Monday, december 7, 2015 new by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Wada rejects Kogi guber election result OBIORA IFOH AND WALE IBRAHIM

eoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday rejected the declara-

Vol. 5 N0. 1259

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NASS to probe CBN on forex allocation to oil marketers

national resources and ridiculous shadow-chasing, the action of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in declaring Bello as Kogi State gov-

tion of All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, Yahaya Bello, as winner of Kogi State gubernatorial election. The party described as a waste of time, scarce

Monday, December 7, 2015

THE

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

P.5

Free Fre e inside insi nsid ide de

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Dickson leads as PDP, APC condemn Bayelsa poll ...PDP raises alarm over alleged attempt to rig

OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

APC calls for cancellation of results in two LGAs

DP candidate, Governor Seriake Dickson, is leading in the results released so far by INEC in six local government areas of Bayelsa State in the gubernatorial election conducted on Saturday. The result as announced by collating officers shows that PDP won in Yenagoa, Ekeremor, Kolokuma/Opokuma and Sagbama local government areas, while APC won in Brass local govCONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

NLC threatens showdown if states reduce wage P.4

Women celebrating the victory of Kogi Governor-elect, Mr Yahaya Bello, in Lokoja, yesterday.

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UPDATED 30/10/2015

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Monday, December 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wada rejects Kogi governorship election result CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ernor-elect. INEC had declared Bello, the substituted gubernatorial candidate of APC Kogi State governor-elect, after the supplementary election that took place in 91 polling units across the 18 local governments of the state on Saturday. Announcing the result in Lokoja yesterday, Returning Officer for Kogi State Gubernatorial Election, Prof. Emmanuel Yenube Kucha stated that Bello scored 247,752 to emerge winner, while Captain Idris Wada of the PDP polled 204,877 to come second. He stated that total registered eligible voters stood at 1,379,971, while 526,389 voters were accredited for the election. Prof. Kucha recalled that the November 21 gubernatorial poll was declared inconclusive because election was cancelled in 91 polling units with a total of 49,953 registered voters as result of violence, stressing that the margin between the two leading candidates then was less than the total vote cancelled in the affected polling units across 18 local government areas. He stated that the result of the supplementary election was thereafter merged with the result of the 21 November election. Earlier, the returning officer, who is also the Vice Chancellor, University Agriculture, Makurdi, announced the result of the supplementary election, with APC polling 6,885, while PDP had 5,363, out of the 13,000 votes cast.

After careful additions of figures, Prof. Kucha read out the result of each of the 22 candidates that contested the governorship election as follows, Dickson F. Fred, Accord Party, 206; Isah Yakubu, AA, 120; Ukwuanya Musa, ACD, 480; Michael Abdullahi, AD, 168. Others are Usman Zainab, ADC, 707; Odoluku Cosmas Shalif, APA, 1,995; Yahaya Bello, APC, 247,752; Akwu Umar Goodman, APGA, 1,040; Yinka Jerry Oloruntoba, CPP, 608; Philip Ezekiel Koleopla, DPC, 465; Abdulahi Ibrahim, DPP, 469. Ibrahim Adejoh, ID, 179; Raji Ogirima, KOWA, 136; Dr Philip Omeiza Ozovehe Salawu, LP, 8,761, NPC 531; NNPP 290; PDC 895; Captain Idris Ichalla Wada, PDP

204,877; Emaanuel Enesi Ozigi, PPA, 3,048; PPM 239; SDP 90 and UDP 107. He pointed out that 472,983 was valid votes, while rejected votes was 21, 740 and total votes cast was 494, 723. “I hereby certified that I was the returning officer for Kogi State governorship election. That Yahaya Bello of All Progressives Congress, APC, having scored highest votes is hereby declared as winner,” he stressed Kucha also stated that 3,342 votes were cancelled in four local government areas, Dekina, Ibaji, Lokoja and Omala. But PDP agent for the election, Joe Agada raised objection as to why INEC did not display the posters of Bello and his deputy at

its headquarters. Agada also drew the attention of INEC and all officials to the fact that Bello has no deputy, following the withdrawal of James Abiodun Faleke, even as he showed a copy of the withdrawal letter. However, INEC National Commissioner, Hajia Zainab Zakari told the PDP agent that unless the party notify the Commission, Faleke remains the deputy governor-elect. She noted that it was a party affair and INEC has no right to dabble into it. But reacting to the declaration, PDP said INEC, in its bid to satisfy the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC Federal Government, succeeded only in making a mockery of itself and the

entire electoral process, by trying to illegally install an individual who, apart from not being a valid candidate, scored, under his name, a paltry 6,885 votes in the supplementary election as against the 204,877 votes polled by its candidate in the overall election. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh in a statement yesterday said: “The action of INEC in trying to transfer the votes earlier garnered by the dead APC candidate, Prince Audu Abubakar to another individual is completely impractical and alien to the nation’s constitution and the Electoral Act. “The declaration by INEC that one Yahaya Bello polled the highest number of votes is an embarrass-

ing travesty of the nation’s democracy and electoral process. Not only that this individual is not in any way a valid candidate in the election, he also did not score the overall votes declared against his name by INEC and cannot be declared winner under any circumstance within the provisions of our laws. “The provisions of the constitution and the electoral act are clear to the effect that with the unfortunate death of Prince Abubakar Audu before the conclusion of the election, and the fact that the laws do not permit the replacement of candidates once the balloting has commenced, the APC crashed out of the race, leaving the PDP candidate, Governor

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (right); Borno State Deputy Governor Usman Mamman Dwikwa (2nd left) addressing victims of Boko Haram at Bama IDP Camp in Maiduguri during the Minister’s visit to Bama, on Saturday.

Dickson leads as PDP, APC condemn Bayelsa poll CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ernment area. In Yenagoa APC scores 14, 563, PDP, 24,258 and PDM, (451); Kolokuma/ Opokuma, APC (6,896), PDP (7,619), PDM (137); Ekeremor, APC (7,918), PDP (14,603), PDM (44). Others are Brass, APC (21,755), PDP (6516), Sagbama, APC (5,382), PDP (28,934) and PDM (406) In total, PDP has 81,514 to APC’s 56,929 Results for the other three local governments are still being expected and they are Ogbia, Nembe and Southern Ijaw.

As Bayelsans awaits the results of Saturday’s governorship election in the state, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday raised the alarm over alleged attempts by All Progressives Congress, APC, to use officials of government in Abuja, to rig the rescheduled election in troubled Southern Ijaw local government. Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had on Saturday announced the cancellation and postponement of polls in Southern Ijaw and about 25 units in three other local governments in state. The electoral umpire

had hinged its decision on alleged disturbance and violence in Southern Ijaw, where about five persons were feared dead. Though, police authorities yesterday dismissed the report that five persons lost their lives, the state acting Chairman of PDP, Chief Serena Dokubo-Spiff, alleged that there was a grand plot by APC to rig the poll in favour of its candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva. At a press conference in Yenagoa with some national chieftains of the party, which include National Vice Chairman, South, Mr. Cairo Ojuogbo and the Senator

representing Bayelsa West, Foster Ogola, Dokubo-Spiff said APC is doing anything possible to rig the election in favour of its candidate. He claimed that APC has resorted to using federal might to swing the pendulum of the election to favour Sylva in the remaining local government area and twenty five units in three local governments. Dokubo-Spiff also alleged that Sylva had already gone to Abuja to consult with some senior government officials on how to perfect the rigging to give him an edge over Governor Seriake Dickson. Dokubo-Spiff said: “The

elections are going on and every responsible candidate should be at the theatre. The candidate for the APC, Chief Timipre Sylva, is in Abuja, having consultations with senior government officials who are giving directive to the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state. “As a result of this development, the REC himself, as we speak is in Amassoma, taking steps and giving directive that accreditation and voting should go on simultaneously which is outside the norm. “We have told you about the huge logistics challenges and that to go from one point

to another in Southern Ijaw, will take about three and four hours. So, how do we expect the normal electoral process to be undertaken? “In the event, we the PDP hereby say that is irregular, it is improper, it is unacceptable, we will resist it; we will not accept it. We must commit to do the right thing in this country. We will not accept it. “The REC should be seen to do the right thing; he must not do the wrong thing at all. How can he say accreditation and voting must go on simultaneously in a place CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, December 7, 2015

PRINCE ADEYEYE

ENITAN OGUNWUSI Ooni of IFE

ADEYEYE ENITAN OGUNWUSI

Photo News

Monday, December 7, 2015

L-R: Senior Cabin Crew member, Arik Air, Helen Akabunwa; Winner of #ArikCares Gift Campaign, Beatrice Nkechi Ezegwu and HR, Advisor Arik Air, Annette Egwaikhide, during the presentation of Harman Kardon Wireless Speakers to Mrs. Beatrice Nkechi Ezegwu over the weekend. PHOTO: ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA

L-R: Past President, Rotary Club of Kakuri, Mr Matthew Enohuean; representative of the Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Musa Zakari, receiving Rotary Award for Service to Humanity on behalf of NEMA DG, Muhammad Sidi, from the President, Rotary Club of Kakuri, Mr Oludare Odele in Kaduna on Saturday.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Guest, Seyi Macaulay; celebrant/former Photo Editor, Daily Times Nigeria, Most Senior Apostle Raphael Babatunde Awoniyi; his wife Most Senior Mother in Israel, Mrs. Cecelia Titilayo and former Lagos State Governorship Aspirant/Former Managing Director, Gateway City, Architect Kayode Anibaba, during the 70th Birthday celebrations of Most Senior Apostle Raphael Babatunde Awoniyi in Lagos,at the weekend.

L-R: Vice Chairman, Board of Governors, Olashore International School, Prince Taiwo Olashore; Vice President, Channels IT Nigeria, Mr Inderter Singh; Chairman, Board of Governors, Olashore International School, Prince Abimbola Olashore; Director, Institute of Education, Ireland, Mr Andrew Kearns and Principal, Olashore International School, Mr Derek Smith, during the signing of MoU between Olashore International School and the Ireland Government on Education, at the weekend.

National News

NLC threatens showdown if states reduce wage N igeria Labour Congress, NLC, has called on state councils and industrial union affiliates to be prepared for a showdown with any state government that attempts to reduce the national minimum wage. The call was contained in a statement issued by NLC President, Mr Ayuba Wabba, in Abuja yesterday. The statement said Governor Abdulaziz Yari, Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF,had insinuated plans by state governors to reduce the N18, 000 national minimum wage. It noted that Yari, who is also the governor of Zamfara State, had said if there was no reduction in the national wage, the states would embark on massive retrenchment of workers. “Congress is convinced that Governor Yari is still holding on to his earlier argument, that due to the fall in the price of crude oil at the international market, state governments are

no longer in the position to pay the legal minimum wage to their workers. “The Nigeria Labour Congress wishes to categorically affirm that the path our governors are headed can only lead to one outcome; a head-on collision with Nigerian workers and Nigerian people,” the statement said. It noted that the minimum wage was the minimum salary a worker was envisaged to earn to sustain himself and dependants over a daily or

monthly period. “In simple arithmetic terms, N18, 000 divided by six persons over 30 days amounts to N100 per day per person or N600 for the six persons per day. “This amount is expected to feed six people daily while they have to find some amount from the same wage for accommodation, healthcare, transportation, education, among others,” the statement said. It said the political elite did not find anything

wrong in earning uniform wages and allowances across board irrespective of the state of natural endowments. “No amount of preaching or threat from any quarters would stop the congress from insisting on an enforceable national minimum wage. “We commend the governors of Edo, Rivers, Jigawa and Ekiti states and others who have dissociated themselves from the insensitive and economically illogical campaign by the chairman

of the Governors’ Forum. “The campaign to discard the 2011 National Minimum Wage Act or on the alternative throw more workers into the already saturated unemployment market is totally unacceptable,” the statement said. It called on the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to call their governors to order. It said any attempt to renege on the payment of the

N18, 000 national minimum wage or engage in mass sack of workers in states would throw the country into industrial disharmony. “This will result to chaos either now or as we enter the New Year in 2016. “The Minimum Wage Act of 2010 which legitimises the negotiated N18, 000 is part of the laws of the federation. “Nigerian workers will defend the rule of law, including the Minimum Wage Law,” the statement added.

Saraki lobbies French parliament on security, economy

enate President Bukola Saraki has called on the French government to be more decisive in supporting Nigeria’s war against terrorism, particularly the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, A statement from Yusuph Olaniyonu, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President of

the Senate, yesterday, said Saraki made the call during a meeting with President of the French Senate, Senator Gerard Larcher. It said the duo met at the COP21 Globe Parliamentary meeting in Paris and that Saraki urged the French government to step up and assist former colonies in West Africa. He urged France to

strengthen the existing trade relations with Nigeria, while also supporting the ongoing efforts to rebuild the Nigerian economy and infrastructure. He also canvassed Frances’ support for the completion of Lake Chad project aimed at ameliorating the environmental challenge in the North East region. While commiserating

with the French people on the recent terrorist attack on the country, Saraki said insurgency was a threat not only to Nigeria but also to other African countries as well as a danger to French interests in West Africa. He noted that France’s cooperation was needed in intelligence sharing, provision of manpower as well as material support to over-

whelm the insurgents. The Senate president also solicited the help of France for the more than two million internally displaced persons in the country. Saraki further called for the establishment of a Nigeria-French Forum to address insecurity, trade and other areas of mutual interest.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

UDEME AKPAN

ational Assembly has indicated its readiness to discuss with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, over alleged inadequate foreign exchange allocation to oil marketers in the country. This is with a view to increasing foreign exchange for fuel imports. Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Senator Uche Ekwunife, gave this hint at the weekend during the Committee’s visit to some petroleum depots in Lagos. The lawmaker, who said the planned parley with the apex regulatory banking institution became necessary in order to enable marketers import adequate fuel, disclosed that the essence of the oversight function of the committee was to investigate ongoing fuel scarcity in spite of the pronouncement by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, that the product was available in the country According to her, the Senate is to engage CBN on the possibility of opening a special window for petroleum marketers to access forex, which had remained a major challenge to them in the past. The Senator expressed the lawmakers’ concern over the lingering fuel scar-

News

Monday, December 7, 2015

National Assembly to probe CBN on forex allocation to oil marketers city, noting however that most marketers have not been importing petrol owing to the myriad of hiccups in the procurement of forex to bring in products. She assured: “As soon as we get back to Abuja ,we shall engage the top hierarchy of CBN to get a first hand report from them on how to address the paucity of forex to marketers as well as their plans on how to facilitate forex to them.” The Senator said Nigerians expecting a major relief of the fuel crisis after the passage of the supplementary appropriation bill for subsidy claims of marketers would be amazed that the product is still not available in the right quantity. According to her, investigations by the committee had shown that payment of the subsidy claims was no assurance of product availability as marketers are facing an herculean task getting forex to import even as most of them had opened several letters of credit and awaiting forex warranty by CBN. Ekwunife appealed to NIPCO to increase its loading trucks so as to cushion the effect of the scarcity

and support government in ensuring availability of petrol to the people on time. She said: “We cannot continue to have scarcity in the country when depot owners have what it takes to discharge products. “All depots should beef up their loading capacities to reflect on the common people struggling to buy the product at filling

stations. “We must ensure that product gets to the end-users and all depots should also build truck parks that will contain many trucks to avoid parking on the highways.” NIPCO’s Managing Director, Mr. Venkataraman Venkatapathy, said the company would continue to support government’s

efforts to ensure availability of petroleum products across the country. Venkatapathy, who explained that the company had been doing this through its depot operations, branded stations and independent marketers’ outlets that loaded from the terminal, said petroleum products had been loaded at government ap-

like Southern Ijaw that has geographical component as far flung as from here to Siberia? It is not right, we fear that there is intending plot to do mischief, that will not be accepted. We are saying this emphatically for purpose of the records.” The PDP chairman, who narrated how he was gruesomely attacked in his home in Twon-Brass, accused the police of looking the other way when he alerted them of his ordeal, which lasted for more than two hours. He said the hoodlums, said to be APC members, held him hostage, and beat him to stupor resulting in his being admitted in a hospital in Brass. While saying PDP would resist any plot to rig the election, Dokubo-Spiff noted that the state and national working committees of the party were irrevocably committed to ensuring that the election

was conducted properly. “We will not accept any irregularity. Enough is enough,” he warned. The party’s national leadership also raised the same alarm. In a statement by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party said: “This rigging is being coordinated by the same Army Major who supervised the killings yesterday. The Major has handed most of the sensitive materials to APC agents to fill and return as results in the evening. “Southern Ijaw Local Government Area is the largest in the state and the APC wants to use this scheme to inflate result figures in favour of their candidate.” But earlier in another press briefing, police authorities, speaking on the disruption of election in Southern Ijaw by some hired thugs, had insisted that nobody was

proved depot rates. He urged government to also focus on the area of gas, especially in the realm of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as vehicular fuel, pointing out that such a measure would save the nation and its citizenry the hardships always associated with the importation of liquid petroleum products.

L-R: Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Oyo -Ita; Permanent Secretary Budget , Nana Fatima Mede; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Minister of Budget and Planing, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma and Minister of State, Zainab Ahmed, during 2016 Budget Clean Up Interactive Session with MDAs on the Zero-based Budgeting Template in Abuja, on Saturday.

Dickson leads as PDP, APC condemn Bayelsa poll CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

killed in the area as reported by some media. Deputy Inspector General of Police, Hashimu Argungun, who brief newsmen, confirmed the arrest of 10 persons involved in connection to the violence. The DIG said: “Yesterday, INEC officials and security agencies met and agreed that the only local government, Southern Ijaw, where election could not take place due to logistic problems and other few areas where the election could not take place, election will take place today Sunday, December 6th, 2016. “The report that some people were killed cannot be confirmed as corpses of the purported dead persons cannot be traced and their particulars could not be obtained from any source. “Information at my disposal is that there was no death in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.”

He described the stories of killings as mere rumors, adding that rumors are mere psychological projections. He said the command recovered five AK47 rifles and one berretta pistol from some hoodlums, noting all the arrest made were in connection to possession of firearms and other related electoral violence On Governor Dickson breaching the electoral law by going to Okpoama and invading INEC collation centre in Yenagoa, Argungu said the command is investigating the matter to confirm if it was true. Meanwhile, APC in the state, through the Slyva/ Igiri campaign organisation has called for the cancellation of results from Ekeremor and Sagbama local government areas, following what they described as widespread violence, security breaches and election manipulation that were al-

legedly carried out by Governor Dickson and the PDP. A statement signed by Nathan Egba, it’s Director of Media and Publicity, stated that it is now a well known fact that 1,000 armed men suspected to have been imported from Delta and Rivers states by Governor Dickson stormed Ekeremor and unleashed terror on the entire community from the wee hours of election day for many hours before they were repelled by the army, only for them to return in the evening when results were about to be collated. He said the gunmen were suspected to have been hired for the sole purpose of assassinating Minister of State, Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri as they launched a sustained attack on his residence with grenade, dynamite and gunshots for hours before the army repelled them.

He said the gunmen carted away sensitive election materials to be manipulated in favour of PDP and returned for collation. The statement said: “In Sagbama Local Government Area, the home of Governor Dickson, the youths, who were again said to have been brought from Delta and Rivers states, also hijacked the materials that were meant for all the riverine communities in the LGA, including the ward of the former scting governor of the state, Nestor Binabo. Other wards where election did not hold, includes wards I & II.” While calling on INEC to cancel the election results in the two local government areas, Egba noted that the violence which cut across the state, largely took place in parts of Sagbama, Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw LGA, where election was later rescheduled.

Features

Monday, December 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ogunwusi: As the reign of Ooni of class, candour begins.... Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

fter successfully completing the rigours of installation rites in Ilofi, new Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Babatunde Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, today formally begins administering the ancient town of Ife. The monarch, who was announced the new Ooni, succeeding the late Oba Okunade Sijuade, who died in a London hospital in July this year, by Osun State government on Monday, October 26, 2015, will be the 51st Ooni. Notably, Oba Ogunwusi, a 41-year-old chartered accountant, is making history being one of the youngest persons in the history of Ife to be installed Ooni and being the first Ooni to have a living father. In preparation for today’s event, Enuwa Square, the venue for the installation ceremony is wearing a new look, so also, Ile Oodua, (the palace), just as many intracity roads across Ile Ife are receiving attention to ensure free flow of traffic. At all entry and exit points to Ife, heavy security presence was noticed, while many corporate organisations are also on ground to celebrate with the town and its new monarch on the occasion of his installation. Dignitaries expected at the event include; President Mohammadu Buhari, Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, representative of Queen of England, governors, members of the National Assembly, monarchs across the country among others. From all indications, the new monarch is inheriting an ancient town that has spartanly fought modernity and won by managing to retain most of its traditional sites and monuments in the face of threatening civilisation, but the state of basic infrastructures in Ife is appalling to say the least. The security challenges mostly occasioned by drug trafficking from Ondo State through Ile Ife and cultism, armed robbery among others are some of the major works awaiting the new Ooni. Also, maintaining the aura and pride that his predecessors, especially the last two, Oba Adesoji Aderemi and Oba Okunade Sijuade drew to the stool of Oduduwa and possibly raising the ante must be of major interest to Oba Ogunwusi. Right from the point of his emergence, Oba Ogunwusi’s work appears well cut out, as one of those fully involved in the selection process, who is the current chairman of Ife central local government area of Osun state, Dr. Taiwo Olaiya, said they chose him because of the believe in his ability to get youths engaged meaningfully. Olaiya in a chat with National Mirror in Ife said then Ooni-elect towers higher above other contestants for the throne with his entrepreneurial abilities as revealed by his curriculum vitae, just as benevolent nature of his, he said also gave him huge advantage. Getting the youth off the streets, should be of paramount importance and must be treated with urgency. Oba Ogunwusi is already thinking along this direction with the declaration that he intends to engage youths through sports. Securing Ile Ife and arresting the menace of cultism is also demanding urgent attention of Ooni. Political parties often made the ancient city of Ile Ife hotbed of violence and banditry as witnessed during the last governorship poll. To confirm testimonies from friends and family members of his peaceful disposition, Oba Ogunwusi’s received Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Francis Adedoyin, the monarch of a town with history of bloodcurdling communal clashes with Ife, while still in Ilofi, the traditional place of preparation for Ooni-elect. This speaks

Ooni of Ife

volume and was exemplary. Liaising with security agents to check trans-border crimes along Ondo/ Edo states border towns and adjoining communities to Ife will be key to keeping hitherto high crime rate in the town very low. The burning issue of unity among monarchs in Yorubaland and those from Osun State in particular is not less important to the new Ooni. The declaration by the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland that he has assumed permanent chairmanship of state Council of Obas has opened a new vista of disagreement within the group.

Although, from the body language of most monarchs that spoke to National Mirror on the issue, resolving the matter in favour of the new Ooni may just be matter of time, keeping the monarchs in Osun state united as done by the late Oba Sijuade, is however, a must for the new Ooni. Similarly, the seat of Oduduwa which represents Yoruba nation in the National council of Traditional Rulers, that Ooni of Ife co-chairs with the Sultan of Sokoto, must further be projected as the rallying point for traditional rulers across Yorubaland and beyond.

MTN Business unveils Prestige Corporate Loyalty Programme

TN Business, the Enterprise Business Unit of MTN Nigeria, has launched its MTN Prestige Corporate Loyalty programme to reward its esteemed customers, who have continuously demonstrated their trust in the services of Africa’s leading ICT Company in Nigeria. With over $15 billion invested in the Nigerian economy, MTN Nigeria has been a catalyst for economic growth and development, providing technology platforms that drive economic inclusion across all segment of the society. A collection of 100 CEOs and captains of industry on Thursday gathered at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, and were treated to a night of alternative music from the Ayo Bankole or-

chestra, capped with a scintillating performance from Nigeria’s music export Asa. Welcoming the guests, Mr. Frederick Udoaka, Chief Enterprise Solutions Officer, MTN Nigeria, acknowledged the existing partnership between MTN Business and the Nigerian corporate citizenry. He stated that the partnership has yielded desired results in terms of economic development that is enhanced by world class ICT services provided by MTN. “Over the years, at MTN Business, we have built a solid track record of enabling some of Nigeria’s biggest corporate organisations to foster international collaboration through geo-expansion, thus eliminating borders and reaching new markets. The

fact that we continually have more and more businesses, big and small, sign up for our solutions testifies to the high level of confidence that these businesses repose in us. This evening is about saying thank you to our most valued corporate customers. We believe that loyalty goes with reward, and that is what the MTN Prestige Corporate Loyalty program represents.” Udoaka said. Further explaining the MTN Prestige programme, Ms. Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, General Manager, Enterprise Marketing, MTN Nigeria said MTN Business has continued to work towards providing real transformation to different businesses and institutions to enable them to deliver value to their key partners and markets.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Monday, December 7, 2015

Boko Haram: Again, troops hit Sambisa forest Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

roops of the Nigerian Army have commenced strikes deep inside the Sambisa forest in Borno State, believed to be the remaining stronghold of Boko Haram terrorists. A statement issued yesterday by the Nigerian Army through its Director of Army Public Relations, DAPR, Colonel Sani Usman, said scores of terrorists were killed and others ar-

rested during the strikes. Regrettably, the DAPR said three soldiers also died while some were severely injured during the encounter. Usman further said captives were rescued, camps destroyed and several weapons destroyed while others were seized. This is coming at a time the Presidential deadline to end Boko Haram in three months by December is fast approaching. Already, some citizens and groups have begun to

express doubts on the ability of the military to achieve this deadline. However, in the statement, Usman said, "Various units of the Army have advanced deep into the forest, clearing most of the camps therein, rescuing persons held captive, arresting some terrorists and destroying most of their weapons and equipment. "Advancing troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, were able to clear and

destroy Boko Haram terrorists’ camps at Shuari, Adembe, Yerimari Kura, Yerimari Gana, Gonin Kurmi, Kore, Mainya Kore, and Lopere. Additionally, the Multibarrel Rocket Launcher Regiment has destroyed the terrorists’ camps at Dure, Dure Kore, Jokwa, as well as several other camps. "The troops recovered foodstuffs, motorcycles, flags, Improvised Explosive Making Devices (IED) materials and military uniforms. Among other discoveries

were terrorists’ tunnels, weapons and equipment. "The soldiers also recovered 2,000 cows rustled from various persons over time and rescued women and children held captive by the Boko Haram." He said while the animals have been moved to Kanwuri, the rescued persons have been evacuated and were being given all necessary support. During the encounter with Boko Haram at Yerimari Gana, he said a number of the terrorists were killed while some suspected members were arrested and are being interrogated. "However, a soldier sustained gunshot wound and fracture on the leg. "Similarly, while advancing to destroy Nefari terrorist camp, troops discovered and cleared three IEDs laid along the route. "The camp was success-

fully cleared and troops have continued their advance while a blocking force has been deployed to prevent infiltration and possible escape by the terrorists. "Unfortunately, during another encounter with the terrorists along the axis of advance, three soldiers made the supreme sacrifice, while an officer and two soldiers were wounded in action," he said. In spite of these, Usman said the troops’ morale was very high and being conscious of their set objective, they were unrelenting in their determination to defeat the terrorists. In a related development, he said the troops also destroyed Boko Haram terrorist camps at Bulagaije and Disa, Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State, and recovered motorcycles, dane guns and ammunition.

Transcorp Hotels launches second tranche of N30bn bond Chidi Ugwu ABUJA

T Abdulrashed Maigari and Ibbi Gerorge, Staff of Department of State Services (DSS) involved in the robbery and sharing on 20th November, 2015, the sum of three hundred and ten million naira (N310m) belonging to a Bureau de Change operator in Abuja, after being arrested, yesterday.

Isaiah Erhiawarien

s controversies trail the imposition of $5.2 billion fine on MTN Nigeria over regulatory infractions remain unabated, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, at the weekend added a new twist to the debate, saying it only approved 25 per cent and not 35 per cent reduction of the fine. Public Affairs Director of the commission, Mr. Tony Ojobo, who stated this on Friday in an interview with journalists in Lagos, put what the telcom firm is expected to pay federal government at N780 billion. According to him, the mobile operator has up till two weeks to respond to its letter; thereafter, necessary action will be taken by the commission. While noting that the NCC regulatory law was

We didn’t approve 35% slash on MTN’s $5.2bn fine —NCC meant to protect the weak and sanction players that err, the commission’s spokesman pointed out that as such the regulator cannot act arbitrarily outside the law. He explained that this was important so that investors can be assured that the regulator will not deliberately take actions that could result in the closing down of their businesses, stressing that the industry was regulated so that other players’ rights were not infringed. While acknowledging reasons for the uproar over the sanction, Ojobo pointed out that every investor should always be concerned about the application of the rule of law in any business environment, a requirement, which he said, also

touched on the regulators’ capacity to protect investors’ interest at the time of crisis. He recalled that before $5.2 billion fine was slammed on MTN Nigeria, stakeholders and subscribers had complained about the levity of industry sanctions, saying NCC eventually discovered that it was easy for some operators to pay the penalty for infractions due to the leniency of the sanctions. He said this prompted the fixing of the N200,000 penalty for any SIM card that was not properly registered by any operator in the telecoms sector. “As a regulator, the NCC didn’t expect that any operator would disobey the law, knowing how severe the penalty was. Therefore, it

was really shocking when we discovered that MTN Nigeria flouted the law, and NCC had no option than to enforce the law,” Ojobo said, adding that the signal that the $5.2 billion fine would be sending to other players in the industry was that it is not going to be business as usual, which means whenever the regulator issues an instruction, it would be obeyed by all. The commission’s spokesman further explained that the reduction of the fine would not affect future sanctions on the operator if it violates any industry guideline, adding that the reduction of the $5.2 billion fine earlier imposed on it was a decision taken in the interest of the industry.

ranscorp Hotels Plc at the weekend launched the second tranche of its N30 billion medium term bond programme. Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Hotels Plc, Valentine Ozigbo, said the company held a signing ceremony at the weekend to mark the issue of second series of the programme. The Transcorp boss noted that the company had secured Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, approval as well as a certificate of “Pencom Compliance” to enable participation by the Pension Fund Administrator, PFA, community, as one of the target investors in the bond. He stated that the transaction was a five-year fixed-rate bond, due in 2020, adding that the subscription was in addition to a prior issue of N10 billion, being Series 1 in a Senior 7-year 16% Fixed Rate (Unsecured) Bonds Due 2022 issued in October 2015. With this, the total amount the company has successfully raised to date is N19.758 billion. According to him, the series II bond will carry a gross coupon of 15.50% per annum for a period of five years. The

redemption on maturity, expected to be 2020, will be at 100% of the nominal amount of the bonds. The bonds are available in denominations of N1,000, and will be listed on the main market of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, and also the FMDQ OTC platform for enhanced tradability. FSDH Plc is the lead issuing house, while United Capital Plc and Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited are joint issuing houses. “We are embarking on a full renovation of the historic Transcorp Hilton Abuja and its 670 rooms and on-site facilities. This is the first major renovation of the historic Transcorp Hilton Abuja for the first time in its 30-year history, save for a minor one 10 years ago. This bond issue will finance the upgrade, new hotels and the development of a 5,000-seater multipurpose banquet centre,” said Ozigbo. President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, Emmanuel N. Nnorom, further commented on the significance of the bond. He said: “The availability of funds enables us to enhance our financial flexibility by diversifying our sources of funding, while significantly extending the maturity of the group’s funding and ensuring optimal capital mix.

South West

Monday, December 7, 2015

Ife agog as Ooni takes staff of office Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

le-Ife and adjoining communities were in celebration mood on Sunday in preparation for the installation of new Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi today. As at Sunday afternoon, rehabilitation work was being completed on buildings inside Ooni's palace, while Enuwa Square, venue of today's installation ceremony, was also being attended to. As part of preparations for the event, construction workers were seen completing rehabilitation work on roads in areas like Mayfair,

Lagere, Enuwa and Ondo road, while motorists faced mild difficulty moving round the town as a result of the work. A construction worker, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said rehabilitation work would be completed on the roads on Sunday. During our correspondent's visit to Ife on Sunday, residents of the town set agenda for the new Ooni and expressed hope that his reign would usher in speedy development for Ile-Ife. Speaking with newsmen on preparation for the event, chairman, media and publicity committee of the corona-

tion, Hon. Biyi Odunlade, said the town was ready to host guests who will be coming for the event. Odunlade said: "All necessary arrangements have been put in place for the coronation. As you know, the event would attract local and international dignitaries and we cannot afford to leave any stone unturned in ensuring a hitch-free and memorable coronation. "From effective security to logistics, crowd control, reception, among other critical segments, we have made adequate preparations. So, I can tell you categorically that we are absolutely ready for the coronation.

"Right now, interdenominational service is ongoing as part of the weeklong activities for the coronation. After the service, Oba Ogunwusi would inspect the level of work at Kabiyesi Resort, along Ibadan-Ife expressway. The project, which would completed soon would rank among the best resorts in the world. "I can assure our August visitors both from the government circles, traditional institution, captains of industries, envoys from foreign embassies and high profile guests from the international community that we are fully ready to host them in the cradle of Yorubaland."

L-R: Former Special Adviser on Youth, Sport and Special Need, to Osun State Governor, Comrade Biyi Odunlade; Special Adviser to the governor on Security Matters, Tope Adejumo; Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti ; Governor Rauf Aregbesola and some of the state's Under 13 players, during the a visit and presentation of Under 13 trophy of the Maiden South West Football Tournament to the governor in Osogbo, at the weekend.

VC wants fees introduced in public varsities Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

ice Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji Arakeji, Prof. Sola Fajana, has said many private universities in Nigeria will continue to have shortage of students as long as fees are not charged in governmentowned universities. Fajana disclosed this to newsmen during the sixth convocation of the university at Ikeji Arakeji. Out of 816 students that bagged various degrees at the event, 21 graduands made first class; 242 made second class upper; 426 made second class lower di-

vision and 93 third class. The vice chancellor explained that private varsities were not having enough students because a lot of parents did not want to leave public varsities, where no fee is charged, to private varsities where they have to pay some amount. He said as long as there was no level playing ground, private universities would have problem with admission. Fajana said the university was collaborating with other institutions to train its medical students when its College of Medicine takes off. He said the university would require about N3 billion to build and equip a

teaching hospital, which would serve the College of Medicine, but the varsity could not afford that now. Explaining the rationale behind establishment of the College of Medicine, he said the idea was not contrary to the belief of the church, which established the institution. According to him, divine healing does not mean abstinence from drugs and refusal to receive medical treatment, but trust God's intervention especially in cases beyond human capability. The vice chancellor said the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie, paid an unscheduled

visit to JABU on November 20 and lauded the academic achievements and infrastructural development in the school.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Olanipekun tasks Buhari on TETFUND for private varsities Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to stop the discrimination against private varsities in accessing the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND. Olanipekun, who is ProChancellor and chairman, Governing Council, Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, spoke at the weekend during the 7th convocation ceremony of the university. He said, "I am appealing to the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene and allow these universities access the fund. "This new administration came on board with the mantra of change and I challenge them to make the change happen.’’ According to him, the continued denial of these categories of universities to access the fund would continue to make education non-affordable to many Nigerians. He said the accessibility of the fund would reduce the exorbitant tuition fees charged by private universities and make it more affordable to the people. He also called on proprietor of the university to always release fund to the institution for it to grow beyond their expectation. Olanipekun, however, charged the graduands to go into the world and work with sincerity of purpose and fear of God. Chancellor of the institution, Most Rev. Peter Akinola, commended par-

ents of the graduands for their efforts at ensuring that the students graduate from the school despite economic downturn the nation is experiencing. He charged the graduands to be fully prepared for the challenges in the labour market, saying the real test of their worth and qualification is at the labour market. He further disclosed that they would face three challenges, namely: insecurity, corruption and unemployment as they go out to work, saying "the country is on the verge of imminent disaster." Similarly, Emeritus Prof. Oladipo Akinkungbe, who is the chairman, ACU Board of Trustees, said the university is beginning to go through some transformations, stating: "We thank God that the university established few years back is germinating into an oak tree. The university has recorded giant strides in the last 10 years." He urged the management to continue to monitor the progress of the university, and likewise ensure that it operates in conformity with the laid down rules and regulations governing universities in the country. The best graduating student, Miss Sola Odufuwa, who spoke on behalf of all the graduands, acknowledged the supportive roles of their parents, the institution management and their lecturers. Odufuwa, who was the overall best student with a CGPA of 4.83 out of 5.0, admonished her colleagues to ensure they are guided by the knowledge acquired in the school.

Ignorance, reason for medical tourism —NMA Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

igerian Medical Association, NMA, has said that Nigerian medical facilities have adequate infrastructure and competent personnel to handle any type of medical challenge. President of NMA, Dr Kayode Obembe, blamed lack of confidence in the system and ignorance for medi-

cal tourism by rich men in the country, saying there was need for attitudinal change. Obembe, who spoke yesterday at a post National Executive Council, NEC, meeting press briefing in Ado-Ekiti where he read the association's communiqué, said: "There is significant improvement in the system. ‘‘The NMA frowns at the dearth of personnel in the country, which ratio stands at one doctor to 6,000

patients instead of one to 600 as recommended by the United Nations,’’ and called on the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), to accredit more public health facilities for the training of interns. It stated that upgrading of some of the state and federal hospitals and their subsequent accreditation by MDCN would help promote residency training for more experts to be available in the hospitals.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Monday, December 7, 2015

Ekiti teachers cry out over N44m loan deduction …want accountant-general probed ABIODUN NEJO ADO-EKITI

mbattled teachers in Ekiti State have appealed for intervention over alleged excess deduction of N44 million from their monthly salaries to service loans they borrowed from a bank. The teachers, who are alleging conspiracy against them, have petitioned the governor, urging him to probe the Accountant General over the matter. In a petition dated December 2, 2012, by their solicitors, A.O. Adebayo, the teachers accused the Accountant General and First Bank of Nigeria of “continually and illegally” making deductions from their salaries over a loan payment of which they completed in November, 2014. In the petition entitled: “Refusal to Stop Illegal Deductions from the Monthly Salaries of some Employees of the Teaching Service Commission, Ekiti State,” the teachers lamented that the deductions had been affecting their welfare and subjecting their families to unwarranted suffering. They threatened to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, if nothing substantially was done to halt the deductions as soon as possible and refund the extra deductions to the

owners. Their solicitors’ petition to the governor reads: “Our clients are by this letter requesting your intervention. Our clients demand immediate stoppage of further deductions and refund of excess deductions made, which have accumulated up to N44 million, to be made to them together with the accruing interest.” The petition stated that it was worrisome that the deductions continued despite a stakeholders’ meeting called by the governor on October 23, 2015, where he ordered that all accounts must be harmonised and illegal deductions stopped with immediate effect. It explained that the victims brokered a loan deal in 2011 with Godswill Cooperative Society, which facilitated a loan from First Bank, which the teaching service approached to make unbroken repayment through deductions from their monthly salaries. “The repayment period of these loans was between December 2011 and November 2014 on equal monthly installment apart from the initial payment made upfront by each beneficiary to meet the contingency and charges and to serve equally as buffer in case of delayed payment. “But in February 2015, our clients discovered to their chagrin that the com-

Expect telecom master plan in three weeks –Minister KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

inister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has said Nigerians should expect a master plan for the telecommunication industry in the country “within the next three or four weeks.” He said this at the weekend in Saki during a reception organised in his honour by Oke-Ogun indigenes. He said, “Our responsibility is to ensure we have best operating laws for the telecommunication industry. Within the next three to four weeks, we shall come up with a master plan for the telecommunication sector.” He revealed that his mandate as Communications

Minister was to ensure that Nigerians enjoy the best of telecommunication services, assuring that he would not deviate from that mandate. He maintained that the telecommunication sector was a better alternative to oil in terms of generation of revenue for the country, adding that if the sector (telecommunication) was fully explored, it could provide jobs for the teeming unemployed Nigerians. Shittu then urged the people to feel free to offer him advice and prayers to make him succeed, adding: “I did not offer money to anybody to secure ministerial appointment, so I won’t steal government money and nobody needs to pay any money to see me.”

mission continued to deduct their monthly installment from December 2014 and January 2015 salaries contrary to the mandate and instruction given to the commission. Excess deductions were brought

to the notice of the commission and Godswill Cooperative Society. “It will interest you to note that despite letters of our clients, the commission for no plausible reason has continued the

deductions even up to now despite interventions of government, House of Assembly and various groups directing the commission to stop illegal deductions. “Our clients are of the

opinion that there is a conspiracy among the staff of the office of Accountant General, First Bank and officials of the cooperative society. We brought this to your notice for prompt action and investigation,” it stated.

Out-Going President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alhaji Remi Bello (left), decorating the incoming President of the Chamber, Dr Nike Akande in Lagos on Sunday (6/6/15). with them are: her husband,Chief Adebayo Akande (2nd r) and former President of LCCI, Chief John Odeyemi.

Hoodlums pour acid on Lagos taskforce officer FRANCIS SUBERU

wo paramilitary officials attached to the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Taskforce) are now in critical condition at General Hospital, Ikeja, after an acid attack by hoodlums. One of the victims, Akude Silas, was said to be on an enforcement operation at Oshodi-Oke, where he was ensuring free flow of traffic and prevention of street trading when he was attacked by hoodlums. Silas, who was immediately rushed to Lagos

State Emergency Centre, Toll-Gate, sustained serious injuries and had to be transferred to the General Hospital, where he is still receiving treatment. Taskforce chairman, Olubukola Abe, a superintendent of police, who was at the emergency ward of the General Hospital yesterday, said the law will not look kindly on anyone who attacks his officers; even as he confirmed that within 48 hours, two of his men had been attacked by hoodlums. The other victim, Police Sergeant Robert Ajayi, it was gathered, was seriously battered by

hoodlums at Ojo area of Lagos. The sergeant was among the security team that supported a government ministry during the removal of shanties constructed on an open field at both Ojo Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Ojo, Lagos. But hoodlums in the area ambushed the taskforce men and subjected them to serious beatings, believing erroneously that the officers were on Okada (commercial motorcyclist) raid as they moved around with van. The taskforce chairman appealed to members of the public to always

cooperate with security agents, even as he said his men were battle ready to enforce the state’s environmental laws. Should anyone be in an emergency situation, SP Abe urges that they reach the state’s security agents by dialling the toll-free emergency lines (112 or 767). Meanwhile, more than 64 miscreants were arrested by Taskforce enforcement operation yesterday morning at Oko Mala in Oshodi area of Lagos. The axis is notorious for miscreant activities like pick-pocketing and cultism.

Female pharmacist kidnapped in Ondo OJO OYEWAMIDE, AKURE

female pharmacist, Mrs Queen Ehizogie Adeyeye, was on Saturday kidnapped at her Ishelu Quarters residence, Owo, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo. Adeyeye was reportedly abducted on her way from church where she had gone for prayers to mark

the first anniversary of her husband’s death. The woman, who works with Federal Medical Centre, Owo, lost her husband barely a year ago. A source said the abductors stormed Adeyeye’s compound on Saturday morning when she returned from church in company of her son and sister. The abductors were said to have entered into

the compound after the gate was opened for the victim to drive in. The source said: “They were coming from the church vigil on Saturday morning. As the gate was opened for them to go into the compound, the armed men came in with them. “They asked the woman’s son and her sister to come down from the vehicle and drove only her (Adeyeye) away. She is a

widow. She lost her husband last year.” It was learnt that the kidnappers have not contacted the woman’s family, but the matter has been reported at Owo police station. Public Relations Officer of the state Police Command, Femi Joseph, confirmed the incident, saying the command had commenced investigation into the matter.

South East

Monday, December 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Glo-sponsored Dance with Peter show dazzles guests at Nsukka Laffta Fest

un-seekers in Nsukka, Anambra State, who attended the city's edition of the ongoing comedy fiesta, Laffta Fest, organized by Globacom, had double dose of fun at the weekend as they were treated to the best moments of the ongoing parallel show being sponsored by Globacom, Dance with Peter. Just before real action commenced, the mammoth crowd gathered at Millipat Hotel venue of the Glo Laffta Fest, were shown the best moments of the reality TV dance show, beginning from the high points of the regional auditions to the current episode. The reality show beamed on a huge multimedia screen set the tone for the rest of the evening, as the guests gleamed with excitement. Many of the guests appreciated the added twist to the comedy show. One of them, Nkiru Njoku, a 300 level student of Microbiology at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, said: “I came here to watch Bovi, Okey Bakassi, Korede Bello, M.I and others perform as had been advertised, but saw another dimension to the show. I watched Dance with Peter. The fusion of dance reality TV, music and comedy is like a three course meal.” Also speaking in the

same vein, Olisa Okeke, an ICT staff of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, asserted that Globacom’s passion for the entertainment industry in Nigeria was unrivalled, and that the company's commitment to promoting young talent through entertainment was commendable. “I just watched the Dance with Peter reality TV show before the Laffta Fest event proper started and I observed that Globacom is doing a lot in the area of entertainment. “Just last week, we also had the Slide n Bounce musical concert here in Nsukka,” he enthused. Many other guests described Nsukka edition of the show as memorable. Adesina Adegoke, a member of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, thanked Globacom for giving him a good start to his service year by bringing two shows to Nsukka in two weeks. In a statement, Globacom urged subscribers to keep using Glo, saying the company was committed to meeting their expectations at all times. The company advised subscribers wishing to attend Laffta Fest in Makurdi to use up to N3,000 before the show on Sunday, December 13, and send ‘LOL MAKURDI’ to 33001.

Chris Njoku

gised to the South East and South South for the recent demonstration by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, which he lamented, brought senseless grief, sorrow and pains to thousands of innocent members of the public. “MASSOB was not in any way involved in that demonstration but the only difference was that the former MASSOB Director of Information, Uchenna Madu, who had been expelled, was their spokesman and we sincerely sympathise with families of those who lost their lives and who were in one way or the other affected in that exercise. “It is our obligation to offer this unreserved apology because we were the first to speak of Biafra in Nigeria in 1999,” he said. Chief Uwazuruike, who

OWERRI

ew days after he was dethroned by a powerful force within his Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike yesterday renamed his faction as Biafra Independent Movement, BIM. Uwazuruike, who announced this yesterday while addressing newsmen at the Ikemba Ojukwu Memorial Library in Owerri, Imo State capital, denied all allegations of financial misappropriation leveled against him by his former commanders and administrators, who dethroned him in a palace coup last week. This is even as Chief Uwazuruike profusely apolo-

L-R: Traditional Ruler, Hilltop Autonomous Community of Enugu State, Ozo Sunday Orji; Guest of Honour, Ozo Gab Agu and Igwe Jerome Okolo, during the end of year celebration of the community at Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State, yesterday.

We’re not interested in Biafra movement —Umahi …calls for repatriation of youths hawking in Lagos

Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

bonyi State Governor, Chief David Umahi, at the weekend said South-East governors are not interested in the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, or any other group agitating for Biafra Republic. The governor said such groups are on their own. Umahi stated that anything that would threaten the unity and progress of Nigeria cannot come from

the South-East zone of the country. The governor stated this in Abakaliki through the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Emmanuel Onwe, shortly after the state executive council meeting. He noted that the SouthEast zone will reclaim its right from the Federal Government, but not through violence or crisis. It would be recalled that MASSOB had on Thursday staged a protest along major streets of Abakaliki, which disrupted economic

activities in the state. Onwe said: “As regard to activities of MASSOB, the police is adequately in control of the situation. The situation did not escalate into violence as witnessed in Anambra State. “The governor made it categorically clear that any agitation or movement for secession is not what Ebonyi State or the South-East zone is prepared to support because it is not a modern agenda for Nigeria and the SouthEast. The South- East can still reclaim all their enti-

tlements from the Federal Government. “The governor supports free movement of the people or peaceful protest, but not when it has the potential to lead to crisis, violence or breach of law and order.” Umahi further called for the immediate repatriation of all Ebonyi youths and others, who are hawking in Lagos and other major cities in the country, stressing that his administration has earmarked N3bn to rehabilitate indigent youths of the state.

Uwazuruike renames faction BIM

…he must relinquish all MASSOB’s property —Madu had earlier addressed a mammoth crowd of MASSOB supporters, faithful and loyalists, explained that the change in name became necessary following the strange introduction of violence in the struggle to actualise Biafra Republic by a faction allegedly sympathetic to Nnamdi Kanu of Radio Biafra, London. He appealed to the Federal Government to release Kanu and his colleagues, who are currently languishing in detention. Uwazuruike explained that Biafra could not be realised through violence and that South East was landlocked with no neighbouring countries for possible assistance

when it matters most, stressing that anybody preaching violence to realize Biafra was a day dreamer. He took exception to the closure of River Niger Bridge by those he called dissidents, which he said runs counter to the interest of the South East. On the way forward, the BIM leader said: “We are the originators of this struggle and we have to change the system, which gave rise to the demonstration. He added that all former MASSOB members before should henceforth be known, called and addressed as Biafra Independent Movement members. Uwazuruike, who denied

allegations of financial impropriety leveled against him, said he was not a signatory to any of the eight banks’ accounts of the organisation, adding that MASSOB survives through levies, which is used to take care of logistics and payment of over 4,000 members. Meanwhile, Chief Madu, who is the new leader of MASSOB, yesterday insisted that Chief Uwazuruike must relinquish all the organisation’s property, including the multimillion naira Ikemba Ojukwu Memorial Library in his possession. Reacting to Uwazuruike’s renaming of MASSOB as BIM, Madu told our corre-

spondent in Owerri that MASSOB had already expelled the former leader. “If Chief Uwazuruike has abandoned MASSOB, fine, already, we have expelled him but he must relinquish all MASSOB’s property, houses, vehicles, including Ikemba Ojukwu Memorial Library in his possession,” he said. According to him, Okwe remains MASSOB’s headquarters. He disclosed that very soon the leaders and members of MASSOB will issue him an ultimatum to give him a time frame within which to relinquish all the property he had acquired in the name of the organisation.

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Rivers APC sets agenda for N'Delta ministers Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

ll Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State has charged Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Uguru, and his Minister of State, Cladius Omoleye Daramola, to become agents of change that would turn around the fortune of the region. Rivers APC Chairman, Davies Ikanya, gave the charge in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, on Sunday. While congratulating them on their appointment, the party described the duo as seasoned and patriotic administrators whose appointment demonstrates President Muhammadu Buhari’s desire for the immediate emancipation and development of the Niger Delta. Ikanya appealed to the

South South

Monday, December 7, 2015

ministers “to convoke, as a matter of urgency, a summit of Niger Delta Elders and Stakeholders to proffer solutions to the myriad of problems facing the region so as to make the work of the honourable ministers easier.” While hoping that the suggestion would be accepted and implemented, Rivers APC drew attention to some of the major issues that need immediate action of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. It listed the areas as "Reorganisation/Reformation and Streamlining of the Amnesty Programme to make it more effective and thus ensure greater stability and security of the region. "The programme should also be made to accommodate Cross River and Imo states as the exclusion of the youths of these two states poses a security risk to the region.

"Completion and equipping the Skills Acquisition Centres in the region, making them functional so as to train Niger Delta youths and women, empowering them to become meaningfully engaged on a sustainable basis. "Immediate completion of the East-West Road, as well as construction of the East-West Coastal Rail Line; "Complete overhaul of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, to stamp out the massive corruption going on there and make it more effective. "Release of funds due to NDDC to enable it complete ongoing projects and initiate new ones to meet the needs of people of the region. Create an Eco-friendly environment by embarking on projects that would protect Niger Delta communities from oil spillage and gas flaring. "Direct funding of host

communities and effective partnering between oil companies and their host communities; "Relocation of corporate headquarters of oil companies to areas of their operations; need to ensure Environmental Impact Assessment for all projects to be executed in the Niger Delta; that the Niger Delta gets its fair share of appointments and employment opportunities so as to reduce the massive unemployment of the youths in the region. "Give qualified contractors from the Niger Delta priority consideration in the award of contracts as a means of further empowering people of the region. “We are convinced that if some of these ideas are implemented, the vision of President Buhari for the Niger Delta region may have been accomplished,” Rivers APC said.

Olumba warns Biafra agitators Richard Ndoma CALABAR

ole spiritual Head of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Olumba Olumba Obu, yesterday cautioned all those agitating for Republic of Biafra to refrain from perpetrating such campaign of disunity forthwith because they won't succeed. Olumba gave the warning on Sunday at his organisation’s headquarters in Calabar during a sermon, where he urged his adherents to remain cautious and watchful against unscrupulous elements that could make them to derail against state and divine authorities. He stated that the agitators were wasting their time and that no force can divide Nigeria, adding that if the agitators want, they could move away from Nigeria to the Gulf of Biafra and form

Govt names road, stadium after Gowon Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

ivers State government has named the Liberation Stadium and old Aba Road after former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd). The stadium, which is located at Elekahia and old Aba Road at Ru-

muomasi will now be called Yakubu Gowon Stadium and Yakubu Gowon Road, respectively. The two facilities are located in the heart of the oil and gas-rich city of Port Harcourt, the state capital. This came barely 24 hours after Gover‎nor Nyesom Wike promised to immortalise Gowon in

appreciation for creating Rivers State in 1967. This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media. The statement reads, "The Rivers State government renamed the stadium and road to honour General Yakubu Gowon

for creating Rivers State in 1967. "It would be recalled that Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday during a meeting with Gen. Yakubu Gowon and officials of ‘Nigeria Prays,’ declared that Rivers government will immortalise the former head of state for creating Rivers State.’’

their republic there. "There is nothing like Biafra. They are wasting their time and resources. Who said there is Biafra? Let them go and sleep. They can even go to the Bight of Biafra and form their own country because Nigeria can never be divided," Olumba stated. It would, however, be recalled that during the Nigerian Civil War in the late 1960s, the Spiritual head of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star sounded a note of warning that those who started the rebellion against a united Nigeria were going to fail woefully, that the country would remain one. Olumba charged those sponsoring the rebellion in and out of Nigeria to desist forthwith, and rather channel the resources to the benefit of the larger society. He also urged them to pursue peace and unity.

Dangote: Okpella monarch warns against inciting community

L-R:Senator Foster Ogola; Bayelsa State PDP Acting Chairman, Barr. Serena Dokubo Spiff and South-South PDP Zonal Chairman, Dr. Cairo Ojugboh, at a Press conference on the rescheduled governorship election in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the State in Yenagoa, yesterday.

aramount ruler of Okpella, the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella Kingdom, Yesufu Dirisu, has read the riot act over what he termed as inciting activities of agents of Bua Cement in the community, warning that his palace would no longer tolerate any group using pseudo names to dent the integrity of his palace and people. Dirisu gave the warning while receiving concerned stakeholders in his palace at the weekend. He spoke against the backdrop of alleged report that management of the firm may be spoiling for a showdown with Dangote Cement over its decision to mine limestone for cement production in the area. Contrary to report of tension in the community over alleged planned attacks by unnamed persons, our correspondent who visited the sleepy community of Okpella observed that the entire area was calm with no sign of any unease. The traditional ruler stressed, “It’s all lies, nobody has said that Dangote should not come to Okpella to do business or exploration. Some people for their selfish interest have been

publishing falsehood, saying Okpella community does not want Dangote.’’ Dirisu said to clear the air, he had personally written a letter inviting and permitting Dangote to come and start exploration. ‘‘If Bua has a cement factory, that does not mean another company should not prospect for mineral in our land. As at now, it is Dangote that is delaying; we are fully behind him. He has 101 per cent support of all of us in Okpella,’’ he stated. Later, a youth leader, John Umoru, said there was no security threat anywhere within the community, pointing out that the youths stand for peace. “We Okpella youths, we love peace and like to do anything that would bring peace. It is in the atmosphere of peace that businesses can thrive. We need jobs, we need economic empowerment." Conducting our correspondent round the community, the youth leader maintained that they were weary of havoc wrought elsewhere due to similar incitement of residents against their leaders and would rather work for peace and allow genuine investors come to their area.

North

Monday, December 7, 2015

Kidnapped ACPN candidate, Galadima, pays N40m ransom Obiora Ifoh ABUJA

residential candidate of Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, ACPN, in the April 2015 general elections, Alhaji Ganiyu Galadima, has regained freedom after more than two days in kidnappers' den in Kogi State, having paid about N40m ransom. Galadima, who revealed his ordeal in the hands of his abductors to our correspondent on telephone yesterday, said he was kidnapped

few kilometres from Lokoja, close to Obajana town. He also confirmed that he and two other men were released in the afternoon after paying N40m. “Our vehicles were robbed by the Fulani men before three of us were selected and marched into the forest. “After trekking for about 10 kilometres, they now informed us that we have been abducted. “They were Fulani boys, about 12 or 15 of them. Since we were taken into the forest, in about 50 hours that I

spent with them, we trekked all together not less than 40 kilometres,” he said. While narrating how he was kidnapped, Galadima said he was traveling on Friday morning to his home state to attend a burial ceremony alongside his junior brother. He said the kidnappers first robbed occupants of the vehicles before selecting three of them for abduction. “As I explained before, our kidnappers were Fulani young men between the ages of 25-35 years. They demand-

ed a ransom of N40m from each of us and asked us to drop the money at designated location,” he said Galadima said the two other victims were one Bisi from Akoko-Edo in Edo State, who was going for a burial in his village and another person that he could not recollect his name. The ex-presidential candidate lamented that no policeman came to their aide, despite being alerted, adding that they were only released after parting with the huge ransom.

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Kwara releases N3.2bn to complete abandoned projects Wole A dedeji ILORIN

wara State government yesterday announced the release of N3.2bn to complete outstanding capital projects in education, energy, health, roads, works and justice sectors. A statement signed by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, Dr. Muyideen Akorede, said the fund was released after recent verification of the state’s outstanding capital projects, Akorede added that the fund’s release was based on authenticated and duly certified stage of completion of works on each project. According to him, the N3.2bn would ensure timely completion of work at various project sites without delay, pointing out that the money was part of the

N10bn facility recently approved by the House of Assembly for existing and new infrastructural projects in the state. The governor, he said, expressed confidence that with the fund all stalled projects would be revived, while funds would be equally released to contractors as soon as such funds become available. The government thanked contractors for their patience and promised that with the new revenue drive in the state, the issue of stalled projects as it was in the past would soon be over. A breakdown of the N3.2bn as given by Finance Commissioner, Alhaji Demola Banu, according to Akorede showed that the largest allocation of over N2bn went to road sector’ water projects, N600m; education sector, N320m; health, N380m and justice, N18m.

Igbo in Niger distance selves from Biafra agitators Priscilla Dennis MINNA

L-R: Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Mustapha Agwai I and Emir of Fika, Alhaji Dr. Muhammad

Borno State will bounce back —Shettima

…as reconstruction, rehabilitation begins in Konduga, others Joel Ajayi ABUJA

overnor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has expressed confidence that the state, ravaged by insurgency since 2009, will bounce back and be re-established to her full greatness by 2016. The governor stated this at the weekend when he received Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, at Government House, Maiduguri. The minister was on assessment tour to ascertain the havoc wreaked by Boko Haram insurgency in the state. Shettima described the past six years as trying moments for the state, saying his people have had to contend with a terrible war.

“In your tour, from Maiduguri to Konduga, Bama, etc, you must have seen it; there is no any single human settlement. Honestly, our people have gone through a war. “Believe me, the war is over and our focus is to reconstruct, rehabilitate and resettle our people. “I can assure you that Borno State will rise again to its greatness. We are going to bounce back in the next six months to one year. We shall do whatever it takes for the people,” the governor said, adding that his visit was the first by any minister of information since inception of the Boko Haram uprising. “Since the beginning of Boko Haram, no minister of information has visited Borno except Lai Mohammed, Mr. Labaran Maku never visited Boko Haram affected areas,

which he always talked about from Abuja. “And no fewer than 20 local governments were under the control of Boko Haram in which so many amenities were destroyed. Just after putting in N1bn for reconstruction it was destroyed again by the insurgents,” he added. He urged northern governors to improve the quality of governance in their domain. “Those of us in this part of the north have no choice than to wear our thinking cap and do what is right for our people. We are all product of public schools. Once we create jobs, invest in education and agriculture, we will be back on track,” he said. In his remarks, Alhaji Lai Mohammed disclosed that the Federal Government is committed to ensuring that

all those displaced by the insurgency return to their homes. He said: “With this visit, we have gathered first-hand information because we saw the situation ourselves. There were abject sorrow and poverty in the camps. The IDPs were clapping without even knowing what was said to them. “The kids basically sleep in the open and don’t even know why they were there. This is very pathetic. But I can assure you that Federal Government cannot leave Borno State alone. It’s a collective responsibility and we shall surely get it done. “We saw some markets, hospitals under construction in Kodunga, which is a clear view that peace is gradually returning to Borno State.”

gbo residing in Niger State have distanced themselves from those calling for the actualisation of the sovereign state of Biafra and its chief supporter, Nnamdi Kanu. They said they were comfortable with the present Nigeria, while calling on those protesting and blocking the Niger Bridge and prevented free flow of traffic to refrain from such illegal acts and toe the path of peace to seek justice. Speaking to journalists in his Minna Palace, the state’s Eze Igbo, Eze Pampas Wahiwe, explained that it was no longer news that certain group of persons from the South East part of the country have conspired to agitate for Biafra State. He said: “I am aware that every well-meaning socio-cultural organisation in the South East have denounced this violence and disassociated themselves from activities of these mindless agitators.

"I want to join them in denouncing and condemning activities of these miscreants. Igbo all over the world are versed in knowledge, peaceful and highly industrious and have no place for violence in demanding for or asserting their legitimate rights,” he said. He stated that Igbo in Niger State decided to come out and state their position on the matter in order to douse tension created across the nation by the agitation. He urged Igbo in the state to continue to live in peace and go about their normal duties. “Igbo in the northern part of the country, especially those resident in Niger State, are living peacefully with their host communities. We the Igbo are peace-loving people and must be appreciated,” he added. He, however, pleaded with the federal and state governments not to use force on those protesting in some parts of the country, but rather employ dialogue to resolve the issue amicably for sustainable peace.

Monday, December 7, 2015

Ayo Esan

he Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has hailed the Nigerian military for its patriotism and sacrifice for the unity and peace of the country, urging all citizens to support the troops who are battling the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-east. The Minister, who gave the commendation on Saturday when he led 33 local and foreign journalists on a tour of some of the liberated towns in Borno State, which is the epicentre of the insurgency, also hailed the Borno State Government, which has kick-started a massive reconstruction project in the liberated towns. ‘’Nigerians are very proud of you for your sacrifice and love of country,’’ Alhaji Mohammed said while addressing troops in Bama, one of the towns most affected in the violent campaign by the terrorists. ‘’We’ll tell Nigerians of your heroics and sacrifice,’’ he added. The Minister, who said the civilian part of

ABUJA

he Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, CSO, under the auspices of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, yesterday has called for the postponement of elections in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, LGA, and several polling units in the just concluded Bayelsa State governorship election. The group which made their position known in a statement made available to National Mirror, expressed concern over delay, wondering why the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has been unable to overcome some of the recurring challenges with

Politics

Information Minister visits towns liberated from Boko Haram, hails military the war on terrorism is missing, assured that the Federal Government will ensure that the military’s efforts are complemented by all Nigerians through the launch of a massive nationwide campaign to sensitize and enlist the support of all Nigerians for the war, and by bridging the information gap between the military and the media. He said apart from fighting the insurgency, the military is also saddled with the enormous responsibility of winning the peace as well as the humanitarian burden. While in Bama, he also visited the camp for the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, where he gave words of encouragement to the IDPs, who include young children, women and old men whom he called ‘’the usual victims of the war they know little or nothing about’’. In Konduga, along the over 70-km stretch from

CSO calls for postponement of election in southern Ijaw Gloria Usman

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elections such as late deployment of personnel and materials to the polling units. The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room expressed its disappointment over the conduct of political actors who have failed to restrain their supporters from acts of violence, saying that election did not commenced in Southern Ijaw LGA, as at 2:30pm as well as in several polling units in Nembe and Brass local government areas. The group then called on INEC to postpone the election in all the areas where accreditation did not commence as at 2:30pm, asking security agencies to re-enforce their deployment of personnel to areas affected.

Maiduguri to Bama, the Minister, who was accompanied by the Borno State Deputy Governor, inspected the construction work going on in the devastated town where, like Bama, not a single house is occupied by the original residents who have either been displaced or killed. He saw thousands of blocks that have been freshly moulded, newlyroofed buildings and some

people who were brought in from outside the town to help clean it up and prepare it for the return of the original residents who survived the Boko Haram ceaseless attacks. In Maiduguri, he commended the Borno State Government for its efforts to ease the pains and sufferings of the affected population, which has seen Gov. Kashim Shettima establish the Ministry of

Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, headed by Engineer Baba Gana Umara. Alhaji Mohammed told the Governor that the visit was to enable him and the accompanying journalists to see, first hand, the scale of devastation that the Boko Haram terrorists left behind and the successes achieved by the military, with a view to better telling Nigerians

how the war on terrorism is progressing. He said the journalists who have seen the devastation in the liberated towns would show more restraint in their reporting and be better placed to write on the insurgency from an informed position, while anyone who has visited the affected areas ‘’will be more careful in beating the drums of war’’.

The returning officer for Kogi governorship election, Prof. Emmanuel Kucha (right), declaring the final results of the election in Lokoja yesterday, with him is the resident electoral commissioner for the state, Malam Hussaini pai (left).

Lagos lawmaker makes case for development in Badagry Robert Awokuse

member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Badagry Constituency II, Hon. Engr. Setonji David has solicited for government urgent intervention on flood related matters and dilapidated school infrastructures spread across his constituency. Setonji made the call during a working visit to some of the major flood areas which seem to have been neglected despite several “Save our Soul” letters written to government over the perennial problem.

He therefore implored the state government to as a matter of urgency mandate its agencies such as Ministry of Environment, through its drainage department and SUBEB to address the problem and bring succour to the people living in the community. As a pointer to their agitation, the community recently wrote another letter titled “A pathetic situation in Akarapa Igborosun community due to over-flooding” to Hon. Setonji David and copied the Ministry of Environment. The community in the letter craves the indulgence of the House to save their souls by addressing the problem before an-

other rainy reason comes, tracing the major cause of this menace to lack of drainage system along the main road that link the community from Mowo to Ado-Odo Igborosun to which residents have lost properties worth millions, while several others have been rendered homeless. They lamented that the flood is from the main road that lead to Ado-Odo. The Head of Emergency Flood Abatement Department, in the Ministry of the Environment, Lagos Zone I coordinator Ojo, Badagry, OshodiIsolo local government areas, Engr. Adedokun Ibraheem, said the community’s request will be

presented to the ministry for consideration and accommodation in the 2016 budget. Hon. Setonji also visited Anglican Nursery and Primary school I and II, Igborosun, in Badagry where he had discussion with the Head teachers. The school which was founded in 1945 has written several letters to the Ministry of Education through the education secretary, Badagry. The list of the school request include among others: A17+ 1 prototype classrooms building, 389 dual desks and 389 dual benches, ECCDE Tables 15 and 250 chairs, school fence, fans, toilets for pupils and teachers.

Politics

Monday, December 7, 2015

New Ooni: Osun Assembly felicitates with Ile-Ife, Osun State Robert Awokuse

sun State House of Assembly through its chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Oyintiloye Olatunbosun has congratulated Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II on his coronation as the Ooni of Ife, asserting towering confidence in his ascendancy which they affirm would serve as a catalyst for the advancement of

Ile-Ife, the Yoruba nation and the country at large. In a statement signed by Oyintiloye on behalf of the legislative body and made available to newsmen, he said the legislators are convinced that the credentials and mettle of the monarch is a testimony to the ardour and tireless creativity the king would bring to the throne. The Assembly’s mouthpiece commended the ruling houses for the manner in which they harmoni-

ously resolved their differences during the selection process. He also congratulated the state government of Osun, the Council of Obas, and the good people of the state, especially the descendants of Ile-Ife, home and abroad for the peaceful transition. “The spontaneous enthusiasm that greeted the announcement of the new monarch across Ile Ife, the state of Osun, and the entire nation is a substantiation of the better

days ahead,” Oyintiloye explained. In a goodwill message to the Ooni during a parliamentary session, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salam enjoined him to give inimitable service, and surpass the worthy legacies of his predecessors. He also admonished him to work with other traditional rulers and government at all levels to inspire harmony, peace and development in the country.

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa, during the 2015 governorship election at ward 2 Sagbama Unit 6 Orueware, Toru-Orua in Sagbama Local Government area of Bayelsa on Saturday.

Bauchi: Former lawmakers threaten court action against Gov’s spokesman Ezekiel Titus BAUCHI

auchi State former lawmakers have threatened court action against Governor Mohammed Abubakar’s spokesman, saying he has seven days to retract his statement that the immediate past state Assembly approved N4 billion loan facility to the current administration of Abubakar under All Progressives Congress, APC, before

their exit. The lawmakers urged the Special Adviser to the governor on media to use the same medium he used to make the statement to retract it. The former member representing Ningi Constituency, Abdulmumini Hassan Ningi who gave this warning in a chat with selected journalists in Bauchi, said that the immediate past lawmakers had no link and any political romance that warranted it to

approved such loan to the current governor. “We have our valedictory session almost a week before the inauguration of the APC administration, then how do we approved such N4 billion loan to the governor who came in to power on May 29 when the ex lawmakers had cease to exist immediately after its valedictory session,” said Hassan. Describing the allegation as only an indictment, he said it was an abortion of truth to appar-

ently divert people’s attention from the empty promises of the APC change mantra. Hassan charge the governor’s spokesman not to hesitate in tendering the evidence backing his statement that the former lawmakers approved N4 billion to exonerate himself. Asked if he was talking on behalf of the former 31 members, Hassan said he have their support to defend and pursue the matter to a logical conclusion.

AD to rebrand party to win states, national elections in 2019

ewly elected national chairman of Alliance for Democracy, AD, Chief Joseph Avazi has pledged to rebrand the party and empower its members with a view to winning state and national elections in 2019. The national publicity secretary, Mrs Olayinka

Nola, in a press statement said, that the chairman also assured to run an open door policy, strengthen internal democracy and be gender sensitive in the task of building a credible alternative or platform to offer Nigerians the real change they desire. Chief Avazi further

said he will consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor Senator Akinfenwa and ensure AD becomes the leading progressive party in Africa. Other national officers elected in the party’s national convention held at AFRI Hotel Abuja on December 3, 2015 include,

Musa Shehu deputy national chairman (North), Professor Clinton Akuche deputy national chairman (South), Akin Fashogbon national secretary, Mrs. Olayinka Nola publicity secretary, Ismail Ayodele national auditor and Deaconess Abigail Aina national women leader.

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Prophet Korode calls on Nigerians to be less selfish Ebere Ndukwu

rophet Sunday Funsho Korode, leader of Cherubim and Seraphim Church Movement, Ayonio Surulere, has called on Nigerians to believe in the power of God to transform the country, saying if Nigerians will be less self-conscious, that there is hope for the country. The Prophet who stated this why interacting with newsmen during the church three days annual retreat and crusade which held December 4 and 6, called on President Muhammadu Buhari and his team; to know that it is only God that will bring about the desired change in the country. He said “I want to plead with President Buhari and his team; we know he has competent hands but it is only God that can enable us to achieve the change we want in this country.” According to the man of God, the real issue in Nigeria is disparity in classes, “the way the haves parade themselves as if the world ends here is the real issue. We need to let people know that after here there is hereafter and that God has provided enough for us to make us happy as a people and a nation. If we can be more of us conscious and less self-conscious, things will become better for the nation because that’s where our wealth really lies.” He said: “There is need for general renewal, for everybody to start thinking not just here but hereafter and that is the real spirit of abundance. The spirit of poverty thinks about what one can earn and have here but when one start thinking about after here, when we think about the hereafter, that will bring about right spirit which can get us to be contented. When we are moderate in what we are logging onto in life, everybody will be taken care of so that all these rivalries, corruption, malice, killings and destructions will end.” Saying that it is not yet Uhuru and that what is happening in the nation is only giving us hope and

not comfort yet, as there is so much hardship, he posited that people should be looking forward to something better because there is hope for the nation. “What we have in the country now are but basic principles for transformation, the architecture of the nation, the blueprint for its transformation are already here and there. When a plane takes off there is always a rough time, it takes time before it get height for the people in it to say they are now cruising. That’s what we are going through presently and that is what everybody must understand. The problem of our country has been so terrible that we are now in a serious morass, correcting it is not going to be an overnight activity; it is going to be step by step, but there is hope it will get better soon”, he said. According to the Prophet, the annual programme has been a rallying point, bringing not just the members together but others to the good message of Christ which is able to make them better people. “They come to have an experience of grace in the Holy Spirit and be baptized in all those things God normally want to give to his own children and to all intent and purposes there has been series of testimonies from various groups and people including our members to the wonderful faithfulness of God in our collective life. “The programme has been tremendous and truly value adding to every member of the church, the community and the nation. It’s a programme no one comes and regrets coming. It provides an avenue and platform for the people of this nation to encounter Christ in a very strong and credible manner that is having the real experience of Jesus Christ. You’ll appreciate that the world that we are in today is infested with so many problems and people are going through troublesome times, it becomes important to provide a solace to draw them out of their anguish to a place where they can find some rest,” he stated.

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Monday, December 7, 2015

Is Nigeria better or worse today? ALEX SONDU ATAWA-AKPODIETE

n my book, ‘The Seven Open Secrets Of Success’, I quoted this famous expression: “An unexamined life is not worth living.” The quote has been attributed to various people, especially Plato, but I lean towards giving credit to Socrates in his speeches during his trial. The essence of the wisdom quote is that wisdom dictates that you look at your life periodically to evaluate your successes and mistakes as a means of changing for the better. It helps in planning because if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Everyone should do this particular exercise, especially as we approach the last days of the year. Besides examining your life personally, I believe you should examine your government periodically. The ubiquitous 100-days in office have become a mainstay of modern democratic evaluation of governance. However, 100 days is sometimes not sufficient to really look at the affairs of a country. I suggest using 365 days to properly examine the state of a nation. I plead with Nigerians to please jettison party sentiments and objectively examine the state of their local, state and national governments. Please do not be deceived. Essentially, 99 percent of those in government have been in the corridors of power in one way or the other since our independence in 1960 and over 90 percent since return to democracy in 1999. Our President was in government as well as our Vice President. This article

looks mostly at the nation as a whole. I will suggest using the following yardstick to measure the state of Nigeria: economic price of commodities, wages, inflation, foreign exchange, women and youth participation, security, fuel, corruption. I will address first the economy of the country and will require my readers to do some independent research. On the economy, I will suggest we look at prices of commodities and salaries of workers. Are things generally more expensive today and how much goods can you buy for N1, 000 comparatively? Also, the wages of employees must be taken into consideration here. Are salaries paid as when due or delayed? Recently, some governors complained that they could no longer pay the minimum wage of N18, 000, but did not offer to reduce the number of their aides or take a pay cut, including reduction of the nebulous “security votes.” Recently, I attended a gender course. One of the things we discussed was that gender does not mean just female as is generally assumed, but rather both male and female. Nonetheless, will women feel that they are more a part of the government today than 365 days ago? This may take into account the number of female ministers, commissioners and governors. Thankfully, we may have the first female governor in Nigeria if the Court of Appeals upholds the Taraba Governorship Tribunal verdict. How about our youths? It is quite interesting that most of the people in government today were in leadership positions while in their thirties

To be more is to know more TUNDE OLOFINTILA

verywhere in the world today, people engage in advertisement without necessarily intending it. No wonder that many brands, institutions and companies have come up with all manners of mottos/pay-offs, with some of these pay-offs being pretty philosophical, some mere marketing gimmicks, while some others are out-rightly and arrogantly cocky. But that is advertising for you! Let us now cast a glance at the world of journalism by considering the highly rational pay-off of the Kwara State government-owned Nigerian Herald, which fittingly and richly illustrates our position in this write-up, to wit: “To Be More Is To Know More”. Indeed and in truth, to be more is to know more because everywhere in our contemporary world and across the professions today, one can hardly rise beyond the quantum of information (knowledge) available to one. And this seems to be the position of world class academics and education stakeholders, who brainstormed at the 4th International Workshop on Teaching and Learning Methods in Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, last week. It was serious business right from the opening ceremonies, when the frontline legal icon and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), UNESCO representative, Dr. Mohammed Alkali and the

A TEACHER…CAN

ONLY TEACH WHAT HE KNOWS AND IN A MANNER IN WHICH HE KNOWS HOW BEST TO

NUC representative, Dr. Noel Saliu, wittingly or unwittingly set the agenda for the international workshop. As it were, majority of what the trio said at the opening ceremonies later formed the kernel of the deliberations of the conferees and the substance of their communiqué. Aare Babalola pointedly counseled that teachers who constitute the engine room through which society overcomes ignorance and disease, conquer poverty and the environment, as well as overcome tribalism and extremism among others, must be properly and adequately trained for them to be able to stand in their position to change the face of education in Nigeria, entrench quality and functional education and restore the lost glory of education in Nigeria. After three days of rigorous and painstaking sessions and copious drinking from the fountain of experience and knowledge of some world class scholars like Prof. Michael Omolewa, an Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO; Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe, former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos and Prof. Tola Badejo, former Vice Chancellor, Wesley Univeristy of

WISDOM DICTATES THAT YOU LOOK AT YOUR LIFE PERIODICALLY TO EVALUATE YOUR SUCCESSES AND MISTAKES…

and forties. However, the youths may have some questions about where they belong. Concerning security, we are all cognizant of the Boko haram menace. Last year, the previous government goofed by boasting that it would crush Boko haram by April of that year. Now the current government has issued a deadline to the military command to eliminate Boko haram by December. In the present world situation where terrorism is fluid, it remains to be seen whether the ultimatum is realistic. It is beyond cavil that one of the primary obligations of government is security of lives and properties of its citizens. It is enshrined in Section 14 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). A failed state is one that has failed to provide security. Are we more secure today? On corruption, we must look at the number of convictions, not just arrests or ‘invitations’ to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) office. How many defendants have been convicted or acquitted? Since, former President Olusegun Obasanjo was compelled by virtue of treaty obligations to form both the EFCC and

Science and Technology, Ondo, among many others, the academics, through the communiqué at the end of the workshop, returned a unanimous verdict that a lot still needed to be done to make the wheel of education run faster and smoother in the overall interest of the education in Nigeria. Since teachers are not finished products, but an entity susceptible to training and retraining, the academics advocated that newly recruited teachers must be made to undergo training/orientation before being allowed to teach. This way, they will be acquainted with modern teaching methods so that they don’t disseminate ignorance and half knowledge to their students, thereby producing a bunch of unemployable graduates. A teacher, after all, can only teach what he knows and in a manner in which he knows how best to. And since there is no one-size fits all method of teaching, the academics reasoned that entrepreneurial skills should be embedded in the country’s teaching skills to enhance the chances of employment of new graduates in the competitive global employment market, and particularly to bridge the yawning gap between the academia and the labour market. In addition to the above, they advocated that the need for teachers to change the way they conduct themselves in class with emphasis on mutual respect between the teacher and the learner. Teachers, according to them, must be time conscious in class, must be firm,

Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), there are usually high-profile arrests that are not commensurate with convictions. I believe we should move on to the issue of fuel. Last year around this time, there may have been fuel queues. Are there fewer queues today and what is the price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) comparatively? We now know that fuel subsidy actually exists and were not fabricated. I am not in a position to state whether it is inflated or not, but clearly we were paying some form of subsidy last year and are still paying subsidies today. I only ask for an objective comparison. If you believe the country is better today or worse, send SMS to +12407724113 or +2348138391661. Please no political party talk. Give your cogent reason. E-mail can be sent to profatawa@gmail.com. You may also use twitter (@profatawa) or Facebook using harsh tag #profatawa. Responses will be published at a later date. If you do not want your name used, please say so. Bayelsa election and Kogi supplementary election are scheduled for December 5. Both elections are featuring old politicians, who were previously in the same party. We have are essentially old wine in new wineskins. Don’t be carried away. Change is constant, but can be deceptively used. Evaluate all candidates divorced from their political party. The results of this article will be posted after the elections. It is worth thinking about! Atawa-Akpodiete, a public affairs analyst wrote via profatawa@gmail.com

fair, frank and friendly, must be able to use modern teaching equipment, including the Interactive Boards and all forms of ICT platforms, must be audible, confident, affectionate and approachable and above all, they must be disciplined. As was the practice in those days, they must be well-dressed and clean, keep records of what they do, be original and innovative, be cooperative and collaborative and move with trends as well as give computer-based assignments to their students. It is the above parameters among many others that qualify teachers to be described as teachers properly so called and above all, it is only by being teachers so properly called that they impart the required and needed skills and knowledge to impact on the society. For this to happen, however, emphasis must be placed on infrastructural development in Nigerian universities, while teachers should be involved in policy formulation as they know what they need rather than unwanted and unworkable policy ideas being shoved down their throats. Olofintila wrote from Lagos. 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 7, 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

Senate’s purported rediscovery of PIB imperative

t was reported, late last month, that Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, expressed the resolve of the National Assembly, particularly the Senate over which he presides as President, to break the jinx holding back the passing of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB ) to law. Saraki, it was stated, made a case for the urgent need to pass the bill to pave way for comprehensive reforms in the country’s oil and gas sub-sectors. The 8th Senate, where he holds court, has adopted the PIB as one of the cardinal projects on its legislative agenda, reports say. Saraki spoke while inaugurating some of the standing committees of the Senate in Abuja. The PIB first presented to the NASS in 2009, we reiterate, has not made any headway mainly because of the conflict of interest between the Federal Government, Joint Venture (JV) partners and local oil cabal, on the one hand; and Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation’s (NNPC) ploy to keep shrouding oil sector operations in secrecy, on the other. Former oil minister, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke, when she spoke on the future of the petroleum industry in 2013, said: “…The PIB cur-

rently undergoing legislative processes at the NASS establishes the legal and regulatory framework, institutions and regulatory authorities for the Nigerian petroleum industry. It also stipulates guidelines for operations in the upstream and downstream sectors”. She said the objectives of the PIB were to “enhance exploration and exploitation of petroleum resources; significantly increase domestic gas supplies, especially for power and industry; create competitive business environment for the exploitation of oil and gas; establish fiscal framework that is flexible, stable and competitively attractive; create commercially viable national oil company; create strong and effective regulatory institutions; promote Nigerian content and promote and protect health, safety and environment”. Allison-Madueke said at the heart of the PIB is the separation of policy, regulation and monitoring; as well as commercial operations; and that the building blocks of the institutional and policy reforms would include the unbundling of the NNPC through the creation of a National Oil Company (NOC) that promotes indigenous operational capac-

IT WILL BE TO THE CREDIT OF THE SARAKILED NASS IF IT CAN SINCERELY BRAVE THE STORM AND MAKE THE

PIB A REALITY, TO

THE SHAME OF ALL THE CONSPIRACIES AGAINST IT

ity development; the creation of an Asset Management Company (AMC) to manage JV assets on behalf of the federation; and the excision of Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) from NNPC as a separate, partially privatised entity to cater for domestic gas marketing and gas infrastructure development. Till date, however, the lofty dream has remained elusive. The NASS, apparently cashing in on the conflict of interest imbroglio, had consciously played down the expeditious passage of the PIB for reasons best known to it. The Ministry of Petroleum Resources under Allison-Madueke, in its 2013 budget, tabled a humongous vote of N6.2 billion to oil the passage of the bill. The former minister told the NASS then that the N6.2 billion would be spent on awareness campaigns.

ON THIS DAY December 7, 1988 Yasser Arafat recognized the right of Israel to exist. Mohammed Yasser Abdel Rahman Abdel Raouf Arafat al-Qudwa al-Husseini (August 24, 1929 – November 11, 2004), popularly known as Yasser Arafat or by his ‘kunya’ , Abu Ammar, was a Palestinian leader. He was Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO); President of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA); and leader of the Fatah political party.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

December 7, 2005 Rigoberto Alpizar, a passenger on American Airlines Flight 924, who allegedly claimed to have a bomb, was shot and killed by a team of United States’ federal air marshals at Miami International Airport. Alpizar lived in the central Florida town of Maitland and worked in the Paint Department of a Home Depot. He was supposed to fly with his wife, Anne Buechner, to Orlando, Florida.

No details! Lately, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, in his erstwhile capacity as the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, said the country was losing a whopping N3 trillion (about $15 billion) annually from the uncertainties created by the non-passage of the PIB by the federal legislature. “I can tell you that the average source of volumes in investments that we are losing on an annual basis because of the lack of PIB is in excess of $15 billion; and the reason is simple: it would have been better that you (NASS) didn’t start at all, than announce very flamboyantly that you are going to do PIB; and step back from it”, Kachikwu said when he appeared before the Senate for screening as minister. According to him, one of the key things that killed the previous PIB was the lack of “sufficient engagement”, whatever that means. The 6th and 7th NASS that enjoyed a relatively stable leadership having failed to do justice to the PIB, it will be to the credit of the Saraki-led NASS if it can sincerely brave the storm and make the PIB a reality, to the shame of all the conspiracies against it all these years.

x December 7, 2007 December 7, 2007 The Hebei Spirit oil spill occurred in South Korea after a crane barge that had broken free from a tug collided with the very large crude carrier, Hebei Spirit. The spill was a major disaster in South Korea that began on the morning of December 7, 2007 local time, with ongoing environmental and economic effects. Government officials called it South Korea’s worst oil spill ever, surpassing that of 1995 in the country.

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Business Courage

Monday, December 7, 2015

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Stock exchange floor

Restoring foreign investors’ confidence in capital market As the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC and Nigeria Stock Exchange, NSE continue to promote corporate governance and transparency to increase investments in the nation’s capital market, indications show that foreign investors are not seeing the market as investment haven still. Udo Onyeka reports

he indication that foreign investors are gradually off- loading their investments from the country’s capital market to many financial analysts portends danger to the economy, as foreign investors had remain drives of activities in the market. According to analysts even though foreign investors control only little above 25 per cent market share, they control over 6o

percent of transaction activities in the market. This however means that their continued dwindling investment would adversely affect the capital market’s performance and contribution to the economy as a source of fund for long term investment. For instance the All-Share Index of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, on Tuesday, December 2, depreciated further by

0.26 per cent following the exit of some foreign investors and profit taking. The index which opened at 27,385.69 lost 71.69 points or 0.26 per cent to close at 27,314.00. Similarly, the market capitalisation dropped further by N24bn to close at N9.391trn compared with N9.415trn achieved on Monday. According to Managing Director, APT Securities and Funds

Ltd., Malam Garba Kurfi, the persistent downward trend was traceable to exit of some foreign investors. Kurfi said that this was due to pressure on the nation’s currency at the foreign exchange market. He said that foreign investors who were supposed to play the market had developed ‘wait and see’ attitude due to developments at the foreign exchange market.

He said that many things were working against the market, noting that there was no activity at the nation’s economy. But a market summary of last week ended Friday, December UDO ONYEKA, CO-ORDINATOR BUSINESS COURAGE udonyeka@gmail.com c

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Mounir Gwarzo, DG-SEC

Onyema

tors. They accounted for 57.52 per cent of total transactions in 2014. In the first eight months of this year, foreign investment inflow was N367.10bn, which was N43.39bn less than outflow. Despite the reported exit of many foreign investors from the stock market and expectations that domestic investors would take advantage of low stock prices, foreign investors still dominated the market, accounting for 54.36 per cent of the N1.430tn transactions in equities as of August. Also further review of the participation statistics revealed that foreign portfolio investment outflow exceeded inflow in six of the eight months under consideration. Inflow exceeded outflow in April, as investor confidence rose after the peaceful conduct of the presidential election, and in June following the change in government. Year-to-date, the NSE All-Share Index has a negative return of -12.40. The N1.430tn transactions recorded in the equities segment of the NSE in the first eight months of this year was, however, 5.8 per cent or N88bn less than the N1.518tn transactions recorded in the same period of 2014. In November Nigeria’s stocks fell to their lowest level in almost three years as foreigners exited the market amid fading hopes that President Muhammadu Buhari’s government can revive an economy growing at its slowest pace this century.

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Kurfi

The Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index dropped 0.8 percent to 27,385.69 at closing in Lagos, the lowest since December 2012. The gauge declined on all but three trading days in November for a monthly drop of 6.2 percent. Head, Investment and Research, Sterling Capital, Mr. Sewa Wusu, said, “A combination of factors has actually been affecting the Nigerian economy and by extension we have seen reactions in the financial markets generally. They are headwinds that investors would naturally react to because of the fear of eroding the value of their investment.” According what is happening does not mean that the economy did not have potential as it were, but rather the economy was being affected by a global problem such as tumbling oil and commodity prices. He said concerning the situation in the country the political risk is gradually fizzling out, and it was time for the government to face the economy squarely, adding that “most investors are just exiting to preserve their capital and wait for the tide to clear because they cannot just make investment decisions when there is no clarity in the macroeconomic space.” Stakeholders have said to bolster investor confidence; there was the need for the expeditious complaints management framework introduced by the apex regulator, the SEC, to be strengthened, as it would involve speedy

It is important to note that we are not the only exchange affected by these global developments of all the 24 exchanges in Africa, 20 are experiencing a downturn. Opportunities still exist for investors in stocks, in spite of the current downturn in the capital market. If you look at large, mid and small cap securities; mid cap securities have done well, they have returned about 6 percent positive. Now the whole market is about 18 percent down and that is because of the weight of the large cap securities

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4, showed turnover of 1.218 billion shares worth N14.685bn in 13,495 deals were traded by investors on the floor of The Exchange in contrast to a total of 1.041 billion shares valued at N13.007bn that exchanged hands the previous week in 13,407 deals. The Financial Services Industry, measured by volume, led the activity chart with 1.068 billion shares valued at N9.888bn traded in 7,803 deals; thus contributing 87.73 per cent and 67.3 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Consumer Goods Industry followed with 48.455 million shares worth N2.450bn in 2,560 deals. The third place was occupied by the Conglomerates Industry with a turnover of 45.914 million shares worth N364.525m in 622 deals. The NSE All-Share Index and Market Capitalisation however appreciate marginally last week appreciated by 0.05 per cent to close the week at 27,631.05 and N9.500trn respectively. Similarly, six other Indices finished higher during the week, except the following Indices: NSE Main Board Index -0.78 per cent, NSE 30 Index-0.10 per cent, NSE Consumer Goods Index-0.10 per cent, NSE Oil and Gas Index-n6.19 per cent and NSE Pension Index-0.66 per cent. Many market watchers have said that the dwindling attraction and returns in the country’s stock market caused foreign portfolio investors to pull out N410.49bn from the equities segment of the NSE between January and August this year. According to data obtained from the NSE showed that just as was the case last year, foreign investment outflow exceeded inflow in the first eight months of 2015. Foreign investors had pulled N846.53bn from the stock market last year although they invested N692.39bn, a development that caused the NSE AllShare Index to close with a negative return of -16.14 per cent. This is because the market is dominated by the foreign inves-

Business Courage

Monday, December 7, 2015

resolution of investors’ complaints by Self - Regulatory Organisations, the NSE, the Administrative Proceeding Committee of the SEC and finally the Investment & Securities Tribunal, IST. Some of the factors which led to the loss of confidence in the capital market, according analysts include: loss in value of investment; total loss of investment; ‘sharp’ practices by market operators; lack of transparency in financial information rendition; ineffective regulation; perception that the market is not fair; cumbersome practices in issuance of dividends, bonuses, rights issue among others. There have being recent attempts targeted at restoring the confidence of investors in the market, some which include; continuous financial literacy and investor clinics; technology driven management of IPOs, dividends and bonuses; biometric capture as part of Know Your Customer ,KYC, process to forestall identity theft; online monitoring of individual Central Securities & Clearing System ,CSCS, accounts. Other are access to portfolio reports as provided by broker/dealer; improved market structure and technological advancement. Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Oscar Onyema said the Nigerian capital market and the business of the stock exchange will always be impacted by dynamic economic trends and investor demands. He said however achieving success through growth that creates value will increase the bourse’s ability to operate efficiently and profitably in the transient advantage economy that has unfolded in Nigeria and around the world. Speaking recently in Lagos a workshop organised by the Capital Market Correspondent Association of Nigeria, CAMCAN, Onyema noted that while there has been no respite in the macro economy and operating environment due to lingering oil price and foreign exchange pressures, long-term outlook for the Exchange remains positive as listed companies continue to show resilience.

He said operators have been repositioned to deliver superior value to investors. “It is important to note that we are not the only exchange affected by these global developments of all the 24 exchanges in Africa, 20 are experiencing a downturn. “Opportunities still exist for investors in stocks, in spite of the current downturn in the capital market. If you look at large, mid and small cap securities; mid cap securities have done well, they have returned about 6 percent positive. Now the whole market is about 18 percent down and that is because of the weight of the large cap securities”, he said. According to him at the Exchange, a lot of our energy has been spent building the foundational aspect of the market in terms of transparency, orderliness, fairness, disclosure, and more importantly enforcing rules and regulations. He said in the short term, you will see the huge volatility but that should not distract from those fundamental elements about good companies, making good money, running under a well governed Exchange structure and a well regulated market structure. “These factors will combine to shore up investors’ confidence in these challenging times. As we continue to work towards achieving and sustaining this market, the importance of your role cannot be over emphasised”, Onyema said. In the same vein Director General, SEC, said the commission is making fundamental changes for that would bring about growth and development in the market through its 10- year master plan. According to him some the SEC is currently leading the capital market in implementing the 10-year Master plan initiatives which include; recapitalisation exercise to strengthen market institutions, dematerialisation of share certificates which has reached unprecedented level of over 85 percent with 100 per cent in sight before the year ends, E-dividend with excellent collaboration from Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and NIBSS. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, December 7, 2015

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News Group writes Customs CG, laments worsening corruption cases Francis Ezem

ort stakeholders under the aegis of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders NAGAFF; have raised fresh alarm over what they described as `increasing rate of corruption` at the nation’s seaports. In a letter addressed to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service dated December 2, 2015 and signed by the national chairman of the anti – corruption unit of the association, Mr Increase Uche alleged that there is a clear case of increase in corruption involving customs officers in the nation’s seaports. The group challenged the Custons CG, Hameed Ali to pay a visit to the Federal Operations Unit of the Customs, Ikeja. According to the association, corruption was getting worse on daily basis at the ports, insisting that the change mantra expected has become elusive. The letter reads in parts: “A trip to FOU Ikeja and revelations therein from interventions is a pointer that corruption is in the increase due to improper Customs examination. If the Customs examination officers are patriotic and professional in their actions, the valuation unit shall resolve all disputed matters of classification and value question with ease”. The letter also said that most of the items intercepted on the road were the same goods that had been okayed and cleared at the ports or border stations by officers of the service. The freight forwarding group also frowned at the frivolous rate at which Customs commands have been seizing people’s trade goods on the allegations of under-declaration, concealment and other infractions, arguing that rather than seizure, the service should collect appropriate duty on them and allow their owners to take delivery. Meanwhile, stakeholders have identified the local alerts issued by some officers at the Lagos Ports as an epitome of systemic corruption within the Customs operation. “May we therefore ask, where is CGC Hameed Ibrahim Ali’s change mantra of President Muhammadu Buhari mandate” Stakeholders have also identified common issues such as re-routing of entries, fake password disputes, local alerting, stoppage of released and exited cargo at the gates, frivolous value assessment, improper Customs examination and duplication of functions, among others as veritable

L-R: Partner KPMG, Kunle Elebute; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mahmoud Isa-Duste; Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun and Project Lead, Patience Oniha during the inauguration of the Ministry of Finance Efficiency Unit Steering Committee in Abuja recently

avenues through which the officers extort importers and freight forwarders.

Why we financed Labana Rice Mill, by Sterling Bank Udo Onyeka

terling Bank Plc has attributed its decision to finance the multi-billion naira Labana Rice Mills, one of the largest rice mills in Africa, to the need to support the agenda of the Federal Government towards guaranteeing food security, developing the non-oil sector and conserving the nation’s foreign exchange reserves. Between January 2012 and May 2015, the country spent over $2.41bn, about N482bn, on rice importation. Labana Global Ventures, owner of the Mills is one of the 17 companies granted approval to participate in the Federal Government’s Rice Processing Intervention Scheme under a Public Private Partnership, PPP. The Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Yemi Adeola who disclosed this at the commissioning of the Rice Mill in Birnin-Kebbi

by President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Minister for Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbe, also noted that the mass production of rice locally will go a long way to conserving the country’s foreign exchange and reduce demand pressure in the foreign exchange market. In his speech, the President commended Sterling Bank for its contributions to the development of the sector and its alignment with the goals of the current administration in the area of agriculture. The Sterling Bank chief executive who lauded the Federal Government for its focus on the Agricultural sector noted that the commissioning of the Labana Rice Mill would go a long way to meet the local demand on rice by Nigerians, conserve foreign exchange and generate employment. Asides the rice mill commissioned, Mr. Adeola disclosed that the Bank has also financed a state of the art soya bean oil milling plant as well as major agrochemical and fertiliser companies in the country amongst others. In addition, the Bank has financed various poultry projects and provided advice to poultry farmers on best production performance methodologies. He assured that the Bank will continue to provide adequate financing structures and financial advisory services to individuals and organisations in the sector. As stated by Mr. Adeola, “Sterling Bank will continue to finance key actors along the value chain from production to marketing”.

China announces $60bn ‘funding support’ for Africa Adeola

hinese President Xi Jinping announced $60bn of assistance and loans for Africa

at a summit in Johannesburg on Friday, signalling China’s commitment to the continent despite a recent fall in investment. China’s economic growth has taken a dip this year, triggering a global commodities slump and causing Beijing to slash investment in Africa by more than 40 percent in the first six months of 2015. Xi said that China would “provide a total of $60 billion of funding support that includes $5bn of grants in zero interest loans (and) $35bn in preferential facility and export credit loans and concessional loans.” In a slew of pledges at his speech opening the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, FOCAC, he also announced drought aid for the continent. “China is greatly concerned about the poor harvest caused by El Nino in many African countries and will provide one billion renminbi yuan ,$156m worth of emergency food aid to the affected countries,” he said. The two-day FOCAC meeting is the second time China has brought together African leaders since the forum was launched in Beijing in 2000. Since then, China’s trade with Africa has overtaken that of the traditional partners, Europe and the United States. “China is still very active in Africa,” Deborah Brautigan, of the US-based China Africa Research Institute, told AFP. “They are very competitive. They made it clear that Africa is still their business partner (but) this big sum is mainly loans that will have to be repaid.” The money will target 10 areas, including industrialisation, infrastructure, financial services, poverty reduction, and peace and security. Zhong Jinahua, a Chinese diplomat at the summit, brushed off concerns about the recent drop in investment into Africa. “I don’t think we need to pan-

ic over the fluctuation in trade volumes,” he told reporters. A fall in mineral prices has hit African countries who relied on Chinese demand, with large lay-offs by mining companies in resource-rich countries such as Zambia and South Africa. “We are keen to explore cooperation with China to ensure the long term viability of African mining,” South Africa President Jacob Zuma told the summit. “This is important in light of the declining demand for commodities.” Among the presidents attending were Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, which is Africa’s largest economy, Salva Kiir of South Sudan, Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya’s Uhuru Kenyatta.

CBN, Bank Directors partner on anti-money laundering, corporate governance Udo Onyeka

he Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, organised a 5-day training program November 30-December 4, 2015 for Bank Directors on corporate governance and Anti-Money Laundering to keep abreast with global trends. Addressing bank directors and other captains of industry at the event, CBN’s Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, Mr. Joseph Nnanna said the issue of corporate governance has become topical globally, more so when it is considered in the role it played during the Global Financial Crisis of 2008, and its implications for the stability of the Nigerian financial system. According to the deputy governor CBN would be happy to see a proactive board of directors that checkmate the management of banks; adding that the apex bank does not want to be in the Grey List of the Financial Action Task Force ,FATF. “We want you to tell your compliance officers to do their work with all the seriousness it deserves. If they come and find any bank wanting, it is not only the MDs of those banks we shall hold responsible. We shall hold the board collectively responsible,” he warned. According to Nnanna, there is an interface between weak corporate governance and money laundering/financing of terrorism that may not be very obvious to the ordinary observer. He stressed that the two could be considered as mutually reinforcing, since weak corporate governance can be

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state government University and the first University of education in Nigeria with a mandate to train teachers for the economy, the training will definitely filter down.”

compromised by vendors of money laundering and terrorism financing and vice versa. Discussing the issue of corporate governance he noted, is made more urgent now that it is obvious that banks’ financial performance, reputation and the safety and soundness of the financial system “must be driven by strong corporate governance culture. “I have no doubt in my mind that this is where this training derives its most important objective and significance,” he stated.

CIIN to extend professional examinations across Africa

he Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, CIIN, is widening its educational coverage to other African countries in a deliberate move to extend the frontiers of its professional examinations President of the Institute Lady Isioma Chukwuma who made this known during her recent visit to the Nigerian Insurers Association, NIA, in Lagos noted that the expansion plan will cover countries in West, East and Central Africa sub-region. The countries include, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe among others. She said that during her leadership the CIIN will also reinforce the success recorded with regards to the existing off-shore examination centre in Banjul, The Gambia and the most recent centre in Kigali, Rwanda. She also promised that the Institute will promote its members’ benefits by ensuring that they get more value for their membership, adding that “In particular, we will focus on delivering continuous education programmes as well as improving the platforms for engaging members on knowledge update deliberations on a more regular basis”. “Permit me to state that as an Institute, we are not resting on our oars in the drive to promote Insurance Awareness and Education in Nigeria. The 2015 edition of the Institute’s Annual Education Seminar with the theme “Synergizing Branch Office Operations and Insurance Awareness” was held just last week in Port Harcourt. The event was followed by our donation of 750 copies of the CIIN published ‘Insurance Textbook for Secondary Schools’ to both the Rivers and Imo States’ Ministries of Education for onward distribution to all the Senior Secondary

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OPEC fails to agree on production after Iran pledges output boost

L-R: Enterprise Technology Specialist, Shada Oluwatobi; Global Education, Shelley Shott; Corporate Affairs Manager, Babatunde Akinola; and Business Development Director, Stanley Muoneke, all of Intel during the Intel Business Partners Professional Development Training Workshop held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce, (LCCI), Ikeja, Lagos recently.

Schools in both States. The donation of the Textbooks to Rivers and Imo States follows prior donations to the governments of Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Ondo and Kwara States” she said. The president stated that all of those steps represent the Institutes articulated efforts at expanding the capacity of its offering of insurance programmes thereby guiding them pragmatically towards the improvement of their capacity to deliver superior and qualitative insurance education. According to her, I must reiterate at this point that the Institute is fully committed to placing the Insurance Industry in a prime position in the financial services sector and the national economy as a whole.

NECA urges state governors to uphold law on minimum wage

he Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association, NECA, an umbrella body for Organised Private Sector, has urged state governors to uphold the sanctity of the law on minimum wage. Director General of NECA, Mr Segun Oshinowo, spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Friday in Lagos against the backdrop of unwillingness of some state governors to pay the N18, 000 minimum wage. He said that the minimum wage was not the product of administrative fiat. According to him, it is a product of a painstaking tripartite negotiation and agreement in which the state governments were duly represented, and was legislated by the National Assembly. He said that the state governors, by attaching condition

,falling oil prices, to implementation of the law, were making mockery of governance, which was not acceptable anywhere. “The minimum wage goes beyond politics and the claim of inability to pay. “It is either the governors do not understand that the minimum wage is backed by an Act, or are simply out to break the law, thereby bringing their office into disrepute. “I think we should celebrate our governors for trying to break the law. I say this sarcastically because government at all levels should set example in obeying the laws. “The governors are simply grandstanding. The thing goes beyond ability to pay. The issue is that government should respect the sanctity of the law. “ I am not talking about sanctity of agreement, but sanctity of the law because the sanctity of the law supersedes the sanctity of agreement. “It will be unfortunate if the governors should go ahead and break the law. They want to indulge themselves in impunity by disobeying the law of the land,’’ Oshinowo said. NAN recalls that the organised labour had said it had put its organs across the federation at alert, as some of the governors may be ignorant about the import of their proposal on minimum wage.

Intel, TASUED partner on classroom technology Leonard Okachie

n an effort to integrate technology into classroom learning to better prepare students for the 21st century, Intel recently organised a four-day training session tagged “Intel Teacher Professional Development Train-

ing”. The training exercise organised in partnership with the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), is part of Intel’s global Teach Program to improve effectiveness among teachers through professional development, afforded participants from the university, the opportunity to interact with various classroom technology solutions that aids problem-solving, critical thinking and collaboration skills. Speaking on the training, Global Education Specialist, Intel, Shelly Shott, who facilitated the training sessions, emphasized the need for a student-centred environment which according to her is a perfect environment to introduce technology. “Intel believes that we have to educate our students for the 21st century. The old format of teaching does not necessarily support technology in the classroom, which is why we are advocating for a student-centred approach to learning,” she said. As the first University of Education, the partnership with TASUED, will provide Intel with the opportunity to have a system in place, whereby teachers year in year out are given technology skills before they graduate. According to the Corporate Affairs Group Manager, Intel, Babatunde Akinola, Intel through the program, has also provided the school with its curriculum for teachers training which they can apply to both the Pre-service and In-service teachers. He said, “The course we are running is Intel Teaching Portfolio of Courses and we have been training teachers around the world for the past 10 years. The company has invested over $1 billion in education and we still continue to do that. We see TASEUD as a strategic partner because their mandate is Education.” Akinola added that, “Being a

PEC members failed to agree an oil production ceiling on Friday at a meeting that ended in acrimony, after Iran said it would not consider any production curbs until it restores output scaled back for years under Western sanctions. Friday’s developments set up the fractious cartel for more price wars in an already heavily oversupplied market. Oil prices have more than halved over the past 18 months to a fraction of what most OPEC members need to balance their budgets. Brent oil futures fell by 1 percent on Friday to trade around $43, only a few dollars off a six year low. Banks such as Goldman Sachs predict they could fall further to as low as $20 per barrel as the world produces more oil than it consumes and runs out of capacity to store the excess. A final OPEC statement was issued with no mention of a new production ceiling. The last time OPEC failed to reach a deal was in 2011 when Saudi Arabia was pushing the group to increase output to avoid a price spike amid a Libyan uprising. “We have no decision, no number,” Iranian oil minister Bijan Zangeneh told reporters after the meeting. OPEC’s secretary general Abdullah al-Badri said OPEC could not agree on any figures because it could not predict how much oil Iran would add to the market next year, as sanctions are withdrawn under a deal reached six months ago with world powers over its nuclear programme. Most ministers left the meeting without making comments. Badri tried to lessen the embarrassment by saying OPEC was as strong as ever, only to hear an outburst of laughter from reporters and analysts in the conference room. A year ago, Saudi Arabia pushed though an OPEC decision to defend market share instead of cutting output, ultimately hoping to drive highcost producers such as U.S. shale firms out of the market. Many poorer OPEC members have said the group’s largest producer was effectively twisting their arms, prompting the Saudi oil minister, Ali al-Naimi, to say he would listen to everyone this time.BC

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Monday, December 7, 2015

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Companies & Markets

CSR: Ecobank gives scholarships, learning materials to Indigent Students Udo Onyeka

cobank Nigeria has awarded scholarships,enrolled the West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams for several students of Government Secondary School, Lugbe, Abuja. The bank also donated various learning materials to the school as part of this year Financial Literacy Day. Breakdown of the bank’s gesture showed that 100 students benefited from the one year scholarship, 20 students got WAEC enrollment fees, while 1000 exercise books and 27 white boards were handed to the school. The Financial Literacy Day, an initiative of the Bankers’ Committee is set aside to focus attention on children and youths in primary and secondary schools in the country and to empower them by enhancing their financial knowledge and planning skills. It was held in collaboration with Junior Achievement of Nigeria (JAN). Speaking at the event, Managing Director, Ecobank Nige-

ria, Jibril Aku, said, the support to the school worth millions of naira was one of the several ways of promoting education and supporting indigent students across the

country. Represented by Business Executive, Public Sector, Ecobank Nigeria, Shehu Jafiya, the MD enjoined the students and school authourity to put

to good use the ‘’kind gestures from the bank.’ “We believe this gesture will help indigent students who are unable to pay fees or enroll for WAEC.. I advise you to face

Airtel ‘RedHot’ promo to produce 60 millionaires Adejuwon Osunnuyi

L–R: Executive Director, Business Development, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri; Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar N. Onyema; Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, NSE, Mr. Ade Bajomo, and Secretary to Council, NSE, Mrs. Mojisola Adeola, at the Induction Ceremony for newly qualified Authorized Dealing Clerks at the Exchange

NSE conducts Youth Investors Clinic

he Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has hosted its fourth quarter Investors’ Clinic targeted at youths in the country. The clinic themed ‘Securing Your Tomorrow, Today’, had over 100 youths in attendance. The investors’ clinic is a free and open financial literacy and inclusion programmes to educate Nigerian youths on the culture of investment in the capital and money markets. According to Bola Adeeko, Head, Corporate Services Division, NSE, “we are committed to building a financially literate

generation and will continue to commit resources to implement a variety of programmes that will enable young people imbue the requisite skills and knowledge that will help them navigate the future through smart investing .” Speaking on their experience at the investors’ clinic, Miss Damilola Obafemi an applicant, said “I’ve always heard that the stock exchange is relevant to the Nigeria and the economy. Being here today is an opportunity for me to get information that will allow me to participate in the market”.

Mr. Kayode Awokoya, an applicant and a participant, also said “It is a very well organized event basically for the youths, and I think being here is an opportunity for me to take away skills and knowledge on investment opportunities available for youth in the country” while Michael Adewunmi from Portfolio Adversory Limited, a stockbroking firm, said “I got the information about this event from the Nigerian Stock Exchange’s website. I’m here to acquire knowledge about the market and to apply and disseminate such information to people who need

it”. Pai Gamde, Head, Human Resources at The NSE reiterated that “It is imperative that this financial literacy clinic hits home. With the startling statistics that 47 per cent of our 29.4 million youths within the ages of 18 and 25 years are financially excluded and they have no access to financial services either formally or informally. As a responsible organization, we will continue to play our part in deploying financial literacy programmes that will develop our youths to become sound leaders of tomorrow.” BC

Nobel Carpet gets MAN’s best industrial premises award

Saidat Alausa

ucky Fibres Plc, manufacturers of Nigeria’s finest floor covering Nobel carpets and rugs, has been declared winner of the best industrial premises for 2015 by Manufactures association of Nigeria following the environmental assessment of the factory premises conducted by the association’s environmental committee. The award presentation took place at the 48th annual general meeting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) held at Ikeja, last week. The award was the result of

your studies. The importance of education cannot be over emphasized. We are interested to help you succeed in life,’ he said He tutored the students some financial tips, how to manage money, make right decisions and gain financial freedom. BC

the yearly “Best kept industrial premises competition” among all manufacturing companies including food and beverages. According to the Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Ikeja Branch, Prince Oba Okojie, Lucky Fibres was able to meet the requirements and criteria of the association committee and has been awarded the gold medal in recognition of its achievement. He explained that, adhering to environmental standards set by regulatory bodies was key to the success of manufacturing companies, as MAN in collaboration with other environmental agen-

cies deemed it fit to conduct assessment of the environmental state of members’ factory and reward members, who adhere to the strict standards accordingly. He further commended the Company for its commitment in the branch and its consistent commitment to environmental excellence over the years. Speaking on the brand’s recognition, General Manager, Lucky Fibres, Mr. Jitesh Pamnani, expressed joy and delight on the Award and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to environmental excellence. He further added that the company have over they year’s

received the award from the Manufacturers association of Nigeria and would not relent in its effort to ensure it keeps up with the high standards put in place. Also commenting on the receipt of the award, Factory Manager Lucky Fibres Santosh Tomar said “Our clear lead with 86.5 percent to top the score sheets is the reward of clear dedication. Winning the first year wasn’t as challenging as keeping up with the standards this year. Lucky Fibres’ top priority is in, continuous improvement and excellence in all areas of endeavour”. BC

irtel Nigeria, has announced the return of its groundbreaking consumer reward initiative tagged Airtel Red Hot Promo. According to the telco, this year’s edition of the reward initiative will create exciting opportunities for telecoms consumers across the country as 60 Nigerians will win an amazing Emirates Holiday in Dubai for themselves and any three of their loved ones. Each of the 60 lucky winners will then choose the other three persons who will accompany them on this all-expense paid trip to Dubai. To add to the excitement, Airtel will create 60 instant millionaires 60 days by giving out, N1 million in daily draws over the next 60 days. The telco added that everyone – customers and telecoms consumers - stand a chance to win big as the promo offers lots of opportunities and prizes, including millions in airtime, smartphones and other mouth-watering prizes. Announcing the initiative, Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Ahmed Mokhles, said the telco is committed to connecting Nigerians to their dreams and providing credible platforms and spring boards for telecoms consumers achieve their greatness. “Airtel’s RedHot Promo is a reward programme that seeks to excite and delight Nigerians. It demonstrates our commitment to rewarding our customers for their continuing patronage and loyalty while also welcoming new users to our network,” he said. To participate and win in the Red Hot promo, customers need to accumulate points by recharging his/her line, buying any TalkMore bundle, buying any data bundles, registering for Access Money or even calling 141 (MAMO) With a point-based system, customers can improve their chances of winning by increasing their recharges. BC

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Brand Watch

Insight sustains dominance at LAIF Award

PZ Cussons unveils new look Canoe detergent

n a bid to consolidate its leadership in the market, PZ Cussons has relaunched canoe detergent into the Northern Nigerian markets with promise to maintain good standards and quality of product in order to satisfy consumers. At the product relaunch in Suleja Market, Niger State, which is part of its Pan-Nigeria Campaign, the company’s brand manager, Fabrics Care, Miss Gloria Jacobs, said the new product package was necessitated by the need “to evolve and make the product more attractive in line with colour care composition” and “to cater for people that have large families at affordable price. That is what we are doing in Suleja Market”. At the market, the company awarded a star-prize of brand new washing machine to a trader simply identified as Mr. Anayo “for displaying 547 faces of Canoe detergent in Suleja Market and for having the best display (of the products) in the market”. Other customers were also rewarded with other categories of consolation prizes. Miss Jacob stated that the new product does not prevent consumers from maintaining the known genuine quality of their fabrics, stressing that “It is the same Canoe Detergent soap they have always known, coming in an exciting, attractive wrapper; same fragrance; same price; same quality; same value in addition to introducing a new 1.8kg size”. The brand manager added that this new product relaunch was not prompted by any threat from competitors, saying rather that customers have always trusted their products because of the commitment to offer customers colour protection on their fabrics. “We have created a niche as the leading name in caring for all coloured fabrics, which is why canoe is being endorsed by Da Viva as the best detergent for colour fabrics. We do not face any threat from other competitors”, she said. The canoe detergent brand is reputed for its leadership in preserving the colour and quality of fabrics. BC

David Audu

nsight Communications demonstrated its dominance of the advertising industry in Nigeria with a strong showing at the 2015 Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival, LAIF, Awards held in Lagos, recently as itt emerged the most awarded company for the year, and went home with 25 awards, comprising five gold, ten silver and ten bronze awards respectively. Chief Operating Officer, Feyi Olubodun, dedicated the awards to the clients who he said trust the company with briefs over the years, adding that “the successful execution of these briefs has given birth to these awards.” He thanked the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, AAAN, for initiating and sustaining the awards, which according to him have improved the practice of advertising in Nigeria. “The secret behind the company’s consistent strong professional performance is the hunger to satisfy clients so it looks forward to measuring itself against other competent professionals regularly. Olubodun disclosed that. “The LAIF Awards is something we look forward to every year. It affords us the opportunity to have the industry undertake an independent assessment of what we have done for clients, thereby measuring ourselves against fellow professionals.” He explained that each work entered by his company for the awards must first pass the critical test of public acceptance, then client satisfaction and approval. According to him, “clients’ endorsement of ideas and creatives

is very complex, as clients trust you with their brands and pay for services. To earn formal approval of services from paying clients would always be tough, which is why I also commend the employees who give their all, functioning as a well lubricated machine on daily basis to achieve these.” Recalling that his company has consistently emerged the most awarded company at the LAIF Awards for ten years running, Olubodun attributed it to a strong system put in place by the founding fathers of the company – Biodun Shobanjo and Jimi Awoshika. This according to him “has evolved into a functional system where everybody is aware of his/her roles and delivers on

them for the common good of the business. The creative team, the account management team, the strategic planning team, each department brings value to the table to make Insight a great company. This is what reinforces our confidence that this dominance is sustainable.” Similarly, Chima Okenimpe, Executive Creative Director at Insight Communications Limited, while applauding the LAIF and its contributions to the advertising industry in Nigeria, counselled the organisers to strive to encourage creativity with a view to “identifying and celebrating adverts that showcase true Nigerian narrative, so as to gain global recognition for the Nigerian ad industry.” He traced his company’s consistent performance to a culture of institutional excellence backed by a creative philosophy that has the

consumer as the chief executive officer. “What we have at Insight is a system that watches out for excellence right from recruitment. This is further strengthened by our human capital development strategy that spares no cost. With this culture, each employee is trained and carries about his/ her duties with the understanding that the consumer is the reason for the brands we work for and our existence as a business. Now these are beginning to yield results,” he said. The LAIF seeks to recognise creative excellence; help improve the quality of creative craft and promote the spirit of healthy competition by applying global best practices. The LAIF is also aimed at promoting excellence in brand development, while showcasing and celebrating Nigeria’s creative potential globally. BC

L-R: FCA, Deputy Director, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs. Osaretin Oyewumi; , President, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, CBN, Dr. Okwu Joseph Nnanna and Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department, CBN, Mr. Kevin Amugo, at a training for directors of banks in Nigeria on Corporate Governance and AML/CFT

Etisalat shines at SERAs Awards 2015

elecommunications company, Etisalat, has been acknowledged for its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility in the country as it emerged the “Best Company in Education” and “Best Company in the Promotion of Gender Equality” respectively at this years SERAs awards held in Lagos recently. The SERAs panel of judges awarded Etisalat the best company in education for its commitment to Nigeria’s educational development including the education of the girl child. Also considered is Etisalat Cliqlite, an innovative technology driven educational tool that supports learning and development for children and teenagers from 8 to 15 years. The judges also voted Etisalat as winner for the promo-

Matthew Wilsher, CEO Etisalat

tion of gender equality in Nigeria through its empowerment of the girl child, a partnership between the telco and African Women Foundation. Etisalat beat other contenders such as Airtel, Lafarge, Ni-

gerian Breweries and Exxon Mobil in the education and the promotion of gender equality categories. Commenting on the awards, Vice President, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Etisalat Nigeria, Ibrahim Dikko said: “we are delighted at not just winning these awards, but for being at the forefront of impacting the lives of Nigerians in many innovative and positive ways. At Etisalat we are passionate about making life easier for our customers and members of the communities where we do business; this is why we focus on three strategic areas of interventions: education, health and environment.” He reiterated Etisalat’s commitment to Nigeria through effective partnership with relevant stakeholders and through

the roll-out of more innovative solutions that will impact positively on the overall development of the country. In addition to the two awards, Etisalat also emerged as the first runner-up in the Overall Winner for 2015 SERAs Awards while CSR Manager, Oyetola Oduyemi was named the first runner-up for the CSR Practitioner of the Year category. The Social Enterprise Report and Awards also known as the Nigeria CSR Awards recognises the contributions of the most socially responsible organisations doing businesses in Nigeria. SERA seeks to integrate principles and framework of the Global Compact, global reporting initiative, the Sustainable Development Goals and ISO 26000. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, December 7, 2015

Samsung to pay Apple $548m in patent dispute S

amsung fought until the bitter end to avoid paying Apple, but the company now says it will finally hand over the more than $548m it owes for infringing the patents and designs of its biggest smartphone rival. In papers filed in federal court in San Jose, California on Thursday, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said it will make the payment by December 14, if Apple Inc sends an invoice on Friday. Asked if it had done so, Apple declined to comment on Friday. The payment comes after a U.S. appeals court last May reduced a $930m judgment against Samsung by $382m, stemming from a 2012 verdict for infringing Apple patents and copying the look of the iPhone. Another trial over remaining damages relating to some of Samsung’s infringing products in the case is set to go

Shin Jong-kyun, CEO, Samsung Mobile

ahead next spring. Even though the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C. had authorized damages to Apple in May, Samsung again appealed the final figure to the same court, and was rebuffed twice more. Now agreeing to pay, Samsung told the San Jose court that it expects to be reimbursed

if it eventually succeeds in a forthcoming appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court over its liability for copying the patented designs of the surface, bezel and user interface of the iPhone, which accounted for $399m of the total award. South Korea-based Samsung also said it reserved the right to be reimbursed in the future if a decision by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office invalidating one of the Apple patents in the case, related to touch screen gestures, is upheld. Apple intends to appeal that ruling and said in court documents it “disputes Samsung’s asserted rights to reimbursement.” “We are disappointed that the court has agreed to proceed with Apple’s grossly exaggerated damages claims regardless of whether the patents are valid,” a Samsung spokeswoman said in a statement. BC

ASUS launches ZenFone family in Nigeria Leonard Okachie

eading laptop brand in Europe, ASUS has announced the pricing and availability of ZenFone family, including ZenFone Selfie, ZenFone Laser 5.5, ZenFone Go 5.0, and ZenFone C 4.5, all with comprehensive camera solutions, for users in Nigeria. Speaking at the launch held at Four Points Sheraton Lagos Hotel on Friday, ASUS Nigeria Country Product Manager, Mr. Simplice Zaongo, said “We are very excited to bring our latest ZenFone family to the Nigerian market. These brandnew innovations are each an empowering luxury that strikes the perfect balance of beauty, functionality and performance, and especially offers Nigerian consumers a comprehensive camera experience via both hardware and software.” He noted that all ZenFone models are equipped with ASUS PixelMaster technology, stressing that PixelMaster is a unique ASUS-developed technology that combines software, hardware and optical design to deliver incredible image quality. Zaongo maintained that ZenFone Selfie is the ultimate choice for selfies, with

Ibeji

its twin 13MP PixelMaster cameras and a dual-colour, dual-LED Real Tone flash at both front and rear. ZenFone Selfie also features the new multifaceted polygonal design aesthetic to the ZenFone, offering beauty and power in abundance. He explained that the ZenFone Laser 5.5 includes laser auto-focus technologyin its 13MP PixelMaster camera for clear, near-instant shots in just 0.3 seconds, while the other brands, ZenFone Go 5.0 and ZenFone C 4.5 are also equipped with PixelMaster camera for up to 400 per cent brighter photo and video. While demonstrating Zenfone’s comprehensive camera solutions, the Country Product Manager- Tablet/

DT/AIO, Lawrence Lin, said that ZenMotion Touch Gesture allows users to open the front camera by simply drawing “S” on the ZenFone Selfie screen. He emphasised that the built-in beatification camera tool can make the skin smooth, change the skin tone, slim the chick, and enlarge the eyes on a click, adding that as soon as the selfie is taken, the photo is shown on the laptop screen via ASUS ZenUI app – PC Link, which allows users to operate their phones from laptop. Lin disclosed that the ZenFone family will be available at Slot, Park N Shop, Konga, Genuss, Onyx, and Jumia from December 12 at the following retail prices: ZenFone Selfie (N54,990), ZenFone Laser 5.5 (N46,990), ZenFone Go 5.0 (N24,990),and ZenFone C 4.5 (N19,490). In his remarks, the Managing Director of Coscharis Technologies, sole distributors of the phones in Nigeria, Mr. Mukoro Emomine, stated that Nigeria is the first place ZenFone family is being launched in Africa, adding that his company is not interested becuase of the business but because of the quality and the value its value tom the world. BC

Technotalk

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Types of online collaboration tools

ndeed, the emergence of online collaboration tools has revolutionised the way individuals and business work together. Most online collaboration tools are simple, easy to use and inexpensive. If you have not taking advantage of these powerful tools, here are few types of online collaboration tools: Kanban board is visual online collaboration software that enables teams to share a collaborative style of working, by keeping everyone on the same page to achieve same goal. Wiki technology is an online collaboration tool which helps to manage multiple contributors to documents or projects. It creates a webpage that anyone with permission to access can modify quickly and easily. Users can add to and edit pages or documents on a wiki and can also view changes made by different users or go back to previous versions. Cloud storage is a system that backs up data on a server instead of using a hard drive or compact disc and is accessible to a single or multiple users via an internet connection. Email is an example of cloud storage. Services like google drive exit disclaimer allow real-time file access and editing by multiple users. Other services that allow shared access to documents include dropbox, exit disclaimer box were by files can be accessed with various devices like desktop computer, tablet and mobile phone. Basecamp is an extremely powerful and useful online collaboration system designed for entrepreneurs, small businesses, freelancers and business groups. This application allows you to upload, store, edit and share documents and files online. The interface also provides users with a convenient overview of the project schedule, as well as an account of who is working on what, to-do lists and time tracking ensuring that everything is kept in order and on schedule, while an in-built messaging system allows for effective communication between team members. Skype is an online video conference. It has become widespread in the modern professional world, helping to cut down dramatically on travel costs and expensive long distance phone calls. Although many online video chat services have emerged but skype remains the most widely used and convenient. Apart from the standard face-toface video conference chat, Skype’s screen sharing feature allows users to show others whatever is on their screen, which is perfect for presenting slideshows or making visual presentations. Trello is a perfect tool for individual or smaller group projects. Trello’s friendly interface allows users to create a project by adding items and lists, and assigning people to specific tasks. It then provides real time updates on all actions and progress to members of the project team. Sync.in is a web-based word processor that enables users to view and co-edit the same notes and documents in real time from anywhere in the world. Numerous users can collectively plan projects, brainstorm and compose documents, while color coded text allows people to easily identify who made which edits. A handy time-slider also allows users to recount earlier versions and edits of the document and edit any changes made, while a chat box enables communication between the various collaborators. Blossom is the most direct, and easy-to-use tool basically to track the progress of personal projects, bigger projects, and really anything that comes to mind. It gives you focus and clear visibility on progress and roadblocks instantly and lets you drag to-do items from one list to another in an intuitive way. Asana is a webapp collaboration tool for people with multiple projects, it organizes your project, helps you keep on top of updates, captures everything you and your team are doing in one place so that everyone can refer to it quickly. You can also track your own responsibilities and projects and everyone can see updates in real time.BC BC BC

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Behind d Wheels This page is open to sponsorship

Adejuwon Osunnuyi

he Mercedes-Benz Eclass is not just a prototypical luxury sedan, it’s the embodiment of the Mercedes-Benz brand. While the E-class aims to remain the most comfortable sedan in its segment, the redesigned, 2017 version of this all-important model will make its debut at the Detroit show in January. Unlike previous generations of the E-class, however, the new model seems more willing to tackle twisty roads. Despite suspension tuning that hews toward comfort, the new sedan provides agile responses, and body roll is held strongly in check. The E-class will be available with 19- or 20-inch wheels. As is typical, the new Eclass will offer a wide range of gasoline and diesel engines internationally, but the choices will be more limited in the United States. Buyers are to expect an E300, an E450 AMG Sport, and the monster MercedesAMG E63 S with about 600 horsepower. Mercedes plans to once again offer a diesel version, as well, and a plug-in hybrid could be added down the road. Eventually, there will be hybrids with an integrated starter-generator based on a 48-volt electrical architecture. All models come with Daim-

ler’s new nine-speed automatic; the AMG version will get the “Speedshift” clutch pack in place of a conventional torque converter. 4MATIC all-wheel drive will be widely available. From the passenger seat, even the E300’s 2.0-liter turbo seems quick and responsive, and its lively character will be underscored by U.S.-specific tuning: What passes for Sport mode in Europe is actually used as Comfort mode in the States, with Sport and Sport+ sharpening the reflexes further. Mercedes has managed to cut weight by roughly 150 pounds and improved the car’s aerodynamics (the European base model, which won’t be offered here, is predicted to achieve a drag coefficient of 0.23). As a result, real-world fuel economy is expected to jump by close to 20 per cent. With its new bundle of driver-assistance systems, the new E-class will also up the ante in the field of autonomous driving. The “Drive Pilot” maintains lane position and the distance to other cars at speeds up to 120 mph, and it doesn’t even need clear lane markings at speeds up to 60 mph. In a curve, there’s assisted steering. Car-to-X Communication warns the driver of dangers lying ahead. In addition, when it’s in autonomous mode, the E-class will change lanes with

a tip of the turn-signal stalk— a not-for-America feature that Daimler initially didn’t feel was essential but decided to include after the enthusiastic media response to its inclusion by other carmakers.

What you can’t do is retire to the back seat: The Drive Pilot requires that the driver periodically touch a sensor on the steering wheel. As seldom as once every other minute can be sufficient.

Inside, the E-class impresses with an opulence that comes close to that of the flagship S-class and in some cases even exceeds it. The seats can be specified with even more massage options, and the optional instrumentation includes a wide, configurable screen. The entry-level gauge cluster includes threedimensional dials, which are housed together under a somewhat aesthetically challenged chrome arch. One of the test cars was fitted with a Burmester audio system, and it was one of the best we’ve experienced. In terms of exterior design, the E-class takes a big step forward compared with its boxy predecessor, adopting the familial look of the smaller Cclass and the larger S-class. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, December 7, 2015

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Gbenga Oyebode

Inspiring

go-getter The man, Gbenga Oyebode is one of the very few Nigerians who have been blessed with unique business acumen. A quality that has seen him rise from the one time school boy to a prominent lawyer cum business man now occupying the directorship and chairmanship positions of the boards of some companies in Nigeria.

Oyebode

etting goals and achieving the goals are two different challenges. Gbenga Oyebode is a goal setter and a goal achiever. The suave legal hard-headed emprise started out as a legal consultant but soon expand his business sphere to cover other money making points like oil and project management. Today, Gbenga Oyebode has become an enigma of a sort with greater experience in project and infrastructure finance, commercial law, energy, natural resources and telecommunications. Gbenga a managing partner of Aluko & Oyebode began their business at an office complex at Moloney Street, Lagos just opposite the Kam Salem House. After the demise of his partner about 14 years ago, Gbenga took the challenging mantle of leadership of the company with dexterity cumulating into the great expansion the company has witnessed within these years. One thing is sure, Gbengaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public rela-

tion has always been intact. He has learnt the right business rule; to say one thing to oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s client and do the same thing, would lead to greater business break through. As it is, he has surely kept to this business rule as this has opened quite a number of business opportunities for him to rake in more money. Somehow, Gbenga has became a brand himself with immense popularity amongst the very top business moguls, the state and federal governments in Nigeria, Europe and America. This may explain one of the very reasons why he is much sought after to undertake attractive contracts which carry several billion Naira tag. He is been able to turn around the company from being a law firm to being a multi-functional business covering several other sectors. His onslaught in other business areas must have left the core operators with mouth gaping in wonder. Described as a hardheaded and very intelligent

business man by Who is Who Legal, Gbenga is an unassuming taciturn who is possibly consumed by the greater desire to continue to grow the firm to a much more enviable position in the Nigeria than engage in glib. At various times in his career, he has worked with White & Case in New York and the Gulf Oil Company in Lagos and Houston. Places where he garnered the much needed experience in the oil sector that has now become handy in his dealings concerning the oil and gas with his various clients. Gbenga Oyebode is the chairman of the firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s management board and heads its energy practice, with significant experience in corporate and commercial law, energy and natural resources, project finance, aviation and telecommunication. This group, the Aluko & Oyebode, is one of the foremost commercial firms in Nigeria, and handles some of the largest and most complex transactions in the market.

M&A and capital markets briefs are regular features of the firm’s deal sheet, and the team acted as local counsel to Access Bank on a USD350 million issuance of Eurobonds listed on the LSE. Clients have been highly impressed by the level of skill on offer across the company’s team and the consideration paid to practical issues: “They were open to business concerns, while clearly setting out the legal risks.” Managing partner Gbenga Oyebode is “one of the most highly regarded lawyers in Nigeria.” His input is sought on a range of top-level mandates. The firm handled the NGN30 billion debt issuance for the government of Gombe State, and the above mentioned Eurobond issue. On the contentious side of the practice, Huawei Technologies in a USD60 million claim regarding sums due under various telecoms contracts. Key local clients seek this firm’s advice on various aspects of their businesses, including transactions, sale and purchase agreements and disputes. The firm’s strength in energy sector financing is especially well regarded, on both the borrower and lender sides. Standout matters include advising the NNPC and Mobil Producing Nigeria on a USD1.5 billion project financing. LNG work is also a strength, as demonstrated by the firm’s ongoing representation of Brass LNG. Managing partner Gbenga Oyebode heads the five-partner energy team and takes a lead role on some of the most prominent Jacka Resources in its USD16 million acquisition of an interest in an oil and gas field. Gbenga Oyebode is the chairman of the firm’s management board and heads its energy practice, with significant experience in corporate and commercial law, energy and natural resources, project finance, aviation and telecommunications. This firm is well known as a leading participant in some of Nigeria’s largest commercial and project financings. Its clientele includes major local and international banks, such as Access Bank, Citibank and Standard Chartered Bank. Clients are happy with the “strong legal advice” they receive, and praise the team for its flexibility and dedication. Managing partner Gbenga Oyebode takes a

Business Courage

Monday, December 7, 2015

Oyebode

lead role on substantial matters, and sources value his high-level strategic input. Key local clients seek this firm’s advice on various aspects of their business, including transactions, sale and purchase agreements and disputes. The firm’s strength in energy sector financing is especially well regarded, on both the borrower and lender sides. Standout matters include advising the NNPC and Mobil Producing Nigeria on a USD1.5 billion project financing. LNG work is also a strength, as demonstrated by the firm’s ongoing representation of Brass LNG. Managing partner Gbenga Oyebode heads the five-partner energy team and takes a lead role on some of the most prominent Jacka Resources in its USD16 million acquisition of an interest in an oil and gas field. Gbenga Oyebode is the chairman of the firm’s management board and heads its energy practice, with significant experience in corporate and commercial law, energy and natural resources, project finance, aviation and telecommunications. Gbenga is currently advis-

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Standout matters include advising the NNPC and Mobil Producing Nigeria on a USD1.5 billion project financing. LNG work is also a strength, as demonstrated by the firm’s ongoing representation of Brass LNG

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ing on the Brass LNG Project, a joint venture between NNPC, TOTAL, Conoco Philips and Agip for the construction of a US$3.5 billion LNG plant, and advised on the US$360 million Lekki Concession Infrastructure Project for the construction of toll roads and bridges in Lagos State – the first major PPP initiative in Nigeria. He also advised on the US$1.25 billion financing of the Exxon Mobil Natural Gas Liquid II Project; the US$1.06 billion financing of trains four and five of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Plant Expansion

Project; and the development, financing and implementation of the first IPP project in Nigeria. He is the chairman of the firm’s management board and heads its energy practice Gbenga attended the University of Ife with LLB Honours and the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (LLM), graduating in 1979 and 1982 respectively. He is a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria after being admitted in June 1980. He is also an attorneyat-law of the Supreme Court of New York State having been admitted in November

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1983. At various times in his career, he has worked with White & Case in New York and the Gulf Oil Company in Lagos and Houston. Gbenga is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the American Bar Association and the International Bar Association. He is the chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association’s section on business law. Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, MFR has been Managing Partner of Aluko & Oyebode & Co. since 1993. Mr. Oyebode serves as the Non-Executive Chairman of The Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc and the Access Bank Plc (formerly, Access Bank Nigeria). He has been Director of Nestle Nigeria PLC since February 24, 2014. He serves as a Director at The Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc and Crusader Nigeria Plc. Mr. Oyebode serves as a Director of MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd. He is on the Africa Advisory Committee of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators of the United Kingdom and the Nigerian Leadership Initiative. He is the Chairman of the Section of Business Law of the Nigerian Bar Association, a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, MFR and Belgian Royal Honour of “Knight of the Order of Leopold and a member of the American Bar Society of the International Law. Mr. Oyebode was educated at University of Ife graduating with the LL. B Honours in 1979. He also attended the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia where he graduated in 1979 and 1982 respectively for his masters degree in law (LL. M Honours). Gbenga Oyebode is a Barrister & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria who was admitted in June 1980 and an Attorney-at-law of the American Society of International Law. Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Chairman, NBA Section on Business Law. Supreme Court of New York State (admitted November 1983). He is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association having been admitted in 1980 and the American Bar Society of International Law and the International Bar Association. BC

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Business Courage

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, December 7, 2015

ThebuddingEntrepreneurs BUSINESS

Set your dream free

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

oday, where you have experienced rejection, you will be celebrated now! I see your dream being fulfilled. Your dream to move your startup to great business will come to pass. I believe! Sometimes, an entrepreneur seems to be held back by threat of survival among established and big businesses. It does look like the big business has everything to make a loser of startup. This perspective often imprisons the dream of an average aspiring entrepreneur. I believe that you will find courage to live above fear and be inspired as you continue to read on. In recent time, there was an investment of over $1 million US dollars of seed funding from some of Silicon venture capitalist including Kleiner Perkins Canfield & Byers into supposedly unpopular start-up called Dollar Shavers Club. It was a start-up that has a dream of changing the way guys buy shaving gear. The market for men shaving product according to Eurominitor for 2010 is $29 Billion US dollars. In an industry dominated by Gillette of P&G Corporation, it is indeed a scene of David trying to pull it off with Goliath. But Michael Dubin, the shaving start-up firm leader will not be coward into hiding their Dollar Shavers Club because of the gigantic presence and dominance of Gillette brand. They moved their dream into market, gather support and taking steps daily toward realising their business dream. Dear friend, this story, I believe should be an encouragement for you too. Your dream of starting a business and for a new start-up is seeking expression. Sometimes, startup processes can be very frustrating and especially if you live in Nigeria where I currently reside. I mean access to funding is really a “prison break” experience if you depend on the banks with double digits interest rate. It can be frustrating in an environment where you have to generate power with scarce fuel to run a business. I have been there too and as start-up that won bid to do housing construction project and could not get fund to mobilise and commence work on project site. The truth is that in all these

unpleasant circumstances, many start-ups are making progress and people living their dreams in the same country. If anybody lives her dream here, then it is an indication that yours is possible too. Don’t give up now because help is around, be courageous. I want us to see together below some strategies to set your dream free and commence the journey of fulfilling your business dream. The first strategy; communicate your dream. There are two parts to communicating your dream, which are ‘to write” and “to speak.” To write out your dream is the first exercise for physical expression. It means moving it from your thinking realm into physical realm, on paper. Your

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To write out your dream is the first exercise for physical expression. It means moving it from your thinking realm into physical realm, on paper

thought captured on the paper. David Hachez, who is a cofounder of the Dollar Shaving Club I mentioned earlier, spoke concerning his dream that “ We are providing shaving as a service in the same way firms are providing software as a service these days” This will mean that you do not only write down your dream but also speak it to attract both opportunity and sincerely it will attract opposition too. Opposi-

tion is part of your dream success equation. The second strategy; Serve in other people’s dream This means that you should seek opportunity to help other people fulfill their dream. Often, the services you offer in other people’s business dream as employee or a volunteer provides you two good opportunities. One, you learn the processes of business system, success,

Motivational Business Quotes

n all realms of life it takes courage to stretch your limits, express your power, and fulfill your potential. It’s no different in the financial realm. – Suze Orman The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools. – Confucius

‘

KLINIC

ciency. – Bill Gates Look well to this day. Yesterday is but a dream and tomorrow is only a vision. But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well therefore to this day. – Francis Gray

The first one gets the oyster the second gets the shell. – Andrew Carnegie

Surviving a failure gives you more selfconfidence. Failures are great learning tools.. but they must be kept to a minimum. – Jeffrey Immelt

Hire character. Train skill. – Peter Schutz The first rule of any technology used in a business is that automation applied to an efficient operation will magnify the efficiency. The second is that automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the ineffi-

Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve. Thoughts are things! And powerful things at that, when mixed with definiteness of purpose, and burning desire, can be translated into riches. – Napoleon Hill BC

and failure patterns. You have a platform to experiment with your potential for business leadership. Two, you become a better person in people skill and resources allocation with effective management. The third strategy; focus on core purpose for your dream The truth is that your personal life is too small to be the purpose for your business dream. If your dream is to build the largest bottling drink company in Africa, then the purpose cannot be for damping your personal appetite or to flaunt adult toys with the proceeds of the business. There is something bigger and until you find it then you may experience frustrating and dissatisfaction with your life. The purpose of any equipment is revealed in the manual of the manufacturer. Every man and woman is a product or creation of God who often inspire with solutions to world problem packaged as business solutions. I will encourage that you pray or meditate to better understand the purpose of that start-up. The fourth strategy; guard your heart One quick killer of dream is bitterness. On average, a startup entrepreneur will face many rejections from investors, financial institutions, family and friends, while trying to make things happen. This can result to emotional stress and may lead to bitterness and resentment against people and your political leaders who seems a barrier to living your dream. I will encourage you guard your heart against bitterness and be grateful for few things that are working in your favour. The fifth strategy; move in the direction of your dream. Channel your resources and energy towards fulfilling your dream. Be deliberate to associate with people who have potential to help you achieve your business dream. It does matter a lot. Lastly, you have an opportunity to dream again. As the year is winding up, if you make a choice to set your dream free then nobody can stop it. Be courageous! BC

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Business Courage

Monday, December 7, 2015

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ThebuddingEntrepreneurs

Exploring seaweeds hidden value It is often said that the best place to hide valuables is in plain sight, rather than have it tucked away somewhere predictable. Just keep it well disguised in plain sight and nobody would guess the value hidden under that false surface. Seaweeds happen to be one of those things with much intrinsic value which nature concealed in plain sight, until the discerning and creative mind of Achenyo Idachaba, Founder of Mitimeth Creations, unveiled it to the world

itimeth is an award winning indigenous social enterprise producing hand-woven accessories from renewable natural fibers and nontimber forest resources found across Nigeria. Born in America but spent her early years between Nigeria and the US, Achenyo Idachaba has built a sthriving career as a computer scientist and business analyst. A graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife where she obtained a B.Sc in Computer Science and Economics, Achenyo also has an M.S. in Applied Computer Science from Illinois State University and worked as an IT Programmer Analyst for a few years before getting an M.B.A from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. Prior to establishing MitiMeth, Achenyo Idacheba worked for ExxonMobil in the United States, where she held a variety of Regional and Global Advisor positions. In 2009, she bid her corporate career good-bye and relocated to Nigeria, precisely Ibadan, where she set up an environmental consulting business, to start a new chapter in her life as a Social Entrepreneur. Idacheba joined the Strategic Hire Development Programme at Mobil Oil Corporation (later ExxonMobil) upon completion of her MBA programme and spent the next 11 years with the company. As an entrepreneur, her attention to detail and the fact that she was able to create a niche for herself in a field where there is little or no competition is a plus for her as she has won commendable laurels doing what she loves doing. Through serendipity, Achenyo decided to alter her original business idea, eventually founding her current company, MitiMeth, in 2011. MitiMeth produces home and personal accessories made from invasive seaweeds that flourish in Nigeria’s waterways. ‘We are all about transforming an environmental

problem into a beneficial solution,’ says Achenyo. MitiMeth was coined from the phrase Mitigating Methane, explaining the history of the name, she said, “ Around the time the idea of utilising aquatic weeds for beneficial use came about, I was doing a bit of research on opportunity areas for mitigating methane emissions (a potent greenhouse gas) into the atmosphere. My aquatic weed of interest (water hyacinth) also happened to be rich in methane content due to its organic nature.” As a social enterprise that exclusively engages people at the bottom of the economic pyramid, she sought how she could clean up the waterways for river-lying communities, while also empowering them economically. “I like to tell people that MitiMeth is a tangible expression of the message being “preached” on waste recovery and utilisation. I saw the prevailing problems caused by the infestation of aquatic weeds in our environment and figured there had to be a low cost and high impact practical solution for the environment and the people whose livelihoods are negatively impacted by the presence of invasive aquatic weeds in their immediate environment. I spent several months working with the weeds to understand the characteristics and was finally able to develop a few aesthetic handicrafts. A year later, I was fortunate to participate in the premier business development training for “Women Entrepreneurs in Handicrafts” organised by WIMBIZ and Vital Voices in 2011 and that training was really a breakthrough moment for me. That’s essentially how it all began,” she recounted. Since then, Achenyo has used her computer skills in a different context – developing an online presence for the company with its web store, the online marketplace Etsy, as well as on the social networks. ‘To date, the majority of MitiMeth’s sales have come from domestic and international

Idachaba

exhibitions where we showcase products,’ says Achenyo. The best-seller is a hand basket, which retails at approximately US$9 and can be purchased directly on MitiMeth’s site, where 20 products are currently available. ‘There are very few locally handmade products branded as eco-friendly, so MitiMeth has a first-mover advantage in building an indigenous, eco-friendly brand.’ So far, MitiMeth has trained people in seven different communities to harvest water hyacinth and weave it into usable products. Looking ahead, it plans to train 80 communities within the next two years in the Niger Delta, the southwest and the northeast of Nigeria. Achenyo also hopes to set up handcraft cooperatives and distribution partnerships while subsidising the costs of product development and training in communities. Today, MitiMeth is a fast growing woman owned social enterprise focused on converting invasive seaweeds and other non-timber resources in Nigeria into eco-friendly handicrafts. “We are changing livelihoods for good by partnering with communities at the base of the economic pyramid to create these innovative and functional handicrafts. We are conscious about preserving our environment and inspired to transform renewable resources into beneficial use. Multipurpose baskets, lamps, vases, ottomans, mirrors, coasters are some of the products designed for those who have a taste for unique locally made handicrafts,” Achenyo said. According to her, everyone who buys a MitiMeth product

plays a vital role creating job opportunities and keeping Nigeria’s waterways and land in prime condition for current and future generations. “If you drive around Lagos, the invasive aquatic weeds are very visible in most water bodies. I remember on several occasions visiting Lagos, looking over the 3rd Mainland Bridge around Iyana-Oworo and seeing numerous boats hemmed in by dense mats of water hyacinth,” she said. MitiMeth in partnership with ENACTUS - University of Lagos trained women in Makoko on how to make handicrafts from Water Hyacinth. The training took place from July 8 - 11, 2014 and was held in Makoko. The trainees were excited to learn how to make handicrafts for sale from this water weed also known “Gbeborun”. According to her, she is willing to collaborate with several other states to build capacity. According to a national study conducted by the Nigerian Institute of Freshwater Fisheries Research (NIFFR), over 20 states in Nigeria have been infested by various aquatic weeds. “We are very eager to partner with as many states as possible to build capacity in product development. In Bayelsa, we partnered with FACE initiative, an NGO that has done work in the area of gender advocacy and economic empowerment. We trained 40 women and have just scratched the surface in terms of capacity building in Bayelsa,” she enthused. She plans to have an exhibition in collaboration with other SMEs in the creative arts & design industry, once she gets will-

ing sponsors. “In the interim we plan to participate in exhibitions hosted by other organisations. Most recently (in April) we participated in the 2014 WimBIZ Marketplace,” she said. A recipient of many awards for her creative, environmental and entrepreneurial efforts, she confesses that she felt humbled by the recognition and awards received at MitiMeth. “All of these have encouraged us to keep on plugging away diligently at what we do. We are an indigenous company trying hard to create value from readily available resources perceived to have little value. The 2013 Local Raw Material Content Award nomination from the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) was a big one for us especially when you had the likes of Dangote Cement also receiving the 2013 award,” she said So far, 215 organizations and individuals have won the award since the inception of the program in 1992. She was nominated by WIMBIZ to participate in Standard Chartered Bank’s 2013 Dragon’s Den and Financial Seminar and MitiMeth emerged the 1st Place winner of that event. MitiMeth was among the 18 finalists (1 of 3 from Sub-Sahara Africa) of the 2014 Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards. MitiMeth’s selection was from a pool of nearly 1900 applicants worldwide. The 18 finalists come from 15 different countries and are leading companies that span sectors ranging from high technology to healthcare, education, fashion and protection of the environment. BC

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Manufacturing, backbone of economy’ Abolaji Adebayo

ndustrial stakeholders have submitted that for any economy to thrive, its manufacturing sector must be properly harnessed. Noting the poor state of Nigeria’s economy and the challenges facing the real sector, they believe that manufacturing sector has to be strengthened for brighter future of the nation’s economy. Speaking on this issue, the General Secretary of the National Union of Textile, Garments and Tailoring Workers, NUTGTW, Issa Aremu, who noted that the future of Nigeria lies in manufacturing, warned that even with the best prices for crude oil, oil and gas are exhaustible, and will always finish. He advocated for the revival of all the moribund factories, thereby returning the nation’s economy on its feet as it was in the 70s and 80s when Nigeria earned huge resources from manufacturing. He maintained that the country’s capacity to turn abundant raw materials available in the country to goods both for domestic consumption and export while the oil may finish. He spoke more on the relevance of electricity to the nation’s giant stride to industrialisation without which Nigeria can never be part of the leading 20 countries in 2020. The labour leader also stressed the need for the present administration to consider labour’s proposal for a new minimum wage bearing in mind the weak state of the naira, adding that it is equally one good way to promoting economic recovery, as it will improve the purchasing power of the workers. According to him, the challenges are not just for the President, not just for the governors, not just for the legislators, but for all Nigerians. He said: “I think it’s time for

Manufacturing plants

all of us to think outside the box of oil and gas. This is now the time to walk our talk. It is the time to diversify our economy. With the collapse of the price of crude oil, with the fiscal crisis now facing all tiers of government such that even the Federal Government is also struggling to pay salary. I think we don’t need any counselor to tell us that this economy is no more sustainable on the back of revenue from oil and gas, with the unstable nature of that sector. “Even with the best prices for crude oil, oil and gas are exhaustible, that will always finish. But what will not finish is our capacity to turn abundant raw materials that we have in this country to goods both for domestic consumption and for export. That means the future of Nigeria lies in manufactur-

ing. We need to reinvent industry in this country.” He appealed to the stakeholders to intensify campaign on the need for Nigeria to try to produce what it consumes and it must consumes what it produces, adding that the country should see to how it can increase manufacturing value added to this country. “It is what Nigeria had done before, and it is what we can do again. In 1970s, 1980s, manufacturing sector was contributing close to 25 percent of our GDP. The country was active in all sector, Nigeria was getting active in automobile, we used to have Peugeot, Steyr, even producing trucks in Kano, we used to have Volkswagen, the Toyota was about to come in that time. Talking of the 70s, we have left this, Leylards, assembling and

Aremu

producing all sorts of vehicles. As at 1980s, we are the third largest producer of textile, Nigeria had shares in Dunlop, Michelin, they were all here before, we must bring them back,

BUA to raise production to 10 million MT by 2018

Rabiu

UA Group, one of the cement manufacturers in Nigeria has put all efforts together to increase its capacity to 10 million metric tonnes per year by 2018. The Executive Director, BUA Group, Kabiru Rabiu, who made the promise, predicted that cement price would remain stable in the short term and gradually drop in the medium term. He said that building of infrastructure and housing development projects are motivation for higher cement production as demand for the product would significantly increase. Rabiu explained that the com-

pany established 30 kilometres of gas pipeline to power its cement plant in Edo State. He said the company acquired a controlling stake at the Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc, as well as Edo Cement in addition to being one of the 13 companies given licenses to bring in bulk cement into the local market. Speaking at an investor conference, Rabiu said though BUA started as a trading company, importing rice, cement and flour, it later turned to be a major integrated manufacturer of these products locally thereby creating thousands of jobs for in the country. “The company started as a

trading entity importing rice, edible oil, cement as well as flour into the Nigerian market. Over the years, it began the production of what it previously imported like edible oil as well as rice and flour milling,” he said. He said by 2005, the firm established its first flour mill in Lagos, followed by another in Kano with 5.5 million tonnes milling capacity per day. Also, in 2008, BUA Group set up the second-largest sugar refinery in sub-Saharan Africa, which is situated in Lagos with installed capacity of 720,000 metric tones, he added. “At the moment, companies

and that is the future.” Speaking on reviving industrial estates, the Director General of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Muda Yusuf said the country should always reflect on how to revive those industries that are no more functioning, adding that the President, his deputy, governors, as well as all stakeholders should set aside at least one day, to visit the old industrial estates, which the founding fathers of this country put in place. He added that they should go to such places as Ilupeju, Ikeja in Lagos State, and take inventory how many factories are left, how many are under lock and key while also visiting those in Kano - Sharaddar and Bompai, in Kaduna, Nassarawa, Kakuri among others. BC

within the group are separate entities within different divisions. We have the Infrastructure division and then we have the foods division. In the infrastructure segment, we have cement, real estate, steel and port operations,” Rabiu said. He explained that massive infrastructure projects, commercial and residential housing development will drive cement demand in Nigeria. The BUA boss said he learnt from informed sources that President Muhammdu Buhari’s administration planned to spend about $20 billion starting from next year on infrastructure. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, December 7, 2015

A15 31

Stock market last week Equities turnover of 1.218 billion shares worth N14.685bn in 13,495 deals were traded this week by investors on the floor of The Exchange in contrast to a total of 1.041 billion shares valued at N13.007bn that exchanged hands last week in 13,407 deals. The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 1.068 billion shares valued at N9.888bn traded in 7,803 deals; thus contributing 87.73 per cent and 67.33 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Consumer Goods Industry followed with 48.455 million shares worth N2.450bn in 2,560 deals. The third place was occupied by the Conglomerates Industry with a turnover of 45.914 million shares worth N364.525m in 622 deals. Trading in the Top Three Equities namely – Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, FBN Holdings Plc and Union Homes Savings And Loans Plc(measured by volume) accounted for 610.558 million shares worth N7.340bn in 3,262 deals, contributing 50.13 per cent and 49.98 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. ETPs: Also traded during the week were a total of 23,812 units of Exchange Traded Products

NSE trading hall

(ETPs) valued at N417,201.24 executed in 32 deals, compared with a total of 49,895 units valued at N916,710.90 transacted last week in 38 deals. Bonds: A total of 90 units of Federal Government (FG) Bonds valued at N109,423.68 were traded this week in 1 deal, compared with a total of 8,262 units of FG Bonds valued at N9.151m transacted last week in 7 deals. Index Movement: The NSE AllShare Index and Market Capitalization appreciated by 0.05 per cent to close the week at 27,631.05 and N9.500trn respectively. Similarly, six other Indices finished higher during the week,

except the following Indices: NSE Main Board Index (-0.78 per cent), NSE 30 Index(-0.10 per cent),NSE Consumer Goods Index(-0.10 per cent),NSE Oil and Gas Index(-6.19 per cent) and NSE Pension Index(-0.66 per cent). Summary of Price Changes: Twenty-eight (28) equities appreciated in price during the week, higher than twenty-one (21) equities of the preceding week. Fifty-one (51) equities depreciated in price, higher than forty-one equties of the previous week, while one hundred and eleven (111) equities remained unchanged, lower than one hundred and twentyeight (128) equities recorded in the preceding week. BC

Market Indicators for Week Ended 04-12-15 All-Share Index 27,559.18 points Market Capitalization 9,508,816,853,479.38

NASD OTC REPORT 1 OUTSTANDING OFFERS AND BIDS ON NASD OTC Outstanding deals since October, 2015. Security SD ACORN PETROLEUM PLC SD ARM LIFE PLC SD ARM PROPERTIES PLC SD AFRILAND PROPERTIES PLC SD BGL PLC SD CAPPA AND D'ALBERTO PLC SD CENTRAL SECURITIES CLEARING SYSTEM PLC SD DUFIL PRIMA FOODS PLC SD FRIESLAND CAMPINA WAMCO NIGERIA PLC

Offers

SD FOOD CONCEPTS PLC

Consumer Services

0.50

Last Offer Date 23-Nov-15 3-Dec-15 1-Dec-15 4-Dec-15 4-Dec-15 3-Dec-15

SD FREE RANGES FARM PLC

Consumer Goods

1.00

SD FUMMAN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES PLC SD GEO-FLUIDS PLC SD GOLDEN CAPITAL PLC SD INDUSTRIAL & GENERAL INSURANCE PLC SD JAIZ INTERNATIONAL PLC SD NIGER DELTA EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION PLC SD NIGERIA MORTGAGE REFINANCE COMPANY PLC

Consumer Goods Industrials Financials Financials Financials Oil & Gas Financials

SD PARTNERSHIP INVESTMENT COMPANY PLC SD RESOURCERY PLC SD RIGGS VENTURES WEST AFRICA PLC SD SPRING MORTGAGE PLC SD SWAP TECHNOLOGIES AND TELECOMMS PLC

Financials Technology Industrials Financials Technology Financials

0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.00 10.00 1.00 0.50

3-Dec-15 1-Dec-15 4-Dec-15 11-Nov-15

0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.00

1-Dec-15 16-Nov-15 2-Dec-15

RUSTRUSTBOND MORTGAGE BANK PLC

Industry Oil & Gas Financials Financials Financials Financials Industrials Financials Consumer Goods Consumer Goods

Nominal value (₦) 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.00 0.50 0.50

Bids

Volume offered Last Offer Price Last Bid Price 790,000 0.38 528,791 2.42 314,074.00 69.99 10,000 6.85 6.00 9.50 27,000 168.00 125.01 3,400,000.00 0.77 -

2,307,132.00 200,000.00 204,718.00 3,234,000 1,035,700.00 286,800 3,250,240.00

2 DEMATERIALISATION AND CUMULATIVE TRADE IN OTC SECURITIES 4-Dec-15 Security SD ACORN PETROLEUM PLC SD ARM LIFE PLC SD ARM PROPERTIES PLC SD AFRILAND PROPERTIES PLC SD BGL PLC SD CAPPA AND D'ALBERTO PLC SD CENTRAL SECURITIES CLEARING SYSTEM PLC SD DUFIL PRIMA FOODS PLC SD FRIESLAND CAMPINA WAMCO NIGERIA PLC SD FOOD CONCEPTS PLC SD FREE RANGES FARM PLC SD FUMMAN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES PLC SD GEO-FLUIDS PLC SD GOLDEN CAPITAL PLC SD INDUSTRIAL & GENERAL INSURANCE PLC SD JAIZ INTERNATIONAL PLC SD NIGER DELTA EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION PLC SD NIGERIA MORTGAGE REFINANCE COMPANY PLC SD PARTNERSHIP INVESTMENT COMPANY PLC SD RESOURCERY PLC SD RIGGS VENTURES WEST AFRICA PLC SD SPRING MORTGAGE PLC SD SWAP TECHNOLOGIES AND TELECOMMS PLC RUSTRUSTBOND MORTGAGE BANK PLC

Industry Oil and Gas Financials Financials Financials Financials Industrial Financials Consumer Goods Consumer Goods Consumer Services Consumer Goods Consumer Goods Industrial Financials Financials Financials Oil and Gas Financials Financials Technology Industrial Financials Technology Financials

Introduced by Meristem Securities Limited APT Securities & Fund Limited Mega Equity Limited APT Securities & Fund Limited Nigerian Int. Securities Ltd UBA Stockbroking Firm Greenwich Securities Limited Anchoria Investment & Securities Limited Capital Bancorp Plc Stanbic IBTC stockbrokers limited CSL Stockbroking Limited Integrated Trust & Investment Limited Icon Stockbrokers Limited Sterling Capital Market Limited Greenwich Securities Limited APT Securities & Fund Limited FCSL Asset Management Co. Limited Cordros Capital Plc APT Securities & Fund Limited APT Securities & Fund Limited APT Securities & Fund Limited Primera Africa Securities Limited Signet Investment and Securities Limited Prominent Securities Limited

Company Registrars CardinalStone Registrars Limited African Prudential Registrars Plc African Prudential Registrars Plc African Prudential Registrars Plc Unity Registrars Limited African Prudential Registrars Plc African Prudential Registrars Plc Nnenna Ejekam Associates First Registrars Limited Meristem Registrars Limited Meristem Registrars Limited PAC Registrars Limited Meristem Registrars Limited African Prudential Registrars Plc GTL Registrars Limited African Prudential Registrars Plc United Securities Limited Meristem Registrars Limited First Registrars Limited EDC Registrars Limited Mainstreet Bank Registrars Limited PAC Registrars Limited PAC Registrars Limited United Securities Limited

Year end 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Mar 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec

Volume Bidded Last Bid Date 530,000 2-Dec-15 1,000,600 1-Dec-15 55,000 1-Dec-15 -

140.15 -

3,000 -

0.34 0.12 148.00 0.79 0.48 0.97 0.74

2-Dec-15 -

TRADE INFORMATION (JAN 2015-TILL DATE) DEMATERIALISATION INFORMATION Total Share Capital Volume % '000 Dematerialised Dematerialised DEALS VOLUME VALUE (₦) 64,907,146 2,000,000,000 3.25% 102 5,232,556 2,061,074.02 606,000,000 5,785,673,000 10.47% 28,685,023 1,900,000,000 1.51% 51 176,730 462,583.80 61,290,528 1,249,000,000 4.91% 146 28,354,025 67,058,362.73 9,626,657,533 12,000,000,000 80.22% 5 6,300 18,900.00 2,652,129 196,875,000 1.35% 28 110,569 8,331,233.60 745,174,282 5,000,000,000 14.90% 370 531,404,015 2,912,372,030.76 6,753,333,334 0.00% 184,761,786 976,335,936 18.92% 739 139,674,636 43,710,620,444.32 105,711,770 5,650,000,000 1.87% 95 30,371,199 22,123,987.02 519,999,631 0.00% 69,369,303 3,600,000,000 1.93% 4 1,400 2,012.00 567,513,596 4,257,668,000 13.33% 45 11,128,071 16,284,808.95 252,255,056 1,170,324,536 21.55% 14 5,900 6,140.00 1,021,968,270 14,231,238,000 7.18% 80 144,561,610 114,437,772.85 315,122,809 11,829,700,000 2.66% 27 2,108,481 2,526,549.84 19,820,354 181,408,000 10.93% 195 13,945,525 2,940,304,840.56 125,000,000 1,762,500,000 7.09% 1 125,000,000 568,750,000.00 197,337,494 2,875,595,000 6.86% 30 6,834,900 5,811,092.00 517,000,000 2,576,686,039 20.06% 53 448,270,580 224,187,829.40 1,726,264,230 0.00% 7,138,199,210 0.00% 1,525,040,000 2,705,378,000 56.37% 36 1,179,210 1,376,304.30 117,993,505 10,945,334,000 1.08% 27 22,160 18,384.70 107,031,511,916 16,154,260,584 15.09% 2,048 1,488,387,867 50,596,754,350.85

If you do not see your unquoted Plc on this list or for further enquirys consult your NASD OTC participating broker or visit our website at www.nasdng.com

A16 32

Business Courage

Monday, December 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Monday, December 7, 2015

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Law & Justice nationalmirrorlaw@yahoo.com

It should always be remembered that justice prefers to keep the company of the vigilant while leaving the indolent unattended to his

Justice Niki Tobi, retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. xx

Many institutions are operating without regulatory laws, says Adetola-Kaseem 37

How domestic workers murdered Oboh, female pilot 38

Couple charged with manslaughter, cruelty to baby 34

CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed

NBA President, Augustine Alegeh

Appointment of judges: How nepotism, impunity undermined merit — Investigation

Sequel to last week’s appointment of 30 new judges of the Federal High Court by President Muhammadu Buhari, the exercise has been bedevilled by allegations that the process falls short of due compliance with the Revised National Judicial Council Guidelines and Procedural Rules 2015 in the country. WALE IGBINTADE writes on the new guidelines and issues raised by aggrieved lawyers.

n a determination to embrace best practice in recruitment and selection procedures in the country, the leadership of the judiciary began moves this year to ensure the system is more open and transparent than it has ever been. As a result, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, on May 13, 2015, disclosed that the National Judicial Council (NJC) had introduced stringent measures to make sure that only honest, hardworking and untainted lawyers are appointed to the Bench. The essence is to open up the system of appointment to a wider range of suitably qualified candidates from different social background and wider range of legal practice. Speaking at the swearing in ceremony of Justice Amiru Sanusi as a justice of the Supreme Court, the CJN declared that appointments to the Bench would subsequently be advertised to fill the vacancies for judges. According to the CJN, advertising to fill vacancies for judicial officers is one of the new measures contained in the 2014 Revised NJC

The integrity of the process of appointment was compromised by the clandestine recommendation of further additional five or six judges by the Guidelines and Procedural Rules for the Appointment of Judicial Officers of All Superior Courts of Record in Nigeria. He stated that the new guidelines ‘’provide for a more comprehensive, robust and transparent method of appointment, leading to the emergence of only the best legal minds with high moral standards to serve as judges in our revered temples of justice.” Besides, the new guidelines make appointment selection processes competitive and rigorous and stipulated a number of conditions that must be met by prospective candidates. The new guidelines would ensure that once the right people are appointed to the Bench, the step would reduce the incidence of cor-

NJC.

ruption among judges. However, there have been allegations of widespread corruption and impunity following the appointment of 30 new judges of the Federal High Court approved by President Buhari. Acting Director of Information of the Nigeria Judicial Council, Soji Oye had revealed that the President endorsed the recommendations of the NJC in the appointment of the judges. It was gathered that the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) in the exercise of its statutory duties conducted interview for over 100 shortlisted candidates. After the interview the commission transmitted to the NJC a list of twenty five (25) nominees as priority list (Most Qualified) and for

them to be appointed as judges of the Federal High Court. The commission was also said to have attached additional twenty-five (25) names as reserve list (Lesser Qualified) corresponding to the number in the priority list in line with extant practice and tradition. Investigation revealed that upon receipt of the list, the NJC conducted fresh interview with the shortlisted candidates. However, the outcome of a meeting allegedly held on November 4, 2015, was said to have made a mockery of the results of the said interviews held to determine the most suitable persons for appointment. An impeccable source told our correspondent that some persons, who excelled over and above others, were allegedly dropped in favour of lesser qualified persons, at the instance of influential members, who appeared to have personal scores to settle or private interests to protect. According to the source, “merit, competence, seniority and experience were sacrificed shamelessly on the altar of corruption CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

Law & Justice

Monday, December 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Many institutions are operating without Chief Gani Adetola-Kaseem, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has 35 years’ post call experience, having been called to the Nigerian Bar in 1980. In this interview with WALE IGBINTADE, he speaks on the ongoing constitutional crisis in the governorship election in Kogi State and the administration of justice in the country, among others. Excerpts: President Muhammadu Buhari recently at the All- Nigeria Judges’ Conference called for a complete reform in the judiciary in order to fight corruption and curb the incessant delay in justice delivery. How can this reform be carried out? The President is stating the obvious in the sense that unless all stakeholders in the administration of justice cooperate and recognise the need to ensure that the system works efficiently and effectively, nothing will change. However, it involves many factors; the judiciary itself, the lawyers, the litigants, the executive arm of government and even the legislature. Imagine a situation where you have the Code of Conduct Tribunal conducting trial of a member of the legislature. Then you find that it is that period that the lawmakers remembered that there is a petition against the Chairman of the Tribunal and they want to investigate it. Nigerians must wake-up and recognise that every institution created by law must be respected and must be allowed to perform its duty. The courts and the extension of the courts like the Code of Conduct Tribunal are constitutionally established. To that extent they should be allowed to carry out their functions unimpeded by anybody. We have always advocated at that level of the Nigerian Bar Association that for the judiciary to function, it must remain independent. It must have financial autonomy and be able to direct its affairs without any interference. For example, the CJN does not have to go capin-hand either to the legislature in terms of appropriation or to the executive in terms of release of funds. So all of us have roles to play. I agree that the appointment of judges and the condition of service constitute a part in ensuring that judicial officers live above board. Because, if you have a judicial officer whose income can barely take care of his basic needs or whose future is not readily guaranteed, you cannot be too sure you will have a judiciary that is free of corruption. In the early 90s in my state, I was invited to take up judicial appointment but I declined. Why? Because I know that the salaries of judicial officers as at that time will not be able to meet my commitments. If I went to the judiciary at that time, it is as clear as day that the temptation to be corrupt would be there. For instance, if I have to pay N50, 000 as school fees and I don’t have a dime and don’t know where I will get it and somebody dangles N250, 000 before me, the temptation will be hard to resist. So, the income of judges must not only be sufficient, it must be enough to take care of their needs. Also, the future of judges must be taken care off. The difference between a judge and a doctor is that for every case a judge decides, he made an enemy. It doesn’t mean that the litigant that got favourable decision will thank him for it but the person against whom he made a decision may not forgive him. Unless you are negligent as a

Adetola-Kaseem, SAN

If you have a judicial officer whose income can barely take care of his basic needs or whose future is not

readily guaranteed, you cannot be too sure you will have a judiciary that is free of corruption.

medical practitioner, if you saved a life, the person will be internally grateful to you. So, a judge’s future must be relatively guaranteed, so that they will have the courage to do justice to all classes of people without fear or favour. However, there are people who will still be corrupt no matter what you do for them. But such ones will not be in the majority, it is when the conditions of service are so poor that majority of them would want to fend for themselves. Many of your colleagues have divergent views on the order of the Supreme Court, granting an application for a stay of proceedings in the trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki, who is being tried by the Code of Conduct Tribunal for false asset declaration. What is your take on this issue? Somebody has asked me whether the Code of Conduct Tribunal was right in re-

fusing to say proceedings pending the interlocutory appeal before the apex court and I said no, the tribunal was wrong. This is because if there was an application for stay of proceedings before the Supreme Court the proper thing is for the tribunal to stay proceedings. The court may see some merit in the application, they may also see that there is need to balance the equation on both sides. So, rather than granting a stay or refusing it, they granted accelerated hearing to the entire proceedings and get the matter disposed off on its merit. Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 prohibits stay of proceedings in criminal proceedings. Is the apex court above the law? For instance, if the Supreme Court decides that the Code of Conduct Tribunal lacks jurisdiction, whatever the tribunal did

would have been a nullity. So, rather than going though the rigour of trial which will eventually be a nullity, the Supreme Court decides to give the matter accelerated hearing. The apex court did not want to give a sense of assurance to either side. If they refused the application, the appellant may be thinking that perhaps they have convicted him without hearing him or that the court is under the influence of the executive. All sorts of speculations will be on in his mind. I think the decision of the Supreme Court is fair to both sides. I am not taking a position to the merit of the case that is for the Code of Conduct Tribunal to decide. There appears to be a constitutional crisis in Kogi State over how to proceed in the governorship election following the death of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu. How can this be resolved? The situation is a mixture of law and politics. The stakeholders will have to be very careful in handling the situation in Kogi State, so that it does not become messy. No law will ever anticipate all situations under the sun; we only try our best as human beings. Some of these things are product of experience and we never had this kind of experience. Ordinarily, one would have said the deputy governor should be elevated and step into the shoes of the governorship candidate but then how would he pick his run-

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Law & Justice

Monday, December 7, 2015

regulatory laws, says Adetola-Kaseem ning mate? This is where politics comes in, because the political stakeholders particularly in the APC have a role to play. This is because, the candidate for the post of deputy governor, James Faleke didn’t contest the primary, and it was after the primary was concluded that the late Audu picked him as his running mate. This is because the constitution provides that nobody should run for the post of President or governor without a running mate but the truth is that it was only Audu that contested the primary election. Whichever way they go at the end of the day, one thing is clear, the matter will end up in court. I agree that that there are arguments for and against, so we should have a pronouncement from the court to rest matter. As a lawyer I can hold a brief for either side and proffer plausible arguments. One argument is that it is the party that contested election and not the candidate. That is what the Supreme Court says in the case of Amaechi vs. Omehia. On the other hand, the recent case in Taraba State where the court held that you cannot contest election if you did not win the primary. To that extent, I agree there is constitutional crisis which can only be resolved by the court, so that we can all be well- grounded. Do you support the suggestion that ministers should publicly declare their assets? As at now it is true that the constitution did not require even the President to do so. But every administration will have its own policy. The President is the leader of the executive and ministers are agents of the government. The President can appoint his ministers on the understanding that for them to work with him, they must declare their assets publicly. If he made it a condition, anybody who is not ready to declare his assets publicly can stay back. The President cannot compel them but he can refrain from appointing somebody who does not want to declare his assets publicly. It is one way of reducing corruption because if people know what you’re worth when coming into government, if you now accumulate more during your tenure, we can ask questions. Ordinarily, under the FoI Act, we should be able to apply and get this information from the Code of Conduct Bureau. But in reality do we really do it? How many ministries are ready to release information when there are requests to do so? If the Code of Conduct Bureau will release information, then all of us can apply because

the moments they filed it, it becomes a public document. I think it is good for the system that it should be done but since the constitution has not made it mandatory that public officers should declare their assets publicly; I think the President can make it mandatory to his ministers or his appointees as a condition for being appointed. So, if the person likes he may accept it, if he does not like he can reject it. What agenda will you set for the new AGF especially as it affects the administration of justice system in Nigeria? When the Vice- President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), was the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, he did a lot of work in collaboration with the Lagos State judiciary. Courtrooms were reformed and appointment process of judicial officers was also reformed among others. Those are the things the Attorney-General of the Federation must be thinking about. But he cannot do it alone but at least he can work in collaboration with the judiciary and make suggestions in the areas of justice administration. There are lots of laws that are not really working, laws which are archaic. He can propose amendments to these laws. I happen to know that a lot of institutions are working without regulatory laws. For instance, none of the boards of Specialist Hospitals in the country is operating with statute, they are operating illegally. All the federal medical centres in Nigeria do not have any statute establishing them as separate institutions. I am talking from inside knowledge and all these are things the AGF should look at. Also in the area of administration of justice, the AGF should build effective team to defend the Federal Government in court when the need arises. If you have ever had a suit against a government institution you find out that the defence is usually not effective. Again, when you get judgement against them, they will not obey the judgement. When we talk about the rule of law, government should set example. When judgement is given against the government or any of its agencies, they should either appeal the judgement or obey the judgement. When government uses its ‘’big size’’ to suppress its citizens they are in effect sending wrong signals. Any society that is not regulated by rule of law is doomed to failure and it’s prone to anarchy. To ensure there is rule of law in Nigeria, the Attorney- General has a lot of works to do.

Adetola-Kaseem

None of the boards of Specialist

Hospitals in the country is operating with statute, they are operating illegally. All the federal medical centres in Nigeria do not have any statute establishing them as separate institutions. The National Industrial Court, NIC was established to ensure labour disputes are disposed off expeditiously. But, today we have labour disputes lingering for about three to four years in court. How do you see this trend? I am very familiar with the National Industrial Court. I think there is an improvement from what it used to be and what it is now. The Third Alteration Act, 2010 brought a lot of matters under the jurisdiction of the National Industrial Court. There are arguments for and against on whether this should be so. But, there is wisdom in putting them under the National Industrial Court as a constitutional court to deal with all employment matters. This was done precisely to reduce delays in labour matters in the regular courts. Have you not heard of somebody who sued his employer over wrongful termination of his appointment and an interlocutory appeal on that case went before the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court for 14 years before coming back to the high court. Before that time, the man would have either died or critically impoverished. I think there is wisdom in putting labour- related matter under the NIC. What the court is doing now is to get more judges, the court is trying and the current President, Justice Babtunde Adejumo has done a lot of works in that area. Today, there is National Industrial Court in about 20 states and there is hardly a judge that does

not have between 200 and 300 cases. Do you think the decision of the court should be appealed against up to the Supreme Court? The National Industrial Court is a specialised court and there is a concept that labour and industrial disputes issues should not last too long in court, if judgement obtained in that regard would be of any value. We have sympathy for that law but we also have reservations. At the time it was first inserted in National Industrial Court Act, (NICA), 2006 it was mandatory that the court will sit as a panel of three judges. But, now it has been narrowed down to a single judge to determine matters. They only seat as a panel when they are taking issues arising from reference or appeal from Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP). Some of the arguments we have put forward is that it is dangerous and risky to allow a single judge to take matters to finality and makes it a final court. They are all human beings and they can make genuine mistakes, which may be costly to the litigants. Also, with all due respect to their Lordships, they are individuals with different backgrounds. I think we should allow the Court of Appeal to entertain appeal from the National Industrial Courts. This is because, three good heads are better that one. When a single judge makes mistakes that cannot be corrected by anybody, it could destroy the reputation of the court itself.

Law & Justice

Monday, December 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Merit, competence, experience shamelessly sacrificed on the altar of corruption’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 and impunity”. Besides, NJC at the said meeting was said to have arbitrarily on its own also recommended the appointment of five or six additional persons over and above the 25 persons nominated for appointment by the FJSC despite the fact that the Federal High Court had at all times given notice to the public of only 25 vacancies for appointment. The source stated further that “the integrity of the process of appointment was compromised by the clandestine recommendation of further additional five or six judges by the NJC”. By the guidelines of appointment of judicial officers, the NJC does not originate the process. If further appointments are required, the process must begin afresh with notice to the public’’. ‘’By purporting to originate and conclude the process of the appointment of a further five or six judges outside the twenty five, in an underhand manner the N.J.C acted with impunity and placed itself above the constitution of the country’’. “It is lamentable that a body that ought to rein in erring judicial officers is itself manifestly and recklessly guilty. This case of corruption of the process of appointment of new judges of the federal high court and the impunity of the N.J.C undermines the judiciary fundamentally. In the same vein, a judicial advocacy group, Access to Justice, (AJ) also called for the cancellation of the process saying that the process was flawed and not in compliance with the Revised National Judicial Council Guidelines and Procedural Rules 2015. The group in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Mr. Joseph Otteh said “the breaches of the said Guidelines are considerable, and if the current recruitment is allowed to proceed, it would seriously undermine the integrity of the reforms made in the Revised Guidelines,” The group said the current Federal High Court recruitment had been done in ways that conflict with the core goals of the Re-

CJ, Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta

sponse was to the effect that: ‘That the mode of and avenues in publicizing the vacancies are as stated in the Rules 3(1)(a)(i)(ii)(iii) of the 2014 Revised National Judicial Council Guidelines & Procedural Rules for the Appointment of Judicial Officers of All Superior Courts of Record in Nigeria.” Indeed, under the extant constitution, superior court appointments go through the NJC, established under Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution. Many stakeholders in the country have however expressed the view that the praise or blame concerning quality of judges in Nigeria is a product of the appointing authority that is the State Judicial Service Commission and the Federal judicial Service Commission (FJSC) as the case may be.

Otteh

Many stakeholders in the country have, however, expressed the view that the

List of the appointed judges:

praise or blame concerning quality of judges in

Nigeria is a product of the

appointing authority vised Guidelines. “The Revised Guidelines seek to ensure openness, competitiveness, merit and transparency in recruitment processes as well as safeguard judicial appointments from being lobbied and politicized.” “Rule 3 of the Revised Guidelines provides that the Judicial Service Commission ‘’shall call for expression of interest by suitable candidates by way of public notice placed on the website of the Judicial Service Commission/Committee concerned, notice Boards of the Courts and notice Boards of Nigeria Bar Association Branches’’. “Rule 3 of the Revised Guidelines clearly mandates the publication of a Public Notice of existing judicial vacancies calling for an expression of interest by suitable candidates in at least 3 publicly accessible forums: the website of the JSC/FJSC, Notice Board of Courts and Notice Board of the NBA

Branches. “The word ‘shall’ makes it mandatory that a call/ announcement be made, in the stipulated forms, for interested candidates to express interest to fill the vacant positions. “According to Rule 3(3) of the Revised Guidelines, such a call for expression of interest/Nomination must bear a closing date. This rule was clearly not followed in the current recruitment process.” Following a notice by the NJC calling for the recommendation of qualified judges, Access to Justice had filed a Freedom of Information to FJSC and NJC requesting information of the criteria adopted to fill the judicial vacancies. “We asked to know the details of the modes and avenues used in publicizing/advertising the available Federal High Court vacancies. His (Justice Ibrahim Auta’s) re-

LEGAL TIPS

Lawyer: “Let me give you my honest opinion.” Client: “No, no. I’m paying for professional advice.”

Bar

Jokes

What is the oldest profession? A physician, an engineer, and an attorney were discussing who among them belonged to the oldest of the three professions represented. The physician said, “Remember, on the sixth day God took a rib from Adam and fashioned Eve, making him the first surgeon. Therefore, medicine is the oldest profession.” The engineer replied, “But, before that, God created the heavens and earth from chaos and confusion, and thus he was the first engineer. Therefore, engineering is an older profession than medicine.” Then, the lawyer spoke up. “Yes,” he said, “But who do you think created all of the chaos and confusion?”

Only two bullets

You find yourself stuck in a hole with a murderer, a rapist, and a lawyer. You’re armed but you only have two bullets left, what do you do?

Lawyer and beautiful woman

A man died and was taken to his place of eternal torment by the devil. As he passed sulphurous pits and shrieking sinners, he saw a man he recognized as a lawyer snuggling up to a beautiful woman. “That’s unfair!” he cried. “I have to roast for all eternity, and that lawyer gets to spend it with a beautiful woman.” “Shut up”, barked the devil, jabbing the man with his pitchfork.

Leaving money for the dead

A lawyer, a used car salesman and a banker were gathered by a coffin containing the body of an old friend. In his grief, one of the three said, “In my family, we have a custom of giving the dead some money, so they’ll have something to spend over there.” You’re late They all agreed that this was appropriate. The The lawyer wandered home at 3 AM. His wife be- banker dropped a hundred dollar bill into the casket, came very upset, telling him, and the car salesman did the same. The lawyer took out The lawyer replied, “I’m right on time. I said I’d be the bills and wrote a check for $300. home by a quarter of twelve.” Culled from Lawyers’ jokes and Funny Lawyers’ My honest opinion Jokes.com

Yellin S. Bogoro (Bauchi State) Rosemary O. Dugbo Oghoghorie (Delta State) Taiwo Obayomi Taiwo (Ogun State) Ibrahim Watila (Borno State) Mallong Peter Hoommuk (Plateau State) Isa Hamma Adama Dashen (Adamawa State) Hassan Dikko (Kebbi State) Jude Kanyioh Dagat (Kaduna State) Olayinka Olusegun Tokode (Osun State) Simon Akpah Amobeda, (Kogi State) Jane Egienanwan Inyang (Cross River State) Daniel Emeka Osiagor (Rivers State) Prof. Chuka Austine Obiozor (Anambra State) Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweib (Bayelsa State) Hassan Muslim Sule (Zamfara State) Hadiza Rabiu Shagari (Sokoto State) Saleh Kogo Idrissa (Yobe State) Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik (Edo State) Hillary Ide Osho Oshomah (Edo State) Fadima Murtala Aminu (Adamawa State) Toyin Bolaji Adegoke (Kwara State) James Kolawole Omotosho (Ogun State) Nehizena Idemudia Ekunwe (Edo State) Stephen Daylop Pam (Plateau State) Akintayo Aluko (Ekiti State) Dr. Nnamdi O. Dimgba (Abia State) Emeka Nwite (Ebonyi State) Abdulazeez M.Z. Anka (Zamfara State) Abdu Dogo (FCT) Adamu Turaki Muhammed (Jigawa State)

How to form a company

he law regulating the formation of a company is the Companies and Allied Matters Act otherwise known as CAMA. *Any two or more persons may form and incorporate a company upon fulfilling the statutory requirements for the particular type of company. *Responsibility for the formation of companies is vested exclusively in legal practitioners as contained in CAMA. *Formation of a company will involve the following: .Taking instructions from the promoters. .Preparing the incorporation documents; and .Filling the incorporation documents with the Corpo-

Bar

rate Affairs Commission (CAC), payment of the appropriate registration fees and obtaining the Certificate of Incorporation. *From the date of incorporation, the subscribers and anyone who later on becomes a member shall be a body corporate capable of exercising the powers of an incorporated company, shall have perpetual succession and also a common seal. *Prospective promoters and businessman should consult lawyers when desirous of forming a company.

Jokes

We welcome feedback and reactions from readers via our e-mail: nationamirrorlaw@yahoo.com

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Law & Justice

Monday, December 7, 2015

How domestic workers murdered Oboh, female pilot FAMOUS CASES

About 17 years ago, a female pilot, Captain Hadiza Oboh, was murdered in her Ikoyi residence, Lagos, allegedly by her domestic workers, who thereafter stole her property and personal belongings. FRANCIS FAMOROTI, Head, Judiciary writes.

he first and only female pilot with the defunct Nigerian Airways, Captain. Hadiza Lantana Oboh had a promising career in the aviation industry. Oboh, checked out as Flight officer with Nigeria Airways on B732, in the mid ‘80s. Unfortunately, her rising profile was cut short by some greedy domestic workers she employed. The workers snuffed life out of her in her 43A, Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi residence sometimes in 1998. Being a single lady, who was comfortable in every respect, the domestic staff orchestrated a plot to kill her and take over her property. They succeeded with their diabolical plan. The female pilot did not realise that she had placed her assailants on her payroll until she was strangled with a rope on the neck and she gave up the ghost. The assailants then dumped her body in a septic tank. Prior to her death, Oboh was said to be ever lively. On that fateful day, she left the airport and drove straight to her residence. Barely 30 minutes later, she arrived her residence. Her gateman, otherwise known as mai gadi, Abdullahi, among other four persons were at the gate. Sensing that madam had arrived, they rushed and flung the massive gates open. Oboh drove in and parked her Santana car in the compound. She entered the tastefully furnished duplex building and went into her bedroom while one of the domestic workers carried her flight bag. On the few occasions that the domestic workers had had access to the captain’s bedroom, they had noticed that foreign currencies littered the room. That fateful day was not an exception as the worker that followed her into the expansive house had also noticed some foreign currencies. Beside the currencies, the workers were privy to the fact that Oboh had several wears, expensive laces, gold chains, rings, bracelets, state of the art electronic gadgets and shoes among other costly items in her wardrobe. This obviously brought diabolical thoughts on their minds. The gateman‘s petty trading spot at the entrance of the gate became a meeting post for the domestic servants, who hatched plans on how to murder their employer. According to accounts of the incident, one of the masterminds of the plot was Peter Iduwu Eche, who hails from Benue State. Though trained as an auto electrician, he was employed as a gateman and gardener in January 1993. He was recruited when Oboh sacked Abdullahi for gross misconduct. Peter lived in a single room boy’s quarter as a service occupant inside the compound. However, it was after Peter left for his village that the female pilot re-employed Abdullahi, pending Peter’s return. When Peter returned, Abdullahi co-opted him into the plot to kill Oboh ‘’because she get plenty money

Abubakar Tsav

Having killed Oboh, the assailants dumped her body in a septic tank in the compound; they sealed the tank with cement.

and property’’. Peter quickly accepted the overtures to join the group and Abdullahi arranged for four assassins, obviously those who often met him at his petty trading spot. As planned, the killers lurked around when Oboh drove in on the fateful day. The unsuspecting pilot after relaxing for a while in her room stepped into her kitchen to prepare a dinner she never lived to eat. Peter opened the gate for the four killers to sneak in and murder her employer. The killers came in through the rear kitchen door .Abdullahi sprang from behind and threw a rope noose round the pilot’s neck. As he tightened the rope, others attacked her. Having killed Oboh, the assailants dumped her body in a septic tank in the compound. They sealed the tank with cement and went on looting spree of the deceased’s personal belongings. Abduallhi, Peter and others looted the pilot’s belongings including her car, which they converted into an unpainted taxi. Items carted away included, bedroom furniture, fittings, electronics, refrigerators, air conditioners, mattresses and kitchen wares. After the looting, Peter moved from the boy’s quarter and took over the expansive building. He was said to be occupying the late

pilot’s bedroom without any remorse and atonement for the dastardly act. Each time, any visitor asked about her madam’s whereabouts, he was always quick to respond in pidgin English that ‘’Madam don travel and we no know when she go return.’’ Luck however ran out of them when the policemen guarding the next compound to Oboh’s residence noticed strange movements in and out of the premises. The security men were particularly uncomfortable with the influx of buses being brought to remove the pilot’s personal belongings’ and household goods from the premises. The security men asked for the late pilot’s whereabouts and the domestic workers claimed that she had travelled. On being told this, the men initially pretended as if they showed interest in sharing in the loot. As a result, Peter volunteered information on the deal and how the goods were moved out of the premises. Curiously, the security agents moved against Peter and others and they were arrested by men of Ikoyi Police Station. When the Police swung into action, they initially investigated the case of stealing and unlawful removal of property. They did not doubt the statement made by Peter that the late pi-

lot had travelled outside the country. Worried by the slow pace of the investigation into the matter, the then Police Commissioner, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, later called for the case file. Having studied the file, he referred it to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba. Tsav, who had a press briefing with the media, at that time said beyond the issue of theft of the female pilot’s property, it was necessary for the police to unravel the mystery surrounding her whereabouts. When the SCID took over the case, its crack team detectives led by Samuel Okaula, then an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) visited on a series of occasions the late pilot’s residence during the course of his investigation. It was during one of such visits that Okaula, now Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), noticed fresh cement patch on a septic tank. He also sighted a half bag of cement next to it, and he quickly suspected something sinister about the freshly patched septic tank. According to the Polis, a publication of PGM publications, the police officer rushed back to SCID, Panti cell to further interrogate suspect Peter. The next day, Okaula and his team, again visited the late pilot’s residence and he ordered that the septic tank be opened. Immediately this was done, the discovery was horrific and shocking; the late pilot’s decomposed body was found in the tank. After the recovery of the corpse, the police were sure that Peter, Abdullahi, Itoro Akpan, a driver of the late pilot, and one Denise Osama, said to have received some of the looted goods were in their net. Indeed, in Peter’s confessional statement, he said ‘’When I hear madam dey shout and plead with them not to kill her, I cry, but I no follow kill her o ‘’. On June 1, 1998, the four suspects were arraigned at the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos, for conspiracy, armed robbery and murder. While the police were awaiting advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the High Court ordered the release of two of the accused on court bail with two sureties, who were alleged to have given fictitious names and addresses to the court. The Ministry of Justice however later advised that the suspects be re-arraigned for conspiracy, armed robbery and murder. Sadly, efforts to re-arrest the suspects proved abortive because they had bolted away. Their sureties had also used fictitious names and addresses to process the court bail. 17 years after Oboh’s murder, the country’s aviation industry is still a male dominated world. Though over the past few decades, the female presence in the airline industry has been on the increase, by comparison, women still have a paltry presence. According to data compiled by Women in Aviation international (www.wai.com) women represent six per cent of the pilot population.

Law & Justice

Monday, December 7, 2015

A U.S Marine convicted

Unites States Marine was convicted, imprisoned and fined in a Philippines court for killing a Filipino transgender woman last year after he learned of her sexual status in a local hotel room. Joseph Pemberton, who was on a break in October 2014 after participating in joint military exercises in the country was found guilty of homicide by strangling Jennifer Laude and dunking her head into a toilet in the hotel they had checked into after meeting in a disco in Olongapo City, northwest of Manila. He was sentenced to six to 12 years in prison, with time already spent in detention credited, said court clerk Gerry Gruspe, the Associated Press reported. According to Reuters, the Olongapo City regional trial court also ordered Pemberton to pay about 4.5 million pesos ($130,000) to Laude’s family for loss of earning capacity. It was gathered that Pemberton also was ordered to pay 155,255 pesos ($3,300) to pay for the wake and burial of the victim, 50,000 pesos ($1,000) for “moral damages” and 30,000 pesos ($600) for “exemplary damages.” Laude’s mother Julita Cabillan said that while she was happy with the verdict, she was not pleased with the jail term, which was less than if Pemberton had been found guilty of murder, a more serious crime than homicide, which does not require malicious in-

USA

US President, Barack Obama tent. “No amount of money could pay for the years I spent raising my child,” Cabillan told reporters. “What they did to my child was gruesome. Just because we are poor doesn’t mean we can’t fight for justice.” Laude’s sister Malou told Reuters the verdict was “not quite a victory. We expected a murder conviction but instead got homicide. We are not contented with the decision.” According to Reuters, Pemberton had admitted in court to fighting with, but not killing, Laude. He told the court he acted in self-defense after he discovered that a man, not a woman, was performing a sexual act on him. The case has sparked renewed controversy over U.S. military presence in the country. According to the AP, activists outside the courthouse warned that they would closely watch to ensure Pemberton is detained in a Philippines jail.

SA court set to pronounce sentence on woman for online baby sale SOUTH AFRICA

mother pleaded guilty in a South African court to having tried to sell her baby on the Internet for 5,000 rand (346 dollars). The 20-year-old woman said “I admit that my actions were unlawful and intentional, I have no defence.’’ According to the report from Reuters, police said that the woman was arrested in October following a tip-off from a member of the public who said that a baby was being sold on the website called Gumtree.

South African President, Jacob Zuma She was freed on bail and placed under house arrest, to be sentenced on Februrary, 29 at the Magistrates’ Court in the eastern town of Pietermaritzburg.

couple from Gladstone have appeared in court over the alleged abuse and death of the 11-week-old boy who was found with severe injuries at a home in Rockhampton in May 2013. The three-month-old baby sustained multiple broken bones and a brain injury in the weeks before his death in central Queensland more than two years ago. Police said the boy’s injuries included 22 broken or fractured bones and bleeding on the brain. The baby was flown to the Mater Hospital in Brisbane

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Couple charged with manslaughter, cruelty of baby AUSTRALIA

but died a week later. Prosecutors said the baby was also severely malnourished with poor fat stores, and died from an incident directly related to violent shaking and a lack of oxygen to the brain. The court was told that the trauma happened over a period of one to four weeks because some of the bones had started to heal in a deformed

Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull

manner. Christopher Allan Holland, 31, appeared at Gladstone Magistrates Court charged with manslaughter and cruelty to children. He did not apply for bail and remains in custody. His co-accused, Megan Jean Freeman, 22, is accused of child cruelty and has been released on bail. The case against both defendants has been adjourned until later this month.

China court upholds conviction against journalist

Chinese court has upheld a conviction against a journalist accused of leaking an internal Communist Party document to a foreign website but reduced her jail sentence by two years in a case criticized by the West and rights groups. Gao Yu, 71-year-old, was detained in May 2013, over accusations that she had leaked a party document that warned senior members against “seven mistaken ideologies”, including the “universal values” of human rights, according to Gao’s lawyer, Shang Baojun. Rights activists say her case is part of a broad government effort to suppress journalists, lawyers and activists critical of the party. According to BBC News, Gao was sentenced to seven years jail term in April after being convicted on a

BEIJING

Chinese President Xi Jinping charge of providing state secrets to foreign contacts. The Beijing High Court reduced her sentence to five years but upheld her conviction. Shang said the court had decided to reduce Gao’s sentence after she “gave a true account of the facts of the crime during the second trial and pleaded guilty”. Shang said he would con-

tinue to seek Gao’s release on medical parole, which authorities have already rejected three times. “She has very serious high blood pressure and heart problems,” Shang said. “Taking into account the fact that she’s already 71, from this perspective, we are not satisfied (with the sentence reduction).” BBC News reported that because of her health, the court had decided Gao could “temporarily serve the sentence outside of prison”. The report did not elaborate. Court officials did not respond to phone calls or a faxed query seeking comment. China’s Foreign Ministry said that Gao’s case had been handled in accordance with the law. Dozens of police officers sealed off roads leading to the court and stopped journalists from approaching.

At a daily news briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei called on other countries to “respect China’s judicial sovereignty”. British-based rights group Amnesty International said Gao’s health had deteriorated since her detention. Gao was accused of giving the internal party document to Ho Pin, head of Mirror Books. Gao, a freelance journalist well known for her articles critical of government leaders, has said she is innocent. Her trial was held behind closed doors and diplomats and reporters were blocked from attending. The case marked the third time Gao has been jailed on charges stemming from her activism and for leaking state secrets.

Abortion law breaches human rights, court rules

he High Court in Belfast has ruled abortion legislation in Northern Ireland is in breach of human rights laws. Currently, termination of pregnancy is only allowed if a woman’s life is at risk or there is a permanent or serious risk to her mental or physical health. The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) brought the case to extend abortion to cases of serious foetal malformation, rape or incest. The 1967 Abortion Act does not apply to Northern Ireland. Bernadette Smyth, the director of the Precious Life group, said she is concerned

NORTHERN IRELAND

Micheal D. Hggins President Of Northern Ireland that the ruling will dilute the right to life of unborn children in Northern Ireland. A judicial review found the grounds for abortion should be extended in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland’s Attorney General John Larkin said in a brief statement that he was “profoundly dis-

appointed” by the decision and was “considering the grounds for appeal”. In his ruling, Mr. Justice Horner said women who were the victims of sexual crime and cases of fatal foetal abnormality were entitled to exemptions in the law. He said given that the issue was unlikely to be addressed by the Northern Ireland Executive in the foreseeable future, and that Northern Ireland citizens were entitled to “have their [European Convention on Human] rights protected by the courts”, the current legislation was in breach of their human rights. Northern Ireland has been a place apart within

the United Kingdom since the 1967 Abortion Act. It allowed terminations in England, Scotland and Wales at up to 24 weeks of the pregnancy on a variety of grounds, including having abnormalities that could lead to a child being “seriously handicapped”. Even if this judgement is put into effect - and it is likely to be appealed - the law would still be stricter in Northern Ireland. The judge made a point of distinguishing between fatal foetal abnormalities, which he ruled should be an exemption to the law and cases where the foetus was “seriously malformed”, which he said should not be exempted.

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Law & Justice

Monday, December 7, 2015

Framework in anti-corruption campaign: Challenges and opportunities Aminu Mahmud

his paper is set against the backdrop of two significant developments in our criminal justice jurisprudence. I refer to the criminal trials involving Chiefs Olabode George and James Ibori, former stalwarts of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Both criminal trials are significant because they highlight how power influences the way the law responds to the political environment. Whilst Ibori’s case posed a more fundamental challenge to our legal and juridical systems by exposing our prosecutorial and court systems to ridicule, George’s case provided grounds, though temporary as it were, for observers to applaud our administration of criminal justice system. Here, I have italicised ‘temporary’ and the Rule of Law’ to show how we can scratch the surfaces of any phenomena to uncover their meanings and what lies beneath them. For clarity, George’s case showed us how a criminal trial becomes the signifier to the political. But, both cases present their own upsides. And they share common grounds. Firstly, that no matter where and how meaning is given to the law, the law punishes the offender for his or her crime. Here, justice is the objective given of the law. Secondly, both cases situate the collective aspirations of citizens who insist that the law must be shorn of the politics that tends to shape it within the Rule of Law framework. Ibori plea bargained the London charges because the UK’s framework of criminal justice, shorn of influence and power, placed him in a spot of bother. Contrast that framework of criminal justice to our administration of criminal justice system. Didn’t Ibori walk out of The Asaba High Court a free man? There are downsides. The effeminate way Ibori’s case was prosecuted has brought about what I describe as the outsourcing of justice to other jurisdictions. The danger here is the loss of respect for our courts and the enthronement of impu-

nity that outsourcing of justice brings. The anti-corruption framework under which Ibori and George were tried in Asaba and Lagos posed a certain problematic. The Rule of Law framework that recognises the equality of outcome is that which dispenses justice based on the application of the law. The equality of outcome isn’t about making everybody the same. It is about having a common outcome in a criminal trial, based on same or familiar sets of facts, evidence and the law. Corruption is pervasive in our country. It is a way of life, the unfortunate life style of the high and the low of our country. From the quarters of political governance to the sphere, Jacques Lacan describes as the ‘democratic imaginary’, corruption defines the social, political, economic and human agencies so much so that these days our country ranks in the Corruption Perception Index released annually by Transparency International as one of the most corrupt countries on earth. With corruption, our country plumbs the shallows. Let’s pause here. The paper will attempt to establish the connection between corruption and the law and the challenges and opportunities that underline the relationship. I propose to take a look at this connection from two perspectives. Firstly, I shall look at the arguments that weave around this relationship; and how this relationship shapes the law. Secondly, I shall do a cursory analysis of the legal framework of the anti-corruption campaign in the middle section of the paper. The concluding section shall deal with the challenges that are encountered in the fight against corruption; the opportunities that are abounding in a corruption-free state shall conclude the section. Theoretical context I make two propositions here. Firstly, the law, no matter how it is construed or analysed, has its peculiar nature that is so often worked upon by powerful interests and by those who wield political power at any given time. Here, the emphasis is on the nature of law itself. Law tends to respond to the political, economic and social environment. And it is this environment, shaped by interests, that distorts the nature of law. That the environment distorts the nature of law does not imbue the

law with a nature that it exists outside of the law. Sam Amadi misconceives this aspect of the science of law when he argues that the ‘’law is political because men and women of power and means find in it a strong instrument to protect their interests’’. Yes, the law exists within a given political environment; and because it is conditioned by interests, the law does not entirely lose its nature, nor does it become political as Amadi suggests. The law merely responds to the political. To read into the law what exists outside of it, is to misconceive the jurisprudence of law. Law interacts with all phenomena, including the political. Secondly, I propose that corruption- as an infraction of the law, or of legally prescribed rules-can be a challenge to the Rule of Law framework that responds to pernicious externalities. For me, the challenge is underlined by how the three intrinsic natures of law, or what Tamanaha Brian categorised as ‘generality, equality and certainty’, are mobilised to stem the tide of corruption. Here, and firstly, the framework should promote the conceptual notion that law should govern. The equality that Tamanaha Brian describes as that which ‘’implies that every citizen is equal to the law’’. Here, the attribute of equality stands in contrast to the notion that the ruler is above the law. Secondly, the framework must recognise the generality of the Rule of Law. It stands to reason, therefore, that the framework must not be geography and jurisdictional-specific. And thirdly, the framework must have an unimpeachable degree of certainty. An uncertain regime of the Rule of Law erodes confidence in the enforceability of the law itself. I place a further caveat, here. I make the above proposition, assuming that the Rule of Law framework is divested of powerful interests and that the purposive interest of the law isn’t shaped by those who shape and map the boundaries of power. I assume that there is a common understanding of the constitutive elements of the framework, that everyone has a common conviction about what it is. Mahmud is a managing Partner at Sagittarian Berkeleys, a firm of Attorneys TO BE CONTINUED

EVENTS

Lagos lawyer, Mr. Ibukun Oremodu and his wife, Doyin, at a church service marking his 5oth birthday in Lagos, recently.

Former chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA (Ikeja branch), Chief Victor Odunaiya and the celebrant, Mr. Oremodu at the event.

L-R: Prof. Bankole Sodipo and Mr. Tony Okoroji at the 7th inaugural lecture entitled “The Oracle, Intellectual Property and Allied Right, The Knowledge Economy and the Development Agenda’’, held recently at Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State.

Prof. Sodipo with Law students of Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, recently.

Monday, December 7, 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

Wale Igbintade

Lagos Chief Magistrate’s Court, Ikeja, has commenced trial of four princes from Oluwa chieftaincy family over allegations of forgery and threat to life of the incumbent Oluwa of Lagos, Chief Mukaila Lawal Oluwa. The defendants, who had earlier been docked and granted bail on August 26, 2014, before Chief Magistrate Akinde are: Abayomi Shamsideen Oluwa (62), Ismaila Abayomi Oluwa (67), Tajudeen Ototo Oluwa (58), and Muse Adegboyega Oluwa (56), pleaded not guilty to all the charges. The new trial Magistrate, A.A. Adesanya, allowed them to continue their bail after their lawyer, Mr. Ismaila Adebowale, had pleaded on their behalf. The charge read in part, that the defendants, on March, 2013, about 1230hrs at the High Court of Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, allegedly conspired among themselves to forge the official stamp of High Court of Lagos and signature of Principal Registrar of High Court of Lagos and smuggled it into a public notice and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 363(2)(b)

4 Lagos princes arraigned over forgery, threat to life C

Volunteers vow to end traffic snarl in Lagos

Suspected miscreants arrested by Task Force Enforcement operators yesterday at Oko Mala of Lagos. of the criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011. They also allegedly, on November 2013, at Nwokolo Street, Apapa, Lagos, threatened the

life of One Chief Mukaila Lawal Oluwa, the Oluwa of Lagos and Apapa, with cutlasses and other dangerous weapons and thereby committed an offence

punishable under section 56 of the Criminal laws of Lagos State 2011. Further hearing has been fixed for December 14, 2015.

Lagos assembly seeks enforcement of restriction on BRT lanes Robert Awokuse

agos State House of Assembly has called on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to direct necessary security and law enforcement agencies to stop illegal plying of Bus Rapid Transport, BRT corridor on Ikorodu/Mile12 road. Hon. Sanai Agunbiade representing Ikorodu Consistency I, while moving the motion explained that the state government expended huge amount of money in constructing the road and called for a clampdown on any individual that defies the state’s traffic laws. Agunbiade restated that the BRT lane was only meant for the blue BRT buses but commercial motorcycle operators popularly called okada-riders have abused government’s initiative of efficient transportation system by competing with the buses on the dedicated lanes and had on several occasions resorted to vandalism at any slightest interface

with BRT drivers despite incursion. Contributing, Hon. Segun Olulade stated that “it’s not a lie that okada-riders are gradually taking over the road and policemen are extorting money from both the okada-riders and commercial

Danfo drivers in order to let them have access to the road without any interference from LASTMA.” Speaker of the House, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, resolved to call on the state government to provide the axis with security check to keep the commercial

motorcyclists and yellow buses operators from the BRT corridor and also direct House Committee on Transportation to liaise with Commissioner for Transportation and other relevant authorities with a view to solving the problems on the road.

3 remanded for alleged rape of minor Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

hree men, Biola Akinwande, 18, Ayoola Awodile, 25, and Sodiq Oyedele, 19, have been remanded in prison custody for alleged rape of a minor by an Ile-Ife Magistrate’s Court. Addressing the court, police prosecutor, Cpl Ronke Badmus, said the accused committed the offence on Nov 22, 2015, around 2pm at No. 29, Oke-Atan Street, Ile-Ife. She added that the accused conspired among themselves to commit felony by raping one

Mojesin, 17, explaining further that the accused unlawfully had canal knowledge of Mojesin by using white toy gun and cutlasses to threaten her. The offence, according to him, was contrary to section 357 and punishable under sections 86 and 516 (1), (2) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol 11, Laws of Osun, 2003. Counsel to the accused persons, Alaba Awoseemo, pleaded for bail of his clients in liberal terms, and promised that they would not jump bail but produce reliable sureties, he added that the mother of the complainant was not interested in prosecuting the case.

The prosecutor, however, objected the bail application on ground that the victim has been sick since the incident happened. Magistrate Risikat Olayemi said the complainant was old enough and has the right to decide whether to prosecute the case or not. She then told the defence counsel to come with the victim on the adjourned date and ordered the defence counsel to file the written application for bail of the accused. She subsequently remanded the accused persons in prison custody till Dec 28 for hearing of the bail application.

oordinator of Lagos State Traffic Control Volunteers, Seyi Bamigbade, has expressed his team’s readiness and determination to end traffic snarl in Lagos metropolis. Bamigbade, who spoke recently after signing a memorandum of understanding with the management of Jekalo.com at Alausa, Ikeja, noted that as more people sign-up for the initiative and become traffic control volunteers, the perennial traffic congestion in the city will gradually disappear. He said in areas where many people have come up to register as traffic controller, the effect has been very tremendous; even as he said more volunteers were still needed to further ease traffic gridlock in Lagos city. The coordinator added that Jekalo.com will be partnering with volunteer groups in the are of technology by connecting road users to available rides in different localities across the state; adding that the platform will engender trust and safety of road users on the platform. Speaking on his company’s partnership with Road Traffic Volunteers, Managing Director of Jekalo.com, Mr. Motooni Bolarinwa, said his organisation works by encouraging ride owners to share a ride with one or two people on his route. “We make this happen by rewarding them with incentives such as fuel voucher, Lekki Toll E-Tag Registration and Funding, Car Maintenance Services, Genuine Motor Third Party Insurance and more at half the price it would have normally cost, using their Jekalo Credit contributed by co-riders,” he said. Aside Jekalo.com, the Lagos State Traffic Volunteer coordinator also said that a chairmanship aspirant at Coker Aguda Local Council Development Area, Mr. Babatunde Raheem was equally partnering with the group and has made commitment by donating traffic jackets to members of the group. It would be recalled that few weeks ago, a socio-political organisation under the auspices of the National Image launched an initiative tagged, “Lagos State Traffic Control Volunteers” to help check the menace of traffic gridlock in the metropolis.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Monday, December 7, 2015

GOCOP to Senate: Don’t deny Nigerians free expression

Children from Stefanos Foundation Internally Displaced Persons Camp, performing during the anniversary at the camp and official launching of Coalition for Minority Rights in Jos on Saturday.

NGOs to train teachers in Katsina JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

Z Foundation and Voluntary Services Overseas, VSO, have entered into an agreement with Katsina State government to train primary and secondary schools teachers in the state. At the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, over the weekend in the state, Governor Aminu Masari lamented the decay in education sector, describing it as unacceptable. Masari, who restated determination to shore

up the fortunes of the sector, said no time and resources would be spared in resuscitating education at primary and secondary schools levels. He said the state used to set the standard in education in the northern part of the country, but now lagged behind all but two states in the north. According to him, only about 10 per cent of secondary school students, who sit for National Examinations Council, NECO, and West African Examinations Council, WAEC, from the state usually make grade with five credits and above.

“The level of decay in the education sector is unacceptable, and no responsible leader will be content with the deplorable state of education in the state. “We will invest all we have to boost education at the foundation level. And in doing that, we are ready, willing and prepared to partner with like-minded organisations that will assist us achieve our goals,” Masari said. He added that teachers’ training and retraining are part of necessary efforts aimed at turning around the comatose

state of education in the state. He however said rehabilitation and expansion work on some primary schools had commenced in earnest with the exercise expected to cover every part of the state in due course. The memorandum was signed by the Commissioner of Education, Professor Halima Idris on behalf of the state government, while Engr Tunde Oyelola, Vice Chairman of PZ Foundation and Abubakar Usman, Country Representative of VSO, signed on behalf of their respective organisations.

Insurgency: NASS planning better life for IDPs, says Lar JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

National Assembly member, Beni Lar, has confirmed plans by her colleagues in the lower chamber to better the lot of internally displaced persons, IDPs, in the country and fully reintegrate them into the society. According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, UNHCR, the population of IDPs in Nigeria following activities of Boko Haram terrorists in the North East part of the country has risen to 2.2 million. Lar further decried activities of insurgents at the weekend on the sideline of

the one year anniversary of Stefanos Foundation IDP Camp at Zang Commercial College in Jos. She said the House was doing all it could to arrest the situation and alleviate the suffering of displaced people. She said: “As lawmakers, we are really concerned about the plight of IDPs. Recently, for the first time, the House inaugurated committee on IDPs. We realised that the mandate of NEMA, which is to intervene in emergency situation, is not enough because after one or two months, nobody remembers them again. So, the House is planning and has already requested members to submit names of affected and

uild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP, has called on the Senate not to deny Nigerians their universally recognised right to freedom of expression. In a statement in Lagos on Sunday by its Publicity Secretary, Olumide Iyanda, the guild said the draft bill to “Prohibit Frivolous Petitions and Other Matters Connected Therewith,” which passed Second Reading in the Senate last week, poses a threat to the freedom of expression and obligation of the media as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. It noted that the bill proposes up to two years in prison or a fine of N2 million or both for anyone who posts an “abusive statement” via text message, Twitter, WhatsApp, or any other form of social media. The bill also proposes varying penalties for false publications by print, radio and TV outlets. GOCOP said on the proposed bill: “We wish to call the attention of the Senate to the UN Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers. “Nigeria is also a signatory to other international statutes like the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political

Rights and the UN Convention against Corruption, among others.” The guild expressed concern that given the inadequate media and internet penetration in the country, the Senate will lend itself to any move to discourage further growth. It said: “As other countries adopt more generous and dynamic approach to the protection of free speech to allow citizens access to information without fear of intimidation, the National Assembly should not shackle the very media for which our present democracy owes its survival. “Having benefitted from a vibrant media, it is worrisome that the lawmakers have turned around to debate a law which seeks to punish users of online media platforms.” The guild therefore called on the lawmakers to desist from any action that would create fear among media practitioners, online activists and whistleblowers who may become likely targets if the bill becomes law. “While we continuously campaign for responsible, objective and transparent practice among media practitioners and social media users across platforms, members of the Senate should not restrain access to information to protect politicians and other high-ranking individuals who do not want to be held accountable for their actions,” GOCOP said.

displaced persons, including reports to the committee so that starting from this

Christmas onward the IDPs would be fully catered for by the government.”

GLORIA USMAN

NEMA records 1,037 emergencies in FCT

ABUJA

ational Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Emergency Response Bays established to reduce response time to emergency in Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has recorded about 1,037 cases of emergency between September 2013 and June 2015. Coordinator of NEMA (Abuja Operations), Mr Ishaya Chonoko, while disclosing this at the weekend, said the bays established by the agency for the stakeholders in line with its coordination roles have also

succeeded in building the required synergy in which they are now working efficiently together in addressing emergency challenges in FCT. Giving breakdown of incidences in a statement made available by the agency, he said about 4,040 persons were involved in emergencies with 1,389 injured and 186 deaths with road traffic accidents being the highest with 1, 008 followed by fire, collapsed structures and drowning. He said the bays, which are strategically stationed with the aim of reducing

response time to emergency situations, are equipped with urban search-andrescue tools, including fully equipped rescue tenders, rapid intervention vehicles and mobile intensive care unit ambulances. The bays are located at Central Area adjacent to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Expressway (Airport road) Lugbe, Kubwa Expressway and Nyanya by Karu junction. He further said the bays were being jointly manned with the stakeholders that have deployed their

search-and-rescue officers as well as paramedics drawn from the agencies including the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, military paramedics and Federal Road Safety Corps among others. Chonoko also said the agency had over the years continued to support operations of the stakeholders including their manpower development, presentation of equipment such as ambulances, maintenance of their tools and experience sharing on global best practices in emergency management.

Monday, December 7, 2015 CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as NNAJI CHINEDU, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AHARU JOHN CHINEDU. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as EKWECHI CHINELO B, now wish to be known, called and addressed as EZEH CHINELO BLESSING. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly MISS CHIMEZIRI PRECIOUS Oluchi, now wished to be known and addressed as MRS. BASHIRU PRECIOUS ZAINAB. All former documents remain valid,the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as FERDO UBANGHA ENANG, now wish known and addressed as OSIKPONG UBANGHA ENANG. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to notify the general public that I Mrs Oladipupo Taiwo Anuoluwa is the same person bearing MRS OLADIPUPO TAIWO OYELADE. All my documents with the two names remain valid.General public to take note.

This is to confirm that CHIEKEZI MARVELNAPSON CHINAEMEREM and CHIEKEZI MARVELOUS CHINEMEREM belong to one and same person. All documents bearing the names remain valid. University of Port Harcourt and the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as OGUNBIYI BRIGHT OLALEKAN now wish known and addressed as OGUNBIYI AHMED OLALEKAN. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MOHAMMED MUSTAPHA IBRAHIM, now wish known and addressed as MUSTAPHA IBRAHIM ALABI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as BOLAJI RASAQ, now wish known and addressed as MR SALAMI RASAQ BOLAJI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I hereby confirm that I, EDEMATIE JOLOMI MENE is same as one person as GERALDO ALLEN now wish to known as EDEMATIE JOLOMI MENE. All former documents bearing these names remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as DADA SEKIRATU ASAKE, now wish to be known and addressed as OLANIYAN SIKIRATU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as ADAGWE CHURCHILL, now wish to be known and addressed as NEWTON FAITH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

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I formerly known and addressed as ONARO DANIEL, now wish to be known and addressed as DANIEL OFISCO JOEL. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

This is to confirm that OGHENEVWARO OJUGO is the same one person as OGHENEVOKE OJOGO. That henceforth wish to be known and addressed as OGHENEVOKE OJOGO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ABBEY OLISE, now wish to be known and addressed as MALCOLM OKOBIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

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AMODU: I, formerly known and addressed as OJOGBANE ANTHONY AMODU. That I now added ‘ABAYOMI’ to my name. That I now wish to be known, called and addressed as OJOGBANE ANTHONY ABAYOMI AMODU. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

POPOOLA: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OMOBOLAJI ADEBISI POPOOLA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. OMOBOLAJI ADEBISI ADUNNI ABAYOMI AMODU. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

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I, formerly known as MRS. ADIJAT OMOTOLA EBEGBE and MRS. ADIJAT KUBURAT OMOTOLA DAWODU now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADIJAT OMOTOLA AKINYELURE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE MCVIN AGED HOME FOUNDATION This is to notify the general public that the above named Foundation has applied for Registration, with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 5. Macauley Dung Kevin 1. Hon. Kevin Michael Chuhwak 6. Marinatha Vou Kevin 2. Mr. Peter Nyam Gyang 7. Angela Yop Kevin 3. Douglas Chuhwak Davou 8. Kevin Kangyang Dorcas 4. Macusland Gyang Chuhwak AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To care for the aged 2. To assist the widows, the orphans and the less privileged in the society 3. To help the poor and the sick Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication SIGNED: Hon. Kevin Chuhwak

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I formerly known and addressed as MISS OPENIYI AFUSAT OLAYEMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. OKUNOWO AFUSAT OLAYEMI. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note.

I, formerly known as MISS ARIYO TOLUWALOPE CHARISMA, now to be addressed as MRS OBAYEMI TOLUWALOPE CHARISMA. All former documents remain valid; Skye bank Plc, Ecobank and general public take note. general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as JAMES ADEBAYO OLONADE, now to be addressed as ADE JAMES BAYO. All former document remain valid, Zenith bank and general republic take note.

I formerly MISS OLANREWAJU ODUNAYO WURAOLA, now wished to be known and addressed as MRS ATOBA ODUNAYO WURAOLA OLANREWAJU. All former documents remain valid,the general public take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as ONISEMO AWEDA KUDUS, now wish known and addressed as BAKARE AWEDA KUDUS. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as KINGSLEY ODIAH, now wish known and addressed as KINGSLEY NNORUKA ODIKANUAM. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MR. OGBEZUODE ISAIAH IGIEMONU, now wish known and addressed as MR. ISAIAH ENESHIOAGBE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as KINGSLEY ODIAH, now wish known and addressed as KINGSLEY NNORUKA ODIKANUAM. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as OKWUMOU MICHAEL, now wish known and addressed as IZUCHUKWU MICHAEL OKWUMOU N. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as CHIOMA LAWRENCE now wish known and addressed as CHIOMA PROMISE EKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as KAYODE ESHO ADEKUNLE now wish to be known and addressed as ADEKUNLE OBAWWUNMI. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as AJAKAIYE RIDWAN, now wish known and addressed as YEKINI RIDWAN. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS UGWU CHINASA EMMANUELLA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKONKWO CHINASA EMMANUELLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. NYSC and general public take note. .

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that I am the same and one person bearing MRS. FEYI OLATEJU KASSIM and MRS. ASHIATA AMOPE KASSIM. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as AL. HASSAN MAMUDA WALI, now wish known and addressed as AL.HASSAN AHMED ADAM. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as OKWUMOU MICHAEL, now wish known and addressed as IZUCHUKWU MICHAEL OKWUMOU N. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as EHIS TINA, now wish to be known and addressed as EHIAREKHIAN TINA REMEN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ONUIGBO BLESSING, now wish to be known and addressed ONUIGBO SARAH NGOZIKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as MEGWA UCHENNA DORATY, now wish to be known and addressed as NWANOYOBA UCHENNA DORATHY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME l formerly known as NZEREM CHIDUBEM ANTHONY now wish to be known and referred to as VITUS VICANICS. All documents bearing these names to remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that the bearer ISAAC TOLA ARUWAJI is the same person as OLUWASHOLA ARUWAJI), All former document remain valid general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Musa Rolayo Esther, now wish to be known and addressed as Akinpelu Esther Arolayo. All former documents remain valid. The general public, please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as, Fatimah Dirisu Awodeh, now wish to be known and addressed as Blessing Fatimah Oladipo. All former documents remain valid. The general public, please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that DURU VICTOR ANAYO and AYO MARY DURU belong to one and the same person. all documents bearing these names to remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as CATHERINE ITODO now wishes to be known and addressed as JENNIFER DAVID. All former documents remain valid. The general public, please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as PRECIOUS CHINONSO OKAFOR now wish to be known and addressed as MRS PRECIOUS CHINONSO UMEOKAFOR. All former documents remain valid. The general public, please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS. ADIGUN SEUN ELIZABETH. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AYENI SEUN ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as OLUTAYO OPEYEMI DANIEL, now wish to be known and addressed as UMEH BENJAMIN CHIGOZIE DENIS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as SUMAILA MUFUTAU, now wish to be known and addressed as MUFUTAUDEEN ISMAIL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MENE ABEL JOFOTAN, now wish to be known and addressed as MENE ABEL ODUORE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

YUSUFF: I, formerly known and addressed as YUSUFF FATAI ABIODUN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as YUSUF FATAI ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

NDIDI: I; formerly known and addressed as NDIDI JUSTICE FESTUS, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OBIKE JUSTICE ONYEKAOZURU . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as IFEOMA MARY CHIDIMMA ONWUKWE now wish to be known and addressed as IFEOMA MARY CHUKWUKUBA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known as CHINEDU HENRY OSUJI now wish to be known and addressed as CHINEDU DABELECHI CHUKWUEMEKA OSUJI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE PROGRESSIVE YELLOW GARRI AND OTHER FOODSTUFFS TRADERS ASSOCIATION, ODOGUNYAN MARKET, IKORODU, LAGOS, NIGERIA The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under part C of the companies and Allied Matters Act 1990

The Trustees Are: 1. Mr. Aaron Nwori : Chairman 2. Mr. Taofiki Akinboye : General Secretary 3. Mr. Jude Anayor : Treasurer 4. Mr. Kingsley John : Public Relation Officer 5. Mr. Innocent Okorie : Financial Secretary 6. Mr. Hilary Akam : Legal Adviser Aims and Objectives 1. The welfare of the members 2. Ensuring availability of quality foodstuffs for the customers 3 To promote good business ideas among members 4. To foster peace, unity and progress among the members and the general public. 5. To work with the appropriate authority in the maintenance of law and order and encouraging members to comply with the government standards. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication. Signed: Hilary Akam Esq.

RECONCILIATION OF NAME This is to confirm that IDEMUDIA REGINA IMUETIYAN and IDEMUDIA REGINA refer to one and the same person, henceforth wish to be known and addressed as PETER OJO IMUENTINYAN. All documents reflecting any of the stated names remain valid. Auchi polytechnic and general public take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public that MR. NOAH OLADELE MUDASHIRU lost the following items on the 20th of October, 2015. A black travelling bag containing: 1. International Passport No: A02476824, 2. ECOWAS Passport Permit/National I.D Card/Driver’s Licence, 3. School Credentials, 4. Original copy of National Electoral Commission letter of participation on Politics (Decree No.25 of 1987/052946. 5. Original copy of Eti-Osa Youth Organization (Lagos State) recommendation letter. 6. Original copy of Birth Certificate (007793).7. Bank Cheque Books-Zenith Bank,UBA,ECO,First Bank. 8. LASRA paper-Noah and Modinot Mudashiru and some other valuables. Please if found kindly report to the nearest Police Station or call this number 08037277138.

PUBLIC NOTICE JOSHMAN YOUTH FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mrs. Grace Ibidunni Sopeju 2. Mr. Manasseh Alakiri 3. Dr. John Ifeanyichukwu Osuoha 4. Dr. Adebayo Bamidele Oyeyemi 5. Mr. Olanrewaju Adetokunbo Bajulaiye 6. Mr. Ifeoluwa Ezra Sopeju 7. Mrs. Comfort Mojola Mufutau 8. Mr. Joshua Gboluwaga Sopeju AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. Helping the mentally alert but physically challenged youth who are in school but financially handicapped. 2. Giving hope to talented youths with physical disabilities. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

Signed: Manasseh Alakiri Esq.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net CHANGE OF NAME

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Formerly IBEKWE DEBORAH IFEOMA now wishes to be addresses as NWAKUNA DEBORAH IFEOMA General public take note.

Formerly TOGO FRANCIS TEYIMA now wishes to be addressed as ADIGEB PETER ADIGEB General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME ADEYEMI: Formerly known and addressed as ADEYEMI BABATUNDE PAUL now wish to be known and addressed as ABAI BABATUNDE PAUL. .All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EBEATU: Formerly known and addressed as MISS EBEATU NKEM NNONYEKA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MBAGWU EBERE NKEM .All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME ONONIWU: Formerly known and addressed as ONONIWU CHIDIMMA GLORIA now wish to be known and addressed as.LOUIS CHIDIMMA GLORIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME KOLEOSHO: Formerly known and addressed as KOLEOSHO BISOLA AMOKE now wish to be known and addressed as OJEDOKUN BISOLA AMOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

PAUL: This is to Confirm that PAUL AKOBUNDU and IKECHUKWU JAMES refer to one and same person. All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid. Banks and the general public take note..

YUSUF: This is to Confirm that YUSUFU SILIFATU and YUSUFU ORITOKE AJOKE refer to one and same person, henceforth wish to be known and addressed as YUSUF SILIFATU. All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid. Banks and the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME IBRAHIM: Formerly known and addressed as IBRAHIM HASSAN now wish to be known and addressed as DANYARO IRO. All former documents remain valid. CBN, UBA PLC and the general public should take note.

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JOSEPH: Formerly known and addressed as MISS FUNMILAYO JOSEPH now wish to be known and addressed as MRS FUNMILAYO SAGBALE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS AISHA HANNAH MUSA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AISHA HANNAH MUSA IMAZOBI. All former documents remain valid Banks and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEBAYO AMINAT FUNMILOLA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SANUSI AMINAT FUNMILOLA all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

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ESTHER BOSE ODUMOSU same person as OLUWOLE BOSE ADEOLA now wish to be known and addressed as ESTHER BOSE ODUMOSU. All former documents remain valid and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as BOLANLE BUKUNOLA BECKLEY now wish to be known and addressed as BUKUNOLA BOLANLE JEGEDE all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as MISS EVBIDARU LINDA IMUWAHEN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKUONGHAE LINDA IMUWAHEN all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

This is to confirm that OKAFOR LETICIA UGOCHI, NGINIDIRI LETICIA UGOCHI and OKAFOR FAVOUR refer as one person now known as OKAFOR LETICIA UGOCHI all former documents remains valid general public take note.

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Formerly known and called as MISS OLADELE DUPE now wish to be addressed and called as MRS AGBOOLA FLORENCE MODUPE. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

This is to certified that ADEREMI OLUSEGUN TEMITOPE is the same one person as ADEREMI ADEYEMI EMMANUEL, that henceforth wish to be addressed and known as ADEREMI ADEYEMI EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid, First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

OLOGUN: I, formerly known and addressed as OLOGUN MAJE JAMES, now wish to be known, called and addressed as PHILIP MAJE JAMES. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

Monday, December 7, 2015

ALFRED: I, formerly known and addressed as ALFRED DICKSON JOHN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as KOME DICKSON TAYE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE PAT-EAGLES YOUTH EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION This is to inform the General Public that the above named Foundation has applied for Registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990. TRUSTEES: 1. Patrick Chinomso Kingsley Chairman 2. Ihekoronye Chinedu 3. Mbachu Christian Chidozie AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. A Non Governmental, Non Party aligned and Non Religious Organization that anchors its course on Youth Empowerment. 2. To contribute to the advancement of the global community by providing an enabling environment to young people with the view of developing their Leadership Skills, Social Responsibility and Enterpreneurship, necessary to create a positive change. 3. Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrarâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication. Signed: CHAIRMAN PATRICK CHINOMSO KINGSLEY

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME OLAPO: Formerly known and addressed as MISS OLAPO, FUNKE OMOLARA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS DAMILARE-VICTOR, FUNKE OMOLARA .All former documents remain valid. General public take

Formerly OZOR CHIWENDU LOVELYN now wishes to be addressed as ELUMA CHIWENDU LOVELYN. General public take note

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MESCHACK: Formerly known and addressed as MESCHACK PIUS, now wish known and addressed as OLANEMA IMOLE MONDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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MEMUNA: . Formerly known and addressed as MEMUNA ISA EMOKPARE now wish to be known and addressed as MARGRET ISA EMOKPARE. .All former documents remain valid. General public take .

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ANUNOBI: Formerly known and addressed as ANUNOBI EJIKE INNOCENT now wish to be known and addressed as NNAEMEKA EJIKE INNOCENT. .All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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SAIDU: Formerly known and addressed as SAIDU HANANIYA now wish to be known and addressed as SAMCHI LAZARUS VELMANGI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

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I formerly known and addressed as HAJARATU MARKUS, now wish to be known, called and addressed as SUKAR SAMAILA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MATURARE: Formerly known and addressed as UBAIDA SUNUSI SANI now wish to be known and addressed as UBAIDA SUNUSI MATURARE. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

LUKMAN: Formerly known and addressed as SADIQ ABDULGAFAR ow wish to be known and addressed as GAFAR SADIQ LUKMAN. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

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ILORI Formerly known and addressed as MISS ILORI DEBORAH. A. TITILAYO now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OJO DEBORAH TITILAYO. All former documents remains valid. LGEA Makarfi, Eco Bank, Keystone Bank and General public should take note.

AUDU: Formerly known and addressed as IBRAHIM AUDU now wish to be known and addressed as IBRAHIM YUNUSA. All former documents remain valid. CBN, FIRST BANK and General public should take note.

Formerly known and addressed as miss ADENIJI OLUWASEUN ABIODUN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS LAWAL OLUWASEUN ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid Banks and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS AROWORA NOFISAT REMILEKUN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADESINA NOFISAT REMILEKUN.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ALHAJI MICHAEL now wish to be known and addressed as FANNAHIN ROBERT all former documents remain valid Banks and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to certify that AIPOH BAILIKIS BLESSING is the same as James Billy Patience. Now wish to be known and addressed as AIPOH BAILIKIS BLESSING all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as MRS ORENUGA ELIZABETH ADEBISI OLUFUNMILAYO now wish to be known and addressed as miss OSOBA ELIZABETH ADEBISI OLUFUNMILAYO all former documients remain valid O.O.U Ago Iwoye and generalpublic take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as MRS RICHARD ADHOWARIE ROSEMARY now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IDIMI RICHARD ADHOWARIE ROSEMARY all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

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OGUNMODEDE: Formerly known and addressed as OGUNMODEDE ADEKOLA now wish to be known and addressed as DAVID ADEKOLA DAVID. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

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Formerly known and addressed as MISS BAMIDELE TAWAKALITU AJOLADE now wish to be called and addressed as MRS OYINLOLA TAWAKALITU MOJIRADE. All former document remain valid, Stanbic Bank Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public should please take note.

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ESIMAKUINI: I, formerly known and addressed as ESIMAKUINI PATRICK PETER, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADEWALE AFOLABI PATRICK. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as EUGENE DAVIDSON CHIDIEBERE now wish to be known and addressed as ACHINIHU DAVIDSON CHIDIEBERE, All former document remain valid, general public to note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as IDEYI ESTHER UZOAMAKA now wish to be known and addressed as ACHINIHU ESTHER UZOAMAKA,All former document remain valid, general public to not

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CHANGE OF NAMES Formerly known as AKERELE IDRIS OKANLAWON wish now to be known and address as AKERELE ALANI IDRIS. All former documents remain valid. Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAMES

I formerly known and addressed as IBRAHIM GIMBA, now wish to be known and addressed as GIMBA KAMBA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as DANBATU MANGA, now wish to be known and addressed as GARBA DANBATU. All former documents remain valid. First Bank, ECO Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as TUNI UMAR, now wish to be known and addressed as HAUWAU MOHAMMED. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ADAMU ABDULLAHI JIKA, now wish to be known and addressed as ADAMU GUDU. All former documents remain valid. FIRST BANK, ECO BANK and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS. CHRISTIANAH AMADISE-ere Ikuloh, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHRISTIANAH AMADISEMO-ERE EDUH . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS. ADESUKO OLAMOJIBA GLORIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AKINMUTIMI OLAMOJIBA GLORIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS AKINGBOGUN MOPELOLA IYABODE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. FALEYE MOPELOLA IYABODE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known as MISS FAJUYAGBE FUNMILAYO RACHEAL. now wish to be called and addressed as MRS. FAWEHINMI FUMILAYO RACHEAL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

This is to inform the public that EYITOYO OKILOH TUWAPIRI and ELEMI OKILOH, refer as one person but now known as ELEMI OKILOH . All former document remain valid. U.B.A Bank and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MR BAYODE JOHNSON, now MR MUSTAPHA MEJUDI. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and general public take note.

Monday, December 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News Closer ties between Africa and China will be a “win-win” co-operation where both sides will prosper together. –SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT, JACOB ZUMA

Venezuelans vote in ‘tense’ elections Afolabi Gambari

WITH AGENCY REPORT

eople in Venezuela yesterday began voting in congressional elections that are seen as the first serious challenge to the governing socialists in 17 years. Opinion polls have suggested a broad opposition coalition could capitalise on widespread frustration over food shortages, inflation and crime. The governing PSUV, however, retains wide support in rural areas, and will continue to control the presidency as voters will be electing all 167 National Assembly members. However, a win for the coalition, which includes centre-left and centre-right groups, could mark a potential political shift in the country. Reports said voting was brisk, both in areas regarded as progovernment and in others leaning towards the opposition. Although the voting process itself, which is largely elec-

he French President, Francois Hollande, had described the recent Paris multiple attacks, which left at least 128 people dead and several

tronic, is widely regarded to be clean, the ruling socialist party, in particular, has repeatedly been accused of bending election rules. Venezuelans are well used to

queuing for hours in long lines for basic goods as the economic crisis deepens. Waiting patiently to vote in these nationwide Congressional elections is one thing they don’t mind queuing for.

others injured as ‘an act of war’, vowing retaliation against the militants and their sponsors in the so-called ‘Islamic State.’ While the world was grappling with the aftermath of the Paris attack, a husband and wife team, Syed Rezwan Farook and

Tashfeen Malik, last Wednesday opened fire on a holiday banquet for co-workers in San Bernardino, California, killing at least 14 people and wounding more than a dozen others. Authorities said after the event that the motivation behind the California

Syria: US Mission warns citizens off Consulate

he U.S. diplomatic mission in Turkey yesterday warned Americans to avoid the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul because of a security threat. The consular website did not specify what kind of threat, only posting a message online that said the warning is due to “information about a possible security threat against the U.S. Consulate compound in Istanbul.” The message also asked U.S. citizens to take appropriate steps to bolster their personal security and maintain a high level of vigilance. The consulate compound in Istanbul has increased its security measures. The road to the consulate is closed off with

Islamic State militants yesterday claimed responsibility for a blast that killed the Governor of Yemen’s port city of Aden, Jaafar Mohammed Saad. Saad and several aides died when their convoy was hit as IS said it detonated a car laden with explosives while the governor drove by. The group, opposed to the government and Iranian-backed Houthi rebels who have seized much of the country, including the capital Sanaa, has established a presence in Yemen since its civil war broke out. Earlier this year, Aden was recaptured by government troops backed by a Saudi-led coalition. Saad, who was appointed Aden governor in October, was a significant figure not just as the administrative head of Aden, but for the role he played in driving Houthi rebels out of the port city earlier this year.

Libyan factions reach deal Voters casting their ballot at a booth in Caracas yesterday The elections are widely regarded as a referendum on President Nicolas Maduro, the handpicked successor of the late president Hugo Chavez, and the party’s socialist policies.

Paris and California: Two cities united by terror Fatimah Yesuf

WORLD BULLETIN Governor killed in ISIS attack

metal barricades, and police vehicles are stationed in front of it in Turkey’s most populous city. All U.S. Consulates and the American Embassy in Turkey are closed Saturdays and Sun-

President Barack Obama

days, which means there would not be visitors to the compound on the weekend. The consulate does plan to have normal working hours today.

shooting was not clear, although there were speculations that Farook “might have been radicalized”. These latest acts of terror have put the spotlight on the motivation of terrorists and terror organisations. Indeed, over the years a broad array of organisations that include the Red Brigades (Italy), Klu Klux Klan (United States), Aum Shinrikyo (Japan) and Al Qaeda (Middle East) have employed terrorism to advance their political objectives. Whatever their motivation, terrorist organisations such as al Qaeda and the ‘Islamic State’ must be roundly condemned by all men of goodwill and doubly so for using religion as a motivation for committing heinous crimes against humanity. Islam as a religion does not promote hate. What ISIS does to the image of Islam can be likened to a thief stealing a police uniform and pretending to be a cop. It is in the light of this that the ISIS and its murderous operations should be viewed.

Libya’s two rival parliaments have reached an initial agreement aimed at resolving the political crisis that has plagued the country for years. The deal, agreed at talks in Tunis yesterday and intended to lead to a single government and elections within two years, needs to be endorsed by both the internationally recognised parliament in eastern Libya and the Tripoli-based General National Congress (GNC). The agreement is separate from UN efforts at mediation in Libya. United Nations special envoy to Libya, Martin Kobler, called it a very good basis for going forward. In October, the UN submitted its own blueprint for a deal leading to a unified government, but neither side has endorsed it. The UN is due to host peace talks between the two factions next week in Rome.

Syria: Air strikes kill ISIS members Air strikes on the Syrian city of Raqqa have killed at least 32 Islamic State (IS) militants and wounded 40 more, an activist group, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said yesterday. The strikes were believed to have been carried out by the USled coalition. Other activists however suggested Russian jets had bombed the city and that civilians had been killed. Head of the UK-based observatory, Rami Abdel Rahman, which has a network of informants on the ground, said about 15 air strikes had hit IS bases in the north, east and south-east of the city. “The casualty figures had come from just one hospital and the final death toll could be higher,” Rahman said.

Monday, December 7, 2015

Now we will prepare for the match against South Africa because it was important to avoid the host country (Senegal) in the semi-finals

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Maldini questions Galliani leadership at AC Milan 46

–ALGERIA UNDER-23 NATIONAL TEAM BOSS PIERRE ANDRÉ SCHURMANN

xxxx

r e fi i l a u q s c i p m y l O o Ri

Dream Team VI

Siasia rewards team, expects difficult semi with Senegal Paul Erewuba

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

igeria coach Samson Siasia gave $100 to each of his players for qualifying for the semifinal of the U23 AFCON and thereafter vowed they will play to beat hosts Senegal on Wednesday to reach the championship final. Siasia redeemed a pledge to pay his players cash for reaching the last four of the U23 championship, which doubles as a qualifier for the 2016 Rio Olympics, after they held Algeria to a scoreless draw on Saturday in Dakar. He then fixed his sight on reaching the U23 AFCON final at the expense of home team Senegal by 4pm Nigerian time on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Siasia says he expects difficult semi final math with Senegal on Wednesday. The hosts have been in sterling form thus far winning all three of their games in the group stages of the competition.

Nigeria’s Dream Team will however not be fazed by the frenzied atmosphere expected at the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor, Dakar. “I did not plan for us to meet Senegal in the semi finals. It just happened. “We would have loved to play in the final with Senegal because the atmosphere would have been wonderful. “That scenario would have meant we are through to the Olympics in Brazil but as it is, we have to play against Senegal in the semi finals. “We are not going to run away. They (Senegal) are a very good side and they are playing in front of their crowd. “It is going to be a very difficult match but the Senegalese fans will not play on the day. “It will be down to the 11 players on the pitch on the day. “So I just want to enjoy this moment (that we have qualified for the semifinals) and make corrections for the next game,” Siasia said.

Algeria U-23 happy to avoid Senegal

lgeria Under-23 national team boss Pierre André Schurmann is pleased to avoid Senegal in the semi finals of the 2015 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations. The Algerians sealed a first-place finish in Group B of the continental competition after holding Nigeria to a goalless draw in their final group stage clash in Dakar on Saturday, and will battle South Africa for a spot in the final on Wednesday. “I’m glad we ended at the top of the group and qualified for the semi-finals of the U-23 AFCON,” Schurmann said after the game. “Our approach is to take one match at a time. I’m satisfied with our performance overall and today against a tough opponent like Nigeria. “Now we will prepare for the match against South Africa because it was important to avoid the host country (Sen-

egal) in the semi-finals.” The young Lions, who claimed top spot in Group A on maximum points following consecutive victories over South Africa, Tunisia and Zambia, will face the Nigerians in their last-four outing.

Pierre-Andre Schurman

Sports

Maldini

Maldini questions Galliani leadership at AC Milan

C Milan legend Paolo Maldini doubts the club’s CEO Adriano Galliani understands football well enough to restore the team to past glories. Milan have shown a resurgence of late but they lie seventh in the Serie A standings. Maldini, who made over 600 appearances for the Rossoneri, feels Galliani is partly to blame for the Italian giants’ decline in recent seasons. He told Sky Sport Italia: “If Milan want to become great again they need clarity, ideas and investment. “They need people who understand football, but at the moment this is lacking at Milan. “Galliani is an excellent director, but probably is lacking somewhat in his understanding of football. “He ought to be partnered by someone who can be better at evaluating players and deciding which ones are most suitable,” concluded the 47-year-old, who is currently co-owner of NASL outfit Miami FC.

Monday, December 7, 2015

Mourinho

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mourinho

doubts top-four finish

helsea Manager, Jose Mourinho, has acknowledged the Blues are at risk of missing out on Champions League football next season. The English champions’ woes continued on Saturday as they lost 0-1 at home to Premier League strugglers Bour-

nemouth. An eighth defeat in 15 League games leaves Mourinho’s men 14 points adrift of fourthplaced Manchester United, and just three points above the relegation zone. “Our objective is to finish top four,” said Mourinho. “Before this game it was re-

alistic to think that our quality would take us out of this position but maybe now we have to think about top six.” He added: “I am concerned of course. There is no chance that Chelsea will be fighting relegation.” The Portuguese lamented his side’s inconsistency.

“If our players are not able to give the maximum every day that is a problem,” he said. “If you analyse match after match there are a few layers where it is difficult to be consistent. You think there is evolution, but maybe it is just one moment in which they are good.”

‘Liverpool are already title contenders’

urgen Klopp’s Liverpool are in such hot form that rival managers are already describing them as title contenders. According to Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren, the revitalised Reds can challenge for the English Premiership title, just a few months since Klopp replaced Brendan Rogers. Liverpool trounced Southampton 6-1 in the League Cup in midweek, and in their previous Premiership away match, they stunned Manchester City 4-1. “They are title contenders, I think now, in terms of the form they are in and the way

they are going,” McClaren says. One might suspect this is nothing more than pre-match gamesmanship from the former England national coach, but there are others in the Newcastle camp who share the same view. Geordie legend Alan Shearer says; “Klopp has been a breath of fresh air … he has a positivity about him and it seems as though he has been around his players for a long time. “They all look to be really enjoying playing for him and for Liverpool … he has re-energised the whole football club.” Talk of Liverpool as pos-

sible champions might seem premature, but in this strangest of English Premiership seasons, just about anything seems possible. Leicester City are top of the League, second-placed Arsenal look far from convincing at present and both Manchester clubs failed to win yesterday – not forgetting that champions Chelsea lie just three points clear of the drop zone. “No team seems to want to win the Premier League this season. City, Arsenal, United, obviously Chelsea, the way results have been going for these teams, none of them have stamped their authority on the title race,” Shearer argues.

Mba scores in Malatyaspor loss

Mba

unday Mba scored for Turkish 1. Lig (second division) club, Yeni Malatyaspor yesterday in their 1-3 defeat to Adana Demirspor as the competition entered match day 14. Mba netted in the eighth minute to give his side the lead at Malatya Inönü Stadyumu. The visitors however

stormed back to claim maximum points following a Gonzalo Gody own goal and stunning strikes from Burak Calik Mikael Pote condemned the hosts to an emphatic defeat. Mba, who rose to prominence following his standout performances for Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, has now

scored three league goals this season. There are three other Nigerians, George Akpabio, Prince Omego and Azubuike Okechukwu on the books of Yeni Malatyaspor. Okechukwu, captain of Nigeria’s Under-23 side, is currently in Senegal for the ongoing Africa Under-23 Cup of Nations.

Klopp

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Monday, December 7, 2015

Glo hails ‘Dream Team’s semi-final berth …urges team to go for victory and qualify for Olympics

N Victorious Golden Eaglets

Govt rejects Naira rain for victorious Eaglets

reward package proposed by the sports ministry for Nigeria’s team to the recent FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile has been rejected by the country’s government as “too outrageous”, sources at the Presidency have revealed. The government of Pres-

ident Muhammadu Buhari has sounded it loud and clear the country’s coffers are hugely depleted and as such it cannot afford unnecessary expenditure. The Golden Eaglets received cash gifts as well as national honours when they clinched a record fourth World Cup two

years ago in Abu Dhabi. But the team who retained this championship in November may not be that lucky. “The proposal sent to the presidency on what should be given by government as reward to the Eaglets following their victory in Chile has been

Players’ union condemns soldiers’ attack on FC Taraba

he Association of Professional Footballers of Nigeria (APFON) has strongly condemned what it described as unwarranted assault on players of FC Taraba by the officers of the Nigeria Army at-

Soldiers’ beating FC Taraba player inside State House

tached to the Taraba State Government House during a peaceful protest by the players over their unpaid salaries running to almost 12 months. The players’ union therefore tasked the Nigeria Foot-

ball Federation (NFF) and the league bodies to protest to the government of Taraba State for “the inhuman and barbaric assault” on the Players for demanding for what they have laboured for over 11 months. This is not the first time the players are asking for their entitlements. The players have eventually played the 2014/2015 season which has just ended on empty stomach. The union will take appropriate steps as it deems fit through its legal department in demanding justice and fairness on behalf of the players, maintaining “the players are not just sportsmen, they are also workmen with rights”.

rejected. Government said it does not reflect the current economic realities,” a source informed. It was earlier reported that the team will be feted by President Buhari on November 29 at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, but that did not come to pass.

igeria’s biggest corporate supporter of football, Globacom, has congratulated the U-23 National team, the ‘Dream Team’ for qualifying for the Semi-Finals of the on-going U-23 African Cup of Nations in Senegal. A statement by Globacom in Lagos on Sunday described the Dream Team as worthy champions, urging them to go for victory in the semifinals against Senegal to ensure that they pick one of the three tickets available for participation in the football event of 2017 Olympics in Rio, Brazil. The Golden Eaglets, who drew with Algeria in the last group B match, opened their campaign with a 3-2 victory over Mali before playing a 2-2 draw with Egypt to occupy the second position in Group B with 5 points, same as Algeria who however topped the group on superior goals difference. “We reckon with the great fighting spirit the team has so far demonstrated and we believe the spirit will help the team to achieve the ultimate goal of lifting the trophy,” the statement said. “We also advise the technical crew to work on the team’s defence which has not lived up to expectation. The way the defence conceded two goals in quick succession in the first match when the team was already ahead of Mali by three goals and in the second group match when Egypt suddenly equalized from two goals down, requires urgent attention“. Apart from the defence problems, Globacom also urged the coaching crew to work on other weak links observed in the last three matches in order to present a formidable team against the tough Senegalese team who apart from being the host also led Group A. “We have utmost confidence in the Dream Team to beat Senegal,” Globacom further said. The company also urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Nigerians to keep supporting the Dream Team in its quest to fly Nigerian flag at the next Olympics. Globacom is the major partner of the Nigeria Football Federation and official sponsor of the Nigerian national teams.

U23 AFCON: Ankle injury rules out Dimgba

igeria’s biggest attacking threat at the U23 AFCON Stanley Dimgba has been ruled out of the competition in Senegal by a long-term ankle injury it has been scooped. The flying Warri Wolves winger has provided three assists in Nigeria’s group games against Mali and Egypt, before he suffered the injury which team officials now say will sideline him for some weeks. “He is out of the AFCON. It’s a big loss to the team especially after what he showed in the first two matches against Mali and Egypt,” a source close to the team disclosed to africanfootball.com . Dimgba missed Saturday’s

group game against Algeria and he will also not be available for selection for Wednesday’s semi-final against hosts Senegal. Bayelsa United winger Tiongoli Tonbara, who was a second half substitute against Algeria at the weekend, is most likely be a replacement for Dimgba, but he will be operating from the right after the Wolves star played on the left. Coach Samson Siasia’s team will already be without skipper Azubuike Okechukwu for Wednesday’s clash with Senegal because he is suspended after he bagged a second booking against Algeria. Glo hails ‘Dream Team’s Semifinal berth.

WORLD RECORD

Most people to pass an egg

N150

Vol. 05 No. 1258 Monday, December 7, 2015

The most people to pass an egg is 259 and was achieved by °C-ute and their fans (all Japan) at Akasaka Blitz in Minato, Tokyo, Japan, on 22 August 2014.

Return of the locusts

igeria has had several storms these past 16 years, but the newest is the painful betrayal of publictrustbyhermilitary.Thedemystification of our military by the rag tag Boko Haram insurgents, even in the face of trillions of naira defence budget since 2009 has had unsettling effects on the nation’s psyche. Security experts and highly perceptive Nigerians knew there was something wrong somewhere. That something has just been discovered, thanks to the cast iron resolve of President Muhammadu Buhari to confront corruption inhighplacesheadlongtosave Nigeria. Last August 31, precisely three months after Mr. President assumed office, he instituted a 13 member Presidential Investigation Committee headed by Air Vice Marshall J.O.N. Ode (rtd.) with Brigadier-General Y.I. Shalangwa serving as secretary to probe arms procurement under the immediate past administration of President Goodluck Jonathan and recommend the way forward

HeartBeat Callistus Oke

Callistusoke@nationalmirroronline.net 08054103275 (SMS ONLY) anthonykila@mail.com for Nigeria. The interim report of the Committee turned in last month is very damning. It revealed extra budgetary interventions of N643.8 billion and foreign currency component of $2.2 billion in security spending. The panel confirmed Nigerians’ worst fear: Very little of the huge financial intervention by the Jonathan administration went into defence procurement necessary to contain Boko Haram. Meaning the larger chunk of the funds was shared by those entrusted with the responsibility to get all the military hardware and software to deal with the Boko Haram menace. This development is a sad reminder of the disgraceful conduct of our military in our two interregnums - January 15, 1966 - October 1, 1979 and December 31, 1983 to May 29, 1999 – periods they took control of the totality of the nation’s life. Social scientists and military historians have all agreed that that phase of our political history exposed the military as a self-serving institution, more of sinners than the saints they claimed to be, on account of the massive corruption and desecration of nation values associated with them. Since May 29, 1999, the military have been playing subordinating role to the ruling political class. However, at every opportunity, as it has now been proved, some of the officers in sensitive positions have compromised their office. The exigency of the six year old Boko Haram insurgency jacked up our security budgets so much that

VERY CONFOUNDING IS THE ALLEGED ROLE OF COLONEL SAMBO

DASUKI

a 2012 report by the Sweden-based Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) ranked Nigeria as Africa’s 6th highest spender on the military with a staggering $2.327 billion expenditure. Algeria was first with $9.3 billion; South Africa ($4.4 billion); Angola ($4.1 billion); Morocco ($3.4 billion); and Libya ($2.9 billion). In 2006, the country only spent $1.067 billion; climbed to $1.825 billion in 2009, no thanks to Boko Haram. By 2010 it was $2.143 billion and $2.386 billion in 2011. Given our terrorism challenge since 2009, the escalating defence spending became a normal expectation. What, however, is abnormal is the dwindling capacity of our military to contain the Boko Haram aggression. Equally benumbing is the lack of the needed arms and ammunitions causative factor touted for the military’s poor showing! Even the blind would know the facts do not add up. The Air Vice Marshall Odeled Investigation Committee report has confirmed popular apprehensions. One startling revelation by the Committee is that 513 contracts valued at $8,356,525,184.32; N2, 189,265,724,404.55 and 54,000.00 were awarded during the period covered by the investigation. Of these, 53 of them amounting

to $2,378,939,066.27 and N13, 729,342,329.87 were exposed as failed contracts, euphemism for unexecuted contracts paid for. Very confounding is the alleged role of Colonel Sambo Dasuki, President Jonathan’s last National Security Adviser. Apart from the fact that several phantom contracts running into trillions of naira were linked to him, he was also said to have directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to transfer $132,050,486.97 and 9,905,473.55 to the accounts of Societe D’equipmente Internationaux in West Africa, the United Kingdom and United States of America for unascertained purposes, without any contract documents to explain the transactions. We must also not forgot in a hurry the traded accusations and counter accusations between Alhaji Hassan Rabiu, managing director of Hypertech Nigeria Ltd and a security contractor to our military and Air Vice Marshal Atawodi (retd), a onetime chairman of Presidential Implementation Committee on Maritime Security and Safety (PICOMSS) over a whopping N620, 910,000 ($3,760,925.37) meant for the purchase of six K38 military boats and their accessories in 2012. Rabiu stunned the nation when he admitted the boats were not supplied by him, but the fund for payment was shared among them. “The transfer (of the money) to my account was done without any documentation whatsoever. I never ever presented any invoice or demand for payment. I did not sign any payment voucher nor was there any contract or agreement between PICOMSS and myself”, was Rabiu’s lurid presentation of the affair. Colonel Dasuki; some of his aides, serving and retired military, and some civilians have been quizzed or being quizzed over the matter. Such ritualism has been our lot since independence. Governments, past and present, have had to conduct probes, and sanctions and restitutions forced on the indicted. But no sooner are these done than Nigerians blot them from their consciousness. Will Buhari make a difference? Time shall tell.

Sport Extra

Newcastle beat in-form Liverpool

eorginio Wijnaldum inspired Newcastle to their third win of the season as they beat in-form Liverpool. The Magpies moved above Sunderland into

18th place in the table after Wijnaldum’s shot was deflected off Martin Skrtel’s knee, before the Dutchman added a second in injury time. Liverpool, who had won

seven of their last eight games, were poor. Alberto Moreno was wrongly denied by an offside flag as Reds boss Jurgen Klopp suffered a second defeat in 12 games.

There were only two shots on target, equalling a Premier League record this season, with the first of them coming in the 89th minute from Dejan Lovren But in a scrappy game

which lacked quality, Newcastle achieved a muchneeded victory for Steve McClaren, who admitted earlier this week that confidence at the club has been “fragile”.

Coach Emenike

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