done to the good people of Lagos State. A CTC from INEC in our senatorial district showed Olamilekan scoring 294,612 which was stroked out and replaced with 429,875, how can they explain it? We are calling on the President-elect to leave everything aside and call for forensic inquiry into this; it will make the good people of Lagos West senatorial district see him as an agent of change as they claim. Are you seeing Buhari bringing any change? You see even if they bring an angel to come and rule Nigeria, it’s going to be the same. See, the problems of Nigeria are Nigerians. We are the problem of Nigerians, there is no light, what has the President got to do with that. People want to make money at all cost, we don’t love one another, so it has to start from me and you, your staff, neighbour and that’s why I said that we have to have a reorientation where we can say ok let me love my neighbour.

Politics

Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

ivers State governor-elect, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has said that he will not fight the in-coming administration of Muhammadu Buhari, saying he would rather cooperate with the Federal Government to attract benefits to the state. This was as he said the overwhelming mandate given to him by Rivers people was not for him to fight President Buhari (as he would addressed in

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I’ll not fight Buhari –Wike •Says Amaechi’s govt stinks of corruption

a matter of days), but to work and better their lots. Wike spoke during a pre-inauguration lecture titled: “Democracy and Good Governance: Towards a New Rivers State,” held in Port Harcourt, yesterday. He said: “The people of Rivers State did not overwhelmingly elect me to fight the Buhari administration, but to work for

the greater good of our people. “In cooperating with the administration of Buhari for development reasons, I will always bear in mind the fact that I am a member of the Peoples Democraqtic Party, PDP.” Wike further said that all his actions in office will be geared towards the development of the state (Rivers) and her people.

He stated that the courts closed for over one year by the out-going governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, will be opened next Monday, adding that the proclamation of the next House of Assembly in the State Assembly Complex would follow to restore normalcy to the state. He assured Rivers people that he will run a listening administration

centred on the needs of the people, even as said he will not personalise governance as the journey to revive the ailing state will involve all stakeholders. He reiterated that the illegal local government elections conducted by outgoing administration of Amaechi will not stand as the court made specific order that it should not hold. He frowned at what he termed massive corruption under the outgoing government, saying: “Riv-

ers State stinks with unbridled corruption.” While maintaining that he will probe the outgoing administration, he assured the people that his administration will be transparent, accountable and God fearing. Speaking, former governor of Rivers State, Sir Peter Odili declared that he has confidence that Wike will perform and return happiness to the people of the state. The lead speaker, Professor Kimse Okoko urged the incoming administration to work for the greater good of Rivers people and strengthen all democratic institutions there.

Buhari’ll resist PDP’s impunity in Rivers –Amaechi Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

R L-R: Emir of Minna, Dr. Umar Faruk Bahago; Emir of Lapai, Engr. Umar Bago Tafid; Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, Alhaji Sa’idu Namaska; Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Isa Kawu, during the commissioning of the new legislative quarters at 3 Arms Zone, Minna.

Tribunal grants leave to APC to apply for inspection of documents Matthew Irinoye

agos State Gubernatorial Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ikeja, yesterday granted leave to the All Progressives Congress, APC, to apply for inspection of documents before the prehearing session. The tribunal, presided over by Justice Muhammad Sirajo, issued a directive that the applicant, it’s counsel and its agents should inspect and make copies of all polling documents or packets relating or pertaining to the conduct of the Lagos State gubernatorial election, held on April 11. Justice Sirajo further ordered the 1st respondent, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to make available to the applicant, APC, it’s counsel and/or agents, Certified True Copies, CTC, of all such polling documents or packets in the prescribed form used and/or purportedly used for conduct of the gubernatorial election held on April 11.

The tribunal also gave an order to allow the applicant and/or its agents to inspect machine/electronic scanning, all ballot papers and other electoral materials, which were used in the conduct of the April 11 gubernatorial election. Prior to this development, counsel to APC, Chief Charles UwensuyiEdosomwan, SAN, had

informed the tribunal of the existence of the Motion on Notice, dated May 19, brought pursuant to section 285 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), section 151 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2010, paragraph 47 (1) (2) and (3) of the first schedule to the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and under the inherent powers of the tri-

bunal. Uwensuyi-Edosomwan, prayed the tribunal to grant the application. It would be recalled that gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Jimi Agbaje, had petitioned the tribunal, challenging the declaration of Akinwunmi Ambode of the APC as the winner of the April 11 gubernatorial election.

ivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi has declared that the incoming President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration will resist impunity and abuse of power by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers state. This was as he promised Rivers people and the South-South that he will join hands with the President-elect to improve their living standard and promote development. Amaechi spoke yesterday during separate swearing-in-ceremonies of newly elected council chairmen in 22 local government areas of the state and four new Permanent Secretaries at Government House, Port Harcourt. He said, the purported plan by the PDP in Rivers

PDP, a big bully, says Abatemi-Usman, APC senator Deborah Didi

member of All Progressives Congress, (APC) and outgoing Senator representing Kogi Central senatorial district in the 7th Senate, Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman, has described the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as a bullying party devoid of internal democracy where impunity reigned supreme as a common feature. The senator who stated this in an interview with journalists in Abuja, said his registration as an APC member on March 30 was

necessary to enable him contribute to the enrichment of good governance and enhancement of the socio-economic development of the country, as planned by the incoming administration of General Muhammadu Buhari. Abatemi-Usman, a former member of PDP contested the last senatorial election on the platform of the Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA, after he was unfairly denied the PDP ticket. Speaking on his sojourn in PDP, the Kogi senator, who gave total support to Buhari against President

Goodluck Jonathan in the presidential poll said: “PDP came to life in 1998. And one of those that was there was my father. My father was one of the founding fathers of PDP. And in this clime, you hardly want to do things opposite your father. So, I naturally took to PDP. But for you to know that I am not one of your regular followers, I have had many, many opportunities to disagree with a PDP-led position in the Senate. I will tell you some. The case of the River State House of Assembly wanting to impeach a sitting governor with a minority of four members

which was a position of the PDP, I was frontally against that. The case of the invasion of the National Assembly by the Nigerian Police, a democratic and legal abomination, I was against that frontally. The PDP and the PDP-led government saw nothing wrong in it. I have had my times and opportunities to disagree with the situation and a position that went against my core belief. And indeed when the PDP shamefully went against me in the primaries after I emerged winner, I said okay. I am not going to fight you. You are a big bully!”

State to dissolve the elected councils will be viewed as an act of impunity against Rivers people, as the council electoral process was conducted according to law and acceptable in a democracy. He said: “What we have done here today (swearingin of council chairmen) is according to law. I hear, PDP is threatening to dissolve the council elections. “Whether they can dissolve or not, any abuse of power which happened in the past, will not happen again. They can threaten as much as they want. Mrs. Jonathan often summons meetings and discuss with the Force Commanders in her house. “I tell you, those days are gone for good. From May 29, any of them that make you suffer wrong will see the reaction of the Federal Government. Because, we can’t be paying people from our tax payers money and see them using the same money to fight our people. “All those who committed one crime or the other, will not go unpunished. The government led by Buhari will not allow impunity. “I know, I don’t have the right to speak on his behalf. But, as Rivers State Governor and Director-General of his campaign organisation, I have worked closely with Buhari, he will not allow impunity. “He will ensure rule of law. The dissolution of the councils will be regarded and treated as impunity. He will not allow illegality.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Index rises 0.4% on bullish trading JOHNSON OKANLAWON

ains recorded mostly in the blue chips halted three consecutive days bearish trend on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as some investors took position on companies with good earnings history. The All Share Index appreciated 0.43 per cent to close at 34,298.64 points, as against the decline of 0.35 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 34, 151.81 points. Market capitalization gained N50 billion to close at N11.65 trillion, in contrast to the depreciation of N41 billion recorded

the preceding day to close at N11.60 trillion. On the sectorial indices, the NSE 30-Index appreciated 0.35 per cent to close at 1,573.05 points, while the Banking Index gained 0.37 per cent to close at 394.63 points. The Insurance Index was up 0.04 per cent to close at 148.41 points, but the Consumer Goods Index dipped 0.46 per cent to close at 848.75 points. The Oil and Gas Index added 0.68 per cent to close at 376.55 points, while the Lotus Islamic Index appreciated 0.26 per cent to close at 2,203.48 points. The Industrial Index rose 0.45 per cent to close

at 2,205.75 points. The Alternative Securities Market closed flat at 1,215.52 points. Vono Products Plc led the gainers’ table with 13 kobo or 9.70 per cent to close at N1.47 per share, followed by Unity Bank Plc with 13 kobo or 5.42 per cent to close at N2.53 per share. Costain Plc gained four kobo or 4.88 per cent to close at 86 kobo per share, while Union Bank Plc added 46 kobo or 4.58 per cent to close at N10.51 per share. Red Star Express Plc appreciated 20 kobo or 4.17 per cent to close at N5.00 per share.

Portland paints posts N148m profit JOHNSON OKANLAWON

ortland Paints and Products Nigeria has announced a profit after tax of N148.6 million for the financial year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of 159 per cent from N57.3 million recorded in the same period of in 2013. The company’s operational profit rose from N174.3 million in 2013 to N304.5 million. Addressing shareholders at the company’s Annual General Meeting yesterday, the Chairman, Mr Larry Ettah, explained that for strategic reasons, the board is not recommending the payment of dividend for the year. Justifying the need to re-position the company for improved performance into the future, he said, “Consequently, we are realigning our portfolio and making strategic

shifts where necessary. We will continue to focus on innovation and seek opportunities to introduce new offerings into our portfolio of brands as well as build capacity in our people. “In pursuit of plans to improve returns and address the high leverage position of the company and our other business expansion plans, the Board has recommended for your approval a capital raise by way of Rights Issue. The Board will therefore be glad to have your kind approval.” He noted that the outlook for the Nigerian economy in 2015 is expected to be significantly affected by low crude oil prices, increase in exchange rates of Naira against major currencies, national security issues and the political risk associated with the elections. According to him, the

International Monetary Funds, IMF, has projected 4.8 per cent Gross Domestic Growth, GDP, growth for Nigeria, while both the Nigerian government and the World Bank assume a 5.5 per cent growth rate, a decline from the range of 6.5 per cent to seven per cent that the Nigerian economy had been growing at for some years now. He said, “Oil prices that closed below $60 in December 2014 fell as low as $46.00 in January 2015, leading to the review of the Federal Government’s 2015 Budget benchmark from an initial $65 to $53 per barrel. “The decline in oil prices and the resultant fall in the country’s foreign exchange earnings led to a widening of the margin between the foreign exchange rates in the interbank and the RDAS window. “To forestall further widening of the gap and

Hong Kong shares rise on new inflows prospects

ay 26 Hong Kong shares flirted with seven-year highs yesterday, as investors returning from Monday’s holiday piled into stocks after Beijing’s newly-unveiled cross-border investment scheme fuelled expectations of more money inflows from the mainland. The Hang Seng index rose 0.9 per cent, to 28,249.86 points, while the China Enterprises Index gained 2.6 per cent, to 14,801.94 points. Markets in both places were encouraged by a crossborder investment plan an-

nounced over the weekend that would let funds domiciled in Hong Kong and China be sold in each others’ markets, starting July 1. The scheme, called mutual fund recognition, “will bring a fresh flood of mainland capital to Hong Kong’s market and is a big positive for the city’s stocks”, China Investment Securities said in a note to clients.. Lu Wenjie, a strategist at UBS Securities, estimates that Chinese investors could potentially pump 200 billion yuan ($32.3 billion) into Hong Kong

stocks in the next two to three quarters, as Beijing is likely to guide excessive liquidity in the domestic market to Hong Kong. China launched the landmark Shanghai-Hong Kong stock connects last November and plans to roll out a similar investment link between Hong Kong and Shenzhen this year. Shares in Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited jumped 5.4 per cent to record highs, as investors bet that the bourse would benefit from accelerated opening of China’s capital markets.

Conversely, May and Baker Plc dropped nine kobo or 4.84 per cent to close at N1.77 per share, while Livestock Plc shed nine kobo or 3.75 per cent to close at N2.31 per share. NEM Insurance Plc depreciated three kobo or 3.37 per cent to close at 86 kobo per share, while Okomu Oil Plc lost 76 kobo or 2.51 per cent to close at N29.50 per share. NPF Microfiance Plc fell three kobo or 2.36 per cent to close at N1.24 per share. A total of 557.6 million shares valued at N3.71 billion were exchanged in 3,662 deals

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

N197 Market indicators All-Share Index 34,298.64points Market capitalisation 11.65trn

Stock Updates GAINERS

allow the Naira to trade around its fair value, the CBN closed the foreign exchange auction system window in February 2015 and introduced the interbank forex trading platform.” He stressed that inflation is expected to rise from its current single digit to above 10 per cent resulting from devaluation, increase in electricity tariff, 70 per cent import duty on cars and general increase in the cost of imported materials, which points to the fact that consumer demand and purchasing power may experience slow down. He said that the federal government, in a bid to shore up its revenue base, plans to implement structural reforms that will drive growth and assist the country in the transition to a less oildependent economy. Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

VONO

1.34

1.47

0.13

9.70

UNITYBNK

2.40

2.53

0.13

5.42

COSTAIN

0.82

0.86

0.04

4.88

UBN

10.05

10.51

0.46

4.58

REDSTAREX

4.80

5.00

0.20

4.17

177.80

185.00

7.20

4.05

WAPIC

0.52

0.54

0.02

3.85

SKYEBANK

2.63

2.72

0.09

3.42

PRESCO

30.01

31.00

0.99

3.30

UBA

5.19

5.35

0.16

3.08

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

MAYBAKER

1.86

1.77

-0.09

-4.84

LIVESTOCK

2.40

2.31

-0.09

-3.75

NEM

0.89

0.86

-0.03

-3.37

OKOMUOIL

30.26

29.50

-0.76

-2.51

NPFMCRFBK

1.27

1.24

-0.03

-2.36

HONYFLOUR

3.70

3.62

-0.08

-2.16

WEMABANK

0.99

0.97

-0.02

-2.02

DANGFLOUR

3.91

3.85

-0.06

-1.53

SEPLAT

340.00

335.00

-5.00

-1.47

154.00

152.00

-2.00

-1.30

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.23

99.03

13.89

99.18

13.75

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.92

102.05

13.83

102.20

13.74

16.00 29-JUN-2019

4.09

106.29

13.92

106.59

13.83

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.67

111.05

13.79

111.35

13.72

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.80

102.06

13.78

102.36

13.72

10.00 23-JUL-2030

15.16 68.00

15.54

68.30

15.47

Closing Market Prices of May 26, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

27-Aug-15

11.39

11.73

WAUA

270

03-Dec-15

12.89

13.83

USD

197

05-May-16

13.12

14.98

EURO

214

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

10.8333

15.0437

POUNDS STERLING

293

16.2397

SDR

273

17.4504

NIBOR

The Fixings of May 26, 2015

Capital Market

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at May 26, 2015 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror The situation was like this when I took over in 1999. No light, no fuel, but it didn’t take us so long before the issues of light and fuel were resolved Former President – Olusegun Obasanjo

Crisis brews in community over selection of monarch ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

risis is imminent in the ancient Ikere Ekiti town in Ekiti State as its three ruling houses are alleging imposition of one Mr. Jimi Adu as the Ogoga-elect in flagrant violation of the State’s Chieftaincy Law. The three ruling houses: Akaiyejo, Agabaola and Ogbenuote, said that “for the fact that Adu does not belong to any of the rul-

ing houses”, he would suffer immense eligibility problem among the indigenes of the town if he succeeded in his desperate quest to become the next Ogoga. The ruling houses said at a press conference they jointly addressed at the Palace of the Ogoga in Ikere Ekiti yesterday that the process of the selection of the next monarch of the community should start afresh to avert crisis. Prince Ojo Ologundoye, who addressed on behalf of the three ruling houses, said the most

important criterion a potential king must fulfill before he could be crowned is to be a biological member of any of the royal families. He alleged that the purported Ogoga-elect being imposed on the community was never a member of the royal families. “To say the least, Mr. Samuel Jimi Adu, is not a member of any of the ruling houses, but surprisingly, he is claiming to be a member of Ogbenuote ruling house, whereas he has no link with that

royal family and neither is he a prince at all, which means his selection has no place in history and in law. “As a matter of fact, no selection process was conducted by the Ogbenuote ruling house. Some few people and powerful indigenes just handpicked and foisted him on the family and this has sparked up widespread resentment thereby culminating in some protest letters to the Governor, the State Attorney General, and Speaker of the State House of Assembly among others,” the ruling houses said.

Subsequently, they called on Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose to annul the selection process conducted by a faction of the 21-member kingmakers and order a fresh process that would be in agreement with the law to avert imminent crisis in the town. The ruling houses accused Ikere Development Forum chaired by a former President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), of planning to foist Adu on the town despite stiff opposition to his candidacy.

Council offers scholarship to rural women

Some internally displaced persons working on the N7million Commercial farm established by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to give succour to Bakassi returnees at Akpabuyo in Cross River, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Offa raises N13m for repair of razed Owode market WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

lofa Offa in Kwara State Oba Muftau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II has disclosed that the people of the town have raised the sum of N13million on their own, to rebuild the Owode market gutted by fire recently. Esuwoye II made this known when a delegation of ABS Organisation, owned by Senator Bukola Saraki paid a sympathy visit to the Oba on behalf of the senator recently. Oba Esuwoye told the delegation led by ABS Director General; Engineer Musa Yeketi that he had to quickly rush home from Umrah

(lesser Hajj) in order to personally oversee the repair works on the market and bring succour to his subjects particularly, those who were direct victims of the fire. He said the community had to kick-start the repairs because according to him, they knew the financial situation of the government of late. “We are aware that due to the economic downturn, government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility, therefore we call on all and sundry to assist us. In fact, I have also decided not to go on Umrah during Ramadan because I cannot see myself out of the community when my people are in pains”. “Our community is deeply touched and we believe that all of

us must stand up in our usual communal collaboration to come to the aid of the victims because there is no compound that does not have a person among them. Besides it’s painful that people who fend for themselves now sit at home doing nothing,” he lamented. Earlier, Engr. Yeketi told the monarch that Senator Bukola Saraki was deeply touched because he considers himself a citizen of the town in view of the love and affection that the people have always shown to him. He assured them that Senator Saraki is with them in spirit and has directed his constituency office to come and sympathize with and assess the damage, urging them to take solace that no life was lost.

o fewer than 44 women have benefited from the Female Teachers Scholarship Scheme introduced by Malumfashi Local Government area, Katsina State. The Local Education Secretary Alhaji Shawai Alhassan, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Malumfashi. He said the special higher education bursary scheme was to encourage women in rural areas broaden their skills and obtain higher teaching qualification. The secretary said the beneficiaries were sponsored to study science-based courses at Isah Kaita College of Education,

Dutsinma. Alhassan said that at the end of the programme, the beneficiaries were employed to teach in primary schools in their respective localities. He said that programme, introduced in 2009, was supported by UNICEF to give indigent women access to higher education. The education secretary said that only girls with senior secondary school certificate were eligible for the scheme. Alhassan said that applicants jostling for the scheme increase annually due to its acceptability. He said that beneficiaries were selected from every part of the area with priority given to those in rural settlements.

NEMA feeds 2,000 displaced persons in Ekiti ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

ational Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has said that it is feeding over 2000 internally displaced persons, mainly Hausa-Fulani community in “Shasha” camp in Ekiti. They were relocated by the state government to the place along Ado-Ikere road from their Atinkankan location in Ado Ekiti following last week’s clash between commercial drivers and Hausa residents. NEMA Head of Ekiti Operations Office, Mr. Saheed Akiode, said the agency had

distributed relief materials directly to the affected persons. Akiode said in a statement in Ado Ekiti that the gesture was undertaken in conjunction with the Chairman of Hausa Community, Alhaji Adamu Imam. Akiode said, “NEMA Ekiti Operations Office moved swiftly to assess the situation on Friday and immediately came in to the rescue of the displaced persons being camped at Shasha Market by providing them with beddings, household materials, foodstuffs, and toiletries, sanitary and other forms of requisite logistical support to make the camp habitable”.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Isawo community urge government to create skill acquisition centres DARE AKOGUN

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

esidents of Isawo community in Ikorodu area of Lagos State have urged the government to build skill acquisition centres to train more youths and redirect their energies from pipeline vandalism.

The residents also said that the lingering fuel scarcity had increase the number of motor vehicles seen in the community looking for where to buy fuel or take it out of the community for sale elsewher. Mrs Abeke Sonowo, a resident, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that most youths engaged in vandalism of the na-

Chaotic transport situation at Alagbole – Saabo, Ogun State, yesterday.

tion’s assets because they were unemployed. ``With the current lingering fuel scarcity, most youths in our community who were initially not interested in the activities of the vandals have now joined them,’’ Sonowo said. She noted that bunkering had taken another dimension by becoming a hidden business

PHOTO: ADEMOLA AKINLABI

unlike when people had petrol station for dealing in oil, saying that now anybody could open a shop and sell fuel. ``The police are not helping matters because their interest is to collect money and allow the vandals to go and be doing their businesses as usual,’’ Sonowo alleged. Another, who spoke anonymously, said the activities of the vandals needed to be checked using plainclothes security men who probably would have an office in the creeks where vandalism was perpetrated. ``Most of the hoodlums who engaged in vandalism live in the interior parts where the pipelines pass through. ``Government should provide 24-hour surveillance on the creeks to ensure the safety of the pipelines. ``If not, it will be very difficult to stop them from destroying the nations assets,’’ he said. Also, a commercial vehicle driver, who does not want his name in print, said the police road blocks were only used to extort money from them instead of checking the crime. He added that the check-

NHIS launches insurance scheme in Kogi

Association to train 18,000 clerics T on malaria prevention in Akwa

igerian Inter-Faith Action Association (NIFAA), an NGO, says it will train 18,000 clerics in Akwa Ibom on the use of long lasting insecticidal nets and other malaria preventive commodities. The Executive Director of NIFAA, Bishop Sunday Onuoha, announced this in Uyo on Thursday while flagging off training of religious leaders on the nets. Onuoha explained that the training would be done in phases with the first batch of 310 drawn 10 each from the 31 local government areas of the state. The director said that training the clergymen would promote the correct use of the nets and acceptability of other malaria preventive consumables. ``We, the faith leaders, are divine, our members believe in us more than even the doctors and the political leaders. ``It is better for us to do naming ceremony and child dedication in-

stead of conducting burial for our children on account of malaria attack,” Onuoha said. He, therefore, urged the religious leaders to preach also on malaria prevention each Friday in Mosques and each Sunday in Churches. Declaring the training session open, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Emem Bassey, commended the religious leaders for partnering with the ministry and other healthcare providers to fight malaria. Bassey, who represented Gov. Godswill Akpabio, said that the state government with the help of development partners distributed 2.7 million malaria treated nets last December. The commissioner noted that the involvement of faith organisations in healthcare delivery was highly commendable because the religious leaders would be exposed to the right information for their members.

``Too many deliveries had been done in churches and the result had been high maternal mortality,” Bassey lamented. He also called on religious leaders to encourage their members to patronise government health facilities. ``In most of our public health facilities, where malaria commodities are available, the drugs stayed and expired in stores without demand from the people. ``By giving the right information, preaching the right sermon and living as role models, the religious leaders can help reduce the scourge of malaria and other diseases,” Bassey said. The state Programme Manager, National Malaria Elimination Programme, Dr John Orok, said that the state achieved 97.8 per cent level of nets distribution last December. Orok said that testing and treatment for malaria in government health facilities in the state was free.

points caused gridlock along Isawo road. ``The police use their checkpoints to collect money from us rather than surveying the area for the safety of lives and property and curbing the activities of vandals,’’ he said. NAN reports that some police officers were seen mounting road blocks along the Isawo road, thereby causing traffic jam. Isawo is one of the creek communities in Ikorodu where pipeline vandalism was one of the major businesses perpetrated by hoodlums. Nearby Isawo is another community, Majidun where most of the residents are migrants who know very much about the creeks engaged in fishing business. But for now, vandalism is also being perpetrated there. The Nigeria Navy have deployed its officers to various sensitive locations in Isawo and Majidun where the activities of vandals were assumed to be unabated. Effort to talk to the leader of Isawo community as at the time of this report proved abortive.

he National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, has launched a health insurance programme for members of the Emoriko Mutual Health Association, in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi state. An indigent student of the community was also awarded a scholarship by the Executive Secretary of NHIS, Dr. Femi Thomas, during the launch. The lucky beneficiary, Augustine Sunday, a 16-year- old SS 2 student of Emoriko Secondary School, was described by natives as a brilliant child of great hope, whom the community looks up to for succor and glory. The scholarship is for up to the university level. The scholarship was an unscheduled dimension to t he formal flag of the insurance scheme, as officials of NHIS led by Dr. Thomas, were touched by the palpable poverty that stared guests as they trooped into the community for the event. Dr. Thomas, who was overwhelmed with emotion as the similar conditions of his own childhood came flushing back to him, told the story of his humble early

years in Ikoro Ekiti, in Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti state. According to him, “I grew up in similar circumstances of poverty and lack, such that almost cut me off from opportunities and hope. But God intervened and sent help my way, just as he gave me shoulders to lean on. Today, by His Grace, we are here”. “This is why it was easy for me today to see and feel what the people of this community are experiencing. So I resolved in my heart that today I will also lend my own shoulders to someone to climb on, as a way of saying thank you to God, and rendering a modest help for the liberation of this community of good people from the shackles of poverty,” he Thomas. It was a pleasant coincidence as young Sunday declared that his ambition was to study medicine and become a medical doctor, just like his new mentor and benefactor. The ceremony instantly turned into a festival as community leaders, women and youth groups, including even local masquerades, danced out in large numbers to celebrate, not only Femi Thomas, but also his large heart.

Wednesday, May20, 27,2014 2015 Wednesday August

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

Indian heatwave death toll rises to 1,100

NATO is necessarily recognising a whole range of global challenges, particularly on what we call the Southern Front.

– United States President, Barack Obama

Somali al-Shabaab attacks Kenyan police, at least one dead Paul Arhewe

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

slamist militants from Somalia attacked two police patrols in neighbouring Kenya yesterday, triggering a gun battle in a rural area hit by a string of cross-border raids, both sides said. Somalia’s al Shabaab fighters said they had killed 25 Kenyan officers, an account contradicted by the police force that said one of its men had died and four had been wounded. The al Qaeda-linked militants said they ambushed the police about 70 km (40 miles) north of Garissa, a town where the Islamists raided a university and killed 148 people in April. Al Shabaab militants, fighting to overthrow a Westernbacked government in Somalia, have launched several attacks inside Kenya, trying to force it to pull troops from a African peacekeeping force in their homeland. The assaults have piled political pressure on the Nairobi government, which has promised to carry on with its Somali mission, and devastated Kenya’s tourism industry, one of its

Kenyan troops during a patrol mission

main sources of foreign income. Police said one officer had died from his wounds after the attacks in the Fafi and Yumbis areas, one was critically wounded and three others suffered minor injuries. “A contingent of officers responded for reinforcement and on arrival at the scene, engaged the attackers in a heavy firefight,” Inspector General Joseph Boinnet said in a statement. Kenyan media had earlier reported that as many as 20 officers could have been killed, and

al Shabaab said 25 died. “We took all their weapons. There were some Kenyan forces that escaped in the course of the ambush fighting,” al Shabaab’s military operations spokesman, Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, said. Somali and African troops have pushed al Shabaab out of Somalia’s main cities in recent years. But Tuesday’s attacks underlined militants’ continuing ability to strike Kenya’s frontier regions. Last week, al Shabaab attacked Yumbis and hoisted its

flag on a mosque where fighters held prayers before heading to another nearby village. Al Shabaab has killed more then 400 people on Kenyan soil since Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta came to power in April 2013. Kenyan anti-terrorism forces arrested a “wanted terror suspect” in possession of a Russian-made hand grenade, bomb detonator and plastic explosives in the port city of Mombasa on Tuesday, county police commander Robert Kitur said.

Ethiopia elections credible –AU observers

eneral elections held yesterday in Ethiopia were “credible” and in line with African Union stan-

dards, AU observers said yesterday. “The Ethiopian Parliamentary elections were generally

Ethiopian Electoral Board employees marking a voter’s hand with indelible ink at a polling station in Addis Ababa

consistent with the AU guidelines on the conduct of elections in Africa,” said a preliminary report on the polls by the head of the observer mission, former Namibian president Hifikepunye Pohamba. Ethiopians voted on Sunday in the country’s first general elections since the death of strongman Meles Zenawi in 2012, with his successor Hailemariam Desalegn all but certain to stay in power. Analysts say true democracy is yet to take root in Africa’s second-most populous nation, while the opposition also alleges the government has used authoritarian tactics to guarantee victory. The AU observer report did note some irregularities, saying that in several polling sta-

tions the ballot boxes were not shown to be empty before voting started. “The simple act of showing the ballot box as empty before opening the poll contributes to confidence building and transparency,” the observers said. The AU had deployed 59 observers who visited 356 polling stations in eight out of Ethiopia’s nine regions. European Union and Carter Centre observers, who were present for the 2010 polls, were not invited to observe Sunday’s elections. Initial results are expected to be released later this week, and final official tallies on June 22 -- with the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) again expected to get a near-clean sweep of the 547-seat parliament.

WORLD BULLETIN Bones exhumed from Sankara’s grave Bones have been recovered from a grave believed to contain the remains of Burkina Faso’s assassinated ex-president Thomas Sankara, a lawyer for his family told a news agency yesterday. “I can confirm that in the tomb believed to be that of Thomas Sankara, remains have been exhumed,” said lawyer Benewende Stanislas Sankara, who is not related to the former leader. Thomas Sankara was a Marxist army captain who seized power in 1983 and implemented radical leftist policies in the former French colony of Upper Volta. He was hastily buried on October 15, 1987, after being assassinated in a coup that brought to power Blaise Compaore, who was forced from power in 2014 by a popular uprising.

Failed migrants return home to Senegal after Libya ordeal Scores of Senegalese migrants returned home yesterday after they were detained by Libyan authorities and imprisoned for months when they tried to reach Europe illegally. Some 145 flew back to the Senegalese capital of Dakar once authorities in Tripoli released them, on a charter organized by the International Organisation for Migration, the migrants said. Senegal is West Africa’s oldest multi-party democracy, but many flee its poverty, looking for work in Europe. It is the region’s secondbiggest source of migrants after Gambia, according to IOM. From January to March, nearly 1,200 Senegalese arrived in Italy by sea. Nearly 2,000 migrants from various nations have died this year in the Mediterranean.

‘EU’s benefit for only new migrant refugees’ The European Union will consider new refugees reaching Italy and Greece in its migrant quotas, not those already in camps, according to a proposal seen by Reuters to be presented on Wednesday, a concession to EU governments against the plan. Seeking to share out asylumseekers fleeing chronic conflict in Africa and the Middle East, the EU executive’s proposals have been met with scepticism from governments that are facing rising anti-immigrant sentiment at a time of economic austerity. But the recent deaths of thousands of migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean means the bloc needs an emergency response.

World News

WORLD BULLETIN

China to boost military presence in disputed waters China outlined a strategy to boost its naval reach yesterday and held a groundbreaking ceremony for two lighthouses in disputed waters, developments likely to escalate tensions in a region already jittery about Beijing’s maritime ambitions. In a policy document issued by the State Council, the Communist-ruled country’s cabinet, China vowed to increase its “open seas protection”, switching from air defence to both offense and defence, and criticized neighbours who take “provocative actions” on its reefs and islands. China has been taking an increasingly assertive posture over recent years in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, where Beijing has engaged in land reclamation in the Spratly archipelago. China, which claims most of the South China Sea, criticized Washington after a U.S. spy plane flew over areas near the reefs last week, with both sides accusing each other of stoking instability. It has overlapping claims with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei in the South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. Defence Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun said China’s reclamation in the Spratlys was comparable with construction of homes and roads on the mainland.

Germany reimposes land border controls before G7 summit Germany has reimposed land border controls ahead of a G7 summit next month where it expects large counter-protests, and tightened road, rail and air travel checks, police said yesterday. Berlin has partially lifted the Schengen no-visa pact with its neighbours until mid-June, police said, hoping to prevent violent protests like those that marred a European Central Bank meeting in Frankfurt in March. Thousands of activists are expected to rally against the summit of the Group of Seven leading industrialised democracies which Chancellor Angela Merkel will host at the Elmau Castle resort in the Bavarian Alps on June 7-8. Temporary police booths have been set up at land crossings, especially with Austria, to allow for stepped up checks of cars, buses and pedestrians, said the federal police chief for Munich, Hubert Steiger. Trains would also be more frequently controlled by police, who would be on the look-out for potentially radical protesters from elsewhere in Europe, Steiger said.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

eath toll from Indian heatwave has risen to more than 1,100 people in less than one week, according to reports from news agency. The worst-hit area is the south eastern state of Andhra Pradesh, where authorities say 852 people have died in the heat wave. Another 266 have died in the neighbouring state of Telangana. India recorded its highest maximum temperature of 47 degrees Celsius -- 117 degrees Fahrenheit -- at Angul in the state of Odisha on Monday, according to B.P. Yadav, director of the India Meteorological Department. Hot, dry conditions are being made worse by winds blowing in from Pakistan’s Sindh province across the northern and central plains of India. “This extreme, dry heat is being blown into India by westerly winds,” Yadav said. The high temperatures are expected to continue for another two days before any respite, the meteorological department warned Tuesday. However, the agency said that another hot spell would likely soon follow. Among the worst-hit states are Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The capital of New Delhi, neighbouring Haryana state, the largely desert state of Rajasthan and several central and eastern regions are also bearing the brunt of intense summer, Yadav said. Many of the dead are reported to be poorer people, beggars and the homeless as well as construction workers who are expected to work on building sites in direct sunlight.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Indian heatwave death toll rises to 1,100

There have been calls for establishment of drinking water camps

About one-third of the country’s 1.2 billion people have access to electricity, meaning millions are enduring the blistering heat without relief. For those who do have electricity, power has dipped in and out as extra demand to run fans and air conditioning has put pressure on the system, said CNN Mumbai correspondent Mallika Kapur. Many people without ways to cool their homes are seeking shelter in shops and malls -- anything to escape the heat, she said. Temperatures have been at a

sustained high over the past few days, with little change even at night, and are expected to remain high for days, CNN meteorologist Tom Sater said. India’s monsoons will provide some relief, but the rains are projected to arrive in one more week. Once they hit India’s southeastern coastline, they will likely take a few more weeks to reach the drier northern parts of the country. State authorities have been advising people to stay indoors and drink water.

Iraq launches operation to drive ISIS from Anbar

raq yesterday announced the launch of a major military operation to drive the Islamic State from the western Anbar province and retake the Sunni heartland where the extremist group captured the provincial capital, Ramadi, earlier this month. The operation is backed by Shiite militias and Sunni pro-government fighters, the Iraqi state TV reported, without providing

further details. There was no indication of any immediate movements on the ground following the announcement. The Islamic State seized large parts of Anbar in early 2014 and captured Ramadi earlier in May — a fall that marked a major defeat for Iraqi forces, which had been making steady progress against the extremists over the past months with the help of U.S.-

Shiite militiamen arrive in Khalidiya to support fight against Islamic State militants

led airstrikes. The operation comes just days after U.S. officials, including Defence Secretary Ash Carter, criticized the Iraqi forces, saying their men fled the Islamic State advance on Ramadi without fighting back, leaving behind weapons and vehicles for the extremists. But Baghdad defended its troops and quickly said military preparations were underway to launch a large-scale counteroffensive in Anbar, involving Iranian-backed Shiite militias. That possibility sparked fears of potential sectarian violence in the Sunni province, long the scene of protests and criticism against the Shiite-led government in Baghdad. A spokesman for Iraq’s Shiite militias said Tuesday the operation would “not last for a long time” and that Iraqi forces have surrounded Ramadi from three sides. New weapons are being used in the battle “that will surprise the enemy,” Ahmed al-Assadi, who is also a member of parliament, told reporters. He added there was also another operation underway, north of the nearby province of Salahuddin.

Man diagnosed with Lassa fever dies in US

New Jersey man died after been diagnosed with Lassa fever — a frightening infectious disease from West Africa that is rarely seen in the United States, a federal health official said. The man recently returned from Liberia, arriving at New York City’s JFK International Airport on May 17. He grew critically ill after his return, suffering from multiple organ failure, said Dr. Tom Frieden, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. Health officials said they don’t think the case is cause for public alarm. Lassa fever is not spread through casual contact. About a half dozen other cases have been diagnosed in travelers from West Africa in the past, and none of them ever spread the illness person-to-person, Frieden said. But as a precaution, the CDC and New Jersey health officials are trying to track down and monitor anyone the man was in contact with during the past week, including health workers at two New Jersey hospitals and people who sat close to him on his recent flight from Morocco to New York. The illness is commonly seen in West Africa, in some of the same countries struck by the recent Ebola epidemic. This last confirmed case of Lassa fever seen in a traveler returning to the United States was in Minnesota last year. The one before that was in Pennsylvania in 2010.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

t a time most states in Nigeria are complaining of inadequate funds to pay salaries and meet other responsibilities, Katsina government yesterday declared it is debt-free and has enough money stashed away for the in-

North

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

‘Shema’s govt replica of Yar’Adua’s’ coming administration. Deputy Governor, Abdullahi Garba, stated this during commissioning of a multi-billion naira shopping mall and housing estate in Katsina, the state capital. Garba said Governor Ibrahim Shema’s admin-

istration was repeating what transpired during the late Umaru Yar’Adua’s tenure as governor. “Under Yar’Adua and during his second tenure in particular, the state witnessed socio-economic development without any external borrowing.

“After Yar’Adua left office when he completed his second term, he left billions for the incoming government, while other states were struggling to pay salaries and render services.” He said like Yar’Adua’s administration, Shema’s,

which would be leaving office on Friday, had transformed the state without borrowing a kobo in the last eight years. Garba said the incoming government would meet more than N3 billion in the state’s coffers, with salaries and other services for the month paid. He added that over N8 billion had been disbursed to the 34 council areas, with projects that have lasting impact executed under the outgoing government. He, however, called on the incoming administration to build on what the outgoing regime had done, in order to ensure continuity in governance. Meanwhile, a shopping complex worth over N1.8 billion has been commissioned in the state. Also commissioned was a multi-billion naira 500unit housing estate named

after the first Premier of the Northern Region, late Sir Ahmadu Bello. Commissioner for Works, Abdulaziz Kaita, at the event yesterday, said the state government had also constructed another shopping complex with 250 shops. Kaita said over 2,600 housing units were constructed under the present administration, including 500 at Barhim Estate, and 510 which was commissioned yesterday. He said the state decided to construct numerous houses to make accommodation affordable and available to civil servants and interested public members. He lamented that the nation has the highest housing deficit in the world, but stressed that the deficiency can be drastically reduced in the state with a little effort.

Shettima empowers 600km cyclist INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima (right) welcoming Mr. Abdullahi Burndi Bulama, a cyclist who rode 600 kilometres and spent six days from Biu- Gombe-Damaturu-Maiduguri to congratulate the governor at Government House, over his second term re-election, in Maiduguri, yesterday. PHOTO: INUSA NDAHI

We’ll probe Niger govt’s last-minute deals –APC PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

ll Progressives Congress, APC, incoming administration in Niger State has promised to review all agreements signed at rush hour that are outright ripoff or against the interest of the state. It recounted with dismay the agreement to lease newly constructed state-owned hotel opposite Government House, built by Niger State Development Company, NSDC, to a private firm to manage for 30 years. But, Managing Director of NSDC, Mohammed Aliyu, at the commissioning of the facility yesterday said the hotel would only be managed by Shelter Suites, the firm handling its management, for five years. He said, “Let me put it on record, Shelter Suites will only manage the facility for five years as against the 30 years being speculated.”

The APC had in a statement signed by the publicity secretary, Jonathan Vatsa, said it learnt the said hotel built from SURE-P funds was being leased to a private firm of interest to the outgoing government of Dr Mu’azu Aliyu. It stated, “The entire charade being perpetrated through NSDC that ought to promote investment has been turned into a platform to sign shoddy agreements. “We would have disre-

garded this last minute moves of the government, but in our guiding principle of laying everything bare before the people to promote accountability and fight corruption, we feel people of the state should be aware before our party takes over government.” The party further said it was also baffled that some retired top civil servants like permanent secretaries were now being reabsorbed into the civil service, a move aimed at

creating problems for the incoming APC government in the state. While condemning the move, Niger APC advised the outgoing administration not to create any problem for the incoming government as it would be at the receiving end of whatever may transpire. It added: “Only government with hidden agenda will reabsorb at the twilight of its tenure civil servant who were earlier retired, so we condemn this in its entirety.”

orno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, yesterday commended Abdullahi Burndi Manya, 20, an indigene of Biu Local Government Area, who rode about 600 kilometres on bicycle to Maiduguri to congratulate him over his second term victory at the April 11 gubernatorial election. Manya embarked on the six-day journey from Biu on Thursday, May 21. He traversed Gombe-PotiskumDamaturu road and arrived Maiduguri on Tuesday following closure of the 185km Biu-Maiduguri road due to activities of Boko Haram. Shettima, who is also chairman of Northern

Nasarawa poly warns intakes over vice IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

anagement of Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia, yesterday declared zero tolerance for secret cult groups, drug abuse, examination malpractice and other heinous crimes capable of tarnishing the image of the institution. The Rector, Dr Silas

Gyar, stated this at the 14th matriculation ceremony of the institution in Lafia, the state capital. He said: “Let me sound a note of warning to all students that Nasarawa State Polytechnic is not and cannot be a safe breeding ground for anyone engaging in any anti-social activities. “I want to sound it loud and clear that we have now declared zero tolerance for

secret cult (groups), drug abuse, examination malpractice and other heinous crimes capable of tarnishing the image of the polytechnic.” Gyar further cautioned the intakes that “as students, the public expects you to exhibit good ethical and academic standard worthy of emulation by those who would be coming after you,” hence they must shun all socially unaccept-

able acts and behaviour. He acknowledged the immense contribution of Governor Umaru Al-Makura in ensuring the success of the combined 1st –12th convocation and accreditation of the institute’s programmes by National Board for Technical Education, NBTE. High point of the ceremony was the matriculation of 3,871 students for National Diploma and Higher National Diploma.

Governors Forum, NGF, welcomed the cyclist at Government House, Maiduguri, upon arrival, stating that the feat was commendable. According to him, the gesture, likewise long treks by others, was against the backdrop of the people’s desire for change that was realised at the just concluded general elections by the All Progressives Congress, APC, and to show solidarity to the incoming government of General Muhammadu Buhari. He therefore assured the people that the incoming government would not disappoint Nigerians, as it would ensure their wellbeing irrespective of tribe, religion or socio-political affiliations. “I want to thank you for your perseverance, love, concern and solidarity to the APC-led government in Borno State. Despite the security challenge on our roads, you (risked) your life by riding bicycle from Biu to Maiduguri to come and pay solidarity. On behalf of myself, my family and the entire good people of Borno, we appreciate this bold step you took,” Shettima stated. He however compensated the rider, directing the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Usman Durkwa, to give him some undisclosed sum and a brand new vehicle.

News

Ubong Ukpong, ABUJA

efence Minister, LtGen. Mohammed Aliyu Gusau (rtd), yesterday authoritatively revealed to the defence sector that he knew the person to succeed him in the incoming All Progressives ConCHANGE OF NAME

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This is to inform the general public of loss of original deed of lease 9/9/1028 and Dead of Release Reg . as 71/71/1500 belonging to Gerald Amazu the land situates along Odenigbo Onuiyi Road Nsukka. If found contact the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development Enugu.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Handover: Gusau hints Defence staff on successor

...Says I know my successor gress, APC, administration, even as he hinted on the character of the incoming minister. Gusau, who was speaking at a valedictory session

in his honour at the Ministry of Defence, Abuja, told the armed forces and civilian personnel in the Defence sector that the person favoured to succeed him is

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“very, very, thorough,” and also enjoyable. Gusau, who for strategic security reasons withheld the name and description of the fellow, said information available to him indicated that his successor could not be faulted. “From the grapevine, I heard the person coming here as Minister of Defence is somebody you will find

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.This is to confirm that AbdulRosheed Abdulmaik Olamilekan is the same one person as AbdulRoaheed Abdulmalik Olamilekan, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as AbdulRosheed Abdulmalik Olamilekan. All former documents remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public should please take note.

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LOSS OF DOCUMENTS

This is to inform the general public of Land documents at Abakpa Nike belonging to Mrs. Comfort Mokelu of Ibolo Oraifite Reg. as Private lease, Reg 87/87/1055.Power of Attorney Reg. as 94/94/1184. Power of Attorney Reg. 59/59/1225. Deed of Assignment Reg. 63/63/954. If found contact the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development Enugu.

PUBLIC NOTICE KAMAH FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL AND SOCIAL CHARITY.

The general public is hereby notify that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, for registration under part “C “of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

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Dr. Reuben Autin Kamah Mrs. Miriam Kamah Riti Dr. Moses Kamah Dr. Humphrey Kamah Miss Priscilla Kamah Miss Evelyn Kamah Miss Rita Kamah Mr. Augustin Kamah Mrs. Eunice Kamah

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1) funding medical oriented charity organization 2) Funding social and community service initiative and scholarship. 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: CHAIRMAN

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PUBLIC NOTICE

MILESTONE YOUTH TRANSFORMATION INITIATIVE

The general public is hereby notified that the above named N.G.O. has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

very, very thorough. He knows what he is doing; you will enjoy him. I believe the next team of ministers will do the right things,” the minister said. Stating that he met people who were dedicated to the service of the nation in the Defence Ministry, the minister said he was leaving behind in the ministry capable hands. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

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He said he was leaving as a very contented person to face his private business after putting about 41 years into public service. As a retired military General and a highly-soughtafter intelligence agent, Gusau said he would often make available his services to the defense ministry and the country whenever he is consulted.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

HEART OF GOLD EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

This is to notify the general public that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. Mr. Erewele Isikhuemen Eni 2. Idemudia Kennedy 3. Oigunnubi Princewill Kin AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To create sustainable empowerment and advocate for purposeful strides among youths. 2. To nurture entrepreneurship and creativity amongst youths. 3. To create financial and administrative support for youths.

1. Oluwasegun Kassim - Chairman 2. Alfred Osuagwu - Secretary 3. Ademola Adesile 4. Leonard Chukwuemeke Ebie 5. Anietie Miranda Isang 6. Bashiru Adeboyejo AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: a) To promote education in the society

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

SIGNED: MR. EREWELE ISIKHUEMEN ENI CHAIRMAN

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 thirty days of this publication.

SIGNED: L.C. EBIE; SOLICITOR

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

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Sport

Oshoala crowned BBC Women’s Player

I think I still have lots of service to offer the national team as long as the coach considers me worthy –Brazil striker, Robinho

Chad:

, a m a e y n E s e iv g i h s e K others June 3 deadline

Taiwo Awoniyi

U-20 W/Cup:

F/Eagles train in N’Zealand Everest Onyewuchi

started their trip at the Frankfurt Airport last

uper Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, has set a June 3 deadline for all invited players to report to camp ahead of next month’s 2017 AFCON qualifier against Chad. Fifteen foreign-based players have been called up along with 27 other Nigeria Premier League invitees for the June 13 clash scheduled to hold in Kaduna. Captain and goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, who only recently won his 100th cap is expected to lead a contingent of established internationals like Ahmed Musa, Ogenyi Onazi, Kenneth Omeruo and Godfrey Oboabona alongside some new comers to camp in time to beat Coach Keshi’s deadline. “I want all the foreign-based players i n

been camped since May 21,” Keshi added. Yesterday, the home-based players in camp faced Spotlight of Katsina in a friendly match to open the new Karkanda Stadium in Katsina. The team returns to Abuja today, while training will resume at the National Stadium tomorrow.

t i m e

igeria’s Flying Eagles yesterday, finally settled down at the Quality Hotel Plymouth In-

ternational ahead o f the FIFA U-20 World Cup finals after an exerting trip across three continents, which spanned more than 25 hours. The team is due to have its first training in New Zealand at 1pm local time today, which was 12 midnight yesterday in Nigeria as New Zealand is 11 hours ahead of Nigeria. The African champions

Sunday night for a six and a half hours flight on Emirates to Dubai. After a three-hour stopover, they then headed to Melbourne, Australia. The flight lasted over 12 hours and it was by far the longest leg of the journey. They stopped over in Melbourne for about two hours before they flew out for Auckland, New Zealand. They were airborne for about three hours. And in Auckland, where they were warmly welcomed by a small group of Nigerians, they took another flight, this

on Air New Zealand, to New Plymouth. The flight was for 40 minutes. The weather in New Plymouth is chilly and raining as this is the beginning of winter in New Zealand. Locals say it is colder than Auckland. Manchester City forward, Kelechi Ihenacho, who arrived in New Zealand the previous day from his English base, was on the flight to New Plymouth with the rest of the team. Hungary, who will share the Quality Hotel in New Plymouth with their first round foes Nigeria, are expected to check in today.

camp on or before midnight on Wednesday, June 3,” Keshi told thenff.com “Apart from Aaron Samuel who is still involved with his club and has been granted special permission to report to camp after that deadline, I expect to have everybody in by June 3. “They are to report to the Bolton White Hotels and Apartments where their homebased colleagues have

Enyeama

Sports

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oshoala

crowned BBC Women’s Player

Mercy Jacob

S Asisat Oshoala

Falcons’ draw delights Okon

Why we chose Kaduna for Pitch Awards –Philips

hief Executive Officer of Matchmakers Consult International, Shina Philips, yesterday said that organizers of this year’s Pitch Awards opted for Kaduna venue due to the presence of stakeholders that will attend the AFCON 2017 qualifier between Nigeria and Chad billed for the northern city on June 13. “There is no point having an award ceremony when the winners would not be present,” Philips said, adding, “It is only logical that they witness the event they have passionately supported over the years.” One of Nigeria’s fastest growing e-commerce and online shopping outlets, Payporte Global System, has announced its support for the Awards, an initiative of Matchmakers Consult international in collaboration

with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). A serial entrepreneur and CEO of Payporte, Mr. Bassey Eyo, said it was the first time his company would be involved in football. “We have looked at the award process and are confident that the results will emerge from a transparent and credible process,” Eyo said. “We will also project Payporte in sports, especially football. Our customers are either footballers or football lovers and we want to exploit this opportunity.” Meanwhile, organisers of the Awards say the Kaduna State Governor-elect, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has confirmed his attendance as Special Guest of Honour at the event.

CEO of Matchmakers Consult International, Shina Philips (r) and CEO of Payporte, Mr. Bassey Eyo

uper Falcons and Liverpool forward, Asisat Oshoala was yesterday awarded the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Women’s Footballer of the Year. The 20-year-old is the first player to win the new award from the BBC World Service, voted for by football fans around the world. She beat Spain’s Veronica Boquete, German Nadine Kessler, Scot Kim Little and Brazilian Marta to the honour. “I would like to say thank you to the BBC, to my fans around the

world and to everyone who voted,” Oshoala said shortly after receiving the prize. “The honour is a big lift for Nigeria ahead of the World Cup and will help inspire young players in Nigeria.” Oshoala, who was the youngest player to be shortlisted, was the tournament’s leading scorer and was voted best player at the Under-20 World Cup in Canada last summer. Oshoala signed for Liverpool ladies in January 2015, becoming the first African to feature in the Women’s Super League, with manager Matt Beard calling her “one of the world’s top young footballers”.

Mercy Jacob

S Okon

uper Falcons Coach, Edwin Okon, has expressed satisfaction on his team’s goalless draw against Canada in the tune-up match ahead of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The Super Falcons striking force led by the newly crowned BBC’s African Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, missed

several chances at scoring, but Okon remained unfazed. “If we can play the host team like this, then there is no side we cannot play,” Okon said. “The wind was against us but that is not an excuse as we missed some scoring chances,” he added, stressing, “We will see how we can correct the noticed lapses ahead of the World Cup.” Falcons will open their World Cup campaign on June 8 against Sweden in Winnipeg.

VP opens NSC Athletes’ Hostel today Joel Ajayi ABUJA

elfare of athletes is being taken a notch higher in Nigeria’s sports history, as the outgoing Vice President, Alhaji Namadi Sambo, will today, commission the justcompleted “Goodluck Athletes’ Hostel.” The ceremony that will take place inside the Package B of the Abuja National Stadium, will mark the first time Nigerian sports will be having such A centre to harness, train as well transform the hidden but abundant raw talent in the country and to make them world beaters. Sambo will be joined at the occasion by the Minister of Sports and Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr. Tammy

…Yakmut pledges optimal use of camp

Danagogo, and NSC DirectorGeneral, Mallam Alhassan Yakmut. The 53-room facility which includes a cafeteria that will accommodate 140 athletes, sits majestically beside the NFF Sunday Dankaro Head Office and the FIFA Football Turf. Speaking yesterday, at a press briefing for the opening of the High Performance Training Camp and final of the President Cup, NSC DG, Yakmut, noted that construction of the hostel was completed 12 months ago. “The project, when commissioned, will be accessible to category A athletes from the 16th of June and on the 30th of June it will be open as one of top ranking camps for the 2015 All Africa

Games. “In the last five months, the Commission and Nigeria Football Federation have spent over N131million on hotel accommodation and feeding for athletes over and above what should have been dedicated to athletes as welfare,” Yakmut said. He added, “You can imagine when you pay N13, 000 hotel bill per athlete, in a day and give them N500 as allowance, I don’t think is morally right, when you have such a facility available. “That is why the management of NSC with the help of Minister of Sports went into action in the last 14 days to get the athletes hostel ready for commissioning for the benefit of Nigerian athletes.”

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Sports

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Ghana’s Black Satellites posing before a recent game

Countdown to New Zealand 2015...

Black Satellites face Argentina hurdle Paul Erewuba

hana is one of the countries that will represent Africa in this 19th edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup which kicks off in New Zealand on Saturday. The Ghana junior national team, known as the Black Satellites, are in Group B alongside Argentina, Panama and Austria. They will open their World Cup campaign against Austria May 30 at the Wellington Regional Stadium in New Zealand. It will, however, be a grudge match when the Ghanaians meet the Argentines in the second game of the group. The wound inflicted on the Ghanaians by Argentina is still festering and the Black Satellites will attempt to avenge the bashing they got in the hands of the South Americans at the 2001 FIFA U-20 World Cup where they lost the World Cup final 3-0

in Buenos Aires. At the last edition in Turkey, the Sellas Tetteh-coached side finished third, but are ready to improve on their performance this term As the only African team to have won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2009 at the Cairo International Stadium, Egypt after defeating Brazil 4-3 on penalties, Ghana have their task cut out. The West Africans got a major boost after winning a mini tourney in New Zealand, with four foreign-based players; Osei Barnes, Emmanuel Ntim, Yaw Yeboah and Emmanuel Kyere as part of the squad. The impressive Ghanaians won all three matches scoring 15 goals and conceding only two to send warning signals to Argentina and others in Group B. Tetteh will unleash a 21man experienced side which includes Lawrence Ati, Emmanuel Ntim, Patrick Kpozo,

Joseph Owusu Bempah, Kingsley Fobi, Godfred Donsah, Samuel Tetteh, Kofi Yeboah, Emmanuel Boateng, Clifford Aboagye and Abraham Asiedu Attobrah. Others are Kwame Baah, David Atanga, Joseph Aidoo, Joseph Adjei, Mutawakilu Seidu, Yaw Yeboah, Barnes Osei, Benjamin Tetteh, Prosper Kassim, Patrick Asmah and Enditem. Incredibly, statistics show that in the 32 FIFA World Cup matches that the Black Satellites have participated in, the team has not lost a game in regulation below the semifinals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup. However they did not qualify for three consecutive events in UAE 2003, Netherlands 2005 and Canada 2007 until they made the Egypt 2009 tournament which they won. They were African Champions in 1995, 1999, 2009 and twotime runner-up at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 1993 and 2000. Bookmakers have predicted,

however, that Group B will be a two-horse race between Argentina and Ghana. Argentina, who have won the U-20 World Cup a record six times, are strong favourites to win the tournament. Panama were second at the Concacaf U-20 Championships to earn qualification, while Austria were one of six teams to qualify from Europe after losing in the semifinals of their qualification tournament, but both teams do not have the fire power of Ghana and Argentina. Argentina are kings at U-20 level and they cruised through South American qualifying unbeaten. Their squad is dominated by players from Argentine giants River Plate, where striker Giovanni, son of Atletico Madrid Coach, Diego Simeone, headlines with five others. Tiago Casasola (Fulham), Maximiliano Rolon (Barcelona), Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid) and Emiliano Buendia

(Getafe) will also add some firepower. Austria just squeaked through European qualifying after getting thumped 4-0 in the semifinals by Germany, but showed potential with a 4-2 win over the Junior All Whites in one of their last warm up matches. Argentina’s Angel Correa arrives as one of the tournaments’ most hyped players. The diminutive forward helped San Lorenzo win the Copa Libertadores, spent six months out due to a heart tumour, recovered, and joined Spanish giants Atletico Madrid. Correa emphatically underscored his star billing, creating chances at will and netting a breathtaking winner in the title-deciding game against Uruguay. With seldom-seen upper-body strength, devilish trickery and direct dribbling, he has been compared to Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero.

Channels Kids’ Cup: Research Model, Eyeanugie set for final Afolabi Gambari

he 2015 Channels National Kids’ Cup will end today at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos where Research Model Primary School, Kawo Kaduna State and Eyeanugie Primary School, Benin City, Edo State contest for the trophy. One of the organisers, Dumnodi Okonta, told National

Mirror in Lagos yesterday that the event would commemorate the Children’s Day celebration billed for today. “Essentially, the competition is organised to honour the children while helping them to develop and expose their talent,” Okonta said. Research Model defeated Christ the King Primary School, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State 5-4 via penalties in the semifinals after regulation time end-

ed 1-1. Enyeanugie also fought hard to edge Nana Primary School, Delta State3-2 in the second semi final. Nana will meet Christ the King in the third place match that will precede the final that will be attended by the governors of Lagos, Delta, Edo, Kaduna and Akwa Ibom, in addition to officials from the National Sports Commission and Nigeria Football Federation.

John Momoh

WORLD RECORD

First time to rush 1,000 yards in an NFL season Vol. 05 No. 1121

N150

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Michael Vick and teammate Warrick Dunn (both USA) became the first quarterback-running back teammates to run for 1,000 yards in the same season in 2006

Mentoring for career and life mastery

Greek warrior-god, leading a consortium of warriors from a score of neighbouring homogenous settlements, was to embark on a war against the renowned and indomitable Trojans of Troy. He had to inevitably seek a surrogate trainer in his stead to groom his barely five year old son, whom he would have groomed into manhood by himself as the custom stipulates, but for the war he was embarking on. This surrogate trainer he found in one of his kinsmen loyalists; the seasoned and noble Mentor (meaning faithful and wise adviser in Greek), who was renowned for his art and skill in grooming lads into manhood. Odysseus at his departure put Telemachus (meaning far from Battle in Greek) in the care of Mentor for grooming into

Guest Columnist

Oladele

Olunike

manhood till he returns. This grooming includes all that a lad needs to learn in terms of knowledge about life, selfreliance, the art of war, being a man, leadership etc. For the period of 15 – 20 years that the war lasted, Mentor, out of his wealth of insight, skill, art, and experience, like a potter would a clay pot, moulded, tutored, discovered hidden talents which he nurtured into skills and imparted Telemachus with all that makes for the ‘TOTAL MAN’. At his return, Odysseus was not to receive back once infant, innocent, frail, naive son of his anymore, but a full grown man, who had become knowledgeable in various aspects of life, self-reliant, intelligent, full of experiential knowledge, skilful, valour in the art of war, one that had started commanding the uncommon respect of the old, young and his peers alike. That was the Telemachus Odysseus received at his return. Many thanks to Mentor. That was centuries ago, according to the Greek custom at the time. But in our fast-paced world of today, this age-long landmark path of bringing youngsters into manhood or maturity has been largely jettisoned or considered outdated or archaic hence not subscribed to and in few places where subscribed to, it is often not appropriately consummated. Little wonder therefore, many youngsters have made a shipwreck of their admirable destinies and subsequently their future. This can’t but be so because when youngsters disregard the ancient

THE SELF-MADE

SYNDROME IS A SELF-

DESTRUCT SYNDROME, BECAUSE NOBODY GOES

FAR DOING IT ALONE!

LONE RANGERS DIE IN LONE RANGES

aphorism which says: “Remove not the ancient land mark, which thy fathers have set...” They can’t disregard this saying and not bear its consequences. The incontrovertible realities of our times prove this fact today. There’s a syndrome plaguing many youngsters in our generation today that I call the “self-made syndrome.” Many youths are under the ‘spell’ of egocentrism. The passionate quest of many youths today to get to the ‘top’ in their career, trade, business, assignment, vision, ministry (which though not bad, but sadly), is all for ONE purpose,”…to make for themselves a NAME and FAME”, without submitting for grooming in the hands of one with hands-on knowledge of the career, trade or business they are in, someone with meaningful and enviable results in their field that they can benefit from, in terms of wealth of insight, wisdom, experience and clout which would cut short their learning curve. Rather, many today are seeking to be made alone, all by themselves. But ironically, THERE IS

NO SELF-MADE MAN! The self-made syndrome is a self-destruct syndrome, because nobody goes far doing it ALONE! Lone rangers die in lone ranges. There’s no assignment, vision, career, profession, ministry, business, etc. that one has received alone that one can achieve ALONE. Why? There’s no assignment that Providence gives to a man alone that he can achieve ALONE! One is limited doing it alone! Someone sees what one doesn’t see. Someone knows what one doesn’t know. -”Genius is one percent inspiration, 99 percent perspiration “ - Thomas A Edison, American inventor and businessman (February 11, 1847 – October 18, 1931). That means every great man or woman is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration, which makes 100 percent manifestation (Greatness). Great! We can, therefore, deduce that greatness is the summation of inspiration and perspiration. It is important to note that it is inspiration that precedes perspiration. Inspiration is the foundation for every perspiration. Until one is inspired, one can’t perspire. If true, it therefore, means that you need inspiration from someone else’s thoughts, actions, results (in your kind of business, life, destiny, profession, career, assignment etc.) to access perspiration for your manifestation. In addition to your intelligence, brilliance, talents, wits, dedication, discipline, etc. in your chosen career, field, profession, or received calling, assignment(s), vision, ministry, you need to be inspired by someone who has gone ahead of you in your field and succeeded, and is still succeeding outstandingly, because success is not a destination but a ‘journey’. This is why I suggest to you that “YOU NEED A MENTOR”. Olunike, an award-winning quintessential polymath and lead consultant at World Class Compere Academy, wrote via oladeleolunike@gmail.com

Sport Extra

Two-time AFCON winner, Renard, unveiled as Lille coach

rench Ligue 1 outfit Lille yesterday paraded the former Cote d’Ivoire coach, Herve Renard, to the French media as the club’s new coach after announcing his choice on Monday.

“Herve Renard and Lille reached an agreement on Monday May 25,” Lille stated on its official website yesterday. “He has signed a threeyear deal and we look forward to having him take

the club to greater height,” the statement concluded. Renard, who left the Ivorien job on Friday last week, described the new task as challenging but achievable. “It is an honour to join

such a prestigious club as Lille,” the 46-year old 2012 and 2015 Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach said. “It marks a very important day in my coaching career, and may the ones that will follow be even

greater. “I am now looking forward to starting this journey with my group. A very exciting challenge lies ahead of us and I am determined to tackle it with ambition.”

Renard

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