Friday, 27th may, 2016 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Reps accuse oil companies of evading payment of $2bn to FG

ubong ukpong and george opara

Dogara

Vol. 6 N0. 1379

ouse of Representatives, yesterday, said oil companies

in the country, have evaded payment of compulsory fees of over $2bn to the Federal Government. The lawmakers also accused Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu and Cen-

Friday, May 27, 2016

tral Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Godwin Emefele, of frustrating investigative efforts to recover the money. These were disclosed by the House Ad Hoc ComCONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Adeosun advocates cut in cost of governance P.4

Adeosun

N150

We’ll get Omisore, insists Magu, EFCC boss C National Mirror Online

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Marcus FatunMole ABUJA

...‘if he thinks he is innocent, he should come to our office’ •Senator threatens to sue commission for damages

hairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, yesterday insisted that Senator Iyiola Omisore, who was declared wanted by the commission on Tuesday, cannot escape for too long the arrest by its operatives no matter the ploy devised by the politician. Magu spoke exclusively to National Mirror at the Eagles Square, Abuja, where an anti-corruption CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Pupils of JC Best International School during a leadership in action programme, in Abuja, yesterday.

Monday May 30, 2016

PHOTO: NAN

14-year-old Ese Oruru, puts to bed P.5 in Yenagoa Union Bank’s rebrand wins international awards P.8

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We’ll get Omisore, insists Magu, EFCC boss CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

sensitization was carried out for youths and other categories of people in the country. The anti-graft boss dismissed allegations by Omisore that the commission was playing persecution script against him. “There is no persecution. We will get him anyway. Why is he running away? If he thinks he is innocent, he should come to the office. He should report himself,” Magu said. Asked what strategies the commission has in place should the former deputy governor continue to refuse to honour invitation by the anti-graft agency, tough-talking Magu said: “We will get him. We are everywhere. We will get him anywhere he goes.” On the EFCC’s strategies, Magu explained that, “We (EFCC) don’t prosecute innocent people; there is no issue of persecution here at all. If you see impunity, what has been done (by these people), you will cry; you will shed tears.” He said though corruption had eaten deep into the fabrics of the nation, victory over the menace is possible if there is collective will by all people in the country to end the tide. He said the commission has been able to secure over 150 convictions since May 29 last year, when the Muhammadu Buhari administration came into power, stressing that corrupt people who plundered the nation’s wealth “are just about one percent of Nigerians. They are even less than one percent.” Indeed, before being declared wanted, the commission was said to have written a letter of invitation to Omisore to report for interrogation. EFCC’s letter of invitation, signed by Abubakar Madaki, on behalf of the Acting Chairman of commission, reads: “The commission is investigating an alleged case in which your name featured prominently. In view of the above, you are requested to interview the undersigned on Monday, April 11, at 30, Harper Crescent, Wuse Zone 7, at 10a.m. Your cooperation in this regard is solicited.” Responding, Omisore contacted one of his law-

yers, Wole Jimi-Bada and Co., who wrote on his behalf to the commission that the interview be rescheduled. The letter reads: “Your letter dated April 7, addressed to our client and delivered to his security at our client’s residence has been passed on to our chambers. We regret to inform you that our client travelled briefly out of Abuja, but will return by Wednesday evening accordingly. “Consequently, he will not be able to attend the interview schedule as requested in your letter under reference. On his behalf, we humbly request that the interview be rescheduled for April 14, for him to honour your invitation. We regret any inconvenience this request may cause you.” Subsequently, the former senator approached a High Court in Abuja seeking to enforce his fundamental human rights by preventing his arrest. He told the court that the commission’s invitation was a ploy to detain him. Omisore said he got interim injunction restraining the commission and its agents from arresting him. However, while filing a counter-affidavit as well as a preliminary objection to the suit instituted by Omisore before the High Court in Abuja, the EFCC told the court that its action is within the ambit of its law. The case was “given short adjournment.” It would be recalled that some top Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been remanded by the commission upon similar invitation. Some of them are the party’s spokesperson, Olisa Metuh; the party’s former Acting Chairman, Uche Secondus; while former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, and Director of Publicity of the re-election campaign organization of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Femi Fani-Kayode, are currently cooling their heels in the commission’s custody or detention. While declaring Omisore, the former Osun State gubernatorial candidate on the platform of PDP wanted through an advert in a national newspaper last Tuesday, with his picture splashed

L-R: Group Managing Director, FBN Holdings PLC, Mr. UK. Eke, MFR; Group Chairman, Dr. Oba Otudeko, CFR; Company Secretary, Mr. Tijjani Borodo and MD, First Bank of Nigeria Limited and Subsidiaries, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, at the FBN Holdings 4th Annual General Meeting, in Lagos, yesterday. on the paper, the commission said: “The public is hereby notified that Iyiola Ajani Omisore, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with a case of receiving and misappropriating the sum of over N700 million between June – November 2014 from the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). He has refused to make himself available to the commission for clarifications in the investigations since invitation via a letter dated 7th April, 2016.” But, in a swift reaction, Omisore slammed the commission, saying there was no way he could have been described as being on the run. According to a statement he made available to journalists, Omi-

sore said he was in court with the EFCC the day he was declared wanted. He accused the commission of playing persecution script against him. Part of his statement said: “I read the statement issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) purportedly declaring me wanted as an attempt by that organization and its leadership to tarnish my image. That statement, if indeed it was issued by the EFCC, is the height of mischief and a deliberate attempt to assassinate my character. It is now very clear that the EFCC is, indeed, playing out the script of persecuting and harassing perceived opposition groups in the country. “To be sure, there is no basis for the EFCC’s socalled statement. Only on

Tuesday, May 24, we appeared in court with the EFCC, asking for permission of the court for an extension of time in the preliminary objection to a suit filed against me. The Managing Director of Firmex Gill, which the EFCC joined in their case, indemnified me from the company’s contracts and any such obligations. “In other words, there is nothing related to me in the company’s contract deal with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The company has even sued ONSA for its inability to pay the balance of the contract so awarded to it.” Beyond his statement to journalists, the former senator has directed his legal team, led by Chief Chris Uche (SAN) to issue a letter seeking retraction by the EFCC of his decla-

ration as being wanted. The letter was delivered at the commission’s office on Wednesday and acknowledged by the EFCC. The commission was given seven days to retract the declaration and also pay damages of N500 million, failure of which the politician threatened to proceed with civil action against the commission and its spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, and demand higher damages. However, sources had said the former deputy governor’s name was among the 241 contractors who won contracts at the office of the NSA in 2014. His company was also alleged to have failed to justify the amount given by ex-NSA for the level of work it did. It would also be recalled that Omisore is standing CONTINUED ON PAGE 4>>

Reps accuse oil companies of evading payment of $2bn to FG CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

mittee mandated to investigate all Oil Prospecting Licences, OPLs, and Oil Mining Leases, OMLs, granted by the Federal Government. Chairman of the Committee, Gideon Gwani at a press briefing, said the oil companies, which should salvage the current precarious economic by prompt payment of fees, were rather owing government hundreds of millions of dollars. Gwani, while describ-

ing the situation as alarming and worrisome said this was a dangerous trend that could not be allowed to continue. “It is estimated that the oil companies by their actions have either evade or avoided the payment of these compulsory fees, which is presumed to have denied the Federal Government the sum of about $2bn. “At a time when the government is talking of obtaining loans for infrastructural development,

such as roads, railways, powers plants, refineries, among others and where oil blocs have been allocated to some companies to use the proceeds accruing from loyalties, signature bonuses etc, to fund these important projects, yet, several years after, these facilities are still in comatose with little or no new projects to show as approved,” he said. He expressed his displeasure that Kachikwu and Emefele, have refused to respond to the invita-

tion of the committee to address the issues. He emphasised the committee’s resolve not to be intimidated to abandon its work, adding that it would go ahead with its investigative hearing on the matter. Responding to questions on the failure by heads of the agencies to honour invitation, the chairman said the committee would have no other option than invoke its powers in the constitution to ensure their appearance.

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Why Sharia Bill quietly scaled second reading –Reps Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

ouse of Representatives yesterday said it deliberately referred the Sharia Bill without debates to the Committee on Constitution Review in view of its divisive and controversial nature. The House in a statement yesterday, through Deputy Chairman, Media and Public Affairs Committee, Jonathan Gaza, said it was sure the Bill would not survive the committee level, thus, there was no need to waste productive time debating it on the floor. The bill, which seeks to extend sharia law all over the country, had quietly scaled second reading in the House three days ago. The bill is calling for the criminal aspects of Islamic Sharia law to be implemented in Nigeria’s legal system at the federal and states levels. In view of the controversy the passage was now generating, the House explained its position on the bill, saying that it came up on the floor and was automatically referred to the adhoc committee on constitution review. “There was no debate on it either for or against because the House is a democratic representa-

tives chamber of the Nigerian people “Even if five people only have an issue with any section of the constitution, the House will give it a listening ear. “The adhoc committee on constitution review has one member per state and women and other representation. “The precedence is that it is in this committee that these kinds of matters are thrashed out. “Any Bill that has potentials to divide the country on religious or tribal lines or to reopen settled constitutional issues will most likely fail in the committee. “It should be noted that constitutional review bills are special bills that undergo many stages unlike an ordinary bill. “These include committee stage, plenary stage for voting by 2/3rd of the House, 2/3rds of all the state houses of assembly, before it comes back again to the National Assembly for voting again and finally it must receive presidential assent. “We are still at a very early stage in the process and Nigerians should not worry about bills of these nature as the House has shown over the years to be the protector of Nigerians’ national unity and interest,” it noted.

‘We’ll get Omisore’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

trial for breach of public office and money laundering in three separate courts in Abuja. Part of a publication regarding the politician in a national newspaper yesterday by National President, National Committee of Yoruba Youths, NCYY, Dr. Oladimeji Odeyemi, challenging the EFCC’s action reads: “The website of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) popped up with information credited to the EFCC that Senator Iyiola Omisore, a distinguished former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and former Deputy Governor of Osun State has been declared wanted. “The statement credited to the EFCC is in all its

ramifications ridiculous, ludicrous and unwarranted. It is a deliberate design to taint the personality of the distinguished Senator with calculated lies arising from deliberately concocted and carefully disseminated, but embarrassingly glaring falsehood. “It is a notorious fact that following the threat of arrest and indefinite detention of the distinguished Senator, he approached the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, in suit no FCT/HC/CV/145/16 for the enforcement of his fundamental rights to liberty and human dignity sequel to which the honourable court granted orders of injunction in his favour to prevent the planned threats of the EFCC.”

L-R: Vice-President, ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Edward Singhatey; President Muhammadu Buhari; President, ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Marcel de Souza and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hajiya Khadijat Abba Ibrahim, during the visit of the ECOWAS commission president to President Buhari, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Adeosun advocates cut in cost of governance Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

inance Minister, Kemi Adeosun, yesterday, canvassed reductions in the cost and composition of government financing, which she said would drive incremental savings for the country. Adeosun, who made the disclosure at the Sectoral debate by the House of Representatives, presided over by Speaker Yakubu Dogara, assured that the country’s economy would pick up again. The minister said there was a projected budget

deficit of N2.2trn in 2016, which represented 2.2 per cent of Gross Domestic Product, GDP. She added that N1.8trn borrowing would be structured to achieve cost effectiveness and acceptable debt sustainability ratios. The minister further said that, $4 to $5bn was to be raised from multiple external sources, including multilateral agencies and export credit agencies. “Additional funds to be raised from international capital markets and balance of funds to be raised in domestic market. “Use earnings from revenue-generating projects

that are debt financed to service debt,” she said. Adeosun also said Nigeria would target increased capital spending to drive long-term growth. She said this would lead to substantial increase in gross capital formation and also enable industrialisation and increase business competitiveness. The minister also stated that this would accelerate GDP growth towards recent average of 6 per cent, adding that it would create jobs, wealth and rise in household capital income. She stressed that the country was returning to growth driven by clear

decision to unlock its full potentials. According to her, Nigeria has faced a tough economic landscape in the past 24 months, adding that efforts made so far has helped it to remain more stable than other oil producers. She said that unlocking full potentials was the policy goal of the present administration. She further said that in a little while, growth would be catalysed by boosting the quality and scope of government infrastructure, removing the incentive and opportunity for corruption.

Militants attack Chevron’s facilities, threaten Nigeria’s oil export earnings Tola akinmUTimi

rospects of Nigeria meeting this year’s revenue target from crude oil exports and achieving adequate refined products for her downstream market got dimmer yesterday as Chevron reported substantial damage to its onshore operations by Niger Delta militants. The incident on its Escravos terminal compelled the company to completely shut its operations in the region while community leaders in the region were quoted as saying that military confrontation will not end the violence. According to reports on the incident monitored

online by National Mirror, the Niger Delta Avengers, which has over the weeks constituted a major threat to oil exploration and production in the region was reported to have said late on Wednesday that it had blown up the facility’s mains electricity feed. A company source confirmed that “all activities in Chevron are grounded” onshore with a potential crude loss of estimated 90,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Escravos to the attack. The latest attack came after a similar one was carried out early this month by the militants. By Nigerian government projected crude oil production estimates in this year’s budget, about an average of 167,000 bpd

were targeted for the export market from the Escravos operations in the first half of this year. The Avengers and other militants, who claimed they were fighting for a greater share of oil profits, an end to pollution and independence for the region, have intensified attacks in recent months, pushing oil output to its lowest in more than 20 years and compounding the problems of Africa’s largest economy. Apparently worried by the incessant attacks on oil facilities in the volatile Niger Delta region, the Federal Government had threatened to deal decisively with the militants in order to protect the investments in the sector. However, a committee

set up by Delta state leaders was said to have cautioned the Federal Government against using full military option to douse the tension in the region, alleging that the government and the oil companies have neglected the grievances of local communities. It stated: “There is total willingness by the communities to help the federal government end oil facility vandalism provided there is a recognized platform to do so” With damages to some oil companies’ operations over the past month, Nigeria’s crude oil production had dropped to less than 1.5 million bpd and far short of the 2.2 million bpd assumed in the 2016 budget.

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19,000 projects abandoned in Nigeria, says Ex-BPP boss george oji ABUJA

he number of government projects that are currently abandoned across the country has been put at 19,000. The abandonment was brought about, mainly as a result of non payment for interim certificates for work done and fear cases due to community or way-lease issues, such as hostage-taking and kidnappings. Immediate past Direc-

tor General of the Bureau for Public Procurement, BPP, Engineer Emeka Ezeh, made this disclosure yesterday at the National Assembly while making a presentation at the public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Procurement to amend the Public Procurement Act 2007. This was as the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, NIQS, called for the synchronisation of project funding with project cycle in order to avoid project

abandonment and ensure continuity of projects till completion. National President of the institute, Mrs. Mercy T. Iyortyer, who presented the institute’s proposed amendments to the Procurement Act, explained that the proposed synchronisation could be achieved by means of medium term approach to project planning and budgeting. The former BPP DG also called for the consolidation of the three agencies that

are involved in procurement and disposal of public assets; (BPP, Bureau for Public Enterprise, BPE, and Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC, into one strong commission in line with the global best practices to make for efficiency and discourage disconnect, confusion and lack of synergy among the three institutions. He stated that apart from duplication of office buildings, personnel and overhead cost, there is tendency

for each agency to want to assert its authority in the procurement process. Ezeh, also cautioned against the amendment of the Procurement Act to legislate timeline for the approval of the award of contract. While the Nigeria Institute of Purchasing and Supply supported the views of Ezeh, the position was however, modified by Dr. Abdullahi Aliyu, a retired Permanent Secretary, who proposed instead that a former president to be nomi-

nated by the sitting president should chair the council, while a retired Chief Justice of Nigeria, also to be nominated by the sitting president should function as the vice. On their part, the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, NIQS, while not taking any particular position on the chairmanship of the council, proposed the amendment of the Act to include its members, being a major role player in the procurement management chain.

NAF redeploys 10 AVMs, 2 Air Commodores Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

he Nigerian Air Force, NAF, yesterday, announced the redeployment of its 12 officers of Air Rank, comprising 10 Air Air Vice Marshals (AVM) and two Air Commodores (Air Cdre). A statement through its Director of Public Relations and Information, DOPRI, Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, said that those affected by the new deployment include; AVMs Auwal Muhammed as Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command (AOC TAC) Makurdi; Emmanuel Agwungwu as Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command (AOC MC) Yenagoa; Nurudeen Balogun as Air Officer Commanding Training Command (AOC TC) Kaduna, and Sani Ahmed as Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command (AOC LC), Lagos. Also affected he said, were

AVMs Wakili Ahmed as Director of Policy, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force; Uko Ebong as College Secretary, National Defence College, Abuja; Emmanuel Akogu as Commandant Air War College, Makurdi; and Benjamin Nweze as Director of Electronic Warfare, Defence Headquarters (DHQ). Others are AVMs Olusoji Amodu appointed Director of Plans (HQ NAF) and Isiaka Amao as Director of Operations (HQ NAF). The 2 Air Commodores are Dahiru Sanda appointed Deputy Director Transformation (DHQ) and Ibrahim Lawal appointed Commander 339 Base Services Group, Kano. Famuyiwa disclosed that the redeployment, as a routine exercise, was aimed at ensuring that the NAF is effectively manned for operational efficiency and effectiveness in line with the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar.

14-year-old Ese Oruru, puts to bed in Yenegoa MarcUs FatUnMole ABUJA

se-Oruru, a 14-yearold girl, who was allegedly abducted by Yunusa Dahiru in a controversial manner recently, yesterday put to bed in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State. The celebrated abused teenager gave birth to a baby girl at the Government House Clinic in Yenagoa, according to reports. She was moved from her parents’ home in Bayelsa to Kano by her alleged abductor and husband last year before she was found with

about six months pregnancy earlier this year. Unfortunately, her baby would not see her father for now, as Dahiru remains in prison custody following the charge of abduction, kidnapping, unlawful carnal knowledge and sexual exploitation preferred against him by the police on April 8 this year. Dahiru, (aka Yellow), who had pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against him, was granted bail to the tune of N3 million and two sureties. He has remained in prison custody following his inability to meet the bail conditions.

L-R: Director Funds, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Salawu Zubairu; Accountant General of the Federation, Alhaji Alhmed Idris and Finance Minister, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, during the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting in Abuja , yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

We don’t have Buhari’s mandate to privatise refineries —Kachikwu Dennis nakU

PORT HARCOURT

roup Managing Director, GMD, of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, said yesterday, that the corporation does not have the mandate of President Muhammadu Buhari to privatize the country’s three refineries. Kachikwu made the declaration while speaking at the official presentation of the ISO 9001:2008 Certificate to the Port Harcourt Refining Company, PHRC, Eleme, Rivers State, on Thursday. Kachiwu, who was represented at the event by the Chief Operating Officer, COO, of the refineries, Mr Anibor Kragha, said this in response to a plea by a stake-

holder in the oil industry that the refineries should not be sold to private investors. He restated that there was no plan to sell the refineries located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Warri, Delta State and Kaduna, Kaduna State. Kachikwu, who is also the Minister of State for Petroleum, added that the president only gave an approval to get investors to pump money into them in order to achieve the desired result. He said; “We have the mandate to deliver value and money to Nigeria. So we will not privatize our refineries. Rather, we have the approval to seek funding that will take us to a higher level in production.” The House of Representatives had on Wednesday, halted an alleged proposal to privatise the three refiner-

ies by NNPC, citing a gross violation of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, Act Section11, 2009. The House Committee on Privatisation had accused the NNPC of acting unilaterally by going ahead with the exercise without involving relevant stakeholders as stated in the Act. Meanwhile Port Harcourt Refinery Company, PHRC received the International Standard Organisation, ISO, Certification from the Bureau Veritas for Quality Management System and as a reward for introducing many strategies that ensured customer satisfaction and increased profitability for the country. Receiving the award on behalf the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources and the NNPC GMD, Mr Kragha

thanked PHRC for being outstanding among the three refineries in the country. He said PHRC had placed the Nigerian refineries on world class standard, noting that the award was well deserved and that PHRC had always performed in the effort to change the fortune of the nation. He said PHRC, by the certification, had been trusted into the new model of operation, urging its management and staff to strive harder to gain more reputation and awards. Earlier in his address, the Managing Director of PHRC, Dr Bafred Enjugu, said the company was in the habit of making history, adding that the current Federal Government led by Mohammadu Buhari was interested in domestic refining.

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L-R: President, African Public Relations Association (APRA),Mr. Peter Mutie; President, International Communications Consultancy Oroganisation (ICCO), Mr. Maxim Behar and Secretary General (APRA), Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ICCO and APRA at the APRA 2016 Conference, in Calabar, yesterday.

L-R: Project Manager, Mr. Jeffry Joseph; Face of Culture Africa 2015/2016, Queen Jennifer Okechukwu, and Chief Executive Officer of Beelee Couture/Fashion Designer to the Queen, Mrs. Blessing Oche, at a news conference to outline the queen’s programme for the 2016 children’s day celebration in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Project Coordinator of Legend, Rabi Mohammed; Head of the Company’s Customer Service, Aisha Abubakar; founder of ‘Tech Her’ Communications, Chioma Agwuegbo, and Chief Marketing Officer of Legend, Gabriel Gab-Umoden, at the official unveiling of Legend’s Premium Entertainment, Unlimited Internet and High Definition Voice Call Services, in Abuja yesterday, PHOTO:NAN

L-R: Director, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa (SEWA), Emmanouil Revmatas; Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher; Global President, Samsung Electronics, Dongjin Koh, and Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Francesco Angelone, during a Business Dinner for senior management staff of the two companies in Lagos, yesterday.

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FG, stakeholders resolve to stem pipeline vandalism Chidi UgwU AbujA

ederal Government and stakeholders from the Niger Delta region have resolved to work together to stop the recent upsurge in attacks on critical oil and gas installations and ensure security, stability and economic development of the area. Addressing journalists at the end of a meeting in Abuja, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, expressed the Federal Government’s readiness to check the resurgence of pipeline sabotage in the region. Dr. Kachikwu said all the stakeholders resolved that solutions to the incessant attacks on oil and gas pipelines are within the communities, stressing that communities were now saddled with the responsibility of ensuring protection of pipelines within their domain.

He added that all the states in the region would nominate 4 or 5 representatives that would work handin-hand with security agencies to secure oil facilities in their respective states. The minister further stated that it was resolved that violence was not an option in resolving the problems of the Niger Delta and that all threats from the region should end henceforth. He stated that there was need to reach out to all other stakeholders, who were not part of the meeting to embrace peace and dialogue. According to him, there was need to restructure the Amnesty Programme so as to address the critical issue of neglect by the government and international oil companies. “The Niger Delta governors must be involved in providing lasting solutions to the resurgence of pipeline vandalism and there is urgent need to create business opportunities for the locals in the region,” Dr. Kachikwu

stated. Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and other leaders of the region, who spoke at the meeting, urged the agitators to drop their arms and embrace dialogue as the Federal govern-

ment was committed to the development of the area. All the stakeholders reassured that they would take the message of peace back home in order to provide a win-win situation for the Federal Government and the

region. The meeting was attended by high level government functionaries, National Security Adviser, NSA, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Babagana Monguno (rtd.); Minister for Niger Delta, Usani Uguru; Minis-

ter of State for Agriculture, Senator Heneiken Lokpobiri, Coordinator Amnesty Programme, Brigadier General Paul Boroh (rtd.); and stakeholders from Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta and Ondo states.

Herdsmen may have affiliation with Boko Haram –Buratai Femi OyewsO AbeokutA

hief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Yusuf Buratai yesterday hinted that the incessant invasion of villages in many parts of the country by Fulani herdsmen with its attendant loss of lives may not be unconnected with the possibility of their affiliation with members of the Boko Haram terrorists. The Army boss dropped the hint in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital while speaking during a courtesy visit he paid to Governor Ibikunle Amosun at his Oke - Mosan office.

Buratai explained that the army is investigating the herdsmen and also pursuing them so that their menace could be addressed. He however, urged Nigerians to be security conscious and to report to security agencies, any suspicious persons or group of people roaming about in their communities. “We want to call on all Nigerians to be security conscious and to report any suspicious persons or group of people that are roaming about in their communities. “One may not be too far from the fact that some of these herdsmen that are attacking communities across the country may have some af-

filiation with the Boko Haram terrorists. “This we are further investigating and also pursuing them so that we can address the situation, so let’s be security conscious. “Let’s report quickly movement of suspicious persons carrying arms especially. “If you suspect any individual within your community, we should be able to report immediately. “Timely information is very important. We have our troops deployed in certain areas and I believe the Police are working with them to be able to tackle any challenge that comes in from them,” Buratai said. He also revealed that mem-

bers of the Boko Haram insurgent did not capture any village when they attacked a small community in Borno State few days ago, saying Nigerian troops responded swiftly and chased them away. He noted that troops are patrolling all places in Borno and coordinating with the multinational joint task force to ensure that the nation’s borders are well secured and are blocked from any infiltration. He said: “They didn’t capture any village. They went and attack a community, small community in Borno State and our troops responded appropriately and we will continue to pursue them wherever they are.

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8 million Nigerians to benefit from social intervention fund

JOel aJayi AbujA

ederal Government yesterday disclosed that with several initiatives embarked upon by the present administration the country’s economy would soon be on track. This is even as government assured that over eight million Nigerians would benefit directly, and millions more indirectly, from its social intervention fund. Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, gave this assurance in Abuja at a meeting between a group of ministers and members of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, BON, when they jointly addressed the state of the nation. Among ministers at the roundtable with the Minister of Information and Culture were the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; FCT Minister, Mallam Mohammed Bello;

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechuwkwu Enalameh, and Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige. Mohammed maintained that the present administration is aware that it was not elected to make excuses, but put the nation back on a sound economic footing, ensure the security of lives and property and banish corruption. According to him, the meeting is coming ahead of Sunday’s first year anniversary of the administration. While highlighting the President Muhamadu Buhari administration’s scorecard in three broad campaign areas in the past 12 months, Mohammed boasted: “We are pulling Nigeria out of a tough economic situation while preserving the gains we have recorded in battling insecurity and tackling corruption. “The administration has decided to see opportunities rather than difficulties by working assiduously to diversify the nation’s economy

away from oil.” Mr. Fashola was also optimistic that Nigeria as a coun-

try would bounce back from the present economy adversity.

In his contribution, Dr. Enalameh explained that the present administration is

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leaving no stone unturned in providing enabling environment for business to thrive.

Ex-Customs boss accuses CCT chairman of corruption, bias DOOsuur iwambe

AbujA

ormer deputy comptroller general of the Nigerian Customs Service, Mr. Rasheed Taiwo Owolabi, has accused the chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, Mr. Danladi Yakubu Umar, of corruption and bias and demanded that he disqualifies himself from the tribunal panel that would try him on false asset declaration charges. Owolabi is standing trial on a one-count charge of failure to declare his assets throughout his career in the public ser-

....says he can’t try him vice, contrary to paragraph II (1) of the Fifth Schedule, Part 1, an offence punishable under paragraph 18 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. The ex-Customs chief claimed that Umar, in 2012, shortly after the charge was slammed on him, approached him for a bribe of N10m to pervert the cause of justice in a criminal matter filed by the Federal Government. In his motion on notice filed and argued by his counsel, Mr. Festus Ukpe, the applicant claimed that he reported Umar to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, prompting his arrest and interrogation on the alleged bribery request.

Owolabi claimed that he would never get fair trial and justice from the CCT boss, having implicated him in the bribery saga and which led to the ongoing trial of his personal assistant, Ali Gambo Abdullahi, for criminal offence at an Abuja High Court. Specifically, Owolabi alleged that the CCT boss has become biased against him for dragging him (Umar) to the anti–graft agency on his demand for N10m bribe and the part-payment of N1.8m, hence he would not get justice before the tribunal as required by law. Owolabi who appeared at the tribunal yesterday prayed that the charge against him since 2012 be struck out for want of diligent prosecution

and for the likelihood of bias against him. The defence counsel predicated the motion asking Umar to disqualify himself on 5-five issues, among which is that during the pendency of his trial, he made several allegations of graft against the CCT chairman which led to the trial of his personal assistance. He insisted that it has become legally impossible for the CCT chairman to adjudicate on the matter because of a real likelihood of bias. However, in opposing the motion, the Code of Conduct Bureau, which on behalf the Federal Government filed the charge against the ex-Custom’s chief urged the tribunal chairman to dismiss the motion on the ground that it lacks merit.

Don’t kill Nigerian languages, don charges educationists This is to alert the general Public, friends and family of Engr. (Mrs.) Mary Unobe Tembo with regards to the publication of EFCC titled “DIVERSION OF FUNDs’’ dated October 26th 2015, in the Nation newspaper, that it is untrue, malicious, inconceivable and ambiguous. The important question is “Why didn’t EFCC in the publication state the Source where monies was allegedly diverted from and the amount of money involved. Mary worked extremely hard for her erstwhile employer and established an autonomous engineering unit at its ebb to a profit center acquiring several contracts from blue chips companies close to USD100 Million for between 3-5 year term and rose to the rank of Executive Director with a stellar record before a major disagreement centered on her emoluments occurred between her and management of this Company. Her erstwhile employer took advantage of her ingenuity and nativity to build a fortune for themselves while promising verbally to remunerate her in future and cunningly refused to put these promised benefits due to her on paper and the officials of EFCC were well aware of this fact. EFCC did not state the other factor involved in the publication because this will expose EFCC as meddling in an Employer and Employee relationship. This former employer of Mrs. Mary Unobe Tembo met a brick wall in a civil suit number LD/851/2011 which is presently on appeal as suit no CA/L/44/2013. Instead of amicably negotiating a disengagement settlement with Mary, they capitalize on their relationship with some of officials of EFCC who are supposed to be arbitrators but rather choose to side with the company for reasons best known to themselves. These officials were used to blackmail and coerce her to resign her appointment, take over her rights to a company in Cotonou, forcibly took her official cars from her place of abode with armed policemen without due civil legal procedures, as well as other items. All these ills were meted upon her despite EFCC awareness of the ongoing civil suit in a competent Court of Law, between Mary Unobe Tembo and her former employer involving these items. Engr. (Mrs.) Mary Unobe Tembo’s erstwhile employer, in collaboration with some of these officials of EFCC subsequently resulted to this malicious advertorial declaring her wanted in 2015, though these officials were aware of her medical trip abroad vide a letter dated 22 September and acknowledged by EFCC. It is obvious that the aim of this advertorial was to discredit Engr. (Mrs.) Mary Tembo as well as bring harm to her career and her business endeavours. This action was also carried out to quickly prevent the course of justice of a fundamental right suit FHC/L/C5/03/15 instituted by Mrs Mary Unobe Tembo against EFCC that was before Justice Idris of the Federal High Court which was transferred by the same Judge to National Industrial Court (NICS), on the basis that the issue was centered on Employer and Employee relationship. Hearing at NICS was fixed for April 26, but now rescheduled for May 30, 2016. In order to correct the perception created by this malicious advertorial, the following steps have been taken: A letter dated 27th October 2015, requesting retraction of publication was sent to EFCC. A formal petition was sent to Mr. Magu the current EFCC Chairman in December of 2015 praying that he investigate among other things the malicious advertorial and the injustice being meted out on Engr. (Mrs.) Mary Tembo by known Officials of EFCC in collaboration with her former Employer. Copies of these petitions have been sent to the Presidential Committee on Anti-Corruption Commission., Police Service Commission and the Secretary of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

GbenGa OGunbufunmi

irst female professor of Computer Science in Africa and a lecturer at the University of Ibadan, Professor Adenike Osofisan, has raised alarm that with the relegation of Nigerian languages to the background in primary and secondary school curricula in the country, local cultures stand the risk of extinction. To stem the tide, she counselled government in various states across the country to close down private schools which prohibit speaking of Nigerian languages. The female don made this remark yesterday in her keynote address titled ‘IT and You,’ delivered at the launch of Evans E-books which held at Jogor Centre, Ibadan, where she stressed that “unless strict measures are taken against them, most local languages will soon go into extinction.” At the programme which had in attendance students from Oyo, Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun and Ekiti states, she particularly lamented that Yoruba language would soon be a forgotten language if the trend is not checked. Commending Evans Publishers for the invention with

e-books, the don who was flanked by the managing director of Evans Publishers Nigeria Limited, Mr. Lekan Dauda, and Mrs. Aminat Atere, who represented the permanent secretary, Ministry of Education, Oyo State; and Mrs. A.O. Makanjuola, advised the book publisher to make provision for Nigerian languages to encourage the younger ones to speak their mother tongues. While charging proprietors, proprietresses of schools and teachers to henceforth lift embargo on speaking of mother

tongues in their schools, she advised governments to close down any school that prohibits speaking of local languages during school hours. Lending credence to the promotion of local languages, Mr. Dauda spoke about the many benefits of the resultoriented innovation which include portability, easy accessibility and low cost, among others. The permanent secretary of Oyo State Ministry of Education encouraged all to make use of the opportunities derivable from the innovation.

Nigeria’s democracy built on fraudulent federalism - Amosun femi OyewesO AbeokutA

gun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, yesterday declared that the present federalism practised in Nigeria was built on fraud which would not take the country further. The governor made the declaration while delivering a lecture at the Democracy Day lecture organised by the state council of the Nigeria

Union of Journalists which held in Abeokuta, the state capital. Amosun who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Adeoluwa Taiwo, maintained that a situation where any federalism puts all the power and resources in the hands of the government at the centre with lesser responsibilities, but put all the greater responsibilities in the state, is not a good federalism.

South West

Friday, May 27, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Union Bank’s rebrand wins two international awards

nion Bank’s new brand identity which was unveiled in October 2015 has won two Gold awards at the Transform Awards MENA 2016 held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Dubai, on May 18, 2016. Union Bank won the award for ‘Best Brand Development To Reflect Changed Mission/Vision/ Positioning’ beating Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Bank Al Bilad, Gulf Finance, VOX, Bahrain Finance Company and Commercial Bank of Dubai, and ‘Best Visual Identity From The Financial Services Sector’ beating Bank ABC, ADCB, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Gulf Finance and MAF Finance. Reacting to the awards, Head of Corporate Affairs & Corporate Communication, Ogochukwu EkezieEkaidem, who managed the rebranding exercise for Union Bank said, “To be recognized at the Transform Awards and competing against premier brands across Middle East and Africa is truly a fantastic validation of the hard work that went into the development and execution of our new identity. Our brand identity is a critical piece of Union Bank’s overall transformation and our goal was to depict a more contemporary and energetic institution while maintaining our authenticity and key elements of the brand heritage. “We are extremely pleased to share this success with our agency, Landor, who led the creative effort and worked with us in great collaboration and partnership throughout the entire process,” EkezieEkaidem said. Chief Executive Officer, Emeka Emuwa said, “Our award winning identity reflects our new proposi-

tion to make banking simpler and smarter for our customers. Following the brand launch, Union Bank has introduced two innovative savings products – UnionKorrect and UnionGoal to the Nigerian market. We have rolled out the new identity in 80 branches across the country, ensuring that our customers are able to bank in a modern and professional environment. We continue to launch new branches every quarter. “Our technology and banking platform upgrades, along with the transformation of our processes have reduced our transaction processing times by over 20%. The impact of these changes are being felt by our customers and reflected in reputable independent surveys which show a marked improvement in Union Bank’s industry rankings on customer service. We are also attracting new customers to the bank and growing our overall customer base which boosted our deposit book by 12% in 2015. “Given the positive feedback we have received on the new identity, locally and now internationally, Union Bank will continue to push forward to ensure that our products and services continue to reflect our brand proposition,” Mr. Emuwa concluded. The Transform Awards is organized by Transform Magazine, a leading authority in global rebranding and brand development. According to a press statement announcing the winners, the organizers said, “The winners of the Transform Awards MENA 2016 set the standard for rebranding and brand development on both a regional and international scale.”

Ambode launches N400m Dangote Foundation Micro Grant scheme

agos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday, flagged off the N400 million Dangote Trust Fund Micro Grant scheme for 40,000 women across the state. Ambode, during the ceremony at the Lagos House, Ikeja, said the scheme was

designed to enhance the income generation capacity of beneficiaries through seed grants of N 10,000 and other accessories. The programme will reach beneficiaries across the 20 local government and 37 Local Council Development Areas, LCDA, of the state.

Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (right) presenting a gift to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, during a courtesy call on the Governor at his Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta office, yesterday.

Repositioning of LASU yielding positive result –Ambode …commissions science complex, LASU Radio, lecture theatre

Francis suberu

agos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday, said the conscious initiative of his administration at ensuring enduring peace and repositioning of the state university is already yielding positive results. He said with the recent ranking of the institution as the best state university in Nigeria and the 11th overall best public university in the country, he would continue to do everything to make the institution the preferred university of excellence in research and human capacity building in Nigeria, Africa and beyond. Governor Ambode, who spoke at the 20th Convocation ceremony and installation of the new Chancellor of the Lagos State University, LASU, held at the New

Auditorium Complex of the Ojo campus of the institution, said his vision was for the citadel of learning to produce the next generation of leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs who will not be looking for employment, but be job creators and employers of labour. To this end and considering the current unemployment statistics, the governor said his administration has proactively instituted a programme that will enable fresh graduates become job creators rather than job seekers. He said: “This capacity building initiative tagged “Ready, Set, Work” is targeted at final year students in Lagos State tertiary institutions. This programme will enable successful students get internship placements in high ranking corporate organisations arranged by us. At the end of the

programme, those with best business ideas will get linked to major investors and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund.” While encouraging the final year students of tertiary institutions in the state to avail themselves of the opportunity, Governor Ambode said his administration will keep on supporting the Governing Council, management and students of the university. He also assured that the state government would not rest on its oars in doing all that is required to achieve its vision of transforming LASU and indeed other academic institutions in the state. Ambode, who expressed optimism that the projects would be completed by next year, however, urged the staff and students of the university to build on the efforts of his administra-

tion by being alive to their responsibilities and show commitment to serving their fatherland. He further assured that the state government would give top priority to LASU graduates for employment opportunities. Earlier, Governor Ambode commissioned the new Faculty of Science Complex and the Faculty of Law Twin Lecture Theatre and the LASU Radio donated by a businessman and philanthropist, Chief Adebutu Kessington. The governor, who also inaugurated retired Justice Adeshola Oguntade as the Chancellor of the institution, commended the Governing Council and management of the university for their selfless service towards remodeling the future of the state on the path of further greatness.

Dana Air pilots ground operations over compensation Olusegun KOiKi

ana Air pilots yesterday disrupted flight of the airline over management’s refusal to fulfill its compensation promise to them. Many of the airline passengers were stranded in major airports operated by the carrier as they were caught unaware by the pi-

lots’ action. For instance, at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two, MMA2, Lagos, where the airline operates its domestic flight operations, its early morning passengers could not depart Lagos to Abuja as scheduled due to the strike. Affected passengers were seen making new bookings with other available airlines like Med-View, FirstNation and Aero Contractors when

it became obvious that their flights out of the terminal would not go on as planned. Also, its passengers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, NAA, Abuja were aground at the airport and had to look for alternative to travel to their destinations. A source close to the airline confided in our correspondent that the story was the same at the Port Harcourt Airport and other ma-

jor airports the airline operates scheduled flight to in the country and the region. A source close to the airline told our correspondent that the monetary compensation was ought to have been paid to the pilots some few weeks back, but the management kept on shifting the goal post, a situation which led to the pilots grounding of flight operations by the airline.

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South West

Friday May 27, 2016

Aviation: DG NCAA, MD Arik urge FG to resolve Bi-Courtney crisis Olusegun KOiKi

ederal Government has been called upon to urgently resolve the crisis surrounding its agreement with Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, BASL, in order to drive development in the sector. Speaking on the topic, ‘Integrating Aviation in Economic National Planning,’ at a two-day International Air Transport Association, IATA, in Abuja, former director-general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren, said it is pertinent for government to involve private investors in its growth plan.

Demuren however said for investors to embrace the sector, the current crisis on the public-private participation, PPP, involving BASL should be appropriately addressed. Demuren warned that without amicable resolution of this, private investors would be skeptical to come into the sector. He said: “There is need for PPP in aviation in Nigeria as it is obvious that government cannot do it all. But with the experience of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two, MMA2, Lagos, government has not shown good faith. Such crisis in the MMA2 PPP must be resolved, or else inves-

tors would not invest their resources in the sector.” Speaking in the same vein, managing director of Arik Air, Mr. Chris Ndulue, urged government to reach an agreement with BASL for the industry to move forward. Discussing the topic, ‘Proliferation of Taxes and Charges in Aviation,’ Ndulue declared that the operators are not happy with the level of infrastructure provided by the Federal Government despite the high

charges and taxes imposed on the operating carriers in the industry. Ndulue specifically said private investors would be in the best position to offer qualitative services to airline operators, but insisted that this may not be possible with the present crisis surrounding the BASL agreement with the government. He urged government to resolve the issue, stressing that once this is done in a transparent manner, more

private investors would come to the sector. He said: “Nobody is happy with charges and services rendered by government in the Nigerian aviation industry. It is important that the issue of Bi-Courtney is resolved so that we can move on. Private investors need to come into the sector because as time goes, government won’t be able to provide the services it presently renders.” It would be recalled that the crisis, especially over

the years of operations of the terminal before handing it over to government has engulfed the agreement between the Federal Government and BASL. While BASL claimed that the agreement was for 36 years, the Federal Government said it was for 12 years. Also, BASL, since inception has not been able to operate regional flights from the terminal as spelt out in the agreement.

Buhari hails Soun of Ogbomoso at 90 ROtimi FADeyi, AbujA

resident Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, on his 90th birthday. A statement issued yesterday by the special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Buhari joined Oyo State government, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Ogbomoso kingdom and the family of the Soun of Ogbomoso in celebrating the long life and remarkable achievements of the revered royal father who has spent 42 years on the throne of his fathers. Looking into the pedigree of the nonagenarian

from birth in 1926, his successes in business and ascension to the throne, the President believes that the steps of the Kabiyesi were ordered from above to bring succour to his people and serve humanity in general through his passion for peaceful coexistence, education and entrepreneurship. Buhari affirmed that the two national honours accorded the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON, and Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, CFR, were most deserved, going by his humility, courage and contributions to national development. The President prayed that God would grant the royal father more strength and long life.

A section of graduates at the 20th convocation of Lagos State University in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

No end in sight in Ekiti workers’ strike

...Governor: I’m helpless ABiODun neJO, ADO EKITI

ndications emerged yesterday that the industrial action embarked upon by workers and teachers in Ekiti State might be on for a long time.

This was as the state governor said he is helpless as far as payment of wages and meeting other demands of the striking workers are concerned. The workers, following expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum handed down to the

Customs rakes in N4b in Oyo Kemi OlAitAn, IbADAn

yo/Osun command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has generated over N4 billion in the first quarter of the year. Area controller of the command, Mr. Temitope Ogunkua, who made the disclosure while addressing journalists on the feats recorded by the command, also put the revenue target for this year at N28 billion. While stating that the

command is prepared to restrategise and re-engineer its anti-smuggling operation modalities to match the ever-evolving challenges posed by smugglers, he said 72 seizures were recorded as against 53 in the same period of 2015. According to him, with the commitment of officers and men of the command, its revenue for the second quarter would increase through compliance with duty payment by all genuine importers and excise factories as well as discovery of

emerging extant factories which would be brought under excise control. He said: “The Oyo/ Osun command generated N4,611,914,510.32 in the first quarter of the year 2016. “Similarly, 72 seizures with duty paid value of N203, 649,995.00 were made from January to April 2016. This signifies an increase of N58,209,244.00 over the amount generated within the same period in 2015.” While stating that all hands must be on deck to generate maximum revenue

and block all leakages within the command’s area of coverage, the Customs boss added that within the current month, it has made a lot of seizures that include a Mercedes Benz truck loaded with vegetable oil. Others are two Mitsubishi Lancer loaded with rice, one Toyota Previa loaded with second-hand clothing, two Toyota Hiace buses loaded with forged documents, one fairly used Nissan NP 300 (Hilux) and one fairly used Hyundai Accent.

state government over sundry demands, embarked on the indefinite sit at home action, saying it is necessary to “save the souls of the teeming hungry and aggrieved workers of the state.” All government offices and schools were deserted by workers and teachers yesterday. The workers, under the auspices of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC and the Joint Negotiating Council, JNI, said the strike is necessary to press home their series of demands, top of which is the payment of five months’ salaries owed them. State chairman of NLC, Comrade Ade Adesanmi; his TUC counterpart, Odunayo Adesoye, and JNC secretary, Comrade Oladele Blessing, said the strike became necessary after they had displayed uncommon understanding over the state’s financial status. Their demands include the release of the staff audit

and verification conducted in April 2015, disclosure of the state’s monthly internally generated revenue, payment of arrears of five months’ salaries pension and gratuities, payment of September 2014 salary to primary school teachers and payment of 2014 and 2015 leave bonuses. Others include the implementation of promotion for 2013, 2014, 2015; approval of inter-cadre transfer; remission of10 per cent IGR to local government and stoppage of Joint Allocation Committee’s account; resuscitation of local government staff pension fund; as well as the release of running grants. But reacting through a statewide broadcast yesterday, the state governor, who said strike is not the solution to the financial crisis facing the state and others, said: “Right now, I am helpless,” adding that what the state has been getting as allocation from the federation account is paltry.

South East

Friday, May 27, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Enugu to renovate 300 schools —Commissioner EmmanuEl EzEh ENUGU

nugu State government said it has concluded plans to institute uniform curriculum at all levels of its education sector. This is also as it has set machinery in motion for the renovation/reconstruction of 300 primary and secondary schools in parts

of the state as another way of boosting progress in the sector. The state’s Commissioner for Information, Dr. Godwin Udeuhele, announced this while briefing newsmen yesterday after the Executive Council, Exco, meeting held at the Exco Hall, Government House, Enugu. He stated that government took the decision following the poor perfor-

mance of pupils and students in its schools in recent time. Udeuhele explained that in view of the decision, government has equally approved the award of contract for the Action Plan of the fourth quarter of 2011 to the second quarter 2013 UBEC/ENSUBEB intervention project, to genuine and successful contractors. He noted with the ap-

proval, more than 300 secondary and primary schools in the state would be renovated/constructed to ensure good teaching and learning environment for the children. According to him, the Exco also approved a memorandum on the urgent need to monitor the performance of teachers and their pupils to ensure good performance in public schools as a way of

improving the standard of education in the state. Exco spokesperson, Dr. Udeuhele, outlined other approvals as those involving the engagement of Paradise-Palm Limited to offer consultancy services to the state government on outdoor advertisement in the state. He explained that following the dwindling economy and the lean resources avail-

able for government activities, the measure would take advantage of the beverage of the company to generate and increase the revenue base of the sector. Also approved, was the repositioning of the Enugu State Marketing Company Limited for greater growth and economic development of the state following its under-utilisation occasioned by inefficient management.

Death of students: Alumni association promises reward for informants

nity Schools Old Students Association, USOSA, said it is willing to reward any person who could offer useful information concerning the death of two students of the Federal Government College, FGC, Okposi, Ebonyi State. USOSA president-general, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, who addressed newsmen yesterday in Abuja, said such a bounty would be agreed in consultation with law enforcement agents. He said it is saddening that no one has been held accountable for the attacks on FGC, Kano, and FGC, BuniYadi, adding that the attacks have become too frequent to ignore. It would be recalled that the Ebonyi State police command, on May 23, confirmed the discovery of the dead bodies of the two missing students of the college. The two students were declared missing on May 14. “USOSA expects and will insist that this pattern will not be repeated. “This is why the gruesome murder of Tochukwu and Chukwuemeka deserves our attention and those who killed them must be brought to account. “USOSA will support and work with their families, the FGC, Okposi community, including the FGC, Okpsoi Old Students Association, FGCOOSA, and security services to ensure that investigations into this case are professional, thorough and fruitful. “USOSA will consult with law enforcement, the school and the families to create appropriate incentives for persons that have information on what happened to the stu-

dents to come forward with information that may help apprehend their killers,’’ he said. He called on the Federal Ministry of Education and relevant agencies to address the underlying reasons for the increasing attacks on innocent school children in unity schools. The USOSA presidentgeneral listed some of the reasons as unsettled land boundaries, absence of perimeter fence and lack of quality pastoral care. FGCOOSA’s national president, Mr. Ifeanyi Emele, who also briefed newsmen, said members of the association were shocked by the unfortunate development in their alma mater. He said since the establishment of FGC, Okposi, it had never witnessed that type of awful incident. “We also observed that the host community, Okposi, has been a very accommodating and friendly environment, where we were all nurtured and lived out our dreams without any form of harassment or molestation. “We call on law enforcement agencies to take all steps necessary to unravel the cause of the death of the two students,’’ he said.

Deputy Corps Marshal Chidi Nwachukwu (2nd left); Commissioner for Transport in Anambra, Mrs. Chinwe Nwaebili (3rd left) and Sector Commander Sunday Ajayi (right) at FRSC road show practical section of the one-day know your tyre sensitisation campaign in Awka, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Enugu Assembly defers passage of child rights’ bill EmmanuEl EzEh ENUGU

nugu State House of Assembly yesterday deferred the passage of the Child Rights Bill after a heated debate during plenary. Instead, it referred the bill to four committees, which include the House Committees on Judiciary, Gender, Education and Poverty Alleviation. Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Edward Ubosi, who

spoke the minds of his colleagues on the bill, said they were not in a hurry to pass it in order to ensure that justice is done before its passage. Ubosi urged the committees to conduct a public hearing for four days to enable everyone contribute his own quota to it before passage. He promised to assist the committees both financially and otherwise to ensure that they do a thorough job. The speaker gave the committees one month to look at the bill so that at the end

of the day they would get it right before final passage by the whole House. Making his own contribution to the bill before it was referred to the committees, Hon. Paul Nnajiofor, Nkanu East and House Committee chairman on Information, said if the bill is passed, “it would help parents know their roles in the family because the Bible says, train up a child the way it should be and when he grows he would not depart from it.”

He said 24 states out of the 36 in the federation have passed the bill, adding that Enugu State would not be left out. In his own contribution, Hon. Anthony Ogidi, IgboEze North 1, said the bill, if passed, would guard children against rape and sexual harassment. Ogidi said N50,000 fine for defaulters is too small, adding that it had to be reviewed upwards so that people would take it serious.

Unregistered drugs may likely cause of kidney diseases —NAFDAC coordinator

n official of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Mr. Ikechukwu Okoye, said the use of unregistered and unverified drugs may be responsible for the rising cases of kidney and liver diseases in the country. Okoye who is the agency’s co-ordinator in charge of Enugu State, said this during

an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday in Enugu. According to him, it is dangerous to take drugs not approved pharmacologically by the agency. Okoye said kidney and liver diseases are on the increase without any clear change in human life-styles except for wrong drug products people take.

“You find that there are no empirical studies yet, but I am just guessing; there is an increase in liver and kidney challenges if you go to hospitals now. “I am thinking it is because of unregistered drugs that people consume. “People should be very careful with the drugs they buy; make sure it has NAFDAC registration number.

“Even those with NAFDAC registration number if there is any reaction as to the drug you’ve taken, please make effort and come to our office. “We have a pharmaco-vigilance section. If you have any reaction as regards any drug, come and we would take the details and send them to our pharmaco-vigilance unit so that they would note it and

try to investigate more.’’ Okoye said the agency’s offices across the country open during working hours to receive any complaint from the public concerning NAFDACregulated products. Federal Government mandated NAFDAC to register and verify the efficacy of all drugs, cosmetics and food products meant for public consumption.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Friday, May 27, 2016

Pipeline vandalism impacts negatively on environment, economy —Okowa Nosa akeNzua ASABA

elta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has appealed to Deltans to protect oil facilities in their communities as pipeline vandalism impacts negatively on the community’s environment and the state economy. Okowa, who made the appeal yesterday during his

maiden radio phone-in programme at Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS), Asaba, as part of activities marking his first year in office, said the incessant pipeline vandalism impacted negatively on the environment of the Niger Delta region and the economy of the state. According to him; “we have been doing a lot of sensitisation and advocacy in

EFCC closes case against 16 suspected oil thieves RichaRd Ndoma CALABAR

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday in Calabar, closed its case against 11 Indians, three Ghanians and two Nigerians, currently facing trial at the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar for alleged stealing of crude oil. The suspects are currently undergoing prosecution by EFCC following their arrest on board MT Maro on July 22, 2014 by men of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. After the last prosecution witness has given his evidence, prosecuting counsel, Mr. Ramiah Ikhanaede, who tendered several documents as exhibits before the court, stated that he had closed his case. But counsel to the 16 sus-

amouR udemude, ASABA

group, Vanguard for Transparent Leadership and Democracy, VATLAD, has faulted President Muhammadu Buhari led government’s meeting with the Ayuba Wabba ledfaction of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, over the nationwide strike action embarked upon by the latter as a result of recent increase in price of petrol. VATLAD, also condemned in strong terms and strongly opposed to what it called Federal Government planned sharing of N5,000 to each unemployed Nigerian as a palliative measure. Expressing the group’s

pects, while opening their defence,said he would be making a no-case submission. Counsel to the 11 Indians, Mr. Jerry Omoregie, who spoke on the issue, averred that he took the position after serious review of entries made by the prosecuting counsel. “We reviewed what the prosecution counsel has done so far and came to the conclusion that there is nocase, although the court will rule on it. I took over the case as defence counsel to the 11 Indians on February 17, 2016 on the orders of Sterling Global Oil Resources, whose interest is to seek justice for the suspects,” he said. Counsel to the three Ghanaians and two Nigerians, Mr. Abdul Muhammed, said the no-case submission was based on the evidence on their records in the proceedings so far.

ensuring peace and secured environment for our communities. We need to protect government facilities in our areas, vandalism of pipelines affects our environment and the economy and development of the state more than the Federal Government, l plead with Deltans to learn to protect oil facilities in their communities because the damage causes pain to the immediate environment and to the state. “If vandalism stops, there will be improvement to our economic growth and we will be able to carry out infrastructural development,” he added. Governor Okowa, stated that the present economic

challenge in the state was as a result of the dwindling resources, saying, “ l just learnt from the Accountant General of the state that this month allocation is about N3billion, this cannot even pay the wage bill of workers put at over N7billion. The low allocation is as a result of the recent pipeline vandalism in the state, this will also affect our allocation up to the month of August. This criminal act is destroying our state and preventing Deltans from enjoying the dividends of democracy to the fullest.” The governor noted that his administration has done its best in the last one year to meet up with the campaign promises made to Deltans

through infrastructural development, youth empowerment and actualising the SMART agenda and assured Deltans of more dividends of democracy in his second year in office. He said that his administration has put strategies in place to diversify the state economy and expand the tax base of the state in order to boost the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, for government to meet up its responsibility to the citizens. While commending Deltans for their support, Okowa urged them to fulfill their tax obligations to the state, saying; “Please let us continue to support government by paying our taxes

as when you pay your tax you make good citizens and government will meet your needs.” He called on Deltans especially pensioners and civil servants to be patient with government, as infrastructural development would get to them. The governor explained that the state was grappling with the management of its over twelve higher institutions and would not embark on the building of more polytechnics given the present financial straits in the country, assuring that in the future, if the need arise, it would give priority to the proposed four new polytechnics approved by the last administration.

A team of Engineering Students from the University of Benin, displaying two cars produced by the Nigerian Students, during an exhibition organised by the Institution in Benin, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Group faults FG meeting with NLC

… opposes proposed N5, 000 for unemployed Nigerian

position yesterday over the meeting between the Federal Government and NLC, National President of the group, Emmanuel Odafe Igbini, in a statement noted that the meeting has created the impression that the Federal Government is inconsistent with her policies, plans and actions and no clear and firm agenda of positive change for the nation. According to the statement, the appointment of a new Board of PPPRA is totally unjustified and amounts to making mock-

ery of the planned deregulation of the downstream sector of petroleum industry and scrapping of fraudulent subsidy from petroleum products. “We insist that the right and lawfully justified demand by organised labour unions in response to these hikes in price of petrol and electricity tariff should only be to engage the Federal Government, states and local governments and other employers of labour to review workers’. It is totally unlawful for leaders of organised labour unions to continue

to arrogate to themselves the duty of “opposition” to governments on matters of policies like this. “That we restate our earlier position that the Federal Government should not hold any meeting with these labour leaders, who embarked on this nationwide strike as doing so, will continue to encourage lawlessness and disregard for the laws of our nation. They must first apologise for embarking on this nationwide strike action without respect for laws and due processes of law and acting

outside their constitutional jurisdiction as first step.” Igbini stated. The group however, demanded that President Buhari replicates his patriotic stand on the pressures brought on him to devalue the naira stressing that he must not allow and succumb to continued blackmails of governments by a few masquerading under labour movements, to discontinue or abandon any progressive policy and action for the interest of over 170 million Nigerian masses as the interest of a few cannot and

must not be placed above the interest of the generality of Nigerians. The group therefore restated its earlier demand that PPPRA, DPR (downstream), Petroleum Equalization Fund, IPMAN, Major Oil Marketers Associations and all other unions or associations that interferes directly or indirectly in determination of prices of petroleum products under a deregulated regime, should be scrapped immediately and cease to be lawful during this regime of deregulation.

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COED workers begin strike over unpaid salary Wole Adedeji IlorIn

Deputy Governor of Benue State, Benson Abounu(right) with President-General, Mdzoughu Tiv, Chief Edward Ujege, testifying at a public hearing on the alarming influx of unidentified herdsmen into Benue and consequent threat to peace, life and property in the state, before the House of Representatives Committee on Police Affairs in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Benue killings: No sufficient evidence to prosecute herdsmen – IGP

...says 18 suspects arrested, Tiv people demand N100bn compensation

GeorGe opArA And UbonG UkponG

he Inspector General of Police, IGP, Solomon Arase, yesterday said there was no sufficient evidence to prosecute the herdsmen alleged to have perpetrated the killings in Benue State. The IGP also said that 18 suspects were already in police net in connection with the killings, even as the Tiv people in Bebue State, under the aegis of Mdzough U Tiv, MUT, are asking for N100billion compensation over the killings and destruction of their properties. The IGP, was absent at the beginning of the investigative hearing in the matter on Wednesday, when the MUT President General, Edward Ujege, told the House of Representatives committee, investigating the killings, that over 984 Tiv people have so far been killed between year 2014 and 2016. In the report co-signed by the President General of the MUT, Edward Ujege and Secretary General, Azer Ukende, presented at the hearing, Ujege told the committee that over 29, 974 people have also been displaced across the state, with properties worth over N40billion lost to the mayhem. Resuming his testimony yesterday, when the IGP and representatives of the Department of State Services, DSS,

Interior Minister, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, appeared, Ujege insisted that the negligence of security forces and the Federal Government, which commands them, led to these colosal loss. He said it was also the demand of the Tiv nation that the herdsmen be ejected from Tiv land, as well as asked the Federal Government to investigate the carnage and punish the perpetrators. Ujege stressed that the N100billion, which the Tiv nation was asking for, could not assuage the feelings of the loss, but was needed. Deputy Governor of the Benue State, Benson Abonu, who spoke extensively on the killings in Agatu, said that the attackers killed, maimed, burnt down the entire settlement making it impossible for the people to return to the place. While the Benue people testified that 500 Agatu people were also killed in the crisis, the NSCDC said it was 300, but the IGP said only three people were killed, which made the lawmakers to conclude that the police were not on ground over the happenings in the state. The IGP in his testimony however, expressed regrets at the number of deaths saying that he was personally worried.

He said his professional calling would not allow him to reveal all he was doing in the case, but that he had engaged all the parties in the crisis with a view to achieving peace. He said that paucity of funds, shortage of personnel, logistics and technology, were impeding police’s efforts in the crisis. “We have apprehended some persons, may be investigation is rather slow. You must be able to assemble sufficient evidence to prosecute them. I don’t just want to prosecute people without securing conviction,” Arase stated. He appealed to the people to be patient with them, saying, “It is not as if we are not doing anything.” The IGP told the committee that he has also lost men in the crisis, which had rendered

women widows and children orphans in their barracks. However, the committee members were worried that from the testimonies of the various groups from Benue State, the IGP held meetings with the Miyati Allah Cattle Rearers Association, who said that the Agatu people killed 8,000 cattles of the herdsmen that was why they retaliated by killing the people, but still referred to them as unidentified persons. Members of the committee held that it was proper for the IGP to have gone ahead to demand that those who said to have carried out the killings be identified and arrested for justice to take its course. The committee, however, said that it would hold further hearing with those from Agatu and the Idoma, as well as have the Benue State Commissioner of Police testify on the crisis.

orkers of the Kwara State College of Education, COED, Oro, have embarked on an indefinite strike over unpaid eight months salary arrears. Mr AbdulKareem AmudaKannike, Publicity Secretary of the Committee of Unions of Tertiary Education, Kwara State, who made this known on behalf of members of the three labour unions in the institution, said the strike began on Tuesday. Amuda-Kannike in a statement said the strike action became imperative after series of consultation and appeals to the Kwara State Government and its agencies yielded no fruitful results. He lamented the economic hardships Nigerians are currently facing which have made his members worst off,

pointing out that the strike became inevitable as the situation has become unbearable. “The economic hardship we are facing now has become unbearable and can no more be tolerated,” the statement said. Akande added that workers can no longer guarantee a conducive learning environment in the institution. The statement added that all offices and lecture rooms at the college would remain shut until the salary arrears are paid. Reacting to the development, the State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Aminat Ahmed, said the issue of salary arrears has been tabled before Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed for consideration. The commissioner attributed unpaid workers’ salary to failure of many students of the institution to pay their school fees.

NAPTIP rescues 146 human trafficking victims ano Zonal Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and other Related Matters, NAPTIP, has disclosed that 146 suspected victims of human trafficking were rescued. The Zonal Commander, Mr Shehu Umar, said victims were rescued from states that constitute the zone, namely, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna and Jigawa. H revealed that the victims rescued suffered sexual abuse, unlawful carnal knowledge, child kidnapping, abduction, children that were missing and stolen babies. “So from January to date, we are able to record four internal and 23 external trafficking

cases in the zone”, Umar said. He attributed the success recorded to the cordial working relationship between the agency and other security agencies. “The collaboration enabled us to transfer cases to other sister agencies and vice versa. This has really assisted us in achieving what we achieved so far,” he said. He added that the agency will continue to enlighten the public on the dangers associated with human trafficking and other related offences. “We also conducted sensitisation programme in six secondary schools in Kano and Kaduna states,” he added. He disclosed that the agency has secured the convictions of some arraigned persons, further disclosing that 24 cases are under examination.

the employees that they should be ready to defend themselves on their involvement or otherwise on the diverted money. Zakka said within same period the money went missing, the council’s records had shown that grains worth N41 million were bought for distribution. He however, said the circumstances in which the grains were said to have been bought and distributed were found to be questionable.

He said the ministry had considered halting salaries of the 22 employees, but stop doing so till they have cleared their involvement or otherwise on the missing money. Some of the council employees, who spoke at the meeting, denied having anything to do with the missing money. They however, promised to converge at a later date to clear the air on whether or not they had hand in diversion of the money.

AbdUlGAfAr olAdimeji Kano

Missing N400m: Katsina investigates 22 LG’s staff jAmes dAnjUmA KatsIna

o less than 22 local government employees in Katsina State are under investigation over alleged diversion of more than N440 million. The money allegedly diverted from the coffers of Mashi Local Government Council Area, was alleged to have gone missing over a period of time from 2013 to 2015.

The 22 employees were either signatories to accounts which the monies were withdrawn from, or had their names on vouchers used in diverting the amount. In order to get to the root of the matter, the council employees were yesterday invited to give their own side of the story at the Katsina State Ministry for Local Government and Cheiftiancy Affairs. Commissioner for the ministry, Abdulkadir Zakka, told

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Buhari’s one year of fighting corruption 14,15

Kogi Assembly: G15 drags Bello,G5, others to court Wale IbrahIm LOKOJA

ollowing the reinstatement of the embattled Speaker of Kogi State, the 13 members of the House have dragged the state Governor, Yahaya Bello, G5 Legislators and Minister of Finance to Federal High Court in Lokoja over the 2016 Appropriation Bill. In the originating summons, the plaintiffs sought the court to nullify the purported passage of the 2016 Appropriation Bill earlier assented to by the governor. The summons No: FHC/

LKJ/CS/31/16 filled by the reinstated Speaker, Rt. Hon. Momoh Jimoh and 12 others, against Hon. Umar Ahmed Imam and 15 other respondents, also asked the court to declare that the governor’s assent in the 2016 Appropriation bill, is illegal and fraud. Counsel to the plaintiffs, S. I. Ibrahim Esq who filed the suit on the 17th of May 2016, on behalf of his clients, sought for a determination as to whether, “Having regard to the exercise of the Power of the National Assembly taking over the functions of the state House of Assembly pursuant to section 11 (4) of the Constitution, the

Kogi state House of Assembly could carry on any legislative bill and granting approval for accessing bailout fund or exercise any legislative powers however described during the pendency of the said National Assembly resolution.” The lawmakers further

sought the relief of the honorable court to declare that only the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria can legitimately legislate for Kogi state House of Assembly pursuant to the take over order on the 16th of March 2016. Among other reliefs, is

a declaration by the court that the Kogi state House of Assembly Appropriation Law 2016 is illegal, null and void having been passed in violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Also joined in the suit are the Attorney-General of the federation, Gover-

nor of Central Bank, Accountant General of Kogi state and Clerk of the Kogi state House of Assembly. It would be recalled the National Assembly had ordered that all pending legislative activities including the 2016 Budget,be forwarded before it for onward deliberation.

Legislator empowers constituents OlubunmI OmOOgun

riven by the passion to make the people of his constituency the focal point and the vision and desire to help curb poverty, hunger while building a life of dignity for all, the member representing Ese Odo/Ilaje federal constituency of Ondo state in the National Assembly, Hon. Victor Kolade Akinjo has said that the nation must be ready to grow the people and build the nexus between the people, democracy and the party. He said this while distributing empowerment items and money to the youths, women, artisans and groups in his constituency. Items donated include motorcycles numbering 122, 20 Vulcanizing machines, 21 Sewing machines, 27 Grinding machines, 121 bags of fertilizer, 60 bundles of fishing net. Other facilities distributed under the special group support are 10 Sewing machines and N250,000 all for the Tailoring Association while N700,000 worth of Batteries and tyres were provided for the National Union of Road Transport Workers. Amongst his blueprint

to alleviate the suffering in his constituency, Akinjo created a fund category programme where 34 Law school students from his constituency received N25,000 each, 17 overall best students in high schools received N20,000 each, 20 women under the Legislative Recognition Award received N25,000 each, there are also the Award for excellence of N30,000 each went to 3 primary school teachers others are N25,000 each for 14 Faith based intervention fund, N15,000 each for 24 market women support scheme, N20,000 each for 11 Physically challenged, N25,000 each for 44 women in various wards in his constituency and 60 youths also received N25,000 each. While National Association of Ilaje students got a donation of N250,000. Earlier in his speech, Akinjo said, “Being an elected representative of the people, my job is to relentlessly deepen the understanding of this framework along the path of robust ideology which places unequivocal premium on the people. We can begin to do something differently by acknowledging the people and within the limit of one’s income create a simple but meaningful opportunity that will keep them in full remembrance and fighting at all times for their interest”.

L-R; Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed; Chairman, Oke- Ero Local Government Area, Hajia Aminat Yusuf and APC candidate in Saturday by-election to the State House of Assembly, Oke- Ero Constituency, Mrs. Victoria Afolayan, during the campaign rally at Ilofa, Oke- Ero LGA, yesterday.

Ambode is CGPI Governor-of-the-year

year into office, Lagos state Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has been adjudged to be Nigerian 2015/2016 Governor of the Year based on a comparative analysis of Governors’ performance in Nigeria by the Centre for International Advanced and Professional Studies, CIAPS. The study tagged CIAPS Governors’ Performance Index, CGPI is a monthly performance review of what Governors across the country are doing in their offices and it is conducted by the Lagos based Centre for International Advanced and Professional Studies, CIAPS. Addressing the media in Lagos Thursday, the CGPI coordinator, Mr. Olumuyiwa

Ayoola explained that the variables used as indexes for performance were mathematically calculated and this end of the year’s variables included “Payment of Salary, Infrastructure & Health, Education, Security and Business Opportunity and Employment”. According to Ayoola, the action of each state governor was monitored and studied from their first day in office and the findings were graded and compared to that of fellow governors across the country. “Over the past year, CGPI results show that Kaduna state performed more than any other state to create jobs and encourage business investments. Lagos state has done more than any other

State for security and infrastructure. Sokoto, Kaduna and Imo States were commended for their efforts on education. Commenting on the CGPI report, CIAPS Centre Director and CGPI Chair, Prof Anthony Kila stated that the “CGPI is a useful tool for democracy and good governance as it allows government to be objectively measured against their peers and compels all in power to be mindful of accountability”. The variables used for measuring Governors performance this month after one year in office factors the limited powers of State Governors as well as what they can do. Kila further explained that he hopes that the CGPI

monthly reports will allow governors to sit up, improve their performances during their tenure and even enter into healthy competition between themselves for the benefit of their states and the country as a whole. He advised that Governors rated as poor to roll up their sleeves and improve governance rather than enter into a media war or words with observers. He said the CGPI committee will continue to meet monthly at CIAPS to review performance of states governors in the country. CIAPS is the first paperless institution in Africa and it is running career-oriented programmes aimed at getting graduates and professional into jobs in their chosen professions.

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Buhari’s one year As the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari clocks one year, AYO ESAN in this report takes a panoramic view of the anti -corruption war of the President in the last 12 months.

resident Muhammadu Buhari during the electioneering campaign that preceded the 2015 general elections that brought him and his party , the All Progressive Congress, APC to power at the centre , had highlighted that three main issues, corruption, insecurity and economy would be the focus of his administration if elected into power . True to his promise, Buhari left no one in doubt about his determination to fight corruption which has been seen by many Nigerians as the main clog in the wheel of the progress of Nigerian nation. To assert his freedom from anybody or group’s control in the task of ridden the nation of corruption, Buhari in his inaugural speech after his swearing –in said he belongs to all and belong to nobody. Even before he constituted his cabinet, Buhari has started his anti –corruption fight when in August he directed his National Security Adviser to convene an investigative committee on the procurement of hardware and ammunitions in the Armed Forces from 2007 till 2015. The investigative committee’s mandate was to identify irregularities and make recommendations for streamlining the procurement process in the Armed Forces. The establishment of the investigative committee was in keeping with President Buhari’s determination to stamp out corruption and irregularities in Nigeria’s public service and came against the background of the myriad of challenges that the Nigerian Armed Forces had faced in the course of counter-insurgency operations in the NorthEast, including the apparent deficit in military platforms with its attendant negative effects of troops’ morale. In the same month of August, President Buhari also appointed a Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption headed by Professor Itse Sagay, a renowned professor of law and civil rights activist. The Committee’s brief, according to the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, is to advise the administration on the prosecution of the war against corruption and the implementation of required reforms in Nigeria’s criminal justice system. With these structures put in place and the hitherto ‘sleeping’ anti –corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC woken up from its slumbers, the battle against corruption by Buhari started in earnest. Buhari after receiving the interim report of the investigative committee on arms procurement gave an order for the arrest of all indicted persons in the arms scam. The interim report of the committee which was inaugurated on August 31, 2015 unearthed several illicit and fraudulent financial transactions. “As part of the findings, the committee analysed interventions from some organisations that provided funds to the Office of the National Security Adviser, Defence Headquarters, Army Headquarters, Naval Headquarters and Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, both in local and foreign currencies’’. The Special Adviser on Media to the President, Adesina said “that so far the total extra budgetary interventions collated by the committee was N643.8 billion while the foreign currency component was $2.2 billion. “The report indicated that the amounts excluded grants from the state governments and funds collected by the Directorate of State Services and the Police. The statement said the committee observed that in spite of this huge financial intervention, very little was expended to support defence procurement. “The committee also observed that of 513 contracts awarded at 8,356,525,184.32 dollars; N2,189,265,724,404.55

Buhari and 54,000.00 euros; Fifty Three were failed contracts amounting to 2,378,939,066.27 dollars and N13,729,342,329.87 respectively.’’ According to the statement issued by Adesina, the committee also noted that the amount of foreign currency spent on failed contracts was more than double the one billion dollars loan that the National Assembly approved for borrowing to fight the insurgency in the North East. It stated that the committee also discovered that payments to the tune of N3.850 billion were made to a single company by the former NSA without documented evidence of contractual agreements or fulfillment of tax obligations to the Federal Government. “Further findings revealed that between March 2012 and March 2015, the erstwhile NSA, Lt. Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) awarded fictitious and phantom contracts to the tune of 2,219,188,609.50; 1,671,742,613.58 dollars and 9,905,477.00 euros. “The contracts, which were said to be for the purchase of four Alpha Jets, 12 helicopters, bombs and ammunition were not executed and the equipment were never supplied to the Nigerian Air Force, neither are they in its inventory. “Even more disturbing was the discovery that out of these figures, two companies, were awarded contracts to the tune of N350,000,000.00; 1,661,670,469.71 dollars and 9,905,477.00 euros alone. “This was without prejudice to the consistent nonperformance of the companies in the previous contracts awarded. “Additionally, it was discovered that the former NSA directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to transfer the sum of 132,050,486.97 dollars and 9,905,473.55 euros to the accounts of Societe D’equipmente Internationaux in West Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America for unascertained purposes, without any contract documents to explain the transactions,’’ the statement said. The statement noted that the findings made so far “are extremely worrying’’ considering that the interventions were granted within the same period that the nation’s troops fighting the insurgency in the North East were in desperate need of platforms, military equipment and ammunition. “Had the funds siphoned to these non-performing companies been properly used for the purpose they were meant for, thousands of needless Nigerian deaths would have been avoided. “Furthermore, the ridicule Nigeria has faced in the international community would have been avoided,” the statement said. The committee noted with disappointment that those entrusted with the security of this great nation were busy using proxies to siphon the national treasury, while inno-

cent lives were being wasted daily. “In the light of these findings, President Buhari has directed the relevant organisations to arrest and bring to book, all individuals who have been found complicit in these illegal and fraudulent acts,’’ the statement concluded. With these revelations, the EFCC began the arrest of those found involved starting with Dasuki .. The revelations that came from Dasuki on how 2.1bn dollars meant for the procurement of arms were shared among politicians in what is being termed Dasukigate were shocking and mindboggling . This made many Nigerians who hitherto thought Dasuki was being persecuted by Buhari to now shower encomium on the President for his dogged fight against corruption in the land. Among those that were linked with the money and who were arrested and undergoing prosecution include the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh. The anti-corruption agency probed how Metuh received N1.4billion from the $2.1 billion arms funds diverted to several politicians by Dasuki. Others also arrested in connection with the arms fund included, ex-Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa and the Chairman of Africa Independent Television (AIT), Chief Raymond Dokpesi. Dokpesi was picked up for allegedly collecting N2.1 billion from the Office of the NSA. Bafarawa allegedly got N100million cash. They were later arraigned before the courts on various charges. Another set of people that were arrested were the Service Chiefs that served under former President Goodluck Jonathan and they include former Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Badeh who was arraigned by the EFCC for corruptly enriching himself with the Nigerian Air Force defence funds to the tune of N4 billion. EFCC operatives of the claimed they found over 1 million dollars in hidden safes during a search at the home of the former Air Force chief. . Also former Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Adesola Amosu (rtd) is one of the 21 former and serving military officers whom the EFCC is either investigating or have been charged to court for corrupt practices. Nigeria Air Force personnel being investigated are expected to explain their involvement in a $2 billion and another N29 billion procurement deals that took place between 2014 and 2015. President Buhari has also informed the nation that many corrupt Nigerians had voluntarily surrendered what they looted from the nation’s treasury. The President has also made several overseas trips where he begged the countries where Nigerian corrupt elements lodged the nation’s resources to help repatriate the money back to the country. The president believes if such loot running into billions of Naira and dollars were returned to the country they will help his administration in financing the current

The PresidenT

has also made several overseas TriPs where he begged The counTries where nigerian corruPT elemenTs lodged The naTion’s resources To helP rePaTriaTe The money back To The counTry

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Politics

Friday, May 27, 2016

of fighting corruption

budget. While many Nigerians appreciate the effort of the President in fighting corruption in the last one year, the leaders of the opposition PDP believes that the anti –corruption fight was targeted at its members. Their argument is that most of the people being tried for corruption cases are members of the PDP and that the anti –corruption war is aimed at crushing the opposition. National Chairman of the Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN and founder of the pan-Yoruba Group , Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC , Dr Fredrick Fasehun said “everyone knows that corruption in Nigeria defies partisanship; yet the impression one gets is that APC is a safe haven for corrupt politicians. Everyone in APC is being sheltered from prosecution despite extant investigations indicting APC chieftains, some of whom are in the President’s cabinet. He said President Buhari is playing cowboy, riding his anti-corruption horse against one part of the field, showing interest in roping and silencing members of the opposition. But every democracy needs a strong opposition. That President Goodluck Jonathan allowed the opposition to flourish may be his greatest undoing, but it also succeeded in strengthening and deepening our democracy, making it a model for developing nations. President Buhari must give the opposition breathing space and allow opposition to flourish for the benefit of Nigeria’s democracy. However , the Minister of Information and Culture has defended the anti- corruption war of Buhari saying there is prima facie evidence linking majority of people arrested with corruption. According to him, it is only the PDP and the party’s supporters that have access to the nation’s treasury during the period under review. He said APC was not in government at the centre and so it would be difficult to accuse any member of the APC of taking money from the nation’s treasury. Assessing the Buhari’s anti –corruption war in the last one year, human right activist and lawyer, Mr. Ayo Opadokun said “I believe that looking at all the parameters from which one can assess this government. I think one can say with all measures of objectivity that it has been fair enough. One can also say that there are few fundamental structure that the Buhari administration is constructing in order to be able to fight the cancerous activities called corruption in all its facets. As far as I can read it appears to be the first major genuine attempt to fight corruption in all its ramifications. Therefore if you look at all that had happened to us since the advent of the military into governance I believe this is the first time that genuine effort is being made to tackle corruption headlong. “Now that we have found one of the military top shots coming to office, when we saw him for the first time January 1984, he gave people reasons to believe that he was a discipline man . Now that he is in the civilian office he has taking the battle to confront corruption . I dare say therefore that General Buhari is the right person in the presidency today and it was because of people’s appreciation of what he stands for , that is why people went out for a change and they voted for him. Having arrived at the office, the measures he is packaging together, I am not a government man but there are things that cannot be hidden. It is clear that making a choice, he has decided to fight corruption before corruption fights us or kill us . I think he is doing the best for our country and I advised our people to give him support. He needs public empowerment to fight corruption and reduced it to the barest minimum. If we fail in this attempt my fears is that we may not have another opportunity. “I can therefore follow up to say that in the fight against corruption he has taken on too many untouchables and they are reacting negatively. That is why I sounded a note of warning about a month and half ago when I interacted with the media. The way many of our people both in government and private ventures are just folding their arms saying let’s see what will happen to him, let’s see whether he will be able to carry it through. It s because of the docility of our people not coming out to provide public support that make these renegades, the agents of those who have brought us down in the last 14 years to come up with varieties of nonsensical arguments that during Jonathan period there was fuel, during Jonathan ‘s time there was food, so they want to go back to Jonathan’s time I think. Take a look about the event of this fuel crisis I was asking the question if not that human beings generally we have short memories when Buhari was minister of petroleum Nigeria was not importing petroleum for domestic usage . And he was the arrow head of the building of two refineries then, one in Warri and another one in Port Harcourt. Since then

as far as I can

read

It appears

to be the fIrst major genuIne attempt to fIght corruptIon In all Its ramIfIcatIons

Buhari no other refineries have been built. The turnaround maintenance have been done about three or four times now with huge sum of money and yet those things have not been repaired . Nigerian state has not spoken to Nigerians while their efforts of maintenance has failed. Nigeria money has been wasted, pocketed and yet Nigerian state have not get service from these turn around maintenance. Some people ought to have been brought to reckoning and the contractors themselves ought to have been brought to reckoning . That had not happened. “Buhari in his style has just decided that it is time to stop cheating the Nigerian people by giving very few elites terribly corrupt and perverted additional money for the so called subsidy. Now Buhari and his team recognized that if there were no refineries since 1980s somebody ought to have been brought to book. Nige-

rian state has issued out licenses almost about 30 to 40 0f them I am not sure of anyone that have utilized its own. This is because the condition given by the government is not helpful. How can somebody come and sink money that he would raised through syndication from banks on high level of interest and come and sink such money here. And Nigeria policy is unstable, and can be done with utmost disregard for investment of stakeholders. That is part of the reason why people has not come to invest their money after given licenses. So corruption undermines everything about the socio polity. It has kept us down, our education is in shamble, our medical service is terribly poor. However, in his assessment of the President’s fight against corruption, Professor of law emeritus Egerton Uvieghara, said, ‘’If I say I am recovering money, as part of my agenda, I will publish the names of those returning money and how much they return, how much they claim they have, how much we think they have, that is part of fighting corruption. ‘’We still don’t know, all we hear is that people have returned money, how much is returned? We don’t know who returns what, we want to know. He owes us an obligation to let us know. Nigerians put you there; you owe them an obligation to explain to them. This man is a thief, it has not been said. He is a thief because he has returned money and we think he didn’t return all. This should be on a daily basis. Houses that have been seized should be published that is how to fight corruption. Nobody has gone to jail yet, I fear that everybody may be released by the court; you just wait and see, including Sambo Dasuki, maybe Saraki will lose his job but, I don’t think he will go to prison.’’.

Lagos can now fight resilience challenges - Ambode RobeRt Awokuse

agos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has said that with admission of Lagos into 100 Resilient Cities (100RC) Network, the city can now fight the resilience of urban planning, transport gridlock, environment, public health and modern infrastructure He described the admission of Lagos into 100RC Network as a welcome development. Lagos is among the final cohort of cities invited to join the worldwide 100RC Network. As a member of 100RC, Lagos will gain access to tools, funding, technical expertise, and other resources to build resilience to the challenges of the 21st century. As the number of people living in urban areas grows from 50 per cent today to an estimated 70 per cent in 2050 cities around the world face huge deficits in preparedness for rapid growth, natural and man-made disasters. 100RC’s new member cities are joining an elite international group proactively preparing to face any challenge that lies ahead. Ambode said: “Lagos’ selection to join the 100 Resilient Networks is not only a significant honour but also will give Lagos the tools to support a better Lagos today, tomorrow, and for future generations to come. Our

application recognized Lagos’s commitment to urban renewal, health, resolution of traffic gridlock, infrastructural deficit and coastal erosion” Continue he said: “As a new member of 100 Resilient Cities, we can work with the best in the private, government, and non-profit sectors in developing and sharing tools to plan for and respond to the resilience challenges ahead”. 100RC President, Michael Berkowitz said “We are so proud to welcome Lagos to 100 Resilient Cities”.. “We selected Lagos because of its leaders ‘commitment to resilience-building and the innovative and proactive way they’ve been thinking about the challenges the city faces. We’re excited to get to work.” “For us, a resilient city has good emergency response and meets its citizens’ needs,” Berkowitz further said. Lagos was chosen from more than 325 applicants on the basis of their willingness, ability, and need to become resilient in the face of future challenges. The application process showed each city’s unique vision for resilience, a long-term commitment to building resilience in a way that connects silos of government and sectors of society, and specific attention to the needs of poor and vulnerable citizens. Applicant cities also demonstrated the willingness to be leaders in urban resilience, sharing learning experiences and becoming a model for other cities across the globe.

Editorial

Friday, May 27, 2016

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Repeal of colonial rail monopoly law at last?

n what appears a preliminary step towards repealing the retrogressive colonial railway monopoly law of 1955, the House of Representatives last Monday in Abuja, commenced the conduct of a public hearing on a Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigerian Railway Corporation Act. It was during the hearing that the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, dropped the hint that the Federal Government needed roughly $166 billion in the next five years to meet the country’s energy and transport infrastructure needs. In 2012, we recall, Nigerians were told that the government had pieced together an executive amendment bill (to repeal the law) for the approval of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke and, thereafter, endorsement by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), before the bill would be sent to the National Assembly for consideration as law. By January 2014, however, nothing tangible was done to facilitate the passage of the bill. The 57-year-old colonial law was still intact, except that the then Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, reiterated the narrative about the pending executive bill. We had over the years drawn attention to the need to repeal the law best fitted for the archives to

free railway transportation from the monopolistic stranglehold of the NRC and stalled the development of railway in the country, especially since 1999. The colonial law prohibits state governments and the private sector from constructing rails and providing rail transportation services; and the near-moribund Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) is quick at citing it to put a wedge on any attempt to develop railway transportation nationwide. Reports indicate, for example, that foreign investors showed interest in 2002 in constructing a three-hour Lagos-Abuja rail. Likewise, the Odua group of local investors had wanted to build a 20-minute Lagos-Ibadan rail. But NRC waited for the investors to conclude virtually all the paper works before dangling the NRC monopoly act to stop the projects. Yet railway is acclaimed worldwide as the cheapest and safest means of moving around a huge number of commuters and bulk haulage in a country with decrepit roads that are ceaselessly under the stress of heavy vehicles like fuel tankers and articulated trucks. Fatal road crashes are also common nationwide. Reports had it that the sacked Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)led Federal Government failed to effect the repeal of the law because of conflicting interests in

It Is puzzlIng, Indeed shockIng that

nIgerIans enjoyed more of raIl servIces and theIr numerous benefIts durIng the colonIal era than when local leaders took over different arms of government and the private sector. It is of course on record that a former Sole Administrator of the NRC under the military, Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, some decades ago, raised the alarm that some stakeholders in road haulage business threatened his life because he tried to make the nation’s railway function effectively. The contempt with which successive civilian governments treated the repeal of the bill only confirmed that something was truly fishy. But for how long can the FG permit the choke-hold on the railway by a dangerous mafia that thrives with the complicity of unseen hands in government. Trapped all this while with the non-repeal of the monopoly law was the recommendation by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) at a time that the NRC be unbundled for the purpose of

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

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

May 27, 1998 Oklahoma City bombing: Michael Fortier was sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined $200,000 for failing to warn authorities about the terrorist plot. The bombing killed 168 people, injured over 680 others, destroyed or damaged 324 buildings within a 16-block radius, destroyed or burned 86 cars and shattered glass in 258 nearby buildings. It caused at least an estimated $652 million worth of damages.

attracting private sector investments. The BPE had suggested that NRC functions be split across three separate entities, namely: a national body for the development of rail; an agency to regulate the rail sector; and another entity for rail concessionaires. The idea is to ensure that the NRC provides rail services in competition with other service providers in the sector, but cannot regulate and license as concessionaires the companies it is competing with. It is puzzling, indeed shocking that Nigerians enjoyed more of rail services and their numerous benefits during the colonial era than when local leaders took over governance. If the capacity of Nigerian leaders to develop vital national infrastructure, like the railway for example, is by half as sharpened as their capacity for mischief and looting public treasury, Nigerian rail system would by now be counted among the best in the world. Apart from the House of Reps public hearing on the colonial railway law, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, at a recent one day public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Land Transportation on the Nigerian Railway Corporation Act Repeal and Reenactment Bill 2015, said the repeal of the law was of high priority to the National Assembly. Our hope is that the ‘priority’ translates to the actual repeal of the law soonest.

x May 27, 2006 The May 2006 Java earthquake struck, devastating Bantul and the city of Yogyakarta in Indonesia. The earthquake occurred at 05:54 local time, with a moment magnitude of 6.4 and a maximum intensity of IX (Destructive) on the Medvedev–Sponheuer–Karnik scale. The incident caused a disproportionate number of casualties, with more than 5,700 deaths, 37,000 injuries and financial losses of (Rp 29.1 Trillion [$3.1B]).

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Friday, May 27, 2016

Akinwunmi Ambode: One year after Tayo ogunbiyi

he Akinwunmi Ambode administration in Lagos State will in two days time celebrate its first year anniversary. Without a doubt, the administration has positively impacted on the lives of Lagosians through its numerous innovative and people-oriented programmes and projects. The Light up Lagos project, conceived to light up major highways and streets in the Lagos metropolis with the ultimate goal of boosting commercial activities, enhancing security, improving the citizenry’s standard of living as well as boosting the aesthetics of the CityState, is one of such impactful projects. Thus far, some of the areas that have been lit up include Maryland to Mile 12; Oworonshonki to Kara through Alapere; 7up Toll Gate and Berger; Martins Street/Ereko; Brook Street, Lagos Island; Olowookere Street, Alimosho; Old Ota road, Alimosho; Cemetery road, Badagry; Ligali Ayorinde, Victoria Island; Babatunde Anjous, EtiOsa; Itire road, Surulere; Bode Thomas, Surulere, among numerous others. The ultimate target of the project is the development of a Lagos that is safe and secured and a Lagos that operates a 24/7 economy. In a mega city of Lagos status, access to public transportation is of great necessity. Hence, the Ambode administration recently launched over 400 airconditioned buses on the ever busy Ikorodu road from Ikorodu Roundabout to CMS. Also, in order to improve road transportation, this administration came up with “Operation fix all potholes” through which over 350 were improved across the state. This is aside major works been done on recently commis-

sioned Ago Palace Way, Ejigbo-Ikotun road, Moshalasi-Ayobo road, ACME road among others. In an attempt to creatively tackle unemployment a N25 billion Employment Trust Fund (ETF) was established to promote wealth creation through entrepreneurial development. The former chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, heads the board of the Fund. Also, in order to create conducive environment that will further stimulate wealth creation among Lagos residents, the state government recently domesticated the Federal Government’s policy on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Similarly, the Ambode administration recently inaugurated a Council on MSMEs for its proper coordination in the state. The Council would identify MSMEs operating in the state to help enhance their productivity and enable them serve as the bedrock for the economic development of the state. To attract the needed investment that will enhance prosperity in the state, the administration intervened in public security by donating security equipment worth N4.7 billion to the state Police Command. The administration was to later present 140 brand new Ford Ranger Pick-Ups and 335 Power Bikes fitted with communication gadgets, helmets, bullet proof vests and other kits at a cost of N1.85 billion. The equipment, which was commissioned by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will be distributed among the 107 police stations and 13 Police Area Commands in the state. Other beneficiaries include the Nigeria Customs, Immigration Service, the Nigeria Army, Air Force, Navy, DSS, AIG Zone 2, Civil Defence, Federal Road Safety Corps, LASTMA, NDLEA, La-

wIthout a doubt, the admInIstratIon has posItIvely Impacted on the lIves of

lagosIans

gos State Task Force and the Nigeria Prison Service. Towards boosting the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, base of the state, the state government had widened its tax net to include more groups and individuals. It has started the process of overhauling the informal sector with a view to ensuring voluntary compliance by all tax payers. Towards this end, three categories of tax payers, namely market men/women, artisans, micro, small and medium-scale enterprises and domestic staff had been classified in the sector. They are expected to remit one per cent of their earnings to state government’s coffers. With a view to enhancing tourism development in the state, the One Lagos Fiesta was organized to hold concurrently in the state’s five major divisions. The Apapa Amusement Park was equally redeveloped to offer Lagosians opportunities for leisure, recreation and entertainment. Sports development was also given a boost through the ‘Lagos City Marathon’, which attracted over 50, 000 spectators, the Nestle Milo Secondary Schools’ Basketball and the annual Governor’s Cup (Lawn Tennis). In the area of administration of justice, the state government inaugurated mobile courts to summarily try traffic as well as environmental offenders and mete out immediate punishments to those convicted. This

is also a way to decongest the courts. Similarly, the ‘Revised Laws of Lagos State’ was recently launched in order to make them accessible to the general public. The Ambode administration equally scored a significant first in public healthcare delivery when the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in December, 2015 carried out the first successful Bone Bridge Surgery in West Africa as well as successful Cochlear Implant surgeries on three deaf patients without the support of foreign doctors. LASUTH also had its first successful kidney transplant carried out by its team of urologists and nephrologists last November and discharged the patient in good condition on December 1, 2015. It also won several international awards of excellence with the departments of Internal Medicine, ENT, Psychiatry and Pediatrics being granted accreditations by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. The first female oncologist in Nigeria, Dr. Fatiregun Omolara, emanated from LASUTH. In order to bring quality healthcare service closer to the people, particularly during emergency situations, 20 Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) Ambulances and 26 Transport Ambulances were commissioned for public use by Ambode as part of a holistic plan geared towards widening the coverage of emergency services beyond the metropolis. With the steady strides of the Ambode administration in the past one year, it has demonstrated that a truly representative government must create the enabling environment for its citizenry to prosper in various ways. Ogunbiyi is of the Features Unit, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

Imperative of enacting Nigeria’s healthcare law VicTor ifedayo adekeye

his piece will conclude the health insurance series, which I started two weeks ago. For emphasis, health insurance is a type of insurance where an insurance organisation covers an insured medical/health expenses incurred by him in the maintenance of his health. Health insurance is basically pulling the small resources of many to satisfy the liabilities incurred by a few. Health Insurance in Nigeria is coordinated by the National Health Insurance Scheme, a body established in 1999 but only started operations in 2005 under the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo. Health insurance services in Nigeria are known to be ridiculously expensive as subscribers have to pay huge sums of money in premiums to insurance companies. In Nigeria, the sole law regulating health insurance is the National Health Insurance Scheme Act CAP N42 of the Laws of Federation, which was enacted in 1999 and subsequently established the National Health Insurance Scheme, a body which in its Sections 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the Act is saddled with the responsibility of directing and regulating health insurance in Nigeria. It is also charged with the duty of making policies to regulate

In developed countrIes, health Insurance Is seen as the best weapon to fIght poor healthcare health insurance as well as implementation of the policies made. However, this body has been nothing but a sleeping bulldog that has over the years done little or nothing to improve healthcare and health insurance in Nigeria. Despite its start of operations 11 years ago, health insurance is still at its barest possible level in Nigeria. It is my candid opinion that the National Health Insurance Scheme is a weak body which though equipped is not strong enough to carry the weight of health insurance in Nigeria. Plagued with negligent staff, inadequate manpower, corruption, inadequate funding, nepotism and many other deficiencies, it is obvious that this body at its present state cannot manage health insurance in Nigeria. Thus there comes the need for its complete overhaul by the Federal Government, who should either scrap this body or amend its enabling Act and organisational structure to make it a more functional body. In developed countries, health insurance is seen as the best weapon to fight poor

healthcare, especially this is evident with the enactment of a law compelling each citizens to have insurance cover by the Barack Obama administration in the United States, and statistics afterwards show the rapid improvement in healthcare in the United States after the enactment of the healthcare law. In developing countries such as Nigeria where an average citizen lives on a dollar per day and cannot afford proper and good healthcare, health insurance seem to be the best way to tackle the healthcare needs of the poor. Free and adequate healthcare has been an integral part of political parties campaigns over the years in Nigeria, but it seems as if it is only used as a means to get elected as healthcare gets neglected as soon as power is attained; and in the few states that attempted to live up to these promises, the free healthcare centres are merely consulting clinics as dugs and other health care supplies are constantly unavailable or out of stock and with negligence the other of the day, thus leading to the defeat of the free healthcare project and the efforts made turned into futility. Looking at all these, I am of the opinion that the National Health Insurance Scheme Act CAP N42 be amended in which more potent and specific powers, roles and responsibilities be given to the National Health Insurance Scheme and more attention be paid

to them including a provision in the national budget to enable adequate funding. The need for the restructuring of the National Health Insurance Scheme cannot be undermined as there is a need for the complete overhaul of its organisational structure so as to increase its efficiency on health insurance in Nigeria. It is also recommended that the FG adopt the health insurance method used by the Obama administration with the enactment of a law to compel the possession of a health insurance cover by all Nigerians. However, in doing this, there should be laws put in place to restrict Insurance companies on the premium charged on health insurance policies so as to make them available and affordable to an average Nigerian. Healthcare cannot be undermined in any community and unless the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria pays a good attention to healthcare delivery services, the country will continue to be put at a great risk. Adekeye 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. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

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Re: Proliferation of first class degrees

D FG, tackle Niger Delta Avengers now

he Federal Government, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, has the onerous responsibility to prove to Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike he could guarantee the security of their lives and property, and do it far better than his immediate predecessor. I must say that with the way he has handled the Boko Haram scourge, he has the capacity to walk the talk. There is no better time than now to walk the talk, especially against the backdrop of the resurgence of the Niger Delta militancy being spearheaded by the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA). The insidious agenda of NDA - to undermine the government of Buhari - has been exposed by the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND). So, the Federal Government must show courage now more than ever before. All Nigerians must rally round the Buhari administration to stop NDA and their sponsors from crippling the Nigerian economy. Ovie Akpothu, Warri, Delta State.

PDP crisis not good for Nigerian democracy

t seems the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is yet to come to terms with the fact that it has lost the presidency. Since the 2015 general elections, the party has been moving from one crisis to the other, the latest being the last Saturday Port Harcourt fiasco when the planned National Convention of the party was aborted. There is no gainsaying the fact that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) stood as a viable opposition party in the heydays of the PDP at the national level; but Nigeria and Nigerians have been let down by the inability of the PDP to prove itself an effective opposition at this same level now that its fortunes have dwindled. Let the PDP apparatchiks think very hard, reconcile their differences and give Nigeria a formidable and viable opposition. Lemmy Johnbull, Wuse, Abuja.

Letters to the Editor

r. Idris A. Oyemitan’s write-up on the above subject in The PUNCH issue of Wednesday, April 13, 2016 made an interesting reading. However, I hasten to submit that his submissions are rather preposterous due to the following reasons: An average student who is provided with a more conducive

learning environment is likely to perform better compared with his peers in a less organised and crisis-ridden school environment. Admissions into both private and public universities are regulated by the National Universities Commission and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, governed

by a uniform set of criteria. Each university may decide to increase its cut-off beyond the set benchmark, but cannot go below. Therefore, if a candidate scores below the cut-off approved by JAMB, they will not be admitted into any university, whether public or private. Scoring a minimum or higher mark or grade in the UTME

Children from the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) Camp at new Kichingoro, displaying gift items presented to them by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development during a party organised to celebrate the 2016 Children’s Day celebration, in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Buhari should up his governance game

he Southern Nigeria Peoples Mandate (SNPM), a nongovernmental/ human rights organization based in Onitsha, Anambra State, wishes to draw the attention of President Muhumadu Buhari and the ruling APC to the plight of Nigerian masses, who have been subjected to the worst hardship under the present democratic dispensation. Not even under the inept and evil leadership of PDP, the party that ruined Nigeria for 16 years, have the social conditions of Nigerians degenerated to this abysmal level. During the build up to the 2015 general elections, Buhari promised Nigerians that if voted as president their suffering would be a thing of the past and Nigerians bought into this promise because we had no choice then than to vote PDP out of power. To many Nigerians, Buhari held a better prospect of a new Nigeria where life would be in abundance. In short, Buhari was seen in the mold of the awaited Messiah. During his swearing in on May 29, 2015, Buhari promised to better our life within a short time, but today one year in office his administration has not

made the expected impact on the life of the average Nigerian. Instead things are getting worst by the day; yet President Buhari is only feeding us on menu promises for a better days ahead even as many people are dying of hunger and diseases. In today’s Nigeria, the prices of foodstuff and other household consumables have skyrocketed by over 300 percent. The naira-foreign monies exchange rates are rising on daily basis against the naira and the Federal Government is not doing anything to arrest the situation. Instead, it is the PDP that is no longer in power that is being blamed for everything. President Buhari appears to have no economic agenda on how to transform our economy and improve the well being of every Nigerians who are now going through hell to survive. This is a leader that promised Nigerians of improved public electricity supply, good roads, job creation, improved and affordable healthcare delivery services, cheap fuel and kerosene, and low electricity tariffs etc. Nigerians today pay higher electricity tariffs even when no electricity is supplied.

Today millions of our youths, especially graduates, are roaming the streets looking for jobs that are not there; and the promised creation of five hundred thousand (500, 000) jobs in agriculture, industry and tourism sectors every year is becoming a mirage one year after the Buhari government was sworn in. Nigeria is a nation that is well endow by God with rich human and natural resources, yet out leaders, both past and present, do not know what to do with these resources to better the life of the citizens. What this means is that our problem is not natural but man-made. This is a government that told Nigerians that they have saved N3 trillion through TSA in the first quarter of 2016 and yet the government is still borrowing money from developed countries and international financial institutions thereby increasing our foreign debt portfolio. Is this what the APC change is all about? Augustine Chukwudum, President, Southern Nigeria Peoples Mandate/Ndigbo Unity Forum, Onitsha, Anambra State

and SSCE respectively does not guarantee a first class degree or a failure, as success is ultimately determined by tenacity of purpose, hard work and an enabling environment. Cases abound of students with average scores in their UTME and SSCE coming out better in their studies than those with incredibly higher grades in the same UTME and SSCE. I do not know whether Oyemitan’s children attend or attended public primary and secondary schools in Nigeria, but the circumstances that heralded the predominance of private participation at those subsectors have only been replicated at the tertiary level, hence private universities have come to the rescue. In fact, I foresee that in the next 10 years, unless government intervenes substantially in public schools, private operators will dominate the tertiary sector as is presently the case in primary and secondary levels. As a parent, I will never allow my child to choose a public university in his quest for higher education due to the rot that has taken place over a long period of time in our public infrastructure generally, including government hospitals, housing estates, and other public utilities. Those who want standard and decency and can afford it turn to the private sector for such services. This also applies to university education. However, that is not enough to categorise all graduates of public universities as bad products as many hardworking students refuse to be distracted by the enormity of the physical, moral and academic dilapidation noticeable in government’s schools in Nigeria. I wish to add that the preference for public or private universities in Nigeria is motivated by affordability and not quality as many parents would rather train their children in good private universities as they did during their primary and secondary education. This situation, occasioned majorly by unaffordability is responsible for higher cut-offs above JAMB’s recommendation in some public universities and nothing else. But it should be noted that some well-established and reputable private universities in Nigeria now compete with some public universities in terms of student application as discerning parents with the financial means have begun to see them as an alternative to the very ex-

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Pretty Okafor the other, amongst other things.’’ Consequently, the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase has set up a highpowered investigation into the matter by inviting all those involved in it to come and clear themselves. They prayed that the development will help the union and industry as a whole to heave a sigh of relief and allow PMAN to add its strength to the restructuring of the entertainment industry which the intractable crisis had hampered.

Our belief in this is that we now have a president who does not tolerate corruption,’’ they said. Consequently, the president of PMAN, Tee Mac Omatshola Itseli has reportedly been recently arrested by the police following the petition against him and the police panel set up to investigate the allegations against him. According to a reliable source, the legendary flutist and society flutist is currently cooling off at the Force headquarters in Abuja to open up on the alleged case as well as other

Meanwhile the stakeholders have frowned at the ugly scandals, allegation, counter–allegation and arrest that have characterised the association recently

Arty News P.31

side the insatiable quest for pride and position, the real reason behind the seemingly unending leadership crisis that has rocked Nigeria’s house of music, the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) for many years now, has finally been uncovered. This was revealed in a statement signed by Pretty Okafor, (President) and Kenny George (Secretary General) sequel to a letter dated April 25, 2016 and addressed to the Inspector General of Police with copies to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Attorney General of the Federation. In the letter titled ‘’Monumental Fraud, Stealing, Forgery and Criminal Conversion of PMAN Landed Property in Abuja Against Mr Tee Mac and his Cohorts’’, the union states that the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria ‘’PMAN’’ as registered under the Trade Unions Act of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was allocated a parcel of land measuring more than eight hectares. ‘’It was for the purpose of developing a modern day music and entertainment complex in Abuja by the federal government of Nigeria in 1992 and thereafter reallocated between 1999 and 2003,’’ they stated. They claimed that while arrangements were being made to develop the place in accordance with the original plan, Mr Tee Mac Itseli in 2010, ‘’clandestinely went to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and registered Musician Association of Nigeria – using the same acronym PMAN, with which he deceived the FCT authorities that granted him a certificate of occupancy of the said land.’’ Noting that the Trade Union Act, Section 20 and as amended makes it a criminal offence for anybody or group of persons to register an association or union similar to an existing one, they added that Tee Mac was neither an officer nor an official of PMAN as at 2010 when he committed the act. ‘’Since the illegal acquisition of the land, he has not allowed peace to reign in PMAN as he keeps sponsoring one form of crisis or

matters that have constituted an obstacle to the smooth running of the association by its present leaders. Swiss-trained artiste who hails from Delta State is the first casualty and there is tension others might be picked by the police as well. An attempt to reach out to the Police Public Relations Officer Fhq Abuja Ag.ACP Olabisi Kolawole for comments proved abortive as she did not pick the reporter’s calls and also did not reply the text message to her as at press time. Meanwhile the stakeholders have frowned at the ugly scandals, allegation, counter–allegation and arrest that have characterised the association recently. A Nigerian singer and member of PMAN who begged for anonymity said it’s a disgrace that we can’t do anything in this country without corruption when he was reached for comment. In a phone interview, he revealed that he is beginning to feel the association is for individuals who are just there for self-aggrandizement. He lamented that some people use the association to collect funds from politicians and so many other things and worst still, fail to account for them. Asked if the crisis rocking PMAN will affect his membership of the group he said, “No it will not. I am a performing musical artiste and that automatically makes me a member so long as I identify with the group. The most important thing for me is my music career as an individual. Most of the people manning the association are moribund music artistes who have lost relevance in the industry”.

Inside FCT

ISIGUZO DESTINY

P. 22.

PMAN crisis persists, as FG wades in

P. 29.

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

Critics

VOL. 4 No. 827

ture. It showcases 15 current examples of an alternative approach to architecture: socially-responsible practices that require greater personal initiative and creativity to develop low-class architectural solutions that will improve living conditions for people in less-privileged parts of the world. The projects are selected by curator Andres Lepik while the exhibition holds on Saturday, 28th May 2016 at 2:30 PM at Federal Government Press, 9 Broad Street, Lagos Island.

night of dance after a long week is being organized by Goethe-Institut Ten

Cities´project, and further spurred by the French/ German Electronic Soundscapes project, B2DFD, the only continuously evolving project of its type in Nigeria that aims to reconnect the past, present, and future of urban dance music, and club culture. B2DFD is produced by DJ Adegboyega “Afrologic” Oyedele, who is also on Classic 97.3 FM in Lagos. Join the party at Federal Government Press, 9 Broad Street, Lagos Island on Saturday, 28th May 2016 at 7PM.

atterns are a natural or accidental arrangement or sequence. Patterns can relate to behaviours, visual design, occurrences in nature, methods, and more. It can be expressed in symbolic, literal, modern, traditional, abstract, and completely unique ways. Share your interpretation of Patterns. Works to be submitted include visual art – paintings, drawings, photography, mixed media, digital, printmaking, installations, ceramics, fabric, jewelry, sculpture, and other 2- and 3-dimensional media – and written art – fiction, poetry, short stories and other written explorations (up to 900 words). Entry deadline is June 30th 2016. For more information visit: https:// artascent.com/the-call-for-artists-and-writers/

Art Man

he exhibition Think Global, Build Social! - Architectures for a Better World explores the theme of social responsibility in contemporary architec-

P.20. 21

WEEKEND STARTERS Exhibition: Architectures for a Better World Dance for the Past, Present, and Future Art work submission at The ‘Patterns’ International

Art Man

Friday, May 27, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria lacks good script writers – Uwadi Francis Uwadi is a United Kingdom-based Nigerian filmmaker, director, editor and script writer. He’s the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Nolly Rocking Television on YouTube. He has a Master degree from University of Greenwich, London where he studied Cinematography and Post Production. Uwadi who formally joined the make believe industry six years ago has produced and released two films. He recently visited Lagos, Nigeria to shoot a part of his latest film, ‘Unpredictable Case’ where he met OLUSEGUN KOIKI for this interview. Excerpts:

ow long have you been in the movie industry? I’ve been in the movie industry formally since 2010. Since I forayed into the industry, I have done two feature films; Heartless Career, which was sold here in Nigeria, but premiered in the United Kingdom and Oga Detective, a slapstick that you can rarely find in the Nollywood industry in Nigeria and a third one is near completion at the moment. Also, within the period, I’ve produced and directed several short films such as Sulkhna, Frightening Day and several others. However, if you go on my channel, Nolly Rocking TV, you will find a couple of my works there. What is your assessment of the film industry in Nigeria when compared to UK? I want to say that Nollywood in United Kingdom, UK, is very premature while Nollywood Nigeria has started since the early 1990s. I would say that Nollywood in Nigeria is much more equipped in terms of followership, but the quality of production we have in the industry in Nigeria cannot be compared to what we have in the UK where we have much better quality equipment that are used for production and post-production. Though, the Nollywood industry in Nigeria is picking up as they now have sponsors, rent or even buy some equipment, which could help improve the standard of their films. As a professional in the industry, what are those things you think are lacking in the Nigerian film industry? Let me start from script writing, good story telling is very important. Africa has gotten a lot of stories to tell the world, but unfortunately we so much lack that aspect of good story telling in the country. In the past, we used to excel in script writing, but unfortunately, some script writers are now recycling stories or just write stories that people want to watch, but don’t pass any meaningful message to them. As a script writer, you have to tell your own story as you want it to appear. For instance, my name is Francis; I’m not supposed to say my name is like Francis or is like somebody else. So, in Nigeria, we have to improve our script writing technique. If at all we want to deviate from the major message and put in some slapstick or introduce any Western or Chinese cultures, we shouldn’t overdo it and we should portray it well. We should not concentrate on the obscene aspect of their cultures. Personally, I love true life stories. Most of my films are true life stories apart from Oga Detective that was created through my imagination. A good script writer should be able to write a story for all categories of viewers and ages. Also, in the area of sound effects, we have

try still lacks access to enough finance and I want to believe that if we have access to funding, the production will improve. Why did you go into the make believe industry? Right from my childhood, I’ve loved creativity. At a very young age, I produced and acted dramas on my own. As a secondary school stunot gotten it right there. Most of our sound dent here in Nigeria, I effects are noisy because of lack of better was already a teacher sound equipment and sound engineers. If and even when I got you watch most Hollywood and Bollywood to the university, I still films, you will find out that their sound engicontinued with the teaching. I’ve lectured neers have gotten it right. A bad sound effect people on Internet Technology, IT. So, in the will make your audience to lose concentraprocess of doing that, I discovered my talent tion while the message you are trying to pass because when you teach, you are directly across may be lost in the process. telling people what you want them However, the Yoruba film to do and you are creating industry has really prosomething new in them. gressed in terms of I can recall vividly creativity. They have when I was teaching lots of originality IT in Nigeria; I crein there. The Yoated something, MS ruba films tell Doors, which most you a lot of good of my students stories about didn’t like because your culture it was more difand whenever ficult than Winyou watch their dows, but I insisted stories, you are on MS Doors for bound to gain our data base. So, I something from created a pattern that it. The Yoruba would enhance the atfilm industry is not tention of my students about showing your to the software through nudeness or obscene a block and I designed how scenes. Uwadi the system should run to some of Having said these, it’s not my students then. On the long run, they every film that is produced in Nigebought into the idea and loved it. ria that is bad. Besides, Nigeria film indus-

Morie set

In the past, we used to excel In scrIpt wrItIng, but unfortunately, some scrIpt wrIters are now recyclIng storIes or just wrIte storIes that people want to watch

At a location Even, in United Kingdom, I first studied Music and Video Editing in my college, which later moved me to what I’m doing right away. Immediately after my college, I went to the University to do IT and Education. By the time I finished that, I proceeded to do my Masters in Cinematography and Post Production. During my university days, we created a lot of productions in short stories and films, which are on my channel today. Who are the some of the big names you have worked with in the industry in Nigeria within the short period that you started? I featured Lanre Balogun in my first feature film, Heartless Career while in Oga Detective, I featured Fred Ebere and the new one that is near completion that I’m working on, Unpredictable Case, I featured a popular South African actor and some other notable Nigerians who I will not want to mention their names at least for now. Who are your role models in the industry in Nigeria? That’s a big question because I have a lot of them. To be sincere, I like Tchidi Chikere, I like his professionalism and dedication to duty. He doesn’t like shortcut to success. Also, among the actors, I respect Kanayo 0. Kanayo, Segun Arinze, Richard Mofe Damijo, Liz Benson, Olu Jacobs, Joke Silva, Jide Babs, Aluwe, Oga Bello and several others. What is your advice to other upcoming ones who want to major in script writing, editing, acting and others? My advice to them is that they should keep on working hard and should not allow anyone to discourage them. They should follow the rules and desist from any attempt to get success through short corners. I want to tell you here that you don’t need much money to produce a film. I’ve been making films with my own meagre resources and I’ve never gone a day without putting food on the table for my family. Though, I’m yet to make any money on all my films, by I’m very resilient because I know one day, they will start to give me the financial resources that I need. I’m in Nigeria today and about a month ago, I was in South Africa for filming purpose. I’m using my money without sponsors to move around the world. I’ve done films that have won people awards, but I’ve not been nominated, but that will not discourage me from achieving my goals. They should just keep working hard and concentrate on their goals. One day, they will get to the Promised Land.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Art Man

Friday, May 27, 2016

As a queen, I get calls from strangers –Nanou Bingan Nanou Bingan, a young graduate of Micro Biology emerged the Miss Diamond Nigeria West in her very first outing at a beauty show which held in Owerri, the Imo state. This Cameroonian beauty queen narrates her experiences and what she intends to do with the crown in this interview with REGINA OTOKPA.

ow do you feel emerging Miss Diamond Nigeria West? The day I was called out as the Miss Diamond Nigeria West, I had tension to the extent that it was the second time they called me that I now know wow! I am the one. All I could see was God’s glory because out of the girls that were there, God decided to pick me to represent the west. It is not by my power, I feel so happy. I just felt God confirmed His word in life. Did you foresee this victory while preparing for the contest? While preparing for the contest, yes, I did because I have a spiritual father in the person of Dr. Chris Ekeh, Pastor of World and Spirit Assembly Church. Sometimes when I am confused in such situations I go back to meet him for spiritual backup and prayers, and remember any time I go back to meet him, he will always tell me don’t worry, you be favoured. All I want from you is to do your humanly best and God will do the rest for you. He also told me to have a positive mind. So as I was going there, I was going to be a winner, but humanly, when you get there and see other very beautiful girls, you naturally feel intimidated. But I still remembered the words of my Pastor. With all sincerity would you say the judges were objective and fair? Yes, to me they were objective. With all we heard in camp at a point we started assuming some girls were the winners because of the stories we have heard, but funny enough, it was the other way round. It was people that we never expected that won. People that worked hard in camp eventually emerged winners. What was it like spending time with other girls during the camp period? It was not easy because these girls from different, homes, different backgrounds and different training. But, you know as a prospective queen you have to learn to accommodate other people. You have to learn how to handle issues, learn how to give back to the society so even when I had little issues with other girls, or when I saw other characters that were not pleasing to me, I just accept it. But at the end of the day camping was fun because we all ended up being friends. Now that you got a crown as Miss Diamond Nigeria West, what is next? I have so many things on my mind. Like I said, everything I do I know it is by God’s grace. The first thing I did after emerging a winner was to go and give God thanks. I went for a Thanksgiving Service, then secondly, I have to seat down now and start writing my proposals, all the things I have in mind to help the less privileged, to help the abused girls in the society. I have passion for helping those that are not where they ought to be, those that are demoralized one way or the other. This is

one project I have to sit down now and start working out to achieve. I want to design my pet project which will affect almost all the youths. What is your pet project? I have passion for helping the less-privileged and carrying out social services that would benefit greater number of people. I shall be looking at well articulated community projects which I shall be doing in collaboration with socially responsible, orgnisations, companies, agencies and parastatals to better the living standards of our people. There are certain places you will go you find out that what is lacking in the community to actually make life easier for them can easily be provided by one organization, or even an individual, but still they are waiting for government to come and do it. I shall stand in the gap in these areas; identify some of these communities, what projects they desire, and look for people oriented company that can take up such project as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility venture. Also, my pet project is mostly on how to better the lives of the abused youths. Especially, the girl child. A girl might have what it takes to achieving something but just because she did not succumb to what is requested of her, she will not have it. For instance, a friend told she went for an interview, after very brilliant performance which was acknowledged by the management but at the end the day she was denied the job because she could not succumb to what a top official of the company asked of her. I want to stand in for such people by encouraging them to wait for God’s time instead of giving in to such abuse. How do plan to achieve this? I intend to achieve it by God’s grace, getting a place and really working hard. I intend going to meet with some the girls you find in hotels who of course you know can learn a trade. I pick the ones I can help and encourage them to believe in themselves and engage in more dignifying trade than just prostituting. I will also be looking at helping children but my main concern is on girls because girls are the ones that carry most of the blessings on earth. They the ones that make families, we are the ones that know when the pains are there. We know how to talk to people, handle issues so that why I am emphasizing on the girl child. Did you get support from your family when you decided to go in for beauty pageantry? I got support from my mum but my fa-

ther is this ‘fanatic type’ of person. He thinks that anything pageantry does not go the right way, that one must do something bad for one to make headway in beauty pageantry. However, he supported initially because my mum was there, but two days before the event he almost stopped me. He changed his mind and said he has heard so many fraudster stories and something tells him this might be a fraud. But eventually, when I emerged a winner of Miss Diamond Nigeria West, he was the first person that started calling all his friends to tell them his daughter is now a queen. How do you feel being a queen? I feel so happy. I feel so blessed. I feel so o p p o rtune. I feel s o

Bingan humbled because out of the many beautiful girls that went there I was given a crown. It is not easy. And now my lifestyle has changed. How has it been since you became a queen? I have become more popular. I get calls from people I do not even know. Those that have totally forgotten me have started remembering me. But I am still getting beef from some of friends that thought maybe this was not going to come to pass, but funny enough God made it possible. But that doesn’t meant I will reject them, I am still accepting them in good faith but I am being wise in doing so. What advice do you have for Nigerian girls, especially aspiring beauty queens? My advice for Nigerian girls is that they should always know that being beautiful is

Being Beautiful as well as religious, is one of the Best things that can happen to any girl’

not a criteria, beauty with brain and wisdom is one the best thing. Also being beautiful as well as religious is one of the best things that can happen to a girl. Girls should know that the beauty God gave to them is for a purpose, for us to glorify His name. It is for us to tell people that you can be beautiful and still be humble; you can be beautiful and still serve God. You can be beautiful and still preach the word of God, and still be a blessing to the society. What is your educational background? I did both my primary and secondary school in Lagos and my University education in Ogun State, Olabisi Onabanjo University. I studied Micro Biology. So I am a graduate of Micro Biology. I speak fluent English and French languages. I want to use this medium to reach out to people that can help me build my vision. People that can be a blessing to me and the girls I am trying to help. People that can help me carry through my pet projects by intervening in social responsibility projects which I shall be working on, and also help promote the girl child education and training.

Friday, May 27, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mixed grill in culture sector at Buhari’s anniversary The encouraging fact that arts and culture sector contributed immensely to the rebasing of Nigeria’s economy during the last administration suggests that the present administration could latch on it to diversify the economy. How has this been done in the past one year? NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

he Nigerian art sector has grown in leaps and bounds, special thanks to the democratic dispensation which berthed in 1999. While this has been profound during the last administration, there is need to highlight that there has particularly been a steady interest of this present government in what is going in this sector. While many stakeholders decried the move to subsume the tourism and culture sector in the Ministry of Information, to be manned by a man (Lai Mohammed) with glaring bias for media as against culture, he (Lai Mohammed) has in the past six months stepped up to identify with the sector. Aside his wide consultations with many stakeholders in the industry to get acquainted with the problems of the industry, he has convened a tourism and culture summit, with a firm promise to implement all the recommendations arrived at during the deliberations. A few days ago, he oversaw the repatriation of the Nok Terracota art works by French authorities, brightening hopes that other Western countries may follow suit. While this sounds great, many believe, the government needs to pay serious attention to this sector, if the hope of diversifying the nation’s economy is a serious one. That is why so many stakeholders in the sector have continued to preach sustenance of the last administration’s legacies in this sector. Renowned filmmaker, Fidelis Duker in an interview for this article said, “It is my considered opinion that they will use the next one year in consolidating on the milestones recorded by the previous government when the entertainment sector reflected as a major contributor to Nigeria’s GDP”. For Isaac Izoya, a Nigerian

BUHARI @ ONE

filmmaker in Frankfurt Germany, nothing seems to be going on yet. “I am still waiting for the hand writing on the wall”, he says. However, Harris Chuma, President of Igbo Film Forum, believes that so much has happened in the past one year. According to him, “Buhari’s government is very much concerned about the arts and culture industry especially Nollywood. The government agrees that Nollywood can spin revenue for the country.. In a bid to alternate oil and gas with Nollywood, efforts have been made by the Minister of Information and Culture to reorganise Nollywood to live to its full potential, through the ongoing MOPICON review. Nowadays FG is interested in building and restructuring institutions... patronising institutions not persons, like the recent past administration did. The entertainment industry is undergoing serious overhauling and will henceforth work based on international best practices”. It is pertinent to note that exPresident Goodluck Jonathan, took more than a passing interest in the movie sector (uninterestingly at the detriment of the other sectors of arts and culture), prompting him to make financial leverages twice in three years. While celebrating Silverbird’s 30th anniversary, he had announced a grant of N30b, to be disbursed by the Bank of Industry, BOI and NEXIM Bank for people engaged in the creative business. Although assessing this fund was difficult for a cross section of the industry, practitioners like Tony Abulu, producer of ‘Doctor Bello’, and Gab Onyi Okoye recorded considerable success in getting the fund; so much that as at March 2013, the Nigeria Export and Import Bank, NEXIM, put the total funds so far disbursed to Nollywood at N788m, following the potential the industry offered. According to the financial institution, receipts over the years reported a range of between $300 million to $800 million as well as other potential in terms of the huge creative talents, strong and growing domestic entertainment industry with establishment of overseas market, creating demand in Africa, UK, USA and the Pacific Islands.

Nigerian art works in a gallery, Mohammed (Inset) NEXIM also consolidated on this by launching a fund called the Nigerian Creative Arts and Entertainment Facility Loan, with which to stimulate growth in the creative sector in the nearest possible time. Not done, the administration had gone ahead to launch Project Act Nollywood, which received a grant of an additional N3bn. Perhaps another area the present administration needs to look at is the issue of acknowledging the importance of arts and their personalities in re-branding the nation. Like Femi Akintunde Johnson, a renowned entertainment journalist pointed out in his article, ‘Nollywood: What We Should Take from Jonathan’, President Buhari even exhibited his ‘disdain’ for the industry during his campaign. Johnson in an article for National Mirror wrote: “During the closing phase of his electioneering campaign, when GMB was asked his government’s approach to Nollywood, he promptly threw the napkin to Babatunde Fashola of Lagos. That act represents his shocking lack of understanding (I take that back, no shock at all) or sensitivity to a critical section of a vital mass within Nigeria’s geopolitical superstructure. I very much doubt if Fashola had ever written one full page of legal opinion of entertainment law in his illustrious career – nor has his administration, generally regarded as one of the best, if not the best, in Nigeria, done more for entertainment than tokenism of rehabilitating some ill-fated entertainers and a handful of car-

The governmenT needs To pay rapT aTTenTion To This secTor, if The hope of diversifying The naTion’s economy is a serious one.

nivals and seasonal countdowns! For the benefit of the doubt, it is quite possible that a swashbuckling young army infantry hot-head in his late 30’s (1984 HoS) would not have heard of the terror and devastation that Pa Moses Adejumo’s Orun Moru suffered in the hands of profiteers barely two years earlier. It took another ten years after his forced retirement before some semblance of what we now call Nollywood emerged. So, we should not take it for granted that GMB ought to know ‘something’ about Nigerian entertainment – if we insist, we overstretch our sense of importance. This is why thoroughbred practitioners snigger when government plays the ostrich in its engagement with the creative enterprise”. But the big question is how much is the administration willing to work with professionals from the creative industry that would help shape the policies of government? At the moment, no entertainer is in government even as the government is still erasing the negative publicity that came with her attempt to force some artists out of the premises of the National Theatre in Lagos. It is pertinent to note that while the former President, Olusegun Obasnajo laid the foundation for creative people to interact at the corridors of power, when he publicly identified with ‘Across the Niger’ premieres in Abuja (perhaps the first time a Nigerian head of state was doing so) Jonathan took this to the next level. In the succeeding years, the number of creative people who received national honours had grown exponentially. As countdown starts for the 2016 national honours, so much pessimism hangs in the air about people in this sector being remembered at all. The ‘little’ act of honouring people in the sector would achieve so many things including availing the promise for the people in this

sector to be taken seriously by the corporate world. The literary circle is not different indeed. Alhough the sector circle is not yet as vibrant as the music and movie sectors, there appeared some slight improvements in this sector as Jonathan’s ‘Bring Back the Book’ project, which was launched to create reading awareness amongst Nigerian youths lasted. But nobody has done more than that since it was launched in a move that has been clasifed as a campaign ploy. Budgetary allocation to the sector has also witnessed a downward trend, no thanks to the dwindling fortunes of the country. National Mirror checks showed that while the sector got N20.8b in 2012, it got N22.5b and for 2016 it is getting less. A stakeholder in the arts who pleaded anonymity owing to his position in the government said the entire allocation to the culture sector is small ‘compared to what the government allocated to create awareness for the fuel subsidy issue’. In spite of these, government needs to urgently address the poor state of infrastructures if their dreams about this sector would become a reality. Like a film maker, Lancelot Oduwa Imaseun rightly identified, ‘let government adopt a policy that would ensure that cinemas are built at the local government levels nationwide, and you will see the potential in Nollywood. This will in turn avail the government taxes from the industry’. Nothing affects the culture and tourism industry more than the security situation of the nation. With kidnapping and armed robbery rampant in Southern Nigerian and terrorism high in the northern part, the growth in this sector remained somewhat stunted but since the Buhari administration has fairly combated terrorism, the sector is likely going to benefit from that.

Friday, May 27, 2016

Shaban 21, 1437A.H.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

CIO holds pre-Ramadan lecture

… urges FG to provide socio-economic security

Sekinah L awaL

uslims have been urged to prepare for Ramadan in advance to make the best of the glorious

month. Giving the advice at the pre-Ramadan lecture organized by Conference of Islamic Organisations, CIO, in Lagos recently, Sheikh AbdulMajeed Ayinla called on Muslims to have intention of going for the best of ibadah. “This may be our last Ramadan for life is so uncertain. Then there is no doubt that we must make the best of it for the reward of every good act in the month of Ramadan is multiplied many times over.” The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever draws near to Allah during Ramadan with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” Also speaking at the event, Imam Trimidhi Jamiu said Muslims must prepare adequately for Ramadan because Allah SWT announces the month in Qur’an 2:185. Allah the exalted says: “The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur’an was sent down, a guidance for mankind, clear proofs for the guidance, the Criterion; so whoever amongst you witnesses this month, let him fast it.” “Ramadan was the month in which the Qur’an was first revealed so it is the month of the Qur’an. We should devote much of this blessed month reciting the Qur’an. We should recite the Qur’an with its meanings and try to understand and implement it into our daily lives.” CIO’s Secretary and Director o Muslim Awareness International, MAI, Engr. Luqman Balogun stated that President Buhari must be commended for exposing many frauds and urged government officials to listen to people’s plight while also calling on Nigerians to give government the needed support. “In order for us to take advantage of these immense rewards we should start with spiritual, physical, mental and medical preparations.” Ramadan is the month where we can gain mercy and forgiveness from Allah for all of our sins past and present. Knowledge is very important. How unfortunate is a person who after the end of Ramadan does not gain any forgiveness of his sins from Allah but ends up piling more sins. “Therefore we must protect our tongue from vain speech and foul language. Pro-

Working towards truly ending violence against children, women 24

L-R: Alfa Agba Gbajabiamila; Sheikh AbdulMajeed Ayinla; Imam Trimidhi Jamiu and Engr. Luqman Balogun at the pre-Ramadan lecture organized by Conference of Islamic Organisations, CIO, in Lagos on Tuesday.

tecting the tongue is preventing it from lying, back-biting, slander, tale-carrying, false speech and other things that have been forbidden in the Qur’an & Sunnah.

Those who control their tongues are of the best of Muslims: “There is none heavier in the scales of the Hereafter than good character. Rasulallah (PBUH)

also said: “The best loved by me and the nearest to me on the seats on the Day of Resurrection are those who have the best manners and conduct amongst you, who are intimate, are on good terms with others and are humble, and the most hated by me and who will be on the furthest seats from me are those who are talkative and arrogant.” “So let us strive to perfect our manners, character and conduct towards others and know that these good deeds will be of the heaviest on the scales and will enable us to reach the highest ranks of Jannah and the closest to Allah,” Balogun concluded. CIO’s chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Afolabi called on Muslims to make significant positive changes in their lives and use opportunity of Ramadan to turn a new leaf. “The best habit we can ever have in our live is to implement the Sunnah in every aspect of our lives so that everything we do can become worship to Allah. We can do this by gradually learning all of the Sunnah’s and dua’s of every aspect of our day waking up, leaving and entering the Masjid and house, dressing and undressing etc. Sheikh AbdurRahman Adangba emphasized unity of the Ummah for the needed growth.

Nigerians should be grateful by not abusing God’s mercies – AbdulLateef

igerians have been urged to be grateful by not abusing the presence of numerous natural resources in Nigeria. Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef threw the challenge at the 3rd Pre-Ramadan lecture organized by Ojodu Muslim Council in conjunction with Al-wajud Mosque in Ojodu, Lagos recently. Delivering a lecture entitled; “Muslim Character: Expectations in a Corrupt Society”, Dr. AbdulLateef noted that the world was perfected for man to live in orderly. “Having these natural resources is a plus because there are many countries that lack the resources.” He observed that the presence of natural resources such as gas, ocean, and crude oil was to add value to the living standard, if judiciously used and condemned continuous vandals of oil facilities by Niger Delta Avengers saying the heinous act would further reduce oil production and generation for the country at large. He implored those who are fond of destroying public infrastructure executed with tax payers’ money to desist from such unpatriotic activities. Highlighting characters such as piety, patience, trustworthiness, obedience, good neighborliness among virtues that should be identified with Muslim faithful, Dr AbdulLateef described Qur’an as the foundation of good character.

Belief in Buhari is unprecedented 25

He also implored parents and religious leaders as well as community leaders to live an exemplary life for their children and followers to spread the

good characters. “Prayers alone will not change Nigeria for better except individual Nigerian have attitudinal changes and be optimistic of a better Nigeria.”

L-R: Guest Speaker from South Africa, Distinguished Prof. Yusef Waghid; Chairman, Planning Committee, Dr. Saheed Ahmad Rufai; Vice-Chancellor and Chief Host, Prof. Abdur-Rahman Bello at the pre-Ramadan lecture organized by the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni, UMA, in Lagos recently.

Ramadan is coming Shaban is the 8th month in the Islamic calendar. It is reported that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), used to fast most of the month in Shaban except the last few days of the month. Shaban is the month before Ramadan. The Prophet mentioned in a hadith, “Rajab is the month of Allah, Shaban is my month and Ramadan is the month of the Nation”.

Mixed feelings trail Buhari’s one year in office 26 & 27

Call to Worship

Friday, May 27, 2016

Working towards truly ending violence against children, women

s the world marks today as Children’s Day, it is our hope that our states and nation as a whole will truly work towards ensuring an end to violence against women and children especially and all humans in general. Though Lagos State has being trying, there is a whole lot of things to be done. The campaign against domestic violence must be initiated by all and be a continuous one. Of course, we all have a clear moral, legal and economic imperative to end violence against children and not a matter of grammar and paper work. Statistics have shown that millions of children suffer violence every year in Nigeria; approximately 6 out of every 10 children experience some form of physical, emotional and sexual violence before the age of 18 years, according to the Nigeria Violence against Children Survey, carried out by the National Population Commission, with support from UNICEF and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is a thing of shame that one in two children experience physi-

cal violence; one in four girls and one in ten boys experience sexual violence; and one in six girls and one in five boys experience emotional violence with majority of them not telling anyone what has happened to them and fewer than five per cent receive the help they need to recover. We really need to end this idea of keeping silent in the face of these crimes. Making the true extent of violence visible is critical to mobilize public support and generate steady action towards its elimination. Ending the violence should be holistic and a multi-sectoral approach involving ministries of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Education, Health, Social Welfare, Justice, Information, National Orientation Agency, Prison Service, Police, Civil Society, Non-Governmental Organizations, Community Based Organizations and Faith-Based Organizations starting from community levels. Our women and children must be protected from abuse, violence, exploitation, and neglect. Violence against women and children cannot be justified in any way.

In this era of change, change must also reflect in the way we treat our women and children. Let us have more and better provision of water, sanitation and hygiene facilities; health, nutrition and child protection services and education. You still see many of these children hawking on the roads even during school hours. In all crisis situations, children and women bear the brunt of the difficulties. For those in conflict areas, governments at all levels, well-meaning individuals and corporate organizations must be ready to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and women who have suffered so much in order to help them recover physically and psychologically; go to school and have a brighter future. We must boost primary health care services; provide clean water and access to safe sanitation. It will be amazing to see some areas deemed to be urban areas with sorry state of hygiene and sanitation. Of course, primary education, health and nutrition are some of the basic rights of every child any-

Shaban 21, 1437A.H.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THE PLATFORM with

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

Our judiciary must alsO be seen tO be cOmmitted tO this cause by ensuring that cases are nOt adjOurned unnecessarily where in the world and all hands must be on deck to ensure that no child is denied these basic rights, no matter the situation. There must be an end to unending court cases regarding child abuse and domestic violence in order to serve as deterrent to others. Our judiciary must also be seen to be committed to this cause by ensuring that cases are not adjourned unnecessarily. Also, we must change our attitude of “let us settle the matter as a family” and the likes. Most of these assaults on children are usually perpetrated by family members who should ordinarily protect these children. Because these

children are our future, we must truly be seen to be doing things right. And doing the right thing starts with the home. It is not about government alone. Before it becomes government’s responsibilities, various homes must play their roles as the first teachers and builders of character. After all, those who are looting the treasury and killing innocent souls are from certain homes. It should not be just a matter of setting aside a day to celebrate children but truly doing things to make life better for them. As parents, we must play our roles well in order to help the government.

‘Stop violating rights of children, women’ AbdulgAfAr OlAdimeji KANO

Kano-based Islamic cleric has clamour for the enactment of laws that would impose stiff punishment for the violation of the rights of children and women in the country. The scholar, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Umar Gadon Kaya said the promulgation of stiffer penalty would lead to the safe guarding of the rights and liberty of women in the society. He frowned at indiscriminate divorce without resorting to procedural provisions laid down for observance before a woman could be divorced by her husband, adding that the issue of divorce is now a dangerous trend. “It is common to see marriages being contracted today and after few months, the man would divorce the woman without any tangible reason, even in most cases such

women are pregnant without taking care of neither the pregnancy nor the new born child”, he said. “We are duty bound to collectively correct this menace, otherwise, we shall wake up one day and all be engulfed in a very serious moral crisis. Abdullahi who served alongside other Islamic scholars in the WRAPA Pilot Strategy project to enhance women’s rights protection in Islamic Family Law matters said it is forbidden for women and children to be treated with impunity. “Failure to meet his obligations as a husband, he has no power or right to just sack his wife, and in the event of reneging in the contractual agreement, the husband must be made to pay the right compensation as being enshrined in the Qur’an and the teaching of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). “Unnecessary divorce could no longer be acceptable if we are to guard and protect the women,” he said.

: Bride’s parents, Prince & Princess Sesan Bankole and Groom’s parents, Mr & Mrs. Sola Owoseni with the Couple at the holy wedlock of Damilola Bankole and Femi Owoseni in Ebenezer African Church, Ita-Osin Abeokuta with the reception at Oba Oyebade Lipede’s Garden, Abeokuta Sports Club last weekend.

Ahmadiyya Jamaat Nigeria centenary health walk & sanitation exercise held in District 8 (Edo-Delta States) recently.

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Friday, May 27, 2016

IN HIS LIGHT

with

USTAZ

A. ZAFARAN e-mail: zafabumuneeb@yahoo.com

Nothing has changed

he month of May is special in Nigeria. It hosts three important holidays – workers, children and democracy. The engine of a nation is its committed workers. The future of any nation is its children and the driving force towards an envisioned future is the appointment of servant leaders. But how are these three fairing in our beloved country today? Children are buried alive but not inside grave but a corrupting society. Workers are languishing under the furnace of penury and unpaid stipends. The leaders are becoming financial obese and being intoxicated by their ill-gotten wealth. It is really pathetic.

Nothing has changed in the plight of the children across the world. Not only that they die or are killed before they are born but are born into a society which does not care for them. Children as future hopes have become almost a shattered dream. They are born into the despondency of insensitive and ignorant parents. They are exposed to the toxicity of perilous modern technology. Their new home is the Television. Their siblings are computer games, music, films and fashions. They seek refuge on the Internet for warmth, love and parental care. They sleep in the same house with their parents but never enjoy or know what parenthood is. The girl child has become endangered species in the modern times. She is susceptible to sexual abuses. There is inexcusable negligence in our homes that has made the children tramps therein. Since we have been celebrating children’s day, what positive thing has it brought to their lives? How are these children learning? What happens in their schools and their homes? How do we celebrate a child that is born outside wedlock? How do we celebrate a child that is out of school hawking in the streets? How do we celebrate a child wearing rags in the streets? How do we celebrate a child in child labour? How do we celebrate a child who is malnourished? How do we celebrate a child that is made to watch destructive films on our television stations? Declaration of days or their celebrations will not improve the plight of the child unless we return to guidance of Allah (SWT) on marriage and child upbringing. Let us prevent sex outside legitimate marriage, let us stay more at home to train these children, let us make our environment morally friendly to children. The unprecedented case of abducted girls is an eye opener of where children are placed and how they are valued! Any lasting, pragmatic change

Call to Worship

Shaban 21, 1437A.H.

NothiNg has chaNged iN the plight of the childreN across the world. Not oNly that they die or are killed before they are borN but are borN iNto a society which does Not care for them

Women group holds health walk

hmadiyya Jamaat Nigeria centenary health walk & sanitation exercise which commenced on May 7, 2016 all over Nigeria was held in District 8 (Edo-Delta States) recently with impressive participation by women members of the Jamaat referred to as Lajna Imaillah: “Women Servants of Allah”. They were supported by some elderly males and the youth wing, the Khadims in uniform controlling the traffic. The programme is part of the centenary celebration of the Jamaat in Nigeria. In Benin Muqami, members from Benin branch, Warri, Ekae, and Orerokpe Branches gathered in Benin and walked for more than two kilometers through Joromi Street, Ekenwa Road, Stadium Road, Edebiri, Second Freedom and First Freedom Streets, sweeping and picking refuse off the roads. Several inquisitive residents wanted to know what the exercise was all

about and they took time to explain their mission and some of them joined the exercise which they considered as laudable and of immense benefit to individual health and the society at large. Similar activity took place in Auchi Muqami where members from different Halqas gathered at Auchi and walked through several streets including Oshobughie, Warrake Road, and the palace of Otaru of Auchi where they were received happily as they carried out extensive environmental sanitation. It was very inspiring to see some very elderly members participating in the health walk, including district 8 officers who participated fully in the exercise, which had both physical and spiritual benefits. The exercise was led by the Women leaders in the District namely: Hajia Aminat Enahoro (District Sadr), Sister Hauwa Kashim-Sumaina (Naib Sadr), Sister Wakilat Mustafa (Secretary), Sister Kautha Abdullahi (Welfare Officer). About 30 members took part in Benin with Auchi recording more than 25.

starts with proper children upbringing. Their sound moral and intellectual preparations are the basics for a blissful future. Workers’ day has come and gone; and we will in two days’ time also celebrate democracy day. It is a day which is meaningless to a common man whose suffering has only increased from all angles – no food, no shelter, no security, no water, no road, no cloth, no education, etc. Yet the governments hypocritically claim that they are there for the people! Every government in power is imposed to be there for itself. At the general level, the current democracy lacks the spirit of God and credibility at many levels, it is inhuman to fellow men, it is a war against the society as the spate of insecurity and its consequences are incarcerating, the leaders are callous and are desperate to sustain their selfish hegemony by crook and hook. Ahmadiyya Jamaat Nigeria centenary health walk & sanitation exercise held in District 8 (Edo-Delta No peace at heart, no peace at home, States) recently. no peace in the streets. Revelation of stolen monies in millions is a gory picture of the kind of leaders we have. Those in power presently are of the same feather, they are only covering their tracks. The people are helpless today but their prayers will reach the magnificent Lord Who shall deal with all that inflict pains on His people. Leaving behind these pedantic artificial celebrations, soon will the glorious month of fasting reach us. It will be great we are there so that we can truly reconnect with our Lord, reenergize ourselves, petition Allah (SWT) on whatever is our worries, as individuals and as a nation. It is a time to celebrate the soul before the Lord. It is a period to salvage the souls from all corruptions. It is a period when L-R: Representative of Alhaji Tunde Folawiyo, Alhaji Mansur Ogundeko; Prof. AbdulFatai Mabadeje; mercy is practically manifested. The Barriser YKO AbdulKareem and Dr. Muiz Adeyemi Banire at the pre-Ramadan lecture organized by the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni, UMA, in Lagos recently. children and the workers are shown genuine mercy. The leaders’ hearts are softened. They spare few times to attend the mosques. They spend some monies to put smiles on the face of the hungry. But why can they continue with the spirit of Ramadan after Ramadan? Do they forget that every Ramadan is a reminder of serious accountability? Do they realize that this may be their last Ramadan? Then, what shall they tell Allah (SWT) when they meet Him? Enough of all these sinful acts, your days are numbered as we draw closer to Ramadan. Be conscious of Allah (SWT) in all that you do. Beware of the final end – the grave. You will travel alone and there shall be no escort. The reality will dawn on you but it will be L-R: Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaát Nigeria, Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fashola; Onijale of Ijale Ketuland, too late to amend. Think now of how Ogun State, Oba Bashiru Bisiriyu Arolagbade 1; Missionary-in-Charge, Maulvi Abdul Khalique Nayyar and Circuit President, Ayetoro, Muhammed Jamiu Oje, when the highly placed Yewa monarch paid a you want to meet your Lord! courtesy visit to the National Headquarters of the Jamaát in Ojokoro, Lagos.

Call to Worship

Shaban 21, 1437A.H. Friday, May 27, 2016

Mixed feelings trail

Eminent personalities share their views on one year administration of President Muhammadu Buhari with SEKINAH LAWAL. Excerpts;

I BelIeve what thIs government faIls to understand Is

am humbled to say that the performance of President Muhammadu Buhari in the last one year has been positively fantastic on fighting corruption, foreign affairs and curbing insurgency of Boko Haram; although on economy, PMB’s policies are hard on us, but there is hope of a greater Nigeria. When we welcomed the change slogan of PMB, it was thought that transformation is easy. We all perceived change to be as easy as switching on a bulb or lighting a match stick. Whereas, change is not an announcement, but a phenomenon which requires huge sacrifices, sustained value re-orientation, lots of patience, serious determination to build strong institutions and, of course, fervent prayers. As we mark one year of PMB, I urge Nigerians to draw lessons from the QUOTE of the renowned scholar, Ibn al-Qayyim who said: “Go on the path of truth and do not feel lonely because there are few who take that path, and beware of the path of falsehood and

that every government anywhere In the world must suBsIdIze some-

thIng to create

socIoeconomIc BalMr. Amuwo Dr. Raimi

do not be deceived by the vastness of the perishers.” Dr. Raimi, L. MNIM, FAAE, FCEnt Amir of The Muslim Congress and Senior Lecturer, Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED), Yaba College of Technology, Lagos Nigeria Project Director, African Association of Entrepreneurs Nigeria (AAEN)

Importantly, pmB has demonstrated a very strong polItIcal wIll to turn around the wheel of fortune of the country for puBlIc good

irst and foremost, we thank God for raising amongst us one of the distinguished sons of this country in person of our amiable PMB at a time when the voices of widows, orphans, youths and the elderly were very loud yearning for a paradigm shift in politicking and governance no thanks to the bad governance of the previous government which was fraught with malfeasance and homongus pilfering of the commonwealth of Nigerians. In the last one year, PMB government has redeemed the corporate image of the country from a corrupt nation to anti-corrupt one. Secondly, it has begun the institutionalisation of prudency, transparency and accountability in both public and private sectors. Thirdly, his administration has rekindled the spirit and given hope to a discerning mind that this country can be great, will be great and will be the cynosure of

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the world in the years ahead. Importantly, PMB has demonstrated a very strong political will to turn around the wheel of fortune of the country for public good. This is one thing that the previous government failed to do. Having said that, I will score PMB a low mark for having spent more than five months to constitute members of his team. The time spent in searching was too long. In addition, the delay in his budget presentation, passing and approval were avoidable errors which had impacted negatively on the lives of the poor masses who earn less than $1 per day. PMB should guide against any repetition of such in the subsequent years of his tenure. Be that as it may, I think PMB administration has commenced the rebirth of a new Nigeria which all well-meaning Nigerians should key into and give him the maximum support to reposition our great country in the comity of nations. Imam Abdullahi Shuaib, FCPA, FCIDA, FAAE, FIMC, FCEnt, CMC, AMNIM

t is important that I set the record straight before i begin to state my case. I am a firm believer in free market so I am not against total deregulation. Also I supported PMB’s election with both my resources and my efforts. While I was convinced that PMB lacks the modern thinking to govern a 21st century government, I knew he is one person who can help us tackle the menace of corruption and set our country on the path of sustainable development. What I was not prepared for is the fact that it seems that regardless of who is in power, our leaders seem to have the same thinking. I expected PMB to be different given his antecedents I wonder why a government that was not in a hurry to put a cabinet together, that only recently signed the 2016 budget almost mid way into the budget year, will be in a hurry to remove fuel subsidy. There are developments that must necessarily precede such action i.e improved power supply, better road infrastructure, improved condition of living and may be an alternative means of commuting (better organized mass transit system with park and ride facilities). We needn’t wait for all of these to be provided before we pull the trigger on subsidy; however, it is important that at least we have some of them in place while we are expectant and hopeful that others are in the pipeline. One would have expected that the PMB administration would have allowed the citizenry to start feeling the effect of the much anticipated 2016 budget before unleashing such insensitive policy. Why the rush? Let’s review where we are now with the subsidy removed. The government is not honest with Nigerians. Why use a benchmark of N298/$1? At what exchange rate do we sell our crude? if crude is sold to foreigners at N197/$1, then why should Nigerians pay

ance N298?. Given the sensitive nature of petrol to our socioeconomic conditions as a nation, Why should NNPC leave importation of fuel to profit seeking private oil company. One would have expected that the impact of the subsidy removal on hapless citizens will mean a lot to a government that rode to power on promises of being on the side of the masses. If this were the case, it should matter to the government that citizens are not exploited. The N298/$ benchmark is a fraud. I believe what this government fails to understand is that every government anywhere in the world must subsidize something to create socioeconomic balance. US and the Euro nations subsidize agriculture, some of the Arab nations subsidize Petroleum products. What is Nigeria subsidizing? The time has come for us to wake up and face the challenges of nation building. We can no longer be quiet and allow very few people to determine our collective destiny. We must speak truth to power and also start demystifying power and stop treating elected official as though they are Monarchy. They are not different from us and they are holding the mandates in trust for us and where they falter, we have the right to kick them out. The PMB government scores so low in the area of information management. It carries on as if it owes no one explanation for actions and inaction of government. This is the reason why a government can wake up and remove subsidy overnight without any consideration for the spiral effect that such action will generate. This must stop forthwith. There should be press briefing every day explaining the direction government is headed. My take is that while deregulation is desirable and the way to go, the time is not right. Government still has a lot of work to do before it gets to that point. Adeyemi Amuwo MD, Pharmaton

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday,May 27, 2016

Call to Worship

Shaban 21, 1437A.H.

Buhari’s one year in office

et me start by saying twelve out of forty-eight months is still relatively short a period of time to fairly assess the performance of the administration. However, judging by what was met on ground and the realities of the present situation; President Muhammadu Buhari has performed considerably well. My assessment is based on the fact that an administration should not be judged only by the good things it has been able to achieve but also by the difficulties it has been able to overcome. In all his campaigns, President Buhari was emphatic on three key issues; Security, Corruption and the Economy. It is on these three fronts therefore, that I will want to make some assessment.

On Security Insecurity and insurgency in the nation might not have stopped completely, but you will agree with me that their dimensions are certainly not the same. Perhaps, they realized how the then administration did not have the will to confront them. Rather than buying arms to fight the monsters, our leaders at that time were diverting funds on the pretence of arms purchase, sending armless soldiers to confront well-armed and equipped insurgents and little by little, our soldiers were dying – of gun shots and of hunger. A twentyfive thousand naira meal per day budgeted in Abuja for a soldier soon could become five thousand naira upon arrival in Maiduguri, one thousand naira upon getting to the camps and a loaf of bread and a sachet of water to the soldier on the fields. Instead of doing the needful, the deprived and denied soldiers were being court-marshaled until Buhari came to set them free. We may not have gotten rid of kidnapping and armed robbery but there is a significant reduction in their magnitudes. Under Buhari’s one year in office, our security agents are being paid, they are now being trained, psychologically prepared to do the job they know how best to do and the use of 18th century equipments to secure our 21st century nation is giving way. The dysfunctional topmost hierarchy of the Nigerian military has been overhauled. The military command centre has been moved to the heart of the war in Maiduguri and the troops’ morale and confidence are on an upswing. Furthermore, the United States government has finally agreed to commit their resources to the fight against the insurgents after previously backing out of negotiations with the previous Nigerian government, citing alleged human rights abuses by the Nigerian military. Since his assumption of office, our security is no more being compromised, displaced persons are voluntarily returning, we all can now move about doing our normal business without necessarily having to suspect one another. Today, many may be complaining of the hardship but believe in all sincerity, they are doing so because they are alive. However, while sustaining the defeat of Boko Haram, the President must move a step ahead by looking at renewed pastoral/ farmers’ clashes, Biafra separatists, Shi’ite clashes, kidnappings, armed robberies, piracy and renewed militancy as well as economic sabotage such as vandalism

Dr. Yaqeen Abdullah Habeeb

of oil pipelines. Corruption President Muhammadu Buhari has started well by digging out some can of worms, which no one ever envisaged would have been so gargantuan. This administration has exposed a scandalous security arms’ deal in which many highly placed politicians and security men are deeply involved and are being prosecuted in what is now widely tagged “Dasukigate”. Apart from the office of the National Security Adviser, officials of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) are also being tried on serious allegations of massive corruption practices. Members of the ousted political party, their collaborators in other minor political parties, top military hierarchy, campaign managers and ex-ministers who thought they could loot and go scot free now shuttle between courts and prisons for the billions of dollars they drew out of the Central Bank. As the “juiciest” fragment of the national economy, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has, for decades, been the nexus of unchecked, gargantuan corruption. Administration after administration either abated the wild corruption going on in this organization or simply failed to properly keep it in check. This, it seems, will no longer be the case. Buhari has within one year successfully shown to treasury looters that it’s no longer business as usual. Not only can they no longer loot our treasury but even the ones they looted in the past are no longer safe at home and abroad – not

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even in the soak away. Buhari has exposed how our leaders multiplied poverty among the populace, as they kept laundering our commonwealth abroad. The President has exposed the wickedness of our political class, who lived in opulence, when our hospitals had no drugs and our youths were left to die during the Immigration recruitment exercise, after they had collected money from them in exchange of death and frustration. With the EFCC, ICPC and CCB firing on all cylinders, Buhari has successfully embarked upon a war on corruption, by prosecuting the pen robbers; that padding of budget will not receive his assent; that not even any member of his political party will be spared in the war against corruption and that things must be done with clear conscience before God and man. Buhari’s administration has recovered, within our nation, monies in naira and dollars, stolen by the oil barons and contractors on the pretext of arms purchase. Our foreign allies, realizing the sincerity and commitment of the President on accountability, are currently assisting us to recover some of our stolen-hidden wealth in their banks. The major area of improvement here, apart from the need to intensify investigations as more looted funds are likely yet to be discovered, is prosecution. There is a need for this government to realise that the anti corruption battle cannot be effectively won through the regular courts. Hence the need to establish special courts to specifically and speedily try corruption cases. It is common knowledge that the recent re-organisation of the EFCC by President Buhari is already producing positive results. The other anti graft agencies ought to be re-organised and repositioned to implement the policy of the Federal Government on zero tolerance for corruption. On the Economy As an economist and a revenue modeling expert, I will say so far

economic indices fall faster than they rise.

so a

macro-economic

policy that is initiated today may take a while to unfold and realize its objectives

n behalf of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit (MSSN Lagos), I expressed concern over the current economic challenges facing Nigeria. President Muhammadu Buhari must unveil his economic policies to enable Nigerians understand the direction of his government. Nigerians are truly hungry, jobless and frustrated. As a society, we feel that one of the proactive methods

so good, the President has done his best to turn the economy around but not much has been achieved yet. For two reasons, it will be relatively difficult for anyone to rate the administration fairly at this time. First, economic indices fall faster than they rise. So a macro-economic policy that is initiated today may take a while to unfold and realize its objectives. Secondly, the 16 years of mis-rule had large scale damaging effect on the economy that the fall in the world market of oil price to a mono-economy like ours made it difficult for the President to make any meaningful impact on the economy within such a short time. Two years before the end of the immediate past administration, we had all been warned of hard-times ahead. Our economy was in crisis; the Naira was rapidly falling and so was the mainstay of our foreign earningsthe oil revenue in a manner never experienced in twenty years. Believe you me, sincere Nigerians recognise that the missteps, actions and misactions of past governments are largely responsible for the current economic crisis in the country. However, recent visits and invitations of investors by this administration especially the China visit will enhance economic collaboration and give hope that Buhari knows his onions. The anti-corruption crusade of President Buhari, which has so far helped to save the nation’s image in the international community will not limit the number of willing investors in a couple of months to come. So far, the government has been able to hold on the options of devaluing the naira and maintain an exchange rate of less than N200 to the dollar as a means of controlling inflation; cutting down the cost of running government; sustaining payment of salaries which was already a problem in the last administration and providing bail-out options to states; promote import substitution to reduce inflation and devaluation pressures on the naira; and increase capital investment in the economy through the fiscal budgetary process to drive growth. Nevertheless, improvements can be made here by developing and improving internally generated revenues; identifying and eliminating all sources of revenue leakages particularly through taxpayers, revenue officials and banks; creating real-time revenue tracking systems; enhancing and expanding tax base; and diversifying the economy with focus on Agriculture, Tourism, Mining and Manufacturing. Dr. Yaqeen Abdullah Habeeb is an Economic Expert and a governorship candidate of APC in Kogi State.

to reduce the pains experienced by Nigerians is by promoting entrepreneurship. Nigerian populace, especially youths, should not be demoralised with the current economic challenges. SAHEED ASHAFA, Amir (President), Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria,

Call to Worship

Shaban 21, 1437A.H. Friday, May 27, 2016

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Belief in Buhari is unprecedented – Enahoro A

ssessing the past one year of President Muhammad Buhari’s (PMB) government is a mixed bag of hardworking and successful outcomes on some fronts, near misses in some cases & disappointment in a few places. For a government whose slogan is “change”, it must be difficult or out rightly unfair to pass a verdict on a journey of four years in its first faltering year, when systematic steps are required to form the base for the envisaged heights. However, without doubts, there was no better time than now for a formidable foundation laid for international trust in our country, and the much touted possibility of direct foreign investment (DFI) to this country. Kudos to the President, because the country that was a pariah state in the past due to widespread corruption is now leveraging on his famed integrity. There is a very good perception today that Nigeria can be a home to foreign investors & in many cases donor agencies can hopefully increase their activities, without reminding us of the hate speech of the garrulous US Republican Party Presidential Aspirant Donald Trump, whose theorem of America colonizing us to manage our funds away from our leaders ‘itchy fingers’ was made in bad faith. President Muhammad Buhari’s Administration in the past one year has been low on the economy so far but quite heavy on foreign diplomacy shuttles, that many has criticized for its extensive worldwide itinerary, meant to shore up Nigeria’s visibility in other to launder a new and better image for the country. But for me, I will team up with those who consider this strategy as a worthwhile and effective weapon. PMB has done very well in that regard, be it in the spiritual realm in far away Saudi Arabia, where he got a red carpet and the uncommon privilege of entering and praying inside the most hallowed chamber of Kaaba, or in the bilateral trade relations agreement or commitments between Nigeria and older or new allies, from the West and the East of the Globe. It is like we have just gained independence and we are a new bride now. This has been managed very encouragingly by the government of PMB, when it is weighed against the rots that our leaders in recent and distant past foisted on us. We all truly in the micro or macro opportunity available to us, need to tell the larger world that our old ways has indeed passed away, even when we know that time and time alone would bear us out. Another strategy that the President has fallen back on is his ‘tough man’ stance as a no-nonsense former Head of State. President Buhari has deliberately or inadvertently played up the role of body language in his style of governance, the famous “New Sheriff in town” disposition, which has oiled the public relations machinery of PMB Government in the past one year over and above the scarce policy pronouncements that were being eagerly awaited to transform or strengthen the polity. The hype of body language is a good tool in the short run of leadership but it is not a fantas-

Zakat Is 2.5% Of YOur tOtal Wealth, knOWn as nIsab. after havIng fulfIlled all OblIgatIOns, paY YOur Zakat

tic virtue, and prone to expire quickly if not effectively followed by a sustained regime of “reward for good and punishment for evil doing”. The trust invested by Nigerians in PMB is currently huge and must not be misplaced or taken for granted, and should not be hinged on body language alone. People want to see action and more action. We have long grown in awareness and freedom of speech to be cowed now. Only a PMB has ever held our national trust for so long and so well. General Murtala Muhammed had it for short, before it was painfully truncated. The fact that the recent NLC strike failed flat when the pump price of petrol was hiked speaks volume of the citizen’s trust in this government. During Buhari’s first coming in 1983, he forced us militarily to believe in him through the War against Indiscipline (WAI) and few dramatic foreign policies of an-eye-for-an-eye with the United Kingdom after the failed Umaru Dikko abduction. But in this current opportunity expensively thrown at him after contesting thrice to lead us, the “change” mantra and not brute force ferried him into Aso Rock, and the belief in him has remained unprecedented. The benefits of that hope investment has not yet reached anyone that I know so far in the past one year. It is still about hoping against hope. One can only truly wish Nigeria all the best it will ever deserve. In his security battles against the Boko Haram insurgents which he inherited as President, government has scored excellently well such that no part of the country today has the Boko Haram flag hoisted. We were beginning to heave a sigh of relief in the North Eastern zone of the country, when recently the militancy in the Niger-Delta resurfaced through the birth of a new group called the Niger-Delta Avengers, indiscriminately blasting pipelines carrying oil and gas, threatening to shut down the economy. Equally frightening is the new dimension by which Cattle Rustlers (which was newly added to our public lexicon), steal bulls and cows from their legitimate owners, and the persistent Herdsmen and Crop farmers clashes, that has reared its ugly head in

the tIme Is nOW fOr a leader WIth the best gOOd-

WIll Of

nIgerIans

tO strIke at the

heart Of all cOntentIOus natIOnal Issues and leave a permanent mark In the sands Of tIme.

can see a leader with a revolutionary mindset. President Muhamadu Buhari is determined to change this country. This, he has displayed for the past one year. For the first time ever, I have come to realize that Nigerians are not habitual skeptics, otherwise, they wouldn’t have shown this level of support, solidarity and sympathy with the government. In the past, Nigerians did not see anything good in government; but today, Buhari is always right simply because they trust him. Indeed, he is a leader with a difference. AbdulRauf Saheed

Dr. Gani Enahoro

the middle belt, South Eastern and South Western parts of the country accompanied by kidnapping for ransom, raping of young girls and married women by gun-wielding livestock rearers who were so daring as to sack some communities in Benue and occupy their homes with impunity. The handling of the killings from these itinerant herdsmen and crop farmers clashes has left much to desire in the responses from the otherwise tough President Buhari so far. There has been sufficient reasons free flowing in high quarters to insinuate nepotism and tribalistic responses from the PMB government, when people are killed in large numbers and Presidential condemnation or condolence on-the-spot visits are scarce in coming. It is unfortunate that there is much more destabilization that could arise if this herder/farmer clashes are not dealt with in the seriousness it deserves. Government has the big-stick, which is not being used decisively in this case. On the economic front, there is not much that has happened ever since, and the resurgence of militancy in the Niger-Delta would further have serious negative implications that would shape the future assessment of the PMB Administration in the years to come. As of now, it is not clear at all who are the spirits behind the renewed offensive in the Niger-Delta. In terms of physical growth

MB used the first quarter or first year of his 4-year term to strategize and strengthen his administration to deliver on his mandate. Pity that he inherited many problems than he could bite, hence, President’s tortoise-like and painstaking approach to governance. An area which he has scored high and has equally won international accolades is his War Against Corruption. His anti graft initiatives remain pivotal and focal of his administration, an inventiveness that has remarkably checked financial recklessness, graft syndrome and corruptive tendencies common in both public and private sectors. A fact relevant to the issue which, of course, is an irony is that the “temple of justice” or the Judiciary is guilty of bribery. If the country must exterminate the evil, the third estate of realm must treat itself of the “canker worm”. PMB has equally demonstrated sincere and genuine commitment to riding the country of insurgent activities. However, much is still to be achieved in the area of security as the renewed call for the “Biafran state”, farmers/fulani herdsmen clashes and kidnapping remain unabated and of

and development, PMB has in the past one year only impacted the economy by a little fraction of the previous transition budget prepared by the ousted government of PDP. Although it can be safely argued that this was not his fault, the President was only constitutionally empowered to spend money not appropriated for within six months into the new year and not more. Now that he has his first budget passed just a few weeks ago, we can now begin to monitor how much the humongous figures therein will reflate the very depressed economy as it is today. At that time, we would know if the unemployment figure of 12.1 % in the first quarter of 2016 as released by the National Bureau of Statistics on May 23, 2016 has reduced in subsequent quarters or otherwise. We would also know if the non-dependence on oil as the thrust of his administration will see Agriculture in the hands of a youthful and more productive segment of our population that has abandoned the rural fields for their old, sapped and uninspired men and women who are already too weak to till the land for a yield to match our country food needs. For me, I do not know of standard economic elements on which to give scores for PMB in the last one year. The economy has been in the doldrums to say the least. Nothing seems to be going on, but divine nature seems to have favoured PMB and his government should they remain bold to confront the factors that have militated against economic growth in the past years. Everyone seems to have agreed on total deregulation of downstream Petroleum Sector, rather than the modified version that was announced recently. Petrol subsidy must go and importers should be allowed to sell at competitive prices with the hope that it would fall and benefit the masses eventually. PPPRA as a government organ would need to be reworked constitutionally through the National Assembly, for its future extinction in a deregulated economy. Government can also boldly tackle the inadequacies of livestock farming through the reasons against the current livestock/farmers clashes by skewing Nigerian livestock farming towards international best practices once and for all. This is the opportunity beckoning that must not be missed. The time is now for a leader with the best goodwill of Nigerians to strike at the heart of all contentious national issues and leave a permanent mark in the sands of time. Dr. Abdull Gani Enahoro is the National President, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association.

security concerns. Again, Mr. President is still to have answers to economy which remain sluggish and begging for pragmatic solutions. If deregulation of the downstream sector is the recipe to the ailing economy, Nigerians should show understanding and cooperate with the administration. They should see it as a necessary and patriotic sacrifice and in furtherance of their commitment to ensuring good governance which was manifested in the process that enthroned the 8th republic. Furthermore, PMB’s globetrotting should however be less undertaken in the second year, while exploring and consolidating on gains of such travels as may be required, and by abiding with pacts or bilateral agreements that will advance the cause of the country. Above all, PMB should prioritise energy provision and create enabling environment for business to thrive. Kamal’deen Akintunde National President, National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arty News

Friday, May 27, 2016

Amaka Iruobe fights domestic violence

Fr Ofere

Money from my music for charity –Fr. Albert Ofere OGAH OCHECHE

C Amaka Iruobe

n solidarity to the campaign for war against domestic violence, fast-rising actress, Amaka Iruobe has thrown her support behind it, following her recent appearance on the stage of an epic broadway-styled stage play, Ewuro. Ewuro, which is the Yoruba representation of the popular Bitter Leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) is a story by Tim Godfrey, scripted by Doris Chinasa Ariole and directed by Joseph Ofili. The allegory between Ewuro and the plight of the Nigerian woman is apt in the sense that the intense bitter taste of Ewuro when consumed strives to capture the misery of Nigerian woman. However, the sweet after taste coupled with the beneficial effects of the consumption strives to capture the sweetness of freedom from fear, violence and discrimination. The relief that can only come from the freedom to be. Ewuro as modified into drama, Amaka Iruobe stressed that it is a message of solidarity, hope and support to the women all over the world, who are having depression from domestic violence. “The journey of endurance from the bitter to the sweet axis for these women is not an easy one. It won’t be easy and they would require help to get there. For those who have traversed that realm and are now on the sweet plain, this is invitation to lend a hand to those still tasting the bitterness. To those still on this journey, this is a message

of hope.” Expressing how delighted it was for her to reel out talents to the entertainment of her fans, light-skinned actress, Amaka Iruobe said she wishes another opportunity will avail itself for her to use such means to battle domestic violence against women.

atholic priest, Fr. Albert Ofere who recently released his debut album, Every Day of My Life, has his priorities in music ever before he ventured into the studio to record the six-track album. While the songs with titles like God Dey My Side, When I Think, Where Were You, Jesus Lamb of God, God You are Good and Oghene me do are currently available online for downloads, the Reverend Farther who caught the music bug as a mass servant in Warri, Delta State says he intends to plough back the proceeds back into charity. “My sole aim of doing this is not to make money. If mon-

mong movie-buffs, the face of delectable actress, Nzube Onyia seems to have been scarce on the Nollywood big screen. Discrediting such mind-feeling among her fans, the fair-skinned actress authoritatively stated that she is very much around and in the game, as she directed all to look out for her latest flicks at film stores. Stressing that she’s been on low-key

ey comes, that will be fine, but I intend to plough it back into some charitable projects that will touch humanity.” According to him, a video of one of the songs is already available on You Tube with the title, God Dey My Side; it was directed by award-winning filmmaker, Obi Emelonye and features Nollywood actor, Nkem Owoh. “The video is trending online and it was shot aboard a London train. Viewers will relate with the massage of assurance inherent in the video and of course, Nkem Owoh was at his best in the video”. While one would wonder why the priest had to enlist the partnership of Nkem Owoh for a gospel video, he says Nkem Owoh has been a good friend of his, who saw the need for the songs at this time. “I have known him, and he is a good friend of mine. He likes the songs and most especially the assurances that come with the songs. My songs are filled with assurances for people who trust God”. For fans wondering the genre of songs, Father Albert Ofere is offering, it is a fusion of Afro-pop and gospel and that makes him the first Catholic priest to venture into Afropop gospel in Africa. “It is not a big deal, if you ask me. My songs which target everyone who likes good songs with great melody and lyrics will appeal to all generations. In God Dey My Side, there is a fusion of Afropop and gospel. In fact, I rapped in the song and what people should take is the message, Afro-pop beat is just the vessel to get my message across.”

Yomi Rolling unveils band TOSIN ADAMS

oday, Friday, 27th May, 2016 to be precise while the children will be celebrating their day, a multi-talented musician Ogunsheye Oriyomi aka Omo Nla and her band will storm Summit Hotel and Suites, Miccon Bus Stop Egbeda, Lagos for her birthday bash and launching of her band “Ultimate Sensational Band International”, the event which kicks off with red carpet by 2 pm and to be anchored by Dare Alabi Best an international award presenter is set to be glamorous according to Oriyomi. She also spoke more about herself and how she ventured into the world of entertainment “I have been singing since 2007, but professionally I stared singing in 2009. I sing juju high life, but I sing juju mixed

with fuji music, I started from my church, I stared since when I was 10; I graduated from Kwara Polytechnic, Ilorin in 2003, as an accountant student, so after my graduation I noticed I always sing and rap songs that no one has ever sang, so I noticed that I have talent, so I started singing, I do write songs then I know something in me is a talent because I don’t know where the talent is coming from but I know the talent is from God. My parents like what I am doing; they believe I can do better. I have two albums, the first one Jasope, I did that in 2010, the second one I did it in 2014, titled “Gbabgebosesele” I have so many fans, Otunba Tony Adenubi the M.D of Abidap Hotel is one of my fans. My role model is King Sunny Ade, I love his composition. I love the way he sings, I like the way he arranges his songs.”

I’m set to dazzle fans – Nzube Onyia UGOCHUKWU MAYOR

polishing her style and mode of relaunch in the make-believe industry. “I’ve been on low-key doing some great jobs that will boost my fan-base. I’m sure that when these new films are out, my fans would appreciate my talent the more. I urge them to have patience, though it’s a wrap for me as my latest movies are about hitting them,” she said. Interestingly, Nzube made a comeback with her latest movie, Ojukwu The War Lord, co-starring talented Queen Nwokoye, Fred Anene, Anita Joseph alongside others.

Stephanie with her fan and baby

Stephanie Linus savours motherhood

Nzube Onyia

onths after her successful delivery, super star actress and filmmaker, Stephanie Okereke is still savouring motherhood. The leading entertainer and producer of wave making Dry, who recently welcomed a cute baby boy in the US, is still enjoying the gains and joys of motherhood. ‘’And she is getting all the support and love from her dotting hubby, Linus, the boss of Del York International.’’ Mother and child are doing immensely well, as the couple looks forward to rolling out the red carpets for a historic first birthday of the new prince in their lives.

Capital Market

Friday, May 27, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at May 26, 2016 Prices for Securities Traded as of 26/05/2016 Printed 26/05/2016 14:32:53.053

Prices for Securities Traded as of 26/05/2016 Printed 26/05/2016 14:32:53.053

Prices for Securities Traded as of 26/05/2016

14:32:53.053 1st Printed Tier26/05/2016 Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Price List (Equities)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

FINANCIAL SERVICES 1

BANKING ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

536,880.04

17.10

3.57

519

28,186,342

519

28,186,342 VOLUME

BANKING S/N 2

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FBN HOLDINGS PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

156,862.43

4.37

9.52

452 452

72,684,296

FINANCIAL SERVICES

971

100,870,638

DANGOTE CEMENT PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,983,452.04

175.08

-1.08

127

3,430,242

127

3,430,242

BUILDING MATERIALS INDUSTRIAL GOODS PREMIUM BOARD TOTALS

127

3,430,242

1,098

104,300,880

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,100.00

0.50

30,000

154,904

OKOMU OIL PALM PLC.

27,682.47

29.02

PRESCO PLC

35,710.00

35.71

Printed 26/05/2016 14:32:53.053 CROP PRODUCTION S/N 7

FISHING/HUNTING/TRAPPING ELLAH LAKES PLC.

FISHING/HUNTING/TRAPPING

LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC.

6,000 190,904

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

511.20

4.26

Price List (Equities)

Page

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © AGRICULTURE LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL SPECIALTIES

3 31

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES S/N

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

2,300.00

1.15

9.52

LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL SPECIALTIES AGRICULTURE DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES

TRADES

VOLUME

10,703,414

128

10,894,318

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME 411,673

A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC.

2,514.93

0.95

-5.00

CHELLARAMS PLC.

2,588.07

3.58

JOHN HOLT PLC.

319.10

0.82

1,319

S C O A NIG. PLC.

2,573.31

3.96

980

TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC

56,106.73

1.38

9.52

U A C N PLC.

42,259.02

22.00

7.47

242

368,862

314

50,758,909

CONGLOMERATES

314

50,758,909

TRADES

VOLUME

ARBICO PLC.

BUILDING STRUCTURE/COMPLETION/OTHER PrintedS/N 26/05/2016 14:32:53.053 16

COSTAIN (W A) PLC.

INFRASTRUCTURE/HEAVY CONSTRUCTION

JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC.

ROADS NIG PLC.

%CHANGE

3,770,950

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

VOLUME

MORTGAGE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

ABBEY MORTGAGE BANK PLC

5,250.00

1.25

7,370.87

0.50

127

INFINITY TRUST MORTGAGE BANK PLC

6,422.50

1.54

RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC

5,664.87

0.50

495,000

UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC.

3,095.70

3.17

0 2

495,127

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

6,300.00

3.15

5.70

21,233.53

3.61

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 92 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FINANCIAL 93 DEAPSERVICES CAPITAL MANAGEMENT & TRUST PLC OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

FCMB GROUP PLC.

NIGERIA ENERYGY SECTOR FUND

STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC

UNITED CAPITAL PLC

HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC

S/N

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

102

MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC.

Page

TRADES

VOLUME

Prices for Securities Traded as of 26/05/2016 ICT Printed 26/05/2016 14:32:53.053

601,208

3,180.00

2.12

-3.64

332,661

24,515.47

20.50

1.54

1,190,710

1.11

4.72

995,819

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

165,768.17

110.08

10.25

120,090

65,819.10

19.98

1,000

1,115,465.91

140.68

4.99

111

667,927

2,751.58

2.81

191

2,496,345

TRADES

VOLUME

%CHANGE

TRADES

0.50

%CHANGE

0.50 6.65

22,049

8.62

1.41

1,010,212

5.35

5.55

8.82

121

4,760,624

616.69

0.50

4,352

3,091.46

11.31

6,000

342

10,183,085

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

16.80

5.00

787.50

5.00

114,539

1,001,497

8.99

1.61

1 4

53,000

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,348.03

0.50

19,614.00

4.67

4.94

PROCESSING SYSTEMS

116

CHAMS PLC

117

E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC

S/N

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

118

MASS TELECOMMUNICATION INNOVATIONS NIGERIA PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,446.80

0.50

0 0 654,490

TRADES

VOLUME

BUILDING MATERIALS

119

AFRICAN PAINTS (NIGERIA) PLC.

120

ASHAKA CEM PLC

121

BERGER PAINTS PLC

122

CAP PLC

123

CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

954.31

2.59

44,856.25

20.03

67,964

2,260.62

7.80

21,628

26,600.00 Price List (Equities)

38.00

9,927.75

7.90

0.51

279,475

305.50

0.94

4.44

485,000

1,055.18

0.50

BUILDING MATERIALS

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

LAFARGE AFRICA PLC.

378,102.40

83.01

2.67

153

2,078,084

127

PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC

128

PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC

129

PREMIER PAINTS PLC.

784.99

0.99

27,400

212

2,981,043

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,256.91

2.09

131

CUTIX PLC.

1,391.44

1.58

ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS

S/N

TOOLS AND MACHINERY

Prices for Securities Traded as of 26/05/2016 135 NIGERIAN ROPES PLC Printed 26/05/2016 14:32:53.053

5.98

6.60

182

51,527,340

2.32

9.95

125

31,198,730

16.50

4.43

1,937,476

40,564.72

1.40

7.69

306

75,851,107

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

618,054.76

21.00

0.14

345

63,110,737

18,044.39

1.30

4.84

210

45,327,610

48,943.71

1.70

2.41

3,382,063

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

991.76

1.45

21,613.79

43.23

41,277

393.57

9.23

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

1,966.97

7.46

TOOLS AND MACHINERY

S/N

CHEMICALS

136

B.O.C. GASES PLC.

CHEMICALS PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES S/N METALS 137 ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION IND. PLC. NATURAL RESOURCES S/N

METALS

METALS Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © S/N

MINING SERVICES

138

MULTIVERSE MINING AND EXPLORATION PLC

95,348.59

5.63

9.96

1,058,536

UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC

188,290.74

5.19

6.57

605

101,936,665

UNITY BANK PLC

10,052.83

0.86

4.88

6,242,408

S/N

PAPER/FOREST PRODUCTS

WEMA BANK PLC.

30,088.08

0.78

-3.85

1,688,627

139

THOMAS WYATT NIG. PLC.

1,999

383,261,299

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

10,292.50

0.50

5,613.47

0.81

3.85

2.21

4.74

3,000.00

0.50

1,000

10,891.38

1.05

0.96

100,000

CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC.

7,364.75

0.50

429

EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC.

7,000.00

0.50

GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC

2,411.47

0.53

GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC

1,913.74

0.50

GUINEA INSURANCE PLC.

3,070.00

0.50

INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

642.04

0.50

0 3,022,320

Price1,565.08 List (Equities)

VOLUME

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

3.76

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,164.37

9.84

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

0 Page

VOLUME

0 23

VOLUME

2,130.97

0.50

1 1

10,000

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

10,000

127.60

0.58

10,002 VOLUME

S/N

ENERGY EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

140

JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

3,131.35

0.50

5 5

328,490

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

ENERGY EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES S/N

INTEGRATED OIL AND GAS SERVICES

141

OANDO PLC

328,490

87,852.72

7.30

10.11

157

6,150,274

157

6,150,274

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,858.49

0.50

CONOIL PLC

15,960.90

23.00

210,467

ETERNA PLC.

4,447.13

3.41

4.92

1,020,430

268,584.63

206.21

78,334

59,948.96

166.25

21,690

9,278.21

36.53

20,470

57,718.71

170.00

INTEGRATED OIL AND GAS SERVICES S/N

PETROLEUM AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTORS

142

BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC

143 144

LASACO ASSURANCE PLC.

3,661.72

0.50

145

FORTE OIL PLC.

LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC.

1,753.04

0.51

146

MOBIL OIL NIG PLC.

LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC

4,000.00

0.50

147

MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC.

MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC.

4,000.00

0.50

1,000,357

148

TOTAL NIGERIA PLC.

0 228

NATURAL RESOURCES

VOLUME

PAPER/FOREST PRODUCTS

Page

0 41,277

TRADES

OIL AND GAS

562,600

MARKET CAP(Nm)

MINING SERVICES

2,808,427 of 23

0 16

NATURAL RESOURCES

23,205.00

PRICE

PACKAGING/CONTAINERS

0 MARKET CAP(Nm)

INDUSTRIAL GOODS

53,732.10

3,100

MARKET CAP(Nm)

GREIF NIGERIA PLC

302,767.60

ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS

BETA GLASS CO PLC.

VOLUME

1.96 10.39

AUSTIN LAZ & COMPANY PLC

134

TRADES

784.00 1,277.97

S/N

133

%CHANGE

Page

130

855,538

PRICE

18,392

S/N

BUILDING MATERIALS

FINANCIAL SERVICES

126

277,185 1,906,931

599,990 599,990

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

1,629,746

ICT

VOLUME

16,511,325

0 3

Prices for Securities Traded as of 26/05/2016 INDUSTRIAL GOODS Printed 26/05/2016 14:32:53.053

3,000

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

970.92

778

VOLUME

796.88

125 FIRSTGOODS ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC INDUSTRIAL

23 of VOLUME

NCR (NIGERIA) PLC.

124 DN MEYER PRICES FOR MAIN PLC. BOARD SECURITIES

886,958

Page

TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC.

TRADES

25 Page

VOLUME

114

S/N

27,750.00

BANKING

1,500

TRADES

PROCESSING SYSTEMS

VOLUME

1,861.25

172,989.27

1,500

115 S/N

67,500

1,185.03

1,470.89 Price List (Equities)

IT SERVICES

of67,50023

22,838.16

Price List (Equities)

VOLUME

PRICE

1,776.00

PRICE

2,683,501 of 23 2,729,798

MARKET CAP(Nm)

50,000

MARKET CAP(Nm)

89 Page

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

125,000

%CHANGE

CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC

TRADES

21.66

IT SERVICES

COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC

PRICE

CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC

0.50

%CHANGE

MARKET CAP(Nm)

2.67

S/N

113

86,000.53

AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC

366.17

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

MARKET CAP(Nm)

0 VOLUME

PRICE

1,707,328

1.68

6,741.29

31.52

0 TRADES

MARKET CAP(Nm)

119,249.50

%CHANGE

VOLUME

CONSUMER GOODS

1.65 PRICE

4.64

PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

251.09 MARKET CAP(Nm)

0 VOLUME

0.85

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES

0 TRADES

AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS

46,297 VOLUME

%CHANGE

132

59 byAIICO INSURANCE PLC. Published The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

0.91 PRICE

855,538

AFRICAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

0 TRADES

4,519.67 MARKET CAP(Nm)

%CHANGE

MTECH COMMUNICATIONS PLC ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

ICT 112 S/N

3.26

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

0.50 PRICE

835,298

4.75

S/N

1,776.57 MARKET CAP(Nm)

VOLUME

429

OMATEK VENTURES PLC

4,951.26

UNION BANK NIG.PLC.

46,297 VOLUME

429

Page TRADES

111

VITAFOAM NIG PLC.

1 TRADES

2.93

%CHANGE

COMPUTERS AND PERIPHERALS

STERLING BANK PLC.

%CHANGE

TRADES

231.34

PRICE

VOLUME

3.54 PRICE

22,940.42

MARKET CAP(Nm)

TRADES

1,765.05 MARKET CAP(Nm)

%CHANGE

VOLUME

31,553.79

47,457,165 445,633,693

0.50

TRADES

Price List (Equities) 624,216.80

463 2,596

PRICE

S/N

PACKAGING/CONTAINERS

%CHANGE

MARKET CAP(Nm)

4,000 4,000

COMPUTER BASED SYSTEMS

COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC

S/N

BANKING

PRICE

COMPUTERS AND PERIPHERALS PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES SERVICES S/N ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

1 1

35 Page

S/N

110

GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm)

COMPUTER BASED SYSTEMS

SKYE BANK PLC

Price List (Equities)

HEALTHCARE

18,644,570

PHARMACEUTICALS Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

29.78

7,691,494

149

9,305

1,886.86

S/N

9.63

30,006

NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC.

DIAMOND BANK PLC

4.96

2.39

ACCESS BANK PLC.

17.76

CONSUMER GOODS

49 ECOBANK INCORPORATED PRICES FOR MAINTRANSNATIONAL BOARD SECURITIES 50 FIDELITY BANK PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES

103.24

14,340.00

1.95

%CHANGE

FOOD PRODUCTS--DIVERSIFIED PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES

3,313.67 177,600.00

422.80

PRICE

FOOD PRODUCTS

PHARMA-DEKO PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm)

214.00

109

TRADES

MARKET CAP(Nm)

14,525,244

-1.77

%CHANGE

138.50

0.50

88,721.77

3.62

767,378

0.93

BANKING

Page

0.50

556.71

8.14

S/N

9.62

552.20

1,459.68

1.86

Prices for Securities Traded as of 26/05/2016 46 UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Printed 26/05/2016 14:32:53.053

1.71

411.91

341,252 0 VOLUME

NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC

14,750.17

PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

33,862.64

6,254,605 23 of

NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC.

HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC

P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC.

0 TRADES

2,572.69

%CHANGE

107

PRICE

%CHANGE

148 Page

0.52 PRICE

108

780.00 MARKET CAP(Nm)

15,000

884,129

S/N

MARKET CAP(Nm) Price List (Equities)

230,090

2,386.33

PRICE

VOLUME

MARKET CAP(Nm)

Price List (Equities)

S/N

2,728,341

S/N byHOUSEHOLD Published The NigerianDURABLES Stock Exchange ©

4.39

6.60

Price 165.00 List (Equities)

NESTLE NIGERIA PLC.

1.19

NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC

1,087.80

CADBURY NIGERIA PLC.

2,721.10

GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC.

TRADES

MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC.

0.48

TRADES

FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC

5.43

FOOD PRODUCTS--DIVERSIFIED

%CHANGE

5.15

FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC

105

%CHANGE

UNION DICON SALT PLC.

10,649,152

PRICE

11,776.80

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS

106

7.19

91 MARKET CAP(Nm)

S/N

104

23.00

S/N

241,690

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

PRICE

P S MANDRIDES & CO PLC.

101

60,357.46

S/N

86,280.00

Prices38 for Securities TradedCONSUMER as of 26/05/2016 TIGER BRANDED GOODS PLC Printed39 26/05/2016 14:32:53.053 U T C NIG. PLC.

0.50

S/N HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 100 EKOCORP PLC. HEALTHCARE

FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC

6,691.37

HEALTHCARE

DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC

NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC

WAPIC INSURANCE PLC

FINANCIAL SERVICES

N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC.

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

2,438

BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS

Prices96 for Securities Traded as of 26/05/2016 ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. Printed97 26/05/2016 14:32:53.053 SIM CAPITAL ALLIANCE VALUE FUND

CONSUMER GOODS

215,090

AUTOMOBILES/AUTO PARTS

7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC.

0.50

VOLUME

8,000.00

10.00

BEVERAGES--NON-ALCOHOLIC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © S/N FOOD PRODUCTS

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

26,682.70

BEVERAGES--NON-ALCOHOLIC

TRADES

UPDC REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST

S/N

-0.11

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS)

PREMIER BREWERIES PLC

%CHANGE

Prices for Securities Traded as of 26/05/2016 CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Printed 26/05/2016 14:32:53.053 CONSUMER GOODS

0.50

45.00

NIGERIAN BREW. PLC.

0.50

6,933.33

PRICE

0.50

1,291.15

UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC

59,400.00

BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS

3,070.54

UNIC INSURANCE PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm)

45.22

INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC.

STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC

EVANS MEDICAL PLC.

11,305.89

GUINNESS NIG PLC

103

UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST (REIT)

1,000,000

250

S/N

CHAMPION BREW. PLC.

0.50

100.00

0.50

542.19

2,000.00

25 GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES

0.50

4,170.41 5,996.59

PHARMACEUTICALS

601,208

BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS

3,334.38

SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC

S/N

VOLUME

S/N

VOLUME

STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC.

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

AUTOMOBILES/AUTO PARTS

TRADES

DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC

%CHANGE

VOLUME

TRADES

PRICE

0.24

S/N

MARKET CAP(Nm)

%CHANGE

TRADES

4.20

PRICE

SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC

0.50

%CHANGE

7,218.75

1,000

2,759.15

5.04

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS)

4,930,961

PRICE

MARKET CAP(Nm)

UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED

748.44

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE

S/N

3.90

0.50

MARKET CAP(Nm)

INFRASTRUCTURE/HEAVY CONSTRUCTION PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES

Published The Nigerian Stock Exchange © S/N byREAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

VOLUME

0.80

3,869.74

Price4,224.40 List (Equities)

HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS PRICE

BUILDING STRUCTURE/COMPLETION/OTHER S/N

REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

TRADES

S/N

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Prices for Securities Traded as of 26/05/2016

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

91 by AFRICA PRUDENTIAL Published The Nigerian Stock REGISTRARS Exchange © PLC

49,976,075

DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES

MARKET CAP(Nm)

Value of Shares(N)

%CHANGE

S/N

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

Quantity Traded

PRICE

MORTGAGE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

S/N

N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC.

Prices for Securities Traded as of 26/05/2016 87 ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC Printed 26/05/2016 14:32:53.053

CONGLOMERATES S/N

Quotation(N)

MARKET CAP(Nm)

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS

AGRICULTURE CROP PRODUCTION

Price List (Equities)

No Of Deals

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES S/N

Price List (Equities)

COCOA PROCESSORS PLC Prices4 forFTN Securities Traded as of 26/05/2016

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

S/N

INDUSTRIAL GOODS BUILDING MATERIALS

S/N

74 NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 75 PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. FINANCIAL SERVICES

72,684,296

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

S/N

Company name

PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES FINANCIAL SERVICES

PRICES FOR PREMIUM BOARD SECURITIES S/N

Sector

Page

49,188

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Inside FCT

Friday, May 27, 2016

Residents recount horrors from ‘uncompleted buildings’ BLESSING UKAEGBU

hat Abuja, the centre of unity, has become a showcase of architectural edifices, is never in dispute. This has been made possible by the massive investments that have been made in real estate development by government, private sector organisations and land developers. Then government had also provided an enabling environment for the sector to blossom. In spite of this, housing delivery for a greater majority of residents of the city remains elusive but the exclusive preserve of the rich. The situation has become desperate to the extent that many Nigerians have now resorted to occupying uncompleted buildings. This worries many city dwellers in view of the danger that the situation poses to the safety of lives and property of Nigerians. Inside FCT spoke with several FCT residents to understand what they feel about the situation. John Agada views the issue as the height of desperation among Nigerians. How can a person occupy an uncompleted building he know nothing about its owner, he wondered. He observed that many crimes that are perpetuated the city are planned in such places. He then suggested that government should put in place a stiff penalty against land owners and land developers who fail to take charge of their uncompleted buildings. Treasure Amah, resident at Garki noted

DOOSUUR IWAMBE

esidents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have decried the hike in price of tomatoes, occasioned by the acute scarcity of perishable products. The price of fresh tomatoes has witnessed a sharp increase of about 400 per cent. Four pieces of tomatoes which was initiated sold between N200 or N300 now cost N1,000 or N1,500 while a basket of tomatoes now goes for between N30,000 and N40,000 in the past weeks. This development development has forced most women to resort to alternative food recipes to fresh tomatoes recipes. While different rumours have been spread concerning the tomato scarcity, reports have attributed the real reason for the scarcity to a devastating pest attack which has affected this year’s harvest. According to reports, a pest known as

Tomato market

Undeveloped land in FCT that the police and other law enforcement agents should raid uncompleted buildings regularly. This is because of the rate at which crimes like rape, kidnapping and ritual murder happen in such places. She

also charged government to take over or demolish any uncompleted building where heinous crimes are confirmed to have been committed. Moses Ohaeto, is a banker, and resi-

The police and oTher law enforcemenT agenTs should raid uncompleTed buildings regularly

dent in Gwarimpa. He narrated how he arrived at Abuja in 2007 as a young unemployed graduated with nothing to do and nobody to depend on. He lived in an uncompleted building for two years before he got a teaching appointment with a private school within the area. Later, fortune smiled on him as he got the job he currently does. He said that most times, those who live in uncompleted buildings had no other choice. He then urged government to seriously consider the issue of providing social housing to help people who find themselves in the situation he found himself over seven years ago.

Coping with scarcity of tomatoes in Abuja “Tuta absoluta” has reportedly affected tomato farms in Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Plateau states. The Tomatoes Ebola (Tuta) as referred to by many farmers was discovered to have the ability to destroy a whole tomato farm within 48 hours and also to be very difficult to control due to its high mutation capacity and an ability to develop resistance to insecticides. Some FCT residents who spoke with Inside-FCT lamented that they can no longer afford to buy the fresh tomatoes due to its high price. Latu Gams, a nurse at the Asokoro General Hospital said, “I cannot buy the tomatoes because it is too expensive. what I do now is to cook my palm oil stew with plenty pepper, onions, ginger and crayfish. “I buy pepper, onions,ginger and crayfish then I blend all together in order to make my palm oil stew and we enjoy it with my family”’ she said. Another resident who identified herself as Esther Umoh said “the money my husband gives for soup cannot afford me to buy tomatoes because food stuffs are now expensive. For me, I replace fresh tomatoes with tomato paste (processed tomatoes), I fry the paste first before adding my blended pepper and onions and it is very thick and fine”.

For Patricia Denka, a staff of First Bank in Abuja,she could no longer afford to buy fresh tomatoes and had opted for tin tomatoes, even when she did not like the taste. Speaking in same vein, Prudence Nwokoye, said it had been difficult for her to cook a pot of soup for her family because of the astronomical increase in the cost of tomatoes. “I prepare more of fried rice for my family now. With that you don’t require much tomatoes but when the need arise for stew, I use tin tomatoes, pepper, ginger and a lot of tatashe” she stated. On her part, a restaurateur, who identified herself simply as Chioma lamented the high cost of tomatoes but however added that in a bid to maintain her customers, she has refused to increase the price of food. “In my restaurant, we sell a plate of food for N500. We have not increased our price for some time. What we do at such a time is to systematically reduce the size of the portion we sell. By that, we would have factored in the extra cost we incurred in buying the foodstuff,” Chioma said.

The increase

of food prices is beginning To be a worrisome siTuaTion as There is no money in The counTry.

Meanwhile, a tomato dealer at the Garki Modern Market, Mallam Adamu Yusuf, attributed the high cost of tomatoes to delayed rainfall. According to him, most traders depended on the irrigation farmers for the supply of farm produce like tomatoes, pepper and vegetables, in the country. “Due to the high population of people in Nigeria, the quantity we have is not able to meet up with the high demand of the product and like we all know, when supply is low, demand will be high and that is what is causing increase in price.” Another trader at Wuse Market, Mallam Tanko Usman, who shared the same view with Yusuf have this to say “Tomato is generally a dry season vegetable. When heavy rains starts the vegetable gets rotten on the farms, which generally affects supply. “It means that many retailers or wholesalers could go directly to the farms but will not get much, and may be forced to purchase at outrageous prices out of desperation,”. To some, change in rain pattern has been named the major reason for the price increase. Malam Haliru Idris, a tomato dealer in Utako Market who shared a different view said that prices were up due to drop in supply occasioned by the hot weather condition. Idris said that tomato and other perishables became wilted from the heat as they could not be preserved under hot temperature. He said that several hectares of tomato plantation were destroyed to the scorching heat resulting in poor harvest this season.

Friday, May 27, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lagos rolls out AC mini-buses to phase-out rickety ‘danfo’ buses ….decries under-utilisation of water transportation I

n its bid to raise the dignity of commuters, rebrand and professionalise the road transport sector in the state, the Lagos State Government has announced measures being put in place to phase out the rickety mini-buses, popularly called Danfo, with high-capacity air conditioned mini-buses. The state Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, made the disclosure during the 2016 annual ministerial press briefing to commemorate the one year of Gov. Akinwumi Ambode’s assumption of office in Alausa, Ikeja. According to him, arrangements were almost concluded to phase out the 14-seater commuter buses being used by commercial drivers and replace them with higher capacity 30-seater buses that are eco-friendly, comfortable and fully air conditioned. Mobereola also said the state government would introduce commuter protection number plates and body tags on buses to show their routes and enforce colour uniformity on all public transport systems in the state. The commissioner said the government had held consultation with road transport operators on the need to rebrand and professionalise the transport sub-sector. He noted that some of the 30-seater fully air conditioned buses are already being deployed on some routes as commuters have been giving favourable comments about them. Dr. Mobereola said that the state government has a plan to restructure garages in the state and introduce holistic ticketing system, which people can download from the internet and use for any mode of transportation in the State without hitch. According to him, “Lagos State motor garages will be restructured in such a way that alcohol and illicit substances and other things that are not supposed to be sold at our garages will not be there. We are going to teach the transport operators in the state etiquette on how to behave and talk to commuters. As a matter of fact they too want a change.” He also hinted about plans

to enforce the use of approved uniforms for commercial drivers and conductors, describing such as “a critical rebranding strategy that signposts confidence, trust, loyalty and stability.” Responding to questions on traffic challenges on the Third Mainland Bridge, Mobereola explained that the problem will be solved on completion of the multiple laybys at Iyana Oworonsoki by the State government, pointing out that Oworonsoki road has a lot of residential areas on both sides without proper laybys making it convenient for commercial transporters to pick passengers on the road. While noting that multiple laybys being constructed for the area will be completed soon, he opined that monitoring of transportation on waterway

will improve once proper channelization and route delineation is put in place as well as the posting of Marine LASTMA, VIO and ambulances to work on the water ways. Meanwhile, also speaking at the press briefing, the Managing Director, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Miss Abisola Kamson, decried the under-utilisation of water transportation in the state. Kamson said that water transportation was currently under-utilised at two per cent, as against the eight per cent target, in spite of the vast water bodies available. According to her, this has contributed to high pressure on road transportation, with constant traffic gridlock. “Water transportation is a viable mode of transportation that compliments other modes

of transportation to reduce traffic gridlock in the state. “We are, however, re-branding water transportation, in line with international standards by introducing new guidelines and operational standards to encourage and attract more residents. “We are presently working on proper channelisation and route delineation, to project different routes on the waterways with speed limits. We are also lighting and cleaning the waterways. “There will be LASTMA and VIO marines to enforce traffic laws and ensure safety on our water ways,” she said. Speaking in the same vein, Mobereola added, “In order to tackle the challenges of transport system in the state, this administration is working hard to take water transportation to the

Gov Ambode next level to make it comfortable, reliable and safe for all.

Children’s Day: GIGM.com introduces special rate for kids

nown for its cutting edge road transport solutions, one of Nigeria’s foremost road transport companies, God is Good Motors (GIGM.com) has continued to make road travel an interesting experience for its

guests. The transport company has commenced a child friendly transport fare in celebration of the kids beginning from today, Friday. With the child fare rate,

children from four to 10 years who book online to travel with GIGM.com will pay 60 per cent of the fare, while those who book at the terminals pay only 70per cent. According to GIGM man-

agement, the child fare rate has been introduced to make it easier for parents to afford individual seats for their children by making it cheaper, ensuring safety and comfort while children travel with GIGM.com.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, May 27, 2016

Toyota recalls 1.6m vehicles over Takata airbags saga

ports with U.S. auto safety regulators declaring nearly 14 million air bag inflators defective — in the first of a series of required reports. Takata agreed to expand recalls by 35 million to 40 million inflators in several tranches through 2019, adding to the 28.8 million recalled before May 4. This is the largest recall in U.S. auto safety history. Malfunctioning Takata air bag inflators can

explode with too much force, sending shrapnel into vehicles. Earlier this month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said Tesla Motors Inc, Fisker Automotive and Jaguar Land Rover will recall Takata air bag inflators, bringing the number of automakers involved to 17, including Honda Motor Co, Ford Motor Co and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

NGO supports establishment of National Transport Commission

aritime Advocacy Group of Nigeria (MAGN), a NonGovernmental Organisation, has expressed support for the establishment of a National Transport Commission. The leader of the group, Mr. West Idahosa, who is also a former Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources in the 6th National Assembly said the bill if passed and assented to by the president would improve the sector. The bill seeks to establish the National Transport Commission, which will be charged with the responsibility of developing and sustaining the transport industry in Nigeria. The bill, however, raises alarm over plans to duplicate similar function in the proposed amendment of Ports and Harbour Authority Bill. ``We know very well for a number of years people have been agitating for an economic regulator in the transport industry generally. ``So, when this bill came up, many in the industry welcomed

Fiat, Chrysler, Jeep face ban in Germany

oyota Motor Corp has announced it will recall almost 1.6 million additional U.S. vehicles over front passenger side Takata air bag inflators that could rupture. Earlier this month, Takata Corp said it was declaring another 35 million to 40 million U.S. inflators defective at the urging of U.S. regulators, a move that more than doubles the number of inflators recalled. Faulty Takata inflators have been linked to more than 100 injuries and 13 deaths worldwide. Toyota said the new recall includes some but not all Corolla, Matrix, Yaris, 4Runner, Sienna, Scion xB, Lexus ES, GX and IS vehicles built between 2006 and 2011. Toyota said it has now recalled 4.73 million vehicles in the United States for Takata air bags. Other reports from the 17 automakers now recalling Takata vehicles are due this week. On Thursday, a spokeswoman for Daimler AG aid another 197,000 vehicles in the United States will need to be recalled — but all have been recalled in previous driver-side airbag calls. Last week, Takata filed re-

megacrown1@yahoo.com 08025237926

it as a solid idea that can keep the equilibrium that we want in the industry,’’ Idahosa said. He said that the commission if allowed to come on board would correct some level of unfairness, poor pricing, and lack of control of competition among others. Idahosa, however, said that another bill on the Nigerian Ports and Harbour Authority also reflected some of the areas that the National Transport Commission bill had taken care of. He said that there was the need to delete areas of similarities in function in order to avoid unhealthy rivalry and future crisis. ``The Nigerian Shippers Council has latent statutory functions similar to those of an economic regulator.’’ Idahosa reminded members of the National Assembly that passing the bill into law would ensure the development of the country’s local economy by protecting the interest of end users of transport services as well as job creation. He, however, warned the legislature on the dangers of giving unnecessary powers to the Ni-

gerian Port Authority (NPA) by passing the proposed Port and Harbour Authority Bill. ``Industry stakeholders have observed that the proposed Nigerian Ports and Harbour Authority Bill 2015 will threaten the efficacy and effectiveness of the proposed National Transport Commission if passed as it is. ``We call on all stakeholders in the maritime sector of the transport industry to resist certain provisions of the proposed Nigerian Ports and Harbour Authority Bill 2015. ``The Sections include Section 1(3f) which purports to protect the rights of interests of port service providers and commercial ports’ users. ``That function is best suited for a neutral economic regulator not a service provider like the Ports and Harbour Authority,” he said. The leader of the group said that the proposed Section 2(d) of the Ports and Harbour Bill sought to control any location where maritime activity was taking place instead of being limited to ports services and activities.

ermany’s government is threatening Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) with a complete ban on selling all of its vehicles in the German market over accusations some of its vehicles maybe be fitted with an emissions cheat device. The fury arose following emissions tests carried out on a Fiat 500X SUV that discovered emissions equipment that shut off after running for just 22 minutes – two minutes after the official test cycle finishes. The new tests, carried out by the German government’s transport authorities, has provoked a furious response that has seen Fiat officially reported to both the European Commission and Italian authorities who are now said to be investigating the claims. In response to the allegations, Fiat says it fully complies with all European legislation. Germany’s transport minister, Alexander Dobrindt, who did not agree with the response summoned Fiat to explain the new German test findings. However, Fiat promptly refused the invitation, citing its internal testing was carried out on Italian jurisdiction – which it passed. In a scathing attack on the

Italian car-maker, Dobrindt responded by publically criticising Fiat for having an “uncooperative attitude.” The minister also said the Italian car-maker’s explanation for the differing test results was “totally incomprehensible.” As a result, the BBC reported on Wednesday that the German government might have to resort to a complete ban of all Fiat, Chrysler and Jeep vehicles in Europe’s single biggest market.

Kia partners Uber on free ride services

ia Motors Nigeria has teamed up with technology platform, Uber, to provide a free ride to all Kia customers. A statement by the Jimoh Olawale, Kia Motor’s Head of Communications, the parties are both committed to raising the bar in customer service and this informed their move to provide an amazing value added service to all Kia customers. According to him, both companies commitment to provide the very best customer service support to thousands of customers nationwide is at the core of this partnership. Sandeep Malhotra, Chief Commercial Officer, Kia Motors Nigeria noted, “Customercentricity is at the epicentre of everything we do at Kia and our partnership with Uber, is aimed at giving optimum value

to customers to ensure that they have access to the value oriented service from Uber by giving them a free ride worth N3,000.” In his remarks, General Manager for Uber Nigeria, Ebi Atawodi said, “at Uber, we are passionate about building a reliable and affordable platform that allows thousands of Nigerians get around their cities like never before and we continue to do that by creating exciting customer experiences. We are thrilled to be partnering once again with KIA who makes up one in every 10 Ubers on the road, bringing a memorable first experience to their extensive list of customers.” The promotion started from Monday this week and will run through the third week of August this year, and it will be accessible to all Kia customers.

People In The Mirror

President of Ifeanyi Ubah FC, Chief Ifeanyi Ubah (middle), Chairman of the Club, Chuma Ubah (right) and Coach Mitko Dobrev (left), during the announcement of n100 million donation as a boost and lifeline to enable the club to execute its programme for the season, in Awka. PHOTO: NAN

Rev.Fr.Henry Kwasu (m) wedding the Deaf and Dumb Couple, Mr And Mrs Cajetan Ihezie, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Gwagwalada in Abuja on Saturday.By the Rev.Father’s second left, is the interpreter of sign language, Mr Ojimba Calistus.

L-R: Acting Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Jones Afolabi; Editor-in-Chief, NAN, Mr Lawal Ado and Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amechi, during the Minister’s visit to NAN Headquarters in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

L-R: President and Chairman in Council, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Mr. Rotimi Oladele; Cross River State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. Rosemary Effion Achibong; Director, Public Communications, Dangote Group, Mr. Tony Chiejina and President, African Public Relations Association (APRA), Mr. Peter Mutie, during the Association opening ceremony of APRA Calabar 2016 Conference, at Calabar International Conference Centre.

Friday, May 27, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Binta Bello; Director of Child Development, Georjette Azogu and Acting Director, National Centre for Women Development, Sadiq Umar, at a news conference and Symposium on 2016 Children’s Day Celebration in Abuja.

L-R: Members, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Community Affairs Hon. Oluyinka Ogundimu; Hon. Alimi Kazeem and Hon. Oluwa Fatai. with them are, Executive Secretary Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Deaconess Modupe Ajibola-Ojodu and Managing Director, Western Concrete Ltd, Mr. Folorunsho Ola, during inspection of the ongoing road construction of Olujobi Street, Ado-Soba, Amuwo Odofin, one of the 114 roads earmarked for construction by the Lagos state Government.

President, Naval Officers Wives Association, Mrs Theresa Ibas (r), with members of the association, during an Interdenominational Church Service in commemoration of Nigerian Navy at Diamond Jubilee celebration at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church, Mogadishu Barracks in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

L-R: Commander 2 Brigade Nigeria Army Port Harcourt, Brig.-Gen. Stevenson Olabanji; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai and General Officer Commanding 82div. Enugu, Maj.-Gen Ibrahim Attahiru, at the Inuaguration of Soldiers Accommodation at 2 Brigade in Port Harcourt.

Friday, May 27, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Maritime

Unbridled substandard goods’ influx risky to Nigeria’s economy –SON About two months of assumption of office, Acting Director General of Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, Dr. Paul Angya, has identified two major challenges in the agency’s responsibility of regulating standards of manufactured goods in the country. Shortly after the Ministerial Retreat in Onne, the agency’s helmsman engaged journalists in an interactive session on sundry issues affecting fulfillment of the agency’s mandate and the way forward. FRANCIS EZEM, reports.

hat new programmes is SON coming up with in terms of standards regulations to halt the influx of substandard goods into the country? Standards have been there but recently we have been faced with particular challenges, especially in the drive for finding alternative to crude oil. The country is looking at agriculture and agro-allied products in order to diversify the economy because as you all know, manufacturing is at its lowest ebb, being on a decline because of the influx of cheap and substandard products, which now more severe with the issue of foreign exchange. We are not looking at manufacturing but our strength is in agriculture and agro-allied products but then, recently we had issues with the beans that was rejected by the European Union and sundry other agro-allied products. So what we have done lately during my time is to develop standards. First and foremost we identified priority products and those are agric and agro-allied products. We identified them looking at products such as beans, rice, cocoa, melon, about 10 of them and we developed standards and codes of practice for these products, from farm to table. This covers soil preparation, soil composition, what kinds of pesticide, fumigation , seed improvement, harvesting, packaging storage, and even labeling etc. What about testing? We have also strengthened our capacity for laboratory testing and certification of these products. The situation we have is that these products are not tested in the countries of export, it is only when they get there that they are tested and we do not have control over that because we do not have much of the facilities to do testing in Nigeria. These are what we call quality infrastructure. The testing laboratory is one of the major components of the National Qual-

ity Infrastructure, So when you have accredited laboratories, you can have these products tested and certified using the paramatres and standards of the importing country. There are only two of such laboratories in Nigeria, SON has one and the National Agency, Food, Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC has one for testing food products. We are also currently developing a large laboratory complex at Ogba, Lagos, which is over 85 per cent completed. When it is fully completed and furnished, we will be able to test the standard parameter of all foods and food products so that the facilities would be available for products coming from Nigeria. We have also conducted trainings. Our members of staff have been trained over the last two months in these codes of practice and agricultural practices. Farmers are being trtained on these codes of practice. The traders are also trained in storage, fumigation warehousing and preservation of these food products so that they do not get contaminated. It will reduce the incidences of rejection to boost agricultural exports and therefore attract substantial foreign exchange for the nation as an alternative to crude oil. What are you doing about the influx of substandard imports? You know the consequences of sub-standard products on the national economy and on the people. So these are all issues our codes of practice and standards are meant to check. We have also recommend-

Angya ed to the Federal Government to develop agricultural policies that will account for these challenges that we have identified through our standards review. Generally we are also combating the influx of substandard products and other attendants problems such as unemployment occasioned by the closure of industries, capital flight arising from the importation of products that do not have any value, by so doing we exchange hard currency for valueless products and some of these products are generating a lot of problems in terms of electronic waste; some of the electronic –electrical products, discharge certain chemicals in the environment. All these refrigerators, computers, such products that if you cannot use them, there is nothing you can do about them.

The consequences of expelling son

from The seaporT is whaT we are seeing now where The counTry is over-flooded like a running sea wiTh subsTandard producTs.

consequenTly, indusTries have shuTdown, job losses, capiTal flighT arising from imporTaTion of sub-sTandard producTs ThaT have no value eTc

Some of them discharge mercury into the environment and all kinds of challenges associated with the importation of substandard products. We are doing our best but we are facing major challenges. Talking about challenges, the Federal Government directed SON and a few other agencies to leave the seaports in 2013. Stakeholders believe that this has worsened the influx of sub-standard goods. Is anything being done to reverse this? After many evaluations, we have identified two categories of challenges. One is that of strategic positioning and that is the issue of the ports because the seaports are the biggest entry points of products into the country and they are also the most strategic entry points where you can check the quality of products coming into Nigeria. The agency is also allowed by law to operate at the seaports but the last government in its wisdom decided to expel SON and the reason they gave was that the processing of cargo at the seaports was being hampered by the regulatory agencies and so the need for quick turnaround of ships was seen to override quality at that time. The consequences of expelling SON

from the seaport is what we are seeing now where the country is over-flooded like a running sea with substandard products. Consequently, industries have shutdown, job losses, capital flight arising from importation of sub-standard products that have no value etc. In view of these consequences, I think those reasons are no longer tenable, additionally by 2016, the operating environment has changed. Processing of cargo has gone digital, online and so there is no reason to say that SON will hamper the clearance of products because apart from when Customs physically evaluate the imports for tariffs, SON can also take a cursory look at the products and if on the face value the product appears not to be good, it can be lifted out of the port for proper quality evaluation. So every other thing is done online, offsite. The argument that SON will slow down clearance process is therefore no longer tenable. Even if it were, the attendant economic issues that have trailed its expulsion from the ports far outweigh the trade consideration. What is the purpose of trade? Trade is not an end in itself, it is for the benefit and edification of the society. So I think it is high time the government reviewed that policy so that we can return to the ports and reverse the trend of massive influx of cheap and substandard products into the country that have harmed our health, economy and even agriculture that is hampered by environmental degradation. The second challenge is personnel, insufficient manpower because after you shut us out of the seaports and you expect us to go round the country and enforce quality and standards, what is the number of personnel that we have to do this job? The whole staff strength of SON is about 1,600 as we speak today and we are expected to deliver quality assurance to 170 million Nigerians and still counting in a geographical region of over 5,000 square kilometers. Officially the Nigeria Customs Service has identified about 400 land borders and for both efficiency and security reasons, you cannot have one man only manning a border post, you need at least five people, where everything is normal and digitalised so we need about 2,000 people just to man the borders alone and we have 36 offices in 36 states of the federation you need 2030 workers for a state from the head of the office to chemicals, textiles, foods and Engineering etc so that they check the different sectors where we work. So we have a staff strength that is grossly inadequate.

Business Maritime

Friday, May 27, 2016

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Integrated CSR model ensures stability at Onne Ports –Intels STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

he Integrated Logistics Services Limited Intels, the port concessionaire in charge of Onne Ports Complex has said that the decision of the company to adopt an integrated Participatory Approach IPA, model to Corporate Social Responsibility CSR has helped to curtail rift with its restive host communities in the Niger Delta. The complex, which also incorporates the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone comprising of over 150

companies, had over the years grappled with restive host communities, which almost affected its operations negatively. A senior manager in the community relations department of Orlean Invest Africa Limited, parent company to Intels, Mr. David Alagoa, who spoke during a facility tour of the company, disclosed that the company has a total of host communities spread across five states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja. It was gathered that before now

the company under the traditional CSR model, used to patronise all forms of local chiefs in anticipation that they will reach out to their subjects, which did not yield the desired goals, as the company experienced hostilities from its host communities. Alagoa however disclosed that the new IPA model, which is robust and participatory in nature, emphasises what units the company and its host communities and not what divide the concerned parties. The focus of the IPA model,

which started about 15 years ago is in the area of employment, empowerment, developmental projects, sports through sponsorship of football clubs, which is part of its empowerment programmes. He also disclosed that in terms of empowerment, the company adopted the Onion Ring policy, which focuses on the catchment areas. Records show that the company had over the period created in excess of 14, 000 job opportunities specifically for indigenes of the host communities. These cover creation of employment opportunities for 50 graduates annually in addition to employing persons with physical disability. The company has also as part of its CSR model embarked on massive training of youths of its host communities numbering over 120 in pipe coating,, welding, Standards, Certification and WatchKeeping STWC 1995 training of the International Maritime Organisation IMO, crane operaation and Mud Engineering, among several others. Investigations show that the company’s budget on scholarship programmes for these host communities stood at N1.5million in

2001 has risen to over N45 million in 2016, as the company grants N50,000 scholarships to secondary school students and N250,000 for university undergradutes annually under its scholarship scheme. It was also gathered that under the IPA CSR model, the local communities determine who is to be granted scholarship and forward same to the company, which not test the abilities of those selected before the award of the scholarship. In addition to these, the company has successfully done rod constructions in most of these communities such as Ogu, Onne ikpokiri and building ultra-modern markets, some of which are yet to be handed over to the communities as well as well as building of schools and community centres. The company also operates a mobile healthcare centre, which treats over 70 patients on daily basis in some of its host communities including Onne and Oguh. Alagoa said that in addition to the IPA model in its CSR initiatives, he attributed this huge success to the open door policy, dialogue and constructive engagement of its host communities, which has also paid off.

US Coast Guard queries El Faro’s cargo security

Onne Ports compliex, Rivers State

Environmental issues top September maritime congress’ agenda

eading executives and officials will be addressing the “big” issues facing shipping at gmec, the global maritime environmental congress at SMM 2016 in September. The congress, which is themed around “Big data, big changes, big challenges”, will feature a keynote address by Arsenio A. Dominguez chairman of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee. Dominguez will also take part in the first panel session - “Harmful air emissions - Managing the disconnect between compliance and technology” – along with Lloyd’s Register executive vice president Tom Boardley and David Dingle ceo of Carnival. The second session moves into the highly topical area of “Big data – smart shipping and the environment”. Panelists include Ronald Spithout, president of Inmarsat Maritime, which is leading the way enabling big data at sea with its recently launched Fleet Xpress service, and shipping industry guru and smart shipping advocate Martin Stopford, president of Clarksons

Research Services. They are joined by Oskar Levander, vice-president innovation for Rolls Royce Marine and Kirsi Tikka president & coo of ABS in what promises to be a fascinating debate. So if you want hear what they have to say sign up today at http://www.smm-hamburg. com/en/programme/gmec/feesand-registration/ Stopford commented: “2016 marks a cross roads for global shipbuilding and marine engineering businesses. It’s time to pay attention and SMM 2016 will provide the ideal setting for industry managers to soak up trends, exchange opinions and stress test their conclu-

sions.” The final session of the day looks at the all important area of green propulsion and asks if LNG is the answer or if there are other solutions. A diverse panel features a shipowner – Stena Line, represented by Erik Lewenhaupt head of sustainability; a classification society – DNV GL with its ceo of maritime Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen; and an oil major – ExxonMobil with Iain White global marketing manager, ExxonMobil Marine. They are joined by Gavin Allwright secretary of the International Windship Association (IWSA) and Christine Valentin coo of the World Ocean Council.

s the second round of El Faro hearings continues this week, the US Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation listened to testimonies about the ship’s stability and cargo security, local media reported. With these hearing the USCG is trying to determine what led to the sinking, and whether commercial pressure, negligence in cargo security or poor safety culture had anything to do with the accident. Most of Monday’s hearings revolved around a software program CargoMax, used to calculate load and stability. The board found out that American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), a company which was hired to certify El Faro, owns a 50 percent interest in the company that develops the cargo loading problem they were certifying. During the hearings, ABS said

Shareholders to vote on Hapag-Lloyd merger June 2

nited Arab Shipping Co (UASC) shareholders are set to vote on a merger with Hapag-Lloyd on 2 June. Hapag-Lloyd said in a statement that UASC had called an extraordinary general meeting for June 2, 2016. The German line revealed a month ago that the two compa-

nies were discussing a “business combination” based on a valuation of the two businesses at 72 per cent (Hapag-Lloyd) and 28 per cent (UASC). “The talks between HL (Hapag-Lloyd) and UASC regarding a potential combination of their respective container shipping operations are ongoing; no binding agreement

has yet been reached,” HapagLloyd said. The merger would also be subject to the approval of Hapag-Lloyd’s shareholders and regulatory approvals. The business combination would effectively see UASC become the seventh member line of new planned liner grouping the alliance

that these facts did not present any conflict. The hearings also revealed that the loading requirements in El Faro’s manual did not undergo a lot of change since 2005, casting doubt on the captain’s ability to make the right calculations for stability. Last week’s hearings of the Coast Guard’s investigation unveiled that the final inspection of the ill-fated cargo ship El Faro did not show any signs of mechanical or structural issues. Furthermore, the board heard that the US-flagged cargo ship received outdated weather forecasts before it encountered Hurricane Joaquin, while the former El Faro master, Capt. Jack Hern, earlier said that he had raised concerns over the ship’s stability, citing water integrity-issues, wear on hatches and boilers that often needed maintenance as key vulnerabilities. The second round of hearings, set to last until May 27, will cover other circumstances surrounding the sinking of the US-flagged cargo ship as the officials try to find the reasons which led to the loss of the vessel and its 33 crewmembers on October 1, 2015, during Hurricane Joaquin while El Faro was sailing from Florida to Puerto Rico.

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Business News

Friday, May 27, 2016

Economy: Down still, yet holds bright future

BUHARI @ ONE

Tola akinmuTimi

ven if endowed with the gift of clairvoyance, it could hardly have crossed the mind of President Muhammadu Buhari when he assumed office as President of the most populous black nation in the world that his first 12 months in power would be hallmarked by a most harrowing experience in economic management. Bubbling with the zeal of a victorious electoral gladiator after winning the 2015 Presidential election and subsequently swornin as President on May 29 last year, Buhari restored hope to millions of impoverished Nigerians that after nearly two decades of economic deprivations thought, it was time for them to experience positive socio-economic changes under the new APC-led administration. Hardly aware of the deeprooted rot and pervasive abuses within the macro economy and hidden under-performance of its micro components, the President told Nigerians that his administration would build in on electorates’ goodwill to deliver its electioneering promises by ending prolonged years of epileptic electricity, insecurity, infrastructure failures, joblessness, lack of access to primary health, education and potable water, amongst other basic needs. With one full year on the saddle of national economic re-engineering drive, President Buhari and his economic team appear to be today more confused about the economy than they were a year ago as strategic policy measures targeted at breathing life into the economy have not yielded much results, despite their huge potential for catalytic transformation of the country.As economists and other development analysts have noted, the nation’s economy remains in depressive slide as the far-reaching challenges of fiscal and monetary policy whirlwinds, both internally and externally orchestrated, continue to take wind

of government’s efforts to create jobs, stabilize prices, provide electricity, re-fix infrastructure and create a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive have yet to impact positively on Africa’s largest economy. Indeed, never in the history of the economy has such level of uncertainty become so manifest that Nigerians, especially in the last five months of the year, be so despondent and unsure of what the future holds for them despite assurances by the APC-led administration that all will be well. While the administration may not be blamed totally for the increasingly worrisome performance of the economy, given the devastating impacts of declining oil prices from the highs of $115 $130 per barrel of the immediate past administration to the worst downs to $25-$40 per barrel over the last year, the depreciation of the naira by over 50 per cent in the parallel market and many other micro and macroeconomic indices, the realities today suggest that the Buhari-led administration has little to showcase for its economic revitalization agenda. Yes, the promises and intentions are well articulated but the road to the desired socio-economic transformation appears bumpy still as the recent removal of fuel subsidies, worsening power situation and other challenges have worsened the poverty level just as many businesses are finding it

MAN President, Jacobs

extremely difficult to sustain operations. For instance, while some monetary and fiscal policy measures, especially the forex regime, have continued to generate raging controversies despite their potential benefits to the economy in the medium term, the measures for now continue to put immense pressure on the economy as a many businesses are hardly prepared for the changes and are therefore finding it difficult to cope appropriately. As noted a few days ago by one of the foremost consultancy and research companies, PriceWaterhouse Coopers Nigeria, (PwC), in its report on the economy, “as uncertainty persists, and inflation starts to bite due to the depreciating currency, rising petrol prices and yet stagnant wages, consumer demand weakens and many purchases, particularly at the high-end, are curtailed or postponed”. PwC noted further that adverse currency movements also impacted businesses, in that those with foreign denominated debt have to generate more naira revenue to service these borrowings, adding that local securities pledged to foreign banks as collateral, have to be revalued and often, this means further pledge requirements. In the face of the challenges, the consulting outfit pointed out planning, budgeting and pricing becomes extremely arduous under these conditions and un-

With one full year on the saddle of national economic re-engineering drive, President Buhari and his economic team aPPear to Be today more confused aBout the economy that they Were a year ago as strategic Policy measures targeted at Breathing life into the economy have not yielded much results, desPite their huge Potential for catalytic transformation of the country

Finance Minister, Adeosun fortunately, many businesses are unable to weather the storm to emerge stronger post the turbulence. A true reflection of the performance of the economy now is well captured by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, in its latest report on the GDP rate. NBS reported that the GDP contracted by 0.36 percent from a year earlier this compares with growth of 2.11 percent in the previous three months. The Bureau also reported that the inflation rate climbed to an almost six-year high of 13.7 percent in April, driven by the increasing cost of fuel. According to the Bureau, the crisis did not just emerge out of thin air as series of event and activities precipitated it with falling prices of crude causing big shock to the nation’s economic outlook to deteriorate as the government struggles to pay salaries, forcing it to increase borrowing. A cursory appraisal of the key sectors of the economy over the last year clearly corroborates these statistical findings even as analysts continue to express serious concern for the economy as the APC-led administration continues its search for the right roadmap to guide its repositional drives to position the economy on the path of sustainable growth in the years ahead. Quite patriotic in his usual bluntness, the President acknowledged that the times are really hard for Nigerians as dividends of democracy are not delivered as earlier projected. In his budget speech this year, President Buhari lamented with painstaking tone that people’s expectations for positive changes are yet to be met. He said: “We are experiencing probably the toughest economic times in the history of our Nation. I want to commend the sacrifice, resilience and toughness of all Nigerians young and old who have despite the hardships continued to have hope and confidence of a great future for Nigerians. But permit me to say that this government is also like none

other. We are absolutely committed to changing the structure of the Nigerian economy once and for all. “We are working night and day to diversify the economy so that we never again have to rely on one commodity to survive as a country. So that we can produce the food we eat, make our own textiles, produce most of the things we use. We intend to create the environment for our young people to be able to innovate and create jobs through technology”, he assured. With the sustained fight against graft in public finance and a commitment to sustain fiscal discipline as well strong determination to commit more resources to capital project in this year’s budget titled ‘Budget of Change’, including huge allocations to special interventions programmes in critical areas of health, education, food and other basic necessities that bear directly on the socio-economic wellbeing of the vulnerable in the society, analysts believe that steps being taken to fix the economy are gradually taking promising shapes. When analysed within the context of the fact that the capital budget provisions account for the larger chunk of the N6.06 trillion budget, the first time in the history of the nation’s public finance for several decades, many experts have said that if rigorously implemented, a solid foundation would have been laid for economic growth by the APC administration. It may therefore be logical to conclude that although electricity supply may not have improved, the roads and other infrastructure may not have been fixed, the manufacturing and other key sectors may still be groaning under some challenges, indications are that in the months ahead, Nigerians may begin to see more concrete evidences that the Buhari-led administration is implementing the right policies required to pull the nation’s economy out of the woods.

Business News

Friday, May 27, 2016

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FG, others share N281.5bn in April amid revenue shortfalls CHiDi ugWu, ABUJA

he allocations from the three tiers of government from the Federation Account in April stood at N281.5 billion, representing about N18.2 billion from the N299.74 billion from the distributions in March this year. The details of the shared funds to the tiers of government were disclosed at the end of the Federation Account Allocation

Committee’s meeting concluded Wednesday in Abuja. During the month under review, revenue accruals to the Federation Account dropped by N18.8 billion from N232.61billion collected in March to N213.81 billion. Addressing journalists shortly after the meeting, the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun attributed the drop in allocation to a huge decline recorded in the prices of crude oil. For instance, she disclosed

that there was a revenue loss of $45.9 million as a result of drop in average price of crude oil from $39.04 million in December 2015 to $29.02 million in January. While oil production increased slightly between December 2015 and January 2016 despite explosions at Escravos terminal,she said force majeure declared at Brass terminal, shutin and shut-down of pipelines at other terminals for repairs maintenance affected government revenues.

The minister clarified: “The gross statutory revenue of N213.81bm received for the month was lower than the N232.61bn received in the previous month by N18.8bn. “There was revenue loss of $45.9 m as a result of drop in average price of crude oil from $39.04 in December 2015 to $29.02 in January 2016.”, she added In terms of allocation to the three tiers of government, the minister who is also the chairman of the committee said the decline in revenue had a negative impact on the amount shared. For statutory allocation, she

said the Federal Government received the sum of N101.21 billion, states N51.33 billion, local governments N39.57 billion. In addition, she said the sum of N15.75 billion was allocated to oil producing states based on the 13 per cent derivation principle. For Value Added distribution, the minister said the sum of N9.39 billion was allocated to the Federal Government, states N31.32 billion while the local government councils were allocated a total sum of N21.92 billion. The minister put the balance in the Excess Crude Account at $2.26 billion.

Banks submit dollar bids at N197, target FX shift JOHnsOn OKanlaWOn

T L-R: Mrs. Rabi Momoh, Divisional Head, Consumer Experience and Analytic, Heritage Bank; Mr. Akin Morakinyo, Deputy Director/Head, Building and Certification, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigwria, CIBN, who represented the Registrar, CIBN, Mr. Seye Awojobi; and Mr. Adesina Odeyemi, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education, who represented the Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Oluranti Adebule at the launching of the Protector, a comic book on children financial literacy in Lagos on Tuesday.

Nigeria’s airspace safest in Africa –NAMA Olusegun KOiKi

he Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, has insisted that the nation’s airspace remains one of the safest on the continent for air navigation. Speaking at the demonstration of Aircraft e-Clearance User Acceptance Test Module to National Air Defence Corp, security agencies and other stakeholders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State over the weekend, the Ag. Managing Director of NAMA, Engr. Emma Anasi said that the agency in the recent past has deployed sophisticated technology and navigational infrastructure intended to enhance efficiency in its operations as well as safety of air travel in the country. He stressed that the deployment of Aircraft e-Clearance Solution was another innovation by NAMA to automate its operations and also ease the process of aircraft flight clearances which used to be very tedious and cumbersome in the past. Anasi who was represented at the occasion by the Port Harcourt Airspace Manager, Mr. Gabriel Akpen explained that the huge investment NAMA was making in automating its processes was in line with global best practices. He therefore assured that the

agency was ready to accommodate all the views and suggestions from stakeholders on how the system could be made to function better. Earlier in his address, the Deputy General Manager, Aircraft Clearance Office, Mr. Patrick Nebe recalled that apart from its inherent vulnerability to manipulations detrimental to national security, the old system of manually granting aircraft clearances was fraught with other challenges such as unnecessary bureaucracy, leading to loss of valuable time, stressing that the urgency with which some flights operate necessitated a quicker system of processing flight clearances for them. Nebe also explained that the Aircraft e-Clearance Solution has inbuilt security and tracking device, which helps users to keep track of their request for flight permit as well as the general aircraft movement within the nation’s airports. The demonstration of Aircraft e-Clearance software to stakeholders, which had earlier held in Lagos, Abuja and Kano centres has been lauded by stakeholders including Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation, as a time-saving innovation. Meanwhile, Anasi has expressed determination of the agency to ensure a speedy comple-

tion of the Aeronautical Information Services, AIS, Automation project in view of the fact that AIS is the “live-wire of any air navigation system, as it ensures the safety, efficiency and regularity of air navigation through the exchange of accurate, timely and reliable information to airspace users.’’ Anasi who disclosed this during this year’s World AIS Day celebration noted that in spite of initial challenges traceable to lack of funding and other technicalities, the project is back on course.

he Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday asked commercial banks to fund their naira accounts and submit bids for dollars at N197. The apex bank had on Tuesday unveiled plans to adopt a flexible exchange rate policy, from a de facto peg of around N197 and retain a window for funding critical transactions, creating a dual exchange rate. Traders said it was not clear whether the bank would settle bid at N197, adding that quantity of dollars sold has been declining. The CBN sold around $110 million last week, down from around $150 million previously. The bank did not say how much it would sell yesterday. The naira traded around the pegged rate on the official interbank market on Thursday at N197.50 to the dollar but is quoted at N350 on the black market. One-month non-deliverable forwards (NDFs) showed the naira trading at N266 naira per dollar, after hitting N276 naira

per dollar on Wednesday. But the currency parallel market reduced in value, with the naira closing at N350 on Wednesday from N346 to the dollar, as traders were confused over how the new rules would be implemented. The Acting President of Bureau De Change Operators, Aminu Gwadabe said the CBN settled dollar bids submitted last week at its pegged rate of N197, implying that the new policy was yet to take effect. Bond prices rose as traders bought debt to cover positions taken before the CBN’s decision as they had expected the main rate to stay at 12 per cent to tackle slowing economic growth. Analysts have enjoined the

CBN to clarify on what it describes as a special window for critical transactions for which preferential rates will apply. The Managing Director of Financial Derivative Company, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, noted that considering the level of corruption in the country, the special window for forex will be abused.

Fidelity Bank presents duplex, other prizes to promo winners

idelity Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s top banks in terms of capital adequacy ratio (CAR) has handed over the keys and title deeds of a gorgeous 4-bedroom duplex to Mrs. Clara Ego Ibedu, who emerged star prize winner in the sixth draw of the Save 4 Shelter Savings promo. Built with a stylish and tranquil penthouse, the duplex, located in Lekki Peninsula, Africa’s fastest growing corridor, is truly an architectural masterpiece. With this recent development, Ibedu has become the second woman after Hajia Hadiza Suleiman in Abuja to win the first of three magnificent promotion houses. The other su-

perbly furnished edifice in the garden city of Port Harcourt was won by Edozen Adodo, an apprentice in his mid-30s. It was indeed a moment of unbridled joy and excitement as lucky customers carted away cash and fabulous consolation prizes at an elaborate presentation ceremony held in Lagos. Christopher Oluwaseun smiled home with a cheque of N2 million while Godwin Obiora and Kazeem Fatai were presented with a cheque of N500, 000 and a Refrigerator respectively. Also, a toddler, Angela Oluwanifemi Apoesho was indeed, the cynosure of all eyes as the two year

old received a brand new Thermocool generating set from the Bank. Similar prize presentations held concurrently across the different regions of the Bank. Speaking at the occasion, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo said that the promo is strategically designed to advance the financial inclusion mandates of the federal government. Okonkwo, who was represented by the Executive Director, Lagos and South-west, Fidelity Bank, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe said the rationale behind the promo was simply to help reduce Nigeria’s housing deficit.

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Business News

Friday, May 27, 2016

FG assures on containment of tomato disease AbolAji AdebAyo

he Federal government has assured Nigerians that Government is taking proactive steps to contain the precarious disease ravaging tomato farms in the country. The invasion of tomatoes in many farms especially in the Northern part of the country had led to the scarcity of the commodity and consequently led to high increase in the price of tomato across the country. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh gave the assurance at a media chat in Abuja. Ogbeh explained that contrary to the misconception that tomato processing factories had mopped up tomato fruits in Nigeria, a disease identified as “Tuta absoluta” locally called “tomato Ebola” had invaded some tomato farms in the country. Recalling that the pest, which is known world over originated from South America as far back as 1912 and had ravaged tomato farms in many countries of the world till date, the minister noted that the Federal Government had taken time to study the nature of infestation of the disease which had ravaged tomato farms in some tomato producing states like Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa and Oyo states as part of the

L-R: Deputy Director, Consumer Protection Council , Joshua Yakubu Nggada; Grand Prize Winner of a 4- Bedroom Duplex, Mrs. Clara Ego Ibedu; Executive Director, Lagos & Southwest, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe and Manager, Regulation and Monitoring, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Nwakuche Durugo-Nwaohiri, at the presentation of keys of the brand new 4-bedroom duplex to Mrs. Clara Ego Ibedu, the Star Prize winner of the Fidelity Save4 Shelter Savings Promo in Lagos….at the weekend

steps being taken to contain the sourge. He disclosed that the Federal Government was already working with technical experts in Tuta Absoluta containment programme to proffer solutions to the precarious problem within the shortest time, saying that, this step would forestall further spread to other crops like pepper and Irish potatoes and enable

farmers to resume farming operations with the desired yields. The minister said the first phase of the intervention programme would involve containment packs for 50,000 hectares to be used among the tomato producing states; capacity development on the containment solution and Surveillance/ monitoring in all 774 local

government areas of the country. While fielding questions from the media, Chief Ogbeh maintained that this administration would not engage in policy somersault, with an assurance that the Growth Enhancement Scheme, GES, of the ministry would be modified and deepened.

Farmers working below capacity –PAN AbolAji AdebAyo

he President of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, PAN, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, has declared that the farmers in the country, especially the poultry farmers, have been producing below their capacity due to lack of funds and other modern farming equipment. Speaking at the Poultry Summit 2016 organised by Poultry Association of Nigeria, PAN, with the theme: “The Role of Poultry Industry in Economic Revival of Nigeria,” held in Lagos, Oduntan said the farmers were faced with many challenges inhibiting their potentials to produce more foods and other agricultural raw materials for the economic development of the country, adding that over 60 per cent of the farms had closed down due to the challenges He hinted that the Association had been working with Federal Government to ensure that there is a turnaround in the poultry production and make the products supplus for the local consumption as well as for export. The PAN boss also noted that illegal importation and smuggling of poultry products into the country constituted major setback for the agricultural development of

the country, identifying such act as a hindrance to the economic diversification agenda of the government through agriculture. He said: “And eventually, to think about future, we need to produce a lot chicken so that we can satisfy the need of our neighbouring countries but all of us must work together and corporate to make this a reality. On smuggling, we have the full support of ministry of agriculture. We came up with suggestions that will help to reduce the rampant of unholy poultry products smuggling into this country. “As poultry farmers, we contribute 25 per cent of agric GDP for this country while poultry remains probably the single largest sub-sector in agriculture. Poultry alone consumes about 25 per cent of the maize produced in this country; consume a lot of the polish from the rice, soybeans as by product, large stone from the quarry, cassava and others. We play a very significant role in the Nigerian economy.” Oduntan urged the Federal Government to pay the compensation promised the farmers who were affected with bird flu, pointing out that many of those affected farmer by the disease were yet to recover from the loss they incurred.

He said the timely intervention of the government would go a long way in reviving the poultry sector and also fast track the role of poultry industry in economic revival of the country. Meanwhile, the Federal Government has concluded plans to inject additional N750 billion into agricultural farming where farmers can easily access fund at affordable interest rate as part of efforts to diversify economy. The Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who disclosed this, said that Federal Government was totally in support of poultry farmers by trying to make credit more accessible and affordable. He noticed that there were some funding windows in CBN through which the poultry farmers could access loans with affordable interest rate of 9 per cent. He said although the 9 per cent interest rate was still high for the farmers, promising that the government would work it out soon. He therefore said that Federal Government was ready to give the poultry sub-sector all the institutional support it needed, noting that Nigeria is highest egg producer in Africa, adding that the country will be more vulnerable in the next few years, if it refuses

to invest in agriculture and develop the sector. “Nigeria is not one of the biggest farm countries in the world and that is why we are eventually importing everything, from chicken, toothpick and the like. Countries that invest so much in agriculture make more money than oil. The money Nigeria is mak-

ing from oil does not show in our development and that is why we should develop our agricultural sector. We abandoned agriculture, which is the foundation of our country during the independent.” Lokpobiri reiterated that President Muhammadu Buhari is demonstrating commitment to restructure the economy toward agriculture in the country.

Kano farmers hit by fertilizer scarcity AbddulgAfAr olAdimeji, Kano

ano farming community has been facing challenges of fertilizer owing to failure by the state and local governments to facilitate the procurement of fertilizer required by them for the 2016 farming season. The farmers disclosed that, despite assurances by government officials, the quantity supplied from government quarters fall far short of the quantity required by farmers. According to the farmers, though the state and local governments could not avail them with the quantity required, the product abound in commercial markets. National Mirror reports that the farmers have resort to the purchase of fertilizers from vendors,

who vend the products to them as exorbitant rates. The farmers noted that, they purchase fertilizers at costly prizes from vendors, in contrast to buying from government at subsidized rates, this may in turn compel the rise in the prizes of farm produce in the state. Farmers who could not afford to purchase fertilizers from vendors are prone to recording poor yields, which would affect their personal economy and contributions to the economy of their local governments and the state, a source noted. The source revealed that, farmers and the state government would jointly lose billions of naira at the end of the current farming season, if the shortage in supply of fertilizer at subsidized rate is not quickly addressed.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Friday, May 27, 2016

FBN Holdings assures on shareholder value, as profit dips N68.9bn Johnson okanlawon

he Managing Director of First Bank Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan yesterday assured shareholders of FBN Holdings that the group will continue to push down cost of operations. Answering questions from shareholders at the group’s Annual General Meeting in Lagos, he said that when he assumed office in January this year, the board and management resolved to turn around the group to enhance shareholders’ value. According to him, the board primary focus is the quality of assets and reduction of impairment charges. He said, “We are making efforts to ensure going forward,

we do not suffer this level of impairment charges. We are putting technology in place that will help us have quality assets with high values. “We take recovery very important to remediate the challenged accounts and we understand the issues at hand and we have what it takes to deal with it.” He explained that growing the topline, manage risk effectively is the utmost focus of the board to deliver bigger dividends to shareholders. Also, the Group Managing Director of FBH Holdings, Mr UK Eke, affirmed that the resolution of the shareholders is uniform with the board.

He said that ultimate objective of the board is to restore shareholders’ value, adding that he was one of the generations that benefited consistent dividends of the bank through his parents. Eke, who added that the Merchant Bank and the FBN Insurance are doing well, reiterated that the board is committed to restore shareholders’ value. The group reported a profit after tax of N15.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2015, from N84 billion in 2014. The bank was among those that had sent profit warnings to the stock market community, saying its earnings would be materially below 2015 levels as a result of the recognition of im-

pairment charges on some specific accounts resulting from a reassessment of the loan portfolio within our commercial banking business. Its results showed impairment charges of N119.3 billion, up from N25.9 billion in 2014, though it recorded gross earnings of N505.2 billion, up from N481.8 billion in 2014. “This has been a very difficult time in the history of our instituSource: NSE tion. Despite the tough macroecoExchange Rate nomic and regulatory backdrop Naira US Dollar during the year, our underlying $1 business remains strong as reflected N197.00 in the gross earnings growth of 4.9 Market indicators Gainers per cent to N505.2 billion – clearly a and Losers Start Date 25/05/2016 through End Date 26/05/2016 leading position in the industryPrint . Date 26/05/2016 All-Share Index 28,877.47 points “Furthermore, the Holding comMarket capitalisation 9.92trn pany platform has provided support in mitigating the impact of credit Gainers for Equities losses and the vulnerabilities expe2016-05-25 2016-05-26 S/N Symbol Gain(N) % Change Closing Price(N) Closing Price(N) rienced by our Commercial Bank10.25 1 GUINNESS 99.85 110.08 10.23 ing business,” Eke added. 2 OANDO 6.63 7.30 0.67 10.11

Financial, conglomerates sectors lift equities by 2.18% Johnson okanlawon

gain, the bulls maintained strong holds on the equity market on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, as more investors took position on stocks, hoping for medium to long term earnings. Specifically, the All Share Index recorded a gain of 2.18 per cent to close at 28,877.47 points, compared to the appreciation of 3.78 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 28,260.61 points. Market capitalization gained N211 billion to close at N9.917 trillion, compared to the rise of N354 billion recorded the preceding day to close at N9.706 trillion. Consequently, the benchmark index recorded the highest level in the year 2016 bring-

ing the year-to-date return to a positive region of 0.82 per cent. The appreciation recorded in the share prices of Nestle, UBA, Zenith Bank, Nigerian Breweries and Lafarge Africa were mainly responsible for the gain recorded in the index. The total value of stocks traded was N5.02billion, up 43.29 per cent from N3.50billion recorded the preceding day. The total volume of stocks traded was 651million in 5,796 deals, while the three most actively traded stocks were UBA, Fidelity Bank and FBN Holdings. Investment analysts at DLM Securities Limited attributed the remarkable improvement in market sentiments to the growing bid position and volume of trades. “This in our view, suggest

fund flows from emerging markets and institutional investors following the introduction of flexible exchange rate policy by the CBN. “From a stock picking perspective, we continue to see great value when compared to other global markets, as price earnings ratios and other valuation measures are far from all-time highs, hence, we see meaningful scope for better performance going forward,” the firm stated. It explained that with scope for revenue growth and margin recovery from a depressed level, value investors are buying future earnings and cash flow at a discounted price, focusing more on business fundamentals as a condition under which value investing can flourish. From sector perspective,

Paulo. Some analysts argued, however, that the government could still face problems passing its fiscal austerity measures. Temer said on Tuesday he would seek a constitutional amendment to limit increases in public spending. The country’s benchmark Bovespa stock index rose 0.51 percent on Wednesday. The move also tracked a rise on Wall Street and a jump in crude prices , with shares of state-controlled oil company Petrobras rising 1.64 percent. The US government reported a larger-than-expected drop in crude stocks for last

UBN

5.12

5.63

0.51

9.96

DIAMONDBNK

2.11

2.32

0.21

9.95

UCAP

2.18

2.39

0.21

9.63

FCMB

1.56

1.71

0.15

9.62

FBNH

3.99

4.37

0.38

9.52

1.05

1.15

0.10

9.52

1.26

1.38

0.12

9.52

5.10

5.55

0.45

8.82

1.72

1.86

0.14

8.14

5.01

5.40

0.39

7.78

1.30

1.40

0.10

7.69

20.47

22.00

1.53

7.47

5.61

5.98

0.37

6.60

4.87

5.19

0.32

6.57

2.98

3.15

0.17

5.70

6.82

7.19

0.37

5.43

16.00

16.80

0.80

5.00

750.00

787.50

37.50

5.00

133.99

140.68

6.69

4.99

16.92

17.76

0.84

4.96

4.45

4.67

0.22

4.94

3.25

3.41

0.16

4.92

0.82

0.86

0.04

4.88 4.84

while investors are looking 8 LIVESTOCK 9 TRANSCORP forward for a sustainable recov10 TIGERBRANDS ery in crude oil prices, the firm 11 HONYFLOUR stated noted that the oil and gas 12 NAHCO 13 FIDELITYBK stock valuations are still reflect14 UACN ing lots of pessimism despite 15 ACCESS 16 UBA the current deregulation of the 17 AFRIPRUD downstream segment. 18 DANGSUGAR “Amid the strong bull mar19 CADBURY 20 NESTLE ket that has driven the ASI up 21 NB to a positive region year-to-date 22 STANBIC 23 ETRANZACT and continues to produce gains, 24 ETERNA we believe now is a good time 25 UNITYBNK to invest. However, every bull 26 SKYEBANK 27 MANSARD market, such as the one we are 28 MAYBAKER experiencing, has bear shadow 29 CHAMPION 30 DNMEYER hanging over it. 31 ETI “This explains the reason 32 NPFMCRFBK why many investors are not 33 IKEJAHOTEL 34 NEM swayed by the current market 35 AIICO gains. With this in mind, one 36 TRANSEXPR FGN Bonds might think that investors’ cautiousness about the market is warranted, given that the Description domestic economic is far from Published by The15.10 Nigerian27-APR-2017 Stock Exchange © recovery,” it added. 16.00 29-JUN-2019

Brazil stocks up after lawmakers ok budget deficit

razilian equities rose yesterday after interim President Michel Temer’s government cleared its first major test in Congress, gaining permission to post a record budget gap this year. Many traders had feared Temer’s two-week-old administration could struggle to gather support for the bill after the resignation of a highranking minister accused of plotting to hamper a sweeping corruption probe. “The honeymoon is over and Temer is taking his first steps in Congress,” said Jaime Ferreira, head trader at Intercam brokerage in São

week, but oil prices remained previous session. below $50 as investors booked Rate (%) profits. Inflation 12.77 Other Latin American 12 markets also tracked oil pric- MPR es higher, with the Mexican Crude oil price $42.41 benchmark IPC index rising 0.47 percent. Exchange Rates (N) Meanwhile, European WAUA 270 shares were mixed on Thurs197.00 day, with banks on the back USD 214 foot following a recent rally EURO while commodity stocks were CFA 0.32 boosted as Brent crude oil pricYEN 1.64 es hit $50 a barrel for the first SWISS 202 time since November. FRANC The STOXX Europe 600 was 293 down 0.1 percent at 348.06, with POUNDS STERLING the FTSEurofirst 300 flat. Both 273 indexes hit a 4 week high in the SDR

1.24

1.30

0.06

2.11

2.21

0.10

4.74

1.06

1.11

0.05

4.72 4.64

2.80

2.93

0.13

0.90

0.94

0.04

4.44

15.80

16.50

0.70

4.43

1.14

1.19

0.05

4.39

1.92

2.00

0.08

4.17

0.77

0.80

0.03

3.90

0.78

0.81

0.03

3.85

1.39

1.44

0.05

3.60

Offer

Bid Price

Yield

Price

Yield

1.07

104.64

10.40

104.79

3.24

114.58

10.56

114.88

10.46

15.54 13-FEB-2020

3.87

111.95

11.61

112.25

11.51

16.39 27-JAN-2022

5.83

120.59

11.44

120.89

11.38

14.20 14-MAR-2024

7.95

109.22

12.34

109.52

12.29

12.50 22-JAN-2026

9.81

100.08

12.48

100.38

12.42

10.26

Page

Closing Market Prices of March 31, 2016

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

30-Jun-16

8.40

8.58

6-Oct-16

8.87

9.30

16-Mar-17

9.42

10.35

NIBOR Tenor

Rate (%)

O/N

6.9583

9.8519

11.6578

13.0575 CBN Clearing Rates of January 7, 2016

1 of

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, May 27, 2016

World News I think I will have the right to react to attacks on my person by opponents and I hope I can be understood in that light. –US REPUBLICAN PARTY’S PRESIDENTIAL FRONT RUNNER, DONALD TRUMP

Uganda: 2010 blast mastermind found guilty AfolAbi GAmbAri

WITH AGENCY REPORT

he chief planner of the 2010 bomb attacks in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, which killed 74 people, Ugandan Isa Ahmed Luyima, was yesterday found guilty of terrorism. Luyima was one of seven to be convicted. The Somalia-based Islamist militant group al-Shabab said it was behind the bombings, which happened during a screening of the World Cup final between Spain and The Netherlands. This is thought to be the first major conviction of al-Shabab suspects outside Somalia. Thirteen men in all were standing trial on charges relating to the attack on two sites,

Ugandan al-Shabab bomb mastermind Isa Ahmed Luyima

a rugby club and an Ethiopian restaurant. Six of the men were acquitted.

The militants targeted Uganda as the country’s army provides the largest number of troops to

WORLD BULLETIN an African Union force fighting them in Somalia. The case was brought to court after a major investigation across East Africa, which was led by the American FBI. A mobile phone found next to a bomb that failed to detonate helped investigators track down most of the suspects, according to reports. The trial was delayed following allegations by some of the accused, including Luyima, that they were tortured by regional, US and British law enforcement agents. Some also said they were abducted from Kenya or Tanzania and brought to Uganda to be prosecuted. The Constitutional Court put aside those claims and said the trial could go ahead.

unions including Force Ouvriere and Unef, whereas the more moderate CFDT union backs the labour reforms. Dozens of people broke away from the demonstration in Paris and set about smashing shop windows and parked cars in a side street. Masked youths hurled bottles at police, who responded with tear gas. The law eases conditions for laying off workers, strongly regulated in France. It is hoped companies will take on more people if they know they can shed jobs in case of a downturn Employers given more leeway to negotiate holidays and special leave, such as maternity or for getting married. These are currently also heavily regulated Flights to and from Paris, Nantes and Toulouse have been

affected, and a rolling strike by train drivers has brought further disruption to regional and commuter rail services. CGT union members at nuclear power plants voted on Wednesday to join the strike, and the union said 16 of the country’s 19 power stations would be affected. Nuclear power provides about 75 per cent of the country’s electricity. Grid operator RTE said nuclear power capacity was being cut by at least four gigawatts, equivalent to 6 per cent of the country’s total production capacity, on Thursday, Reuters news agency reports. Six of France’s eight oil refineries have already been hit by strikes and barricades, as have major ports including Marseille and Le Havre. As the union action ramped up yesterday morning, Valls indicat-

Iraqi forces reclaim Falluja

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi

raqi security forces and supporting militias have retaken the key town of Karma from ISIS, the government’s first significant victory in its push to reclaim Falluja, a spokesman for Iraq’s Joint Operations Command said yesterday. The recapture of Karma, about 16 kilometers (10 miles) northeast of Falluja, brings most of the territory east of Falluja under government control.

Iraqi government troops, backed by Shiite militias known as the Popular Mobilization Units and an air campaign by the U.S.-led anti-ISIS coalition, launched an offensive Monday to retake Falluja, about 65 kilometers (40 miles) west of Baghdad. It remains, along with Mosul, one of the last two Iraqi cities under the Sunni terror group’s control. Prime Minister Haider alAbadi posted a statement on

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe yesterday took world leaders to the Shinto religion’s holiest site, as the Group of Seven (G7) summit began in the country. Abe said the visit was to enable the leaders to understand the spirituality of Japanese people. The visit to the shrine is controversial because critics say Abe is catering to his conservative supporters who want to revive traditional values. The two-day G7 meeting in IseShima brings together industrialised nations. Today, US President Barack Obama will visit Hiroshima, the site of the first atomic bomb, the first sitting US president to do so. The shrine is 2, 000 years old but in line with Shinto practice the buildings are taken down and reconstructed regularly. Followers of Shintoism believe that everything-rocks, fire, trees, the skyhas its own spirit or god.

‘Affair’ rumour sparks violence’

Protests sweep through France ndustrial action over labour law reforms has gripped France nationwide, with oil refineries, nuclear power stations and transport hubs affected. Motorways and bridges were blocked and flights delayed, and 16 arrests were made as a result of clashes in Paris. Prime Minister Manuel Valls insists the reforms will not be withdrawn but has suggested they could be “modified”. The action, building over three months, comes two weeks before France hosts the Euro 2016 football championships. A state of emergency imposed after November’s deadly attack by militants from the Islamic State group in Paris remains in place. The CGT union is leading the action, supported by six other

World leaders visit shrine

ed there might “still be changes, improvements” made to the labour reform laws. But he rejected Finance Minister Michel Sapin’s suggestion that Article 2 of the bill could be rewritten. Article 2 gives individual companies the power to opt out of national obligations on labour protection if they feel they need to - something the CGT union is fiercely opposed to.

Houses were set on fire yesterday and an elderly woman was stripped of her clothing and paraded naked through the streets of a village in Egypt. Inter-religious violence erupted in Minya province after rumours of a love affair between a Christian man and a Muslim woman. The Coptic pope called for restraint. Coptic representatives said authorities had assured them they would “chase down the perpetrators and bring them to justice”. The Coptic Orthodox Church is the main Christian Church in Egypt. The attacks happened in Karam village in the central province of Minya.

Aussie MP quits Senate French President Francois Hollande

Facebook congratulating the people of Iraq on the “liberation of al-Karma” and ordered security forces to protect civilians there. “We are all united to liberate Falluja and save its people from the terror of ISIS,” he later tweeted. Some fighting is ongoing to clear the western parts of Karma of small pockets of ISIS fighters. Iraqi security forces have spent the better part of a year trying to retake Karma from the terror group, suffering heavy losses.

The first Indigenous woman elected to Australia’s parliament, Nova Peris, has defended her decision to quit before the upcoming federal election. The former Olympic gold medallist said she would not re-contest her Senate seat at the election on 2 July. At an emotional new conference yesterday, she said the move was for her family. “Until you are an Indigenous person, do not criticise me for the decisions I have made,” Peris said. “I have to look after my children. I’m a 45-year-old woman and I’m sure you don’t go around every single day time of your life justifying the things you have to do. “It’s not easy to wake up every morning and bounce out of bed and pretend that life is fantastic because it isn’t.”

North

Friday, May 27, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Taraba uncovers fake appointment letters’ syndicate

Justin tyopuusu Jalingo

araba State Ministry of Education has uncovered a syndicate that specialises in the issuance of fake appointment letters to prospective applicants in the state. Commissioner for Educa-

tion, Mr. Johannes Njigeme, who disclosed this to newsmen in Jalingo named Mohammed Adamu Jega and Yahuba Isa as persons duped by one Abubakar Audu. According to him, Audu, now in police custody, duped the duo of N200,000 each and gave them appointment letters of the Taraba State

Post Primary Schools Management Board. Njigeme added that Jega and Isa were equally given fake posting letters to Government Day Secondary School, Kilayan, and Government Day Secondary School, Mayo Daga respectively - all in Sardauna Local Government Area of the state.

He noted that the victims were apprehended on May 11, 2016 at the premises of the post primary schools management board when they brought complaint letters from their places of posting demanding to know the reasons for the delay in the payment of their monthly salaries since they were engaged in September last

year. The commissioner further disclosed that recently a syndicate was arrested in Nguroje in Sardauna Local Government Area in possession of letter headed papers of all the ministries in the state and warned people to be conscious of people they transact business with.

My one year in office turbulent - Ishaku Justin tyopuusu Jalingo

L-R: Group Head, Video, MTN Group, Mr Jason Lobel; General Manager, Sales Enterprise Business Unit, MTN Nigeria, Mr Adekunle Adebiyi and representative of Director General, National Broadcasting Commission, Dr Igomu Onoja, during the inauguration of MTN digital TV in Jos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Teacher arraigned for killing girlfriend Wole AdedeJi ilorin

school teacher who is suspected to have killed his girlfriend in Ilorin, Kwara State, has been arraigned before a magistrate court. The teacher, Ogundele David, aged 35, had earlier been reported in the media to have allegedly murdered his girlfriend, Tosin Ashinwo, a staff of MTN. Arraigning him, the police charged him with culpable homicide, an offence punishable with death, and an attempt to commit culpable homicide contrary to sections 221 and 229 of the Penal Code Law. David, a teacher at Landmark University Secondary School, Omu-Aran who was first arrested by the ‘F’ Division of the police, was later transferred to the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department for discreet investigation.

First Information Report, FIR, said the suspect was at Tosin’s residence at Tanke, where he met her mother, Abiola Ashinwo, and made efforts to convince his girlfriend and her mum on a marriage proposal, a plea refused on the basis that David is a married man. According to the FIR, the refusal of marriage proposal infuriated the suspect; hence, he ran into the kitchen, picked a knife and stabbed Tosin to death on the spot. The suspect also stabbed Tosin’s mother “all over her body to a state of coma,” the police further alleged. The victims’ mother is receiving medical treatment at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, UITH, but her survival is not certain, the police stated. Police added that the accused person, after committing the alleged offence had run away, but was arrested by security operatives at ObaIle, his hometown in Osun State.

“Police investigation revealed that you Ogundele David, callously and heartlessly stabbed the said Tosin Ashinwo, 30 years, and from there descended on her mother, Abiola Ashinwo, 65 years. “The said Abiola Ashinwo is still receiving treatment at the UITH Ilorin and her possibility of survival is not certain,” the FIR said. The suspect pleaded not guilty to the charge when arraigned before the court. In his submission, police prosecutor, Oderinde Abideen, told the court that investigation on the matter has not been concluded and prayed the court to grant them another day for the trial. He therefore opposed the bail of the accused person, saying the offences allegedly committed are capital in nature and that they are not ordinarily bailable. Abideen further argued that the suspect, if admitted to bail would likely jump it and thereby tamper with

ongoing investigation of the police. In his ruling, Magistrate Mercy Adebola refused the accused person bail and ordered his remand at the Federal Prison, Madalla. The case was, however, adjourned till June 6, 2016 for further mention.

When contacted, Taraba State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Joseph Kwaji, confirmed the development and added that investigation into the matter is still on and that the suspects would be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation.

araba State governor, Mr. Darius Ishaku, said his first year in office was turbulent, full of events, some of which are too difficult to forget in a hurry. Ishaku stated this yesterday at the Government House, Jalingo, while swearing-in six new caretaker committee chairmen of Wukari, Ussa, Takum Lau, Karim Lamido and Gassol local government areas. He added that the year was also a learning process for him even as he said he made positive changes in the state within the period. While appreciating the people of the state for their patience and understanding, the governor condoles with the families of those killed in one way or the other, following attacks by suspected herdsmen in the state. He charged the caretaker chairmen whom he described as “critical stakeholders” in his rescue agenda and closest to the people

at the grassroots, to ensure that the rescue agenda succeeds in touching the lives of people at the local level. “There must peace; you must ensure peace in your various council areas. We must fight poverty and ensure economic prosperity for our people. “As caretaker chairmen, you are critical in the performance of this administration. You must therefore, close ranks of division and bring people closer to one another to promote peace. It is only when there is peace that we can talk of development,” he said. The governor assured the people that the rescue mission would succeed, and urged them to support his administration. Responding on behalf of the new caretaker committee chairmen, Mr. Adi Daniel, caretaker chairman of Wukari Local Government Area pledged their loyalty to the administration, assuring that they would work hard to ensure that there is peace in their local government areas and the state in general.

Strike: Doctors issue seven-day ultimatum to Al-Makura igbAWAse ukumbA lafia

asarawa State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, yesterday issued a seven-day ultimatum to Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State to implement the corrected CONMESS or risk a strike. The state NMA issued the ultimatum in a communiqué jointly signed by Dr. Omolei Friday and Dr. Attah Peter, chairman and secre-

tary respectively, and given to journalists at the end of its emergency congress in Lafia, the state capital. The communiqué also wanted that the salary review being carried out by the government should be an upward review in view of the prevailing harsh economic realities and the proposed upward review of the national minimum wage by Federal Government. The communiqué reads in parts: “That the Nasarawa State government should, in line with the

WHO recommendation, appropriate at least 15 per cent of its annual budgetary allocation to the health sector to reduce the high morbidity and mortality in the state and further empower healthcare providers.” The communiqué concluded by warning that if after June 1, 2016 heeded, the association would have no other option than to resume its earlier suspended withdrawal of services from June 2, 2016 until the association’s demands are met.

Friday, May 27, 2016

French Open: Serena destroys Pereira, Nadal advances

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Sugar Ray Leonard’s retirements last as long as Elizabeth Taylor’s marriages – Bob Arum (1987)

Int’l friendly: Eagles ready for Mali in France

Super Eagles in training in Rouen, France ahead of today’s match

he Super Eagles are ready to confront their Malian counterparts in today’s international friendly match at the Stade Robert Diochon in Rouen, France, according to interim Head Coach, Salisu Yusuf. Yusuf, who is assisted by Imama Amapakabo and Kennedy Boboye, have worked with a relatively young team in three training sessions but says there is belief in the squad going into the clash with the fellow West Africans. “Yes, we have had only three training sessions. But they were very good sessions and the team has bonded very well. We expect to go all out even though it is a friendly match. “We are working with players who have self-belief and

there is excellent team spirit.” The NFF said in a statement that only two players, namely Turkey-based defender, Kenneth Omeruo and Belgium-based midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, were being expected as

at yesterday afternoon. In camp are Odion Ighalo, Ogenyi Onazi, Brown Ideye, Carl Ikeme, Alex Iwobi, Abdullahi Shehu, Umar Aminu, Kingsley Madu, Moses Simon, Elderson Echiejile, Leon Ba-

logun, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Musa Muhammed, Etebo Oghenekaro, Babatunde Michael, Raheem Lawal, Gbenga Arokoyo, Kelechi Iheanacho, Daniel Akpeyi and William Troost Ekong.

Today’s match is the first of a two-game arrangement that will see the Super Eagles leave for Luxembourg City tomorrow, to play that country’s senior national team next Tuesday night.

Ka’Oje told NAN that he signed a letter on February 23, 2007 when Sani Lulu’s was NFA Chairman in which FIFA was assured of Nigeria’s adoption of its statutes. He said although the letter was written to FIFA, the move in itself did not make the process complete. “Domestication means that the National Assembly has to pass it. You can remember Decree 101; there are many issues, interference and so many other things but that particular decree was supposed to be domesticated, meaning that it should pass through the

National Assembly so that it can come out as a law but that has not been done. “But the general agreement that we are prepared as a country to abide by the rules of FIFA is true because I signed a letter to Sepp Blatter when I was the minister. “They responded to it that they have agreed with our stand, pending the domestication of the rules of FIFA in Nigeria; the minister is right, that aspect has not been passed into law.”

Dalung had on May 19 during a meeting with the House of Representative Committee on Sports said that FIFA laws were yet to be domesticated in Nigeria. But in its reaction, the Nigeria Football Federation led by Amaju Pinnick issued a statement noting that the laws had been domesticated following the then Minister of Sports Bala Ka’Oje letter to FIFA to adopt the laws. The laws when domesticated would prevent members of the football family from taking their matters to a civil court.

Nigeria yet to domesticate FIFA laws, says Ka’oje

ormer Minister of Sports, Alhaji Bala Ka’Oje, says Nigeria has yet to domesticate FIFA laws in spite of the letter of adoption written to FIFA by the Federal Government. News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ka’Oje’s comment is coming on the heels of recent speech of the current Minister, Solomon Dalung, calling on the National Assembly to domesticate the laws to avoid frequent crises in the nation’s football administration.

Friday, May 27, 2016 CHANGE OF NAME

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This s to confirm that Seidu Lateefat Juliana is the same person Seidu Elizabeth Oluwanifemi now SEIDU Elizabeth Oluwanifemi. All other documents remain valid. General public should take note.

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FORMERLY AYODELE ADEFUNKE ESTHER NOW OLAGOKE ESTHER ADEOLA ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, G,T,BANK PLC, FIRST BANK PLC AND GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE CHANGE OF NAME

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Sanusi Muyibat Abidemi is one and same person as Sanusi Abidemi now which to be known and addressed as Sanusi Muyibat Abidemi. All former documents remain valid GTB, and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

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Moshood Mufutau Oluwaseun is one and same person as Moshood Mufutau Oluwaseun Ayomide, Moshood Miftau Ayomide and now wish to be known and addressed as Moshood Mufutau Oluwaseun, all former documents remain valid F.C.M.B and general public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to certified that Alabi Oluwasike Afusa is the same one person as Ayoola Oluwasikemi Afusa, that henceforth wish to be known, addressed and called as Ayoola Oluwasikemi Afusa and my correct date of birth is 16th June 1977. All former documents remain valid, heritage Bank Plc and general public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ogunfowote Sunkanmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Oluwaseun Joel. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

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Formerly known and addressed as OBIANUJU OKAFOR, now wish to be Known and addressed as NNOZUGAM OBIANUJU JACINTA. All former documents remain valid. Gtbank, Skye Bank and General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

My name was wrongly writhen as Pauk John Egar Dider instead of PAUL JOHN. General public and authorities concerned please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Adewumi Moyo is the same person as Temitope lbitayo, that henceforth wish to be known and addressed as Temitope lbitayo Moyo..and my correct date of birth is 1st jan,1972;all former documents remain valid,Heritage bank and the general public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

THIS IS TO CONFIRM THAT EEBO TIMOTHY OLUGBEMIGA, EBO TIMOTHY OLUGBEMIGA, EBO TIMOTHY OLUGBENGA, EBO T. O AND T.O EBO REFER TO ONE AND SAME PERSON, ALL DOCUMENTS REFLECTING ANY OF THE STATED NAMES REMAIN VALID AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS ONE PERSON, MINISTRY OF AGRIC FINANCE& BUDGET, BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE. CHANGE OF NAME

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NOSIRU JOY IBIDAPO SAME PERSON AS ADELEYE NURUDEEN ADELAJA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADELEYE NURUDEEN ADELAJA. MY DATE OF BIRTH IS 16TH APRIL 1979. FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID.GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE. CHANGE OF NAME

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Formerly known and addressed as Muhammed Arike Ayisat, now wish to be known and addressed as Adeyemi Ayisat Omorike. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that am same person as Abimbola Ekundayo Abraham and Ekundayo Abimbola Abraham. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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This is to confirm that am same person as Sanni Waheed and Sanni Waheed Sultan. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as MR. EGWAKHIDE CREATIVE ANSELEM, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MR EGWAKHIDE CREATIVE ANSELEM OKUMODE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

This is to certify that my correct name is FOLOKI DANIEL ETELEMO not Etelemo Foloki. Henceforth my name will be spelt, called and addressed as FOLOKI DANIEL ETELEMO. Eco Bank Plc. U. B.A Plc and general public take note.

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This is to confirm and certify that OKEH PETER .C., OKEH CHUKWS PETER and OKEH PETER CHUKWUEMEKA refer to one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as OKEH PETER CHUKWUEMEKA. Former documents bearing the three (3) name remain valid. Godfrey Okoye University Enugu and general public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

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I formerly known and addressed as FOLASADE BONJI now wish to be known and addressed as JOHNSON AYODELE FOLASADE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. CORRECTION OF NAME /DATE OF BIRTH

My name was wrongly written as MR. ILOUBA-BENJAMIN IFEANYI instead of MR ILUBA BENJAMIN or BEN-IFEANYI and my correct date of birth is 16TH June 1974. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss CHINYERE CHINWE, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. CHINYERE EMMANUEL. All other documents remain valid. General public should take note. CHANGE OF NAME

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ADERONMU: formerly known and addressed as ADERONMU SHERIFAT IBUKUN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CAMPBELL SHERIFAT IBUKUN. All former documents remain valid. GT Bank and the general public take note

ADEOSUN: formerly known and addressed as ADEOSUN MOSES OPEYEMI now wish to be known and addressed as ADEOLUWA MOSES OLAWALE OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

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MABEL: Formerly known and addressed as MABEL IKECHUKWU now wish to be known and addressed as AGBAJE FUNMILAYO ADESEWA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as Olusegun Idogun Pte now wish to be known and addressed as Olusegun Joseph Idogun.All former documents remain valid, general public take note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

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Formerly known and addressed as George Nicole Ugoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Finazzi Nicole Ugoma. All other documents remain valid. General public should take note.

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that the name LAMIDI ADENIRAN AFOLABI and AFOLABI AHMED ADENIRAN is one person as they appeared in my documents but now wish to be known and addressed as AHMED ADENIRAN AFOLABI all former documents remain valid authority concern and the general public should please take note

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JOHN: I, formerly known and addressed as JOHN LANRE MOROHUNMUBO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLUKOKU LANRE JOHN . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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I Formerly known as Justina Dolapo Ajagbonna Miss after marriage now wish to be known as Mrs Justina Dolapo Abanida. All formal documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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I, formerly known and addressed as DAMIAN PAUL AND OTIH DAMIAN PAUL now wish to be known and addressed as OTIH PUAL ONYEBUCHI. My correct date of birth is 27th July, 1989. All former documents remain valid. U.B.A. Plc and General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Vongo Zakariah now wish to be known and addressed as Yongo Zakariah. All former documents remain valid, general public take note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm and certify that EZE GRACE NKECHINYERE and EZE GRACE IGNATIUS refer to one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as EZE GRACE IGNATIUS. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Hameed Ibrahim Oluwatoyin, Now wish to be known and addressed as Eleha Hameed Ibrahim. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

That my name was mistakenly written as Awoniyi Olufunke Pateacien instead of Awoniyi Olufunke Patience.All former documents remain valid,general public take note

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Formerly known and addressed as Ivoh Rosemary Amaka now wish to be known and addressed as Okoli Rosemary Nneamaka.All former documents remain valid, general public take note

Friday, May 27, 2016

ADAMS: Formerly known and addressed as ADAMS ISAAC now wish to be known and addressed as ADAMS YAKUBU. My correct date of birth is 10/10/1981. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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

UDOH: I, formerly known and addressed as AKPAN ANTHONY UDOH, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AKPAN ANTHONY HANSON. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

OLAYIWOLA: I, formerly known and addressed as OLAYIWOLA ESTHER OLUWAKEMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as LAWAL ESTHER OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

AKEEM: I, formerly known and addressed as AKEEM IBRAHIM, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADEBARI IBRAHIM ADEWALE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ODUYOYE MULIKAT ADEYINKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. KUKOYI MULIKAT ADEYINKA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CORRECTION OF NAME

This is to certify that my correct name is JONATHAN OLADAPO FRANKLIN .Also OLADAPO FRANKLIN and JONATHAN OLADAPO is same and one person bearing the names. Henceforth my name will be spelt, called and addressed as JONATHAN OLADAPO FRANKLIN. First bank plc, Union bank Nig. plc and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

EJIRO: formerly known and addressed as EJIRO ONORIODE REBECCA now wish to be known and addressed as IKPE REBECCA .All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

EZEANYACHE: I, formerly known and addressed as EZEANYACHE CHRISTIAN ORAKWUBE, now wish to be known and addressed asEZE CHRISTIAN ORAKWUBE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

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

LAWAL: I, formerly known and addressed as SIKIRU OLADOYE LAWAL, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MR. SIKIRU OLADOYE AWWAL. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as DENNIS OKOOBOH, now wish to be known and address as CHARLES OKOOBOH. All formal documents remain valid. The general public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MARTHA ASHILIMA OPIA, now wish to be known and addressed as OPIA MARTHA HEPHZIBAH OBIAJULU. All other documents remain valid. General public should take note CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Amosa Monday Richard and date of birth is 28th May 1983 now wish to be addressed as Amosa Stephen Richard and date of birth is now 28th may 1985. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

MARY: Formerly known and addressed as MARY IKUPOLUYI now wish to be known and addressed as MARY POROYE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CORRECTION OF NAME

UDOCHUKWU: Formerly known and addressed as UDOCHUKWU JOHN OMENAIHU now wish to be known and addressed as JOHN UDOCHUKWU MICHEAL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PETER: This is to inform the general public that my name was wrongly spelt and stated as Peter Blessing instead of Peter Blessing Joy . Henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as PETER BLESSING JOY. All former documents remain valid. Banks and the general public take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS DEBORAH APAHPARAH now wish to be known and addressed as MRS DEBORAH JOSHUA AKILA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY AZEEZ KHADIJAT TITILOPE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS IKUOGBOGUN KHADIJAT TITILOPE ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID ECO BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE. CORRECTION OF NAME

That my name was mistakenly written as Ushie Peter instead of Ushie Peter Ogbang and that my date of birth was mistakenly written as 4th August 1982 and 15th January 1980 instead of 10th October 1979.All former documents remain valid, general public take note CHANGE OF NAME

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CORRECTION OF NAME/DATE OF BIRTH

This is to inform the public that I Dansu Monday Joseph was born on the 12th day of march,1955 in oke-Ogbe,Via Iiogbo Badagry. Authority concerned and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

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This is to confirm that OLOWONIYI IGBEKELE MOSES is the same and one person as OLOWONIYI IGBEKELE JAMES now wish to be known, called, and addressed as OLOWONIYI IGBEKELE JAMES. All former documents bearing the names remain valid. First Bank Plc, U.B.A Bank Plc and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Orjiako Doris Chioma, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Silas-Duru Doris Chioma. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Miss NWAIWU JOSEPHINE CHINWE and Mrs NWAIWU JOSEPHINE CHINWE IWUOHA refer to one and same person. All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid and should be treated as one person. Banks and general public take note.

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Sports

Thursday, March 5, 2015 Friday, May 27, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

5 foreign-based stars beat U-23 camp deadline ...Siasia releases Suwon Invitational tourney list today

he camp of the U-23 National Team, Dream Team, came alive on Wednesday with the arrival of five of the invited foreign-based players hitting camp to beat the Wednesday deadline handed down by Head Coach Samson Siasia. First to arrive the Serob Legacy Hotel camp of the Dream Team was captain Azubuike Okechukwu who was looking fit and ready as he wasted no time in joining the team’s morning training session. Next was Portugal-based defender, Stanley Amuzie, who came in around 2pm thereby being part of the team’s evening training session, and the number was increased when the team was having dinner with the arrival of the trio of Godwin Saviour, Taiwo Awoniyi and Usman Mohammed, with back slapping and hugging from their team mates and officials. Yesterday afternoon, the camp was further boosted when England-based Nathan Oduwa arrived. Speaking to thenff.com, Captain Okechukwu expressed delight in being called upon to wear the colors of the country as he sees it as a thing of pride and honor. “This is a big family and any time I am called upon to be part of the family, I feel highly honored and as such will do every thing to make it. I have had a hectic season and as such had wanted to rest a little with my family, but this is a call to duty which I must honor, so I had to cut short my rest to beat the deadline set by my coach who I know is a no –nonsense person.” With the arrival of the six players, the camp now has seven of the eight foreign based players invited to camp, with France based midfielder Sodiq Popoola expected in camp on Friday due to flight challenges. Meanwhile, Coach Siasia is expected to release the list of players for next month’s Suwon Invitational Tournament in South Korea today.

Mourinho new Man United manager –Sky

anchester United have appointed Jose Mourinho as their new manager, Sky Sports News reported yesterday.

The 53-year-old Portuguese replaces Dutchman Louis van Gaal whose two-year reign at Old Trafford ended on Monday, two days after United lifted the FA Cup. The self-styled “Special One”, Mourinho was sacked by Chelsea in December, ending his second spell in charge of the London club. He has also managed Porto, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

French Open: Serena destroys Pereira, Nadal advances T

hree-time winner and defending champion, Serena Williams, destroyed Brazil’s Teliana Pereira 6-2, 6-1 yesterday at the ongoing French Open, with another clinical display to follow her first-round demolition of Magdalena Rybarikova in just 42 minutes. The 34-year-old American will face the winner of the tie between France’s Kristina Mladenovic and Timea Babos of Hungary for a place in the last 16. According to BBC Sport, eighth

seed, Timea Bacsinszky, impressed in beating Canada’s Euguenie Bouchard 6-4, 6-4 while Ana Ivanovic also won in straight sets in her tie against Japan’s Kurumi Nara. Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro beat Wang Qiang of China 6-1, 6-3. In the men’s category, Rafael Nadal registered his 200th Grand Slam victory with a crushing 6-3, 6-0, 6-3 win over Facundo Bagnis in the second round of the French Open. The Spaniard, who is attempting to win a 10th title at Roland Garros,

dropped the first two games against the world number 99 but then won 18 of the next 22 to ease through. He will play either Marcel Granollers or Nicolas Mahut in round three. Roger Federer tops the all-time list of Grand Slam matches won, with 302. World number one, Novak Djokovic, also made light work of his opponent, beating Belgium’s Steve Darcis 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 to advance and will play Britain’s Aljaz Bedene next.

NFF appeals re-listing of Giwa case

Mourinho

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday appealed against the decision of the Jos High Court to re-list a case brought against the Federation by Obinna Ogba and Yahaya Adama. Chairman of the NFF Technical and Development Committee, Chris Green, a lawyer, said the NFF decided to appeal against the re-listing of the case for hearing because the matter was out of time and the plaintiffs voluntarily discontinued the case in the first place. “We went to court simply to appeal against the re-listing of the case. The case was struck out after the plaintiff voluntarily withdrew.

What we are challenging is the relisting of the case, and not any order that the court has made by the Honourable Judge. The Honourable Judge made it clear that he only restored the Order striking out the case. “There is no order that we need to appeal against. We are only appealing against the re-listing of the case for hearing, because for us, the circumstances have changed and so many things are no longer the same. We are saying the fellows who went to court can only file a fresh suit because this one can no longer fly.” Federation Cup Results Men

Kwara United 7 0 Galadima Best Abia Comets 2 0 Nembe City Damaturu FC 1 8 Dynamite FC Nasarawa United vs FC Abuja (Abandoned) FC Zamfara 0 3 Almar FC (W/o) El-Kanemi Warriors 2 0 Katsina Feeders ABS FC 1 0 Yenagoa City Dreams FC 1 1 Akwanga Selected (Dreams win 4-2 penalties) Gateway FC 0 1 Kano Pillars Women Alberto Queens 0 3 Osun Queens (W/o) FC Robo 2 3 Rivers Angels Abia Angels 3 2 Rising Queens Ibom Angels 1 0 Edo Queens

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Rio 2016: Dalung appoints Oyegun Nigeria House Dean

ll Progressive Congress (APC) Chairman, Chief John Oyegun, has been appointed as the Dean of Ambassadors for the Nigeria House in Rio Olympics Project. Accepting the appointment made by the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Barr. Solomon Dalung, Chief Oyegun who commended the minister for bringing on board the initiative for the promotion and exhibition of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and endowment replied, “This project has come at a time when our dear nation is in dire need of Direct Foreign Investment and positive international image which Mr. President has vigorously spearheaded and which, l believe, your ministry has the capacity to further promote, given the steps taken so far under your able leadership.” Oyegun also said, “Let me assure you that our great party - the APC endorses your efforts and will give you our full support in this endeavor. I want to say everything should be done to encourage your project to make sure it succeeds and stands out during the Olympics and if we don’t win medals at least let Nigeria House win investment medals.

“I am glad, proud and feel very privileged that you have made me the Dean of Ambassadors and l promise that in that capacity, whatever role you give me l will give it my very best.” The Project Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria House Project, Abdullahi Mohammed, consequently visited the APC boss to further intimate him with the activities of the House and roles expected of the top politician before and during the Olympics as the Dean of Ambassadors of the Nigeria House in Rio Hospitality Project.

Oyegun

Ola-Oki Scrabble tourney ends in Badagry IfeanyI eduzor

s part of efforts to promote the game of scrabble at the grassroots, Sports Officers in Badagry Zone of the Lagos State Sports Commission in conjunction with Lagos State Scrabble Association have organised the second OlaOki Secondary School Scrabble Competition. The competition, sponsored by Dr. Bodunrin 0ki, had 75 participants drawn from public and private schools within Badagry Zone. Dr. Oki told National Mirror that his belief in giving back to the society through education and sports, was one of the reasons he sponsored the grassroots scrabble competition among school children. He said that he is always ready to continue to invest in sports development at the grassroots, adding that

Sports

Friday, May4,27, 2016 Thursday September 2014

the sponsorship of the competition has come to stay in Badagry. In the boys’ category, James Ezekiel of Ajara Senior Grammar School came first with 10 + 976 points, Obaniwa Michael of Lagos State Model Senior College was second with 9 + 851 points, while Alabi Emmanuel of Lagos State Model Junior College settled for the third position with 9+ 374 points. Winners in the girls’ category are Grace Alao from Francis Xavier School who won the category with 12+1070 points, Adedapo Blessing from ASCON Staff Secondary School was second with 8+438 points, while Chima Miracle from Vision Guide College came third with 8+257 points. Abraham Gbemi from Vision Guide College was declared as the promising/upcoming player for boys, while Gazal Aishat from Lagos State Model Senior College was adjudged as promising/ upcoming player for girls.

MANDATE

THE

SylveSter Ikuejamoye

mopheys13@gmail.com 0805-407-1194 (SMS only)

Federations and sports funding

igeria’s participation in this year’s Rio Olympics in August is a done deal. However, the preparation or readiness of our contingent has been a source of concern to major stakeholders. The main reason for the concern emanated from disturbing alarm from various boards of the Olympics bound sports federations. It is now important look at the direcJtooel aJayI AbujA tion of the root causes boutof256 the Nialarm. There gerian golfis noers doubt and that colleagues fundtheir ing remains from some West the sour African countries spotare of comthe peting in the problems ongoing a f f e c t i2016 ng IBB p r aInternactitional cally Golf all and the Country fedClub e r a t icaptain ons. tournament. We should The sevenstart askday tourney, ing ourwhich teed off on selves Monday and the will very relevant question of how long shall the total federations of 83 teams continue to lament are slated to enter over the none pot at availabilthe National ity of for funds to prosecute Draws the men and women major programmes or Federation Cup competitions on preparations for global Thursday , May 5, 2016. Head of Federation Cup unit champions? of theItNFF Adesanya, is, Emmanuel therefore time told thenff.com too, yesterdaythat and urgently for the a total of 61 teams would be invarious boards of sportvolved in the men’s version, while ing federations to genu22 teams would be involved in the inely start women’s event. to work hard forThere alternative means are a total of 18 NPFL clubs, 19 Nigeria National League of funding to augment clubs, nine Nationwide League government statutory One clubs and non –League grants for 15their proclubs in the men’s draw, while 16 grammes and activities. Premier League clubs, one Pro I and completely share League five amateur divitheteams viewwould the Minister of sion take part in the Sportscompetition. expressed recentwomen’s Thethe women teams COD ly on need for are boards United Ladies, FCfederations Robo (Lagos); of sporting Capital Cityhard Dovesin(FCT); Sure to work order to

secure sponsorship for their programmes from the private sector. But the minister also have a responsibility here to assist the boards, using the clout of his office to support this much needed sponsorship for the boards and by extension for the overall development of sports administration in the country. I t

Babes (Kwara); Nasarawa Ama-

Ogba

m a y not be out of place for the minister to revisit the Team Nigeria project as well as the tax rebate idea for multinational companies and corporations interested in investing in the sports sector of the economy. It should be clear to all stakeholders by now that in view of the global economic meltdown, there is no way government can wholly sponsor sporting activities in the country without private sector.Quadri Government Oyinlomo should put in place poli-

cies that will encourage and possibly entice the major players in the sector to fully participate in the growth and development of sports in the country. It may be important for the minister to note that as the various boards are on the verge of serving out their terms in office, which statutorily should come to an end immediately after the Rio Brazil Olympics, those to contest elections into the next board of sporting federations as members should be screened to ensure experience and competence. Their records of performance in a similar responsibility must also be one of the credentials for consideration. They must be people who are ready to work and be dedicated. They should be people who have something to offer the federation. They should be people of sporting substance and value. We must have learnt some lessons from the outgoing boards’ presidents, some of whom operate like emperors over a conquered enen clave or territory. More will come on this in subsequent editions before the elections into the boards. HARD BUT THE BITTER TRUTH One cannot but be worried and obob viously surprised about a thing that must have been known and taken for certain by every sane person. That thing is that one day you must die, no matter how long you live. After that if you are lucky, you should be buried in a grave not shorter than six feet deep. After that, you are left alone. No car, no house, indeed, no property, no money will be buried with you. So, what are these thieves and looters doing with billions of naira and dollars? Incurable MADNESS or call it INSANITY. Hard But The Bitter Truth. Until next week Friday, stay out of trouble

WORLD RECORD

Largest Peruvian folk

Vol. 06 No. 1379

Friday, May 27, 2016

N150

The largest Peruvian folk dance consisted of 1, 247 couples and was achieved by the Municipality of Arequipa (Peru) in celebration of the city’s 474th anniversary on August 24 2014.

Between domestic violence and gender equality

orenike Taire, the Woman Editor of ‘Vanguard’, featured a piece in her column of Thursday, May 19, 2016 (page 23) that caught one’s fancy. It was anchored by Josephine Agbonkese and Anino Aganbi; and was captioned thus: ‘Domestic violence: What happens to the donors’ millions?’ The report made quite an interesting reading with this opening paragraph: ‘Man beats wife to death for ignoring his phone call’; ‘Man in court for allegedly stabbing girlfriend’; ‘Six-months-pregnant woman brutally battered by husband’; ‘Husband baths wife with acid’; ‘Wife drags hubby to court for alleged defilement of daughter’; ‘Father beats daughter to death over plate of rice’; … and more recently … ‘Husband allegedly beats wife to death at Egbeda in Lagos’. “Above are some very common, yet upsetting news headlines read almost on daily basis. The spate of

aria Sharapova has been named in Russia’s tennis team for the Rio 2016 Olympics holding in August, despite currently serving a doping suspension. The 29-year-old tested positive for meldonium at the Australian Open in January.

FRIDAY WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) domestic violence in Nigeria is so rife that even its various penalties seem incapable of serving as deterrent to offenders”, the report said. Indeed, the above narrative may be expanded to include 31-year-old Akolade Arowolo, sentenced to death by hanging by an Ikeja, Lagos High Court in 2014 for killing his banker wife, Titilayo, on June 24, 2011. Akolade was accused of stabbing his wife 76 times. Early this year was also the report that Mr. Adebayo Oyediran Ajanaku (Lowo) was allegedly stabbed to death by his lawyer wife, Yewande, on February 2 in their home in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to add just these two cases among several others. One followed the report to a significant extent until Morenike and her team tinged what otherwise seemed a dispassionate report with obvious gender bias. Gender equality or egalitarianism , the idea of both men and women receiving equal treatment and not be discriminated against based on gender, is one subject-matter that has overly gained international acclaim with the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. It has remained a contentious subject ever since; and has been fingered by a cross section of experts as one of the major purveyors of domestic violence. Some other experts also hold a contrary view. The raging controversy seems not in a hurry to come to an end.

The poliTicallycorrecT goal for

‘equaliTy’ beTween ‘men’ and ‘women’ is noT achievable. iT is absoluTely impossible What with the religious bent to it: “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For, the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body… (Ephesians 5:22–24)”. Another says: “Adam was created first, and Eve was created to be a ‘helper’ for Adam (Genesis 2:18–20)”, all indicating that God Himself truly created a hierarchy of authority in the world. The Holy Scriptures, however, demand from men ‘love’ for their wives. The details will be left for some other time. Back to Morenike and Co., the authors of the Vanguard publication earlier referred to featured a teaser when they pondered on the roles law enforcement agencies, NGOs and donor agencies, among others, play in curbing domestic violence when they said: “… the continuous rise in domestic violence which is almost rubbishing their efforts has given rise to a myriad of questions: Who is

responsible for the rise in domestic violence in spite of (their) various efforts? Is anybody working to stall violence before it degenerates to loss of life?” This puzzle will better be appraised by looking at this other side of the gender equality controversy which a close friend that believes gender egalitarianism is a fluke forwarded to my mail box not too long ago. The piece entitled: ‘Equality Between Men And Women Is Not Achievable’, was forwarded to this writer from the following address: ‘http://www.angryharry.com/esEqualityNotAchievable.htm’. Please do enjoy it: The politicallycorrect goal for ‘equality’ between ‘men’ and ‘women’ is not achievable. It is absolutely impossible. It will never be found. It will never be discovered. It will never happen. Indeed, the very search for ‘equality’ between ‘men’ and ‘women’ is fuelling a never-ending war between ‘men’ and ‘women’. The more aggressive and energetic is this nonsensical search for ‘equality’ between ‘men’ and ‘women’, the more aggressive and energetic will be the war (i.e. the hostility) between ‘men and ‘women’. To try to highlight this, notice that there is no ‘equitable’ solution even to this very simple question... Question: Should ‘women’ have more votes than ‘men’? For those who think, Yes, (because there are more women voters than men voters) then it follows that they also believe that those in a minority should have less of a say in what affects them. They believe that the largest group (women) should have the greatest power. As such, ‘equality’ between ‘men’ and ‘women’ is already lost. For those who think, No, (because this would be unfair on ‘men’) then it follows that they also believe that those in the majority should have less of a say in what affects them. They believe that the individual vote of a woman should be worth less than that of a man. (To be continued).

Sport Extra Rio 2016: Banned Sharapova named in Team Russia BBC Sport reported that the country’s tennis federation said Sharapova’s participation at Rio “should be resolved” this week. She is included to beat IOC June 6 deadline for the submission of names of athletes.

Russian Tennis Federation president, Shamil Tarpischev, told R-Sport news agency yesterday, “She has been put on our Olympic application. It has to be submitted by 6 June.” The International Tennis Federation (ITF) provisionally

suspended the five-time Grand Slam champion on March 12. Russia’s track and field athletes are banned from international competition over recent doping scandals, though other sports remain unaffected. The World Anti-Doping

Association (WADA) admitted in April that scientists were unsure how long meldonium stayed in the system, suggesting athletes who tested positive for the substance before March 1 could avoid bans.

Maria

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