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Nigeria loses five women hourly to childbirth, says UNICEF UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

he United Nations Children’s Cultural Scientific and Educational Fund (UNICEF)

Adewole

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yesterday urged Nigerian government and relevant agencies to provide adequate funding for healthcare delivery, noting that in every one hour Nigeria loses five women due to

Wednesday, December 2 , 2015

childbirth complications. UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Jim Bolken, made the startling revelation during a working visit to the House of Representatives CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

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Arms purchase scandal

Kogi: Court decides guber tussle Friday •Group urges AGF, INEC boss to resign

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Again, DSS arrests Dasuki

... as EFCC picks Dokpesi, ex-Sokoto Gov Bafarawa Oshiomhole justifies Dasuki’s prosecution

OBIORA IFOH, OLUFEMI ADEOSUN AND UBONG UKPONG

conomic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday continued its clampdown on the suspects involved in the alleged $2bn arms contract scandal. While the commission CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Kachikwu promises end to fuel scarcity P.7

Cross section of University of Lagos community during a Walk for Life to commemorate 2015 World AIDS Day, in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

National Assembly passes N574.5bn supplementary budget

Count me out of arms deal, says ...warns ministries, agencies to spend funds judiciously Saraki P.13

NEMA records 410 births, 187 marriages in IDP camps

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Wednesday, December 2 , 2015

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Arms purchase scandal: Again, DSS arrests Dasuki CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

arrested former Sokoto State governor, Attahiru Bafarawa and Chairman Emeritus of Daar Communications Plc, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, operatives of Department of State Service, DSS, picked former National Security Adviser, NSA, Sambo Dasuki. Our correspondent also learnt that ex-Minister of State for Finance, Amb. Bashir Yuguda, Bafarawa’s son as well as the son of ex-Minister of Defence, Haliru Bello, who were arrested by the commission’s Special Task Force on the alleged $2bn arms procurement deal on Monday, will spend the second night in custody as investigation into the scandal is said to be ongoing.

The ex-governor, who was said to have been whisked to the interrogation table immediately he arrived the Abuja office of the commission around 11a.m., was drilled by a team of EFCC investigators for several hours. When our correspondent visited the commission’s office at about 5:30 p.m., it was gathered that he was still being drilled, an indication that the exeducation minister will also be detained. An interim report of the investigative committee on arms procurement set up by President Muhammadu Buhari had, few weeks ago, released its findings, revealing that a damning figure of $2bn was expended on arms procurement.

It subsequently recommended that Dasuki and all other accomplices be arrested and prosecuted. EFCC’s investigation into the arms procurement deal had allegedly traced N1.5bn to the account of Yuguda, a staggering figure, sources in the commission, said he could not account for. He was also alleged to have received another N1.275bn from the Stallion Group during the last general elections. This is even as Sagir Bafarawa, a son of the former Sokoto State governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, is being detained for allegedly receiving N4.6m from the Office of the National Security Adviser. It was learnt that the operatives decided to go

after the junior Bafarawa because of the belief that he acted as a front for his father in the arms deals. Our correspondent gathered that the son of Haliru Mohammed, Abba, received N600m in the name of BAM Properties Limited. It was learnt that the operatives arrested a former Director, Finance and Administration of the ONSA, an employee of the Nigeria Intelligence Agency, for alleged disbursement of funds from the office. While Bafarawa is being drilled by the commission to ascertain his level of complicity in the arms deal, indications have emerged that in a matter of days, the ex-Minister of Defence, Haliru Bello

may be arrested in connection with the funds traced to his son. Dokpesi was also alleged to have soiled his hand in the arms deal. EFCC sources said the Daar Communication boss was invited to shed on the huge sums of money running into billions of naira traced to him from the office of the NSA. EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren refused to comment on the matter when contacted, citing the sensitive nature of the case. Speaking on the gale of arrest yesterday, Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiohmole justified the refusal of the Federal Government to allow Dasuki travel out

L-R: President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita of Mali; President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana; UN Secreatary General, Mr. Ban Ki Moon; President Muhammadu Buhari; President Alpha Conde of Guinea and President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger Republic, after a meeting between African Presidents and UN Secretary-General during the side meetings of the COP21 Climate Change Conference in Paris, France.

Nigeria loses five women hourly to childbirth, says UNICEF CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Committee on Health yesterday at the Committee Room in the National Assembly. UNICEF revealed that about 576 million women had died of childbirth related complications in Nigeria. It disclosed that maternal mortality rate is the greatest indicator of healthcare service delivery and unless the gov-

ernment and relevant agencies in the sector adequately fund health, the 2020 millennium development goal would be elusive in many developing countries. It decried the alarming rate of maternal mortality rate in Nigeria even as it noted that nearly all the over thirty thousand healthcare facilities in Nigeria were in comatose condition.

On the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Nigeria sometime in July 2014, the world body commended the Nigerian government for its timely intervention in checking the spread of the disease but warned that adequate measures must be always taken in time of epidemics. The global health authorities also revealed that it takes a minimum of five years of consistent policy

toward the threat of such epidemics in any developing country urging the Nigerian government to continue to train more health professionals in epidemiology. It implored all relevant health authorities in EVDaffected countries in the West African sub-region to always maintain regular payment of salaries of medical doctors, pharmacists, nurses and other

staff of healthcare service institutions to save more lives in these countries. Earlier, Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Chike John Okafor (Imo, APC), said that the neglect and inadequate funding of healthcare services institutions by the federal, state and local governments in Nigeria had infringed on the fundamental right of the citizens.

of the country on health ground, insisting that he must account for the $2bn alleged to have been spent on arms procurement. Oshiomhole, speaking at the quadrennial delegates conference of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, called for the refund of the money and the prosecution of all complicit for extra-budgetary spending. The governor, who berated judges for always skewing justice in favour of the rich and the powerful at the expense of the common man with minor offences, stated that there was nothing untoward in the present predicaments of the ex-NSA. According to him, it is in the best interest of Nigerians, particular workers for the present administration to employ all legitimate means to recover the nation’s stole wealth. He said: “Competent medical doctors are available in the country, yet a man is facing treason charges, huge corruption charges and judges are granting permission for him to travel overseas. In this democracy, which we said we are supporting unconditionally, it says clearly that there will be separation of powers between the executive, legislature and the judiciary. “It says the executive can have the initiative to propose what it wants to spend but only the parliament has the powers to appropriate what it will spend. If the executive spent what has not been appropriated, it is a criminal offence. Why is that stated! This is to avoid a situation where one man will run the country as a sole administrator. “Just last week, the big man was accused of spending about $2bn, even at a time some governors were saying they can’t pay minimum wage. If you divide $2bn by N200 to the dollar and share to all Nigerian workers, you don’t need wages for the next one year. “Now the man says yes we spent this money, we bought arms, how? “There are several CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Photo News

Wednesday December 2, 2015

L-R: Country Director, Korea International Co-operation Agency (KOICA), Mr. Sang-Hoon Jung; Minister of Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications, Arch. Sunny Echono and Director of e-Government, Mr. Tope Fashedemi, during a stakeholders engagement workshop on e-government master plan for 2020, by Federal Ministry of Communications, in Abuja, yesterday.

L-R: Sustainable Development Manager, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Osita Abana; Corporate Relations Director, Sesan Sobowale; Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Christopher Bode and Head of Department, Guinness Eye Centre, LUTH, Prof Folasade Akinsola, during a cheque presentation ceremony by Guinness Nigeria, at the Boardroom of the LUTH, Idi-Araba, Lagos yesterday.

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L-R: Country Director of Enactus Nigeria, Mr. Michael Ajayi; Lead, CSR/Sustainability of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mrs. Temitayo Ade-Peters; a beneficiary of Skills Acquisition/Economic Empowerment Programme organized by Enactus and sponsored by FCMB, Esther Nsude; Zonal Head of the Bank, Enugu, Mr. Chijioke Mbagwu and the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT), Professor Sam-God Eze, during the graduation and presentation of working tools to the beneficiaries at ESUTH, Agbani Campus, Enugu State, recently.

L-R: Non-Executive Director, Independent, Africa Prudential Registrars Plc, Ammuna Lawan Ali; Non-Executive Director, Mr. Peter Elumelu; Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Peter Ashade; Chairman, Chief (Mrs.) Eniola Fadayomi and Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Mr. Musa Bello, after the presentation of two awards (Best Profit Margin Ratio, and Best Corporate Governance) to the company at the 20th Pearl Awards in Lagos, recently.

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Court decides Kogi guber tussle Friday Doosuur Iwambe, Joel Ajayi and Muda Oyeniran

he Federal High Court sitting in Abuja will on Friday deliver judgement in a suit filed by Kogi State governor, Capt. Idris Wada and four others against the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct a supplementary election on December 5. Wada is praying the court to declare him winner of the November 21 gubernatorial election, while Johnson Usman, Emmanuel Daikwo and Emmanuel Igbokwe are asking the court to conduct a fresh election in the state. It would be recalled that INEC had on November 22, declared the gubernatorial election inconclusive and an-

nounced that a supplementary election will be conducted to determine a clear winner. All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in the election, Prince Abubakar Audu, who was leading by a margin of 41,000 votes died shortly after the election was declared inconclusive, a development that has created a lot of controversy. When the matter came up for hearing yesterday, all the parties in the suit agreed to consolidate the case since they all have the same subject matter. Three issues were formulated from the matter. The court was asked to determine whether having regard to the provisions of Section 31(1)(2)(3) (4)(5)(6)(7) and 8, 33, 34, 36, 85 and 87 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) as well as Sections 178-181 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), INEC

can lawfully conduct a second/supplementary election into the office of the Governor of Kogi state on 5th of December, 2015 or any other date at all let alone accepting the nomination/substitution by APC, when the new or substitute candidate was not part of the original election. The plaintiffs also ask the court to decide whether in view of the provision of Section 178(2)(3)(4)(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other enabling provisions of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and having regard to the doctrine of necessity, the plaintiff being the only surviving candidate with the majority of lawful votes cast at the Kogi State governorship election held on November 21, 2015 ought not to be declared and returned by INEC as the winner of the election,

having secured not less than one-quarter of the votes case in two-thirds of all local government areas. They also asked the court to determine whether in view of Section 81 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), INEC ought to conduct a fresh governorship election. Joined as defendants in the various suits are the Attorney General of the Federation, INEC and APC. However, the plaintiffs said APC was yet to be served with the court papers following the crises at the party’s headquarters few days ago. After the three issues were formulated, the trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole adjourned till Thursday for adoption of addresses and also fixed judgement for Friday. Justice Kolawole not-

ed that he will deliver judgement in the suit on Friday so that the election will not be conducted under grave shadow of validity or otherwise of the supplementary election. In a related development, the running mate of the late Audu, James Faleke yesterday filed a separate suit against INEC and APC at the registry of Federal High Court sitting in Abuja. In the suit filed through his counsel, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Faleke is praying the court to declare that election to the office of the governor of a state can only be conducted in the manner expressly stipulated in Section 179(2) (a), (b), (3) (a), (b), 4 (a), (b) and (5) of the constitution. The matter is yet to be assigned to any judge. Meanwhile, Forum for Patriotic Members of APC, Lagos chapter, has

faulted the leadership of the party on the choice of Mr. Yahaya Bello as a substitute for the late Audu. Speaking through its Chairman, Mr. Olufunmilayo Alabi, the forum said the action of the leaders of the party was capable of jeopardising its success at the rescheduled supplementary election. According to him, the party’s choice was also capable of throwing the state into chaos, saying the bloody clash that took place between Bello and Faleke’s faction at the party’s secretariat was a prelude to what to expect before, during and after the election. However, he urged the supporters of both Bello and Audu to remain calm and respect the choice of the party’s leadership saying all powers belong to God and gives to whoever he wishes.

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Wednesday, December 2 , 2015

National Assembly passes N574.5bn supplementary budget GEORGE OJI AND UBONG UKPONG

oth chambers of the National Assembly yesterday approved N574.5bn as 2015 supplementary appropriation budget. The amount represents additional sum of N108bn to the N465.6bn originally requested for by President Muhammadu Buhari. The N108bn difference is meant for the payment of fuel subsidy for the last quarter of this year. Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Danjuma Goje, stated that the N413bn earlier proposed for fuel subsidy claims in President Buhari’s letter of request, only covers N120.5bn 2014 arrears and N292.8bn as claims for January to September 2015, excluding the remaining three months of October, November and December 2015 . He added that the increase also correspondingly increased the total aggregate expenditure of the 2015 budget from N4.9trn to N5.067trn. Highlights of the N574.5bn supplementary budget aside the N521bn appropriated for fuel subsidy claims include N29.958bn for security votes against Boko Haram insurgency, N10.6 billion for allowances of outgone and incoming legislators and legislative aides at the National Assembly, N8.1bn for Nigerian Air Force and N5bn for Boko Haram victims support fund. The budget is predicated on oil production of 2.2003 million barrels per day, oil benchmark price of $48 per barrel and an exchange rate of N190 to $1. In passing the budget, the Senate vowed to follow up the processes of payment of the N521bn voted for subsidy claims by oil marketers. According to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Senate’s decision to pass the budget expeditiously was driven by the need to urgently solve the problem of fuel scarcity in the country at this critical time of the year despite the clear sabotage being

suspected in the whole subsidy claims by marketers. He vowed that the Senate would nevertheless through thorough oversight functions by relevant committees, follow up how the N521bn would be spent and stop such sabotage in the 2016 fiscal year. He said: “It is clear that this supplementary budget that we have passed we have looked at both the request of the executive and particularly the sufferings of Nigerians to ensure that we see that this thing is done. “At the same time we want to warn the ministries and agencies in charge of this expenditure to make sure that these funds are judiciously used. “The oversight committees, particularly appropriation, downstream petroleum, anticorruption; we must expose with hope of sanction, any of these companies or agencies that take the opportunity because of the suffering of Nigerians to abuse this amount of money. “This is a huge amount of money and I even believe that the so called huge subsidy is economic sabotage which must be unravelled ahead of the 2016 fiscal year. This is truly economic sabotage where billions of naira are being approved but not judiciously used; even our committee on anticorruption must play a role to oversee every single payment. “This issue of fuel subsidy, I want us all, all Nigerians, we must say no to this blackmail by marketers, we must put an end to this issue. “A lot of us in the past have spoken on this matter and I think we are doing this for the interest of Nigerians but I think it is high time we said no to this blackmail and end this hardship”. Both the Senate Leader, Ali Ndume and Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, had earlier in their submissions on the need for Senate to pass the budget, called for thorough investigations into the subsidy claims to save Nigeria from alleged yearly fleecing by marketers.

The House of Representatives also yesterday, approved the supplementary budget. The budget was passed at plenary presided over by Speaker Yakubu Dogara. The budget was passed after the adoption of the report of the joint committee on Appropriations, Finance and Aids, Loans and Debt Management.

The increase of N108.895bn according to the joint committee would enable Federal Government to pay for fuel subsidy for the October to December 2015 fiscal year. The upward review of the supplementary budget was agreed on at a meeting with Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs) on the 2015 Supplementary Budget held on Monday.

Breakdown of the budget showed that the sum of N10,618,837,435 is for outstanding payment of severance gratuity and allowances of outgone and incoming legislators and legislative aides; N3,196,089,405 is for salaries of Nigerian Army recruited personnel while N1.5 billion is for All African Games qualification for Rio 2016.

The sum of N29,958,865,512 is for Operation Zaman Lafiya, the sum of N17,468,992,640 is for Nigerian Army while N8,141,434,760 is for Nigerian Air Force. The sum of N2 billion is proposed for margin increase in costs/recurrent adjustment while N5 billion is for Victim Support Funds under the capital supplementary.

L-R: Igwe Laz Ekwueme; Amb. Yusuf Maitama Sule and Chairman, House Committee on Governmental Affairs, Dr. Hussani Suleiman, during the 8th Annual Forum of Laureates of the Nigerian National Order of Merit in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Arms purchase scandal: Again, DSS arrests Dasuki CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

questions workers must ask about this deal. For instance, the nation’s Constitution stipulates that before money is spent, it must first be appropriated by parliament. That money which they claimed to have used to buy arms, was it appropriated by the National Assembly? Was it in the appropriation Act? Did the then President have power to spend money that has not been appropriated? Was he a military head of state? Does he have the powers that he purported to have used? “The minister of finance who released the money, under which Constitution does the minister have the powers to release monies from the national treasury that has not been captured in the national appropriation

laws. If she did, is that not part of conspiracy? “ Meanwhile, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday condemned the arrest of Chief Dokpesi and other opposition elements by the Federal Government. The party also alerted that it is aware that more notable PDP leaders have similarly been listed for arrest over unproven allegations pursuant to a plot by APC to cow and silence opposition in the country. PDP national publicity secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in a statement yesterday, said the military style of pronouncement of guilt on Chief Dokpesi before any fair hearing, betrays the fact that he is a victim of political persecution and mob trial by the APC government because of his association with the PDP.

He said: “While the PDP is not against the war against corruption, we insist that the crusade must be carried out within the limits of the law and not as a guise to persecute and torture opposition elements in the country. “Our fear is that with the pronouncement of guilt even without being giving the opportunity within his rights as a citizen to state his own side of the story, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government is sidestepping the laws to ensure that Chief Dokpesi does not get justice in the court, a plot which they want to extend to other PDP leaders. “The PDP therefore demands an open and public trial of all those arrested so that all issues and charges against them as well as their de-

fence therein would also be in the public domain. We demand a proper investigation and lawful prosecution instead of the reprehensive resort to outright political persecution, which can only have a place in a military regime. “We also note that this development may not be unconnected with the planned onslaught against the media, following its commitment in holding this dictatorial regime accountable since it took office. “Finally, we call on the international community and rights bodies worldwide to note the growing impunity and gross violation of human rights by the President Buhari-led government tailored to decimate the opposition and cow the media in Nigeria.”

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x tasks world leaders on $14b to revive Lake Chad Buhari Rotimi Fadeyi Abuja

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Paris, France, asked developed countries to make strong financial commitments to the $14 billion urgently needed to revive Lake Chad and save communities dependent on the river from extinction. Addressing a high level meeting on ‘Climate Change Challenges and Solutions in Africa,’ on the sidelines of the ongoing UN Climate Change Conference, COP 21, Buhari said no fewer than five million people living in the Lake Chad Basin countries have been displaced by the depletion of the lake due to climate change. A statement issued by special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, stated that Buhari said the shrink of the Lake Chad, a former island sea, has resulted in increased social conflicts, high rate of migration and cross-border movements. “Nigeria has a large

population of over 170 million people and in some parts of northern Nigeria, a farm that used to belong to 10 people now belongs to over 100 people. They have no other place to live and no land for cultivation,’’ he said. Buhari recalled that a research conducted by a professor in a London university and published more than three decades ago had predicted that unless one or some of the rivers from the Central African region are diverted to empty into the Lake Chad basin, the river would dry up. He noted that sadly the prediction has become a reality as the lake which covers over 25,000 square kilometers in 1925 has shrunk to 2,500 square kilometers. “The amount of resources required and the high technological expertise and infrastructure needed to be undertaken to revive the Lake Chad has to be mainly financed by the G7 and the United States. “The cost is great and more than $14 billion is needed to revive the lake.

“But if that is achieved, at least five million people from Central African Republic in the Lake Chad Basin countries (Chad, Niger, Nigeria and Benin) will be rehabilitated. “When this is done those who are daring to cross the Sahara desert and the Mediterranean to Europe will remain at home because they would have land where they can

cultivate and earn a respectable living,’’ he said. The President used the occasion of his address on the second day of the climate change conference to reiterate his appeal to leaders from the developed countries to make revival of the Lake Chad a top priority. On Nigeria’s plans to tackle climate change, Buhari told the meeting

attended by the French President, UN SecretaryGeneral and several African leaders that the country is blessed with natural gas to boost the country’s energy needs. He said although the technology to optimally utilise natural gas in the country is expensive for the country to maintain, Nigeria welcomes international partnerships

and initiatives for lower carbon in the oil and gas sector that focuses on reducing natural gas flaring and capturing the product for commercial use. Recognising the acute threats that climate change poses to Nigeria’s development, Buhari said his administration is ready to embrace several opportunities presented by the challenges posed by

L-R: Minster for Health, Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole; Minister of Agriculture Audu Ogbe; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Director, Global Good, Intellectual Ventures (GGIV) , Mr. David Keogh and Minister of Budget and National Plannin, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma after signing of MOU between FGN and GGIV on Introducing Events Technology on Sector of Agriculture and Health Care at the presidential villa in Abuja yesterday.

N2.7bn scam: Reps uncover illegal earnings in NERC UBONG UKPONG Abuja

ouse of Representatives yesterday accused the management of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, of illegally arrogating to itself the powers of increasing the salaries and allowances of staff by as much as 120 per cent. The House committee on power uncovered this at the opening of its fourday investigative hearing into allegations that the NERC paid N2.7 billion severance and gratuity to just seven of its commissioners. At the hearing, the power committee led by Hon. Daniel Effiong Asuquo, observed that apart from the outrageous amount approved as severance gratuity to commissioners without recourse to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission as prescribed by

law, the NERC also allegedly jerked up its basic salaries from 120 per cent of un-ascertained basic salary to 100 percent of gross earnings which include salaries and allowances. A member of the committee, Hon. Chris Aigbe, challenged the NERC chairman, Dr. Sam Amadi, on the “deceitful” increase. Agibe said: “What you referred to as reduction from 120 per cent to 100 per cent based on Pension Commission (Pencom) benchmark is right. But what you have refused to tell Nigerians is what you actually reduced from 120 per cent of basic salary to 100 per cent of gross earning which in actual sense is an astronomical increase. “While the reduction represents 20 per cent of basic salary, assuming it is N50, which is about N8, the commission decided to jack it up to 100 per cent of gross earn-

ing which is salary and all other allowances put together. Whereas you have N5 extra in the 120 per cent of basic salary, you now have N100 extra of both salary and allowances which is highly arbitrary in nature. “So, if a staff was earning N50,000 as a basic monthly salary, all other allowances such as medical, transport, housing, generator as we have seen in your document and miscellaneous which may stand at N250,000 would be calculated and added to N50,000. The end result is extra N300,000 per staff according to the gross percentage increase of 100 per cent which you unilaterally adopted in you report,” he said. Other lawmakers observed that the conduct of the NERC as portrayed by the unilateral approval of a huge amount as severance package underscores the level of impunity perpetrated by government

agencies under the last administration. In his defence, Amadi denied report that his commission approved such amount as severance package for commissioners, insisting that, “that was a false report about the payment of N2.7 billion. We did not approve to pay ourselves N2.7 billion as severance package at the NERC.” Amadi explained that the payment was meant for the entire 136 pensionable staff and seven commissioners of the commission out of which 11 staff had retired. “We pride ourselves as a body with the most rule-based-open system of remuneration in this country. “What was agreed on as payment for staff and commissioners was based on the commission’s handbook relating to what percentage of the allowable degree of 100 per cent to 200 or 300 per cent of annual salary to

be paid as gratuity. “Because it is assumed that two years after retirement, you are still in the service of the commission, compensation has to be paid,” Amadi stated. He said the matter was tabled at the National Executive Council, NEC, meeting under President Goodluck Jonathan and was approved by the President who stated that the commissioners were right to fix their salaries, gratuity or pension within the benchmark set by PENCOM and their internal handbook in line with section 42 of the Power Reform Act. “When the media called me to react to the allegation, I told them to come to the office and get the full document, and they said that was the right thing to do. But later at 10pm that evening, they called me to say that their editor asked them to go ahead with the story, and published false-

hood,” Amadi alleged. While declaring the hearing open, Deputy Speaker, Suleiman Lasun, said it is a shame that N2.7 trillion was spent since 1999 on power without any result. He said: “All of us know what power is. And Nigeria has been struggling in the last 50 years to generate at least between 2,500 megawatts and 4,000 megawatts. It is sad! “How can we as a parliament be ignored to the extent that we woke up one morning and heard that the Discos and Gencos had been privatised without the involvement and input of the House committee on Power. It’s not done anywhere,” Lasun bemoaned. Also in his welcome address, Hon. Asuquo had accused NERC of trying to frustrate the investigation by not obliging information as earlier requested by the committees.

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Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Kachikwu vows to end fuel scarcity Udeme Akpan

inister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, has assured Nigerians that the current fuel scarcity would not extend to the yuletide. This is just as Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company, NIPCO Plc, one of the oil marketing companies, restated its commitment to import more petroleum product cargoes to augment supplies from the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. Kachikwu, who gave the assurance yesterday while on tour of oil depots in Lagos, noted that December is a critical month in terms of the demand for products to enable movement across the

country, adding that government would take all necessary steps to avoid products shortfall during the month. He said: “We need to put in place foolproof measures to ensure that stations across the nooks and crannies of the country are wet, to guarantee easy access at government-approved rates even as the Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has been directed to ensure strict compliance to the N87 per litre regime at all filling stations.” The Minister apologised to Nigerians on the current scarcity, saying that every step is being taken to end it. While acknowledging the support of NIPCO for its commencement of product importation, Kachikwu urged other marketers to commence importation of products as all pending obligations to them in the

realm of subsidy payments, and other ancillary commitments were being fulfilled by the government. The Minister commended the efforts of the company which he referred as a Nigerian investment sitting on a Nigerian soil, adding: “We need to rally round the company and support her in the overall interest of the nation and the populace.” Earlier, NIPCO’s Managing Director, Mr Venkataraman Venkatapathy, said the company had remained an ally of government in ensuring product availability nationwide through its depot operations, branded stations and independent marketer’s outlets who load in its terminal. He noted that pricing of petroleum products at its depot had always been at the government approved rates, adding that concerted efforts

are also made to ensure that only registered marketers with verifiable outlets load in the company. Venkatapathy however urged government to address the problem of gas supply shortage, especially in the realm of Compressed Natural Gas, as vehicular fuel as such move would save the nation and the citizenry hiccups always being experienced in the importation of liquid fuels. According to him, it is in pursuance of harnessing the abundant gas resources in the country that the company in a Joint Venture with Nigeria Gas Company (NGC) floated Green Gas Ltd to provide necessary infrastructures that could aid use of gas as vehicular fuel as well as powering of industrial concerns. The NIPCO boss pointed out that the JV scheme had resulted in the conversion of

L-R: Minister of State for Solid Minerals Development, Alhaji Abubakar Bwari; Director-General, National Raw Materials Exploration Agency, Mr Alex Ohikere and Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, during the Minister’s visit to National Raw Materials Exploration Agency, in Kaduna, yesterday.

Olusegun Koiki

reland’s Minister for Agriculture, Food, Marine and Defence, Mr. Simon Coveney, has commended the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, for its massive investment in technology. Coveney in a statement issued by the corps Head, Media Relations and Strategy, Mr. Bisi Kazeem, stated that such practice could enhance its operations and modernisation programmes. Kazeem said the minister gave the commendation while on a courtesy visit to

over 4,000 vehicles in Benin City alone with seven CNG outlets while the Ibafo station in Ogun State has also commenced operation along the line. The industry expert said investments in the Green Gas Ltd was already yielding desired result as a revolution not only in Nigeria but in the entire Africa, adding that the development will save government lots of

foreign exchange at a time the nation is witnessing lots of stress in importing petrol. It would be recalled that NIPCO had few days ago hinted of its importation of 37 million litres of petrol even when most marketers had shunned importation owing to the outstanding subsidy claims of over N413 billion yet to be paid by government.

Workers’ demands: FAAN, unions reach truce

lusegun Koiki After reaching a truce with leadership of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, ATSSSAN, the management of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has finally agreed to increase staff allowances and claims in its organisation. This was contained in a communiqué singed by leaders of three aviation unions and the management team of FAAN at the end of their closed-door meeting on Monday at its headquarters at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, Lagos. The communiqué was made available to some journalists in Lagos yesterday. Signatories to the agreement on the side of the unions included Kehinde Rotimi for ATSSSAN, Olayinka Abioye for National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, and Emeka Njoku for National Union of Pensioners, NUP, while FAAN was represented by Mr. Abraham Inajoh and B.J. Adeyemi, director and manager human resources respectively. With this development,

FAAN has accepted to meet the workers’ demands by commencing the payment of furniture grants by January 2016 and the modalities for the payment of 27 per cent salary arrears would be worked out before Monday, December 7. On the issue of promotion exercise, FAAN management in the communiqué promised to conclude all issues relating to promotion by December 17, while every qualified employee of the agency would be given opportunity to participate in the exercise to be strictly done in accordance with the condition of service by involving the unions. The meeting also resolved to evolve modalities for the payment of the accrued pension benefits from Pencom while the unions would partner with FAAN to recover all debts owed the organisation. The communiqué also stated that the managements of FAAN and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, confirmed that Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, BASL, had not been given approval for regional operations.

Ireland minister lauds FRSC over technology investment the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi, at its headquarters in Abuja. He stated that the minister was accompanied by Ambassador of Republic of Ireland to Nigeria, Mr. Sean Hoy. He said Coveney commended the FRSC for not only embracing, but sustaining the use of technology in its management of traffic, noting that the practice was what the corps needed to achieve its goal of making the roads safer in this era of

massive motorisation. He particularly commended FRSC for embracing the programmes of International Computer Driving Licence, ICDL, through which about 2,000 staff of the corps had been trained and certified. Conveney further stated that the certificates awarded by ICDL were recognised globally, adding that with sustained efforts all FRSC staff could equally benefit from the training programme and be certified for enhanced sys-

tem management. Chairman of E-Tech (Nigeria), Abdulkareem Uthman Mustapha, at the event commended Oyeyemi for sustaining the training programme which FRSC embraced years ago, saying FRSC had by that practice distinguished itself as a reputable public institution with leadership that believed in international best practices. According to him, with the change of leadership in the corps last year, many

people had thought that the ICDL programme would die naturally in FRSC, but they were pleasantly surprised that the succeeding leadership was prepared to take the programme to even greater heights without prompting, saying it indicated that the FRSC believed in quality management system. In his remarks, the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Sean Hoy, who expressed satisfaction with the level of commitment shown by the leadership and staff of the

FRSC to issues of technology especially the adoption of ICDL programmes, promised that his country would collaborate with FRSC in areas of mutual interests. Highlights of the visit were the presentation of the 2014 Best Practices Award to FRSC by chairman of E-Tech (Nigeria), Mr Abdulkareem Mustapha, and presentation of certificates to some of the staff who participated in the last ICDL programme.

South West

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ambode shops for funds to tackle insecurity FRANCIS SUBERU

overnor Akinwunmui Ambode of Lagos State has enlisted the support of corporate organisations operating in the state in the area of funds so as to

effectively tackle security challenge in the state. The government in a statement signed by Executive Secretary of Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun, said it has also concluded plan to host the annual Town Hall

Meeting on Security. According to Balogun, the summit being organised by the trust fund will be the first under the present administration and the ninth in the series, and will afford Ambode opportunity to render account of the fund.

He said the governor would not only present the audit report but also solicit more donations to the fund, in compliance with its duty of accounting to the public on its activities. Balogun said, “The Town Hall meeting will also provide an avenue for

L-R: Guest Lecturer/Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi; host Governor Rauf Aregbesola; Alhaji Lateef Femi Okunnu and Oyo State Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Akin Oke, during the Seventh Annual Public Lecture of Nigeria Association of Muslim Law Students, Obafemi Awolowo University chapter, in honour of Alhaji Lateef Femi Okunnu, at the university’s Conference Centre, Ile-Ife, Osun State, yesterday.

Aregbesola seeks Assembly’s nod to draw from Conservative Fund B OLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

sun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday sought the approval of the House of Assembly to draw N1.25 billion from the Omoluabi Conservation Fund, OCF. The governor in a letter dated November 27, which was read by the Speaker, Najeem Salaam at the plenary, claimed the request, if granted, will assist government in the provision of infrastructure in the state. Omoluabi Conservation Fund Laws 2012, sponsored by the execu-

tive, was passed by the Assembly as a way of bailing out the state in emergency situations. The letter reads: “The law stipulates that an amount not exceeding 50 per cent of the outstanding balance in the fund can be withdrawn upon the approval of the Assembly to address such emergency. “You are quite aware that for some months now, the state government has been having serious financial challenge which have been preventing it from meeting some of her basic functions. “This development is largely attributable to

the national economic downturn aggravated by the continuous decline in revenue accruable to the state from Federation Account in the last two years. “The insufficient fund has made it difficult for government to meet the basic needs of the people, especially the provision of infrastructure to enhance physical development of the state which is certainly an emergency that is not palatable. “It is against this background that I seek the approval of the Honourable house of Assembly to withdraw the sum of N1.25 billion being 50

per cent of the N2.5 billion in Osun Omoluabi Conservation Fund to assist government in the provision of infrastructure in the state.” The speaker subsequently directed that the letter be forwarded to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation for proper consideration. He directed that the committee should refer to the law, ascertain whether the request was in compliance with the law and report back to the house within one week, with a view to giving the request the appropriate attention it deserves.

Chrisland University resumes FRANKA OSAKWE

hrisland University, one of the nine private universities that recently received license to operate, has announced Monday January 4, 2016 as its resumption date for the 2015/2016 academic session. In a statement signed by the registrar, Mr. Elvis Lawale, the university

said it will kick off at its temporary site located on the hilltop of Ajebo road, Abeokuta, Ogun State with two approved faculties by the National Universities Commission, NUC. They are College of Natural and Applied Sciences and The College of Management and Social Sciences. According to Lawale, enrolment of students will continue until early

February when the university matriculation ceremony is expected to hold. The university has been equipped with the latest e-learning facilities, state-of-the-art laboratories, recreation and sports center, it was revealed. It also has decent accommodation with all rooms en suite for maximum of three occupants per room. With the establishment of the university, Chris-

land Schools Limited, a brand that has been consistent in private education business for almost four decades, has fully realised its vision which states that “Our vision is to be at the forefront in the private education sector and to nurture the children to become all they can be through quality all-round education from kindergarten to tertiary level.”

the governor to share his ideas on security and get feedback from decision makers and stakeholders, while the Commissioner of Police will present the security report of the state to the public. “Also, other activities such as the recognition of outstanding security operatives and other stakeholders are done at these Town Hall meetings.” Ambode had recently donated security equipment worth N4.7b to the police, saying the donation was meant to improve on security apparatus of the state. Equipment donated include 100 4-door Salon cars, 55 Ford Ranger pick-ups, 10 Toyota Land Cruiser pick-ups, 15 BMW power bikes, 100 power

bikes, Isuzu trucks and three helicopters. Other items are two gun boats, 15 Armoured Personnel Carriers, APCs, revolving lights, siren and public address system, Vehicular Radio Communicators and security gadgets including bullet proof vests, helmets and handcuffs. The governor said; “We are raising the bar and repositioning Lagos State Police Command to a standard comparable to similar outfits in other modern city states. Our Police Command will have its operations significantly driven by the right technology and equipment that will match the emerging sophistication of crime in our contemporary time.”

Workers shutdown BUA Group over service condition

ngry workers yesterday went wild and shut down operations of BUA Group over poor condition of service. The workers, chanting war songs invaded the head office of the company, along Adetokunbo Ademola street in Victoria Island, Lagos, about 12.30pm. The protesters crippled the operations of the company as the gates were shut, thereby preventing access by workers and visitors alike. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Abdulsamad Rabiu, could not attend crucial meetings as the protesters demanded that he must address them on plans the company has for their welfare. Policemen, who were drafted to maintain law and order, had hectic time controlling the angry workers. Expressing their frustration through wild screams and chanting war songs, the workers blamed the company and its management for poor work condition and anti-labour practices. A protester, who simply identified himself as Emeka, stressed that having worked for the

company for over 12 years, he has nothing to show for it and was now facing a grim future as the company was massively laying off all its workers without any tangible benefits. He said: “Many of our workers have died because of the very poor and unsuitable work environment; some of us are nursing various kinds of illnesses. A few weeks ago I had to undergo a surgery for hernia and many of my colleagues can no longer breathe properly because their lungs are blocked from the dust from the flour we produce.” Some of the protesters told National mirror that BUA was selling off the flour arm of its business to a new owner. They said, while not carrying them along in the process of the sale of the company, BUA also refused to pay any reasonable disengagement benefits. “Can you imagine I have worked for this company for almost 14 years and they are now sending me away because they said the company has been sold. They are going to pay me only one month salary as my disengagement package,” another protester said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

S’West farmers, herdsmen’s crisis: Fulani leaders set up surveillance committee KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

L-R: Assistant Superetendent of Police, Christian Nwokolo; Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni; and Commander, Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS), ACP Olatunji Disu, after a meeting in Lagos, yesterday.

Synagogue: Court stops trial of engineers, church trustees WALE IGBINTADE

Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday ordered the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to stop the ongoing trial of two engineers who built the collapsed guest house of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN. Justice Ibrahim Buba granted an order of injunction restraining the Commissioner of Police from arresting and detaining the applicants. The orders, the judge said, would subsist until the engineers’ appeal against his earlier ruling is determined by the Court of Appeal. Ruling on the engineers’ application for an injunction pending on the appeal, Justice Buba, urged the prosecution to ensure the appeal is heard expeditiously. Said he: “In the circumstances of this case, the

counter affidavit has not been able to show that I should not exercise my discretion judicially and judiciously. “Even though the applicants had suffered defeat in this court, I am inclined to granting this application on the caveat or rider that the applicants must pursue their appeal diligently and vigorously so that justice can be done to all parties. “The application for injunction pending appeal has merit and is granted. If the applicants fail to prosecute the appeal diligently, the order can be vacated by this court or the Court of Appeal, depending on the situation, the time and place.” Lagos State had preferred a 111-count charge against the Registered Trustees of SCOAN and the engineers over the collapsed building. Their arraignment was stalled on Monday and Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo of the Ikeja High Court adjourned till December 11 because of the state’s

inability to serve three of the defendants with the charge. The charge borders on the defendant’s alleged failure to obtain approval for the collapsed building contrary to Section 41 of the Urban and Regional Planning Laws of Lagos State, and involuntary manslaughter, contrary to Section 222 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State. The engineers – Oladele Ogundeji and Akinbela Fatiregun – had appealed against Justice Buba’s November 9 ruling on their fundamental rights suit in which they sought to prevent their trial over the collapse which occurred on September 12 last year, killing 116 persons, including South Africans. They had urged the court to restrain the Lagos State government and the police from inviting, arresting or prosecuting them after they had been indicted by a District Coroner, Oyetade Komolafe, a magistrate, who held in his verdict that the build-

ing collapsed due to structural defects. He recommended the engineers for investigation and prosecution for alleged criminal negligence. But Justice Buba dismissed the application on the basis that the engineers did not make a successful case that their rights were about to be infringed. Dissatisfied, the engineers appealed. Following their appeal, they brought a fresh application before Justice Buba, praying the court to restrain the Commissioner of Police “from arresting, detaining the appellants/applicants for any reason whatsoever in connection with the verdict of the fourth respondent (Komolafe) dated 8th July, 2015 pending the determination of the appellant’s/ applicant’s appeal against the ruling of the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, delivered by Hon. Justice Ibrahim Buba on 9th November, 2015.”

Oluwo assures subjects of improved living condition BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

ewly-installed Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, has assured the people of the town of his readiness to improve their living condition. Speaking with newsmen in Iwo, the monarch

expressed appreciation to God and the people of Iwoland for their support in the last three years the matter of Oluwo stool was a subject of litigation. While saying that the growth of Iwoland remains of paramount interest to him, Oba Adewale stated that his wealth of experience acquired after sojourning

in Europe for many years would be leveraged upon to fast-track the development of the town. ”Iwo town is very significant in the history of Yorubaland. That is why all and sundry should support me in moving the town forward,” the monarch said. He also promised to work on bringing many investors

to the town with an assurance that in few years, Iwo town would be the food basket of Osun State. Commending Governor Aregbesola for allowing justice to prevail in the selection process of the new monarch of Iwo town, the royal father described the governor as “a man of peace and sincerity.”

oncerned by the incessant crisis between Fulani herdsmen and farmers whose farm holdings were recently destroyed by cattle grazing in some states in the South West, the leadership of the Fulani community in the zone has set up a surveillance committee to liaise with the affected farmers and herdsmen with a view to dousing the tension. National Mirror learnt that the committee would, as part of its mandate, assess damages to affected farm holdings by the itinerant Fulani herdsmen and work out a commensurate compensation for the victims. The Sardaunan Yamma and leader of the Fulani community in the South West, Alhaji Haruna Maiyasin, who is also the Sarkin Sasa of Ibadanland, made the disclosure yesterday while hosting a meeting between Fulani herdsmen and farmers from Iwo, Osun State, in his Sasa palace, Ibada.

Maiyasin, while canvassing for dialogue between the Fulani herdsmen and farmers, said this is the enduring solution to the recurring crisis just as he decried, in strong terms, the inflammatory calls from some quarters for reprisal attacks on one another. He also urged Fulani parents to keep eyes on their children and wards so as to guard them against engaging in criminal and other antisocial activities. The visiting team from Iwo, led by the Sarkin Hausawa of Iwo, Alhaji Ado Galadima, expressed gratitude to the Sarkin Sasa for convening the meeting, stating that Iwo community would not witness any Fulani herdsmen/farmers crisis. Leader of the Fulani community in Osun State, Alhaji Sulaiman Oluwatoyin, acknowledged the leadership prowess of the Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in managing the itinerant Fulani herdsmen in the state.

HoS seeks removal of labour issues from exclusive list ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

kiti State Head of Service, HoS, Dr. Olugbenga Faseluka, has advocated the removal of labour matters from the Exclusive to the Concurrent legislative list. Faseluka said the removal of labour matters from the Exclusive legislative list would help avert industrial face-off between labour and government on issues relating to labour. The HoS spoke yesterday in a paper titled, ‘Achieving Industrial Harmony in the Public Service: Finding a Common Pathway,’ he delivered at the second biannual symposium of the Association of Resident Doctors in Ekiti State in Ado Ekiti. Faseluka said the present arrangement whereby “the Federal Government

unilaterally decides on industrial matters which will result in outcomes that have implications for sub-national governments deserves a closer scrutiny.” Faseluka, who disclosed that Ekiti State has evolved a strong internal dispute resolution mechanism within the public service asserted that the state, has enjoyed “relative peaceful industrial relations since return to civil rule in 1999.” He stated that aside strikes induced by failure of compromise at the national level, workers in the state have not embarked on a local strike occasioned by failure of internal dispute resolution mechanism. The HoS adduced industrial conflicts to dereliction of duty, especially wages and entitlements on the part of employers.

South East

Customs boss threatens to jail corrupt officers Chris Njoku OWERRI

omptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (retd), yesterday threatened to jail any officer and men of the establishment caught in corrupt practices, stressing the need to enforce discipline in the paramilitary for a better organisation. The comptroller-general, who made the threat during an official visit to NCS AbiaImo Command Headquarters, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’, Owerri, in continuation of his tour to units nationwide, maintained that bad eggs in the service must be weeded out. Col. Ali, who also visited Government House Owerri to interact with Governor Rochas Okorocha, advised officers and men of the establishment to shun all forms of indiscipline and nonchalant attitude to duty, warning that any of them found guilty of any form of corruption would be shown the way out. He gave the warning while addressing a cross-section of Customs officers of

Imo-Abia Command in Owerri, adding that as a paramilitary institution in need of reformation, discipline must be enforced to remedy the ills that had traditionally overwhelmed the organisation. He said the Federal Government is desirous to lay a solid foundation by tackling corruption in all its ramifications so as to move the service forward. The customs boss advised them to shun lobbying for posting to areas of their choice, stating that henceforth promotion within the service would be based purely on merit. “After three months, any officer still glued to his seat and who refuses posting will be shown the way out of the service.” According to him, anybody who feels that gaining employment into the establishment is to make quick and easy money should know that the service is not a place for such person. He however assured that the Federal Government would henceforth accord stronger emphasis on provision of refresher courses to encourage efficiency and productivity among staff.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Pension payment: PTAD recovers N100m monthly for FG Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

ension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, PTAD, yesterday said it has saved the Federal Government about N100 million monthly in fraudulent pension payments. Director-General of PTAD, Mr. Nellie Mayshak, stated this while addressing journalists in Abakaliki during verification exercise of civil service pensioners that took place in Abakaliki and other parts of South-East. Mayshak noted that the objective of the verification exercises are to establish a credible, authentic and digitalised database of pen-

sioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, DBS, as well as eliminate duplicate payments and fish out ghost workers. He noted that the verification is also aimed at regularising anomalies such as overpayment and underpayment of salaries to pensioners across the country. “PTAD is as a directorate under the Federal Ministry of Finance established in August 2013 in compliance with the provisions of section 30 sub-section (2) (a) of the Pension Reform Act of 2004 and as restated in section 42(1) of the amended act of 2014 to manage the old pension scheme (Defined Benefit Schemes –DBS) for pensioners who retired on

or before June 2007 and did not transit to the new contributory scheme. “With the successful completion of the nationwide biometric verification of Police, Customs, Immigration and Prison Pensioners, PTAD was able to Identify and remove over 3,000 bogus names from the payroll. This has in effect saved the Federal Government about N100 million monthly in fraudulent pension payments. “We are able to restore monthly pension payments to genuine pensioners previously removed from the payroll, including 750 pensioners (comprising 529 regular police retirees and 221 Next of Kin (NOKs) who had never been paid any pension

or gratuity, some for over 10 years after retirement.” The official stated the commission’s preparedness to bring sanity in the payment of pension to pensioners, adding that pensioners who were not receiving their pensions prior to the establishment of PTAD, can now be paid. He added that the verification started on November 1 with pensioners in the North West zone of the country covering Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara states and will be closely followed by the South East zone of Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia and Imo states from November 30 – December 12.

Umahi declares support for Buhari Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

bonyi State Governor, David Umahi, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday declared total support for the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Umahi, at the State’s zonal PDP rally in the state township stadium, said his support for Buhari was geared towards bringing development to the people of Ebonyi, adding, however, that he cannot quit PDP. The governor further noted that his reason for supporting the Buhari administration was because Ebonyi has been massively cheated in the past in national appointments, which he doesn’t want to continue. He described the President as his boss who should not be disrespected, and used the occasion to dismiss the insinuation that he was planning to dump PDP for APC because of unalloyed

support for the President. “We have been massively cheated in the past in the national cake and now we must support our president to get the cakes. We must show respect for our President who is our boss,” he said. He said the state will remain a PDP state, describing the party as a place to stay and a party to beat in the state. “PDP is the answer; PDP is a place to stay. PDP is strong in Ebonyi and PDP is working in Ebonyi. “Our party will continue to be very strong, continue to be shining example for other political parties in the state. If anyone wants to deceive you, tell him: na PDP we belong.” He commended the forum for organising the rally and pledged readiness to develop the state. The governor said within a year of his administration, all the roads and streets in the city would be tarred, lights installed in all the streets as becoming of a state with functional capital.

L-R: Branch Manager, Sterling Bank, Owerri, Emeka Okpara; Comedian Buchi and CEO Ifeco Communications, Ifeanyi Opara, at the Glo Laffta Fest show held by Globacom in Owerri, Imo State, recently.

200 rape cases receiving attention in Enugu —WACOL Emmanuel Ezeh ENUGU

everal groups staged anti-rape campaign in Enugu yesterday, lamenting the increasing menace of rape across the country. The groups, mostly women, carried out the exercise under the auspices of the TAMAR Sexual Assault Referral Centre, SARC, a joint initiative of the Women’s Aid Collective, WACOL, a non-governmental organisation. Addressing journalists on the essence of the exercise, WACOL Director, Dr. Joy Ezilo, said the prevalence of

rape, especially with minors as victims, had become worrisome. Ezilo, who lauded the partnership between the organisation and the Enugu State Police Command, said it received reports of over 200 rape cases within the last one year, adding that it was providing free legal services for the victims. She described rape as endemic. She said: “We are out today to demand an end to this impunity. The stage of denials is over; we are now at the level of reality. It is common knowledge that children between the ages of 1-10 years are now very vulnerable.

“So, today, we are leading in this campaign to call on mothers to protect their children; we are calling on the men to join in the war against this madness; we are calling on states to come up with laws that would be used to defeat this social malady.” Lamenting the increasing abuse of minors, Ezilo said, “Right now there is a case we are handling; a particular primary school child suddenly started living a life of withdrawal, the teacher who had known her for long, made enquiries and discovered that her father has been abusing her. “This brings us to the is-

sue of cause of rape; why is it on the increase? Some people talk of dressing but it is not true; what of a 10-month-old girl? Is it her breast or what? “We have a case now of an 80-year-old great grandmother, who was raped while sleeping. What is the reason; is it also her dressing? She was left traumatised, very close to her grave.” She urged the society to take up the cases of rape seriously, stressing that “there is no need hiding it; it should be reported. Sexual violence is an abuse of human rights; it should not go unpunished.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

PDP faults call for state of emergency in Rivers Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

ivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday faulted the call on President Muhammadu Buhari by a former member of the National Assembly, Senator Wilson Ake, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. Ake, who is also a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, had sought a declaration of a state of

emergency in Rivers as a result of the rate of crime in the state. But briefing newsmen in Port Harcourt yesterday, state chairman of the PDP, Felix Obuah, described as myopic, the statement credited to Ake, adding that such a call was misplaced, considering that Rivers State has been peaceful Obuah explained that Ake did not understand a situation that warrants a state of emergency, noting that the state has remained

Era of abandoned project in Rivers over, Wike declares Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

ivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the era of abandoned project in the state is over, adding that he would complete all inherited projects and drive all those started by his administration to a logical conclusion. This is as the governor said the state is on course, in view of his administration’s determined and sustained intervention in infrastructural development. Addressing residents of Borikiri, a suburb of Port Harcourt yesterday during his regular project inspection, Wike said his administration’s interventions are focused on the people and the need to make them

Sebastine Ebhuomhan BENIN

eaders of Benin Forum have scored Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, high on infrastructural development of the state. The apex socio-political organisation in Edo State gave the score-card when its members led by the Esogban of Benin kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, joined Governor Oshiomhole on an official inspection of projects in Benin City. Chief Edebiri, who marvelled at the level of reclamation of sites seized by the Queen Ede gully erosion, urged the opposition and other critics of the state government to check out government projects so that they

have faith in good governance. He stated that the state government has engaged quality contractors who have the necessary capacity to deliver on schedule. According to the governor, “we are working round the clock to deliver on the massive infrastructural development we promised the people of the state. “I am happy that our people are cooperating with the contractors. That is why all projects are being executed satisfactorily. As a government, I will ensure that all meaningful projects I inherited are completed. The period of abandoned projects is over. “I urge our people to keep up the spirit as we (government) strive to revive the state.”

peaceful under the current administration of Governor Nyesom Wike. He, however, denied any involvement of the PDP in the violence that rocked the state before and during the 2015 general election, adding that it is wrong for the APC to continue to accuse the ruling party in the state of being behind any electoral violence. According to Obuah, “we are not bothered by the call on President (Muhammadu) by former Senator Ake to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. What would warrant a state of emer-

gency in a very peaceful and coordinated state under the PDP leadership? “We are convinced that Ake does not understand what situations warrant a call for a declaration of a state of emergency. His (Ake) call is only a defeatist ranting. “Let me us say that the PDP will not condescend so low to the level of playing politics with the lives of Rivers people by celebrating falsehood and deceit. I sympathise with the families of whoever has died. But the PDP does not have a hand in the death of anybody before

and during the election,” he said. Alleging that the APC governorship candidate in the 2015 general election in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, is being addressed as ‘governor’ by his supporters, Obuah called on the Federal Government to investigate the matter. Obuah stated that the state government is committed to the security of lives and property in Rivers, adding that the state PDP would soon embark on a peace rally in the state and urged all political parties, including the APC, to be part of the

L-R: President, Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), Mr Emi Membere-Otaji; Financial Secretary, Phccima, Mr. Amaziah Otunyo and Publicity Secretary, Phccima,Pastor Alabi Oluwatonyi, during a news conference on the forthcoming 11th edition of Port Harcourt International Trade Fair in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Benin forum slams Oshiomhole’s critics

would be better informed about how the money that comes to Edo State is being spent. Edebiri said: “We have 12 wards in Oredo and I would love them to, one day, come and see this. Those critics - lame duck critics at home - let them come and see what is going on here so that they may know that any money that comes to this state is for development and not wasted or appropriated to individual pockets. “The work going on here is simply marvellous and I have asked that those lame duck critics in Benin City and elsewhere should be given the opportunity to come and see this work. Only people with large heart can ven-

exercise. But in a swift reaction, the state publicity secretary of the APC, Mr. Chris Finebone, said his party had no way of stopping those addressing Peterside as governor, saying, “we don’t know what they (PDP) mean by people referring to Dakuku Peterside as governor.” Finebone, however, explained that Senator Ake sought for a declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State based on his (Ake) belief that the state government was behind the alleged chaos in the state.

ture into this type of work to salvage many people’s lives from imminent flood destruction. “I am impressed and every good person will be impressed. It means that every penny that comes to this state is used for the benefit of the people and not what we used to have here in this state where few people appropriated public and state money as their own personal money. So, I thank the governor for doing what he is doing for the people of Edo State in general and for the residents of Benin City in particular.” Also speaking, the Enogie of Evbuobanosa, Prof. Greg Akenzua said: “A lot of earthwork is being done at Queen Ede

Erosion site. As you can see, many of the homes there have been restored and the people are quite happy with the governor as he has brought happiness to them; he has saved their homes. We really must commend the governor for his courage.” At Upper Siluko, which was hitherto devastated by flood, Prof. Akenzua said: “We can see that a lot of money has been spent here. Those who knew the difficulty of this terrain will appreciate this. Many people had abandoned their houses because of the flood; now they are all returning and the Teachers House was notorious for the flood water that used to be here. It was not passable. But now, look at

the road, quite solid and the drains are wide and the place is dry. We are very happy. The people in the neighbourhood are all cheering as we appeared.” On his part, one-time Minister of Science Technology and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Emmanuel Emovon, said: “Oshiomhole is doing marvellously well and we will support him in every way. He is a saviour to most areas of Benin. He has done extremely well and anybody who thinks Oshiomhole hasn’t done well would have to examine his head.” A resident of the Queen Ede area, Mrs. Grace Osawe, said: “He has tried and did a lot in Benin. He

repaired our roads; repaired our place. I almost left this place if not for Oshiomhole. May God lift up Oshiomhole and he will continue to reign.” Also, Mrs. Mary Omoruyi said: “Whoever said Oshiomhole is not good is the bad person. Unlike before him, he uses the money that comes to the state to work for us and not share it among some individuals. If not for his intervention, this place was almost lost to flood and erosion.” Other members of the Benin Forum on the tour include Prof. Dennis Agbonlahor, Mr. Daniel Inneh, Dr. Nosa Aladeselu, Col. Paul Ogbebor (rtd) and Prof. Princess (Mrs.) Adesuwa Emovon.

North

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG policies’ll ensure economic stability –Osinbajo Rotimi Fadeyi

ice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday said the policies of the present administration to boost business activities would ensure stability of the economy. Osinbajo spoke at the 2015 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSME, summit held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa. According to him, there were a lot of opportunities to access funds by the MSMEs and existence of those who need the fund but they lack the connection to do so. The Vice President stated that an effective monitoring and evaluation mechanism for MSME funds would address the existing gaps and enable the economy to grow. “We need a very effective monitoring and evaluation so that we can address where exactly the gaps exist and the shortfalls are. “It is evident that the programmes are there; it is evident that the resources are there; it is also evident that the entrepreneurs are there; those who want to get engaged are there. We need to make that very impor-

tant link between the two,’’ he said. Osinbajo disclosed that the President Muhammadu Buhariled administration is determined to ensure that every Nigerian has a fair chance to do business by making it easy to get business permits, following due process. He explained that efforts would be made to correct the business index which makes Nigeria one of the worst places to do business. Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Investment, Aisha Abubakar, said one of the objectives of the summit is to find ways of removing all bottlenecks to investment. She said government would focus more attention on the solid minerals sector for economic growth and reduction in poverty level. Director-g eneral, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, Alhaji Bature Masari, stressed the need for the establishment of MSME bank for empowerment and job creation. According to him, the dwindling oil revenue calls for diversification of the economy which could be propelled by the MMSE operators.

Kaduna State Governor Nasiru Ahmed el-Rufai (left) and Speaker, House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Abdullahi Shagali, during the presentation of 2016 Budget to the Assembly in Kaduna, yesterday.

NEMA records 410 births, 187 marriages in IDP camps Gloria Usman, ABUJA

ational Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, yesterday said over 410 births were recorded between August and September and that 187 marriages were conducted among internally displaced persons, IDP, camps in Borno and Adamawa states. Director-general of the agency, Muhammad

Sani Sidi, stated this when members of the Bring Back Our Girls Group, BBOG, paid him a courtesy call in his office. Sani Sidi explained that 100 marriages were conducted in Maiduguri camps alone and 87 were recorded in Adamawa camps. He said emergency education for IDPs children became a major priority after unprecedented insurgency attacks on

Jerry Gana still political force at 70 –Bello Priscilla Dennis, MINNA

overnor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has felicitated with former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, on his 70th birthday anniversary, saying, he was still a political force in the country. Bello eulogised the leadership quality of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, leader whose political affiliation, he said, cuts

across the nation’s political landscape, religion and tribal divide. The governor, in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Jibrin Baba Ndace, in Minna, said Gana has remained politically relevant, not only to Niger State, his place of birth in particular, but also the country in general. Describing Gana as a bridge builder, Governor Bello recalled that since he came to public limelight during his days as director-gener-

al of the defunct Directorate of Food, Road and Rural Infrastructure, DIFRRI, the professor of Geography has continued to be a force to reckon with in the political landscape of the country. He added: “Professor Gana has over the years remained a relevant force in the democratic evolution of a modern Nigeria. He has within his adulthood built bridges across the six geo-political regions of the country. A totally detrablised leader, our

elder statesman, an erudite scholar, political mobiliser and administrator par-excellence, he has remained the shining light of our people. “I recall with nostalgia the way he handled his assignment at DIFRRI, which led to the opening up of many rural communities; his contributions to the development of modern democratic ethos as a founding father of one of the nation’s political parties, where he served

students, teachers and schooling infrastructure where about 269 teachers lost their lives. He said the agency, in ensuring efficient management of camps has trained personnel in camp coordination and camp management, CCCM, and deployed to manage various IDP camps in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, as well as provide the specialised needs of vulnerable people dur-

as founding secretary to the party’s Board of Trustee, BOT, indeed qualified him as one of Nigeria’s bright leaders. “He injected a new drive into public information management during his stint as Minister of Information. His ability to play with words remains legendary in recent time. “It is our prayer that God will preserve his life, so that the country can continue to tap from his wealth of experience.”

ing emergencies. He appealed that the advocacy group should extend their platform to other issues like unaccompanied minors and mass childbirths in the camps as disaster management is multidisciplinary, multidimensional and multitasking. Earlier, leader of the group, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, had expressed displeasure over the abduction of the Chibok girls, saying that “today marks 596 days they have been abducted” and looked up to NEMA for more cooperation and mobilisation efforts to protect and care for the vulnerable in the society. Similarly, the chairman of the Bring Back Our Girls Group, Aisha Yesufu, stated that they were at the agency’s head office for collaboration in areas of education, IDPs living conditions, security, health and so on, and how their platform could be helpful to support the efforts of the Federal Government and the IDPs where the agency deems it necessary.

Wednesday December 2, 2015

I built APGA from the scratch in Abia –Ufomba

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Politics

Reps warn states against running LGs with committees George Opara ABUJA

L-R: Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson; Chairman, Restoration Campaign Organisation Advisory Committee, Senator Barigha Nimi Amangi and Acting State Chairman of PDP, Barr. Serena Dokubo-Spiff, at the State INEC Stakeholders meeting in Yenagoa, yesterday.

Count me out of arms deal –Saraki Ayo Esan

enate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has dissociated himself from the N60bn arms deal involving the immediate past National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd). Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, stated that contrary to report published in an online medium, SaharaReporters, he has never had anything to do with purchase of security equipment because in his entire political career he never served in any committee or body which has any link with Defence or national security. “As a member of the Seventh Senate, Dr. Saraki was not a member of any of the committees which have oversight function on the Ministry of Defence or the intelligence and national security apparatus. If he was tagged the leader of the opposition to the Jonathan administration, how then will he be privy to arms purchases and have the influence to blackmail any government agency or institution over the release of funds.

“The Senate President would like to alert members of the public to this new plot by this particular online medium, SaharaReporters to tarnish his reputation as the medium and its sponsors pursue the singular objective of removing him from the office of the Senate President, an objective they have since failed to achieve within and outside the National Assembly”, Olaniyonu said. He said SaharaReporters and its sponsors chose to drag the Senate President to this reigning and current issue of arms purchase by insinuating that he once blackmailed the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN to give him and other senators the sum of N250 million as a way of covering up the arbitrary withdrawal by the NSA from the security fund approved by the former President. “First, there is no logic in SaharaReporters’ claim as Dr. Saraki who was persecuted by the last administration could not have had the influence and good standing to walk up to the Central Bank to demand for any money having exposed many atrocities of the past administration. Again, on what ground

would the Senate President blackmail anyone for N250 million? It must be emphasized here that Dr. Saraki will never engage in any sharp practice or issue which will warrant him to blackmail any individual or government institution. “Therefore for record purposes, Dr. Saraki did not collect any money from any official of the CBN in respect of any arms deal. The Senate President also challenge SaharaReporters or any official of the apex bank, Senator, serving or past, who witnessed or participated in any sharing of the alleged money purported to have been received by him, to come out with evidence. “It should be recalled that SaharaReporters believe it can continue to disparage and defame people claiming that it is operating outside the country. The medium cannot operate above the law. “This same medium had falsely published the data page of a forged passport it purportedly claimed belonged to Saraki. The Home Office in the United Kingdom has since written to confirm that the said passport, does not belong to the Senate President. Also, Sahara-

Reporters once claimed that Saraki bribed some judges using a former Chief Justice of Nigeria as a front. The claim has since been proven to be false. Anybody who knows the reputation of the retired Justice in question knows that he cannot be used to pervert the cause of justice, Olaniyonu said. He further said that SaharaReporters claimed that Saraki tried to cover up the case of $20 billion missing NNPC fund and indeed collected “cash and gifts” from former President Goodluck Jonathan through Mr. Gilbert Chagoury when in actual fact the Senate President was the only member of the Senate committee who refused to sign the majority report of the Makarfi committee because he disagreed with the report which he believed did not address the matter. “ It is strange however that a man who dissociated himself from the probe report because he believed it amounted to a cover up was later accused by the same online medium as supporting attempts to hide the issue of the missing funds. This is not only completely false, but also a fiction concocted by SaharaReporters to defame Dr. Saraki” he said.

ouse of Representatives yesterday condemned the practice by many state governments across the country in running the local government areas with the contraption of caretaker system rather than the democratically elected council as prescribed by the constitution. The house stated that the undemocratic practice has led to the failure of the third-tier of governments in the performance of their statutory functions, thereby making the councils unaccountable to the people and even hindered the attainment of socio-economic, political development and good governance at the grassroots level. This worrisome observation was brought in a motion yesterday by Hon. Afe Olowookere, APC member, representing Akure north/ south of Ondo state. In support of the motion, Afe, referred the house to section 7 (1) of the 1999 constitution which guarantees

the system of running local government by democratically elected local government councils, section 14 (1) which also assures the Federal Republic of Nigeria (local government areas inclusive) to be a state based on the principles of democracy and social justice. The lawmaker, however, further referred the house to sub-section (2) of the constitution which emphasized that the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provision of this constitution. Afe, in his motion expressed worry why many state governments for many years have violated the constitution by using periodic caretaker committee appointed and dissolved at their whims and caprices in running the third-tier government. He said, ‘’this caretaker system is an alien to the 1999 constitution and has deprived the Nigerian people the opportunity to participate in the administration of their local government councils’

Poor planning system, bane of our national development –McCarthy Robert Awokuse

olitical analyst and president, Institute of Planning Nigeria, Dr. McCarthy Ijiebor has identified poor planning system as one of the major problems hindering the country’s development. Dr Mccarthy stated this at the institute 2015 annual conference recently held in Lagos. While charging the government to engage in purpose-driven planning in order to forestall the myriad of challenges confronting the country, the president said that all hands must be on deck to bring about the expected change. He challenged the government to as a matter of urgency deliberately formulate and

evaluate policies and strategies that would enhance allround development. Dr McCarthy however commended the government’s actions at blocking leakages in the economy through strict adherence to the Single Account Treasury, TSA, Zero BasedBudgeting, ZBB and war against corruption. He cautioned that as noble as these measures seem, they would not grow the country’s economy. He therefore urged the government to diversify the economy by focusing more on other sectors such as agriculture, tourism, solid minerals amongst others, adding that, government should developed a policy framework on the fuel subsidy regime for a lasting solution.

Politics

Wednesday December 2, 2015

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I built APGA from the scratch in Abia –Ufomba Many Nigerians are wondering why you are still pursuing court case against your party over the rejection of your candidature by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the April governorship election, even as your party lost the election? What happened was that we filed a pre-election matter and we were very certain that we are going to win that suit but along the line, a tribunal was set up and we had 21 days to file our petition and by then we were expecting judgment. So, we joined the tribunal in anticipation that we would win and when we win, the judgment becomes a good instrument. Unfortunately, the High Court judge erred by saying that she had no jurisdiction in the matter. So, we decided to withdraw from the tribunal for us to pursue our appeal because it is a pre-election matter as remaining at the tribunal and the Court of Appeal would have amounted to abuse of court process. But unfortunately, different interpretations were given to the action. Some said that the case was struck out by the tribunal, but the truth of the matter is that we withdrew and the judges at the tribunal commended us for professional conduct and not wasting the time of the court. Will you still go on with the case, now that the Abia State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has delivered judgment in favour of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP? Yes, I should, because I instituted the matter out of principle and I strongly believe that we must start from within if we must sanitize the process. Let us have people whose interest is to cleanse the mess in the society. There must be due process and rule of law, and if you feel that due process and rule of law is not being followed, you have the right to go to court and challenge it. That is why people like us are missing late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, who would go to court to challenge every little thing that government had done wrongly. My case is not about sitting in Government House Umuahia, it is about ensuring that we have a fair and just society. But if by chance, we find ourselves in government, which is secondary, thanks be to God. How did you reacted to the tribunal’s judgment? I issued a very terse press statement in which I said that it was not a matter of what the PDP did better but a case of what APGA failed to do, and there were so many of them. What in your opinion cost APGA the election? I recall saying in an interview a day after the election that there were so many things that were not technically done right. There was no experience in what we did. In 2011, I approached the tribunal and just almost the same thing that was canvassed then were raised by the array of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, who defended APGA and Otti. And like they say: Too many cooks spoil the soup. The number of SANs I saw defending one man in that case was unfortunate. Most of these senior lawyers were everywhere; from Abia to Akwa Ibom and Rivers, among others, but Otti needed someone who would pay attention details. I don’t want to sound selfish, but if I take you back to the nomination process, you will find out where APGA started to make mistakes. The issue of power shift was fundamental to the governorship election in Abia State in the last election. There was an agitation that there hasn’t been a governor from the Ngwa clan since the creation of the state and it was an opportunity for someone whose ethnic identity was not in doubt to emerge under APGA’s platform. Secondly, the people of Abia State wanted real change, they wanted a departure from the PDP, Theodore Orji and their cleavages. But when there were questions about people who jumped from one platform to anther and then into APGA, which was the preferred alternative in the state, I cannot but pity some gullible people in the state, who felt to be objective and to give honour to those who deserve it for their contributions to building APGA in Abia. If anyone does not give me honour for APGA in Abia State, that person will take the hottest part of hell. There is no way you can say that APGA is the party to beat in Abia at the moment without looking at history. When I joined

In this interview with EBERE NDUKWU, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA chieftain in Abia State, Chief Regan Ufomba, speaks on his legal battle after his nomination for the 2015 governorship election was turned down by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in favour of Dr. Alex Otti. Excerpts: other states, do you share the view that election petitions should be looked at on merit and not necessarily on technicalities? I believe that Otti’s case was looked at on merit. When you talk about merit, you are talking about exhausting all the legal processes, which involves calling of witnesses, tendering of exhibits and others. That was different from what happened in 2011. When you don’t cross your Ts, the trial judge can strike out your case on technical ground but when you have the opportunity to argue your case, tender your exhibits and call your witnesses, I think your case has been heard on merit. The petitioner and your party have vowed to appeal the judgment, but some people are of the view that it is time the gladiators sheath their swords and work with Governor Ikpeazu for the good of the state. What is your take on that? I believe so much in God and the Bible and I have read about the Parable of the sower. While he was sowing seeds, some fell on thongs, others on stones and few on a very fertile soil. This means that whatever we intend to do in life, we must build on a fertile soil and the only fertile soil I know about in politics and governance is truth and justice.

Ufomba

Whatever we intend to do in life, we must build on a fertile soil and the only fertile

soil I know about in politics and governance is truth and justice the party, there was no APGA in the state. I built the party from the scratch in the state and if all the big names have now found it as an alternative platform to contest elections, they should give credit to those who made the party what it is. So, what happened to APGA in the election was that those who seized the party’s platform did not ask questions, they didn’t do what they were supposed to do, there was no obeisance and the law is simple: He who must go to equity must go with clean hands. If we had taken cognizance of all these, definitely, we would have beaten PDP to a stupor in Abia State. What do you make of the tribunal’s position that the petitioner and your party failed to prove their claim that the election was marred by irregularities? The Electoral Act is such that you must take a position on the standpoint that you are approaching the tribunal. If you claim that an election was marred by irregularities, you must call for a cancellation. If it is that you won, you must prove it arithmetically. In my case in 2011, my lawyer said that there was no election known to law in Abia, but again came to say that the election was marred by irregularities. So, the judge saw these as approbating and reprobating. I think the same mistake was made and that is where experience would have made a difference. Are you saying Otti made a mistake by asking tribunal to nullify the election and at the same time prayed that he should be declared winner? I have not read the judgment, but I think what was consistently canvassed and made known to us was that four local governments were notorious in the rigging – Obingwa, Osisioma, Isiala Ngwa North and Ugwunagbo. I think he called for cancellation in these four local governments and not total cancellation of the election. Looking at what happened at the Abia tribunal and a few

Don’t you believe that the governor should be encouraged rather than distracted by the litigations against the backdrop that he has ensured a break from the past? The court matter is not a distraction because the moment you have an unjust society, you would be building on rubbles. What I don’t encourage as a person is violence. Once you protest decently and go to court, which is allowed and the judges give you the opportunity to argue your case, win or lose, you remain friends and brothers. An aggrieved man cannot contribute positively to the development of any society. My case is presently at the Court of Appeal and I intend taking it up to the Supreme Court if I fail to get a judgment at the appellate court. I will not allow anyone to write my history for me, and I will tell you that it is even dangerous to do what is being canvassed. The moment you say that you are no longer interested in pursuing the matter, the same people who are making the call, will turn round to say that you have been settled. So, I remain my own man, allowing my conscience to determine what I do. Sincerely speaking, I don’t know how I will lose the case and I believe that was why the High Court judge said she had no jurisdiction on the matter. There is no way I will lose because I was validly nominated as the governorship candidate of APGA but INEC rejected it against the letters of Sections 30 and 33 of the Electoral Act and in violation of Sections 12 and 16 of APGA constitution. Does it mean that you will start afresh to challenge the election of Governor Ikpeazu by the time you get judgment at the Supreme Court? Let me win first. What I have always told people is that I am an APGA person from Ngwa land. So, let me win first. What do you make of the reconstitution of the INEC board, and if you are to set an agenda for it, what should be the priority? The agenda is for us to go purely electronic. If you look at what happened at the tribunals, you will find out that most people are saying that electronic voting is not part of the electoral process, whereas they all participated in electronic voting process in the last elections. They were all part of the card reader that was used during the elections, but the same people came back to canvass that what was used was not part of the process because it is not recognised by the law. So, we need to strengthen our law because there are lots of gaps in our legal system. We need to amend the Electoral Act to make provision for the card reader, which is a novel idea because its use ensured a clear departure from the past.

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Politics

Wednesday December 2, 2015

Osinbajo, Odigie-Oyegun storm Bayelsa for Sylva Osahon Julius YENAGOA

head Saturday’s Bayelsa gubernatorial poll, prominent leaders of the All Progressive Congress, APC, led by Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, and its National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, yesterday stormed Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, with a call to all Bayelsans to vote for the change that will usher in development, prosperity and employment opportunity to its citizens. The Vice President who speak to mammoth crowd that came for the grand finale of the campaign of APC’s candidate in Saturday’s poll, Chief Timipreye Sylva, at the Samson Siasia Stadium, said Bayelsa state deserves its pride of place among states in the country, so there was the need for

them to embrace the much needed change, which only the APC can bring. Among the APC leaders who thronged the state include, the Secretary to the Federal Government, Engr. David Lawal, National leader of the party and former governor of Lagos state, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Edo state governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and governor of Sokoto state, Aminu Tambuwal, former interim national chairman of the party, Bisi Akande. Others include members of the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party, governorship candidates of the party in Delta, Rivers and Akwa-Ibom, Olorogun Otega Emerhor, Peterside Dakuku and Umanah Umanah. Osinbajo said, “ A time for change, a time for pros-

perity, a time for good government has come, don’t miss the train, what the president expect from us in Bayelsa is that we join what we are doing at the federal level. Bayelsa deserves its pride of place among the states of Nigeria. The state is great, the people of the state are great, but we must do the right thing and the right thing is to move from the PDP to the APC. The time to move is now. Don’t waste time at all. “Unfailingly on Saturday, you have the right to go to the polling booth with your PVCs and you will make that change. And also after that Saturday, you will have a right to demand and ask the incoming governor to give you what he has promised you and I promise you, you will see the difference. There will be jobs in this state, there will be prosperity, there will be development.” Speaking, the National

Chairman of the party, Chief Odigie-Oyegun, lampooned the former president for not been able to remember what the incumbent governor, Seriake Dickson did in four years, adding that it was appalling for him to commission a flyover, when people were hungry, lack health facilities, motorable roads and water to drink in the midst of plenty. Oyegun said, “I watch it on television as they were struggling to remember, they were struggling to remember what they did in four years, then the former president then manage to remember one thing and says, Dickson built flyover, that he said was a sign of a city.” He urges the people to troop out enmasse with their Personal Voters Cards, PVCs, on Saturday, to vote for the change they crave for, adding that

the former governor and candidate of the party, Timipreye Sylva, was ready to lead them and bring the change they expected. Governors Adams Oshiomhole, Aminu Tambuwal and the national leader of the party and former governor of Lagos state Governor, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, who spoke earlier, encouraged the people of the state to demand for change by voting right on Saturday, saying that the PDP has failed the nation and the state for sixteen years. Tinubu, said Bayelsans have suffered enough in the hands of the PDP for sixteen years, wondering why a state with so much abundant resources and one of the state with the highest revenue from federation account will suffer so much neglect, adding, “on Saturday, you go to the poll and change that.” The candidate of the party, Chief Timipreye Sylva, asked Bayelsans to

vote for him and end the darkness that has taken over Bayelsa for years. ‘It’s time to reclaim our state back from darkness, from the tight fist of hunger, from the tight fist of underdevelopment, from the tight fist of dirty people. the people of Bayelsa must develop, the people of Bayelsa must be paid their salaries.’ While calling on his supporters to abhor violence on election day, he urge the people to go out on Saturday with their PVCs, and vote out the incumbent governor and put an end to the underdevelopment and hunger that characterized the sixteen years of PDP in the state. High point of the event was the defection of two serving Commissioners in the Governor Dickson’s cabinet and 21 others senior aides to the governor, including the special adviser to the governor on grassroots mobilization to the APC.

Nigerians not better off in Buhari’s six months –Senator Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

S Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike (2nd left) inspecting Abonnema Wharf Road under construction in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Ayo Esan

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP chieftain in Oyo State and governorship aspirant in the last general election, Engineer Femi Babalola (Jogor) has called on the Federal Government to fashion out strategy by which governments at all levels, corporate bodies, wealthy Nigerians and religious organizations coordinate efforts to promote youth empowerment. He also called on the private sector to deploy resources to develop, empower and inspire the youths. Babalola made the call

PDP chieftain calls for coordinating efforts in youth empowerment in Ibadan while delivering a keynote address at the “Fellowship of Peace” Students’ Awards and Dinner organized by the Peace and Conflict Studies Students’ Association of the University of Ibadan. According to him, the youths have been the fulcrum that drives the total population and the productive sector of the population; hence Nigeria should consider itself fortunate that its population is very young, offering the nation a hope of productive fu-

ture. “The greatness of any nation is in the quality of its people, in the worth of its governance and in the empowerment of its youths” he emphasized. In this wise, he said, the youths could also benefit from self- help through self determination to succeed and reject extremism. As he put it, “the youth can reject any limit to what they can achieve. They must go out to build something out of their

own. They must not be confined in their dreams. They should get quintessential in order to close the gap between where they are and where they should be”. He also called on the federal government to immediately midwife a collaboration between the country’s education planners and industry players to determine appropriate skills that youth now required to make them employable and contribute to sustainable development.

enate Deputy Minority Whip and former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Senator Biodun Olujimi, has said that the last six months of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has shown the inability of the administration to impact positively on Nigerians. Olujimi said that Nigerians had not witnessed any relief since Buhari came on board, describing the “Change Mantra” of the All Progressives Congress, APC as mere political gimmick used to deceive Nigerians for votes during the 2015 general elections. The senator, who represents Ekiti South Senatorial District, spoke in Ado Ekiti while delivering a lecture entitled: “Journalism: A Catalyst For The Real Change in Nigeria” to mark the 2015 Lecture series organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ekiti Council. According to her, Nigerians can now realise that APC has nothing to offer them in view of the alleged

lacklustre performance of the party at the centre. “I know the change mantra of the APC at the federal level must have influenced this topic. But it is now clear to all Nigerians that the change mantra was used as election gimmick to garner votes during the 2015 presidential polls. “A catchy phrase it is, but with APC being six months in power, whether the change is truly change is for all Nigerians to assess”, she said. The Senator, who described vibrant journalism practice as the pillar of democracy, challenged Nigerian journalists to continue to put those in positions of power on their toes for meaningful development to be attainable in the system. She said that print and electronics and lately social media like the facebook, Whatsapp, YouTube and many others had optimally been used to bring the expected national development. The senator suggested training and retraining of media practitioners for Nigerian journalists to be alive to their responsibilities.

Politics

Wednesday December 2, 2015

Bayelsa Poll: FG must absolve self of rigging allegation –Dickson

ayelsa State Governor, Hon Seriake Dickson has reiterated the need for the Federal Government to absolve itself from claims made by supporters of the main opposition party in the state, the All Progressives Congress, APC, that federal might will be deployed to manipulate the December 5 poll in their favour. Also, he called on voters who participated in the last continuous voter exercise to go and collect their permanent voter cards from the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and other designated centres to enable them participate in the state governorship election billed for this Saturday. He said name-dropping should not only be dismissed with a wave of the

hand but properly investigated with a view to prosecuting those behind such unfounded claims as they are capable of making the electorate lose confidence in the credibility of the electoral process. Dickson, who spoke at a stakeholders meeting organised by INEC in Yenagoa, stressed the need for people occupying sensitive positions at federal agencies to be mindful of what they say and do in order not to heat up the polity. He reaffirmed his belief in the peace accord signed by all political parties and candidates participating in the election, assuring that his administration and all well meaning Bayelsans would cooperate with INEC and security agencies to ensure a peaceful and credible election.

According to him, “I can talk about the professionalism of the law enforcement people and other security commanders on ground here. They are all professionals because I sit and interact with them always. But then what politicians say, and what some federal operatives at the federal level, who are sympathetic to one or two people do or say, all add up to the general security atmosphere, which is beyond INEC and so on. “But my position as governor and even as a candidate is that security agencies need maximum support as they have the support of the government and people of this state to move against anybody whether the person is a member of the PDP, APC or any party, there should be no discrimination.

“Now, on INEC, there are concerns arising from what some parties and their candidates are posting that they don’t need the votes of the people and that they have resolved to just write and announce results. These are things that, whether true or false, go to colour the atmosphere under which an election is held.” In his remarks, Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, said all was ready on the part of the Commission to conduct a free, fair and credible poll on Saturday, noting that 8,683 staff have already been recruited and trained as supervisory, presiding and assistant presiding officers to take charge of 1,939 polling units across the state. Yakubu announced a total of 663,639 duly registered voters in the state,

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APC chieftain commends Adeosun’s appointment Ebere Ndukwu

chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Omooba Sylvester Olamilekan Bakare has lauded the appointment of the former Ogun State Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun as the Nigerian Finance Minister by President Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as putting the round peg in the round hole. This was contained in a press statement signed by Bakare and made available to newsmen in Lagos. The statement said Adeosun’s appointment was a confirmation of President Buhari’s quest to bring sanity to the nation’s economic woes. According to the statement, Adeosun as a professional, reputable and credible daughter of Ogun State will use her wealth of ex-

perience to manage the nation’s finance ministry and make the nation’s economy among the best across the globe. Bakare who is aspiring to contest the chairmanship position of Ijebu East Local Government in Ogun State noted that nomination of Adeosun by Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun shows his belief in professional and technocrats in developing the state and the country at large. While congratulating the minister, Bakare urged Adeosun to see her appointment as another opportunity to serve her father’s land. Bakare who was a past president, Rotary Club of Egbeda, District 9110, Nigeria called on the new minister to collaborate with Amosun to take Ogun State to the next level. He promised to build on the developmental strides of the state governor if given the opportunity to serve.

Osun Assembly orders early presentation of 2016 Budget

Members of the PDP during the party’s meeting in Abuja, recently.

sun State House of Assembly has directed the executive to present the 2016 budget within the next one week. The Speaker, Honourable Najeem Salaam gave the directive at the plenary on Tuesday. He said the earlier presentation of the bill would assist the assembly to plan for its scrutiny in a way that would make it serve the purpose for the development of the state. “This is the last month of the year and we hope

that before the end of this week, or probably early next week, we will have the budget of the state for 2016. “As the house is winding up for the year, we urge the executive to present the budget not later than next week, otherwise, the house will not be there to help them. “We must have the budget before the expiration of the month, so that we can plan on how to go about it and give holidays to our members who will want to travel for holidays”, he said.

two years to deserve second term. He has proved to us that he is people- oriented and a listening governor by being consistent in paying workers salaries and improving agriculture as one of his four wheels of development. “The Agricultural investments will ensure enough food and employment for Ndi Anambra and the trade and commerce sector has got a boost and is in full gear to earn revenue and attract investors for the State. That is why we are not feeling the drop in revenue of Nigeria

so much here. Some States are owing arrears of salaries but here in Anambra, our Governor is increasing salaries. “As if that was not enough, he is making Awka a befitting state capital which some people neglected and abandoned for eight years, and in terms of security, he has sent criminals and kidnappers packing and as well, flagged off construction of many roads in the state within this short period of time. Willie is really working and we must rally support for him”

Obi/Obiano feud: Group declares war on Obi Francis Ekpone ONITSHA

orried by the intense criticism from opposition parties in the State, a pressure group operating under the auspices of House of Assembly Aspirants Association of Nigeria, HAAN, Anambra chapter has vowed to surmount any obstacle that may truncate Governor Willie Obiano’s second term bid in Anambra State. The group in a twopage strong worded com-

muniqué signed by its National Chairman, Hon. Nduka Alor and his secretary, Benedrine Agbata also warned the former governor, Mr Peter Obi and his aides to stop distracting his successor, Obiano to enable him continue to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people. While passing vote of confidence on Governor Obiano, the group stated that the governor has achieved a lot in less than 20 months in office, a legacy, they said will remain unbeaten in the an-

nals of Anambra state. The communiqué reads in part: “We are disturbed that some persons who steered the sheep of this state for eight years without any opposition or rancour from any quarter are now witch hunting their successor. “We also recall with regret, that from 1999 to 2003, the then Anambra governor, Dr. Chinweroke Mbadinuju saw hell in the hands of overzealous politicians, Mbadinuju’s successor, Dr. Chris Ngige also suffered the same fate but after that era, destructive opposition

became a thing of the past in the State and that was why the former governor Peter Obi sailed through for eight years, uninterrupted and undisturbed. “Our hearts bleed that today; he is involved in creating confusion and chaos in the state. We hereby state categorically that we will resist any attempt to reintroduce the era of brigandage in Anambra state and urge him to allow his successor concentrate in the task of building a new Anambra. “Governor Obiano has achieved a lot in less than

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Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Tribute to Hon. Justice Emmanuel O. Ayoola, a quintessential Jurist @ 82. A ARE A FE B ABALOL A Continued from Monday

ndeed, this prophetic statement from this great man, an acclaimed Inter national Jurist, an incorruptible Judge, a moralist Judge, a Christian Judge, a former Justice of the Court of Appeal of The Gambia, a for mer Chief Justice of The Gambia, a for mer President of the Court of Appeal of Seychelles, a for mer Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, a for mer ICPC Chair man, a true lover and supporter of ABUAD’s dream and vision, has since become a reality. Stakeholders all over the world including UNESCO have acknowledge the Afe Babalola University as a ‘World Class University’. The incorruptibility and moralist inclination of the Hon. Justice Ayoola is not a later day development as that has been part of his persona as far back as his days in Legal Practice. No wonder then that our common mentor and his own elder brother, the mercurial Hon. Justice Olu Ayoola of blessed memory, had

this to say about the two us (Hon. Ayoola and my humble self) on page 23 of his Book titled: Olu Ayoola: Fifty Years in Law: “With the use of appropriate technique, even though I started practice as a single Lawyer establishment, the chamber rapidly grew in fame and became a multilawyer chambers. We thereby, as it were, took a big leap from “the cold waters uncertainties of fluctuating fees” of a young private practice to the security of a prosperous chamber. “From the perfor mances of our weekly conference of lawyers, I was able to assess the progress, ability and aptitude of each lawyer. I must mention two who were among the best; namely: my brother, Emmanuel Olayinka Ayoola, who is presently a Judge of the Court of Appeal, Nigeria. He was a brilliant lawyer with a moralist bent. Sometimes, he would come to me and say after going through a brief allotted to him “the defence of our client is good in law, but why shouldn’t he pay the debt which he appears, law apart, to owe?” and I would retort “we, as lawyers, are concer ned with his defence as a matter of law: we

W ITH

THE USE

OF APPROPRIATE

TECHNIQUE , EVEN THOUGH

STARTED

PRACTICE AS A SINGLE

L AWYER

ESTABLISHMENT are not concer ned with his liability on moral grounds”. Where he felt not too bright about the brief, I will take it and allocate it to some other under-study. “Another brilliant lawyer was Afe Babalola (he is now a Senior Advocate of Nigeria). He was and still very hard working. A lover of legal analysis, he usually saw through fine points which others did not see. I believe in taking fine legal points”. The God-given gifts of incorruptibility and moral uprightness as well as forthrightness must have accounted to a very large extent in his being noticed, acknowledged and appointed the arrow-head of the ICPC after his retirement from the

A matriarch’s worthy legacy R AU F A R EG B E S O L A

omewhere in our subconscious is a secret wish that she lived forever, even if as the abiding presence (dare I say the immortality) of our great leader and avatar, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Then we thought we had our wish as God granted her longevity, putting her in a rare league of centennials. We had looked forward to that celebration with bated breath and uncanny excitement. But it is the way of all mortals that we cast off our earthly vessel and put on immortality, no matter how long we are graced to sojour n on this earthly plane. We are here gathered, therefore, to celebrate the transition of our mother, a patriot, an icon, a legend and a matriarch of the Obafemi Awolowo’s biological and political family. Mama Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo symbolised family and the essential Yoruba Omoluabi. Sociologists will tell us that the family is the building block of society, which aggregates to the country as a political unit. Every child is bor n into a family, nurtured and socialised by it and presented for an autonomous life by the same family. While the position of the father is important as the source of authority and discipline, it is indisputable, even in lower animals, that the mother is the centre of the family, around whom everything gravitates. A family is, therefore, as strong as the mother – in her resourcefulness, wisdom,

HER DEPARTURE LAST SEPTEMBER 19 TO JOIN THE SAINTS TRIUMPHANT HAS BROUGHT AN END TO ALL HER STRUGGLES courage and share spirit. It is the mother that provides the balance; she is the anchor that prevents members of the family from drifting away. Looking at the super-legend that Chief Obafemi Awolowo is in life and thereafter, it becomes indisputable that a greater legend had manned the home front as his companion. Mama was many things to Chief Awolowo. She was the mother of his children and raised them into astute and worthy legacy successors. When Dr Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu emerged on the Lagos political scene in the ill-fated Third Republic, she left no one in doubt that she was a chip off the old block. We still feel a sense of loss that she left the political vocation for some other equally ennobling and worthy calling. Mama indisputably built the most prominent and distinguished family in Yorubaland, whose reaches and influence extend all over the world. The Awolowo name will open any door in Nigeria of today (and the foreseeable future), while the blessings of that family extend to anyone that could establish any association with it. Even

the notorious Nigerian scammers send mails to their target victims all over the world using this distinguished family’s name. It is regrettable also that many who do not share Awolowo’s passion for education, emancipation of the poor and Fabian social welfare disposition have won elections in his name and continue to tout political affinity with him. Mama was Chief Awolowo’s personal assistant, attending to every detail and ensuring an effective time and life management of a man who was himself a perfectionist. She was also his confidant. Mama was always sharing personal details and perspectives of the sage with those fortunate to have an audience with her, and it is an irrecoverable loss to humanity that she did not avail us the privilege of canonising them in a memoire. We are comforted, however, that Papa Awolowo left us with the good fortunes of his thought and ideas in his memoires and myriad others books and journals he wrote. Mama was also a politician. Recall that she toured the length and breadth of the country in the campaign trail of her husband preparatory to the 1979 presidential election. Some would also recollect that she was a candidate for election after the for mation of United Progressives Grand Alliance (UPGA), a coalition of Chief Awolowo’s Action Group (AG), Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe’s NCNC and other parties in the First Republic. If we are talking about progressives, therefore, she was one before any other. Given Chief

Supreme Court Bench. After all, it is only the deep that can call to the deep just like it is only iron that can sharpen iron! He is an example per excellence, a cerebral, good natured, committed and an excellent team player who is always willing to help the needy. My Lear ned Mentor and Leader should see and acknowledge the attainment of the matured age of 82 as a special grace from the Almighty God and a veritable opportunity for him to do more in his service to a nation which he loves so much and indeed to humanity, the fulcrum of his dream. While congratulating him most heartily on this momentous occasion, I wish him good health and peace of heart as well as divine wisdom to continue the good works and to continually be relevant in the scheme of things in Nigeria, and beyond. Hearty congratulations, My Lord. AARE AFE BABALOLA, OFR, CON, SAN, LL.D, D. Litt, FNIALS , FCI. Arb, FNSE Founder & Chancellor, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti.

Awolowo’s famous quote, ‘iron sharpeneth iron’, Mama fundamentally, and in a geometric proportion, complemented Papa’s political praxis to give us the grandmaster of Nigerian politics and the greatest and the most enduring political movement in Nigeria. Hers was a life of commitment to the same ideals of her husband. Her departure last September 19 to join the Saints Triumphant has brought an end to all her struggles. She is now resting in the bosom of her Lord and has no doubt found company again with her husband, who left earlier in 1987. This has brought to an end an inimitable era in Yoruba socio-cultural and national political leadership. We agree with Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who in an extraordinary moment of adversity, mused that it is not life that matters, but the courage you put into it. Rest on, Mama, though we are missing you already, but you have left us with enough of yourself to last forever, in a way that no mortal can ever do again. O digba, odigbose! T ribute by Ogbeni Rauf Are gbesola, Governor of State of Osun at the recent celebration of the life and times of Chief (Mrs.) HID Awolowo Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be

Editorial

Wednesday, December 2, 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 OBIORA IFOH ACTING ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF AUGUSTUS IMEKAN ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

House of Reps and population control

eports mid last week highlighted how a motion that canvassed the need for population control in the country introduced by Rep Babatunde Gabriel Kolawole stirred the hornet’s nest and literally split the House of Representatives into two. Kolawole’s motion on the “Need for the Federal Government to curb population explosion in Nigeria” was intended to draw the attention of the FG to the necessity of curbing imminent population explosion in the country through a workable birth control policy; and to direct the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to educate Nigerians on the benefits of family planning. Rep Kolawole had backed his motion with the 2011 Population Reference Bureau (PRB), United States’ World Population Data Sheet report released in 2014, which said Nigeria’s population would rise to 433 million by 2050 to make the country the third most populous nation globally, behind only India and China; and higher than the US, too, whereas Nigeria occupies just 10 percent of America’s land mass. Apparently drawing from the challenges population explosion created for countries like China and India, whose population figures were put at 1.4 billion and 1.28 billion respectively, in times past, in respect of pressure on state finances and

THE HOUSE OF REPS SHOULD NOT ALLOW

RELIGIOUS HYPOCRITES… TO DIMINISH THE INHERENT WISDOM IN BIRTH CONTROL POLICIES infrastructure, food, housing, education and healthcare, high unemployment, crime, poverty, among others, the Rep argued that Nigeria risked similar headaches with her population hovering around the 166 million mark, with about five million people added annually. While Kolawole’s motion made sense to some dispassionate members of the House, to others, especially his Muslim colleagues, it was a bitter pill. A Rep member from Bauchi State reportedly dismissed the motion as an unnecessary waste of time; while others that spoke after him said it was anti-Islam and a direct attack on Muslim religion. It took the Speaker Yakubu Dogara to navigate through the sensitive motion, disagreeing with the impression that it was an attack on any religion, but simply a national planning matter. The Speaker subsequently referred the motion to the relevant House Committees to chart the way forward. China, like Nigeria, is a multi-

religious nation, with Taoism, Confucianism, Islam and Christianity featuring very prominently. But when the country was faced with the crisis Kolawole fears may befall Nigeria if not nipped in the bud, China relegated religious and other differences and introduced its popular, though controversial ‘OneChild Policy’, which implementation commenced in 1980, to limit the country’s population growth and strain on resources. Reports indicate that 35 years after, the policy prevented 400 million births in that country. But with China’s phenomenal breakthroughs in all fields of human endeavour since 1980, latest reports credited to Xinhua, the Chinese government’s news agency, say the ‘One-Child Policy’ era is about giving way and Chinese parents will soon be legally permitted to have two children if they so wish. Details of the policy reversal are still being worked out. India had no strict birth control policy like China, but recent reports suggest that despite the country’s scientific, technological and industrial, etc breakthroughs, like China, the national mood in India increasingly favours a tougher approach. At least six Indian states were said to have enacted laws mandating a two-child norm for members of village councils and civil servants. Indeed, one report

ON THIS DAY

said some states were considering denying educational benefits to third children; while others were increasingly turning to incentives like pay raises, access to land or housing, for public servants who choose sterilization after one or two children. India is also a country of many religions - Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism and Judaism. Considering the level of economic deprivation, poverty and mass unemployment, deficit infrastructure, educational, health and social services, as well as scant employmentgenerating establishments, vis-à-vis exponential population increase in Nigeria, we align with Rep Kolawole’s motion and urge the House of Representatives to give it premium attention. Such concern as Kolawole expressed compelled the military government of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd) to tinker with the unsuccessful ‘One Man, Four Children Policy’ in 1988. Former Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State, in 2013, also canvassed for a law to regulate the number of wives and children a man should have. Both IBB and Aliyu are Muslims. The House of Reps should not allow religious hypocrites, who wish for others (street children) what they reject for their own children, to diminish the inherent wisdom in birth control policies.

December 2, 1980

December 2, 1993

December 2, 2001

Four American nuns and churchwomen, Ita Ford, Maura Clarke, Jean Donovan and Dorothy Kazel, were murdered by a death squad in El Salvador. The armed squad conducted extra-judicial killings and forced disappearances of persons for the purposes of political repression, genocide or revolutionary terror. The killings were often carried out in ways meant to ensure the secrecy of the killers’ identities.

Colombian drug lord, Pablo Escobar, was shot and killed in Medellin. Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria (December 1, 1949 – December 2, 1993) was a wealthy Colombian drug lord and an elusive cocaine trafficker. In 1983, he had a short-lived career in Colombian politics. He was born in the town of Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia, the third of seven children to Abel de Jesus Dari Escobar and Hemilda Gaviria.

Enron filed for ‘Chapter 11 bankruptcy’. Enron Corporation was an American energy, commodities and services company based in Houston, Texas in the United States. Before its bankruptcy on December 2, 2001, it employed approximately 20,000 staff and was one of the world’s major electricity, natural gas, communications and pulp and paper companies, with claimed revenues of nearly $101 billion in 2000.

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Health & Wellbeing In Kwara, there’s access to good healthcare –Commissioner 22

FRANKA OSAKWE

Chevron Rolls Back malaria in Ibeju-Lekki 21

2.9 Million Nigerians still not on treatment

igeria marked this year’s World AIDS Day yesterday amidst sad disclosure that out of the 3.4 million people living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, only 500,000 people are receiving the treatment needed to suppress the disease. According to experts, the remaining 2.9 million people with the disease are currently living in hiding and are not only at risk of death from HIV- related illnesses but also could be infecting new people, causing a surge of the disease. These were some of the shocking revelations by experts at the scientific symposium to mark this year’s World AIDS Day, organized by the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), in collaboration with Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Lagos branch. In her presentation, Dr. Sylvia Adebajo from the Population Council Abuja, noted that new infections in the country have increased to 227,518, annually (632 daily), with 174,253 dying from the disease in 2014. According to her, the 2.9 million people not currently on treatment, mostly men, serve as reservoir for the spread of the disease. “Men do not go to hospital as much as women so they are the most difficult to reach. Those at higher risks include; women, homosexuals, men who engage with drugs and those who have sex with female sex workers”, she said. According to her, the attitude of testing people and letting them go without follow up need to be stopped, and more people, particularly men need to be reached with treatment. However, allowing people to pay for these treatments has resulted in default, causing more resistant and death from the disease, Amina Ali, Chairperson, Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, (NEPHWAN), Lagos Chapter said, in her own presentation. According to her, the new directive from Federal Government which mandates patients to pay for treatment at the bank is currently causing stigma and exposing more people to contracting Tuberculosis. “For people living with both HIV and TB, to be going about looking for where to make payment, this is even high risk for Nigerians. At the bank, they will ask you what are you paying for, and when you tell them, they will not treat you very cordially. Again, some of these people are sick so they are not supposed to be walking about freely”, she said. On how to prevent more new infection, Dr. Oladipo Fisher, from Lagos State AIDS Agency (LASACA), said early initiation of HIV positive people into antiretroviral drugs

Nigerians marking a previous World AIDS |Day

would decrease rate of new infection, as well as reduce HIV-related illnesses and deaths. In the same vein, Consultant Haematologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Sulaimon Akanmu, noted that people who test positive to HIV/AIDS can possibly eliminate the disease from their body, if they commence treatment immediately they are diagnosed. “This will help bring their viral load to an undetectable level, where they will likely not infect other people, and is in line with the World Health Organization (WHO)’s new treatment guideline for HIV/AIDS”, he said. However, in spite of the depressing news from Nigeria, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says the world is poised to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 – provided it can accelerate the pace of progress achieved globally over the past 15 years, according to a new World Health Organization (WHO) report. According to the world body, much has already been achieved globally towards a remarkable reduction of the epidemic. For instance, by 2014, the number of HIV deaths was reduced by 42% - from a peak of more than 2 million in 2004 to an estimated 1.2 million. Also, since 2000, an estimated 7.8 million lives have been saved, fewer people are acquiring HIV, and projections of an end to the epidemic by 2030 – a goal once considered unattainable by many experts – are now realistic, according to the WHO report, Global Health Sector Response to HIV 2000-2015. “The rapid scale-up of access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), one of the greatest

2.9 MILLION PEOP PEOPLE NOT CURRENTLY

ON TREATMENT,

MOSTLY MEN, SER SERVE AS RESERVOIR FO FOR THE SPREAD OF T THE DISEASE public health achievements in recent times, has made treatment available to more than 16 million people living with HIV across the globe. Today, more than 11 million people in the WHO African Region alone are receiving HIV treatment, versus about 11 000 who were taking the medications 15 years ago. That is a thousand-fold increase. “Yet more must be done. Globally 60% of all people living with HIV have not yet enrolled in antiretroviral treatment. “In the last 15 years, new HIV infections have reduced by 41% in the African Region, more than in any region in the world,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “But the number of people acquiring HIV infection is still too high and young women and adolescent girls continue to be disproportionately at risk.” To commemorate the World AIDS Day, WHO has again emphasized that expanding antiretroviral therapy to all people living with HIV remains key to ending the AIDS

epidemic within a generation. “The Millennium Development Goal of reversing the HIV epidemic was reached ahead of the 2015 deadline - an incredible achievement that testifies to the power of national action and international solidarity,” declared WHO Director-General, Margaret Chan. Expansion of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has resulted in a stark reduction of AIDS-related deaths. At the same time, increasingly effective prevention efforts have reduced numbers of new HIV infections. Since the epidemic’s peak in 2004, the number of - deaths has fallen by 42% with some 7.8 million lives being saved over the last 15 years, according to a new WHO report. The number of new infections has fallen by 35% since the turn of the century. Over the last 15 years, scale-up of ART has been most dramatic in the WHO African Region where now more than 11 million people are receiving HIV treatment, up from 11 000 at the turn of the century. People living with HIV in Africa are now more likely to receive treatment than people living in most other parts of the world. Globally, in June 2015 close to 16 million people out of a total of 37 million people living with HIV were taking ART. But this is not the current picture in Nigeria as revealed at the scientific symposium last week. From the experts submissions, Nigeria must, as a matter of urgency, provide treatment for the 2.9 million people living with HIV/AIDS that are yet to commence effective treatment, in addition to the emerging cases, to be able to catch up with the rest of the world in ending the global epidemic.

Health & Wellbeing

Nutrition for Health

source of healthy fats than most other fruit. It contains monosaturated fats and calories. They also provide essential nutrients such as potassium which helps balance potassium to sodium ratio in the body. They aid weight loss because it contains both insoluble and soluble fiber; which aids in bowel movements thereby preventing constipation, lowers blood cholesterol level, prevents colorectal cancer and aids in appetite control. They are made up of vitamin E which prevents conditions like retinopathy. Avocados contain carotenoid leutein, an antioxidant that specializes with protecting the eyes from oxidative stress damage leading to poor vision, cataracts, and macular degeneration; B-vitamins help the body’s metabolism and its maintenance of a healthy skin tone; the vitamins K they contain plays a fundamental role in making sure that the bones grow properly and the bone density is maintained in later life, They contain folic acid, a vitamin which cuts the risk of birth defects. A high folate intake is also associated with a lower risk of heart attacks and heart disease. They are also excellent sources of minerals

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

vocado also known as “alligator pear” or “butter fruit” is a pear – shaped large berry that has a brown coated single seed at its center enclosed by a buttery pulp and a hard skin which is green skinned but turns dark brown with pebble surface when ripening after harvesting. The fruit is not sweet, but rich, and distinctly yet subtly flavored, and of smooth, almost creamy texture. It is used in both savory and sweet dishes, and popularly used in vegan dishes. They are parked with heart-healthy compounds. The avocado originated from Central America but is now cultivated in tropical climates and sub-tropical regions of the world. Botanically, the fruit belongs to the family of Lauraceae, the family that also includes some unusual members like bay laurel, cinnamon, etc. Scientific name is Persea americana. Avocados contain excellent

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Health benefits of Avocado like iron and copper which aids in production of red blood cells; magnesium which aids bone strengthening and has a cardiac-protective role; and manganese which is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme. Avocados serve as an important staple in the diet of various groups where access to other fatty foods are inadequate. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, an alternative medicine proponent and osteopathic physician said that, “eliminating grain carbs is one of the best ways to support your health and maintain your weight, but when you cut down on carbs, you need to increase your intake of healthy fats. Avocados are an excellent source, along with organic raw butter, coconut oil, and organic pastured eggs, olives and nuts.” Researchers from Ohio State University found that two of avocados’ inhibited the growth of cancer cells. From their findings, fats in avocado are antioxidant and block cancer growth such as prostate and breast cancers.. The new research looked at the antioxidant capacities of the avocado and found that the avocado’s phytonutrients, provide the bulk of these antioxidant benefits. One research from Japan suggests that this powerful fruit

may also help protect against liver damage. Antioxidant glutathione supports the liver and the nervous system. It is responsible for replenishing and recycling other antioxidants in the body. It is vital for a strong immune system. According to USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, avocados contain a complex package of phytonutrients, including carotenoids that may provide numerous health benefits. Carotenoids appear to protect humans against certain cancers, heart disease and age-related macular degeneration. The fruit has a high concentration of tannin which has beneficial anti-inflammatory, antiulcer and antioxidant properties. Avocado slows digestion and helps keep blood sugar from spiking after a meal. A diet high in good fats

may even help reverse insulin resistance, which translates to steadier blood sugar long-term. It is important to store avocado in a cool, dark place. Unripe fruit usually placed in a paper wrap with a banana or an apple usually speeds up ripening. Besides being healthy, there are many ways to enjoy avocado, it can be used as a first food for babies, in lieu of processed baby food; it can be used as a fat in baking by replacing the fat with equivalent of the same amount of avocado; avocados can be used into various recipes, juice or smoothies or may be used as salads or combined with other foods or dishes. They may also be as a rejuvenating facial cream. Avocado leaves, bark, skin, or pit are documented to be harmful to animals; cats, dogs, cattle, goats, rabbits, rats. The avocado fruit is poisonous to some birds, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) lists it as toxic to many animals including cats, dogs, and horses. Go get some avocados and enjoy them with salt and lemon or vinegar or whatever way you find pleasurable!

Sexual solutions and love products for adults Hello. My name is Emmanuel. I saw your write ups in the newspapers and I am urgently need your help. My problem is that I have been masturbating for five years and I want to stop because I am noticing some negative changes in my body. I realize that I always ejaculate in my sleep almost every week and my testicles have shrunk so alarmingly. Please I need a solution to the frequent night ejaculation and also a remedy to rejuvenate my testicles – Kene Dear Kene, from everything you have described, you don’t have a problem. Everybody masturbates. That is how humans cope with sexual pressure because we cannot always have intercourse when we want it and as much as we desire. So this is normal and believe me, the world is a safer place because adults masturbate. Lack of sexual relief is partly responsible for rape, sexual molestation of all types and domestic violence. If you think that rape is bad now in the world, you cannot even imagine what it will be like if humans never got sexual relief through intercourse or masturbation. We will be dealing with a sexual violence epidemic of stratospheric proportions. As for ejaculating in your sleep, that is called a wet dream and it is common among young people who don’t have active sex lives. With time, you will get a girlfriend or wife and the regular intercourse that comes with it will make your wet dreams stop. Regarding your testicles, I don’t think you have any problems there either. Testicles change in size regularly depending on room temperatures. Cold temperatures cause the testicles to temporarily shrink in size. This is not a problem. But beyond this, yes it is possible for a man’s testicles to shrink in size due

to other factors. This is known as testicular atrophy and it can be caused by lack of sleep and aging. Research also shows that alcohol and marijuana can also cause testicular atrophy. Anyway, I think you are okay but if you really do believe that your testicles are steadily shrinking, see a doctor and get tested – Uche Zee I want to order one pack of Vigrx Penis enlarger and one pack of Prosolution penis enlarger as well. I was told they will be available from this week. Also, what can I use for premature ejaculation since I am already using the enlargement supplements? – James James ejaculation prolonging creams will suit you best. Ask for the LS Delay Spray. You can also combine it with a condom for greater effectiveness – Uche I am 59 years old and I just started taking Stiff Nights pills for erectile dysfunction. Is there anything I need to know while taking it like additional information? Zeb Just use as instructed in your invoice. Drink lots of water, eat well and sleep well – Uche I bought the Luxe Thrusting G Rabbit vibe for my wife and she gave it as a gift to her junior sister. Now her sister is telling her how good it is and she wants me to buy another one. Do you still have it? Ejiro Please call the store with the numbers below to find out. A lot of these products were sold during the Black Friday bonanza so I am not quite sure of what is left – Uche Can some of these arousal supplements be shared by men and women? I am asking because my wife is taking the G Female supplement libido booster. I

love how the thing has fired her up and I want to try one for myself – Stanley The G Female Oral supplement is strictly for women. Rather than experiment with something that is not for you, why not get the one for that is for men like Stiff Nights or Boss Rhino? They are all very good – Uche Hello sir, after I ejaculate, it takes me a long time to get another erection. It is killing my marriage Sola Sola there are several ways to maintain your erection after ejaculation. One of the most effective and cheapest ways to do this is through the use of a Cockring. A Cockring is a round and hollow rubber-like device won at the base of the penis during intercourse. What it does is that it traps blood in the penis to keep it erect before and after ejaculation. With a Cockring, you can maintain an erection for an additional twenty minutes

or more after ejaculation – Uche That is all for today. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08171912551, 08027901621 or 07086754515 for help or visit www.zeevirtualmedia.com Zee Virtual Media delivers all over Nigeria. For enquiries email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com- Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Chevron Rolls Back malaria in Ibeju-Lekki SAM EFERARO

he NNPC/Chevron joint Venture, last week launched the Roll Back Malaria Programme in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government of Lagos state as part of efforts to assist the government in the fight against Nige-

ria’s number one disease, malaria. According to Chevron, the programme, first launched in the community in 2009 and designed to equip the people with skills and knowledge on how to prevent and treat malaria was being redeployed to address the key health delivery area of malaria prevention

and social mobilization. Welcoming guests and members of the community to the launch at the IbejuLekki Local Government Secretariat, Chevron’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Mr. Deji Hastrup, represented by Mr. Sunday Okegbemiro, the Coordinator, Corporate Responsibility, National

Programmes, described malaria as a serious threat to good health. He cited reports showing that 11% of maternal deaths are caused by malaria attack while 60% of out-patient visits and 30% of hospitalizations in the country are malaria-related. “Malaria is a major killer disease severely affecting mostly children under five

Health workers from Africare teaching community members on the use of Long Lasting Insecticide treated Nets (ITNS) at the RBM launch by Chevron.

6 million people die annually from Tobacco consumption ADEOLA TUKURU ABUJ

he Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has rated tobacco consumption as a leading cause of preventable deaths following statistics by the World Health Organisation (WHO) showing that over 6 million people die annually from tobacco consumption. At a preen briefing in Abuja last Friday, the Executive Director of the Centre, Auwal Ibrahim Musa, disclosed that the death figure

would rise to over eight million annually by the year 2030, with 80% of these deaths occurring in developing countries. The group therefore called on the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, to as a matter of urgency constitute the National Tobacco Industry Control Committee which is vested with the responsibility of making regulations to govern the implementation of the National Tobacco Control Act, as provides for amongst other responsibilities of the committee. “Nigeria’s Global Adult

Tobacco Survey (GATS) release on July 11,2013 also reveal that 10.0% of men, 1.1% of women and 5.6% overall (4 5 million Nigeria adults) currently use tobacco products,” Musa further said. He also called on Nigerians to, on their own interest, be on their guard, paying attention to public health issues and play active role in ensuring the National Tobacco Control Act is effectively implemented. “All stakeholders and most especially government whose mandate is to ensure tobacco control, should redesign the

tax regime for the Tobacco Industry with the CSOs collaborating in initiating a tobacco tax campaign. He said the CSOs and indeed all Non state actions neither have the mandate nor the resources to take on this mountainous challenge. The Executive Director further added that the Nigerian government has performed commendably well by signing in to the World Health Organisation’s framework on Tobacco Control and domesticating same through the National Tobacco Control Act.

P&G Supports UNICEF relief efforts in Borno FRANKA OSAKWE

onsumer goods manufacturing company Procter & Gamble (P&G) Nigeria is supporting relief efforts currently carried out by UNICEF Nigeria and The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAIDS), by distributing items to Nigerians displaced by the conflict in the North East. The donated items incudes hygiene products and personal care items such as; Always sanitary pads, Pampers baby diapers, Oral

B Pro-Health toothpaste, Duracell batteries, and Ariel detergents. The items will be distributed by UNICEF, to IDP camp in Borno state. During a handover ceremony of the items at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja yesterday, Procter & Gamble Managing Director George Nassar presented samples of the products to Borno State National Assembly Representative M.T. Monguno. He said; “Our mission is to touch and improve the personal health and well-being of Nigerians. This donation will help to meet some of the basic requirements of those who most need our sup-

port. We chose to work with UNICEF as it has a proven reputation in working with partners to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, and disease can cause”. In return, UNICEF Nigeria Representative Jean Gough, thanked P&G for the generous donations. “It will make a big difference in the lives of the displaced in Borno, who struggle daily for basic necessities. We hope it will also help to inspire Nigerians to support those less fortunate in their country”, he said. While accepting the donation on behalf of Borno State govenrment, Representative

Monguno said the gift was timely in view of the needs of the IDPs. “This is a clear demonstration that Procter & Gamble is a patriotic corporate citizen”, he said. The donation which was facilitated by USAID is aimed at improving the comfort and personal hygiene of the displaced persons at the IDP. Aler Grubbs, USAID/ Nigeria Deputy Mission Director explained that the effort by P&G and UNICEF is positive proof that corporate collaboration with development partners can help to further assistance to underprivileged people.

years of age and pregnant women,” he said. He noted however that malaria is not only preventable but could be treated and even eradicated. “That is why we have been partnering with relevant organisations and state governments to deploy the Roll back Malaria in various parts of the country as part of our company; health intervention initiatives. “The RBM programme in Ibeju-Lekki LGA does not end today. Therefore I urge those who will benefit from the various trainings to implement what they have learnt so that we can collectively check the menace of malaria in our communities.” Hastrup listed several other donations and projects the company had provided in its partnership with the state government. These include the donation of Chest Clinics and equipment to St Kiszito Clinic in Lekki to fight tuberculosis and other infections common to HIV/AIDS patients, donation of medical equipment to Massey Children’s hospital, Lagos Island, donation of medical waste incinerators to Epe general Hospitals and the upgrading of Okun-Afa Medical Centre, among others. He disclosed that the company had also executed

the Roll Back Malaria awareness campaign in other Local governments of the state such as Ojo, Oshodi, Ikeja and Epe and also donated a molecular biology research laboratory to the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital which detected the first Ebola case in the country “thereby contributing to Nigeria’s ability to control the spread of the highly infectious and dreaded Ebola Virus disease (EVD):” In his remark, the state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Jide Idris, represented by Dr. Erinosho Eniola, Director Disease Control, Lagos State Ministry of Health, commended the company for its initiative and urged other corporate bodies that have not been involved in supporting the state’s health care interventions to emulate Chevron. “The role of the organized sector (OPS) in reducing disease burden towards improving the quality of life, productivity and economic development in the state as part of the 2012 to 2025 development strategy of the state government, cannot be over emphasized.He expressed the government’s determination to eliminate malaria which he said, causes high morbidity and mortality among children under the age of 5 years and pregnant women.”

Dufil donates medical equipment to health centre SAIDAT ALAUSA

ufil Prima Foods Plc, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles, has again donated medical equipment to Akerele Health Center, Sururlere, a government owned hospital as part of its Cooperate Social responsibility activities. According to the Head, Public Relations and Event Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju, “This donation to the paediatric unit of the Akerele Health center is an ongoing activity to support the Public health sector, by partnering with the state and donating equipment relevant to the sectors.” “Dufil Prima Foods Plc believes so much in sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative (CSR) projects especially in the Health Sector because health is wealth. We also

believe there is no need feeding the over fed and that is why we have decided to take up community based project as our key area of interventions and not the private health establishment.” Ashiwaju while commending the medical officers at Akerele health Center said: “we know that there are so many needs in the health sector and that is why we have come to experience it firsthand in order to know the areas for more intervention.” He also highlighted the relevance of the donation as a direct form of giving back to the Surulere Community which is the host community of the corporate head office organisation while also assuring continuous partnership and support of Dufil Prima Foods Plc for the development of the community through other form of interventions.

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

In Kwara, there’s access to good healthcare –Commissioner Kwara State is the only state that has a community health insurance system in the whole of Nigeria, according to the state Commissioner of Health, Alhaji Sulyman Atolagbe Alege. In this interview with FRANKA OSAKWE. Alege who speaks on the state’s success in the just-concluded vaccination against measles in northern part of the country says Kwara state stands out in health care delivery in the North-Central zone. Excerpts. How would you appraise the justconcluded vaccination against measles in Kwara State? In Kwara, you can see what we have put in place in every local government as regards the issue of the measles programme; that is vaccination of our children from five months to the age of five. This is a period when we want to immunize all our children against measles. Thank God, we have our health personnel on ground that are doing a very good job in our health facilities. This is a facility programme, it is not a programme like the other general immunization whereby you take it to the homes of everybody. But, the Kwara state government has done a very good campaign. We went to radio and television stations, we made use of people in the village, telling them to bring out their children for immunization against measles in our health facilities within the state. Every local government in Kwara state is participating. If you look at it, the Ministry of Health is also doing its own monitoring and evaluation of the programme. We have our teams on ground. Other management teams are also moving about. The Permanent Secretary and myself, including some of our Directors moved round, look at how the programme is going, and how the programme is moving. Thank God, people are coming out. Our mothers are bringing out their

of Nigeria. That is why we want everybody in Kwara state to participate after the bill has been passed. By the grace of God, we will start the programme by January. We want everybody to participate.

Atolagbe

children for immunization; and we are happy with what we see. We have a target of 75,000 to 90,000 children within the system that will be immunized. Thank God, if you look at it now, we are about reaching that stage, and meeting that target. So, once the target is met, we will be happy that we have done a very good job. To what extent will you say fuel scarcity has negatively impacted the exercise, considering that fuel scarcity has recently adversely impacted the socio-economic activities in the state. I can only say that it affected our staff a little, not the children that were brought in for vaccination. Most of our health facilities are close to where our people reside. The problem is just that of our staff and the state government has made arrangement that each local government will have hired vehicles for the programme. The driver of the vehicle and the team would make sure the fuel is already on ground for them to move. So, mostly, so far so good, it has not been affecting the programme because the health facilities are close to our people. It is just for the mothers to bring out their children to the facilities and meet our health officers on ground. What is the extent of measles prevalence in this state? Measles is not a source of worry because Kwara state is one of the states on good pedestrians as regards the issue of measles; if you look at our work plan and other diseases. This programme has always been on ground. We have our public health unit; we have our

primary health care unit. We have other units that participate continuously in measles programme and immunization. This is just a special programme. We have been handling all these cases through our primary health care, in which our donor agencies have been supporting us. How affordable and accessible are public health facilities to the people in Kwara state? His Excellency, the Governor of the state has an agenda of shared prosperity. Part of the agenda of shared prosperity in the state is that for every 500 metres, you must have a health facility, at least a primary health facility in the state. This is what has been happening, for every ward in Kwara state, we have health facility, basic health care centre in every area that we tag as a comprehensive area. We have comprehensive facility, cottage hospitals in the state, and we have General Hospitals. Last year, we were able to rehabilitate and give out a functioning General Hospital in five local government areas in Kwara state. And, if you get to those hospitals today, they are among the finest hospitals you can get in North-Central zone and even in some other parts of Nigeria. So, if you go to our General Hospitals in Ilorin, Saare, OmuAran, these are the hospitals that we have renovated, and renovated to the highest taste of a very good hospital in the country. What is Kwara state doing in making health insurance available as canvassed by the Federal Government? Look at the history of all the states in the federation. Kwara

state is the only state that has a community health insurance system in the whole of Nigeria. We have been having this since 2007. We have a community-based health insurance. We have partners that work with us in this area. People have been having it so good in our villages. We started with only one local government. Now, we have 11 local governments that are participating in our community health insurance scheme in Kwara state. We have 16 local governments, and we have 11 local governments that are participating, remaining just five. Last Monday, we signed a memorandum of understanding with our partners from Amsterdam. They were in the state to sign agreement because we want to have Kwara State Health Insurance Fund. The Amsterdam group will put in their own support and the government of the state will put in its own support in percentage. Also, the National Health Insurance Scheme will put in its own support. Our Bill is going to the Kwara State House of Assembly, which we know will be given accelerated hearing for Kwara to have it as an agency. That is, having Kwara State Health Insurance Scheme as an agency. We have Community Health Insurance that its bill is already on ground. That is what we are operating on. We want to move it to an agency so that everybody will participate. This is because health insurance, throughout all developed nations, is what the people use. They don’t need to bother their pockets before going for quality health services. Since they don’t need to put hands in their pockets, they have it on insurance basis; that will be good for the people of Kwara, and the people

It has been argued that people in the country have more confidence in private health facilities. Would you say Kwarans patronize private hospitals more than those owned by the government? In Kwara, that is not possible. If you go to our General Hospital, Ilorin and others in the state, you see how people are going into the hospital. If you look at the facilities there, you see that people are coming into our health facilities. Health facilities in Kwara state are good. We have good staff, we have good specialists; we have people that can do so many good things for our people. When you are going to any health facility in Kwara state, you are sure of meeting quality staff on ground. So, why will you be worried? That is why most of our people attend comprehensive health centres, our cottage hospitals, our General Hospitals…We have the best Diagnostic Centre in NorthCentral. We have referrals that are coming there from other states for diagnostic services. Which are the prevalent diseases in Kwara which your government intends to give priority? Health challenges are continuous issues, either you like it or not in health system. In Kwara state, the area you can look into, maybe malaria. It is a general case everywhere, and we are handling it… There are so many other areas because health is a challenge itself. Either you like it or not, you will still continue to record one way or the other. But, thank God, in Kwara state, we have everything at the lowest level. The last time we recorded cholera in Kwara state will be around the ’80. This is because we have very good water system in the state. Government that is having a shared prosperity agenda is digging boreholes in almost every village in the state. Once you have a good water and sanitation system, the problem of cholera, and such diseases will not occur. That is why we have been having it so good in Kwara state. Everything in Kwara state regarding the issue of health challenges is at the lowest level. And, at that lowest level, we are not closing our eyes. The government is still participating in all national health programmes. And, it is still working to manage every issue of health in the state.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arts Lounge My life as a scriptwriter –Mike Gozzard

The Onkowe Talk the Word Poetry contest

Nigerian tourism and challenge of insecurity The fear of insecurity in the country has created a hole in the profit margin accruing to the tourism sector, which is why so much needs to be done and hurriedly too. Ogah Ocheche

n 2014, the World Travel and Tourism Council calculated that tourism comprises of about 11 percent of the global GDP. The organisation also declared that the worth of expert of tourist provisions is nearly 6 to 7 percent of complete exports of services and goofs. Assessment has it that tourism industry hires nearly 6 percent of the global professional population staff includes railway employees, travel agents, airline employees, taxi workers, hotel employees, bank personnel, insurances, tour or travel guides, vendors, photographers, life savers, potters, as well as individual in control of locations visited by tourists like art, museums, shops, galleries, parts and theatres. Therefore, tourism is a function that cuts across the majority of the economic activity of a country. Counting the many blessings of tourism in the recent years, there has been improvement in the protection of Nigerian culture, tradition and historical legacy. The significance of tourism development thus in protecting both natural and manmade context cannot be over-estimated especially in the preservation and protection of several historic, archaeological and cultural destinations from destruction due to its positive utilization in such areas. The several natural resources such as national games and parks resources are instances of such positive utilization. Tourism has expanded the country’s economic baseline and assets of foreign exchange through the development of global tourism and made more employment options to accept an ever raising work force. However, the security situation in the country is dashing the gains of tourism to pieces presently. In her journal, tourism scholar and enthusiast, Mojúbàolú Olufunke mentions that “The Boko Haram sect has infused so much fear and anxiety on the legal enforcement agents and institutions of Nigeria. In reality, relocating to the northern area of the state has become abhorrence to, particularly members of the police force from the southern region of Nigeria going by the persistent killing and assaults conducted by members of this group who are sternly averse to all forms and nature of education or civilization” In a recent interview with the Con-

Obudu cattle ranch

servator-General of the National Park Service (NPS), Haruna Tanko, he decried the level of insecurity and infrastructure which is responsible for the deficit in revenue. “The NPS currently operates seven national parks across the country covering a land area of 24, 000 square kilometers. The National Park Service has been playing a crucial role in intelligence gathering for the country’s military in the Northeast and the forest bothering Chad and Cameroun, “Since we have been upgraded to a para-military agency by the President, we have been working closely with other security outfits as well as have a joint border patrol. “National parks are located in the rural areas and mostly in the borders between Nigeria and other African countries. In most cases, when there are cases of insecurity, especially coming from those areas, there is always collaboration between us (and other agencies in terms of patrolling the areas. He regretted that insecurity and infrastructure deficit have been a challenge to maximizing the potentials of the Parks, “The Park realised thirty-two million naira as against the forty seven million naira, he added. Furthermore, Mr. Tomi Akingbogun, Vice President, Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), has ascribed the drop in the influx of tourists to the country to the ineffective management of the county’s image, adding that the increase in bills; insecurity and other economic challenges made visits to tourist sites in the country difficult. “The government is not giving the right attention to development of tourism. Dubai works on tourism, Kenya, South Af-

rica; see how many billions they are making; why are we allowing Nigeria to just go down. He explained that if there was no movement of tourists within the country, there would be no influx of tourists from outside the country, a situation, which he said, had undermined Nigeria’s ranking as a tourist destination. However, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, the Director General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation argues that Nigeria is not the only country that is dealing with terrorism or insecurity, it is a global issue. “It’s a global issue. Our job is to create awareness, to let people know where is safe and not safe. There will be tourism police and guard. For example look at SouthWest, South-West is safe, tourism industry is booming, Lagos is doing very well and all the others as well as other Geo-political zones so security is not a barrier. Supporting Mrs. Mbanefo’s claim, Mrs. Sola Olumeko, said that there is no place that is actually free of vices “There is no place that is actually free of vices. So for our tourism industry to thrive, we should focus more on positive than negative reports that will scare tourists away”. “Other countries have excelled in tourism because they don’t look at their bad sides, they look at the good sides of their country and that should be our orientation in Nigeria as well”. She added emphatically, “Security is a very sensitive issue in tourism; I would rather prefer you talk about tourism and the potentials of what we have that can attract tourists which can also help to enhance our own image. I don’t think it is only Nigeria that has security challenge, it is all over the world”. Throwing more light on what can be

We now have to spend more money on security than ever before in the history of our operations.

done to convince people that Nigeria is still safe and secure for tourists visiting the country, the Director of Tourism described Nigerians as warm and hospitable people who accommodate any tribe or foreigner, no matter the religion. She discloses further on cultural diversity and tourist sites that can attract foreigners to the country. “Nigeria comprises 36 states with diverse cultures and big festivals that are internationally-recognised. We also have interesting sites to visit like Obudu Ranch Resort, Tinapa and various artefacts. The civil servant agreed though that the country should focus more on providing necessary infrastructural facilities. However, Mr Boris Bornman, the General Manager, Abuja Sheraton Hotel and Towers argued further that there is no guarantee for safety in the country as lots of people abroad see the country like the old Soviet, where many believe that there is an iron curtain and until that curtain of insecurity is removed, people won’t come. “Without doubt, the more violent the situation gets, the more people will stay away from Abuja and Nigeria at large. Do not forget that Nigeria is not a tourist destination yet, but a business market. Again, in spite of the huge potentials of Nigeria’s cultural tourism that can attract tourists, they will all stay away because of insecurity. As I speak with you, lots of people abroad see the country like the old Soviet, where many believe that there is an iron curtain and until that curtain of insecurity is removed, people won’t come. “To be honest with you, we now have to spend more money on security than ever before in the history of our operations. We have to import detective equipment, spend extra money on CCTV cameras, and the list goes on and on in other to provide at least minimum security for our guests. “Regrettably, Nigeria is a beautiful country and you have wonderful things that people want to see, but the fear of insecurity and violent keeps people away. Imagine Zimbabwe with the entire international political buzz, tourists from UK and around Europe still go there. Zambia and their likes too also have a fair share of international arrivals because they have been able to guarantee safety of visitors to their countries. He added that in those countries, tourism accounts for between 15-20 per cent of their Gross Domestic Product [GDP] and the tourists’ dollars spent in their countries matters. “Like you know too, it’s not compulsory that the entire country is promoted as tourist zone, but those sections that can be promoted be done because Nigeria has some unique cultures that most people around the world have not seen and they would want to see such.”

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

VOICES

Nigeria’s disappearing storytellers Adaobi Nwaubani

n September 2015, the judges of the $100,000 (£65,000) Nigeria Prize for Literature announced that there would be no winner for 2015. Professor Ayo Banjo, chairman of the advisory board for the prize, declared that none of the 109 book entries met the required standard. “Each book was found to manifest incompetence in the use of language,” he said. Another judge described the entries as riddled with “grave errors”. Only books written in English are eligible for the prize. And, in Nigeria, quality of English is usually directly proportional to quality of education. As the country’s educational system has declined, the effect can be read and heard when Nigerians communicate in the tongue that was gifted us by our colonial rulers of yore. Over the six years of Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure as President of Nigeria, his wife Patience kept many middle-class Nigerians entertained by her customised version of the English language. For example, she once extolled her husband’s commitment to maternal health saying: “Goodluck said that... no woman will die again under pregnancy. He said that all Nigerian women, you have died enough.” And when she paid a hospital visit to some victims of a Boko Haram attack in Abuja, the former first lady expressed satisfaction that “the doctors and nurses are responding well to treatment”. But the laughter was usually accompanied by disdain. Some described her as a disgrace to Nigeria and complained that someone who spoke such poor English had no right to represent our country on the world stage. These critics were inadvertently calling for the majority of Nigerians to steer clear of the public stage. They were suggesting that millions of Nige-

Adaobi Nwabuani

rians keep their mouths shut. Often when I watch TV, listen to radio, read newspapers or interact with groups of people, locally, I arrive at the conclusion that, as far as grammar and pronunciation are concerned, many Nigerians have decided that Queen Elizabeth may go ahead and speak her version of English while they speak their own. The mistakes and malapropisms may not be as amplified as Mrs. Jonathan’s, but they are nonetheless very much there.

Most Nigerians attend governmentrun schools, which these days have poorly paid and poorly trained teachers. Mrs. Jonathan herself was a qualified teacher, with a National Certificate in Education from the Rivers State College of Education to prove it. The privileged Nigerians who attend privately owned schools learn better English, but usually pay heavy fees. An option might have been for Mrs. Jonathan to stick to her mother

But, had Chinua Achebe or Wole Soyinka written in Igbo or Yoruba, they would probably not have been recognised beyond the boundaries of their ethnic groups.

Memorable Reads What is your favourite book? It is Shogun by James Clavel Is James Clavel also your favourite author? No, I prefer John Grisham What character fascinates you in ‘Shogun’ and why? The Samurai Yabusan. He is a cruel samurai but quite a fascinating. cunny and courageous character Who shaped your love for books as a child? My father bought me lots of books as a child; he introduced me to reading at a very early age. I was reading even before I started primary school; I could recite ‘Picketty Hicketty My Black Hen’, when I was barely more than three years old. I was reading poems. When I grew older, he bought me Ladybird books, and got me my first dic-

Moji Danisa Dawodu

Writer/Journalist

tionary in primary 3; he had bought chocolates and placed them beside the coloured dictionary and asked me to choose; I have always had weakness for chocolates, but I took one look at d beautiful dictionary and did not hesitate in picking it. Well I also got the chocolates with a big kiss and words of praise, the first word I learnt in that dictionary was ‘abandon’. That was the beginning of my adventure because I never wanted to stop reading. What is your annual expenditure on books? There was a time I spent all my pocket money on books but these days, I just buy a few best-sellers. I don’t think I spend more than ten thousand a month at any time. If you decide to become an author, what would be your theme? May be romance!

tongue, an interpreter constantly by her side. But, in a country with such fragile ethnic fault lines, a national figure only engaging in her mother tongue could easily send the wrong message. She may have been perceived as the first lady of a region rather than of the entire country. Nigerian writers face a similar dilemma. Undoubtedly, indigenous works form an essential part of a people’s literary heritage. There is a place for them. But, had Chinua Achebe or Wole Soyinka written in Igbo or Yoruba, they would probably not have been recognised beyond the boundaries of their ethnic groups. These world-acclaimed writers may not even have been read widely among their own clans. Not even the English are born with the ability to read their language. They are taught, usually in schools. And the UN reports that more than one in three adults in sub-Saharan Africa are unable to read and write, while 47 million young people aged between 15 and 24 are illiterate. In April 2015, no fewer than 10.5 million children in Nigeria were reported to be out of school, the highest number of any country in the world. If poverty in the country remains at the current dire level, fewer and fewer Nigerians will be able to afford to learn correct English. Fewer, no matter how skilfully they can tell a good story, will possess the competence in the use of the English language required by most literary prizes. Consequently, many of Nigeria’s greatest storytellers will continue to be denied a place on the literary stage. And, sadly, their would-be pageturners will go with them to the grave. •Adaobi Nwaubani is a journalist and novelist.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

ARTISTE UNCENSORED

Gozzard

American scriptwriter, producer and director, Mike Gozzard highlights how originality brings a refreshing flavour to stories.

ichael Gozzard is the coscriptwriter of the critically acclaimed movie, Pride,

which starred Terrence Howard and the late Bernie Mac. People know that much about him but Gizzard said a lot more about himself. For instance, how he rose through the ranks as volunteer intern to become story editor for Oscar winner, Morgan Freeman’s production company for several years. Gizzard went to volunteer as an intern, “because that is how you get in,” he said. “I was basically getting him coffee, his dry cleaning. I was not

Pride is a true story, Gozzard said. He explained that he does not really write original stories that are not based on fact

MIDWEEK JUMP

CURATOR‘S TALK BY MARTIN KALTWASSER

artin Kaltwasser is a Berlin-based architect, artist and curator. He studied fine arts and architecture and works in many different fields: installation, objects, design, performance, architecture, theory and urban studies. The red line through his work is the public space which he analyses, reconfigures, and reinterprets. His focus is on artistic and architectonical aesthetic of resistance against the take-over that is operating in the public space: the pressure to consume; growing control, and more and more traffic are threatening to change the picture of our cities dramatically. Kaltwasser will present his ideas and works to a general audience at a public talk on December 4, 2015 at Goethe-Institut Lagos at 3pm. Martin Kaltwasser

Arts Lounge

My life as a scriptwriter –Mike Gozzard

even an assistant, his wife needs party balloons... you’d just do ridiculous stuff. But on the side, you’d read every script that his company was developing; many scripts so I’d read them. I’m tired from doing all the stuff but then I would read”. To hear Gozzard who studied to become a disc jockey and radio presented at the university tell it working with Freeman was the highest point of his trying for a movie career. “I’d deliver coffee and go, ‘Mr. Freeman, here is your coffee, and oh, this is how you fix that second act to that script’. And he’s like, ‘who the hell are you?’ He’d read it and go, ‘that works’. And I’d come in, ‘here is how you fix the third act to the sci-fi movie. What did you want again, a hamburger, pizza?’” Gozzard said it was easy for him to just slip it in and out because he wrote so many scripts before going to Los Angeles, California. The story of his move there has an interesting drama all its own. But what does he see when he watches a Nollywood movie? Gozzard, who had never watched a Nigerian film until he came to the country last year, said he sees unbridle potential not only in the movies but in the filmmakers involved in the training. He explained that he had come to Los Angeles with the same mindset. “I came there with just a bag of clothes, some scripts that I had written. I come from a factory worker background. My parents all work in a steel town of very modest means and I just went there with very little talent and my English is not very good. But the ambition that I brought and the passion; I want to be heard, I’ve a story to tell, I want to make people feel something. I didn’t know how to do it so I self-learned; everything I’m teaching here is like 15 years of my learning,” he said. The filmmaker said he got involved

in the Pride movie project because when he comes across a story “I go, ‘that’s really cool’. I sleep on it and the next morning if I’m even close to excited about it the way I was the night before then okay there is something here. Then I wait a week and if I’m still just as interested...” And this story made him excited because in America there are not enough people who are going out of their way to try and make a difference in their communities especially in the AfricanAmerican community which has had injustice done to it in the past. Pride is a true story, Gozzard said. He explained that he does not really write original stories that are not based in some fact “because true fact and true stories are more interesting than any dumb thing I can make up”. Pride is based on the true story of a black man who lives in Philadelphia trying to transform a pool at a recreation centre and save it from the neglect of the gangs, crime and violence. He fights against other African-Americans who are in gangs and crime. What he tries to do is resurrect the pool, get the pool going at the recreation centre, get a programme going and then take endangered kids from the streets, get them out of the danger and bring them into his pool, which is kind of like a safety zone for them. Gozzard said he is a social adventurer that is why he has been to many places in the world. “I’m not a person that is going to climb a mountain, go sky diving or bungee, no, I want to know you. I want to know where you come from. I want to know your story and I want to know what your life is like. I’m just like a social adventurer. I want to know what you eat, the types of food you eat. And you or someone in Japan, Peru, I want to know these things,” he said.

West African Afro-Cuban Dance & Music Festival 3rd edition

he West African Afro Cuban Dance & Music Festival 3rd edition [Latin/Ballroom Salsa Congress] will hold in Lagos Nigeria at 2:30pm on Thursday 5th of December 2015. It is an annual gathering of over 2000 dance & music enthusiasts. It features a day of dance workshop (hosted by international professionals), networking, professional dance productions, live band performances, fashion exhibitions, dance & fitness competitions, free health services & education, night parties and a grand finale of spectacular performances in which all invited countries showcase their latest choreography. Attendees will watch and learn several dances. Event Venues are: Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island and after parties at EmberCreek in Ikoyi, N-tyce lounge 1310 karimu Kotun in Victoria Island, Eko Hotels and Oriental Hotels. v

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

FAR AND NEAR

The Onkowe Talk the Word Poetry contest Wale Igbitade

n a bid to consolidate on its first outing, The Onkowe Social Media ShortStory Contest, Inky Repertoire by Damilola Olaniyi celebrated another first. The Onkowe Talk the Word Poetry Contest, which is Inky Repertoire’s first poetic adventure, was targeted at children aged 8 to 16 and held its poetic slam at Studio City Hall, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos on Friday, November 13, 2015. Expressions came to bare as the students poured out their thoughts not just in a written poem but by giving life to

their poems. They were marked for their use of stage, voice quality, moderation etc. A three stage performance, the contestants were further shortlisted until the winner emerged. Ibukun Ajagbe, a 15 year old student of Multi-Treasure College, came tops after wowing both the judges and audience with her fast-paced and mesmerizing compositions. Adegoke Adeola, a young poet from Oyo State, and Tijani Hajara, 12 year old student of Ikeja Junior High School, came in second and third respectively. The winners were rewarded with cash prizes sponsored by Bosak Microfinance Bank, one –on-one writing sessions with

Winners at the poetry contest

The Write Note Limited, smartphones and a tablet and other gift items from inky Repertoire. Other sponsors include ipNX, Mo’ events, Platinum Media Concerns, Jasper Books, Be TV, Penny Trust, Back Page Productions, Word Up, Buchi Photography, Bloomido, Newsng.com, IDCL, Yelash, Eskal8 Couture and casefileng.com. The judges Adesanya Solomon popularly known as St. Rhymes, Onome Frank and Kayode T. Olla did a fine job in picking out the winners. Online Nigeris writes that “there is a sizeable number of children story books by Nigerian authors.” Yet, there is hardly a platform for the exploration of children writing. InkyRepertoire recognises that there is much more to developing the creativity of a child than immersion into another’s creative works. Expression is just one key factor. Children who are encouraged and helped in their quest to express themselves are wont to perform better, both in their social, academic and psychological endeavours. In line with this, Inky Repertoire births the Onkowe Outreach program, another project aimed at encouraging children to express themselves through mentorship and referrals. Details about it are soon to be posted on the website: www.damilolaniyi.com and the Facebook page: www. facebook.com/onkowe. While this is a first, there is no gainsaying that Inky Repertoire is setting a precedent for children’s writing in Nigeria.

Weaverbirds presents ‘The Apostate’ Gbenga Ogunbufunmi

n entertainment company with interest in content development, production, distribution and technology –driven delivery to customers, Weaverbirds Media Group, will on December 5, 2015 present a film, The Apostate. The Apostate is a film with Christian background settings, but it is however, not a religious film. The Apostate is the story of four young ambitious friends who set out to be successful, but unfortunately, they chose deception and religion to achieve their objec-

tives. However, on getting to the top in their different endeavours, everything they had, started to crumble and nemesis caught up with them. Speaking with journalists on the proposed launch of the film ‘The Apostate,’ one of the directors of Weaverbirds Media Group, Mr Femi Oladire, said some of the objectives of the company is to lift up upcoming young Nigerians and give them opportunity to showcase their talents believing that if the landscape is not laced with issues like favouritisms, godfatherisms among others, the best can be brought out of our young and upcoming talents.

A scene in The Apostate

Korea: Changing cultural landscape in Nigeria Joel Ajayi

ranscorp Hilton Congress Hall, on Tuesday night received unusual visitors when people from all walks of life in the world, especially culture lovers trooped to the place to be part of the historic Korean Culture festival in Abuja the Federal Capital city of Nigeria. So, the opening was an international carnival like as it was graced by Asian Countries, prominent Nigerians, captains of industry, diplomats, expatriates, art collectors, promoters and lovers especially troupes from Korean. The festival which could be described

as the mother of all cultural celebrations in the world was an exposition of the rich cultural heritage of both countries as cultural presentations showcased the diverse cultures of the two countries. It’s no longer news that Korean Republic has been contributed to development of Nigeria, through arrays of programmes embarked upon in the last five years of its existence in the country that aimed to promote Korean culture and facilitate cultural exchanges which has without hesitation contributed immensely to the development of culture in Nigeria. A series of events channeled towards the empowerment of children,

youth as well as women such as Korean Government Scholarship Program, K-POP dance for youth of which Nigeria team was recently crowned overall winner in the whole world as well as numerous, robust and rich programmes for students in the country. Speaking at the occasion, the Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Noh Kyu-Duk, who extolled the beauty of the Korea-Nigerian culture, noted that Korea center established five years ago had secured a good foundation for the cultural exchange of the two countries. This year marks the 4348th anniversary of the foundation of Korean nation. It is safe to say that this is one of the oldest anniversaries in the world.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Asiegbu, Duru at World Prematurity Day

Ejike and Francis Duru

jike Asiegbu and Francis Duru on November 17, in Abuja celebrated this year’s World Prematurity Day. The two renowned actors, Ambassadors of LittleBigSouls International Charitable Foundation, took time out to present gifts to locals as well as celebrate the foundation’s partnership with Natus. LittleBigSouls International Charitable Foundation, with its Jaundice Program raising an audible voice in South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and Globally to honour the million babies that die each year. Asiegbu in a statement said Chief Mrs. Yvonne Igweh. CEO/Founder of LittleBigSouls was proud to announce its partnership with Natus the leading provider of medical devices, software and services for newborn care, sleep, hearing, neonatal and vital healthcare equipment and are excited to make a strong global impact starting in South Africa this year with a donation under the LittleBigSouls Equipment Donation and Jaundice Program generously supported by Natus. “This vital impact in the survival and care of babies affected by jaundice is evident in the charitable donation by LittleBigSouls and Natus of the Non-invasive Jaundice/Bilirubin meter(Bilicare) and a Phototherapy light (NeoBlue) to Dora Nginza Hospital in Port Elizabeth on Friday 6th of November 2015 by Mr. Dale Isacks, Natus International Regional Director Middle East and Africa and Mrs Anna Smith, LittleBigSouls International South Africa Co-ordinator and Representative,” the Nollywood actor said adding Jaundice, research reveals, occurs in over 60 per cent of newborn and “especially affects preterm babies who may have immature livers and other existing underlying problems, and may not be easily visible on a baby’s skin until levels are exceedingly high. Thus early detection and treatment is vital to prevent complications such as brain damage. The need to be vigilant for jaundice has to be incredibly high immediately from birth.” Chief Mrs. Yvonne Igweh said that “LittleBigSouls is incredibly proud of its partnership with Natus and very thankful of their generosity and belief in the mission of LittleBigSouls. We are excited about our ability to greatly impact care and survival outcomes for preterm babies and babies affected with Jaundice. Jaundice can have dire consequences for untreated babies and detection normally requires painful invasive procedures thus our joint efforts under our charitable programs will serve to greatly enhance the life- saving care given to jaundiced babies. “This will in turn further help to eliminate the need for painful invasive tests in jaundice detection, ultimately improve healthcare outcomes of affected babies that may be cared for with the non-invasive meters and phototherapy light, reassuring families and supporting overall the dedicated and hardworking neonatologists and nurses at beneficiary hospitals”.

Business

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Adulterated lubricants are harmful to Nigeria’s economy –Sote 28

Marketers rev up fuel importation operations to end scarcity 33

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fake products influx: SON canvasses strict border controls 30

Shiroro Power to construct 3,000mw solar power plant UDEME AKPAN

He said the plant would rely on the sun to make up for the short fall in power generation. He explained that the management of the power plant has the requisite expertise to realise the envisaged gains of privatization and also assured that with the infrastructural upgrade and technical expertise at the disposal of the company, the country would continue to witness improved power supply. The Chief Operations Officer of the plant, Abdul-Aziz Daudu remarked the BPE monitors that since takeover by the new

investors, the generators and three out of the four turbines had been overhauled to boost power output from the power plant. He said plans were on to overhaul the fourth turbine. He also said that work was in progress to upgrade the Excitation Systems, ES from analogue to digital and that a new Programmable Logic Controller, PLC has been installed for improved power generation in line with the concession agreement. The leader of the BPE monitoring team, Mr. Abdullahi Shuaibu, commended the manage-

ment for the strides achieved since take over and noted that it was an attestation to the gains of privatisation. He stressed the strategic position of the Shiroro Power plant in the country’s power sector and said that it was for that reason that the Federal government decided to concession the plant instead of outright sale. “The concession approach is to prevent monopoly within the sector as this approach would leave the doors open for more players from the private sector’, he added.

he management of Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station has concluded plans to construct a 300megawatts, mw photo voltaic solar power plant in order to assist in increasing the nation’s capacity. The project is to be located on the existing plant premises which were concessioned to the North- South Power Company, NSP Limited on November 1, 2013, the firm’s Chief Technical Officer, Mr. Roland Lwiindi, has disclosed. Lwiindi gave the hint when the Post Privatisation Monitoring Team of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, recently went to monitor the power station in Shiroro, Niger State. He said the project would start as soon as approval was obtained from the relevant authorities, with its first phase coming on stream in 2017. According to him, when completed the plant would add 300 megawatts of electricity to the existing 600 megawatts. Lwiindi remarked that the capacity of hydro powered plant usually declines during dry seasons but that the proposed Photo Voltic Solar Facility would shore up its power generation during Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh,(right) Australian High Commissioner in Nigeria, H.E. Jonathan Richardson and the Permanent Secretary FMARD, Dr. Shehu the off peak seasons.

Ahmad, during the Envoy’s courtesy visit to the Ministry at the weekend.

FG to set up animal artificial insemination centres nationwide

s part of efforts for the country to improve on livestock production, the Federal Government has disclosed that about two hundred artificial insemination centres would be set up across the federation. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, made the disclosure during his meeting with a delegation of officials from Ireland led by the Minister of Agriculture, Food, Marine and Defence, Mr. Simon Coveney, visited his office on Monday in Abuja. While decrying a situation where cattle produces one or less litre of milk per day in the coun-

try, the minister said that 37 per cent of Nigerian Children was said to be malnourished according to the United Nations international Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). He noted that the present administration was ready to collaborate with the developed countries particularly the Irish government in its effort to move the Agricultural sector forward. He said various initiatives and technical programmes would be introduced to attract young people who form the highest population in the country into agricultural sector, noting that the sector had hitherto been left to the older people.

Ogbeh said the ministry would engage in massive irrigation system in the northern part of the country to grow feeders to feed the cattle and prevent migration of cattle from the north which usually results to the depletion of their nutrients. The minister commended the delegation of Irish officials for their visit and determination to foster more partnership with Nigeria. Earlier in his remarks, the Irish Minister of Agriculture, Food, Marine and Defence and leader of the delegation, Mr. Simon Coveney, said the purpose of their visit was to build on the existing relationship between their

country and Nigeria, in order to boost trade and investments in agricultural development. The leader of the delegation said Ireland is good in food technology and development of indigenous capacity in agriculture. He explained that Irish government was ready to share its fifty years experiences in agriculture with Nigeria and added that his country has many young people in the agriculture sector which would be replicated in Nigeria. The Envoy disclosed that Ireland which has exports into many countries produces about 40 percent of infant formula globally.

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

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

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

Executive Discourse

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Adulterated lubricants are harmful Based on available official statistics, commercial quantity of fake and low quality lubricants is still imported into the nation. In this interview with UDEME AKPAN, the principal partner of Lubservices Associates, Engr. Kayode Sote, urges government and its agencies to intervene in order to curb the unbridled importation of the sub-standard products.

hat would you consider as the main challenges affecting the nation’s lubricants sub-sector?

Let me draw your attention to the nation’s lubricants industry and the challenges therein as a prelude to the main idea of setting up the Nigerian Lubricants Summit as a yearly expose to address some of the fundamental issues that becloud the industry in general. The lubricants sub-sector of the downstream petroleum industry, a sector usually characterised by its secrecy while at the same time susceptible to the vagaries of the techno-economic dynamics and socio-political imperatives of the local and international politics is a salient but core area of the industry that is complimentary to the fuel business. It is a technology-driven product with value-addition to one of the refined byproducts of crude hydro-carbon called base oils. Perhaps, one need to be reminded that 1 barrel of heavy crude oil produces 0.5per cent base oils as waxes and intermediaries that are further subjected to hydrofinishing process to improve its colour, oxidation and thermal stability. Other byproducts includes petrol (PMS – 3216%), diesel (AGO-24.59%), kerosene (DPK-16.16%), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG-3.9%), low pour fuel oil (LPFO-21.96%), refining fuels 0.94per cent, losses – 0.94per cent.

How would you describe the role nomic development generally? Lubricants are necessary products to guarantee energy-savings, costeffective and maintenance of plant and machinery in industry in order to sustain the nation’s industrial growth and economy in general. Meanwhile, statistics available confirms that Nigeria is the third largest consumer of lubricating oils in Africa. There are 32 registered and other illegal blending plants with a total installed capacity of about 965 million liters per annum but currently producing at an average of 40per cent of their total installed capacity employing over 5,000 Nigerian workers with a potential to generate over 50,000 additional direct work force and over 500,000 related services amongst the mechanics, oilers, greasers, technicians and other service providers if the plants are working at full-installed capacities. Furthermore, it is important to add that the nation’s lube plants have the needed technology and potential to blend an estimated 75per cent of the total need of lubricating oils while the remaining 25per cent are specialized products manufactured in developed countries with more advanced technology-driven process usually

Sote

of lubricants in ecoimported by the marketing companies into the country. Could you specifically say in which ways fake lubricants have affected the economy? Despite the obvious contributions and related business potential to the nation’s economy, Nigerian lubes

market is awash with excess base oils, a raw material for lubes blending, different grades and types of products both locally blended by the majors, independents, fake and illegal manufacturers. It is worrisome to note that the market is also a dumping ground for sub-standard and off-specifications imported lubes of questionable qual-

Nigerian lubes market is awash with excess base oils, a raw material for lubes blending, different grades and types of products both locally blended by the majors, independents, fake and illegal manufacturers. It is worrisome to note that the market is also a dumping ground for sub-standard and off-specifications imported lubes of questionable quality

ity. All these infractions are indeed a continued threat to the survival of the lube manufacturers if concerted efforts are not made by stakeholders to address these fundamental issues that can lead to the total collapse of the sector in Nigeria. What measures can be adopted to reverse the ugly situation? It is, therefore, my considered opinion that the necessary awareness should be created at a Stakeholders’ Forum like this in order to draw the attention of the government, its statutory and regulatory agencies, public and industrial consumers alike to the challenges in the lubricants market. Moreover, it is also an opportunity to showcase the fact that locally blended lubes meet and in some cases exceed both the national and international quality standards in the choice of raw materials, product formulations, packaging, quality sustainability, performance level and original equipment manufacturers’ (OEM’s) specifications and approvals. Could you comment on the just

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Executive Discourse

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

to our nation’s economy –Sote concluded summit? The Lubricants Summit was packaged and endorsed by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) as an International Conference and Exhibition of the nation’s lubricants and the related industries. The service providers included Messrs Lubcon Group – Managing Consultants, Lubeservices Associates – Technical Consultants and CMC Connect. Burson Masrteller – Communication Consultants. What were the objectives of the summit? Specifically, the conference and exhibition were packaged to promote the investment profiles of the local lube manufactures and their commitment to a sustainable job creation and contribution to the techno – economic growth of the nation in particular. They were packaged to promote the marketing potential of lubes manufactured locally in order to confirm the fact they are equipment lubrication – complaint. And also expose their technical competence as premium grades that meet and in some cases exceed the performance level and optimal drain intervals as recommended by the original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s), international standards organization (ISO), technical associations, professional bodies like SAE, IP, ASTM, NLGI, etc. The events were to exhibit and showcase the diversed lube range and also confirm the fact that the total installed capacities of the lube plants in Nigeria currently operating at about 40per cent can meet the local consumption and with potential to export market to earn foreign exchange for the country. They were to provide commercial and technical interactive forum for the statutory and regulatory bodies (SON, DPR, NAFDAC, NESREA, Weights & Measures, Customs… etc), stakeholders (MOMAN, LUPAN, IPMAN), related service providers (base oils & additive suppliers, logistics & packaging…etc), consumers, academics, researchers, technical associations and professional bodies in order to bridge the communication gap between them and thus forge a common ground for the sustenance of quality and survival of lubricants market in Nigeria. The events were to create an interactive window of opportunities for all the stakeholders, service providers, statutory and regulatory agencies of the government to meet and use the forum to address the diversed challenges facing the lubricants market in Nigeria especially in the area of custom tariffs, levies, high interest rates on lending & cost of funds, multiple taxations, power outage, unfavourable operating environment due to importation of substandard lubes, open market sales of base oils and other infractions in the industry …

The need to blend and market quality lubricants is, therefore, sacrosanct and indeed a necessary perquisite

to ensure optimal plant efficiency, energy saving and overall cost

–

effective maintenance of machinery in industry amongst others. What were the modalities for participation? The Summit as packaged shall be handled with a professional touch that incorporates presentations of 6 nos lead papers in 3 modules on topical issues relevant to the theme and complimented with sub-titles to be handled by 24 nos panel of discussants to make the forum a complete package worthy of attendance and participation by all listed and related stakeholders and service providers amongst others. However, in order to achieve the aims and objectives of the Conference and Exhibition as packaged, a cream of distinguished resource persons and panel discussants with proven track records and relevant expertise have been selected to present papers, demonstrate and share their practical experience with the participants. These facilitators are a mixed-grill of professionals, administrators and technocrats from the private and public sectors and with requisite experience in the listed topics of discourse thus meeting the standards usually associated with such a forum of both national and international relevance. How much do Nigerians know about lubricants? Good knowledge of lubricants and proper understanding of the fundamentals of lubrication of machine elements is a major challenge in industry. Meanwhile, there is no gainsaying the fact that a major problem faced by engineers through the years has been the challenge of preventing and/or minimizing the estimated loss of about 33per cent of the useful energy generated in industry due to friction. However, the correct selection and application of lubricants and their interface with appropriate lubrication of machine elements are directly related to the quality of the products and their performance standards. The need to blend and market quality lubricants is, therefore, sacrosanct and indeed a necessary perquisite to ensure optimal plant efficiency, energy saving and overall cost – effective maintenance of machinery in industry. Based on empirical facts, engineers, usually recommend the use

of blended lubricants that meet the original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s) approvals in term of quality and performance standards in order to ensure that equipments meet and / or in some cases exceed their designed life-span. Could you enlighten the public more on the essence of good lubrication in economic activities? It is important to add that the heart of lubrication is the quality of the lubricants because they either add-value to the maintainability of machine elements or devalue the life-span of the equipment in industry. Moreover, the market is becoming more attractive to quality lubricants

Sote

globally and thus making it highly competitive and challenging for established lube blenders with the entry of new and performance-oriented lubricants in industry. Moreover, in the fast-challenging and highly competitive lubricants business landscape, quality remains the real issue. The impact of lubes blended with recycled base oils, byproducts of low flash point hydrocarbon with no added performance additives and also the challenge posed by the open – market sales of base oils often referred to as lubricants cannot be overlooked. The role of statutory and regulatory agencies and concerns of the stakeholders, service providers and professionals in the industry becomes more relevant in order to control the influx of such lubricants that have made Nigeria a dumping ground for products of questionable quality and unsubstantiated standards. In other words, the imperatives of the technical and commercial challenges of the Nigerian lubricants market informed the need to organize this year’s Conference and Exhibition on lubricants quality, its sustainability, compliance and enforcement in line with the research and development in base oils, additive technology and techno - economic dynamics of engine designs in general.

Business News

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fake products influx: SON canvasses strict border controls FRANCIS EZEM

he Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, has blamed the seeming uncontrolled influx of fake and substandard products into the country on poor policing of seaports and land borders by the relevant government agencies. The Director General of the agency, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, who spoke in Lagos during a courtesy visit to the leadership of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders NAGAFF, however hinted that the agency had projected the reduction of the influx of such goods to less than 15 per cent by 2016. He noted that the current efforts of the organisation at ridding the nation of fake, adultrated and substandard products would yield little or no results if the seaports and land borders were not properly policed. “We need to properly police our seaports and land borders because we strongly believe that sub-standards products are not brought into the country by

ghost but by importers, who are human,” Odumodu said He explained that in planning to reduce the volume of such unwholesome products to 15 per cent in the coming year, the organisation required the collaboration and partnership of freight forwarders and Customs Licensed Agents, who deal directly with the importers to be able to deliver on the set target. According to him, SON will deploy electronic systems in the issuance of all the relevant SON’s certifications such as SONCAP in order to facilitate trade at the ports and also enhance its operation. This, he also argued woulds reduce the volume of human contacts in the ports, which promotes corruption. Odumodu, who lamented the effecst of the massive influx of fake and substandard goods on the local manufacturing companies, insisted that these real sector operators are now let to contend with the fake and adulterated products, which are cheaper. Stakeholders have also ar-

FCMB assures women entrepreneurs on improved support

...beneficiaries laud bank’s funding, other initiatives

he Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, Mr. Ladi Balogun, has urged Nigerian women to take advantage of the opportunities provided by various initiatives of the government and the Bank in the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises’ (SMEs’) space to enhance their well-being and that of the country.

He assured that the bank would continue to increase its support to existing and upcoming women-owned SMEs through increased lending, capacity building, advisory and value-added products as well as service deliveries that would enhance customer experience. Balogun made these known while speaking at a capacity building session organised by the bank for women entrepreneurs on the N220 billion Central Bank of Nigeria intervention meant for SMEs’ development in Lagos. According to him, the Board, management and staff of the bank recognize the role of

women in the society and their capacity to drive growth and he expressed delight that a lot of women-owned businesses are performing creditably well and their impact is being felt in the country with regards to job creation, economic empowerment and other benefits. “We are committed to supporting these businesses with our innovative solutions as an inclusive lender and a true partner in progress’’, Balogun enthused. He advised women entrepreneurs to build businesses that are capable of attracting capital from multiple financing options, other than commercial banks alone, adding that the “capacity building programme will not be a one-off as it has been structured around the Central Bank of Nigeria’s objectives which include engendering inclusive growth, increasing employment and wealth creation, enhancing access by MSMEs to financial services as well as increasing productivity and the output of microenterprises.

R-L: Executive Director, Sterling Bank Plc, Abubakar Suleiman; Controller, Highway Sanitation, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr. Juwon Akinyemi; LAWMA Official and Group Head, Cards & e-Channels, Sterling Bank Plc, Olugbenga Adams, during the Bank’s bi-annual Sterling Environmental Makeover (STEM) exercise at Ojuwoye Market, Mushin Lagos weekend

gued that Nigerians have been made to go through different kinds of dangerous and lifethreatening ailments as a result of consumption of goods that are of low quality. Odumodu, who corroborated the position of the stakeholders also said that “people are dying from the use of sub standard products and we have ended up killing our industry. We need industries where our children will work. That is why when we came and saw what was happening, we

focused on how to solve problem and I am glad to say we have been able to solve a lot of problems.” While reacting to the allegation that operatives of the organisation intercept consignments genuinely and duly cleared from the ports while on transit, he maintained that the agency will continue to intercept any goods found to be of substandard. He also warned that the operatives would intensify such seizures until the affected people learn to do the right thing.

Founder of NAGAFF, Boniface Aniebonam, promised that the association will continue to work to strengthen its existing relationship with SON, especially in ensuring that importation of substandard goods into the country is completely eradicated. He explained that it was in the overall interest of Nigeria and

to leverage on his training and exposure to advance positive changes in the corporate world. While conferring the award on him, the Institute’s President, Mr Ganiyu Koledoye, described Folikwe as a quintessential turn -around manager who has recorded milestones writing the short period of his assumption of office as the Chief Executive Officer of Berger Paints Nigeria Plc. Koledoye advised the new fellows to take active part in the activities of the Institute in order to move it to the next level. The Institute conferred fellowship on twenty distinguished members. Folikwe was appointed the Managing Director of Berger Paints Nigeria Plc in April 2015 He is a graduate of Marketing of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and also earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of

Benin, Nigeria. He is a seasoned Sales and Marketing professional with over 24 years of experience as Marketing, Sales/Distribution and General Management, garnered from a number of top rated companies in Nigeria. He started his career with Vitafoam Nigeria Plc as a Trade Marketer. He later became Channel Manager, MTN Service Centres and MTN Connect Stores across the country. He returned to Vitafoam Nigeria Plc in 2006 as Head, Sales and Marketing. Due to his sterling performance, he was elevated to the board of the foam and mattress manufacturing company to serve as Sales and Marketing Director at Vitafoam Nigeria Plc from 2008 to March

the entire citizenry that the problem of influx of fake and substandard products was addressed once and for all.

Berger Paints boss restates commitment to shareholder value

he Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Berger Paints Nigeria Plc, Mr. Peter Folikwe, has restated his commitment to ensure shareholder value through commitment to the highest standard of corporate goals. Folike explained that his ongoing turnaround efforts at the company was to re-position it as one of the most profitable quoted companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange . Giving this assurance at the occasion of the conferment of Fellowship Award on him by the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) at the weekend, Folikwe said that within his short period of assumption of office at Berger Paints, the company’s earnings had grown by 50 per cent and 89 per cent respectively. Folikwe, who described the award as a call to duty explained that he would continue

2013. He played a key role in re-engineering and refocusing the company’s Marketing and Sales strategies.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Dornier Aviation introduces business jet for charter flights

Olusegun Koiki

ornier Aviation Nigeria AIEP services has introduced a Bombadier challenger 604 business jet for its charter flights.

The airline, which was established three decades ago, said this was part of moves to reposition its operations by offering quality, flexible and efficient services to its clients. The Business Development Manager Dornier Aviation

Nigeria, Ainoje Adumaza Joseph, said at the 10th Aviation Safety and Security Summit in Accra, Ghana that the aircraft was exquisitely designed to offer an unparalleled flying experience for customers. Ainoje said the jet, a 10 seater passenger cabin built with an interior providing a five star comfort, has full multimedia entertainment system. He explained that Dornier

aviation with its restructuring was set to embark on any chattered business across the globe, adding that it now has four aircraft including the Dornier 228 in its fleet based in Kaduna.

Noting that chartered business is dwindling in the country, the company’s BDM explained that the company remained focused with the direction of government in power to diversify and prepare for

the future. He urged government to check the excesses of some charter operators that have not lived up to expectation in terms of services delivery.

FAAN, ACI sign MoU to enhance manpower skil s

Olusegun Koiki

he Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has said that the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, it recently signed with the Airports Council International, ACI, would further help to enhance skills and the performance of the agency’s Airports. The Managing Director, FAAN, Engr. Saleh Dunoma, in a statement issued by the General Manager, Corporate Communication, Mr. Yakubu Dati, noted that the partnership would also facilitate identification and closing gaps to achieve the executive leadership’s goal of airport certification.

He hinted that the MoU was signed between the two parties at Montreal, Canada, adding that the Director-General of ACI world, Angela Gittens, signed for the Council. He noted that Gittens expressed delight in FAAN’S commitment to the realisation of this partnership. According to her, Nigeria being the largest economy was taking its proper role in championing this critical aspect. “The signing ceremony is an outcome of the recently concluded ACI Airport Excellence in Saftey (APEX) reviews, aimed at identifying and closing gaps to achieve the executive leadership’s goal of Airport certification”, Dati stated.

European shares at 3-month high

uropean equities traded at a three-month high, with Britain’s lenders rallying after passing stresstest results. Barclays Plc and Lloyds Banking Group Plc climbed more than 2.9 percent after the Bank of England said all seven major lenders passed the examination. That pushed the FTSE 100 Index to post one of the biggest gains in western-European markets, with the volume of shares changing hands almost double the 30-day average. The Stoxx Europe 600 Index rose 0.1 percent at 9:19 a.m. in London and as much as 0.5 percent earlier. The gauge climbed for a second month in November, taking its rebound from a low in September to 14 percent. Anticipation for further European Central Bank stimulus and confidence that the U.S. economy is strong enough to weather higher borrowing costs helped spur the rally. Data today showed euroare manufacturing accelerated

in November, extending a tepid recovery that sets the scene for more central-bank action. The optimism led to fund managers increasing their allocation to global stocks last month. The timing was no coincidence: equities have wrapped up the year with gains on all but five occasions since 1988, with December posting the biggest and most frequent increases of any month, data compiled by Bloomberg show. Miners advanced with commodities after a private measure of China’s manufacturing came in better than forecast, while the official purchasing managers index fell. BHP Billiton Ltd. rebounded 2.7 percent after closing at its lowest price since 2008. Gases supplier Linde AG slumped 13 percent after cutting its earnings targets for the third time in just over a year. Safran SA dropped 2.3 percent after France lowered its stake in the jet engine maker. (Source – Bloomberg)

L-R: Coordinator, National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Enugu Zone, Mr Michael Eke; Head of Lending Unit, Hasal Micro-Finance Bank Ltd., Mr Michael Nzegwu; Administrative Manager, Abeysteph Globalink Ltd., Mr Babatunde Oluwatosin, and Director-General of NLRC, Mr Adolphus Ekpe, at the 2015 National Lottery and Sales Promotion in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Offshore Yuan jumps on suspected intervention before IMF Vote

he offshore yuan rebounded from early losses on suspected intervention by the central bank as the IMF prepared to vote on whether to add China’s currency to its reserves basket. The yuan trading in Hong Kong surged 0.3 percent against the dollar as of 9:47 a.m. in Hong Kong, having been 0.14 percent weaker four minutes earlier. The gains came after the discount to the onshore price widened to the most since early September, hampering China’s efforts to fulfill the International Monetary Fund’s desire for one rate at home and abroad. “The central bank likely intervened to close the gap as the IMF decision is so close,” said Tommy Ong, managing director for treasury and markets at DBS Hong Kong Ltd. “Chinese authorities will continue to keep the difference small after the IMF decision by supporting the offshore rate and allowing the onshore yuan to weaken.” The offshore yuan rose 0.32 percent, the most since Oct. 30, to 6.4267 a dollar as of 4:45 p.m. in Hong Kong, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. That’s a 0.4 percent discount to the onshore rate in Shanghai,

which closed at 6.3981, China Foreign Exchange Trade System prices show. The People’s Bank of China lowered its daily fixing by 0.07 percent. The difference between the offshore and onshore yuan exists because China restricts cross-border capital flows. The mismatch means the rate in Hong Kong can’t be used as a perfect hedge for onshore ex-

posure, the IMF said in August. Separately, the Wall Street Jour-

nal reported that a group that includes Michael Bloomberg and former top U.S. officials is looking to create a framework for yuan trading. Michael Bloomberg is the founder and majority owner of Bloomberg LP, the parent of Bloomberg News.

Europe stocks gain as investors speculate on ECB stimulus

uropean stocks rose, extending a monthly gain on thin volumes before this week’s European Central Bank meeting.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index climbed 0.3 percent to 384.85 at 9:13 a.m. in London, after earlier falling as much as 0.5 percent. The number of shares changing hands was 22 percent lower than the 30day average. The benchmark measure is heading for a 2.5 percent monthly gain amid speculation that the ECB may reduce its deposit rate and expand the region’s asset-purchase program on Thursday. “It’s all about assessing your positions ahead of the ECB this week,” said Allan

von Mehren, chief analyst at Danske Bank A/S in Copenhagen. “That will give investors some direction going into the new year. While I think Draghi will deliver, the market has already been priced quite aggressively for a deposit-rate cut. We might get a case of people buying the rumor and selling the fact.” Expectations of further stimulus coupled with optimism that the global economy is strong enough to withstand higher U.S. interest rates have pushed European shares up 13 percent since a September low. (Source – Bloomberg)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Industry & SMEs

Tapping indigenous technologies’ benefits for sustainable SMEs’ growth Small scale enterprises have become critical economic development catalysts being used by developed and developing economies to fast track national economic development. Recent findings show that adopting indigenous technologies to explore SME subsector’ s developmental opportunities is becoming increasingly imperative across national economic frontiers globally. ABOLAJI ADEBAYO reports.

ust as it is practised in other climes where Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, have become the mainstay of economic development, experts as well as stakeholders in the Nigerian economy have continued to harp on the importance of indigenous technologies and commercialization of the local research and development, R&D, results in the development of the sub-sector. In recognition of the role of Science and Technology in general and Technology Incubation in particular in the achievement of the national objectives, the government has pursued the expansion and repositioning of Technology Incubation Programme, TIP, providing the required policy framework and guidelines, technology focus as well as organizational arrangement that ensured an accelerated commercialization of R&D and other innovative efforts. Technology Incubation is known all over the world as the only effective programme channeled towards assisting entrepreneurs to overcome the initial constraints of commercializing R&D results, inventions and innovations. It is a means of speeding up commercialization of value added technologies by providing necessary linkages between knowledge and capital. At the recent graduation ceremony of the Entrepreneurs of the Technology Incubation Center in Lagos recently, the Director General, National Board for Technology Incubation, NBTI, Engr. Dr. Mohammed Jubrin said that Technology Incubation, when operated on best practices, has proven all over the world as a veritable strategy to grow the productive sector. He maintained that under the programme, Nigeria hopes to translate most of its indigenous knowledge, inventions, as well as research and development findings into sustained competitive products through value addition creating micro, small and medium enterprises, MSMES, in the process. According to him, the development of this productive sector at maturity is predicted to

Onu

CBN Gov, Godwin Emefiele

I BELIEVE THAT TO ACHIEVE VISION 20:2020, THE PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF OUR ABUNDANT INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGIES, INVENTIONS AND ALL INNOVATIVE EFFORTS MUST BE ENCOURAGED THROUGH TECHNOLOGY INCUBATION TO ENHANCE THE CHANCES OF TRANSFORMING THEM INTO VALUE ADDED PRODUCTS, CREATING COMPETITIVE AND SUSTAINABLE BUSINESSES IN THE PROCESS. THIS IS VERY CRITICAL TO SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT overtake the earnings from oil, adding that many of the emerging economies such as India, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, have benefited tremendously from the growth and development of the SME sector using similar concept as the Technology Incubation Programme. Jubrin emphasized that the economic situation of the country, which remains critical, was due to poverty and growing rate of unemployment and near absence of will in the people for productive entrepreneurship. Reflecting on this scenario, he said that the

present administration saw the necessity of a drastic change that would take the country from the economy problem of 21st Century which was characterized by hunger, poverty, diseases, ignorance and unemployment to a better policy of vision 2020 reflecting in the life of the citizenry through poverty eradication, mass employment opportunity. “It may interest you to know that the Technology Incubation Programme, TIP, was established by the mandate to nurture techno-base start-ups and the growth of small and medium enterprises in Nigeria. It is indeed an entrepreneurship development pursuit with special emphasis on technology related enterprises. “The programme is particularly helpful to inventors and innovators, most especially from our teeming unemployed youths. It is in the light of this that Technology Incubation Centers are sited across the country to provide the necessary technical, managerial and marketing support for the growth of the new enterprises. “It is our prayer that the infrastructure and funding of Technology Incubation Programme will be enhanced for the achievement of our objectives of creating competitive and sustainable businesses which are the creators of jobs and wealth generation for our socio-economic development.” The Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu said it would be recalled that the nation’s effort to jumpstart the drive to industrialization led to the introduction of Technology Incubation Programme in Ni-

geria in 1993 with the establishment of Agege Lagos center the same year. According to him, the idea was to create conducive platform where the R&D outputs could be commercialized into value-added products while creating sustainable Small and Medium Scale Enterprises. Through this programme, the Minister said human capacity development was achieved, wealth was created, employment generated and entrepreneurial values inculcated. He informed that the programme has created in excess of 150 technology based enterprises with total net-worth of over N5billion while creating more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, adding that it has been conservatively estimate that the programme has the capacity to create over 600,000 jobs every three years cycle. He further said that in order to effectively promote this programme and as well strengthen the SMEs sector, the Federal Government has recently resuscitated the National Economic Reconstruction Fund, NERFUND, with a credit line of N2 billion and also through the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, approved a credit scheme of N200 billion to assist SMEs. “I am happy to report that our entrepreneurs are benefitting from these schemes. As of today, a total of 56 entrepreneurs (nine from TIC Lagos) have received low interest loans from NERFUND to the tune of N117.43million. “In order to further support the commercialization of R&D outputs and other innovative efforts, my ministry through the Presidential Committee on Inventions and Innovations has provided grants to the tune of N189.258million to 45 entrepreneurs across the country. Out of this number, nine deserving entrepreneurs of Technology Incubation Centers received N15.195million. “This effort shall continue as soon as more funds are made available to the committee. I would also like to use this opportunity to call on the organized private sector, the industries and our development partners to come on board and participate in the commercialization of the collated R&D results.” Meanwhile, the Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode, who observed that Nigeria was facing challenges in its developmental issues such as economical, technological, political, social and others, said that the key to solving the challenges depended on good leadership and serious commitment to Science, Technology, and Innovation, STI. He added that STI, with its diverse subsector of which the Technology Incubation Programme, TIP, is one could be the needed catalyst to address these challenges. The Governor declared that the use of Technology Incubation to fast track the solution to the aforementioned challenges was amply demonstrated by countries in the West and Asia, adding that unfortunately, Nigeria is yet to take full advantage of what TIP offers to achieve the same aim.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

EnergyWeek Wednesday, December 2, 2015

OPEC confirms adequate oil, gas to meet demand 35

Nigeria’s industrial sector requires 10,000mw –Expert

Fake products influx: SON canvasses strict border controls 30

Marketers rev up fuel importation operations to end scarcity The nation has in the past one month witnessed severe fuel scarcity that crippled operations in all sectors of its economy. UDEME AKPAN reports that the situation may improve this week as some operators have secured funds to import the product.

here are strong indications that the nation’s prolonged fuel scarcity may ease as some oil marketing companies have started to import fuel. For instance, NIPCO Plc indicated that it had commenced the importation of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS otherwise known as petrol, in support of the Federal Government moves to eliminate scarcity. It dislcosed that the first consignment of imported product arrived via MT CHAMPION, which has already discharged 37 million litres in NIPCO’s terminal in Lagos even in the face of the challenges in the downstream sub-sector. The oil company stated that its action was also to heed the call by the minister of state for petroleum resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, that oil marketers should bring in products to augment supplies from the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. Investigations showed that the consignments are meant to meet the growing demands of the company registered marketers. It was gathered that Nipco had mapped out measures to ensure that all the products get to designated stations at regulated prices. The company indicated that it will not tolerate any unwholesome practices by any marketer that would undermine government efforts at ensuring that petrol get to stations at regulated rates even as measures are at advanced stage with key stakeholders like PEF, DPR and other relevant agencies to track all loadings at the

depots to designated stations. The company maintained that it would monitor the distribution of the products. The company had in a notice pasted at it terminal cautioned all marketers registered to load petroleum products in the terminal to play according to set regulations. It maintained that a surveillance team has been put in place to sanction marketers found to be engaged in any despicable acts. Investigations showed that hundreds of marketers with outlets across the nooks and crannies’ of the country are positioning themselves to pick the products having been on the waiting list for several months, owing to paucity of products. This, it was learnt would go a long way in complementing the efforts of the Federal Government through NNPC to bring

about adequate domestic supplies. The Corporation had in the past few weeks made frantic efforts to tackle the scarcity without much success because of the activities of illegal operators. The Executive Director, Commercial of the Pipeline and Products Marketing Company, Mr. Justine Ezeala, had remarked that a projected volume of 1.4 billion litres of petrol are available for distribution to fuel stations across the country all through the month of November. Ezeala had informed that as part of the extra measure in place to tackle the artificially induced queues,

we have decided that most of the mega stations will adopt

24 hours

operation model and where for security reasons that cannot be

met, we are going to have extended hours of operation in such location

5am and end till about 10.pm daily

starting from

PPMC has increased the volume of petrol being trucked out to fuel stations across major cities in the country, adding that most of the 37 NNPC Retail Mega Stations across the country have been directed to commence 24-hour service. “NNPC Retail has 513 retail outlets all over the country and the strategy is that every one of these stations is designed to have products at all times. In addition we have decided that most of the mega stations will adopt 24 hours operation model and where for security reasons that cannot be met, we are going to have extended hours of operation in such location starting from 5am and end till about 10.pm daily,” he had said. The head of NNPC Retail, Mr. Oladipo Fagbola had also indicated that in addition to the commencement of the 24-hour service, the company had opened up some hotlines to enable members of the public provide useful feedback and intelligence on the operations of Mega and affiliate filling stations across the country. He had urged members of the public to provide useful information to assist the Corporation achieve its mandate and CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

Energy Week

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Marketers rev up fuel importation operations to end scarcity

Buhari CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

responsibility to the fuel consumers. However, the situation started to record improvement only when the NNPC made public the engagement of the Department of State Services, DSS and Economic and the Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC in a renewed effort to arrest hoarding and diversion of petroleum products by some unscrupulous marketers. The engagement of the security agencies is also meant to assist in the monitoring of nationwide fuel truck-out to retail outlets. The NNPC assured that it was doing everything possible to normalise the fuel supply and distribution situation. The Group Executive Director Commercial and Investment of the Corporation, Dr. Babatunde Adeniran had said any marketer found wanting in the sale of petroleum products including the NNPC Retail outlet dealers, would be sanctioned appropriately. Adeniran maintained that there would be no sacred cows as the Corporation was working round the clock by supplying sufficient petroleum products to marketers to ensure that Nigerians enjoyed a yuletide season without the pain of fuel queues. “We must all make sure that petroleum products get across to Nigerians at the regulated price especially as the yuletide season approaches. We have enough products and we want to plead with the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) not to be involved in the diversion of petroleum products in order to avoid causing untold

Anekwe

Kachikwu

hardship to motorists,” Adeniran enjoined. The Managing Director of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, Mrs. Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue had said the DSS and EFCC have been mobilised to bring to book any marketer involved in sabotaging the efforts of the Federal Government in making petroleum products available to motorists across the country. “We have invited the EFCC and DSS to join us in this campaign of monitoring the movement of petroleum products and they have our mandate to sanction any errant marketer. Enough is enough,” Mrs. Nnamdi-Ogbue cautioned. Shortly after this, many stations that claimed they had no fuel before started to sell. The development gives impression that the scarcity was also political in nature. Observers maintained that oil marketers whose outstanding has risen to over N300 billion might have used the scarcity to

make case for immediate settlement of their outstanding claims. Also, the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR has sealed about 50 fuel stations across the state for various offences. The sealing and subsequent sanction followed the arbitrary increase in the pump price of petroleum products by independent marketers in the state. The stations were also accused of hoarding premium motor spirit otherwise called petrol thus creating artificial scarcity while also absconding from station when people queue up to buy fuel and delaying sales of fuel product till late in the night to make illegal gains. The officials of DPR in conjunction with men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps visited the interior parts of the state where sharp practices are most rampant. A few days ago, DPR had boasted that: “The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) wishes to inform the General Public that it has set up

We hereby appeal to all Depots and Petroleum Product Retail Outlets nationwide to ensure that products are sold at government regulated price as the

DPR will

not hesitate to enforce necessary sanctions against any erring marketer

a 24 hours surveillance monitoring team of petrol stations nationwide to ensure unhindered sale of petroleum products at government regulated prices. This is in response to reported cases of panic buying in some Petrol Stations across the country. The DPR wishes to state that the current stock level of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in depots nationwide is about 365million litres and we are also expecting over 800million seaborne litres to be discharged before the end of the week. This translates to a stock level for thirty (30) days’ supply.’’ “To further ensure the supply of products, DPR has fast tracked the grant of product import permits and vessel clearing process to aid rapid stock build up for importers. We hereby appeal to all Depots and Petroleum Product Retail Outlets nationwide to ensure that products are sold at government regulated price as the DPR will not hesitate to enforce necessary sanctions against any erring marketer. The General Public is hereby advised not to engage in panic buying as there is adequate supply of petroleum Products nationwide,’’ it had added. From all indications, it has not yet done much to tackle problems many states, including Lagos and Abuja where long queues still persist. It is against this observation that some observers, especially the Executive Director of Spaces for Change, Mrs.

Victoria Ohaeri has called on the Department and other agencies to tackle the prolonged scarcity and provide adequate fuel to before Christmas and new year usually noted for high fuel demand.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Week

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

OPEC confirms adequate oil, gas to meet demand STORIES: UDEME AKPAN

he Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC has stressed that the world has enough crude oil and natural gas to meet demand. The Secretary General of the organisation, Dr. Abdalla Salem El-Badri indicated that there is no doubt that the world has enough oil and natural gas resources to meet the expected future needs. He said the most recent analysis for the remaining ultimately recoverable oil resources puts the figure at 2.8 trillion barrels. “It should be underscored that despite the continuing cumulative production, these numbers have increased over the past five decades. Moreover, these numbers do not take into account the large amounts of available unconventional oil and gas resources. Of course, as well as opportunities, there will be challenges too. For instance, there is the global economy, human resources, technology, investments and the environment and climate change. In terms of the environment and climate change – we need to remember that this is a concern for us all.” “Current climate change negotiations to develop an agreement in Paris next month and raise the level of ambitions for the pre-2020 period are extremely important. But we need to make sure the interests and concerns of all of us are taken into account. Overall, we need to keep in mind that the three pillars of sustainable development – ‘economic, environmental and social’ – mean different things to different people,” he added. Meanwhile, oil prices traded below $42 in Asia on Monday, this week ahead of an OPEC meeting and the release of data on China’s important manufacturing sector later in the week. The market will be watching whether mem-

Oil vessel

bers of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, which meets on December 4, slash the currently high output levels and ease a crude supply glut that has depressed prices for more than a year. Analysts said traders will also tune in to two key speeches by US Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen this week for signs on the timing of a hike in US interest rates. November data on China’s industrial sector is released tomorrow, with traders looking for clues on the health of the world’s top energy consumer. At around 0230 GMT, US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for delivery in January was up 10 cents at $41.81 and Brent crude for January was trading five cents lower at $44.81 a barrel. “We expect the focus to return to the timing of the US interest rate rise, with two key speeches by Fed Chair, Janet Yellen, on Wednesday and Thursday,” Capital Economics said in a market commentary. Analysts expect Fed policymakers to raise interest rates during their December meeting, a move that will boost the dollar and make dollar-

priced oil more expensive, denting demand and prices. OPEC’s Friday meeting is expected to focus on the global crude oversupply, the return of Iranian oil to the market after the lifting of western economic sanctions and whether the cartel will cut production to boost prices. “However, comments from key OPEC ministers still seem relatively sanguine. Also, it is not clear that even if OPEC did cut its production target, actual output would fall, given the cartel is already producing well above its current target,” Capital Economics said. The price of OPEC basket of 12 crudes stood at $39.08 per barrel on Friday, compared with $39.65 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

Seven Energy to invest more in gas production – Ihenacho

even Energy has expressed commitment to increase investment in the nation’s gas sector. The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Phillip Ihenacho the planned increased investment was targeted at meeting demand. “Seven’s business continues to develop its focus on domestic gas distribution with an increasing proportion of our sales volumes and revenues being to our local gas customers. The ramp-up in gas deliveries has been slower than we had forecast principally due to completion of necessary electricity transmission infrastructure.” “Significant progress has been made recently on this infrastructure and we are well positioned to meet the anticipated increase in demand during the first half of 2016. We continue to tightly manage our resources, particularly in light of

the current oil price environment, restricting capital expenditure to essential projects only and focusing rigorously on operating cost reductions,” he added. The company indicated in its report that during the third quarter of 2015, the Group continued to deliver to all of its five contracted gas customers (Q3 2014: two) with average gas deliveries of 78 MMcfpd (Q3 2014: 27 MMcfpd), bringing the year to date average deliveries to 64 MMcfpd (first nine months 2014: 23 MMcfpd). It maintained that over the nine month period this comprised deliveries of 16 MMcfpd to Ibom Power, 16 MMcfpd to Unicem cement factory, 12 MMcfpd to Notore fertilizer plant, 9 MMcfpd to Calabar NIPP power station and 11 MMcfpd to Alaoji NIPP power station. The company maintained that average combined gross oil production for the third quarter

from the Uquo and Stubb Creek fields was 2,830 bopd, (Q3 2014: nil), with the net entitlement to Seven Energy averaging 1,000 bopd. This resulted in year to date average combined gross oil production from the Uquo and Stubb Creek fields of 2,030 bopd (first nine months 2014: nil), with net entitlement to Seven Energy of 750 bopd. It indicated that work was progressing as planned on the 26 km Oron to Creek Town pipeline. The company disclosed that the land based section of the pipeline is now substantially complete and the horizontal directional drilling has been completed at four out of the five major river crossings. It maintained that the work has been phased such that construction of the pipeline will be completed and commissioning work concluded so as to align with Calabar NIPP power station’s

Commodity

Units

Price

Change

% Change

Time(ET)

Crude Oil (WTI)

USD/bbl.

41.75

+0.04

+0.10%

13:36:08

Crude Oil (Brent)

USD/bbl.

44.64

-0.22

-0.49%

13:36:02

TOCOM Crude Oil

JPY/kl

34,070.00

+80.00

+0.24%

13:35:28

NYMEX Natural Gas

USD/MMBtu

2.24

+0.03

+1.36%

13:35:29

Source: Bloomberg as at November 16, 2015

ability to take full contractual volumes of gas. The company indicated that in October, the Group secured a $200 million guarantee against the risk of expropriation to Seven Energy’s wholly-owned gas marketing and distribution subsidiary, Accugas Limited, from MIGA. MIGA is the political risk insurance and credit enhancement arm of the World Bank Group and this is its first engagement in Nigeria’s gas sector. It maintained that this demonstration of support by World Bank is in addition to its equity investment in Seven Energy through the IFC and IFC ALAC fund and its participation in the Seven Energy High Yield Bond. The company noted that during the third quarter of 2015 gross production under the Strategic Alliance Agreement between Seven Energy and the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company from OMLs 4, 38 & 41 averaged 74,400 bopd (Q3 2014: 55,900 bopd), bringing the average gross production for the year to date to 55,700 bopd (first nine months 2014: 58,000 bopd). It added that in the third quarter there were no shutdowns of the Trans Forcados pipeline which enabled the 58per cent increase in production from 47,200 bopd produced in the first half of 2015.

Energy Week

Abuja Disco to invest in equipment to enhance power safety

he Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDCO) said it is procuring more equipment to boost electricity safety within its operational area. The firm’s Executive Director, Technical Services, Engr. Joe Chiyassa said this while briefing a team from the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) recently. Recall that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) last month slammed a fine of N18million on the Distribution Company (Disco) after a minor was electrocuted by its laid cable in Abuja early in August. Chiyassa said to ensure safety, AEDC said its Auto Re-closer equipment and project which is being shipped in from the United Kingdom will totally reduce electrical accidents, electrocution, faults occurrence and human intervention in clearing of transient faults. He also said with the execution of different projects, at least 160megawatts (mw) can now be evacuated to its customers. Some of the projects he said includes: three commissioned 15MVA transformers in Suleja, Lokoja and Karu and the construction of 120km high tension lines. Others are the addition of 13 units of 33/11Kv injection substations to the utility with 16 more under construction. Engr. Chiyassa said since takeover, it got the highest load allocation of 730.5mw in September, 2015. “We have conducted the factory acceptance inspection test and very soon, we shall begin to take delivery of the equipment as they are already being shipped to Nigeria from the UK,” he said. It is recalled that Abuja Disco also recently unveiled plans to inject $200 million into its network expansion scheme over the next five years, as part of its approved capital expenditure programme. Since taking over in November, 2013, the firm had injected N2 billion into its operations with a view to improving its network assets and infrastructure. Also, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, which covers electricity distribution in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger states has unveiled its 10-year tariff review plan to its customers at an extraordinary consultative forum held in Abuja. The Managing Director/CEO of the AEDC, Neil Croucher, who led officials of the company to a customers’ forum in Abuja, also announced that the proposed tariff review was, to among others, provide a cost reflective tariff to facilitate the attraction of private capital into the sector since the current tariff does not cover the cost of producing and distributing electricity.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria’s industrial sector requires 10,000mw – Expert STORIES: CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

n expert in the power and financing consultancy, Mr. Michael Kelikume has said the inadequacy of power supply has greatly challenged the manufacturing sector. Kelikume who disclosed this at the 2015 Risk Management Professionals conference in Abuja, weekend said the country requires 10,000megawatts (mw) to revive major industries, solve unemployment and other crises. The conference organized by the Chartered Institute of Loan & Risk Management of Nigeria and its President, Chief Oladipo Bailey was on the essential steps Risk Managers must take to develop and grow their organizations while having a major impact in the nation’s economy. Kelikume in a presentation tagged ‘Economic Development and Growth in Organisations in Nigeria’ said: “If only we can achieve 10,000mw of power, half of our problems are solved. The greatest thing this government can do for us today is to focus on power or energy and improve it.”

The risk expert and Managing Director, Laramitch Vigor Consults Ltd, a lead firm in power financing and the banking industry said with such improvements, small and medium scale businesses will spring up thereby creating more artisan enterprises, providing more employment and will help to significantly reduce crime rates. Decrying the over reliance on crude oil, the expert who has over 16 years experience inthe power sector financing and the banking business said the dependence is up to 90 per cent while the non oil sector only accounts for 10 per cent. “There needs to be an immediate reversal of this so that when there is international crisis as we have on crude oil price now, it does not affect our earnings,” Kelikume advised. He commended the federal government for some recent economic policies including the Treasury Single Account (TSA) which he said should be well monitored to avert its sabotage. He however urged the National Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure MTN pays the N1.4trillion fine it had incurred as deterrent to foreign business firms

Power transformer

in Nigeria. On reforms, Kelikume said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has intervened by financing the real sector and infrastructural projects with N500 billion in power and aviation sectors, and another N200billion for SMEs just as he called for more reforms in the agriculture, health, oil and gas, and education sectors. Meanwhile, the Africa Progress Panel sid that about 93 per cent of Nigeria’s population have no access to electricity. The group therefore called on African governments to set out timetable and strategies for achieving universal energy access.

Nigeria’s electricity generation has been stagnant since August this year, when it managed to hit 4,810.70mw after several years of hovering around 1,000 to 2,000MW. For instance, as at 25 October, the country’s electricity supply was 3,960.82mw while daily average energy generated stands at 4,029.39MW. Despite the fact that the Nigeria needs about 30,000MW to run the economy, the country only has capacity to generate 5,873MW, according to the latest report from the Presidential Taskforce on Power. The group believed that Africa’s leaders have no choice about tackling the region’s chronic deficits in power generation and energy access.

FG urged to bridge energy gap with solar power

he federal government has been advised to create millions of job and meet the energy demand of the country by harnessing the abundant and clean energy of the sun. Solar energy expert, Gen. Ademola Fadunsi (rtd) who gave the advice while speaking to newsmen in Abuja said that Nigeria had no business crying over power shortage as it is blessed with the ever radiant sun in the north to meet the power needs of the entire country. Fadunsi therefore urged the government to develop a solar

Solar panel

energy policy as part of measures towards building a sustainable renewable energy capacity for the country. He said Nigeria can learn from other countries that rely heavily on solar energy to create millions of jobs and slow the pace of climate change. His words: “Nigeria is blessed with abundant sun energy such that the whole country can be powered from the sun if there is political and economic will to do so. States in the north can invest heavily on solar... They can even generate and send to the national grid to power the southern part of the country which does not have

so much.” On the cost of solar energy generation on a massive scale, the General said solar could be expensive at take-off but far more cost effective at the long run. “in terms of maintenance, the panel may be cleaned once or twice a year while the inverter can work for up to 15-20 years. Besides, solar energy is renewable except the day does not break. In hydro, you suffer shortfall when there is drought,” he added. The expert said indigenous solar firms now have the capacity to generate power in commercial quantity, as he expressed optimism that few available ones can generate more than 3,000megawatts (mw) yearly if engaged to do so. Also, a Dubai-based company, Access Infra Africa, has signed a joint development agreement with Quaint Global Energy Solutions to invest in Nigeria’s power sector. This it would be doing by investing $100 million in ABIBA Solar Project, a 50MW solar power plant being developed in Kaduna State. The plant, when completed, is expected to generate 82,500 megawatt hours of clean electricity,

which translates to the quantity required to satisfy the daytime requirement of over 600,000 Nigerian households, reports suggest. “The landmark investment was originated by Access through the Access Co-Development Facility competition, an Africa-focused platform designed to bridge the gap between early-stage renewable energy projects and the resources they require to become operational. “ACF was launched earlier this year by Access and attracted 55 competitive entries from 18 countries. Quaint from Nigeria and Flatbush Solar from Cameroon were declared the winners of the inaugural edition of this competition at the Africa Energy Forum in June,” quotes Arabian Business.com. “We see this project as a gateway to the widespread adoption of renewable energy in Africa’s largest economy, whilst cementing the role of ACF as an innovative platform for turning good concepts into bankable projects,” says Reda El Chaar, executive chairman of Access Infra Africa.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

From The Civil Service FG to set up 200 artificial insemination centres Adeola Tukuru, ABUJA

he federal government has disclosed that about 200 artificial insemination centres will be set up across the federation to improve on livestock in the country. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, made the disclosure during his meeting with a delegation of officials from Ireland led by the Minister of Agriculture, Food, Marine and Defence, Mr. Simon Coveney, in his office on Monday. The minister who decried the situation where a cattle produces one litre or less of milk per day in the country, said 37 per cent of Nigerian children was said to be malnourished according to the United Nations international Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). He noted that the present administration was ready to collaborate with developed countries of the world, particularly the Irish government, in

Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu (middle); his deputy, Ude Okochukwu (5th right); Board Chairman, Enyimba Industrial Development Company Ltd., Darl Uzu (5th left) and other members of the board at the inauguration at the weekend.

its effort to move the agricultural sector forward. He said various initiatives and technical programmes would be introduced to attract young people who formed the highest population in the country into agricultural sector, noting that the sector had hitherto been left

to the older people. Chief Ogbeh said the ministry would engage in massive irrigation system in the northern part of the country to grow feeders to feed the cattle and prevent migration of cattle from the north which usually result in the depletion of their nutrients.

The minister commended the delegation of Irish officials for their visit and determination to foster more partnership with Nigeria. He said the nation was ready to partner with the Irish government on areas of capacity building, livestock production as

well as expansion of palm oil and sugar industries among others. Chief Ogbeh said the ministry would open up further discussion with the delegation in a bid to share ideas and knowledge on how to move the nation’s agricultural sector forward.

Don’t reject corps members, NYSC pleads with private firms Joel Ajayi, ABUJA

he Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig-Gen. Johnson Olawumi, has appealed to corporate bodies to accept corps members posted to their place for the one year mandatory service. The NYSC boss said instead of rejecting those

posted to their companies, they should create avenue for the corps members to add value to their organisations, while developing their professional skills. Olawumi, who made the appeal at the Swearing-in Ceremony of Stream Two of the NYSC Batch ‘B’ 2015 corps members at the Kubwa Orientation Camp in Abuja, noted that each corps member would be equipped with entrepre-

FG seeks support for agric products at WTO

P.38

neurship skill for selfreliance during their stay in camp. “For the private sector, we can only continue to appeal to them that they should take advantage of the potentials in these young men and women; their companies are going to be better for it,” he said. The DG noted that the federal government had issued a circular for its

Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) not to reject any corps member posted to their places, but taking the advantage of their potentials to add value to service delivery. “I am not aware of any MDA that rejects any corps member, and if we get any we shall make appropriate reportage to the necessary authority, but there is a circular to the effect that no MDA should

FG appeals to world leaders on terrorism

P.38

reject any corps members,” he clarified. In his remarks, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Muhammad Bello, represented by one of his directors, Ahmed Musa, called on the 2,609 corps members currently in camp to pay serious attention to various vocational trainings to be given to them by experts.

Earlier in his remarks, the Ireland Minister of Agriculture, Food, Marine and Defence and leader of the delegation, Mr. Simon Coveney, said the purpose of their visit was to build on the existing relationship between their country and Nigeria, in order to boost trade and investments in agricultural development. The leader of the delegation said Ireland is good in food technology and development of indigenous capacity in agriculture. He explained that Irish government was ready to share its 50 years experiences in agriculture with Nigeria and added that his country had many young people in the agricultural sector which would be replicated in Nigeria. Mr. Coveney disclosed that Ireland which had exports into many countries produced about 40 per cent of infant formula globally. The Ireland minister who appreciated the focus of the present administration on the diversification of Nigeria’s economy to agriculture said about 43 Irish companies were already working in the country, adding that food companies from Ireland would link up with the country so as to create jobs, wealth and add value to food production. He therefore extended invitation to officials of the ministry for a visit to Ireland for the sharing of knowledge and experience to develop the agricultural sector.

FG backs establishment of African Centre for Disease Control

P.39

Civil Service

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

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Nigeria’ll pursue MDGs alongside SDGs campaigns –FG Chidi Ugwu, ABUJA

L-R: President, Non-Academic Staff Union of Education and Associated Institutions (NASU), Comrade Ladi Iliya (middle), presenting a cup to Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole with the NLC president, Comrade Ayuba Wabba (right), and NASU General Secretary, Comrade Peter Adeyemi, at the NASU Quadrennial National Delegates Conference in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

FG seeks support for agric products at WTO Regina Otokpa, ABUJA

n its efforts to ensure global acceptance of the nations agricultural products, the federal government has implored the British government to intercede for Nigeria at the World Trade Organisation. Speaking during a meeting with the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Uguru, noted

that Nigeria’s agricultural products had competitive advantage in the global market. He said: “The British government should lend a voice for Nigeria at the World Trade Organisation, we want to diversify our economy from oil to agriculture and until the World Trade Organisation finds out that Nigeria has the capacity to be bio-generic in terms of agricultural produce for export for which we have competitive advan-

tage, it may be difficult for us to do this.” According to the minister, the determinant of a nation’s survival was not based solely on its ability to sustain its economy with only domestic production and exchange, but would need to increase its foreign exchange especially agricultural products. “You will not sustain the economy only by domestic production and exchange, so if the World Trade Organisation rec-

ognises that we can do more for the world by getting good agricultural produce for the entire world, I think we will be doing the world good as well as improving the Nigerian economy ,” Pastor Usani added. Earlier in his remarks, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright, said that one of the aims of his visit was to see how the British government would partner with Nigeria in different areas.

FG appeals to world leaders on terrorism

...lauds Korea over contributions to cultural development in Nigeria Joel Ajayi, ABUJA

he federal government has called on world leaders to form a strong tie on the scourge of terrorism that has become a global phenomenon. This was coming as the government praised the Federal Republic of South Korea for its contribution towards the growth and development of culture in Nigeria. The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bulus Lolo, made the appeal at the Korean Cultural Festival, an occa-

sion to mark five years of cultural initiative aimed at promoting cultural exchange between Nigeria and Korea, in Abuja. Lolo maintained that terror is not part of humanity, therefore, there was need for world leaders to come together to end terrorism, adding that Nigerian government was leaving no stone un-turned to make the country safe for all. He said: “I want to make special appeal for the world leaders to come together and end the terrorism scourge because terror is not part of humanity and those who resort to it do not qualify to

be called human beings. “That is why for us government is working hard to address this issue to make Nigeria a peaceful place not only for Nigerians alone but all people in the world. “We are also determined to create a conducive environment for people to pursuit their livelihood without fear. I want to assure the whole world today that Nigeria remains the best safe country under the leadership of PMB.” Speaking on the cultural festival, Lolo said Korean cultural festival had added element of sophistication to Nige-

rian culture having been the first country to bring Nigerians-Koreans together in a setting like this one under review. “Let me also salute your efforts having been the first country to have diplomatic reception since President Muhammadu Buhari Inaugurates its cabinet. “We assure you to explore ways of bringing our people together and expanding the business relationship that exists. “Korean culture is very rich and full of history; I hope we shall continue working together to promote unity of the whole world,” he said.

he federal government has said that notwithstanding the fact that the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, target ends this year, it will pursue the goals together with the new global goals – the Sustainable Development Goals - which runs through 2030. Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Amina Shamaki, stated this at the just-concluded 65th Annual Meeting of World Health Organisation’s Regional Committee for Africa in N’djamena, Chad, according to a statement made available by Assistant Director, Press, in the ministry, Mr. Olajide Oshundun. Shamaki urged member states of the WHO to focus on transition to the SDGs adopted at the 70th United Nations General Assembly earlier in September this year. “Nigeria’s primary focus for the post-2015 era is to complete the unfinished business of the MDGs while integrating the SDGs along in the process” she was quoted as saying while presenting a paper titled Nigeria: “The Post 2015 Health Development Agenda: Perspectives for the African Region.” She explained that Nigeria aimed to achieve the SDGs through the Universal Health Coverage. Shamaki listed the tools for attaining the Universal Health Coverage by the country to include operationalisation of the National Health Act; the ongoing National Health Policy Review; the 2nd National Strategic Health Development Plan (NSHDP II); the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and State Sup-

ported Health Insurance Scheme; the Save One Million Lives Programme for Results; and the Primary Health Care under one roof policy. The head of the Nigerian delegation to the meeting urged member states to consider adopting the attainment of UHC as their national policy. “In addition, productive participation by all member states on the Post 2015 development plan is encouraged to ensure that all legitimate concerns are integrated into the SGDs programme of work which includes the unfinished agenda of the MDGs. “It is interesting to note that Nigeria is also making progress in improving the health sector financing in a bid to operationalise the NH Act. Against this backdrop, the Federal Ministry of Health has been galvanising efforts and coordinating processes in collaboration with other stakeholders towards operationalisation of the Act as a strategy towards achieving our shared national aspiration for Universal Health Coverage. “With the enactment of the National Health Act, the Federal Government is mandated to set aside 1% of the consolidated revenue fund as “Basic Health Care Provision Fund. This is being pushed for inclusion in the impending 2016 Budget Appropriation and beyond. “This fund will be used to facilitate universal access to basic health care in the country as well as to strengthen our Human Resource for Health, address emergencies, and improve Health Infrastructure, etc which will help enormously in the speedy implementation of the SDGs,” she stressed.

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Chidi Ugwu and Adeola Tukuru, ABUJA

he federal government has pledged support for the planned establishment of African Centre for Disease Control to help manage diseases on the continent. Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Amina Shamaki, gave the pledge at the justconcluded 65th Annual Meeting of World Health Organisation’s Regional Committee for Africa in N’djamena, Chad, accord-

FG backs establishment of African Centre for Disease Control

•Launches National Health Workforce Registry ing to a statement made available by Assistant Director, Press, in the ministry, Mr. Olajide Oshundun. While lauding the initiative by nations on the continent, Shamaki informed that the proposed structure of having the headquarters of the African CDC in one

Lack of coordination among security agencies hinders terrorism war –Iredia Joel Ajayi, ABUJA

media scholar, Dr. Tonnie Iredia, yesterday, decried lack of coordination in security management among security agencies, saying it was one of the strong factors affecting the fight against terrorism in the country. Iredia challenged security operatives to review their security operation in the ongoing war against terrorism. Iredia, who was speaking at a one-day seminar on Do the Right Thing: ‘Close the Security Gaps’; Role of the Media in Security Reporting in Nigeria, organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), in Abuja, said impunity among security operatives should be curbed by the authorities for them to enlist cooperation of their people. According to him, “You do not batter people now because you have the power, you wear uniform and carry gun, and later turn around to ask for information from them. It does not work like that.” Iredia pointed out that it was unfortunate that with the involvement of military in internal security due to terrorism, the military had now started behaving like the police. He maintained that instead of security agencies to build strong synergy in their approach to terrorism war, they tend to work independently. “I used to be very critical about security, but these days my criticism is taking a different picture; first, because of changing situation; but I must still return to those observation that put us to where we were before so that the present handler in our security will not go back to the mistakes that their predecessor did. “The first thing in my

Civil Service 39

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

mind is they must put their house in order, security agencies are many as we have here, but we noticed there was no synergy between them, there is no information shearing,” he said. Iredia called on the security agencies to avoid firebrigade approach and stereotyping, which he called ‘monologue assurance’, adding that they should see media as a partner in progress rather than sworn enemy. “Thank God we are entering into a changing phase, and because the phase is changing, we must all change our approach and begin to seek ways and means of changing old order of disappearing and embrace the new order of dialoguing on how to build and to sustain collaboration between the different actors in their strategies in the search to rid terrorism of our society. “The main purpose of mass media is to enlighten and to ensure the public is informed and well-educated; therefore, it is not the organ that should be undermined. “Role of the media is to serve society but cannot serve where there is no security therefore the media is interested in a secure society; indeed without security the media itself cannot function as media. “When there is war, the journalist will hide under the bed, so dissemination of information will not be there. It’s not in the interest of media for society to be unsafe. Media cannot be exempted from the repercussion of insecurity. “On the other one, security operatives need the media, without the media those whose duties it is to govern our landscape nobody will know their challenges and need.”

country and satellite centres in the region would allow for administrative and management functions from the headquarters, while the satellite centres, according to her, would develop capacity relevant to public health emergencies, diagnostics, disaster preparedness and response with the aim of mitigating impact, reducing the burden of diseases and strengthening health systems. Presenting a paper titled “Progress Report on the Establishment of the African Centre for Disease Control,” the Permanent Secretary noted that Africa Centre for Disease Control was a great tool for strengthening health system on the continent. “Being a health security tool, it must be owned by member states and run by

African Union with close collaboration of the WHO. Meanwhile, A National Health Workforce Registry that will count and track health workers from the point of entry to exit in the country will soon be launched by the federal government. Shamaki made this disclosure also at the justconcluded 65th Annual Meeting of World Health Organisation’s Regional Committee for Africa in N’djamena, Chad, according to a statement made available by Assistant Director, Press, in the ministry, Mr Olajide Oshundun. In a presentation titled “Global Strategy on Human Resources for Health: Perspective from the African Region,” Shamaki was quoted as saying the major challenge the continent faced was how to ensure

availability and retention of adequate pool of competent human resources in their right mix to provide health care in areas where their services were in most need. She said Nigeria supported the work of WHO and its member states on the strategies to develop and reposition the human resource for health, particularly in Africa and at the global level. Part of the release reads: “This is a challenge that is complicated by many global and disease burden issues. There are global changes in health trends, shifts in health needs and demands, declining resources, changes in global economic, political, and technological situations. The Health Millennium Development Goals, Sustainable Development Goals

(SDGs), the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the Roll Back Malaria programme and the Polio Eradication Campaign are examples of the global challenges that have implications for human resources for health. “Shortages of health workforce are perceived to be widespread and the supply of health care professionals and other service providers are inadequate to meet requirements. In addition to these, the uneven distribution of competent health workforce deprives many groups access to life-saving services, a problem exacerbated by accelerated migration in open labour markets that draws skilled workers away from the poorest communities and countries.”

L-R: Head of Communication, National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Mr. Babajide Iletogun; Director-General, NBMA, Mr. Rufus Ebegba, and Country President, NIBSA, Mr. Ibiang Livinus at Stakeholders Workshop on Role of Media in Promoting Biosafety Regulations and Modern Biotechnology Development in Nigeria, in Abuja, yesterday.

Procter & Gamble supports UNICEF, USAID relief efforts in Borno By Adeola Tukuru, ABUJA

onsumer goods manufacturing company, Procter & Gamble (P&G) Nigeria, is supporting Nigerians displaced by terrorism by Boko Haram in the North East with a donation of hygiene products and personal care items. UNICEF Nigeria is distributing the donation of sanitary pads, baby diapers, toothpaste, batteries, and detergents.

These items will help improve hygiene and basic comfort for the internally displaced in Borno State. During a handover ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja , Procter & Gamble Managing Director, George Nassar, presented samples of the products to Borno State National Assembly Representative M.T. Monguno. “Our mission is to touch and improve the personal health and well-being of Nigerians,” Nassar said. “This donation will help to meet some of the basic re-

quirements of those who most need our support. We chose to work with UNICEF as it has a proven reputation in working with partners to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, and disease can cause,” he added. “We thank Procter & Gamble for this generous donation,” said UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Jean Gough, at the handover ceremony. “It will make a big difference in the lives of the displaced in Borno, who struggle daily for basic ne-

cessities. We hope it will also help to inspire Nigerians to support those less fortunate in their country.” In accepting the donation on behalf of Borno Representive, Monguno said, “This gift is very welcome and is very timely in view of the needs of the IDPs. This is a clear demonstration that Procter & Gamble is a patriotic corporate citizen.” The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) facilitated the donation.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

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World News

We are deploying a specialised expeditionary targeting force to assist Iraqi and Kurdish Peshmerga forces against ISIS. –US DEFENCE SECRETARY, ASHTON CARTER Afolabi Gambari

WITH AGENCY REPORT

S President Barack Obama yesterday warned his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin against intervening in Syria’s civil war, suggesting that Putin is aware of the dangers his country faces by entering the bloody conflict. “I think Mr. Putin understands that, with Afghanistan fresh in the memory, for him to simply get bogged down in an inconclusive and paralyzing civil conflict is not the outcome that he is looking for,” Obama said at a news conference at the ongoing climate change Summit in Paris. “I think it is possible over the next several months that we both see a shift in calculation in the Russians and a recognition that it is time to bring the civil war in Syria to a close,” the US leader added. “In the immediate aftermath of a terrible attack like happened here in Paris, sometimes it is natural for people to despair. But look at Paris. You cannot tear down Paris because of the demented actions of a handful of individuals. The beauty,

Stay off Syria, Obama warns Putin

Varsities get ‘drills’ warning Kenya’s Police Chief, Japheth Koome, has warned universities not to carry out security drills without his approval following the death of a woman on Monday. Esther Kidemba died after apparently jumping from a building during a drill at the private Strathmore University in the capital, Nairobi as gunshots were fired during the drill, causing panic on the campus. Militant Islamist group al-Shabab killed some 150 people in an attack on Garissa University College in April. Strathmore University Vice Chancellor, John Odhiambo, said he offered his deepest condolences to the family of Kidemba, who was a staff member, and an unreserved apology to every student, parent, family, colleague and stakeholder for the unfortunate outcome of the security drill.

Zimbabwe hosts Chinese leader President Barack Obama

the joy, the life, the culture, the people and the diversity. That is going to win out every time.” On carbon reduction targets of the climate summit, Obama said: “If we let the world keep

warming as fast as it is, and sea levels rising as fast as they are, and weather patterns keep shifting in more unexpected ways, then before long we are going to have to devote more and more

Kabore is new Burkina leader

och Marc Christian Kabore was yesterday declared the new president of Burkina Faso by the Independent National Electoral Commission. Kabore, a former prime minister, secured 53.5 per cent of the vote on Sunday after months of political unrest. It was the first election since last year’s popular uprising which toppled longstanding President Blaise Compaore. The vote was due to have been held last month but was delayed by a failed coup in September led by members of the elite presiden-

WORLD BULLETIN

tial guard. Kabore’s main rival and former economy and finance minister Zephirin Diabre gained 21.6 per cent of the vote. He has already congratulated Kabore and pledged to work with the new helmsman. He had won the hearts of the people of Burkina Faso by fiercely campaigning against Compaore’s bid to change the constitution and run for a third term. Along with civil society groups, the party formed by Kabore after breaking away from Compare was the driving force behind the popular protests which forced the

New Burkina Faso President Roch Marc Christian Kabore

the maximum ruler out of office. Kabore’s main goal for the next five years will be to consolidate democracy and help end the economic crisis in one of the world’s poorest nations.

and more of our economic and military resources not to growing opportunity for our people but to adapting to the various consequences of a changing planet.” On the tighter gun laws after last week’s shooting at a Colorado Planned Parenthood clinic, Obama also said: “At the end of the day, we all have to act to ensure we are preventing people who are deranged or have violent tendencies from getting high-power weapons.”

‘Why AirAsia crashed’

he way pilots responded to a technical malfunction resulted in the crash of an AirAsia flight into the Java Sea, killing all 162 people on board, a report said yesterday. AirAsia Flight 8501 was en route to Singapore from the Indonesian city of Surabaya on December 28 last year when it crashed. It was one in a string of aviation disasters that occurred in Asia in 2014, including the mysterious disappearance of MH370 over the Indian Ocean and the crash of TransAsia Flight 222 on a Taiwanese island. “Subsequent flight crew action resulted in inability to control the aircraft, causing the

aircraft to depart from the normal flight envelope and enter a prolonged stall condition that was beyond the capability of the flight crew to recover,” the report said. The investigation, a joint effort involving Australian, French, Singaporean and Malaysian authorities, points to weaknesses in pilot training in dealing with upsets, or when an aircraft is angled greater than 45 degrees. “Our recommendation to AirAsia is to train their pilots flying the Airbus plane on how to make an upset recovery,” investigator Nurcahyo Utomo said, adding, “AirAsia has since required upset recovery training for its pilots.”

China’s President Xi Jinping arrived in Zimbabwe yesterday, making him the most prominent global leader in many years to visit the landlocked southern African country. President Robert Mugabe and senior government officials were at the airport to welcome the Chinese leader, who received a 21-gun salute before inspecting a guard of honour. Chinese nationals, waving both Zimbabwean and Chinese flags, were also at the airport. Mugabe has strongly pursued a “Look East” policy since the West isolated him over his controversial land reform programme. China is also major investor in Zimbabwe, helping to keep its economy afloat. Both governments later signed agreements to boost Zimbabwe’s agriculture, mining and manufacturing sectors.

Defiant Japan kills whales

With a mission to kill 333 minke whales, Japan has sent its first whaling fleet to the Antarctic Ocean in more than one year. The expedition comes despite an International Court of Justice ruling and fierce objections from countries including Australia and New Zealand. “We do not accept in any way, shape or form the concept of killing whales for so-called ‘scientific research,” Australian Environment Minister, Greg Hunt, said yesterday. New Zealand’s acting Foreign Minister Todd McClay said: “New Zealand is strongly opposed to whaling in the Southern Ocean. We call on Japan to take heed of the 2014 International Court of Justice decision and international scientific advice concerning their whaling activities.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net CHANGE OF NAME OBARA: I, formerly known and addressed as MRS OBARA OMOLABAKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SONEYE FAOSAT OMOLABAKE. General Public, please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME BAMISAYE: Formerly known as miss olayinka Temiloye now wish to be Addressed as mrs Olatunji Esther olayinka. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME This is to certified that SALAUDEEN TAIWO ADENIYI is the same one person as SALAUDEEN TAIWO HASSAN, that henceforth wish to be addressed as SALAUDEEN TAIWO ADENIYI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oladipupo Toyin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. ABIKOYE TOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Known and addressed as Miss Adu Bolakale Margaret now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Bamgboye Bolakale Margaret. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as OLAKANMI BIMTU, now wish to be known and addressed as KOJEKU BEATRICE ABENI. All former documents remain valid; First Bank Plc, general public to take note

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly know and addressed MISS OLALERE ESTHER BLESSING,now wish to be know and addressed as MRS AKANMU ESTHER BLESSING,all former document remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Enegide Beauty Nkem now Okweye Beauty Kenfuni, former documents remain valid general public note CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Ibrahim Adisa Aderibigbe now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADELEKE AKINADE LAWRENCE. All former documents remain valid. First bank plc and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Ayeni Bunmi Gracious Omolara now to be called and addressed as AYENI BUNMI GRACE. All former document remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ILORI TITILOPE MUSILIAT, now wish to be known and addressed as OLORUNNISHOLA TITILOPE MUSILIAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ELEKE BASIL IFEANYI , now wish to be known and addressed as BASIL CHUKWU EKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as BAMGBOSE BASIRAT OLUWAKEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as LUKMAN MAMMAN BASIRAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS. AKWARANDU GOODNESS OBUMNEKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. DONATUS GOODNESS OBUMNEKE (NEE AKWARANDU). All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as MR. ABDUL-RASHEED MUSA, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. ABDULBASI MUSA. All my former documents remain valid. The public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as OMOTAYO FUNMILAYO COMFORT, now wish to be known and addressed as FATOKI FUNMILAYO PELUMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as IYABO OLUMEGBON, now wish to be known and addressed as ADESHINA IYABO ADUKE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Salami Kuburat Ojuolape now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Idowu Kuburat Ojuolape. All former documents remain valid. Ogun Subeb, Yewa North LGEA and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as STEPHEN ADE OLAYINKA, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNSHE ADE OLAYINKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MAYOWA ABIOLA OLUTUNDE now wish to be known and addressed as MAYOWA ABIOLA ALLI. Former documents remain valid. General public pls take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I,FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MR. NWOGWUGWU JUSTICE CHIDI,NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MR.MARK JUSTICE CHIDI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. PLEASE, GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly Uche Uzoamaka Mariam now collins Ogbonnaya Paulson Uzoamaka Mariam. All former documents remain valid. General public please note CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Jolaoso Dorcas Oluwatoyin now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Adeyemi Dorcas Oluwatoyin. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OHORE MARTHA JOY, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OGOR MARTHA JOY. All former documents remain valid, general public to take note

Formerly known and addressed as DIVINE OKOLI and ISREAL CHIMA CHIGOZIE now wish to be known and addressed as OKOLI CHIMA DIVINE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Odidi Juliana Ireden now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Victoria Mesomi Ireden. All former document remain valid. General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Chinoso Ugochukwu Daniel now Okegwe Ugochukwu Daniel,former documents remain valid general public note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly addressed as Celine Onuabuchi Nze now Onelum Celine Onuabuchi,former documents remain valid general public note

CHANGE OF NAME

I confirm that the same person is Amos Nne Florence and Amos Florence Theophilus, former document remain valid general public note

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly miss Oladele Mojirade Olayemi now wish to be known and called MRS SANUSI MOJIRADE OLAYEMI All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerky known as Mustapha Ramoni Owolabi and Rahamon Owolabi now wish to be knwon, called and addressed as RAJI RAMONI OWOLABI. All former documents remain valid, First bank plc,ECO bank and general public should please note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as Olawale Adewale wish to be addressed as ADEWALE IBUKUN SAMUEL. All former document remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known as ODELEYE ADETIPE wish to be addressed as AYOADE TOYIN,Former documents remain valid general public note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as EFFIOM STELLA EFFIONG, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OMUSUWE STELLA MMAOBONG. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Olubunmi Babalola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olubunmi Oladipupo. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Alade Titilayo Omowunmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Adegboyega Titilayo Omowunmi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I,formerly known and addressed as AREGBOR CHRISTOPHER, now wish to be known and addressed as MONDAY AKPOGHORIE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Adebayo Joy Osarumwense, now wish to be known and addressed as Ilesanmi Joy Osarumwense. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as EJEMEGWAONYE NKEIRUKA, now wish to be known and addressed as AKHANONU NKIRU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME 1,Formerly Katayeyanjue Monsurat Adesola is the same person as Ishola Monsurat Adesola, Now wish to be known and address as MRS KHALID MONSURAT ADESOLA.all former documents remain valid,general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as EZE UCHE now wish to be known and addressed as EZEAKU OBINNA ALEX. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss. OLUWASINA IDOWU BUKOLA, now wish to be address as Mrs. ADEBIYI IDOWU BUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olatilewa Serifat Omolola now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oseni Serifat Omolola. All former documents remain valid. Ogun Subeb, Yslgea ilaro and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Auty Zee now wish to be known and addressed as Zainab Tanimu Umar. All former documents remain valid. First, uba bank and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as EMMANUEL CHUKWUDI OLUEHI AND EMMANUEL STEVEN. and now wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL CHUKWUDI OLUCHI. . All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as Edet Omini now Eworo Ngodo,former documents remain valid general public note CHANGE OF NAME I formerly addressed as NJOKU UCHENNA PETER NOW PETER ADEKANYE FORMER DOCUMENT VALIDGENERAL PUBLIC NOTE CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Miss Komolafe Gbemisola now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS ADEKANYE GBEMISOLA. All former docunment remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as ADEWUYI RABIU ADISA wish to be addressed as OSENI RABIU ADISA, Former documents remain valid general public note CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as Ogunsusi Ariyo James, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Olawale Ariyo Ogunsusi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as Oluranti Ogundairo Ibidapo, now wish to be known and addressed as Oluranti Johnson Dairo. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as ESEKHIGBE MOSES UDEBHU, now wish to be known and addressed as PROMISE STEVE UDEBHU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I,Formerly known and addressed as Esan Olubukolami, now wish to be known and addressed as ADIGUN BUKOLA RANTI All documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as BLESSED IYKE now wish to be known and addressed as OKAFOR MICHEAL IKECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OLOYEDE :FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS BIDEMI SERAH OLOYEDE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS BOLADALE ADUNI BIDEMI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

To confirm that I am one and same person bearing SALAUDEEN BUKOLA RASAQ and SOLIUDEEN OPEYEMI RASAQ as obtainable in some of my documents.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Miss Iyapo Temidayo Bukola now to be addressed as Mrs. Faleye Temidayo Bukola. All former documents remain valid, general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss ABIDEEN ABIODUN AMINAT now to be addressed as Mrs. FAGBOHUN ABIODUN AMINAT. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Esele Beatrice Omonsefe now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Edun Beatrice Omonsefe. All former documents remain valid. Ogun Subeb, Yslgea ilaro and General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Babalola Comfort Modupe now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Alabi Comfort Modupe. All former documents remain valid. Ogun Subeb, Yslgea ilaro and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Onifade Oluwafunmilayo Abosede now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oderinde Oluwafunmilayo Abosede. All former documents remain valid. Ogun Subeb and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly know and addressed as MISS TAIWO EBUN TEMITOPE,now wish to be know and addressed as MRS AKINWOLE EBUN TEMITOPE,all former document remain valid. OYO TESCOMand General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Somori Apinke Remilekun now Bakare Serifat,former documents remain valid general public note CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as Rafiu Latifat now Adeniyi Latifat, former document remain valid general public note CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Ige Ayomipo Modupe is the same person as Ige Ayomipo Ajike now wish to be known and addressed as Ige Ayomipo Ajike. All former documents remain valid. Wema, Zenith, First, Union, GTBank and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly know and addressed as MISS AMOO or AMAO DEBORAH OJUOLAPE,now wish to be know and addressed as MRS AJAMU DEBORAH OJUOLAPE,all former document remain valid. OYO SUBEB and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as Dauda Dunya Mamadu now to be addressed as Dauda Daniel,former documents remain valid general public note CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS ZAKARIA JUSTINA NOW MRS ADAMU JUSTINA FORMER DOCUMENT VALID GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Formerly OMOSEHIN OLUWAFEMI CAROLINE Now FADAYOMI OLUWAFEMI CAROLINE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Ajayi Matthew Oluwagbemibola Now confirming that am the same person bearing AJAYI MATTHEW BOLA. All former documents remain valid. ACCESS BANK NIG. LTD and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Ishola Fatimoh now wish to be known, called and adrressed as LAMIDI BARAKAT BOSEDE. All former documents remain valid, first bank plc and general public should please note.

l formerly known as chinyelu hope lgbokwe now wish to be known and referred to as chinyelu hope lfeabunike. all documents bearing the former name to remain valid. general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS. OLUFUNKE ALARAPE ODESONMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLUFUNKE ALARAPE FOLORUNSHO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. BENEDICTA USIHOLO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. BENEDICTA IYARE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that JAMES GOMWALK is the same person as ETENG ONUM but now wish to be know and addressed as ETENG ONUM. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Selifa Oladoyinbo, now wish to be known and addressed as Okotor Rose Justina. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I,formerly known and addressed as MISS. ORITSEMA OLUWASEUN TOSANWUMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ORITSEMA OLUWASEUN COKER. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ABIODUN : Formerly known and addressed as ABDULAZEEZ MUKAILA now wish to be known and addressed as ABDULAZEEZ MUKAILA TUNDE ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME BUBA: Formerly known and addressed as USMAN BUBA now wish to be known and addressed as USMAN ABUBAKAR. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

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

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to certified that Fatosin Gbenga Adio is the same one person as Fatosin Taiwo Adeoye, that henceforth wish to be known and called as Fatosin Taiwo Adeoye. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adedoyin Morufat Temilola now wish to be called and known as Mrs Raji Marufat Temilola. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as AYUSEDE VIVIAN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ILORI VIVIAN GBUBEMI. All former documents remain valid. Lagos State Government and general public should take note.

Auction Notice,

Formerly known and addressed as AGBOOLA BOLANLE FAUSAT, now wish to be known and addressed as HASSAN KEHINDE FAUSAT. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to notify the general public that an Opel vehicle with Reg no. AM949AKR and motorcycles will be Auctioned at Police Divisional Headquarter, Iworoko Ekiti Ref no 3592/EKS/IW/VOL.1/17Dated 19 Nov. 2015.Contact Olumide Olofin-08130586850. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as SUMAILA ABDULMALIK OSHEIMOH, now wish to be known and addressed as JACOB MAMMAN OBEY. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OBIORAH MANDY, now wish to be known and addressed as EGBUNE MAGDALENE MANDY. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS BLESSING NGOZI OBIOHA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. BLESSING NGOZI ITUMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

MOSES : Formerly known and addressed as MR MOSES ADIKPE now wish to be known and addressed as MR MICHEAL. E. ADIKPE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME GARBA: Formerly known and addressed as JIBRIN GARBA now wish to be known and addressed as JIBRIN ALIYU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Fadahunsi Olakemi Grace now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Bamidele Oluwakemi Grace. All former document remain valid, general public should please take note.

LIMAN: Formerly known and addressed as ALIYU MUHAMED LIMAN now wish to be known and addressed as ALIYU MUHAMED. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME ABDULAHI: Formerly known and addressed as YAKUBU ABDULAHI now wish to be known and addressed as YAKUBU ABDU MARWA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and called as Miss Odetoyan Beatrice Oyeladun now wish to be addressed and called as Mrs Adebayo Beatrice Oyeladun. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS. MUFUTAU FATIMO YINKA ASABI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AKEEM FATIMO YINKA ASABI. All former documents remain valid. Wema Bank and General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME BABANGIDA: Formerly known and addressed as BABANGIDA ALICE NANCY now wish to be known and addressed as NANCY YA’U. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly addressed and known as Mrs Rafiu Salimot Iyabo now wish to be called and addressed as Miss Hamzat Salimot Iyabo. All former documents remain valid, First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS. ARINOLA ADEBAMBO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS.EDU ARINOLA WINIFRED. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mr. Sholuke Idris Tunde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Sholuke Adebowale Idris Tunde. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Health Nwakaego Iwube now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Health Nwakaego Anowu. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as OKOI EMMANUEL UBI, now wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL OKOI, All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS BLESSING NGOZI OBIOHA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BLESSING NGOZI ITUMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME KANAWA: Formerly known and addressed as USMAN .A. KANAWA now wish to be known and addressed as USMAN. A. WAKAWA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME ADIMACHUKWU: Formerly known and addressed as ANTHONY ADIMACHUKWU now wish to be known and addressed as ANTHONY MADUYALU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to certified that Adepoju Saheed Abiola is the same one person as Yekeen Saheed Abiola, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Yekeen Saheed Abiola. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adedoyin Morufat Temilola now wish to be called and known as Mrs Raji Marufat Temilola. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Monday John now wish to be known, called and adrressed as Adugbo Joseph Christopher, former documents remain valid general public note

ALABI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ALABI OLUWATOYIN, but now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. SHITTU OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to notify the general public that a deed of Assignment registered at NO. 98 Page 98 in volume 2126 in respect of property situated at Block V, Plot 9 in Ojomu Chieftancy family layout at Igbo Efon, Lagos State belonging to one Mr Christopher Onochie of Plot 1-3, Alhaja Rafui Obitayo Street, Agungi ,Lekki got lost during an armed robbery incident. Please note that whoever deals with this said Property does so at his/her own risk. If found please contact my solicitors. Babajide Arije & co.

PUBLIC NOTICE HEALING CROSS FELLOWSHIP This is to inform the general public that the above named healing cross fellowship with headquarter in Akuwanta-Uno, Arondizuogu Ideato North, Imo State has applied to the corporate affairs commission, Abuja for registration under the company and allied matter act of 1990 part C. The Trustees are: 1. Evang Ohazurume Uche Christopher Esq. 2. Mrs. Florence Ohazurume The Aims and Objective 1. Brining together Christians in prayers, and fellowship. 2. Giving free medication and treatment locally and internationally. 3. Empowering the youth development. 4. Building Hospitals and churches at international and local level 5. Developing free primary, secondary, and universities institution. 6. Producing, extracting, manufacturing, importing and exporting of goods for poverty and human development at local and international level. 7. To influence government, private organization and individuals in participation of Healing cross fellowship at local and international level 8. To partnership with law enforcement agency and medical organization in given free medical treatment at domestic and international level. 9. Building orphanage and old people home. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate affairs commission Plot 420 Trigris Cresent, off Aguiyi cresent, Maritama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed by Trustees

CHANGE OF NAME OBIANUJU: I, formerly known and addressed as OBIANUJU TESSY OKWUME, now wish to be known, called and addressed as UJUNWA TESSY OKWUME UZOAGBA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please

CHANGE OF NAME IBRAHIM: Formerly known and addressed as IBRAHIM HARUNA now wish to be known and addressed as IBRAHEEM HAROON YAHAYA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKOLOCHA : Formerly known and addressed as MISS OKOLOCHA OBIANUJU STELLA-MARIS now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHINEMELU UJU STELLA-MARIS. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME GARBA : Formerly known and addressed as FARUK ABDULRAZAK now wish to be known and addressed as ABDULRAZAK FARUK GARBA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME APE: I, formerly known and addressed as APE UKAMAKA .S. now wish to be known and addressed as OGBONNA UKAMAKA .S. (NEE APE) All former documents remain valid. First Bank, Udenu Local Govt. Council and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME ODETOLA: I, formerly known as MISS ODETOLA BUSOLA DAMILOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. KUYORO BUSOLA DAMILOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note. CHANGE OF NAME HAMMEED: Formerly known and addressed as HAMMEED SA’ID now wish to be known and addressed as AHMED SA’IDU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. CHANGE OF NAME MUSA: Formerly known and addressed as IBRAHIM ZAKARIYA MUSA now wish to be known and addressed as IBRAHIM ZAKARI YA’U. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME CLETUS : Formerly known and addressed as MISS EKERE BLESSING CLETUS now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADEGUN BLESSING CLETUS. All former documents remain valid. NTDC, Leadcity University and General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME NEBONTA: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NEBONTA STELLA UCHENNA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UDEH STELLA UCHENNA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as RAFIU SEKINAT, now wish to be known and addressed as HASANI ARINLADE WOSILATU All documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Fadahunsi Olakemi Grace now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Bamidele Oluwakemi Grace. All former document remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as JONAS NWABUEZE ORAECHETA, now wish to be known and addressed as JONAS ORAH. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to certified that Adepoju Saheed Abiola is the same one person as Yekeen Saheed Abiola, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Yekeen Sahees Abiola. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MR. MIKE NWANKWO ONYE, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. RAPHEAL IKECHUKWU STEPHEN. All former documents remain valid. Fidelity/ACCESS BANK General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Joseph Oluwatoyin Motunrayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Adeniyi Motunrayo. All former documents remain valid. ECOBANK and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Obi John Kennedy and John kennedy Uzochukwu is the same as one person, now John kennedy Uzochukwu. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

This is to confirm that I, Olukunle Femi Samuel am the same person as Gbodi Femi Samuel. All former documents remain valid. ECOBANK and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as AGWOM AYUBA, now wish to be known and addressed as JAMES ISAAC. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. CHANGE OF NAME AKUJIEZE: Formerly known and addressed as ESTHER CHINASAOKWU AKUJIEZE now wish to be known and addressed as ESTHER CHINASAOKWU OKEKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OKORO: I, formerly known and addressed as OKORO KENNETH IFEANYI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MBAZU OKORO-IFEANYI JOSHUA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as MISS ODUNUKAN ABOSEDE OMOLABAKE now wish to be known as MRS MOGAJI ABOSEDE OMOLABAKE RASHIDAT. CHANGE OF NAME YUSUF: Formerly known and addressed as MUHAMMED IBRAHIM YUSUF now wish to be known and addressed as MUHAMMED IBRAHIM. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NGANA: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS COMFORT NKASIOBI NGANA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JAMES COMFORT NKASIOBI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OKWUOSA: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS CHIAMAKA NKIRU OKWUOSA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHIAMAKA OKARO. All former documents remain valid. Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and general public should please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to certify that ADUMA ELIAS and FRANCIS ADUMA refers to one and same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as FRANCIS ELIAS ADUMA. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly knomn and called Miss HAJJA SAIDU,henceforth wish to be known and addressed as Mrs FALMATA ALI SAIDU.All former documents remain valid.GTB bank(plc)and the geneeral public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME KIJITO : Formerly known and addressed as SHAIBU ADEJOH KIJITO now wish to be known and addressed as SHALE ALIH SHALE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME IDRIS: I, formerly known and addressed as IDRIS MUBARAK HABIBU, now wish to be known, called and addressed as HABIBU MUBARAK IMAM. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME SUNDAY: Formerly known and addressed as OKANU SUNDAY now wish to be known and addressed as AMAJI CHUKWUKA. All former documents remain valid. Fidelity Bank and General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OTUEH: Formerly known and addressed as MADUBUIKE PAUL OTUEH now wish to be known and addressed as MADUBUIKE PAUL OBIORA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OKAFOR: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKAFOR AGATHA NKEONYERE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKORIE AGATHA NKEONYERE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME NWANDO: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NWANDO CHINYERE UGWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NWANDO CHINYERE OKARO. All former documents remain valid. University of Nigeria Nsukka and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Mr. Amazi Sambu, now wish to be addressed as Mr. Amauwhe Musa Arziki. All my former documents remain valid. UBA Plc and the public should please take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Odunfejo Taiwo Elizabeth now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Weinor Elizabeth Taiwo all former documents remain valid Ogun SUBEB and general public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Azeez Kazeem Adeshina is same person as Azeez Kazeem Ishola now wish to be known and addressed as Azeez Kazeem Adeshina all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ONYEMA: Formerly known and addressed as ONYEMA SUNDAY IKECHUKWU now wish to add, known and addressed as ONYEMA EVERISTUS SUNDAY IKECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Kareem Jimoh Adebayo now wish to be known and addressed as Abdulkareem Muhammed Jamiu Adedayo .all former documents remain valid and general public take note .

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Mujidat Arole now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adedotun Olowolayemo all former documents remain valid and general public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Morayo Kadijat odusanya. Is same person as Morayo Adenike Olaniyi now wish to be known and addressed as Morayo Kadijat Odusanya .all former documents remain valid and general public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

AGADA: Formerly known and addressed as AGADA JOHNSON now wish to be known and addressed as ADEJO JONATHAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ABIAMA : Formerly known and addressed as MASTER ABIAMA DICKSON AYAKPO now wish to be known and addressed as MASTER ABIAMA DICKSON..All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to confirm that I, ONARO DANIEL is the same one person as DANIEL OFISCO JOEL. That any documents bearing any of the name remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME MOHAMMED: Formerly known and addressed as MISS MOHAMMED DORA PHILOMENA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UGHE DORA PHILOMENA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ANIMASAHUN RONKE MUYIDAT now wish to be known and addressed as HACKYM AKINGBADE ADERONKE MUJIDAT..All former documents remain valid. General public take note

ONIME: Formerly known and addressed as ONIME JOSEPH OKHAIDE now wish to be known and addressed as ONIME JOSEPH AKHARUME. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that I, OGHENEMARO YEKOVIE is the same one person as ALLEN EDWARD. That any documents bearing any of the name remain valid. Authorities concerned and General public should please take note.

This is to confirm that ALUGHA PRECIOUS CHIKWADO is the same one person as ALUGHA VITALIS CHIKWADO. That henceforth wish to be known, called and addressed as ALUGHA VITALIS CHIKWADO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as OLUWAKEMI AZEEZAT KIKELOMO, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUWAKEMI SULAIMON AZEEZAT KIKELOMO.All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AKINWUMI: I, formerly known and addressed as AKINWUMI IDRIS ADESINA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AKINWUMI ADESINA ABDUL FATAI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OGBA: I, formerly known and addressed as PIUS OGBA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as PETER ENIGAOGBA. All documents bearing my former name remains mine and valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as ADAKONYE SUCCESS, now wish to be known and addressed as NGBEDE ADAKONYE. All former documents remain valid. CHANGE OF NAME/ CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH: That I was formerly known and addressed as CECILIA CLINTON, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AUGUSTINA OGBU. That on my Bank Account opening, my date of birth was wrongly written as 21st day of November, 1983 instead of 21st day of November 1984 which is my correct date of birth. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AKPAN: I, formerly known and addressed as GODWIN ETEFIA AKPAN, now wish to be known and addressed as EKANEM ANIEKAN AKPAN. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH – LAGOS CHANGE OF TRUSTEES

This is to notify the general public that the above-named Church has applied for change of its Trustees under Part ‘C’ of CAMA 1990. Retained and Incoming Trustees are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Mr. Ayodeji Abiodun Oshodi - Retained Deacon (Engr.) Adewale Olufunso Oyemade - Retained Mrs. Olayinka Joda - Retained Deacon (Engr.) Olawale Ige - Appointed Chief Mrs. Peju Fajobi - Appointed Mr. Demola Ayanlowo - Appointed Dr. Adetunji Bolade –Appointed

Outgoing Trustees are: 1. Dr. Charles B. Fadipe 2. Mrs. Winifred Adebowale Soyingbe 3. Deacon Emmanuel Ojo 4. Ambassador (RT) O. Adegbite Olatunde Oshodi Any objection to the application 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: Deacon Enahoro David Church Secretary 24A Broad Street, Lagos

El-Rufai budgets N31bn for works, housing, transport A za Msue Kaduna

aduna State Governor, Nasir elRufai, yesterday presented a proposed budget of N171.7 billion to the House of Assembly just as he earmarked N31 billion for Works, Housing and Transport in 2016. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Adesina Rosemary Remilekun is same person as Adesina Ademola Rosemary now wish to be known and addressed as Adesina Rosemary Remilekun former documents bearing those names remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Presenting the budget was the lawmakers at the Assembly chambers, el-Rufai said the budget is made up of N109.3bn capital and N62bn.4bn recurrent expenditure. The governor said the budget entitled, ‘Budget of Sacrifice, Restoration and Change’ is aimed at making Kaduna great

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Olawuyi Yusuf Musibau now wish to be known and addressed as Olawuyi Musibau Yusuf Balogun Owolabi. All former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as miss Adesanya Olanike Kafayat now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Lasisi Olanike Kafayat. All former documents remain valid and general public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Odumosun Kafayat Adepeju(Nee Adesegun) now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adeniyi Kafayat Adepeju(Nee Adesegun) all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

That I am bearing Philip Micheal, Obagwu Ebiale Philip, ebiale Philip Obagwu, Philip Ebiale Obagwu Micheal now wish to be known and addressed as Philip Ebiale Obagwu Michael all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME IGBO: Formerly known and addressed as Formerly MISS IFEOMA ESTHER IGBO now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ESTHER OMEDA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME NIMOH Formerly known and addressed as JOHN NIMOH now wish to be known and addressed as JOHN NIMO.. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

OTSE: : This is To Confirm That OTSE SUCCESS GOODLUCK And BILL SCOTT Refer To One And Same Person henceforth wish to be known and addressed as OTSE SUCCESS GOODLUCK. All Documents Reflecting Any Of The Stated Names Remain Valid. General Public Take Note

CHANGE OF NAME OHANWEH: Formerly known and addressed as OHANWEH NKEM PERPETUAL now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWUMA PERPETUAL NKECHIYERE.. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME HASSAN: Formerly known and addressed as HASSAN ABDUR RASAQ now wish to be known and addressed as IBRAHIM ABDUR RASAQ .All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ODIA : Formerly known and addressed as MISS UFUOMA MARY ODIA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UFUOMA OZAH.. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

DANDJI: Formerly known and addressed as ALBERT DANDJI now wish to be known and addressed as EDAH DODJI. .All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to confirm that I, ERHABOR SUCCESS ESEOGHENE is the same one person as ONOME MILLICENT ESE and ORABOR SUCCESS ESEOGHENE. That any documents bearing any of the names remain valid. Authorities concerned and general public should please take note.

I formerly known as TASIRU HABEEB FALADE, hereby which to be addressed as TASIRU HABEEB AJOJE. Henceforth, all former documents remain valid. Community Senior Grammar School, Ipaja and general public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Master Dabang Gobapji Barnabas and now addressed as Master Shwanzakka Gobapji Barnabas but now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Shwanzakka Gobapji Barnabas. UBA Bank, First Bank and general public should take note please.

OKUYEMI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ABISOLA FLORENCE OKUYEMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. ABISOLA FLORENCE BABARINDE due to my marital status. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME/ CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH: That, I was formerly known and addressed as CHIBUZOR EMMANUEL CHINEDU, now wish to be known, called and addressed as EGBARA CHIBUZOR. That my date of birth was wrongly written on my Bank Document as 22nd day of December, 1990 instead of 1st day of January, 1992. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME OMOBUWA: I, formerly known and addressed as EMMANUEL OMOBUWA now wish to be known, called and addressed as OSOBA JOHN. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

again. The breakdown shows that Economic Sector, Agriculture & Forestry has N5,577,475,527.60; Commerce, Industry and Tourism got N1,336,000,000; while Works, Housing and Transport is allocated N31,352,898,071.95 . Others include Education with CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Amos Oluwagbenga Michael is same person as Ogundipe Oluwagbenga Michael now wish to be known and addressed as Amos Oluwagbenga Michael .all former documents bearing those names remain valid and general public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Akor Godday Joseph is same person as Sunday Chidi Doga henceforth wish to be known and addressed as Akor Godday Joseph all former documents bearing both names remain valid and general public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME UMOH: : This is To Confirm That UMOH HENSHAW AKPAN And PETER HENSHAW AKPAN Refer To One And Same Person henceforth wish to be known and addressed as PETER HENSHAW AKPAN. All Documents Reflecting Any Of The Stated Names Remain Valid. General Public Take note.

CHANGE OF NAME RABIU: Formerly known and addressed as RABIU OLAWALE ELEWA now wish to be known and addressed as SAIDU RABIU OLAWALE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ADEKUNLE: Formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEKUNLE AZEEZAT BUKOLA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BALOGUN AZEEZAT BUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME IBILOYE: Formerly known and addressed as SUNDAY EMMANUEL IBILOYE now wish to be known and addressed as SUNDAY ADEBAYO OGUNNIYI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EFOBI: I, formerly known and addressed as EFOBI NNEAMAKA ONYEBUCHI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as EWULUM NNEAMAKA ONYEBUCHI. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

SULAIMAN: I, formerly known and addressed as RUKAYAT BOLANLE SULAIMAN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. RUKAYAT BOLANLE HASSAN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

AGENE: I, formerly known and addressed as AGENE GOWON SOLOMON, now wish to be known, called and addressed as IBRAHIM MUSA SOLOMON. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME KALU: I, formerly known and addressed as MR. STEPHEN UDOKA KALU, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ABUBAKAR SULEIMAN DAURA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ADENUGA: I, formerly known and addressed as ADENUGA OLUGBENGA ADEWUNMI, now wish to be known and addressed as AYANNUGA OLUGBENGA ADEWUNMI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please

CHANGE OF NAME ETUKUDOH: I, formerly known and addressed as WISDOM ETUKUDOH SUNDAY, now wish to be known, called and addressed as WISDOM SUNDAY ETOKUDO. All former documents remain valid.

N27,548,679,874.23 , Health N6,661,683,063.73 and Social Development got N461,551,200. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Sokan Funmilayo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Salami Funmilayo. All former documents remain valid and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Aiyegbusi Fausat Abosede now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Odunlami Fausat Abosede all former documents remain valid Banks and general public take note .

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Odumosu Kesaih Iyabo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Babatunde Kesaih Iyabo .all former documents remain valid State Universal primary Education board, Odigbo local government and general public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME EKEH : This is To Confirm That EKEH FAUSTINA OKWUDIRI And EKEH FAUSTINA ESTHER Refer To One And Same Person henceforth wish to be known and addressed as EKEH FAUSTINA OKWUDIRI ESTHER.. All Documents Reflecting Any Of The Stated Names Remain Valid. General Public Take note

CHANGE OF NAME . UGBABE: Formerly known and addressed as UGBABE FESTUS now wish to be known and addressed as ADAMU CHARLES FESTUS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME UKACHUKWU: Formerly known and addressed as MISS MARGARET UKACHUKWU now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MARGERET ONYEKA.. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME THOMAS: Formerly known and addressed as THOMAS SYLVANUS now wish to be known and addressed as LEDAN GAIUS DADING. All former documents remain valid. General public take .

CHANGE OF NAME OGBUNAMIRI: I, formerly known and addressed as CHRISTIANA OGBUNAMIRI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as CHRISTY ANYIM. All former documents remain valid. General

CHANGE OF NAME

BENSON: I, formerly known and addressed as BENSON PETER CHUKWUMA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as UCHE SAMUEL CHUKS. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ADEBOWALE: I, formerly known and addressed as ADEBOWALE ABDULLAHI OLUFEMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as SHIYANBOLA ABDULLAHI ADEBOWALE. All former documents remain valid. CHANGE OF NAME OGBE: I, formerly known and addressed as UMORU IBRAHIM OGBE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as IYEN IGHODARO DESTINY. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MR OJO OLUWASEUN ABIODUN.NOW wish to be know and addressed as MR ATIPO OLUWASEGUN ABIODUN.All former documents remain valid. National Open University and Skye Bank and genenal public should take note

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Mr Jeremiah Lawrence now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Umaru Lawrence Ramos. All former documents remain valid,Zenith Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olatuja Olajumoke Bolanle, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Famudehin Olajumoke Bolanle. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Agbor Augustine James now Inyang James Egbah. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as DR (miss) FABIYI Funmilayo Dolapo now wish to be known and addressed as DR AJIBOYE Funmilayo Dolapo. LAUTECH, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, NYSC, Nigerian Medical Association and the General public should take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as AWE RUKAYAT OLUWASHEYI, now wish to be known and addressed as AWE RUKAYAT BISOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS ADESINA HABIBAT TEMITOPE now wish to be known and addressed as ABDUS-SALAM HABIBAT TEMIT CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Saheed Omotayo Babatunde, now wish to be known and addressed as Saidi Kolawole Babatunde. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME . I formerly known and addressed as Moriamo Omolara Kareem, now wish to be known and addressed as Moriamo Omolara Erinfolami. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Ikeh Ikenna Michael,Ikeh Michael Ikenna U,Ikenna M. Ikeh, now wish to be known and addressed as Udeonwuike Ikenna Michael. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Odunsi Abolade Fausat Oreoluwa now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Lawal Grace Oreoluwa Fausat. All former documents remain valid. FCMB, First Bank and General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MICHAEL OKPOTU NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ALFRED ONAH OKPOTU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID PUBLIC TAKE NOTE CHANGE OF NAME EWULU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EWULU JULIET OLUCHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. IHEKORONYE OLUCHI JULIET. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OGUNLEYE; Formerly known and addressed as MISS OGUNLEYE KIKELOMO OMOLOLA.Now wish to be know as MRS DAWODU KIKELOMO OMOLOLA.The general public take note.All the former documents remain valid

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ayodele Bola now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Alao Bola.All Former documents remain valid,Wema Bank PLC and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Asuni Adebola, now wish to be known and addressed as Ogunjobi Oladimeji Adebola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CORRECTION OF SURNAME

My correct is Akinola Aminat Temitayo, not Akinolu Aminat Temitayo as wrongly spelt in documents bearing my name. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AMUTA - I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ETHEL OBIAGELI AMUTA,, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS ETHEL OBIAGELI DIKENWEIWE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. N.D.E AND GENERAL PUBLIC. AND AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD PLEASE NOTE

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as OGWO CHINYERE, now wish to be known and addressed as CHINYERE CHRISTIANA EDEH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as BELLO OLUWAKEMI MARIAN now wish to be known and addressed as KALE OLUWAKEMI MARIAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Ali Musa, now wish to be known and addressed as Ali Mohammed . All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Balogun Kafilah Abimbola, now wish to be known and addressed as Bakare Kafilah Abimbola. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly miss Lifang Che now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS LIFANG OYINLOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME ISERU: I formerly known and addressed as MISS ISERU TIMI BLESSING, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AMAEGBE TIMI BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I FORMERLY KNOWN AS TIJANI ADEBAYO OLA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS AJAO OLUSEGUN SAMUEL. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID PUBLIC TAKE NOTE CHANGE OF NAME ONYEJI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONYEJI LAWRENCIA CHIOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AKALONU LAWRENCIA CHIOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Mrs. TundeDodoWilliams Joy Gift now wish to be known and addressed as Micheal Joy Gift

I formerly known and addressed as Melody Chukwuemeka Picado now wish to be known and addressed as Okafor Chukwemeka Picado

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluchi Benedict Nnabugwu now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oluchi Benedict Okwara

CHANGE OF NAME This is to inform the general public that I,KONYEAN OYEMECHI MARTINS is the same person bearing TANIMOLA OYEMECHI.All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note

CHANGE OF NAME This is to inform the general public that I,NJILE OKECHUKWU is the same person bearing OKE JUDE. All former documents remain valid.The general public should take note

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunsakin Lucia Omolola now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oluwasegun Lucia Omolola.All former documents remain valid,Ekiti State Government and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeosun Olubunmi A., now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Amos Olubunmi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME This is to inform the public that Mrs Chioma Gloria Ogu and Mrs Chioma Gloria Oguka refer as one person but now known as Mrs Chioma Gloria Oguka. All former documents remain valid general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME OFILI - I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OFILI EMMANUEL, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NWAEFULU EMMANUEL AFAMEFUNE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. FIRST BANK, FIDELITY BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC. AND AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD PLEASE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as AMAECHINA IJEOMA PEACE, now wish to be known and addressed as UZOKA IJEOMA PEACE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Abioye Morenikeji Adeleye now wish to be known and address as Abioye olalekan Kazeem. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Ishola Rafiu Olatunji, now wish to be known and addressed as Kareem Rafiu Olatunji . All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Sulaimon Yusuf dare, now wish to be known and addressed as Amuda Dare Sulaimon. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly. Ajibade Fadeke now wishes to be known and addressed as Ajibade Labake Florence. All former documents remain valid ,general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME YAKUBU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ESTHER ALADI YAKUBU, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. ESTHER ALADI MINIMAH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MORENIKE ABIBAT ABASS NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MRS MORENIKE ABIBAT FASASI. TORD ENGINEERING & CO AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as KELECHI ORJI UDO now wish to be known and addressed as KELECHI MARY UDO_ORJI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Emuh Richard Osuya, now wish to be known and addressed as Ekeneotutu Richard Osuyah. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mercy Akarieka Memeh now wish to be known and addressed as MercyAkarieka Bakare. General public, please take note. CHANGE OF NAME FAVOUR - I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ONUORAH FAVOUR ONYEKA,, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ONUORAH PAULINE ONYEKA. . ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. FIRST BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC. AND AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD PLEASE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as THOMPSON OVIE ONOTAFE, now wish to be known and addressed as HENRY OVIE ONOTAFE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

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Wednesday December 2, 2015

Omeruo to quit Chelsea for 5m pounds

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

I have not retired from international football and this fact is known to me and the coach of the national team –Cote d’Ivoire captain, Yaya Toure

Siasia tutoring his boys before today’s match

NFF eye ‘heavyweight’ coach

CAF U-23 AFCON

Dream Team one step into knockout stage Paul Erewuba

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

win over Egypt today evening in Mbour will seal Nigeria’s qualification to the last four of the U23 AFCON in Senegal as well as set the tone for a 2017 AFCON double-header between the two countries in March. Nigeria are top of Group B after a 3-2 win over Mali and another three points will guarantee them passage to the knockout stage of the tournament, which also doubles as a qualifier for the 2016 Rio Olympics. “Wins in our first two matches will qualify us for the semi-finals and that is what we are targeting,” Samson Siasia enthused. But on Sunday Siasia’s team almost marred a bright start to the U23 AFCON when they capit-

…battle Egypt today in M’bour

ulated in the second half against Mali after going 3-0 up in the first period. Siasia admitted his Dream Team VI were only lucky to win and move to the top of Group B after Algeria and Egypt played out a 1-1 draw in the first game in Mbour. Egypt, who are missing key players including Al Ahly midfielder Saleh Gomaa through injury, created the better chances against regional rivals Algeria, but failed to finish off in front of goal. Both Nigeria and Egypt were to have met in September at the All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville before the Olympics but the

Pharaohs pulled out so as to focus on the U23 AFCON. Interestingly, both teams clashed in a final qualifier for the 1996 Olympics which Nigeria narrowly shaded on their way to making history as the first African team to strike Olympic Gold in Atlanta thereafter. Nodoubt, Siasia will most certainly ring changes in his defence after a shambolic showing in the second half against Mali on Sunday. Kano Pillars defender Zaharadeen Bello is most likely to lose his starting place to the more experienced Chizoba Amaefule after he was to blame for Mali’s

second goal for ball watching. Skipper Azubuike Okechukwu also struggled in midfield, but in two-goal hero Junior Ajayi and flying winger Stanley Dimgba Dream Team have two match winners. Dimgba, for one, showed his performance for league runnersup Warri Wolves this past season was not a fluke as he ripped apart the Malian defence at will on Sunday. This game could well be a dress rehearsal for next year’s AFCON qualifier between Nigeria and Egypt as several players from both sides could still play a role in March.

resident of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has revealed the country is shopping for a “heavyweight” coach to help solve the Super Eagles lack of goals under coach Sunday Oliseh. Nigeria have managed only four goals in five competitive matches since Oliseh took charge of the three-time African champions “Our coach (Sunday Oliseh) is a very sound coach, but we have to develop a way to score goals and that is why we are looking at some heavyweight coaches to help us in this regard,” NFF boss Pinnick said. Oliseh remains unbeaten in competitive matches, but most Nigerians are still not convinced he is the man to lead the country out of the woods because their performances have been labored against the likes of Swaziland and Tanzania. Next year will most certainly test the capability of Oliseh, a former Eagles skipper and television pundit, as Nigeria will battle Egypt for a place at the 2017 AFCON in Gabon as well as begin their qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Sports

Wednesday December 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Omeruo

Suarez

to quit Chelsea for 5m pounds

urkish club Kasimpasa are set to fork out five million pounds to sign Nigeria defender Kenneth Omeruo by the summer when his Chelsea contract will have only a year to go. Top sources revealed that Kasimpasa are satisfied with the Nigeria international defender, who is on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea. Omeruo, 22, has made eight ap-

pearances for Istanbul club Kasimpasa, who are sixth on the table with 20 points from 13 matches, 10 points adrift of leaders Fenerbache. “Kasimpasa are very satisfied with Kenneth and they are most likely to active the player’s release clause at Chelsea which is put at between four and five million pounds,” a close source informed. “His contract will have only a

year left by next June and it is expected Chelsea will let him go for a fee by then rather than lose him for nothing thereafter.” But for injuries, the Chelsea loanee would have been an ever-present for his current club. He only returned to action this past weekend in a 2-2 draw with Galatasaray after a relapse of a hamstring injury.

Gerrard and Klopp

he return of former club skipper Steven Gerrard to Liverpool’s training ground has put a smile on everyone’s faces, manager Juergen Klopp said ahead of today’s League Cup quarterfinal at Southampton. Gerrard has finished his first season with Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy who he joined after 17 years at Anfield, and has been training with his old teammates. “It’s a good situation. Everybody had a smile on their face when they saw Stevie,” Klopp told a news conference yesterday.

Gerrard’s return to Liverpool a boost, says Klopp “It’s good to have him here and we hope we can help him, and he can help us for sure with being in the dressing room. It’s cool.” Gerrard, 35, is highly unlikely to re-join the club on loan, but Klopp said having him around was a boost. “He won’t play (against Southampton), but he was in good shape!” Klopp said. “I said to the team before training, when Stevie was

with us in the dressing room, that it’s completely normal and it should always be like this – if you’re a player like Steven Gerrard in Liverpool then the doors always have to be open. That’s how it is at this moment. “For us, it’s a good situation because he was a very important player at this club, and at this moment he is a very important player because he is in training.”

Enrique sad to see Suarez miss out on Ballon d’Or

arcelona boss Luis Enrique admitted he feels for Luis Suarez after the Uruguayan missed out on joining teammates Lionel Messi and Neymar as one of the three finalists for the 2015 Ballon d’Or. Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo will join Messi and Neymar on the podium in Zurich on January 11 to crown the world’s best player, with Messi the hot favourite to land his fifth Ballon d’Or. However, many in Barcelona believe Suarez’s contribution to Barca’s treble winning campaign last season ought to have been recognised ahead of Ronaldo despite his goal scoring feats for Madrid. “As a coach I always want all my players to be on all the awards lists, but you have to understand that there are other players from other teams of a very good level,” Enrique said on Tuesday ahead of Barca’s Copa del Rey tie

against third-tier Villanovense. Enrique also insisted that Messi should walk away with another prize in Zurich after being nominated for the best goal of the year for his sensational solo effort in the final of the Copa del Rey against Athletic Bilbao. “I am happy to be among the top three, to be going to another gala and be there with Ney,” said Messi, who is a finalist for a ninth consecutive year. “I would have liked for Luis to be there too because he deserved it for the year he had, but we can’t also take away credit from Cristiano and he deserves it too.” In contrast to Messi and Ronaldo, Neymar is nominated among the top three for the first time. “It is one of the happiest days of my life,” said the Brazilian star. “Suarez is missing. I was hoping that he would be there too.”

GOtv Boxing: N1.5m up for grabs

rganizers of the GOtv boxing night has announced that the best boxer in the season five of the championship slated for December 26 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos will win the sum of N1.5 million and the Mojisola

Ogunsanya trophy. General Manager Marketing/ Sales of Multi Choice Nigeria, Martin Maputo announced this yesterday during a press conference to herald the championship which has become the biggest professional boxing tournament in the country.

According to him, apart from increasing the prize money from the initial N1 million, arrangements has also been concluded to televise the fight to about 47 African countries which will make it the biggest African boxing tournament to be viewed in the continent.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Wednesday December 2, 2015

State Banquet for Akwa United

he recent victory of Akwa United Football Club in the 2015 Federation Cup tournament has earned each of the players two million naira and a House while the coach smiled home with three million naira courtesy of the State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel. The Governor splashed the team with the mouth watering reward at a special Banquet held in honour of the players at Government House, Uyo. At the event, the visibly excited Governor congratulated the team for the victory noting that the feat has demystified a challenge that has eluded the state since 1964 to make history as champions in the tournament. He said the team narrowly escaped relegation and defied football permutation to emerge champions and brought the Trophy to the State adding that the feat which rekindles the social re-orientation Dakkada ideology, has secured the team’s participation in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) competition scheduled for next year. He described Football as a unifying factor and advised the people to sink the wall of ethnicity and acrimony and be focus on a collective goal that will open the floodgate of op-

Midweek League with PAUL EREWUBA 08032138738

…Gov splashes cash, houses on players

Table

L-R : Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel (left), Captain of Akwa United Football Club, Otobong Effiong (right), showcasing the Trophy won in the 2015 Federation Cup during a State Banquet organised in honour of the team at Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo.

portunities for the state and the players as they gear up for the continental football league which the state will co-host in the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. The immediate past Governor and Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, described the victory as a dream come true and the beginning of greater things to come to the State. He enjoined the people to align

themselves with the aspirations of Governor Udom’s administration and congratulated the players for the victory cautioning them not to bask in the euphoria of the victory but should sustain the feat in the Continental League. The Commissioner for Youth And Sports, Mr Monday Uko, who set the tone for the event, attributed the victory to God’s benevolence

and said that the Governor ‘s motivational interaction with the players prior to the match had inspired the team to victory. He expressed appreciation to the Governor for the initial one hundred million naira injected into the team and said that the funds had cleared outstanding indebtedness and also addressed sundry issues affecting the club. Mr Uko particularly

Teams

Enyimba

Wolves

Nassara

Wikki

Giwa

Sunshine

Heartland

Pillars

3SC

Abia

IfeanyiUbah

Rangers

Lobi

Akwa

El-Kanemi

Dolphins

Sharks

Kwara

Taraba

Bayelsa

Emordi plans to reposition Rangers

eteran coach Okey Emordi is expected to return to the sidelines next season with former club Enugu Rangers as boss to Imma Amakpabo, it has been learnt. Rangers are currently undergoing a major re-organisation with the management board sacked

and the club’s technical crew also given the boot. But Emordi has told whoever cares to listen that Rangers will be a different package next season. Top government sources have now hinted Emordi, who was sacked by Kano Pillars midway through the past season,

will be named Rangers new technical adviser with Amakpabo remaining as chief coach. This would be the third coming of Emordi, who led Enyimba to win the 2004 CAF Champions League and also worked with South African club Bush Bucks.

After compiling a fine run halfway through the season, Rangers suffered a serious slide in the closing weeks and barely escaped relegation when they finished a disappointing 12th on the table. They also crashed out in the semi-final of the Federation Cup.

Emordi

Sharks’ relegation still haunts Odinga

T Odinga

o the average Glo Premier League fan, Sharks simply represent the fourth relegated team on the final day of the 2014/2015 season, but to Odinga Odinga, the club’s captain, there could not have been a worse nightmare for a club he has dutifully served for 15 seasons. Victor Ezeji, Late Oremi Oruambo, Emeka Lucky, Late Junior Kalio, Kester Uweluyi, Lucky Thompson and Sunny Jackson are some of the players who

Odinga lined up with in his early days at the Port Harcourt club and 15 seasons later, Ezeji who was coaxed out of retirement by Heartland is the only one with laced boots. With the dust of the final day frenzy now settled and the stark reality that next season’s football will be in the lower cadre, the skipper recounts what he states was “not an easy season.” “I never believed it will happen (getting relegated),” said Odinga.

“For like four days after the result I did not get myself. But some of my friends and family members came to talk to me and they tried to pick me up. They said I must accept it as the will of God and put it behind me. It was not easy but I had to put myself together and try to put everything behind me. I believe it is the will of God that this year Sharks must go down. The downfall of a man is not the end of his life”. “Actually we prepared very well before

the Abia Warriors match, we believed we were going there to win and that our brothers (Dolphins) going to Ibadan will also win. So we felt that the battle will now be between Akwa United and Lobi Stars. We even arrived two days ahead of schedule to get ourselves ready to win the match. If you watched the match, you will see the result did not tell the true story because we played very well. It’s just that the luck was against us,” he said.

WORLD RECORD

First timekeeping device Vol. 05 No. 1256

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

N150

First used in Mesopotamia in c. 3500 BC, the time stick – a primitive for m of sundial – was the first “clock” ever developed by Man.

Ethnic cleansing at the Nigeria Customs? C olonel Hamid Ibrahim Ali (retd), who took over as ComptrollerGeneral of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in a very controversial circumstance, is again progressing in error. He has to be encouraged to regain patriotic perspective as the grave anomalies his policies are perpetrating in the organisation constitute most unhealthy precedence. Col Ali appears to be a man familiar with controversy. Apart from serving in the military tribunal which passed death sentence on Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others Ogoni leaders against global outcry, he was once a military administrator of Kaduna State (August 1996 to August 1998) in the regime of the late General Sani Abacha. And since his premature retirement, he has been politically active. Since 2003, he fought for the return of

Guest Columnist

General Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s president. He was in charge of funds at the Buhari Campaign Organisation in the 2015 general elections, and later became his Chief of Staff before his appointment as head of the Nigeria Customs. No doubt, he is the President’s close confidante. The criminologist and poultry farmer was also the secretary of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) after its formation. It was in that capacity that he represented ACF at the Oputa Panel and was its presenter-in-chief when the Ohanaeze Ndigbo made its case on the Nigerian Civil War. It will be recalled that to avoid accusation of bias during this particular session, the Chairman of the Oputa Panel, the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, had to yield his presiding role to Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah. Col Ali’s performance at the Panel was again fraught with controversy to warrant his replacement with retired General IBM Haruna by the apex northern sociocultural body. Once more, Col Ali’s appointment as Comptroller-General of Customs was greeted with a lot of controversy. To begin with, it was about the first time a non-career officer would be heading the Service. But of greater concern is his approach to issues, which is also said to be brash, and led the reason for the mass resignation of all the Service’s Deputy Comptrollers General (DCGs) in one day. This, too, was unprecedented. As if that was not enough, the appointments and promotions he made following the said mass resignation were even more

Man City group valued at $3bn

anchester City’s parent company has been valued at $3bn (£2bn) after selling a 13% stake, worth £265m, to a consortium of Chinese investors. City Football Group

Law Mefor

(CFG) has sold the stake to CMC (China Media Capital) and investment company Citic Capital. It comes after six months of talks and is aimed at expanding CFG’s interests in the Chinese football industry.

THE VIRTUAL EXCLUSION OF THE

SOUTH EAST FROM THE MANAGEMENT CADRE AT

NCS IS AN

EXAMPLE OF REWARD DIFFERENTIAL controversial, prompting many to ask if his mission to the Service is to see the South East officers out of the Service. For the avoidance of doubt, the slots traditionally reserved for the South East zone were shared out to other zones. A simple comparison between the appointments and promotions done in NCS in 2014 and 2015, reveals this seeming deliberate marginalization against the South East zone. Unlike what obtained in the past, each zone gets, on the average, four slots for Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) cadre and one DCG. In the present promotion/appointments, while the other five zones in the country retained their number of slots or got more, South East got nothing save one DCG. The zone got four ACGs in the 2014 appointments/promotions and something similar in the previous ones. The distribution of the 2014 appointments/promotions reflected the traditional adherence to the Federal Character at the Customs, which its new helmsman has now thrown overboard. The distribution in the Comptrollers’ cad-

re is even more pathetic, as the South East was nearly completely left out also. Check this out! North West alone got 25 slots as against four by the South East. Other zones also got a relatively fairer share than the South East. For the avoidance of doubt, the South East got four; South South (11); South West (10); North Central (18); North East (26) and North West (25). The question is on what basis were these promotions done and what is the justification for the bizarre disparity between the other zones and South East? Nigeria Customs Service is vital to revenue generation in Nigeria. And in this era where the revenue of the country is fast dwindling, it is only necessary that the service be allowed to enjoy the requisite peace and cooperation. A situation where one zone is feeling that they are being deliberately excluded from the management cadre can only breed angst and frustration. The virtual exclusion of the South East from the management cadre at NCS is an example of reward differential, which destroys organizations. The arbitrariness obtainable in the military era also hardly suffices in a democratic dispensation. Certain traditions laid down too in organizations usually evolve out of exigencies and expediencies helping such organizations to sustain affective commitment of the workers and improvement of their job satisfaction and enhanced performance. If the strange policy of exclusion introduced in the Customs is allowed to stand, the implication is that Customs officers of South East extraction are being told in no uncertain terms that they cannot aspire to certain ranks or become the Comptroller General of that Service. This is pitifully wrong and pointless too. So, the President needs to call the Customs boss to order and get him to respect and restore the rights of the excluded South East zone and work for greater harmony with the officers and men of the Service, whose confidence he needs in order to succeed. Mefor, an Abuja-based forensic psychologist and journalist, wrote via lawmefor@gmail.com

Sport Extra CFG is an investment and development company which is privately owned by Sheikh Mansour of the Abu Dhabi royal family. It also includes New York City FC, Melbourne City FC and Yokohama Marinos.

The move will offer the chance for Man City and the other group clubs to grow a fan base in East Asia, where there is huge competition between top clubs in Europe, and beyond, to build up supporter numbers.

The ultimate aim is to turn those football fans into customers of club products and services too. The move follows a visit to Manchester in October by the President of China, Xi Jinping.

Kompany

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