Monday, may 11, 2015 (new) by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Nigerians groan as fuel scarcity intensifies

THE

BUSINESS SECTION

...a litre now sells for N150 UDEME AKPAN, FRANCIS EZEM, DAVID AUDU AND ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

Alison-Madueke

Vol. 5 N0. 1109

igerians yesterday were again subjected to further hardship, as the lingering fuel crisis across the country

continued to take its toll on their socio-economic well being. Investigations by Nation-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Free inside

8 83m ssubscribers nnow browse oon Nigeria's ttelecom nnetworks P.4 ––NCC

Monday, May 11, 2015

N150

Over .4m barrels of crude oil stolen daily —Buhari ...says I'm encouraged by Obama's call

Be ready for persecution, Jonathan tells ministers, aides

OBIORA IFOH AND ROTIMI FADEYI

resident-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari has revealed that over 400,000 barrels of crude oil is daily stolen under the watch of President Goodluck Jonathan’s government and nothing is done to stop the crime. Buhari, however, said in spite of the daunting challenges ahead, he was encouraged by the United CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Mites on your bed could make you sick

P.3

ADVERT HOTLINES

For advert bookings and information, please contact: LAGOS 01-8446073, 08113947415 08113947419 08113947420 08113947422 ABUJA 08113947421 PORT HARCOURT 08113947418 OGBESE 08113947424

LEFT: Fuel queue at Marina, Lagos, yesterday. RIGHT: Fuel queue in Abuja as scarcity of the commodity persists, yesterday. PHOTOS: NAN and SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Again, Okonjo-Iweala rates FG high on economy ...attempts to re-write history'll not stand

FCT minister's office burgled, money stolen

P.5

P.7

News

Monday, May 11, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Over .4m barrel of crude oil stolen daily —Buhari CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

States President, Barack Obama's call to him recently. Buhari spoke yesterday in Abuja during the visit of Northern leaders led by Ambassador Maitama Sule. He said: “You can imagine what is happening in the high sea where up to 400,000 barrel of crude oil, which we rely on, is stolen every day with the full cooperation of those who are supposed to protect it. Fuel price has gone down and 90 per cent of the foreign exchange we rely on comes from that. “We all know that whatever you do, without justice it will not endure. As human beings, we keep repeating the same mistake over and over again. But that is what makes us human. “The biggest message is to try and persuade the people that it is not possible to change the state of affairs now. It took 16 years and those 16 years, most of you know it better than myself that Nigeria earned revenue more than what it earned from 1914 till then. “You know that we used to have the Nigeria Airways, Nigeria Shipping Line and the Nigeria Railways. Where are they now? Where are the infrastructure between then and now and what we earned in-between and what is on ground? That is how efficiently the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, managed Nigeria in the last 16 years. “Now, we have invariably inherited all the problems, especially in the North East. I am sure you have heard or seen the children recovered from the Sambisa forest. Only the children and women are remaining, while all the able-bodied men have been gotten rid of somehow. A generation has been denied education and health care; infrastructure has gone. “So, you have to convince your constituencies that we have virtually arrived at the wrong time and that they have to tamper their expectation with some justice towards the leadership. “I think whatever has to be deployed especially in the churches and mosques has to be done now; this is the quickest way to communicate this to the ordinary people. Continue to remind them of all the things I said in all the states I visited.

“We picked three fundamental problems. The first is security. The country has to be secured before anything can be put in place and then the economy. “The fact is that more than 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population are youths and most of them, whether they have been to school or not are unemployed and this is

the biggest danger if we don't know. So, there must be jobs for these people as quickly as possible for us to even enjoy relative peace. “In the economy, we have to quickly turn to agriculture and mining because that is where you can do the quickest work and earn results. In other areas, you need to study them and dust

all the books and studies and get people, experienced people, committed people and technocrats to come and help the government and identify priorities so that with what is available to us, we can quickly make our people realise their hope from the government they have chosen. “One of the reliefs I got

was the telephone call from the President of the United States. I could feel the relief in his voice because Americans are people of conscience. Forget about religion, colour and development. “They are people of conscience because they have reached a stage where they have stabilised their society and they are relatively se-

cured both materially, physically and otherwise. “They know we are in danger. Everybody was saying that Nigeria is going to the dogs in 2015, but even beyond our expectations, we have managed to go through and we thank technology for the permanent voter cards, PVCs, and card readers because the CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

L-R: Bishop of Enugu Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma; Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh; his wife, Nkasiobi; President Goodluck Jonathan; First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Mr. JohnKennedy Opara and others, after a thanksgiving and farewell service in honour of President Jonathan and his wife, at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Life Camp, Gwarimpa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Nigerians groan as fuel scarcity intensifies CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

al Mirror on the fuel situation in major cities showed that petrol was selling between N130 and N150 per litre, amid long queues in the few filling stations still dispensing the product. However, black marketers were having a field day in most of the selling outlets as petrol attendants preferred to sell to them in jerry cans for negotiated cash payback. The crisis in Lagos and Abuja was particularly pathetic as motorists had to struggle for several hours to get fuel, with most of them ending their struggles in frustration, leaving without fuel in their cars. At the road sides near the fuel stations, racketeers were selling prices of 10 litre kegs at N2, 000 while a five litre keg was selling at about N1,200, depending on the location within the metropolis. The hubs of the illegal hawking of fuel were along major roads in Abule-Egba, Ikorodu, Ojuelegba, Yaba, Surulere and Alapere. The story was not different in Abuja as motorists were no longer speaking

about the hours they spend in buying fuels but days on queues. A resident, Mr Gbenga Ajisegiri, told National Mirror at the weekend that the fuel crisis in the Federal Capital Territory which had been a recurring challenge over the past six weeks assumed a more worrisome dimension as most of the filling stations were no longer dispensing fuel. “What we have seen in the past two days is terrible. It is a sign that government has failed and Nigerians have been left to keep suffering when we produce oil in this country. It is a very bad situation here in Abuja”, he lamented. Efforts by National Mirror to get official position of the Department of Petroleum Resources on the lingering crisis, particularly on why marketers have jacked up the pump prices nationwide did not yield result as the Director of the agency, Mr. George Osahon, could not be reached for comments. However, a source in the DPR who preferred not to be named because he is not permitted to speak, said the

agency is not well equipped to carry out many of its functions in the oil and gas industry. “The DPR has not been well-equipped and funded to perform its statutory functions, including effective monitoring and sanction of people who perpetuate illegalities in the industry,” he said. Reacting to the crisis in the downstream sector, Director General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, FIIRO, Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Elemo, lamented the negative effect of the scarcity on the viability of small and medium enterprises, SMEs. She said the situation together with other existing challenges, had taken toll on the subsector, slowing down its productivity as production costs have been affected greatly. Elemo said if the removal of subsidy on fuel would yield positive result, it should be done, and if not, government should find another workable final solution to the constant problem of fuel scarcity in the country. In his remarks, the Direc-

tor General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, Mr. Remi Ogunmefun, lamented that the fuel scarcity syndrome has impacted negatively on businesses nationwide. Ogunmefun maintained that the economy had been affected in many negative ways.President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, NCMDLCA, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, said during a telephone interview that the scarcity had affected delivery of cleared consignments from ports to warehouses. According to him, the cost of hiring a truck to lift a container from the ports has more than doubled since the fuel scarcity started in Lagos about three weeks ago. “Apart from the increased cost of moving trucks in and out of the seaports, maritime stakeholders have been made to face horrifying traffic jams at the two entries into the port environment along the Apapa-Mile 2 road as well as the Ijora’s, as tankers queue on the roads unsuccessfully waiting to lift products,” he lamented. Managing Director, No-

ahs Ark Communications, Mr. Lanre Adisa, said the scarcity was taking serious toll on everybody, including companies involved in marketing communications. He said that the direct implications were that people tended to increase prices of goods and services and spend more money in situations like this, which will no doubt exacerbate the already bad economy. He added that the poor in the society would, as usual, always bore the burden and called on government to rise to the occasion and find lasting solution to the problem. “We do not lose hope in government; there are structures and institutions for addressing such problems. So, those in power should deploy such institutions to tackle the problem since it is what they are elected to do,” he said. Head consultant of Goals and Ideas, Mrs. Yinka Ogunde, said the situation was bad as the crisis cripples businesses, not only for her but many others who need to move from one place to the other to fulfill their business goals.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PAGE

Monday, May 11, 2015

Good Health

Mites on your bed could make you sick FRANKA OSAKWE

f you are always sneezing, having runny or itchy nose, sore throat, skin rashes or getting sick all year round, the tiny bugs (dust mites) and germs living on your bed may be the culprits, according to experts. Dust mites are tiny microorganisms that live off human skin scales and thrive in humid environments. You can’t see them but they are everywhere in your house; on the bedding, carpets, soft furnishings and clothing. When people are away in the day, they shut the windows and the moisture stays in the house. The house gets very humid and dust mite and germs gather there causing illnesses. “An average bed contain about 10 million dust mites”, says the report published in WebMD, an online medical journal. Dust mites are harmless, but their droppings and body fragments can cause colds, asthma and other allergies, the report further said. “10 per cent of the weight of your pillow will be made up of dust mites and their droppings, explained Dr Lisa Ackerley, a home hygiene expert. According to her, the dust mites could cause eczema, hay fever, and may be a factor in up to 80 per cent of people with asthma. Aside the dust mites, she said other micro organisms such as the cold or flu virus can survive on the bed linen even after a wash. “Someone with food poisoning could be excreting salmonella into the bed. Even after you wash your sheets, they could still be riddled with dangerous germs, such as Norovirus and Salmonella, which will not be removed just by washing your linen. “People have this notion that simply putting dirty items into a washing machine will kill all germs, but that’s just not the case. Contagious bacteria and viruses such as Influenza and E.coli can survive low temperature washing, increasing the potential risk of infection for your family,”she added. If you must wash at low temperatures, Dr Ackerley suggests using an antibacterial laun-

DID YOU KNOW?

dry disinfectant. In order to stop dust mites from colonizing the bed, she said leaving open a window to let some of the moisture and humidity out will also help, she added. In a similar development, a recent study has linked childhood asthma risk to dust mites and cat allergies. From the result, the researchers were able to tell who is more likely to develop asthma by age 7 for children who have family history of allergic diseases. The research was carried out with 500 toddlers and preschoolers from Cincinnati, USA. Allergy skin prick tests were performed on the children at ages 1, 2, 3 and 4 years. They were tested for asthma at age 7. Children with year-to-year positive tests for cat and dust mite allergies had an increased risk of having asthma by age 7, according to the study. However, the researchers didn’t find a link between other tested allergens and the development of asthma. “More research is needed, but it appears year-to-year skin prick tests may distinguish between allergic children and identify who

is at the highest risk for developing asthma,” said Dr. Jessica Tan, lead researcher. General risk factors for developing asthma include a parental history of asthma, wheezing induced by viral illness, and the skin condition eczema, according to Tan. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Thoracic Society (NTS), during this year’s World Ashma day celebration, also identified dust mites as one of the triggers of asthma attacks. Speaking at the event, the association’s Secretary General, Dr.Olufemi Adewole, said that identifying and avoiding asthma triggers would help patients to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle with asthma. The triggers, according to him, include, dust mites, tobacco smoke, air pollution, pollen, animal dander, viral infections, heavy exercise, stress, dry or cold air, sulphites in dried food and wine, deodorants, perfumes, air fresheners, paint, and cleaners. He further advised asthma patients to avoid polluted environment which can

Western diets can raise your cancer risk

Red wine may cut risk of diabetes

glass of red wine every night may help beat diabetes, scientists say Moderate amounts of the drink have previously been shown to protect the body from disease and keep the heart healthy. Now tests show a tipple with dinner also improves the metabolism of those with Type 2 diabetes. A world-first study saw more than 200 patients drink a 150ml serving of either mineral water, white or red wine with their evening meal every night for two years.

Results show red wine increases good cholesterol (HDL) and the protein apolipoprotein A1 - one of the major constituents of HDL cholesterol - while decreasing the ratio between total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. Professor Iris Shai of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel, said: “This first long-term largescale alcohol trial suggests initiating moderate wine intake, especially red wine, among well-controlled Type 2 diabetics and as part of a healthy diet, is apparently safe and decreases cardiometabolic risk.”

exacerbate their asthma. “Studies have shown that the environment can have a huge impact on asthma exacerbations, whether from cigarette smoke or pollution from the environment. Also, climate change and air pollution have been linked with increasing asthma incidence and exacerbation”, he added. The message by the NTS to asthma patients is that they can live optimally well with no limitation in spite of their asthma. The NTS also stressed the appropriate use of controller and reliever medications, adding that patients need not rely on their symptoms alone. “In our environment, a lot of patients with asthma have died due to usage of alternative therapies that have not been approved. We are using this medium to encourage all patients and relatives of individuals with cough and dyspnoea, noisy breathing, and breathlessness that have been recurrent to report to the nearest health facility for necessary tests,” the association said.

ating a high protein, fat-loaded Western diet for just two weeks can increase the risk of bowel cancer, according to research. Experts believe that lack of fibre in Western diets could be responsible for a higher risk of the disease compared with an African diet. Non-Western diets high in fibre and low in fat and protein are better for the bacteria in the gut. The study, published in the journal,

Nature Communications, revealed that colon cancer, which kills 600,000 a year is more common in the Western world than in Africa or the Far East. Researchers looked at a group of 20 African American volunteers and another of 20 South Africans. The two groups swapped diets for two weeks, with the African Americans eating a high fibre diet with lower levels of fat and protein. At the start of the test almost half of the Americans had polyps, abnormal growths in the bowel lining that can progress to cancer. None of the Africans suffered from similar problems.

Photo News

Monday, May 11, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: President/Vice Chancellor, Babcock University, Prof. Kayode Makinde; Speaker, Babcock University 4th inaugural lecture, Prof. Steven Fapohunda and Registrar, Dr. Jonathan Nwosu, during Prof. Fapohunda’s presentation at the institution in Ogun State, at the weekend.

L-R: Programme Coordinator, Clean Foundation, Miss Chisom Ugwu; Assistant Corps Marshal, Manpower Development, Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr. Kingsley Agomoh; representative of Minister of FCT, Engr. Wilson Unogwu and Coordinator, Abuja Operation Office, National Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Ishaya Chonoko, during public sensitization on procedure for driver’s licence, application and renewal in Nigeria, in Abuja, at the weekend. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

L-R: Chairman on the occasion, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; wife of Dircector-General, National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mrs. Eugene Orhii; Director-General, NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii; Managing Director, May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okafor and Managing Director, Chi Pharmaceutical Ltd, Dr. Steve Onya, during Public presentation of the book, The Odyssey of a Survivor, an autobiography written by Dr. Orhii in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Chairman, Transcorp Hotels Plc/APC gubernatorial candidate for Delta State, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor; Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Percy Calderwood; Transcorp Plc Group President/CEO, Emmanuel Nnorom and Board Chairman, Tony Elumelu, during Transcorp’s 9th annual general meeting at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, at the weekend.

National News

igerian Communications Commission, NCC, yesterday said the number of internet users on the country’s telecom networks increased to 83,362,814 as at February this year. The regulatory body disclosed this in its monthly Internet Subscriber Data. The data revealed that there was an increase of 1,316,176 internet users on both the Global System for Mobile Communications, GSM, and the Code Division Multiple Access, CDMA, networks in February. According to the data, 82,046,638 users were recorded on the networks as at January 2015. It showed that of the 83,362,814 internet users as at February, 83,209,380 were on GSM networks, while 153,434 users were on the CDMA networks. Also, of the 83,209,380 internet users recorded on the GSM networks in February, MTN Nigeria had 39,278,019 customers browsing the internet on its network. It stated that MTN had an increase of 104,896 internet subscribers in Feb-

83m subscribers now browse on Nigeria’s telecom networks –NCC

…Says dormant SIM cards dropped to 47.9m in February ruary, after it recorded 39,173,123 users in January. According to the data, Globacom had 18,184,587 subscribers surfing the net with its network in February, up from 17,671,405 users in January. It said that Globacom gained a total of 513,182 additional internet users on its network. Airtel Nigeria, it said, had 15,894,061 internet users in February, as against 14,969,924 customers recorded in January.

The data showed that internet users on the Airtel Nigeria network increased by 924,137 in February. The report indicated that Etisalat had 9,852,713 of its customers browsing the internet in February, against the 10,078,388 users in January. The data showed that those browsing the net on Etisalat’s network decreased by 225,615 in February. The NCC data also revealed that CDMA op-

erators (Multi-Links and Visafone), had a joint total of 153,434 internet users on their networks in February. It showed that the only surviving two CDMA networks in the country listed a loss of 364 internet subscribers in the month under review, from the 153,798 users they recorded in January. According to the data, Visafone recorded a decrease of 274 customers surfing the internet in

February, reducing to 152,785 compared to the 153,059 users in the month of January. Multi-Links had 649 internet users in February, losing 90 customers from the January record of 739 users. In a related development, NCC said the inactive Subscriber Identity Module, SIM, cards on telecommunication operators’ networks have reduced from 51,284,804 in January to 47,985,908 as at

February 2015. The data showed that connected numbers on the telecom networks also reduced from 192,107,641 recorded in January to 190,575,684 in the month under review. It explained that of the 47,985,909 dormant SIM cards in February, GSM operators shared 46,135,318. According to the data, of the unused 47,985,909 lines in February, CDMA operators shared 1,665,845.

Radio navigation implementation boosts aeronautical data application – AISAN

ational Aeronautical Information Service Association of Nigeria, AISAN, yesterday said the implementation of Radio Navigation, RNAV, system has changed the role of Aeronautical Informa-

tion data application in the country. This was contained in a statement signed by AISAN President, Mr. Babatunde Shittu, and made available to newsmen in Lagos. RNAV is an airborne

computer-based data-dependent navigation system with aeronautical data forming a critical component of the system. Shittu stressed the importance and need for completion of the Aero-

nautical Information Radio Navigation He also noted that the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, had developed a roadmap to reflect the importance of transition of AIS to Air Traffic Management.

“There is currently a global drive to accommodate the rapid changes in the role of AIS for more efficiency. “This involves a shift away from manual-based services to digital-based services,” he said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Monday, May 11, 2015

Again, Okonjo-Iweala rates FG high on economy TOLA AKINMUTIMI

oordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, for the umpteenth time, yesterday, maintained that the present administration is leaving good legacies behind, despite the challenges

the country is facing currently. The minister, who fielded questions from journalists in some select electronic media, debunked insinuations that the economy was in ruins, adding that despite the economic challenges the country is facing, the President Goodluck Jonathan administration is leaving

some solid economic legacies behind for the incoming General Muhammadu Buhari's government. Specifically, the minister listed some of the areas the government has made significant progress in national development as the achievements in agriculture, manufacturing, automotive and other sectors of

the economy. “We cannot take away the fact that the Jonathan administration, in spite of the challenges caused by 50 per cent decline in the price of oil has made a clear and measurable difference in many important areas and anyone who says nothing has been done and nothing is being left behind is being

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu (2nd right) flanked by members of PDP Post-Election Review Committee while briefing newsmen after meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, at the weekend. PHOTO: NAN

Over .4m barrel of crude oil stolen daily —Buhari CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

whole exercise of writing results, announcing them and asking losers to go to court does not make any difference. Those who defended the PVCs and card readers made this change possible.” In his speech, Sule told Buhari that his victory was an act of God, adding that nobody can claim credit for it. “Nobody expected that the elections will be peaceful; nobody expected that the elections will not lead to the disintegration of the country. By the grace of God, the elections were held peacefully. We are living in peace with one another by the grace of God; power will also be handed over to you (Buhari) by the grace of God and we'll be living peaceful thereafter by the grace of God,” he said. Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said he is leaving office a happy and fulfilled man, stressing that he took some hard decisions for which he is ready to pay the price. Jonathan spoke at a thanksgiving and farewell church service organised for him at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Life Camp, Abuja. The President said:

“Some hard decisions have their own cost; no doubt about that. I have run the government in a way that stabilised certain things: the electoral process and other things that brought stability into this country. They were very costly decisions which I myself must be ready to pay for. “Some people came to me and say is this or that person not your friend that benefitted from your government? But this is what he is saying. “But I used to say worse statements will come. If you take certain decisions, you should know that those close to you will even abandon you at some point and I tell them that more of my so-called friends will disappear.” Jonathan explained that when Frederik Willem de Klerk took the decision to abolish minority rule in South Africa, his wife divorced him. At this point, the President joking said that he hoped his wife, Dame Patience, who had accompanied him to the service would not divorce him for the decision he had taken. Dame Patience gave a “no” answer, which drew applause from the congregation.

Speaking further, the President noted the decision by de Klerk to abolish minority rule in South Africa had now made the country to still remain a global player. He said he sympathised with ministers and aides who serve with him, adding that they must be ready to face persecution. “If you take certain decisions, it might be good for the generality of the people but it might affect people differently. “So, for ministers and aides who served with me, I sympathise with them; they will be persecuted. And they must be ready for that persecution,” he said. Jonathan explained that he had reasons to thank God for his blessings, favour and the privilege that the nation had offered him. According to him, he went through secondary education as well as first and second university degrees on government scholarship, adding that even his PhD programme was paid for by his then employers. “When I look at the whole picture of my life up to when I became the President of this country, I say if soldiers and police officers that have not received 0. 5

per cent of the benefits that I have received from the state can lay down their lives for this country, I should be able to do anything in the interest of Nigeria, including paying the supreme price,” Jonathan said. The President thanked Nigerians for their support while calling on the church to pray for the success of incoming government of General Buhari. In his sermon titled, ‘Thanksgiving,’ primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rev. Nicholas Okoh, said the church joined Jonathan to give thanks to God for the opportunity to serve the nation. He extolled Jonathan for being a peace maker, a builder and not a destroyer, adding that the President has joined the class of distinguished statesmen. The church later presented Jonathan with an award of Steward of Peace, Unity and National Stability. Former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana and Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo both commended Jonathan for his leadership and the development that his administration had brought to the country.

very unfair to facts and history. “Attempts to rewrite history will not stand. You cannot just wipe the slate clean for political reasons. We are not perfect, but no one can take away the fact that we are leaving some good legacies behind,” Okonjo-Iweala added. She mentioned the following areas of positive legacies under the Jonathan government, namely, the agricultural sector which has seen the rise in food production with attendant positive effect on food prices; and the National Industrial Revolution scheme as well as the Automotive Policy whose implementation has led to the opening of factories for car manufacturing and assembly for the first time in the country. Others, are the rise in cement production due to positive government policies - Nigeria is now a net exporter of cement; creation of about 1.4 million jobs a year out of the 1.8 million needed; various job creation and job enhancement schemes such as ‘Youwin’ which has seen the creation of over 27,000 jobs by young entrepreneurs sponsored and trained by government for other youths; the Graduate Internship Scheme; and the creation of the Nigerian Mortgage Refinancing Company, NMRC. The minister explained that the recently launched Development Bank of Nigeria would help to achieve strong growth of small businesses by providing small and medium enterprises, SMEs, for the first time in recent memory, affordable interest loans of up to 10 years as well as support the creative industries which have helped to strengthen the capacity of script writers, producers, directors and other professionals in the motion picture industry and led, in turn, to the production of higher quality films and creation of more jobs by this administration – all of which contribute to the growth of the economy. She therefore advised politicians and opinion leaders not to talk down the economy because negative and false comments on the economy could have negative impact on it. “These negative and unsubstantiated comments are not wise because they

can lead to what we do not want for the economy.” “There is nothing wrong with factual assessments of the economy; I have always told Nigerians the truth about the economy. But sweeping and negative statements are not in the interest of the country. The statements being made by some personalities about the economy collapsing are not only incorrect, they are also potentially dangerous,” Okonjo-Iweala maintained. The minister’s strong defence of the achievements of the Jonathan administration came barely a week after the All Progressives Congress, APC, governors had accused the administration of massive depletion of the nation’s financial resources. The governors on the platform of the APC had expressed disgust over the alleged mismanagement of the economy at their meeting with the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd). Chairman of the group, Governor Rochas Okorocha, had disclosed that they had come to notify the incoming President on the bad condition of the economy, cautioning that one of the issues that concerned them most was the state of the Nigerian economy which they described as being really in bad shape. "We have come to notify the incoming President of the challenges ahead of him. As it stands today, most states of the federation have not been able to pay salaries; even the Federal Government has not paid April salary and that is very worrisome. By May and June, the debt (salaries) will be in cumulative of three months. "Considering the huge expectation of Nigerians who have voted us into power, we hope the President-elect will do whatever is humanly possible to bring about a bailout not only for the states but also for the Federal Government so that the people can at least get their salaries and turn around the economy,” Okorocha added. It would be recalled that over the past two-and-a -half years, the Jonathan administration has been under severe attacks by economic analysts and other financial experts for alleged poor management of the nation’s resources, particularly the foreign reserves.

News

Monday, May 11, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Jonathan’s men lock down AGIS over C-of-Os O MEIZA A JAYI ABUJA

ess than three weeks to the end of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, some of his principal aides have literally taken over the Abuja Geographic Information System, AGIS,

ostensibly to perfect their title deeds before the May 29 handover. Fortunately, AGIS is reportedly raking in millions of naira in revenue from this development due to payment of huge sums of money by the presidential aides to secure their Certificate of Occupancy, C of O, before expiration of the

outgoing FCT administration. Some of the aides were said to be mounting pressure on the FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed, to sign last-minute contract papers for them. An unimpeachable source told National Mirror yesterday that a senior aide in Jona-

than’s media team has literally relocated his office from the Presidential Villa to AGIS in Area 11, Garki, just to ensure he tidies up his land documents as quickly as possible. Also, an executive of the pilgrims’ commission is reported to be neck-deep in the drive to secure land titles before

the handover date. Staff of AGIS are said to be on the edge due to increasing pressure on them to yield to the demands of the presidential aides. One of them told our correspondent on condition of anonymity that the president’s media aide had even before the elections exerted

tremendous pressure on AGIS to get his land documents out immediately. Our source was, however, unspecific on the size of land the presidential aides were gunning for, but an insider confirmed that the land acquisition by the presidential aides range from private use to mass housing.

Okogie counsels Buhari on good governance

atholic Archbishop Emeritus, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, yesterday urged Presidentelect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, to focus on providing quality governance on assuming office, and pay less attention to distractions. Okogie gave the advice in a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos. He advised the Presidentelect to adhere to the blueprint of his party that had brought about growth and development in the states where they had been implemented. “It is heartening to know that he has made anti-corruption campaign the meter of his administration. “In order for this not to run out of steam, he must build institutions, both formal and informal, that will fight corruption and ensure Nigeria becomes a society of law-abiding citizens. “His transition team and board of advisers should shun the temptation to secure their selfish interest and come up with pragmat-

ic action plan that would help the president-elect realise his goal,” he said. The cleric said that the task ahead of the Presidentelect was enormous and appealed to him to explore available economic and social opportunities in rebuilding the nation. “More than anything, the Gen. Buhari-led government must run an inclusive government of credible people with requisite competence that will ensure that no part of the country is left behind,’’ he said. According to him, Buhari must do so bearing in mind that he will preside over a nation that comprises people who either voted for or against him, and those who did not vote at all. “He must ensure that no group, class, gender or religion is discriminated against politically, economically, socially and infrastructurally. “This is the watershed moment to break the walls of ethnicity, elitism and religious bigotry that has continued to polarise the fragile unity of our nation.

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kayode Aderanti; AIG Zone 2, Mr. Joseph Mbu and Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, during his visit to Lagos, at the weekend. PHOTO: ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA

FG, states warned against politicising education OMEIZA AJAYI

ll Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, ANCOPSS, has warned the federal and state governments against continued politicisation of the education sector. The association said

‘One in 2 young women anaemic’ FRANKA OSAKWE

igeria faces one of the largest burdens of micro-nutrient deficiencies with anaemia the most common in women and children, says President of Nutrition Society of Nigeria, NSN, Prof Ngozi Nnam. Nnam at a press conference in Lagos organised by Unilever Nigeria in partnership with NSN on the impact of iron deficiency anaemia in Nigeria, explained that the major

cause of anaemia, approximately 50 per cent of the cases, were due to iron deficiency. “Specifically, 49 per cent of women of reproductive age have anaemia, 24.3 per cent have low iron stores and 12.7 per cent of them are iron deficient. “These figures indicate that majority of adolescent girls and women did not meet the iron requirements of 20 milligrams per day as recommended by the Food and Agricultural Organisation, FAO, and World Health Organisation, WHO,” she said.

According to her, iron deficiency anaemia is a condition in which the red blood cells or their oxygen-carrying capacity is insufficient to meet physiological needs of the body. “This leads to symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, shortage of breath,” she added. She further said that anaemia is one reason why young women often get tired easily. Nnam expressed concern that the typical Nigerian diet, eaten by women of reproductive age and children, are low in iron-rich foods.

such attitude portends grave danger for the future of education. Consequently, it called for an increased commitment from government and communities toward ensuring that schools were adequately funded and staffed to actualise the dream for e-learning and self-employment for students. President of the group, Dr Fatima Abdulrahman, who read the communiqué at the end of the 58th National Congress of the body, said many principals could no longer use their discretion in the implementation of education curricula due to political influences from government. According to her, “Education should not be used to canvass votes, but should be taken seriously. We don’t want to declare free education and you go to those CHANGE OF NAME

BELLO: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Omotayo Riskat Bello, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bello Riskat Hassan. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note

schools and won’t find education materials.” According to her, principals of secondary schools, at the congress, observed that there seemed to be much insincerity in the invitation by government to communities to be involved in curriculum implementation. The national president lamented that the problem of poor staffing in schools, especially in the trade subjects, cuts across the length and breadth of the country. Abdulrahman further lamented that though the near single-handed curriculum implementation by government had yielded some measure of academic improvement, there was no corresponding moral improvement among the students. She said government was often in a hurry to have schools implement new educational policies without CHANGE OF NAME

OBODOECHINA: I formerly known and addressed as Miss Obodoechina Ngozi Mary now wish to be known and address as Mrs Ugwuanyi Ngozi Mary. All former document remain valid. General public take note

sufficient test-running, noting that inadequate involvement of the community in curriculum development hindered its full implementation. She said: “Government should come out more boldly to make all and sundry know that education with curriculum implementation inclusive can no longer be the sole responsibility of government. “Education should not be used to canvass votes; education should be taken seriously. “Education should not be politicized, nor toyed with. Education is a capital intensive project. The benchmark, according to UNESCO, is 26 percent of budget but some states allocate less. “If at all we want quality education, it should be adequately funded.” CHANGE OF NAME

MADUKA: I formerly known and addressed as Miss Doris Uzoamaka Maduka, now wish to be known and address as Mrs Doris Uzoamaka Anyaoha. All former document remain valid. General public take note

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Monday, May 11, 2015

Appeal Court upturns Afribank’s wind-up WALE IGBINTADE

ourt of Appeal, Lagos Division, has upturned the decision of a Federal High Court, which ordered the winding-up of Afribank Nigeria Plc. The lower court had ordered winding-up of the bank following a petition by the Nigeria Deposit Insur-

ance Corporation, NDIC. Dissatisfied, some shareholders of the bank appealed against the judgment, arguing that there were other pending cases against take-over of the bank that would be prejudiced if the lower court goes ahead to wind-up the bank. The shareholders are Igbrude Oke, Rasak Mumini, Akinsanya Sunday,

Suleiman Babatunde, Igba Olatomide, for themselves and other Afribank shareholders. The shareholders had at the lower court argued that the petition filed by NDIC was an abuse of court process, as there was a case pending in court, challenging power of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to take over the bank. However, without resolv-

ing the matter, NDIC went ahead to file a petition to wind-up the bank, claiming that since Afribank licence had been revoked by the CBN, the bank was dead and should be wound-up. On July 2, 2012, the lower court, on the day the matter was fixed for mention, and in the absence of the shareholders counsel, went ahead to hear NDIC counsel argument and wind-up

Primary six pupils in Lagos State writing placement exam into the state’s model colleges at Government College, Agege, at the weekend. PHOTO: TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

FCT minister’s office burgled …female staff loses N1.5m

OMEIZA AJAYI

urglars at the weekend invaded the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, and carted away about N1.5 million. This is in spite of continued expansion of security architecture of the premises, which houses offices of the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, and Minister of State in the FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide. National Mirror checks revealed there has been breakdown of many facilities in the premises. For instance, while some of the toilet facilities are in bad shape, many fire extinguishers in the premises have since expired. Also, Close Circuit Television Cameras, CCTVs, which were installed in the premises, have packed up except those directly connected to the ministers’ offices. Last week, a female staff

simply identified as Ms. Uju, was robbed of N1.5 million just metres away from the minister’s main office. The woman was said to have gone to a bank for some transactions and then driven her Pathfinder jeep from the bank to the FCTA where she works. While she parked the vehicle in her officially-designated car park, she could not tell how thieves trailed her and broke into her car.

Men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and the Nigeria Police Force form the bulk of security operatives at the FCTA. Unfortunately, when Uju returned to her car some 20 minutes later, the glass of the rear window had been broken and her money stolen. “I thought I was secured as soon as I drove into the minister’s office. I did not imagine that with the pres-

ence of security personnel at every point criminals could still find their way and broke into my vehicle in broad daylight and cart away my N1.5 million,” she said. The security lapses in the premises was exposed when the woman reported to the security department of the FCT Administration and it was discovered that the CCTVs had packed up and could not provide any footage of the incident.

Glo fetes NYSC members in Lagos

igeria’s National Telecommunications Carrier, Globacom, has bankrolled a night of entertainment for Batch ‘A’ members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, posted to Lagos. The party was held on Friday at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Iyana-Ipaja, marking the beginning of 2015 Batch ‘A’ service year. Large number of corps

members turned up for the party, clad in white sports wears and generally enjoyed themselves having photograph opportunities with Glo ambassadors. The party kicked off at 7pm and lasted till about 10pm. Globacom’s Group Business Director, Kunle Akanmu, in his welcome address said the company was delighted to be part of the corps members’ orientation camp

activities, adding that the party was aimed at celebrating the beginning of their service year, which it believed would be successful and rewarding. Celebrities that graced the event included Glo Ambassador and accomplished standup comic, Basket Mouth, who anchored the event, and Hiphop superstar, Wande Coal, who thrilled the audience with performance of his hits songs.

the bank. The appellate court in its decision allowed the appeal and set aside the wind-up order. In her lead judgement, Justice Abimbola ObasekiAdejumo held that “winding-up proceedings are proceedings of a special and peculiar nature resulting in the termination of life of a corporate body and Afribank in the instant case. To this extent, the Companies Winding-Up Rules has provided for the procedures to be followed for the windingup of a company incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act. It is of upmost necessity that courts should abide by the rules and also exercise restraint in proceedings for winding-up of a company, hence the termination of its life. “Therefore, on the basis of the decision of the apex court and this court cited earlier and having held that the matter was adjourned for mention for July 2,2012,

the learned trial judge was clearly in error to have struck out the appellants preliminary objection and granted the order for winding-up on that day, hence the winding-up amounted a nullity. “Having resolved issue one in favour of the applicants and in the light of the above, I therefore, allow this appeal. The ruling and winding-up order of Afribank made by the Federal High Court, Lagos division, per C. E. Archibong, dated July 2, 2012 is hereby set aside. I hereby order that the matter be remitted back to the lower court, to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for re-assignment to another judge for hearing and determination of the petition. “I award the sum of N50, 000 as cost,” the court added. Justices Joseph Ikyegh and Chinwe Iyizoba, who were members of the panel agreed with the lead judgment.

Mothers Day: NASFAT seeks respect, protection for women ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

asrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society of Nigeria, NASFAT, has emphasised the need to respect and protect women in the country in order to build a peaceful society. Speaking at the 2015 Mothers Day celebration by the Islamic society at its headquarters, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday, with the theme “My Mother My Everything”, guest speaker, Barrister Ibrahim Kayode Benson, said for a nation to be great, the protection and respect for women, especially mothers must be upheld. He said of all gifts life has to offer, mother is the greatest. Speaking to children in particular, Benson admonished them to give their mothers due respect for them to be successful both in life and hereafter. Alluding to Hadith, he said the paradise (success) of a child is at the feet of his mother, meaning that the mother has to either

retard or encourage the progress of the child. He explained further that success in life may not be in rich or position attained, but in getting the paradise in the hereafter. Quoting from the holy Qur’an, he re-emphasised the need for the children to always respect their mothers and follow their directions, adding that it was wrong for any child to disrespect his or her mother. Meanwhile, the National Children Affairs Secretary, NASFAT, Alhaja Ganiyat Babalola, said the society joined the rest of the world in celebrating mothers in order to let children know the value and role of mothers in their lives. She said mothers must be celebrated not once in a year, but always for their roles and importance in the society. She explained that Prophet Muhammad also confirmed the importance of mothers while he was telling a servant to respect his mother three times before telling him to respect his father for once.

Monday, May 11, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Monday, May 11, 2015

ABUAD can become Ekiti industrial hub —NSE Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

L-R: Representative of Akintola Williams Deloitte Chartered Accountants, Lewis Oluseye; Chairman, Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Amb. Hamzat Ahmady; President, board of trustee of NCF, Izoma Phillips Asiodu and Director General, Adeniyi Karunwi, during the 25th annual general meeting of NCF in Lagos, at the weekend.

9,000 pupils jostle for Lagos model colleges Tunbosun Ogundare and Francis Suberu

o fewer than 8,900 pupils in Lagos State sat for the placement test on Saturday to seek admission into the state government’s 15 Junior Model and upgraded secondary schools for the 2015/2016 academic session. The examination, which was conducted by the state government, was also monitored by Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye. During the exercise, the commissioner revealed that no fewer than 18 candidates sat for the pilot computer-based examination, CBT, in addition to the regular paper pencil

mode. Oladunjoye said the CBT mode of examination has come to stay in the state since the world was going ICT, stressing that the state does not want to be left behind, thus the need to prepare the children ahead. The commissioner expressed satisfaction with the pilot CBT examination, adding that she was particularly elated that 18 candidates sat for the piloted CBT examination. She commended the examination board for improving and perfecting the art of writing examination every year, adding that the state government has already started planning ahead to accommodate the increasing number candidates in future examinations.

Earlier, Director, Lagos State Examination Board, Mr. Femi Hassan, said Information Communication Technology, ICT, has gone global and Lagos being a frontline state decided to go CBT, adding that CBT would help curb the menace of examination malpractice since the questions were randomized. He said students cannot cheat in the process, adding that government would conduct the next junior secondary school certificate examination using CBT in 2016. The 15 model colleges and upgraded schools include Model Junior College, Meiran; Vetland Junior Grammar School, Ifako/Ijaiye; Model Junior College, Igbokuta; Civil Service Model Ju-

nior College, Igbogbo; Oriwu Model Junior College, Ikorodu; and Government Junior College, Ikorodu. Others include Model Junior College, Igbonla; Model Junior College, Agbowa; Model Junior College, Badore; and Lagos State Junior Model College, Ojo. Eva Adelaja Memorial Junior Secondary School, Bariga; Model Junior College, Kankon; Government Junior College, Ketu, Epe; Epe Junior Grammar School, Epe; and Badagry Junior Grammar School, Badagry. Some of the centres monitored included Vetland Junior and Senior Grammar School, Agege, Government Junior College, Agege, and Lagos State Examination Board, venue of the CBT.

igerian Society of Engineers, NSE, has said the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, ABUAD, has the capacity to serve as industrial hub of Ekiti State. NSE President, Engr Isaac Olorunfemi, said the institution could serve the purpose by liaising with relevant industries within and outside the country to make maximal use of its training equipment. Olorunfemi, who spoke at the weekend after NSE team’s facility tour of the university’s College of Engineering, appealed to governments, bodies and individuals to engage ABUAD for development. The NSE boss said no Engineering College in any institution in Nigeria came close to what obtains in ABUAD. He described the institution’s College of Engineering as the template for other universities in the country to emulate.

Police arrest man over murder in Osogbo

sun State Police Command said on Sunday it arrested one Olagbaju Tajudeen, 45, in connection with the murder of one Dare George during the April 11 governorship election in Ile-Ife. Police Public Relations

CMD tasks police on kidnapped staff, hospital invasion Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

hief Medical Director, CMD, of Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, FETHI, Dr Majekodunmi Ayodele, has told the police and State Security Services, SSS, to extend their dragnet with a view to arresting kidnappers of one nurse in the hospital, Mrs Margaret Aladenika. Ayodele said the process would also ensure the release of the nurse, who had been kidnapped since Sunday, nine days ago, at Ido-Ipere road. The CMD also called on Commissioner of Police, Mr Joshua Ibine, to arrest

Arase, Police boss

the youths that participated in the violent invasion of the teaching hospital on Wednesday last week, who were demanding immediate employment of 100 of them, failure which the medical facility and officials would have itself to blame. Ayodele told journalists on phone yesterday that

the arrests were necessary for the release of the kidnapped nurse and to curb the incessant attacks on facilities and health workers in the state. It would be recalled that nothing has been heard also of a former CMD of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Dr Patrick Adegun, and his wife, Kikelomo, who were on Thursday evening kidnapped near their residence in Ado Ekiti. The nurse, Aladenika, was last week abducted and his husband beaten by unknown gunmen while driving along Ido-Ipere Road and a yet-to-be identified person was also killed during the daylight attack.

While the institution was still battling to know the whereabouts of the abducted nurse, youths under the aegis of Ido Youth Vanguard had on Wednesday besieged the hospital in protest and disrupted activities for a whole day requesting preferential treatment in employment exercise. Ayodele condemned the invasion of the hospital by the youths, calling on security agencies to make arrests to serve as deterrent to those with sinister intention. He emphasised that the invasion of an institution that offered special services to the populace indicated the extent to which people

According to him, given the facilities, instructional aids and lecturers on ground, ABUAD is setting the pace for others to follow. He said: “The facilities here are superb and no university in the country has such. Human resources are also great. The college will be made a template for the teaching of engineering courses by NSE and COREN.” Olorunfemi, who also made a case for pursuit of agricultural engineering and priority attention to agriculture by encouraging students to pursue courses in agriculture, said the sector could generate jobs faster than most sectors and help solve the problem of unemployment. In his remark, ABUAD founder said efforts were being intensified to make the institution the hub of industry in Ekiti State and beyond. He said the NSE position should serve as message to parents and guardians on where they should send their wards to get the best.

could take laws into their hands just to satisfy selfish desire. Ayodele said the action had created fears in the heart of his staff, who no longer feel safe under the present circumstances and should be protected to prevent calamity befalling them. He said he would personally make special request to the police commissioner on the need to beef up security around the hospital so as to forestall protesters from carrying out further attacks on his staff. He accused some politicians in the area of allegedly sponsoring the youths against management of the hospital.

Officer, PPRO, Mrs Folasade Odoro, disclosed this in a statement in Osogbo. The statement said Tajudeen was arrested on April 30 in Okerewe, Ile-Ife, adding that a pump action rifle, six live cartridges, 29 cutlasses and one forest guard contractor harmer were recovered at the suspect’s house. Other items recovered included a sword, a wrap of weed suspected to be Marijuana, one unregistered Mercury villager bus and an unregistered KIA Jeep. It also said that Tajudeen had provided useful information that would assist police to unravel the circumstances surrounding the murder, adding that the suspect had during investigation confessed that the single barrel gun and the 29 cutlasses were kept in his car booth for selfdefence. The statement added that anyone found involved in the murder would face the wrath of the law.

South West

Monday, May 11, 2015

Kidnapping: Lagos urges residents to register with LASSRA … agency to distribute residents’ cards soon

Francis Suberu

ollowing increase in kidnapping cases, Lagos State government has urged residents in the state to register with the Lagos State Resident Registration Agency, LASRRA, to make the job of tracking criminals easy. General Manager of Lagos State Resident Registration Agency, LASRRA, Olayinka Fashola, made the appeal after presenting awards of recognition to some registered residents in line with the customary recognition of recognising every landmark one hundredth registration. She said the agency has infrastructure sophisticated

enough to assist police and other security agencies in crime investigations. Fashola said: “We can actually identify people with the infrastructure we have in LASSRA. So, with the kidnapping incident that involved the Orekoya family in Lagos in which their housemaid kidnapped their children, we could actually verify if that lady was who she said she was. “We have facial recognition application where, if we have a good photograph of her, we can quickly run through our system and verify if she was what she claimed to be. From there, we can look at her address. From what we have gathered, most people register with someone else, so we

could have looked at the registration before and after, to see if the addresses were the same. We could give the police a starting point to know where to begin their investigations because we have the information.” She explained that a byproduct of LASRRA’s registration process was the ability to identify and locate specific individuals as long as they reside in Lagos and are registered with the agency. The LASRRA boss also disclosed that the agency has already deployed infrastructure and manpower to scale up to the next stage of registering residents by focusing on its social media and other online platforms. She revealed that after

successfully registering over three million residents, the agency was set to commence distribution of permanent residents’ cards starting next week Friday. She also lamented the low turn-out of Lagosians for the residents registration exercise, saying “of the over 20 million residents of the state, only three million have been captured since the exercise started two years ago.” Emphasising the importance of the information gathered by the agency, she said: “From the information we gathered from the registration, we discovered that more Lagosians board the Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, buses than those who drive their cars.”

National Mirror www.nationalmir-

Ondo tribunal receives 17 petitions Ojo Oyewamide AKURE

o fewer than 17 petitions have been received by Ondo State Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Akure, the state capital. The petitions were filed by candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and those of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who lost in the March 28 and April 11 National and state Assembly elections. The PDP filed five petitions to challenge results of the House of Assembly polls in Akure constituency 1, Akoko Southwest constituency 1 and 2, Owo constituency 2 and Akoko Northwest constituency 1. The APC filed 12 petitions with three for the House of Representatives, one for the Senate and eight for the House of Assembly. It was gathered at the weekend from Secretary of the tribunal, Jemilu Bawo, that the tribunal would resume sitting today. The tribunal is expected to begin hearing of exparte applications from counsel to the petitioners

and defendants. Candidates of the APC who filed petitions included Olabamide Olanubi for Ondo East/ West federal constituency, Lucky Ayedatiwa for Ilaje/Ese Odo federal constituency and Victor Olawole Akinmoyero for Okitipupa/Irele Federal constituency. They are challenging the return of PDP candidates in their various federal constituencies, while the party’s senatorial candidate for Southern district, Morayo Lebi, is challenging the victory of Pastor Yele Omogunwa of the PDP. Also, the APC is challenging the victory of PDP candidates in eight state constituencies, including Ilaje, Akoko Northeast, Ondo east and west state constituencies. It was learnt that the legal team of PDP would be led by former Commissioner for Adult and Vocational Education, Remi Olatubora, while Dr. Tunji Abayomi would lead the legal team for the rival APC. The tribunal members include Justices O. A. Ogar, J.U. Obiora and A. B. Akogun, with Ogar as chairman.

OAU lecturer kidnapped, driver killed in Ado-Ekiti Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO L-R: Registrar, University of Ibadan, Mr. Olujimi Olukoya; National President, University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Mr. Kemi Emina; Guest Lecturer, Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Adewole, during a National Public Service Lecture by the university alumni association in Ibadan, at the weekend. PHOTO: NAN

Lagos generates 5mw solar energy Francis Suberu

t least, five megawatts of electricity is being generated from solar enegy projects undertaken by the Lagos State government to supply electricity to public schools and Primary Health Centres in remote and riverine areas of the state. Speaking at the launch of Lagos Solar Project in Ikeja, Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola described the project as an attestation of the state’s quest for groundbreaking achievements, expressing

optimism that other states would key into similar projects. According to the governor, the state is obliged to undertake projects that impact on the people, adding that the project would create conducive environment for learning in benefitting schools and facilitate provision of 24-hour services in PHCs affected. Fashola, who was represented by his deputy, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said: “We have been consistent with the PATH agenda, which are Power, Agriculture, Transportation and Housing. There

has never been any government in Nigeria that generates own power like Lagos State did. This project is our initiative to provide power for schools in rural areas.” Also speaking, General Manager, Lagos State Electricity Board, Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi, said the vision behind this project was not only to address one of the state’s key agendas, but to achieve this goal with a project that offered far-reaching socio-economic benefits to people of the state. She added that the first task the board carried out was an energy audit of all 655 public junior and sec-

ondary schools across six educational districts and 260 PHCs within all 20 local governments in Lagos State. “This audit was undertaken to determine each school’s energy requirement, actual consumption, power infrastructure as well as an assessment of how energy supply gaps are currently being met. The interpretation of the results formed the basis of the system design, costs, planning and selection of solar technology required to provide sustainable, dependable, clean and costeffective energy supply.”

here was palpable tension on the campus of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, yesterday, following Saturday’s abduction of a lecturer of the institution, Dr. Femi Omisore. Omisore, who works in the Department of Environmental Design Management, was kidnapped in Ado Ekiti while on his way to Oye Ekiti. The kidnappers, it was learnt, killed Omisore’s driver, whose name could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report, while the car in which the lecturer was travelling was set ablaze by the kidnappers. Commenting on the incident, a lecturer in the institution, who pre-

ferred anonymity, said a car allegedly trailed Omisore’s vehicle for some distance. “When they eventually noticed the vehicle and his driver tried to escape, they were caught. The driver tried so much to avoid being overtaken by the men, but it was painful that he did not succeed. They eventually killed him. “The kidnappers, after killing the driver, shot into the petrol tank of the vehicle, which went up in flames and left with Dr. Omisore,” the lecturer added. Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, OAU chapter, Dr. Caleb Aborisade, confirmed the incident. He said: “It is true. He has been taken away and his driver was killed. His car was also burnt.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

UNN holds 92nd inaugural lecture May 14

he 92nd inaugural lecture of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, will hold on Thursday, May 14. The lecture titled ‘Global Political Economy and Development of Underdevelopment: Different People, Same Market and Glorification of Poverty,’ would be delivered by Prof Aloysius Okolie, a former chairman of the institution’s Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU. Okolie, a professor of Political Science at the university, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Sunday in Nsukka. According to him, the lecture will explore the basics of global political economy; trace the roots of development and underdevelopment as well as challenges facing peripheral social formations.

igerians have been called upon to join forces with the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, to protect children from road accidents and guarantee the future of the country. Rev. Fr. Patrick Okafor of St. Matthew Catholic Church, Amawbia, Awka, Anambra State, gave the advice on Sunday at a thanksgiving mass to end the week-long activities marking ‘UN Decade of Action on Child Safety.’ Okafor said safety of the Nigerian child on the road was a responsibility of not just the FRSC, but also parents, teachers and all adults. He commended the Anambra command of the commission for its efforts at making the state’s highways safe, adding that success recorded so far came at great risk to their lives. “God has given us life and life has to be protected; these FRSC personnel are saving lives at great risk to their own lives. “We must not leave it to them alone; it is the duty of parents, teachers and caregivers to join them in this task.

South East

Monday, May 11, 2015

“The lecture, at Princess Alexandra Hall of UNN, will explore the basic features of global political economy. “It will also x-ray the reality of how development across the globe lies in appreciating the politics and demands of societal transformations,’’ he said. According to him, the lecture will enable guests to take a look at poverty and how the ruling class, in most developing economies, have glorified it as an instrument for domination and appropriation. ‘The larger parts of the population in developing countries are absorbed in an unending search of stomach infrastructure, thereby paying little attention to how their national, state and local leaderships are plundering public wealth,” Okolie said.

“Our children are our future; we must protect our children to save our future and we must guide them because, most times, their judgement may not be the best for them. “It is our prayer that God will continue to protect every road user as we make efforts to make the roads safer for all of us,” Okafor said. The FRSC Sector Commander in the state, Sunday Ajayi, said the death of children due to road accidents had become an issue of global concern, hence the UN initiative. Ajayi advised parents to avoid “deadly love” for their children by ensuring that they did not carry them on their arms while driving or make them sit in the front seat. He also urged drivers to be careful when driving in residential or clustered areas as “there is always a child after a ball.” “Apart from this ongoing advocacy, the commission will continue to enforce road traffic rules and regulations and will invoke penalties when offenders are caught,” he said.

Ihedioha carpets executive over corruption …says legislature exposed fraud ‘where necessary’

eputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, yesterday blamed the executive arm of government for failing to curb widespread corruption in the country. Ihedioha made the accusation in Benin, Edo State, while leading other House members to condole with Minority Whip, Samson Osagie, over the demise of his father. The deputy speaker, who was responding to questions from newsmen, said the 7th Assembly had

Ihedioha

done its best to expose corruption in the country. “It is unfair for anybody to say the Assembly did nothing about corruption.

“First, leadership of the House and the entire 7th Assembly discharged itself as a House that leads by example throughout. “We led the house transparently and kept our books open for any group or individual to appreciate how we ran the affairs of the House. “That is why, in the 7th Assembly, there is no banana peels. “We also did everything we could to expose corrupt practices by any branch of government

and by any member of the society. “We did all we needed to do and have asked the executive to do its part. “If the executive failed to do its part, that is not the responsibility of the House and it is not an indictment on the legislature. “We have exposed corruption where necessary,’’ Ihedioha said, adding that the House had completed work on the Petroleum Industry Bill and would table it for passage this week.

L-R: Fr. Daniel Onuorah, Fr. Marius Obiagwu, Prof. Stella Okunna, Mr. Peter Obi, Archbishop Valerian Okeke, Bishop Denis Chidi Isizoh, Fr. Patrick Omutah, Mrs. Vivian Nwandu and Fr. Boniface Okafor, after commissioning the ultra modern building for the School of Nursing at St. Charles Borromeo Hospital in Onitsha, at the weekend, as part of Golden Jubilee anniversary of the hospital.

Group faults Akwa Ibom delegation’s visit to Buhari

socio-political group, Akwa Ibom Democratic Alliance, AKDA, has described the recent visit of some political chieftains from Akwa Ibom State to the President-elect, General Muhamadu Buhari, as self-serving, hypocritical and shameless. The group advised the incoming president to be wary of chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, masquerading as members of All Progressives Congress, APC. A purported delegation of APC chieftains led by governorship candidate of the party, Umana Okon Umana, comprising former governor Victor Attah, former Minister, Don Etiebet, senators Ita Enang and Aloysius Etok, recently visited the Presi-

dent-elect and recounted the electoral woes of the party during the last general elections. The group in a statement in Uyo signed by President-General, Uwem Ekpo, said it was piqued that the delegation comprised members of PDP and those who worked against the success of the General but want to worm themselves into his heart to secure political patronage. The AKDA said: “For the avoidance of doubt, both Obong Attah and Chief Etiebet are members of the Board of Trustees of PDP. To the best of our knowledge, the two have not resigned their membership of PDP. Also, Senators Enang and Etok are serving PDP senators who have not also

resigned from PDP. “The most shameless is Senator Ita Enang, who had in widely published interviews before the election said he would not work for the General, but is now posturing as APC member in anticipation of political patronage. We believe among serial political prostitutes like Chief Etiebet, who has jumped in and out of PDP several times, there should be honour,” the group said. The group also faulted the non-inclusion of Senator John Akpanudoedehe and Group Captain Sam Ewang (rtd) who they described as the pillars of opposition in Akwa Ibom State among the members of the delegation and advised General Buhari to be wary of PDP members who camouflage as APC

members. It commended the position of the President-elect that PDP defectors would not be given a position in his administration. The AKDA also described as democratic his position that those who had lost election should follow due process and stay away from unconstitutional acts and pledged their support to the Presidentelect.

Buhari

South South

Monday, May 11, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Why we blew up oil facilities —Urhobo group Theophilus Onojeghen WARRI

L-R: Officer for Justice Sector Reform, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Ugonna Ezekwem; Coordinator, Legal Defence and Assistance Project, Chino Obiagwu; Godwin Odo of Justice for All and Wale Fapohunda of the Nigeria Bar Association, during an agenda-setting workshop on human rights, rule of law, and justice reforms in Nigeria, in Benin, Edo State, at the weekend.

Community protests FG’s plan to commission dam

Amour Udemude ASABA

he Ogwashi-Uku community in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State is not happy with Federal Government’s plan to commission an uncompleted dam project in the area. Consequently, the Ogwashi-Uku Development Union (ODU) has vowed to mobilise the people to resist

the planned commission by the Federal Government. The project has been under construction for the past five years, but is now scheduled for official commission on Tuesday, May 12, 2015, a move the community views as fraudulent. Condemning in strong terms the Federal Government’s plan during an emergency meeting at the weekend in Ogwashi-Uku, the union noted that the dam

was far from being completed and therefore advised the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to ask its contractor to urgently mobilise back to site. In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, signed by ODU presidentgeneral, Sir Emmanuel Okafor (JP) and its secretarygeneral, Mr. John Nwaekete, and made available to journalists, the community warned that any attempt to

go on with the planned commission would be vehemently resisted by the people. The union further called on the Federal Government to ensure the lingering issue of compensation to some individuals in the community be settled immediately, while the dam project should be included in the hand-over note to the incoming administration of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) as an ongoing project.

Rivers APC to Ikuru: You’re worse than Judas Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

erbal attacks between the All Progressives Congress, APC, and its rival, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State continued yesterday with the former descending heavily on former Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru. The APC in a statement yesterday described Ikuru as ‘Judas’ for daring to refer to his boss, Governor Rotimi Amaechi, as ‘irresponsible’ at a recent press conference in his office to inform Rivers people how the governor consciously refused to set up a transition committee for a smooth handover on May 29. The state’s APC Chairman, Dr. Davies Ikanya, in a statement in Port Harcourt, berated Ikuru over his unprovoked attack on Governor Amaechi, saying the latter picked him (Ikuru) up

and made him who he has become politically. It reads: “We read with shock the description of Governor Amaechi as ‘irresponsible’ by Engr. Ikuru during his ill-fated press conference in Port Harcourt few days ago, which he addressed in his new capacity as chairman of the transition committee set up by Chief Nyesom Wike, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC-declared governor of Rivers State. “It is sad that after serving as Amaechi’s deputy for over seven years, Ikuru, who several times in the past described Governor Amaechi as the hero of Rivers politics and best political exponent from the state, is suddenly singing a different tune,” Ikanya said. He described the statement as the “height of ingratitude and paints Ikuru in his true colours as a Judas, who is ever ready to

sell his master for mundane gain.” The party described Ikuru’s attack on Amaechi as unwarranted, saying: “Amaechi’s love for Ikuru is legendary. He chose him as his deputy despite Ikuru having teamed up with Sir Celestine Omehia and others to frustrate Amaechi’s governorship ambition during the ill-fated PDP primaries of 2007. “With God’s intervention the Supreme Court in its wisdom revalidated Amaechi’s mandate as the authentic PDP guber candidate, thus making him the governor. “In 2011, against the advice of many well-meaning Rivers people, Amaechi went ahead to again select Ikuru as his running mate as he successfully sought reelection.” The APC said Ikuru’s utterances were tempted by Wike’s promise to appoint him as the Secretary to State

Government (SSG), advising that he should tread with caution, especially “as the declaration of Wike as governor would soon be reversed by the election petition tribunal.” Meanwhile, the PDP in the state has also enjoined Governor Amaechi to concern himself with the various allegations of financial impropriety levelled against him and his administration. Rivers State PDP chairman, Prince Felix Obuah, said the reason Amaechi has refused to inaugurate his transition committee to interface with the governorelect’s transition committee borders on the fraudulent practices of his government. According to the PDP chairman, “how can Amaechi explain the failed monorail project, the Justice Karibi Whyte Hospital which his wife (Judith) connived with people to defraud the state of over US $50 million?

iger Delta militant group, Urhobo Gbagbako, whose recent onslaught has led to destruction of several oil facilities, has stated that it was forced to take the action because of deliberate marginalisation of the Urhobo nation by President Goodluck Jonathan’s government. It stated that the Federal Government took for granted Urhobo hospitality and peaceful disposition by awarding pipelines surveillance contract in Urhoboland to non-Urhobo people. A statement signed by national chairman of the Urhobo militant group, General H. M. Otega Obire, said: “Urhobo, as the fifth largest ethnic group in the country, has long been marginalised in the presidential amnesty programme and pipeline surveillance jobs and contracts.” It noted that such simplicity and maturity exhibited in all Urhobo communities to ensure smooth functioning of government at all levels should not be mistaken for cowardice by any government. The statement added: “We, the Urhobo agitators, accept the principle of change even before the elec-

tions because we strongly believe in the capacity of the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), to correct the wrongs done to us by the outgoing administration. “We have resolved to prevail and calm all frayed nerves in order to maintain the cease fire after due consultation and meetings through our channels of communication with the incoming government, but government has to be quick in its reaction so as to avoid a return to the dark age of militancy. “The Delta Steel Company, DSC, Aladja, that is supposed to be the only Federal Government presence in Urhoboland has been grounded for years.” The group, however, suggested in the statement that the incoming government should create a level-playing ground for bidding and allocation of contracts in the oil pipeline surveillance exercise with particular reference to the Urhobos, who are the major host communities of oil facilities and gas plant in line with the Local Content Act. It also urged the incoming General Buhari government to quickly revive the DSC to reduce unemployment and youth restiveness in the region.

Residents urge governor-elect to rehabilitate Asaba roads

esidents of Asaba have advised the incoming administration in Delta State to provide good road network in order to boost its economy. They made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Asaba yesterday. They argued that lack of good roads is a major challenge facing people of the state, especially those living in Asaba, the state capital. According to them, business activities in the state capital usually go down during rainy season due to deplorable condition of the roads. Mr. Uche Obi, who owns a supermarket on Direct Labour Road, said: “The poor state of our roads is taking a toll on our businesses. “We are always out of business once the rainy season begins because people find it very difficult coming

to this part of the town. “During rainy season, we lose most of our customers because they find it very difficult accessing our shops. “This is one of the reasons we are appealing to the incoming government to try as much as possible to fix the link roads so that our businesses can survive.” Mrs. Grace Kalu, who owns a restaurant in Umuagu Quarters, said: “Our major challenge in doing business, apart from poor electricity supply, is the poor state of roads in Asaba.” A tricycle operator, Mr. Cyril Mordi, said the deplorable condition of roads in Asaba has a devastating effect on his transport business. NAN reports that the poor state of roads in the state capital poses a big challenge to civil servants as well.

Monday, May 11, 2015

Nigerians must support Buhari to succeed –Adegbenro

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Speakership: Doghara’s bid receives boost Olajide Omojolomoju

he ambition of Hon Yakubu Doghara, representing Dass/ Bogoro/Tafawa-Balewafederal constituency of Bauchi State at the House of Representatives, to emerge Speaker of the incoming 8th Assembly, received a boost yesterday, when a political pressure group, Credible Alternative Alliance, CAA, threw its weight behind the Hon Dogara’s bid.

Addressing a press conference in Bauchi yesterday, CAA’s zonal Public Relation Officer, Sanusi Muhammad, lamented the relegation of the NorthEast in certain critical areas of governance in Nigeria, stressing that Hon Dogara should be elected as the speaker of the 8th Assembly. He said: “Available records show that from 1999 to date, the North-East geo-political zone has been relegated to the back bench in certain critical areas of

governance in Nigeria, particularly in the National Assembly, despite the region’s enormous contribution to the stability of polity. “The highest position ever occupied by the NorthEast in the National Assembly was that of deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, which did not commensurate with the enormous contribution given by the geo-political zone. Sanusi appealed to All Progressives Congress, APC, leadership at the na-

tional level and in Bauchi State to zone the speakership to North-East because according to him, “Hon Dogara is the man that the cap fits the most.” He said “the sub-region has some of the best brains and brawls that can pilot the affairs of the honorable House with passion and dexterity. It is blessed with one of the most energetic and result oriented young politicians that have over the years exhibited high quality representation in the House of Representa-

tives. He is Hon Dogara representing Bogoro/Tafawa-Balewa/Dass constituency. “Hon Dogara is a home breed politician in the House of Representatives who owns his mind and does not subscribe to the vogue of political god fatherism. He has since 2007 been working assiduously to stabilise the polity in the National Assembly and not shirking in his primary assignment to his constituents. “Proudly, Dogara has

positively touched the lives of many and still struggling to do more. He is an illustrious son of Bauchi State and one of the most respected federal legislators that can deliver positively and stabilise the doctrine of change for a better Nigeria. “Past political antecedents of Hon Dogara in local and national politics, qualifies him as the best to occupy the position of the Speaker in the 8th National Assembly without prejudice to other contestants.”

Ex-Benue milad cautions Fulani herdsmen over attack of citizens Henry Iyorkase MAKURDI

O L-R: National Secretary, Unity Party of Nigeria, Yusuf Alli; National Chairman, Dr. Fredrick Fasehun; Director General, Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, Prof. Bola Akinterinwa and Eze Ndigbo Shomolu, Eze Leonard Agha, during the first national post-election summit of the party in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Kwara PDP set to screen members –Chairman ...To fish out moles Wole Adedeji ILORIN

wara State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chairman, Chief Iyiola Oyedepo, has said that the party is set for an in-house cleansing to fish out the moles among its members. Oyedepo made this known while featuring on a weekly Radio Nigeria Harmony FM 103.5 live programme titled: ‘PDP on the Move’ in Ilorin, the state capital. Apparently doing an appraisal of the party’s poor outing in the state during the just conclud-

ed general elections, the chairman said a lot of his party members were found to be moles sent by the opposition into the party, who strongly worked against the PDP in the elections, lamenting that it was late at the time the party discovered to decisively deal with them. Speaking on the vacancies created by the exit of the General Secretary and others on the eve of the election, Oyedepo said the party was not in a hurry to conduct byeelections into their offices as a pre-cautionary way to guide against a repeat of the old mistake.

According to him, the party would thoroughly screen people for the three posts in order not to pick persons that were loyal to their masked principals only and not the party. He emphasised that

what the party was out to do this time around was to simply rebrand and reposition itself towards winning the forthcoming local government polls and move from there to capture Kwara in other legs of elections the state.

ne-time military governor of Benue State and chairman of recently dissolved Peace Initiative and Reconciliation Committee, set up by the state government aimed at finding lasting solution to the protracted violence between natives and Fulani herdsmen in Benue State, Brigadier-General John Atom Kpera, yesterday in Gboko frowned at the renewed attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen on innocents citizens in the state. General Kpera while taking stock of his committee’s activities with National Mirror in Gboko, lamented that the situation is degenerating, urging both the Federal and state governments to intensify efforts towards

curbing the renewed uprising in the state and even beyond. He observed with dissatisfaction that the spate of violence leading to the killings of many innocent souls by Fulani marauders in recent times in some parts of the state and neighbouring Nassarawa, Taraba and Plateau states is unprecedented, noting that something urgent should be done with view to mitigate the situation. Enjoining the herdsmen and the natives to imbibe the new culture of tolerance, Kpera called on stakeholders to intervene in the renewed hostilities amongst the people. General Kpera also stressed the need for peaceful coexistence among the people, adding that we are all equal before our Creator.

Taraba gov-elect urged to be mindful of sycophants Justin Tyopuusu JALINGO

araba State governor-elect, Darius Ishaku has been counseled to be mindful of sycophants and praise singers as he gets set to take over the mantle of leadership in the state. Taraba Volunteer

Group, TVG, yesterday at a press briefing in Jalingo, addressed by its leader, Terence Joseph, urged Ishaku to focus on providing quality leadership and not to be carried away by sycophants who would want to surround him for their own selfish interests. Calling on Ishaku to

speedily unite the state and bring peace back to troubled spots in the state as well as resettle, rehabilitate and ensure the return of all internally displaced persons, IDPs, in the state, TVG also called on the governor elect to declare state of emergency on education as soon as he assumes office.

It said: “It is very disturbing to hear that Taraba has the highest number of school drop-outs in the entire North-East. “That is why we are calling on the governorelect to, as a matter of urgency, introduce free education as soon as he assumes office.”

Politics

What is your assessment of the just concluded 2015 general elections? irst and foremost, I think all Nigerians should give thank to God because it was, indeed, God’s doing that it was a peaceful election. It was against the anticipation of the people that a lot of lives would be lost, that election would not hold and that Nigeria would break. But glory be to God that Nigerians came together and spoke with one voice. In unity they elected a president that came from the opposition party for the first time in the history of Nigeria. One cannot but mention the fatherly roles played by the likes of former leaders of this country, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, General Abdusalami Abubakar, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and Chief Emeka Anyaoku and a dogged fighter and unbowed democrat, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. If not for them, Nigeria could have become ashes by now. They have proved to be real elder statesmen and respected international figures.

Monday, May 11, 2015

Nigerians must support Buhari to succeed –Adegbenro Adejare Aremu Adegbenro is the grandson of late Premier of Western region, Pa Dauda Shoroye Adegbenro paternally and late National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, chieftain, Pa Alfred Rewane maternally, who despite his political connection, decides to go into business. The youthful entrepreneur, with interest in logistics and automobile, prides himself as a true Nigerian, as the mother of his son is from Kaduna State, always wanted the best for Nigeria. He tells journalists in Lagos that Nigerians need to support the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, to bring about the required and desired change in the country. OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU brings excerpts: And the first thing to do is to bring everybody together as one and forget about all the bitterness of the past. It is a new regime, it is a new party and it is a new ideology. We should all embrace discipline. And once we do that, every other thing will fall in place.

What lesson did Nigerians learn from the election? It teaches us to always be flexible because nothing is gold-casted. Today, I have learnt that Nigerians have a voice. The election has shown that, whoever misbehaves in office would be kicked out through the ballot box.

How sizeable do you want Buhari’s cabinet to be? The presidential system of government is expensive. Yet the coming cabinet should be trimmed to save cost. Only capable hands should be appointed to make things work. We know politicians would always be politicians. We should know how to accommodate them. But for the surgical operation, we need competent hands on board to carry it out. Not the people that would see the incoming administration as business as usual. That is not what would move the country forward. That is the leverage Buhari’s emergence has come to offer Nigerians.

What do you think were the problem that led to the ‘change’? I believe we should look at ourselves as Nigerians and not as Muslims, Christians, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Northerner, Southerner or whatever. Religion and ethnicity caused most of the problems. The second problem was lack of discipline that led to corruption. That was why Nigerians got up and said President Goodluck Jonathan has done his best and that it was time to move and try somebody else. It is an open fact that majority of the voters in this country are the masses. And once their welfare is not guaranteed, there will be problem. If they don’t have job, shelter, and power that would drive their business, if they don’t have even the business to be driven, then it is high time to kick out whoever is in power and say, enough is enough. Nigerians are now so politically sophisticated that in the last election, they even collected money and voted against those who gave the money. What are the challenges you think will confront the incoming government? First and foremost, as far as I am concerned, the incoming President, General Muhammadu Buhari will need all Nigerians’ support to succeed. It is God and not Buhari, that can solve the mirage of problems plaguing the country. Therefore, we should all come together the way we did during the elections to assist him in the onerous task of nation building. We should not expect miracle overnight. People should not make Buhari’s work more difficult by expecting instant miracle from him. The man that has been aspiring to lead this country as a democratically elected president for a long time must have a master plan for the country. We should give him a chance and rally round him to implement his master plan and see what he has for the Nigerian people. Discipline must be maintained because it is the bane of the nation. And I, Adejare Adegbenro, believe that discipline must be maintained because lack of it breeds corruption. And corruption has eaten deep into our fabric and we just have to fight it together as one. Secondly, we have to look into the challenges of power sector because without constant supply of electricity, nothing can work because nothing can be done. So much money has been spent on electricity, yet nothing positive has happened. How soon do you expect the ‘change’ Buhari and his party promised us? That is a one million dollar question. We are yet to see what the incoming government has in stock for us and how the people, especially the opposition would accept it. That is why I said we should organise and harmonise ourselves to assist the incoming administration to be ef-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Adegbenro

fective. And as I said earlier, it is about discipline. With discipline, you will realise that Nigerians are easy people to lead. For me, it is a collective responsibility and people should give God fearing advice, that will have positive impact for today and for our future. I am closer to my 50s than to my 20s. So, I am thinking of my children. That is why we should rally round Buhari and forget about which side of the country we come from. Thank God the General is a disciplined man. So, let us toe his line and regain our lost glory as the giant of Africa. We can do it. Our problem is self aggrandizement. Nobody says we should not be rich. What we are saying is that things should be done according to due process and laid down rule. General Buhari will do all what is humanly possible to fix Nigeria, if he doesn’t, then, he is not the Buhari we all voted for.

It is God and not Buhari, that can solve the mirage of problems plaguing the country. Therefore, we

should all come together the way we did during the elections to assist him in the onerous task of nation building.

What is your take on the biting current fuel crisis tormenting the citizenry? It beats me. I am not an expert in that sector, but as far as I am concerned, it doesn’t make sense. All this comes back to selfish interest. Why should we be producing oil, taking the same oil outside to be refined, and bringing it back to the country and we the pay subsidy on it? It doesn’t add up. Nigeria should look elsewhere beyond oil. Our country is blessed with a lot of resources. But what do we do about that? Everybody just concentrates on oil. Take our airports for instance. With the huge amount spent, they are still porous. If we don’t know how to do it, we should learn from those who know. Dubai is there so is Philippine. They make sure their systems work and they are making revenue out of it. Dubai is a tourist country today and it is making so much money from tourism. What are we doing in Nigeria? We are just contributing to other countries’ GDP! Does it make any sense? It doesn’t. Your child is sick, you send him abroad. Rich men’s children in Lagos don’t know where Shangisha or Ikorodu is. We have so over sheltered and over pampered our children that they are bound to fail. And that is why we want the General to put discipline back into the good people of Nigeria and train the youth to imbibe his ideology. When we do that, the country will be in the mainstream and on the right path. By special grace of God, the General will live long to train our youth and instill discipline in them and teach them the way to be real leaders of tomorrow. Would you suggest roles for traditional rulers and religious leaders in the coming dispensation? All the traditional rulers, clerics, retired generals and other elder statesmen should stop playing politics and come together to rally round General Buhari with useful advice to move the country forward. They should emphasise on what would unite us and not what would divide us. I am not envious of General Buhari coming now at the time Nigeria is down and almost out. Even if you bring the youngest and very brilliant chap as president now, he cannot solve Nigeria’s problem. It would require God’s grace and support of the generality of the citizenry.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Views

Monday, May 11, 2015

Olaitan Oyerinde: Remembering a patriot cut short ISSA AREMU

t is three years the national and global progressive labour movement received the sad news of the assassination of the former Principal Private Secretary to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State in Benin City during the early hours of May 4th, 2012. This sad development came barely one week after the seeming orchestrated attack on the convoy of Comrade Governor Oshiomhole that also sadly claimed the lives of three journalists and left several others injured. May their souls rest in eternal peace. The cowardly murder of Comrade Olaitan was a great loss to the administration of Comrade Oshiomhole and the good people of Edo State he diligently served for almost four years. Even of equal loss-measure was Olaitan’s demise to the labour movement. He was until his death Deputy General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). He was actually on leave of absence with Edo State government. Olaitan, as he was popularly called, was a tested Comrade. I bear testimony to his hard work, dedication and intellectual contribution to the growth and development of the Congress. At 44, Olaitan was one patriotic life too brutally cut short! Remembering Olaitan raises the painful nostalgia of Nigeria’s unresolved individual murder

cases (high or low) without an official declaration of war. Since Olatain’s death many lives have similarly been cut short without clues as to why and by who. We have inadvertently dignified unauthorised killings and reduced human lives and relations to mere statistics. Some historic murders, just like Olaitan were not just statistics. It is an open knowledge that Nigeria’s life expectancy has sadly fallen below 50 years, no thanks to malaria, typhoid, cancers and scores of avoidable diseases associated with underdevelopment. With increasing cases of unresolved murder and mass killings in the land, are we saying Nigerians should give up on life expectancy and be contended with death expectancy? Three years after Olaitan’s death, who cut a life so short and why? Post humus testimonials and tributes give us a complete picture of a patriot, a revolutionary, a tested unionist, an organizer, a loyal worker, a mentor and a proud father of three and husband. Given the embarrassing conflicting accounts and outcomes of separate investigations by the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Security (DSS) since 2012, unmasking Olaitan’s killers is sadly proving a tall order. We are all scandalously embarrassed and diminished by the fact that we were callously deprived of our own without an answer as to who carried out this dastardly act. We only take consolation with the documented appreciated deeds of Olaitan,

THREE YEARS AFTER OLAITAN’S DEATH, WHO CUT A LIFE SO SHORT AND WHY?

which damned the worse deeds of his killers. We may possibly not know Olaitan’s killers, but God sees all! Most testimonials singled out Comrade Olaitain as a global citizen. He was born in Ilorin on the pleasant day of December 7, 1968 to a mother from Ilesha in Osun State and a father who though from Ede in Osun state adapted Ilorin, as a home. Comrade Olaitain’s parents hailed from Osun State, but many would readily insist he came from Ilorin where he had his primary, secondary and in part tertiary education. He schooled in Lagos and worked in Abuja and with union work almost all parts of Nigeria and indeed the world. As a student activist, he had known all parts of the country well before he graduated. Serving the nation through the compulsory NYSC was just an official legitimization of his earned national outlook. His acceptance of an appointment as a Principal Private Secretary of the governor of Edo State and his post humus celebration as a hero of that great state, the Heart Beat of the Nation, and indeed Nigeria as a whole further attested to his pan Nigerian vision. Comrade Olaitain’s international

work as the head of NLC international Department singled him out as an internationalist. He was a brand name in Johannesburg, Berlin, Geneva, Ghana and Togo, Kenya where he had added value to the struggle of the working people of the world. In a worthy compendium Olaitan Oyerinde: His Struggles For A Better Nigeria by Lois Otse Adams quotable Olaitan is a bigger picture of a greater Nigeria. Witness his patriotic posting as late as 17th February, 2011 as narrated by the author; “If you give up hope on Nigeria, you are giving up hope on yourself because Nigeria is a paradise. So, if it is no longer a paradise, it is those who inhabit Nigeria that have ruined it and that is you and l. It is what you sow that you reap; the quality of the leaders that we have is equal to the people that we are. People complain of corruption, but some of us are even worse; the difference is that we have not had the opportunity to get there and if we are there we would do worse things. So, it is the aggregate of what is in the heart of every one of us, these are those we have as our leaders.” In a country in which millions of youths are being recruited into ethnic and religious bigotry, Olaitan is a worthy patriot. Aremu (mni) is Secretary General, National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria

The green-eyed monster called envy SANDRA A KUOMA

nvy has been part of human nature. It is true people are too scared to admit it so they won’t be labelled wicked or evil, but we all suffer from the needle prick of the greeneyed monster at some point in our lives, if we are really honest with ourselves. So, something needs to be said instead of burying our heads in the sand and pretending it does not exist. Envy is a feeling of resentment towards someone. It centres on feelings of not enough, doubt, scarcity and longing. As a typical example, your neighbour just bought a new car; you have been saving for months to buy one, which have still not bought. Or you have been looking for a child for years, but effortlessly your friend gets pregnant. It could also arise from your boss preferring your colleague’s work over yours, the list is endless. I presume you all know where I am coming from; we have all been there at some point. It is a secret feeling that hurts inside even though we might be smiling on the outside. It is known in every religion as one of the most deadly sins. The funny thing is ENVY can cause so much pain once it is felt, unlike anger, lust, laziness, where there is little pleasure enjoyed before suffering from the consequences. We have two types: Positive and neg-

WHEN WE FEEL WE HAVE TO MEASURE UP TO JONESES, IT PUTS

US UNDER ENORMOUS PRESSURE ative envy. Positive envy leads to constructive actions like oppression of the rich and powerful on the poor and needy. Apartheid in South Africa is a very good example where the white minority oppressed the black majority and it led to one of the biggest movements in the world which brought about justice to the oppressed South African blacks. A lot of the movements in the past that change societies for the better, have been the result of positive envy, which led to new laws and overthrow of bad government. They w ended up changing people’s lives for the better. In contrast, negative envy will turn you into a very negative person. Therefore, don’t underestimate the power of the green eye monster. If you allow it to take root in your life it will only bring you bitterness, isolation and disappointments. This is well captured by the British philosopher, Bertrand Russell, who once asserted that envy is one of the most potent causes of unhappiness. Why we are envious is because we want to be like the proverbial Joneses.

It has gone far beyond the Jones living next door, it has now been amplified since the introduction of social networking as we have more access to people’s private lives through twitter, Facebook, instagram, blackberry messenger etc. People are putting up all the good things happening in their lives, job promotion, lovely kids, and wife - everything is perfect, but you are thinking, but my life sucks. When all these things are thrown at us we begin to have a low self-esteem of ourselves and we start developing a complex. When we feel we have to measure up to Joneses, it puts us under enormous pressure - the things we long to have become unobtainable and we later begin to believe we are not good enough, robbing us of our present happiness. And there is the display of narcissistic tendencies. Some people love to stand out and only be the ones enjoying the spoils, once anyone has more than them in any way they become insecure and feel they no longer look better than others, which is a threat to the powerful image they have of themselves. Envy doesn’t result from seeing someone doing better than us, but from remembering that we are no good enough. It could lead emotional wounds. People who have emotional wounds don’t feel bad all of the time, but they just remember the wounds whenever they encounter something that reminds them of their wounds. Our thoughts

come to our minds from two different sources: remembering something that is of importance to us or something in our external environment triggering a negative thought. Inferiority wound could trigger your memory of your inadequacy whenever you see someone doing things that you think you can’t do. Your wound could be a generalized one like thinking that you are no good in doing anything or a specific one like thinking that you can’t achieve financial success. The more generalized your wound is, the more the feelings of envy will be in your life. This is not is not the famous inferiority complex but it’s rather a belief that you are no good at doing something or at least not as good as your friends. Food for thought The spirit of envy can destroy; it can never build. Margaret Thatcher next week I will discuss ways to manage envy. Akuoma wrote from Lagos via sanlifepointers@hotmail.com and can be reached on 08165583876 (SMS only) Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

Editorial

Monday, May 11, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

SUNDAY OLAJIDE MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO SEYI FASUGBA DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI SATURDAY EDITOR AYO OLESIN SUNDAY EDITOR BEN MEMULETIWON GENERAL EDITOR DOZIE OKEBALAMA COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF AUGUSTUS IMEKAN ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

Desecrating states’ Houses of Assembly

he rate at which the Houses of Assembly in some states in the country, including the office of the Speaker, are being ridiculed since 2011 has gone a long way in buttressing how entrenched impunity has become in the country. The 1999 Constitution (as amended), in Section 92 (1), for example, provides that there shall be a Speaker and Deputy Speaker of a House of Assembly. In 92 (a), (b), and (c), it proscribes the conditions under which a Speaker or Deputy Speaker shall vacate office, the most visible being that they can be removed from office by a resolution of the House by the votes of not less than twothirds majority of its members. In most states enmeshed in political crises, however, a travesty of the constitutional provision is what has been passed off as the removal of speakers of the Houses of Assembly from office. In July 2013, five out of the 32 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly purportedly impeached the Speaker, Mr. Otelemabe Amachree. Amachree was replaced by Evans Bipi, with the support of thugs, security agents and politicians at a time when the political face-off between the state governor, Rotimi Amaechi and President Goodluck Jonathan raged. In Ekiti State, the Speaker, Dr. Adewale Omirin,

was last November impeached by seven out of the 26 members of the House in what was described as the climax of the feud between the then Governor-elect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Peoples Congress (APC)-dominated state House of Assembly. Omirin is still in court contesting the aberration. The latest theatre of the absurd was staged in Enugu State last Monday, when 15 out of the 24 members of the state House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Eugene Odoh, sat and suspended three erring members of the House for acts of misconduct and proceeded in addition to serve impeachment notice on Governor Sullivan Chime for allegedly forging a N12 billion supplementary budget for 2012. Shortly after, a rival group comprising nine members of the same House sat, suspended Odoh and six other members, as well as nominated and swore in Chinedu Nwamba, representing Nsukka East Constituency, as Speaker. Reports late last year indicated that members of the Enugu State House of Assembly approved an N11 billion loan request by the Chime government during a ‘secret’ sitting, purportedly to enable the state administration complete ongoing projects. Short-

TRIVIALIZATION OF THE LEGISLATURE IN STATES… SMACKS OF POLITICAL INTOLERANCE AND ABUSE OF POWER

ly after, however, the governor and the lawmakers clashed over the refusal of the latter to give retroactive approval to yet another N7 billion loan the governor allegedly obtained from commercial banks. The legislators were said to be reluctant to approve a total of N18 billion within so short a time for the Chime government that would be leaving office later this month. This and other political undercurrents were said to be at the root of the raging hostilities between the 15 lawmakers behind Speaker Odoh and nine others that are pro-Chime. Recall that the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and a group that identified itself as Better Enugu Youths Assembly (BEYA), upbraided the Odoh-led state Assembly for approving the N11 billion loan, saying the lawmakers’ action was a confirmation of the mere rubber stamp roles some state Houses of Assembly in the country play for their governors. Beyond the known or hidden

ON THIS DAY May 11, 1996 On a single day, eight people died during summit attempts on Mount Everest. The 1996 Mount Everest disaster occurred when eight people died on mountain during summit attempts. In the entire season, fifteen people died trying to reach the summit, making it the deadliest single year in Mount Everest’s history. The disaster gained wide publicity and raised questions about the commercialization of Everest.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

May 11, 2010 David Cameron became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom following talks between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats to form the UK’s first coalition government since World War II after elections produced a hung parliament. In a parliamentary system of government, a hung parliament occurs when no single political party (or bloc of allied parties) has an absolute majority of seats in the parliament.

details of the crisis rocking the Enugu State House of Assembly, however, it is unacceptable that state Houses of Assembly can be so desecrated and compromised with thugs or official security operatives and, including free-for-all, in the bid by some unrestrained politicians to perpetrate illegalities, like five members out of 32 removing a Speaker, as was the case in Rivers State; seven out of 26 members doing same as was witnessed in Ekiti; or nine out of 24 members impeaching the Speaker as was reported in Enugu State. The trivialization of the legislature in states through illegal impeachment with the connivance of state governors smacks of political intolerance and abuse of power, especially when the Constitution has unambiguous provisions on what it takes to remove elected public officers from office. The nation should rise with one voice in condemning reckless opportunists out there to despise the country, its Constitution and hard-won democracy, which most of them never fought for, anyway. The impunity veiled as legislative immunity must stop. The polity appears rudderless and adrift. Therefore, the courts should rise up on their feet whenever the opportunity presents itself; and arrest this brazen travest of the nation’s democracy.

x May 11, 2014 About 15 people were killed and 46 others injured in Kinshasa in a stampede caused by tear gas thrown into a stadium by police officers attempting to defuse a hostile incident. The 2014 Stade Tata Raphael disaster refers to a stampede that occurred at the Stade Tata Raphaël, Kinshasa on May 11, 2014. During a match between Congolese football clubs - TP Mazembe and Vita Club, missiles were thrown on to the pitch.

A2 18

Business Courage

Monday, May 11, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cover

Fuel Scarcity:

Counting yearly losses .... threats to lives As the country goes through another harrowing round of nationwide scarcity of petroleum products, many stakeholders believe that Nigeria as an oil producing nation has failed the citizenry on socio-economic fronts just as the frequent scarcity of products continues to take huge toll on the nation’s drive towards sustainable economic growth. Gbenga Odogun reports.

or three weeks running now, Nigerians have been grappling with persistent fuel scarcity due to a combination of factors but more largely to the just ended strike by the Petrol Tankers Drivers arm of National Union of Petroleum workers, NUPENG. Before this latest harrowing debacle, oil marketers had threatened to stop importation of products until the Federal Government paid the outstanding subsidy of N200 billion owed them. From the commercial city of Lagos through Abuja to other major cities across the country, the story has been the same tell-tale lamentations of hardship as motorists spend hours or days queuing for Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, a product that ordinarily should be available at the remotest villages in the country if Nigeria were blessed with visionary, people-oriented and transformational leaders But alas, sights of long queues of vehicles are still noticeable in various filling stations after about

10 days of product-lifting paralysis occasioned by the tanker drivers’ industrial action while more of the stations had the “no fuel” signs clearly pasted at both entry and exit points. Fuel scarcity; that has plagued the nation recently appeared to have become worse since the beginning of this year, causing a lot of pains, anguish and dislocation to economic and other growth-boosting activities. Apart from the commuters and motorists that have suffered physical hardships of monumental dimensions as they battle daily to eke out a living, the industrial enterprises are also groaning under heavy costs of operations associated with the ‘no fuel saga’ It is widely believed that perennial fuel crises were largely caused by bottlenecks in the distribution system as well as other fiscal challenges that tend to keep eroding investors’ returns and corruption at government level, the biggest monster in the chains. Besides the physical hardships being experienced by individuals and

corporate entities as the crisis lingers, the multiplier effects on the economy cannot be quantified in monetary terms in view of the multidimensional implications for the country’s strive to become one of the 20 most developed economies by the year 2020. For instance, it is a common knowledge today that the fuel scarcity will escalate inflation and worsens the problem of poverty in Nigeria as many workers will lose their jobs as companies will find it difficult to cope. Fuel crisis paralyses social and economic activities, it brings about socio-economic unrest which results to increase in transport fare and sky rocketing market prices that impact negatively on all facets of national life. Experts believe that increase in spending both XXXXXX

by government and private individuals during the period of fuel scarcity has always provided the template for sellers of goods and services to capitalize on the bad situation, in a manner that is highly exploitative, to jack up prices. With particular reference to Nigeria, analysts see the fuel crisis every time it raises its ugly head as the direct result of the mismanagement of the downstream sub sector of the hydrocarbon resources industry by government officials and their collaborative private sector manipulators. The truth is that no country in the world can make real economic development under such miserable and unfortunate situation. Corruption also discourages foreign investments, thereby leading to slow develop-

ment or growth of the economy. Also related to the fuel scarcity is wasteful spending of money on importation of fuel since the refineries were perfuming below installed capacity due to several year of neglect of their turn around maintenance. The implications of this are that several economic projects are usually abandoned to purchase the refined petroleum product from outside the country while road and five accidents become recurring features in national emergency management agenda. Reacting to the current fuel crisis in the country, the President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Alhaji Remi Bello pointed out that since fuel scarcity touches on every face of the socio-economic life

of the people, it invariably implies that it also retards development in the country. Wasteful spending of money on importation of fuel since the refineries were perfuming below installed capacity due to several year of neglect of their turn around maintenance. Several economic projects are usually abandoned to purchase the refined petroleum product from outside the country. Due to fuel scarcity road and fire accidents occurs on our roads and housing because of long queues of vehicles on the road and storing of petrol in individual houses. The current shortage UDO ONYEKA, CO-ORDINATOR BUSINESS COURAGE udonyeka@gmail.com c

Global Media Mirror Limited

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, May 11, 2015

A3 19

to economy

Diezani AlisonMadueke, Petroleum Minister

Okonjo-Iweala

brought about by the industrial action of the petrol tankers is no exemption in inflicting untold hardships on the people of Nigeria. Workers, Transporters, commuters as well as residents all have different stories concerning their experience in the last three weeks. workers spend long times at bus stops before getting transportation to their work place while motorists were forced to either abandon their cars at home or made to pay over 200 percent increase in the price of petrol from the black marketers. Some of who operate right in front of filling stations with impunity without challenge from any law enforcement agent. Who look elsewhere as if the black market is normal? As usual, the blame game continues, while citizens groan under the yoke of excruciating pains caused by the acute fuel shortages. In fact there was a sharp disagreement over the amount being owed the oil marketers as subsidy arrears, while the oil marketers claim to have been owed 200billion naira as arrears of subsidy, the Federal government said only 160 billion is being owed claiming to have fulfilled its payment obligations

even in the face of dwindling revenue accruing to the federal purse. Speaking to newsmen in Abuja last week, Minister of Finance Dr. Mrs Ngozi Okonjo Iweala said that the Federal Government had paid N500 billion this year alone! The minister said “As you know, we have revenue challenges because of the 50 percent drop in the source of our main revenue. But despite these constraints, we have really prioritised this payment to marketers. We have gone extra length to try and pay them, since December we have paid half a trillion Naira and you know that is not a small part of even our annual budget, if you were to compare” This is coming on the heal of the All Progress Congress’ position which blamed the current crisis on the looting of the $12 billion domestic gas fund under the watch of president Good luck Jonathan as well as the outgoing administration’s failure to pay outstanding fuel subsidy and the cost of interests on bank loans to oil marketers, making it impossible for them to begin another round of importation of refined products. Reacting to People’s Democratic Party, PDP’s

allegations accusing them of being responsible for the scarcity, All Progressive Congress, APC through its publicity secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed said the PDP and the Jonathan Administration decided to divert attention from those problems by accusing the opposition of being responsible for the scarcity – a most laughable and irresponsible statement by a sitting government that is always so eager to blame everyone but itself for the nation’s woes. APC said that the failure to meet this obligation has made it impossible for the oil marketers, who are being owed heavily, to finance another round of products importation. ”The truth is that this profligate government has run Nigeria aground, and the oil sector, whether upstream or downstream, has particularly suffered hugely. The quantity of petroleum products that was imported has almost been fully consumed, without fresh products being brought in to augment supplies that have now fallen well below reorder level” APC stated. ”The implication is that in addition to worsening power supply, crumbling prices of oil at the international mar-

ket, weakening Naira and unprecedented corruption, Nigerians – who routinely provide their own electricity to power their homes and business, now have to face another round of government-imposed hardship with the ongoing fuel scarcity,” the party said It said the fuel crisis would not have reached the stage it is in now had the $12 billion domestic gas project fund not been looted under President Jonathan’s watch. This is because, with the project being executed, many vehicles, cooking stoves and generators would have been converted to use gas Continued on pg A4

A4 20

Business Courage

Monday, May 11, 2015

Continued from pg A3

News Lagos plans metro backbone for submarine cables By Isaiah Erhiawarien

Mohammed

to reduce the importation of PMS, diesel and kerosene, and gas would have been available to fire the gas turbines at power stations while more power would have been delivered to the national grid. However, while his blame games were going on, Nigerians continue to wallow in the pains of economic stagnation with its attendant negative impact on the socio economic lives of the most populous and number economy in Africa. Speaking on the effect of fuel scarcity on the economy, Managing Director/CEO of Ukwani & Sons Nigeria Ltd, registered Civil Contractors and Transport Leasing Company to the Nigeria Breweries Plc, Chief Patrick L. Ukwuani, said Fuel scarcity in Nigeria’s transport sector has been a constant or recurrent decimal, creating distortion in the macroeconomic system of the nation. Scarcity happens when there is low supply of something that is in a high demand. When this happens, people are prone to paying more for a product. If all of our products and resources are scarce, then we may see inflation. According to him, “The pivot of the economy is supposed to be Transport system, but unfortunately, it is receiving little or no attention. This is putting so much pressure on other areas of the economy...The transport sector is not developed and that is why Nigeria keeps on having galloping and all sorts of inflationary rates. Transportation for any country is a vital aspect of its social and economic life; it enhances trade needs whereby the country’s manufacturing, industrial tourism and distribution needs are served. Therefore, a vibrant, responsive, effective and efficient transport system will enhance Nigeria’s economic, developmental and strategic roles in the global system/economy. It is for this reason that Transport has been accorded high priority in the country and the Federal Ministry of Transport is charged with

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

the responsibility of delivering a transport sector that is capable of meeting the needs of a modern, competitive, industrial economy. Therefore, anything that affects the transport sector like hike in the pump price of fuel directly affects national development. Presently, our dependence on roads has resulted in a rapid deterioration of the network and the hike in pump prices of both petrol and diesel due to scarcity has adversely affected the economy as goods and services are delayed and high transport costs translate to a high cost of goods and services. Ukwani said. “The effect of scarcity on the economy is self obvious and enormous, apart from the hardships that workers had to endure in getting to work due to shortages of transport, the cost of operation of businesses has gone up said Alhaji Remi Bello the president of the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industries. Bello told our correspondent in a telephone chat that the economy is operating without electricity for now and adding fuel scarcity to their woes was bringing operation to a near halt since they do not have fuel to power their Generators. The president said that the man hour lost to long queues at filling stations and waiting time before getting transport to the place of work also made the cost of fuel scarcity enormous on the business operations in the country. Virtually all sectors of the economy are feeling the pinch of the scarcity; from big multinationals to small and medium scale industries, the experience is the same. An electronic trader at Oshodi market who prefers to be known simply as Emeka said the cost of transportation to and from his shop have tripled in the last two weeks. “As if that was not enough, sales has reduced since the fuel scarcity started” Emeka said, adding that some days he will not record one sale BC

here are indications that the Lagos State government is working on providing a metro backbone facility for all the submarine cables that have landed in its shores. The initiative is expected to help the submarine cables owners, including MainOne; Glo1; WACS; SAT 3, Dolphin, among others have efficient networking system that is expected to make Lagos a smart-city and interconnect with other states. This plan was disclosed by the Director-General, Lagos State Financial Systems Management Bureau, Abdulahmed Mustapha, at a forum in Lagos. Mustapha disclosed that about seven submarine cables have landed in the shores of the state within the last five years, but that it is still difficult for the operators to distribute capacities even within the state. Mustapha, who disclosed that Lagos targets becoming a smart city, noted that all hands are on deck to ensure the realisation of this as soon as possible to be able to complement the state’s megacity status and projects currently going on. For effects, the Lagos state official said the state’s government is working to provide an efficient metro network system for all the submarine owners, which have landed their cables in the state. “The state is focus on becoming a smart-city, along with our megacity status. We are already working with Chams to develop an ICT park in Lekki. Today, there are about seven submarine cables in the shores of Lagos. The operators have had the challenge of distributing these capacities within and outside the state. What the current government is doing, which will be consolidated in the new regime is to get the cable operators together and help them to build an efficient metro backbone facility, where everybody will plug in and be able to distribute capacities seamlessly”, he stated.

Fashola

Hafeez

Citibank announces Journalistic award winners, harps on media training By Francis Ezem

itibank Nigeria has presented awards to winners of 2015 edition of its prestigious Citi Journalistic Excellence Awards, which is the seventh in the series. Citibank Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Citigroup Inc, the leading global financial services company, in addition to the annual award, has for some years trained business journalists in Nigeria as part of its resolve to build capacity and in line with its Corporate Social Responsibility. Managing director of the bank, Mr. Oman Hafeez,who announced the awards results, said Mr. Peter Dele Olowa of Business Day won the overall award while Mr. Francis Ezem of the National Mirror and Mrs. Omobola Tolu-Kusimo of the Nation emerged the first and second runner ups of the competition respectively. He disclosed that in this year’s edition, the bank received a total of 28 entries from business reporters across various media outlets, including Business Day, Daily Independent, National Mirror, Guardian, Leadership, Nation, New Telegraph, Punch, This Day, TVC and Vanguard.. It was also gathered that the three finalists were selected by a distinguished panel of judges which include Mrs. Betty Irabor, chief executive officer of Genevieve Magazine, Mr. James Plasman, economic officer of the US Consulate General in Lagos and Mr. Richard Ikiebe, director and senior fellow of the Pan-Atlantic University’s School of Media and Communications. The Citi Journalistic Excellence Awards competition sends winning journalists to an elite seminar at Columbia University in New York, which is an international journalist’s conference, a special programme sponsored by Citi and administered by Columbia’s Graduate School of Journal-

ism. The Citibank Nigeria-boss said that for over 30 years, the programme has served to improve the quality of business journalism in the developing world by exposing leading local journalists to the issues and people that drive the global economy. This year, nearly two dozens of journalists from 18 countries will get to meet with leaders of the international business community, government, media and academia in New York. It was gathered that in the previous years, former Senior Vice President of the New York Federal Reserve Bank, Peter Bakstansky, former New York Federal President- Timothy Geithner and Ambassador Felix Rohatyn have spoken to the group as well as Columbia Professors Bruce Shapiro, Edward Schumacher-Matos, Ricardo Reis and Irene Finel Honigman. Hafeez however expressed the hope that winners of the Citi Journalistic Excellence Awards are expected to play significant roles in shaping their countries’ perceptions of the international business environment.

Onaeko

ITF support Youth training with N10bn yearly –DG

irector General, Industrial Trust Fund, ITF, Dr Juliet Onaeko has disclosed that the Fund spends about N10bn annually to train youths in vocational skills. Disclosing this during the inauguration of the new National Executive of Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria, CICAN, in Lagos state, said such trainings require huge capital, adding that the Act establishing the Fund, stipulates that employers should contribute part of the funds while Federal Government gives subventions to ITF. Onaeko, also noted that the training is in line with its policy trust to promote and encourage acquisition of skills in industry and commerce while generating a pool of indigenous trained manpower, sufficient enough to meet the economic

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

needs of the country. According to the ITF boss, about 70 percent of the ITF budget goes into training, adding that such trainings are capital intensive; hence the Fund needs financial supports from the public and private sectors of the nation’s economy. ‘’We are thinking of establishing vocational training centres in all the geographical zones of the country. We are trying and one day, we will get there. Funding is holding us back. Training of manpower is our major trust. We need to build capacity for our nation. Every year, we spend about N10bn in various training programmes in and outside the country’’, she stated. Continuing, she noted that ‘’Training reimbursements are part of the returns employers can receive from the Fund. Others include general availability of trained and mobile manpower throughout the economy as well as access to wealth of information and expertise, which the Fund has built over the years.

A5 21

that employ labour.

Stakeholder laments manpower shortfall in tourism industry

L-R: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc. Nnamdi Okonkwo, Chairman, Board of Directors, Fidelity Bank Plc., Chief Christopher Ezeh, MFR, Executive Director, Lagos and South West Bank, Ikemuefuna Mbagwu at the signing of the Fidelity Bank Plc. N30bn 16.48% fixed rate bond due in 2022 in Lagos Friday

allegation against him.

Court orders Ecobank to pay ex-staff N8.5m

he National Industrial Court, Abuja, on Friday ordered Ecobank Plc to pay Mr Uche Abrah, the sum of N8.5m as his cumulative salary arrears and gratuity from 2006 to 2014. The court made the order after considering evidences in a case of wrongful dismissal instituted by Abrah against the bank. The judge, Justice Peter Lifu, in the verdict, declared that the claimant’s dismissal from the employment was wrongful and illegal. He, however, said that the claimant shall be paid three months salary in lieu of notice as dated in the defendant’s termination of employment policy. Lifu stated that the claimant should be paid his gratuity from the period of his engagement by the defendant, commencing from August 2006 to January 4, 2014 and also salaries from the period of indefinite suspension. He further ordered that a sum of N30, 000 should be paid as cost of suit and “the judgment should be fulfilled within 30 days or else attract an interest of 10 percent per annum’’. Abrah had approach the court with prayer that he was dismissed on the ground of alleged conspiracy to steal over N2m from the bank. He had told the court that before his dismissal, he was suspended even when there was no evidence to prove the

Business Courage

Monday, May 11, 2015

Akinsoji

Expert urges ship-owners to engage actively in international business

r Olu Akinsoji, a former Director-General, Government Inspector of Shipping, GIS, has urged the Ship-owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) to participate actively in international shipping. Akinsoji made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos on Friday. He stressed the need for stakeholders to close ranks to enable them benefit from the business opportunities in the international shipping circle. ``From my experience, I believe that a nation cannot compete favourably in international shipping if the private sector is not organised. ``This is the beginning of many more things to come and we must appreciate SOAN for putting themselves together to say they want to come together in order that they would give feedback on our aspirations as a nation. ``To partake in international shipping and even cabotage (coastal shipping), because

when you do not have private sector organised, you are not likely going to have an organised feedback. ``Which will allow you to readjust yourself as a nation concerning the policy and objectives for the developments in the maritime industry. ``So therefore, at this time when we have a change of government and this body is coming on board, I want to say from my experience that the new government should take note. ``And encourage organised private sector like this; so that we can have inputs from the people who are supposed to be the executors of policies to give feedback on policy execution. ``So that the objectives of the policy would be achieved.’’ Akinsoji disclosed that about 60 million tonnes of Nigerian cargo were brought into the country annually, with about 4, 000 ships bringing those cargoes into the country. He, however, urged the Federal Government to encourage the association to float a standard shipping line to enable it compete favourably in international shipping business.

Sijuwade

Nigeria Railway Institute graduates 205 technicians

wo hundred and five technicians, with diverse skills, on

Friday in Lagos graduated from the Nigerian Railway Institute. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the skills acquisition programme of the corporation is part of the phased Federal Government overhaul and revamping of the nation’s rail transportation system. Admonishing the technicians, Mr Adeseyi Sijuwade, the Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, urged them to use the skills acquired for the growth of the nation’s economy. Sijuwade, represented by Alhaji Aminu Gusua, Director, Administration, and Human Resources of NRC, said that the skills acquired from the institute would assist in bridging the nation’s technical manpower needs. The managing director also advised the technicians to utilise their skills within the ambit of the law. “We will make sure that grandaunts are employed by NRC when the opportunity comes but they should rather look at who they will employ,” he said. Also speaking, Mallam Abubakar Mohammed, the DirectorGeneral, National Directorate of Employment, NDE, commended the sustained collaborative effort of the NDE and the Nigerian Railway Technical Institute. Abubakar, represented by Mr Adeleye Joseph, Assistant Director, Vocational Skills Development Department, said that the 24-year collaboration had contributed greatly in the technological advancement of the nation and youth empowerment. “To tackle the problem of unemployment, especially among youths and other vulnerable groups of the society, the NDE planned, designed, and developed well-tested employment programmes,” he said. Abubakar said that the import of the programme stemmed from the fact that most of the grandaunts own businesses

r Ashamu Fadipe, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, on Friday attributed manpower shortfall in tourism industry to few tourism institutions in the country. Fadipe, a former Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism and Inter-governmental Relations, disclosed this in an interview with theNews Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos. He, however, said that there were enough personnel in the country to train students on tourism skills. ``Although there are few tourism institutions in the country, there is need for an increase in manpower in the industry,’’ He said. He urged the government to establish tourism institutions in parts of the to encourage investors to develop the sector, adding that tourism could help to alleviate poverty in the society if well developed.

EKEDC earmarks N700m for operational vehicles

he management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company, EKEDC, on Friday announced that it had earmarked N700m for the purchase of 100 vehicles for its operations. The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr Oladele Amuda, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos that getting the vehicles was one of efforts of the company to improve on service delivery. According to him, operational vehicles remain the key in our approach to meeting the demands of consumers. Amuda said that out of the number of vehicles proposed for acquisition, 20 pick-up vans had already been procured. “Our target is to get 100 of the vehicles but we have just bought these ones, gradually we will get the rest. “This is to improve our services and to improve on consumers’ needs so that when consumers demand for something in term of reporting fault, there will be a prompt response. “We are going to replace the old vehicles that are not efficient to enable us to do what we are supposed to do,” he said He appealed to consumers to bear with company over ‘’our not-too-satisfactory state of power supply’’. BC

A6 22

Business Courage

Monday, May 11, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Companies & Markets

Royal Exchange Assurance to unveil robust retail strategy

oyal Exchange Prudential Life Assurance, REPLA, has said it would focus on customer service excellence, among other major initiatives, to drive its quest for market leadership. Group Managing Director of Royal Exchange Plc, Mr. Chike Mokwunye, made this known at a national retreat for its management staff encouraged staff of Royal Exchange Prudential Life Assurance, especially those in customer-facing departments, to make service excellence their guiding principle and watchword in their interactions and dealings with clients of the company. According to GMD the customer is at the heart and soul of

Mokwunye

every organization’s growth and success and it is very important to keep them satisfied if one wants to remain in operation. “If the customer is treated well, he/she stays with you, but if they receive shabby and unsatisfactory treatment, they ,customers, will take their business elsewhere.” He said, the future of insurance in Nigeria is the life business, which has not been fully tapped into, and for Royal Exchange Prudential to seek market leadership, an effective and efficient policy of customer service, loyalty and retention must be in place in the organisation. In his remarks, Managing Director of the company Mr. Wale Banmore, said in addition to service excellence, the company’s focus is also on the deployment of a robust retail marketing strategy to take insurance to the grassroots, as well as training/upgrading of its marketing personnel, in line with current realities. “The attainment of these goals, amongst others in the current financial year, will impact positively on the fortunes of the company, profitability, improve service delivery to our clientele and boost our premium income”. Banmore said. BC

Accenture tasks women entrepreneur on ideas By Isaiah Erhiawarien

omen entrepreneurs in Nigeria have been urged to always look beyond ideas they can achieve and challenge themselves with the seemingly unachievable business ideas. Managing Director of Accenture Nigeria, Juliet Anammah told women entrepreneurs at a 2-day business fair organised by WEConnect International Nigeria, and tagged 1st WEConnect International Exhibition and Matchmaker in Nigeria ,WIEM, that it is only by thinking outside the box and aiming for the seemingly impossibilities. Anammah, who co-chaired the event, stressed that by interfacing with others, great ideas that they can use to expand their business coast could emerge adding that innovations usually happen at intercessions. WEConnect International Nigeria, an affiliate of Washington D.C based global Nongovernmental Organization, WEConnect International, currently has a network base of about 695 Nigerian women entrepreneurs.

Executive Director in Nigeria, Comfort Avunze Sakoma, said that the organisation was specifically established to cater for registered female business owners, to offer them various assistances such as capacity building support, networking opportunities and opportunities for members to connect with and learn from other certified companies on key success factors and strategies. She stated that the NGO is as well, amongst other things, concerned with identifying, educating, registering and certifying businesses that are owned by women, with a view to helping them to become credible and globally acceptable. Co-chaired by three major corporations such as Accenture, ExxonMobil, Ernst and Young and EY, the event also had in attendance the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of WEConnect International, Elizabeth Vazquez. Vazquez extolled the doggedness of Nigerian female business owners, describing their level of entrepreneurialism as very high in spite of the fact that they usually operated under very difficult circumstances. BC

L-R: Executive Director, (ED) Admin and Finance, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Haruna Baba Jauro; Director, Shipping Development, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh; Counsellor Petroleum and Commercial Affairs Norwegian Embassy, Mr. Tor Tanum; Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Rolf Ree; DG/CEO, NIMASA, Dr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi and ED, Maritime Safety and Shipping Development, Capt. Ezekiel Bala Agaba during a working visit by the Ambassador to the Agency recently

Fidelity Bank raises N30bn local Bond to finance SMEs By Udo Onyeka

idelity Bank Plc on Friday said it signed N30bn, a 16.48 per cent fixed rate bond due in 2022. Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mr Nnamdi Okonkwo said that the initiative was part of the lender’s efforts at deepening the Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, sub sector which arguably is the engine room of the Economy. At the signing ceremony which had the full complement of the Board, Planet Capital Limited, Lead Issuing House, Underwriters, representatives from the Securities and Exchange Commission ,SEC, Nigerian Stock Exchange ,NSE, Registrars and Stock brokers witnessed the event. MeanwhileShareholders of Fidelity Bank on Thursday approved the bank’s 18 kobo dividend for the 2014 financial year. Reviewing the company’s performance at the 27th yearly general meeting of the bank in Lagos the Chairman of the bank, Chief Christopher Ezeh appreciated the Shareholders for their unflinching loyalty and support. Also the Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Nnamdi Okonkwo noted that the 2014 performance was a positive reinforcement of the medium term strategic objectives which are anchored on improving the efficiency of the balance sheet, growing the retail and SME

business among others. He explained that the bank has a solid platform for growth, underpinned by strong customer loyalty and significant investments in physical and electronic distribution channels. “Our retail banking strategy gathered increased momentum in 2014 with the bank acquiring over 471,000 new retail customers, consumer loans growing by over 21 per cent and core low-cost retail deposit by 18 per cent which lowered our average cost of customer deposits”. He informed shareholders that the banks operational efficiency improved as it leveraged on alternative electronic channels to reduce the cost to service, adding that the operating expenses, excluding regulatory costs, grow by just three percent in 2014 which was significantly below the inflation rate. Okonkwo explained that the bank implemented a service programme centred on build-

Okonkwo

ing a superior customer service franchise with product innovation and service turnaround in 2014. The programme, according to him, was designed to improve the quality of services by speeding up processes and reducing response time to customer enquiries/complaints. To achieve the objective, the bank Chief said that the bank flattened its sales structure to improve its speed to market, deepened customer interactions and centralized some of the processes previously performed in branches which availed branch staff more time for attending to customer needs and enquiries. “We have also restructured our sales force into a flatter and more nimble organisation which is closer to the customers and aggressive enough to drive our market share aspirations in order to achieve our corporate strategy”. Okonkwo assured shareholders that the bank is centralizing its processing functions which will reduce cost to serve and improve uniformity of customer service. He pledged the management’s resolve to support the productive sector of the economy and grow a new generation of passionate entrepreneurs was further accentuated with the creation of the ‘Fidelity Managed SME’ team that provides financing, business advisory services, capacity development and shared technology platform to SMEs. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, May 11, 2015

A7 23

Companies & Markets

Three Crowns excite consumers with Dubai trip By David Audu

n commemoration of the 2015 Mother’s Day celebration, Three Crowns Milk from the stables of FrieslandCampina, WAMCO, has rewarded its esteemed consumers in the Mother’s Day Activation campaign. The grand prize winner Mrs. Olamide Olaleye who emerged ‘Mum of the Year’ won an all-expense paid trip to Dubai alongside a companion of her choice while 29 other mothers were also rewarded with a whopping amount of N50,000.00 shopping voucher each. The Three Crowns Milk Mother’s Day Activation is a Facebook based campaign in which consumers were expected to write on the Three Crown’s Facebook wall why their mum

is the best mum in the world. These posts are judged on a daily basis starting from April 28 to May 7 (10 days) and 3 winners will be picked daily, while the overall winner emerge was adjudged on the last day of the campaign. According to the Marketing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Mr. Tarang Gupta, the Three Crowns Milk Mother’s Day campaign is in line with the brand’s new Theme Campaign which is deeply rooted in recognizing the key role of mothers in the family. Gupta noted that Three Crowns Milk as a low cholesterol milk brand that cares for the health and well-being of its consumers is joining the rest of the world to put a smile on the faces of mothers for their love and care for the family.

“The Mother’s Day campaign is another way Three Crowns Milk is reaching out to all Mother’s especially in Nigeria at this year’s occasion of the Mother’s Day Celebration for their significant role in the family ’’ he said. Also speaking on the campaign, the Senior Brand Manager, Three Crowns Milk, Maureen Ifada, stated that celebrating Mothers especially on the occasion of Mother’s Day is staying true to the brand’s tagline ‘Healthy Mums, Happy Families while also further entrenching the brand affinity with the consumers. Ifada further announced that beyond the Dubai trip for the MUM OF THE YEAR and a companion of her choice, she would also get one year product supply from Three Crowns

Unilorin VC commends Etisalat Cliqfest

he Vice Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali, has commended Etisalat Nigeria for its Etisalat Cliqfest programme held in the University’s campus. Welcoming representatives of Etisalat to the University, Professor Ambali commended the telecommunications company for its youth-centric initiatives across the country. He said, ‘‘we are happy that Etisalat’s Cliqfest is holding in Unilorin for the second time. We regard the telecommunications company as a committed organisation and we look forward to a stronger relationship with them.” The two-day event, aimed at

encouraging students to have fun while experiencing Etisalat’s youth product, Easycliq, also featured a seminar, a five-a-side novelty football match and concert headlined by the last winner of Nigerian Idol season 4, Evelle as well as hip hop artistes, Jaywon and Skales. The highpoint of the event was a raffle draw for the ultimate prize of a brand new Hyundai car, which was won by 100-level Engineering Student, Adebayo Emmanuel. Several students also won laptops, Smartphones, recharge cards and other branded items. Since inception, over 54 tertiary institutions have benefited

Ambali

parents to help bring out the unique talents in their children with a view to equipping them for future opportunities. “At Honeywell, we have a number of programmes aimed at developing young adults, developing the youth and children. Not only do we have a brand that is targeted at children but beyond that for us there is never a prize that is too much to pay. Working with children is amazing.

Gupta

‘’ I am indeed very delighted to be named the Three Crowns Milk Mum of the Year, I want to thank the company for the opportunity and also my son for celebrating me’’ she said. Three Crowns has consistently delivered good quality milk for over 25 years and is trusted by families and medical practitioners to help Nigerians stay fit and healthy. Three Crowns milk can be used in your tea, coffee, custard, cereals, fruits and all kinds of dishes that can be prepared with milk. BC

Unilever deepens market penetration with Sunlight pink

T Ambali

from the Cliqfest initiative and it has inspired thousands of young Nigerians with its unique combination of education and entertainment activities. BC

Honeywell supports youth entrepreneurship oneywell Flour Mills Plc has said it would continue to support the youths through talent development and skills acquisition. In a statement from the company, the Mangaing Director, Honeywell, Mr. Lanre Jaiyeola, who spoke during the prize presentation to winners of the 2015 edition of Vision of the Child, noted that being the leaders of tomorrow, it was essential for

throughout her reign as Three Crowns Milk Mum of the Year until a new winner is crowned next year. She also explained that the winners of the gift voucher will get a customized Three Crowns Milk verve card loaded with the sum of N50, 000 which can be used to shop for their mothers. She noted that the brand would sustain the Mother’s Day initiative as an annual brand activation platform for rewarding consumers. ‘’Mother’s Day celebration is an occasion when individuals express their love and respect that they have for their mothers. It is usually characterized with presentation of gifts like cards, flowers, and presentation of poems and stories about mothers” she added. In her reaction, the Grand Prize winner, Mrs Olamide Olaleye expressed her appreciation to FrieslandCampina WAMCO and passion for the brand with the promise to remain a Three Crowns Milk brand ambassador for a life time.

“For us at Honeywell, there cannot be a better time than now to work with this set of young up-and-coming children who are leaders of tomorrow,” Jaiyeola said. While noting that the modern day economy is driven largely by craft exemplified in small and medium enterprises, he said unemployment would reduce considerably if youths shunned the quest for non-existent white-collar jobs and rediscovered themselves by tapping into their creative talents and innate abilities. Further he lauded organisers of the VoTC initiative, saying their efforts would greatly benefit the society. He urged everyone especially corporate organisations to support the initiative. Honeywell, according to him, will continue to support noble causes that add value to society and to youths in particular, especially in the area of talent development and skills acquisition. BC

owards deepening level of market penetration and sales of its brands especially Sunlight pink variant, Unilever Nigeria Plc has introduced a weekly radio drama series tagged, “Alarambara Radio Show” to entertain and reward consumers’ loyalty and support. According to the Category Manager, Sunlight - Unilver Nigeria, Doyin Abanise, the radio drama series, which is aired in the South-West and Kwara states on weekly basis and being starred by the popular Nollywood actress, Mosun Filani, is to entertain, reward and appreciate its consumers for being loyal to the brand. Speaking in Ibadan at “Alarambara Owambe Sunlight show” organised for consumers of Sunlight pink detergent in South-West, Abanise said Alarambara brand concept was to appreciate existing consumers of the brand and woo wouldbe consumers of Sunlight de-

Abanise

tergent by running an amusing and interesting drama series that explains the uses and benefits inherent in the brands. She said, “We understand our consumers and how they will like to come together in an atmosphere with good food; good music to mix up with their friends and to just relax generally, and to say thank you for being loyal consumers of Sunlight pink and for buying Sunlight over the years. “It’s also built around a radio drama series that we have been running for the past 10 weeks in all South -west and Kwara states and to say thank you to all our fans for listening and staying with us, all this while. We expect people to use and know more and more about Sunlight. They have told us how much they love the drama and would want us continue.” Also speaking, the Category Manager, Fabric Cleaning, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Ibironke Ugbaja, assured that the company would continue to offer great value for money spent to buy any of its products, adding that despite the perceived harsh economic situation in the country now, Unilever Nigeria would continue to satisfy consumers better at reasonable prices. “There are some companies and brands when they see that the cost of production has increased, they will reduce the quality of products so that the prices will not change, but at the end of the day consumers don’t like it because you are not satisfying their needs. she said. BC

A8 24

Business Courage

Monday, May 11, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Global News US stocks jump on strong jobs data

S stocks ended sharply higher on Friday after official figures showed the US labour market rebounded last month. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that US firms created 223,000 new jobs in April, while the unemployment rate dropped to a sevenyear low of 5.4 per cent. The Dow Jones jumped 267.05 points, or 1.49 per cent, to 18,191.11. The S&P 500 index rose 28.10 points to 2,116.10, while the Nasdaq added 58.00 points to finish at 5,003.55. April’s strong jobs increase followed a rise of just 85,000 jobs in March, when cold weather was blamed for hurting the US economy. “This is one of the most encouraging jobs reports that we have seen in years, because it shows that the recovery in the US labour market is no flash in the pan,” said Ranko Berich, head of market analysis at Monex Europe. “Last month’s figures were well below expectations, leading many to worry whether the cold winter would lead to a permanent slowdown in jobs growth. April’s report puts these worries to rest,” he added. However, some analysts said the US Federal Reserve would want to see more signs that the recovery was being maintained before raising interest rates. US benchmark interest rates have been near zero since late 2008 when the central bank slashed rates during the financial crisis. US fast food firm Bojangles made a strong start when it debuted on US markets on Friday. Shares in the firm rose over 40 per cent after initially pricing at $19 per share, which valued the restaurant firm at $680m. Shares in credit card firm Visa were the day’s biggest winner on the Dow Jones, rising over 4 per cent after Bloomberg reported that it was in talks to buy its former subsidiary, Visa Europe. But online staffing firm Salesforce.com suffered the opposite fate. Shares in the company rose sharply earlier in the week amid rumours that the firm was going to be acquired by Microsoft. But they declined by near-

ly 3 per cent on Friday after online publication Recode said that Microsoft denied the reports, citing unnamed sources.

But sales in its North American market increased by 185,775 units to 2,715,173 units.

rency conversion factors based on US dollar and Chinese yuan movements over the last year.

China’s exports fall BP wins right to 6.2% in April against a appeal some Gulf spill forecast rise damages claims

Toyoda

Toyota posts 19% rise in full year net profits

apan’s biggest car manufacturer, Toyota, has posted a year-on-year 19 per cent rise in net income for the 12 months to March, beating expectations. The result comes from stronger sales in the US, together with a weaker yen. The firm said net income increased from 2.1733 trillion Japanese yen, $18.1bn; £11.7bn, up from 1.8231tn yen a year earlier. But it said consolidated vehicle sales decreased by 144,169 units during the period, to 8,971,864 vehicles. Many of Japan’s firms especially those relying on exports, such as Toyota - have benefited from the weakness in the yen, which helps bring down the cost of Japanese goods sold abroad. It has forecast a net income of 2.25tn yen for the year ending in March 2016, backed by continued strength in the US market. Toyota’s operating income for the year ending in March 2015 was also up by 458.4bn yen during the period, to 2.7505tn yen. “Operating income improved... due to positive factors such as favourable foreign exchange rates and cost reduction efforts,” said the firm’s president, Akio Toyoda. He said those positive factors had “more than offset negative factors” including increased expenses and decreased vehicle sales. Vehicle sales decreased for the firm in Japan, where a sales tax rise has put consumers off big-ticket items.

hina’s monthly trade data has shown exports fell in April from a year ago by 6.2 per cent in yuan terms compared to expectations for a rise of about 1.5 per cent. Imports also fell for the month by 16.1 per cent in yuan terms, compared with forecasts for a fall of about 12 per cent. That means the country’s trade surplus has risen to 210.2 billion yuan ,£21bn; $32.4bn, from 18.6bn yuan in March. Recent economic data from the mainland has shown further signs that China’s slowdown is continuing. “[The surplus rise] was mainly due to further import weakness,” said Moody’s analyst Alistair Chan in a note. “Imports have slowed on account of the housing slump and reduced demand for commodities, while exports have been softened on account of the uneven global recovery,” he said. Economist Tony Nash of Delta Economics said there was clearly pressure on China’s trade environment. “But the environment is improving and will continue through the second quarter,” he said. “We see some difficulties in the third quarter, with recovery late in the year.” In US dollar terms, China’s exports for the month fell 6.4 per cent, while imports fell 16.2 per cent, and the trade surplus rose to $34.13bn. Some official numbers from the mainland are now reported by media in both currencies, because of cur-

Hu Jintao, Chinese President

U.S. federal appeals court said on Friday BP Plc deserves the right to appellate review of some damage claims awarded to people and businesses in connection with the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill. The decision by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans could help BP limit its payout to victims of the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig, which killed 11 workers and caused the largest U.S. offshore oil spill. BP originally expected to pay $7.8bn to resolve claims under a 2012 settlement, but by late April it had boosted its estimate to $10.3bn, according to a regulatory filing. About $5.13 billion has been paid out so far to 63,597 claimants, according to a website maintained by claims administrator Patrick Juneau. In its appeal, BP complained that rules adopted by U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier compromised its right to appeal awards he approved and which the company did not like to the 5th Circuit. Writing for the appeals court, Judge Fortunato Benavides said BP deserved that right to appeal because it did not expressly waive it. “Where a settlement agreement does not resolve claims itself but instead establishes a mechanism pursuant to which the district court will resolve claims, parties must expressly waive what is otherwise a right to appeal from claim determination decisions by a district court,” the judge wrote. “The point at which a party seeks the district court’s discretionary review is the point at which further review by this court becomes a possibility.” The 5th Circuit separately rejected BP’s appeal of awards to three non-profit groups. Lawyers for spill victims accused BP of appealing the awards as a means to relitigate the entire settlement. Samuel Issacharoff, a lawyer for the victims, declined im-

mediate comment. BP spokesman Geoff Morrell said the company is pleased with the ruling on appeals of individual claims determinations. BP is awaiting a decision from Barbier assessing penalties under the federal Clean Water Act over the spill. London-based BP has already taken $43.8 billion in pre-tax charges for clean-up and other costs. The cases are In re: Deepwater Horizon, 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Nos. 13-30843, 1331296, 13-31299, 13-31302.

GM sales top estimates in US

utomakers may report the best April sales in a decade even as some of them slightly missed analysts’ estimates. The good news is that highly profitable pickups and sport utility vehicles remain popular with shoppers. General Motors Company deliveries rose 5.9 per cent, exceeding projections for a 5.3 per cent gain. Increases by Ford Motor, 5.4 per cent, Toyota Motor Corp., 1.8 per cent, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, 5.8 per cent, and Nissan Motor Company, 5.7 per cent, were less than predicted, according to yahoo. com. Industry wide sales may rise 5.9 per cent to about 1.47 million light vehicles, the average of 12 estimates. The month’s results may be the best since 2005, said Eric Lyman, vice president of industry insights for Santa Monica, California-based automotive pricing firm TrueCar Inc. With US gasoline prices down by about a third from a year ago, sales of large and luxury sport utility vehicles soared 31 percent in the first quarter, while family sedan sales fell 3 percent, according to researcher Autodata Corporation. “Even if we’re a little short of expectations, it’s still a great month for the industry,” Lyman said. “It continues to lead the broader economic recovery.” Trucks and SUVs remain the story for carmakers, analysts said. Compact SUVs outsold compact cars last month for the first time, said Larry Dominique, president of ALG Inc., which sets automotive resale values for the industry. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, May 11, 2015

A9 25

Brand Watch

StarTimes assures on bridging digital migration gap By David Audu

ware of the huge infrastructural challenges facing its digital compliance quest, indigenous pay TV platform, StarTimes, has expressed desire that it is committed to providing digital TV services and value added for Nigerians towards the digital migration deadline in 2015. A statement from the company noted that having broken the barrier hindering Nigerians from owning a Pay TV, “StarTimes links several homes across social status to Digital TV, which is a global phenomenon, with its four-television bouquet. Now, StarTimes makes digital TV affordable and enjoyable for Nigerians, including those who are yet to get a decoder. Getting a decoder and recharging regularly has been made very easy and convenient”. Commenting on the development, Public Relations Manager, StarTimes, NTA Star-TV Network, Mr. Israel Bolaji, stresses the point that digital TV is for all; and as such, it should be affordable to all Nigerians. He further added that, “the increase in the number of relevant channels on the Bouquet was done in a bid to continue to satisfy Nigerians. We are working hard and smart to prepare Nigerians towards digital migration by offering our customers affordable bundle that makes

Bolaji

a convenient switch over from analogue to digital television and promote inspirational television experience that creates values,” he said. The spokesperson explains that the company introduces new channels to break the barrier and offer more affordable and efficient services to both existing and potential subscribers, adding that digital TV is not meant for the high and mighty in the society but for all; and as such, affordable service should not be a barrier for all Nigerians. “The increase in the number of relevant channels on our Bouquets was done in a bid to continue to satisfy Nigerians. We work smart to improve the quality and quantity of our services and also

whet the appetites of Nigerians towards digital migration with our priceless bundle. We are determined to ensure no Nigerian home is left behind in the digital TV migration by 2015,” he said. According to Bolaji, StarTimes has also launched StarTimes Light, a new stylish and compact DVB-T2 decoder. A decoder is smaller, lighter and handy set top box designed to suit the fashionable, classy and trendy lifestyle of Nigerian subscribers without paying anything extra. “It is fully DVB-T2 and DVB-T compliant with digital picture quality, simple remote control and friendly user interface. It also comes with automatic software upgrade, allows users

edit favourite channels and enjoy parental control,” he added. Speaking further on the company’s programmes, he said, “with an array of interesting channels for sports, music, movies, news, kids and teens’ entertainment, documentary, religion and gadget, StarTimes is set to support Nigerians towards digital migration by offering them valuable family entertainment at an affordable rate that makes a convenient switch over from analogue to digital television and promote inspirational television experience that creates values.” As a company that is committed to quality service and after sale service, Bolaji emphasised that StarTimes provides door-to-door services, which unveils the originality and selfless service of the brand as its major concern is not just to provide digital television experience. “We show care and give needed support to our customers; our door to door after sales duties includes: outdoor antennal installation to subscribers on purchase of the decoder, product usage, technical assistance and other services required to be delivered.” Apart from the affordable bouquets, the indigenous service provider also recorded a milestone recently when it signed an exclusive deal with iROKOtv, an online movie platform in France. StarTimes formed a formidable partner-

ship with the company is to offer its over 4.6 million subscribers two new sought-after channels, which are iROKO PLAY and iROKO PLUS, on the leading African Pay TV platform in 14 countries across the globe. With this feat, StarTimes subscribers now have the choice of viewing channels like iROKO PLAY. Others are AMC Series, Star Zone, Child Smile, Star Kungfu, Star Dadin Kowa, CCTV News, Star Music, IQRAA and TBN, and Star Sport Focus. Bolaji explained further that the Star Sport Focus, an exclusive sports news bulletin channel, can be viewed on both StarTimes, channel 250 and on StarSat, channel 240. “This new channel is available on all StarTimes and StarSat bouquets. The channel offers subscribers a dynamic fast-paced overview of sports as a whole, and brings to viewers a 90-minutes sports news content block daily and content for magazine shows. “Viewers can also watch the best action of top leagues in Africa, La Liga, Bundesliga and many more on Goalissimo. It promotes African Sports via Sports News Africa and shows exciting news and information on wrestling, Bundesliga, Top football leagues and other favourite sports actions. Viewers can follow choice legendary sports stars from Africa and all over the world on the new channel”. BC

Mouka re-introduces ‘Mattress Swap’ campaign

oam manufacturer, Mouka Limited, has re-introduced the ‘Mattress Swap’ campaign to enable its customers and nonMouka customers exchange their old mattress for a new Mouka mattress at an incredible discount. The 2015 Mouka ‘Mattress Swap’ offer which is expected to run between now and next month is available to customers in key states across the country According to the National Business Manager, Mouka Limited, Mr. Olufemi Asa, the Mouka ‘Mattress Swap’ offer

initiative which was first introduced in 2013 is designed to further entrench the brands affinity with both Mouka customers and non-customers by helping them to renew sleep and comfort. “As the category thought leader in the foam industry in Nigeria and West Africa as a whole, we started the Mattress Swap initiative to encourage customers to replace their old mattress by bringing their old mattress to get a new one thereby helping them to renew the unparalleled comfort offering of Mouka’’ He said.

Fapohunda explained that there is the need for customers to change their mattress after every 4 year which is the Average life span of a mattress but many customers are constrained with the burden of how to dispose the old mattresses hence, the Mouka ‘Mattress Swap’ offer. He stated further that the Mouka ‘ Mattress Swap’ offer give the customers the opportunity to own a new and comfortable Mouka mattress at a discounted price while also contributing to the environment by helping customers to dispose their old mattress

which will be recycled. Also speaking on the campaign, the Marketing Manager, Mouka Limited, Mr. Olusegun Ajala noted that the ‘Mattress Swap’ offer is not limited to Mouka products only as customers can trade in any brand of mattress for a new super comfort Mouka Mattress of their choice. He explained that the old mattress would be weighed to ascertain the value and the customers will be given the discount, which would be deducted from the value of any Mouka products of choice ranging from Mouka Royal,

Asa

Mouka Regal, Mouka Legend, Mouka Flora or Mouka Regina. BC

A10 26

Business Courage

Monday, May 11, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Review

PIB: Experts seek suspension of deliberations on bill By Gbenga Odogun

he Petroleum Industry Bill was introduced in 2008 while the draft bill was sent to the National Assembly for deliberation and approval in 2012. The Bill promises a complete overhaul of the petroleum industry, among other benefits to the nation’s economy. It is also aimed at restructuring the regulatory and commercial institutions in the petroleum industry, change the fiscal dynamics and reform the operational mechanisms of the upstream, downstream and natural gas industries. However, three years after its first reading, and in spite of its potentials to change the face of the petroleum industry, the bill is yet to see the light of the day following the controversies it has generated over the years and seeming reluctance of Legislators to ensure its passage into law. The delay in its passage coupled with recent developments in the industry have prompted experts into calling for the suspension of its passage to enable the incoming administration make necessary input before its passage by the National Assembly. Dr Adeoye Adefulu is an Energy Partner in the law firm of Odujinrin & Adefulu and also the Managing Editor ofpetroleumindustrybill.com,while Dr Ekpen Omonbude is Economic Adviser {Natural Resources]at the commonwealth secretariat and a regular contributor to the petroleum industry bill.com, they both agreed that; “Given the potential impact of the Bill, its passage, at this late stage, will significantly hamstring the incoming government which has not had a chance to give its input. Indeed the current

oil price crisis has changed the dynamics of the fiscal bargain and calls for a reconsideration and the introduction of flexible mechanisms to deal with any future crisis. Adding that the current draft of the Bill remains controversial and it is necessary that the new government is able to take a position on its contents and implementation. The duo in the latest Edi-

tion of petroleumindustrybill. com said the failure of the government to keep its promises regarding the passage of the bill has kept the industry in limbo with Several companies delaying investment decisions due to the uncertainties surrounding the post PIB fiscal and regulatory regimes. According to them,” it is necessary for the new govern-

ment to review the Bill; it must do so with a clear and achievable timetable. Adding that it should take no longer than twelve months to undertake the necessary research and pass the Bill or Bills. Whatever time is agreed, it is important that the government achieves its objective within that framework. This will help to bolster its credibility and reduce investment uncertainties.

FG targets renewable energy to boost power supply

he federal government is exploring the possibility of focusing more on renewable source of energy to tackle the perennial power supply crisis in the country. To this end the federal government will soon approve a policy on Renewable energy and energy efficiency that will provide the structure and framework as well as the incentives

to be enjoyed by prospective investors desirous of producing power using renewable energy sources. Power minister professor Chinedu Nebo told journalist last week while speaking during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between Novartus Gas Limited and the Government, for the generation of power through renewable

energy sources across Nigeria. that the proposed document will give needed impetus to all stakeholders who are interested in solving the energy gap puzzle in Nigeria. Professor Nebo assured that it will provide more opportunities would open up in small and medium sized hydro, biomass and solar power and in no distant future an end to the

They suggested the breakup of the current draft of the petroleum industry Bill describing it as “unwieldy”. According to them “The Bill seeks to deal with a wide variety of issues, the majority of which are only peripherally related. This has made it difficult from a political and operational perspective to manage the diverse interests impacted by the Bill” they stated. The analysts were of the opinion that there must be a fiscal reform bill to deal with the tax and royalty issues surrounding the industry. It should also focus on creating new or reforming existing institutions including regulatory bodies as well as provisions for the commercial entities to be established and the process for transferring assets, liabilities and staff to these institutions. They also advised that the bill should focus on the upstream oil and gas industry, midstream and downstream matters; and deal with the operations of a domestic gas market. They also urged the incoming Government to reflect on fiscal provision bothering on tax regime which they say was regressive and needs to be addressed. BC country’s epileptic power problem. The minister argued that the renewable would put a stop to the abysmal sabotage that was crippling government’s efforts at improving the epileptic power supply facing Nigeria “The constant bursting of pipelines by miscreants everywhere in the creeks, had forced power supply to drop to around 3,600MW despite efforts being made by government to improve generation capacity”. He said. BC

Ikeja Electric explains power outages

he management of Ikeja Electric, IE, on Friday attributed the current rate of power interruption across its network to low power allocation from the National Grid. The company made the explanation in a statement signed by Mr Pekun Adeyanju, IE Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs, and issued in Lagos. It quoted the Chief Executive Officer of IE, Mr. Abiodun Ajifowobaje, as saying that the

average power allocation to the company was 350 mega watts, MW, as against minimum load demand of 1,250 MW. Ajifowobaje, according to the statement, explained that the huge shortfall had affected the operations of the company, as they had resorted to loadshedding. The statement quoted the IE Chief Executive Officer as reassuring electricity consumers in its jurisdiction that the company would, however, en-

sure that the power allocation will be equitably distributed. The company, in the statement, also appealed for consumers’ understanding and promised that efforts had been stepped up to ensure repair of electrical faults. It also decried the activities of consumers who connect electricity illegally into their premises without paying electricity bills. The IE Chief Executive Officer said that the activities of

the vandals had impacted negatively on consumers’ billing system. “The energy allocated to an area is measured and people may be paying for the power being consumed by the energy thieves. “We have put a process in place to migrate individuals involved in this practice into our network. “However, we seek the cooperation of community leaders and consumers in our efforts

Ajifowobaje

to eradicate energy theft and ensure quality service delivery for all customers within the IE network,” he said. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, May 11, 2015

A11 27

Small businesses in Nigeria link growth to Twitter By Isaiah Erhiawarien

ince its creation nine years ago, Twitter has become one of the most important and relevant platforms in the world. Millions of people have used Twitter to increase their popularity, spread awareness of their sales products, service or messaging, and to reach out to people all over the world. In Nigeria, the story is not different, as many small companies can trace the growth and success of their business to the use of Twitter to identify potential customers and revenue streams, as well as to grow their businesses. The list of small businesses today, which used Twitter to grow their businesses are endless cutting across all sectors of the economy. Many years ago, @BellaNaija was a simple blog with a strong and loyal following, which posted entertaining news about the various happenings on the Nigerian scene. Smart and fresh, the fashion and lifestyle and news blog appealed to both Nigerians living in Nigeria, as well as those in the diaspora. Bella Naija was also able to understand the potential for Twitter as a tool to promote their business and increasing their following. Through Twitter, Bella Naija also launched a range of interesting campaigns for different causes and activities to increase their awareness in Nigeria. Some years later, Bella Naija’s Founder, @ UchePedro, became a recognisable face amongst social me-

dia entrepreneurs. Due to Bella Naija’s popularity on Twitter, Bella Naija eventually created a spinoff of its main Twitter handle, @BellaNaijaWeddings, which focuses on interesting happenings on the Nigerian wedding scene. The flagship Twitter handle now has over 362,000 followers, whilst Bella Naija Weddings has over 16,000 followers. Likewise, @IROKOtv, the online streaming channel for Nollywood films, has enjoyed additional popularity on Twitter. Its exciting product-offering, combined with Twitter’s ability to help people start a conversation around what matters to them the most, made it possible for him to grow his fan base. What originally started as a small online channel showing select Nollywood films has burgeoned into a very successful business enterprise, garnering @JasonNjoku and his brand a significant Twitter following, with @

Kola-Ogunlade

IROKOtv, falling just shy of 30,000-strong following. Popular finance guru Arese (@smartmoneyarese) is another example of somebody that has mastered the art of using Twitter to build her brand. Through her Twitter handle, Arese reaches out to Africans that have a desire to take their financial welfare seriously. As a woman talking about finance, she has managed to profile herself and has helped her to become a thought leader in the financial investment world. @SheLeadsAfrica, which was set up to help promote women and entrepreneurship in Nigeria, reaches out to Africans within the continent, as well as those in the diaspora. The organisation itself has received additional renown due to their Entrepreneur Showcase, which provides aspiring female entrepreneurs with the opportunity to bid for funding and get inspired

by prominent females in a variety of business settings in Nigeria. Twitter provides a range of resources to help its users achieve their goals. For small businesses looking to grow, Twitter provides a Twitter Business portal that helps entrepreneurially-minded people get the most out of the social media platform. It offers friendly and helpful advice that can help you make this happen. Google Nigeria Communications Manager, Taiwo KolaOgunlade described social the media as a veritable tool for growing businesses across to world saying that presently organisation hire a social media experts to run their businesses. He said that Google understands the impact of the social media in the grow businesses and even emerging businesses noting that that was why Google is committed to training small business owners in Nigeria on the use of the social media is marketing their brand. He said that statistics have shown that business professionals have used the social media to grow their businesses and sell ideas that employ now employs thousands of people. According to the State of the Twittersphere report, each day five to ten thousand new people join Twitter. Current estimates of total users top out around 300 million, which makes it a lot of opportunity. Twitter currently allows thousands of small business

owners in the country to post updates (called Tweets) as often as they can concerning their businesses, and that is besides making it possible for them generate a large numbers of customer base, often regarded as followers. And because they follow those customers, it becomes easy to get instant feedback about their products from the customers. And It’s a constant stream of communication makes it good news for the small business owners while at the same time giving Twitter the responsibility of keeping the public update about their businesses, which can be mined with Twitter Search. Investigations revealed that there are tools on Twitter, which most small businesses in the country are using to grow their business. For instance, the TwitterFox web browser plug-in allows users to view Tweets within his web browser, in a popup menu. This is very handy and eliminates the need to constantly go to Twitter.com while the Tweet Later, a powerful service allows users to schedule tweets. Another very powerful feature is the ability to receive email digests of keyword activity in the Tweetosphere. This allows the user to join a conversation or track topics and trends. Another tool is the Twitter for Facebook, which forwards your Twitter updates directly to Facebook as status updates. BC

A12 28

Business Courage

Monday, May 11, 2015

Experts predict growth in ICT sector Stories by Isaiah Erhiawarien

xperts have predicted continued strong growth in the technology sector across the African market saying that African consumers prefer paying retailers via mobile phone rather than cash. The experts who spoke at the 5th annual Global Technology conference in Dubai with the theme of “Connecting Markets, Trends & People”, had discussions on Africa’s potential for becoming a manufacturing destination for technology goods. The conference hosted some 300 delegates, including many DHL customers from leading global technology companies, for a three day program of plenary sessions and workshops. Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mara Group, Ashish Thakkar who gave conference delegates interesting and thought-provoking insights with his keynote themed: “Inspiring Africa: Capturing Chances.” Using Nigeria’s Konga’s Sim Shagaya and Tayo Oviosu, Chief Executive Officer of Paga, as case study for doing business in Africa, advised companies to move beyond negative media hype and become familiar with African countries on the ground in order to explore and tap into the tremendous potential that exists. The expert predicted continued strong growth in the technology sector across Africa, with savvy entrepreneurs such as Shagaya and Oviosu leading the way in e-commerce and mobile payments, and technology segments such as mobile phones

Thakkar

still growing at a rapid pace. He said that internet usage on mobile phones will increase 20-fold in the next five years in Africa, which is double the rate of growth in the rest of the world. President, Global Technology Sector, DHL said Rob Siegers said that the technology sector is a highly dynamic industry and the pace of change is rapid saying that there are currently two distinct trends. He said that we see “the advance of new technologies, such as the Internet of Things, big data, cloud computing and others which are changing business models as technology companies are looking to enhance their products by building services around them.” He also observed an increasing focus on tapping into growth in emerging nations saying that while growth is slowing in some of the traditional markets, emerging nations are gaining importance for technology companies; He noted that Africa is of particular interest to many of our customers adding that “At this

year’s conference, we aimed to connect customers with experts who are already successfully running their businesses in Africa. Our plenary sessions and workshops were tailored to give unique insights into doing business on the continent and facilitate knowledge sharing and networking.” Managing Director of DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa, Charles Brewer, added that “We had a team of logistics experts from across Africa on hand to facilitate knowledge sharing and networking, demonstrating that DHL is a strong partner to the technology sector across the continent.” He said that DHL has been in Africa for 37 years and is well positioned to support customers with their end-to-end supply chains and tailor-made logistics solutions to help them overcome challenges and tap into the continent’s tremendous growth opportunities. Topics covered included the latest trends, innovations and solutions impacting the technology supply chain and focusing on the Middle East and Africa as key regions of interest with high growth potential. The “Rise of Africa” plenary session and several workshops set out to explore the potential of and expectations for the African continent, with discussions on how to best navigate existing challenges and trade barriers and tap into growth. Speakers from a number of African companies illustrated how they successfully operate in various African markets. BC

Microsoft unveils 10,000 job opportunities for Nigerians

icrosoft has unveiled over 10,000 job openings for Nigerian youths by bringing potential job seekers to meet with career experts and recruiters to understand the job market. The event, tagged ‘Career and Employment Fair 2015’, which was held in conjunction with Endive Project enabled the youths to be positioned and take advantage of available jobs as statistics revealed that 50 percent of youths are either unemployed or underemployed. Director, Education and Citizenship, Microsoft Nigeria, Patrick Onwumere, said that empowering young people and fostering the development of 21st Century skills for this generation is Microsoft passion saying that “Our employability program in partnership with the Future Project and Jobberman has trained over 63,000 people in two years, this initiative is one of our efforts to place more and more people into jobs and fight unemployment.” Chief Executive Officer, Endive Projects, Debo Ajayi, organisers of the job fair noted that the future of Nigeria are the

youths and anyone that focuses on developing the youths will build the future. “We need to ensure that we empower youths with information that will enable them get great opportunities to be gainfully employed and productive”, he said. While explaining his reason for partnering on the Job fair, Ayo Daniels, founder of The Lighthouse emphasised the importance of youth development in Nigeria and the mandate of The Lighthouse through her activities to continually raise leaders who can create employment in different sectors of the economy. “We are called to resolve societal issues and we will not relent in creating opportunities for the youths of Nigeria through our various empowerment initiatives,” he asserted. Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Anieti Ukpe, Fistolas Limited, a High Performance Technology Training Company, emphasised the opportunity available for job seekers to improve their employability by developing transferable

skills that employers are looking for in this current economy. “Our support for this initiative is in line with our commitment to empower Nigerian Youths”, he added. In the past three years, Fistolas Limited has conducted and managed Mobil Producing Nigeria’s Scholarship program to help young people access the best education, and has also been conducting Outcomesbased Competency Assessor Training for Competency Assessors in ExxonMobil, Bourbon Interoil Nigeria Limited and other reputable companies. BC

Onwumere

Technotalk

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

Managing your blog, website using the wordpress app on your iphone,ipad

nce a blog or website is published online using the word press software; creating and publishing new content, managing visitor comments, tracking traffic, promoting website/blog content, and other tasks can easily be handled from anywhere using the free word press app for the iphone/ipad. With your iphone/ipad being able to be used to take and edit photos; shoot and edit video; record and edit audio; and manage facebook, twitter, google+, linkedIn, you-tube, and other online social networking accounts, also offers a powerful and very viable mobile blogging/ website management platform. To find the wordpress app, launch the app store from your tablet and within the search field, enter the keyword wordpress, or visit this direct link. If your goal is to create content and handle basic blog or website management tasks from your iPad, the official wordpress app should meet your needs. When you launch the official wordpress app for the first time, you have two options - create account or sign in. By signing in, you can use your ipad to add or edit content and manage the online presence on an ongoing basis. Setting up a new blog or website using wordpress. com can be done within a few minutes. Hosting your own wordpress blog or website using the tools available from wordpress.org is a slightly more in-depth process but once the setup is done, managing the blog or website using any computer’s web browser, or your tablet, with a specialised app, is a straightforward process. On the left side of the main wordpress app screen is the main menu. From there, you can explore the wordpress blogosphere using the app’s reader, read notifications and manage various aspects of your own blog/website. For example, to create a new post from scratch,tap the add Post (plus sign shaped) icon displayed near the bottom of this listing and to edit an existing post, tap on the posts menu option. A list of previously published posts immediately displays within the main area of the ipad’s screen. It is also possible to create a text-based entry using any other word processor on your tablet, such as pages, and then copy and paste the text into the wordpress app. Inserting digital photos, video clips, audio clips, graphics, or other content can be done using one of the command icons displayed near the bottom-right corner of the new post screen. To preview your post before publishing it, tap the preview icon which allows you to access and edit details related to the post, such as its status, visibility, and post format. It is also possible to select a time/ date when a newly created post will be published. Once an entry is created and formatted on your tablet, press the publish button to publish the content online within your blog or website. This process happens in a matter of seconds, depending on the speed of your Internet connection. Another useful set of tools built into the wordpress app allows you to monitor real-time blog/website traffic by tapping on the status menu option. With this you will be able to determine how many people have viewed your blog in a particular day, week, or month, discover what countries your visitors are from, what content they viewed, and what search engine and keyword(s) were used to find your content. If you have been thinking of becoming a blogger or want to manage a new website, the wordpress platform offers you several advantages by helping you to become a mobile blogger whereby you would be able to manage all aspects of your blog/website on the go using this specialised iphone/ipad app. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, May 11, 2015

Ayotomi Rotimi:

A creative

entrepreneur Ayotomi Rotimi, a 1998 graduate of Business Administration from the University of Lagos got a banking job after her youth service programme in a bid to secure a comfortable life but her passion for designing and making good clothes would not permit her to pick the oncea- month fat cheque offered by her employees for too long. After three years of pushing files and handling other people’s money, Tomi threw in the towel to commence a process that birthed Xclamations, a fashion design outfit which has brought her fortunes and fame in a very short period of time.

Rotimi

yotomi Rotimi, Managing Director of Xclamations, a Lagos -based fashion designing outfit, is not just one among many creative designers that Nigeria has produced in recent times, she has proven herself to be one to be reckoned with in the profession. A simple prove of her ingenuity was her emergence as winner of the 2001 edition of the MTN/British Council Young Creative Entrepreneur award. Ayotomi, a mother, emerged winner among 70 Young Creative Entrepreneurs selected all over Nigeria by Telecoms giant, MTN and the British Council in 2011. Top rated panel of judges for the award described Ayotomi as one contestant that exhibited a strong character and scored the highest on all of the attributes candidates were adjudged on, which are - creativity, business vision and originality. Clinching the prestigious award, for Ayotomi, is a leveraging factor as one of the many benefits that came with it is a tour of the United Kingdom. The tour is to avail her with the much needed exposure, connections and links to actualise her dream of opening sales outlets in fashion capitals like New York, Paris, London and Milan

in addition to making her brand truly global. During the tour, she will also have the opportunity to attend the famous London Fashion and Design Week. Today, Ayotomi’s Xclamations is fast becoming a household name not only within the shores of Nigeria but abroad as demands are high for her products. Indeed her vision is to become a household name in Nigeria and to get her products to be seen, recognised and patronised abroad. Ayotomi’s cloth making story started when she was a student in the University of Lagos studying Business Administration. Though she loved the course she got into the university to study and the idea of being armed with a Bachelor of Science degree ready to take on the banking world, the pretty and amiable cloth designer discovered a hidden talent yearning for expression. That talent which she later developed into a skill is to design and make clothes. According to her, “I had always had a flare for designing and making clothes since I was in school”. She then combined that God-given talent with her academic career in the university just to be able to create additional source of income to augment her allowance. She made fitted shirts, scarves, and

A13 29

tailored trousers for friends and students who paid for her services. Little did she know that that ability to design and make clothes will grow to become a company of national and international repute sometime in the future. She had abandoned it for a period of at least three years when she went in search of what she considered to be a greener pasture. For all she cares, securing an employment with the defunct Fountain Trust Bank Plc in Victoria Island, Lagos was a dream comes through for that, as she reasoned then, will be an easy way to grow rich and live a life of comfort. Howbeit, she could not do away with designing and making clothes which comes almost effortlessly. Hence after the office hours, she created time to put her pencil on paper to sketch any design that comes to her for creation. She continued to design and market her fashion pieces as a lucrative hobby until a day, after she had put in three years into the service of the bank, Ayotomi tendered her resignation letter. She took that action which then was unpopular among her friends and family members because she discovered she was not getting fulfilment in the business of helping other people keep their money but in clothing them. The first step Ayotomi took was to develop the talent which so far has brought her joy and fulfilment. So, she enrolled in a course at the London Centre for Fashion Studies where she studied Fashion Technology to equip herself for the journey ahead. Her words: “What is important to one person may not be that important to another. For me, fulfilment will be found in investing in this passion I have. I have had this passion for quite a long time. And I have laid my hand on it and have been successful. For me, the bank job wasn’t fulfilling. I made a lot of friends there, I met a lot of people there and I’m grateful for the opportunity and experience, but the passion I have for what I’m doing now is more important to me”. Immediately after the course at England, Ayotomi was clear about her next line of actions. First among them was to come back to Nigeria to convert her passion into a business. That brought the idea of registering a company now known as Xclamations. For Ayotomi, the immediate challenge after taking off with the business was not how to get customers or market her products but how to convince friends and relatives that her choice of the business Continued on pg A14

Business Courage

of making clothes rather than remain in the lucrative bank employment to earn monthly salary is a right option. “So, trying to convince people that this is the right thing for me to do is a major challenge. Finding customers wasn’t really a problem because I have been doing the business as a hobby to an extent a few people already knew I was doing it “she said. Xclamations took off on a low key. She made clothes and went from office to office, home to home to peddle her products. Starting up was not very easy for Tomi because she obviously didn’t have all the capital she needed to make her journey to stardom. According to her, she would battle with troubles like overheating with the car on her way to catching appointment with clients. But she was undaunted by the myriads of challenges for she had made up her mind never to fail. Tomi says she was partly driven by the determination not to allow the predictions of friends, family members and acquaintances who have told her she would regret her decision to dump a sumptuous bank job. Ayotomi says starting small is the biggest favour any entrepreneur can do for him/herself. She says money should not be a limiting factor for any aspiring entrepreneur to turn his/her passion into a business. Ayotomi noted that “there is no fixed amount in starting a business. It all depends on the level you want to start. A lot of people don’t want to start small. People want to start big, but I have always said that if you start big, you make big mistakes. If you start small, you make small mistakes. This is because whether you start big or small, you are still a beginner and as long as you are a beginner, to mature you have to make mistakes from which you learn from. So, it is better to make cheap mistakes by starting small. But if you start from the top, you still have to make those mistakes down there. Even if you have the finance to start big, I would advise that you don’t throw the money into one-big establishment. For me, I started small and I have always considered myself a modest person. And right now I have learnt a lot of lessons that have really helped me now to focus and maintain a good standard”. And Xclamations has something going for it. Its own unique selling point is its simplicity in designs. Apart from specialising in doing casuals, their designs are largely influenced by their African roots, evident in their creative use of colours and texture, from ‘afrocentric’ jersey tunics to higher end occasion wear all easily identifiable as Xclamations originals by their fit, finish and unique design interpretations. This is how Ayotomi explains the secret behind her success.

“I don’t make suits, I don’t make natives. I make casuals in my own designs. And the designs are such that people of various ages can find something for themselves. I say that my designs are ageless because whether you are 16 or 60, in fact, that is the range of customers I have. I have customers who are in school. I have grandmothers that wear these clothes. So, I don’t make them to appear so exotic that people will start complaining. I make them very, very simple and comfortable that people of different ages can wear them. At the same time, I make them in such a way you could wear them to different kinds of occasion. You could wear them to a naming ceremony, to church, to social clubs, to the office on Fridays and to everywhere. A lot of people like them because they can invest certain amount of money on them and can wear them to different places. They don’t need to buy again special clothes for church or other occasions”. Though many people say Xclamations offers affordable clothes to its customers, they are not really cheap for it was never Ayotomi’s dream to make cheap clothes. She explained that making fabrics that are cheap has a way of telling on its quality which is inimical to growing and maintaining customer in Nigeria. “Well, I’m proud to say that we are not cheap. It’s not my aim to make cheap clothes because that would affect the quality of the clothes. But all the same, our clothes are affordable. Like I said, I have students buying my clothes which tells you my clothes are not only for the upper-class”, she said. Xclamations according to Ayotomi does not contract out its clothes as the company has in its employ tailors which put designs from Ayotomi together under her close supervision to ensure standard. “I have a factory. I have tailors that work for me; I don’t contract out my clothes. I have my tailors so that I can supervise them to my own taste and standard to satisfy my customers. For now, Xclamations does not have a retail outlet yet, operating presently for now from its Victoria Island showroom and factory, but customers usually flocks Ayotomi’s residence, especially those who buy from her in bulk to resell, both here and abroad. “I do sell on wholesale price to those buying from abroad so that they can also

‘

Monday, May 11, 2015

Rotimi

make a reasonable profit margin. So, definitely my retail and wholesale prices are a little bit different,” she said. Ayotomi noted that her company is gradually developing a huge market abroad given the current level of patronage. “The responses from sales abroad are quite good and I’m quite impressed. It is just that they have this weather factor over there that affects the order. Once it’s winter, sales go down because the clothes are really summer clothes. But when it is summer, sales go up. For instance, last summer was quite a long one in England and the sales there were fantastic”. Xclamations would readily acknowledge that it is making good money from the business of clothing Nigerians home and abroad. Ayotomi confirmed that business has not been bad since she decided to make a living from designing and making casual wears known for their unique colour combinations. “I’m still in it and I’m not doing badly. So, it’s not bad. Anything that has to do with creativity, you put your price on it. So, that’s why one person’s price can be so low while another is high, it depends on the value you put on your creativity,” she stressed. Clearly, 10 years down the line, the success of Xclamations is a testimonial to the decision Ayotomi took when she kicked against the fat monthly pay cheque. Besides finding joy in sewing clothes, she does not have any regrets for taking the decision to leave bank-

Ayotomi’s Xclamations is fast becoming a household name not only within the shores of Nigeria but abroad as demands are high for her products

‘

A14 30

ing; rather, she says the benefit cannot be quantified. “The reward is not just money. In terms of monetary reward, I will say I prefer now to when I was in the bank. When I was working, the salary was fixed and except the management decides to increase your salary, which does not happen often, you don’t have anything in addition. And no matter how hard you worked, you are getting the same pay. But now, I can give myself a target. I can strategize, I can change my marketing style, and everything is in my hand and under my control. People close to Tomi has described her as a ‘super administrator’ apparently for her style of managing her employees which also has imparted positively on the growth of the business. Others adore the marketing skill of this elegant young woman who goes the extra length to create a lasting first time positive impression on her customers in a bid to meet their expectations and retain them for life. Though she has got a very pleasant story to tell about her decision to jettison the banking profession for fashion designing, there is an encounter she had with one of her clients barely three months after she started Xclamations which she probably would not want to be reminded of. The experience according to her almost took her self confidence and enthusiasm from her. This is how the Managing Director and Chief Executive Director of Xclamations put her own live experience. “It had been a long day, Lagos traffic was at its peak and my little red car was overheating again but I needed the money and worst still I couldn’t afford to disappoint a “first time customer”. “Have you told her I’m here...it’s been twenty minutes.....” I said politely to a “not so polite” receptionist “hmmm” she replied, barely

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

looking at me over her magazine. I didn’t mind ...it had been three months since I left my bank job to start “peddling” my designs from office to office... nobody said it would be easy but they didn’t say it would be impossibly difficult either. I recalled the moment I dropped my resignation letter and my colleague saying to me “ Tomi mark my word, you are going to regret this...no one does something like this without regret” I brushed off his pessimism, determined now to prove him, my family, my bosses and the rest of the free world wrong. Then I closed my account and printed my first catalogue....I modelled the designs proudly as my husband held the lights for the photographer.....funny times. Finally I drove from office to office in my “A.C less” Toyota armed with fabric swatches, tape rules, catalogues, truck loads of charm and lorry loads of patience. “Tola, she will see you now” the receptionist said. Too relieved to correct her... I adjusted my top and walked into my client’s office. “Hello” I said, flashing a big smile. “ you have my clothes now?” This wasn’t looking good... she was not smiling back and didn’t even offer me a seat. Her friend who had introduced us was not with her so I was on my own. Still smiling, I brought out two freshly ironed, neatly folded tunics from a bag and handed them to her....they looked lovely and I was sure she would be pleased. But alas, she yelled at me. “What is this?!!!” I replied her that she “Ordered two tunics “and brought out a copy of her invoice. Of course, she admitted ordering for Tunics but for her, what she ordered for were meant to be “beautiful, these are ugly” she said opening up the purple one Tomi says she was lost for words and too embarrassed and shocked to respond but when she got out of the shock, she insisted that what she supplied was actually what the client ordered for but was equally cautious to suggest that “Madam if you don’t like them I’ll take them back.” Though the client ended up paying for the job, Tomi admitted that the encounter thoroughly bruised her ego but it would be unwise hurting her pocket too. “I left that office that day angry and deeply hurt. I got into my car with tears rolling down my eyes. All through my twenty minutes drive to my next office call. I knew I was just another victim of bad behaviour...but someone called my work ugly and I couldn’t shake it off.....I promised myself it would be the first and last time that would happen.... and it was. That was ten years BC ago....the rest is history,” she

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, May 11, 2015

A15 31

ThebuddingEntrepreneurs KLINIC

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

e-mail: olusegunmamora@gmail.com

any years ago, horses, donkeys and camels were major means of transportation of people and goods until man realised that the limitations in them were enormous. For example, it would take weeks to travel with camel from Lagos, south west, Nigeria to Abuja, North central, Nigeria. I am sure, today, you will not want to travel by that means of transportation, if offered free. That type of limitation did engaged the mind of some people years ago. The product of such thought was the idea of automobile, which is an opportunity for economic growth. The strategy was to improve the movement of people and goods faster by leveraging on mechanical advantage. Any time man is uncomfortable about a process, products, services, obviously, it is an opportunity for new idea. If you ever drive in Ford automobile, you benefit in the idea, opportunity, and automobile improvement strategy of a dead man known as Henry Ford. I mean dead men and women still rule the world with discovered opportunities, improvement done to our world and clear long term strategy that sustain such improvement. Those ideas are opportunity maximised and clear strategy to improve the way humanity conduct its affairs. The entire great venture around is simply a recognised opportunity in form of idea in people’s mind. Dear entrepreneur, there are many opportunities to reshape the economic landscape in Nigeria and nations of Africa. There is an opportunity in agricultural value service in Lagos, south west alone, where over 17 million people spend an average of one dollar per day on food. The daily amount on food consumption has an estimate to $17,000,000 per day and an average $510,000,000 per

‘

Improvement: Look for that opportunity and strategy

At other times, you do not need to search for opportunity, as it just presents itself to you. A government policy on ban of importation of processed and finished products is an opportunity for some entrepreneurs to increase local production capacity

month in Lagos state only. What share of this service and money can you develop a strategy to be in your control? One of my personal strategies is offering consulting services for business growth of agricultural value chain firms and presently helping my client, Charis Flavours plantain chips, build system that will increase market shares and assume leadership is plantain chips consumer market. You can think into opportunities that look like social trouble. Hunger and poverty are core social troubles in many cities of Africa, but it has become fortune for the likes of Dangote Group. There are two closely related words, which are opportune and fortune. The dictionary defines opportune to mean happening at the time that is most convenient

like work and often describe as social troubles. How does an entrepreneur locate opportunities for improvement? I will mention and briefly explain three ways.

‘

BUSINESS

for someone or most likely to lead to success. Fortune or good fortune is defined as good luck, success or good experiences. It will then be smart to define fortunate person as a person with opportunity. Every entrepreneur is a fortunate person relatively to how well opportunity is recognised and maximised. That is, an entrepreneur is smart enough to grab productive idea, challenges and develop strategy to work out solutions that create fortune. The reality is that opportunity is discovered avenue for profiting via value creation. Opportunity is locating what can work and developing strategy and tactics to make it work. A wise man said opportunity is the mother of fortune. Opportunity will always dress in the overalls and looks

The first is by “A Search” It is rare to find what you do not seek. It is the responsibility of entrepreneur to seek and conduct a search on where change in trend and challenges can yield profitable business result. Sometimes, an entrepreneur should ask herself, “Here are we. What opportunity is in the system? What value can we bring in to yield great business result?” You conduct a search and do it in a sincere process. You want to locate yourself and business values within the system, you want to find where your enterprise can add more values and make something happen. The purpose for conducting this search is because opportunity is a value that is ever in great demand. If it does not arrive at your doorstep then an entrepreneur should be at its doorstep. You should always conduct search for opportunity. The second is that you

Motivational Business Quotes

f you did not look after today’s business then you might as well forget about tomorrow. – Isaac Mophatlane

The great accomplishments of man have resulted from the transmission of ideas of enthusiasm. – Thomas J. Watson Yesterday’s home runs don’t win today’s games. – Babe Ruth Being able to touch so many people through my businesses and make money while doing it, is a huge blessing. – Magic Johnson Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear, but around in awareness. – James Thurber

The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same. – Carlos Castaneda The great leaders are like the best conductors – they reach beyond the notes to reach the magic in the players. – Blaine Lee To think creatively, we must be able to look afresh at what we normally take for granted. – George Kneller To the degree we’re not living our dreams; our comfort zone has more control of us than we have over ourselves. – Peter McWilliams BC

“Create the Opportunity” If at the end of your serious search for opportunity you cannot locate, then create one. One of the best ways for enterprise to lead is to create an opportunity in form of a new category of value. This is when creative thinking applies. Creativity can be learnt and develop to be a habit of an entrepreneur. I have known a young dude in the person of Olajide Osiberu who have creativity-consulting firm and is helping young people in business and prospective entrepreneurs develop creativity attitude. It just goes to buttress the fact that everybody has creativity potential. Creativity thinking helps to locate an opportunity. A good case is the Gidi-traffic handle on twitter that created platform to improve traffic reportage in the city of Lagos, south west Nigeria. The strategy was for road users to lend one another eyes. “Just twit at us the traffic situation from where you are.” The third is “Catch the Opportunity” At other times, you do not need to search for opportunity, as it just presents itself to you. A government policy on ban of importation of processed and finished products is an opportunity for some entrepreneurs to increase local production capacity. Will you be ready to catch opportunities that the incoming new government policies will present your industry? My encouragement is that you should be opportunity conscious. Everything that people complain about in any society has an opportunity with it and a strategy to make sense of it for wealth creation will always put your business in a better position. Eyes that look are many, but eyes that see belong to entrepreneur. Be courageous to see opportunity for strategic improvement. I love you and thanks for reading. BC

A16 32

Business Courage

Monday, May 11, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ThebuddingEntrepreneurs

Fulfilling her creative dreams in

‘

Many people believe that some degree of luck is essential to be successful in life. But there are others who share the view that rather than solely depend on luck, success can be achieved when ideas are pursued on the wings ofpassion, hard work and timely preparation. This exemplifies the life experiences of Josephine Ajuonuma, Chief Executive Officer of Finafrik Designers

or Josephine Ajuonuma, Chief Executive Officer of Finafrik Designers, her story can be said to clearly fit into the belief held by many that in life, to be successful, it is not all about having degree of luck, but success would be achieved when ideas are pursued on the wings of passion, hard work and timely preparation. Though Josephine was not actually born with the proverbial silver spoon in her mouth, to a large extent, she learnt a lot of family values from her parents. An indigene of Bayelsa state, Josephine is the first child from a family of seven. Largely described as a woman with distinct ideas, passion, courage, determination and hardwork, Josephine’s journey into the business world did not really start on a smooth note. As a student, then at the university, while struggling to make ends meet, Josephine decided to tap into what she had as a hobby, that is, making dress for herself to launch herself into business. Though she had wanted to go into the business after finishing her university education, but her strong passion for fashion led her into going into the business early. Speaking with Business Courage at her office in her new expansive outlet in Lekki, Lagos, the soft-spoken wife of late Dr. Levi Ajuonuma , former Group Public Affairs Manager of NNPC, revealed that then, when she was making dresses for herself, she was getting attentions from her friends who kept on admiring the special designs she was wearing. When she told them she was the one making those dresses, expectedly, they were astonished and started asking her to help them make theirs as well. That was how the journey started as she began making clothes for her friends, lecturers, as well as relations. By the time she graduated, she did her compulsory one-year youth service in Owerri. Interestingly, because she found out that Owerri was closed to Aba, she

started going there to get some unique fabrics to make clothes. “Then, just like in school, people started coming to me to say, oh I like your outfits, can you make one for us. That was how I started getting customers.” After her service, she came down to Lagos where she worked briefly with one of the companies of business guru, Chief Emmanuel Iwuayanwu. When she got to Lagos, the Champion newspaper was about to go into operation, and she was supposed to be one of the pioneering staff from Owerri, but something happened. She couldn’t get the chance to work with them because the Managing Director, who she was supposed to work with didn’t give her the job. “I went through the interview and I did very well, but the man simply told me, he didn’t want a flamboyant secretary. I want a male secretary.” She said. But then, like a go-getter, she never that experience to discourage as she went elsewhere to work. However, having worked for about three months, she discovered that she wasn’t getting the satisfaction she had expected from the job as her mind was still on going into fashion. She pulled out and got enrolled in a fashion school where she could learn the basics. “I decided to go into learning the basic of fashion because I realised you cannot supervise what you don’t know. So, I met a friend then who did something about fashion. We were classmates at Yabatech. I informed him about getting a private teacher to teach me about the basics in fashion and he introduced me to his friend called Ronke Ayodele. Interestingly, that my friend, who introduced me to Ronke, is now a big musician today. He is sunny Nneji” she told Business Courage. After equipping herself with the basics in fashion designing, Josephine decided to formally launch herself into world of fashion designing with the brand name Sefinal Studio. She got a flat at Ojuelegba, in Lagos where she started making corporate outfits for bankers, corporate

‘

By Adejuwon Osunnuyi

Talking about myself, I try to satisfy my customers by giving them the best I can with African fabrics because you know our Ankara is very rich in African colours. We try to showcase our talent with our locally made fabrics and show the world that Nigeria has got talents and we can compete with the high brands fashion outfits out there like Karen Millen, Roberto Cavalli, Entro Cavalli

Ajuonuma

women. The hardworking spirit in her made her to start shifting focus to making special outfits for those who wanted to go for red carpet events. According to her, it was while she was at Sefinal studios that she met her late husband, Dr. Levi Ajuonuma , former Group Public Affairs Manager of NNPC. Then she was making the entire outfit he was using on the set of

the Sunday night show. For Josephine, few years after her success story with Sefinal studious, with her strong passion for fashion couple with her being very artistic, creative and innovative, she decided to rebrand her outfit with a new name called Finafrik Designers. According to her, the name Finafrik was coined from her name, Josephine and Africa with her desire to trans-

late the local fabrics into modern trend as well as to reflect her passion for African collections. “My dream with Finafrik in the last 10 years that we started has been to run a life style brand. That is, an internationally accepted brand.” She stated. With the birth of Finafrik, she opened a new outlet at City mall where she was one of the pioneer members. In a short while, Finafrik added two other outlets at Surulere and Abuja. According to her, she designs for celebrities, the everyday woman, the high class, middle class, corporate woman, for women that want to look elegant, classic,

Management Principles

Time Management Tips

ime management skills are especially important for business people, particularly small business persons who often find themselves performing many different jobs during the course of a single day. These time management tips will help you increase your productivity and stay cool and collected. Realize that time management is a myth: No matter how organized we are, there are always only 24 hours in a day. Time doesn’t change. All we can actually manage is ourselves and what we do with the time that we have. Find out where you’re wasting time: Many of us are prey to time-wasters that steal time we could be using much more productively. What are your time-bandits? Do you spend too much time ‘Net surfing, reading email, or making personal calls? Tracking Daily Activities explains how to track your activities so you can form a accurate picture of what you actually do, the first step to effective time management. Create time management goals: Remember, the focus of time management is actually changing your behaviours, not changing time. A good place to start is by eliminating your personal timewasters. For one week, for example, set a goal that you’re not going to take personal phone calls while you’re working and for a fun, look at behaviours that can interfere with successful time management. Implement time management plan: This is as an extension of the third tip. The objective is to change your behaviours over time to achieve whatever general goal you’ve set for yourself, such as increasing your productivity or decreasing your stress. So you need to not only set your specific goals, but track them over time to see whether or not you’re accomplishing them Use time management tools: Whether it’s a Day-Timer or a software program, the first step to physically manage your time is to know where it’s going now and planning how you’re going to spend

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, May 11, 2015

A17 33

ThebuddingEntrepreneurs

Finafrik posh, those who want to look loud as well as those who want to look reserved. “I cut across classes, age and styles.” Speaking on her quality of work, she noted, “We don’t just work with Ankara, we work with Chiffons, we dye them into nice and beautiful African colours. We design our Ankara with styles and embellish them with a lot of sequence and rhyme stones and beads to bring out the African culture. “Apart from the Ankara and Chiffon, we do organiser, we add linen with Ankara, and we also do a lot of embellishment of denim jeans linen with Ankara. “We follow trends, but we do outfits that are wearable, durable, affordable and with our outfit, you are sure of standing out of the crowd because you will get noticed and it speaks a lot of volume about your personality. We don’t just follow trend, but we try to bring out the best in you. We look at your shape and try to give you cut that would suit you or enhance your body shape.” “Talking about myself, I try to satisfy my customers by giving them the best I can with African fabrics because you know our Ankara is very rich in African colours. We try to showcase our talent with our locally made fabrics and show the world that Nigeria has got talents and we can compete with the high brands fashion outfits out there like Karen Millen, Roberto Cavalli, Entro Cavalli. What makes Finafrik stand out? Josephine has this to say: “Our designs are original, comfortable, wearable, stylish and versatile. We

The Finafrik boss showcasing one of her works

use quality fabrics; dye them into unique pieces and do the Ankara twist to give it that afro centric touch.” Talking about the accessories which she said make her oufits artistic, “We use Rhine stones, sequence, sea beads, Swarovski stones, (to mention just a few of them) to embellish our designs to give it that simple but sophisticated, elegant and stylish look that stands it out. (Effortlessly elegant) Though Josephine is the hardworking and strong mind-sets woman, she admitted that combining motherhood and her job was quite challenging. As a result of trying to take care of the family front,

your time in the future. A software program such as Outlook, for instance, lets you schedule events easily and can be set to remind you of events in advance, making your time management easier. Prioritize ruthlessly: You should start each day with a time management session prioritizing the tasks for that day and setting your performance benchmark. If you have 20 tasks for a given day, how many of them do you truly need to accomplish? Learn to delegate and/or outsource: No matter how small your business is, there’s no need for you to be a one-person show. For effective time management, you need to let other people carry some of the load. Establish routines and stick to them as much as possible: While crises will arise, you’ll be much more productive if you can follow routines most of the time. Set time limits for tasks: For instance, reading and answering email can consume your whole day if you let it. Instead, set a limit of one hour a day for this task and stick to it. Organise your systems: Are you wasting a lot of time looking for files on your computer? Take the time to organize a file management system. Is your filing system slowing you down? Redo it, so it’s organized to the point that you can quickly lay your hands on what you need. Don’t waste time waiting: From client meetings to dentist appointments, it’s impossible to avoid waiting for someone or something. But you don’t need to just sit there and twiddle your thumbs. Always take something to do with you, such as a report you need to read or just a blank pad of paper that you can use to plan your next marketing campaign. Technology makes it easy to work wherever you are; your PDA and/or cell phone will help you stay connected. You can be in control and accomplish what you want to accomplish - once you’ve come to grips with the time management myth and taken control of your time. BC

she had to close down her Abuja office as well as the one at City Mall, while she had to concentrate on the one at Mega Plaza. But while it remained only the Mega Plaza outlet, she had another challenge. She later discovered that the shop at Mega plaza wasn’t presenting her outfit the way she would have loved it because the office wasn’t spacious enough. Hence, her determination to move to a bigger place at Lekki. Speaking about her new outlet in Lekki, she noted, “I decided to take a bigger place where people can reach out to me, because I was just stucked in iniside the plaza at the fourth floor. Basically, not many people like to come to the fourth floor. So now, I can really express myself and display my talents, that’s how we arrive at a bigger place here at Fola Osibo in Lekki. For Josephine, who has been in the fashion business for about 17 years, Finafrik now takes care of both male and female. “We don’t just do dresses for female, we do for male as well. So, now we can say we are now unisex. Basically, before, we do exclusively for female, but we discover that when men come around with their wife, girlfriends or sisters, they do ask if we don’t do dress for men. So we decided to make it a one-stop shop. Now, we do caftan with African adire. We do linen embellished with embroidery, babariga, African safari, brocade for men as well as what people now call resource control, made popular by President Goodluck Jonathan. She said, “What gives me joy in the business is seeing my finished outfits on my clients and they stand out in the crowd. Fashion is what I like doing. For instance making my sketch, producing the final works with all the accessories, and it’s amazing- That gives me joy. Our products can compete with any product internationally because they are well finished. We pay attention to details. Speaking about other challenges she has had to cope with Josephine decried high cost of production, which she said, is a major challenge. “This is due to the Nigeria bad power shortage. I will say this is a major obstacle for us in this industry. Also, we have challenges getting competent skilled workers. (Good tailors, cutter, beaders) etc. you have to train them to get the best. To her, also sourcing for original and unique accessories locally has been another challenges as she most times had to import them. With her originality and creativity, Finafrik has over the years been involved in a lot of fashion shows among which is a show called Fashion with fame held at Terra Culture as well as Finafrik Ember Collection. Josephine is a mother of four beautiful and intelligent kids who are all currently based abroad. Out of the four, she has a set of twins, a boy and a girl. BC

Personal Finance Entrepreneurs major shortfalls

ou have an idea for a new business and the wheels are in motion. You are certain that this is the business idea that will change your life and you are ready to take the next step. As an entrepreneur, you are aware of all the risks but are also encouraged by the potential financial reward and success. There is no official entrepreneurial handbook to follow to ensure your idea will take off, but there are several big mistakes you can avoid when getting your business off the ground. Not having a business plan: A business cannot survive without a detailed assessment of all of its requirements. Before launching your business, write up a business plan complete with long- and short-term goals, financial objectives and projected overhead costs. Ask and answer all of the questions you may have, such as: •What obstacles will you face? •How will you raise capital? •Where do you see your company in the future? A business plan is the best way to flesh out all of the details before taking all of the risks. Potential investors will also want to see your business plan before making any decisions to support your endeavours. A detailed business plan will not give you a glimpse into the future, but it will help you determine if your business will have legs. Focusing too much on your product: You love your idea. You may care for it as if it was your own child, but you need to consider sales, marketing and promotion ideas once you are ready to move forward. Ask yourself: Who will buy your idea? Is there a large enough audience interested? How will you reach them? Do you need to tweak your idea at all to give it more mass appeal? As an entrepreneur, you need to consider all aspects of your business and not just the idea itself. Take a step away and try to look at the business objectively. Find your niche, find your audience, and get your message out there. Making it all about the money: You may have received a generous amount of funding from investors, or there may be an initial burst of interest that sparks new found cash flow. Still, you must remember to stay within your means and think before you spend. Pay your employees, cover your costs, pay yourself (enough to live and eat), and then reassess. Reassessing your business means you should consider: Hiring more employees or scaling back, looking at your overhead and see if it needs any adjustments, upgrading your technology and increase your advertising budget. If you are experiencing good fortune, reinvest into your business so it will thrive. The new car, new house, overthe-top advertising campaigns, extravagant client parties, and lavish vacations can wait. Take care of the business so it will take care of you. Hiring the wrong people: Your good friends provide you with support, camaraderie, advice, and even good business partners. Conversely, your friends may not always be the best employees. Your best friend may know the best jokes, but does he know anything about marketing? Can he handle the finances or the advertising? The best businesses hire the best-qualified employees, so take careful consideration in how you staff your company. Starting your own business is not a game. You should be able to enjoy the process, but not at the expense of losing everything by making poor employee choices. Hire friends with the strongest qualifications, employ the right applicants for other positions, and keep your other friends on hand for moral support. Ignoring the legal aspects: Early on in your venture, you may unwittingly make legal errors. As your business progresses, these issues can snowball and create even larger, insurmountable problems that will deter success. Hire a qualified attorney at the onset and let him/her address all of your legal concerns. Your attorney will be there to answer your questions, deal with the legal problems, and navigate your business through any choppy waters. You will inevitably have missteps along the way, but learn from the mistakes and use them to improve your business. Know that you have done the research, made the best-informed decisions, prepared yourself sufficiently, and once in a while allow yourself to let the chips fall where they may and then react accordingly. BC

A18 34

Business Courage

Monday, May 11, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Behind d Wheels This page is open to sponsorship

By Adejuwon Osunnuyi with agency report

or a long time, Mazda struggled to keep up with the SUV craze. Under former parent company Ford, the small Japanese automaker was at least able to join in on the fun in the 1990s and early 2000s, but did so with jointly engineered models such as the Navajo and the Tribute. These Mazda SUVs didn’t sell anywhere near as well as their Ford equivalents and, more importantly, they didn’t really feel like Mazdas. Once independent of its Dearborn overlords, Mazda struck gold when it created a crossover of its own called the CX-5. The CX-5 impressed us so much we gave it an AUTOMOBILE All-Star award in 2013, and it impressed customers worldwide so much that a smaller follow-up, the 2016 Mazda CX-3, was a logical next step. Like its big brother, and like nearly all crossovers on the market, the CX-3 is basically a hatchback (in this case the Mazda2) with optional allwheel drive and a more rugged appearance. But given Mazda’s track record of engaging, well-rounded cars that appeal

to enthusiasts like us, we had high expectations for our first drive of the all-new 2016 Mazda CX-3 in Arizona. Mazda’s design team sure hit it out of the park when it comes to the CX-3’s curb appeal. With an aggressive, angular face, flowing character lines, and a sleek, tapered rear end, its sharp exterior lines give the already attractive Mazda3 and CX-5 a run for their money in the looks department. We even think it’s the most appealing of the growing subcompact crossover segment that includes such standouts as the rugged Jeep Renegade and funky Nissan Juke. The good vibes continued as we set out in the CX-3 on our drive route through Arizona’s twisty canyon passes and challenging mountain roads. The 2016 Mazda CX-3 handled everything we threw at it with aplomb. Its steering had a satisfying heft to it, the firm but composed suspension tuning made for supremely balanced handling, and the CX-3’s overall fluidity and confidence made us want to keep driving it with gusto. It’s yet another Mazda that skyrockets to the top of its class in terms of driving plea-

sure and enjoyment. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder, on the other hand, was a bit of a letdown, especially considering that its 146 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque has such a small car to move -- the CX-3 is nearly a foot shorter than the CX-5 and has a 5-inch shorter wheelbase than the Mazda3 hatchback, and it’s

lighter than both of those models. Perhaps the elevation of 5,000-plus feet on our driving route was partially to blame, but we repeatedly put the CX-3’s pedal to the floor in attempts to merge or pass and got much more noise than actual acceleration. At least the Skyactiv four-cylinder sounded somewhat sporty, and the

quick-witted six-speed automatic transmission (no manual is offered) was responsive when pushed, especially in Sport mode. After a few hours behind the wheel, we were quite impressed with the 2016 Mazda CX-3. It’s yet another attractive, fun-to-drive, sophisticated car from Mazda. But then

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, May 11, 2015

A19 35

Behind d Wheels This page is open to sponsorship

we realized something: Mazda already sells a great small hatchback. It’s called the Mazda3. As we thought more about the new CX-3, we struggled to see any tangible benefits of stepping up to this crossover, other than the availability of all-wheel drive.

First, we started to question whether the CX-3’s style quotient is worth the packaging compromises made on the inside. Though the dashboard’s attractive layout, intuitive ergonomics, and high-class materials are a noticeable step above any of the

CX-3’s competitors, the cabin is unacceptably cramped. Sitting in back with the front seat adjusted for an averagesized driver meant that our knees brushed up against the seatback. The high beltline that makes for such a swoopy silhouette also cuts visibility for rear-seat passengers, creating a slightly claustrophobic feeling. Above all, the paltry amount of space available in the cargo area and its high load floor eliminate any impression of utility. A Mazda3 five-door hatchback is more spacious inside in every respect and offers a more usable hatch opening and a more accessible low load height. Aren’t crossovers supposed to be more practical than traditional cars? And as much as we enjoyed driving the 2016 Mazda CX3, we can only imagine that the same route in a Mazda3 would have been just as much fun, if not more so. A Mazda3 five-door has a lower center of gravity, a sportier driving position, and is available with compelling powertrain options -- a manual transmission, and a larger, 2.5-liter four-cylinder -- that the CX-3 lacks. The CX-3’s fuel mileage estimates of 29/35 mpg city/ highway also fall short of the 3’s 30/40 mpg rating with the same powertrain. To top it all off, the CX-3 should command a slight price premium over a Mazda3 hatchback, with Mazda predicting a starting price in the low $20,000s -- before you add all-wheel drive and any other options. It’s hard to write off an alluring car like the 2016 Mazda CX-3 when it looks so sharp and drives with so much fluidity and confidence. But we can’t deny that success in this new class of crossovers requires a delicate balance between desirability and practicality. Competitors such as the 2016 Honda HR-V prove that it’s possible to achieve this tough ideal, but the math just doesn’t add up for Mazda’s new small crossover. While we’re now suitably convinced that Mazda is fully capable of creating fun-to-drive SUVs that embody the brand’s best qualities, the CX-3 blurs the lines between crossover and car to a degree that makes us question whether this is a gap that needed filling in the first place. BC

Autocare Car maintenance tips for heavy rain

ow should you take care of your car in the case of a sudden downpour or heavy rain? Special care is necessary, as a car is more

likely to break down during heavy rain and a car’s lifetime is highly dependent on car maintenance. Here are some tips for easy maintenance and the safe use of a car during heavy rain. Checking the tire pressure, batteries and brakes is essential Driving in the rain is more dangerous than driving in the snow. While snow chains and salt can help prevent accidents on snowy roads, drivers are more helpless on rainy roads. Due to the possibility of hydroplaning on wet roads, it is important to check for the best levels of tire pressure and to take extra care in terms of safety. During the rainy season, it is recommended to elevate tire pressure within 10 per cent of the usual level. It is dangerous to use worn tires. As visibility get worse while driving in heavy rains, turning on the headlights, even during the day, can help to prevent an accident. It is necessary to check the car battery in advance, as the frequent use of headlights, airconditioner and the windshield wipers use up much of the battery. On wet roads, a car that stops well is safer than a car that moves well. Thus, checking the brakes and tire condition is very important. Secure a clear view by taking care of the windshield If the windshield wipers make a strange sound, it is likely that it is due to gas exhaust from other cars on the window than a faulty wiper blade. As a solution, it is effective to clean the window with a sponge and detergent two or three times. Additionally, the amount of washer water under the hood should be checked. The water’s direction can be easily adjusted with pins. Use an anti-water protector When there is a lot of rain, water drops gather on the side mirrors and back window, which can distract from safe driving. It is a good idea to put a water-gathering protector on the mirrors and windows. Prior preparation is needed because heavy rains result in many problems with driver visibility. Park in a safe zone A sudden downpour can flood an area in a very short amount of time. Check if there are any areas that have flooded recently and avoid parking near riversides, streams and under bridges. When there are flood warnings, it is best to move your car uphill or to a safe area where the car can easily be moved.

A20 36

Business Courage

Monday, May 11, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

REGULATORS

Australia, Norway to Partner NIMASA CBN disburses N60bn on capacity building from N220bn MSME fund T By Udo Onyeka

he Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, said it had disbursed the sum of N60bn from the N220bn Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSME, Development Fund. This figure was made known by the Special Adviser to the CBN Governor on Development Finance, Mr. Paul Eluhaiwe, during the commencement of the disbursement of the fund to physically challenged people in Abuja. The N220bn MSME fund, which was launched in August last year, has 60 per cent earmarked for providing financial services to women in order to address their peculiar financial exclusion circumstances. Based on the guidelines of the fund, each state of the federation will be able to access the sum of N2bn, which will be given to beneficiaries at an interest rate of nine per cent. Also, two per cent of the

Godwin Emefiele, CBN Governor

fund, representing about N4.4bn, is to be made available for economically active but physically challenged entrepreneurs. According to Eluhaiwe contrary to claims in some quarters that the fund was not being disbursed, the central bank had been making it available to entrepreneurs who met the laid down conditions. He said while the criteria might be stringent, the CBN was just being careful in or-

der to ensure that those who actually got the fund had the ability to pay back. “There are conditions for microfinance banks to meet before they can assess the fund, and entrepreneurs also have to meet the conditions before the fund can be disbursed to them. So, it takes a lot of rigor to put on the table resources for entrepreneurs to use. “As we speak, we have disbursed over N60bn out of this fund. We don’t want to make mistakes; we want to disburse the fund and make sure people pay back for others to assess the fund. The CBN will take what it takes to disburse the fund because we are dealing with banking and we want to make the fund sustainable”, he said. He urged the physically challenged who benefitted from the fund to make efficient use of it, adding that the central bank’s objective to ensure financial inclusion was responsible for the move. BC

he Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Angela Tierney has said that her country desires to partner with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, in the provision of technical support and human capacity development. The envoy, who was on a visit to NIMASA headquarters in Lagos, commended the human capacity building drive of the Agency and conveyed the willingness of her country to work with NIMASA in building the requisite capacity for the industry. Earlier, the Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Rolf Ree, had visited the Agency and also stated his country’s readiness for the provision of technical support to NIMASA towards realising the full potentials of the Nigerian maritime industry. Receiving the Australian High Commissioner and the Norwegian Ambassador separately, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi said that the Agency would appreciate partnership with major maritime nations such as Australia and Norway particularly in the area of capacity building. “Australia is a nation that enjoys high respect among the comity of maritime nations and

partnership with your country will surely help us realise the potentials of building a competent workforce that is poised to take the Nigerian maritime sector to greater heights,” Akpobolokemi said. While meeting with the Norwegian Ambassador, the DG noted with delight “the support so far given the Agency by your country has been of immense benefit to the maritime sector locally”. He urged them not to relent in their support, as such will continue to help growing maritime nations like Nigeria. The DG assured the Envoys of an improvement in monitoring Nigeria’s maritime domain in real time using a satellite surveillance system that covers the whole of Nigeria’s coast and the Gulf of Guinea. BC

racy through wear and tear or mechanical shock,” he said. Moreover he said standards bodies and companies invest in metrology. “The business could be big because measurement instruments have to be calibrated and re-calibrated to keep them reliable. Besides, doing more calibrations in Nigeria rather than abroad as has been the case,

will save the hard currency presently paid to foreign metrology labs,” he added. The metrology institute comes soon after the upgrade of the SON Metrology Lab, Lekki, Lagos and the accreditation of the SON Food Technology lab’s biological and chemical testing sections by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation, A2LA. BC

Akpobolokemi

SON builds National Metrology Institute

he Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON will on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 officially commence the construction of the National Metrology Institute in Emene Industrial Layout, Enugu. This is a bold step that will increase the accuracy of measurement instruments used by manufacturers in Nigeria, thereby ensuring that consumers are safe and that demand for the country’s products and services improves globally. A statement by Director, Special Duties, SON, Mr George Okere, said that the groundbreaking for the Institute will be performed by Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment Dr Aganga in a ceremony which is

Joseph Odumodu, DG, SON

expected to be graced by government officials as well as captains of industry. On the importance of the National Metrology Institute, SON explained that “metrology is the scientific process of making sure measurement instruments give correct reading and that error-free measurement only improves product quality.” Okere, who is chairman of the planning committee for the ground-breaking ceremony, also said that “improvement in the quality of food, agricultural and manufactured products of Nigeria, will certainly mean diversified export income base for the country thereby ending the risky over-dependence on petroleum export.” Further the Director said that “getting the measurement instruments right does not stop at improving the quality of products but also promotes fair-play in commercial transactions, thereby minimising disputations that can alienate a trading partner.” “Only metrological credibility can produce the confidence that one kilogramme of rice is actually one kilogramme of rice, he enthused.” According to the institute’s ground-breaking committee

chairman, “metrology becomes particularly important when the safety of human beings is involved. Patients have died from wrong prescription that is traceable to faulty reading of their weight at an out-of- calibration scale. An air crash could result from undetected malfunction that is traceable to an instrument that has drifted to inaccu-

13 airports ready with airfield lighting soon - FAAN

he Federal Government said that 13 airports across the country were being fitted with airfield lighting for improved productivity and enhanced operations. This is contained in a statement by Mr Yakubu Dati, General Manager, Public Affairs, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, on Friday in Abuja. The statement said the Minister of Aviation, Mr Osita Chidoka, made the disclosure during the inauguration of the Common User Passenger Processing System, CUPPS, at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, on Thursday. It said the minister further promoted the concept of one aviation stating that ``safety

Dati

security and comfort must be above board” at the event. ``According to him, the concept of Measurement, Monitoring and Improvement, MMI, had become inevitable if the country’s aviation industry must

move forward. ``The Common User Passenger Processing System ,CUPPS, installed by Bicourtney Aviation Services operators of Murtala Mohammed Airport Domestic Terminal II, is the first of its kind in the country,’’ it said. The statement added that the Chairman of Bicourteny Aviation Services Ltd, Dr Wale Babalakin, commended government for its support. It said that the minister also inaugurated the self checkin kiosk, screening point and check-in counters at the Terminal. ``The occasion was attended by aviation stakeholders and service providers,’’ the statement added. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, May 11, 2015

A21 37

Equity trading drops

ransactions on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Friday closed for the week on a negative note with the market indicators dipping by 0.04 per cent. The market capitalisation N4 billion or 0.04 per cent closed at N11.67 trillion against N11.68 trillion posted on Thursday. The All-Share Index also dropped by 12.45 points to close at 34,388.12 points compared with 34,400. 57 points achieved on Thursday. An analysis of the price movement chart indicated that National Salt recorded the highest price loss for the day, declining by 22k to close at N8.34 per share.

Vitafoam dipped by 20k to close at N6.20 per share, while Unity Bank lost 13k to close at N2.62 per share. ETI depreciated by 6k to close at N24.49 per share and UBA lost 5k to close at N5.10 per share. Conversely, CAP led the gainers’ table, garnering N3.69 to close at N43 per share. UBA also gained 11k to close at N11 per share, while FBN Holdings rose by 8k to close at N9.01 per share. C & I Leasing increased by 6k to close at 66k per share and GT Bank garnered 2k to close at N28.85 per share. NAN also reports that the volume of shares traded closed lower with an exchange of

23.49 million shares worth N363.49 million achieved in 549 deals against 330.67 million shares valued N3.75 billion transacted in 5,238 deals on Thursday. Zenith Bank was investors’ delight as it accounted for 4.67 million shares worth N99.67 million at the day’s transaction. It was followed by Access Bank, which accounted for 2.54 million shares valued N15.26 million, while UBN sold 1.58 million shares worth N17.33 million. Skye Bank traded 1.42 million shares valued N3.46 million, while investors staked N1.22 million on 1.35 million shares of Continental Reinsurance. BC

Access Bank shareholders approve N14bn dividend

ccess Bank shareholders have commended the management of the bank for the impressive performance just as they endorsed a N13.73bn final dividend declared for the 2014 financial year. The dividend came to a 35 kobo per share and this is in addition to the interim dividend earlier paid to them, bringing the total dividend paid for the 2014 financial year to 60 kobo per share The shareholders while making comments at the 26th Annual General Meeting, AGM, in Lagos Thursday noted that in spite of the challenging environment, the bank recorded improved performance. They also commended the management of Access Bank

Oyebode

for keeping the bank’s nonperforming loans at lower digit, thereby placing the bank at the fore front of banks that are sound and healthy in the country. President of the Progressive Shareholders of Nigeria, Mr Boniface Okezie, said the bank

needs to be commended for paying 60 kobo dividend despite the rising funds through rights issue, a decision that could make other banks not to pay dividend at all. The chairman of the bank, Mr Gbenga Oyebode, said that in the year under review, the bank improved its revenue generation capacity as gross earnings rose to N245bn from what was recorded in 2013, while profit before tax rose by 20 per cent to N52bn. “As we pursue our mission and vision, we are confident that the strategic direction we have chosen is sound. We will maintain our strong capital and liquidity, managing risk effectively and operating efficiently to reduce costs,” Oyebode stated. BC

Market Indicators for Week Ended 09-05-15 All-Share Index 34,400.57 points Market Capitalization 11,686,881,959,943.51 Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING PRICE

CLOSING PRICE

CHANGE

PRESCO PLC2

6.00

30.09

15.73

VITAFOAM NIGERIA PLC

4.40

4.83

9.77

A. G. LEVENTIS (NIGERIA) PLC

1.55

1.70

9.68

ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC

0.58

0.63

8.62

CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC 0.88

0.94

6.82

CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC

3.95

4.20

6.33

UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC

40.00

42.31

5.78

DANGOTE CEMENT PLC

175.00

184.50

5.43

40.00

42.00

5.00

3.60

3.78

5.00

UAC OF NIGERIA PLC RED STAR EXPRESS PLC

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING PRICE

UNITY BANK PLC

CLOSING PRICE

5.00

CHANGE

3.89

-22.20

DANGOTE SUGAR REF PLC

7.23

6.11

-15.49

AIICO INSURANCE PLC

1.14

1.02

-10.53

197.60

177.65

-10.10

MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC

FORTE OIL PLC

1.80

1.63

-9.44

BERGER PAINTS NIGERIA PLC

9.99

9.07

-9.21

178.00

162.00

-8.99 -8.85

7-UP BOTTLING CO PLC NEIMETH INTL PHARM PLC

1.13

1.03

P. Z. INDUSTRIES PLC

31.23

28.50

-8.74

UACN PROP DEVP CO. PLC

11.75

10.78

-8.26

Treasury Bills Maturity date

Bid

06-Aug-15

9.62

Offer 9.86

15-Oct-15

11.57

12.19

21-Apr-16

13.26

15.20

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

91-Day

21538.34

182-Day 364-Day

RATE (%)

DATE

9.95

10-April-15

33783.25

10.1

4-May-15

59081.14

10.35

4-May15

A22 38

Business Courage

Monday, May 11, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Guaranty Trust Bank: Delivering value to long term investors

uaranty Trust Bank performance for the financial year ended December 31, 2014 was boosted by non-interest income, despite the declining oil prices and the naira devaluation which have affected the profit margins of many lenders. The bank thrives through the year 2014 having enjoyed investors’ better price approval and trend as high as N31.60 by the seven month of the year.

Profitability The bank’s profit after tax rose 10 per cent year-on-year, from N90.024bn in 2013 to N98.695bn in 2014. Also, its basic earnings per share and fully diluted earnings per share appreciated 10 per cent to N3.47 in the review period from N3.17 in 2013. Analysis of the bank’s stock between 2010 and 2014 showed an improvement in share price from the 2010 opening price of N15.50 to low of N12.30 in 2011 as at October 7, and then all high of N31.80 in June 2014 but now trading N22.90 after adjustment for the final dividend of N1.50 for the financial year ended Dec. 31, 2014. Its earnings per share for the period was up as a result of great cost and risk management of the bank regardless of increase in its non-performing loan. The earnings power grew from N1.63 in 2010 to N3.35 in 2014 representing an increase of 106 per cent. The bank latest earnings revealed better performance than the past considering 2014 challenges experienced by the banking industry. The bank profit margin has been sliding down to reflect operational cost increment as the bank managed increasing customers’ base and control cost to create value for its customers and shareholders with improved innovative banking products. The bank seems to have led the industry unchallenged by any other bank except Zenith Bank .Critically, looking at the bank’s performance for the last five years showed that the bank has consistently enhanced its performance as reflected in its profitability ratio

within the review period. Its gross income during the period grew by 81.06 per cent from N153.9bn in 2010 to N278.7bn. The profitability level has steadily grown to support share price placing the bank among the top three banks in terms of profitability, asset, margin, service delivery and risk management in the industry today. Under the period of five years, the risk and cost management of the bank had improved tremendously as shown in its profit margin that moved from 24.91 per cent in 2010 to 35.44 per cent after it had hit 38.21 per cent in 2012. In the year under review, the bank gave out more loans with loans and advances hitting N1.281tn, up by 27 per cent from the N1.008tn it gave out the previous year. The total dividend of N51.504bn for the 2014 financial year was, however, 2.94 per cent higher than the N50.033bn it paid in the preceding year. Prospect in the bank The expected relative stable macroeconomic outlook after election may favour the bank as volume of transactions has increased with the cashless economy due to its IT driven banking products. Its recent International Finance Corporation loan to boost lending to its tilling customer as its retail banking service has complemented other banking products and service mix

to enhanced profitability and drive share price. The bank ranking among top 500 banks in the world is a plus, and customer’s choice due to its professionalism and prompt customer service delivery had made the bank the choice of the banking public. Also, Its strong alliances with international financial institutions as an international bank with branches in many countries of the world, good knowledge and expertise of domestic markets would boost the bank’s future operations. Business Strategy Its brand name and good succession plan of the bank assures continuity and the recent re-introduction of ATM transaction fee of N65 are factors that will make the bank thick. Other positive factors are robust risk management framework, increased opportunities in retail banking and infrastructure financing, good track record, good corporate social responsibility initiative and huge financing opportunities in the country especially in the power sector, infrastructure and agriculture. Weaknesses and threats Over regulation of the industry will be the major threat the bank would confront going forward. Also, high operational cost due to infrastructure challenge and high investment

Segun Agbaje, MD, GTB

in products and services to satisfy its sophisticated customers would be another factor the bank would contend with. Other factors that will put pressure on the bank’s profitability are policy inconsistency, regular increase in cash requirement ratio of the public, private funds, high MPR, tight liquidity, falling naira value, dwindling crude oil price which is affecting the external reserve and the exchange rate. Background Guaranty Trust Bank is a foremost Nigerian financial institution with vast business outlays spanning Anglophone West Africa and the United Kingdom. It was incorporated as a limited liability company licensed to provide commercial and other banking services to the Nigerian public in

1990. It commenced operations in February 1991 and undertook its second share offering in 2004 and successfully gathered over N11 billion from Nigerian Investors to expand its operations. The bank made a strategic decision to actively pursue retail banking and it embarked on a major rebranding exercise in June 2005, which saw the bank emerge with improved service offerings, an aggressive expansion strategy and its vibrant orange identity. The bank remained tall through all regulations that put the banking sector at its current position in Nigeria. The bank is listed on the London and Nigerian Stock Exchange. Analysts opinion FBN Capital Research noted that the bank’s profit and the dividend beat its estimate. It said, “On a full year basis, GT Bank’s PBT of N116.4bn came in ahead of management’s full year guidance of N110bn. The PBT also came in ahead of consensus full year PBT forecast of N109bn. “We believe that GT Bank will fare better than most banks and should be viewed as a core holding for investors through the challenging times ahead. “However, we also acknowledge that growth, particularly for risk assets, is bound to slow down in 2015. GT Bank’s exposure to the oil and gas sector at over 20 per cent of its loan book is a slight concern also.” BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, May 11, 2015

A23 39

STOCKWATCH Stock Exchange weekly equities summary as at Friday, May 8, 2015 SECURITY

PRICE (=N=)

AGRICULTURE/AGRO-ALLIED Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC 0.50 OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. 27.41 PRESCO PLC 30.09 Fishing/Hunting/Trapping ELLAH LAKES PLC. 4.26 Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. 2.33 CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. 1.70 CHELLARAMS PLC. 3.95 JOHN HOLT PLC. 0.94 SCOA NIG PLC 4.44 TRANSNATIONAL CORP. OF NIG.PLC 3.20 U A C N PLC. 42.00 CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Construction ARBICO PLC. 5.30 CAPPA & D’ALBERTO PLC. NT Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. 0.87 G CAPPA PLC 14.46 Non--Building/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. 51.70 ROADS NIG PLC. 6.29 Real Estate Development PINNACLE POINT GROUP PLC NT UACN PROPERTY DEV 10.78 Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC 100.00 UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INV 45.22 UPDC REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST 10.00 CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC 0.50 Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. 7.39 GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. 0.93 GUINNESS NIG PLC 170.00 INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. 21.49 JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC. 2.02 NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. 157.01 PREMIER BREWERIES PLC 3.61 Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. 162.00 Food Products BIG TREAT PLC NT DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC 4.89 DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC 6.11 FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. 35.74 HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC 3.28 MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC 0.50 N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. 18.05 NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC 8.25 P S MANDRIDES & CO PLC. 5.35 U T C NIG. PLC. 0.50 UNION DICON SALT PLC. 11.84 Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. 39.90 NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. 950.00 Household Durables BETA GLASS CO PLC. NT NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC. 31.82 VITAFOAM NIG PLC. 4.83 VONO PRODUCTS PLC. 1.03 Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. 28.50 UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. 42.31 Textiles/Apparel UNITED NIG. TEXTILES PLC. NT FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. 5.99 DIAMOND BANK PLC 4.60 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INC. 20.70 FIDELITY BANK PLC 1.86 FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC. NT GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. 28.75 INTERCONTINENTAL BANK 13.50 SKYE BANK PLC 2.50 STERLING BANK PLC. 2.29 U B A PLC 5.29 UNION BANK NIG.PLC. 10.22 UNITY BANK PLC 3.89 WEMA BANK PLC. 0.98 ZENITH BANK PLC 21.15 Insurance Carriers, Brokers & Services AFRICAN ALLIANCE INS. COY. PLC 0.50 AIICO INSURANCE PLC. 1.02 CONFIDENCE INSURANCE PLC NT CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INS. PLC 0.50 CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC 0.94 CORNERSTONE INS. COY. PLC. 0.50 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INS. PLC NT EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. 0.50 GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC 0.53 GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC 0.50 GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. 0.50 INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INS. PLC NT INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INS. PLC 0.51 INVESTMENT AND ALLIED ARN. 0.5 LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. 0.50 LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. 0.50 LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC 0.50 MANSARD INSURANCE PLC 3.00 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. 0.50 N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. 0.72 NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. 0.50 OASIS INSURANCE PLC NT PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. 0.50 REGENCY ALLIANCE INS. COY PLC 0.50 SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC 0.50 STANDARD TRUSTASSURANCE PLC 0.50 STANDARD ALLIANCE INS. PLC. 0.50 UNIC INSURANCE PLC. 0.50 UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC 0.50 UNIVERSAL INS. COMPANY PLC 0.50 WAPIC INSURANCE PLC 0.52 Micro Finance Banks FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC 5.42 NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC 1.32 Mortgage Carriers, Brokers &Services ABBEY MORTGAGE BANK PLC 1.30 ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC 0.50 INFINITY TRUST MORTGAGE BANK PLC 1.42 RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC 0.50 UNION HOMES SAVINGS&LOANS PLC 6.4 Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS 2.85 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INS. PLC 4.20 CRUSADER ( NIG) PLC. NT DEAP CAPITAL MGT & TRUST PLC 0.67 FBN HOLDINGS PLC 9.80 FCMB GROUP PLC 3.34 ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. 0.55 STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC 29.45 SIM CAPITAL ALLIANCE VALUE FUND 103.24 NIGERIA ENERGY SECTOR FUND 552.20 UBA CAPITAL PLC 1.53 HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers EKOCORP PLC. 3.72 UNION DIAGNOSTIC &CLINICAL PLC 0.50 Medical Supplies MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC. 1.82 Pharmaceuticals

NOTE NT=Not Traded on 08-05-15

52 WK HIGH

QUANTITY

9,140 261,540 107,996

0.64 107.81 41.14

52 WK LOW

0.50 20.92 8.24

SHARES OUTSTANDING

EPS

2,200,000,000 476,955,000 1,000,000,000

0.10 2.29 7.55

MOV. (%)

N/A 0.40 15.73

0.50 27.30 26.00

4.26

60,000,000

0.00

N/A

4.26

1,249,104

7.18

0.68

1,199,549,736

0.07

0.87

2.31

100,150 300 17,558 512 6,693,406 2,658,148

2.08 6.43 5.89

0.71 4.15 1.07

2,191,895,983 963,900,300 389,151,408

0.11 0.16 1.09

8.97 N/A N/A

5.89 71.10

0.50 28.00

821,666,666 1,600,720,323

0.09 4.38

N/A N/A

1.56 3.95 0.94 4.44 3.20 40.00

375 3

26.00 95.49

5.05 95.49

148,500,000 196,876,000

0.33 4.50

N/A N/A

5.30 NT

807,550 217

2.66 14.46

0.72 14.46

920,573,765 125,000,000

0.00 0.00

N/A N/A

0.84 14.46

27,437 1,832

83.75 10.60

19.86 6.61

1,200,000,000 20,000,000

6.74 1.69

0.00 N/A

51.70 6.29

NT 324,368

7.28 20.90

7.28 8.82

1,375,000,000

0.00 2.20

N/A -8.26

NT 11.75

93 100 6,350

100.00 50.00 10.50

100.00 50.00 0.00

20,000,000 250,019,781

5.82 0.19

N/A N/A

100.00 45.22 10.00

5,016

0.50

4,772,528,415

0.00

N/A

0.50

54,992 8,132 28,374 172,515 50,000 1,808,302 513,550

19.48 0.68 297.41 30.00 9.09 179.40 0.97

3.13 0.68 209.10 5.34 0.81 91.10 0.93

900,000,000 272,160,000 1,474,925,519 2,112,914,681 562,000,000 7,562,562,340 126,000,000

0.00 0.00 8.66 0.63 0.00 5.03 0.00

N/A N/A 1.19 N/A N/A 3.98 N/A

7.54 0.93 168.00 21.70 2.02 151.00 3.61

24,150

75.90

38.12

640,590,362

4.46

N/A

178.00

NT 224,970 1,588,435 187,271 952,850 53,816 159,011 2,835,920 2.08 124,000 50 100

0.50 10.68 12.85 109.24 4.11 1.21 29.70 14.00 5.94 0.93 13.31

0.50 3.85 3.26 50.00 1.83 0.50 17.51 3.65 5.35 0.50 4.22

2,000,000,000 5,000,000,000 12,000,000,000 1,879,210,666 7,930,197,658 3,722,493,620 178,200,000 40,000,000 1,233,375,004 360,000,000

0.00 0.00 0.81 3.38 0.34 0.00 0.00 1.05 0.08 1.13 0.00

N/A 0.82 -15.49 -3.38 -3.53 N/A N/A -4.07 N/A 0.00 N/A

NT 4.85 7.23 36.99 3.40 0.50 18.05 8.60 5.35 0.50 11.84

5,725 390,319

64.53 1250.00

8.33 400.00

3,129,188,160 792,656,250

1.57 28.34

-0.25 0.21

40.00 948.00

25,333 100 187,845 15,000

15.58 36.19 5.54 2.88

10.03 32.27 2.91 0.57

63,360,000 819,000,000 300,000,001

3.90 13.92 0.71 0.00

N/A N/A 9.77 N/A

NT 31.82 4.40 1.08

156,973 119,119

56.00 76.00

21.02 27.60

3,176,381,636 3,783,296,250

1.34 1.42

-8.74 5.78

31.23 40.00

0.97

0.57

843,284,027

0.00

N/A

20,610,779 1,358,484 5,746,153 4,669,271 NT 11,491,149

12.39 7.85 17.51 3.47 8.30 29.99

4.70 1.92 9.90 1.13 3.04 13.02

17,888,251,479 14,475,243,105 9,873,614,567 28,974,797,023 16,271,192,202 29,146,482,209

1.61 1.71 3.67 0.68 0.60 3.08

-5.07 -1.92 0.98 -2.11 #VALUE! 2.28

5,074,965 2,601,379 11,173,106 1,469,943 359,359 1,128,531 9,778,427

7.05 3.05 9.60 15.30 1.16 1.88 27.40

2.65 0.80 1.64 2.34 0.50 0.50 11.96

13,219,334,676 12,563,091,545 32,334,693,693 13,509,726,273 33,675,576,085 12,821,249,880 31,396,493,790

0.97 0.63 1.70 0.44 0.18 0.00 3.30

-6.72 -2.97 -0.56 -7.26 0.00 2.08 -3.86

200 1,627,718 NT 9,140 1,882,960 62,000 9,054,578 4,754 NT 42,003 165,731 NT 698,304 NT 14,710 100 220 23,600 1,319,465 10,579,013 52,100 1,654,611 27,973 5,028 100 1,650 161,547,689 25,000 200 518,140 1,368,084

0.50 1.42 0.64 0.52 1.45 0.72 2.44 0.50 0.69 0.60 0.50 2.50 2.50 0.50 0.50 0.61 0.50 2.87 0.63 1.01 1.11 0.50 1.24 0.53 0.59

0.50 0.50 0.61 0.50 0.58 0.50 1.08 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.06 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

20,585,000,000 7,809,391,256 211,626,000 6,000,000,000 10,372,624,157 8,820,010,363 5,100,846,808 8,847,298,420 4,549,947,000 3,827,485,380 720,000,000 5,061,804,000 6,420,427,449 28,000,000,000 7,323,313,227 3,437,330,500 4,083,713,569 10,000,000,000 7,998,705,336 5,332,830,881 5,649,693,923 5,003,506,791 2,508,315,436 6,668,750,000 5,203,757,266

0.00 0.19 0.00 0.05 0.15 0.02 0.24 0.01 0.00 0.03 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.25 0.00 0.37 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.04 0.09

N/A 0.00 N/A N/A 0.00 0.00 0.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.00 N/A N/A N/A 0.00 -5.96 N/A 4.35 N/A N/A 0.00 N/A 0.00

0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.55

0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

8,493,173,450 2,581,733,505 13,000,000,000 16,000,000,000

0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.07

N/A N/A N/A N/A

10,000,000 584,766

6.60 1.22

0.00 0.72

500 500 500 220,000 4,570

1.65 0.50

1.37 0.50

4,200,000,000 8,679,148,676

0.03 0.02

N/A N/A

0.50 0.99

0.50 0.50

13,175,732,404 7,812,500,000

0.30 0.00

N/A N/A

313,164 369,250 500 5,000 8,812,914 27045923 1,050,953 3,807,836 465 100 1,926,013

2.1

0.5

0.61 2.02 21.50 5.70 1.33 20.72 103.24

0.50 2.02 8.57 2.90 0.50 10.64 98.33

1.70

0.00

1.18 0.19

3,608,657,661 18,750,000,000

0.00 0.15 2.45 1.23 0.13 1.53

0.50 1.14 NT 0.50 0.88 0.50 NT 0.50 0.53 0.50 0.50 NT 0.50 0.5 0.50 0.50 0.50 3.19 0.50 0.69 0.50 NT 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.55 5.42 1.39

0.63 3,778,005,975 1,333,333,333 32,632,084,358

6.31 4.69 20.50 1.90 NT 28.11 13.50 2.68 2.36 5.32 11.02 5.00 0.96 22.00

N/A N/A -6.67 N/A 2.79

0.29

1.30 0.50 1.42 0.50 0.5 2.74 3.95 NT 0.67 10.50 3.37 0.55 28.65 103.24 552.20 1.48

170 40,000

5.05 0.50

4.32 0.50

498,600,908 3,553,138,528

0.13 0.00

N/A N/A

3.72 0.50

100

10.54

7.39

152,178,750

0.00

N/A

1.82

N/A=Not Avialable @

SECURITY

PRICE (=N=)

EVANS MEDICAL PLC. 1.99 FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC 3.32 GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER PLC 55.00 MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. 1.63 NEIMETH INT PHARM PLC 1.03 NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. 6.32 PHARMA-DEKO PLC. 2.13 ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SLN PLC 0.50 Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC 0.50 Electronic Communications Services MTECH COMMUNICATIONS PLC 0.91 IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC 4 NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. 12.19 TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. 1.77 Processing Systems CHAMS PLC 0.50 E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC 3.39 Telecommunications Services IHS NT HIS NIGERIA PLC 2 NT HIS NIGERIA PLC 1 NT MTI PLC 0.5 INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials AFRICAN PAINTS (NIGERIA) PLC. 2.72 ASHAKA CEM PLC 19.95 BERGER PAINTS PLC 9.07 CAP PLC 35.66 CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC 11.59 DANGOTE CEMENT PLC 184.50 DN MEYER PLC. 0.83 FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC 0.50 IPWA PLC 0.50 PREMIER PAINTS 10.93 LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. 94.00 PAINTS & COATINGS MANFACT.PLC 1.33 PORTLAND PAINTS & PRDT NIG. PLC 3.83 Electronic and Electrical Products AUSTIN LAZ & COMPANY PLC 2.09 CUTIX PLC. 1.74 NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. 0.50 Packaging/Containers ABPLAST PRODUCTS PLC. NT AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS 1.59 BETA GLASS CO PLC. 30.00 GREIF NIGERIA PLC 11.48 NIG. BAGS MANFACT. COY PLC NT POLY PRODUCTS (NIG) PLC. NT W A GLASS IND. PLC. 0.63 Tools and Machinery NIGERIAN ROPES PLC 7.46 NIG SEW MACH. MAN. CO PLC. 0.15 STOKVIS NIG PLC. 0.14 NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. 5.21 Metals ALUMACO PLC 7.75 ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION IND. PLC. 10.43 MINING SERVICES MULTIVERSE PLC 0.50 Paper/Forest Products HALLMARK PAPER PRODUCTS PLC. NT THOMAS WYATT NIG. PLC. 0.73 OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SER. PLC 0.50 Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC 18.00 Petroleum &Petroleum Products Distributors BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC 0.5 CONOIL PLC 36.21 ETERNA PLC. 2.72 FORTE OIL PLC. 177.65 MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. 150.00 MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. 50.54 TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. 155.50 Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVT. CO, LTD. 377.00 SERVICES Advertising AFROMEDIA PLC 0.50 Apparel Retailers LENNARDS (NIG) PLC. 3.15 Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. 1.01 Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC 3.78 TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. 1.22 Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. 0.52 Hospitality TANTALIZERS PLC 0.50 Hotels/Lodging CAPITAL HOTEL 4.28 IKEJA HOTEL PLC 3.86 TOURIST COY NIG PLC 3.51 TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC 9.63 Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC 0.50 Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS 1.06 LEARN AFRICA PLC 1.43 STUDIO PRESS (NIG) PLC. 2.30 UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. 4.83 Road Transportation ABC TRANSPORT PLCPLC 0.63 Specialty INTERLINKED TECHNOLOGIES PLC 4.66 SECURE ELECTRONIC TECH.PLC 0.5 Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC 2.20 NIG. AVIATION HANDLING COY PLC 6.30 SUPPORT AND LOGISTICS CAVERTON OFFSHORE GROUP PLC 3 ASeM CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Property Management SMART PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC NT CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC NT OIL AND GAS CAPITAL OIL PLC NT NAVITUS ENERGY PLC NT Personal/Household Products ROKANA INDUSTRIES PLC. NT HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals AFRIK PHARMACEUTICALS PLC. NT INDUSTRIAL GOODS Electronic and Electrical Products NT ADSWITCH PLC. NT NATURAL RESOURCES Metals W.A. ALUM. PRODUCTS PLC. NT Food/Drug Retailers and Wholesalers NT JULI PLC. NT ETF’s Sector ETF LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF NT NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND NT VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF NT

QUANTITY

52 WK HIGH

52 WK LOW

SHARES OUTSTANDING

EPS

MOV. (%)

74,488 1,444,640 66,411 163,454 251,300 100 572,185

4.80 2.50 69.00 3.38 1.76 8.59 3.50

0.50 0.61 18.97 1.23 0.58 7.36 1.83

486,473,856 1,500,000,000 956,701,192 980,000,000 1,925,717,268 153,786,012 100,000,000

0.58 0.24 3.07 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.00

0.00 -0.90 2.90 -9.44 -8.85 N/A N/A

Previous 1.99 3.35 53.45 1.80 1.13 6.32 2.13

37,000

0.96

0.50

2,960,000,000

0.11

0.00

0.50

100

0.50

2,941,789,472

0.00

N/A

0.50

0.91

4,966,666,668

0.00

N/A

0.91

400 100 5,460

18.70 2.94

13.12 2.07

108,000,000 492,825,600

0.00 0.03

N/A N/A

4 12.19 1.77

27,420 1,080

0.50 4.97

0.50 3.13

4,620,600,000 4,200,000,000

0.04 0.04

N/A N/A

0.50 3.39 3.8 2.25 3.08 0.5

100

0.50

4,893,594,400

0.00

N/A

2,000 1,557,197 40,673 20,474 1,514,719 1,167,463 40,890 600 6,000 60 109,667 50,000 72,650

2.86 29.98 12.20 67.50 12.99 210.01 3.54 0.75 1.34

2.86 8.01 6.82 13.78 4.00 102.00 0.50 0.50 0.50

260,000,000 2,239,453,125 217,367,585 560,000,000 1,241,548,285 15,494,019,668 242,908,200 2,109,928,275 513,696,000

0.07 0.80 0.91 1.66 1.12 5.77 0.06 0.00 0.00

N/A -3.01 -9.21 0.00 0.00 5.43 N/A N/A N/A

110.00 2.41 7.22

39.80 0.50 2.27

3,001,600,004 792,914,256 400,000,000

6.83 0.36 0.43

1.08 N/A N/A

2.72 20.57 9.99 35.66 11.59 175.00 0.83 0.50 0.50 10.93 93.00 1.40 3.84

100 220,132 100

2.00 2.39 0.73

2.00 1.20 0.50

510,396,608 2,220,000,000

0.05 0.19 0.00

N/A 0.00 N/A

2.09 1.74 0.50

NT 561 1,361 100 NT NT NT

3.98 5.94 13.18 13.28 3.60 1.86 0.63

3.98 1.71 9.04 12.68 1.60 1.05 0.63

N/A N/A

42,640,000 6,215,000,000 240,000,000 199,066,550

0.00 0.00 3.23 0.90 0.24 0.22 0.00

N/A #VALUE! N/A N/A

NT 1.59 28.70 11.48 NT NT 0.63

100 200 NT

8.69

8.26

265,409,280

0.00

N/A

0.14

2,918,000

0.00

N/A

25,000,000 683,974,528

7.46 0.15 0.14

10,000

9.35

5.68

393,120,000

0.76

0.00

5.21

320 100

7.75 12.39

7.75 10.55

75,600,000 100,000,000

0.00 0.24

N/A N/A

7.75 10.43

100

0.50

4,058,989,226

0.01

N/A

0.50

NT 4,050

3.22 1.38

3.22 0.67

50,000,000 220,000,000

0.04 0.00

N/A N/A

NT 0.73

1,408,720

1.02

0.50

6,262,701,716

0.00

0.50

4,924,248

24.80

9.32

2,262,711,568

1.24

-8.16

19.60

10000 2,577,516 2,541,040 412,758 22,164 167,074 43,476

76.00 4.87 115.64 146.00 59.00 190.01

16.96 1.32 7.73 106.00 16.20 118.75

693,952,117 1,249,162,828 1,080,280,628 300,496,051 253,988,672 339,521,837

2.69 0.61 1.43 9.93 1.04 12.91

0.00 -6.21 -10.10 -1.35 N/A -4.28

0.5 36.21 2.90 197.60 152.05 50.54 162.45

306,355

28,677,671

200

0.72

0.50

100

3.48

209,933

2.45

1.00

2,572,000 3,000

5.10 3.45

2.19 0.73

4,059,547

1.64

1,500

0.75

100 599,750 1,000 2,800

4,035,497,307

398.00

0.00

N/A

0.50 3.15

980,294,400

0.00

1.01

589,496,310 198,819,763

0.52 0.00

5.00 N/A

3.60 1.17

0.85

865,808,912

0.00

N/A

0.52

0.50

3,211,627,907

0.00

N/A

0.50

1.72 3.88 10.00

0.64 3.51 10.00

2,078,796,396

0.00

2.12

4.28 3.78 3.51 9.63

1,000

0.51

0.50

8,000,000,000

0.43

N/A

0.50

16500 224,498 20 20,800

3.09 2.78 5.77

1.39 2.52 3.00

771,450,000 425,641,111

0.00 0.00 0.61

N/A N/A 2.77

1.06 1.50 2.30 4.70

955,140

1.29

0.50

1,507,000,000

0.21

N/A

0.58

6 40,000,700

5.15 1.88

4.90 0.80

236,699,511 5,631,539,736

0.00 0.00

N/A N/A

4.66 0.5

111,000 246,274

5.90 8.81

1.27 5.08

634,000,000 1,230,468,750

0.50 0.43

N/A -3.08

2.20 6.50

189044

1.43

1.04

45,000,000

0.12

N/A

100

2.26

1.02

201,885,335

0.00

N/A

100000 1000

NT NT

0.60

30,000,000

0.00

N/A

0.50

24,898,850

0.00

N/A

NT NT

1.88

1.63

125,005,250

0.00

N/A

NT NT

NT NT 1,000

0.50

6,650,000

0.00

N/A

3.05

2.76

194,700,000

0.00

N/A

2,706

2,003

41 10

#VALUE! 49467

NT NT NT

A24 40

Business Courage

Monday, May 11, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, May 11, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice nationalmirrorlaw@yahoo.com

“The jurisdiction conferred upon the Supreme Court in regard to the interpretation and adjudication on the constitution is a special jurisdiction’’

—JUSTICE MODIBBO ALFA BELGORE, FORMER CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA — xx

FG has not waged war against corruption –Yusuf Ali 42

Rotimi Amaechi, Rivers State Governor

JUSUN National President, Comrade Adamu

JUSUN strike: Litigants, detainees continue to suffer in 15 states ...As group, lawyers seek suspension of industrial action

How Mandara plotted to topple Shagari 45

War specialist takes S’Africa health council to court 46

For more than four months, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in some states is yet to call off the strike its members embarked upon over noncompliance with a Federal High Court judgment that granted the judiciary autonomy. While the strike had been suspended in most states of the federation, about 15 states are still struck to the industrial action, writes WALE IGBINTADE.

he Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) on January 5, 2015, embarked on a nationwide strike to enforce the judgment of Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which stopped the Federal Government and the state governors from handling the statutory allocations of the judiciary. While, the strike has been called -off in a substantial number of States and at the federal level, it is still on-going in about 15 states. ’In Rivers, Kaduna, Enugu, Plateau, Taraba and Nasarawa states, where the strike is still ongoing among others, the courts have been shut for months and no activities have been taking place there following a lock-out enforced by JUSUN. In the affected states, judges, lawyers and litigants are redundant as the courts remain closed. Already, there are some detainees being denied their constitutional right to freedom due to the prolonged strike, while several liti-

’IN RIVERS, KADUNA, ENUGU, PLATEAU, TARABA AND NASARAWA STATES, WHERE THE STRIKE IS STILL ONGOING AMONG OTHERS, THE COURTS HAVE BEEN SHUT FOR MONTHS gants are being denied the opportunity of ventilating their claims in a bid to obtain justice. . Besides, the 2015 general elections have just been concluded and many petitioners have issues being contested at the election petition tribunals located within the court premises. Also affected are the commercial cases filed by corporate bodies that ought to be resolved speedily, but are still pending in the court’s docket. Recently, a justice advocacy group, Access to Justice (AJ) in an open letter to JUSUN’s National Chairman, Comrade Marwan Adamu, appealed to the body ‘’to

consider calling -off the strike in the affected states. According to AJ, “the impact of the strike has been massive, and has had the most disproportionate effect on persons who are mostly “outsiders” to the policymaking circuit and who exercise little or no influence over policy makers, who alone can address the grievances expressed by JUSUN in the sustained strike. The group said since there would soon be substantial changes to the composition of the executive branch in a significant number of states where the strike is taking place, it would be in the

interest of justice for the body to suspend the action. AJ said: “New governors would be sworn into office in some of these states on May 29, 2015, which is barely a month from now, the in-coming administrations could pursue a different policy from those being currently applied by the current group of incumbencies, and could very well differ on policies relating to compliance with the Justice Ademola judgment. But coming into office and meeting a pre-existing and on-going strike that has effectively crippled the operations of a vital branch of government will not represent a healthy inheritance, nor a good start to the business of governance. In this instance, it appears to be more meaningful that new governments begin on a clean slate and have the space and opportunity to articulate their own policies as well as correct past policies that have created obstacles to good governance.” The group called on the leadership of JUSUN to ‘’consider the case of tens of thousands of people who are languishing in detention, in police and prison cells because their cases cannot CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

Law & Justice

Monday, May 11, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG has not waged war Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN) is a notable lawyer and prolific legal analyst with post-call experience spanning about three decades. He was conferred with Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1997. In this interview with WALE IGBINTADE, he speaks on the just -concluded general elections and the task before election tribunals, the role of anti-graft agencies, among others. Excerpts.

As one of the observers of the just-concluded 2015 general election, how will you assess the exercise? Well, let me talk as an electorate and as an observer at the election. I was an observer on the platform of the Nigerian Bar Association appointed by the Independent National Electoral Commission. I voted and I went round so many polling stations in Ilorin on the day of the presidential election. From what I saw, the elections were very credible, orderly, at least devoid of fighting in all the places I visited here and I visited quite a large number of polling stations. Of course, there were little problems at the beginning; late arrival of the electoral officials, card reader problem, in my own polling station, the card reader did not work immediately but I discovered from my going round that the level of proficiency of the electoral personnel was responsible for the non-functioning of some of those card readers. Some of them didn’t quite get their hold on how to use it. So it may not be the problem with the card reader, maybe it was because of the human element or the inability to operate it. But, by and large, from what I saw here and from the reports our other colleagues who monitored the elections in other places told me, I know the elections were credible which should be the acid test for other elections. INEC should deploy their men to review how the elections were conducted and for the first time, there were security men, civil defence and police men but, nobody was carrying gun at the polling stations which is very, very instructive and the soldiers who were around were only patrolling, they were visible, you will see them moving round, they didn’t disturb anybody. I hope that is what happened in other places in Nigeria, if that is exactly what is replicated everywhere all over Nigeria then, we have arrived when it comes to the conduct of elections but, I am not sure that was what happened. From my own perception, I think on a general level and what I read later from other international observers, the elections appear to

Yusuf Ali

FOR ME, APART FROM THE MICRO AND MACROECONOMIES THAT OKONJO-IWEALA AND HER PEOPLE ARE PROPOUNDING, I’VE NOT SEEN THE TRANSLATION OF ECONOMIC BOOM IN THE LIVES OF

NIGERIANS

have passed the acid test. Will this be a pointer that there may be a decline in the number of election petitions? Yes, what I’ve always been telling people, is that if elections were credible, the number of election petitions will reduce drastically and it happened in 2011 and I think it will also happened now that we are not likely to have many election petitions which for me is good for our democratic development. It also shows that politicians are learning now that you don’t win all the time, you win some, you lose some. That is the way the world is. What are your expectations from the election petition tribunals set up across the country?

My expectation is the same that I always expect from any court of law, which is dispensing justice according to the law. They should be careful about the way they relate with politicians while sitting in judgment. They should avoid anything that will bring the name of the judiciary into disrepute. I will be happy if we don’t have all the vociferous voices of oh! we gave money to the tribunal! I hope it will not come up this time around, I pray so even if it is not true. It is not good for the image of the judiciary that such allegations are ever made at all. To some of us, we believe that the judiciary is a temple for the gods as it were; it should not be desecrated in any forms. Those who will be serving in the tribunals should not do anything knowingly or unknowingly that will attract negative

things to the image of the judiciary. The judiciary as we have known, is not only the last hope of the common man, it is the last hope of all of us including the high, the low, the mighty and the weak. My expectation is that the tribunals will perform better than the past, they will improve on their performance and that nobody will do anything that has the tendency to desecrate the name of the judiciary. You were the lead counsel in a suit instituted before a Federal High Court, in Abuja, challenging the eligibility of President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2015 election. What informed that action? Well, a team of lawyers were briefed by concerned Nigerians that we should look at the constitution on whether or not President Jonathan was eligible to contest. After brainstorming for weeks, we came to the irresistible conclusion that he was not eligible and so we filed the case in court. We have argued the case, judgment has been reserved I think sometime this month, we are likely to have the judgment delivered by the court. When the judgment is given, whichever way it goes, lawyers don’t act on their own, if we succeed, so be it, if we don’t, if our clients want any other steps to be taken under the law, we

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice

Monday, May 11, 2015

against corruption –Yusuf Ali take such steps. Why was the suit filed? It was because those Nigerians felt and it was a pan-Nigerian case that involved all the major ethnic groups in this country as parties. The same thing with representations, there were lawyers from the SouthWest, lawyers from the North, lawyers from the South-South, lawyers from the South-East involved in the matter. It was a Pan-Nigerian matter and those people were convinced after getting legal advice that they should go to court and test the provisions of the constitution vis-à-vis the time President Jonathan has spent in office and his ambition to spend additional four years. Their contention is simple, that look, you have spent about six years, if you contest now and you win then you will spend another four years. As far as they are concerned, their own interpretation is that look, the constitution does not envisaged any individual spending more than eight years in office but, the matter is in court and we can’t start to talk about it now, let’s wait for the judgment. How will you assess President Goodluck Jonathan’s performance in the last four years of his administration? I have said this from the beginning. Well, you don’t need a soothsayer to let you know that the economy is in trouble except for those who have access to government fund. I am not sure of any hard working person whose lot has improved economically in the last four years. I am not basing my assessment of economy on the rebasing of economy, my own argument is, how many more people have gotten jobs in the last four years, how many graduates have been employed, how many of the legion of unemployed people have gotten jobs, has the quality of life of the average Nigerian improved because the tendency is, if you start to look at it from your own point of view then, you’re likely to run into trouble. For me, I do not see apart from the micro and macro economies that Okonjo-Iweala and her people are propounding, I’ve not seen the translation of economy boom in the lives of Nigerians. If the economy is doing very well, it has a flow down on everybody. When you have money, you buy properties, when you buy properties, you engage lawyers for the documents, you engage surveyors. If you buy a piece of land and you want to build you engage architect, you get engineers and you get artisans. Most artisans don’t have work to do because there are no new things going on. Even government that is giving jobs to people, contractors have not been paid otherwise you want to ask the contractors handling Lokoja-Abuja dualisation why is it taking this long to be complete. I was made to understand that contractors on this site are being owed some billions of naira, their certificate of work done has not been paid, those are the issues. On the issue of corruption and the fight against corruption, I’ve said it several times that there has been no serious war against corruption, none.

Don’t you think it’s due to the inefficiency of the anti-graft agencies namely; the ICPC and EFCC? It’s Jonathan’s government, the bulk stops on his table. The anti-graft agencies need political will to do their work and I can’t see any political will displayed. Let me give you an example, when Obasanjo was the President, people said oh, the master plan of Abuja has been distorted; he got Nasir el-Rufai as Minister. Very powerful peoples’ buildings were pulled down, elRufai on his own couldn’t have done that, he needed the President to back him and that was why the man was able to do it. So, it is the same thing with the anti-corruption agencies and there is no political will to fight corruption. Go and do investigative journalism and find out how many private jets were in existence in 2011 and how many do you have now and who are the owners and let them tell you the visible means of their livelihood. I made some discreet enquiries in Abuja at the portion where they parked private jets, I was told that on an average of daily basis they parked 50 there and if you go there now they are expanding the apron to accommodate more and who are the owners? What do they do for a living? We are not talking of Lagos that is the issue for me. You can hardly get anything done in any governmental offices without greasing palms. Before, people used to demand bribe under the table, they don’t want people to see them, but now, it’s open. Commercial drivers when they are stopped by policemen you will see them arguing and negotiating what they want to give the policemen. But, that was not the way Nigeria was. So, anti-graft agency yes, do they have the will? I have heard several times when the anti-graft agencies complained that they don’t have money to do their job that is part of the political will that I am talking about. If you really want to fight corruption you will ensure that those agencies are well- funded, they are well- peopled in terms of quality of people working there and ensure that remuneration are very good. So, that there is no temptation for them so that they don’t join what they are supposed to fight.On religious plain, this campaign has exposed the political class. This election divided Nigerians more than it has ever been before along religious, ethnic groups. Who should be blamed for that? Unfortunately, our President is the number one culprit. When has it become a fact that if you want to contest an election you must go to every church, every mosque available, this is the first time its happening and I stand to be corrected and I’m old enough to know. I was young in 1964 but I witnessed elections. I have never seen any time when the President will go to churches when it is time for election and then the kind of statements made by people putting one people against the other in Nigeria, it’s not good for us. And you see the voting pattern, apart from the South-West, North-Central and North-East those were places where the

GO AND FIND OUT HOW MANY PRIVATE JETS WERE IN EXISTENCE IN 2011 AND HOW MANY WE HAVE NOW AND WHO ARE THE OWNERS AND LET THEM TELL YOU THE VISIBLE MEANS OF THEIR LIVELIHOOD voting pattern was quite even. SouthSouth, South-East then North-West were to your tent oh Israel!. These are issues this new administration must address. We don’t want a Nigeria where people only vote for people because he is from our place. That is not good for us. Anybody who gets elected as the president is the President of Nigeria not the president of South-West or the president of North-West but unfortunately, that was the impression that was given during the last presidential elections. People would say Nigeria would go to hell if our son did not become the president as if President Jonathan can only be defined by where he comes from. I tell people, the last thing that should define your existence is where you come from. Why? Because it was not by your choice, it’s by accident, nobody voted or elected to come from any particular place, we only find ourselves where we are and that is why the last thing I know about a person in life is where you come from. I don’t ask because it shouldn’t define my relationship with you. It was not by your choice that you are Yoruba, Hausa or Igbo but that I am a lawyer was my choice. That I grew up and marry

was by choice, that I’ve children was by choice but where you come from is totally out of your hand. As a person, when filling a form and you’re asked to put state of origin, I don’t fill them because it’s wrong. I deal with people based on who they are. What is your take on the standard of legal education? If you’re talking about the standard of education, it is not legal practice alone; you have to start from the basics. The system is garbage in, garbage out. So, I think the standard of education generally has declined and I believe this is not peculiar to law. It’s something that cuts across all sectors of education in Nigeria. In fact you might say it cuts across all tiers of education: primary schools, secondary schools, universities. But to answer your question precisely, yes, I think the standard of legal education has declined. A Law School takes what the universities produce. Law School does not train its own candidates that gained entrance there, they are trained by these institutions so, we must take a holistic view of the problems. It is undoubted that the standard of education in this country has fallen and that has also imparted on the training of lawyers.

Law & Justice

Monday, May 11, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Judiciary workers should dialogue with Buhari govt’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41 be processed by courts that have been shut following the strike action. The group maintained that the ‘’wholesale denial of the constitutional rights of these people over this protracted period, with no immediate expectation of amelioration or relief, is a staggering and grave injustice to them. These “casualties” of the strike action bear no responsibility for the state of affairs that triggered the strike by JUSUN. In fact, many of them will include those who support the cause of a free and independent Judiciary – the mantra of the struggle now waged by JUSUN - and they will wonder how they should bear responsibility, on this kind of debilitating scale, for the failure of governments to guarantee the implementation of the high court’s judgment. They have unfairly, unjustly and disproportionately borne the brunt of the strike action. It added that the State governments that had refused to comply with Justice Ademola’s judgment have little compunction about the suffering the strike action is causing to innocent parties and may not have any strategic interests themselves that are adversely and significantly affected by the closure of the courts. In fact, in some cases, the lack of access to courts for citizens may even benefit some governments whose actions or wrongs cannot be taken to courts to be heard or redressed. ‘’Ultimately, we could be witnessing a situation where delinquent governments have decided to wait out the strike action till the end of their tenures on May 29th. If JUSUN continues the strike action till that time, it will make no difference to these governments; it is the situation of the “ordinary” citizen that will be worsened. ‘’ the group added. The group implored JUSUN to end this strike and re-open locked court houses for business. The group urged JUSUN to end this strike and be responsive to the distress

Bar

Jokes

You’re late

The lawyer wandered home at 3 AM. His wife became very upset, telling him, The lawyer replied, “I’m right on time. I said I’d be home by a quarter of twelve.”

Sullivan Chime, Enugu State Governor

Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, Nasarawa State Governor

ALREADY, THERE ARE SOME DETAINEES BEING DENIED THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT DUE TO THE PROLONGED STRIKE the strike action has caused to indigent, vulnerable people and to remember that many Nigerians support the fight for a truly independent Judiciary. Speaking on the issue, Lagos- based lawyer, Declan Kemdirim said ‘’the JUSUN strike as far as I am concerned is a very unfortunate development. I do not see the outgoing government doing anything about the enforcement of the judgement. I will advice that JUSUN to provide room for dialogue with the incoming government and continue the struggle from there. Who knows the incoming government may listen to them. It’s very unfortunate development, many people are in prisons and cannot perfect the bail and yet the constitution

presumes they are innocent. Everybody is a stakeholder in the judicial process, the litigants, the lawyers and government are affected’’. ‘’Even in Lagos, where the strike has been suspended, the peace the state is enjoying now can be liked to peace of the graveyard because I gathered that government has not done anything about it. Lagos State Government did not even pay them January salary. Even when the state Chief Judge, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade appealed to Governor Fashola to pay the January salary of the judiciary workers her plea was ignored. It was gathered that the governor had hinted that the workers did not deserve salaries for the

tried this creative defense: “My client merely inserted his arm into the window and removed a few trifling articles. His arm is not himself, and I fail to see how you can punish the whole individual for an offence committed by his limb.” “Well put,” the judge replied. “Using your logic, I sentence the defendant’s arm to one year’s imprisonment. He can accompany it or not, as he chooses.” The defendant smiled. With his lawyer’s assistance he detached his artificial limb, laid it on the bench, and walked out.

You lawyers are so materialistic

One day, there was this lawyer who had just bought a new car, and he was eager to show it off to his colleagues, when all of a sudden Lawyer: “Let me give you my honest opinion.” an 18-wheeler came out of nowhere and took Client: “No, no. I’m paying for professional of the driver’s side door with him standing advice.” right there. “NOOO!” he screamed, because he knew that no matter how good a mechanic tried to fix it, it never would be the same. A lawyer returns to his parked BMW to Finally, a cop came by, and the lawyer ran up to find the headlights broken and considerable him yelling. “MY JAGUAR DOOR WAS JUST damage. There’s no sign of the offending RUINED BY SOME FOOLISH DRIVER!!!” he vehicle, but he was relieved to see that there’s exclaimed. “You’re a lawyer aren’t you?” asked a note stuck under the windshield wiper. the policeman. “Yes, I am, but what does this “Sorry. I just backed into your Beemer. The have to do with my car?!” the lawyer asked. witnesses who saw the accident are nodding “Ha! You lawyers are always so materialistic. and smiling at me because they think All you care about is your possessions. I bet I’m leaving my name, address and other you didn’t even notice that your left arm is particulars. But I’m not.” missing, did you?” the cop said. The lawyer looked down at his side and exclaimed “MY ROLEX!” A lawyer defending a man accused of burglary Culled from Best Lawyers’ jokes.com

My honest opinion

The parked BMW

The offence was committed by his limb

Jonah Jang, Plateau State Governor

month of January, since they had stayed off work for the month’’. In his remarks, Former Publicity Secretary, NBA, Lagos Branch, Mr. Anthony Atata ‘’ the JUSUN strike is very unfortunate and it has manifested a lot of hardship on lawyers, litigants especially those in custody. I think JUSUN should reconsider its stand since we have new government coming in. there is no doubt they have legitimate demands but the strike should be suspended and they should dialogue with the government in their respective states. Mr. Chijike Jiakponna said ‘’government should look into the demands of the association. Even before the strike, Rivers State Judiciary has been under indefinite strike because of high-handedness allegedly on the part of the governor. Lawyers are suffering, those awaiting trial are there suffering and there is no way to make application for their liberty. ‘’

LEGAL TIPS

Cyber Crimes in Nigeria

xperts have defined Cyber crimes as “Offences that are committed against individuals or groups of individuals with a criminal motive to intentionally harm the reputation of the victim or cause physical or mental harm, or loss, to the victim directly or indirectly, using modern telecommunication networks such as Internet (Chat rooms, emails, notice boards and groups) and mobile phones (SMS/MMS)”. *Simply put, cybercrime is a term for any illegal activity that uses a computer as its primary means. It also includes any illegal activity that uses a computer for the

storage of evidence. *Cyber crimes include crimes that have been made possible by computers, such as network intrusions and the dissemination of computer viruses, as well as computer-based variations of existing crimes, such as identity theft, stalking, bullying and terrorism. *Such crimes may threaten a nation’s security and financial health. Issues surrounding these types of crimes have become high-profile, particularly those surrounding hacking, copyright infringement, child pornography, and child grooming. There are also problems of privacy when confidential information is intercepted or

disclosed, lawfully or otherwise. *Only recently, the Nigerian Senate passed the long-awaited Cyber Crime Bill into law. The bill introduced July 28, 2011, was targeted at curbing the activities of internet scammers, who always give the country bad name, both locally and internationally. So far, the crime epidemic is silently sweeping the globe as criminals turn the country’s everincreasing dependence on computers against the populace. •Written by Francis Famoroti, Head, Judiciary. We welcome feedback and reactions from readers via our e-mail: nationalmirrorlaw@yahoo.com

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice

Monday, May 11, 2015

How Mandara plotted to topple Shagari Borno State businessman, Alhaji Bukar Zanna Umoru Mandara, was tried for treasonable felony for alleged attempt to topple ex-President Shehu Shagari’s administration in 1981. He was found guilty of treason and sentenced to 15 years jail term. FRANCIS FAMOROTI, Head, Judiciary writes.

FAMOUS CASES

andara was charged among others with enlisting the support of some members of the armed forces to topple the Shagari administration in 1981. The four-count charge preferred against him and his co-accused read as follows: Count One: ‘’That you Alhaji Zanna Bukar Umoru Mandara between January 30 and March 1, 1981 and, this year did form an intention to remove during his term of office otherwise than by constitutional means, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Head of State and Commander in -Chief of the Armed forces of the Federation and manifested such an intention by over act to wit. Solicited, incited endeavored to persuade and to procure Major Mohammed Yunusi, Sergeant Garba Muga, Sergeant Jonathan Adzande, Sergeant Sani Kasim , Corpora Ibrahim Ango and Warrant Officer Adamu Attaboh to take part unconstitutionally in the removal of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as head of state and Commander - in-Chief of the armed forces. Count Two: ’’ That you Alhaji Mandara attempted to incite Sergeant Garba Muga, Sergeant Jonathan Adzande and Corporal Ibrahim Ango, from their duties and allegiance to the President and you, thereby committed an offence punishable offence under section 44 (a) of the Criminal Code Cap 42 Laws of the Federation. Count Three: ‘’That you, Alhaji Mandara did incite Sergeant Garba Muga, Sergeant Jonathan Adzande and Corporal Ibrahim Ango to commit an act of mutiny and you thereby committed an offence under section 44(b) of the Criminal Code (cap.42.Laws of the Federation) . Count Four: ‘’That you, Alhaji Mandara attempted to cause disaffection among persons serving as members of the Armed Forces of the federation – Sergeant Joel Baku Kilba and Warrant Officer Bukar Dunama Lassa by the offer of money and wrist watch to each of them and you thereby committed an offence punishable under section 46 A (i) (a) of the CC (Cap 42) Laws of the Federation. The prosecution also alleged that Mandara gave four tickets of the Nigeria Airways to Warrant Officer Adamu Attaboh in named routes outlined so that he could recruit soldiers in other military location in Nigeria in furtherance of intention referred to and in overt act [i] above. Mandara and other accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge. Legal luminary, Chief Richard Akinjide

Buhari

(SAN), then Federal Attorney-General was the prosecutor while Chief Rotimi Williams (SAN) was the counsel to Mandara in a trial that was held in camera for security reasons. The proof of evidence filed against the accused men showed that Mandara and others marked Shagari, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, Aminu Kano, Ibrahim Waziri and all officers above the post of Lt. Colonel for elimination. The proof did not however, disclose Mandara’s motive in plotting the coup whether he wanted to assume power or install a group of military surrogates in government. Indeed, the case was one of the most sensational treasonable felony trials in the country. At the end of the trial, Mandara was on July 30, 1982 found guilty of the four- counts charge of treason by the then Chief Judge of the Federal High court, Justice Fred Anyaegbunam. He was eventually sentenced to 15-years imprisonment. About one and half years after Mandara was jailed, a group of senior army officers overthrew the democratically elected government of President Shagari. Participants included Majors General Ibrahim Babangida and Muhammadu Buhari, Brigadiers Ibrahim Bako, Sani Abacha, and Tunde Idiag-

Shagari

THE CASE WAS ONE OF THE MOST SENSATIONAL TREASONABLE FELONY TRIALS IN THE COUNTRY AND AT THE END OF

THE TRIAL,

MANDARA WAS ON JULY 30, 1982, FOUND GUILTY OF THE

FOUR-COUNT CHARGE OF TREASON bon. During the attacks and counterattacks by the soldiers, Bako was killed. According to Wikipedia, Military Coups in Nigeria, ‘’Bako was shot dead, while sitting in the passenger side of a UNIMOG utility truck, in an ensuing fire fight between troops from Bako’s detachment and the Brigade of Guards soldiers under the command of Captain Augustine Anyogo. The UNIMOG utility truck that Bako was killed in is on display at the Nigerian Army Museum in Zaria, Northern Nigeria. Buhari was subsequently appointed Head of State by the top military offi-

cers. As Head of State and CommanderIn-Chief of Armed Forces, he directed the affairs of the country until August 1985, when he was toppled in a palace coup led by then Chief of Army Staff, Major General Ibrahim Babangida. Mandara was a former national chairman of the defunct National Mass Movement of Nigeria (NMMN) and Zanna Dujima of Borno Emirate till his death two years ago. Mandara known for his vocal criticism of Nigerian political events was a renowned politician in the North and businessman with special interest in hospitality and merchandise. He founded the defunct NMMN in 1999 following the lift of ban on political activities by the military government. He had earlier been arrested and kept in custody by the Shagari government for alleged involvement in a coup against the Federal Government but was later released by the military regime of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari. He died at the age of 82 at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) in April 2013. Nigeria today is seemingly democratic as traces of military coups have been eradicated since 1999 when the military regime handed over power to elected civilian administration.

Law & Justice

German court overturns ban on Russian pro-Putin bikers BERLIN

on 25 April, 2015 will complete the journey to Berlin on Saturday The group backs Russian President Vladimir Putin’s policy of support for separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine in their armed conflict with the Ukrainian government something strongly opposed by Poland. The Polish government described their plans as “provocative”. The court ruled there was not enough evidence they were a threat to public order, domestic security or international relations. Of the dozens of bikers that left Moscow on 25 April, mainly on Harley-Davidsons, it is unclear how many have found their way to Germany and what route they have taken. They had planned to cross Belarus, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria, before reaching Berlin on a 6,000km (3,720 mile) trip following the path taken by the Red Army in World War Two. The bikers were let through by Belarusian officials but were stopped by Polish guards.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

War specialist takes S’Africa’s health council to court JOHANNESBURG

Angela Merkel, German Chancellor

Berlin court has ruled that bikers said to be from the Russian nationalist Night Wolves group can enter Germany to commemorate defeat of the Nazis 70 years ago, overturning a previous ban. According to BBC report, a group of bikers intended to ride from Moscow to Berlin, but Poland barred entry at the border with Belarus. Germany’s federal police then also refused them entry over security fears. The pro-Kremlin group is subject to US sanctions for alleged active involvement in Crimea. It is accused of helping to recruit separatist fighters for Russian-backed rebels in eastern Ukraine. Night Wolves leader Aleksandr Zaldostanov had told Russian media Germany’s decision to refuse entry was a “political decision”. Before the bikers arrived at the Polish border, more than 10,000 Poles had taken to Facebook to protest against the Night Wolves entering the country. It is unclear how many of the bikers that left Moscow

Monday, May 11, 2015

ormer biological warfare specialist, Dr Wouter Basson, has sued Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), alleging that two of those judging him were biased. Basson, who is currently practising as a cardiologist in Cape Town, had sued HPCSA along with Professional Conduct Committee members, Professors Jannie Hugo and Eddie Mhlanga, to court. This application has the potential once again to delay the sentencing procedure in the case against Basson, first received in 2000. He was found guilty of four charges

of misconduct in December 2013, but the sentencing process has been slow. In court papers Basson is alleging Hugo is biased against him because he is a member of two medical associations that petitioned for his removal from the medical profession. Basson says Hugo is a member of the SA Medical Association (SAMA) and the Rural Doctors Association of South Africa (RUDASA). “The failure by (Hugo) to disclose his membership of SAMA and ‘association’ with RUDASA, to disassociate him from the viewpoint of the said organisations, was of serious concern to me. I creates

Mr. Jacob Zuma, South African President

the impression that (Hugo) wanted to hide his membership and associations with these organisations in order to continue to preside in the proceedings,” Basson said in court papers.

Gay couple wins high court battle over baby girl UNITED KINGDOM

baby girl should be removed from her mother and live with her father and his boyfriend instead, a judge has ruled. According to BBC report, the judgement follows a legal fight over the nature of the parents’ agreement when the child was conceived. The woman said they had agreed for her to be the main parent, but the father, who donated sperm, said she had agreed to be the gay couple’s surrogate. Ms Justice Russell said it was in the “best interest of the one-yearold girl to live with her father. The High Court case was heard in London and Birmingham earlier this year, but the decision has just been published. Her actions have always been of a woman determined to treat the child as solely her own Justice Russell held. “The pregnancy was contrived with the aim of a same-sex couple having a child to form a family assisted by a friend. Therefore [the

girl] living with [the two men] and spending time with [the woman] from time to time fortunately coincides with the reality of her conception and accords with [the girl’s] identity and place within her family,” the judge said. Justice Russell said the woman had used “offensive language” including “stereotypical images and descriptions of gay men” and had “insinuated that gay men in same-sex relationships behave in a sexually disinhibited manner” and were “sexually disloyal to each other”. She also said the woman had “disrupted” the men’s evidence and said proceedings were “interrupted on numerous occasions” so that the woman could express breast milk. “[The woman] has consistently done all she can to minimise the role that [the father] had in the child’s life and to control and curtail his contact with his daughter,” said the judge. “Far from being a child that she conceived with her good friend, as she describes it, her actions have always been of a woman determined to treat the child as solely her own.” The judge ruled that nothing could be reported that would identify the

David Cameron, British Prime Minister

girl, who celebrated her first birthday earlier this year. About 2,000 children are thought to be born to surrogate mothers every year in the UK. The UK’s current legal position is that the woman who gives birth is the legal mother, irrespective of whether the child is genetically hers.

How WAEC bought disputed property for N250m –Witness PROPERTY LAW WALE IGBINTADE

n Ikeja High Court has heard how vast acres of land known as plot 6, Southern Industrial Estate, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, was sold to West African Examination Council (WAEC) for N250 million. Testifying as a defence wit-

ness, Dr. Rotimi Olulana told the court how the disputed property was sold by a company, Maxi Market Limited, to WAEC for N250 million. Olulana stated this at the resumed hearing of a suit filed by Mr. Kayode Euzebio against Maxi Market Limited (1st defendant), the Attorney General of Lagos State (2nd defendant), the WAEC (3rd defendant) and the Registrar of Titles, Lagos State (4th defendant) over the disputed land.

Under cross-examination by Mr. Babatunde Oshilaja, lawyer to the claimant, Olulana told the court that as an agent he was given Power of Attorney to sell the land to WAEC International. The witness told the court that he was not aware of a consent judgment delivered by Justice Samuel Candide-Johnson, which directed Maxi Market Limited and the claimant (Euzebio) to jointly carry out the sale of the land. He also admitted that the

Deed of Assignment issued for the sale of the disputed land did not bear the name and signature of the claimant as directed by the consent judgment. He further told the court that the owners of the land had tried to recover the land from the Lagos State government without success, but that he was able to recover it for them within 11 years. It is the contention of the claimant that pursuant to terms of a settlement dated October 27,

2008, parties in the suit agreed to a joint sale of the disputed land. He stated that by the consent judgment delivered by Justice Samuel Candide-Johnson, the company (Maxi Market Limited) obliged him and the other party to jointly carry out the sale of the land. He alleged that the company sold the land to WAEC International contrary to the terms of the judgment and deposited the sum of N25 million into his account without his consent.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice

Monday, May 11, 2015

EVENTS

Retired Justice of Supreme Court, Justice Olayinka Ayoola and Associate Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Toronto, Prof. Mariana Prado, guest speaker at the 2015 PUNUKA annual lecture in Lagos, recently

Partner, Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors, Mrs. Elizabeth Idigbe (left) and Mrs. Sena Anthony

L-R: Chairman, 2015 Conference Planning Committee, Section on Business Law, SBL , Mr. Ayuli Jemide, SBL Chairman, Mr. Asue Ighodalo and council member, SBL, Mrs. Priscilla Ogwemoh, at a press briefing on the forthcoming 2015 NBA-SBL Conference in Lagos, recently.

L-R: Mrs. Geraldine Wey; Chairperson of the 2015 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos branch Law Week Committee; Mrs. Tolani Edu-Adeola; Lagos State Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye; NBA Lagos branch Chairman, Mr. Alex Muoka; Mrs. Tara Aisida and Mr. Emeka Nwadioke during a courtesy visit to the AGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office in Alausa, Ikeja, recently.

Senior Partner, Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors, Chief Anthony Idigbe, SAN and Mr. Kemi Pinhero, SAN. PHOTOS: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Representative of Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi and former Chairman, Securities and Exchange Commission, Dr. Suleyman Abdu Ndanusa

L-R: Funke Adeyeye, May Mbu, Mr. Anthony Nwaochei and Jemide

Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat. and State Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello at a book presentation in Lagos, recently.

Monday, May 11, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror It is unfortunate that people had to be called to resign. The PDP leaders are supposed to voluntarily resign their positions for the loss at the just concluded general elections. –Governor of Niger State – Babangida Aliyu

Policemen arrested over killing of businessman at illegal checkpoint DARE AKOGUN

our police officers who mounted illegal checkpoint at Mile 2, along Apapa-Oshodi expressway of Lagos which led to the killing of a businessman identified as Henry Dimeji by a diesel laden tanker have

been arrested. The deceased was said to have been crushed during the illegal stop and search exercise conducted by the officers. It was gathered that the incident occurred when the deceased who was in his car with his wife, Linda were returning from an occasion and were flagged down by the po-

licemen at an illegal check point. The policemen it was revealed were attached to the Rapid Response Unit, Ikeja, refused the deceased from parking properly beside the road, insisting he alight from the car and open his booth. The deceased in the course of obeying the policemen was crushed by an oncoming diesel

laden tanker, who lost control of his break. On seeing what happened, the officers fled the scene despite call for help by the wife of the deceased. The incident which occurred at about 7.30pm on Thursday April 30 was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation De-

partment, Panti, while the policemen have been apprehended. The truck driver alongside his conductor has also been rounded up by the police. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, while confirming the tragedy said the matter was been investigated. “What the police are investigating is a case of a fatal accident, and the culpability of the officers in the incident. Two officers are in custody over the matter, and investigations are ongoing,” Nwosu disclosed.

Vehicle kills girl inside mother’s shop in Osun BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

Scavengers at Idi-Araba, Mushin, Lagos.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Police restate warning against illegal possession of firearm DARE AKOGUN

agos State Police Command has restated its warning against illegal possession of firearms, saying it had no exemption as offenders risk being arrested and charged to court. Reacting to local vigilante being in possession of firearms, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Kenneth Nwosu, said the issue of firearms was clear. According to him, “The issue of fire arm is a very clear thing. For anybody carrying any firearm, the

firearm must be licensed by the competent authority. “`The competent authority according to the Firearms Act is the Commissioner of Police in the state,’’ Nwosu stated. He reiterated that the laws of the land are quite clear about who carries gun and who doesn’t. The law permits you as a single person to make arrest, you have such powers as an individual but not to carry unlicensed arm. He denied having knowledge of any militia or unauthorised group licensed to be in possession of arms and ammunition. The PPRO further urged Lago-

sians to provide the police with adequate information whenever any unauthorised person is spotted to be in possession of firearms. “We urge the people to give credible information to the police concerning any unauthorised person in possession of a gun. “Lagosians should report such persons to the nearest police station so that the police can immediately take necessary action. “They should give a clear report on who shot someone and who was shot,’’ Nwosu added. Nwosu recalled that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police Mr. Kayode Aderanti had sent a warn-

ing on illegal possession of firearms when he resumed office. “The CP gave the warning when he came on board that those who are in possession of illegal arms should return them to the police. “The warning goes to everyone either you are a vigilante or not. “So, whatever name any group is called, either vigilante or nonvigilante, possessing any illegal firearm is a criminal act. “If it is not licensed by the commissioner of police of that particular state, the person will be arrested and charged for illegal possession of firearm,’’ Nwosu said.

13-year old girl, Sukura Jimoh was yesterday killed inside her mother’s shop by a vehicle in Ilobu, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government area of Osun State. The accident, which occurred at Olowola Compound of Ilobu town, sources near the scene said left body of the late Sukura, who was attending a secondary school in the town, badly mangled. It was gathered that a Toyota Camry with registration number JJJ 825DB that was passing through a road in front of the shop owned by the mother of the deceased around 10:30 am, suddenly lost control and ran into the shop where the late Sukura was, killing her on the spot. An eye witness, who preferred anonymity, said the driver of the car was driving at top speed when the accident occurred. The angry mob, it was further learnt, consequently set ablaze the car and was about killing the driver, when policemen from the Osun State Police Command arrived the scene and whisked him away. Confirming the accident, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, of Osun Command, DSP, Folasade Odoro, explained that normalcy has been restored to the area. She added that the driver of the car is in police custody, adding that the matter will be taken to court after investigation has been concluded. She further disclosed that the remains of the girl have been deposited at General Hospital, Ilobu for autopsy.

Monday, May 11, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

When the USSR realised that it was left facing Hitler’s Germany alone, it took steps so as to not permit a direct collision and this Molotov-Ribbentrop pact was signed – RUSSIAN PRESIDENT, VLADIMIR PUTIN

East African leaders to meet over political deadlock in Burundi PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

ast African leaders will hold a summit in Tanzania on May 13 aimed at breaking the political deadlock in Burundi and ensuring the country holds peaceful elections, Tanzania’s presidency said. Nineteen people have been killed in protests against President Pierre Nkurunziza’s bid for a third term, which opponents say violates the constitution and the peace deal that ended the civil war in 2005. “We have agreed to meet ... to discuss how to help our brothers and sisters in Burundi to hold successful elections and ensure that their nation is united, peaceful and secure without any unnecessary conflicts,” Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete said in a statement late on Saturday. The heads of state of Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi, which form the East African Community (EAC) common market, are expected to attend an extraordinary summit in Dar es Salaam. Kikwete, who chairs the EAC, has sent a team of regional foreign affairs ministers on a factfinding mission ahead of the

South Africa opposition elects first black leader South Africa’s main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), has elected its first black leader, a move the party hopes will widen its appeal. Mmusi Maimane, 34, was clear favourite to succeed outgoing leader Helen Zille. Maimane became party spokesman in 2011, regularly locking horns with the South African President, Jacob Zuma. The DA won its best-ever share of the vote in the 2014 elections, but has struggled with perceptions it primarily represents white South Africans. Maimane faced party chairman Wilmot James for the job, and was elected at a party conference in Port Elizabeth. He promised cheering supporters that the DA would win power and lashed out at Mr Zuma over corruption allegations.

Mubarak jailed in corruption retrial

A protester leaning against a bus stop sign as other protesters push a metal container to set up a barricade in Bujumbura, Burundi on Saturday.

summit. In Burundi’s capital Bujumbura, hundreds of women took to the streets in protest against the plan by Nkurunziza to run for a third term. “Women decided to stand up today to say no to the violation of the constitution,” said Bea-

trice Nyamoya, one of the protest leaders. Burundi’s leading opposition figure, Agathon Rwasa, has asked the electoral commission to postpone a parliamentary election in May and a June presidential vote, saying it is not possible to hold peaceful and free

elections. The United States threatened sanctions on Friday on anyone involved in violence in Burundi against those protesting against the president’s bid for a third term and expressed alarm at the spread of weapons among youth militia loyal to the president.

Liberia declared Ebola-free after weeks of no cases he World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Liberia free of the Ebola virus, confirming that the country has had no new cases in 42 days. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf told the BBC that Liberia had “crossed the Rubicon” and would be celebrating a concerted effort to stem the disease. More than 4,700 deaths from Ebola have been recorded in Liberia, more than in any other affected country. Neighbouring Guinea and Sierra Leone continue to fight the outbreak. It has claimed over 11,000 lives across the region since last year. The WHO regards a country Ebola-free after a 42-day period

WORLD BULLETIN

without a new case - twice the maximum incubation period. The last confirmed death in Liberia was on 27 March. On Saturday the World Health Organization said in a statement: “The outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Liberia is over.” President Sirleaf told the BBC: “We will celebrate our communities which have taken responsibility and participated in fighting this unknown enemy and finally we’ve crossed the Rubicon. Liberia indeed is a happy nation.” Officials said Ebola was eventually conquered in Liberia through a collective effort. Care centres and hand-washing stations were set up to try to halt the disease, which spreads through contact with sick people.

Liberia is now officially Ebola-free, but health authorities are urging vigilance

Billboards went up with slogans such as “Ebola is real”, “Wash your hands and don’t touch” and “Don’t be the next victim”. “It has been a terrible time in

the history of our country,” Monrovia resident Emmanuel Tokao wrote on a BBC Facebook page. “I’m firstly grateful to God, who I believe brought us back to normality.”

Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has been sentenced to three years in jail on corruption charges after a retrial in the capital, Cairo. His sons were given four years each in the same case which centres on the embezzlement of $14m (£9.3m) earmarked for renovation of presidential palaces. The original conviction was overturned on 13 January over legal procedures. This was the last court case hanging over Mubarak, who was toppled in the 2011 uprising.

Chinese president in Belarus to sign multibillion dollar deals Chinese President Xi Jinping travelled yesterday to Belarus for a three-day trip to sign deals worth billions of dollars as Beijing looks to build greater inroads into Europe’s economy. Xi said Sunday that Belarus could become a key hub for China’s much-vaunted Silk Road vision — a project to bridge Europe and Asia through a series of transportation and energy links. Chinese officials estimated the total value of the Belarus deals at $15.7 billion. Belarus’ economy is very reliant on Russia, where growth has been suffocated by falling oil prices and Western sanctions for Russian actions in Ukraine. That has pushed Belarus to try to vary its economic relations, although its options with western Europe remain constrained by diplomatic tensions.

North

Monday, May 11, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

APC to reverse promotions, appointments, land allocations in Bauchi E ZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

L-R: Members of Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Engr. Bello Sulaiman; Wantaregh Paul Unongo; President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari; leader of NEF, Amb. Maitama Sule and Sen. JKN Waku, during a courtesy visit to the President-elect in Abuja, yesterday.

Group wants FG to ban wheat importation W heat Farmers Association of Nigeria (WFAN) in Kano State has called on the incoming administration to ban importation of wheat into the country. State chairman and deputy national president of WFAN, Mr. Faruk Rabi’u, made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in

Kano yesterday. Rabi’u said the call was necessary in view of the amount of money the Federal Government has been spending on importation of the commodity annually. “The Federal Government is spending over one trillion naira on importation of wheat. “Government can use less than one quarter of the money to sup-

port wheat farmers and boost production of the commodity in the country,” he said, adding that the ban on importation of wheat was necessary if government seriously wants to tackle the problem of unemployment, especially among rural dwellers in the country. He stressed the need for government to assist the association

with combine harvesters in addition to directing companies to purchase any surplus of the commodity from farmers. He also called on the Federal Government to increase the quantity of input given to farmers to encourage more farmers to embrace wheat production not only in the state but across the country.

NEMA moves returnees home from Niger Republic DARE A KOGUN

ational Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has commenced transportation of about 4,000 Nigerian returnees that arrived Geidam, Yobe State, from Niger Republic to their various states. In a statement by the agency and made available to National Mirror, disclosed that they were asked to return home from Lake Chad area for security reasons. The first batch of the returnees, about 400, was moved in 18 buses from Geidam to Sokoto and Kebbi states. Subsequently, more than 40 high capacity buses and vehicles have been used to transport the returnees, and the process will continue until they are fully in their various

states. According to Director General of NEMA, Muhammad Sani Sidi, who was represented by Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Charles Otegbade, in receiving the returnees, the agency said the number has risen to about 4,000 while available information showed that more were being expected. He said in addition to transportation arrangement for the returnees, NEMA was also providing them with basic support, including food and sleeping materials at the transit camps in Geidam, as well as facilitating security and medical support for the sick. He said two pregnant women with signs of labour were immediately rushed to Yobe State General Hospital where qualified medical per-

sonnel attended to them. Air Commodore Otegbade said the returnees were profiled before being transported, assur-

ing of the agency’s commitment to fully support them at the transit camp and movement back home.

ncoming administration of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Bauchi State yesterday disclosed it would reverse last-minute promotions, appointments and land allocations by the outgoing administration of Governor Isa Yuguda. Publicity secretary of APC, Malam Auwal Jalla, said this in Bauchi at a press conference. He said: “The incoming administration will look into the actions of the outgoing administration, especially the ones that took place after the April 11 governorship election. Any lastminute appointments, land allocations or con-

N22bn expenditure: Group seeks Fintiri’s probe

group, Adamawa Progressive Movement, APM, has called for the probe of N22bn expenditure incurred by former Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s 86-day administration. It would be recalled that Fintiri, Speaker of Adamawa State House of Assembly, assumed office as Acting Governor following the impeachment of former Governor Murtala Nyako in July 2014. Fintiri was later removed via a Federal High

Saraki, most qualified for 8th Senate presidency –Owolewa

hairman of Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Alhaji Luqman Owolewa, has joined other Nigerians to support Senator Bukola Saraki’s bid for the Senate presidency. Owolewa in a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran yesterday, said Saraki’s aspiration deserved the full support of Nigerians. According to him, Saraki possesses enough wealth of political experience to occupy the Senate presidency. “His ability to secure

victory for his party in Kwara State in the last general elections is a good pointer to his capability to steer the ship of the 8th Senate successfully. “His contribution to the unity, growth and success of his party at the local and national level cannot be over-emphasised,” he said. Owolewa said Saraki had by his dedication and promotion of the party’s core values showed his capability to bring the desired change devoid of rancour and acrimony. “It is on record that elections into all offices were

tracts may be reversed if due process was not followed.” On the April salary arrears, Auwal said: “It is the full responsibility of the outgoing administration to pay workers’ salaries. Our governor-elect and his deputy have not yet assumed office and as such they don’t know if the workers have been paid April salary or not. We urge the outgoing administration to live up to its responsibility of paying workers’ salaries as and when due. He assured that when the incoming administration of Barrister Abduallahi Abubakar Mohammed assumes office on May 29, workers would be paid as and when due in the state.

all convincingly won by the APC in Kwara State. “This is a feat that clearly demonstrates Saraki’s wide acceptance and popularity among the people he has chosen to represent. “He is a former state governor, former chairman of the Governor’s Forum, incumbent chairman of the Senate Committee on Ecology and has been re-elected for another term in the Senate. “He is no doubt the most qualified and experienced person to occupy the office of the Senate president.

Court judgement. Convener of the group, Mr. Sunday Wugira, made the call at a press conference in Yola. Wugira said the probe became necessary as some of the projects allegedly executed by Fintiri’s administration were sited in areas under insurgents. He said Fintiri’s administration sited projects in some villages in Madagali and Michika local government areas, which were no-go areas. “There is also a contract for the Faculty of Law in the Adamawa State University, Mubi, that needs to be verified,” Wugira said, adding that lack of proper accountability has been the bane of development in the state. He said APM had taken it upon itself to henceforth seek probity and accountability from government in the state. His words: “Our quest to beam a searchlight on the administration of Fintiri followed serious questions of financial sleaze his 86-day administration left unanswered. “We shall also beam our searchlight on activities of the current administration and make our findings known very soon.’’

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North 51

Monday, May 11, 2015

12 perm secs resign in Katsina JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

Vigilante group in their bullet proof armlets for fighting insurgents in Yobe State on Saturday.

Kaduna APC’ll inherit looted treasury –Sani A ZA MSUE KADUNA

aduna Central zone senator-elect, Shehu Sani, has said the incoming All Progressives Congress, APC, administration will inherit a severely looted and indebted state treasury. Sani, who is also president of Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria, CRCN, called on the electorate to exercise patience with the governor-elect, Nasir el-Rufai, and other elected leaders, as Rufai has the capability and clear vision to turn around the state’s fortune. Sani stated this when

the state’s chapter of the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, paid him a congratulatory visit at the weekend in Kaduna. While maintaining that APC will fulfill its campaign promises to voters, Sani stated, “A decayed system cannot be changed overnight. Nigeria is on the threshold of a new dawn, and the APC government will work together with all.” He added: “In Kaduna State, our governor-elect, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, will sanitise the state to reverse the high debt and looted profile. Things are too bad; so, our people

should be patient with the incoming administration.” The senator-elect also condemned the privatisation of national assets without benefit to Nigerians, saying Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Okonjo-Iweala, damaged the nation’s economy for her cabal’s selfish interest. While stressing that the 16 years of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, leadership only brought pains to Nigerians, Sani advised the APC incoming government to roll out economic policies and measures different

from President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. He, however, called on the president-elect, General Muhammadu Buahri, to urgently resolve the schism in the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, noting that the movement was currently handicapped to press for workers’ welfare. Chairman, NURTW Kaduna chapter, Comrade Alhassan Musa, said their visit was to congratulate Sani on his recent victory as senator-elect and to call on the incoming APC government to assist them in tackling challenges of the union in the state.

Two IDPs die in Borno camp INUSA N DAHI MAIDUGURI

wo of the registered 48,348 Christian Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, died at the Church of Brethren, EYN Jerusalem camp in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, over the weekend. This brings to nine Christian IDPs that died while taking refuge in Maiduguri this year, while two others who had psychiatric problem and were admitted at the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, were treated and discharged. Briefing journalists yesterday in Maiduguri,

Christian Camp Coordinator of Ekkliziyyar Yan’uwa Nigeria (EYN) Church, Daniel Ali Garga, said Daniel Kadagha, 47, who is survived by six children, died on Saturday in the state’s Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri (SSHM) due to kidney problem. He said Tani Dughwadza, 68, died same day of heart attack she encountered in the camp. Since the sacking of many communities by insurgents last year, several Christian IDPs from Gwoza, Chibok, Damboa, Askira/Uba, Kukawa local government areas and Michika

as well as Madagali council areas of Adamawa State were forced to relocate to Maiduguri. There, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Borno State chapter, had continued to provide them with food and shelter in various churches, including the Anglican Church, St. Hillary, CAN secretariat, EYN DCC Secretariat, Assemblies of God Church, EYN LCC Maiduguri, Shagari Low-cost Housing, among others. Garga in an emotionladen voice said, “We the entire Christian community in Borno State, particularly those directly coordinating

the IDP camps, regret to announce the sudden death and passing to glory of our brother and sister, late Daniel Kadagha and Tani Dughwadza on Saturday, May 9, 2015. “I lost two IDPs today (Saturday) in my camp, making nine deaths recorded so far. May their souls rest in peace!” He noted that the corpses were buried same day at Dala Cemetery, Maiduguri, by pastor in-charge of EYN LCC Maiduguri, Rev Bitrus Bdliya, with Rev Bitrus Duwara and Evang. Bitrus Mamuda of the same church in attendance.

welve permanent secretaries working in various ministries in Katsina State may have tendered their resignation letters to the state government. A government source, who spoke on the issue yesterday, identified two possible reasons for the number of resignations. He said the development may have been triggered by their “active involvement in partisan politics during the general elections.” As a result of the political party in power, many of the permanent secretaries had openly campaigned for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial candidate, Engr. Musa Nashuni. The election outcome, however, saw former Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Bello Masari, of the All Progressives Congress, APC, emerge governor-elect. “Some of the permanent secretaries are afraid that when Masari

becomes governor he might get at some senior civil servants that supported PDP,” the source said, adding that the incumbent governor, Ibrahim Shema, had allegedly demoted two permanent secretaries to directors in 2011 for supporting the opposition during the general elections. Also, the source said a law, which limited the tenure of directors and permanent secretaries may have been responsible for the number of resignations. He said the tenure some of the permanent secretaries would be ending when the present government would be handing over on May 29. “Some of them that resigned may want to enjoy their benefits and not want to face unfriendly policies that may come up under the incoming administration,” he added. When contacted, the state’s Head of Service, Lawal Aliyu, said he was in Lagos for an event and would respond at a later time.

Kwara PDP set to flush out moles WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

eoples Democratic Party, PDP, chairman in Kwara State, Iyiola Oyedepo, has revealed that the party was set for inhouse cleansing to fish out moles among its members. Oyedepo disclosed this on a radio programme titled ‘PDP on the Move’ in Ilorin, the state capital. Giving an appraisal of the party’s poor showing during the just concluded general elections in the state, the chairman said a lot of his party members were found to be moles sent by the opposition into the party. According to him, these worked against PDP in the elections, lamenting that when discovered it was too late to decisively deal with them. On the vacancies created by the exit of the General Secretary and others on the eve of the election, Oyedepo said the party was not in a hurry to conduct bye-elections into their offices, to guide against repeating the old mistake.

According to him, the party would thoroughly screen people for the three posts in order not to pick persons that were loyal to their masked principals only and not the party. He said the party was out to rebrand and reposition itself towards winning the forthcoming Local Government elections and then capture Kwara in other legs of elections in the state. The chairman, who was accompanied by the State PDP Publicity Secretary, Rex Olawoye, added that the party had set up seven committees to chart a new way forward. Oyedepo also attributed the party’s poor performance in the March 28 and April 11 elections to heavy reliance on the belief that PDP controls the centre, thereby believing that the race would be an easy ride to victory. The chairman stated that the traditional category of politicians who only surface during elections and disappear once elections were over, would no longer be allowed to lead or carry the party’s flag.

Monday, May 11, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ajayi Olaide Oluwatoyin now wish to be known, called and addressed as Lasaki Olaide Oluwatoyin. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ANIBUZOR: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Anibuzor Chidimma Faustina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okugo Chidimma Faustina. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ILO: I, formerly known and addressed as Anthony Jude Iloh now wish to be known and addressed as Anthony Jude. All former documents remain valid. UNN and General public take note.

NEKWU: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nkeiruka Nekwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nkeiruka Daniel. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that Makilolo Maureen Oghenetekevwe is the same person as Makilolo Oghenetekevwe. All former document bearing the above name remain valid. UNN and General public take note

OKOYE: I formerly known and address as Okoye Pricillia Uju, now wish to be known and addressed as Chioma Pricillia Uju. All former documents bearing the former names remain valid. The general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

VANDU: I formerly known and address as Miss Vandu, Ruth, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Kuliyak, Ruth. All former documents bearing the former names remain valid. NYSC and The general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UDORAH: i formerly known and addressed As Miss Odinaka Rita Udorah, now wish to be known and address as Mrs Odinaka Rita Amaubosi. All former document remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogundola Funmilayo Aina, now wish to be know and addressed as Mrs Akinniyi Funmilayo Aina. All former documents remain valid and general public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

MMADUMELU :Formerly known as Miss Ifeyinwa Angela Mmadumelu, now wish to be known and address as Mrs Ifeyinwa Sunday Ezeanozie. All former documents remains valid. Igboukwu Micro Finance Bank, Chartered Institute of Bankers and Public note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Afusatu Omotola Adunni Solanke (Nee Oladipo) is the same person known and addressed as Omotolase Adunni and Afusatu Solanke . All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

IBEACHU: formerly known and addressed as Miss Ibeachu Cecilia now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ezeudu Cecilia. All Former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

AWE: Formerly known and addressed as Awe Damilola Ayodeji, now wish to be known and addressed as Awelewa Damilola Ayodeji. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Hareth Odinakachi Onuoha, now wish to be known and adressed as Mrs. Hareth Odinakachi Humble. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

IBRAHIM: I formerly known and address as Miss Ibrahim Aishat Omoayena, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Bakam Aishat Omoayena . All former documents bearing the former names remain valid. NYSC and The general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EMMANUEL: i formerly known and addressed as Miss Emmanuel Lucy Chinazo, now wish to be known and address as Mrs Ezenaguorah Lucy Chinazo. All former document remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Bakare Fatima Omowumi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Sebioba Fatima Omowumi.All former document remain valid,Ekiti state government and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EKENE : Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekene Gloria Ifeana now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ekene Gloria Ebelechukwu. All former documents remains valid. Public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Aliasau Saidat Damilola now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olusesi Saidat Damilola. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Odeyale Theresa Titilope now wish to be addressed and called as Mrs Olayemi Theresa Titilope. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OGIZEH: Formerly known and addressed as Queen Okiemute Ogizeh, now wish to be known and addressed as Eloho Queen Ochuko. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Samuel Joy Chinwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Jeffrey Joy Chinwe. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE EBOLA CONTAINMENT TRUST FUND This is to inform the general public that the above named Trust Fund has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission For Registration Under Part C of the Companies And Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Felix Ohiwerei 2. Christopher Kolade 3. Gamaliel Onosode 4. Ayuli Jemide 5. Paul Adefarasin 6. Alero Roberts

CHANGE OF NAME

EGBOGU: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Egbogu Sandra Nkechinyere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Orji Sandra Nkechinyere. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EMMANUEL : I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Emmanuel Omiyion Victoria, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oboh Omiyion Victoria. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EGHEHAN: I formerly known and address as Miss Eghehan Anthonia, now wish to be known and addressed as Oseghwa Ifeanyi Anthonia. All former documents bearing the former names remain valid. NYSC and The general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

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

SIGNED:SECRETARY

CHANGE OF NAME

OKAFOR: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okafor Adrine Uchenna, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Udeze Adrine Uchenna. All former documents remain valid. PPSMB, First Bank and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ISHOLA: I formerly known and address as Miss Ishola Anna Titilayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Afolabi Anna Titlayo. All former documents bearing the former names remain valid. NYSC and The general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AGU: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Agu Nnenna Blessing, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uzoego Nnenna Blessing. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ILO: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ilo Felicia Ikpechukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chukwu Felicia Ikpechukwu. All former documents remain valid. PPSMB, First Bank, Fidelity Bank and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

BUKOLA: I formerly known and address as Miss Bukola Glory Akinbobade, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Bukola Glory Akinbobade Atongbolo. All former documents bearing the former names remain valid. NYSC and The general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UBAN: I formerly known and address as Miss Uban Awashima Lovelyn, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Musa Awashima Lovelyn . All former documents bearing the former names remain valid. NYSC and The general public take note.

HAMZA: I formerly known and address as Miss Hamza Tijjani Basiratu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Muhammad Abdullahi Babasamore Basiratu. All former documents bearing the former names remain valid. NYSC and The general public take note.

IBRAHIM: I formerly known and address as Miss Ibrahim Anthonia Ladi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olatunji Anthonia Ladi. All former documents bearing the former names remain valid. The general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that Ifeakanwa Ogechukwu was mistakely written as Ifeakanwa Okechukwu hence my correct name is Ifeakanwa Ogechukwu. All former document remain valid. General public take note

I formerly known as Ede Nwamaka Anyigor now wish to be called and addressed as Okpor Nwamaka Anyigor, all former documents remain valid. Ebonyi State Government and general public take note.

ANOSIKE: i formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinyere Peace Anosike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Chinyere Peace Ahanonu. All former document remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Iji Elizabeth Oluwakemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adelusi Elizabeth Oluwakemi.All former document remain valid.Ekiti-state Ministry of Education and Teaching service commission and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EDOZIE : Formerly known as Miss Edozie Obianuju Geraldine now wish to be known and address as Mrs Dunu Obianuju Geraldine. All former documents remains valid. Public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Agbo Helen Eneonyi now wish to be known and addressed as Evang Mrs Omega Grace Omoha. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adabanija Karimat Itunu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Jolayemi Karimat Itunu. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

DAWODU: Formerly known and addressed as Oyindamola Dolapo Sodiya-Dawodu now wish to be known and addressed as Oyindamola Dolapo Awelewa. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NNAM : Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nnam Helen Ndidiamaka now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ikwueme Helen Ndidiamaka. All documents remain valid. University of Agriculture, Makurdi, NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

FUNMILAYO: I, Formerly known as Funmilayo Aduni Beatrice Iyabo Iyabode Florence, now wish to be known and addressed as Emmanuel Aduni Beatrice. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

1. A not for profit organisation formed for the primary purpose of raising fungs, mobilising people and materials for the containment of the ebola virus and other infectious diseases in Lagos State and the whole of Nigeria. 2. To provide advice and support to relevant agencies of the federal and state government towards containment of the ebola virus and other infectious diseases in Lagos State and the whole of Nigeria.

CHANGE OF NAME

EDEH: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Edeh Anthonia Ijeoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Njoku Anthonia Ijeoma. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Formerly known as Miss Olayinka Caroline Olanike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ojo Olayinka Olanike. All former documents remain valid.Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

DIALA: I, formerly known and addressed as Diala Judith Nwabugwu, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Ezeh Judith Nwabugwu. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKAFOR : Formerly known and addressed as Miss Okafor Martha Chimaobi now wish to be known and address as Mrs Anyakora Martha Chimaobi. All former documents remains valid. Public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ugwuja - Ossai Rita Ifeoma now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Amoke Rita Ifeoma. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and adressed as Miss Vivian Chidinma Ikeji now known wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Vivian Chidinma Uzoma. All former documents remain valid. General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyeneke Chidinma Cynthia. now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Mbamara Chidinma Cynthia. All documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic Nekede and the general public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Familugba Bukola Abiodun, now wish to be know and addressed as Mrs Omoniyi Bukola Abiodun.All former documents remain valid,Ekiti State Hospital Management Board and general public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Aremu Toyosi Omowumi now wish to be know and addressed as Mrs Babatola Toyosi Omowumi. All former document remain valid. The Polytechnic Ibadan, NYSC and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Rashidat Titilola Abdulraheem (Nee Shittu) now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Rashidat Titilola Rosemary Hassan. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinyere Peace Onyemaechi. now wish to be known and addressed ad Mrs Chinyere Peace Ezenwoye. All former documents remain valid. Tansian University Oba, Anambra State and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekpengbe Blessing, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Major Blessing . All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogaso Racheal Imoisemen now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Osaigbovo Racheal Igbwobaro Bright. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Popoola Ololade Alimot now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adeyemi Ololade Alimot. All former document remain valid NYSC and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME. That Olatunji Oladapo is one and the same person as Olatunji Oladapo Adeoye. All former documents and certificates bearing both names remain valid. General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeyemi Ayomikun Damilola now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Odusanwo Ayomikun Damilola. All former document remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Awoyinka Funke Roseline, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Boroffice Funke Roseline.All former documents remain valid.General public take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of the loss of original Certificate of Occupancy of Pot No. BO/19821 issued by Borno State Ministry of Land and survey belonging to Alhaji Usman Zera. All efforts to trace the said Missing document proved abortive. Ministry of land and Planning, Maiduguri should take note. If found please kindly return to thenearest police station.

CHANGE OF NAME

OMOYEMI: Formerly known as Miss Oni Balkeez Omoyemi, and now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oshoala Balkeez Omoyemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Khadijah M. Aliyu, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Khadijah Haruna Yusuf. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EZE: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eze Onyinye Stella, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okpala Onyinye Stella All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

MAMA: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mama Martina Noduwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uroko Martina Nonyerem, All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EBIBOWALE: I formerly known and address as Miss Ebibowale, Cecilia Ayomide, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Sanni, Cecilia Ayomide. All former documents bearing the former names remain valid. NYSC and The general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

WILLIAMS: I formerly known and address as Miss Williams Elizabeth Inyang, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Kenneth Elizabeth Samuel . All former documents bearing the former names remain valid. NYSC and The general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as Miss Akande Ramota Omolara, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adeniran Ramota Omolara. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and the general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Daramola Olajumoke Veronica, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ayodeji Olajumoke Veronica.All former document remain valid,Hospital Management Board Ekiti State and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Akanni Modupe Mary now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Tijani Modupe Mary. All former document remain and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Temidayo Taoheed Sulikhat now wish to be known and addressed as Taoheed Zulikhat Temidayo. All former documents remain valid. Yaba College of Technology and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunwusi Folashade Oluwakemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Fadairo Folashade Oluwakemi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Josephina Bunaghaebi Dorgu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Josephina Bunaghaebi Akpuluma. All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Mary Okon Ekpo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Mary Ukong Obobo. All former document remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Amadi Gift Onyinyechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Gift Simeon Okoromah. All former document remain valid NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Mr. Mustapha Adeleke Adegbola now wish to be known and addressed as Mr.Toib Adegbola Adeleke. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ALAMU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Alamu Bolanle Aina, now wish to be known and address as Mrs Oshoffa Bolanle Aina. All former document remains valid. General public take note.

Monday, May 11, 2015

I am determined to improve on the 200m record at the Rio Olympics. I think it is quite achievable

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Aguero seals Rangers fate

–JAMAICAN ATHLETE, USAIN BOLT

Glo League results

The dilapidating National Stadium clock and cracked seats, yesterday

Wolves

Nasarawa

Rangers

Heartland

Taraba

Gabros

Akwa

Wikki

Sunshine

3SC

Bayelsa

Dolphins

Pillars

Sharks

Enyimba

Giwa

Abia

Kwara

Lobi

El-Kanemi

Save National Stadium from extinction, Chukwu pleads PAUL EREWUBA

ormer Nigeria international, Christian Chukwu, has launched a passionate plea to the National Sports Commission (NSC) to fix the decaying National Stadium, Surulere Lagos after 12 years of neglect. The Sports city, as the stadium was renowned, was commissioned in 1973 to host the All Africa Games where the Nigerian football team that included Chukwu won the gold medal. Chukwu later captained the Green Eagles and made hey with the team, culminating in the Africa Cup of Nations trophy-winning feat in 1980 at the stadium where the Eagles defeated Desert Foxes of Algeria 3-0 in the final. The former Super Eagles AFCON 2004 bronze-winning team coach, who is currently who is currently Technical Consultant to Rangers International of Enugu, says the condition of the 45, 000-capacity stadium calls for concern. “The appalling state of the National Stadium is a national disgrace and I think any move

to revive it will be a welcome development,” Chukwu told National Mirror yesterday. “It is also a fact that Lagos is a very big market for sports business in Nigeria. “If the government can fix the stadium and start having international games there again, it will benefit Lagos State, Nigeria and our national teams. “Lagos can really attract enough and good business people from outside the country to come and do business and organise quality football matches for the Super Eagles, as against taking them to Abuja or Calabar, or even the new Uyo Stadium.” In 2014 President Goodluck Jonathan approved the concessioning of the National Stadium, after which the NSC revealed that the concessioning was given to yet undisclosed private investors who would manage the structure. Former Sports Minister, Ishaya Mark Aku, started the process of making the National Stadium work with a mandate of clearing the complex of illegal occupants and restoring electricity to it. But his death in an air crash in May 2002 ended the reform.

U-20 World Cup: My team is ready–Garba F lying Eagles Coach, Manu Garba, yesterday said that he has a clear idea of the 21 players he will take to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand later this month. “I am fully clear on my final squad for the World Cup, but that is not to say there could be one or two gate crashers,” the gaffer said. Nigeria will submit a final 21-man squad to FIFA on May 15. Genk defender Wilfred Ndidi is expected to join up with the rest of

the squad today, while three other Europe-based stars–Isaac Success, Kelechi Iheanacho and Moses Simon–are still being awaited. The Flying Eagles have been training in Nurnberg, Germany since the beginning of last week amidst controversy over inadequate supply of the new NIKE kits. They played a two-aside game between the main team and the second team on Friday, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Midfielder Chidera

Ezeh and Bernard Bulbwa scored for the first team, before Wasiu Jimoh netted a brace for the other team. The young Nigerians will play their first test match against Hoffenheim U-23 team tomorrow.

Garba

Sports

Monday, May 11, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Aguero seals Rangers fate

ergio Aguero struck a hat-trick yesterday as Manchester City relegated QPR with a 6-0 demolition job in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium. Aguero, who heads the scoring charts with 31 goals in all competitions, was joined on the scoresheet by Aleksander Kolarov, James Milner and Spanish playmaker David Silva. The victory lifted City to 73 points from 36 games-three points ahead of third-placed Arsenal, who have two matches in hand including one today. But Rangers are rooted to the bottom of the standings on 27 points-nine points shy of eluding the drop zone with two fixtures left. They will join Burnley in the second tier, with the latter suffering the chop on Saturday despite beating Hull City 1-0 at the KC Stadium. Championship sides Bournemouth and Watford have automatically sealed promotion to the the Premier League.

Sergio Aguero

Terry

EPL Result Man City

QPR

Chelsea

Liverpool

Terry

ruins ‘How Red Devils can prosper’ Liverpool’s Euro chance F A ormer Manchester United defender, Gary Neville, expects the club to sign three or four players to challenge Chelsea for the title next season. United strengthened its chances of finishing in second place on Saturday with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, and it has been a season of improvement at Old Trafford. Having agreed a deal to sign PSV striker Memphis Depay in the summer, Neville believes the club will be an aggressive force in the transfer market once again. “What they have to do next season is challenge and get closer to the title,” Neville said yesterday. “They’ve already started buying the players. Depay has come in already so it looks like they’re going to be aggressive and on the front foot in the transfer market again. “It needs that really. If you look at Manchester United’s squad at this moment in time it won’t get close to Chelsea, as it currently is. “But with three or four signings–the right ones–then they can challenge Chelsea for the title next season. Arsenal and Manchester City will feel the same. “To win it in the third season probably would be his aim. To jump from here to win the title next season is probably what Louis van Gaal will be thinking, but it’s a big jump.”

Van Gaal

1-1 draw for Liverpool at Chelsea all but ended the Reds’ hopes of finishing in the top four this season. Blues’ captain John Terry headed the host in front early on, before his Reds’ counterpart Steven Gerrard equalised shortly before half time. The visitors enjoyed more of the possession in the second half and Philippe Coutinho went close as he fired wide, but Liverpool couldn’t find the winner they needed to close the gap on Manchester United in fourth. The result means Chelsea Manager, Jose Mourinho, continues his unbeaten record against Liverpool, and leaves Brendan Rodgers’ men six points off fourth place with two games left, effectively ending their Champions League hopes owing to their inferior goal difference compared to

United. Liverpool afforded the newly crowned champions a guard of honour as they came on to the pitch, but Chelsea were in no mood to relax and Cesc Fabregas came out firing, catching Raheem Sterling with a late challenge to earn a booking inside the first minute. The party spirit was in full swing as Chelsea looked more expansive than in their recent matches, with the pressure of securing the title lifted from their shoulders. Diego Costa took a seat among the fans to watch his team-mates in action, with the striker ruled out due to a hamstring injury. With 10 minutes remaining, Gerrard was brought off and Mourinho led the applause around Stamford Bridge as fans of both sides paid their respects to the outgoing Liverpool midfielder.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Monday, May 11, 2015

AFN boss defends athletes’ welfare P

resident of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Evangelist Solomon Ogba, has described as incorrect media reports that the federation is neglecting athletes based in Nigeria in favour of those based abroad. Ogba, who led Team Nigeria track and field athletes to win a gold medal at the IAAF World Relay in Bahamas lastweek, said the board of AFN had since its inauguration in May 2013 done more for Nigeria-based athletes than any other federation. “This season alone, we have had three camps for athletes that participated in the African Youth and

Blessing Okagbare

Junior Championships and those that went for invitational relay in Kenya,” Ogbga said yesterday. “We have also organized two competitions, the All Comers in Abuja and Lagos, apart from the Olukoya Junior Championships,” he added. “Although it is the responsibility of states athletics associations and athletics clubs to organize conditioning camps and prepare athletes for a new season, the AFN has ensured that our home based athletes are in good shape for the start of each season. “We don’t get any support either from the gov-

ernment or corporate Nigeria, yet we have consistently organized a Golden League, thanks to the sacrifice from my board members and staff of AFN. We give cash incentives to home based athletes with prospect of doing well in major championships. “Many of the home based athletes, especially those with very good prospects, have enjoyed generous assistance from the federation. “I think the board deserves commendation rather than condemnation for the good work it has done since May 2013.”

Okpekpe 2015:

Edo govt moves against encroachment AFOLABI GAMBARI

Taekwondo:

Nigeria set for Russia event

igerian will compete at the World Taekwondo Federation-organised World Championships holding this week in Chelyabinsk, Russia. Beijing 2008 Olympics bronze medalist, Chika Chukwumerije, will be joined by the duo of USA-based Saturday Bashir and France-based Murtala Mohammed to fight for points in their final qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil. Other African teams like Gabon, Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire and

Tunisia will also use the tournament as tune-up for this year’s All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville. President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), George Ashiru, lamented that the Nigerian team’s build up had been hampered by the ongoing political and economic situation in the country, even as he ruled out medal prospect for the athletes. “Our chances are much slimmer than usual because we didn’t have the luxury and in-

Chukwumerije

deed necessity of a formal training camp you would expect from the biggest event of the year,” Ashiru said yesterday. “Therefore, we won’t have similar results as we would ordinarily expect with proper preparation,” he added. Meanwhile, the WTF Council also approved Mexico as the host country of the 2016 WTF World Junior Taekwondo Championships, and Lima, Peru as the host city of the 2016 WTF World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships.

ndications emerged yesterday that the Edo State Government may write to halt the continuous encroachment into the land for the makeshift pavilion for the Okpekpe 10 kilometer Road Race ceremony. Government sources also claimed that certain people had planned to erect structures on parts of the land. Ogwa-Agbige, which is the community’s square for secular celebrations, has been the ceremonial venue of the Okpekpe race since inception in 2013. “The venue which is always too small for surging mammoth of crowd from all walks of life needs expansion, but developers are now eager to have their fair share of the land, which belongs to the community and by extension the Edo State Government,” a source said, adding, “Immediately the end of this year’s road race, High Royal Highness, the Onweweko of Okpekpe, Peter Abalume Osigbemeh, will receive a letter from the Commissioner for Sports banning

developers from encroaching the land as well as criminalise further development on the land.” Meanwhile, Supersports, which always precedes the road race, will not hold in Okpekpe this year because the organisers want neighbouring local government areas to feel the tournament. About 2, 000 school children participate in the event scheduled for Fugar, Headquarters of Etsako Central Local Government Area. Organisers said the competition would hold in surrounding council areas before returning to Okpekpe.

Governor Oshiomhole

WORLD RECORD Most Fastest money raised whilst running a half marathon mile fireman’s carry

N150

Vol. 05 No. 1109 Monday, May 11, 2015

The most money raised while running a half marathon is 9,336 (£7,460; US$11,900) by Fundación Trinidad Alfonso (Spain)

On the APC-PDP transition spats

or the first time in 16 years, Nigeria is experiencing a stormy but healthy transition period. This is because unlike the past transitions, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will be handing over power to an opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), at the national level come May 29. In 2007, the exchange of political baton was a family affair because outgoing President Olusegun Obasanjo handed over power to his anointed godson, the late Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Thus, the transition was seamless and rancor free. In 2011, President Goodluck Jonathan handed over to himself. But in 2015, he will be handing over to an opposition successor, General Muhammadu Buhari. In the March 28 presidential election, where PDP met its Waterloo, Nigerian voters incrementally shifted from their past

HeartBeat Callistus Oke

Callistusoke@nationalmirroronline.net 08054103275 (SMS ONLY) anthonykila@mail.com blind loyalty to give victory to the main opposition party. The development saw politics of power giving way to the politics of issues. Who says Nigerians are not changing? Indeed, they are becoming more critical as service delivery at all levels of government has become stagnated, something attributed to unduly long stay of incumbencies that is short on performance and accountability. Nigerian politics has entered an era of maturation and real transformation. When an incumbent is handing over to an opposition successor, especially being a first time, it would be disruptive of the system as it would most likely tax the resilience of the nation’s democratic ethos. There is nothing dysfunctional about it, rather the nation’s political culture would be exceedingly enriched by it. It is obvious this political baton exchange between the PDP and APC would be accomplished under a cold war situation. When President Jonathan hollered the other day that President-elect Buhari was undermining his government, it was a manifest sign of the new politics. The hot exchanges between the two camps have helped to redefine their relationship. I hope we have not forgotten that APC made the matter worse by alleging that the outgoing administration had been indulging in “last minute looting” of the national treasury and recruitment into the civil service. So, here we are saddled with an atmosphere of mutual antagonisms in a transition period. Of course, the altercation has engendered

IN THE MARCH 28

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, WHERE PDP MET ITS

WATERLOO, NIGERIAN VOTERS INCREMENTALLY SHIFTED FROM THEIR

PAST BLIND LOYALTY… robust conversations in the public domain. I had a conversation on the tiffs between the two camps over the perceived meddlesomeness of the Buharians on the nation’s affairs. The caller had expressed disappointment that an incumbent President did not know he had become a lame duck president stripped of most of his tangible powers in a transition period. “I am surprised President GEJ is talking about encroachment by Buhari, when in actual fact I expected him to have known that he should now be consulting with him on major policies of government to ensure a seamless transition”, he complained. I pondered over this contribution before I shot this riposte: “The relationship between an outgoing President and a President-elect is influenced more by perceptions rather than political niceties. Legally, a Presidentelect would have no basis for unsolicited inputs into the affairs of state. If President Jonathan is complaining, it shows he resents General Buhari publicly expressed positions on the priority of his incoming

administration and certain issues of state. So, how an incumbent treats an incoming president during the transition period is a question of style and attitude”. What is happening is not a peculiar Nigerian thing. As old as American democracy and presidential system of government are similar issues have cropped up over the leeway an incoming administration could be allowed in the conduct of the country’s affair by an incumbent while awaiting inauguration. For example, Franklin D. Roosevelt was billed to take over from President Herbert Hoover on March 4, 1933, having won the November 8, 1932 presidential election. Roosevelt victory came at a time the US was still reeling from the devastating effects of the Great Depression of the 1930s. Outgoing President Hoover had requested for a meeting with his successor to plan a joint action to stop the downward spiral of the economy and calm investors, a request the latter turned down with the excuse that it would tie his hands! This ‘unfriendly act’ strained relationship between the two so much that throughout the life of Roosevelt presidency Hoover’s name was dropped from the White House birthday greetings message list. In the same America, one of her most seamless transitions was between George W. Bush and Barack Obama, and it was spectacularly marked by the former obliging the latter’s request for Congress to release $350 billion of bank bailout funds. During his inaugural on January 20, 2010, a grateful President Obama expressed gratitude to his predecessor for the “generosity and co-operation he has shown throughout this transition”. So, there is nothing to worry about the hot exchanges between the camps of Jonathan and Buhari during the transition. There is an adage that says “Things will get worse before they get better”. Our politicians will learn from this stormy transition process. A ruling party giving way for the enthronement of opposition party at the centre for the first time cannot be expected to come and go without some disruptions.

Sport Extra

Mourinho, greatest coach–Maradona

rgentina legend, Diego Maradona, says Chelsea Coach, Jose Mourinho, is the greatest in comparison to his colleagues that include Bayern Munich Coach Pep

Guardiola. “Mourinho is a friend of mine and without doubt is the best among equals,” Maradona said yesterday. “Jose knows at all times what you’re going to say be-

fore you say it. “That’s what makes him Mourinho and that’s what makes him the greatest. “The fondness I have for him has a lot to do with the way he has steered Chel-

sea and the aura he always brings to the club.” On the Bayern gaffer, Maradona said: “I think Pep needs a little more time, as Mourinho has had, to be a great coach.”

The World Cup 1986 winner, however, refused to be drawn into the controversy on who is better between Real Madrid and Barcelona forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Maradona

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. Editor: SEYI FASUGBA. All correspondence to PMB 10001, Marina, Lagos. Printed simultaneously in Lagos, Abuja and Akure. ISSN 0794-232X.