February 5, 2016

NCAA suspends Sikorsky type aircraft over frequent crashes

Olusgeun Koiki

N Usman

Vol. 5 N0. 1301

igerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, yesterday announced the immediate suspension of all Sikor-

sky 76 aircraft brand in the fleet of Bristow Helicopters till further notice, following incessant accidents involving the brand.

But, the regulatory agency said it would not

ground the entire operations of the helicopter company or other companies with that brand of aircraft.

This is as the airline Continued on Page 2>>

Non-release of funds hampering war on terrorism –Olonisakin

P. 5

Olonisakin

National Mirror Online @NationalMirror Friday, February 5, 2016

N150

Hike in electricity tariff

Labour vows to shut down economy ...plans nationwide protest, picketing of Discos

Olufemi Adeosun, Abuja

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irst labour unrest since the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari took office is brewing as organised labour yesterday announced its resolve to shut down the economy on Monday in protest against the 45 per cent increase in electricity tariff.

A statement signed by President, Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ayaba Wabba, and made available electronically in Abuja yesterday, stated that the union, in conjunction with Trade Union Congress, TUC, civil soContinued on Page 2>>

The coordinator of Accountability and Grants, Facility for Oil Sector Transparency in Nigeria (FOSTER), Mr. Henry Adigun (second left), presenting a project map to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during a courtesy visit to the Vice President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. With them is FOSTER’s team leader, Mr. Richard Oshowole (right), and others.

PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

OPC members kick against Gani Adams as National Coordinator P. 5 CBN extends BVN registration for Nigerians in Diaspora P. 37

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Labour vows to shut down economy CONTINUED FROM Page 1

ciety organisations and electricity consumers decided to embark on the mass protest because all attempts to make government toe the line of acceptable standard failed.

He warned that the increment would not only worsen the living conditions of Nigerians, who are already grappling with the pains of the present economic situation, but would also help to aggravate restiveness in the country.

Wabba described the implementation of the tariff as an act of lawlessness given the fact that there was a subsisting court order against it.

While warning that Nigerians would reject being made to pay for the inefficiency in the system, Wabba said it was unfortunate that despite the whopping N18.26bn invested into the sector at the twilight of the past administration, there was nothing on ground to justify the spending.

“A privatised sector that continues to parasite on government with insignificant benefit to Nigerians is at best a leech on our economy and should be interrogated,” he added.

According to the NLC boss, during the protest, which will be carried out in all the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, all DISCOs offices will be picketed.

In order to ensure a hitch-free protest, Comrade Wabba, explained that union members had been sufficiently mobilised nationwide.

He noted that the Abuja rally would start 8 a.m. at Labour House, Central Business District, from where it would move to the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, head office.

According to him, areas to be visited would also include the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company and National Assembly.

The NLC boss said: “This protest rally has become necessary after all effort to make NERC shelve the idea of increase failed.

Indeed,

rather than see reason with Nigerians, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing has been advancing spurious argument in justification.

“The reasons for this protest are obvious and include the following: The due process in the extant laws for such increment was not followed in consonance with section 76 of the Power Sector Reform Act, 20. There has been no significant improvement in service delivery.

“Moreover, the fact is

that most consumers are not metered in accordance with the signed privatisation Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, of November 1, 2013, which stipulates that within 18 months gestation period, all consumers are to be metered.

“There is a subsisting court order dated 28th May, 2015 by Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, in the case of Toluwani Yemi-Adebiyi versus NERC & Orders, that

there shall be no further increment until the determination of the substantive suit.”

Before the recourse to the plan protest, Wabba explained that Labour had issued a communiqué on December 22, 2015 rejecting the tariff hike and demanding that pre-paid metres be made available free to all consumers.

Meanwhile, TUC in a separate statement in Abuja, condemned the justification for the tariff increase by the Minister

of Power, Mr. Babatunde Fashola.

The statement, which was signed by TUC President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama, described Fashola’s argument to the effect that an Act of the National Assembly actually empowers the commission, as lame, simplistic and misleading.

“Any Act that preys on the masses that it is supposed to protect negates public policy. Any Act that compels the citizens to pay for services not de-

livered is not only flawed and undemocratic, but is ultra vires the power of the Assembly to make laws for the good of the country, and should not enjoy any applicability.

“Any Act that further impoverishes the downtrodden and lowly is evil and should be discountenanced.

“We lend our voice again to advocate the need for the minister and NERC to stop trying to enforce the obnoxious Act,” TUC maintained.

Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, during a visit to Aromolaran at Ilesha, Osun State, yesterday.

NCAA suspends Sikorsky type aircraft over frequent crashes CONTINUED FROM Page 2

company said the 11 souls onboard its ill-fated chopper S76 C++ with registration number 5N BJQ sustained only minor injuries.

Director-General of NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman at a press briefing yesterday on the update of the accident, said the suspension was necessary in order for the regulatory agency to carry out a full scale audit on the operations of Bristow with particular emphasis on its Sikorsky s-76C++ type.

It would be recalled that it was the same Sikorsky brand of aircraft that crashed into the lagoon by Third Mainland Bridge,

Oworonshoki, Lagos last August, killing six out of the 12 souls on board.

Bristow Helicopters still has about five Sikorsky aircraft type in its fleet.

The August accident led to global response spearheaded by the American Federal Aviation Administration, FAA. The administration in its investigation raised the Emergency Airworthiness Directive, EAD, on all Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S76A, S-67B, S-76D helicopters.

FAA in a circular to all operators and owners of Sikorsky aircraft, dated September 14, 2015, signed by Acting Direc-

tor Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, James A. Grigg raised the alarm that preliminary investigation indicated that a failed servo input control pushrod assembly was identified as the probable cause of the accident.

FAA, further stated that during its investigation, separation of the pushrod tube and the control rod end with bearing was found out, adding that the EAD it raised required inspecting the Main Rotor, MR, forward, aft, and lateral pushrod assemblies, the Tail Rotor, TR, pushed assembly, jamnuts, applying slippage marks across the pushrod tubes.

“We are issuing this EAD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type designs,” the circular added: Usman emphasised that as a responsible regulatory authority, it was pertinent to stem the rapidity of occurrence and ensured that the airline carry out safe operations, but insisted that this was not a vote of no confidence on the operations of the airline.

He added: “I must also mention that this suspension of operations for the impending wholesale audit is not a vote of no

confidence on the airline.

It is to ascertain the adequacy and priority of the operating aircraft type.

“This is not new in the industry; it is one of the Standard Operating Procedures, SOP, all over the world.”

Meanwhile, Bristow Helicopters said the 11 passengers onboard of the ill-fated chopper,S76 C++ with the registration number 5N BJQ sustained minor injuries.

A statement issued in Lagos by the media consultant of the helicopter company hinted that the passengers had arrived at an onshore installation, with only minor injuries being reported at this time.

The statement said Continued on Page 5>>

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Friday, February 5, 2016

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Photo News

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Friday, February 5, 2016

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L-R: Executive Producer, Prince Tonye Princewill; Actress Dominic Rita; Chief of Civil Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas; Regional Director M-Net West Africa, Mrs Wangi NbaUzoukwu and another Executive Producer, Mr. Adonijah Owiriwa, at the premiere of the movie, 76, in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

L-R: Clerk of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Tertiary Education, Dr Simon IbitoyeBamisaiye; representative of the Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State, Prof. Alhassan Gani, and Bursar of the university, Mr Mohammed Aliyu, during the Defence of Universities’ Budget, in Abuja, yesterday.

L-R, Chief Sales Officer, Godfrey Efeurhobo; Regional Operations Director, North Region, Wole Abu; General Manager, Government Relations, Kehinde Sanusi and Regional Head, Retail Showroom and Franchise, Ms. Edero Daro-Idollo, all of Airtel Nigeria, during the inauguration of Airtel service outlet in Abuja, recently.

L-R: Corps Marshal , Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi; Corps Legal Adviser, Mr. Wole Olaniran and Head Media Relations and Strategy of FRSC, Mr. Bisi Kazeem, during FRSC’s appearance at the House of representatives Public Petitions Committee of National Assembly in Abuja, yesterday.

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FG begins tax audit on MDAs Chidi Ugwu Abuja

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xecutive chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Mr. Babatunde Fowler, said the service has begun tax audit on all ministries, departments and agencies of government.

Fowler, who said this yesterday in Abuja when members of Public Account Committee of the Senate, led by its chairman, Senator Andy Uba, visited the service, said the audit was being carried out as part of efforts to boost tax revenue in the 2016 fiscal period.

He said that FIRS has received approval from the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, to commence a joint audit of all agencies of government.

He said: “We have an audit process that we are carrying out with collecting banks to ensure that revenues received have been swept into our account at the close of 2015; we are about to start another

audit process to ensure that remittance still held by other banks have been swept.

“We have also written to them in September that if there is any amount unapplied, because sometimes tax payers pay them and quote the wrong account number and it goes into a suspense account.

“And so we have told them to remit any amount unapplied that belongs to the Federal Government directly to our account. And during the audit process we will also verify to ensure that has been done.

“We have now found a solution in discussion with the Minister of Finance and decided to do a joint audit on all federal ministries, departments and agencies.

“We’ve also written to all the states governors, requesting for their cooperation by helping to put in place a system whereby all Federal Government taxes that are due from their state governments are also remitted electroni-

cally.

“I am glad to report that as at last week, the Ogun State governor responded and we are still waiting for responses from other state governments.

“We are also putting in place a system in the office of the accountant general to ensure that all payments done by government and all taxes due are deducted immediately and remitted to the federation account for onward allocation at the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee.”

The FIRS boss expressed optimism with the new measures put in place by the service, saying the country would from March this year begin to see an increase in the level of compliance by MDAs on withholding tax and value added tax, VAT. Uba commended the service for rising up to the challenge of funding the budget through tax revenue as a result of the decline in oil revenue.

Breast, cervical cancer account for 60% in Nigeria – FG

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arcus Fatunmole, Abuja Federal Government yesterday said over 60 per cent of cancer cases recorded in the country arises from breast and cervical cancers.

Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, stated this at the commemoration of Cancer Day in Abuja yesterday.

Ehanire said the disease has not been given the desired attention by government because of other challenges in the sector, which he listed as low number of skilled health care personnel, funding gaps, poor infrastructure and lack of awareness.

“Government plans to overcome these key challenges, including the development of public-private partnership strategies to address the funding gaps and manpower shortage,” he said.

Breast and cervical cancers affect only women, which make them record more deaths than men from

the ailment.

Nigeria has lost many of her prominent citizens to the disease in recent years, forcing many less-privileged in the country to tag cancer as a disease killing mainly the rich.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, said the dimension cancer is taking in the country has compelled the Federal Government to conclude on transforming the National Cancer Control Programme into a National Agency for Cancer Control that would concentrate on tackling the disease.

The minister quoted World Health Organisation figures which show that 14.1 million new cases of cancer occur every year, resulting in 8.2 million deaths.

“There are 32.6 million people living with cancer worldwide,” he said.

He explained that in Nigeria in 2012, about 102,000 cancer cases were detected which he said were estimated to be

16 per cent of the ailment in the sub-Saharan region.

Adewole pointed out that the National Agency for Cancer Control would provide leadership and technical direction for cancer control in Nigeria, adding that it would be a multi-disciplinary center involving all healthcare personnel, basic and social scientists, including public health experts.

Areas to be focused on by the agency, according to the minister, include policy formulation, advocacy and mobilisation, center of excellence for cancer prevention and care and palliation.

In his remark, executive director of Project Pink Blue, Runcie Chidebe, said the World Cancer Day 2016 marked the beginning of a new three – year campaign with the theme ‘WE CAN, I CAN.’ “It would explore what everyone as an individual or collective would do to reduce the global burden of cancer,” he said.

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Friday, February 5, 2016

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Non-release of funds hampering war on terrorism –Olonisakin George Oji, Abuja

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he military high command has raised the alarm that the non release of the 2015 supplementary budget approved by the National Assembly for the procurement of arms and equipment is negatively affecting successful execution of the fight against Boko Haram in the north east zone.

The National Assembly in December last year approved a supplementary budget of N574.5bn.

The supplementary budget was made up of N522.2bn for payment of subsidy claims and N29.95bn for Operation Zaman Lafiya, a name given to the military operations against insurgents in the north east, amongst others.

Two months after the approval, the military said it is yet to receive a dime from what was allocated to it for the procurement of arms and equipment.

This revelation was made at the closed door meeting between the leadership of the senate and some committee chairmen and Military Chiefs, led

by Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin on Wednesday.

Olonisakin led the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, his colleague in the Navy, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas and Air Force Chief, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar to the meeting.

A statement by the media office of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said the CDS briefed the senators on the various challenges faced by the military, particularly the state of their equipment which

they said require serious upgrading and restocking.

The statement said: “The leadership of the senate and chairmen of committees relating to security agencies on Wednesday held a meeting with heads of the military to review the developments in the fight against insurgency in the north east zone, particularly in the wake of the recent vicious attack on Dalori town in Borno State.

“At the closed door meeting, which lasted for about two hours and presided over by Saraki, several issues tailored at further empowering the security agencies to win the war against the Boko Haram insurgency were discussed in a frank and open exchange between the two sides.

“The military chiefs complained that their vote in the 2015 supplementary budget has not been released, thereby hampering their ability to fund their operations.

“Other issues that came up for discussion was the need to continuously increase the personnel in the three branches of the military and the hindrance posed by the procurement process which they said is very slow.

“The military chiefs also canvassed the need for the review of some laws governing their operations so as to make them able to respond to emergency situations they now confront in the north-east zones as well as conform with global best practices.

“The officers equally raised the need for regional support for the fight against insurgency in the North-east by the neighbouring countries, resettlement of Internally

NCAA suspends Sikorsky type aircraft over frequent crashes CONTINUED FROM Page 2

the company was fully cooperating with local authorities in its investigation to determine the cause, and to begin recovery of the aircraft, which is located approximately 75 nautical miles offshore.

The statement added: “Bristow has established a dedicated telephone ho-

tline for family members of those on board the flight.

“Family members in Nigeria may call 01-2716748. Family in the U.S. and Canada may dial toll free +1 (855) 979-7533 or direct toll at +1 (567) 302-7004. “Bristow will continue to release additional information at bristowgroup.com as soon as it is confirmed.”

Displaced Persons, IDPs, back to their traditional homes, the issue of intelligence gathering and sharing among the various agencies and mobilisation of the international community, particularly through inter-parliamentary efforts in support of the fight against terrorism in Nigeria, were also discussed.”

The senators assured the military chiefs that

they will fast track the request for the review of the relevant laws being complained about by putting them on the Priority Bills list once they were given adequate information on areas that need to be amended.

The lawmakers also promised to take up the issue of the release of funds raised by the military chiefs with the Ministry of Finance immediately.

The committees on defence, finance and appropriations have also been mandated to ensure that the issues raised by the service chiefs are taken care of in the budget.

The senators noted that at this point when the nation had recorded serious gains in the fight against insurgency, all hands should be on deck to sustain the tempo against the violent groups.

The meeting was attended by Saraki, his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, Deputy Majority Whip, Francis Alimikhena, Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Isa Hamma Misau and his colleague in the Committee on Air Force, Duro Faseyi.

However, Chairman of Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Lawan was absent.

L-R: General Secretary, Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Comfort Obi; former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; publisher, Daily Times, Fidelis Anosike and Group Managing Director, Champion Newspapers, Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, during a meeting of NPAN with the minister in Lagos, yesterday.

NPAN lauds Buhari’s anti-graft war

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he Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), yesterday reiterated its commitment to the fight against corruption in the country, insisting that it had always been in the vanguard of the fight and that it was not ready to stop now.

The assurance was given by the President of the Association, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, while receiving the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji.

Lai Mohammed, on a courtesy call on the Association at its Secretariat in Maryland, Lagos “We will help you fight corruption because it is antithetical to development” Obaigbena stressed On hand to receive the minister among others, were the Publisher of Vanguard newspapers, Mr. Sam Amuka, Mal. Ismaila Isa, both Life Patrons of the Association, former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, Mr. Ray Ekpu (both

past Presidents of the Association) as well as Executive Council members and other members of the Association.

Mr. obaigbena in welcoming the new vista with which the goverment is pursuing its anti- corruption drive, noted that more mileage would be garnered and the campaign more enduring, if government fights corruption by building strong institutions To achieve greater result, he said it was imperative to first find the root cause of corruption, avoid arbitrariness and follow the rule of law. Also, there was a need to respect the doctrine of innocence under which an accuse is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

It would be unjust and unfair to lump people together, and label everybody thieves, without separating the wheat from the chaff, he added.

In his address, the minister sought the support

and cooperation of the media owners, adding that it was not the intention of the government to intimidate anyone or group of persons.

Goverment’s current drive, he argued, was motivated by the higher ideal of bringing happiness to the greater number of the citizenry. This, he said, would remain an illusion without curing the corruption cancer that had eaten deep into the nation.

Mohammed drew a nexus between corruption and development, explaining that it would be difficult to develop infrastructure like roads, railway, schools, etc if government’s revenues are stolen.

Taking on the economy without first fighting corruption, he argued, would be an exercise in futility.

He recalled his earlier pronouncement how the nation could be transformed into an eldorado, providing roads, schools,

hospitals etc , if the funds stolen had been judiciously applied.

For instance, he said the total amount Nigeria was seeking to borrow from the World Bank or the African Development Bank or others is $3.5 billion, adding that if only a few who had stolen from the nation’s revenues had returned a fraction or that the issue of the $20 billion had been resolved, the nation would not need to borrow.

Mohammed said in the next few weeks government would be launching a National Re - orientation Campaign tagged “Change begins with me”.

The campaign is to compliment other campaigns already launched such as National Security Awareness Campaign and the National Sensitization Campaign Against Corruption He pleaded for the support of the media for the new campaign.

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‘NASS’ll streamline N3.8bn Aso Rock budget with president’ George Opara ABUJA

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member of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Dennis Amadi, has disclosed that the National Assembly will streamline the controversial N3.8billion capital allocation to Aso Rock clinic in the 2016 budget proposal, now being debated by the National Assembly.

Amadi (Enugu, PDP) said there is nothing to worry over the proposed allocation, especially now that it has been detected.

He commended Nigerians, who he said, had shown vigilance on the workings of both the National Assembly and the executive.

Amadi noted that both chambers of the National Assembly have started budget defences by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as a mark of distinction of the National Assembly as a parliament different from the Executive.

“The Executive has just proposed the budget for Aso Rock Clinic but it is not a casting stone. It is a good observation by Nigerians that the figure is at variance with those of teaching hospitals that we have a lot of Nigerians attending, but what I think we will do at the end of the day is to streamline them because it is just a proposal that has not been approved or appropriated, it’s a projection.

“If they want to throw the Aso Rock clinic open to the public that is their issue, but the main fact is that I am sure we are going to streamline that figure to fall in line with areas

where money is needed to address the critical needs of Nigerians. So, we will do something about it and in consonance with the President,” he promised.

He noted that his committee on appropriation is aware of the “interactive” oversight functions of the eighth Assembly and so will ensure that the MDAs will implement the budget to the later, on the need basis and on a time line too.

“You have seen the body language of the presidency, which is the executive, trying to ensure that at this time of economic crunch we have a realistic budget and we will through various committees ensure that the implementation of the budget by the MDAs is done to an excellent level.”

On the issue of cars for members of the Assembly, Amadi said: “It is important for our legislative functions. We are legislators and we’ve operated for about eight months and some don’t have regulation means of transportation and there are both ad hoc and standing committees and these jobs take you most of the time to late hours of the day; and you are carrying sensitive and classified government documents and it’s not something to be jumping around with taxies. They are kept within the periphery of the consciousness of an individual and that requires vehicles.

“There is no big deal about the vehicles. When you go the ministries, you see DGs, Directors and Assistant Directors and they have convoys including security. A House of Representative member, by government ranking, is equivalent to a minister of state.”

L-R: Minister of State for Mine and Steel Development, Hon. Abubakar Bawa Bwari; Minister, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Musa Istifanus, during the defence of Ministry’s budget at the National Assembly, in Abuja, yesterday.

I refunded N25m Metuh gave me, witness tells court Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

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witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions, EFCC, yesterday told Justice Okon Abang of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja that he refunded N25 million the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Olisa Metuh, gave him for publicity work.

The witness, Abba Dabo, who is the seventh witness of the prosecution, was testifying before the court in the seven-count charge of money laundering and fraudulent receipt of N400m meant for procurement of arms from the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA. Dabo, led in evidence

by the prosecution counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, told the court that he decided to return the N25m when he realised that the money was part of the fund meant for the purchase of arms to fight Boko Haram insurgents by the Federal Government.

According to him, when he read about the arms deal scandal, which involves the PDP spokesman in some national dailies, he immediately wrote a letter to the EFCC, attaching three bank drafts, with a covering letter acknowledging that Metuh gave him N25m on December 16, 2015, for the purpose of publicity in WhatsApp Naija and Media Support System for the PDP. He admitted that he did not make any other statement to the EFCC after he returned the money and did not ask

Metuh of the source of the money before and after he returned it.

“I was only helping him (Metuh) to discharge his obligations as the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP,” he said, adding that he performed the functions for which he was paid the N25m.

Dabo said he has not being able to ask Metuh of the source of the money till now as efforts to meet face to face with him proved abortive.

He said he included in his statement at the EFCC on January 6, 2016 that “he did not know how Metuh got the money from which he paid us the generous sum of N25m and I did not ask him.”

He said PDP and by extension, President Goodluck Jonathan’s government benefited immensely from the pub-

licity work by his companies: WhatsApp Naija and the Media Support System.

Earlier, the court refused to accept some documents, including the proposal for the publicity job, the profile of companies and the tenancy agreement with one Florence Okigbo, which the witness sought to tender as evidence.

The judge, in his ruling after an objection to the admissibility of the document by the defence counsel, Onyeachi Ikpeazu, SAN, said the witness did not lay the foundation for tendering of the document.

The court said the tenancy agreement between Florence Okigbo and Abba Dabo is not admissible as it did not conform with the Evidence Act. The court adjourned for continuation of trial.

Customs boss summoned over detaining Saro-Wiwa’s memorial vehicle Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

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ouse of Representatives Standing Committee on Public Petitions has summoned ComptrollerGeneral of Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, Col. Hameed Ali (retd), over continued detention of a sculpted Ken Saro-Wiwa memorial vehicle by customs at Apapa Port in La-

gos.

The summons was announced by committee chairman, Uzoma Nkem-Abonta, yesterday, at an investigative public hearing on the matter in Abuja.

The non-motorised bus was donated to the petitioner, Nigeria Civil Society for the Ogoni Struggle, by an unnamed foundation in the United

Kingdom.

According to a document signed by the Customs’ Assistant Comptroller in charge of Valuation Unit, Moyo Aina, which was submitted to the committee, NCS said the imported bus-like object is a caricature of a Black-Maria truck made of aluminum sheets and with four tyres covered with aluminum sheet and mounted

on a trailer chassis.

Aina added that the import agent approached her unit for local assessment but it was not possible because of reasons including no formal application for the valuation, the importation was not covered by the list of locally valuable goods within her scope and that she felt the object required the atten-

tion and approval of the C o m p t ro l l e r- G e n e r a l because of its “uniqueness”.

She added in her presentation that she at no point in time ordered the seizure of the import neither and neither did the NCS, saying: “The said import is still in the Trader’s Zone. It has not been officially presented to the Nigeria Customs

Service, through a Declaration.”

But a letter written to CG Ali dated November 11, 2015 by the Area Controller of PTML Area Command in Apapa, said the vehicle in question has an inscription thus: “I Accuse The Oil Companies of Practising Genocide Against Ogoni” and the Customs considered it “inciting”.

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Non-smart phone users to enjoy Facebook on Glo

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illions of nonsmart phone users in the country can now enjoy the privilege of using their phones to connect to Facebook without internet connection on Glo network.

The telecom company said the service can be accessed on its network by dialling *206# before following the sms prompts to conclude the process.

“Ordinarily, customers are required to purchase data and hook to the internet only on smart phones before gaining access to social platforms, including Facebook.

“With this service, the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data, USSD, is leveraged as an access medium for smart and non-smart phone users to connect to their Facebook accounts and carry out primary Facebook activities such as News Feed, My status, Like or Comment,

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Friday, February 5, 2016

Finding friends, Requesting for Friends and more,” the statement said.

According to the statement, the service will cut across all segments.

“As a home-grown telecom company making Nigerians proud, Glo Mobile is proud to offer subscribers the most innovative services at the most pocket-friendly rates,” the statement added.

According to Globacom, the introduction of Facebook without Internet is a clear testimony that the company is a premium brand with innovative services designed to meet the expectations of all its customers.

“We care about our subscribers and are aware that they frequently visit the social media platforms.

This is why this new service is another innovative product to bring pleasure to customers,” it concluded.

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Arms deal: Court to rule on Dasuki’s release Feb 8 Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

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igh Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, will on February 8, 2016, rule on whether or not to discharge the embattled former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, from the criminal charges preferred against him by the Federal Government.

Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf fixed the date after counsel to Dasuki, Joseph Daudu, SAN, and counsel to the Federal Government, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, argued on a motion before the court seeking the release of Dasuki.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, Daudu, while ar-

guing the motion urged the court to prohibit the Federal Government from further prosecuting or further seeking any indulgence from the court until the bail granted Dasuki is allowed.

Daudu also asked Justice Baba-Yusuf to discharge Dasuki of all offences contained in the charge against him on the ground that the Federal Government cannot lawfully prosecute the accused, having been in contempt of the court.

He premised his submission on the fact that Justice Baba-Yusuf had on December 18 last year, granted Dasuki bail and that after perfecting the bail conditions he was allegedly re-arrested and taken to the custody of the Department of Stated

Service, DSS. The defence lawyer said since he was rearrested on December 29, when the bail conditions were perfected, Dasuki had been kept away from his lawyers and family members.

The counsel therefore urged the court to enforce or compel the government to obey the bail conditions granted Dasuki.

In his own submission, Jacobs informed the judge that the motion seeking Dasuki’s release was an abuse of the court process because there was no evidence placed before the court that the accused was re-arrested

by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Jacobs, who said he is representing EFCC in the

instant case, revealed that it was DSS, another arm of the security agency of the government that rearrested Dasuki on the ground that they were investigating an alleged breach of service law when he was in the Army.

Besides, he said Dasuki was a fugitive for seven years and he is being investigated for series of alleged offences.

He advised Dasuki to evoke section 46 of the constitution and institute a civil action to challenge his arrest and enforce his fundamental right to his liberty and urged the court to deny the application.

After listening to all the submissions, Justice BabaYusuf fixed February 8, 2016 for ruling.

Students attack media house over WAEC fees

…injure one, damage 9 vehicles Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

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ome protesting senior secondary students of public schools in Ile Ife, Osun State, yesterday laid siege to the premises of Osun State Broadcasting Corporation, OSBC, Oke Itase, damaging nine vehicles over allegation that government refused to pay their West African Examination Council, WAEC, fees.

The rampaging students, who also vandalised the station, injured a staff before the situation could be brought under control.

The protesters also pelted the station manager, Mr. Adeoye Bakare, with stones and injured him in the mouth, and pulled down the gate to the complex.

According to sources, trouble started when students of public secondary schools in the town were told by authorities of their schools to pay some amount of money for them to sit for the West

African School Certificate, WASC, examinations.

Because this did not go down well with them, they mobilised and decided to visit the station to register their grievances.

They attacked the station, pulled down its gate, while others perforated the fence in order to force themselves in.

The students were later dispersed by a detachment of policemen who fired tear gas canisters at them.

L-R: Deputy Registrar, Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Dr Josaih Tagwai-Kantiyok; Director, Disease Control, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Ifeoma Anigbogu and National President,Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Dr Edgar Amos-Sunday, at the presentation of Anti-Rabies Vaccines to Faculties of Veterinary Medicine in nine Federal Universities in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO:NAN

PDP celebrates Akwa-Ibom, Abia Supreme Court rulings Obiora Ifoh ABUJA

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eoples Democratic Party, PDP, said the Supreme Court has further reinvigorated the hope and trust of the citizenry in the judiciary as the bastion of democracy with Wednesday’s rulings affirming the elections of Governors Udom Emmanuel and Okezie Ikpeazu of Akwa-Ibiom and Abia states, respectively.

Acting National Chairman of the party, Prince

Uche Secondus, in a statement yesterday praised the maturity of the judges of the apex court for restoring the confidence of the people in the judicial process.

“Indeed, the PDP and all lovers of democracy in the country commend the maturity and patriotism being displayed by the Supreme Court in dispensing justice, a development, which has strengthened the confidence of the people in democracy and rule of law,” he said.

He said Wednesday’s rulings, along with those of last week, which affirmed the elections of Nyesom Wike and Dave Umahi of Rivers and Ebonyi states, respectively, have not only put a seal on the popularity of PDP governors, as duly reflected in the elections, but also that of the party, irrespective of the temporary setback of the 2015 general elections.

“Nigerians are no longer in doubt of the fact that in spite of the electoral

challenges, PDP remains the only pan-Nigeria party, committed to the national interest, with the capacity, vision and direction to deliver and sustain a united and prosperous country; the reason we are working hard to regain power at the center in 2019.

“While congratulating our governors and indeed, all well-meaning Nigerians for this triumph of democracy, we restate our charge to all PDP elected and appointed office holders at all levels across the

country to continue to patriotically exert themselves, while maintaining the lead in providing purposeful leadership in line with the ideology and visions of PDP founding fathers.

“Despite the challenges, we assure Nigerians that we will not relent but continue to be steadfast in showing leadership at all levels especially at this point where other political platforms offer no hope or governance direction to the people,” he added.

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Osun Obas’ Council meeting disrupted …as Owa clash with Ooni’s aide BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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onthly meeting of Osun State Council of Obas yesterday ended abruptly when the Owa Obokun, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, clashed with some aides of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over issues not unconnected with who chairs the meeting.

It would be recalled that before the presentation of staff to the Ooni on December 7, 2015, the Owa acted as chairman of the council.

At the October 2015 meeting of the council, Oba Aromolaran presided over in acting capacity, some prominent monarchs, including the Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Adedotun, stayed away, in apparent protest of the decision of the council to allow the Owa to lead it.

Also, during the November meeting of the council, Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, it was said moved that Oba Aromolaran be made permanent chairman of the council, a development that caused a stir among monarchs in the state and heightened fears of a clash whenever the new Ooni starts attending the council’s meeting.

During the December 2015 meeting of the council, however, the much expected collision did not happen, as aides of Ooni brought a special chair for him after the Owa had occupied the seat meant for whoever would chair the meeting.

Also, at the meeting, Aromolaran, while introducing other members of the council, introduced himself as deputy chairman of the council.

At yesterday’s meeting of the council, some aides of Ooni of Ife, it was learnt, brought a special seat for him and stood by it, awaiting the arrival of Oba Ogunwusi.

Upon arrival at the venue, few minutes after 9am, Owa Obokun, it was also gathered, went to the raised platform where Ooni’s seat was placed and ordered the aide watching

over it to leave, while the aide reportedly, dismissed his order.

“There was a kind of struggle and we just saw that white cloth of the Emese (Ooni’s aide) was torn and the meeting just ended before it commenced at all,” a source told our correspondent.

When contacted, Moses Olafare, the media aide to Ooni of Ife, said that the Ooni remained the permanent chairman of the council was not contestable since there is a law that backs it.

“Ooni will not want to be drawn into what happened, Oba Ogunwusi remained the permanent chairman of Osun Obas’ council, according to law.”

As part of fallout of the council’s meeting, members of the council were seeing leaving the Government House, Okefia, in motorcade after reportedly meeting with Governor Rauf Aregbesola, where the matter was resolved.

In what was believed as the final resolution of the matter, the Ooni of Ife in company of most members of the Obas’ Council later went to the Owa’s place in Ilesha, where they held a closed door meeting with him.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Oba Aromolaran, said Ooni’s visit was a surprise and least expected one, saying “now that you have come to show hand of friendship, I will now join your unity train to unify the Yoruba race.”

Responding, Ooni of Ife noted that the stool of Owa is among the prominent ones in Yorubaland, adding that “it is in my own interest and that of the larger Yoruba people to relate very well with the Owa. I just spent about three months on the throne now, while you, Owa has spent about 45 years.

“It is my responsibility to visit you first because you have been on the throne for long. It has been said by God almighty that I should come and liberate Yorubaland and to ensure peace and unity.

I am not engaging in any supremacy or leadership tussle with anybody.”

L-R: Minister of Transport, Mr Rotimi Ameachi; Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola; Deputy Governor Titi Laoye-Tomori and Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, at an inspection of the on-going project of MKO Abiola International Airport by the minister in Osogbo, during a tour of Federal Government projects in Osun, yesterday.

Lagos opposes Synagogue’s fresh application to quash coroner’s verdict •Alimosho Coroner Court does not exist –SCOAN MATTHEW IRINOYE

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egistered Trustees of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN, have insisted that the Lagos State Coroner Court, which presided over the inquest into the collapse of sixstorey building within the premises of the church, does not exist in law.

The SCOAN also insisted on the need for a judicial review of the Lagos State coroner system.

It would be recalled that SCOAN had filed a suit before Justice Kazeem Alogba of an Ikeja High Court seeking an order quashing the verdict of the coroner’s court presided over by Magistrate Komolafe Oyetade on the grounds that the court exceeded its statutory jurisdiction.

Komolafe and the Attorney General, Lagos State, are listed as respondents in the suit.

At the resumed proceedings yesterday before Justice Alogba, counsel to SCOAN, Mr. E.L. Akpofure, SAN, informed the court of a filed application challenging the jurisdiction of the coroner’s court.

He said, “The Coroner’s Court of Lagos State, Alimosho District, that presided over and delivered the verdict is unknown to Coroner’s Court of Lagos State, 2007, and Coroner’s System Law (Subsidiary Legislation), which established Coroner’s Court in Lagos State.”

He further argued that “the Lagos Coroner’s System Law, 2007 only established Lagos, Ikeja, Yaba and Apapa districts” and that Alimosho Coroner’s district which presided over the Synagogue building collapse inquest was not a creation of the law.

He buttressed the argument that the inquest acted in excess of its jurisdiction.

But the state government urged the court to dismiss with substantial cost the suit filed by the registered trustees.

Responding to Akpofure’s submission, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, said the issue of wrong heading of the nomenclature of the coroner was a mere irregularity which lacked the grounds to render the proceedings of the coroner invalid.

While describing it as a mere technical point, Kazeem said such argument was not directed at substantial justice, and as such the court should discountenance it.

Speaking on the powers of the Attorney General of a state to file criminal charge, Kazeem, who cited the case of Okereke Onyuike versus the people of Lagos State to buttress his argument, said once satisfied that a prima fa-

cie evidence has been established, the Attorney General has powers to file criminal charge even without the input of the police.

While questioning the jurisdiction of the court to hear the instant suit, Kazeem argued that the trustees of the church were clearly out of time as mandated by Order 40, Rule 4 of the rules of the court within which to file the suit, and as such, the case was dead on arrival.

He said under the rules, such application ought to have been brought within three months of the decision of the coroner, but it was filed on January 13, 2016, almost six months after the verdict of the coroner, which was delivered on July 8, 2015.

Alogba, in a brief bench ruling, said he would give the matter the urgency it deserved being a matter of public importance.

He, thereafter, fixed February 19 for judgment.

OPC members reject Adams as National Coordinator KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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nother crisis may be brewing in the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Odua People’s Congress, OPC, as members of the group yesterday in Ibadan, Oyo State, said National Coordinator of the group, Gani Adams, has outlived his usefulness

over what they called his style of administration.

While stating that he was no longer capable of leading the group, OPC members under the aegis of National Coordinating Council, NCC, from Kwara, Oyo, Ondo, Bayelsa, Delta, Sokoto and Kaduna states, also called on Yoruba elders of thought and traditional rulers to prevail on Adams to listen to

the voice of reason and quit.

Kwara State Coordinator of the group, Comrade Salam Marruff Olanrewaju, while addressing journalists, accused Adams of turning the group into his personal property such that he is the only one dictating the fortune of the group to the detriment of other teeming members of the group.

While reading a state-

ment titled “The reformation within the Odua People’s Congress and the change of leadership”, he stated that for the past decade and a half that Adams has been at the helm of affairs as National Coordinator of the group, his activities had made many to see the organisation as lacking respect for elders and that of betrayers.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Friday, February 5, 2016

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Arrest of Ekiti ex-PDP scribe invitation to anarchy —APC ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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ll Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State has warned against alleged unjust arrest of the former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, state secretary, Dr. Tope Aluko.

The APC which accused the state governor of assuming the role of a judge in his own case, said such a planned arrest is “capable of stoking anger among the citizens, APC members in particular, to cause a breakdown of law and order.

APC state publicity secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said in a statement in Ado Ekiti yesterday that if Aluko must be investigated for perjury, other PDP members that testified at the election petitions tribunal, including the governor, must submit themselves to the charge of perjury since they presented the same evidence at the tribunal.”

The statement was in reaction to the warrant of arrest granted by an Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrate Court on Wednesday for the arrest of Aluko over alleged perjury in his confession on how the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State was allegedly rigged in favour of the PDP. Olatunbosun stated: “Attempt to arrest Aluko while leaving out other people that presented

same evidence at the tribunal appearances will be considered as a witchhunt being encouraged by the court to hound Aluko into jail to block transparency in the investigation of the Ekiti poll fraud that brought the governor to power.”

The APC spokesman who described the haste with which the court came to the aid of the governor as provocative, said it had expected the court to ask for the evidence of perjury in what Aluko said in the confession “because to our knowledge, he did not speak on oath on the television programme.

“Conversely, if it is on the basis of Aluko’s testimony at the tribunal where he swore on oath that he is being hounded for arrest, we can then assume that his testimony at the tribunal is not true and so he must face a perjury case.

“Even though we know that the problem between the gover nor and Aluko is purely an inter nal problem of the PDP, it is nevertheless an attempt to cover the truth in the investigation of the election crime that deprived our candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, of victory in the June 21, 2014 gover norship election.

“Our party will respond with equal measure if any attempt is promoted to block transparency in the investigation of the crime,” Olatunbosun concluded.

L-R: General Manager, Public Affairs, NCAA, Mr. Sam Adurogboye; Nigeria’s representative in International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Mr. Martins Nwafor; Director of Airworthiness, Engr. Benedict Adeyileka and Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA), Capt. Muhtar Usman, at a press conference on the crash of Bristow Helicopter in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO. ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA

Ogun records first case of Lassa fever in Ota ....places 60 others on surveillance FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

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gun State government yesterday confirmed that it has recorded its first case of the deadly Lassa fever.

The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, who broke the news to journalists during a press conference held in Abeokuta, the state capita, said the victim was discovered on Wednesday night around 8pm at an hospital in Sango/Ota in the Ado-Odo/ Ota Local Government Area of the state.

The commissioner explained that the 28-yearold victim (name withheld) who is an indigene returned to the state on

January 15, 2016 from Ebonyi State where she had travelled to for a wedding since January 8 this year.

“Few days after her return, she started having fever. She reported at Rubi Hospital, Ota, on January 25, 2016. Her case was managed there for some days till February 2, before she was transferred to the Central Hospital, Ota,” the commissioner explained.

According to him, authorities at the State Hospital, Ota, contacted the Ministry of Health when it was obvious that the victim was exhibiting symptoms of the disease.

He stated further that his ministry took her blood sample and sent it to the Lagos Univer-

sity Teaching Hospital, LUTH, from where results of tests conducted on her confirmed the disease.

Ipaye added that the victim has been moved to the isolation unit of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, OOUTH, Sagamu, while the two hospitals where the lady had been treated for malaria before the state government took over her case have been sealed off until they are de-contaminated to prevent possible spread of the disease.

He stated that 60 persons who had primary contacts both from the first and second hospitals where she was earlier admitted have been placed on surveillance to enable government observe

them for the incubation period of 21 days.

The commissioner also disclosed that the first 19 cases reported a fortnight ago have completed their incubation days and that all of them, including the FUNAAB student earlier placed under surveillance have been discharged and declared free of Lassa fever.

While assuring that the state government is keeping tab on them, Ipaye also allayed the people’s fear, stressing that government would not leave any stone unturned to prevent the spread of the disease.

The commissioner urged the people to report suspicious case of bleeding or fever to the nearest health center in the state.

Minister lauds police cooperation on BVN, IPPIS CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

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inister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, yesterday expressed satisfaction with the cooperation of the Nigerian Police Force on the implementation of the Bank Verification Number, BVN, and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System, IPPIS. Adesoun said the police are among the agencies used as pilot for the BVN verification initiatives, add-

ing that the force’s full cooperation helped in streamlining the payroll system.

According to her, she hoped that by March, the police would be loaded onto the IPPIS system, adding that the move would enable officers and men of the police force get their salaries earlier than other civil servants.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mr. Solomon Arase, and his team for their coopera-

tion with the initiative of the Ministry of Finance and the Office of Accountant General in terms of the payroll system. The police are some of the agencies that have been piloted to provide their payroll for this BVN verification. They have cooperated fully in providing the data, information as well as the reassurances we needed and as a result we would be able to load the police onto the IPPIS system hopefully

by March,” she said.

Adeosun said they also discussed about

housing scheme for the welfare of the rank and file of the police, stressing that the ministry would work out a housing solution suitable for the force.

Her words: “We have had some discussions around housing schemes. We are trying to design housing finance for the Ministry of Housing and it was interesting speaking on the matter with the IGP because he has a similar programme for the police force; we need to find a housing solution

for them that motivates and cost-effective.”

The IGP, in his response, noted that the visit was to reassure the minister of the readiness of the police in securing assets of the ministry.

“I just decided that I should come and congratulate you on your appointment and pledge the loyalty of the police family in ensuring that all the critical assets attached to the ministry is well protected so that we have a seamless operation as they will help

us manage monetary and financial policies properly.”

He further sought the cooperation of the ministry in improving the delivery of security service in the country.

Mrs. Kemi Adeosun

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Friday, February 5, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Doctor shot as NMA declares 3-day strike

• We applied minimal force –Police Chris Njoku OWERRI

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attle between the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Imo State chapter, and the state government over the concession of health institutions in the state yesterday turned bloody following the shooting of a renowned consultant Family Physician, Dr. Bede Azudialor, by the police.

Azudialor, a staff of Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Owerri, was allegedly shot in the head by a yet-to-be identified police officer during a protest rally in Owerri

by NMA against the anti-life policies of the state government.

According to report, the injured doctor was first rushed to the emergency unit of FMC, Owerri, from where he was moved to the intensive care unit and later ferried to an undisclosed hospital.

State Chairman of the Nigerian Guild of Doctors, Dr. Darlington Akukwu, who briefed newsmen on the incident at the NMA secretariat, Owerri, later announced a three-day warning strike by doctors in the state to protest the alleged police brutality against their colleague.

He called on InspectorGeneral of Police, IGP Solomon Arase, to compel the police commissioner in Imo State, Taiwo Lakanu, to produce the culprit that perpetrated the wicked act, just as he pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari for thorough investigation of the matter.

Akukwu warned that failure to produce the triggerhappy police officer would provoke an indefinite strike by the NMA in the state.

When contacted, the state PPRO, DSP Andrew Enwerem, said the police only used tear gas to disperse the protesting doctors when they

grew violent.

“Police did not shoot anybody and nobody who is shot on the head will ever remain alive. Let them produce a doctor’s report to confirm it was a real case of shooting on the head. Anybody can pick any blood stained material from anywhere and claim he was shot,” Enwerem said.

He also maintained that the police applied minimal force to disperse the protesting doctors. “There is a government in the state and there should be no state of lawlessness in the state.

They were demonstrating on the road, moving beyond

the boundary of Freedom Square,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the association has kicked against the appointment of non-medical personnel as commissioner for health in the state by Governor Rochas Okorocha, arguing that the action clearly shows that the government lacks clear sense of direction on health matters.

“This unacceptable action is comparable to putting a square peg in a round hole which is a harbinger of total collapse of healthcare delivery in Imo State.”

In a statement jointly signed by Dr. Hyacinth Emele and Dr. Kyrian Duruewuru,

the respective chairman and secretary, read to newsmen, the association regretted that despite repeated advice, the state government stubbornly went ahead to concession virtually all state public health institutions from primary to tertiary.

It warned that concessioning of public health institutions in the state would not only make the healthcare services unaffordable, unavailable and inaccessible, but also make Imo completely lose the assistance of donor agencies and partners such as WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, World Bank, global fund among others that sponsor

immunisation, malaria, tuberculosis, family planning, and HIV/AIDS services in these health institutions. It adding that the state would equally lose from the huge funds available from the national primary healthcare development agency as enshrined in the National Health Act 2015.

Also, chairman of Association of General Medical Practitioners, Imo State branch, Dr. Phillip Njemanze, accused the governor of partnering with alleged syndicates from Kosovo and Croatia to form an international human organ trafficking organisation.

NGO sensitises Anambra workers on prostate cancer Francis Ekpone ONITSHA

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s the world marks World Cancer Day, over 3,000 civil servants in the employ of Anambra State government were yesterday enlightened on cancer management and prevention by the state’s Ministry of Health in collaboration with an NGO, Civil Society for Cancer Eradication in Nigeria, CiSCANEN, and the State Library Board.

The celebration that took place at the Hall of fame of Anambra State Library Board witnessed large turnout of civil servants, other NGOs, traditional rulers, students including Students of Midwifery, Adazi, School of Nursing, Iyienu, and School of Nursing and Midwifery, Nkpor.

In his address, State Coordinator of CiSCANEN, Mrs Gloria Nwafor, said the aim of this year’s World Cancer Day, with theme, ‘We Can; I Can’ is to raise awareness and reawaken everybody’s commitment towards fighting the scourge of cancer.

She maintained that the vision of the organisation is to envision a cancer free Ni-

geria through coordination of overall effort in civil society organisation involved in the fight against cancer, related morbidity and mortality in Nigeria through collaboration with relevant stakeholders and implementation of developmental projects and programmes that promote quality reproductive health care services and empowerment of Nigerian communities.

One of the resource persons at the event, Dr. Obiesie Emmanuel, in his lecture entitled: ‘Prostrate Cancer’ noted that cancer of the prostrate is common among men of 40 years and above while identifying its symptoms as terminal dripping, hesitancy, incomplete emptying, chronic urinary retention, straining among others.

He enjoined everyone, especially men to avoid too much alcohol intake, red meat and smoking but rather take enough fruits and vegetables.

He also informed that cancer of the breast and cervix is more common among Nigerian women and that of prostate cancer among men of 40 years and above, while advocating that getting back to natural diet, practicing

L-R: A Staff of British High Commission, Catherine Wecss; Commandant, National Defence College, Rear Admiral Samuel Alade; I-G Solomon Arase and Senator Abubakar Kyari, during a roundtable on Security Stabilisation for the North East in Abuja Yesterday

APC leadership crisis deepens in Ebonyi Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

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eadership crisis in All Progressives Congress, APC, Ebonyi State chapter, yesterday deepened as factional chairman of the party, Mr. Ben Nwobashi, threatened to sue his deputy, Pastor Eze Nwachukwu, for allegedly parading himself as the state party chairman.

It would be recalled that the party since its first congress that produced Nwobashi as chairman in April 2014 has been bedeviled with controversy.

It was gathered that Eze organised a kangaroo meeting and impeached Nwobashi for an alleged financial misappropriation, which investigation revealed was not granted

by the national body of APC. Nwobashi had since urged the public and party faithful to ignore the purported sack, just as he threatened legal action to restrain his deputy from parading himself as state chairman of the party, granting media report or raising memos with the name or on behalf of APC in the state.

He noted that since the suspension of Eze for alleged anti-party activities in 2015, Eze has continued to parade himself as the state chairman of party, an avenue the embattled deputy chairman has been allegedly using to extort money from unsuspecting members of the public.

The factional chairman alleged that Eze has been writing several letters to

stakeholders of the party in the state for financial assistance, thereby warning the public to stay away from the alleged impostor “because Nwachukwu Eze is never the chairman of APC in Ebonyi State.

“Nwachukwu Eze is not the state chairman of APC. He was the deputy state chairman but after the 2015 election, he was place on suspension for anti-party activities. Since then, he has been parading himself as the state chairman of the party. He has forged the letter-headed paper of the party, using it to extort money from people.

“He has written several letters to stakeholders for financial assistance. Many of them have called me to know whether such letters emanated from my office,”

Nwobashi said.

The party which has been embroiled in crisis since after its congresses in April, 2015 that produced the Nwobashi-led executive has three state offices operated by Nwobashi and Eze respectively.

Nwobashi further advised the people not to relate with him because the National secretariat of APC does not recognise Eze’s faction, also stressing that the only state office of the party is the one along Old Abakaliki-Enugu road, opposite Eagle Royal hotel in Abakaliki.

He therefore reassured the people that the state APC is still committed with its change mantra to provide people-oriented development and uncommon transformation in the state.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Keyamo warns over spurious allegations against Kachikwu’s family Benson Edjewhovbo

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amily of Minister of Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has warned against dragging it into unnecessary controversies, including meddling in the affairs of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, or the minister’s portfolio.

According to a press release by Festus Keyamo, solicitor to Dumebi Kachikwu, who is junior brother to the minister, there have been unsubstantiated reports in a section of the media, alleging, among others, that Dumebi has been interfering in the running of the NNPC as well as influencing who gets what at the corporation.

Keyamo therefore, warned that his client has given him instruction to issue necessary legal processes against any media organisation that henceforth publishes unsubstantiated

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Friday, February 5, 2016

allegations against Dumebi Kachikwu or the Kachikwu family.

The legal luminary argued that those who know the Kachikwu family in Delta State would attest to their very proud heritage and that it was inconceivable to think that a highly cerebral Dr. Ibe Kachikwu would find it difficult to draw a line between family and public office.

“The truth of the matter is that those who are sponsors of these publications are expressing their frustration at not getting what they want through cronies and family members, as had always been the custom.

“They cannot align themselves with the new regime of due process, competence and transparency in the NNPC. They have therefore, resorted to blackmail. And unfortunately, a section of the press is now a willing tool in their hands,” Keyamo stated.

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.7m babies die yearly due to lung immaturity –Minister Richard Ndoma CALABAR

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bout 717,000 newborn babies die every year in Nigeria due to premature birth, which occur as a result of failure to breath after birth.

Minister of Health, Prof.

Osagie Ehanire, made the revelation yesterday in Calabar while speaking at a health sensitisation campaign against premature babies to stakeholders in the health sector.

He said babies could live even when infected if caregivers are able to identify signs of infections in pregnant women before time of

delivery.

The minister, who spoke through a principal health education officer in the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Mrs. Ajoko Janet, charged pregnant women to ensure that they make regular visit to the nearest health facility each time they experienced abdominal pain and severe headache, bleeding and water leakage before time of delivery.

Ehanire stated that premature babies when born end up dying due to lung immaturity.

According to him, development partners like the World Health Organisation, WHO, have made drugs available in health facilities

to strengthen newborn lungs and increase their chances of survival from day one to the last day of delivery.

The minister maintained that four drugs have been made available to health facilities which when administered could address any infection that had hitherto put the health of the newborn at risk, stressing that the newly-introduced drugs includes injectable antibiotics, antenatal corticosteroid (Dexamethasones and Betamethasone), resuscitation Devices, four per cent chlorhexidine Gel that could be used by medical experts to treat infections in newborns.

During a brief chat with journalist, the minister`s

representative harped on the symptoms of the infection in newborns in the first 28 days of life, adding that an infected baby could be seen to have high/low temperature, inability or difficulty in breathing, skin rashes, fast breathing fits and convulsion, adding that many lives could be saved if an infection is noticed early and treated.

Earlier, special adviser to Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State on Community and Primary Healthcare, Dr. Betta Edu, had said the state recorded about 157 deaths of newborn babies in 2015 due to lungs immaturity.

Oyegun’s statement not statesmanly —Wike’s aide Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

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ational Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, John Odigie-Oyegun, has been cautioned on his recent statement that there is something ‘fundamentally wrong’ with Supreme Court judgments.

Special adviser to Rivers State governor on political matters, Pastor Monwan Etete, condemned the statement and cautioned the APC leadership not to subject the apex court’s decision to “a street discourse.”

Etete said the decision of the Supreme Court, not just in Nigeria but the world over, is final and must be respected by all parties irrespective of interest, adding that APC was a party that does not accept anything that doesn’t favour its members.

“When the election tribunal and the appeal courts gave judgment in favour of the APC, they were all happy. But the Supreme Court has come to correct these judgments, and they are now shouting wolf - that there is something fundamentally wrong with the judgment,” he said.

Etete also said the meet-

ing of the APC governorship candidate, Dakuku Peterside with Oyegun in Abuja on Wednesday was a clear indication that the APC leadership was planning something sinister in the forthcoming legislative re-run elections in the state.

“They have realised that suddenly they have lost everything in the state and having realised that they got the money used in sponsoring the APC in last year’s election from Rivers State, they will want to do everything possible to collapse everything the former government of President Goodluck Jonathan put in place.

“There is also the fear that because the APC does not have a majority in the National Assembly, NASS, they will want to do everything possible to manipulate the re-run elections so that they can form a majority in the NASS, and then at the state level, install the Speaker for the lower chamber. “When the governor (Wike) said anybody that wants to come and rig the election in Rivers State should prepare his will and the APC reacted the way they did, people should ask why they find the governor’s warning worrisome.

Staff and officials of the Ministry of Health and Civil Society Organisations at a rally as part of the events marking the World Cancer Day, in Awka yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

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head of the State and National Assembly re-run elections scheduled for March 19, 2016, Senator Magnus Abe has appealed to candidates of political parties to discourage their supporters from engaging in violence.

Abe, in a statement issued yesterday and signed by his media aide, Parry Saroh Benson, said: “We owe our people the moral responsibility as leaders, irrespective of our political affiliations, to ensure that our supporters shun all forms of violence and thuggery

Rivers re-run: Abe tasks candidates on issue-based campaigns before, during and after the elections.”

The statement enjoined all candidates to lend their voice to the campaign against political violence as this would go a long way to save lives, which no man could create, and check the excesses of party supporters.

Abe, who is a candidate in the forthcoming Rivers South East Senatorial election, condemned in its entirety a statement credited to Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike,

that the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, officials coming to Rivers State should write their will, describing it as not only inappropriate but unhelpful as it is a call to violence.

He noted that INEC officials have ever been summarily tried, sentenced and extra-judicially executed, which is what the governor is now calling for.

He appealed to the candidates to be issue-based in their campaigns and discuss matters that benefit

the people.

“Candidates should desist from indulging in character assassination, campaign of calumny, attrition and naked propaganda,” it statement added.

It equally called on youths to refrain from making themselves willing tools in the hands of unscrupulous politicians who may want to use them to perpetrate violence for their selfish interest while, their children are living comfortably and safe overseas.

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North

Friday, February 5, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

EFCC storms Katsina over missing funds James Danjuma Katsina

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fficials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have allegedly stormed Katsina State over missing funds.

A source, who spoke with our correspondent yesterday, said the EFCC had been in the state since Monday, and had been up and about with its work.

The source said the commission’s officials were in the state ostensibly to investigate alleged financial misappropria-

tion perpetrated under the former administration.

Ibrahim Shema was the former governor and had governed for eight years from 2007 to 2015 - on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. It was learnt that the presence of EFCC officials was kept under wraps to ensure their investigation doesn’t run into hitches.

The source said some state officials of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, had been invited to appear before the commission.

Also asked to appear are some former council area chairmen, alongside selected political office holders that served under Shema.

The source said the EFCC’s presence may not be unconnected with the huge amount of money, about N7.9 billion, that went unaccounted for during Shema’s tenure in the state Joint Account with

the local governments.

He also said another misappropriated N5 billion SURE-P funds may be in consideration by the commission.

The source alleged that some political office holders that served under Shema had turned overnight friends of the current Governor Aminu Masariled government, with the hope of being spared in

the investigation.

In June last year, the EFCC had invited four government officials that served under Shema to clarify some financial transactions.

The invited officials included the state accountant general, permanent secretary for Ministry of Agriculture, his works counterpart, and the general manager of Katsina

State Road Maintenance Agency, KASROMA. The officials were directed to appear before the EFCC with documents detailing financial transactions in their respective ministries and departments.

Spokesperson for the police in the state, Abubakar Sadiq, didn’t respond when asked about the visit by the EFCC to the state.

NLC issues 7-day ultimatum to Bello on workforce verification Wale Ibrahim Lokoja

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igeria Labour Congress, NLC, in Kogi State, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the state government to rescind its decision to screen workers before payment of October 2015 salary.

While addressing journalists after a closed-door meeting of organised labour leaders in Lokoja, yesterday, state chairman of the congress, Comrade Onuh Edoka, exonerated labour from the government’s decision to verify the actual number of workers before payment of October 2015 salary.

Edoka explained that the state government has gone contrary to its earlier agreement with Governor

Yahaya Bello, noting that there was never a time the issue of verification was discussed with him.

According to him, the government met with permanent secretaries and issued profoma forms to workers for verifications, instructing them to submit 24 months’ bank statements.

The NLC boss also stated that it has been brought to notice of labour that the state government is calling for the sack of the workers whose employment letters dated from January 2015.

He therefore urged the state government to rescind its decision with next seven days after which the NLC would direct the state civil servants to continue their strike.

Military vows to crush saboteurs Ubong Ukpong Abuja

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efence Headquarters, DHQ, yesterday vowed to crush anyone or groups that attempt to distabilise or sabotage the peace, security and economy of the nation.

This followed information available to it that a group of persons was threatening to embark on acts of sabotage against the Nigerian state.

Thus, in a statement through its Director of Defence Information, DDI, Brig-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, DHQ said it would not trade the peace and stability of the country for any

interests by certain persons or groups.

It warned that the military and other security agencies would not condone acts capable of breaching the security and economic activities in the Niger Delta or any part of the country.

“This is because the nation’s interest is above that of individuals or group.

“Much as the military recognises the supremacy of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and association, the constitution also frowns at individuals or groups hiding under it to stir trouble and insecurity in the land.

L-R: President, Kwara State Shippers Association, Alhaji Abdulkadir Alanamu; Executive Secretary/ CEO, Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Hassan Bello; Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and Director, Commercial Shipping Services, Mrs. Dabney ShallHolma, during a one day National Airfreight Summit in Ilorin, yesterday.

Area court judge remanded in prison over land deals Williams Attah Gombe

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Gombe Area Court Judge, Umar Gwani, was yesterday remanded in prison custody by the Federal High Court, Gombe, for alleged fraud of N7 million.

Also to stay in prison custody with the judge till February 22 for proper arraignment in court is Abdulmumini Zaradeen, who was also alleged to be an ac-

complice in the act.

Speaking after the court’s session, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, told newsmen that the accused persons sometime in September 2012, among themselves, conspired and did the illegal act by not following due process in distributing inherited plot of land, which belong to the state government.

According to him, the suspect and eight others went ahead with the sale of

the plots to the complainant, Ahmed Mohammed, through his brother, Sagir Audu Maikano.

He said the accused persons thereby committed an offence contrary and punishable under section 8 (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

He said two other suspects, Mohammed Musa Pantami (now at large) and Abdulmumini Zaradeen also issued false document for the plots, which is con-

trary and punishable under section 467 of the Criminal Code Act Law of the Federation.

The EFCC counsel said they would remain in prison custody till February 22, the adjourned date for proper arraignment before the court.

Counsel to the suspects, Mr. Muknaan Gurumye, told newsmen that Gwani acted in his official capacity in the process of distributing the inheritance and did not cheat any person.

NDLEA raids Kaduna drug haven, arrests 25 ...recovers cocaine, drug baron on the run A za Msue Kaduna

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ational Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Kaduna State command, yesterday raided a popular drug addicts’ den called ‘The Black Street’ in Sabo area of Kaduna, arresting about 25 suspects and traffickers with cocaine and other unlawful drugs.

Kaduna State government since inauguration of the present administration has embarked on illicit drugs campaign, which is believed to be responsible for some crimes.

Some of the suspects paraded at the Kaduna command headquarters of the agency confessed to the crime.

Parading the suspects, NDLEA Commander, Sam-

uel Azige, said during the raid both cracked and powder form of cocaine were recovered from the suspects.

Azige said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects wrap powdered cocaine and sell, while they heat and inhale the cracked ones.

He, however, added that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigation was conclud-

ed, adding that they constitute a nuisance and engage in all forms of vices in the area.

“In fact, we have identified the owner of the houses the suspects use, and he told us that he had made efforts to secure his property against the addicts, but when he bought blocks to fence the house the boys packed the blocks and sold them.

Friday, February 5, 2016

Taraba must be included in FG’s rehabilitation programme —Hammawa 14/15

Lawmaker advocates inclusion of library instruction in school curriculum Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

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member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji has called for inclusion of library instruction period in schools’ timetable across the state.

The lawmaker while moving a motion titled, “Improving Reading Culture Through Inclusion of Library Instruction Period in Schools Time-Table in Oyo State”, said the motion is necessary in a bid to improve the reading culture in the state thereby improving the standards of education in the state.

The Labour Party lawmaker charged the house to appeal to the executive arm of the state government to include library instruction on the school time-table and facilitate the establishment of function school libraries stocked with relevant books and other information resources in a bid for students

to relate with books and develop their reading culture.

Oladeji further urged the house to see to the enforcement of recruitment of only professionally qualified school library personnel who can teach and demonstrate library- use and reading skills to students during library periods as well as manage library resources in schools across the state.

She also called on the parents to have reading time at home as she urged companies in the private sector in the state to build and donate libraries to schools and communities as part of their corporate social responsibility.

She similarly urged the house to urge the state ministry of education to facilitate building of more libraries in all the local government areas in the state.

Oladeji then urged schools’ management to include activities such as story hour and reading seminar as parts of activities during the library periods.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics

Group supports Abubakar’s move to investigate Yuguda Ezekiel Titus BAUCHI

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political group known as APC North-east parliament has thrown its weight in support of the decision of Bauchi state Governor, Mohammed Abubakar to investigate major contracts awarded during the tenure of former governor o f the state , Alhaji Isa Yuguda.

The President of the Group, Kabiru Garba Kobi who made this known while briefing newsmen in Bauchi said the move is a testimony to unearth shoddy deals and

how public funds were allegedly siphoned through substandard contracts.

Kobi said that Abubakar’s step will restore confidence in the APC administration and ensure economic development adding that, it will also serve as deterrent against corrupt government officials “Abubakar’s decision to carry out forensic audit of all the ministries, departments and agencies is not to witch-hunt its targets, but to ensure accountability and financial prudence”, Kobi said.

“As a group with vision and mission towards sat-

isfying the yearning and aspiration of the entire Bauchi citizens, we are in full support of Abubakar administration’s courage and determination for a genuine development” said Kobi According to the group, APC at federal and state levels are determine not to condone financial recklessness and rascality thus described Dasuki armsgate as a national disgrace Similarly, the group applauded the blueprints of Abubakar towards the provision of social amenities as well as award of roads construction in the state It noted that its members

will not allow mischief makers to ridicule the APC administration and enjoin the citizenry to support Abubakar and his government.

“Among the Abubakar’s giant strides is the administration renewed commitment to enhance peace and tranquility in spite of the current challenges of insurgency in the North-east”, Kobi said.

“In order to further facilitate the implementation of APC agenda, the governor recently appoints credible technocrats with versatile background as commissioners”, Kobi further said.

INEC ready to conduct Kogi senatorial rerun election Wale Ibrahim LOKOJA

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ndependent National Electoral Commission, INEC has restated its commitment for peaceful conduct of two senatorial seats and five House of Assembly rerun elections which is scheduled to take place on 20th February, 2016 in Kogi State.

The State Resident Electoral Commissioners, REC, Alhaji Halilu Pai disclosed this while speaking during the stakeholders meeting held in Lokoja in preparation for the elections. .

Pai explained the rerun election order was not as a result of violence, noting it was as a result of pre- election matters which arose at tribunal immediately after election.

He pointed out that based

on the eight orders from the Court, it’s incumbent on INEC to conduct a rerun election in the affected areas saying the election would be conducted in two senatorial districts, Kogi Central and Kogi East senatorial districts.

The REC added that in preparation for the election, a total of 90, 806 ad-hoc staff would be recruited for the conduct of the two senatorial seats and five House of Assembly seats election.

Pai stated that the rerun election will take place in Kogi Central senatorial district with only five political parties , LP,MPPP,PDP,SPD participating excluding APC While in Kogi East senatorial district APC is excluded while ACPN,KOWA, LP MPPP,PDP and UPP are to participate .

L-R: Wife of Abia State Deputy Governor, Vivian; Deputy Governor Ude Chukwu; Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and his wife, Nkechi, during their arrival at Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri, after the governor’s victory at the Supreme Court in Abuja.

Ekiti Speaker lauds NAS over youth programme Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

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kiti State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Kola Oluwawole has lauded the Nigerian Academy of Science, NAS over its activities towards improving the lots of the youth in the current period of economic recession.

Oluwawole expressed

joy that NAS’s laudable programmes coming at this period in the country’s life would stand in the gap and offer necessary assistance to ensure a better tomorrow for the nation.

A statement by the Speaker’s Special Assistant (Media), Stephen Gbadamosi, said Oluwawole spoke in Ado Ekiti yesterday while receiving a delegation of NAS which was in the state on an

advocacy visit on “Addressing Gaps in Youth’s Social Development and Reproductive Health in Ekiti State” The speaker said: “It is a thing of joy that Ekiti was picked as one of the beneficiaries of the Academy of Science Youth Development Programme. It is going to assist the youth; they are the leaders of tomorrow.

“I want to assure you that the House will study your

presentation and work with the relevant ministries and departments so as to give it full support. We, as a House are already on the track to collaborate with the Academy.

“There is also the need to look inward as regards our health. As people say, health is wealth. We will support this laudable objective. We will not disappoint you by the grace of God.”

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Politics

Friday, February 5, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Taraba must be included in FG’s The Most Rev. Dr. Charles Hammawa is the Catholic Bishop of Jalingo Diocese.

In this interview with JUSTIN TYOPUUSU, the Bishop speaks on the federal government rehabilitation programme for Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs in the north-east and the persistent herdsmen, farmers crisis in the country among other issues. Excerpts: You recently called on the Federal Government to include Taraba State in the rehabilitation programme. What necessitated this call?

To begin with, in situations of this nature the plight of victims should be the priority of government. The Boko Haram crisis in Yobe, Borno and Adawama overshadowed the crisis in Taraba. Because of this, whatever government did in terms of coming to the aid of the internally displaced persons (IDPs), it was concentrated in these areas.

But if we must go by the definition of what government has set out to do in terms of rehabilitating the north east affected by crisis, Taraba is part of the north east and was also badly affected by crisis . So why in the name of God is it that Taraba did not receive the attention it deserves ? That is what I always questioned and it was in the light of the above that I made that appeal during the interdenominational church service held at CAN centre here in Jalingo that Taraba state should be included. Well, there were times NEMA came here and distributed relief materials haphazardly. I will like to put it that way, but still even with that, some of the Taraba indigenes are not been looked at.

They were forced to flee out of the state. I am referring to most of the Tiv people from central and southern parts of the state who were forced out of their homes and fled to Benue state. Now and again I heard of relief materials coming to Benue and how it affected the people who ran from Taraba to Benue state is the issue. Apart from that, even the Taraba state government as of that time, I am talking of two years ago now I didn’t heard of government efforts to reach out to the people who fled to Benue. There was a time I heard of attempt by the government to reach out to those that fled to Nasarawa, but never in Benue. So, when I am making this call I am also referring to those indigenes of Taraba state that were forced to fled to Benue state and other places to settle.

They should be looked after too, not just people who ran away from Gombe, Adamawa, Borno and Yobe to come and settle in Taraba. These are not the people I am referring to. I am referring to indigenes of Taraba that were affected and some have to run to Benue and other places. I think if the state government had made efforts to reach them and Taraba state was included in this scheme obviously assistance will reach them, so the thing is very wide in this sense. So, if relief come to Taraba, it’s not just to be looked at in term of these people who ran away from other states to come and settle in Taraba, but the people of Taraba who have to run away from the state to go and settle elsewhere.

People have really really suffered and I think government has to do more. Even though I heard of the programme being put in place, I don’t think it included all the places and people affected by the Taraba crisis and that is the basis for my call.

Hammawa

I am making this call I am also referring to those indigenes of Taraba when

state that were forced to fled to

Benue state and other places to settle.

They should be looked after too, not just people who ran away from Gombe, Adamawa, Borno and Yobe to come and settle in Taraba.

There are instances where the church tried to reach out to the IDPs in the state, can you quantify the amount the church has expended on this humanitarian gesture?

From day one when this crisis started in southern Taraba even before the peak of the crisis in the state, we as a church-the

Catholic Church tried to reach out to the people. The handicap we had was that our resources were very limited. However, we tried to buy grains for the displaced people, not so much to eat, but to farm, but because we were stretched to the limit, as I earlier said we couldn’t do what we intended to do. At the heat of the crisis, when we were

witnessing massive displacement of people from the state and people coming into the state from Adamawa, Borno and the rest, we again did something to assist. We camped people in St. Patrick’s Tudun Wada in Zing, here in Jalingo, we camped people in the Cathedral Parish here, one at Kufai, Gulum, the Catholic youth centre in Jauro Yinu and other centres. St. Vincent, the poor Catholic society also came in and hired some tents for people to stay in and the materials and so on. We gave them food and other materials to live on and up till now we still have IDPs we are taking care of as a church.

We roughly spend up to N5million buying grains, food and materials for the IDPs. We have not only buy grains, food and materials for these people, we also tried to talk to them and encourage them to remain calm no matter the amount of provocation and that they should protect themselves as well, because even the Bible said self defense is not an offense.. To us, our talking to them to embrace peace is a continuous process, because most of them are living with the euphoria of the lost of their loved ones and if you don’t talk to them they will live to remember and it’s dangerous in peace building.

The situation in Bali is still worrisome, the Catholic hospital there is overstretched with the high number of victims of attacks coming in. What do you think can be done to address the situation?

Bali is one of the areas that towards the end of last year we were compelled to send relief materials to, to take care of IDPs in the area because of what you have just mentioned. People still hanging there and not being looked at, people still flooding the hospital with little or no money to pay for medication. Government is the number one person or institution to take care of people in situations of this nature. What I would love to see, with this present governor I know he mean well for the people of the state but he needs to do more and should try and paid a visit specifically targeted at areas that were affected by the crisis and the destruction that was done by the crisis as well as the people still hanging in camps in the affected areas. That for me will go a long way before the material help comes. I understand that since that my call, he has gone very far trying to get the federal government to consider Taraba in the rehabilitation programme and he is still making a case, but I still want him to make this specific visit not combining it with anything, political or anything.

Let him go and see first hand destruction caused by this crisis and assess the condition of IDPs. I personally made this visit and during the crisis I narrowly escaped death several times. I believe if he embarks on this visit, he will not but move faster in bringing relief to these people. So, that for me is what the government should do.

The persistent herdsmen/farmers crisis has become a source of worry for many Nigerians. What do you think should be done?

My first call goes to all Nigerians. Even as we have rights as citizens, we also have obligations. So, while I pursue my rights in search for a daily bread, I do know that CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

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Politics

Friday, February 5, 2016

15

rehabilitation programme —Hammawa I am not calling for

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

my rights stop where another person’s rights begin. So, I shouldn’t go out of my way because I am legitimately looking for ways to satisfy my human needs to put others at risk.

We need re-orientation in this country and I know there is an agency for that. For me I think they should include ethical orientation. It’s a call for conversion for all Nigerians.

Pursue your rights, but also know that others too have rights. So, don’t hurt people in the course of pursuing your rights. Why do we say for example we have sanctions for armed robbers. They would say they are looking for ways of survival, but they kill in the process. We say that is wrong and when they are caught, they are sanctioned. No matter your rights; whether it’s right to worship, religious freedom or political association, whatever it is, you should know that there is limit and you must not keep others in arms ways because you are pursuing your rights. So, to me that should be the number one guiding principle. If you are a cattle rearer you must not wait for a farmer to till the soil, sweat, plant, and waiting for his harvest to survive and then you put your cattle in there to feed on the crops because you want your cattle to feed well. Who gives you that right? Where did it come from? Is it in the constitution ? That for me is just like an armed robber going about with gun and robbing people.

That is equal to armed robbery, so they shouldn’t be left free because of that. Secondly, when I was growing up, there was what was called grazing reserves where cattle rearers used to graze their cattle any time they were looking for greener pastures for their herds of cattle. They were only grazing where farmers were not farming and only during the day time. This can still be done, whether we called it grazing reserves or ranches, it’s the same thing. And when this is done, farmers too should not go to these areas, it should be made an exclusive reserves for the grazers. Government should make laws restricting farmers from interfering in these reserves like we have industrial areas in cities where no activity is allowed to take place in such areas and herdsmen too should respect and stick to these rules and areas set out for them. Even though in our country, Nigeria, some people are above the law, but it should not be in this case. Some people are caught in the very act and are set free, while some people are not even caught but are punished, so, again, there should not be sacred cows. Law is law and whoever violates the law should be dealt with no matter how highly placed.

Correct enforcement of the law should be encouraged if we must get it right in this country. Even during the primitive days the natural justice of ‘live and let’s live’ was encouraged and now that we are in a civilize era, we are in a global village and things are going worse. So, I still fall back on the issue of ethical re-orientation for all Nigerians, it’s matter of morality, let us change, let there be conversion. Even corruption that we are talking about today, we must change our orientation towards stealing and corruption before we can get it right, people should know that they must not steal government money before they can live a good life. You must not live a big life at the expense of the poor masses, it’s criminal and nobody should support that.

You spoke of crisis in central and southern zones of the state. Can you say there is peace in these areas now?

As far as I am concerned, peace in these areas is still a far cry. Why? Again the center of attraction is still southern and central Taraba and why Taraba is called the Natures Gift to the Nation is because of the rich soil and vegetation found in central and southern Taraba. Today, the priority of both states and federal government is food security, but we can’t guarantee that in Taraba now because majority of these people who use to do the farm work have been displaced.

If you make a market survey of the cost of food items in the state you will know that prices of foods stuff have gone up. People who farm don’t live in town, they live in villages and were chased out of their houses. Today, it is difficult for these farmers to go to their villages. As I talk to you, there were killings in Wukari and there are killings going on in virtually all places in central and southern Taraba. So, the problem is far from over, even if it is not on the magnitude it was two years ago, it’s still going on, there are still pockets

any appointment for

myself or my priests, it’s not in our

practice to do that as

Catholic priests,

so nobody should

misunderstood me.

Hammawa of killings going on and the farmers are finding it difficult to return. People are occupying houses of the original inhabitants who were chased away. Where these people who are occupying houses of people are coming from is what I want government to open her eyes wide and investigate. People are coming into Taraba in their droves and are taking over people’s homes and are taking over people’s farms and the original inhabitants who were there cannot come back, so again I repeat, the problem is still far from over. Government should send security men to combed these places and chase the miscreants or herdsmen away to pave way for the original inhabitants to return, people should not just be asked to return.

There is a report on Taraba crisis published by Nigeria Security Conflict and Analysis Network, NSCAN which indicated that there is more to this crisis in Taraba. If you have seen the report, what is your reaction to this issue raised in the report?

Yes, I have seen the report, I am still reading it and to a certain extent I agree with the publishers of the report. This is what I have been thinking myself all along. In the history of Taraba, sadly it has happened that there has been conflict in southern and central Taraba intermittently. But these conflicts go after a short while and people return to their places and normal lives continue and after 10 years it comes and go again. But this time around, we saw a crisis that has lingered and lingered and it has continue, so obviously you are bound to ask certain questions and come out with conjectures. The study went round interviewing people and it’s what they have heard and seen that they came out with, which I say even rhyme with my thinking. One is basically left with two reasons, there may be more. And to me, the reasons are political and religious. Somebody wanted to be the governor of Taraba state and they said politics is a game of number and by their own summation, southern and central Taraba has 90 per cent of a particular ethnic group who are Christians and if that ethnic group should vote a candidate it’s going to be an overwhelming victory. So, if one feel threatened in his own ambition to win elections he will do everything to get rid of such a group, that for me is a bottom line, get rid of them because I don’t think they are going to vote for me, once you get rid of them the number for my opponent will be reduced and that was why one ethnic group

was targeted. From the religious perspective, it’s the same thing. I agreed with those who said the crisis was religious because the Islamic agenda has always been to weaken the strong base of Christians in central or middle belt region of Nigeria and southern and central Taraba form part of that middle belt region and again if you depopulate them, politically it will be to the advantage of someone. Now, why people were being forcibly sent out of the state, others were being brought in to take over, so you ask yourself, why? So, come take them out and replace them with other people, so that to me is the main thing. The third issue is about power, the so called Wukari town was under attack and they wanted to take over the traditional stool of Wukari and you ask who were those people fighting? Again the news is everywhere for anyone to see. And you know religion and this traditional stool thing goes together. It’s unfortunate that we are divided along these lines in this country and religiously this is where we have find ourselves. Many of us are afraid to speak out, because we have come to a point that when you speak out you are already given names. You are been accused of blasphemy against somebody’s else religion and then the crisis becomes a vicious circle in this country. We are not telling ourselves the truth and we are afraid that if we speak the truth some people are going to rise up against us and we will continue in the vicious circle of crisis.

What exactly do you want government to do?

The state government has tried, but government should be very inclusive. Others may have their own stories to tell, but in Taraba it appears some people are being deliberately excluded may be not by the person in charge but by his close associates. As a Catholic Bishop, I am not looking for contract from anybody. But I feel that all these things we are talking about whether it is security or bringing people together for dialogue, the Catholic Church should be a stakeholder and I have not felt like a stakeholder in Taraba state, me as a person or the Catholic Church most times, it is only when things go bad that we are called and I do tell them, I don’t have the magic wand to solve problems, but when discussions are going on, we may have one or two things to contribute so that is all I asked for. You see when the crisis was going on and it was at its peak, the Catholic Church was able to offer relief materials and other things and I have not heard anybody saying thank you. When we were giving those relief materials, it was not only to our members and nobody has recognise our contribution and said thank you.

So, it’s a source of worry. I am seeing signs that there may be change, but I pray it does, but we have been sidelined a lot. We have 54 parishes scattered all over the nooks and crannies of this state with local stations, my priests are all over, so I get reports of what is happening in the state. People are really suffering, so when discussions are going on, we should be considered as a major stakeholder. We preach in the church not only about salvation of souls , but everything that concerns the people to live a good life and become good citizens of Nigeria and we should not be sidelined. Again, I am not calling for any appointment for myself or my priests, it’s not in our practice to do that as Catholic priests, so nobody should misunderstood me.

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Editorial

Friday, February 5, 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

Civil servants and employment racketeering I t does seem employment racketeering has become a lucrative pastime for some corrupt top brass in the nation’s civil service system, most times in collusion with scammers and fake job consultants. Gone were the days when only rogue job syndicates defrauded and ridiculed job hunters. For, quite common in recent years are reports of the fleecing or outright duping of applicants seeking placement in the civil service before or during interviews.

Not surprising, therefore, is the recent report that some top civil servants were dismissed by the Federal Government for extorting money from 400 applicants and offering them illegal employment. According to the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who dropped the hint while on a working visit to Lagos, the crooks went as far as including the names of the ‘employed applicants’ in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel System (IPPIS) being operated by the service before the fraud was detected.

“The first scandal I met in one of the parastatals when I assumed office was the illegal employment of 400 people. This scandal started with very senior officers up to Level 17 in that department. They sent out letters and text messages asking

people to apply for jobs for a fee of N400, 000; and they were given letters of employment... They invited these people to go and be captured on the IPPIS… At the end of the day, the bubble burst.

One of the victims told the officials: ‘You cannot take my money and still disengage me. I have a valid letter’. That is how we got to know that there is a dedicated account these people pay to. Of course, we dismissed these officials and we even handed them over to the police”, Mohammed stated.

We have our doubts, however, that the Information and Culture Minister’s revelation would deter countless unscrupulous public servants now neck deep in employment scams; and our disillusion is not farfetched. This stems from what appears government’s tacit support for extortion by its ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in the recruitment processes. A good example still green in memory would be the ill-fated Saturday, March 15, 2014 tragic recruitment exercise by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS). The NIS reportedly had only about 4,000 job openings before advertising for applications from job seekers. The Service demanded a non-refundable fee of N1000 from interested candidates for reasons that still remain suspect even as we write.

IT IS UNETHICAL AND UNFAIR FOR MDAS TO PERSIST IN THEIR DIRTY VOCATION OF EXTORTING MONEY FROM POVERTY-

STRICKEN APPLICANTS Despite NIS’ obvious extortionist misadventure, reports claimed over six million job seekers applied, and perhaps paid N1,000 each, out of which 526,650, according to the then Interior Minister, Abba Moro, were invited for the tragic test. Even with a thousand naira extorted from just 526,650 applicants, NIS pocketed roughly N526, 650,000.

But the Service failed woefully to organise decent and safe tests for the applicants. In the stampedes that trailed the tests, a total of 19 applicants, among them four pregnant women, died at various locations during the exercise conducted nationwide.

Reports said one of the victims, Mrs. Oyiza Yusuf, a 35-year-old mother of one, died in a stampede at Abuja National Stadium.

It was alleged that the same Mrs. Yusuf was a year earlier defrauded of N150,000 by NIS crooks while looking for job in the same outfit. We also recall that early November last year, the Office

ON THIS DAY February 5, 1997 The so-called ‘Big Three banks’ in Switzerland announced the creation of a $71 million fund to aid Holocaust survivors and their families. The Holocaust was a genocide in which approximately six million Jews were killed by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime and its collaborators. Some historians use a definition of the Holocaust that includes the additional five million nonJewish victims of Nazi mass murders.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

February 5, 2000 Russian forces massacred about 80 civilians and raped at least six women in the Novye Aldi suburb of Grozny, the capital of Chechnya.

Scores of people were summarily executed in the course of a “mopping-up” (zachistka) operation conducted soon after the end of the battle for the city in a deadly rampage. Numerous houses were also bur ned and civilian property stolen.

of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) disassociated itself from a purported Facebook account used by alleged fraudsters to advertise job vacancies. A statement by Mr. Haruna Imrana, Director of Communications in the OHCSF, alerted the public that the account was false and dubious.

More than anything else, however, it is not unlikely that the penchant by the nation’s bureaucracy to shortchange job seekers in the guise of job application fees has exacerbated the perpetration of fraud against hapless applicants whose main ‘offence’ is their desperation to live decent lives. It is inhuman that government that ought to extend social security to the unemployed is now complicit in defrauding them through dubious civil servants. It is unethical and unfair for MDAs to persist in their dirty vocation of extorting money from poverty-stricken applicants, many of whom end up not having a whiff of any job at the end of the day. This is daylight robbery.

It is a heartless foray and should be stopped forthwith. The top civil servants the Information and Culture Minister said were caught in the act deserve not just dismissal. The minister should insist on their diligent prosecution and punishment to deter their peers still lurking around.

x February 5, 2008 A major tornado outbreak across the Southern United States killed 57 people. It was a deadly tornado which affected the Southern US and the lower Ohio Valley. The incident began on ‘Super Tuesday’, while 24 US states were holding primary elections and caucuses to select the presidential candidates for the upcoming presidential election. Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, etc. were among the affected regions.

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Of terrorism, Fulani herdsmen and other matters Counter-terrorism Tips With

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

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oko Haram insurgency, the looming Niger Deltan militancy, unwholesome conducts of Fulani herdsmen across the country, and the raging pro Biafra agitations have made it painfully clear that we have entered a period of history when state actors could be challenged in unorthodox ways by non-state actors.

Today, we have found ourselves in a situation where Nigeria is buffeted from different angles by terror related pressures. The use of violence with the aim of creating fear on a wider audience, or to coerce the audience into certain behavior, is as old as mankind. To overcome such problems, we require individuals’ absolute resilience and protection by state authorities.

Discussing these unusual genres of terror suggests that presumed freedom fighters might also resort to terrorism, and the terms terrorist and freedom fighter are not inherently mutually exclusive.

The difficulty in determining the extent of use of terror by either Boko Haram or the Fulani herdsmen (for whom violence has been the dominant method of action) underlines such a clear line between the different types of unrest we now face as a nation.

All in all, one could argue that defining terrorism as a tactic of instilling fear by various players leaves the reader with many conceptual problems. It could actually be true from the law enforcement perspective or even from the viewpoint of the political class that such definition should be, however, sufficient from the perspective of evaluating the applicability of terrorism to the promotion of one’s goals or drawing attention to one’s grievances.

In other words, it is necessarily imperative to understand at this prime stage the intention, motivation, history and modus operandi of these national enemies so that the mistakes made in the handling of Boko Haram will not be repeated themselves again. Such mistakes include under reaction; lack of counterterrorism blueprint; involvement of businessmen in the handling of security issues; promotion of corruption, and offensive application without consultation.

The emanation of these terrors from around the country while the BH sect continues to terrorise the Northeast should be construed as one trouble too many for a country. According to security reports, it is pretty possible that our law enforcement workforces are preparing an offensive approach once again without first considering other options. This begs several questions. First, what are our threat assessment reviews about these different unrests in the land? What actually are their grievances? What are their strength and weaknesses?

These questions were similarly asked

WINNING ANY WAR, CONVENTIONAL OR ASYMMETRICAL,

DEPENDS ON NATION’S INTELLIGENCE GATHERING CAPABILITY about BH over a year and half ago in one of my articles. It will be another suicidal mission if we jump again into war against these other groups, particularly the armed Niger Deltan militants or pro Biafra agitators. Any excessive force would polarise societies; and fresh uprising might follow.

To make impact in conventional or asymmetrical warfare, you need to have eyes and ears to see and hear your enemy’s location and plans. To achieve this, we must revert to the use of modern technologies just like France or other developed and developing countries did or are doing. We need tracking technologies with both imagery and audio capability of those vandalising our oil pipelines, Fulani herdsmen and BH insurgents accordingly.

The amount of money invested already in the supposedly importation of arms that never was could have been invested in modern technologies.

Our next security investment should be on effective intelligence gathering techniques, trainings and upgrades. In the BH saga, this area has been a serious source of embarrassment to our national security from the onset. Winning any

war, conventional or asymmetrical, depends on nation’s intelligence gathering capability. The various intelligence gathering techniques include human intelligence, signal intelligence, imagery intelligence, technical intelligence and open source intelligence. It is the responsibility of a country in crisis to know the best technique to adopt. However, investing in all is an added advantage and a win, win situation.

The current wave of terror is likely to be more complicated if not controlled because profiling, if any, has not revealed whether those carrying out these vandalisms on oil pipelines and the so called Fulani herdsmen are members of Boko Haram, who migrated to other parts of the country to unleash further inhumanity, or they are truly armed Niger Delta bad boys in their second coming?

The religious wave of terrorism has Islam at heart, it is giving prominence to suicide attacks and characterised by six years of mass casualties. In the case of the Niger Delta bad boys, what could be the case this time around? We are aware that in 2009, the Federal Government granted them amnesty and went a step further to pay them monthly stipends after they surrendered their arms. The strategy worked pretty well for several years till it expired at the end of 2015.

What are the terms of the amnesty agreement in the first place? What about the grievances of the Fulani herdsmen?

And for the Biafra agitators, can a referendum settle their grievances?

Litigation on medical negligence in Nigeria VICTOR IFEDAYO ADEKEYE

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he Nigerian community is slowly but gradually becoming aware of its rights against medical practitioners for negligent attitudes in the treatment of patients. In recent times, there has been a little number of cases on medical malpractice in Nigerian courts. The need for this article is thus to take an in depth look into the medical law practice on negligence in Nigeria.

Simply put, medical negligence is the failure of a medical practitioner to take reasonable level of care and skill in the treatment of his patients. Litigation is the process of resolving disputes through the court system. Litigation may be civil or criminal.

Criminal litigation is the prosecution of a person accused of committing a crime, that is breaking the criminal laws of the state. Criminal litigations are usually instituted by the state against accused person(s). It ends in an acquittal if an accused person is found innocent, or ends in a conviction leading to fine or imprisonment, if such is found guilty of the charges levied against him/her.

Civil litigation, on the other hand, is a dispute between two or more individuals in which the court of law is called to arbitrate or mediate. Civil litigation usually ends with dismissal if the plaintiff is unable to proof his case or ends in an award

UNDER THE NIGERIAN CRIMINAL LAW, CONSENT IS NOT AN EXCEPTION TO ACTIONS THAT CAUSE DEATH of damages or declaratory reliefs if plaintiff proves his case. It is germane to point out that unlike criminal litigation, civil cases don’t end up in prison terms.

Medical negligence cases fall into both criminal and civil litigation category as both actions can be instituted against a medical practitioner, who has negligently caused an injury to a patient.

Erring medical practitioners will be confronted with a criminal trial for negligent acts if such acts cause harm to the patient or any third party. Likewise, the causing of grievous bodily harm also falls under the arm-stretch of criminal litigation.

Civil actions can be maintained against erring medical practitioner, when he negligently does things such as leaving an instrument used during a surgical operation inside a patient; the application and administration of wrong treatment to a patient; the failure to exercise reasonable care and skill, and many other negligent acts. However, it is important to note that before a civil action can be maintained against erring medical practitioner, such practitioner must have a medically contracted relation-

ship with the patient; he must have acted negligently; the patient must have suffered physical, mental or financial injury, and finally, the injury must have been as a result of the doctor’s negligent act.

Let’s start with criminal litigation/ proceedings. As earlier stated, criminal proceedings are actions taken by the state against individuals for the breach of criminal laws. Therefore, the criminal litigation/ proceeding against a medical practitioner is a proceeding instituted in a court of law against a medical practitioner by the state for breach of criminal laws. The criminal liability of a negligent medical practitioner rests on his duty to the patients in his care.

Section 303 of the Nigerian Criminal Code obligates a medical practitioner to have reasonable skill and to use reasonable care in administering treatment to patients.

This duty opens a medical practitioner to liability for negligent acts done, negligent failure to do the needed act to prevent a possible harm, or the failure to take reasonable care in the treatment of a patient. Under the Nigerian criminal laws, erring medical practitioner can be criminally held liable for any of the following.

First, culpable homicide punishable with death or murder. This charge is the height of any criminal prosecution for negligent act resulting in death. When the negligent act of a practitioner or his malpractice leads to the death of a patient, a charge of culpable homicide punishable with death can be brought against him/

her in the court of law. Note that culpable homicide punishable with death is the equivalent of murder in the Northern states of Nigeria where the Penal Code Law subsists.

For a medical practitioner to be convicted on the charge of murder/culpable homicide punishable with death, the prosecutor must have succinctly proved that the act that led to the death of the patient was intended to cause harm or death to the patient with his action. It is expedient to note that under the Nigerian criminal law, consent is not an exception to actions that cause death. For example, any medical practitioner who administers Euthanasia or a suicide procedure to any patient will be charged with murder despite the fact that he has the patient’s consent to administer same. It is important to know that in the charge of culpable homicide, the intention to kill or cause harm must be beyond reasonable doubt by the prosecutor before the court can convict the accused medical practitioner.

To be continued Adekey is a Lagos-based medical law practitioner.

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.

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‘Dollar don go up’!

R Who protects Nigerian electricity consumers?

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lectricity consumers in Nigeria are groaning under the yoke of the power distribution companies.

It is not just the reoccurring issue of non-supply of electricity but paying heavily for the ones poorly supplied. In some parts of the country, it is a clear case of paying for services never rendered.

Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKDC) deliberately stopped power supply to Itire and Ijeshatedo in Mushin and Surulere local council development areas of Lagos in mid-November, 2015. It was restored in the third week of last month (January) after so much public outcry. Shockingly, it was accompanied with the usual crazy bills, covering November, December and January, 2015. Now, it is very obvious that electricity consumers are bearing the unmerited hardship without any meaningful sympathy or support from relevant government agencies. The ones saddled with the protection of consumers’ rights are simply unconcerned.

They are more concerned about their salaries and other welfare packages.

The same nonchalant attitude is equally noticed in the appropriate law-making organ of the government. It has severally debated the shameful power supply and exploitation issue without making any meaningful impact.

It recently condemned and even put on hold the proposed but unjustified increase in electricity tariff. However, it will not amount to exaggeration arguing that the law-makers are ‘sleeping’ and the unapproved tariff has been effected by the distribution companies.

The consumer-exploitation challenge, no doubt, pre-dated the ruling government at the centre.

But it is imperative to emphasise that it promises ‘change’. The promise is not limited to ‘fighting high-level corruption cases.’

Therefore, it must quickly initiate and implement steps aimed at addressing persistent public outcry over Discos’ exploitation.

Sunday Odiaka, media practitioner, Shofolahan Street, Itire, Lagos (07034303174)

Letters to the Editor

egular visitors to market places in Lagos would have heard the saying on being told the price of an article, “Dollar don go up” from vendors. I was at Ikeja sometimes last week to purchase a phone, after the previous one was stolen. I was perturbed to know that the same phone I bought nearly three months ago has had its price nearly doubled.

After having to spend the money

I should not have spent in the seemingly unending month of January on a phone I needed just for one thing, I was told by the vendor in their usual mantra: “Dollar don go up”!

Let us even assume that the phone in question is made in China, hence the dwindling value of the naira explains the volatility in its price, can we say the same for the price of fish, pepper or

onions? In my curiosity, I nearly clashed with one of these vendors who told me “Dollar ti won” (Dollar is now expensive) since the goods she sells has little or nothing to do with the value of the dollar!

It is true that the naira has dropped in value against major currencies, the dollar in particular, in recent times. It will be recalled that during the 2015

Scene of an accident involving a truck loaded with sand as it crashed into an Auto Mart at Obanikoro on Ikorodu road, Lagos yesterday.

A case for agriculture

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he dwindling price of oil will definitely be with us for a very long time, and we should be ready to look at other alternatives. First, more countries than ever are discovering oil, and this is reducing the number of buyers for the black gold. In the past, it was only Nigeria, Angola, Sudan and Algeria that were oil producers in Africa, but today, we have Ghana, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and many other countries.

Also, Iran, which until recently, could not sell its oil to international buyers because of sanctions, is now flooding the market with about three million barrels per day after the sanctions were lifted a couple of weeks ago. The United States that used to be the largest buyer of foreign oil has now developed its shale oil, thereby relying less on other countries for its energy needs.

The future is also not looking brighter as China and India, the remaining top oil consumers, are now looking at producing theirs.

China is hoping to find oil in commercial quantity in the disputed South China Sea, which it is fighting for with five other South Asian countries. India is also look-

ing at developing technology that will make it possible to extract oil from sea plants. As a result of this, it is high time we focused on other sectors of the economy, which will bring in the needed foreign exchange. Agriculture is one sector which can make us self-sufficient in food production. Food importation is one area that drains the country of its forex reserve, while also providing jobs for foreign farmers.

Also, making agriculture the mainstay of our economy will provide employment for our unemployed youths. Many people have been shouting that the country is sitting on a keg of gunpowder because of the high rate of youth unemployment, but we can capitalise on this by making more youths go into farming. The government only needs to support these people financially to start their farming operations after they might have worked as apprentices at more established farms for a period of six months.

The particular areas we can go into in farming include cocoa farming, poultry, cassava, piggery, honey bee, oil palm, rice, among others. We must give ourselves target; that is, after meeting local demands for our produce, then we

can start exporting. This means that we will be able to save foreign exchange by reducing our imports of agricultural produce, as well as making money by exporting.

Dr Julius Eneh, Rayfields, Jos, Plateau State Biafra: An appeal to President Buhari I want to appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to wade into the Biafra agitations by some people in the South East and South South zones of the country. At 73, President Buhari is like a father to all, and I wish he could use his fatherly wisdom to assure the agitators that they will prosper more in a united Nigeria.

I am of the opinion that those behind the agitation are politicians, who felt defeated in the last general elections in the country, and one of the ways through which they can become relevant is throwing up some controversial issues like the self independence for Biafra agitation. However, President Buhari should bring everybody to a round table engagement while assuring them that every ethnic nationality is important in his government.

Taju Alalade, Ilorin, Kwara State.

Nigerian presidential election, President Muhammadu Buhari made the point of “making the naira equal to the dollar.” He was speaking against the backdrop of the depreciation in the value of the naira during the elections. It is just by mere announcements or campaign rhetoric that the naira will be made equal to the dollar?

We may need to concede that the fall in the naira value during the elections could be due to the scramble for the dollar by politicians for the elections on the one hand, and the panic buying of travellers traveling out of the country for fear of violent reactions that might characterise the announcement of the result, we cannot wave off Buhari’s statement as a cheap attempt to score political point.

Since 1999, inflation rate in the country has been on the high.

The near total dependence on oil (which is usually dictated by the international market) hasn’t helped matters. The increase in domestic price of oil has also taken its toll on the national price level. All these put the naira in a weaker position against major foreign currencies.

The fall in the international prices of oil, obviously is one of the main causes of the Nigerian economic crisis. The question of diversifying the economy again stares us in the face. Presently, Nigeria lacks the capacity to refine its own crude oil, which makes her depend totally on importation. There is an argument that the presently devalued naira will only encourage exportation (of crude oil). In fact, this was exactly the same Bretton Woods institutions’ arguments, and their Nigerian supporters, in defence of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) in the 1980s. Lending credence to this argument was the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Czar, Christiane Largarde, who in early 2012 justified her position on devaluation of the naira with this argument. We were spoon-fed with this argument in elementary and intermediate economics classes, yet it still appears to make a lot of sense.

When will this child grow up?

If President Buhari must do anything about strengthening the position of the naira against, say the dollar, his government must make deliberate policies to diversify the economy from oil dependence. In this case, we must increase our productive base through youth entrepreneurships, innovation; and stimulate demand for domestically-made goods.

Olalekan Waheed Adigun, Lagos

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exposed to it. They wouldn’t encourage any act of indiscipline, disrespect and dreaded above all slothfulness from any of us, their children. They loved hard work and encouraged us to be hard working in any of our choice careers. They were also liberal minded and wouldn’t impose any career on us”.

Tawo Ajai-Lycett believes she has come far in her career because of God’s favour and her guiding philosophy which is hard work. For her, it is obvious anyone who is not able to work hard to get success will have problems succeeding the right way. They will be forced to cut corners and this can only be temporary. It is good to try to pay one’s dues at the point required because there is surely the law of what goes around comes around. “God is always ready to help His children but most of the times, we are never willing. Many are usually willing with the words of their mouths but when it comes putting on an action,

they are never bready. Meanwhile, it is important to be ready in our action than mere words of our mouths. No one can become anything great in life except God helps him or her. So, it is a clear fact that God has seen me this far. I will always not forget my parents’ efforts as I have been saying in all of these.

“They did a lot in preparing me and my siblings for the challenges of life.

They were there for us and exposed us to all that we needed to know to make us stand the test of time. On my own part, I had no other option than to be great. I am from a great lineage and I have got no other option than to keep this up in my

This gift of beauty she said comes from God. “It’s God and the way I believe I carry myself. If you are active and firm, you will look good for a very long time”

WEEKEND STARTERS

African/ German literature at Goethe Book Club

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hare your experience with a Book you read as Goethe-Institut Book Club creates a relaxed ambience to discuss, learn, socialise and have fun over the best of German and African Literature. Date is Friday, 5th February 2016 and venue is the Goethe Institut, Lagos. Time is 2.30pm.

‘The Act of Killing’ at NFC, Lagos

Belleabeau Beauty Cookout in Lagos

he Lagos Film Society presents “The Act of Killing” (directed by Joshua Oppenheimer;Denmark/ Norway; 2012) a documentary about former Indonesian killers who are celebrated as heroes, challenged to dramatize their role in genocide. The hallucinatory result is a cinematic fever dream, an unsettling journey deep into the imaginations of mass-murderers and the shockingly banal regime of corruption and impunity they inhabit.

The screening is part of the ongoing Project of Lagos Film Society on Film Archives and a discussion on the relevance of archives will be following the screening. Date is Saturday, 6th February, 2016. Venue is Old Film Unit, NFC (Beside VON), Obalende Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. It starts at 3pm.

re you a beauty enthusiast?

Do you love exhibition and cookouts?

If yes, then this event is for you!

Belleabeau Kicked off her first ever exhibition on the 6th of Dec 2015.

The second edition of the beauty and wellness exhibition/trade fair aimed to bridge the gap between manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors of beauty products and consumers is here. Belleabeau is an initiative by the Ex-beauty Queen Princess Adesile and the CEO of Desile Pro. Desile Pro is a makeup outlet that caters for Bridal, Editorial, Runway and all kinds of makeovers.

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Arty News P.28. 29

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Inside FCT

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ew could boast of a fulfilled life in the entertainment industry, highly esteemed, and without a stain on their name and person. Maybe because she was born when values were high and when women craved to be seen as role models both in their career and at home.

With her beauty, carriage and charisma still intact, Tawo Ajai Lycett celebrated her 75th birthday recently at the Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre with Nigeria’s “who is who” in the entertainment and media industry gracing the occasion where her book was also launched. The enigmatic and legendary veteran actress and screen diva was born during the period of British colonial rule of Nigeria on the 3rd of February 1941 in Lagos, located at the then Western Region. She has a certificate in cosmetology from Christine Shaw School of Beauty Science in London, and then to Hendon College of Technology, where she obtained a Higher National Diploma in Business Studies in 1969.

She took to acting in the 70’s and appeared in the UK classic comedy TV series Some Mothers Do ‘Ave Them. Taiwo, a twin has featured in numerous Nigerian movies and soaps like Tinsel, Dazzling Mirage and The Inheritors.

In an interview with National Mirror, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett alluded the discipline and hardwork that characterised her career and personal life to her parents and up-bringing. According to her, “It was indeed a blessing to have had my kind of parents. They were not just educated, they were enlightened, and they were disciplined and very responsible. They had an indebt idea of the various sides of life and they tried their best to get us

own choice of career in life. I was dedicated, focused and determined to be relevant in life and I thank God of helping me to succeed at this.

Even at 75, she looks good and admirable and very popular for her style which is dependent on decency and her natural self. This gift of beauty she said comes from God “it’s God and the way I believe I carry myself. If you are active and firm, you will look good for a very long time if not till you die. Besides, I just try to eat right, sleep well and keep well. I make sure I am who I am. I love myself and I am proud of what and who I am. I don’t aspire to be another person; I am simply pleased with myself. I think all of these and more are responsible for my good look”.

The 75 year old has been honoured with a national award in as an Officer of the Order of Niger during formal President Olusegun Obasanjo. She was also honoured in 2008, at an All-Star Gala held at Theatre Royal Stratford East on the 10th anniversary of Tiata Fahodzi as a leader of British-African theatre, alongside Dotun Adebayo and Yemi Ajibade.

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Isiguzo Destiny

Critics

Glitz as Taiwo Ajai-Lycett turns 75

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

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Friday , February 5, 2016

Flavour

Art Man

VOL. 4 No. 827

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Artman In The House

Friday, February 5, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I’m proud of what and who As veteran actress and broadcaster, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett celebrates her 75th birthday, the screen diva talked about the secrets of her success and her stunning beauty and agelessness.

Ajai-Lycett

Tell us about your childhood?

I was raised here in Lagos.

My people are the ‘Aworis’. And in fact, my cousin is the present Ologba of Ogba. So some peo¬ple call me princess. My paternal grand¬mother was a female king. I believe that the present Lagos State secretariat used to be her farm. It’s pronounced ‘Alausa’ meaning the people who owns the walnut fruit and not the popular ‘Al-Hausa’. So I am an ‘omo-onile’, son of the soil. My pa¬ternal grandfather came from Ewututu. The land where ‘Concord’ news¬papers used to be was his farmland and he used to be a musi-cian. There was a time when people in the family were talking about me bringing the name of my family down because I was an actor. My father told me to put my mind at rest, that I was a throwback of my grandfather. Then when he performed, the whole village closes down to watch him play. I was brought up here before I went abroad. I was going to be a lawyer. I am a twin. I lost my twin 26 years ago.

You were brought up by wellenlightened parents. What are some of the fond memories of your childhood that you would love to share?

It was indeed a blessing to have had my kind of parents. They were not just educated, they were enlightened, and they were disciplined and very responsible. They had an indebt idea of the various sides of life and they tried their best to get us exposed to it. They wouldn’t encourage any act of indiscipline, disrespect and dreaded above all slothfulness from any of us, their children. They loved

hard work and encouraged us to be hard working in any of our choice careers. They were also liberal minded and wouldn’t impose any career on us.

We had a library in our home and so, were exposed early in life to the importance library from the cradle. My mother, I could remember, was among the first women who went out to work in the days when girls were supposed to have their place at home and the kitchen particularly. She was articulate and I knew I got that from her. As it is with children up till now, we were curious and anxious to know and discover many things, and our parents encouraged us to read, to discover while they also helped us to unravel a lot of riddles. It was indeed fun, those years. My mother helped in developing my vocabularies at a very tender age.

We had newspapers to read. We were prepared early for life, we were given a pace ahead of others.

What was life like as a twin?

Life was normal. There was no big deal as it used to be viewed superstitiously. It’s you came double while others were born not in pairs. We were best of friends, both well educated as it was with my other siblings. But she died a few years back.

How did your acting career begin?

I never had the ambition of becoming an actor. It was just one that I accompanied an actress friend of mine to location. I was standing at the lobby of the Royal

Court Theatre in London, when the producer saw me and asked if I was an actress. I an-swered ‘no’ and he asked if I would like to join. I obliged. That’s how I began and the next week, I started working with the BBC. They asked if I had an agent and of course I didn’t have. Alan Jeffery’s of Premier House Management became my agent. I decided to go to school to learn so they won’t say I committed a fraud. I attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, between 1968 and 1974 which is one of the top drama schools. And in fact, I had pri¬vate tutors who taught me voice training, singing and dancing. I danced at the Royal Opera House. It was huge. I also attended City Literary Institute, the Actors forum and the Dance centre.

Which play was your first?

It was Wole Soyinka’s The Lion and the Jewel in 1967.

Let’s talk about Some Mothers’ Do ‘ave Them Again, I was working. They contacted my agent, Alan Jeffery’s.

They checked my profes¬sional diary and I wasn’t even called for an audition. That first edition went all over the world and I still receive residuals from them till today.

How would you compare those years with what we have today?

There are no bases for comparism of the two. Parents, these days don’t have as much time as they are supposed to have with their kids. Many, if not all, are always out of the house hours before the kids were awake and would not be back before the kids sleep.

Children are lonely these days.

The ones who have attendants to look after them, just make do with whatever they can get from these people. There is too much gap between parents and children and constitutes more evil in the society.

Parents don’t devote enough time to children; they give more attention to money and other issues of life at the expense of their children. Unfortunately, this is where the kids also get the wrong inkling about the desperation for money from. How many homes these days can boast of having libraries in their domains, yet

we keep complaining of the poor reading habit of the youths in the society?

I think we need to do more in this area. it is to improve the perception of the youths about the real essence of life and at the end of the day the society will be the better for it. We will be safe from the problem of corruption and desperation for money Well, there is no doubt, civilization is expected in our midst but, parents need to take time out to censor and monitor what their children do, tutor them the right paths, and start that as early the kids were born.

You have made a huge success in both broadcasting and the acting career. What would you attribute this to?

God Almighty and determination to be a success at it. God is always ready to help His children but most of the times, we are never willing. Many are usually willing with the words of their mouths but when it comes putting on an action, they are never bready. Meanwhile, it is important to be ready in our action than mere words of our mouths. No one can become anything great in life except God helps him or her. So, it is a clear fact that God has seen me this far. I will always not forget my parents’ efforts as I have been saying in all of these.

They did a lot in preparing me and my siblings for the challenges of life. They were there for us and exposed us to all that we needed to know to make us stand the test of time. On my own part, I had no other option than to be great. I am from a great lineage and I have got no other option than to keep this up in my own choice of career in life was dedicated, focused and de-

We had a library in our home and so, were exposed early in life to the importance library from the cradle

On set of Tinsel

termined to be relevant in life and I thank God of helping me to succeed at this.

You look good and admirable still in spite of your age.

What’s the secret?

It’s God and the way I believe I carry myself. If you are active and firm, you will look good for a very long time if not till you die. Besides, I just try to eat right, sleep well and keep well. I make sure I am who I am. I love myself and I am proud of what and who I am. I don’t aspire to be another person, I am simply pleased with myself.

I think all of these and more are responsible for my good look.

Tell us about your journey in Journalism?

It’s just like my journey into acting. I do voice-overs and modelling for the BBC and write-ups.

The publisher of ‘Africa magazine’, (Late Chief Ralph Uwechue was the ambassador of Biafra to France) called me after a stage play and told me to join his team of writers as an Associate Editor.

Then, ‘Sunday Times’ was owned by the Thomas family. That was in 1975. Africa Magazine is an economic, political, and social journal, based in Lon¬don. That same year, I launched ‘African Woman’, a political, economic and social magazine for Black and African men and women in the Diaspora. I covered the in¬augural Conference of the International Women’s Year in Mexico and the then Germany’s East Berlin, as a photojournal¬ist, for both Africa magazine and African Woman. Then, I interviewed great person¬alities like the former British Prime Min¬ister, Harold Macmillan. It was a wonder¬ful experience.

You hesitated before joining

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Artman In The House

Friday, February 5, 2016

I am –Taiwo Ajai-Lycett

Nollywood. What was your issue with them?

Nollywood has not evolved yet.

They called me to come and join them in act¬ing but I decided not to. Their stories are too stereotyped and you can know the end from the beginning. It had no depth. They started with fetish stories where juju and shrines were involved. Also the love sto¬ries are not psychologically balanced. Some of the love stories try to copy their Hollywood counterparts and they don’t do it well.

They don’t spend enough time to research and gather good scripts and the technicalities in their pro¬duction are just above average. They think it is just about com¬mercialisation, professionalism is key! When I was on set for Some Mothers Do ‘ave Them, they provided all the costumes from my head to my toes, including bra and panties. All the costumes were all in my hotel room waiting for me. ‘Tinsel’ is one soap opera I give credit to. Their logistics are superb.

But why didn’t you go in to change the course of things?

Why should I? Can a tree make a for¬est? When we have a government of cor¬rupt people, and you being a saint, tries to go in there to change things to the way it should be done, you are only deceiving yourself because you will soon join them and perhaps, become worse than they are. The best you can do is to be a light where you are and shine.

Do the best you can do wherever you are and through this, they will be able to see the light. That is what I have done. I personally give credit to those that are trying their best to change things in the Nigerian film industry. I told the pro-ducer of recently to keep it up. I also starred in Tunde Kelani’s new film, Daz¬zling Mirage. These are people who have decided to come up with brilliant

21

Attending London Olympics in 2012

Ajai-Lycett

ideas over the years. I don’t blame this brilliant director, Kunle Afolayan for wanting to re-locate to the United States. He has worked so hard to produce wonderful evergreen films, but the Nigerian system and pirates haven’t made life easy for him. Why won’t he have hypertension? When he can bare¬ly make enough profit from the films he produces. Sincerely too, I actually wanted to wait to change to some irregularities but some years back, robbers came to my house and carted away everything I had. I was devastated and got tired of everything. I had to relocate to the United Kingdom.

It was ‘Tinsel’ that brought me to Nigeria and I have decided to stay.

What can be done about it?

See, art owns the world! If the United States of America wants to project a particular image of them, they use art. That is, those in the fore front…the media, fashion and artistes they will use and that’s what they have been using. The government needs to do more.

Why not partner with organisations like the British Council?

I won’t do that. It is like a slap on my face and the face of Nigeria as a whole. This is what is keeping us impoverished. Even though I appreciate what they are doing, I still see it as Neo-colonialism. We should be the ones to solve our problems and train ourselves internally. It is better for me to partner with indigenous organisations. It’s what the U.S will term “you can’t get a lunch for free”. It’s like they are doing us a favour. When we get them to sponsor us, we owe them a lot. A time will come when they will want to implement something, they will of course call on those they have sponsored and we end up doing what they command us. Anyway, plans are on the way to establish a drama school.

Tell me about your husband, Thomas Aldridge Lycett?

I was widowed many years ago. I was just divorced then and I wasn’t interested in getting mar-

With Beautiful Nubia

ried again. We met in London.

I was relatively successful then because of my regular theatre displays. I wanted to relocate and I told my agent to look for a place for me. He did and found a place for me at East Anglia. Coincidentally, it was a block of flats that had only artistes, painters, actors and writers residing in other flats.

My husband’s house was opposite mine and he said that as soon as he saw me, he was going to marry me. I wasn’t interested. The next day, my co-artistes decided to do a welcome party for me. It was quite interesting. My husband attended and we began talking about so many things especially books.

Books are in high regard just like films such that we look forward to read new books every week. The next week, he traveled to several countries for about a month because he worked with Shell Oil Company and we talked everyday of his travel. That’s how I fell in love but still wasn’t interested in marriage. When he came back, he said “I don’t want to be your boyfriend and I don’t want you to be

my mistress. My dear, you have to marry me”. He arranged the wedding in the registry and he got two witnesses. My uncle, Prof.

Sowemimo was around in London then. He was the best man. My husband had already arranged a house for us to stay. It was so beautiful! We did the wedding and I left for work the next hour like nothing actually happened.

What are your influences?

My parents, especially my father. He made sure we had a library. These days families don’t have libraries in their homes. My dad was an avid reader. We developed reading culture from home and it helped me a lot. It taught me to be confident, to be tough.

It’s different from being aggressive. It means you are seasoned, strong and so you are able to love.

If you ask me, my religion is people. I love meeting people. I love to share their pain, empathy. My higher religion is the theatre. My love for people has helped me to express myself effortlessly.

See, art owns the world! If the United States of America wants to project a particular image of With Orisun TV crew

them, they use the art

MUSIC

22

Critics

‘The Matters of Conscience’

Friday, February 5, 2016

Conscience is one of the most confusing topics to discuss but courageously, this author opens the eyes of all in this book.

Busayo Wale

I

magine that you tell a three year old that you do not want to see anybody and lie that you are sleeping. The three year old will tell visitors that mummy says she’s sleeping; that is the innocence of the child. By teaching our children diplomacy, we are invariably teaching them to lie and when they grow up and live a life of lies, we are offended” “The conscience can be a judge of what is right and wrong in man helping a man to avoid errors, save his soul from destruction, help him to maintain a good character of integrity and honesty. He lives by set of principles and moral standard that put him in an unblemished status above his peers. In extreme cases, the conscience can be judgmental, without mercy and vindictive, to the point that many people have committed suicide and done unimaginable damage because of the inner voice

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

of their conscience” These are two of the excerpts from the book reflecting the musings the author has been able to arrive at upon his studious research which included two highly ranked academicians from the University of Lagos and the bible.

The author used illustrations to depict his stand; he also used research from academics also Greek meanings.

This is illustrated when he used the Greek language, “Suneidesis” to explain the meaning of the conscience, revealing its status as a ‘coperceiver’, a side-kick rather than the main character. He further disclosed that there must be a main truth which is the ‘perceiver’ to which the ‘co perceiver’ testifies. He opines that, “the Holy Spirit is the main Perceiver in a believer thus correcting misconceptions and contrary beliefs that the ‘Truth,’ is actually the word of God. However, the 101 page book reveals that truth differs according to cultures, society and beliefs, the author unfurled more.

“Some people believe that a believer should not join the Army as it involves termination of human lives when required, while others do not see it so.

“Some believe that a believer should not work in the alcohol in-

BOOK

While the publishing of the book should have fared better, the book scores high in research, sequential arrangement and

The face-off

Two key members of the defunct Plantashun Boiz, Blackface and 2Baba (formerly 2Face) come after each other in a triangle of allegations. What happened?

Efe Omorogbe

W

hen my attention was drawn to Blackface’s twitter rant about the “theft” of his songs by his exband mate 2Baba, my initial reaction was to ignore what I perceived as an obvious marketing gimmick for his new single.

The reaction from a vast majority of people on social media who read about the allegations was evidence that the ploy had backfired.

Blackface’s press interviews since the twitter rant has made it necessary for me to present the flip side and set the records straight.

1. 2Baba and Blackface do have a bunch of songs they co-wrote in their days as Plantashun Boiz.

2. Both artistes have collectively and individually recorded and commercially released materials from this collection.

3. 2Baba has always given Blackface

(Austin Ahmedu) co-writing credit every time he recorded any song that has Blackface’s input - No matter how minimal.

4. Blackface has neither given 2Baba (Innocent Idibia) co-writing credit nor sought “permission” to record any of the materials they jointly authored.

5. Blackface has earned royalties off his shared publishing rights for about a decade.

6. A huge chunk of income he has made derives from royalties earned by the commercial exploitation of the successful materials performed/recorded by 2Baba.

7. 2Baba did not and couldn’t have stolen “Let Somebody Love You” from Blackface. The song was released about 2 years ago. Blackface complained about his name being mis-spelt on the CD sleeve and we personally apologised to him.

8. Yes. Blackface contributed to the writing of the first verse of the song. The second verse was entirely 2Baba’s. Bridget Kelly wrote her verse and Efe Omorogbe wrote the outro verse.

9. Efe Omorogbe is not 2Baba’s manager on “Let Somebody Love You” but a co-writer.

10. The outro verse was lifted from the song “How?” written in 1997 and recorded in 1999 at Dolphin studios, Surulere.

Blackface didn’t write that bit. Couldn’t have written that bit. Blackface cannot in

content

2016, touch Efe Omorogbe’s writing from 1997.

11. Blackface should be honoured to have shared co-writing credit with 2Baba.

I am. For each and every song we have collaborated on.

12. Blackface should be grateful 2Baba recorded their co-authored materials to ensure a lifetime of royalty income for him.

12. Blackface should record and release his own version of “Let Somebody Love You” and keep 100% publishing on that version. Oops! 2Baba will still be entitled to a share.

13. Blackface is not in 2Baba’s league

as a songwriter. Their post-Plantashun Boiz’ catalogues speak for themselves.

14. Blackface should go to court to seek redress if he indeed believes he has a case.

15. Blackface should know that nobody ever secured a court judgement via a twitter rant or media tour.

17. Blackface must have realised by now that the unfortunate tirade has not made “Killa” a hit. At least, not at the moment.

We grind our way to the results we seek. No short cuts! *Efe Omorogbe, is the Chief Executive Officer of Now Music.

My initial reaction was to ignore what I perceived as an obvious marketing gimmick for

Blackface’s new single

Friday, February 5, 2016

26 Rabi Al-Awwal, 1437A.H

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

23

Call to Worship

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

related by bukhari and muslim

Unity of Muslims is of priority –MUSWEN Sekinah L awal

A

clarion call has gone to Nigerian Muslims to put aside minor differences and make the unity of Muslim Ummah their priority.

Making the appeal recently were the trio of Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Prof. Daud Noibi and Alhaji Sakariyau Babalola during a courtesy visit by top executive team of the Muslim Ummah of South-West, Nigeria, MUSWEN, to the Rector, Arabic and Islamic Training Centre, Markaz-Agege, Sheikh Habeebullah Adam Al-Ilory.

According to them, the visit was necessitated by the need to ensure unity of the Ummah as well as harmonization of programs for the benefit of Muslims and Islam in Nigeria.

They called for cooperation of all Muslims in this regards. Prof. Noibi also said that the call became necessary because MUSWEN recognize the great contributions of Markaz Agege to Islamic knowledge.

“In view of the importance of the Arabic school and recognizing one of the leading scholars of Islam, it is our aim that we will all be working towards building unity and understanding among Muslims as well as building bridges and strengthening love and inter-relationship among Muslims.”

MUSWEN’s President, Alhaji Babalola, said that they believe that unity among Muslims must be pursued with unmatched vigour.

Responding, Sheikh Habeeb, expressed his gratitude for the visit and promised to promote unity among Muslims.

L-R: Alhaji Femi Abbas; Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, MUSWEN, Prof. Daud Noibi; Rector, Arabic and Islamic Training Centre, Markaz-Agege, Sheikh Habeebullah Adam Al-Ilory; President-General of MUSWEN, Alhaji Sakariyahu Babalola; Secretary-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede and Dr. Jubril Oyekan during MUSWEN’s visit to Sheikh Adam at Markaz, Agege, Lagos recently.

Place your adverts here for optimal reach Zakat Is 2.5% Of Your Total Wealth, Known As Nisab. After Having Fulfilled All obligations, pay your zakat

Yes, punish those who diverted arms fund not Hijabites 24

Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef (right) presenting a tricycle to AbdulRauf Yaqub Abiodun. With them are ZSF Executive Director Imam Abdullahi Shuaib (second left) and ZSF Chairman Prince Sulayman Olagunju (left).

ZSF distributes N111m Zakat proceeds … urged to partner state govts Sekinah L awal

I

t was a moment of joy for 21,038 beneficiaries of the sum of one hundred and eleven million three hundred and six thousand eight hundred and seventysix naira [N111,306,876] Zakat disbursed at the 11th Zakat distribution ceremony organised by the Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation, ZSF. Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs Dr Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef, urged ZSF to partner with state governments. Speaking at the event which took place at the Multi-purpose Hall, Lagos State Secretariat Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja, the chairman of the occasion, Justice Wale Abiru who was represented by Alhaji YKO AbdulKareem, urged the beneficiaries to utilize the Zakat they received judiciously and enjoined all Muslims to support the foundation for doing so well.

In his address, Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef said that the state government recognizes those who have taken the initiative to help the needy and will be willing to partner with such organizations towards eradicating poverty and unemployment.

Also, the guest lecturer, Sheikh Imran Eleha advised the beneficiaries to make best use of the opportunity and commended ZSF for helping the needy while urging them to do more in terms of spreading the true message of Islam by educating more clerics through seminars and economic empowerment in order to stop bidiah.

According to ZSF Executive Director Imam Abdullah Shuaib; “For the year

...‘It’s better to obey Allah than one’s desire’ 24

ended 2015, a total sum of N111, 096,876 is been disbursed as Zakat fund to a total of 21, 038 beneficiaries across the Southwest, Southeast and South south regions of the country by Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation”.

The Chairman, Board of Directors, Prince Sulayman Olagunju stated that the socio-economic wellbeing of the less-privileged people in the country is of utmost concern to the foundation. “And to deepen the quality services our field workers render to humanity, we shall continue to build the capacity of our staff-members across the country with a view to improving the social services delivery of the foundation to Muslims and non-Muslims.”

In helping the rich to enrich the poor, to care and touch people’s life and to benefit humanity in general, we have already disbursed the sum of fourteen million five hundred and nineteen thousand five hundred naira only [N14,519,500] to 24 persons for their medical support such as kidney treatments, hole in the heart surgeries overseas, cancer treatment and eye medication among others. We also expended the total sum of seven million three hundred and fifty thousand naira only [N7,350,000] on 19 Nigerian youths to support their entrepreneurship skills under our Entrepreneurship Development Project [aka Business Plan Competition]. In order to complement the Business Plan Competition which targets mainly the professional Nigerian youths, we equally planned and executed another project at the rural areas tagged Rural Women Empowerment where we empowered economically 58 rural petty traders with the sum of three million two hundred and twenty-five thousand naira only [N3, 225,000]

Arabel launches Princess Aisha Turbans 25

24

Call to Worship

Friday, February 5, 2016

Yes, punish those who diverted arms fund not Hijabites I t was indeed a thing of joy on Monday 1st of February, seeing a lot of our non-Muslim sisters in Hijab in honour of the World Hijab Day, quite interesting. Al-Muminaat, the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, MSSN, Lagos State Area Unit with other groups also staged sensitization procession on that day and expressed displeasure over the increasing human right abuses especially against Muslim females wearing Hijab in Nigeria.

As they marked the 2016

edition of the World Hijab Day (WHD) which is themed, ‘Beautiful, Confident and Empowered’, globally, our own government and those embarrassing women simply obeying the command of their Creator, should have a rethink.

During the campaign, Muslim females trooped out in hundreds displaying placards reading, ‘my hijab, my pride, choice and religion; hijab signifies superiority and not inferiority; I love the hijab and don’t let the grave be the first time you will use

the Hijab’ among others. It was the last one that really moved me.

And come to think of it, whether we like it or not, we will all use Hijab at death.

Have we given any thought to this fact of life? May Allah the Most-High make it easy for us to obey all His commands, Aamin.

It is our prayer that insurgency and all forms of insecurity will soon stop. Muslim women should not be at the receiving end, those who looted our funds and those still looting should be seri-

26 Rabi Al-Awwal, 1437A.H

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THE PLATFORM with

Sekinah Lawal t: 08055102994 e: sakinah207@yahoo.com

ously dealt with.

Those in the habit of molesting Muslim women wearing Hijab should stop it or be sued based on the recognition of freedom of religion in the Nigeria constitution (Section 36) and United Nations Charter as many are still being harassed in their various places of work, hospital, road safety and immi-

gration registration points, schools, on the street, bus stops among others.

World Hijab Day was started by Nazma Khan, a Bangladesh lady in New York in 2013. The day came into being over misconceptions and wrong interpretations of what Hijab represents and denial of its usage in some part of the world.

...‘It’s better to obey Allah than one’s desire’

L

agos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Doctor AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef has assured Muslim women that it is more decent to obey Allah than obeying ones desire while urging Nigerians to promote one nation and shun discrimination arising from religious sentiments.

He gave this advice while addressing a procession orga-

nized by Secretariat Community Central Mosque to commemorate the World Hijab Day in Alausa, Ikeja.

Dr. AbdulLateef noted that the Nigerian Constitution allows for freedom of religion and association stressed that discrimination over religion was capable of creating enmity and retarding national growth.

Healthy Corner with

Dr. Yahaya

Facts to note about recurrent early pregnancy loss

S

pontaneous miscarriage is defined as involuntary termination of pregnancy before twenty weeks of gestation from Last menstrual period (five months) or fetal ( baby within the uterus) loss of 500 gram weight.

Stillbirth or premature birth Indicates losses beyond 20 weeks of pregnancy Recurrent pregnancy loss or habitual abortion is defined as 3 or more spontaneous miscarriages or pregnancy losses When do we investigate or treat?

Most Clinicians consider Clinical investigation and treatment appropriate in couples with two consecutive spontaneous miscarriages, preferably documented

by Ultrasound or histopathology.

The decision to investigate must be individualized considering the female partner’s age, timing and circumstances surrounding the early pregnancy losses, family and personal history as well as

couples’ level of anxiety.

Evaluation is indicated if embryonic heart activity is observed before in the earlier Pregnancy loss. Embryo is the early stage of baby development.

A normal Karyotype ( Genetic material test) on products of pregnancy from an earlier loss.

Adapted from Risk of Recurrent early pregnancy loss in young women: Poland B.J, Muller J.R., Jones D.C, Trimble B.K., Reproductive Most early pregnancy losses result from Chromosomal abnormalties ( abnormal genetic materials) of the eggs, sperm or early embryonic developmental stage and is a game of probability, even recurrent miscarriages can occur by chance alone but we know some couples have predisposing factors.

The unarguable causes of recurrent pregnancy loss are: 1. Genetic make up abnormalities or chromosomal abnormali-

He emphasized the need for Nigerians to be law abiding, respect fellow citizens during their daily activities as well as reaffirmed the commitment of Mr Akinwumi Ambode-led administration to ensuring level play ground and deliverance of dividend of democracy to Lagos residents irrespective of their religious background.

ties: Most spontaneous miscarriages result from abnormal genetic makeup of the aborted miscarriage babies with incidence of 75%. Most genetically abnormal conceptions result from the clinical union of normal egg with abnormal sperm or vice versa.

This may be in term of number or structural abnormality of the genetic materials. The most common Reproductive history we see in gamete (sperm and egg) abnormality is either normal child or early pregnancy loss, spontaneous miscarriage, combination of malformed children; still birth and abortion are less common.

In some couples, family history of recurrent pregnancy loss, still birth, birth defects suggest occult genetic abnormality after one spontaneous miscarriage.

Karyotypes, (Test to detect genetic abnormalities) are essential.

Reproductive aging in women increases the risk of recurrent miscarriages by increasing the prevalence of genetic materials damage in the eggs.

Ovarian reserved tests in women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss can reveal evidence of premature Reproductive aging.

Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdulhakeem Abdullateef addressing members of Secretariat Community Central Mosque during the World Hijab Day.

Chief Imam/Missioner, Rahmat Islamiyyah Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Ishaq Tejidini (second left) presenting a tricycle to Saliu Salman Kayode. With them is the National Amir of The Companion, Alhaji Musbau Oyefeso (left).

Representative of Occasion chairman, Justice Wale Abiru, Alhaji Y.K.O AbdulKareem (right) presenting a tricycle to AbdulFatai Hamza. With them is ZSF Executive Director Imam Abdullahi Shuaib.

To be continued •Dr. G. L. Yahaya is a Reproductive Physician and Medical Director of Continental Specialist Clinic. Phone Number 08075004277, 07081312295.

Cross section of Muslim Students Society of Nigeria during the World Hijab Day.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, February 5, 2016

26 Rabi Al-Awwal, 1437A.H

Arabel launches Princess Aisha Turbans

I

t was a roll call of classy and elegant women as Arabel recently launched the new brand in her stable, Princess Aisha Turbans for those who want to look modest, stylish and still keeps head turning in stylish Turbans.

According to the CEO, Hajia Shareefah Abiola Andu, 2016 is the year to look for as Arabel, the leading Islamic store in Nigeria, launched its 2016 collections tagged “Princess Aisha 2016 Turban Collection.”

“Arabel has a line of Turban which is premium having done Turban production for 12 years, learning the robes. The brand has now come with its Princess Aisha Turban Collection. They are stylish and chick. I want to provide the space for women who desire to cover their heads to do so without stress. Most women desire to, but may find it difficult to get what suits them, in terms of style, durability and affordability. All those worries are what we have put into consideration before coming up with this year’s collection.”

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule commended Hajia Andu for her creativity and for satisfying the yearnings of many Muslim women. She testified to Arabel’s elegant styles, quality and simplicity.

According to Andu, another good thing about the 2016 collection is that it is for every woman and it cuts across religions because fashion has a universal language.

Speaking further, Andu said; “We do not compromise on quality. We use very good materials and accessories and take quality control very serious. We don’t intend to sell only in Nigeria as we are in process of exporting our Turbans, so we do not joke with quality.” “Princess Aisha Turban is a premium quality brand from Arabel with the mission to marry modesty with elegance without compromising quality. The collection is manufactures in our factory based in Lagos, Nigeria by Nigerians. The quality, design and packaging are of international standard.”

On her 2016 collection, she said the fabric of choice is Velvet. They have used high grade velvet that is soft, supple, shimmery, cool to the touch and skin friendly.

The stones and accessories used also are of high quality. “We have used mostly original Swarovski Crystals of Asfourelle Crystals to create an amazing collection.

The event which took place at Westwood Hotel Ikoyi-Lagos, showcased varied styles to the admirations of invited guests. All the Turbans have been individually handcrafted and a lot of care had been put into making the Princess Aisha Turban the signature item in your wardrobe.”

Some of the 2016 collections showcased by the models were Velvet Cleopatra, Silk Velvet Cleopatra, Royal Brunei, Muneez, HC Velvet and Vbow Velvet Cleopatra, the 2016 must-have is chic, versatile and dressy. It is simply classy.

Silk Velvet Cleopatra is a dynamic blend of silk and velvet. It is colourful and stylish. It will go on formal occasions, corporate events and ethnic inspired outfits.

It is elegant.

Another of its kind is Royal Brunei with sparkling Swarovski Crystals and you get that Royal Brunei-The Empress look.

Muneez is one turban with two results.

If you are feeling blingy, wear as it is and if you want to feel urbane, flip the band over. It is simply graceful.

HC Velvet is another head stunner. The movable rhinestone slider gives you the freedom to make a frontal, right or left impact. It is gorgeous.

And for the youths, Princess Aisha 2016 Turban Collection has you in mind. Its Vbow is youthful, sassy and vibrant. The show stopper evening ended with bridal collections using turbans as its side attractions.

With its successful outing this year, Mrs. Andu promised that the show would be a yearly affair holding every last Sunday of January.

Pearls of wisdom II T

he Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that Allah the Exalted is hidden but He can be identified through His powers. One can find His Being through prayer. Every human, including kings and emperors, faces difficult times which reduce him to humility and at a loss as to what to do. During such times difficulties can be resolved through prayer.

The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) has stated the significance of prayer in many places and in different context.

His companions developed insight into this through him and had others acknowledge that their prayers were accepted.

Once an account was related to the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) which made him laugh. It was about MunshiAroora Khan Sahib who used to visit Qadian quite regularly in early days but later, due to his employment commitments he could not take time off work as before.

HazratMusleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) recalled that it was during his childhood when on his arrival in Qadian, Munshi Sahib would warmly greet others like a long lost brother. Munshi Sahib worked in the offices of a session judge. He once asked for time off work to visit Qadian but the magistrate declined because it was very busy at work. Munshi Sahib told him it was fine but said that he would start invoking malediction from that day on. The magistrate went on to sustain great loss which cautioned him and as a result every Saturday he would ask his staff to finish work early just in case Munshi Sahib missed catching his train. And he offered Munshi Sahib to take time off, such was the impact of Munshi Sahib’s earnestness.

Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) said that people are sensi-

Call to Worship

25

Every Friday with

Khalifatul Ahmadiyya tive to feeling hot or cold in varying degrees or are different in how acute their sense of smell is. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) recounted that some towns people were gathered talking about the heat properties of sesame seeds. They said that no one could eat a measure of about 230 grams of sesame seed without falling ill. One of them piped up and said if anyone was to eat 230 grams of sesame seeds I would give him Rupee 5. A surly farmer was passing by and when he listened to the men he was amazed how anyone could be paid to eat something so delicious. He asked them, do I have to eat the seeds with the plant? He asked because he could not believe that a reward could be given for eating just sesame seeds and not the plant. On one hand were people who thought it was impossible to eat 230 grams of sesame seeds and on the other hand was someone prepared to eat them with along with the plant. The same principle works in the spiritual world. Prayer affects some people more than others as some are more spiritually perceptive.

A religious scholar called Maulawi Khan Malik was renowned in India during the days of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). His appearance was extremely simple and he could easily been mistaken for a manual worker. He visited Qadian and after listening to the words of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) he accepted him. Later, he went to Lahore and visited MaulawiGhulam Ahmad, a scholar with hundreds of pupils but who himself had once been Maulawi Khan Malik’s student.

MaulawiGhulam Ahmad’s pupils had no idea of Maulawi Khan Malik’s status which his outward appearance belied.

To be continued

Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Dr. Moshhud Adenrele Fashola and Emir of Kano, Mai Martaba Sarkin Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, during the courtesy call of members of the Jama’at to his palace in Kano.

L-R: Hajia Shareefah Andu; Mrs. Bolanle Ambode; Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule and Hon. Funmi Tejuosho at the Arabel’s Princess Aisha Turban Collection launch held in Lagos at the weekend.

‘Prioritize child training’

D

r. AbdulLateef also challenged parents and guardians to pay more attention to the upbringing of their children.

He said this while delivering a paper on essentials of Parenting to achieving Quality and Sound Education during a parent seminar organized by the Ikorodu Divisional Parents Forum. He explained that everyone will benefit if parents pay attention to the development of right qualities in

their children.

“Being a parent is a special gift and privilege. Parenting is rewarding for the family and the society at large if properly done.”

He noted that many parents strive to accumulate wealth to the detriment of their wards’ proper home training and advised parents to complement teachers’ efforts to ensure a brighter future. “The home must be reformed to have a better society,” he said.

L-R: Alhaji Jimoh Faremi; Naib Amir, Northern Zone, Dr. Habeeb Yeqeen; Amir, Dr Moshhud Fashola; Missionary-in-Charge, Maulana AbduKhalique Nayyar; Principal Ahmadiyya Secondary School, Kano, Mauliv Quyyam and others, during the courtesy call of members of the Ahmadiyya Jama’at Nigeria to his palace in Kano.

26

Mirror Mongers

Friday, February 5, 2016

Heartbreak for a billionaire?

Dabota-and-husband-Sunny Aku

I

f names have something related to their meanings, then Chief Sunny Aku has a good name indeed. For ‘learners’, his surname ‘Aku’ means wealth in his native Ngwa dialect in the south east. But this is far from the story making

the waves.

The buzz online is actually that things have gone awry between the businessman and his ‘beauty queen’ wife, Dabota Lawson. The beauty queen is said to have moved out of the palatial mansion, and all efforts to get her back

to her matrimonial home has proved abortive. Now what exactly is the matter? MM gathered that there are three schools of thought. One says the lady who is far younger than Chief has suddenly realised that the love is gagging her life extraordinarily, to the extent that she does not have time to frolic with her peers.

But a stronger voice is heaping the blame on the doorsteps of some fetish stuffs which popped up along the line, hmm.

MM also learnt that these wild speculations are coming up because the twosome decided to maintain sealed lips over the bone of contention, but the divorce proceedings will soon lay everything bare. Is Aku brokenhearted?

Ripples at NiMET

T

hese are not the best of times at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, following the myriads of complaints by a cross section of the members of staff. It was gathered that the staffers are set for a showdown with the management over issues bordering on staff welfare. Some of these include: Irregular employment and promotion of workers at the agency and non-payment of promotion arrears. According to a source “These anomalies need to be corrected immediately, and we are determined to send petitions to the President, Minister and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. So much injustice is going on here to the extent that someone was employed in 2005 with a first degree and put on Grade Level 15.

We want the government to investigate this and restore justice. As I am talking to

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

O

f course, they put their minds into it, and that dream is fast becoming a reality today. Members of the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Lagos Mainland, have never hidden their desire to erect a befitting structure that would host Christians of all shades whenever they need to gather. To this end, they embarked on a mission to build the Christian Event Resource Centre at Bariga, a suburb of Lagos. A sprawling edifice, it was estimated to gulp a whopping One Billion naira, and the ‘devil who termed it an insurmountable project’ was put to shame last weekend when the Women’s and Girls’ Organisation of the church hosted the Macedonian Lunch to highlight the need for the centre and announce also that it is eighty per cent complete and in fact would be ready in March 2016.

For starters, the centre has the capacity to compete with any modern re-

Bishop Akinde

Prof Akinde and Christian Event Resource Centre

source centre, according to Rev. (Prof) Adebayo Akinde, the Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos Mainland, who confirmed that the facilities at the centre include: an auditorium with capacity to contain 1,500 guests, five committee rooms that can contain 50 guests each, 70 single rooms, five dormitories that can host 72 guests and five dining halls that can contain 450 guests. In

the words of Prof Akinde: “The centre came out of a vision to create a centr where Christians can gather and out their activities in comfort.”

Meanwhile the Macedonian Lunch attracted guests like Mrs. Bola Adams, Madam Bisi Osinbajo (mother of the Vice President), Senator Segun Bamgbetan, Charles Okafor and Mrs. Olumuyiwa Ojelabi amongst others.

Citizen Wakwelugo cries for help

S Dr Anuforom, DG NiMET you, the promotion arrears of 2013, 2014 and 2015 are yet to be paid. And the records are there with the National Association of Air Transport Employees.”

The members of staff are also concerned about the state of the equipment as well as capacity of their members to do their job.

According to the source, the installed radar system

which cost billions of Naira is no longer working, exposing their data gathered at the agency to a high degree of probability.

According to the source, most of the issues above were resolved in the meeting between NUATE, NIMET and Federal Ministry of Aviation, which held on 3rd June, 2014, but till date they have not been implemented.

omething is happening at Ovoko, Nsukka in Enugu State. Twenty years after the disappearance of Chukwuma Wakwelugo of Abatete in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State over a land crisis, his family is still being haunted by strange visits and phone calls, prompting their cries for help now.

The incident started in 1995. According to them, their father Chief Martins Wakwelugo, went to Nsukka in the 50s to deal in palm produce. By dint of hard work, he made money and acquired many plots of land in and around Ovoko. Owing to the state of infrastructure then in the area, the plots obviously came at a cheap rate and that has become a source of pain

for them today. When their father, Martins Wakwelugo died, some youths who specialise in land-grabbing came and told his family that they should surrender the lands their father bought.

“That was in 1995. The youths said that our father bought the lands at give away prices, that we should surrender them or pay the current price for the lands. But my father bought the lands in the 60s and 70s and all the time he was alive, there was no problem. Nobody complained have been shortchanged in the land deal but immediately he died, they wanted to take the properties from us. We refused and told them to go to court if they want because we have our papers. Then one night, the youths mobilised

and came to attack us. They had wanted to kill all of us in the family but my elder brother Chukwuma and the other members of our family gallantly fought back to save our lives. A lot of people were seriously wounded on both sides. It was after that fight that my brother Chukwuma disappeared and till date we have not set our eyes on him.”

chukwuma wakwelugo

ONE SEC QOESTION AND ANSWERS WITH BABATUNDE FASHOLA Earlier in the week, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) announced a 45% increment on electricity tariffs, spawning criticisms. The Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola reacted to the issue: Many Nigerians feel time is not ripe for increment on electricity tariffs?

E

lectricity is a product; it is made from raw materials; some of the raw materials are gas, power plants; they are also related. So, the issue of tariff is the single issue of price; when the raw materials of course go up, the price cannot stay the same.g Khalifa

Critics

Friday, February 5, 2016

While the publishing of the

Film

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

book should have

A taste of ‘Fifty’

fared better,

the book scores

high in research, sequential arrangement and content

dustry, while others believe that is extremism.

“Some believe that a believer must not be an hotelier or bars owner, while others think there is nothing wrong with it”.

With the book, the author reveals that the conscience reacts to known facts, and in the absence of facts it can be docile, passive and inactive.

A person’s clear conscience does not imply an absence of offence. Even if there is no offence, it will still depend on known facts at the time of reflection.

This statement explains the cover of the book which speaks volume, illustrating a ‘love’ heart that has been chained in gold. Could the heart depict truth and the gold chain illustrates the conscience...

An irony!

The author believes that knowledge awakens conscience and once awakened, it is good to abide by its terms, or else there will be condemnation, guilt and pain, as depicted in its cover page, unless a superior knowledge is received that will heal it.

Chapter two talks about a controversial subject: the location of the soul.

That the conscience will be present with the soul means that it will also end up where the soul ends up. It might be logical to say that they are part of one another. The soul’s destination will also be the destination for the conscience.

Chapter three dissects the human being as a tripartite being and states the functions of each part. The author also explains the operations of the conscience as a witness, judge, as the meter for the degree of goodness or evil, while the next chapter gives an insight on the types of conscience; the Good, Corrupt, weak, and Dead Conscience.

In the later chapters of the book, the author juxtaposes the conscience as opposed to the Spirit, while also explaining the fallibility of conscience and disclosing why the conscience should nurtured by the truth, which is the word of God. “When conscience becomes good by learning the word of God, then it has to be enhanced in order not to degenerate” While the publishing of the book should have fared better, the book scores high in research, sequential arrangement and content because it tries to correct the notions of people about the misconstrued topic.

Making a good film is like making a pot of soup and when it comes to good soup, count me in.

Isiguzo Destiny

W

27

hat does it take to make a good soup? Get the right ingredients, wash all the washables properly, let those things boil very well, add the right amount of seasoning, taste it and make necessary adjustment and then, food is ready! It sounds so simple but I bet it is not easy, or do you think I’m a bad cook? I may not be the best of cooks but I definitely know a good soup when I taste one, just like movies. A good movie is like a good soup, it takes good steps and the right ingredients (like good story line, good actors that can interpret their roles, good directing, and all the technical stuffs) to make a good film.

Biyi Bandele’s Fifty is no doubt a good film (soup). What would you have expected from a Mo Abudu’s production? A woman described by Forbes as “Africa’s Most Successful Woman”.

Fifty is a movie that revolves around four middle aged women from an uppermiddle class in Lagos, Nigeria, the sexual exploits of these women, challenges in their marriages, broken relationships among friends and between parents and their children, and these women’s career.

Fifty no doubt parades brilliant and wellknown actors like Ireti Doyle (Dr Elizabeth), Omoni Oboli (Maria), Nse IkpeEtim (Kate) and Dakore Akande (Tola) while the story revolves around this quartet who made me suspend my disbelief when I was watching them; they were very true to their different roles and seemed very at ease with their roles.

Doyle played the role of Elizabeth, a

fifty year old obstetrician who has insatiable lust for young boys to the extent she didn’t spare her daughter’s boyfriend and this strained her relationship with her daughter Shade; Tola (Dakore Akande) is a television diva whose marriage to Kunle turned to a sour grape due to the abuse and psychological trauma Tola experienced as a child, Tola’s character reminds one of Okonkwo of Achebe’s Things Fall Apart whose appears very bold and brave but seated within him is a chronic complex and phobia for failure, in Tola’s case, her perceived arrogance is a cover up for her feeling of complex due to unpleasant childhood experience; Maria (Omoni Oboli) is a business executive and a husband snatcher, she had a miraculous conception at almost age 50 for her friend’s husband; and Nse Ikpe-Etim played the role of Kate, a religious fanatic who prefers church activities to taking care of her family.

Fifty’s Successes Apart from brilliant cast, Fifty is a good story with powerful themes. It reflects the religious extremism of most Nigerians and their chronic religious bigotry. Nigeria is one country with unrealistic religious ideologies replicated in Kate who does know that religion is not blind optimism but practical realities. Her penchant for miracles for problems that have practical solution is condemned by a pastor in the film who recommended practical solution for her misapplied faith.

Fifty looks at the life style of parents and the relationship between parents and their children in a modern Nigeria.

Tola is abused by the father while her mother shielded the father from shame

and blamed her daughter for being raped by her biological father. It evaluated the issue of rapists and rape victims especially in African society where rape victims are stigmatised rather than taken care of. The focal point is that these victims are blamed for being raped as Tola’s mother calls her “ashawo” (harlot), accusing her of seducing her own father because she was running around the house naked. The neglect of such trauma can only be repressed but lurks at the unconscious and we saw how this experience ruined Tola’s marriage. On the other hand, it exposes reckless parenting where parents are selfish with their desires and are no good models for their children. Lizzy threw morality and caution to the winds and slept with her daughter’s boyfriend. One begins to wonder the kind of legacy the parents in Fifty left for their children.

The pretense of Nigerian society is exposed in Fifty, and one can see the recurrent theme of modernity in the film with its flaming moral decadence from incest, rape, sexual perversion, drug abuse and betrayal.

Other high points in the film are the build-up which systematically gave us a glimpse of what to be expected, the sound track which reinforced the story, and the narrative technique which is grossly based on twists in the plot and dramatic surprises. The movie is less predictable for instance, it will be difficult to guess that Tola’s brother was actually a child she conceived for her father. The language of the movie made it very Nigerian with the code switching from English to Yoruba and pidgin.

This feature of the film’s language is characteristic of the language of the class in Lagos which the film portrays.

Some of the dialogues are also memorable like: “happy 20th anniversary of your 30th birthday” and “you may as well move into the church and come back once a week”.

Fifty’s low points?

I was wondering whether Kate is a protestant or a catholic. She goes to protestant church and comes back home to recite “hail Mary”. I don’t know if the sexual explicit scenes were necessary.

But like I pointed out before, Bola Agbaje cooked the story of Fifty very well but when a particular kind of soup is served all the time, it loses its values and this is also applicable to films with hackneyed story-line made worst by common stereotypes. I am tired of gender stereotypes in Nigeria movies. Nigerian women are usually portrayed as promiscuous and uncontrollable especially when they are single, rich and powerful and made to look responsible when they are married.

Fifty towed that line.

Fifty is a good egusi soup with “okazi” leave and “okporoko” (stock fish).

It exposes reckless parenting where parents are selfish with their desires and are no good models for their children

28

Inside FCT

Friday, February 5, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Physically-challenged ‘usurp’ cleaning of FCT bridges Blessing Ukaegbu

C

ould anything great come out of the physically challenged? Society often looks down on those it describes as physically disadvantaged, or physically handicapped who also experience one form of deprivation or another in the area of quality education, employment, healthcare and effective political participation.

As a result many of them are poorly educated while others through self-help and perseverance acquire education, certain skills or learn some trade in order to have a means of livelihood However, only a few of these individuals have sustainable means of livelihood as many of them are relatively more susceptible to health challenges. They also experience marginalisation in terms of political representation judging from the percentage of physically challenged persons who are appointed or elected to positions of authority at all levels of government.

With the condition of the physically challenged, it is not surprising that they often experience very low self-esteem. It is that low self-esteem coupled with concern for daily survival that drives many of them to beg for alms at the main entrance of churches, mosques, community halls, motor parks, streets and pedestrian bridges.

But recent development in the FCT showed that some of these physically challenged often addressed as “special citizens” have taken over the cleaning of pedestrian bridges, particularly in the satellite towns.

Mustafa is one of such case people, though he became crippled very early in life, instead of sitting down, cap in hand, soliciting for alms, he has chosen to do things differently.

Armed with his broom, he oversees the cleaning of the pedestrian bridge which overlooks the popular Car Wash Bus Stop

Physically-challenged

and the nearby Government Secondary School, Lugbe. He regularly sweeps the bridge from one end to the other.

Arriving early in the morning when the wastes from the previous day’s buying and selling on the bridge litter everywhere, from the peelings of groundnuts, bananas, and onions to garden eggs, rotten tomatoes and the dirt from thousands of footwear, he diligently sweeps the walkways Asked if it was the favours which people would shower on him that made him

undertake such a venture, he replied, “I always see dirty full this place after people sell market for bridge finish, so I say make I dey clean am instead of siddon dey beg”.

Jude Arim, a trader around the bridge’s evening rush-hour market, admitted that Mustapha was different from every other physically-challenged persons he has seen around the bridge begging. “The boy single-handedly keeps the walkways of the bridge clean.

He cleans up this place from the bottom of his heart, and you can see it your-

That boy is a good Nigerian because of the way he takes his time to ensure that

the bridge always looks clean, especially these days cleaners from the

Abuja

Environmental Protection Board hardly come around

self ”, he said.

Ajoke Babajide who regularly makes use of the bridge calls Mustafa, “a good Nigerian”. Her words: “That boy is a good Nigerian because of the way he takes his time to ensure that the bridge always looks clean, especially these days, cleaners from the Abuja Environmental Protection Board hardly come around to clean up the bridges. He does a very important service to the public while his colleagues sit down, do nothing and expect you to give them money”.

Mustapha’s efforts have won him the hearts of many pedestrians who make use of the bridge as they have showered him with gifts including cash, clothes, food and other items.

But for someone like Aliu John who resides in the area, the whole idea is just a ploy by physically challenged persons to extort money from unsuspecting public.

According to him, he knows how those things work. “Is it not people that bring them to the bridge to beg and take them home every day? Don’t you think they have masters to whom they render daily accounts? he queried.

Asked what he thinks government could do to alleviate his condition, Mustafa expressed eagerness to go to school and then work to keep Abuja clean. “I wan go school or learn work.

I wan work for government, to clean up Abuja”, he said.

Mustafa’s example has long been emulated by many other special citizens across the FCT. It will not surprise anyone to see such people cleaning some portions of pedestrian bridges or street corners at Charley Boy Bus Stop near Gwarinpa Estate, or Karu Overhead Bridge or other bridges in Gwagwalada or Kubwa areas of the city.

Nevertheless, there are other physically challenged persons who sit around the bridges begging for alms all day. Whether these fellows will emulate the good example of Mustafa or not, only time will tell.

State of bridge worries Dei-Dei residents Adeola Tukuru

R

esidents of Dei-Dei area situated along the Suleja-Zuba express way in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed worry over the poor state of a bridge in the area, saying it is a dangerous spot where residents of the area have been robbed of their possessions on many occasions Others have escaped death with serious injuries after falling over the bridge which has no support rails on the sides.

A resident in the area, Adams Oche, said the bridge was too narrow and thugs have taken advantage of this to attack some residents of the area have fallen victims.

“As a person walks over the bridge he or she has to move slowly with measured steps to avoid falling over the bridge, and this is when thugs strike,” he said.

According to him, some people have lost motorcycles, bicycles and other valuables at the hands of thieves on this very bridge.

In that state of panic, others have tipped over and got injured seriously. although no deaths have been reported yet, residents remain fearful for the worst.

Another resident of the area who is a commercial bus driver, Umar Dauda, said because the bridge is very narrow, there is always traffic gridlock at the intersection around the area especially during rush hours.

The gridlock in some instances, he said has definitely heightened the challenges of rural dwellers who said they could hardly improvise unlike urban dwellers.

In some communities, residents still drink from streams despite having boreholes. Some of the projects date back to

2007. Change of government, dwindling revenue and lack of commitment were identified among reasons for the delay in the completion of the projects thereby causing a lot of hardship for the residents.

People have lost motorcycles, bicycles and other valuables at the hands of thieves on this very bridge Dei Dei Bridge

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Regina Otokpa

F

Inside FCT

Friday, February 5, 2016

or landlords and residents in the area around the popular Jabi motor park, Abuja in the FCT, they would not forget in a hurry the day when about 70 members of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) emergency vanguard, put their Community Development Service (CDS) to good use by creating awareness on the causes, dangers and possible prevention of Lassa Fever which has led to deaths in some states in the country.

Looking smart in their khaki trousers and Community Development Service branded T-shirts, the Corp members drawn from batch A and batch B, sensitised drivers, travellers and passersby on the need to maintain a dirt free environment at home, office and especially at the park to ward off rats, the vector of the disease.

Some of the Corp members, who spoke to Inside-FCT, commended efforts of the federal government in curbing the spread of the disease had reportedly claimed about 85 lives and left many others quarantined at different locations within the country.

Explaining why Jabi motor park was selected over others as location for the sensitisation programme, the Vice President of NEMA/NYSC emergency vanguard, Mayowa Adebiyi, said research showed that Jabi motor park was not only the dirtiest park in the federal capital territory, but was also an abode for rats.

“Jabi Motor Park has vehicles that transport people to almost every state in the country but unfortunately, we found out it is the dirtiest park so far in Abuja.

The day we went round to carry out investigations, we saw rats and people stay in the park and rats as we all know, are the major cause of Lassa fever.

“That is why we are here today to lecture, give hygiene tips on how to take care of the environment and to appeal to the drivers and passengers on the need to keep their environment clean including the park so there won’t be space for rats

29

Lassa fever: Corps members sensitise garage operators

A park in Abuja

and also to ensure nobody else falls victim to lassa fever”, Adebiyi said.

For Obeya Jerry Ogadinma, he is out with his colleagues to educate the public on possible measures to help curb the spread of Lassa fever especially when they see anyone manifesting the symptoms.

“Since the outbreak of Lassa fever it has been really terrible and it is really not comfortable to the society but we are here to sensitise them on the need to curtail the situation, how to actually go about it, what to do when you see some symptoms around to curtail the spread.

“Lassa fever has actually claimed so many lives but with the federal government intervening into this matter at least awareness is carried out in every nook and cranny of the country to make sure that ways of curtailing the spread of the virus it is known by everybody around,” Ogadinma added.

While outlining the CDS expectations, Otun Temitope says “We are expecting that people will be enlightened on keeping their environment clean, knowing the harm effects if their environment is not clean.”

David Funmilayo, added that “There are lots of drivers, passengers and people in this park. We are hoping that after now the people will know the advantages of keeping their environment clean and will help the federal government to start addressing lassa fever.

In his words of advice, Stanley Chinedu, called on “every Nigerian to be very conscious of their environment, take proper care of their surroundings, wash their hands, make sure all the food items are properly covered and also make sure

that food items are kept off any where there are rodents or rats.”

Also, Chiebuka Anumdu maintained that people can “prevent diseases by keeping close watch on our environment, sanitation, personal hygiene, thrashing dirt where they should be not just throwing them anywhere because they can bring about pests that cause great harm to our health.

“As you can see, almost everywhere is littered with sachet papers, empty plastic bottles and it is breeding place for mosquitoes, it can attract rodents in our environments and these rodents can find their way into the car where they can urinate or pass out excreta in the car making people prone to the Lassa fever we are talking about.”, Anumdu said.

Chiebuka, however, lamented government’s relaxed attitude in areas where incident of Lassa fever has not been reported. He said ‘in those places where the disease is spreading, the government is trying, the ministry of health and primary health care agencies within that area are taking it up to see that these people are quarantined so they don’t transmit this diseases through body fluid and other things but in those places where the disease has not spread the government is being lenient.

She called on government to move beyond creating awareness on clean environment and heighten sanitation measures, “The government can situate trash cans at strategic places in the park and enlighten people to thrash their dirt there and see to it that they dispose of these trash cans when it is filled up because most times if you check around trash cans are filled to the brim and peo-

We are expecting that people will be enlightened on keeping their environment clean, knowing the effects if their environment is not clean

ple are still dumping their thrash there close to those kind of place.

Engaged in a sensitisation programme for the first time, Oluka Bernard delighted to be making an impact on society, said that the impact would have been felt more at rural settlements, adding that the exercise serves as a personal point of reference to gain consciousness of his environment before calling on others to do same.

Commending the choice of location, a senior search and rescue officer with NEMA Abuja operations office, Mrs. Ben Okeke Chioma, said the park plays a key role in the fight against lassa fever because it serves as a rally point for different people coming from different parts of the country with different forms of ailments which could include lassa fever.

According to her, the CDS which sprung out from collaboration between NEMA and NYSC to use Corp members as vanguards for disaster management was saddled with the responsibility of disaster risk reduction through sensitisation programmes in communities.

She said: “Today they are here as a pack to sensitise people especially the drivers on safety measures while driving and also bringing in the aspect of keeping their environment clean. If you look at the park it is very dirty and with the recent outbreak of lassa fever, we know that one of the things that attracts the carrier of the virus is dirty environments.

“That is why the Corp members are here to sensitise the people who stay in the park because we find out that any time of the day morning noon and night and there are always people in the park and one wouldn’t know who already has the virus so we see it as a very good medium for us to come and sensitise people.”

She further noted that the emergency vanguard programme which started as a pilot phase in seven states of the federation including the FCT in 2008 was presently running in all the states including disaster risk reduction clubs in schools in carrying out effective sensitisation programmes.

Reacting to the sensitisation visit, the trustee of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Jabi Motor Park, Comrade Kayode Adedokun said the union was committed towards ensuring the cleanliness of the park at all times.

Appreciating the efforts of the Corp members in harping on the importance of maintaining a clean environment, he explained that the union had workers strategically placed at different locations tasked with the responsibility to ensure the park was kept clean.

He said, “there is little leadership can do, with this sensitisation programme it will motivate our members and our workers and after this we will gather them, talk to them again to ensure that they keep their portion clean at all times.

If each person’s portion is clean, that means the whole garage is clean.”

Capital Market

30

Daily Summary as of 04/02/2016 Printed 04/02/2016 14:37:25.025

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, February 5, 2016

Stock exchange daily equities summary Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY HEALTHCARE HEALTHCARE Totals

Daily Summary as of 04/02/2016

ICT IT Services TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals

Equities as at February 4, 2016

Printed 04/02/2016 14:37:25.025

Daily Summary (Bonds)

Processing Systems CHAMS PLC E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Processing Systems Totals

No Debt Trading Activity

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

1st Tier Securities

Daily Summary (Equities)

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Daily Summary as of 04/02/2016 Building Materials Printed 04/02/2016 14:37:25.025 ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DN MEYER PLC. PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC Activity Summary on Board LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. EQTY Building Materials Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 15 10 25

Current Price 30.50 34.00

Quantity Traded 199,696 126,025 325,721

Value Traded 5,789,760.08 4,250,368.04 10,040,128.12

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 13 13

Current Price 1.30

Quantity Traded 225,000 225,000

Value Traded 283,700.00 283,700.00

550,721

10,323,828.12

Quantity Traded 9,000 196,158 18,729,215 3,758,392 22,692,765

Value Traded 6,750.00 172,619.04 21,904,469.97 71,375,697.84 93,459,536.85

AGRICULTURE Totals

38

Daily Summary as of 04/02/2016

CONGLOMERATES Printed 04/02/2016 14:37:25.025 Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

Symbol AGLEVENT JOHNHOLT TRANSCORP Daily Summary UACN

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Totals Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Real Estate Development

Daily Summary of 04/02/2016 UACN as PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED

No. of Deals 1 7 65 (Equities) 28 101 101

Real Estate Development Totals Food Products DANGOTE SUGARESTATE REFINERY PLC CONSTRUCTION/REAL Totals FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. CONSUMER GOODS HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Daily Summary as of 04/02/2016 Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Printed 04/02/2016 14:37:25.025 Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals

93,459,536.85

Current Price 41.50

Quantity Traded 472,393 Page 472,393

Value Traded 19,799,282.04 12 119,799,282.04 of

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 5.35

Quantity Traded 92,390 92,390

Value Traded 499,233.70 499,233.70

564,783

20,298,515.74

Quantity Traded 35,000 270,659 95,810 Quantity903,641 Traded 1,305,110 472,393

Value Traded 105,000.00 32,948,725.25 1,834,376.00 86,090,135.55 Value Traded 120,978,236.80 19,799,282.04

472,393 Quantity Traded 36,900 Quantity Traded 36,900 92,390

19,799,282.04 Value Traded 6,555,743.87 Value Traded 6,555,743.87 499,233.70

28

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW NB Symbol JBERGER Symbol 7UP Symbol UAC-PROP Symbol DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW NB

Current Price 3.15 122.34 19.55 Current 95.10 Price 41.50

17 No. of Deals 16 No. of Deals 16 11

Current Price Current177.61 Price

11 No. of Deals 26 28 70 23 No. of Deals 3 72 12 162 249

Current Price 5.91 19.83 1.46 Current Price 3.15 122.34 19.55 95.10

5.35

92,390 Quantity Traded 1,691,190 564,783 1,060,430 1,149,000 Quantity Traded 35,000 Page 270,659 95,810 903,641 1,305,110

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL &on MARITIME SERVICES PLC Activity Summary Board EQTY Energy Equipment and Services Totals OIL AND GAS Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Totals Integrated Oil and Gas Services

499,233.70 Value Traded 10,049,963.50 20,298,515.74 21,187,323.69 1,691,310.30 Value Traded 105,000.00 12 2 of 32,948,725.25 1,834,376.00 86,090,135.55 120,978,236.80

Current Price 177.61

Quantity Traded 36,900 36,900

Value Traded 6,555,743.87 6,555,743.87

Symbol DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR Symbol NASCON TIGERBRANDS

No. of Deals 26 70 23 No. of Deals 8 12 139

Current Price 5.91 19.83 1.46 Current Price 7.00 1.25

Quantity Traded 1,691,190 1,060,430 1,149,000 Quantity Traded 196,287 Page 435,250 4,532,157

Value Traded 10,049,963.50 21,187,323.69 1,691,310.30 Value Traded 1,373,911.24 12 2 of 542,647.50 34,845,156.23

Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 18 88 106

Current Price 19.00 703.00

Quantity Traded 50,269 126,040 176,309

Value Traded 907,478.20 89,119,484.60 90,026,962.80

Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Household Durables Totals

Symbol VITAFOAM

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 4.56

Quantity Traded 35,284 35,284

Value Traded 153,363.01 153,363.01

Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER PLC. Daily Summary as ofNIGERIA 04/02/2016 Personal/Household Printed 04/02/2016 14:37:25.025 Products Totals

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 46 46 92

Current Price 20.95 30.35

Quantity Traded 382,591 315,570 698,161

Value Traded 8,122,997.97 9,560,883.94 17,683,881.91

6,783,921

270,243,344.62

Value Traded 44,937,662.89 18,637,487.98 6,135,736.58

Food Products FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. CONSUMER GOODS HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC Food Products NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock CONSUMER Exchange © GOODS PLC TIGER BRANDED Food Products Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking FIDELITY BANK PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. Daily Summary as of 04/02/2016 UNITY BANK PLC Printed 04/02/2016 14:37:25.025 WEMA BANK PLC. Banking Totals Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. FINANCIAL SERVICES NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND Exchange ALLIED PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock © FCMB GROUP PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UNITED CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

609

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK ETI

No. of Deals 158 21 38

Current Price 4.10 1.76 15.49

Quantity Traded 10,960,810 10,587,124 396,834

Symbol FIDELITYBK GUARANTY SKYEBANK STERLNBANK UBA UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK

No. of Deals 37 243 36 15 180 17 29 38 812

Current Price 1.25 15.90 1.10 1.78 2.80 5.49 0.66 0.97

Quantity Traded 3,216,800 Page 10,929,266 5,961,794 770,790 9,437,882 72,776 1,938,169 2,453,881,872 2,508,154,117

No. of Deals Current Price 13 0.89 10 0.97 11 2.19 11 0.71 2 0.50 No. of Deals Current Price 6 0.50 53

Quantity Traded 600,222 903,991 686,759 659,300 84,045 Quantity Traded 115,758 3,050,075

Value Traded 535,125.12 876,871.27 1,504,128.21 463,920.00 42,022.50 Value Traded 57,879.00 3,479,946.10

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 0.99

Quantity Traded 7,350 7,350

Value Traded 7,290.00 7,290.00

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FCMB STANBIC UCAP

No. of Deals 25 6 177 35 22 265

Current Price 2.40 3.88 0.89 14.00 1.35

Quantity Traded 387,696 33,000 Page 38,026,769 897,946 237,924 39,583,335

Daily Summary as of 04/02/2016 SERVICES Totals Printed FINANCIAL 04/02/2016 14:37:25.025 HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. Activity Summary onPLC. Board EQTY PHARMA-DEKO Pharmaceuticals Totals HEALTHCARE HEALTHCARE Totals Published

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © ICT IT Services TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals Processing Systems CHAMS PLC E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Processing Systems Totals

1,134

Current Price 1.69

Quantity Traded 670 670

Value Traded 1,078.70 1,078.70

Symbol CHAMS ETRANZACT

No. of Deals 1 1 2

Current Price 0.50 3.10

Quantity Traded 700 121,090 121,790

Value Traded 350.00 375,379.00 375,729.00

No Of Deals Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN Daily Summary DNMEYER PORTPAINT WAPCO

3 Quotation(N)

Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

Current Price 25.00 9.09 37.20 9.11 0.70 3.61 80.00

Quantity Traded 9,093 173,605 24,100 53,000 1,000 500 101,987 363,285

Value Traded 226,122.00 1,574,295.45 882,168.70 482,830.00 670.00 1,895.00 7,983,336.10 11,151,317.25

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 1.38

Quantity Traded 2,000 2,000 Page

Value Traded 2,660.00 2,660.00 12 6 of

Symbol BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 53.45

Quantity Traded 16,861 16,861

Value Traded 827,079.00 827,079.00

382,146

11,981,056.25

70

Symbol BOCGAS

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 3.79

Quantity Traded 1,000 1,000

Value Traded 3,700.00 3,700.00

Symbol MULTIVERSE

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 10,000 10,000

Value Traded 5,000.00 5,000.00

11,000

8,700.00

2

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 40,000 40,000

Value Traded 20,000.00 20,000.00

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 107 107

Current Price 3.90

Quantity Traded 3,422,529 Page 3,422,529

Value Traded 13,526,459.43 713,526,459.43 of 12

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals 34 10 98 11 1 12 166

Current Price 22.34 1.76 310.00 140.60 49.66 142.50

Quantity Traded 43,169 795,235 713,278 6,913 952 16,138 1,575,685

Value Traded 921,932.87 1,402,744.86 211,459,986.04 1,006,299.20 44,915.36 2,296,682.60 217,132,560.93

Symbol

No. of Deals 64 64

Current Price 236.09

Quantity Traded 67,131 67,131

Value Traded 16,375,536.57 16,375,536.57

5,105,345

247,054,556.93

No. of Deals Current Price No. of Deals Current Price 107 3.90 2 3.80 107 1 1.21 No. of Deals3 Current Price 34 22.34 10 1.76 98 310.00 11 140.60 1 49.66 12 142.50 166

Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 3,422,529 10,100 3,422,529 1,000 11,100 Quantity Traded

Value Traded Value Traded 13,526,459.43 38,667.00 13,526,459.43 1,210.00 39,877.00 Value Traded

952 16,138 1,575,685

44,915.36 2,296,682.60 217,132,560.93

No. of Deals 64 64

Quantity Traded 67,131 67,131

Value Traded 16,375,536.57 16,375,536.57

5,105,345

247,054,556.93

Daily Summary (Equities) SEPLAT

Activity Summary on Board EQTY OIL AND GAS Totals

OIL AND GAS SERVICES Integrated Oil and Gas Services Courier/Freight/Delivery OANDO PLC RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Petroleum and PetroleumTotals Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. OIL NIG PLC. Published by MOBIL The Nigerian Stock Exchange © MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Exploration and Production

338 Symbol Symbol OANDO REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

Symbol SEPLAT

OIL AND GAS Totals Daily Summary as of 04/02/2016 SERVICES Printed 04/02/2016 14:37:25.025 Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY PLC. TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS Courier/Freight/Delivery Daily Summary as of 04/02/2016 Totals SERVICES Printed 04/02/2016 14:37:25.025 Hotels/Lodging Activity Summary Board EQTY IKEJA HOTELon PLC TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC Published

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © SERVICES Hotels/Lodging Totals Printing/Publishing STUDIO PRESS (NIG) PLC. Printing/Publishing UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. ACADEMY PRESS PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY Printing/Publishing Totals LEARN AFRICA PLC SERVICES Transport-Related Printing/PublishingServices AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC STUDIO PRESS (NIG) PLC. NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Transport-Related Printing/PublishingServices Totals Totals

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

Symbol FIDSON Daily Summary GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER PHARMDEKO

No. of Deals 1 (Equities) 17 9 2 29

Current Price 2.70 24.37 0.96 2.25

29

Quantity Traded 30,000 36,794 166,945 21,000 254,739

Value Traded 77,700.00 854,102.48 160,170.05 44,940.00 1,136,912.53

254,739

1,136,912.53

Page

5

of

Symbol TRIPPLEG

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 1.69

Quantity Traded 670 670

Value Traded 1,078.70 1,078.70

No. of Deals 2 1 3 (Equities)

Current Price 3.80 1.21

Quantity Traded 10,100 1,000 11,100

Value Traded 38,667.00 1,210.00 39,877.00

No. of Deals 2 1 3 Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals STUDPRESS 1 Symbol No. of Deals UPL 1 ACADEMY 2 5 LEARNAFRCA 1

Current Price 2.75 5.51

Quantity Traded 60,350 1,000 Page 61,350 Quantity Traded 500 Quantity Traded 44,160 8,666 153,326 100,000

Value Traded 165,104.50 5,510.00 12 8 of 170,614.50 Value Traded Value1,045.00 Traded 239,347.20 4,592.98 334,985.18 90,000.00

Daily Summary Symbol IKEJAHOTEL TRANSCOHOT

Symbol CHAMS ETRANZACT

No. of Deals 1 1 2

Current Price 0.50 3.10

Quantity Traded 700 121,090 121,790

Value Traded 350.00 375,379.00 375,729.00

122,460

376,807.70

Quantity Traded 9,093 173,605 24,100 53,000 1,000 500 101,987

Value Traded 226,122.00 1,574,295.45 882,168.70 482,830.00 670.00 1,895.00 7,983,336.10

3

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN DNMEYER PORTPAINT WAPCO

No. of Deals 8 7 10 3 1 1 35

Current Price 25.00 9.09 37.20 9.11 0.70 3.61 80.00

Current Price 2.19 Current Price 5.70 0.55 0.90

No. No. of of Deals Deals 3 1 12 1 15 5

Current Current Price Price 2.09 2.19 3.64 5.70

Quantity Quantity Traded Traded 37,111 500 150,463 44,160 187,574 153,326

Value Value Traded Traded 81,000.33 1,045.00 550,441.88 239,347.20 631,442.21 334,985.18

Support and Logistics Transport-Related Services CAVERTON OFFSHORE AIRLINE SERVICES ANDSUPPORT LOGISTICSGRP PLCPLC Daily Summary as of 04/02/2016 Support and Logistics NIGERIAN AVIATIONTotals HANDLING COMPANY PLC Printed 04/02/2016 14:37:25.025 Transport-Related Services Totals SERVICES Totals

Symbol Symbol CAVERTON AIRSERVICE

No. No. of of Deals Deals 2 3 2 12

Current Current Price Price 1.77 2.09 3.64

Quantity Quantity Traded Traded 1,606 37,111 1,606 150,463

Value Value Traded Traded 2,971.10 81,000.33 2,971.10 550,441.88

187,574 414,956

631,442.21 1,179,889.99

Support and Logistics Daily Summary as of 04/02/2016 OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC EQTY CAVERTON Board Totals Printed 04/02/2016 14:37:25.025 Support and Logistics Totals

Symbol CAVERTON

Current Price 1.77

Quantity Traded 1,606 2,587,677,713 1,606

Value Traded 2,971.10 3,368,159,442.18 2,971.10

414,956

1,179,889.99

2,587,677,713

3,368,159,442.18

NAHCO

15 28 No. of Deals 2,3802 (Equities) 2

Daily Summary Daily Summary (Equities)

FINANCIAL EQTY BoardSERVICES Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking Banking Activity on Board PREMIUM Banking TotalsStock Published by TheSummary Nigerian Exchange © ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES Other Financial Institutions Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM Banking FBN HOLDINGS PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking Totals Other Financial Institutions Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Banking Other Financial Institutions FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals BANK PLC ZENITH INTERNATIONAL FBN HOLDINGS PLC INDUSTRIAL GOODS Other Financial Institutions Totals Building Materials Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Building Materials Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Building Materials Totals

28

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol

Current Price

249

12.99

No. of Deals No. of Deals 316 249 316 No. of Deals No. of Deals 565 249 316 316 No. of Deals 565 112 112

Current Price Current Price 3.97

ZENITHBANK Symbol Symbol FBNH

Symbol Symbol ZENITHBANK FBNH Symbol DANGCEM

Symbol DANGCEM

PREMIUM Board Totals

Daily Summary as Board of 04/02/2016 PREMIUM Totals Printed 04/02/2016 14:37:25.025

Equity Activity Totals

No. of Deals 112 112 112

Exchange ExchangeTraded TradedFund Fund

Name Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Name VETIVA ETF ETF LOTUS BANKING HALAL EQUITY VETIVA CONSUMER GOODS ETF FUND (ETF) NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © VETIVA INDUSTRIAL ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

Current Price Current 12.99 Price 3.97 Current Price 124.30

Current Price 124.30

Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 12,257,047 Page 12,257,047 Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 40,703,920 12,257,047 Page 40,703,920 Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 52,960,967 12,257,047 40,703,920 40,703,920 Quantity Traded Page 52,960,967 442,212 442,212 Quantity442,212 Traded 442,212 442,212

53,403,179

677 112

442,212

3,057

Daily Summary (ETP)

Exchange Traded Fund Name LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF)

2,380

No. of Deals

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals Current Price 249

Equity Activity Totals

12

921,932.87 1,402,744.86 211,459,986.04 12 81,006,299.20 of

Symbol Symbol AIRSERVICE STUDPRESS NAHCO UPL

Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM

2,712,096,293.45

Current Price 236.09

43,169 795,235 713,278 Page 6,913

338

SERVICES Totals

Value Traded 936,081.66 4 130,866.20 of 12 33,896,948.55 12,574,190.72 320,142.68 47,858,229.81

122,460 Value of376,807.70 Quantity Traded Shares(N)

No. of Deals 8 7 10 3 (Equities) 1 1 35 65

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

ICT Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DN MEYER PLC. PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC.

2,550,794,877

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. Daily Summary as OIL of 04/02/2016 MRS NIGERIA PLC. Printed 04/02/2016 14:37:25.025 TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Daily Summary as of 04/02/2016 Exploration and Production Totals Printed 04/02/2016 14:37:25.025

Value Traded 12 3 4,083,037.00 of 172,677,796.27 6,557,923.40 1,325,164.89 26,415,275.15 402,389.51 1,291,965.97 2,378,286,387.90 2,660,750,827.54

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE MANSARD NEM NIGERINS Symbol WAPIC

Daily Summary (Equities)

Mining Services Daily Summary as of 04/02/2016 MULTIVERSE MINING AND EXPLORATION PLC Printed 04/02/2016 14:37:25.025 Mining Services Totals

1,136,912.53

No. of Deals 1 1

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

No. of Deals 16 16

DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY Activity Summary on Board EQTYPLC

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 3 72 12 162 No. of Deals 249 17

NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. Chemicals Totals

254,739

Symbol TRIPPLEG

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

No. of Deals 17 17

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Real Estate Development Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED

22,692,765

Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals

Symbol JBERGER

Printed 04/02/2016 14:37:25.025 Real Estate Development Totals

CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL PLC. CONSTRUCTION/REALBREWERIES ESTATE NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Beverages--Brewers/Distillers JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Totals

Current Price 0.78 0.88 1.17 19.00

Sector ICT TotalsCompany name

29

Symbol

Daily Summary LOTUSHAL15 Daily Summary(ETP) (ETP) NEWGOLD

Symbol Symbol VETBANK LOTUSHAL15 VETGOODS NEWGOLD VETGRIF30 VETINDETF

2,641,080,892

Value Traded Value Traded 158,278,703.67 9 of 12 158,278,703.67 Value Traded Value Traded 161,226,626.75 158,278,703.67 12 10 of 161,226,626.75 Value Traded Value Traded 319,505,330.42 158,278,703.67 161,226,626.75 161,226,626.75 Value Traded 12 10 of 319,505,330.42 55,297,634.36 55,297,634.36 Value Traded 55,297,634.36 55,297,634.36 55,297,634.36

374,802,964.78 55,297,634.36

3,742,962,406.96

677

53,403,179

374,802,964.78

3,057

2,641,080,892

3,742,962,406.96

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 7.80 2,169.00

Quantity Traded 5 20

No. No.of ofDeals Deals Current CurrentPrice Price 11 2.35 7.80 11 5.97 2,169.00 1 10.71 1 17.06 6

Page Quantity QuantityTraded Traded 105 25 20 10 Page 25 95

Value Traded 39.00 43,380.00 11 of 12 Value ValueTraded Traded 23.50 39.00 149.25 43,380.00 107.10 11 of 12 426.50 44,125.35

ETF Board Totals

6

95

44,125.35

ETP Activity Totals

6

95

44,125.35

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arty News

Friday, February 5, 2016

27 31

My music not about rhythm but lyrics –E-Wonda Ewoma Veronica Dafe aka E-Wonda, is multi-talented. She is a song writer, recording artiste, on-air-personality and an actress.

Set with a new album, Gidigba, she urges the NBCto ensure gospel music gets more play time on the air waves. She spoke with REGINA OTOKPA. Excerpts:

W

hat could be done to bring fans closer to gospel music?

To me, music is music not just because I want to sing but because I see it more as a ministry. If you are not called, that means you are not called to do it. You must have vision and know why you are called to do it. I don’t know how I want to call people to do it, rather if they have the calling and they are satisfy, they could go into it. And it also depends on what you like...people hear me sing and say why don’t you tilt and sing this way? But I have told them I have a goal, a calling for gospel music. It’s a message, I see myself as a preacher through my songs. When people preach, those who want to listen do, while those who don’t won’t. But rather, getting people to support what we are doing. It depends on what you want to listen or dance to. There are many danceable gospel songs that we listen to today that would uplift you. What is the essence when people go from the rhythm and don’t even care about the message. Music for me is way much more than that.

It’s not just about the rhythm but the lyrics, message and everything, it is all encompassing. It depends on what they want to listen to. If they feel that gospel is good enough for them that is a matter of choice.

You live in the north. Do you see where you are resident today as a challenge to your musical career?

Well, even as a Nollywood actress, I lived in the north and it did not stop me from being an actress or hinder the jobs I was given to do. Though, it is a kind of a setback to some of those living in the north. That is why you see some of the upcoming artistes fleeing to Lagos because they believe that’s where the market is.

Lagos has made name because it’s a big business hub when it comes to entertainment. That’s why you see lots of people go there. It could be a level of setback but I think when you do your homework and try to push, go out from your comfort zone, like try to reach out to your neighbour, it will be of great help. It’s more work for us who don’t reside in Lagos, but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening.

Though Lagos has gone far when it has to do with music, but we can still catch up with them. It is when you see it as a challenge that it becomes a challenge. So I don’t see it as a challenge, rather I hope to work harder so I can be there.

What inspired your decision to become a gospel singer after a career the movies?

Music they say is food for the soul.

Music keeps me going. There are times you are in the worst of moods. When you hear a track play, you would even forget that anything happened. Music is that

powerful. I just found out that music is something that I have loved. First of all, before taking music professionally, I sing in the church. In fact, I wrote my first song at the age 13. I never thought I would go professionally music wise because I have always loved to be a broadcaster; I actually have background in broadcasting. I worked with a radio station, had a TV programme called Family Angel. I also present on RTN , Christian channel, Mission Field. I’m also an actor...I have done a couple of soap operas and movies.

But music just popped-up. In 2009, actually I was praying and just didn’t have my peace until I said yes to it. Since I opened up to music the songs keep coming on every now and then .There are days I get 3-4 songs because I write my songs. And I just thank God for that inspiration. I’m inspired by God, environment, by the songs I sing. I don’t struggle for songs with the glory of God and all humility, I have written well over 300 songs. I’m a kind of person that until I see it through, I don’t give up.

How many albums do you have?

I’m working on my third album to be precise. I did the first one ‘Ogene Do’, ‘Double Portion’ and this new one ‘Gidigba.’ There are many other things like people say why do I stop acting, it is not that I stopped acting but I wanted to channel some of my energy to see that music is also a success for me because I don’t want to do anything that would fail.

You said you have written more than 300 songs?

Like I stated earlier, I have released two albums and now working on the third one. The first one I released was 8 tracks and titled ‘Ogene Do.’ Then the second one was ‘Double Portion’ and it was 14 tracks and the current album ‘Gidigba’ would be about 10 tracks. When I released the Double Portion album people shouted 14 tracks! that would be like 2albums.

I said well the songs keep coming and I can’t just keep them so I had to release more. that is why this step I’m taking is for the messages to be heard. There are lots of messages and inspiration in these songs. My desire is for it to circulate and people to hear. I want to do a song that will circulate and at the same time people would get the message. ‘Gidigba’ when you listen to the lyrics, its a song that talks about the fairness of God , the Solid Rock on which we stand. It came in pidgin, beautiful rhymes. ‘We dey hail as you gidigba for ground,’ of course, when we wake up in the morning we thank God for a new day. These are lines that praise God

for who he i s .

The message I really want to pass across matters and of cause the rhythm. Another challenge is the airplay and they try to limit gospel songs to Sundays. People make all sort of noises and its receiving massive airplay but when you do an inspirational song like gospel songs it’s only aired during the Weekend or Sundays as the case may be. There are just few stations that would air gospel songs during the week.

For me, the content matters a lot and not just making noise all about. So I think it’s high time, NBC and all media houses look into this because it’s becoming a norm that gospel or some inspirational songs are only aired on Sundays. There are some morning shows that gospel music could fit-in. We all need motivation...

We need to be motivated in whatever we do. I had a radio programme called ‘Rise ‘n’ Shine’ and use to say ‘hello are you still sleeping and lazying away? Come on wake-up rise and shine because its a new day.’ You play songs that would talk about motivation and people should stand up and go do something. I don’t want to mention names of those who make all kind of noises on radio in the name of music. But I believe that gospel songs should not be limited to Sundays Is the gospel music industry winning the war against the misdemeanors in the society today?

People make all sorts of noises and it is receiving massive airplay

c

Ewoma

Yes! Because of these challenges before you see a lot of people trying to do sanctimonious thing, but it’s no longer that way. The generation we are in today, people want something that would make us dance. We are moving...God is really helping the industry.

Who did you collaborated with in your upcoming album?

Well, I featured a one guy, he’s called Convey and very talented. As a matter of fact, we worked on Gidigba together, he first produced it. We needed to do a correction but lost the data. So we had to do it again with another producer because Convey is a student he was not on hand, so I had to work with Shedrak (Justin) who produced the current song.

I featured Convey in the album. He did Healing Rain...a worship song and Take A Little Time reggae kind of. He’s not a very big name but I like to work with talented people. Many people ride on names but I prefer the raw talent at my disposal.

What would be your advice to someone who wants to come into music?

Music pay bills; the only thing in life is that nothing good comes easy. Even in your profession, when you started up your bills were not paid immediately. I’m sure you had to work for some people and all that. When I started as an actress, I did jobs that were not paid for; I just had to do it. We all do different jobs just because we want to make money but they don’t give us satisfaction.

Friday, February 5, 2016

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FRSC restates commitment to fight drunk-driving with breathalysers Adejuwon Osunnuyi

I

n its efforts aimed at ending over speeding, which in most times is related to drunk driving among drivers, the Federal Road Safety Service Commission has reiterated its readiness in combating the menace with equipment called breathalysers.

A breathalyzer or breathalyser is a device for estimating blood alcohol content (BAC) from a breath sample. Breathalyzer is the brand name for the instrument that tests the alcohol level developed by inventor Robert Frank Borkenstein.

Though breath analyzers do not directly measure blood alcohol content or concentration, which requires the analysis of a blood sample, it instead, estimates BAC indirectly by measuring the amount of alcohol in one’s breath.

According to the FRSC, the war against overspeeding, drunk-driving and other reckless activities of motorists may soon be over as it has provided its officers with breathalysers and speed guns, to enforce safe, defensive driving on major roads.

For the first time in decades, the agency said it has evidencebased data on the impact of its multi-sectoral enlightenment campaigns against recklessness on the roads.

Recently, the FRSC Zone 2 Command, comprising Lagos and Ogun states), among other critical zones across the country, provided its officers with breathalysers and speed guns, to enforce safe, defensive driving on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway and other major roads in the zone.

Though the implementation was largely sample-based test-

FRSC official using the breathalyser on a driver

ing, where drivers were randomly stopped and tested, the results, which, according to sources, are still being collated, have given room to cheer by the Corps.

With the breathalysers, Corps operatives conducted test on drivers, from saloon cars, to midi-buses, maxi or luxury buses, trucks, trailers, containerised vehicles and the sampled results were saved on the memory of the equipment from where it could be analysed or printed for legal action or documentation.

On the success of the sevenweek exercise, which took place between last December 8, and January 17, the Zonal Commander, Mr. Charles Nse-Obong Akpabio, said of the 369 drivers sampled in the two states, 356 (96.5 per cent were men and 13 (3.5 percent), were women.

Those with drivers’ licence were 347, which was 94 per cent;

those caught without a valid drivers’ document were 22 (six per cent).

Further stratification of the classes of the tested drivers, according to Akpabio, showed that 142 commercial bus drivers ranked the highest (38.5 per cent), followed by private car drivers 136, (36.9 per cent), while 50 articulated vehicle drivers (13.6 percent were also tested.

He added that one tricyle driver (0.3 per cent), was also tested.

Further breakdown of the total number of sampled drivers showed that 40 Pick Up vehicle drivers (10.8 percent) were tested private vehile drivers (owner/driver) was 137 (37.1 per cent), while 230 (62.3 per cent) drivers, drive one commercial vehicle or the other, and government vehicle drivers tested were 2 (0.5 per cent) of total sampled.

The sampled drivers, Akpa-

bio disclosed, came up with interesting revelations. While a total of 43 (11.7 percent) drivers proved positive of driving under the influence of alcohol or one form of drugs or the other, 326 (38.3 percent) drivers proved negative to drunk driving.

“Of the total number of drivers that proved positive to alcohol while driving, 11 (25.6 percent) were within the globally acceptable standard of having 0.05 alcohol in their blood system, while 32 others (74.4 percent) have an alcohol intake exceeding the approved standard, Akpabio stated.

He disclosed that the 32 affected drivers had their vehicles impounded by men of the FRSC, while the offenders of the law were charged to court for testing positive to alcohol.

He disclosed that all vehicles impounded were not released until after the drivers fully paid

the fines ordered by the court and not until they have been certified sober and in a better frame of mind to drive on the roads.

Akpabio traced the success of the pilot programme to the sustained don’t drink and drive enlightenment campaign by the FRSC and its multi-sectoral collaborators especially all the leading beer brewering industries in Nigeria, adding that the campaign which was taken to several states across the country was able to promote voluntary compliance as many drivers stayed away from alcohol intake before they sat behind the wheel.

He admitted that the success was however raised to a very high pitch because of the application of modern tools to accurately test drivers of alcohol level intake.

He praised the “perfect and accuracy” of the breathalysers, for the success of this year’s exercise, adding that the FRSC however lacked the capacity to introduce the exercise across the country because of the dearth of the tools.

“These tools, especially the breathalysers are still hugely in short supply. If not for the timely support given by some corporate organisations who rose to the occasion by purchasing some of these tools and handing them to us, we might not have covered the areas where these tools were used during the yuletide,” the FRSC zonal chief added.

Akpabio praised the collaboration of all other security agencies with the FRSC during the exercise, adding that the collaboration led to the prompt arrest and trial of all offenders at the mobile courts. He added that the synergy improved and enhanced service delivery.

Stallion begins sales, maintenance of Infiniti models in Nigeria

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tallion NMN, the Nissan brand custodian in Nigeria has announced the inclusion of Infiniti brand amongst its product range.

Infiniti is the luxury sibling of the prime Japanese automaker, Nissan. The Infiniti brand, which was officially introduced in North America in 1989, is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker – Nissan with direct equivalents in the Nissan product line-up.

More than 200, 000 Infiniti vehicles was sold worldwide last year with America’s 133,500 vehicles toping the sales chart followed by China’s 40,000, Canada 11, 300 and Europe’s 7,000 including unavailable sales data in the Middle East.

Stallion NMN, who became Nissan brand custodian in May 2013, has already taken delivery of three Infiniti variants including the Q50 (sedan), QX70 and QX80 SUVs respectively and are all available in Stallion NMN

accredited Nissan showrooms countrywide.

Addressing the media at the product launch, Managing Director, Stallion NMN, Parvir Singh said “the introduction of Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury brand to Nigeria is proof of our commitment to set fresh standards in the local automobile industry.”

He said Nissan is undoubtedly a painstakingly engineered brand with vast range of models, cutting across various appli-

cations, saying this versatility has placed Nissan well ahead of competition, which is currently ranked sixth largest automaker in the world.

Stallion NMN, he added, hopes to replicate this success in Nigeria by making Nissan one of Nigeria’s most preferred brands.

While stating that Nissan has transcended the challenges of yesterday and living up to its tagline ‘Innovation that Excites’, Mr Singh said: “Our obligation

is to make ownership of Nissan product range an exciting experience as we recognise the significance of excellence both in the quality of Nissan vehicles and in after sales service.”

He said Stallion NMN has trained and is continuing to retrain all her service technicians in multiple auto repair disciplines and will continue to acquaint them extensively in Nissan’s constantly advancing and cutting edge technology.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, February 5, 2016

33

New Ford Figo delivers advanced technologies, smart design, comfort

F

ord is set to redefine the sub-B compact car segment with the launch of the all-new Ford Figo.

Offering trend-setting technologies, smart design and outstanding levels of space and comfort, the all-new Figo Hatch and Sedan raise the bar in the compact car class while retaining this popular model’s established reputation for exceptional value and efficiency.

“The all-new Ford Figo is an exciting new compact car that will delight customers with its great design, smart technology, advanced safety features, worldclass quality and powerful yet efficient engines,” says Tracey Delate, General Marketing Manager, Ford Motor Company SubSaharan Africa Region.

“All-new Figo demonstrates that a compact car doesn’t mean sacrificing quality, design or features, and offersa lot more in each of these areas than consumers would ever expect for the money,” Delate adds.

Elegant and efficient design The all-new Ford Figo is characterised by a striking, elegant design that sets it apart from competitors. The eye-catching styling is derived from Ford’s Kinetic 2.0 design language, as seen on the likes of the new Ford Fusion and Focus.

The upmarket look starts off with the distinctive trapezoidal grille, complemented by a raked bonnet and attractive elongated headlamps. The swept-back lines of the windshield and A-pillars impart the all-new Figo with a distinctly dynamic appearance and are the result of more than

2016 Ford Figo

100 hours of wind-tunnel testing and extensive digital modelling to enhance aerodynamic performance. A further benefit is better fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise.

Sweeping, curved lines flowing from the front to the rear create a sense of movement, while the five-door hatch incorporates a rising roofline with a sporty spoiler and neat tailgate accentuated by two distinct crease lines.

The sedan uses sharp, clean edges for the deck lid and tail lights to slip smoothly through the air and assist with reducing turbulence behind the car, thereby lowering drag.

A speed lip under the front of the car further enhances aerodynamic performance by deflecting air away from the underbody where components can create significant drag. The side mirrors are also optimized to minimize drag and reduce wind noise.

The aerodynamic design even helps to keep occupants cool, as airflow through the grille is directed to heat exchangers to improve air conditioning performance.

Chrome highlights and fine details in the headlight designadd an unmistakably premium touch for discerning car buyers.

Intelligent interior The sophisticated and stylish exterior of the all-new Figo is matched by a modern interior that delivers an extraordinary experience for a compact car. Intelligent and careful space management creates a surprisingly roomy cabin emphasizing quality, comfort and convenience.

Highlevels of craftsmanship are evident throughout the cabin, with colours and materials carefully selected by Ford designers to create a refined

and premium environment. In the front, class-leading legroom gives the front passenger space to stretch out, while enabling even taller drivers to achieve the ideal driving position.

Rear-seat passengers will appreciate the all-new Figo’s exceptional roominess that allows three adults to sit side-by-side with plenty of head and shoulder room.

Thanks to a powerful airconditioning system (with automatic climate control on the Titanium), occupants can enjoy the interior space in even greater comfort due to the high-efficiency compressor and condenser.

This unit was developed specifically for hot climates, and is able to cool the cabin quickly and effectively.

The all-new Figo boasts no less than 20 smart storage spaces and convenience features strategically located around the cabin.

This includes bottle holders in both front doors that can hold a 1.5-litre and a 1.0-litre bottle at the same time, a large glove box that is big enough to fit a laptop, three cup holders for front seat occupants and a convenient bin for rear passengers at the back of the centre console.

There is a handy tray with a rubber mat in the front console, which is ideal for holding a cellphone, sunglasses or other loose items.

For storing valuablesa secret side compartment is provided, and is only accessible when the driver’s door is open.

Up to 359 litres of luggage space is available in the boot of the all-new Figo Sedan, with folddown rear seats increasing loading capacity and versatility. The seat-backs of the Hatch Trend and Titanium boast a 60/40 split for greater flexibility.

megacrown1@yahoo.com 08025237926

Weststar to participate at the AfricaBuild Lagos Exhibition

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s the launch of Nigeria’s international trade show; AfricaBuild Lagos’ is getting closer, Weststar Associates Limited has announced full support and active participation at the upcoming event both as an exhibitor and as the Platinum Sponsor.

AfricaBuild Lagos’ will bring together key construction professionals in Nigeria alongside suppliers from around the world.

It is the premier international construction event in West Africa and an ideal entry point to Nigeria, being the largest economy in Africa and the 7th most populous country in the world.

The MD, CEO, Weststar Nigeria, Mirko Plath said Weststar is in top gear with plans to showcase its product lines especially in the commercial vehicles segment together with the over 90 other exhibitors expected from 16 countries who will display all of the latest in building /construction machinery and technology at the event scheduled to take place from

16th to 18th February 2016 at the Landmark Centre in Lagos.

Speaking on the forth coming event, Darryl Pawsey, Regional Industry Director, ITE Build & Interiors Division, stated that Nigeria’s booming economy and its ever growing construction market are major attractions for international suppliers as the 2016 launch of AfricaBuild Lagos is intended to stimulate international investment into Nigerian construction industry and capitalize on the lack of international players in its unsaturated, growing market.

Africabuild Lagos’ is an international Building & Construction Exhibition put together by fairtrade Messeund Ausstellungs GmbH & Co. KG, - an international body that ranks among the leading organisers of professional international trade fairs in emerging markets, and in dedication to Nigeria’s Vibrant construction industry, we are delighted to consolidate e=ort with the team in building Nigeria tough an strong.

KIA appoints XYZ International Projects as dealer in Uyo

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n a bid to continuously bring its brand closer to customers, Kia Motors Nigeria has strengthened its dealership network with the appointment of XYZ International Projects Limited, a corporate body located in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

In a statement signed by Jimoh Olawale, Marketing Manager, Dana Motors Limited, following its appointment, XYZ International Projects Limited will offer the entire range of top-of-the-segment Kia vehicles through her facility located along Nwaniba Road, Nsukara Offot, Uyo. The franchise, he said, has a 3S facility to provide better services for the increasing number of Kia customers in Uyo and its nearby cities.

With over a decade of offering advanced automotive technology and accentuated after sales services, Kia remains the fastest growing automobile brand in Nigeria.

The strategic partnership is aimed at bringing Kia’s facility to its teeming customers in the region. The appointment comes on the heels of the expansion drive of Kia’s dealership network and further reaffirms its commitment to providing quality and comprehensive services to its loyal customers, while ce-

menting its position as one of the best performing brands in Nigeria.

The new 3S centre boasts fullfledged facilities that consist of sales, service, spare parts; providing ease and utmost convenience to Kia’s discerning clientele.

Sanjay Tatpati, Vice President, Kia Motors Nigeria added “The appointment of XYZ International with long-standing dedication to strong customer service is aimed at expanding our network in the light of our increasing sales volume and our commitment to providing the best customer satisfaction.

Given XYZ’s success and track record, we are confident that our customers will be offered top-notch services that exceed their expectations”.

“We are very pleased to join the Kia family and we will contribute our valuable experience in the auto industry to deliver best in class retail experience to the teeming customers. We committed to keeping pace with the growth of this prestigious brand by offering the highest standard of customer service aimed at exceeding the customers’ expectations.” said Engr.

Ufok Etim, Administrative Officer, XYZ International Projects Limited.

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People In The Mirror

L-R: Wife of the General Overseer, The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye; members of Lecture Planning & Strategic Committee, Pastor Vincent Sagua and Pastor Ayodeji Olulani with the Guest lecturer, Pastor (Prof.) Oyewale Tomori, during Annual Public Lecture series in commemoration of the 74th birthday of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, in Lagos.

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Amb. Danjuma Shehu; former FCT Minister, Sen. Jeremiah Useni; Air Force Officer in Charge of Research, Ms Juliet Mansa and President, Alumni Association of the National Defence College(AANDEC), Brig. Gen. Jonathan Temlong(Rtd), during the 6th Edition of the National Security Seminar with the theme: Internally Displaced Persons and Post Conflict Peace Building in Nigeria, in Abuja. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Nollywood Icon, Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett (6th L) Dejumo Lewis (2nd L) And Other Nollywood Stars At The 75th Birthday Of Ajayi-Lycett In Lagos yesterday.

Justice Salisu Garba (left), presenting a plaque to Justice Olasumbo Goodluck of the High Court of Abuja at the First Annual Conference on Financial Fraud, Cyber Crime and Cross-Border Crimes in Abuja.

Friday, February 5 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo; and Vice President, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Etisalat

Chairman/Founder Chrisland Schools Limited, High Chief Dr (Mrs) W.A Awosika (OON) cutting the ribbon at the official commissioning of Chrisland School, Lekki and Chrisland Pre-Degree College Complex.

L-R: Deputy State Commander, Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Lagos State Command, Mr Emmanuel Ayisire; Lagos State Commander of VGN, Otunba James Udoma; Head of Editorial, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Lagos Office, Mr Dele Bodunde And Head Of Nan Lagos Operations, Mr Joe Bankole, During the visit of VGN officials to NAN Office in Lagos.

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Ringo Communications, Boni Obieze; Executive Head of Marketing (Global), Ag Mobile, Tayshira Santamaria and Sales/Product Manager, Ag Mobile, Craig Herr, during the media launch of Ag Mobile in Nigeria, in Lagos.

Friday, February 5 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Maritime

35

Insecurity, poor infrastructure mar ICD project’s objectives

The Inland Container Depot ICD project was designed to achieve the twin purpose of bringing shipping services to the hinterlands in the country and also relieve the seaports of the perennial congestion, which usually gets exarcebated by the end of each year. More than 12 years after, this lofty project has been marred by infrastructure challenge and worsening insecurity in the country, reports FRANCIS EZEM.

T

he decision of the Nigerian Shippers Council then to establish Inland Container Depots ICDs and Container Freight Stations CFS in strategic locations across the country was no doubt with the best of intentions.

Conceived early 2000, the project was designed to bring shipping services to the door step of importers and exporters in the hinterlands in line with its statutory function of protecting the interest of shippers (importers and exporters).

To achieve effective coverage of the hinterlands in the country, the project was spread across five locations were including Erunmu, Oyo State; Heipang, Plateau State, Zawachiki, Kano State; Isiala-Ngwa, Abia State; Maiduguri, Borno State; and Funtua, Katsina State.

Literarily an ICD is a dry port facility usually linked to both the roads and rail lines to facilitate movement of cargo (imports and exports) to and from the seaports.

The idea was that imported goods meant for the hinterlands would be transferred by rail so that the importers in the area could access their consignments at cheap

rates and move same to their warehouses.

Conversely, the ICDs were also to serve as rallying points for exporters, where their consignments for export would be moved by rail to the seaports thereby eliminating some transport and logistics cost.

Another cardinal objective of the ICD was to remove the pressure on the existing seaports, which were usually congested by moving the consignments to the nearest ICD from where their owners would clear them.

Regrettably, nine years after, the project has yet to fully take off even with it official gazetting in 2007 and the concessionaires issued with Certificate of Occupancy (CoE).

Executive Secretary/ CEO of the

council, who spoke recently on the project noted that the greatest challenge faced by the ICDs remains the infrastructure deficit in the country.

According to him, a project such as the ICDs would need a functional and effective rail system to function optimally.

While commenting on the general poor infrastructure in the maritime industry, he said that the Federal Government needs to make a minimum of N100 billion investments in order to upgrade the current infrastructural deficit.

According him, the government must also enthrone a regime of conducive operating environment, by addressing the current huge infrastructural deficit that would engender a modern, efficient and competitive port system.

Experts believe that the poor rail infrastructure over the years remains a major hindrance towards socio-economic advancement of the country.

Statistics show that as densely populated as India, rail transport accounts for over 80 per cent of the means of movement of goods and people while in Nigeria which is less densely populated, rail constitutes less than two per cent of the means of movement of people and

`If the current administration

could continue with the same tempo in revamping the existing rail system while building more standard gauges for speed trains, the

ICDs would

become effective

goods.

It is therefore believed that this definitely portends a great danger to the economy, especially given that transport is crucial to the development of any economy.

For instance, available statistics show that Nigeria loses over 30 per cent of her Gross Domestic Product annually to the inadequacies of Nigeria’s transport system, occasioned especially by the near total absence of the rail system.

In the light of this, it has been argued that it was not possible for the country to run the ICDs successfully without an efficient rail system.

This is because over the years, it has been discovered that countries that successfully operated dry ports relied heavily on efficient rail systems, which is incidentally one of the cheapest means of movement of bulk goods for imports and exports.

Apart from poor infrastructure, the failure of the ICD initiative to achieve the desired objectives has also been attributed to the security situation in the country.

A stakeholder, who spoke on the condition of anonymity said that the worsening state of insecurity in the country occasioned by the spate of kidnap for ransom in the south and terrorism in the northern parts of the country has dealt a serious blow on the project.

“The activities of the Islamic sect, the Boko Haram and recurrent ethnic face-off in Plateau State remain the main cause of the failure of the ICD in Heipang, Jos and Maiduguri in Borno State while the worsening cases of kidnapping and ransom taking in the South-East had affected the

take-off of the ICD in Isiala-Ngwa, Abia State”, he said.

He had also accused some governments of the ICD host states of failure to meet their obligations in the agreements they signed with some of the concessionaires, especially their failure to release funds to cover their equity share in the project.

But another stakeholder and President of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents NCMDLCA, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, who spoke on the project, however sounded positive.

According to him, though there is currently a total absence of rail-road integration in the country, which is a crucial for efficient transport system not only in Nigeria but also globally, there is still a glimmer of hope for the ICDs to function effectively.

He observed that the last administration made some substantial efforts to revamp the rail systems in the country, which if sustained might jumpstart the ICDs. He said: “If the current administration could continue with the same tempo in revamping the existing rail system while building more standard gauges for speed trains, the ICDs would become effective”.

On the insecurity, he also argued that if the rail systems are put in place, the regions that do not have serious security challenges would transfer consignments to the ICDs while the government continues to address the problem of insecurity.

He argued that it is only three states in the North East that are raved by the activities of the terrorist group.

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Business Maritime

Friday, February 5, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Shippers Council saves $2.7bn on wet cargo imports STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

T

he Nigerian Shippers Council, has said that it saved the Federal Government $2.7 billion on wet cargo imports through the nation’s seaports.

Executive Secretary of the council, Mr. Hassan Bello, who played host to members of House

of Representatives Committee on Ports, Harbours and Waterways, who were on oversight functions visit that the council in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, saved the country a total of $2.7 billion in the last five years.

According to him, the money was saved on oil subsidy claims by some importers of wet cargo..

The Executive Secretary of

the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mr. Hassan Bello who stated this while briefing the members of the House Committee on Ports, Harbours and Waterways said the money was saved in the last five years.

He disclosed that the Council was able to save the money while vetting and confirming requests for foreign exchange to be paid by the CBN.

Ali

Bello

Apapa Customs grosses N23bn revenue in January

A

mid the declining import volumes occasioned by the Federal Government’s Foreign Exchange restriction policy, the Apapa Area 1 command of the Nigeria Customs Service has said that it generated total N23.4billion revenue on imports and levies for January 2016.

The Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, had last year imposed foreign exchange restrictions on a total of 41 items of imports, a development that has led to a sharp decline in the volume of imports by over 60 per cent Area Controller in charge of the command, Comptroller Willy Egbudin, who spoke during the monthly stakeholders’ forum, however warned importers and clearing agents that the command would not condone fraudulent declarations.

According to him, the service is doing everything humanly possible to meet its N1.1 trillion revenue target for the 2016 fiscal year and would therefore tolerate any act capable of frustrating the service’s revenue drive.

A breakdown of the command’s revenue profile for two years covering 2014-2016 showed that it collected a total of N301 billion, for the 2014 fiscal year, while N288 billion was collected in the 2015 fiscal year showing a N13 billion decrease.

“So far, I don’t think we are doing badly even though we are not

meeting the target because for the month January this year we had been able to realise N23.4billion compared to January last year which was N20.7 billion you know that we are starting well”, he said.

According to him, the command expects that it will collect between N300 billion and N500 billion, warning that the command would not tolerate any form of non-compliance with import trade policies that might jeopardise this expectation.

“If you want trade facilitation, which encompasses speedy clear-

ance of cargo, you must make hones declarations. You know that Apapa Area command is the flagship of customs service and if the service is to get right that means we must get it right here and vice versa and you know we cannot afford to toy with our flagship position”, he said emphatically.

While admitting that there has been a sharp drop in the volume of imports, he warned that that does not in any way translate that the service would not meet its N1.1 trillion revenue projections for the 2016 fiscal year.

No orders for South Korean shipbuilders in January

J

anuary was a very slow month for South Korean shipbuilders as the country’s big three failed to book any new ship orders, Yonhap reported citing industry sources.

As disclosed, this is the first time that no orders were received in January, despite the fact that this is typically a very slow month with respect to new orders.

The blank order-book adds to the woes of the big three, Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), as they report major losses amid industry slump.

As World Maritime News reported earlier this week, SHI

posted a KRW 1.2 trillion (USD 998 million) net profit loss for the financial year ending December 31st, plunging from last year’s KRW 147 bn profit.

Samsung Heavy joined its compatriot duo, DSME and HHI, whose results were hit hard over the past year amid the overall industry downturn and delays in construction of vessels for the offshore industry which is experiencing a downturn of its own prompted by plunging oil prices.

As a result, the three shipbuilders were forced to cut their order targets for 2016. Hyundai Heavy set its order target at USD 19.5 billion in 2016, compared to last year’s target of almost USD 23 billion.

It was also gathered that in the process of vetting the claims for payment by the major petroleum products marketing companies, the council discovered that there were incidences of over-invoicing, exaggeration of freight rates and attempt to receive payments for services not rendered, which were promptly blocked with the cooperation of the CBN. The NSC-boss told the legislators that the council confirms the lodgment of cheques and so any time there is a request for foreign exchange or one is to be paid for, they come to the council for thorough checks during which it was discovered that there are many cases of over-billing by the wet cargo importers.

Bello said: ‘This is not a recovery, it is actually savings to the nation’s economy, which means we are also blocking the leakages and wastages’ “So, you have to first of all understand the principle. I am an importer and I want to import wet cargo and it was strictly on petroleum products. When I import the wet cargo, the rate I am quoting for that particular import is too high. Why? Because, if I bring in cargo with a high freight rate, then my subsidy will be higher because the total sum of the product plus the cost of carriage on which I am being paid subsidy for”, he also told the legislators.

Investigations also showed that there were several instances where no imports were made at all while the marketers made claims, which the council quickly detected and blocked with the support of the apex bank.

Meanwhile, chairman of the committee, Mr. Pat Asiodu, who commended the council for its vigilance, urged the management

to do all it could to block any possible revenue leakage, given the current state of the nation’s finances.

Asiodu, who had earlier undertaken a tour of the seaports in Lagos, decried the high level of neglect the port infrastructure has suffered over the years.

He blamed this development on the over-dependence on the petroleum sector while neglecting other segments of the economy, including the maritime industry, which he argued has all it takes to sustain the nation’s economy both in terms of revenue generation and job creation.

“Nigeria abandoned the maritime industry and focused attention on easy oil money, forgetting that if the maritime potential is properly developed and harnessed can sustain the nation’s economy”, the chairman also said.

He praised the efforts of the council in developing capacity for the industry, which would go a long way in assisting the efforts of the current administration at diversifying the economy.

He however pledged the support and cooperation of the committee in synergising with the council and other government agencies in the maritime industry to ensure that the economy is diversified to enable it generate maximum revenue from the maritime industry.

“From what we saw at the ports during the visit, it is obvious that this country can only move forward if we diversify the economy, particularly by harnessing the vast maritime potential because we have both the manpower and natural resources that would make Nigeria compete favourably with Singapore’, he said.

Port of Los Angeles fails pollution cut test

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he TraPac terminal at the Port of Los Angeles has failed to meet pollutionreduction targets introduced by the city authorities several years ago, the Los Angeles Times reports citing unnamed city officials.

The air improvement measures included shutting down of ship engines while entering port and plugging into shore-power while docked at the terminal.

This is the second time in less than a year that this topic emerges with port officials admitting the failure to enforce similar mandates at the China Shipping North America terminal near San Pedro.

Southern California has the worst air quality in the country, according to Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC). The

port of Los Angeles and its twin port of Long Beach are the biggest air polluters in Southern California.

The pollution is caused by high emission of diesel exhaust particles from diesel-powered ships, trains, and trucks calling at the port.

Between 2005 and 2008, NRDC helped the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach develop their landmark Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) and Clean Truck Programs (CTP). The CAAP includes a compendium of air pollution control measures aimed at drastically cutting port-generated air pollution while enabling the ports to grow.

This is particularly important seeing that the volume of freight moved by the U.S. transportation system is expected to increase by 70 per cent by 2020.

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Business News

Friday, February 5, 2016

37

CBN extends BVN registration for Nigerians in Diaspora to June 30 Johnson Okanlawon

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our days after the deadline for Nigerian bank customers abroad to enroll for the Bank Verification Number, BVN, lapsed, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday gave another respite to Nigerians in Diaspora by extending till June 30, the timeline for their compliance with the guideline.

A Notice to the effect sourced by our correspondent from the apex bank’s website signed by the Director of Banking Supervision, Mr. ‘Dipo Fatokun, indicated that the deadline for registration for BVN and linkage of accounts was extended from January 31, 2016 to June 30 2016.

According to the banking sector regulatory financial institution, the decision is necessitated by low percentage of registration of Nigerian banks’ customers in Diaspora which may be attributed to lack of accessibility of registration cen-

tres and unavailability of registration centres in some cities where Nigerian population is high.

The CBN listed 30 centres where Nigerians in Diaspora can register for BVN, adding that plans are on to deploy more centers in locations with high Nigerian population. It therefore enjoined Nigerian banks’ customers who are yet to comply to do so before e end of the new deadline.

In the United States of America, the CBN cited in Washington DC, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, New York and San Fransisco while in the United Kingdom, two centres, Leicester and Manchester, were approved for the exercise.

It clarified: “There is a center in Dubai of the United Arab Emirates, as well as Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa. There is another center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and three in China, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

“In Canada, centers have been cited in Toronto and Vancouver. Centers have also been cited in Paris, France; Rome, Italy; Sau Paulo, Brazil; Kiev, Ukraine and New Delhi, India.

“Three centers were set up in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar) and Australia (Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth) each,” it added.

It would be recalled that the apex banking institution had

last November extended the BVN enrolment timeline for Nigerians in the Diaspora to January 31, 2016.

A statement by the bank’s Director of Corporate Communications, Ibrahim Mu’azu, then explained that the extension was to enable the Diaspora customers complete the enrollment as well as link the BVN to their respective accounts.

The CBN then ordered banks

in the country to ensure that the extension of timeline applied to the targeted group only.

The CBN, through the Banker’ Committee and in collaboration with Nigerian banks had on February 14, 2014 launched the Bank Verification Number (BVN) as part of their efforts to ensure that Customers Bank Accounts are protected from unauthorized access, amongst other benefits.

Air Cote d’Ivoire targets 17% passenger traffic in 2016 Olusegun Koiki

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he management of Air Core d’Ivoire has estimated at least 17 per cent growth in passenger traffic in 2016, indicating 701,777 passengers.

This is as the airline declared that it airlifted 604,170 passengers in all its routes in 2015.

The Managing Director of the airline, Rene Decurey disclosed this during the week at the unveiling of another DASH 8-Q400 NextGen aircraft in Abidjan.

The acquisition of the new equipment brought to seven aircraft in the fleet of the airline. The fleet consists of three A319s, one A320 and three Q400s.

Decurey emphasised that in 2013, the airline carried 22,183 passengers while the figure rose to 398,761 in 2014.

He assured that with the additional of the new aircraft, its passengers’ traffic would grow within the year, stressing that the aircraft allowed the company to operate into different routes including domestic.

He described the aircraft as a comfortable and fast aircraft comparable to a jet, adding that it allowed the airline company to offer a lot of frequencies.

Also commenting on the addition, the Minister of Transport, Cote d’Ivoire, Mr. Gaoussou Toure commended the airline for its performance and remark-

able achievement within its short time of existence.

He said, “This is the year of emergence for Air Cote d’Ivoire and to do this we need more aircraft to fly to more destinations and this new aircraft will help the airline to achieve its goals.

“The presence of Air Cote d’Ivoire has helped to create both direct and indirect employment opportunities for the citizens and I congratulate you for the remarkable work you have done.”

Bombardier Chief Operating Officer, Alain Dugas congratulated Air Cote d’Ivoire for its choice and delivery of the brand new aircraft.

“I am happy to be here today to herald the arrival of the third Q400 to Air Cote d’Ivoire.

The Q400 is becoming very popular on the African continent and it is good for opening new markets. I congratulate Air Cote d’Ivoire,” he said.

L-R: Head of Department, Radiology, General Hospital, Odan, Lagos, Dr. Akinlenisola Julius Kola; Head Corporate Communications Keystone Bank Ltd, Mrs. Omobolanle Osotule; Medical Director, General Hospital, Odan, Lagos, Dr. Adebola Laketu and Mr. Gabriel Osu of keystone Bank Ltd, during the presentation of some medical equipment to the hospital in Lagos.

Nigeria’s cocoa production may drop by 60% –CAN Abolaji Adebayo

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ocoa Association of Nigeria, CAN, has predicted that the country’s output of the cash crop may decline by as much as 60 per cent in 2016 as prolonged dry weather takes toll on the trees.

A statement by the President of the Association, Sayina Riman, indicated that the lingering severe heat wave had been affecting cocoa trees in the farms, adding that the 2016 midcrop would grossly drop as a result of the ravaging effect of the long harsh harmattan weather.

He noted that Nigeria reported

a poor main-crop harvest with the start of the 2015-16 season in October after major growing areas were ravaged by floods and disease in the preceding months, according to the cocoa association.

The cocoa farmers’ leader said the dry spell that ensued afterwards wasn’t broken by intermittent rains that would’ve helped the development of buds for the midcrop.

“Even if the rains start today, it will require a period of regeneration for the dying cocoa trees to develop fruits again,” Riman said.

Farmers in the South Western cocoa belt that account for about 70 per cent of Nigeria’s produc-

GM’s net profit soars to record $9.7bn

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eneral Motors’ net profit hit a record $9.7 billion in 2015, driven by strong sales in the U.S. and China, and the company said it doesn’t share investors’ fears that the cyclical auto industry has peaked.

“We’re well prepared for the downturn. We just don’t think it’s going to come any time soon,” Chief Financial Officer Chuck Stevens told reporters in an early morning conference call. “We be-

lieve the industry fundamentals and economic fundamentals are such that we would see a strong U.S. industry for the next number of years.”

Stevens said GM’s $10.8 billion in earnings before interest and tax (EBIT), excluding one-time items, demonstrates a new discipline inside the company to manage its capital efficiently while investing for the future. GM is on track, he said, to pare $5.5 billion in annual

costs by 2018, which will more than offset investments in new technologies like connected and autonomous cars.

“It was a strong year on many fronts, capped with record sales and earnings, and a substantial return of capital to our shareholders,” Chief Executive Mary Barra said in a statement. “We continue to strengthen our core business, which is laying the foundation for the company to lead in the transformation of personal mobility.”

tion also complained that the crop wasn’t faring well, with the last rains in the area falling in late October, except for a few hours rainfall experienced last in January this year.

A farmer in the cocoa-growing town of Idanre, in Ondo State, Kola Adeboyejo, said that the farmers might not be able to harvest up to half of last year’s midcrop cocoa with the current weather.

Nigeria’s two cocoa harvests include the smaller midcrop from April to June, which normally accounts for about 30 per cent of Nigeria’s cocoa output and the main crop harvested between October and December.

Nigeria is the world’s third largest cocoa producer ranking after Ivory Coast, Ghana and Indonesia, with a governmentestimated output of 350,000 tons in the 2013-14 season, while the International Cocoa Organization estimated Nigeria’s output at 240,000 tons for the same period.

Global cocoa production totalled 4.2 million tons in 2014-15, about one per cent higher than previously estimated, according to a report published by the ICCO on November 27.

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Business News

Friday, February 5, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Finance Minister tasks FIRS over N4.957trn target Tola Akinmutimi

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he minister of finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, yesterday gave a marching order to the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, on the N4.957 trillion tax target set for it for 2016., saying “there is no room for failure” ove A statement by the agency’s Head, Communication & Servicom Department, Wahab Gbadamosi, quoted the Minister as giving the order during the second day of the 2016 Annual

Corporate Strategy Retreat of the FIRS and underscored the importance of the agency’s attainment of its 2016 target to the Federal Government.

Adeosun said: “There is really no room for failure. Really, there is no room for failure.

Please ensure you deliver. The nation will depend on FIRS to fund the budget. We need the money to stabilise the economy.

“In addition to your professional pride, and the satisfaction you may derive from working for FIRS as a professional,

please note that you are also building the nation by realising the target and by being professional, honest and dedicated in the way you do your work.

This is what the nation needs now.

“This is not a joke. We need everybody to do his/her beat to ensure that everybody contributes to the achievement of the target. I look forward to the excellent ideas that will improve revenue generation as you proceed in this retreat” the minister added.

Adeosun acknowledged the strides the FIRS had made in the past and the successes it had attained since its new Chairman, Tunde Fowler resumed, adding that “I know your chairman as an achiever. He did very well in Lagos. Work with him. He will do well here. He is one person who has the welfare of staff on his mind”.

It would be recalled that during the opening session of the retreat on Tuesday, FIRS’ Executive Chairman, Tunde Fowler, announced FIRS 2016 target of N4.957 trillion. He said the tax agency hopes to earn N3.87 trillion from Value Added Tax, VAT and Companies Income Tax, CITS this year.

The N3.87 trillion from VAT and CIT will be 78.42 per cent of the N4.957 trillion tax revenue targeted for 2016.

He clarified: “The above target is clearly unacceptable and not a reflection of our capacity.

I am particularly not pleased

with the very poor VAT collection, which based on my previous experience at the state level in the administration of a tax similar to VAT, should be a high yield and easy to collect tax.

“Even the relatively good performance for CIT is buoyed by the fact that an initiative directly overseen by my office in the last three months of 2015 accounted for a collection of over N122 billion, without which the performance for CIT would have been less than 85 %.

He hinted that the FIRS was collaborating with State Governments, tax consultants, major audit firms, stakeholders in the federal system, including the National Assembly.

According to him, the tax agency is also undertaking a nationwide Value Added Tax and Witholding Tax Monitoring exercise and nationwide taxpayer registration exercise anchored by the FIRS.

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the Government, mostly from large foreign retailers operating in Poland.

However, it is thought that the proposed tax could fall foul of EU state aid laws. For example, a similar progressive turnover tax on advertisers in Hungary is being investigated by the European Commission on the grounds that it provides small companies in the sector with a selective advantage.

Poland was recently criticized by the European Central Bank (ECB) for its plan to introduce a special tax on banks, which would require certain financial and insurance institutions to pay a special monthly levy of 0.0366 percent on the value of an institution’s assets, subject to certain exemptions.

Poland announces special tax on supermarkets

L-R: Director, Trade Promotion and International Relations, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Dele Alimi; Consul General, Embassy of Germany, Lagos, Mr. Ingo Herbert; President, LCCI, Dr. Nike Akande and Director General, LCCI, Mr. Muda Yusuf, when the Consul General paid the OPS’ group a courtesy visit in Lagos.

Elumelu lauds US Congress on passage of ‘Electrify Africa Act’ Tola Akinmutimi

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hairman, Heirs Holdings, Tony O. Elumelu has applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for the passage of the “Electrify Africa Act,” which took nearly three years trying to get the measure through both chambers of Congress.

The Act creates a framework for a major public-private partnership between the United States and sub-Saharan African countries to help millions of people gain access to affordable and reliable electricity.

It also codifies access to electricity in Africa as a U.S foreign policy priority, thereby preserving President Barack Obama’s Power Africa Initiative for years to come.

Launched in 2013, Power Africa is an innovative partnership to double access to electricity in subSaharan Africa where more than 600 million people currently lack access.

Elumelu, one of Africa’s leading investors and Chairman, UBA Plc and founder of the Tony Elu-

melu Foundation, has through his investment company, Heirs Holdings, remained at the vanguard of promoting Africa’s power initiatives over the past few years.

For instance, in 2013, Heirs Holdings made a commitment of $2.5 billion investment in the power sector to generate 2,000 megawatts of power, representing about 20 per cent of the initial Power Africa target. Through Transcorp Power, the company currently generates 19 per cent of the power consumedin Nigeria.

According to him, Africa must win the energy challenge if it seeks to become an industrial power in the 21st century.

“Power outages on the continent must spark power outrage.

The kind of outrage that ignites the activist in us” he noted.

Channeling their power outrage into global advocacy, in a letter and op-ed supporting passage of the bull last week, Tony Elumelu and Aliko Dangote, both cofounders of the African Energy Leaders Group (AELG), urged U.S. legislators to pass this critical legislation.

Elumelu also gave a keynote

address at the “Powering Africa Summit” in Washington D.C. last week, where he mobilized investors and technocrats in the power sector to join him in lobbying their Representatives in the U.S. to pass the bill.

Elumelu said that ”Power is a cross-cutting issue that impacts job creation, education, healthcare delivery, food security, communications and virtually every other sector of commercial activity.”

He described the passage of the bill which now goes to President Barack Obama for his signature as “a landmark decision which will help to transform the lives of millions of Africans who cannot wait for power’.

“I’d like to thank Representatives Ed Royce and Eliot Engel; Senators Bob Corker, Ben Cardin, Jeff Flake Chris Coons and Ed Markey for their friendship towards Africa and for their bipartisan leadership to move this important legislation, my hope is that President Obama will sign it into law as soon as possible”, Elumelu added.

oland’s ruling Law and Justice Party has followed through on an electoral pledge by announcing proposals for a special turnover tax on supermarkets.

The progressive tax would apply at a rate of 0.7 percent on monthly revenue between PLN1.5m (USD370,000) and PLN300m, and 1.3 percent on revenue exceeding PLN300m, according to a Finance Ministry statement. A special rate of 1.9 percent would apply to supplies during weekends and public holidays. Supermarkets with monthly revenue of less than PLN1.5m would be exempt from the tax.

The tax is expected to raise an additional PLN2bn in revenue for

Facebook helps Nigerian SMEs connect with customers

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acebook hosted a roundtable with small and medium sized enterprises from Ghana and Nigeria on Tuesday as part of its effort to support entrepreneurship in West Africa.

The session focused on how Facebook can help small businesses reach exactly the right customers – for less money and with greater returns.

More than 50 million small businesses around the world actively use Facebook Pages because they’re free, easy to use, and they work well on mobile. More than 2.5 million SMEs worldwide actively invest their hard-earned dollars with Facebook every month, a number that’s doubled in the past two years.

A growing number of them are in Africa – 54% of people on Face-

book in Nigeria are connected to a small or medium business. But for Facebook, this is only the start of Facebook’s potential to help small and medium sized enterprises in West Africa to thrive.

Said Nunu Ntshingila, Head of Africa for Facebook: “Africa is home to some of the world’s most vibrant and exciting small businesses, and these enterprises are the backbone of the economy.

These smaller businesses drive economic growth and create jobs that lift people to prosperity.

“The number one reason they succeed or fail is their ability to attract customers. As more and more people turn to smartphones and the web to discover and connect with businesses, Facebook is the best platform for African SMEs to promote their brands.”

Friday, February 5, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

39

Ikorodu farmers seek inclusion in govt’s agric investment ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

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armers in Ikorodu area of Lagos State under the of Ikorodu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ICCI, have urged the Federal Government on the need to include the area as of the models for agricultural investment.

The President, Ikorodu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ICCI, Prince Jamiu Adio Saka, made the plea at a workshop organised by the Chamber in Lagos recently.

Saka said that Ikorodu division’s population was increasing without commensurate infrastructural support despite the availability of land and human potential in the area.

He therefore appealed to the government for the grant of agricultural inputs aimed at furthering the development of agriculture as a natural resource in the community.

He said: “It is a known fact that there are various investment opportunities in agricultural sector; preproduction which requires site preparation such as land clearing, land preparation and land development. Currently few companies are engaged in providing these services and many farmers are not skilled in good site preparation techniques.

“Seed production and distribution, fertilizer production and distribution, crop cultivation, fisheries, are various segments which are in high need of investment in agricultural sector.

“Our country particularly Ikorodu

Division is blessed with environment conducive for agricultural development as a main stay of our economy. Our natural endowment should therefore be taken seriously as National Project through the adoption of technically driven Modern Farming Practices and Mechanised Farm operations for increased productivities.”

The ICCI Boss disclosed that agriculture was the only sector in which the country has advantage currently

to diversify its economy. he however expressed concern over the rate at which the sector developed despite various campaigns for its development across the nation and beyond.

Meanwhile, an official in Agribusiness sector of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Tony Bello said that government’s efforts towards economic diversification through agriculture sector had been intensified.

He hinted the farmers that the Federal Government had started acquiring lands in some states for developmental models for agricultural investment while advising them to be part of the programme by applying through their various associations and organisations.

He also advised them to go into partnership with big private investors, who could help in the proper utilization of their landing property for agribusiness, thereby developing their community along agricultural value chains.

Borno State Deputy Governor Mamman Durkuwa, test-driving a caterpillar at the inauguration of Trenches Construction to prevent Boko Haram Terrorists’ attack, in Dikwa, Borno, yesterday.

NIOMR intensifies research on Tilapia

Abolaji Adebayo

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he Executive Director, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, NIOMR, Dr. A. O. Ayinla, has tasked scientists on the need to reinvigorate research on mass production of high breed Tilapia fish species.

The species hitherto was known for its high prolific nature and stunted growth.

He said this was necessary in order to meet up with the demand of the Nigerian populace for scaly fish.

According to him, Tilapia guineensis is a euryhaline species commonly found along the West Coast of Africa.

Ayinla said that there was an increasing interest in this fish for aquaculture processes, adding that the African Regional Center for Aquaculture, ARAC, an outstation of NIOMR, has carried out considerable work on breeding of Tilapia fish with high growth up to 300gms in three months.

“The general practice is mix-sex culture, which is usually stocked at low rates to reduce competition for food and promote rapid growth. However, with the new technology being promoted by NI-

OMR, Tilapia growth will be improved considerably,” he said.

The aquaculture specialist noted that the technology on all Male monosex culture of Tilapia was currently going on in NIOMR. He explained that males were used for monosex culture because male Tilapia grew faster than females, adding that the females used considerable energy

in egg production and did not eat when they were incubating eggs.

According to him, the Males monosex culture permits the use of longer culture period, higher stocking rates of fingerlings of any age. High stocking densities reduce individual growth rates, but yields per unit area are greater.

While disclosing that the expected survival for all-male culture is 90 per

cent or greater, Ayinla maintained that NIOMR saw great potentials in Tilapia mass production and sent scientists to Egypt for technology perfection.

Already, the institute has sent five scientists to Egypt for new technologies in the breeding of all-male Tilapia culture just as Tilapia research is being intensified.

strategy help to transform agriculture in Africa through inclusive and sustainable mechanisation solutions.

Aligned with this strategy is the announcement of a new partnership between AGCO and the international development non-profit organisation ‘Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture’ (CNFA) to promote mechanisation as a catalyst to raise farm productivity and food security in Africa. ““To be sustainable, farm mechanisation needs to be environmentally-compatible, economically-viable, affordable and adapted to local conditions.” says Dr Rob Smith, AGCO Senior Vice President and

General Manager Europe/Africa/Middle East who will speak at the US-Africa Business Summit.

“The Massey Ferguson Farm Mechanisation Package, you could call it a ‘farm in a box’, is designed to make staying on the land or indeed, returning to the land a viable choice. It’s especially designed to encourage more young people to get involved in agribusiness.

“Further support has been built into the package by the provision of training and support through the pioneering AGCO Future Farm project and our Massey Ferguson distribution network together with the assistance of partners such as CNFA”, Smith added.

AGCO showcases Massey Ferguson’s Farm Mechanisation Package

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GCO, a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment, has showcased the new Massey Ferguson Farm Mechanisation Package at the 10th Biennial US-Africa Business Summit which ended yesterday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia..

The package is aimed at farmers who are taking their first step in mechanised farming and is primarily based upon the newly launched MF 300 Series tractor plus a set of MF implements and forms part of a wider package of support through the Massey Ferguson Africa distribution network.

This package is at the heart of AGCO’s

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Friday, February 5, 2016

FG sells N242bn T-bill at higher yields, plans N90bn bond Johnson Okanlawon

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he Federal Government yesterday said it sold N242.38 billion worth of three month to one year treasury bills on Wednesday, at higher yields than in its previous auction.

Data obtained at the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s website said it raised N50 billion more than initially planned as it increased the amount of six-month paper auctioned from the N30 billion it had previously an-

nounced, to N80 billion.

It sold N45.17 billion naira of three-month paper at 4.95 per cent, up from 4.29 per cent at a sale on January 20, 2016.

The bank sold N80 billion of six-month debt at 7.97 per cent against 7.59 per cent, while it sold N117.21 billion of one-year paper at 9.49 per cent compared with 9.32 per cent.

Total subscription stood at N400.82 billion, compared with N288.98 billion.

The 3-month bills closed

at 4.59 per cent on the secondary market on Wednesday, the 6-month traded at 7.87 per cent while the one year paper closed at 8.45 per cent.

Also, the government plans to raise N90 billion worth in local currency denominated bond at an auction on February 10, the second of such this year, the Debt Management Office, DMO, said yesterday.

The debt office said it will sell N40 billion in paper maturing in 2020 and N50 billion in the debt maturing in

2026, using the Dutch Auction System, in which the price is lowered until the bond is bought.

Both debt notes are reopening of the previously issued bond.

Nigeria is planning to borrow as much as $5 billion to help fund its budget deficit due to the plunge in oil, which has also sent the currency into a tailspin.

It expects a deficit of N3 trillion in 2016, up from an initial N2.2 trillion estimate.

FCMB issued N23bn bond as at Q3 2015 …as index slides 0.38%

Johnson Okanlawon

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irst City Monument Bank, FCMB, said it issued a N23 billion bond at the end of the third quarter, and the bank still had room to raise further debt even in the event of a naira devaluation.

The Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mr. Ladi Balogun, said the bank had adequate capital adequacy and was embarking on a deliberate strategy to replace fixed deposit accounts to bonds so that it will not be hit by central bank cash reserve requirements, which af-

fect liquidity.

Meanwhile, trading in equities closed on a negative note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as more investors took profits from the previous gains.

The All Share Index depreciated 0.38 per cent to close at 23,517.19 points, in contrast to the increase of 0.5 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 23,605.89 points.

Market capitalization lost N30 billion to close at N8.088 trillion, as against the increase of 79 billion recorded the preceding day to close at N8.118 trillion.

Investment analysts at United Capital noted that while the current macro backdrop continues to engender weak appetite for the equities market which is currently being relayed in market activity, ‘we expect to see some bargain hunting in the near term, in line with recent trends.’

International Breweries Plc led the gainers’ table with N1.73 or 9.71 per cent to close at N19.55 per share, followed by Forte Oil Plc with N26.50 or 9.35 per cent to close at N310.00 per share.

Guinness Nigeria Plc gained N5.58 or 4.78 per cent to close at N122.34 per share, while Learn Africa Plc added four kobo or 4.65

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rates, but oil is number one at this point because we are starting to see the effect of lower oil,” said Ian Kerrigan, global investment specialist at JPMorgan Private Bank in Seattle.

“It’s the top priority of the markets right now, on a day-to-day basis.”

The US currency fell 0.7 per cent against a basket of major currencies yesterday and is down three per cent for the week, on pace for its worst week since May 2009. It hit a 3-1/2 month low against the euro and held close to a two-week low against the Japanese yen.

Brent, the global benchmark, was down 0.8 per cent at $34.77 a barrel, after hitting a high of $35.84 earlier in the day, while US crude was up 0.76 per cent at $32.46.

The fall in the dollar also helped push metals higher,

with copper and zinc both up more than 1.5 per cent.

In turn, that lifted emerging markets, whose economies are highly depending on commodities. The MSCI emerging markets index climbed three per cent.

Commodity-related shares pushed higher in Europe, although gains were capped by a decline of more than 11 per cent in Credit Suisse, with the pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index rising 0.35 per cent. The STOXX Europe 600 Basic Resources Index surged 8.4 per cent and the oil and gas index jumped 4.2 per cent.

On Wall Street, the Dow Jones industrial average rose 112.38 points, or 0.69 per cent, to 16,449.04, the S&P 500 gained 10.13 points, or 0.53 per cent, to 1,922.66 and the Nasdaq Composite added

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

$1

N196.98 Market indicators All-Share Index 23,517.19 points Market capitalisation 8.11trn

Stock Updates

per cent to close at 90 kobo per share.

Continental Insurance Plc rose four kobo or 4.65 per cent to close at 97 kobo per share.

Conversely, 7UP Plc shed N9.34 or five per cent to close at N177.61 per share, while Nestle Plc lost N37.00 or five per cent to close at N703.00 per share.

Dangote Sugar Plc depreciated 31 kobo or 4.98 per cent to close at N5.91 per share, while NAHCO Plc dropped 19 kobo or 4.96 per cent to close at N3.64 per share.

Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc fell 47 kobo or 4.91 per cent to close at N9.11 per share.

Global equities surge, as weaker dollar boosts commodity prices

lobal equity markets rose yesterday, as the dollar continued to weaken on diminished expectations of US interest rate hikes this year, which in turned boosted the prices of oil and other commodities.

The dollar fell for a fourth day on the latest batch of soft US data, while comments from a US Federal Reserve policymaker on Wednesday were viewed as a sign further rate hikes could be delayed.

Dollar weakness, and unconfirmed talk that oil-producing countries in and outside the OPEC group may meet soon to discuss output cuts to help relieve a global supply glut, helped crude prices add to Wednesday’s sharp gains.

“Obviously, there is concern about the Fed and what they are going to do with

40

24.11 points, or 0.54 per cent, to 4,528.35.

Those gains were led by a 3.1 per cent climb in the materials sector while the energy sector advanced 1.2 per cent. The MSCI World equity index was up 1.1 per cent.

Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

13

Crude oil price

$58.96

GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

INTBREW

17.82

19.55

1.73

9.71

FO

283.50

310.00

26.50

9.35

GUINNESS

116.76

122.34

5.58

4.78

LEARNAFRCA

0.86

0.90

0.04

4.65

CONTINSURE

0.93

0.97

0.04

4.30

LIVESTOCK

1.25

1.30

0.05

4.00

ETI

15.00

15.49

0.49

3.27

GUARANTY

15.54

15.90

0.36

2.32

UCAP

1.32

1.35

0.03

2.27

PRESCO

33.25

34.00

0.75

2.26

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

7UP

186.95

177.61

-9.34

-5.00

NESTLE

740.00

703.00

-37.00

-5.00

DANGSUGAR

6.22

5.91

-0.31

-4.98

NAHCO

3.83

3.64

-0.19

-4.96

CCNN

9.58

9.11

-0.47

-4.91

ETERNA

1.85

1.76

-0.09

-4.86

IKEJAHOTEL

2.89

2.75

-0.14

-4.84

JBERGER

43.50

41.50

-2.00

-4.60

UNILEVER

31.81

30.35

-1.46

-4.59

HONYFLOUR

1.53

1.46

-0.07

-4.58

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.23

105.34

10.31

106.34

9.47

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.40

113.61

11.08

114.61

10.75

15.54 13-FEB-2020

4.02

110.17

12.26

111.17

11.96

16.39 27-JAN-2022

5.98

117.33

12.22

118.33

12.00

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.10

110.17

12.18

111.17

12.00

10.00 23-JUL-2030

14.46 84.68

12.29

85.68

12.12

Closing Market Prices of February 4, 2016

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

05-May-16

4.54

4.59

WAUA

270

USD

196.98

04-Aug-16

7.57

7.87

EURO

214

19-Jan-17

8.45

9.20

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

5.1667

POUNDS STERLING

293

1M

8.0610

3M

9.6587

SDR

273

6M

11.1473

NIBOR

CBN Clearing Rates of January 7, 2016

National Mirror National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net www.nationalmirroronline.net

Shi’ites stage peaceful demonstration in Katsina James Danjuma KATSINA

H

undreds of members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN, also known as Shi’ites, have staged peaceful demonstration in Katsina State.

The demonstration, which comes after series of other peaceful demonstrations, is in reaction to continued detention of its national leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-zakzaky.

The IMN members, consisting mostly of the youth, went about demanding the release of their national leader, among other members allegedly detained by security.

They also kicked against the committee set up by Kaduna State government to look into last year’s clash between the army and its members in Zaria.

Interim national leader of IMN, Sheikh Yakubu Yahaya, told newsmen that the movement also opposes inclusion of Prof Umar Labdo and others alleged to oppose the sect, in the said committee.

Yahaya said Labdo had allegedly written several

books criticising the movement with call for their elimination alongside other non-Muslims.

“We know Labdo has written over 40 books attacking the Shi’ite sect and making calls to kill them and Christians. So how can a person with such a biased mind sit and preside over injustice meted on us?”

He said with the likes of Labdo as committee members, the movement was destined not to get any form of justice.

Yahaya said Labdo and his likes were not competent to preside over the issue as the matter was purely legal and human right related, of which Labdo had knowledge of.

He said Labdo’s territory was issues that dealt with Islamic issues and not matters as had happened last year in Zaria in which several IMN members lost their lives.

He reiterated the movement’s position, that El-zakzaky and those detained must be released unconditionally, that it is by so doing that IMN would agree to cooperate with the commission in its assignment.

Taraba Assembly elects Useni as new Speaker Justin Tyopuusu JALINGO

T

araba State House of Assembly yesterday elected a former speaker in the seventh Assembly, Dr. Mark Useni, representing Takum II constituency, as its new speaker.

CHANGE OF NAME

OMOTERE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Omotere Mary Makanjuola now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Mary Makanjuola Alonge..All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ADEZA: Formerly known and addressed as Adeza Baba Hassan now wish to be known and addressed as Adeza Gambo Lukman. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to inform the general public that i was sometime refer to as FOLLY SUNDAY, also i am one and the same person as FOLORUNSHO SUNDAY. All documents bearing both names are mine and remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

North

Friday, February 5, 2016 Friday, February 5, 2016

Useni, who replaces Mr. Abel Diah of Mbamga constituency, whose victory was nullified by the Court of Appeal sitting in Yola, Adamawa State, in December 2015, hails from Takum Local Government, as does Governor Darius Ishaku.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as CHIKA ESTHER IWUCHUKWU and GLORY NKECHI ODINA now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs CHIKA ESTHER ALEXIS ODINA..

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

OWOLABI : Formerly known and addressed as Owolabi Nasimot Ayobami now wish to be known and addressed as Adebayo Nasimot Ayobami. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Sarumi Tawakalitu Toyosi, now wish to be known and addressed as Adesina Tawakalt Toyosi.All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

41 45

Looters must pay interest on funds –CAN Igbawase Ukumba LAFIA

C

hristian Association of Nigeria Youth Wing, YOWICAN, has urged Federal Government to compel individuals and organisations said to be voluntarily returning looted funds deal to pay interest rates.

YOWICAN maintained that it was not enough for the looters to return what they stole, but should be made to pay interest rates depending on the amount and period

the funds were diverted into their custody.

National President of YOWICAN, Mr. Daniel Kadzai, made the suggestion during a chat with journalists in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital, adding that it would enable government to meet development challenges.

He said, “Assuming the arms money was given out on loan to interested individuals from the time it was allegedly stolen by those involved, huge sums of money would have been added to it as interest that could en-

hance development in many sectors of the nation’s economy.”

The YOWICAN president therefore, regretted the action of treasury looters, especially those involved in the arms scandal, that it has caused untold hardship to Nigerians, including the death of many innocent citizens, which could have been avoided if the money had been spent for the original purpose.

He, however, argued that the fight against corruption must be holistic and in line

with due process and rule of law, hence, insisting that anyone alleged to be involved in one form of corrupt tendency or the other should not be spared from being investigated and prosecuted.

Consequently, Kadzai maintained, “A situation where some politicians with clear cases of corruption hanging on their necks but appeared to be immune from investigation because of their political affiliation is unacceptable and would not help in the ongoing fight against corruption.”

Borno Deputy Governor, Usman Durkwa standing (right) briefing the SGF, Babachir David Lawan and other stakeholder at the palace of the District Head of Dalori, Alhaji Lawan Dalorima during Federal Government’s delegation condolence visit to Dalori village of Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State over Boko Haram’s deadly attack last Saturday.

PHOTO; NDAHI

Inusa Ndahi MAIDUGURI

D

istrict Head of Dalori, Usman Lawan Dalorima, and other residents have informed President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State that no amount of pressure from Boko Haram attacks would compel them to desert their community and become refugees in any of the settlement camps in Maiduguri.

They insisted that despite the calamity that befell them last Saturday, where CHANGE OF NAME

PETER: Formerly known and addressed as PETER BABATUNDE NOAH now wish to be known and addressed as ANIFOWOSE BABATUNDE NOAH .All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

JOHN : Formerly known and addressed as John Moses Adoyi now wish to be known and addressed as Abbah Moses Adoyi . All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

We’re not leaving our destroyed communities —Dalori residents

over 150 people were killed and many of their homes destroyed by insurgents, they would rather stay back in their ancestral home, death being inevitable in any society.

Dalori is south east and 10km drive from Maiduguri metropolis, which already has about 30 designated camps for Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, of not less than 1.3 million people.

The residents, who comCHANGE OF NAME

KOMOLAFE: Formerly known and addressed as Komolafe Sunday Isaac now wish to be known and addressed as Komolafe Davids Sunday Isaac .All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

KATE: Formerly known and addressed as KATE OKEKE now wish to be known and addressed as AMOGE KATHERINE OKEKE All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

prised stakeholders, including Borno State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Ali Bukar Dalori, made their position known at the destroyed palace of the District Head when President Buhari, represented by Secretary to the Federal Government, Babachir David Lawal, led three ministers to a condolence visit to Dalori village of Konduga Local Government Area of the state.

CHANGE OF NAME

SHEU: Formerly known and addressed as SHEU AHMOD SULAIMON now wish to be known and addressed as EBIE CHIOMA.All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ONYEMA: Formerly known and addressed as Onyema Roseline Chinelo now wish to be known and addressed as Alabuike Roseline Chinelo..All former documents remain valid. General public take note

The residents, who also kicked against the ongoing digging of trenches to surround the community by the military to safeguard them from another infiltration

by Boko Haram from the Sambisa forest, called on the government, particularly NEMA, to provide them with food items and rebuild their destroyed houses instead of embarking on digging trenches by excavators in the name of security measure.

CHANGE OF NAME

IJEOMA: Formerly known and addressed as Ijeoma Mary Eshiowu now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ijeoma Mary Anokwuru.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

LAWAL: Formerly known and addressed as LAWAL FUNMILAYO RIHANAT now wish to be known and addressed as HAMZAT RIHANAT FUNMILOLA All former documents remain valid. General public take note

42

Friday, February 5, 2016

I formerly known as Aremu Saidat Kofoworola now wish to be known and address as Yusuf Saidat Kofoworola .

All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Ernest Asukwo Essien now wish to be known and address as Kingsley Archibong Bassey. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

I, formerly known and addressed as ADEKOYA BOLANLE LUCY, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEKOYA BOLANLE LUCY OMOTOYOSI. All other documents remain valid; management of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, general public should please note

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

OKE: formerly known and addressed as OKE HABEEBAT OLANIKE,now wish to be known and ABUBAKRI HABEEBAT OLANIKE.All former documents remain valid.General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

TAIBAT: Formerly known and addressed as MISS TAIBAT AJIBIKE AGORO now wish to be known and addressed as MRS TAIBAT AJIBIKE ETTI..All former documents remain valid. General public take note

FOLAKE CHRISTIANAH IBIRONKE. wishes to inform all that FOLAKE IBIRONKE,CHRISTIANAH IBIRONKE and FOLAKE CHRISTIANAH IBIRONKE all refer to one and the same person. the general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to certified that Titilayo Kayode is the same one person as Titilayo Joke Ayobami, that henceforth wish to be known and called as Titilayo Joke Ayobami.

All former documents remain valid, United Bank for Africa Plc, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public should please take note.

Formerly known and called as Miss Fatunwase Kehinde Deborah now wish to be addressed and called as Mrs Ijadunola Kehinde Deborah.

All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Olayiwola Kafayat Sewa now wish to be called and known as Agboola Kafayat Sewa. All former documents remain valid, INEC, Access Bank Plc and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Akinyemi: I formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinyemi Olushola Kafilat now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Folorunsho Olushola Kafilat. All former documents remain valid.

Lagos State Ministry of Education and General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Olaniyi Fatimoh Ajolayo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Lawal Fatimoh Ajolayo.

All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Soyebo Motunrayo Elizabeth now wish to be known and addressed as Ajeh Motunrayo Elizabeth.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Oni Olabimpe Eunice now wish to be known and addressed as Buari Olabimpe Eunice. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as Ademola Olooro Rasheed is the same person known and addressed as Ademola Rasheed Michael. All former documents remain valid. Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and General public take note

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS KUSETAN ABIDEMI OYINLOLA. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS KUSETAN RACHEAL OLUFUNMILOLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Jubril Oluwole Stephen now to be addressed as Jubril Najeem Oluwole. All former documents remain valid, First Bank plc , Ado Ekiti and general public take note

I formerly known and addressed as MR SANSA TAIWO GANIYU now wish to be known and addressed as MR SHAZILIYU ABDULGANIYU TAIWO All former documents remain valid. Wema bank plc and General public please take note I formerly known and addressed as SHOYEMI OLUWASHOLA OLATUNDUN, now wish to be known and addressed as SOYEMI ABOSEDE OLATUNDUN. All former documents remain valid. FCMB and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

VICTOR: FORMERLY known and addressed as VICTOR THOMAS NOW wish to be known and addressed as VICTOR IFEANYICHUKWU THOMAS. All former documents remain valid.

Authorities concerned and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Oseh Precious Idowu, now wish to be known and addressed as ESHIOGIE PRECIOUS IDOWU. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

MOHAMMED: FORMERLY known and addressed as MOHAMMED USENI NOW wish to be known and addressed as MOHAMMED HUSSAINI DANLITI. All former documents remain valid. GTBANK PLC and General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS IDOWU NOFISAT FUNMILAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OYEKUNLE NOFISAT FUNMILAYO. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Access Bank Plc and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHIJOKE: FORMERLY known and addressed as LEONA CHIJOKE NDUKWU NOW wish to be known and addressed as LEONA CHIJOKE CHIBUIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

I hereby notified the general that name was wrongly written as Sen Madicke instead of the correct name SENE MADICKE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

SALISU: FORMERLY known and addressed as SALISU DANAZUMI NOW wish to be known and addressed as SALISU DANAZUMI SADISU, and my date of birth is 1st January, 1984 and not 3rd January 1977. All former documents remain valid. STERLING BANK and General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

FULLNESS & DELIVERANCE MOUNTAIN GOSPEL MINISTRY This is to inform the general public that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registrations under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

The Trustees are: 1.Pastor Ezekiel Kolapo Joseph -Gen. Superintendent 2.Mrs Comfort Atinuke Joseph 3.Mrs Christianah Bolanle Olorunisomo -Secretary

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Faturoti Funmilayo Funke now wish to be known and addressed as Okeowo Funmilayo Faturoti Funke.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as LAWAL ABDUL TONY, now wish to be known and addressed as LAWAL ABDULAHI TAIWO TOYIN. All former documents remain valid. GTBANK and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

KANWAI: Formerly known and addressed as MARKUS KANWAI NOW wish to be known and addressed as HABILA MARCUS. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

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

CHANGE OF NAME

I‎ BRAHIM : FORMERLY known and addressed IBRAHIM SALISU NOW wish to be known and addressed as IBRAHIM SALIHU, and my date of birth is 3rd February 1988 and not 12th May 1983. All former documents remain valid. GTBANK PLC, UBA BANK PLC and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ADENEKAN ABIGAIL ADENIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AKINYELE ABIGAIL ADENIKE. All other documents remain valid, general public should please note

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as miss Amusa Omolara Oluwamayowa now wish to be known and address as Mrs Alaka Omolara Oluwamayowa. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to certified that Alade Bakare is the same one person as Abubakar Abdulhamid Alade, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Abubakar Abdulhamid Alade.

All former document remain valid, GTBank Plc and general public should please take note.

This is to certified that Miss Adeyinka Eunice Anike and Adedeji Owoade is the same one person as Mrs Adewuyi Eunice Anike, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Adewuyi Eunice Anike. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Ibrahim Segun Quadri now wish to be known and addressed as Onilewaji Oluwasegun Mattew. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Tope Rashidat Jinadu now wish to be known and addressed as Oyeniyi Rashidat. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Oyediran Shakirat Olaide now wish to be known and addressed as Ladipo Shakirat Olaide.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Hussaina Kehinde Shuaibu now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Afolabi Hussaina Kehinde.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ADENIJI KEHINDE FUNMILAYO. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS KOMOLAFE KEHINDE FUNMILAYO.ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

CHANGE OF NAME

LUCKY: FORMERLY known and addressed as AKUBOR INNOCENT BARRY NOW wish to be known and addressed as ALUDO LUCKY . All former documents remain valid.

STERLING BANK PLC, FIRST BANK PLC and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Aremu Saidat Kofoworola. now wish to be known and addressed as Yusuf Saidat Kofoworola. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Abubakar Mallam Bunu, now wish to be known and addressed as Abass Baba Gana. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

L ‎ AWAN: FORMERLY known and addressed as M LAWAN ABDULLAHI NOW wish to be known and addressed as LAWAN ABDUL FAGGE. All former documents remain valid. FIRST BANK PLC and General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

This is to inform the general public 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, 1990.

2. Mr. Kunle Oyebayo - Member 4. Mr. Kamaldeen Kareem - Member 6. Mr. Wasiu Owoade - Member 8. Mr. David Obibi - Member 10. Mr. Azeez Zentu - Member

Any objections to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi

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

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

CHANGE OF NAME ENIOLA:formerly known and addressed as MISS ENIOLA MOBOLAJI AISHAT;now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLADAPO MOBOLAJI AISHAT.All former document remain valid .General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

1.To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations in compliance with biblical injunctions.

2.To evangelise the world through church planting and dissemination of the word 3. To enhance the welfare of members of the church

Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AROWOLO GRACE. RISIKAT, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. MESIOYE GRACE IYABODE. All other documents remain valid; Diamond Bank Plc, general public should please note.

Aims and Objectives: 1. To unite and consolidate Gas Traders and Users in all 36 States including Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

2. To foster mutual understanding, harmonious relationship and co-operation among all Gas Users and Cutters in all 36 States including Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

3. To promote, support and subscribe to any development and welfare project beneficial to the Association in particular and Nigerians in general.

4. To do such other lawful things as re-incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above objectives or any of them.

Aims and Objectives

, formerly known and addressed as MRS.USMAN OLUWARANTIMI ABOSEDE, now wish to be known and addressed as MS ODEYEMI OLUWABUKUNMI OLUWARANTIMI. All other documents remain valid; First Bank Plc, general public should please note.

I formerly known as Miss. WaleOni Oluwatosin Yemisi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adelanwa Oluwatosin Yemisi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

THE ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA GAS USERS AND CUTTERS

The Trustees are: 1. Deacon Sunday Inakoju - Chairman 3. Mr. Gabriel Adegoke Olukuewu - Member 5. Alhaji Sakirudeen Adeboyega - Member 7. Mr. Ayuba Jimoh - Member 9. Alhaji Idris Goni - Member

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Signed: MAHMUD K. ADESINA, ESQ. Solicitor

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Akanni Titilayo Ronke now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Lawani Titilayo Ronke.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME BISI: FORMERLY known and addressed as OLABISI ISRAEL NOW wish to be known and addressed as OGUNTUASE BISI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Kudirat Olayinka Mustapha, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kudirat Olayinka Kotun. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to inform the public take that I Amodu Imayomi is the same and one person bearing Ibrahem Ahamodu Oluwasola. Henceforth, I want to be addressed as Ibrahem Ahamodu Oluwasola. All former documents remain valid, Eco bank PLC, Skye bank PLC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Soremekun Olubukola now wish to be known and addressed as Olakitan Olubukola. All former documents remain valid.

Financial Institution and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Elegbede Temitope Wunmi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olonade Temitope Wunmi.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as AKINBOYEWA BAYO OLAMIDE, now wish to be known and addressed as AKINBOYEWA BAYO AKINOLA. All former documents remain valid.

Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

BABA: FORMERLY known and addressed as BABA SHNAYINDO NOW wish to be known and addressed as BABA SHAINDO BITRUS . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that Agbaga Amosu Innocent and Mr Innocent Amosu Ayo Ayodele Agbaga, are refer to one and the same person ecn,wema bank 1st bank, Access bank and general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as KUDIRAT ABIOLA FOLORUNSHO, now wish to be known and called KUDIRAT ABIOLA BAMGBOYE. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adegboyega Bunmi Elizabeth now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olasunkanmi Bunmi Elizabeth.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I‎ was formally called and addressed as Solomon Ezekiel.

Now, I wish to be called and addressed as Egunjobi Afolabi.

All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MR. AKPAN EFFIONG EDEM, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. AKPAN SUNDAY UDO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOUNTAIN OF LOVE FOUNDATION

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1.Susan Ese Henker - 2.Rev. Fr. Anthony Kangyep - 3.Hauwa Abdullahi Muhammad 4.Mary Okoh - 5.Mrs. Agnes Adanyo Bolokor -

Chairperson Secretary -Member Member Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

1.Supporting, to show love and preventing young pregnant

mothers and orphans from Child abandonment through the provision of care centres 2.To support orphans, widows and economically disadvantage mothers with sustainable source of living 3.To promote access to primary education to under privileged children and orphans through the establishment of daycare centres and nursery schools 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: SUSAN ESE HENKER

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME

‎I formerly known and addressed as Boniface Joy now wish to be known and addressed as Onwuka Joy Chinwendu. All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Miss. Joy Oluwaseyi Gbadegesin now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. JOY OLUWASEYI FASANMOYE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as SUNDAY OCHONG now wish to be known and addressed as EGBE PAUL AGI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

The account name of my sister is YETUNDE MARTINS GRACE now wish to be change to JAMES TAYE MORENIKE which is my name . All former documents remain valid. UBA PLC and general public take note.

I‎ FORMERLY KNOWN AS AMALA JOY ERIOBUNA NOW WISH TO BE ADDRESSED AS AMARA JOY NZELU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Akinsiku Abiodun Olaoluwa now Osungbemiro Sola Olaoluwa.

All former documents remain valid ,general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Miss Rafiu Ajarat Ajoke now Mrs Sadare Lovelyn Ajoke. All former documents remain valid ,NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Ojo Oluwafemi now

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Halimat Pelumi Yusuf now wish to be addressed as Halimat Pelumi Johnson.

Former documents remain valid,general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Aminu Kazeem Adeyemi now to be addressed as Kazeem Adeyemi Oladimeji.All former documents remain valid,general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLUWALEYE: Formerly known and addressed as AWOLEYE OLALEKAN SAMUEL, now wish to be called and addressed as OLUWALEYE OLALEKAN SAMUEL. All former documents remain valid. All authority concern and general public take note

BABALOLA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss BABALOLA FOLASADE OLUFUNKE, now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs. OLAYIWOLA FOLASADE OLUFUNKE. All former documents remain valid.

Teaching Service Commission (TSC), Ekiti State and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OLUBIRI UCHECHUKWU NICHOLAS, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUBIRI UCHECHUKWU GODWIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Oyegunle Monsura Olasunbo, now wish to be known and addressed as Agbaje Monsura Olasunbo.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Jennifer Ejimkeonye, now wish to be known and addressed as Jennifer Akeru. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLORUNOYE RASHIDAT OLUWAKEMI NOW OLORUNOJE RASHIDAT KEMI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ECO BANK, FIRST BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

Oluwadare Femi Titilope. All former documents remain valid ,general puuublic take note

Formerly known and addressed as OKONOBOH SYLVESTER ITUA, now wish to be known and addressed as OKONOBOH SYLVESTER OSAZE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as AJAYI KEHINDE MOJISOLA , now wish to be known and addressed as AJAYI KEHINDE MARY MOJISOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS. ADEKANLE DORCAS DAMILOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AKINGBADE DORCAS DAMILOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

, formerly known, called and addressed as Daniel Ife Moses, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Daniel Oluwasiji Moses . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS. IMRAN JELILA .M., now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADELEKE-LEO JELILAT.M. All former documents remain valid.

State Hospital Oyo and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Formerly known and addressed as Miss Hadiza Omowumi Yunus, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Afolabi Hadiza Omowumi Yunus. All other documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as miss Adenekan Temitope Oluwatoyin now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Olakotan Temitope Oluwatoyin all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Egede Elizabeth now which to be known and addressed as Ogunboye Helen Onofome all former documents remain valid banks and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as miss Osaseri Blessing now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Ogundeko Blessing all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as miss Popoola Abolore Rukayat now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Tiamiyu Savage Abolore Rukayat all former documents remain valid and general public take note .

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHRIST DOMINION EMBASSY

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for the Registration under part ‘C’ of the companies and applied matters act no. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Pst. Lazarus Terna -Chairman 2.Pst. Mrs. Debbie Laz. 3.Mr. Nuhu Moses 4.Mr. Atin Victor Generous 5.Mr. Olotu Alabi George.

AIM OF OBJECTIVES 1.To empower people to take total dominion of God given heritage on earth via the preaching and teaching of the Gospel of Christ till Jesus come again.

2.To prepare the people for the kingdom of heaven at the last day.

3.To propagate the same Gospel mandate worldwide.

Any objective to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar – general corporate Affairs Commission. Plot 420, tigris Crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Pst. Lazarus Terna.

Chairman

43

Friday, February 5, 2016

DAN: FORMERLY known and addressed as DANJUMA DAN MADAMI NOW wish to be known and addressed as DANJUMA MUSA. All former documents remain valid.

Authorities concerned and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as miss Asoko Abigael Olakunle now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Ivharue Abigael Omolola all former documents remain valid UBA, ACCESS BANK and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as miss Oteju Kafilat Abiodun now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Shosanwo Kafilat Abiodun all former documents remain valid NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Oguntuga Oluwaseyi Opeyemi now which to be known and addressed as Odeyemi Oluwaseyi Opeyemi. All former documents remain valid and general public take note..

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss ADEDOYIN OLUWASEUN WUMI now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs IDOWU OLUWASEUN WUMI. All former documents remain valid,United Bank of Africa (UBA) and the general public should take note

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to inform the public that this family members were formerly known and addressed as LOTECHUKWU DORIS EZEABASILI, CHIGOZIE EMMANUEL EZEABASILI, CHINONSO SABASTINE EZEABASILI, IJEOMA MARYJANE EZEABASILI, NGOZI EUPHEMIA EZEABASILI, CHISOM FRANCHISE EZEABASILI, CHINEMERE DANIEL EZEABASILI, now wish to be known and addressed as LOTECHUKWU DORIS SAMUELS, CHIGOZIE EMMANUEL SAMUELS, CHINONSO SABASTINE SAMUELS, IJEOMA MARYJANE SAMUELS, NGOZI EUPHEMIA SAMUELS, CHISOM FRANCHISE SAMUELS, CHINEMERE DANIEL SAMUELS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that I, UTHMAN BABATUNDE ALLI is the same person as OLUWASOLA FATAI AYINDE, that hence forth wish to be known and addressed as UTHMAN BABATUNDE ALLI. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank PLC, SKYE Bank PLC and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly MISS AMAYO OGHADENA BOLA now wish to be called and addressed as MISS AYODELE BOLA SANDRA. All former documents remain valid.

SKYE BANK NIG. PLC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Okafor Kingsley now wish to be addressed as Awojobi Mutiu.All former documents remain valid,general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as, Balogun Oloruntoyin qudrat, Now wish to be known and addressed as Adeleke Balogun Oloruntoyin Kudiratu. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as AKELOBOH OSAREHEME ANGELA, now wish to be known and addressed as MADU ANGELA OSAREHEME. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OLOTHI AGWERE JULIUS, now wish to be known and addressed as OLOTHI MATTHEW JULIUS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

MUSTAPHA: FORMERLY known and addressed as MUSTAPHA GREAMA NOW wish to be known and addressed as SHERIF GREMA. All former documents remain valid.

Authorities concerned and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as miss Onasanya Selimotu now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Selimotu Iyabo Ogunnowo all former documents remain valid TASUED and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ikotun Idowu now which to be known and addressed as Ilesanmi Alaba all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Williams Edomwonyi Uwuidia is same person as Williams Edomwonyi, Williams Uwuidia, henceforth which to be known and addressed as Williams Edomwonyi Uwuidia all former documents remain valid banks and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss AMAKA EUCHARIA now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs AMAKA EUCHARIA KENNETH All former documents remain valid, the general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

OGUNLADE: Formerly known and addressed as MISS OGUNLADE TEMITAYO ESTHER now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JEKOYEMI TEMITAYO ESTHER. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly Miss Daso Mary Funmilayo now Mrs Adigun Joseph mary Funmilayo. All former documents remain valid.

Authority concern and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that MALACHY CHUKWUMA UBADIMA and ATADO UBADINMA MALACHY is the same person bearing the names now wish to be called ATADO UBADINMA MALACHY CHUKWUMA. All former documents remain valid. Wema Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known as Akpan Rosemary Bose now wish to be addressed as Ahmed Nurat Rosemary.All former documents remain valid,general publi take note.

Formerly known as Zwalnan Sunday now wish to be addressed as Zwalnan Fadul Williams.All former documents remain valid,general public take note.

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

Formerly known and addressed as SAMUEL LUCKY, now wish to be known and addressed as SAMUEL UMESIOBI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Eunice Titilayo Johnson, now wish to be known and addressed as Eunice Titilayo Oluwasanya.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Bishi Lola Monsurat , now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mayegun Lola Monsurat.

All former documents remain valid.

Skye Bank plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ADANCHEDE ALBERT HEDEYNON, now wish to be known and addressed as ADANCHEDE ALBERT SAMUEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OSAYANDE DEBORAH ABIODUN, now wish to be known and addressed as AINA AUGUSTINA OGUNTIMEHIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ormerly Miss AREGBESOLA OMOLAYO ANNE now to be known as MRS OLUSAYO OMOLAYO ANNE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please note.

I Formerly Grace Chioma Amobi now Grace O. Amobi. All former documents remain valid. General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as miss Ogundeko Idayat Adeola now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Agbojo Idayat Adeola Nee Ogundeko.

All former documents remain valid Banks and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Obey Andrew Rapheal now which to be known and addressed as Augustine Rapheal Onoja all former documents remain valid Zenith bank and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as miss Oseni Folashade Alimat now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Eyaife Folashade Alimat all former documents remain valid and general public take note

Lawal Olufemi Adiamo same person as Lawal Olufemi Felix henceforth which to be known and addressed as Lawal Olufemi Adiamo all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as Abiola Agnes Amoo, hereby wish to be known and addressed as Atunbi Abiola Agnes. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Nduonyi Elizabeth, hereby wish to be known and addressed as Opa Ebua Lizzy. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss AMBALI TITILOLA TAWAKALIT now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs FALESE TITILOLA TAWAKALIT. All former documents remain valid, NABDA ,BIODEC-OGBOMOSO and the general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mr OLADAYO SUNDAY now wish to be known and addressed as Mr OYEBODE SUNDAY OYEBAMI. All former documents remain valid, the general public should take note

Formerly known and addressed as Mr OLAKIITAN AKINTOLA and OLAKIITAN JONATHAN now wish to be known and addressed as Mr AKINTOLA OLAKIITAN JONATHAN . All former documents remain valid, the general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME /DATE OF BIRTH

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oduwole Oyedele Adenike, now wish to be known and addressed as Abolaji Adenike Oyedele. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLUWANIFEMI : Formerly known and addressed as MISS OLUWANIFEMI ELIZABETH AGBI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLUWANIFEMI ELIZABETHBENJAMIN AGUNLOYE .All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

his is to inform the general public that my name was wrongly written as AISHA AHMAD, instead of my correct name AISHA ISMAIL SHEHU and was born on the 5th February, 1995.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss OKEWOLE ELIZABETH ADERONKE now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs AGBOOLA ELIZABETH ADERONKE. All former documents remain valid, the general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss OLUWABUKOLA OLADOSU, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs OLUWABUKOLA FAWOLE. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Juliet Asein, now wish to be known and addressed as Juliet Asein~Ibitomi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

44

Friday, February 5, 2016

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as OLUFUNMILAYO IBILOLA OLAYODE now wish to be known and addressed as OLUFUNMILAYO JEREMY JACOB. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Ekpe Mary Mercy, now wish to be known and addressed as John Mary Mercy. All former documents remain valid.SKYE Bank PLC and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

UDEH : I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UDEH CHISOM CHRISTIANA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANI DIVINE CHISOM . All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should please take note.

OBIESIE : I, formerly now and addressed as MISS OBIESIE NKIRU AGATHA CYNTHIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKONKWO NKIRU AGATHA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Yekeen Muideen Olakeu. now wish to be known and addressed as Yekeen Muideen Adekola. All former documents remain valid.ECO Bank plc and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHUKWU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS CHUKWU FLORENCE NWAMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OBODO FLORENCE NWAMAKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME/ CORRECT DATE OF BIRTH

Formerly known and addressed as ELISHA JOHNSON ADUAK, now wish to be known and addressed as ADUNG CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, and my correct date of birth is 27th day of August, 1965.All former document remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWOKU : I, formerly known and addressed as NWOKU CUKWUDI now wish to be known and addressed as NWANKWO CHUKWUDI .All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OGBU:I, formerly known and addressed as OGBU CHUKWUEMEKA JOHN now wish to be known and addressed as NWOGBU CHUKWUEMEKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

HARRISON : I, formerly known and addressed as HARRISON JOHNSON ECHEFUNA, now wish to be known and addressed as UZONG HARRISON JOHNSON. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NWEKE OGBODO: I, formerly known and addressed as NWEKE OGBODO EMMANUEL CHIJIOKE, now wish to be known and addressed as NWEKE EMMANUEL CHIJIOKE . All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

OGBONNA: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OGBONNA EDITH NNEKA NNEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UGWU EDITH NNEKA . All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME UDEDIBOR: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UDEDIBOR RUTH NZUBECHUKU now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NEBEIFE RUTH NZUBECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWANKWO: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NWANKWOR BLESSING NNEKA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NWANKWO ADAOBI STEPHANIE. All former documents remain valid.

First Bank, Enugu State College of Education (Tech) and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME DINNAH: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS DINNAH ADAKU CHRISTIAN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHUKWUMA ADAKU CHRISTIANA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

EZEME: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EZEME CAROLINE NONYE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKWOR CAROLINE NONYE. All former documents remain valid. Enugu state universal basic education board (ESUBEB), ECO Bank and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that EZUMA RITA .N. and ABBAH RITA NDIDI is the same and one person, but now wish to be known and addressed as EZUMA RITA NDIDI. All former documents remain valid. Zenith Bank Plc ,Diamond Bank Plc and general public should please take note

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS ALAKE CATHERINE FUNMILAYO NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MRS OLUWOLE CATHERINE FUNMILAYO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

EDEH: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EDEH IFEYINWA STELLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MBAM IFEYINWA STELLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as Sarafadeen Basirat Bolatito now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLANREWAJU BASIRAT BOLATITO. All former documents remain valid. FBN and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as BELLO OLONSHO now wish to be known and addressed as BELLO FUNSHO NOSIRU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

OLATUBORA: I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLATUBORA NELSON FOLORUNSHO, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN, CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS OLATUBORA SYLVESTER OLALEYE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

I hereby declare that my name was mistakenly written as CHARLES ENEH during BVN registration instead of KANAYOCHUKWU ANI but now wish to be known and addressed as KANAYOCHUKWU ANI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should please take note

CORRECTION OF NAME

That my name was wrongly written on some of my documents as MELARIN FAUSTINA ULUMMA, instead of MELARIRI ULUMMA FAUSTINA. That my correct name is MELARIRI ULUMMA FAUSTINA. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWANKWO: I, formerly known and addressed as NWANKWO JENNIFER CHIDINMA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OKEKE JENNIFER CHIDINMA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

JEKYLL: I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS JEKYLL MUMMY VICTOR, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN, CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS JEKYLL EBRI VICTOR. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as PATH ONUWA IZOMOR now wish to be known and addressed as PATIENCE IZOMOR. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

NZEATA: I, formerly known and addressed as NZEATA MARIA CHIAGOZIEM, now wish to be known, called and addressed as IBELEME MARIA CHIAGOZIEM . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as SULEIMAN ASANAT AISHA TAIWO, now wish to be known and addressed as USMAN BINTU. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

1 BY 1 ADVERT FOR SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE

LANTERN GOSPEL MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL ABUJA This is to notify the general public that the above named Organization has applied for Registration, with the Corporate Affairs Commission under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Pastor. Igyem Danladi Perry 3.Mr. Ibrahim Bala Azi 5.Mr. Sunday Sani Daku

2.Mrs. Esther Lanta Igyem 4.Mr. Mathew Gambo

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To evangelized communities/societies with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. To mobilize people, who will be trained to begin to teach or preach and witness to the lost sheep in other to win them for Christ 3. To mobilize and raise funds for easy implementation of the vision and mission statement of the ministry.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication SIGNED: SECRETARY

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as Miss Olabisi Fisayo Oluwabukola, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS TAIWO FISAYO OLUWABUKOLA . All former documents remain valid.

NYSC andGeneral public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OGBUNGA: I, formerly known and addressed as OGBUNGA CHIDIMMA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. OKEKE CHIDIMMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ADEYEMI: I, formerly known and addressed as ADEYEMI SAKIRU ADELEKE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADELEKE SAKIRU MUSE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ABOLO: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS JOY NKEM ABOLO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS JOY MMAM ABOLO. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as TAIWO A SAVAGE, now wish to be known and addressed as SAVAGE SODEKE TAIWO ABIOLA. All former documents remain valid. UBA and General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as AMOUSOU BERNARD, now wish to be known and addressed as BERNARD AMUSU. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

SHAIBU: I, formerly known and addressed as SHAIBU IDRIS, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ANTANTE GBATI SAPOLE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UDOJI: I, formerly known and addressed as UDOJI JOHN JAMES, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MUSA YEKINI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ALAGBADA: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ALAGBADA TITILAYO ADEWUNMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ALABI TITILAYO ADEWUNMI (MRS). All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UKAZU: I, formerly known and addressed as UKAZU KINGSLEY UGOCHUKWU, now wish to be known, called and addressed as UCHE KINGSLEY UGOCHUKWU . All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OKEKE CHEKWUBE CHUKWU wish to be known and addressed as OKEKE CHEKWUBE CHUKWU COLLINS. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as JOSEPH AFIZ, now wish to be known and addressed as AVIHOUNME ALBERT. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MR CHINEDU OZOREZE JOHN, now wish to be known and addressed as MR CHINEDU EZEKWU CHIBUIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

Formerly known and addressed as GARUBA SEMIU ADEKUNLE, now wish to be known and addressed as GARUBA SEMIU ISHOLA and also wish to change my old date of birth of 10TH MAY 1992 TO NEW 1ST JUNE 1990. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME SODIQ: Formerly known and addressed as SODIQ NURAT now wish to be known and addressed as OLADOKUN NURAT BUSAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

I, formerly known and addressed as YEMI SULAIMON, Now wish to be known and addressed as SULAIMON KABIRU OWOYEMI. All former documents remain valid.

UBA & general public take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as OGBEIDE ESEOSA PRINCESS Now wish to be known, called and addressed as IGHO-OSAGIE ESEOSA PRINCESS All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

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Friday, February 5, 2016

What does Guardiola’s arrival at City mean for Iheanacho?

45

Sport

When I lost my decathlon world record I took it like a man. I only cried for ten hours

47

–Daley Thompson (1980)

CAF Champions League

S

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Enyimba line-up

Enyimba make Adokiye stadium home

even-time Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba, will play their home fixtures in the 2016 CAF Champions League at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.

Renovation work continues at pace at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba but it seems increasingly unlikely that the refurbishment will be completed in time for the club’s opening game in the competition on February 28.

Enyimba will face Ugandan club, Vipers SC, in the preliminary round of this year’s edition of Africa’s premier club competition with the first leg set to hold on the weekend of February 12-14 at the 5,000 capacity Bunamwaya Stadium.

“The ongoing rehabilitation work at the Enyimba Stadium is not moving at a very quick pace.

“It is looking very unlikely that we will play the return fixture (against Vipers) at our own stadium so we have opted for the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt to play that game.

“We have already received clearance from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to that effect,” spokesman of Enyimba, Farriel Allaputa, told supersport.com.

Enyimba are two-time winners of the CAF Champions League.

Meanwhile, Warri Wolves head coach, Sam Okpodu, has said his side must claim victory today, against Nasarawa United at the ongoing NPFL Super 4 in Uyo. The Seasiders lost 0-1 to Nasarawa in the first leg of the annual preseason tournament in Kaduna.

Okpodu said though his side are outsiders for the tournament top prize they must end the preseason campaign on high.

“The important thing for us right now is to win the last game against Nasarawa United on Friday,” he said.

Okpodu added that home lads, Akwa United, played quite well in the goalless draw against his side on Wednesday.

Nigeria move to 63rd in latest FIFA ranking Ifeanyi Eduzor

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espite its early exit from the ongoing Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in Rwanda, Super Eagles of Nigeria have moved up three places on the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking released yesterday.

Nigeria now occupies 63rd position; an improvement from the 66th position it occupied in January rating.

FIFA had in 2015 approved that CHAN competed by African-based players will also be used to rate the national teams its global ranking.

Nigeria’s rise in the latest ranking also affected the Eagles’ rating on the African continent as they have moved from number 14 from January ranking to number 12 in the latest ranking.

African champions, Cote

d’Ivoire, remain the best team in Africa despite losing nine steps in the rating to place 28 while Cape Verde climbed six places to 33rd in the world and second in Africa, displacing Algeria, who are now Africa’s third best team.

Ghana ranked 41 in the world is Africa’s fourth best team followed by Senegal (45), Tunisia (48), Congo (54), Egypt (55), Congo DR (57) and Guinea

Sunday Oliseh, Super Eagles coach

(57). Cameroun’s Indomitable Lions are on number 11th in Africa and number 62 in the world.

Rwanda, host of the 2016 CHAN, moved from 91 position to 85. The Wasps won three of their six matches played since early January and also ended 2015 with a shock-upset over African heavyweight, Cote d’Ivoire, in an international friendly played on December 16, 2015.

Meanwhile, Belgium remain the world’s best team ahead of Argentina and Spain who displaced world champions, Germany, from the top three positions.

“With the current 20 bestranked teams yet to play an international “A” match in 2016, the top 18 positions remain unchanged for the February edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking,” FIFA said in its statement.

46

Sports

Friday, February 5, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Iheanacho

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What does Guardiola’s arrival at City mean for Iheanacho?

he announcement of Pep Guardiola as the new Manchester City manager, effective from the summer of 2016, had an air of the inevitable.

Arguably the best manager in the world, having repeatedly expressed a desire to manage in the world’s premier league, it was only logical he would select its best side.

That side now includes young Kelechi Iheanacho, another for whom the future seems inevitable: the Nigeria international is destined for the very apex of world football it appears, from the moment he led the massed Nigerian fans in the UAE in choreographed chants of ‘Yes! Yes! Yes!’ back in 2013.

Providence has brought them together, but they are absolutely crucial to the fulfilment of each other’s goals. Manchester City, while on their day the Premier League’s top side, have a number of key players either the wrong side of 30 or pushing it: Yaya Toure, Pablo Zabaleta, David Silva, Bacary Sagna, Aleksandr Kolarov, Vincent Kompany to name a few are all approaching the sunset of their careers.

Clearly, one of the first tasks

facing Guardiola will be reinvigorating the squad, and though City’s succession planning has not been excellent, they have in Iheanacho one of the brightest prospects in world football. The fact he has prospered already this season with very little to work with by way of playing time shows he is ready for the step-up.

However, there are quite a few rumples that bear smoothing over, as well as one big question mark: what is the player’s best position? Having starred for Nigeria at U-17 level cutting in from the right to slide through-balls through opposing defences, he has featured almost exclusively for Manchester City as a central striker.

There is a great deal of irony in acknowledging that, in spite of Iheanacho’s impressive goal-return, he does not yet understand the sort of movements strikers ought to make in certain situations, even though he displays impressive awareness.

He is also painfully one-footed, and is not a consistent enough dribbler to get away with it, neither does he use his physique effectively to shield the ball.

He will find in Guardiola a

keen teacher. Marti Perarnau writes, in Pep Confidential, of Guardiola’s reaction to being told that Jerome Boateng had never been taught how to defend. To paraphrase, his eyes lit up at the prospect of a blank canvas, and he quickly went to work brushing it up.

The German international stands as proof of Guardiola’s didactic powers; being a revolutionary, the slightly naïve, somewhat romantic bent of youth holds a great deal of allure for the Bayern Munich manager. His work with Thiago Alcantara, both at Barcelona and now at Bayern Munich, speaks volumes; as

Though City’s succession planning has not been excellent, they have in Iheanacho one of the brightest prospects in world football

Guardiola

with Pedro, a limited but willing inside-forward who served as the perfect counterweight as Lionel Messi dipped into the midfield zone.

Lately, the precocious talents of Kingsley Coman have begun to blossom under the tutelage of the two-time Champions Leaguewinning manager. The Frenchman, only on loan from Juventus, has frightening speed, but is now learning how to harness that in one-on-one situations on the farside flank—a scenario Guardiola is keen to produce repeatedly through his principle of positional play.

It will be interesting to see

the evolutionary path that he charts for Iheanacho. The youngster is held in high regard by the City faithful, being a firstfruit of a youth system that has been sidelined for a while as the Citizens assembled a crack squad of talented professionals. The strictures of FFP, however lax they may be proving to be, mean that such an approach may no longer be sustainable.

In that regard, the Nigerian is more than just a talented Academy graduate, but a mascot for the club’s self-sustainability. It is interesting that City hinted they had first sought to woo Guardiola back in 2012, before the appointment of the incumbent Manuel Pellegrini. Their bold move to bring in Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain, both of whom had worked with the Bayern Munich boss in Catalonia, was broadly seen as a move toward ‘Barcelonification’.

What better way to consolidate this than by providing Guardiola with his very own La Masia to pick from?

The farm, wonderfully tended, is bearing fruit. City now boast some of the finest youngsters in the land, but Iheanacho is the crown jewel. He may be rough around the edges, but polishing him up is a necessary step for City (and Guardiola) if they are to build a dynasty in Barcelona’s image.

•Culled from Yahoo Sports

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Friday, February 5, 2016

Stars ready for Lagos City marathon tomorrow

MANDATE

THE

Sylvester Ikuejamoye

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

I am praying for Olympics success

N Mercy Jacob

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t least 50 elite athletes who are part of the starcast for tomorrow’s Access Bank Lagos City Marathon arrived in the country yesterday.

General Manager for the marathon race, Yussuf Alli, revealed that most of the expected athletes came from Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Bahrain, Cameroun and Rwanda.

Top on the list of those expected in Lagos yesterday was Kenya’s Josphat Kifanni Too, who has a personal best time of 2.08.23secs.

Peter Kiplagat who won the 2015 Geneva Marathon was also expected from Kenya as well as his compatriot, Sammy Kibet; winner of the 2011 Warsaw Marathon.

Abebe Negewo winner of the Rome 2012 Marathon was also expected from Ethiopia.

Alli further stated that the athletes later went to the Expo

Centre of the Marathon race at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos and collected their race bibs and numbers.

The athletes were also received by Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission and head of the organising committee of the event, Deji Tinubu.

“We are expecting the bulk of our elite athletes on Thursday (yesterday) from their respective bases. They are all eager to be here for the Lagos City Marathon,” Alli stated.

Meanwhile, organisers have confirmed that as many as 150 Nigerian elites, mostly from Jos are also expected for tomorrow’s race.

Over 20,000 athletes are expected to feature in tomorrow’s marathon which is the first of its kind in over three decades.

About N92million is up for grabs for the marathoners who can run from the Old Lagos (National Stadium Surulere) to New Lagos (Eko Atlantic City), a distance of 42.195 kilometres.

‘Lagos Country Club to get standard swimming pools’

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ewly elected chairman of the Lagos Country Club Swimming Section, Mr. Giwa Oladapo, has promised to upgrade the facilities in the club’s swimming pool to international standard in order to keep pace with the modern trend of swimming in the world.

Oladapo who emerged as the 11th chairman of the club’s swimming section after securing a landslide victory at the

Giwa Oladapo

elections held on January 22, said the new vision is to internationalise facilities and competitions, to attract sponsors for a more regular and active season for swimmers, members of the section and their teeming fans.

“My vision now is to face the baby pool and the main pool and upgrade it to international standard that people will come and identify with the current aesthetics of a good and modern pool,” he said.

On plans to boost the section’s schedule of competitions this year, he said, “We intend to internationalise our major competitions by inviting swimmers from all over Africa and the world.”

Oladapo also reiterated the need to discover budding talent by encouraging young and upcoming swimmers through agegroup competitions.

“We want to organise agegroup competitions to identify talent and discover future champions in the interest of the country,” he said.

igerians obviously should be praying.

We all need prayers as citizens, while Nigeria needs prayers as a country.

Without any doubt, Nigeria needs more prayers to make any meaningful appearance at the next Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in August this year.

It is truly disturbing that Nigeria as a country cannot boast of any particular area of medal assurance. It is more worrisome that no federation can confidently claim to have commenced serious preparations for the games.

In some of my previous editions here, particularly during the campaign by various political parties for the 2015 general elections, I had X-rayed the importance of sports to nation building both in the areas of youth engagement, employment generation, crime control and reduction. Sport as an instrument of peace and conflict resolution was also addressed. I had pleaded with the various political parties to unveil their various sports agenda in view of the importance of the role of sports in nation building.

Many stakeholders are of the view that sports being hugely money consuming venture should be considered top priority by any of the political parties that may win the general elections, particularly at the federal level. My concern here is the fact that in most cases, the budgetary request for participation in such global sports gathering like the Olympics is in the region of billions of Naira.

It only stands to reason that such a colossal amount of money should be expended

on project with value for money.

It is clear from all indications that the preparation for the games is nothing but inadequate. It is also clear from all available records that we are far beyond the world record and standard in many of the sporting events. The

Dalung

possible conclusion would be that competing with world best in such events would be more or less a suicide mission with demeaning implication on our image as nation, and more importantly as the most populous black nation in the world. Nigeria is obviously in need of every available penny which must be seen to be judiciously utilized. Spending more than one billion naira on a project assumed to be dead on arrival would be the greatest disservice to Buhari government of change. The amount would go a long way to fixing some more areas of need that would have direct impact on the masses.

My pain is that four years ago we knew there would be another Olympics in Rio. But we went to sleep without the necessary help to our then future athletes that will make Nigeria proud in the

47

Rio Games. We have been known for our fire brigade approach and have been fortunate in some and outright failure in others. We seem to have taken our luck too far.

All known best world sporting nations have commenced preparations for the Olympics just as the previous one ended. We cannot afford a jamboree, not even now that we don’t have the money to throw around carelessly as a nation.

The Sports Minister should ensure that we go to the Olympics with sports that have medal prospects and any sport without medal prospect should be told in clear terms to stay behind. But the money that should have been wasted on a jamboree should be used for the training and other support of the athletes to enhance participation in future. This time does not call for frivolity or jamboree, but sober reflection in tandem with the realities on ground.

Let Nigerians pray for Nigeria even as hard work should be the b e n ch m a rk for a result oriented outing for Nigeria at the Rio Olympics. To achieve this means all medal prospect Olympicsbound sports should have commenced serious preparation before now. It is also expected that all areas of their need would have been addressed to avoid embarrassment and disappointment.

No wise nation would be willingly fetching water into a basket not to talk of preserving it for dry season.

I am sincerely praying for Nigeria that our outing at the Rio Games would not be as woeful and a colossal disaster as that of 2012 London Olympics. I am also in prayers that Nigeria should remember to commence preparations for the 2020 Olympics immediately after the Rio event so to avoid the usual fire brigade approach.

Hard but the bitter truth What you sow you reap.

Sow joy, you reap joy. Sow sadness, you reap sadness. Hard But The Bitter Truth.

Until next week Friday, stay out of trouble and God bless Nigeria.

WORLD RECORD

Fastest time to burst three balloons with the back

Vol. 05 No. 12101

Friday, February 5, 2016

N150

The fastest time to burst three balloons with the back is 12 seconds, set by Julia Gunthel, aka ‘Zlata’ (Germany), on 23 November 2007.

A generation of pilfering elders, indeed

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ankaj Mishra, the Indian essayist, novelist and recipient of the 2014 Windham–Campbell Prize for non-fiction, featured a piece: ‘A generation of failed politicians has trapped the west in a tawdry nightmare’, published by ‘The Guardian’ of United Kingdom on Friday January 1, 2016.

Mishra recounted how Tony Robert Judt (1948 – 2010), a British historian, essayist, and university professor who specialized in European history, lamented in his last interviews his ‘catastrophic’ Anglo-American generation, whose cossetted members included George W. Bush and Tony Blair.

Having grown up after the defining wars and hatreds of the west’s 20th century, “in a world of no hard choices, neither economic nor political”, these historically weightless elites believed that “no matter what choice they made, there would be no disastrous consequences”.

Members of that ‘catastrophic’ gen-

A

meeting has taken place in Lausanne between all 28 summer International Federations (IFs), the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Rio 2016 in a bid to allay concerns ahead of this year’s Olympic Games.

The Federations were, on

FRIDAY WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) eration Judt loathed with passion; and derided, in addition, as a ‘pretty crappy generation’, have their repulsive peers in the Nigerian political sphere. Like locusts, they have devastated the nation and contributed to its swift decay in the past five decades plus in the name of governance.

The popular saying that ‘the youths of today are the leaders of tomorrow’ does not apply to Nigeria since she gained independence from Britain in 1960. The witty words have been routinely desecrated and usurped since then by an unyielding ‘failed generation of mostly aged politicians’ and their off-springs, whether biological or adopted. It became worse after the January 15, 1966 military coup, the very first military putsch to afflict the nation.

However, their failure did not make screaming headlines until ex-President Goodluck Jonathan broke the ice during his vote-hunt for re-election in Lagos early January last year. Said Jonathan: “… When we were young, we were told that at independence, Nigeria, Brazil, Malaysia, Indonesia and even India were all at the same level… Now, all those countries have left us behind… My generation has failed; …”. The failure resonated later through ex-Foreign Affairs Minister, Gen. Ike Nwa¬chukwu (retired), who, at a public lecture in Lagos, November, declared: “… I join … in saying that our generation must have failed; our generation failed you… Collectively, our generation failed”. And just last Tuesday,

HOW READY ARE THE REVELLERS TO CALL IT QUITS IN ONE PIECE? the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, sealed the truth, saying: “We’ve all been here since 1999 up to the recent past when things were not done right; we are all part of it… ”.

The crude elites were stricken by the bugs of vanity, dangerous appetite for selfservice and extreme material succour. They believed there would be no disastrous consequences. Now, the rot of their huge failure have returned to a devastated home to roost.

They rebound most recently in claims that just 55 of them stole a stunning sum of N1.34 trillion from the public till between 2006 and 2013; in the realities of the $2.1 billion Sambo Dasuki-led arms scandal; and countless other huge scams; as well as the sombre confessional oratory of the Jonathans, Nwachukwus and now Sarakis. That is at the home front.

From the United States, it echoes as the scornful derision of Nigeria and its entire citizenry by the likes of Donald Trump, the Republican presidential aspirant, who believes not in the nuisance value of Nigerians in the Americas. Trump was widely quoted as saying in one of his campaign gaffes: “To make America great again, we need to get rid of the Muslims, Mexicans and the Africans, especially the Nigerians”, whom

he accused of taking jobs meant for “honest hard working Americans…”. He said Nigerians were everywhere across the US; and wondered why. But Trump had the answer up his sleeves: “because they are corrupt… Their governments are so corrupt.

They rob the people blind and bring it all here (America) to spend. And their people run away and come down here and take our jobs. We can’t have that! If I become president, we’ll send them all home. We’ll build a wall at the Atlantic Shore. Then, maybe we’ll re-colonise them because obviously, they did not learn a damn thing from the British!”, the American politician said.

Working with the CIA World Factbook figures, the 2015 estimated population of Nigeria is 177,155,754; reflecting an active age bracket (15-54 years) of 88.2 million. This represents about 49.8% of the entire population. About 60 percent of the 88.2 million active youths are without jobs, according to recent reports; and the future is grim. They grope in the dark in search of unpredictable future without public infrastructure/ social amenities; or decrepit ones, at best – no affordable functional educational and medical facilities, good roads and mass transportation systems, potable water, – etc.

For a greater portion of the entire population, access to basics like food, shelter and clothing is hellish, as over 120 million lives on less than two dollars per day. The security of life and property is no less threatened, with heinous crimes soaring to the rafters.

The country is being suffocated by festering insurgency up North and feverish-pitch criminality and militancy down South.

By admitting failure, it is implied that the generation that sincerely confessed to the truth of its hollowness, which was orchestrated in any case by its greed, gluttony and caressing of materialism, is set to retire and give way for the short-changed younger generation. But with the reality of the $2.1 billion Dasukigate, particularly; and the sordid roles the same kleptocrat-generation played in the obscenity, how ready are the revellers to call it quits in one piece?

Sport Extra

Rio 2016: IOC allays International Federations’ fears Wednesday, presented with ideas designed to increase the efficiency of the Games, such as the creation of openspace office areas, shared meeting areas and more costeffective transport solutions.

It was the first time that the

IOC has gathered all the International Federations in such a way before the Games, with Matt Smith, executive director of the International Rowing Federation (FISA), describing it to insidethegames as “really useful for us all”.

Rowing and canoeing have been hit particularly hard by budget cuts imposed

by Rio 2016 after it was announced last month that plans for a 4,000-seater floating grandstand at the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas venue had

been scrapped.

Abandoning the floating grandstand will save between BRL15.9 million (£2.8 m/$4m/3.6million) and BRL19.8 million (£3.4m/$5m/4.5m) from the budget, it is hoped.

Thomas Bach

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