Monday, july 27, 2015 (incomplete) by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

15 killed, 47 injured in fresh Damaturu market blast

THE

BUSINESS SECTION

LCCI lauds CBN's monetary policy thrusts P.4

Troops kill scores of terrorists on Dikwa-Maiduguri road

INUSA NDAHI AND UBONG UKPONG Gaidam

Vol. 5 N0. 1164

market in Yobe State. The incident took place at about 9:30a.m. when the market was about to reach

female suicide bomber yesterday killed 15 persons, while 47 others were severely injured at a Damaturu

Monday, July 27, 2015

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Free inside

National Mirror Online

N150

@NationalMirror

Buhari to intervene P in NASS crisis ...meets APC Reps members today

OMEIZA AJAYI AND TORDUE SALEM

Anti-Dogara lawmakers accuse Speaker of plots against anti-graft war

resident Muhammadu Buhari will today meet members of the All Progressives Congress in the House of Representatives. The meeting is part of last-minute measures to resolve the leadership crisis in the lower house. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam GarCONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

ASUU berates JAMB over varsity admission policy P.2

Senate: PDP plans to wrest majority from APC P.13

Some of the items recovered from the terrorists including vehicles heavily laden with Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs), motorcycles, trucks mounted with anti-aircraft guns, anti-aircraft gun, general purpose machine, gunbox of anti-aircraft gun ammunition and rifles, being displayed. INSET: Terrorists killed by Nigerian troops during a recent combat operation along Dikwa-Maiduguri Road in Borno State.

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, FRIDAYS

TEL: 0700FLYMEDVIEW Email: info@medviewairline.com http://www.medviewairline.com

VL2111

1320

1430

B737

FLT NO

DEP

ARR

STOPS

A/C

YOLA TO ABUJA

VL2103

1300

1410

B737

DESTINATION

FLT NO

DEP

ARR

STOPS

A/C

ABUJA TO LAGOS

VL2101

0900

1015

B737

YOLA TO LAGOS

VL2103

1300

1615

B737

VL2101

0900

1015

B737

VL2105

1400

1515

B737

ABUJA TO LAGOS

VL2105

1400

1515

B737

VL2103

1500

1615

B737

VL2103

1500

1615

VL2109

1630

1745

B737

DESTINATION

FLT NO

DEP

ARR

STOPS

A/C

VL2119

1630

1745

B737

ABUJA TO LAGOS

VL2101

0900

1015

B737

VL2109

1230

1345

B737

VL2107

1830

VL2105

1400

1515

B737

ABUJA TO YOLA

VL2102

VL2103

1500

1615

B737

ACCRA TO LAGOS

VL2107

1830

1945

B737

VL2107 ABUJA TO MAIDUGURI

VL2108

1830 1230

1945 1345

0 0

DESTINATION

FLT NO

DEP

ARR

STOPS

A/C

ABUJA TO LAGOS

VL2101

1230

1845

B737

VL2109

1500

1615

B737

VL2103

1730

1845

B737

VL2107

1830

1945

B737

1200

B737

ABUJA TO YOLA

VL2102

1355

1505

B737

ACCRA TO LAGOS

VL0204

0800

1000

B737

0800

1000

B737

ENUGU TO LAGOS

VL2117

1620

1730

B737

VL2117

1420

1530

B737

LAGOS TO ABUJA

VL2108

0900

1015

B737

VL2100

0800

0915

B737

VL2100

1030

1145

B737

VL2102

0850

1005

B737

VL2102

1200

1315

B737

VL2106

1630

1745

B737

VL2104

1200

1315

B737

LAGOS TO ACCRA

VL0203

0715

B737

LAGOS TO ACCRA

VL0203

0715

B737

LAGOS TO ENUGU

VL2116

1430

1540

B737

LAGOS TO ENUGU

VL2116

1230

1340

B737

LAGOS TO MAIDUGURI

VL2108

0900

1215

B737

DESTINATION

FLT NO

DEP

ARR

STOPS

A/C

ABUJA TO LAGOS

VL2101

1000

1115

B737

VL2105

1400

1515

B737

VL2103

1500

1615

1945

B737

ABUJA TO YOLA

VL2102

1050

1200

B737

ACCRA TO LAGOS

VL0204

0800

1000

B737

VL0204

ENUGU TO LAGOS

VL2117

1720

1840

B737

ENUGU TO LAGOS

LAGOS TO ABUJA

VL2100

0700

0815

B737

LAGOS TO ABUJA

VL2102

0850

1005

TUESDAYS

B737

SUNDAYS

SATURDAYS

THURSDAYS

PHC TO LAGOS

DESTINATION

ABUJA TO YOLA

VL2102

1050

1200

B737

ACCRA TO LAGOS

VL0204

0800

1000

B737

ENUGU TO LAGOS

VL2117

1720

1830

B737

ABUJA TO YOLA

VL2102

1050

1200

VL2100

0700

0815

B737

ACCRA TO LAGOS

VL0204

0800

1000

B737

ENUGU TO LAGOS

VL2117

1720

1840

B737

LAGOS TO ABUJA

VL2100

0700

815

B737

VL2104

1200

1315

B737

VL2102

0850

1005

B737

VL2118

1430

1545

B737

VL2108

1030

1145

B737

VL2106

1630

1745

B737

VL2104

1200

1315

B737

LAGOS TO ACCRA

VL2106

1630

1745

B737

VL0203

0715

B737

LAGOS TO PHC

VL2110

1130

1240

B737

LAGOS TO ENUGU

VL2116

1530

1640

B737

LAGOS TO PHC

VL2110

1130

1240

B737

LAGOS TO YOLA

VL2102

1200

1505

B737

LAGOS TO YOLA

VL2102

0850

1200

B737

MAIDUGURI TO ABUJA

VL2109

1300

1415

B737

PHC TO LAGOS

VL2111

1320

1430

B737

MAIDUGURI TO LAGOS

VL2109

1300

1615

B737

PHC TO LAGOS

VL2111

1320

1430

B737

YOLA TO ABUJA

VL2103

1545

1655

B737

YOLA TO LAGOS

VL2103

1545

1845

B737

LAGOS TO ABUJA

VL2102 VL2108 VL2104 VL2106

0850 1030 1200 1630

1005 1145 1315 1745

0 0 0 0

B737 B737 B737

LAGOS TO ACCRA

VL0203

0715

B737

LAGOS TO ENUGU

VL2116

1530

1640

LAGOS TO MAIDUGURI

LAGOS TO PHC

VL2108

VL2110

1030

1130

1345

1240

1 0

B737

LAGOS TO ACCRA

VL0203

0715

B737

LAGOS TO ENUGU

VL2116

1530

1640

B737

LAGOS TO PHC

VL2110

1130

1240

B737

LAGOS TO PHC

VL2110

1130

1240

B737

LAGOS TO YOLA

VL2102

0850

1200

B737

LAGOS TO YOLA

VL2102

0850

1200

B737

PHC TO LAGOS

VL2111

1320

1430

B737

1320

1430

B737

PHC TO LAGOS

VL2111

YOLA TO ABUJA

VL2103

1300

1410

B737

YOLA TO ABUJA

VL2103

1300

1410

B737

YOLA TO LAGOS

VL2103

1300

1615

B737

YOLA TO LAGOS

VL2103

1300

1615

B737

LAGOS TO YOLA

VL2102

0850

1200

B737

MAIDUGURI TO ABUJA

VL2109

1430

1545

B737

MAIDUGURI TO LAGOS

VL2109

1430

1745

B737

YOLA TO ABUJA

VL2103

1300

1410

B737

YOLA TO LAGOS

VL2103

1300

1615

B737

News

Monday, July 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Buhari to intervene in NASS crisis CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ba Shehu, who confirmed the meeting to State House correspondents yesterday, added that the meeting would hold at the new Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja by 5pm. He said: “President Muhammadu Buhari will be meeting with the APC members of the House of Representatives at the new Banquet Hall of the State House on Monday at 5pm.” APC has been struggling to assert itself since the inauguration of the eight National Assembly in June. The meeting is coming just as a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, member of the House, Solomon Maren, (PDP Plateau), called on the President to intervene in resolving the crisis in the National Assembly for the progress of the country. Maren made the call during a thanksgiving service organised by Mr. Caleb Mutfwang, the Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area at Ampang West in Mangu. “We, in PDP, are not happy with the development in the National Assembly, because it has prevented us from serving the nation, especially our electorate as expected. “Only the president can talk sense into his party leaders and their representatives in the National Assembly,” he said. Maren, who is representing Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency, described the crisis in the National Assembly as “unacceptable. “We are expected to resume seating on Tuesday, July 28 and any attempt to shift the date will be resisted,” he added. Meanwhile, some members of the APC Loyalists group in the House yesterday alleged plans by supporters of Speaker Yakubu Dogara to frustrate the anticorruption efforts of the government of President Buhari. The group claimed that the defiance of the party’s directive to name Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as Majority Leader, in cahoots with the minority PDP, would harm the anti-graft stance of the government. The splinter of the APC Loyalists group, led by Hon. Nasiru Zangon-Daura, at a press briefing, said the group would continue the

fight against the Speaker’s group until the wish of the leadership of the party prevailed. “We are also cognisant that in politics there are always the subversive activities and antics of 5th columnists in any political movement to content with. “We are also aware that this unholy alliance is a bid to truncate President Buhari’s agenda, which include his anti-corruption stance by using the National Assembly to, at the very minimum, slow it down if they cannot stop this Presidential initiative dead cold. “We know that this unholy agreement between the disloyal Dogara group and the PDP entail the deployment of PDP members

and the disloyal APC group in strategic positions in the structures and committees of the House. “The purpose of this strategic deployment is to enable the PDP to indirectly dictate the pace and activities of the National Assembly to the detriment of our party’s goals and objectives”, he stated. The group also claimed in the statement that the Speaker was planning to shut them out of plenary on Tuesday. “To the Speaker Dogara Group and their PDP allies, we are aware of your attempt to deny entry into the House of Representatives Chambers to members of the Loyalist Group, especially the likes of Hon. Aliyu

Madaki, Hon. Rufai Chanchangi, Hon. Philip Shaibu, Hon. Mohamed Soba, Hon. Isa Aliyu Zuru, Hon. Ahmed Babba Kaita, Hon. Ismaila Sulaiman, Hon. James Faleke, Hon. Yusuf Ikara, Hon. Abdullahi Salame and Hon. Abubakar Chika. “We strongly warn Speaker Dogara that we will not take any breach of our members’ privileges lightly and we will hold you, Speaker Dogara personally responsible. Honour is earned through honourable actions. A word is enough for the wise!”, they warned. The group declared their readiness to fight the Dogara camp and his PDP allies, like they fought the PDP in the last general elections. “We have therefore,

resolved that enough is enough of the shenanigans of the PDP and Speaker Dogara group. We hereby remind Speaker Dogara group and his PDP allies in the House that we have fought the PDP and already chased them out of government because we were willing to pay the price to ensure that Nigerians are not shortchanged. And we are ready to do it again now so that the Change Agenda prevails in the House of Representatives.” They regretted that the leadership crisis has delayed the composition of the principal officers of the House. The group blamed the perceived sloth or lull in efforts to bury the former rul-

ing party on the crisis in the House. “We also note that the historic election that paved the way for the opportunity of the emergence of an APC government in the Executive and Legislative arms of government, had also presented an opportunity to consign the PDP into oblivion. “This is being halted due to the activities of a few disloyal members of our party, who already formed an unholy alliance with the PDP in the House,” he said. He recalled that the outcome of the elections that produced Dogara, was blemished by the influence of the PDP. “We also note that in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Members of staffs of Federal Road safety Corps, Nigeria Television Authority and other organisations during the 2nd quarter 2015 edition of joint monthly walking/ jogging exercise in Abuja at the weekend. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

ASUU berates JAMB over varsity admission policy TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE KEMI OLAITAN AND MARCUS FATUNMOLE

cademic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has kicked against the recent policy of reassignment of candidates against their choices being adopted by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB. The union said JAMB has made the admission process chaotic and exposed candidates to fraudsters. ASUU said the admission body must respect

candidate’s preferences and choices for tertiary institutions and consider security of lives of applicants, cost, proximity, quality, and rights of the Nigerian child in arriving at any policy. Upon approval at the recent 6th Combined Policy Meeting on admissions to Degree, Certificate in Education, National Diploma and Innovation Diplomaawarding institutions in Abuja, JAMB had pegged cut off marks for admission in the country to 180 and 150 for varsities and others respectively. While JAMB warned

that no institution should go below the marks, the dust raised by last week’s protests at the University of Lagos, UNILAG, over alleged exclusion of over 50,000 prospective students who chose the institution is yet to settle. The university had increased its cut-off mark from 200 to 250, with approval from JAMB, while only 9,000 applicants were to sit for the Post-UTME conducted by the institution. Chairman of the University of Ibadan (UI) chapter of ASUU, Prof. Olusegun Ajiboye, who said this while

speaking with journalists in Ibadan, also called on Nigerians to join the call for the total scrapping of JAMB, saying it has outlived its usefulness. He described the policy put in place by JAMB as insensitive and exploitative of the children of the poor, adding that it amounted to abuse of their fundamental human rights of freedom of choice. He lashed out at the Prof. Dibu Ojerinde-led JAMB Board for being so insensitive to the plights of the Nigerian masses, whose parents have not been paid for

months by some governors but are now being forced to pay N1, 000 to know where they are reassigned against their choices. Ajiboye asked JAMB to respect the Act establishing it (Act 5 (c i-iii), which prescribes that the placement of suitable qualified candidates into tertiary institutions must take into account “the preferences expressed or otherwise indicated by candidates for certain tertiary institutions and courses; the vacancies available in each tertiary institution; the guidelines approved for CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PAGE

Monday, July 27, 2015

Good Health

FRANKA OSAKWE

ow, there’s no longer any need for partners of people with HIV (serodiscordant couples), to divorce due to fear of the disease being passed to them from their infected partners. This is because scientists have discovered how to stop HIV transmission through sexual intercourse, meaning that a HIV-positive partner can no longer infect the negative partner even when they have sexual intercourse! According to the experts, all it takes now is treatment with a combination of antiretroviral medicines, referred to as Antiretroviral Therapy or ART, to maximally suppress the HIV virus and stop the progression of HIV disease. The experts say the treatment, which is also known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, works well and carries minimal side effects. Thus, a healthy person who engages in sex with an HIV-positive partner only have to take the anti-retroviral drugs daily as a preventive measure to ward off HIV. According to the report, released last week during the 8th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention in Vancouver, Canada, the drugs were able to reduce the transmission of the virus by 93 per cent in couples assigned to ART treatment. Since 2013, WHO also recommends the use of antiretroviral drugs for the prevention of HIV infection, particularly for pregnant women, young children, and key populations exposed to HIV risk. Their conclusion was based on the study known as HPTN 052, which began in 2005 and had about 1,768 couples (where one partner was infected with HIV while the other was not), recruited. The majority of the couples (97 per cent) were heterosexual. By the end of the study, the final results show a 93 per cent reduction of the virus being transmitted. The researchers also revealed interesting findings about the relationship between viral load, viral sup-

ARV to the rescue...

Now, you don’t have to get HIV through sex!

A Zambian serodiscordant couple: The woman remains HIV-negative after 18 years of marriage to her HIV-positive husband.

pression, treatment failure and drug resistance. It took longer to suppress the virus in people who began with a relatively high viral load (a high level of HIV in the blood) at the start of treatment, they found. This, in turn, was associated with both treatment failure and the treatment failed more quickly. They also found that those who had a higher viral load when they joined the study, and for whom treatment failed, were more likely to develop resistance to their antiretroviral drugs. More research is needed to understand this association, the researchers said. Dr Myron Cohen, director of the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, said: ‘These findings dem-

DID YOU KNOW?

Grape seed extracts can fight cancer cells

rape seed extract, B2G2, has been shown to exhibit anti-cancer activity on cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. The report published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer, describes the laboratory synthesis of the most active component of Grape seed extract, B2G2. Thescientistssaidtheyhavespentmorethana decade demonstrating the anti-cancer activity of grape seed extract in controlled, laboratory conditions. According to them, previous studies have shown grape seed extract’s effectiveness against cancer cells and have also shown its mechanism of action. But un-

til recently, they didn’t know what constituent of grape seed extract created this effect. “We’ve shown similar anti-cancer activity in the past with grape seed extract (GSE), but now we know B2G2 is its most biologically active ingredient which can be synthesized in quantities that will allow us to study the detailed death mechanism in cancer cells,” says Alpna Tyagi, PhD, of the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Tyagi works in the lab of CU Cancer Center investigator and Skaggs School of Pharmacy faculty member, Chapla Agarwal, PhD.

onstrate that antiretroviral therapy, when taken until viral suppression is achieved and sustained, is a highly effective, durable intervention for HIV prevention. ‘These results have important implications for programs seeking to combine other HIV prevention measures with treatment as prevention,’ Dr. Cohen said. He added that programmes to prevent and treat HIV should make special efforts to minimize the transmission of HIV before the virus has been suppressed. They should also aim to maintain suppression of the virus through ART treatment, and to identify and address failures of the treatment if it occurs. “In the setting of such programmes,

he extract of onion bulb, Allium cepa, strongly lowered high blood glucose (sugar) and total cholesterol levels in diabetic rats when given with the antidiabetic drug metformin, according to a new study. The study results presented at The Endocrine Society’s 97th annual meeting in San Diego says Onion has the potential for use in treating patients with diabetes. “Onion is cheap and available and has av v been used as a nutritional al supplement,” said lead investigator Anthony nthony Ojieh, elta MBBS (MD), MSc, of Delta a, State University in Abraka, Nigeria. To three groups of ratss d with medically induced oldiabetes, Ojieh and his coland leagues gave metformin and

special efforts should be made to minimize HIV transmission risk before viral suppression has been achieved, to maintain suppression on ART, and to identify and address ART failure.” Dr Cohen, also explained that the trial was designed to address two questions: whether providing antiretroviral therapy to an HIV-infected person would prevent HIV transmission to a sexual partner, and whether earlier antiretroviral therapy offered long-lasting health benefits, saying that the answer to both was a resounding “Yes.” “Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a game changer in preventing the spread of HIV”, said Dr Chris Beyrer, co-chair of the International AIDS Society (IAS) science conference in Vancouver. At the conference, scientists also released results on PrEP in several small studies of people at a high risk of contracting HIV, mostly due to sexual behaviour, in Brazil, the United States, and Botswana. The research showed that when PrEP is used correctly, it reduces HIV infection and is well-tolerated. But several scientists said use of PrEP is far from becoming standard policy, and so remains an individual decision for people considered at high risk. The therapy is also relatively new. The US Food and Drug Administration only approved use of the drug tenofovir (Truvada) for adults at highrisk, in combination with safe sex practices, in 2012. Dr Michael Brady, medical director of the Terrence Higgins Trust, said given the positive results of the study, introducing PrEP treatment makes financial sense and could eradicate HIV.

Onion extract may lower cholesterol level varying doses of onion extract-200, 400 and 600 milligrams per kilograms of body weight daily (mg/kg/day)-to see if it would enhance the drug’s effects. They also gave metformin and onion extract to three groups of nondiabetic rats with normal bloo bl ood oo d sugar, suga su garr, for ga for comparison. com m blood Two control groups, one no o nondiabetic and one diabetic, receiv v neither metformin received nor on ni onion extract. Another two groups (one with diabe e betes, one without) rece e ceived only metformin an n no onion extract. and Ea a Each group contained five e rats.

Photo News

Monday, July 27, 2015

L-R: Head of Commercial, Lagos Region, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Charles Bassey; a lift operator and star winner in the ongoing Airtel Recharge and Hit a Million promo, Mr. Ambrose Ogidi and Nigerian music sensation, Tuface Idibia, during the presentation of N1m cheque in Lagos, recently.

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, The Daisy Management Centre, Ibiai Ani; Chief Executive Officer, Bestman Games, Nimi Akinkugbe and Head, Corporate Affairs, Heritage Bank, Fela Ibidapo, during the lecture and monopoly tournament, at University of Lagos, recently.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries, Walter Drenth; National Retail Artist, House of Tara, Rhema Akabuogu; Kunbi Oyelese of April By Kunbi; Mai Atafo of Mai Atafo Inspired; Senior Brand Manger, CSD & ACE, Nnenna Ifebigh- Hemeson and celebrity photographer, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, during the Fayrouz L’original 2 grand finale in Lagos on Saturday.

L-R: Manager, B2B/Enterprise Mobility Management, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Charles Chukwuemeka Okoronkwo; Founder/CEO, Technology Times Media Ltd, Mr. Shina Badaru and CEO, Connect Marketing Ltd, Mr. Tunji Adeyinka, during the official brand unveiling of iSpace, technology business and lifestyle magazine, in Lagos at the weekend.

National News

LCCI lauds CBN’s monetary policy thrusts Abolaji Adebayo

agos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, yesterday supported the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, on the outcome of its last Friday’s Monetary Policy Committee’s meeting, espcially its decision to retain the Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, at 13 per cent, among other key decisions. The Chamber expressed its concern about some aspects of the decisions and called for their slight adjustments. In a statement signed by the President, Remi Bello, the organisation agreed with CBN that there might be no easy choices for the country on its monetary policy regime given the fall in crude oil price,

…seeks adjustment dwindling accretion to reserves, the weak fiscal position of government and the pressure on foreign reserves. It also shared the submission of the apex bank that the Federal Government needed to unfold its economic agenda to boost investors’ confidence and reduce uncertainty in the economy. The Chamber stated: “We support the CBN’s position that monetary policy instruments needs to be complemented with fiscal policies to achieve the desired economic outcomes as monetary policy has severe limitations in the present circumstances.” However, it noted that the decision by the CBN to retain the current demand management model in the

foreign exchange market reflected the indifference of the bank to the plight of various stakeholders (including manufacturers) over its foreign exchange management strategy. Similarly, the group expressed its worry that submissions by stakeholders in the economy to the CBN to review its list of items not valid for foreign exchange were completely ignored by the MPC. According to the Chamber, stakeholders had raised issues of classification of items for proper identification of products and to make implementation less disruptive of the economy. It added that there were many items on the list which were critical

inputs of many production firms. It maintained that the sustainability of many manufacturing activities is currently at risk, especially with the apparent unwillingness of the CBN to shift ground. Meanwhile, in the spirit of transparency and in line with the values of the present administration, LCCI has called for the publication of the list of beneficiaries of the foreign exchange allocations in the past one month, saying that this would allow for a more robust discussion and engagement on the way forward. The group also accused CBN of trivialising latest developments in the parallel market segment

of the foreign exchange market, adding that it is curious that the unprecedented disparity in the rates did not seem to bother the bank. LCCI pointed out that the protracted problem of excess liquidity should be addressed in a manner that would not cause disruptions and dislocations in the economy. According to the Chamber, the phenomenon of excess liquidity was being driven by the monetisation of crude oil receipts and the high and increasing banking system credit to the Federal Government, amongst other factors. It further noted that money supply impact of monetisation of oil revenue receipts, banking

system credit to government and the various intervention funds of the CBN needed to be critically examined at this time. The body disagreed that the factors driving inflation now were transient as suggested by MPC. It stated that the continued depreciation of the currency and structural issues are major factors putting pressures on prices and these are not transient, which needed to be tackled urgently. The Chamber, which noted that the output growth in the economy decelerated to 3.9 per cent in the first quarter of this year, up from 5.9 per cent in the previous quarter, argued that the economy required stimulation and not constriction.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Monday, July 27, 2015

15 killed, 47 injured in fresh Damaturu market blast CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

its peak. Yesterday was the market day when people from surrounding communities come to do buying and selling. Our correspondent learnt that the suicide bomber, suspected to be about 20 years old detonated an Improvised Explosive Devices, IED, at the entrance of the market, near sugar cane sellers, causing many casualties. An eyewitness, Garba Abdullahi described the woman as “mentally unstable.” “Today is the market day here and at 9:50a.m, a female suicide bomber blew herself up at the… entrance of the market where commuters were arriving. “We evacuated 15 bodies to the hospital, including the suicide bomber, who was identified as a mentally unstable woman that had been known for years in the area,” he said. The death toll was confirmed by a nurse from a local hospital, who added that 47 people with injuries, many of them critical, had been admitted. “Eight of the dead are women. One of them, from all the indications, was the suicide bomber,” added the nurse from the Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital, who requested anonymity Sources said the death toll could rise, following the severe injuries sustained by those that survived the blast. The state police command confirmed the death toll. State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Toyin Gbadegeshin, who made the confirmation, however said the bomber was a 10-year-old girl. According to him, she

detonated the explosive device at the gate of the market, killing herself and 14 others. He said: “A female suicide bomber, aged about 10 years, detonated the explosive device at a crowded main entrance of the popular Sunday Market, killing 15 people, including 10 females and five males, while injuring 47 others.” He said five other units of undetonated explosives were recovered at the scene of the explosion. The police spokesman said suicide bombers used mortars similar to those recovered from suspected bombers on the MaiduguriDamaturu highway on Monday. Three policemen and five suicide bombers were killed in the Monday incident. Gbadegeshin urged the public to be cautious and remain observant of suspected persons, bags and movements around their environments. It would be recalled that 23 people were killed in two separate suicide bomb attacks in Damaturu in the last one week. Meanwhile, troops have increased the tempo of their offensive in the North East, leading to the killing of several terrorists during a recent combat operation along the Dikwa-Maiduguri road in Borno State. The offensive was in compliance with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Maj. Gen. Tukur Buratai. Buratai, while renaming the counter-insurgency operation to “Operation Lafiya Dole”, had urged the troops not to wait for Boko Haram to attack but to take the battle to the insurgents’ hideout.

Buhari to intervene in NASS crisis CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

elections of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, there was an unsanctioned and unholy alliance between the members of the opposition parties in the House and the 39 disloyal members of the APC that connived to produce the Dogara Speakership. “We had hoped that with a difference of just eight votes between Dogara and Femi (Gbajabiamila), the

Speaker would have realised the need to cultivate a united House of Representatives,” he added. The lawmaker regretted that APC was sharing its victory with PDP against the directive of the party and the counsel of President Buhari and advised that a peace deal with the Speaker’s camp be initiated under the leadership of Gbajabiamila.

It was gathered that through a combine operation involving ground troops and air force, the military dealt devastating blow on the terrorists who could not escape during the encounter. Some of the items recovered from the terrorists

included vehicles heavily laden with IEDs, motorcycles, trucks mounted with anti-aircraft guns, anti-aircraft gun, General Purpose Machine Gun, box of antiaircraft gun, ammunition and rifles. Spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Col. Sani Us-

man Kukasheka confirmed that recent military operations against the terrorists have been successful. Kukasheka said in one of the operations, the military attacked terrorists’ logistics base where IED was planted with connected wires traced to a kingpin’s residence.

He said due to recent concerted efforts, roads and towns hitherto being held by the terrorists and laced with mines such as Biu-Buni Yadi-Damaturu and BiuSabon Gari-Damboa roads were liberated and cleared of mines and made safe for public usage.

L-R: Director of Fund Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Alhaji Mohammed Dikwa; Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Sani and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Anastesia Daniel-Nwaobia, during the FAAC monthly meeting in Abuja at the weekend. PHOTO ROTIMI OSASONA

ASUU berates JAMB over varsity admission policy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

each tertiary institution by its proprietor or other competent authority.” In the absence of a substantive Minister of Education, the ASUU boss called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call the JAMB to order so as not to make the children of the masses who populate public schools suffer. He berated the racket on the sale of scratch cards, which had been mopped up at JAMB offices by agents who now sell it for N1,500 to candidates, urging the President to probe the over N1bn that would be generated what he called ‘unpopular policy’. According to him, the University of Ibadan for instance, provides a level playing ground for students who scored 200 and above in JAMB examination to compete for the available spaces in the university. He said: “Candidates choose universities considering quality, cost, proximity, courses of choice, among others. Will Dibu Ojerinde pay for the fees so charged by the institutions (including exorbitant fees in pri-

vate and state universities) where the candidates have been reassigned? “If a candidate is reassigned from Lagos to Ondo State, will Professor Dibu Ojerinde foot the bill and expenses incurred and in case of any accident. Who is JAMB protecting; the candidates or their cronies in other institutions? It has to go. “An institution that asked candidates to make their choices of universities, polytechnic and monotechnics has now turned back to impose tertiary institutions on candidates and is demanding another N1,000 to access information. This JAMB has outlived its usefulness.” In a related development, Secretary General of Committee of Provosts of Colleges of Education in Nigeria, Prof. Olu Akeusola said the Federal Government should split JAMB Board into three and assign each of them a specific role as regards the conduct of entrance examinations into tertiary institutions in the country. He said there should be a unit that will conduct exam strictly for students seeking admission into the universities, while each of the two

other units should do likewise for the polytechnic and colleges of education. Prof. Akeusola, who is also the Provost, Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, MOCPED, Noforija-Epe, Lagos State, made the call at the weekend, saying such split was necessary not only to prevent confusion in what determines the cut-off marks for each level of the tertiary education, but also to make the exams more credible and of international standards. He said it was awkward that those who want to go to university to study medicine, engineering, law or education for example will sit for the same exam with those who want to go to either polytechnic or colleges of education and still be placed on the same grading. “How can you test a teacher with the same parameter for testing a medical doctor or an engineer? That is why this JAMB’s unified examination to me should be decentralised,” he said. Akeusola further argued that for JAMB to post candidates to schools other than

their preferred choice under unclear terms was tantamount to infringement on their fundamental human rights. “If a candidate is not qualified by the parameter of a particular institution, such a candidate would need to be told rather than imposing another school on him or her,” he said. JAMB, yesterday reacted to the criticisms that has attended the decision to allow some universities determine their own cut-off mark, saying such institutions were at liberty to do so. Head of Media, JAMB, Fabian Benjamin, stated this in a statement made available to journalists. “The decision to have a national accepted cut-off mark at policy meeting was to serve as a guide and pruning mechanism to give the tertiary institutions qualitative and manageable candidates to choose from a pool of candidates desirous of tertiary education. “However, universities and other levels of tertiary institutions are at liberty to go higher, but not lower, CONTINUED ON PAGE 6>>

esy. nal isa ng esisent he ice ore es,

News

Monday, July 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ASUU berates JAMB over varsity admission policy Continued from page 5

Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (left) decorating one of the graduate paratroopers and the parachute riggers, at the combined graduation ceremony of the Basic Airborne Course 37 and the Basic Parachute Riggers Course 23 in Jaji, Kaduna, on Saturday. PHOTO: NAN

FAAN to concession protocol, passenger services OLUSEGUN KOIKI

here are indications that Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, may at any moment from now relinquish its protocol and passenger assistance services at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos to a private concessionaire. It emerged at the weekend that a particular company, Thales Global Solutions, TGS, is presently in talks with management of the airport landlord to takeover the handling of the service from the agency. Investigations by National Mirror revealed that the company about two weeks ago had a meeting with FAAN management at its headquarters at MMA and proposed how it could run the protocol and passenger assistance services from the international wing, the Murtala

SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

eaders and people of Ora in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State have honoured the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, a son of the community, by conferring a chieftaincy title on him. Arase’s community on Saturday at Holy Trinity Grammar School premises in Sa-

Mohammed Airport Two, MMA2, Lagos and the General Aviation Terminal, GAT, of the same Lagos airport. Investigations by our correspondent further revealed that FAAN at the moment generates about N12 million monthly from the service at its international wing alone while the concessionaire proposed N5 million for the same operations. However, the proposed N5 million from the firm to the agency for the service may be a major stumbling block with several staff of FAAN kicking against the proposal, stressing that handing over the service to a private firm should mean FAAN getting higher amount than it presently generates. The firm also in a document made available to our correspondent stated that after a year of the agreement, it hoped to increase the concession revenue

by 50 per cent, which indicated N7.5 million while the revenue would be increased to the agency by 75 per cent after two years and 100 per cent after three years. A source close to the agency confided in our correspondent that FAAN generates N12 million monthly from the protocol and passage assistance services at the international wing alone and wondered why three terminals: MMIA, MMA2 and GAT would be concessioned to a private firm at a paltry N5 million. A union leader in the industry, who didn’t want to be named, vowed that the union would work against such “a backward agreement” and charged the firm and other interested concessionaires to spread their operations to other airports across the country where such services were not rendered at the moment.

The firm in its proposal to FAAN said that it is internationally incorporated in the country, Ghana, South Africa and United Kingdom. The firm in its proposal said, “TGS has identified the need for passenger assistance services in Nigeria’s airports to improve the arrivals and departure experience. Our goal is to be a partner to FAAN to ensure passengers arrive and depart safely and securely at all time while improving service delivery, reducing cost, increasing revenue and excellent customer service. “TGS are experts in scheduling and planning complex tasks in high pressure situations. This, combined with our capacity in security management, would make us unusually well placed to provide a comprehensive and joined up service in a security, critical, people-oriented environment.”

depending on their peculiarities and the performance of candidates that choose them. “Those candidates who do not meet the cut-off marks of such institutions will be placed in needy institutions within their geopolitical zone depending on available space in such institutions. “The Board’s aim is to accommodate as many candidates as possible instead of just pushing them to schools we know ab initio doesn’t have the carrying capacity to admit all. “For instance, University of Lagos with a carrying capacity of about 9,000 has over 60,000 applying to them. The question is what happens to the over 50,000? We have other institutions like that and what we are doing is to ensure that the balance are also placed in other needy institutions,” JAMB stated. It added that the Board had redistributed the other candidates who have cutoff marks less than what their first choice required to needy institutions and urged candidates and parent to check the Board’s website from Friday, 31st July, 2015 for their names and institutions they are placed in. Also commenting on the development, Lagos based lawyer and human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, at the weekend, said it is not possible for parents and their children to set standard for the University of Lagos. He stated that the institution cannot lower its standard because certain group are protesting over their dissatisfaction with a policy. Falana, who was speak-

ing in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital urged parents and applicants to consider the legal implication of their actions. According to him, JAMB is the only agency saddled with the responsibility of setting cut-off standard for institutions in Nigeria going by the law that set it up. He however urged the authority of the institution to reconcile with JAMB so as to ensure fair play in their dealings. The legal practitioner also admonished parents to desist from taking their children to what he called ‘miracle centres’ for examinations, saying such students might not be able to defend it when they eventually get to higher institutions. Meanwhile, JAMB has concluded plans to release names of all candidates who are qualified to sit for this year’s post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination into all public universities against their institutions on Monday August 3. Disclosing this yesterday, Head of JAMB, Lagos Office, Dr. Beatrice Okorie, said the list might even be released as early as Friday, July 31, but that the grace of extra two days would be to prepare against unforeseen situation. While advising all the 2015 UTME candidates who meet up with the cut-off marks to check JAMB’s website on that date for their details and the list of universities they have been redistributed to, insisted that the Board would not go back on its new admission policy. According to her, the policy was to assist candidates not to spend unnecessary money on post-UTME in the universities where they would not be considered for admission due to limited space.

Edo community honours IGP, Arase bongidda Ora conferred him with the title of Ojeagbase of Ora Kingdom for constitutional and humanitarian services to humanity. The police boss, who came to the event with his beautiful wife, Agharese, said he never dreamed he would soon be elevated to the position of IGP. With tears in his eyes,

he said, “As the band sang now, the song sums up my life. I never knew God would honour me this way. “When I joined the Nigeria Police in 1980, my mother was very disappointed. She had thought that as a teacher, her only son should not join the force. My only regret is that she did not live long enough

to witness this day.” Attendees at the event organised by the OraEkpen Development Association included prominent indigenes and non-indigenes led by Governor Adams Oshiomhole, the Oje of Ora and Clan Head of Ora Kingdom, M. E. P. Imonah, all of who witnessed the robing of the police boss with the

community’s traditional regalia and plaque. The governor, who cut the cake of the celebration with the awardees and wife Iara said, “It is a great honour for a son of Edo State to be appointed as the Inspector-General of Police.” He said, “I was determined to be here because, for me, our honoured celebrant of

today is not just a man of history but also a man of immense ability. I believe that it is those qualities that made you the IGP today.” Oshiomhole, who described the police boss as a man of high intellect, courage and wisdom, promised to organise a more befitting state honour for him in the coming days.

South West

Monday, July 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Pharmacist council seals 236 stores in Ekiti Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

harmacists Council of Nigeria, PCN, has sealed 236 pharmacies and medicine stores in Ekiti State for offences including unauthorised sale of medicines, operating without the supervision of a pharmacist and poor storage and documentation facilities. The PCN Deputy Director and Head of Enforcement, Pharmacist Stephen Esumobi, said the step was necessary to safeguard the health of the Nigerian citizens by ensuring compliance to rules particularly on proper registration. Esumobi told journalists in Ado Ekiti at the weekend that the increasing number of illegal drug dealers in Ekiti was alarming. According to him, out of 240 premises visited during an enforcement raid, only four were given a clean bill, a development which he described as dangerous and inimical to the people’s well-being. He said: “Our office received reports of the activities of unregistered premises engaging in illegal sale of medicines in Ekiti. Since many of them were not recommended for the sale of medicines, the quality, safety and efficacy of drugs sourced from them cannot be guaranteed. “Even some of the registered premises were selling beyond their ap-

proved list. Some keep stocks in a manner that violates laid down rules and regulations to the detriment of the citizens. If the ugly trend is allowed to continue, it will have negative impact on the citizens. What we did was attempt to reverse the ugly situation,” he said. He denied that the raid conducted by officers of the drug regulatory body was meant to put people out of job and create unnecessary panic in the system. Esumobi said the clarification over the allegation that the body was becoming too coercive became imperative in view of the protest staged against the closure of some medicine shops by Association of Drug Dealers in Ado-Ekiti last Thursday. He said: “It surprised me that people had to protest in that manner and number. It shows that it was a premeditated action. We are not out to make life difficult for them, but to ensure compliance to simple rules. As a regulatory body, we cannot allow the sale of drugs that can kill innocent people. “It is bad that Nigeria is a society where people don’t do research or take statistics about happenings. We have not asked about the cause of increasing kidney failure in Nigeria. We learnt that some pharmacists are compromising with them and whoever caught will be deregistered,” he warned.

L-R: Former Chairman, Saki East Local Government, Alhaji Muda Ogunsola; Guest, Alhaji Tunde Bello; Head Girl, Toyibat Anifowose; Head Boy Kamali Adeola; Guest Lecturer, Dr. Amao Alaga and Director, Mimbar Children School, Alhaji Akinwale Akinlabi, during a lecture to mark the school’s Recognition Day in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Police nab Arik Air traveler for smoking Olusegun Koiki

he Nigerian Police, Airport Command, has arrested one Oluwabusola Lawal for smoking cigarette on board Arik Air flight from London to Lagos. The police in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Livinus Chukwuma, stated that Lawal was arrested on arrival at the interna-

tional wing of Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, Lagos over the weekend. According to Chukwuma, the suspect was smoking electronic cigarette in the lavatory, which triggered emergency alarm in the aircraft causing confusion among passengers onboard. He emphasised that the suspect’s action was not in consonance with the in-flight safety procedures and negated the

International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, safety recommendation. Chukwuma stated that the suspect had been arraigned in court in accordance with section 2(1) of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, bye-law 2005 and section 166(1) (d) of the criminal law of Lagos State. In a related development, the command has also apprehended a man for stealing $1,400 from an Air France-bound fe-

male passenger at MMIA. Chukwuma said the passenger while waiting to board the flight, decided to take a rest in Gabfol lounge and forgot her purse containing the money. Meanwhile, the Airport Police Commissioner, CP Frederick Lakanu, has urged airport users nationwide to conform to the rules and regulations guiding airports and aviation industry as ignorance was not an excuse.

Don tasks Buhari on women empowerment Nigeria needs security records for economic K O growth —RIMA emi laitan IBADAN

slamic cleric, Prof. Sabit Ariyo Olagoke, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to empower women in a bid to harness their potential for the development of the country. Olagoke, who is the founder of Shafaudeen in Islam Society, said women must be allowed to contribute their quota to the development of the country, adding that with their population and increase in knowledge accumulation Nigeria has much to gain from them.

While delivering the lecture titled, ‘Standing firm on your faith for your future’ in Ibadan at the weekend, he said 99.9 per cent of religious leaders in Nigeria are not scripture compliant, insisting that Nigerians need character reformation. According to him, the days of religious leaders messing up are numbered, noting that there is nothing wrong with Christi-

scriptures. He said, “There must be social interactions among religious faiths to bring about development. There is nothing wrong with Islam, Christianity, Judaism but there are problems with managers of religion particularly the clergy. God is the fundamental factor. Unfortunately, we are using religion to dis-

anity, Islam or Judaism

criminate. Religion is not failing us; rather it is the managers of religion that

but so many things were

are failing us. Therefore,

wrong

managers

whether you are a Chris-

of religion who pursue

tian or Muslim, we must understand ourselves for Nigeria to develop.”

with

money and discriminate rather than follow the

ecord and Information Management Awareness, RIMA Foundation yesterday stressed the need for effective storage of security records to enhance the country’s economic growth. President of the foundation, Oyedokun Oyewole, told News Agency of Nigeria, NAN in Lagos that the country lacked adequate storage facilities for keeping vital information. “The world is growing day-by-day; therefore, there is the need for Ni-

geria to grow with the global trend. “Records and Information Management Awareness will help the federal and state governments to be informed by safe-keeping its security records effectively. “The system of recording and keeping vital information in the country at present is not satisfactory. Hence, there is the need for the provision of adequate record storage devices,” Oyewole said. He said the importance of information management could not

be over-emphasised, as records and information are essential for effective functioning of private and public organisations. He urged the state and federal governments to fund and support the growth of the system of records and informationkeeping in Nigeria. Oyewole, alluding to the World Bank, said that

without a record management infrastructure, governments and organisations were incapable of effectively managing their current operations.

A2 18

Business Courage

Monday, July 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cover

Foreign Exchange:

Experts proffer options to stabilise naira, curb abuses Even as some stakeholders differ on increases in foreign currency curbs to protect reserves, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adjustments of exchange rate peg may be pointing towards another round of devaluation. Udo Onyeka reports.

he nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s currency the Naira last Thursday recorded 0.17 per cent gain in value against the dollar for the first time this week, trading at N197.66. Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, showed adjustment of exchange rate peg to N197 against the dollar from the N196.95 it set last week. The adjustment is the fifth since the bank introduced a tight control on the foreign exchange market in February when it stated that it would sell dollars only at N198 to customers through the interbank based on direct orders by banks. The currency traded at N199.50 to the dollar on the interbank market, compared with the N197 per dollar rate it closed the preceding day. At the parallel market, the naira slid to N243, down 0.83 per cent from the previous day. Experts hinged the persistent decline of the naira in the parallel market on the introduction of new measures by CBN last month, restricting access to foreign currency at the interbank in a bid to conserve dwindling foreign exchange reserves. The Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, at the week end re-

tained interest rates and ruled out the possibility of devaluing the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s currency following the recent pressure on the naira from the foreign exchange market. The Committee decided by a vote of 8 to 4 to retain the Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, at its current level of 13 per cent, by a unanimous vote to retain the CRR at 31 per cent while 4 members voted to remunerate the CRR. Overall, the MPC voted to hold its position to retain the MPR at 13 per cent with a corridor of +/200 basis points around the midpoint, retain the CRR at 31 per cent and also retain the symmetric corridor of 200 basis points around the MPR. The Committee said it was concerned about the trends in key macroeconomic indices in the first half of 2015, adding that there was the absence of easy choices in the circumstance but monetary policy alone is limited, and would require urgent complementary fiscal policies to define the path of growth and create the basis for stabilisation. It also said the adverse effect of the protracted decline in global crude oil prices on the fiscal position of government was seriously considered in taking the decision. The Committee how-

Godwin Emefiele, CBN Governor

ever expressed optimism that business confidence would continue to improve as Government continues to unfold its economic plans. Further it said some of the reassuring measures

of the administration including efforts aimed at resolving fiscal challenges at the sub-national levels, and the fight against corruption and improving the business environment would unlock the inflow

of foreign direct investment, FDI. But having reached the upper limit of its tightening cycle, analysts had predicted a probable outcome at the MPC meeting would be for the CBN to

UDO ONYEKA, CO-ORDINATOR BUSINESS COURAGE udonyeka@gmail.com c

Global Media Mirror Limited

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bhatia

maintain the status quo and use more administrative measures in preserving the forex reserves. Experts at Financial Derivatives Company Limited, FDC, have said that the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, would rely on increasing use of administrative measures in its quest to protect the nation’s currency, as pressure on the naira becomes intense. These administrative tools are the cash reserve ratio, CRR and Open Market Operations, OMO. “Even though the CBN is committed to defending the naira, the currency pressures facing Nigeria are becoming more intense. The spread between the interbank rate and the parallel market creates an arbitrage corridor for speculators, and is now a round tripper’s paradise. Another issue that is of concern is the consistent decline in oil receipts as a result of falling oil prices, when the sanctions on Iran are finally removed,” the analysts said. They also noted that the aftershock of the CBN’s restriction of importers’ access to foreign exchange at the interbank and bureaux de change forex markets would be felt in the coming months. The National Bureau of Statistics two weeks ago released the official inflation rate for June 2015 at 9.2 per cent, a 0.2 per cent increase from May’s nine per cent. This higher inflation rate was widely expected, given the prolonged fuel scarcity and shortage of perishables.

Business Courage

Monday, July 27, 2015

Onasanya

“The rising inflation is likely to be aberrational but the trend is becoming more consistent and is fuelling the fear factor. Anticipated inflation is more important than historical inflation because it influences consumer behaviour and preferences. Demand for goods will increase if people expect prices to rise in the near future. “As demand increases, producers would be forced to increase prices up to a point that there is a struggle of bargaining power. At this level, it is the price elasticity of demand that determines if there would be a further increase in prices. Another threat to inflation is the possibility and timing of the subsidy removal, which is now becoming more inevitable”, the experts have said. But Standard & Poors, few days ago said Nigeria can’t avoid devaluation. It said Nigeria would have to devalue its currency at some stage, “possibly by more than 15 percent”, it said. According to the rating agency investors have seen a devaluation of the naira as long overdue largest which has been battered by the recent tumble in crude prices. Following devaluations in November and February, authorities have focused recently on curbing access to hard currency on the official interbank market for importers of some goods, introducing stringent restrictions some weeks ago. “But those measures just delay the inevitable,

said, Director of Sovereign ratings at Standard & Poor’s, Ravi Bhatia “Another devaluation is inevitable... they will have no option but to devalue. Many investors are positioning for a devaluation of around 15 percent. Bhatia said that sounded “reasonable”, though even more might be needed. Bhatia said he did not expect the adjustment to be done in one go. “I think at this stage the plan is to move in increments, not to do’one big step’ devaluation like they would in the old days,” he said. With the economy under immense pressure, there have been calls for the CBN to ease forex trading restrictions and devalue the naira. The naira has declined against the dollar almost on a daily basis from N222 to N240 as at few days ago. Market watchers are predicting that the local currency would further depreciate unless the CBN reviews its forex policy. Items restricted essentially, the policy banned importers of 41 selected items such as rice, private jets, textiles, tomato paste, poultry products and furniture from access to foreign exchange in either the interbank or Bureaux De Change, BDC, markets. The CBN said the step was taken in order to beef up the country’s rapidly depleting external reserves, pointing out that most of the items on the list could be produced locally; hence the step would encourage local production. It also

A3 19

Chizea

stressed that the implementation of the policy would help to conserve foreign reserves and facilitate the resuscitation of domestic industries as well as create employment. But some analysts have said the new policy resulted in an estimated $5.7bn quarterly forex demand by importers of the 41 items moving from the official to the parallel market, thereby fuelling scarcity of dollar in that market as well as the BDC segments of the forex market. The development has generated mixed reactions and industry watchers are divided, while banks and affected importers have called for a review of the policy, some analysts gave a nod to the regulators decision. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Mr. Bisi Onasanya, said the CBN needed to let the naira be devalued because the foreign-exchange trading restrictions had started to harm growth in the country’s economy. “We are in a situation where Nigerian banks are shopping for foreign-exchange in the international market. We need to bite the bullet and move on, or there will be repercussions over the long term,” Onasanya said. On the other hand a financial analyst/consultant, Dr. Boniface Chizea, faulted Onasanya’s position. He argued the that past devaluations did not lead to the stability of the

exchange rate and urged the CBN to stick to its policy. “The point has to be made again that if you liberalise the naira and relax controls to make the foreign exchange market more liquid, the country will run into real problems. The reserves will collapse overnight and credit risks will worsen and the much-taunted growth in productivity will not result to impact the unemployment situation. “In my well-considered opinion, this country should do all it takes to avoid succumbing to the pressure of those who would preach devaluation but only do so as it is adjudged inevitable, even then within the context of a mix of other supportive policies… Devaluation is an ill wind and a slippery slope, which once you are unfortunate to encounter, is difficult to know where it will bottom out; as a matter of fact, it never does!” he said. Director, Monetary Policy Department, CBN, Mr. Moses Tule, in defending the position of the apex bank emphasised that the major objective of the CBN in stopping the sale of forex to affected importers was to ensure the survival of the Nigerian economy. Tule pointed out that the regulator had little choice but to take the step, arguing that the rising demand for foreign exchange would have resulted in the depletion of the external reserves and the collapse of the economy.

He lamented the import dependent nature of the country’s economy, pointing out that many of the items that are imported into the country can be produced locally. According to him, in the first five months of this year, $575m was spent on the importation of wheat, while $374m was spent on fish and $349m on electrical and electronic appliances into the country. “It would be wrong to continue with a policy that will keep impoverishing our farmers, local industries and growth of our economy, why will somebody be importing toothpick or egg, when we have it in abundance in Nigeria?” Tule said. The CBN director noted that the regulator was concerned about rising unemployment in the country, stressing that the importation of items such as rice, cement, tooth pick and so on, boosts employment in their countries of origin while worsening the problem back home. He said: “The level of unemployment is worrisome. “No economy is born by foreign exchange. The level of economic activity creates foreign exchange and the economic activity must be such that economic agents must create foreign exchange agents and bring it back to the economy. If you keep taking water out of a bucket without putting some back, it would eventually become empty. An economy must first exist before you can have a CBN,” he said. BC

A4 20

Business Courage

Monday, July 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News Crisis in NIMASA as ED snubs acting DG Francis Ezem

major management crisis might be looming in the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA as the Executive Director Finance and Administration has defied Federal Government’s directive on the appointment of an acting Director General for the agency. This is sequel to the sack of Dr Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi, who was directed to hand over to Mr Callistus Obi Nwabueze, the Executive in charge of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services being the most senior officer. The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Transport Mallam Bashar had accordingly issued a letter a letter announcing Mr Obi Callistus, who also assumed office in acting capacity. However a source in the agency who pleaded anonymity disclosed that the ED Finance and Administration Mallam Baba Haruna Jauro has sworn to unseat the new acting DG. It was alleged that the ED has sworn to use his northern connections to achieve his illicit ambition. Investigations also showed that the Adamawa-born ED has since relocated to Abuja where he is desperately orchestrating his plans to unseat the acting DG. “I will tell him I am a Northerner and as soon as the president settles down from his US trip he will reverse everything”, Jauro was said to have boasted. He was also said to have claimed that it was the turn of the northerners to have a shot at the headship of the agency. Some stakeholders have however condemned this impunity being displayed by Mallam Jauro, which they described as an affront on the Federal Government, especially the Federal Ministry of Transport, which authorised the appointment of the acting DG. On claims that it is the turn of the north to produce the next DG of the agency, the stakeholders argued that the

Obi

L – R: Head, Media & External Relations, FirstBank, Mr. Babatunde Lasaki; Head, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, FirstBank, Mr. Ismail Omamegbe; Head, Sponsorship and Events, FirstBank, Mrs. Bridget Oyefeso-Odusami; CEO, Lork Enterprise LLP, managers of Freedom Park, Mr. Theo Lawson and COO, Lork Enterprise LLP, Ms. Iyabo Aboaba, at the launch of FirstBank’s First@arts initiative in Lagos recently

Nigerian Ports Authority, the Nigerian Shippers Council and even the Nigeria Customs Service have in the last 10 years been headed by northerners till date. The stakeholders also argued that this development also informed the commendation that trailed the appointment of Mr Obi Nwabueze, who is from the South East as the acting DG. The stakeholders also argued that the present administration has not been fair in terms of appointments as no one from the region has been appointed into any position out of over 20 appointments already made.

Microsoft posts record loss as it writes down Nokia Isaiah Erhiawarien

icrosoft reported a $3.2bn quarterly net loss, its biggest ever, as the company wrote down its Nokia phone business and demand fell for its Windows operating system. The company took a charge of $7.5bn in the fourth quarter related to the restructuring of its Nokia handset business, which it bought last year. Microsoft’s shares fell 4 percent to $45.38. Under chief executive Satya Nadella, the company has been shifting its focus to software and cloud services as demand for its once-popular Windows operating system slows. Sales of Windows to computer manufacturers to install on new PCs fell 22 per cent in the quarter. The company is scheduled to roll out Windows 10 on 29 July, a much-awaited launch after a lacklustre response to Windows 8.

announced this month and last year.

Domestication of auto makers’ factories will leapfrog economy, says expert

Nadella

Microsoft wants to generate revenue by building search and gaming into the Windows 10 interface, chief financial officer Amy Hood said in April. Bing, the company’s online search engine, will be profitable in the year ending June 2016, Hood said on Tuesday. Sales of Windows to businesses fell 21 percent from the year-earlier quarter, when demand for the operating system had surged after Microsoft discontinued support for Windows XP. Revenue from Microsoft’s commercial cloud business, which includes offerings such as Office 365 and Azure, rose 96 percent, excluding the impact of a strong dollar. Microsoft said it added 3 million subscribers for Office 365 in the quarter, taking the total number of subscribers for the product to 15.2 million at the end of June. The company said this month that it would cut 7 800 jobs, or nearly 7 percent of its workforce, mainly in the phone hardware business. Microsoft reported a net loss of 40 cents per share for the quarter ended 30 June. The company had posted net income of $4.61bn, or 55 cents per share, a year earlier. Microsoft also took a charge of $940m related to job cuts

financial expert, Mr Femi Awoyemi, has urged the Federal Government to sustain its policy of attracting more foreign direct investment, FDI, into the nation’s auto sector. The expert said this against the backdrop of the announcement by Honda Motors Company Ltd to commence local assemblage of its Accord Sedan car. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos, Awoyemi, the Chief Executive Officer, Proshares Nigeria Ltd, said that youth unemployment in the country would drastically drop with Honda’s actualisation of its pronouncement. He told NAN that more FDI inflows would take the local automobile sector to the next level. Awoyemi said the current drive by the Federal Government to encourage more international auto makers to site factories in the country would prosper the domestic economy in all ramifications. NAN reports that Honda Motor Company has proposed to begin the assemblage of one of its auto products in Nigeria soon. The proposal to site the car plant in the country would be the first assembly plant by the auto firm in Africa. Another auto company, Volkswagen, had also commenced the assemblage of its products in Nigeria this July, some 25 years after it stopped

operations in the country. According to Awoyemi, the entry of more auto companies setting up assembly plants in the country will boost the earnings of local investors and reduce automobile spare-parts importation. ``It is not an understatement that Nigeria is one of the preferred destinations of automobile producers in Africa to site their factories. ``Nigeria has a large market and this will translate to increased earnings, even to those bringing in these investments. ``Our population, in relation to a large proportion of Nigerians owning their personal cars, in economic terms, will run in trillions of naira,’’ he said. Awoyemi noted that Nigeria’s competitiveness in automobile production was bound to improve with many auto producers domiciled locally.

Experts commend FG for taking over Yola DISCO

ome experts in the power sector on Friday commended Federal Government for taking over the management of Yola Electricity Distribution Company due to lack of service to consumers. They told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos that this would send a strong signal to other Distribution Companies, DISCOs, to sit tight in terms of service delivery. Immediate-past Chairman of Nigeria Institution of Electrical Electronics Engineers, NIEEE, Mr Adekunle Makinde, said there were agreements signed by the company and the government. Makinde said that since the company could no longer serve its consumers in this capacity, it was good for the government to take over the company so that the consumer should enjoy power supply. He urged the government to extend its hands to other DISCOs that were not capable of regular power supply to its consumers. ``The step is good; the government should also extend its hands to other sectors from the power sector. ``This will make most of the companies to sit tight and know that they cannot be collecting our money for fun,’’ he said. Also, Mr Yomi Kolawole, the Managing Director, Topean Energy Solution, said the step would put confidence in consumers because they thought that the investors were relations of the government. ``The taking over will enable the consumers to know that the government has their interest in mind.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

``You cannot just sit there doing nothing and collecting money from consumers. ``The government should sanction more DISCOs found wanting in the performance of its duty,’’ he said. Mr Tunde Okeowo, a Shomolu-based consumer in Lagos, said the decision by the government was a welcome idea. Okoewo said the government could replicate such decision on other DISCOs perceived by consumers not to be operating at maximum capacity. Another consumer based in Lagos, Mr Ugochukwu Okoroma, said that the takeover was a sad development and a major drawback to the power sector reform, especially on the privatisation exercise.

weak in the medium-term,” said Senior Economist and lead author of the report, John Baffes. The bank said Iran’s new nuclear agreement with the U.S. and other leading governments, if ratified, would ease sanctions, including restrictions on oil exports from Iran. It said downside risks to the forecast included higher-thanexpected non-OPEC production supported by falling production costs and continuing gains in OPEC output. It also predicted possible upside pressures from closure of high-cost operations as the number of operational oil rigs in the U.S remains down 60 per cent since its November high.

Nigeria’s inadequate gas supply worsens Ghana’s energy crises

Baffes

World Bank reviews 2015 global crude prices forecast

he World Bank has reviewed its 2015 forecast for crude oil prices from $53 in April to $57 per barrel after oil prices rose 17 per cent in the April to June quarter. The forecast is contained in the bank’s latest Commodity Markets Outlook. The bank said energy prices rose 12 per cent in the quarter, with the surge in oil offset by declines in natural gas and coal prices. However, it said it expected energy prices to average 39 per cent below 2014 level. “Natural gas prices are projected to decline across all three main markets including the United States, Europe and Asia. “Coal prices are likely to fall 17 per cent”, it said. Excluding energy, the bank reported a two per cent decline in prices for the quarter and forecast that non-energy prices would average 12 per cent below 2014 levels this year. “Demand for crude oil was higher than expected in the second quarter. Despite the marginal increase in the price forecast for 2015. “Large inventories and rising output from OPEC members suggest prices will likely remain

Business Courage

Monday, July 27, 2015

nergy situation in neighbouring Ghana may deteriorate following inability of Nigeria to meet its gas supply obligation to that country. Lack of adequate gas supply has drastically condensed the country’s power generation capacity. Nigeria and Ghana has a gas supply deal through the West African Gas Pipeline, WAGP, project, but due to technical challenges arising from vandalism of gas infrastructure has constrained Nigeria from meeting that obligation. Similarly, gas from Ghana Jubilee Field off-shore Cape Three Points to the Ghana Gas Processing Plant at Atuabo is to be delayed for a further three weeks due to some technical challenges. Challenges with gas compression systems on the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah have been identified as the main problem. Tullow Oil plc an oil firm with broad investment in Africa in a statement said, gas exports from the Jubilee Field to the Ghana Gas Plant at Atuabo have been suspended due to technical issues with gas compression systems on the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah, and are expected to resume by midAugust. “Tullow has mobilised a team of experts to rectify the fault within the gas compression system and estimates that it will take approximately a further three weeks to reinstate gas exports and full oil production.” Challenges with the compressors over the past three weeks have meant that thermal plants sited in the Western Region, which were hitherto running on cheap gas supplied by Ghana Gas Plant, have been operated using crude oil which is comparatively expensive to generate power.

The huge cost involved in running the plants on crude, oil coupled with insufficient supply of gas from Nigeria via the West Africa Gas Pipeline, is likely to compound the current energy crisis that has necessitated a nationwide power rationing regime. Largest power producer Volta River Authority, VRA, conservatively estimates that it requires about US$50million to power its thermal plants in the absence of gas every three weeks a financially challenging position for the Authority. The oil producer says it will review its 2015 production forecast for Jubilee due to the recent development. “Tullow will review its 2015 production forecast for Jubilee and provide an update on progress at its half-yearly results on 29th July.” Oil production is currently constrained to approximately 65,000 bpd and is under constant review. The company however assured that there is no effect on the field’s reservoir or resources.

ic activities. According to her, “The CBN has used dedicated SME funds to deepen and increase access to credit and reduce the high cost of funds for women-owned businesses. Some of these programmes include the N200bn Small and Medium Enterprises Credit Guarantee Scheme and the N220bn Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Fund, with 60 per cent earmarked for women-owned businesses.” The objectives of these funds, she pointed out, are to increase the level of access to credit by SMEs and manufacturers by providing guarantee for banks’ credit, increase output, generate employment, diversify the revenue base, increase foreign exchange earnings and provide inputs for the industrial sector on a sustainable basis. Alade, who was represented by the Director of Finance, CBN, Tope Omoge, disclosed that the bank had also adopted a financial inclusion strategy capable of reducing the financial exclusion of women to about 20 per cent in 2020. “It has been established that financial exclusion can lead to social exclusion and reduced growth. This is the reason why the CBN is keen on empowering the small business sector as a way of promoting women participation through financial inclusion,” Alade said. Speaking earlier, the President, NIM, Dr. Nelson Uwaga, stated that there was an urgent need to harness and unleash the potential of women towards leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship in order to break the ceiling for them to aspire to become better achievers.

Alade

CBN promises more support for women entrepreneurs

World Bank appoints Oteh Vice President, Treasurer

Isaiah Erhiawarien

he Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has promised to continue to assist Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, owned by women in the country. Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, CBN, Dr. Sarah Alade, at a conference on women in management and leadership organised by the Nigerian Institute of Management, NIM, in Abuja last week, noted that since women are an economic change agent, the apex bank has launched series of funds to target them. Noting that about N250bn was earmarked for this purpose, he added that the facility was dedicated to SMEs, saying it would deepen and increase access to credit and reduce the high cost of funds for womenowned businesses across the country. The apex bank, she stressed, decided to set aside the fund after observing that lack of access to finance was impacting women participation in econom-

ormer Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Arunma Oteh has been appointed to a five-year term as Vice President, Treasurer of the World Bank. According to a statement from the Bank, Oteh as VP and Treasurer, will manage and lead a large and diverse team responsible for managing more than $150bn in assets. The statement said that her top priorities will be to: maintain the World Bank’s global reputation as a prudent and innovative borrower, investor and risk manager, manage an extensive client advisory, transaction and asset management business for the Bank. She is also in her capacity as one of the World Bank’s key representatives to work with outside stakeholders including global private sector financial institutions, the financial

A5 21

Oteh

media and the sovereign debt and reserve managers in client countries, as well as ratings agencies. The Bank said that Oteh will collaborate extensively with the Finance Partners throughout the WBG, including with IFC and MIGA, expanding shared approaches, in particular around innovative financing for development and for key new projects adding that she was selected to this position through an international competitive search. Oteh who was appointed DG SEC by former President Goodluck Jonathan 2010, led the transformation of the country’s capital markets industry into a major global presence. She was a member of the Board of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions, IOSCO and the Chairperson of the Africa Middle East Regional Committee of IOSCO. Prior to joining the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, of Nigeria, Arunma was Group Vice President, Corporate Services, at the African Development Bank Group, AfDB. In this role she oversaw a number of departments, including human resources, information and communications technology, and institutional procurement. From 2001 to 2006 she held the role of AfDB Group Treasurer, where she led AfDB’s fund raising and capital market activities across the world. Earlier roles at the AfDB, which she joined in 1992, included trading room management, investment portfolio coverage, and public sector lending. She also held other positions in capital markets and lending during the course of her career at the AfDB. Arunma began her career in 1985 at Centre Point, where she executed debt and equity offerings in the Nigerian capital markets. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Nigeria and her Masters of Business Administration from Harvard University. Her appointment is effective on September 28, 2015. BC

A6 22

Business Courage

Monday, July 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Companies & Markets

Sterling Bank deploys solution to upload BVN from other Banks

Udo Onyeka

terling Bank Plc has successfully deployed an innovative solution to enable customers who had previously enrolled for their Bank Verification Number (BVN) with other banks to upload same on its platform via their mobile phones. With this development, customers are now able to seamlessly comply with the regulatory requirement on BVN and save themselves the stress of having to come to the banking hall. In a statement on how the development affects customers, the Bank expressed that “It aims to make the exercise seamless, easy and consistent with the move towards self-service that has become the order of the day. Ultimately, it also enables the

Bank comply with the CBN’s position within reasonable time”. Customers who had already registered with other banks can now register their BVN by dialling *822*3*BVN#. For its Sterling Alternative Finance offering (Non Interest Banking) customers, the code to dial is *822*4*BVN#. As a customer-focused financial institution poised to enrich lives, the Bank assured that “we continuously strive to improve our processes to ensure the customer experience at every touch point matches our brand promise”. Already, the Bank has distributed BVN cards produced by NIBSS to all the customers who have registered. Meanwhile, some customers of the Bank have continued to commend the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for extending the

Yemi Adeola, Sterling Bank , MD

deadline of the Bank Verification Number (BVN) programme by four months until October 31,

2015. Mr. Gbolahan Bello, a customer banking with a branch of the Bank in Lagos noted that if the initiative was not extended, it would have effectively shut out many Nigerians who could not enroll in the scheme and would have been denied of banking services. He regretted that many Nigerians did not take the exercise seriously at the beginning until the last minute and hoped that many Nigerians will now take advantage of the window that the postponement offered to enroll in the scheme before the new closing date. Similarly, Modupe Solarin, a sales executive in Lagos also considered the figure quoted by Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFINA), an organization committed to promoting

Financial Inclusion in the country, which puts the number of Nigerians who registered before the postponement at 14 million as disturbing. Her words: “The Agency said only 14 million Nigerians registered out of the expected 28.5 million. This is disturbing. I hope that we will all make use of the opportunity that the extension has provided to do the needful”. The CBN had on Tuesday, June 30, 2015, via a circular with reference number BPS/ DIR/GEN/CIR/02/08, and signed by the Director of Banking and Payment Systems Department, CBN, Mr. Dipo Fatokun, announced the extension of the deadline for the biometric registration programme from June 30, 2015 to October 30, 2015. BC

PRCAN launches new capacity building initiative for PR practitioners Adejuwon Osunnuyi

n its bid to boost capacity of Public Relations practitioners in the country, the Public Relations Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, PRCAN, has started a new knowledge sharing series known as the PRCAN Monthly Breakfast Meeting where experts from the clients’ side are invited to share current trends with external consultants. At the maiden edition of the Monthly Breakfast Meeting in Lagos, the Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries, NB, Plc, Mr. Kufre Ekanem, who was the first guest speaker shared insights on what the expectations of typical clients were from their

Public Relations consultants. In his presentation titled, ‘Culture: The Next PR Frontier’, the highly respected Ekanem said PR practitioners must raise the bar of excellence because in today’s highly competitive market, the kind of Public Relations consultants that clients are looking for are those that can develop and implement PR programmes that can help them break cultural barriers. “In other words, the PR consultant must be able to achieve five things for the clients. These five things are PR that: hints, explains, liaises, permeates and sells. The PR must tell a good story of what the target consumers should expect, and explain

clearly, what the brand will do for them. It must also be able to liaise, that is connect with them; break down concerns, issues, obstacles that consumers may have or anticipate and ultimately sell the brand,” he said. The NB Corporate Affairs Adviser enjoined Public Relations practitioners to explore opportunities in culture as a yet-tobe-tapped sphere of reputation building and management for their clients. Ekanem said further that there were several reputation building opportunities organisations could derive from culture as a fast emerging trend in marketing communications. He noted that whether it be

Ecobank wins Best Corporate Bank award

cobank Nigeria has been named winner of the Best Corporate Bank Nigeria 2015 Award by London- based Global Banking and Finance Review Online Magazine, a reputable banking and finance performance review platform. Presenting the award to Ecobank in London, the publication’s Production Coordinator, Noel O’Leary, said the choice of Ecobank from the various nominations was in recognition of its various initiatives targeted at economic transformation of Nigeria and the African continent. He noted that Ecobank has been in the forefront of international trade financing, adding that the bank clearly stands out in various areas of expertise within banking and finance landscape globally. O’Leary pointed out that the awards were created to recognise companies of all sizes which are prominent in particular ar-

eas of expertise and excellence within the financial world. In his words “the awards reflect the innovation, achievement, strategy, progressive and inspirational changes taking place within the global financial community.” Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, Folake Aboderin, said the series of international awards won by the bank in recent times underscores the contributions of Eco-

bank to the economic development of the African continent. “Ecobank has become a major player in the economy. We play in all the segments of the economy – oil and gas, telecommunications; we facilitate and promote international trade across the various regions, financing importers and exporters. As a bank, we are glad that our efforts in this direction are being recognized globally,” she

a corporate or product brand, a proper understanding of the power of culture or what is generally referred to as ‘local love’, can deliver tremendous marketing success. ‘‘One of the ways culture is defined is, ‘the way we do things here’”, he enthused, while noting that culture reflects on the demographics and psychographics as well as the consumer perception of any given brand. He added that areas where Public Relations consultants can begin to focus on include: corporate culture and employee engagement, social culture and tourism and heritage. Ekanem cited examples of some brands that have successfully broken through cultural

barriers: a beverage drink as a perfect complement to food; the promotion of tooth brushing twice daily as a perfect way to keep healthy gums and dentition by toothpaste brands, and the use of two tablets of analgesics for fast relief from pain by pharmaceutical brands. While explaining the rationale behind the initiative, Mr. John Ehiguese, President of PRCAN, said the breakfast meeting was in furtherance of the commitment of the association to boost the capacity of Public Relations consultants in Nigeria so that they could better understand the clients’ point of view and thereby manage their expectations better. BC

said. She also used the opportunity to explain the various ways the bank is promoting commerce and integration with various products such as Rapid Transfer, preferential cards, among others. Global Banking and Finance Review is an online news portal providing informative and independent current news for the banking and finance industry.

Jibril Aku, Eco Bank, MD/CEO

NEM Insurance to play key role in oil, gas industry

EM Insurance plc said it is repositioning to enable it tap into the oil and gas sector of the economy and boost resources. It said it is already deploying resources to build capacity in that segment of business. The company, which has found growth balance in its other product lines including motor business, accident, fire and other

allied risks says it’s determined to increase its retention capacity in oil and gas business. Group Managing Director/ CEO of the Company, Tope Smart, who made the disclosure said NEM has positioned for the future. Smart said, “I think the industry has moved from where it was five years ago, and there are a lot of potentials in the indus-

try. The level of confidence has risen and to that extent, so many people now believe in insurance.” “You will agree with me that the industry has improved by way of response; response to some of the big claims which is in billions of naira that happened in the last five years. And that gives a kind of confidence in the insuring public”. NEM, he noted is evolving

and its focus is to be one of the top three insurance companies in Nigeria. According to him, we have re-engineered our operation and we will continue to do that and we have tried to differentiate our brand from others through our attitude, our character and all these combined together have differentiated us from other brands in the market.” BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, July 27, 2015

A7 23

Companies & Markets

FirstBank partners Freedom Park to boost creativity Udo Onyeka

irst Bank of Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of FBN Holdings and one of Nigeria’s most valuable bank brand, has again demonstrated its commitment towards the promotion of the creative arts through its initiative First@arts. The Bank has developed this initiative through a strategic partnership with Lork Enterprise LLP, managers of Freedom Park, British Council, and Ebony Life Television. The First@arts initiative was driven by the quest to promote entertainment as a veritable vehicle for cohesion amongst family and friends, and it dem-

onstrates the bank’s dynamism as a provider of bespoke services that meet the needs of its strong global-wide customer base. Through the years, FirstBank has influenced the history and growth of the country through the sponsorship of several arts initiatives across diverse cultures. The Bank has continually supported the annual Calabar Festival over many years, Enugu Carnival, Thespian theatre and even the scintillating drama and dance group, Umoja, from South Africa among several others. The initiative would provide a bigger platform to drive several arts and theatrical performances, television programmes whilst exploring several new, rel-

evant and engaging avenues to create entertainment and value for its teeming audience across the globe. The Bank’s partnership with Lork Enterprise LLP, managers of Freedom Park, British Council, and Ebony Life Television is based on their rich pedigree to deliver credible performances as well as drive arts and culture over several years. Freedom Park and British Council Nigeria have become rallying points for arts and theatre performances in Lagos and Nigeria and have captured the attention of the local and international community, arts loving Nigerians locally and in the diaspora. Just recently, Freedom Park received a certificate of excellence from

Student, fresh graduate, others win houses in MTN Trutalk promo Adejuwon Osunnuyi

ore lucky winners have emerged in the MTN Trutalk Best 11 Promo. At the final prize presentation ceremony held recently in Victoria Island, Lagos, some lucky winners were presented with gift of houses worth N15m naira each. Among the lucky winners are Mr. SeunOlola, a 25-year old student of the College of Health Tech, Akure, Ondo State, Mr Christian Okereafor, a fresh graduate from the Abia State University, Uturu and Mrs. AdekoyaBolatito Khadija from Lagos. Reacting to his winning, an obviously elated SeunOlola was full of praises forMTN as he thanked the company for the noble gesture. Seun stated that he was in total disbelief when he received a call from MTN, informing him about his winning. Another winner, Christian Okereafor also showered praises on Nigeria’s leading telecommunications and ICT Company, MTN for what he described as a surprise of a life time. “Many of my friends told me it is a lie, but now, they will

Iweanoge

be surprised to discover that I have become a landlord, courtesy of MTN” Christian said. Speaking on the rationale behind the MTN Trutalk Best 11 promo, the General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN, Mr. Richard Iweanoge, while addressing the press after the presentation, stated that the Company, in its bid to ensure that its subscribers connect with the people that matter to them regularly, without any hindrances, introduced the MTN Trutalk, a value proposition that enables subscribers to register 11 numbers and make calls to those numbers at 50 per cent discount. Explaining further, Richard said, subscribers on the MTN Trutalk proposition therefore qualified for the MTN Trutalk Best 11 Promo, where MTN has so far given out 11 houses, cars and huge cash gifts among other fantastic prizes. BC

Trip Advisor, a leading search site in the hospitality industry. In a statement by the CEO of Lork Enterprise LLP, Mr. Theo Lawson, Freedom Park was designed to create a platform for dialogue between the arts and the community. According to him “the partnership with FirstBank will totally change our capacity to engage and promote the bountiful latent talent we regularly come across as well as provide a rich menu of entertainment and experience for our visitors”. According Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Mrs. Folake Ani Mumuney, FirstBank is particularly interested in Arts and Culture

Ani-Mumuney

and has established First@arts initiative as a platform dedicated to promoting arts and culture events. BC

Niger Insurance earnings rise despite economic challenges

Kola Adedej, Niger Insurance, MD/CEO

iger Insurance Nigeria Plc has declared a 10.07 percent rise in profit despite the volatile business environment, with a profit of N690.96m in 2014, compared with N627.42m the previous year, the company said, indicating that Niger insurance is maximizing the value of its owners. The higher profit will increase investor’s appetite for the company’s share as they await high returns on their investment. The impressive results validate the focus strategy and market penetration strategy

of the savvy management and board of directors of the Nigeria insurance giant. Management’s ability to cut costs also help catapult profit as management expenses reduced by 29.27 percent to N3.31bn in 2014 compared with N4.68bn in 2013. Niger Insurance is also pushing for growth as gross premium written increased 6 percent to N11.06bn in 2014 compared with N10.44bn the previous year. Net premium income was up 1.45 percent to N9.79bn in 2014 as against N9.65bn in 2013. Niger Insurance is increasing equity in the business and also improving on its insurance fund as investment income surged by 46 percent to N1.15bn in 2014 from N790.54m in 2013. The company attributed the growth in investment income to its implementation of NAICOM directives on “No Premium No Cover, Policy” from 1st January

2014. The policy aims to stimulate liquidity within the system by reducing the huge receivables being carried on the statement of financial position of insurance companies. “This will positively impact the income statements of insurance companies by eliminating the large portion of outstanding premium charge for the receivables and make available more cash which can be used to generate more investment income,” the company said in its 2014 published accounts. Niger Insurance is intensifying paying claims to clients as its claims ratio increased to 37.88 percent in 2014 from 35.72 percent in 2013. Claims expenses in the period under review was N4.19bn, representing an increase of 12.33 percent from N3.72bn recorded last year. The company’s share price closed at N0.50 on the NSE while market capitalisation was N3.87bn. BC

Afrinvest to boost clients’ investment

frinvest Securities Limited said it has launched a new product to help clients to unlock the value of their outstanding and unclaimed entitlements of investments in Nigerian-quoted securities. Tagged AfriTrack, the investment advisory firm said the product was designed to help investors realise their unclaimed investments in Nigerian equities and bonds. According to a statement from Afrinvest, the product is targeted at high networth individuals and corporate bodies, cooperative societies, estate account clients and busy executives. It said AfriTrack was a combination of ancillary services

bundled into a single service, for ease and convenience. The statement quoted the Managing Director, ASL, Mr. Charles Egbunonwo, as saying that the product had to do with the reconciliation of clients’ shareholding and investments, and recovery of all outstanding certificates, bonuses and dividend warrants. It also involved the recovery of return money on unallotted public offer shares, dematerialisation of recovered share certificates, revalidation of expired dividend warrants, and consolidation of multiple shareholding accounts. On how the AfriTrack services works, the ASL MD said investors needed to “simply open

a brokerage account with Afrinvest Securities Limited, fill out the AfriTrack application form, supply basic information on your investment portfolio and provide us with a mandate or authorisation letter. “We would then leverage our cordial relationship with various company registrars to promptly reconcile actual shareholding against benefits and entitlements received.” He added, “AfriTrack services would normally be concluded within a period of one to three months, depending on the complexity of the portfolio and peculiar circumstances.” Afrinvest Securities Limited is a broker dealer and dealing member of the Nigerian Stock

Egbunonwo

Exchange. It is a fully-owned subsidiary of Afrinvest (West Africa) Limited, a wealth advisory firm involved in investment banking, securities trading, asset management and investment research with a focus on West Africa. BC

A8 24

Business Courage

Monday, July 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Global News Citi ordered to pay $770m over credit card practices

itigroup Inc’s consumer bank has been ordered to pay $700m in relief to borrowers for illegal credit card practices, the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said. The CFPB, set up under the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act aimed at reforming Wall Street, has been cracking down in recent years on credit card companies offering payment protection, credit score tracking and other add-on products. Citi will also pay civil penalties of $35 million each to the consumer finance watchdog and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The settlement is the CFPB’s tenth such case, Director Richard Cordray said in a statement on Tuesday. “They ,the CFPB are just marching through the industry,” FBR & Co financial policy analyst Edward Mills told Reuters. “The CFPB loves to have big numbers like this, especially when the largest percentage of the fine goes back to customers because there’s a lot of (political) push-back about the cost of the CFPB and the way they’re funded.” Other major U.S. banks under that have been fined over credit card misconduct include JPMorgan Chase & Co and Bank of America Corp. FINE DETAILS Tuesday’s settlement is about 1 percent of the bank’s estimated revenue for 2015, according to Thomson Reuters StarMine. “Citi is fully reserved to pay costs associated with the agreements,” the bank said in a statement. As of May 21, Citi had paid out over $17 billion in fines and settlements since the financial crisis. The CFPB said that about 7 million customer accounts were affected by Citibank’s “deceptive marketing” practices, which included misrepresenting costs and fees and charging customers for services they did not receive. A Citibank unit also “deceptively” charged nearly 1.8 million consumer accounts often unnecessary same-day payment fees while collecting payments, the CFPB said. Citi said it had been issuing refunds and had stopped selling products that were part of its agreements with the regulators, including credit monitoring and debt protection products. Capital One Financial Corp, American Express Co and Discover Financial Services are among other card issuers that

have been fined by the CFPB since 2012. Citi shares were up 0.5 percent at $59.13 in late afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

Cutifani

Mining companies slash tens of thousands of jobs

ining companies Anglo American and Lonmin are cutting tens of thousands of jobs as commodity prices fall. Anglo said it would cut 6,000 posts from office and other roles not directly related to production. The company, which has some 150,000 workers worldwide, said employee numbers would fall by 35 per cent after the cuts, which will be accompanied by asset sales. Anglo posted a pre-tax loss of $1.9bn, £1.2bn, for the six months to 30 June. The miner has been hit by multibillion-dollar write downs on the values of its assets following commodity price falls. Iron ore was down 41 per cent , platinum has fallen 19 per cent, and copper is 18 per cent lower. Chief executive Mark Cutifani told analysts: “Quite frankly we didn’t expect the commodity price rout to be so dramatic and in all likelihood the next six months are going to be even tougher. We have pulled costs out of the business but we need to do more because prices continue to deteriorate.” Most of Anglo’s workforce is in South America and South Africa, with just 2,000 in Europe. Profits from its De Beers diamond mining business fell by $189m to $576m. Shares closed up 0.2 per cent at 808.1p, valuing the company at £11.3bn. The stock is half the value of a year ago. Meanwhile, Lonmin said it would cut 6,000 jobs as the fall in the platinum price forced it to scale back operations in South Africa. In a quarterly production statement the miner warned it was heading for an annual loss at current platinum prices.

The price of platinum has fallen by 14.4 per cent from $1,126 an ounce in March to $964 on Wednesday. Shares plunged 17.4 per cent to 62.3p, valuing the company at £366m. The stock traded at more than £10 a decade ago. Lonmin said it would mothball several platinum mines to cut costs, which would create a “smaller more sustainable and agile business”. The miner added it expected normal platinum production over the next two financial years to fall by 100,000 ounces. “Our objective is to save the majority of the positions in the company and create a sustainable business by taking urgent action and maximising liquidity to protect the business. “All costs, not just labour costs, have to be reduced and productivity improved if the business is to be sustainable,” Lonmin added. The miner added it was reviewing the capital structure for the company given the “new pricing environment” and was considering the whether to refinance its debt. Platinum sales for the quarter were 231,778 ounces. That was in line with refined production expectations and compared with sales of 206,039 ounces for the same period a year earlier. But Lonmin said despite the increase in production the weaker price of the precious metal and the weakness of the South African rand had continued to hurt profits. The platinum US dollar price decreased by 23.2 per cent the same period a year earlier. South Africa’s National Union of Mineworkerssaid on Friday it was shocked by the decision to cut so many jobs. “As the NUM, we are going to fight against any job losses. It is very painful to see that these mining companies take the decisions of cutting jobs easy,” the union said. The mine closures come three years after 34 people were killed after police opened fire on striking Lonmin miners in what has become known in the country as the “Marikana massacre”.

Drinks maker Diageo faces US probe

he US regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, has launched an investigation into whether drinks company Diageo has been shipping excess stocks to customers to boost results. Sending customers more cases than they had ordered would allow Diageo to report

who had already booked their flights. Entebbe is Uganda’s busiest and only international airport. Every week, at least 49 domestic flights and 490 international flights depart from there, according to the travel website Tripadvisor.

WTO strikes ‘landmark’ IT trade deal Lemann

higher sales than were placed. Diageo said it was “working to respond fully to the SEC’s requests for information in this matter”. Shares in Diageo closed down 2.1 per cent at £18.66 following the news. The US market accounts for nearly $18bn of Diageo’s annual sales. But sales in the region have been falling since 2011. Diageo - which makes drinks including Smirnoff vodka, Guinness and Johnnie Walker whiskey - saw its share price surge last month on reports of a possible £50bn takeover bid from the Brazilian billionaire Jorge Paulo Lemann and his private equity partners. In the second half of last year the world’s biggest distiller of Scotch whisky reported a sharp fall in sales in some of its key markets. Diageo said profits fell by 18 per cent to £1.7bn, while overall sales were down 1 per cent . Trading conditions in parts of Europe and Russia, described as “tough” at the start of the year by the company, are thought to remain difficult.

British Airways stops flights to Uganda’s Entebbe airport

ritish Airways has said it is stopping all flights to and from Uganda as they are “no longer commercially viable”. The last flight out from Entebbe airport to London’s Heathrow will depart on 3 October 2015, the UK carrier said. British Airways operates four flights a week to Entebbe. However, their rates are not as competitive as the ones offered by other airlines, says BBC Uganda analyst Alex Jakana. It offers the luxury of direct flights from Uganda to the UK, but some Ugandan travellers prefer to use airlines going via the Middle East, despite the longer journey time, he says. In a statement, British Airways said it was “sorry for any disruption” to travellers

he World Trade Organisation, WTO, has struck a “landmark” deal to cut tariffs on $1.3 trn ,£838bn, worth of technology products. The deal will update the 18-year-old IT agreement and add 200 products to the zero tariff list. It is expected to give a boost to producers of goods ranging from video games to medical equipment. The WTO says the sum is equal to global trade in iron, steel, textiles and clothing combined. “Today’s agreement is a landmark,” said WTO DirectorGeneral Roberto Azevedo. Eliminating tariffs on trade of this magnitude will have a huge impact,” he continued. “It will support lower prices - including in many other sectors that use IT products as inputs - it will create jobs and it will help to boost GDP growth around the world.” The final technical details will be worked out until December. The existing 1996 IT agreement was seen by industry and policy makers as woefully out of date as it did not cover devices and products invented since then. Products added range from advanced computer chips to GPS devices, medical equipment, printer cartridges and video-game consoles Technology manufacturers such as General Electric, Intel, Texas Instruments, Microsoft and Nintendo are among the many companies expected to benefit from the deal. Negotiations on updating the technology agreement began in 2012. BC

Azevêdo

Politics

How will you assess President Muhammadu Buhari’s two months in office? The government being led by President Buhari has done remarkably well, given the short time of its existence in office. And the reason I am saying this is very simple but rather complex. People need to understand what is called governance. When you have a government that means to work for the electorate, the first thing you need to do is to be realistic and objective. By so doing, you need to understand the magnitude of the problem that is on the ground, diagnose it and then start to apply treatment to it. I will give you an example. It is very easy for people to tag Buhari “Baba Go Slow”. It is very strange and abusive. You are talking about going into the treatment without knowing the root causes of the ailment. Who do you need to tell you that the system in Nigeria is not working? What works in Nigeria? Why don’t you think of the filth, mismanagement and corruption and those who steal? It even goes beyond that. So, we need to have a reorientation in everything.

Monday, July 27, 2015

Nigerians must be patient with Buhari –Adegbenro Mr. Adejare Adegbenro is an Ogun State-born political analyst and inspirational speaker. He urges Nigerians to be patient with President Muhammadu Buhari, saying two months in office is not enough to assess a government that has a four-year tenure, adding that the rot of 16 years need to be studied properly with a view to apply correct treatment. AYO ESAN brings the excerpts: political will to continue what he is doing. And one thing I know, by the special grace of God, we will get to a point where the majority of Nigerians would support this government and they would say, whatever you do, we support you. But I will never support anything selective. But anything that is for the betterment of Nigeria, let us go. When can you withdraw your support from Buhari? If tomorrow, after his tenure, it is established that Buhari himself is corrupt, I will support the government of the day to take up the matter and prosecute him. I pray almighty God to touch the hearts of Nigerians to rally round this man to succeed rather than talking about whether he is slow or he is fast. What do we want to achieve? We want a Nigeria where institutions work. That is the most important thing. Interestingly, this is the same Buhari that some people said was the sponsor of Boko Haram! Today, Buhari is the cleanest of the clean and that was why we voted for him. Today, Buhari is Saint Buhari. After all, the late music legend, Fela Anikulapo has once said that in the city of the blind, an eyed man is the king.

But he was given a handover note before his assumption of office… Yes, I know people will be quick to say Buhari was given a hand over note before his inauguration by the previous government so he should hit the ground running. When was it given and what was he given? Now, another reason I said he has done remarkably well is that we have countries that are not faithful towards our government. The United States of America is not friendly to us, if it were, there would have been so much assistance of collaborations that could have solved a lot of our national problems. But what happens? Today, they are going to sell this to us, tomorrow they are no more selling to us. Yet, with this cat and mouse posture, we still maintain diplomatic relationship with them. Then, what can we do? Is that the reason he is slow in taking actions? When they say Buhari is slow, they fail to appreciate the fact that he needs to understand the problem that is on the ground before acting. In the handover note, what they will tell you, and what he will find in the office after the swearing in at the Eagles Square will be a different ball game entirely. The information he never had before the inauguration, now he has it. The reality has now dawned on him. He needs to articulate it. And people complain that he has not constituted his cabinet without checking how much he has saved for the country in the process. Besides, Mr. President, who we all agree is Mr. Clean and incorruptible, will need equally clean lieutenants that will compliment his effort at moving the country forward on a clean slate. Do people know that those they are touting to be fit for some positions are not as clean as they think? So, how can I assess the government that is given four years tenure in two months? For me, personally, it is so far so good for the government of the day. In fact, Buhari is a success story by the grace of God. Can we attribute his advanced age to his slowness? I do not care about his age. My concern is for Nigeria to work. If the President of Nigeria is to work from the intensive care unit of a hospital, God forbids, and he would give direction on how the country would work, so be it. I need political maturity, sincerity of purpose and dedication, which, I am convinced, this gentle man Buhari possesses. I am a Nigerian. I don’t want to be described as a Yoruba, Ibo Hausa or Itsekiri. I am a Nigerian and I need somebody who feels for Nigeria. And let me tell you one thing, when I see Buhari, I see somebody who feels for Nigeria and who is ready to make the system work. I now understand that Buhari is a man of very few words but great actions. And come to think of it, Buhari is somebody nobody can compromise through sycophancy. If you think that by singing his praises he would go out of his way to patronise you unduly, that would amount to winking at

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Adegbenro

somebody in the dark. So, I pray to God to prolong his life and give him sound health to be able to take us to the path of honourable society. We pray that God gives him the courage and wisdom to succeed because if this man fails in his efforts at cementing the unity of this country further, I do not see a Nigeria again. Are you still convinced that he will succeed in fighting corruption in the land going by the rot he has found on the ground? I am not saying President Buhari is a saint. But let me tell you one thing, he was about the most honourable Nigerian that came out to ask for people’s mandate. And he can never succeed until we, the over 150 million Nigerians back him up to take us to the promised land. We don’t need to steal to be rich and become millionaires in dollars. All we need to do is to be hardworking, prayerful and be lucky. He has started on the right way and we need the support of the media in that course. He has made it clear that no Nigerian is above the law and that is what we want. And that is why Nigerians should support the government. You and I know that Nigeria is a corrupt country. My prayer is that may God give this man the

And from President Buhari’s utterances and body language, one would decipher that he desires a true country.

I therefore urge all Nigerians to rally round him

How do you think the National Assembly crisis can be resolved? Well, on the crisis in the National Assembly, I will like to call on President Buhari, who is the father of all to exhibit spirit of forgiveness in the larger interest of the country. He should intervene to douse the tension so that the country can move forward. I don’t have full information about how it happened. But as it is now, God has reasons for everything. The Almighty God, in both the Bible and the Qur’an teaches us to have the heart of forgiveness. And I have the confidence that President Buhari will open an avenue for smooth transition and amicable settlement of the crisis. If we start to pass bulk and apportion blames on who did this and who did not do that, before we know it, four years would have gone by. It has happened and it has happened. The best option now is to harmonise our positions to find a way forward. Nigeria has no time to waste. And for me, I believe Mr. President will do what is right over the matter. And nobody is saying that Senator Bukola Saraki is not qualified to be Senate President. He is eminently qualified like other senators. He is just one among equals. And going by his pedigree and antecedents, the cap fits Saraki just as it would have fitted other contestants for the position. And for now, he is doing well as Senate President. I pray God gives Saraki the wisdom to assist his principal and father, President Buhari to succeed in his onerous task of taking Nigeria to the Promised Land. I also urge other senators to bury the hatchets and support Saraki in passing laws that would assist the President to move the country forward. And from President Buhari’s utterances and body language, one would decipher that he desires a true country. I therefore urge all Nigerians to rally round him and be patient with him because problems of 16 years cannot be solved in two months. And I can assure you that with the way he has started, by 2019, Nigerians will beg Buhari to contest for a second term in office because his government will be a success story by the grace of God.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Monday, July 27, 2015

Jos explosion: 112 still in hospitals, says NEMA

ational Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has confir med that 112 injured persons were still on admission in four hospitals in Jos, Plateau State, following Saturday’s explosion of Chlorine Cylinder used

for water treatment at Lamingo Plant by the Plateau Water Board. The NEMA NorthCentral Coordinator, Alhaji Abdulsalami Mohammed, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that three more persons have died, in addition to the initial five killed

Corruption: We have enough evidence to prosecute Shema –Masari JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

overnor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State yesterday said his government has enough evidence of huge financial misappropriation running into billions of Naira against his predecessor, Ibrahim Shema. Masari, who spoke when Emir of Daura, Alhaji Farouk Umar Farouk, paid him Sallah homage, said such evidence would soon be used to charge the former governor to court. He alleged that N76.6 billion of excess crude oil money to the state was misappropriated under Shema’s government, while the former governor personally diverted N7.5 billion to private pocket. He said N800 million was alleged to have been used to purchase drugs during Shema’s administration, but that fake receipts were used in the said transaction. Masari, however said the former governor had the opportunity of re-

deeming himself if he comes forward with the stolen funds. He alleged that Shema had been sponsoring campaign of calumny against his administration in various media outlets, and had paid over N1.8 billion to said media organisations for this purpose. He said the intention is to frustrate the current efforts to get stolen funds back to rightful owners, even as he added that his administration would not be intimidated on the development. He assured of an open door policy under his administration, and to account to the people whatever expenditure he and his cabinet members would spend during his tenure. On his part, Emir of Daura, Alhaji Farouk Umar, called on the governor to give attention to agriculture which most people in the state were into. The emir said doing so would enable food to be readily and cheaply available, as well as boost efforts at jobs creation.

by the incident which also razed many houses around the area. He named the four hospitals to include Jos University Teaching Hospital, Bingham University Teaching Hospital, as well as Plateau Specialist and OLA Hospitals, all in Jos. “The situation has normalised, but the area has been cordoned- off to ward-off further danger,’’ Mohammed said.

KANO

he introduction of the Kano-Port Harcourt intercity train services would revive and enhance the weakened economic relationship between the North West states and their South East counterparts, Kano State Government has said. The state government reacting to the commissioning of a 68 seater railway coaches that are scheduled to shuttle

Kano- Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt -Kano, said the rebirth of railway services on that route would provide easy conveyance and delivery of goods at affordable rate, thereby boosting economic relationship and job creation. The government commended the Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC, for the efforts, while expressing the optimism that the new train services would be beneficiary to its people, disclosing that the Kano-Lagos route on its revival has been beneficia-

make sure that no one is allowed to return,’’ he said. Meanwhile, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau had expressed shock at the incident and sympathised with families of those killed after inhaling excess chlorine. Lalong, said the situation had been contained, and explained that steps had been taken to ensure that the contamination did not affect the quality

of water being pumped to the public. “We have taken adequate steps to clean the main water pipes and ensure that water supplied through the pipes are safe for human consumption,’’ he said. The governor said measures had also been taken to address the issue of expired components of the treatment plant to guard against a recurrence.

Candidates writing the Federal Government College Keffi supplementary common entrance examination into JSS1 in Federal Unity Colleges in Nasarawa, at the weekend. PHOTO: NAN

UniIorin working to develop Ebola vaccine –VC

ice-Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Unilorin, Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali, said the institution’s Ebola Research Committee is working toward developing a vaccine for the Ebola

Stakeholders hail revived Kano –P’Harcourt inter-city train services ABDULGAFAR OLADIMEJI

He described the incident as ‘’very unfortunate,’’ adding that the community around the water treatment plant would be relocated. “The community around the plant will be relocated; in fact, we have just been told that the community was initially relocated and compensated, but started coming back gradually. “This time, once they are relocated, we shall

ry to the people of Kano. Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sunusi II, while commissioning the train service had recalled the historical significance of the Kano- Port Harcourt train route, stating that it was a major player in the success of trading activities between the North and the South. Sunusi express the hope that the rejuvenated train services would further unify Nigerians and strengthen the spirit of peace co-existence amongst them.

virus. Ambali, who disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Sunday in Abuja, said that the process of developing a vaccine was a long one. “What is happening is that the committee is just monitoring events; in terms of the vaccine, it will take a while because there are processes that you have to follow before you develop a vaccine. “For example, you have to isolate the virus; grow the virus; attenuate the virus; bring it out for testing; and then before the final usage. “So those are the processes that any vaccine will have to pass through before you can now use on victim. “But right now what they are doing is monitoring events across the borders; and then we have

put in place the facilities to be able to advise our staff as well as students that want to visit those places (High risk Ebola countries). The vice-chancellor said that the committee was monitoring developments in neighbouring countries, especially in Liberia where there was a resurgence of Ebola. He said that people, staff and students, who travelled, would be advised on proper precautionary measures while those returning from high risk areas would be properly screened before entry. Ambali stressed the need for Nigerian universities to step up the publications of their research findings in order to improve the global rating of Nigerian universities. He said the recent ranking of African uni-

versities in which only one Nigerian university made the top ten was worrisome. “Every academic should be worried about this ranking and we are doing our best to make sure that we enter that vicinity of the ranking arena. “We need to increase our visibility; we need to improve on our interaction through the internet and then update our research publications. “We also need to make sure that we are seen across globe as much as possible so that the world will know what is happening in our institutions,’’ Ambali said. According to him, Nigerian universities are as good as their foreign counterparts, but need to constantly upload their activities online in order to achieve global presence.

Monday July 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bahrain detains two accused of smuggling arms from Iran

ahrain said it detained two men accused of trying to smuggle weapons from Iran, with which the small Gulf kingdom has strained relations. Machine guns, ammunition and C4 explosives were found after the boat was seized off ADDITION OF NAME

Bahrain last week, the interior ministry said in a statement late Saturday. The coastguard retrieved the weapons from the seabed after two men on board dropped them when a Bahraini helicopter approached, the ministry CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known as Jelili Adeshina Hussain, now wish to be known. and addressed as Teslim Jelili. Adeshina Hussain. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IFEDIATA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ifediata Jane Chinenye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Molokwu Jane Chinenye. All former documents remain valid. First Bank PLC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS

AKINYEMI: I, formerly known and addressed as Mr Akinyemi Oluwafemi Paul, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mr Ajayi Oluwafemi Paul. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly addressed and known as Miss Hammed Iyabo, now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Alabi Rukayat Iyabo. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OTI: I formerly known and addressed as Mary Eche, now wish to be known and addressed as Maryann Oti. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note

CHANGE OF NAME

NANCY: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nancy Musa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Nancy Linus. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

This is to inform the general public Of the loss of Deed of Lease dated 28th July 1978 registered as 18/18/1409 at the Lands Registry Enugu with survey plan no MG/AN/462/85 belonging to Onuigwe Orji Benard. If found contact the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development Enugu

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Aduroja Victoria Bukola now wish to be known and called as Mrs Oparanti Victoria Bukola. All former documents remain valid. general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Abubakar Fatima Bida Lami is the same as Lami Abubakar.All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note of this changes.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Adams Lukman Iyioluwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Tajudeen Lukman Adamson. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

BRETHREN LEGACY FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby notIfied that the above named organization has applied to the corporate Aﬀairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters(Amended) Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Hon. Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi 2. Dr. Joseph Thlama Dawha 3. Mr. Zira Maigadi 4. Mr. Afakirya Aduwa Gadzama

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. Harnessing resources for the growth and development of critical areas of human needs I.e. Youths, Women, etc 2. Empowerment by way of training in skill acquisition, capacity building, educational and humanitarian support. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Aﬀairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Oﬀ Aguiyi-Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this notice.

SIGNED: A.A. MADAKI ESQ. AZI, MADAKI, NYAKO & ASSOCIATES; BLOCK 4 ROOM 222 JMDB SHOPPING COMPLEX, OYEWUMI STREET, JOS.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHRIST BELL INTERNATIONAL CHURCH This is to inform the general public that the above named CHURCH has applied to the Corporate Aﬀairs Commission for incorporation under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Prophet Ayo Fadimu - Chairman 2. Deaconess Olufunmilayo Fadimu 3. Evangelist Olusola Iyabode Akinwunmi 4 Sister Titilayo Adenuga - Secretary 5 Pastor Dolapo Adenuga 6 Brother Gabriel Akinwunmi

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1 To preach the gospel of Christ to all nation 2 To prepare the men and women for the kingdom of God

said. It said its investigation and questioning of the pair revealed that one of them was trained in Iran in August 2013 and “underwent intensive training in making and using explosives”. According to the statement, he was given CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Idiagbon Hybee Omotosho, now wish to be known and addressed as Idiagbon Ibrahim Omotosho. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AJA: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Aja Catherine Uchenna now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. CharlesObiorah Catherine Uchenna. All former documents remain valid. Federal Teaching Hospital Abakiliki, Nursing and Midwifery council of Nigeria, First Bank of Nigeria, Stanbic IBTC, Pension managers Ltd and General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

OKEBUGWU: I, formerly known and addressed as Joy Abigail Okebugwu, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Joy Abigail Njokwu Chukwu. I equally declare that my date of birth was 9th of June, 1986. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Adenuga Adeolu, now wish to be known and addressed as Adenuga Adeolu Michael. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogbuehi Blessing Ngozi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onikoyi Blessing Ngozi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

money by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to buy the boat and the men received the weapons off the coast of Iran. There was no immediate comment from the Iranian authorities. The announcement came hours after Sunniruled Bahrain, which CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss .Diane Halima Dadzie, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Diane Halima Craciun. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UGWUANYI: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nnedinso Judith, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ezeh Nnedinso Judith. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

NDUKA: I, formerly known and addressed as Favour-Charity Chinedu Nduka, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Maryfavour Chinedu Nduka. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authority Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Kasali Bolanle Sakirat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adebayo Bolanle Sakirat.All former documents remain valid.General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

UDEAGHA: I formerly known and addressed as Miss Udeagha Lillian Ogechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Okafor Lillian Ogechi. All former documents remain valid. National Open University Of Nigeria (NOUN) and general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ADEOLA BABATUNDE FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Aﬀairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Adeola Babatunde - Chairman 2. Mr. Abiola Babatunde - Secretary 3. Mrs. Folasade Adewale-Lawal - Treasurer AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote awareness of right which include economic, social and cultural right among citizens. 2. To help the less privilege in the society 3. To help solve family issues. 4. To promote utility among the society Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Aﬀairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Oﬀ Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

has a Shiite majority, said it was recalling its envoy from Tehran in protest at “hostile” comments by Iranian leaders. Parliament’s foreign affairs committee demanded an extraordinary Arab summit to discuss “Iranian interference”. On July 19, Bahrain summoned Iran’s acting charge d’affaires to protest against the Islamic republic’s suCHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ibekwe, Nkechi Justina, now wish to be known and addressed as Olu-olusegun, Nk echi Justina. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OGBODO: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogbodo Miriam Akuabata, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ibobo Miriam Adaku. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ENE: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ene Uchechukwu Rebecca now wish to be known and addressed as mrs. ezieke uchechukwu rebecca. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Aremu Bukola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Daramola Grace Bukola. All former document remain valid. Federal University Oye Ekiti and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Beatrice Omotayo Shobo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Omotayo Beatrice Omotayo. All former documents remain valid. Covenant University, Ota,Ogun State and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

OBIORAH: I formerly known and addressed as Miss Obiorah Chinenye Lilian, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Nnaji Chinenye Lilian. All documents remain. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Coker Funmi Precious, now wish to known and addressed as Mrs Afakhade Funmi Precious. All former documents remain valid General public should please take note

preme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei voicing support for “oppressed people” across the Middle East, including in Bahrain. Manama accuses Shiite Iran of backing opposition demands in Bahrain for a constitutional monarchy and an elected prime minister. Bahrain, which lies just across the Gulf from Iran and is home to the US Fifth Fleet, has seen frequent clashes between protesters and security forces in Shiite villages since an Arab Spring-inspired uprising was crushed four years ago. CHANGE OF NAME

AGU: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Agu Stella Ukamaka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ngwu Stella Ukamaka. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UBAH: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ubah Fidelia Onyekachi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwanze Fidelia Onyekachi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Bankole Atinuke Florence, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akindele Atinuke Florence. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Badmus Adanma Charity, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Nwafor Adanma Charity. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Immigration Service and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ADENIJI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adebola Omowumi Adeniji, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Aluko Adebola Omowunmi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ALUKO: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Aluko Esther Kehinde now :wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ayeni Kehinde Esther. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

PUBLIC NOTICE

DIVINE ROYAL BANNER ASSEMBLY

This is to notify the general public that the above named Assembly has applied to the Corporate Aﬀairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act. No 1. of 1990

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Adesua Henry Okunade - G.O/ President 2. Prophetess Adesua Caroline Modupe 3. Pastor Kofe Ilesanmi Samuel 4. Apostle Akinbode Isaac Adisa 5. L/Evangelist Olaoye M. Foluke 6. Elder Sanusi Elijah 7. Deacon Daramola Kolade - General Secretary. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To preach the word of God 2. To teach the doctrine of Christ and prepare believers 3. To set the captives free through prayer and deliverance for destiny fulfillment.

Any objection to the incorporation of the above ministry should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Aﬀairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, Oﬀ Aguiyi Ironsi Street,P.M.B 198, Maitama, , Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Aﬀairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, oﬀ Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: BARRISTER TOPE OLAOSEBIKAN.

Monday, July 27, 2015

I am ready to give my all to this club. There is no half measure. Surely, this is what I have been known for

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Zenith B’ball: Dolphins dethrone First Bank

Sport

–NEW YORK CITY FC MIDFIELDER, ANDREA PIRLO

South West forum for co-operation –Akinwunmi Afolabi Gambari

F Stephen Keshi

Sack latest:

Keshi

seeks N1bn compensation

fricanFootball.com yesterday revealed that sacked Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, has demanded a compensation of N1bilion from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for defaming him. Last week, AfricanFootball.com had broken the story Keshi has sued the Football House for what the be-

leaguered gaffer termed wrongful dismissal and defamation. “Keshi’s lawyer has demanded N1billion from the NFF as compensation for defaming their client,” AfricanFootball.com said yesterday while also confirming that the letter from the Kadunabased law firm was received by the NFF on Friday.

Keshi was sacked by the NFF on July 5 after the NFF’s disciplinary committee investigated various allegations against him. This was four months after the 53-year-old coach signed a new two-year contract after his initial three-year deal with the NFF ran out at last year’s World Cup in Brazil.

irst Vice President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, says the South West Football Association convened in Abeokuta, Ogun State at the weekend is a non-political association formed without prejudice to other zones in the country. National Mirror reported on Friday that the forum was a brainchild of Akinwunmi who is also Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association and it was aimed at devolving football administration in Nigeria. “The forum is constituted to transform football administration and hold regular tournaments by adopting international best practices,” Akinwunmi explained. “The key point is football development and we want to ensure the spread as much as possible,” the NFF chieftain added. Among the dignitaries who attended the one-day event include President of the NFF, Amaju Pinnick; chairmen of Ogun, Osun, Oyo and Ekiti states, Ganiyu Majekodunmi, Taiwo Ogunjobi, James Adeniran and Desmond Alabi respectively, as well as Vice Chairman of Ondo State FA, Dele Ologbese. Others are one-time

WAFU president, Chief Jonathan Ogufere; former FIFA technical adviso,r Chief Adegboye Onigbinde; founder, Pepsi Football Academy, Chief Kashimawo Laloko; President-General of Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo; former Nigeria internationals, Chief Segun Odegbami and Dr. Felix Owolabi and former broadcaster, Mr. Fabio Lanipekun. Secretaries of the football associations in the six South West states were also in attendance. Highlights of the forum’s agenda are to establish world class football academies in Nigeria and to evolve a quick return of football in the South West zone to its glorious days. An excited Governor Amosun, a consummate athlete in his youth, immediately endorsed the forum, pledging to rally the other governors in the zone to support the forum’s noble objectives. “I must confess that I am indeed very happy to see the calibre of people that have come together to be part of this idea and work to enable the rapid development of football in the South –West. This is heartwarming, and I believe that if these people can sit inside one room, half of the problems of Nigeria football is solved.”

Akinwunmi

Sports

Monday, July 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World Cup 2018 draws fallouts… …Mashaba pleased with ‘outcome’

Avram Grant

Grant wary of opponents G

hana Coach, Avram Grant, says he is not taking his 2018 FIFA World Cup finals qualifying opponents lightly ahead of November’s clash. The Black Stars will face either Comoros Islands or Lesotho over two legs in the second qualifying round con-

test and victory will see the three-time World Cup finalists reach the Group stage for qualification to Russia. “I think the system for Africa is a little bit new for me so we know only the first game and then we know we will go to the group stages,” the Israeli said. ”In any case, I think in Africa, all

the group stages will be very difficult because it contains a lot of good teams and only less than 10 per cent have qualified. If you compare to South America, 50 per cent of the teams have qualified and in Europe, I think over 30 per cent.” ”It will be difficult but we have a good team.”

afana Bafana Coach, Shakes Mashaba, says he is happy to meet Angola in the 2018 FIFA World Cup preliminary African Zone Round 2 qualifying rounds following the draw that was conducted in Russia on Saturday. South Africa has played in three World Cups since the country’s readmission into international football in the early 1990s. “I think it was a fair draw. One could not have asked for a better draw than this one. We have played Angola on a number of occasions, although the outcomes were close, we have had an upper hand,” Mashaba said yesterday. “It was more or less what we expected; you cannot reach the World Cup finals without facing tough teams. One thing for sure, we will prepare thoroughly against Angola; we won’t underestimate them,” he added. Angola will host Bafana in Luanda on October 11 with the return leg expected two weeks later. Round 2 winners from Africa will then be drawn into five groups of four in which the winner of each group qualifies for Russia 2018.

Zenith B’ball: Dolphins dethrone First Bank Paul Erewuba

olphins Basketball club of Lagos at the weekend defeated defending champion First Bank of Lagos 7772 in the final of the 11th annual Zenith Bank-sponsored Women’s Basketball Championship in Lagos. Dolphins’ feat earned them the Zenith Bank donated giant trophy as well as N1.2m star prize money at stake. The Wale Aboderin-financed side remained the only team that did not lose

any game throughout the championship from the first and second phases held in Abuja and Ilorin. Dolphins took the game straight to First Bank and got rewarded for their effort. First Deepwater won the third place after defeating Inspector General of Police Queens 53-43 in the losers final. Dolphins play maker, Juliet Currency, also emerged as the Most Valuable Player (MVP), dethroning last year’s MVP winner, Chioma Udeaja ,of First Bank. Currency also won the Highest Goal

Scorer prize while Bucky Damilola of Sunshine Angels of Akure won the Best Rebounder. Currency, Okpe Pauline of Dolphins, Chioma Udeaja and Nkechi Akashili of First Bank and Blessing Samuel of Nigeria Customs got listed as the Best five players of the championship. Meanwhile, Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Peter Amangbo, has commended the participating teams while promising that the 12th edition next year would be on improved platform.

Mashaba

T/tennis: Bello shines in Cameroon

D Zenith Bank Managing Director, Peter Amangbo; NBBF President, Tijani Umar and Dolphins captain, Bintu Badmus at the presentation of winners’ prize to Badmus in Lagos at the weekend

ebutant Ahmed Bello dazzled as Nigeria’s Union Bank Sports Club yesterday finished third at the 2015 ITTF African Club Championships concluded in Yaounde, Cameroon. Bello, who was making his international debut for the bankers’ team, failed to save his side from losing 3-0 to Egypt’s Ahly in the semifinal stage of the men’s event at the Multi-Purpose Complex in Yaounde. To make it to the last four, Union Bank tutored by Samson Ajayi nearly caused an upset in their first group match against defending champion, Club Avenir of Congo Brazzaville, made up of Chinese-born stars-Jianan Wang and

Bin Hu as well as their Nigerian imports, Suraju Saka and Saheed Idowu. After Azeez Ogunlade fell to Wang 3-0, Bello caused the biggest upset of the competition when he defeated Africa’s number six ranked player, Suraju Saka 3-2 to give the Nigerian team a ray of hope. But David Fayele could not withstand Idowu as he was beaten 3-0. Idowu was particularly thrilled with Bello’s performance, saying, “Ahmed played as if everything was at stake and he never bothered about the pedigree of his opponent especially being his first international outing. I hope he can be encouraged in Nigeria.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Monday, July 27, 2015

Kogi clubs get kits boost a 4-1 win over Kaduna United in what marked the return of former coach, Fatai Osho, to the team. A brace from Mayaki Ismail and goals from John Jerome and Kingsley Iwuji secured the comprehensive win for the Wada Boys. “I expected a win but didn’t know it

Hon. Ahmed Ahmed (r) and Kogi United and Confluence Queens Chairman, Abdul Sule when the former donated kits to the clubs in Lokoja at the weekend

Afolabi Gambari

ports philanthropist, Hon. Ahmed Ahmed, has donated match jerseys to Nigeria National League side Kogi United FC of Lokoja and its sister team Confluence Queens in what he calls personal effort to motivate the team. Ahmed said at the presentation of the kits to the team officials and players in Lokoja over the weekend that his gesture was borne out of passion for sports development. “I have passion for football and its growing by the day, where I based in Port Harcourt, I’ve been done this for clubs in my Port Harcourt base so I think I should extend it to my home state to complement efforts of the incumbent Kogi State administration,” the donor, who hails from

Thoughts on Mikel Obi Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello Ankpa area of the state, said, adding, “I also want to demonstrate to United and Queens that individuals can contribute to the well-being.” Chairman of both clubs, Mallam Abdul Sule, commended the donor’s effort which he said would boost morale of the stateowned clubs commended Hon. Ahmed for the timely gesture adding that it would further boost the morale of the club. “We will continue to improve on the welfare and appearance status of both teams as we believe this gesture will spur them to excellence,” the former Nigeria international remarked, stressing, “We are pleased that this is the first time an individual would donate kits to the clubs and I urge well-meaning sons and daughters of the Kogi State to emulate Hon. Ahmed.” Meanwhile, Kogi United kick-started the NNL season on Saturday at home with

… Sule hails Queens’ ‘fighting spirit’

hairman of Confluence Queens FC, Mallam Abdul Sule, has praised the players for their hard won victory over Bayelsa Queens in the Week 8 match of Nigeria Women Premier League clash in Lokoja yesterday. The visitors took the lead in the 4th minute and it took another 16 minutes for the hosts to level score and then scored two minutes after to restore lead, only for Bayelsa to capitalize on a goalkeeping error to equalize. Confluence Queens waited till the 77th minute for captain Aishat Bello to seal victory for the home team after Bello also cashed in on Bayelsa’s error in the rear guard to send the crowd jubilating at the

Confluence Stadium. Chairman of the Confluence State club, Mallam Abdul Sule commended his girls for their relentless effort and fight which he described as a motivation to go into their next match. “It was a hard earned victory for us and the team gave a good fight for us to win,” Sule said. “The ladies showed a zeal that they desire wants to do well in the league going forward and I hope this will motivate them ahead of our next game at home against Delta Queens on Wednesday,” the club boss added. Confluence Queens have picked seven points from five games.

Cargolux squash tourney rounds off

he 11th Cargolux Merchant Express Squash Tournament ended at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja on Saturday with quality games featuring in the U-15, U-19, classic and other categories. The U-15 and U-19 commenced on Tuesday after the closed tournament amongst members of the Lagos Country Club while the Open category served off on Friday. In the men category of the closed version, Haniel Hadison beat Funmi Bankole 2-1 to clinch the title while Imo Udo-Akagha and Ayo Ogunsusi both settled for 3rd place.

would four goals for us,” Osho told journalists after the encounter that saw the crowd at the Confluence Stadium cheering the home team endlessly. “I think we are ready to challenge for more for greatness and we hope to build on this victory in our next match against Spotlight in Katsina,” the gaffer added.

Mike Adekoya subdued Taiwo Sanni in the final to pick the title in the Veterans category which saw both players putting a gutsy display in their quest to be crowned champions. Captain Shina Akinfenwa and Deji Sule, who missed out on the final, also played scintillating squash but finished in 3rd place. Akinfenwa fared better in the Super Veterans category, reaching the final but found the skills of oppnent Welly Eyimina too much to handle. Welly carted home the title, while Akinfenwa and Aluko finished in 2nd and 3rd positions respectively.

he question on everyone’s lips would be, ‘why is she thinking about Mikel Obi?’ Surely, the eyes of Obi’s girlfriend, Olga, would pop out at the headline. But seriously, this is all about the player’s dwindling career. Mikel was that young lad, a delight of the nation when at the age of 12 he made it as a talented player to the prestigious Pepsi Football Academy. He dazzled us with skills and humility and in no time, big clubs had to battle for his signature. He was prematurely unveiled by Manchester United before being tactically snapped up by Chelsea. Indeed, it was a war between the English football’s mighty clubs. He was that superb. Ten years after winning medals with Lionel Messi in the same tournament under different categories, Mikel has not really progressed as Messi has done. So far as a Chelsea player, he has not done so well for his career as he has done superbly well for his bank accounts. Truth be told, he has not been productive just as his presence has not been felt at club and country. At the moment, he is the biggest name and biggest player in the current squad of the Super Eagles. Unfortunately, he is one of the less productive with minimal impact or contribution to the team. One can only wonder where things went wrong. I wonder what went wrong. Chelsea Manager, Jose Mourinho, recently showed his confidence in Mikel and insisted the Nigerian will not be leaving. Great news he is staying back at Chelsea under Mourinho, under whom every player would revel in being tutored. He had earlier been linked with a move to Turkish side Fenerbahce and Al-Ain in Dubai, a direct signal of his dwindling career fortune that no club in the EPL has even shown interest. As a prospective Super Eagles captain, his leadership skills leaves a lot to be desired. Another Eagles midfielder, John Ogu, once said in an interview that he was inspired by Mikel. Ogu might be one of many others so inspired. But how far has really inspired Ogu and his likes, judging by his recent contributions to Chelsea and Nigeria. Mikel had been suspended from the national team in 2007 by then Eagles’ coach, Berti Vogts, and had to be reinstated after several appeals. He would seven years after win Man of the Match award against Iran at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Records show that Mikel has won the

Mikel Obi

English Premier League title twice, FA Cup four times, UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Africa Cup of Nation, among others. But his personal contribution on the pitch to all the glories left so much to be desired. Without doubt, he plays in different roles for Nigeria and Chelsea. But perhaps, he will be better served playing in a team that can utilize him in an attacking midfield position where he is proficient. Staying put at Chelsea is not necessarily good for his career progression or any positive impact he might make in the Nigerian team. Mikel should be a celebrity of sorts, with the generation of new players coming on the Stamford Bridge side. For curious reasons, however, the reverse is the case! It is pertinent to ask, therefore: Can new Super Eagles Coach, Sunday Oliseh, build his midfield around Mikel? Does he really deserve to be next in line as the national team’s captain? It seems Chelsea, however, that despite Mourinho’s assurances, Chelsea is only waiting to dispense with him as the transfer window closes next month. After all, he is yet to be allocated a squad number. At 28, Mikel should get back his zeal and desire to be the best. It is never too late for him to work harder as the potential is still there. He ought to know that Nigerians look up to him to improve on his recent performance and be a leader. He could take a cue from former Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, who at 35 is still determining how matches swing in the MLS where is currently making waves. Indeed, Mikle could go another ten years if he keeps his head straight and Nigeria would especially be better for it. But only Mikel can determine his own missing link and draw a strategy on how to claw his way back to the top of his game. It is a great disservice to his sublime skills to be at home with bench-warming role at Chelsea. Ogunleye-Bello is an Abuja-based multiple award-winning journalist, speaker, change agent, sports for development enthusiast and advocacy

WORLD RECORD Most people toreman’s pass an eggcarry Fastest mile fi

N150

Vol. 05 No. 1163 Monday, July 27, 2015

T h e m o s t p e o p l e t o p a s s a n e g g i s 2 5 9 a n d w a s a c h i eve d b y ° C u t e a n d t h e i r f a n s ( a l l J a p a n ) a t A k a s a k a B l i t z i n M i n a t o , To k yo , J a p a n , o n 2 2 Au g u s t 2 0 1 4 .

Corruption: Three questions I could not answer P resident Muhammadu Buhari dampened, the penultimate week, Sallah celebration for all discerning Nigerians, when he revealed that the nation’s hard earned funds lost to corruption in the last decade stood at $150 billion, which if converted to naira at the prevailing exchange rate of N234 to one USD, translate to N35.1 trillion. Locating the money and repatriating it back to Nigeria was top on his wish list for the United States leader, Mr. Barack Obama during his recent state visit to the only superpower in our unipolar world. Mr. President’s encoded presentation has left a puzzle for us all to decode. Nigeria has had more than 16 years of unbroken democratic governance. If the last decade will begin to count from 2005 it means the mentioned monstrous heist spans all previous administrations before

HeartBeat Callistus Oke

Callistusoke@nationalmirroronline.net 08054103275 (SMS ONLY) anthonykila@mail.com his. And so, our own dear OBJ administration, through the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s to Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s have been collectively indicted. Some people said PMB was being decorous when he was not categorical on specifics. What he has succeeded in doing, therefore, is asking Nigerians to work out the details for themselves, or to read between the lines. However, what is cheering about the development is that for once we have a leader that possesses the courage to say things as they are, and the integrity to enlist the support of world leaders to fix some of our problems and get favorable response. As happy as I am with the new political order, trying to work out each of our past leaders’ culpability in the scam is the least of my concern. My main concern is that someone attempted to draw me into the debate that is bound to ensue. When the news of the $150 billion lost-to-corruption broke, a guy who called himself my “avid reader” called and posed three questions to me. First, he asked who among the past leaders since May 1999 should be considered the most corrupt; second, why the presidential system of government with its inherent checks and balances could still make room for the heinous crime of pillage perpetrated by our politicians; and finally, whether Mr. President has developed a strategic enforcement framework to combat the corruption scourge in the

THE FRUITS OF

NIGERIAN POLITICAL CORRUPTION ARE VISIBLE GLOBALLY country. Now you can understand why I consider the triple questions a concern. The truth is that there are several research and academic works on political corruption in Nigeria – I admit corruption has ramifications – and there are equally mass of documents validating the endemic nature of corruption in all its genres in Nigeria. For example, a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has estimated that $600 billion was looted from the national treasury between independence and 1999. The report also had it that stolen monies stashed in foreign accounts increased from $50 billion in 1999 to $170 billion in 2003. So, Buhari’s figure cannot be too farfetched. However, any attempt to name an individual as the most corrupt leader amounts to subjectivity. One can only be objective if all the facts that form the basis for comparison are available. The much that one can say from a generalist perspective is that political power offers the ruling elite, their acolytes, associates and family members an opportunity to reap the fortunes of office. There is restraint in the developed world because of strong state’s

institutions, while the weakness of same in the developing and underdeveloped parts of the world emboldens their leaders to unabashedly rape their countries without let with feeble questions asked. From Gabon to Democratic Republic of the Congo; Nigeria to Togo, and from Egypt to Libya, the story is the same. Follow the trajectory of Nigeria under this democratic dispensation and you will have mass of evidences validating the assertion made above. For example, 31 of the 36 first set of two termer state governors that left office in May 2007 were under EFCC probe for corruption. The anti-graft agency has made it a ritual to run after suspected governors as soon as they exit office because of the immunity they enjoy while in office. One of the nation’s most outstanding statesmen ever, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, painting the irony of the corruption scourge, reportedly said that since independence, “Nigerian governments had been a matter of few holding the cow for the strongest and most cunning to milk”. Barrister Theo Nkire, a onetime Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abia State, couched a brilliant allegory of Nigerian corrupt thus: “Corruption has grown into an art everywhere in Nigeria; a grand art with many shapes and colours and tentacles spreading in multi-dimensional directions. Go North, go South; go East, go West; the story is the same: a sordid tale of greed and graft told by every idiot with zest and furry”. What is evidently clear is that the fruits of Nigerian political corruption are visible globally: ruling elite’s luxury homes in London, Paris, Dubai, Cay Islands, Geneva, etc, and top-end cars packaged in their palatial homes in Nigeria and abroad. And its evil? Corruption is a scourge that undermines all past and present efforts to move Nigeria towards a brighter, peaceful and prosperous future. I think we should line up behind Buhari to kill corruption before it kills Nigeria.

Sport Extra

EPL rivals buying the title –Mourinho

helsea Manager, Jose Mourinho, says his Premier League rivals are trying to buy the title from them in the current transfer window.

‘Buying the title’ was a phrase often synonymous with current Premier League champions Chelsea when Mourinho first joined in 2004, shortly after Roman Abramovic took

over the club. Now the Portuguese tactician believes the tables have turned as his rivals Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are spending left, right and

centre on playing personnel ahead of the new season. However, Mourinho is confident his troops can still fend off any title threats in the new season, despite not delving into

the market the way other teams have. “In the beginning of Mr. Abramovich coming to Chelsea, Chelsea was buying the title,” Mourinho said yesterday.

Mourinho

Printed and Published by Global Media Mirror Ltd: Head Office: Mirror House, 155/161 Broad Street, Lagos Tel: 07027107407, Abuja Office: NICON Insurance House, Second Floor, Central Business District Area, Abuja Tel: 08070428249, Advert hotline: 01-8446073, Port-Harcourt Office: Suite 115, NICON Hotel, 6, Benjamin Opara Street, Off Olusegun Obasanjo Rd, GRA Phaze 3, Phone: 07032323254 Email: mail@nationalmirroronline.net. Acting Editor: BEN MEMULETIWON. All correspondence to PMB 10001, Marina, Lagos. Printed simultaneously in Lagos, Abuja and Akure. ISSN 0794-232X.