Monday, december 21, 2015 new by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

FG probes use of ladder to disembark passengers by Aero

THE

BUSINESS SECTION

Return to work in 7 days or be sacked, Aregbesola warns doctors

…NAHCO distances self from airline’s ordeal

Vol. 5 N0. 1269

sional conduct of disembarking air passengers by Aero Contractors.

ederal Government yesterday ordered immediate investigation into the unprofes-

OLUSEGUN KOIKI

Monday, December 21, 2015

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

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NNPC orders special petrol supply for hitch-free yuletide

...PPMC injects additional volumes nationwide

CHIDI UGWU AND JAMES DANJUMA

inister of State for Petroleum Resources and Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu has directed relevant agencies to embark on special supply of petroleum products to ensure country-wide availability at Yuletide. Consequently, PipeCONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

ASUU berates FG for setting up panels on 10 varsities P.5

A young Boko Haram victim, Baby Aisha, after a successful surgery at the National Hospital in Abuja at the weekend, with her are the mother, Aishat and father, Ibrahim Goni Lawani.

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UPDATED 30/10/2015

News

Monday, December 21, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG probes use of ladder to disembark passengers by Aero CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The government also threatened to sanction the airline if found guilty of exposing the lives of its clients into danger by its unprofessional behaviour. This is as the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company of Nigeria, NAHCO, Plc distanced itself from the ordeal of the airline. Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika directed an immediate investigation into the use of a ladder by the airline at Bauchi Airport to disembark passengers of a charter flight on Saturday. A statement issued by Deputy Director, Press and Public Affairs of the ministry, Mr. James Odaudu hinted that several reports received by Sirika indicated the airline used a ladder to disembark passengers from a Boeing 737 aircraft. The action, he said, was inconsistent with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, NCARs, and International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, Standards and Recommended Practices, SARPS. He declared that the outcome of the investigation would determine the immediate and remote causes of the incident with a view to developing and implementing measures that would prevent a reoccurrence of the unsafe and unacceptable procedure that exposed passengers to high risk of serious injury. The statement added: “He reiterated that if the

airline is found culpable, the full weight of sanctions within extant laws and regulations would be applied on it. “The Honourable Minister assures the traveling public that the Ministry of Transportation in collaboration with NCAA will ensure strict adherence to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations as well as ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices by all operators. “Sirika further states that the ministry will not

shirk in its responsibility to ensure a safe and secure air transport services which he views as sacrosanct.” Meanwhile, NAHCO yesterday said it was not responsible for the troubles of the airline at Bauchi Airport. Spokesman for NAHCO, Mr. Tayo Ajakaye in a statement said there had been insinuations and belief in some quarters that NAHCO was supposed to have provided the equipment.

He noted that NAHCO does not operate at Bauchi airport. He said: “The attention of NAHCO has been drawn to reports making rounds on the social media to the effect that it was its failure to provide handling service to one of its esteemed clients, Aero Contractors that caused passengers of the airline to disembark with ladder at the Bauchi Airport. “Nothing can be further from the truth. NAH-

CO does not have operations in Bauchi. This fact is well known to Aero and all our client airlines. So, for Aero to embark on that chartered flight to Bauchi, it definitely would have made its own private arrangements. “Aero’s statement in this regard is particularly clear. It never mentioned NAHCO, nor for that matter, any ground handler as the reason it had to innovate.” It would be recalled that Aero Contractors

had used ladder to disembark its 34 passengers at Bauchi Airport. The airline claimed the aircraft in question had operated a charter flight, but had problems with unserviceable equipment by the airport management in disembarking the passengers from Abuja. The statement hinted that the absence of this equipment propelled the airline to use a ladder against its wish to disembark the passengers.

L-R: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; recipient, Igbobi College Old Boys Association (ICOBA) Lifetime Achievement Award, Prof. Emeritus Ayodeji Banjo CON, and ICOBA President, Mr. Foluso Philips at the 6th Annual Christmas Dinner of ICOBA, in Lagos.

NNPC orders special petrol supply for hitch-free yuletide CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

lines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, and Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA are to embark on renewed special supply intervention measures to make the product available across the country to eliminate the current queues. NNPC in a statement signed by Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ohi Alegbe said the special supply intervention mechanism which entails the ramping up of addi-

tional supply via massive truck-out to guarantee product penetration to the nooks and crannies of the country teed-off over the weekend. The Corporation stated that daily fuel truck out to locations such as Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Enugu, Ibadan and Jos have been increased significantly to enhance free flow of products across the country. NNPC stated that it is consolidating its strategic alliance with some major depot owners and oil marketers with strong regional logistics outlay

in those areas to ensure maximum infiltration of products, especially in the hinterland ahead of Christmas and New Year festivities. While calling on members of the public to refrain from hoarding, product, diversion and panic buying, the Corporation noted that the intervention measure would help circumvent the challenges posed by the unavailability of pipelines for the transportation of petroleum products. It noted that product diversion is an economic

crime and warned that it will not hesitate to report offenders to the security agencies for prosecution. In Katsina, a four-litre gallon of fuel sold for N1,000 at the black market yesterday, even as scarcity of the product bit harder in the state. A visit to some council areas, including Batagarawa, Charanchi, Kankia, Kaita and Dutsinma, showed most motorists patronising black marketers due to non availability of petrol at filling stations. In President Muhammadu Buhari’s Daura

hometown, black marketers were said to be making brisk business with petrol selling for as much as N240 to N250 per litre. It was noticed that most filling stations in the state were under lock and key, with owners unsure when they would get product to sell to consumers. NNPC Mega Station in Katsina metropolis and some private-owned stations however operated yesterday, with queues stretching for several kilometres. While the NNPC station sold at official N87

per litre, others sold theirs at varying prices, with the least at N150 and most selling at N170 per litre. Several motorists, who spoke to our correspondent lamented the scarcity, but wondered how black marketers get their product. They accused some of the tankers and filling station owners of engaging in dishonest deals, with call on relevant authorities to look into the issue.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PAGE

Monday, December 21, 2015

Good Health

90% of cancers caused by diet, lifestyle, new study reveals FRANKA OSAKWE

efore being carried away with carefree revelry this festive season, you may need to consider the results of a new study showing that most cancers are caused by the way we live. The study, published in the journal Nature, has confirmed the theories by scientists that 90 per cent of cancers are caused by diet, lifestyle such as smoking, drug abuse, drinking, and environmental factors like infections and pollution. Although there has been theories suggesting that environment and lifestyle are the major cause of cancer, none has been as conclusive as this study. The researchers found that most cancers including lung, colorectal, bladder and thyroid cancers possessed large number of mutations that were likely to be caused by external factors (environment and lifestyle); only a few cancers had mutations caused by internal (genetic defects) factors. Additionally, the researchers found strong epidemiological evidence supporting the high contribution of external factors to cancer development. For example, an analysis of immigrants who moved from countries with low cancer incidence to those with high cancer incidence revealed these individuals quickly acquired a higher cancer risk, suggesting extrinsic factors were to blame. This finding is contrary to the earlier assumption that most cancers are due to mere bad luck. Lead researcher, Dr. Yusuf Hannun, of the Health Sciences Center at Stony Brook, said their findings show that people can’t hide be-

hind bad luck. “They can’t smoke and say it’s bad luck if they have cancer,” he explained. “It is like a revolver – intrinsic risk is one bullet. And if playing Russian roulette, then maybe 1 in 6 will get cancer – that’s the intrinsic bad luck. “Now, what a smoker does is add two or three more bullets to that revolver, “And now, they pull the trigger. There is still an element of luck as not every smoker gets cancer, but they have stacked the odds against them. From a public health point of view, we want to remove as many bullets as possible from the chamber,” Dr. Hannun continued. However, this latest paper is not presenting a new idea. Doctors and researchers have

DID YOU KNOW?

Eating sardines, salmon can save your eyesight

he omega 3 acids found in sardines, salmon, tuna and mackerel can help save your eyesight, a study has revealed. Experts have long known of the benefits of consuming the poly-unsaturated fat when it comes to preventing cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes. Now they have discovered it can also improve dry eye’ syndrome by as much as 105 per cent. And because it also boosts contrast sensitivity - an important measure of visual function in low light or fog - it can also get you home safely at night. Dry eyes affects many people, particularly

the elderly. Sufferers experience an itchy, stinging sensation along with pain and a sensitivity to light. If left untreated the condition can cause long term damage, impaired vision and in some extreme cases, even blindness. The Indian research involved 60 patients with untreated moderate dry eye disease given either a fish oil capsule containing 1.2gm of omega-3 per day or a vitamin E placebo over a 12 week period. All patients were also asked to use warm compresses and eye drops. Improvements were ‘statistically significantly greater’ in those receiving the omega-3 fatty acid capsules.

been saying this for decades, a recent release by World Health Organization (WHO), listed red and processed meat as carcinogenic. Here in Nigeria, Prof. Oladapo Ashiru, a reproductive endocrinologist, during an interview with National Mirror correspondent, explained that environmental factors are the major cause of cancer. “The cause of cancer is unknown but many things are known to increase the risk of cancer and one of them is toxins. Environmental toxins are now generally believed to be the cause of nearly all cancers. Only about 10 percent of cancers are said to be hereditary, the rest is caused by environmental toxins which find their way into our food, air, water and the soil in which we grow our food. We spend our

new study published in the Journal of Alzeheimer’s Disease has discovered a way to improve the memory and cognitive function of dementia sufferers. Dr Teppo, a researcher from the University of Helsinki, recruited 89 people with mild to moderate dementia and their carers to partake. For 10 weeks, they participated in music sessions of singing or listening to records from their youth. Through these regular sessions, the research team monitored how different clinical and demographic factors influenced emotions and memory as well as who benefitted most from singing or listening to songs. The music from their childhood was found to be emotionally comforting and reignited past memories. “We found that familiar music, listened to by patients in their adolescence and early twenties was more effective,” Dr Teppo ex-

days inhaling pollutants such as car fumes, generator fumes, household cleaning chemicals, cigarette smoke and cosmetics. “We drink water that has been excessively treated with chemicals and eat food that is grown in toxic soil, pumped with hormones and packaged with preservatives. Over time, these toxins accumulate in the body. When they become too much, the body defense system, which is supposed to eliminate these toxins, can no longer cope, causing chains of events ranging from suppression of the immune system, alterations and damages to cells, abnormal cell growth and finally cancer. Cancer cells divide and grow out of control, forming malignant tumours which eventually spread to other organs in the body,” he said. Supporting this, The Medical Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, Dr. Femi Olaleye, attributed the high rate of cancer among Nigerian women to emotional stress and poor lifestyle. “There is a need to shun some bad lifestyles such as smoking and drinking because they are the major risk factor that leads to cancer. Also, the kind of food we eat, stress, our emotions and thought are all risk factors that could lead to cancer”, he said. According to these experts, cancer prevention requires smoking cessation, increased ingestion of fruits and vegetables, moderate use of alcohol, caloric restriction, exercise, limitation of direct exposure to sunlight, minimal meat consumption, use of whole grains, use of vaccinations, and regular check-ups. About 102,100 cancer cases are recorded annually in Nigeria, with 71,600 people dying from the scourge, according to recent GLOBOCAN data.

Listening to familiar music can improve brain

plains. “In fact, we found that music patients weren’t familiar with achieved very little response.” “We also found it was a good activity to do with families - especially relatives who share a musical culture with the patient and therefore memories.” Through the regular listening or singing participants with Alzheimers revealed decreased levels of depression and those suffering with more advanced levels of dementia also benefitted cognitively.

Photo News

Monday, December 21, 2015

L-R: Chief Commercial Officer, Arik Air; Suraj Sundaram; Chairman, Sir Joseph ArumemiIkhide; Senator Anietie Okon and Deputy Managing Director, Captain Ado Sanusi, during a Christmas carol organised by Arik Air at its head office, Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, at the weekend. PHOTO ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA

L-R: Executive Director, Strategy, Total Nigeria Plc, Jefferson Nnamani; Head, Corporate Banking Directorate, Diamond Bank Plc, Chizoma Okoli; Network Development Manager, Total Nigeria Plc, Maxence Bourgoing; Retail Marketing Manager, Total Nigeria Plc, Henrietta Isokpan

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, X3M Ideas, Steve Babaeko; Managing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, Olivier Fages; Chief Executive Officer, Fresh Direct, Angel Adelaja and President, Chocolate City Group, Audu Maikori, at the winner’s presentation of Chivas ‘The Venture’, in Lagos,at the weekend. PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Students of Albesta Academy, Lekki, Lagos, led by their Choir Master, Mr. Taiwo Adelusi, during the students presentation of 2015 Calypso Christmas Carol, at the school ground, in Akodo, Lekki, Lagos, at the weekend.

National News

CBN promises robust economy, stable currency in 2016

overnor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr Godwin Emefiele, says the apex bank is evolving additional measures to boost the nation’s economy and stabilise the naira. Emefiele made the remark at an Interactive Session with Media Editors in Abuja. He declined to give details of the measures and modalities for their implementation. “Don’t ask me because I will not disclose our strat-

egy for now,” he said, adding that doing so would be counter-productive and pre-emptive. The CBN boss explained that the Nigerian economy was not as bad as being portrayed when compared with other economies in Africa. He advised importers to restrict their imports to raw materials and equipment rather than finished products and food in order to reduce the pressure on the nation’s scarce foreign exchange.

“CBN will soon start a nationwide campaign to sensitise Nigerians on items excluded from importation. “This is part of efforts to save more foreign exchange and stabilise the nation’s currency. “The solution to free fall of the naira is by controlling the demand for foreign currencies such as the dollar. “If we are able to reduce importation, the demand for the dollar will fall automatically,” he said.

Emefiele said the country should go back to the farm to produce what was needed. “Public servants should also engage in farming because the only business public servants are allowed to engage in is farming. “And you don’t need power to farm tomato, vegetables or fish,” Emefiele said. He blamed unscrupulous businessmen, who engaged in illicit activities, for exerting intense

pressure on the dollar and other currencies. According to him, the apex bank has ensured reasonable stability in the value of the naira by keeping official exchange rate to the dollar at between N196 and N197. Emefiele advised Nigerians to always approach their banks for their request for foreign exchange at the official rate as against patronising the black market operators. “CBN does not have plenty dollars to sustain

the bureau de change,” he stressed. The CBN boss, however, insisted that the 22 per cent depreciation of the naira was reasonable when compared with other emerging economies adversely affected by global economic recession. “Zambia, for example, has depreciated its currency by about 48 per cent, Angola by 25 per cent while Brazil depreciated its currency by about 48 per cent from October last year till now.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

JAMES ABRAHAM AND REGINA OTOKPA

cademic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities, ASUU, University of Abuja chapter, yesterday criticised the Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu, for setting up visitation panels to investigate alleged cases of immorality and other misdemeanours in 10 federal universities. ASUU Chairman, Abuja chapter, Dr Ben Ugheoke, stressed that the work of the panel could have been better handled by the governing councils of the affected universities. Affected institutions include; Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (Katsina), Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (Abia), University of Uyo (Akwa Ibom), Federal University, Kashere (Gombe), University of Abuja. Others are University of Nigeria Nsukka (Enugu), Federal Polytechnic, Auchi (Edo), Federal Polytechnic, Oko (Anambra), Yaba College of Technology (Lagos) and University of Calabar (Cross River). According to him, the governing councils have the statutory mandate to investigate such matters, adding that constituting a separate panel was a waste of government’s time and resources. He said: “We know that they will claim to be fighting corruption through this way, but they can never win the war because you can’t fight corruption and succeed rather they should create an enabling environment that will expose corruption.” On suggestion that those who wrote a petition against the Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, were already indicted in the yet-to be released white paper written by the last visitation panel on the university, the ASUU boss maintained that the petition seems to have come mainly from some aggrieved members of the Senior Staff of Nigerian Universities, SSANU. Ugheoke further added that SSANU’s petition against the present Vice Chancellor, Professor Michael Adikwu, stands to fail because of his performance so far. A senior staff in the

News

Monday, December 21, 2015

ASUU berates FG for setting up panels on 10 varsities Federal Ministry of Education, who did not want his name mentioned, said the minister’s action was being misconstrued because he had to act quickly on the petitions. He added that some of the council members where equally petitioned hence it would be wrong for them to handle the matter. It would be recalled that on December 10, Adamu set up 10 fact finding committees, to look into petitions levelled the 10 tertiary institutions, bothering on irregularities, corruption and immorality. The committee was mandated to investigate the authenticity of the allegations and proffer solutions in order to enhance stability, promote due process, enhance fairness and also to entrench accountability and transparency to put an end to impunity in the control and management of public resources. In another development, Chairman of ASUU, University of Jos branch, Dr. Chris Piwuna, has expressed dismay over the inability of the senate and the governing council of the uinstitution to resolve the trade dispute between them eight weeks after it started. Piwuna, who spoke with newsmen in Jos yesterday, said even, when the lecturers made themselves available for dialogue, the council and senate of the university were only playing the ostrich. The chairman said they have only met with the authorities four times since the strike started. According to him, the council members called for a meeting yesterday because the striking lecturers would be meeting today, even as he wondered why the council could summon a meeting less than 24 hours to their own meeting and more so on a Sunday. Piwuna said they did not honour the invitation because they felt that it was ill-intentioned. “We are aware that there will be a council meeting tomorrow (today) and so it has come to a shock to us that they were calling us

on the eve of their meeting to meet with us. Of course that is why we turned it down because we cannot understand why the sudden meeting and on a Sunday,” he said. He said even where some concerned individuals and stakeholders had intervened to resolve the issues at stake, the university authorities had been non-challant in addressing the matters in dispute. “This is eight weeks of industrial action and we are very surprised that this action has taken this long to resolve and it is not because we have made our-

selves unavailable to the university authorities or the senate. “Interestingly, we have met with individuals who are interested in seeing these issues resolved more than we have met with the authorities,” he added. Piwuna wondered why a university, which is a centre of learning and research, could be closed for a long period of time and those concerned seem to be less concerned about it. “We want to ask this simple question; is the university closed or open? If it is open, why has it taken the university eight weeks

to resolve the crisis? The purpose of university is leaning and research and if a university has been closed for eight weeks without any activity, then, we wonder what type of learning environment is this. “We also want to ask the council chairman why he has not found it fit to meet with him 10 weeks after we made the request. Indeed why we want to meet with him is to intimate to him our problems and intended action. “We are worried about their commitment to the cardinal objective why the univer-

sity was established. “Perhaps it is time for the Federal Government to take a second look at the calibre of people they appoint into councils of universities,” Piwuna said. The lecturers also took the university to task over the disbursement of N1.161bn released to them by the Federal Government. “We want the council to tell us the template they used in disbursing the N1.161bn that was sent to the university by the Federal Government,” he stressed.

L-R: Member, Board of Directors, NICON Insurance Ltd, Prof. Emmanuel Omohesienokhai; Board Chairman, Prof Amos Idowu and Board Member, Mrs Fatimah Bello-Ismail, at the 10th year anniversary of Privatization of NICON Insurance Ltd in Abuja, at the weekend. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

SUBEB boss warns contractors against shoddy jobs WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

xecutive Secretary, Kogi State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Mallam Nuhu Ahmed, has warned contractors handling government contracts against shoddy jobs. Ahmed gave the warning in Lokoja during the opening bid of Universal Basic Education Com-

mission/State Universal Basic Education Board 2013/2014 projects in the state at the weekend. He said any contractor, who did not comply with the terms and condition in his bid, would have his contract revoked, "Violation of any of the conditions may invalidate the contract. "All companies or contractors handling any of the ongoing or new projects, who did not comply with the

stipulated period or term of contracts will not only be denied future contracts, but will have the contracts revoked." Ahmed also warned contractors who are into renovation of schools not to go away with the renovated properties as being reported. "The materials are for the government. Yours is to renovate it and not to go away with the replaced properties. The government is no

longer comfortable with the report that some of the properties are removed and taken away by the contractors." Ahmed, who praised the state Governor, Captain Idris Wada, for the prompt payment of counterpart fund, said the 2013/2014 projects covers the construction of classrooms; renovation of schools building; drilling of motorised boreholes and geophysical survey of boreholes amidst other projects.

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370,000 defect from PDP to APC in Jigawa

L-R: (standing)Host and member, Oxbridge Alumni, Dr. Wale Babalakin; President, Oxbridge Alumni, Fela Akoni and Dr. Timi Austen Peters (sitting) former President of Oxbridge Alumni, Prof. Theo Ogunbiyi (left) and honorary member of Oxbridge Alumni, Prof. Jubrin Aminu, at the Oxbridge Alumni end of year party in Lagos, yesterday.

Buhari’ll fulfill pre-election, health promises –Adewole BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

midst fears of how to raise funds for 2016 budget, Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, yesterday in Osogbo restated the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Federal Government to fulfill all pre-election promises. Adewole disclosed this at a special church service and reception organised in his honour by Osun

State government. He said the Federal Government would offer qualitative and affordable health care services to Nigerians as promised during the presidential campaign of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Adewole, who promised to concentrate on Primary Health Care, assured Nigerians of cooperation with other tiers of government to ensure that Secondary Health Care system functions effectively. He added that efforts

were underway to take health care to the door step of over 70 per cent of Nigerians, stressing that the slogan of the present Federal Government is that “every live and death must count.” Under his watch, Adewole assured that the tertiary care system would be revitalised with a view to improving people’s standard of living. In their separate remarks, senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Babajide Omo-

worare, and a member representing Ijesa South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Ajibola Famurewa, said Adewole has what it takes to succeed as health minister. In his sermon, the state Vice Chairman of the Christian Association Of Nigeria, CAN, Osun State chapter, Reverend Dr. Testimony Onifade, urged the minister to work towards reduction of premature death arising from various diseases.

CJN advocates alternative dispute resolution DOOSUUR IWAMBE ABUJA

hief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, over the weekend restated calls for the adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR, as a way out of the seemingly unending litigation process in the country’s courts. Justice Mohammed said the time was right for the judiciary to come to terms with the fact that ADR was a viable alternative to litigation. The head of the nation’s judiciary made the call at the weekend during the inauguration of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre in Abuja.

He said: “The average Nigerian desires a speedy, transparent and just dispute resolution mechanism, which allows him to be at peace with his neighbour. “It has become abundantly clear that ADR offers a more flexible, people-oriented dispute resolution mechanism, which may help prevent widespread industrial relations crises from emerging if given adequate support.” He said increased reliance on lawyers and adversarial litigation with high cost, endless interlocutory applications and appeals should be replaced with positive efforts to create solutions for future relationships. Speaking earlier, President of the Nation-

al Industrial Court of Nigeria, NICN, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, said the mandate of the court as a specialised court that deals with industrial disputes was being fulfilled with the commission of the ADR centre. Justice Adejumo noted that the purpose of the ADR centre was to help parties in disputes to collaborate towards settling their disputes and arriving at a winwin agreement in less costly and efficient manner. “This is calculated at preserving and engendering industrial peace and harmony, which in effect promote economic development and cohesive interpersonal rapport and conducive work environment within the dynamics of

employer/employee relationships,” Adejumo said. In a keynote presentation, Mr. Segun Ogunyannwo explained that the adoption of ADR in the country’s judiciary had become inevitable as the traditional court process was best suited for only criminal, constitutional and other rights based issues, and not for resolution of interpersonal, workplace and industrial conflicts. In a goodwill message, Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole commended Justice Adejumo for transforming the court into a vibrant court of record. Oshiomhole said the problem of society was that industrial unions were very suspicious of judges and lawyer.

o fewer than 370,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Jigawa State have defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC. National Chairman of APC and eight governors on the party’s platform, received the defectors in Dutse on Sunday, amid jubilation. The governors present on the occasion were Alhaji Bindo Jibrila, Adamwa, Alhaji Abubakar Bello of Niger, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, and Alhaji Bello Masari of Katsina. Others were Alhaji Muhammed Abubakar, Bauchi, Alhaji Kasim Shetima, Borno, Alhaji Abdulazeez Yari, Zamfara, and Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, Deputy Governor of Kano State. Receiving defectors, National Chairman of APC, Chief John Oyegun, said the calibre of defectors was an indication that APC was on the right track. Oyegun said that anyone who truly loved Nigeria and believed in the leadership of President Muhammad Buhari to lead the country to the path of greatness was always welcome to the party. He commended Governor Muhammad Badaru for his good leadership

in the state, which he said led to the harvest of former PDP chieftains in the state. In his remarks, Badaru, who said the number of defectors was more than 370,000, pledged that APC would be fair to them and that they would be treated like old members of the party. The defectors included 16 serving local government chairmen, and Alhaji Ibrahim Khalid, state Chairman, Association of Local Government Chairmen, ALGON. Eight serving ViceChairmen of local councils in the state and Alhaji Lawal Abdu, the immediate past Secretary to the State Government, were also among the defectors. The list also has Alhaji Hameed Malammadori, former Minister of Power and Steel, and Alhaji Saminu Turaki former governor of the state. Alhaji Mustapha Kiyawa, former member, House of Representatives, Alhaji Bashir Adamu, Alhaji Yusuf Galambi and some members of the House of Assembly were also among the defectors received at the event. Alhaji Bashir Adamu, who spoke on behalf of defectors, said they defected because they were no longer comfortable with PDP.

Train crushes 3 in Ilorin WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

moving train in Ilorin on Sunday crushed three persons to death inside their car. It was gathered that the deceased, two young men and a lady, were inside a Toyota Camry car with all the windows rolled up, which prevented them from hear the sound of the moving train coming from the northern part of the country carrying southward bound passengers coming home for Christmas. The victims, who were crushed close to the level crossing at Kulende area in the state capital, were said to be discussing, not knowing that they had parked on a level rail line

and quite unaware of the approaching train. As the train was approaching, eye-witness said the car with its occupants did not move away from the track, despite shout by people around as they had rolled up the car’s glasses. The impact of the train, which rammed into the car, was quite devastating as the occupants were killed instantly. Meanwhile, the remains of the victims had been deposited at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, UITH. As at the time this reporter was leaving the area yesterday evening, residents were seen talking in groups with their heads bowed and wearing mournful looks.

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Monday, December 21, 2015

Gunmen abduct Bayelsa commissioner osahon JulIus, YENAGOA

L R: Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Prof Suleiman Bogoro; Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola and Senior Special Assistant to the President, Alhaji Abdulwaha’ab Abdulrahman, during the governor’s official courtesy visit to TETFUND headquarters in Abuja, at the weekend. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

wenty-four hours after kidnappers abducted the younger sister of Bayelsa State governor, Miss Nancy Dickson, gunmen on Sunday abducted the state’s Commissioner for Local Government, Madam Serefina Otazi. A nephew to the commissioner, Mr. Patrick Oba, said she was kidnapped in Otuoke on her way to Ewoi community in Ogbia Local Government Area for a funeral, at gunpoint. The kidnappers reportedly whisked away the victim, who was in company of two ladies when the kidnappers attacked and took away her car keys ostensibly to frustrate attempts to report

as tendered several exhibits marked A to N. Justice Chukwu in his judgement held that from the totality of the forensic evidence before the court, it is clear that the plaintiff has liquidated the loans and overdraft. According to him, “the law is trite that he who alleges must prove. Since the plaintiff claimed to have repaid the loan/ overdraft granted to them, it is their duty to prove how the repayment was made. “The only thing near the truth is that the

plaintiff had made an offer to the 1st defendant to pay N110,000,000 in total satisfaction of its debt to the bank.” Consequently, the judge ordered: “The plaintiff is to pay the 1st defendant N110,000,000 in full satisfaction of the loan and overdraft facilities it took from them. “It is hereby ordered that upon payment of the said sum that the 1st defendant is not entitled to foreclose or sell the 2nd defendant’s property situated at 16, Aso Drive, Abuja.”

Court orders firm to pay FCMB N110m Doosuur Iwambe, ABUJA

ustice Evoh Chukwu of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered a water construction firm, Hydroworks Ltd., to pay N110,000,000 it took as loan and overdraft from the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc.

Hydroworks Ltd. and Engr Samuel Castle had sued the 1st and 2nd defendants, FCMB and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, asking the court to “declare that FCMB is li-

able and indebted to the 1st plaintiff to the tune of N1,103,349,284. He also asked the court to declare that the 1st defendant was not entitled to fore-close or sell the 2nd plaintiff ’s property situated at, and known as 16 Aso Drive, Abuja, under an equitable mortgage or personal guarantee of the 2nd plaintiff, except by prior order of court first,” among other 13 similar reliefs. The plaintiffs further alleged that they received a statement of account from the 1st defendant,

which was riddled with several irregularities. On its part, FCMB through its counsel, Innocent M. Njaka, submitted that the N1,117,598,44.98 include the 1st defendant’s commercial papers paid into the account of the plaintiff, adding that the total facility granted to him (1st plaintiff) was N110,000,000 contrary to the N90,000,000 alleged by the plaintiff. In defence of its case, FCMB called two witnesses to defend and prove their case as well

Kwara records lowest HIV cases in Nigeria –NACA

ational Agency for the Control of Aids, NACA, said Kwara is one of the states with the lowest rate of HIV infection in the country.

NACA’s chief programme officer, Mr. Tajudeen Arowolo, stated this at the opening of a four-day free medical outreach organised by the agency at Oja Tuntun, Boboko, in Ilorin on Sunday. Arowolo said the North Central geo-political zone of the country was reputed to be the most endemic with the highest number of recorded cases of HIV.

“This is because of the high cases recorded in Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa states as well as the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. “Out of the states in North Central, Kwara has the lowest rate of HIV cases and one of the lowest in the entire country,” Arowolo said. According to him, NACA has carried out similar free medical outreaches in many states of the federation with huge success. He said NACA screened, tested and gave results to 4, 441 people in Kogi State out of the 5,000 targeted, adding

that of the 4, 441 people tested, only 19 women tested positive to the disease. The officer said 19 people were immediately referred to health facilities nearest to their residence to commence free treatment. He said there has been a remarkable decrease of HIV cases in Nigeria as a result of NACA’s regular outreach programmes. According to him, NACA’s constant awareness campaign and sensitisation have helped in controlling the spread of the disease in the country. Arowolo attributed the success of the out-

reach to the strategies adopted by NACA, one of which, he said, is the inclusion of free medical treatment for other illnesses like malaria, cough and blood sugar level. He also said all nursing or pregnant women that came for the test and treatment would be given free treated mosquito nets. Arowolo said 5,000 people were expected to come forward for the free test and medical treatment in Ilorin. Executive director, Good Health Educators Initiatives, Mr. Ibrahim Umoru, appealed to all

Nigerian adults to endeavour to know their HIV status. Umoru, one of the facilitators of the programme, said Nigeria has the second highest burden of HIV globally. He said counselling and testing for HIV is one of the entry points for HIV intervention, but noted that Nigerians performed low in this regard. Umoru stated that just over seven million Nigerians know their HIV status out of over170 million people in the country. “People should come out to be tested. Gone

the crime. It was gathered that the two female occupants of the car and the driver were unharmed by the gunmen, who sped off to an unknown destination in their own vehicle. Otazi had served as Commissioner for Women Affairs and acting chairman of Ogbia Local Government Area. A family member, Mr. Endurance Frank, told our reporter that the family has reported the incident to the police and prayed that the victim would be released unhurt. This is coming as police in Bayelsa State are yet to locate the whereabouts of Miss Dickson who was kidnapped on Saturday. Assistant Superintendent of Police and spokesman for Bayelsa Police Command, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the kidnap of Nancy but said he was yet to be briefed on the kidnap of the commissioner. Butswat said Nancy, 26, was abducted in her shop located on Okaka Road, Yenagoa, the state capital on Saturday. Butswat said the gunmen who drove in an ash Lexus SUV, trailed Nancy to her shop and whisked her away to an unknown place at about 2.50 p.m. The police spokesman, however, said shortly after the incident was reported the police mounted a `stop and search operation` on vehicles in different parts of the state capital.

are the days when testing for HIV meant death sentence. “Today, HIV is a manageable disease if it is discovered before it becomes full blown AIDS,” Umoru added. Kwara State Action for the Control of Aids, KWASACA’s project and monitoring officer, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abubakar, said the prevalence of the disease in the state has reduced drastically. Abubakar attributed this feat to KWASACA’s sustained advocacy, sensitisation and awareness campaign against the disease and its management.

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Monday, December 21, 2015

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71% fail Nov/Dec WAEC/SSCE Tunbosun ogundare

est African Examinations Council, WAEC, has released statistics of candidates who obtained credit passes and above in five subjects, including English language and mathematics in its 2015 November/December Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations results, which were announced last Thursday. Only 67,713 candidates, representing 29.33 per cent from the total 237,154 candidates, including 37 visually impaired per-

sons, who sat for the examination, obtained credit in the five subjects’ combination required to secure admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria and other countries of the world. Public Affairs Officer of the council, Mr. Demianus Ojijeogu, made the figure available in an email sent to journalists over the weekend in accordance with the directive of Head of Nigeria National Office of the examination body, Mr. Olutise Adenipekun, who did not release the statistics while announcing the results on Thursday.

The WAEC boss, who assumed office two weeks ago following the retirement of Charles Eguridu, had said that it would be a misinformation to base or measure the overall performance of candidates in the November/ December edition of the council’s exams on those who obtained credit passes and above in five subjects, including English language and mathemat-

ics. This is because, according to him, many candidates sit for November/ December edition as make-up exams for their deficiencies in the May/ June results and may not necessarily need to write subjects they had passed satisfactorily already. However, National Mirror can authoritatively reveal that this year’s candidates’ per-

formance in the council’s November/December SSCE was a decline from last year’s, which was 29.37 per cent. But better than that of 2013, which was 29.17 per cent of the total candidates and poorer than that of 2012, which was 37.97 per cent and considered to be the best in the last four years. All these are indications that less than 40 per

cent of total candidates in each of the exams as applicable to that of May/ June in the last four years obtained requisite subjects’ combination to secure admission for higher studies. The WAEC boss, however, decried the situation and urged all stakeholders, including governments, parents and students to give education a deserved priority.

Free meals: Osun primary school enrolment increases by 25% regina oTokpa

sun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola at the weekend said the state secured a 25 per cent increase in elementary school enrolment due to free meals. Making the disclosure in Abuja during a meeting at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, he noted that the policy had boosted student’s concentration in school and on the economy of the state. According to him, this also resulted in the employment of no fewer than 3,000 women as caterers to attend to the pupils, who were further empowered to serve as community entrepreneurs during school vacations. He said: “The ages where nutrition could impact on the mental and physical fitness are ages six to nine, it became clear that there was a need to restructure education, which has helped to classify the basis of learning as it cost N50 a day to feed the pupils. “This means every week 250,000 eggs must be consumed, 33 herds of cattle and a good number of chickens must be slaughtered. “Besides the nutritional value in the meals, we had over 25 per cent increase in student enrolment in elementary school, students concentrate better and the

impact on the economy is phenomenal,” he added. Aregbesola further disclosed that the state’s education system was currently undergoing a restructuring to suit the needs and expectations of the terrain. He explained that the restructuring would not affect the curriculum, but aimed at creating more impact and strengthen the relevance of education in the immediate communities within the state. Laying emphasis on the heavy investment made by his state in strengthening basic education, Aregbesola, however, called on TETFund’s intervention for tertiary institutions in Osun State. Responding, Executive Secretary of TETFund, Professor Suleiman Bogoro, commended the initiative, which he said was unique.

Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba Babatunde Akiolu (left) wirh Alhaji Tajudeen Adio Durosinmi-Etti, during the installation ceremony of Etti as white-cap Chief of Lagos, at the weekend.

We’re passionate about children –Ambode

agos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has said his administration is passionate about the future of children in the state, saying his government would build sporting and recreation facilities in every nook and cranny of the state to promote family bond and aid talent discovery. Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House, Ikeja, during the 2015 Children’s End of Year Party

on Saturday, said the welfare of every child in the state was of paramount importance to him, even as he assured that he would do everything possible to protect their interest. Also speaking at the event, the governor’s wife, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, urged the children to be obedient to their parents and embrace humility and shun pride and dishonesty. Governor Ambode,

who was equally at the 15th edition of the Lagos Governor’s Tennis Cup, pledged to double the prize money so as to arouse more interest and participation for the 2016 edition. The governor, who expressed happiness about the sustenance and success the tournament had continued to record in the last 15 years, revealed plans to provide additional sports infrastructure and improved

Breach of trust: Court orders Stanbic IBTC to pay N4.5bn Wale igbinTade

Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc to pay a former Group Managing Director of Afribank Nigeria Plc, Patrick Olayele Akinkuotu, and his company, Longterm Global Capital Limited, the sum of N4.5 billion for breach of contract.

The court ordered Stanbic IBTC and the second defendant in the case, Starcomms Plc, to pay interest of 10 per cent on the sum per annum until date of final liquidation. Justice John Tsoho in his judgement also declared that the 100 million units of Starcomms’ share sold to the plaintiffs through private placement in 2008 were improp-

er, invalid, null and void and were hereby set aside. Akinkuotu and his company had dragged the bank and Starcomms before the court in 2012, alleging that Stanbic IBTC deliberately misled them into buying shares of the second defendant by misrepresenting facts and issuing false documents. Other plaintiffs in the suit are Mrs. Oluyinka

Akinkuotu and Lakeside Mews Limited. According to the suit, which was filed by the plaintiffs’ counsel, Chief Felix Fagbohungbe (SAN), on behalf of the plaintiffs, in April, 2008, the bank through one of its officers, Akintayo Mabeweji, proposed to sell shares of Starcomms to the plaintiffs by way of private placement.

security in the state so as to improve the tournament’s rating. Fielding questions from journalists, the governor assured of his commitment to sport, adding that it was one of the veritable ways of building future leaders. When asked about how he felt that the overall prizes were won by foreigners in both male and female categories, Governor Ambode said the most important thing was that the younger ones were learning from the professionals, and that the tournament was helping to grow sport in Nigeria. Earlier, President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, NTF, Engr Sani Ndanusa, and President of Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, LLTC, Rotimi Edu, thanked Governor Ambode for sustaining and working towards improving the tournament.

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Olusegun KOiKi

ederal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has warned drivers to desist from any action that could endanger the lives of other road users across the country. Corps Marshal, FRSC, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, specifically warned vehicle drivers against blocking highways while attempting to fuel their vehicles at petrol stations, stressing that this could add to traffic congestion. Oyeyemi insisted that any driver caught perpetrating such acts would have his or her vehicle impounded, while the driver would be prosecuted for violating traffic laws. In a statement issued by head of Media Relations and Strategy, FRSC, Mr. Bisi Kazeem, Oyeyemi gave the warning at the weekend while monitoring traffic at Lagos-Ibadan Express-

South West

Monday, December 21, 2015

FRSC boss cautions motorists against road obstruction this yuletide way as the Christmas approaches. Oyeyemi decried the level of gridlocks on the nation’s highways and attributed it to drivers who push for fuel at petrol stations at the highways. He warned such perpetrators to change their attitude by conducting themselves decently while queuing to buy fuel or risk having their vehicles impounded. He, however, expressed confidence in the ability of the FRSC to ensure a hitch-free celebration through adequate deployment of personnel and logistics. He added: “I have decided to come here today to personally observe the nature of traffic along the route in preparation for deployment of more

personnel and logistics towards the Christmas. But what I observed is that, though the traffic volume is moderate on the route, its smooth flow was being distorted by activities of drivers who park indiscriminately to buy fuel. This must stop. “So, I am using this opportunity to warn such drivers to desist from the act and conduct themselves decently while queuing to buy fuel. I also wish to assure mem-

bers of the public that we would not compromise such lawlessness as vehicles of perpetrators and the affected drivers would not be spared of prosecution for traffic violation.” On the extent of deployment of FRSC personnel for this year’s operations, the corps marshal reiterated his earlier projection that about 36,000 of its staff, including special marshals have been mobilised to cover the road before, during and after

Christmas and New Year celebrations. This, he said, was deliberately planned to beat the records of last year through a greater reduction in road crashes and obstruction. He appealed to all road travellers to plan their journeys well to avoid unnecessary rush, which manifest in speed violation, saying speedinduced crashes remain a big challenge which the corps is poised to tackle

through speed limiting devices. It would be recalled that towards ensuring greater safety during this year’s ‘ember’ months, the FRSC had in September flagged off a special end-of-year operations in Awka, Anambra State with the activities involving massive deployment of personnel and logistics to cover the entire road network in the country, particularly identified black spots.

Ondo monarch urges colleagues to shun politics OjO Oyewamide Akure

lugbo of Ugbo kingdom in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Obateru Akinruntan, has advised other monarchs in the country to stay away from partisan politics. Akinruntan said his colleagues need to take his advice in order to earn the respect of their subjects and government. He, however, called on the president and governors to always consult traditional rulers before appointing their political aides. The monarch spoke at the weekend after being conferred with a Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, AAUA. Akinruntan, who noted that the president and governors only visit palaces during election periods, urged them to always seek better advice from kings on how to move the country forward. Warning his colleagues not to consider it as an avenue to dabble into politics, he said they should rather see it as an opportunity to contribute their

quota to the development of the country. He said: “We want to appeal to the president and governors to always consult us before announcing their political appointees because this will allow them have credible persons in their cabinets. “The political appointees are our subjects and this has given us the privilege to know much about their characters, the kind of homes they come from and whether they are credible enough to be appointed for administrative jobs. “Politicians should not feel that the only time to visit or consult traditional rulers is during election when they will be appealing to us to support their ambitions. They must always visit the monarchs to seek advice. “Nowadays, we do not have illiterates as kings. Most of our traditional rulers are PhD holders, senior advocates, medical doctors, engineers and these people are knowledgeable enough to advise any government.” The traditional ruler promised to use his wealth for the development of his kingdom and the state.

L-R: Chaplain, Chapel of Resurrection, University of Ibadan, Very Revd. Timothy Olatunji; Vice Chancellor’s daughter, Keyede Olayinka; Vice Chancellor, Prof. Idowu Olayinka and his wife, Eyiwunmi, during the professor’s thanksgiving service as 12th Vice Chancellor of the Institution, at the Chapel of Resurrection, UI Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Return to work in 7 days or be sacked, Aregbesola warns doctors BOladale BamigBOla OsOgbO

sun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola yesterday handed down a seven-day ultimatum to striking medical doctors in the state, urging them to return to their duty posts or be sacked. Medical doctors in the state have been on strike since September 28, 2015. Government disclosed that any doctor that fails to return to work on or before expiration of the seven-day ultimatum, beginning from December 18, 2015, would be considered to have voluntarily resigned his or her appointment. According to a statement signed by Perma-

nent Secretary, Human Resources and Capacity Building, Mr. Sunday Festus Olajide, government condemns action of the doctors, saying they did not show understanding like other labour unions in the face of the present national challenge on public finance. The statement said, “Despite series of appeals from the government to medical doctors in Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, the Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, and other government health institutions, to show understanding during this period of national challenges on public finance, the striking doctors have remained

adamant. “It lamented that the doctors have continued to draw their salaries in the last two months and still remain at home, thus eating their cake and still having it.” The statement declared as “illegal,” the strike embarked on by doctors in the state’s public service, saying it did not follow due process, thereby breaching their professional Hippocratic oath. “It is sad to note that while all other professional workers in the public service of Osun State have been showing understanding and are offering useful solutions through their leadership in several ongoing meet-

ings of the Government/ Labour Unions’ Committee on Revenue and Payment of Salaries/Critical Expenditures of Government, medical doctors in Osun State have chosen to remain on strike for more than two months, thereby paralysing government policy on health services to the people of our dear state,” the statement said. It added: “In the interest of the health of the generality of the people of Osun State and to put paid to this unwholesome situation, Governor Aregbesola has directed that all medical doctors on strike should resume work in their various health centres and institutions without further delay.

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Umahi to probe death of 10 APC supporters in Ebonyi

Umahi

AliunA Godwin ABAKALIKI

bonyi State Governor David Umahi at the weekend stated his preparedness to investigate the cause of death of 10 supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who died recently on their way to witness an Appeal Court judgment in Enugu. Umahi made this known during thanksgiving service for his victory in the Appeal Court at Government House chapel, Abakaliki, while at the same time lamenting the shortfall in federal allocation to the state. "I saw a situation that made me shed tears when I saw youths crying over the death of our brothers and one sister. I felt so bad. Some of these are things we could avoid. In fact, this is an administration where there is love, peace and togetherness in the land of Ebonyi. And so, I want to assure the youths that I have directed Secretary to the State Government to probe the death and whoever caused it will have to pay for it," he said. Umahi expressed regret over continued downward trend in the nation’s economy, which, according to him, has badly affected allocation of the state government. "The economy is so challenging. And, we have two choices: to approach it with the words of God or the economics of the world. "We have just done a budget of N101.1bn; and when we were in Abuja, the Federal Government said it would fund its capital projects with borrowed funds; and I asked what the states will have to fund theirs with since the Federal Government said the state governments should not borrow. And it dawned

on us that the economy was going to challenge all the states in 2016 as crude oil price has gone down to $35 per barrel. It is quite an issue to worry about. But the Bible says those who dwell in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty God. “So, if you have not been believing, now you have to believe. Nothing is too difficult for God to make money flow in the land of Ebonyi State to fulfill our budget. And, for the first time, we will fulfill our budget 100 per cent. We will put our hope in the Lord and work for it. I have always told people that when you forget yourself and work for the people and God, God who knows how to remember you will not forget you.” The governor noted that from 2016 there would be no overheads to departments; rather it would be determined from the percentage of their internally generated revenue, IGR, stressing that “when you generate revenue internally, you take a percentage of it as your overhead. “The university has asked me if I said I would reduce school fees and I said we have the intention, but the means has not come. ‘So, let the students pay their school fees as they have been paying, while we continue to work underground and see how we can come out of the situation.’ So, students shall continue to pay their school fees, and on time."

L-R: Head Media Relations and Strategy, Bisi Kazeem; Assistant Corps Marshal, Finance and Accounts, Dauda Biu; FRSC Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi; Director General, Budget, Alhaji Aliyu Gusau Yahaya and Deputy Corps Marshal, Motor Vehicle Administration, Charles Theophilus, during DG Budget 's visit to FRSC HQ, Abuja, at the weekend.

Imo govt, labour bicker over directive to workers on salary Chris njoku OWERRI

mo State workers are in for a bleak Christmas as government’s attempt to force them into signing an acknowledgement and endorsement form as requirement for collecting their salary cheques was vehemently resisted by organised labour in the state. The workers, who were assembled at the state’s secretariat, Owerri-Port Harcourt road, at the weekend were directed to fill apage form, stating that they would abide by a new government disciplinary policy expected to be implemented next year before they could collect their salary arrears.

Explaining rationale behind the action, the state government stated that it was compelled to take the step following the dwindling national economy, which it said has also adversely affected the economy of Imo State government. It further directed the workers in the form to voluntarily support and endorse any action or policy of government against any worker, who in the opinion of government, “is suspected to be inefficient or indolent, redundant, corrupt, guilty of manipulating age, non-verification of certificate, grievous indiscipline, etc.” Workers interviewed kicked against the new gov-

ernment policy, saying it was a ploy by government to victimise and sack workers, particularly those who were accused of not voting for Governor Rochas Okorocha during the elections. Also, state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Austin Chilakpu, told National Mirror that the organised labour in the state has ordered workers not to sign the forms, adding that salaries are not paid under conditions. He expressed displeasure on the way and manner the state government was handling the payment of workers’ salaries. According to him, it is advisable for the government to lift all imped-

iments so that the workers could celebrate Christmas with happiness. Reacting, the state’s Head of Service, Callistus Ekenze, stated that the form has nothing to do with retrenchment or victimisation, adding that it was adopted as an administrative policy.

Okorocha

Pardon 66 convicted soldiers —CNPP begs Buhari EmmAnuEl EzEh ENUGU

onference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, has pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari to reinstate the 66 soldiers whose death sentence was recently commuted to 10 years imprisonment. The group said its call became necessary in view of revelations emanating from the trial of former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd). In a statement issued yesterday by national pub-

Buhari

licity secretary of CNPP, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, the group called on President Buhari "to use his prerog-

ative power to graciously pardon and reinstate the 'Soldier Mutineers' as per the war against Boko Haram insurgents; for the Dasuki-Gate has vindicated them." While saluting the Chief of Army Staff for review of the sentences as announced by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, the CNPP said: "In addition to the review of some of the sentences by the Chief of Army Staff, we still appeal to Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief to, as a matter of urgent national

importance, pardon and reinstate the mutinous soldiers. "Our appeal is anchored on the premise that they were starved of equipment as evidenced by their pleadings in the court martial - that they were ill-equipped. Indeed, the only charge proved against them at the trial was that they had the temerity to ask for equipment to combat insurgency. "Fortunately, or unfortunately, the reasons for the sordid scenario of dearth of equipment,

which led to the mutiny, is clearly gazetted by Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), erstwhile National Security Adviser and his colleagues. "CNPP believes it is Dasuki and his colleagues, who engaged in accumulation and unpatriotic diversion of arms fund to private pockets, that the Federal Government should urgently try for criminal conspiracy, murder and subversion of the Nigerian state. Their trial is not just minor trial for money laundering and other quasi charges, but treason.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Monday, December 21, 2015

50 killed, 17 communities sacked in Rivers cult clash Dennis naku

PORT HARCOURT

enewed clashes between rival cult groups have sacked indigenes and residents of 17 communities in Egi Clan, Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, from their homes. The rivalry between two cult groups, which escalated a fortnight ago following a show of supremacy, had reportedly left no fewer than 50 people dead. Most of the communities in the area have become deserted as many residents

fled their homes for fear of being caught in the crossfire currently raging between the rival cult groups. Youths from Egi Clan, who staged a peaceful protest in Port Harcourt at the weekend, appealed to the state government and security agencies to quickly intervene to forestall further killings. Leader of the group, Promise Ege, lamented that the battle for supremacy among cult groups has forced many residents to flee from the 17 communities that make up Egi Clan in Ogba/Egbema/Andoni Local Government Area.

According to him, "the rival cult groups are not only engaged in killing, they come to rob. They don’t want to know whether you are a cult member or not. "If you don't have money, they can shoot you, kill your wife, rape your wife, your daughter and go away. "Now, we are saying: we are all Egi people and they are our brothers and sisters. We don't want further killings. We want this crisis to end. We want our people to have peace because we are known in this land as peace-loving people." Deputy leader of the youths that staged the pro-

test against the continued killings, Walter Odede, said their peaceful protest was designed to seek the attention of the state and Federal governments as well as security agencies on the wanton killings going on in Egi Clan. He lamented: "Our protest is to draw the attention of all men and women of goodwill, including the United Nations that cultists are killing innocent people on daily basis; raping women alongside their daughters. From Monday up to now, they have killed up to 50 people. "Surprisingly, no arrest

has been made since the killings started. The security agencies should wake up; the government should wake up; what is happening? This raises questions. We are appealing to the government to intervene to stop the killing of our people,” Odede said. ‎Meanwhile, Chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Andoni Local Government Area, Augustine Ahiamadu, has imposed a dusk to dawn curfew in the affected communities, following continued killings, burning of houses, raping of women and looting of property in the local government. Ahiamadu declared that the curfew will affect mo-

torists, motorcyclists and human beings from 6pm to 6am daily until further notice. He lamented that the volume of human blood shed daily in the local government, especially in Egi Clan has become worrisome. "As at today, a lot of people have moved out of their houses and left the communities to other villages and towns for fear of being killed. In a statement titled "Enough is Enough" issued at the weekend, Ahiamadu called for more security personnel to be deployed to the local government, especially Egi Clan to restore order."

Wike confident of victory at Supreme Court Dennis naku

PORT HARCOURT

L-R: General Overseer of TREM, Bishop Mike Okonkwo; former Governor of Akwa Ibom State/Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio; Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade and Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel, at the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival at Uyo, on Saturday.

Nigeria can’t afford another civil war —Monarch Dennis naku

PORT HARCOURT

traditional ruler in Rivers State, His Royal Majesty Eze Chukwumela Nnam-Obi II, has said Nigeria cannot afford to experience another civil war. Nnam-Obi, who is Oba of Ogbaland in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, disclosed this when officials of Rivers State Council of the NUJ, led by its Chairman, Omoni Ayo-Tamuno, paid him a courtesy visit in his palace at Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. The monarch, who is also National Patron of the Ni-

geria Union of Journalists, called on Nigerians to learn how to love one another and live in peace. He stressed the need for Nigerians to join hands to build a united country, saying the indivisibility of Nigeria is not negotiable. He said: “People should remember that we have gone through a civil war in this country; nothing of that nature should be allowed to happen again. "If those of us who witnessed the last civil war allow another civil war to occur, then there is something wrong with us. This nation cannot survive two civil wars. We should know that and be very careful. "We should be careful of what we do and how we

judge. We should be careful how we get angry because we don’t see it all, we see it partially. So, we can’t judge. “People have their reasons for doing whatever they are doing. Since, nobody is perfect, we should also know, consider, and approach the word of God in whatever we do. God has the ultimate say; He can change and without Him, nothing can be changed. "Let us not provoke beyond endurance. North, South, East and West, we are one. I have lived in the North; I have lived in the South and I have gone to all parts of this country.” The royal father commended the NUJ for sustaining its relationship with him, which he said be-

gan in 1972, adding that on his part, he has been able to assist previous executives of the union both at the state and national levels to the best of his ability. Earlier, Chairman of NUJ in the state, Omoni Ayo-Tamuno, lauded Nnam-Obi II for being an outspoken monarch, who has contributed immensely to the growth and development of the state and Nigeria in general. Ayo-Tamuno informed the monarch that the immediate past administration of former Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, erected an ultramodern secretariat for the union, and furnished same with state-of-the-art facilities.

ivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has expressed optimism that the Supreme Court will restore his mandate as the state’s chief executive. This is as he called on Rivers people not to be afraid despite what he termed manipulations by those ganging up against the state. Addressing thousands of Christian faithful at the First Rivers State Christmas Carol in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike stated that since he started politics, he has never had any victory cheaply, noting that the current challenge would not be different. The governor said that as Christians, Rivers people should always look unto God for their salvation, pointing out that the machinations of men can never overcome the will of God. On the First Rivers State Christmas Carol, Wike said the programme was organised to give God the glory for the successful take-off of the administration and to pray for the consolidation of development gains already attained. He added that the initiation of the Carol programme was not the end of CARNIRIV, noting that the cultural programme will be held in future.

The governor noted that during his campaign consultation with the clergy, he made three promises. To appoint a Special Adviser on Religious Matters, to hold a major Christian programme and to build an Ecumenical Centre for all Christians in the state. Wike said he has already accomplished two, while the Ecumenical Centre would be constructed in due course. Special Adviser on Religious Matters to the Governor, Bishop Winston Iwo, stated that the programme was an interdenominational thanksgiving to God for ensuring that the state has weathered the storms despite the numerous challenges facing it. The praise and worship programme was graced by Rivers State 1,000 Mass Choir, famous Gospel musician, Chioma Jesus, while Adonye OmuboPepple conducted the choir.

Wike

North

Monday, December 21, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Group condemns Shiite’s action, seeks ban on highway processions isAiAh erhiAwArien

non-governmental organisation, NGO, Africa Resurgent, AR, has condemned action of the Islamic group, Shiite, which resulted in the death of many Nigerians, calling on the Federal Government to ban major highway processions. President of AR, Dr. Kabir Ahmed, said in a press statement in Abuja that a law should be enacted to make it an offence for anybody or group of persons to block highways, major and minor roads, including streets. According Kabir, the crisis brought a dent on the image of the country, particularly at a time efforts to resuscitate the good image of Nigeria was yielding results. He also called for establishment of a national religion commission with a strong mandate of supervising and regulating all religious activities in the country, adding that there are no relevant federal agencies to cater for such issues. “A Federal religious ministry or a national religious commission could constantly put an eye on illegal activities from any

religious organisation by whatever name it is called since the breaking of state laws in the name of religion is the highest point in corruption and indiscipline,” he said. While admonishing those involved in the conflict, Ahmed condemned the act of the Shiites in the carrying cutlasses, swords and sticks on the streets, roads and highways and confronting the Nigerian army. The press statement added that although the NGO is saddened by the loss of the lives of the Shiite members, it however urged the leader of the group to fear God and abide by the laws of the land. His words: “Let them lead their supporters in an orderly manner, shunning all acts of violence or intimidation of innocent citizens as God has not ordained such an action in Islam.” Ahmed noted that the problem with Nigerians is that they refuse to know who they are in the affairs of Africa and globally, adding that Nigeria deserves special attention from the rest of the world, with regards to the character of its people, the development of the country and its rate of civilisation within its short period of existence.

Ahmed seeks Kwara’s nod to access N20bn bond wOle Adedewji, ILORIN

wara State governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, has sought the consent of the state to obtain a bond of N20bn as he presents the 2016 Appropriation to the state’s House of Assembly tomorrow. The governor, at a stakeholders’ meeting he conveyed at the Government House at the weekend, said he is proposing a budget of over N100bn for 2016 out of which he would earmark N48b for recurrent expenditure and N56bn for capital expenditure. However, he said with the drop in federal allocation to the various tiers of government because of the global oil market glut, only the bond option could sustain the state’s developmental zeal in the proposed budget

The governor said he would strive to meet the desires of the people by taking up the remaining work on federal projects for the benefits of the state in addition to the local project proposed for the state. He identified such projects as the Kishi (Oyo State) and Kaiama (Kwara) federal road; dualisation of Michael Imoudu Labour Institute/ Ganmo road; dualisation of University of Iloirin Teaching Hospital/Sango road; completion of Ilorin water reticulations and others which are basic to the wellbeing of the people. The governor demanded that the people’s endorsement of the N20b bond intended to complement other planned sources of revenue for the implementation of 2016 fiscal budget.

L-R: Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai; Chairman, Northern Governors Forum, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State and Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, during the 19 Northern State Governors Forum’s meeting in Kaduna, yesterday.

ITF unveils mobile training scheme for IDPs Olufemi AdeOsun, ABUJA

ederal Government has unveiled mobile training units for internally displaced persons, IDPs, in the country. Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajia Aisha Abubakar, commissioned the facilities in Abuja at the weekend. She said the facilities would in no small way help the realisation of the

present administration’s poverty reduction programme. She said the government would continually give support to technical and vocational training, stressing that “our economy must be based on sound education. Japan, India and the Asian tiger countries advanced their economies through technical skills and vocational education, and are now world technology giants; it is because they placed

such training at the front row of their national development.” Speaking earlier, Director General of Industrial Training Fund, ITF, Dr. Juliet Chukkas Onaeko, whose institution is responsible for implementation of the IDPs’ training project, explained that the facilities would provide skills for job components in areas of cap knitting, basic tailoring, workshops on dry season farming, computer appreciation

and refrigerator repairs. “This is part of our target of training about two million people per annum with the skills needed for employment and we would continuously drive this process of building capacity,” Onaeko stated. She reiterated the readiness of ITF to achieve its mandate of providing a pool of indigenous trained manpower sufficient to meet the needs of the private and public sectors.

Kogi governor-elect tasks transition panel members on take-off •RMAFC hails him

ogi State Governorelect, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, has charged members of the transition committee to chart a course that would engender a smooth takeoff for his administration on January 27. Bello, who made this plea while addressing members of the committee led by Alhaji Isah Shaibu, noted that Kogi State, which was created about 24 years ago, has passed through numerous experiences, which the committee should consider in the discharge of its duties. “Kogi State is endowed with abundant natural and human resources, which places it at an advantage, in addition to being in proximity to the Federal Capital Territory. With the presence of Obajana Cement Factory, Ajaokuta Steel Company as well as Itakpe Iron Ore, our state could not have been asking

for more as far as industrial and economic aspirations are concerned. “All these natural endowments, ordinarily, should place our dear state among the top five in the federation. Sadly, due to the leadership gap we have experienced over the years, the reverse is the case as our social and infrastructural development indices left much to be desired, though we are ranked 18th in terms of monthly federal allocations. This, to say the very least, is unacceptable. “Against this background, we must collectively take full advantage of the blessings bestowed on us by rededicating ourselves to surmounting the challenges ahead. In the course of the next few weeks, I expect this committee to work diligently in order to come up with a solid framework that will enable our new adminis-

tration take-off effectively. “You will need to think outside the box by coming up with workable and realistic plans for the smooth take-off of the incoming administration, bearing in mind the economic realities of today,” he said. He urged the committee to address key sectors “including education, health, job creation and youth empowerment, agriculture and rural development, solid mineral and infrastructural growth as well as civil service reforms for efficiency, enhanced productivity and a corresponding reward for service.” Bello however assured that his administration would be “fully committed to the responsibilities that God has placed on our shoulders.” Other members of the committee are Hon. Edward Onoja (Secretary); Hajia Zainab Abdulazeez;

Prof. Olu Akerejola; Hajia Khadijat Suleiman; AlhajiOhinoyi Shaban; Alhaji Suleiman Baba Ali; Mr. Idris Sura; Dr. Atte David; Hon Idris Haruna; Hajia Halima Alfa; Dr. Yakubu Ugwalawo; Arc. Mumuni Okara; and Dr. Martin Makoju. Meanwhile, the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission has congratulated Bello for his resounding victory at the poll. In a letter dated December 18, 2015, referenced RMC/OHC/CONTRL/ ALH.BY/15 and signed by its acting chairman, Shettima Umar Abba Gana, the commission expressed confidence in the competence of Bello to turn around the fortunes of the state. The governor-elect served the commission for about 15 years before bowing out to pursue his governorship ambition.

Monday, December 21, 2015

Joe obia

y attention has been drawn to a publication captioned “Like Bayelsa, Like Abia” in one of the national dailies of Wednesday 16th December, 2015, written by one Yussuf Oladipupo, where a lame and idiotic attempt was made at comparing the governorship elections in Bayelsa State with that of Abia State. The line of argument in the essay, though non sequitur, aligns with the unsustainable position of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA which they have canvassed ad nauseum. As they say: “when the witch cried at night and then in the morning a child dies, we don’t have any further need for a soothsayer”. The publication was obviously sponsored by the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA Governorship candidate at the last election – Dr. Alex Otti. The photograph of Otti was given a pride of place on the page containing the article in question. It is obvious from the content of the publication that it is yet another piece from the propaganda machinery of Otti and his APGA cohorts aimed at hoodwinking and misrepresenting facts to the panel of Jurists that will soon consider the Appeal filed by Dr. Alex Otti against the dismissal of his election petition by the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal that sat in Umuahia. It would be recalled that few weeks to the delivery of the Governorship Election Tribunal Judgment, APGA in Abia embarked on a similar analysis on the pages of newspapers and even the electronic media of cases at the Tribunal and their expected victory. Our association is a body of eminent, educated, law abiding and patriotic Abians and will not join in the ignoble acts of commenting on or predicting the outcome of cases pending before a Court of Law, like the Abia State APGA. While we remain conscious of the fact that the Court room remains the venue for parties in a dispute to canvass their cases with facts and evidence in accordance with relevant laws on the issue, we owe a duty to the discerning public to correct the misrepresentation of Abia State APGA and present the true and correct facts to them. The just concluded governorship election in Bayelsa state has no similarity whatsoever with the elections conducted in Abia State in April 2015; *Whilst the election in Bayelsa State is inconclusive, thus yet to be concluded, that of Abia State was concluded on the 25th day of April, 2015 and results declared. *Whilst no winner has emerged in the ongoing governorship election in Bayelsa State, that of Abia State has long been concluded and a winner declared in the person of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who has since resumed duty and effectively performing the functions of his office. * Whilst as reported by the media and the electoral body, INEC, the election in Southern – Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State was characterized by violence leading to loss of lives and property for which a Judicial panel of inquiry has been set up to ascertain the cause of the violence. APGA lost the election both in the field and at the Governorship Election Tribunal to PDP. They have appealed the verdict of the Tribunal at the Court of Appeal. The article under scrutiny is one of the subtle ways APGA has been trying to influence the Judgment of the Court. The obvious intendment of the author of the piece is to create the impression that the attempted cancelation of election results from Obingwa, Osisioma and Isialangwa North Local Government Areas of Abia

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Politics

Between Abia and Bayelsa governorship election

Gov. Ikpeazu

State by the State Election Returning Officer is similar to the cancellation of the electoral process in Ijaw South Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. In the latter case, the cancellation, it must be noted, was supported by INEC, resulting in the Bayelsa State governorship election being declared inconclusive. I want to demonstrate that the facts of the Bayelsa State and Abia State elections are not in pari materia; they are not on all fours with the facts in Abia State by any stretch of the imagination. There is a huge difference in both situations which accounts for the untenability of the attempted cancellation in Abia State. In Bayelsa State, there was widespread reports of violence in Ijaw South Local Government Area of the State, ballot box snatching and even alleged murder. Even security agents were helpless. Fourteen of the political parties which fielded candidates for the election were vocal in calling for a cancellation of the election in Ijaw South Local Government Area. The scenario in Abia State was totally different. There was no report of mayhem in any of the Three (3) Local Government Areas whose results the State Returning Officer acting suo motu attempted to annul. In fact, at the point when the Returning Officer made his curious announcement, none of the Local Government Returning Officers for any of the Three (3) Local Government Areas in question had even arrived at the State Collation Centre, which makes you wonder as to the basis of the annulment. Every right thinking person was shocked to hear the State Returning Officer say he acted on the reports of a purported International Election Observer. Our Electoral Law is comprehensive and it has no provision whatsoever for any weight to be attached to any such report in determining election results. If anything, election results can only be cancelled at the polling units if elections are marred by malpractices. Results once announced at the polling units cannot be

annulled by INEC or any person acting on its behalf. Any person not satisfied with such results can only challenge it at the appropriate Election Tribunal. Section 27(1) (a) of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended provides that “the results of all elections shall be announced by the Presiding Officer at the polling unit”. This position is further reinforced by Section 65 of the said Act which provided that “after the recording of the result of the election, the Presiding Officer shall announce the result…” The business of the Returning Officer is to declare the winner of the election in accordance with the provisions of Sections 133, 134 and 179 of the 1999 Constitution following the collation of the results. For this conclusion, I place reliance on Section 69 of the Electoral Act 2010. Nowhere in our Laws is the Returning Officer at the Collation Center invested with the right to cancel any results. It is only the Presiding Officer at the polling unit who can annul the process, not the result after it has been announced. This provision makes a lot of sense since it is the Presiding Officer that can give authoritative eye – witness account. I have taken the pains to distinguish the Bayelsa case from that of Abia State so that the reading public will not be blindsided and sucked in by the sophistry of the propaganda machine of APGA. I know that the Courts will not be deceived. We agree with Oladipupo that the Constitution of Nigeria empowers INEC to conduct elections into elective political offices, albeit with the provisio that INEC would only do so within the ambit of the Law. I have stated the provisions of the relevant Acts of Parliament. Oladipupo failed to cite any Law that supports his jaundiced argument. Whereas all those that were involved in the conduct of the election in Ijaw South are in agreement that the election was substantially flawed and marred by irregularities, the Returning Officer in the case of Abia State acted alone when he purportedly cancelled results he had not even seen or had power to cancel, talk less of having heard from the officers who conducted the process. Some have accused him of acting precipitously in the execution of a script but I have decided to give him the benefit of the doubt bearing in mind that to err is human. In conclusion, whereas election in Ijaw South was characterized by arson, wanton killing and destruction of property, in Obingwa, Osisioma and Isialangwa North Local Government Areas of Abia State, the story is different. The process was peaceful; there was no loss of life or mayhem of any sort. Those who conducted the election in the Three (3) Local Government Areas were escorted by security agents to deliver both the results and necessary election materials to the State Collation Centre. A fortiori, there is no basis for comparison between Ijaw South election and that of the Three (3) Local Government Areas of Abia State. Given that the position of the Law and facts as adumbrated herein, the desire of APGA to have elections in the Three (3) Local Government Areas of Abia State annulled in order to give them undeserved victory cannot prevail. It will remain a pipe dream.

Obia is a public affairs commentator

Politics

Monday, December 21, 2015

Ex lawmaker urges refund of $2.1Bn arms fund Abiodun nejo ADO EKIT

ormer House of Representatives member, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele, has urged those indicted in the alleged $2.1 billion arms deal through former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki’s revelations to surrender their looted funds. Bamidele said that the Federal Government’s assurance that the alleged looters might be spared if the stolen funds were returned had further confirmed that President Muhammadu Buhari’s

anti-graft war was not selective. He said that the assurance also showed that the All Progressives Congress, APC as a ruling party was not interested in politicising nor witch-hunting anybody on the issue. In a statement in Ado Ekiti yesterday by his media aide, Ahmed Salami, Bamidele said the out of court settlement option was a departure from the erstwhile situation where looters were jailed after their property must have been confiscated and looted funds recovered. The APC chieftain said

that President Buhari had been prosecuting the antigraft war with human face contrary to the different position being canvassed by the PDP He stated: “During former President Olusegun Obasajo’s regime, the former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun, got some of his prime properties confiscated by EFCC while some money was also recovered. The same thing happened to the late Bayelsa State Governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha. “The two prominent Nigerians did not only lose money and proper-

ties to the seizure policy of the EFCC, they were also convicted for the offences committed. But the present Federal Government has given a space for these alleged looters to return the funds and be spared of prosecution. “This goes a long way to enunciate the fact that President Buhari is not after anybody than to ensure that funds meant to develop Nigeria and particularly a critical sector like security under which over 40,000 innocent souls have been killed by Boko Haram are well appropriated.

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Dogara task APC on good governance ezekiel TiTus BAUCHI

peaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara has charged the public office holders under the All Progressive Congress, APC administration to empower their people in line with the party’s change mantra This was just as the speaker urges Nigerians to exercise patience with President Muhammadu Buhari in his effort to ensure the country’s rebirth. Dogara made the disclosure during the official flag-off and launching of economic empowerment programme initiative organized by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ahmed Yeri-

ma, representing Misau/ Dabam Federal Constituency of Bauchi state The speaker said that Nigerians should blame their representatives whenever they failed to provide meaningful economic development in tandem with their yearning and aspirations He noted that, Buhari is determine to get rid of corrupt public office holders in his fight against the endemic evils of corruption . The speaker said the parliament is always ready to support Buhari’s resilience in the fight against corruption and seeks public understanding Dogara described Yerima as a tested and trusted representative of the people .

PDP sweeps Ekiti council polls Abiodun nejo ADO EKITI

P L-R: APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; Governor of Jigawa, Muhammad Badaru and Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara at the APC rally to receive defectors to APC in Dutse, yesterday.

Awoleye to facilitate people-oriented projects in Ibadanland kemi olAiTAn IBADAN

member of the House of Representatives, representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon. Abiodun Awoleye, has said that he will facilitate more people-oriented projects in the interest of development and progress of his constituency and Ibadanland. He gave the assurance yesterday in Ibadan after he was conferred with the Distinguished Fellow’s Award by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, which was part of the Ibadan Cultural Festival 2015/ 2016. The All Progressives Congress, APC lawmaker said the award has showed that the people of the city, Oyo State and Nigerians in general, appreciate what he has been doing

and would do more. Awoleye who used the occasion to disclose that the motion he moved in the 7th Assembly made the rehabilitation of Ibadan Airport possible, said he is already pursuing the completion of the rehabilitation work. He also stated that he was the one that moved the motion for the compensation of the victims of the 2013 fire incident at Omitowoju area and the need for the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA to quickly respond to the incident. He said he will soon start a football competition that will unite all youth and adults alike in the whole of Ibadanland and compensate winners handsomely. He said, “ I am very happy for honoring me with this prestigious award, the award is an invitation

to do more. It has showed that people appreciate good deeds. “I can tell you that the motion on the need to rehabilitate and upgrade Ibadan Airport has yielded positive results; the motion I moved in 2013 on the need for NEMA to compensate the victims of the Omitowoju fire incident also yielded positive results, the affected people have been duly compensated. All these I was doing are for the development of Ibadanland, Oyo state and Nigeria at large. “ I am ready to do more and I have been doing that, recently I moved some motions, one on the need for National Assembly Broadcast project; the need for measures to adequately protect Websites ministries, departments and agencies of government and a bill to ensure that censuses are held in Nige-

ria at regular intervals of 10 years or less, if it is expedient to do so, for effective planning and the need to empower the Census Tribunals to have specific directions by removing them from being the appendages of President. “ In the past, I have facilitated over 100 laptops to The Polytechnic Ibadan, many transformers to various communities, boreholes, security post, heath centers, and I have empowered thousands of people both within and outside my constituency. “All these were done towards the development of our dear city, Ibadan, where I hailed from. “I can assure you that I, Abiodun Dada Awoleye, together with all progressive-minded people of Ibadan, will not relent until Ibadan becomes the cynosure of everybody”, he said.

eoples Democratic Party, PDP won all the 16 chairmanship and 177 councilorship positions contested for in the local government elections that held in the Ekiti State on Saturday. The PDP candidates emerged victorious in the election conducted by the State Independent Electoral Commission, SIEC, which said five political parties indicated interest to participate in the poll. The elected chairmen are expected to be inaugurated today by the state governor after they might have received their Certificates of Return from SIEC. In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Idowu Adelusi, said all the new chairmen, party leaders, traditional rulers and guests of the chairmen were expected to attend the occasion. This was as the governor said the successful conduct of the council election by his administration “is a promise made to the people that has been kept”. The governor, who spoke in Afao-Ekiti yesterday, described the use

of caretaker committees to run local government system as an aberration, saying “the hallmark of a genuine democrat was allowing people to express their choice on who governs them”. National Assembly member, Senator Duro Faseyi, praised the governor for installing democratic structures in the 16 council areas of the state by conducting local government elections, saying this would guarantee some level of independence for the third tier that he described as pivotal to the country’s development. Faseyi, who represents Ekiti North Senatorial District, spoke at his Iludun Ekiti hometown yesterday where he canvassed fiscal autonomy for the councils, saying allowing governors to continue to appoint caretaker committees would jeopardise efforts being made to fight poverty. Faseyi, who lambasted the All Progressives Congress, APC for boycotting the council polls, charged the new council bosses to begin the process of development in Ekiti and ensure that people at the grassroots were involved for rapid development.

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Monday, December 21, 2015

Nigeria under unending social seizures MARK DEBO TAIWO

o many funny things are happening in Nigeria look so bizarre and appalling that the call for concern from those with sane reasonability and patriotic zeal, who are expecting the real change the country deserves, should be heeded. The change mantra, now sounding shameful, could be adduced as reason for some of these sordid developments in the polity. It was ironical and comical that Mr. Ibrahim Larmonde, erstwhile EFCC chairman, could end up being investigated on account of looting recovered loots. Was it not a shameful conduct for the chairman of the nation’s anti graft agency to be allegedly involved in looting N1 trillion recovered loots? What can we say of some of our governors accused of recklessly wasting the funds for their states, and became handicapped to pay the salary of workers in the process? They needed a bailout from the centre to overcome the challenge. Unfortunately, some of them could still not pay the salaries. With this wicked disposition of these leaders, who are now turning around to clamour for salary cuts or retrench sizeable number of workers in their states, it is obvious Nigeria is in trouble. The governors are not bothered by how the workers cope with even the N18, 000 minimum wage in this present parlous state of our national economy and high rate of inflation, yet some of them are pushing for cut in their

workers’ salary. Fuel scarcity is one other ugly incident never expected to resurface on our national life again now that we have a President as the petroleum minister. But till the time of penning this piece people are passing through harrowing hardship in getting fuel at petrol stations. There have been sordid reports of deaths at the filling stations, even as fuel is being sold for over N200 in some parts of the country in filling stations! Nigeria, a major oil producer in the world, relies on imported petroleum products for which dubious oil subsidy is attached. The Kogi and Bayelsa states governorship elections have convoluted the polity. Snatching of voting materials, kidnapping, election-associated violence, including killing, have blighted our democratic march. Has real change come, or do we have a farcical change? Why would Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, the Deputy Senate Leader, promote the drive to muzzle both social media commentaries and conventional media by initiating anti-social media bill? This is plain political cluelessness on the part of the senators. Thanks to President Muhammadu Buhari for distancing himself from this inglorious step. Of equally disgusting is the conduct of Colonel Sambo Dasuki [rtd], the National Security Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan. His arrest and planned trial over the $2.1billions arms procurement saga is a sour taste in the mouth. The details of the gory story dampen the morale

IT IS HEARTLESS TO HEAR ABOUT THE SHARING OF THE MONEY MEANT TO TIGHTEN THE DEFENCE OF OUR COUNTRY BEING SHARED and confidence of many Nigerians in the ability of our leaders to successfully root out Boko Haram insurgents from our land this December. It is unfortunate the caliber of people associated with the scam. It is heartless to hear about the sharing of the money meant to tighten the defence of our country being shared by these elements. Blessed be Shuaibu Salisu, former Director of Finance in the Office of the National Security Adviser, who spilled the bean on the callousness of some highly placed Nigerians. Many soldiers were wasted on the war front because of lack of modern and sophisticated weapons to confront Boko Haram. Many military officers and some rank and file were court-martialed, some jailed while others were dismissed from for daring to contest the bandied story of availability of weapons for the military. Recall many of our gallant officers had to fall like unprotected dogs and others run away from the battle fields, all because of the banal rapacity of few privileged people unconcerned about bringing the nation to disrepute by their actions and inaction.

Where are the fighter and Alpha jet fighters promised? What happen to the $1billion loan sourced by the Jonathan administration from World Bank to fight Boko Haram? Chief Dokpesi’s confirming that he collected N2.1 billion from Dasuki is chilling, considering that his workers in AIT and Raypower Radio are still being owed salaries. What level of wickedness and indifference to the plights of fellow human beings? My stance on this sordid incident is to align with the position of Comrade Ayuba Wabba, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, that anybody found guilty of corruption should face firing squad. Yes, anyone found wanting in this case should be cocooned from among the living. What happened to the 105 soldiers ambushed and kidnapped by the Boko Haram insurgents? Does anybody have information on where they were buried like chickens with national honours? The case of the agitation for Biafra nation is becoming dolorous and the tempo of agitation reaching high octave, causing a lot of confusion in the land. The Police have notoriously staged a comeback on our roads, extorting money from motorists without shame. IGP Solomon Arase should move fast to curtail the excesses of his men. Indeed, this is perilous time for Nigerians, the change mantra and image of this present administration, who has boasted of its zero tolerance for corruption. Pastor Taiwo wrote from Ogbomoso, Oyo State via markdebotaiwo@gmail. com

Six months of Ortom administration in perspective IGBA OGBOLE

n May 29th this year, a new administration headed by Governor Samuel Ortom administration was inaugurated on May 29, 2015 at a colourful ceremony in Makurdi, Benue State capital. The overwhelming mandate given to Governor Ortom in the last April governorship election underscores the people’s desire for positive change that could improve their standard of living in various ways. The Governor, in recognition of his divine mission, announced the five pillars of his administration’s thrust in his inaugural address as good governance and revenue security; agriculture-driven industrialisation; science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics-based education and health services; investment in critical infrastructure; and promotion of gender equality and empowering women, youths, sports and persons with disability. He also made a strong commitment to rule with the fear of God, fight corruption, crime and gangsterism to make Benue a safe haven for investment and for citizens to feel safe enough to pursue their legitimate concerns. Six months down the line, the Ortom Administration can be said to have not only laid the necessary framework for good governance, but his achievements are laudatory given the paucity of funds and other serious challenges it inherited. He has made full disclosure stance the cardinal focus of governance. Every action or intention of government is laid bare in the public domain not only to ensure that

THE ADMINISTRATION HAS ALSO SCORED HIGH IN THE AREA OF PEACE BUILDING AND

CURTAILING INSECURITY ACROSS THE STATE the people are properly carried along, but also that they can offer constructive criticism. The administration has also scored high in the area of peace building and curtailing insecurity across the state with the introduction of the amnesty programme. Over 400 different types of sophisticated weapons were recovered in the process. Perhaps, the biggest catch of the programme was the surrender of Terwase Akwaza, alias Ghana, a notorious gangster who had been declared wanted by the police and army. His gang alone surrendered about 100 assorted rifles and thousands of ammunition. In addition, about 700 youths who submitted themselves to the programme were trained at a re-integration retreat to make them responsible citizens. In a related development, Governor Ortom has, through deliberate measures, enhanced peace between Benue farmers and herders. Also to promote lasting peace along the Benue-Taraba corridor, he held peace and security meetings with his Taraba counterpart. It is also on record that it took the intervention of the governor immediately he assumed office for the industrial action embarked upon by various staff unions of Benue State Univer-

sity, Makurdi, which had already lasted for months, to be called off. For the first time since its establishment about 12 years ago, the College of Health Sciences of the University successfully graduated the first set of its medical doctors. The Ortom administration made this possible by meeting all the requirements necessary for the accreditation of the College after many years of non-accreditation. For three years before the Ortom administration, the accreditation status of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Makurdi was withdrawn. The Governor speedily worked towards providing all the requirements for its accreditation. In the information sector, Governor Ortom procured 10 kilowatts FM transmitter for Radio Benue to boost the reach of its signals, in addition to supporting the African Independent Television (AIT) to establish its radio and television stations, Makurdi. The administration has also commenced road construction jobs, for example the Daudu-Gbajimba road; interfaced with the contractor handling Otobi and Katsina-Ala water projects to give relief to the residents of Otukpo, Katsina-Ala and environs, as the taps are now running again; and addressed the backlog of salary areas inherited from its predecessor through a N28 billion bailout fund from the Federal Government. Investigation also shows that the state government has been releasing N394 million and N117 million for payment of state and local government pensioners respectively since last May, while the Governor has directed the Head of Service to carry

out proper documentation of the other recently retired persons for the purpose of addressing their arrears. Realizing the urgent need to boost the state’s internally generated revenue profile, the Ortom administration has reconstituted the state’s Board of Internal Revenue Service, and providing it with the necessary legal framework to step action. The Governor has equally met with several prospective local and foreign investors, as well as other stakeholders like Benue Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, impressing on them that Benue is a safe haven for investment. As a government run by humans with natural limitations, the administration cannot be expected to be perfect. Periodic review of its policies and programmes in line with the feedback from the people should be expected. We implore our people to desist from rumour mongering or spreading hate messages, which are anti-development. The people are encouraged to offer constructive criticisms that can assist government perform better. Ogbole is Director, News and Current Affairs, Radio Benue, Makurdi Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

Editorial

Monday, December 21, 2015

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 AUGUSTUS IMEKAN ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

FG’s probe of rot in tertiary schools

hat the Federal Government has finally moved to probe some institutions of higher learning in the country probably did not strike many as a surprise, considering numerous allegations of horrendous misdeeds dogging a lot of such schools. Among those listed for penetrating investigation, according to recent reports, were the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Kastina State; Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia, Abia State; University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State; Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State; University of Abuja, Federal Capital Territory; University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State; University of Calabar, Cross River State; Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State; Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State and Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos State. The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, recently inaugurated 10 ad hoc committees to investigate petitions against the named tertiary institutions’ management. The minister said in deference to FG’s commitment to due process, fairness, accountability and transparency in the control and management of public resources, the panels would look at claims and counter-claims made against the governing councils and managements of the institutions, which

he said had created mistrust and hostility and hindered the smooth conduct of academic activities. Among the terms of reference of the probe panels are the following: “To carefully study and investigate allegations in the petitions on the institutions or individuals; determine the veracity of claims and counter-claims by considering the circumstances; talking to as many witnesses as possible; to meet and interview the writers of the petitions and establish the basis of their claims; ensure fair hearing by meeting with, and listening to explanations from all those against whom petitions have been written”. Perhaps for effect, Adamu told the committees that the exercise was not meant to judge or witchhunt anyone, and that members of the investigation panels were selected based on their track records of integrity. It might well be coincidental, but the probe came at a time when key stakeholders are speaking up on several cases of mismanagement, crass exploitation (indeed obscene extortion from parents and their wards), as well as brazen acts of immorality being perpetrated in such schools. We recall that the Executive Secretary, Kogi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mallam Nuhu Ahmed, in Lokoja, Kogi State lately, at a five-day training for quality assurance officers

NEXT TO BE SO INVESTIGATED… ARE FG COLLEGES (UNITY SCHOOLS), WHERE EXTORTION THROUGH

PTAS HAS BECOME

UNPRECEDENTED AND ATROCIOUS

organised by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and its Kogi State counterpart, with the theme: ‘Strengthening the Capacity of Quality Assurance officers for Improved Quality Delivery’, stated: “The dream of change in Nigeria will be a mirage if there are no quality teachers in the schools… Our teachers also should stop blaming government, but make themselves better and quality persons that will impart positively on the students to enhance the level of education in the country”. The Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti in Ekiti State, Dr. Theresa Akande, was more pungent when she also spoke recently at the 10th National Conference of the School of Business Studies of the institution, which had as its theme: ‘Anticipated Changes in Nigeria: the Roles of Tertiary Institutions’. Akande said without ridding tertiary institutions of corrupt practices, the ‘change’

ON THIS DAY December 21, 1988 A bomb exploded on board Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, killing 270 on board. Following a three-year joint investigation by Scottish police and the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation, murder warrants were issued for two Libyan nationals in November 1991. Libyan leader, the late Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, eventually handed over the two men for trial at Camp Zeist, Netherlands in 1999.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

December 21, 1995 The city of Bethlehem passed from Israeli to Palestinian control. Bethlehem is a Palestinian city located in the central West Bank, neighboring south Jerusalem, with a population of about 25,000 people. It is the capital of the Bethlehem Governorate of the Palestinian National Authority. The economy is primarily tourist-driven. The Hebrew Bible identifies Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth.

initiative of the Muhammadu Buhari administration would end up as mere lip service because some teachers in higher institutions were more corrupt than politicians. Bluntly but frankly, she ridiculed her colleagues when she talked about lecturers granting marks in exchange of pecuniary and material gains, including sex. The Rector lampooned such reckless teachers as bad eggs and life-destroyers that are even more corrupt than the political elite. Quite recently, too, the Lagos zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universi¬ties (ASUU) called on the FG to probe alleged acts of impunity at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture. The union alleged extor¬tion, fraudulent financial dealings against students, appointment of aca¬demic staff by patronage, running of unapproved programmes and collec¬tion of application fees for appointment, among others, against the institution’s hierarchs. Such claims project how conscienceless the leadership of many of the nation’s higher institutions might have become at the expense of academic excellence, integrity and the dignity of Nigerians. At the end of the day, such corrupt exploits do not translate to any form of improvement in the lot of the schools. Therefore, the probe is long overdue.

x December 21, 2004 Iraq War: A suicide bomber killed 22 people at the forward operating base next to the main United States’ military airfield at Mosul, the single deadliest suicide attack on American soldiers. The Iraq War was an armed conflict in Iraq that consisted of two phases. The first was an invasion of Iraq by the US and the United Kingdom, March 20, 2003; followed by a longer phase of fighting.

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Business Courage

Monday, December 21, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cover

Providing fiscal and other supports to boost SMEs’ growth I

n a bid to support the efforts of the Federal Government to diversify the economy and create jobs for the teeming youths in the country, stakeholders have continued to clamour for adequate support for Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs. According to the experts, it would only be foolhardy for the governments in the country to neglect SMEs at this period of fiscal and other challenges in the economy and expect socioeconomic development necessary to deliver democratic dividends to the people. It is against the backdrop of providing solutions to the fiscal and the myriad of problems for macro economic stability that analysts are canvassing the prioritisation of SMEs’ issues in policy and other decisions by the tiers of government. This is especially relevant to the diversification agenda given the strategic roles of the SME sub sector in economic development as they allow for the greater utilisation of raw materials, generation of employment, encouragement of rural development, mobilisation of local savings. SMEs according to many financial experts are very important to the growth of any nation. It is therefore not surprising that developed countries growing and booming economy are mainlyattributed to flourishing SMEs sector. According to a lectuer at University of Ghana and a member, The Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana, Charles Yeboah Frimpong, SMEs contribute over 55 percent of gross domestic product, GDP, and over 65 percent of total employment in high-income countries. The financial analyst said in the developed economies, small businesses are recognised as the main engines for growth and development because of their significant contributions to economic growth and prosperity. “The potential of SMEs to

Emefiele

With the cascading trend of crude oil prices at the international market, the country’s revenue has seriously declined to a worrisome level such that driving economic growth from non-oil sources needful for governments at all level. In this analysis, Udo Onyeka captures experts’ views on anchoring the drive on SMEs sub-sector. promote domestic-led growth in new and existing industries and to strengthen the resilience of the economy in a competitive and challenging environment is inarguable. “According to the Department of statistics of Malaysia, the economic growth in developed countries such as Korea, Japan, Taiwan and many others, was significantly generated by SME activities. The percentage contribution of SMEs to

Gross Domestic Product ,GDP/ total value added ranges from 60 percent in China, 57 percent in Germany, 55.3 percent in Japan and 50 percent in Korea, while i 47.3 percent attained by Malaysia. He said the SME growth is assessed by its contribution to the three main sectors of the economy; manufacturing, services and agriculture. The Don said that SMEs have been the backbone of economic

growth and driving industrial development. However in Nigeria SMEs were not given the role it deserves due attention of the governments and even the populace on crude oil which accounts for more than 80 per cent export value and over 90 per cent revenue source of the country. But currently attention has suddenly been shifted to SMEs due to falling price of crude oil

and the desire of the current Federal Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari to diversify the economy to create jobs. Even the former adminstration of Godluck Jonathan made UDO ONYEKA, CO-ORDINATOR BUSINESS COURAGE udonyeka@gmail.com c

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Ambode

ation, and poverty reduction. Acording to him while these funds are small relative to the required sum that is needed to catalyse the growth of SMEs and it can help along with other policy options to reset the metrics under which financial institutions assess the opportunities that could be gained from supporting SMEs. Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode also disclosed plans by his administration to inject a whooping sum of N25bn into the growth and development SMEs. The governor, who said that without adequate finance would not do much, urged the Bankers’ Committee to maximise the potentials of SMEs as a major catalyst for economic growth. Ambode said that the growth of SMEs have in the past been stunted by challenges such as infrastructural deficit and lack of access to capital, urging the banking sector to do much more than they are currently doing to actualise the full potentials of the sub sector and also achieve the goal of diversification. He said his administration is committed to supporting young entrepreneurs with business ideas to create wealth and generate employment through the establishment fund, which will see the government committing N25bn in the next three

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years. The governor urged for a viable platform, which will identify young entrepreneurs for the purpose of supporting and promoting their enterprise, adding that the challenge of any government is to create an enabling environment that will enable the entrepreneurial spirit to thrive. He said his administration has already taken the bull by the horn by creating an Office of Transformation, Innovation, and Creativity to champion the vision of improving the ease of doing business in the state. Some of the major problems faced by SMEs in Nigeria include; difficulty in access to finance, high cost of borrowing, unnecessary taxes, lack of support by the government (local, state and federal), inadequate power supply, over dependence of imported goods and poor transport infrastructure among others. Even though no amount of money rleased by financial institution to SMEs would be enough due to the gap already existing in the sub-sector, banks at end of the Bankers committee retreat recently pledged to increase their support for SMEs. In the recent time, some banks have developed interest in SMEs, apart from giving the desired funds, banks have also engaged in building capacity of

The potential of SMEs to promote domestic-led growth in new and existing industries and to strengthen the resilience of the economy in a competitive and challenging environment is inarguable

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efforts to reposition the SMEs, but so many challeges could not allow the over 17.3 million small businesses to flourish. Funding the necessary investment requirement for transformation of SMEs has remained a major obstacle to federal government and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, which led to launching of the N220bn intervention fund for SMEs in 2014. In order to further lend support to SMEs, CBN, Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele said the apex bank would soon unveil a special intervention fund to encourage fresh and young graduates in Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs. Speaking recently in Lagos at the opening ceremony of the 7th Annual Bankers’ Committee Retreat, Emefiele noted that SMEs hold the key for growth and development of the economy, adding that the economies that have withstood the global challenges are those with strong SMEs focus. He said that the fund which has nothing to do with the N220bn fund for SMEs launched by the CBN in 2014 is targeted at young graduates who would want to be self employ, while providing jobs for others. According to him banks need to do more in supporting SMEs and “would also assist in disbursing the special fund which through a strategy to be unfolded in the near future.” Emefiele said the theme of the Retreat ‘ Creating an enabling environment for SME growth’ is timely in view of significant headwinds the country have been facing in the aftermath of the sharp fall in crude oil prices and sustained slowdown in China’s growth. “The dominance of crude oil as a major source of our export earnings led to a slowdown in our GDP growth, from an average growth of 6.25 per cent in the second quarter of 2014, to 2.35 per cent in the second quarter of 2015, and a slight rebound to 2.8 per cent in the third quarter of 2015. “While this challenge has exposed the fragility of our domestic economy, it has also reinforced the view within the bankers committee that steps must be taken by policy makers and financial institutions to support in the growth of SMEs in critical sectors such as agriculture, solid mineral and manufacturing”, he said. The apex bank’s governor said efforts must be made to address key constraints to the growth of SMEs such as availability of power, adequate transportation, and enabling policies, adding that SMEs are recognised worldwide as a catalyst for rapid growth, job cre-

Business Courage

Monday, December 21, 2015

their SME customers. For instance, Sterling Bank this year unveiled its SMEs academy to trains its SMEs customers. In the same vein, Ecobank recently launched SMEs Club, an initiative aimed at offering preferential business support, products, and services to its customers across the country. The initiative also serves as a platform for adding value to SMEs, through information garthering, networking, and capacity building. According to the Managing Director of the bank, Jibril Aku, the empowerment scheme for the SMEs is in line with the lender’s vision “to contribute to the economic development and financial integration of Africa adding that there is no better way to grow Africa and its component countries than empowering the SMEs, which are the engine of growth. According to experts there the need to pattern our school curriculum to rcognise entrpreneurship at the early stage of the citizens lives. In Chinese schools, students are encouraged to be entrepreneurial as they are informed from an early age of the rigours of getting a job in the formal sector. This spirit has spurred a people and ultimately their nation to become arguably the largest economy in the world. Recently in Kenya, a license was granted to a Venture Bank to resume operations in 2016. This is a step in the right direction and a model worthy of emulation by Nigeria. The goal of the Venture Bank will be to support start up’s, young businesses and SMEs by providing affordable funding, expert advice amongst others. many experts have said it is only if and when the government becomes serious about supporting SMEs, that we

would expect an increase in output of existing SMEs, a reduction in unemployment and indirectly a reduction in crime, an increase in foreign exchange earnings, a diversification of the economy and Nigeria’s revenue base and a revival of the industrial sector. But one analysts have said that FG would show commitment is by improving on the infraseructure especially power supply. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, said rwecently that because of insufficient power supply, over 40 per cent of production cost in Nigeria goes to electricity generation by manufacturers. A member of MAN and Chairman, Technical Committee on Operationalisation of Micro-Grid for Industrial Initiative, Mr Regard Odiah, made the statement in Abuja when he presented the report of the committee to NERC. The committee was inaugurated by NERC and mandated to take a critical look at the energy laws in the country. The committee was also required to come up with implementable policies and regulations that would address the numerous power challenges facing industries, especially the manufacturing sector. “Over 40 per cent of our production cost goes into provision of electricity supply for our manufacturing. “Also when other infrastructural deficiencies are added, Nigeria becomes one of the most expensive countries in the world to set up a business venture,’’ he said. Odiah said the combined power generation capacity of MAN nationwide was 15,000mw while the maximum generation from the central/ national grid was less than 5,000mw and unreliable. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, December 21, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News Sterling Bank’s asset base hits N1trn, strategises to improve ranking Udo Onyeka

arely ten years after the merger of five legacy financial institutions, namely Magnum Trust Bank; Indo Nigeria Bank; Trust Bank of Africa; MBM Merchant Bank and NAL Merchant Bank, Sterling Bank Plc, has the asset base ,including contingents, of the Bank increased from about N110 billion in 2006 to about N1trn in 2015. Disclosing this in Lagos last week-end at the annual press conference of the Bank, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, Mr. Yemi Adeola, who also disclosed that the Bank expanded its branch network by 135 from 50 in 2006 to 185 in 2015, said plans were on to ensure that the Bank is ranked among the top six banks in the country by year 2020. Adeola also said that that the deposit liabilities of the Bank grew from N75bn in 2006 to N583bn in 2015 while equity rose from N26bn to N88bn. Similarly, the Bank’s customer base rose from 200,000 in 2006 to 1.4 million in 2015. Adeola who was supported by the Executive Director, Corporate & Investment Banking, Mr. Kayode Lawal and the Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Yemi Odubiyi also explained that the Bank, within ten years had deployed 801 ATMs nationwide when it had none in 2006. Speaking on the major activities of the Bank in the current year, the Bank’s Chief Executive said that “the outgoing year has been a beehive of activities and we have good reason to celebrate. The Bank was involved in a lot of activities that added value not only to our customers but with great impact on all Nigerians”. Some of the major activities for the year according to Adeola included the organisation of the first Sterling MSME Academy to enhance the capacity of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises; the financing of the acquisition of 434 BRT buses by the Lagos

L-R: L – R: Head, Broker Dealer Regulation, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Olufemi Shobanjo; Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar N. Onyema; Head, Legal and Regulations Division, NSE, Ms. Tinuade Awe, and Head, Transformation and Change, NSE, Mr. Olumide Lala, at the Launch of Broker Oversight and Supervision System (XBOSS) at the Exchange

State Ministry of Transport to improve the transportation system in Lagos State; the financing of Labana Rice Processing Mills in Kebbi to support the diversification programme of the Federal Government; the execution of an e-library project at the college of Education, Ikere Ekiti to support the education sector and the execution of two editions of the periodic cleaning exercise to support a clean environment across the country. During this period, the Chief Executive Officer stated that the Bank was PCIDSS 3.0 recertified, making it the third bank to achieve this status in the country; The financial institution also procured a Visa principal status, which affords it the ability to issue cards and acquire merchants directly. Other notable feats included a successful integration of its mobile wallet to the NIBSS Instant Pay platform which allows unbanked and semi unbanked customers to perform inter-bank transfers on Sterling Money; 13 additional branches were also opened and eight branches re-modelled.

NSE unveils AdoptA-School initiative, commissions Learning Centre

Adeola

he Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, has launched its Adopt-A-School initiative with the commissioning of Learning and Development Centre donated to Oke Odo Junior College, Abule Egba, Lagos. The initiative is an educational intervention by the NSE aimed at addressing the challenges experienced by schools in Nigeria through facility and process improvement, teachers’ empowerment and students’ intellectual advancement. Speaking on the initiative,

the Executive Director, Capital Market, NSE, Mr. Haruna JaloWaziri said “The Exchange is committed to driving the delivery of quality education and improving the financial literacy of the communities we serve. The Adopt-A-School initiative is one of the many ways we continue to improve learning in our educational system.” According to Mr. Jalo-Waziri, the Learning and Development Centre at Oke Odo Junior College is one of the programmes in the pilot phase of the NSE Adopt-A-School initiative. “The Exchange is committed to implementing a three prong programme that include; establishing a learning and development centre, organizing career workshops for students and providing trainings for teachers on soft skills, information & communication technology and financial intelligence. In this pilot phase, we have been able to also provide trainings for 52 teachers and organized career workshops for 250 students”. On the choice of the school, Mr. Jalo-Waziri, explained that the selection of Oke Odo Junior College as the first beneficiary of this intervention was based on rigorous needs analysis and assessment of schools in Lagos, carried out in conjunction with E-Green Services, a social enterprise firm. The Lagos State Government, represented by Mr. A.J Ojo, Education District 1, Lagos, commended the NSE for its strategic contribution to the development of the society through the AdoptA-School programme. “It is very heart-warming to have The NSE make such a remarkable transformation here at the Oke Odo, Junior College. Today, The Exchange has addressed the issue of providing a conducive learning environment and capacity building for teachers which form the bedrock of qualitative Education glob-

ally. We are indeed grateful and we hope that this partnership continues for the long term. “ The Nigerian Stock Exchange leverages its unique position as one of the leading Exchangesin Africa, to promote sustainability along the four key impact areas of Marketplace, its platform for promoting marketbased approach to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) imperatives; Community, where it makes contributions to positively impact lives; Workplace, through which it facilitates diversity, wellbeing and harness the talent and skills of its people; and the Environment as it focuses on reducing the Exchange’s environmental impact.

CBN to raise N1.2trn in Treasury Bills in Q1 2016

he Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, plans to raise a total of N1.22trn from treasury bills sale in the first quarter of 2016. The central bank said it would auction N245.77bn worth of 91day bills and N238.51bn worth of 182-day paper between December 17 this year and March 3, 2016. In addition, it would sell N735.54bn worth of 364-day treasury bills in the same first quarter of next year. The apex bank issues treasury bills regularly as part of monetary control measures to help manage the volume of liquidity in the system and also to checkmate inflation. The Monetary Policy Committee had noted at its last meeting the continued moderation in month-on-month inflation and reaffirmed its commitment to price stability, stressing the need for complementary supply side policies as part of an overall strategy to lock-in inflation expectations. Broad money supply (M2)

in the country contracted by 3.75 per cent in October, 2015, over the level at end-December, 2014. Also, annualised, M2 declined by 4.5 per cent, which was significantly below the growth benchmark of 15.24 per cent for 2015. Net Domestic Credit, NDC, grew by 10.8per cent, which annualises to 12.96 per cent in the same period. At this level, NDC fell below the provisional benchmark of 29.30 per cent for 2015. Growth in aggregate credit reflected mainly growth in net credit to the federal government which grew by 96.66 per cent in October, although lower than the 142.38 per cent in September, 2015. The sharp moderation in credit to government may be partly attributable to the effect of implementation of the treasury single account, TSA. “The MPC considered that although, headline inflation had remained at the borderline of single digit, the observed moderation, especially in the month-on-month inflation, provided some room for monetary easing to support output in the short to medium term, while keeping in focus the primacy of price stability. In effect, the committee will continue to monitor developments around the Naira exchange rate, interest rates, and consumer prices, even as targeted measures are needed to channel liquidity to the key sectors of the economy.

Power Sector accesses N64.7bn Power Intervention Fund

he power sector has so far accessed N64.7bn from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s, CBN, N213bn intervention fund which was set aside in February to tackle the poor power supply in the country. Boma Benebo, Deputy Head, Infrastructure Development Finance Office, CBN, who gave the figure after inspecting 62,021 prepaid meters procured by Kano Electricity Distribution Company, KEDCO, in Kano, said the facility was expected to be utilised to improve power generation and supply across the country. “The facility is expected to be utilised for approved activities like turn around maintenance, to achieve capacity recovery by power stations. “It is also to be used for purchase of meters, rehabilitation of transformers, procurement and construction of new distribution substations among others,” he said. He said the CBN-Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilisation Facility intervention had assisted in the restoration of 905 megawatts in the national grid following the turnaround main-

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tenance carried out at some facilities. According to him, the intervention has also enabled DISCOs to purchase 171,071 meters, rehabilitation of over 332 kilometres of 11KV lines and 130 kilometres of 0.45KV lines. “These investments are expected to reduce losses and significantly improve electricity delivery to Nigerians.” Earlier, the Managing Director of KEDCO, Dr Jamil Gwamna, represented by the company’s Operating Officer, Mr Rahul Singh, said the organisation had received N7.6bn from the CBN. He said the money would be used to purchase meters and improve distribution networks. He said the facility would enable the company to stabilise power supply in the three states it is serving – Kano, Katsina and Jigawa.

Dozie

Diamond Bank, Total Nigeria partner to deploy ATMs across service stations

n a bid to make financial services more accessible to customers, Diamond Bank and Total Nigeria have entered into partnership to provide Diamond Bank Automated Teller Machines, ATM, at select Total service stations across Nigeria. Total Nigeria is a marketing and services subsidiary of Total, a multinational energy company. Speaking at the launch which held at the Total Service Station, Lekki-Ajah Expressway in Lagos, Director, Operations and Technology, Diamond Bank, Premier Oiwoh, who represented the MD/CEO, Uzoma Dozie noted that the initiative was aimed at deepening customer satisfaction among customers of both organisations by providing them with convenient lifestyle solutions. He said: “We are pleased to flag-off this partnership between Diamond Bank and Total Nigeria PLC, two notable, customercentric brands, that have come together to provide secure and convenient lifestyle solutions to customers in Nigeria.”

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Monday, December 21, 2015

“Diamond Bank ATMs are fitted with best-in-class security systems to ensure that users can confidently carry out their financial transactions no matter the area of deployment. Supported by Total Nigeria’s extensive service station network, we are providing our teeming base of customers with safe, accessible and convenient centres where they can carry out all their regular ATM transactions using credit cards or Diamond Bank Magic Cash, a cardless alternative to using the ATM for customers who do not have their debit cards,” he added. Divisional Head, Consumer and Privilege Banking, Diamond Bank, Aisha Ahmed, said: “As a full-fledged retail bank, Diamond Bank is always inventing new ways to reach our customers and make life easier for them. We believe that the partnership with Total Nigeria perfectly fits this goal as Total shares our core value of top quality service delivery. “In addition, the partnership will enable Diamond Bank customers who need cash but do not have a debit card seamlessly carry out their transactions using the Magic Cash platform on the ATMs, as long as they are within access to a Total service station. However, it is pertinent to mention that the ATMs are not restricted to only Diamond Bank customers as other members of the public can use it.” Executive Director Strategy, Total Nigeria, Jeff Nnamani, said: “As part of our continued efforts to provide top quality products and services to our customers, Total Nigeria is glad to partner with Diamond Bank in the deployment of ATM services in select Total Service Stations nationwide. This partnership is in line with our strategy to provide convenient and innovative services that are easily accessible.

Nigeria targets 80% local content in auto industry by 2023 Abolaji Adebayo

igeria plans to raise the portion of local manufacturing in the automotive industry to 80 per cent over the next eight years as Africa’s most populous country seeks to cut imports and diversify the economy away from oil, the industry regulator said. The West African nation currently imports “almost 100 per cent” of vehicles, the Director of Policy and Planning for the Abuja-based National Automotive Council, Luqman Mamudu, said. He said that developing manufacturing and assembly plants would create jobs and reduce the $9 billion annual cost of bringing in vehicles and

Mamudu

components. Nigeria plans to assemble 500,000 vehicles per year over the next five years, compared with 10,000 units in 2014, after awarding 36 companies a production license, Mamudu said. Global automakers now building capacity include Japanese companies Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co., Ford Motor Co. of the U.S. and Hyundai Motor Co. of South Korea, as well as local carmaker. President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged to diversify Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy, which has suffered as crude prices plunged by more than 50 per cent since June last year. Economic growth is forecast to drop to 3.2 per cent this year from 6.3 per cent in 2014, the slowest pace since 1999, according to a Bloomberg survey of economists. According to him, Nigeria will allow car producers to import two fully-built units at a discount duty of 35 per cent for cars and 20 per cent for commercial vehicles for every one built locally. That compares with the standard 70 per cent tariff on imported cars, he said. He added that equipment used to assemble cars can be imported duty free, while other incentives include a crackdown on vehicle smuggling and tax holidays for producers.

Minister commends NAMA on e-Flight project

he Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi has lauded the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, in conjunction with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, on its e-Flight Clearance web portal, a web based solution for processing aircraft over flights and landing permits by nonscheduled aircraft operators. The e-Flight Clearance solution is a complete online real time business application which would among others ensure proper documentation of requests, eradicate violation of AOC provisions by aircraft operators, track local aero-

drome movement of aircraft, track location of any aircraft in the country as well as generate local and international bills for each operation. Amaechi, who came to Lagos NCAA’s Annex Complex, in company of the Minister of State, Aviation, Hon. Hadi Sirika and other top officials of the ministry for the demonstration of the e-flight clearance module to stakeholders, noted that as a Governor of Rivers State in the recent past, he personally encountered challenges trying to process manual flight clearance, the same way other pilots and airline agents did. According to him, since the e-Flight Clearance can be processed online from anywhere in the world, without necessarily going to NAMA or NCAA offices, most of the delays would be removed from the system. ‘’What this software has done is that you can now manage your time better and make more money because time is money,” Amaechi said. He charged the media to be magnanimous in commending government whenever laudable milestones such as the e-clearance are attained, stressing that the development has given him and his entourage cause to be happy. He therefore congratulated the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, for a job well done. Also in his remarks, the Director General of NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman noted that the need to deploy technology in improving services necessitated innovation in the manner flight clearances are conducted, adding that the electronic clearance system apart from addressing bureaucratic problems associated with paper work will also “be able to identify all incoming flights and record them in real time using their tail numbers as well as recording the time they depart the Nigerian airspace.” It would be recalled that the need to transit from the manual process of processing flight clearance to electronic became imperative following the myriad of challenges that dogged the old system. These included difficulty in tracing documents, unnecessary bureaucracy leading to waste of time as well as

Amaechi

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vulnerability of the system to manipulation to the detriment of national security.

FG loses N11bn on tanker vessel waivers in six years Francis Ezem

trong indications emerged rebates and waivers granted vessels carrying petroleum products at the nation’s port facilities might be taking its toll on Federal Government’s revenue, leading to the loss of over N10.5bn in the last six years. The Federal Government had some years ago approved a 50 per cent rebate for petroleum product tankers that berth at private jetties and other facilities in addition to other waivers and incentives. In a document presented by Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, to House of Representatives Committee on Marine Transport in Abuja recently, the authority hinted that the country has lost whopping sums of $248m and another N3.6bn respectively between 2009 and 2015 to these waivers and rebates bringing to a total of N10.5bn. According to the report presented by NPA to chairman, House Committee on Marine Transport, Mr. Patrick Asadu, NPA said that due to the 50 per cent rebate to petroleum product vessel berthing at private jetties; NPA has waived a total of N10.5 billion that would have come into the government coffers as revenue between 2009 and 2015. It was also gathered that the Managing Director of the authority, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, was reported to have told the committee that NPA generated N128.213bn between January and September 2015, Available records also show that the authority remitted a total sum of N5.8bn to the Consolidated Revenue Fund within the nine-month period covering January-September 2015. Investigations also show that the authority had generated N162.2bn in 2014 out of which N11bn was also remitted to the Consolidated Revenue Fund. This is against the N154.6bn generated in 2013 out of which N493.9m remitted even as N140.3bn was generated in 2012 with N20.7m remitted to the government. The NPA-boss however told the committee that the authority is faced with the challenge of lack of public power supply to the ports, poor funding for other basic and necessary infrastructure. Other challenges, according to him include the high cost of acquisition of land for future port development and payment of compensation and bureaucracy in procurement process. BC

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Monday, December 21, 2015

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Companies & Markets

FG commends BUA Sugar on investment in agric Udo Onyeka

he inter-ministerial National Sugar Roadmap Implementation Committee, SURMIC, of the Federal Government has commended the management of BUA Group for its recent investments in its Lafiagi Sugar Company and encouraged the company to sustain the pace of ongoing work at the plantation. This was revealed when the SURMIC paid a monitoring visit to the Lafiagi plantation on Monday. The SURMIC visit, which had the Directors of Technical and Planning at the National Sugar Development Council, the Manufacturer’s Association of Nigeria, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Power as well as other high-level stakeholders in the sugar industry included a tour of BUA Group’s Lafiagi Sugar Plantation as well as an inspection of equipment and ongoing work, was carried out to ensure compliance with the government’s backward implementation policy. Speaking during the visit, Director Technical at the Sugar Council, Mr. Jika, commended the pace of ongoing work at the Lafiagi Sugar Company as well as the investments in in-

frastructure on ground. “We are satisfied with what we have seen on ground. Whilst the ongoing work is commendable, we expect BUA to sustain the current pace of work at Lafiagi into the future so that Nigerians can start to benefit fully from the backward implementation policy of the Federal Government.”

In his response, Isiaku Samuel, a General Manager atLafiagi Sugar Company, said that despite the challenges faced in taking full ownership of the site after BUA purchased the company through a privatisation exercise, BUA has gone ahead to mobilise manpower and equipment to kickstart the once-moribund facility in addi-

tion to acquiring an additional 50,000hectares in Bassa Local Government of Kogi State for sugarcane farming. “We are happy with this visit by the National Sugar Roadmap Implementation Committee (SURMIC) to verify ongoing work at our facility. Whilst we have made considerable efforts in developing a sugarcane nursery

he Nigerian Postal Service, NIPOST, has clamped down on a fake courier firm in Lagos, and also revoked the licences of eight courier companies in the country. The companies were slammed for alleged illegal operations including unethical practices, failure and refusal to renew licences. Some of the affected companies are Ambassador Express Limited, Coop Courier and Cargo

L-R: Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi; Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika; and Acting Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Haruna Baba Jauro, during visit to NIMASA headquarters in Apapa, Lagos by the Ministerial delegation

Services Limited, De Jetmil Courier Limited, Express General Logistics Limited, OPL Express Limited, Proservinc Limited, UK Ail Courier Limited and Focus Express among others. Senior Assistant PostmasterGeneral and Head of NIPOST’s Courier Regulatory Department, Dr. Simon Emeje, during the exercise explained that the action was taken in the interest of the general public. “We have undertaken this exercise to sanitise the courier industry. The essence is to check-

mate those that are not licensed to operate, and help (members of the) public from running into problem,” Emeje said. He said the affected operators “had refused to renew their yearly licence fees. Besides, the firms have been involved in several unethical practices, because they have no valid operational licence, a situation that compelled CRD to revoke their licences.” According to him despite the downward review of the yearly renewal licence fees for domestic courier operators from N750,

000 to N350, 000 in 2014, and downward review of the yearly licence fees for international courier operators from N2m to N1.5m in 2013, the companies failed to renew their licences. Defending the clampdown on the ‘Up I Swear God’ company doing courier business along the west coast and owned by a Lome, Togo resident, Lasisi Gbadegesi, despite not being licensed to do so, Emeje said the CRD was unrepentant on sealing defaulting courier firms and carried out frequent raids on them. BC

Omidyar introduces eCurrency tech for central banks

midyar Network has announced a for-profit investment in eCurrency Mint, eCM, a Dublin-based company that has pioneered a new technology enabling central banks to issue digital fiat currency, called eCurrency. The investment is part of Omidyar Network’s Financial Inclusion initiative, which focuses on supporting innovative technologies to massively increase reach and scale impact of affordable, convenient, and flexible financial services to consumers and small businesses globally. Funds raised during this Series C round of investments led

Experts to brainstorm on uniform Code of Corporate Governance

Nipost cracks down on defaulting courier firms Victor Udoh

and land development activities for the next planting season, we have also deployed additional manpower and equipment to fast-track the development of the plantation. We have also ensured that the Sugar Council and other relevant stakeholders have been carried along in this process,” he said. BC

by Omidyar Network will make eCM’s path-breaking technology available to central banks around the world, enabling them to efficiently and securely evolve their national currencies to keep pace with today’s digital world. Tilman Ehrbeck, Partner at Omidyar, said: “Paper-based money is becoming an antiquated tool in an increasingly digital economy. It often causes those who rely heavily on cash to conduct their financial lives to be locked out of the formal financial system and the opportunities it presents. eCurrency can help accelerate financial inclusion by turning today’s digital value systems into sovereign-backed

national currencies, increasing trust, and addressing key issues hindering their adoption today, such as interoperability.” eCurrency is different from the various forms of private sector-issued digital value available today because it is issued by a central bank, and has the same legal and monetary status as notes and coins. More than just a ledger, eCurrency is an endto-end solution that combines hardware, software and cryptographic security protocols to enable a country’s central bank to not only issue digital fiat currency, but also fully manage its operation, including the ability to monitor its movement

through payments systems in near-real time—a new, powerful monetary policy tool. According to Jonathan Dharmapalan, Founder and CEO of eCM: “As technological advancements have connected people globally, the payments industry has provided them with better, digital ways to transact. If we think of digital transaction platforms as a system of pipes, then mobile has added the last miles of these pipes, and the internet is reaching people at the farthest corners of the world. But as this digital revolution has been taking place, the issuance of currency has essentially remained the same. BC

minent financial experts in the private and public sectors of the nation’s economy are expected to brainstorm on the new uniform code of corporate governance at a two-day 12th Financial Reporting Summit of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, FRC, which will take place in Lagos, December 22 and 23. According to the spokesman of the FRC, Mr Mack Ogbamosa, the summit which has the theme “National Code of corporate Governance for Nigeria for Nigeria: A new dawn in Compliance” would attract prominent players in the private and public sectors of the economy such as former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, UK, Dr Christopher Kolade, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelemah, the Commissioner for Insurance and CEO of National Insurance Commission ,NAICOM, Alhaji Mohammed Kari, Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita. Others include the DirectorGeneral of the Security and Exchange Commission, Mr Mounir Gwarzo, Vice chairman/CEO of Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta and the Registrar General of Corporate Affairs Commission, Alhaji Bello Mahmud. It will be recalled that public hearings were held earlier in the year on the new uniform code and it is expected that the twoday summit would enable stakeholders add more inputs. BC

Jim Obazee, FRC boss

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Business Courage

Monday, December 21, 2015

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Brand Watch

Elections, Xenophobia attacks top Google 2015 search list David Audu

oogle has released this year’s list of the events, personalities, and trends in sport and entertainment with the most queries on Google Search, in its 15th Annual Year in Search. Google’s Annual Year in Search looks back at the events and hottest trends that kept fingers tapping throughout the year, in search of the latest news. So what caught the collective eye of Nigerians in 2015? Local personalities, surprising events and unexpected trends in politics, business and entertainment had Nigerians trawling Google in search of answers. The postponed 2015 General ‘Elections’ for example, made the list of most searched events of the year, right behind the top ranking ‘Xenophobia Attacks’ in South Africa, which startled the world in April. Third on the list of top 10 occurrences in Nigeria is the report on the arrest of pro-Biafra activist and Director of Radio Biafra, ‘Nnamdi Kanu’. The much anticipated, controversial fight of the Century between ‘Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather’ isn’t left out of the list, although apparently outshone in the minds of Football-loving Nigerians by the ‘Under-17 World Cup’, which lies 4th on the list.

Despite the global buzz which followed ‘Bruce Jenner’s transgender revelation, Nigerians appeared to have been more fascinated by the stories surrounding President ‘Muhammadu Buhari’. Interest in the lifestyle and personality of Nigeria’s Head of State peaked during the presidential elections, placing him in second position on the list of people Nigerians searched. Topping the list is Nigerian actor, ‘Muna

Obiekwe’ who passed away in January. Nigerians’ pride in the country’s hugely popular entertainment industry is evident in the list of top trending songs with the founder of YBNL Nation, and rave of the moment, ‘Olamide’, taking pole position on the search list for Nigerian musicians and his hit track ‘Melo Melo’ leading the pack of top 10 trending songs, leaving Adele’s ‘Hello’ lying fourth behind Kiss

Daniel’s ‘Woju remix’ and Olamide’s ‘Bobo’. Top Searches in the Sports category were however dominated by Barclays Premier League Clubs ‘Arsenal FC’; ‘Chelsea FC’ and ‘Manchester United’. Thanks to the blackmail scandal hovering around him, Real Madrid and France striker ‘Karim Benzema’ makes the list of top sports personalities, behind ‘Pedro’, ‘Arda Turan’ and ‘Anthony Martial’. BC

L-R: Network Development Manager, Total Nigeria Plc, Maxence Bourgoing; General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Total Nigeria Plc, Olufemi Babajide; Head, Corporate Banking Directorate, Diamond bank Plc, Chizoma Okoli; Executive Director, Strategy, Total Nigeria Plc, Jefferson Nnemani; and Head, Consumer and Privilege Banking, Diamond Bank Plc, Aishah Ahmad at the Launch of the Diamond/Total partnership to provide ATM machines in Total Service stations across Nigeria held in Lagos recently

Winners emerge in Access Bank ‘W’ awards

inners have emerged in maiden edition of Access Bank W awards in honour of Nigerian of women who have done exceptionally well in their different fields and contributed to the development of the nation. At a ceremony marking the climax of the biggest innovative conference in Africa, the Access Leadership Conference 2015 which held inLagos, the Bank recognised women who emerged winners under the four categories of the W awards. These are the ‘W Entrepreneur of the Year’, ‘W Young professional of the Year, W Seasoned Professional of the Year and ‘W Amazon of the Year’. In a brief statement before delivering the awards to the recipients, former Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Mrs. Evelyn Oputu said that Access Bank sought for Nigerian women who, despite their contributions to sustainable socio-economic development not only in Nigeria, but across the globe still pay special attention to whom they really

Wigwe

are; the home maker. “The women that are being honoured today are those who despite the challenges we face in this part of the world, still hold their heads high. These are women who have built excellent career in their various fields of endeavour, women who have impacted the world and remained feminine,” Oputu said. According to her, women play important roles in the economy

through trading, labour, and employment. Indeed, the role of women in the family unit has made them indispensable entities in the struggle to survive against the harsh realities of time and tended to endow them with significant influence in the society Oputu noted. Lucy Alexander, Journalist and Newsreader at Skye News London, who anchored the conference announced the winners as Iquo Ukoh, the first female Executive Director at Nestle Nigeria Plc clinched the ‘W Seasoned Professional’ of the year award. With a career spanning over 34 years, Iquo is a keen advocate of youth empowerment. A professional with a passion for challenges, Rashidat Adebisi received the “W Young Professional” award. Adebisi was part of the team that grew AXA Mansard Insurance from a one-time small business to an undisputed industry leader. Bukky George emerged winner as the W Entrepreneur of the year (W in Business). She was recog-

nised as an entrepreneur who has built a successful business. She is found to be fully engaged and active in the day-to-day running and decision-making in her business. However, Professor Grace Alele Williams, Mrs. Folake Solanke and Mrs. Bolanle Awe were joint winners of the ‘W Amazon of the Year’ award. Commenting on the Awards, Group Managing Director/CEO, Access Bank Plc, Dr. Herbert Wigwe said though government has a responsibility in provision of basic infrastructure for the citizenry, every institution in Africa, public or private, has a role to play in the socio-economic development landscape. “Apart from institutional support, “women are at the heart of development. As a Bank that is committed to the development of strong and sustainable institutions in Africa, Access Bank has consistently demonstrated its leading role in advancing women’s economic and social development. BC

Alibaba avoids being named on U.S. blacklist for fakes

hinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, has avoided being named on a U.S. blacklist for sites hosting the sale of fake goods, a victory for the firm after lobbying hard to avoid inclusion on the list. The U.S. Trade Representative, USTR, said, though, it was “increasingly concerned” about Alibaba’s enforcement programs and warned it must make a greater effort to stop the sale of pirated and counterfeit products on its online platforms. Inclusion on the annual list of the world’s most “notorious markets” for sales of pirated and counterfeit goods, while not carrying direct penalties, would be a blow to Alibaba’s efforts to shed perceptions its sites are riddled with fakes. The firm has pushed hard over the last few months to avoid being named on the list, concerned it could drag down its share price after coming under renewed pressure this year over suspected counterfeits on its platforms. “Counterfeiting is an issue all global e-commerce companies face, and we are doing all we can to address and fight it,” an Alibaba spokesman said in an emailed statement to Reuters. “We will continue to work with brands, governments and our sellers to maintain the integrity of our marketplaces.” Alibaba’s Taobao Marketplace and Alibaba.com were both previously on the piracy blacklist, which highlights markets linked to significant intellectual property infringement. Alibaba.com was removed in 2011 and Taobao in 2012 after efforts to work with sellers of legitimate goods to clean up the sites. Since then, the Chinese e-commerce giant has worked toward enforcing anti-counterfeit procedures, but the U.S. trade office said it was unclear what effect these measures have had. “Despite these new procedures, USTR is increasingly concerned by rights holders’ reports that Alibaba Group’s enforcement program is too slow, difficult to use, and lacks transparency,” the trade office said in a statement on Thursday, referring to complaints from trademark holders that sell merchandise on the site. In October, The American Apparel and Footwear Association urged the trade office to blacklist Taobao for persistent intellectual property rights violations. The trade office said on Thursday it would continue to monitor the sites over the coming year to see if overall efforts to remove fakes and penalise counterfeit BC sellers are effective.

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Business Courage

Monday, December 21, 2015

Firm releases firewall to protect online transactions’ integrity Isaiah Erhiawarien

here is respite for Nigerians doing online transaction following the unveiling of Phishield, the world’s first cyber and phishing insurance, covering losses for unauthorised transactions on accounts. The shield, which offers protection against cyber crooks, will be distributed in the country as well as other African countries by Phoenix Distribution, which has won the exclusive distribution rights. A statement issued by the company indicated that it offered the solution that provides cover should against cyber criminals and lose money due to cyber theft, banking fraud or fraudulent credit card transactions. Phishield gives protection against several frauds, including online purchases, ATM transactions, EFTs, card frauds, phishing scams and telephone transactions. Insured by Zurich, the Phishield cover is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase and comes with a 30 day, 100 no-risk money back guarantee. Chief Executive Officer, of Phoenix Distribution Simon Campbell-Young, a distribu-

tor of software in Africa, said in today’s digital and Internet age, online transactions have become the norm, something that millions of people do on a daily basis. He said, “Too often, we conduct these transactions without fully thinking about the potential consequences. What would the true costs be if someone stole your identity and emptied your bank account” adding that they acquired your credit card details and fraudulently spent thousands and thousands of your money. “You can’t put a price tag on peace of mind. With Phishield, you can transact online, without having to worry about online fraud. Phishield’s cover includes all accounts held in the customer’s name at any bank or financial institution, or any other person or business that directly holds an account that belongs to them, “said Campbell-Young. Managing Director, of Phishield, Sarel Lamprecht added that “Phishield is committed to paying out claims that are approved, pending an approval process, in 72 hours or less, meaning customers need not wait weeks and weeks to get their money back adding that with cyber

Campbell-Young

phishing attacks on the increase and a “massive shift to attached-based e-mail campaigns.” Campbell-Young noted that Phoenix currently offers many different security solutions aimed at protecting its clients in South Africa, Africa and the UK saying, “This product will add something totally new to our stable, and will perfectly complement our existing offerings. Phoenix Distribution has always focused on adding value to our partners and vendors, and as we look to add more service offerings to our product set, we are pleased to be able to offer a solution as unique as this.” BC

by the company in all the five locations in order to make end of the year celebrations in Lagos a memorable one and also to allow Lagosians and fun-seekers an opportunity to continue their interaction with the brand. He stated further that the decision of Lagos State Government to extend the show to all ‘IBILE’ headquarters is commendable, adding that it will give Lagosians across the state more sense of belonging and recognition.

Mogaji

The Lagos State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Folorunsho Folarin-Coker explained in his welcome address that the concept of One Lagos Fiesta, OLF, will entrench arts and culture in Lagos State, adding that the concept has been expanded from the Lagos Countdown project to enhance the experience of Lagosians during the festive occasion. According to him, as part of first step towards branding Lagos as the entertainment capital of Africa, about 50 artistes will entertain the people simultaneously across the five ‘IBILE’ headquarters of Badagry, Epe, Ikorodu, Agege and Bar Beach ‘scheduled to hold in the last four day to year end.’ The compere, Gbenga Adeyinka l, gave a hint of top artistes who will be on parade during the show, including African China, 9ice, Sound Sultan, Baba Dee, May Dee, Y Cee, Jaywon, Dr. Sid and Ara to whet the appetite of guests. BC

with Esther Ozue (ozueesther@nationalmirroronline.net) 08059234648 (sms only)

How business blogging can build your brand, enhance profitability

Globacom, Lagos partner on ‘One Lagos Fiesta’ lobacom has reassured Lagos State Government that it will partner with it to make Lagos the “party capital of Africa” as it powers the “One Lagos Fiesta”. This assurance was given by Globacom’s Senior Manager, Events, Sola Mogaji at Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos during the launch of “One Lagos Fiesta”. Mogaji stated that Globacom will deploy its wealth of experience in entertainment event packaging to make the fiesta grand. “Our participation in this noble entertainment project is our way of reinforcing government’s efforts at creating commercial value within the entertainment industry. Lagosians should expect the premium Glo treatment that promises optimum fun with the full complement of our iconic brand ambassadors who rank among the best in the industry”, he added. Mogaji said that an experiential corner will be created

Technotalk

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

usiness owners embracing blogging will really enjoy the benefits and grow their businesses. When i speak to business owners about blogging, the response i get is “does anyone even read these things?” Building a “tribe” means building relationships with your customers. There are sundry of online benefits to posting high-quality content’s on your business blog regularly, and one of the most important gain is that information seekers, search engines will recognise you and your website easily. This can help attract potential customers, and sustain old ones loyalty and increase their trust in your product or services. Blogging is an excellent marketing tool for businesses. To get customers to visit your blog, you need to write quality content every week. The benefits of a blog increase in manifold as you increase your publishing frequency. From the recent studies I have done, businesses that blog regularly are more likely to generate leads via their website than businesses that don’t. It also builds trust in your business. Business blogging is a good marketing strategy and a valuable tool for any business. In order for your business to be successful, it is essential for people to know about your brand as well as the products and services you offer. Networking will help you establish trusting relationships with potential customers just as attending networking events regularly and cultivating long-term relationships with your fellow professionals can help a great deal. You need to develop your network to recognise your ideal customers and the unique problems that you solve in your business. That way, when members of your network come across other people, they can introduce your company which will create an optimal situation where you are solving, not selling. An attractive website can make your business look professional. But the real benefits will depend on functionality and ability to attract customers to your business. If your website is outdated, consider a redesign. To combine business blogging with in-person networking, here are five ways that will help you attract new clients, grow your network, and enhance your business growth: 1) By publishing blog posts on a variety of topics that correspond to the specific customers, products, services or situations that you deal with in your business, your networking colleagues can easily find and share this specific information when they meet an ideal customer for you. 2) On your blog, you can educate people by including case studies that will clearly show your network; what you do and who you do it for. 3) Visit networking events, get call cards and visit other company’s websites. When you find a current and highly informative collection of articles (blogs) about the same topics you referred to at the meeting, it will validate the positive impression you made in person. 4) Members of your network may also post your content on the social media to share with their entire network. By blogging consistently and linking to your posts on social media, it makes it easier for people to know you. You can return the favour with a simple public “thank you” that your followers will see. 5) If you speak to someone at a networking event who might also be a potential customer, blogging gives you a non-threatening and effective way to continue the conversation. Simply send them the link to one or two of your blog posts that either describe how you solved a similar problem for another client or provide some self-help tips they can apply immediately, to get some initial relief. It is instructive to conclude here that blogging and social media don’t replace physical networking, but combining both and using them effectively will help you enhance your BC business relationships both physically and online. BC BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, December 21, 2015

A9 25

Behind d Wheels This page is open to sponsorship

By Adejuwon Osunnuyi

yundai has confirmed its challenger for the world’s top-selling hybrid will be called the IONIQ. It is the Korean giant’s first direct rival for Toyota’s hybrid icon. Confirming the spy shots published by Motoring.com back in July, the IONIQ depicted the real-deal, as the official exterior image is accompanied by a rendering of the small five-door lift-back’s futuristic interior, which Hyundai says will combine “environmentally-friendly materials and flexible space.” Hyundai claims the IONIQ’s “sleek and simple” coupe-like exterior will bring class-leading

aerodynamics. Exterior design features include Hyundai’s signature hexagonal grille topped by a gloss-black element that extends outwards to meet distinctive new headlights with integrated C-shaped position lights. Hyundai has already confirmed the IONIQ for Australia in the second half of 2016, starting with a petrol/electric hybrid powertrain, which could be followed by a plug-in hybrid version after its global launch. “Hyundai Motor Company Australia is also keen to secure the plug-in petrol/electric hybrid variant for Down Under, when it is launched globally, however the business case is

still under review,” reiterated HMCA today, adding: “Pricing and specification will be confirmed closer to the local launch next year.” However, while HMCA is keen to add a plug-in version of the IONIQ – which it says will be “better looking, a better drive and more affordable” than the Prius — “as soon as possible”, Toyota Australia has no plans to release a PHEV version of the Prius. Confirmed technical details are scarce, but the IONIQ is underpinned by Hyundai’s all-new ‘AE’ platform that also forms the basis of the new Elantra small sedan and the next-generation i30 hatchback due to debut in

2017. Hyundai has revealed no new information about its first dedicated hybrid model – and the world’s first car to be available with three different electrified powertrains – but says it will “combine head-turning good looks with class-leading aerodynamic performance”. “The IONIQ will deliver a fun and responsive driving experience, while also meeting the needs of those wishing to reduce the impact their motoring has on the environment. Hyundai’s designers have therefore created an exterior design that is rich in emotional appeal, as well as making a significant contribution to meeting the car’s envi-

ronmentally-focused brief. “Inside the IONIQ the smooth, elegant and clutter-free theme continues. There is efficient use of interior space and a clear, logical approach is applied to the layout of control functions. Simple and stylish surfaces make use of eco-friendly materials to convey a futuristic yet warm cabin ambience that will appeal to a new generation of motorists,” said the company. Originally due to make its world debut at the Detroit motor show in January, the IONIQ will now appear first in Korea early next year, before making its global premiere at the Geneva and New York shows in March. BC

FRSC restates commitment to speed control

s part of its continued efforts in ensuring safety on Nigerian roads, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reiterated its commitment to the efficient implementation of the policy on the use of speed limiting devices in Nigeria, which commences on 1st April 2016. Speaking during an interactive session with the representatives of companies accredited for the installation of the devices, Oyeyemi urged every stakeholder to ensure that they work towards the success of the policy. According to a statement made available by Bisi Kazeem, Head of Media Relations and Strategy, FRSC, the vendors commended the FRSC for its concerns for safety of road users, saying it was its commitment to issues of road

safety that informed the introduction of the policy on the use of speed liming devices in the country. In his remarks at the event, the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi expressed optimism about the success of the policy, noting that it could lead to drastic reduction in the rate of road traffic crashes. Oyeyemi further stated that he called the meeting to have a firsthand information about the level of preparedness of the vendors to fulfil their own part of the obligations to the public, saying even as FRSC has no pecuniary interests in the project, its concerns for safety and efficient delivery of the services to the interested drivers makes it imperative that he met with them to review their level of

preparedness to meet the expectations. According to him, the earlier date set for the commencement of the enforcement was 1st of June 2016, but that Mr President in his magnanimity, graciously rescheduled the new date to 1st April 2016 to enable all stakeholders put their houses in order. He implored all to work towards meeting the set date, as there would be no further extension of date. “I have always made it clear that our studies show that speed continues to be the main cause of road traffic crashes that have been recorded in the country,” he stated. “In 2014, it was particularly revealed that speed accounted for about 50.8 percent of the

causes of road traffic crashes in the country, which, if contained could automatically reduce the rate of crashes. “That is why the relevant stakeholders in concert with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) resolved on practical measure to address the challenge by introducing speed limiting devices, which FRSC would strictly enforce based on the presidential directive, Oyeyemi further stated. They therefore, pledged to do their best to ensure that the devices are readily made available in standard forms for installation into vehicles and uploading of the information on the FRSC portal as agreed to in the agreement signed with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) before their accreditation.

The representatives of the accredited companies while expressing their commitment to the success of the policy, promised to comply with the standards set to ensure the integrity and trust upon which their companies were accredited. They further agreed on the need to sustain aggressive public enlightenment programme which would be stepped up with subtle enforcement by stakeholders as from 1st of January 2016. It would be recalled that the meeting of the vendors was called by the Corps Marshal sequel to the last stakeholders’ meeting where it was observed that for the policy not to encounter hitches, there was the need for continuous interaction with those responsible for installing the devices. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, December 21, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Clement Olowokande:

A charismatic investor

Despite his being born into a respectable family in the ancient, hilly town of Idanre, Ondo State, he had to struggle through life, hawking Moin-moin, bean cake as well as fire woods to make meaning out of his lives. Today, his story is that of a quintessential entrepreneur who rose to become the chairman, chief executive officer of the company he joined as a mere starter. This is the story of Clement Adekunle Olowokande, a multiple investor and current chairman, Berger Paints Plc and R.T Briscoe

By Adejuwon Osunnuyi

n most climes, many people go to a great extent in attaching great importance and meaning to names. It is believed that a person’s name could determine his or her fortune in life. To those who belong to this school of thought, if success is determined by one’s name, then, the story of Clement Adekunle Olowokande might not be said to be an exception. This is so because in the Yoruba, South West, Nigeria where he hails from, the name Olowokande, could perfectly be translated as “a wealthy man has arrived.” However, though the man attested to the fact that he used to get such sarcastic jokes from friends as a result of the name, he however noted that the meaning of his name is ‘Olowo lo maa nkan ade mole ti otosi oni nipin ninu e (literally means: it is the rich man that nails the crown down that a poor man would not have any share in it). When you talk about the nail and the hammer, and you want to put something somewhere that it would not be removable, you then use the hammer to nail that thing. So, it is the rich man that nails the crown.” “My Lagos friends used to say ‘One rich man has come’ but I told them that my father got the name because he was a very popular person. And being from a royal family, the name Olowokande was given to him. So whether they call me ‘One rich man has come’, or It is the rich man that nails down crown,’ the true meaning is Olowo kan ade mole,” he said in a recent interview. But interestingly, on the contrary, rather than the sheer meaning which his name connotes, the story of Clement Adekunle Olowokande’s rise to fame is one that is laced with uncommon courage, hard work, extraordinary focus to succeed as well as the unwillingness to succumb to any obstacle. His credentials as an accomplished accountant, businessman, industrialist and quintessential investor are

quite intimidating. Born over 70 years ago in Idanre, Ondo State, Olowakande’s journey from obscurity to limelight is quite edifying as the accomplished chartered accountant and chairman of Berger Paints once described his life as one purposed by God for success. Though his father, a polygamist with 13 wives was from a royal family and quite popular, the young Olowokande’s early journey could be said to have been very rough and quite challenging, having lost his father when he was barely four years. The young Olowokande had to rely on her mother who struggled to give him education at the elementary and secondary level, the situation which he recalled could have made it absolutely difficult for him to leave Idanre, his hometown, in search of the Golden Fleece in Lagos, had it been he didn’t get the opportunity of being educated. According to him, “the best I would have become would have be a very successful cocoa produce buyer in Idanre or a farmer. And again, maybe I would have been able to beat my father’s record of having 13 or more wives. I must thank my mother for giving me the gift of education.” Young Olowokande started school in 1949 in Idanre, two year after his father’s death in 1947 and his mother had to sell all that could be sold to see him through school, a feat which he revealed was quite surprising to him. “At a time, I asked her why she was so particular about me because there are other siblings; she said by my birth, she had it within her that I would be an important person in life. At birth, she said I was so fair complexioned that she thought I was a white man. She gave me the name, Akinyokunbo, meaning a boy born abroad and brought back through the sea. She had hope in me and she did all she could to make sure that I was educated.” At that time, among his mother’s children, he was the only one being trained in school, hence, he knew that he had no choice than to assume the role

Olowokande

of a leader to train and help the other children. However, despite his mother’s support, to supplement the family’s purse, young Olowokande had to engage in many menial jobs. At a time, he had to hawk moinmoin, ogi, akara balls as well as fetch firewood for sale. After his secondary education in Idanre, one of his native brothers, Moses Ogundeji had requested that he should join one of the lorries used in loading cocoa sacks in those days to Lagos to look for a job in the city. Hence, a day after he finished his exams in December 1962, the young Olowokande was already in Lagos. However, he didn’t quite find it easy locating his brother since it was his

first time in Lagos. “I came with a friend called Julius Olowoniyi. It’s a very interesting story. We didn’t know where to get off the vehicle but they dropped us somewhere and we were put in another vehicle. We didn’t know that Lagos was made up of places like Yaba, Oyingbo, Ikeja and that Lagos Island was the proper city. We just said we were going to Lagos and since we didn’t know our way, we were looking out of the vehicle to read the various signboards to see where Lagos was written. So, we passed Ebute Meta, we passed Yaba, we didn’t see it written until we saw Lagos on Iddo Terminus which was the next building to the Carter Bridge.”

“We then shouted on the driver that we had reached Lagos and we wanted to alight. Everybody in the vehicle started laughing because we requested to get down on Carter Bridge. Since there was no bus stop on the bridge, they took us to Isale Eko and when we showed people the address given to us, it read that we had to alight at Oyingbo and the time then was 11pm. “So, we had no choice than to trek down to Oyingbo. We got there at about 1am. By that time, our handler had left and so we had to pass the night in a kiosk nearby. Number 3, Oyingbo Street was a three-storey building which belonged to Chief Akinboro, an Idanre man. If you were from Idanre and coming to Lagos, they would just tell you to stop at the address. The following morning, our handler came and took us to where he was living at 3, Shelong Street, Ebute Meta near the Railway Corporation.” Not quite long after his arrival in Lagos, Olowokande got a job with the Federal Ministry of Information as a graphic artist while he stayed with Ogundeji for three months. When the WASCE results were released, out of 26 pupils that sat for the exam in his class, he was among the only six that passed. By November 1963, he applied to Cable and Wireless (NITEL) and worked at the central telegraphic office as key punch operator. His journey into the world of accountancy where he later shone like a bright stars could be said to be an interesting one. It all began when one Idanre man called Julius Owoseni came on a visit in a big and long Vauxhall car when he was still in the final class in secondary school. As a curious young boy, he had asked what he did for a living and he was told he was an accountant. There and then, young Olowokande decided that by God’s grace, he would be an accountant. “I got the inspiration from him and in 1965, I applied to travel abroad to read accountancy. I had already informed my mother back home and she

and other siblings sent me £150 in support. Then I went to see Chief Akindolire, an accountant and now Lisa of Idanre, who just returned from abroad, to inform him of my plan. “He advised me that I could as well train as an accountant here in Nigeria. He took me up and gave me links of some correspondence courses abroad. I applied for transfer to the account section at my office where I became an account clerk. This enabled me to register as a student of the Association of Certified Accountants. He guided me to save the £150 sent to me which I later used along the line of my private training,” he noted. Being a brilliant chap, Olowokande started the professional exams in 1966 and was passing through various sections. By December 1968, he passed the intermediate ACCA exams and was promoted as a senior account clerk in the audit department. With his qualification, he started applying to British companies at that time, including Berger Paints which used to be British Paints. By 1969, he was invited for an interview and employed as an assistant accountant and as he admitted, he was well paid. Then, his first salary was £850, which was a lot of money at that time. In March 1969 when he informed his boss, who was a certified accountant, of his decision to register for Section 3, he was discouraged from registering as he was told that stage used to be the toughest stage of ACCA. However, rather than feel discouraged and intimidated, Olowokande told his boss that he didn’t believe in impossibility and they had a bet. “He said he would give me £300 if I passed. I took a casual study leave and studied so hard and when the result came, I passed in flying colours. I then became the first person to pass Section C examination of ACCA in three months. I won my boss bet and he wrote the cheque of £300 in my name and sent to Lloyd’s Bank. He also opened an account for me. I still operate that account till date. I was again promoted assistant chief accountant and my salary went up to £1600. I bought a car and rented a good flat,” he recalled. Like an Oliver Twist, Olowokande continued to pursue his professional career with resilience and in no time, finished Section 4 and by 1970, he became a graduate accountant and being a graduate accountant in a British company, earned him another promotion as chief accountant. Today, Clement Olowokande remains one of Nigeria’s boardroom icons and leading entrepreneurs, and has proved to be a survival strategist and proactive manager sustaining two heritage companies of more than five decades.

Business Courage

Monday, December 21, 2015

‘

At Berger Paints, I was signatory to the company account together with my boss and when he was travelling, he signed blank cheques for me. When he came back and saw how I ran the accounts, he said to me, ‘You will go places. Just continue the way you are working, you will one day be the owner of this company

‘

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

As chairman of Berger Paints Plc and RT Briscoe Plc, Olowokande has sustained two valuecreating companies within two highly fragmented sectors and unpredictable macro economy. Berger Paints Plc is one of the two topmost paints and chemical companies in Nigeria with current market value running into several billions of naira. RT Briscoe on the other hand, is, undoubtedly, the leading automobile company and the only profit-making stock in the auto and tyre segment of the Nigerian stock market. From manufacturing to auto trade, Olowokande controls synergistic investments that recycle values within themselves. But beyond his managerial acumen and influence that prequalified him for chairmanship of quoted companies, he is also an astute investor in equities, staking his money where he believes value lies. Olowokande is the single largest shareholder in Berger Paints with a direct equity control of 2.53 per cent and indirect holding of 0.94 per cent, putting his total interests at about 3.5 per cent. With a market value of over N51 million for direct equity stake and N19 million, his investments in Berger Paints are cash cows. He has also built a nest egg in RT Briscoe with 0.07 per cent direct equity investment, the largest direct shareholding by

any of the directors of the company. Out of the 43,175 shareholders of RT Briscoe, only 387 shareholders or 0.9 per cent ranked within the same level with Olowokande and only 0.12 per cent ranked above his level. From whatever perspective, Olowokande is a big-stake player in the Nigerian stock market. A regular cash dividend flow and scrip issues have proven RT Briscoe as a value-yielding investment in spite of the stock market recession and flight from capital goods that resulted from economic recession and liquidity squeeze. RT Briscoe has made bonus issues - which automatically increase a shareholder’s holdings, consistently every year over the past five years and has paid cash dividends for 19 out of the past 22 years including consistent year-on-year payment over the past 10 years. Under Olowokande, RT Briscoe had ridden the whirlwind that submerged many autorelated companies and has diversified into many other businesses. With the two firms repositioning for greater values, Olowokande is assured of consistent cash flows from his nest eggs in addition to unceasing emoluments as helmsman of two leading quoted companies. From whichever perspective, his investments have assured him a happy retirement.

Having remained with the same company for so long that he is today its chairman, Olowokande believes, “You can be in one place and make it and one philosophy I have is that if you don’t change environment, the environment will change you. I finished my ACCA exams there and got regular promotions. I could leave and work somewhere else; in fact, I did resigned twice but my bosses would not let me go. “ I remember in 1972, I had employment with UAC and in Nigeria Breweries where I was to be assistant chief accountant. If a boss could tell you, you would become somebody here, what else do you need? Did I not become somebody at Berger Paints? What else do I ask for? I was an assistant accountant in the company; I became assistant chief accountant; I became chief accountant; I became financial controller; I became financial director; I became managing director and by the grace of God, I am today chairman of the company.” As a survival strategist, prior to his getting married in 1972,Olowokande had to do something extra to build his first house. Then, not minding that he was a chief accountant, he had to convert his car to kabukabu,( commercial cab,) when he closed at work by 5pm. “I have what is call survival strategy. There wasn’t any job I didn’t do in Idanre as a young boy. I hawked moinmoin, ogi, akara balls; I would fetch firewood and sell. I knew that when I wanted to get married, I had to do something extra to build the house. I would close by 5pm, put my car on the road and carry passengers in what was called kabukabu. I needed the extra bucks and the money I got there together with my salary made me to build my house at the age of 34. I built the house with N150,000 then.

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With paints industry experiencing a lot of counterfeiting in recent time, Olowokande seems not to be a man to get himself perturbed, as he stated in a recent interview, “Once again, survival strategy applies here to make you extraordinary. If everybody decides to sell akara balls, provided the akara balls I sell have a differentiating feature from others, they will buy my own. So, if everybody is manufacturing paints, the moment my own has a differentiating strategy, that will give me a competitive edge. I will never be in any business that is not competitive. “Many people run 100 metres but it is only one winner that breasts the tape and I like to be the winner. So, competitive strategy is the name of the game. Whatever you do on your core competence that gives you an edge, you will always be on top of your competitors. There are nothing less than 1000 paint manufacturing outfits around but look at the building you are in here. Spot the difference. Some outfits can teach you paint making in hours, good luck to you. As I said, I am never afraid of competition.” Unlike others in his profession who would readily get involved in fraud in order to make ends meet, according to him, “I would rather do kabukabu because I will never steal. Accountants are trained rogues but it is the disciplined ones that would not steal because we all know the loopholes. Honesty would take you to places. “At Berger Paints, I was signatory to the company account together with my boss and when he was travelling, he signed blank cheques for me. When he came back and saw how I ran the accounts, he said to me, ‘You will go places. Just continue the way you are working, you will one day be the owner of this company.’ One philosophy I had is I never went to my boss to say give me extra salary, no. I have always been going to them to say give me extra work.” A Chartered Accountant by profession, Olowokande is a Fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Association of Certified Accountants of the United Kingdom. As an accountant, the profession also runs in the family as out of his four children, the one that started as a chemist, also ended up being an accountant. The second one did accounting, even with a Masters degree. The third one who did insurance ended up being an investment banker while the fourth one is a computer scientist. Reminiscing, Olowokande said, “I will tell you that no man is self-made; it’s a wrong notion; we are all God-made. God has given us the ability to choose from what is right and what is wrong. Your life is in your mind.” BC

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Business Courage

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, December 21, 2015

ThebuddingEntrepreneurs BUSINESS

Achieving goal through people

KLINIC

With Mamora Victor Mamora is a system thinker and advisor whose belief and activator leadership strengths are directed towards improving workers perspective for city and enterprise development.

e-mail: olusegunmamora@gmail.com

The first answer is recognition of the weakness that could negatively impact on your goals and plans.

A business leader needs to recognise the set of people with loud weakness in the organisation. They are people who prior to employment did not have experience in the position currently occupy in the organisation. They are people who, though experienced, have a wrong job functions. They could be people who are facing challenges in their marriages. They could be people who just lost a love one to death. These people challenges could impact badly on performances. It definitely will affect your plans except you address it. Leaders know that except vulnerable people are supported to

‘

A great leader recognises that every enterprise has vulnerable people therefore the need to designs programs and create environment to support such people to improve and build capability

‘

here are just two Mondays to the end of year 2015 and today is one. I believe that you will have a better experience today. It is your day of pleasant improvement in business and private life. My greatest reward is not necessarily how successful I become but how successful you become. My vision is to empower budding entrepreneurs and through them turn our communities to cities. I want to see you prosper in business and reproduce your success story. I believe in 2016 that will be your story. I read the story of twin brothers who parted with life threatening disagreement and met to reconcile years later after each have built large agric businesses. At the reconciliation meeting, both Israel Isaac and Esau Isaac shared perspective that is people focused and especially while planning to reach a destination. While Esau Isaac recommended fast drive for Israel Isaac team members and animals to join him at his own farm for celebration and merriment, Israel Isaac responded, “You know that the children are weak, and I must think of the sheep and cattle with their young. If they are driven hard for even one day, the whole flock will die; please, go on a head of me and I will follow slowly, going as fast as I can with the livestock and children until I can catch up with you.” Dear entrepreneur, the moral of this story above is that business goal and plans cannot be achieved faster than the vulnerability of the work team members whose weaknesses are louder than strengths. Vulnerable people are speed determinant in any system. They slow everybody down in business functions. A great leader recognises that every enterprise has vulnerable people therefore the need to designs programs and create environment to support such people to improve and build capability. How does a business leader improve the situation of people who are open to fatal error and could slow down business goal execution?

develop and tap into their potential for quality decision making at work it may slow down business activity and cost the business. So there is need to invest in health insurance, support with housing loan and mortgage, provide staff bus and cars, sometimes subsidy on food,

and design programs for emotional capacity building in form of training and seminars which takes us to the next answer. The second answer is invest in capacity building Invest in human capacity building programs consistently.

Motivational Business Quotes

here are a lot of things that go into creating success. I don’t like to do just the things I like to do. I like to do things that cause the company to succeed. I don’t spend a lot of time doing my favorite activities. – Michael Dell I have found no greater satisfaction than achieving success through honest dealing and strict adherence to the view that, for you to gain, those you deal with should gain as well. – Alan Greenspan You must be the change you wish to see in the world. – Mahatma Gandhi Let’s be honest. There’s not a business anywhere that is without problems. Business is

complicated and imperfect. Every business everywhere is staffed with imperfect human beings and exists by providing a product or service to other imperfect human beings. – Bob Parsons You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins. – Jim Stovall The only way around is through. – Robert Frost You only have to do a very few things right in your life so long as you don’t do too many things wrong. – Warren Buffett BC

As the business kicks off in the New Year you need to put in place plans to improve the ability of the workers to drive the business objective to success. How about encouraging your team members to look out for relevant certification programs, seminars and training that can enhance their decisional ability in the role they play on the team. May be you as a business leader will also have to look out for programs and seminars that can help improve your leadership skill. The third answer is focus on what you can change You need to focus on what you can change because you cannot change every vulnerable situation or people. We need to recognise that nothing can be done to help chicken soar like an eagle. Some of your workers who have refused to improve on the team will have to be counsel to switch to another team or department and maybe to join another business organisation entirely. The Fourth answer is build team that will fulfill business goal You need to hire people objectively. Bring people on board when you are clear of the missing value you think should be added. It is important to hire team members objectively and by that decision among others so that your team members and you can be on the move to fulfilling the business goal at the same pace. Dear friend, my encouragement for you is that as you are thinking about strategies to expand your organisation service and to enter new markets next year do consider that some of your workers will need support, training, compensation and motivation to start the new business calendar on a great note and sustain the success to the end. In 2016, we will focus on expansion, meaning I will be discussing topics that will result to your personal growth, service extension beyond your present reach, recognisable development, spreading out. I see you expanding and not reducing in business. Welcome to season of expansion. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, December 21, 2015

A13 29

ThebuddingEntrepreneurs

Gifted hand, caring heart, melodious voice The story of Adekunle Adebayo can best be described as that of the refinement of a raw talent to a finished product. His rascality was refined by his music teacher in his secondary school days and today, he is a multiinstrumentalist, voice trainer, a school proprietor and a musician with a flair for writing. a teacher of music. Determined to raise the bar of his chosen career path, he proceeded to the Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta and later, the then Ondo State University, now Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, Akoko where he studied Business Administration. After graduation, Adekunle, whose other passion, outside music was teaching, secured a teaching appointment where he taught English language, diction, poetry, literature and music. However, the offer from one of the leading fast food companiesSweet Sensation took him away from the teaching profession where he worked and also composed a jingle for the company. After a brief spell at Sweet Sensation, another offer came from Chicken Republic where he was made a manager but his passion to groom and help shape children led him to resign his appointment with Chicken Republic to return to the classroom which he had left six years earlier. “Working with a reputable company like Chicken Republic was fulfilling but I had the passion to teach which propelled me to return to a school-Elkanah Home School. It was a Nursery and Primary school because I wanted to learn the nitty-gritty of education, especially in the training and teaching of children. My initial plan was to be there for a month and start mine but I had a cordial working relationship with the proprietress and ended up spending a year; she was reluctant to let me go after a year but I have to move on,” he said. The move was one that was criticised by many who could not fathom the rationale behind his decision to quit the exalted position of a manager at a leading fast food company in order for him to

‘

Most of the challenges and threats that we face in the society today would have been avoided if every individual was raised in the proper way. Although, many mushroom schools abound in the society but my desire is to raise the total child that will be useful to himself, his family and the society

‘

old and diamond are precious stones and a major source of income desired by many people and countries. Artifacts from either gold or diamond are highly sought after and appreciated in the society; it is indeed, a show of class. However, in its raw form, it is not adore or desired. It needs to go through refinement to bring out the beauty in it. Literally speaking, Adekunle Adebayo went through “fire” just like gold to become who he is today. Brilliant, intelligent and brave were few of his adoring characteristics from childhood but he had the other part of him that almost tarnished these attributes. “I was a rascal, though brilliant and always ahead of my class; it was the other part of me that friends and teachers always complained of,” he said with a smile during an interview with Business Courage. However, his rascality did not last long as he was tamed by his music teacher, Tifase of CMS Grammar School who took special interest in him and advised him to channel his energy towards a more meaningful path. With the counseling, he developed his passion in music with which he engaged himself during his leisure. He learnt the rudiments of music- from singing to playing of instruments to composition of lyrics and within a short time; he abandoned rascality and was fully embroiled in the beauty of his new found love-music. “Mrs. Tifase helped in grooming me and I am always grateful to her. With my interest in music, I had no time to engage in other things and most importantly, it placed more responsibilities on me and a bright future before me,” he said with fond memories. With the rascality gone, Adekunle became a toast in his school and his academic prowess became obvious; little wonder, he was made the labour prefect and also given other leadership responsibilities in the school. It was the dawn of the rebirth Adekunle. Today, Adekunle is a multi-instrumentalist, a gospel singer and

start a school with a future that seems uncertain. If quitting the job was odd, his decision to start the school with his three children was weird. Many advised him to let go of the idea of starting the school as they could not see the future in it. Others were of the opinion that it will lead to regret in the future but he remained undeterred stuck to his dream. “Many people had their views about my decision to start a school; it was something they could not comprehend but I am the one that carried the vision and knew where I was going. It is important to always remain focus and faithful to your dream, not minding what others might say because they don’t see the same vision with the carrier of the vision. When I decided to withdrew my three kids from their school to start the new school, it was strange to many people. But to me, it was the bold step I took and it was a strong message that the establishment of the school was based on the principle of hard work, diligence service and giving the best to the pupils. Within a term, we had more than fifty pupils,” he recalled of the establishment of Crowning Glory Schools. He noted that Crowning Glory Schools was not established for the financial gains but with his desire to set a distinction and help in contributing to the education standard. He argued that the school aimed at raising a total child that will be academically sound, morally upright and spiritually forthright. “The motto of the school is raising a total child which I believe is important in the development of the individual and the country. “Most of the challenges and threats that we face in the society today would have been avoided if every individual was raised in the proper way. Although, many mushroom schools abound in the society but my desire is to raise the total child that will be useful to himself, his family and the society. Crowning Glory Schools should be top on the lips of people when schools that redefined the education sector are mentioned. It is imperative for parents and the society as a whole to ensure

Adebayo

that the younger generation are properly tutored and mentored,” he added. The school offers teachings in crèche, playgroup, nursery and Basic classes; it runs British and Nigerian curricula priming it as a school of first choice. Within a short time, the school has grown and stands out among others within its locality so much that he is currently planning an extension in the border of Ogun and Lagos state in order to accommodate more pupils. However, there were challenges at the initial stage of the establishment, especially in acquiring the desired premises for the school; it took the third attempt before a venue was secured at Shasha, Alimosho local government area of Lagos state. “The first challenge we faced was in the location of the school. The landlord of the first property I acquired returned the money I paid few days to the commencement of the school. He said he was not willing to give the property out for the establishment of a school; it was a big challenge because I had acquired furniture and other equipment needed before his disclosure,” he said. Adekunle remained unperturbed as he sought for another which did not work out as well, until, he finally settled at Oba Ketu, Bammeke Shasha. Although, Oba-Ketu, Shasha was not the initial venue he desired, it amazingly turned out to be a vintage and serene environment; often described as the home of learning by most parents. The other challenges he faced, he recalled, are the “common ups and

downs witnessed during the establishment of a new school but with time and the quality of service offered, we overcame.” As an entrepreneur, Adekunle said he is driven by the principle of decision making, determination and discipline, stressing that the principles are necessary in the attainment of purpose in life. “My keywords are what I termed the 3Ds, which are decision, determination and discipline. It is important for the individual to always take a decision and be determined to see to its fulfillment while the place of discipline cannot be overemphasized if dreams are to come true,” he noted. He advised parents to do all within their power to train their children/ward, noting that education remains the best legacy parents can bestowed on their children. He said that though educational standard has fallen considerably, its restoration will start with the individual who must be willing to rise above odds to the attainment of set goals. He added that parents and administrators in the education sector must insist on quality and merit and not aid the child in examination malpractices. He lamented that, “it is disturbing to note that some parents are ready to help their children in the act of examination malpractices and some administrators are always ready to compromise the standard of education because of material gains, blaming it on the harsh economic condition in the country but if standard of education must improve, everybody and not just the government must play his role”. BC

A14 30

Business Courage

Monday, December 21, 2015

Chinese firm plans $120m steel plant in Lagos Stories by Abolaji Adebayo

Chinese steel pipe manufacturer, Jiangsu Yulong Group, on Wednesday held a groundbreaking ceremony for a large-scale factory in Nigeria’s Lagos Lekki Free Trade Zone. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by government officials, Chinese envoys and representatives from private companies. Jiangsu Yulong Group, which was listed on China’s Shanghai Stock Exchange in November, 2011, is exploiting international market, according to Willy Wen, the company’s deputy general

Kan

manger. He said the Yulong Lekki project, consisting three phases of investment, would be “the No.1 complex welding and seamless pipe man-

ufacturer in Nigeria.” He put the first phase of investment at $50m, which would construct a Submerged Arc Welded Pipe production unit with designed capacity of 150,000 tons annually. The second phase of about $60m, he said, would build an advanced equipped steel pipe production unit with another production capacity of 150,000 tons yearly. The third phase would establish an OCTG, tubing, casing, drill pipe and line pipe, production unit and matching equipment valued at $10m, he said. He said the project would boost Nigeria’s oil and gas

industries when completed. The Consul-General of the Chinese Consulate in Lagos, Liu Kan, said at the ceremony the project was an important part of China-Nigeria industrial cooperation which would bring win-win benefit. The project, which encompasses 180,000 square meters, is expected to create employment for over 1,000 local people and will enhance modern technology transfer by training engineers in the steel fabrication business. The steel pipe plant, upon completion, will be one of the largest heavy industry plants in Nigeria. BC

World manufacturing output up by 2.7% in Q3 2015 – Report

he United Nations Industrial development Organization, UNIDO, has released its international industrial statistical database on world manufacturing output for the third quarter of 2015, stating that it leaped by 2.7 per cent. In Africa manufacturing output soared by just 0.1 per cent. In the report, Shyam Upadhyaya, UNIDO Chief Statistician, said that the organisation regularly releases the statistics on current growth trends of global manufacturing at country and regional level, adding that for the first time in recent years, the growth trend in industrialised economies was upward compared to declining trend in developing and emerging industrial economies. The report stated: “Manufacturing output grew by 1.5 per cent in industrialised economies, up from 0.9 per cent in previous quarter. In developing and emerging industrial economies, the growth rate dropped to 5.0 per cent, down from 5.3 per cent in previous quarter. “Eurozone industrialised countries have further improved their growth thanks to an increase in commodity

export prompted by lower energy costs and the depreciation of the euro against major world currencies. By contrast, manufacturing in the United States was upset by a stronger dollar and a consequent loss of exports. “Lower growth was observed in East Asian industrialised economies, especially in Japan where manufacturing output fell by 0.4 per cent in third quarter of 2015. In contrast, manufacturing output rose in Malaysia and the Republic of Korea.” According to the report, among the developing and emerging industrial economies, China’s manufacturing grew by 7.0 per cent, which was lower rate than previous quarter. China’s declining growth has raised concerns in other emerging industrial economies. In Latin America, manufacturing output fell by 3.3 per cent. The largest loss was observed in Brazil, where manufacturing output dropped by 11.0 percent in the third quarter of 2015. The report stated that the declines in manufacturing output to lower extent were also observed in other countries in the region, including Columbia and Peru.

It stated that Asian economies were less affected by China’s declining growth. India’s growth rate rose to 4.6 per cent in the third quarter compared to 3.7 per cent in the previous quarter. Similarly, manufacturing output rose in Indonesia by 4.2 per cent and in Vietnam by 12.5 per cent. In terms of sectors, the report stated that in industrialised countries, production growth rates increased in high-technology sectors such as electric goods, communication equipment and motor vehicles. It further stated that the production of motor vehicles

Upadhyaya

increased in major car producing countries of Europe, especially France, Germany and Italy, an indication of improving consumer spending on durable goods. In Latin America, where there was low growth, it was reported that the textile industry has been one of the badly affected sectors. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

WAMCO to invest N4bn yearly on capacity building

riesland Campina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, manufacturers of Peak Milk brands, has earmarked over N4bn yearly to grow its operations, enhance capacity, create employments as well as improving its social responsibility to humanity. The Company’s Managing Director, Mr. Rahul Colaco, who revealed this in Lagos during the launch of low priced brands of Peak milk called ‘Peak Wazobia’ and a range of other low unit portion packs of Peak and Three Crowns evaporated and powdered milk in N20 and N50 sachets, said developing human capacity is central to its operations. He also said that the diary company has commenced a three-month nutrition intervention for Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in Borno State to check incidence of malnutrition. Colaco said that the company’s staff members visited the IDPs in Borno State three months ago, where they contributed household goods and other items to them. He explained that the company decided to provide children in the IDP camp with milk for three months to prevent them from malnutrition and other health-related issues. According to him, at the end of the intervention, the company would measure the impact and result before deciding on the next line of action, adding that the firm is committed to making quality nutrition available to Nigerians. BC

Manufacturers spend N4bn yearly on diesel - MAN

he Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, has decried the perennial problem of electricity supply in the country, saying the ugly trend is negatively affecting real sector’s contribution to nation’s GDP. Speaking on the situation, the President of the association, Frank Jacobs, said that over N4bn is spent yearly by manufacturers to procure Automotive Gas Oil, AGO. According to him, the man-

ufacturing sector spends huge cash on diesel monthly, adding that the figure translates to an average of over N4billion when multiply on annual basis. Jacobs said manufacturers invest on power devices such as UPS and inverters to keep some equipment working and further prevent loss of valuable data because power supply in the country remains unreliable, adding that their members spend a chunk of that money on fuel

to power their generators to stay in business. He said that low metering coverage and the consequent dependence on estimated billing from distribution companies (DISCOs) has resulted in rise of costs in the power sector. He explained that low electricity generation is affecting power distributed to consumers, stressing that when electricity generation improves, supply would also improve. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, December 21, 2015

A15 31

Stock market last week Equities turnover of 1.457 billion shares worth N13.803bn in 13,648 deals were traded this week by investors on the floor of The Exchange in contrast to a total of 1.174 billion shares valued at N13.846bn that exchanged hands last week in 13,870 deals. The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 993.154 million shares valued at N4.417bn traded in 7,283 deals; thus contributing 68.18 per cent and 32.00 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Consumer Goods Industry followed with 352.118 million shares worth N6.935m in 2,979 deals. The third place was occupied by the Conglomerates Industry with a turnover of 49.140 million shares worth N193.919m in 659 deals. Trading in the Top Three Equities namely – Continental Reinsurance Plc, Champion Breweries Plc and Tiger Branded Consumer Goods Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 569.712 million shares worth N1.141bn in 543 deals, contributing 39.11 per cent and 8.27 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. ETPs: Also traded during the week were a total of 6,372 units of Exchange Traded Products

NSE trading hall

(ETPs) valued at N445,625.60 executed in 32 deals, compared with a total of 318,734 units valued at N1.469m transacted last week in 50 deals. Bonds: There was no transaction recorded on bonds this week. However, a total of 10,501 units of Federal Government Bonds and one State Government Bond valued at N12.024m were transacted last week in 5 deals. Index Movement: The NSE AllShare Index and Market Capitalization depreciated by 2.69 per cent to close the week at 26,537.36 and N9.124trn respectively. Similarly, all other Indices fin-

ished lower during the week, with the exception of NSE Insurance and NSE Oil and Gas Indices that rose by 1.02 per cent and 0.23 per cent respectively, while the NSE ASeM Index closed flat. Summary of Price Changes: Twenty-seven (27) equities appreciated in price during the week, higher than twenty-five (25) equities of the preceding week. Fortyone (41) equities depreciated in price, higher than thirty-seven (37) equties of the previous week, while one hundred and twenty-two (122) equities remained unchanged, higher than one hundred and twenty-eight (128) equities recorded in the preceding week. BC

Market Indicators for Week Ended 18-12-15 All-Share Index 26,537.36 points Market Capitalization 9,132,779,582,097.26

NASD WEEKLY MARKET SUMMARY-WEEK 50 Equity Report

11-Dec-15

The Unlisted Security Index (USI) and the Market Capitalisation depreciated by 4.44% to close the week. The USI pure price closed at 643.30 points as against the previous close of 673.18 points. The Market Capitalisation closed at ₦381.41 billion as against the previous close of ₦399.13 billion. The USI is calculated using the total Market Capitalisation approach.

1200.00

NASD Unlisted Securities Index

1000.00

800.00

Volume traded rose by 97.56% from 126.61 million units to 3.09 million units while the total value of shares traded also appreciated by 95.63% from ₦616.67 million to ₦29.95 million in 35 deals. Six (6) securities were traded out of the 24 securities admitted to trade on the NASD OTC market. NDEP, CSCS, IGI, JAIZ and WAMCO emerged the top traded securities for the week by volume and value

600.00

400.00

200.00

Base date:

Unlisted Securities Index (USI-Pure Price)

TOTAL VALUE TRADED

(₦)

673.18

% Change

DATE

USI

(4.44)

4-Dec-15

673.18

7-Dec-15

674.76

0.23%

3,092,067

126,611,562

(123,519,495.00) L

(97.56)

8-Dec-15

634.66

-5.94%

26,952,047.90

616,673,969.15

(589,721,921.25) L

(95.63)

9-Dec-15

642.89

1.30%

(51.00) L

(59.30)

10-Dec-15

641.81

-0.17%

(8.00) L

(57.14)

11-Dec-15

643.30

0.23%

LOSER(S) CLOSE PRICE ( ₦ )

Central Securities Clearing System Plc Friesland Campina Wamco Nigeria Plc Industrial & General Insurance Plc Niger Delta Exploration & Production

10-12

03-12

26-11

19-11

12-11

05-11

29-10

22-10

15-10

08-10

01-10

24-09

17-09

10-09

03-09

27-08

20-08

OUTSTANDING OFFERS & BIDS P CLOSE ( ₦ )

CHANGE

%CHANGE

SYMBOL

VOLUME BIDDED

LAST BID PRICE (₦)

VOLUME OFFERED

LAST OFFER PRICE (₦)

5.90

6.30

0.40

0.07

SDACORN

790,000

130.00

145.00

15.00

0.12

SDARMPROP

528,791

2.41

0.11

0.12

0.01

0.09

SDCAPDBETO

314,074

69.99

144.90

150.00

5.10

0.04

SDCSCSPLC SDDUFIL SDFCWAMCO

TOP 5 TRADED SECURITIES BY VOLUME TRADES

13-08

06-08

30-07

(4.44)

NUMBER OF UNTRADED STOCKS

CENTRAL SECURITIES CLEARING SYSTEM PLC

23-07

(17.72) L

NUMBER OF TRADED STOCKS

SECURITY

6.44%

399.13

NUMBER OF DEALS

SECURITY CODE

16-07

%change

(29.88) L

381.41

MARKET CAPITALIZATION (₦ 'BILLION) TOTAL VOLUME TRADED

09-07

UNLISTED SECURITIES INDEX

WEEK 49 Change

643.3

02-07

April 1, 2015 = 1000

NASD MARKET STATISTICS WEEK 49

25-06

18-06

11-06

04-06

28-05

21-05

14-05

07-05

30-04

23-04

16-04

09-04

02-04

0.00

VOLUME

VALUE ( ₦ )

5.55 9.50

150

115.00

189,583

130.00

SDFOODCPT

3,250,000

0.76

SDGEFLUID

2,307,132

0.34

500,000

0.11

207,598

144.90

2,842,250.00

INDUSTRIAL & GENERAL INSURANCE PLC

100,000.00

11,000.00

JAIZ INTERNATIONAL PLC

72,000.00

102,240.00

SDPARTNER

3,234,000

0.79

71,821.00

9,365,745.00

SDRSOURCE

1,035,700

0.48

4,096.00

579,407.40

SDSWAPPLC

286,800

0.97

SDTRUSTMB

3,250,240

0.74

FRIESLAND CAMPINA WAMCO NIGERIA PLC NIGER DELTA EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION PLC

16,891,812.50

809,710 1,000,600

0.38

TOP 5 TRADED SECURITIES BY VALUE SECURITY

TRADES

CENTRAL SECURITIES CLEARING SYSTEM PLC

FRIESLAND CAMPINA WAMCO NIGERIA PLC

VOLUME

VALUE ( ₦ )

2,842,250.00

16,891,812.50

71,821.00

9,365,745.00

NIGER DELTA EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION PLC

4,096.00

579,407.40

JAIZ INTERNATIONAL PLC

72,000.00

102,240.00

INDUSTRIAL & GENERAL INSURANCE PLC

100,000.00

11,000.00

Disclaimer This document is provided for information purposes only. It is not a recommendation to buy, sell or otherwise deal in any security mentioned herein. Kindly consult your NASD registered Participating Institution before making any decision on the OTC Market.

SDIGIPLC SDNDEP

A16 32

Business Courage

Monday, December 21, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Monday, December 21, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice nationalmirrorlaw@yahoo.com

’To defer ruling is not only unwise but may in the long run put the judge in an embarrassing situation’’ JUSTICE MODIBBO ALFA BELGORE, FORMER CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA

Each state should determine its minimum wage —Agbakoba 34

Former NSA, Dasuki

Two decades after exit of Rewane, NADECO chieftain 37

Japan’s top court upholds law requiring spouses to share surname 38

Acting EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu

Arms deal scandal: Top lawyers task EFCC, Judges on speedy trial Following the frightening revelation on the $2.1 billion arms procurement scandal, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formally arraigned former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), and others before the Federal High Court in Abuja. WALE IGBINTADE reviews some high profile cases still pending in courts several years after they were brought to court and also seeks the views of senior lawyers on the current fight against corruption.

ost Nigerians are still rolling in euphoria over the ongoing fight against corruption. Prominent on the list is the $2.1 billion arms scandal involving the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd). Already, a former security adviser alongside a former Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Aminu Baba Kusa, and Director of Finance and Administration in the Office of the NSA, Salisu Shuaibu, have been arraigned before Justice Gabriel Kolawole of an Abuja High Court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 19-count charge bordering on money laundering and criminal breach of trust. Also, the founder of DAAR Communication Plc, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, who is also allegedly involved in the scandal, was re-

I thInk wIth the new admInIstratIon In place, everybody Is aware of the serIousness the present admInIstratIon attaches to antIcorruptIon crusade.

manded in prison custody pending the fulfillment of bail conditions granted by the court. Some of the money involved the charges paid into several accounts for special prayers, purchase of various property in Abuja and to Daar Communications owned by Raymond Dokpesi for re-election campaigns for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a sister case, the EFCC has also arraigned former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, his son, Sagir before a High Court in Abuja. The accused are standing trial over fresh

charges of money laundering and criminal breach of trust Over the years, the Commission has facilitated the prosecution of politically exposed persons, failed bank executives, captains of industries, beneficiaries of fraudulent oil subsidy payments and senior civil servants allegedly involved in pension fraud. While the commission has handled cases of many prominent politicians and concluded same, there are a number of cases involving notable politicians that are still pending in court. Below are some of these high profile cases which have begun years back but are still

pending in court. For instance, the case instituted against former Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Chimaroke Nnamani, is still pending in court. The case has suffered numerous adjournments and re-arraignments necessitating de novo trials. Sometimes in April 2014, the court granted Nnamani leave to travel to United States of America for medical treatment, having held that it would amount to violation of his fundamental rights if he was denied the right to travel abroad. Not much progress has been made since 2007 as the matter CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

Law & Justice

Monday, December 21, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Each state should determine its Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, a Senior Advocate and former President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is the leading partner of Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL). In this interview with WALE IGBINTADE, he speaks on the national minimum wage and anti-graft war in the country, among other issues. Excerpts: What is your assessment of the ongoing battle against corruption embarked upon by the present administration? The war on corruption even though not well clarified in my view, is the most serious attempt to deal with people who have stolen public funds in this country even though it can still be better institutionalised. I think it represents the most far reaching concrete attempt to tackle it and it should be applauded. We have people who opposed it and it is not the common man that opposed it, it is often the elites. So, I have classified those people as the conspirators, those who want business to continue as usual and I might say that I am an elite and that I suffer greatly from the impact of the tight foreign exchange restriction. Our law firm cannot remit funds, you can’t believe it, we owe things like five hundred pounds to pay for subscriptions but that is the sacrifice that I am ready to undertake because people have abused the system and what they want is business as usual. I think it would summarise what this government is going to do, mark you, it hasn’t done it. I make no judgment as to whether the government has succeeded. I am certainly making comment that if you review where we are and compare it to the government of the past, what are we likely to say? All through my public life I have been a left of centre person and I make no apology about that. Whilst I am happy to have money, I am not happy to have it to the exclusion of about 180 millions Nigerians who are hungry. Why should I be a rich man when everybody around me is so poor, it makes no sense. So, if there are crosses of equalising our natural resources which is what the government intend to do then I would have to support it. But, these conspirators you will find in both APC and PDP and I can assure you that if there is the possibility of PDP returning to power and there is a very strong likelihood that it would succeed, 70 per cent of politicians in APC will cross over to PDP. That is how non-ideological our political parties have been. So when you have parties that are not driven by ideology but by their pockets, when they see that what this government intends to do is to shut them out from the usual largesse and patronage, they are not going to be happy. They are the ones that are making the president look bad, however, that is not to say that the president couldn’t have done things better. For instance, the delay in appointing his cabinet ought to have been faster and lack of clarification of what he is doing. I don’t see why he has Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu as press secretaries which are not done anywhere else. Either Femi or Garba should be President’s secretary reporting the president diary and the other one is reporting the government activity. The government said it has recovered a lot of loot running into about ten trillion naira. Why are we, those of us that are informed not having access to information that ought to be in public domain? The gov-

Agbakoba, SAN

The governmenT has noT communicaTed enough and iT’s ThaT failure To communicaTe ThaT gives The impression ThaT people are noT clear where The presidenT is going.

ernment has not communicated enough and it’s that failure to communicate that gives the impression that people are not clear where the president is going. What do you mean by communication lethargy? In my view, the government has all of the attributes I have described which is a people driven government so, if you ask Nigerians what do you think about President Buhari. Some would say the man is not doing anything; some would say that he has integrity;

some would say he is too slow. We shouldn’t have that communication gap if someone is saying what the government is trying to do. I wasn’t a Buhari fan at all, so I am the last person to get behind him but, neither was I a Jonathan’s fan because I was close to Jonathan and I regret he missed opportunities because at the time I used to say to him, “You are behind”, he didn’t understand it, I remember one Saturday I came from Ivory Coast and I told him, I can say it because that is the truth, one thing I am happy about is that not a single Nigerian politician has giv-

en me a dime neither have I benefitted any penny from any government activity. Some governors are saying they cannot pay the minimum wage of their workers, is this part of the elites’ conspiracy? No, I think that is a different thing, the problem is that the governors can’t pay and it also strikes me as absurd that there is one national minimum wage because I can tell you, in some parts of the North food is very cheap. You can’t say you will pay everybody N18, 000 as minimum wage and I found it absurd in the national conference. I sat next to the deputy president of the Nigerian Labour Congress and I thought he would support the devolution of labour as a national issue. It is for various governors discussing with their labour to decide what they can pay, why should it be a national issue? Why should there be a national minimum wage? You pay what is relevant to local situations.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice

Monday, December 21, 2015

minimum wage —Agbakoba The National Human Rights day has come and gone but since the advent of democracy in 1999, human rights crusade is no longer what it used to be. What is your view? What has gone wrong is that things have changed. In 1991, I was a big opposition in the country because all the ambassadors were very happy to ask me what I thought about this and my opinion about that. We led the opposition movement across Africa to various regional, European, and the commonwealths. In fact, the last one we went was in Oakland. So, there was that relevance of human rights because there wasn’t anything else. There was a military government versus the people therefore; we had that role because the human rights were actually more limited in Nigeria. But, we expanded it because of the role we had to carry at the time. Now, by 1998 politicians came and the real challenge was whether we would want to cross over into politics, we made a mistake not to have crossed, in not crossing, nobody elected me anyway but, the man who is elected from the constituency is the person who represents you and should do all those things that there was nobody. So, you are taking far too much on the shoulders of the human rights actors. I think as at today they would be as relevant as they were when there was a need for them to do it, but don’t forget that we also have specialised kinds of issues and struggles. I mean Oby Ezekwesili has led the #Bring Back Our Girls, there is the budget issue, there is the issue of enough is enough. So, the debate has continued but not under the same name. The current name now for activism is governance and we have a lot of them talking about governance, making sure that things are well monitored so it continues but in a different way. What informed a recent letter you wrote to the president? This is end of the year to reflect on how far our new government has settled down. We all know that there has been state of anomy, nothing is really working in the minds of the people. The President has finally set up a cabinet of basically technical people in my opinion who have a strong mind to deliver

on infrastructures, the economy and the soft institutions. What we now need to see as they settle down into office is the product of agenda of government in the first quarter of 2016. There is already a supplementary budget and 2016 budget is the highest budget ever, it is between N6 to N8 trillion naira. The government said it would focus on primarily social democratic issues that promote policy. It has already got a huge chunk of issues to deal with benefits, giving money to disadvantaged members of the society, people who are unemployed even though it is difficult to say how that will be achieved and who are likely to be the beneficiaries among the 25 million Nigerians. Quite how that will be arranged remains to be seen. My view is that apart from the late Chief Awolowo, this is the first time I am seeing a government based on ideology. Nigeria essentially runs a corporatist state policy where the government favours the rich. The departure here is that the government has identified itself as a left of the centre, this is the first time we are having such and anyone who is familiar with the left of centre parties will know that the left of centre delivers benefits at the bottom. I have heard Vice -President Yemi Osinbajo repeatedly say we will legalise chapter two of the constitution that deals with social welfare but that are not enforceable in the court. I think those are very fantastic and lofty ideas that need to be supported. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo demolished toll gates across the country few years ago. But, the present administration is resolved to build same toll gates on the highways in the country. What is your take on this? This is the conspiracy of the elites. Whether they are traditional rulers the media jumped there, you go and cover them, you make them look important. They come to churches and occupy the pews, these are people who should actually be afraid to come out but they are not afraid because they are adored and sanctified. The only man in religion who speaks the truth is Rev. Fr. Mbaka, all others were laying hands. How come the country is so poor, I don’t know what the statistics are but I think it is about 70 million people that are poor. All I hear are how pastors, chiefs, lay hands on people and part

Agbakoba

When you have parties that are not driven by ideology, but by their pockets, When they see that What this government intends to do is to shut them out from the usual largesse and patronage, they are not going to be happy.

with our money and you journalists are the ones who promote them. Those are parts of the conspiracy, they will take the money and they will dine and wine with political elites. The business elites, the men of cloths, the traditional rulers and you will report them in packaged newspaper handouts and we glorify them when we should be asking them to leave the seat. Obasanjo is so adored and glorified by the media yet he has absolutely no value. His time is gone, he should go to commonwealth heads of government, AU meetings and create a foundation like Jimmy Carter who is 90 years old or Bill Clinton who has the Global Initiative. That is the area, not for him to be contesting for political space, he has been president once and twice, what again? Have you seen what has come out with the scandalous money meant to fight Boko Haram? And it has not even started. We have not gone into how oil money was looted. That is why these people cannot leave, they are prepared to kill their friends and mothers to be there, that is the challenge. You don’t understand that these people are the ones holding the country; they would not allow it to shift. You think they want national conference? They don’t want a national conference; they want everything to be in confusion so that they can continue. Why shouldn’t the governor of Anambra state be able to run his affairs without interference from Abuja but, it won’t happen. What is your take on the constitutional crisis arising from the recently conducted gubernatorial elections in Kogi

state? I got phone calls while I was on my way outside the country to Malta and journalists were asking me this question and I said to myself that our media has become insensitive to the fact that somebody died. How can someone die and the question you are asking me is, who will succeed him? You are not interested in the fact that the man died, you are interested in who will succeed him. Shame on you people in the media, a man had died, I thought you will be calling to ask me what I think of the death of Audu no, and you are interested in who will succeed him. His son joined the race, is it a hereditary position? You know why we can kill our mothers for power here? Rotimi Amaechi got N1billion a month for eight years and that is N12 billion a year multiply it by eight years totalling N96billion allocated to him during his tenure in office that he is not accountable for. Then he uses it to prop up the APC during elections, those are the conspirators, I can assure you that if circumstances made it possible for Jonathan to come back, all these men in APC will decamp. That is what the media should focus on. In the United Kingdom, we have the conservatives and we know what they stand for and we have the Labour party, we know what they stand for. David Cameroon will never drop any of the major plans of the Conservative party, he can never sacrifice it and in fairness to him, he is showing results. Neither will the Labour party drop any of its cardinal programmes but in Nigeria because there is no ideology anyway, you will find that happen. It is a shame.

Law & Justice

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, December 21, 2015

‘We don’t want disconnect between prosecution and investigation’

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 is now adjourned sine die. Another prominent case is the trial of former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who was arraigned before an Abeokuta High Court by the EFCC in April 2012 for alleged fraudulent conversion of land and diversion of public funds. His trial has also suffered numerous adjournments without major progress. Besides, the criminal trial of former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Ladoja who was arraigned by the EFCC in 2008, has followed a path similar to the Nnamani’s case with numerous adjournments. The trial has been shifting from the Federal High Court to the Court of Appeal until it became standstill. Ladoja was arraigned before Justice Ramat Mohammed of a Federal High Court, Lagos alongside one of his former aides, Waheed Akanbi, on a 10-count charge of money laundering to the tune of N4.7 billion. According to a recent newspaper report, more than 15 former governors, some of them currently serving as senators are having cases of corruption ranging from misappropriation of public funds to money laundering hanging over their necks. Although, these governor are no longer covered by the immunity clause, findings show that anti-graft agencies including the EFCC have failed to pursue their cases to logical conclusions. Many Nigerians are worried that the ongoing trial of former NSA adviser and the cases of others might end up in the dockets of the courts without reaching a desired conclusion. Law & Justice sought the views of some prominent lawyers on their expectation on the ongoing trials of prominent Nigerians over the arms procurement scandal. Speaking on the issue, Mr. Seyi Sowemimo (SAN) said ‘’ I think with the new administration in place, everybody is aware of the seriousness the present administration attaches to anti-corruption crusade. So, the judiciary should read the body language of Mr. President and read the mood of the nation and take the matter seriously. There are

Ananaba

Sowemimo

Agbaje

Many nigerians are worried that the ongoing trial of forMer nsa adviser and the cases of others Might end up in the dockets of the courts without reaching a desired conclusion.

great expectations among the people following the revelations on the arms procurement scandal that there will be consequences. So, I expect that we get faster hearing of cases and that it won’t be business as usual. In his opinion, Mr. Paul Ananaba SAN said ‘’we cannot ascribe any wrong doing against the judiciary, what happens on many occasions is that the prosecution may not have briefed properly on the investigation carried out. Most times, the prosecution are in hurry to charge offenders to court. I do not think that is right. In cases where courts have to convict they have convicted people. ‘’However, I have always maintained that we need to reform the system. Let me give you a typical example there is a disconnect between prosecution and investigation in Nigeria. Until that link is bridged it will be difficult to secure conviction. The Police or EFCC officers do not know what it requires to secure conviction in court. They just

Bar

Jokes

Brainless Lawyers In a murder trial, the defense attorney was cross-examining the coroner: “Before you signed the death certificate, did you take the pulse, listen to the heart or check for breathing?” “No.” “So, when you signed the death certificate, you weren’t sure the man was dead, were you?” “Well, the man’s brain was in a jar on my desk, but I suppose he could have still been practicing law for a living.

Frozen crabs

A lawyer boarded an airplane in New Orleans with a box of frozen crabs and asked a blonde stewardess to take care of them for him. She took the box and promised to put it in the crew’s refrigerator. He advised her that he was holding her personally responsible for them staying frozen, mentioning in a very haughty manner that he was a lawyer, and proceeded to rant at her about what would happen if she let them thaw out.

throw the case file to lawyers and it is at that point that the lawyers begin to study the file and look for what to prove in court. It would be better if EFCC investigative team work with the prosecution team so that they will know what to prove in court. In his view, Mr. Fred Agbaje said ‘’in as much as I appreciate the anxiety arising from this arms procurement scandal , it might take a long time to be decided and some of the alleged criminals might even go scot-free. I want to assure you that the current mood in the judiciary is not in tandem with the present administration. Secondly, the recently promulgated Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, clearly subdued any attempt to delay criminal proceedings irrespective of whether it has to do with corruption or not. Again, we must warn the EFCC to stop overloading the court, charges that could be reduced to two or three counts, the EFCC will make it 50 counts and above all there are law-

Needless to say, she was annoyed by his behavior. Shortly before landing in New York, she used the intercom to announce to the entire cabin, “Would the lawyer who gave me the crabs in New Orleans, please raise your hand.” Not one hand went up . . . . so she took them home and ate them.

We’re deciding case on merits

Taking his seat in his chambers, the judge faced the opposing lawyers. “So,” he said, “I have been presented, by both of you, with a bribe.” Both lawyers squirmed uncomfortably. “You, attorney Leon, gave me $15,000. And you, attorney Campos, gave me $10,000.” The judge reached into his pocket and pulled out a check. He handed it to Leon. “Now then, I’m returning $5,000, and we’re going to decide this case solely on its merits!”

Quickie law degree

The old man was critically ill. He called his lawyer. “I want to become a lawyer,” he said. “How much for a quickie law degree?” “About $50, 000,” the lawyer said, “But why bother?” “That’s my business. Get me the course.” Four days later the lawyer delivered the new law degree. Suddenly the old man was wracked with fits of coughing, and it was clear the end was near. Culled from CC. Jokes

yers who are out to frustrate criminal trial’’. In his opinion, Lagos- based lawyer, Mr. Ike Uko observed that before the prosecution can secure conviction, there must be good investigation. He said ‘’the defendants has more resources to high a senior advocate to defend himself/ herself, while the prosecution will normally use lawyers in the ministry of justice or give it out to external solicitors. The scale is not balanced, the defendant has more in his arsenals and our investigation system is not what it should be. In advanced society, before the state charges you to court, it must have carried out thorough and water-tight investigation. So, my advise it that the ministry of justice should hire more competent lawyers and pay them good salaries. ‘’We should come to a stage where the Attorney-General, whether at the state or federal levels should be the Chief Law officer in name and in practice. The Attorney-General should be in-charge and should be the chief prosecutor. I remember in the second republic, when Chief Richard Akinjide SAN was the Attorney General of the Federation, he was always in court. As at that time, he was already a senior advocate, former President, Nigerian Bar Association among others. So, the government should build a formidable team knowing the law and fact of the matter’’.

LEGAL TIPS

Issues in Contract of Employment

he principal and most direct legislation on employment matters in Nigeria is the Labour Act which was enacted in 1971. *A worker or an employee is described under this Act as a person who enters into a contract of employment with an employer; whether such a contract is a contract of service or a contract to personally execute any work or labour. *The Labour Act requires that within three months of the engagement of an employee, an employer must give to the employee a written contract of employment which contract must specify among other things, a description of the parties to the contract of employment, the na-

Bar

ture of the service or services to be rendered under the contract of employment, the tenure of the contract including its probation period, and the remuneration which must be paid in the legal tender of the country where the contract is entered into. *It should also include the hours of work, mandatory holiday with paid leave, rules with regard to periods of incapacity to work due to sickness or injury, maternity leave, the appropriate period of notice to be served before the contract can be terminated and possible grounds for dismissal of the employee without notice, etc. Culled from Legal Alert/ Proshare online investment community

Jokes

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice

Monday, December 21, 2015

Two decades after exit of Rewane, NADECO chieftain FAMOUS CASES

lder statesman, Pa Alfred Rewane, was a National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) chieftain in the 1990s. While he was alive, he was renowned for being a close ally of the late sage and politician, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Following Awolowo’s demise, Rewane was not too visible in political circles save for being a notable figure in NADECO, where the likes of Chief Anthony Enahoro were prominent leaders. However, tragedy struck on October 6, 1995, when some unidentified assassins stormed Rewane’s 100, Oduduwa Crescent, G.R.A Ikeja residence, Lagos and snuffed life out of the then 78 year-old man. It was agonizing to many Nigerians that an old man of that statute could be murdered in his home without any clues as to those behind the dastardly act. Going by the account of one of the witnesses during the trial of some suspects before a Lagos High Court, ‘’They left us in the room, but shortly after, we heard gunshots and the intruders drove out. We later went to Rewane’s room and saw him soaked in his own blood.’’ Indeed, when the police waded into the incident and investigated the murder, several arrests were made and some persons were arraigned for the murder at the high court in 1995. Among those charged were, Lucky Igbinovia and Effiong Elemi-Edu, Sylvester Iyasele, Saturday Egbeide, Ola Obanuso, Akeem Ali, and Sunday Obanobi. According to the information, the prosecution alleged that they murdered Pa Alfred Rewane at his home, No 100, Oduduwa Crescent, GRA, Ikeja on October 6, 1995. They pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody. The trial of the defendants extended for about 16 years as the police investigation into the matter appeared obviously shoddy. In another dimension, five of the suspected killers tried, namely, Iyasele, Egbeide, Obanuso, Ali, and Obanobi died in prison custody while awaiting trial. By the time the trial ended, the trial court declared that the prosecution had failed to discharge the onus on it by proving the case against the accused men beyond reasonable doubt. In the high court judgement on January 17, 2011, Justice Olusola Williams, acquitted and discharged the remaining two suspects that stood trial for the gruesome murder of the NADECO chieftain, for the inability of the prosecution to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. The police had arraigned the freed persons, Lucky Igbinovia and Effiong ElemiEdu over the murder case in 1995. Within 1995, two judges, Justice Adebayo Adesanya and Justice Adebisi Kayode-Ogunmekan handled the case before it was re-assigned to Justice Williams. Delivering her judgement in the case that

Twenty years ago, elder statesman, Pa Alfred Rewane, was killed in his Ikeja residence by unknown assassins on October 6, 1995. The suspected killers, who were tried, were eventually freed. Indeed, there is a growing concern in the international community that murder cases are poorly investigated in the country, FRANCIS FAMOROTI, Head, Judiciary writes.

Late Rewane

Tragedy sTruck on ocTober 6, 1995, when some unidenTified assassins

rewane’s 100, oduduwa crescenT, g.r.a ikeja residence, Lagos, and snuffed Life ouT of The Then 78-year-oLd man. sTormed

lasted for 16 years, Justice Williams, held that the only evidence the prosecution relied on were the statements allegedly made by the two accused, which they claimed were made under duress. The court added that it was clear that the prosecution had no substantial evidence to establish the charges levelled against the two accused persons. Justice Williams said: “I wonder what the overwhelming evidence the prosecution referred to. The only things that linked the accused persons to the alleged crime are the statements, which they have denied. It is quite plain that there was nothing to support the case of the prosecution. “It appears to me that, all what the police did was to visit the scene of the crime and arrested workers of the late Pa Rewane. There was no evidence to support the alleged statements the prosecution relied on. I cannot rely on the statement brought by the prosecution. The charges against the defendants failed,

they are hereby discharged and acquitted.” Earlier during the trial, the defence team led by Mr. Moses Odiri, assisted by Mr. Owolabi Dawodu and Mr. Maxwell Adeniran had made a no-case submission but the court in its ruling discharged only Elvis Irenuma, a co-accused and held among others, that the evidence by the prosecution could not link him to the crime. Part of the proceedings was that one of the defendants, Elemi-Edu, had in his examination- in- chief, told the court that on the day of the incident he left his house to buy suya for his wife around 8:45 p.m. but when he was about to reach the suya spot’ , he heard sporadic gunshots, and took cover. According to him, after the gunshots subsided, he decided to go back home but suddenly from the dark, he allegedly heard a baritone voice, which shouted, “stop or I shoot.” His words: “In confusion, I stopped dead in my tracks. Then four men in mufti- pounced

on me. I was screaming and wondering what would the robbers get from me other than the N5 note I had budgeted for suya? They ignored my protests, rained more blows on me and shoved me and a few other persons into their van and drove to a place I later recognised as SARS, at Oba Akinjobi Street, Ikeja.” In the course of trial-within-trial, Igbinovia had also denied the confessional statements allegedly made by him and others to the police, stating that they were made under duress. In his testimony, Irenuma, told the court that he was employed as an “office boy” but later converted to a driver, adding that on October 1995, the late Rewane sent a message to him that he would be having an important meeting and directed him to report at his house. According to him, he reported at Rewane’s house located in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos at about 7:30 a.m. and he was writing a note to the Administrative Manager as instructed by Rewane when he suddenly heard noise from the sitting room. Upon findings, he said he saw three men arguing with the steward and later discovered that they had an envelope for Rewane and they insisted that it must be handed over to him (Rewane) personally. Irenuma further told the court that one of the men pointed a gun at his head, raided the whole house and locked them up including Rewane’s wife in a room. His words: “They left us in the room, but shortly after, we heard gunshots and the intruders drove out. We later went to Rewane’s room and saw him soaked in his own blood. We rushed him to the hospital and I immediately informed Chief Anthony Enahoro about the incident because he was to hold a meeting with Rewane.” He further told the court that the doctor later informed them that Rewane died before reaching the hospital as the bullet penetrated through his heart and that he had no chance of surviving. Prior to the trial at the high court, the Police had concluded that the suspects were armed robbers. On the basis of this, they were arraigned initially before the Lagos State Armed Robbery and Fire-Arms Tribunal, Court in Ikeja presided over by Justice A. A. Adesanya. But along the line there were hitches in the case until the trial was discontinued and the suspects were charged with murder at the high court. It suffices that like all other murder cases ahead of this matter and other subsequent ones, the investigation conducted by the police was extremely shoddy. This impacted on the prosecution, hence the court had no other option than to discharge the accused men.

Law & Justice

Woman sentenced to 14 months’ jail for robbing pensioner

woman involved in the robbery of a Sydney pensioner, who was also bashed, has been sentenced to at least 14 months jail term. According to the NBC News, Jennifer Lee Clarke pleaded guilty to robbery in company over the incident in a car park at Chester Hill in November 2014. Frank Carlino, an 86year old was knocked to the ground and robbed. The New South Wales District Court heard that Clarke and her boyfriend, Jay Curtis-Hodge, followed the victim from a nearby bank, where Mr Carlino had just withdrawn $500. Curtis-Hodge, who is yet to stand trial, is accused of delivering the single punch that knocked Carlino over. After the robbery Clarke bought clothing and cosmetics before going to a club to play poker machines. Asked by her solicitor Catherine Hunter how it made her feel, Clarke said, “Disgusted with myself. I feel sad.” Prosecutor Karl Prince put it to Clarke that she and her partner went after Mr. Carlino because he was “an easy target”. “I did not intentionally want to rob him. That was not what was supposed to

AUSTRALIA

Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott happen,” Clarke said. The offender had been taking the drug ice and said she had not slept for at least five days prior to the incident. Clarke said it was difficult to remember exactly what happened. “It was a year ago and I’d taken a lot of drugs,” she said. “I’m not sure what was reality that day.” Judge Andrew Scotting described the attack as “cowardly and vicious” and said the victim was vulnerable. “The offender knew what she was doing and that it was wrong,” he said. The judge imposed a total sentence of two years and five months, but with time already served Clarke will be eligible for parole in January.

Former BBC broadcaster leaves prison for Xmas break UNITED KINGDOM

he British Broadcasting Corporation former presenter was freed from HMP Wymott in Leyland, Lancashire, after serving half of his second jail term for historical child abuse offences. According to BBC News, Hall was jailed for 15 months in June 2013 after he admitted indecently assaulting 13 girls aged between nine and 17. His sentence was later doubled by the Court of the Appeal which ruled the sentence was “inadequate”. In May 2014 he had a further 30 months added to his sentence to run consecutively for two indecent assaults on another girl. The court was limited to sentencing according to the

law at the time of the offence, meaning Hall escaped a minimum eight-year jail term for one of those assaults. The father of two will be on licence for 15 months and as a convicted sex offender will be subject to strict conditions. According to BBC News, a Ministry of Justice spokesman said: “We do not comment on individuals. “Public protection is our top priority and offenders automatically released on licence at the halfway point of their sentence are subject to strict controls. “If they fail to comply with these conditions or their behaviour indicates it is no longer safe for them to remain in the community, they can be immediately returned to prison.”

Monday, December 21, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Japan’s top court upholds law requiring spouses to share surname

apan’s highest court has upheld a law dating back more than a century that requires married couples to share the same surname, rejecting a claim that it discriminates against women by effectively forcing them to give up their names in favor of their husbands’. According to BBC News, the ruling was a blow to Japanese women seeking to keep their maiden names after marriage. Some couples have chosen not to register their marriages, opting instead to stay in common-law relationships with fewer legal protections in order to keep separate surnames. “When I heard the ruling I started crying, and even now it hurts,” said Kyoko Tsukamoto, an 80 years old

TOKYO

retired high school teacher who was one of five plaintiffs trying to overturn the law. Ms. Tsukamoto, whose legal married name is Kojima, said she had “lost her identity” because of the ruling. She and her husband of 55 years registered their marriage decades ago only because they wished to prevent their three children from being born out of wedlock, which carries a strong stigma in Japan. They divorced and remarried between the children’s births, she said, in protest against the law. “My name is Kyoto Tsukamoto, but I can’t live or die as Kyoko Tsukamoto,” she said, alluding to the lack of official recognition for her preferred name in government records and other offi-

Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe cial contexts. The prohibition against separate surnames has survived decades of challenges in the courts and in Parliament, but it was the first time a suit seeking to overturn it had reached the Supreme Court. Ten of the court’s 15 justices ruled that the ban, first imposed in 1898, was consistent with the

constitutional protections for gender equality. Although the law does not specify which spouse’s surname must be used, wives adopt their husbands’ names in an estimated 95 percent of cases. The chief justice, Itsuro Terada, said the law did not impose an undue burden on women partly because they could continue using their maiden names in their professional lives, a practice that has become more widely accepted in recent years. The government began allowing married civil servants, for instance, to use their former surnames for official business in 2001. “The issue of separate names for spouses should be debated in Parliament,” Justice Terada said, throwing the issue back to the legislature.

China court reduces Gu Kailai sentence to life imprisonment

court in the Chinese capital Beijing has commuted the suspended death sentence of Gu Kailai, wife of disgraced former Politburo member Bo Xilai, to life in prison. According to ABC News, the court said Gu showed repentance and “did not commit any crimes” in jail. Gu was sentenced in 2012 for murdering British businessman Neil Heywood. Her husband was jailed for life in 2013 for corruption and abuse of power. The cases were China’s biggest political scandal in years. “The aforementioned criminal has recently certainly shown repentance,” the court said, adding that she had practiced “thought,

CHINA

Chinese President Xi Jinping culture and technical study.” It added that she had “obeyed discipline”, and “completed labour tasks in a timely manner”. As a result she was “eligible for the legal conditions for a commutation”. Gu’s case was one among

several public notices soliciting public objections to reduced sentences. The other two were former electronics tycoon Huang Guangyu, who was convicted of bribery; and Liu Zhijun, former railways minister who was previously given a suspended death sentence for taking bribes and was partly blamed for a fatal bullet train crash in 2011. The notices for both Gu Kailai and Liu Zhijun were published on the Supreme People’s Court website last month, but were only reported by local media. The cases were reported shortly after the trial opened of one of China’s leading human rights law-

yers, Pu Zhiqiang, in Beijing. That trial attracted considerable international attention, particularly after plainclothes security officials aggressively manhandled journalists, diplomats and protesters gathered outside the court. Gu’s case sparked the series of events which brought down her high-flying husband. Bo Xilai was removed as Communist Party boss of the important metropolis of Chongqing in south-western China, and from the Politburo, which makes key party decisions, in 2012. During his trial, he claimed that his wife - who testified against him - had gone insane.

Canadian pastor bags life jail term

orth Korea’s Supreme Court sentenced a Canadian pastor to life in prison with hard labor for what it called crimes against the state. Hyeon Soo Lim, who pastors the Light Korean Presbyterian Church in Toronto, was given the sentence after a 90-minute trial. He had been in detention since February. According to ABC News, Lim entered and left the court in handcuffs flanked by two public security officers in uniform. The handcuffs were removed in court

during the trial. He kept his head bowed most of the time and answered questions in a subdued tone. The crimes he was charged with included harming the dignity of the supreme leadership, trying to use religion to destroy the North Korean system, disseminating negative propaganda about the North to the overseas Koreans, and helping U.S. and the South Korean authorities lure and abduct North Korean citizens, along with aiding their programs to assist defectors from the North.

NORTH KOREA

Lim’s lawyer asked the court to take into account the fact that Lim is a fellow Korean and that he had frankly confessed to everything the prosecution had brought up. Lim pleaded to be given a chance and said if the court gave him a chance he would not do anything bad again. Lim had earlier appeared at a news conference organized by North Korean authorities in Pyongyang in July and admitted to plotting to overthrow the North Korean state, but other foreign-

President of North KoreaKim Jong-un ers detained in North Korea and then released have said they were coerced into making similar statements and confessing guilt during their detention.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, December 21, 2015

Law & Justice

Assessing impact of infrastructure on justice delivery RolI HaRRIman

ustice is fairness in the way people are treated. It is also the system by which people are judged in the courts of law and criminals punished. Infrastructure is the basic systems and structures that a country or organisation needs in order to work properly. Our quest therefore is to find out the importance of good and effective infrastructure in justice delivery. Infrastructure would mean the physical and non-physical structures put in place within and outside the judiciary to ensure that those who use the service get what they want. Infrastructure within the judiciary will include physical and information technology innovations to aid in the easy and quick dispensation of justice. These will include court rooms, furniture, court room equipment, judges’ equipment, court registry equipment, administrative, word processing and law reporting software. There is no doubt that infrastructure; i.e.modern and efficient infrastructure play a major role in justice delivery. Lawyers and all those who work in this temple of justice need the infrastructure for effective management of the judicial system. I would like to discuss this topic by looking at what was, what is and what should be.

In Those Days

Many years ago, we were told that trials in court were recorded by stenographers. This fizzled out for many reasons including incompetency, corruption and the lack of interest of governments and the judiciary to continue to invest in manpower training and equipment. The use of stenographs helped to record proceedings verbatim. This saved the judge the stress of recording proceedings in long hand. The use of stenography and stenographers also meant that records of proceedings could be produced in the quickest possible time. In those days too, court buildings stood out from the rest. They were landmarks because of their quality and imposing design.

Nowadays

Nowadays only a few states, maybe only Lagos state has any form of electronic recording of proceedings. No doubt, this is a welcome development as it has brought back the advantage of easy access to proceedings and relieving the judge of the task of recording proceedings in long hand. It also eliminated corruption or wrong recording of proceedings associated with the human recording. Some few states have also provided computers for use in word processing of documents in court. This is so whether or not the typists or secretaries have the necessary training in use of computers. Majority of our judicial institutions however, still use archaic equipment. Judges still write long hand which is later reproduced

by manual typewriters. The use of long hand and typewriters obviously tend to delay justice. In the same vein, lawyers still produce their briefs or court processes with the use of manual typewriters.

Information And Communication Technology

I will also not be exaggerating if I note that the acquisition and use of information technology software is still at its lowest stage. One must appreciate the few companies or individuals who have designed software for law office administration, law library management and legal research. These facilities are available but one still bemoans the fact that the legal profession and indeed the judiciary still needs to make maximum use of this. Apart from a few states, the acquisition of this software is not on the priority list of governments. Most worrisome is the hesitation by legal practitioners to acquire and use this software which will make the administration, finance management and legal research in their law firms easier and in the long run, cheaper. Another important aspect of modern infrastructure needed for effective justice delivery is information communication equipment within the judiciary and between judicial departments and the court users. I must admit that some judiciary have websites that can be accessed for information and some of these are interactive. More still needs to be done. A situation where a judge has 25 cases on his docket, sits in court and at least 10 letters for adjournments aretrusted on him does not augur well for justice delivery. In the same vein, it will also be useful for lawyers to know as soon as practicable through website or other media that a judge will not be sitting. I am also hoping a time would come when e-filing will take centre stage in the judiciary. A time when lawyers can with a registered access code file their processes and make payments online. Even with the Central Bank policy affecting businesses and the regime of cashless society, there is no reason why the court registries cannot accept cheques or POS payments. This will make for faster filing procedures and reduce the incidence of corruption.

judge; Displaying video evidence through a video cassette recorder or DVD player with freeze frame capabilities; Allowing a witness or counsel to demonstrate or annotate situations or scenarios by using a fingertip directly on a monitor; Conducting live video presentations of witnesses who cannot be physically present for a trial or hearing; lawyers creating their own slide show presentation to enhance their arguments. Appropriate use of technology to display or play evidentiary exhibits or illustrative aids changes the dynamic in a courtroom in productive and helpful ways. For judges, technology can increase opportunities to control the proceedings, set time limits, and decide matters expeditiously. For lawyers, the faster pace, coupled with the need to respond to visual cues for objections as well as the traditional oral cues, puts a premium on a concise case theory and thorough preparation; there is less and less time for “making it up” as one goes along.

Intergrated Databases

Introduction of integrated databases of records shared with other agencies E.g police records, social service records, and other court cases will all have possible impact on justice delivery. One must however appreciate that introduction of modern technology in our judicial system has been slow. This is not only because of lack of interest in investing funds but fear of misuse.

Physical Infrastructure

Another embarrassing situation is the state of our courts and registries. The buildings are dilapidated and provide security challenges for both staff and judicial officers. Programs to rehabilitate the physical infrastructure and to develop designs that reflect the current state of the art and international good practices to make buildings more accessible, functional, secure, and sustainable are still sluggish. The bad shape of court buildings do not only reflect poorly on the relevance of justice sector institutions, but also prevents them from working effectively. It is also true that those working in these buildings get affected by the lack of a somewhat dignified working environment. Most importantly, however, decrepit infrastructure and dysfunctional design exacerbate delay and affect the quality Courtroom Technology Trials in court can be made easier and faster with the intro- of the work done. The lack of courtrooms forcing judges to duction of Videoconferencing of witness testimony. In crimi- share court rooms and sitting times and unsecured file storage nal matters, statistics show there is a great number of adjourn- rooms can also provide opportunities for corruption. Law Firm Infrastructure ments based on the fact that investigating police officers have To compliment faster dispensation of justice, law firms also been transferred or are on assignment. If their evidence can be taken through video conferencing then this would elimi- require improvements in physical and technological infranate the delay. One must not also deny the fact that some wit- structure. Law firms must be located in appropriate places and nesses are afraid to come physically to court to give evidence. basic infrastructures include enough rooms for legal and supVideo conferencing may be a way out. Further the following port staff, air conditioners, computers and other information measures will impact positively in the proceedings and even- and communication technology. Harriman, is a judge of the High Court of Delta State. tual dispensation of justice. These are Visually emphasizing critical physical evidence on display monitors in front of the CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

Make ADR part of societal norms in Nigeria —US Judge Wale IgbIntade

United States District Court Judge, Justice James Ware has stressed the need for Nigeria to change her perspective in order to make ADR part of societal norms. He urged stakeholders in the justice sector to ensure that law students are not only taught how to litigate but, also how to resolve disputes through the Alternative Dispute Resolution otherwise known as the (ADR). Judge James made this known at the 2015 Chief G. O. Sodipo annual memorial lecture with the theme ‘’Alternative Dispute Resolution At a Glance’’ held in Lagos recently. He asked the Nigeria’s judiciary to emulate the justice system of the United States whose mission of system of justice is speedy and inexpensive resolution of disputes. His words: ‘Teach them to litigate, effective rules of evidence, legal logic but also teach them to negotiate; to mediate; the miracle of dialogue; that compromise to not defeat; because by definition it involves give and take; introduce them to the bar as new litigators and solicitors but also as skilled at figuring out what is necessary to resolve disputes.’ Also speaking on ‘’Arbitration and Mediation in Nigeria-

How it Works’’, Mrs. Olusola Adegbonmire, said arbitration and mediation are two Alternative Dispute Resolution procedures which are just beginning to gain ground in Nigeria although they have been in existence in different forms for many years. In her paper presentation titled: “Arbitration Clauses”, Mrs. Obosa Akpata, said that for any arbitration to become enforceable by the court, parties involved must have consented to resolve their dispute by arbitration which must state clearly that parties have agreed to a binding arbitration. She stated that parties should consider a number of factors when drafting their arbitration agreement which include: number of arbitrators to be appointed; method of selecting the arbitrators; where parties decide on an institutional arbitration, the proper name of the institution must be inserted; language of the arbitration; applicable arbitration law and arbitration rules; choice of arbitrator; confidentiality and the seat of the arbitration. She however said where the arbitration agreement is silent on any of these factors; the rules of the applicable law will apply. “One of the advantages of arbitration is the autonomy enjoyed by the parties in deciding how they want their arbitration conducted. The parties can exercise this autonomy

when drafting their arbitration agreement to ensure that they derive the utmost benefit from the process. “Considering the effect (positive or negative) an arbitration agreement could have on the process and outcome of the arbitration proceedings, parties owe an obligation to themselves to ensure that they carefully tailor their arbitration agreement to suit their peculiar needs while ensuring that the essential requirements of a valid arbitration are satisfied.” Another speaker, Chief Akingbola Akinola, in his paper titled: ‘Enforcement of Arbitral Awards’, noted that arbitration as an alternative to litigation must not loses its primary benefit of speedy dispensation of justice. He urged the judiciary, litigants and indeed stakeholders to err on the side of caution when it comes to recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards so as to avoid relegating the arbitration to the level of litigation. In his welcome address, former Dean, School of Law and Security Studies, Babcock University, Prof. Bankole Sodipo, while listing past speakers and chairmen since inception of the annual lecture 15 years ago, said he made no attempt to deal with the issues because lecture aims at stimulating discussion; identifying challenges; influencing formulation and execution of policy.

Monday, December 21, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror We require huge investment in public infrastructure, production of energy, health and education to enable us take full advantage of evolving economic conditions. –GOVERNOR AKINWUNMI AMBODE OF LAGOS

Dare akogun

hat would have been a repeat of the clash between soldiers and civilians in Zaria was at the weekend averted in Lagos by officers attached to Alakuko Police Division when soldiers invaded the area. It was gathered that the soldiers allegedly acting on the orders of a notorious land speculator invaded Billy Amuros Ventures, a land consulting firm acting as a consultant to the popular Ikanran family, who owns large expanse of land in Alakuko. Eyewitness accounts has it that the soldiers, who came in two ‘OP-MESA’ vehicles, allegedly assaulted, harassed and intimidated staff of the firm to enable the land speculators gain access into a judgement land contrary to their statutory duties. In a petition written on behalf of the family and the firm by the chambers of Wale Adedeji, and addressed to Chief of Army Staff with copies sent to the DIG Federal Crime Investigation Department, FCID, Abuja, and the Lagos State Police Commissioner complaining about activities of these soldiers, they urged them to nip the matter in the bud. He noted that if not for the prompt intervention of operatives of Alakuko police station led by its DPO, SP Abayomi Ajayi, the situation would have led to another civilian /military confrontation and possibly resulted in loss of lives and properties destroyed.

Soldiers/civilians clash: Police avert bloodbath in Lagos

L-R: Mr Obiano Chike, NAFDAC staff; Mrs Christy Obiazikwor, Head, Public Relations, NAFDAC, Lagos; Mrs Joyce Macaulay, Secretary to Director-General, NAFDAC; Pharm. Nnamdi Obi, Managing Director, Embassy Pharmaceutical and Chem Ltd.; Dr. Paul Orhii, Director-General, NAFDAC; Dr. Monica Eimunjeze, Director, Registration and Regulatory Affairs; Dr Paul Kamai, NAFDAC staff, and Emeka Owoh, IT Head, Embassy Pharmaceutical and Chem Ltd, during presentation of copier and printers to the agency by Embassy Pharmaceutical and Chem Ltd in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: DARE AKOGUN The petition reads in part: “Our client and judgement owner of a large expanse of land by virtue of court judgement, which litigation began in 1982 and judgement delivered in 2002, the matter went for an appeal and was equally delivered in our client’s favour in 2004. “Prior to this, however, several trespassers have continued to build with impunity through the use of thugs and the clan-

destine support of the army, who provide cover for these trespassers. “The involvement of the military in civil and land matters is now assuming a worrying dimension whereas the only option as provided by law to an aggrieved party on any land issue is going to court rather than use of force or violence of any kind with assistance of military men.

“The excesses of these soldiers on land matters, especially in Alakuko and environs should therefore be investigated and curtailed before innocent lives are lost,” it stated. “The excesses of these soldiers on land matters especially in Alakuko and it’s environs should therefore be investigated and curtailed before innocent lives are lost,” it stated.

We’ve designed programmes for people with disability –Commissioner Dare akogun

eople with disability have been advised not to allow their physical condition to stop them from seeking knowledge and efforts to live like normal members of the society. Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr Abdul Hakeem AbdulLateef, offered the words of encouragement at the annual lecture of Muslim Association of Visually Impaired of Nigeria, MAVIN, in Ikeja at the weekend. He pointed out that with edu-

cation physically-challenged people could help their condition and contribute towards development of the society. The commissioner also disclosed that the state under the leadership of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has put many programmes in place to make life more meaningful for people with disability. Dr AbdulLateef stated that government was also planning to increase the number of jobs given to disabled in the state’s civil service during recruitment next year. The commissioner

also gave financial assistance to the society to produce Brail Quran for visual impaired Muslims to read the Holy Book. Speaking earlier, National President of MAVIN, Alhaji Musliudeen Bankole, stated that the one week propramme was put in place to forward their demands before the public. He said the Brail Quran was first introduced to South West part of the country in 2011 in conjunction with a scholar from South Africa. He, however, stated that only few people have the Brail Quran

because of its high cost. Alhaji Bankole also lamented nonavailability of English Brail Quran. Bankole also called on the National Assembly to pass the disability bill before it to provide succour for people with disability. In his remarks, National Public Relations Officer, Mr Abdul Wasiu Salaudeen, called on wealthy individuals and organisations to support the association. He expressed gratitude to Lagos State govenment through the office of disabilities for its gesture to people with disability.

RRS arrests teenage armed robbery suspect Dare akogun

s operatives of Rapid Response Squad, RRS, intensify efforts at reducing crime in the metropolis, policemen from the unit on Saturday arrested a teenage armed robbery suspectand Indian hemp smoker. The robbery suspect, Ibraheem Taiwo, 17, was arrested at Iddo, Lagos, around 8pm on Saturday, when he and his accomplice, Abdullah, still at large, attempted to rob a tricycle rider popularly known as “Marwa”. Ibraheem confessed to being the brain behind the robbery. He stated that Abdullah used a jackknife to dispossess a tricyclist, Okeke Chibuk, of his two mobile phones, money and other valuables. According to Ibraheem, Abdullah was at the point of escaping when he spotted RRS operatives and decided to drop the two mobile phones and Jackknife. The victim of the botched robbery operation, Okeke Chibuk, said it was Ibraheem that led the two-man robbery gang that dispossessed him of his belongings with the aid of a jackknife. Ibraheem, a secondary school dropout-turned vulcanizer, explained that he followed a friend, Abdullah, out to Iddo. “I was trying to take tricycle to Oyingbo when I heard the shout of ‘thief, thief ’. I saw Abdullahi drop the handsets and a jackknife, and I picked them up. That was how RRS operatives arrested me,” the suspect said. He continued, “I have been learning vulcanizing for over six years, and am preparing for my freedom. It was Abdullah, my friend, that committed robbery. He dropped the phone and jackknife while he was being chased. I only picked them up to defend myself. “Abdullah is a friend and a sweeper in Oyingbo. I know where he lives. He is the one that put me into this problem. I only followed him to Iddo,” he added. In another incident, Sola Adetona, a vulcanizer, was on the same day arrested behind Bobby Benson house, Onipanu. Adetona, 28, a native of Ibadan said, “I was in a joint when I was arrested. I smoke weed to stimulate myself and to make myself work better.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Monday, December 21, 2015

Benue’ll hold council polls next year –Ortom B

enue State Governor Samuel Ortom has said his administration would conduct local government election in the second quarter of next year. He made the disclosure after the mass defection of former Governor Gabriel Suswam’s kinsmen in Katsina-Ala/Ukum/ Logo Federal Constituency from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, at the Emmanuel Akume Atongo Stadium in Katsina-Ala, yesterday. Former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Benjamin Chaha, led the defectors. Among the defectors were former state assem-

bly members for Logo and Katsina-Ala constituencies, Godwin Akaan and Hembadoon Amena, former PDP state youth leader, Anaana J, Logo caucus chairman, John Tor-Akume, former Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government, Charles Gbor. Others were former Auditor-General for Local Government, Aloysius Apera, Jack Suswam, cousin to former governor, former Katsina-Ala Local Government Council Chairmen, David Chahul, Augustine Avaan and Martins Agir, their former caretaker colleague, Priscilla Gondo, and former Director General of the defunct Sam Ode Governorship Campaign Or-

ganisation, Job Tiza, and hundreds of their supporters were among the defectors. Governor Ortom stated that his administration would conduct credible, free and fair council polls and would accept the verdict of the people in good faith. Receiving the new party members, Ortom said that APC was a party that believed in working collectively as a family and urged the defectors to team up with members already on ground to develop strategies that could make the party wax stronger in order to secure electoral victory at all levels. He also announced plans to resuscitate Radio Benue Sub-Station in Katsina-Ala to serve the

people of the area and relocate the College of Education to its permanent site, saying he had already directed that the process to that effect should start immediately. Ortom reiterated the resolve of his administration to administer the state with the fear of God and run an inclusive government which will impact positively on the lives of the people of the state. He assured the people of the Benue North East Senatorial District that his administration would ensure the establishment of some cottage industries across the state so as to enable the people of the area to process and add value to their primary agriculture produce.

Centre backs FG’s youth employment policy

tem by instilling in them the spirit of patriotism, integrity, service, innovation, discipline and excellence, as well as to harness their potentials towards national development.” The director general, who explained that participants were mobilised from 31 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, said the participants were trained on various fields, including cell phone repair, hair dressing, barbing, chinchin and popcorn mak-

ing, industrial tailoring, commercial bread baking, shoe and bag-making, as well as jewelleries’ making. In his remarks, Minister of Youths and Sports, Mr. Solomon Dalong, described as rare privilege the opportunity given to beneficiaries of the programme, who were chosen out of the millions of young men and women out there waiting for jobs, saying they have been trained and armed to face their future, meaningfully.

Communal clash: Kwara imposes curfew on gov’s town WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

24-hour curfew has been imposed on Share-Tsaragi communities by Kwara State government over renewed age-long communal clash between the two towns. Share, home town of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, is IgbominaYoruba in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state, while Tsaragi is a Nupe town in Edu Local Area. There is no distinct demarcation between the two communities as they have both built into each other’s land. However, for more than a decade now the two communities have been engrossed in constant bloody clashes. Government recently created a buffer zone where some trees were planted as demarcations between the towns with a law that none from either side should carry out any activity there. However, on Saturday, a group of youths from Share allegedly went to the buffer zone and attempted to cut the trees and were stopped by Tsaragi people, an action that led to a fight, leaving about 10 people injured and hospitalised on both sides, but with no casualty. The Police Command in Ilorin, the state capital, has reportedly dispatched a combined Anti-

Riot police and regular police to the scene of the clash, as calm is said to have been restored to the area later yesterday. However, National Mirror was informed yesterday that police efforts only brought about peace of the graveyard as tensions continued to mount later and both sides warming up for a fight. In a statement signed by Secretary to the Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, on Sunday, the government imposed a 24-hour curfew on the communities restricting everyone to their homes. The statement said, “Following the current communal clash between Share and Tsaragi communities, Kwara State government hereby imposes a 24-hour curfew in both communities with immediate effect. “The Kwara State government warns that anyone found with illegal arms and ammunition or otherwise found disrupting peace and public order in both communities will be dealt with in line with the laws of the land. “While other security agencies, particularly the police, State Security Services, SSS, and the Civil Defence are already on ground, a detachment of the Nigerian Army has been drafted to ensure compliance with the curfew and maintenance of peace in both communities.

irector General of Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, CLTC, Mr. Michael Fawole, has said the centre will key into President Muhammadu Buhari’s employment policy, especially in providing skills acquisition and empowerment programmes for unemployed graduates in the country. He also hinted that the centre was planning to give financial grants to such beneficiaries to enable them start off with

life, not just as small scale entrepreneurs, but also as employers of labour in their own rights. Speaking at the closing ceremony of a oneweek workshop on skills acquisition and empowerment programme organised by CLTC in Jos, Plateau State, Fawole said: “The primary objective of this programme, like other trainings organised by his centre in the past, is to re-orientate participants on value sys-

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as CHIME ELIZABETH CHIKA now want to be known and addressed as ODOH ELIZABETH CHIKA. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Okorie Ogochukwu Blessing, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okonkwo Ogochukwu Blessing. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MIKE AIGBOKHAN OMOYEMEN YVONNE now wish to be known and addressed as EZIE YVONNE OMOYEMEN. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AJOGWU HASSAN , but now wish to be known and addressed as STEPHEN OMALE AJOGWU. All former document remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as miss Acheje Ojoma Suwaibat and Idris Ojoma Suwaibat and now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Abdullahi Ojoma Suwaibat all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

Popoola Fatimah Temitope is same person as Fetuga Fatimoh henceforth which to be known and addressed as Fetuga Fatimoh Temitope, all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

KINGDOM ACHIEVERS FAITH MISSION This is to inform the general public that the above named mission has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C” of the companies and Allied Matters Act 2004 as amended. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. TONY PRINCE ECHEME 2. MRS. TONY PRECIOUS NWAKAEGO

- GENERAL OVERSEER (G. O) -(MEMBER)

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. Advancement of Pentecostal Christian Religious Principles. 2. Advancement of Educational, Literary, Scientific, Social Development, Cultural, Sporting on Charitable Purposes. 3. Act as a forum for members to network and share their expertise and knowledge. 4. Promote the interests of the church and its members etc. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: TRUSTEES

CHANGE OF NAME

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CHANGE OF NAME

IBRAHIM: I, formerly known and addressed as IBRAHIM ALI SUPAN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as IBRAHIM MUHAMMED ALIYU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

DABIRA: This is to certify that DABI KEHINDE JOSHUA and DABIRA KEHINDE JOSHUA refer to one and same person, but now I wish to be known and addressed as DABIRA KEHINDE JOSHUA. All former documents remain valid. General Public, please take note.

Formerly Mr Adesina Waidi Atanda now which to be known and addressed as Olaifa Adesina Waidi all former documents remain valid GTBank Plc and General public note

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I formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEBAYO OLUFUNKE OLUBUNMI , but now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OWOLABI OLUFUNKE OLUBUNMI. .All former document remain valid. General public take note.

I JOSEPH ABIGEAL CHINEYE also the same person bearing ODUMEH ABIGEAL CHINEYE. All former document bearing the name remain valid. General public take note.

I Formerly known and addressed as ICHIENE ISAIAH, now wish to be known and address as AKPOYIBO ISAIAH OMODHOME. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note

I Formerly known and addressed as AKINOLA FRIDAY, now wish to be known and address as AKINSANYA AKINOLA OLUWASEUN. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Mohammed Zulfat Damilola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Buhari Zulfat Damilola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Onigbinde Nura, now wish to be known and addressed as Adigun Nuratu . All documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME GODSPOWER: I formerly known and addressed as SELEKE GODSPOWER, now wish to be known and addressed as WAREFA EDDY SELEKE. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Irogbele Barbara Adaobi, now wish to be known and addressed as Elekwachi Adaobi Marybarara. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, December 21, 2015

World News People have been impressed by my stamina, but to me it has been easy because I doing something that I love. –US REPUBLICAN PARTY PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL, DONALD TRUMP

Syrian conflict: Russian strikes kill dozens AfolAbi GAmbAri

Three people were yesterday killed in a gun and bomb attack in the Somali capital Mogadishu. Witnesses said the gunmen opened fire and detonated the bomb on a busy main road, adding that many others were injured, most of them civilians. It was not clear at press time who masterminded the blast, but the Islamist militant group al-Shabab has carried out several attacks on the same road in the past few weeks. “The gunmen riding in a car attacked the official and there was exchange of gunfire and a huge blast followed,” a witness, Abdi Mudey, who was near the scene, said. Witnesses also described seeing part of a supermarket and several cars destroyed by the blast. A regional governor, Husayn Ali Wehliye, escaped with minor injuries, according to local media reports.

WITH AGENCY REPORT

t least 43 people were killed yesterday in a series of air strikes believed to have been carried out by Russian planes in the Syrian city of Idlib, according to activists and residents. A marketplace, homes and official buildings were all hit, according to reports, while bodies were seen pulled from the rubble, according to a civil defence worker. Russia had not confirmed at press time whether it carried out strikes in the area, although it began an air campaign to bolster President Bashar alAssad in September. Russia also said it had targeted only terrorists and all jihadist militants from the Islamic State (IS) group, but activists countered the claim, saying the strikes mainly hit Western-backed rebel groups. The Local Co-ordination Committees, a network of anti-regime activists, said that

A building hit by the Russian strikes in Syria yesterday more than 170 people had been injured in the strikes. A coalition of Islamist antigovernment rebels captured the city of Idlib earlier this year. It is only the second provincial centre to fall into

rebel hands during the conflict, after Raqqa was seized by IS. Their advances in the area pose a threat to the nearby coastal region, which is a bastion of support for the government of President Assad.

The Syrian war, which is heading towards its fifth year, has killed more than 250, 000 people and displaced millions more, according to the United Nations.

Burundi: Time bomb for Central Africa fAtimAh Yesuf

he Burundi crisis which has been going on since April, 2015 was sparked by President Pierre Nkurunziza’s ambition to extend his tenure unconstitutionally, a development that did not go well with most of the citizens who opposed the third term bid. The country’s constitution states that “no president must be elected for more than two terms”. The demonstrators were branded “terrorists, criminals

and enemies of the states” because the government considered the protests as “illegal”. Over 400 protesters have been detained, with some tortured in prison and at least six losing their lives, according to the International Red Cross. A coup was declared on May 13, 2015 but was crushed few hours later, amidst confusion as to who was in charge. The trial of 28 men accused of the coup plot opened last week amid heightened tensions after attacks the previous week in which 87 people were killed. Burundians have faced

instability, assassination and deterioration in their protection of their fundamental rights since Nkurunziza was inaugurated for his third term in office on August 20 and nearly 200, 000 Burundians have fled the country since April as the number has also increased each week. The US State Department had warned Americans not to travel to Burundi as the political violence in the country escalated, urging the US citizens to leave the Central African country to “as soon as it is feasible to do so”. Belgium has also advised its

citizens to leave the country. At least 240 people have been killed so far, even as the United Nations has warned that it is less equipped to deal with the violence in Burundi than it was for the Rwandan Genocide. Meanwhile, the African Union has waded into the situation, saying the union would not watch as the crisis escalates. “The clear message coming from the AU is that the killings in Burundi must stop immediately,” AU Peace and Security Commissioner, Smail Chergui, said on Thursday last week.

Terrorism: Air France plane grounded in Kenya

n Air France passenger jet was forced to make an emergency landing in Kenya early yesterday after a fake bomb was found in a toilet, the airline said. The Boeing 777, on its way from Mauritius to Paris, was evacuated at Mombasa airport and the suspicious device taken away for examination. Air France official, Frederic Gagey, later said it was made of a cardboard box, paper and a timer, describing it as an “extremely aggressive act”.

The plane, carrying 459 passengers and 14 crew, had left Mauritius at 01:00 GMT and had been due to fly directly to Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris. Several passengers from the flight were also questioned by Kenyan police. Gagey however that the airline would press charges against those responsible and an inquiry would be held. “There was no problem with security checks in Mauritius and the device contained no

explosives,” he said, adding, “So it would not have been detected.” “The crew was alerted, and the pilots decided to land at the nearest airport. Both the aircraft and Moi International Airport in Mombasa were evacuated while the device was removed,” he also said. France is still on high alert following bomb attacks and shootings in Paris in October. The Islamic State (IS) said it carried out the attacks in response to France’s military action in Syria.

WORLD BULLETIN Car bomb kills 3 in Mogadishu

African Union Chairman, Robert Mugabe

Syria strike claims Lebanese militant Key Lebanese militant, Samir Qantar, has been killed in a rocket strike near the Syrian capital, Damascus, Hezbollah said yesterday as the Lebanese Shia militant group blamed Israel for the air strike. Qantar was jailed in Israel in 1979 for a notorious deadly attack, and freed as part of a controversial prisoner swap with Hezbollah in 2008. An Israeli minister welcomed his death but did not confirm that Israel was responsible. When asked about Israeli involvement, Construction and Housing Minister Yoav Gallant told Israel Radio: “I am not confirming or denying anything to do with this matter.” But he added: “It is good that people like Samir Qantar will not be part of our world.”

MP lands in First Lady’s trouble A ruling party MP in Zimbabwe, Justice Wadyajena, has been charged with making insulting remarks about the country’s First Lady Grace Mugabe. Wadyajena was accused of using abusive language against a fellow ZANU-PF party member, who had a portrait of Mrs. Mugabe on his car. The incident is being seen as part of internal party wrangling over who should succeed President Robert Mugabe. Two camps have emerged, one backing Mrs Mugabe and the other the 91-year-old leader’s First Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Wadyajena is reported to be loyal to Mnangagwa while the man he argued with, Jimayi Muduvuri, supports Mrs. Mugabe.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Monday, December 21, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

This is to confirm that MAGI EBIAMA EXCELLENT is the same person as MARTINS EBIAMA. Henceforth wish be known and addressed as MARTINS EBIAMA. All former documents remain valid. United Bank of Africa UBA and general public take note.

Formerly known, called and addressed as, Nnorom Sunday Emmanuel now wish to be called, known and addressed as Nnorom Ugochukwu Emmanuel . All former documents remain valid. Sterling Bank plc and General public take note.

Formerly Mr Remi Duru now Mr Karia Remigius Obi. All former documents remain valid ,Adeyemi college of Education,Ondo ,LARI Dam Global Ventures Ltd Ado EKiti, Eco bank and general public take note.

I, MBONU IFUNAYA JANE hereby attested that my name was mistakenly spelt as MIBONU IFUNAYA JANE in my permanent voters Card (PVC), instead of MBONU IFUNAYA JANE. That my correct name is MBONU IFUNAYA JANE. My date of birth was wrongly captured as 8th of August 1982 and 28th of August 1982 on some of my documents instead of 8th of August 1983. Eco Bank, First Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME UGABA: I, formerly known and addressed as UGABA MONDAY, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OGOR EJE EMMANUEL due to the fact that it’s the name that covered all my details. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME That my name appears as OKARO REKRE in my birth certificate and WAEC and appears as OKARO REKRE EMMANUEL in my testimonial. That my correct name is OKARO UJEREKRE. All documents bearing all these names mentioned above are mine and remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned to take note.

BEMUA: I, formerly known and addressed as CHARITY MERCY JOHN K.K BEMUA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as DANLADI MERCY CHARITY. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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

Formerly Miss. Tanitoluwa Adeola Agunbiade now Mrs. Tanitoluwa Adeola Otunba-Payne. All former documents remain valid. General public to please note CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ajoku Rosemary Chinyere now wish to be known and addressed as Okpala Rosemary Chinyere . All former documents remain valid. Diamond Bank, Access bank, Fidelity bank and General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Fayeye Oluwatoni Eniola now wish to be known, called and addressed as Asa Oluwatoni Eniola. All documents remains valid. General public to please note CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Azeez Ayotomiwa Hope is the same person as Azeez Ayotomiwa Eunice now wish to be known and addressed as Azeez Ayotomiwa Eunice Hope. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Omolade Omonuberun now wish to be known, called and addressed Oluwafemi Kayode. All former documents remain valid. General public to please note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Bankole Afusat Oluwatoyin now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Alabi Afusat Oluwatoyin . All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as EHINLOJU OMOTAYO SAMUEL now wish to be known and addressed as TAIWO EMMANUEL OMOTAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Audu Augustine now wish to be known and addressed as Ugbadughu Augustine. All former documents remain valid. Diamond Bank, Uba bank and General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Odemuyiwa Seun Ibukun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs ADEMOLA OLUWASEUNFUNMI IBUKUN. All former documents remain valid. Yomfield Nursery & Primary School, general public note.

Formerly known and addressed as Oreneye Abayomi Wasiu now wish to be known and addressed as Adedokun Abayomi John. All former documents remain valid. Skye bank and General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Emeka Oke Gift is the same person known and addressed as Miss Amuakopoyeri Oke. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Idemudia Linda now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Kelechi Linda. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to certified that Chinyere Ashiegbu is the same one person as Paul Gift Chinyere, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Paul Gift Chinyere. All former documents remain valid, Diamond Bank Plc, Ecobank Plc and general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to certified that Ajayi Abiodun Owabodunrin is the same one person as Ajayi Emmanuel Abiodun. that henceforth wish to be known and called as Ajayi Emmanuel Abiodun. All former documents remain valid, National Identity Management (NIMC) and general public should please take note .

This is to certified that Ramson Abimbola Serah is the same one person as Kenny Abimbola Ifeoluwa, that henceforth wish to be called and known as Kenny Abimbola Ifeoluwa. All former documents remain valid, GTBank Plc,National Identity Management(NIMC) and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to certified that Kayode Benjamin Ayeni and Joseph Kayode Ayeni is the same one person as Joseph Kayode Benjamin Ayeni,that henceforth wish to be known and addressed as Joseph Kayode Benjamin Ayeni. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as SEIDU OLAWUNMI SUKURAT, now wish to be known and addressed as SEIDU OLAWUNMI SUKURAT AMUDA. All former documents remain valid; Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, general public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Yekeen Olanike Ramat now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Adewuyi Ramat Olanike. All former document remain valid, general public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as OZOMADU CHIMA, now wish to be known and addressed as IHUEZE CHUKWUMA HERBERT. All former document remain valid, General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OBETAN DAN ARONG, now wish to be known and addressed as DAX LAZARUS OBETEN. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ChukwuEmeka Chidubem Onwuka, now wish to be known and addressed as Chukwuemeka Chidubem Chukwuka. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly addressed and known as Miss Jeje Bose Esther now wish to be known and called as Mrs Ajegbomogun Bose Esther. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Yinusa Ajadi Adeyi Salami, now wish to be known and addressed as Yinusa Salami Ajadi. All former document remain valid, General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

ormerly known and addressed as MOMOH CORDILIA MERCY. now wish to be known and addressed OKOEBOR CORDILIA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Funke Antoinette Azosuso, now wish to be known and addressed as Funke Marcel Djossou. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

IJEBU - NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT P.M. B 1004,Ijebu - Igbo, Ogun State, Nigeria.

AUCTION ! AUCTION. ! ! AUCTION ! ! !

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Abraham Aja, now wish to be known and addressed as Barnabas Ajah . All former document remain valid, General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as James Tejiri Imoninun, now wish to be known and addressed as James Okpako. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Osughe Efe Mary Osasumwen, now wish to be known and addressed as Osughe Airihenbuwa Mary. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly Mr. Adekanbi Akanbi Akorede now wish to be addressed and known as Mr.Olabode Najeem. Former documents remain valid. General public note. CHANGE OF NAME

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

Formerly known and addressed as Modinat Hammed Shodipo, now wish to be known and addressed as Sidikat Bakare. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

POOL OF FIRE AND MIRACLE MINISTRY 1. The public is hereby notified that the above named organization has applied to corporate affairs Commission (CAC) for registration under past C of the companies and Allied matters Act 1 1990. THE TRUSTEE ARE 1. Pastor Ohakwe Okorie 3. Evangelist Kenneth Okorie 5. Rev. David Ogkogkwe

LIST OF ITEMS ARE : Toyota Camry Saloon Cars, Toyota Sequia Jeep, Nissan Primera, Peugeot 504 Saloon Cars, Volkswagen Combi Bus, Mitsubishi Jeep, Nissan Altima, Datsun C20 Bus, Honda Accord and Nissan Tiida

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

DATE OF INSPECTION : 18TH OF DECEMBER TO 29TH OF DECEMBER, 2015 DATE OF SALES : 30TH OF DECEMBER, 2015. VENUE : Ijebu - North Local Government Secretariat. Ijebu - Igbo ,Ogun State. TIME : 11.00am Prompt. For Further information Please Contact Auctioneer No 08025762256, 08094663239

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to certified that Shina Kabiru Ademola is the same one person as Ayinla Kabiru Ademola, that henceforth wish to be called and known as Ayinla Kabiru Ademola. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

There will be Public Auction of Unservicesable Vehicles of Ijebu - North local Government Council,Ogun State

CONDITION OF SALES : 1) The highest bidder shall be the Purchaser 2) Payment is Strictly by Cash 3) Purchases Must be backed with Ijebu - North local Government Council and Auctioneer Receipts 4) Removal of Vehicles Purchased is two Working days after Payment.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

2. Barr. P.C Onyenobi 4. Mrs. Osuagwu Tina 6. Mrs. O Magret

1. For the propagation of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 2. For organizing of seminars, workshops etc. 3. To empowers humanity and Assist the needies Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registration general corporation affairs commission plot 565 Ndola square Zone 5 Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed. Barrister P. Onyenobi

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as UCHENNA OKONGWU now wish to be known and addressed as UCHE MICHAEL. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

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

OGUEBIE : Formerly known as Oguebie, Princess Ogechukwu now wish to be known and address as Uzoamaka, Princess Ogechukwu. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Muh’d Muhammed now wish to be known and addressed as Ibrahim Mohammed. All former documents remain valid. GT Bank, Zenith Bank and General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

OKOJIE: I, formerly known and addressed as OKOJIE MARK ITUA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as CHARLES MONDAY OKPARA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

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

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nurat Abake Sodiq now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oguntolu Nurat Abake. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Amusa Olalekan Samson now wish to be known and addressed as Amusa Pewell Samson. All former documents remain valid. First bank and General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ADELANWA LAWRENCE ALABI, now wish to be known and addressed as ADELANWA ADEOYE ALABI. All former documents remain valid; Ogun State Pensions Board, Union Bank Plc, general public please take note

Formerly known and addressed as BADMUS SUFIANU, now wish to be known and addressed as SOKUNBI SUFIANU. All former documents remain valid; Skye Bank Plc, general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly addressed and known as Miss Aloko Modupe Mary now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Olajubutu Modupe Mary. All former documents remain valid, GTBank Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public should please take note.

Formerly known and called as Molebi Osunmo Lojiodo now wish to be addressed and called as Kayode Elizabeth Mojisola. All former documents remain valid, genera public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly addressed and known as Miss Faleye Olabisi Oladunni now wish to be addressed and known as Adewale Olabisi Oladunni. All former documents remain valid,general public should please take note.

Formerly known and called as Miss Adesoye Omotoyosi Ruth now wish to be addressed and known as Mrs Olagbaju Omotoyosi Ruth. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as ETIMBUK JACOB JOHNNY now wish to be known, called and addressed as ETIMBUK INYANG VICTOR. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note.

FAITH: I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS ESIVWENUGHWU EKIEMUTE FAITH, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS UNUODE BRORHIEN OKIEMUTE FAITH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID.GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ogechi Jude Abugu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mamah Ifeanyi samson and my date of birth is 11th August 1991. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Atserunboma O.V Emily, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emily Ogbeta Bolujo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note CHANGE OF NAME

DANKWALISA:Formerly known and addressed as YA’U DANKWALISA now wish to be known and addressed as YA’U DANMADAKI. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

IKECHUKWU: Formerly known and addressed as IKECHUKWU ONYIA now wish to be known and addressed as SUNDAY ONYIA. All Former Documents Remain Valid. General Public Take Note CHANGE OF NAME

ABDULKERIM: Formerly known and addressed as ABUBAKAR ABDULKERIM now wish to be known and addressed as ABDUL ABUBAKAR. All documents, records and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General Public Take Note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is the confirm that I, AJINO Toheeb Olatunji is one the. same person as Toheeb Olatunji. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

ADAMS: Formerly known and addressed as MISS BLESSING ADAMS now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BLESSING DANIEL MIEBI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note CHANGE OF NAME

EMMANUEL: Formerly known and addressed as BABATUNDE ONI now wish to be known and addressed as BABATUNDE ONI EMMANUEL. All Former Documents Remain Valid. General Public Take Note CHANGE OF NAME

MARYROSE: Formerly known and addressed as IFESINACHI UCHE now wish to be known and addressed as MARYROSE UCHE IFESINACHI. All Former Documents Remain Valid. General Public Take Note CHANGE OF NAME

UGBEDE: Formerly known and addressed as MISS ENEMADUKWU UGBEDE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ENEMADUKWU ELIZABETH. All documents, records and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General Public Take Note

Monday, December 21, 2015 CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that I Obioma Chinaemerem Nwabueze is the same and one person as Obioma Chiboy. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as NOSIRUDEEN YUSSUF OLATUNJI. now wish to be known and addressed as SANNI YUSSUF OLATUNJI . All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Prince Ikechukwu Benjamin now wish to be known and addressed as Okorie Ikechukwu Benjamin. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

To confirm that I am one and same person bearing SAMSON JOHN and EHI OCHO as obtainable in some of my documents.

CHANGE OF NAME

JIMOH: Formerly known and addressed as SADIQ MOMOH JIMOH now wish to be known and addressed as SEDIQ JAMIU. All documents, records and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General Public Take Note CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as miss Esan Victoria now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Olubor Victoria Temitayo all former documents remain valid Nigeria police Force and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

PETER: Formerly known and addressed as PETER UCHE DIOHA now wish to be known and addressed as AMADI UCHENNA. All former documents remain valid. UBA PLC and the general public take note CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as LATEEF AJIBOLA BELLO, now wish to be known and addressed as BLESSED ORIYOMI AJIBOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY MISS FADEYI AJOKE ABIOLA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN,CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS MRS OLASOJU AJOKE ABIOLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

OMOGORIOLA: Formerly known and addressed as Mr farouq Omogoriola ,now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Simone Omogoriowo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mr Sulaimon Oluwasegun now which to be known and addressed as Mr Sulaimon Segun Moshood. All former documents remain valid Ecobank and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

NZE: Formerly known and addressed as MISS NZE STEPHANIE CHUKWUDUBEM now wish to be known and addressed as MRS STEPHANIE NZE-OLUBIYI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that am the same person bearing Samaila Jonathan Samson and Jumma Ezekiel Samson. All former documents remain valid. First Bank, Skye Bank, U.B.A and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS HARRY HALL NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS HARRY ADETOLA, ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE, CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS ASOMUGHA OGOCHUKWU ONYINYE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EMENIKE OGOCHUKWU ONYINYE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

ALI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ALI PATIENCE UCHECHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EMMANUEL PATIENCE UCHECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME AMAKA: I, formerly known and addressed as MBAUKWU AMAKA SANDRA, now wish to be known and addressed as MBAUKWU NDIDI HOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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

UGWU: I, formerly known and addressed as UGWU CHINYERE MILLICENT, now wish to be known and addressed as ANEKE CHINYERE MILLICENT. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OGBE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OGBE IJEOMA VERONICA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NNAJI IJEOMA VERONICA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE COPIOUS CLUB Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named THE COPIOUS CLUB has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for registration under Part ‘ C ‘ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act CAP C20 LFN 2004. The Trustees are: 1. BELLO AKINGBADE

2. AYOADE FREDRICK KEHINDE

Aims and Objectives: 1. To engage in philanthropic activities. 2. To assist indigents students through scholarship. 3. To promote peace and orderliness in society. 4. To render financial assistance to hospitals, schools and other social institutions. 5. To encourage and sponsor sports activities. 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

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to confirm that okafor chiamaka, nwachukwu chiamaka , okafor chiemeka benardine and okafor chiemeka benardin belong to one and same person. All documents bearing these names to remain valid. General public take note

I Azubuike lzuchukwu lsaac wish to change my name to Ofohu lzuchukwu lsaac. All documents bearing the former name to remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Nwagwu: I formerly known as Nwagwu Edward Okechukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Nwagwu Valentine Ifeanyichukwu. All former document remain valid, PHCN,EKEDP,NLPC,FIRST BANK,(marina and broad Street branch) take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MRS. ADEDARA FUNMILAYO RACHEAL. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLOFIN FUNMILAYO RACHEAL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as Buzugbe Glory Oluwatobi Chioma, now wish to be known and addressed as Olaleye Oluwatobi Glory Chioma. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

BAMGBOSE: Formerly known and addressed as BAMGBOSE QUADRI TOSIN now wish to be known and addressed as BAMGBOSE QUADRI BUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I Formerly Known and addressed as Miss Olawumi Mercy Adenike now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oluwadare Mercy Adenike. All former documements remain valid,Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly mr Obasanya Sunday Taofeek Ayinla now mr Sunday Taofeek Ayinla all former documents remain valid First Bank Plc and General public note CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Koleosho Taiwo James now wish to be known, called and addressed as Taiwo James Ayo, All former documents remain valid. General public note CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as ALAO HAMMED AJIBOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as ALAO HAMMED AJIBADE, all former document remain valid. FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA and General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

ONYEISI: Formerly known and addressed as ONYEISI BONIFACE OBINNA now wish to be known and addressed as ONYEISI BONTUS ANNENCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Mrs Titiloye Rafat Olayinka now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Kadiri Rafat Olayinka. All former documents remain valid,Ekiti State Government and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly miss Abedi Olufunke Olabisi now mrs Ojo Olufunke Olabisi all former documents remain valid Bank of Agriculture of Nigeria Limited and General public note CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Matiluko Oluwasunkanmi Samson now to be known as Matiluko Oluwasunkan . All former documents remain valid. General public note CHANGE OF NAME

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Elizabeth Azu Owoh Odunsi and Elizabeth Utah Shaba is the same person as Elizabeth Utah. All former document bearing of the same names remain valid.General Public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME This is to confirm to the general public that I, SOFE SAMSON TANPINNU is one and same person referred to as HUNTON TAPINNU SAMSON. All former documents bearing the above names are valid. Ecobank, WEMA Bank and general public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OLORUNTOBI ADEOLA OKUNFEYIJIMI, now wish to be known and addressed as TOBI ADEOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Labaade Monisola Temilolu now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Alebiosu Ayobami Adenibi all former documents remain valid TASUED and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

EZIMUO: Formerly known and addressed as EZIMUO CHUKWUNEMELUM PETER now wish to be known and addressed as IFECHUKWU PETER CHUKWUNEMELUM CHIKE.. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.. CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Ogbo Chinelo Lucy now wish to be known and addressed as Ogbo Chinelo Helen all former documents remain valid Eco Bank Plc, Zenith Bank and general public take note CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY MISS ERINLE OLAYINKA ADENRETI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS LAWAL OLAYINKA ADENRETI FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Nwusulor Elizabeth Chioma now to be known as Akamu Elizabeth Chioma, All former documents remain valid general public notemi Desmond. General public remain valid general public note CHANGE OF NAME

UGWU: I, formerly known and addressed as UGWU IGNATIUS, now wish to be known and addressed as OKAFOR MBODE SYLVESTER. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NWODO: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NWODO ANN NDIDIAMAKA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANIODO ANN NDIDIAMAKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MICHEAL:I, formerly known and addressed as MICHEAL PHOEBE, now wish to be known and addressed as PHOEBE DANIEL. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME EKWUGHA: I, formerly known and addressed as EKWUGHA NDIDIAMAKA PATIENCE, now wish to be known and addressed as EGBOGU NDIDIAMAKA PATIENCE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OGBUISHI: I, formerly known and addressed as OGBUISHI CHARITY NKEMDILIM, now wish to be known and addressed as OGBU CHARITY NKEMDILIM. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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

JOSIAH: I, formerly known and addressed as JOSIAH JOY NKEIRUKA, now wish to be known and addressed as IKORO JOY NKEIRUKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ONYINYECHI:I, formerly known and addressed as OBI SONIA ONYINYECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as OBI SONIA GIFT. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NEW EARTH FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above Foundation has Applied to the Corporation Affairs Commission Abuja for Registration Under Part “c” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR. EMMANUEL GODMAN AMACHUKWU 2. MR. DIVINE AMECHI AZODO 3. MR. FREDRICK OGAMBA 4. MR. IKECHUKWU NWACHUKWU 5. MR. KENECHUKWU DAVID 6. BARR. UGO BEN CHIGOZIE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. The Recovery and restoration of MAN, MARRIAGE AND MINISTRY, for the evolution of a new EARTH built on the foundation of LOVE, PEACE, JOY and RIGHTEOUSNESS, where God recovers his purpose for creating mankind, which is an eternal and divine relationship between God and man

CHANGE OF NAME

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

Signed:

Mr Emmanuel Godman Amachukwu Chairman

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as miss Ogunbanjo Ayisat Abolanle now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Temola Ayisat Abolanle all former documents remain valid NSCDC and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

AKINBOYE: Formerly known and addressed as AKINBOYE JULIUS SADIAT now wish to be known and addressed as FASERU JULIUS BABATOPE. . All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MUHAMMED AYODEJI JEGEDE, now wish to be known and addressed as KAZEEM AYODEJI JEGEDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY NDUDIM EJIKE ONYEKWERE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN, CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS NDUDIM ELIJAH EJIKE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Nwusulor Elizabeth Chioma now to be known as Akamu Elizabeth Chioma, All ormer documents remain valid general public note CHANGE OF NAME

ANINGO: I, formerly known and addressed as ANINGO CHRISTIANA NGOZI now wish to be known and addressed as ANINGO CHRISTIANA OGECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

IGWE: I, formerly known and addressed as IGWE EZENWA KEPHAS, now wish to be known and addressed as KEPHAS SUNDAY IGWEEZENWA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

ANENE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANENE JANE IFUNANYA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKAFOR LINUS JENNIFER IFUNANYA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

AGU: I, formerly known and addressed as AGU NKEMDILIM EMMANUELLA, now wish to be known and addressed as NWAGU NKEMDILIM EMMANUELLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

AMUTA: I, formerly known and addressed as MR EMMANUEL EJIKE AMUTA, now wish to be known and addressed as MR EMMANUEL GODMAN AMACHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of loss of Original certificate of Occupancy with plot No 267 situate at Premier Layout Ago Owo Ogui Nike Enugu, belonging to Onunze Monday, Got lost. All efforts made to retrieve this said document proved abortive. If found contact the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development Enugu

ALI: I, formerly known and addressed as ALHAJI ALI, now wish to be known and addressed as ALHAJI SALISU YAKUBU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

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.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olajori Afusat Titilope Dasola now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs.Adesanya Olajori Afusat Titilope. All former documents remain valid. The general public, please take note.

Formerly Augustine Ebitoi and Ebitoi Augustine now wish to be known and called OJUJOH EBITOI FRANCIS . All former documents remain valid. U.B.A Bank and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly OLUBORODE FOLASADE KUDIRAT now wish to be known and called WASIU SADE. All former documents remain valid. DIAMOND bank, FIRST bank and general public take note

Monday, December 14, 2015

I really didn’t wish to see Jose go. But I was helpless because the results were just not coming in

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Tough time awaits Dream team VI in Rio –Lawal

–CHELSEA OWNER, ROMAN ABRAMOVICHWW

CHAN, home Eagles’ big opportunity to progress, says Onobi

ome-based Super Eagles midfielder, Paul Onobi believes a positive outing at the African Nations Championship in Rwanda will give more opportunities to the Nigerian league players to stake claims for shirts in the main Super Eagles side. Overseas based stars have in recent

past dominated the Super Eagles squad with successive coaches preferring them to the home-based players. Current handler of the side, Sunday Oliseh recently started three home-based players in Nigeria’s 2018 World Cup qualifying game against Swaziland, with Onobi who plays for Glo Premier League side,

Sunshine Stars preferred in midfield ahead of Chelsea star, John Obi Mikel. Onobi who is expected to play a key role for the Eagles who booked their place in the 2016 CHAN after a 2-0 aggregate win against Burkina Faso, expects the number to increase especially if they can go far in Rwanda.

“Playing in the CHAN is a big opportunity for us to prove what we are capable of,” Onobi began. “It was nice to start the game against Swaziland with two of my colleagues in the starting line-up. “Who knows what will happen if we do well in the competition.”

Copa Lagos: Sand Eagles finish second position

igeria’s Super Sand Eagles ended up in second place for the second successive year and behind Ivory Coast at the Copa Lagos Beach Soccer. The Nigerians eased past Lebanon 7-4 in the final game of the beach soccer tournament at the Eko Atlantic City yesterday. It was Abu Azeez who set the tone for the Nigerians as he had done in their previous two matches.The Warri Wolves play maker scored in the first minute against the Lebanese. Ahmed Grada pulled Lebanon level three minutes later and his teammate Mohamed Merhi fired in a free kick past Nigerian goalkeeper Olalekan Oladepo to give the Asians a 2-1 lead. Sand Eagles captain Victor Tale

then scored twice in two minutes to restore his team’s one-goal before Merhi once again netted from a free kick to even the score at 3-3. Ifeanyi Onuigbo, playing in his first beach soccer competition, netted Nigeria’s fourth just before the end of the first period. Nigeria started the second period with a goal lead, and Azeez produced two excellent moments to increase the lead of the Sand Eagles. The Wolves striker scored from an overhead kick and then from a composed finish to give Nigeria a 6-3 lead at the end of the second period. Lebanon began the third period with Merhi scoring after Grada’s effort grazed the woodwork and bounced back into play.

The final period proved to be a struggle of some sorts for both teams but Azeez capped the day as he started when he scored Nigeria’s seventh goal of the game in the last minute

to kill off any resistance from Lebanon. Earlier in the day, the Ivorians retained their Copa Lagos title by defeating England 6-4 in a tight contest.

Sports

Monday, December 21, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Laliga: Madrid win 10- 2 as Bale scores 4

G Ighalo

Ighalo S

uper Eagles forward Odion Ighalo continued his goalscoring form as he grabbed two goals in Watford’s 3-0 home win against Liverpool yesterday. Ighalo has now scored in four successive Premier League games, equaling Troy Deeney’s record for Watford earlier in the season. The Nigeria striker has also

Messi, Suarez score as Barca claim third Club World Cup title

arcelona have won the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup after defeating Argentine side River Plate 3-0 in Sunday’s final. Lionel Messi, who missed Barcelona win against Guangzhou Evergrande due to illness, scored the first goal in the 36th minute. Luiz Suarez doubled Bacelona’s lead when he struck on 49 minutes. Suarez grabbed his second and Barcelona’s third to secure a 3-0 win.

Nets 12th League goal as Watford spank Liverpool

scored five goals in his last four games at Watford’s Vicarage Road. Nathan Ake, on loan from Chelsea, shot Watford into the lead as early as the third minute. In the 15th minute, Ighalo got on the score sheet off a Troy Deeney assist to make it 2-0 for Watford. On 41 minutes, Liverpool lost Martin Skrtel to injury, and he was

replaced by Divock Origi. And with two minutes left, Ighalo put the game beyond doubt by heading in Watford’s third. The former Granada forward has now scored 12 Premier League goals this season. The win now sees Watford move up to seventh place in the league table.

Suarez Messi

The win now sees Barcelona claim their third FIFA Club World Cup title. In the third place match that was decided prior to the final, Sanfrecce Hiroshima beat Guangzhou Evergrande 2-1. Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Paulinho have Guangzhou a fourth minute lead. But a brace from Douglas in the 70th and 83rd minute gave Sanfrecce Hiroshima the win.

a r e t h B a l e scored four goals as Real Madrid hit nine-man Rayo Vallecano for double figures Bale in a re-

markable game. Bale levelled with a header before Raul Baena was sent off in conceding a penalty which Cristiano Ronaldo scored. As the game opened up, Bale added three more, Ronaldo scored a second and Karim Benzema netted a hat-trick - including number 10. Real boss Rafael Benitez has been under pressure after losing three of their last five La Liga games. But it remains to be seen if the farcical circumstances of their win over neighbours Rayo will ease much of that, as they were playing poorly before the sendings off. It was the first time they hit double figures in a La Liga match since 1960, when they beat Elche 11-2. Real remain two points off leaders Barcelona and

Atletico Madrid, who both have a game in hand. Gareth

Bale was brought off for full-back Arvalo Arbeloa with 16 minutes left Real Madrid’s win will never be forgotten by anyone who watched the game - but remarkably Benitez will still be under pressure. Whistles were ringing out at the Bernabeu from unhappy home fans at 1-1 - moments before Jozabed put Madrid minnows Rayo into the lead. But the game changed when Tito was deservedly sent off for a dangerous studs-up, two-footed tackle on Toni Kroos. And after Ronaldo made it 3-2 from the spot against nine men in the 30th minute, double figures always felt as a possibility as Real were able to launch attack after attack with limited options in defence for Rayo.

Lampard gets Marries in London

Lampard and wife

rank Lampard officially became a husband on Saturday after he tied the knot with Christine Bleakly in an intimate ceremony in London. Former Chelsea star Lampard and his new wife shared their first kiss as husband and wife, as they left the church together following

the ceremony. Looking over the moon to be officially married, Christine smiled happily at her husband as their star guests gathered around them for photos. Some of the highprofile guests at the wedding included former CNN anchor Piers Morgan, Ant and Dec, and the Redknapps.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Monday, December 21, 2015

Lawal

Tension as Taekwondoists back NTF board’s decision to remove president Joel AJAyi ABUJA

undreds of Taekwondoists drawn from various parts of the country are clamouring for the return of Taekwondo among grade one sports in Nigeria, as Nigeria yearn for quality representation during next year’s Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. The athletes, who made their intention known when they launched a solidarity protest in front of the office of Minister of Sports and Youths Development, Barrister Solomon Dalung explained that their desire was to get quality leadership within the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, NTF Board.

The athletes had different messages written on their placards which read “ We stand by the board decision”, Democracy at work, divided by tribe, united by Taekwondo, NSC code of governance is clear, let democracy prevail in taekwondo, No politics with our medals”, among others. Explaining what triggered their action, one of the athletes Sani Lawal said “the decision of the board is what we stand on. The board has impeached the former president and they followed due process. They equally following the code of governance set up by the Sports Commission and we are solidly behind them. “All we want is a new President; we are tired of Mr. Ashiru. We want a president that has foresight for Taekwondo. We are

tired of being neglected even while we are in camp preparing for competitions. Another athlete from the Federal Capital Territory, Abdulmukiti Abuldulahi quipped “We are just coming from Lagos. There is uproar in Lagos and this has generally affected other business. “All we are saying is that we are standing by the board’s decision because we want something to be done in a way that is not politicised, the president has been removed and there is no going back.” Dalung who was represented by Permanent Secretary Christian Oha asked the protesting athletes to capture their grievances in a written form with a promise to attend to their entire request

LMC to help protesting FC Taraba players PAul erewubA

layers of FC Taraba who have laid siege at the gate of Taraba State Government House might get some reprieve as they enter day seven of protest for their unpaid salaries. The players have been sleeping in front of the premises of the government house in Jalingo demanding their entitlement which has not been paid for the past 11 months. Braving harsh weather conditions, the players have resolved not to leave until they are paid. Last Friday, Linus Adams, one of the players lost his two-week-old because he could not afford medical care. Adams, a former Kaduna United player, is among those demanding to be paid and his inability to provide fund for his daughter’s treatment led to her unfortunate death. The Chairman of the League Management Company, Shehu Dikko, said he was aware of the loss of Adams’s daughter and was saddened by the development. Dikko said the LMC was doing its best to make sure that the

issue is resolved so that the players can leave the premises of the government house and return to their families for the festive period. “It’s really unfortunate this is happening now. No one in the LMC is happy and we are doing our best to remedy the situa- FC Taraba players tion,” he said. “My condolences to the player and his family. It’s an unfortunate thing. It’s not only his loss but a loss to everyone in the football fraternity. “We are in constant touch with the Taraba State Government to see how we can resolve this as soon as possible and we are also looking at other ways to alleviate the situation.” Dikko also revealed that he is in contact with the FC Taraba management and working out modalities to see that the players get some soft-landing pending when the government releases the funds for the players to be

paid. Dikko revealed that only the players registered by the club for the 2014/15 Glo Premier League season will receive money from the LMC. “I have a long list of players with me sent by the management of FC Taraba, but we can’t pay everyone on the list,” he said. “We have 34 players registered by FC Taraba for the season and those are the ones that we are going to pay, those are the ones we have on our records and we are going to pay them accordingly.”

Tough time awaits Dream team VI in Rio –Lawal Mercy JAcob

ormer Super Eagles midfielder, Garba Lawal has advised the Samson Siasia led Dream Team who won the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations in Senegal not to be carried away with their recent victory as tough time awaits them in Rio Olympics. Lawal in an interview with National Mirror said the U 23 team would not have easy ride in the Olympics, adding that they should train more. “The boys had a very brilliant outing and they performed wonderfully well, for me it is not about Africa but the Olympics. Olympics is quite different from being African Champion, there is a very wide gap that is why there is a need for the boys not to relax because there are many hurdles waiting them in Brazil next year. “For the team to succeed in Olympics the coach needs to fortified his team with some foreign and over aged players who are good and experienced ,because winning an African competition does not mean all the players are good. Besides other countries are seriously preparing ahead of time that is why is not going to be easy for Nigeria. The boys need to be focused and stop celebrating their victory knowing that there is a big task ahead of them.” He, however pleaded with the Nigeria Football Federation {NFF) to arrange qualityfriendly games for the boys before the commencement of the Olympics to enable them blend very well.

WORLD RECORD

First people to reach the north pole

N150

Vol. 05 No. 1267 Monday, December 21, 2015

The first person to reach the North Pole has long been a matter of controversy and debate between two American explorers, and their supporters

Cry, my beloved country people! For over 50 years, we have celebrated every military or civilian regime only to lose patience and fall into depression – Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah ishop Matthew Hassan Kukah could not have put better our present sense of déjà vu over the state of our dear country. Every discerning Nigerian would have no difficulty understanding the context in which the amiable, cerebral and radicalized clergy, made the above assertion. Indeed, with both the civilians and military being in charge of the affairs of Nigeria at different times, and with all of them ending up messing up our lives and country, there is a sense in concluding that the beautiful ones are not yet born in our clime. The military in particular would always want us to believe theirs were corrective regimes to repair the damage done by the civilians. We have since known better. But such pessimism would be a disservice to incumbent President Muhammadu

HeartBeat Callistus Oke

Callistusoke@nationalmirroronline.net 08054103275 (SMS ONLY) anthonykila@mail.com Buhari, who many believe has shown cast iron resolve to positively redirect the country to arrest the current drift. It is true we have had 16 years plus of unbroken civil rule that have witnessed the expectations of Nigerians being dampened by certain unwholesome developments that put serious question marks on the efficacy of democracy as a form of government. However, the current administration has demonstrated a sense of purpose and mission; and it has shown courage in addressing certain fundamental perversions in the polity, especially the cancerous corruption destroying the country. Mr. President’s recreation of Nigeria’s socioeconomic and political order since May 29, 2015 has engendered forces that have impacted on the consciousness of the people, especially discerning Nigerians. A reconstruction of our mindsets to deconstruct old orthodoxies and stereotypes is on. Simply put, Buhari’s ongoing probe of the past is like opening the proverbial Pandora’s Box to release the entrails of corruption canned by privileged Nigerians in the corridors of power. We have listened to the swansongs of members of the ancien regime, yesterday’s highly placed men singing like canaries, the details of their shocking shenanigans that reverberate across the world. The revelations made so far are, to say the least, mind boggling. The most profound fallout is that Nigerians are more informed about the shenanigans carried out in the exercise

NOW, I KNOW THE ANGER EXPRESSED

BY FELA ANIKULAPO

KUTI IN HIS EVERGREEN ‘AUTHORITY STEALING AND VAGABONDS IN POWER’ of state power in their country. The most touchy of it all is the massive pillage of the country using the cover of security provisioning meant to address the Boko Haram challenge. Trillions of naira are involved, some borrowed. The time has really come for us to put in perspective this Boko Haram conundrum. While not denying a challenge posed by a band of misguided irredentists, it is now very obvious that Boko Haram might have been exploited by people close to former President Goodluck Jonathan to commit economic rape on the country. Which explains, why despite the trillions of naira budgeted for security since 2010, Nigeria’s military power has declined in geometric progression that it could not suck in the fire power from the rag tag band! We now understand where the money went. The various acts of commission and omission of those who have colluded to set the country many years backward, will take time to right. They are the reasons Ni-

geria was unable to defend the north east region, the epicenter of the Boko Haraminduced insurgency; they were the reason the great Nigerian Army could chicken out of war and our soldiers shun the war front; they were the reason thousands of innocent Nigerians were killed in cold blood as the country showed demonstrable lack of capacity to protect them; and they were they reason scarce resources are to be redeployed for the rebuild of a region whose total economy has been destroyed. In the face of this harrowing development, many have taken a mechanistic approach to understanding the prevalence of crass materialism and greed as pop culture of the ruling political elite. I have seen very many jaundiced analyses of what is unarguably a monstrous rape of the country. I have seen the scramble for the briefs of those who have collectively presided over the destruction of Nigeria. Those who have watched television footages of courtrooms’ theatrics during the arraignments of the indictees will weep for the country. For many of our ‘big men’, obsession with filthy lucre has replaced collective resistance of the assaults on our national values. When I sit down to ponder over this serial rape, I appreciate the literary efforts of the likes of Kenyan author, Ngg wa Thiong’o in Weep Not, Child, or the white South African author, Alan Stewart Paton, in Cry, the Beloved Country. Now, I know the anger expressed by Fela Anikulapo Kuti in his evergreen ‘Authority Stealing and V.I.P (Vagabonds in Power)’. And Gani Fawehinmi’s restiveness and indomitability now make better sense to me. Someone once asked me why Nigerians fence sit in the face of collective threat to their existence and wellbeing. For answer, I quoted Dele Giwa’s famous quote: “Nigerians are unshockable”! Next week, I will do exhortation on the new humiliation of asking Nigerians to bring their generator tanks to filling stations to buy fuel! This is taking impunity too far.

Sport Extra

NFF to reconstitute standing committees

he Nigeria Football Federation will soon reconstitute its standing committees and judicial bodies, which were dissolved at the end of the 71st NFF Annual

General Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday. In dissolving the committees and the judicial bodies, NFF President Amaju Pinnick said the objective was to rejuve-

nate them and reinvigorate the administration of football in the country. “The committees and judicial bodies are very critical to the administration of football in the land.

They make most of the recommendations that inform all the decisions and policies of the Executive Committee. “We dissolved them in order to carefully recon-

stitute them, and thereby reinvigorate the administration of football in the country.” The NFF has 18 standing committees and two judicial bodies.

Amaju-Pinnick Emenike

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