Wednesday, June 10, 2015 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

NEITI urges Buhari to recover Nigeria’s $7.5bn from oil firms TOLA AKINMUTIMI AND CHIDI UGWU

igeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, has called on Presi-

Vol. 5 N0. 1131

dent Muhammadu Buhari to immediately initiate processes that would enable the country recover over $7.5bn unremitted revenues from oil and gas companies into the Federation Account. The amount is aside the

National Assembly:

Military needs information, cooperation to defeat Boko Haram –Amosu P.4

$11.6bn total dividend loans and interest repayment from Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, investments payable to the Federal Government but yet to be recovered. A statement issued by the CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

N150

Buhari, APC disagree over Saraki, Dogara leadership

...Ekweremadu, Lasun emerge deputies PDP congratulates new Senate President, Speaker

OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU, GEORGE OJI AND WOLE OLANIPEKUN

here were palpable cracks in the camp of the governing All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday over the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

LEFT: Clerk of the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa, swearing-in new Senate President, Bukola Saraki during inauguration of the 8th National Assembly in Abuja, yesterday. RIGHT: Clerk of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, during inauguration of the 8th National Assembly in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTOS: ROTIMI OSASONA AND NAN

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Presidency debunks marabouts claim for delayed move to Villa FG reopens Maiduguri airport after two years

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Buhari, APC disagree over Saraki, Dogara leadership CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

emergence of former governor of Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki, Kwara Central, as President of the Eighth Senate and Hon Yakubu Dogara, APCBauchi, as Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively. However, the party leadership in a press statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, described the emergence of the duo as unacceptable and the highest level of indiscipline and treachery. But President Muhammadu Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Femi Adesina, reiterated his earlier resolve to work with whoever the lawmakers chose as their leaders. The emergence of Saraki and Dogara ran against the party’s stance on who heads the two chambers of the National Assembly. While Senator Ahmed

Lawan from Yobe State was APC’s choice as Senate President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, from Lagos State, was picked as Speaker, House of Representatives. The deal that led to the eventual emergence of Senator Saraki and Senator Ike Ekweremadu, PDP, Enugu West, as Deputy Senate President was sealed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, early yesterday at a meeting of the party’s senators-elect, which took place at the Abuja residence of former Senate President, David Mark. It was gathered that following the adoption of Lawan and Senator George Akume, Benue South-East, as APC candidates for the office of the Senate President and deputy respectively, Saraki moved swiftly to the PDP to strike a deal with them. He conceded the slot of Deputy Senate president to

the opposition party. At the meeting, which commenced at 10.00pm on Monday and lasted till 1.00 am yesterday, Saraki’s offer was extensively discussed. One of the PDP senators revealed that it was agreed that PDP should embrace the Saraki offer since there was nothing coming from the Lawan camp, as both positions of Senate President and the deputy were to be occupied by the APC. National Mirror further gathered that the offer of Deputy Senate President was first made to Mark, but he turned it down, preferring instead that it goes to Ekweremadu. In turning down the offer, Mark explained that it was Ekweremadu that needed the slot since it would not degrade his status as a former Deputy Senate President. Immediately that issue was resolved, a decision was taken by the PDP sena-

tors to deliver block votes to Saraki. When the meeting ended by 1.00am, another decision was taken to make the outcome public. Subsequently, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, was drafted to issue a statement immediately on the matter. It was also revealed that the Saraki deal was facilitated by some PDP governors, who were gathered in Abuja to ensure that their party did not lose out from the power game in the National Assembly. Governors Nyesom Wike, Rivers; Emmanuel Udom, Akwa Ibom, Ben Ayade, Cross River and Olusegun Mimiko, Ondo; were at the Senate chambers to ensure that the deal pulled through successfully.

The election: The election began with the commencement of the day’s business at 10.00 am,

with the proclamation of the 8th Senate by the Clerk of the National Assembly, CNA, Abubakar Salisu Maikasuwa, who read the proclamation letter from President Buhari. Shortly after that, Maikasuwa asked the Clerk of the Senate, Mr. Ben Efeture, to take the roll call of the senators-elect present in the chamber. The roll call showed that 57 senators were present, while 51 were absent, exclusive of the late Senator Ahmed Zana (Borno). The 57 was way above the required 38 number that constitutes one third quorum for the election to commence. Before further exercise, the CNA cautioned all senators-elect against raising any Point of Order in the course of events. This may have been prompted by an attempt by a senator to call the Clerk’s attention to the fact that some senators-elect were not in the

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina (middle) with members of State House Press Corps after a meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

NEITI urges Buhari to recover Nigeria’s $7.5bn from oil firms CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

organisation’s Director of Communications, Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, but attributed to the Executive Secretary, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, indicated that the amount represented cases of underpayments, under-assessment of taxes, royalties and rents, among others. The amount was discovered as unremitted by the companies through several independent audit reports carried out by NEITI in respect of fiscal and other transactions in the oil and gas sector over some years.

Ahmed made the call in Abuja at an oil and gas conference to articulate an agenda for the administration and in support of the proposed oil and gas industry reforms. She explained that at a time when the new administration was in dire need of funds to tackle complex problems facing the nation, recovery of the funds should be pursued vigorously with all the political will and seriousness it deserves. Ahmed gave the assurance that NEITI is willing to provide relevant informa-

tion and data that could assist government to recover the funds. Specifically, she disclosed that the $11.6bn, which represents the outstanding total dividends arising from loans and interest repayments from Federal Government’s investment in LNG also need to be recovered into government coffers. She clarified: “Our 2012 audit report discovered that total dividend loans and interest repayment from LNG paid to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, in 2012 was $2.8bn.

However in the course of NEITI’s audit, the NNPC was unable to provide any evidence to show that the funds were remitted to the federation as required by law. “The total amount received by the NNPC from LNG under the same circumstances which has not been remitted to the federation account stands at $11.6bn.” Ahmed also used the forum to call for full investigation into the transfer of eight oil wells sold by the NNPC to the Nigeria Petro-

leum Development Company, NPDC, in 2010 and 2011, submitting that the whole transaction was not transparent. She urged the Federal Government to carry out full investigation into the sale to ascertain the actual cost of the oil blocks and revenue loss to the federation in the whole transaction. On the raging controversy over the desirability or otherwise of fuel subsidy removal, the NEITI scribe explained that it had been the position of the agency that the oil CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

chamber. Saraki was nominated by Senator Sani Ahmed Yerima, Zamfara North; who proceeded to read a short citation of him. Dino Melaye, Kogi West; seconded the nomination. Following this development, the Clerk called on Saraki to either accept or decline the nomination. Rising, Saraki accepted the offer. After that, the Clerk called for another nomination. There was absolute silence, and as no other nomination was made, Maikasuwa announced that Saraki was returned unopposed. While the voting was going on, some of the senators-elect from APC were at the International Conference Center, ICC, where they were waiting to hold a meeting with President Buhari. Once the news filtered out that Saraki had been elected, there was commotion at the ICC, as most of the senators-elect scampered out of the venue and headed to the National Assembly to join their colleagues. For the position of Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu was nominated by Senator George Sekibo and seconded by Olaka Nwogu. Ekweremadu was also given the opportunity by the Clerk to either accept or turn down the offer, which he promptly accepted. After that, Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) was also nominated for the same position of Deputy Senate President. Voting was conducted by secret ballot. At the end of the exercise that lasted about one hour, Ekweremadu emerged winner with 54 votes. Ndume scored 20 votes, while one person abstained. A total of 75 senators took part in the election of the Deputy Senate President. Consequently, both Saraki and Ekweremadu were sworn in by the Clerk. In the House of Representatives, Dogara emerges the Speaker, while Hon Yusuf Lasun from Osun State emerged the Deputy speaker.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Wednesday, June 10, 2015

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Photo News

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Alhaji Ismaila Aliyu; Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh and Executive Secretary, Lake Chad Basin Commission, Mr. Sanusi Abdullahi, during the Conference of Chiefs of Defence Staff of Lake Chad Basin Commission member countries and Benin in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Students of Junior Secondary School, Kutunku, Gwagwalada, FCT, Kenneth Royal and Alozie Trust; Vice Principal, Admin, Hajiya Egigogo Hadiza; Assistant Teacher, Happiness Eji; Principal, Mrs. Josephine Olupeka and GM, Regional Operations, North, MTN, Mr. Adekunle Adebiyi, during the presentation of a digital library to the school by MTN, as part of 21 Days of Y’ello Care activities in Abuja, yesterday.

National News Rotimi Fadeyi, ABUJA

he Presidency yesterday said there is no truth in the rumours being circulated that President Muhammadu Buhari refused to move into the Presidential Villa because of purported advice from Senegalese spiritualists. A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, described the report as baloney. The Presidency ex-

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Prof. Anthony Emeribe; former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Heath, Prof. Simon Ogamdi and Chairman, governing board of MLSCN, Dr. Nathaniel Shidalli, during 2015 World Accreditation Day in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research, Prof. Olufemi Taiwo; Chairman on the occasion, Prof. Phillips Olomola and Guest Lecturer, Dr. Damilola Arawomo, during a seminar on drivers of intra-industry trade between Nigeria and the European Union in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Buhari’s delayed relocation: Story on marabouts hogwash –Presidency pressed “utter embarrassment at such suggestion”, saying that President Buhari is a practicing Muslim who believes his fate belongs to God. According to the statement, no true believer combines faith in God and reliance on the power of ordinary mortals, who can neither protect themselves, nor protect others from the hand of fate.

Shehu said the so-called “spiritual cleansing of the Aso Rock Villa by Senegalese marabouts before President Buhari moves

into the Villa” was the figment of the imagination of rumour mongers. The statement said it was ridiculous to attri-

bute Buhari’s delay in moving into the Villa to any advice from fictitious marabouts. According to him, ongo-

ing renovation works was largely responsible for the delay in the President’s movement into the Presidential Villa.

Inusa Ndahi,

Military Command and Control Centre, MCCC, to the North East sub-region was to see remarkable operational changes in fighting terrorism and insurgency in the north east.

Amosu spoke to newsmen in Maiduguri at the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, base on how the military could end insurgency and terrorism in the sub-region within the shortest period. He said President Muhammadu Buhari was fully committed to bring an end to Boko Haram insurgency as quickly as possible. He however noted that this can be achieved, with the full cooperation and support of the people by providing valuable information to themilitary and other security agencies, without exercising any fears of doubts. His words: “We have been receiving valuable information from the general public, and we are not taking it

for granted in these ongoing military operations in the North East. But we need more information without any of the individuals and communities entertaining any fears or doubts on such credible information to end this Boko Haram insurgency here in this country. “We in the Nigerian Armed Forces, operate on the concept of centralised control, while the execution is decentralised for effective and efficient performances to end this Boko Haram insurgency.” On his relocation and movement to Maiduguri, Amosu said: “All of us here you see today in Maiduguri, will stay until to the end of this operation in the affected North East sub-region.”

Military needs information, cooperation to defeat Boko Haram –Amosu MAIDUGURI

hief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Adesola Amosu yesterday said movement of the

Case against Kano child bride dismissed

15-year-old girl accused of killing her 35-year-old husband with rat poison has been freed by a Kano State High Court. But Wasila Tasi’u, who was 14 at the time of the alleged murder, was forced to spend another night in custody because of delays in filing paperwork for her release. The teenager was charged with culpable

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homicide and faced a possible death sentence if convicted of deliberately lacing a meal she cooked for her husband, Umar Sani, with rat poison. Sani and four others died within hours in April last year. Activists, who celebrated as she was acquitted, had used the case to highlight the issue of child marriage, which is common in the north.

They argued she should be treated as a victim but Wasila’s family maintained she was not forced into marriage and that 14 was a standard marrying age in the region. Her defence lawyer, Hussaina Aliyu, on March 16 called for the case to be dismissed on the grounds the prosecution had failed to establish her intent to kill Sani and exactly how he died.

The prosecution applied for murder charges to be withdrawn on May 20. The case was adjourned pending the agreement to her release from the state’s attorney-general. Judge Mohammed Yahaya, sitting at the High Court in Gezawa, near Kano confirmed receipt of notification the state was willing to drop the case.

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Wednesday, June 10, 2015

NEITI urges Buhari to recover Nigeria’s $7.5bn from oil firms CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

subsidy regime is a fraud and therefore should not be allowed to stand any longer. She advised the new administration to provide the necessary political will required for the implementation of the other findings and recommendations contained in NEITI’s independent reports, adding that they are comprehensive and insightful enough to guide the government to reform the sector. The conference was convened for experts in the oil

and gas industry to articulate an advisory agenda that will help the new administration in its plan to reform the oil and gas industry. It would be recalled that, the NEITI has recovered about $2.4bn from oil and gas companies based on their liabilities as captured in the audit report conducted on the sector covering the 2004-2009 operating period. The executive secretary, who disclosed this at a media interaction organised by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC,

with support from Oxfam Nigeria, last August in Abuja on Remediation and InterMinisterial Task Teams, IMTT’s activities, said the amount represents the total recoveries as at August end this year. While reflecting on the activities of the IMTT, she noted that there were still key issues requiring urgent solution in the oil and gas industry, adding that though the remediation activities have recorded some achievements, the challenge of achieving transparency

and accountability in oil and gas and mining sectors remains enormous. Ahmed, who was represented by Mrs. Obiageli Onuora, at the forum, explained that the IMTT, with which the Civil Society Steering Committee, CSSC, was working closely to improve the transparency in the oil and gas and mining sectors, was committed to achieving improved operations in the extractive industry by ensuring that all due revenues accrue to the government as at and when

LEFT: Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Sen. Dino Melaiye and Sen. Sani Yerima, during inauguration of the 8th National Assembly in Abuja, yesterday. RIGHT: Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, during inauguration of the 8th National Assembly in Abuja, yesterday.

due and that operators obey the laws guiding the sectors. Specifically, she explained that plans were being intensified by the NEITI and the IMTT which was reconstituted in 2013 and comprising top officials from all the key MDAs involved in the extractive industry regulations and the civil society to put in place a single platform for payment, as the absence of this accounted for discrepancies being witnessed in remittances to government coffers in the sectors. While noting that the measures being canvassed by the NEITI and its partners, including the CSOs would help improve overall governance in the oil and gas sector, Ahmed said the World Bank had also been providing the IMTT and the CSSC with funding supports in their efforts to ensure that operating companies in the sectors comply with their obligations in terms of timely remittances of taxes and other revenues as well as best global practice. She said: “This year, the IMTT got support from the World Bank to support its remediation implementation plan for the IMTT to help them have a focus and give them a platform on how they

can run on the issues. The CSSC is a sub-committee of the civil society representatives, makes inputs to the issues the society presents to the board as to how they can effectively carry the civil society along in the NEITI implementation process. “This committee also got support from the World Bank this year to help it look at the remedial issues as contained in the NEITI report and also help in working with the IMTT to streamline them and make them effective.” She listed the six key areas the CSSC would focus on within the next 18 months as the weak arrangement around domestic crude oil allocation; opaque and discretionary license and lease awards process; and the weak arrangements for monitoring and measuring gas and liquids from wellheads to export terminals. Others are the 2,000 Memorandum of Understanding - fiscal terms between the NNPC and joint venture operators; the petroleum profit tax and other taxes and income under-assessment; and loss of gas income for the federation and Production Sharing Contract Gas Agreement.

Buhari, APC disagree over Saraki, Dogara leadership CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

The speakership of the House of Representatives, unlike the Senate Presidency, was keenly contested by Dogara and Gbajabiamila, but Dogara emerged winner with 182 votes to Gbajabiamila’s 174 votes. The election took place shortly after the inauguration of the House by Maikasuwa It was a rousing ovation when Maikasuwa announced the result of the election and declared Hon. Dogara as the winner and the new Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives. The Clerk immediately administered the oath of office and invited him to the Speaker’s seat to preside over other elections. In all, 358 members-elect voted during the election. One member was absent, another died last week while two votes were voided. APC has 231 members in the House; PDP 140, All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA 4; Social Democratic

Party, SDP 1, Labour Party 1, while the Accord Party also has 1. The House has 360 members. Just as it happened in the Senate, Dogara was helped to the position by PDP lawmakers as APC had already directed its members to vote for Gbajabiamila. The election was conducted in the presence of both APC and PDP chieftains, and invited guests, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who came to rejoice with his son, who is a new member. In his acceptance speech, Hon. Dogara said the House shall wage an unrelenting legislative war on Nigeria’s problems. Hon. Lasun defeated Hon. Muhammed Tahir Munguno to emerge the deputy speaker. Lasun, representing Osogbo Central/Irepodun Federal Constituency in Osun State, polled 203 votes to beat his opponent, who scored 153 votes.

The election was decided after Munguno had refused to step down. When it was obvious that Munguno was not ready to step down, the presiding officer called for nominations and Hon. Lasun from the camp of Dogara was nominated, while Munguno was also nominated from the camp of Gbajabiamila. But the APC, speaking through Mohammed threatened sanction against Saraki and Dogara for defying its order on the leadership of the National Assembly. In the statement, APC said: “Senator Saraki and Hon. Dogara are not the candidates of the APC and a majority of its National Assembly members-elect for the positions of Senate President and House Speaker. “The party duly met and conducted a straw poll and clear candidates emerged for the posts of Senate President, Deputy Senate President and Speaker of

the House of Representatives, supported by a majority of all senators-elect and members-elect of the House of Representatives. “All National Assembly members-elect who emerged on the platform of the party are bound by that decision. “The party is supreme and its interest is superior to that of its individual members. “Consequently, the APC leadership is meeting in a bid to re-establish discipline in the party and mete out necessary sanctions to all those involved in what is nothing but a monumental act of indiscipline and betrayal to subject the party to ridicule and create obstacles for the new administration.” The party decried a situation in which some people, based on nothing but inordinate ambition and lack of discipline and loyalty, will enter into an unholy alliance with the very same people whom the party and indeed the entire

country worked hard to replace and sell out its hard won victory. Mohammed added: “There can be no higher level of treachery, disloyalty and insincerity within any party.” He vowed that the party would resolve the matter, using all constitutional and legal means available to it. The party also asked all its loyal senators-elect to report to the Senate to be sworn-in in order to discharge their constitutional duties. But President Buhari took a different stand from the party’s, saying that though he would have preferred that the process of electing the leaders of the National Assembly as initiated and concluded by the APC had been followed, “nonetheless the President took the view that a constitutional process has somewhat occurred.” The statement by Adesina, said: “President has

noted the outcome of the just-concluded election of leaders of the National Assembly. “President Buhari had said in an earlier statement that he did not have any preferred candidate for the Senate and the House of Representatives, and that he was willing to work with whoever the lawmakers elected. “That sentiment still stands, though he would have preferred the new leaders to have emerged through the process established by the party.” The statement also said that what was uppermost in President Buhari’s mind, as far as the National Assembly elections are concerned, was the stability of the constitutional order and overall interests of the common man. The President called on all the elected representatives of the people to focus on the enormous task of bringing enduring positive change to the lives of Nigerians.

National News

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

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Insurgency: Nigeria seeks better-armed multi-national task force Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

efence Headquarters, DHQ, has called for empowerment of the Multi-National Joint Task Force, MNJTF, to adequately confront insurgents’

activities that have become a menace to the countries within Lake Chad Basin Commission, LCBC, region. Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, who spoke at the opening of a meeting of Chiefs of Defence

Staff of member countries, stressed the need to operationalise the MNJTF in the sub-region, adding that it had become very crucial. Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroun are members of the commission, with Benin Republic as

an honorary member, and were all in attendance. Badeh, who said Boko Haram has caused instability, underdevelopment and untold hardship to citizens of these countries, added: “This therefore, brings to the

fore the urgent need for closer collaboration among us to curb this menace through operationalisation of the MNJTF.” He said all partner countries must be resolute, focused, determined and cohesive in their re-

sponse to this threat. He expressed hope that the forthcoming extraordinary summit of Heads of States of member countries would bring out some fundamental decisions that would help in the operationalisation of the MNJTF.

Tax Appeal Tribunal adjourns N1.2b suit against FIRS

ax Appeal Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday adjourned till July 13 and August 3, respectively, hearing in a N1.2 billion suit filed against the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, by 44 companies. The suit was filed by Continental Re-Insurance and 43 others, seeking refund of N1.2 billion excess stamp duties from FIRS. They are seeking refund of the excess stamp duties paid on various increases on their share capital from January 2003 to March 2011. Mr Nnamdi Ibegbu, Acting Chairman of the tribunal, adjourned the suit to enable parties amend and file their preliminary objections, to be heard on the adjourned dates.

“The appellants’ counsel is hereby given 21 days to file further submission to the preliminary objection. “The respondent counsel is also hereby given 14 days to file further preliminary objection. “The preliminary objection will be taken on August 3.” Mr Ayuba Kwari, counsel to FIRS, had earlier told the tribunal that he has filed a preliminary objection to the appeal raised by the 44 insurance companies. Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), counsel to the insurance companies, said there were new issues raised in the preliminary objection filed by the FIRS. He urged the tribunal to grant him 21 days to react to the new issues.

Ratify law on tobacco trade, WHO urges Nigeria

orld Health Organisation, WHO, on Tuesday advised the Federal Government to expedite action in ratifying the United Nations Protocol on elimination of illicit trade in tobacco products. Coordinator of WHO in Lagos State, Dr Sunday Abidoye, made the call at an event organised by UN Information Centre, UNIC, the Nigeria Heart Foundation and the UN Association of Nigeria. The event, jointly organised to commemorate ‘’World No Tobacco Day”, had its theme as: “Stop Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products”. Abidoye said it was not enough for Nigeria to only sign the protocol.

“Recognising enormity of the illicit trade in tobacco products, the international community came together with a protocol to eliminate illicit trade in the products. “To date, only 14 countries in Africa have signed the protocol and only two ratified it. “We therefore, urge the Nigerian government to join other African countries that have ratified the protocol in their countries,” he said. The WHO official said Nigeria’s domestication of the protocol would protect her from financial, legal, social and health consequences associated with the illicit trade.

People waiting for three hours to gain access into the National Assembly for the 8th inauguration in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Tanker crashes: PTD-NUPENG pledges collaboration with FRSC

etroleum Tanker Drivers, PTD, of the National Union of Petroleum Employees and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, have promised to collaborate with the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, to curb tanker crashes on the nation’s roads. This is contained in a communiqué jointly signed on Tuesday by Chief Salimonu Oladiti, National Chairman, PTD-NUPENG, and Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, Corps Marshal, FRSC, at the end of a meeting at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja. According to the ninepoint communiqué, PTDNUPENG, has agreed to work with FRSC to nip in the bud the problem of incessant road crashes involving tankers and trailers on the nation’s roads. The union said it would collaborate with FRSC to ensure full ad-

ministration of database of members for integration into national motor vehicle data-base. “The tankers union has agreed to collaborate with FRSC in the training and re-training of tanker drivers and installation of speed limiting device in every tanker before loading at the nation’s depots. “FRSC and PTD-NUPENG have accepted to collaborate to establish rest points for the checking of alcohol level of tanker drivers, while they would also be tested for related drugs at their loading bay. “PTD-NUPENG to cooperate with the FRSC in ensuring road worthiness of tankers under a safe-to-load programme in all depots,” the document said. The union endorsed the enforcement of speed limiting devices in vehicles with effect from September 1, 2015.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Yinka Kolawole, now wish to be known and adressed as Miss Yinka Sulaimon. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Morondiya Faramade Omotunde, now wish to be known and addressed as Ismaila Faramade Morondiya. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OVIO-ONOWEYA: I, formerly known and addressed as Ovio-Onoweya Lois Arhuoriwo, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Lois Iwinosa-Ogedegbe. All former documents remain valid. All Territorial Boarders and the Law Enforcement Agents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the entire staff of Capitaleld Investments & Trust Ltd and the entire public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Fatuase Temitope Opeoluwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bademosi Temitope Opeoluwa. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs Oluwatoyin Omosowon, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwatoyin Aisat Modupe Akintunde. All documents remain valid. General public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Bello Omotayo Paulina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olorunsogo Omotayo Paulina. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Alli Bilikis Adesola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Are Bilikis Adesola. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Dzarkana Buba Elijah, now wish to be known and addressed as Buba Elijah. All former documents remain valid. Guarrantee Trust Bank and public take note.

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News

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Currency fraud: Court to rule on bail application June 15 Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan yesterday deferred ruling on various bail applications filed by counsel to officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and other banks involved in the N8 billion

mutilated currency fraud till Monday, June 15. At the bail application hearing, the presiding judge, Ayo Emmanuel, called on counsels to the accused persons to formalise their bail applications and return for hearing in two hours. Ten accused persons from CBN, Sterling

Rivers govt recovers 10 stolen vehicles Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

ivers State government said yesterday it recovered 10 vehicles allegedly stolen from Government House, Port Harcourt. It claimed the vehicles, which security operatives recovered on Monday evening, were allegedly stolen by officials of the immediate past administration. A statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday said the vehicles were recovered at Rumuokparali and Trans-Amadi, both in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state. It further said the current administration has been making efforts to recover stolen property of government, adding that the search was still ongoing. The statement reads, “The looted vehicles were recovered from two locations - Rumuokparali and Trans-Amadi in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area of the state. “The vehicles recovered include: 1 Coaster Bus, 2 Nissan Urvan buses, 2 Higer vehicles, 1 Land Cruiser, 1 Toyota Hilux Pick Up, 1 Peugeot 607 Saloon and 2 Peugeot 406 cars. “The security operatives who conducted the operations were accompanied to the locations by some Government House staff. “It would be recalled that Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, upon assumption of duty informed the people of the state of the massive looting of government property and facilities by the immediate past adminis-

tration. “Already, security operatives are quizzing those found at the locations where the stolen vehicles were recovered,” even as it said those arrested in connection with the recovered property were being quizzed by the police. Confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Ahmad Mohammad, said the police acted on a tip off. Mohammad in a short text message to our reporter said, “Acting on information that some suspected vehicles belonging to the Rivers State Government were seen parked in unauthorised yards, the Command (Police) recovered three coaster buses, two 306 Peugeot, two Hummer buses and one accidented 306 Peugeot. “Investigation is still ongoing with a view to recover more,” the police image maker said.

Bank and Ecobank were brought to the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, charged alongside two others at large. The hearing was done in three batches with Patience Okoro, Afolabi Johnson, Ilori Sunday, Kolawole Babalola, Olaniran Adeola and Fatai Yusuf, all from CBN, in the first batch. Babalola and Yusuf were also docked in the second batch with Kayode Philips, Salami Ibrahim and Oddiah Emmanuel. In the third batch, Kolawole, Adeola and Philips appeared with Tope Akintade. After hearing arguments of EFCC lead counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacob (SAN), opposing the bail applications of counsel to the accused persons, Jus-

tice Emmanuel ruled that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody until June 15 when ruling would be given on their bail applications. In the 19-paragraph affidavit submitted by counsel to Tope Akintade, Mr. Femi Jarett-Edema, he told the court that his client was standing trial for only one count charge and that there was insufficient fact that the accused person would abscond if given bail. He also argued that his client had no criminal record while also submitting additional five-paragraph affidavit in reaction to EFCC’s counter affidavit to the bail application. In his submission, counsel to Olaniran Adeola, Mr.Olalekan Ojo, said it was unfair to im-

prison an accused person to await his trial, stating that the gravity of his client’s offence was irrelevant to the bail application and that there were no materials in support of possible interference of prosecution witnesses by his client. He also accused the prosecution counsel of serving offensive counter affidavit opposing the bail application. He said, “The counter affidavits of the prosecution are offensive. This country has gone beyond the dark era when accused persons were refused bail during trial.” Responding to the allegation, EFCC lead counsel, Jacob, denied filing offensive affidavit while also calling on the court not to grant bail to all the

accused persons. In his opposition to the bail application on behalf of Mrs Okoro by her counsel, Kazeem Lawal, Jacob pointed out that the affidavit deposed to by Okoro failed to state how the information in it were derived. “This particular case involved N10m in which only cut-to-size newspapers were presented and burnt as if they were mutilated notes. There was no single naira in the box. This discovery triggered the whole case. As the head of treasury in CBN, she gave order that the papers should be shredded instead of the actual N10m mutilated notes. We hope the court will grant accelerated hearing and not bail so that we can go on to the trial proper,” he said.

Senators taking oath of office at the National Assembly, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

NAFDAC pledges to enforce ban on local gin

ational Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, yesterday said it will enforce the ban on consumption of local gin, popularly called ogogoro. NAFDAC’s Coordinator in Cross River, Mr Isaac Kolowale, made this known to News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Calabar. However, Kolawale said he was yet to receive a circular to enforce the ban on consumption of local gin. It would be recalled that NAFDAC Director-

General, Dr Paul Orhii, on Monday (June 8) announced the ban on consumption of local gin in the country. He said the ban on the substance was sequel to the death of no fewer than 38 persons in Ondo and Rivers states, after consuming the local gin, due to its toxic content. “You know we are civil servants and we work with memos. We are waiting for a memo to direct us on what to do. “As soon as we get a memo from our national headquarters in Abuja, we will act accordingly;

and I can assure you that no stone will be left unturned. “As soon as we receive the memo, we will confiscate all locally produced ogogoro in the state,” the coordinator assured. Meanwhile, some residents in the state have hailed the ban on consumption of local gin by NAFDAC. Dr Paul Osang said the ban was timely and appropriate because the locally produced gin had claimed the lives of many people in recent time. Osang cited a case

in Ondo State where 18 people reportedly died after consuming contaminated local gin. He urged the government to set up a task force to arrest all producers of the local gin. Osang said the arrest of producers of the banned drink and the destruction of the local gin would put an end to its availability. A civil servant, Mrs Comfort Eban, said the ban is necessary because of the toxic content of the local gin. “This local gin is not medically certified. Some people sit in their

houses and produce it without considering the negative effects on the consumers,’’ she said. A dog meat consumer, Mr Victor Etta, urged dog meat sellers to desist from using the gin, which had toxic methanol content, in cooking the delicacy. Etta advised the government to enlighten the people on the dangers of consuming the local gin. “Some rural dwellers are still ignorant of the dangers in the consumption of the gin, which is largely produced and consumed in the villages,” he said.

South West

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Don’t humiliate my govt over unpaid salaries –Aregbesola BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

sun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday said the challenge of unpaid salaries should not be seen as opportunities to pillory either his government or any other facing the same challenges. Although he admitted

the regime of unpaid salary was tragic and painful, the governor said all stakeholders must gloss over the challenges it created so as to find a lasting solution to it. Aregbesola described the situation as an economic tragedy and attributed the current misfortune to gross mishandling of the nation’s economy

by the last regime of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Receiving members of a non-governmental organisation, Osun Action Strategy Development Group, who paid him a courtesy visit in Osogbo, Aregbesola stated that it was disheartening for people to work and such work fails to translate

into wages, saying it was a harrowing experience for both workers and government. He stated that the unchecked oil theft under the PDP in which the nation was losing 400,000 barrels per day and the drastic reduction of oil price in the international market led to the regime of unpaid salaries.

L-R: Director, ExxonMobil, Mr. Femi Adegbite; Guest Speaker, Prof. Esther Adegbite and Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, (UNILAG), Prof. Rahamon Bello, after Prof. Esther Adegbite’s professorship inaugural lecture series 2015 at the main auditorium of UNILAG, Akoka, Lagos. PHOTO: ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA

Health workers suspend three weeks nationwide strike KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

ealth workers under the aegis of Nigerian Union of Allied Healthcare Professionals, NUAHP, yesterday suspended its three-weekold strike in Federal Government-owned tertiary and secondary health institutions. The union has thus ordered all its members across the country to resume work today. NUAHP members include physiotherapists, radiographers, dentists, radiologists, medical laboratory scientists, dieticians and pharmacists, among others. It would be recalled that the strike, which commenced on May 18, has crippled the health sector across the nation. National President of the union, Dr. Obinna Ogbonna, while calling on members to return to work today, said the Na-

tional Administrative Council of the union on June 4, having assessed the impact of the strike through responses from the unit branches across the nation agreed that the strike was very effective nationwide and has drawn the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari to the pending issues in the sector that the immediate past government left unresolved. Ogbonna, who agreed that although the unions were yet to achieve all their demands, which necessitated the strike, said the national leaders decided to suspend the strike in honour of the new government of President Muhammadu Buhari, but gave the new government till July 31 to resolve the crisis bedeviling the health sector. He said: “The strike should be suspended in honour of the new government of President

Muhammadu Buhari, the unions are giving the government till July 3, 2015, starting from today, the 9th of June, 2015, to see that issues under contention were dispensed with without delay The association’s national president, who was flanked by the immediate past president, Dr Felix Faniran, and other executive members of the union at the UCH branch, where the press briefing was held, saluted members of the union for their patience, tenacity and cooperation throughout the period of the strike. He assured them that no one would be victimised as a result of participating in the strike. He also lauded the resilient posture of the union at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri in the face of intimidation, blackmail, threat to life, and coercion by the Federal Medical Centre management

and Federal Ministry of Health officials, to give up their legitimate demands, which they have resisted so far.

“The delay in salary pains me a lot and when I reflect on the travails of the people I feel sad about it. “There are natural disasters caused by force majeur. There are economic disasters caused by factors above human powers. “In our circumstance, what is available to us as allocation is less than what is needed to meet our statutory obligation, however prudent we are. “For four years, the gross total income accrued to our state is N204 billion and this can be contrasted to N206 billon, which is the total statutory obligation of the state for four years. “What this means is that even without money for capital projects and overhead cost, this amount collected could not sustain the state’s statutory obligations. He said despite shortage of fund, even the most virulent critics of his government cannot deny that his administration had performed creditably well. He averred that his government built roads, schools, supplied students with Opon Imo, Tablets of Knowledge, distributed uniforms to all public school students in the state, created welfare programmes for the old and vulnerable people as well as support farm-

ers. According to him, huge amount of money was committed to purchasing armoured personnel carrier, APC, and ambulances, which are strategically located in the state and responding to distress calls round the clock. He stressed that if all the programmes with the huge cost involved were factored into the accruable revenue to the state, it will be crystal clear why the state was where it is today. He revealed that in February 2013 when the state collected N5billion as monthly allocation and April this year when it collected N540m, allocation had fallen drastically to less than 10 per cent, saying this is the dilemma of the state. In his response, the chairman of Osun Action Strategy and Development Group, Mr. Gbenga Ojo, commended the tireless efforts of the governor at repositioning the state at the front burner of development and global recognition with his laudable programmes. Ojo said the group is optimistic that the good governance, which is the hallmark of Aregbesola’s administration, would also influence the policy trust of the Federal Government in the administration of President Muhammad Buhari.

New Deji gets staff of office OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

ndo State government yesterday presented staff of office to the new Deji of Akure, Oba Kole Aladetoyinbo. The monarch immediately announced that henceforth he would like to be known and addressed as Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II. The State Executive Council had on Monday approved his election by Akure kingmakers at its weekly meeting. The kingmakers unanimously picked Oba Aladetoyinbo on Sunday, among 12 other contes-

tants, whose names were forwarded to them by the Osupa ruling house. Deputy Governor, Lasisi Oluboyo, who presented the staff of office to the new monarch on behalf of the state government, described the occasion as the beginning of a new era in Akure. Oluboyo said the process that led to Oba Adetoyinbo’s emergence was free, fair and transparent, urging the people of Akure to support him in the discharge of his duty. He explained that the administration ordered the process because it could not turn a blind eye to the yearning of Akure people for a new traditional ruler after the demise

of Oba Adebiyi Adesida, more than a year ago. The new Deji called on other contestants to join him in moving Akure forward, promising to promote peace in the ancient city. Oba Aladetoyinbo warned that he would not condone thuggery, disrespect for law and order or any act of violence his kingdom. He said: “Historically, in the last 120 years, it had never been so stressful for the kingmakers that 13 aspirations were contesting for the vacant stool of the Deji of Akure land from which only one candidate was unanimously elected.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Rosulu failed polygraph examination, says witness MATTHEW IRINOYE

L-R: Managing Director, International Facilities Services Group, Dr. Tunde Ayeye; Osun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori; Governor Rauf Aregbesola; his Senior Vice President, Florida Hospital, Retired Lieutenant General Mark Hertling and Director, International Facilities Services Group, Mr. Dele Ogunbayo, during a courtesy visit to the governor in Osogbo, yesterday.

Assault on FAAN staff: Customs boss vows to punish culprits …set to review deployment in airports OLUSEGUN KOIKI

omptroller-General of Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, Mr. Abdullahi Dikko, has vowed to punish its personnel who physically assaulted eight officers of Aviation Security, AVSEC, of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeka, Lagos, last week. The comptroller-general also said the service would review the current deployments of its officers in airports across the country to ensure that only officers who meet the requirements of civility are retained or deployed in airports’ environment. Dikko stated this in a joint statement signed on his

behalf by spokesman of the service, Mr. Wale Adeniyi, while spokesman for FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati, signed on behalf of Managing Director of the agency, Engr. Saleh Dunoma. Dikko stated that both agencies had agreed to work together for improved airport security, but vowed that the ranks and file that perpetrated the assault on FAAN’s officials would be punished if found guilty. He, however, said investigation to unravel the unhealthy act by the personnel was still ongoing, stressing that both parties had resolved to maintain periodic consultations to facilitate airport security. The statement reads: “The two chief executives expressed regrets over the incidence of 3rd June, 2015, and agreed to work together to avoid future

recurrence. ComptrollerGeneral of Customs will investigate the involvement of Customs officers in the fracas and take appropriate punitive action, if they are found guilty. “Comptroller-General of Customs will review current deployments in MMIA, to ensure that only officers who meet the requirements of civility are retained and FAAN will not restrict the movement of Customs officers deployed in airports, but will continue to manage access to ensure airport security in line with global standards.” Dikko further emphasised that the “service’s operations in the airports would be guided by strict adherence to processes and procedures established by the law, noting that the current conflicts in the enabling Acts of the two organisations would be harmonised through a joint

legal committee in line with international best practice.” It would be recalled that some Customs personnel had penultimate Wednesday assaulted eight personnel of AVSEC for refusing to allow them access to restricted areas of the airport without On-DutyCard, ODC, and reflexive jackets. Five of the eight officers were beaten to a state of unconsciousness by wellarmed personnel of the Customs, while the uniform of three others, who were females, were torn for daring to video-record the incident. Names of the five officers are Ebiloma Emmanuel, Ungbos Habu Jude, Onoja Daniel, Isiguzo Valentine Nnamdi and Nwala David Nnamdi; while names of the three females could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report.

Ekiti inaugurates councils’ caretaker committees ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

kiti State government has inaugurated new caretaker committee chairmen for 16 council areas of the state. This followed dissolution of the councils after the mandatory six months’ tenure as stipulated by law in the state. Deputy Governor, Dr. Kolapo Olusola, who represented the governor, called on

the new council bosses to replicate the ‘stomach infrastructure’ programme of the state government at the grassroots, as he demanded total loyalty from the chairmen. Fifteen of the council chairmen were returned, while former caretaker chairman of Oye Local Government was dropped and replaced with Mr. Oluwole Paul. He urged the caretaker chairmen to bring their experiences to bear in the running of the councils to hasten rapid development at the grassroots.

The council bosses are Alhaji Dauda Ajise (Ado), Peter Daramola (Efon), Falaye (Ekiti East), Olowo Joseph (Ekiti South West), Olasanmi Moses (Ekiti South West), Adebayo Joseph (Emure), Funke Odunlade (Gbonyin), Deji Odutola (Ido Osi), Owoeye Sesan (Ikere), Adeyanju Adeyeye (Ikole), Abiodun Dada (Ijero) and Ayo Oladimeji (Ilejemeje). Others are Alade Toyin (Ise Orun), Sunday Olowoyo (Irepodun/Ifelodun), Adeniyi Adebayo (Moba) and

Oluwole Paul (Oye). The House of Assembly, however, blamed the All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmakers in the past Assembly for indebtedness of the state. Information Ad-hoc Committee of the Assembly said at a press conference in Ado Ekiti that the APC-dominated fourth Assembly “could not oversee affairs of the executive during their tenure and allowed the executive, led by former Governor Kayode Fayemi, to plunge the state into huge debt.”

nother polygraph expert prosecution witness, Mohammed Umar, in the ongoing trial of a court registrar, Oluronke Rosulu, accused of conspiring with others to defraud former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi, to the tune of $330,000, yesterday told a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, that the accused failed polygraph examination. Umar, a quality control operative attached to the Polygraph Unit of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abuja, made the claim while testifying before the presiding judge, Justice Lateef LawalAkapo. It would be recalled that Rosulu is standing trial for allegedly aiding a one-time Lagos socialite, Fred Ajudua, to defraud Bamaiyi of $330,000. The defendant, who is a former registrar to Justice Joseph Oyewole, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy to obtain money by false pretences and obtaining money by false pretenc-

es. The EFCC said the fraud took place while Bamaiyi and Ajudua were being remanded at the Kirikiri Maximum Prisons for separate criminal charges between November 2004 and June 2005. The anti-graft agency said Ajudua obtained the money from Bamaiyi by claiming that it represented the professional fees charged by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) to handle his case. He is also alleged to have claimed that the money would help to facilitate Bamaiyi’s release from prison. During yesterday’s proceeding, the witness, who was led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Mr. Seidu Atteh, said he studied the video recording of the polygraph examination and other documents and that he was able to determine that the examinee was being deceptive during the polygraph examination. Umar, who has a diploma in psycho-physiological detection of deception and also a member of the American Polygraph Association, said Rosulu’s polygraph examination was not the first to be conducted by his team.

Court dismisses suit seeking AIG Mbu’s removal WALE IGBINTADE

Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday dismissed a suit seeking the removal of Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Mbu Joseph Mbu, from office over alleged abuse of powers. The suit filed by a lawyer, Mr. Tope Alabi, was premised on a statement allegedly made by Mbu, threatening to kill 20 civilians in place of a policeman that may be killed during the April general elections. In his judgment, Justice Ibrahim Buba held that no court in Nigeria could declare the office of an officer of the rank of AIG vacant, adding that it is the duty of the police to do so. “If any threat is made against any person, it is the duty of the police to investigate and punish

the officer accordingly; and when it is an AIG, no court in Nigeria can declare the office of such an officer vacant; that is the duty of the police,” Justice Buba held. After considering all the arguments in the case, Justice Buba concluded that the case of the plaintiff lacked merit and dismissed it accordingly. In the substantive suit, marked FHC/L/ CS/149/15, the plaintiff was seeking a declaration that the first defendant (Mbu) “is unfit to be a police officer in Nigeria”. The plaintiff had prayed the court to direct the former Inspector General of Police, IGP, Suleiman Abba, the Police Service Commission and the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Mohammed Adoke (who are the second to fourth defendants), to declare Mbu’s office vacant and replace him without further delay.

South East

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Past APGA leadership selfish —Chairman …promises to reposition party

George Opara ABIA

ational Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Dr Victor Oye, has blamed the crisis that rocked the party in recent past on the immediate past leadership, who he accused of using their positions

to advance their personal political ambitions and interests. Oye, however, said topmost on his agenda would be to reposition the party on the path of progress by reconciling aggrieved members. In an interview with newsmen in Umuahia yesterday, Oye said he has would chart a new direc-

tion for the party, hinging his vision on honesty and credibility, which he said was targeted at growing APGA as the largest political party in Nigeria in a few months time and make it one to be reckon with before the next general elections. On the election that brought him to office last weekend in Awka,

Anambra State, he said he worked quietly for it without quarreling with anybody, contested and won. “I believed in the party’s vision to grow as a geo-political party that would eventually become a strong national party.” To make APGA a national party following its relative poor performance in the last general

election, Oye expressed optimism that the election tribunals would soon return the states APGA won, including some legislative seats in both states and National Assembly. “Some people see us as small, but we are everywhere in Nigeria, spreading like cancer and we shall win elections any day if the rules are

applied strictly.” He disagreed that APGA lacked wealthy members capable of financing the party to grow, saying APGA members are rich both in materials and ideas, so we have no problem in the party, but have needs to be able to reconcile aggrieved members towards moving forward.

Defamation: Police quiz APC official, journalist Dennis Agbo ENUGU

nugu Police Command yesterday quizzed Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for Enugu East Senatorial zone, Chief Anike Nwoga, for alleged defamation. The party’s gubernatorial candidate in the April 11 election in the state, Chief Okey Ezea, had petitioned the police accusing Nwoga of defaming him in a press statement he (Nwoga) alleged that over N400 million campaign funds sent to the state were misappropriated by Ezea and other party officers. The police also invited the Correspondent of Daily Independent Newspapers in Enugu, Emmanuel Nzomiwu, over his report on the “misappropriated” money. It, however, took the timely intervention of some journalists in the state, as well as police spokesman in the state, DSP Ebere Amaraizu, to get the reporter out of possible detention. Ezea in the petition asked the police to not only arrest Nwoga but prevail on him to prove the alleged misappropriation of funds, while threatening to initiate legal action in the event the police failed to get to the root of the matter. But when contacted, Nwoga told newsmen that he was invited by the state’s police command to defend himself based on the petition by Ezea. “I got a call when I was away that policemen besieged my house, but

when they couldn’t see me they dropped an invitation letter. Immediately I returned, as a law-abiding citizen, I went to the police. As I speak with you, I am making statement at the state CID,” he said. Asked if he was being detained, Nwoga said he was not sure of what would be the next line of action until he was through with the statement, adding, however, that “you know once you are through with statement, you must be bailed. But, at the moment, the policemen here are so friendly and I hope it continues after the statement.” He later told newsmen that he was released on bail to some party chieftains, who came to his rescue at 8pm Monday and was asked to return the next day. He, however, insisted that the police was not the appropriate place for Ezea to channel his grievances against his statement, adding that “if he feels aggrieved, we have the law courts. Let him take the case to the court.” APC in the state has been embroiled in a major crisis since April 11 when the second batch of elections were concluded, as a group of party members accused Ezea and the party’s chairman in the state, Ben Nwoye, of pocketing the funds sent to the state from the party’s national headquarters. They attributed the party’s poor showing in all the elections in the state to refusal of the duo to spend the funds where necessary, saying that the situation had polarised the party.

L-R: Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo; Secretary to the State Government, Sir Jude Ejiogu; Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha and Chief of Staff, Chief Uche Nwosu, after their swearing-in ceremony in Owerri on Monday.

Orient Petroleum attack: NUPENG sues for peace Francis Ekpone ONITSHA

ower Niger unit of the National Union of Petroleum and Gas Workers (NUPENGMarine), yesterday condemned the recent killing of three staff of Orient Petroleum Resources and destruction of property worth millions of naira in Enugwu-Otu Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, by unidentified gunmen suspected to be from Asonwa village in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State. The oil refinery at Enugwu Out, Aguleri, has been a subject of controversy since 2012 when it was commissioned by former President Goodluck Jonathan, which led to recent invasion of the area by armed men, who killed

three persons, burnt about 10 caterpillars and houses, leaving scores injured. The two communities have since been laying claims to ownership of the land where the oil well was discovered. Reacting to the attack on Orient Petroleum workers, the Lower Niger unit chairman of NUPENGMarine, Bash Maaji, called on Kogi and Anambra state governments to lay down their arms and go for dialogue rather than launch attacks on each other. “Let the two governors, Captain Idris Wada of Kogi State and Chief Willie Obiano of Anambra State come together and agree on one thing, and once that is done, I don’t think anybody will take up arms again. But, if it is difficult for them, they can make such recommenda-

tions to the presidency to wade in. We have boundary adjustment committee in this country and I believe they know what to do. Let us take sentiment and politics out of this matter,” Bash urged. While condoling with Orient Petroleum and families of those who lost their lives during the attack, Bash stated that Lower Niger unit of NUPENG-Marine has written a report to their headquarters over the incident, stating that no man’s interest is worth the blood of any Nigerian. He also called on the Nigerian Navy in Anambra and Kogi states to step up surveillance in the water ways to forestall a recurrence of the ugly trend, adding that, “there is need for dialogue to obtain peace in the area to enable Orient Petroleum have

conducive working environment.” Maaji also commended Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hassan Karma, for deploying police personnel to the area to safeguard lives and properties of the company. The Lower Niger unit chairman of NUPENGMarine also noted that the association will strive to discourage and eradicate the engagement of outdated equipment, illicit petroleum transactions, oil theft and vandalism of critical assets of the petroleum sector stressing that constructive enlightenment programmes of activities across the petro-maritime and shipping sectors of the economy was still required among members to enable them inculcate appropriate practice direction in line with government policies.

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South south

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Rivers APC accuses PDP of fresh thumb-printing

Members of Bayelsa State House of Assembly taking oath of office at their inauguration in Amarata, Yenagoa, recently. PHOTO: NAN

FG, C’River to resettle Agwagune people Richard Ndoma CALABAR

ederal Government is collaborating with Cross River State government in the construction of 300 housing units to resettle the flood-ravaged displaced people of Agwagune community in Biase local council of the state. The project, which is at an advanced stage of completion and already being roofed, has over 60 per cent of the houses comprising 2-bedroom semidetached and 3 bedrooms. The resettlement of Agwagune community of over 400 households was occasioned by perennial rainfall, which resulted in flooding that led to landslide in the old village located at the bank of Cross River, 45 years ago. The situation that led to destruction of the entire habitable land mass with buildings, which are

in about 13 sites of about a kilometre from the flooded community, are now being handled by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA. Deputy Governor Ivara Esu, who inspected the project, described its execution as speedy and amazing, stressing that the project was barely two months. Esu commended Director-General of SEMA, Mr. Vincent Aquah, for his dexterity towards the project, considering the paucity of funds. He said Aquah’s managerial efficiency was responsible for the success of the project, adding that the managerial efficiency displayed by the DG was an encouragement to the state and Federal governments in early completion of the project. He also hoped that the Prof Ben

Ayade-led administration would commission it within its first 100 days in office. The SEMA DirectorGeneral, Aquah, assured beneficiaries that the project would be completed on schedule. Aquah recalled that over 1,200 houses, churches with about 2,900 farms were washed away over the years into the ever-expanding river with about 137 persons lost in the mishap. The SEMA boss lamented how people could resort to live with neighbours in nearby communities because of the disaster, and assured that the buildings when completed would provide the needed succour to the victims. Aquah maintained that the project has provision for a police station, motorpark, recreational centre, town hall and access roads. Paramount chief of Agwagune community, Onun

Efime, expressed elation that the dream of the community was coming to fruition during his lifetime and described the development as unprecedented. The chief, who received the deputy governor in his palace, disclosed that the new status of Agwagune was due to the strong will of the federal and state governments to resettle his people. He recounted that Agwagune people have been traumatised for too long on account of the perennial landslide and flooding which he said had negatively affected the people socially and economically. Similarly, the Paramount Ruler of Biase, Onun Nicholas Odum, who is an indigene of Agwagune described the project as welcoming and expressed confidence that it would bring a socio-economic turnaround for the people.

Monarch lauds effort to revive A’Ibom seaport

cting Paramount Ruler of Eket, Eket local council, Akwa Ibom State, Obong Etim Abia, has commended Governor Emmanuel Udom for taking steps to revive Ibom deep seaport. Abia gave the commendation yesterday in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Eket. He said the recent in-

auguration of the seaport was part of efforts of the new administration to drive its industrialisation policy. The ruler said the setting up of a technical implementation committee to realise the project was a welcome development. According to him, the seaport will generate opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths and generate revenue to help shore up the econo-

my. It would be recalled that the governor constituted a 10-member technical committee for the realisation of the project, headed by Mrs Mfon Usoro, former DirectorGeneral, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, as chairman. He said the governor, with his private sector experience, was capable of attracting investors

that would fast-track development in the state. He advised Udom to reengineer the civil service for greater efficiency and maximum service delivery. He also urged the diversification of the economy from petroleum dependence to agriculture. He called on stakeholders and people of the state to cooperate with the governor in taking the state to enviable heights.

ll Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State yesterday said a group of people were caught thumb-printing fresh ballot papers in parts of the state under the supervision of local leaders of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The accusation was contained in a press statement signed by Rivers APC Chairman, Dr. Davies Ikanya, and issued in Port Harcourt. “We wish to alert the security agencies and the Nigerian public of the ongoing thumb-printing of fresh ballot papers in different homes in Degema, Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor and Okrika. We identified well-known PDP members among those perpetrating this evil act aimed at subverting the will of Rivers State electorate, whose mandate to our great party during the last general elections was brazenly stolen by PDP in connivance with Rivers INEC. “We suspect they are

doing this in a desperate bid to manufacture ‘evidence’ to be presented before the Election Petitions Tribunal, which we expect to do the right thing by annulling the wrongful announcement of Chief Nyesom Wike as winner of the April 11 gubernatorial election and ordering restoration of the mandate of our great party and our distinguished governorship candidate, Dr. Dakuku Peterside,” Ikanya stated. Rivers APC further lamented that it recently raised similar alarm as regards the ticking of fresh voter registers, filling of new result sheets and incident forms in different hotels around Port Harcourt. It regretted that neither the security agencies nor the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, cared to act on its complaint. The party, however, appealed to its members to continue to remain calm, as it has confidence in the election tribunal handling the case.

FG empowers Niger Delta fishermen …distributes outboard engines, floats, nets Adeola Tukuru ABUJA

n an effort to provide employment opportunities and contribute its quota to the fishery sector in the country, Federal Government has disbursed 24 Yahama outboard marine boat engines, 50 bundles of fishing nets, 10,000 pieces of SH-20 floats and 100 units of marine ropes to Itsekiri Fishermen Cooperative in the Niger Delta. Deputy Director, Artisanal Fisheries in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Olusegun Babatunde, while presenting the equipment and inputs in Abuja, said the gesture was in line with government’s effort in increasing local production of fishes with additional 200,000 metric tonnes in Nigeria. A press statement signed by the ministry’s Director of Information, Tony Ohaeri, said artisanal fishing has contrib-

uted 80 percent of fishes produced locally in Nigeria. According to him, the Federal Government has designed a programme targeted at 27 states engaged in artisanal fishing with focus on 200 fishermen per state. He noted that such fishermen were expected to benefit from the empowerment drive in form of fishing inputs like boats and canoes as a way of support and not subsidy from government. Receiving the fishing inputs on behalf of Itsekiri Fishermen Cooperative, Mrs Ritalori Ogbebor said the gesture would reduce restiveness in Niger Delta. She, however, said government’s gesture would also address some of the grievances in the region and pleaded for more assistance in swamp rice production and piggery. According to her, such assistance could be in the area of equipment for rice processing, harvesting and polishing.

North

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

DPR deploys 300 fuel trucks in Abuja CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

erennial fuel shortage in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, may soon abate, as the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, yesterday said it has deployed 300 trucks of premium motor spirit, PMS, to the capital city. Zonal Controller of DPR, Mr. Muhammed Usman, who disclosed this during inspection and enforcement exercise in the FCT yesterday, assured of adequate supply in the coming weeks. Usman said following directive from the Federal Government, 300 trucks of petrol were released yesterday to Abuja. He said that during the meeting between Federal Government and stakeholders on June 5 in

Abuja, there was an agreement that products should be released by marketers. According to Usman, available products at the moment are intervention products, adding that the main supply would begin before the weekend. He said the eight million litres released would take care of Abuja motorists, hoping the long queues would disappear before weekend. “Because of that, almost all filing stations are selling today and we hope we also get enough to sell. “So, people should not panic about long queues because it will go away. “People should stop buying from illegal hawkers because now you cannot spend more than 15 to 20 minutes before you buy,” he said. Usman emphasised that

inspection exercise was not to punish any marketer, adding that DPR’s monitoring teams were to ensure the situation returns to normal. According to him, “DPR is trying to ensure that no filling station under-dispenses or sells above the approved price and if we see anyone we make sure the proper adjustment is done.” He added that the agency would not close any erring filling station as such action at this time would amount to inflicting more pains on the public. “We have the record of those selling above approved price of N87 per litre; when things normalise from next week we will start dealing with them. “Now, we are trying to ensure that people get this PMS as it was, and we

have started seeing the effect,” he said. A dealer at the Mobil filling station, Utako, Abuja, Mr. Kingsley Iyegbu, told newsmen that he had over 30,000 litres of PMS underground, adding that another truck was on its way. Iyegbu assured that the station would continue to sell as long the product is available, expressing optimism that queues would disappear before weekend. Also, a motorist at Eterna filling station, Utako, Mr. Yakubu Umar, told our correspondent that he was able to buy petrol within 30 minutes on the queue. He commended the development and urged government and marketers to ensure the current crisis does not recur in future.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Taraba gov approves N8.5m for water supply JUSTIN TYOPUUSU JALINGO

over nor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State has approved N8.5 million for overhaul and repairs of water plants to ensure potable water supply in Jalingo metropolis. Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Media and Publicity, Sylvanus Giwa, in a statement issued yesterday said the governor has mandated the state’s water supply agency to immediately commence work on all faulty water supply channels in the state capital. “The governor’s concern was informed by

Robbers kill soldier, police in Benue HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

Speaker of Adamawa State House of Assembly, Alhaji Kabiru Mijinyawa (right) taking oath of office before Clerk of the house, Mr. Francis Gbansenso, during inauguration of the State’s 6th Assembly in Yola, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Plateau workers suspend 4-week strike JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

orkers in Plateau State, who have been on strike since May 5, have suspended the action. The decision to call off the strike was reached yesterday after an agreement between Governor Sımon Lalong and the workers. A communiqué issued yesterday calling off the strike was signed by the state’s Head of Service, Mr. Ezekiel Dalyop, Per-

manent Secretary, Labour Relations, Housing & Training, Mrs. Vou A.S. Dido; Permanent Secretary, Establishments & Pensions, Alhaji Mustapha Umar Galadima; State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Jibrin Banchir; Trade Union Congress, TUC, Chairman, Comrade Dinatu Assani (Mrs.); and Chairman of Joint Negotiation Council, JNC, Comrade Raphael Mudu’utdai. According to the communiqué, government

shall pay two months of the outstanding salary arrears to all its striking workers as well as subsequently pay current salaries together with monthly arrears with a view to liquidating same. The communiqué also stated that the parties shall resume negotiations on all outstanding issues within seven days of suspension of the strike and conclude negotiations within 30 working days after suspension of the strike, subject to review

by the parties.

the acute water scarcity in the town, which has forced residents to find alternative in unsafe water sources, which are hazardous to community health. He has therefore, mandated the overhaul of water plants and repairs of boreholes that service the state capital through pipe networks,” he said. The statement charged all officials responsible for carrying out the project and all other functions to live up to expectation, saying government would not tolerate any form of laxity. It added that government was committed to providing essential services for people of the state.

uspected armed robbers yesterday killed a mobile policeman and an Army lance corporal while carrying out a robbery operation in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Austin Ezeani, said the deceased, until their death, were members of the ‘Operation Zenda,’ a special squad comprising a combined security agencies in the state. According to Ezeani, the police sergeant, who was attached to Mopol 13, and his soldier counterpart of the 72 Special Battalion were ambushed by the robbers, who opened

fire on them about 6am yesterday in Zaki Biam village in Ukum council of the state. He added that the deceased security operatives were actually part of a team trying to respond to a distress call by some victims of the dare-devil robbers when they ran into the ambush. Ezeani, however, expressed confidence that men of the command were working round the clock to ensure the perpetrators were brought to book. It would be recalled that in recent times, cases of banditry and daylight robbery have been rampart in that part of the state, leading to several attacks and dispossession of travellers’ valuables.

Hisbah Board receives 294 cases in one week

ano State Hisbah Board has received 294 cases in the last one week, its spokesman, Malam Mohammed Yusuf, has said. Yusuf, who made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Kano on Tuesday, said the board “encourages good deeds and discourages bad deeds.’’ He said the board had

been given additional responsibilities to arrest those who sell illicit drugs to youths while checking immorality. “Within the last one week, the board received 107 matrimonial cases, 20 on lost and found properties, 35 rape cases and 30 cases of attempted kidnapping. “Similarly, we received 22 cases on rented houses, 30 on land disputes, 20 on pros-

titution and 40 others on dispute between neighbours. “All these cases are under investigation by the board and as soon as we complete investigation, necessary action will be taken,’’ he said. Yusuf said the new government in the state had promised to provide funds for the mass wedding programme of divorcees expected to hold before the end of 2015.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

NASS elections: Implications of Saraki, Dogara’s emergence

14, 44

Dogara’s kinsmen applaud his victory as Speaker

•Urge him to carry all along Ezekiel Ttus BAUCHI

oncerned Citizens Forum, CCF, of Lusa community in Bauchi state has applauded the emergence of Rt. Hon Yakubu Dogara as speaker of the eighth House of Representatives. Dogara emerged Speaker in a keenly contested election, defeating Femi Gbajabiamila, representing Surulere federal constituency 1 of Lagos State, with 182 to 174 votes. 58 members-elect voted in the exercise. Two votes were voided. This is just as they urge Dogara to involve all and sundry irrespective of party difference towards restoring the past glory of democracy, not only in the House, but in the country. Lusa CCF leader, Aliyu Masoyi, made the commendation while addressing newsmen in Bauchi, saying that Dogara’s victory portends good omen for Nigeria towards unifying the people. He said: “We lack words to commend the stand of the newly elected lawmak-

ers the lower chamber of the National Assembly for voting Dogara in spite of the All Progressives Congress, APC, mock election. CCL said Dogara’s victory has made a mockery of purported APC caucus’ earlier stand to imposed unpopular candidates in both chambers of the congress. “As Sayawa ethnic nationality, this victory is for all and not for a particular group and we promise to advise Dogara to ensure internal democracy in the business of piloting the affairs of the National Assembly, even as we urge him to carry along even his detractors as a demonstration towards solid political development.” The forum maintained that the choice of Dogara will further attract speedy development to the NorthEast and urge for support of all to ensure Dogara succeeds Masoyi also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for maintaining his stance not to interfere in the business of electing National Assembly principal officers.

Yuguda tasks successor on development projects in Bauchi Adeola Tukuru ABUJA

ormer governor of Bauchi State, Malam Isa Yuguda, has called on his successor, Governor Mohammed Abubakar, to focus attention on bringing more developments and dividends of democracy to the residents of the state. In a statement issued by his media team and signed by Mr Jeff Kachikwu, yesterday, the former governor noted that in spite of various developments in the state, his administration left the state “without an

overdrawn account.” He said: “The state raised a bond of N15 billion and N7 billion was used for repayment of previous loans while the balance was used for the completion of the mega Specialist Hospital and Bauchi airport. “Today, Bauchi does not owe any bank but it owes N14 billion for gratuities and contractors are owed about N1.4 billion. “Others include the World Bank $50 million educational intervention loan and it was got on merit. It is a 25-year facility. “Only Anambra, Ekiti and Bauchi qualified for

the facility from Nigeria. There is also a $70-million water intervention fund by the World Bank with a 30year tenor that the state has not drawn. “There was N8 billion overdrafts we inherited from the previous administration to be repaid over eight years. We reviewed it and liquidated a good percentage of that loan.” Yuguda said the information of the state’s debt status was contained in the handover notes which were duly signed by Abubakar, adding that a statement credited to Abubakar at an event recently, describing

the state as being in immeasurable financial recklessness that culminated in massive indebtedness, therefore, raised a concern. Urging the new administration to concentrate on equipping the 17 new hospitals, rehabilitating of schools, specialist hospital, university and other projects that he had completed rather than raising arguments, Yuguda said: “They should look for ways to continue from where the past administrations stopped, instead of undermining the performance of the pastimmediate administration in the state.”

Taraba gov approves N8.5m for water supply Justin Tyopuusu JALINGO

araba State governor, Darius Ishaku, has approved N8.5 million for overhauling and repairs of water plants to ensure potable water supply in Jalingo metropolis. Ishaku’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Sylvanus Giwa, in a statement issued yesterday said the governor has mandated the state Water Supply Agency to immediately commence work on all faulty water supply channels in the state capital. Giwa said: “The governor’s concern is informed

by the acute water scarcity in the town, which has forced residents to find alternatives in unsafe water sources, which is hazardous to community health. He has therefore mandated the overhaul of water plants and repairs of boreholes that service the state capital through pipe networks.” The statement charged all officials responsible for carrying out the project and all other functions to live up to expectation, saying government would not tolerate any form of laxity. It further added that government is committed to providing essential services for people of the state in the months ahead.

National Chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief John Oyegun (4th left), addressing pro-Senator Lawan senators, (from left): Barnabas Gemade (Benue North-East), Shehu Sani (Kaduna North), Abdullahi Adamu (Nasarawa West), Ahmed Lawan (Yobe North), Robert Boroffice (Ondo North) and others, during a meeting of the APC leadership with elected legislators for the 8th National Assembly in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Gombe PDP scribe advocates LG autonomy Williams Attah GOMBE

ecretary of the Peoples Democratic Party in Gombe State, Alhaji Buba Shanu, has thrown his weight behind the clamour for autonomy for local governments in the country. The PDP scribe told some journalist in an interview that “it will give democracy its true definition”.

Alhaji Shanu also spoke in support of President Muhammadu Buhari’s inaugural comment that “there are limits to the powers of each of the three tiers of government.” He however said: “But that should not mean the Federal Government should fold its arms and close its eyes to what is going on in the states and local governments. Not least the operations of the Local Governments Joint Ac-

counts.” He said “while the Federal Government cannot interfere in the details of its operations, it will ensure that the gross corruption at the local level is checked.” His reservation however, is the ability of some local government areas to survive on federal allocation without borrowing or running into chaos. He said: “In Gombe State for example, today

as I am speaking to you; without fear of controversy, I know that there are at least five local councils whose national allocation cannot pay their basic salaries only. “So if they say the state government should look sideways and allow the local governments take their national allocation and utilise it, what consequences would you be expecting? Chaos certainly!”

Politics

ormer governor of Kwara State and former chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF, Senator Bukola Saraki yesterday, in a fashion some political analysts described as the fastest political coup in Nigeria’s recent history, emerged unopposed as Senate President of the 8th National Assembly in an election 59 senators-elect participated in, with one voided vote. He was nominated by Senator Ahmed Yerima, seconded by Senator Dino Melaye and was the only candidate that was nominated on the floor of the Senate as his contender, Senator Ahmad Lawan and some of his supporters were conspicuously absent. Senator Ike Ekweremadu of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, surprisingly also, emerged Deputy Senate President, defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Ali Ndume. Ekweremadu’s emergence many believe, was part of Saraki’s coup as he was said to have realigned with his old foes in the PDP, a party he dumped for the APC, with an agreement that PDP senators should vote him in exchange of his supporters in APC electing a PDP senator as deputy. The immediate Deputy Senate President, Ekweremadu, defeated Senator Ndume of the APC with total votes of 54 against Ndume’s 20 votes. Both Senators Saraki and Ekweremadu were immediately sworn in by the Clerk of the Senate, Alhaji Salisu Maikasua. At the lower chamber, Hon Yakubu Dogara defeated former Minority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, to emerge as 8th House of Representatives Speaker Dogara, who represents Bogoro/Dass/ Tafawa-Balewa federal constituency of Bauchi State, defeated his contender, Gbajabiamila, believed by many to have been the anointed candidate of the APC after scoring 182 above Gbajabiamila’s 174. What is interesting here is that Saraki and Dogara, Senate President and House of Representatives Speaker respectively, were never the APC nominated candidates for both positions. Senators elected under the platform of the governing APC, had met last week with the National Executive Committee, NEC, of the party at the International Conference Centre Abuja to pick a candidate for the office of the Senate President. An earlier meeting with the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, and members-elect of the House of Representatives where a mock election was held for the candidate to run for the office of Speaker, had Femi Gbajabiamila winning Dogara, though, Dogara and his supporters had walked out of the venue of the meeting before election commenced. The meeting with senators which was also expected to be followed with a mock election for the party’s sole Senate Presidential candidate, like that of the Speaker, had two candidates running for Senate President: former governor of Kwara State, Saraki, and the chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Account, Ahmed Lawan. While most senators loyal to Lawan had arrived at the venue of the meeting along with the National Chairman of the party, John Odigie-Oyegun, and other members of the NWC, Senator Saraki and most senators loyal to him boycotted the mock election, disagreeing with the use of open

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NASS elections: Implications of Saraki, Dogara’s emergence EBERE NDUKWU and ADELEKE ADESANYA look at the National Assembly election results yesterday, where Senator Bukola Saraki and Hon Yakubu Dogora emerged Senate President and Speaker, House of Representatives respectively and examine the implications on the governing All progressives Congress, APC and Nigerian democracy.

Buhari

Saraki

Dogara

ballot system for the mock election. Senators loyal to Saraki, giving reasons for boycotting the mock election in a statement signed by Senator Melaye and Sani last Sunday, said they would only participate in the election for the seat of the principal officers of the Senate, organised by the National Assembly. They maintained their opposition to the use of the open ballot voting for the elections of principal officers of the Senate, describing it as primitive, undemocratic and against universal electoral norms and practice. The statement read in part: “To us, this open ballot voting is primitive; undemocratic and against universal electoral norms and practice. In the light of the above, we the Senators-elect of Like Minds hereby insist on our position of open secret voting process which we believe is in consonance with the provisions of the electoral act, the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the universal electoral values. “As responsible citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and leaders in our own right, we have resolved and hereby state that we shall not be part of a process that promotes undemocratic electoral process that may resort to rancorous and uncivil situations which inhibits the rights of individuals to vote for the candidate of their choice, as this process will further divide us than unite members of our party.”

It was gathered that while the crisis was on President Muhammadu Buhari returned to Abuja from Germany early on Tuesday and headed for a very strategic intervention meeting over the crisis rocking his APC. Shortly after his arrival in Abuja, Buhari asked to be briefed about the crisis brewing in the APC over the party’s choice of candidates for the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives. National Mirror gathered that the President summoned all lawmakers on the platform of the APC to an emergency meeting at 9am at the International Convention Centre where APC legislators were expected to move from to the National Assembly to take part in the inauguration of the National Assembly. But Saraki, to achieve his ambition, was reported to have shunned the meeting called by President Muhammadu Buhari.

er for Justice and Attorney-General in Lagos State. Speculations over his emergence as the Senate President revealed that the PDP secretly adopted Senator Saraki recently for the position of Senate President with Ike Ekweremadu, a PDP senator as the Deputy Senate President. With the emergence of Saraki as the Senate President against the party’s concession, observers have also predicted that prophesy of some members of the PDP is at the verge of coming into past, saying that old PDP members in APC will ruin the party. However, many Nigerians still believe that even with Saraki’s emergence, the change that prompted them to vote a new President will still be actualised as the President himself had earlier posited that he will work with whoever emerges the leader of the 8th Senate, thereby showing no interest in any candidate. Buhari had earlier distanced himself from attempts by APC to zone the leadership positions of the National Assembly.

Implication of Saraki’s emergence Speculation by pundits has it that Saraki’s mathematics that saw him through as the President of the 8th Senate might have been the result of the said secret romance with his former colleagues at the new Senate. Reports had it that Senator Saraki, boycotted a meeting summoned by his party, allegedly saying he could not attend a meeting summoned by a ‘mere commissioner’, referring to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who was once the Commission-

What is interesting here is that Saraki and Dogara, Senate President and House of Representatives Speaker respectively, were never the APC nominated candidates for both positions.

Defeating godfatherism in Nigeria politics With the trend of things in the new Senate, which seems to have defiled the role of godfathers in Nigeria politics, political observers in the country have begun speculations that the so called godfathers in Nigeria politics may not be relevant in the ongoing Buhari led- administration. Before the National Assembly election which saw Saraki and Dogara through as the Senate President and Speaker of the 8th National Assembly, several analyses in newspapers and other media were full of the opinion that the powers that be in the ruling party had all it takes to determine who and who controls the 8th National Assembly, but what could only be described as surprise, caught up with all yesterday as the result of the drama that played itself in the congress yesterday turned other way round against the wish of power CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

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Tuesday, July 19, 2011

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15 15

From The Civil Service Ambode charges civil servants on dedication, loyalty

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Change of govt won’t affect disbursement of N200bn loan – Prof. Adesuyi Joel Ajayi ABUJA

T L-R: Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs. Folashade Jaji; Deputy Governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule; Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. John Oluseyi Coker, during the governor’s meeting with petrol tanker drivers, other stakeholders’ associations and security agencies on the recent tanker explosion incidents in Lagos, on Monday.

Anxiety mounts over illegal recruitments in federal ministries Chidi Ugwu ABUJA

here is mounting anxiety in the federal ministries over attempt by some civil servants to smuggle their friends and relatives into the civil service, particularly, the directorate cadre. National Mirror gathered that the move which is currently causing tension in the Federal civil service, was met by resistance from civil servants who view such attempts as a means of tampering with their growth projection in the service. Our findings revealed that some vacancies in some of the ministries, agencies and parastatals are secretly being filled before political office holders would be appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari. Specifically, seven deputy directors in the

department of Irrigation and Drainage of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, FMWR, have petitioned the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Deaconess Olutoyosi Ayo and the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Musa Istifanus over an attempt to smuggle a Deputy Director into the ministry. The petition entitled:” Clandestine deployment of Dr. Garba Iliya Abubakar as Deputy Director into the department of Irrigation and Drainage, Federal Ministry of Water Resources by falsification of Records and suppression of facts”, was dated 8th May , 2015 and received at the Federal civil Service Commission on 11th May, 2015. The petitioners alleged that Dr. Abubakar, a retired Managing Director, Chad Basin Development Authority, CBDA, Maidu-

Civil servants yet to obey new resumption, closing orders

P.41

guri, allegedly procured a letter of transfer into the mainstream Federal civil service on 23rd July 2010 but the letter was received in the Minister’s office on 17th February 2015, five years after it was purportedly issued. The petitioners citing FCSC 2004 Guidelines on “appointments, promotion and discipline” said “officers transferred or seconded to the Federal Civil Service shall resume duty within two months from the date of notification of the approval of the transfer or secondment. Otherwise the offer shall be regarded as having lapsed.” “In this case, the transferee, Dr. Iliya Garba Abubakar, did not report until 17th February 2015 despite the purported letter of deployment of 3rd August, 2010. He could not have resumed in the ministry as during this time, he was Managing Director

of CBDA “. According to the petitioners, Dr. Abubakar was appointed as M. D of CBDA in 2006 and he served for the maximum period of eight years without any break. He retired in December 2014. Besides, they alleged that Mrs. S. T. Chuku, Deputy Director, APD, the signatory of the purported letter of Dr. Abubakar to the department of Irrigation and Drainage dated 3rd August , 2010 was not yet a staff of FMWR. Mrs. Chuku, according to them was deployed to the ministry in 2012. The petitioners appealed to the Federal Civil Service Commission and the office of the Head of Service of the Federation to investigate the activities of some officers of the Ministry of Water Resources for falsification of records and suppression of facts.

FG tasks Nigerians on tree planting P.42

he National Coordinator of Agro-allied Agriculture Commodity Cooperative, Prof. Victoria Adesuyi has assured Agro-allied farmers nationwide that the recent change in the country’s leadership would not hamper the disbursement of N200bn Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) loan for agro-allied farming by the Federal Government. She said the law and the policy of the agroallied farming in the country guarantee total continuity of any on-going programme whenever there is a change of leadership. Adesuyi, who stated this in an interview with our correspondent recently, in Abuja, said that farmers in the cooperative were at the verge of accessing the loan. The don explained that, what was remaining is for the farmers to package themselves and pay their 20 per cent of the loan they are seeking to access to the cooperative’s account so that it will serve as security. According to her, “The 20 per cent is like security for the farmer,

if group of 10 wants a loan of N1million,they will pay 200,000, this money is there as a security, when the N1 million is paid back, the farmers will take back their 20 per cent.” She therefore said that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had sent a checklist to the cooperative of which if the cooperative meet up with the conditions on the checklist, the apex bank would send N50 billion out of the N220bn billion to First Bank for further disbursement to the farmers. “They gave us the checklist to fulfill and we are fulfilling it, and we are almost through, within one week or two weeks, when we are finally through, the bank will start disbursing the loan. “The first bank has asked us to start recommending the farmers that are qualified for the loan,” she added. Speaking on how to ensure that the farmers utilize the loan in order to payback at the appropriate time, Adesuyi said “we have set aside the monitoring group, the loan retrieving group and the loan utility group, to ensure that the farmers utilize their loans judiciously.”

Adopt National Mapping Policy, NIS tells Buhari P.16

Buhari

Civil Service

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

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Adopt National Mapping Policy, NIS tells Buhari Sebastine Ebhuomhan EDO

enin City. The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) has congratulated the President-elect, MajorGeneral Muhammadu Buhari (retired), on his electoral victory, urging him to institute a government that will deliberately involve professional association bodies in the promotion of sustainable development. NIS President, Bern Omo Akhigbe, stated this in a message that he made available to National Mirror in Benin City on Tuesday, which lauded General Buhari’s victory as timely; coming at a time that Nigerians are yearning for change in policies that would enhance infrastructural development. Omo Akhigbe, a surveyor, who described NIS as a mouthpiece of surveyors in the country, said

surveyors were expectant of a Buhari government’s policy that could promote massive investment in surveying and mapping in order to confront the various challenges before the country. The President reiterated an earlier call by the Institution that Nigerians urgently need the creation of a Survey and mapping policy as investment of our future in the sustainability of our economy, in the protection of our environment, in the critical sector of security, ability to adequately respond to emergency and insurgency. In the message, NIS insisted that Nigerians “expects a President, who understands: that investment in surveying and mapping of the country is an investment in our future, in the sustainability of our economy, in the protection of our environment, in the assurance of our security and ability to

adequately and appropriately respond to emergencies and insurgency.” Omo Akhigbe added that with a military background, Buhari would be able to appreciate the menace posed to the country by an absence of up to date map of various locations in country and added that any seri-

ous investor in any sector of the Nigeria economy would certainly require appropriate information that can be provided by current maps, which Nigeria presently lacks. “Nigeria lack maps of our road infrastructure, location of natural resources, power distribution, transport system

and other infrastructures, market potential and consumers distribution along income lines. Nigeria needs maps on all the above but they must necessarily be predicated on base maps,” the NIS boss said. The NIS president concluded that he was looking forward to see-

ing the incoming Buhari administration hitting the ground running, especially making sure that the different professional bodies in the country were part of future development plans for the country just as they required of him before his overwhelming election last month

UNDP reviews 2015 voter education, scores NOA high Joel Ajayi ABUJA

he Democratic Governance for Development (DGD2) project of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has rated highly, the performance of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in the 2015 voter education, describing the Agency as “committed and efficient at all levels of the Agency”. At a Voter Education Programme Review Workshop for NOA, the UNDP DGD Project Director, Dr. Mourtada Deme, represented by Mrs. Toyin Gabriel said the DGD which partnered with NOA for voter sensitization towards a successful 2015 general election in Nigeria was pleased to commend the painstaking efforts of the NOA in ensuring transparency in the utilization of funds and implementation of the various stages of the voter sensitization project. The NOA Director General, Mike Omeri noted that voters across the country now have greater

faith in the electoral process as they now believe their votes count. This, he said, was evident from the high turn-out of voters in areas that were initially of concern during the 2015 elections. He attributed this to the Agency’s messaging during the elections, noting that field reports indicated that voters want to see this effort sustained. Omeri urged the UNDP and other development partners to sustain their support for voter education in Nigeria on a continuous basis. He said this would foster understanding of citizens’ rights, the constitution and the role of the legislature in democracy among others in the Nigerian context. The review workshop which had in attendance NOA State Directors from the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory saw the State Directors take turns to narrate their experiences in the implementation of the 2015 pre-election voter education programme in terms of scope, successes and challenges.

L-R: (Sitting) Acting General-Secretary, West Africa Civil Society Forum (WACSOF), Mr. Auwal Musa; Director, ECOWAS Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esther Otukoya; Guest Speaker, Mrs. Maryam Uwais and other participants, during a policy dialogue on early child marriage and protecting the rights of a child in Nigeria, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Pay attention to sports devt, Nigerian Youths task Buhari Joel Ajayi ABUJA

igerian Youth have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to pay keen interest to the development of sports in the country, just as students set for the International University Sports Federation the Nigeria University Games FISA 3 July. Specifically, the Youth under the auspices of the National Association of Nigerian Students NANS, said the government should focus on the nation’s higher institutions for talents to be harnessed for desirable result in the nation’s sports. The body noted school sports were gradually dying in the country due to laxity on the part of the school authorities orchestrated by the Federal Ministry of Education. The National Director

of Sports, NANS, Com. Godwin Erheriene in a statement yesterday in Abuja added that the current neglect of the Nigeria University Games (NUGA) by the school authorities would not speak well for the country. He said; “We urge him Buhari led-administration to pay keen attention to Sports Development, especially at the higher institution level and mostimportant the university Sports so our talents can be harnessed and laurels/ medals will be won for our Nation in diverse sports. “It is quite worrisome that key stakeholders are paying little or no attention to Sports Development in Nigeria Schools indeed the glaring results are with us; young talents are lost and youthful energies are channels to wrong ventures.” Erheriene maintained that the ugly trends could be reversed if all the rel-

evant stakeholders in the sports sector join hands together to take the nation sports to an enviable height. “We call on the Federal Ministry of Education to properly play their roles in reviving and strengthening the school sports,” he said. The statement further called on the government, the Non-Governmental Organisations as well as corporate bodies to support the realization of “the sum of N200m required by NUGA for effective representationof Nigeria in the forthcoming FISU (International University Sports Federation) slated for 3rd July to 14th July 2015, in South Korea atGwangju city. “Over One Hundred and Eighty (180) countries areexpected of this Sports fiesta and Nigeria as a continental leader should not be left out. It is quite instructive to note that the NUGA platform will afford promis-

ing youngsters to showcase their talents and also make headway into the international sports seen. “It is irrevocably imperative that the Sports department of the federal ministry of education should wise-up to the task and clean Augean stables for our Sports to thrive.” Continuing NANS said; “The Nigeria school sports is dying gradually in quanta. This we could rightly class as a deliberate conspiracy against our sports or sheer laxity on the path of the sports department of the Federal Ministry of Education which is saddled with the responsibility of funding NUGA, NIPOGA (Nigeria Polytechnics Games), NACEGA(Nigeria College of Education Games) etc. Either way we demand prompt remedial measures as we look forward to restoring the glory days of University Sports.”

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Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Okotie’s peace paradigm in Buhari era EDEMEME IDEHAI

change of gargantuan proportions took place in Nigeria on May 29, turning the nation’s social indignation against retrogression into electoral energy. Unfortunately, due to the importunate situations of fuel scarcity and deafening silence of power outage, many Nigerians failed to watch the hand-over and inauguration proceedings or even get a feel of it. Despite the day being a public holiday, many citizens simply went about their businesses, trying to eke out a living in the harsh economic terrain. This peaceful atmosphere we enjoy today is the result of the critical ground work carried out before the general elections by men like Rev. Chris Okotie, the conveners of the Peace Accords and disciples of the nation’s peaceful coexistence, which constrained the politicians, political parties and their contestants from unleashing a reign of terror on the nation. But that notwithstanding, President Mohammadu Buhari has hit the ground running by ordering the relocation of the Boko Haram command headquarters to Maiduguri, Borno State, to keep faith with his government’s pledge to wage relentless war against the Boko Haram insurgents. Relocating the command centre to the epicentre of the battle adds the bite needed to ensure professionalism among the hitherto

far removed military top brass, who appeared overwhelmed by the seriousness of the problem. Hopefully, this line of offensive should lead to the end of a battle, which has become protracted due to the ineffective push by the past government, and cement the efforts of Rev. Okotie and the peace campaigners who longed for an atmosphere of peace, where social and economic engagements could flourish. What was perceived as a regional problem, consigned to the NorthEastern zone of the nation is not regional anymore, and though the recent military gains are commendable, the post-election peace must also be sustained. So, funding security initiatives and equipping the armed forces is an expense that the nation must bear to reverse this threat of destabilization that the insurgents have engaged the nation. A collective response is the only way to ensure that the peaceful postelection atmosphere is sustained for socio-economic growth. We must join hands with the new government and summon up our capabilities for a very high level of national readiness and response force that is well prepared to take up the gauntlet in a matter of hours and take decisive action against challenges that can slide the nation down the abyss of anarchy. Continuity should also be uppermost in the mind of the new govern-

Okonjo-Iweala: Heroin or villain? UWA EGHOMEKA

e live in an unusual world, a world where vices are seen as virtues, where ignorance is strength, freedom is slavery and war is peace (apologies to George Orwell). I recall that when I was growing up, my mother often told me to strive at all times for honour. She believed that ultimately, people will celebrate honour in a person. I took this lesson and lived by it. However, as I grew older, this message appeared not to make sense anymore. Why? To many people in Nigeria, having women in leadership is a taboo, a vice and a sacrilege. Some even consider it a crime for a woman to be educated. Has anyone ever wondered why women suddenly become targets of heavy public criticisms once they assume important positions? This, I fear, is the case with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the erstwhile Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy. To the best of my knowledge, her major offence seems to stem from the fact that she is a woman. For the record, Dr (Mrs) Okonjo-Iweala had, before her appointment as minister, served in several capacities in the World Bank, yet many people seem to believe that she is still not good enough for the position she currently occupies in government. Some of us are like Oliver Twist, always wanting more! In the area of unemployment, we need

AS FAR AS

THIS WRITER IS

CONCERNED, THE FORMER FINANCE MINISTER WAS ONLY BEING VILIFIED UNNECESSARILY to be reminded that if not for the hard work of this great economist, many of our youths today would have been roaming the streets. Programmes like the Subsidy Re-Investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), which has components like the Graduates Internship Scheme (GIS), providing year-long productive engagement for over 200,000 jobless graduates in areas like agriculture, information technology, education, engineering and finance, were proofs that she was not only tireless in her drive to reduce the rate of unemployment, but had also been successful. Speaking on agriculture, SURE-P, in partnership with some state governments, has developed the Pro-farmers and Agropreneurs Sustainable Scheme (PASS) to boost food production and reduce rural-urban migration. This programme was launched first in partnership with the Ondo State government under Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who had nothing but commendation

PRESIDENT BUHARI MUST BE AWARE THAT IT IS NORMAL IF HE WILL TAKE THE JABS AND CRITICISMS FOR THE PROBLEMS HE INHERITED FROM PAST GOVERNMENTS ment. Truncating ongoing projects, simply because they were conceived and initiated by past governments is a mark of poor leadership. It is tantamount to a colossal waste of resources, especially where mobilizations have been paid. Government must retain sufficient confidence in itself by acknowledging the viability of any ongoing project or programme, even if the past government still chooses to take credit for it. No man has the prerogative on workable programmes, and Nigerians could care less who initiated them; only partisan apologists are. Now, Mr. President, with the change of guard, the citizens of this country are poised for a new dawn and a break from the past. Your election was a vote for a clean break with and a departure from the harrowing experiences of the last 16 years, our political circumlocution in the wilderness of retrogression. Nigerians deserve this chance at experiencing the gains of good leader-

for the initiator of this lofty programme in the person of Dr Okonjo-Iweala. Still on SURE-P, the young and enterprising artisans have not been left out of the party. The system provides for the Technical Vocational Educational and Training Programme (TVET), which is aimed at reducing unemployment and poverty in Nigeria through development of skills, building of institutional capacity and investing in training infrastructure. What more can we then ask for? Though some people want us to believe she was not responsible for reduction in our national debt, what these people clearly fail to see is that even though they served at some point in their careers as CBN governors or in other capacities, Okonjo-Iweala’s role in the debt relief granted by the Paris Club in 2006 was monumental. Has any other finance minister recorded such achievement ever since? If not for her influential role in the World Bank, would Soludo or other loquacious elements like him have gone to Paris Club to ask for debt relief ? Before Okonjo-Iweala’s success, hadn’t other African countries been asking for reparations from the western world without much to account for in terms of their success rate? As far as this writer is concerned, the former finance minister was only being vilified unnecessarily. There is nothing she did that was good in their eyes and this was because they were deluded; blind, even though their eyes were wide open. Her critics are people who failed

ship in an atmosphere of peace: This is the collective desire of the larger society; and Rev. Okotie captured that effectively in his intervention articles. This government must redefine politicking, which has always been a play of ‘them and us’. Nigerians have not stayed head above water because of the performance of the political class; it has been by the sheer doggedness and the survival instinct of our people. President Buhari must be aware that it is normal if he will take the jabs and criticisms for the problems he inherited from past governments. These challenges were glaring when he chose to vie for the office. Nigerians can differentiate between generic political rhetoric and performance, so, excuses will not suffice. You cannot pass the buck to past governments; an escape clause that your predecessors were apt to allude to for their non performance. Also, in a nation of over 50 million man strong manpower base, you cannot blame your appointees for incapability to deliver your promises. So, to engender the stability needed to pursue meaningful economic engagements, government must launch concerted efforts on all fronts, and strive to impact positively on Nigerians, home and abroad, assuring them of the seriousness of this government. Buhari, provide the leadership, and the people will follow. Idehai wrote from Lagos.

abysmally in the areas of their core responsibilities. They failed in their bid to get back to mainstream politics, which probably accounted for why they had chosen to ride on her back straight to relevance, but they’ve hit the rocks. They launched vociferous personal attacks on her person, because she chose to serve her nation. Thankfully, her stoic disposition has helped her keep her cool while delivering on her duties. So many seem to have forgotten that Dr OkonjoIweala left a lucrative appointment at the World Bank to work for her country, yet some people decided to make a living by criticising her. So much for gratitude. For me, Madam Okonjo-Iweala is royalty, though no one is bowing at her feet. She is beautiful, though only few admire her. She is a warrior, though no one sings her praises. She is a hero, though no one is telling her. You are a hero madam, albeit an unsung one. This was perhaps why Jesus Christ said in the Holy Bible that a prophet is not appreciated in his own country! Eghomeka, a teacher and writer, wrote from Benin City, Edo State.

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Editorial

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

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

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

As 7th NASS bungles PIB, 4th Constitution amendment

‘A

n exercise in waste’, that’s perhaps the best rubric that describes the 7th National Assembly’s (NASS) gobbledygook handling of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and the 4th Amendment to the 1999 Constitution, both of which suffered still-birth last week as the curtain was drawn on NASS’ activities for the period 2011 to 2015. The PIB is a blueprint-legislation the Federal Government tabled before the national lawmakers, which sought a new legal, regulatory and fiscal framework for the organisation and operation of the oil and gas industry in the country, based on the report of FG’s Oil and Gas Sector Reform Implementation Committee (OGIC), a panel set up by the government in 2000 to carry out a comprehensive reform of the oil and gas industry. Suggestions and recommendations of an Inter-Agency Team constituted by the government were also incorporated on the PIB as a memorandum to the National Assembly for ease of reference and comparative analysis. Simply put, the aim of the PIB is to establish, in place of countless existing legislative and administrative instruments that shortchange the nation in the management of its petroleum sector, a

THE BILL, HAD IT BECOME LAW, HAS THE POTENTIAL OF OPENING UP THE PETROLEUM SECTOR fairly all-encompassing legislation with clear rules, procedures and institutions for an oil sector regime that will favour Nigeria and her citizens. The bill, had it become law, has the potential of opening up the petroleum sector operated as a cult to multi-billion dollar worth of local and foreign investment. But entrenched interests in government, as well those of foreign beneficiaries of the frauds and rot in the petroleum sector, have stalled the passing of the bill since 2008, roughly eight years now. The FG bandied frivolous reasons for withdrawing and representing the bill to the NASS at a time; while the excuse of the House of Representatives for delaying it was that it was so important and needed not to be rushed. This explains why Nigerians should see the Wednesday, June 3 hasty passage of the PIB by the Reps on the last legislative day of the 7th NASS as a pre-meditated fraud. Indeed, Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, spoke with all candour when he said the

failure of the Senate to pass the PIB rendered the passage of same by the Reps useless. The Senate, in 2009 and at a time the late Dr. Rilwanu Lukman was Petroleum Minister, claimed it was committed to passing the PIB before the end of that year. Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, so pledged at a gala organised in honour of visiting officials of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) led by its SecretaryGeneral Abdalla S. El_Badri. A recent report says, however, that the Senate failed to pass the bill because of the intrigues and zero political will on the part of the executive arm of government, the originator of the bill. All these were not placed on the public domain by the Senate when they mattered most, despite the billions in public funds wasted to get the PIB to that stage. But the same Senate hurriedly passed 46 bills on the eve of its exit, bills that incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari may ignore, or which he may refer back to the 8th National Assembly for reexamination. Besides, because of its tardiness, the NASS woefully failed to pull through the 4th Amendment to the 1999 Constitution, which it effectively commenced in 2012.

ON THIS DAY

The result is that following exPresident Goodluck Jonathan’s last minute disagreement with portions of the amendment at the twilight of his administration, no time was left for the NASS to explore other options on how to see to it that the exercise which gulped billions of naira translated to law. Despite the Senate’s grandstanding to veto Jonathan on the amendment, the former president dragged it to the Supreme Court, which while ruling on the matter directed the Senate last month that the parties should go back, meet, reconcile and harmonise their respective positions on the suit within 24 hours and return to the court on Wednesday May 27 with their report of settlement. They were yet to resolve the impasse until Jonathan handed over to Buhari on May 29. Therefore, NASS may be applauded for its role in ensuring a relatively stable polity and passing some strategic legislations – the Freedom of Information Bill, for example - in the past eight years. But it ought to censure itself for the huge embarrassment it constituted to the nation by bungling the PIB and 4th Amendment to the Constitution. It may only be hoped that the Buhari administration will come to the rescue.

June 10, 1963

June 10, 1977

June 10, 2001

Equal Pay Act of 1963, aimed at abolishing wage disparity based on sex was signed into law by the then American President, John F. Kennedy as part of his New Frontier Programme. In passing the bill, the US Congress stated that sex discrimination depresses wages and living standards for employees necessary for their health and efficiency; prevents the maximum utilization of the available labor resources; etc.

The Apple II, one of the first personal computers, went on sale. The Apple II (styled as Apple ][) is an 8-bit home computer, one of the first highly successful massproduced microcomputer products, designed primarily by Steve Wozniak, manufactured by Apple Computer (now Apple Inc.) and introduced in 1977. It is the first model in a series of computers which were produced until Apple ‘IIe’ production ceased in November 1993.

Pope John Paul II canonized Lebanon’s first female saint, Saint Rafqa. Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayes, (June 29, 1832 – March 23, 1914), also known as Saint Rafka (Arabic name for Rebecca), was a Lebanese Maronite nun. She was born in Himlaya, Matn District on 29 June 1832; and was the only child of Saber Mourad El Rayess and Rafqa Gemayel. Saint Rafqa was baptised as Boutrossieh (Arabic’s feminine of Peter)

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

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Health & Wellbeing All drugs for deworming are free 22

One in 3 women sexually abused –UNFPA 21

It’s painful living with one breast!

... Cancer survivor tells her story FRANKA OSAKWE

s Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark the National Cancer Survivor Day last Sunday, Kemi Oluwa 29, will always remember the first day she noticed a tiny lump on one of her breasts. That was the beginning of her fierce battle with cancer, a dreaded disease known to have killed a large number of Nigerians over the years. Although very grateful to be alive to tell her story, lucky Kemi, one of Nigeria’s few cancer survivors still remembers vividly the trauma she went through when she first discovered the lump, the excruciating pain of cancer treatment and the permanent scar the disease has left on her. “April 3, 2007 is the day I will live to remember for the rest of my life,” she told National Mirror in an exclusive interview. “It was the day I noticed the lump on my left breast after a severe illness. Somehow, I knew something was very wrong but I never guessed it was breast cancer. “I ignored it, hoping that it would disappear but the lump kept getting bigger and bigger. At a point, I observed that one breast was getting overtly bigger than the other, it was at this point that I knew I had to go to the hospital.” Kemi went through mammogram tests at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), and several other tests to determine whether the lump was cancerous and the extent of the spread. Eventually, the lump was confirmed cancerous and that was when Kemi’s battle for survival began. “At the hospital, the lump was removed and during biopsy, the doctors confirmed the growth as cancerous.” After the initial operation, the lump grew back again. Kemi was advised that the only reasonable alternative was complete removal, to prevent spread. She was devastated. Being a very young girl without a husband and children, she wondered how she could live without a breast. This was a decision that she has to make fast. According to her doctor, Dr. Huhammad Habeebe, the cancer

could spread to other part of her body and she could eventually die if the infected breast was left. “Knowing that there was no other solution, I finally agreed to a mastectomy (removal of the breast) in 2008. After the surgery, I went through series of chemotherapy and radiation treatment for a period of two years” The financial burden she faced and the terrible side effects of chemotherapy was a nightmare she hopes will never happen again. “I spent over 5 million naira during this period, exhausted all my savings and incurring debts. It was a terrible period for me, going through all the side effects; having my hairs fall off, always exhausted and sick, with loss of appetite” Unfortunately for Kemi during those harrowing period, her radiotherapy sessions were extended to three months instead of the normal two weeks. “The radiotherapy machine got spoilt and had to be repaired. Going through the radiation for three months was hell on earth” she recalled. But thank God she was able to survive the whole experience. Now Kemi has gone back to normal life trying to adjust to life without one of her breast and living positively. Her advice to everyone, particularly women, is to stop living in denial. “Once you notice any lump in your breast or any strange changes in your body, don’t just ignore it or say it is not your portion. Go for a check-up because early presentation is the only cure against cancer.” To other survivors she says, “Believe in yourself and never feel less, irrespective of the loss of any part of your body to cancer. You still have a life to live and so much to give to the world”. National Cancer Survivors Day is a day set aside to celebrate survivorship. It is also a reminder of the physical and emotional challenges cancer survivors and their loved ones face as they learn to cope with the process of living with, through, and beyond cancer. Findings indicate that people living with a cancer diagnosis may experience depression or other mental health challenges. “These

Oluwa

ONCE YOU NOTICE ANY LUMP IN YOUR BREAST OR ANY STRANGE CHANGES IN YOUR BODY,

DON’T JUST IGNORE IT OR SAY IT IS NOT YOUR PORTION people need support from families, friends, caregivers and providers as they go through their diagnosis, receive treatment, and as they return to normal daily life,” said Dr Omolola Salako, Executive Director Sebeccly Cancer Care. Every year, Nigeria records no fewer than 100,000 new cases of cancer. With about two million people presently down with the disease, according to the Head of the Oncology and Radiotherapy Unit of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Prof. Remi Ajekigbe. But many of these people present late, and this is why survival rate is still low in Nige-

ria, an oncologist, Prof. Ifeoma Okoye, told National Mirror. According to her, cancer can be cured at the early stage but when advanced, the disease would have spread to other vital organs of the body such as the chest, cavity, liver, kidney and others. “At this stage, treatment is usually palliative, not curative and is aimed at reducing the pain, relieving symptoms and extending lives,” she said. She said that people need to be aware that cancer is a potential curable disease if treated early. For breast cancer, she said any lump in the breast should not be taken for granted. The person must consult a doctor immediately. “Similarly, anybody who is passing blood through the anus, that is bloody stool, should not just assume that it is pile or haemorrhoid. They should consult a doctor to avoid the late stage colon and rectal cancer that we see these days. “Where cancer is detected, people should know that treatment is available so they should stop jumping from one healer to the other. They should consult an orthodox medical doctor who can appropriately manage these conditions,” Prof. Okoye advised.

Health & Wellbeing

Nutrition for Health

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Health benefits of vitamin C

Humans do not have the ability to make ascorbic acid and must obtain vitamin C from their diet. Good sources of vitamin C is found in fruits like guava, lemons, limes, oranges, watermelon, papaya, grapefruit, cantaloupe, strawberries, kiwi, mango, etc and vegetables such as green peppers, cucumber, spinach, potatoes, etc. Foodstuff from animal origin such as fish contains some amount of vitamin C while cereals and pulses do not contain vitamin C in its dry state, but if soaked in water for about 48hours and allowed to germinate, they form a good source of vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a role in formation of intracellular cement substances in a variety of tissues like the skin, dentin, cartilage, and bone matrix. It ensures a healthy skin, gum and teeth. It helps in the maintenance of bones, healing wounds and proper functioning of the thyroid and adrenal glands. Vitamin C helps to increase resistance to infections and protects the body against harmful effects of toxic chemicals in our

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

itamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a watersoluble, non-enzymatic antioxidant (nutrients that helps fight free radicals) along other plant-based nutrients. It helps the body to make collagen (a protein) used to make skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Studies indicate that high intake of vitamin C from either diet or supplements shortens the duration of common cold, reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including coronary heart disease, arthritis and stroke. According to Linus Pauling, a chemist and two-time winner of the Nobel Prize, he proposed that heavy doses of ascorbate could prevent and treat most cancers. Although Pauling’s broad claims could not be supported in clinical trials, large doses of vitamin C are still used as an alternative form of cancer treatment for thousands of patients, outside of mainstream medicine.

food water and the environment. It helps to counter the toxic effect of drugs. A research published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, scientists found that high doses of vitamin C administered intravenously increased the cancer-killing effects of chemotherapy drugs in mice, and this helped human patients tolerate their treatment. Vitamin C protects arteries against damage. Population based studies (which involve observing large groups of people over time) suggest that people who eat foods rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, have a lower risk of high blood pressure than people who have poorer diets. In the Journal of Neurosci-

ence, reveals that the eye’s nerve cells need vitamin C, which suggests that vitamin C may be required by other areas of the nervous system. Consequently, another research has shown that people who eat diets rich in vitamin C are less likely to be diagnosed with arthritis and even exercise-induced asthma. Vitamin C has some side effects and interactions with medications. Vitamin C supplements for instance, has a diuretic effect, meaning they help the body get rid of excess fluid. However, be sure to drink plenty of fluids when taking them. It enhances absorption of iron from foods. So, people with hemochromatosis, (an inherited condition where too much iron builds

up in the body), should not take vitamin C supplements. Pregnant mothers, people with kidney problems and diabetic patients should talk to their doctor before taking vitamin C. People who smoke or use nicotine patches may need more vitamin C because nicotine makes vitamin C less effective in the body. Remember, prolonged deficiency of vitamin C may lead to scurvy. So, consume foods rich in vitamin C for the overall health and wellbeing. Always include lots of fruits and vegetables, which are loaded with antioxidants in your meals. If you are to take dietary supplements take it only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.

Sexual solutions and love products for adults I am 32 years old and I am having problems dating. I have a six year old son. The last boyfriend of mine was very angry with me when he found out that I have a son. He said that I could not be trusted and that I tried to trick him. I don’t understand. I just did not feel the need to talk about my son on our first date. I can only imagine that it will scare any man away. So by the time he found out almost a year after we started dating, he broke up with me. I feel very lonely and I don’t know how to approach dating again after that break up – Sarah Dear Sarah, I totally understand your situation. A child is a big deal and most men going into relationships just want to have fun. The mere mention of a child brings up the issue of responsibilities and that can be scary for a lot of single men. But don’t be scared to date. Of course revealing that you have a son on your first date may not be ideal but by the fifth or sixth date, I suggest you mention it. Be casual about it. Let the prospective boyfriend know that you are just looking to have fun too and that you are not fishing for a father for your son. This can help them relax around you. Within the first few dates in a relationship, couples size each other up and decide whether or not they want to pursue the relationship. Once the decision is made, it is easier for both parties to then reveal more details about their personal lives. This is why I suggest bringing up the child issue by your fifth or sixth date. Within this period,

the man involved has gotten to know you better, develop feelings for you and subsequently form an unbiased opinion about you. However, not everybody will be enthusiastic about dating a single mother, no matter how good and honest you are. Some will stay and some will run. You just have to be prepared for whatever happens. But you should not be scared of dating. You can only meet someone when you give it a try. Even divorcees and widows with kids still find love. So take care and I wish you luck – Uche Hello sir. I have been using Stay Hard Delay Cream now for years. I am one of your oldest customers. I just tried reordering it online and saw Colt Stay Hard instead. I don’t know this one. Is it the same product? – Oguchi Oguchi Colt Stay Hard is a different brand of delay cream manufactured by the Colt brand. It is just as good but the Stay Hard Delay Cream you know is also available. Just scroll to the second or third page and you will find it – Uche I got an email notifying me that Rhino 5 supplement is now available. X Again is the one I know. What is the difference? Jim They both do the same thing (penis enlargement, stamina, firm erections and stopping premature ejaculation), but one capsule of Rhino 5 lasts for as long as five days while X Again lasts for three days – Uche This past weekend, I was with a group of friends at a party when we got around talking about sex. Your company name came up and my

friends had good things to say about you. I am interested in some things but I just want to have an idea how soon it can be delivered to me. I live in Ogba, Lagos – Wale Wale you can get your order at any time and place of your choosing – Uche I can see that many of your products are available now. Please is the Thrusting Rabbit Vibrator as effective as claimed? I am only used to your vibrating bullets – Cynthia Yes Cynthia. It is the best and it is the only vibrator in this collection that the shaft moves up and down so that you don’t have to do any work yourself – Uche What is the difference between Max Stamina and Max Load? Jeff Max load increases semen quantity and sexual enjoyment while Max Stamina arouses, gives firm erections, perfor mance stamina and also stops premature ejaculation. They

are not the same thing at all – Uche That is all for today. The names of the people featured here have been changed for their privacy. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 07086754515 or 08053911233 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, send your emails to custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

One in 3 women sexually abused –UNFPA FRANKA OSAKWE

bout one out of three women in Nigeria will be sexu-

ally abused in her lifetime, says Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Osotimehin while brief-

ing newsmen in Abuja on the Fund’s response to Nigeria’s humanitarian crisis and supports to the violated women and girls, said the number of sexually abused

women and girls has increased due to insurgency in the North-east of Nigeria. “This may be invisible because violated women and girls are ashamed of admit-

ting their condition”, Osotimehin noted. Reacting to the allegation that the agency is insisting on the abortion of the Boko Haram babies, He said UNFPA offers psycho-social counselling to internally displaced persons, but certainly not abortion. According to him, the Fund does not promote abortion as a method of family planning nor does it have any abortion-related interventions in Nigeria. “UNFPA supports voluntary family planning so that men and women can determine the number of their children, timing and spacing of their children as well as unwanted pregnancies. It is their human rights to do

so and to have the means to exercise that right, this helps reduce recourse to abortion.” He said that all UNFPAsupported interventions are approved, owned and implemented in Nigeria, stressing that it also respects the country’s sovereignty, laws and priorities. He said the UNFPA had been supporting Nigeria and other stakeholders under the coordination of National Emergency Management Agency for monitoring and distribution of humanitarian supplies to the affected states, adding that the Fund is committed to ensuring that women deliver babies safely.

JOHESU’s influence wanes –Investigation L-R: NEMA Camps Coordinator, Alhaji Sa’ad Bello, presenting drugs to Chief Medical Director of Yola Specialists Hospital, Dr. Bala Saidu, to assist in the treatment of recent bomb blast victims in Adamawa State, recently. PHOTO: NAN

Stock exchange, CECP launch campaign against cancer JOHNSON OKANLAWON

n a bid to give millions in Nigeria a fighting chance against cancer through early detection, the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP) in partnership with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), is seeking to mobilise funds to purchase 37 Mobile Cancer Screening Centres (MCC) . The (MCC) is a clinic on wheels, in which screening, follow-up and several forms of treatment (including

surgeries) can take place. It includes facilities for mammography, sonology, and colonoscopy, with cryotherapy equipment for follow-up and treatment, and a side laboratory for prostate and colorectal cancer screening. Speaking on why NSE adopted the CSR platform to push the fight against cancer, Mr Bola Adeeko, Head of Corporate Services Division stated: “Everyone knows someone who has been affected by this dreadful disease. Through this initiative, we want to provide access to early detection and treat-

ment of cancer and contribute our own quota towards the reduction of the scourge. “The funds we are raising will go toward the purchase of Mobile Cancer Centres across Nigeria that will provide screening access to the medically underserved and result in the early detection of several cases thereby significantly improving their prognosis.” Leveraging its crucial role in supporting economic growth by providing an efficient and sustainable capital market which further provides access to decision makers and captains of in-

dustry, the Nigerian Stock Exchange launched the NSE Corporate Challenge, a 5-kilometre walk, run or jog race through the Business Speaking during the event, the Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, NSE, Mr. Ade Bajomo, said “We are glad with the increased participation in this year’s edition of our corporate challenge, this is a testament to the collective aspiration of corporate Nigeria to raise the awareness level and contribute to this drive to reduce deaths arising from cancer.”

World Environmental Day: Orientation Agency did not sensitise Nigerians –Iwuagwu FRANKA OSAKWE

he Chairman Chartered Institute of Safety Practitioners of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, Engr. Timothy Iwuagwu have said that Nigerians lack good environmental practice and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has failed in its duty to sensitize Nigerians on proper practice. Iwuagwu said this during an international conference held in Lagos on Saturday June 6th, to mark this year’s World Environmental Day, organised by Society for Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Mitigation (SETPOM). Giving his opening remark as the Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Iwuagwu

noted the fact that the population is continuously increasing and the environment is being trampled upon. “We need more awareness on environmental consciousness and practice, the NOA need to reach out more into the larger population. My advice to government is to organise more awareness, workshops, and seminars for the ministers, to ensure that the policies they make are consistent with the need of the society”, he said. Also speaking at the event, a Safeguard Specialist from Multiple Development Services, Dr. Eugene Itua, called on Nigerians to change their wasteful lifestyle in other to achieve sustainable development. Dr. Itua said people need to change their way of living.

“We need to rethink how we buy and how we organise our everyday life. For us to transform our society and live in harmony, we need to change the way we socialize, exchange, share, educate and build identities. Little efforts such as fixing leaky pipes, dinning in, changing our light and recycling old devices, all go a long way towards achieving a better environment”, he noted. While expounding on the theme of this year’s WED, which is; “seven billion dreams, one planet, consume with care”, another environmental expert, Mrs. Onome Eruayekomeme, explained that human interaction with his environment has led to large negative effects. For instance, she mentioned that in Agriculture, the falling of

trees and bush burning has resulted in pollution. “People suffer from cancer due to environmental pollution. The recent cases of lead poison are also as a result of illegal mining. We need to work together as a team to make our environment safe and protect it. “One way is by planting trees and deployment of technologies that are relevant to the environment. Also, the legislative arms should attend and participate in seminars that focus on environment so that they can develop policies that focus on environment. We need to learn to manage waste through bio-plant, oil and gas companies should be made to stop gas flaring”, she advised.

MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

ll seem not to be well with the Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU, a front used by health workers in the country to collectively bargain with, and challenge government. National Mirror gathered that since the Chairperson of the body, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, emerged President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, unity among constituent groups making the body has waned. Our correspondent gathered that emergence of Wabba as NLC President has created huge vacuum difficult to fill in JOHESU. “It is difficult for him (Wabba) to effectively combine the role of NLC leadership with that of health sector at this time that he himself still struggles to pacify some of the disgruntled persons in the NLC,” a source who pleaded anonymity claimed. The source continued: “Wabba wields much influence in the health sector. His elevation to the NLC Presidency, though a good thing for professionals in the sector, is really affecting JOHESU.” Election to fill Wabba’s seat in JOHESU has not taken place, as walls are still being mended over few elections that have taken place among the unions making up JOHESU in recent weeks. A major signal that JOHESU no longer speaks with one voice is the current

strike being embarked upon by the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, NUAHP. NUAHP disagreed with other members of JOHESU over whether or not to proceed on strike to pursue certain demands from the immediate past Federal Government. Leaders of major health unions in the country namely Mr Kayode Faniran, NUAHP; Ayuba Wabba, Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, MHWUN, Godswill Okara, immediate past President, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, AMLSN; among others had met with former President Jonathan shortly before the last Presidential poll where they were given assurances by the President that their demands would be met after the elections. Jonathan lost the elections; he never had time for the health workers again. Conscious of the implications of the scenario, National Mirror gathered that NUAHP suggested that JOHESU proceed on strike to make the Federal Government succumb to its demands. Only NUAHP succeeded with the decision, others refused to join. Speaking with National Mirror, Secretary-General, JOHESU, Marcus Omokhuale denied crack in the union. He however admitted NUAHP disagreed with other constituents of JOHESU on strike and went ahead with it.

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

All drugs for deworming are free we’ve been deworming has a control programme. Also, during those deworming campaigns, they normally tell the public.

Proper hygiene will prevent both blood flukes (Chistosoma Mansoni) and Soil Transmitted Helminthes (Schistosoma Haematobium), says Dr Obiageli Nebe, Coordinator, National Deworming Programme in this interview with Health Reporter, MARCUS FATUNMOLE at the dissemination of report on epidemiological mapping of both diseases in Abuja, recently. Excerpts: What is schistosomiasis? Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease, it is commonly known as bilharziasis which causes anybody that is infected to urinate blood. That is the commonest symptom of this disease. You will see that instead of the person having normal urine, the person will be urinating blood along with the urine. How is it contacted? It is contacted when somebody gets contact with contaminated water; that is water that is infected with schistosomes, such as the fresh water snail which is the intermediate host for schistosom. It is not the edible giant type that we eat. Once the snails are infected, they will release the small parasites into the water. Then, the parasite will be swimming in the water. Once somebody gets contact with the water, the small snails will penetrate into the person and move round the body, circulate, enter the blood, destroying the blood vessels around the urinary bladder. From there, the intestinal worms will move to the intestine. We have two types; we have the schistosoma haematobium (urinary type) and the schistosoma mansoni (fecal type) In the process, the person is infected. The parasite will multiply in the body; by the time the person passes out urine, the eggs of these parasites are passed with the urine. When you pass out faeces, the eggs of the schistosoma mansoni are also passed along. If it is a situation where people defecate in an open place, by the time it rains, it washes it back to the water. It can be transmitted to other people through flood. If infected person also urinates into the water body directly, the cycle continues. Do both schistosoma hematobium and schistosoma mansoni have the same effects on the body? They have virtually the same effects. One is found in the bladder area. That one makes somebody to urinate blood. The one that is found in the faeces also makes the person to have symptoms that look like the person is sick or the person is having malaria. It could come up with pains or other symptoms.

Is there any link between schistosomiasis and STH? Yes, there are links between them; both of them use the same platform and we also use the same structure to distribute the drugs. For instance, lymphatic filariasis is a filarial worm. The mass drug distribution for lymphatic filariasis is also being used to track soil transmitted helminthes. The STH programme, which is part of national programme for control of worms, benefits from mass administration of lymphatic filariasis.

What population is at risk of the parasites? All age groups are at risk, but those that are mostly at risk are children, school-age children from five years who are constantly in touch with contaminated water. But, every other adult is at risk. Apart from urinating blood, what other symptoms do we get from schistosoma hematobium? That is the only symptom. Apart from that, once the person has this symptom for a long time, it can degenerate into liver disease, bladder, cancer and protruded stomach and the person will look emaciated. Before you know it, the person will start losing weight, if it is for a very long time. Can it lead to death? It could if the person has cancer from schistosomiasis and it is left untreated for a very long time. In which environment can one find this disease in Nigeria? We can find it in environment where sanitation is very poor, places with inadequate sanitation, where you don’t have potable water for people to drink. It is common in rural areas where sanitation is poor and people don’t have good source of drinking water. It is common in school environment where children defecate openly. If there is no good toilet facility, people can easily be infected. Given what you’ve said, it seems the disease is preventable? Yes, it is preventable, if you keep your environment clean and make sure you keep your hands clean before eating, before and after defecation, you wash your hands with soap and water, or you wash with ash and water, you can easily prevent this. You’ve just concluded studies in 19 states, making a total of 34 states examined so far, which of these states has highest incidence of these diseases? In the survey we had, among these 19 states, Niger and Yobe states appeared to be having highest prevalence of schistosomiasis. But, for Soil-Transmitted Helminthes (STH), Akwa Ibom and Osun

Nebe

states have the highest prevalence. Does it mean that the level of sanitation in the two states has been very poor? Yes. One, is the level of sanitation; another thing is that there has not been any previous intervention measures put in place (in the states). A lot of attention is being given, through immunization, to the under-five being dewormed. By the time this survey result came out, it was an eye opener now that we are targeting only the under-five. But, the other age group that are not covered under that programme is equally very much at risk. What will Nigerians achieve from the survey? Nigerians stand to gain a lot. The survey is all about worms, to know the prevalence and geographical distribution of these worms. It gave us insight into the burden and geographical distribution of worms in the 19 states and the FCT. With this, we will be able to plan our intervention. Besides, findings of this study will also be used to track the progress of intervention that we put in place in those places. It will also help us estimate the raw requirements that we need; the quantity of albendazole that will be needed to deworm the children. It will also enable the government to target interventions, specifically to the places where we have the disease, instead of intervening in areas where we don’t have this disease. It will help us to prioritize our intervention.

From information available, millions of dollar worth of drugs have been made available free to the country by donors. Do you truly give them free to Nigerians? I can vow, nobody sells a tablet of the drugs. Deworming is free; it is the right of every child. What we do is that we generate the quantity of drugs that we need through the micro data collected from this survey…So, once we have data like this, we apply to the drugs donors. Once we receive the drugs, we give them to the various states to be distributed to various LGAs and to the various communities. They are distributed free. Are you sure that most Nigerians are aware that these drugs are free? That is part of the engagement with the media that we need to tell the public that these drugs are free. They don’t need to go to the chemist to buy when they have free deworming tablets being distributed through the National Country Programme. Actually, we hand over these drugs to the states, the states hand them over to the LGAs. So, they don’t need to go to the chemist because of the quality of what is being sold. We have quality products that have been donated to us through the World Health Organization. These are the kind of drugs people should access for their drug use instead of going to the chemist to buy. Where can they get the drugs? Each state programme where

Does it mean that as I treat schistosomiasis, I am also treating STH? No. The drugs are different, but you can use the same structure to treat. You can go to the community and treat other NTDs like river blindness; each one has its own drug, except lymphatic filariasis and intestinal worm that share the same drug. River blindness has its own drug; schistosomiasis has its own drug. You can use the same platform to distribute them. What is the prevalence of STH in Nigeria? The level is high. There is no state in Nigeria that is not endemic with one or two of them, no matter how clean that state is. How does worm get into human stomach and grows so long that we have to take medication to drive them out? It is through the fecal oral route. At that level, many of these children do not have good knowledge of hygiene practices. If you observe some children, as they finish playing, they may come across fruits, or food and share with their friends. From that of point of playing, they use the same hands unknown to them that they’ve picked a bit of these worms and start eating. If that child doesn’t wash his hand, goes to the toilet and after defecation, maybe use the hands to wipe off the anus, from there, he may come out immediately and start sharing food or start eating food. From there, the child is already infected, either picking it from the soil or from any other thing that is contaminated. By the time that worm gets to the intestine, it now develop, multiplies. By the time that child passes out faeces, maybe some other children that are playing in that environment unknowingly touch the faeces, or rain washes the faeces or urine down to the other side of the river, that is how it multiplies.

Mirror Wednesday, June 10, 2015 National www.nationalmirroronline.net

Abuja entertainment seminar tackles career growth

Arts Lounge At 8, I could recite paragraphs of Macbeth –Gregory Ojefua

Towards viable entertainment sector in Abuja Although, Lagos remains the entertainment capital of Nigeria, FCT entertainers are doing a lot to influence the scene by forming a united front as the President Buhari-led government settles down. Regina Otokpa

lthough, piracy has eaten deep into the Nigerian entertainment industry destroying some of the efforts put in place by creative minds, another silent worm seems to be disunity amongst the different factions of the industry. This has succeeded in stalling the growth of the creative sector. It has fostered quite a number of developmental challenges. Asides Nollywood, most persons tend to forget there are other sectors within the industry which includes music, comedy, writing, modelling and even pageantry, one of the trending businesses in town but unlike Nollywood, these segments have not been able to put up a united front to drive home their dreams and aspirations without stumbling on a mountain of challenges. While there have been a lot of agitations by entertainers living and operating within the Federal Capital Territory, over the level of cognizance granted entertainers outside the home turf during the immediate past administration, especially the ones from Lagos, who fly into Abuja, grab the goodies and fly out without considering the entertainers resident in the nation’s capital. Several meetings have been held to correct these unhealthy norm and only recently, the Performing Musicians Employees Association of Nigeria (PMAN), alongside the Senior Special Adviser on Entertainment to the Edo State Governor, Roland Igbadumhe aka ‘Youngest Old Man’, rallied entertainers in Abuja to address the situation. Charting a way forward, the PMAN Governor, Collins Adeyemi, emphasized the need for entertainers in the FCT to unite and align with the new administration to ensure that indigenous entertainers are not left behind in creative business as witnessed before now. He stressed the need for continuity in governance by the Buhari’s administration, in ensuring that the road map set by the Jonathan’s administration as far as entertainment is concerned, be maintained to further develop the nation’s economy which he pointed out, was enjoying a fair share from the entertainment industry resulting in the robust GDP as appraised last year. In addition, he noted that besides

Fashion show in Abuja

the 100 per cent support received by the various sectors and affiliations of the industry, the malleable environment had encouraged a good number of entertainers take up political positions, a welcome feat which could help develop the sector. The Governor appraising the journey of the sector in the country and Africa said, “A few years ago in Nigeria, the entertainer had no say, and had no voice. Once you mention your name as an entertainer, you are relegated to the background but this has changed but we want to tell the world that Nigeria has come to stay when it comes to entertainment. Last year when the GDP of Nigeria was being appraised and Nigeria was rated as the best economy in Africa, two per cent of that which is huge, went to the creative sector so if two percent raised Nigeria’s economy to be the best in Africa, then what that means is that the new government if they support us and they give us an opportunity, we can raise it to five or ten percent which would be incredible. In the whole of Africa, Nigeria is recognized as the centre of entertainment.” Based on the importance of the sector to economic growth and job creation, he urged President Buhari not to relegate entertainment to the background, but rather, ensure that the promises made

by his Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo on behalf of his administration to battle piracy to a halt be met and every possible support be flooded into the industry. “We say to the president to please not forget the creative sector in Nigeria, it is a very important sector that mirrors the society. When government does well, the creative sector will mirror it well, when government does not do well, the creative sector will still mirror it so the onus is on government to ensure that we in the entertainment industry are well catered for, cared for and most importantly for the first time in history, this country will produce a very intelligent and a well aware vice president who pledged on behalf of the government that the creative industry will be highly supported and they will fight piracy to the last so we must give them our full support.” The first step in proving the full support from Abuja entertainers in propagating the beliefs of the new administration as revealed by Adeyemi, includes the imminent plan to organize a segmented concert tagged ‘the wind of change concert’ aimed at informing government on the seriousness and willingness of Abuja entertainers to support all activities lined up all through the tenure of the present administration. The concert would have a musical

When government does well, the

creative sector will mirror it well,

when government does not do well, the creative sector will still mirror it

segment where upcoming arts would have an opportunity to showcase their talents with a theme basically on ‘A New Nigeria’, an interactive session to mentor the youths on consistency in achieving dreams and an award ceremony to three principal personalities; President Muhammadu Buhari for consistency and mentorship, former president Good luck Jonathan for safe guarding the peace of the future generation of Nigeria and the peace committee for hard work during the electioneering period. The President of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Abuja chapter, Mr. Onwurah Agility also noted that the AGN was presently working on a soap opera based on the life style and values of President Buhari, adding that in spite of the challenges faced by entertainers in Abuja, since the move to bury all hatchets and unite, there have been a positive level of progression. Lamenting the division in the industry, ace comedian Youngest Old Man maintained that erasing sentiments and uniting the different factions existing within the industry was the only way forward to benefit from the present government and also, develop the entertainment industry He said: “Let’s keep sentiments apart and come together to speak with one voice to support the Buhari administration and for Buhari to assure us of full support in return. We are talented and gifted but we need to be united to achieve so much success.” In attendance were caucus members of PMAN and representatives of the various entertainment departments operating in Abuja.

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

VOICES

Art development in Nigeria Yemisi Shyllon

e must unabashedly acknowledge that our modern and contemporary art has mostly been driven by the private sector. In so doing, the private sector is contributing to proving Lord Frederick John Lugard (1926) wrong when he stated among others that: “In character and temperament, the typical African of this race-type is… His mind is far nearer to the animal world than that of the European or Asiatic, and exhibits something of the animals’ placidity and want of desire to rise beyond the state he has reached. Through the ages the African appears to have evolved no organised religious creed, and though some tribes appear to believe in a deity, the religious sense seldom rises above pantheistic animalism and seems more often to take the form of a vague dread of the supernatural.” Starting from the earliest times to the present, art and artists in Nigeria have moved from one level of experience to another. As Nigerian politics and economy develop, so has the art. Art does not exist in a vacuum. Since it is a product of people and society, it reflects the yearnings and aspirations of its age and clime. Such reflection can provide an index on which the development of art tradition can be based. If by development, we mean the progressive improvement or amelioration of a condition or situation, art development, then, would refer to the dynamics of the sociology of art and how it is evidenced positively or negatively on the art ecology. The development of a given art ecology naturally depends on a number of factors. These factors include the consecrative agencies such as galleries, museums, historiography, art criticism, and the socio-psychology of the environment. In discussing the problems of art development in Nigeria, one should therefore critically assess some of these factors, the role of government and our public institutions. The problem of art development in Nigeria derives from the ineptitude in

Yemisi Shyllon

the administration of art and indirectly from the ephemeral interest of government. Since the culture sector is poorly funded, it is easy to lay all the blame for the sorry state of affairs in the sector at the door of government. But a critical look at the issue will also question the effectiveness of those in art administration in terms of proffering and execution of ideas in a way that can engender creative and imaginative system of generation of funds. From the public museums and galleries down to art councils, there is need for improvement. Most people do not even know where our public museums and galleries are, their importance and what they represent. With a system of education that does not effectively promote heritage studies, Nigerian museums, including the newly-built ones, remain dead ends. They smell of neglect

and despair and give little or no courage to anyone to regard our past and heritage with much enthusiasm. As (Aisha Labi) a Nigerian artist put it: ‘The fact that the museums in these parts do not encourage much visitorship simultaneously underscores our society’s loss of its past and logically its loss of its future. For in reality, there is only the past and the future. The present is but a fleeting realm that can be claimed by no one. If the Nigerian society continues to regard art and culture as luxurious entertainment, we will remain an uprooted people, with neither memory nor desire.’ If the culture sector in Nigeria is poorly funded, the onus lies on those who accept to be appointed artculture administrators to try to make the best of a bad situation, while also exploring various possible means to make

The problem of art development in

Nigeria derives from the ineptitude in the administration of art and indirectly from the ephemeral interest of government

Memorable Reads Who is your favourite author? I like Ebereonwu’s works. He is dead now, but his works have depth and always show the folly of mortals in our part of the world. To have done that much against the situation the country avails is impressive to me. Which of his books do you like? I will give it to ‘Insomniac Dragon’ his collection of poems. You like only poetry? I like other genres as well. But you can see me reading biog raphies, crime fiction and books on development most times. What book are you reading

Harris Chuma, Film producer

now? I am reading a biog raphy. It is called ‘Steven Spielberg: A Biog raphy’ by Joseph Mc Bridge. I started it yesterday and that is because I admire Spielberg’s works as a movie producer. What books shaped your early years? Those are the books by the Achebes and Soyinkas which we read to pass examinations in school. They are in their own class. What is your annual budget on books? I ought to have really, but

our lethargic governments more responsive to the needs of art and its role as a socialising agent. For education in Nigeria to effectively conduce to art development, it has to be positioned to recognise the peculiar needs of the industry so that it can contribute to the amelioration of those needs. Such education must be imbued with the capacity to enable social development in general and art development in particular. It must be a system of education that is able to broker understanding and dialogue between the artist and the society. In other words, I do not advocate a system which insulates the artists from the rest in the ecology of education. Yet this is actually what is in place, that is, an education system that does not allow much conversation between disciplines for the overall benefit of society. Since the Nigerian concept of development is largely predicated on science and politics, art seems to be downgraded in the nation’s educational system. From about the 1980s, it appears that art is no longer given its pride of place in Nigeria, as it is not adequately taught in many primary and post-primary schools. Although art is usually in the curriculum, art teachers are either too few or they are often diverted to teach other courses because our educational policy makers believe that art is not very relevant to human and social development. This has not only succeeded in destroying a vital aspect of education for our young people, but has also truncated the creative ability, vision and aspiration of generations of Nigerians who have passed through the Nigerian educational system in the past 30 years without art as an effective part of their curriculum. The creative instinct that art imbues at the formative stage of people goes a long way in fertilising their developmental potentials in any field of human endeavour they find themselves in later years. •Shyllon, a stakeholder in Nigeria’s culture sector, is a notable art collector.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

ARTISTE UNCENSORED

At 8, I could recite paragraphs of Macbeth –Gregory Ojefua Though he ignored nature’s call to study acting, the profession overtook him, birthing the creative theatrical mastery which he exhibits flick after flick. Here is a peep into the life of actor cum voice-over artiste, Gregory Ojefua. Olawale Oluwadahunsi

hen deciding to study Business Administration from at the University, one profession literarily lingered on his mind- to become an importer and exporter! A recent interview with the Tinsel actor had him laugh over this aspect of his life as he further revealed how acting outmuscled his personal ambition. “If I wasn’t into acting, I would have become an importer and exporter (laughs). My journey into acting started way back in primary school where I was fascinated with school plays so much so that while in primary 3, I could recite two to three paragraphs of Julius Caesar, Macbeth and other Shakespeare Classics, though my mum being an English and Literature teacher also helped. “Later in life fooling around with friends always yielded affirmative comments as regarding me considering acting and reading theatre arts which I ignored, but got into the University to read something else. Many years later the hunger for acting resurfaced, I eventually featured as a contestant on Zain’s “Don’t Forget the Lyrics” in 2009 which gave me some popularity back then and I got into professional acting, jumping off that springboard. I attended my first audition that same year and got cast to play 3 lead roles and a support in 4 episodes of the series produced by Lilian Okoro and directed by Kalu Anya “Winds of Change” after which I left for further studies and then returned finally in 2013 and started the hustle again. I am grateful to God for how far he has brought me within this short time frame” G¬regory Oje¬fua, who hails from Igueben in the Esan tribe ¬of Edo s¬tate,

also plies his trade as a plus sized model and events compere. He describes himself as a ‘che¬erful, adventurous a¬nd very inquisitive person with a flair for conquering ¬boundaries ¬ yet unexplored’ “I love healthy, intelligent and e¬nlightened¬ discussions and I bel¬ieve strongly in doing whatever I have to d¬o, best. I uphold a self coined mantra ¬that states li¬ve life s¬imple, it m¬akes life simple” He is recently working on a crime series, ‘After Dark’, where he plays a tough undercover cop, Azuka, alongside Iretiola Doyle, Odera Olivia, Charles Etubiebi and Bimbo Manuel (The Boss) directed by David Uro for Eureka Media. What is his most challenging movie role? The easy going actor reminisces with his deep voice while also giving a critical assessment of the movie industry. “That would be the role of General Chukwumeka Ojukwu in a short film titled “The Encounter” directed by Tolu Ajayi for Trino Studios. The mere idea of playing such a renowned individual was in itself a handful then having to learn his mannerisms and to speak Queen’s English his way was the crescendo. Am glad I faced because it made me better” “I would say the movie industry has really improved in many areas. We now have more films that are internationally friendly and accepted, bringing in awards, investors and making foreign actors willing work with us. The impression about the industry has also changed in the sense that unlike before where parents would forbid their kids from acting you now find them throwing their support behind them educationally and financially. Technically we have also advanced with the use of recent cameras, drones and other innovations present in the world. The presence and entry of

several

Gregory

more digital satellite TV stations has also fuelled the activities within the industry. We are definitely moving rapidly though more needs to be done to get us to the level where we can comfortably blow our trumpet” To his credit, Gregory has featured in

If I wasn’t into acting, I would have become an importer and exporter. My journey into acting started way back in primary school where

I was fascinated

with school plays

movi e s a n d soaps l i k e T i n sel, 1 House, S e c r e t Lives of Y a h o o Boys, Lasgidi Cops SCU, Lekki Wives 2, Heartbreakers, The Antique, Clinic Matters, Nectar, Unayi Police Station, Tomorrow is Now, The Draftsman, Up Creek without a Paddle, Codename Raine: The Siege and 30 Days in Atlanta. As a model he has also featured in a number of commercials both on TV, print and press like: MTN legal apps Advert, Nigerite 3X cement advert and Oleum Oil Advert. He shares his most memorable moments and where he hopes to be in few years to come. “My memorable would be sometime early last year, the day a man in an expensive truck pulled up beside me somewhere around Agidingbi and offered to drive me to anywhere I was going saying I was the only reason he started watching Tinsel despite how many times his wife had tried to cajole him to. I was so surprised and felt very appreciated and motivated. “Wow! In ten years I hope and believe that asides being on our ‘A’ list, I would have gotten far reaching international recognition and marketability, and would have floated a reputable production company”, he quips.

MIDWEEK JUMP

Sharpband Live Music Performance and Comedy Show

hursday 11th June is a special day at SS Lounge, as you will be thrilled by Sharpband as they give you a melodious dose of Live Music.

There will be other aspects of entertainment as a live comedy show will be added to music so you laugh and leave with new vigour that will make you end the week on a light note. The event will hold at SS Lounge, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

Sharp Band

Veentage Band at MVP Lounge

he Veentage Live Band will be performing today Wednesday 10th June 2015 at MVP Lounge. They will be performing for your listening pleasure, s o rush down to MPV Lounge to get thrilled and also get a mid week comedy entertainment. Event starts by 7pm. So come with your friends and colleagues, it’s a good time to hang out and have a pleasurable time and relaxation. The event holds at MVP Lagos, off Admiralty, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State. Veentage

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FAR AND NEAR

Abuja entertainment seminar tackles career growth

Members of PMAN, Abuja

Regina Otokpa

1NAIJA Entertainment, an event management organisation, concept developers and talent managers in a renewed effort to erase misconceptions held against artistes in Abuja, has taken the bull by the horn to rebrand the Abuja entertainment industry by organising a one day seminar holding tomorrow. Free and open to all artistes and entertainment lovers, a rich team of speakers; Charly Boy, PMAN Governor Collins Adeyemi, Mr Yankee, Gospelondebeatz and Jake Okechukwu, would take-on the theme ‘Building a Healthy Career in Entertainment’. Speaking to Arts Lounge, the founder, Nedu Romeo, stressed that the seminar would be an avenue to fully explore the potentials of indigenous talents and propose pathways to

inject Abuja arts and entertainment on a global scale. According to him, the initiative followed a comprehensive research which revealed that the majority boycott Abuja events which does not involve Lagos big acts because they do

not trust the quality of events involving only Abuja artistes. Debunking the assumption that the nation’s capital has been unable to enjoy the level of entertainment witnessed in Lagos due to the high rate of civil servants in the city, he maintained that more needed to be done by the multiple media channels operating within the city in propagating the talents of Abuja artistes. Romeo said: “We went to the street, we asked people what was wrong with Abuja event, why people don’t turn up if it is not Lagos arts. We found out so many people don’t have the trust of the quality of events that are coming out to Abuja so we are here to put a stop to it. “I am calling on everybody around, lets come together, lets reason, let’s look for a way forward, let’s think of

Much Loved: Actresses get death threats over roles

prostitution-themed film from Morocco that had its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May has set off a furor there: After six minutes of excerpts appeared online, the government last week banned the movie from theatres, the female stars received death threats and a male actor was attacked with a knife. The film, “Much Loved,” by the Moroccan filmmaker Nabil Ayouch, includes scenes of prostitutes in Marrakesh partying, speaking raunchy Arabic and servicing wealthy Saudi clients. Within a few days of the May 19 premiere, the clips had received more than two million views on YouTube.

The movie became the subject of protests outside Parliament in Rabat and of heated discussions on social networks in Morocco and France. Conservative Muslims view “Much Loved” as scandalous. Moderate Moroccans are offended that the film’s dark portrayal of their country was shown at a prestigious international film festival. The communications minister, Mustapha Khalfi, a member of the Justice and Development Party, echoed the outrage expressed by many when he said in a statement, “The film undermines the moral values and dignity of Moroccan women

At Korean Drawing Competition Joel Ajayi

orean Ambassador to Nigeria, Hon Kyu-Duk has said competition gives participants an opportunity to think outside the box, release their imagination, and translate creative ideas into reality. To this end, Bitrus Godwin of Junior Secondary School, Peyi emerged the winner of 6th edition of Korea drawing competition. A fierce drawing contest had about 1,000 students from 50 participating schools with different art drawing and creativity. Prizes won at the competition include: 10 micro-wave, phones and T-Shirts,

At Korean Drawing Competition

what we have not been getting right and think of how to get things right. We want a city that will appreciate and accept entertainment just the way we have in Lagos. “Everybody who watches the TV or listens to the radio is a stakeholder in the entertainment industry so we are inviting everybody that has interest of quality entertainment coming out from Abuja to come. The idea must not come from an event planner, record label executive or talent it can come from a lay man on the street that watches and is seeing what is happening and feels it should be at this level by this time,” he added. The seminar will hold at the Barcelona Hotels, Wuse 2, Abuja. Accreditation starts by 9am, while the main activity of the day kicks off at 10am prompt.

among others. Kyu-Duk made the assertion at the 6th Korean Drawing Competition award ceremony, expressed satisfaction that the competition which started five years ago has continued to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. The Korean Drawing Competition is an annual event organised by the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria, KCCN in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board is alternated between primary and Junior Secondary Schools. He said: “When I saw the exhibited works, I found that those drawings are far more than just portraying the images of Korea, yet they are very creative and ingenious to deliver the two nation’s

amicable relationships and similarity in a symbolic sense. “I believe this will strengthen the basis for the young children to be able to build a firm friendship between Korea and Nigeria in near future. A drawing competition such as this is an avenue where our school participants can be able to express their creativity outside the classroom. “By portraying various the various Korea and Nigerian images, our young participants are given opportunities to think outside the box, release their imagination, and translate creative ideas onto paper.” He pledged that the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria will further enhance its cooperation with various educational institutions including the Universal Basic Education Board to continue striving to develop and spread diverse educational and cultural programmes that are mutually beneficial. In his remarks, the chairman, FCT, Universal Basic Education Board, Alhaji Umar Barau Ningi expressed happiness that the programme which been on for six years has already benefited schools and children tremendously. He revealed that the impact of the completion was already been felt on the academic performance and appealed for continuity

as well as all the image of Morocco.” Mr. Ayouch, 46, said in a telephone interview that he “was expecting a debate, a polemic, some sort of confrontation because it is a sensitive topic,” then added: “But I am not feeling good about this controversy. I make films because I want Moroccans to see them.” One of the country’s most prolific filmmakers who is known to shine a light on the seedier aspects of Moroccan life, Mr. Ayouch is no stranger to run-ins with the government. Officials banned his 2002 film, “A Minute of Sun Less,” because it contained explicit sexual behavior, including between homosexuals. “The state needs to have faith in the Moroccan people and let them form their own judgment,” Mr. Ayouch said, adding that every Moroccan knows that prostitution, though illegal, is rampant in Marrakesh. “It was important for me to let people hear the voices of these women who live in complete despair.” “Much Loved” tells the story of four women trying to survive by selling their bodies. After excerpts were leaked online, an actor who played a Saudi client was wounded in a knife attack by a stranger who the actor said accused him of tarnishing Morocco’s image. Death threats were also made against the film’s actresses, including Loubna Abidar. (Mr. Ayouch has secured an apartment where the women can safely stay.) Recently, appearing on a local radio show, Ms. Abidar jousted with a critical host who warned her that he would go after her morally if she appeared naked in the film. But she told the host that she was merely playing a role that Moroccans knew well.

Ayouch

Business

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Why most accident reports are not made public –AIB boss

FG approves N50bn for Nigerian Maritime University 31

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Anxiety mounts as electricity supply remains epileptic nationwide

African govts urged on energy sector investments for growth TOLA AKINMUTIMI

carbon energy infrastructure “By hedging their bets and waiting for others to move first, some governments are playing poker with the planet and future generations’ lives. This is not a moment for prevarication, short-term self-interest, and constrained ambition, but for bold global leadership and decisive action. “Countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa are emerging as front-runners in the global transition to low carbon energy. Africa is well positioned to expand the power gen-

eration needed to drive growth, deliver energy for all and play a leadership role in the crucial climate change negotiations”, Annan added The report recommended that Africa’s leaders must start an energy revolution that connects the unconnected, and meets the demands of consumers, businesses and investors for affordable and reliable electricity. The 2015 Africa Progress Report also urged the governments to use the region’s natural gas to provide domestic energy as well as exports, while harnessing the

continent’s untapped renewable energy potential and cut corruption, make utility governance more transparent, strengthen regulations, and increase public spending on energy infrastructure. Other recommendation of the report are, the need for African leaders to redirect the US$21 billion spent on subsidies for lossmaking utilities and electricity consumption, which benefit mainly the rich, towards connection subsidies and renewable energy investments that deliver energy to the poor.

he report of the Kofi Annan’s Africa Progress Panel, Power, People, Planet: Seizing Africa’s Energy and Climate Opportunities has urged African governments, investors, and international financial institutions to scale up investment in energy to unlock Africa’s potential as a global low-carbon superpower. The report called on for a 10-fold increase in power generation to provide all Africans with access to electricity by 2030 and by so doing, reduce poverty and inequality, boost growth, and provide the climate leadership that is sorely missing at the international level. The Chairman of the Panel and former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Mr. Kofi Annan, specifically canvassed the optimal utilization of the abundant energy assets in the continent by the government preparatory to their building a stronger foundation for a competitive low-carbon energy infrastructure in their various economies. He said: “We categorically reject the idea that Africa has to choose between growth and lowcarbon development. Africa needs to utilize all of its energy assets in L-R: Chairman, Madugu Group of Companies, Malam Musa Garba; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Adamawa the short term, while building the State Governor Umar Jibirilla Bindow, during the unveiling of the plaque to commission Madugu Hotel & Resort, in Jimetafoundations for a competitive, low- Yola, at the weekend.

IMF predicts global financial stability SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

nternational Monetary Fund, IMF, has noted that the stability of the monetary policy in the United States of America would trickle down to other parts of the world. Deputy Managing Director, IMF, Mr Mitsuhiro Furusawa, who dropped the hint, said barely eight years, after the global financial crisis, the global growth still remains modest. He said that despite the expected growth from the decline in oil

prices, the world’s economic outlook shows the global economy expanding by 3.5 percent this year, noting that it would pick up by 3.8 percent in 2016. Moreover, the growth has been diverging across the countries and regions. ‘’US recovery is continuing, although at a slower pace this year than originally forecasted and growth in Euro area and Japan is expected to pick up. By contrast, economic performance in many parts of the world is falling short of expectations. “Emerging market growth will decline for the fifth year in

a row in 2015, but emerging and developing economies continue to account for the large share of global growth. We see signs of an emerging market rebounding next year’’, he stated. According to him, the unconventional monetary issues are easing out in Euro area and Japan, where inflation is subdued as smaller advanced economies and emerging market economies have eased the monetary policy. “As we know well, the risk is that once market sentiment shifts, possibly triggered by normalization, the yields could sharply in-

crease and capital flows reversed. This process could become disorderly with impaired liquidity in certain markets or asset classes, he added. Such volatility combined with depreciation in a number of emerging markets may cause strains on non-financial corporate that have borrowed heavily in foreign currencies, which could trigger capital outflows. Its Gross Domestic Product, GDP, growth, would ensure stronger current account positions, lower inflation and help to contain market volatility.

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, June 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Why most accident reports are not

Dr. Felix Abali has since appointment as the Commissioner of Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, over a year ago undertaken a number of projec that are intended to improve his agency’s accident investigation responsibilities in the aviation industry. In this interview with OLUSEGUN KOIKI, the industry expert speaks on some of the challenges confronting the agency, especially in the area of accident investigation, his achievements and prospects for improved performance of the Bureau in the years ahead. Excerpts: A lot of people out there do not know the major functions of AIB. Could you tell the public briefly about the agency? Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, is one of the six parastatals of the Federal Ministry of Aviation charged with accident investigation, come up with recommendations in case of major incident or accident that if implemented will help enhance safety and deter recurrence of such incident or accident in the future. About two months ago, your leadership of the agency was a year old. Reflecting on your experience so far, what would you say are the major challenges, achievements and prospects of the agency? My achievements have been multi-faceted; one of them is that when I was appointed there was an accident investigation laboratory that was ongoing. The contractor refused to complete it. Then, I worked with the contractor with lots of challenges and agreements. The laboratory is completed now and the staff members have been trained on how to handle it. So, as it stands now, we have a laboratory that we can go to download information from cockpit voice recorder. This was one of the things that we used to go to abroad to do and it cost a lot of money and time. There are other things that I have done; I have enhanced the training programme in the agency. A lot of accident investigators have been hired and sent to the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, NCAT, Zaria. As I am talking to you now, four of them have come back and working with us. To improve our response time during accidents, we are building two regional offices in Kano and Enugu airports. We have also acquired a wreckage hangar, which we are equipping right now. This will aid our investigations. A lot of things are happening and we hope to put several things in place in the nearest future. However, one of the major challenges that we have in the agency is that of the public, first responders, pathologists and coroners whenever we have an accident. When we have an accident, sometimes, you go to the accident site, but unfortunately, the first responders don’t understand the role of AIB. So, it becomes difficult for AIB to conduct its investigation. In case of an accident, the pathologists and the coroners help in determining whether the flight crew was intoxicated or under the influence of drugs and the identification of the bodies through the DNA test. When they do that, they are not under our jurisdiction. So, it becomes very difficult to get the result as fast as we would have loved to. Another challenge we have is that of funds. AIB doesn’t generate revenue and we depend for money from the capital bud-

Abali

get. As it stands now, we have three per cent of the five per cent ticket sales charge by airlines, which is not enough. So, it becomes very challenging to work with such resources when it comes to accident investigation and running the organisation. On our prospects, the cardinal role of AIB is to investigate accidents and to come up with final reports and in that final report, there are recommendations that will enhance safety.

How do you address the challenges of coroners and pathologists in case of an accident? What we have been doing is that we try to come to an understanding with them. We have been trying to write a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with them. As a matter of fact, we just started working with one of the pathologists who basically has a lot of connections with some of the hospitals in different states. These hospitals will work with this individual who will just

ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION DEALS WITH FACTS AND GETTING FACTS IN CASE OF AN

ACCIDENT TAKE TIME.

THERE ARE LOTS OF ISSUES YOU HAVE TO DEAL WITH...

report to us. If that works, I think the situation would be alleviated. What are the procedures of investigating accidents by AIB? AIB doesn’t only investigate accident, but also investigate serious incident. When an accident occurs and we are informed, AIB will liaise with other agencies like the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, that handles air traffic control, the Nigerian Emergency Management Agency, NEMA and other government agencies that are relevant to us at that particular point in time with the aim of getting information from them. Then, AIB will try to determine the size of the accident and put a commensurable team together to try and investigate the cause of the accident. Major departments we have here are the engineering and op-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Executive Discourse

t made public –AIB boss

cts ,

erations who are experienced in their own fields and have different roles to play in case of an accident. In Nigeria, several of the accidents reports are not always made public unlike what obtains in other climes. Why is the Nigerian situation different? Accident investigation is not like a car accident where a reporter could go in there and analyse the cause of the accident and goes home with it. Accident investigation deals with facts and getting facts in case of an accident take time. There are lots of issues you have to deal with. For instance, if an accident occurred because of the failure of one of the engines of an aircraft, to determine the cause of the failure of this engine, it means you have to go to the manufacturers to tear down the engine to know what is wrong with it. Whenever we go to the manufacturers of these engines, we can’t give them an ultimatum to do this within a particular time. We have to wait for the manufacturers to dictate to us when they can do so. It might take months, years and sometimes a long time. So, we have to wait for the manufacturer because we don’t have the capacity to tear down the engine. Another issue I want to point out here is the pathologists and coroners that we have here. These are our local people and when they do their work, sometimes it becomes a court battle for us to get information from them because we don’t have any jurisdiction over them. So, we have these kinds of issues that delay the release of an accident investigation.

the system. Until the black boxes are discovered and the true causes of the accidents are known, we won’t be able to comment much on them. But, I want to emphasise here that aviation is still the safest mode of transportation anywhere in the world. When are we expecting the final report on the October 2013 Associated Airlines plane crash? That takes us back to the problems we are having with coroners and pathologists. We are actually still waiting for their reports. Accident as you know could be caused by a lot of factors. Assuming that one of the crewmembers was drunk, how do you determine this? It is through pathological reports that you can know the true state of health of such crewmember. If we don’t have such information then, the report is incomplete. We cannot go and publish something and leave out some aspects. Earlier, you talked about training and retraining of your personnel. A few months ago, the Head of Service of the Federation, Mr. Danladi Kifasi, announced the suspension of foreign trainings for certain categories of personnel in the public sector. Will this new policy stance not affect AIB operations adversely? I must also add here that the Head of Service held a meeting with all the Permanent Secretaries in the ministries and they came to an agreement that if a training is necessary for an organisation to attend that we

What is the relationship between AIB and other government agencies in the Nigerian aviation industry? AIB and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, and others are sister organisations under the ministry of aviation and all have different roles to play. We have

WE WILL CONTINUE TO TALK ABOUT ACCIDENTS IN THE

SECTOR. ACCIDENTS CANNOT BE

ERADICATED, BUT

I BELIEVE THAT

THROUGH TRAININGS, ACCIDENTS WILL BE GREATLY REDUCED

six parastatals in the industry, which have different roles to play in aviation. NCAA is the regulator of the industry while AIB is charged with accident investigation and several others. If there is an accident, a lot of people call on NCAA by default because it is known as the regulator, but when NCAA gets the call, it determines the seriousness of the incident. If it is serious, it calls on us and we put our team together to commence the investigation, with a personnel from NCAA as required by the law who serves as an observer in the whole process. However, if it is not a serious incident, NCAA just handles it. In what ways can the public assist your organisation in the discharge of its mandate in the aviation industry? What we ask from the public is full cooperation. Whenever they see an accident or see an aircraft that is in distress, they should call AIB and inform us with the situation report and if they go to the accident site, they should not tamper with the materials of the wreckage because tampering with the wreckage would affect the cause of the investigation and we will not be able to pinpoint the real cause of the accident, which will then cause safety concern. We have several numbers that are functional for 24 hours daily, but not toll free yet. However, we are working frantically to make them toll free so that people can easily contact us in case of any emergency. How can we curb air accidents globally? There are lots of factors; they could be weather related; it could be mechanical and design and other part could be human factors. Fortunately, aircraft that we have today are so well built that accidents due to designs are so little. Most of the accidents that we have today are related to human factors. Over 70 per cent of accidents that we have today are unfortunately pilot related. We will continue to talk about accidents in the sector. Accidents cannot be eradicated, but I believe that through trainings, accidents will be greatly reduced. I went for helicopter training in Canada recently and their motto was to reduce helicopter accident to zero by 2016. So, I think a lot of people are working towards it and may be in the future we will have zero accident rates in the industry. We don’t hope for an accident, but when human beings are involved, you cannot rule out accidents from happening maybe inadvertently or otherwise. However, we have well-trained people in the sector and these are not reckless people; but human beings for being what we are we can do things that are not expected.

Weather is one of the major causes of accidents in aviation industry. Sir, how would you rate weather’s contribution to aviation accidents? When it comes to weather related accidents, this is one of the things that AIB is proud of. Through investigations, we were able to determine the cause of some accidents, which include ADC and Sosoliso airlines. Those crashes were weather related. Through the recommendations that we gave, we said that the government should procure wind shear detector equipment and the government listened to these recommendations. The equipment were procured and installed. Through recommendations of our reports, we also said that pilots in their training should incorporate the simulation part of it that handles that kind of weather condition – windshear and since then, we have not had any accident that is weather related in this country. Aviation is regarded as the safest mode of transportation, but recent accidents seem to vitiate that position. What is your view on this? Aviation industry is safe globally and will always be safe. Till now except the one that happened over Ukraine that the people know the cause of it, the other two or three, we don’t know the causes yet and I think in accident investigation, it is not always right to speculate. It doesn’t do the industry any good and it will not enhance safety in

should write to the ministry and wait for approval before embarking on such. So, that provision is there. This wasn’t the situation before now, but as you are aware of the massive fall in the price of crude oil in the market, which has caused the government some financial difficulties, we have to make do with that for now.

Abali

AIB participated in the recent Enugu Trade Fair, how did it go for the agency? It was a great outing. The idea of participating in trade fairs is just for awareness reason because a lot of people don’t know what AIB does, but we feel by attending such fairs, more people will know more about us and what we do and our functions. We will be willing to participate in several fairs for awareness purpose.

Business News

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Operator seeks 4,000 flying hrs for aircraft before C-Check OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has been advised to adopt the 4,000 flying hours timeline for airline operators in the country before carrying out C-Check maintenance on their aircraft. This is against the current regulation which sets mandatory 18-month for the C-Check maintenance. C- Check is the third category of major maintenance carried on aircraft every 18 months whether the plane was flown or not. It is different from line maintenance checks carried out on the aircraft either every month or af-

ter some flying hours. World over, comprehensive maintenance are carried out on aircraft every 4,000 hours, but the industry regulator, NCAA adopted the 18 months approach as a result of the fact that Nigerian airports are not operated 24 hours daily and the flying times for the nation’s aircraft are limited. Making a case for the review of the current regulatory requirement, Chairman, Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, hinted at the weekend in Lagos that the mandatory 18 months period for airlines to carry out comprehensive checks on their aircraft was causing serious challenges on airlines’ operations. He explained that for each C-

Check, operators spent at least $5,000, which he said would have been delayed if NCAA had adopted the 4,000 hours global practice. With an estimated 300 aircraft both charted and scheduled operating in Nigeria, the industry in the country is believed by analysts to be losing over $150 million every 18 months for C- check of aircraft maintenance centres abroad. Onyema insisted that a situation in which an aircraft is “forced by the NCAA to undergo C- Check” every 18 months even if such aircraft was not used was making both scheduled and charter operators lose hundreds of millions of dollars.

Worried over the huge capital flight, he said it was time government granted approval to some domestic carriers to set up aircraft maintenance hangar to create jobs and enhance indigenous skills in aeronautical engineering. Such prospective players he said should show evidence of partnership with foreign aircraft repair centres. To limit the foreign exchange losses to the country, the Air Peace boss said that government should make land available at the airports at affordable rate for interested domestic carriers that wanted to set up aircraft maintenance centres in the country.

He declared that if an aircraft maintenance centre was set up in Nigeria, such huge funds ould be retained to create jobs for teeming aviation professionals. He said, “The NCAA regulation makes it mandatory to go for C -Check every 18 months. This is only mandatory in Nigeria that an aircraft whether you operated it or not must go for C - Check. No other country in the world is doing this. “This regulation is too strict. In America it is 4,000 flying hours. America is the owner of civil aviation and they are utilising the 4,000 regulation before an aircraft can go for C- Check.

SWIFT Networks deploys 1,000 4G LTE base stations ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

WIFT Networks Limited has deployed over 1,000 4G Long Term Evolution (4G LTE) base stations in Lagos State as part of its strategic positioning of delivering high-speed broadband and data services in the state. This is just as it also acquired the spectrum of Chromecom (subsidiary of Monarch Communications Limited)- another licensed operator, to boost the broadband speed and additional capacity. Managing Director, SWIFT Networks Limited, Mr. Charles Anudu, described the acquisition of the spectrum of Chromecom as a strategic drive for the company in its constant quest for better service delivery to its valued customers. Anudu said: “As a company, we believe in pursuing strategic initiatives that ensure that we continuously reinforce our brand essence and value propo-

sition to our teeming customers. “With the additional spectrum from the Chromecom acquisition, the refarming of our WiMAX spectrum for 4G LTE services and the additional base stations deployment, we will deliver an ultra-fast broadband experience comparable to the best anywhere in the world’’ he added. The General Manager, Consumer Sales and Marketing, SWIFT Networks Limited, Philip Sonibare said that over 100,000 existing WiMAX customers would be migrated to the to the new 4G LTE network in the third quarter of 2015, free of charge for the modems to ensure that the customers enjoy a futureproof experience, irrespective of the evolution of technology. He said that as a result, customers will be able to freely upgrade to a much faster and more efficient network for better service experience, saying that this will also enable SWIFT to improve the experience of its existing 4G LTE customers.

L-R: Senior Special Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan on Maritime Services, Mr. Leke Oyewole, Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Dr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi, Vice Chancellor, Nigerian Maritime University NMU, Okerenkoko Delta State, Professor (Mrs) Maureen Etebu and Pro Chancellor of the institution, Professor (Mrs) Viola Onwuliri, at the grand reception held in honour of the Governing Council and management of the University by the Gbaramatu Kindom, which is the host community for the NMU recently.

NACCIMA harps on benefits of auto policy to economy SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

igerian Association of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, has reiterated its support for the nation’s auto policy, noting that it would not only reduce the influx of im-

ported vehicles into the country, but also boost local production. The Association in its Newsletter, noted that already the policy had started yielding positive results, as some assembling plants like Innoson Motors and NISAN have commenced operations in the country. It explained further that the

Insurance firm revs up manpower capacity-building drive MESHACK IDEHEN

he Chairman of Law Union and Rock Insurance Plc, Mrs Adenike Adeniran, has disclosed that the company was implementing human capital development programmes targeted at enhancing the company’s performance in the years ahead. Adeniran made the disclosure during the company’s 46th annual general meeting in Lagos, saying that fortification of the company’s workforce is through the employ-

ment of professionals and training and re-training on a sustained basis. While noting that the future outlook of the insurance industry in the country is bright, she said the company was determined not to be left behind in the drive for market leadership. According to her, the board has the confidence that the new managing director and his team have the potential to take the company to the next level. She said that the focus of the board had been handed over to the management team, adding the focus is to improve the top line while

minimising the cost of doing business and return the company’s brand to its former glory. Some highlights of the company’s financial performance indicated that the gross premium for 2014 increased by 21 per cent to N4.16bn from N3.44bn in 2013; its shareholders value increased from N4.17bn in 2013 to N4.18bn in 2014; while its underwriting profit stood at N1.03 bn in the period under review. The regulatory system within the insurance industry, she noted, had witnessed tremendous progress and this was expected to yield the desired result in ensuring

that the insurance sector became stronger and better. “Ethics, professionalism and corporate governance are improving in business conducts of various players in the industry. Investors are also encouraged with the improvement in regulation and this places the industry in the forefront for business improvement”. Adeniran said the drive for growth in the insurance industry led to collaboration and restructuring, explaining some big players in the industry have acquired a few entities to reposition for growth and strengthen confidence in the sector.

policy also had the potential of creating jobs for the teeming populace as some accessory companies are expected to produce auto accessories. ‘’Some of these firms will be producing windscreen, glasses, car seats and mirrors among others. It will gradually lead to complete auto production and fulfil the long-term auto plans of the country. Developing innovative assembly will ensure sustaining development of the sector’, it stated. Besides, it would also ensure that Nigerians purchase modern cars, which will reduce the appetite for foreign cars. Expert had noted that the policy will accelerate technological development of the nation’s economy while increasing employment opportunities for Nigerians. It would also conserve the scarce foreign exchange, establishment of integrated automotive industry, standardization and rationalization of the Nigerian automotive industry, just as it would increase private sector participation in the establishment of auto industry.

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Business News

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

FG approves N50bn for Nigerian Maritime University FRANCIS EZEM

he Federal Government has approved N50 billion for the Nigerian Maritime University, NMU, in the next few months preparatory to commencement of its academic programmes. Giving the hint on the funding approval when he led a team of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, on a courtesy visit to Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the agency’s Director General, Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, said that the Federal Government had given approval to the agency to spend N50 billion preparatory to the take-off of the university in

the next few months. According to him, as part of immediate plans for the take-off of the university, the Federal Government has also constituted the governing council of the university headed by the former Minister of State for Education, Professor Viola Onwuliri, as the Pro-Chancellor. Akpobolokemi told the Governor that the university, which is a clear departure from the other conventional universities in the country, had also secured the approval of other relevant agencies including, the International Maritime Organisation IMO. “Maritime Universities are a necessity for countries such as Nigeria that has vast coast lines and also rich in oil and gas activities”,

he noted. He noted that in addition to checking the human capital gap in the country, the institution would also enhance the training of seafarers that would be exported to the parts of the world, through which the country could earn foreign exchange. He cited the instance of the Republic of Philippines, which has a population of about 77 million people, which repatriates in excess of $6billion annually to the national economy through the export of seafarers to other maritime nations including Nigeria. The NIMASA boss argued that with a population of over 170 million people Nigeria stands a better chance of exporting more seafar-

ers than the Philippines, especially given other maritime resources at her disposal, which the Philippines does not have. He reminded the governor that the decision to cite the institution, which would be of immense benefits of the state indigenes, was in recognition of the vast maritime resources in the state, especially the presence of oceans, which are connected with the Atlantic Ocean. In response, the governor assured the DG that he would do all within his powers to ensure that the university is brought to an enviable position. He however commended the management of the NIMASA for a well thought out programme

of creating a tertiary institution such as the Nigerian Maritime University, which emphasizes technical education, which is a clear departure from the existence of many conventional universities in the country. “At this point in the history of the development of our dear country Nigeria, we should be laying more emphasis on technical education because after several years of emphasis on conventional education, we see that our youths cannot compete and many of them are not employable because many of them do not have any technical competence because of the deficiency in the country’s educational system”, the governor lamented.

Global Internet of Things market to grow by 16% –IDC ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

he worldwide Internet of Things, IOT, market is expected to grow from $655.8 billion in 2014 to $1.7 trillion in 2020 with a compound annual growth rate, CAGR of 16.9 percent. Though new in most developing countries, the term IoT has finally settled in Nigeria as its application is now felt in almost all sectors of the economy. The IoT is the network of physical objects or “things” embedded with electronics, software, sensors and connectivity to enable it to achieve greater value and service by exchanging data with the manufacturer, operator and/ or other connected devices. Each thing is uniquely identifiable through its embedded computing system but is able to interoperate within the existing Internet infrastructure. Examples of IoT are heart monitoring implants, biochip transponders on farm animals, electric clams in coastal waters, automobiles with built-in sensors, or field operation devices that assist fire-fighters in search and rescue. Latest report released by In-

ternational Data Corporation, IDC, showed that IoT has continued to gain momentum as vendors and enterprises begin to embrace the opportunities this market presents. According to IDC, their devices, connectivity, and IT services will make up the majority of the IoT market in 2020 adding that they are estimated to account for over two-thirds of the worldwide IoT market in 2020, with devices (modules/sensors) alone representing 31.8 percent of the total. IDC said that by 2020, IoT purpose-built platforms, application software, and “as a service” offerings will capture a larger percentage of revenue. The new forecast from IDC stated that three recently completed reports defining the IoT market and identifying opportunities are IDC’s Worldwide Internet of Things Taxonomy, 2015, Worldwide Internet of Things Forecast, 2015–2020, and the Worldwide IoT Spending Guide by Vertical. The report indicated further that IDC’s IoT taxonomy includes a view to the horizontal technology stack of hardware, software, services, and connectivity as well as a vertical view to the industries and use cases that IDC is forecasting in the IoT market.

L-R: Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Asue Ighodalo; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Yemi Adeola and Mr. Chris A. Ajuyah (SAN), Former Honorable Chief Justice of Delta State at the Nigerian Bar Association’s Conference on Business Law sponsored by the Bank on Monday in Lagos.

NLC carpets last National Assembly on Bills’ passage MESHACK IDEHEN

he Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has faulted the passage of 46 bills in 10 minutes by the laste Legilsature, saying the development is a reckless path to law making. President of the NLC, Mr Ayuba Wabba, in a statement on Monday said it received the news of the bills’ passage with shock and disappointment, stressing that the act by the Senate has denied Nige-

rians the right to a public hearing and the opportunity to interrogate the desirability or otherwise of the bills. “The Senate, apparently competing for the Guinness Book of Records for legislative infamy, passed 46 bills without legislation in 10 minutes, while the House of Representatives took turn the next day to pass 14 bills transmitted to it by the Senate, without following the regular legislative procedures. “Whoever advised our lawmakers to take this reckless path to

lawmaking has only succeeded in putting an indelible dent on whatever achievements the 7th session of the National Assembly wished to be ascribed to it. “By this singular action, our distinguished and honourable lawmakers have not only displayed gross disdain for the philosophy of lawmaking in a democratic setting, they have even more so exposed their manifest lack of interest in and commitment to the wellbeing of the country.

He described the new Group CEO as a truly outstanding individual with deep knowledge of banking across Africa, while also thanking Essien for his over two decades career at Ecobank and achievements over the past years. Ayeyemi is a highly experienced banker and chartered accountant who has had a long and successful career with Citigroup,

where he is currently Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup’s subSaharan Africa division, based in Johannesburg. In his remarks, he expressed his readiness to work with the management team, the Board of Directors, and the employees of Ecobank as they set new standards in financial services for the bank’s clients across the board.

Ecobank names Ayeyemi as new Group CEO

cobank Transnational Incorporated (Ecobank) parent company of the Ecobank Group, a pan-African bank with operations in 36 countries across the continent, has announced the appointment of Mr. Ade Ayeyemi as its new Group Chief Executive Officer. His appointment is effective from 1 September 2015.

Ayeyemi, 52, will replace Albert Essien, who retires on 30 June, 2015 after 25 years of meritorious service with the Group. An interim arrangement will be made by the Ecobank Board for the management of the Group during the period 1 July through 31 August, pending the resumption of the new GCEO. Speaking on the new changes at

the top hierarchy of the Ecobank Group, the Chairman, Emmanuel Ikazoboh, said that Ayeyemi’s choice was the result of a thorough and extensive search throughout the African continent, adding that the Board was delighted to have secured him as the person to lead Ecobank through the next phase of its development and beyond as a world-class pan-African bank.

Business News

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

FCT banks decry low BVN compliance rate by customers TOLA AKINMUTIMI

ommercial banks in the Federal Capital Territory have decried low level of customer compliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) directive on Bank Verification Number (BVN) ongoing exercise. A report sourced from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) indicated that some bankers estimated that over 60 per cent of customers in the institutions was yet to comply with the directive. A source at EcoBank in Wuse area said that about 70 per cent of the account holders with the bank had not done the BVN registration in spite of the awareness campaigns, most customers had simply refused to register. The official disclosed that the

bank was yet to commence the restriction order on customers’ account for non-compliance, adding that bank has intensified its enlightenment campaign efforts to persuade customers to do the needful. At the Asokoro GTB branch, an official reportedly said a good number of customers had done the registration but the general turnout was not impressive, adding that the bank would soon begin to implement the CBN restriction on customers’ account transactions as a measure to ensure compliance with the directive. Other banks where assessment of the exercise was carried out showed that majority of customers were yet to comply with the directive where those whose accounts were dormant. However, at the Stanbic IBTC

Bank and the United Bank for Africa, it was reliably gathered that the banks had started the CBN restriction on customers’ transactions. For instance, a customer at the Stanbic IBTC bank, Miss Kate Elijah, was said to have expressed her frustration when she could not withdraw from her account at the end of the month because of BVN. The CBN had set June 30 as the deadline for the BVN exercise nationwide after which customers that failed to provide their BVN would no longer have access to their accounts. Investigations by National Mirror indicated that in view of the huge gap in bank customers’ registration, the apex bank may be compelled to extend the exercise by at least 60 days.

Stakeholders at the Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission public hearing to consider proposals to establish an Independent System Operation and cap estimated billing, in Abuja, recently. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Iranian Ambassador tasks ICC on business opportunities KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

mbassador of Islam Republic of Iran, Mr. Szeed Koozechi, has urged members of Ibadan Chamber of Commerce, ICC, to tap into the existing business opportunities in his country, which he described as the second largest economy in Middle East and North African region. He made the call during his visit to Chamber’s Secretariat in Ibadan, Oyo state. He said, though Iran shared the same similarity with Nigeria as oil producing country, but its economy is characterised by large hydrocarbon sector, small scale agriculture and a noticeable state presence in manufacturing as

well as financial services. Describing his country as selfsufficient in electricity with 70,000 megawatts capacity, the Ambassador said, Iran sold electricity to its neighbours to the tune of $1 billion last year. He said, ‘’with an estimated Gross Domestic Product, GDP, of 366 billion dollars in 2013 and 2014, the country is the second world largest in gas reserve and fourth largest producer of fruits. The Ambassador while stating that the Iranian Embassy would be disposed to having an international exhibition in Ibadan before the end of this year during which Iranian firms will exhibit their products, he said there are between 20 and 25 international exhibitions in Tehran yearly with close to 2,000 companies partici-

pating. He said, “Iran ranks second in the world in natural gas reserves and fourth in proven crude oil reserves, producing 71 million tonnes of steel every year and the 18th largest in the world with an area of 1, 648, 195 km2”. Responding, the President of the Chamber, Prince Abimbola Makanjuola, who lauded the Ambassador for paying a visit to the Chamber, said the world has become a global village and members of the Chamber cannot afford to be left behind. He however assured that the Chamber will be part of the international exhibition to be hosted in Ibadan, stating that this will go a long way in boosting businesses in the state in particular and the country in general.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

IPDM confers Executive Fellowship award on FAAN boss OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he Institute of Public Diplomacy and Management, IPDM, has inducted the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Engr. Saleh Dunoma, into its Executive Fellowship category. The award was conferred on him for playing a pivotal role in the development of the nation’s aviation sector. In a statement by the Authority’s spokesman, Mr. Yakubu Dati, stated that the Institute described the FAAN boss as a silent achiever and urged other Chief Executive Officers in the sector to emulate his achievements.

With the induction, Dunoma has become the third person to receive the referred award of Executive Fellow since the inception of the Institute. The IPDM is a professional and educational institute for the professionalisation and advancement of Public Diplomacy and Management practices in all sectors of the economy. The Institute whose aim is to develop multi-faceted leaders and managers with a well-developed mindset and diplomacy skills trains and retrains its members in the practice of Public Diplomacy and Management. Other top executives of the agency were also honoured with the Fellowship award.

Japan’s growth revised higher

rowth in the Japanese economy in the first quarter has been revised sharply higher, official government data shows. The world’s third largest economy expanded 1% in the first three months from the previous three, up from an initial estimate of 0.6%. It also grew 3.9% on an annualised basis, compared to a preliminary reading of 2.4%, and much higher than forecasts of 2.7% growth. A jump in business spending helped boost growth well above expectations. In the initial estimate, business spending was up just 0.4% from the previous quarter. The revised reading was 2.7% higher, compared to forecasts of 2.3%. The revised figures make growth in first quarter the best for

Japan in two years. The data is boosting hopes of a continuity recovery from the recession that the country fell into last year and is good news for the government and central bank which have both been trying to stimulate growth in the Asian giant. But, not all economists are convinced that Japan is on track for a better outlook. Marcel Thieliant, economist at Capital Economics, expects growth in the second quarter to have slowed. “Core consumer spending fell to the lowest level since last summer in April, and industrial output may well contract this quarter,” he said in a note. “We therefore expect a sharp slowdown in GDP (gross domestic product) growth in the second quarter.”

Crude falls as global surplus projections persist

il retreated on speculation a global surplus will persist as Iran pledges to boost exports amid unyielding OPEC production. Investors will increasingly turn their attention to the risk of Iranian shipments adding to global supply after the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries decided to maintain its output target, Morgan Stanley said. The nation could double exports within six months of international sanctions being lifted, according to its OPEC representative. With OPEC pumping the most since 2012, the prospect of increased shipments from Iran could exacerbate the surplus. Iran and world powers are in talks to reach a final nuclear deal

by the end of June. U.S. oil production has surged to the highest level in three decades even after U.S. producers idled a record number of rigs. “If you count the barrels, you’ve got to be pessimistic,” said Tom Finlon, Jupiter, Florida-based director of Energy Analytics Group LLC. “The world is oversupplied and the oversupplies of crude are still expanding.” West Texas Intermediate for July delivery fell 99 cents, or 1.7 percent, to end at $58.14 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract dropped 1.9 percent last week, the first decline since March. The volume of all futures traded was 23 percent below the 100-day average for the time of day.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

EnergyWeek El-Badri projects non-OPEC growth at 700,000 bpd in 201535

Fuel shortage lingers in Abuja

Construction of IPPs predates NERC 36

Anxiety mounts as epileptic electricity supply persists nationwide Despite sundry initiatives by the Federal Government and private investors to improve electricity in the country, its supply remains low, causing untold hardships for consumers, even as the nation’s economic performance indices leave nothing to write about. UDEME AKPAN reports.

Power plant

ith the beginning of the rainy season, many stakeholders expected the nation’s electricity generation to increase significantly. Specifically, the great expectation was that much water would flow into dams, thus leading to increased power generation. But investigations showed that although there has been a slight increase in the capacity of hydro stations to generate power, the significant reduction in gas supplies has constrained the nation from making much impact. Consequently, generation, transmission and distribution remains relatively low nationwide. The Presidential Task Force of Power, PTFP over the weekend puts the nation’s peak demand forecast at over 12,000 megawatts, mw. But the power stations can

only generated about 2,895.44, showing over 9,000mw below the estimated national demand. Of the quantity generated, only 2,828.92mw was distributed while the balance was conserved to stabilise the system. Confirming the situation, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC maintained that it has noticed with concern the acute shortage in power supply and the attendant hardship Nigerians are passing through. In the last couple of months, elec-

tricity supply has been generally poor on account of increase in vandalism in the run up to the April 2015 elections. But this bad supply condition has worsened in the last few days. It indicated that, at present, 18 out of the 23 power plants in the country are unable to generate electricity due shortage of gas supply to the thermal plants with one of the hydro stations faced with water management issue. The Commission maintained

OF THE QUANTITY GENERATED, ONLY 2,828.92MW WAS DISTRIBUTED WHILE THE BALANCE WAS CONSERVED TO STABILISE THE SYSTEM

that this has led to loss of over 2,000megawatts in the national grid. It remarked that this situation is further compounded by the recent industrial actions embarked upon by workers in the oil and gas industry, a development which is taking toll on other sectors of the economy. “Gas supplies to the thermal plants have been further constrained by the industrial actions of workers in the oil and gas industry. The Commission had proactively engaged the gas supply companies and its licencees when two weeks ago discussion was held on how to firm up gas supply in order to increase power supply. Unfortunately, not much progress was made through this meeting as the Nigerian National Petroleum CorCONTINUED ON PAGE 34

Energy Week

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Anxiety mounts as epileptic electricity supply persists nationwide CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 poration (NNPC) and its subsidiary Nigeria Gas Company, disclosed of high incidence of vandalism in some areas that were relatively peaceful along its pipeline networks.” “That meeting was told of the damaged done to Trans-Forcados pipeline in the western axis and ELPS gas pipeline in the eastern axis. NNPC had explained at the meeting that repair works are being intensified even as it expressed worry on the integrity of the pipelines on account of incessant damage it has sustained. In essence, what has brought about this development is the increased incidence of vandalism which is beyond the control of the regulator and the industry operators. This situation is further compounded by the industrial actions declared by the oil and gas workers,” it stressed. It also harped that, “We have continued to engage with relevant authorities on how fast we can address shortage of gas supply to the thermal plants. We are also engaging with the industry operators on how to improve electricity supply. The Commission regrets the hardships which Nigerians are being subjected to on account of this development as we intensify efforts to bring the situation under control in the shortest possible time.” A survey in Lagos and its environs showed that many individuals, households and organisations still live without power. The situation has compelled consumers to generate electricity at additional cost. It was leant that the high cost of generation has been passed on to consumers and users of various goods and services. Providers of services, including restaurants and dress makers said they can’t bear the costs alone, especially as the price of petrol has risen from N87 to over N200 per litre. A fashion designer who preferred not to be named maintained that she has increased her charges by 100 per cent. “The high cost of fuel is unbearable. I have increased my charges by as much as 100 per cent. The cost of production has to be shared otherwise it would not make sense to remain in business.” “The high charges have discouraged some of my customers from coming to patronize me. It is not their fault. I hope they would return if the government and other parties are able to supply more fuel to market,” she said. The development has compelled some consumers to shift to renewable, particularly solar. The Chief Architect, GoSolarAfrica, Mr. Femi Oye stated that: “Many consumers have shifted from the use of public power to renewable, especially solar because of some advantages such as low technology cost, wider service coverage, short and simple trainings required for efficient operations. Oye who puts the rate of adaptation to solar at 37 per cent in the past three years (formerly 5-7 per cent) attributed it to other factors such as confidence building on the reliability of solar in the nation. Low cost of components, especially solar panel and battery. For instance, he stated that solar panel which used to be N1, 000 now cost only N300 per wax. He stated that the lightness of equipment which requires low transportation cost, community resource mobilisation and community management of the decentralised energy system also promote social

Dahwa

Sam-Amadi

Femi Oye

integration. He maintained that: “By using solar energy as our future source of energy, we can avoid both the two crises as well as meet Nigeria’s immediate energy needs. The application of solar can be broadly classified into two categories; (a) thermal energy systems which convert solar energy into thermal energy and (b) photovoltaic energy systems that convert solar energy into electrical energy. Oye who has spent his entire life assisting consumers to maximize the use of solar stated that the shift to solar would not have been possible without the efforts of two Solar Energy Research Centres at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Uthman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto. As he puts it: “Efforts at both Centers and other Solar Energy Research Laboratories resident in other Nigerian universities and polytechnics have been geared at designing absorptive surfaces for the effective harnessing of solar radiation. The solar expert who believed the bold steps would go a long way to eliminating BlackOut in Africa stated that the development would assist to clean the environment, stem global warming, strengthen the energy grid, and support national security and energy independence, while enabling consumers to become energy independent. He counseled potential consumers to make use of competent consultants to avoid making regrettable mistakes. For instance, Oye stated that: “CarbonCredit Network pays for, installs, owns and operates the Solar Home System (SHS). All you do is pay for your monthly electricity usage from your panels. Your contract rate for this electricity is based on the outcome of your energy audit + your average carbon footprint for your utility during the prior year. We “lock in” this rate so that it never goes up for the entire duration of the contract, up to 10 years. We give you back your power, you produce your own electricity, and you keep the savings every month. He remarked that no upfront equipment investment. No waiting for discount or solar to become cheaper. Oye stated that CarbonCredit Network obtains all permits and

handles engineering, procurement, and construction. He maintained that consumers only pay for what is delivered. Oye stated that: “After you sign up for a no obligation account on our CarbonCredit Network and activate your account to receive your welcome carbon offset pack, a demonstration that you are a Carbon Neutral Citizen. Your Carbon Offset Pack contains a tradable Solar lanterns, Energy Saver Lamps and Clean Cook Stove – These can be used and share with others or re-sell to low income house-holds, helping them further reduce carbon and green house gases. He explained that: “Solar energy begins with the sun. Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic, are used to convert light from the sun, which is composed of particles of energy called “photons”, into electricity that can be used to power electrical loads. Light from the sun is a renewable energy resource which provides clean energy, produced by solar panels. Solar panels can be used for a wide variety of applications including remote power systems for cabins, telecommunications equipment, remote sensing, and of course for the production of electricity by residential and commercial solar panel systems. Oye maintained that: “When deciding to use solar the following are to put in consideration – How much power you consume, How many hour of direct sunlight the panel will receive, make inventory of all electric appliances you use, estimate the number of hour your equipment will run on batteries in a day, add up all the wattage, purchase the solar panel that suites your wattage ratings and divide the total appliances wattage by 5 to get the solar panel wattage to be used.” However, hope is not lost as the President Muhammadu Buhari - led administration has indicated interest tackle issues in the sector. The National President of Oil and Gas Service providers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Colman Obasi said Nigerians, and indeed the whole world is waiting to see the reforms the administration would bring to bear in the important sector. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has noticed with concern the acute shortage in power supply and

the attendant hardship Nigerians are passing through. In the last couple of months, electricity supply has been generally poor on account of increase in vandalism in the run up to the April 2015 elections. But this bad supply condition has worsened in the last few days. At present, 18 out of the 23 power plants in the country are unable to generate electricity due shortage of gas supply to the thermal plants with one of the hydro stations faced with water management issue. This has led to loss of over 2,000megawatts in the national grid. This situation is further compounded by the recent industrial actions embarked upon by workers in the oil and gas industry, a development which is taking toll on other sectors of the economy. Gas supplies to the thermal plants have been further constrained by the industrial actions of workers in the oil and gas industry. The Commission had proactively engaged the gas supply companies and its licencees when two weeks ago discussion was held on how to firm up gas supply in order to increase power supply. Unfortunately, not much progress was made through this meeting as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its subsidiary Nigeria Gas Company, disclosed of high incidence of vandalism in some areas that were relatively peaceful along its pipeline networks. That meeting was told of the damaged done to Trans-Forcados pipeline in the western axis and ELPS gas pipeline in the eastern axis. NNPC had explained at the meeting that repair works are being intensified even as it expressed worry on the integrity of the pipelines on account of incessant damage it has sustained. In essence, what has brought about this development is the increased incidence of vandalism which is beyond the control of the regulator and the industry operators. This situation is further compounded by the industrial actions declared by the oil and gas workers. However, we have continued to engage with relevant authorities on how fast we can address shortage of gas supply to the thermal plants. We are also engaging with the industry operators on how to improve electricity supply. The Commission regrets the hardships which Nigerians are being subjected to on account of this development as we intensify efforts to bring the situation under control in the shortest possible time.

NIGERIANS, AND INDEED THE WHOLE WORLD IS WAITING TO SEE THE REFORMS THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD BRING TO BEAR IN THE IMPORTANT SECTOR

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Week

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

El-Badri predicts non-OPEC growth at 700,000 bpd in 2015 UDEME AKPAN

he growth in oil supply from non-members of Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC would amount less than 700,000 barrels per day in 2015. The cartel disclosed at the end of its meeting in Vienna, Austria that world oil demand is forecast to increase in the second half of 2015 and in 2016, with growth driven by non-OECD countries. “On the supply side, non-OPEC growth in 2015 is expected to be just below 700,000 barrels per day, which is only around one-third of the growth witnessed in 2014. The Conference also observed the recent build in stocks and the surplus of oil in both OECD and non-OECD countries, which has resulted in stock levels that lie well above the five-year average in terms of

Oil vessel

absolute volumes, indicating that the market is comfortably supplied.” “In view of the foregoing, the Conference

… energy demand to rise by 50 %

il and gas producing nations have been tasked to invest more resources in order to produce commercial energy for consumers worldwide. The Secretary General of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, El-Badri said the world will need more energy in the decades ahead, as the global population expands and economies grow, and as countries seek to provide the energy poor with access to modern energy services, the global need for energy will grow. “In OPEC’s most recent World Oil Outlook, energy demand is set to increase by

around 50% between 2015 and 2040. I think that most of us here today also understand that the world has enough energy resources to meet these expected future energy needs. The key questions about our energy future relate to deliverability and sustainability.” “In this regard, it is important to take on board all of the economic, social and environmental perspectives that feed into it. Firstly, to supply enough energy to meet demand and help provide access to modern energy services for all,” he said. “And secondly, this needs to be done in a sustainable way, balancing the needs of

people in relation to their social welfare, the economy and the environment. It is clear that all forms of energy will be needed. But it is crucial that we appreciate just what each energy source can provide in the future.” “Renewables – from wind, solar, small hydro and geothermal – certainly hold promise, but globally their share of the energy mix will still be just 4 per cent by 2040, given their low initial base. The share of biomass, nuclear and large hydro is expected to remain at steady levels throughout the period 2015to-2040, at around 9 per cent, 6 per cent and 2.5 per cent, respectively,” he disclosed.

resolved to maintain the 30 mb/d ceiling and urged Member Countries to adhere to it. Member Countries, in agreeing to this decision, confirmed their commitment to a stable and balanced oil market, with prices at levels that are suitable for both producers and consumers. Nonetheless, the Conference stressed that, given the current market uncertainties; the Secretariat should continue to closely monitor developments in the coming months,” he said. It maintained that the Conference was briefed by the Head of Delegation of Ecuador on the ongoing arbitration process brought against the Republic of Ecuador by Chevron Corporation and Texaco Petroleum Company. The cartel disclosed that its support to the Republic of Ecuador in the exercise of its sovereign rights over its natural resources, in accordance with international law, a right documented in the Algiers, Caracas and Riyadh Summit Declarations of OPEC Heads of State and Government. It maintained that the Conference called for amicable negotiations and a good faith resolution for the dispute, within a framework of utmost respect for the sovereignty of the Republic of Ecuador, and without resorting to ex parte prejudgement measures that would make impartial solutions more difficult.

WAPCo faces changes in sub-regional energy markets

he West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo), operator of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) is undertaking a number of activities in response to developments in the energy sectors in the countries in which it operates. WAGP is now available to entities interested in shipping gas from Nigeria to Benin, Ghana and Togo. In conjunction with the Volta River Authority, WAPCo’s facility at Tema is being expanded to deliver higher gas volumes and the company is in discussions with the Ghana Gas Company to establish an interconnection at Aboadze, in the Western Region. WAPCo began commercial operations in March 2011 and a number of developments since then, have re-

quired the company to undertake measures to adapt to changing market dynamics. These developments include continued rapid growth in demand for power, the discovery of oil and gas in Ghana, and the emergence of independent production companies in Nigeria. The first major change WAPCo undertook was in July 2012, when WAGP was declared an “open access” system to allow multiple shippers to use the pipeline to transport gas to any of the three gas importing countries. Any suitably qualified entity can now apply to become a shipper with a view to entering into gas transportation contracts with WAPCo. WAPCo has recently qualified two new shippers and is working with them to develop

agreements for gas transportation. WAPCo is currently undertaking various projects aimed at increasing the volumes of natural gas transported to consuming countries. The company is working with the Volta River Authority on an upgrade of the Tema gas metering station so that it can receive higher volumes of gas in Tema, Ghana. The company is also implementing facility improvements to accommodate an additional consumer in Lome, Togo. In addition, the company is in discussions with the Ghana Gas Company and other stakeholders, to establish a connection at Takoradi (Aboadze) between the WAGP and the Ghana Gas system.

Commodity

Units

Price

Change

% Change

Time(ET)

Crude Oil (WTI)

USD/bbl.

58.19

-0.94

-1.59%

14:22:20

Crude Oil (Brent)

USD/bbl.

62.86

-0.45

-0.71%

14:23:00

TOCOM Crude Oil

JPY/kl

48,980.00

-560.00

-1.13%

14:21:39

NYMEX Natural Gas

USD/MMBtu

2.69

+0.10

+4.02%

14:22:25

Source: Bloomberg as at May 19, 2015

This connection, when undertaken will allow gas from offshore Ghana to flow from Western Ghana to Tema for use in power generation. While engaging in all these activities WAPCo continues to maintain its strong focus on the security of the pipeline. The company currently has agreements with the Navy of the four WAGP States to undertake regular patrols along the offshore segment of the pipeline to enforce the “no anchoring” zone around the pipeline. The Navy also provides electronic surveillance of the pipeline through the use of the Vessel Traffic Monitoring System (VTMS). There are regular and frequent engagements with the fishing and maritime community to sensitise them on the presence of the pipeline in the waters. The company hosted a major conference in Accra during May 2014 where leading figures from industry, governments, armed forces and regulatory bodies from across the WAGP States met to share best practices and to develop plans to work together to reduce the risk of pipeline damage.

Energy Week

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cartel expresses commitment to market stability

Independent Power Plants predate NERC

he Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC has expressed commitment to accomplishing stability in the global oil market. The Qatar’s Minister of Energy and Industry, Alternate President of the OPEC Conference, Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada said at the just concluded international seminar of the cartel that OPEC’s commitment to market order and stability is unwavering. “It has a long tradition of supporting collective dialogue among producers and between the producers and consumers. We have always realized that all the main players need to work together to solve the challenges facing the industry.” “We also need to be aware of and ready for the obstacles that are sure to arise in the future. This Seminar is part of our ongoing effort to promote dialogue and cooperation with the industry’s stakeholders from around the world,” he said. He maintained that over the next two days you will hear presentations and debates on the main facets of the global energy scene. The Minister said that these will include oil market stability, production capacity and investment, technology and the environment, and prospects for the world economy. “Through the lively discussions that are sure to follow, we will undoubtedly learn from one another by exchanging valuable viewpoints. And who could be more qualified to discuss these issues than the men and women who have left their indelible mark on the industry and who continue to capably lead it today?” “This includes our own OPEC Ministers and Ministers from other oil-producing countries, heads of intergovernmental organizations, chief executives of national and international oil companies, industry analysts, academics and the media. The wisdom and insights from these leaders will undoubtedly enrich our discussions,” he maintained. He remarked that OPEC also recognises the importance of developing new talent. For this reason, it has invited students to attend the Seminar. Al-Sada said through the high-level discussions, they will learn more about global energy markets and the role of oil in the world economy.

UDEME AKPAN

he ten power plants being constructed by the National Independent Power Plants (NIPP) started way before 2005 when the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) was created. As such the Commission could not have been privy to the economic details of the construction cost of those power plants, some of which are already adding value to the country’s electricity supply industry. This clarification is against

Amadi

the backdrop of a misleading news headline by an online publication- Nigerian Bulletin, which said those power plants were built outside regulatory framework. The publication which was not granted interview by the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr. Sam Amadi, attributed his story to an interview he granted a radio station- Raypower Radio. The point being made by the Commission’s Chairman, Dr. Amadi was that the construction of those IPP power plants predates the Commission and its regulatory framework and could not have been subjected to our framework. Meanwhile, NERC has noticed with concern the acute shortage in power supply and the attendant hardship Nigerians are passing through. In the last couple of months, electricity supply has been generally poor on account of increase in vandalism in the run up to the April 2015 elections. But this bad supply condition has worsened in the last few days. At present, 18 out of the 23 power plants in the country are

unable to generate electricity due shortage of gas supply to the thermal plants with one of the hydro stations faced with water management issue. This has led to loss of over 2,000megawatts in the national grid. This situation is further compounded by the recent industrial actions embarked upon by workers in the oil and gas industry, a development which is taking toll on other sectors of the economy. Gas supplies to the thermal plants have been further constrained by the industrial actions of workers in the oil and gas industry. The Commission had proactively engaged the gas supply companies and its licencees when two weeks ago discussion was held on how to firm up gas supply in order to increase power supply. Unfortunately, not much progress was made through this meeting as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its subsidiary Nigeria Gas Company, disclosed of high incidence of vandalism in some areas that were relatively peaceful along its pipeline networks.

That meeting was told of the damaged done to TransForcados pipeline in the western axis and ELPS gas pipeline in the eastern axis. NNPC had explained at the meeting that repair works are being intensified even as it expressed worry on the integrity of the pipelines on account of incessant damage it has sustained. In essence, what has brought about this development is the increased incidence of vandalism which is beyond the control of the regulator and the industry operators. This situation is further compounded by the industrial actions declared by the oil and gas workers. However, we have continued to engage with relevant authorities on how fast we can address shortage of gas supply to the thermal plants. We are also engaging with the industry operators on how to improve electricity supply. The Commission regrets the hardships which Nigerians are being subjected to on account of this development as we intensify efforts to bring the situation under control in the shortest possible time.

average U.S. rig count for May 2015 was 889, down 87 from the 976 counted in April 2015, and down 970 from the 1,859 counted in May 2014. It maintained that the average Canadian rig count for May 2015 was 80, down 10 from the 90 counted in April 2015, and down 82 from the 162 counted in May 2014. The company indicated that the worldwide rig count for May 2015 was 2,127, down 141 from the 2,268 counted in April 2015, and down 1,244 from the 3,371 counted in May 2014.

It indicated that the Baker Hughes Rotary Rig Counts are counts of the number of drilling rigs actively exploring for or developing oil or natural gas in the United States, Canada and international markets. The company indicated that it has issued the rotary rig counts as a service to the petroleum industry since 1944, when Hughes Tool Company began weekly counts of US and Canadian drilling activity. Baker Hughes initiated the monthly international rig count in 1975. It maintained that North Amer-

ican rig count data is scheduled to be released at noon central time on the last working day of each week. The international rig count is scheduled to be released on the 5th working day of the month at 5:00 a.m. central time. Additional detailed information on the Baker Hughes rig counts is available from our website. Baker Hughes is a leading supplier of oilfield services, products, technology and systems to the worldwide oil and natural gas industry. The company’s 53,000-plus employees today work in more than 80 countries helping customers find, evaluate, drill, produce, transport and process hydrocarbon resources. Investigations showed that many nations have not invested much in oil and gas exploration, partly as a result of low crude oil prices. This, it was learnt has gone a long way to reducing oil and reserves in many nations, including Nigeria. The nation’s crude oil reserves are said to be less than 36 billion barrels, down from about 38 billion barrels. There is even doubt that the nation’s target of realizing 40 billion barrels would be accomplished by 2020.

Baker Hughes puts global rig count at 1,158

major oil servicing company, Baker Hughes has put the May, 2015 global rig count at 1,158, down 44 from the 1,202 counted in April 2015, and down 192 from the 1,350 counted in May 2014. This means that exploration which is expected to lead to the making of new oil and gas finds over the period under review. It maintained that the international offshore rig count for May 2015 was 284, down 16 from the 300 counted in April 2015, and down 42 from the 326 counted in May 2014. The company indicated that the

Oil platform

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Week

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

NERC, Discos biker over estimated billings CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

he Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) may have finally bowed to the barrage of complaints of over estimated billings by electricity consumers as it has initiated move to place a ceiling on maximum amount an electricity distribution company can charge a customer as estimated bill. This may not have gone down well with the Discos as many have kicked against the idea saying placing a ceiling on the amount of estimated billing would not be in the interest of the operators who under pressure to stabilise the market by maintaining adequate supply. For instance, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company argued that the Discos resorted to estimated billing system due to the huge shortfall in metering in order to recover their money. “Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) suffers from a huge metering gap, especially amongst residential, commercial and industrial power consumers. It has being estimated that the NESI requires up to 2 million meters (i.e. single, three and maximum demand) to fill this gap. With this huge shortfall due to absence of meters, the industry operators especially the Electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) had to

resort to Estimated Billing of their customers as a means of recovering their money for energy sold to them. Over the years various schemes and initiatives had been put forward by government to reduce this gap, the recent being the Credit Advance Payment for Meter Implementation (CAMPI) by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission in 2012. Unfortunately, none of these schemes and initiatives has succeeded in reducing the metering gap” it stated. But, already, the Commission is inviting comments and submis- Metre sions from members of the public to participate at a hearing to consider ment for Metering Initiative (CAPMI) maximum amount chargeable by an recommended to them by the Comelectricity distribution company as mission. CAPMI allows distribution comestimated bill. panies to collect payment for meter Commenting on this developfrom willing customer and refund ment, Chairman, Dr. Sam Amadi, the customer through a portion of his said, “The context of this proposed tariff over a period of time and with regulation is the realisation that disinterest. tribution companies are not doing Amadi explained that the spirit enough to meter unmetered custombehind the proposed ceiling on estiers.” mated billing is to provide the distri“Since the takeover of the network bution companies’ incentive to roll by preferred bidders on November 1, out meters so that the customers will 2013, we have not seen aggressive mepay for what they consume as well as tering as promised by the preferred reduce mounting complaints over esbidders. This has led to overbilling of timated billings. customers, especially in the face of National Mirror recalls that NERdwindling supply of electricity.” Crecently issued the Abuja ElectricHe said that the excuse of lack of ity Distribution Company (AEDC) funds to provide meters for customnotice of enforcement action over ers by the distribution companies what it described as ‘manifest and flawas worn out as they have failed to grant breaches’ of approved methodutilise the Credited Advance Payology for estimated billing of electric-

ity consumers. In the notice, it had directed Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to explain within seven days why “enforcement action should not be taken against you and sanctions meted accordingly for non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the licence granted you, the Methodology for Estimated Billing 2012 and directives to submit a comprehensive data used for the billing of unmetered customers” for the period under review. Its Head, Public Affairs Department, Dr. Usman Abba Arabi in a statement yesterday, said the notice is a follow up to previous investigations and forensic observations of electricity distribution companies’ operations through which an unusual increases in estimated billings of electricity consumers were observed within the last quarter of last year by NERC.

ing was held between the Federal Government on Friday met with the oil marketers and other stakeholders in oil and gas sector to find lasting solution to the persistent queues in filling stations across the country. In a communique issued at the meeting and signed by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Petroleum Resources Mr Taiye Haruna, the marketers agreed to begin to move products to all parts of the nation with immediate effect. It stated that the meeting was tagged ``queue must go”. It stated that Petroleum Products Marketing Company in conjunction with marketers, both major and independent have agreed to increase the level of supply to all retail outlets nationwide with immediate effect. It stated that the meeting also directed marketers to move 700 trucks of petrol to Abuja with immediate effect. It noted that one of the major constraints to distribution was the long jam at Apapa –Oshodi and the meeting to clear the long jam. ``We have agreed to work with Lagos state government Petrol Tankers Driver and NARTO to clear the long jam at Apapa; currently we have over 2000 trucks on that road waiting to take fuel at the depot. ``Trucks are at papa to load prod-

ucts but could not get product but we fashioned out modality to clear the long jam in conjunction with other stakeholders,” it stated. It stated that the measure would enable the marketers start loading and moving products out of the depot to hinterland. ``We have enough stocks that can last for the 23 days; also we agreed to set up the committee of stakeholder to monitor the loading and delivering of products nationwide. We have also agreed that efforts will be made to clear this long before the end of 23 June It stated that the petroleum Equalization Fund (PEF) would track all the trucks from Apapa using the Aquila project to avoid diversion of the products. ``DPR is to ensure that products are delivered and selling proceed should not be more than N87 per litre. ``Government will not relent in their efforts to ensure that the challenge become a thing of the past. ``All stakeholders have agreed to clear the queue before the end of next week,” it stated It stated that it was also agreed that a Task force comprising all stakeholders was set up to look into the distribution of PMS nationwide.

Fuel shortage lingers in Abuja , p37, 2nd lead, pix In spite of the agreement reached between the Federal Government and petrol marketers to put an end to Nigeria’s fuel scarcity problems by this week, shortage of petroleum products in the Federal Capital Territory is not abating as queues still persist in many filling stations. National Mirror investigations reveal that queues still persist in at most filling stations that sell at the normal pump price of N87 in many parts of the metropolis. Residents, who were hopeful that the lingering crisis which started long before the general elections lamented that ongoing fuel crisis would affect

Fuel taker

the economy of the capital city adversely, if left to continue. A motorist, Lucky Nwaobodo told our correspondent he travelled from AYA to New Nyanya without finding a single filling station selling normal price, and resorted to buying N150 per litre at the end. “The fuel scarcity is not abating at all. I have driven from AYA to New Nyanya but I could find where to buy at normal price. Even where I bought N150, I still had to queue for more than 40 minutes before I was able to buy. This development is not doing any good to this economy” A strategic stakeholders’ meet-

Scottish economy to trail UK amid North Sea oil industry downturn

rowth in Scotland will lag further behind the UK in coming years as the downturn in the North Sea oil and gas industry takes a heavy toll on the country, economists have predicted. The Ernst & Young Scottish ITEM Club has warned that growth in the Scottish economy will slow sharply this year as the effects of the slump in the crude price ripple across the country. With firms in the North Sea slashing spending and jobs the downturn has left many Scottish businesses in areas like engineering and business services facing a big drop in oil and gas work. “The downside of the oil price fall is much more marked for Scotland than for the rest of the UK,” said Dougie Adams, senior economic advisor to the EY Scottish ITEM Club. Scotland is facing other headwinds in the form of slower population growth and a greater reliance on the shrinking public sector than the UK and the impact of the downturn in the North Sea could be felt for years. “The pattern of ... growth in Scotland trailing the UK is expected to persist over the next few years,” said Mr Adams. The ITEM Club predicts that the Scottish economy will still grow fast enough to result in thousands of jobs being created, leaving the employment rate at high levels. However, it reckons the pace of job creation will slow. The public sector and manufacturers will shed jobs, while the financial services industry treads water in employment terms. Experts at EY, the accountancy giant which sponsors the ITEM Club, noted uncertainties about important factors that could have a big impact on Scotland. These include future oil price movements and possible constitutional change. “A hardening in the oil price ... would be a positive for those parts of the Scottish economy suffering from the collapse in price over the last six months; a renewed bout of weakness would add to the pain that is already evident,” said Mark Harvey, head of EY in Scotland. The Fraser of Allander Institute at Strathclyde University has forecast that the benefits Scotland enjoys as a result of the sharp fall in oil prices, such as lower petrol prices, will outweigh the effects of the damage caused in the North Sea. The latest PMI survey for Bank of Scotland found the growth rate in Scotland’s private sector economy increased to a five month high in May, driven by the services sector, but trailed the UK. Manufacturing output fell for a second month running with firms citing General Election uncertainty and weak export markets as challenges.

Energy Week

Agency rates natural gas fastest-growing fuel

he International Energy agency, IEA has identified natural gas as the fastest growing fossil fuel in developing nations. In its latest report, the agency maintained that, natural gas is both the fastest-growing fossil fuel and the only one to have recorded steady growth as a share of total primary energy supply among OECD countries in the decades since 1973. “Among all fuels, the “other” category – which groups nuclear and various forms of renewable power including hydro, wind and solar – posted faster growth from 1973 to 2012, but not from 1990 to 2012; plus it started from a lower base.” It disclosed that lower prices will feed a pick-up in global natural gas demand over the next five years following a marked slowdown in 2013 and 2014. The annual report, which gives a detailed analysis and five-year projections of natural gas demand, supply and trade developments, sees global demand rising by two per cent per year by the end of the forecast period, compared with 2.3 percent projected in last year’s outlook. A significant reason for the downward revision is weaker gas demand in Asia, where persistently high gas prices until very recently caused consumers to switch to other options. “One of the key – and largely unexpected – developments of 2014 was weak Asian demand,” said IEA Executive Director Maria van der Hoeven. “Indeed, the belief that Asia will take whatever quantity of gas at whatever price is no longer a given. The experience of the past two years has opened the gas industry’s eyes to a harsh reality: in a world of very cheap coal and falling costs for renewables, it was difficult for gas to compete.” Asian gas prices are indexed, or linked, to those for oil. For several years, as oil prices hovered over $100/barrel, that meant Asian consumers were paying a hefty premium for their gas compared to buyers in other parts of the world. The rout in oil prices that began in mid-2014 has spilled over to natural gas markets in Asia and allowed the Asian premium to narrow substantially. But demand for gas in Asia may not recover as quickly as the drop in prices. In the short term, gas demand will benefit from plunging prices, but the report adds that the longterm outlook for gas has become more uncertain – especially in Asia. A few Asian countries have decided to move ahead with plans to expand coal-fired power generation instead of gas-fired generation. “For the fuel to make sustained inroads in the energy mix, confidence in its long-term competitiveness must increase,” the report says.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Low oil prices hurting our operations – Afren UDEME AKPAN

major oil producing company, Afren Plc has said that low crude oil prices were already affecting its operations since the beginning of 2015. The company maintained in its latest report that the development culminated in the review of its capital structure and other activities. “Lower oil prices significantly impacted the business at the start of 2015 resulting in a review of the Company’s capital structure, liquidity, funding requirements and business plan.” “Holders of existing notes have provided interim funding of US$200 million by way of new Private Placement Notes,” it indicated. “Wider recapitalisation programme expected to be completed by the end of July 2015 providing a further US$55 million to US$105 million in net cash proceeds.” The company noted that yearon-year reduction of 32% due to cost recovery at Ebok and delays with bringing new wells on stream across producing asset base in Nigeria It disclosed that 2015 capital

allocation to be prioritised to existing producing asset base in Nigeria. Forward programme optimised for a lower oil price environment. The company maintained that production guidance expected to be 23,000 - 32,000 bopd reflecting lower production from Ebok following the end of all cost recovery. It has it that wide-ranging portfolio review underway, targeting selective divestments and farm-outs in 2015. Afren maintained that broad programme of cost reductions and operational measures targeted expected to lead to efficiencies and significant cost savings in 2015. It maintained that unauthorised payments issue discovered in July 2014 which led to the dismissal of former CEO, former COO and two associate directors. The company maintained that normalised profit before tax is reconciled to statutory profit before tax in note 9 of the attached financial statements. “The financial performance of the Group has been restated for the year ended 31 December 2013. The effect is to increase

cost of sales by US$178.0 million, decrease profit before tax by US$178.0 million and increase income tax credit by US$178.0 million; there is no impact to net assets or profit after tax following the restatement.” The Interim Chief Executive, Mr. Toby Hayward said, “Afren faced an unprecedented set of challenges in 2014, compounded by a decline in oil prices at the end of the year. Responding to these challenges has not been easy but as a Board we are determined to stabilise and strengthen the Company.” “We are pleased to have secured the necessary interim funding as a first step to our capital restructuring and we are delighted to welcome as new CEO Alan Linn who has 35 years international experience in the oil and gas industry and brings with him a wealth of knowledge in restructuring businesses in challenging environments,” he said. He maintained that Afren still has an attractive portfolio of assets, which we believe will provide a suitable platform for the Company to move forward with in 2015 and beyond. “We understand these have

new government will take a critical look at the PIB with a view to effecting necessary changes that will facilitate its early passage. “The Buhari Administration will take a critical look at it with a view to effecting necessary changes that will facilitate its early passage. ``I would like to assure industry players that Government will work assiduously to ensure the speedy passage of the Bill and even speedier implementation of the related programmes’’ she said. She noted that the Buhari Administration is committed to prosecuting the amnesty programme in Nigeria’s Niger-Delta with vigour with a view to bringing about last-

ing peace and stability in the area as well as in other parts of Nigeria; thus making the operational environment safe and attractive once again. ``Nigeria is committed to tackling corruption especially in the extractive industry and will strive to bring back transparency and accountability in public life especially in the petroleum industry which is the mainstay of national economy’’. Dr. Shu’ara said government shall strive to diversify the economy and put in place essential infrastructure that will aid its growth. ``We are committed to investing in the whole petroleum value chain, in order to add more value to our national economy from our natural resources and reduce our over dependence on exported crude oil revenue,’’ she stated. ``I am to assure OPEC Heads of Delegation, of a new dawn in Nigeria and the capacities of a new President who understands and appreciates the prospects and challenges of our Organization like no other former Nigerian Head of State, having being a Minister of Petroleum Resources before,’’ Dr. Shu’ara concluded. Dawha opined that despite the odds, Crude oil will continue to play an important role in the future

Egbert, chairman

been difficult times for all but we wish to thank our shareholders, lenders, Partners and staff for their patience and reiterate our commitment to regaining the confidence of all our stakeholders.” “Afren had an extremely challenging year in 2014. Following the unauthorised payments issue discovered in July, the Board initially suspended and then dismissed the former CEO, Osman Shahenshah, and former COO, Shahid Ullah, as well as two Associate Directors, Iain Wright and Galib Virani. Their actions significantly affected the confidence of all our stakeholders,” he added.

Buhari’s govt will ensure passage of PIB, says Shu’ara CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

he Head of Nigeria’s Delegation to the 167th OPEC Meeting Dr. Jamila Shu’ara has assured stakeholders that the Federal Government under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari would ensure speedy passage of Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). The Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Ohi Alegbe, in a statement noted that Shua’ra, gave the hint while delivering a speech at the OPEC International Seminar held in Vienan recently, saying that the

Oil rig

world energy balance for decades to come noting that improved use of technology in the oil and gas sector will continue to resolve difficult challenges regarding oil supply in the world energy market and thus achieve a more efficient use of existing oil resources, discover new oil reservoirs, with greater accuracy and also lead to more efficient oil extraction from existing fields. ``New technology and climate change would most likely once again dramatically change the landscape of future oil supply by rapidly increasing supply sources and applying significantly downward pressure on oil prices. Additionally, with traditional oil importing nations becoming more self-sufficient, the struggle for available markets is likely to become even fiercer,’’ the GMD said. Dawha called on the global oil industry to always seek to strike that delicate balance between adaptation of technology to increase production and the need to protect the environment, noting: ``Environmental protection and sustainable development continue to be of great importance, we should also aim to adopt environmental policies that guarantee sustainable production as we seek to secure future diminishing oil markets.’’

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Industry & SMEs

Value chains devt, key to economic diversifying economy – Buhari

STORIES: ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

resident Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated the impact of the implementation of the current agricultural value chains to the diversification of the Nigerian economy in view of the current challenges facing the oil sector. He said this at the 55th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, in Calabar. According to him, contrary to the agricultural development approach in the past, agricultural value chain allows interventions in all the segments of the value chain such as production, processing, storage and marketing. Buhari, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Alhaji Baba Umar Farouk, declared that the new government would support private sector-led agricultural value chain, make agriculture more productive, efficient and competitive through the production of enough food for domestic food supply, and create jobs along the agricultural value chain. He said: “Nigeria has huge agricultural potential. With over 84 million hectares of arable land, of which only 40 percent is cultivated; a population of 167m, making her Africa’s largest market; 230bn cubic metres of water; and abundant and reliable rainfall in over 2/3 of its territory, the country has some of the richest natural resources for agricultural production in the world. Not surprisingly, Nigeria used to be a major player in the global agricultural market in the past, as the world’s largest producer of groundnuts and palm oil in the 1960’s, and the second largest producer of cocoa. The country was also self sufficient in food production before the

Garri processing machine

Buhari

NACCIMA National President Badaru Abubakar

emergence of oil in the 1960’s. “Today, seven of the 10 fastest growing economies of the world are in Africa. But there exists a paradox. The growth is not inclusive, as hundreds of millions only hear about the growth numbers, but feel alienated from the growth process. Africa’s rural economies habour the greatest share of those been left behind or excluded. There is no doubt in my mind, therefore that we need a new growth model in Africa; one that will stimulate shared prosperity, create jobs for millions of our rural youth and unlocks the huge sleeping potentials of Africa’s vast agricultural lands. Agriculture must cease from being treated as a development programme. Agriculture must be treated as a business. “The urgency of unlocking Africa’s agricultural potentials is even pertinent because Africa expense 35bn USD annually on food import, boosting the economies of countries and continents while depleting its own and exporting jobs. Africa has no business being

a food importing region. With over 65 per cent of the arable land left to feed the expected 9bn people in the world by 2050, Africa should become a net exporter of food. The size of the agriculture and agri-business sector in Africa is expected to grow to 1trn USD by 2030. Foreign direct investment in Agriculture in Africa will increase from 10bn USD in 2015 to 45bn USD by 2020. To unlock this potential, we need to direct resources, both public and private, to agriculture, the sector which employs close 80 per cent of African and accounts for about 40 per cent of Africa’s GDP.” Noting that nothing is more impor-

tant than food, the President said that a nation that does not feed itself becomes a threat to its sovereign existence. He added that growing the local food, processing what the country produces had become crucial for the national security, as it would make the country more competitive in export markets and also create jobs all across economy. He further explained, “As we drive a private sector led agricultural transformation, we are also paying close attention to potential challenges such as inequality and impact on small holders. We embrace growth and make it work for our farmers and our rural communities. “Agri-business, with their huge market pool and demand for raw materials for their factories, can held unlock the much needed market opportunities that have eluded farmers and expand jobs so crucial for the rising youth population in the rural areas as we have a policy that allows agri-businesses to have secure access to land, working closely with states, local government and communities. Such arrangements allow for transfer of technology, development of infrastructure, creation of market facilities, while unlocking shared prosperity between small holders and large commercial farmers. “I would like to charge all participants to deliberate extensively on this topic and come up with recommendations for government consideration.”

Lafarge bags CAC compliance award

afarge Africa Plc has been awarded the Best Complying Company of the Year 2014 by the Corporate Affairs Commission. A statement by the company indicated the award, which has to do with the extensive compliance requirements of the Companies and Allied matters Act and industry regulations by the Commission, was in recognition of the company’s commitment to operating with the highest ethical standards. The statement quoted its Chairman, CAC Board of Directors, Mr. Funso Lawal, as saying that the

rationale for the award was to recognise performance and reward corporate excellence among companies operating in Nigeria, with the ultimate goal of improving the country’s rating in the global competitiveness index. To be eligible for consideration, it explained, companies must have complied with the requirements of the Companies and Allied Matters Act and respective industry statutes and regulations. It added that the companies must impact on their respective industries positively through credible

performance in corporate social responsibility. The company was among 26 companies that made the final list from over 800 companies considered, with the building solutions company emerging as one of the eventual nine winners. The former Minister for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, who presented the awards to the recipients, encouraged others to imbibe the best practices of the winners. While thanking the regulatory agency for a welldeserved recognition, the Group Managing Direc-

tor and Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Africa, Mr. Guillaume Roux, said the company always ensured adherence to all legal and regulatory requirements for its activities everywhere it operates. “This is the way we operate and it is ingrained in our Principles of Actions to which every Lafarge employee is committed.” S p e a k i n g further on the awards, he said ”the stringent criteria for nomination provide evidence of our drive to making a difference in our industry, communities and in Nigeria as a whole.”

Cocktail

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Man calls 911 to brag about muscles Oddities

44-year-old Florida man was arrested after he allegedly called 911 to brag about his big muscles and ask the dispatcher on a date, police said. Eduardo “Edward “ Garcia was camping at Lake Griffin State Park in Fruitland Park, Fla., about 50 miles north of Orlando, when he called 911 to report a harassing phone call he received, police said. While on the phone, he asked the

female dispatcher if she was single and told her he had big muscles. He called back twice more after the dispatcher hung up on him. Officers went to the park where Garcia was camping and found him lying in his tent with an open can of beer and three more cold ones by his side. Officers called the phone number the 911 calls had originated and the phone by Garcia rang.

Alleged masturbator trapped in overturned porta-potty

olice in Oregon said a homeless man allegedly masturbating in a portable toilet with the door open had to be rescued after witnesses reached their tipping point.

Passenger legally changes name to dodge $336 fee

British student said he paid $157 to change his name and get a new passport to avoid a $336 fee to correct his name on a Ryanair plane ticket. Adam Armstrong, 19, a student at Leeds City College, said his girlfriend’s stepfather obtained the tickets for a June 11 trip to Ibiza and mistakenly put his last name in as “West” because the student’s Facebook name was “Adam West” as a joking tribute to the Batman actor.

Armstrong said Ryanair officials were not helpful and told him the $336 fee for changing the details of his booking would not be waived or reduced. Armstrong said he was able to have his last name legally changed to West free of charge via deed poll and it only cost him $157 to purchase a new passport in Liverpool using his new name. Ryanair released a statement to explain the $336 charge.

“Customers are asked to ensure that the details they enter at the time of booking are correct before completing their booking and we offer a 24-hour grace period to correct minor booking errors,” the statement read. “A name change fee is charged in order to discourage and prevent unauthorized online travel agents from ‘screenscraping’ Ryanair’s cheapest fares and reselling them on to unwitting consumers at hugely inflated costs.”

Portland Police said the 48-year-old man was freed from the overturned portable toilet Thursday morning at the Eastbank Esplanade after witnesses said they became fed up with the man opening the door and flashing his genitals while pleasuring himself inside the toilet. “[He] was flashing us over and over again and we asked him multiple times and told him to stop

and he wouldn’t,” a witness told KATU-TV. “Our friend thought it would be funny to get up and jump behind the portapotty and kick it.” Police said the man, who was trapped when the commode tipped over door-side down, was covered in faeces after his rescue. They said the man was not arrested or cited. “Physically, he’s fine

Police officers rescuing the man from the overturned porta-potty

but he had a crappy day,” said Willie Halliburton of the Portland Police. “Fortunately for him, he had some clothing he could change into and clean himself up later on. It worked out okay.” Police said they recommend witnesses to similar incidents call 911 rather than taking justice into their own hands.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Chidi Ugwu and Regina Otopka ABUJA

he directives by the President Muhammadu Buhari that civil servants are henceforth to be resuming work at 8am and close at 4pm is yet to take root within the federal civil service secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), National Mirror investigations has revealed. Checks at the federal secretariat in Abuja revealed that workers are yet to come to terms with the new order as they were seen strolling into the gate of the secretariat even after 10am on Monday. Also, at about 3.30pm the secretariat Bus stop was already busy with passengers waiting for buses to convey them to their vari-

Civil Service 41

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Civil servants yet to obey new resumption, closing orders ous homes indicating that workers are still reluctant to adapt to the new order. Some of the workers who spoke to our correspondents acknowledged that the new order had been duly handed down to them but noted that activities are yet to pick up at the ministries as new ministers are yet to be appointed. President Muhammadu buhari at his first meeting with the Head of Federal Civil Service (HoS) was said to have given clear directives that it was not going to business as usual, adding that the normal time for resumption and closing

of 8am and 4pm working hours should be strictly obeyed. But, a civil servant who simply identified himself, as Idowu and declined to mention where he worked, said the directives had been in place over time but is hard to comply with due to circumstances beyond the control of the workers. According to Idowu, it will be difficult to enforce strictly the order when there are no good roads, fuel supply and adequate transportation system. Idowu, who live Mararaba, a suburb of Abuja, lamented that he had been

on the road since 6am only to get to the office at about 9.30am, adding that the stress which workers encounter just to come to office and go back home on a daily basis is not something to write home about. He added that government should endeavour to make housing affordable so that workers can afford to live in the city centre while working on providing adequate transportation system and other things that would make work easier for the Nigerian civil servants. ”I must tell you it will not be easy to enforce the

Frozen poultry products seized by Nigeria Customs Services at Seme Border Command in Lagos, yesterday.

Upgrade maritime institutions –Expert tells FG

maritime expert, Capt. Fola Ojutalayo, has called for the upgrade of maritime training institutions in the country to reduce capital flight occasioned by training of cadets abroad. Ojutalayo, who is also a Senior Lecturer at the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos. He said if well equipped, indigenous maritime training institutions could provide the required training for maritime personnel. ``Why is it that we cannot develop our institutions here in Nigeria; upgrade them to the level

where we can sponsor these people. ``Let them go to these institutions, get their training and right there in the industry they go and practice? ``Why should we send them abroad? What is it they are doing there that we cannot do here? So, is still the same problem of human capacity development and system’s problem. ``You can imagine all those trainings they are sponsoring them for are being paid for; they are not for free. That is capital flight. ``If they use the money, pump them judiciously with all commitments into the maritime institutions in Nigeria. ``You have the Maritime

Academy of Nigeria in Oron; you have the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology; both of them are Federal Government institutions. Why can’t we upgrade them?`` Ojutalayo described the training of seafarers by NIMASA in several countries abroad as ``misplaced prioirity``, saying that the ships in the country might not have the capacity to absorb them. The issue of training, like what NIMASA is doing now. The people they are training basically now are young seafarers, who are newly coming into the industry. ``Although it is a laudable feat by them, I still have some reserva-

tion concerning that. The reason is because it is like a misplaced priority. ``You are training young seafarers to go and work on ships; you are training them in thousands; I don’t think they are less than 2,000 that NIMASA has sent out for now. ``By the time they finish in the next two, three, four years, where are they going to be working? What is the size, the capacity of ships that we have in Nigeria that will accommodate these people?. Ojutalayo urged the government not to allow persons that had acquired professional skills in seamanship to roam the streets without jobs to prevent the growth of piracy.

order strictly because even those who should enforce it had at one time or the other seen what we are seeing now. I can tell you suffer a lot to get to work on daily basis. I work up at 6am but can’t you see the time I am arriving office, not because I went to play Tennis before coming to traffic along that Mararaba axis is much and that is where the majority of workers can afford to pay rent. “I want to advise that government put a ceiling to the amount of money that can be charged by any landlord in Abuja irrespective of where the house is located so that some of us can also afford to live in the city centre. And also ensure the provision of adequate transportation system such that wherever you live you can easily access the city” he said. It was further gathered that the ministry of water resources is laying fallow awaiting the appointment of a new minister to run affairs. A reliable source who declined to be mentioned in print that nothing was going on at the moment as they are waiting for a new minister to proceed from where the immediate past minister, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe stopped. According to him, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Mr Istifanus. Musa was not filling in the void as there were no programmes for him to run “There is nothing going on here at the ministry, we are all patiently waiting for our new minister to come on board before we know what next to be done. The permanent secretary cannot do anything because there is nothing for him to do,” he said. In a related development, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, has charged Permanent Secretaries in the state to maximise efficiency and eliminate leakages in the public sector. Speaking while swearing-in eleven new Permanent Secretaries in the State Civil Service, the Governor charged them to improve the State civil service with their wealth of experience.

Speaking shortly after administering the oath of office on the new Permanent Secretaries, Oshiomhole said, “No government can deliver without an efficient and competent Civil Service. The entire thing that is referred to everywhere as transparency, accountability, due process is basically a celebration of bureaucracy. “I can’t get anything done without following certain procedures. So your role in our system is clear; politicians will come and go but the service remains. So I ask you to help me to deliver on my commitments to take Edo to the next level. It is a huge commitment now because our resources are dwindling, I have no control over those external issues yet the demand of our people is ever rising. He said, “The more roads we build, the more we are reminded about the ones yet to be built. I want to do many roads but resources are limited especially when I am not used to doing shoddy jobs. So our expectations are high, but resources are limited and therefore for us to make it, we need to be more efficient.” He stressed, “We need to collect all the taxes that are due to government and the collection of taxes is also a function of an efficient and committed Civil Service. So I ask you to block every loophole you can find in the chain. Help us to maximize efficiency, eliminate leakages and advise us on what we can do differently to improve the productivity of the public service.” He noted, “Nobody has all the answers but what I have in abundance is the will to do what I am convinced about. I may not necessarily have the know-how to get everything done but you have the know-how, so I ask you today, as you celebrate your appointment that you also recognize that it is a huge cost and a huge responsibility that have been placed on your shoulders.” He advised the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries to always scrutinize all memos for efficient communication in administrative processes.

Civil Service

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

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FG tasks Nigerians on tree planting Joel Ajayi ABUJA

L-R: Sokoto State Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Sanusi Lemu; Commissioner of Police, Mr. Salihu Fagge and Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Gabriel Acheneje, briefing newsmen on a gang of suspected armed robbers arrested by the Command in Sokoto, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

igerians have been advised to maintain and protect their environment by planting trees wherever they find themselves. Federal government through National Orientation Agency (NOA) gave the advice while addressing students of Abuja Children’s Home in Old Karu, Abuja in commemoration of the World Environment Day. NOA Director General,

Ambode charges civil servants on dedication, loyalty Gbenga Ogunbufunmi

agos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has reassured the people of Lagos State that the state would witness more development and viability in both human and material resources. The governor, who was represented by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs. Sherifat Folashade Jaji gave the assurance in Ikeja, during the retirement ceremony of the Permanent Secretary of Teacher’s Establishment and Pensions Office TEPO, Otunba Adeyinka Nurudeen Ojora-Adejiyan. Ambode, however, charged the civil servants in the state to join hands with the government for the success and implementation of its good programmes for the state. He noted that the former Permanent Secretary of TEPO was a rare breed who transformed every establishment he had worked in the state for the last 34 years. The governor urged other civil servants in the state to be dedicated, committed and be honest in discharging their official duties so as to make the dreams of turning the state to a more excellent place that will serve as a cynosure not only to African states, but the world at large. He described Otunba Ojora-Adejiyan as an ex-

emplary leader who was ever ready to make positive change wherever he found himself, urging other civil servants to positively distinguish themselves in their various duty posts. Ambode assured members of the public of better days ahead, urging them to fully support and cooperate with his government. The Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, Mr. F.M. Oguntuase charged other members of the state civil

service to lead by example if they were ready to move the state forward, saying that with the support of all and sundry in the state establishment, the struggle by the leaders in the state to make Lagos State more attractive in all spheres would be achieved in no distance time. Two former Heads of Service in the state, Mr. Adesegun Ogunlewe and Alhaji Babatunde Rotinwa described the retired Permanent Secretary as

a man who has displayed rare character by virtue of his exemplary knowledge, honesty and commitment to his responsibilities as a public servant. They both charged workers in the state to carry out every instructions passed by the leaders at the helm of affairs so as to move the state forward. Responding to the encomiums, Otunba AdeyinkaOjora who also used the occasion of his retirement from the civil service to

National Assembly staff denied access to offices Wole Oladimeji ABUJA

ivil servants in the National Assembly were prevented from entering the National Assembly complex due to the tight security mounted for the inauguration of the National Assembly members for the 8th assembly. As early as 7.00AM all the entrance to the National Assembly were condone off by stern looking security operatives with ferocious looking dogs all around the gates of the National Assembly complex thereby prevent people from entering. As at 9.00AM no civil servant was allowed into the complex despite the registration and identification card presented and no explanation was given as to why situation was like

that. The civil servants met at the gates became apprehensive especially when there was no directive that they should not come to office. Most of the offices were locked because the civil servants were not there to do their duties, activities were paralysised because non of them were allowed entrance until around. 2.00PM when the ceremony was concluded. Banks and other companies operating in the complex could not open for the business of the day and their shops and offices were under lock and key since non of them was allow to enter. Some the civil servants interviewed expressed concern over this development, saying that it has never happen to lock out all the staff. “Honestly we

do not know the essence of accreditation of staff. We were directed to do accreditation yet they did not allow us to enter the complex to carry out our function”, they wondered. Some of them became frustrated and left for their various homes. They made serious efforts to enter but the security operatives insisted that nobody would be allowed to enter. Some of the civil servants were divided on who becomes the speaker of the House, saying that they should be concern on who comes the speaker. While some preferred, hon Femi Gbajabiamila others believed that Hon Yakubu Dogara would have been okay for the improvement of the civil services in the National Assembly. The civil servant

celebrate his 60th birthday linked his success in the various establishments where he served to God’s divine favour and the support of all he came across where he served. He advised those still in service of the state to serve selflessly and think “first of what you can do for the state before what I can get from the state,’’ saying this is the only way one can achieve satisfaction and a good legacy that others will live to remember.

claimed that a lot of things are wrong in the system, therefore, they are looking for politicians who we help them to correct this mistake. They are saying that who ever emerges as the speaker and the senate president would have a lot to do in overhauling the civil services in the National Assembly. They claimed that in the past, the politicians have bastardised the system by not following the civil services principle, therefore, we are looking up to a new leadership who would be able to correct the past mistake. “Our concern is for the leaders that would emerge who will take care and change and preposition the bureaucracy and improve training of staff and welfare”, of the staff stated.

Mr. Mike Omeri made it known that the governemnt is partnering with various organizations such as Connect Development (CODE) and Mary-Elika Foundation to ensure that the knowledge and importance of tree planting is brought to communities especially the eleven (11) desert prone states in the North West. According to him, governemnt in order to sustain the initiative and arouse communities’ interest in a sustainable manner intends to adopt 5 communities in three states of the front line areas so that they will become pilot cases to be replicated in as many communities as possible. The intention is that we work with the communities to make sure that they not just adopt tree planting for environmental purposes but for economic purposes also” The DG NOA said agency is also carrying out sensitization programmes at the grassroots to ensure that communities take ownership of government initiatives aimed at making sure that communities become green. He stressed the need for schools to design and adopt a programme where each class yearly plants trees within the environment. He further stated that the Agency has commenced discussion with various organisations to ensure that an acceptable tree replacement policy is put in place by communities as they take ownership of those important activities for nature. “We will continue to work with other Agencies to make sure that the message of environmental protection and maintenance becomes part of our culture and way of life. I want to urged Nigerian as well as the students to be good ambassadors by shunning negative behaviors and also planting trees wherever they find themselves. Responding, the Headmistress of the school Mrs Maria Yepi thanked the governement for choosing the school to mark the World Environment Day stating that the message will help teach the children the importance of tree planting.

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Politics

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

STATE HOUSES OF ASSEMBLY INAUGURATION

Abubakar emerges Nasarawa Assembly Speaker Igbawase Ukumba LAFIA

asarawa State House of Assembly yesterday elected Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abubakar, APC, representing Umaisha/Ugya state constituency as Speaker of the House of Assembly. Hon. Abubakar was elected unopposed after his nomination by Hon. Abubakar Mohhamed Imman, APC, representing Lafia Central state constituency.

Similarly, Hon Godiya Akwashiki, PDP, representing Nasarawa Eggon East state constituency, was also elected unopposed as Deputy Speaker after his nomination by Hon. Agah Muluko, PDP, Nasarawa Eggon West state constituency. In an inaugural speech at the Assembly complex, where the state governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, was also in attendance, the new Speaker, Abdullahi, said the decision of his colleagues in the 5th Assembly

to elect him as Speaker was not to honour him, but a symbolic representation of the concept of change. He therefore, assured the lawmakers that he will represent the entire interest of the House in carrying out his responsibilities, as well as be open in all issues that concerned peace and development of the state, even as he pledged to minimise waste of resources in the state. Calling on all members of the Nasarawa State fifth

Assembly to cooperate with the executive arm of government in the state for accelerated development, Abdullahi said that “no meaningful development can strive under a sour relationship between the lawmakers and the executive.” In a chat with journalists after the inaugural sitting of the House, Governor AlMakura congratulated the newly elected Speaker and his Deputy stating that he was highly delighted that the duo were elected as pre-

siding officers of the Assembly. He said his delight was based on the given pedigree and tract records which the presiding officers parade, adding: “I am very confident that the House is going to have a good leadership that will give good collaboration with other arms of government.” He commended the entire lawmakers of the fifth Assembly for their matu-

rity and team work in the way and manner they have undergone the due process that brought about the new leadership of the House. His words: “I have no doubt in my mind, given the disposition of the members on the way and manner they conduct themselves, even as members-elect, that Nasarawa State is very lucky this time that it had a legislature that is matured and patriotic.

Adamawa picks Mijinyawa as Speaker

...Atiku’s candidate loses Livinus Menedi YOLA

Senate chamber during the inauguration of the 8th National Assembly in Abuja, yesterday.

Guni becomes Niger Speaker as Bello inaugurates 8th Assembly Priscilla Dennis MINNA

iger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has urged the eighth state House of Assembly to center its duties on exposing every act of corruption in the state. This was just as the lawmaker representing Chanchaga state constituency, Hon Marafa Ahmed Guni emerged Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, following his nomination by Hon Mohammed Bashir Lokogoma, representing Wushishi state constituency, which was seconded by Hon. Bako Kasim Alfa representing Bida I state constituency. Bello, represented by his deputy, Ahmed Ketso, who stated this at the Assembly complex in Minna, explained that it is the responsibility of the members to appropriate funds and carry out effective oversight functions. He said: “It is pertinent to point out that the legislature needs to concentrate on

its constitutional duties of law making, appropriation, exposing corruption and inefficiency in the management of public funds and oversight functions. “The challenge before us is enormous and herculean, but definitely surmountable. You must make effective laws, review them, repel where necessary and enact new ones, appropriate funds and carry out effective oversight functions so that good

governance ethics can be enthroned to deliver campaign promises to the people.” Bello also urged the legislators to donate projects to their constituencies as personal contribution. Hon Hussaini Ibrahim, representing Agaie state constituency, emerged Deputy Speaker, following his nomination by Hon. Binta Mamman from Gurara constituency and seconded by Hon Nura Garba, represent-

ing Kotangora state constituency 2. Accepting his election as Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Marafa promised to serve the House and people of Niger State diligently, pledging that success can be achieved by correcting the past and making history. He said: “We must device every strategy to make judicious use of the mandate given to us by our people.”

overnor Mohammed Umaru Jibrilla Bindow has inaugurated the 7th Adamawa House of Assembly, with Hon. Kabiru Mijinyawa of the All Progressives Congress, APC, emerging as Speaker and Hon. Sunday Peter, Deputy Speaker. Adamawa Assembly is controlled by the APC, with 22 members, in an election preferred Hon. Mijinyawa, representing Yola South state constituency against Hon. Rufai Ahmed from Gombi state constituency, backed by former Vice Pres-

Thugs, party supporters disrupt Katsina House inauguration James Danjuma KATSINA

nauguration of the eighth Katsina State House of Assembly was yesterday morning disrupted by thugs and supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Plateau Assembly falls to elect principal officers ...As election ends an stalemate James Abraham JOS

ttempt by members-elect of the Plateau State House of Assembly to elect principal officers of the eighth Assembly yesterday ended in stalemate. The opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has the majority with 13 members, while the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has 11 members in the 24-member Assembly

During the election yesterday which held at the Assembly Complex in Jos, the state capital, neither the PDP’s candidate, Mr Istifanus Mwansat, nor the APC candidate, Mr Peter Azi, who contested for the speakership was able to garner majority votes, as both scored 12 votes each. The second round of election could not continue following a tensed atmosphere in the House, a development which forced the state governor, Sımon Lalong, to direct the law-

makers to reschedule the election. It was gathered both the APC and PDP lawmakers were given an opportunity to go and reconcile after the first election and be able to chose their leaders, but they failed to reach a compromise, after which the Clerk of the House, Ayuba Gongu, read a letter from the state governor, directing the lawmakers to reschedule the election to a later date. It was however learnt that the governor’s decision

ident Atiku Abubakar. The elections, dogged by political infighting within the APC, pitched the camp loyal to impeached former Governor Murtala Nyako against the camp controlled by former Vice President Abubakar. The elections which took the form of an open ballot on the floor of the House saw Hon Ahmed, who pulled eight of the 25 votes, being defeated by Hon. Mijinyawa, who polled 16 votes to emerge speaker, despite being a first timer in the House. The APC in the state had zoned the speakership to the central zone from where the two contenders who faced off with each come from.

to push for a rescheduling of the election was arrived at when it was discovered that the ruling party’s candidate, Azi, was going to lose to the opposition PDP, if the second round of voting was allowed to take place immediately. The postponement of the election further heightened tension in the Assembly complex, as supporters of the PDP in the state were seen leaving the Assembly complex in anger, accusing Lalong of undue interference.

The thugs and APC supporters, who thronged the premises and chamber of the Assembly, kept legislative proceedings from holding. With the disruption, the inauguration as well as election of the new leadership of the House was shifted till 4pm yesterday. It was learnt that the development may not be unconnected with rancour amongst members of the APC, over who should become the new Speaker of the House. A meeting held between the state government and the lawmakers up till the wee hours of yesterday, was deadlocked over who should become Speaker. The state government, it was learnt, was backing Hon. Aliyu Sabiu Munduru, representing Mani state constituency, while some lawmakers were in support of another candidate, Hon. Haruna Aliyu Yamel, representin Dutsi state constituency for the position.

Politics

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NASS elections: Implications of Saraki, Dogara’s emergence CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

APC should

that be in the ruling party. Despite what one could safely call new ‘change’ in the new born 8th National Assembly, some political actors in the country have begun to express their various opinions on latest development, positing that the politics that is being witnessed in the country today is different from conventional politics that was in vogue in the past. Reactions Speaking to National Mirror on the outcome of the National Assembly, election, Senator Adekunle Muse, a former senator posited that what happened at the 8th National Assembly election is the face of new politics in the country. He said: “What happened at the National Assembly today (yesterday) is what I can describe as politic at work in Nigeria. The election was meant for the Assembly members to decide and they have decided. They have taken the decision within themselves as they think it should be. “Whether the result favours some people or not, what I know is that politics in Nigeria has gone beyond the conventional politics, so as a politician, you should sometimes be expecting unexpected result at times. “But with all that, what matter in all is unity of the country, which I believe should be the paramount. So, the senators and the Representatives should quickly forget about who emerges the winner of the National Assembly election and start bracing for the success of this government. Another political actor who spoke to National Mirror on the development, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, said: “Though I am not in the country presently, but I am wishing the winners best of luck, and I believe their emergence as the leaders of the 8th National Assembly will do our democracy good. Though their emergence may be against the wish of their party leaders, but I will advise that whatever the situation may be, they should ensure that activities do not mar the new dawn in the country, because Nigerians so much believe that this new dispensation will bring about great change that will deliver true dividends of democracy to them.” APC rejects Saraki, Dogara’s emergence Meanwhile, the APC has described as totally unacceptable and highest level of indiscipline and treachery, the conduct of yesterday’s inauguration of the National Assembly that led to the emergence of Senator Saraki and Hon Dogara as Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said in a statement in Abuja yesterday: “The party is supreme and its interest is superior to that of its individual members. “Senator Bukola and Hon. Dogara are not the candidates of the APC and a majority of its National Assembly memberselect for the positions of Senate President and House Speaker. The party duly met and conducted a straw poll and clear candidates emerged for the posts of Senate President, Deputy Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, supported by a majority of all Senatorselect and members-elect of the House of

know it might be suicidal to try to go against what many

Nigerians now feel is better than imposition.

Tinubu

Odigie-Oyegun

Representatives. All National Assembly members-elect who emerged on the platform of the party are bound by that decision. “Consequently, the APC leadership is meeting in a bid to re-establish discipline in the party and to mete out the necessary sanctions to all those involved in what is nothing but a monumental act of indiscipline and betrayal to subject the party to ridicule and create obstacles for the new administration” The party decried a situation in which some people, based on nothing but inordinate ambition and lack of discipline and loyalty, will enter into an unholy alliance with the very same people whom the party and indeed the entire country worked hard to replace and sell out the hard won victory of the party, adding that “there can be no higher level of treachery, disloyalty and insincerity within any party,” vowing “to resolve the matter using all constitutional and legal means available to it.”

pened is a positive dimension in our democracy because it is a process that is putting to rest the idea of one man or group of party leaders imposing on the country who runs its affairs. Like President Buhari said, in his inauguration speech that he belongs to everybody and to nobody, the National Assembly also belongs to everybody and to nobody. APC leaders should certainly watch the next step they take in respect to the outcome of the National Assembly elections as many Nigerians are watching with kin interest. How well the APC handles the situation certainly will go a very long way to tell Nigerians how prepared they are in bringing the change the PDP in 16 years failed to deliver to the country. APC should remember that it was the failure to follow this path of honour and transparency that nailed the PDP. The APC campaign was against impunity and imposition, whereas the practice in PDP was to impose and teleguide the members. Nigerians saw the clear difference and stood behind the APC in a manner unprecedented in the political history of Nigeria. The question remains, should APC that has enjoyed such loyalty now do less than this in the current dispensation? Like Christopher Okigbo warned that politicians should remember thunder, the APC should know it might be suicidal to try to go against what many Nigerians now feel is better than imposition. If it fails to allow the sleeping dog lie

What happens next? Saraki having finally emerged Senate President along with Dogara as Speaker House of Representatives, against their party’s agreement, the question many Nigerians are asking now is the implication of their action on the ruling APC and Nigeria growing democracy. Already, there is insinuation that APC is going to sanction them. There is also fears that the situation, if not properly handled may go a long way to determine how united the party will be in future. For many Nigerians, what has hap-

Henry Iyorkase MAKURDI

enue State All Progressives Congress, APC, has suspended 12 of its erring members for what it described as anti-party activities during the last elections in the state. Among those suspended are: Senator Joseph Waku, former governorship aspirant of the party, Hon Emmanuel Jime, Mrs Dorothy Mato, Sunny Odugbo, Justice Utsaha and John Usaka. Others include: Matthew Nezan, Frank Utoo, Linda Ogbeche, Avine Agbum, Ojogbani Adai and Enayi Onaji. Benue APC chairman, Comrade Abba Yaro, announced the suspension yesterday at the party secretariat in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, pointing out

and uphold change which has been its mantra as a party, then it may sink their reputation and cause the party to lose the political capital it has only started to employ for the good of Nigerians. Meanwhile, the President has reiterated his earlier stand that he would work with whoever the lawmakers elected as their leaders, saying that he had noted the outcome of the elections of leaders of the National Assembly. Speaking through his Special Adviser on media, Femi Adesina, President Buhari said although he would have preferred that the process of electing the leaders as initiated and concluded by the APC was followed, he was of the view that constitutional process “has somewhat occurred.” A statement by Adesina read in part: “President Buhari had said in an earlier statement that he did not have any preferred candidate for the Senate and the House of Representatives, and that he was willing to work with whoever the lawmakers elected. “That sentiment still stands. Though, he would have preferred the new leaders to have emerged through the process established by the party.” Adesina said that what is uppermost in President Buhari’s mind was the stability of the nation’s constitutional order and overall interest of the common man, as far as the National Assembly elections were concerned. Adesina further quoted President Buhari as calling on all “elected representatives of the people” to focus on the enormous task of bringing enduring positive change to the lives of Nigerians.

Benue APC suspends erring members

that “their offences are very grievous and the party hierarchy wouldn’t condone any sabotage on the part of its stalwarts; so this action is to serve as a deterrent to those who feel they are superior and cannot obey laid down orders.” National Mirror gathered that the suspended APC members are those considered to be bigger than the party and who have often times brag and could not heed to superior decision of the party’s hierarchy. It could be recalled that few days ago, APC state executive committee met and took the decision to suspend the members after they were said to have refused to heed the party’s advice to withdraw cases they had filed before courts

against party candidates. Jime is challenging the emergence of Governor Samuel Ortom as the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the last general elections while Mrs. Mato is challenging the emergence of Herman Hembe as flag-bearer for Jechira federal constituency. Utoo is challenging the emergence of Tarkigir Dickson as APC candidate for Makurdi/Guma federal constituency just as Agbum is faulting the nomination of the member representing Makurdi South state constituency. Efforts to get the reaction of the affected trio were futile as several to their various mobile lines went unanswered.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Equity index slides 0.29% JOHNSON OKANLAON

quities market failed to recover from its bearish mood as the All Share Index declined further by 0.29 per cent to further drag the year-to-date negative return to 3.36 per cent. Volume traded and market turnover also declined by 32.97 per cent and 78.91 per cent respectively. Market capitalisation shed N333 billion to close at N11.43trillion, compared to the decline of N26 billion recorded the preceding day to close at N11.47trillion. Analysts at Meristem Securities Limited, an investment firm, said that as the political climate

begins to take form, investors will start to imagine an economic blueprint that would reveal the policy direction of the new government. “We however advise that discerning clients should thread with caution,” the firm added. All sectorial indices shed weights except the Industrial Index, which appreciated 0.13 per cent to close at 2,237.37 points. The Alternative Securities Market closed flat at 1,215.52 points. The laggards are the NSE 30-Index with 0.47 per cent to close at 1,527.54 points, while the Banking Index depreciated 372.81 points to close at 772.81 points. The Insurance Index was down 0.79 per cent

to close at 144.71 points, while the Consumer Goods Index dropped 0.22 per cent to close at 839.54 points. The Oil and Gas Index dipped 0.84 per cent to close at 354.63 points, while the Lotus Islamic Index shed 0.12 per cent to close at 2,215.58 points. Vitafoam Plc led the gainers’ table with 49 kobo or 10.14 per cent to close at N5.32 per share, while Red Star Express Plc gained 37 kobo or 9.79 per cent to close at N4.15 per share. FBN Holdings Plc was up 68 kobo or 7.71 per cent to close at N9.50 per share, while University Press Plc appreciated 24 kobo or 4.97 per cent to close at N5.07 per share. Honeywell Flour Mills

Plc rose 16 kobo or 4.88 per cent to close at N3.44 per share. Conversely, Unity Bank Plc depreciated 37 kobo or 9.51 per cent to close at N3.52 per share, while Mansard Insurance Plc dropped 15 kobo or five per cent to close at N2.85 per share. Transnational Express Plc declined six kobo or 4.92 per cent to close at N1.16 per share, while Dangote Flour Mills Plc fell 24 kobo or 4.91 per cent to close at N4.65 per share. Vono Products Plc lost five kobo or 4.85 per cent to close at 98 kobo per share. On the whole, a total of 226.2 billion shares valued at N2.74 billion were exchanged in 3,512 deals.

Markets not pricing in enough Fed rate risk – Balls

inancial markets could be taken by surprise by higher US interest rates in the future, a top executive with global fund management firm PIMCO said yesterday. Andrew Balls, PIMCO’s global fixed income chief investment officer, said investors had priced in the prospect of relatively low interest rates in the future but it was perfectly plausible that the Federal Reserve could raise borrowing costs above the ‘neutral rate’ over time. “Even with our ‘new neutral’ idea, we don’t think

the markets are pricing in enough risk premium around the Federal Reserve rate hike cycle to come,” Balls told reporters. Volatility has exploded across all financial markets recently, led by a plunge in benchmark European government bond prices as German 10-year yields looked like they might fall below zero. The sudden pullback drove yields up toward 1 percent as markets try to gauge the timing of the first US interest rate hike in almost a decade. Balls said yields on German government Bunds had been ridiculously low and

still looked too low while US inflation-protected bonds looked reasonable because inflation could revive to two per cent, possibly as soon as within 12 months. “We don’t think inflation is dead,” Balls said. PIMCO would be a buyer of Bunds if the 10-year yield moved up toward 1.5 per cent, he said, from the current 0.888 per cent, adding that fair value is currently a range between 0.75 and 1.5 per cent, taking into account economic fundamentals and the European Central Bank’s bond buying programme. Another big risk for bond

investors is the shrinking of market liquidity, largely resulting from new regulations on banks. Balls said PIMCO would step back from corporate bond markets if yield spreads continued to tighten and he felt the liquidity premium was insufficient. Balls said PIMCO is relatively constructive on global equity markets, favoring emerging markets over developed ones, although neither are particularly cheap. Overall, rates of return across financial markets over the next few years will be low, he said.

China, Greece concerns, a drag on European, US stocks

uropean shares fell yesterday on weak economic data out of China and uncertainty about Greece’s debt negotiations while United States stocks were little changed after falling early in the session. China reported inflation data that suggested the world’s second-biggest economy was still struggling, even though Beijing is expected to add more policy stimulus. On top of this, concerns about a lack of progress in talks between Greece and its creditors weighed on shares, according to Peter Jankovskis, co-chief investment officer at OakBrook Investments LLC in Lisle, Illinois. European Union officials swiftly dismissed new Greek promises of economic re-

form, saying the proposals were not enough to unlock funds that Athens urgently needs to avoid defaulting on its debts. On its sixth straight day of losses, the pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index closed down 0.5 per cent, making for its lowest level since February 19. The MSCI all world stock index was up 0.04 per cent. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 27.36 points, or 0.15 per cent, to 17,793.91, the S&P 500 gained 3.34 points, or 0.16 per cent, to 2,082.62 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 9.27 points, or 0.18 per cent, to 5,012.36. Many of the top losers on Nasdaq were healthcare companies and Nasdaq’s Biotechnology index was down 0.83 per cent, weaker than the

overall index’s decline. US Treasuries yields rose, with benchmark yields hovering near seven-month highs ahead of a $14 billion auction of three-year notes, part of this week’s $58 billion in government debt supply. “The theme du jour is supply which is expected to accelerate this week,” said Ed Atkins, Treasury strategist at RBS Securities in Stamford, Connecticut. The euro was last down 0.2 per cent at $1.1271. The US dollar fell 0.11 per cent against a basket of currencies. Some investors were still discussing a Monday report that President Barack Obama had expressed concern about the greenback’s strength even after he denied he had made the comments.

Attractive bond yields in Europe also appeared to be hurting the US currency, OakBrook’s Jankovskis said. Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

N197 Market indicators All-Share Index 33,492.17points Market capitalisation 11.43trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

VITAFOAM

4.83

5.32

0.49

10.14

REDSTAREX

3.78

4.15

0.37

9.79

FBNH

9.80

9.50

0.68

7.71

UPL

4.83

5.07

0.24

4.97

HONYFLOUR

3.28

3.44

0.16

4.88

UBN

10.22

10.70

0.48

4.70

OKOMUOIL

27.41

28.52

1.11

4.05

OANDO

18.00

18.70

0.70

3.89

FIDELITYBK

1.86

1.93

0.07

3.76

LIVESTOCK

2.33

2.40

0.07

3.00

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

UNITYBNK

3.89

3.52

-0.37

-9.51

MANSARD

3.00

2.85

-0.15

-5.00

TRANSEXPR

1.22

1.16

-0.06

-4.92

DANGFLOUR

4.89

4.65

-0.24

-4.91

VONO

1.03

0.98

-0.05

-4.85

STERLNBANK

2.29

2.18

-0.11

-4.80

UACN

42.00

40.01

-1.99

-4.74

AGLEVENT

1.70

1.62

-0.08

-4.71

COSTAIN

0.87

0.83

-0.04

-4.60

FIDSON

3.32

3.17

-0.15

-4.52

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.19

99.17

13.78

99.32

13.64

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.88

101.97

13.85

102.12

13.76

16.00 29-JUN-2019

4.06

106.18

13.95

106.48

13.85

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.64

110.83

13.83

111.13

13.76

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.76

101.84

13.82

102.14

13.76

10.00 23-JUL-2030

15.12 68.00

15.55

68.30

15.48

Closing Market Prices of June 9, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

10-Sep-15

11.47

11.81

WAUA

270

03-Dec-15

11.68

12.38

USD

197

EURO

214

02-Jun-16

12.78

14.61

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

13.7083

15.2309

POUNDS STERLING

293

16.2954

SDR

273

17.5632

NIBOR

The Fixings of June 9, 2015

Capital Market

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at June 9, 2015 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror There are many people who are bright and intelligent, but what we lack are faithful men and women who can be trusted to do the right thing, who can be honest, diligent and can do what needs to be done. Vice –President – Yemi Osinbajo

Cleric remanded over murder P

400 graduate from PTDF training programme

Olanrewaju Olatunbosun

n Ebute Meta Magistrate court has remanded in prison, a 27-years old Man, Fatai Aderonmu Afobaje (aka Alfa), for allegedly killing his friend, Rafiu Sulaimon for ritual purposes. The defendant was alleged to have invited the victim for a chat and connived with some vigilantes to kill him. The defendant was arrested few days after the incident and when his residence was searched by the Police they found some burnt fingers of the victim in a clay pot. The Police Prosecutor, A S P Elizabeth Ekuma, in a remand application brought before the

Magistrate court, said the defendant confessed to the crime and he was even arrested with exhibits and identified by witnesses. The defendant is facing a two counts charge bordering on conspiracy, murder. The charge reads “That you Fatal Aderonmu Afobaje and others now at large did conspired yourselves to commit felony to wit; murder. “That you Fatal Aderonmu Afobaje and others now at large did unlawfully kill on e Rafiu Suleimon, 44 Years old Man by cutting off his head and hands with a knife. The Police Prosecutor, ASP Elizabeth Ekuma informed the court that the defendant committed the alleged offence on 23 of January 2015 at C32 Oko

Agbon Nla, Irete Village, Magbon Lagos. He told the court that the defendant committed punishable offence under section 231 and 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State Nigeria 2011. Police Prosecutor prayed the court to remand the defendant in prison for pending legal advice. His plea was not taken for the charges, just as none of his relatives were in court. His Lawyer, F S Oladele asked the court to look into the case, he cited section 264 of the criminal Law of Lagos State. In his ruling, Magistrate, A.O Komolafe remanded the defendant in prison and adjourned the mater till 22 of June 2015 for pending legal advice.

etroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF, has graduated 400 welding trainees from its Welders Training and Certification Programme. Executive Secretary of PTDF, Mr. Femi Ajayi, at the graduation ceremony in Port Harcourt, said the training was part of Federal Government’s local content development initiative. He said the programme sought to meet the nation’s move to produce fabricators and welders who would meet growing demand for skilled manpower for the nation’s industry needs. “Graduating trainees, who went through a rigorous training exercise, will improve the nation’s welding and fabrication capacity to globally acceptable standards. “PTDF will continue to train a sizable number of Nigerians to enable the programme actualise its set objectives,” he said.

Ajayi said that several Nigerians had benefitted from the programme with many taking up skilled jobs and roles in the oil and gas industry. Responding, the President of Nigeria Institute of Welding (NIW), Dr Solomon Edebiri, while commending PTDF, described welding as the bedrock of engineering. He said that analysis conducted in 2001 and 2002 identified a huge skilled-gap in the nation’s oil and gas industry. “This short fall of skilled workers necessitated a short term target of training 2,600 competent welders to provide local manpower in the oil and gas sector,” he said. Some beneficiaries of the training exercise who commended the programme sponsors, called on the Federal Government to come up with more programmes to accommodate more youths.

Polio: NPI targets 47,000 children in Jigawa

ational Programme on Immunisation, NPI on Tuesday said it was it is targeting 47,000 children for immunisation against polio virus in the ongoing campaign in Malammadori Local Government Area of Jigawa State. The Health Educator in the council, Malam Hamza Bello, said this while supervising the ongoing

Trading activities at the Shukura Yam market, Kosofe in Lagos

Police charge 4 with assualt on teenager

Raimo Oluokun

our men have been arraigned before a Lagos State Magistrate’s Court for stabbing one Ademola Atolagbe with broken bottle in Lagos Island area of Lagos State. Police prosecutor, Sergeant Babaji Ishaku, informed the court that the defendants, namely: Ibrahim Salila, Babatunde Wasiu, Ayodele Yakubu and Sunny Joseph committed the offence on April 27, 2015, at Kasua market, Jakande, in EtiOsa Local Government Area Lagos.

According to Sergeant Babaji, the offence was punishable under section 409 and 171 of criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The defendants who were being arraigned on two count charge bordering on misconduct pleaded not guilty. However, the defendant’s counsel Mr. Okufuria moved oral application for bail of his client, praying the court to be lenient in the bail condition. The presiding magistrate Mrs. O.O Fowowe granted the defendants bail of Fifty thousand naira with two sureties in

the like sum. She added that the sureties must have three years tax clearance receipt and the address of the sureties must be verified. The matter was adjourned till June 10, 2015 for trial In a related development, three men, namely; Leke Folade (19 years), Sikiru Azeez (20 years) and Ezekiel Stephen (26 years) have been arraigned before a Lagos State magistrate court, for assault occasioning harm by using cutlass and bottle to inflict degrees of injuries on street.

The Police prosecutor, Sergeant Donjor Perez, informed the court that the defendants committed the offence on April 24, 2015, at I.B.M junction, Bar Beach in Victoria Island Lagos. According to Sergeant Perez, the defendants injured four people namely; Victor Emedeme, Olayinka Fredrick, Osaze Ehigini and also chasing away citizens of the area. The prosecuting counsel noted that the offense is punishable under section 409, 171, and 166(H) of criminal law of Lagos State, 2011. When the charge was read in court, the defendants pleaded not guilty.

exercise in Malammadori. Bello said the National Health Care Development Agency (NHPCDA) had supplied 51,000 doses of Oral Polio Vaccines (OPV) to facilitate smooth conduct of the exercise in the area. The NPI official tasked community and religious leaders to mobilise their subjects towards effective participation in the exercise. Bello said that such community cooperation and support would ensure successful eradication of the disease in the country. Also speaking, Alhaji Yusuf Muhammad, the Director, Water and Sanitation services in the council, said that the council had provided logistics and paid allowances to the immunisation workers. Muhammad said that the council had also provided candies to woo parents to present their children for immunisation. He urged the communities to cooperate with the workers for the successful conduct of the exercise. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the June round polio immunisation exercise scheduled for between June 6 and 9 went smoothly in Hadejia district without hitches

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Yam sellers accuse LASTMA over Mile 12 traffic hold-up Adeleke Adesanya

xecutives of Shukura Yam Market at Kosofe area of Lagos have called on the Lagos State government to give them power to avert illegal operation of some officials of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) that are aiding traffic hold-up along Mile 12, Ikorodu road. The market executive members while speaking with national Mirror said despite effort by the market executives and Mile 12 market people to curtail traffic on the Kosofe express road, some LASTMA official were sabotaging their efforts by encouraging commer-

cial buses to obstruct the passage of vehicles. One of the leaders of the market, Alhaji Jubril Magaji, maintained that the illegal activities of LASTMA officials has marred their efforts to curtail the heavy traffic on Mile 12/ Ikorodu route on daily basis. According to him “Everybody knows the LASTMA are the people that are sabotaging our effort on that road. They have agent that is in charge of money collection from commercial bus operators who violate traffic laws. “Most of the LASTMA officials compromise their roles by collecting bribes from these lawless commercial motorists. The duty of making a change should not be left to government workers alone. We as individuals also should endeavour to make it realistic. “The Lagos state government

should delegate us authority to monitor the activities of these law enforcement agents and if possible we arrest some of them that misbehave with their bribe collections from the commercial buses,” he stated. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the market, Alhaji Mohammed Dandamma, has urged the Ambode led administration not to overlook the impact of agriculture in sustaining the ongoing new administration. He also added pleaded Abode Lagos government to give adequate attention to various markets in Lagos state which are the major supply of foods for the dwellers. According to him the shukura market forum is a peaceful one, noting that it is a market which is majorly held by Yoruba and Hausa and Igbo collectively and we have been working together for the past 50 years.

Man remanded over breach of trust

Shari’a Court in Kano on Tuesday remanded a 35-year-old trader, Malam Mamuda Isma’il, in prison over alleged breach of trust. The accused was charged with criminal breach of trust, an offence that contravened Section 202 of the State’s Shari’a Law. Police prosecutor, Cpl. Ahmed Magawata, had earlier told the court sitting at Sabon Gari, Kano, that on May 20, one Sani Ismail of Kurna Quarters, Kano ,reported the case to Galadima Police Division, Kano. Magawata said the report revealed that one month ago, Mamuda Ismail of Rimin Kebe Quarters in Kano, collected vegetable oil from the complainant valued at N535, 850 with the intention to pay the money later but failed to do so. When the charge was read out to the accused, he pleaded guilty. The presiding Judge, Malam Abubakar Ayagi, ordered the accused to be remanded in prison and adjourned the case to July

15, for further mention. In a related development the police have arraigned one Chibuike Arum before Justice H.A. Nganjiwa of a Federal High Court, Yenagoa, on a two-count charge of conspiracy and felony. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him. The prosecution alleged that 463 pieces of counterfeit Nigerian currency were found in the possession of the accused and other at large on Aug.4 2013, at Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa. Counsel to the accused, Chibuike Ezeana, pleaded with the court to grant bail to his client on the ground that the suspect has been in prison custody since 2013. The judge declined the prayer, and ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody. He adjourned the suit till June 17, for the hearing of the bail application.

Traders blame council for demolition, demand compensation

A car involved in an accident along Jakande-Isheri-Ijegun road in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: ABIOLA ABDULHAMMED

Insurance agent arraigned for defrauding customers Olanrewaju Olatunbosun

n agent of AIICO Insurance Company, David Owoeye, 27, who allegedly forged defrauded customers of over N2.6 million, was yesterday arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos. The defendant is standing trial on a two-count charge bordering on forgery and stealing preferred against him by the police. Prosecutor, Inspector Okete Ojiema, told the court that the defendant committed the al-

leged offence between January 2012 and May 2015, as an agent with AIICO Insurance Plc, Victoria Island, Lagos. He said that the defendant forged the receipts and other documents of the company and used it to collect premium, valued at N2.6m from various customers. According to the prosecutor the offences committed is punishable under Sections 285 and 363 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011. The defendant however pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against him.

The defendant’s counsel Mr O. O. Odufua urged the court to admit the defendant to bail on liberal terms. Magistrate, A. A. Adefulire admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N1million, with two responsible sureties in like sum. He said that the sureties must be gainfully employed, must have proof of tax payment and must be account holders and must show statements of their accounts. He adjourned the matter to July 1, for hearing.

ome shop owners at Ariaria Market, Aba, which was demolished by Abia Government have demanded compensation, saying the government gave them permit to build the shops. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu-led government recently demolished over 50 shops built on the road along the Old Expressway, to pave way for reconstruction of the road. The shop owners, who spoke to NAN in Aba on Tuesday, blamed their losses on the Osisioma Ngwa local government authority for encouraging them to act illegally. The traders insisted that they should be compensated by the council, which, they claimed, took money from them and coarsed them to build on parts of the road. One of the affected traders, Mrs Ngozi Nwokeke, said that the local government officials came after they had built the first set of shops and told them to build more shops in front of the old one to cover the space left. ``We refused initially, but the local government authorities coarsed us to go ahead and build another set of shops in front of the old ones or have other persons take up the space.

“The local government staff even wanted to put in a third building on that lane but I shouted and called on the leaders of the line whose intervention stopped the move. “I blame those workers in Osisioma local government council who knew that the space was for road and drainage, still took money and permitted the building of the shops. They are the people we are expecting to compensate us for deceiving us,’’ she said. A mattress dealer, Mr Okafor Enyeribe, said that he lost two shops in the demolition, claiming that he was not aware that the shops were built on part of the road. “The truth is that from the allocation and the certificate they gave us, the local government made it clear that every shop in this market belongs to them and that we are just tenants. If l had known, l will not have bought the shops. “So, I don’t think the state government has any commitment here. If there is anything to negotiate, it should be between us and the Osisioma local government council,’’ he said. Another trader, Mr Chijioke Nweke, said that the shops were built under the Gov. Orji UzorKalu regime with Chief Allen Nwachukwu as the Chairman of Osisioma Local government.

Wednesday, June20, 10,2014 2015 Wednesday August

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

19 killed in Saudi-led air strikes in Yemen 50 Paul Arhewe

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

urkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, has resigned in a procedural move after his AK Party lost its majority in parliamentary elections. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accepted Davutoglu’s gesture but asked him to stay in the post until a new government was formed. Erdogan is now expected to give Davutoglu the difficult task of forming a new coalition government. Sunday’s result dealt a blow to the president’s plans to boost his powers. The two men met on Tuesday in the capital, Ankara, to discuss the future of the government after the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party lost its majority in parliament for the first time in 13 years. It secured 41%, a sharp drop from 2011, and is now likely to try to form a coalition, although no party has yet indicated it is willing to join forces with the AKP.

“Libya very unhappy over the draft accord, particularly the proposal to give wide powers to the rival General National Congress (GNC) in Tripoli” –Special Representative and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya, Bernardino Leon

Turkish PM resigns

Eritrean president Isaias Afwerki

EU envoy complies with Gambia’s expulsion order The EU representative in the Gambia has left the country under an expulsion order which drew criticism from opposition politicians and left Brussels “astonished”, an airport source said yesterday. A member of the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority told a news agency he saw the envoy Agnes Guillaud at Banjul International Airport on Monday night. “Madam Guillaud boarded (Brussels Airlines) on Monday night for Belgium. She passed through the VIP entrance to go to the flight,” the source said. Guillaud, the charge d’affaires of the European Union delegation in the capital Banjul, was on Friday given 72 hours to leave the country, according to a government statement read out on state television.

Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu addressing reporters

Accepting Mr Davutoglu’s resignation, Mr Erdogan expressed his thanks for the PM’s services

and asked him to continue to serve until a new government was established, according to a

Eritrea criticises UN human rights findings ritrea yesterday dismissed what it called “indecent hyperbole” in a U.N. human rights report that described alleged extrajudicial killings, torture and sexual slavery in the secretive Horn of Africa state. Suggestions the Asmara government had committed gross human rights violations against its own people was “totally unfounded and without merit,” the foreign ministry said in a statement. “Clearly, the resort to extreme charges and indecent hyperbole,

xxx

WORLD BULLETIN

including cynical and unwarranted reference to ‘possible crimes against humanity,’ is intended to forestall a sober reflection on the realities in Eritrea,” it said. The statement did not address the specific allegations made in Monday’s U.N. Human Rights Commission report, which followed a year-long investigation. The report concluded that slavery-like practices are routine in Eritrea and torture is so widespread that it was likely the government’s policy was to encourage its use.

It further said Eritrea effectively enslaves people by a system known as “national service” that involves “arbitrary detention, torture, sexual torture, forced labour, absence of leave.” National service is supposed to last 18 months, but the U.N. commission said it interviewed one Eritrean who had fled after 17 years in effective detention. Witnesses reported people being executed for trying to avoid being drafted into service as recently as 2013, according to the report. The commission said it had asked Eritrea for access and information, but “received no response”. Eritrea maintains a vast detention network and regards anyone who tries to leave the country as a traitor. About 6 percent to 10 percent of Eritreans are now registered as refugees by the United Nations, and Eritreans are prominent in a growing wave of migrants from Africa and the Middle East trying to make their way by boat across the Mediterranean to Europe. Eritrea has operated a shootto-kill policy on its borders to stop people fleeing. The U.N. commission said people were still being shot in 2014, including children. The government says it has ended the policy.

statement on the president’s website (in Turkish). The move is a political formality, and Mr Davutoglu’s future remains unclear. After the official final result is declared, the AK Party will have 45 days to form a new government. Opposition parties are likely to demand limits on President Erdogan’s role. If no deal is reached on a coalition, a fragile minority government and early elections loom. Mr Erdogan had been seeking a two-thirds majority to turn Turkey into a presidential republic, but his Islamist-rooted AK Party fell short. The pro-Kurdish People’s Democratic Party (HDP) upset his ambitions by crossing the 10% threshold, securing seats in parliament for the first time. In a separate development on Tuesday four people were shot dead when violence erupted in Turkey’s mainly Kurdish southeastern city of Diyarbakir. Clashes reportedly broke out after the head of a charity linked to a Kurdish Islamist party, Huda Par, was killed. Correspondents says relations are tense between supporters of Huda Par and the HDP, which condemned the attack. Three people were killed and scores injured in a bomb attack on a pre-election HDP rally in Diyarbakir last Friday.

Algeria needs structural reforms –IMF official Algeria must undertake “prudent” economic policies and launch “structural reforms” of its export sector for the energy-dependent state to cope with a sharp drop in global oil prices, an IMF official said. Zeine Zeidane, a former International Monetary Fund chief of mission for Algeria who is now advising the IMF’s Middle East and Central Asia Department, said the country must enact “prudent macroeconomic policies” such as improving its competitiveness and moving towards greater fiscal consolidation. “These policies will allow for a reduction in imports and strengthen... external competitiveness,” Zeidane said, according to remarks published by Algeria’s domestic news agency APS.

Italy’s Northern League steps up campaign against migrants The governor of the northern Italian region of Lombardy wrote to local officials yesterday telling them not to accept irregular migrants sent from other parts of Italy as his rightwing party stepped up its campaign against immigration. “It is unthinkable to send more immigrants to Lombardy before rebalancing the way they are distributed,” regional governor Roberto Maroni from the anti-immigrant Northern League party wrote in a letter made public by his administration.

World News

WORLD BULLETIN

Five dead in Ukraine’s fuel depot blaze A massive fire at a Ukrainian fuel depot killed five people yesterday, officials said, including three firemen who went missing after the flames triggered a powerful explosion. The fire burned overnight and by morning had spread to at least 16 tanks, most of them storing petrol. That sent a pall of black smoke over the area around the depot near Vasylkiv, 30 km (19 miles) from Kiev. The depot’s owners said they suspected arson. “Firemen have the situation ... under total control,” top security official Oleksander Turchynov said in a statement. There was no longer any threat of the blaze spreading and emergency services were putting out remaining fires in the depot, he said. Entire oil tanks were consumed in the flames, which emergency services had feared would spread to another fuel depot nearby. Weapons and equipment were removed from a neighbouring military base to a place of safety. “The crisis will be resolved entirely within the next 12 hours,” Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said in televised comments. The bodies of three firemen, unaccounted for after the explosion ripped through the area as they battled the fire, had been found, Avakov said. Two other people died and several others were injured, the emergency services said.

‘Syrian rebels capture army base in south’ Rebel fighters captured a major base from the Syrian army in the south of the country yesterday, rebels and a monitoring group said, a setback for President Bashar al-Assad reflecting the mounting pressure on him after recent losses elsewhere. Syrian officials could not immediately be reached for comment. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britishbased monitoring group, said a nearby town and a village had fallen to the rebels in addition to the base, Liwa 52. “In under six hours today, the Free Syrian Army’s Southern Front successfully completed an operation to liberate Brigade 52,” said Issam al-Rayyes, spokesman for the “Southern Front” alliance of rebel groups. Liwa 52, or the 52nd Brigade, is one of the biggest Syrian army bases in the area. “This is the last regime-held area to fall in eastern Daraa, and acted as a reinforcement base to support regime airbases in Sweida,” Rayyes said in a statement, adding that at least 67 government troops including seven officers, were killed.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

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19 killed in Saudi-led air strikes in Yemen

audi-led air strikes killed at least 19 people across Yemen yesterday, Yemeni sources said, a day after Saudi Arabia said shells fired from Yemen had killed two of its soldiers. The fighting comes amid continued preparations to bring representatives of the Yemeni government, the Iranian-backed Houthi group and former President Ali Abdullah Saleh to talks in Geneva next week. Yemeni sources said nine Houthi fighters were killed in air strikes on their positions in oil-producing Marib province, east of the capital Sanaa, while four others died in the central Ibb province. Houthi officials were not immediately available to comment on those reports. But the state news agency, controlled by the Houthis, said three women had been killed by shelling in Haidan, in the northern Saada province. The agency also said three Yemenis had been killed and four injured in the Hamdan district of Sanaa. The reports could not be independently verified. The Saudi-led military coali-

A soldier looks at houses destroyed by a Saudi-led air strike

tion also launched air strikes on the Yemeni Defense Ministry compound in Sanaa, but there were no immediate reports of casualties. On Sunday, Saudi-led air strikes on the main army headquarters in Sanaa killed at least 44 people and wounded 100. On Monday, Saudi state news agency SPA said two Saudi soldiers had been killed when border posts in Dhahran al-Janoub in southern Saudi Arabia were shelled from inside Yemeni terri-

tory. Saudi forces and the Houthis have been trading fire across the border since March, when an Arab alliance began military operations against the Iranianbacked Houthis, who belong to the Zaydi sect of Shi’ite Islam, to try to restore exiled President AbdRabbu Mansour Hadi to power. The Yemeni army, which is allied to the Houthis, on Saturday fired a Scud missile toward Saudi Arabia in the first attack of its

MERS death toll rises to seven in South Korea, vows to end crisis

outh Korea yesterday reported its seventh death from Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) as the government -- concerned about the economic impact -- said it hoped to end the crisis this week. Eight new infections brought the total number of cases to 95 in the largest outbreak outside Saudi Arabia, following the diagnosis of the first patient back

on May 20. The virus has caused widespread public anxiety and led to a plunge in cinema ticket sales and dwindling attendance at baseball games and other public events. “Public concerns are rising over the negative impact of the MERS outbreak on our economy and society,” Acting Prime Minister Choi Kyung-Hwan said during a meeting with top

The MERS virus outbreak in South Korea, first confirmed on May 20, has sparked mounting public concern

health officials. “So we have decided to... launch an active, all-out response with the goal of ending the MERS crisis within this week,” said Choi, who is also the finance minister. The latest fatality was a 68-year-old woman who was infected by a MERS patient at a hospital in Seoul. All the infections so far have been restricted to hospitals, and the ministry stressed that all seven who died had pre-existing health problems. The virus is considered a deadlier but less infectious cousin of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed hundreds of people when it appeared in Asia in 2003. There is no vaccine or cure for MERS which, according to World Health Organization (WHO) data, has a fatality rate of around 35 percent. “People may be concerned, but I hope that they will not overreact and cooperate to ensure that economic activities will not be weakened,” President Park Geun-Hye told a cabinet meeting.

kind on the kingdom since the air strikes began. Saudi Arabia said the missile was shot down by Patriot missiles.

Pakistani teen killer given stay of execution

elatives of a Pakistani death row prisoner said yesterday they “felt a wave of life” when his execution was halted to examine claims he was a juvenile when the crime was committed. The reprieve for Shafqat Hussain, sentenced to hang for killing a seven-year-old boy in Karachi in 2004, came just hours before he was due to face the gallows around dawn at a prison in the city. It was his fourth stay of execution in five months in a case that has prompted grave concern among international rights campaigners and the United Nations. Hussain’s lawyers and family claim he was under 18 at the time of the killing, and therefore is not eligible for execution under Pakistani law. They also claim he was tortured into confessing. His brother Manzoor Hussain said relatives gathered in Muzaffarabad, the main town of Pakistani Kashmir where the family hails from, to keep a vigil during the night of the expected hanging. “When we were informed at 3:00 am that he has survived, we felt a wave of life inside us,” he told a news agency. “We were not expecting this, we had even found a place for his grave in a local cemetery here in Muzaffarabad.”

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Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Insurgency: FG reopens Maiduguri airport INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

ederal Government yesterday reopened Maiduguri International Airport for commercial activities 18 months after it was closed following persistent Boko Haram attacks in the troubled city. Our correspondent re-

ported that the airport was shut early December 2013, few days after the insurgents launched a daring attack on 79 Composite of the Nigerian Air Force base in Maiduguri and destroyed three military helicopters. Since then, commercial airline operators deserted the state, with road transport being the only

alternative means for travellers. Similarly, intending pilgrims for both Hajj and lesser Hajj had to travel by road to Kano before being airlifted to the holy land. However, Borno State Deputy Governor, Zanna Umar Mustapha, told newsmen that the Federal Government resolved to

reopen the airport following recent improved security situation. “It is interesting to announce that Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, has confirmed to me that the Federal Government issued a directive to reopen the Maiduguri International Airport for commercial activities,” the deputy

governor said. “In fact, the Chief of Air Staff told me the Nigerian Air Space Management Agency, NAMA, the Nigerian Civil Aviation

Police commissioner bemoans attack on Aliyu PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

Catholic Bishop of Pankshin Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Gokum (left) with representative of the Emir of Kanam, Salisu Al-Bala, presenting relief materials to a victim of insurgency from the North-East, Mrs. Nafisat Jenairu, during distribution of relief materials donated by the Catholic Diocese of Pankshin to internally displaced persons at Dengi Camp, Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Monday. PHOTO: NAN

Cost of governance: El-Rufai prunes commissioners from 24 to 13 A ZA MSUE KADUNA

aduna State Governor, Nasir elRufai, yesterday reduced the number of commissioners to 13, as against 24 appointed by the previous government. In a statement signed by el-Rufai’s Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, he said the governor would also place strict limits on the number of aides the commissioners can recruit to support the discharge of their duties. The statement said: “Governor Nasir Ahmad

el-Rufai has repeatedly stated that Kaduna State government must direct more of its resources to delivering public services, and that such a move requires a reduction in the proportion consumed by government.” The document said the state government also announced the restructuring of its ministries from 19 to 13. “This is intended to cut costs, spur efficiency and improve service delivery. The machinery of government will now be driven by the following ministries: Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Agriculture

and Forestry, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism; Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture; Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development; Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Health and Human Services, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology; Ministry of Budget and Planning, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport,” it said. El-Rufai added: “The realignment of mandates has also resulted in the

emergence of two new departments. The erstwhile Ministry of Lands, Survey and Country Planning has been moved to the Governor’s Office as a department. Similarly, the former Ministry of Rural and Community Development becomes a department in the Deputy Governor’s Office. “Also affected by the restructuring is the Ministry of Information whose functions have now been decentralised. Each ministry will henceforth have its own public relations unit attached to the office of its chief executive,” the statement said.

Troops nab Gombe bombing mastermind INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

wo masterminds of last year’s bombing at Gombe Line Transport Services have been arrested after a

shoot-out on Sunday with troops in Gombe State. This was disclosed in an email message to National Mirror by Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade. Olukolade said: “The

two suspected high profile terrorists were eventually arrested following surveillance and intelligence operations that tracked them to a checkpoint at Bajoga in the state. “One of them sustained

serious injuries during the encounter. He is being treated at a military medical centre.” The Defence spokesman further noted that interrogation of the suspects has commenced.

Authority, NCAA, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, were already directed to work out modalities for effective resumption of flights.”

iger State Police C o m m i s s i o n e r, Olusola Amore, has expressed dismay over the booing and stoning of former governor, Mu’azu Aliyu, by an angry crowd at the inauguration ceremony of the new governor, Abubakar Bello. The crowd had stoned the former governor and erstwhile Chairman of Northern States Governors Forum, NSGF, for allegedly mismanaging the state’s resources, high handedness and leaving the state highly indebted, among other accusations. Briefing journalists in Minna through the state’s Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Bala Elkana, the CP expressed disappointment in Aliyu for ignoring security report, saying the situation could have been averted had he followed security advice. He explained that prior to the May 31 inauguration date, the police command made adequate security arrangements drafting of-

ficers and men to the venue to ensure security of lives of the people. He said Aliyu and the new governor were advised to consider usage of alternative venues based on security report. He said in order to pave way for the embattled former governor to escape the police had to shoot canisters of teargas at the angry mob and whisked him out of the venue. Amore, however, commended journalists for reporting the incident positively based on what they saw on the fateful day, stressing that the police did their best despite the ugly turn of event. On the security hitch experienced, Amore explained that some of the angry youths could have entered the Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna venue of the inauguration through the damaged back entrance gate despite the tight security in place. He urged the people to exhaust avenues for dialogue with leaders irrespective of what they might have done wrong, rather than embark on such course of action.

Rep drums support for Al-Makura IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

ember representing Lafia/Obi federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Abubakar Dahiru, has appealed to citizens of Nasarawa State to continue to render necessary support to Governor Umaru Al-Makura in his quest to take the state to an enviable height. The federal lawmaker stated this during a reception held in his honour by friends and well-wishers in Abuja shortly after inauguration of the 8th National Assembly. Dahiru equally reaffirmed his determination

to uplift the living standard of people in his constituency, adding, “The most important task before me is to ensure unity and peaceful coexistence among people of Lafia/Obi federal constituency.” He maintained that no meaningful development could take place where crises and hatred flourish, and called on his constituency members to resolve their grievances instead of chasing one another with dangerous weapons. The National Assembly member further promised his constituency good representation through sponsoring of bills that would have direct impact on them and the nation at large.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015 CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Jide Jumoke Bukola Toyin, now wish to be known and addressed as Bakare Jumoke Bukola Toyin. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

EMEMMOR: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Patience Juliet Ememmor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Patience Chukwuma-Anyanwu. all former documents remain valid. general public take note for w

ECHI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Mary Eve Echii, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Mary Eve Echi-Ali. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to inform the general public that Otisi Dike Nnenna Happiness and Omenihu Uzoma refer as one person but now Mrs Uzoma Uwaoma Nnenna Happiness. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Onuoha Oluchi, now wish to be known and addressed Mrs Alison Eziaha Oluchi. All former documents remain valid General public should please take note

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CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss Busri Fatimat Ayobami, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Owoso Fatimat Ayobami. All former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

UBA : Formerly known as Miss Uba Ngozi Sandra now wish to be known and address as Mrs Okoye Ngozi Sandra. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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OSAKWU: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Osakwe Adaeze Chinwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ofomata Adaeze Chinwe. All former documents remain valid. Midwifery Council of Nigeria, National Orthopedics Hospital Enugu and general public take note.

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LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of the Loss of Land Certificate registered as MO 12940 dated 13 th September, 2006 lying, situate and being at 56, Majaro Street, Onike, Yaba, Lagos belonging to Miss Titilola Mutiat Olukoga.

CHANGE OF NAME GBADAMOSI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Gbadamosi Azeezat Temitope now wish to be known and called as Mrs Sodeinde Azeezat Temitope. All former documents remain valid, Federal Polytechnic Ede, (NYSC) and general public should please take note .

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ANYA: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Anya Toochukwu Pauline Sandra, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Chukwu Toochukwu Pauline. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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PUBLIC NOTICE LANGUAGE DEVELOPERS AND BIBLE TRANSLATORS ASSOCIATION, BAUCHI

This is to notify the general public that the above named organization has applied for registration , with the corporate affairs commission under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act, 1990

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. Ahmadu Madiya Usman 2. Joseph Goje 3.Adamu Tubi Bitkon 4. Iliya Daniel Ishaku 5.Dangana Adamu 6.Rev. Ibrahim Muhammadu

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DIKEH : We formerly known as Mr Sylvanus Chidebelu Dikeh, Mrs Sussan Nkiru Dikeh, Remigus Chidiebele Dikeh, Calista Uchenna Dikeh, Maureen Chioma Dikeh and Daniel Kodilinye Dikeh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Sylvanus Chidebelu Nnadozie, Mrs Sussan Nkiru Nnadozie, Remigus Chidiebele Nnadozie, Calista Uchenna Nnadozie, Maureen Chioma Nnadozie and Daniel Kodilinye Nnadozie. All former documents remains valid. Public note.

UMEH : Formerly known as Miss Mary Ann Amara Umeh now wish to be known and address as Mrs Mary Ann Amara Uchedike. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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

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- Chairman - Secretary - Member - Member - Member - Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. To translate the. Holy Bible into languages of Bauchi state 2. To partner with other agencies that will encourage Bible translation and language development 3.To organize seminars and workshops in relation to Bible translation and Language development Any objection to the registration of the above named organization should be forwarded to the registrar - general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, P.M.B 198, Maitama within 28 days of this publication

SIGNED: BARRISTER G.E KAKA -SOLICITOR

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formerly known and addressed as Abosede Abiona Popoola, now wish to be known and addressed as Alaba Abiodun Seriki. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as Tokunbo Oluseyi Osinubi, now wish to be known and addressed as Tokunbo Oluseyi OsinubiIsreal. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. To promote the teaching of the Holy Bible 2. To promote the worship of our Lord Jesus Christ 3. To foster peace and unity among the body of Christ. 4. To advance the gospel of Jesus Christ to other parts of the world. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: CHIBUZOR EKECHUKWU & CO. SPRING LAW CHAMBERS, 27, OYEWOLE STREET, PALMGROVE, LAGOS. 08023223109

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OSAGU: I Formely known and addressed as Osagu Theodora Sussiet, Now wish to be known and adressed as Mrs Asemota Theodora Sussiet. All former Documents remain valid, NIMR, APIN and General Public to take note.

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OKOYE: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss. Patricia Ifeoma Okoye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Patricia Ifeoma Igwebuike. All former documents remain valid. IMT, and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OSUORJI: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss. Osuorji Leticia , now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Leticia Anyatonwu Chika. All former documents remain valid. General Public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

DJOUMBISSIE: Formerly known as & called Mr Djoumbissie Julius, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mr Whedoku Julius. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

EDE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Dorcas Ede, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Dorcas Onah. All former documents remain valid. The Nigeria Police Force and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Pius Amihor Omamouzo, now wish to be known and addressed as Alfred-Amihor Levi Omamouzo. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

LEARNING DISABILITIES DIAGNOSTIC AND ASSESSMENT CENTRE FOR PERSONS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

This is to inform the General Public that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part C of the Company and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

1. Abolaji Oluwasanmi David 2. Femi Dada Moses 3. Folorunsho Adesanya David 4. Ake Ayodele Paul 5. Afolabi Olakunle Samson 6. Badakin Timothy Oluwasegun

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Omeresan Mimi Egbe, now wish to be known and addressed as Omeresan Mimi Ogodo. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

BIBLE RESTORATION (REV, 10:7) FELLOWSHIP THE TRUSTEES ARE:

CHANGE OF NAME

LIMAN: Formerly known and addressed as Maimuna Liman now wish to be known and addressed as Maimuna Abdullah. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

This is to inform the general public that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. 2.

Professor Ihenacho Izuka John Mrs. Ihenacho Theresa Ikpo

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. To restructure the individual to overcome his/her learning disabilities 2. To identify and assess the disabilities and note types. 3. To treat, replace, and rebuild the absence, low excess, trace elements status of person with learning disabilities and special needs Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED: CHAIRMAN

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Alves signs new Barca deal

I really enjoyed the Champions League final match. But there is absolutely nothing like playing in it –Chelsea midfielder, Eden Hazard

Sport

Swedish defender fails to stop Asisat Oshoala’s kick that resulted in Nigeria’s second goal on Monday

: 5 1 0 2 a d a n a C

Sweden draw feels like a win

–Oparanozie

•Okon assures win over Aussies Everest Onyewuchi

uper Falcons striker, Desire Oparanozie, has said that the team’s 3-3 draw against Sweden on Monday, in the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada “feels like a win”. Oparanozie has real reason to celebrate the three-goal apiece thriller at the Winnipeg Stadium because she scored an own goal in the 20th minute that gave the Swedes the lead. “This draw feels like a win,” Oparanozie told Fifa. com after the match, adding, “There’s no word to explain this feeling. It’s a great feeling.

Having gone down two goals and having come back to level it is quite tremendous. We feel very happy.” She added that unrelenting Nigerian supporters at the stands also boosted the morale of her team mates. “It really did help,” the Nigeria’s No.9 explained. “It motivated us a whole lot. It was a good thing knowing that the crowd was behind us. They wanted to see us score; they wanted to see us do more. That really made us push harder and give our all.” Clearly pleased with the result, Oparanozie directed her focus to Nigeria’s next challenge: a meeting with the Aus-

tralians on Friday. “After today, we are ready to take on any team. We are not afraid to face anyone. We are ready.” Speaking in the same vein, Coach Edwin Okon has said that Falcons second Group D game against the Maltidas is a must-win. “Our next match against Australia is a must-win and we are moving forward from there. Nothing is going to stop us,” Okon said. “We will correct those mistakes of conceding own goals and not being able to defend set-pieces. We played a brand of football that was more of skill to entertain our fans.”

Germany won’t score, F’Eagles vow

fter the Brazil match, I was in a really bad state. I was desperate to make amends. I challenged myself to do better throughout the rest of the competition. What I did against Korea and Hungary is just the beginning.” Flying Eagles goalkeeper, Joshua Enaholo, with that declaration, has vowed to stop the shots of free-scoring Germans in tomorrow’s Round of 16 match of the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Christchurch,

New Zealand. “They’re a good team, but we’ll be ready,” Enaholo insisted. Coach Manu Garba spoke in the same vein to Fifa.com. “If we want to be champions, we have to be ready to take on any team. We have the tools to match them.” Yesterday, Flying Eagles had to battle the cold and wind for their first training at the Ferrymead Park ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Germany.

Sports

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

LMC grants Wolves reprieve Paul Erewuba

T Alves

Alves signs new Barca deal

arcelona defender, Dani Alves, has ended speculation regarding his future by signing a twoyear contract extension with the club yesterday. The 32-year-old Brazilian had been non-committal about his future plans, even though his contract was due to expire at the end of this month. “Barcelona announces that Dani Alves has accepted the club’s proposal to renew his contract that expires on June 30,” a club statement said.

Klopp

“The new deal will see the player tied up for two seasons, until June 30 2017, with an option for a third.” Alves joined Barcelona from Sevilla seven years ago and has won 19 titles with the Blaugrana, including three UEFA Champions Leagues, with the Catalan giants scooping the Primera Division, Copa del Rey and Champions League treble for the second time in six years in 2014/15. He holds the record for appearances in official games as a foreign player at Barca with 343.

appoints Bilic

drops Premier League hint

LMC boss, Irabor

West Ham

Klopp he agent of former Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp, Marc Kosicke, admits his client is interested in coaching in the Premier League, saying he is up for any challenge. Klopp called time on his seven-year tenure with Dortmund at the end of the season, and is now one of the most sought-after coaches in Europe. “The Premier League is

he League Management Company (LMC) yesterday considered the request by management of Warri Wolves to have the club’s Week 11 game against Kano Pillars billed for this weekend postponed. Wolves have also had their rescheduled match against ElKanemi Warriors in Warri today postponed. The shift followed Wolves’ request to LMC to give the side reprieve after having about seven players in different national teams. “The rule stipulates that if you have five players or more in the national team, you can request for a shift in your league games,” Media Officer of Warri Wolves, Moses Etu, disclosed. “We therefore decided to exploit that opportunity and our request has been granted. We have been informed that our home match with El-Kanemi Warriors tomorrow (today) will no longer hold.

very exciting,” Kosicke said yesterday. “We do not only think about the top four because there are some other great clubs below them. But I am not sure the profile of the job could work,” the agent added. “Jurgen feels the energy and thinks that he can make a difference here this could be more attractive to him than going with the big deals and aim for the treble.”

Bilic

laven Bilic was yesterday appointed new manager of West Ham United, the 46-year-old former Croatia boss succeeding Sam Allardyce whose contract was not renewed. Bilic, who had an 18-month spell playing for the Hammers from January

1996, has signed a three-year deal. “West Ham United is delighted to announce the appointment of Slaven Bilic as the club’s new manager,” a club statement said. Bilic had been considered alongside Rafael Benitez, Jurgen Klopp, Carlo Ancelotti,

Marcelo Bielsa, Michael Laudrup and Unai Emery. “I’m really glad to be back with West Ham United,” Bilic said. “It’s a big challenge and you are competing with the best and what better club to do it with than West Ham,” the Croat added.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Pepsi Academy youngsters eye UK scholarship Afolabi Gambari

Action at the Zenith Bank Women Basketball League in Ilorin

Zenith B’ball: First Bank, Dolphins, AHIP win in Ilorin

efending Champion, First Bank Basketball Club, Dolphin and AHIP won their opening games in the second phase Zenith Bank Women Basketball League which began yesterday at the at the Ilorin Stadium. First Bank defeated Oluyole Babes 67-23, Dolphin defeated IGP Queen 63-26, while AHIP

beat Immigration 43-17. The First Bank team (Elephant Girls) dominated the game and could have routed their opponents. But they will hope to consolidate when they take on Sunshine Angels today. The bankers lost the services of some of their players who were in the D’Tigress team that defeated Cote d’Ivoire to qualify

Nigeria for the Afrobasket and All Africa Games, but will be ready for Sunshine. “The players gave a good account of themselves and I am sure they will get better as the competition progresses,” Assistant Coach, Taye Adeniyi, said, adding, “The fans can rest assured of fantastic display from the Elephant Girls henceforth.”

SuperSport set to air AFCON, Copa America games Everest Onyewuchi

ay-per-view satellite television channel, SuperSport, is set to televise live matches of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification matches that get underway this weekend across the continent. The General Manager (Marketing) of DStv Nigeria, Mr. Martins Mabutho, who disclosed this yesterday, in Lagos, also re-

vealed that SuperSport will also televise matches of the Copa America, the South American championship beginning from June 11. Mabutho, who said that football fans in Nigeria “are excited about the impending Copa America tournament” added that the games will be aired live on High Definition (HD) for Premium and Compact Plus bouquets DStv subscribers only. But both DStv and Gotv sub-

scribers will watch live telecasts of matches of the 2017 AFCON qualifiers. Mabutho, who spoke to a section of the sporting press in company with the SuperSport General Manager (West Africa), Mr. Felix Awogu, enjoined Nigerian subscribers to take advantage of an imminent 50% price slash of DStv Explora promotion to upgrade to the Explora and watch their various programmes in a new viewing experience.

Chess Masters ready for Satellite event

he Lagos Millionaire Satellite Chess Festival gets underway today with all the best players in the country and West Africa sub-region converging on the Chevron Event Centre, Gbagada, Lagos. Chess prodigies led by current national champion, Bomo Kighiga, John Fawole, Bunmi Olape, Dapo Adu and Eugene Uwana will compete to determine the ultimate winner of the all-expense paid trip main tournament in Las Vegas USA in October 2015. The second prize winner will take home N100, 000 while N70,

000, N40, 000 will win in the same order. Cash prizes will also be won by best female players and in the Open Section. President of Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), Mr. Lekan Adeyemi, explained that the Millionaire Chess company, which conducted the first Millionaire Chess Open tournament in Las Vegas, USA last year, would promote chess and organise global tournaments. The second edition of the Millionaire Chess is scheduled to come up from 8-12 October, 2015 in Las Vegas, USA.

It is the highest-stakes open chess tournament in history with a total of $1, 000, 000 in prizes. According to the NCF, the Kasparov Chess Foundation will sponsor three winners of the Millionaire Chess Satellite Tournaments in Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya with $5000 each. The Opens and U-16 categories will run on Saturday and Sunday while the cadet category will be used to select players that will represent Nigeria at the Zone 4.4 U-16 African Team Chess Championship scheduled for Ghana next month.

Gov, Obiano

Obiano set to open Rojenny track Charles Okeke AWKA

thletics is set to receive a boost in Anambra State as Governor Willie Obiano will inaugurate a tartan track at the Rojenny Stadium, Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area tomorrow. National Mirror learnt yesterday that the track worth about N80million and built to Olympic standards would also host the inaugural Golden League Athletics Competition and Invitation Relays for Anambra secondary schools. Anambra State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Chief Tony Nnachetta, said the Golden League would also serve as qualifier for key international competitions like the Olympics, World Championships and the Commonwealth Games. “The League will be the first of its kind to be hosted in Anambra and even in the South East since the creation of our state in 1991,” Nnachetta said.

epsi Football Academy students from across 14 centers in Nigeria will converge on the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta from tomorrow to Saturday to compete for spaces in the annual Pepsi Academy UK Scholarship Scheme. Pepsi Academy UK Scholarship is a life changing initiative which provides opportunity for outstanding students of the Academy to study and play professional soccer at Brooke House College in United Kingdom for two years. Director of the Pepsi Football Academy, Chief Kashimawo Laloko, described the programme as one of the best things to happen to grassroots football in Nigeria. “The Pepsi UK Scholarship has been a source of motivation for the youngsters who are keen to take their football careers to Europe,” Laloko said. Head of Marketing, Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc, Mr. Norden Thurston, said Pepsi, through the PFA, was committed to identifying and nurturing young talent from the grassroots to attain the status of Nigeria internationals as Mikel Obi, Osaze Odemwingie and Elderson Echejile, among other successful graduates of the academy. “It is gratifying that the partnership between Pepsi and Brooke House College has endured for ten years,” Thurston said. More than 15 players have benefited from the programme since inception in 2005 with Oluwatosin Michael as the first beneficiary with St. Bedes School, UK and Larry Egunjobi already playing professional football in Portugal. Others are plying their trade with major teams in Nigeria and African leagues. Beneficiaries of the 2014 edition, Onuh Morgan Daniel and Agunnubi Abayomi Dada, are currently at Brooke House College, courtesy of Pepsi.

PFA Director, Laloko

WORLD RECORD

Largest hockey stick Vol. 05 No. 1131

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Why you need a mentor

tudying the lives of a great many significant people, some amongst them, my mentors, I have come to learn that as the ever present and healthy challenges of life constantly foist on us the frictions of life, it may be easy to answer the question of “What?” What you hope to achieve, what you hate to do, etc. However, in the nomadic journey of life, one question that many of us find challenging to answer, yet life keeps demanding of us at every turn is the question “Why?” Why do you hope to achieve what you pant after day and night? Why do you hate to do what procrastination has been robbing you of ? I discovered that the significant mavericks, icons, heroes, legends that I studied answered through their lives

N150

Guest Columnist

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

Oladele

Olunike

not just the question of “What?” but much more importantly “Why?” and this made them generational celebrities today. I strongly hold that he who knows “what”, gets the job. He who knows “why” becomes his boss! In the previous edition; we learnt that mentorship is one goldmine secret to extra-ordinary success that is grossly under tapped. Now we need to learn and answer the begging question “Why?” Long ago, a wise man said: “Many think I am smart because of my exploits, if I’m seeing any further, it is because I’m standing on the shoulders of those who have gone ahead of me.” You and I need the shoulders of mentors to see further into our future. You need a mentor to tap into higher levels of grace for unimaginable exploits. You need a mentor because he or she is a ladder by which you can climb higher and into the height of your future, career, vision, business, destiny and even your relationship. It may be interesting to note that there is no aspect of life that you will not need a mentor to outstandingly excel, with fewer struggles, mistakes, sweats, failures and regrets etc. A mentor has learnt by experience to attain the present success he or she enjoys, but a protégé or mentee who has submitted to the tutelage of a mentor, learns by instruction from the mentor’s experience. That’s why I differ from the time-worn out saying that:

TO LEARN BY EXPERIENCE IS OFTEN BITTER, BUT TO LEARN BY INSTRUCTION IS OFTEN BETTER “experience is the best teacher”. I hold that instruction is the best teacher. Why? To learn by experience is often bitter, but to learn by instruction is often better. One of my mentors, many years ago, had a unique experience that explains this. Today, he is one of the leading and globally renowned authorities on the subject of ‘Financial Success’ and an author of quite a number of volumes on the same subject. It is, however, interesting to know that he did not arrive at this Eldorado of financial success by ‘cheap talk’. Real and lasting success in any aspect of life requires hard work! Many years ago when he was poorer than a broken penny, he hated his state of lack and desperately sought a way out of this abyss of deprivation. He desperately yearned to know what it takes to become outstandingly successful financially. His desperation drove him into a three day personal research of some strange sort, armed with books of other authors on financial success. At his retreat resort in a thick dark forest, with only a torch light as his only source of electric-

ity, beaten by rain and threatened by a dangerous snake in his three days sojourn, he refused to retreat till he made the discovery of what he desperately went for - the secrets of financial success. Today from that ‘bitter’ experience he came away with secrets that has helped him over the years to crawl out from under the dirt of the heap of poverty and over the years has taught millions (whose lives are getting better financially and in other areas by his teachings) including me at conferences, seminars, through his books, DVDs all across the world as he still does. Today, he is a notable voice on this subject globally. I believe you will agree with me that that gruesome experience my mentor had was nothing but a bitter one. Today as his protégé, to tap into his insight on the same subject, I don’t need three nights in a bush, a threatening rain, or a scary snake. All I will require to learn from his experience through his live seminars, DVDs or books is a couple or 3 hours, as against his own 3 days, with legs leisurely crossed behind my office desk, under a cool and calm air conditioned atmosphere. Juxtaposing these two scenarios, you will agree with me that my mentor learnt by experience, which was bitter, I learnt by instruction from his own experience, which is better. Indeed instruction and not experience is the best teacher. Why do you need a mentor? You need a mentor whose experience will save you time, energy, resources, loses, pain etc. in achieving the same or possibly a better result in the same career, life or destiny in a shorter while. Olunike, an award-winning quintessential polymath and lead consultant at World Class Compere Academy, wrote via oladeleolunike@gmail.com

Sport Extra

AFCON qualifiers: Bafana coach favours ‘rotational policy’

outh Africa Coach, Shakes Mashaba, says he will continue to rotate the captaincy and the goalkeeper’s position going into the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Mashaba has passed the

armband around since taking charge in September, and surprisingly used three goalkeepers in three matches at the Nations Cup finals earlier this year. The gaffer says he will maintain the policy as he

prepares his team for their Group M opener with Gambia at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. “Every player is available and ready to perform,” Mashaba said at the team’s training camp in Durban yes-

terday. Mashaba has called up goalkeepers Itumeleng Khune, Jackson Mabokgwane and Brilliant Khuzwayo for the qualifying match. “Yes, we will rotate there as well,” he added.

“They are the three top keepers in our league and we want to make sure that whoever is given a chance gives his very best. “We have now laid a good foundation but we will still look at other players.”

xxxxxxx

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