Friday jan 8 2015

Group disagrees with IMF on VAT increment amour uDemuDe, AsAbA

A Lagarde

Vol. 5 N0. 1282

human rights and anti-corruption group, Vanguard for Transparency Leadership and Democracy, VATLAD, yesterday opposed and condemned proposal

by Managing Director of International Monetary Fund, IMF, Ms. Christine Lagarde, for increment in Value Added Tax, VAT, in the country.

VATLAD National President and Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Odafe Igbini and Comrade Kelechi

Friday, January 8, 2016

$2.1bn Dasukigate

Ifeoma said in a statement in Asaba, Delta State, that the idea will be counterproductive, especially now that the country depends on imported goods for basic human needs like food, health and shelter.

“While we agree with Continued on Page 2>>

National Mirror Online

Vision 20: 2020 possible through Science, Technology –Buhari P. 5

Buhari

@NationalMirror

Court grants Bello, son N600m bail ...as EFCC arrests ex-Milad, Jafaru Isa

N150

Doosuur Iwambe, AbujA

J

ustice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday granted bail to former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Haliru Mohammed Bello and his son, Abba, in the sum of N300m each.

Justice Mohammed, while ruling on their bail applications held that Bello and Abba were entitled to bail as the offences for which they were charged do not carry capital punishment.

The court, in its ruling, admitted the former PDP Continued on Page 2>>

Ooni Ogunwusi takes over Osun Council of Obas’ chairmanship

P. 5

Former PDP Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello, being assisted out of the vehicle during his trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja, for alleged fraud, yesterday.

Police nab five over plot to bomb Jonathan’s home

P. 11

2

News

Friday, January 8, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Court grants Bello, son N600m bail CONTINUED FROM PAgE 1

chairman to bail in the sum of N300m each with two sureties, one of which must be a civil servant of the rank of a director, who must have a landed property in Abuja worth N300m.

Justice Mohammed also held that for Haliru Mohammed Bello to be released on bail, his sureties must swear to an affidavit of means and the particulars of the sureties shall be verified by the court.

The judge also held that the sureties must also submit title document of the landed property to the court as well as their recent passport photographs.

Part of the bail conditions for Abba, the court held are two sureties, one must be a civil servant of

not lower than grade level 12, while the sureties must swear to an affidavit of means and must submit their international passports and recent passport photographs with the court.

Justice Mohammed said the defendants cannot interfere with the course of justice since the prosecution said they have concluded investigation into the matter.

While Abba was returned to Kuje prison until he perfects his bail conditions, Justice Mohammed said the former PDP boss should remain at the Abuja Clinic where he is currently receiving treatment, under the custody of the Inspector General of Police, IGP, as earlier ordered by the court.

The court then adjourned the matter till February 16, 2016 for trial.

The former PDP Chairman was on Tuesday brought to the court on a wheelchair to face the 4-count charge slammed against him and his son by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Arraigned alongside father and son is their company, BAM Projects & Properties Limited over alleged involvement in the $2.1bn arms deal during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The ex-PDP chairman, alongside his son, was alleged to have aided in the diversion of funds slated for arms procurement by the Office of the National

Security Adviser, ONSA. The duo are being held by the EFCC for collecting N600m from the embattled former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).

They pleaded not guilty to all the charges slammed against them.

Meanwhile, EFCC yesterday confirmed the arrest of a former Military Administrator of Kaduna State, retired Brig.-Gen. Lawal Jafaru Isa, over alleged involvement in the arms deal.

EFCC spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, con-

firmed the arrest when he spoke in Kano.

“I can confirm to you that Jafaru Isa is here with us,” he said.

Uwujaren, who declined to make further comment, said he could not state since when the suspect had been with the commission.

CONTINUED FROM PAgE 1

goods and services that provide only luxuries to a select privileged few elite class, such as imported luxury cars/vehicles, alcohols, cigarettes, furniture, cosmetics, and other similar goods and services.

“The luxury goods don’t add positive values to national growth and development, the opposite is the case.

“Instead, we demand a

drastic reduction of the current VAT rate on goods and services that are necessary and essential to daily survival of the generality of masses of Nigerians.

“We support the ongoing campaign against looting and stealing of our nation’s wealth and the introduction of Treasury Single Accounts, TSA, for all Federal Governments Ministries, Department and Agencies, MDAs and scrapping of the scam called fuel subsidy.

“The Federal and state governments have no justified reason at all to seek for external loan to finance our budgets. If IMF is sincere in helping Nigeria and her over 170 million dying masses, we challenge it to direct the immediate repatriation of such looted funds to Nigeria from all foreign accounts known to it,” the group said.

While also objecting to Federal Government’s planned payment of monthly N5000 to some unemployed youths, the group noted it will only give room for another round of looting, adding that Nigeria has no credible Database and reliable information regarding the status of her citizens to justify such social support programme for now.

“It should be jettisoned and we urge the National Assembly not to approve this request in the 2016 budget proposal,” the group added.

pensation of justice.

He said: “Crime is a serious issue that the state is set to tackle headlong through the creation of crime data that would also assist the police, the lawyers and other stakeholders in fighting crime effectively and I want to assure Lagosians that the state government is committed to touching their

lives, especially the common man, through enhanced access to justice.”

The commissioner, however, solicited for the cooperation of all stakeholders, including the judiciary, police, prisons and the media to work in harmony as partners in progress with the ministry.

Group disagrees with IMF on VAT increment her on the concerns over Nigeria’s high debt profile which is said to consume over 35 per cent of our national revenue for debt servicing, we however vehemently oppose her proposal for increase in Value Added Tax, VAT, paid for all goods and services. ”We advocate instead for sharp drastic increase in VAT on imported

Crowd at the MTN office in Maitama formalising their SIM Card registration in Abuja, yesterday.

Lagos to establish mobile courts

L

agos State Government yesterday announced plans to establish functional mobile courts to facilitate prompt trial of violators of the law, especially environmental and traffic offences.

Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, who disclosed this at a

parley with judiciary editors and correspondents in Alausa, said the mobil courts will operate in full compliance with the rules of natural justice, equity and good conscience.

He said more importantly, the citizens appearing before the courts would be afforded their constitutional rights and

fair hearing.

Specifically, Kazeem said the courts will, among others, address the prosecution of violators of the State Environmental Law and Traffic Offences, among others.

While observing that cybercrime had become a menace in the state as more criminals are exploiting the convenience

of the internet to commit diverse range of criminal activities, Kazeem said his ministry has devised strategies to work closely with the police and other stakeholders to tackle cybercrime cases.

Kazeem also pledged to introduce the use of information technology to enhance judicial reforms in order to accelerate dis-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, January 8, 2016

3

Photo News

4

Friday, January 8, 2016

L-R: Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr Femi Adesina; Juju music maestro, King Sunny Ade; Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, King Sunny Ade’s Manager, Mr Clement Ige and Publisher, Parrot Express, Mr Yinka Agboola, after a meeting at State House, on Wednesday.

L-R: Chairperson, Women in Management and Business (WIMBIZ) Head Retail Banking, Diamond Bank, Aisha Ahmad; Sales Manager, The George Hotel, Ifeanyi Nwankwo; Country Manager, Nigeria-South Africa Airways, Thobi Duma and Senior Consultant, Client Service, The Quadrant Company, Tosin Adefeko, during the Xperience The George Industry night event in Lagos, recently.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Representative, Minister of Finance, Ms Larai Shuaibu; Member, House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Hon Austin Chukwukere; Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr Tunde Fowler and Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Owan Enoh, with children of Internally Displaced Persons, during the FIRS donation of relief materials to IDPs in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

L-R: Pastor, The Apostolic Church, Onireke District, Lagos, Pastor Idowu Owoeye; Chairman, Lagos State Governor’s Office Correspondents (LAGOCO), Mr Joshua Bassey; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Fola Adeyemi; Chief Press Secretary to Lagos State Governor, Mr Habib Haruna and Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Information, Mrs Toro Oladapo, at a New Year Prayer Organised by LAGOCO in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

National News

Ibadan elders laud Ajimobi over Olubadan chieftaincy resolution were indebted to the

Kemi Olaitan

Ibadan

governor for his under-

G

standing

overnor

Abiola

Ajimobi of Oyo State

was

yes-

terday lauded for the humility and deference he exhibited that led to amicable and timely resolution of the Olubadan chieftaincy promotion.

President of

Ibadan

Progressives Union, IPU,

and

honour

done to them.

According

to

him,

by deferring to the elders,

who

converged

on the residence of the President of the Ibadan Elders’ Forum, Ambassador Olusola Saanu, to resolve the crisis, Ajimobi had proved to be a listening leader.

Pastor Johnson Adeniji,

He said: “For those

who led other members

who knew the tension

of the union on what he

that had enveloped the

called a ‘thank-you visit’

city during the disagree-

to the Governor’s Office,

ment, you will appreci-

gave the commendation,

ate the need to come and

describing the action of

thank the governor for

Ajimobi as exemplary of

not allowing the matter

great leaders.

to escalate beyond man-

He

said

the

elders

ageable proportion.

“We consider the governor’s decision to approve the promotion of the high chiefs in spite of the valid issues raised as a mark of great honour and respect for the venerated stool of the Olubadan.

As an elder, the governor is one of us and he has demonstrated this.

“It is a minor misunderstanding based on procedural error, but thank God we have resolved it amicably. The governor deserves our commendation for showing great understanding and large heartedness. Lessons have been learnt.”

He added that by giving his nod to the pro-

motion of the high chiefs while the necessary paper works are being perfected, it was a mark of honour for the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, the IPU and especially for the IEF that brokered the truce.

Ajimobi said he was humbled by their openness in calling a spade a spade, which, he insisted, played a major role in his decision to let the sleeping dog lie.

According to him, he was an apostle of peace and orderliness, adding that the intervention by the elders doused the tension, which he said would not have occurred in the first place if due process had been fol-

lowed.

He said: “It was a ploy by the devil to truncate the peace we have laboured to enthrone in Oyo State. Thank God that the devil did not have its way. The devil may turn the table against you even when you took the right decision at times.

“Our baba, the Olubadan is a member of the IPU; I’m also a member of the IPU. It was a good thing that the elders through the platforms of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, the IPU and the IEF waded into the matter.

“I’m happy that the elders spoke the truth. If

the guilty admits to his guilt, there is no point prolonging the matter.

Since they have admitted their mistakes, to err is human and to forgive is divine. We have forgiven them.”

He

maintained

that

as the chief security officer of the state, part of his sacred duties was to guarantee and ensure peace, security and the obedience to the rule of

law, without which

he said anarchy would reign supreme.

He added that the state had no tradition of impunity, but a tradition of maintenance of the rule of law, which he pledged to uphold.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Friday, January 8, 2016

5

Vision 20: 2020 possible through Science, Technology –Buhari Rotimi Fadeyi

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said Nigeria’s vision of becoming one of the twenty largest economies in the world by the year 2020 would only be attainable when Science, Technology and Innovation, STI, are fully integrated into national socio-economic development process.

Buhari spoke at the first meeting of the National Research and Innovation Council, NIRC, at the Presidential Villa.

According to him, the process would now be fast tracked with the coming on board of the council.

The President said Nigeria must accord high prior-

ity to science and technology for the country to take its rightful place among the leading economies in the modern world.

He assured the council of his determination and commitment to ensure that the nation invest appropriately in STI in order to guarantee competitiveness both continentally and globally.

The President noted that the goal to secure the nation, grow the economy, create jobs and fight crime can best be achieved through science and technology.

“It is my fervent hope that our research and innovation output should be measured by the number of intellectual property such as patents granted and not only by the number of articles published in

scholarly journals.

“By this action, Nigeria will become a centre of discoveries, inventions and innovation in all fields of science and technology. Before long we should be in a position to produce Nobel Laureates in the sciences,” he said.

Buhari explained that NRIC was geared towards coordinating and streamlining the nation’s research and development activities as well as fostering innovation.

He stated that it was also designed to accelerate the growth of innovationbased entrepreneurship

and create conditions for the commercialisation of current and further research findings in universities and research institutes.

According to him, the council was also expected to reposition STI as a national priority to guarantee sustainability, high standard of living and quality of life for Nigerians as well as fast-track industrial and economic development.

He said in this regard, the council would meet quarterly to consider and take vital decisions on STI related issues.

The President noted that the structure of NRIC pro-

vides for the establishment of a Technical Advisory Committee, TAC, consisting of technocrats from the various relevant MDAs and the Organised Private Sector, OPS, to ensure full implementation of resolutions of the NRIC. He said TAC, which is to be headed by the Minister of Science and Technology is expected to meet on a monthly basis.

According to him, for TAC to carry out its functions, NRIC would be guided by the Strategic Implementation Plan, SIP, of the revised policy on STI. He, therefore, charged

members of the council to use the best endeavour and wealth of experience to ensure that the responsibility was discharged in the most effective and efficient way so that the tools of science, technology and innovation are adequately deployed towards the development of the country.

The President further changed the members on commitment, hard work and total support in order to justify the confidence reposed in them, saying the country looks forward to them to spearhead technological progress and achievements.

Ooni Ogunwusi takes over Osun Council of Obas’ chairmanship Boladale BamigBola, OsOgbO

O

oni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, yesterday assumed the chairmanship of Osun State Council of Obas.

The newly installed monarch attended the monthly meeting of traditional rulers in the state for the first time in Osogbo, the state capital.

There had been apprehensions over who would be the chairman of Obas in the state, following the emergence of Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, as the substantive chairman, after the demise of late Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuade, who held the position in perpetuity, since the creation of the state.

Sources inside the main hall of Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, where the meeting was held, told our correspondent that there was apprehension before the Ooni came in.

“Traditional rulers and others at the venue were all apprehensive when Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran was about to commence the meeting when Ooni had not arrived.

“Owa had already occu-

pied the seat meant for the chairman and this heightened the tension because everyone present knew Ooni Ogunwusi was coming to the meeting.

“When the Ooni arrived, the atmosphere changed.

His aides brought a personal white chair for him.

That really made him special and his comportment was royal and unmatched.

“When the meeting commenced, the tension was rising and it only went down when the Owa introduced himself as the deputy chairman.

“The acting chairman when he was introducing himself said he was the deputy chairman. It means he recognised Ooni as the head,” the source said.

Speaking to newsmen, Onigbaye of Igbaye, a town in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of the state, Oba Joseph Okunola-Oni, said the meeting went well, adding that protocol was followed.

Being the first meeting of the year and the first the newly coronated Ooni would be attending, Oba Okunola-Oni further said: “There was no cause for alarm. The king was introduced to everyone of us officially, especially his office as representative of Oduduwa and we all embraced him.”

INEC officials arranging non-sensitive materials for tomorrow’s supplementary election in Bayelsa State at INEC headquarters, Yenagoa, yesterday.

Police raid Rivers LG chairman’s residence, arrest 30 dennis naku, POrt HarcOurt

T

wo houses belonging to the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chief Soboma Jackrich have been raided by operatives from the State Criminal Investigation Department, CID. Our correspondent learnt that the operatives stormed one of the houses located in Usokun Community in Degema Local Government Area at about 2 a.m. on Wednesday and ransacked the building.

It was furtehr gathered that a similar operation took place at the chairman’s house in Buguma in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.

Sources said about 30 persons were arrested and taken to the SCID in Port Harcourt pending police investigation into allegations that the council chairman was keeping arms and ammunition inside the two houses.

It was also learnt that though no arms was recovered, a large number of Permanent Voter Cards, PVC, were said to have been seized by the police.

But speaking on the incident, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the council chairman, Mr. Bobo Ikiriko, said the raid was politically motivated.

He further said the police acted on a petition by All Progressives Congress, APC in the state.

Ikiriko maintained that

the police did not recover any arm or PVC in the two houses.

“It is politics; everything is politically motivated. Soboma Jackrich has done well for the people. We now have peace in the area . For the first time, we had a party held till dawn. But the APC people are seeing him (Jackrich) as a threat because of his soaring popularity.

“They (APC) wrote some petitions and they (police) came and invaded his houses. Some of the people that came (the police) were putting on masks.

“If not for the policemen that were guiding him, the chairman would have been killed. To say that PVCs were recovered were all falsehood.

They arrested over 30 PDP members and took them to SCID,” Ikiriko said.

Reacting, state Publicity Secretary of APC, Mr. Chris Finebone, said it was wrong for PDP to politicise issues bordering on insecurity.

He said APC will continue to be interested in the security of lives and property in the state and beyond.

When contacted, state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Ahmad Mohammad, said the Police Command would speak on the matter at the right time.

A text message sent to our reporter by Mohammad reads: “We will speak on it (raiding of council chairman’s houses) at the right time.”

6

News

Ayo EsAn

P

ursuant to Federal Government’s plan to develop the solid minerals sector, the United States Geological Survey and its Nigerian counterpart, would next week commence strategic engagements aimed at working out suitable technical partnership between the two countries.

United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Enstwistle, disclosed details of the engagement between the two countries’ geological survey agencies during a meeting with the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, in Abuja, yesterday.

Ambassador Enstwistle explained that the two geological survey agen-

Friday, January 8, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

US, Nigerian geological survey agencies to collaborate on solid minerals cies would work on data collection with a view to determining the quantity of Nigeria’s mineral deposit.

Fayemi, at the meeting which was also attended by the Minister of State in the ministry, Abubakar Bwari, had earlier hinted on the planned technical cooperation in geological data to improve the Nigerian solid minerals sector.

The minister said some of the issues confronting the Nigerian mining sector include the quality of the data available to determine the size of what the country has and how the country could use bank-

able data to attract potential investors.

Federal Government, according to the minister, had approached the US to assist the country in this area in order to determine the quality and quantity of the various minerals available, considering the

wealth of experience of the US Geological Survey in that field.

He said the experience of the American institution in beneficiation would help Nigeria improve on what it has in terms of its huge minerals deposit.

The minister also stated that Nigeria is focusing on how to improve on industrial minerals apart from exporting raw materials.

Fayemi who hailed the US government’s readiness to partner with Nigeria, said the country is also partnering with

institutions like the World Bank and other governments with vast experience in mining to help the country achieve President Muhammadu Buhari’s aspiration in the diversification of the economy through the solid minerals sector.

NEMSA outlaws wooden poles for electricity distribution Chidi UgwU AbujA

N

igerian Electricity Management Services Authority, NEMSA, said it has concluded plans to outlaw wooden poles to forestall bad installation practices in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, NESI. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEMSA, Engr. Peter Ewesor, who disclosed this at an interactive session with journalists in Abuja yesterday, said the move became necessary to stop increasing accidents caused by bad wooden poles in the nation’s power sector.

According to Ewesor, there is no where good, well-treated wooden pole that could stand the test of time are produced in the country, stressing that banning the use of wooden poles is one of the first thing the agency would do in 2016.

His words: “I want to tell you that there are some bad installation practices in this country.

We are going to make sure we outlaw some of them. I will give you one; you will find that we have what we call firewood type of wooden poles.

“Today in Nigeria, there is no where you have good factory producing good, well-treated poles; the simple reason

is that these unscrupulous wooden pole producers produce poles that are cheap, because they have not been treated. There are procedures for treating wooden poles. So, we are going to outlaw the use of wooden poles in 2016.

“It will be one of the first things we are going to do, because bad wooden poles have caused a lot of accidents in the power sector.”

He also said NEMSA is intensifying collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the Consumer Protection Council, CPC, and indeed other relevant agencies to ensure that defective electrical equipment do not find their way into the country.

The NEMSA boss maintained that electrical accidents could be reduced to the barest minimum if practices are done according to the rule, and also meet international best practices in the industry.

He said the agency would ensure that any new project to be embarked upon this year meets international best practices in design, specifications, planning and execution.

Ewesor said such projects must be carried out in a way that their maintenance would be easy for sustainability.

L-R: Deputy Director, Equipment Procurement AHQ, Brig.-Gen Abdul Masanawa; representative, Minister of Defence, Maj.-Gen Barry Ndiomu; Defence Attache, U.S Embassy, Col. Patrick Doyle; Public Affairs Officer, U.S Consulate, Lagos Dehab Ghebreab, during the U.S donation of 24 Armored Personnel Carriers to Nigeria in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

US donates 24 armoured personnel carriers to Nigeria

A

s part of effort to support the fight against Boko Haram, the United States government yesterday donated 24 Mine-Resistant, Armour-Protected, MRAP, vehicles to Nigeria.

U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, presented the vehicles to the Nigerian government at the 9 Brigade Parade Ground, Ikeja, Lagos.

Represented by the U.S. Defense Attache, Col. Patrick Doyle, Entwistle said the gesture was part of his government’s continued support for Nigeria in the fight against insurgency.

“The sacrifices made by Nigeria to help the Nigerian people and West African countries in the fight against Boko Haram are commendable.

“I believe the U.S. commitment to Nigeria is sec-

ond to none.

“We will continue to support the Nigerian government in its fight against Boko Haram.

“We are therefore, presenting these 24 vehicles to the Nigerian Army to aid it in its assignments,’’ he said.

Entwistle added that his country donated the vehicles through its Excess Defense Articles Programme, adding that the Nigerian government arranged for their transportation to Lagos from the U.S. The envoy also said it would be the responsibility of Nigeria to repair some of the vehicles that are not in good condition.

Entwistle said the U.S. government is currently downsizing its troops, and had decided to donate some of its MRAPs to its partner countries like Nigeria.

He disclosed plans that Nigeria would soon be receiving additional eight MRAPs. Minister of Defence, Brig-Gen. Dan Alli (rtd), represented by Chief of Training and Operations at the Defence Headquarters,

Maj-Gen. Barry Ndiomu, commended the U.S. government for the donation.

Alli said the donation could not have come at a better time than now, especially as Nigeria is grappling with the problem of insurgency.

CHANGE OF NAME FORMERLY known and addressed as MR. AHMED ADEGBOYEGA, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. WAHAB AHMED OLAWUWO. All former documents remain valid General public please take note.

FORMERLY known and addressed as MISS ADERINTO SAUDAH ADEBUKOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SANUSI SAUDAH ADEBUKOLA. All former documents remain valid General public please take note.

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

FREDRICK :I, formally known and addressed as FREDRICK OSARUMEN now wish to be known and addressed as UFUMWEM OSARUMEN JULIET All former documents remain valid, General Public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

FAMILY CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MR. IKHUMETSE OMOKHUDU FESTUS MRS. IKHUMETSE . CHRITIANA . MISS. FAVOUR ISEOGHENA. IKHUMETSE .

MISS. PRAISE OCHUWARE. IKHUMETSE . MISS. SHALOM OSIRO. IKHUMETSE now want to be known and addressed as MR. FESTUS OMOKHUDU IKHUMETSE ASHER . MRS. CHRISTIANA ONYEWENUWA IKHUMETSE ASHER .

MISS FAVOUR ISEOGHENA. IKHUMETSE ASHER. MISS. PRIASE OCHUWARE. IKHUMETSE ASHER . MISS SHALOM OSIRO. IKHUMETSE ASHER . All former documents remain Valid. General public take Note

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NEWS

Friday, January 8, 2016

7

FAAN assures on Port Harcourt Airport’s completion olusegun KoiKi

M

L-R: Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi; American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr James Entwistle and Minister of State for Solid Minerals, Hon Abubakar Bwari, during a meeting with the Minister in Abuja, yesterday.

Overpricing: DPR, NSCDC seal erring filling stations in Ogun Femi oyeweso AbeOkutA

D

epartment of Petroleum Resources, DPR, yesterday raided and shut down six petroleum filling stations, which were dispensing the product above official pump price of N86:50 in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

DPR, which carried out the operation in Abeokuta metropolis, accompanied by personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, from Ogun State command, also ensured that petroleum products from two filling stations whose dealers were hoarding the

product were dispensed freely to motorists during the operation.

The filling stations are Amour Petroleum, Saquad Oil, Rab Engineering, Arolat, SAF Petroleum and Muyad Nigeria Ltd. Although DPR officials refused to speak with newsmen over the operation, head of the delegation that stormed Abeokuta metropolis, Mohammed Umar, however, said the exercise was routine.

The NSCDC’s Public Relations Officer, Kareem Olanrewaju, however told journalists that the exercise was as a result of outcries and tip-offs from members of the public

EFCC boss visits Aso Rock Rotimi Fadeyi

A

cting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, was at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday to seek audience with President Muhammadu Buhari.

Magu, wearing dark brown suit, a white shirt and bow tie, was seen holding an office file with EFCC logo going into the President’s office.

His visit to the Villa came barely 24 hours after the anti-graft agency arrested Buhari’s ally and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress,

APC, and former Military Administrator of Kaduna State, Brig. Gen. Lawal Ja’afaru Isa. It was not clear whether he was able to see the president as he spent few minutes in his office.

The EFCC boss came about the time the President was inaugurating the National Research and Innovation Council, NRIC. Magu declined to speak to State House Correspondents when he emerged from the President’s office.

In recent time, EFCC has arrested some officials who served under former President Goodluck Jonathan, including

over the degree of extortion perpetuated by petroleum dealers in Abeokuta metropolis.

He confirmed closure of the affected filling stations, adding that they would only be re-opened once their managements comply with the stipulated conditions of DPR. Olanrewaju further explained that the DPR monitoring and compliance team had visited no fewer than 15 filling stations out of which six of them were sealed and two others compelled to dispense freely to motorists and residents.

“It is not only NSCDC that is in it; we are going out with the DPR and that

gives us the full hammer in accordance with the authority given by the federal government to come out and act together,” he said.

Olanrewaju however said the exercise would not be restricted to Abeokuta metropolis, stressing that “we will storm other parts too.”

“They should be wary of this exercise and do the needful. It is either they sell at normal price or risk their filling stations being sealed or their product dispensed freely.

“We will move to other parts of the state soon but it won’t be made public; we’ll just go there unexpectedly as we did today.”

his former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd) and former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda.

National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Olisa Metuh, was also recently arrested by the anti-graft body.

The EFCC boss had on Wednesday disclosed that more influential Nigerians would soon be arrested to face prosecution as the agency under him had reinvigorated itself for the fight against corruption.

According to him, since his appointment as act-

ing chairman of EFCC, he had taken steps to reorder priorities for effective implementation of its mandate.

anaging Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Saleh Dunoma, has assured that the ongoing construction of the Port Harcourt International Airport, Port Harcourt, would be completed soon.

Dunoma told aviation correspondents in his office at Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, Lagos, that work on the airport was going according to plan.

He also said construction works in other airports, especially the five new terminals being co-sponsored by the Chinese government in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Kano were being fast-tracked, assuring that the terminals would be completed by end of this year.

Dunoma advised passengers to bear with FAAN as a

result of the inconvenience being encountered due to work on the Port Harcourt site, adding that they would soon start enjoying its services.

The FAAN boss said the management was making efforts at ensuring that airports were secured and safe for passengers, declaring that the organisation was ready for the audit.

It would be recalled that during the visit of the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, and Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, contractors handling the construction of the five new terminals assured the government that the airport would be put into use before the close of the year.

The new terminals were part of the agreement the Federal Government had with Chinese Government in 2012 for the construction of airports.

Aregbesola to enforce civil service rule on striking doctors Boladale BamigBola OsOgbO

O

sun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola yesterday threatened to enforce civil service rule on striking doctors beginning from next Monday, should they continue to shun work.

Over 300 doctors engaged by Osun State and those working at Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, had been on industrial action in the last three months over unpaid salaries and other related matters.

Aregbesola, however, while addressing a symposium organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, to mark the birthday of a foremost labour leader, Comrade Hassan

Sumonu, in Osogbo, disclosed that efforts to dialogue with the doctors on the matter had been unsuccessful because they claimed they were not part of NLC. He extolled the leadership style of Comrade Sumonu, especially during and after leaving office as NLC president, describing him as an exemplary man worthy of emulation by all workers.

Efforts to speak with the state chairman of Nigeria Medical Association, Dr. Suraj Ogunyemi, and Dr. Adeyinka Owolabi of the Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital chapter was unsuccessful as the phone lines of the two officials were unreachable.

Two die in Ogun auto crash Femi oyeweso AbeOkutA

A

t least, two people were confirmed dead, while two others were critically injured yesterday in an accident that occurred at old Sango Ota Tollgate in AdoOdo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The accident, which occurred early Thursday, involved two trucks: a MACK trailer marked (LAGOS) KJA

93 XJ and another DAF truck marked (LAGOS) LXD 355 XJ. National Mirror gathered that one of the trucks suffered brake failure, veered to the other side of the road and crashed head-on into the other truck, killing two of the occupants and wounding another two people.

It was also learnt that the accident caused heavy traffic gridlock at the Sango-Ota axis as commuters and motorists heading for work in Lagos

from Ogun border town of Ota had a hectic time before they could traverse the crash scene.

It, however, took the intervention of officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, who battled to salvage the situation.

Ogun Sector Commander of FRSC, Adegoke Adetunji, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent on telephone, explained that the crash occurred around 12:53am.

8

South West

Friday, January 8, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

No going back on transformation of Oshodi –Lagos govt ...justifies demolition of Owonifari market FRANCIS SUBERU

L

agos State government yesterday said no amount of blackmail would deter its resolve to transform Oshodi and make it a centre of attraction for all Lagosians.

This follows the barrage of criticisms that trailed the demolition of the popular Owonifari electronic market loop in Oshodi by government on Wednesday.

The government said the loop was not meant to be a market, adding that the market has to go following its security threats to residents of the state.

Speaking at a press briefing addressed by Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, and his counterparts in Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Wasiu Anifowoshe, as well as Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare and Local Government and Community Affairs, Muslim Folami, the commissioners said the state was of the view that the uproar generated by the demolition was uncalled for.

According to Ayorinde, the issue about the market has been on for over 10 years, adding that the state government had engaged the leadership of the market on the need to

sanitise the axis and the way the market was being operated.

His words: “For 10 years, there has been back-and-forth engagement between the state government and the leadership of the market. But in the last three years, the leadership of the market has refused to relocate.

“The last administration built the Isopakodowo Market close to Bolade and not far from the main Oshodi. Isopakodowo Market has almost 600 shops without counting the K-clamps, which will bring the number of people the market will accommodate to over 1,000.

“Satisfied that we have provided a befitting alternative, we started another round of engagement with the leadership of the market. Ultimately, Governor Ambode appealed through the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs to invite the leadership of the market to the state Executive Council, Exco, meeting.”

He added that the leadership of the market met with the governor on December 16, 2015 at the Exco chamber.

Also speaking Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, said contrary to claims in some quarters, none of the occupant’s properties was destroyed in the demolition exercise.

Chrisland University takes off FRANKA O SAKWE

C

hrisland University was officially declared open on January 4, 2016, with a dedication service that took place at the University’s Campus, Ajebo Road, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Dignitaries from all walks of life witnessed the occasion, which was presided over by Archdeacon (Dr.) Okunuga (rtd).

Also in attendance were the chancellor/ founder of the university, High Chief (Dr./ Mrs.) W.A. Awosika

(OON), members of the board of trustees, members of the governing council, principal staff of the university, other members of staff, students, parents and other guests.

The visibly elated chancellor, High Chief Awosika, went down memory lane, as she narrated how she conceived and nurtured the idea of raising world leaders from kindergarten to tertiary level through excellent allround education.

Chrisland University was officially approved by the Federal Government in 2015.

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr Muslim Folami; Commissioner for Environment, Dr Babatunde Adejare; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde and Commissioner for Physical Planning, Mr Wasiu Anifowose, at a news conference on the demolition of Owonifari Market, Oshodi ,by Lagos State Government in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

ASUU pledges support to new LASU VC

A

cademic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Lagos State University, LASU chapter, says it will give the new vice-chancellor full support, provided he follows the rule of law.

Chairman, ASUULASU, Dr. Adekunle Idris, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday, in Lagos.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State had on January 6 appointed Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun as the 8th substantive vice-chancellor of the university.

Fagbohun, a professor of Environmental Law, was until his appointment director of research at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of Lagos.

Idris congratulated Fag-

bohun on his appointment, while commending the state government and the governing council for following the path of wisdom in the selection process.

“We acknowledge the governing council for a job well done and the governor for picking the candidate on merit.

“The new VC will enjoy a 110 per cent support as long as he adheres to the rules and regulations enshrined in the university’s constitution,’’ he said.

He urged the VC to always do the right thing and be people-oriented, praying that God gives him a discerning spirit to run the institution well.

Idris said the union would also ensure that its members do the right thing at all times.

Idris urged the governor

to complete the reformation work he had started in LASU by meeting the outstanding demands of the unions.

According to him, this would enable the VC resume work on a clean sheet.

Dean, Students Affairs, LASU, Prof. Kabir Akinyemi, advised the new VC to be calm and ensure that appropriate rules and regulations are followed.

Akinyemi said the VC must be upright and separate the truth from chaff, while making sure that every party adheres to laid down procedures of the university.

Lagos State University Students Union, LASUSU’s public relation officer, Mr. Adebanjo Fatai, said the union trusts the VC to take LASU to the Promised

Land.

Fatai urged him to ensure that LASU is free from crisis and strikes throughout his tenure, as the image of the institution has been dented due to incessant crises.

He also urged the VC to create an avenue for smooth relationship among students, staff and management of the institution.

Fagbohun succeeds Prof. John Obafunwa, the 7th substantive vice-chancellor of LASU, whose tenure expired on October 31, 2015.

Lagos State government through the university’s governing council led by Prof. Adebayo Ninalowo, on November7, 2015 had appointed Prof. Fidelis Njokanma as the acting VC.

How Nigeria can reward war veterans –Aregbesola BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

O

sun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola yesterday suggested productive ways ex-service men that fought to keep the country together could be engaged for maximum benefit of the society.

The governor, while launching an emblem to commemorate the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the banquet hall of Government House, stated that veter-

ans should not be made to regret serving their fatherland.

He lamented the engagement of veterans for sentry duties, saying it was not enough and in many cases amounts to underutilisation of resources.

The governor held that there were diverse ways veterans could be engaged productively and maximally as most of them have acquired advanced skills in many vocations that could be deployed into nation building and development.

He noted that the least Nigerians and government could do is to keep the memory of such soldiers alive, support those that are still active and take adequate care of the families of the departed.

He enjoined all to encourage the effort by wearing the emblem with pride during the week of remembrance, adding that President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians and visitors to wear the emblem throughout the week.

Earlier in his address,

deputy commandantgeneral and chairman, Nigerian Legion, Osun State, Col. Alimi Samotu, had commended Governor Aregbesola for his fatherly assistance towards the plight of the legion since the inception of his administration.

Speaking on the significance and plight of ex-servicemen, he explained that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day appeal week is a familiar event set aside

by Nigeria to express concern and appreciation for the fallen heroes.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Friday, January 8, 2016

9

Lagos convicts 3,178 miscreants, traffic offenders in one year FRANCIS SUBERU

N

o fewer than 3,178 hoodlums were charged and convicted in the last one year in Lagos State for different environmental offences, including street hawking and traffic offences.

Giving account of his stewardship since assuming office five months ago, Chairman of Lagos State Task Force, Olubukola Abe, a Superintendent of Police, said his office had received over 286 petitions from different individuals on matters relating to public health and environmental nuisance.

He said most of the petitions bordered on blockage of public roads, walkways, illegal street trading, erection of shanties, illegal structures and mechanic workshops.

According to him, his men had worked ceaslessly to restore sanity in Tejuosho Market and environs, Oshodi, Ikorodu/Mile12 axis and other black spots within the metropolis in the process of which many arrests and prosecutions

had been made.

Abe said; “Within the period of August to December 2015, we impounded and confiscated 4,430 motorcycles for breach of traffic rules.

We also seized and ticketed 201 vehicles. During the same period, we arrested 4,272 miscreants out of which 4,200 were charged to court and 3,178 miscreants convicted.”

The chairman noted that his men were able to sustain the earlier achievement of his predecessors at Oshodi, Obalende, Apapa and Yaba, just as they succeeded in clearing all identified illegal parks and uncompleted buildings notorious for harbouring hoodlums.

He however said the agency suffered a lot of attacks from hoodlums within the period as 15 officers of the agency were seriously injured, adding that some of the agency’s operational vehicles were damaged beyond repair.

He thanked the Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, for his support, which he said was instrumental to the agency’s achievements.

Police arrest hunter over robbery in Ekiti ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

P

olice in Ekiti State have arrested one person in connection with the attack in Aramoko Ekiti that led to the death of a commercial driver, Femi Philips.

Spokesman for the police in the state, Alberto Adeyemi, yesterday said the arrested person, who claims to be a hunter, was being detained at police headquarters in the state capital.

Philips, a driver with Lafe Ade Transport Company, was shot dead by masked gunmen at Aramoko-Igede Ekiti Road in the early hours of Wednesday while his 18-seater bus swerved into the bush, leaving its occupants with severe body injuries.

It was rumoured yesterday that another Ado Ekiti-bound commercial

vehicle conveying over 14 commuters was robbed around the spot at about 8pm that Wednesday evening.

The police spokesman told journalists that the suspect was arrested at about 4am yesterday within the vicinity where the robbery incident had happened.

“We have arrested a man in connection with the robbery. Our men arrested him around 4am.

The suspect claimed he is a hunter but we wonder what manner of animals he wanted to kill at that time of the day, even bearing in mind that robbery took place there recently.”

Adeyemi added that the police have begun investigations into the spate of robberies in Aramoko axis, calling on the public to collaborate with the police by providing useful information.

L-R: Member, Ibadan Progressive Union (IPU), Engr Emmanuel Ladeji; President of the union, Pastor Johnson Adeniji; Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and immediate past President of the IPU, Very Rev Ademola Moradeyo, during a thank-you visit to the governor following the resolution of Ibadan chieftaincy promotion dispute, at the Governor’s Office, Ibadan, yesterday.

Lagos terminates NURTW’s BRT franchise on Ikorodu corridor FRANCIS SUBERU

L

agos State government has terminated the franchise issued to the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, to operate a Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, along Mile 12 to CMS corridor of the state.

Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, who disclosed this to journalists on Thursday, said the Lagos government’s decision to terminate the franchise agreement was based on non-compliance by the operator. He said NURTW had consistently violated the operational plans stipulated in the franchise agreement they signed.

He said, “The termination of the franchise agreement with the opera-

tor is sequel to breaches of the BRT operations Service Level Agreement (SLA) it signed with the state government despite years of discussions and engagement to ensure the SLA was adhered to.

“Though the Service Level Agreement requires a one-month notice prior to its termination, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), custodian of the agreement, had indeed given a three-month notice, which the operator failed to honour.”

According to him, the government’s decision communicated to the operator was premised on the inability of the operator to offer good public transport services to commuters on the all-important BRT corridor.

“This has led to inces-

sant complaints by members of the public over poor services provided by the operator and deployment of unsafe vehicles for use by the commuting public,” he added.

Mobereola noted that the state government frowned at the non-operations of stipulated frequency schedules and operations of buses at below 50 per cent fleet capacity, contrary to the agreement.

“The failure of first BRT Cooperative to comply with the terms of the franchise agreement has led to passengers experiencing poor quality service typified by extensive waiting time and having to endure use of dilapidated and unsafe buses,” he said.

The commissioner stated that these breaches,

which the operator had indulged in and failed to remedy despite notification, made the state government to order the operator out of the corridor in the interest of the commuting public. He said following government’s desire to sanitise bus operations along the Mile 12 to CMS corridor, it had on September 29, 2015 served it with a notice of termination of the franchise agreement, saying the operator had pleaded for time to be able to identify other corridor before removing all its buses from the depot.

When contacted on phone, the Lagos NURTW chairman, Tajudeen Agbede, said the union is aware of the state government’s decision and would respond in due course.

Consider our plight, pensioners beg Mimiko OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

P

ensioners in Ondo State have pleaded with Governor Olusegun Mimiko to consider their predicament and pay their three months pension arrears and other allowances owed.

They said non-payment of their pension for October, November and December 2015, made them celebrate Christmas and New Year in hunger.

State Chairman of

Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, Raphael Adetuwo, yesterday in a statement issued in Akure, the state capital, said members of the union did not deserve the treatment meted to them by the state government.

Adetuwo said the government should have paid aged pensioners earning a paltry N5,000 to N10,000 monthly pension.

He said: “Many of our pensioners phoned me to express their feelings during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Some could not afford to buy their daily drugs, foodstuff and other essentials needed for the festive period.

“It was a pathetic story for us senior citizens, with the hazard of old age. Ondo State Executive Committee of NUP is using this medium to strongly request Federal Government to address the issue of harmonisation of pension long overdue.

“The least pension should be N18,000 as against N4,000, which is in-

human. Those who retired many years ago should be at par with the newly retired pensioners.”

The NUP chairman urged federal government to provide bailout funds to states to forestall the ugly situation experienced by Ondo pensioners during the yuletide.

He also advised federal government to resume payment of 5 percent counterpart fund being paid to state governments in respect of local government pensioners during the military rule.

10

South East

Friday, January 8, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Manipulate postings, face prosecution, NYSC warns corps members, others

Chris njoku And joEl AjAyi

D

irector-General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brigadier-General Johnson Olawumi, yesterday warned prospective corps members and institutions to desist from providing false information to manipulate their postings.

He said any person or tertiary institution caught in such irregularities as falsification of medical and marriage documents, as well as provision of false information to manipulate their postings should desist forthwith or be prepared to face consequences of their action.

The NYSC DG read the riot act at the opening ceremony of the NYSC 2016 Batch “A” pre-mobilisation workshop with the theme:

‘The role of stakeholders in sustaining the gains of NYSC computerised mobilisation process’ held in Owerri, Imo State capital.

Olawumi also warned that the situation where parents request concessional postings for their children on health or marital grounds when such information was not provided during the online registration exercise would not be accepted.

According to him, the mobilisation workshop is a forum that provides opportunity for NYSC management and stakeholders in the mobilisation process to interface and to review past mobilisation activities with a view to finding solutions to the challenges encountered during the process.

“In furtherance of this effort, the NYSC scheme in 2014 Batch “C” service year made a paradigm shift in the mobilisation process when

it became fully computerised. Apart from the case of registration at the camps, prospective corps members have been saved from the cost and danger of distant travels to their institutions to collect call-up letters.

More importantly, the computerisation programme has brought credibility and transparency in the NYSC mobilisation process by eliminating the issue of ghost or fake corps mem-

bers,” he explained.

Olawumi therefore appealed to the Imo State government for the speedy completion of the NYSC permanent orientation camp in the state.

Governor Rochas Okorocha, while declaring the workshop open, noted that the NYSC scheme put in place 43 years ago by the General Yakubu Gowon administration had continued to promote national unity

and integration among various ethnic groups.

The governor, who decried the upsurge in youth unemployment in the country, enjoined the NYSC management to evolve measures that would encourage self reliance among corps members after their service years to stem the tempo of juvenile delinquency among the rising generations.

Also, the Director, Corps

Mobilisation Department, Mr. Anthony Ani, explained that the pre-mobilisation workshop provides critical stakeholders the opportunity to assess the level of implementation of the resolutions of the previous pre-mobilisation workshop, review the past exercise, identify challenges and proffer water-tight solutions with a view to achieving a seamless mobilisation process.

Anti-insurgency: Ugwuanyi lauds Buhari, army EmmAnuEl EzEh ENUGU

G

overnor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the country’s armed forces for their gallantry and success in securing the country’s shores.

In an address at the 2016 launch of the Armed Forces Remembrance and Emblem Appeal Week in Enugu, Governor Ugwuanyi assured them of his administration’s solidarity and goodwill, urging them not to relent.

He called on all Nigerians to pray for the Nigerian Army for the sustenance of their success in fighting insurgency in the country.

The governor called on all Nigerians to keep faith and commitment with the country’s fallen heroes, who voluntarily laid down their lives in the service of their fatherland by donating either in cash or kind for the upkeep of these veterans’ dependants and the ex-servicemen, who are lucky to be alive but are in need.

Ugwuanyi also commended the Enugu State branch of the Nigerian Le-

gion for its initiative and giant strides to rehabilitate their fallen colleagues.

He said, “It is a time to remind ourselves of the plight of the ex-servicemen as well as the survival of the dependants of these fallen heroes and show them our appreciation for the sacrifice they made to preserve our lives and the nation.”

In his address, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Enugu State council, Engr. George Amalu, noted that the event was set aside for the remembrance of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who voluntarily laid down their lives in the service of their fatherland.

He added that the ex-servicemen who were lucky to be alive but were either in need due to infirmity or old age were also remembered during the period under review.

He appealed to all wellspirited individuals to donate for the upkeep of these war veterans and fallen heroes’ dependants either in cash or kind.

The chairman enumerated the challenges facing the legion in the state among which are lack of annual subventions to the legion.

Enugu State Goverment Ifeanyi ugwuanyi (left) being decorated with the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem by Chairman, Nigeria Legion Enugu State Council, Mr George Amalu in Enugu, yesterday.

PHOTO:NAN

Onitsha chief blames Nnamdi Kanu for woes GloriA AnAEzE ONITSHA

O

ne of the contestants to the throne of Obi of Onitsha, High Chief Lawrence Godwin Odukwe, yesterday said Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, is the architect of his own trouble.

He described Kanu’s abusive words and speeches through Radio Biafra as unnecessary and uncalled for, adding that it amounted to fanning the embers of war.

Odukwe, who stated these during the celebration of his golden jubilee wedding in Onitsha, restated: “I feel very bad on this their agitation for a sovereign state of Biafra.

“Igbos suffered during the war; (now) younger men who never knew what war looks like (have) started talking

Look at South East roads; the money belongs to us all. Kanu put himself in this incarceration mess,” Odukwe stated.

On his wedding, he thanked God for the attainment, adding that it was achieved through prayer, perseverance, love and hard work.

war.”

He, however, admitted that the South East zone was marginalised but advised on a roundtable discussion instead of being confrontational over the poor condition of the zone.

“We don’t have the right to breach the norms, the unity

of Nigeria,” he warned.

Odukwe stressed the need for the Igbo to be at the same level with other ethnic groups and states, adding that the infrastructural decay is a source of worry that prompted the agitation.

“We have to be at equal level and contest with others.

AliunA Godwin

Gunmen kill bizman in Ebonyi

ABAKALIKI

G

unmen yesterday killed one businessman whose name could not be ascertained when filing this report in Amasiri, Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

It was gathered that the hoodlums, numbering four, had robbed a warehouse in the area before proceeding to the shop of the businessman and shot him.

An eyewitness told journalists on condition of unanimity that the gunmen invaded the place, shooting into the air to scare people way, grabbed their victim before shooting him dead.

The source noted that the businessman was rushed to hospital where he was confirmed dead.

Another eyewitness, who is a resident of the area, Amadi Clement, told National Mirror that the hoodlums

shot sporadically to scare people away, before they commenced operation.

He added that the Afikpo Divisional Police command was contacted and a team of policemen stormed the area, but failed to catch the suspects who had already fled.

Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, ASP George Okafor, who confirmed the incident, dismissed claims that the hoodlums robbed a warehouse and other shops.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Dennis naku

PORT HARCOURT

F

ederal Government said yesterday it has begun payment of three month’s salary arrears to about 2,000 Niger Delta ex-agitators in Rivers State.

Chief of Staff to the office of t special adviser to the President and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, Col. Dedis Abel (rtd) made this known at the launch of direct payment in Port Harcourt yesterday.

Abel said government would henceforth make direct payment of N65,000

YENAGOA

F

ive suspected persons allegedly hired by politicians to bomb the home of former President Goodluck Jonathan, have been apprehended by operatives of Bayelsa State Police Command, Yenagoa.

The arrest, which was carried out in an unnamed hotel in Swali area of Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state, has sparked off security concern in the state.

Sources confirmed to our correspondent that the suspects were rounded up by the police based on a tip-off while they were perfecting strategy on how to attack the Yenagoa home of the former president.

While the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, confirmed it during a media interac-

monthly stipend to the former agitators rather than through their leaders.

He further said, “The Amnesty office took the decision to pay ex-agitators directly following reports of complicity and short-changing of some of them by the leaders.

“Reports revealed that some of the ex-agitators were paid as low as N20,000 out of the N65,000,

tion on Wednesday, he said the suspects were hired hands of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the state governor with the intention to blame it on the APC. The PDP is yet to react to the claim.

Though the police command through its spokesman, Astim Butswat, failed to mention the political affiliation of the arrested suspects, he insisted that those arrested were plotting to attack a yet-to-be identified target.

The arrested suspects include Timiere Matthew, 25, Samuel Joe, 27, Emeka Asupha, 34, Ebipre Ebebi, 25, and Okilo Matthew, 25.

Butswat said: “They were arrested based on a tip-off on January 6 at about 1500hrs, by detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Vice unit, which stormed a hotel premises in Swali community, Yenagoa.”

which does not conform with the mandate of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

“Henceforth, payment of the monthly stipend would be made directly to each beneficiary with focus to eliminate cases of fraud and short-changing by their leaders.

“Similarly, this exercise will enable us to collect biometrics of beneficiaries and create Bank Verification Numbers to enable government make future payments through their individual bank accounts,” he said.

Abel said the week-long direct payment was to offset the October, November

and December arrears owed to more than 2,000 former agitators, drawn from several ex-agitators’ camps in the state and environ.

The chief of staff said out of the 30,000 beneficiaries under the amnesty programme, only 13,000 had received either formal education or vocational training before the present team came on board.

According to him, ``the number of those trained increased by 5,000 since retired Brig.-Gen. Paul Boroh was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari to head the Presidential Amnesty Programme five months ago.

``The 5,000 newly trained beneficiaries were sent to both local and foreign institutions and vocational centres to acquire knowledge and skills that would allow them become self-reliant,” he stated.

Abel said the remaining 12,000 ex-agitators yet to participate in the process would be trained in the coming months.

He commended Heritage Bank for its partnership and support of the amnesty programme.

Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke with our reporter, expressed happiness and commended the PAP for the direct payment and transparency in

the process.

The former agitators numbering thousands and chanting songs of praise and victory, expressed optimism that the direct payment would end the shoddy treatment meted out to them by their leaders.

The payment was held at the Army Children Nursery and Primary School playground at Government Reserved Area in Port Harcourt, even as security was tight and the area for the exercise was barricaded by the Army, Department of State Security and the police to prevent breakdown of law and order.

Niger Delta Ex-Militants being screened for their monthly stipend by officials of the Presidential Amnesty Programme of the Federal Government in Port Harcourt yesterday.

PHOTO:NAN

Lassa fever: Over 60 persons under surveillance in Rivers Dennis naku

PORT HARCOURT

N

o fewer than 60 persons have been placed under surveillance following the outbreak of Lassa fever in Rivers State.

This is coming barely a week (precisely between Wednesday, December 30, 2015, and January 1, 2016) after a nursing mother and her two weeks old baby died of the contagious disease.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Theophilous Odagme, told journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday

11

Amnesty: FG begins payment of N65,000 each to ex-N’Delta militants

Police nab five over plot to bomb Jonathan’s home OsahOn Julius

South South

Friday, January 8, 2016

that 12 medical personnel that attended to the victims at a public health facility have been placed under observation.

Odagme said those placed under observation include the health personnel that treated the victims as well as secondary contacts.

He said: “We have placed the health personnel who attended to the woman and her baby that died last week under surveillance.

We have also placed some secondary contacts that had contacts with the deceased during the naming ceremo-

ny of the baby who died two days after the death of the mother under surveillance.

“Over 12 of the staff at the primary health care centre, who managed and attended to the mother and the baby, have been placed under surveillance. The husband of the deceased woman has been asked to draw up a list of those who attended the naming ceremony of the baby and had contact with the mother and child.

“The list from the husband of the deceased woman is also being generated and that would be over 50.

We already have some of them under observation.

We are searching for all those who have had secondary contacts with the health personnel, including family members and friends who had primary and secondary contacts with the victims,” the commissioner said.

He, however, added that the primary health centre where the victims were admitted have been decontaminated, adding that “the victims have already been buried in keeping with the principles of managing the corpse of those who died from Lassa fever and other

hemorrhage diseases.”

Continuing, he explained that, “for now, we do not have any symptomatic case.

What we are doing now is to check the temperature of all those who are currently under observation.

Any of them who develops the symptom of Lassa fever will be immediately quarantined.”

Dr. Odagme called on members of the public not to panic over the outbreak of the disease, emphasising that, “we have taken all necessary precautions to prevent escalation of the disease. I was promptly in-

formed about the condition of the victims by a micro-biologist at the primary health care facility where the victims were being treated.

“Members of the public should increase their level of hygiene and make sure they keep rodents out of their homes as well as their foods.

“It is our collective responsibility to report any symptoms of Lassa fever to the nearest health facility so that health personnel can promptly take over such situations and apply necessary treatment,” the commissioner said.

12

North

Friday, January 8, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria’s future bright, says minister AdeolA Tukuru AbujA

M

inister of State for Labour and P r o d u c t i v i t y, James Ocholi, yesterday said before the end of 2016 Nigerians would be better off as the country would be better placed in terms of economic stability, infrastructure and basic amenities.

Ocholi gave the assur-

ance in Abuja when the Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, presented him with the award of Ambassador of Conscience and Notary Personality, assuring that Nigerians have a president that is willing to listen and they will begin to see the dividends very soon.

The minister assured that the government is willing to tackle primary health care, PHC, in the

grassroots, adding that the ministry ought to have a labour desk in every ministry because labour issues do arise.

He lauded the association for its efforts so far to healthcare delivery in the country, particularly in Federal Capital Territory, FCT. Earlier, the association’s president, Dr Isaac

Olubanjo Akerele, appealed for new recruitment of doctors, expansion of PHC services and need to open more centres in FCT. “We are also making a strong appeal to Federal Government, especially the Minister of FCT that our proposal for capacity building on disaster management must be

taken with seriousness.

We want to have at least no fewer than 100 doctors that can be available to respond anywhere particularly when we have crisis.

Looking at the security challenge in the country, Nigeria deserves the best and we are prepared to do more.

“The training in FCT is not adequate enough and

needs to be strengthened.

The teachers involved in the training need to be encouraged to go for update courses and must be sponsored by Federal Government,” he said.

He noted that the essence of the award to the minister is to encourage him as a cabinet member in promoting good services in Nigeria.

Taraba Assembly operates without speaker JusTin Tyopuusu jAlingo

S

ince the Appeal Court ruling of December 25 that nullified the election of Abel Peter Diah as a member representing Mbamga state constituency in Taraba State House of Assembly, the house has been operating without a speaker.

The Appeal Court sitting in Yola, Adamawa State, had on December 21, 2015, in an appeal filed by Diah, upheld the decision of the tribunal, which nullified his election in eight polling units, but ordered run-off in five polling units of the eight.

On December 25, while Diah was celebrating Christmas with his family and supporters, the Appeal Court finally sat on the appeal brought before the court by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and still upheld the decision of the tribunal.

The ruling has since created a leadership vacuum in the house that has since December 25 been without a speaker, and by implication without any principal officer of the house.

Efforts to get the chairman, House committee on information and public affairs, Salleh Sa’ad, for comments on the development failed. However, on local television stations monitored in Jalingo, Sa’ad declared the seat of the speaker of the house vacant.

According to him, the Speaker lost the last leg of his appeal which has stopped him from being a member and by implication, speaker of the house.

Sa’ad urged the public not to overheat the system as the house leadership was still intact with the deputy speaker still in office with other principal officials and

would reconvene when it is time.

He noted that the house was still on recess and would do the right when it resumes.

It would be recalled that All Progressive Congress, APC candidate, Emmanuel Bongo, is challenging the declaration of Diah as member representing Mbamga state constituency on the grounds that the election was marred by irregularities and substantial non-compliance with the electoral act.

Bauchi State Governor Muhammed Abubakar (left), congratulating oldest member of the Nigerian Legion, Bauchi State, Corpral Gumi Muhammadu, at the launch of Nigerian Army Remembrance Day Emblem Week in Bauchi, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Low turnout mars Niger PDP’s LG campaign priscillA dennis MinnA

L

ow turnout has characterised flagoff of Niger State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, local government election campaign in Kontagora area of the state.

The event was also met with hostility from people of the area, who shouted: ‘Bamu So’, (meaning, we don’t want) and ‘Bamu Yi’

(we will not give you our support).

Findings showed that the abysmal turnout may not be unconnected with the state of underdevelopment in the state allegedly credited to the PDP that ruled it for the past 16 years. Kontagora, it would be recalled, was a stronghold of the then opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, during the PDP government’s reign.

The APC still enjoys lots

of support from electorates in the state, not least in Kontagora, where it has intensified campaign moves in a bid to emerge victorious in the local government poll.

At the flag-off rally, former governor of Niger State, Engr Abdulkadir Kure, appealed to the electorates on behalf of PDP. He admitted that PDP disappointed the people as a political party in the past, of which it had

learnt its lessons, and called on the people to vote massively for PDP as the only party that could salvage them from unjust treatment.

Kure also lamented that the incumbent APC government, particularly in the state, had however taken to the wrong ways of the former PDP by using security apparatus in elections, and called on the electorate not to be intimidated by their pres-

Yobe ex-service men realise N9.2m in donations inusA ndAhi DAMAturu

N

igerian Legion, Yobe State chapter, yesterday realised N9.2 million in donations with five automatic employment slots during Emblem Appeal week in Damaturu, the state capital.

Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, who hosted the legionnaires, announced the state government’s donation of N5 million

with a personal gift of N500,000 to the fallen heroes. “Commissioner of Finance should ensure that N500,000 is released to them by tomorrow (today),” he stated.

According to the governor, the appeal fund will provide opportunity for citizens to remember and appreciate the enormous contribution made by the legionnaires in protecting the sovereignty of Nigeria as well as ensure its political stability, unity

and promotion of peace across the world.

Gaidam also said the role of Nigerian Army in the ongoing war against insurgency is highly commendable, adding: “That has accorded Nigeria its rightful position in the comity of nations.”

Also, the deputy governor, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu, donated N200,000, while the State Assembly donated N220,000, and members of state Executive Councils gave

N600,000.

Earlier, Chairman, Nigeria Legion Association, Captain Ibrahim Ladi Gadina, thanked the governor for his continuous support and advised other states to emulate him.

“We will continue to thank Governor Ibrahim Gaidam for his tireless support in providing us with accommodations under owner-occupier scheme, employment, utility vehicles and offices,” he said.

ence during the January 16 poll.

Also, a three-time senator and first PDP chairman in the state, Senator Nuhu Aliyu Auna, and former Kano State governor, Col. Aminu Isah Kontagora, commended the leadership style of Kure who they described as coolheaded, matured, with a good vision and ideas.

They assured that in no distant time, PDP would take over the state, even as they called for unity of purpose to ensure the party’s victory.

The state PDP chairman, Musa Ma’ali, presenting the party’s flag to chairmanship aspirants of 25 councils for the election, commended the peaceful and accommodating conduct of members of the party.

It would be recalled that APC on Tuesday flagged off its campaign in Minna led by the state governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, who urged party supporters to vote in APC candidates and ensure PDP remains out of power.

Friday, January 8, 2016

With Mimiko in PDP, the party is jinxed —Osunyinkanmi 15

EzEkiEl TiTus BAUCHI

A

citizen and tax payer in Bauchi State, Alhaji Nasiru Ibrahim Darazo has filed a suit before a Bauchi State High Court 1V Presided over by the State Acting Chief Judge, Justice Hamidu N. Kunaza against the State Governor , Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar for allegedly collecting N4bn loan from the United Bank for Africa , UBA without following due process.

The Counsel to the tax payer, Barrister Sadiq U. Sarki filed the suit number BA/258/15 yesterday seeking for the determination whether the Governor has the power within the provisions of section 128 and 129 of the 1999 constitution as amended to source for, collect and utilized the N4bn on behalf of the state government without the approval of the state House of Assembly.

Sadiq asked the court to determine if the Governor has the right to source and utilize the loan on behalf of the 7th assembly after their valedictory session, when their tenure expired and when the tenure of 8th Assembly had not commenced and the elected members were not yet sworn- in.

He said if the above issues are resolved in the negative, then the Plaintiff shall seek a declaration that the Governor has no power to collect and utilize the loan without the approval of the State Assembly and he has no power to collect the loan on behalf the Government without the approval of the 7th

T

13

Politics

Tax payer drags Abubakar to Court over N4bn loan Assembly after their valedictory session, when their tenure expired and when the tenure of the 8th Assembly did not commence and members are not yet sworn- in.

Sadiq asked the court to declare that the N4bn loan collected by the Governor on behalf of the State Government is without due process of law and therefore null and void and be ordered to refund the sum of N4bn collected .

He asked the court to restrain the Governor from further collecting any loan without due process of law.

In the affidavit sworn in by the Plaintiff, Darazo said as an indigene of the state who has been regular and prompt in discharging his obligations of paying tax to the State Government, he has the right to know how finances and funds of the State Government is being managed by the Governor.

Darazo said he was disturbed and restless with the allegations of series of financial mismanagement of the funds and finances of the State Government in addition to the allegations of infractions of the law towards collections of the loans and its administration.

He said it is no longer news that the Governor collected N4bn loan on behalf of the State Government after his swearing- in without the approval of the State Executive

Osun minority leader for burial today he late Minority Leader of the Osun State House of Assembly, Honourable Oladejo Makinde will be buried today.

Makinde, who represented Ife Central Constituency as at the time of his demise died on December 27, 2015 at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital during a brief illness.

The Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Honourable Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, in a statement on Thursday, said Lying-in-State and Special Valedictory session will be held in honour of the late lawmaker in the State House of Assembly Chamber by 8:am today.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The statement added that, the final Burial Service will subsequently be held at the Anglican Church, Ayegbaju-Ilode, Ile-Ife by 10:am, while interment follows immediately at the deceased Ikoyi residence in Ile-Ife, Osun State

Makinde

Council and the State House of Assembly since the news of collection of this N4bn loan is within the public domain as it is awash in the Newspapers across Nigeria and the newspapers are on the internet.

Darazo said when the Governor was asked to provide evidence of approval of the State Executive Council and the Bauchi state House of Assembly, the defendant made verbal general denial with-

out any supporting document to back his assertions and claims and said the 7th Assembly granted the approval to the Governor.

But speaking on behalf of the members of the 7th assembly, a lawmaker, Abdulmumini Hassan Ningi denied the assertion of the 3rd defendant.

Ningi said the 7th assembly had its valedictory session almost a week before the inauguration of the Governor as such ceases to ex-

ist immediately after the valedictory session and cannot function as a law making body of the state Government so not capable of giving any approval and threatened court action against the 3rd defendant if he did not come out through the same medium to retract the assertion he made to the effect of the 7th assembly.

The Presiding Judge Konaza is expected to fix the date for mentioning.

Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki (left) with the Managing Director, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Christine Lagarde at the National Assembly.

Group expresses confidence in Ambode’s ability to implement 2016 budget Francis subEru

T

he leadership of National Image, a non- profit youth advocacy organisation has expressed confidence in Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s governgovern ment to fully implement the 2016 budget signed into law two days ago.

National Image coordinator, Seyi Bamigbade who spoke to jourjour nalists yesterday in Ikeja Lagos exex pressed delight at the provisions made in 2016 appropriation bill; saying the budgetary provisions for capital projects and youths emem powerment is highly encouraging.

According to the coordinator,

the budget tagged “the people’s budget” if fully implemented will translate to a lot of development for Lagosians and create job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths in the state.

“We have always had confidence in Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and that was why we gave him our full support during the electioneering period. We know he can do it and considering the provisions in his first full budget, we are not disappointed at all.

“The budget has a lot of goodies for the youths considering the amount of money appropriated for wealth creation and employment generation. We only want to appeal that those concerned with

the implementation of these policies go about it truthfully and diligently.”

The group also lauded Governor Ambode for signing N25 billion Employment Trust Fund, ETF Bill into law; saying the fund has the potential of pulling thousands of youths out of unemployment markets.

It will be recalled that Ambode had prior to his election promised to establish an ETF scheme to address the challenges of unemployment in the state.

According to the governor, each year the state government would inject N6.25 billion into the fund for a period of four years, making N25 billion cumulatively.

14

Politics

Friday, January 8, 2016

Bayelsa re-run: TMG deploys 99 observers, urges candidates to shun violence OsahOn Julius YENAGOA

A

head of tomorrow Bayelsa rerun poll, Nigeria’s frontline election observer coalition, the Transition Monitoring Group, TMG, said it has mobilized 99 observers for the poll, just as it urges governorship candidates to avoid the violence which marred the December 5, 2015 election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has re--scheduled the re-run poll in Southern Ijaw and 101 polling units across Bayelsa for tomorrow, Saturday January 9, 2016 after the violence and irregularities that marred the first election on December 5, 2015.

A statement on Thursday

by Media Manager, TMG, Mr. Armsfree Ajanaku, the Non-Governmental Organization, NGO, called on the

political parties and their contestants to ensure that the sad incidents of December 5, 2015 were not repeated come tomorrow.

He said: “We call on the security agencies to ensure the space is secured for the peaceful conduct of the poll.

“Above all, TMG urges eligible voters coming out to exercise their franchise in Southern Ijaw and other affected polling units to conduct themselves with utmost decorum.”

The TMG spokesperson regretted that the security agencies were unable to deal with the violence despite early indicators in their report shared with INEC, security agencies and other stakeholders.

He added, “All these happened in spite of early warning signs from TMG Pre-Election Observation reports, which indicated a likelihood of violence in a

number of Local Government Areas. “ It will be recalled that the Bayelsa governorship election of December 5, 2015 was declared inconclusive as a result of violence that undermined the process.

“Political actors mobilized militants to do their bidding resulting in the harassment and intimidation of voters, election observers and INEC officials.

“All these happened in spite of early warning signs from TMG Pre-Election Observation reports, which indicated a likelihood of violence in a number of local government areas.”

According to Ajanaku, TMG will use its ‘Quick Count’ election observation methodology based on well-established statistical principles and sophisticated information technologies to provide timely and

accurate authentication of results declared by INEC. He said throughout the supplementary election day on January 9, 2016, TMG Quick Count observers would keep an eye on the process in Southern Ijaw and other affected polling units.

He noted, “The Quick Count observers will be at their pre-assigned polling units all day to report on various processes, including set up by INEC officials, accreditation, voting, counting and announcement of results.

“Immediately after INEC announces, TMG Quick Count will verify the final result as announced by the electoral umpire.

“The Quick Count verification of the result will be based on impeccable data from a representative random sample of polling units.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ojudu’s appointment: Group thanks President Buhari

T

he Action Group caucus of the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for Babaappointing Senator Baba femi Ojudu as his Special MatAdviser on Political Mat ters.

In a release signed by its Spokesperson, Segun Dipe, apthe group described the ap pointment as a New Year gift to not just the senator but the entire progressives in Ekiti, saying the entire Ojupeople of the state see Oju du, who represented Ekiti Central in the senate during the 7th Assembly between 2011 and 2015 but refused to seek re-election, as one of their very best.

“We are expressing confidence in him and assuring Mr. President that the Ojudu we know would prove his mettle as a round peg in a round hole.

Women tasked on leadership roles RO ObeRt awOkuse

I

-R: Brigadier General, Jude Egbudome; Secretary to the Osun State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti; Chairman Nigeria Legion, State of Osun, Col. Alimi Samotu; Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Deputy Speaker, State House of Assembly, Hon. Akintunde Adegboye, during the launching of 2016 Emblem of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebrations, at the Government House Osogbo, yesterday.

Former Senate president’s aide dumps PDP for APC RichaRd ndOma CALABAR

S

pecial Assistant to the former Senate President, Senator David Mark, Mr. Victor Abang yesterday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC. Abang who was received into the APC by Kakwagom Bawop Ward Chairman, Andy Bissong, and the Boki Local Government Area Chairman, Clement Osowan-Nku Otu with over 400 of his staunch supporters said the initiative to join the

APC was to enable him and his supporters play politics in a level playing ground.

Abang who is also a strong ally of former senate leader, Senator Victor Ndoma -Egba defected alongside with fifteen members of the ward executive including the chairman and secretary and two officials of the Local government executive of PDP to the APC. The defection which took place at Kakwagom Market came on the heels of the recent movement of NdomaEgba from PDP to the APC and was attended by several political heavy weights in Boki Local Government

Area of Cross River State .

The former PDP man maintained that he and his supporters decided to move to the APC because the PDP was lacking internal democracy ..

He said that following the ugly developments in the PDP in the state where there is glaring lack of internal democracy and reckless imposition of candidates, he had to obey the will of his teeming supporters that rather than stay in a party where decisions are taken by a few against the opinion of the majority of the party members, “it is expedient to move to a bet-

ter political climate which the APC offers”, Abang said.

Some of his supporters who spoke on the occasion expressed joy that their leader has finally agreed to their appeal to leave the PDP for a better party saying they have mounted pressure on him to defect since the run-up to the 2015 elections where candidates were pickled arbitrarily by the leadership of the PDP against the will and consent of the party members.

The APC leadership in Boki who received him assured him of fair play and justice at all times.

“The Ojudu we know is a thoroughbred progressive and a conscientised politician to whom service and loyalty mean so much. He is a pro-democracy activist who paid more than his due to achieve democratic governance in Nigeria. Two qualities he keeps displaying everywhere he has worked or served are the passion to excel and selflessness. He sees every appointment as an opportunity to serve fellow human beings, be it as a professional journalist or as a career politician.”

“We see Ojudu as a passionate citizen, a team player, an astute personality and a very humane fellow.

“He is accessible and down-to-earth. We are very certain that he will not perform any less in this appointment, rather his impact will be greatly felt by the government and the people of Nigeria.”

n a bid to identifying with the change mantra of the All Progressive Congress, APC, a chieftain of the party, Senator Ganiyu Solomon has lend his voice, calling on women across the country to take up leadership roles in line with global best practicpractic es, just as they are enjoined to live up to their primary responsibilities as mothers to ensure proper upbringing of their children.

Solomon said this at a seminar recently organised by a non-governmental oror ganisation, Hopewell InitiaInitia tives for National DevelopDevelop ment, HIND, tagged “Nigeria Muslim Women in the Era of Change”.

The former senator who was the chairman of the occasion commended the organisation for putting up the programme, stressing that the event is significant following its scope which covers women leadership training, empowerment programme and campaign against violence towards women as they address contemporary issues in the world.

He however implored them to be good ambassaambassa dors to the country in whatwhat ever roles they occupy as well as good models to their

children.

In a welcome address, the founder of the NGO, Alhaja Bilquees Aiyepola said the organisation is set to equip Muslim women to compete effectively in the era of change and paving way for their development and that of the country by ensuring that the APC change mantra is effected in all forms.

“We want them to be able to adhere to the change era.

With this enlightenment programme, more women will be well equipped and have experience in leadership skills to play key roles outside their religion, to be able to blend with the trend in society and this is what the programme is packaged for.

“And for the social vices, it will help them to be knowledgeable in the various forms of the menace, domestic violence and measures to prevent them. So we are now charging Muslim women to take up the responsibility to checkmate rapes and other vices.”

Speaking at the occasion Hon. Olayiwola Olawale representing Mushin II constituency urged members of the public to support the APC government and help others especially those in need, adding that with the different strata in the society there should be NGOs to help the less privileged.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, January 8, 2016

Politics

15

With Mimiko in PDP, the party is jinxed —Osunyinkanmi

Pius Olakunle Osunyinkanmi, DG, Directorate of Technical Aide Corps, explains why the Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko is falling out with his long time friends and associates. He speaks to NICK UWERU. Excerpts:

Akin Daramola and Senator Kunlere, I was the Secretary of the Committee, we developed what the Labour Party would be doing from week to week for the first four years and that if we are lucky to have the second four years what we should be doing. But instead, what do we have? A system of governance that runs on impulse; the governor wakes up one day and he thinks that there should be a market along Oke-Igbo Road even though nobody has taken the distance between where he is siting the market Oke-Igbo or whether the people of Oke-Igbo are even willing to come to the place.

You talked about the progressive ideas, but let’s talk about politics. Would it be right to say that it account for your movement from PDP, especially given your closeness to the Ondo State governor?

Let me put it this way: my political association with the Ondo State governor predates his assumption into office and his ascendancy to power. This is a period as early as the 90s when we were undergraduates. One of the uniting factors was that we belong to the student union government which by estimation will naturally represent the progressive tendency and so for us to identify with his political structure then or for him to have been able to identify with us and be able to forge a synergy with us simply means that there was connectivity in terms of ideological leanings. Naturally we found ourselves in the Labour Party which also has progressive tendency and that was what actually took us to power in Ondo State. Of course, over time, quite a number of issues arose. The emperor syndrome developed within the Labour Party. Within a progressive tendency there is no room for an emperor. It is also a cardinal principle in the progressive tendency. The movement to the PDP was a movement that was meant to consolidate the emperor- like mentality that has suddenly become the hallmark of the leadership of the labour party. Quite a number of people were hoodwinked into joining the PDP. And if I talk of the PDP, I mean the authentic PDP not the Mimiko invented PDP, because immediately he moved into the PDP the popular concept was that he came to ebolarise the PDP and so the party is jinxed and notable leaders have to leave and what he inherited was more or less a carcass.

But his followers say he commands respect and large following in Ondo?

Who are the followers of Mimiko? Who believe in the same political ideology with him as far back as the 1990s that are still with him today? If you say my disagreement with him is based on elitist principle or perhaps it is based on some egoist principle. You want to ask, we have a government that produce three senators. None of the senators is with the governor today: Senator Kunlere, Senator Borofice, Senator Akinyelure all of them and each of these three you know the pedigree of each of them. These were not only people who have excelled in their respective careers they are people of very high character. If we found the person that we have chosen to lead us to be unworthy, how would you rate my judgment if in a later day, I become convinced upon judgment of these wise men. Remember also that his deputy governor has to desert him, out of the 18 Commissioners that started with him including myself. I was about the only last man standing that believed in his political philosophy.

All that were left with him were those that were imported to come and chop. Those that could do his bidding, the yes sir’s men, the man Friday’s and you know them. What we have before us today is a government that has just about 10 months to expire. With the preponderance of opinion on the streets of Ondo State even right in his polling unit, he will lose and I grieve for him, because it is like a son seeing his father dying gradually of an ailment that is self-inflicted.

Your explanation quite suggests that your differences may just be personal rather than based on principle?

No! No! No! If we have not seen anything wrong with governance in Ondo State we would not have exited. Let me put it on record that the relationship between me and governor Mimiko is like that of a father and his son. But we must learn from history because there is a difference between loyalty and slavery, we must also understand that there is a dividing line between politics and principles. Politics is played as a means to an end, but where politics becomes an end in itself for a particular leader, it is left for you to evaluate and see whether you want to continue to partake in the largesse or examine your conscience and see whether you want to really act out your conscience.

So your differences with the governor stems from his betrayal of your principles?

We had been recruited abinitio on certain principles and we embarked on that journey based on that principle, we got to a certain point. Then there was a branch off from that principle and a number of us: let us re-evaluate it, we seem to be deviating, we came to power on the basis of the people, that the plight of the people will be our plight that on no condition would anybody in Ondo State go to bed hungry, that whatever we would do will be for the interest of the vast majority of the people of Ondo State and what that implied is that even in terms of distribution of projects, we are going to be fair to all residents of Ondo State; in terms of the distribution of those projects we are going to be fair to all communities and local governments; in terms of access even to simple element of contracts and patronage we were going to be fair

Osunyinkanmi not to your political followers alone, but to every legitimate resident in the state, who is able to show that he or she is fulfilling his or her obligation to the state.

How did your governor deviate from these set of principles?

Where you deviate and begin to predetermine who gets what when and how that is a fundamental departure from the principle that we enunciate from the beginning. The only reason why we tried to work against Dr. Agagu and to a reasonable extent now quite a number of us have a deep regret, the only reason why we kicked against him among other reasons was that he appointed his younger brother as his Chief of Staff, but that was even against his will, it was decision taken by the caucus of the party, by the leadership of the party and he could not resist that decision and in any case the brother played so pivotal a role, but today the government in Ondo Sate is now the government of the Mimiko, for the Mimiko and the interest of the Mimikos.

Can you be more specific on this?

The Mimikos are from the one who is Vice Chancellor to the one who is in charge of mother and child hospital; to the one who is in charge of wealth creation in the state; we now have a privatization of Ondo State. He has made the state economy to minister to the needs of a particular family to the exclusion of others and I can buttress this by emphasizing that since the last six years that I have left Ondo State in my own Local Government, I have been the political leader in that local government at least from its political tendencies for over a decade that since the last six years that I have left Ondo State not a single person whether politician or contractor or petty trader have been dignified with one naira worth of patronage.

How have these affected governance in Ondo?

What we have in Ondo State today is a situation where an otherwise trusted government becomes the most distrusted government and the reason is not farfetched; the Labour Party’s blueprint was developed right in my house and we had as the chairman of the committee the current Chief of Staff in Ondo State, Kola Ademujimi, retired Permanent Secretary

Why do you think the APC is the vehicle that would deliver the state?

You must be realistic. What is the antecedent of the APC? You must understand this; you must take it way back to 1999 and begin to see the preponderance of the elements that make up the APC today. Where were they initially in 1999?

They were either in AD or AC and later ACN and the like.

Within the gradually dying PDP you could see that it is not entirely correct to condemn a party as 100 per cent consisting of non-progressives, even within the PDP then, there were some elements that were desirous of connecting with the people and doing the right thing, but because there was that resistance, the need to protect certain hegemonic interests and those who felt that those interest has to be disemboweled so that the vast majority of the people can benefit there became a number of internal struggles to the extent that the grains have to be separated from the chaff.

There are many who see your defection as a result of the vacancy that would be available in ten month time.

Remember that I have signified my interest in the governorship seat of Ondo State long before now and the speculations have been on since the last three years. There is no doubt about that but what, I had failed to indicate was the platform and the reason was very simple. We came on board on an untainted platform of the Labour Party which is also of the progressive tendency and there was an understanding with the then AC led by Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu that there was going to be a fusion of our tendencies in Ondo State with their political structure, which to a very large extent played a pivotal role to our emergence, but again somewhere along the line the leadership of our party is noted for notoriety. Not popular, he is notorious for reneging on agreement for not standing by his words.

16

Editorial

Friday, January 8, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

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

Toll gates reintroduction palaver T he witch cried at night; and the child died in the morning. This seems the story of the proposed plan to reintroduce toll gates on federal highways by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, roughly 11 years after the Federal Government under the watch of former President Olusegun Obasanjo doled out N10 million each to the nation’s 36 states to demolish all federal toll gates in their domains. Indeed, Chief Afe Babalola, an eminent lawyer that was very close to the Obasanjo government, disclosed recently in his write-up in one of the national dailies (not National Mirror) that the FG in 2004, spent over N430 million to demolish the old toll gates.

It is obvious that toll gates demolished with N430 million in 2004 took billions of naira to build; and would require more billions to be reconstructed, perhaps more elaborately, beginning from this year. The major reason given for the scrapping of the old toll gates was that they were “conduit pipes for (the) siphoning of government revenue, rather than an avenue for road maintenance”, according to Babalola.

His exact words: “…So much was being generated without anything to show for it. On a particular occasion, I instructed some of my lawyers to observe the vol-

ume of traffic from three points on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway over a 24-hour period. The volume of vehicular traffic observed and the expected revenue from these was mind blowing…,if properly managed, revenue collection at toll gates could serve a lot of good to the government and the populace”.

It may be said with all candour, therefore, that public sector ineptitude in monitoring transparency and accountability ruined the old toll gate regime. There was, in addition, the widespread public impression that the demolished toll gates were merely instruments of political patronage; and that the Obasanjo government intervened rather too late, and with the wrong therapy.

Presently, it does seem the critical challenge the Buhari government initially faced was determining how best to sell the idea of bringing back the toll gates. Someone somewhere had to set the agenda. Consequently, on December 3, 2015, the Senate flew the kite. The same Senate which had hitherto rejected the reintroduction of toll gates not only backed its return, but also supported the introduction of weigh bridges to help protect the nation’s highways from the wear and tear occasioned by heavy articulated vehicles and trucks; following its adoption of the

DID THE FG LEARN

FROM THE MISTAKES

OF THE PAST THAT LED TO THE DISMANTLING OF THE OLD TOLL GATES…?

recommendations of the Senator Barnabas Gemade-led ad-hoc committee on works. Quickly, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, keyed in five days later with the announcement of FG’s intention to re-introduce toll gates on the nation’s highways.

“Maintenance would be our watchword. We are setting up a robust maintenance regime to keep our highways in good shape. This shows that tolling is necessary to support government funding…”, the ingenious former Lagos State governor literally pleaded at a session he had with the media in Abuja. The road sector, according to Fashola, had so many projects estimated to cost about N2 trillion; and of the N18 billion budgeted for his ministry when it was just in charge of works in 2015, N15 billion had been spent - with scant impact on road maintenance, reconstruction or construction - we dare to add. About N433.4 billion is said to be the proposed budget for the

ON THIS DAY January 8, 2002 An Antonov An-32B cargo aircraft crashed into a crowded market in Kinshasa, Zaire, killing up to 237 on the ground and leaving 253 others seriously injured; but the aircraft’s crew of six survived the crash. The incident occurred when the overloaded aircraft, wetleased from Moscow Airways and bound for Kahemba Airport, overshot the runway at the N’Dolo Airport in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

January 8, 2010 Gunmen from an offshoot of the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda, Angola, attacked a bus carrying the Togo national football team on its way to Angola for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, killing three people. The guerrilla group was fighting for the independence of the province of Cabinda. Formerly under Portuguese administration, Cabinda later became a province in Angola on the latter’s independence.

Ministry of Power, Works And Housing in 2016, and this year’s N6.08 trillion federal budget is in deficit of N1.84 trillion, for reasons of plummeting oil prices and a weak naira, among others.

Therefore, no true Nigerian that plies the nation’s decrepit highways may question the need for the return of toll gates, which translates to drafting public assistance into federal roads’ maintenance.

But the yet unanswered questions are: How fair or justified is it making Nigerians pay tolls on worn-out highways permitted by government’s ineptitude? Did the FG learn from the mistakes of the past that led to the dismantling of the old toll gates; in other words, are there guarantees that the monies realised from the proposed toll gates will be properly accounted for and utilised for the maintenance, reconstruction and construction of highways that can measure in standards with their counterparts in the civilised world? Will restoring toll gates herald the end of reckless policy rigmaroles that cost the nation and citizens fortunes in terms of wasted human capital and financial resources? If the right answers cannot be provided for these questions and others related to them, the FG should rethink the proposed return of toll gates.

x January 8, 2011 An attempted assassination of Arizona congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords; and subsequent shooting at the Safeway grocery store in Casas Adobes, Arizona, United States, led to the deaths of six people, with 13 others injured, including Giffords. The attack came a week into her third term in office. The congresswoman was meeting publicly with constituents at the supermarket where the shooting took place.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Views

Friday, January 8, 2016

17

Boko Haram-induced insurgency in retrospect Counter-terrorism Tips With

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

T

he root causes of Boko Haram’s later day radicalization are extremely complex. It should, therefore, be stated from the onset that there is no simple formula to ending terrorism and radicalism because what worked for one country may not work another. But the key to a successful counterinsurgency measure is to identify what will work for you. In the absence of one size fits all measure, only a long-term and multipronged strategy aimed at strengthening underpinnings of development and security will achieve the most effective results.

Education and economic empowerment seems to be other antidote against radicalisation and terrorist recruitment.

Since poverty and ignorance often provide a breeding ground for radicalism, socioeconomic development appears a compelling antidote, for many. To some extent, I disagree with this argument, because most terrorists are neither poor nor uneducated.

In fact, the majority seems to come from middle class backgrounds. Particularly for Boko Haram, it is perceived almost exclusively as a security threat with no discernible socioeconomic roots.

In reality, fighting radicalism with hu-

man development (not just pursuit of economic growth goal) should emerge as a smarter effort at strategic counterterrorism with new public narrative and longterm objective. An ideal breeding ground for BH’s recruitment emerges with various cultural, political, and psychological factors put together. And even when such negative dynamics converge, different terrorist networks have different political objectives. Despite such complexities and diversity, all terrorist groups share one common objective: willingness to kill or harm civilians for their cause.

It is pointless denying that counterterrorism is primarily about securing Nigeria and protecting civilians with utmost vigilance in safety measures. The BH networks would not be deterred by anything less than the strongest security measures, which do not imply physical offensive measures, but rather any measure{s} adopted to maintain peace in the land with the exception of offensive approach. The debate about the root causes of BH, however, is not about counterterrorism, if truth be told.

Advocates of the root cause approach are interested in fighting the conditions that created the sect. This is why the case for socio-economic development in the North East region should not be made in the context of counterterrorism. The development agenda should be about those most susceptible to Boko Haram’s goals.

Fighting radicalism rather than BH insurgents, will provide a better paradigm for various reasons. For instance, radicalism reflects more accurately the political

THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL COUNTERINSURGENCY MEASURE IS TO IDENTIFY WHAT WILL WORK FOR YOU and ideological dimensions of their threat.

Irrespective of the diversity of causes, motivations and ideologies behind the emergence of the sect, all attempts of premeditated violence against civilians constitutes traits of violence. Secondly, while BH is a deadly security challenge, radicalism is primarily a political threat against which non-coercive measures are unnecessary.

On a professional point of view, radicalism is often the first step to terrorism; therefore focusing on it amounts automatically to a drive towards prevention from the onset, using non-coercive measures. This is why focusing on the collective grievances behind radicalism is probably the most effective way of addressing the root causes of BH. This effort at prevention can be conceived as a first line of defence. The goal is to reduce the social, economic, and political appeals of the sect by isolating them and winning over potential recruits. Once the challenge is defined as such, the next and more difficult step is identifying an effective strategy to fight radicalism.

Breeding grounds for radicalism and BH’s recruitment emerge not necessarily under conditions of abject poverty and de-

privation as many anticipated, rather from the convergence of negative socio-economic and political trends. The scale of youth frustration is compounded by a growing expectations and diminishing opportunities for upward mobility in most parts of the country, and this leads to frustration, victimization, and humiliation among growing cohorts of urbanized, undereducated, and unemployed Muslim youths, who are able to make comparisons with other countries.

An effective strategic campaign against radicalism in Nigeria at large should take the socio-economic dimension of this collective frustration very seriously. Little can be done in the short-term about deeply rooted cultural and psychological grievances. But quite a lot can be done in the socioeconomic sphere by the Federal Government. Improving educational standards without increasing prospects for employment, or providing jobs without creating outlets for political and social participation, have created a combustible mix in the country. The growing numbers of educated but unemployed youths is particularly alarming. It is, after all, the educated youths who have the highest political aspirations and expectations, and thus, it is they who are the most frustrated when their expectations are not met.

Of note is that a politically motivated group is pushed underground, it turns more radical and resentful. All these problems illustrate the need for alternative strategies to address radicalism and BH. Our failure on this score is why our approach is not working to date.

A patient autonomy and fundamental human rights ADEKEYE VICTOR IFEDAYO

I

n my last piece, I established that a patient autonomy takes precedent over beneficence whenever there is a conflict; and that a grant of autonomy requires that the free choice of each person be recognised no matter how ridiculous such choice is.

Medical practitioners are obligated to succinctly and carefully explain the medical procedures to the patients, tell them of the advantages and disadvantages of each medical procedure in other to guide them in making the right decision. It is, however, important that medical practitioners be careful in explaining these pro and cons so as not to persuade or interfere with the patients’ choice and autonomy by indirectly influencing their decision. Medical practitioners must be prepared at all times to respect the wishes and decisions of patients, even when such decisions appear to be unreasonabe.

Patient autonomy is only practicable when the patient is legally competent; this right cannot be exercised by the young, the mentally retarded, or the psychotic. Medical practitioners are required to evaluate a patient’s capacity to make life and death decisions before allowing such patients to exercise autonomy. However, when patients with legal disability are unable to take decisions, the next of kin is allowed to take decisions for them. It is, however, expedient to state at this point that insanity does not stop a pa-

IN NIGERIA MEDICAL PRACTICE, PATIENT AUTONOMY HAS BEEN REDUCED TO THE MINIMUM POSSIBLE LEVEL tient from making decisions if the unsound state of mind does not affect his capacity to make such decision at the time of making it, or if the decision is made during his lucid period.

In Nigeria medical practice, patient autonomy has been reduced to the minimum possible level. The common saying among the general populace is “Your doctor knows best”; this saying has successfully taken away the right of patients to make decisions for themselves medically. In a research carried out by Osime OC et all at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, it was discovered that only in four percent cases did consultant surgeons explain to the patients the medical procedure they are to go through as well as get their consent before performing such procedure on them. This figure has left a big worry in the hearts of medical ethics faithful as they fear if not tackled, medical practice in Nigeria will become tyrannical.

The extant Nigerian Constitution has embraced the principle of patient autonomy in chapter IV and carved it within the gamut of enforceable fundamental human

rights. With this constitutional backing, patient autonomy takes precedence over other principles of medical ethics. The Nigeria Supreme Court has confirmed the constitutional backing of patient autonomy in the case of Medical Disciplinary Tribunal vs Doctor John Emewulu Nicholas Okonkwo ( 2001) 4 SCN 78.

Despite having the constitutional backing, my take is that these backings do not make patient autonomy absolute. There are situations when medical practitioners should be allowed to dispense with patient autonomy, go ahead and make medical decisions that are medically acceptable and beneficial to their patients.

The first exception that comes to mind is “emergency”; when a patient is in a vegetative state and thus does not have the capacity to make a decision, there is no available next of kin, and there is a need to make such decision to prevent a permanent damage being done, a medical practitioner should be able to take the appropriate decision on behalf of the patient without the fear of violating medical ethics, since the preservation of human life is the main aim of the medical practice. It is expedient that A medical practitioner be allowed to take decisions that will benefit the health of the patient during emergency.

Another is the protection of harm against the general public. When the medical preference of a patient is in contravention with public policy or has the likelihood of causing harm to the general public or a

third party, medical practitioner should be able to reject such request as the duty owed to the public trumps the duty owed to the private person of the patient.

Autonomy in medical practice should not only be a privilege accorded to the patient, I am of the view that autonomy should not be enjoyed by the patients alone; this right should be accorded to medical practitioners too, they should be allowed the power to refuse carrying out a patient’s decision if such request is in conflict with the practitioners’ conscience. He can refuse the treatment of such patient and transfer same to another practitioner.

When a patient’s consent is not sought before any treatment is administered, such patient can seek redress by bringing an action for damages before a competent court of law; but a medical malpractice complaint before the medical disciplinary tribunal can also be filed or an action for infringement on fundamental human rights before a court of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria.

Patient autonomy is a very germane principle in medical ethics.

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.

18

Mail Mirror

Friday, January 8, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Disaster management is everyone’s business

I Accounting and decision making process

D

ecision making, a crucial and necessary part of every organization, is supported by accounting information. The role of accounting information in the decision making process of every management of a corporation or a business concern cannot be over emphasized as it is a fundamental element for policy effectiveness and efficiency in the operations of such an organization; it also ensures that the objectives of the organization are achieved. This is because in today’s business and economic environment, accounting information, both quantitative and non-quantitative, is one of the major footings for any decision being made, whether it is about the price, or total output, or the optimal price mix, and the quantity of sales. These are the fundamental types of accounting information used in organizations.

Accounting information include quantitative, qualitative, financial and non-financial information as accounting information is simply facts or records provided which provide a useful basis for accounting. Accountants play a very important role in providing information to management to make economic and financial decisions.

Management relies on economic and financial information gathered in management accounting during the decision making process. Managers should, therefore, be very careful with decision making as it is very vital to the successful performance of the organization.

Miss Adenike Pearl Aladegbaye, Lagos.

n recent times, the recurring nature of numerous internal conflicts and natural disasters have rendered thousands homeless, living them not only without means of livelihood, but also subjecting them to other forms of hardship including loss of income from inability to work.

It is on this note that disaster management becomes a collective business at all levels. Understanding this fact, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has, through various media, intensified its sensitization to seek buyin of relevant stakeholders both at national and state levels for their support and cooperation towards addressing the plights of Internally Displaced Persons.

The think-tank.

I

Letters to the Editor

Against this backdrop, fullfledged involvement by everyone in disaster consciousness has become imperative; just as securing lives and properties while managing all sorts of disasters in the best way we can starts from family to communal setting and the nation at large.

More importantly, parent and schools must begin to inculcate the art of disaster management, particularly, consciousness in their wards as it was recently revealed that giving nylon bags to innocent children has become a new strategy employed by insurgents to launch explosive attacks on innocent citizens.

It has become essential for relevant stakeholders including governments, civil society and the media to support and complement the

PHOTO: ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Ridding Benue State of illegal arms

N

ot quite long ago, Atoza Hidan, a chieftain of the PDP in Benue State, was assassinated in Katsina-Ala. I was made to understand that the gangster, who exterminated Hidan’s life is a well known person in Katsina-Ala. He is rumoured to be one of the hatchet

Ogun State’s clean environment drive

wish to commend the Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, for his robust clean environment drive in the state. For quite some time now, the state has been experiencing clean-up of market areas, along the roads and residential areas. It is part of a holistic programme by the governor towards ensuring that the people of the state cultivate a positive disposition towards cleanliness and also ensuring a safe and healthy environment

Recently, as I retired from the day’s activities, l stumbled on an AIT programme, which was a special report focusing on the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in their various camps in the north of the country and how NEMA on a daily basis, assists in providing for their welfare. I watched as NEMA officials distributed food items, non-food items, and even medical services to the IDPs. It is worrisome that the number of IDPs in Nigeria has been growing rapidly since 2014. The bulk of displacement occurred in three north-eastern states affected by Boko Haram violence, namely Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, where the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had registered 868,235 IDPs as of December 2014.

for human habitation.

In the 1990s, Ogun State was known among the leaders in environmental cleanliness, apart from the natural endowment of human resources. This current effort could only be sustained by being deploying the state’s environmental laws to deterring health habits, especially unhygienic waste disposal. Ogun State is ours, so we must maintain clean environment to be among the best.

Oladipupo Olabode S. Abeokuta, Ogun State (08166332292).

men of the deceased.

The question is why the police in the Katsina Ala area in particular and Benue State in general turned blind eyes to the nefarious activities of these bandits?

If I am to have my way, the police officers in Katsina Ala and other places in the state where politically motivated or crime motivated killings constantly take place should be transferred out of Benue State.

I wish to commend Governor Samuel Ortom for the efforts made so far in making sure that the youths in possession of illegal arms in the state are dispossessed of their deadly cargoes.

The declaration of amnesty by the governor that necessitated the submission of illegal weapons possessed by the youths in the state is a welcomed development that most be applauded.

However, the governor should

extend the amnesty programme to the politicians in the state so that they too can bring out their hidden weapons and submit them to the state government. Afterall, these politicians are always the ones recruiting and equipping youths as thugs to work for them.

Having said that, Governor Ortom should not stop at amnesty programme, he should go further to create jobs for the youth so as to keep them busy, and thus prevent them from going back to their professional hit business. Benue youths were in the past known to be hard working and thus shun crimes, but the desperate and self seeking politicians in the state have negatively influenced them.

Governor Ortom should do his best to ensure that Benue youths are restored to their glorious past.

Awunah Pius Terwase, Wrote from Mpape, Abuja.

08179289948.

on-going effort by NEMA to develop effective early warning systems and proactive measures to reduce disaster risks, prevent and resolve conflicts in any form to mitigate the causes of displacement across the federation.

Adetola Ojo, Abuja, teejojo@ gmail.com.

Borno State and its pensioners

O

f recent, some pensioners in Borno State expressed displeasure over the meager amount paid to them as pensions. They, therefore, called on the state government to intervene by increasing same in the light of the present prevailing realities, especially the economic hardship that is plaguing the nation.

Though the affected pensioners, who voiced out their uncomfortable situation, are neither members of the state executive of the pensions group nor do they speak for other pensioners, they are free to express their views on matters that affect their welfare. However, it has become imperative to explain briefly matters relating to pension for the purpose of straightening the records.

In Borno State, the state government under Governor Kashim Shettima, has been consistent in the payment of pensions, and the governor will continue to honour its obligations to the pensioners just as he has never defaulted in the payment of workers salaries promptly.

On the issue of pension review, it should be noted that it is not within the purview of the state government. It is a national affair similar to a nationwide review of salaries and wages. It is rather unfortunate that salaries and wages as well pensions, which are supposed to get periodic review, have not received this treatment for some time now due to various circumstances.

Borno State under Governor Shettima will not renege on its obligations to all, especially the workers and pensioners. When the Federal Government reviewed the national minimum wage to N18, 000, Borno State under Governor Shettima was the first to respond positively to the gesture. The plight of the state pensioners is of great concern to Borno State government and it would do all it could to ameliorate this.

A.M. Bashir Shuwa, Senior Special Assistant (ICT) to Governor Shettima.

Send your letters The Editor reserves thethe right letters or or mails mailsto toPMB PMB10001, 10001,Ikoyi, Ikoyi,or orour our Email: Email:mirrorlagos@yahoo.com mirrorlagos@yahoo.comand andinfo@nationalmirroronline.net info@nationalmirroronline.netoror08056180209, 08054103275,07033375481 07033375481(SMS (SMSonly). only).

The Editor reserves right to to edit and reject letters photographs.

Psuedonyms may used, must clearly marked such. edit and reject letters or or photographs.

Psuedonyms may bebe used, butbut must bebe clearly marked asas such.

Your

FRIDAY

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

How to become a movie star in 2016

Mercy Johnson

Genevieve Nnaji

things concerning the sector. Most of all, the person will also have a near-perfect accuracy in mimicking people in that field, whom he sees as role models. It is likely that at this point, someone will tell him or her, what a wonderful actor, he or she would make. It is also common for people who want to achieve great success in the motion picture industry to be photogenic.

That is a situation where they look better in still or motion pictures than in real life. Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola JoladeEkeinde and Mercy Johnson all have these traits and look far prettier before the camera. While this does not presuppose that only pretty-looking persons can pursue a movie career, it goes on to add that a prettier face is a better incentive for this kind of industry, because a picture must highlight something unique about an actor’s personality. That means that persons who have a distinguishable personality stand a great chance in the movies.

The next thing is to interact with the relevant crowd. The relevant crowd here refers to the individuals who would help

you actualise the dream. In Nigeria, the movie industry is primarily located in Lagos, Enugu, Asaba, Abuja, though some local language industries are in Ibadan, Kaduna, Kano, Benin and Uyo. These cities are where one should go once one is convinced that he or she wants to showcase talent in acting. Hobnobbing with the right crowd, may also be in the form of living with known names in the industry.

In most cases, one may not have the opportunity of knowing any of the established names in the industry; the bridge in this case could be the journalist, who covers that beat. The several Talent Hunt shows today also present bright opportunities for those who are talented to showcase their skills. All one needs to do is to be on the look-out for such programmes and grab them with both hands, making sure that they put up brilliant performances at the first chance.

In the absence of these, however, all a person who has the talent should do is to get close to where the industry is located and source information concerning au-

ditions. At an audition, which is usually thrown open, the prospective actor is expected to read a script to a panel of directors, who judge the person’s suitability for the role in terms of diction, tone, carriage and ability.

Omotola Jolade Ekeinde, is one of those who broke into the movie industry by performing well at an audition. This first role was a lead in Mortal Inheritance, a film about sickle cell anaemia, shot by Fred Amata.

Genevieve Nnaji’s first role was as newscaster in a movie, Most Wanted shot by Ralph Nwadike in the late 90s.

First roles are usually a few scenes, or cameo appearances, unless in special cases. But it is important that one does it well, because that is what will guarantee future sign-on for film productions.

WEEKEND STARTERS

I

t is called the SoundCity Urban Blast Festival. This year’s version is beyond the musical performances as they are putting together a festival that will show every inch to the world. With every of the biggest African acts billed to share a single stage on the day, this is set to be the biggest event this year.

The event, which kicked off on Wednesday, January 6, will end today, January 8, 2016, at the new Landmark venue, Oniru Lagos Nigeria.

Jikulumessu comes on Africa Magic

T

he continent’s leading provider of top class African entertainment Africa Magic is set to hit TV screens with a brand new intriguing series – Jikulumessu. It tells a captivating tale of revenge where love and hatred, hope and despair, loyalty and treason walk side by side; where time and geographical barriers are brought down as the action moves from the big city, to the countryside, around the world.

The plot unfolds in multiple scenery from Luanda, to Namibe, to Lubango, and New York City. The characters blaze a trail seeking to discover their dreams and to fight for their beliefs, while having to prove themselves often.

P.20. 21

Soundcity Urban Blast Festival

Inside FCT

Omotola Ekeinde

P. 22. 27

P

erhaps, your New Year wish is to become a movie star. That is quite realisable. In Nollywood, where the likes of Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jolade Ekeinde and Mercy Johnson, have managed to break the ranks, so much has been happening in their lives as a result of their star-status. While they have achieved the kind of success that has made them an item even in the international circles, it is a recognisable fact that the journey did not start and end in a day.

Simply put, the rewards they are reaping today, took years of hard work and patience to nurture. But the most important factor in getting into the movie industry is being equipped with the talent.

When one is talented in performing arts it shows. The individual will from childhood notice that he or she is mostly drawn to happenings in the entertainment sector. According to Omotola Jolade-Ekeinde, she identified her talent when she was young. Right from then, according to her, she would stand in front of a mirror to entertain herself with a spoon, pretending to be a singer.

The same thing goes for Genevieve Nnaji who confirmed that as a child, she liked movies a lot, and also enjoyed acting in school plays. Having such tendencies also include getting sometimes critical of performances someone may have watched and thinking of how it could be done better. Anyone who wants to pursue a career in the performing arts can identify talent if he or she has above average interest in

Critics

Ngozi EmEdolibE

P.28. 29

Arty News

Your aspirations of a career in the movies can be realised this 2016 with these guidelines:

P. 26. 31

Friday, January 8, 2016

Flavour

Art Man

VOL. 4 No. 827

19

20

Artman In The House

Friday, January 8, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Good DJs not cheap; cheap DJs not Tade Adeyemi, is currently the President National Association of Nigeria Disc Jockeys, NANDJ, and President DJs’ Association FCT. Having been in the profession for 33 years, the historian will stop at nothing to promote the welfare and respect of DJ’s in the country. He talks about his plans for the association in the New Year in this interview with REGINA OTOKPA. Excerpts:

With some colleagues at a show

DJ Cool

R

ecently you received an award for your selfless service and contribution towards developing Disc Jockeys in the country. How does that make you feel?

I feel great and fulfilled. I thank God Almighty for enabling me to achieve this while I am still alive. It is proof that all I have been fighting for with respect to DJ’s in the entertainment industry is not in vain and someday, somebody somewhere can recognise what we have been doing in the entertainment world.

The end of year DJ rave, how did it come about?

This is the first edition, we lost three DJ’s this year and we needed to thank God that we are alive. It is an end of year party but at the same time, we want to make a statement and each year is going to be bigger and better.

What has been your experience as President DJ’s Association FCT? The DJ’s Association FCT chapter was established in 2007 but became registered in June 2008, to address what DJ’s are going through in the society.

Many People are of the opinion that DJ’s are there just to play music, they never knew that many DJ’s went for training; some for a year, people like us went for two years training way back. Just like engineers, accountants, have to undergo certain trainings to become certified, the same goes for a DJ but as a result of technology, some DJ’s do not want to go through

the normal process, they get a laptop, go on the internet download certain things and before you know it, they become a DJ. These are the people who are bastardizing the work of the real DJ’s and the customers ignorant of these developments, are only concerned about getting a DJ at a cheap rate but let’s look at it this way, if such DJ’s attend six parties they cannot save N50,000. How can when they are collecting N10, 000 per party not only that, majority of these DJ’s we are talking about, they mess up in the parties and that is why people who have money to hire good DJ’s go outside Abuja to Lagos. That was why I insisted we must put up a structure to weed out those who are not trained to be DJ’s.

Right now some of us the older DJ’s have started establishing a DJ academy where DJ’s can be trained. If these fake DJ’s can go for a training, within three to six months they will be able to handle bigger parties to make

real money.

In the strata of entertainment industry in Nigeria, DJ’s are the least paid. Whether an artiste shots a video with N10 m, it is still the DJ who will play the music, if he doesn’t play the music, nobody will know the artiste. DJ’s are first at every event and the last to leave with peanuts meanwhile others like the Mc’s and artistes who uses the DJ’s equipment, come and go with their millions. The equipment used by a DJ costs a fortune, it cannot be bought for less than a million, meanwhile the DJ is being paid N10, 000, where is he going to get the money to buy that equipment.

People get it wrong, DJ is not just a DJ he is the entertainer, he is the soul of any event. If there is no DJ at any formal or informal events, it is gone. Based on these, we discovered it was time to restructure our profession to place DJ’s where they rightly belong, on top.

We are also looking at promot-

ing the welfare of DJ’s. We discovered those who work at night clubs are not being paid hazard allowance. Funny enough whenever I mention hazard allowance people starts laughing. The truth of the matter is DJ’s are passing through a lot of things in the night clubs detrimental to their health unknowingly. The dust, smoke and cold can lead to bronchitis or asthma. I was once a victim while I was playing at the Transcorp Hilton way back, it was God that saved my life and since then I have stopped playing at night clubs.

Majority of the club owners don’t even recognise the work these DJ’s are doing. Sometimes night club owners owe them up to six months’ salary next thing they will announce a change of management, once that is done the new management will ask

PeoPle get it wrong, DJ is not Just a DJ he is the entertainer, he is the soul of any event. if there is no DJ at any formal or informal event, it is gone.

BaseD on these, we DiscovereD it was time to restructure our Profession to Place

DJ’s where

they rightly Belong

AT work

for a reapplication, what about the six month’s salary? All these is why we are trying to partner with the Nigerian Labour Congress NLC, so we can better fight our cause and also, the Copyright Society of Nigeria COSON because they are the custodians of materials being used by DJ’s and, we have made it mandatory that only members of our association can get a COSON license because we want to clear off the negative perception people have about DJ’s in Abuja.

Are there penalties for DJ’s operating in the FCT who are not registered with the association?

The executive has met and agreed on the penalties. We actually gave a deadline, any DJ who fails to register and pay within the stipulated time what

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Artman In The House

Friday, January 8, 2016

21

good –Tade Adeyemi (DJ Kool) COSON has approved, we are Increasing the tariff but before we start issuing out punishment, already we have plans on ground to educate the general public in FCT especially the night club owners, event planners and parks and gardens through the media, that with effect from a specific date, they should ensure they only engage a licensed DJ in FCT. If our task force should discover the use of unlicensed DJ at any event, they will bear the brunt.

How do they get to know licensed DJ’s?

By the time we go on air, am sure before engaging any DJ they would ask if he is licensed or not. Presently, we have a web site www.nandjs.com that is National Association of Nigerian Disc Jockeys that is the umbrella body for all DJ’s in Nigeria of which I happen to be the National President. Presently we have about 29 states under the NANDJ, the only states yet to come on board are Zamfara, Borno, Yobe, Katsina, Ebonyi and Lagos; the issue with Lagos is actually very simple and would be thrashed out soon.

Each state will have names of registered DJ’s on that website so anywhere the services of a DJ is needed in this country, all that needed to be done is a click on the website. We are trying to professionalize the job to make it easier for people to get worth for their money when they engage the services of a DJ. How many registered DJ’s do we have in the FCT and the country as a whole presently?

Right now we have less than 100 registered DJ’s in the FCT but I cannot say specifically for the whole country because we are still collating names and numbers from all over.

Earlier you drew attention to the establishment of a DJ academy, when is it likely to kick off and where would it be located?

We have started the academy already here in Abuja, we the older DJ’s opened a studio which is being run as an academy. We give out forms to be filled with a three months training and if they are unable to meet up within three months, we extend the duration for a certain amount of money. We are starting with the virtual DJ’s who only match laptops with amp, they start from the scratch how to do connections because some DJ’s who have been in the job for donkey years cannot even connect wires.

Are you the only president

with spouse

the association has had since its inception?

Yes. Why? The issue has been majority of our members are yet to get it right, they are not really imbibing what we stand for, some of them are not married and such people believe they don’t have responsibilities. I can assure you we have been grooming people, by next year there is going to be an election in the FCT because I cannot run both the FCT and the National associations.

How long have you been the National President?

From February of 2015 So far, what has been your impact as the National President?

For the past three months I have travelled to many of the states, creating awareness and unifying the DJ’s. Prior to the emergence of the DJs National body, majority of the states do not have a DJ association and the few that have, they were ignorant of its importance and benefits.

I can say that since I came on board, the DJs industry is gradually changing. Due to our conferences, seminars and National summits, most DJ’s are now benefiting tremendously and cueing into new ideas. Also, youths are now embracing the DJs world because they can now see they can earn a living and be good citizens. We now have inter-border DJs event creating room for them to attend events outside their states.

What plans do you have for NANDJ this year (2016)?

There are quite a number of projects we intend to embark on and complete before the year wraps up. We will be organising seminars and workshops, cre-

ate more training centers/academies for the DJs to be more professionalized on their jobs and be business minded. We will be embarking on licensing of DJs, those who are not registered will not be allowed to operate until when certified through the academy. Also, we will seal negotiations with club owners on the hazard allowance for our DJ’s even as we will officially launch a National website where all artistes can upload their music without much stress and also, our events across the federation will be uploaded. These acts will save Nigerian artistes from travelling the length and breadth of the county in the name of promoting their work.

How would you describe the relationship between artistes and DJ’s, there is this notion they don’t eat from the same pot?

An artiste after recording a song come begs the DJ to play the song, whether it takes anything or not, the DJ wants to play a good music. When artistes bring their songs, especially Abuja artistes, we listen to them and advise if it’s good to go or of if there are adjustments to be made but we don’t point out songs to be played or not to be played because one man’s meat is another man’s poison.

What advice do you have for DJ’s this New Year?

This is a new dawn, let’s all embrace it so that we can take our rightful position in the realm of entertainment in this country. There is a slogan “Good DJs Aren’t Cheap, Cheap DJ’s Aren’t Good” the current DJs and the upcoming DJs need to keep on pushing until they arrive at the top, so that they can live a good life.

DJ Cool

Any memorable moments on the job?

Sincerely speaking, I enjoy every moment as a DJ, it is in my blood. It gives me joy and satisfaction Could you tell us a little bit more about DJ Kool?

As my name implies, I am a cool-headed person, the kind of man that will work anywhere and you won’t notice me because I am cool. I am the last set of four twins in my family, I thank God for my mother she was the one who made me go to school. I was in a bad group, we skip school to watch movies but my mum while am sleeping will check my books, not seeing any notes, she will ask me if someone died in school.

After giving me the beating of my life, the next day my mother will pay a visit to my principal in school. Eventually I stopped skipping school, I proceeded to

the university where I studied History, and later served with Nicon in Abuja. I enjoy being a DJ more than anything, it’s fun.

I enjoy when I see people dancing, sweating and praising me.

When you are on the turntable it’s like you are in another world entirely, whatever anyone is saying you are not listening. I am a good person, I don’t drink neither do I smoke, but when in the company of friends and I want to feel among I take Smirnoff ice.

How many years have you been a DJ? I became a DJ in 1983, about 33 years ago. Right from my university days, I used it as business and made so much money.

For so many years I have not been playing as usual because I have trained so many people who are now working for me but there are customers I cannot refuse not to play for.

As my nAme implies, i Am A coolheAded person, the kind of mAn thAt will work Anywhere And

you won’t notice me becAuse cool.

i Am

i Am the lAst set of four twins in my fAmily, i thAnk God for my mother she wAs the one

who mAde me Go to school. in A bAd Group

i wAs

Critics

Film

22

Friday, January 8, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Love, pain and sexuality

Fifty speaks of four fifty-year-old African women at the peak of their careers, who at this phase of their lives go through various experiences Turi dee

H

Book

erself 50 years of age as at the time she produced this movie, Mo Abudu – the Oprah Winfrey of Africa, sought to use the movie to highlight the virtues, strengths and flaws of the African woman via its message, and to let the world know that Africa was now at the same world-class production level with its Hollywood counterparts. As much as our African women are meant to be admired, this doesn’t explain why the film editing is heavy and soggy with feminism and a conspicuous reach for gender equality as the male characters were cast as either spineless or without libido-control.

Fifty, the only Nigerian film selected and, first screened at the BFI London Film Festival back in October, has been hailed as the biggest movie experience in the history of the Nigerian film industry, seeing stars like King Sunny Ade and Tiwa Savage perform before

its worldwide premiere at The Eko Hotel and Suites, earlier this month. It also just recently had its tickets sold out at the Ikeja City Mall. But that’s not news, ICM tickets are always sold out.

Multiple award winning Nigerian actress – Nse IkpeEtim, played the part of Kate in this movie. An obsessively religious character who attends endless vigils only for her to discover her life might be threatened. Nse

Yerima’s ‘Collected Plays II’

Ahmed Yerima offers a book that explores a balance between traditional religion and Christianity.

Hammed Olamide

I

Fifty

n the world of arts, the creative ones are not only famous but they also change the society via the instrumentality of creative writing. The case of Professor Ahmed Yerima, one of the most esteemed Africa’s playwrights is not an exception as he proved himself in its recent play entitled “COLLECTED PLAYS II” The play is a metaphorical one as the writer tries to relate the transition of its school, Redeemer’s University from its temporary site, Redemption Camp Ogun State to Osun State, Ede, Akoda Area, where he presently lectures in the Department of Theatre Arts and Films Studies.

The writer presented the play in a simple style and also creatively romanced the plot of the play with the differences between the traditional worship and Christianity religion. That is, it captures the inferiority of one and the supremacy of the other.

In the play, Agudua was an odd privileged member of the elite, a bastard prince to Ibeku, the king of the Ijebu-Jesha. Aguduagave his life to the supreme God (Jesus) through a missionary and was chosen as a sacrificial lamb with the age-old baby that would enter the dark forest.

Owiwi is a perfect portrayal of the belief that the Owl is bad and evil. It is a portrayal of culture clash, between old and fetish practices amongst others.

It is a story of people of Ijebu-Jesha and the people of Ede. The late Timi of Ede had promised to give a very vast of land to Ijebu-Jesha people in Akoda area before he went to the great beyond. Immediately after his death, a new Timi of Ede was enthroned.

After his installation, the people of Ijebu-Jesha came for their land, though the young Timi agreed to give them as promised by his late father. Little did he know that the Baale of Akoda area and his chiefs were not happy about his decisions.

Since the Baale of Akoda town and his chiefs could not do anything about Timi’s verdict, they agreed to give the dark forest to the people of Ijebu-Jesha knowing full well that the gods of the dark forest would demand a sacrifice from the strange people of Ijebu-Jesha and failure to comply will aggravate the gods’ anger which may drive them out of the land with pains and regrets.

The wriTer presenTed The play in a simple sTyle and also creaTively romanced The ploT of The play wiTh The differences beTween The TradiTional worship and chrisTianiTy religion

Collected Plays II is an interesting play that has a typical rural setting within the Yoruba society.

Without mincing words, the thematic concern of the play is obviously a very important one as it focuses on mistrust, betrayal, loyalty, faith, indecisiveness amongst others.

Since the play has a rural Yoruba cultural setting, the use of local language is a plus as it gives a sense of realism, however, out of curiosity, one may be tempted to argue that the over use of proverbs is distracting. It must be noted that their some undefined characters in the play which had little or nothing to contribute.

However, “Collected Plays II” can be commended for its richness in proverbs. It brings out the aesthetic beauty that any work of art should be proud of.

After hours of reading, I can gladly recommend Collected Plays II to all and sundry.

Book

Friday, January 8, 2016

28 Rabi Al-Awwal, 1437A.H

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

23

Call to Worship

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

relAted by bukhAri ANd MusliM

Sekinah L awaL

A

clarion call has gone to all world leaders to join hands and stop terrorism and destruction of human lives in Palestine and the whole world.

In his welcome speech, the Director, Muslim Awareness International, MAI, Engr. Luqmam Balogun at the Aqsa Day held at the National Stadium, SurulereLagos, reminded the key players in these atrocities that the world is watching and the truth cannot be concealed for ever nor corrupted.

He called on the people of the world, irrespective of colour, religion, race and tribe to stand up for the commonly cherished values of justice and truth.

“Let us step up our collective efforts to oppose extremism, terrorism and wanton destruction and disrespect for human life.

Allah’s decree is that justice and truth must prevail over all evils and falsehood.”

Engr. Balogun and all other scholars at the event condemned the cruel devastation of Gaza by the callous Zionist regime. Ac-

MAI holds Al-Aqsa Day

... Calls for stop to destruction of lives in Palestine, world cording to him, the spectacle was horrendous and the criminal passivity of many world leaders was a shameful and odious reflection of the state of wellbeing of our collective humanity.

“Speakers at last year’s event provided measures to ensure prevention of a repeat of this disaster for action by individuals, groups, organizations and governments including the United Nations. Unfortunately, the events that unfolded thereafter showed that we have not fully succeeded in achieving this noble and dignified objective.”

Also, the Zionist oppressors, apart from their lack of respect for human life, might not be contemplating any possibility of being called to account for their crimes against humanity, either now or in the near future.”

He made it known that in the last few months, more crimes have been committed. An example is the Duma village arson at-

tack of July15, 2015 on innocent families, leaving only a four year old as the only surviving member after months in the hospital.

“The call by many around the world, including the UN, for arrest, prosecution and punishment of the known perpetrators of this dastardly act had till date fell on deaf ears. Innocent Palestinian girls are molested, arrested, beaten and even killed under the guise of knife attacks which were unsubstantiated.”

He also made mention of the wicked blockade of the land, sea and air of Gaza has not been removed and the arbitrary arrests, detentions and imprisonments (administrative detentions) of innocent Palestinians continues.

Speaking on the theme for this year: Oppression and Dehumanization of Palestinians; The Role of Key Players, Sheikh AbdulRahman Adangba went down memory lane urging the Muslim

world to stay united and focused in order to achieve victory.

Balogun commended the Vatican for playing a model role by officially implementing the resolution of the 2012 UN General Assembly of recognition of the State of Palestine on Saturday, January 2nd 2016.

“Sweden is another example of countries that stand up to be counted on the side of justice.

Other countries, particularly our dear nation, Nigeria, should not wait again but quickly correct the atrocious betrayal of the Palestinians at the UN Security Council elections during the last regime of Goodluck Jonathan.”

In his lecture, Sheikh AbdulFatai Thanni revealed that those waging war in Palestine are enemies of humanity. When the Jews are being persecuted we accommodated them but they betrayed us. “Al-Quddus in Palestine is an Islamic sacred place because Masjid Al-Aqsa is where

Jesus (AS) will meet Dajjal after Dajjal’s 40 days reign of terror and melt like candle after meeting Jesus.

Speaking on the way forward, Sheikh Thanni urged the Ummah to invest heavily in the media, strategic planning and information technology.

Sheikh Adangba said that the leadership of Ummah has a lot to do because almost twenty accords have been signed and none worked. “America has to play along because of Jews economic influence on US and same for many nations of the world because the Zionists have dominated world finances, information technology and governance.”

“They are so united while Muslims are disunited and we lost our power because we are not united. We must be doing more of strategic planning in unity.”

L-R: Alhaji Modupe Kadiri; Amir of The Muslim Congress, Dr. Luqman AbdulRaheem, Imam Trimidhi Jamiu; Director, Muslim Awareness International, MAI, Engr. Luqmam Balogun; Sheikh Abdulfatai Thanni; Chairman, Conference of Islamic Organisations, CIO, Alhaji Abdullahi Afolabi; Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shafii and Sheikh AbdulRahman Adangba at the Aqsa Day organized by Muslim Awareness International, MAI, in Lagos recently.

Qur’an 25: 65-70 Between lasting peace in Palestine, world over and looters 24

And those who say, “Our Lord, avert from us the punishment of Hell. Indeed, its punishment is ever adhering; Indeed, it is evil as a settlement and residence.” And [they are] those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, [justly] moderate And those who do not invoke with Allah another deity or kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed], except by right, and do not commit unlawful sexual intercourse. And whoever should do that will meet a penalty. Multiplied for him is the punishment on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein humiliated. Except for those who repent, believe and do righteous work.

For them Allah will replace their evil deeds with good. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.

Adam Raji wins MCLS Qur’an recitation trophy 24

Majlis Khuddam commences centenary celebration with tree planting 25

24

Call to Worship

28 Rabi Al-Awaal 1437A.H. Friday, January 8, 2016

Between lasting peace in Palestine, world over and looters F or those looting the treasury and those committing arsons and destructions of lives and properties all over the world in the name of religion or whatever, one thing they should be certain about is the fact that their days on earth are numbered and nobody can live beyond God’s allotted time.

Even when they think they are amassing wealth for their generations yet unborn, God has a way of doing His own thing. Of course, Nigerians have more than enough reasons to hang those who are in one way or the other, responsible for the terrors unleashed by BokoHaram and other terrorists.

All looters must refund all stolen funds as well as rot in jail. Stories of some of the Chibok girls who have escaped the sect’s den after being kidnapped in Borno State have being quite pathetic.

As a mother, one can only imagine what those girls are going through with gunwielding men around them, after several months since their abduction and their sanitary condition in such a terrible abode.

As our military is said to be technically winning the war against the sect, it is our prayers that these girls will be rescued hale and hearty.

And we are also calling on all world leaders to join hands and stop terrorism and destruction of human lives in Palestine and the whole world. Their consideration for world power, economic influence and other reasons should not becloud their feelings for fellow human beings. It pleases God almighty that we are now in various colours, creeds and status, the truth remains that we all descend from the same origin; our foreparent, Adam and Eve. So, why the killings and destructions for

Healthy Corner with

Dr. Yahaya

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) 2

L

aparoscopy is a key hole surgery under General Anaesthesia, here a small telescope is used to look into the pelvis by making a tiny cut, usually in the Umbilicus (tummy button). This can help to differentiate between PID and appendicitis.

TREATMENT: A course of Antibiotics will be needed for a mild to moderate PID. Contraceptives may interfere with its effectiveness. Antibiotics should be started as soon as they are prescribed, usually before the test result is obtained including swab test result. No delay should be entertained as this could increase the risk of long term health problems.

HOSPITAL ADMISSION may be necessary if the Diagnosis is not clear, if patient is

seriously unwell, if abscess is suspected and if she is pregnant.

Lack of response in a few days of starting antibiotics treatment and if patients cannot take antibiotics by mouth, which in this case it may be given intravenously (directly into the blood through a drip).

Operation may be needed if there is an access which may be drained through Laparoscopy or ultrasound Scan guided procedure. It is rare to develop PID during pregnancy, but if pregnancy is confirmed certain antibiotics are better avoided. IUCD or coil, if present, and there is no improvement in the symptoms of PID after few days of treatment is better removed.

If PID is developed as a result of Sexually Transmitted Disease, Sexual partners within the

power and money?

The Muslim Awareness International, MAI, under the leadership of Engr. Luqmam Balogun must be commended for the Aqsa Day programme to sensitise the people on the true happenings in Palestine. This is the time for all to stand up for the commonly-cherished values of justice and truth.

We must respect human lives, and stop hypocricy on the part of many world leaders.

The United Nation must be seen to be doing real justice in this regard.

The blockade of land, sea and air of Gaza must stop.

The same must go for arbitrary arrests, detentions and imprisonments of innocent Palestinians.

We must all fear and remember the Day of Judgement when nothing will be hidden and many worldly pursuit will come to nothing.

For those willing to help last six months should be contacted and even if, they are well, should be screened for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. Sexual intercourse should be avoided until treatment is completed by the two sexual partners. Alternatively condom can be used.

FOLLOW UP: This is essential to know if treatment has been effective, if a repeat swab test is needed to know if the infection has been successfully treated especially if symptom is still ongoing. To get information about the long term effects of PID, to know if another Pregnancy test is needed to get information about future contraceptive choices or plan for pregnancy. To know whether sexual partner has been screened and treated.

LONG TERM EFFECTS: If untreated or if treatment is delayed or in severe infection are: Ectopic pregnancy, Infertility and persistent pain in the lower part of the abdomen. Risk of infection can be reduced by using Condom and Sexual partner traced, screened and treated for sexually transmitted Infection.

Dr. G. L. Yahaya is a Reproductive Physician and Medical Director Continental Specialist Clinic. Phone numbers 08075004277. 07081312295

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THE PLATFORM with

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

As A mother, one cAn only imAgine whAt those girls

Are going through with gunwielding men Around them those in need, donations can be sent to to the Stanbic IBTC Bank Account of Mulsim Awareness Inter-

national, MAI: 0013863473.

May Allah restore peace in our nation and all over the world, Aamin.

L-R: Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, Mr. Olayinka Oresile; Leader, Majlis Khuddam, AbdulQadr AbdulRafiu; Hajia Muibat Buraimoh of Lagos Park and Garden Agency; Amir, Ahmadiyyah Jamaat in Nigeria, Dr. Mashuud Fashola; Head, Non-Interest Banking, NIB, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mallam Abd’l Kadir Abioye at the tree planting marking the 100th year of the establishment of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Nigeria.

The Proprietor, Al-Azhar International College, Lokoja-Kogi State, Dr. Yekeen Habeeb (inset) with the Leadership House of the College jubilating for coming first at the sporting competition, during the College’s inter-house sports competition recently.

L-R: Executive Director, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Imam Abdullah Shuaib; Amir (President), Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, Saheed Ashafa; National Amir of MSSN, Muhammad Jameel Muhammad; and immediate past Amir of MSSN Lagos, Kaamil Kalejaiye during the formal opening of Islamic Vacation Course (IVC) held at Human Capital Development Centre (HCDC), Epe, Lagos.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Majlis Khuddam commences centenary celebration with tree planting

A

s part of activities marking the 100th year of the establishment of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Nigeria, the youth wing of the Jamaat, Majlis Khuddam has kicked start the centenary celebration with a tree planting project.

Amir, Ahmadiyyah Jamaat in Nigeria, Dr. Mashuud Fashola said that the jamaat will encourage all members, over a million, to plant at least one tree each.On January 2, 2016, they planted and will continue to nurture 2,000 trees across twenty states in Nigeria. According to the Leader, Majlis Khuddam, AbdulQadr AbdulRafiu, the tree planting exercise aims at planting and nurturing 2000 trees across Nigeria in public places. “Each of the state chapters of the Majlis Khuddam will plant 100 trees in their respective states. This exercise is in response to issues of global warming and climate change. Specifically, it aims at restoring the natural environment, com-

bating air pollution and preserving health.” “We will continue with the tree planting over the years in order to reach the 100,000 mandate given to us by the Amir in collaboration with the various states’ ministry of environment.

As part of its strategy to facilitate healthy interaction among Nigerian youths and strengthen peaceful co-existence, the MajlisKhuddam will also organize an inter-religious conference for youth of different religious and social class. “Also, a novelty friendly tournament, tagged Peace Games will be organized among Nigerian youths.

The MajlisKhuddam is the youth wing of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community comprising male members between the ages of 15 and 40 and providing spiritual, moral and educational mentoring for youths and children.

Adam Raji wins MCLS Qur’an recitation trophy Sekinah L awaL

M

Call to Worship

Friday, January 8, 2016 28 Rabi Al-Awwal, 1437A.H

aster Adam Muhammad-Raji took first position in the Qur’an recitation competition organized by the Muslims Community of Lagos State, MCLS, just as Muslims were advised to emulate the virtues of Prophet Muhammed in order to live a fulfilled life.

Making this appeal recently was the Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, who represented Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, was also the Guest Lecturer at the occasion.

Speaking on the theme; “Universal Message of Rasulullah”, he said that Maulud Nabiyyi, which is the birth of Prophet Muhammed, is a moment of reflection for Muslims to put themselves on scales and see how well they are living in accordance with the guidelines of the glorious Qur’an and lifestyle of the noble Prophet Muhammed as his message is truly a universal one that is applicable anywhere at all times.

Ibrahim AbdulQudus took second position while Ibrahim Babatunde came third.

On behalf of Governor Ambode, Dr. AbdulLateef called on Muslims to keep playing their roles as good citizens by obeying the laws of the land and offering special prayers for God’s guidance for themselves and those

at the helms of affairs of the state and country in general.

Also speaking at the special prayers and Maulud Nabiyy lecture organized by the Muslims Community of Lagos State, MCLS, at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, the President, MCLS, Prince Tajudeen Gbadamosi enjoined Muslim parents to do more in the area of moral trainings for their children as well as encourage their children to study the glorious Qur’an properly. “Prophet Muhammed is the best of mankind in all areas one can think of and we should always follow his examples in terms of total submission to Allah’s rules, humility, goodness to neighbours and lots more.”

In addition, Dr. AbdulLateef called on Muslim faithful to imbibe the spirit of love for all, humility, gratitude and charity to one another as demonstrated by the life and times of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

“We must cultivate the habit of selfappraisal. Let me use this occasion of Maulud to reappraise our commitment to being inmates of Aljannah and best of character to all.”

Other special features of the day includes March past by Muslim students, Qur’an memorization competition among others.

25

Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya

Jalsa Salana in Qadian H

azratMusleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) recalled from his childhood days about 200 to 250 people sitting on a rug on part of a rampart/bulwark around Qadian. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) was also seated on the rug, it was the month of December and everyone had gathered for JalsaSalana. HazratMusleh Maud recalled the rug was moved three times and as a young child he was not sure of the reason of it being moved around three times. Whether those people were restricted from placing the rug in some areas or whether there was another reason for moving it. He said that people could not appreciate the situation of those past days because at the time HazratMusleh Maud spoke proper arrangements for Jalsa were in place.

Qadian went through a time during the partition of India when everyone migrated to Pakistan and just a few people were left there. Now Qadian is progressing. Today people in Rabwah are anxious but it should be remembered that times change. InshaAllah, time will come when the bustling delights of Rabwah will return. What is needed is focus on prayers.

God states: Slacken not, nor grieve; and you shall certainly have the upper hand, if you are believers.’ (3:140) HazratMusleh Maud said that those 200-odd people sitting on a rug, who were asked to move from one spot to another, had gathered there because Islam was in a very frail state at the time and people of darkness were doing their utmost to extinguish its light. These people comprised just a fraction of world population, most of whom were not well-off. Even by the standards of India very few among them belonged to the middle class. They had gathered to uphold the banner of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be

on him) they were prepared to perish but were not going to let his banner wane.

These 200-odd people had come to make sacrifices in the face of huge humanity just as in the Battle of Badr Companions had vowed to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) that although they were very few against a huge and strong enemy they would make sure the enemy would have to trample their dead bodies in order to get to the Prophet.

It is said that when Hazrat Yusuf (on whom be peace) was brought in the marketplace in Egypt to be sold, an old woman brought along two cotton wool balls thinking she could purchase him with the cotton balls. His brothers had sold him off for a paltry price. If the old woman had assumed to buy him off with cotton wool balls that was possibly because cotton was a rare commodity in those days, only available in Egypt and was not available from where the caravan had come. Likewise, the people around the Promised Messiah on a bulwark had also gathered based a paltry price. Yet their narrative is most distinctive than that of Hazrat Yusuf being sold in the marketplace and is a more distinct example of the ardent love by virtue of which one loses one’s senses and a love which leads one to make sacrifices which are beyond imagination. The hearts of the 200-odd people had pleaded to the Lord of the heavens. Indeed, many of them would have had their parents living at the time, many of them would themselves be fathers but when the world derided them and abandoned them as crazed people, for all intents and purposes they became like orphans and the dispossessed. Addressing Ahmadis of his time, HazratMusleh Maud said, then, in accordance with Divine promise that the cry of orphans moves the heavens, the situation was created which was before them.

L-R: Rtd. Justice AbdulFatai Adeyinka; Prince Tajudeen Olusi; Prof. Tajudeen Gbadamosi; Senator Fasinro; representative of Chief S.O Babalola and Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef at the Maulud Nabiyy celebration organized by the Muslim Community of Lagos State.

26

Arty News

Friday, January 8, 2016

Odutayo’s ‘Beyond Blood’ set for cinemas Ngozi EmEdolibE

R

enowned filmmaker, Greg Odutayo is set with a new film, Beyond Blood. Shot in locations in Lagos, Nigeria and London, UK, the film will be available in cinemas across the country as from January 15, 2016.

The star-studded film, produced by Debbie Odutayo, featured acts like Kehinde Bankole, the current Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA) Best Actress of the Year, Caroline King, Joseph Benjamin, Ijeoma Grace Agu, Marion Bott, Deyemi Okanlanwon, Wole Ojo, Bimbo Manuel and Shan George.

The film tells the story of Moji, a young Oxford educated woman with a passion for social justice and equality.

Her privileged background however contrasts sharply with the desperate conditions of the prostitutes, drug-addicts and their children she cares for at ‘The Mansion’ – a centre she funds privately much to the disapproved of some in her social circle including her family.

Moji is faced with a series of situations far beyond her control and rather than confront the situation, she decides to relocate to London in the hope that in her search for her brother, she will rediscover him and herself and have the time to think through her life and make those life-changing decisions that will put her on the path of confrontation of the society in which she finds herself.

Moji, soon discovers a new view of life.

Opening her life to Akin Pedro in London, he offers to help her find her brother. Akin Pedro encourages Moji to stand up and fight for her beliefs. She does and realises that Akin himself is one of the issues she has to confront and deal with.

Beyond Blood cast

Suspense-filled with a plot that offers periodic surprises, Greg Odutayo, who is behind many successful productions said the work is his way of elevating the tempo in Nollywood. “Beyond Blood, chronicles the ills in our society and the world - Prostitution, Drug addiction, AIDS, Homosexuality, Eastern European Trafficking gangs and a culture that legitimises tyranny and injustice especially of women trapped in the vagrancies of culture and tradition. These are themes that are afflicting the world generally

now and our film will further call attention to these issues.

We told a simple story. One, which does not aim to change the world or its preoccupations. Rather, one that takes the audience on a journey, all the while respecting and honouring their decision to watch this particular film in a world filled with other choices.”

Before the cinema run, Beyond Blood will be screened to a select audience at Silverbird Cinemas, Lagos on January 14.

Harvest Plus: Preaching nutrition with films

Yellow Cassava film

H

arvest Plus Company is well known for its better products for better nutrition has explained the real reason why they are using entertainer to pass their message across to Nigerian Speaking recently, Mr. Paul Iloma said the objective is to attract many Nigeri-

ans especially the people outside the city to know the reason and value of yellow cassava which they are preaching about.

“First of all we all know that Nigerians as a whole need a protein, and we discovered this in yellow cassava. And to let this sink into Nigerians we need to use popular entertainer and also actor or actresses to pass our message across.

Harvest plus intends to improve nutrition and public health in Nigeria by promoting biofortified. This is their catchphrase and did not pretend about it. The objective is to produce cassava that can provide more vitamin A in the diet. According to him, they are working with more than 20 partners drawn from government, business, civil servants and the entertainment industry The benefits of vitamin A in cassava with what Harvest Plus has on ground are many, like providing up to 40% of daily vitamin A needs. Better crops for better nutrition which is called bio-fortification to breed simple foods crops that are richer in essential vitamins and min-

erals can be grown by rural communities that are often missed by other inventions We have used Nigeria film industry to drive home our point. Last year, a film on “Dada Oni Paki “which was written and produced by a respected Nollywood director , Fidelis Duker and paraded Yoruba star actors like Samson Eluwole aka Jinadu Elewele, Segun Remi aka Kanran, Totin Adewale and Seyi Aseku who won an award at the last Best Of Nollywood held in Ondo last month (2015) was shot to explain to Nigerians the importance of yellow cassava.

“Dada Oni Paki was not the only film that has a documentary on Harvest Plus project. Another block buster movie was also involved titled “Yellow Cassava.” The film featured Monalisa Chinda, Segun Arinze and so many other A list actors.

We intentionally bring in entertainers so as to attract people , you know the way we are here in Nigeria, the moment they see a known face, they will be attracted to the project, and we want to reach every hook and corner of the country”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Lagos can become Africa’s entertainment hub’ FraNcis subEru

L

agos State Commissioner for Tourism, Mr. Folarin Coker has disclosed that Lagos has all the required qualities to becaome the entertainment hub for Africa, saying the ongoing “One Lagos Fiesta” will become the backbone of entertainment in the continent.

Speaking with newsmen at the Bar Beach, one of the venues of the ongoing One Lagos Fiesta (OLF), Coker stated that Lagos is home to top performing artists and film producers, thereby in good stead to establish itself as the hub of the entertainment industry in Africa.

He explained that the former Lagos Countdown celebration inherited by the present administration was re-branded and decentralised to the five Divisions is part of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s promise to Lagosians of running an all-inclusive administration when elected into office.

Folarin Coker stated that the decentralisation of the OLF has given a sense of belonging and ownership to Lagosians who had hitherto felt excluded from government and governance, adding that going by the words of the Federal Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed at the opening ceremony of OLF, he has been given a mandate to keep OLF alive in the State Culture Calendar by organising 10 such events annually.

Speaking in the same vein, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem said when the OLF idea was conceptualised, many people had doubts of its success in comparison with the previous well established Lagos Countdown celebration.

“When Governor Akinwunmi came up with the idea of OLF, he was looking at a bigger picture and thinking of involving the people in the Divisions, Senatorial Districts and the 57 LGs and LCDAs as part of his allinclusive government policy”, he said.

The Attorney-General maintained that with the adoption of the present administration’s Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment and Sports for Excellence (THES) policy, gradual development of local areas, tourism and the stimulation of the economy through the entertainment industry has been recorded.

While emphasizing that in spite of the limited time frame for planning OLF and doubts about its success, Kazeem said the success recorded so far is a testimony to the sagacity of the Governor and the tenacity of the Commissioner for Tourism.

Meanwhile, fun seekers, especially children, attending OLF at Badagry have continue to commend Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for the initiative, saying they are having a lot of fun and enjoying every bit of the children activities included in the Fiesta.

One Lagos Fiesta fireworks

As much As our AfricAn women Are meAnt to

be Admired, this doesn’t explAin why the film editing is heAvy And soggy with feminism fully internalizes her script by not mentioning her fears to her husband and acting like a real gbaweremesin (religious extremist – actually meansadding madness to religion, lol). But it made really no sense to change into your nightgown and clear all make-up at 5:45am to go and sleep when your major client needs you that day. It’s either you give her an excuse and not stare at her calls or simply tell her the problem. She just wore one deeper-life head turban without even going to sleep the sleep Bola Agbaje and Kemi Adesoye, the screenwriters, should have come up with something better for that part of the drama. All make-up and costume designs were perfect. I especially love the one on Dakore Akande when she accused her husband of sleeping with Nse Ikpe-Etim.

Ireti Doyle, nominated for Best Actress in a leading role at the 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards, played Elizabeth.

Catching her younger lover with a lady inside her house accounted for the only place I saw a stunt. The stunt was only better because it caught me off guard.

That awkward moment when because you just saw a sex scene with people around, you suddenly get so self-conscious and nervous that you have to wait for a little time to pass for you to cough.

The sound quality was superb.

The film locations are set in Lagos and are a mix of both the upper class and the upper middle class. All were properly chosen.

The filming angles (unlike the editing) were well done and I think postproduction in terms of colour correction and addition of music and sound was excellently done too. Kudos go to the production company – EbonyLife Films who also launched “Africa’s First Global Black Multi-Broadcast Entertainment Network” (EbonyLife TV ) in 2013 with world-class production values.

Biyi Bandele, the movie director and Nominee at the Black Reel Awards for an Outstanding Foreign Film, can be said to have a thing for Film Festivals. His directorial debut film was the smashing “Half of a Yellow Sun” written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie which was selected to be screened at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival. This year, “Fifty” was selected by the London Film Festival.

Tope Oshin Ogun, a Producer who has directed over 350 episodes of Tinsel and a multiple award winning motion picture professional, has described “Fifty” and subsequent productions “as her best and most challenging”.

h

Critics

Friday, January 8, 2016

MUSIC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

27

Olamide Live in Concert 2

The highly anticipated concert has held with some highs and lows.

T

he event started about three hours late like most shows in Nigeria (an improvement from last year’s four hours delay). It also featured one of the biggest fights in Nigerian Concert history (a middleaged man took on two friends and their girlfriends in a brawl that lasted over 15minutes).

However, guests were consoled by performances by YBNL’s Lil Kesh, who is arguably the second most recognized team member after Olamide; Adekunle Gold, Viktoh, in addition to Burna Boy, Falz, Vector, Phyno, Reminisce, Pasuma, Skuki, Solid Star, Ycee among many other performances by upcoming artistes.

Olamide’s performances were together with his hypeman, Cool FM OAP, Dotun. The event also had a documentary theme, as it featured prerecorded interviews of music stakeholders and neighbours of Olamide in his struggling days who gave glowing testimonials of Olamide as a hardworking and humble superstar (We wanted a concert and they showed us live history).

Why the list of endorsers majorly featured OAPS (who will say anything for the opportunity to be on a video), Olamide’s former producer, ID Cabasa of Coded Tunes (who will only say good things), and the Area Fathers in Bariga (who must have been instructed what to say and how to say it) is beyond me.

I would have expected to see a vox pop of random people, on the streets and a few of his international concerts sharing their thoughts on the crooner and his relevance in the industry. At least he has sold out UK and Malaysia.

However, despite the obvious selfaggrandizement throughout the show especially manifested in the intro that heralded Baddo’s first performance, and a few other dislikes, there was a lot to love about OLIC 2.

THE GOOD PERFORMANCE: Olamide had an orchestra (or choir, if you have beef), choreographers, fireworks and jungle sound effects, to accentuate the Beast Mode theme. His performance was also well-received. In fact, all performances by known artistes were well received, if we ignore the lip-synching.

REFERENCE TO DAGRIN IN DOCUMENTARY, INSPIRING STORY: During the documentary which played before the show started, Olamide acknowledged the role Dagrin played in concretizing Yoruba rap but noted that he was his own man and has built himself a body of work to prove his versatility and resilience. His story also inspired quite a few at the venue.

WALK THROUGH STAGE: Simple.

The roundabout walk stage was good,

Olamide on stage

and helped the artistes connect more with their fans, though the VVIP suffered from constant neck-turning to follow the artistes.

THE UGLY TOO MUCH: The music directing left less than little to be desired. The Orchestra was almost insignificant and even undermined some songs. Also, the use of choreographers for some of his obscene songs had people simulating sex on stage. Tawdry!

TOO MANY HIT TRACK PERFORMANCES It was death by karaoke as most of all the performances, Olamide inclusive, were merely artistes lip-synching to their songs. For a concert that collected N7k for regular, N25k for VIP and N2m for a table of 10, it should have featured truly live performances. What does it take for a few artistes to practice with a band and belt out their tunes? It was no different from a Night Club using Virtual DJ. Also, most performers only did one of their songs and left. Falz did Karishika; Ycee did Jagaban, Vector mimed to King Kong; is that all? It was more like parapo international than a Live Concert organized by one of Africa’s most talented musicians.

DANCERS AND MIMES: Rowdy. The choreography wasn’t very effective.

There was a time they carried Olamide and dropped him almost immediately like they just remembered there were not supposed to. He tried to dramatize some of his songs but this wasn’t really effective.

good Artistes, good performers, but logistics And event itself were poorly done

OLAMIDE AND THE SANDWICH MODEL Olamide had about 4 performance belts, but I am not sure each belt lasted longer than 15minutes at a stretch. For an OLIC performance, I was hoping it would be only about Olamide, belting out now 5-6 album strong musical repertoire. In addition, he has done many collaborations and should have enough to do a two-hour straight performance uninterrupted with well mixed hits back to back. A two part concert would have been perfect: guest artistes take one half, and Olamide dominates the second, accompanied by the various Collabos he has done.

He got a lot of screams and calls, yes, but that’s probably because he is a talented, charismatic guy, has a large volume of work, and not because he is necessarily the best musical artiste. Staying power counts too. Even Burna Boy and Reminisce had louder applause.

WHERE DID WIZKID AND DAVIDO GO? The star duo were part of the headlining performance acts used in the run up to the concert for marketing. But they failed to make an appearance at the concert.

I’m not sure how instrumental Olamide was to the concert agenda, but he seems to have been used to sell the event.

He should go and look at 2face concerts and see how coordinated those are.

His street cred is what the organisers leveraged on to sell the concert, but it was either not well packaged or communicated.

Good artistes, good performers, but logistics and event itself were poorly done.

Abeg, if you will collect N7k from each person, please make it worth it. It was an average event. (source: Sabinews.com)

28

Inside FCT

Friday, January 8, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FCT residents pay homage to Buhari at Xmas Rotimi Fadeyi

L

ast Friday, President Muhammadu Buhari spent his first Christmas Day in the Presidential Villa since he took over power from former President Goodluck Jonathan on May 29.

As a mark of respect and honour, a delegation of residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) paid him Christmas homage at his residence in the Presidential Villa soon after Christmas Day Church Service.

The Minister of the FCT, Mohammed Bello, who led the delegation was elated that the homage came at a period when Muslims and Christians were both celebrating the birth of Prophet Mohammed and Jesus Christ.

“We are here together with delegation cutting across the city of Abuja to pay homage as a mark of love and respect”, Bello said.

“The entire citizens of the FCT will continue to pray for your long life and prosperity”, he added.

Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the FCT, Reverend Israel Akanji who came in company of other clergymen said at the occasion that it was a great privilege to celebrate with Buhari as it was the first Christmas he would spend in the Villa since he became President.

According to him, Christians and Muslims are working together and praying for the success of the administration.

“You promised Nigerians change and change is gradually coming our way. We will continue to support your administration and work with you”, Akanji said.

Buhari was later presented with Christmas cards. The first card was presented by Bello while the second card was presented by Akanji on behalf of the Christian Community.

Speaking earlier on the menace of

FCT residents visiting PMB

the Boko Haram sect, Buhari said his government was ready to persuade the group to embrace peace “On Boko Haram, this government is determined to make sure that we persuade them if they can be persuaded, we will use government institutions to persuade them to allow peace to reign,” he

said.

He called on all Nigerians to come come together and pull the country out of the problems that it has found itself.

Buhari said everybody in the world believed that Nigeria was a lucky country because of its natural resources, stressing that the problem of the country was

The MinisTer of The fCT, MohaMMed Bello, who led The delegaTion was elaTed ThaT The hoMage CaMe aT a period

MusliMs and ChrisTians were BoTh CeleBraTing The BirTh of propheT MohaMMed and Jesus ChrisT when

how to get the right leadership.

Present at the event were Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Deputy Chief Imam of National Mosque, Dr. Muhammad Kabir; Archbishop of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan and Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Pilgrims Commission, John Kennedy Opara Also present at the occasion were members of the National Assembly including Senator Dino Melaye and Phillip Aduda.

The Permanent Secretary of the FCT, Babatope Ajakaiye as well as traditional rulers in the territory were also in attendance.

Tight security at churches, parks in FCT Rotimi Fadeyi

I

n order to prevent possible attacks on worshippers and fun seekers this Yuletide period, security has been beefed up in the Federal Capital Ter ritory par ticularly around churches and amusement parks.

Inside FCT observed that there are heavy security presence on major roads in the ter ritory as more police patrol vans are now located at strategic areas in the territory.

Considering the fact that churches and other worship centres usually record large number worshippers during the Yuletide period, adequate provisions have been made to

ensure security The churches have now employed more security personnel to conduct thorough screening on worshippers who will tur n out in large numbers for church services during the Yuletide period While the men worshippers are frisked by male security personnel before gaining access to the premises of churches, female security personnel attend to the women and thoroughly search their handbags Commercial motorcyclists popularly referred to as “okada riders” are not allowed to come close to the churches and they have to drop worshippers at a distance.

Amusement parks in the FCT have also made the issue of security a priority as the number of security personnel have increased to provide ad-

equate security for fun seekers.

Already, the police have assured of adequate security in order to ensure a peaceful and incident-free Yuletide celebrations across the country.

The Inspector-General of Police Solomon Arase ordered watertight security and directed all zonal Assistant Inspector Generals and state command Commissioners of Police to take all necessary measures to ensure the provision of adequate security across the country According to Arase State Police

Commissioners are to personally ensure that key and vulnerable points including; shopping malls, motor parks, places of worship, recreation centres and other public places are protected, Meanwhile, FCT Commissioner of Police, Wilson Inalegwu war ned against the use of fireworks and knockouts during the yuletide as part of the security measures.

According to him, the explosion from knockouts may cause panic and even result in fire outbreak.

inside fCT oBserved ThaT There are heavy seCuriTy presenCe on MaJor roads in The TerriTory as More poliCe paTrol vans are now loCaTed aT sTraTegiC areas in The TerriTory.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Inside FCT

Friday, January 8, 2016

29

Yuletide: Fuel scarcity, cash crunch mar celebrations in Abuja Regina OtOkpa

C

hristmas and New year season is one period in the whole of the year Christians and some of their religious counterparts look out for. It is a season of love, care, forgiveness, and family reunion for most families. A time to reach out and give orphans and the less privileged a sense of belonging.

Marked to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the season brings joy and laughter more to children, if for nothing; the thought of getting new clothes to add to their wardrobe, unlimited access to meat, food and drinks, receiving monetary and tangible gifts from friends or family, partying and hanging out at eateries, parks and gardens to catch unlimited fun.

For the adults, it is a time to show love, appreciation and fun with friends, neighbours and family, catch up with old friends, take stock of the year and prepare for the coming year.

As Christmas day arrived, Inside FCT checks however revealed that on Christmas day, most families spent the whole day at home glued to their television sets, while many commuters found themselves caught in long queues at filling stations in what seems to be the order of the day for the past several years.

This is despite assurances that the fuel scarcity, now in its third month, would be arrested in due time for the festivities but rather, the situation got worse.

Mrs Osakwe speaking to Inside FCT, “ I have never had to spend Christmas like this. Buhari and APC didn’t lie, indeed we are in a change era.

“For the first time in my family, my children didn’t get any clothes for Christmas. Where will I get the money from when we had to struggle to get money to cook for the day?

“As you can see, they are all at home, they wanted to go out and visit friends but I didn’t allow them as it’s hard for

Security presence at the Millenium Park

Fuel queue in Abuja

us, maybe it is the same story where they want to go to.”

Osakwe’s story was not different from Temitope, according to her, till the morning of Christmas Eve, she had no hope of celebrating Christmas with her family.

“God surprised me this year, he sent

the people I least expect to come to our rescue. On the night of 23rd, I already told my children we won’t be able to celebrate Christmas this year.

“Already they were sad they would have to put on old clothes for Christmas but there was nothing I could do. The gov-

As ChristmAs dAy Arrived, inside FCt CheCks however reveAled thAt on ChristmAs dAy, most FAmilies spent the whole dAy At home glued to their television sets, while mAny Commuters Found themselves CAught in long queues At Filling stAtions

ernment has not been favourable, things have been difficult, no money anywhere and with what is happening, nobody is willing to give out loans any how.

“On the 24th, an old friend of mine surfaced out of the blue and blessed me with half bag of rice, oil and tomatoes.

I went out and sourced for money and we were able to buy one Chicken but around past 12, one of my colleagues who pooled resources with others to kill a cow, brought some meat for us.

“I would say this Christmas was a miracle, God stepped in and provided all we needed.”

According to Felicity Iheanacho, Christmas was spent at home watching movie with her siblings.

“My parents refused my siblings and I from going out, normally we go to millennium park for a picnic after which we watch a movie at Silverbird but this year was different. “ I agreed with them; it’s not wise wasting money this period besides it is not safe hanging out in crowded environments because of the security issues around the country.

Cletus Atinya told Inside FCT he spent a better part of the day at one of the filling stations in town.

Lamenting the situation he said: “ it has become a yearly ritual, in fact, Nigerians are getting used to the nonavailability real or artificial of petrol, in filling stations by every year end.

“This should be the third month of fuel scarcity and it is coming barely a few months into the life of an administration that promised us change.”

However, a good number of people spent the day at parks, gardens, eateries, recreational spots and visiting friends. As usual, it was all fun at the Millennium park and Jabi Lake amidst tight security.

Capital Market

30

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, January 8, 2016

Stock exchange daily equities summary Daily Summary as of 07/01/2016

Equities as at January 7, 2016

Printed 07/01/2016 14:32:47.047

Daily Summary as of 07/01/2016 Printed 07/01/2016 14:32:47.047

Daily Summary (Bonds)

Daily Summary (Equities)

No Debt Trading Activity

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

Daily Summary (Equities)

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Fishing/Hunting/Trapping ELLAH LAKES PLC. Fishing/Hunting/Trapping Totals

Daily Summary as of 07/01/2016 Livestock/Animal Specialties Printed 07/01/2016 14:32:47.047 LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC.

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 56 6 62

Current Price 33.00 33.00

Quantity Traded 1,600,706 19,057 1,619,763

Value Traded 50,687,438.96 629,136.70 51,316,575.66

Symbol ELLAHLAKES

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 4.26

Quantity Traded 1,000 1,000

Value Traded 4,050.00 4,050.00

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 8 8

Current Price 1.34

Quantity Traded 94,127 94,127

Value Traded 126,256.37 126,256.37

1,714,890

51,446,882.03

Quantity Traded 1,025 500 5,248,521 Quantity Traded 515,285 5,765,331

Value Traded 625.25 1,980.00 7,313,418.03 Value Traded 10,711,486.19 18,027,509.47

Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. S C O A NIG. PLC. CONGLOMERATES TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC Diversified Industries U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol AGLEVENT SCOA TRANSCORP Symbol UACN

No. of Deals 1 1 69 No. of Deals 37 108

CONGLOMERATES Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. ROADS NIG PLC. Daily Summary as of 07/01/2016 Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals Printed 07/01/2016 14:32:47.047 Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC Daily Summary as of 07/01/2016 MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC Printed 07/01/2016 14:32:47.047 NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC TIGER BRANDED CONSUMER GOODS PLC U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified Activity Summary on Board EQTY CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLEGOODS NIGERIA PLC. CONSUMER Food Products--Diversified Totals Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Household Durables Totals Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals

UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. Banking Totals

Micro-Finance Banks FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES Micro-Finance Banks Totals and Services Mortgage Carriers, Brokers UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC. Mortgage Carriers, and Published by The Nigerian StockBrokers Exchange © Services Totals Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC DEAP CAPITAL MANAGEMENT & TRUST PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UNITED CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. Pharmaceuticals Activity Summary onTotals Board EQTY

Quantity Traded 9,112 9,112

Value Traded 4,556.00 4,556.00

Symbol JBERGER ROADS

No. of Deals 10 2 12

Current Price 42.00 6.60

Quantity Traded 11,340 3,000 14,340

Value Traded 474,159.12 20,790.00 494,949.12

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 16 16

Current Price 6.09

Quantity Traded 126,840 126,840

Value Traded 790,319.00 790,319.00

Symbol

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 45.22

Quantity Traded 50 50

Value Traded 2,148.00 2,148.00

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW NB

33 No. of Deals 1 40 2 147 190

Current Price 3.38 119.98 15.99 113.00

Quantity150,342 Traded 1,100 65,980 13,003 2,415,887 Page 2,495,970

No. of Deals 13 13

Current Price 185.26

No. of Deals 42 36 14 1 38 42 3 (Equities) 176 No. of Deals 14 27 41 No. of Deals

Daily Summary (Equities)

Symbol 7UP

Symbol DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR MULTITREX NASCON TIGERBRANDS UTC

Daily Summary Symbol CADBURY NESTLE Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC IT Services Totals

35 2 37 No. of Deals 26 8 34

Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK ETI FIDELITYBK Daily Summary GUARANTY SKYEBANK STERLNBANK UBA UBN Symbol

UNITYBNK WEMABANK

Symbol FORTISMFB Symbol UNHOMES

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS DEAPCAP FCMB STANBIC UCAP

Value Traded 4,042,470.88 4,042,470.88

Current Price 5.76 20.80 1.90 0.50 7.00 0.98 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,622,248 153,176 307,718 20 1,610,634 853,307 18,569 4,565,672

Value Traded 9,760,872.69 3,041,124.89 588,717.34 10.40 11,024,989.84 839,393.98 9,284.50 25,264,393.64

Current Price 16.30 820.00

Quantity Traded 15,615 6,348 21,963 Quantity Traded

Value Traded 242,464.35 5,012,578.00 5,255,042.35 Value Traded

Current Price 5.25 0.92

Current Price 23.71 43.25

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON Daily Summary GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER

769,666 290,000 Page 1,059,666

3

3,846,737.16 266,300.00 of 14 4,113,037.16

Quantity Traded 193,751 58,650 252,401

Value Traded 4,456,365.03 2,410,242.00 6,866,607.03

8,417,335

328,551,041.27

No. of Deals Current Price 85 4.58 68 2.16 30 17.64 33 1.38 (Equities) 266 17.98 83 1.24 15 1.80 209 3.14 51 Current Price 6.24 No. of Deals 5 0.93 21 1.00 866

Quantity Traded 24,277,530 6,415,266 83,251 2,865,099 26,071,566 6,371,388 289,424 22,363,164 1,097,902 Quantity Traded

Value Traded 111,903,931.28 13,861,315.01 1,434,379.71 3,959,396.62 468,033,563.68 7,915,554.96 497,817.08 71,644,221.42 6,861,909.93 Value Traded

456,670 588,729 90,879,989

424,743.10 577,049.45 687,113,882.24

No. of Deals 15 3 2 2 2 1 2 2 15 7 2 5 1 (Equities) 7 66

Current Price 0.92 1.08 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.68 0.50 0.68 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

Page Quantity Traded 377,494 238,610 106,000 50,200 23,332 200,000 50,000 201,000 7,373,557 527,926 1,000,700 5,000 100,000 254,347 10,508,166

No. of Deals 1 1 No. of Deals

Current Price 5.15

Quantity Traded 20 20 Quantity Traded

1 1 No. of Deals 39 6 1 65 40 52 203

Current Price 4.50

Current Price 2.49 4.06 0.58 1.52 15.00 1.32

1,137

Symbol UNIONDAC

1,291,972.12 Value Traded 3,619.00 7,629,310.85 198,425.78 275,178,134.58 14 2 of 283,009,490.21

Quantity Traded 21,663 21,663

491

HEALTHCARE Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © HEALTHCARE Totals ICT Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC Computers and Peripherals Totals

Sector

Company name

HEALTHCARE HEALTHCARE Totals

ICT Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC Computers and Peripherals Totals

1,372 1,372 Page

4 Value of Traded14 348,656.30 257,698.80 53,000.00 25,100.00 11,666.00 100,000.00 132,960.00 100,500.00 4,974,935.19 263,963.00 500,350.00 2,500.00 50,000.00 127,173.50 6,948,502.79

Value Traded 98.00 98.00 Value Traded 5

5,872.16 5,872.16 of 14

Quantity Traded 498,844 1,202,789 15,000 2,668,859 16,929,763 1,387,841 22,703,096

Value Traded 1,260,746.10 4,883,343.34 8,400.00 4,088,914.16 254,026,877.71 1,848,649.26 266,116,930.57

124,092,643

960,185,285.76

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 120,000 120,000

Value Traded 60,000.00 60,000.00

No. of Deals 1 19 (Equities) 14 3 37

Current Price 0.50 2.70 31.10 1.10

Quantity Traded 50,000 745,934 54,844 42,578 893,356

Value Traded 25,000.00 1,889,441.80 1,652,878.05 44,856.90 3,612,176.75

Page 1,013,356

38

6 of 14 3,672,176.75

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 45,000 45,000

Value Traded 22,500.00 22,500.00

Symbol CWG

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 2.67

Quantity Traded 500 500

Value Traded 1,270.00 1,270.00

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

38

Value of Shares(N)

1,013,356

3,672,176.75

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 45,000 45,000

Value Traded 22,500.00 22,500.00

IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC IT Services Totals

Symbol CWG

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 2.67

Quantity Traded 500 500

Value Traded 1,270.00 1,270.00

Processing Systems E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Processing Systems Totals

Symbol ETRANZACT

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 3.19

Quantity Traded 50,000 50,000

Value Traded 159,500.00 159,500.00

95,500

183,270.00

Quantity Traded 66,884 4,000 52,981 28,760 5,000 6,000 19,150 Quantity Traded

Value Traded 1,629,890.52 40,550.00 2,018,399.00 276,443.80 3,350.00 3,000.00 1,910,212.50 Value Traded

ICT Totals Daily Summary as of 07/01/2016 Printed 07/01/2016 14:32:47.047 INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC Daily Summary as of 07/01/2016 CAP 14:32:47.047 PLC Printed 07/01/2016 CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY DN MEYER PLC. FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC INDUSTRIAL GOODS LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Published

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. INDUSTRIAL GOODS Electronic and Electrical Products Totals Packaging/Containers AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals

6

Symbol No. of Deals Current Price ASHAKACEM 15 24.00 BERGER 3 10.50 Daily Summary (Equities) CAP 9 37.60 CCNN 7 10.10 DNMEYER 2 0.70 FIRSTALUM 2 0.50 Daily Summary (Equities) WAPCO 9 105.00 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price 47 Symbol CUTIX Symbol AVONCROWN Symbol BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 4 No. of Deals4 3 No. of Deals 3 6

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals NATURAL RESOURCES Metals ALUMINIUM MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC Metals Totals Paper/Forest Products THOMAS WYATT NIG. PLC. Paper/Forest Products Totals Daily Summary as of 07/01/2016 Printed NATURAL 07/01/2016 RESOURCES 14:32:47.047 Totals OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Integrated Oil and Gas Services

OANDO OIL AND GASPLC Integrated Gas Services Totals Petroleum Oil andand Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

SERVICES Daily Summary as of 07/01/2016 Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Printed 07/01/2016 14:32:47.047 R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY Employment Solutions SERVICES C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions

Media/Entertainment Daily Summary as of 07/01/2016 DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Summary on Board EQTY PrintedActivity 07/01/2016 14:32:47.047 Media/Entertainment Totals SERVICES Printing/Publishing SERVICES Totals LEARN AFRICA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Daily Summary as ofTotals 07/01/2016 Printing/Publishing Totals EQTY Board PrintedActivity 07/01/2016 14:32:47.047 Summary on Board EQTY Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC SERVICES Activity RoadSummary Transportation TotalsASeM SERVICES Totals on Board CONSUMER GOODS Services Transport-Related Daily Summary as of 07/01/2016 EQTY Board Totals Food Products AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC PrintedActivity 07/01/2016 14:32:47.047 Summary on Board EQTY COMPANY PLC MCNICHOLS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING Food Products Totals Transport-Related Services Totals SERVICES SERVICES Totals Activity Summary onTotals Board ASeM CONSUMER GOODS Published

by Theas Nigerian Stock Exchange © Daily Summary of 07/01/2016 CONSUMER GOODS PrintedEQTY 07/01/2016 14:32:47.047 Board Totals ASeM Board Totals Food Products Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM MCNICHOLS PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES Food Products Totals OtherSummary Financial Institutions Activity on Board Activity Summary onTotals Board ASeM PREMIUM CONSUMER GOODS FBN HOLDINGS PLC CONSUMER GOODS Other Financial Institutions Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM Food Products ASeM Board Totals Banking FINANCIAL SERVICES MCNICHOLS PLCTotals BANK PLC ZENITH INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES Food Products Totals Banking Totals Other Financial Institutions INDUSTRIAL GOODS FBN HOLDINGS PLC Building Materials CONSUMER GOODS Activity Summary onTotals Board PREMIUM Other Financial Institutions DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FINANCIAL SERVICES Building Materials Totals ASeM Board Totals Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking INDUSTRIAL Totals ZENITHGOODS INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC INDUSTRIAL GOODS Banking Building Totals Materials

PREMIUM BoardCEMENT Totals Activity Summary on Board DANGOTE PLCPREMIUM

Building Materials Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Published byActivity The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Equity Totals Banking GOODS Totals INDUSTRIAL ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Daily Summary as of 07/01/2016 Banking14:32:47.047 Totals Printed 07/01/2016

PREMIUM Board Totals

Exchange Traded Fund

EquityName Activity Totals

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF VETIVA BANKING ETF VETIVA CONSUMER GOODS ETF Exchange Traded Fund VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Name Exchange Traded Fund

VETIVA Name INDUSTRIAL ETF TradedStock FundExchange Totals PublishedExchange byLOTUS The Nigerian HALAL EQUITY ETF © VETIVA BANKING ETF ETF VETIVA Board Totals CONSUMER GOODS ETF VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF

ETP Activity Totals

Current Price 1.45 Current Price 53.45

182,775

5,881,845.82

Page Quantity Traded 31,000 31,000 Quantity Traded

7 of 14 Value Traded 49,610.00 49,610.00 Value Traded

4,373 Quantity Traded 9,418 13,791

6,272.20 Value Traded 478,299.44 484,571.64

227,566

6,416,027.46

Symbol ALUMACO

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 7.75

Quantity Traded 4,000 4,000

Value Traded 29,480.00 29,480.00

Symbol THOMASWY

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.61

Quantity Traded 150,150 150,150

Value Traded 91,591.50 91,591.50

154,150

121,071.50

2

Symbol

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 50.00 50.00

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 111 111 No. of Deals

Current Price 5.61

Page Quantity Traded 985,813 985,813 Quantity Traded

14 8Value Traded of 5,584,274.96 5,584,274.96 Value Traded

2,942 458,189 Page 11,981 5,480 8,399 486,991

69,166.42 9 810,866.21 of 14 3,756,043.50 795,274.44 1,307,677.68 6,739,028.25

Daily Summary (Equities) JAPAULOIL

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL TOTAL

Symbol SEPLAT

6 7 3 6 8 30 No. of Deals 12 12

Current Price 24.74 1.77 330.00 152.00 148.50

Current Price 196.07

Quantity Traded 32,007 32,007

Value Traded 6,343,872.88 6,343,872.88

1,504,911

18,667,226.09

154

Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,296 1,296

Value Traded 648.00 648.00

Symbol

No. of Deals 9 16 25

Current Price 4.04 1.15

Quantity Traded 1,204,840 691,174 1,896,014

Value Traded 4,933,240.20 831,631.38 5,764,871.58

Symbol CILEASING Symbol

No. of Deals Current Price 2 Current Price 0.50 No. of Deals 2

Quantity Traded 7,150 Quantity Traded

Value Traded Value3,575.00 Traded

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL TOURIST TRANSCOHOT

No. of Deals 3 1 1 5

Current Price 3.12 3.51 5.51

Symbol DAARCOMM

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 8,000 8,000

Value Traded 4,000.00 4,000.00

Symbol LEARNAFRCA

No. of Deals 77 10 1 11 2,174

Current Price 0.80 6.00

Quantity Traded 3,016,192 739,000 8,888 747,888 146,152,216

Value Traded 7,346,760.18 597,660.00 50,661.60 648,321.60 1,395,909,222.63

Quantity Traded 50,000 50,000 3,016,192

Value Traded 25,000.00 25,000.00 7,346,760.18

Daily Summary (Equities) REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

Employment Solutions Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Hotels/Lodging Daily Summary as of 07/01/2016 IKEJA14:32:47.047 HOTEL PLC Printed 07/01/2016 TOURIST COMPANY OF NIGERIA PLC. TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Current Price 1.66

57

OIL AND GAS Totals

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Symbol OMATEK

No Of Deals

Symbol OMATEK

Building Materials Totals Current Price 0.50

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC Daily Summary as of 07/01/2016 Healthcare Providers Totals Printed 07/01/2016 14:32:47.047

14 118,027,509.47 of

No. of Deals 4 4

Insurance Carriers, and Symbol Published by The Nigerian Stock Brokers Exchange © Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. AIICO CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CONTINSURE EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. EQUITYASUR CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC HMARKINS INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC INTENEGINS LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LASACO AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC MANSARD MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. MBENEFIT N.E.M INSURANCE NEM Daily Summary as of 07/01/2016 CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. NIGERINS Printed 07/01/2016 14:32:47.047 PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. STDINSURE UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC UNIVINSURE Daily Summary WAPIC INSURANCE PLC WAPIC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

5,765,331 Page

Symbol COSTAIN

CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Daily Summary as of 07/01/2016 Banking14:32:47.047 Printed 07/01/2016 ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES UNION BANK NIG.PLC. Banking

Current Price 0.59 4.16 1.38 Current Price 20.68

108

UNION HOMES ESTATE Activity Summary onREAL Board EQTYINVESTMENT TRUST (REIT) UHOMREIT Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals CONSUMER GOODS CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange Totals © Beverages--Brewers/Distillers

71

1st Tier Securities Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Daily Summary (Equities)

Daily Summary (Equities) UPL

7,150 Page Quantity Traded 75,500 20 100 75,620

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals Current Price ABCTRANS

2 2 77

0.50

No. of Deals No. of 2,174 Deals 4 5 22 5 26

Current Price Current Price 2.10 1.20 3.78

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol Symbol AIRSERVICE

MCNICHOLS NAHCO Daily Summary (Equities)

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol

77 5

3,016,192 1,191,079 Page

Current Price 5 1.20 5 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Daily Summary (Equities) FBNH 3105 4.59 310 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Symbol No. of Deals 5 Current Price 6205 MCNICHOLS 1.20 ZENITHBANK 310 13.40 Daily Summary (Equities) 5 310 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price FBNH 3105 Current Price 4.59 Symbol No. of Deals 310 DANGCEM 118 159.98 118 620 5 No. of Deals 118 310 310 No. of Deals

Daily Summary (Equities) ZENITHBANK Symbol DANGCEM

738 118

Current Price 13.40

Daily Summary

2,917

No. of Deals 118 310 (ETP) 310

VETINDETF Symbol LOTUSHAL15 VETBANK VETGOODS VETGRIF30

1,429,294.80 1,429,294.80 Value Traded 1,429,294.80 40,334,207.08

8,842,572 Quantity Traded 1,191,079 Quantity Traded 18,455,894 1,191,079 9,613,322 1,191,079 9,613,322 Quantity Traded 8,842,572 Quantity Traded 1,191,079 8,842,572 591,270 Page 591,270 1,191,079 18,455,894 Quantity Traded 591,270 9,613,322

Current Price 13.40

6

40,334,207.08 Value Value Traded Traded 1,429,294.80 170,254,757.59 1,429,294.80 129,920,550.51 1,429,294.80 129,920,550.51 Value Traded 40,334,207.08 Value Traded 1,429,294.80 40,334,207.08 90,127,957.65 12 of 14 90,127,957.65 170,254,757.59 1,429,294.80 Value Traded 90,127,957.65 129,920,550.51

9,613,322 129,920,550.51 Quantity Traded Value Traded 19,047,164 260,382,715.24 591,270 90,127,957.65 591,270 90,127,957.65 14 12 of 166,390,459Page 1,657,721,232.67 Quantity591,270 Traded 9,613,322 9,613,322

19,047,164

738

1 No. of Deals 61 1 61 2

7,346,760.18 1,429,294.80 14 11 of

1,191,079 1,191,079 Quantity Traded 1,191,079 8,842,572

Current Price 159.98

Symbol No. 2,917 of Deals LOTUSHAL15 1 Daily Summary (ETP) VETBANK 1 Daily Summary (ETP) VETGOODS 1 VETGRIF30 2 Symbol No. of Deals

1,429,294.80 432,806.40 1,429,294.80 664,186.40

1,395,909,222.63 1,429,294.80 Value Traded

118

Symbol ZENITHBANK

Value Traded

Value Traded 231,380.00 1,395,909,222.63

146,152,216 1,191,079 Quantity Traded

2,174 5 No. of Deals

Daily Summary MCNICHOLS Daily Summary (Equities) (Equities)

Symbol

Quantity Traded 146,152,216 Quantity Traded 110,000 1,191,079 120,224 1,191,079 230,224

3,575.00 14 10 of Value Traded 235,560.00 73.60 524.00 236,157.60

Value Traded 90,127,957.65 129,920,550.51 129,920,550.51

260,382,715.24

Current Price 9.20 2.62 6.81 12.20 Current Price

166,390,459 1,657,721,232.67 Quantity Traded Value Traded Page 12 of 14 10 92.00 5 13.10 730 4,971.30 6,210 76,382.00 Quantity Traded Value Traded

Current 21.02 Price 9.20 2.62 6.81 12.20

76 Quantity Traded 7,031 Page 10 5 7,031 730 6,210

Value1,597.52 Traded 13 83,055.92 of92.00 14 13.10

83,055.92 4,971.30 76,382.00

7,031 Page

83,055.92 13

of

14

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arty News

Friday, January 8, 2016

27 31

I get inspiration from dreams –Janet Yahaya H

ow did you find yourself in music?

When I was about 14 years old, I began to notice that I always have a very strong urge to sing, not just songs but Christian songs. I eventually joined my church choir back then and later I joined a band. In school, I also joined the school choir and before long, I was made the leader of our school choir. All these actually helped me to build myself in music. Shortly afterwards, I started writing my own songs which God has given me the grace and privilege to have released.

How many of these songs have you released?

I have more than 20 tracks but presently, I have been able to release about 14 of them.

Could you run through some of them?

Show me the Way, Have Mercy on me, It May be Too Late, The Lion of Judah, Shout Happily to God, Sweet Jesus, My Beautiful Lord and others.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Most of the time, I get Inspired through my dreams. Half of my songs I got the revelation from my dreams, some after searching the scriptures in the presence of God either at home or in church. Whenever it comes, it keeps flowing non-stop.

How has your songs been able to impact on the lives of people?

I have received numerous calls from people who say they have been blessed through my ministration, some people say I sing differently from the way others sing personally I don’t understand the differences, I believe it is only God who will make me understand it but a lot of people keep telling me that my songs have a power behind it.

What kind of messages do you preach in your songs gener generally?

I sing due to the revelations I receive but the focus of the revelations I receive is to save the per perishing. I keep on having visitation of revelations to save the per perishing. In the middle of all my songs I always sing a part of save the perishing music. This is because in my revelations, I always hear a voice telling me that it is getting late, hurry up it’s getting late. Each time I hear those words, the weather I always see shows its evening.

The revelation always comes and goes and I must confess, it gets me scared and that is why most of my songs focus on how to make sure that everyone ends his or her life no matter what we might be passing through, in a

Janet Yahaya, a fast-rising gospel artiste, is out to win souls through her music. The Kaduna State born who is working towards releasing an album this year, talks about her aspirations and challenges in this interview with REGINA OTOKPA. Excerpts: good way. In the process of living this life, the end is very important for everybody to finish well.

How supportive are people with your kind of music?

That has been my challenge; I have not been able to get any form of support from my music. Sometimes I feel there is something God wants me to pass through, to experience because I believe there is nothing that God cannot do. So if I am passing out God’s message and am having challenges, it could be because the right time probably has not come.

You belong to a church, has the church reached out to support you in anyway?

Yes, they have tried in their own way to assist my ministry in diverse areas possible. Although there are still some challenges I am dealing with presently, I am positive that soon everything will fall into place.

There have been instances where gospel artistes encounter difficulties from the churches they happen to be under. Have you encountered such difficulties?

No, I haven’t but I know there are some artistes who face challenges in trying to pass the same message the church preaches. Not all artistes and pastors pass the same kind of messages.

How is that an issue?

The ministry is a mystery, nobody can explain the ministry even some of my ministry about myself I am still trying to understand it. The moment you do otherwise, that is no longer a ministry.

How accessible are your songs?

That is what has brought me out. I have canbeen hiding for the past five years but can not continue to hide in the dark, I want to somecome out share my CDS and I know some how I will find a solution. Maybe this is the time God wants me to come out because there are some things that If God wants to turn them around, it might be different from the way you are expecting it by doing it in another way. God does his things in a way whereby no one will be able to share his glory with him.

Janet Yahaya

Janet Yahaya

I am lookIng forward to seeIng myself all over thIs new year; I belIeve that god wants to speak through me Has your family supported you in any way?

My family has been trying in their own little way, though my mum is late. I know if they have had more they would do more.

They have always encouraged my music.

Do you have any songs in Hausa language?

Yes, I do have a few of them like Mu Zauna Da Shiri, though I find it a little bit difficult in singing Hausa songs but I intend to do more. Most of my English songs I translate them in my dialect and in Hausa for those who do not understand English.

What advice do you have for young gospel artistes who are faced with challenges?

They should never give up, It happens to everybody especially when you are committed to a particular cause wholehearted-

ly and no one seems to be encouraging you, if care is not taken you might find yourself deviating from the path and indulging in activities that will spark support from all directions not minding if you are trailing off God’s plan for you. That is the most difficult thing in life, sometimes due to discouragement young artistes think God has forsaken them, no he hasn’t, he is right there. Pick up your dream; keep on trying even when it seems nothing is working.

This past five years, the more I face challenges the more I develop the passion to pass the message across.

Where do you intend to see yourself this New Year?

I am looking forward to seeing myself all over this New Year; I believe that God wants to speak through me, to tell the world he is coming very soon.

Janet Yahaya

Friday, January 8, 2016

32

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Concerns mount over transport sector’s low contribution to GDP While the Federal Minister of Transport said he was determined to reposition the sector in order to enhance its contributions to the nation’s GDP, experts are worried that the absence of a Master Plan to guide the developmental programmes may scuttle the laudable agenda. Adejuwon Osunnuyi writes. pursue the enactment of laws to open up the sector to new investors.

While admitting for instance that the maritime sector’s contribution could be appreciable, he noted that its potential had been largely untapped.

He said: “Countries like South Korea and Singapore have built their economies around a vibrant transportation sector. Our air transport and railways subsectors hold the key to unlocking the vast potential in our cities and rural areas. The President Muhammadu Buhari administration is determined to fully exploit the potentials in the transportation sector.”

According to the minister, the government is in the process of developing a national transportation Master Plan that will be implemented as a fulfillment one of the campaign promises of the administration to diversify the nation’s economy while improving non-oil sector revenues.

He explained that a first step, the government will pursue the enactment of legislation that will open up the sector to new investments that will lead to economic prosperity.

The Minister listed among the bills that are ready for legislative action as including the National Transport Commission Bill - an act to provide for the establishment of a National Transport Commission as an independent multi-modal economic regulator and other related matters.

Beside the country’s huge population putting enormous pressure on a very poor transport infrastructure that has bedeviled the nation, he added that the railway

‘

He

Amaechi

sub-sector had suffered significant neglect in the past, though it was the most effective and cheapest mode of mass transportation for both passengers and freight.

He identified some of problems of Nigerian transport system to include, bad roads, inadequate fleet of buses and trucks; irregular and inadequate trains and airplanes services; and congested ports.

He also noted that in addition to these physical problems are, paucity of suitably trained transport managers and planners, capital restructuring bottlenecks, serious issues of institutional reforms and ineffective traffic regulation.

Amaechi lamented that the current state of the railways indicated the serious neglect of this important sub-sector occasioned by poor policy initiation and implementation.

“This has led to the proliferation of privately owned and operated road haulage services resulting in unregulated and chaotic situation on the nation’s roads. Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) has been effectively reduced to an economically unviable venture dependent on government subvention without any return on the huge investments,” he said.

Hinted tHat government

would implement policies tHat encourage private sector

participation and investments towards diversification

‘

T

o a large extent, just like every other country in the world, the transportation sector is believed to play a paramount role in the nation’s development.

However, since independence, such cannot be said to have been the case in Nigeria’s situation such that every administration has always ended up playing lip service to the development of the sector.

But as the case appears now, Nigerians might soon heave a sigh of relief because the Transport Minister, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi in whose hands the responsibility of overseeing the sector is, is not having the illusion that all is well.

According to him, there is an urgent need to exploit the opportunities that abound within the sector to improve its contribution to the national economy.

Taking a critical look at the transport sector to Nigeria’s contribution to the nation’s GDP over the years, Amaechi has admitted that the 1.41 per cent aggregate contribution of the sector to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is unacceptable.

For the Transport Minister, although Nigeria is blessed with multiple modes of transportation that is the envy of many, the potential have largely remained untapped.

Amaechi told reporters that the Federal Government was developing a national transportation master plan aimed at diversifying the economy and improving non-oil sector revenue.

If properly handled, the transport sector, he said, could contribute more than the four percent it is generating to the nation’ GDP. He listed the problems of transportation as bad roads, inadequate fleet of buses and trucks, irregular and inadequate trains and airplanes services as well as congested ports.

Others, he said, are the dearth of trained transport managers and planners, capital restructuring bottlenecks, institutional reforms and ineffective traffic regulations.

The Minister said that Buhari administration has promised to

and growtH of tHe nation’s economy

He hinted that government would implement policies that encourage private sector participation and investments towards diversification and growth of the nation’s economy as well as streamline all the agencies in the maritime sector for more effective and efficient performance.

Meanwhile, experts seem to be having divergent views on how best to enhance the performance of the transport system with a view to boosting its contributions to the nation’s GDP growth.

For instance, transportation consultant, Dr Adegboyega Banjo, said Amaechi’s position was hardly new as discourse over the need to design a Master Plan has been on since 1974.

He said: “Sadly, while we keep on talking about developing a masterplan after 55 years of independence, some countries that were nowhere when we started the talks 42 years ago, have copied what we discussed then, and were implementing them,” Banjo said.

Like a national economic rolling plan, experts said the nation ought to have begun the implementation of a Master Plan long before now, adding that the absence of the policy had been responsible for the uncoordinated growth of the transportation sector.

According to them, rather than developing a new template, the Buhari-led administration should merely get those policy documents, update them to align with global transportation best practices or templates and start implementation.

Experts said a transportation master plan that would address the nation’s status as the biggest economy on the African conti-

nent is important.

Industry analysts believe that in a changing global economy, where travel demands of customers are becoming complex, new modes needed to be introduced if Nigeria must continue to be relevant.

The Chief Executive, Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), Dr Hafiz Toriola, said an integrated Master Plan that includes all modes of transportation, especially land, water and air, must be pursued.

He also canvassed the involvement of the 36 states in designing templates of Master Plan that suit their environment, while the Federal Government set the rules of integration and facilitates and coordinates inter-state involvement.

He said: “There should be a devolution of power, which would see the federal government take full charge of all roads on the exclusive list, (Trunk A) roads, while state gain full autonomy to run all roads on the concurrent list (Trunk B) and local governments the residual (Trunk C) roads.”

Former Dean, School of Transportation Studies, Lagos State University, Dr Tajudeen Olukayode BawaAllah, wondered why the government ought to be taken seriously in its bid to develop a transportation Master Plan for the country.

BawaAllah, who was a part of similar moves in the past, accused the bureaucracy of raking up the policy issue “because there is no more money to share”.

The don said that all the Amaechi-led team needed to know were already contained in previous documents that had been submitted to the Federal Government since 1987, urging the new helmsman to request for the drafts of such policies submitted to it to enable him decide on what is required in developing a Master Plan or a transport policy for the country.

He recalled that apart from the report of the Committee of Experts on National Transport Policy for Nigeria, which was submitted to Minister of Transport and Aviation in October 1987, a similar draft of the National Transport Policy was prepared for the Federal Ministry of Transport and Aviation in June 1990 and “circulated in a restricted form among selected transport industry professionals in order to obtain informed comments on its trust, emphasis, scope and structure before being given wider circulation before its formal submission for government approval”.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, January 8, 2016

33

Kia Motors introduces ‘DRIVE WISE’ sub-brand

K

ia Motors has introduced the launch of a new sub-brand, ‘DRIVE WISE’, to encompass its future Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

DRIVE WISE embodies Kia’s philosophy to realize intelligently safe vehicles featuring Kia’s latest and forthcoming ADAS technologies.

Kia recently announced plans to manufacturer partially-autonomous cars by 2020, and aims to bring its first fully-autonomous vehicle to market by 2030.

Debuting at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES)

in Las Vegas, January 6-9, Kia’s innovative DRIVE WISE technologies are currently under development. Engineered to improve safety for all road users, DRIVE WISE will enable Kia to introduce intelligent safety technologies to its future model range, helping to eliminate potential dangers – and, for many, the boredom – of driving, while changing the ways in which owners interact with their vehicles.

Tae-Won Lim, Senior Vice President, Central Advanced Research and Engineering Institute of Hyundai Motor Group, commented, “Kia is undergoing a very promising and gradual process of introducing partially and fully autonomous technologies to its

megacrown1@yahoo.com 08025237926

Expedition, LR4, Jeep among 2016 vehicles to watch

A Lim

vehicles. Although the first marketable fully-autonomous car from Kia will not be available in the immediate future, the work our R&D teams are currently doing to develop our range of DRIVE WISE technologies is already improving on-road safety and driver assistance. The innovations presented at this year’s show demonstrate the future direction we are taking.”

CES 2016: BMW turns cars into spy cams

B

MW is set to turn the tables on unscrupulous car park culprits by turning cars into spy cameras.

The Bumper Detect system, displayed at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas overnight, will even send images of car-damaging culprits to a smartphone, complete with the time of the incident.

The car uses its existing parking sensors and other, newer sensors to figure out if anybody has bumped into it, then it can start taking

pictures or video of the car and the area around it, and will send them to the owner’s smartphone on request.

Vision from the cameras on the car can even be streamed to approved devices in realtime, BMW says.

Volkswagen to launch “BUDD.e” Microbus concept

V

olkswagen has tweeted the name of its soon-tobe-revealed all-electric vehicle it will unveil at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next week.

The tweet, revealed, appears to show the new Microbus concept will be called the “BUDD.e”.

The name follows on from the last 2011 Microbus concept that was called the Bulli.

Earlier in the week, Volkswagen released a short video tease of how the all-electric mini people mover is shaping up.

As already reported, the BUDD.e will be made at Volkswagen’s Puebla factory in Mexico and be on sale in 2017.

Using the latest Volkswagen Group lithium-ion battery technology, the production version of a Microbus is expected to have a range as great as 500km.

Despite its emphasis on pureelectric power, both a conventional small turbo and efficient diesel will follow.

Back in 2011, the Bulli (pictured) was powered by a 40kWh lithium-ion battery pack that sat below the floor. With an electric motor that produced 85kW,

BUDD.e

the concept was capable of a 0-100km/h sprint in 11.5 seconds with a top speed of 130km/h.

The new BUDD.e is expected to improve on all those figures.

It’s also helped, post-Dieselgate, the zero-emission vehicle will help rehabilitate the German car-maker’s brand.

s the year, 2016 begins, while globally, luxury vehicle enthusiasts are expected to be in the lookout for a mixture of super-size, truck-based SUVs and compact crossovers this year, their Nigerian counterparts are not going to be left out.

Though Truck-based SUVs may be considered as old school, they are still the preferred choice for towing and rugged off-road adventure.

Experts, however, note that crossovers are becoming more capable for these tasks as well.

This subcategory is one of the fastest-growing vehicle segments.

According to an online report

by Edmund.com, some of the luxury vehicles to lookout for in 2016 include Ford Edge, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Sorento, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer Sport, Ford Flex, Land Rover LR4, Toyota Land Cruiser, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler and Subaru Forester.

The striking features of some of the vehicles are highlighted below: Ford Expedition: It has a powerful and efficient turbocharged six-cylinder engine that is good for towing and almost makes this big truck feel fleet of foot.

Its trusty steering and adaptive suspension also make it feel more maneuverable than its lumbering competitors.

Land Rover LR4: The LR4 can tackle terrain that will leave most other SUVs stranded, boasting even more capability than other, posher Land Rover models.

Full-time four-wheel drive is standard on all LR4s, and although a single-speed transfer case is standard, a traditional two-speed transfer case with selectable low-range gearing is available. Both are governed by Land Rover’s Terrain Response system that allows the driver to toggle among settings (General, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Sand, Mud/Ruts and Rock/Crawl) to get out of just about any off-road jam.

Toyota Land Cruiser: It ranks highly among large SUVs for its power, luxury, passenger-friendliness and legendary off-road capability.

The current Cruiser has fulltime four-wheel drive, 8.9 inches of ground clearance, an active and lockable Torsen centre differential, five-speed crawl control, hill descent control and Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic. Suspension System that electronically modulates the stabilizer

bars for improved handling on any terrain.

Jeep Grand Cherokee: The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee combines prodigious off-road performance with a comfortable, well-appointed cabin.

Jeep offers multiple fourwheel-drive systems, and there is even an adjustable air suspension that allows you to change the ride height from 6.6 inches for easy entry into lowclearance garages to 11.3 inches for maximum ground clearance while tackling rough terrain.

Jeep Wrangler: No unmodified vehicle can go as far into the unknown as the 2016 Jeep Wrangler, the ultimate convertible off-road icon.

This vehicle is available in classic two-door or more familyfriendly four-door Unlimited form, and both are powered by a stout 3.6-litre V6 engine.

Ford Edge: The Edge provides the superior comfort and passenger space that car shoppers expect from a midsize SUV, constituting a clear step up from less expensive compact SUVs like Ford’s Escape. Its supple ride, plush seats and whisper-quiet cabin will be seen as standouts in the segment, while its value, interior quality and driving dynamics easily meet expectations. The Edge also offers an appealing range of engines, including a base turbocharged four-cylinder, an upgrade V6 and a turbocharged V6 in the Edge Sport.

Jeep Grand Cherokee: People don’t have to be an off-road enthusiast to enjoy the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee because it is found comfortable and well-appointed for pavement duty.

Its interior will be found far nicer than expected from a rough-and-ready Jeep.

Kia Sorento: The redesigned 2016 Sorento is a substantially higher-quality vehicle than the previous editions. Cabin materials give up little (if anything) to pricier competitors, feature content embodies the term “generous” and the styling is unusually eye-catching for a midsize crossover. Mechanical improvements include a strengthened structure, upgraded suspension and improved steering, which together create a substantial, comfortable and altogether refined driving experience.

Toyota Highlander: It will come with a refined interior, seating for up to eight, a quiet and compliant ride, and an abundance of comfort and convenience features.

34

People In The Mirror

L-R: Groom’s Father, Segun Olusanya; Brides mother, Mrs Lola Dada; The couple, Mr and Mrs Seyi Olusanya; Groom’s mother, Dr. (Mrs) Bola Olusanya and, Bride’s father, Rev. Joseph Dada during the wedding ceremony between Fikayo and Seyi Olusanya in Lagos.

L-R: Senior Programme Manager, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, Barrister Ogom Kifordu; National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and 2015 Human Rights Queen, Mbonu Chiamaka Jessica during the press conference on an endorsement of the new Human Rights agenda of Chief of Army Staff and for sustenance in Abuja.

Former Executive Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Otunba Jide Adebayo (left), presenting a plaque to Mr Saheed Alatise, an award recipient, on behalf of Omu-Aran Youth Forum in Omu-Aran, Kwara.

Borno Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Fanta Baba-Shehu (left) who represented Mrs Aisha Buhari, presenting relief materials to a beneficiary during distribution of special packages to 1,250 Internally Displaced Women in Maiduguri.

Friday, January 8, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Grooms mother, Ngozi Sangotade; Brides father, Mr. Frankie Goka; Damilola Sangotade with his wife Delali; mother of the Bride Mrs.Funmi Goka and Grooms father, Major General Rtd. Adeniyi Sangotade during their wedding ceremony,Lagos.

L-R: Head Teacher, Community Pry. School, Amumara, Imo State, Mrs. Amaefule Keziah; Pry. four Student of the school, Chiamaka Onwuegbuchulam and Airtel’s Territory Sales Manager, Charles Alimikhena, during the distribution of toothpaste and toothbrush at the Airtel-Unilever Oral Health programme in Imo State last recently.

L-R: Government Services and Alcohol in Society Manager, Guinness Nigeria, Mrs. Nkiru Ogburuche: representative of the Abia state Governor, Mr. Micheal Nwosu; Sector Commander, FRSC, RS9.3, Abia state command, Mrs. Stella Uchegbu and representative of the CP Abia state, Oliver Inoma-Abbey at the flag-off of Guinness Nigeria’s Operation Sanity, during the safety campaign in Umuahia, Abia state recently.

L-R: Deputy Controller of Prison, Mrs Christie Obinafu; Co-Ordinator General, Missionary Sisters for the Poorest of the Poor, Rev. Sister Oresoa Selo-Ojeme and Eze Igbo Quarters, Gwagwalada, IGWE EZE Benjamin Elendu, during Mrs. Obinafu’s birthday celebration with the less privileged at Anawim home in Gwagwalada.

Friday, January 8, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Maritime

35

Assessing maritime industry’s performance in 2015 The 2015 fiscal year was characterized by policy inertia in the maritime industry. Despite this, analysts described the year as eventful based on performance assessment criteria. FRANCIS EZEM highlights some of the main events that shaped the year.

T

he events that shaped Nigeria’s maritime industry in the just past 2015 could best be described as different strokes for the different folks.

For so many stakeholders, the industry brought good tidings, for some it was the opposite and for some others, it was a combination of both.

Activities in the industry kicked off on a sad note characterised by perennial cargo congestion at most of the terminals, especially in Lagos.

The congestion was a spillover of the increased volume of imports that usually characterise the last quarter of the year, including the out gone 2014.

Many stakeholders believed that the congestion was caused primarily by human error; especially the 11-day strike embarked a coalition of Customs brokerage agents.

Apart from the congestion, the industry in the early part of the year grappled with the shaky takeover of the Destination Inspection DI Scheme form the service providers by the Nigeria Customs Service, which came with lots of hiccups.

One of such challenges was the abandonment of over 99, 000 consignments, which were not captured in the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report PAAR record, which became a major obstacle to the entire scheme.

Another major challenge encountered by the relatively new scheme was the frequent breakdown of the Automated System for Customs Data ASYCUDA, server managed by Webb Fontaine; Webb Fontaine had18-month infrastructure backup contract with the Federal Ministry of Finance to manage the ASYCUDA server over a period of 18 months to enable the service stabilise on its new assignment.

Despite its challenges, the year witnessed the introduction of a regulatory framework for the nation’s seaports, following the judgment of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, which not only upheld the appointment of the Nigerian Shippers Council as the economic regulator but also established its powers to fix charges.

Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos while delivering judgment in a suit filed by the 12 shipping line agents under the aegis of Association of Shipping Line Agents, ASLA challenging the powers of the council to introduce or impose local shipping charges on them, upheld the submissions of the council that it was properly appointed and empowered by virtue of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to undertake its role as an Economic Regulator.

Justice Buba therefore ruled that in the clear absence of any existing law in Nigeria making provision for an economic regulator for the ports, section five of the Nigerian Constitution was adequate basis for the President to issue orders in relation to the subject, as government exists for the welfare of citizens. This remains an affirmation that the NSC was validly appointed as the economic regulator for the nation’s seaports.

The year 2015 was also unique in the sense that it was an electioneering year. Given the predictions that Nigeria might break up in 2015, the electioneering campaigns were soaked with so much fears and anxiety, a development that brought about uncertainties.

Though the elections were initially billed to commence in February, before the end of January, Maersk, the biggest container carrier into the country had report a 30 per cent decline in the volume of imports into the country, as most investors adopted a wait and see attitude.

This development got worse as the day went by. Even with the extension of the election dates by six weeks primarily to combat the worsening terrorist activities in the North Eastern part of the country and also douse the political tension, the trend could not be reversed, rath-

er it became worse.

The outcome of the general elections in which the then ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party PDP lost to the then opposition All Progressives Grand Alliance APC had some effects on the maritime industry.

For Instance, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA, Mallam Habib Abdullahi was sacked by former President Goodluck Jonathan and replaced with Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero.

Bayero, who is the first child of the immediate past Emir of Kano, late Dr. Ado Bayero, was however sacked about four months after while Abdullahi was returned to his former position by the new government.

Less than two months after his return as MD NPA, Abdullahi launched the Revenue Invoicing Management System RIMS and the Self Service Customer Portal, which are fully integrated, convergent and real time platforms for the authority’s processes.

The authority had in 2014 introduced Electronic Ship Entry Notice E-SEN and the Electronic Payment System E-PAYMENT as part of measures to enhance optimum performance of the nation’s seaports, which would make them competitive.

The coming on stream of the new government headed by President Muhaammandu Buhari, also

Despite its challenges, the year witnesseD the introDuction of a regulatory framework for the nation’s seaports, following the juDgment of a feDeral high court sitting in lagos, which not only uphelD the appointment of the nigerian shippers council as the economic regulator but also establisheD its powers to fix charges

had an effect on the industry especially in terms of appointments.

The first casualty was the immediate past Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Dr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi, who was directed to hand over to the most senior officer of the agency.

There was however a three-day mild drama following the handover to Mr. Callistus Obi, the Executive Director Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, on acting capacity, which was resisted by the then Executive Director in charge of Finance and Administration, Haruna Jauro and was subsequently appointed as acting DG, having been said to be most senior since he resumed in the morning while his other colleagues resumed the next day or thereabout.

Following his disengagement, Akpobolokemi is still being probed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC. Another major appointment was that of the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali rtd, which followed the voluntary retirement of Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko, who was on the stead for five yrars The Nigerian maritime industry in the period under the review period also had its fair share of policy summersaults, which is currently plaguing it till date.

Most prominent among these policies were the National Automotive Policy and the Rice Policy.

The rice policy initially imposed a 110 duty and levy on all brown and polished rice imported into the country, which was later reviewed downwards following public outcry to 60 per for commercial rice dealers and 30 per cent for rice millers with evidence of backward integration.

The Auto Policy, through which the government wanted to boost local production just like the Rice Policy hiked duty on imported Fully Built Units FBU of vehicles from the

former 10 per cent and 20 per cent for buses and cars respectively to a flat rate of 35 per cent duty and another 35 per cent levy bringing to a total of 70 per cent. While the duty has since taken effect, the levy is still not.

The new foreign exchange control policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria, which has eliminated 21 import items from accessing foreign exchange through the official is also taking its toll in the industry with sharp decline of import volume by over 50 per cent. This is further worsened by the decline in the value of the naira, which currently goes for over N270 per dollar at the parallel market.

Another major climax in the industry is the worsening gridlock that characterise the port access roads all through the year. This problem, which seems to have defied every solution has persisted all through the year, thus impacting negatively on port efficiency and cargo delivery.

Another highlight in the activities that shaped the industry in the period was the appointment of the new Transport Minister, Mr. Rotimi Ameachi, who has promised some reforms.

But the darkest point in the industry and probably the saddest was the untimely demise of the Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria MAN, Oron, Dr. Joshua Okpo penultimate week, thus affirming that the year brought a mixed grill for different stakeholders.

Quote “Despite its challenges, the year witnessed the introduction of a regulatory framework for the nation’s seaports, following the judgment of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, which not only upheld the appointment of the Nigerian Shippers Council as the economic regulator but also established its powers to fix charges”

36

Business Maritime

Friday, January 8, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘69 Comptrollers were redeployed to enhance productivity’ StorieS: FrANCiS eZeM The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd.), has said that the decision of the management of the service to order the redeployment of 69 Comptrollers was to inject new spirit into the system.

The CG said such movements had become necessary as part of measures to promote productivity among the officers.

It was also gathered that the redeployment meant to ensure that no officer stays at a particular duty post for more than three years, which the new management believes might fuel corruption.

The affected Comptrollers include Comptroller Willy Egbudin, who was until the current post the Enforcement, Investigation & Inspection unit at the Customs headquarters, Abuja but now moves to head the Apapa

Area 1 Command, Lagos.

Similarly, Comptroller Jubrin Zakari formerly of the Tin Can Island Port Command also moves to the Excise Unit at the Customs Headquarter, Abuja even as Comptroller Victor Dimka formerly in charge of the Federal Operations Unit FOU, Zone C Owerri now moves to the Enforcement, Investigation & Inspection Unit at the Headquarter.

Meanwhile Comptroller Bashar Yusuf formerly of the

ICT Unit at the Headquarters now moves to head the Tin Can Island Port Command while Usman Kanawa Bello moves from Post Clearance Audit at the Customs Headquarters to the Import & Export.

Others affected in the shakeup include Comptroller Isah Talatu formerly of the PTML Command, Lagos, who moves to Customs Staff College, Gwagwalada while Olubiyi R.O formerly in charge of Lilypond Lommand takes over as Controller in charge of PTML Command.

Also Comptroller Madugu Sanni moves from Customs Training College, Ikeja to head the Sokoto/Kebbi/Zamfara Command while Comptroller Allanah F.A moves from Tariff and Trade Unit at the Customs Headquarters to head the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command; Lagos.

Similarly, while Comptroller Haruna Mamudu moves from Ogun State Command to head FOU Zone C, Owerri, Comp-

troller Maikarfi Y.I moves from World Customs Organisation Unit at the Customs Headquarters, Abuja to head the Seme Area Command.

Meanwhile Comptrollers Umar Yusuf and Enwereuzor Frances in charge of Western Marine and KLT commands respectively both retained their previous positions.

Also affected are Comptrollers Tajudeen Olanrewaju who moves from Port Harcourt Area 1 Command to Customs headquarters and Dalhatu M.A moves from Human Resource Department at the Headquarters to Lilypond Command, Lagos.

Also redeployed is Compptroller Multafa W.J, who moves from FOU Zone D, Bauchi to head the Ogun State Command Comptroller Tope B. Ogunkua moves to head the Oyo/Osun Command.

Also redeployed was Comptroller Adetoye O.F, who moves from FOU Zone A, Lagos to serve on the Board of the service at the Headquarters in Abuja.

WACT Onne wins terminal award

T

Abdullahi

Ali

Slashing capacity only way for shipping in 2016 –Expert

T

he shipping industry is to remain volatile and indispensable in 2016, international accountant and shipping adviser, Moore Stephens says.

According to Moore Stephens shipping partner Richard Greiner, the dry bulk sector will probably have to reduce the new building order book and increase ship recycling in 2016 in order to restore the balance, instead of blaming China’s insufficient demand for the new lows of the Baltic Dry Index.

“The same is true of the container ship sector, where reducing capacity is seen as the best way to drive up rates.

CMA CGM’s move to buy NOL, meanwhile, although subject to regulatory approval, is an indication of further consolidation.

It would be no surprise to see more still in 2016,” he said.

“By comparison, the tanker markets enjoyed a stronger year in 2015, not least because of falling oil prices. In contrast, this has presented major challenges in the offshore maritime space.

Some experts are predicting a slide to USD 20 a barrel in 2016, which may be just as well since a recent decision of the English High Court left a shipowner claiming that it had been asked

to pay twice for the same fuel from bankrupt OW Bunkers. In 2016, owners will be monitoring a possible appeal against this decision to the Supreme Court, while keeping an eye on disputes elsewhere.”

Greiner believes that shipping will remain volatile and uncertain throughout 2016, as operating costs and the cost of regulation go up.

“The threat from cyber security will rise. Interest in refinancing, as a means of getting cash out of the business, is likely to increase, as are calls for accelerated ship recycling

and a cap on new buildings. The effect of geopolitical developments should not be under-estimated, while speculation about the UK’s planned Brexit referendum in 2017 will add spice to the pot.

“Now is nevertheless a good time to invest if you have access to finance and a credible business plan, preferably one with the badge of green approval.

It is no coincidence that IMO recently endorsed a proposal to adopt ‘Shipping: Indispensable to the World’ as the theme for World Maritime Day 2016,” Greiner added.

he West Africa Container Terminal WACT operating at the Onne Ports Complex has emerged Nigeria’s best container handling and port Development Company for 2015.

WACT is owned and operated by APM Terminals, and is part of the APM Terminals Global Terminal Network.

The prestigious award was presented at the just concluded African Governance and Corporate Leadership award 2015.

The award was organised by Nigeria’s Institute for Government, Research, Leadership and Technology held in Abuja.

It was in recognition of WACT’s establishment of new industry standards in the areas of productivity, investment and service delivery to its customers in Nigeria.

In another development, the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and

Lisbon dockworkers extend strike to January end

T

he dockworkers’ union plans to extend its strike in the Port of Lisbon, Portugal until the end of January, claiming that they are yet to receive their December salaries, local media report.

The dockworkers have been protesting since November 14th, the date when their previous collective agreement expired, as they struggle to reach a new collective bargaining agreement with their employers.

The relevant parties have

been trying to come to terms on a new deal since March 2015.

The protracted talks have been abandoned several times as the two sides were unsuccessful in reaching an acceptable agreement for both sides. However, based on the latest updates, both the union and port authorities seem to have returned to the negotiating table.

Stevedores are asking for better working conditions in addition to voicing their opposition to hiring of cheaper foreign la-

bour force especially following last year’s Yıldırım Group’s acquisition of a Portuguese port management company TERTIR for a total of EUR 335 million.

TERTIR’s portfolio is comprised of ten port terminals in total: seven of which are in Portugal, two in Spain and one in Peru.

The transaction is also the largest investment ever by a Turkish company into Portugal.

Agriculture has also named WACT the winner of its 2015 Corporate Distinguished Service Award.

The award reflects WACT’s outstanding performance in its operation, year-on-year container volume growth, IT efficiency, advanced technology and customer satisfaction.

WACT, which is the first green field container terminal built in Nigeria under public private partnership, started commercial operations in 2007 and has become the most efficient Nigerian gateway to markets outside the Lagos area.

It has an annual throughput capacity of 314,000 TEUs, with 250 reefer plugs and a depth of 12 meters.

Managing Director of the company Mr. Martin Jacob, who received the awards on behalf of the company, said the management is very proud of what it has been able to accomplish as a team and that the entire company is grateful for this national recognition of its achievements.

“WACT has succeeded in connecting East, North, West Central Nigeria and Rivers State to the world. This was made possible through outstanding service delivery, cordial business relationship with our customers, regular interaction with all our stakeholders, manpower development, acquisition of modern equipment, improved technology and e-commerce.”, Jacob also said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, January 8, 2016

37

We need to re-invent our economic strategy –Agric Minister ….endorses AfDB’s US$300m Youth Empowerment Agribusiness Initiative

T

he Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has advocated the need for Nigeria to re- invent her own economic strategy as a key component of the current economic revitalization agenda of government.

The Minister made the remarks on Tuesday when he received representatives of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) who came to present a concept note on the Enable Youth Empowerment Agribusiness Programme to the ministry.

Ogbeh explained that the strength of a nation remained the population of the youth and expressed concern on the rate of youth unemployment in the country.

While canvassing the urgent need “to take care of them be-

fore they take care of us”, the minister assured his ministry’s readiness to collaborate with the AfDB and IITA towards the success of the empowerment initiative.

Expressing his desire to ensure that the youth of the nation study agriculture and make a living out of it, Ogbeh harped on the need for the three universities of agriculture in Umudike, Makurdi and Abeokuta to revert back to the provisions of the Act that established them to kick-start the implementation of the Enable Youth Empowerment Programme.

He tasked the IITA to intensify efforts towards researching into the conversion of cassava leaves into animal feeds, while some components of the Labour Intensive Family Enterprise (LIFE) of the ministry could be built into the youth empowerment initiative.

Earlier in his remarks, the

Director of Agricultural and Agro- Allied Industries, AfDB, Dr. Chudi Ojukwu, explained that a total of USS$300 million would be accessed to cover the three year project which would bring young graduates together and train them for 18 months as entrepreneur farmers.

According to him, the initiative would create 250,000 jobs

and the beneficiaries would be trained at various incubation centres on all aspects of value chains, with each beneficiary of the project supported with about US$75,000.

Ojukwu said that the project would cover the 36 states including the FCT, while the Agricultural transformation Agenda (ATA) would be expanded

through the processing zones.

The IITA Director-General, Dr. Nterayana Saginga, called for a change in the mindset of the young graduates, saying that the IITA’s experiment in the past on young unemployed graduates revealed that they could make good turn over on their investments.

He gave assurances of the Institute’s readiness to provide necessary support to the ministry.

NUBIFIE seeks regulation of outsourcing practice RobeRt Awokuse

N

ational Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, NUBIFIE, has called for the regulation of outsourcing practices in the country.

According to the union, this would streamline activities in the nation’s financial sector while ensuring compliance with the country’s extant laws as well as economic realities in the industry as it affects service providers.

The body gave the advice at a forum with the theme “Tripartite Interactive Session to Address Labour Issues and Challenges Relating to Labour in the Financial Sector in Nigeria”.

Speaking at the event, the NUBIFIE President, Comrade Danjuma Musa, highlighted grey areas in outsourcing practices, stressing the need for comprehensive understanding of contractual laws as well as its applications without infringement on the rights of the players in the industry.

Musa also cited outsourcing of non-core services as leeway to aid professionalism.

Resource persons who presented different papers on ‘Labour Outsourcing Practice in the country, maintained that

there was the need to enforce proper regulation of the practice is imperative in order to provide a work-friendly environment for contract staffers.

A representative of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, picked holes in the outsourcing model, noting that if it actually exists, there is no social safety net for outsourced frame of the industry, noting the need to outsource.

“Enforcement of penalty on defaulting stakeholders, who violates the laws guarding the industry, is important, but the tripods with two sides together leave the toiling worker at the mercy of the government and the investors negotiating the benefits of outsourced workers, which is evil.”

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Association of Nigeria Electricity Distributors, Mr. Azu Obiayo; Managing Director, Benin Electricity Distribution Plc, Mrs. Olufunke Osibodu; and Executive Director, Commercial, BEDC, Mr. Abu Ejoor, at a media briefing in Lagos on Wednesday.

How dual tariffs foster Nigeria’s rip off by foreign airlines –Expert he immediate past Managing Director of the Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited, SAHCOL, Alhaji Oluropo Owolabi has blamed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, for the bad treatment Nigerian airlines and the two ground handling companies in the sector

receive in the hands of foreign carriers.

Owolabi specifically said that the regulatory body approved different tariffs for it and the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company, NAHCO, Plc, a situation, which he said was negatively affecting the economy of the country.

He insisted that this practice had made the foreign carriers to

makers last June, eliminates import levies on more than 7, 000 products, ranging from textiles to manufactured items.

Total two-way trade between South Africa and the US was about R217 billion last years, according to Bloomberg.

South Africa’s Trade and Industry Minister, Mr Rob Davies said the impacts of the suspension would affect agricultural sector, especially citrus, macada-

mia nuts, wine, canned food and avocados to mention but a few.

“The first set of exclusions will be on agricultural products, but we have been told that it can be reversed if we reach an agreement,”.

“We have been told that we will still be able to continue with negotiations even after the whistle is blown”, Davies stated while adding that South Africa was playing an extra time.

olusegun koiki

T

AGOA: South Africa faces US’ sanctions sYlVA eMekA-okeReke

S

outh Africa may face the United States suspension from the African Growth and Opportunity Act, AGOA, over the health issues of US imports.

This followed South Africa’s missing of December 31, 2015 deadline to resolve a dispute on trade levies.

AGOA, renewed by US law-

take the ground handling companies for a ride while capital flight increases, stressing that SAHCOL had made attempts in the past to ensure that NCAA called the two ground handlers together for a meeting, but all to no avail.

He explained that despite the fact that foreign carriers increased airfares arbitrarily, ground handling companies were not allowed to do this and called on NCAA to address the issue before it got out of hand.

“I see no reason why NCAA should approve NACHO for a tariff separately. It is a tripartite agreement. I expected NCAA to call us together. By and large, if you look at it, it is the foreign exchange we are losing. Tickets fares are raised every time by the foreign airlines yet they don’t want you to increase your tariff. If you try to do so they threaten that they would go to other handler.

38

Business News

Friday, January 8, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MTN acquires Visafone, pledges quality broadband IsaIah ErhIawarIEn

M

TN Nigeria, one of Nigeria’s mobile network operator, has acquired Visafone, the only surviving Code Division Multiple Access, CDMA, operator in the country.

With the development, the mobile network telephone landscape has been completely transformed into an entirely Global System for

Mobile, GSM affairs.

A press statement issued yesterday by MTN Nigeria confirmed earlier speculations that the mobile network operator in Nigeria was making movies to buy Visafone.

The acquisition of the last CDMA operator was a market strategy by the acquiring company to create a niche for itself

in the broadband services sector currently experiencing hiccups in quality service delivery.

In line with a continued commitment to improving the quality of for its subscribers, the Management of leading ICT Company in Nigeria, MTN, has announced the completion of the acquisition of Visafone.

According to MTN Executive, Amina Oyagbola, the acquisition

CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele (left) and Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Christine Lagarde, after their meeting at the CBN Headquarters in Abuja recently.

Heritage Bank boss harps on financial inclusion awareness uDO OnYEKa

T

he Managing Director, Heritage Bank Limited, Mr. Ifie Sekibo, has called for an increased awareness on financial inclusion so as to attract more Nigerians into the financial system.

Sekibo made the call during the presentation of the Gold Sponsorship award for 2015 to Heritage Bank by the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria, FICAN, at the bank’s head office in Lagos recently.

He pointed out that the days when only the formal sector should understand finance were over, adding that everybody should begin to understand finance, understand how they spend their money, why we need to save and we need to teach our children why they need to save from now.

The banker noted further that these were some of the conversations we need to have to ensure that we promote financial inclusion even as he urged journalists, particularly FICAN members, to continue to educate people on why they should save money and how they can save and the need for us to spend in line with our budget as individuals.

He explained: “More important

for us is the conversation for us on how we need to change our lifestyle. We can’t grow an economy where all we want to spend on are dollar-denominated and foreign goods. Left for Nigerians, they want to be doing all their spending on dollars, forgetting that dollar is not our local currency. Everything they do with dollar gives employment to somebody in another country and not in Nigeria. So, we must continue to have that conversation and it must be robust.

“So, it is important as a people to begin to educate fellow Nigerians on these things and it is the

financial correspondents that must drive this, because it is a very serious issue and if we don’t, we would all regret it. You have members in print, electronic and online, if with 100 people on your platform alone, you can drive this change.”

On the award by FICAN to his bank, Sekibo, who expressed the view that Heritage Bank was still very young in its development as an organization, said that the bank did not step out to support FICAN with the intention of getting an award since many of such awards had been turned down.

which seeks to leverage resources for service enhancement is also reflective of the ICT Company’s concerted efforts to deepen the growth and roll out of broadband services across the country in support of the National Broadband Plan for the benefit of Nigerians.

Oyagbola said that her company was committed to exploring avenues for meeting its customers’ increasing data needs in line with its vision ‘to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to its customers.

She said: “As we work to maximize our data capabilities towards achieving broadband of international quality, our objective is to ensure that Nigerians experience a boost in the quality of broadband internet services translating to the much needed enhanced data speeds and value to enhance personal and business productivity.”

She explained that the acquisition of Visafone highlights MTN’s commitment to Nigeria stressing that more capacity will facilitate enhanced product/service offerings and experience in the data space to the delight of our valued

customers.

“Data is becoming increasingly important in our everyday lives and our energies are focused on enhancing data and internet services to the benefit of our customers and the country at large”, Oyagbola observed.

The news of the acquisition of Visafone broke less than two months of the promise made by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, to revive the ailing CDMA subsector.

He listed top on his agenda the ailing CDMA subsector of the industry, which has continued to maintain downward profile in the last five years, admitting that the fixed networks have been neglected, and that nobody is interested in them despite the promises they hold.

Visafone is one of the leading CDMA/ICT companies in Nigeria offering a number of services including voice, high speed data (3G), internet and other Value Added Services (VAS).

OlusEgun KOIKI

bring more vibrancy to them.

He noted that the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two, MMA2, managed by the Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, BASL, remained the best terminal in the country because it is being managed by a private investor.

It would be recalled that the Minister of Transport, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, had hinted recently of plans by government to privatise four airports in the country.

He pointed out that with the current paucity of funds in circulation and the inability of the government to embark on some more critical capital projects, the government was exploring the possibility of private sector participation towards the realisation of the industries’ potential.

The minister accused some people in the system of frustrating terminal privatisation in the past, but maintained that without privatization, Nigerian airports would not grow to the expected standards.

He said: “I will tell you, sometime ago, somebody confronted me saying, ‘Alhaji, why are you supporting privatisation? If they privatise airports and at the end of the day our people do not have money to take any of the airports, what will be our gain?’ So, the country will wait until you have money before we move forward?

Only private investors can manage airports efficiently –Tukur

T

he Federal Government has been advised to follow up with the planned privatization of four airports in the country.

The airports penciled down for privaitsation are, the Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, NAA, Abuja, the Port Harcourt Airport and Aminu Kano Airport, Kano.

Giving the advice last weekend in Lagos, the former General Secretary of Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, Alhaji Muhammed Tukur, said that privatisation of the airports would

FCT Water Board threatens to replace banks without TSA links

T

he Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Water Board has warned that it would replace banks which still had challenges with aligning with the Treasury Single Account (TSA) for its revenue collection.

The Director of the board, Mr Udu Bello, was quoted by News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, as disclosing the plan yesterday in Abuja.

He alleged that some designated banks had been turning back customers due to challenges with the TSA, adding that

some banks that have problems with aligning with the TSA are being discussed with by the Board with a view to resolving their challenges.

Bello clarified: “They are expected to sweep the remittances to the CBN everyday and it is no longer lucrative for them. More so, when there is a penalty for banks who comply, so they have been turning back our customers” While advising residents to improve their cooperation with the board by always paying

their bills or risk disconnection, the Director particularly accused residents of high brow areas like Asokoro and Maitama as usually reluctant to pay their charges.

Bello said that some claimed that they were using boreholes, whereas they are using our services.

He threatened that the Board would be compelled to remove its infrastructure from any location where residents claim to be using borehole.

Friday, January 8, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

39

Experts urge govts to tackle climate change risks to farming ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

A

s scientists have predicted that climate change would adversely affect farming and farm produce in Africa, including Nigeria, within the next 50 years, experts have charged the government to do all possible thing that can mitigate food scarcity in Nigeria.

The Minister of Environment, Mrs. Amina Mohammed, had last Tuesday declared that climate change may cost the nation as much as $460 billion, or 30 per cent of its GDP, by 2050.

She lamented that the impacts of the phenomenon were threatening the livelihoods of Nigerians on a daily basis, with 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population relying on climate-sensitive activities for their income, such as rain-fed farming and fishing, saying that Nigeria is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world.

She said that by 2050, climate change could cost Nigeria between 6 per cent and 30 per cent of its GDP ($100 billion to $460 billion).

She however reaffirmed that the Buhari administration was committed to an economic transformation which places inclusive, green growth at the centre, adding that the new leadership is “extremely well-placed to deliver on this agenda.”

Citing Lake Chad in the North-East, the geopolitical zone where Boko Haram is located, as an example, Mohammed noted that climate change aggravates regional conflicts. She explained that the body of water known as Lake Chad had shrunk to 10 per cent of its original size as a result of climate change, bringing with it the associated collapse of economic and institutional fabric, making the region a breeding ground for terrorism.

“Boko Haram is now recognised as the most deadly terrorist group in the world,” she said, adding that, “of an estimated 20 million people that lived on the Lake Chad basin circa 2003, about 11.7 million were in the North-Eastern region of Nigeria.”

She said that the Federal Government has recognised that its current oil economic composition was unsustainable, while seeking to maintain strong growth. “The recent fall in oil prices has heightened the

vulnerability of our economy to fossil fuel exports,” Mohammed stated. “Diversification, especially towards sustainable agriculture, is already a key part of our country’s economic strategy,” she added.

The President of Council for Renewable Energy Nigeria, CREN, Chief (Mrs.) Anita Okuribido, said the country should pursuit

of the use of coal, a highly environmentdamaging fuel, for power generation, adding that, while the country was committed to renewable energy rather than fossil fuels, it could not sacrifice its economic interest and the wellbeing of its citizens on the altar of going green.

She said Nigeria can generate 7.5 billion

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh (centre), with members of the Africa/Middle East Progressive Initiative during the minister’s meeting with them at the ministry recently

BOSCH, UNIDO, stakeholders chart way for cassava marketing DAvID AuDu

B

OSCH, a global supplier of technology and services in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, UNIDO, has organized a stakeholders’ consultative meeting in Lagos with farmers to discuss the prospect, challenges and marketing opportunities for cassava production in the country.

Managing Director of the company in West Africa, Mr. Ghislain Noumbessy, said it was imperative for farmers to take advantage of the technological tools and services that could help them proffer solutions to their food loss to grow their profit.

This is even as he restated his company’s commitment to search for everbetter technological solutions and fresh approaches that will help tackle the great challenges of today and deliver benefits to her customers.

Noumbessy said: “At Bosch, our work is guided and motivated to find solutions to even the most complex technological challenges while at the same time preserving natural resources and making a positive contribution to the society and that is why we decided to create a stakeholders consultative meeting to discuss about the market prospects, challenges and opportunities of agriculture espe-

AFAN seeks govt’s support for local farmers ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

A

ll Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, has appealed to the Federal Government to support farmers in order to boost their capacities and enable them contribute to the development and diversification of economy.

The AFAN Chairman, Katsina State chapter, Umar Gwajo-Gwajo, made the appeal during the inauguration of officials of Poultry Association of Nigeria, PAN, in Katsina recently, pointing

dollars in 15 years if the government can end gas flaring and utilize gas for commercial purposes.

Okuribido also said that the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution, INDC, submitted by Nigeria as its contribution to the agreement was aimed at reducing emission by 20 per cent by 2030.

out that lack of financial and technical support to farmers had been the bane of agricultural development in the country.

“If the government is serious about boosting the economy, it must as a matter of urgency redirect policies to protect local farmers to grow the economy”.

He advocated greater emphasis on safeguarding the common farmers by checking importation of products like poultry.

Earlier, the newly inaugurated PAN Chairman, Lawal Sanda, said a development blueprint had already been drafted to address knowledge and skill acquisition, revenue generation, and contact and membership drive.

He said the association would vigorously pursue, facilitate and encourage good quality production of poultry and poultry products and provide value addition to all poultry products and by-products.

cially in Cassava farming” A representative of UNIDO from Austria, Dr. Yvonne Lokko, noted that the organization has been working with Bosch in line with the United Nations agenda to reduce poverty, facilitate trade capacity building, agri-business and agro-industry development in Nigeria.

Speaking on the Bank of Industry role in Agro Business development in Nigeria, its Managing Director, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, explained that agriculture was one of the cardinal agenda of the present administration and that the bank would continue to give adequate necessary supports and loans to farmers to grow their business.

Olaoluwa, who was represented by the Group Head, Agro Processing Unit of BOI, Mrs. Kadafa Lolo Ruth, said farming was a serious business and cassava a profitable trade, noting however that there is a significant need for many farmers to improve on their skills and management structures to enable them improve their farming in 21st century.

She said that BOI had noticed that lots of farmers were individualistic and seldom come together as a team to have a registered corporative or association which could enable them to access loans from financial institutions.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Friday, January 8, 2016

40

FG raises N136bn in T-bills at higher yields Johnson okanlawon

T

he Federal Government has sold N136.24 billion in Treasury bills with maturities from three months to one year at its first auction of the year on Wednesday, at higher yields than previously.

According to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, N55.4 billion of threemonth paper was sold at four per cent, up from 3.62 per cent at a sale on December 23, 2015.

It also sold N25billion of six-month debt at 6.99 per cent against 6.19 per cent,

and 55.84 billion naira of one-year paper at 8.05 per cent compared with 7.45 per cent.

Total demand stood at N311.5 billion compared with N226.97 billion last time.

Meanwhile, FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange Plc has outlined key initiatives that it intends to concentrate on in the course of the year to drive development in the Debt Capital Market, DCM. Among the initiatives are offering a more diversified product portfolio, including short-term and

Islamic (Sukuk) bonds.

The Securities Exchange further stated that it would ensure that the financial markets provides the necessary support for economic development, as well as concentrate on Nigerian debt capital market transformation and the introduction of OTC derivatives.

In its monthly Newsletter, the Exchange observed that it will continue to work collaboratively with its stakeholders to establish those initiatives that would enhance the development of the Nigerian

DCM. The Exchange noted that its vision of becoming the number one in Africa in the fixed income and currency markets by 2019 remained unchanged.

It added that it remained committed to its mission of empowering the financial markets to be innovative and credible in support of the Nigerian economy, adding that it would continue to strive to ensure the realisation of the goals towards making the Nigerian financial markets globally competitive.

Equities show first upswing trend in 2016, gain 0.3% Johnson okanlawon

T

rading in equities closed on a positive note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, halting three days consecutive negative trends.

The growth was the first ever in 2016 having maintained the lost position for three days in the new year.

Specifically, the All Shares Index grew by 85.42 points to close at 27,266.18 as against the opening fig-

ure of 27,180.76 points on Wednesday.

The Market Capitalisation also surged by N30 billion to close at N9.377 trillion in contrast to N9.347 trillion recorded earlier.

At the close of trading for the day, Dangote Cement Plc recorded the highest gains with N6.55 or 4.27 per cent to close at N159.98 per share.

Okomu Oil Plc was up with N1.52 or 4.83 per cent to close at N33.00 per share, while Etranzact Plc

was grew by 15 kobo or 4.93 per cent to close at N3.19 per share.

Fidson Plc added 11 kobo or 4.25 per cent to close at N2.70 per share and Lear Plc recorded three kobo value addition, representing 3.90 per cent to close at 80 kobo per share.

Conversely, Seplat Plc recorded the highest losses at the close of trading for the day. The oil giant depressed the market with N7.03 or 3.46 per cent to close at N196.07 per share.

Seven Up Plc trailed with N3.63 or 1.92 per cent to close at N185.26 or 2.91 per share, while Zenith Bank Plc shed 46 kobo or 3.32 per cent to close at N13.40 per share.

Union Bank Plc dipped by 32 kobo or 4.88 per cent to close at N6.24 per share, while Oando Plc was down by 29 kobo or 4.92 per cent to close at N5.61 per share.

In all, investors exchanged 166.39 million shares valued at N1.65 million in 2,917 deals.

European stocks pummeled on China woes as DAX falls below 10,000

E

uropean stocks fell for the third time in four days, mirroring declines that shook global equities in August, as they extended the worst start to a year since 2000 amid a China-fueled selloff in mining and energy shares.

European equities have tumbled 5.4 per cent in the first four days of the year, and companies with the most sales in the world’s second-biggest economy are bearing the brunt. Anglo American Plc and Glencore Plc slid 7.1 per cent or more today, pushing a gauge of miners to its lowest level since 2009. Carmakers fell to an almost three-month low.

Stocks around the world are in retreat as an eighth day of cuts in the yuan’s reference rate exacerbated concern that growth in China is slowing more than previously forecast. The declines are a setback for European equity bulls who had speculated that centralbank stimulus and a slowly improving economy would insulate the region from stress in Asia and North America.

“The Chinese economic outlook is getting bleaker,” said Daniel Weston, chief investment officer of Aimed Capital in Munich. “Chinese demand for European exports is weakening and the price of European goods and services is getting costlier for the Chinese. In August, the Chinese said it would be a ‘one off’ devaluation, but now the market knows it is much more than that.”

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index fell as much as 3.6 per cent after a rout in China triggered a trading halt in the CSI 300 Index. Europe’s benchmark slid 2.3 per cent at 3:23 p.m. in London, paring an earlier drop after China’s securities regulator suspended the circuitbreaker that forced local exchanges to shut early.

Germany’s DAX Index lost 2.7 per cent to 9,940.73, trading below 10,000 for the first time since October. he Stoxx 600 is on track for its worst week since August, when China’s yuan devaluation sparked a selloff that saw Europe’s benchmark plunge as much as 18

per cent from its record. The VStoxx Index measuring volatility expectations in euro-area shares jumped 17 per cent today, heading for its biggest weekly advance since April.

The DAX, whose exporters have a greater exposure to China, has tumbled 7.3 per cent this week, heading for its worst loss since August. It’s down 13 per cent since a November high.

The benchmark entered a bear market at the height of the summer rout, before rebounding as much as 21 per cent.

All western-European national benchmarks declined. France’s CAC 40 Index, U.K.’s FTSE 100 Index and Switzerland’s SMI Index all lost at least 1.8 per cent.

BMW AG and Daimler AG dropped 4.2 per cent or more amid turmoil in China, the world’s largest buyer of German automobiles.

Volkswagen AG, already beset by an emissions-testing scandal, fell 4.3 per cent, taking its weekly decline to 15 per cent.

Dialog Semiconductor

Plc slid 7.2 per cent after a person familiar with the matter said Microchip Technology Inc. is reconsidering its interest in Atmel Corp. Atmel agreed in September to acquire Dialog.

Pandora A/S bucked the trend, gaining 3.4 per cent after the Danish jeweler reported a 40 per cent jump in annual sales. Randgold Resources Ltd. added 2.1 per cent as investors seeking safer assets boosted gold prices.

Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

13

Crude oil price

$58.96

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

$1

N196.98 Market indicators All-Share Index 27,266.18 points Market capitalisation 9.37trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

ETRANZACT

3.04

3.19

0.15

4.93

OKOMUOIL

31.48

33.00

1.52

4.83

DANGCEM

153.43

159.98

6.55

4.27

FIDSON

2.59

2.70

0.11

4.25

LEARNAFRCA

0.77

0.80

0.03

3.90

VONO

0.89

0.92

0.03

3.37

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

SKYEBANK

1.36

1.24

-0.12

-8.82

UNITYBNK

1.02

0.93

-0.09

-8.82

FCMB

1.60

1.52

-0.08

-5.00

ACCESS

4.82

4.58

-0.24

-4.98

AIRSERVICE

2.21

2.10

-0.11

-4.98

DANGSUGAR

6.06

5.76

-0.30

-4.95

REDSTAREX

4.25

4.04

-0.21

-4.94

OANDO

5.90

5.61

-0.29

-4.92

IKEJAHOTEL

3.28

3.12

-0.16

-4.88

UBN

6.56

6.24

-0.32

-4.88

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.30

105.59

10.37

106.59

9.57

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.47

112.69

11.47

113.69

11.14

15.54 13-FEB-2020

4.10

112.34

11.66

113.34

11.37

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.06

120.51

11.58

121.51

11.37

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.18

114.06

11.49

115.06

11.32

10.00 23-JUL-2030

14.54 89.07

11.57

90.07

11.41

Closing Market Prices of January 7, 2016

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

07-Apr-16

4.20

4.24

WAUA

270

USD

196.98

14-Jul-16

7.39

7.69

EURO

214

15-Dec-16

7.93

8.56

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

2.0000

POUNDS STERLING

293

1M

8.2930

3M

9.4643

SDR

273

6M

11.1696

NIBOR

CBN Clearing Rates of January 7, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Friday, January 8, 2016

41

School expels 7 students, suspends 4 over exam malpractice James abraham, Jos

F

ederal College of Education, Pankshin, Plateau State, has announced the expulsion of seven students and

rustication of four others over examination malpractice.

An internal memo issued by the college’s Deputy Registrar, Mr. Daniel Gyang, in Pankshin on Tuesday, said 13 students

were investigated by the academic board of the college.

The memo said one student was exonerated, while one had his examination papers cancelled.

It said four students

were rusticated for one academic session with effect from the 2015/2016 session and would resume during the 2016/2017 session for clearance and registration. ``I have been directed

to inform members of the college community that at the meeting of the Academic Board held on Monday, November 26, 2015, the board approved punishment for examination misconducts for the 13 under-listed students of the college,’’ it read.

According to the memo, those expelled have been directed to handover their identity cards and other college properties in their possession to the dean, Students Affairs or Student Officer and leave the col-

lege immediately.

Public relations officer, PRO, of the college, Mr. Istifanus Kyakmut, told our correspondent that the college has zero tolerance for examination misconducts.

Kyakmut said last June, 12 students were also rusticated by the college authorities, assuring that they would do all that is possible to rid the college of exam cheats.

He warned students against engaging in shoddy and disgraceful deals to avoid sanctions.

Focus on issues, ex-minister urges Benue politicians

…says Mark is statesman

A Traders clearing their shops after a fire incident at Yola market, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Stampede: Tambuwal visits Sokoto’s last patient in Saudi Arabia

G

overnor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal yesterday visited Hajiya Fatima Isa, popularly known as Dammu, the last of Sokoto’s patient in hospital over the September 2015 hajj stampede in Saudi Arabia.

A statement signed by Tambuwal’s spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, said Dammu, who had been on admission at the East Jedda Hospital in Saudi

Arabia since the tragedy, is from Sokoto South Local Government Area.

She survived the unfortunate incident that claimed over 2,000 lives globally. Two hundred and seventy-four Nigerians died in the incident, with Dammu’s home state of Sokoto having the death of 114 of its pilgrims.

While thanking God for her recovery from the injuries she sustained during the stampede, Tambu-

wal announced that the state government would provide her with needed medical care as soon as arrives home.

He also gave her a donation of N500,000 which his administration had earlier announced for all the families of the victims of the stampede.

While narrating her story, Dammu said she’s a trader in Sokoto, and had saved enough funds to enable her undertake her

first hajj last year.

According to doctors, she suffered from loss of memory and it took a while before Nigerian officials identified her among the victims at the hospital; she was eventually identified by her deep Sokoto Hausa accent.

While with her at the hospital, Governor Tambuwal called her family members and she burst into tears at hearing their voices.

should not entertain fear of discrimination into the civil service of the state.

The deputy governor, who promised to personally approach the governor over the need to employ more Christian Religious Knowledge, CRK, teachers in secondary schools and the completion of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Centre in the state capital, said the teaching of religious morals in schools was very important in bringing up children with the fear of God.

Governor Dankwambo, who attributed the prevailing peace and unity in the state and success of his government to the fervent prayers offered by religious bodies, called for calm and more prayers for the success of the administration.

He explained that the dragging court case now at the Supreme Court over his victory during last year’s polls was a normal democratic process.

According to him, the court case should not be misconstrued as an offen-

sive action or a deliberate act that can frustrate policies and programmes of government.

The governor charged Christians to continue to co-exist peacefully with members of other religious bodies as peace is the yardstick that could ensure the development of the state.

Speaking earlier, the state’s CAN chairman, Rev. Isa Uba, had told the governor that their visit was to express their solidarity with the government and also show their love and reverence

former Minister of Interior, Mr. Abba Moro, has asked political gladiators in Benue State to focus on issues that affect the people positively rather than dissipating energy on campaign of calumny.

Morro cautioned those attacking former Senate President, Senator David Mark, ahead of the forthcoming rerun election to think otherwise because Mark could not be distracted by the antics of a few disgruntled elements whose stock-in-trade is to spread falsehood.

Moro, who is director general of Senator David Mark’s campaign organisation, stated that at the moment “we are concerned with the issues of rerun election for Benue South as ordered by the appeal tribunal.

No discrimination in civil service employment –Dankwambo Williams attah, Gombe

G

ombe State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, yesterday assured Christian community in the state that his administration would not discriminate against them in employment into the state civil service.

The governor, who spoke through his deputy, Charles Iliya, during a Christmas and New homage to him in Government House, said religious groups in the state

for Jesus Christ during this season as observed all over the world.

The CAN chairman had also appealed to the governor for appointment of its qualified Christian sons and daughters into the state civil service as well as employ CRK teachers to impart morals into their children.

The body also sought for the completion of the

CAN Centre, Gombe, while applauding the Christmas decoration that adorned the state capital during the 2015 Christmas.

“A few uninformed persons have engaged in spreading falsehood that 16 years of Mark in the Senate did not benefit the Idoma people. History will judge.

“Mark is not just another senator; he is a man who stood to be counted when it mattered. He presided over the Senate that stabilised democracy through the invocation of the Doctrine of Necessity and saved the polity from the precipice.

“I am so confident that the Idoma man and woman who appreciate the worth of Mark will neither betray nor let him down. He is the choice. A Daniel Onjeh cannot be an option for the Idoma nation,” the former minister stated.

Moro added: “Noting can be farther from the truth.

Mark remains the only single individual who has been consistent with scholarship awards to students of Benue State since 2005. At the moment no fewer than 20,000 students have been awarded scholarship since inception.

“In 2008, he single-handedly built and donated a multi-million naira complex to the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, Otukpo study centre.

“For his effective representation in the Senate, he attracted the multi-billion naira Otobi Water Dam project that will solve the water problem in the zone.

“In addition, the dam will improve electricity supply and thousands of people would be gainfully employed besides other ancillary firms.

42

Friday, January 8, 2016

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as Mrs. SIYANI EZRA DOGO now wish to be called Mrs. ELISHA MANGUT. All my former documents remain valid. The public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss OLOSUNDE YEMISI BUNMI now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs AYEOBA YEMISI BUNMI. All former documents remain valid , OSUN SUBEB and the general public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly addressed and known as Miss Joachim Oluwaseyi Comfort now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Mathew Oluwaseyi Comfort. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME JUSTINA-formerly known as ANIMOKU JUSTINA now wish to be called Mrs. CHUKWUMA JUSTINA. All my former documents remain valid. The public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as Mr. YOHANNA A. ILIYA now wish to be called Mr. YOHANNA ILIYA SALLAMA. All my former documents remain valid. The public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyewale Janet Oluwatoyin now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Bibilari Janet Oluwatoyin. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ojuola Lydia Atinuke now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adeniji Lydia Atinuke. All former documents remain valid.Ogun State Ministry of Budget and Planning and General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Ajisefini Bolarinwa Khadijat now wish to be known and addressed as Shoetan Bolarinwa Khadijat.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly called Mr. TAYA JAKES now wish to be called Mr. JOLLY TSABTA, all my former documents remain valid Lau local government and public should please take note.

REGINA- formerly known as ACHOBA REGINA now wish to be called Mrs. REGINA UNE VIASHIMA all my former documents remain valid, the public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MOKWUE GRACE IFECHUKWUDE now wish to be known and addressed as MOKWUNYE GRACE IFECHUKWUDE. All former documents remain valid, Mosan Okunola LCDA and the general public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS. TAIWO SAKIRAT ARIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLALEYE SAKIRAT ARIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly addressed and known as Emmanuel Otamayomi Ajayi Osanyin now wish to be known and called as Rev./ Dr. Emmanuel Otamayomi Oluwalagba Oluwasanmi. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to certified that Ibrahim Muwaliu is the same one person as Ibrahim Mualiu Omotosho, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Ibrahim Mualiu Omotosho. All former documents remain valid, United Bank for Africa Plc, (UBA) and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly addressed and known as Miss Oyerinde Elizabeth Oyeronke now wish to be addressed and known as Mrs Owolabi Elizabeth Oyeronke. All former documents remain valid, NYSC and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly Known and addressed as Olopade Oluwaseyi Opeyemi Ibukun now wish to be known and addressed as Olopade Oluwaseyi Opeyemi. All former documents remain valid. Mapoly and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mr Abegunde Olamilekan Smile now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Ogunleye Olamilekan Smile. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to certified that Babalola Joseph is the same one person as Babalola Joseph Akintola, that henceforth wish to be known and called as Babalola Joseph Akintola. All former documents remain valid, WAEC, Osun State Polytechnic Iree, and general public should please take note .

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and called as Miss Rauf Balikis Omolara now wish to be addressed and known as Mrs Isola Balikis Omolara. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Bayo Bilkisu Bukky now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Sogeyinbo Bilkisu Bukky.

All former documents remain valid.

Kaduna Polytechnic, NYSC and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as AFOLABI ABIMBOLA KAFILAT, now wish to be known and addressed as ADESANYA ABIMBOLA KAFILAT. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and called as Miss Sowole Omobolaji Mutiat now wish to be addressed and called as Mrs Abdulsalam Mustapha Mutiat.

All former documents remain valid, NYSC and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Edu Halimat Ahuoza now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Arowona Halimat Ahuoza. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Embassy and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS Miss DOSUNMU TOPE FOLAKE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS ADEROUNMU TOPE FOLUKE ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that I Antonio Nasimot Adebisi Abike is the same person known and addressed as Ogunbiyi Nasimot Adebisi. All former documents remain valid. Uba bank and General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Sanyaolu Fatimah Ajike now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ojelade Fatimah Ajike.

All former documents remain valid.

Ogun state Judiciary and General public take note

Formerly known and called as Miss Owolabi Fausat Folasade now wish to be addressed and called as Mrs Ibrahim Fausat Folasade. All former documents remain valid, First Bank of Nigeria PLC, Zenith Bank Plc and general public should please take note.

Formerly addressed and known as Miss Salako Oluwabukola Jumoke now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Ojo Oluwabukola Jumoke.

All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Samuel Oluwadamilola Florence now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Obadare Oluwadamilola Florence. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

Formerly addressed and known as Miss Jegede Bosede Grace now wish to be known and called as Mrs Ojo Bosede Grace. All former documents remain valid, Osun State Ministry of Education and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly addressed and called as Miss Agboola Basirat Ololade now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Tijani Basirat Agboola. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly addressed and known as Afolabi O. Oluwaseun now wish to be addressed and known as Afolabi Oluwaseyi Johnson. All former documents remain valid, Diamond Bank Plc and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and called as Adekunle Isaac Opeyemi now wish to be addressed and known as Adeeyo Lukuman Adegoke.

All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

Formerly Known as Friday Amadu, now wish to add the said names to Friday Amadu Amingbo. All documents bearing my old names remain valid. General public take note please.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

OGUNYIMIKA: I formerly known and addressed as JAYEOLA OMOTAYO CHRISTIANAH .Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OGUNYIMIKA OMOTAYO CHRISTIANAH. All former documents remain valid.

Nursing,Midwifery Council of Nigeria and the general public take note

ASAOLU: I formerly known and addressed as MISS FALANA MERCY OLUWASEFUNMI.Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ASAOLU MERCY OLUWASEFUNMI. All former documents remain valid.General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ODUARO OLUWASEUN OPEYEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as ODUNARO OPEYEMI OLUWASEUN. All former documents remain valid; management of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), general public please take note.

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS FAGBEMI OLUWASEUN HANNAH NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS AKANNI OLUWASEUN HANNAH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as JEFFERSON CHUKWUEMEKA IFO now wish to be known and addressed as JEFFERSON CHUKWUEMEKA DANIEL. All former documents remain valid.

PRESTIGIOUS MADONNA and the general public to please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Blessing .N. Uzoma Ekeledo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Blessing .N. Uzoma .O. Okamadiri. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ADENIRAN: I formerly known and addressed as MISS KADIRI OLAYINKA ELIZABETH. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADENIRAN OLAYINKA ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid.General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to inform the general public that I, ADEJUGBE AJIBOYE is the same person bearing ADE AJIBOYE ANTHONY. Any documents that has any of the above names refer to the same person.General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

MODUPE: I formerly known and addressed as MISS MODUPE OSENAT SAKA . Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MODUPE OSENAT OROGUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

OLUWALUSI: I formerly known and addressed as OSALUSI SEUN EBENEZER. Now wish to be known and addressed as OLUWALUSI SEUN EBENEZER. All former documents remain valid.General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS LAMIDI AYISAT ADUNNI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. IBRAHEEM-LAMIDI AYISAT ADUNNI. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as EBELE CELESTINA AZBUGWU, now wish to be known and addressed as EBELE CELESTINA NNAMDINDU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SOTUNDE SAMUEL OLALEKAN. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLUTUNDE SAMUEL OLALEKAN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. FIRST BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as EZEIGBO CHINELO GLORIA, now wish to be known and addressed as AREH CHINELO GLORIA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOUNTAIN OF GRACE EVANGELICAL MINISTRY.

Formerly known and addressed as BALOGUN DIVINE E., now wish to be known and addressed as BALOGUN DIVINE ADEBOYE. All former documents remain valid; management of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), general public please take note

Formerly known and addressed as AMOSU DAMILOLA FATAI, now wish to be known and addressed as AMOSU DAMILOLA ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid; management of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Olagesin Sakirat Bolanle now wish to be known and addressed as Adesola Sakirat Bolanle. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Oluwaji Adams Nifemi Now wish to be known and addressed as Oluwaji Adams Abiodun. All former documents remain valid. Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS. EMENARI NZUBECHUKWU PRECIOUS, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. MADUBUKO NZUBECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as VERONICA OLUREMI OMOTAYO, VERONICA OLUREMI ADAMS, VERONICA REMI ADESHINA, now wish to be known and addressed as ADAMSADESHINA VERONICA OLUREMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

GOLDEN OLIVE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION

This is to notify the general public that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under the part ‘C’ of the companies and Allied matters act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1, Princess Julia Nosa Oleghe

THE TRUSTEES ARE: Pastor Mrs. Felicia Olaleye Olawum –Chairman/Founder.

Pastor Edward Olawumi.

Pastor Richard Olawumi.

Mr. Lawrence Olawumi.

Mr. Bisi Edward Shaibu.

Comrade. Rapheal Akindele Olawumi. Mrs. Adenike Oyeniran.

Deacon. Adewale Morenigbade.

Miss. Temidayo Victoria Olawumi.

Evangelist Mary Olaofe.

3, Dr. Carolyn Collins 5, Unyime Judith Essien Umeh 7. Mrs.Jane Ohenhen

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in line with Bible principles.

To win soul for Christ.

To promote moral standard, core values and ethical principles in the society.

Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28days of this publication.

Signed.

Secretary.

2, Pastor Mrs. Rita Nosa Oleghe 4, Zelma Boone 6, Mrs. Janet

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. 1, To restore moral values to our decayed society and preserve our moral heritage.

2, To support and help the less privilege in our rural and urban areas.

3, To give value and self importance to every girl child and women in our society.

4, To bring justice to the abused and those disenfranchised ( i.e) rape victims and gender discrimination.

Signed Lawrence oghenekaro.

ANAKAA: Formerly known and addressed as Samuel Anakaa, now wish to be known and addressed as Samuel Teryila Abaa. All former documents remain valid. General public take note please.

Formerly known and addressed as AKINBODE DAMILOLA FIKAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as AKINBODE DAMILOLA DEBORAH. All former documents remain valid; Fidelity and FCMB Banks Plc, general public please take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwachukwu Vivian Funmilayo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ifeadi Vivian Funmilayo. All former documents remain valid. Nysc and General public take note CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as EKWEALOR OMO JOY, now wish to be known and addressed as BRAIDE JOY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as HELEN OHATU, now wish to be known and addressed as JULIET OKOLI CHIKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Bello Folasade Olukorede, now wish to be known and addressed as Odeyemi Folasade Olukorede.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME That I ADIJAT KUBURAT AYINKE OTUN is the same person known and addressed as KUBURAT AYINKE OTUN. All former documents remain valid. ECO BANK and General public take note

ADDITION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME OLISEH: Formerly known and addressed as OLISEH NAOMI OBIAGELI now wish to be known and addressed as OKOCHA NAOMI OBIAGELI . All former documents remain valid. General public take note..

CORRECTION OF NAME JIMOH: This is to inform the general public that my name was wrongly spelt as JIMOH AZEEZ ATERE Instead of JIMOH AZEEZ AREMU. henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as JIMOH AZEEZ AREMU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME LAWAL: Formerly known and addressed as LAWAL FAITH TEMITOPE now wish to be known and addressed as LAWAL FATIMOH TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ILOMUANYA: known and addressed as ILOMUANYA NKECHI JENNIFER now wish to be known and addressed as ILOMUANYA NKECHI GRACE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EGUN: Formerly known and addressed as EGUN TUESDAY now wish to be known and addressed as SMART FRANK. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as NGOZI REGINA MADUKA, now wish to be known and addressed as EZEJI CHIAMAKA REGINA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as SAHID KOLAWOLE OWOSILE, now wish to be known and addressed as SAHID KOLAWOLE SHILLINGS. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Bar Association & Council of Legal Education and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

IBRAHIM: Formerly known and addressed as MISS HADIZA HAMIDU IBRAHIM now wish to be known and addressed as MRS HADIZA ALI. All former documents remain valid. General Public Take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Amuda Modupe Precious now to be addressed as Mrs. Itiola Modupe Precious. All former documents remain valid, Diamond Bank PLC, Ado Ekiti and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as miss Solarin Oyinade Oluwafunmilayo now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Oyeneye oyinade Oluwafunmilayo all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS MANIR HUSSAINI NOW WHICH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MANIR HUSSAINI GARBA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY ISIAKA MUIDEEN KOLAWOLE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OGUNTADE MUIDEEN KOLAWOLE ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

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

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Kabiawu Olamide Ganiat, now wish to be known and addressed as Onokwai Olamide Ganiat. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Igbokwe Chinonyelum Patricia, now wish to be known and addressed as Okolo Chinonyelum Patricia. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as JANET A. ADEYEMO now wish to be known and addressed as JANET CHRISTOPHER. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as BAYONG IRIMIYA YAYOCK, now wish to be known and addressed as BAYONG JERRY YAYOCK. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as SAKIRAT ABDULRASAQ OPEYEMI ABDULAI, now wish to be known and addressed as ABDULRASAQ OPEYEMI SAKIRAT. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Salami Wasilat Augustine, now wish to be known and addressed as Ifewarie Wasilat Temilade.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Daniel Seyi Keji, now wish to be known and addressed as Hunsu Oluwaseyi Morenikeji.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

JOHN: Formerly known and addressed as UMEH IORWUESE JOHN now wish to be known and addressed as OKORIE CHIBUBA VICTOR. All former documents remain valid. General Public Take Note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MRS. VICTOR TIMIPERE STELLA, now wish to be known and addressed as DANNY STELLA. All former documents remain valid.

Law enforcement Agents, Bank authorities, Public and Private Sectors and General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mobolaji Otesile Aminat now which to be known and addressed as Olubunmi Akintola all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS SALIHU MOH’D NOW WHICH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SALIHU MOHAMMAD M USA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. FIRST BANK, ECO BANK AND PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as AJAO NURUDEEN now wish to be known and addressed as ADEDIRAN NURUDEEN. All former document remain valid general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Hassan Akeem, now wish to be known and addressed as Hassan Hakeem. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Lucy Ali, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Lucy Akogun. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as SAMUEL CYNTHIA OGADINMA, now wish to be known and addressed as CHINONSO CYNTHIA OGADINMA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as SOBA NKECHI CHIGOZIE, now wish to be known and addressed as CHIGOZIE NKECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Nwachukwu Esther Chinedu, now wish to be known and addressed as Agoha Esther Chinedu. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as IHEARI ONYINYECHI FAUSTINA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. AMAUKWU ONYINYECHI FAUSTINA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and address as Isa Toibu, now wish to be known and address as Garuba Toheeb Abubakar. All formal documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Segun Yetunde Adetutu now which to be known and which addresses as Abass Yetunde Adetutu all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Ogwuche David is same person as Oche David now which to be known and addressed as Oche David all former documents remain valid Access Bank and general public take note .

CHANGE OF NAME I, Formerly known and addressed as OWOBAMIRO OLAWALE AFEES, now wish to be known and addressed as OWOBAMIRO OLALEKAN AFEEZ. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Grace .O. Amobi now which to be known and addressed as Nneka Okoye. All former documents remain valid.

General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly MR. FAKOYEDE SODIQ AGBOOLA now which to be known and addressed as MR. AKANJI SODIQ IDOWU. All former documents remain valid. General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Miss Afolabi Oluwaseun Omotolase now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Wonsebolatan Oluwaseun George. All former documents remain valid , general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Fatima Wushishi Shamsudeen now wish to be known and addressed as Fatima Wushishi Garba.All former documents remain valid,general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Badru Temitope Aminat, now wish to be known and addressed as Adeleke Temitope Aminat.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Umeh Joy Chinenye, now wish to be known and addressed as Onyiba Joy Chinenye. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OKETOKUN ABOSEDE SALIDA, now wish to be known and addressed as OLADIPO RASHIDAT MORENIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS Animashaun Kehinde Fausat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Gbagba Kehinde Fausat. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME known

OLABANJI

and

MODINAT

addressed BELLO,

as

now

wish to be known and addressed as OLABANJI SHERIFAT ABENI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as KOLE-AYO IBIDUN HENRRIETTA, now wish to be known and addressed as BABALOLA IBIDUN HENRITETTA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME ATTAHIRU: I formerly Known and addressed as Attahiru Umar now wish to be known as Musa Umar Tairu. All former documents remain valid.

General Public and Union Bank Plcshould please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Mary Magaji, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Cecilia Michael. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly

43

Friday, January 8, 2016

This is to confirm that I, EDIBO HELEN is the same one person as OGHENEKEVWE LONDON. That henceforth wish to be known and addressed as EDIBO HELEN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OHWODUE JOAN IRUOGHENE, now wish to be known and addressed as OSAMEDE JOAN IRUOGHENE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ATTAH OJONOKA JOY, now wish to be known and addressed as AREGUAMEN OJONOKA JOY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ANIETIE UKPONG ELIJAH, now wish to be known and addressed as ESSIEN BASSEY ETIM. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME OLAWOYIN: Formerly known and addressed as CHRISTIANA IDOWU OLAWOYIN now wish to be known and addressed as IDOWU ISHOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General Public Take Note

AKUNG : Formerly known and addressed as AKUNG JULIUS OLOWHU now wish to be known and addressed as TALLE HAMIDU. All former documents remain valid.

General Public Take Note Formerly known and addressed as IJEOMA JOANNA AZIKIWE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. IJEOMA JOANNA WODU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mbashir Adetola Sekere now which to be known and addressed as Bashir Adetola Sekere all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Known as Jelilat Azeez now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Jelilat Oloko. All former document remain valid . General Public and Keystone bank please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Former Mrs Elebiola Felicia Monisola wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Agbaminola Felicia Monisola. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS. ONYEABOR NNENNAYA PRECIOUS, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. EMENIKE PRECIOUS ONYEABOR. All former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This to confirm that am the same person as Azeez Habeeb Abiodun Badmus, Azeez Habeeb Badmus and Azeez Habeeb Abiodun . All former documents remain valid.

Access Bank, GT Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MAUREEN EZOMO now want to be known and addressed as MRS. EUNICE IWINOSA OMOREGIE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take Note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Debo Adeboye now to be known and addressed as Debo Ojuri.

All former documents remain valid,general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Osingunwa Abudu Raheem and Osinguwa Abdul Rahman now wish to be known and addressed as Osinguwa Abdul Raman. All former documents remain valid,general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed Adeyemi Mariam Adeola, now wish to be known and addressed as Akinsanya Mariam Adeola.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Rasaki Tawakalitu Arike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Afolabi Tawakalitu Arike. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Sunday Aweda, now wish to be known and addressed as Ganiyu Aweda. Born on 2nd of December 1981. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Fatai Fausat Omobolanle, now wish to be known and addressed as Akinpelu Fausat Omobolanle.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Dauda Zainab Olaide, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Zainab Olaide Oyelakin.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Okon Glory Ukpong, now wish to be known and addressed as Samuel Glory Ezekiel {nee Okon Glory Ukpong }. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Olushola Gbenga Dare now wish to be known and addressed as Oluyisola Gbenga Muyiwa,all former documents remain valid general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Ekata Francis now wish to be addressed as Uguomoar Francis, All former documents remain valid general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Olagoke Ganiyat Lanre, now wish to be known and addressed as Alimi Ganiyat Lanre. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Olorunfemi Olusola now to be addressed as Omotayo Mayowa Toba. All former document remain valid, Key Stone Bank, Ado Ekiti and general public take note.

This is to confirm that BADRUDEEN MURITADOH AKOLAWOLE and BADRU MURITADOH AKOLAWOLE refers to one and the same person.

All former documents remain valid and the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME formerly known and addressed as Adaora Lois Nwaka, now wish to be known and addressed as Adaora Lois Anyachebelu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Blessing Igwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Blessing Emmanuel Udoh. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as DANIEL BEM TOR, now wish to be known and addressed as TOR MICHEAL TERSEER. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ALUKO LAWRENCE OLUGBOLADE, now wish to be known and addressed as ALUKO LAWRENCE SMITH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

Formerly known and addressed as MUHAMMED IBRAHIM OLAMILEKAN, now wish to be known and addressed as MUHAMMED IBRAHIM ABAYOMI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

Formerly known and addressed as ALIMI AMINAT ADEBUKOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MUHAMMAD ALIMI AMINAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS FUNMILOLA OLOLADE OLADIPO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS FUNMILOLA OLOLADE FAJEMILO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to confirm that ADEOYE OMOTOLA HABEEB and ABDULHABEEB OMOTOLANI ADEOYE refers to one and the same person. All former documents remain valid and the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to confirm that ADETAYO OLUWAKEMI RUTH and ALALOR OLUWAKEMI RUTH refers to one and the same person. All former documents remain valid. United Bank for Africa, Zenith Bank and the. general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to confirm that EUNICE OBIAGELI UDENSI, EUNICE DIKE UDENSI and EUNICE OBIAGELI DIKE UDESI refers to one and the same person. All former documents remain valid. United Bank for Africa, Zenith Bank and the. general public take note.

44

Friday, January 8, 2016

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss OMOLE FAYOKEMI MOROLAKE now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs FATUNASE FAYOKEMI MOROLAKE. All documents remain valid, general public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly OMOTAYO MAXWELL OLUFEMI now wish to be known, called and addressed as OMOTAYO JOHNSON OLUFEMI. All former documents remain valid. Authority concern and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ONAH:I, formerly known and addressed as ONAH PRECIOUS CHEKWEUBE, now wish to be known and addressed as ONAH OBIAGELI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AKACHUKWU:I, formerly known and addressed as AKACHUKWU STANLEY OKECHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as OGBUAKA STANLEY OKECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss ADEDOKUN GRACE ODUNAYO now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs OLAYIWOLA GRACE ODUNAYO. All former documents remain valid, NYSC and the general public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

JIMOH: I formerly Known and addressed as JIMOH MUKAILA now wish to be known as MUKAILA MUHAMMED. All former documents remain valid.

General Public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UGWU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UGWU GLORIA CHINASA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EKWUEME GLORIA CHINASA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NNAMANI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NNAMANI GOODNESS IJEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OGBE GOODNESS IJEOMA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Formerly known and addressed as PHILIP STELLA CHINASAOKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as UKONU STELLA CHINASAOKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, Formerly known and addressed as MISS ABIBAT OLUWATOYIN HASSAN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS.ABIBAT OLUWATOYIN SUNBOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AUDU: I, formerly known and addressed as ALH AUDU V.I.P, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ABDUL-KARIM MUSA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ADEITAN: I, formerly known and addressed as MRS. ADEITAN AYOMIDE OLUWATEMILEYIN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MISS. ADEWALE ADEWUNMI OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

BASSEY: I, formerly known and addressed as BASSEY MBUA JENNIFER (MISS), now wish to be known, called and addressed as SAMUEL JENNIFER MBUA (MRS). All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

OGUNBAYO: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OGUNBAYO OMOLARA AKANKE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. OLAWEPO OMOLARA AKANKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as EBERECHI. F. OZIOMA now wish to be known and addressed as FAVOUR OZIOMA ONWUCHEKWA. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mi‎ss Tawakalitu Omoyemi AKINKUNMI n ‎ ow wish to be known and addressed as‎ Mrs Tawakalitu Omoyemi Popoola. A ‎ ll former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly know and addressed as OTTUN MUINAT OLUWAFUNKE, now wish to be know and addressed ADEWALE OLUWAFUNKE MUINAT .All former document remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS. AKINTOLA BLESSING SIMILOLUWA. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AWOPETU BLESSING SIMILOLUWA. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission, Ado-Ekiti and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS. ADIO FATIMO SHOLA. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AJAYI FATIMO SHOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS. BABATUNDE KEHINDE KOSENAT. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. IBIRONKE KEHINDE RACHEAL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME My name was wrongly written as MAHMOOD RASAQ ARIBIDESI instead of MAHMOOD RASAK ARIBIDESI. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OGBONNA: I, formerly known and addressed as ASOGWA SIMON OGBONNA, now wish to be known and addressed as ASOGWA CHRISTOPHER OBINNA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

JOJI: I formerly Known and addressed as JOJI BARDE now wish to be known as MADUGU AUTA. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Chairman Secretary 4. Mr. Ifidon Idogbo 6. Evang. Ojeaburu Tony 8. Efe Ohioma I.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1. Winning life to God kingdom 2. Living a good life with God 3. Out of sinful life and giving your life to God Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs commission Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of the publication.

Signed: Pastor Idogbo Ohiole Kelvin Chairman

CHANGE OF NAME

ANI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANI CHIOMA RACHAEL, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NWONOVO CHIOMA RACHAEL. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Miss Dauda Mufuliat Adeola Now Mrs Hamzat Mufuliat Adeola Lautech Teaching Hospital Ogbomoso Former Documents Remain Valid And General Public Should Take Note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Basiru Rukayat Abeni, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs.Adigun Rukayat Abeni. All documents remain valid. NYSC and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

MICHAEL: I, formerly known and addressed as MICHAEL VICTOR, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ONWUEGBUKA VICTOR CHUCKS. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

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

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

EJEATUZU:I, formerly known and addressed as REUBEN OKOLO EJEATUZU, now wish to be known and addressed as OKOLO REUBEN OKONKWO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EKWUENECHI: I, formerly known and addressed as EKWUENECHI SABINA, now wish to be known and addressed as MADU SABINA CHINENYE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ARIYIBI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ARIYIBI GBEMISOLA SUNMISOLA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS IKPONMWOSA GBEMISOLA SUNMISOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS ADENIRAN JEMILAH YETUNDE ALAKE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MUSTAPHA JEMILAH ALAKE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

OSIBOTE: I, formerly known and addressed as OLUSOLA CROWN OSIBOTE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLUSOLA CROWN DOSUMU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

EBIBILEM: I, formerly known and addressed as PRECIOUS EBIBILEM, now wish to be known, called and addressed as DANIEL NGOZIKA EBIBILEM. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

SAMUEL: I, formerly known and addressed as SAMUEL SUNDAY EDWARD, now wish to be known, called and addressed as SAMUEL SUNDAY IMEH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

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

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as SUNDAY AMENJI n‎ ow wish to be known and addressed as‎ CHUKWU EJEH MICHAEL. A ‎ ll former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AGWUBILO OKWUOMA NKEM Now wish to be known, called and addressed as OKEANU OKWUOMA NKEM All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note

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

CHANGE OF NAME

UGWU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UGWU EBERE JENNIFER now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UDENTA EBERE JENNIFER. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NWANKWO: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NWANKWO UKAMAKA NWAKAEGO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANIBUEZE UKAMAKA NWAKAEGO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF DATE BIRTH I, ENGINEER JEGEDE OLORUNTOYIN hereby notify the general public that my date of birth was wrongly documented , my correct date of birth is 15th June, 1966. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank and general public please take note.

FAITH HOUSE CHURCH OF GOD INTERNATIONAL SOKOTO

This is to confirm that OLANIYAN TESLIM AKINOLA is the same person as TESLIM OLANIYAN. All documents bearing the two names remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKPUNTA: I, formerly known and addressed as KINGSLEY ONYEBUCHI OKPUNTA, now wish to be known and addressed as KINGSLEY ONYEBUCHI OKI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ABUBAKAR: I, formerly known and addressed as ABUBAKAR HABIBAT ELE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as JAJI HABIBAT ELEOJO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Idogbo Ohiole Kelvin 2. Deaconess Rhoda John Senchi 3. Deaconess Mama Yakubu 5. Mrs. Veronica Ohiole 7. Mr. Kingsley Ohioma I. 9. Ehilare Daniel Al-hassan 10. Ohiole Junior

Formerly known and addressed as MISS. NIHINLOLA ALICE AKINPELU. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADEBAYO NIHINLOLA ALICE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

FIBERESIMA: I, formerly known and addressed as TAMUNONEGIEOFORI FIBERESIMA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AYIKA TAMMY FIBERESIMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME MICHAEL: Formerly known and addressed as MICHAEL BOYANHO now wish to be known and addressed as MICHAEL OWOLABI CARSMIR. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Oduniyi Ganiat Adeola Now wish to be known, called and addressed as Ayinla Ganiat Adeola All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as NURUDEEN YEMI ADEGOKE, now wish to be known and addressed as LAMIDI NURUDEEN ADEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as BLESSING CHIDERA, now wish to be known and addressed as BLESSING NGOZI UNOGU. All former documents remain valid.

FIDELITY BANK and general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as PATRICK LINDA NNEKA, now wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL LINDA NNEKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as JONES ADEGOKE, now wish to be known and addressed as JONES ADEGOKE ODUNFA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

PUBLIC NOTICE

APEX-ELITE CLUB

The general public is hereby notified that the above Club has Applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for Registration Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR. NDUKWE SMART 2. MR. OKEKE SUNDAY 3. MR. MBACHI CHIDI 4. MR. EJIKE EKWEALOR 5. BARR. URAMA EMMANUEL

-

Chairman Executive Secretary Vice Chairman Member Member

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote peace, mutual love, unity and brotherhood among members of the club.

2. To provide material benefits and other moral assistance to members as provided herein.

3. Such other objectives that are lawful and are not inconsistent with the spirit of friendship.

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

Signed Trustees

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

AMADI: I, formerly known and addressed as AMADI UCHENNA ADELINE, now wish to be known and addressed as EZEH UCHENNA ADELINE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKEREKE: I, formerly known and addressed as DR. UCHENNA JENNIFER OKEREKE, now wish to be known and addressed as DR. (MRS) UCHENNA JENNIFER UKPAI. All former documents remain valid.

Optometry and Dispensing Optician Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN), NYSC, Madonna University and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OYEDEKO: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OYEDEKO ABIMBOLA MARIA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. AKINWUMI ABIMBOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that I wish to change my name from SIGBEKU EMMANUEL ADEKUNLE to SIGBEKU TAIWO ADEGBOYEGA on my BVN. All former documents remain valid. First Bank, FCMB, GTBank, Stanbic Bank and General Public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

MUHAMMED: I, formerly known and addressed as ABDULAI ENEBI MUHAMMED, now wish to be known, called and addressed as EBIEDISEMI FEUBODE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS. EGBODOKU RIHANAT OLAIDE, n‎ ow wish to be known and addressed as‎ MRS. SHOBAYO REHANAT AYOTOLANI. A ‎ ll former documents remain valid. General public please take note.‎

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Titilayo Funmi Adedeji Now wish to be known, called and addressed as Titilayo Funmi Ogundele All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note

I formerly known and addressed as Avu Bridget Now wish to be known, called and addressed as Ogbodo Avu Bridget All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

OLASUNBO This is to confirm that OLASUNBO OYEWOLE FAFIYEBI and OJO OLAYEMI EMMANUEL refer to one and same person. Henceforth wish to be known and addressed as OJO OLAYEMI EMMANUEL. All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid and should be treated as one person. Banks and the general public take note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME MONDAY: This is to confirm that MONDAY OBO ISEK and OVAT EGBA OBO refer to one and same person..All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid and should be treated as one person. Banks and the general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

OYELAYO: This is to confirm that OYELAYO OYEWUNMI OLUWAFUNSHO and OYELAYO MICHEAL OYEWUNMI refer to one and same person..All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid and should be treated as one person.

Banks and the general public take note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME FRANCIS: This is to confirm that FRANCIS JOSIIAH and FRANCIS JOSIAH EDEREKA refer to one and same person. Henceforth wish to be known and addressed as FRANCIS JOSIAH EDEREKA. All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid and should be treated as one person. Banks and the general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

HASSAN: Formerly known and addressed as HASSAN SHERIFAT ADETUTU now wish to be known and addressed as OLOWOLAGBA SHERIFAT ADETUTU . All former documents remain valid. General public take note

JOHNSON: Formerly known and addressed as MRS JOHNSON MERCY ADAMA now wish to be known and addressed as MISS MERCY SUNDAY MEDU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note..

CHANGE OF NAME SEGUN: Formerly known and addressed as SEGUN AJIBADE. now wish to be known and addressed as AJIBADE TUNDE SEGUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note..

OPARA: Formerly known and addressed as OPARA VINCENTIA CHIOMA now wish to be known and addressed as KORIE VINCENTIA CHIOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Friday, January 8, 2016

Golfers brace for DOAMF Charity tourney

Manchester City obviously still needs to strengthen up defensively if they hope to make a good run-in in all competitions

Sunshine Stars victim of management crisis –Aggrey AbujA

S

unshine Stars Football Club of Akure striker, Prince Aggrey, has revealed that internal management crisis was the reason the club missed a continental ticket and the Glo Premier League trophy.

Aggrey who is currently with the home-based Super Eagles in South Africa preparing for the forthcoming 2016 CHAN in Rwanda, revealed this to National Mirror before the Eagles departed Abuja.

“As for what happened last year to the club, I will say we lost the continental ticket and trophy last season due to lack

of management preparation for us, because during the first stanza we were leading the table but at the second stanza they did not put more efforts for the players. They just left us to go there and do what we could do. That was why we failed,” Aggrey began.

Asked why he was dropped before two major tournaments, the U-20 World Cup and U-23 Championship in Senegal, he replied, “For U-20 I had a good time with them; it was a good time for me but a few weeks to the competition, I had strong injury that took me out of playing for two months, so I had to give way for others to play.”

“For the U-23, I will say I

45

Sport

47

–New York City FC midfielder, Frank Lampard

Joel AJAyi

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

was not kicked out; it was a little misunderstanding between the coach and co-workers that caused my exit from the team because that competition was an option for me to play very well, but due to that I had to step down.”

However, Aggrey who finally made the 23-man team for the imminent CHAN in Rwanda, assured of the team’s readiness.

“No doubt we are ready and we are working hard to start year 2016 on a good note for the country and I believe with the calibre of players we have in camp, when we get to Rwanda, the sky will not even be our limit because some of us have the experience in the national team,” Aggrey said.

Prince Aggrey

FIFA ranking:

Eagles still outsiders in Africa everest onyewuchi

S

uper Eagles of Nigeria under Coach Sunday Oliseh remain outside the top 10 football playing nations in Africa, according to the first FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking of 2016 released yesterday.

Oliseh

African champions, Cote d’Ivoire, 19th in the world, maintain their continental bragging rights, followed by Algeria (28th globally) and Ghana, whose Black Stars are rated 33rd in the world.

Eagles come a distant 14th in Africa (clinging tightly to their previous 66th global rating) behind Congo DR, Uganda and Mali who occupy the 11th, 12th and 13th slots.

According to the release, “Belgium ended 2015 on a high note and they have begun 2016 in the same fashion. The Red Devils remain top of the table in the first FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking of 2016, while Argentina and Spain have also held onto their respective second and third positions.”

Fifteen games from December 2015 and one “A” match from 2016 were evaluated for the latest ranking, said FIFA.

46

Sports

Friday, January 8, 2016

Will Zidane pass Bale, Benzema, Cristiano test?

A

ll eyes will be on new Real Madrid coach, Zinedine Zidane, and on how he delivers his brand of attacking football spearheaded by the ‘BBC’ in his first match in charge tomorrow against Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga.

So far the quietly-spoken Frenchman has given little indication of the way he plans to

breathe new life into a side that boasts plenty of talent but failed to perform in big games under former Coach Rafa Benitez.

“The idea is to play with the three of them,” Zidane told reporters as he explained the roles of top-notch forwards, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, known in Spain as the BBC.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Dalung slams taekwondo federation board, decries crises in federations Mercy Jacob

T

Zidane

“It is important to see attractive football and that is the line I will look to go down. Attacking and balanced.”

Benitez was never able to win over the dressing room with his studious approach following the departure of the more easygoing Italian, Carlo Ancelotti, in the close season.

Fans and the media also criti-

cised the Spaniard for being too defensive and Zidane will now need his three leading performers to show more willingness to track back.

Real’s attacking trio are as prolific with league goals as Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez at Barcelona, but it is in other facets to their play that the difference shows.

Simon welcomes Olayinka at Gent

K

AA Gent new signing, Peter Olayinka, is getting into his groove at the Belgian champions after making a winter move from Albanian side KF Skënderbeu Korçë.

The 20-year-old Nigerian was added to the Gent side who already have Nigerian international, Moses Simon, in their ranks.

Olayinka told Belgian football website voetbalkrant.com that he has settled in nicely and is happy with the help given to him by Simon and Ghanaian defender, Nana Asare.

“I knew Moses (Simon) before I got here, at least not personally. But now he is my brother here,” Olayinka said.

“Asare also takes care of any African newcomer. He is not a brother, Nana is my daddy.”

Olayinka also spoke about his experience

Olayinka

Mazembe P part ways with Carteron

atrice Carteron has left African champions, TP Mazembe, after his contract with the DR Congo club came to an end.

According to BBC Sport, his deal with the club ended on December 23 last year, but the club only made the announcement official yesterday.

Despite winning a fifth

with the team and what he hopes to achieve with the Buffaloes.

“It’s a very good team, with great players. Very intelligent too. I can certainly learn a lot,” the former 36 Lion striker enthused.

“I have a big engine, speed, strength and aggressiveness. Also, my technique is not bad. My best position? I play as a second striker, preferably in support of a bigger attacker. I’m also comfortable with both feet.

“I want to be a champion with this Gent team and of course play games, but I won’t just talk, action speaks louder than words.

“I will have to show it on the field. With my strengths, I am ready to make an impression here.”

African title last November they then lost both of their matches at last month’s Club World Cup in Japan.

The 45-year-old was appointed in May 2013 after leading Mali to third place at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Mazembe beat Algerian side USM Alger 4-1 on aggregate to win the Champions League but were then beaten

by Japanese champions, Sanfrece Hiroshima and Club America of Mexico at the Club World Cup. As well as winning the 2015 Champions League he also won the Congo Super League a year earlier.

TP Mazembe are currently top of their group in the current season after nine matches.

he Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Solomon Dalung, has blasted the board of Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (TFN) on the impeachment of its former President, George Ashiru, stressing that it is an insult to his office.

According to Dalung the board of TFN could not allow him to settle down after his appointment and address their grievances before purportedly removing their president from office, showing they have no regard for his office.

“It is very unfortunate that a few weeks after resuming in the office I was greeted with the taekwondo federation crisis. Personally I did not subscribe to any internal wrangling. But what the board of the TFN has done is insulting even when I have pleaded that the status quo should be allowed to remain,” the Minister said.

Dalung added, “For me, any federation that is fighting their leader is fighting against me indirectly. Imaging, I was not allowed to settle in office before coming to me with the crisis situation and to worsen the situation they refused to give me some time to study the situation as I told them before carrying out the impeachment. We cannot go to Olympics with this disunity.”

Last month, the former Vice President of the TFN, Mrs. Margaret Binga, said she had fi-nally taken over as president of the federation following the con¬firmation of the impeachment of Mr. George Ashiru by the board.

Binga, a two-time African champion and reigning World Taekwondo Federation Interna¬tional Referee, said she had taken over as president of the federation, as the board vot¬ed on December 12, 2015 for Mr. Ashiru to step down.

Dalung

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Friday, January 8, 2016

Golfers brace for DOAMF Charity tourney AfolAbi GAmbAri

P

articipants have commenced preparations for the DOAM Foundation Charity Golf Tournament scheduled for Ikoyi Club 1938 (Golf Section) on February 6.

The annual event is reputed as biggest charity event on the club’s calendar.

National Mirror learnt yesterday that the tournament, which has provided platform for club members and corporate bodies to support social causes since 2011, would feature a qualifier event scheduled for January 23, 2016 at the Ikoyi course.

Organising Committee Chairman, Pat Bassey, said the event connected well with the golfing community as it had filled a vacuum over the years.

Obije

“We have a huge number of golfers who desire this platform to connect with the indigent and the less privileged in the society and the increasing interest every year only shows that their expectations are being met,” Bassey said.

Over 200 players are expected during the qualifier to vie for slots at the final of the event while players who excel at the one-day qualifier would be drawn with invited players and guests at the tournament’s final in February.

The Daniel Ogechi Akujobi Memorial (DOAM) Foundation is a charitable, humanitarian and non-governmental organisation established in 2006, in memory of Daniel Ogechi Akujobi (1992-2005) who died from injuries he sustained in a fatal highway accident on his way back to school along the LagosIbadan expressway and was the only son of his parents.

“Our goal this year is to surpass whatever we have done in the past. So we need more support and we have set out to work accordingly,” the chief organiser further said, stressing that funds generated from the DOAMF Charity Golf funds were channelled to support social causes in the society rural communities of Ogun and Lagos states by building and equipping an accident and trauma centre, among other amenities,” Bassey added.

U-17 Women’s W/Cup: Flamingos ready for Namibia

N

igeria’s U-17 girls begin another World Cup qualification journey tomorrow when they take on their counterparts from Namibia in a second round, first leg match at the National Stadium, Abuja.

The Flamingos, under the watchful eyes of Coach Bala Nikyu and his assistants, have been in camp for a number of weeks, and are expected to go full throttle against the Baby Gladiators, who reached this round after eliminating fellow Southern Africans, Botswana.

Coach Nikyu will rely on midfielders Rasheedat Ajibade and Joy Duru, as well as Cynthia Aku and Juliet Godman to do Nigeria proud tomorrow The Flamingos have participated at every edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup since the first tournament in New Zealand in 2008.

Namibia’s 26-man delegation to Saturday’s encounter, led by Mr. Timotheus Tjongarero, arrived in Lagos in the early hours of Thursday and flew to Abuja, arriving at 8am.

The NFF said in a statement

that also on Thursday, match officials from Morocco, led by Referee Lamyaa Lourarhi, arrived in Abuja. The team includes Karima Khadiri (assistant referee 1), Zahra Jalal (assistant referee 2) and Bouchra Karboubi (reserve referee).

The match commissioner is Florence Marie Aimee Biagui from Senegal.

The return leg has been scheduled to take place at the Sam Nujoma Stadium, Windhoek January 22.

Nikyu

MANDATE

THE

SylveSter Ikuejamoye

Equal treatment for all sports

I

proper planning for a befitting result; year of honest and hard work for huge harvest.

Good start, Mr. Minister

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

t has been a long drawn agitation by me and indeed other stakeholders in this uniquely important industry pressing for equal treatment for all athletes irrespective of the particular sport of interest. It is my considered opinion that all globally recognized and approved sports should be given equal and adequate recognition by the ministry of sports in 2016.

It is therefore heartwarming to hear that all sports men and women who have done this great country proud in one way or the other but yet to be honoured would all get their dues from President Muhammadu Buhari this year. This is quite commendable as it marks a clear departure from the past when things are done with irritating discrimination against some other sports with great propensity for negative effect on the athletes of the sports considered to be less important.

With this new approach, other sports can rest assured that the era of football being overwhelmingly pampered at the expense of other sports may be fading away.

It is also a challenge for other athletes, including the footballers, to upgrade their efforts and skills for greater height.

Many sports stakeholders believe football remains the king of all sports. I don’t intend to argue for or against this here but if opinion poll should be conducted today, your guess should be as good as mine. However, the popularity or large followership of football should not be made a burden on other sports. Adequate consideration, support and encouragement should be accorded these other sports which has given Nigeria and Nigerians prominence globally.

It is important to appeal to the National Assembly to offer adequate supportive role by passing the sports budget currently before it as contained in the 2016

47

appropriation bill. Sports stakeholders in Nigeria will be highly delighted to see a better funding for sports in 2016. The embarrassment of stranded national teams or contingents in foreign countries should be of a very serious concern to both the government and the entire sports

Dalung

family in the country. The time to address that is now in order to avoid future occurrence.

It will certainly not be a bad New Year gift to sports-crazy Nigerians, particularly, the athletes and sports administrators to experience better budgetary allocation for sports in 2016 than ever before. As much as we all know the effect of the dwindling income of the federal government, we can only hope that sports should not to be completely abandoned. But let it be noted that a vote for sports is a vote for youth encouragement and empowerment, peace and reduction in crisis. The youth are the largest beneficiaries of sports development anywhere in the world.

My prayer here is that 2016 will be a year of even treatment to and for all sports by the sports ministry. I also do pray and fervently that the New Year will serve as a new dawn in sports where things should be done properly for good results commensurate with efforts put in. It will be a year of

It is instructive to commend the Sports Minister, Hon. Solomon Dalung, for hitting the ground early enough in the new year by conducting an on-thespot inspection of the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos. From records, the minister would have been aware that his inspection was just among the numerous ones performed by all his predecessors. It has become a ritual often without any result. Mandate believes strongly that all that will change in line with the MANTRA of the new administration. It is most important for the Hon. Minister to see for himself the decay occasioned by high level of nonmaintenance of multi-million naira sports infrastructure in the country. The minister should kindly visit other facility, but would only be lucky to escape heart attack owing to monumental decay of facility across the country.

D a l u n g should let his visit be resultoriented to mark a clear departure from the usual ritual that led nowhere.

The Buhari Administration represents the opportunity to get it right in all ramifications. Nigeria and Nigerians cannot afford to miss this golden chance.

Hard but the bitter truth For those who are professional liars, truth makes no sense to them. Fugal and brutal wreakers easily forget that a day of reckoning will ever come. Sane and serious-minded Nigerians are not interested in comedy or drama of hired noise makers instead of point making. We must all resolve to build a new Nigeria where future generations will look back and be full of praises and not condemnation. Hard but the bitter truth.

Wishing all Nigerians and, indeed, esteemed readers of this column the very best in this great season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in arrears. You are the reason for this column.

Beginning from this very first working week of the first month of 2016, may the purpose of the Almighty God be fulfilled in your life in this New Year. May His way and your way be in agreement in 2016. Amen.

Until next week Friday, stay out of trouble and God bless Nigeria.

WORLD RECORD

Pogo stick jumping - fastest mile

Vol. 05 No. 1282

Friday, January 8, 2016

N150

The fastest mile jumping on a pogo stick is 9 min 56 sec and was achieved

by Fred Grzybowski (USA) in Wooster, Ohio, USA, on 4 November 2014.

2016 as year of fuel price modulation

B

eginning from January 1, Nigerians, as they did from January 1, 2012, will enjoy a special gift from the Federal Government on the price of petrol. But unlike in 2012, when they were chastised from the first day of that year with FG’s scorpion called ‘fuel subsidy removal’ that shot the pump price of petrol up from N65 to N140 per litre; though later forced down to N87 per litre, courtesy of massive nationwide protests led by organized labour and civil society agitators, the special gift this time is called ‘fuel price modulation’. It has ‘reduced’ the price of petrol to between N86 and N86.50k per litre.

‘Fuel price modulation’ is a term credited to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources/Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Ibe Kachikwu. At a recent joint meeting between the Senate and House of Representatives for the consider-

N

igerian starlet, Sadiq Umar, has continued his fine form in the AS Roma first team by scoring his second goal of the season and first for 2016.

The youngster was on target in the seventh minute of Roma’s 3-3 away

FRIDAY WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) ation of the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), the minister had indicated that fuel subsidy would be abolished to free funds for capital projects. President Muhammadu Buhari, before the Christmas, had also presented a 2016 budget proposal of N6.08 trillion to the National Assembly, which had a deficit of N1.84 trillion. If federal lawmakers pass the budget without any alteration, the FG will in the course of 2016 borrow N1.84 trillion to meet the tasks it lined up for accomplishment in the budget proposal.

The major highlights include a capital expenditure profile of N1.8 trillion, an increment of over 300 percent when compared with the N557 billion capital vote got in 2015; but 30 percent of the 2016 budget, anyway. The remaining 70 percent goes into recurrent expenditure, reportedly reduced from N2.57 trillion in 2015 to N2.43 trillion in 2016. Servicing foreign and local debt obligations would gulp N1.66 trillion, among others. The government is thus in financial quagmire, and one of the foremost convenient solace is to drill the downstream oil sector.

At the aforementioned joint Senate and House of Representatives meeting, the oil minister stated: “Price of refined products today is N87. It was N97 before it was reduced; and we really have to go back to that (N97) because we don’t really have the finance to remove it…” When the news

THE FATE OF ORDINARY NIGERIANS IS HANGING ON THE VAGARIES OF FUEL PRICE MODULATION, SINCE NOTHING STOPS THE GOVERNMENT FROM REVERTING TO HIGHER PUMP PRICES went viral and that Nigerians should brace up for more suffering and belt tightening in 2016, Kachikwu again came up to say the FG had no plans to increase fuel price to N97. “President Buhari is concerned about the hardship the poor will face if fuel prices are increased”, he was quoted as saying.

He stated, in addition: “I did not say that refined products will sell for N97 next year…I said that between the band of N87 and N97, we are going to look at prices…I have not put a certain figure. Myself and PPPRA will sit down and do those calculations and be able to announce what price PMS will sell for in January…” Put succinctly, however, the minister’s explanation is all about a purported periodic fuel price modulation. It will be ‘scientific’, they say; and reflective of prevailing international price of crude oil. However, since roughly

two years now that the price of crude crashed, Nigerians have been buying fuel for N87 or thrice more in far-flung states without any string of price reduction.

Executive Secretary of PPPRA, Mr. Farouk Ahmed, broke the news some days ago that effective from January 1, petrol would sell for N86 per litre at NNPC service stations and N86.50k at filling stations operated by other oil marketers, which heralded the commencement of the price modulation era. The price regime lasts till March 31. To be reiterated, nonetheless, is the fact that petrol sells for over N200 per litre already in most remote states, despite the subsisting fuel subsidy regime and existence of a worthless Petroleum Equalization Fund (PEF), all of which were supposed to stabilize the price of the product nationwide at the official rate of N87 per litre before this era.

Not much was said about boosting local refining capacity by the government or private refiners, which appears the only solution to the persistent crises engendered by fuel shortages and incessant hikes in pump prices. On the contrary, between now and March 31, the FG, through the NNPC, would import three million metric tonnes of petrol at the ratio of 78 percent for the NNPC and 22 percent for other oil marketers. Meanwhile, oil marketers are very reluctant to import because of government’s doublespeak about subsidy, which has been compounded by the high cost of foreign exchange. Therefore, fuel scarcity may linger.

Thus, the fate of ordinary Nigerians is hanging on the vagaries of fuel price modulation, since nothing stops the government from reverting to higher pump prices after the first quarter of the year. The situation will also apply to the private and real sectors of the economy, which will not be able to draw any objective fiscal plan for the way forward, even tentatively. It may then be said that Nigerians are beginning this year with a gift that is, perhaps, more Greek than the one they received in 2012.

Sport Extra

Sadiq opens scoring account in Roma draw at Chievo Verona on Wednesday in the Italian Serie A. Umar, in his first start for the club, peeled away from his markers to slide in to meet a Gervinho cross to put Roma 1-0

ahead in the seventh minute.

Alessandro Florenzi made it 2-0 for the Giallorossi in the 37th minute but former AC Milan striker, Alberto Paloschi, drew one back for Verona

to half the deficit just before the break.

The second half saw more goals and action as Dario Dainelli equalised for Verona in the 58th minute before Roma went ahead again courtesy an

Iago Falque goal before Simone Pepe gave Verona a share of the spoils with a late goal.

Roma are fifth on the Serie A table with 33 points from 18 matches.

Sadiq

Printed and published by Global Media Mirror Limited: Head Office, Mirror House, 155/161 Broad Street Lagos; Abuja Office: NICON House, Central Business District Area, Abuja. Email:mail@ nationalmirroronline.net. MD/CEO: Sunday Olajide: 08060852080; Acting Editor Daily: Ben Memuletiwon 08050498541; Adverts Hotline: 07066178740. ISSN 0794-232X.