February 17, 2016 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Diezani, not FEC, approved oil swap deal –Ex-NNPC GMD George Opara, Abuja

former Group Managing Director, GMD, of Nigerian National Petroleum

Diezani

Vol. 6 N0. 1309

Corporation, NNPC, Austin Oniwon, yesterday, said former Petroleum Resources Minister, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, gave approval for the oil swap deal between the

corporation and some oil companies. Oniwon told the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee investigating the refined product Continued on Page 2>>

Ali Modu Sheriff emerges PDP chairman Ali Modu Sheriff

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Sacked DGs, MDs were PDP saboteurs –APC •No resurgence of Boko Haram despite recent attacks –FG Rotimi Fadeyi, Abuja

ational Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief John OdigieOyegun, yesterday said the sacked heads of government agencies and parastatals were saboteurs. The APC chairman, who led some leaders of the party to the Presidential Villa to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari, said the party was not concerned about the positions but about Continued on Page 2>>

Court refuses to stop installation of new Olubadan P.7

Senate directs suspension of new electricity tariffs P.2

L-R: Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi ii; Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and President Muhammadu Buhari, during the visit of the monarch to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

EFCC blasts SANs, journalists for scuttling anti-graft war

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Senate leadership tussle: CJ re-assigns Saraki, Ekweremadu’s case

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Sacked DGs, MDs were PDP saboteurs –APC CONTINUED FROM Page 1

the internal sabotage going on in some of the agencies. The sacked chief executives were appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The Presidency on Monday announced the sack of chief executives and heads of 26 Federal Government agencies, via a statement by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal. Oyegun, while speaking with State House correspondents and specifically responding to question on the essence of the sack said: “We are concerned about the internal sabotage that is going on in a lot of the PDP filled positions which are critical to our national growth and development. “It is happening in INEC, it is happening in a lot of other institutions and that is what the concern of the party is, not necessarily taking over. “We should take over and they should be people who believe in the change agenda, we have no apologies for that at all.” Asked when appointments would be made to replace those sacked, Oyegun said that the matter was at the discretion of the President. “We just came to pay our respect to our President, and praised him on things that are going. We raised our concerns on one or two issues and altogether we had a very pleasant and rewarding meeting,” he added. On the confusion trailing the 2016 budget, Oyegun said there was no confusion, stressing that people should understand the complications that come from adjusting a structure from over 40 ministries to about 20. He said: “There is absolutely no confusion. This is a serious issue. I want you to please understand the complications that come from adjusting a structure from over 40 ministries to just over 20 and the necessary adjustments of figures and movements of institutions that that entails. “It was very complicat-

ed, so it is natural that adjustments have to be made to the process and that is just happening.” Meanwhile, the Federal Government yesterday said the recent spate of attacks is not an indication of any resurgence by Boko Haram, insisting that the terrorist group remains largely decimated, dispersed and disoriented. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said anyone who is conversant with the ebb and flow of insurgency will not be surprised by the attacks. “During the immediate period after an insurgency has been degraded, the fact that terrorists are dispersed into the community is often followed by an upsurge of terror attacks in the form of suicide bombing and sabotage of critical facilities. “Activities during these periods are often carried out within population and against soft targets or vulnerable groups. There is often apprehension in the community that terrorism

L-R: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; President Muhammadu Buhari and Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), during a visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: STATE HOUSE is getting worse, even though, in reality, insurgency has been weakened as a cohesive terror force. This is the current phase of insurgency in the country,” he said. While strongly condemning the attacks and commiserating with the families of those who were killed, Alhaji Mohammed appealed for

caution in the comments being made over the attacks so as not to inadvertently provide succour for Boko Haram, which thrives on propaganda. “Many commentators have latched on to these attacks to infer a resurgence of Boko Haram, while some have even made outrageous statements regarding the ter-

ritories controlled by Boko Haram. “Fortunately, no less a personality than the President, strongly backed by the governors of Borno and Yobe states, has debunked such unsubstantiated claims. “Gentlemen, there is no resurgence of Boko Haram. The terrorists remain massively degraded

and largely defeated. The recent string of attacks is not an indication that Boko Haram is bouncing back,” he said. The minister also insisted that Nigerians owed the military total support in its ongoing battle to consolidate the achievements it had recorded in the fight against the insurgents.

Diezani, not FEC, approved oil swap deal –Ex-NNPC GMD CONTINUED FROM Page 1

agreement between NNPC, PPMC and the oil companies that he obtained approval from the former minister for the trading of the 445,000 barrel per day crude allocated to the three refineries in the country, adding that only 150,000bpd was approved for the oil swap arrangement. In the contract, crude oil amounting to 445,000 barrels per day was awarded to nine companies: Sahara Group, Aiteo, Duke Oil, Mercuria, Glencore, Etena Oil and Gas, Tranfigura, and Ontario Oil and Gas. Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, in its 20092011 and 2012 reports had raised the alarm that the nation lost $8 billion due to discrepancy between the value of the crude oil given out and the refined products delivered. In his testimony before the ad-hoc committee led by Zakari Mohammed, Oniwon said though his approval threshold as GMD was $10 million and that of

the minister N100 million, NNPC signed the agreement because the minister approved it. Explaining why he entered the contract without FEC approval, Oniwon said: “We do not require FEC approval. The approval was obtained from the minister to do this business.” Speaking further, the former GMD, who was in charge from May 17, 2010 to June 26, 2012, disclosed that when he assumed duties, NNPC was insolvent as declared by the then Minister of State for Finance, Remi

Babalola, with the Corporation having a debt of over $3 billion hanging on its neck. He said it was due to the huge debt burden that NNPC, under his leadership, deployed the cashless policy of product exchange in order to defray the liability. He said: “Our cash flow was in trouble and we couldn’t service the Federation Account and our suppliers. “As management, when you are cash-strapped, you look for cashless system available.” According to him,

NNPC was paying for the 445,000bpd crude oil for the refineries, out of which 150,000bpd was approved for swap arrangement. The committee, however, argued that before the ministerial approval was officially obtained, some of the companies involved in the swap agreement, notably Duke Oil and Trafigura, had lifted crude worth $24 billion with no contractual agreement. But the former GMD said the former minister actually approved exten-

sion of the contract. Chairman of the committee, Hon. Mohammed, disclosed that about $27 million taxes and levies were owed by the companies involved in the crude oil swap within the period under review. He also disclosed that all the contractors/companies involved in the deal were under obligations to pay all taxes and levies to government in the course of executing the contract as stipulated in Article 15 of the agreements signed by both parties.

Senate directs suspension of new electricity tariffs George Oji

enate yesterday asked the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, Federal Ministry of Power and Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs, to suspend forthwith the implementation of the 45 per cent increment on electricity tariffs and revert to

the status quo. The lawmakers also directed its committees on labour and power to organise a public hearing, involving all stakeholders on the matter with a view to arriving at an appropriate pricing of electricity tariffs in the country. These resolutions were arrived at, following a motion by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Labour,

Senator Suleiman Nazif on “The urgent need to stop the increase in electricity tariffs by power ministry, NERC and the Distribution Companies, DISCOs”, during yesterday’s plenary. The lawmakers however turned down one of the reliefs in the motion, which sought to direct the Senate Committee on Labour to carefully review the law establishing NERC, with

the principal aim of establishing a strong regulatory body that will ensure proper and pocket-friendly billing system in such a way that consumers and investors will be treated fairly and equitably. The House of Representatives last December also passed a motion asking NERC to halt the proposed new tariffs. Continued on Page 5>>

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Wednesday, February 17, 2016

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Wednesday, February 17, 2016

NEWS

L-R: Head of Engineering, Med-View Airline, Engr Lookman Animashaun; MD, Alhaji Muneer Bankole and Director of Sales, Air Atlanta, Mr. Magnus Asgeirsson, during the signing of Aircraft B747-400 agreement between Med-View Airline and Air Atlanta in Lagos, on Monday.

L-R: Deputy Post Master General, Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Mr. Joseph Ariyo; Acting Post Master General, Mr. Enoch Ogun and Minister of Communication and Technology, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, during the Minister’s visit to NIPOST headquarters in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

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L-R: Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Civic Engagement, Mr Kehinde Joseph; Deputy Governor, Dr Oluranti Adebule; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Culture, Mrs Olajumoke Akinsola and Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Mrs Husammat Akingbile-Yusuf, at the launch of Civic Engagement in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Chairman, BOT Nigeria Association of Law Teachers ( NALT), Prof. Ademola O. Popoola; General Secretary, NALT, Dr. Elijah Oluwatoyin Okebukola and President Dr. Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana, during a courtesy visit to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

National News Obiora Ifoh Abuja

ifferent organs of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have unanimously nominated Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff, former governor of Borno State, as substantive national chairman of the party.

National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, disclosed this while updating newsmen ahead of the party’s National Executive Council, NEC, meeting yesterday in Abuja. Metuh said the North East leaders of the party had earlier submitted five names to the national caucus meeting, from 29 candidates that indicated interest from the zone. He said since the North East zonal leaders were unable to present a single candidate to the national caucus of the party, additional candidates from the zone were invited for screening. Candidates whose names were submitted, according to Metuh, include Wilberforce Juta, Saidu

Modu Sheriff emerges PDP chairman Kumo, Alhaji Girgir Lawal, Shehu Gabam and Mohammed Wakil. Those invited for interview, he added, were Amb Wilberforce Juta, Sen Kumo, Senator Girgir, Shehu Gabam and Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff. “After the interview process these names were reduced to two. “Just this afternoon, different organs of the party met separately to chose one of the two names presented to them. “The PDP governors, National Assembly Caucus, the Board of Trustees, BoT, and the National Working, NWC, met separately and brought a candidate to the national caucus. “One interesting thing is that unanimously, it was the name of the same candidate that was presented to the national caucus. “Although, no appointment has been made yet, I can confirm to you that, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff was the candidate presented,”

Metuh said. Metuh added that name of Sheriff had been forwarded to the party’s BoT and NEC for approval and ratification. He added that the gov-

ernorship candidate of the PDP in Adamawa State, Nuhu Ribadu, declined to face the panel and his wishes were respected. The former governor is

expected to complete the tenure of the North East, which was vacated by Dr. Adamu Mu’azu in May 2015. Sheriff was chairman of the BoT of the defunct ANPP

and was instrumental to the merger process of APC. He joined the PDP in 2014 after he fell out with the leadership of the newly formed APC.

NDDC director arrested over alleged bribery Marcus Fatunmole Abuja

conomic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday said it has arrested Engr. Roberts A. Obuoha, a director in the Project Management

Department of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. Obuoha was picked up for attempting to bribe EFCC’s zonal head (South South), Mr. Ishaq Salihu, according to a statement made available to National Mirror yesterday by head, media

and public relations of the commission, Wilson Uwujaren. The release said the suspect, who is under investigation with the commission, was invited to write a statement in a case of contract splitting and over-inflation. “He was quizzed and offered administrative bail,

but when he reported the next day to perfect his bail, he went to the zonal head’s office and offered him N150,000 to buy recharge card. “The suspect claimed that he offered the said money to Salihu in order to build a good relationship with him.

Dikki, outgoing BPE boss, charges FG on Reform Bills Tola Akinmutimi

utgoing directorgeneral of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, Mr. Benjamin Ezra Dikki, yesterday appealed to the Federal Government to pass into

law the Reform Bills initiated by the bureau to boost the Nigerian economy, especially in the face of dwindling revenue from oil. He made the appeal when he formally handed over affairs of the agency to the most senior officer, Dr. Vincent Akpotaire, in line with government’s directive issued late

Monday, which relieved 26 heads of parastatals of their appointments. A statement by the BPE’s head, public communications, Alex Okoh, quoted Dikki as saying that passage of the bills especially the Railways, Transport and Road bills would boost the Nigerian economy and

bring about the expected change for Nigerians in line with the change mantra of the present administration. He also called for the concession of Nigerian airports and the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, to open up the Nigerian economy for private sector participation.

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News 5

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

EFCC blasts SANs, journalists for scuttling anti-graft war Wale Igbintade and Marcus Fatunmole

conomic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has blamed senior lawyers for its failure to achieve speedy trial of corrupt people in the country. Acting chairman of the commission, Ibrahim Magu, disclosed this when he hosted a coalition of civil society groups that rallied to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja yesterday. Magu blamed the lawyers, who are in the category of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs, among others, for halting the desired prosperity of the nation, when, according to him, they had enjoyed sponsorship of their education through various levels, including other social benefits, at the expense of the government when growing up. He decried that rather than help government and the commission fight looters and other corrupt persons in the country, the legal veterans choose to accept shares from stolen wealth and consequently impede justice. His words: “One of the big challenges we have in the effective prosecution of the war on corruption is that of very senior lawyers who Nigeria has been very kind to. They, who went to good schools here when Nigeria was good; many of them on government scholarship, they who Nigeria has given so much opportunity. “When we have corruption cases, cases of people who have stolen food from the mouths of our children; when we have cases of people who have stolen money meant to build hospitals and buy drugs; when we have cases of people who have stolen all the money meant to buy guns for our soldiers to fight Boko Haram, when we have all these cases of wicked people who have stolen Nigeria’s money, they run to these same senior lawyers, give them part of the stolen money and mobilise them to fight us, to delay us in court and to deny Nigerians of justice. “These are the people who do not want justice for

the common man. “The other day, 34 Senior Advocates of Nigeria fought against only one small EFCC lawyer in court and he defeated all of them! What we are doing today is not by our power, it is the power of the Nigerian people and the power of God behind us.” Magu also maintained that journalists hired by corrupt people abuse the commission daily, and accuse it of not performing its functions according to the law. He said such accusation was not true, adding that there is no agency in the country that follows the law more than the EFCC. He explained that before the commission arrests anyone, seize property or do anything to them, it checks the law, goes to court and secure court order. “That is why we are winning; that is why we are defeating them everyday. We want the Nigerian people to continue to support us, continue to support Mr. President’s war on corruption. We have many corruption cases in court. We are getting them every day from everywhere and we are recovering stolen money and taking corrupt people to court. “The money we have recovered and the money we are going to get back from them -billions and billions of Naira- is being paid back to government and will be used to do what it was originally meant for -to build hospitals, send our children to school, build roads and railways, create employment and defend our country. We have no other country than Nigeria. This war is the war of the people. “Apart from the fear of God, we have no other fear. Apart from the interest of Nigeria, we have no other interest. And apart from the Rule of Law, we have no other rule guiding the work we are doing today. The days of impunity are over,” he stressed. Meanwhile, EFCC yesterday arraigned a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Rickey Tarfa, before a Lagos High Court on a twocount charge bordering on obstruction of justice and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

L-R: Former Chairman, National Planning Commission, Prof. Osita Ogbu; Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu; President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Dr. Francis Jacobs and Director-General, Raw Materials Research and Development, Dr. Husseini Ibrahim, during Techno Expo 2016 ceremony in Abuja, yesterday. EFCC had in charge NoLD/2417C/16 filed before Justice Aishat Opesanwo alleged that Tarfa on February 5, 2016, hid two suspects, Nazaire Sorou Gnanhoue and Modeste Finagnon, both Beninoise in his Mercedes Benz Sports Utility car, thereby shielding them from being arrested and willfully obstructing the course of justice. Tarfa was alleged to have prevented two operatives of the commission, who were officially detailed to effect their arrest from carrying out their statutory duties. Tarfa’s defence counsel, Niyi Akinola, SAN, who led 14 other senior advocates and about 150 other lawyers in his application for bail brought pursuant to Section 115 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, urged the court to grant the defendant bail on self-recognition. Akintola told the court that the defendant was granted administrative

bail by EFCC and had consistently reported to the office of the Commission every morning by 8:00am. He stated that the defendant had submitted himself for trial and was prepared to defend the charge filed against him. He added that being a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, the defendant would not jump bail, adding that he had over 60 lawyers in his law firm. But, opposing the application, EFCC lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, urged the court to dismiss the application and remand the defendant in prison custody. He urged the court to discountenance the argument that the defendant is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, adding that in consideration of crime of this nature, the personality of the defendant is not relevant. He also urged the court to disregard the submissions of the defence lawyer that Tarfa was granted bail on self-recognition by EFCC, stressing that he was granted administra-

tive bail following an undertaken by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA. After standing the matter down for hours, Justice Opesanwo in her ruling granted the defendant bail in self recognition. The court however ordered that the defendant should not travel out of the country without informing the court. Justice Opesanwo stated that the defendant presented overwhelming evidence before the court that had not been controverted by the prosecution. The court added that the prosecution did not deny the fact that Tarfa was granted administrative bail and had not defaulted. The matter has been adjourned till March 14 for hearing of the application filed by Tarfa asking the court to quash the charge and April 20 for trial. The two-count charge reads: “That you Rickey Tarfa on or about February 5 2016 within the

jurisdiction of the court willfully abstracted Moses Awolusi and Sanusi Muhammed, authorised officers of the EFCC from arresting Nazaire Sorou Gnanhoue and Modeste Finagnon, who were reasonably suspected to have committed economic and financial crimes by keeping the said suspects in your car between 11:00 hours to 16:30 hours. “That you Rickey Tarfa, SAN, between May 11 and June 25, 2015 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of the court attempted to pervert the course of justice by communicating with Justice Mohammed Yinusa of the Federal High Court through your mobile telephone no-08034600000, while suit No-FHC/716 between Hair Prestige Manufacturing Nigeria and EFCC filed by you on behalf of the applicants seeking to restrain the Commission from performing its statutory duties were pending before the said judge.”

Senate directs suspension of new electricity tariffs CONTINUED FROM Page 2

But last week at the National Assembly, Power, Works and Housing Minister, Babatunde Fashola, stated that the National Assembly could not stop NERC from the proposed tariffs increment because the act setting up the Commission, gives it the mandate to do so.

In his lead presentation at the Senate plenary, Nazi observed that the increment was only intended to protect the investors and not to serve the interest of Nigerian masses, who were already battling with the prevailing economic recession. Meanwhile, the Senate also yesterday adjourned plenary by one week af-

ter it resumed from a two weeks break to enable its committees conclude work on the defence of the 2016 budget appropriation by Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, of government. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Danjuma Goje, who moved the motion, observed that the

extension became imperative following the discoveries of so many inconsistencies in the budget. The Senate also yesterday had a closed door session, where according to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, matters of urgent national importance and the budget were discussed.

6 Doosuur Iwambe Abuja

egal action instituted by five senators, challenging the election of Senator Bukola Saraki as Senate President and Ike Ekwremadu as his deputy has been reassigned to Justice Steven Evoh Chukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The case was re-assigned by Chief Judge of the High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, following a petition by Ekweremadu against Justice Adeniyi

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Senate leadership tussle: CJ re-assigns Saraki, Ekweremadu’s case Ademola. Ekweremadu had in his petition, claimed that he would not receive justice from Justice Ademola on the strength of his relationship with the power bloc in Lagos, who he said, are biased and deeply interested outsiders in the case. In the petition, which was sent to the Chief

NSE sues Okereke-Onyiuke, others over alleged property acquisition Wale Igbintade

Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned till March 1, 2016, for report of settlement in a suit filed by Nigeria Stock Exchange, NSE, against its former Director General, Nididi Okereke-Onyiuke, and five others over sale of one of the buildings belonging to it. Others joined as codefendants in the suit are former Assistant DirectorGeneral of the Exchange, Lance Musa Elakama, Hybrid Properties Limited, Oak Business and Finance Limited, Minister of Land, Housing and Urban Development and Federal Land Registry. NSE had in a statement of claim filed by its lawyer, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, alleged that sometime in 2012, it carried out an audit of its landed properties and discovered that it could not locate the original copy of Certificate of Occupancy of one of its buildings. The claimant further alleged that Dr OkerekeOnyiuke, acting in concert with Lance Musa Elekama, upon a false resolution of the NSE, unlawfully and illegally executed a Deed of Assignment dated May 20, 2007. The claimant added that the said Deed of Assignment was signed on a Sunday, which is a none-working day by law in favour of Hybrid Properties Limited and Oak Businesses and Finance Company Ltd. The claimant stated that by the said Deed of Assignment, the defendants

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transferred the property situated, and known as 2 Temple Road, Ikoyi to the two companies. The claimant added that upon several enquiries, it was discovered that on May 20, 2007, the then Minister of Land and Housing and Urban Development gave his consent to two Deeds of Assignment, purportedly executed by NSE in favour of Hybrid Properties Ltd and Oak Business and Finance company. The claimant added that while Okereke Onyuike and Lance Musa Elakamah allegedly executed the Deed of Assignment in favour of the aforementioned companies, yet their identities did not appear on the said Deeds of Assignment. It was alleged that through a search conducted at Corporate Affairs Commission, it was discovered that Lance Musa Elakamah was having 600,000 shares out of the 1,000,000 shares of Oak and Finance company, while Mrs. Okereke Onyuike was allegedly holding 800,000 in the shares of Hybrid Properties as a majority shareholder. The claimant stated that the two respondents, who were conversant with the inner workings of NSE and its approval process as it relates to the execution of documents for and on behalf of NSE, knew at the time of the execution of the Deed of Assignments that they did not have the authority as it relates to documents under seal and title transfer documents to execute the said Deeds in favour of the two companies.

Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmood Mohammed, Ekweremadu claimed that wife of Justice Ademola, Tolulope, was hurriedly appointed the Head of Service by Lagos State government as part of alleged measure to make the trial judge compromise in the case before him. The Deputy Senate President insisted that external influence from Lagos will rob him of justice if Justice Ademola was allowed to make pronouncement in the matter and demanded that the CJN disqualifies him. The case, which has already been slated for

judgment, was withdrawn from Justice Ademola so that the interest of justice would be better served. At the final adoption of brief of argument in January, Saraki had told the court that he did not violate any law or breach any rule in the election that produced him as Senate President in June last year contrary to the claims against him by the aggrieved senators. He told the court that he was returned unopposed in the election by majority of senators present on the election day in the upper chamber following his due nomi-

nation and endorsement for the office. Five senators, Abu Ibrahim, Kabir Garba Marafa, Robert Ajayi Boroffice, Bareehu Olugbenga Ashafa and Suleiman Othman Hunkuyu had sued the senate president and his deputy, claiming that the senate standing rule used in their election was amended without due process. In the suit filed by their lawyer, Chief Mamman Mike Osuman, SAN, they asked the court to set aside the election for being a nullity having allegedly violated the 2011 standing rule inherited in

2015. But Saraki told the court that the process of the election was a domestic affair of senators because no part of the 1999 constitution or any other law was violated to warrant any litigation and that the court has no business to inquire into the internal affairs of the senate. “There are 109 senators in the senate and only five are challenging the election of the officers. The point is that, the interest of the five senators, if any at all, cannot over-ride or be larger than the interest of 104 other senators,” he had submitted.

L-R: Chairman, Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd, Jebba Hydro Power Plant, retired Col.Sani Bello; Vice Chairman,Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd, Alhaji Samaila Funtua and Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, during unveiling of the Hydro-Power Station Project for emergency repair and overhaul in Jebba, on Monday.

Tin-Can Customs intercepts ammunition container

in-Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intercepted a 40ft. container with 980 rounds of 9mm type live ammunition and a pistol imported into the country from the U.S. Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr. Chris Osunkwo, made the disclosure in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos, yesterday. According to the statement, Area Controller of the Command, Bashar Yusuf, said the ammunition, including a cam-

ouflage military fez cap, camouflage belt, a pair of hand gloves and a pair of shoes, were concealed with other personal effects in two vehicles. Yusuf said the arms and ammunition and a suspect, who was arrested in connection with the seizure, had been handed over to the Department of State Service, DSS, for further investigation. “A 40ft container with number CLHU452754/2 with these items has been seized and it is with us and we are transferring them as appropriate to the relevant agency. “The items were con-

cealed because nobody can just import these things without full authorisation to do that. “No unauthorised passenger or trader should trade in arms and ammunition all over the world. It is not allowed. “You have to go through due process; authorisation with permit, before you move even one piece across the border of another country “The suspect is with the Directorate of State Security Service for further investigation so that we will get the full details of how he came about these items as well

as if there are collaborators within Nigeria or outside Nigeria.’’ “It is within their purview to do that,” the controller said. The Officer-In-Charge of DSS at Tin Can Island Port, Mr. James Udo, explained the danger such importation could have on members of the public, if it had escaped Customs’ attention. Udo said that security must be a collective responsibility. He said DSS would conduct further investigation on the importation to unravel those behind it.

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Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Arms scam: Dasuki’s trial suffers another setback Doosuur Iwambe Abuja

rial of embattled former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, over illegal possession of firearms and money laundering before Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, for the third time suffered setback following a request by Dasuki’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, for an adjournment. Dasuki is standing trial

before the court on charges of unlawful possession of firearms, breach of trust and money laundering. Justice Ademola had at the last adjourned date ordered the Federal Government to produce Dasiki in court on February 16 to answer criminal charges filed against him. At the resumed hearing yesterday, the prosecution counsel, Mr. Dikpo Okpeseyi (SAN), expressed readiness for commencement of trial

but Dasuki’s counsel, Daudu, who opposed the idea of trial, told the court that the defendant was entitled to his constitutional right of adequate time and facility to prepare for his defence. In his response, the prosecution counsel Okpeseyi, who opposed the application, told the court he had filed a coun-

ter affidavit to oppose the request of Dasuki for a discharge from trial, and that same has been served on Dasuki’s lawyer. He also told the court that the Department of State Security, DSS, in the course of discharging its constitutional responsibilities, rearrested Dasuki for interrogation in respect of other offenses.

He also told the court that Dasuki’s trial is a matter of both national and international importance. He urged the court to continue with the trial today. Daudu then applied to the court to grant him a short adjournment to enable reply in writing to the government claims.

In his ruling, Justice Ademola granted adjournment to Dasuki till March 3 in the interest of justice and fair hearing as enshrined in section 36 of the 1999 Constitution as amended. Ademola also ordered Dasuki’s lawyers to file their response and serve same on government lawyer within seven days.

327 students benefit from police scholarship George Opara Abuja

ot less than 327 students have so far benefitted from the scholarship award by the Nigeria Police Force Foundation, which was inaugurated by the Inspector–General of Police, Solomon Arase, in December 2015. It was learnt that the IGP approved the release of 39.6 million for the scholarship award to students who were successful in the scholarship examination. Director, Police Education, DCP Kabiru Ibrahim, told journalists on Monday in Abuja that the fund was for payment of two years’ school fees for awardees that were the first batch of beneficiaries. He explained that the scholarship award covers primary and secondary school pupils, but would soon be extended to university students. He said the IGP while releasing the money, called on all well-meaning Nigerians, corporate organisations and international bodies to key into the scholarship foundation, which was established to assist children of deceased and serving officers. Ibrahim explained that the NPF Foundation was envisioned as an official intervention scheme that would support the attainment of educational desires of children and wards of all police personnel. According to him, the

foundation also aims at reducing the temptation to engage in corrupt practices propelled by the negative urge of policemen to meet the financial requirements for provision of quality education for their children and wards. The DCP stated that apart from adding value to the future of the police children, the award would also reward serving police officers that keep faith with “the police vision for a professional, disciplined, civil, loyal and incorruptible police force in a way that will motivate them for higher performance.” Ibrahim said, “The Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase has graciously approved the release of 39,647,600 for the scholarship award granted to 327 students who are the first batch of NPF Scholarship award beneficiaries.”

L-R: Former Group General Managers of NNPC, Mr Andrew Yakubu, Mr Austine Oniwon and Dr Joseph Dahwa, at the investigative hearing of the Ad-hoc Committee on Crude Oil Swap Contract Agreements in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Court refuses to stop new Olubadan’s installation Kemi Olaitan Ibadan

equest by Seriki chiefs in Ibadanland to stop the installation of new Olubadan pending determination of the substantive suit they filed was yesterday refused by an Ibadan High Court. The presiding judge, Muktah Abimbola, while

refusing to restrain the Olubadan-in-Council from installing a new monarch for the ancient city, however, warned that the court would not hesitate to remove the monarch if installed illegally. It would be recalled that Seriki chiefs, which include Adebayo Oyediji, Olalekan Fakunle, Rashidi Abinupagun and Gabriel Kofoworola, had

dragged the Olubadanin-Council to court over the emergence of a new Olubadan and the promotion of some high chiefs to fill the vacant stools after the death of two high chiefs from the Balogun and Olubadan lines. Oyediji, the most senior of the Seriki chiefs, citing Supreme Court judgement of 1985, insisted that with the death

Woman gives birth to quintuplets in Ibadan Kemi Olaitan Ibadan

28-year-old woman, Mrs Sakirat Rasaq, on Monday received unusual gifts as she was delivered of a set of quintuplets, three males and two females, at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan. Husband of the woman, Alfa Yusuf Rasaq Ewenje, 32, a full time Islamic cleric, while speaking with journalists, said she was referred to UCH from Adeoyo Hos-

pital, Ibadan, after being placed on bed rest since the pregnancy was three months old. Rasaq stated further that the result of the scan took them to Adeoyo Hospital from Apete Medical Centre, Apete, Ibadan, where she originally registered for antenatal. He disclosed that at Adeoyo Hospital, the medical team had intimated them that “the best option for us is to have the baby at UCH.” He said they took to that advice and “had the

baby around 8:45am on Monday morning.” Rasaq said, “We did a scan when the pregnancy was three months and the scan confirmed this. From there, we took her to Adeoyo Hospital and they told us that she needs bed rest. From there, they started managing her till yesterday (Monday) that we came here for delivery.” The couple, who resides at 23, Akeem Street, Ijokodo, Ibadan, already have a boy and a girl, Umoor Farouk, 5, and Mistura,

who is three years old. While Rasaq said he was happy and is aware of the impending arrival of the children, he however, appealed to Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, and his wife, Florence, to come to their aid. According to him, he had exhausted the little amount he had in his savings, stating that with the enormity of the current situation and being a full-time cleric with meagre income, he needs the all the assistance he can get.

of Oba Samuel Odulana, Odugade, he should occupy the stool and not the recently promoted High Chief Saliu Adetunji from Balogun line. Counsel to the Seriki chiefs, Mr. Abideen Adeniran, at the resumed hearing of the suit had sought an order of substituted service of all relevant processes on the wall of the office of Olubadan-in-Council. The legal practitioner then moved a motion for an order of interim injunction restraining the Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and the Olubadan-inCouncil from installing a new Olubadan. He said, “We are aware that the defendants have perfected the plan to tamper with the ‘res ’ in this case (the Olubadan chieftaincy stool) illegally.” While the presiding judge refused to restrain the defendants, he however granted the request for substituted service. Adeniran had earlier engaged another lawyer, Mr. Oladepo Abiodun, who applied to the court for joinder.

South West

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ooni visits Buhari, says youth empowerment his priority ROTIMI FADEYI

oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, yesterday, met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Speaking with State House correspondents af-

ter the meeting, Ogunwusi said the purpose of his visit to the President was basically to discuss issues relating to peace and progress of the nation. “The meeting with the President was about peace and progress of the nation, which he stands for and I stand for. What is also key is youth empowerment. That is the main

purpose of this meeting,” he said. On his acceptance as the Ooni, Ogunwusi said he has a clear strategy to ensure that he is accepted, stressing that his emergence was divine. He said, “If you don’t want to accept me, I will accept you. It is very important and I will be very persistent about it be-

cause it is a divine calling. “It is neither by my power nor by my might. It is a calling from the King of kings, who actually appointed me to this throne. So, I will be very persistent. About acceptability, if you do not accept me today, you will accept me tomorrow. It is a clear mission and I will be persistent about it,” Ogunwusi

added. Speaking on his social welfare plans for his people apart from his mass transit programme, the Ooni said he is working towards ensuring that the youths go back to agriculture. “I am currently working with the Minister of Agriculture. We have been able to assembly over 200,000 youths within a space of 30 days. It is unbelievable. We are encouraging them to go back to the farm. “Something happened in Nigeria that we did not notice. Last October,

crude oil price started going down astronomically but cocoa price went up over - 100 per cent and nobody noticed it. “Nigeria, in the early 1930s and 1940s, was the largest exporter of cocoa in the world and the farmlands are still there. “We have been able to assemble youths and we are giving them five acres per youth so that they will go back to the farm. “The Federal Government is supporting us very well. So it is going to be a model that will be replicated in all parts of the country,” he said.

NIMASA: How I distributed N221m paid into my account –EFCC witness WALE IGBINTADE

A L-R: Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; Secretary to State Government; Mr. Tunji Bello; Commander 9-Brigade; Brig[Gen] Bulama Biu and Navy Captain, Chindo Yahya, during Security Inspection tour of Vandalised Oil Pipe line and Project tour of link road to Arepo and Kara in LagosIbadan, Express road, yesterday.

N125bn fraud: EFCC assembles 4 witnesses against Atuche, others WALE IGBINTADE

conomic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday told a Federal High Court in Lagos that the commission has assembled four witnesses to testify against former bank chief executive officers, Francis Atuche and Philip Ojo, who are standing trial on allegation of N125 billion fraud. Atuche and Ojo are facing an amended 45-count charge bordering on alleged N125 billion fraud, conspiracy, reckless granting and approval of loans and money laundering. The anti-graft agency,

through its lawyer, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, stated this yesterday at the resumed hearing of the criminal charge against the former two banks’ executives. When the matter was called, Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court that the matter was slated for mention. He said the court had fixed March 22 and 23 for the trial of the two accused persons. He, however, urged the court to graciously adjourn the trial to April 14 and 15. Consequently, upon confirmation of Pinheiro’s submission by lawyers to the accused persons, L. K. Oraghu and Victor Obaro, the judge

said, “Since the parties have agreed to adjourn the case, I have no choice than to adjourn. The matter is hereby adjourned till April 14 and 15, 2016, for the trial of accused persons.” The two accused person were re-arraigned before the court by the EFCC on charges of acquiring Keystone Bank’s shares, using depositors’ funds. The alleged offences, according to the antigraft agency, contravene Section 14(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act and Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act Cap 38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004; while offence of reckless granting of loans contra-

vene Section 7(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act and punishable under section 7(2) (b). The anti-graft agency also accused Atuche of applying N3.5 billion being proceeds of unlawful loans granted Tradjek Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Futureview Financial Services Ltd, in payment for his acquisition of shares of Bank PHB, using various companies as fronts with an intention to conceal the ownership of the loans. The agency added that he collaborated with different companies to conceal the genuine origins of the N3.5 billion used to acquire the bank’s shares.

Med-View grows fleet with more Boeing 737-400, B747-400 aircraft OLUSEGUN KOIKI

ne of the fastest growing airlines in Nigeria, Med-View Airline, yesterday added another Boeing 737-400 into its fleet. This is as the airline also signed an agreement for delivery of another

B747-400 with Air Atlanta of Iceland, which would be delivered soon. The arrival of B737-400 yesterday grew the fleet of the airline to six, while impending acquisition of the B747-400 would increase the fleet of aircraft to seven. Statement issued in Lagos by the airline’s me-

dia consultant said the B737-400 would be dedicated to the Lagos-AbujaMaiduguri route, while the B747-400 would be deployed for the London and Jeddah route. The statement declared that Air Atlanta would deliver the 463 capacity aircraft to Med-View to shore up its fleet as it pre-

pares to open up more international routes. The statement quoted Managing Director of the airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, as saying that the agreement was a turning point in the 10-yearold partnership with Air Atlanta as both parties have kept faith with the existing relationship.

prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Safety and Administration Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Patrick Ziadeke Akpobolokemi, and others, Mr. Emeka Emenalor, yesterday explained before a Federal High Court in Lagos how he distributed N221 million paid into his account by NIMASA. Emenalor, a prosecution witness, admitted that he withdrew N300,000 for his personal use and gave his sister, Ijeoma, N900,000 and N700,000, respectively. Emenalor also informed the trial judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba, that he did not ask the agency (NIMASA) why his account was credited with N221 million. Akpobolokemi was charged to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, alongside six others, on 22-count charge bordering on allegations of conversion and theft to the tune of N2.6 billion. Charged alongside Akpobolokemi are Captain Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan, and three companies, namely: Blockz and Stonz Limited, Kenzo Logistics Limited and AlKenzo Logistic Limited. Emenalor specifically informed the court that he did not contact NIMASA when he saw the money in his account. Rather, he said he only called his

brother, Uchenna, and notified him that NIMASA had paid the said amount into his account. Emenalor, who claimed to be sole proprietor of O2 Services Plus Nigeria Limited, said he had a balance of N40 in his company’s account when the said transfer from NIMASA occurred. He had earlier told the court that sometimes in 2015 his younger brother had informed him that the contract would be gotten through the instrumentality of the third accused person, Nwakuche. According to the witness, his brother instructed him to transfer any money paid into his company’s account as would be directed as soon as he is alerted. Emenalor also told the court that as soon as he began to receive bank alerts, he informed his brother, who in turn informed the third accused. Giving accounts of how his account was credited, the witness said: “On June 18, 2015, I received an alert for N14.2 million, and a further alert of N21 million, on March 15, 2015, I also received an alert for N21 million and on May 4, 2015, I received an alert for N16 million.” Emenalor also informed the court that his company did not execute any contract for NIMASA to have necessitated payment of the various funds. He stated that he was also unaware of the nature of the contract for which his brother utilised his company’s account to obtain money from NIMASA.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Ekiti Assembly gets youth development bill ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

A woman who allegedly stabbed her husband (Lowo Oyediran) to death, Yewande Oyediran (middle) after being arraigned in Iyaganku Magistrate’s Court in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Alleged murder trial transferred to High Court KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

rial of a woman, Yewande, who allegedly stabbed her husband, Lowo Oyeniran, to death on Tuesday, February 2, at their Akobo, Ibadan residence, has been transferred to Oyo State High Court. The trial may likely commence today. When the case was mentioned yesterday before an Ibadan Chief Magistrate’s Court, Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Kehinde Durosaro-Tijani, adjourned it till March 1. But Amos Adewale, police officer investigating the matter, told the court that based on legal advice from the state, the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case. However, the trial of Yewande, a counsel at the state Department of Pub-

lic Prosecution, has continued to elicit drama as she was brought into court with her face covered with a veil, an action that infuriated family of the deceased and their lawyer, Mr. Kehinde Adesiyan. But counsel for the accused, Mr. Oluseun Abimbola, while speaking with journalists, disagreed with the family and their lawyer, stating that there was nothing wrong in protecting her client by covering her face. He said, “As you observed, the proceeding today was just for mention, basically for the prosecution to report the state of legal advice from the state to the court. That was what they did. “There was no complaint (from Adesiyan) about the covering of Yewande’s face in court. Maybe it’s a personal opin-

ion of the individual. It is not wrong to cover one’s face in court.” However, Adesiyan while stating his objection to the protection offered the accused, said since the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case, there was no point bringing the issue up during the five-minute period the sitting lasted. He then likened Yewande’s veiled appearance in court to that of a masquerade appearing before a court. “What happened in court today is that the accused person was presented as a routine to the court that lacks the jurisdiction to hear the case. The case has been adjourned but we have been authoritatively informed that information has been filed before the court that has the jurisdiction to hear the case, which is the

High Court. The matter is commencing tomorrow (today). “The covering of Yewande’s face is unknown to law. It is alien to our jurisprudence. It is like a masquerade appearing before a court. A masquerade is not a juristic person before the court. We did not raise eyebrow on this today because we know that the court lacks the jurisdiction to hear the court. When we get to the High Court, I am sure she will not be able to do that,” he said. He said although an accused person could be protected for fear of being molested by the public, it was wrong to cover the accused’s face in court. At the end of the short proceeding, Yewande was taken back to Agodi prison in a prison van with number plate PS 638 A01.

Ambode craves advice, criticism from Lagosians FRANCIS SUBERU

agos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has appealed to Lagosians to support his administration with sound advice, good ideas and constructive criticism that would ensure rapid development in the state. The governor, who stated this at the flag-off of Civic Engagement in the state, said his administration established the platform to constantly engage residents of the state. Ambode, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Idiat Adebule, said the ad-

ministration made a commitment to always involve the people by seeking their opinions and ideas in policy formulation and implementation. He said, “As a listening government that does not claim monopoly of ideas, we urge you to support us with ideas, suggestions and constructive criticisms. The office of Civic Engagement is open to all and will on behalf of the government, listen to you and ensure your concerns are adequately addressed. “In fulfillment of this promise, the Office of Civic Engagement was established to serve as an interface between the

government and the civil society. This office has the mandate to ensure that every stakeholder in Lagos project, including women, youth, religious bodies, community associations, civil society groups are carried along in the process of governance. “As custodians of the peoples’ mandate freely given through the process of election, we must ensure that the people are at the centre of all our actions. We believe that the connection between political leaders and the people must not end with the election process.” Ambode added that the essence of democracy or

representative government would be served when the government continuously engages the people to know what their expectations are and how best to meet these.

ormer Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Students/Joint Campus Committee, Ekiti chapter, Adeolu Oyebode, has presented a bill tagged ‘Ekiti Youth Development Trust Fund Act’ before the House of Assembly. Oyebode, who was Special Assistant on Students’ Affairs to former Governor Kayode Fayemi, said the bill, if passed into law, would institutionalise empowerment programmes being established by every successive government to cushion the effects of unemployment on Nigerian graduates and artisans. The former students’ leader told journalists in Ado-Ekiti shortly after presenting the bill that the move was predicated on the urgent need for a well-institutionalised Trust Fund to facilitate

Ajimobi sends LG interim bosses’ list to Assembly KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

yo State House of Assembly yesterday announced names of 33 caretaker committee chairmen nominees sent to it last week by Governor Abiola Ajimobi. National Mirror learnt the names were received last Thursday by the Speaker, Michael Adeyemo. The Speaker, while reading a letter from the executive that contained the names before his colleagues at an emergency plenary session yesterday, said the names were mere nominations and would only be ratified after necessary screening.

Oyedepo fêtes Old Boys

ll members of Government Secondary School, Omu-Aran Old Boys Association, OGSSOBA, will on Friday, February 19, gather at Canaanland, Ota, for a reunion dinner to be hosted by president of Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, who will also be provid-

the setting up of youth centres in the six federal constituencies and other social amenities that would help younger ones in the state. He said the need became imperative in view of the rising unemployment and to promote the physical, moral and intellectual enhancements of youths in the state. The bill, which is the first private bill since inception of the present Assembly, came on the heels of pleas by the Speaker, Kola Oluwawole, with members of the public to present private/ independent bills. According to Oyebode, with the Act, every contractor operating government business would be compelled to play his social responsibility role, as certain percentage of every contract would automatically go into the fund and this he said will be deducted by internally revenue service.

ing free accommodation. There will also be free transportation from Ilorin and back, while a bus would be stationed at Lagos Secretariat, Alausa, to convey members to Ota and back. The dinner/meeting will kick off at 6pm on Friday and end on Saturday morning.

He said reports of the committee on the screening would determine the final ratification of the nominees. The names of the new chairmen nominees include Lukman Anwo (Afijio), Opeyemi Salami (Akinyele), Okeniyi Gbolagade (Atiba), Ogundeji Olusola Ayoola (Atisbo), Ademola Adewuyi (Egbeda), Yinka Akinbode (Ibadan North), Lekan Afuye (Ibadan North East), Wasiu Olatunbosun (Ibadan North West), Nojeem Abass (Ibadan South East) and Rauf Folarin (Ibadan South West). Other nominees are Azeez Oladejo (Ibarapa Central), Adelore Atanda (Ibarapa East), Tunji Omolewu (Ibarapa North), Wahab Oladejo (Ido), Yekeen Popoola (Irepo), Saheed Alaran (Iseyin), Niyi Adeagbo (Itesiwaju), S.M. Egunjobi (Iwajowa), Moses Babalola (Kajola), Abiodun Olajeji (Lagelu), Biodun Alade (Ogbomoso North), Sunday Adedeji (Ogbomoso South), Yinka Jesutoye (Ogo-Oluwa), Ogunrinde Williams (Olorunsogo) and Kolawole Oorelope (Oluyole).

South East

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FRSC officials escape lynching as 3 die in crash Chris Njoku OWERRI

fficers of Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, barely escaped mob action yesterday for allegedly causing a road accident along Owerri-Aba road. Three persons were feared killed when the commuter bus they travelled collided with an-

other bus while trying to dodge the officials who were on road check. Eye-witnesses said several passengers sustained various degrees of injuries in the road accident that occurred at 11. 45a.m. The mishap involved L300 Mitsubishi buses XB129 GWB and CQ 514 JJJ carrying passengers from Owerri to Ulakwu and Sienna bus HAF 697

Ebonyi alleges juju scare among cabinet …recalls Oketa Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

bonyi State government yesterday lamented over what it called juju scare on members of the state executive council. Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Emmanuel Onwe, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of this week’s meeting of the council. He regretted that opposition and some members of the former administration were infiltrating the present administration through juju. Onwe further noted that members of the executive recalled the Special Adviser to Governor Dave Umahi on Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, Chief Jeremiah Oketa, who was suspended two weeks ago for alleged fraud. He said Oketa had been re-designated the Special Adviser on Executive Council matters. He added that the Special Adviser on Transport, Philip Ewuru, has been re- designated the S.A on Executive Council decision. Onwe, who did not give

Umahi

reason for the change, stated that it is the prerogative of the governor to appoint, re-appoint, designate and re-designate. He said the Fiscal Responsibility Commission has been directed to investigate the transport sector since he assumed office. He revealed that two Special Advisers in charge of ICT and Petroleum; Aja Nwabueze and Basil Chima were asked to leave the executive council and seek ways of generating revenue for the state government. The commissioner explained that a committee has been set up to look into the tertiary institutions in the state with the mandate to ascertain the staff, student strength and fees payable among others.

MC heading to Owerri from Aba, in Abia State. The L300 bus that was being chased by the FRSC officials on duty at the road skipped off his lane and ran onto an incoming Sienna bus from Aba, the collision resulting in the death of the passengers while others sustained injuries. Both the corpses and those that sustained injuries were taken to a nearby mortuary and hospitals respectively for medical attention. A mob action almost ensued when sympathisers and mechanics at the

nearby mechanic village angrily attacked the FRSC officials believed to have caused the accident. The officials including the Deputy Sector Commander, Operations, Chris Anabor, narrowly escaped being lynched by the mob as they ran into a nearby bush before armed personnel from the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA and other security personnel intervened by shooting sporadically in the air. While some of the Road Safety officials ran into the bush for safety, others

jumped into a standby bus guarded by armed security personnel. When interviewed, one of the drivers, John Acho, said on approaching the point manned by FRSC officials, one of them passed him only for another to insist he stopped. He said immediately, the official forcefully opened his bus door while in motion and started dragging the steering of the vehicle with him. “This caused the bus to skip off the lane and ran onto oncoming bus, leading to the accident that

claimed some lives,” he said. However, the Deputy Sector Commander, Operations, Anabor, claimed that nobody died, adding that the accident occurred when one of his men was trying to stop a driver that was driving recklessly. He said: “The people tried to mob my men but for the intervention of the police who came quickly to rescue them. People rather wanted to mob the members for cautioning a driver before armed police officials came to rescue them.”

Coordinator, Nnaemela Foundation Enugu, Rev. Sis. Kate Nnamonu (8th right in cap) with officials and inmates of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Home for the Elderly, during a donation of food and essential materials to the home in Enugu, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Okorocha resolves Ohanaeze leadership crisis Chris Njoku OWERRI

mo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, yesterday reconciled the two factional leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Gray Enwo-Igariwey and Dr. Ralph Obioha with the latter accepting to step down as the PresidentGeneral of Ohanaeze. In a peace accord brokered by the governor, Obioha accepted Enwo Igariwey as the only President-General of the Organisation, while also pledging to give him all the needed cooperation to succeed. The reconciliation of the factions came at the end of a very lengthy meeting between the two

leaders, members of their respective EXCOs and delegates from the states that make up Ohanaeze, at Government House, Owerri. However, one of the agreements at the meeting was that the tenure of Igariwey has been extended by a year, at which expiration fresh election would be conducted to select new leaders of the body. According to the agreement, all those suspended from the body in the course of the squabble between the two factions were also recalled, while all the court cases occasioned by the dispute would also be withdrawn. A 17-member committee that would see to the implementation of all that was agreed including the issue of election

was set up with Obioha as chairman, while the South East governors will produce one member each. In his speech at the event, Okorocha expressed joy that the Ohanaeze family is back as one. “There is peace now in Ohanaeze. The Ohanaeze, with Chief Igariwey as President-General, is the umbrella body to champion the cause of the Igbo. Today, we have proven to the world that Igbo are their brothers’ keepers.” The governor advised Ndigbo to join hands with the Ohanaeze leadership to move Igbo nation forward, adding that with this peace accord, the jinx has been broken. “We are going to see a new kind of support for Ohanaeze. The

rest of the world will hear about the Igbo nation,” Okorocha said. He added, “With this (emergence of) peace, we are going to emphasise on the economy of the South-East rather than politics. We shall make it, with God on our side. Old things have passed away and behold new things are taking place.” He commended all Ndigbo sons and daughters for the peace in Ohanaeze. “This is a new Ohaneze that will move the Igbo nation forward.” The governor assured the new leadership that South East governors would be behind them as well as the entire National Executive, while commending the President-

General for keeping up the Ohanaeze spirit despite the apparent lack of support from stakeholders. Igariwey and Obioha in their respective speeches said achieving peace in Ohanaeze and reconciling the two factional leadership should be celebrated by all Igbo because the division had never augured well with the august body and the interest of the Igbo in general. They commended the governor for ensuring return of peace and unity to Ohanaeze, and assured they would not let the Igbo down. They also promised that the foremost Ndigbo organisation would now only be occupied with issues that would boost the economy of Igbo land.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Employers in trouble over non-remittance of pension funds UBONG UKPONG Abuja

ouse of Representatives yesterday ordered immediate probe into employers’ nonremittance of employees’ deductions to pension fund administrators, PFAs, as provided for under the re-

formed contributory pension scheme. Committee on Pension Matters was therefore, mandated through a resolution, to carry out the probe and report back to the House within six weeks. The committee is expected to obtain a com-

prehensive report on the reformed pension scheme since inception, including but not limited to a list of all defaulting employers and the amount of money involved. A member, Hon. Joseph Edionywele, had in a motion on threat to the contin-

uation of the contributory pension scheme, which was unanimously adopted by the House, lamented that since the introduction of the new scheme over a decade ago, with its initial transparency, probity and accountability, it has gradually been abused due to non-compliance with the

Pension Reform Act. According to him, nonremittance of pension contributions by organisations would not only jeopardise the smooth and successful operation of the scheme, but also lead to suffering of pensioners. “It is sad to note that 11 years into this scheme, ministries are and even private sector employers are not remitting these funds. We should investigate and list defaulters and sanction them,” he submitted. Also in his contribution, Deputy Whip of the House, Hon. Pally Iriase, expressed displeasure with

the practice of employers, who deduct monies from their employees, and yet not remitting same to the appropriate quarters, describing such actions “as the worst crime that can be perpetrated against humanity.” The lawmaker said corruption has remained endemic in the country partly because people are scared of their future after retirement, and that efforts of the government to address such fears through a scheme like this should be taken seriously, adding that “we need to be very serious on how we treat our senior citizens.”

We’ll rebuild Nigeria, Buhari assures British MPs Rotimi Fadeyi, Abuja

L-R: Administrative Secretary, INEC, Rivers State, Mr. Tom Ongele; Rivers State Electoral Commissioner, Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak and Head of Department, Operations, INEC, Rivers State, Mr. Boco Ekong, during a stakeholder’s meeting in Port Harcourt yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Ambode urges security operatives to deploy force against criminals Francis Suberu

agos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday decried activities of vandals and cultists operating in Lagos, urging concerned security operatives in the state to deploy appropriate forces against them. Ambode, who spoke yesterday during a security inspection tour of Owutu, Ishawo, Oke Oko and other adjoining communities in Ikorodu area of Lagos State, warned that the state would no longer fold its arms while cultists and vandals have a field day. The governor said, “I like to use this platform to give a very strong warning to vandals and even cultists that are parading themselves on the streets of Lagos. I am using this platform also to direct our security forces that they should go ahead to use appropriate force to mitigate such incidences next time and this is in the overall interest of all of us. We should also make sure that we are upholding the

rule of law.” He noted that the state government would not fold its arms and allow miscreants to disturb the peace of the state; even as he commended ‘Operation Awatse,’ a combined team of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, the DSS and the police for its efforts since deployment in the axis last year. The governor, who made a brief stop at the Little Palace Hotel, where vandals once used to plan and execute their criminal activities before it was taken over by ‘Operation Awatse,’ expressed deep regret over the loss of three officers of the unit, assuring that his administration would give the force necessary support to wage war against vandals. Earlier, Lt. Col. Julius Ogbobe, Commanding Officer of Operation Awatse, who briefed the governor and his entourage on the operational base of his squad, said they dislodged the vandals from Little Palace Hotel on October 10, 2015, which has since led to the recovery of

over 2,000 50 litre-gallon of illegal products, 36 vehicles, while 15 suspects were also arrested and handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, for prosecution. The governor who also drove several kilometres to inspect the state of the road, said the plan of government is to link up the community with Arepo and Kara, expressing optimism that if

the road network is accessible, it would go a long way to reduce the activities of vandals in the area. He therefore promised to champion collaboration for the construction of a link bridge among Lagos, Ogun and the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation to ensure that Ishawo, Oke Oko communities is linked to Kara and Arepo via the creek.

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said Nigeria expects a lot from Britain in its rebuilding process because of the affinity shared by the two countries. A statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Buhari spoke while receiving a team of British Members of Parliament led by Chi Onwurah at the Presidential Villa. Buhari said, “We are going to rebuild Nigeria, and there are vast opportunities for Britain and us. We share very close ties, and our expectation from you is high.” The President lamented that Nigeria has found itself in a phase of development,

which he said was a welcome development. “We are disorganised because we relied on monoeconomic product for too long, and now that oil price is down, we have to go back to agriculture and solid minerals. Tin, columbite, cocoa, groundnut, and others used to be the basis of our economy, but then, oil came, and everybody began to look for cheap money. Now, we need to start all over again,” he added. Onwurah, Nigerian-born MP for Newcastle, said the team was in the country to promote positive engagement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. She said her team is interested in how the Diaspora can support the economic progress of Nigeria, as well as promote trade and diversification of the economy.

Udom calls for non-oil sector development

kwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has emphasised the need to exploit non-oil sector to boast the economy. This is on the heels of the declining revenue from the oil Sector as the mainstay of the economy. The Governor stated this during his interaction with newsmen at Bayelsa State where he attended the swearing-in and thanksgiving Service of the State Governor, Hon Seriake Dickson and His Deputy, Retired Rear Admiral Gboribiogha

Jonah, held at Samson Siasia Stadium Complex, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. He said that nature has endowed all states of the Federation with abundant resources which when properly harnessed would be good revenue earner and sustainer of the country’s economy and called on all states in the country to redirect their investment to agriculture, stressing that the sector is capable of creating wealth, employment and revamped the country’s economy. Governor Emmanuel de-

scribed the Peoples Democratic Party as the Party that is committed to enhancing the lives of the citizens by providing the necessary democratic dividend which translates into even development and particularly commended the people of Bayelsa State for their unanimous decision to vote into power Governor Seriake Dickson for a second term and pointed out that their decision would pay off well in terms of infrastructural development and people oriented projects. He commended the peo-

ple of Bayelsa State for their wise decision and congratulated Governor Dickson for emerging victorious in the election and described it as a testimony of the people’s strong believe in his leadership prowess saying that as he had performed in the first tenure, Governor Dickson would take the s state to it highest level of development in the new political dispensation and called on the people to give him the needed support that would enable him realise his development agenda.

North

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

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Court stops INEC’s exclusion of PDP in Plateau re-run JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) protesting an alleged detention of their chairman and four members by security operatives, at the National Human Rights Commission in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

2 killed as gunmen invade Plateau village ...students flee campus JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

tudents of Nigerian College of Accountancy in Plateau State yesterday deserted the institution, which is the training arm of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, ANAN, following an attack by gunmen in Kwal village where the institution is located. It was learnt that two persons were killed while five others sustained injuries during the attack. Kwal is in Bassa Local

Government Area of the state where some houses were also razed by the attackers. A community leader in the area, Mr John Gana, who confirmed the incident to journalists on phone yesterday, said the gunmen attacked the villagers in the early hours of yesterday with dangerous weapons, including guns. According to him, “this created tension around the locality, forcing the surviving villagers and students to flee the community, while those who

are still in the village live in fear.” A student of the College of Accountancy, who does not want his name in print, said most students of the institution had fled the community to the state capital, Jos, while security operatives patrol the village to restore normalcy. When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abu Emmanuel, confirmed there was an attack on the community. He said Police commissioner Adekunle Oladunjoye had subsequently deployed both mobile and convention-

al police men to the community to restore law and order. Abu, however, said he was yet to receive reports on the number of casualty. Meanwhile, the management committee chairman of Bassa local government, Mrs Sarah Bali, who said she had visited the community, called on the security agents to redouble efforts in order to nip the situation in the bud. She also called for calm among residents, saying everything was being done to arrest the situation and bring the perpetrators to justice.

FG, W’Bank launch $100m Sokoto education initiative

ederal Government and the World Bank have earmarked over $100 million for girlchild education in five northern states, according to an official of the bank, Dr Tunji Adekola. Adekola at the formal flag-off of the project in Sokoto yesterday, said the initiative will be implemented under the Nigeria Partnership for Education Project. He said the benefiting states are Sokoto, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa and Kaduna, adding that the fouryear project was aimed at improving access and quality of basic education, especially for the girl-child in the states. In his remarks, Governor

Aminu Tambuwal said the state government has provided the sum of N75million as counterpart funding for the project. Tambuwal, who was represented by his deputy, Ahmed Aliyu, also said the state government would provide N50 million annually to support other components of the project. He said the project would also be used to fully integrate the Qur’anic schools into the formal education system. He further noted that the state government had declared state of emergency in the education sector. According to him, the issues of teacher training and retraining, teacher-welfare

and the schools feeding programme are among the top provisions under the state of emergency. Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, who was represented by the National Coordinator of the project, Achebe Joseph, commended the educational revolution going on in the state. Adamu also extolled the wisdom of the Sokoto government in declaring state of emergency in the education sector. Meanwhile, the state government said it will ensure access to quality education for a total of 1.7 million primary school and out-ofschool children under the new Northern Education Initiative Plus (NEI+) policy.

To be funded by the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, the policy will reach 1.6million primary school children in grades One to Three, along with 500,000 out-of-school children and youths attending 11,000 nonformal learning centres. The USAID’s Mission Director for Nigeria, Mr. Michael Harvey, at the launching of the project in Sokoto yesterday, said the initiative will use the “whole child, whole teacher, whole school and whole system approach which addresses critical supply and demand factors that affect learning, teaching, management, parental participation and responsiveness to parental needs.”

head of next Saturday’s re-run election for Langtang South constituency of Plateau State, a Federal High Court sitting in Jos yesterday restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from excluding thy Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from participating in the election. The electoral body had earlier barred PDP from fielding any candidate for Langtang South in particular, but however, agreed for the party to participate in the supplementary election for Pankshin North and South scheduled to take place same day. Giving reasons for the exclusion, INEC had cited the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which not only nullified the election for Langtang South constituency, but also barred the party’s candidate, Mr Bu-

lus Vincent, from contesting the rerun. But PDP rejected INEC’s reasons for excluding the party in the re-run and approached the court for redress. Ruling on an interlocutory injunction filed by PDP against INEC, Justice D. V. Agishi said it was wrong for the electoral body to exclude the party from the election as it would not serve the interest of justice. He therefore, ordered INEC to insert the logo of PDP in the ballot papers. Organising Secretary of PDP, Mr. Mike Dachom, and counsel to the party, Mr. Sunday Odey, described it as a triumph for democracy and rule of law. Dachom said now that the party had secured the first hurdle, the officials would be meeting to decide who will fly its flag in the election since the former candidate was disqualified on account of criminal records.

Strike: ASUU gives Nasarawa govt another 3-week ultimatum IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

asarawa State University, Keffi chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has given management of the university and the state government another three weeks to meet its demands or the union will withdraw its services from the institution. The varsity’s ultimatum is coming after organised labour in the state embarked on indefinite strike for the past two weeks, resulting in the shutting down of the entire state’s schools, hospitals and other services owned by the state government. Chairman of ASUU in the institution, Dr. Theophilus Daniel Lagi, disclosed this to journalists in Keffi at the end of the union’s emergency meeting, vowing that if no action was taken concerning their demands before the next three weeks, the union would be forced to embark on total and comprehensive strike.

He lamented that despite efforts by some stakeholders in the state to avert the strike, the institution’s management and the state government remained adamant in complying with their demands. It will be recalled that the university’s ASUU had earlier given the university management and the state government a twoweek ultimatum, which expired last Monday, to meet all its demands of 45 percent allowances or risk an industrial action. However, the university authority had last week released the sum of N841 million, representing 10% of the demands, but ASUU kicked that it was not what they bargained for. The university ASUU chairman however reiterated that the issues in contention included the release of the government white paper, review of the university law, review of the promotion guideline, tax relief, issue of the Earn Academic Allowance, decentralisation of the association deduction and funding of the university.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

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Politics

Ondo 2016: Borrofice, Oke, others battle for APC ticket 14,15

Violence erupts in Benue four days to rerun election

Henry Iyorkase MAKURDI

arely four days to the Saturday’s reschedule Benue south senatorial district rerun election between Sen. David Mark of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Hon. Daniel Onjeh of the APC, violent attacks erupted in the zone in the early hours of yesterday. National Mirror gathered that

the Otukpo Local Government Caretaker Chairman, Hon. Ijachi Udenyi, his orderly as well as a councillor of works at Apa local government council (names withheld) and others at large were shot by suspected political thugs and are receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in the state. Our source further disclosed that the tense atmosphere in the zone is becoming a source of worry among the electorates as the situation is gradually degenerat-

ing to a full blown violent situation. Efforts to contact the attacked council Chairman, Hon. Udenyi and others involved proved abortive as the chairman’s mobile line was switched off after several attempts to get his response. When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer , Mr. Moses Yamu confirmed the incident saying Udenyi alongside others have been hospitalized and are responding to treatment after an

attack from unidentified persons. “I will not categorically declare that the miscreants who attacked these people are political thugs but all I can say is that their identities is yet to be known and at appropriate time the public will have the privilege to know them when investigations is concluded.” It will be recalled that a forthright ago, a bloody clash ensued at Apa local government where suspected members of the oppo-

sition party were alleged to have unleashed mayhem during a rally held at the place leading to scuffle among the stakeholders. These fracas are coming on the heels of accusations and counter accusations between Senator David Mark, the PDP candidate who few days ago raised alarm of plot by his opponent, Hon. Daniel Onjeh of APC to kidnap him before the election this Saturday but Onjeh has since denied the allege plot..

Pro-democracy group backs new electricity tariff

pro-democracy advocacy outfit, Centre for Labour and Workers Advancement, CELWA, has taken a critical look at the newly introduced electricity policy in the country and declared that it would benefit the Nigerian citizen. President of the Centre, Mr. Kola Oba in a statement said the new electricity tariff regime in Nigeria will discourage corruption in the power sector and abolish estimated or fixed charges. With the policy, Oba stated that consumers will pay for what they consume and can insist on settling payments only if they have meters. “The policy is about zero tolerance for overbilling of consumers just as it will establish a consumer friendly dispute resolution strategy that allows consumer to use electricity until resolution of contested electricity bill,” the statement explained. Furthermore, consumers, according to the release cannot be disconnected unfairly, while the new regime will also ensure a just and fair pricing of electricity and new consumers cannot also be connected without provision of meters. “When in operation it will block illegal theft of electricity in conveyance and reduce high incidence of collection losses. “Other benefits include encouragement of power conservation, enabling prudent consumers to control electricity consumption and saving money on electricity bill.

“It will drive new investment into the power sector and provide millions of job for the youth,” the group asserted. Against this background, the organization said the citizens should begin to engage government on power sector issues by monitoring service delivery in the power sector and ensure the metering policy is strictly enforced. Under the new regime, the group said, consumers will be able to demand for improved reliable and uninterrupted power supply within the shortest possible time. The consumers, according to the statement can therefore demand for inclusive stakeholder engagement in the power sector and make use of the consumer friendly dispute resolution process and get engage in continuous dialogue with government to ensure smooth transition and improved quality and quantity of power supply.

Fashola

L-R: INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Abdullahi Kaugama; INEC Administrative Secretary, Alhaji Isa Bungudu and INEC Operation Services, Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu, at the INEC’s stakeholders election committee meeting on the Lere West State Assembly constituency election in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Robert Awokuse

embers of the Lagos State House of Assembly have called on the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode to direct the Police Force to ensure regular patrol on all General Hospitals in the State following the incident that happened on February 14, 2016 when some suspected hoodlums forced themselves into the Hospital premises and prevented the doctors on duty to save the life of a badly stabbed patient at the Orile Agege General Hospital. Hon. Olusegun Olulade, representing Epe Constituency II who raised the motion under a Matter of Urgent Public Impor-

Lagos assembly calls for security beef up in general hospitals tance, observed in his submission that there is a need to beef up security around the state hospitals following the ugly incident at the Orile-Agege General Hospital. Contributing, Hon. Rotimi Olowo pointed out that the issue applied everywhere in the state and that it should not be limited to Orile-Agege alone in order to ensure maximum security in the state and forestall any further occurrence. In the words of Hon. Oluyinka Ogundimu, he said the location of general hospitals should be considered as top priority in ad-

dition to provision of adequate security. The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa while ruling on the debate said, “We should not push this to the police again, the Primary Health Care Board and the Health Service Commission should provide security because these agencies have a role to play, more so the agencies should call on the Governor to mandate the Police Force in the State to do a regular patrol around our General Hospitals in the State, while the Orile Agege General Hospital incident should be investigated.”

Politics

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ondo 2016: Borrofice, Oke,

As the preparation towards the election of a new governor in Ondo State later in the year is taking shape, there is battery of aspirants in the All Progressive Congress, APC. AYO ESAN in this report examines the potentials and weaknesses of each of the aspirants seeking the nod of the APC to fly its flag in the forthcoming election.

y October this year it will be four years that the people of Ondo State last went to the poll to elect the governor for the state. With the gubernatorial election, expected to come up in October this year, the preparation is already gathering steam,different shades of aspirants have started strategising and gearing up to pick the tickets of the various political parties expected to participate in the poll. However, all eyes seem to be on the All Progressives Congress, APC which is the ruling party at the federal level and many aspirants have already indicated interest in the governorship of the state on the platform of the party. They are said to be promising to rescue the state from the abyss it seems to have found itself in the last eight years under the incumbent governor. . There is no gainsaying the fact that Ondo State is one of the most politically conscious states in Nigeria, and the state is already gearing up for the election of a new governor despite the fact that the election is about seem to be disillusioned with the Mimiko administration, because according to various stakeholders in the state, what they got in return for the massive support they gave him was dashed hopes and what one of them described as “projects not symmetrical with their desire and aspirations.” This has led to the apathy which the people of the state have for the Mimiko political family, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and they seem desperately looking for a replacement in the other parties especially the APC. The indication to this came to the fore in the 2015 presidential election, where despite being the South-West coordinator of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Mimiko, who had pledged to deliver one million votes to the PDP, failed to win the state for his new found political camp. To confirm the peoples’ disenchantment, he not only lost his state to the APC in the presidential election, he also lost his senatorial district to the APC. All may not be too well also with the APC as a group within the party which styled itself ‘The Salvage Group’ TSG, has also informed that APC is being threatened by no other force but forces within the APC in Ondo State. Political analysts in the Sunshine state have said that topmost among the challenges facing the APC is the internal squabbles

Boroffice

Alasoadura

All may not be too well also with the APC as a group within the party which styled itself ‘The Salvage Group’ TSG, has also informed that APC is being threatened by no other force but forces within the APC in Ondo State. within the party in the state where party faithful are polarised into aspirants’ camps, to which they pledged divided loyalty, rather than pledge their loyalty to the party and join hands to face the common enemy, the PDP. It was further alleged that there are various campaigns of calumny in both the print and electronic media as well as the social media against leaders of the party in the state by suspected foot soldiers of rival leaders, without regard for party discipline. The result of these developments is that the APC in the state, unlike in other states, is no longer getting new members and there is even a rumour going round that many stakeholders are working on the possibility of using another political platform for the election . TSG therefore called on the party’s leadership at both the national and South-West levels to take urgent and immediate actions, which include, but not limited to: holding solidarity rallies in the state; holding of ‘fam-

ily meetings’ of APC leaders and governors to bring to an end the internal squabbles in the party. However, as at now, there are no fewer than 16 gubernatorial aspirants struggling for the sole ticket of the APC in the state. From the North senatorial districts, seven aspirants have signified their intentions and they include: incumbent senator representing the North senatorial district in the Senate, Robert Boroffice; gubernatorial candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria in the 2012 gubernatorial poll in Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN and former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan. Others include Chief Jamiu Ekungba, Chief Segun Abraham, Barr Nat Adojutelegan and Hon Bode Ayorinde. From the Central senatorial district we have the senator representing the Central zone at the Senate, Tayo Alasoadura; Hon. Derin Adesida; Messrs. Wale Akingbade and Tunji Ariyo while former National Legal Ad-

viser of the PDP and its gubernatorial candidate in the 2012 poll, Chief Olusola Oke, leads the pack from the South senatorial zone. Others from the zone are: Akinrinsola Odunayo and Chief Paul Akintelure.

Senator Robert Boroffice Perhaps, with his intimidating credentials, both in the academic, administrative and legislative domains, he leads the pack of those aspiring to fly the flag of the APC in 2016 Ondo gubernatorial poll. A two – term senator, Borrofice has remained strong like a rock of Gibraltar, despite open intimidations, especially during his first stint at the Senate, when he abandoned the Labour Party, LP, on which platform he went to the Senate, for the defunct ACN, due to irreconcilable differences between him and Mimiko. A politician of high repute, Borrofice would have retraced his steps when he was confronted with efforts to remove him for changing political platform, but he refused to bulge. He was also a gubernatorial aspirant of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN in 2012, but stood by the party when Barrister Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) was picked instead. And while other aspirants then left the party for the PDP and LP, he remained, campaigned and actually won his local government for the party. He has since his election to the Senate impacted positively on his constituents and people of both the Central and South senatorial zones believe that he would be a suitable candidate for the APC in the forthcoming CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

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Politics

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

others battle for APC ticket CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

bly well and to the profit of the state, after which he would be considered for greater positions in the future.

the general consensus

Senator Tayo Alasoadura His popularity in the political landscape of Ondo State is huge, robust and grassroots-based. Political observers in the state believe that perhaps what he has going for him now is the Akure Agenda, where the people of Akure in the Central zone are pushing to produce the next governor. This is as a result of his surprise victory at the 2015 National Assembly poll. But he is been seen by the party stakeholders in the state as not been a good party man. Also not in his favour is his disobedience to his partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice of Senate leadership.

among stakeholders in the state is that for the

APC to

assume the political leadership of the

State, it must avoid the mistake of 2012

Hon. Derin Adesida Adesida is a former member of the House of Representatives, a position he got through the structures of his former boss,Alasoadura. Political analysts in Ondo rate him as a little known voice in the political arena of Ondo State.

by conducting a well

Mr. Wale Akingbade

accepted primaries for

He is yet to make any significant impact on the political terrain of Ondo State. Some stakeholders within the party informed that though he could leverage on being the scion of an accomplished bureaucrat to spring surprises, he however, is not yet a prepared personality for the governorship of the state.

all the aspirants election, to extend the largesse the people of the North zone has been enjoying to every nook and cranny of the state. Perhaps, the only thing some people in state has against this Professor of Zoology and former Coordinating Director for Science in the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, founding Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA, under whose leadership, NASRDA launched two satellites; NigeriaSat-1 in 2003 and NigcomSat-1 in 2007, is that he cannot be easily influenced. He is also seen by political analysts as a grassroot politician and one who has good intellect and can stand shoulder for shoulder with candidates from other parties during the governorship election .

Rotimi Akeredolu A renowned legal practitioner, Akeredolu has received applause as a successful lawyer in the country. With success recorded in his legal profession, he has remain a pride to Ondo citizens. He contested the election in 2012 but he lost woefully to the incumbent governor of the state. One revelation from his participation in the 2012 gubernatorial election in Ondo state is that he lacked political base in the state. And after the 2012 elections, Ondo people had expected him to use legal prowess to turn the table against his opponents at the tribunal, especially against the backdrop of the flaws that characterised the 2012 poll, but they were sorely disappointed. And rather than manage the 2012 loss by providing a strategic marching forward template for the APC in Ondo State, he allegedly polarised the party, especially in his country home Owo. Also analysts believe that since he lost election in 2012, nothing seems to have been heard about Akeredolu in Ondo political firmament. It is the opinion of many stakeholders in the party the APC will be making mistake if the party presents him to fly its flag again taking into consideration the performance he recorded even in his ward during the 2012 election..

Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan He seems to leave his imprint of positive impacts with every contact he makes, both in his public service and political endeavours. He also enjoys a robust followership across the state, which was recently upped by his kidnap on his way to Abuja in January. However, core members of the APC in the state sees him as a late comer, who recently joined the change wagon, from his former political platform, the PDP, and they nurse the fear that he may not be a good party man. He is also not known to have enough resources to prosecute the governorship election if he eventually gets the partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ticket

Mr. Tunji Ariyo Suave speaking and strategic young politician, many believed that he did not manage his political relationships with two former governors of the state: late Adefarati and Segun Agagu, who they say he betrayed. Nevertheless, he is one of those being regarded as pretenders for governorship in Ondo State.

Oke Barr Nathaniel Adojutelegan: He is from a family that commands respect in Ondo State; the son of a former Magistrate in the Ondo State judiciary; but apart from that credential, little or nothing is known about him politically in Ondo State. He has just been appointed as the Special Assistant to the Minister of Niger Delta.

Chief Segun Abraham: A perennial gubernatorial aspirant, his most visible credential is his alleged international connection and his alleged closeness to one of the APC leaders. But experience has shown that this is perhaps a big minus for him, because the people of Ondo do not want a state governor who would turn the state into a business empire of his godfathers. After declaring his interest for the 2012 governorship election in the media, nothing was heard about him again, until now that preparations are in high gear for another contest. A stakeholder in the state who preferred anonymity said that scarcely would three out of 350 grown-ups outside his Ikare Akoko home town be able to identify him in a parade of five people.

Chief Jamiu Ekungba Although Ekungba has continued to be consistent politically from his days in the defunct ACN up to the present APC, he has not really been politically strong in the state. The Muslim community within the APC, to whom he relates with cordially, sees his gubernatorial ambition as their project. Besides, he may not have the financial muscle to push through his ambition.

Hon. Bode Ayorinde: He is a first term serving member of the House of Representatives. Consensus among stakeholders in the state is that he should use his current term in the National Assem-

Chief Olusola Oke The former National Legal Adviser of the PDP and gubernatorial candidate in 2012 is one of the politicians in the state who has a firm grip of their senatorial zones, but why he could not show this grip to ensure victory for the APC in the last election, which he joined shortly after the presidential election is the question begging for answers. Another albatross on his neck as he aspires to flag the APC flag is the news trending about his possible return to the PDP. This has definitely not put him in the right stead as APC flag bearer.

Chief Paul Akintelure: Akintelure was the running mate for the defunct ACN in the 2012 gubernatorial poll in the state. Since that election, not much have been heard about or from him until now when another election is around the corner. Many party faithful opined that he should rather join hand with his brother, Pius Oloye Akinyelure, who is the National Vice Chairman, South-West of the APC in building a formidable APC to control the politics of Ondo State rather than run for the governorship ticket . .

Mr. Akinrinsola Odunayo:

Odunayo is another aspirant that is not been given high rating .. In his home town of Ile Oluji, little or nothing is known about his personality, not to talk of the entire state. It is generally believed that he only wanted to use his interest in the governorship to herald his entry into politics. Many other aspirants may still show up in the days ahead but the general consensus among stakeholders in the state is that for the APC to assume the political leadership of the State, it must avoid the mistake of 2012 by conducting a well accepted primaries for all the aspirants by not only creating a level playing field for all aspirants, but also pick a popular and acceptable candidate to fly its flag. For APC to make impact in the October election is must not go into the election as a divided house.

Mail Mirror

Politics

From The Senate with

George OJI

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday,February 17, 2016

ast week, the Nigeria media space was dominated with reports of how past administrations of the Federal Capital Territory Authority, FCTA allocated parts of the high profile Maitama District of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT to some well-placed political elites in the country. The Senator Dino Melaye-headed Senate Committee on the Federal Capital Territory, FCT who blew the lid open alleged that the Ministerial Hills and some parts of the Mississippi street, located in the Maitama District of Abuja, which were designated as green areas, flood drains, city buffers, recreational centers, sewage lines, urban farming and city monuments in the original master plan of the FCT were illegally converted to residential areas and shared among top Nigerians. The committee listed some of the beneficiaries of the places as the former President Goodluck Jonathan, immediate past Permanent Secretary of the FCT, Engineer John Chukwu, former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, former Trade and Investment Minister, Olusegun Aganga, Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Uche Secondus and the FCT Executive Director, Ismaila Adamu. The rest are the ex FCT ministers, including, Ibrahim Bunu, Mohammed Abba Gana, Nasir El-Rufai, Aliyu Moddibo, Adamu Aliero and Bala Mohammed. Even though some of the allocations predated the immediate past FCT administration, the senate committee singled out the administration of Bala Mohammed for serious reprimand. “Bala Mohammed in his bid to satisfy some powerful Nigerians before the end of his tenure, disregarded the wisdom of his predecessors and the vision of the founding fathers of Abuja,” Melaye claimed. He went on to describe the action of Mohammed as amounting to maladministration, which he termed, “satanic.” The lawmaker said his committee had already issued a stop work order to the contractors they met at the sites of the affected areas, including directing them to replace all the trees they fell during construction. Perhaps, in order to clear his name and set the records straight, the former minister in an advertorial published in some major national newspapers across the country, explained the processes taken by his administration before arriving at the decision to allocate the said portions of lands. In a rather rhetorical manner, the minister wondered what the special interest of Melaye is in the whole land deals, posing the question, “What we do not understand is the senate committee chairman’s unusual interest in the Ministers’ Hill?” Mohammed concluded by absolving

The scramble for Abuja choice lands by political elites Nigerians are not

deceived by the present posturing of

Melaye

and his colleagues that they are discharging their oversight of the executive the best way they ought to

Melaye himself of any complicity, because his actions were not only carried out in line with his statutory roles, but akin to those of his predecessors. The current noise about this whole issue of illegal land allocation must be properly identified for what it represents. Make no bones about it, the whole show, no doubt, is all about the interest of the political elites. On the part of the lawmakers, it is mere media posturing to deceive the unsuspecting masses that they are fighting illegality and injustice. On the part of the rest other political class, they are merely fighting to protect what they have amassed through unconventional means. Nigerians are not deceived by the present posturing of Melaye and his colleagues that they are discharging their oversight of the executive the best way they ought to. Indeed, the action of the lawmakers, if anything, is a serious indictment of the legislature, because if actually the lawmakers have been serious with their responsibilities, these alleged infractions ought not to have taken place in the first instance because they would have been detected through effective oversight. Nobody should be deceived. Nigerians have passed this road before. Like one FCT official observed, “Having found out that

there are no more choice areas of land left in the city to allocate, what the lawmakers are doing is simply using blackmail to harass some of the original land beneficiaries to abandon them so that they (legislators) will have an opportunity to acquire those lands. ” If actually that is the intent of the lawmakers in their current crusade, then, they must have misfired. This is because; none of the beneficiaries of the lands in focus is a small person in Nigeria that will easily yield to such blackmails. No doubt that, it is within the constitutional and statutory responsibilities of the lawmakers, in this case, the National Assembly Committees on FCT, to oversight the activities of the FCTA. However, in discharging such duties, a line must be clearly drawn. The lawmakers must be commended for exposing what they feel are the abuse of office by past ministers of the FCT. The next step the legislators can take after such exposé is to pass resolutions, demanding the present minister of the city to take certain actions against the alleged abuse of office of the past ministers. The lawmakers cannot proceed to order stoppage of work at works sites and replacement of fallen trees. These are clearly executive actions. The lawmakers must understand their constitutional limits of authority. If the legislators for instance feel that continuing work in the disputed areas must be halted to enable the resolution of issues concerning alleged illegal allocations, they should go ahead and pass a resolution, asking the minister to immediately order work to be stopped at the said construction sites. The resolution can also include other ancillary directives to the minister. The lawmakers can also pass resolutions mandating the minister to take any other actions they feel appropriate at any point in time in line with their oversight powers, but not to take such executive actions themselves. Enough of this public bravado.

2016 Budget Defence: Fashola in the eye of the storm

ormer Lagos State Governor and Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Babatunde Fashola (SAN) deserves the pity of all well-meaning Nigerians. As a result of over-sighting the three critical ministries of power, works and housing, it is doubtful if the young man still has a life of his own. Those who are close to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria will tell you that the man hardly enjoys four hours sleep or rest in any typical day since becoming a minister. Anyone who has had the privilege of following the activities of Fashola in the past two weeks when the defence of the 2016 budget appropriation bill by the Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of Government began at the National Assembly will attest that the minister deserves the

prayers of all to continue to carry on. As the key driver of the three major ministries, Fashola has literarily relocated his office to the National Assembly, where he had had to face the fireworks of one committee after another. Often, while Fashola is finishing from one committee in the senate, the next committee would be waiting for him in the House of Representatives. If he is done with that, he would either be entering another in the same House of Representatives or crossing over to the senate to answer to another. The situation is not made any better by the refusal of the senate and the House of Representatives to harmonise the activities of their committees in order to be more effective and more resourceful. The good

thing going for Fashola however, is his intellectual capability to take on the huge tasks arising from his expanded office. When you would think that Fashola should provide excuses for the shortcomings of any of the ministries, the former governor would tell the lawmakers that, “By my upbringing and training, I take responsibility for the office I occupy. This is not withstanding that I am less than 100 days in office as a minister.” With this stand, Fashola has had to answer to all the various “mess” he inherited in office before the lawmakers. Fashola has also on many occasions stood his grounds against the lawmakers, especially where he feels that he has superior arguments, notwithstanding how controversial such positions may be. Take the issue of the proposed increment of electric-

ity tariff by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NREC. The former governor stood his grounds to maintain that the lawmakers cannot arbitrarily stop NERC from increasing electricity tariffs because the statute or act setting up the commission empowers them to do so. The minister was also able to look the lawmakers in the face and asked them to allow him drive the road infrastructure the phased approach manner he has designed and deemed them workable for the benefit of the entire country. This was after the senators nearly ate the minister raw for not spreading road construction to cover all the nooks and crannies of the country in the 2016 budget. When next you see Fashola, don’t be surprised that he may be looking thinner than his usual slim size.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Wednesday, February 17, 2016

We ain’t criminals, Your Excellency JOHN DARLINGTON IYOHA

‘N

igeria’s president has warned his fellow citizens to stop trying to make asylum claims in Britain, saying that their reputation for criminality has made it hard for them to be “accepted abroad” reported The Telegraph of London on February 5, 2016. I am so disheartened at the slur that reportedly emanated from Nigeria’s ethics policeman and our chief representative to the whole world. In a comparative analysis, crime is a behaviour in which individual obtain resources from others by use of brute force, fraud, or stealth. People who commit these despicable acts, doubtless, intentionally harm others for their own gain whilst certain crimes bring about one’s elevation to the social stratum. We shall now identify the root causes of crime. According to the former New York Police Department Commissioner, Patrick V. Murphy, the root causes of crime are poverty, unemployment, racism, poor healthcare, bad housing, weak schools, mental illness, alcoholism, single-parent families, teenage pregnancy and a society of selfishness and greed. These social maladies, amid others, are all byproducts of misgovernance, which are prevalent in our society today. As some African leaders ascend the social ladder by ‘intentionally harming others’, it is considered not a crime. While some say it is daring to steal a fortune, some say it is a mark of great-

ness to steal a crown. Fortunately or unfortunately, the blame diminishes as the guilt increases. I am doubly sure Nigeria’s ethics policeman would fail every integrity test in this regard though often whitewashed by his apologists and partisans. He has been in one way or the other involved in crimes and criminal conspiracies. To violently overthrow a democratically elected government, the law says, is high treason, actionable and consequently punishable. He led a ”successful” coup at the tail end of 1983; like a marriage that has been annulled had the sovereign wishes of over 130 million Nigerians bastardised. On December 31, 1983, General Muhammadu Buhari, an accessory after the fact of treason, stole a crown and thus rode to greatness. The life of that junta was cut short in 1985 via a putsch that had his name faded into oblivion for nearly three decades. In the interim, Buhari’s behaviour and remarks were characterized by violently obtaining resources from others by use of brute force, ”if what happened (nothing unusual did) in 2011 repeats itself, the dogs and the baboons will be soaked in blood” With this remark, Africa’s most populous nation sat on the keg of gunpowder as chaos ominously hung in the air, the atmosphere reeking of violence and blood, Africa and indeed the world waited for the worst human catastrophe in history which the violence he threatened would spark off in the run up to the 2015 presidential election. But the wisdom of his predecessor, Dr. Goodluck

PRESIDENT BUHARI MUST TENDER AN UNRESERVED APOLOGY FOR THIS SLUR ON THE REPUTATION OF

NIGERIANS

Jonathan, saved Nigeria and indeed the West African sub-region from degenerating into another Syria. Buhari never won the 2015 presidential election after all. His ‘victory’ was nothing short of a criminal conspiracy likened to the Sicilian Mafia bound by oath of omerta calling to mind the gross electoral malpractices and irregularities that took place in the desert northern city-states of Bauchi, Kano, and Sokoto where polling stations swarm with under-aged voters; the camera, it is said, cannot lie; they were caught in the act. This would have made enough evidence to have the victory of Muhammadu Buhari upturned had the incumbent President Jonathan gone progressively to contest the results in the nation’s apex court in Abuja. Against all odds, he was allowed to assume the reins of power. All criminal behaviours involve the use of force, fraud, or stealth to obtain material or symbolic resources. Buhari did say Nigerians propensity for criminality has made it hard for them to be accepted abroad. Focusing on criminality in this regard rather than political-legal definitions also allows us to finesse the perplexing

Lagos and the outbreak of Lassa fever BILKIS BAKARE

ith the recent disclosure by Dr Jide Idris, the Lagos State commissioner for Health, that the state government had placed Ahmmadiyyah Hospital, Ojokoro, where the patient with the first Lassa fever virus case was first admitted, under surveillance, Lagos recorded its first official case of the disease. According to Idris, 15 in-patients and other 25 health workers in the facility have been put under observation. He confirmed that the disease was contacted by a 25 year old male, undergraduate student of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, and that from Ahmmadiyyah Hospital he was referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). The Lagos State government is making efforts to stem the tide of the disease. Presently, isolation centres have been provided to handle suspected and established cases, while enlightenment campaigns, using the electronic media and information leaflets, by the medical directors of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and 26 general hospitals in the state have been stepped up. Similarly, the Mainland Hospital and all other general hospitals in the state have been placed on the alert and anti-viral drugs for the management of Lassa fever cases made available. Ambulances have been dedicated to respond to referral and transportation of cases. Also, the Disease Surveillance and Notification

Officers (DSNOs) in all the local government areas in the state have been sensitized on Lassa fever to enhance early detection and prompt reporting of cases. The state government is also collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health, Virology Reference Laboratory, College of Medicine, University of Lagos and World Health Organisation in the prevention and control of the disease. Lagos residents are advised to keep away from rats and report any case of persistent fever to the nearest public health facility. They are to also shun ingestion of foods and drinks infected by the saliva, urine and faeces of infected rats as well as catching and preparing infected rats as food. They are also told to avoid inhaling small particles in the air contaminated with infected rat urine or droppings. Getting directly in contact with an ailing person’s blood or body fluids, through mucous membranes, like eyes, nose or mouth, should also be avoided. Above all, residents should embrace faultless personal and environmental hygiene. Other states with reported cases of Lassa fever include Bauchi which recorded the first case in November, 2015, Nassarawa, Niger, Taraba, Kano, Rivers, Edo, Plateau, Gombe, Osun, Ondo, Lagos and Oyo states. Till date, the disease has claimed the lives of about 101 people with not less than 175 confirmed and unconfirmed cases. Lassa fever, a hemorrhagic disease was named after Lassa village in Borno State, where it was first discovered in 1969. The disease occurs more in the dry season. It

AMBULANCES HAVE BEEN DEDICATED TO RESPOND TO REFERRAL AND TRANSPORTATION OF CASES is caused by a species of rodents called the Natal multimammate rat, the common African rat, or the African soft-furred rat. The Lassa virus is transmitted when the droppings (urine or faeces) of the rat, the vector the virus, comes in contact with foodstuffs, either in silos or in residences. The rodents live in houses with humans and deposit excreta on floors, tables, beds and food. Consequently the virus is transmitted to humans through cuts and scratches, or inhaled via dust particles in the air. In some regions, these rodents are also consumed as food. Secondary transmission of the virus between humans occurs through direct contact with infected blood or bodily secretions. This occurs mainly between individuals caring for sick patients, although anyone who comes into close contact with a person carrying the virus is at risk of infection. Nosocomial transmission, that is the transmission that occurs as a result of treatment in a hospital and outbreaks in healthcare facilities in endemic areas, represent a significant burden on the healthcare system. In the early stages, Lassa fever is often misdiagnosed as common cold, typhoid or malaria, and as a result many patients fail

problem of why some acts are defined as crimes while similar arguably more damaging acts are not. Evidence abound where Buhari shields his cronies and party partisans from criminal persecution and these, I dare say, are the real criminals. Does that not make him an accomplice? Then why on earth would one throw stones while one lives in a glass house? Buhari as Nigeria’s number one citizen, went to England, granted a press interview and told the world that Nigerians he rules over with a caprice have a propensity for criminality! Soon after the interview was published in The Telegraph it went viral and made news headlines around the world thereby setting us on a collision course with our host communities. This is real bad! President Buhari must tender an unreserved apology for this slur on the reputation of Nigerians and especially on Nigerians in the Diaspora, who have managed to escape from the harsh effects of bad governance at home. His administration is not better after all! It is not only undeniable but also, incontrovertible that the present Abuja regime has no clue to the hydra-headed problems bedevilling Nigeria, but only focuses on systematically deeper power relations between competing interest groups with little or no feasible policy alternative to regenerate the country. Iyoha, a social activist, political analyst and international public commentator, wrote from Turin, Italy.

to receive appropriate medical treatment. Making a correct diagnosis of Lassa fever is made difficult by the wide spectrum of clinical effects that manifest, ranging from asymptomatic to multi-organ system failure and death. The onset of the illness is typically mild, with no specific symptoms that would distinguish it from other febrile illnesses. In 80 percent of cases, the disease is without symptoms but in the remaining 20 percent, it takes a complicated course. It has an incubation period of six to 21 days after which an acute illness develops. Early signs include fever, headache and general body weakness, followed by a sore throat, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea in some cases. Death from Lassa fever most commonly occurs 10 to 14 days after symptom onset. Non-specific symptoms are facial swelling, and muscle fatigue, as well as conjunctivitis and mucosal bleeding. And one of the hallmarks of Lassa virus infection is the absence of functional antibodies during acute infection. Bakare is of the Features Unit, Lagos State Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

Editorial

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

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

Boko Haram: Sabotaging the toil of the military

he declaration by President Muhammadu Buhari late December last year that the Islamist Boko Haram insurgent group had been defeated technically as well as his pronouncement a couple of days ago that the group was no longer holding any local government area in the country, to a significant extent, should be seen as cheering and motivating news. But persistent violence in the North East that claims huge numbers of lives; ostensibly facilitated by sheer acts of sabotage from within and outside the nation’s armed forces, remains worrisome. The continued apprehension of culprits dedicated to the supply of arms and ammunition, food and other logistics to the insurgents will sure prolong not just the nation’s ongoing military campaign against insurgency, but enable the latter’s rag-tag Islamist army to cause maximum damage to lives and property in remote communities and other soft targets, which in turn, will adversely affect Federal Government’s efforts to rehabilitate the huge number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) scattered across inhospitable camps nationwide. On May 3, 2015, the Defence Headquarters announced the arrest of a man that specialized in the supply of fuel and food items to the insurgents. By September the same year,

IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE MILITARY DUTIFULLY MANS AND CLOSELY MONITORS ALL POSSIBLE ROUTES THROUGH WHICH SABOTEURS FERRY LOGISTIC SUPPLIES TO INSURGENTS the Nigerian Army, through Colonel Sani Usman, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, announced the arrest of 33 suspected food suppliers to Boko Haram terrorists on Azir-Wajiroko road in Damboa, Borno State. Reports last week again indicated that the military had identified some markets in Borno and Yobe states that engaged in all manner of illegal commercial activities, particularly trading and smuggling during late hours, all aimed at sustaining the insurgents and their campaign of violence. Worse still are reports credited to Usman last week that two soldiers working at the Explosive Ordinance Device unit of Nigerian Army ‘s 143 Battalion, were apprehended at a park in Adamawa State while trying to convey a large quantity of arms and ammunitions to Boko Haram terrorists. The dangerous weapons, according to the Army spokesman, included one smoke grenade,

2,136 live rounds of 7.62 (Special) ammunitions, 50 live rounds of 7.6mm (NATO) ammunitions, five magazines of AK 47 rifles and two rounds of Browning machine gun live ammunitions. The rest were an axe, a cutlass, a Jack knife, nine jungle hats, 11 pairs of camouflage (nine desert and three woodland green), four military pullovers, one black beret, one green beret, a pair of number 7 dress, two general duty belt, 12 Army T-shirts, two rain coats, two water bottles, a pair of rain boot and five pairs of desert boots. While it may prove very difficult for the insurgents to organize and carry out conventional attacks on entire local government areas or towns, military or police installations, etc., like they did without qualms in the past, the casualties they inflict on vulnerable targets, even in their decimated state, is now alarming; and should be effectively checked. Examples worth citing would include the late January dusk terror attacks on Dalori community on the outskirts of Maiduguri, Borno State capital, and other villages in the state that claimed roughly 206 lives. Reports last week also said two female suicide bombers blew themselves up in a 50,000 capacity IDP camp in the area, killing at least 58 people and injuring 78 others. Such number of casualties were

ON THIS DAY

mainly recorded before the coming of the Buhari administration - when the war against the insurgents was quite weak; when Nigerian soldiers were scarcely motivated; when in-house moles in the military, including generals, were accused of complicity in sabotaging the nation’s efforts to root out insurgency through desertion from duty posts by soldiers, sale of government weapons to the Boko Haram group; leakage of intelligence information on troops’ movement to the terrorists to the detriment of Nigerian troops - et cetera. The Nigerian military should intensify efforts not to allow the nation relapse to that better forgotten grim era again. It should invest sufficient efforts in curbing the sabotage of the anti-terror campaign by the unpatriotic, whether civilians or soldiers. It is imperative that the military dutifully mans and closely monitors all possible routes, including motor parks, through which saboteurs ferry arms, ammunitions, food and other logistic supplies to insurgents. Perhaps, more importantly, the Buhari government should properly kit the military with adequate weaponry. Claims and counter-claims of the nation’s military still not being well equipped, especially after the Dalori killings, are very demoralising.

February 17, 1964

February 17, 2011

February 17, 2015

Gabonese President Leon M’ba was toppled by a coup and his rival, Jean-Hilaire Aubame, was installed in his place. Jean-Hilaire Aubame (1912 – 1989) was a Gabonese politician active during both the colonial and independence periods. His training as a practicing Catholic and a customs official reportedly helped to make him an integrated man, one of whom political power was not an end in itself.

Libyan protests/civil war began. The strife was a 2011 armed conflict in the North African country of Libya, fought between forces loyal to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and those seeking to oust his government. The war was preceded by protests in Zawiya on August 8, 2009; and was finally ignited by protests in Benghazi on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, leading to clashes with security forces that fired on the crowd.

About 18 people were killed and 78 others injured in a stampede at a Mardi Gras parade in Haiti. The stampede occurred around 2:48 AM, during the traditional Mardi Gras parade on Champ de Mars in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince. Initial reports stated that at least 16 people died in the accident. The number was later revised to 18 dead by the Haitian Minister of Communications, Rotchild Francois Junior.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Health & Wellbeing

Endometriosis causes 50% of unexplained infertility –Nordica boss 20

Crisis hits health sector again! 22

30,000 Nigerian children die from HIV/AIDS •There is low coverage of PMTCT treatment- NACA •Train private hospitals to assist- GMD • We need to adopt Option B+ -HIV Specialist

Franka Osakwe

igeria’s effort to achieve elimination of Mother-To-Child-Transmission (eMTCT) of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria by 2030 seems an uphill task, as 30,000 innocent children infected with the disease, dies from AIDS related infections while about 60,000 new child infections occurred through Mother-To-ChildTransmission (MTCT) in 2014, according to the latest statistic from the National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA). From the report, Nigeria’s contribution to global burden of mother to child transmission of HIV is estimated at over 30 per cent, with only a 2 per cent decline in number of new infections in children since 2009. The main reason for this high MTCT burden is low coverage of PMTCT services (Only about 27 per cent of HIV positive pregnant women access the PMTCT care). According to the Director General of NACA, Prof. John Idoko, several challenges are responsible for the low coverage of PMTCT services. Chiefly among them is poor utilization of antenatal care (ANC) services, “facility delivery and Skilled Birth Attendants remain very low. While over 14,000 health facilities offer ANC services, only a small fraction of these facilities, less than 5 per cent offer PMTCT services. At the end of 2011 only 17% of pregnant women received HIV test, the entry point to PMTCT services”, he said. However, this problem can be improved, if most private hospitals are trained to offer PMTCT services. This is because private hospital takes care of 70 per cent of health care burden in Nigeria, The President Guild of Medical Directors (GMD), Dr. Tony Philips, told National Mirror. Meanwhile, some experts claim that private hospitals and Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA’s) do not refer their patients to PMTCT sites for fear of losing them. According to a HIV Specialist, Dr. Anslem Audu, some private hospitals despite knowing the HIV positive status of their antenatal clients, still refuse to refer them to PMTCT sites for treatment. “sometimes, the pregnant women do not even get tested, maybe because the test kits are out of stock at these facilities

and this can result in MTCT”, he said. A recent survey carried out by Journalist Against AIDS (JAAIDS) and Positive life Organization of Nigeria (PLON)-a HIV support group, for Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) confirmed this report. From the field report made available to National Mirror, it was gathered that many of the private hospitals go ahead to give antenatal services to HIV positive pregnant women, despite their status. The monitoring and Evaluation officer for the survey, Mabel Nwachukwu, who spoke with National Mirror, narrated these findings. She said, “Many of the private hospitals do not even care if the pregnant woman is HIV positive or not. They will rather treat her and collect the money, instead of referring her to the center where she can access treatment. It is only when there is complication that they will refer the patient, by that time, the patient’s situation would have gotten worse. She also said that some private hospitals and TBA’s do not even bother to do HIV testing. “During our visit to some private hospitals, where we carried out HIV testing on pregnant women, we discovered that many doctors did not even know the status of the pregnant women in their clinic. Some doctors requested us to test the women in labour to find out their status”, she said.

According to her, private hospitals cannot give PMTCT treatment because they are not among the comprehensive sites and some of them do not know how to administer antiretroviral prophylaxis (drug for PMTCT) on children. In reaction to the issue of referral, GMD, the body representing private practioners in Nigeria denied this accusation. Dr. Philips, told National Mirror that it is the churches, not the private hospitals that should be blamed for lack of referral. “Most churches teach their members to believe in faith and ignore treatment”, he said. He however mentioned the unavailability of test kits at private hospitals “sometimes we have to buy these test kits. Government should realize that private sector takes care of 70 per cent of health care burden in Nigeria, so they should learn to carry us along if they want to make progress in health” Dr. Philips however, advised government to train private hospitals on how to administer PMTCT treatment to avoid loss to follow up. On why more positive women patronize faith base clinics and TBA’s, one member of PLON HIV support group, who simply identified herself as Uloma, told National Mirror, that some of the HIV positive pregnant women in her group choose to patronize faith owned clinics and TBA’s so that their status will not be

questioned and they can have access to maternal services without stigmatization. “Although Lagos state has developed a program where pregnant women seen by Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA’s) are visited by health personnel so they can be tested for HIV, after testing positive, some of them still refuse to access the PMTCT service and will prefer to go back to the TBA’s for delivery, she said. Incomplete referral is also another huddle to PMTCT in Nigeria, Dr. Anslem, mentioned. “In this situation, a pregnant positive woman who is referred from the primary level of care (from the community or Primary Health Centre), to the secondary (General or Teaching hospital), for PMTCT, refuses to attend for reasons such as lack of transport fare to facility”, he said. In September 2015, the WHO released new guidelines, Option B+, for elimination of Mother-To-Child-Transmission (eMTCT) of HIV. The guideline recommends lifelong ART to be provided to all pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV regardless of their CD4 count. But this guideline is not yet practiced in Nigeria. On the option B+, Dr Anslem said some states are already piloting it but it is not yet adopted nationally. Adopting this guideline is one way that MTCT of HIV can be eliminated, he said. During a two days meeting by The Journalists Alliance for Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV in Nigeria (JAPiN), at Bayview Hotel in Enugu, HIV Specialist, Abiola Davies, said that Nigeria still has the highest new HIV infections among children. Considering the slow MTCT decline, she said there was a need for an urgent action towards eliminating MTCT in the country. The group identified reasons for the persistent of MTCT. Some of the reasons noted were; inadequate domestic funding in the face of declining support from donors; insufficient capacity (human resource and infrastructure) to effectively provide prevention, treatment and care programmes; poor health seeking habit among the rural population, particularly Ante Natal Care (ANC) attendance, stigmatization and reluctance of pregnant women to deliver in health facilities. In a communiqué signed by its national president, Sola Ogundipe, the group appealed to the Federal government to be guided by the new UNAIDS target of 90:90:90, which ensures that 90 per cent of the global population are tested for HIV, with 90 per cent of those who test positive having access to treatment and 90 per cent of those tested having their viral load suppressed.

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Endometriosis causes 50% of unexplained infertility –Nordica boss …holds Endo Walk 2016 Franka Osakwe

f you are a woman struggling with infertility without any medical explanation, it could be that you have Endometriosis, a disorder in which the tissue that forms the lining of your uterus grows outside of your uterine cavity. This is because Endometriosis happens to be the cause of half of all unexplained infertility, affecting 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, Medical Director Nordica Fertility, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, said. Explaining the condition, The Dr. Ajayi, also the Country Affiliate Partner Representative for Endometriosis Support Group Nigeria (ESGN), said the endometrium tissue can grows on your ovaries, bowel, and tissues lining your pelvis, causing irritation, scar formation, adhesions- in which tissue binds your pel-

vic organs together, severe pain during your periods and of course fertility problems. He mentioned that most women suffering from this condition often go through symptoms such as painful periods, pain in the lower abdomen before and during menstruation, cramps one or two weeks around menstruation, heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods, infertility, pain following sexual intercourse, discomfort with bowel movements and lower back pain that may occur at any time during your menstrual cycle. Unfortunately, the women who have this condition have to live with it for the rest of their life with palliative treatment such as analgestic, he said. However, he explained that surgery or hormonal intervention can also be given, depending on the specialist. For those struggling with infertility, Dr. Ajayi explained that such women can benefit from Invitro

Fertilization (IVF). However, the worrying thing about endometriosis in Nigeria is that vast number of women going through this condition are often misdiagnosed by their doctors, he stressed. “In Nigeria, it is probably never diagnosed because of lack of diagnostic equipment known as Laparoscopy. The women are mislabeled and misunderstood, thereby subjecting them to severe pain, inability to work, socialize or maintain a meaningful relation-

ship. Most times, their primary care doctors do not know what it is and the specialists to whom they are sent are not just thinking of it”, he said. Based on this, the Dr. Ajayi, explained that the ESGN will be raising fund to help procure this equipment and also help women affected by the condition. To mark this year’s ‘World Endo Walk’, the ESGN said thy will be having an Endo Walk 2016, tomorrow and also on 5th of March, at Lagos and Abuja re-

spectively. “Each year, we join our partners all over the world to wear yellow so our sisters, daughter, granddaughters and great granddaughters won’t have to suffer in silence”, Dr. Ajayi, who is the group’s country representative, told newsmen, during a press conference at Nordica Fertility Clinic, on Monday. “We are inviting both private and public sector participants to join us on these great walk. Also, on the 8th of April, we will also be

CMD slams govt over 21-day closure of Ota hospitals Franka Osakwe

he Chief Medical Director, CMD, of Central Specialist Hospital, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria, Dr Akinola Olusumade, has said that the 21-day closure of his hospital, due to Lassa Fever infection, has resulted in damage to its image and reputation. He made this known in a chat with National Mirror recently. Already, our correspondent gathered that fumigation or decontamination of the two private hospitals in Ota Local Government, - Central Specialist Hospital and Rubee Specialist Hospital, where the Lassa patient was admitted before being transferred to Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, had been carried out. National Mirror gathered that the fumigation of the two hospitals took place between 8.00am and 4.00pm on Friday, February, 3, but the presence of the fumigating team and subsequent closure of the hospitals has been misunderstood by members of the community who say the action, by the state Ministry of Health was a kind of punishment for professional miscon-

duct. Based on this, Dr Olusumade, accuses Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Babatunde Ipaye, of not properly disseminating the information thereby causing the public to misunderstand the action. “It is not against professional practice to fumigate premises of a health facility where a case of epidemics like Lassa fever or Ebola has been reported or to quarantine its staff, but if the place is going to be shut, the announcement should not be made as if it is a verdict for professional misconduct,” he said. On the other hand, the Central Specialist Hospital CMD, said his major grouse against Ogun State Ministry of Health is for non-recognition of the management of the two hospitals that treated the Lassa fever patient. “They made the whole world believe it was solely the efforts of the state health officials, the use of their facilities and equipment on ground and support of the political leadership’s enabling environment that resulted in quick diagnosis and transfer of the patient to the right place for further treatment. I think credit should be given to those who deserve it. Are they saying indirectly doc-

holding a physician’s round table at Civic Centre Lagos, with medical experts from around the world, to discuss endometriosis with our doctors in Nigeria”, he said In addition, Dr. Ajayi said the organization will be having an Endo Gala Nite on the 9th of April, in other to raise fund for increased awareness and help women affected. Dr. Ajayi said the government can help affected women by training more specialists and doctors. Explaining the theme of this year’s Endo Walk, ‘End the Silence’, he said the only way to demystify the condition and solve the problem is to speak out against the condition. Endometriosis Awareness takes place across the globe during the month of March with the aim of uniting women and their supporters to take a stand against endometriosis. The condition is said to affects an estimated 176 million women worldwide.

tors should shirk their professional responsibility if they discover Lassa fever virus in another patient? “They shut the place and asked everybody to go their different homes; but have they forgotten I have to pay my workers who will be idle for almost a month, fail to monitor health of my in-patients who need special care, lose valuable but quality drugs and chemicals which are always kept under a particular temperature. Also, another effect of the closure is that patients will lose the confidence they have in those managing their health. If this Lassa case had been reported in a government hospital, would it have been closed for a day after fumigating it? In saner climes, government doesn’t close a hospital that has done the right thing as we have done without giving it some financial lifting for it to survive,” he said. He advised government in the three tiers of government in Nigeria to give proper education about Lassa fever to the citizens. “If they have to close a hospital, they should let the people understand the reason for the closure, not just making announcement like a magistrate giving a ruling,” he added.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Nigeria won’t record polio outbreak again –FG Marcus Fatunmole Abuja

ll efforts will be put in place to ensure that Nigeria doesn’t record any polio case again, Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, has said. The minister stated this in a release made available to National Mirror recently by Director of Media and Public Relations in the Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs Boade Akinola. The Minister was quoted in the release as saying it would be a shame on the government if the nation records any outbreak of the disease again.

Adewole said while meeting with Expert Review Committee (ERC) on polio eradication, chaired by the President, Nigeria Academy of Science, Prof. Oyewale Tomori, that federal government was committed to release resources for the success of eradicating the scourge. “With respect to funding, even though we will not boast of taking care of all your needs, but we would certainly do our best, we are quite committed. Once we get approval, we will give you priority because it would be a shame to us if we have one single outbreak. I describe the Lassa outbreak as embarrassment. It

would become a shame if we have further outbreak of polio virus.” “We are proud of you, we would continue to support you. You made us proud, so the only thing we can do is to continue to play our role as a nation and with the support of Mr. President and international backing, we have no option than to succeed in the final eradication” , the release quoted him further as saying. In July 2015, World Health Organization (WHO) removed Nigeria from polio endemic country after 15 months without single case of the polio virus in the country. It is expected that if Nigeria

sustains the momentum, by 2017, it would be certified a polio free country. “The Minister appreciated members of the committee for making the country proud. ‘Let me thank you and our partners, particularly outside the country, because we really value your support and we would love to see more in the health sector. “Earlier, the chairman of the committee Prof. Onyewale Tomori said that the committee would not relent in its effort to ensure that Nigeria is polio free 2017. “We are doing all we can to prevent polio coming back to our country,” the release concluded.

Don urges govt to battle tuberculosis Tunbosun Ogundare

he Head of Medical Laboratory, Babcock University, IlisanRemo, Ogun State, Prof. John Ihongbe has called on the government and relevant stakeholders to take urgent and drastic step to tackle the tuberculosis scourge ravaging the African continent. He made the came while delivering a paper, titled “Recent Development in Drug Resistant Mycobacterium Tuberculosis,” at the school of Public Health seminar series, recently. According to him, trends in the tuberculosis

AfDB donates health equipment to FG Marcus Fatunmole Abuja

he African Development Bank, AfDB, has donated health equipment worth N290, 000 to the federal government. The kits were originally meant to help combat Ebola virus disease in the country. Even though Ebola was promptly contained by the government while it lasted in 2014, the donor believes they could be deployed to other areas of the nation’s health systems to help boost health care services, a statement made available to National Mirror recently by Director of Media and Publicity in the Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs Boade Akinola, said.

The release noted that World Health Organization (WHO) procured the equipment with fund from AfDB. Country Director, WHO Dr.Rui Gama Vaz confirmed in the release that the equipment was initially to curtail the spread of Ebola epidemic, but that since the country had succeeded in curtailing Ebola, the equipment could be used to address other epidemic . Country Director, AfDB Ousmane Dore, commended the government the way it handled Ebola epidemic in the country. “We would like, on behalf of President, AfDB to express to you our sincere commendation for the way in which Nigerian government was able to arrest

the spread of the Ebola disease for which the bank had earmarked some resources to help you in the fight”, he was quoted as saying in the release. He added that the quick response by government led international communities to be assured that the political will and determination of the government in the fight against Ebola was serious. The release maintained that the Minister of Health, Prof.Isaac Adewole, who according to the release received the donation, said that the equipment would help the country prepare against any future eventuality. “We thank you very sincerely and we need more, this is just the beginning. The whole world must be

prepared for eventualities as global warming is bringing quite a number of challenges in the health sector. Yesterday was Lassa, day before yesterday was Ebola. Today and tomorrow is Zika, and we don’t know what would happen tomorrow and thereafter. “The most important thing is that we must be prepare at all time. These would help us to stay prepared and we still look forward to support our laboratories facilities and build the human system that would make the country ready for any epidemic,” the release said. Items received include two ambulances, 30 Bajaj motorcycles, 34 safety boxes and among others, according to the release.

spread reveal a global figure of two billion sufferers with Africa bearing the burden of 33.2% of affected cases with Ethiopia, Swaziland, Pakistan, India, South Africa and Nigeria as worst hit countries in the continent. Such high risk indicators, the don said, would require creation of a broader awareness and collaboration with relevant institutions. While tasking academics, especially researchers to conduct more studies to seek possible remedies of the disease, Prof. Ihongbe promised that Babcock would play a leading role in this regard.

World cancer day: NGO holds dinner to honour patients Franka Osakwe

L-R: Representative from Cosse TTL, Omolara Amubieya; Medical Director Nordica Fertility, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi with the Clinic’s Fertility Counsellor, Esther Odiette and Managing Director Brand Shephard, Dotun Adebowale, during a press conference on Monday in honour of Endo Walk 2016, at Nordica Fertility Clinic Headquarter in Lagos.

n commemoration of the World Cancer Day, the Child Survival and Development Organisation of Nigeria (CS-DON) hosted a benefit dinner on the 5th February 2016 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The dinner which attracted people from all walks of life, was themed ‘We Can I Can’ in line with the central theme for the 2016 World Cancer Day. In her speech, the Chairman of CS-DON, Mrs Onari Duke, reiterated the principal objectives of the organization. According to her, CS-DON is a non-profit, non-governmental organization with the primary objective to collaborate with other stakeholders towards reducing child and maternal mortality rate in Nigeria. She explained that CSDON’s intervention approach is three pronged: Medicaid, Medicare And Advocacy. “Through its Medicaid programs, the organization gives donations, hosts medical missions to provide free medical care to thousands of people, and trains healthcare workers. CSDON also supports with medication, diagnosis and investigations for people who are unable to afford healthcare. The organisation’s Run For A Cure race event which has held since 2009, is a quarterly breast, cervical and childhood cancers’ awareness and treatment support race held in Lagos and Port Harcourt”, she said.

Mrs. Duke went further to reiterate the successes of the cancer awareness program which includes the provision of regular testing and cryotherapy treatment for cervical cancer for women in Lagos and Calabar. Mrs Duke explained that the NGO is currently supporting the treatment of 30 children with cancer as well as providing financial support to 7 women with breast cancer in Calabar, Lagos, Umuahia and Jos. Speaking about the NGO’s Medicare initiatives, Mrs Duke said, the Calabar women and Children Hospital (CWCH ) - a 40 bed hospital was opened in 2009 to provide the necessary platform for effective implementation. The highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Prof. Francis Durosimi-Etti, a professor of radiology therapy and oncology at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and Chairman of the National Consultative Committee on Cancer Control in Nigeria - the body charged with the formulation of the National Cancer Management and Control policies currently being implemented in Nigeria. Prof Etti reiterated the fact that a lot needs to be done towards ensuring adequate cancer awareness, care and treatment support. He further discussed in detail the need to ensure the availability and accessibility of critical cancer diagnostic and investigation equipment across the country which is key to proper treatment.

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Crisis hits health sector again! Marcus Fatunmole Abuja

or the first time in a year, Nigerian health sector is facing another round of industrial crisis. Unions of health workers in the country, under the umbrellas of Joint Health Sectors Unions, JOHESU, and Assembly of Health Care Professionals, AHPA, have threatened to proceed on strike, effective from today. Even though a few unions have embarked on strikes in a few states recently in the country, the current strike, the unions said, would be nationwide. Previous experiences have shown that many lives are needlessly lost whenever any of the groups or medical doctors unions proceed on strike. In most cases, when such strikes last, skeletal services are rendered in the public hospitals, which forces patients to patronize private health facilities where they pay exorbitant bills. And, such actions could not be ruled out from contributing greatly to poor health statistics paraded by the country before the international community. A copy of JOHESU and AHPA’s warning note, addressed to Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Head of Civil Service of the Federation and copied some of the security agencies was signed by JOHESU’s Chairman, Biobelemoye Josiah, and was made available to National Mirror at the weekend. It said should government refuse to attend to the unions’ demands, the workers would ground public facilities across the country. And, as at the time of filing this copy yesterday, there was no response yet from the government. In the letter, JOHESU and AHPA said their decision was taken at a joint meeting they had fortnight ago in Abuja, where they claimed they gave government a 15-day ultimatum, which expires today. The unions vowed that the strike would only be averted if government meets their demands. According to the group, they had embarked on an industrial action in November 2014. “This industrial action stretched into 2015 February when it was suspended at the instance of the former President and Commander in Chief; His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR whom JOHESU met in February, 2015. “The strike was suspended as a result of assurances by the former President that our issues shall be looked into and our demands met. From January 2014 to December, 2014, series of meetings were held at the office of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation; His Excellency, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and other Federal Government Officials in attendance. “Knowing and acknowledging that Government is a continuum, and having gone into series of agreements with the government of President Jonathan coupled with several court judgments in favour of JOHESU and AHPA which were neither implemented nor honoured, JOHESU is peeved that Government should flout court orders and fail to honour

Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole collectively bargained agreements willingly entered into. Honouring collective bargaining agreements and adhering to court orders is supposed to give confidence to the system. It is our hope that confidence in collective bargaining agreements will not be destroyed by the actions of government,” part of the threat letter said. Minister of Health, Prof Adewole Isaac had last Thursday denied any knowledge of impending strike by any of the workers’ unions. He told National Mirror that all employees in the sector were working harmoniously and would continue to do so, the reason he attributed to a few successes his ministry had achieved when he took over its leadership last year. Apart from lives that would be lost should the workers carry out its threat, the crisis is coming at a time the nation is battling killer Lassa fever, and has to prevent Zika virus, which has spread to about four continents around the globe, from hitting the nation. As at last week, 108 persons had died of Lassa fever in Nigeria. All health unions such as the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, MDCAN, Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, MHWUN, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, AMLSN, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, NANNM had pledged to support the President Muhammadu Buhari’s ad-

ministration, and promised they would not embark on strike should his government address backlog of issues with pitch employees against the government, or employees against one another. Our correspondent observed that non-medical doctors had to swallow the bitter pill, following appointment only medical-medical doctors team by President Mohammadu Buhari to lead the Federal Ministry of Health, when he formed his cabinet last year. A major cause of crisis in the sector is leadership of health facilities and the Federal Ministry of Health. Some leaders of non-medical doctors unions who spoke with our correspondent could not conceal their anger when President Buhari appointed Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, Minister of State for Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, and Permanent Secretary, Dr Amina Shamaki to drive the affairs of the ministry. The three are all doctors. One of the leaders said at the time that it had never happened in the life of the ministry that “the ministry becomes an all-doctors affair.” Non-medical doctors claim they contribute 95 percent of all health workforce in the country. JOHESU is made up of five registered unions in the health sector namely; Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research

The protesting health workers are demanding implementation of new circular on promotion of members from CONHESS

14 to 15 as directors which they say places

premium on the need to sanction defaulting hospital managements

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), and NonAcademic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) Observers in the sector believe the current development would be instrumental to judging the managerial skills of the top management of the sector, which is also reportedly embroiled in a cold war. Prof Adewole and the Federal Government, according to reports, are facing litigation from four directors in the ministry over their alleged refusal to vacate office having attained retirement age. Continuation of crises in the sector will also question the effectiveness of the National Health Act and Report of Yayale-Ahmed Committee on Harmony in the sector. The protesting health workers are demanding implementation of new circular on promotion of members from CONHESS 14 to 15 as directors which they say places premium on the need to sanction defaulting hospital managements; that specific steps be taken by the Head of Service of the Federation to ensure the expedited issuance of an enabling circular authorizing consultancy cadre for health professionals that have adhered to due process, to be vested with consultancy status; payment of arrears of specialist allowances to qualified hospitals based health professionals with effect from January 1, 2010; and that government come up with a circular on residency programmes for all health professionals in the country “to ensure professional capacity development in the health sector.” Others are “immediate and full payment” of arrears of skipping of CONHESS 10 which the groups said had remained outstanding since 2010; immediate “and unconditional” release of circular on adjustment of salary since January 2014, and immediate payment of at least two months arrears, while the balance is accommodated with proven evidence in the 2016 budget; “sponsoring an amendment bill to correct once and for all the litany of contentious provisions in the obnoxious decree 10 of 1985 (CAP U15 463) LFN 2004 which formalizes the marginalization of all health workers by doctors in the following areas lopsided Composition of the Board of Management, appointment of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Federal Health Institutions, appointment of Chairman Medical Advisory Committee (C-MAC), appointment of Deputy Chairman Medical Advisory Committee (D-CMAC), training of health professionals, and removal of the borders of restrictions on permanent staff of federal health institutions. The demands also include immediate release of circular on extension of retirement age from 60 to 65 years, and that it should be backdated to February, 2014 when the issue was presented to the national Council on Establishment; correction of alleged anomaly in payments by the members into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS); implementation and enforcement of court judgments in the sector.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arts Lounge

Stage more frightening than screen –Nonye Marvis

Savage, Ezuruonye preach family planning

Fighting social ills with African celebrities On February 28, 2016 Lagos will be agog as top celebrities converge to play a novelty football match in support of the fight against human trafficking. Ngozi Emedolibe

lated to hold at the Campos Square Stadium, Lagos Island, Lagos, movie star Richard Mofe Damijo popularly called RMD will lead 11 other stars to square up against former Super Eagles players like Kanu Nwankwo, Jay Jay Okocha, Samson Siasia, Peter Rufai among many others. Former Super Eagles coaches, Shaibu Amodu and Christian Chukwu will coach Team Kanu Nwankwo and Team RMD respectively while actresses Ireti Doyle and Apostle Eucharia Anunobi will each play five penalties to determine the winners at the end of the day. The initiative, a project of Next2None support group is tagged ‘Africa My Africa Walk Against Human Trafficking/Legendary/Celebrity Football Match and Owerri, Imo State capital will play host to the stars after Lagos. Accra, Ghana’s edition will hold later this year. At the press conference to announce the event held on February 6 in Lagos, Professor Ernest Ojukwu, SAN who delivered the keynote address called on all to join hands in the fight against human trafficking even as he described the menace as “the biggest social menace in the world today. It is a global trade in human beings , whether for forced labour or sexual exploitation. It is estimated that between 12 million and 27 million people are enslaved around the world and the biggest chunk of this trade emanate from Africa, Nigeria strongly inclusive. The reality is that the abolishment of slavery only abolished the process. There are more slaves today in the world than at any other point in human history. More processes for dealing in slavery have also emerged,” Ojukwu said. Barrister Ndukwe Sam Obu, Founder/ Chairman BoT of Next2None support initiative said, “I want to inform all that after the Lagos and Imo events, the capital city of Ghana, Accra is ready to play host to an array of African stars as they march in solidarity against the social menace of human trafficking. The African ambassadors will also play a charity football match at the Accra Stadium after the morning match. As I speak, 100 African celebrities from the movies, sports, comedy, religion, music among others, have been contacted to be part of the

Nwankwo Kanu 2Baba

Ezeonu

Okocha

Ireti Doyle

project. They are: Senator George Opon Weah, Ambassador Roger Milla, Lucas Radebe, Gen Lanre Apata (RTD),Chief Awa U Kalu (SAN),Rear Admiral Peter Ebeleheme (Rtd), Major Gen Yakubu Usman(Rtd), Prof Ernest Ojukwu (SAN), Rev Biodun Fatoyinbo (Minister-inCharge COZA),Pastor Mrs. Modele Fatoyinbo (COZA), John Fashanu, Rachel Bakam, Chief Acho Ukaha and Hajia Titi Abubakar. Others are, Christian Chukwu, Hajia Laradan Shuaibu, Keppy Ekpeyong, Zack Orji, Coach Samson Siasia, Juliet Ibrahim, Mrs. Mary NS Obu, Etoo Fils, Apostle Eucharia Anunobi, Sammy Kuffor, Anthony Baffoe, Paul Ajogwu Oseni, Abedi Pele Ayew, Monalisa Chinda, Shaffy Bello, Ireti Doyle, Garuba Lawal, Patience Ozokwor, Chief Kingsley Okeh, Lexy Mojo Eyes, Bimbo Akintola, Ruth Africa, Richard Mofe Damijo(RMD), Tuface Idibia, Yemi Blaq, Don Jazzy, Ben Iroha, Ben Kwasi, Frank Nelson, Zik Zulu Okafor, Justin Akpovi Esade, Uche Jumbo, Oshinbimbo Abimbola, Florence Onuma, Ngozi Ezeonu, Tonto Dikeh Churchill, Ufoma Ejenobor, Yvonne Okoro, Mercy Aigbe Gentry, Ice Prince and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah. The second list of Ambassadors will be released soon. “We are glad to announce to you that the events in Lagos, Imo and Ghana

are 90 per cent ready. 90 per cent ready means that the very difficult part of it is as good as accomplished. The most difficult part was to travel many African countries to get the endorsement of the various Ambassadors of those nations in the entertainment industry such as football, music, movie and comedy, literary works. We have travelled in the last one year and six months; from Liberia to South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya, Cameroun to carry out a survey as to the present situation as it relates to human trafficking. We have the endorsements of reputable African stars who are ready to partner with us on this cause. We intend to have for the very first time, a convergence of African celebrities in Accra, Ghana, to have a celebrity walk against human trafficking. Each celebrity will carry the flag of his country to showcase the solidarity of that nation against human trafficking. We have the cooperation of Ghana police, the Ghana MTU (Ghana’s version of Nigerian Road Safety Corps) have mapped out a 15 kilometre road network for this celebrity walk. The Ghana government has given us the Independence Square for all the stars to converge before the walk against human trafficking will commence. The walk is to show the world that Africa is ready to fight human trafficking. We are now ready to compliment and even do

We intend to have for the very first time, a convergence of African celebrities in Accra, Ghana, to have a celebrity walk against human trafficking. Each celebrity will carry the flag of his country to showcase the solidarity of that nation against human trafficking

Richard Mofe-Damijo

more, what CNN and Al Jazerra are doing in that regard. After the walk in the morning, African legends will be playing against Ghana legends in an exhibition football match. Legends such as Senator George Weah, Roger Miller, Jay Jay Okocha, John Fashanu, and Lucas Radebe of South Africa among many other football legends will feature in that match. I wish to mention that our ongoing documentary against human trafficking that features Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN who have spoken against the menace and proffered solutions too as well as retired army Generals among many others.” Africa My Africa project, Obu said, “is more than just a novelty match and a walk: It is a project geared towards resuscitating the dreams of our founding fathers, the dreams of our Pan Africanists who have made Africa what it should be, but has refused to be by the president day situation. We remember the likes of Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, Chinua Achebe, Koffi Annan, Jomo Kenyatta. These are people who have laid a solid foundation upon which Africa is built. But sorry to say, Africa has departed from this very foundation and has embarked on a journey of oblivion. A journey where Africans are the ones who are trafficking themselves against the idiosyncracy of Walter Rodney in his book, How Europe Under Developed Africa. In that book, we were made to believe that Africans are being humiliated, being transported as slaves in other to develop the European countries. I also want to use this opportunity to thank bodies such as UNODP, AU, ECOWAS, NAPTIP, CNN, ALJAZERA and all and sundry who have contributed in one way or the other to fighting human trafficking.”

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

VOICES

Nollywood and cultural diplomacy

Iyav Ben

ndeed Nollywood has become a global phenomenon in the contemporary times. According to Tochukwu J. Okeke, The industry has grown so big today that it is considered a cultural export for Nigeria as it selects most of its themes from the culture of the people, not minding the multiplicity of Nigerian cultures since film can be used “as a catalyst towards the integration of the various ethnic cultures in Nigeria (Kofoworola 209) to the extent that it now commands a wide viewership across the African continent and beyond (25). This is true especially that the same continent is blessed with thousands of cultures and ethnic nationalities which point to the virgin resource before the Nollywood industry. There is therefore so much yet to be tapped resources for harnessing into the Nollywood industry for the world audience. A closer look at what culture is reveals the various dimensions of the culture resource before Nollywood. According to John Macionis, Culture is the values, beliefs, behaviours, and material objects that together form a peoples ways of life, when studying culture, sociologists of the distinguish between thoughts and things. Non material culture includes symbolic human creations ranging from art to Zen; material culture refers to physical creations of a society, everything from armaments to zippers (36). The above reveals the various and numerous aspects of culture in Nigeria which lies largely untapped and efforts by Nollywood remain commendable as more is still yet to be done. The survival of Nollywood is however largely dependent on the patronage of the rest of the world which is their target too. These cultures and the rich variety of heritage of the Nigeria people is the resource base for Nollywood to the rest of the world since cultural diplomacy is paramount in the process towards achieving desired successes. Cultural diplomacy is a strand of

Filming in Nollywood

diplomacy that dwells on cultural exchange. It focuses on those things that are at the core of each other’s culture, in order to develop them for mutual benefits. Under cultural diplomacy, ideas, general issues of the particular society and her culture and the aspirations of that society are shared in an exchange method. The shared experience builds relationships and opens doors for further explorations, enjoyment of each other’s blessings and heritage and peaceful harmonious existence is consequently enhanced. Cultural diplomacy is equally a fundamental key in security issues the world over. Consequently, national security in every society in the world is today promoted and enhanced through the instrumentality of cultural diplomacy. Nollywood has already achieved a commendable feat having showcased the cultural stamina of Nigeria to the world within the last thirty years or more. This is a positive contribution as the eyes of the world are now open to the reality of Nigeria being a vast, complex and fully blessed country with a heritage that still lies largely untapped. Challenges and Problems

Lack of Love for Motherland and Low Patriotism: It is clear that the idea of patriotism in Nigeria is questionable going by the history of the country and the antics of her politicians. The first key to national development is patriotism. However, this is a serious challenge as most Nigerians seem to care about themselves and themselves alone, constantly looking forwards to what they can get from Nigeria, and not what they can do for the country. This is a challenge to Nollywood and its stakeholders who should find ways to use their films to address patriotism issues among Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora. Boko Haram and General Terrorism:Nollywood can only thrive in a peaceful environment since the problems posed by Boko Haram in contemporary Nigeria are a real threat to the progress of the Nollywood industry. The bombings of mosques, churches, markets, hospitals, and other criminal activities of the sect is hereby condemned. The onus is on Nollywood stakeholders to find ways to chart a pathway for the country through the vehicle of cultural diplomacy.

Memorable Reads must clarify! What book is your favorite? ‘Swallow’ by Sefi Atta. I have read the book severally. What is the book’s highpoint? I could smell Lagos when I read it. It was so real, I’m a Lagos person and I could feel everything the women in the book were going through. I wrote about Lagos in my book ‘Eko Dialogue’ but I think when it comes to writing about Lagos, Atta is the repertoire queen of Lagos writing. Who’s your favorite author? I love Jude Dibia, literarily wise, I

Joy Isi Bewaji

Author

How much do you spend annually on books? There was a time I was crazy about inspirational books. I once spent 170,000 Naira on a bible when I was in school, it was the most I spent on a book and I suspect it remains till this day. I had to give the bible to my pastor later though, he kept on eyeing it! The kind of money some women spend on shoes, I spend on books. When I decided to be a literature person I spent a lot on fiction books.

Poverty: The problem of poverty in Nigeria is a big challenge. One school of thought asserts that most youths join the Boko Haram sect because of poverty. With survival in Nigeria becoming increasingly difficult, and the gap between the rich and the poor ever increasing, the Boko Haram sect takes advantage to recruit the youths who join them to carry out terrorist activities in and around Nigeria. Poverty concerns are a real challenge before Nollywood and the industry needs to find ways to address the challenge through their movies. Global Terrorism Agenda: Terrorist organizations such as ISIS have openly declared war on the world unless the world conforms to their variety of Islamic ideals. Their terrorist activities across the globe point to a real threat to Nollywood. Such organizations have links with smaller groups such as the Boko Haram in Nigeria. A challenge is that the bigger ones (ISIS) could finance the smaller ones (Boko Haram), making terrorism a real and continuing threat to peace which Nollywood depends on so much for survival and progress since peace is the platform for the growth of the entertainment industry. Corruption: At the heart of nearly every project in Nigeria is corruption. Nollywood has its own share of corruption experienced within its industry over the years. A sincere commitment to the overall Hollywood project agenda could do well but officials of Nollywood are often caught in corruption allegations. Such bad eggs jeopardize the mission of Nollywood all for their personal gains and enrichments. Lack of Clear Policies: Government policies should be made to promote and favour Nollywood with an understanding that it is a tool for cultural diplomacy. The government of the day should appreciate the place and role of Nollywood in national security issues. Deliberate policy formulating in the direction of cultural diplomacy through the instrumentality of Nollywood can go a long way.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

ARTISTE UNCENSORED

Stage more frightening than screen –Nonye Marvis

Nonye Marvis is one of Nollywood’s rising stars. She has featured in three films, The Battle of Owerri, Nwa-Maryand Tufia even without a formal training in acting. Nonye is a graduate of Biochemistry and knows that with the three movies under her belt, she knows where she is going to.

orn Chinonye Marvis Ukenenye, the young Nonye Marvis has done stage performances, modelling and films and said she is more comfortable with the camera. Perhaps that is why she has found the time to so far do three films in Igbo language in spite of her 9-to5 job as a biochemist. What is more, she is writing a book on medical biochemistry. For someone who came into the Nigerian movie industry on the wings of the Niger Delta talent hunt show around 2010, it is easy for anyone to say that Nonye is not your everyday actor and hence should be watched closely. Add to the mix the fact that no role, whether comic, romantic or what have you, poses a challenge to her and you have a new kid on the block that will cause upheaval in Nollywood. Evaluating her two professions as a biochemist and an artiste, she said “I love acting and I know that I can do better there. It is not that I cannot do better in biochemistry it is just that I want to bring out the talent in me,” she said of her foray in acting. But to get here she had to surmount a lot of obstacles, chief among them was to please her dad by studying biochemistry first. Now, Nonye, who intends to study for a higher degree or two in the sciences, even medicine, said she has the blessing of her father to act. One need only see her deft in handling of her roles in the Igbo language movies, The Battle of Owerri, Nwa-Maryand Tufia to understand the single-mindedness with which the Port Harcourt based Nonye is approaching her venture in the

industry. “I have not really gone for any training as all my acting is natural and I am just amazed about what people say. They say that it is in you so I do my best,” she said. Speaking on the use of Igbo language in most of her films, the actor, who is avidly reading acting books admitted that she is not good at spelling in Igbo, but can speak it fluently enough to take part in films in that language. “I speak pure Igbo when I am speaking Igbo and do not mix it with English,” she said. She is also fluent in the English language and has auditioned for a couple of roles in core Nollywood films, for which she said there has been positive responses and she would soon move to location. Nonye said mixing biochemistry with acting is not difficult for her because she has a flair for acting and the two are not related so is like walking different paths whenever she finds herself in one or the other. But if you think she does more of one than the other then you must think again because her time is equally dedicated to both and it helps that not many of her biochemistry colleagues know that she also acts. “Only a few (colleagues) know, those that really know me closely are the ones who also know that I am a model,” she explained. She has appeared on billboards and calendars mainly in Owerri, Imo State where she obtained her biochemistry degree at the Imo State University. So professional is she that she already has a manager at her beck and call and a mentor in the person of the Nollywood actor and producer, Ifeanyi Ezekwe. Nonye also loves Stella Damasus, counts her as one of her few mentors and has seen most of her movies. Beyond Nollywood, Nonye who dreams to ply her acting trade in Hollywood and is ready for the big time, loves to watch Hollywood movies like Galaxy starring Sandra Bullocks and George Clooney. The card-carrying member of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria, AGN would rather

Nonye

not comment on the way AGN politics is played since she has no problem with that. “But I won’t want to run for or hold any office. I just want to act,” she explained. She however hopes to write movie scripts in the future “I have some ideas that I would like to work on”. And her language of choice for her scripts is English. But is she comfortable with the toga that people dress female actors in, saying they are loose or even prostitutes? To this issue, she responded that: “It is not every actor that is that way, it depends on what you want to portray to the people, and for instance, I cannot act nude in a movie. I will only take on roles that I know I can handle”. No doubt such roles may not be anywhere near the stage as Nonye prefers the big screen. “Stage is more frightening to me than the camera. When you are on stage a

I cannot act nude in a movie. I will only take on roles that I know I can handle

MIDWEEK JUMP

Bath Flash Fiction Prize

ath Flash Fiction Award is an international rolling flash fiction competition. Each award runs for 4 months. Judging takes place quickly with a top prize of £1000, £300 second, and £100 third. At the close of each competition, the next competition begins. All entrants will be considered for print publication in the forthcoming Bath Flash Fiction Award Anthology, due out the end of 2016. For details of how to submit, as well as terms and conditions, please follow go to http://www.common-

wealthwriters.org/bath-flash-fiction-award/ or send your entry to this mail:entry@bathflashfictionaward.com

Bath Flash Fiction Prize

crowd of people are watching your every move but on camera there is no stage fright,” Nonye, who played the role of Ada in Tufia stated. “Everybody likes (Ada) and picks on her, don’t do this, don’t do that they tell her,” she said. The major biochemistry-related project she is working on is a biochemistry book. “I have so far done two chapters. But you will get to know about that after I finish work on it. And right now I have written about three thousand words,” said the actor who does not feel that you must not wear make-up to look good. Nonye favourite musician is R. Kelly listens to R & B, plays chess and calls on her friends to relax. She hopes to publish her biochemistry book early next year by which time she said her acting career would be higher than where it is now. I would have done a maximum of ten movies and a minimum of six. I am talking about lead roles”.

Moonlit Play writing competition

ince 2008, Moonlit Wings Productions has mounted over 40 world-premieres of new theatre-for-youth workshop productions every summer. This summer they are selecting 4 brand-new scripts to workshop and produce. Each winning show rehearses for a 2-week session with a professional DC creative team and concludes with a public performance. Playwrights are given a thorough written production review and the opportunity to debut and promote

their work with our leading youth arts organisation. For details of how to submit, as well as terms and conditions, please follow this http://www.commonwealthwriters.org/moonlit-wingsproductions/.

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FAR AND NEAR

Igo-Motion Pictures ready for Tribes

Ngozi Emedolibe

or Nollywood fans that are in love with epic stories, Igo-Motion, a frontline film production company headed by renowned filmmaker, Ifeanyi Onyeabor has concluded plans to release Tribes and The Almajiri. Although the films have been in the mills for close to five years, sources say plans have been concluded to release the film, to douse the curiosity of teeming fans that have followed the film career of Ifeanyi Onyeabor. Although details of the release dates are still wrapped in secrecy, there seems to be growing optimism about the success of the works, considering the themes, which many Nollywood stakeholders say are outstanding.

In an earlier interview, Onyeabor who is responsible for numerous successful Nollywood flicks had said he was putting in his best to satisfy his fans. “My fans are however spectacular. Those things really gladden my heart. They should expect Tribe. It is a unique film, where I used over fifty horses on set. Tribe is way out of this world. They should also expect Almajiri, which you have been talking about. Ali Nuhu is on set with Bollywood star, Shahrukh Khan. The film is a simple story of Indians who came to work in Nigeria for the railway system. After a while, our fore fathers sacked them, asked them to leave because they felt they have learnt enough. But before the man left he had fallen in love with one Plateau girl. The plot unfolds from there, and I tell you it is better watched than explained.”

K-Ce’s Slowdown K

-ce, a Nigerian singer, rapper and songwriter who carved his stage name from his full name, Kingsley Chukwunonso Edward, is one of such musicians who strongly believe that he can make significant impact in the Nigerian music scene having hit the music world with his first official single track in 2012 titled, ‘Your love’, an R and B song which hit the waves in South Africa and beyond. And in 2013, he released another single called, Crazy Feeling, Get together and Speechless while in 2014, he hit the wave with Shake Your Bum Bum. K-Ce, is now out with Slowdown in January this years Born 33years ago in Ihiala, Anambra State, K-Ce had started his primary and secondary education in Enugu before he moved to South Africa for university education in Information Technology at the South Africa University. “I grew up in Nigeria, Anambra State; l attended school in Eziagou in Anambra State where l finished my high school. I then relocated to South Africa in 2004 where l started music, l made it professionally in 2006, since then l have been doing music.” “I grew up in Anambra, Orumba South. I love music and my passion for music that spur me to take part in music activities while in high school. I had a nick name, Choppy which they used to call me way in school and up till now, most people still call me that same name.” Continuing, he said: “I have changed the name, presently my stage name is K-Ce and am aware of the existing KCee but there is a different in the name, mine is K_Ce while the other is KCee. It is a combination of the first letters of my names, Kingsley, Chukwunonso Edward. “I started music in South Africa and have been doing music there and it was doing great. I released my first album in South Africa. I came back to Nigeria to promote myself, because looking at the industry, you can see that the industry is really growing and getting better every passing day.” Though, l do not have any label company am registered with but l do have a manager who is managing me for now. I grew up in a family of nine, seven children, four sisters and two brothers, am the last. I started music in 2010 and l have been growing since then. I cannot say am up there like the P-Squares, Flavour, Dbanj yet, but

Set of Tribes

Savage, Ezuruonye preach family planning

K_Ce 3

l can see myself somewhere already in the industry. I have friends among the big musicians and right now am in touch with some big names in the industry. I am trying to do a collabo with some of them. My latest hit is called ‘Slow Down’ in which l featured two Enugu based artiste, Slow Man and Extreme. They are the best right now in Enugu, the song was produced by Femkeyx, an Enugu based producer. The song is doing well right now in Abuja and am happy about the response l have been getting on the song.” The song is being distributed via MTN Callertunez, which is available via MTN Play across MTN markets.

igerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI) has unveiled top musicians; Tiwa Savageand Paul Okoye, comedian Gordons and Nollywood actors; Mike Ezuruonye and Adekola Odunlade, as ambassadors for the Family Planning Campiagn 2016. The campaign, themed “Get It Together”, according to a statement will be officially launched with a music video that features the two musicians – Tiwa Savage and Paul Okoye. “Get It Together” is aimed at raising awareness about family planning, emphasizing its benefits to men and women of reproductive age, increasing contraceptive use among women and increasing access to family planning services. This campaign is expected to better the previous family planning campaign in Nigeria themed “Wait For Me” which was launched in 1989. It kicked off with renowned artistes Onyeka Onwenu and King Sunny Ade releasing two songs titled ‘Choices’ and ‘Wait For Me’, with the latter track sung in Pidgin. Impact assessments revealed that it was a resounding success as family planning awareness

which stood at 45% in 1990 climbed to 75% awareness by 1993. The first phase of NURHI began before the global resurgence in interest in family planning, and before the Nigerian government had made commitments on the global stage. While Tiwa Savage and Paul Okoye are National Ambassadors, Gordons, Mike Ezuruonye, Odunlade Adekola, and Aliu Nuhu are ambassadors representing the South-South, South-East, South-West, and Northern regions of Nigeria.

Tiwa Savage’

Sky J and Mi Amor Ugochukwu Mayor

fter the successful release of his hit single, Otise featuring Waconzy, sensational hip-hop musician, Sky J has finally released another love tune, Mi Amor to mark Valentine’s

Mi Amor Artwork

Day. Produced by American based producer, Nimix, the song is for Valentine’s Day celebration and beyond for love rekindling. Signed under Golden Records, Sky J is currently on set of the love song’s video shoot, which will soon be released to commemorate the season of love. Born Basil Onyekuru Jr, he is based in America, but started his musical career when he was visiting Churches in Nigeria as a gospel singer. Sky J saw his trip to the United States as an opportunity to advance his career, and so he veered into it as a professional musician. This year as being rated as a rewarding one, it had Sky J bringing back his kind of music to the original roots with Mi Amor. Here in Nigeria, he is working with Dan Iyke, and J Entertainment in the United States as his management team.

Business

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

FG moves to revive River Basin Development Agencies 30

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Worsening electricity situation threatening FG’s economic growth drive 33

Telecom subscribers drop by 1.1m in December –NCC Isaiah Erhiawarien

he Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has reported a sharp drop totalling 1,105,758 in the number of telecom subscribers in December 2015. The Commission’s monthly report for the month also showed that the GSM operators had not been

Lagos Commerce Ministry’s Corporate Assembly holds tomorrow

consistent in growing their subscribers’ base in the last three months of 2015 falling and rising in most cases. In September, the figure, which represents the numbers of active lines on the network of the GSM operators showed that it increased from 148,427,043 to 149,683,259 October and then from 149,683,259 in October to 149,787,120 in November before falling to 148,681,362 in December. Although the report did not give reasons for the fall in the subscribers’ base of the operators, it was however gathered that the deactivation of most SIM card by the operators may be responsible as a huge numbers of SIM

card were no longer active in the network of the operators. The short fall in the subscribers’ base as reflected in the tele-density of the showed that the tele-density of the country’s telecommunications industry decreased to 107.87 per cent in December, from 108.66 per cent in the month of November. The tele-density statistics measure the percentage of Nigeria’s population with access to telecommunications services, as determined from the subscriber base and it is calculated by the NCC on a population of 140 million people. The monthly subscriber data

showed that the Fixed Wired/ Wireless networks’ consumers increased to 187,155 in December, as they added 383 customers to their record of 186,772 in November. For the Code Division Multiple Access, CDMA, For the Code Division Multiple Access, CDMA, with only one surviving operator, which has been acquired by MTN Nigeria, the story is the same as the figures revealed that a 393 subscriber loss as it decreased from 2,149,120 in November to 2,148,727 in December.

he Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Co-operatives will host the 5th Lagos Corporate Assembly tagged “A+ Meets Business” in Lagos. According to a release signed by the Ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Olubunmi Olowu –Adekoya, the event will hold tomorrow at the Banquet Hall, State House, Ikeja. The Director quoted the Commissioner, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Prince Rotimi Ogunleye, as saying that the Assembly is a forum for public and private sectors engagement which provides a platform for feedback and regular interaction between the Lagos State Government and members of the Organized Private Sector (OPS) in the State. According to him, the assembly would provide the opportunity for captains of industries, chief executive officers, managing directors and other stakeholders in the business world to discuss with His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the Lagos State Governor, on factors militating against doing business in the state amongst other issues. At the event both the private sector and government would have the opportunity to evaluate the actions taken on the issues that arose at the last Corporate Assembly and measure the success of policies and decisions put in place to further create a conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive in the State. This 5th Lagos Corporate Assembly is the first to be held by the Governor Ambode’s administration. The maiden edition of the Assembly was held in March 2012 at Lekki Free Trade Zone.

Completion of 2.6GHz spectrum auction key to affordable broa band –Akinluyi 28

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

L-R: Marketing and Media Liaison Officer, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) Mr. Olumide Coker, Staff Adviser , Nigerian Economics Students’ Association , OAU Ile Ife, Dr. Oluwole Aiyegbusi, Assistant General Secretary , Nigerian Economics Students’ Association, OAU, Ile Ife, Miss Balikis Akinjobi and Registrar & Chief Executive,CIS, Mr. Adedeji Ajadi at the Conference of Nigerian Economics Students’ Association in Ile Ife, recently.

NB proposes N38bn dividend for shareholders on 2015 results

he Board of Directors of Nigerian Breweries Plc has announced a revenue of N293 billion for the company in the 2015 financial year, representing a 10.3 per cent growth over the N266 billion earned in the preceding year. The results sent to the Nigerian Stock Exchange showed that the company’s shareholders would be paid dividend of N4.80 per ordinary share of fifty kobo each for the financial year. If approved by shareholders at the upcoming Annual General Meeting, the amount would be the highest dividend ever paid by the company in its 70 year history. The company had earlier paid an interim dividend of N9.5 billion, that is, N1.20, thereby increasing the final dividend will be N28. 5 billion that is, N3.60 per share

A statement signed by Mr Uaboi Agbebaku, Company Secretary and Legal Adviser, indicated that the proposed final dividend will be subject to deduction of withholding tax at the appropriate rate and will be payable on the 12th of May, 2016, to all shareholders whose names appear on the company’s register of members at the close of business on the 2nd of March, 2016. He stated: “A look at the audited results show that Results from Operating Activities declined by 6.9 per cent to close at N62 billion in 2015 from N66 billion achieved in 2014. Profit before Tax dropped by 11.3 per cent from N61 billion at the end of the 2014 financial year to N54 billion in the same period in 2015 while Profit after tax dipped by 10.5 per cent to N38 billion in 2015 from the N42 billion posted in

2014. “The results were impacted by reduced consumer purchasing power and increased cost of doing business mainly due to inflation and devaluation”, Agbebaku added. The company’s Secretary stated that the company was able to achieve strong results and deliver good return on investment to shareholders due to its twin agenda of Cost Leadership and Market Leadership supported by Innovation. He projected that 2016 will see a continuation of the tough operating environment of 2015, but barring any unforeseen circumstance, the Board remains confident that with the company’s strong portfolio and its Cost Leadership agenda, it should be able to take advantage of any upswing in the market.

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, February 17, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Completion of 2.6GHz spectrum auction Tolu Akinluyi, is an experienced telecoms professional whose career in the telecoms industry dates back to 2002 as the first mobile core network engineer of MTN Nigeria. Currently a Communications, Media and Technology Executive with Accenture, one of the global professional services companies, Akinluyi in this interview with Isaiah Erhiawarien, reflects on the key challenges facing players in the industry, including Nigeria’s likely sanctions for shifting the digital migration date.

ou have been in the telecoms industry for many years, and as such have a full knowledge of the industry. Do you think the industry has actually grown as far as network capacity is concerned?

Since 2001, the telecommunications industry in Nigeria has experienced impressive growth which has been fuelled by the low teledensity before the advent of affordable mobile telephony in the country, the award of GSM licenses to new mobile telecoms operators, the emergence of business opportunities enabled by the mass proliferation of mobile connections, amongst other factors. For instance, in 2001 there were a total of about 867,000 connected lines nationally, with about 266,000 mobile connections. This number increased by over 10,000 per cent to over 150 million connections today, with about 135 million mobile connections, largely driven by the launch of GSM mobile services in Nigeria. In this period, the contribution of the telecoms industry to Nigeria’s GDP increased from 0.3 per cent in 2001 to 8.53 per cent. And then the also the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, said that the total contribution of ICT industry to the GDP was stated at 10.13 per cent in 2012, with the telecoms sector accounting for about 82 per cent of this figure. This growth has also driven internet penetration in the country. Similarly, the International Telecommunications Union, ITU, over this same period said that internet penetration in Nigeria increased over 3000 per cent. And the NCC now reports that Nigeria has over 93 million mobile internet users how- (via submarine cable links), a national ever, it is important to note that whilst backbone network, metropolitan access this figure is impressive, a lot of connec- links, and the local access network (the tions are not yet of sufficient speed to be last mile). The Nigerian government has categorised as broadband. This dramatic developed a broadband plan which is growth of the industry has caused grow- aimed at increasing the broadband pening pains. etration rate from about 6% in 2012 to 30 Does that look like a serious challenge by your assessment? The industry currently faces a series of business, technical and regulatory challenges which pose risks to long term sustainable growth. Whilst many of these challenges are already being faced in more mature markets globally, there are additional local market conditions which exacerbate the situation in Nigeria. What are your thoughts about the provision of broadband access to Nigerians? Let’s start with the definition of broadband. A widely accepted definition of broadband is a link capable of delivering internet access at a rate of at least 2 megabits per second (2Mbps). Broadband has become the “oxygen” of the information age. It is crucial in enabling Nigerians access the internet, which is the largest repository of information and knowledge. The ideal broadband supply chain comprises of international connectivity

per cent by 2018. In Nigeria, there are now multiple submarine cables on the shores of the country. These include the Glo-1, Main One, WACS and SAT3. However, all the cables are landed in Lagos therefore access to other points in the country is limited. It is necessary to extend the cable systems to other coastal regions of Nigeria in order to ensure resiliency and security. The Nigerian Government therefore has a big role to play in helping to drive this agenda. The backbone links in Nigeria have mostly been developed by individual telecoms operators to suit their business and technical requirements whereas in

Akinluyi many other mature markets these were developed by Government owned incumbent operators and later unbundled to ensure open access. As a result, there is an abundance of connectivity on certain key routes, whilst many routes in the country still do not have connectivity. Furthermore, the networks owned by the different operators are not interconnected and therefore not as resilient as possible. The Nigerian government/NCC must follow through on its plans to promote seamless interconnectivity and open access infrastructure sharing amongst operators. In Nigeria, the last mile is mostly based on wireless technology as a result of the low fixed line teledensity in the country. Therefore most internet connectivity in Nigeria is done via wireless devices. While this helps to provide quick connections, wireless connectivity faces interference and speed challenges which make it less desirable that wired last mile connectivity. The broadband plan must therefore also address the need to provide a mechanism to facilitate an increase in wired last mile connectivity. Regardless of the portion of the broadband supply chain, the challenges faced by operators are common and numer-

The Government must take steps to remove the regulatory road blocks facing the operators, and continue

to drive its broadband plan to ensure targets for broadband penetration can be achieved

ous. These include regulatory challenges associated with getting civil works permits, high costs involved in getting these permits, vandalism and theft of cables, and lack of reliable power resulting in the use of generators which is very expensive. The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) currently requires telecoms operators to submit impact assessments and get necessary approvals for the erection of telecoms base stations, in accordance with Environmental Impact Assessment regulations. This process has added to the already lengthy process involved in deploying telecoms base stations. It is necessary to find ways to speed up the EIA approval process to ensure that telecoms operators can deploy additional base stations quickly, efficiently and economically. The Government must take steps to remove the regulatory road blocks facing the operators, and continue to drive its broadband plan to ensure targets for broadband penetration can be achieved. Concerning digital dividends, how best can these be realized in the country? In 2006, the Nigerian government signed an agreement with the international telecommunications union, ITU, which mandated the digitisation of terrestrial TV signals by June 2015. This switch over from analogue to digital broadcasting is meant to free up analogue transmission frequencies, so that they could be re-used for mobile telephony and broadband access. The process

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Executive Discourse

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

key to affordable broadband –Akinluyi has been completed in other western countries such as the UK, and is termed the digital dividend. The switchover will also lower the cost of transmission for TV signals and provide a host of benefits for consumers including a wider choice of programmes, more interactive services, and lower prices for interactive television receivers. But the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, NBC, was unable to meet the deadline due to a lack of funds. Missing this deadline puts the country at risk of sanctions from the ITU in part because border countries to Nigeria that have already migrated from analogue to digital, are likely to get distorted broadcast signals from television stations located in border towns in Nigeria that are still transmitting analogue signals. Although the NBC has developed a plan to complete the switch over by June 2016, the Ministry of Communications and NCC must actively support the NBC to drive this plan to completion to avoid the ITU sanctions and to free up the frequencies for use by the telecom industry. Completion of this plan will therefore play a big role in enabling the broadband plan. It is important also for both of them to start developing plans to adequately utilise the digital dividend spectrum. These plans need to be developed now, to ensure that the spectrum is appropriately auctioned and effectively utilised as soon as possible, once it becomes available to help advance our national broadband agenda. What in your views are the likely downsides for Nigeria’s non-completion of the 2.6GHz spectrum auction? The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently suspended the auction of the 2.6GHz spectrum due to administrative challenges. This spectrum is set aside for the provision of advanced wireless broadband services. The advantages of this spectrum are numerous. They include, high spectral efficiency and throughput, global standardisation, and therefore better economies of scale and high capacity. These advantages make this spectrum highly desirable to telecoms operators, and therefore the Government must drive the completion of the auction process in order to deliver on the promise of the broadband plan. Furthermore, completion of this auction will help ensure a competitive environment in addition to widespread broadband at economic prices. The poor quality of service is persisting in the telecom services market. Do you think this can be overcome by operators? Since the inception of GSM mobile telephony in Nigeria about 14 years ago, Nigerian subscribers have complained about service quality issues. Complaints include frequently dropped calls, network unavailability, undelivered messages, as well as poor call quality. These problems have been exacerbated by the

There is a pressing need to address the issue of excessive regulations as well as multiple taxation at the federal and state levels and as well as at the local government level as these regulations and charges increase the cost and time taken to deploy services, which makes resolving quality of service challenges and meeting our national objectives difficult fact that there are no widely available alternatives to mobile telephony in the country, due to a limited number of fixed line connections. On the other hand, mobile operators have blamed a myriad of technical and environmental issues for the poor service quality. These include, lack of regular power supply, vandalism and theft of network infrastructure, insecurity in certain parts of the country, and over regulation. In a bid to address the concerns of telecoms operators, the NCC has announced that the Critical Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Infrastructure Bill which has been sponsored by the Federal Government will be passed before the end of the year. This bill is expected to put mechanisms in place to ensure that Telecoms Infrastructure all around the country are identified as an important national asset and protected. This bill will also seek to prevent all cases of vandalism by criminals and terrorists as well as other issues such as the denial of access to overhaul or upgrade BTS sites by local residents. It is important to ensure the prompt passage of this bill to help improve service quality challenges. In addition to passing the critical ICT infrastructure bill, it is also important to put in place adequate business continuity arrangements for all critical infrastructure to ensure adequate resilience, recovery capabilities and contingencies. Protection of critical infrastructure alone is insufficient and important to create a national ICT business continuity plan, which will examine all critical infrastructure, determine our recovery capabilities and put in place the necessary contingencies to assure recovery within required timelines. This business continuity plan must be frequently exercised to ensure that new risks are discovered, and that recovery and contingency measures are sufficient. Also, in order to provide additional coverage and capacity, operators and tower companies need to deploy additional base stations quickly. This is a cost intensive and time consuming process, which is complicated by the fact that operators currently face multiple regulatory hurdles and taxes. These include national regulations such as Environmental Impact Assessment regulations, as well as state and local government regulations. There is a pressing need to address

the issue of excessive regulations as well as multiple taxation at the federal and state levels and as well as at the local government level as these regulations and charges increase the cost and time taken to deploy services, which makes resolving quality of service challenges and meeting our national objectives difficult. The NCC has monitored the quality of service provided by mobile operators and has on several occasions’ sanctioned operators for breaching QoS targets. However, these sanctions alone are not enough. The government must work to address the challenges facing mobile operators in order to create a stable operating environment and also commit the operators to certain level of capital investments. Why do you think we are having issues with subscriber biometric registration? In 2011, the NCC directed all telecoms operators to begin registering SIM cards and collecting biometric information from all subscribers. All subscribers were subsequently advised to register their SIM cards or face disconnection. A few months ago the NCC gave the directive to all operators to disconnect all unregistered subscribers. This process caused a lot of complaints from subscribers as several subscribers who had

Akinluyi

already registered were disconnected. While the biometric registration exercise is a good initiative, it is necessary to ensure that all biometric data is adequately verified and harmonised. Steps must be taken by the operators and NCC to verify and cleanse each biometric date to ensure completeness and accuracy. What do you think could be done to accelerate technology innovation in Nigeria? No practical example better underscores the power of technology innovation than Estonia. According to the Economist, when Estonia regained its independence in 1991, less than half of its population had a telephone line and it had very limited links to the outside work. 25 years later, it is a world leader in technology. It has created several technology startups, its software developers created the software behind Skype and it even has developed a program to teach five year olds the basics of computer programming. Today technology industries account for 15 per cent of Estonia’s GDP. The Estonian example shows that it is possible to use IT as a catalyst for rapid growth. The Nigerian government must create an enabling environment to foster sustainable growth and development of the IT sector. The development of technology hubs such as the Information Technology Developers Entrepreneurship Accelerator, iDEA, must continue to be encouraged. The government must encourage the industry to promote, build, incubate and partner in the development and realisation of IT innovation hubs. In-addition, government support is required in the roll-out of awareness campaigns on IT Innovation coupled with government commitment towards funding some these hubs to catalyse private sector funding.

Business News

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG moves to revive River Basin Development Agencies Regina Otokpa

he Federal Government has embarked on positive approaches tailored towards addressing the issues confronting the River Basin Development Agencies (RBDAs), with a view to reposition and chart a new course to help further develop the sector. Minister of Water Resources, Engr Suleiman Adamu receiving the report of an eight man committee on the development of blue print and action plan to strengthen the river basins, noted that the river basin’s critical role in employment generation and poverty reduction was not one to be ignored. According to him, given the level of funding the RBDAs have attracted over the years, there was need to ensure the former glory of the RBDAs was restored to enable them address to pertinent issues that would boost the socioeconomic status of the country. He said that the river basins cannot continue to be underutilized and that they must be revived as the country needs the river basins to redirect the agricultural sector of this country and to catalyse human development as the key source of employment and poverty reduction. On poor funding, Adamu disclosed that the ministry was concerned with building public private partnerships in addition

to leveraging on available grants and special intervention funds rather than depending solely on the budgetary allocation from the federal government. The minister further stressed that given the strategies being deployed, the RBDAs were expected in the next two years, to stand independent of the federal government’s support to run its various operations. “One of the things that we must begin to do when we are strategising for the implementation is also not to continue thinking we are going to continue waiting for budgetary allocation, we have to think of ways we can generate money. “We are talking of public private partnerships in some areas we would love to look into, there are grants we can tap into and of course the budgetary allocation is there as well and there are some special intervention funds we can leverage on. “It is a medium to long term issue so it is a continuous process so the immediate cost yes we can determine but eventual cost will be running cost and at that point where we want to take the River basins to whereby they can stand on their own. “We are looking forward to a situation where any river basin and go and buy its own equipment and doesn’t have to make

NCCbossharpson8-pointagenda’s benefits to subscribers, economy Regina Otokpa, Abuja

s part of efforts to develop the communication technology sector of the country, the Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has harped on his eight-point agenda’s strategic thrusts and the implications for improved telecommunications services quality in the country. Dambatta, during an interactive session with the media in Kano State, explained that the agenda, scheduled for implementation for a five-year period, was premised on a tripod which includes availability of service, accessibility of service and affordability of service, aimed at improving universal access and quality of service. He stressed that the agenda which was in line with the change agenda of the Buhari led administration, revolves round an ideological shift in creation of structures to enhance social benefits and inclusiveness for

national development. In addition, the EVC maintained that the five year strategic vision would enhance the development of a knowledge driven nation that was globally competitive and would help confront any challenge that might arise. Danbatta said:” We present our 8 point agenda alongside the overarching change mantra of President Muhammadu Buhari, to promote innovation, investment, competition and consumer empowerment in and on top of the communications platform of today and the future. The 8 point agenda as listed by the NCC boss were: facilitate broadband penetration, improve quality of service, optimize usage and benefits of spectrum, promote ICT innovation and investment opportunities. Others include facilitate strategic collaboration and partnership, protect and empower consumers, promote fair competition and inclusive growth, ensure regulatory excellence and operational efficiency.”

any request to government except for training so the issue of cost does not matter to us” he added. Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Engr. Nurudeen Rafindadi, maintained that the recommendations drawn by the committee was hinged on the current state

of affairs of the river basins across the country, and was tailored towards effecting immediate, medium and long term measures in a deliberate effort towards ensuring the RBDAs rose up to their full capacities. According to him, the RBDAs

were confronted with issues of inadequate equipments, unutilised finished projects, inadequate funding limiting the ability to exhibit basic projects and the issue of incapacity in terms of experience and efficiency by the river basin authorities.

Marketing Manager, PZ Wilmar, Mrs. Bukky Bandele; Brand Manager, Mamador Cooking Oil, Mrs. Toyin PopoolaDania; One of Star Prize Winner of three Hyundai Accent Cars in Mamador Cook & Cruise Promo, Mrs Gladys Nkechi Ogboma and Regional Sales Manager, PZ Wilmar, Amit Mishra at the presentation of the brand new car in Port Harcourt

BEDC settles 50,572 customers’ complaints

he Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has announced that its newly established Customer Complaint Unit had resolved over 50,572 customer complaints. This is even as it stated that corporate customers within its network were now enjoying better and quality power supply. Specifically, the electricity distribution company stated that it had deployed new payment channels such as Point of Sales (PoS), web-based payment, bank payments, Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and scratch card payment means,” adding that it also recorded successful metering of all 33kv outgoing feeders in the newly constructed TCN stations in Asaba, Oghara and Omotosho. In addition, it also disclosed its achievement on extensive metering of 216 (nos) 11kv feeders; carryinh out the successful deployment of 922 High Voltage Distribution System (HVDs) poles mounted meters in Etete business unit as a pilot scheme and development of a standard process flow for other business unit to follow. According to the BEDC, other achievements are the engagement and training of 120 analytical graduates with specialties in Electrical/ Electronics, Mechanical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science and Accounting in conjunction with Vigeo Power Academy and Elizade University, Ilara Mokin, Ondo State.

It stated: “BEDC had since commenced procurement and kitting of technical staff such as linesmen, meter engineers with safety kits to roll off disaster management plan initiative. BEDC has set up very effective Customer Complaint Unit that has resolved over 50,572 customer complaints. “With the new feeder separa-

tion, corporate customers are now beginning to enjoy better and quality power supply such as Guinness Nigeria Ltd and Delta Steel Mills in Delta state. “We constructed over 360 route length of new distribution network to strengthen and expand existing network”.

Pound falls as drop in core inflation adds to `Brexit’ concerns

he pound fell after data showing a slowdown in U.K. core inflation further diminished the prospect of a Bank of England interest-rate increase in 2016. Sterling also dropped to a two-week low against the dollar and sank versus all but two of its 16 major peers before a crucial European Union summit in Brussels where the British government will try to reach a deal altering the terms of its membership. While the U.K.’s headline inflation rate for January quickened to 0.3 percent, that’s still a fraction of the BOE’s 2 percent target, suggesting officials won’t be able to tighten policy for some time. “The headline rate is still very low, albeit a little bit higher than it was, and core inflation has slowed,” said

Stuart Bennett, Londonbased head of Group-of-10 currency strategy at Banco Santander SA. Also, “you’re unlikely to get sterling strength until this Brexit cloud is lifted over the pound,” he said, referring to the risk of Britain quitting the EU after a referendum. Sterling fell 0.6 percent to $1.4347 as of 2:01 p.m. London time, after sliding to $1.4335, the lowest since Feb. 2. It declined 0.9 percent to 77.92 pence per euro, its first drop in three days and approaching the more than one-year low reached last week. Annual growth in core consumer prices, which exclude volatile food and energy prices, slowed to 1.2 percent from 1.4 percent in December, while the headline inflation rate was the highest in a year.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Fidelity Bank generates over N300bn in IGR for governments

idelity Bank Plc, has announced a cumulative collections of over N300bn in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for all the three tiers of government over a period of 10 years. This is significant in view of the steep decline in monthly federal allocations to both state and local governments precipitated by the free fall in global oil prices and the need for states to meet their respective revenue mobilisation target in the 2016 fiscal year. The bank’s Managing Director/Chief executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc., Nnamdi Okonkwo, who gave the hint at the inaugural edition of the Anambra State Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Summit held in Awka, last weekend, said that the bank attained this feat by simply driving efficiency in the revenue collection process. According to him, the lender is properly positioned to play domi-

nant roles in Nigeria’s Electronic Payments and Services Market, adding that his bank pioneered Informal Sector IGR collections with the successful deployment of the Point of Sale (PoS) Terminal Tax collections in Abia, Imo and Sokoto states. He explained that this model had also been requested for and adopted by other state governments. “As a bank, we deployed Automated Electronic Motor Vehicle License to Sokoto, Anambra, Abia and Kano States. We also successfully deployed the first electronic collection solutions for Ondo State (IGR), Anambra and Abia State Land Registry Automation Processes”, Okonkwo said. Reflecting on the economic situation of the country generally, the seasoned bank harped on the need for all tiers of government to seek alternative sources of revenue generation to meet financial

Jovago, AIG to invest $84m on operations’ expansion Isaiah Erhiawarien

ovago.com, a hotel booking website, and AXA, a global insurance and asset management have gone into an investment worth $84 million to develop the expansion of Jovago in a new round of funding aimed at boosting its activities in Africa. The agreement would further ensure the expansion of the business and strengthen the brand in major cities across Africa and Asia. Confirming the development, AXA stated that it was Jovago’s strategy to expand its operations and local presence in Africa in order to meet the needs of domestic and international travellers adding that it will invest £75 million and own approximately eight per cent share capital of AIG, mother company of Jovago. Through this partnership, Jovago will be further consolidated as the company continues its provision of a secure platform to increase the visibility of hotels, improve service quality, facilitate the movement of travellers and promote profitability for their businesses. As a result, AXA will thus become a shareholder of AIG along with MTN, Rocket Internet and Millicom. “It’s amazing for Jovago to partner with such a strong group as AXA who will allow us to strengthen our ability to build the first plateform for travellers in Africa. Jovago wants to break

the barriers to travel and make travel more easy and affordable in Africa. The suppoer of AXA will be key to succeed. ” said Paul Midy, CEO Jovago. Mida pointed out that since the funding is well-timed and the amounts invested significant, this makes for one of the top investments in the history of start-ups in Africa as well as also strategically positions Jovaog and Africa Internet Group to further build e-commerce in the continent. This investment will allow AXA to build on the strength of AIG companies to further develop its activities as the company becomes the exclusive provider of insurance products and services throughout AIG.

obligations and live up to the expectations of the citizenry. While explaining that the bank is eagerly looking forward to building a veritable partnership with the Anambra State government to aid its collection of such revenues and help improve its IGR, the financial expert assured the governor and good people of Anambra state of the Bank’s unflinching commitment towards

helping the state meet its financial obligations. “As a bank, we want the Anambra State government to live up to the expectations of its citizenry”, The Bank Chief explained that the lender has made significant strides in the deployment of a robust electronic banking system including internet, mobile banking and payment platforms, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs),

Point of Sales (PoS) terminals, card solutions, and money transfer services. He noted that with about 4, 000 PoS machines, 731 ATMs, and an E-banking income increase of 128.4 percent y-o-y to N4.5 billion and 115.4 percent q-o-q, according to the 2015 Q3 reports, the Bank’s efforts at promoting cash-lite economy is yielding desired results.

L-R: Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Sadanobu Kusaoke; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Mrs Nana Mede, and representative of the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Luis Edozien, during the signing of Grant Aid Project On Emergency Improvement of Electricity supply facilities, in Abuja, recently.

Dana Air announces new offer for Lagos-Accra route passengers a month of love.

Olusegun Koiki

ana Air has announced a buy one get one free offer for couples flying together on its Lagos –Accra –Lagos route. Speaking on the new offer in a statement issued by the Media Manager, Dana Air, Mr. Kingsley Ezenwa said that the new offer was its valentine gift to its guests throughout the month of February, which is usually regarded as

The statement also quoted Accountable Manager, Dana Air, Mr. Obi Mbanuzuo as saying that ‘’We are in the aviation business and the gift we can offer and continue to offer our guests at this time is quality service, good ambiance for expression of love, as in the case of the guest that recently proposed on-board our flight and free tickets to fly. Obi, while noting that the promo was for everybody, advised

Argentina eliminates mining taxes

n a move set to greatly benefit transnational mining companies, Argentine President Mauricio Macri decreed Friday the elimination of the retention taxes on mining activities in the country.

“Today retention taxes on mining exports are finished,” said Macri from the province of San Juan, at the foot of the Argentine Andes. Macri added that his government intends to increase the amount of transnational mining projects in Argentina in order to bring in greater foreign investment. “We are going to work together with the governors (of the provinces) to develop new projects, always putting care for the environment first;” said Macri. The president did not specify what measures would be taken to mitigate the impact of mining on the environment. Large-scale mining projects, like those preferred by transnational companies, are

considered one of the most environmentally harmful extraction activities. Representatives of mining interests told Telam that they welcomed the decision, saying it would represent an 8 percent drop in production costs and would increase their competitiveness in the region. The move will adversely affect the government’s coffers. This past year the Argentine federal government collected US$223 million through retention taxes on mining. The elimination of taxes on mining was met with criticism almost immediately. Daniel Tomas, a lawmaker with the opposition Front for Victory, took to social media after Macri’s announcement to condemn the decision.

“If I need to choose between reducing the retention taxes on multinational mining companies and universal allowance, pensions, and public works in municipalities, I’ll stick with the latter,” Tomas wrote on his Facebook account.

guests to register for the airlines’ frequent flyer program and expect more giveaways. Only recently, Dana Air gifted passengers who are also members of its frequent flyer program Dana Miles; with 4,500 miles to fly to Accra. The airline is reputed for its quality in-flight service, inventive online products and on-time performance. Meanwhile a passenger onboard of Dana Air, Miss Damilola Shoneye travelling on its flight 335 from Lagos to Abuja didn’t know she was in for a movie-like surprise when her lover – Mr. Oyekunle Ayodele proposed to her 72 hours to Valentine aboard a Dana aircraft. According to him, their relationship was spanning four years and ‘’considering that it’s the month of love, I decided to crown it with my intentions to make her mine forever.’’ Miss Shoneye, who tearfully accepted the proposal amidst applause and cheers from other guests onboard the flight, said she wasn’t expecting such an “amazing experience.” The duo thanked the Captain on the flight, Captain Jason Obodo who was also in the know of the intention of Oyekunle Ayodele; for his creativity and support.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Commerce & Industry

MAN unveils blueprint for real sector devt ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

he Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, has put up the strategies to accelerate the development of the manufacturing sector, which has been described as the engine of economic development. In a document signed by its President, Dr. Frank Jacobs, the Association stated that the primary objective of articulating a strategic action plan is to revive the ailing manufacturing industries in Nigeria and transform the sector to a globally competitive one. According to the association, the necessary condition for attaining this objective depends not only on the manufacturers but on government policies and interventions. It noted that the broad programme of action revolved around the basic infrastructure, good governance, political stability and security, sound and stable macroeconomic and regulatory environment, adequate human capital, innovation and technology. It observed that the strategy adopted would generally be consistent with those articulated in the vision 20:2020 and would also focus on the long-term intensification of Nigeria’s industrialisation process, adding that the idea was to remove constraints that have prevented investment in the manufacturing sector, provides incentives for new investments, upgrades manufacturing facilities, strengthens sectoral innovation systems, provides an intervention funds and encourages effective linkages with SMEs. It further disclosed that the strategy was expected to enhance value addition per capital, which should reflect in faster growth of the sector and the economy at large, which would be

Manufacturing machines

Buhari

Jacobs

characterised, in particular by movement into non-traditional tradable goods that compete in export markets as well as against imports. It stressed that the economic growth so induced would be a more labourabsorbing one through economic linkages. According to the association, the strategy of looking in-depth at manufacturing sector-specific issues was critical for understanding the specific sector needs and policy requirements to enable Government formulate the right policies for the sector. It added that this would also enable Government to provide additional incentives to sectors with high potential for growth and job creation. It further noted that through the strategy, the policy makers would be able to appreciate those sectors that are confronted not only with the need to respond to rapid technological and scientific development, but are also hampered by obstacles in the full exploitation of the benefits of the domestic market. Transforming Nigerian manufacturing sector into a dynamic and vir-

ile sector of the Nigerian economy is a central part of the strategy of the Nigerian vision 20:2020, which envisages a long-term intensification of Nigeria’s industrialisation process and movement towards a knowledge driven economy. To become one of the leading twenty economies in the world, the vision recognises that the structure of the economy must shift from its present form of oil-depended mono-cultural economy. One important shift is the greater prominence of the industrial sector and in particular manufacturing. The contribution of manufacturing to Gross Domestic Products, GDP, would have to increase substantially and its contribution to employment must also improve to provide quality jobs to the teeming unemployed people in the country. In the light of this, the efforts at reviving Nigeria’s ailing manufacturing industries and encouraging new investments in critical manufacturing industries, especially those that Nigeria could have competitive advantage in shortest possible time, is an important part of the efforts at attaining the goal of Vision 20:2020. The first implementation plan of the Vision 20:2020 expected that private investment in the productive sectors of the economy would lead the process of capital accumulation on which the transformation of the economy was expected to be based. MAN recognised the bold initiatives for the manufacturing sector contained in the Vision 20:2020 and by these initiatives hoped to complement government’s efforts at revitalising the manufacturing sector in Nigeria through appropriate policy measures. It stated that the response of the manufacturing sector to these initiatives and policies from government was critical to its success. “The articulation of this blueprint is in recognition of the potential role of the manufacturing sector in transforming Nigerian economy and in support of an inclusive pro-poor growth strategy in the country. This initiative

is based on an integrated approach that addresses sector-specific issues. It is important fo policy maker to appreciate the peculiar challenges of the various sub-sectors and for a strategic plan to ensure that all groups are given the necessary support to survive. MAN recognised the need to proactively provide suggestions that would result in the creation of a conducive environment to realize the productive potential of the country and to attract new investment in backward linkages. It acknowledge the importance of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, SMEs, and the need for effective linkages between the large, medium and small industries in the country. The culture of the sub-contracting should be encouraged which would promote the establishment of SMEs to service the larger industries,” it stated. The document identified the need to establish a strategic direction for manufacturing in Nigeria through urgent development of Petro-chemical, Iron and Steel and other engineering infrastructure which will provide the solid foundation for the attainment for the Nigeria’s rapid industrial aspiration, also appling to technical education for the development of human resources required for the purpose. It underscored the need to review and strengthen the agricultural policy of the country, recognizing a direct link between agriculture and manufacturing via agro-allied industries, which have high potentials for backward integration and job creation. It declared that an effective and functioning industrial strategy in Nigeria must be based on coherent and coordinated efforts of both Government and manufacturers, while emphasizing that it must be a product of close collaboration and engagement between both parties. “As evidenced by the development experience of developed counties and newly industrializing and emerging economies, such collaboration has hastened the growth process and enhanced prosperity through value addition to resources. The manufacturing sector in Nigeria is capable of driving employment generation and wealth creation within the context of government efforts to provide the enabling environment for private sector development and economic growth. Over the past three decades, manufacturing industries have steadily witnessed a downturn, closed down or relocation and declining employment trend. A major challenge therefore today is reviving the manufacturing sector in Nigeria and placing it on a sound footing to be able to take full advantage of favourable business cycle, globalisation and technological advances,” it stated.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

EnergyWeek Wednesday, February 17, 2016

We won’t let low oil prices disrupt local content projects –NCDMB 36

OPEC revises global economic growth down to 3.2% in 2016

Lagos Commerce Ministry’s Corporate Assembly holds tomorrow 30

Worsening electricity situation threatening FG’s economic growth drive

A few days ago, power generation had surged to excess of 5,000 megawatts, thus raising hope for sustainable power supply, at least on a medium term basis. UDEME AKPAN however reports that the capacity has not been sustained, with total power generation dropping to 4,150.64mw, thereby negatively affecting productive activities in many sectors of the economy.

here are indications that electricity supply has worsened in many parts of the nation as generation drops from over 5,000 megawatts, mw to 4,150.64mw. The Presidential Task Force on Power, PTFP which confirmed this in its report over the weekend indicated that of the 4,150.64mw generated, 4,068.51mw was supplied while the balance was conserved to stabilise the system. Investigations showed that the supply is grossly inadequate, considering the nation’s over 10,000mw estimated daily demand. In other words, the Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs have not been able to meet the expectations of consumers. The reasons are not farfetched. First, the low generation is attributed to low rainfall, meaning a drop in water sup-

ply for hydro-power generation. Second, the development is also attributed to a reduction in gas supply thermal power stations, including Egbin station which is the nation’s biggest plant. A few days ago, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC had indicated that it noticed with concern the acute shortage in power supply and the attendant hardship Nigerians expe-

rienced. It maintained that in the last couple of months, electricity supply had been generally poor on account of increase in pipeline vandalism. “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

Investigations showed that the supply is grossly inadequate, considering the nation’s over 10,000mw estimated daily demand. In other words, the Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs have not been able to meet the expectations of consumers

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.” “The situation was worsened by 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 had noted. It maintained that the Commission would continue to engage with relevant authorities on how fast we can address shortage of gas supply to the thermal plants. The Commission said it would continue to engage with industry operators on how to improve electricity supply. The Commission promised to ensure that consumers are protected CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

Energy Week

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Worsening electricity situation threatening FG’s economic growth drive CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

from undue exploitation. Already, NERC that had ordered the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC to make refunds to consumers who were over-billed added: “AEDC shall with immediate effect from the date of this Order commence refund through energy credit of all excess charges billed its customers as a direct consequence of the adjustments.” These and others have attracted the comments of stakeholders in the sector. For instance, the Director General of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Mr. Muda Yusuf has tasked President Muhammadu Buhari to carry out a proper audit of the sector in order to understand its major challenges before initiating various initiatives targeted at taking it to another level. He called on the government to focus on the real issues that affect the sector in order to ensure adequate power is generated, transmitted and distributed nationwide. The National President of Oil and Gas Service Providers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Colman Obasi also called on the International Oil Companies, IOCs and indigenous operators to boost their investments in the gas sector in order to ensure that adequate gas is supplied to investors in the power sector. He maintained that that with 187 trillion standard cubic feet of gas reserves, the nation has sufficient capacity to sustain supply to power stations. “We are blessed with commercial reserves and should not be searching for gas to generate electricity after all we are the nation supplying to other nations. As a matter of policy, we should meet our domestic demand for power generation before supplying to other nations because domestic power generation is key to our national economic development.” A top official of Energy Institute, Nigeria who preferred not to be named further said emphasis should be given to improved transmission. He who noted that there are a lot of leakages in the system said: “The Federal Government should monitor transmission activities because there are indications that the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN has not been able to reduce of completely eliminate transmission loses in the system.” Expectedly, the situation constitutes a double tragedy for consumers because of many challenges, especially a recent increase in tariff. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has come under attack for approving the new tariff which took effect from February 1, 2016. Some electricity consumers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the environs say the new tariff was approved without due consideration of the plight of the consumers who they argue have got the fare share of bargain as far as electricity supply is

Fashola

Akah

concerned. Many residents of the suburbs of capital city decried the low supply of electricity in the last few months, stressing that time is not right for any form of increment in tariff. “Let me use this medium to declare that the new tariff was adopted without regard to the plight of the consumers. There ought to be condition precedent to the operators before the tariff is approved. Among which is stable electricity and supply of smart meters and these are yet to be met but NERC was quick to approve the new tariff. Whose interest are they serving?” queried James Amaze, a resident of Zuba. Meanwhile, NERC has insisted that the existing electricity tariff order was carried out after wide consultation with different shades of opinion, and in strict compliance with extant rules and judicial pronouncements. The clarification was made available to newsmen NERC’s Head, Public Affairs Department, Dr. Usman Abba Arabi. In the statement, NERC stated that while the it will restrain itself from delving into a matter already before the court, NERC, however, has taken note of the ongoing protest by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). ‘In this regard,

the Commission hereby states that it is committed to act in the best Interest of electricity customers and all stakeholders in the development of the electricity industry. The tariff regulation process entails wide consultation with stakeholders. In addition, the Electric Power Sector Reform (EPSR) Act 2005 empowers any party aggrieved or dissatisfied by the decision of the Commission to appeal to it within 60 days from the date of the decision. Therefore, the Commission is still open to further consultation. “On the issue of the Court Injunction, we wish to state that the Commission is a law abiding government body with respect and regard for the judiciary and the rule of law. The Commission will not contravene any court order. However, we wish to state that we must all exercise restraint to allow the court to do its duty of determining the matter before it. “NERC has since filed all necessary papers before the court in response to all the court cases. In the mean time, we wish to state that the Commission is dedicated to ensuring that regulation of the sector is fair and balanced for consumers, investors and all stakeholders

The new tariff was adopted without regard to the plight of the consumers. There ought to be condition precedent to the operators before

the tariff is approved. Among which is stable electricity and supply of smart meters and these

are yet to be met but NERC was quick to approve the new tariff

in the delivery of a safe, adequate and reliable electricity supply” the statement reads in parts. But consumers in the FCT have called on the Federal Government to ensure a commensurate improvement of electricity supply to their areas before allowing the implementation of the new tariff order. The consumers, who spoke to our correspondent in different locations including Gwgwlada area council, Mararaba, and Zuba in Abuja, say they had yet to benefit from the promise of stable electricity supply by President Muhammadu Buhari administration. Also, a resident of Zuba in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT Mr. Zubeiru Suleiman said that the cost of diesel and maintenance of generating sets was overwhelming. Chief Johnson Okechukwu, a businessman at Deidei Building Material Market, urged the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to implement projects for which it would be remembered. Alhaji Mufutaudeen Balogun, an Islamic scholar and resident of Zauda Village in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), said that the community had not seen light for the past two months. Balogun attributed the blackout in his area to the deplorable condition of the transformer serving the community. He appealed to the relevant authorities to assist the community by replacing the old transformer with a new one. It is against this understanding that the executive director, Spaces for Change, Mrs. Victoria Ohaeri has urged relevant stakeholders, especially investors and regulators to tackle these and other challenges in order to deliver adequate and stable power to consumers nationwide.

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Energy Week

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

OPEC revises global economic growth down to 3.2% in 2016 STORIES: UDEME AKPAN

he World economic growth has been revised down to 3.2per cent for 2016 as a result of slow growth in many nations. The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC indicated in its latest report that OECD growth in 2016 has been revised lower to 2.0per cent, the same pace as in the previous year. It maintained that in the emerging economies, China’s growth in 2016 has been revised down slightly to 6.3per cent while India’s growth has been revised lower to 7.5per cent. The report disclosed that meanwhile; increasing difficulties in both Brazil and Russia are seen pushing both economies into recession for the second consecutive year. It maintained that world oil demand growth in 2015 is expected to increase by 1.54 mb/d, unchanged from the previous report, to average 92.96 mb/d. The report disclosed that in 2016, world oil demand is expected to grow by 1.25 mb/d, representing a marginal lower adjustment of 10 tb/d from the previous forecast, to average 94.21 mb/d. It maintained that Non-OECD countries will continue to contribute the bulk of oil demand growth this year. The report has it that Non-OPEC oil supply growth in 2015 has been revised up by 90 tb/d to 1.32 mb/d, mostly driven by higher-than-expected fourth quarter data. It maintained that in 2016, non-OPEC oil supply is projected to decline by 0.70 mb/d, following a downward revision of 40 tb/d, mainly due to announced capex

Oil vessel

cuts by international oil companies, the fall in active drilling rigs in the US and Canada, and a heavy annual decline in older fields. The report maintained that OPEC NGL production is expected to grow by 0.17 mb/d in 2016, up from 0.15 mb/d last year. It disclosed that in January, OPEC crude production increased by 131 tb/d to average 32.33 mb/d, according to secondary sources. The report maintained that US refinery margins remained weak, weighed down by the poor performance of the middle distillate market, despite a temporary boost in heating fuel demand from snow storms on the US East Coast. It indicated that in Europe and Asia, refinery margins edged higher on the recovery seen at the bottom of the barrel due to

stronger regional demand. “Dirty tanker fright rates rose on average in January, supported by higher Suezmax rates on the back of strong tonnage demand and delays in the Turkish straits. Both VLCC and Aframax rates, however, saw declines. In the clean tanker market, freight rates showed significant gains over the previous month, both East and West of Suez, on the back of steady demand.” “OECD commercial oil stocks fell in December to stand at 2,974 mb. At this level, inventories are around 310 mb higher than the latest five-year average. Crude and products showed surpluses of about 249 mb and 61 mb, respectively. In terms of forward cover, OECD commercial stocks stood at 63.7 days in December, unchanged from the previous month and some 6.1 days higher than the latest five-year average,” it added.

Oil market to be oversupplied by 1.5m bpd in first quarter – Kachikwu

he Minister of state for petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu has indicated that the global oil market could be oversupplied by 1.5m barrels per day, bpd in the first quarter of 2016. Kachikwu indicated that the mood inside the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is shifting from mistrust to a growing consensus that a decision must be reached on how to end the global oil price rout, Nigeria’s oil minister told Reuters. Reuters quoted him as maintaining that oil prices have slumped by more than 70 percent to near $30 a barrel over the past 18 months as OPEC, led by top producer Saudi Arabia, sought to drive higher-cost producers out of the market by refusing to cut production despite a

supply glut. Kachikwu said that the price crash has crippled some economies that depend heavily on oil sales for income, such as Nigeria and Venezuela, and even Saudi Arabia is shoring up its resources to withstand the painful revenue drop. “There’s increased conversation going on. I think when we met in December ... they (OPEC members) were hardly talking to one another. Everyone was protecting their own positional logic,” Nigerian oil minister Emmanuel Ibe Kachiwku told Reuters in an interview. “Now I think you have cross-logic ... they are looking at what are the deficiencies, what is the optimum.” Struggling oil producers have made re-

peated calls for an emergency OPEC meeting, but Kachikwu said that the timing had not been right. “We haven’t been sure that if we held those (emergency) meetings that we could actually walk away with some consensus,” Kachikwu said. “A lot of barrels are tumbling out of the market from non-OPEC members, so the Saudi philosophy is obviously working. But it’s not influencing the price higher, which means that whether we like it or not some barrels are coming in from ... members and non-members to cover whatever is dropping out.” The International Energy Agency said on Jan. 19 that oil markets could be oversupplied by as much as 1.5 million barrels per day in the

Commodity

Units

Price

Change

% Change

Time(ET)

Crude Oil (WTI)

USD/bbl.

29.76

+0.32

+1.09%

12:59 PM

Crude Oil (Brent)

USD/bbl.

33.63

+0.27

+0.81%

1:06 PM

TOCOM Crude Oil

JPY/kl

23,880.00

+90.00

+0.38%

1:05 PM

NYMEX Natural Gas

USD/MMBtu

1.92

-0.05

-2.34%

12:59 PM

Source: Bloomberg as at February 16, 2016

first half of 2016 and warned that prices could decline further as Iran’s emergence from economic sanctions brings more crude to the market. OPEC has declined to trim output without help from non-members, which so far have refused to participate. Russia, the world’s biggest oil producer, has played coy by floating the idea of a cut without saying whether it would participate. In an attempt to find a compromise, Venezuela’s oil minister recently proposed a freeze on new production to place a cap on the growing glut while not requiring countries to surrender market share. Kachikwu said that he would meet his Qatari and Saudi counterparts next week to discuss the situation. “Have we got to the point where we can say there is a definite strategy? In terms of production reduction or freezing, no, I don’t think we have got there. But there is a lot of energy (behind the idea),” Kachikwu said. “As you get closer to the statutory (OPEC) meeting dates ... you are going to see a lot more people get active in those conversations and try to find solutions.”

Energy Week

Total E&P donates $500,000 for rehabilitation of IDPs

he NNPC/Total E&P Nigeria Joint venture, has donated five hundred thousand dollars to the Nigerian Red Cross for rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in North East Nigeria. The intervention plan was launched on December 1, 2015 in Gombe State, one of the areas affected by the insurgency. “This initiative which is part our social responsibility is in support of efforts to improve conditions in the camps and help the affected persons return to their livelihood,” said Mr. Nicolas Terraz, Managing Director/ Chief Executive. “The NNPC/Total E&P Nigeria Joint Venture is deploying some resources to assist in this direction and has chosen the Nigerian Red Cross Society as our partner in implementing this initiative,” Mr. Terraz further said. He was represented by the Executive General Manager (Corporate Social Responsibility & Medical Services), Mr. Vincent NNADI. The initiative is a 12-month intervention programme designed to achieve short term relief through the distribution of food and nonfood items to the very vulnerable groups of female-head households, widows, orphans, the infirm and the aged; It aims at supporting livelihood activities of the able-bodied to accelerate their economic recovery and self-reliance; The initiative further aims at boosting psychosocial support activities like provision of safe playing and learning spaces for the children and restoration of family links for families torn apart, among others; It aims at broadening the scope and reach of community health activities like immunization, malaria prevention and treatment of ailments; and providing safe and adequate water supply, environmental sanitation and personal hygiene promotion. Representatives of NNPC-NAPIMS, the Gombe State Government and the Presidential Initiative for the North East (PINE), witnessed the presentation. The Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, who received a delegation of the company at his palace in Gombe the state capital, commended Total’s initiative in supporting efforts to rehabilitate the IDPs. “The upstream activities are carried out by the following entities: Total E&P Nigeria Limited (TEPNG), incorporated in May 1962 and operator of the NNPC/TEPNG Joint Venture, TOTAL Upstream Nigeria Limited (TUPNI) and various other TOTAL E&P Deepwater subsidiary companies.”

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

We won’t let low oil prices disrupt local content projects – NCDMB UDEME AKPAN

igerian Content scopes for new and ongoing oil and gas projects will not be reduced because of the substantial drop in crude oil prices, the Executive Secretary Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Denzil Kentebe has confirmed. The Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act spelt out percentages that must be achieved for every activity connected with operations in the upstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry and these benchmarks are enforced by the Board on projects through various mechanisms. Speaking when he met with the Managing Director of Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, Mr. Nicolas Terraz in Abuja on Thursday, the Executive Secretary regretted the negative effect the fallen oil prices has had on the Nigerian oil and gas industry, which included contracts being reviewed downwards, delays in approving new contracts, drop in drilling campaigns and even attempts to negotiate away Local Content in projects.

He affirmed that the Board was convinced that there was no need to cut back on Local Content requirements for projects. Rejecting the perception that Local Content increases cost of projects, Kentebe called for “a holistic review of every contract scope and realistic and honest efforts to adjust costs across the board.” He stressed that industry stakeholders “have to look at the long term and realize that a strong and viable local supply chain ultimately helps in reducing cost of projects while creating a local conducive atmosphere for business to thrive.” Speaking further, the Executive Secretary underlined the close collaboration the Board had enjoyed with international operating companies and other key stakeholders, noting that it helped to institutionalize Local Content practice in the oil and gas industry. He stated that Total E&P’s Egina project was the first deep water project to take off under the Nigerian Content Act, adding that major breakthroughs were being recorded on the project in terms of scope of work given to Nigerian companies in engineering, fabrication, training, procurement of manufactured goods and other areas.

Oilmen at work

According to Kentebe, “a legacy project (Floating Production Storage and Offloading Topside Integration Yard) is under construction. This facility will create thousands of job opportunities, domicile major engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) activities in-country and keep future FPSO integration scopes in Nigeria.” He confirmed the Board’s commitment to ensure that all agreed Nigerian Content scopes on the Egina project are fulfilled, charging Total E&P to work closely with the Board and the EPC contractors in addressing all issues that may impact sched-

ule, quality or pricing on the project. In his remarks, the Managing Director of Total E&P stated that the company had taken steps to cut costs in view of the fallen oil prices. Some of these strategies according to Terraz include improving efficiency, eliminating waste, reducing expatriate workforce and accelerating succession plans for Nigerian understudies. While assuring that the company had no intention to downsize its workforce in Nigeria and other locations, the Managing Director called for an industry effort to reduce the long contracting cycle, which he believes contribute to the escalation of project costs.

BP to extend licence, develop major Khazzan gas field

P and Oman Oil have signed a heads of agreement with the Government of the Sultanate of Oman committing to amend the Oman Block 61 exploration and production sharing agreement, EPSA, extending the licence area of the block and enabling a further development of the major Khazzan tight gas field. BP is the operator of Block 61 with a 60% interest and Oman Oil holds the other 40per cent. Under the amended EPSA, the extension will add a further over 1000km2 to the south and west of the original 2,700km2 Block 61. The extension will allow a second phase of development, accessing additional resources in the area that

Oil rig

have been identified by drilling activity within the original block. Development of this additional resource is subject to final approval of the Government of Oman and of BP; both expected in 2017. The agreement was signed today in Muscat by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Rumhy, Minister of Oil and Gas of the Sultanate of Oman, Bob Dudley, BP Group Chief Executive, and John Malcolm, Executive Managing Director of Oman Oil E&P. Dr. Mohammed Al Rumhy stated: “I am delighted to see BP taking additional acreage that will result in realizing more gas reserves and more production of gas that our country needs to support our energy planning and requirements.”

Bob Dudley commented: “Khazzan is a major resource with the potential to produce gas for Oman for decades. This expansion of its development will build on the success we are already seeing in our work on the first phase, working closely with our Omani partners and applying BP’s leading technology and extensive tight gas experience. It clearly demonstrates our commitment to continue to invest in a superior project that will deliver long-term value to both BP and Oman.” The Khazzan reservoirs in Block 61 represent one of the Middle East’s largest unconventional tight gas accumulations, with the potential to be a major new source of gas supply for Oman over many decades. Production from Khazzan will make a significant contribution to ensuring continuing stable and longterm domestic supplies of gas for Oman. Combined plateau production from Phases 1 and 2 is expected to total approximately 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas a day (bcf/d), equivalent to around 40% of Oman’s current total domestic gas production. The Phase 1 project, sanctioned in December 2013, remains on schedule to deliver first gas in late 2017. Subject to completion of the agreements and final sanction, the new Khazzan Phase 2 project will come on

stream from 2020. The two phases are expected to produce 1.5 bcf/d through development of 10.5 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas resources. This will involve construction of a three-train central processing facility with associated gathering and export systems and drilling around 325 wells over a 15 year period. Improved reservoir performance, drilling efficiencies and other improvements have reduced the well count by around 100 wells from the original Phase 1 plan. Block 61 contains significant volumes of unconventional gas, distributed across several reservoirs. Owing to the tight nature of the rocks in the Khazzan reservoirs, the wells need to be hydraulically stimulated to flow gas at target rates. BP signed an agreement with the Government of Oman in January 2007 for the appraisal and development of Block 61. BP carried out one of its largestever onshore seismic surveys covering the 2,700km2 Block 61 area and began appraisal well drilling activities in 2008. In March 2011 BP Oman achieved a milestone with the first gas delivery to the government from its extended well test project in Block 61.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

From The Civil Service Increase in tariff: NACCIMA urges NERC to end estimated billing T he Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) on Tuesday urged NERC to end the era of estimated billing with the increase in tariff. Mr. Bassey Edem, President of NACCIMA, made the appeal at a news conference on the state of the nation in Lagos. Edem said the Nigerian Energy Regulatory Commission (NERC) should pursue the metering project vigorously to ensure all consumers have prepaid meters. NAN reports that the Federal Ministry of Power and Steel on Sunday stated that power supply to households and businesses across Nigeria nose-dived by 1,589.69 megawatts from 5,074.70 megawatts generated last week. Edem said although NACCIMA commended the government for its efforts to ensure Nigerians had access to power, the current generation was not sufficient. Edem reiterated the need by the Federal Government to aggressively explore alternative sources of power supply to complement the current supply. He urged the government to explore solar, coal, wind and hydro to overcome the challenges of power supply. Edem said interest rate on loan from com-

mercial banks still hovered between 17 per cent and 28 per cent, despite the reduction in MPR. “This is a major challenge to the business community in spite of

the reduction by the CBN. “The trend may continue if the Central Bank of Nigeria will not enforce its policies to empower manufacturers and other entre-

preneurs. “The trend can force most entrepreneurs out of business anytime soon,” he said. He suggested that the government needed to do more on growing

its local economy than granting concessions to foreign investors. Edem said there was the need to generate home-grown revenue and protect local manufacturers instead of giv-

ing priority to foreign investment. He also appealed to the Federal Government to de-list some products from the Import Prohibition List to shore up the naira.

Participants at a summit on Advancing Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) in Nigeria, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Omeri commends media censorship policy Joel Ajayi Abuja

he immediate past Director General, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mike Omeri, has condemned the recent call from some quarters for censorship of the Nigerian social media space, describing it as an over-reaction to the misuse of social media by a few persons who only need reorientation.

2016 Batch ‘A’: Beware of hackers, NYSC warns Corps members

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Omeri who took this position while addressing participants at a Social Media and Internet Training organised by the agency in Abuja for National Youth Service Corps members, maintained that there were many positive uses to which social media could be put for the advantage of the nation and that official censorship would defeat the purpose.

According to him, rather than official censorship, what is needed is self-censorship by users of social media based on imbibed positive values. Omeri then warned that external censorship would only breed resentment toward government among the youth population who are the major users of the internet and social media space.

FCT ethnic group loses suit on ministerial appointment

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He charged the corps member to make their youth service relevant to their place of primary assignment by bringing their knowledge of the internet and social media to bear on the social orientation of the nation. He also urged them to undertake social media training of the older generation so as to effectively utilise the internet as a force for good

while shunning negative values. Earlier, in her opening remarks, the Director, Special Duties and State Operations in the agency, Mrs. Mette Edekobi, said the training was to prepare corps members as trainers to educate other youths and adults as well on effective use of the social media to promote positive national orientation and reorientation.

Expert says research key to discovery in solid minerals benefits

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Civil Service

Rotary Club complements govt on Change mantra Joel Ajayi Abuja

he District Governor of Rotary Club (District 9126, Nigeria), Dr. Mike Omotosho, has described culture as one of the major tools to promote attitudinal changes in the country for a better Nigeria. He said consequently, the club had prepared to launch a 4-Way Test Code to instil in the heart of every Nigerian the act of honesty, truthfulness and sincerity that build a better society. The 4-Way Test: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendship? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Addressing journalists on the forthcoming launching in Abuja, at the weekend, Omotosho said for the desire change to happen in the country, “it must begin with us.” He said both the leaders and the followers must live by example, by asking themselves if their thinking, utterances and actions were true, fair and of mutual benefits. According to him, the reality is that everything one wants to do starts with the thinking process; so if our people are not properly cultured, the whole process will be faulty, but the moment we get our mind right then, naturally, things will change. “When people understand the attitudinal change that can be applied anywhere; in school, in business, in reporting, in the banking sector and in what we do on daily basis, it becomes habit and habit is your culture; that is what you are known for. “I don’t believe every Nigerian is corrupt, but they say Nigerians are corrupt, and it’s not fair, because that is what they come to associate

us with. As attitude, Nigeria has been labelled that way. This is not fair and not true. “I will tell you a story: Somebody goes to steal an handbag in US four years ago and they realized she was a Nigerian, they started apprehending all Nigerians they saw around. Somebody quietly in Nigeria here wanted to go and study abroad in US, and they said all these Nigerian are crooks; that is the label we are talking about. “I asked myself one question: Why is it that Nigerians are orderly when they travel abroad and they will come back here and be disorderly. It is because the culture allows that. So, the the moment we begin to change, things begin to change for us. “Ironically, there is nothing that can change our culture; it must start with us as a person. So, it’s what we do on a daily basis that becomes habit, and that habit over times becomes culture. So, we need to go back to the root, and say okay, how do I begin to think differently as a person. If I change my way, others do the same, then, they will not begin to label us as corrupt persons again.”

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

2016 Batch ‘A’: Beware of hackers, NYSC warns corps members Joel Ajayi, Abuja

anagement of National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, has called on Batch ‘A’ prospective corps members to be careful of some hackers sending messages requesting them to go and check their states of deployment online. This was contained in

a statement issued by the Head of Press, Mrs. Bosede Aderibigbe, which says mobilisation for Batch A corps members has not started. According to the statement, they refer their victims to a link and ask them to enter their login details as well as choices made during their online registration. “Management wishes to inform prospective

Corps members that posting to states of deployment has not commenced; but will be done at the appropriate time in line with our laid down processes. “The so-called “link” being sent to prospective Corps members is the handiwork of cyber criminals and should, therefore, be disregarded.” The statement add-

ed: “Prospective Corps members are particularly warned not to make payments for posting or change of posting as that is clearly the motive of the cyber criminals. “Management will inform prospective Corps members as soon as their posting letters are ready for printing online or delivery to their various institutions of graduation.”

Comptroller of Customs, Federal Operating Unit, Ikeja, Mr. Umar Dairu, displaying some seized poultry products and several crates of bottled beer to journalists in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Report on health service delivery, FG tasks CSOs

he Federal Gover nment on Tuesday charged Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to always give situation reports on health service delivery in hospitals and other health facilities to assist government ensure quality service delivery. Prof. Isaac Adewole, the Minister of Health, gave this task at the 2016 National Summit on Maternal, Newborn Child and Adolescent Health in Abuja. Adewole was represented by Dr. Wapada Balami, Director of Family Health, at the

summit. He said that government believes that reporting the conducts of medical personnel would improve the quality of service delivery during child birth and post natal period. Adewole said that government recognises the critical role of CSOs, academia, media and other stakeholders in holding the government responsible to account for health outcomes. According to him, government would engage stakeholders to ensure their partici-

pation in developing plans, programmes, monitoring and review of health policies. The 2016 National Summit has the theme: “Health Accountability in Post 2015: How Nigeria can Ensure Healthy Lives and Wellbeing of its Citizens.” He said that the global community has transited from Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) at the end of 2015 to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ``The updated global strategy will run from 2016 to 2030 and it in-

cludes adolescents, because they are central to the overall success of 2030 agenda. ``The SDGs as adopted by all countries need concerted efforts to meet the goals, especially in Nigeria. ``The interventions need to be costed and resources harnessed to meet the country’s set goal. ``Our present maternal mortality ratio of 576 per 100,000 live births from the 2013 National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) is a far cry from the global target. ``We need to reduce

the ratio by a minimum of 88 per cent in the next 15 years,’’ he charged. Mrs. Amina Mohammed, Minister of Environment, in her key note address, said for Nigeria to achieve the SDGs by 2030, it needs to quickly improve on economic growth and education, among others. She said that all these would improve the well being of people, adding that basic healthcare should be made accessible to every nook and cranny of the country.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Civil Service 39

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Steel operation: Don urges FG to involve stakeholders

rof. Park Idisi, former Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja, advised Federal Government to involve different stakeholders in the operation of Ajaokuta and other steel companies to avoid corrupt practices. Idisi gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja. He said that involvement of the state, local government, local communities, and foreign investors should be encouraged by the Federal Government in the operation of the Nigerian steel industries to actualise the current administration diversification plans. He said that the operation of steel plant should not be handled by the Federal Government only, ``because Nigeria has the problem of corruption, inefficiency, lack of technology, inconsistent or discontinuity of projects.’’ ``There should be nothing like only Federal Government, foreign investors, state and local government

to handle the operation of the Nigerian steel industries, as there is no way only one body can operate the industries successfully without corrupt practices. ``If all these stakeholders are involved in the operation of our steel industries, there will be check and balances, adequate monitoring, technology and competent manpower to move the industries forward. `` This model is applicable to all economic projects; it is a model that the University of Abuja designed and researched on to tackle natural resources investment in Nigeria,” he said. According to him, government must not rely on only one approach to operate its economic viable industries, adding that such approach was responsible for the fall of Ajaokuta steel plant. ``It is painful and worrisome that Ajaokuta, Osogbo , Jos and Delta steel plants with huge capital invested on them are wasting away because they were handled by government.’’

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Christian Ohaa; Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Solomon Dalung and Director-General, National Sports Commission, Malam Alhassan Yakmut, at a news conference over rehabilitation of the National Stadium complex, Surulere in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

FCT ethnic group loses suit on ministerial appointment

he Federal High Court on Tuesday dismissed the suit of the indigenous ethnic group of the Federal Capital Territory challenging its exclusion in ministerial appointment. In his judgment, Justice John Tsoho, held

that the plaintiffs main relief was not in tandem with the provision of Sections 229 and 14 of the constitution. Tsoho further held that the plaintiffs should not hinge the suit on breach of the community’s fundamental rights.

Expert says research key to discovery in solid minerals benefits

r. Abubakar Ahmed of the Department of Pharmacology and Drug Development, Ahmed Bello University, Zaria, said that research was key to the discovery of the benefit of mineral like potassium or ``evaporites’’. Evaporites are the salty and crusty sediments that remain after sea water evaporates. It is also known as ``Akanwu’’ in some local dialects in Nigeria. Ahmed made this known in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

``From the information we have gathered so far, we have seen a lot of potential in evaporites, which can be used as supplements,’’ he said. Ahmed explained that supplements were simply the composition of some minerals and vitamins; both plants and animals require minerals, though at low doses, lack of some of these minerals lead to diseases. He said that the local people for centuries were not educated but knew that they needed some supplement, hence they had been consuming minerals such as evaporites.

``What we are trying to do is to see how we can get the maximum benefit since these evaporites are natural endowment and are found in this part of the world. ``There is ongoing research to enable us know the benefit and hazard that is involved in the consumption of this substance; from what we have done so far, we have realized that it has more benefits than hazard. ``During the process of our research, we discovered that it exists in places where you don’t have control over, it is a natural resources therefore possibilities of its coexistence with toxic

substance is possible,’’ he said. `` I advise the Federal Government to encourage researches in solid minerals; it is only through research that you will be able to discover the benefit of anything,” he added. Ahmed said that at the end of research, the group would educate the government, the people and all the stakeholders on how to explore the resources the country is blessed with. He added that it would benefit the country, especially now that the government was trying to diversify its economy.

He said the territory had the status of a state but was not created to recognise any ethnic group as sole owner of the enclave. ``I do agree that the plaintiffs like all Nigerians have the locus to approach the court for the interpretation of the law on this matter. ``I will not accept that the suit is academic but should be viewed as a serious legal process that requires interpretation. ``However, having gone through the final submissions of the parties, I have come to the conclusion that the suit is misdirected and it hereby dismissed,’’ Tsoho held. The group had approached the court claiming further damages for the takeover of their ancestral land. They also urged the court to compel the Federal Government to complete their settlement. The plaintiffs further prayed the court to mandate the Federal Government to allot them all the benefits enjoyed by the rest 36 states of the federation forthwith. They argued that the central government had

not appointed anybody from the ethnic group into the cabinet since democracy returned to the country in 1999. The plaintiffs, therefore, sought the intervention of the court to enforce all the presumable breaches of their rights. The Federal Government, however, argued that appointment of ministers into the cabinet was mere privilege and not rights. It argued that the territory had been treated equally with the rest 36 states, adding that the FCT had not been without a minister. According to the Federal Government, the creation of the FCT is to defray the syndrome of ethnicity and tribalism within the country’s capital. The respondent also challenged the locus of the plaintiffs to initiate the process. It, therefore, urged the court to dismiss the suit for lacking in merit. Speaking to newsmen after the sitting, Mr. Usman Baba, counsel to the plaintiffs, said they would appeal against the decision of the court.

North

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Nigerian workers may ask for N50,000 minimum wage –NUT scribe Wole Adedeji Ilorin

ifty thousand naira minimum wage demand by the Nigerian workforce is just a matter of time. It will, in due time, come to the front burner again, Kwara State secretary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Comrade Ola Idris, has said. Idris, who was speaking with National Mirror on the uneasy calm between the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and a section of governors, who late last year claimed they could no longer cope with the N18,000 minimum wage because of the current oil market, said the situation with Nigerian workers is such that the minimum wage is no longer enough to live on. He said in the event the governors, who by now had withdrawn into their shells, including their colleagues who did not toe the line at the time, later decide to go contrary, they would simply be calling for chaos in the land. His words, “All they need to do is reorganise their spending priority. They know that their lifestyle in office does not reflect

what they are complaining about. They make appointments with bogus spending on their political office holders, yet it is the poor workers’ salary that is insignificant in their spending spree that they want to see as problem. “They should go and reduce the size of their political appointees and they would see that the size of wages to workers is nothing compared to their bogus political spending.” Speaking on the justsuspended teachers’ strike in the state over salary arrears, Comrade Idris said the suspension was only to see what would happen between now and February 29, pointing out that only one month was paid out of the three months’ arrears of salary in contention, which by end of the month would have increased by another month. He said: “The traditional rulers wadded into the matter after government had agreed with them to pay two of the three months. However, only one was paid. We hope by the end of the month, that promise would have been honoured. And, if the contrary is the case, we will meet and take a decision.”

Kaduna govt, NGO launch safe delivery campaign A za Msue Kaduna

aduna State government and a non-governmental organisation, Prime Diamond Initiative for Community Health, PDICH, yesterday, launched a ‘delivery in hospital’ campaign to end untimely maternal deaths. Speaking at a maternal and child health seminar in Zaria, PDICH founder, Mrs. Nasa Ebiere, decried high rate of maternal deaths in the country, saying 62 per cent of births still occur in homes, especially in rural areas. Ebiere, who revealed that in Nigeria, one in 13 women die during childbirth, said Zaria was chosen due to non-compliance of delivery in health facilities by pregnant women in the town. According to her, over 1,000 pregnant women in Zaria alone would be assisted with baby kits and encouraged to deliver in health facilities. “Everybody has a role to play in reducing maternal deaths in our society. We must assist and support government to

succeed in reducing child and maternal deaths. “In Nigeria, statistics report that one in 13 women die at child birth, 62 per cent of births in Nigeria still occur at home especially in rural areas. Maternal deaths are clustered around labour delivery - hemorrhage (severe bleeding), infection, hypertensive disorder, maternal sepsis, unsafe abortion and problems in maternal care which includes malaria, HIV/AIDS, diarrhea, pneumonia are all preventable diseases. “In Nigeria, maternal child health indicators, while improving, are still at very tragic levels.” There are suggestive ways to improve maternal health in our rural areas of conflict and extreme poverty which should not be negotiable,” Ebiere explained. The state governor, Nasir El-rufai, and state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Andrew Nok, who were represented by Dr. Shehu Muazu, said the present administration is studying the free maternal and child programme to further strengthen it for quality service.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Six private schools shut in Katsina James Danjuma, Katsina

ix private secondary schools have been shut in Katsina State for violating laid down rules for operating such institutions. Speaking with newsmen yesterday, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Sagir Ibrahim, said the measure was aimed at sanitising operation of private schools in the state. Ibrahim said the

schools were found to be operating without permission from the Ministry of Education, and had no clearance from the Health and Land ministries as required by law. He said in addition to the lapses, the schools when visited by team of inspectors, were discovered to be operating under unconducive atmosphere. He said the schools were found to be operating poultry farms within the premises they were located, which are also

within residential houses. They were in addition using uncompleted buildings or motor garages. The permanent secretary also said some of the affected schools also lacked qualified teachers. He said the schools would remain closed until their management fulfilled conditions to operate as a duly certified private school. According to him, the ministry would continue to monitor the operation of all private schools in

the state, warning that those found not to be operating within laid down rules would face similar actions. On condition of some public secondary schools, the permanent secretary said the state government has awarded contract for the rehabilitation of such schools. Ibrahim said the state government has set aside substantial budgetary allocation to provide teaching facilities and employ 2,000 teachers.

L-R: Principal of Government Girls Science School, Shendam, Mrs. Yakolak Yarnap; Secretary to Shendam Local Government Council, Mr Yilmiap Dolbak and Executive Secretary, Plateau State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Al-Hassan Barde, during inspection of the scene of fire that destroyed senior staff quarters of the school in Shendam, on Monday.

Man, 50, in trouble for defrauding IDPs Inusa Ndahi Maiduguri

igerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Borno State command, has arrested Mallam Bukar Ladan for allegedly defrauding Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, by selling fake relief material forms to them to the tune of N27 million. Parading the suspect (aged 50) at NSCDC headquarters in Maiduguri, Commandant of the corps, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, said the suspect was arrested while selling fake relief material forms to the IDPs in some camps in Maiduguri. He said, “The suspect has sold 9,000 forms to the IDPs in some camps in Maiduguri at a cost of N300 each, promising they would be provided

with special relief materials from Abuja.” The commandant further stated that the suspect with some of his collaborators, who are now on the run engaged the services of some agents in the camps, thereby deceiving the IDPs that special relief materials would be brought to them from Abuja after filling the forms with their passports attached. “Our men found out that some of the women in the IDPs camp were grumbling that they had paid their monies but no food was supplied them as promised. “It is very unfortunate that some people will go to this length and defraud this people who have suffered great trauma in the hands of terrorists,” the commandant stated.

He said the suspect would be thoroughly interrogated before being handed over to appropriate authorities for prosecution, and advised the public, especially those living in the IDPs’ camps to be vigilant and report any suspicious persons to security agencies. Speaking to journalists, the suspected Alhaji Ladan confessed to committing the act, saying that he never knew that the form was not for sale but to be given freely to IDPs in order to obtain the relief materials from Abuja, adding that the person who supplied them with the forms is now at large. In a related development, the NSCDC, on a tip off, has also arrested a fake currency counterfeiter who was trying to

buy some goods worth N500,000 with N1,000 denominations notes in a shop; he is currently under interrogation. The commandant called on the general public to be very vigilant, as the fake N1,000 notes are rampant in circulation. “The fraudsters try as much as they can to avoid shop owners, only to go behind them and deceive their boys, as most of them cannot differentiate between the genuine notes and fake ones,” the commandant explained. He said the role of the NSCDC is to protect critical infrastructure against vandals, diversion of petroleum products, prevention of homicides, rape and intelligent sharing with other security agencies.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

World News Anyone who bears weapons against the state and against the Syrian people is terrorist, and this is indisputable. –SYRIAN PRESIDENT, BASHAR AL-ASSAD

Ex-UN’s Secretary General, Boutros-Ghali, passes on University in 1946, going on to study at the Sorbonne in France and at Columbia in New York. Boutros-Ghali began his career as a professor of international law in Cairo before being appointed as deputy foreign minister. He later became the sixth secretary-general of the United Nations, serving from January 1992 to December 1996; the first Arab to be appointed to the UN’s highest position. Within this role, BoutrosGhali helped organise a huge UN relief operation in Somalia during the famine. He was criticised for the UN’s lack of action during the 1994 Rwandan Genocide and for not pushing hard enough for U.N. intervention to end Angola’s civil war in the 1990s.

A FOLABI G AMBARI

WITH AGENCY REPORT

ormer United Nations Secretary General, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, died yesterday, aged 93. The Egyptian’s death was confirmed by the UN Security Council early afternoon. Venezuela’s U.N. Ambassador Rafael Ramirez, the current council president, announced his passing at the start of a meeting on Yemen’s humanitarian crisis yesterday and asked the fifteen members to rise for a moment of silence. Boutros-Ghali was born in Egypt in 1922 in a privileged Coptic Christian family; his grandfather was the former Egyptian prime minister. He graduated from Cairo

The late Boutros Boutros-Ghali

Hospital attacks: Russia rejects Syria claims

ussia said yesterday that it categorically rejects accusations of war crimes over the bombing of hospitals in Syria. “Those who make such statements are not capable of backing them up with proof,” Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said. Up to 50 people were killed in missile attacks on at least four hospitals and a school in rebel-held areas of northern Syria on Monday, as the United Nations warned that intentionally directing attacks at hospitals and medical units would constitute a war crime. Russia has been accused, by Turkey among others, of being responsible for the attacks. Monday’s strikes hit two hospitals, including one for mothers and babies, and a school sheltering internally displaced people in Azaz, near the border with Turkey, according to the UN, as 34 people were killed and dozens wounded. One of the hospitals in Maarat al-Numan was supported by Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF). It was reportedly struck by four missiles in what MSF said was “direct targeting” over the

course of 90 minutes. The Syrian ambassador to Moscow, Riad Haddad, previously said the US was to blame, a claim the Pentagon dismissed as “patently false”. The strikes came days after world powers - including Russia - agreed to work towards a selective truce in Syria, due to begin later this week. The UN envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura, met Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem yesterday and was scheduled to meet him again

at press time. Meanwhile, Syrian government forces, backed by Russian air power, has continued to make advances around the northern city of Aleppo, capturing the villages of Ahras and Misqan on yesterday. Almost five years of civil war in Syria have led to the deaths of more than 250, 000 people, with more than eleven million people displaced.

Russian President Vladimir Putin

Motorbikes get Burundi ban

urundi has banned the use of commercial motorbikes from the centre of the capital, Bujumbura, in a

Burundians hiking motorbikes in Bujumbu

bid to end violence in the city. Motorcycle taxis, a common form of transport in the city, are being used by criminals to carry out attacks, Bujumbura’s Mayor, Freddy Mbonimpa, said yesterday. One person was killed on Monday when men on motorbikes threw three grenades. Burundi plunged into crisis last April when President Pierre Nkurunziza announced his third-term bid. His decision sparked street protests, a failed coup attempt and tit-for-tat killings have become part of daily lives in some parts of the

capital. Security has been boosted after Monday’s attacks with soldiers and police searching vehicles and people, according to reports. “Police found that criminals often carry grenades in bags or baskets,” Mbonimpa said. Nkurunziza, who has been in power since a 2005 peace deal that ended a brutal civil war, won disputed elections in July. More than 400 people have been killed since April and at least 240, 000 have fled to neighbouring countries.

WORLD BULLETIN ‘Human error caused train crash’ Human error by a train controller was to blame for a crash in Bavaria, Germany, last week that killed 11 people, prosecutors said yesterday. Dozens more were injured after two commuter trains collided on a single-track stretch of railway. An area controller opened the track to the two trains and tried to warn the drivers, according to the prosecutors. The man, a 39-year-old, is likely to be charged with involuntary manslaughter and could face five years in jail. “If he had complied with the rules, there would have been no collision,” Chief Prosecutor, Wolfgang Giese, said. The trains crashed head-on while both were travelling at about 100km/h (60mph) east of Bad Aibling, a spa town about 60km south-east of Munich.

Kidjo wins world music album Benin’s Angelique Kidjo has won the best world music album of the year at this year’s Grammys in Los Angeles. The New York-based singer won the award for her Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg collaboration, Sings. Her album beat one by Malawi’s Zomba Prison Project and South Africa’s Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Kidjo, one of Africa’s most prominent musicians, has now won the award for the second consecutive year. The album merges African song writing and rhythms with European classical instrumentation, a fusion on which Kidjo has repeatedly experimented. The 55-year-old singer, who has worked for a long time with Philip Glass, a leading US composer, said Africa was on the rise.

Move to save Moz Scotch Scottish Secretary David Mundell, has urged officials in Mozambique to grant legal protection for Scotch whisky. During a visit to the fast-growing African state, Mundell asked Mozambique’s minister of industry and commerce to give Scotch geographical indication (GI) status. The move would mean only whisky that has been made in Scotland could legally be sold as Scotch in the country. Exports of whisky to Mozambique have risen strongly in recent years. Mundell raised the issue as part of an effort to promote Scottish exports during a tour of Mozambique and Malawi. “Our firms should be protected from imitators, and consumers in Mozambique and elsewhere should be able to have confidence that what they are drinking is the real thing,” he said.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Babatunde Oluwatoyin Monica now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adeyanju Oluwatoyin Monica. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS ADIO REBECCA OLUWASEUN ODUNYEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ALAO REBECCA OLUWASEUN ODUNYEMI. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc & General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ONI MOSUN VIC, now wish to be known and addressed as ONI MOSUNMOLA OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Nathaniel Emeka Patrick, now wish to be known and addressed as Emeka Patrick Duru. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

I,Okolo Jonathan my name was mistakenly written as OKEKE ODE JONATHAN and OKOKE ODE JONATHAN on both my Account name and Bank Verification Number, that my correct name is OKOLO JONATHAN henceforth. All former documents remain valid.ECOBANK plc and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oladipupo Fadekemi Dorcas now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Soyele Fadekemi Dorcas. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Oyeyinka Oluwakemi now wish to be known and addressed as Oyeyinka Oluwakemi Abosede Omolabake. All former documents remain valid. Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Taibat Bukola Yekini, now wish to be known and addressed as Adeyemi Bukola Esther (NEE YEKINI). All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Known and addressed as Miss Babatunde Halimot Modupe now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Lawal Halimot Modupe. All former documents remain valid. Nysc and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as miss Ariyibi Adetayo Temitope now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Babalola Adetayo Temitope,. All former documents remain valid. Ipokia local government and genenal public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Bisong Rose Banta, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Bisong Rose Banta Njong. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as kalu Emily Chioma, now wish to be known and addressed as Kalu EMILIA CHIOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Amos Uchechukwu Florence, now wish to be known and addressed as Okonkwo Amuchechukwu Florence. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Formerly know and addressed as OKE HAMIDU, now wish to be known and addressed as OKEOWO HAMED AJANI. All former documents remain valid: WEMA Bank Plc, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Formerly know and addressed as MISS AGBAJE RACHAEL, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OBU RACHAEL ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid: WEMA Bank Plc, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ONYEALISI: I formerly known, called and addressed as MISS ONYEALISI AMAUCHE CHIZOBA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS OGBONNA AMAUCHE CHIZOBA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ISABA: I formerly known, called and addressed as PETER ALIGERE ISABA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as PETER ALIGERE. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and General public should please take note.

BAPINIGIN: I formerly known, called and addressed as PATIENCE BAPINIGIN SAMUEL MUSA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as PATIENCE MUSA JULIUS BEKENAWEI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olawoyin Kafayat Temitope now wish to be known and called as Mrs Adediran Kafayat Temitope. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinola Olaide Sakirat now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Aborisade Olaide Feyisara. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Gbadamosi Shakirat Opeyemi now wish to be called and known as Mrs Adeyemo Shakirat Opeyemi. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly addressed and known as Miss Moshood Monsurat Atinuke now wish to be addressed and known as Mrs Gbolahan Monsurat Atinuke. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of the loss of my original Conveyance of Provisional Hon Minister’s Approval of Customary Right of Occupancy in respect of plot No. 180H of 750 sq metres located in Dawaki extension (Relocation) in Bwari Area Council, FCT and bearing the name of LARABA MUSA. All efforts to trace the said missing document proved abortive. The General public should note if found, return it to nearest Police station please.

Formerly known and called as Miss Bolaji Olayemi Precious now wish to be addressed and called as Mrs Folagboye Olayemi Precious. All former documents remain valid, Interlink Polytechnic Ijebu- Jesha and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHRIST THE REALM OF LIFE MINISTRY THE TRUSTEES ARE: Apostle Ogunba Samuel Olugbuyi Rev’d Ogunba Victoria Olukemi Pastor Daniel Olawale Moyo-Peters Mr. Talabi Emmanuel Adeleke Mrs. Ajayi Alake Olayemi Mr. Odimayo Olaoluwa Tosin

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Okoro Esther Ngozi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Chiama Esther Ngozi. All former documents remain valid. Nysc and General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mr Ignatius Joshua now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Mgberim Happiness Obioma. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Dabiri Modupe Christiana now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ajuwon Modupe Christiana, All former documents remain valid. NYSC and genenal public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Akpan Blessing Sunday, now wish to be known and addressed as Sunday Blessing Mfon. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Nwabuisi Oluchukwu Goodness, now wish to be known and addressed as Eze Oluchukwu Goodness. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Olaleye Abiodun John now to be addressed as Omonu Abiodun John. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oba kemisola Julianah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Falana kemisola Julianah. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I, known as AYANGBESAN ADEBAYO OLUWASEYI, wish to state that I am the one known and still referred to as AYANGBESAN OLUWASEYI AGNES. All documents remain valid; Acess Bank pls note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ORODE: I formerly known, called and addressed as MISS ORODE MARY, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS OMOWARE MARY EBUE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities concerned should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss OWOEYE ADETOLA GRACE now wish to be addressed as Mrs ABATAN ADETOLA GRACE. All other documents remain valid. Ekiti State University, College of Education, Ilesa and the general public should take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Sunday Precious now wish to be known and addressed as Sunday Victoria Funmilola. All former documents remain valid. F.C.E Okene and the generel public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ganiat Bukonla Salaam now wish to be known and addressed as Ganiat Bukonla Bakare. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE THE GLORY AND POWER CITY OF CHRIST LIFE CHURCH. This is to inform the general public that the above named church has applied to the Corporate affairs Commission for registration in accordance with the provision of the Company and Allied Matters Act 2014. Names of Trustees 1) PASTOR TITUS O. SHOTUNDE ……… CHAIRMAN 2) PASTOR MRS. IBUKUN TITUS SHOTUNDE 3) MR. EMMANUEL OGBITI ………… SECRETARY 4) MR SUNDAY ENILOLOBO 5) MR. KUNLE EZEKIEL TITUS Aim and Objectives

1.To preach and spread the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2. To start churches in every major cities of the world. 3. To organise open air crusades for deliverance. 3. To liberate the world through the wholesome teaching of the word of God.

(a) To evangelize and promote the knowledge of God and adherence to the teachings and examples of Jesus Christ. (b) To Promote Christians education, values and morals.

SIGNED Samuel Folorunso Esq. Akins & Akins Solicitors 20, Oreretu Street Ondo.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Israel Folashade Eunice now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adeyemi Folashade Eunice. All former documents remain valid. Ogun state Ministry of Community Development and Cooperative and General public take note

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

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Irosi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adegoke Quadrat Adenike now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Subair Quadrat Adenike. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as miss Majekodunmi Abisoye Adewunmi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ileyemi Abisoye Adewunmi,All former documents remain valid . General public take note.

‎Formerly known and addressed as Mary Yere now wish to be known and addressed as Mary Daniel. All other documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formally known as Ogunlola Olagoke Abidemi now wishes to be addressed as Ogunlola Peter Abidemi. All former documents remain valid. Osun state Local Government Service Commission, Atakumosa Local Government Area, Iperindo and General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME COSMOS: I, formerly known and addressed as IBEH IFEANYI COSMOS, now wish to be known and addressed as IBEH IFEANYI ALEXANDRA. All Former Documents Remain Valid. General Public Should Please Take Note

Formerly known and addressed as miss Akinola Christiana Erikemi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olaleye Christiana Erikemi, All former documents remain valid . General public take note.

Formerly addressed and known as Miss Akinwale Funmi Waleade now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Babalola Funmi Waleade. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

This is to inform the general public that the above named church has applied to the Corporate affairs Commission for registration in accordance with the provision of the Company and Allied Matters Act 2014.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Miss Ogunsakin Tayo Bunmi now to be addressed as Mrs. Oluyede Omotayo Olubunmi. All former documents remain valid, Ekiti state hospital management board and general public take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME

I Formerly Moses ThankGod Emmanuel now to be addressed as Moses Eragbele Emmanuel. All former documents remain valid, Gtb ado Ekiti and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known, called and addressed as CHIDI GODDEY ORJI or ORJI GODDEY, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ORJI CHUKWUDI GODDEY. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MODJOTA OGHENEMARHO MARY, now wish to be known and addressed as MODJOTA MARY. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Fawale Mary Olutoyin now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Oladosu Mary Olutoyin. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Fawale Mary Olutoyin now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Oladosu Mary Olutoyin. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Lucky Afekelu now wish to be known and addressed as Lucky Omosun. All former documents remain valid generel public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Mr Isimaila Nurudeen Adeoye now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Nurudeen Adeoye Akande. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

I formerly OLOFIN JOSEPH ORIMISAN now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLORIRA JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid. General public to please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Onyekachi Vivian Alize now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onyekachi Vivian Umeh. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

This is to confirm that OKIWOWO EBiKEMEFA BASIL is the same one person as OKIWOWO BASIL. That henceforth wish to be known and addressed as OKIWOWO EBIKEMEFA BASIL. All former documents remain valid. UBA BANK and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Okagbue Stella and my correct date of birth is 18th January, 1985 now wish to be known and addressed as Okagbue Abana Ijeoma. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

KING’S PASTURE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY This is to inform the general public that the above named church has applied to the Corporate affairs Commission for registration in accordance with the provision of the Company and Allied Matters Act 2014. THE TRUSTEES ARE: Pastor Paul Abraham Titilope Ibraham Mrs Ashaye Omobolanle Mr Oladapo Famuyide Mr Jubril Jinad. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.To preach and spread the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2. To start churches in every major cities of the world. 3. To organise programmes and events for the youth in order to prepare them for the future. 3. To liberate the world through the wholesome teaching of the word of God. Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Irosi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication. SIGNED Samuel Folorunso Esq. Akins & Akins Solicitors 20, Oreretu Street Ondo

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mosque Aranseoluwa now wish to be known and addressed as Abdulateef Olagoke Aranseoluwa. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as RASAQ TAIWO KAFAYAT, now wish to be known and addressed as ABUDURASAKI TAIWO. All former documents remain valid. Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTB), Wema Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I,formerly known and addressed as MOSURO MARIA OLURANTI, now wish to be known and addressed as KUSHADE ALABA OLURANTI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ALADE: I, formerly known and addressed as HELEN ABIMBOLA ALADE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as HELEN ABIMBOLA OLUKOYA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AUDU: I, formerly known and addressed as MARIAM SALISU AUDU CHRISTY, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ASUQUO MARIAM CHRISTY. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ADA : Formerly known and addressed as ADA MIRIAM VERONICA now wish to be known and addressed as ADAH MIRIAM UBEN. All former documents remain valid. UBA PLC and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as SANNI OLALEKAN ALANI LATEEF, now wish to be known and addressed as ADENIRAN OLALEKAN ALANI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly ADEGOKE TOYIN now want to be known, called and addressed as OWOLABI TOYIN ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. Wema Bank Plc, U.B.A Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OKO .H. ODEH SUNDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as OKO ODE SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as AJISEFINI BASIRAT ADERAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as BENEDICT BASIRAT ADERAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MAUREEN IJEOMA UGBOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as DEBORAH IJEOMA WEHNER UGBOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

SANUSI: I, formerly known and addressed as ADEBOLA OKUNLOLA SANUSI, now wish to be known; called and addressed as ADEKOLA OKUNLOLA SANUSI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ONUEGBU NGOZI JACINTA, now wish to be known and addressed as IBEH NGOZI JACINTA . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as EGERUO TINA CHINYERE, now wish to be known and addressed as IFI AUGUSTINA CHINYERE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as NWIGWE NNENNA OBASI, now wish to be known and addressed as RUFUS NNENNA DORIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

JALEYEMI: I, formerly known and addressed as PAMILERIN EMMANUEL JALEYEMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OPEYEMI EMMANUEL JALEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Asika Peter Osazele now which to be known and addressed as Aghahowa Peter Osazele all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

OLAOYE: I, formerly known and addressed as OLAOYE ABAYOMI ERIC, now wish to be known; called and addressed as OLAOYE ABAYOMI OLUWASEUN. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME OLANIYAN : Formerly known and addressed as OLANIYAN TOYIN CHRISTIANAH now wish to be known and addressed as OLANIYAN MARY MODUPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADEBAYO : Formerly known and addressed as MISS SEUN MARY ADEBAYO now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SEUN MARY ADANLAWO. All former documents remain valid. National Youth Service Corps and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as ADEBANJO MOBOLANLE TAIWO. Now wish to be addressed as OGUNSANWO ABOLANLE TAIWO. All former documents remain valid. G.T.Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mr Emokpaire Moshood Idowu now which to be known and addressed as Dirisu Moshood Idowu. All former documents remain valid banks and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as miss Nwaokobia Caroline Abosede now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Adesanya Caroline Abosede all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as miss Bolarinwa Anifat Iyabo now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Adekunle Anifat Iyabo all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Ikechukwu John Ogbu, now wish to be known an addressed as Igwe Ikechuwu John . All documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known as AJOKE FUNKE SALAMI now wish to be known and addressed as AJOKE FUNKE ADEWARA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS. APALOWO YEMISI. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OSUNNUSI YEMISI. All former documents remain valid. Union Bank Nigeria PLC, Ilawe Ekiti and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ORAFOR WILLIAM IBOLO, now wish to be known and addressed as IMONITIE EDURANCE IBOLO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ajewole Abiola Oluwakemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Bamidele Abiola Oluwakemi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as EGBEDIN MARY MERCY ITOHAN, now wish to be known and addressed as IRABOR MERCY ITOHAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as MISS ONYEMEREM ANNETTE AHIACHI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UKPE ANNETTE AHIACHI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

MAFAYEYOMI : Formerly known and addressed as MRS MAFAYEYOMI CECILIA OYEYEMI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OGUNDARI ESTHER OYENOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as AISHA AGBOMEIRE SALAWE , now wished to be known and addressed as AISHA JOSEPH EFOBI. all former documents remain valid, banks and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as TAOFEEK LATEEFAT OMOTOKE, now wish to be known and addressed as ASHIRU LATEEFAT OMOTOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Jide Anuli Florence, now wish to be known and addressed as Obele Anuli Florence. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS ADEIYE VICTORIA OMOSI IDANWEKHAI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MRS ABIAMAOWEI VICTORIA OMOSI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

CHANGE OF NAME

ALADETOYINBO : Formerly known and addressed as MISS ALADETOYINBO TOYIN SEUN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ASAKE TOYIN SEUN . All former documents remain valid. Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Nigeria Bar Association and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

1 BY 2 ADVERT SPACE FOR SALE CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Asian Udo Umoren, now wish to be known and addressed as Bright Udoh. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS. COMFORT OLUMBA EKPEZU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. COMFORT BASSEY EWEZU. All former documents remain valid. Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital and general public should please take note

I formerly known and addressed as MISS. BALOGUN OPEYEMI OLUMIDE. Now wish to be addressed as MRS. AKAHOMEN OPEYEMI OLUMIDE. All former documents remain valid. First Bank, UBA and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as miss Adetoun Iyabo Abatan now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Adetoun Iyabo Abdul, all former documents remain valid Buro of Land and Survive and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Anozie Lucy Chika Now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Akpama Lucy Chika All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and Relevant authorities should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OSSAI JUBRIL, now wish to be known and addressed as OSSAI JUDE OGADOZHI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EKUNDAYO : Formerly known and addressed as MISS EKUNDAYO OPEYEMI HANNAH now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MEDALE OPEYEMI HANNAH. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as miss Adenote Afolashade Tomilola now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Adekogbe Afolashade Tomilola all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as EGBE CAROLINE ONOREPEHEN, now wish to be known and addressed as IGBELOKIOTO CAROLINE ONOREPEHEN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

This is to confirm that EZEANI IKENNA ONYEBUCHI GIFT is one and same person as ONYEBUCHI IKENNA EZEH. All former documents remain valid. Eco Bank, UBA, First Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as A. Abiodun Ishola now which to be known and addressed as Abiodun Ishola Abiodun all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

JIMOH: I, formerly known and addressed as HAMBALI JIMOH, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AMBALI JIMOH. All former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS CHIOMA CYNTHIA ANYANWU Now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS CHIOMA CYNTHIA OKALLA All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and Relevant authorities should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

OBEBE: I, formerly known and addressed as OBEBE STELLA TITILOLA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AMUWA STELLA TITILOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS BABARINSA OMOLARA RACHAEL NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MRS ADEYINKA OMOLARA RACHAEL. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

OGUNBADEJO : Formerly known and addressed as OGUNBADEJO TITI CHRISTIANA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AKINYOSOYE TITI CHRISTIANA. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Immigration Service and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as TITILAYO AKINDUNNI, now wish to be known and addressed as TITILAYO ADEWUMI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known, called and addressed as MISS ADEMIJU TEMITOPE MARY now wish to be called and addressed as MRS. OGUNYEMI TEMITOPE MARY. All former documents remain valid. Authority concern and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as miss Ayangbesan Olayinka Elizabeth now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Banjo Olayinka Elizabeth, all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

I, EZEOMA IFEANYI FRIDAY whose name was wrongly quoted as EZE FRIDAY IFEANYI. The corrected name is EZEOMA IFEANYI FRIDAY. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as KAZEEM OLUSEUN ABIORO Now wish to be known, called and addressed as JAMES OLUSEUN POPOOLA All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and Relevant authorities should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

KHAYYIM CHRISTIAN NETWORK

PUBLIC NOTICE BLOSSOMVINE CATFISH AND AGRO - ALLIED FARMER’S ASSOCIATION.

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 general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission abuja for Registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, of 1990.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Atang Augustine Azi 3.Judah Beddima Gonzwak 5.Peter Owoeye

THE TRUSTEES ARE: * ODELEYE WALE JONATHAN * ADEYOKUNNU ADENIYI OLUWOLE * ODEDIRAN GABRIEL TAIWO * ILORI JOHN OLUWOLE * ADEBOWALE ADEGBEMIJO ISAAC

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Oluwarotimi Adebusuyi Samuel. 2. Pastor (Mrs) Oluwarotimi Olusayo Temitayo. 3. Mr Ande Peter.

2.Damaris Atang 4.Isuwa Atsen

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.To support Christian missionaries 2.To assist indigent students with scholarship, especially but not limited to seminarians 3.To provide intervention relief to those in need especially IDP’s 4.To promote entrepreneurship among members Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication SIGNED: Secretary

- PRESIDENT - VICE PRESIDENT - SECRETARY. - TREASURER. - MEMBER

AIM AND OBJECTIVES * To Coordinate Members’ Fish Production Efforts for the nation to be Sustained and Sufficient. * To Purchase Equipment for, and Give Financial and Moral Assistance to Members. * To assist Government in Providing enabling Environment and make Farming an attractive Vocation to our youths. * To assist Technologists in inventing production and preservation Equipments. Any objection to this registration Should be forwarded to Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi-Ironsi Street Maitama District Abuja within 28days of this publication. SIGNED:- TRUSTEES.

PUBLIC NOTICE LIFE THROUGH CHRIST EVANGELICAL MINISTRY.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To Preach the Gospel of Christ. 2. To Evangelise the People. 3. To Prepare souls ready for the second coming of Christ. Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 Days of this Publication.

Signed: Pastor Oluwarotimi Adebusuyi Samuel

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Chioma Rhoda Okolo, Now wish to be known and addressed as Chioma Rhoda Ezedinma. All former documents remains valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Chukwuebuka Samuel Ikebe, Now wish to be known and addressed as Chukwuebuka Samuel Ezedinma. All former documents remains valid. General public take note

I formerly known and addressed as Ekenedili Chukwu Ugwu, Now wish to be known and addressed as Ugwu Thank God. All former documents remains valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known as Gabriel Mathias Linus now wish to be addressed as Gabriel Innocent Linus.All former documents remain valid,general public take note

Formerly known as Haruna Edward Abba now wish to be addressed as Haruna Samuel Abba.All former documents remain valid,general public take note.

Formerly known as Onochie Destiny now wish to be addressed as Ifesinachi Destiny Osinachi.All former documents remain valid,general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I FORMERLY KNOWN AS ODOGU JOSEPH NOW WISH TO BE ADDRESS AS ODOGU DANIEL. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ECOBANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS SEMIAT USMAN NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS SEMIAT YUSUF. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. NYSC AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as JAMES HAGGAI BULLUS, now wish to be known and addressed as MARKUS HAGGAI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

IGWE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS CHARITY .O. IGWE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHARITY .O. OKONKWO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ONOH: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONOH AUGUSTINA ONUEGBUNAM, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AMANOH AUGUSTINA ONUEGBUNAM. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

IGWE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS IGWE IMMACULATE KELECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NWOSU IMMACULATE KASARACHI. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Tochukwu Hope Nwadiogbu now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Tochukwu Hope Agu. All former documents remain valid NYSC and the general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

EZEOKE: I, formerly known and addressed as PATRICK EMMANUEL EZEOKE, now wish to be known and addressed as PRINCE EMMANUEL EZEOKE. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NNADI : I, formerly known and addressed as NNADI CLIFFORD ANAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as NNADI SUNDAY ANAYO. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ODO: I, formerly known and addressed as ODO IFEOMA URSLA, now wish to be known and addressed as UGWU IFEOMA URSLA. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and general public should take note.

UDE: I, formerly known and addressed as UDE NNENNA, now wish to be known and addressed as UDE LOUISA CHEKWUBE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note

ANI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANI PRISCILLA CHIKAODILI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONYIA PRISCILLA CHIKAODILI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm and certify that ORDUAMADI ROMANUS AHUNANYA and AMADI ROMANUS refer to one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as ORDUAMADI ROMANUS AHUNANYA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm and certify that ISIUWA RUTH NDIDIAMAKA is one and same person as ISIUWA BLESSING .N. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public please take note.

This is to inform the general public that CHIBUZO was omitted and was wrongly written as NWANKWO GLADYS but wish to be corrected and addressed as NWANKWO CHIBUZO GLADYS. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

I hereby notify the general public that my name was wrongly written as Emeka Remijuice Obi, instead of Obi Remigius Naemeka on my bank account and other documents. My date of birth 24th day of October, 1979. CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME/DATE OF BIRTH

I hereby notify the general public that my name was wrongly as HAMED BAKARE instead of my correct AMEDI BAKARE. While date of birth 27TH August, 1986. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ILYAS:formerly known and addressed as MISS ILYAS ABIDAT IYABO,now wish to be known addressed as MRS OLAYEMI ABIDAT IYABO.All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OBUKOFE: formerly known and addressed as OBUKOFE ADETOKUNBO ADEJOKE, now wish to be known and addressed as GBADEBO ADETOKUN ADEJOKE.All former documents remain valid.General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

OGUNNIRAN: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunniran Oluwaseyi Fatimah now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Fakos Fatimah Oluwaseyi.All former documents remain valid. General public take note

AGBOOLA: Formerly known and addressed as Agboola Micheal now wish to be known and addressed as Abolarin Micheal Agboola All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

SHOETAN: Formerly known and addressed as Shoetan Florence Adejoke now wish to be known and addressed as Akilo Esther Odunola. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

SUNDAY: Formerly known and addtessed as Sunday Adeyemi Popson Samuel Femi now wish to be known and addressed as Popoola Samuel Olawale. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

OMISSION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as TOSIN AMINU, now wish to be known and addressed as OHIMAI BETTY PATIENCE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

BLESSING: Formerly known and addressed as BLESSING ANYIBUOFU OKAFOR now wish to be known and addressed as BLESSING ANYIBUOFU ONWUDILI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

STEPHEN: Formerly known and addressed as STEPHEN JAMES now wish to be known and addressed as FRIDAY OGWUCHE OKEFE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME / CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

CHINEDU: Formerly known and addressed as CHINEDU JUDE JOSAIAH now wish to be known anf addressed as BUSH CHINEDU JUDE. and my correct date of birth is 14th june 1980 All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

SMART: Formerly known and addressed as SMART FRANK now wish to be known and addressed as EGUN TUESDAY All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NWADISHI: Formerly known and addressed as Nwadishi James Marie now wish to be known and addressed as Edemenya Christopher Onyemaechi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Miss ADIGUN SALAWU, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Monsurat Yusuf (Nee Salawu). All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that I Lateef Atanda Issa is one and the same person as Mrs. Lateef Atanda Yussuf. All former documents bearing my names are mine and valid. General public please take note.

OKERONBI: This is to confirm that OKERONBI KEHINDE WALE and OKERONBI USAIN KEHINDE refer to one and same person. All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid and should be treated as one person. Banks and the general public take note

SHERIFAT: This is to confirm that MRS SHERIFAT MATANMI RAIMI and MRS AJAKAIYE G.M. refer to one and same person. All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid and should be treated as one person. Banks and the general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FORMERLY KNOWN AS ASHIRU FUNKE ABIBAT NOW TO BE ADDRESSED AS AJANI FUNKE ABIBAT.ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID,GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I AYODELE SAMUEL OLUWATOSIN IS THE SAME AS AYODELE AYODEJI FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Bako Yohanna now wish to be addressed as Bako Nwendang.All former documents remain valid,general public take note

Formerly known as Olatoye Wasiu now wish to be addressed as Olatoye Olalekan Oladapo. All former documents remain valid,general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Enock Ayuba Dekom now wish to be addressed as Enock Kaduna. All former documents remain valid,general public take note

I, formerly known, called and addressed as Bright Edokpolor now wish to be known, called and addressed as BRIGHT IKHIMWIN. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME This is to certify that Hart Otua Nakwaasah was, wrongly written as Harry Otua Nakwaasah. I wish to correctly be addressed as Hart Otua Nakwaasah. Access Bank and general public should take note

CHANGE OF NAME FORMERLY KNOWN AS OYESANWO SAMSON OLALEKAN NOW TO BE ADDRESSED ASOYESANWO SAMUSIDEEN OLALEKAN FORMER DOCUMENT VALID PUBLIC NOTE

CHANGE OF NAME

UZOMA: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UZOMA PHILOMINA NDIDIAMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NWACHUKWU AUGUSTINA NDIDIAMAKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AKHARAME: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS RITA OMOHE AKHARAME, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS RITA OMOHE ABULOKWE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ODO: I, formerly known and addressed as ODO GILBERT .I., now wish to be known and addressed as ODO GILBERT .O. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunfayo Afolashade , now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adio Afolashade . All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

TOKOSI :formerly known and addressed as Miss Tokosi Toibat Temitope, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs TokosiFatokun Toyyibah Temitope.All former documents remain valid .General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

PEACE: Formerly known and addressed as MISS PEACE CHUJIOKE N. now wish to be known and addressed as MRS FAITH CHIZOBA UDEMMADU .All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

PETER: Formerly known and addressed as PETER WAJAGO now wish to be known and addressed as SABASTINE IGNATIUS PETER WAJAGO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as TAIWO FUNKE OLADAPO, now wish to be known and addressed as TAIWO FUNKE OGUNSANYA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ENE GRACE GODWIN, now wish to be known and addressed as ENE GRACE AKWUBO. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BAWA DANJUMA SULEMAN NOW DANJUMA DAWA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ECO BANK, FIRST BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

UGWU: I, formerly known and addressed as UGWU AMAECHI FRANCIS, now wish to be known and addressed as NNAJI FRANCIS ONYEMAECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

NWAKUDU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NWAKUDU CHISOM CHINEMEREM, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AGBO CHISOM CHINEMEREM. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ONU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONU PHILOMINA UGOCHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKOLI PHILOMINA UGOCHI. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Alli Abibat Victoria, now wish to be known and addressed as Bakare Williams Abibat Victoria. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

l,formerly known and addressed as lawal kehinde,now wish to be known and addressed as Erinosho Moninuola Oluwadamilola.All former documents remain valid.General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

AFOLABI : Formerly known and addressed as AFOLABI OYEJIDE OBISESAN 28th nov. 1987 now wish to be known and addressed as OBISESAN ADEOYE OYEJIDE. my correct date of birth is 30th march 1985 All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

OKOI: Formerly known and addressed as Okoi Cyprean Ojah now wish to be known and addressed as Ojah Cyprian Okoi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

OSADEBE: I, formerly known and addressed as OSADEBE NNEAMAKA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OSADEBE CHUKWUAMAKA KING. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS ORJIUGO CHINYERE NWACHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ORJIUGO CHINYERE IBEKWE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UDOJI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UDOJI GINIKA CHINWE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONAH GINIKA CHINWE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OYINKRO: I, formerly known and addressed as TAMARA OYINKRO, now wish to be known and addressed as ENUBUZOR NAOMI AMAECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CORRECTION OF NAME This is to inform the general public that My name MRS OKORO HOPE NDIDIAMAKA was wrongly written in my National ID Card and voters card but now wish to be corrected and addressed as MRS OKOLO HOPE NDIDIAMAKA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Akinyemi Akintunde Akinkunmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Alhaji Tajudeen Akinyemi Akintunde Akinkunmi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

BELLO: formerly known and addressed as MISS BELLO MORENIKEJI ROFIKAT, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OSHINAIKE MORENIKEJI ROFIKAT BELLO.All former documents remain valid.General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME kl

SALAWU: Formerly known and addressed as SALAWU ONA OPE PO now wish to be known and addressed as OLAIDE SALAWU ONA OPE PO OJO. All former documents remain valid. General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

SAVAGE: Formerly known and addressed as SAVAGE AYISAT OMOBOLANLE now wish to be known and addressed as SAVAGE AISHA OMOBOLANLE .All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ADEYEMI: I, formerly known and addressed as OMOLOLA FAITH ADEYEMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OMOLOLA FAITH OLANIYI. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Chime: I formerly known and addressed as MISS Chime Akunna Favour now wish to be known and addressed as MRS Onovo Akunna Favour. All fomer documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss ATEWOGBOLA ABIGAIL FOYEKE, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. ADEDARA ABIGAIL FOYEKE, All former documents remain valid. general public please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

EKE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EKE GOLD CHINAZA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS GOLD CHINAZA PHILIP-IJOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

1 BY 1 ADVERT SPACE FOR SALE

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

I’ve been knocked down more than any heavyweight champion in history, but I consider that a compliment, because I must have got up more than any heavyweight champion

Brazil court freezes Neymar’s $50m assets

–Floyd Patterson (1972)

Enyimba line-up

Charity Cup: Enyimba have winning culture –Anyansi ...kick-off 4pm

head of today’s Charity Cup battle with Akwa United FC of Uyo at the National Stadium, Abuja, Enyimba FC chairman, Chief Felix AnyansiAgwu has reminded all that his team has a culture of winning trophies. The NFF Executive Committee member stated without mincing words while talking to thenff.com that his team expects nothing less than victory in the season-opening game. “We have a culture of winning trophies, and that is something everyone knows and appreciates. For us, no trophy is small, and that is why we have a cabinet brimming with trophies. “We have a special mentality with which we approach championships, and that is

why we are Enyimba,” he said. The People’s Elephant, who won the Nigeria Professional Football League last season, go head-to-head against Federation Cup winners, Akwa United FC at the nation’s main sporting

arena. Enyimba FC lost 0-1 to Vipers FC of Uganda in Kampala in the CAF Champions League at the weekend, while Akwa United won by the same margin away to Vita Club Mokanda in Pointe Noir, Congo.

Egypt unaware of new AFCON date

espite the Nigeria Football Federation’s stance that the Super Eagles 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt will be played on March 26, it seems there is no two-way confirmation over that date. The Super Eagles game against the Pharaohs was earlier scheduled for March 23, but the NFF revealed last week that it had been given approval by CAF to move the date to March 26.

Egypt Football Association has however reacted to this and claim it is not aware of any change to the match dates because it is yet to be informed by CAF and will go ahead with its initial plans to play the game on March 23. “No official letters have been received yet regarding the Nigeria-Egypt game’s rescheduling and we’ll announce when we get confirmation,” EFA board member, Ehab Lehitah told efa.com. eg.

Minister, firm discuss renovation of Lagos stadium Joel Ajayi Abuja

inister of Youth and Sports, Barr Solomon Dalung, has assured of his readiness to lead renewed drive towards ensuring massive renovation of the National Stadium, Lagos. Dalung who was speaking when a new template for the rehabilitation of the decayed Lagos sporting arena was presented in Abuja yesterday, also maintained that no effort would be spared in ensuring that the country’s sports were returned to grassroots. According to the sports minister who equally assured that plans are on by the Federal Government to implement sound youth developmental programmes, the various states should pay greater at-

tention to youth as well as earmark more funds to sports development. While explaining how the current administration intend to carry out the rehabilitation of Lagos stadium, Dalung said, “We are indeed looking outside the budget for the funding of this project because the economic situation in the country. This government might not be able to fund the project. “We have opened discussion with investors on the possibility of their interest in it. We have a lot of people that have shown interest in funding the project. So, I think funding is not going to be problem.” An architecture company had earlier presented a proposed structural design of the stadium to the Management Staff of the Youth and Sports Ministry.

Sports

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brazil court freezes Neymar’s $50m assets

Today’s Fixtures KAA Gent

vs VFL Wolfsburg

Roma

vs Real Madrid

razilian authorities have blocked assets of Barcelona star, Neymar, including a yacht, a jet and several properties worth almost $50million. A Sao Paulo federal court rejected an appeal from the Brazilian striker last week and started issuing warrants to freeze the assets worth 192 million reals (almost $50 million), Brazilian media reported on Monday. Last year, Neymar, his family and related businesses were found guilty of evading 63 million reals in taxes (almost $16 million) between 2011 and 2013 when he was playing for Brazilian club Santos. He has denied any wrongdoing. The 23-year-old Neymar used the jet to travel to Brazil for World Cup qualifying matches and holidays. Iagaro Jung Martins, an auditor with Brazil’s federal tax agency, told The Associated Press that Neymar isn’t likely to go to jail if he pays what regulators say he owes. “He can still appeal that decision, but it is a step forward,” Martins told the AP. “Nothing changed to what was in place last year: if he pays what he owes, the case is closed. Our legislation isn’t too harsh.” The assets seizure is the latest in a streak of bad news for the Brazilian star off the pitch. On February 2 Neymar and his father were questioned for three hours in a Madrid court about the player’s transfer to Barcelona. The case was brought by Grupo Sonda, which invested in Neymar early in his career and was allegedly entitled to 40 percent of the total transfer amount. Barcelona maintain the deal cost the club 57.1 million euros (then $74 million). Santos officially received a payment of 17.1 million euros ($18.5 million), with the remaining 40 million euros ($55.5 million) going to a company owned by Neymar’s father, Neymar Santos.

Champions League

I’ve no plans for Ronaldo –Roma Coach A

S Roma Coach, Luciano Spalletti, has no plans “to cage” Champions League top scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo, when the Italian club takes on Real Madrid in tonight’s last 16 meeting. Ronaldo is the Champions League’s all-time record scorer with 88 goals, and leads this season’s tally with 11. While the Portuguese striker will be fancied to extend his haul against Roma, whose 16 goals conceded in the group stage was more than any other side through to the last 16, Spalletti is making no special provisions for Ronaldo.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world; he can always make a difference. However, I’m not going to cage him, I’m not going to order three players to mark him,” the Roma coach told reporters yesterday. “I don’t want to say that

my players have one third of Ronaldo’s quality. If so, we’d need 33 players to deal with him.” While Real romped through their group by scoring 19 goals as they won five of their six fixtures to amass 16 points, Roma squeezed into the knockout rounds

with just six points after winning only one match. Despite their poor showing, Spalletti refused to accept that Roma are outsiders. “I don’t think there’s a favourite,” he said. “We’ve got a 50 percent chance of going through.”

turing for Barcelona from 2008 until 2012, and he claims the Giallorossi can progress. “When I was at Barcelona it was an important match, like the derby with Lazio,” Keita told Roma Radio. “We have confidence in our own ability, and the preparation the coach (Luciano Spalletti) will give us for the match. “He’ll study the best way to win a game that is diffi-

cult, but not impossible.” Although the new manager, Spalletti, will be in charge of Roma in the Champions League for the first time since the sacking of Rudi Garcia in January, Keita adds the switch has reinvigorated Roma ahead of their toughest challenge of the season. “The change of coach has changed the mentality,” added the Eagles skipper.

...Madrid are beatable, says Keita

head of their UEFA Champions League clash tonight, Mali and AS Roma midfielder, Seydou Keita, has said it’s not impossible to beat Real Madrid. The ex-Barcelona player was speaking to ESPN, saying the Spanish La Liga giants headed by Zinedine Zidane are beatable. The 36-year-old gained plenty of experience playing against Real while fea-

Morocco sets AFCON, W/Cup targets for Renard

he Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has set targets for its new coach, Frenchman Herve Renard, who succeeds Badou Zaki. Zaki and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) parted ways by mutual consent last week “after 20 months of instability and inconsistent results”. Renard, 47, has been set the targets of reaching the semi-finals of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Gabon as well as qualifying for the World Cup a year later in Russia. The French man, who was sacked by French club, Lille, earlier this season, has won the AFCON twice as a manager, first with Zambia in 2012, and then with the Cote d’Ivoire last year. Renard made clear what his goals were for the Moroccan team. “The first is, of course, qualification for the African Cup of Nations in 2017, it’s not far away, and before that there is the start of qualification for the 2018 World Cup, so it’s a pretty packed schedule,” the CAF Coach of the Year said.

…Akwa Utd beat Nasarawa 1-0 National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

NOA commits to Rio Ogba pledges Senate Olympics hospitality project backing for Pinnick-led NFF T

Sen. Ogba (m) shaking hands with Pinnick while other NFF Executive Committee members watch in Abuja, yesterday.

hairman of the Senate Committee on Youth and Sports, Senator Obinna Ogba, has promised to continue to lend strong support to the Amaju Pinnick-led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), stating that he is very much impressed with the performance of the administration so far. Ogba spoke in his office at the Senate yesterday, while receiving a delegation of NFF Executive Committee members led by the president, Pinnick. “Let me congratulate you on the very good job you are doing. Of course leadership is always associated with challenges, so there must be challenges here and there. But the important thing is that your team is putting up great efforts and you are united. “The truth is we cannot win all matches, and the earlier we realise that, the better for us as a people. I appeal to you to remain united and committed to the development of Nigerian football in all areas,” said Senator Ogba. Ogba insisted that only one person can be NFF President at any time, and for emphasis said, “This is a properly constituted authority and I firmly believe in the rule of law. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth and Sports, I want to assure you that we will continue to work as a team in the interest of Nigeria foot-

ball.” Speaking earlier, NFF President, Pinnick, commended the efforts of Senator Ogba and other members of his committee for the support they have been giving NFF and Nigeria football. “You have continued to demonstrate quality leadership and we are excited that you, one of us in the Nigeria football family, is the person here. We have been facing a number of challenges, some human-

made, but we assure you that because we are united, we are strong enough to deal with all these challenges. Our unity has seen us win four major trophies in our 16 months in charge, with several off-the-field accomplishments. “We are very grateful to our great leader, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) for the immense support for football and indeed other sports. We also commend the Honourable Minister for his

wise counsel at all times, and your Committee and the House Committee on Sports have been excellent,” Pinnick said. Also with Pinnick during the call were NFF 1st Vice President, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi, Alh. Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, Alh. Sharif Inuwa, Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi, Alh. Babagana Kalli, Barr. Chris Green, Alh. Ahmed Yusuf Fresh and General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.

state is fully prepared to host the proposed fiesta. Speaking in an interview with journalists shortly after the extraordinary meeting held at the Lake Side Hotel at the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, Calabar, Chairman for National Council on Sports of Nigeria, Hon. Monday Uko, who spoke on behalf of Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Barr. Solomon Dalung, said the seven-man committee was not formed to witch-hunt Cross River State, but to assist the state overcome inherent challenges in its preparations. Uko stated that such a drastic measure would help the state to work very hard to ensure that the hosting rights granted it came to fruition. “It will also be the

responsibility of the committee to look at areas that they may have challenges and perhaps report to Federal Government. Council will be left with no option other than give assistance to the state in a manner that can help Cross River State successfully host the competition,” the chairman said. Also speaking, Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Alhasan Yakmut, said one of the decisions taken by the Council clearly defined responsibility of the Federal Government in hosting sports festivals, adding that cash will no longer be given to all the athletes like it happened in 2012, instead only winners of first, second and third positions will get cash rewards.

‘Why 7-man committee is set up for NSF’ Richard Ndoma Calabar

he National Council on Sports has explained why a seven-man committee was set up to monitor activities of Cross River State with regards to hosting the National Sports Festival (NSF) rescheduled scheduled to hold in November this year. Its members include the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the SA Technical to the Minister. At the end of its meeting in Calabar last weekend, the Council also said that Cross River State (host of the forth coming NSF fixed for November 8-21) would be placed under close watch to ascertain if the

he National Orientation Agency (NOA) has described the upcoming Rio 2016 Olympic Games Nigeria House Project as a new dawn in sports business. NOA’s immediate past Director-General, Mike Omeri, made the statement during a courtesy call by the Nigeria House Committee Project in his office at the Area 1 National Secretariat. Omeri said he was happy because the committee deemed it fit to visit the NOA, underscoring the importance and how strategic the agency is in mobilising Nigerians for the task ahead. “I am happy with your visit which underscores the importance of who we are and what the NOA can do. I believe if there are two members in your sub-committee one should come from the NOA because of how strategic we are to actualise this project. “The NOA remains at the vanguard of promoting whatever is good about Nigeria; it’s people, our culture, landscape and everything. This government has talked about employment and poverty

alleviation, therefore everything we do should be targeted at escaping from poverty and our youths taken away from social vices for the good of the society. I see what you are doing as further implementing the policy of this government. If there was no policy you won’t be here,” Omeri said. Earlier, while briefing the then DG NOA, Project Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigeria House Project, Mohammed Abdullahi, told his host that the committee was there specifically to seek his agency’s support in the promotion and awareness of the hospitality business of sports through the Olympics. “We see the NOA as a key sector to partner with which is why it is the very first government agency to visit. We have a mandate to promote the image of this country through sporting activities. “Olympics is a forum where you have over 205 countries coming to one venue and I think it is one of the best avenues to reach the world and project the image of the country,” Abdullahi said.

Doping: Kenya athletics chief to step down

he chief executive of Athletics Kenya wants to step down temporarily amid allegations he asked athletes for bribes to reduce doping bans. BBC Sport reports that Isaac Mwangi denies wrongdoing, but wants to leave his post for 21 days while world governing body, the IAAF, investigates the claims. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said it was “most disturbed” by the claims. “The allegations have caused me a lot of mental anguish,” Mwangi said in a letter to Athletics Kenya. “I am anxious to have my name cleared.” Two suspended athletes claimed Mwangi had asked for money in exchange for more lenient punishments - allegations Mwangi said were “unsubstantiated.” BBC Sport revealed last week that Kenya had missed a deadline to prove to WADA it was tackling cheating in athletics, following a string of positive

drugs tests and corruption allegations. It will be placed on a ‘watch-list’ of nations at risk of breaching the agency’s code, and could then be declared non-complaint and ultimately banned from international competition - as has happened with Russia’s athletes. The East African country, whose athletes are dominant in distance running, topped the medal table at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing with seven gold medals. But since 2011, more than 40 of its athletes have failed drugs tests.

Nwangi

WORLD RECORD

Longest human chain (length) Vol. 05 No. 1309

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

N150

On 11 December 2004, over 5 million people joined hands to for m a human chain, 1,050 km (652.4 miles) long from Teknaf to Tentulia, Bangladesh

US political establishment, Hillary and 2016 election

he 2016 US presidential campaign is turning out to be dramatic. Many analysts have predicted an easy ride in the primaries for Democratic frontrunner, Hillary Clinton. I also recall severally downplaying the chances of Republican top-notch, Donald Trump, in some of my write-ups. I was proven all wrong as the results of recent primaries turned in. I kept a vigil with CNN as the results turned in on Tuesday night hoping fighter Hillary will turn Bernie Sanders’ lead in New Hampshire around only to wake up that morning to know I was living in the world of my dreams. Not until I watched Hillary conceded defeat to Bernie, I didn’t believe it even though the major headline was “New Hampshire primary results: Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders win”! New Hampshire held its traditional pri-

Guest Columnist

Olalekan W. Adigun

mary just eight days after the Iowa caucuses. Polling in the Granite State has historically been volatile in the final weeks before the primary. Once Iowa holds its caucuses, many New Hampshire voters are known to traditionally cement their opinions, especially in the age of the new media. The state has a reputation for predicting correctly the winner of the eventual nomination. Historically a look at votes cast in New Hampshire shows a candidate received and won the eventual nomination. On the Democratic side, since 1992, Barrack Obama (2012), John Kerry (2004), Al Gore (2000) and Bill Clinton (1996), all won at New Hampshire and eventually won the party nomination. On the Republican side, Governor Mitt Romney (2012), Senator John McCain (2008), Governor George W. Bush (2000 and 2004) and Senator Bob Dole (1996), all won the GOP primaries in the state and became eventual winners in the final analyses. Let us have a look at how the presidential candidates fared in New Hampshire. In the Republican race, Trump has a clear lead with 34 percent over Marco Rubio’s 11 percent. On the Democratic side, Sanders had a clear lead with 60 percent over Hillary’s 38 percent. Let us forget the Republicans and restrict our analysis to the Democrats. I say this because the GOP nomination is still open to more possibilities than their progressive counterparts. If it is not Jeb Bush,

WHOEVER INVITED MADELEINE ALBRIGHT…TO SPEAK AT HILLARY’S NH CAMPAIGN RALLY OBVIOUSLY DID NOT DO A GOOD JOB it will be Marco Rubio. If it is not Ted Cruz, it should be Donald Trump. But surely the ticket cannot go to Christine Fiorina! For the Democrats, the ticket belongs to whoever is “feeling the Bern” or “fighting for US”. Hillary for America strategists need not be told now that they have grossly underestimated Bernie. They also need not be reminded of the importance of NH primary. They do not need the advice that the time come for a reality check. They cannot continue to rely on Hillary or Clinton to just bring in the votes. Bernie may not be so popular with those outside America, but the results are going on just fine for him. In fact, Bernie’s strategists, the truth be told, are doing a fantastic job. In parenthesis, the loss in this year’s NH’s primary is strange because New England state has long been kind to the Clintons. It is the same state that made, Hillary’s husband, Bill the “comeback kid” in 1992. And Hillary beat Barack Obama there in 2008, salvaging her campaign after

Sport Extra FIFA to recruit female security officers globally

former policewoman in her Kent hometown, English security consultant, Deborah Doe, is one of the few women who act as a FIFA Security Officer in international events.

This proportion is about to change, though, as FIFA recently developed a process to have its Member Associations putting forward applications specifically for female candidates. FIFA said yesterday

that safety and security at football events across the world has always been its highest priority. To ensure this, the FIFA Security Division is providing support and expert advice in security-related

matters to host countries, local security agencies, Local Organising Committees and FIFA’s Member Associations. In a statement the world soccer governing body said its latest endeavor in this

a third-place showing in Iowa. Also, the fact that Hillary has about nine percent support among younger women, aged 1834, should concern her handlers because records available show that Bernie cruises home with over 90 percent support among this strategic population. Whoever invited Madeleine Albright, first woman US secretary of state, to speak at Hillary’s NH campaign rally obviously did not do a good job. Let us hear what she had to say on younger women, who are not supporting Hillary: “There’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help each other!” Haba Madam! Na by force? Well, I have just been reliably informed that “special place in hell” is Albright’s favourite line, which she has used for many years, therefore, it is not unique to Hillary’s campaign. Again, even at that, she being a longstanding diplomat, Albright should have been more tactful speaking for a political campaign! As a Hillary fan myself, I think it will be good if her handlers can look at the New Hampshire debacle from fresh perspectives. President Obama lost in the state after a good start in Iowa in 2008, yet he still won the election. In this case, I suggest her handlers do as they were doing when they started. They need to avoid attacking Sanders directly. The attacks on his campaign from Hillary for America are becoming too direct in recent times. It appears there is mental fatigue on the part of Hillary’s handlers since the Benghazi Inquiry. In my opinion, the handling of that incidence is the most professional thing her campaign has done. Ever since, it has been forthcoming in providing the gap for Sanders to exploit. This only shows mental fatigue on the part of Hillary for America. One thing is sure: US politics will not remain the same after the 2016 election. Adigun, a political risk analyst and strategist, wrote via olalekan@olalekanadigun.com and can be reached on +2348136502040

field is an ongoing process involving all its member associations that looks to enlarge the pool of trained FIFA security officers by identifying, recruiting and deploying female security professionals.

Hayatou

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