Monday, may 18, 2015 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Troops swoop on terrorists' camps, kill scores of insurgents INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

roops at the weekend overran 10 additional camps used by Boko Haram insurgents in Sambisa forest, while scores of

Minimah

Vol. 5 N0. 1114

the sect’s members were killed. This was disclosed yesterday by Director, Defence Information, DDI, Maj. Gen. Chris Okukolade, in a statement.

THE

BUSINESS SECTION

“The Dure camp, which is one of the most prominent in the forest, witnessed the fiercest battles as the Special Forces descended heavily on it before it finally fell.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Free inside

N5.2b suit: Judge told to hands off case against CBN P.52

Monday, May 18, 2015

N150

Jonathan begs Nigerians to forgive him W ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

...says no one is perfect I've packed out of Villa –First Lady

ith barely 11 days to end his tenure in office on May 29, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday appealed to Nigerians to forgive him for any of his actions through which he may have offended many.

Jonathan spoke during a special thanksgiving and farewell church service held in his honour by Aso Villa Chapel inside the Presidential Villa. The President, who was accompanied to the service by his wife, Dame Patience, and some of his aides, said CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Labour Party denies merger with PDP, others P.52 ADVERT HOTLINES

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

Nigeria is broke, Amaechi insists

P.4

L-R: Baba Adinni of Lagos, Sheikh Afeez Abou; Alhaji Musiliu Smith; Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, and Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Garba Ibrahim at the inauguration of new executive of the Muslim Community of Lagos State, yesterday.

NGF set to reconcile as govs meet today

Okonjo-Iweala

Gunmen kill traditional ruler in Plateau

P.5

P.51

News

Monday, May 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Jonathan begs Nigerians to forgive him CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

he thanked God for giving him the opportunity to serve as President of the country. Jonathan stated that since nobody is perfect, he may have done certain things that probably should not have been done, stressing that such actions were not deliberate. “So, for the eight years that one has been here, definitely one is not perfect. We have certainly done things that probably we shouldn’t have done, but we didn’t do things deliberately. “For those who we have offended, it was not deliberate; it was circumstances of the office. So, we also plead that those people should forgive; we think we have done our best. “No system is perfect. Every human system must have an element of imperfection. For the period of eight years that we have been here - I will take the period as a block because my transition from Vice President to President was gradual and complicated. “It was intertwined; you cannot actually draw the line because when the (late) President was challenged with major health issues, I was running the country; even before the doctrine of necessity made me Acting President. Then, I took over at first and conducted the 2011 elections. I won and I had to run my full four years as an elected President,” President Jonathan explained that no head of government - be it at the national or sub-regional level could do everything, stressing that people in government would always like to do some things for which they could be remembered. He noted that since the past eight years, he and his wife have cause to be thankful to God, while expressing appreciation to those who stood by them. The President told the congregation not to be discouraged as he and his wife would be leaving them, saying that they would still continue to interact with them. He noted that one does not have to be in government before making meaningful contributions, adding that a lot of things could be achieved outside government.

“I don't really believe that it is only in government that you can do things; even outside government, you can do a lot of things. The richest people in the world don't even serve in government. Dangote has never been in government. So, you don't need to be in government to be rich. Bill Gates has not been in government. So, outside government a lot of things happen; it is for us to be committed and continue to be focused,” he said. Also speaking at the church service, Dame Patience said she never thought in life that she would become the First Lady of the country. “I never thought in my life that I will be First Lady. I never dreamt of being wife of a deputy governor because my husband was

not a politician. But God made it possible and God lifted us up from deputy governor and here we are,” she said. The First Lady told the congregation that nothing in life is permanent. “You know this position is not a life-long thing. There is no permanent thing; so, I want you to take it in good faith that it is the will of God and you should be praising God. God is really wonderful,” she noted. While thanking God for her life, the First Lady said she nearly died during the 2015 election campaigns as she had to be hospitalised in Germany. She stated that two years ago, she went through 12 major operations in Germany within one month but came back to the country alive, saying that God

made it possible because she had not finished her work. “That campaign time was a trial for me. We thank God that I and my husband are going alive. This campaign period, devil struck and came in again. “In pains, I was rushed to the hospital in January and the doctors told me: ‘Mama, you have to go for a major operation.’ The campaign was still going on and I wondered how we are going to explain that to Nigerians. You know even when you go for check-up, they will be writing in the newspapers saying all sorts of things. I said I and my family have to handover. My husband will continue with his campaign until the last day. That was how I went in for the first major operation in January end-

ing. “And by God’s grace I went for the operation and came out and it was from that operation that I went to the campaign ground. “And they told me: ‘Mama, there is another bigger operation that you have to go in for. This one would not be in this hospital. It is too small for this type of operation. You have to go to a bigger hospital.’ And I said ah ha! I will go, I have faith in God, and that my God will see me through. For, he has brought me out for a purpose. “Then, do you know I went to the bigger hospital. I booked for the operation and I was asked to go for the campaign. They gave me a new date. I had paid for everything remaining just to enter the theatre and the thing occurred to the hospi-

tal, and they said let's check her again. “By then, my husband had lost the election. I had packed out of the Villa, we are about going. “Behold! I went to four hospitals again and the thing vanished. My doctors were surprised they didn't think that could happen. I told my people that the doctors said we can go,” the First Lady said. At yesterday’s service, songs and praises were offered to God by the congregation. The first bible lesson, which was taken from Numbers 6:22-27 was read by the First Lady, while the executive secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, John Kennedy Opara, read the second lesson from 2 Corinthians CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

L-R: Wife of the Chaplain, Aso Villa Chapel, Mrs. Martha Onwuzurumba; President Goodluck Jonathan; his Wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, and Chaplain, Aso Villa Chapel, Ven. Obioma Onwuzurumba, during the Special Thanksgiving Church Service By the First Family, at Aso Villa Chapel, State House, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

Troops swoop on terrorists' camps, kill scores of insurgents CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“Four of the camps were located in a place called Iza within the forest, while three others were noted to be recently established by the terrorists before the assault began.

“One soldier died from one of the land mines encountered in the operation, while two others were also wounded. “The terrorists lost a number of vehicles mounted with anti-aircraft guns as well as armoured vehicles.

“Some of the terrorists who escaped from the camps also died as they ran into troops’ ambush in some escape routes from the forest. “Meanwhile, some of the fleeing terrorists have also engaged in suicide missions

at Bitta where they encountered the Nigerian troops and Kiskeru across the border in Niger Republic. “The operation to clear the terrorists in Sambisa and other forests is continuing as troops in all fronts have been

alerted to be on the lookout for fleeing terrorists. “The Nigerian Air Force is maintaining an active air surveillance to track the movement of terrorists for appropriate action as the operation continues.” Olukolade stated.

Buhari to drop ‘General’ title from May 29

resident-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) yesterday hinted that as from May 29, he would drop the ‘Gen.’ title from his name. From that day, the Pres-

ident-elect would be refer to as Muhammadu Buhari, President, Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria, according to a statement by Mallam Garba Shehu, di-

rector, Media and Publicity, President-elect Muhammadu Buhari Media Team. Shehu also stated that Vice-President-elect would be addressed as Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, Vice Presi-

dent, Federal Republic of Nigeria. The statement reads: “From May 29, 2015 the President-elect and Vice-President-elect are to be respectively known and addressed

as Muhammadu Buhari, President, Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PAGE

Monday, May 18, 2015

Good Health Urine predicts your state of health … Urologists give clues to vital signs

FRANKA OSAKWE

ou can detect if you have any serious disease condition or prevent occurrence of any by simply observing your urine each time you urinate. This is because changes in the colour, frequency, smell, thickness and how long you are able to hold your urine can reveal useful information about your health, according to the Urologists at Cleverland Clinic, Ohio, USA. Giving clues into what such changes could mean, the Urologists say when the colour of your urine appears blue-green, for instance, it may be the result of certain medications such as laxatives, chemotherapy drugs, or vitamins. But if you are not taking any of these medications and you continue to see this colour for more than a few days then it is time to see your doctor as this could be a sign of a serious condition. According to one of the Urologists, Dr. Raymond Rackley, bright yellow or orange urine can indicate the individual has consumed a lot of vitamin C, carrots, or other foods in the orange family, though some medications can change the urine colour as well. “Dark orange or brown urine could suggest you are dehydrated. It can also mean you have bile in your urine or a problem with your liver while pink or red urine can simply indicate you’ve eaten red-tinted food. But on a more serious note, this can also be a sign of blood in your urine. Bloody urine may indicate internal injury, kidney issues, or cancer. Blood in your urine is never, ever normal, and requires immediate medical attention,” Dr. Rackley says. For the Cloudy and white urine, he said, this can suggest the presence of phosphates, which can be a precursor to

kidney stones. “However, cloudy urine most likely suggests bacterial infection. If germs such as E.coli from faeces get into the bladder, the body sends white blood cells to fend off the attack; these can stick together in tiny clumps. A man’s urine may also look cloudy

DID YOU KNOW?

Unhealthy diets could fuel female depression

omen who suffer from depression may be fuelling it with a diet of unhealthy, processed foods, a new study has shown. Researchers from the University of Melbourne found that mood disorders were more common among women aged 20 to 93 who, over 10 years, ate primarily processed, refined, high-fat foods. “There’s no magic diet, but eating a diet mainly of vegetables, fruit, whole grain foods, low fat dairy products and lean meat will aid physical health and may also support mental

well-being”, Dr Felice Jacka said. Jacka’s team assessed diet and psychiatric evaluations gathered over 10 years from 1,046 women. A total of 925 women were free of mood disorders, whereas 121 had depressive or anxiety disorders, the researchers reported in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

after sex. During ejaculation, the semen is pushed out of the testicles and goes into the urethra, the tube that both urine and sperm pass through. As a result of this, traces of semen can get left in the urethra. But if cloudiness worsens and you experience burning or urgency, make sure to see a doctor”, he advised. Increase in frequency is another sign to watch out for, says urogynecologist, Beri Ridgeway. According to him, urinating frequently could simply mean that

man’s overall health may be reflected in the quality of the semen he produces, according to a new study. Men with low quality semen were more likely to have other health problems – especially hormone, circulatory and skin conditions, researchers found. “We used a well known marker for overall health,” said lead author Dr. Michael Eisenberg. “The less healthy men were, the lower sperm quality overall.” While doctors know that obesity and smoking are tied to worse semen quality, less was known about the links between other health conditions and fertility, said Eisenberg, director of male reproductive medicine and surgery at the Stanford University School of Medicine in California.

you may be drinking too much fluid or consuming too much caffeine, which is a diuretic and is flushing liquids out of your body. “But frequent urination also can be a sign of several more serious conditions, including a urinary infection, prostate problems, a heart condition, leg swelling, or interstitial cystitis (also called painful bladder syndrome), which is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the bladder. “It can also be a symptom of an overactive bladder, a common and easily treated condition that could be caused by several problems, such as nerve damage, medications, infections, being overweight and estrogen deficiency”, Ridgeway explained. For a woman, he said the need to urinate frequently may be a sign of falling organs; this is when the bladder drops into the vaginal opening because of weak pelvic floor muscles, following childbirth. For men, he said frequency could be symptoms of a bladder problem or more commonly an enlarged prostate known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Another Urologist, Troy Sukkarieh, MD noted that the smell of your urine can also indicate a health issue. He said the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) can produce foul smelling urine, while Sweet-smelling urine may be a sign of diabetes or liver disease. According to the Urologists, eighty percent of bladder problems are related to conditions of the overall health. For instance, they explained that diabetes-related rise in blood sugar can increase urinary output so getting up multiple times at night to use the bathroom is an early sign of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Also. The experts say, kidney problem, certain cancers, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, nervous and cardiovascular disease conditions can actually change the color, smell and output of your urine so it is important to know what your urine might be telling you about your health.

Semen quality linked to overall health –Studies For the new study, published in Fertility and Sterility, the researchers calculated a score of overall health based on the medical records of 9,387 men who were evaluated for infertility at Stanford between 1994 and 2011. The men’s health was measured on the Charlson Comorbidity Index, a scale that takes into account what conditions a man is currently living with and predicts his likelihood of death within the next 10 years. The researchers then checked the volume, concentration and general health of the men’s sperm cells in semen samples.

Photo News

Monday, May 18, 2015

L-R: Veteran photojournalist, Mr. Femi Akintobi; guest lecturer from Redeemer’s University, Mr. Oluwole Adefemi, and Chairman, Photojournalists Association of Nigeria, Mr. Ademola Akinlabi, during a seminar on Ethics in the Practise of Photojournalism in Nigeria, in Lagos on Saturday. PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Archbishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Rev. Luke Odubanjo (left) and Remo Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Michael Olusegun Akinwale, during the 2015 Annual Diocesan Synod at Ojumele, Sagamu, Remo, Ogun State, at the weekend.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN, Richard Iweanoge; Senior Country Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers, PWC, Uyi Akpata; Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mike Ikpoki, and Sales/Distribution Executive, ‘Tshola Barrow at the MTN Golf Championship at Lakowe Golf Course, Lagos, at the weekend.

L-R: Government Relations Manager, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, Mr. Steve Okwosa; Public Affairs Officer, National Petroleum Investment Management Services, Mrs. Tolu Derin-Adefuwa, and Head of Operations, Inner-city Mission for Children, Mr. Kaycee Kanu, at the handover of NNPC-Shell e-Learning Centre to Mission’s Primary School in Lagos, recently.

National News Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

ivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, insisted yesterday that Nigeria is broke. He pointed out that Rivers and other states across the country have not been able to pay salaries of civil servants and pensioners because of the dwindling monthly allocation from the federation account. Amaechi spoke at a Thanksgiving Service hosted by governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, and his campaign outfit, the Greater Campaign Organisation, at the Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt. He said: “When I said sometime last year that Nigeria’s finances were in dire straits some people referred to me as an alarmist. Since I made that statement in Decem-

Why states can’t pay salaries –Amaechi …Says Nigeria is broke ber last year, the statutory allocation to the states has continued to decline. Now, almost all the states are finding it difficult to pay salaries.” The governor explained that the state owes civil servants April salaries and pensioners’ four months’ arrears because the state does not have the money to pay them. He stated that he has decided to channel financial resources towards completion of ongoing projects, which he promised will be completed before he leaves office on May 29. “Some people have chosen to make an issue of the difficulty we are currently experiencing in paying salaries of civil servant as well as the arrears of our retirees. It is not our making. No gov-

ernment will deliberately refuse to pay the salaries of its workers. “We will pay as soon as we receive our share of our statutory monthly allocation form the Federal Government. “It is not easy to joggle the payment of salaries and the implementation of capital projects that are actually geared towards developing the state, creating jobs and improving the economy of the state because more monies go into the society when you awards contracts and pay the contractors on time so that they can also pay their workers on time,” he said. Amaechi insisted that in-coming governments across the country would also face difficulty in paying workers salaries with the dwindling revenue from the Federal Govern-

ment. “Our administration has managed the finances of the state with optimum responsibility,” he added. He also appealed to the incoming government of President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to probe the activities of Rivers State police command in the last gubernatorial elections in the state. He alleged that the police was not impartial in ensuring that the election was free, fair and credible. Amaechi, who lamented that it was difficult to get the police to abate ‘brazen’ attempts by agents of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to temper with electoral materials further alleged that “some elements in the Rivers State command acted as if they

were members of the PDP which is unfortunate.” Speaking on the petition filed by, Dr. Peterside, the governor asked him to place his hope on God and pray ceaselessly. “When I tell people that I fasted for ten months, some of them don’t believe me. I did and God heard my prayers. Now, it is your time to fast. ‘The difference is that when I fasted, I was in self-exile in Ghana where I ran to when they wanted to kill me. My wife and children were not with me, so there were no distractions. “In Nigeria, you will be confronted with so many distractions. I wish you well. I will fast with you but my fasting will be essentially to thank God for all what he has done for me. I have been a Speaker for eight years and a gov-

ernor for eight years, now I am a retiree,” Amaechi said. Dr. Peterside, who also spoke at the event, assured APC members and supporters that the party will win its petition now before the State Election Petition Tribunal currently sitting at Abuja, for security reasons. He told his supporters that justice will prevail at the end because truth is constant. “As human beings we may feel some form of disappointment when things do not happen as fast as we want them to. What we may not know is that God is preparing us. “God has never failed and will not fail. God will surely fulfill his plans for our life. At the appropriate time, He will give to us what belongs to us,” Peterside said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Monday, May 18, 2015

Nigeria governors set to reconcile, meet today ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

meeting of governors under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, is billed to take place today under the leadership of outgoing governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi. The planned meeting may be an indication that the state chief executives have resolved to set aside their differences. But, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State yesterday kicked against the planned meeting, saying the NGF, which he said is still in crisis, should be allowed to remain as it is for now till after new governors assumed office. National Mirror gathered yesterday that barring any last minute change of minds, a unified NGF meeting is expected to hold, today, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja by 8 p.m. The indication emerged few weeks after President Goodluck Jonathan who was fingered to have polarised the forum lost the presi-

dential election. The NGF went into crisis in May 2013 after the election of officials split the body into two factions. Amaechi had, at the election, defeated his Plateau State counterpart, Governor Jonah Jang, with 19 votes to 16. But instead of congratulating Amaechi, Jang claimed he won the election. The development led to the emergence of two factions of the forum, with Amaechi leading one and Jang leading the other. Unfolding events after the election, however, pointed to the fact that the presidency was pushing for the emergence of anyone but the Rivers Statae governor as NGF chair because of the political differences between Governor Amaechi and President Jonathan and his wife, Patience. Director general of NGF, Ashishana Okauru, who confirmed Monday’s meeting to National Mirror, said all the governors had agreed to the meeting. He also said the major agenda of the meeting

would be to look at the activities of the forum over time. “We have not really met as one since May 2013,” he said. Okauru said Governor Amaechi would update his colleagues on the state of the forum. “We would also try to explore the possibility of getting new leaders,” he added. Mr. Okauru said all second term governors are eligible to emerge, adding that a consensus arrangement may be considered. He said governors-elect would not participate in the meeting until after the handover of power on May 29. It is most likely that Zamfara State governor, Abdulaziz Yari, who has been deputy to Amaechi since the 2013 election may emerge as the new NGF chair. Apart from Mr. Yari, Governors Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) and Rochas Okorocha (Imo) are also angling to take over from the Rivers State governor. Meanwhile, Dickson, in a statement yesterday expressed reservation over

holding the forum’s meeting at this time. “Having gone through those period of the NGF crisis with my respected colleagues, most of whom are now ending their respective governorship tenures, I believe I owe it a duty to our nation and our fledgling democracy to alert the nation and caution my respected colleagues, especially the incoming governors that they should not allow the outgoing governors, most of whom created the NGF crisis to foist on our country and political system another NGF contraption that will in due course threaten the stability of our democracy and be a distraction to citizens and the leadership of our country, as the NGF crisis or tussle did between 2012 and now,” he said. Dickson accused his colleagues of causing the crisis in the forum in an attempt to use it as avenue for higher political office. He said: “My view which I expressed during the days of the crisis which I still maintain was that the NGF shouldn’t function like a

trade union or a parallel Federal Government, either of which will distort our system and make it a virtual implosion predictable or inevitable. “From inception of the NGF till date, the leadership has always been surreptitiously put in place without the input of all members, especially the in-coming governors as new members, thus short-changing it. “This is what the outgoing members who have destroyed the forum plan to do. I disagree with this. I believe that the outgoing

members, most of whom allowed themselves to tear the NGF, should let things be and just go. “Thereafter, a process of consultation should be put in place by the existing Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governors Forum and the All Progressives Congress, APC Progressive Governors Forum regarding the desirability and procedures for bringing about its leadership after May 29, when the new governors would have taken office and therefore become members.”

Jonathan begs Nigerians to forgive him CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

13: 11-14. Ministers present at the service include Prof. Chinedu Nebo (Power); Boni Haruna (Youth Development); Osita Chidoka (Aviation); Sarah Ochekpe (Water Resources), Tamuno Danagogo (Sports), Abba Moro (Interior) and Laraba Mallam (Environment). Also in attendance were

former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi; former Governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha; former Information Minister, Prof. Jerry Gana; former Senate President, Ameh Ebute, Senator Phillip Aduda and Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Ade Abolurin, among others.

News

Monday, May 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insurgency: Military seeks special tribunal GEORGE OJI ABUJA

he nation’s military high command has advocated the establishment of a special terrorism tribunal to handle all insurgency cases as a way of ensuring speedy trial of suspected insurgents and the decongestion of the backlog of terrorism suspects. The tribunal when established will adjudicate terrorism offences under existing laws and should comprise technocrats from the military, judiciary and the academia. This proposal was contained in a paper presented by Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Air Chief Marshal Alex Bade, at the just concluded induction certificate course on legislative studies for new state legislators, organised by the National Institute of Legislative Studies, NILS, Abuja. The paper, which was presented on behalf of the

Air Chief by Commodore Dickson Okechukwu Olisamenogor, deputy director, Civil-Military Relationship, Defence Headquarters, Abuja, suggested that the Federal Government should immediately activate the process for establishment the special terrorism tribunal by directing the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to send a draft bill to that effect to the National Assembly for speedy consideration. The legal framework for managing terrorist activities in the country presently is the Terrorism Act of 2011, which was amended by the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2013. Prior to this, there was no legal framework for managing incidents of terrorism-related offences. The Air Chief regretted that the current trial jurisdiction of terrorism suspects vested with the Federal High Courts is fraught with delays, thereby undermining the speedy dispen-

…Cautions ‘Bring-Back-Our-Girls’ group over hate campaigns UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

efence Headquarters, DHQ, has accused the BringBack-Our-Girls, BBOG, advocacy group of harbouring charlatans and promoting hate campaigns against the military. In a letter addressed to the BBOG leadership, DHQ through its Director of Defence Information, DDI, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, expressed the military’s regrets over “the existence and activities of charlatans” in the group. The BBOG, a human rights advocacy group comprising responsible individuals, had campaigned for the rescue of over 200 girls of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, who were abducted and had remained in Boko Haram’s captivity since April 14, 2014. However, displeased by BBOG’s activities in pressurising the military towards release of the girls, security forces led by DHQ views the group as antagonistic. Olukolade, who observed that charlatans were carrying out irresponsible activi-

ties in the group, accused it of engaging in hate campaigns against the military. “I feel constrained to call your attention to the existence and activities of charlatans in your midst who have never had the privilege of responsible service in public sector but are now keen to see everyone in position brought down to entertain their fancy and envy,” he said. The DDI noted that some of the “charlatans” had sought to equate military’s efforts to give accounts of activities on the nation’s war on terror as propaganda or cover-up. Olukolade added that the military as an institution derived a lot of inspiration from the appreciation and commendation from wellmeaning individuals and organisations who continue to urge the military on against blackmail and malicious criticism. He therefore urged the advocacy groups to save their platforms from being used to perpetrate injustice, undue hate campaign and antagonism but should engage in meaningful and robust interface with the security agencies in the drive to secure the return of our girls.

sation of justice. He noted for instance that the number of Boko Haram suspects arrested between 2011 and May 2012 was over 1,000, most of whom were yet to be prosecuted, while out of those prosecuted, only one person has so far been convicted. According to him, due to the delay in prosecution,

armed members of the sect had in the past attacked prisons and police stations in an attempt to release their members awaiting trial. Other measures suggested by the Air Chief to address the incidence of insurgency in the country include the strengthening of the nation’s borders, which he regretted is largely po-

rous and encourages free flow of arms and logistics by Boko Haram sect. He suggested that to effectively secure the nation’s border, the Federal Government should constitute a technical committee of technocrats, drawn from the military, security experts and academia, to develop a border strategic management plan for the

country that could be funded from the Excess Crude Account, ECA or any other source. The thrust of the plan, according to Bade, could include radar coverage for all border areas, acquisition of additional patrol platforms and modern surveillance systems capable of making the nation’s air, land and maritime borders safe.

L-R: HRH Chief of Kaninkon, Mr Paul Zakkah; HRH Chief of Moroa, Mallam Tagwai Sambo; HRH Emir of Jema’a ,Alhaji Muhammad Isa Muhammad; HRH Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris; President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari; Mr Ofuye Bonnet, and a member of the delegation, Chief of Ilagoro, during the visit by Kaduna State Council of Chiefs in Kaduna, yesterday.

PDP rules out change of name ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

eoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday said it was not bothered by its loss of control over the Federal Government and some of its states, saying it would bounce back soon. The party, yesterday also said it was not contemplating a change of identity, explaining that PDP is still the truly national politi-

cal party with strength and spread enough to regain preeminence. In a statement by National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, PDP said having been the guardian of Nigerian democracy for 16 years during which it nurtured and blossomed democratic governance as well as etched its name in the pantheon of good governance, the party would not, in the circumstance of ephemeral loss of power change, change

its identity or its time-honoured characteristic values. The party said though, it is resolutely committed to its present structures, it would not close its doors to other political parties wishing to be assimilated into its fold as the best vehicle for the fulfillment of political aspirations of all Nigerians, regardless of tribe and religion. “We have a name, tradition and values. Sixteen fruitful years as the guardian of Nigerian democracy

cannot be nullified by reason of temporary setback. “We shall rise beyond all and regain our rhythm. Our colour remains green, white and red, and power still belongs to the people. And to assert that we are proud of the successes of our successive leaders in taking Nigeria to its present height is an understatement, which the passage of the next four years under APC will certainly prove,” the party said.

APC disowns ministerial list, condoles with Zanna’s family GEORGE OJI ABUJA

ll Progressives Congress, APC, has asked the public to disregard the purported ministerial list currently making the rounds in the social media. The party said in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, yesterday in Abuja that once the authentic ministerial list is out, it would be communicated to

Nigerians through the party’s official channel. “Nigerians should disregard these lists and await the authentic list, which will be communicated through the appropriate channels at the right time,’’ it said. Meanwhile, APC has appealed to the media to clarify with authentic officials of the party and the Buhari Campaign Organisation on any issue that has to do with actions of the President-elect before going to town with such stories.

The APC, in a statement by Mohammed, explained that the appeal became necessary following recent media reports on the actions which the President-elect will purportedly embark on once he is sworn into office. “Various people have been quoted in the media on what the President-elect will do or not do once he assumes office. The truth is that these people do not speak for the Presidentelect, hence the need for the media to clarify such issues

with the chairman of the party, its National Publicity Secretary or the spokesman of the Buhari Campaign Organisation. These officials are always available to clarify issues,” it said. The party described the ongoing transition as a delicate period that fifth columnists could capitalise on to cause disaffection or overheat the polity, hence the need for all stakeholders to be extra-cautious and to put the national interest above all other interests.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, May 18, 2015

South West

Monday, May 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Two Osun Labour leaders suspended over fraud BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

sun State government may have wielded the big stick on two prominent leaders in Labour Movement in the state, following alleged involvement in a multimillion naira fraud. The officers were suspended indefinitely pending conclusion of investigation into the matter by the Civil Service Commis-

sion at its plenary meeting on April 29, and were ordered to submit all materials in their possession to the Accountant-General before proceeding on suspension. The affected officers (names withheld), who were at the period the fraud was allegedly perpetrated, leaders of their union, apart from being suspended from service, were also told to stay off all union matters. Letters informing the

affected officers, it was gathered, had already been sent to them through appropriate quarters. According to documents detailing how the fraud was allegedly perpetrated, obtained by newsmen in Osogbo yesterday, the affected labour leaders, who were key members of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria in the state, were fingered as masterminds. In separate letters written to the affected officers

with ref. no: C621/83 and ref no: C621/82 both dated April 30, 2015 and signed by K.O. Adesina, permanent secretary, Osun Civil Service Commission, were alleged to have falsified government documents, used to procure a loan of N372,910,000, from a second generation bank on behalf of their union members. Also, in other documents detailing what transpired, the affected officials were alleged to

have falsified documents purportedly signed by Mr G.A. Babatunde, the former Accountant-General of the state, requesting credit facility from the bank. Also, the two men were also alleged to have forged signatures of Messrs K. Oni and P.O.Awokojo, Directors of Finance and Account and Director of Administration and Establishment of Osun State Universal Basic Education respectively as well as signatures of R.M. Ajayi and J.O. Abolade, Director of Finance and Account and Director of Administration and Establishment respectively in the state Ministry of Education purportedly for letters of consent and Irrevocable domiciliation of account. Sources, who spoke in

condition of anonymity, told National Mirror that the affected officers did not appear when summoned by the commission to defend themselves and had, instead of defending selves, been working towards securing soft landing. While National Mirror learnt efforts were being intensified to resolve the matter without necessarily imposing full weight of the law on the affected officers, it was clear the state government had already stopped dealing with the two men, going by the nonappearance of their signatures on the last letter written by labour unions to the state government to hand down a 14-day ultimatum within which it must pay all outstanding salaries owed workers.

NAHCO, ANCLA settle for 20% tariff increase OLUSEGUN KOIKI L-R: Deputy Director, News, FRCN Ibadan National Station, Pastor Dare Olorunfemi; Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Gbade Lana; Zonal Director, FRCN Ibadan National Station, Mr. Oyetunji Ogunwale, and Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, at the FRCN, Ibadan, National Station’s Staff Appreciation Day, at the weekend.

Clergy cautions Nigerians on expectations from Buhari KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

arely two weeks to inauguration of General Muhammadu Buhari as president of Nigeria, a call has gone to Nigerians to proceed cautiously in their hope on the incoming government for the desired change. Archbishop of Ibadan province of the Catholic Arch Diocese, Gabriel Leke Abegunrin, gave the charge yesterday at the 49th World Communications Day celebration at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Oke Padre, Ibadan. While asking Nigerians to de-emphasise expectations of the incoming president, he urged the people to appreciate the limitations of the former military ruler as an individual whose efforts at effecting meaningful change could only mate-

rialise with the cooperation and willingness of all. Abegunrin maintained that the citizenry should appreciate that age is not on the side of the retired Army General and that he could not rule the country the way he did in 1984 with late Tunde Idiagbon, because they were both military men. He said, “There is a great difference between then and now. Then, it was rule by decree, but now it is by the constitution, the rule of law must be followed and this is why the people must continue to pray for him to succeed. The job can only be easy for him with the cooperation and willingness of all to be change agents. “All hands must be on deck, people should shun fraudulent activities, greed, violence and

other vices, because if he is there in Abuja advocating the right thing by his nature and the people are doing exactly the opposite of what he is saying and doing, then we will be on the same spot.” Abegunrin, who delivered the message of Pope Francis on the World Communication Day with the theme ‘Communicating the Family: A Privileged Place of Encounter with Gift of Love’, enjoined the people to assist Buhari with “good works.” On the Pope’s message, he said, “It is in the context of the family that we first learn how to communicate and focusing on this context can help to make our communication more authentic and humane while helping us to view the family in a new perspective.”

He charged media practitioners not to allow kith and kin to be victims of the various hazard they face on their jobs by showing great love to them, making provisions for their needs and ensure properly education of their children. “The family is not a subject of debate or a terrain for ideological skirmishes; rather, it is an environment in which we learn to communicate in an experience of closeness, a setting where communication takes place, ‘a communicating community’. “The family is a community which provides help, which celebrates life and is fruitful. Once we realise this, we will once more be able to see how the family continues to be a rich human resource as opposed to a problem or an institution in crisis.”

fter almost a week of negotiation and protest, the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company, NAHCO Plc, said it has reduced its recent 30 per cent increase on tariff by 10 per cent. With the reduction, the ground handling company’s tariff on cargo is 20 per cent. A kilo of cargo, which hitherto used be N40 would now be charged N48 by the ground handling company. A media statement by the company’s spokesman, Mr. Tayo Ajakaye, stated that the new rate was in consensus with the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA. In a meeting at the head office of NAHCO in Lagos, the negotiating team of ANLCA led by Vice Chairman Bola Ashiru-Balogun, with the Treasurer, Afolabi Azeez and Financial Secretary, Obanla Alex, said they reached the agreement with the company in the interest of the overall development of the industry and in realisation that both sides were in this tough economic situation together. The Acting Managing

Director, NAHCO, Norbert Bielderman, stated that the review of the tariff was in the spirit of give-and-take. He commended everyone involved in the negotiations for their maturity while particularly thanking the ANCLA representatives for their professionalism. Bielderman urged the association leaders to always feel free to approach NAHCO whenever issues that concern both parties arise. Also, Ashiru-Balogun said this was the first time in a long while that NAHCO would get its act right, saying its push for tariff increase was so organised. He said although NAHCO called the agreement a win-win situation, it was to the association and their teeming members, a losewin situation. He explained that NAHCO won this time and should be congratulated. He said however that ANLCA would win the next time even as he called for an even stronger relationship between the two partners. He also urged the company to always consult ANCLA whenever issues that concerned them are decided upon.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Monday, May 18, 2015

Lagos begins distribution of resident card FRANCIS SUBERU

L-R: Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; State Chairman, Christ’s School Ado-Ekiti Alumni Association, Mr. Yemi Akeju and guest Speaker, Prof. Niyi Osundare, during distinguished alumni lecture of the association in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: YINKA

Police bust cross-border robbery syndicate …arrest two suspects FEMI OYEWESO AND OJO OYEWAMIDE

en of Ogun State Police Command over the weekend arrested two members of suspected cross-border armed robbery gang, who specialised in terrorising people of the state, snatching automobiles and motorcycles. The two suspects identified as Ramoni Ambali and Wasiri Ibiyemi, were intercepted on Saturday evening by men of the Anti-Robbery unit of the command attached to Ilaro Divisional headquarters after a successful robbery operation in Ona Egbon community, Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government headquarters. Ramoni and Wasiri, as well as others now at large, inflicted serious body injuries on their victim identified as Agoro Wasiu, before escaping with his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle marked (OGUN) LAR 918 QB. The command’s Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Muyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed the arrest, also explained that the Anti-Robbery officers in the division, who responded to a distress call about 10:10pm from an anonymous caller in

the area, intercepted the suspects at Ikosi area of Ilaro town where the two were arrested and others escaped. The PPRO further stated that the Anti-Robbery men met the victim, Agoro, in the pool of his blood as a result of injuries inflicted on him by the suspects and took him to hospital. “The police immediately pursued the robbers, who were armed with cutlasses and other offensive weapons, before two of them were arrested and the snatched motorcycle recovered with the weapons. The police have since taken the victim to a hospital.” Adejobi further said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Valentine Ntomchukwu, has directed that the case be thoroughly investigated, while other members of the robbery syndicate should be apprehended within the shortest period of time. “The police boss has assured the good people of Ogun State, particularly Yewa (border areas) of adequate security as the command is conscious of their proximity to the borders, thus making the area prone to carsnatching, robbery and the likes, which the command will continue to

tackle relentlessly from all angles.” Meanwhile, Ondo State Police Command has assured people of the state of adequate protection of lives and properties. The command disclosed that it had put necessary security arrangements in place to ensure that banks and people of the state go about their business without fear. A statement issued yesterday in Akure by its spokesman, Wole Ogodo, said it was not true that some banks in IkareAkoko and Owo could not open to customers because of an alleged threat from a gang of armed robbers. Ogodo added that the banks, which were recently attacked in the two towns, had been unable to open to customers because they were yet to be renovated. The police spokesman enjoined anybody with useful information that could assist police in preventing crime in the state to come up with it, saying such information would be treated with utmost confidentiality. He said: “I want to unequivocally say that Ondo State Police Command under the able and competent leadership of CP Isaac Eke, had since

emplaced all necessary security arrangement to ensure that residents and banks across the state to go about their lawful businesses without fear of threat from any quarters. “Such intelligence arrangement is not to be placed in public domains. The Ikare armed robbery was only unfortunate as well as the Owo robbery. “The Police should be commended for the gallant approach to fight against the robbers. The security operatives rose immediately to challenge the scores of robbers that came to rob in Owo and succeeded in killing some of the robbers and arrested a few of them alive. “Cache of weapons and cash carted away from various banks by the robbers were recovered.” Ogodo said the security of the state had not suffered lapses since the assumption of office of the present Commissioner of Police, Isaac Eke. He attributed the successes recorded so far regarding the security of the state to the strong synergy between the commissioner and sister security agencies as well as good relationship with members of the public.

agos State Residents’ Registration Agency, LASRRA, has commenced mass distribution of residents’ cards to about three million residents of the state who registered with the agency. General Manager of LASRRA, Ms. Olayinka Fashola, who disclosed this to journalists at the weekend, said the distribution, which began with the state’s civil servants, is expected to take care of 14,000 and will continue in phases. According to her, before anyone comes up to collect his Permanent Resident Card, PRC, he/she would have been sent a Short Messages, SMS, stating where such person would go to collect the card. Ms Fashola said the card distribution commenced with civil servants, adding that the agency’s personnel

would be stationed around the auditorium within the secretariat to distribute the cards. She said beginning from June the cards would be transferred to the local government councils, so as to bring them closer to their owners. On reason for delay in issuance of the card, Fashola said the agency had to verify all the information collected to ensure there was no duplication. The general manager said during verification, it was discovered that some residents registered twice, saying it took the agency a while to sort out the problems. The LASSRA boss added that the exercise marks the end of the life cycle of a budget, hinting that the demographic database information that existed with the agency after the registration could be shared with relevant government agencies without compromising individual privacy.

No development without youth employment –Ex-ICPC boss KEMI OLAITAN

ormer Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, has warned that true rebirth and restoration will continue to elude the country unless it urgently addresses the challenge of youth unemployment. He gave the warning at the weekend in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, at the 10th anniversary of a non-governmental organisation, Grace Leadership Foundation, held at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan. The former judge of the Supreme Court said the problem of youth unemployment ranks at par with insecurity and poverty, stating that paying lip service to this important challenge could only mean the country would be sitting on a keg of gun powder. According to him, the ripple effects of youth unemployment are numerous and mind-boggling,

which include among others, economic under-development, loss of the benefit of abundant human resources and manpower, youth restiveness, proliferation of criminality and violence, pervasive frustration of the citizenry, anxiety and worry among both young and old, which all add up to a silently traumatised, grossly under-performing citizenry. He maintained that while recognition of the problems and the damaging effects of youth unemployment on the nation are useful, he insisted that the urgent and imperative need today, is to find urgent and durable solutions. He said: “No one will doubt that for our country to enjoy real rebirth and restoration, the nation must commit itself uncompromisingly to a policy that will place youth employment at the forefront of its strategy of rebirth and restoration. “To fashion a credible strategy, there is an urgent need to conduct a thorough and deep study of the cause or causes of youth unemployment.

South East

Monday, May 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stakeholders demand new Awka union executive CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

Pro-Chancellor, Ebonyi State University, Dr. Alex Ekwueme (left) with Prof. Chiweyite Ejike during the presentation of Honorary Doctor of Science by Ebonyi State University to the Professor in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Obiano rebuffs Obi over public hospitals’ funding FRANCIS EKPONE ONITSHA

nambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has rejected the advice of his predecessor, Mr. Peter Obi, on the funding of public hospitals and schools, describing such advice as deceitful and uncharitable. Obiano, while speaking on the advice at Onitsha during the 50th year anniversary of Saint Charles Borromeo Hospital, noted that the state government under his watch has recorded unprecedented success in the area of healthcare delivery and will not be deterred by the utterances of the former governor. The Chairman, National Securities and

Exchange Commission, SEC, and former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, had earlier in his speech at the anniversary celebration, regretted committing much of the state’s resources in schools and hospitals during his tenure and called on his successor to stop funding public schools and hospitals. According to him, government should not be involved in funding health and education as their impact is least felt, adding that most of the vehicles donated to schools and ambulances donated to hospitals were all in bad condition except the ones given to private and mission hospitals. “Left to me, I will advise the governor to stop funding public hospitals

and schools, as nothing is working there,” he said. In a swift reaction, Governor Obiano, who was represented on the occasion by Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Akabuike, expressed shock that the former governor could make such comment in the public, even as he admitted that his government will continue to improve healthcare of the citizens by partnering with missions and development partners in the state. “It is very wrong and improper for the former governor to make such statement to the hearing of people, although that is his opinion. If he is able to handle government hospitals for eight years, I think our government should do better. If

you give attention to government hospitals, it will work. “Chief Willie Obiano has restated his commitment in repositioning primary healthcare in the state by introducing Primary Health Agency. We have upgraded the general hospitals to specialist hospitals in all the three senatorial zones and the Ministry of Health has directed the onshore, offshore management of hospitals in the state. We have purchased flying boats to reach other areas and many unprecedented achievements in the health sector. “So, we are not stopping the assistance we give to both public and private hospital as both are complimentary” he emphasised.

Group lauds Okorocha on good governance CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

group under the aegis of Mbieri Development Union, Abuja branch, has lauded Governor Rochas Okorocha’s developmental feat, describing it as unequalled. The group, however, urged the governor to do more in the area of infrastructure, road rehabilitation and construction. Speaking during a courtesy call to Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, at

his official residence over the weekend, PresidentGeneral of the body, Sir Damian Onuoha, said they were grateful to the governor with the support of his Deputy, Prince Madumere, and his developmental strides within four years of the administration. Onuoha, while felicitating with Governor Okorocha and his deputy, on behalf of Mbieri Socio-cultural group, pledged more support for Governor Okorocha’s second term to succeed. His words: “After many years of stagnancy in gov-

ernance, Imo people are grateful for the performances of our governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, and our son, Prince Madumere. We will mobilise our people to make our contribution as businessmen and entrepreneurs towards achieving Imo State of collective dream.” The president-general said their grand support was not unconnected to the precedent of trust and confidence so far established by Owelle Rochas Okorocha’s government. Onuoha acknowledged

the high level of decay due to long years of neglect by the previous administrations. Addressing the people, the Patron of the Mbieri Development Union, Prince Marcon Nlemigbo, urged the group to stand solidly behind their illustrious son and the deputy governor of Imo State. He frowned at the high level of apathy amongst the people, describing such as unpatriotic. He urged them to key in and queue behind Owelle Rochas Okorocha and Madumere.

ey stakeholders in Awka town, Anambra State capital, led by Awka Ambassadors Club, Lagos, members of Ozo Awka and Awka General Assembly (Izu Awka) have urged the Engr Tony Okechukwu-led Awka Development Union of Nigeria, ADUN, to relinquish their positions and pave the way for fresh election, as their tenure has expired. Members of Awka Ambassadors Club, Lagos, the Ozo Awka and other key stakeholders in Awka had at the end of an emergency meeting at Umuoranma Village Square of the oldest Awka man, yesterday resolved that they would not allow Engr Tony Okechukwu’s alleged bid for a second tenure, adding that a 7-man caretaker committee has been set up to manage ADUN. The stakeholders, who called on Okechukwu to give peace a chance, alleged that ADUN President General, whose tenure has elapsed, is cur-

rently leveraging on his relationship with the governor to hang on to power and cause crisis in Awka. The stakeholders had during the General Assembly of Awka community convened yesterday at Umuoranma Village Square, unanimously rejected the leadership of the presidentgeneral, insisting his tenure has long expired. They accused Okechukwu of amending the constitution of the town to suit his bid to return to power for a second term when he knows that it was not right for him to do so, more so as that will contravene the constitution which brought the executive to power. Speaking during the meeting, a prominent member of Awka Ambassadors Club and former Deputy Speaker of the Anambra Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon Keluo Molokwu said that the 2008 Awka constitution which brought Okechukwu to power stipulates one term each for the entire executive and a rotational arrangement between the two zones of Ezi and Ifite.

MASSOB warns against arresting Uwazurike NWANYIABIA A NAEZE ONITSHA

ovement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, yesterday in Onitsha, Anambra State, warned that Nigeria would disintegrate if its leader, Chief Ralph Uwazurike, is arrested by President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, adding that he has no constitutional power to arrest him. Reacting to a statement credited to MASSOB leader that Buhari was planning to clamp down on him, using the media, MASSOB Regional Administrator for Nnewi South Region, Comrade Tony A. Nwodo, said General Buhari has no constitutional power to arrest Uwazurike and warned that such alleged plan, if carried out, would result in disintegration of the

country. “If Uwazuruike is arrested Nigeria will disintegrate. By virtue of Uwazuruike’s position you can’t arrest him. Buhari should focus on how to provide dividends of democracy to Nigerians and not to look for perceived enemies to clamp down upon. We are not in the days of military that based its actions on dictatorship,” he said. Restating that MASSOB would continue to struggle for a sovereign state of Biafra, Nwodo said no amount of threats would deter MASSOB from the struggle. “We are a non-violent group fighting for a sovereign state of Biafra because Nigeria’s government has continued to marginalise the Igbo nation. We will not relent in the struggle and nobody can threaten us, no matter how highly placed,” he added.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Monday, May 18, 2015

80% Nigerians don’t have taxpayers ID, says Edo tax boss

L-R: Senator Ibok Essien; Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Mr Aniekan Umanah; Provost, College of Education, Dr. Patrick Uko; Governor Godwill Akpabio; Governor-elect, Mr. Udom Emmanuel at the commissioning of administrative block of the College in Afaha Nsit, during the 6th combined Convocation of the Institution, at the weekend.

Prepare for jail, APC tells Rivers REC, PDP chiefs SAM OLUWALANA DENNIS NAKU

AND

ll Progressives Congress, APC, has called on Rivers State Electoral Commissioner, REC, Dame Gesila Khan, to prepare for jail, accusing her of conniving with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to rig the March 28 and April 11 general elections in the state. This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt by Rivers State APC chairman, Dr. Davies Ikanya, and

signed by his media aide, Chukwuemeka Eze. The statement also accused Khan of obstructing justice by preventing the APC from having access to relevant electoral materials aimed at seeking redress at the election petition tribunal. The statement reads: “In case Mrs. Khan has forgotten, we wish to remind her that there is always a day of reckoning and that it is inescapable. “Since she has chosen to collude with evil men to pervert justice for pecuniary gain, Mrs. Khan

should prepare for the inevitable consequences of her actions. Her chosen path can only lead to jail and monumental disgrace.” The party said it is not worried by the antics of the Rivers State’s REC, but added that it is determined to expose her “atrocities and those of her PDP collaborators” at the election petitions tribunal and ultimately retrieve the mandate which the electorate in the state freely gave to the APC. “Mrs. Khan should be aware that she shares in the blood guilt aris-

ing from the murder of about 100 APC members by the state’s PDP leaders and their paid agents. “Of course, these sponsors of violence that populate Rivers PDP should be aware that they must taste the wrath of the law for their acts of infamy in the state and must surely spend some years in prison to serve as a lesson to people of their like. “Where such characters are not duly punished we will never have a fair and peaceful election in Nigeria,” the statement said.

Ibom Power boss tasks PHEDC on distribution MESHACK IDEHEN Managing Director of Ibom Power Plc, Dr. Victor Udo, said it was unfortunate that electricity distribution infrastructure is not being properly managed by Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC). He said, however, that existing challenges in the operation of power distribution infrastructure in Akwa Ibom State would soon be over as the incoming governor has resolved to revisit the challenge, adding that the outgoing administration in the state made significant invest-

ments in gas, generation, transmission and power distribution infrastructure. The Ibom Power boss told National Mirror that the state’s outgoing governor, Chief Goodswill Akpabio, has already laid foundation for industrialisation of the state, adding that through industralisation the psyche of every Akwa-Ibom person has been positively changed. Udo, who is also senior special assistant to the governor on power, noted that indigenes of the state were now proud of their heritage because of what the outgoing governor has accomplished, while

further expressing confidence in the Governor-elect, Mr Udom Emmanuel’s ability to positively transform the state’s economic outlook. He pointed out the outgoing governor enabled a fair and equitable process in the emergence of his successor, saying Akpabio deserves full credit for the good position the state is economically, pointing out that the governor-elect’s landslide victory at the April 11governorship elections is a proof of the people’s confidence in the succession process that Akpabio initiated. “Udom Emmanuel’s

experience as an investment banker will ensure continuity, consolidation and sustainable development across all sectors of the state. The enormous infrastructural development and the extensive urban electrification across the state have made Akwa-Ibom State a destination of choice for investors. “From the splendor and scenery that welcome travellers upon arrival at the international airport at night, it is easy to appreciate that Akwa-Ibom State can be seen from outer space in contrast to the ‘dark continent’ perspective of Africa,” the Ibom power boss added.

hairman, Edo State Internal Revenue Service, EIRS, Sir Oseni Elemah, yesterday said 80 per cent of taxable Nigerians have not yet keyed into the Taxpayer Identification Number, TIN, programme developed to boost Nigeria’s tax system. Elemah told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, at the ongoing Annual Tax Conference, ATC, organised by the Chartered Institute of Taxation, CITN, in Abuja, that the development has paved way for high rate tax evasion. NAN reports that TIN is a unique number allocated and issued to identify a person (individual or company) as a duly registered taxpayer in Nigeria. He stressed that the huge and massive leakages in Nigeria’s tax system as well as companies operating without filing annual tax assessment was due to lack of TIN. “When you calculate the tax income revenues Nigeria ought to have earned and deduct it from the

amount realised, you will understand that Nigeria is missing much,” he explained. He said in order to have a transparent tax administration that is accountable, all taxable Nigerians and companies must be made to obtain a TIN. “A Nigerian becomes taxable when he or she is 18 years and above and earns a regular income, such individual must file annual tax returns for assessment. “Many Nigerians are still outside the tax net; it remains so without the TIN,’’ he said. He added that other sources of tax income generation include company Income Tax, Personal Income Tax, Petroleum Income Tax and Valued Added Tax (VAT), among others. According to Elemah, the country needs massive reforms that would drag all taxable Nigerians into the tax net. “All taxable Nigerians and companies must be made to acquire a TIN and this must go with immediate enforcements,’’ he said.

DPR decries frequent oil spills in Akwa Ibom

epartment of Petroleum Resources, DPR, zonal operations controller in Port Harcourt, Mrs. Onyebuchi Sibeudu, has decried incessant oil spills from the facilities of oil multinational companies in Akwa Ibom State. Sibeudu expressed this concern over some spills that occurred recently, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Eket, yesterday. “The oil spill that occurred in Ibeno and other neighbouring local government areas on April 19 is one of the spills we classify as mystery. “We cannot trace the source of the spill. There are two of such in Ibeno and we had earlier gone there. We are planning to go there again and take a sample of the oil spill. “The rate at which oil spills from the facilities of oil multinational firms is worrisome. We have series of complaints of oil spill in Akwa Ibom State,’’ she said.

She decried the rate at which crude oil spills occur in the state, lamenting that the frequency was worrisome. NAN recalls that the April 19 oil spill occurred in Mkpanak community, near the Ibeno beach, and spread to the neighbouring local government areas. Sibuedu said the department has concluded plans to carry out fingerprint analysis to determine the source of the oil spill. She, however, said the spill could not be traced to any of the oil companies’ facilities, adding that the department would soon find out its source. “We want to take the sample and do what we call fingerprint analysis that will help us trace the origin of the crude; that is where we are now,’’ she said. Manager, Media and Communication, ExxonMobil, Ogechukwu Udeagha, told NAN that the company has observed some intermittent patches of oil substance on the shoreline of Ibeno beach.

North

55-year-old woman, Mrs. Susan Stephen, has been delivered of a baby boy after 35 years of childless marriage. Susan and Stephen Oguche, 65, got married 35 years ago. Oguche in his testimony yesterday at the Living Faith Church (Winners’ Chapel), Lokoja, thanked God for His grace. “We were overwhelmed with joy with the delivery of the baby after many

Monday, May 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Woman, 55, gives birth after 35 years barrenness years of waiting on God,’’ he told the congregation. Oguche said whatever happened was God’s wish as “medical investigations revealed no tangible reasons for our predicament. “On the recommendations of friends and asso-

ciates, we visited several medical institutions and experts within and outside Nigeria, but all to no avail. “We joined Winners Chapel in 1995, and since then we have been feeding on the raw word of faith in the power and authority

of God, over all things. “We have also been serving God to the best of our strength and abilities, believing him for a change in our story.” Oguche said sometimes in June 2014, Pastor David Popoola, the pastor of Liv-

ing Faith Church, Lokoja, made a declaration to them saying: “My beloved, don’t give up; “The Lord says this time around you will succeed, and return with a testimony. “We believed God and

his prophet, and refused to give up, and today the prophetic word has found fulfillment in our lives.’’ Susan, who spoke during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, thanked God for terminating her barrenness and changing her name and status forever. “Now, my joy can be better imagined than described, because God has wiped away all my tears, and put laughter in my mouth,” she said.

Kogi ex-governor Idris escapes death Wale Ibrahim LOKOJA

Taraba APC gubernatorial candidate in the 2015 general elections, Sen. Isha Alhassan, presenting the party’s petition before the Election Petitions Tribunal in Jalingo at the weekend. PHOTO: NAN

CIT to delist members over tax malpractices

egistrar of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, CITN, Mr. Fisayo Awogbade, yesterday said the institute would delist members found involved in tax malpractices. Awogbode disclosed this to News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, at the ongoing Annual Tax Conference, ATC, organised by the institute in Abuja. He said the action would help sanitise the tax industry in the country. To achieve this, he said the institute has established a Staff Practices Monitoring Committee, SPMC, to monitor its members. Awogbode said the committee wass empowered to compile a list of members all over the country, monitor certificate reissuing and renewal of practicing licences. According to him, the institute has also set up a disciplinary committee and tax tribunal to ensure handling of erring members charged with any malpractice. “Such members would

be brought before the disciplinary committee, if found guilty; then their cases will proceed to a tax tribunal. “ Let me inform you and the public that the tax tribunal has equal status with the High Court of Nigeria. “If the defendant in question did not agree with the outcome of the tax tribunal trial, he can proceed to the

Court of Appeal, then the Supreme Court,” he said. Awogbade said CITN embarked on such reforms because of its chain effects on tax revenue generation and dividends on the country. “Since taxation is the next revenue generation hope for the government, all linkages must be

stopped and the institute is poised to ensure this,” he said. He said the institute has been liaising with government on ways the country could overcome the oil revenue decline. He said CITN has been sending position papers to the Federal Government and relevant agencies.

Dame Jonathan tasks beauty pageant organisers on cause of under-privileged Ise-Oluwa Ige ABUJA

irst Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, yesterday tasked beauty pageant promoters and women in position of authority to use their positions to positively impact on the society, especially among the less-privileged. She gave the challenge yesterday in Abuja, at the Miss United Nations (Nigeria) Pageant 2015, while congratulating Miss Precious Chikwendu, who won the 2014 edition of the pageant in Kingston, Jamaica. The First Lady expressed

optimism that beauty pageants would enable contestants develop their personalities and make them stronger and passionate to positively impact on the society. According to her, Chikwendu brought honour to Nigeria by virtue of her not only winning the crown, but also acquiring the hosting right for the Nigerian version of the pageant. She added that being a beauty queen is not easy as it seems, because the queen has to be the best in whatever she does in order to achieve her goals. The First Lady, who was

represented on the occasion by Mrs. Peace Nnaji, however, added that the beauty of a woman grows with the passing years. This, she said, goes to show the need for women to always take care of their appearance. Responding, the outgoing queen said she used her Snow White Foundation to impact on the society that produced her. She said she adopted a lifecycle approach of development, focusing her interventions on children, their families and the larger community with emphasis on the less-privileged.

ormer Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, narrowly escaped death yesterday when one of the front tyres of the car he was riding suddenly pulled out and the vehicle rammed into a stationary vehicle at Ochadamu junction in Ofu Local Government Area of the state. National Mirror learnt that the immediate past governor sustained injury, while three of his security details were seriously wounded. It was gathered that the ex-governor was returning from the marriage ceremony of Hon. Ali Ajuh, commissioner for Budget and Planning, that took place at Idrisu in Omala Local Government Area of the

state when the accident occurred. Eye-witness disclosed that the former governor, who was travelling in his Prado jeep, was on high speed when the front wheel pulled off and rammed into a parked car just as the Hilux van carry his security aides crashed into it, wounding all the occupants. Meanwhile, the three security details who sustained various degrees of injuries have been rushed to an undisclosed hospital at Ochadamu, while the former governor was said to be recuperating at an undisclosed hospital in Lokoja. Eye witness added that the two vehicles which somersaulted severally and badly damaged, have been towed to an undisclosed destination.

Ilorin people decry condition of schools in Kwara Wole Adedeji ILORIN

lorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union, IEDPU, has given Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, a position paper, requesting for what it expects from the governor from May 29. Among the requests of IEDPU was what it described as the worrisome infrastructural state of primary and secondary schools in the state. President of the union, Abdulamid Adi, during an interview with newsmen yesterday in Ilorin made the feelings of the emirate known, saying the parlous situation of the schools was becoming a source of great concern. He said it is disturbing to note the gross shortfall and dilapidated condition

of infrastructure in many schools grant aided by the state government. The situation, according to him, is largely responsible for the falling standard of education and low performance of students of the state in public examinations. “The state of our primary and secondary schools is highly worrisome and we are not happy about the deplorable condition of the infrastructure and ancillary facilities in the schools. “Our fear now is that the foundation of our children’s education is shaky; their education and future are threatened. “Something must therefore be done urgently to stop the slide and effect necessary corrections. A stitch in time saves nine”, the union president warned.

Monday, May 18, 2015

Buhari’s town Daura, now Mecca in Nigeria

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

14 Osahon Julius YENAGOA

eaders of Ogbia Local Government Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Bayelsa State, have described the defections to the All Progressives Congress, APC, of the senator representing Bayelsa East senatorial district, Senator Clever Iksikpo and some others as big relief. The leaders, at an enlarged meeting of the party from President Goodluck Jonatha’s constituency, stated that the existence of Ikisipko with his fellow defectors, adversely affected PDP fortunes. This was just as youths

Defection to APC: Good riddance to bad rubbish –Ogbia leaders

•As youths begin recall process from Ogbia, under the umbrella of Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council, OBYC, said they have commenced the processes of recalling the trio of Senator Ikisipo, Nadu Karibo and Azibola Omekwe over their defection to APC. Describing the trio’s action as anti-Ogbia and a “conspiracy to ridicule

President Jonathan,” OBYC disclosed that in liaison with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, it has started massive sensitisation and collation of signatures towards the recall of the defected lawmakers. OBYC National President, Mr. Dazibia Apiri, in a communiqué issued

after an emergency stakeholders’ meeting attended by over 2,000 youths at the weekend, further stated that the defected lawmakers have been declared “unelectable, persona-non grata and unfit to hold any public office whatsoever.” Recall that Senator Ikisikpo, Hons Karibo and Omekwe, representing Og-

bia federal constituency and Ogbia constituency 1 in the Bayelsa House of Assembly respectively and Innocent Kaku, a former chairman of Ogbia Local Government, all defected to the APC on May 14. Ogbia PDP leaders, including state PDP treasurer, council PDP chairman and state women leader, Chief Gbalipre Turner, Mr. Budget Isaiah, and Mrs.

Faith Opene respectively, in a statement said the defection of the defectors to APC did not come as a surprise, going by their antecedents. Calling on APC not to rejoice over its new members as they are sheep in wolves clothings, the PDP leaders noted that their actions have shown that they are a bunch of ingrates who had ridden on the back of the party and its leadership to limelight only to turn back and stab them.

‘Why we’re against extraordinary rendition globally’ Adeola Tukuru ABUJA

A Chief Pam Botmang (left) and Plateau State governor-elect, Mr Simon Bako Lalong, during the hosting of the governor-elect by the Plateau State indigenes in Lagos on Saturday.

Ekiti gov knows about kidnap, says APC Action Group Olajide Omojolomoju

kiti State All Progressives Congress, APC, Action Group, AG, has said that it has no doubt that Governor Ayodele Fayose is the principal sponsor of the renewed spate of kidnap in Ekiti State in recent times. APCAG said the governor, who is the Chief Security Officer of the state cannot deny knowledge of and his involvement in the kidnapping, which has again reared its head in Ekiti State, even when it has abated in other places. Speaking through its spokesman, Segun Dipe, APCAG recalled how Gov-

ernor Fayose through his media goons had earlier threatened to make the state inaccessible for the 19 APC lawmakers should they refuse to back down from their plans to impeach him. He added that the APC lawmakers had equally

raised the alarm over plot to use a stop-and-search security operation to arrest them and thus block them from impeaching the governor. Dipe recollected how the APCAG had raised the alarm and condemned plot to kidnap the senator

representing Ekiti Central, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, who was erroneously linked to the impeachment plan and how it had called on the police and other security agencies to investigate the matter but nothing was done.

Coalition of Civil Society Group has formally written the United States President Barrack Obama, condemning extradition, describing it as an act of abduction, torture and impunity not tenable in both US and international laws. Addressing newsmen in Abuja at the weekend, the group’s President, Etuk Bassey Williams, said the process has been found damaging to attempts by the US to combat terrorism because rendition itself is as bad as terrorism. He said: “It is imperative that the war against terror or any other illegalities is conducted within the rule of law, otherwise

We’ll reclaim our stolen mandate in court, Delta Central APC boasts Theophilus Onojeghen WARRI

elta central senatorial district All Progressives Congress, APC, has said it would do anything constitutionally possible to reclaim APC’s stolen mandates in the just concluded general elections in Delta State, describing what happened during the

exercise as broad day light robbery against the will of the people. Speaking at the weekend at an APC meeting in Jesse, Ethiope West Local Government Area, APC senatorial candidate for Delta centra, Hon. Halims Agoda assured the national leadership and party faithful that APC ideology would be sustained in the state despite the abys-

mal performance of the party during the polls. Agoda, a former member of the House of Representatives and Chairman House Committee on Petroleum Resource, noted that the people of the state voted overwhelmingly for the APC but was robbed of its mandates. He said: “Everything within our power will be

done to correct this broad day light robbery that was perpetuated against our party and its candidates from governorship to Senate and even the House of Assembly elections. Our people have implicit confidence in the APC and any attempt to rob them of such confidence and trust will be legally and constitutionally resisted.”

those fighting such crimes will lose their moral authority to do so.” The group recalled that rendition, which is the legal process of sending a suspected criminal to another country to be interrogated or detained, usually for law-enforcement purposes, had earlier been condemned by the US President during his 2008 presidential campaign. It said: “The high rate of erroneous renditions clearly defines its failure thereby making the need for an alternative to be inevitable. It is in lieu of this that we propose that the technique of empathy and non-torture as used by former FBI counter terror agent, Ali Soufan, which has been very effective to be adopted in addition to developing other tactical and operational tradecraft.” The coalition further listed reasons why it is against the policy saying: “Amnesty International had criticised European countries and the US for operating contrary to basic legal principles and has called on the US to put an end to rendition, conduct independent and thorough investigations in the practice.”

Politics

n 11 days’ time, precisely May 29, Nigeria’s Fourth Republic would be ushering in its fourth President, 72-year-old retired General Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari’s journey to becoming the President-elect is a story on resilience: having ran unsuccessfully for the same office on three different occassions in 2003, 2007 and 2011 on different political platforms. He threw in the towel after the third attempt, but was persuaded to come back and contest on platform of the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC. And this time around, his resilience paid off and he went into the history books as the first person to defeat an incumbent President in President Goodluck Jonathan, and on an opposition platform. In a rare feat seldom found in many African countries, President Jonathan conceded defeat, and promised to handover to Buhari peacefully. Born on December 17, 1942 in the ancient city of Daura, Katsina State, Buhari was the 23rd child of his father, but was raised by his mother after his father’s demise. The young Buhari had his primary education in Daura and Mai’adua council areas between 1948 and 1952, before proceeding to the Katsina Middle School in 1953. He attended the Katsina Provincial Secondary School, now Government College Katsina, between 1956 and 1961, and thereafter proceeded to the Nigeria Military Training School, NMTS, Kaduna, in 1962. He underwent officers’ cadets training at the Mons Officers Cadet School, Aldershot, England, and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in 1963. He was Platoon Commander of the 2nd Infantry Battalion, Abeokuta, from 1963 to 1964, and in 1975, he served as governor of the then North-Eastern State during the late General Murtala Mohammed military administration. He was Federal Commissioner for Petroleum Resources between 1976 and 1978, chairman, Nigerian National petroleum Corporation, NNPC in 1978. After a military coup in December 31, 1983, Buhari became the Head of State, and ruled till August 27, 1985, with Tunde Idiagbon as Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters. It was during his stint as head of State that Nigerians witnessed what came to be referred to as Buharisim, a period remembered for strict campaign against corruption and indiscipline, and human rights abuses. During the period, Buhari’s War Against Indiscipline, WAI, forced Nigerians to queue in public places like bus stops, while civil servants were made to do frog jumps for coming late to work. Hundreds of politicians were handed very long jail terms for corruption-related offences, while several decrees, percieved to be draconian in nature, were made to check crime and related vices. In 1984, he passed the infamous Decree Number 4, Protection Against False Accusations Decree, which scholars and analysts consider the most repressive press law ever enacted in the country. But Buhari was overthrown in a counter coup led by General Ibrahim Babangida and other members of the ruling Supreme Military Council in 1985. Many of his critics, including Fela Kuti’s brother, Olikoye Ramsome-Kuti were brought into Babangida’s administration, while Buhari was detained until 1988 in Benin City. Between 1995 and 1999, he was chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund, PTF, set up by the late General Sani Abacha, to effect developmental projects across the country. Despite his ‘authoritarian’ side however, Buhari was seen to have also had a favourable side during his years in public service. One such was driving Chadian forces out of Nigeria when they invaded through Borno State in 1983, as well as his transparency and efficiency as PTF chairman under Abacha administration in 1995. He is also known as a man who commands respect and much followership, especially in the northern part of the country, which may be due to his anti corruption and indiscipline campaign as military ruler. In 2012, Buhari’s name was included among those

Monday, May 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Buhari’s town, Daura, now Nigeria’s Mecca JAMES DANJUMA profiles the President-elect and writes that attention will once again shift to Katsina State and Daura in particular, as General Muhammadu Buhari gears up to assume office on May 29.

Buhari

published by the Boko Haram sect as among individuals it would trust to mediate between it and government. He however strongly objected and declined the mediating assignment. Two years ago, he blamed rise of the terrorist group to the insecurity brought about by the Niger-Delta militants, and called on the Federal Government to stop the killing of Boko Haram members. But last year, following the kidnap of the Chibok school girls, Buhari made another statement in which he strongly denounced the Boko Haram insurgency, and called on Nigerians to put aside religious, political and other related divisions to crush the “insurgency that is fanned by mindless bigots masquerading as Muslims.” In July last year, Buhari narrowly escaped a suicide bomb attack on his life by the Boko Haram group in Mando, Kaduna State. The vehicle he was in at time of attack was among a convoy that was traveling to his Daura hometown. Alleged as someone out to champion Sharia Islamic law at the expense of other faiths in the country, the President-elect has on more than one occasion, denied

It was during his stint as head of State that Nigerians witnessed what came to be referred to as Buharisim, a

period remembered for strict campaign against corruption and indiscipline, and human rights abuses.

such allegation. In early January this year, he had stated in reports that he favoured freedom of religion and that every Nigerian should be free and secure to practice his or her religion. As a family man, Buhari is married to Aisha, whom he wedded in December 1989, and they are blessed with children. He had however been married to the late Safinatu in 1971 but had separated from her in 1988. She died in 2006 after a brief illness. She was the country’s First Lady during his military administration, and the marriage had also been blessed with children. He also lost his is first daughter Zulaihat Junaid in November 2012; she died from sickle cell anemia two days after having a baby at a hospital in Kaduna State. During his campaigns, Buhari had promised to tackle some of the socio-economic challenges facing the country, including insecurity which was exacerbated by the Boko Haram group, corruption, and power. He hopes to transform the NNPC into a commercial entity, and make information technology, manufacturing and entertainment the country’s major economic drivers. Last year, the president-elect said he would abolish the office of the First Lady if he’s elected president, citing the unconstitutionality of the office as reason. Not a few Nigerians, who are in support of scraping the office, know that Buhari would stick to his words when he assumes office in a few days’ times. His public service years had earned him several national awards, including the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, GCFR; Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR, and Defense Service Medal, DSM. Other medals received are the National Service Medal, NSM, General Service Medal, GSM, Loyal Service and Good Conduct Medal, LSGCM, and Force Service Staff, FSS. With Buhari as Nigeria’s next leader, there are speculations that his home state, Katsina, would begin to enjoy a lot of traffic and attention from both within and outside the country. Observers say the state, and by extension, Daura, where Buhari hails from, would be focus of attention for tourists and others, especially members of the business community, media, among others. Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who was elected into office in 2007, also hailed from the state and during his early days as President, he frequented the state on almost weekly basis, and whenever he was around state government activities always peaked. Late Yar’Adua often held series of meetings with politicians and members of the business community, while those seeking one favour or the other never tired storming the state. The state’s roads and international airport witnessed much traffic as the state became a Mecca of sorts, with people wanting to come into the president’s state for either business or pleasure. One major event that had the late president in attendance was the commissioning of the Umaru Musa Yar’adua University. The mammoth crowd that flew or drove into the state included religious leaders, government officials, politicians, foreigners and members of the business community. It is expected that with Buhari as President, such human traffic would be witnessed on a similar, if not larger scale it the state.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Views

Monday, May 18, 2015

What is it about LASU? TAYO OGUNBIYI

he situation at the Lagos State University (LASU) certainly calls for urgent action among all stakeholders in the education sector. Things have gotten to such a level at the institution that one is tempted to suggest that Anezi Okoro probably had LASU in mind when he was writing his famous book: One Week, One Trouble. No doubt, LASU, established 31 years ago by the Lagos State Government to help nurture and produce new crop of future leaders, has been turned into an arena of the theater of the absurd. At the moment, whenever LASU is in the news, it is almost going to be for the wrong reasons. Sadly, the current state of affairs at the university sharply negates the dreams and aspirations of the institution’s founding fathers. Years ago, LASU used to be notorious for cultism, which was then quite rampant among some of the students. Then, it was not unusual to see various cult groups engage in fierce and bloody gun duels; sometimes in broad daylight. Typically, this was usually followed by serious commotion, which often spread into the adjourning communities, with consequence disruption of socio-economic activities. At a time, things got so bad that an armoured personnel carriers (APCs) had to be stationed permanently at the entrance of the institution with fierce looking armed security personnel constantly monitoring people and events around the school. When eventually cult activities subsided to a reasonable degree, LASU became bedeviled with students related crises that are too numerous to be recalled. In1992, for instance, one of such crises became so complicated that the institu-

tion had to be closed down for over two years. Till date, in the history of tertiary education in the country, no university has been shut down for that long on the consideration of students’ crisis. But that is LASU for you! It has suddenly become an institution that has developed a penchant for getting into records for the wrong reasons. Indeed, some parents who could not bear the horror of watching their wards waste away for over 24 months had to devise alternative options for their wards. Ever since, student union activities have become so volatile that successive ViceChancellors of the university have had to devise ingenious means of dealing with it. In some cases, it worked; in some other instances, it triggered off further troubles. Interestingly, the trouble with LASU is not only limited to students’ crisis. If LASU students are capricious, the various unions at the institution are fiery lots. When they sneeze, LASU catches cold. One of the glorious eras of the institution, under the leadership of the late Professor Jadesola Akande, was eventually marred by several acrimonious agitations by members of the institution’s chapter of Academic Staff Union (ASUU) and Non Academic Staff Union (NASU), among others. On one occasion, the situation got to such a ridiculous peak that some agitating NASU members had to tear the dress of the then Registrar, Mrs. Jacinta, who had the misfortune of having to address the aggrieved union members, into shreds. The sorry episode became a tale that reverberated across the land. Many who could not hide their disgust at such a show of shame, coming from the ivory tower that is universally renowned for decency and civility, astonishingly asked in utter disbelief: “What is it about LASU?”

THE VICE CHANCELLOR NEEDS TO DEVICE A PRACTICAL STYLE OF DEALING WITH UNFRIENDLY UNION LEADERS AND THEIR COHORTS That was over a decade ago. Years after the ugly Mrs. Jacinta’s theatre of the absurd episode, LASU has continued to move along the ignoble path of unending crises. Presently, all is not at ease at LASU as the various unions at the institution are at daggers drawn with the current Vice Chancellor, Professor John Obafunwa, over several issues ranging from high handedness to non promotion of staff as at when due. A few weeks ago, in the characteristic LASU fashion of handling such rancorous matters, the Vice Chancellor and some of his principal officers were chased away from the school. The ASUU members that spearheaded the move are insisting that the embattled Vice Chancellor is no longer welcome at the institution, and till date, reports have it that the Vice Chancellor hasn’t stepped into the school. Presently, LASU remains shut, implying that academic activities are grounded. The way things stand; nobody knows how soon the institution is to be reopened. Once again, the hopes and aspirations of students at the institution hang in the balance. Worse hit are those in the final stretch of their academic endeavours. They are no longer sure of what the future holds for them. If the students are at present toeing a precari-

ous path, their parents’ plight is no less pitiable. Some of them, who are training their wards under extremely excruciating economic conditions, are already counting their losses as the institution remains shut. On its part, the Lagos State government has remained unwavering in its commitment to investing in infrastructures at the university. The LASU School of Transportation, first of its kind in Nigeria, which is a response to contemporary necessity, has been fully accredited by the Nigeria Universities Commission (NUC). Equally, the Students Arcade, Senate Building, Central Library, Faculty of Law Auditorium, School of Management Sciences, LASU International School, among others, are part of the state government’s sponsored capital projects at various stages of completion at the institution. It is, therefore, rather agonizing that it is at a time when the Lagos State government is committing huge resources to usher in massive infrastructure development at LASU that the various unions at the institution with the school’s management have, once again, decided to turn the citadel of learning into a battle ground. It is, however, not too late for the warring factions at LASU to sheath their swords for the sake of peace. Grandstanding on matters that could be settled amicably is unbecoming of an institution of learning of LASU’s status. The Vice Chancellor needs to device a practical style of dealing with unfriendly union leaders and their cohorts. That is what management demands. Being unduly high handed, as he is being accused, would certainly leads LASU to nowhere. Ogunbiyi is of the Features Unit, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

Still on the green-eyed monster called envy SANDRA AKUOMA

ast week, I introduced you to the topic envy, which I described as a feeling of resentment towards someone when he/she has what we wish we should have had. Envy, I write, centres on feelings of not enough, doubt, scarcity and longing. Typical examples that I gave include your neighbour buying a new car you have been saving for months to have, or you have been longing for a child for years and effortlessly your friend gets pregnant, or it could be about job promotion, your boss favouring your colleague’s work over yours, or your friend just getting engaged when you have just broken up from a long term relationship. But the focus this week will be on how to combat envy. First is counting your blessings. Let me say it again from the roof top, count your blessings! If you keep focusing on other people’s blessings and bemoaning your own inadequacies, you will start developing a complex. Desire what you have, not what you don’t have. Develop a spirit of gratitude. Second is using your feeling as a positive emotion. Try and become a better you,

WE ALL HAVE OUR CROSSES AND CHALLENGES NO MATTER HOW RICH

AND FAMOUS WE ARE, OR THE MATERIAL THINGS WE HAVE improve your life. Get better qualifications, be a goal getter, always praise yourself and remember where you have come from. Look back at your achievements and set better and realistic goals. Third, have your own GPS/map/yard stick. Don’t measure yourself by other people’s yard stick or standard; find your own map and walk your path. Remember we are all different and have different roles in the universe to play. We are all unique, so stop comparing yourself to other people, and stick to your global positioning system (GPS). We all have our crosses and challenges no matter how rich and famous we are, or the material things we have. We do not know

what cross others had to carry or are still carrying to get to where they are now or to maintain their status quo. Grass is always greener, and in every level there is a devil to fight. Fourth, do things you enjoy and learn to make yourself happy. By doing things you enjoy, going out with friends, volunteering your spare time on some charity project, pampering yourself, using your time wisely instead of focusing on what your neighbor or people have, or going through people’s lives on Facebook. In short, go do something constructive. Fifth, don’t get distracted. Don’t let your ego convince you that you are a looser, or that someone else is doing better than you. Comparison is a distraction. Sixth, talk to a friend or therapist/counselor. If you consistently struggle with envy, seek help or talk to a friend; and also learn to increase your self-worth and confidence. Envy is something we all feel but we seldom admit or talk about it. As a culture we need to find healthy solutions to this issue as we cannot erase what we cannot face. Seventh, spend time helping people to become the best they can be. It’s very rewarding supporting people to become better; the benefits are awesome. Remember the more you give the more you receive also. The uni-

versal law of attraction states that you attract what you give. We should always remember that our happiness is not only on the big things in life like new car, new house, marriage, etc., it’s also a combination of little things we don’t really pay attention to - a smile from a friend, health, waking up in the morning, being able to breathe fresh air, watching the sunset, life etc., so many things to be grateful for. External or material things do not define our true self; we are bigger than those things. Life is a journey of sharing, caring and making the world a better place for everyone. The material things are just an added bonus. Ms Akuoma wrote from Lagos via sanlifepointers@hotmail.com and can be reached through 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 18, 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

At last, Ogoniland remembered

lose to four years after the August 4, 2011 release by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) of the independent assessment of the environment and public health impacts of oil contamination in Ogoniland, Rivers State, in the Niger Delta region, and options for remediation given, a project UNEP undertook at the request of the Nigerian government, there appears to be a silver lining in the cloud for the remediation of the grave damages done to the area by decades of oil exploration and related activities of multinational oil companies in the area. Reports early last week revealed, for instance, that the world’s largest clean-up and restoration effort will commence at Bodo-Ogoni, in the Gokana Local Government Area of the state, come July this year. Two solid and reputable international firms, which emerged from a transparent and competitive technical bidding process which commenced in July 2014, were said to have been contracted for the clean-up exercise. The necessary Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with representatives of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), the major oil multinational operating in Ogoniland and Bodo community and

other stakeholders, was said to have been signed as well, following mediation efforts by a former Ambassador of Netherlands to Nigeria, Bert Ronhaar and the National Coalition on Gas Flaring and Oil Spills in the Niger Delta (NACGOND). Indeed, financial support for the remediation is expected to come from the Embassy of Netherlands in Nigeria, Rivers State Ministry of Environment, Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) and UNEP, with the Nigerian Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) providing support and guidance their own ways. It is obvious that the latest initiative is not about the wholesale implementation of the UNEP report. But it represents a remarkable milestone in that direction. Since 2011, not much was heard about the UNEP report on Ogoniland, except when in February 2014, the Director-General of NOSDRA, Mr. Peter Idabor, claimed the Federal Government had started implementing the report by addressing some emergency measures, among which was the provision of a Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HPRP) to provide alternative facilities for Ogoni communities. But the UNEP report was more

THIS FRESH DAWN MUST NOT BE SQUANDERED FOR ANY REASON encompassing and penetrating. It stated, for example, that restoring Ogoniland to its old self might take as much as 30 years as s result of over 50 years of pollution occasioned by oil spillage. When he presented the report to President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011, UNEP’s Director, Ibrahim Thiaw, said the assessment jointly carried out by his agency and a ‘Presidential Implementation Committee’ for 14 months involved the examination of more than 200 locations, survey of 122 kilometres of pipeline rights of way, review of more than 5,000 medical records and the engagement over 23,000 people at local community meetings. Thiaw said detailed investigation on soil and groundwater contamination in 69 sites spanning hectares of land across local government areas in Ogoniland was equally undertaken. In all, over 4,000 samples were analysed, including water taken from 142 groundwater monitoring wells drilled specifically for the study; and soil extracted from 780 boreholes. A proposed Ogoniland Envi-

ON THIS DAY May 18, 1927 The Bath Consolidated School, Michigan, United States disaster, involving three bombings, which killed 38 elementary school children, two teachers, four other adults and the bomber himself; and injured at least 58 people, occurred. The bomber was the school’s board treasurer, Andrew Kehoe, 55, who was ostensibly enraged about a property tax levied to fund the construction of the school building.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

May 18, 1991 Northern Somalia declared its independence from the rest of Somalia as the Republic of Somaliland, but was not recognized by the international community. Somaliland is thus a nonrecognised, self-declared de facto sovereign state that is internationally recognised as an autonomous region of Somalia. The government of Somaliland regards itself as the successor state to the British Somaliland protectorate.

ronmental Restoration Authority (OGERA) was to oversee the implementation of the study’s recommendations, while the Environmental Restoration Fund for Ogoniland, with an initial capital injection of $1 billion to be contributed by the oil industry and the government, was supposed to be used to kick-start the work. However, by 2012, a year after the report was submitted, no definite steps were taken to revisit the document. The development, perhaps, compelled environmental rights groups like Social Action; Health of Mother Earth Foundation; and Ogoni Solidarity Forum, among others, to converge on August 4, 2013 in Bori, the traditional headquarters of Ogoniland, to commemorate the second anniversary of the release of the UNEP report in protest. All that should be history now with the anticipated commencement of serious work at BodoOgoni in less than three months time (July 2015). Indeed, the remediation effort kicking off from Bodo promises not just an honour to the memory of the ‘Ogoni 9’ executed in November 1995 over the Ogoni struggle, but the beginning of a new understanding between SPDC and Ogoni natives. This fresh dawn must not be squandered for any reason.

x May 18, 2009 The separatist Tamil Tigers were defeated by the Sri Lankan government, ending almost 26 years of fighting between the two sides. From July 23, 1983, the Sri Lankan Civil War was fought on the island of Sri Lanka. There was an on-and-off insurgency against the government by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (the LTTE, also known as the Tamil Tigers), a separatist militant organization.

A2 18

Business Courage

Monday, May 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cover

ECOWAS CET:

Optimising fiscal regime for The recent approval by the Federal Government for the implementation of the Common External Tariff, CET, for 2015-2019 by the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, is a welcome development, especially for the real sector of Nigeria’s economy, given its fiscal and other benefits. Despite this, experts however doubt the capacity of the sector to leverage on tariff regime for improved share in the sub-regional export trade market due to its multi-dimensional constraints. Francis Ezem reports.

o say that Nigeria with a Gross Domestic of GDP of $510 billion and a population estimated at over 170 million people is the largest economy is saying the obvious. What this means based on various assessment parameters is that with this large population, the country has a large pool of cheap labour that would constitute a great asset to the manufacturing sector if the enabling environment is created. It is probably against this background that most operators in the supply chain could not hide their excitement when the Federal Government last month announced the commencement of the new CET for the 16-member nations of the ECOWAS community. Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala, who announced the new tariff regime, which took effect April 11, 2015, said that in addition to the approval of the new CET, government also approved the implementation of the 2015 fiscal policy measures. According to the minister, the implementation of

the ECOWAS CET 20152019 and its Supplementary Protection Measures SPM and the 2015 Fiscal Policy Measures occurs concurrently and will take effect from April 11, 2015 after the expiration of the 30 day- notice required under the provisions of the ECOWAS CET. “ By this development, as from April 11, 2015, all imports arriving into the country shall be subjected to the rates contained in the CET 2015- 2019 and 2015 Fiscal Measures without recourse to the rates applicable before the coming into effect of the ECOWAS CET 2015 – 2019”, the minister said. Sequel to Federal Government’s pronouncement on the CET, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Alhaji Abdullahi directed all the Customs Area Controllers to adjust their systems to reflect the new tariff structure, an order that was immediately complied with. In what appeared an endorsement of the new tariff regime, Shippers Association of Lagos State, the umbrella body for all importers and exporters operating in the state, commended the govern-

Abdullahi

Okonjo-Iweala

ment on the fiscal measure. President of the association, Rev Jonathan Nicol, told Business Courage that the importers and exporters would be the major beneficiaries of the new tariff regime, which covers the entire ECOWAS community. He also noted that, the new tariff structure would, among other benefits, bring about control and regulation in the imposition of tariffs by the different Customs Administration and other government agencies in the imposition of tariffs on importers and exporters. “When countries meet under a system where there is control and a common tariff structure, members would be careful not to violate but where there is no such ar-

rangement, many of them would impose all manners of tariffs, which would not be in the best interest of the cargo owners, the shippers”, Nicol, said. According to him, in addition to facilitating the enthronement of a measure of control, the unified tariff structure within the West African Community would also reduce the cost of doing business, which the shippers have clamoured for over the years. He argued that the greatest challenge faced by most importers and exporters especially in Africa remains the very high cost of doing business in the shipping and maritime environment, which does not promote business, as it eats deep into profitability. “The shippers boss

also said: “One other benefit of the common tariff within the West African Community is that member-nations are under obligation to honour and enforce the CET, which is also good for the shippers because this will bring about a level of certainty in making projections in terms of cost doing business”, he also said. He however faulted insinuations that shippers (importers and exporters) operating in the country would be made to pay more under the new tariff structure. While describing this insinuation as baseless and unfounded, he insisted that the issue is not with Nigerian shippers (importers and exporters) alone, rather those within the member states of the ECOWAS, which will not

operate a uniform tariff structure whether they are in Nigeria or Ghana, among others. Many other stakeholders in Nigeria’s supply chain have expressed the hope that the new tariff regime would impact positively on Nigeria’s economy. One of such stakeholders is the Customs Area Controller in charge of Apapa Area 1 command, Lagos, Comptroller Charles Edike. Edike, who confirmed in an interview in Lagos that the service has already adjusted its systems to reflect te new structure, however said that the benefit off the CET will be both on the regional level as well as national level. Regionally, he said that the new tariff strucUDO ONYEKA, CO-ORDINATOR BUSINESS COURAGE udonyeka@gmail.com c

Global Media Mirror Limited

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, May 18, 2015

A3 19

Nigeria’s real sector benefits sence of public supply of light, lack of roads and absence of multimodal transport system, which would have made it cost effective for the manufacturers to move their raw materials and finished goods. He also listed the problem of high cost of funds, arguing that Nigerian banks have resorted to funding Local Credits, which they believe makes more business sense. “Interest rate s among the commercial is between 22-24 per cent and no manufacturing company can assess such loans for their businesses and remain afloat The implication is that if urgent measures were not put in place to ad-

Nicol

ture was partly designed to integrate the 16-membe nations of the ECOWAS community, as it would promote and facilitate trade within the region.. Nationally, the new regime, according to him, would encourage productive activities in the manufacturing sectors of the various nations, which among other things, would boost government’s revenue. “The new tariff would rather boost production within the region, as there would be increased trade because of the standardized tariff regime within the community, which would boost revenue of the members”, he argued. “The implication of this increased production activities and exports would lead to an increase in Federal Government’s non-oil revenue because instead of importing these products into the West African community from Europe, Asia and Amer-

ica, the importers would prefer to import from Nigeria, taking advantage of the uniform tariff structure”, CAC said. According to him, for a country like Nigeria, the new regime of tariff would encourage increased production and export of goods such as Bournvita, plastics and plastic and other related products such as slippers, buckets and other allied products. Investigations also showed that the new CET would in addition encourage and boost legitimate trade within the ECOWAS region, which will be of immense benefit to Nigeria given the size of her market and her production capabilities, which will open her up into the economies of other members of the community. He said: “The new regime would encourage and boost legitimate trade, it would also reduce smuggling since it will not make much sense to smuggle from Togo for

instance into Nigeria or the Republic of Benin since the tariff is uniform within the i6-member ECOWAS community”. He therefore urged operators in the real sector of the Nigerian economy to take full advantage of the unified tariff regime to boost their manufacturing capacities so that they would produce more, part of which would be exported to neighbouring West African countries. But many stakeholders have expressed reservations over the ability of the nation’s real sector to maximize the benefits that would be brought about by the unified tariff regime. An economic analyst, Mr. Mike Nwokeafor, who spoke in an interview, noted that the real sector, which is the engine of growth of any economy, is in a state of comatose. According to him, the sector is bedeviled by poor infrastructure, occasioned by the total ab-

dress these challenges, the ECOWAS CET would be like another Africa’s Opportunity Growth Act, which brought so much expectations and hope but was not maximally utilized in the interest of the Nigerian nation”, Nwokeafor said. He also warned that if other members of the community take advantage of the new tariff, they would mass produce and make Nigeria a dumping ground for these products manufactured within the ECOWAS community. “What this means is that the new tariff would also bring about competition among products manufactured within the community because products made in Nigeria

might not be able to compete in terms of pricing because the cost of production is higher due to the failed infrastructure and high cost of funds”, among several other factors. He also expressed worries that no serious business in Nigeria runs on public power supply because the owner of the business must acquire giant-size generating sets, which is also fuelled with attendant high cost of diesel. He therefore urged the new government to take to take urgent steps to check this infrastructure failure, especially public power supply and decayed road infrastructure. BC

A4 20

Business Courage

Monday, May 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News Gridlock: Stakeholders bemoan concentration of tank farms in Apapa By Francis Ezem

ort concessionaires under the aegis of Seaport Terminal Association of Nigeria STOAN; have raised fresh alarm that the worsening gridlock on port access roads might cripple port operations if urgent steps were not taken to address the issues. Port stakeholders had in the last three weeks been grappling with the crippling effects of gridlocks on all port approaches occasioned by the decision of tanker drivers to part their trucks on major roads in Apapa, especially Apapa-Mile 2 and the Ijora, which had brought economic activities in Apapa and environs including the seaports to a final halt. This is sequel to the ongoing disagreement between the Federal Government over the payment of subsidy on imported petroleum products, which led to the suspension of lifting of refined products, which also gave rise to the lingering fuel crisis across the country. Chairman, of the association, Princess Vicky Haastrup, who spoke in Lagos, described this ugly development as a direct consequence of system failure in the oil and gas logistics chain, blaming it primarily on the concentration of tank farms in Apapa, which she argued was absurd. Available records show that there are no fewer than 60 tank farms and other related facilities for the storage and dispensing of refined petroleum products operating in the Apapa area of Lagos. “There is an over-concentration of oil tank farms in Apapa, an area predominantly designed for port operations. There is now a situation where we have proliferation of oil tank farms without regards for the safety logistics implication, which is absurd. According to her, the association issued a warning about five years ago in which it advised the Federal Government to discontinue with the supply

L-R: Computer System and Network Engineer, Covenant University (CU), Prof. Samuel John; Adviser, Ivory Banking, Heritage Banking Company Limited, Titilayo Babaoye; Chairman, Planning Committee, Prof. Olawale Daramola and Dean, College of Science and Technology, CU, Prof. Chinedu Shalom, during the Covenant University’s International Conference on African Development Issues at the University’s Campus in Ota, Ogun State recently

of products to tank farm operations in Apapa, but regretted that nothing was done about the timely warning, noting that the problem is currently staring everyone in the face. “Port operations have been brought to a virtual standstill as a result of this chaos created by tank farm and oil tankers and it does not look like anyone is doing anything drastic about it. “We have a situation where over 10,000 tankers flock into Apapa daily and when you add this to the number of conventional trucks on routine maritime operations, it is not surprising that we have the kind of gridlock we are currently witnessing,” she said. Haastrup, who doubles as Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of ENL Consortium, terminal operators in charge of Terminals C and D of the Lagos Ports Complex Apapa said that the only way out of the problem, especially in the short run is the immediate suspension of the lifting of imported petroleum products from tank farms by road.

MNM African Shipping Lines woos Olam, DHL on export cargo

Haastrup

NM African Shipping Lines Services says it will work with multinational companies operating in Nigeria such as DHL and Olam Nigeria, which is highly diversified in agricultural production and commodity trades as part of strategies to remain afloat in the face of increasing competition in the shipping industry in Nigeria. The shipping Line, which is the first fully privately, owned in Africa, had recently appoint-

ed the SIFAX Group, a fully Nigerian company with interest in maritime and shipping, aviation and oil and gas operations its representative in Nigeria as well as in Ghana to handle its shipments comprising both imports and exports. Managing director of the group, Mr. Marcus Brickman, who spoke recently in Lagos, admitted that there is stiff competition in the country, a development that had made the company to carve a niche for itself in the commodity export segment of the business. According to him, the company is focusing on lifting export consignments for multinational firms like the DHL and Olam, through the introduction of innovative service delivery package. He also said that working as a Nigerian company would bring about lots of advantages and benefits to the new shipping line, especially in its export cargo drive. It was also gathered that in addition to working with the likes of Olam and DHL in terms of sourcing cargo, the shipping line will also take advantage of the grassroot contacts of its shipping agents in Nigeria and Ghana, the SIFAX Group to muster agricultural products. The targeted groups in this cargo sourcing drive include the cocoa producers, Sesame seeds and Cashew Nuts producers and cotton who the company would offer haulage and other transhipment service as incentives. On why the company went into container shipping instead of tanker where there is ready made cargo for companies that have good vessels, the managing director noted that the Executive Vice Chairman of the Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi has made much impact in

container shipping in Nigeria, which the company would take advantage of.

sional areas at degree and sub degree level. Speaking on the approval, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi said “this formal approval of the licence will signify a major milestone in the Agency’s capacity building initiatives as it will guarantee sustainable training of qualified manpower for the maritime industry at international standard”. Following the licence issued by the Federal Government, the university is now set to commence academic activities at its fully developed temporary site in Kurutie, also in WarriSouth West Local Government Area. The groundbreaking ceremony of the institution, as well as the NIMASA Shipyard and Dockyard in Okerenkoko, was conducted by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in May, last year.

Goldlink Insurance sponsors Risk Management training

Akpobolokemi

FG approves Nigeria Maritime University By Udo Onyeka

he Federal Executive Council, FEC, has given approval to the Nigeria Maritime University, NMU, to commence academic activities. The university, which is an initiative of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, was set up to sustain growth of maritime capacity. The institution, which received FEC approval at its meeting last week in Abuja as announced by the Hon. Minister of Information, Mrs Patricia Akwashiki, is the first full fledged maritime university in West Africa. With its permanent site in Okerenkoko, Warri SouthWest Local Government Area of Delta State, the university is expected to run courses in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Nautical Science, Transport Technology and other maritime related profes-

oldlink Insurance Plc has successfully sponsorsed the Certification Training and Examination in ISO 31000 Risk Management by the Global Institute of Risk Management Standard ,G31000, which held in Lagos making it the first in Nigeria and the whole of Sub-Sahara Africa excluding South Africa. The President of Global Institute of Risk Management Standard headquartered in France, which is the global platform for ISO 31000, Alex Dali, was at the event to oversee the 3-day master class that had participants from Goldlink Insurance, Leadway Assurance Company, Renaissance Capital, First Bank of Nigeria, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, International Energy Insurance Plc and Calabar Microfinance Bank Limited in attendance. According to the report released by the Corporate Affairs Unit of the underwriting company, Mr. Olawale Awosina, the Chief Risk Officer of Goldlink Insurance Plc,

Olutayo

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

a certified ISO 31000 Risk Management Professional and Lead Trainer initiated the move of the training programme to Nigeria. It was disclosed that the ISO 31000 training has been conducted in over 21 countries in the world since its inception; and this is the first time it would be conducted in the whole of Sub-Sahara Africa (South Africa excluded). The three-day professional training programme was facilitated by Alex Dali, the President of G31000, Joseph Iyofor, a Lead Risk Consultant at Greenland Specialist Consulting Services and Olawale Awosina, Chief Risk Officer of Goldlink Insurance Plc. Mr. Gbolahan Olutayo, the Chief Executive Officer of Goldlink, stated that the company put its weight behind the Risk Management Standard training because of its understanding of the need for proper risk assessment and management in its daily operational activities as a risk-taker and its relevance in every facet of business world.

Skye Bank assets hit N1.42trn By Johnson Okanlawon

kye Bank has announced a total asset of N1.42trn for the financial year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of 26.8 per cent when compared to N1.12trn recorded in the same period of 2013. Also, the group’s total liabilities consisting of its deposit base and other accruals rose to N1.29trn in the period under review, from N995bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2013, an increase of 29.6 per cent. According to the bank’s approved 2014 full year financial statements submitted to the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, it grew its loans and advances portfolio by 18.4 per cent, from N549.9bn in 2013 to N651.3bn in 2014. The IFRS compliant results also showed an increase in total equity to N132.3bn from N121.4bn recorded in the preceding year, representing a

L-R: Executive director, HR & Admin, SIFAX Group Dr. Phil Ofulue, Managing Director of the Group, Mr. Machaus Bricksman, assistant manager, commercials Mr. Sunkanmi Olubi and manager, corporate affairs Mr. Muyiwa Akande, at a media parley organized by the Group recently in Lagos

growth of 8.9 per cent. Significantly, retained earnings rose 71.1 per cent, rising to N33.7bn from N19.7bn recorded in 2013, which reflected the group’s pursuit of growth in a stable, strategic and an enduring manner. In view of certain developments during the year, including elevated impairment charges, regulatory payments, and higher operating cost, its profit before tax for the year declined from N19.6bn to N10.5bn. Also, its profit after tax declined to N9.7bn, from N18.5bn reported in 2013. Speaking on the result, the bank’s Group Managing Director, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo, said that in spite of the challenging operating environment, the bank carefully grew its risk assets portfolio, attained a 15.7 per cent growth in deposits, supported customers in critical and productive sectors of the economy, and declared a fairly decent profit. Oguntayo said that the recent acquisition of Mainstreet Bank Limited, which has resulted into a much larger franchise of over 450 branches, provides the bank with enhanced capacity to provide easier access to its teeming customers, and explore various opportunities in diverse segments of the Nigerian economy.

FIIRO DG re-appointed for another tenure By Abolaji Adebayo

T Oguntayo

Business Courage

Monday, May 18, 2015

he Director General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, FIIRO, Dr. Mrs. Gloria Elemo has been reappointed for four-year tenure. In a release by the Institute at the weekend, indicated that Elemo’s new term commenced

Elemo

last Monday. A 1984 University of Ibadan doctorate degree holder in Nutritional Biochemistry, Mrs. Elemo has been a clinical Biochemist at the Bauchi State Hospital, where she had her NYSC and lectured at the Lagos State University, Ojo, where she rose to senior lectureship position in the Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences in 1991. In 1993, Dr Elemo joined the Raw Material Research and Development Council in Abuja as Assistant Scientific Officer, where she rose through the ranks to become a deputy director. In 2007, and in display of competence and professionalism in over 27 years of post doctorate working experience, Dr. Elemo was appointed Director, Food and Analytical Services Department of FIIRO.

Fidelity Bank Rewards Savings Account Customers By Udo Onyeka

idelity Bank has given out cash and gift prizes to its

Sweeta and Fidelity Personal Savings Scheme, FPSS, account holders that emerged winners in its loyalty reward scheme.A total of N57.8m was given out to the lucky customers of the bank. The bank explained that with Sweeta, a Fidelity Savings Loyalty Scheme, customers can earn N150, 000 school fees support quarterly. Similarly, with the FPSS scheme, customers can earn N500, 000 extra income. Executive Director, Lagos and South West, Fidelity Bank, Mr. IK Mbagwu said the reward scheme was part of the bank’s contribution to promote financial inclusion. “This is a continuous loyalty scheme to encourage our Sweeta and Fidelity Personal Savings Scheme, FPSS, account holders. What we are doing is just to continue to encourage savings culture, which is basically one of the financial inclusion measures of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. It is our duty to make sure that people continue to save, even as we continue to perform our financial intermediation role. As we make more money, we also give back to the society.

ABX World partners Arik Air, SAHCOL on exports

BX World, an European Union certified ,EUC, cargo agent, recently signed agreement with Arik Air and Skyway Aviation Grand Handling Company ,SAHCOL, as cargo airline and process handling company for its export business. Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Captain John Okakpu said Ni-

A5 21

geria has immense agricultural potential, even as only 40 per cent of her 84 million hectares of arable land is cultivated, plus 263 billion cubic meters of water, having two of the largest rivers in Africa. He said the company, having secured the certification of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority ,NCAA, as an “Authorised Cargo Agent”, is set for an unrivalled speedy export of agro-allied produces, especially perishable items such as vegetables and fruits. “The stability and sustainability of the world economy have been and still depend on agriculture, because agriculture is the major source of survival for man, animals and the industrial sectors through the provision of food and raw materials according to STAN in 2000. In other words, agriculture is coming back as the leading contributor to the economy; hence oil and gas sector is seriously facing funding crisis,” he told journalists. Okakpu said Nigeria has the required manpower to support agricultural expansion, noting that with an estimated 80 million farmers, Nigeria can cultivate enough food for its people and feed the world. He said ABX World believes tapping into the sector can only be sustainable when the private sector expertise is allowed to thrive “There is a need to engage the private sector, investors, local banks and International Financial Institutions with the view of connecting, Supply chain, the vast investment opportunities of Nigeria Agriculture with local and international investors”, he said. On the choice of Arik Air as cargo airline partner, he said that as Nigeria’s leading commercial airline, the airline was the first to operate a fleet of 26 state-of-the arts regional, medium haul and long haul aircraft. He said the whole of agroallied business ABX World can even generate over 20 million jobs for the teeming youths in the country in the areas of farming, harvesting, packaging, branding, and other exports gamut. “The challenges we have as a nation, of course, present opportunities that could be tapped into for value addition and profitability. How can these be communicated to the agile youth-farmers, logistics companies, investors, and foreigners who have interest in Nigeria’s agro-produce? That is the basis for ABX World’s interest to educate the youths that all of us cannot live in the city. You can make impact, create wealth and live a fulfilled life while residing in the rural areas and home towns,” he said. BC

A6 22

Business Courage

Monday, May 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Companies & Markets

Sterling Bank, Caleb School partner on parenting series workshop Stories by Udo Onyeka

n furtherance of its commitment to the development of education in the country, Sterling Bank in partnership with Caleb Group of Schools has concluded plans to hold the second edition of the Parenting Workshop under its One Education Initiative. According to statement by the bank the workshop is aimed at educating parents and guardians on how to nurture their children and bring out the best in them. It said the event will hold at Caleb International School, Lagos, with the theme ‘Enhancing your child’s capacity for learning’. Group Head, Strategy & Communications, Mr. Shina Atilola, described the Parenting Series as a family growth and

education initiative designed to support parents’ desire to optimise the potentials and talents of their children. He noted that the purpose of the workshop is to aid parents and guardians in dealing with topical issues that affect the upbringing and training of their wards in the 21st century visà-vis the practical day-to-day realities of life in Nigeria. The Bank’s Chief strategist said the involvement of the Bank in the second edition of the workshop was informed by the overwhelming turn-out of parents who attended the first edition, adding that the Bank will continue to invest in initiatives that add value to the lives of people in line with its purpose. “The level of attendance by the parents at the first workshop exceeded our projection.

Yemi Adeola, MD Sterling Bank

The workshop was well attended by both parents (fathers and mothers) with their children. This shows the value parents place on the workshop and the need to bring up their children in a worthy manner, not only to themselves but the family and the country at large. Their con-

tributions are noteworthy”. Speaking on the Bank’s involvement in the education sector, Mr. Atilola who assured that the Bank will continue to invest in initiatives aimed at supporting the sector added that the private sector must come in and invest in the education sector if “we really want our children to get quality education. Sterling Bank’s intervention in the sector will help to ameliorate some of the challenges the sector faces”. “Our focus on education is strategic. We are looking at all actors in the value chain and this is why we set up an education desk to look at the total value chain of education, from suppliers of inputs to the end users. Our desire is to use our expertise to contribute to the development of the sector through a variety of initiatives”, Atilola said. BC

Heritage Bank promises customers efficient service

eritage bank has identified excellent customer service as the major plank for the continued wellbeing of the banking business in the country. To this end, the Bank has assured the banking public that its ongoing process of integration with the acquired Enterprise Bank will result in the building of a more dynamic brand that will offer great and bespoke services. Speaking during the Covenant University’s 3-Day International Conference for African Development Issues ,ICADI, which held at the institution’s Campus in Otta, Ogun state, the Bank’s

Adviser, Ivory Banking, Titilayo Babaoye, said the Bank would continue to strive to be known for innovation and excellent service delivery tailored to suit customers’ banking needs. She added that the bank’s strategy of partnering with various customers to help improve their businesses and take same to desired heights would remain constant. “Heritage Bank is a customer needs driven entity. All our platforms, processes and systems have been configured to work for our customers and drive their banking satisfaction. Every step of the way, we are with the customer. This is

the way to go. Businesses must pay more and more attention to the peculiar needs of the customer. Banks cannot afford not to work with this golden rule if they hope to survive”, she said. Babaoye said with the recent acquisition of Enterprise bank, Heritage Bank now has a wider platform to achieve wider reach for deploying its greater capabilities and value added banking services. “Our on-going merger process fills us with excitement because we can see the exciting possibility of creating a bigger platform for the deployment of innovation, excellence and customer-centric services in a way

never before seen in the country. We understand that true development requires a collective effort and that is why we are committed to offering support and partnership for any and all entrepreneurship ideas aimed at creating, preserving and transferring wealth, especially among youths who are the pivot of the country’s economic and socio-political future”. In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Professor Olawale Daramola, noted that African countries must find urgent solutions to unemployment and worsening standards of living among citizens. BC

Meadowhall restructures, sets new standards in education

n indigenous education and total child development services provider, Meadow Hall Group has announced that entrepreneurs and non-governmental organizations within and outside Nigeria with a passion for total development of children can now leverage on the Meadow Hall experience and cutting edge resources to create opportunities for holistic development of Nigerian children across the socioeconomic divide. At a recent media parley to announce the activities of the Meadow Hall Group and its subsidiaries, Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Kehinde Nwani, said her organisation’s passionate belief that all Nigerian children should have access to world class opportunities for all-round development in-

formed the establishment of the five subsidiaries under the group. They are: Meadow Hall Education being the flagship of the organisation, Meadow Hall Consult, Meadow Hall Foundation, Spring Meadow Edutainment and Meadow Hall Branchise. Mrs. Nwani described the survival and evolution of Meadow Hall as a story of resilience, passion, purpose and patriotism. She noted that though Meadow Hall started out in 2002 as an infant/junior School in the Lekki area of Lagos, the brand has today grown into a multicompetency business owing to its commitment to creating an enduring dynamic platform for enhancing the potential of the Nigerian child.

She said Meadow Hall Education focuses on the cognitive development of children and equipping them with 21st century skills, which would make them relevant in the 21st century workplace. “The school comprises of infant and junior schools in the Lekki and Ikoyi environs, as well as a college situated on its Lekki campus”, she said. According to her Meadow Hall Consult is the educational consulting arm of the Group which offers consultancy services designed to enhance teachers’ skills levels and promote classroom productivity through its various continuous development courses. She said the Meadow Hall Consult has trained nearly 4,000 teachers drawn mostly from public schools on the

platforms of partnership ventures such as: Eko Project, Edu Camp, InnerCity Mission School and SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, adding that it is also involved in training leaders in education on managing and leading their various schools effectively through its Leadership Academy as well as running a finishing school for teachers, thereby making them into well rounded individuals qualified to raise well rounded children. On Meadow Hall Foundation, she said the arm a nonprofit arm of the Group was established to support communities, public schools and the less privileged through various charitable interventions and programmes such as adoption programmes, mentoring and scholarship programmes, among others. BC

Sonul launches in PortHarcourt, promises first class service By David Audu

onul Dry Cleaners has opened a shop at Port Harcourt, Rivers State. According to the Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Nwulu, the company is equipped with the latest automated gadgets and equipment to provide total cleaning experience. Nwulu said he discovered that as a result of busy schedule, many people always worried of what to wear, especially to occasions because they were not ironed. “Others like myself who travel at short notice need to have clean and ready ironed clothes at all times, hence the desire of Sonul to take off that stress from people,” he stated. He maintained that Sonul is open to everybody that desire quality dry cleaning services, stressing that the company is equipped with the most modern gadgets to meet customer demand and satisfaction. “Just drop your garments with us and within minutes you pick them up, no stress, no hassles, that’s the automation we are talking about.” “At Sonul, we not only wash your clothes, mend them as the case may be, but we also treat them so that it lasts longer for you. What people don’t know is that fabrics, like cars or machines are treated to prolong their lifespan. This is the kind of service we are bringing to residents of Port Harcourt as well as pest control and fumigation, cleaning support services and consulting”, he added. Sonul offers laundry and dry cleaning services such as alteration and repairs; wedding gown; industrial/home cleaning; pest control and fumigation, cleaning support services and consulting, and many more. BC

One of the personnel of Sonul Lanudry and Dry Cleaning Service at work

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, May 18, 2015

Business Courage

A7 23

Interview

Online forex trading is evolving job creation source for youths, others – Igwe Online Forex Trading has come to stay in Nigeria, and proving to be popular among the unemployed youths as well as the employed that are looking for extra income .In this interview with Gbenga Odogun, Chief Analyst with Instant Forex John Chukwuemeka Igwe, speaks elaborately on the industry and its value-addition potentials for the economy. Excerpts:

all we have a reasonable number of our trainees that are doing well. Since the industry is not yet regulated what efforts are being made by operators to have the industry regulated? Yes, I heard that some group of persons are working with the Securities and Exchange Commission to have the industry regulated, even though I have no adequate information about this but from what I read in the media I know they are working towards this.

Being a relatively new line of business, what has been the level of patronage in Nigeria? The patronage has been very encouraging. I remember that as far back as 2005/2006 when I personally came in to the business virtually in every nooks and crannies forex was being discussed. As I am talking to you we have up to 300,000 traders in Nigeria. Is it only foreign exchange that can

Igwe

‘

In forex market we are made to understand that you should not come into the market with, money you cannot afford to lose

be traded on the market? No. We have currency pair that can be traded using the trading platforms. We also have metals like gold, silver, futures and so on. In short, we have over 100 instruments that can be traded on the platforms. How can forex contribute to the economy? All over the world there is increasing rate of unemployment and since Nigeria is not an exception, if anyone can develop skills about online forex trading, he will not have to be going around asking anyone to give him job, he will simply rely on it make and income for himself. Also, if one is a trainer, he wouldn’t bother himself looking for jobs anywhere. In the same vein the foreign brokers coming into the country are engaging local people, so they are here contributing to the economy by reducing unemployment. The youths need to be informed first that making money is not something you wake up to find overnight, so coming into Forex market requires patience and does no guarantee overnight wealth but requires

‘

ow would you describe forex trading to ordinary Nigerians? Simply defined Forex means the buying and selling of foreign exchange. There are two types of forex trading; we have offline forex trading which is the buying and selling of foreign currency physically either through the banks or licensed Bureau de Change or even the black market as seen on the streets in the open .We also have online forex trading where buying and selling of foreign exchange is through the InterneT. Online forex therefore is trading in foreign currency using a trading platform. Presently, we have what we call meta trader 4 and meta trader 5. We also have weight based trading platforms. We can use any of these for trading. To go about the business you need to be trained to be informed about the technicalities and you also need to understand as I said before that forex involves exchange of foreign currencies online it may be euro to dollars or British pounds to the dollar or vice versa or Japanese Yen to Canadian dollars and so on, you also need to have time devoted to trading, online forex itself is not central presently we don’t have indigenous forex brokers, most of the forex brokers we have in Nigeria today about 20 of them or thereabout are foreign based. Also someone who wants to go into online forex trading should understand that it comes with some level of risks just like it applies to any other business. So, that is why it is required that the person needs to be properly trained to know when to get in or out of it, and in forex market we are made to understand that you should not come into the market with, money you cannot afford to lose, that does not mean that anyone going in to online forex trading is going to lose his money, what it means is that it’s just like any other business which is exposed to some risks.

proper understanding. You need to be trained by a competent trainer, not just anybody that claimed to be a trainer, it is not a business that you jump in and you jump out with money just like that, if you jump in without proper training am afraid you may just jump out with huge lose. Do you also train would be traders and how many people have benefited from your training programmes? Many people have been trained here at Instant Forex and are doing well, for example, we have a particular client that trained here and took the advantage of our 20 dollar bonus account which we give our clients for free, and after training has been able to trade this account and increased his profit margin from $20 to $1800, to this extent, our trainees were doing well, but I am not saying that there are no others not doing well but that may be due to other reasons ranging from lack of proper understanding of trading technique or personal reasons such as stress bothering him and is not allowing him to concentrate on trading successfully, but over-

How do you resolve conflict that may arise between traders and brokers? One way of settling disputes is to start from the beginning, in the first instant there are certain things that will be offered to you which will make you know what you are likely to run into when choosing broker to deal with. For example here at Instant forex we guarantee to some level that if our clients have any issue with their money, we in Nigeria office, depending on how it happened we in Nigerian office will stand by our clients until that issue is resolve with our parent company in Russia. Instant Forex has way of settling disputes; we try to settle issue between us here first without necessarily involving them but later if need be involve our international partners. Before you go into any business even if its regulated, something is still being needed from the person that part with his money, you need to understand that whatever promises a particular broker is giving to you, is adequately vetted to ensure they are real in case if anything happens and who is the person, do they just come into the country because Nigeria is a big market and rich even when they claimed to be poor you need to ask question that in case anything happens who do I run to. So whether regulated or not do not trade with any money you cannot afford to lose because even if it is regulated you need to go through a process of recovery but then before the money is recovered the owner might even been dead because of heart attack, so what is the essence so the best thing is if you are going in to the business please do not come into online forex trading with money you cannot afford to lose. Do you give your clients some tips to guide them in their trading? Yes, we do. We at Instant Forex post daily signals to our clients and at the same time at the end of the day we still have a kind of instruction telling them don’t use more than this, keep to money management and so on. Also here we have traders’ forum where we bring not just our clients but also the stakeholders and other interested parties together to rub minds regardless of whether or not you are a forex trader, we chose a particular topic and discuss for proper understanding of the trading techniques so that your question are not only attended to by Instant Forex but also other experts. We also give them signals like fundamental issues that make the market uncontrollable to brokers. So, we have a lot of relevant information that will make trading a worthwhile experience. BC

A8 24

Business Courage

Monday, May 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Global News

Stournaras

Greece offers privatization concession as Germany stays tough

reece has offered a concession to its international lenders by pushing ahead with the sale of its biggest port, Piraeus. Greece has asked three firms to submit bids for a majority stake in the port, a senior privatization official told Reuters, unblocking a major sale of a public asset as the EU and the IMF demand economic reforms from Athens. Despite the conciliatory move, Germany’s Bundesbank showed no sign of easing off on its hardline stance toward Greece. Bundesbank chief Jens Weidmann criticised weekly top-ups of emergency funding to Greek banks, saying in a German newspaper interview that this broke a taboo against the European central banking system financing governments. Greek banks have been drawing emergency liquidity assistance from the country’s central bank, a funding lifeline provided in exchange for collateral. Greek banks have been using the money to buy shortterm government debt, helping to keep the country’s finances afloat. The ECB has been raising the cap on the funds weekly, most recently on Tuesday by 1.1. billion euros to 80 billion euros, but Weidmann questioned this. “Given the ban on monetary financing of states, I don’t think it’s OK that banks which don’t have access to the markets are being granted loans which then finance the bonds of their government, which doesn’t have access to the markets itself,” Weidmann told Handelsblatt. In an apparent attempt to present a more united front as it struggles to reach a deal with its international lenders, Greece’s leftist government sought to play down tensions with its own central bank. Bank of Greece Governor Yannis Stournaras’s relations

with the government have come under scrutiny after a newspaper accused him of undermining Greece’s talks with creditors, and government officials openly criticised him on other issues. “The Greek government hasn’t opened any issue with Mr. Stournaras. If issues have surfaced, it wasn’t due to the government’s initiative,” government spokesman Gabriel Sakellaridis told reporters. “The issue of the central bank’s independence, which is fully respected by the Greek government, is above all an issue for the central bank to defend.” Any deterioration in relations between the two sides could worsen already difficult talks between Greece and its European Union and International Monetary Fund lenders, who have been angered by what they say is the Greek government’s refusal to play by European rules. The tensions come against the backdrop of limited progress in talks with lenders on a cash-for-reforms deal as Greece quickly runs out of cash. Athens emptied an IMF reserves account to pay the IMF this week, but now faces wage and pension payments later in the month and fresh debt payments in June.

SABMiller snaps up booming craft beer firm

rewing giant SABMiller said Friday it had bought London-based craft beer company Meantime for an undisclosed sum, as big players in a saturated beer market eye opportunities in the fast-growing sector. “Meantime is a pioneer in British modern craft beer, giving SABMiller an entry point into the fastest-growing segment of the UK beer market,” the British-South African company said in a statement. SABMiller, which owns major global brands like Pilsner Urquell, Peroni, Miller and Grolsch, said it would aim to grow Meantime nationally and explore export opportunities to other parts of Europe. Established in 1999 in the southeast London suburb of Greenwich, Meantime has become popular on the city’s craft beer scene with its London Pale Ale and Yakima Red brews. Contacted by AFP, a spokesman declined to reveal the value of the deal, but a source said it was much less than the £300 million (414 million euros, $473 million) valuation for another British craft beer company, Brewdog. The deal highlights the growing popularity of craft beers in Britain.

The volume of beer sold by Meantime rose 58 percent in 2014, compared to overall growth in the British beer market of just one percent last year. Spiros Malandrakis, an expert at Euromonitor, a market intelligence company in London, said brewers wanted to get away from “maturity and saturation.” Big brewers were interested in taking over craft brewers “to make the most of their momentum,” he said.

EBRD to invest more in Central Europe, exUSSR, Greece

he European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) promised on Friday more funds for ex-Soviet countries, Central Europe, and Greece, but ruled out new investments in Russia due to Western economic sanctions over Ukraine. “We have the potential to expand our investment levels beyond what we are currently doing and we should use this opportunity where there is real need and where there is real reform,” the EBRD’s President Suma Chakrabarti said during the bank’s annual meeting held in the Georgian capital Tbilisi. He said the terms of EBRD’s investments pledged to Greece will depend on the outcome of Athens’ talks with its creditors. “How much we can do, how many projects, what sectors we can operate in” would depend on the economic policy agreed to between the Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’s radical leftist government and its creditors, Chakrabarti added. “The need (for investments) is there and that is why Greece became a country of operations for the EBRD this year,” he said, adding that the bank has so far “started in a very small way.” At Athens’ request, the London-based institution announced in March the launch of a five-year investment programme in Greece, without specifying the volume of funds pledged.

On Thursday, the EBRD issued its first ever economic forecast for Greece, warning the country of another “major recession” if talks fail with the International Monetary Fund and the European Union on a minimum set of reforms required to unlock the bailout loan’s last tranche of 7.2 billion euros ($8.2 billion). It said that the Greek economy, which grew by 0.8 percent in 2014, would post zero growth this year and expand by two percent in 2016, provided the negotiations prove successful. - Nothing for Russia Chakrabarti also said his bank was ready for more investments in the wide swathe of countries suffering the aftershocks of Russia’s economic and financial crisis. “What has been happening in the Russian economy has affected the Caucasus, but also Central Asia quite deeply, so I’d expect us to invest more,” he said. “I’d expect us to be investing more in Central Europe and the Baltics.” On Thursday, the EBRD revised growth forecasts downwards for almost all ex-Soviet countries that have been hard hit by the Russian crisis. A consequence of Western economic sanctions and falling oil prices, Russia’s economic dive “is having larger-thanexpected negative spill-over effects on countries with which it has strong economic links,” the EBRD said. Russia’s gross domestic product is due to contract by 4.5 per cent this year and 1.8 per cent in 2016, according to the EBRD. In July 2014, the EBRD froze new investments in Russia as part of the Western sanctions imposed on Moscow over its alleged role in backing the pro-Russian rebels in the unfolding Ukraine crisis. Russian Deputy Finance Minister Sergei Storchak on Thursday denounced the decision as politically motivated and breaching EBRD’s mandate. “Mr. Storchak also said he did not expect EBRD returning to Russia with new projects this year and I think he is right,” Chakrabarti said.

Bank of England to test UK banks on coping with illiquid markets

B Chakrabarti

ritain’s banks will be tested this year on how they would cope with investors clamoring to sell bonds in fragile markets, Bank of England Deputy Governor Andrew Bailey said on Friday.

Bailey

Regulators are increasingly concerned that bond investors will stampede for the exits when interest rates begin rising, creating huge price swings because there won’t be enough liquidity or inventory capacity to cope. Bailey said central banks could, in exceptional circumstances, step in themselves to boost market liquidity. Huge swings in U.S. Treasuries last October and in the Swiss franc in January deepened the concerns and Bailey said the BoE wants to see how such volatility feeds back into banks, key players in making markets. “In order to enhance our protection against this risk, in this year’s BoE concurrent stress test, we are taking a substantial step to enhance the coverage of market risks,” he said in a speech. Banks have cut their inventories of bonds for trading, blaming tougher regulation. But Bailey said inventories have simply returned to more normal levels, though the global bond market has grown from $30 trillion in 2000 to nearly $90 trillion today. The Bank’s Financial Policy Committee has asked for an interim report on fragile liquidity for June. Bailey said it was best to focus on activities that create markets risks like fragile liquidity before moving on to entities that house those activities. UK regulators are studying whether automated trading using computer programs, which can exacerbate market moves, is properly controlled. Britain’s Fair and Effective Markets Review of trading, due to be published next month, will look at market structure standards, and effective competition and pre-emptive supervision, Bailey said. Regulators are also looking at options for controlling risks from asset managers offering short-term redemptions to investors against potentially illiquid assets, Bailey added. Potential responses could include requiring funds to hold larger liquid asset buffers, to apply stricter leverage limits, and to reflect liquidity risks in redemption terms. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, May 18, 2015

A9 25

Brand Watch

Elumelu champions entrepreneurship devt model for Africa Stories by David Audu

frican businessman and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu, has proposed a new entrepreneur-led development model for Africa at two high profile events in Washington DC. Elumelu, who is Chairman of United Bank for Africa, and founder, the Tony Elumelu Foundation, spoke at a White House event hosted by United States President, Barack Obama, last Monday to celebrate emerging entrepreneurs around the globe. According to a statement the event was a prelude to Obama’s scheduled trip to Kenya this summer for the Global Entrepreneurship Summit. During remarks to announce the Summit and his plans to participate, President Obama thanked the global coalition

of entrepreneurship organizations that collaborated with his administration to launch the Spark campaign for global entrepreneurship, a campaign in which the Tony Elumelu Foundation is a founding member. The President went on to say to the entrepreneurs present, “Entrepreneurship empowers people to no longer be subject to aid agencies, but to be part of something to pursue their dreams. Entrepreneurs like you can change the world one idea at a time.” During his comments at the White House event while participating on a panel moderated by United States Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, Mr Elumelu championed the cause of African entrepreneurs as the primary drivers of Africa’s transformation. In closing, Mr Elumelu provided the following advice to global entre-

Calypso Coconut Liqueur partners Skuki Entertainment on campus tour

s part of its commitment to the entertainment Industry in Nigeria, Calypso Coconut Liqueur, a brand from the stable of Grand Oak Limited, a Marketer and distributor of Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic beverages, has embarked on a Musical Tour across campuses in Nigeria. Tagged ‘Skuki and Friends Campus Concert’, the tour promises to be a memorable one. The musical group makes its first stop today at Nigeria’s premier university, the University of Ibadan and will move round other universities. Performing at the University of Ibadan concert is Skuki the “Banger” corona himself and other celebrated Nigerian musical artistes like Olamide, Phyno, May D, Zeez, Black Magic, Vector, Lil Kesh and a host of other notable artiste in the Music Industry. Commenting on the event, the Brand Manager, Calypso

Coconut Liqueur, Miss Joy Alabata, said “the Calypso, Skuki and Friends Campus Tour will be a thrilling event with great performance from Skuki and other musical Icons in the Industry” She also added, “Calypso Coconut Liqueur brand is specially packaged for fun lovers and the campus Tour with Skuki and friends provides a good opportunity to connect with our core targets and for Calypso. The idea is to ensure that we provide a platform for fun and complete entertainment in all campuses across the Country”. The Calypso brand has over the years sponsored series of events ranging from UniLag Biobaku Hall week, Grand Oak Valentine party and a host of others. Calypso Coconut Liqueur is a special tropical coconut flavoured drink that is carefully blended for fun lovers with good taste. BC

preneurs, “Entrepreneurship is a long term journey. Great entrepreneurs are not made overnight. Dare to dream, implement your dream, and stay focused.” Elumelu’s foundation recently launched the $100 million Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, which aims to assist in growing 10,000 start-up companies across the African continent over the next 10 years- demonstrating a commitment to empowering entrepreneurs to drive Africa’s social and economic transformation. Other speakers that joined Obama and Elumelu to promote entrepreneurship at the White House event included Mark Cuban, Owner of the Dallas Mavericks; Barbara Corcoran; Founder of Barbara Corcoran Venture Partners; Daymond John, CEO and founder of FUBU — all investors on the hit ABC show Shark Tank; Antonio Gracias, Founder of Valor Equity Partners; and Julie Hanna, Founder of Kiva. Accompanying Elumelu to

the White House was Shadi Sabeh, a young Nigerian entrepreneur from Sokoto State who is a mentee of Mr Elumelu and a past winner of the Tony and Awele Elumelu Prize for Economics from Usman Dan Fodio University. Following on the White House event, Elumelu delivered a lecture at Georgetown Univer-

Brand Networks acquires ad platform Shift for $50m

ocial marketing company, Brand Networks, has announced its acquisition of Shift in a $50m cash-and-stock deal. Back in 2013, it acquired Optimal, another social media advertising company. Brand Networks founder and CEO Jamie Tedford, pictured above, said “the success of our own business on-boarding Optimal” made him confident about integrating Shift. Tedford explained that his company and Shift, previously known as GraphEffect, had been “friendly competitors for many years,” and that it was an attractive acquisition because of Shift’s technology, its team and its client list. Shift co-founder and CEO James Borow will become chief product officer at Brand Networks ,a role once held by Optimal’s Rob Leathern, who’s now working on a new startup, and

Tedford

he said “a very large portion” of his team is moving over as part of the acquisition. “Our goal was always to have a complete social marketing platform,” Borow said — and in his view, combining the Brand Networks and Shift products accomplishes that goal. The companies are already re-

Unilever to increase investments in Nigeria by N43bn

n its bid to return Unilever Nigeria to profitability, Unilever overseas last week opened an offer to increase its equity stake in Unilever Nigeria from 50.10 per cent to a maximum of 75 per cent which has been approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission and Nigerian Stock Exchange. The offer provides share-

holders who wish to sell some or all of their shares in Unilever Nigeria opportunity to do so. Citigroup Global Markets Limited and Chapel Hill Advisory Partners Limited have been appointed financial advisers to Unilever Overseas Holdings. The offer price represents a premium of 33.8 per cent to company’s closing share

sity in Washington DC on May 12 on the topic ‘EntrepreneurLed Development: A New Model for Africa’. The lecture was attended by a large audience including students, faculty, and alumni of Georgetown, as well as members of the US and African private sector, diplomatic core, and international development sector. BC

price on March 23, 2015. Unilever would acquire up to 942,215,930 shares in company at N45.50 per share in cash and the offer will remain open for acceptance until June 10, 2015. Total value of transaction at intended offer price is approximately N42.871bn The management of Unilever

Nigeria in recent times had been compelled by cash flow pressure to increase its borrowing considerably in the year. Shortterm borrowings multiplied four times to N12.06bn in 2014. The company had announced a drop in profit by nearly one-half in its 2014 financial year in its unaudited report ahead of its upcoming AGM BC

leasing the first steps in this integration by launching Shift’s RelevanceRank technology across the Brand Networks platform. That means Brand Networks can now score any piece of content based on how it will perform on different social advertising environments, and also recommend when a marketer should increase their budget to give something a bigger boost. social ad companies team up as brand networks acquires optimal for $35m aiming to be a onestop shop for social marketing, brand networks raises $68m in its first funding marketing startup shift raises $6m for European expansion. Borow added that he sees brand networks, optimal and shift as three companies that have “all grown up in the same place.” “As different as we are, we’re a hell of a lot more similar in many ways,” he said. “We’ve all, for the past five years, been looking at Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, and really been about combining all these worlds.” The two companies say they collectively manage more than $500m in advertising spending for 650 brands and agencies, including Interpublic Group, WPP, AT&T, Yahoo and Unilever. Brand Networks raised a single, $68m funding round, while Shift had raised $14m in funding. BC

A10 26

Business Courage

Monday, May 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Review

Stakeholders task Buhari on fuel scarcity, refineries By Gbenga Odogun

he Nigeria National Petroleum corporation NNPC through its subsidiary Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, have been in the business of providing refined petroleum product to the citizen since 1977 when it was established under the Petroleum Minister, Col. Mohammadu Buhari who as fate would have it is now the president elect due to assume office come May 29. NNPC has four refineries, two in Port Harcourt (PHRC), and one each in Kaduna (KRPC) and Warri(WRPC). The refineries have a combined installed capacity of 445,000 barrels per day. A comprehensive network of pipelines and depots strategically located throughout Nigeria links these refineries. One thing is however common to these refineries and that is they are all performing below installed capacity and have remained in that state in the last 18 years! The ongoing fuel supply shortage across the length and breadth of Nigeria has again brought the question about the state of our refineries to the fore front of the argument about tackling the phenomenon of perennial fuel crisis that is proving to be too stubborn to address. Industry watchers have sounded it clear that urgent step is needed if Nigeria is to attain fuel sufficiency in the near future and in fact if we are to reap any benefit from the current drop in the price of crude in the international market. Experts were of the view that the current drop in the price of crude in the international market made it imperative that there was an urgent need to put the refineries to maximum use to guarantee cheap refined product as opposed to the current importation on which huge sums was being paid in subsidy. Even though the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation

has claimed that the capacity utilization of the refineries have improved significantly in the last one year, the truth is yet to manifest in the lives of ordinary citizens who still queue for product at filling stations leading to huge lose in an hour with its economic implications. In fact, the reality out there today is that, as marketers were unable to keep up with importation level due to the devaluation of the Naira to meet local demand, the refineries were also not on hand to lend a helping hand due also to their below capacity performance The refineries have degenerated in the last 18 years

due to successive governments neglect of their Turn Around Maintenance thus preventing them from meeting their target of installed capacity of 445000 daily refining. The low capacity utilization of the refineries has resulted in product lifting being rationed to marketers depending on what each of the refineries is able to produce. Efforts to revive the ailing refineries by successive government in the past 16 years of our political experiments have not yielded the desired results. In 2005, the Federal government licensed 18 private investor to establish and operate private

A Refinery

Experts however believed that the past efforts at reviving the refineries were not far reaching enough adding that the incoming administration under General Muhamadu Buhari has a duty to take a holistic view at the refineries with the aim of addressing them head on. Operators insist that the incoming administration should as a matter of urgency deregulates the downstream sector of the petroleum industry as domestic refining can never be profitable in a regulated system ‘’My advice to the incoming Buhari administration is to pursue the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill that will see to the unbundling of the NNPC”.said Ndibe Nonso, a public Affairs analyst. That will be the first step towards deregulating the petroleum sector. He said that the incoming administration must also take courage and see to the eventual removal of oil subsidy as that is one of the biggest drainpipes in our economy. Nonso also called for the encouragement of modular refineries, already started by the outgoing administration as it costs much less, have shorter project cycle and can concentrate on one product at a time. This good initiative and others must be sustained by the incoming administration, if we are to say a final goodbye to the endless queues in our fuel stations. BC

Oil theft: NSCDC warns vandals, auctions confiscated oil tanker

he Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has auctioned one of the two confiscated oil tankers arrested in Abuja in 2014 as part of its war against oil theft. The Commandant-General of the corps, Dr Ade Abolurin, supervised the public auction on Friday in Abuja. Abolurin said that the trucks were arrested in July, 2014, with stolen crude oil, and that the

auction process was sanctioned by the court after the prosecution of the suspects. He, however, explained that of the two trucks arrested; only one was auctioned, while the other one would be auctioned soon when the court proceedings were completed. “We want you to know that we decided to do this in order to ensure transparency and due process so as to avoid any com-

World on track for sustainable energy

he world may achieve universal access to sustainable energy earlier that the 2030 projected date,if a new report tracking the progress of Sustainable Energy for All, SE4ALL initiative is anything to go by. According to a report “Progress Toward Sustainable Energy: Global Tracking Framework 2015” even though 1.1 billion people in the world still live without electricity and almost 3 billion still cook using polluting fuels like kerosene, wood, charcoal and dung the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency

refineries to complement the existing ones for maximum efficiency. However, up till date none of those licensed have commenced operation, experts blamed this on the failure to deregulate the market as an incentive to attract needed investment to the industry Also as part of the effort to revive the refineries is the commencement last October of the rehabilitation of the refineries by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC after the failed privatization attempt of 2007, the operation is expected to last 18 months.

and the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix has doubled. “And, while picking up steam, renewable energy generation and energy efficiency improvements will need to accelerate dramatically’’, the report says. The report is the second in a series that tracks the world’s progress toward SE4All’s three goals of universal energy access, doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency, and doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix - all to be met by 2030. BC

Geregu power generation plant

plaints and insinuations, “When oil vandals are arrested, we have a diligent process that we go through, this include: arrest; thorough investigation; prosecution and obeying court orders which may include auction of the confiscated items,’’ he said. The NSCDC boss said that a committee on the auction process comprising the NSCDC, Army, Navy, JTF, Office of the AccounAbolurin

tant-General of the Federation, EFCC, ICPC and DSS was responsible for the smooth process. He said that similar seized items had been auctioned in other parts of the country such as Rivers, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Lagos, Oyo and Abuja in line with due process. Abolurin also warned oil vandals to desist from vandalising oil facilities as the NSCDC was ever prepared to deal with those caught in the nefarious act. “We are warning oil vandals and their collaborators to desist from this act as the NSCDC is ever ready to arrest those involved in this menace. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, May 18, 2015

A11 27

ICT firms top 2015 global supply chain ranking By Isaiah Erhiawarien

wo of the world’s renowned ICT brands, Cisco System and Samsung Electronics are on the list of the 25 ranking list of supply chain in globe. The 2015 Supply Chain report, in its 11th edition was announced at the Gartner Supply Chain Executive Conference, and revealed also that Amazon took the top spot in top 25 rankings while Apple and P&G moved into New Masters Category. The top five include three from last year Amazon, McDonald’s and Unilever one returning leader, Intel, and a newcomer to this elite group, Inditex. Three companies rejoined the list this year after a lengthy hiatus, with L’Oréal at No. 22, Toyota at No. 24 and Home Depot at No. 25. Those familiar with Gartner’s Supply Chain Top 25 may wonder why perennial leaders Apple and P&G are not included on this year’s list. Research Vice President at Gartner, Stan Aronow, “In this edition of the Supply Chain Top 25, we have several longtime leaders with new lessons to share and a number of more recent entrants from the high-tech, consumer products, retail and industrial sectors.” According to him, this year Gartner introduced a brand new category to highlight the accomplishments and capabilities of long-term leaders saying that Gartner recognised those companies that have consistently had top five composite scores for at least seven out of the last 10 years and placing them into a ‘masters’ category, separate from the overall Supply Chain Top 25 list. Aronow said that in the inaugural year for supply chain masters, “we want to recognise two companies demonstrating sustained leadership: Apple and P&G”, stating that both Apple and P&G have made major con-

tributions to the supply chain profession over the years. He added that P&G was one of the first to characterise and embed the concept of a consumerdriven supply chain, and Apple, defining the very notion of a “solution” supply chain, blazed new trails with its demand creation capabilities. Gartner analysts highlighted three standout trends for supply chain leaders in 2015, which are the Bimodal Supply Chain Strategies, Increased Customer Intimacy and Emerging Digital Business Models. According to Gartner analysts, the chief supply chain officers, CSCOs and their teams face an environment where business models must change quickly, where the expectation is that they will spend as much or more time growing and innovating as they will streamline and promoting efficiency. Gartner has termed this reality “bimodal” saying that “the traditionally, supply chain executives have been successful because they were good at driving down costs. The leaders now realise they will be judged on cost containment as well as the ability

Aronow

to promote and support the top line.” Another trend, the Gartner team analysts said is a focus on customer experience as a measured priority in supply chain organisations adding that independent of the product being sold, leaders are focused on listening more closely to their customers and responding with innovative solutions. “This year, we heard from more companies extending visibility and insight beyond firstline customers and moving on to

the end users of their products. Their supply chains are not just collecting data concerning the details of the sale, but also the patterns of usage and resulting sentiment of the end user,” said Aronow. He added: “Ultimately, pleasing customers with strong operational supply chain performance, when combined with improved solution performance, will lead to measurable improvements in customer satisfaction and contributions to the top line.” Gartner noted that while the Emerging Digital Business Models is still a nascent concept, the view on how supply chain can leverage digital capabilities to support new business models and improve broader value chain performance became clearer this year. It explained that manufacturing is currently at the center of many digital capabilities and leading companies recognise that “the factory” is not just somewhere inside the four walls of the company or an outsource partner stressing that digital synchronisation of manufacturing lines with upstream suppliers and other supply chain functions is where the business value starts to multiply. “The logistics function is not far behind manufacturing in

terms of automation using sensors, gateways, tracking systems and business rules to predict and alert when there will be a variance to the current plan of record”, the report said. According to Gartner, logistics control tower capabilities are not new, but when combined with more affordable sensors and computing power, they portend the democratisation of deeper visibility that can reduce risk and improve both operating costs and customer-service levels for many companies. The Supply Chain Top 25 rankings comprise two main components: financial and opinion. Public financial data gives a view into how companies have performed in the past, while the opinion component provides an eye to potential and reflects future expected leadership, a crucial characteristic. These two components are combined into a total composite score. Gartner analysts derive a master list of companies from the Fortune Global 500 and the Forbes Global 2000, with a revenue cut off of $12 billion. Gartner then pares the combined list down to the manufacturing, retail and distribution sectors, thus eliminating certain industries, such as financial services and insurance. BC

A12 28

Business Courage

Monday, May 18, 2015

TNS, Kantar Media to deepen market research G lobal research consultancy TNS has announced an exclusive and wide-reaching strategic partnership with GeoPoll, the world’s largest mobile survey platform. Under the multi-year agreement, TNS and sister company, Kantar Media, will join forces with GeoPoll to deploy a new range of research products and services intended to deepen and improve market research in Africa, including: giving TNS access to GeoPoll’s platform and user database while TNS will utilise GeoPoll’s mobile surveying platform and user database to conduct mobile research projects for clients throughout Africa. In addition, GeoPoll will become the exclusive provider of mobile sample using their platform in key countries. On collaboration on media measurement services, TNS and Kantar Media will work with GeoPoll to expand its Me-

MacIlwaine

dia Measurement Service in selected countries within Sub Saharan Africa, providing support in the areas of media planning software, sampling and weighting expertise. While on expanding Kantar Media’s data products in Africa, TNS, Kantar Media and GeoPoll will jointly sell Kantar Media’s Global TGI product in a number of markets, bringing regular

consumer insights on a sector by sector basis. TNS, a global leader in market research and Kantar Media, a leading audience measurement and analytics company, are both part of Kantar, one of the world’s largest insight, information and consultancy groups. Future collaboration between GeoPoll and Kantar’s other operating companies in the region is envisaged. Chief Executive Officer, TNS Africa, Mediterranean & Middle East, Kim MacIlwaine, said that “Mobile is an increasingly important mode of communication for market researchers, and we’re excited to collaborate with GeoPoll to expand our data product offerings in key African markets. We believe GeoPoll’s robust mobile surveying technology combined with TNS and Kantar Media’s expertise in market and media research will be beneficial to all of our clients working in Africa.” BC

MTN unveils Internet of things platform T he IOT platform will provide Africans the opportunity to write and build solutions that address the challenges of the continent, said MTN Group Chief Executive Officer Mteto Nyati. The IOT platform will provide Africans the opportunity to write and build solutions that address the challenges of the continent, said Nyati. MTN Business unveiled its Internet of things (IOT) platform, which it said will provide African enterprises with greater control and advanced management features for their connected devices and SIM cards. The platform launch announced by Nyati also saw the introduction of a global machine-to-machine (M2M) SIM card, which will give MTN customers the same rate for M2M activity across the operator’s footprint in Africa.

“To ensure a seamless customer experience for our customers, whenever MTN has presence, the IOT platform has a dedicated network, separate from the consumer network, for operational and business systems support. “As a result, the platform is dedicated to managing all of MTN’s machine-to-machine functions,” Nyati explained. The IOT platform is now live in SA, and it will be launched in other countries in which MTN operates within the next 12 months. “Through this platform, we are going to provide South Africans – and indeed Africans – with an opportunity to write and build solutions that address the challenges of our continent. In the process of doing that, these South Africans will be able to benefit, because they will be generating revenue

Cisco profit edges past estimates C isco Systems’ quarterly profit edged past market estimates as demand for new switches, routers, wireless gear and servers made up for sluggish spending by telecom customers and weak sales in emerging markets. The network equipment maker is transitioning toward high-end switches and routers, and investing in new products such as data analytics software and cloud-management tools. Last month, market research firm Gartner forecast a decline in telecom services spending this year. “In terms of the whole service provider carrier spending, we are not assuming that it’s going to improve in the near

future,” Chief Financial Officer, Kelly Kramer told Reuters. In his last post-earnings conference call, outgoing chief executive John Chambers also dispelled rumours that Cisco had bid $9bn for FireEye, sending the cyber security company’s shares down 3.4 percent in extended trading. Company veteran Chuck Robbins will take over as CEO when Chambers steps down in July after 20 years at the helm. “I will be his wingman,” Chambers said. Several analysts have interpreted the transition as a signal of changing priorities at the company, which is struggling to boost its bottom line in the era of cloud computing. Cisco said it expects an adjusted profit of

Technotalk

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

Dealing with negative online comments

n most sites and social media platforms, good or bad real time comments are easily made about individuals, cooperate and other institutions and become public immediately. Comments sessions seem to showcase the worst of humanity and unfortunately, negative comments tend to be particularly bad in the technology field. People who post damaging and negative comments can be a big problem to you. For many people, the ongoing negativity that lurks in the comments is just not worth the trouble. However, here are few tips that will guide you in dealing with negative comments: Having a policy in place: Depending on the type of site you operate, it’s probably a good idea to make your site’s commenting policy. Once you have a policy in place, you have an option that will allow you to stay out of at least part of the uncomfortable process of dealing with negative comments. You can turn the work over to someone else to do for you which must be consistent. At least, a fast pass through your comments can allow you to screen out those that may impact you personally before you even see them because it’s not always good for comments that are unmoderated to appear on your site. Akismet for word press is a tool that can be used to weed out certain comments that are notoriously unreliable, and each platform has its own system. Don’t remove anonymity: Removing anonymity doesn’t seem to end hateful comments. Many people don’t care whether its removed or not as there are still plenty of nasty remarks showing up on most sites.

Nyati

through their partnership with MTN.” Nyati noted the platform removes significant costs and accessibility barriers, enabling development on a broader scale, leading to the establishment of a vast ecosystem of scalable solutions that address real-world needs. BC

55-57 cents per share for the current quarter. The company also forecast revenue growth of 1 percent to 3 percent. “We are modelling the volatility in emerging markets to continue for several more quarters,” Chambers said. Revenue from Russia fell 41 percent in the third quarter ended 25 April, the company said. Revenue from Brazil declined 10 percent and from China 20 percent. Total revenue increased 5.1 percent to $12.14bn, ahead of an expected $12.07bn. On an adjusted basis, the company earned 54 cents per share, a cent more than what analysts expected. BC

Taking responsibility for your own site: The only sites that you can definitely impact are those that you own and operate yourself. For any other site, you are going to have to appeal some sort of comment moderator to resolve any issue you encounter. How much control you have over comments depends on where you are posting your own content or what you are reading. On your own site, however, you get the last word on comment moderation, every time. You can delete comments, ban certain commentators, and generally refuse to allow trolls to post to your site. You can draw the line anywhere you care to. Reporting troubling comments on other sites: It’s very rare for any site to tell what sort of comments will be moderated or even reviewed. The majority of sites also rely on users to do a first pass of finding offensive comments. On social media sites, it’s common to report spammers as they are annoying to deal with and hitting the report button can be a satisfying way to punishment. Dealing with the deep dark corners of the Internet: If you are the object of offensive remarks, there is a question of how far you should be willing to go to combat offensive or threatening remarks because there are many of blogs, fora, and other websites out there that you likely don’t frequent on a regular basis. Such comments might be response to a blog post you wrote, a project you posted, or some other details you shared online. Deciding where to spend your time with such sites can be very difficult but a tool like Google alerts to access such information can be very useful. In summary, you have to know that the more you respond to negative comments, the more angry and unhappy you will be and at the same time, they get happier because they are getting what they want. They tend to be small, inconsequential people clutching at any kind of recognition they can find. Even being persecuted for hate speech is better to them than the anonymity in which they generally live. You don’t deserve the aggravation of spending any time whatsoever considering these faceless “pest” on the communication highways. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, May 18, 2015

A13 29

Foluso Phillips:

A consulting icon He heads a multinational business and management consulting firm and has tremendous experience in finance, general management and organisation development. His career path spans the automotive industry, pharmaceuticals manufacturing, distribution and management consulting. He is Foluso Adetokunbo Phillips, Chairman/Chief Executive, Phillips Consulting Ltd By Adejuwon Osunnuyi

oluso Adetokunbo Phillips is a man that is endowed with special skills. A multi-talented management and consulting expert, he has in the past 21 years created tremendous value for both local and foreign business organizations. He has particularly being very useful in fostering a mutually beneficial investment relationship between Nigeria and South Africa. And he has being doing this majorly through his consulting firm, Phillips Consulting Limited (PCL). A 1974 graduate of Industrial Economy from the University of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom, Phillips has had wide range of experience in finance, business administration, general management and organisation development. His work record spans automotive and pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution; and management consulting. He spent six years with the then Coopers & Lybrand in the UK (now PWC) as a management consultant, focusing on varied assignments across the African continent. He has also worked as a financial controller, management accountant, and general manager at various stages in his career in the UK and Nigeria. Immediately after he finished his first degree in 1974, the young Phillips joined the services of the British Gas Corporation (BGC) in the UK as a graduate trainee accountant and two years after, he qualified as a Cost and Management Accountant. However, little did Phillips know that the training he got at the British Gas Corporation

would be the one that would eventually lead him into business opportunities through that would not only give him global acclaim, but also create employment for people across continents. So, a year after he qualified as a Cost and Management Accountant, he moved from BGC to Lucas Electrical Company, also in the United Kingdom, where he worked until 1979 when he returned to Nigeria to join the Pfizer Group, an American organisation with an offshoot in Nigeria. Clearly, Phillips enjoyed his stay at Pfizer, the reason which probably accounted for the seven straight years he spent with the company before he relocated back to the United Kingdom again for another career spell. Back in the U.K, Phillips decided to make a career switch from the practice of accounting to learning the trade of management consultancy and Coopers & Lybrand International (now PriceWaterhouseCoopers), another UK based company provided him with the required platform. That was in 1985, eleven years after he graduated as an Industrial Economist. His move to Coopers & Lybrand International was strategic to his choiced career path as an entrepreneur, which he later became some seven years after. During his tenure at Coopers & Lybrand International where Phillips cuts his teeth in management consultancy, he undertook and managed financial management, costing, computer systems and organisation development assignment in the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, parts of Europe and West African countries. And after learning the secrets of management consulting trade in the company for

Phillips

five years, it was again time for him to call it quit with Coopers & Lybrand International andmade the final journey back to Nigeria in 1990 when he took up an appointment with SCOA Group as General Manager in charge of Finance. He, however, had a short stint with SCOA as he had to resign his appointment two years later to pursue his entrepreneurial dream. So, in 1992, after close to 18 years of rendering meritorious service to mostly United Kingdom-based organisations, he took the bold step to set up Phillips Consulting Limited, his first major voyage into the realm of entrepreneurship. Today, Phillips Consulting Limited, a little known management consulting firm in 1992, has evolved into a consulting firm of repute with tentacles widely spread across nations, particularly in Nigeria, South Africa and the United Kingdom. The firm offers an array of business and management consulting services to government and corporate organisations, seeking superiority in all it does. “We

focus on creating and managing changes in organisations by helping them formulate and implement customer focused strategies, align their management systems to support service delivery, and develop the competence and capabilities of their people to deliver on their promises”, a source in the Consulting Firm noted. Phillips Consulting Limited draws its competitive strength from collaborations with global partnership firms in Europe, North America and Africa. “Our delivery skills reflect our highly competitive recruitment of bright, vibrant and experienced consultants, whose competence we continuously enhance through intensive training in the use of our proprietary management tools and techniques,” our source added. Perhaps, what stands out Phillips Consulting Limited among its peers in the industry is its penchant for quality. “No error is pardoned at Phillips Consulting. If a single spelling or typographical error is spotted at any point in any document that is being prepared to go out

from the company, not minding the volume and what cost has gone into the project, the whole job would be destroyed while the error is corrected and the documents prepared again. It is a matter of total quality”, a source within the firm revealed. The firm’s clients, according to Foluso Philips benefit from its consultants’ varied skills through the firms cross-functional approach to assignment execution and empowers clients with the knowledge and skills to continuously improve. “We believe in Africa and its future and dedicate ourselves to achieving the African dream by actively seeking out alliances, partnerships and friendships throughout the continent. We are a proud African consulting firm,” he said Apart from rendering consulting services to clients, another major area of strength the company has developed over the years is training, as it runs training services for corporate and public organisations and as well for individuals. Phillips Consulting LimContinued on pg A14

Business Courage

ited cuts across six major areas which include among others Business Advisory, Human Capital Management, Information Technology, IT Strategy and Governance. Under Business Advisory, the firm’s Governance and Finance team seeks to provide domestic and foreign businesses with excellent corporate services in order to ensure that business objectives are met in an efficient, effective and coherent manner. “We provide services focusing on the key elements of every organisation, from ensuring a clear strategic focus to assist clients in developing credible business plans, feasibility reports and raising project finance and ultimately developing strategies for organizational success”, the firm explained, adding that its understanding of the African environment positions it to deliver unprecedented value in the market place. The firm claims it is committed to channeling much-needed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the African economy; noting that it has a long history of working alongside foreign investors. Apart from business advisory, the human capital management group of the firm boasts to be one of Nigeria’s leading Human Capital Strategy and Advisory providers. With over 17 years of experience, the group says it has provided vanguard; client customized advisory services driven by global best practice to both local and cross border public and private sector institutions. The team offers a cosmopolitan herb of experience, with consultants possessing a range of diverse skills and work experience from the international borders of Africa to Europe, Asia and the United States of America. Shedding light on the module operandi of the Human Capital Management (HCM) Group, a source noted, “We understand that a company is successful only if its people are successful. Its focus must be on attracting quality people with needed skills, aligning their activities with company goals, creating an environment that encourages high performance and providing ample reward for their contributions. While market, product/ service and most resources are easily quantified, people resources are far less so. Yet, in most organisations, the human resource is the single most costly resource. To gain power, an organisation’s challenge is to know its people and to be responsive to their wants and needs”. HCM moves beyond cost control in its service to clients to strategic value hence, ensuring high performance. “We use human resource management as a strategic tool to transform enterprises. Getting the most qualified people for the job and ensuring an easy transition into the structural fabric of your organisation we ensure that we streamline your internal

Monday, May 18, 2015

Phillips

‘

We believe in Africa and its future and dedicate ourselves to achieving the African dream by actively seeking out alliances, partnerships and friendships throughout the continent. We are proud Africans consulting firm

processes and allow you to concentrate on generating profit in your core business” he said. The Information Technology group at Phillips Consulting focuses on Information Security Assurance Services, Strategic Information Systems Planning and Implementation Support and e-business planning and development. It consists of skilled professionals who have developed deep competencies in information systems, information security, information risk management, information technology process optimisation, business information technology (Internet, Databases, etc) planning and implementation and project management. The firm is driven by the belief that Information Technology will continue to play an increasing role in an organisation’s ability to enhance and effectively support its’ core processes. This ability of organisations to derive value from their investments in IT depends on how strong their information culture is. Hence, PCL provides a comprehensive range of IT related services aimed at assisting organisations to effectively develop and manage their IT capabilities for competitive advantage. “Specifically, we aim to achieve

‘

A14 30

enhanced organisational performance through measurable improvements in key performance indicators by painstakingly guiding our clients through the judicious application of IT solutions and architecture. Over the years, PCL has built capacity for training as much as it has in consulting. There are eight distinct areas where the company has developed core competence in training, they include: Management Training, Leadership and Management Development, Customer Service, Sales and Marketing, Finance, Human Capital Development, Strategy and Recruitment. PCL revealed that its collection of management training programmes are geared towards providing individuals with a host of tools and techniques that will better-prepare them for the continuous and diverse challenges that come with the responsibilities of this role. “Our management courses focus on managing self, managing others, management as a set of tools and management as a skill”, the firm disclosed. PCL’s recruitment and selection is related directly to the Nigerian environment in this collection of three programmes that show participants how to attract,

select and recruit different types of job seekers at varying levels. It explained that the techniques needed to recruit effectively in Nigeria’s unique environment are blended with standard tried and tested approaches that are effective and applicable to all types of recruiters. However, beyond consulting and training, Foluso Phillips, himself is an investor, a director in a couple of business organisations and he is at the forefront of linking Nigeria with other countries in Africa for investment purposes. He is a strong business ambassador for Nigeria in South Africa and has been responsible for encouraging and consummating many business relationships between Nigeria and the rainbow country. He is the Chairman of the board of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Director of the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce, a Director of Special Olympics Nigeria, a member of the Advisory Board of Africa. com, Chairman of Interbrand West Africa and a member of the Nigerian Leadership Initiative and of the advisory board of The African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg. He is very active in Nigeria’s corporate scene and sits on the board of several companies, charities and NGOs in Nigeria. He has a very special interest and keen commitment to the African Renaissance and is extremely active in supporting Pan African initiatives in different areas of endeavour. He is an active speaker who has been involved in many international seminars and conferences across Africa and the USA. Foluso Phillips is the Publisher of the Business Times magazine, published out of Accra Ghana. An embodiment of knowledge and expertise in corporate finance, organisation restructuring, enterprise development and devising market strategies for companies expanding out of their country, the bow-ties consulting icon is probably one man which no one in the corporate Nigeria can push aside. Also, as the current Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Foluso Phillips is playing a leading role in the economic renaissance of Africa. For instance, he recently led a team of leading Nigerian investors to Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda to identify investment opportunities available in the country. “Our job here is to try and see what it is exactly that we can take back home in terms of encouraging the people that we know to invest internationally”, he told the media during the visit. An ardent canvasser of business relationship among African countries, Foluso Phillips called for better trade collaborations among economies in the continent at Rwanda, saying that “It is important for us to continue

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

with the pan-African attitude and trade with each other. There is no doubt about it, the size of Nigeria in terms of population and the revenues we generate, and we have the financial muscle to do it. We are going to encourage West Africans to invest in the continent. We are a small team of potential investors but we are able to motivate very many others to invest in Rwanda. So far, we have on my team someone very interested in the aviation business since aviation is going to be a fundamental part of Rwanda’s development,” he said. “We have a financial service company that is interested in trying to see how we can raise funds for people who want to invest in Rwanda, and do all the necessary businesses and inquiries. We also have people interested in media business,” Foluso added. He however noted that as Rwanda eyes benefits from Nigerian investments, Rwanda business community have multiple opportunities of investing in Nigeria also. An indigene of Igbore, Abeokuta in Ogun State, Foluso is one of the children of late Engr. Foluseke Adewunmi Phillips, the first Nigerian to rise from Draftsman Grade 1 in 1942 to become the Chief Mechanical Engineer in 1960. In 1953, at the age of 38 and as a senior Assistant work Manager, he was recommended for, and awarded MBE, the badge for which was presented to him by the Queen of England during her visit to Nigeria in 1960. Foluseke received the Chris Abebe Award from the Nigerian Institute of Management (1978) and from the members of the International Agencies of FIDIC Liaison committee in recognition of his services to his fellow Consulting Engineers (1982.) In 1965, he became the General Manager of the Nigerian Railway Corporation but had to relinquish the post to a military man after the military took over the governance of the country. A principled man, he immediately asked for voluntary retirement but was not allowed to leave as he was recalled and appointed General Manager in December 1966. The late Engr. Phillips, perhaps, laid the foundation of consulting for his son, Foluso as he retired into engineering consulting after his retirement from The Nigerian Railway Corporation in 1970. His firm, FAO Phillips and Associates which he jointly managed with his first son, Lanre, had many projects to its credit. Foluseke Phillips died at the age of 92 in 2008. Although Foluso Phillips may have surpassed the records set by his father at his present age, he is, without mincing words, looking forward to greater achievements in the years ahead. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, May 18, 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

ecently on this column, when I wrote on the topic, ‘Grow the boss; grow the business’, my aim was to challenge start-up CEOs and budding entrepreneurs to put the priority on personal development and build the enterprise. Dear friend, it is important to know that in business, family as well as the society, everything rise and fall on the leader. In all of my business relationships, business observations, business related reading; I have observed that the productivity of enterprise is proportional to the leaders’ personal productivity. Good performance in business does not go beyond the leader’s capability. Where the leader is blind to what matters, the company suffers for it. Often time, the challenge of many start-ups is likened to the blind leading other blinds; automatically, they would all fall into the ditch. If you are in a business mess or bad debt now, it is either you led your enterprise there or your CEO led you there. Without qualitative leadership, business cannot render qualitative services. We are in a time that things change so fast such that many enterprises, which were profitable many years ago suddenly, lost relevance in the market because of slow responses to change. The environment is changing very fast but many business leaders are not changing at the same rate. When industry trend change is moving at a speed that can be equate to 100 changes per hour and a company CEO in the same industry is leading the company change trend at about 10 changes per hour, then it is inevitable that this company close shop or the CEO lose his job. It is important for a CEO to improve on leadership capability consistently, remain relevant in order for business to sustain relevance in the market. Leadership is an art and a privilege. For start-up CEO, when you pitch for investors fund in such a way that they give funds for the venture, it means you have just influenced them and that is a trusted privilege given to you. When a group of people who invested many years in university education or learning skills

decide to accept your offer of employment to help you achieve your business dream faithfully, they simply trust you with their life. Why did I say this? It is because time is life and they gave that to your business through your influence and motivation. In addition, when customers walk into a shop and pick your product, it means they are influenced by your advertorial and it is a trusted privilege. Leadership is a trusted privilege and not a right. Leadership is an attitude that appreciates people and their gifts. The belief that people are valuable is the spirit of leadership. In any venture where spirit of leadership is scarce, there is a very high turnover of workers and irreconcilable crises. True leadership comes down to two things and two personal leadership principles. The two things are “who you are” and “how you think”. The two personal leadership principles are called “principles of personal manifestation” and “principle of movement”. In business, while who you are is self-discovery, how you think is attitude. Many of the world most admired business leaders who have created great values place emphasis on attitude and not aptitude. Attitude is about belief and aptitude is about education. This is the reasons many biggest corporations such as Apple computer in USA, Daystar Christian Centre

The “who you are” and “how you think” panacea

‘

You have to introduce your “person revealed knowledge”, potential and every possibility you discovered about yourself and for your business to yourself before you can be an effective leader

‘

BUSINESS

in Nigeria, Google Inc. in USA, Virgin business in United Kingdom are either started and built by people without university degree or didn’t attend recognised schools. All leaders of these organisations mentioned are recognised for great attitude towards people who work with them. They have strong belief about idea and value for people who support to work on those ideas. I have seen people with PhD who think so poor in leadership position. An example was one of my Heads of Department in the University back in early 2000s. He was a professor and a brilliant scientist, but when he had opportunity of becoming the head of department, unfortunately, he led the department into crises that attracted media attention as this compelled the state governor to intervene.

Ordinarily, it was discovered that the professor thought poorly of his team of lecturers and the students. Sharp cognitive attitude does not always translate to influence. Influence comes from people respecting your gift and your attitude. How you think of yourself and people around you reflect your personal leadership rating. Like I stated earlier, personal leadership consists of two principles which are “principle of personal manifestation” and “principle of movement”. The Principle of “Personal Manifestation” What do I mean by personal manifestation? It simply means self-discovery. Leadership begins with you been introduced to yourself. Discovering and appreciating the gifts in you, your talent and dreams is manifestation. What does it mean to appreciate your business dream or gifts? As entrepreneurs, we sometimes invest in properties, buy stocks, and after sometimes these investments appreciate in terms of values. Appreciation simply means placing value on something. In the same attitude, self-manifestation is placing values on yourself, and business dreams to the point it appreciates. It is how important you perceive, receive, and accept your talent or gift from God for the benefits of humanity. You have not accepted a gift until you appreciate it. If someone

Motivational Business Quotes

he enemy of the truth is very often not the lie – deliberate, contrived, and dishonest – but the myth-persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic. – John F. Kennedy Long-range planning works best in the short term. – Doug Evelyn The NBA is never just a business. It’s always business. It’s always personal. All good businesses are personal. The best businesses are very personal. – Mark Cuban

You can fool all the people all the time if the advertising is right and the budget is big enough. – Joseph E. Levine A business has to be involving, it has to

be fun, and it has to exercise your creative instincts. – Richard Branson The entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it, and exploits it as an opportunity. – Peter F. Drucker No enterprise can exist for itself alone. It ministers to some great need, it performs some great service, not for itself, but for others.. or failing therein, it ceases to be profitable and ceases to exist. – Calvin Coolidge Live daringly, boldly, fearlessly. Taste the relish to be found in competition – in having put forth the best within you. – Henry J. Kaiser BC

gives you a nice jacket, you received it, kept it for many years, and gave it out to somebody did not need it then the probability is that you did not appreciate that gift. The same way that you may have dream for the enterprise but if you do not engage yourself, to live it, it would be lost. Why will it be lost? It is because you do not appreciate it. You have to introduce your “person revealed knowledge”, potential and every possibility you discovered about yourself and for your business to yourself before you can be an effective leader. It means you keep on reassuring yourself, “this is what is possible with me, I can do it and I am doing it.” The “Principle of Movement” Leaders are movers and shakers. The principle of movement is about moving from the present to the future. Every entrepreneur must be able to see the future inside the present business and continue to move towards it every time. It is about moving from the place you are to where you have not been except in your mind. Leaders do not maintain things. The former American President, JF Kennedy, had been to the moon in his mind before he moved the scientists, engineers, and astronauts there. He refused to maintain status quo because he saw what was possible with Americans’ capability beyond the present. Your managers are free to do business services maintenance but leaders move everybody to a possible future. What possible future do you see for that start-up? Move everybody in that direction through your daily communication, training, and personal action. It may look challenging and long time but it is possible. Leaders challenge the tradition and always break the existing record. They break tradition and create new barrier that is to be broken by another leader. Leaders disturbed tradition. Dear entrepreneur, my understanding is that the better the business leaders in any city, the more prosperous is the government, the people and the economy. You are very important to this generation and I believe that you will fulfil your purpose. Be courageous! BC

A16 32

Business Courage

Monday, May 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ThebuddingEntrepreneurs

A skillful micro entrepreneur in shoe-making He had the entrepreneurial passion running through his veins right from childhood. Though he did not go beyond the secondary school, but the skills, courage and perseverance he has exhibited over the years in the shoemaking business make him qualify as master in the art of shoemaking. This is the story of Tetteh Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Mushin, Lagos-based Tee Williams Shoe Assembly Williams

By Adejuwon Osunnuyi

ust like the stories of many of his mould, the journey to the top of entrepreneurship, especially in Nigeria, has not been that of bread and butter for thousands of micro entrepreneurs that, in absence of any benefactor, opted to succeed in the face of all odds. While the Nigerian business turf has always been tough, it is regarded as not fit for the indolent and weak-hearted to tread on. As it is widely acknowledged, only those who could persevere, be focused and courageous could go on to breast the tape of most entrepreneurial races of life. Life experiences of the Bill Gates, Moshood Abiola and Mark Elliot Zuckerberg of this world attest to this. For Tetteh Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Tee Williams Shoe Assembly, though if measured by level of monetary achievements, he might not be said to have arrived, but the above attributes, perhaps, have seen him go through thick and thin to attain his presence status as a master in the art of shoemaking in the country. Today, Williams makes money daily from his line of trade. He is a specialist in latest design of ladies and gent shoe wears. Though Williams is a Ghanaian, having spent more than 30 years in Nigeria, married a Nigerian and gave birth to all his children here in Nigeria, the Tee Williams Shoe Academy boss sees himself more of a Nigerian than a Ghanaian. “I can say am a naturalised

Nigerian because this is my almost thirty something years in the country. I married a Nigerian and I gave birth to all my children here,” he told Business Courage in an interview at his modest workshop under the popular Jibowu Bridge in Lagos. His journey into the shoemaking business actually started during his secondary school days in the 70s in Ghana. Then, while he was attending school, having developed interest in the art of shoe making, whenever he comes back in the evening, he would sneak out the house in order to go and learn the intrigues with a man simply called Mensah, who lived about two streets away. After his secondary education, Williams started his own shoe making business. But while he was not getting the needed fulfillment, in 1982, he came down to Lagos, in search of Golden Fleece. Buoyed by his entrepreneurial spirit, Williams started his business in a very little way at Agege by repairing and polishing shoes. In no small time, he had been known by his numerous customers as a master in shoe shinning. “Then when I polish people’s shoes, they really appreciated the way I did it because if I polish your shoes, you will think it’s a mirror because you would be seeing your face on your shoes. Eventually, he went into partnership with a friend, with whom he was doing the business. But in 1989, due to the fact that the business was not really moving the way he had expected, he had

to call it quit in order to look for another thing doing. However, undaunted, in 1992, his entrepreneurial spirit pushed him back into the shoe making business. According to him, he had inspiration from what he called inner mind or voice of God to go back to the business. This time around, Williams

decided to relocate to Yaba, where he had to start off with a small kiosk. Then, he decided to pick out the letter T in his first name joined with his last name to form the name of company known as Tee Williams Shoe Assembly. Eight years after, as the business began to gain acceptance due to his dexterity on the job, a

friend met him one day and advised him to move to where he is located presently at Moshalashi almost under the bridge so that he could be seen more by many people. When Business Courage visited his workshop recently, there were many different well-made shoes in all shades in display. At Williams shoes Assembly, a pair of newly made shoes goes for about N10,000 to N15,000. According to the Willaims Shoes Assembly boss, his shoes are noted for their high prices because, as he put it, he doesn’t use Nigerian made materials. “My shoes are perfectly made that you will not know the difference between it and the ones done abroad. But we charge people for the job. “We don’t use China. We buy foreign materials such as Italian leathers, Italian soles e.t.c. Our shoes are costly but standard.” “As you know, the finishing touches matters, we give our customers long time guarantee that nothing would happen to their shoes.” “The interesting thing is that some of our customers at times bring foreign shoes of about N30,000, we remove their soles and put another one. “We do jobs that tomorrow you can come back to do another one.” To remove and re-gum any shoes’ sole, it costs about N2, 000 to do that. According to him, this is because, he uses chemical or industrial gum.” “The finishing touches matters a lot. Like any shoe we gum here, we give our customers about 8 month guarantee that

Management Principles

Tips for conducting employee performance reviews

ou’ve invested your time, your money, and all your energy into building your company. But no company can function for very long without a team of productive employees supporting it. It’s important not only that your employees feel appreciated, but also that they feel they’re progressing steadily in their careers. One of the best ways to ensure this level of job satisfaction is by holding employee performance reviews at least once a year. However, as essential as these reviews can be for the growth of the company and the well-being of its employees, many small business owners remain uncomfortable with the entire process. To make your performance reviews as productive and as painless as possible, follow these 10 triedand-true suggestions: *Be prepared: First of all, make sure you are fully prepared before sitting down with the employee. Decide both what you’re going to say and how you’re going to say it. *Lead with the positive: It’s important to reaffirm the employee’s strengths at the beginning of the review. Since job security is the number one concern of most people, the performance review is a good time to tell an employee how much you value their contributions to your business. * Don’t be confrontational: It’s also important not to criticise the employee in general terms. The goal is to evaluate job performance and not the person. A performance review that turns into a gripe session misses the opportunity to raise employee morale. *Keep it real: Human resource professionals recommend that you avoid detailed reviews that are too complicated and mechanistic, which can leave the employee feeling like a drone rather than a human being. *Be consistent: Make sure to handle performance reviews in a consistent manner. Top performers should hear affirmations from you regarding their exemplary efforts; weak performers need to hear that their performance requires improvement. A simple approach to review criteria is to evaluate work based

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, May 18, 2015

A17 33

ThebuddingEntrepreneurs

nothing can pull them off, not even rain.” “Some people bring foreign shoes of about N30, 000, we pull them off, reset them and gum them.” Williams’s skill and creativity can be seen in his ability to make

‘

I believe if I am in a place known to people, more people would patronise me. Some people do tell me that if I am in VI, I could get more corporate customers. For example, I have a boy that worked under me here before, he is working with somebody at Ikoyi, of course, the boy’s standard is not up to my standard, but they are paying him very good amount of money every week

look-alike shoes with foreign counterparts in which case, most of the times are even better in qualities. As a result, over the years, right at his factory under the Moshalashi Bridge, people have been coming from all over the country to patro-

on quantity and quality relative to the job requirements. Secondary considerations might be employee attitude, willingness to help other personnel with their work when appropriate, and the ability to get along with others. *Make it a two-way conversation: An effective performance review requires an interactive discussion with an open agenda. Try to formulate questions that seek the employee’s ideas and input. Remember, this will help the employee feel you value his or her opinions. The review should also be a forum for employees to voice their concerns. *Address what’s important to the employee: Since job satisfaction is the most important factor affecting an employee’s attitude (and therefore his or her level of performance and value to your company), an effective review should delve into areas that include issues most important to that employee. *Discuss work/life balance: The performance review is a good opportunity to show your concern for the employee’s work/life balance, and to jointly discuss solutions to improve that balance. It’s also a good time to create a plan for the employee’s career advancement and discuss what future opportunities might exist for him or her. *Be a good listener: Remember to be an active listener and to pick up on your employee’s verbal and nonverbal cues. *Review regularly: Reviews should be done proactively with the purpose of improving employee morale and productivity. When you conduct them on a regular basis, you avoid reviews prompted solely by the need to document an employee’s poor performance. This in turn can imply that the information is being collected as evidence to avoid litigation, should the employee ever be terminated. The sign of a successful performance review is an employee who leaves the meeting feeling motivated and excited about his or her job. If the employee’s job satisfaction needs are unmet, it’s less likely they will be motivated to focus on your goals for the company. But if an employee feels acknowledged, appreciated, and fairly rewarded for past efforts, he or she will indeed become a valuable asset to the future success of your company.

nise Williams. “People come from Abuja, Kano and all over the places to buy from me. I have customers who are captains in the Nigerian army. I make new booths for them. People love my job.” Having been in the business for more than 21 years, As a master in the job, Williams has made it a priority to impact many young Nigerians in the art of shoemaking. According to him, rather than stay at home and be lamenting about lack of jobs, shoe making is one of the careers that could fetch them good money especially when they are good in it. “I thank God. So far, I have trained many boys. Some come as far as Benin, Ibadan to come and learn the trade here with me. When they start working, within a week, they see that our standard here is different. One interesting thing is that some of them are even bosses in their own right, but they come to me to upgrade their knowledge. They tell me, sir, we can’t work with you, your standard is quite different from ours.” “Many of the boys I have trained on this job are not even in the country again. One is in America, another in South Africa, while many of them are today doing very well here in Nigeria.” Interestingly, one of his children is already emulating him, as he is also becoming a master in the art of shoemaking. Though he is in the university studying petrochemical engineering, Williams told Business Courage that he did not feel bad about his decision but had to encourage him that no knowledge is wasted. “When he told me he wanted to study petrochemical engineering, I encouraged him by telling him that no knowledge is lost. He is really trying. He comes here every evening especially weekend to make his own shoe which he normally displays for sale.” Williams said. But like every other entrepreneurs, it has not been a smooth ride as he has had to cope with many challenges especially lack of fund to expand his business. “The Lord has been doing it. But to say the fact, it is not easy. Finance has been a major challenge.” He said. Though he has had to borrow from some banks in the past, the difficulties he used to face in paying back especially with the high interest rates made him to stop seeking for new line of credit. He believes for now, with his ingenuity, he is still largely in an obscure environment. “I believe if I am in a place known to people, more people would patronise me. Some people do tell me that if I am in VI, I could get more corporate customers. For example, I have a boy that worked under me here before, he is working with somebody at Ikoyi, of course, the boy’s standard is not up to my standard, but they are paying him very good amount of money every week. He is working for a woman who happens to be a banker.” BC

Personal Finance Why most entrepreneurs fail in business

ntrepreneurship is a way of life that offers unlimited possibilities to those who truly believe in it and live by it. But at the same time, entrepreneurship is a way of life that can totally alter the course of your life if misunderstood. Entrepreneurship is not something you can fake your way through; you are either doing it right or not doing it right simple. There are no ways around it. To help you better make that choice, here are seven Indicators of entrepreneurs who are headed for doom. As you go through the list, be sincere to yourself and tick each of the signs currently present in your entrepreneurial life. Seeking money before adding value: This is one of the most obvious signs of most entrepreneurs heading for doom. If your primary motivation for being in business is to acquire wealth rather than to create and add value, then you’ve started off on the wrong foot. If the drive for money supersedes the drive to create innovative products/services that will add value to your target market, then is time for some serious soul searching. Most entrepreneurs who think like this never actually attain that level of financial freedom they so much desire. Low Business IQ: The entrepreneur on the path to failure won’t see the need to develop his/her business IQ because of the quest for money. Such an entrepreneur feel business is all about how much you can make. The fact that how much you can make is a function of how much you know and how much you can do is usually ignored. Thus, they forget that a business just like every other discipline requires certain competencies (knowledge, skill and experience) in order to remain functional. Jack of all Trade: The great Albert Einstein notably stated; “genius is the ability to focus on one particular thing for a long time without losing concentration.” Such is not the case for the entrepreneur heading for doom. In fact, the exact opposite is the case; trying to do more than one thing at a time eventually not achieving excellence in any. As an entrepreneur, your success or failure will be as a result of how well you maximize your strengths. Risk-Averse: Entrepreneurship is about unleashing your passion and creativity to do something that you truly care about. It doesn’t matter whether what you have in mind to create is popular or generally acceptable, what matters is that it mattered enough to you that you are willing to do whatever it takes to make your idea become a reality. The entrepreneur on the path to failure is the one who would never launch out because of the fear of failure, being laughed at, losing money, being called crazy etc. Daring the un-dared for the sake of making change happen is the essence of entrepreneurship and it means looking your fear in the eye and stepping out in spite of it. Shortsightedness: The entrepreneur on the path to doom is the one that will never think of tomorrow. If you cannot literally see yourself and your business far into the future beyond today, then you are on the path to destruction. Why would you want to go into business just for today’s sake alone? Why would you want to build a business the world will no longer remember after you are gone? The essence of entrepreneurship is to perpetually be of service to humanity. Poor money management: Being an entrepreneur means being able to do more with less. The entrepreneur on the path to failure is the one who is extravagant. Thrift or frugality is a requirement for your entrepreneurial journey if you hope to become successful. How else do you intend to succeed if you cannot judiciously manage the resources in your disposal? Insecurity: There is a limit to what an individual can achieve alone, thus the need for team work. The entrepreneur on the path to destruction is the one who will never empower others nor seek the help of others for fear that they might outshine him/her. Great things are seldom achieved alone. BC

A18 34

Business Courage

Monday, May 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Behind d Wheels This page is open to sponsorship

By Adejuwon osunnuyi

re you a lover of convertible cars? Or you are one of those that feel embarrassed driving with open roof? Over the years, lopping the roof off an existing coupe design has always been a tricky operation. The resultant vehicle may provide open-air thrills, but it comes at the expense of weight, dynamism and efficiency. However, despite all the minuses, it might interest you that BMW has stepped up with the 2 Series Convertible. With the fabric-roofed and premiumpriced, many have wondered if the pose value inherent in such a vehicle overcomes the price hike? There’s a lot to like about the BMW 2 Series Coupe. From the frugal-but-fun 220d diesel and 220i entry-level petrol variants

to the manic M235i, via the perfectly-poised 228i mid-point, the smallest BMW coupe is as entertaining to steer as any other two-door on the Bavarian manufacturer’s current roster. Priced from $54,990 (plus on-road costs) the 220i Sport Line is said to be the cheapest way into a new open-air 2 Series. That represents a premium of $3900 over the 220i Coupe, for the opportunity to drop the fabric roof in 20sec, at speeds of up to 50km/h, with the touch of a button. The tested Sport variant looks smart in Midnight Blue metallic paint (a $1142 option) with its 17-inch ‘star-spoke’ alloy wheels and dark fabric soft top. The inside also stands out, though perhaps for less positive reasons. Although the adoption of creamy-coloured leather seats

(Dakota leather, with sun reflective tech; optional for $1692) is a welcome lift compared to the resolute dark grey or black trim found in the majority of leather-clad interiors today, it’s the ‘Fineline Pure fine-wood’ trim that grates. Again optional ($385) it looks and feels like plastic and is devoid of the character expected from a ‘wood’ finish. The matte-finish silver accents around the wood finish are more in keeping with the quality you might expect from a BMW product. Other options fitted here include BMW’s Visibility Package ($2500), a wind deflector ($438), seat heating ($577 and well worth it, for reasons we’ll come to later), front park distance control ($269), parking assistant ($462) and ConnectedDrive Freedom ($923). This

brings the total package to a not-inconsiderable $63,288 (plus on-road costs). Standard equipment 220i (and 228i) includes multiple drive modes (to alter steering/ engine/transmission/stability control responses), cruise control with braking function, rear-view camera, satellite navigation and parking distance control for the rear. Beyond the obvious, the 220i Convertible is similar to its Coupe sibling, producing 135kW/270Nm from a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine coupled to an eightspeed automatic with rearwheel drive. In the 1530kg Convertible application, the fuel consumption is a claimed 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle; 0.4 thirstier than the sleeker, lighter (1365kg) Coupe. If you want more wind through your hair, you can opt for the 228i Convertible. Available from $68,900 (plus ORCs) in tested Sport Line form, it winds the 2.0-litre turbo up to 180kW/350Nm while retaining the eight-speed auto. Fuel consumption for the 1555kg 228i Convertible is up to 6.6L/100km; 0.3 above the 1405kg coupe. You also gain 18-inch alloys, variable sport steering, bi-xenon headlights, park distance control to front and rear and leather upholstery. If you thought the $3900

hike to remove the 220i’s roof was high, then you may be concerned by the $4500 premium the convertible takes over the 228i Coupe. Options fitted to the 228i Sport line include Melbourne Red metallic paint ($1142), ConnectedDrive Freedom ($923), wind deflector ($438), interior with fine brushed aluminium trims and gloss black accents ($288), and parking assistant ($462). This brings the total as-tested price to $72,153. Either variant can also be covered under BMW’s Service Inclusive product. This offers two levels of cover, the first (‘Basic’) offering an advance, one-off payment for scheduled servicing, while ‘Plus’ adds selected maintenance items on top. Cover starts at three years or 60,000km, though owners can specify additional years/kilometres if they wish. Slipping into the 220i first, it’s quickly evident that the sport-style bucket seats are tight-fitting, especially around your sides. There’s also a lack of under-thigh support. Rearseats are for children only, though a single adult could squeeze in for short trips, and roof-up rear visibility through the smaller (though still glass) window is at a premium, especially when you consider how thick the fabric roof is where the C-pillar would normally reside. Said to be 20 per cent tor-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, May 18, 2015

A19 35

Behind d Wheels This page is open to sponsorship sionally stiffer than the old 1 Series Convertible the 220i effectively replaces, in practice the 220i never really shrugs off that overarching feeling that the Coupe has it comfortably licked dynamically. There’s a noticeable delay between steering input and response, and though the structure doesn’t grow too upset over train-tracks, you can feel the Convertible is duller in its response to inputs. BMW also claims the updated roof reduces cabin noise by 5db(A) in the front seats and 7db(A) in the rear. In practice it’s a marked improvement over its predecessor and the overall ride is quiet and refined enough, though it cannot match the Coupe’s tied-down, whisper-quiet highway experience. But there is a positive here; the induction growl of the little four-pot comes through into the cabin in a not-unpleasant way. Roof-down, it’s almost as nice a sound as the straightsixes of yore. On the 220i engine tune, it is smooth and reasonably responsive, with progressive torque the main name of the game. There’s no point revving it towards 7000rpm; indeed, even in the sportiest drive mode the transmission would shift well before redline. As ever, the eight-speeder is smooth to use though can be a bit slow to react when in comfort drive mode, which is where the majority of driving will be done. Moving into the 228i the extra power is immediately evident, and welcome; overtaking becomes a simpler process, and at 7.3L/100km recorded (versus 7.1 for the 220i) the realworld effect is minimal in comparison. As a result the transmission feels more positive, too, able to lug a higher gear where appropriate but also kicking down with more vigour. Where perhaps the 228i falls short is with the variable steering, which adds a degree of unwelcome inconsistency. As a result the loss of rigidity and extra weight of the Convertible felt in the 220i is also exacerbated, the 228i less assured as a result. Without an Audi TT competitor to speak of (yet), the 2 Series Convertible should be considered against the Audi A3 Ambition. The Audi is cheaper (priced from $52,500), comparably powerful (132kW/250Nm) and more fuel efficient, but loses out in terms of driving enjoyment. The MINI Cooper S Cabrio (from $51,150) is another option. Overall, the 2 Series Convertibles are nicely-designed and reasonably well equipped. However, even with its multiple configurations, the price premium and dynamic drop-offs cannot be overcome. BC

Autocare Understanding your car’s instrument cluster warning lights

any car owners love caring for their cars by providing them a thorough wash on each weekend, taking them for a routine service, installing various add-ons and of course, enjoying driving miles and miles of distance. But frankly, how many of us actually care to read their complete user manual as soon as the car is bought home? Perhaps only a few, and that too only when the real need arises during an emergency breakdown. In fact, one of the most important things that car owners must know about their car is to correctly interpret the dashboard warning icons. So, what are the dashboard warning icons? These are small symbols which are normally located on instrument cluster, along with speedometer (behind the steering wheel), that indicate and provide an overview about the basic health of your car. Also, over the last few years, these indicators have gradually replaced the fashion of old-style analogue meters and because they tell about some of the most significant aspects, knowing them is necessary. Most of the warning icons in regular cars are almost selfexplanatory – so let’s kick-start with the basic ones first.

(1) High-beams on • Cause: As simple as its name suggests. The blue semicircle icon with horizontal straight lines on its left indicates that your vehicle’s headlamps are turned on at the high-beam mode which ethically should not be, if you are driving on city with already sufficient lighting on the road for the sake to prevent glare on the eyes of driver in front. • Safe to Drive? Yes. (2) Fog-lamps on • Cause: This icon appears almost same as the highbeam but with vertical mark passing through horizontal lines and illuminates with yellow colour. It glows as soon as the fog lamps are switched on. • Safe to Drive? Yes. (3) Engine Oil Level • Cause: The oil level symbol is extremely important and should never be ignored because it tells about your car’s engine oil state. Please turn off your car immediately if you notice this icon lit while the car is running. Check the engine oil and pressure level, top-up when low but if not and icon still illuminates, seek for prompt assistance. • Safe to Drive? Yes (Immediate check-up recommended) (4) Battery Condition • Cause: A very helpful mark this is – The battery icon, typically, could have two meanings: Either the alternator is not charging or your car’s battery is soon going to be conked off. Don’t panic, because you can still continue to drive but if the destination is far, then better halt at some workshop to know about the exact situation. After all, it’ll be much better than being left stranded on an open road. • Safe to Drive? Yes (Immediate check-up recommended) (5) Handbrake On: • Cause: An exclamation mark inside the circle signifies that the hand brake / parking brake of your car is lifted. Some fresh drivers generally forget to lift down the handbrake lever before starting off and this is not a nice practice. Please remember to turn off the parking brake before taking off for the sake of your car’s rear brakes. This lamp might also remain illuminated when the brake fluid level is reaching the empty figure. • Safe to Drive? No. BC

A20 36

Business Courage

Monday, May 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

REGULATORS

DMO sells N60bn bonds By Udo Onyeka

he Debt Management Office, DMO, has said it sold bonds worth N60bn at lower yields on all tenors at an auction last week. The debt office in a statement said investors submitted total bids of N183.34bn compared with N184.72bn at the last auction. The lower yields, according to Reuters, reflected the trend in the secondary market, which remain at below 14 per cent following a sharp rise immediately after Nigeria’s peaceful elections in March. The 5-year, 10-year and 20year tenors each received a total of N20bn, the debt office said. The 5-year paper was sold at 13.84 percent, lower than 14.44 percent the debt attracted at the last month’s auction. The 10-year bond fetched a yield of 13.48 percent against 14.22 percent last month, while the 20-year debt attracted a yield of 13.88 percent compared with 14.45 percent last month. Meanwhile, Reuters reported yesterday that the Jeddahbased Islamic Development Bank, IDB, has no immediate plans to issue short-term sukuk, Islamic bonds, leaving it

Abraham Nwankwo, DG DMO

to domestic and regional issuers to meet growing demand for liquidity management tools in the sector. A lack of sharia-compliant paper has been a major constraint for the development of Islamic finance, with the tools needed to help Islamic banks meet tough Basel III regulatory standards being phased in very gradually. Last year, the IDB said it aimed to issue its first shortterm sukuk in 2014, adding to wider efforts to develop highquality liquid assets, HQLAs, for Islamic banks to use, but at this stage such a programme is

not planned. “IDB in principle supports the establishment of the shortterm sukuk programme but for the time being we are not considering any issuance,” IDB President Ahmad Mohamed Ali told Reuters. The AAA-rated IDB priced a $1bn five-year sukuk in February and Ali said that next year’s issue would be similar, as the IDB focuses on infrastructure financing. In the meantime, domestic regulators including Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have expanded their Islamic liquidity tools in recent months. The Malaysia-based International Islamic Liquidity Management Corp, IILM, backed by nine central banks and monetary agencies as well as the IDB, has also tried to fill the gap with issuance of three-month and six-month sukuk. But there are concerns that such tools could be insufficient in times of market stress, when they are needed most. “A key issue is the absence of secondary markets that provide a proven record of being a reliable source of liquidity at all times”, Kuwait central bank Governor, Mohammad alHashel had said. BC

FG commissions NDPHC Oke Aro Transmission Facility

igeria’s vice president, Namadi Sambo, has commended the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, NDPHC, for continuously expanding the nations power infrastructure capacity which if sustained will lead to significant economic and social development. Sambo also disclosed that the agency is currently planning to construct large and medium hydro-power dams in the Northern to wheel 20, 000 mega watts capacity. Commissioning the 330/132/33KV transmission substation under the National Integrated Power Project, NIPP, at Oko-Aro in Lagos today, Sambo said that the company is also planning to provide power components for 13 existing dams in the Northern that will step up transmission. The Vice president represented by Prof. Chinedu Nebo, Minister of Power said that current power generation level stands at 5, 500 mega watts and that the NIPP contributes about 2,600 mega watts to the national grid. According to him, let me also reiterate our firm belief and respect for democracy

and its norms and values and our commitment to the progress and prosperity of our dear nation. Speaking further, he said “We shall continue to make our contributions to the development of our dear country as patriotic citizens Oke-Aro today is witnessing another great feat of this administration in power infrastructure capacity expansion to boost economic and industrial development of the country. According to Sambo, the highpoint is the commissioning of a 330/132/33 MVA transmission station with 2×300 MVA transformers at Oke Aro, a boundary town between Lagos and Ogun state, adding that the Oke-Aro Substation is an NIPP initiative by the Federal Government and it is a 330/132/33kv substation which It consists of 2/300MVA transformer and 2/60 MVA transformer with power supply coming from the Egbin Power Station enroute to Ikeja West. He noted that the bulk of the electricity consumed in Lagos region is around Ikeja Industrial area, adding that all these areas depend on the Ikeja West Transmission Sta-

FAAC: States, LGs share N388bn for April

inister of State for Finance, Mr Bashir Yuguda, has said N388bn was shared among the federal, states and local governments as revenue for April 2015. He said that the shared amount comprised the month’s statutory revenue of N282bn and N6.3bn refunded by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. “Also, there is the exchange gain of N24.7bn which is proposed for distribution, therefore, the total revenue distributable for the month of April, including VAT of N75.1bn, is N388bn.’’ News Agency of Nigeria ,NAN, reports that the amount shared for the month was N47bnless than what was shared in the preceding month. Giving the breakdown of revenue among the three tiers of government, Yuguda said the Federal Government received N132.1bn, representing 52.68 per cent; states, N67bn, representing 26.72 per cent. The local governments, he said, received N51.6bn, amounting to 20.60 per cent of the amount distributed. He announced that N23.1bn representing 13 per cent derivation revenue was shared among

the oil producing states. On VAT, he said that the gross revenue collected for the month increased by N3.9bn from the N71.1bn recorded in February. Yuguda said N180.4bn was generated as mineral revenue in April as against the N228.5bn generated in the preceding month. According to him, this shows a decrease of N48.1bn between the two months. He said that the non-mineral revenue for April was N101.5bn, which when compared to the N86.4 billion generated in March, showed an increase of N15bn. The minister said the revenue generation for the month was low, explaining certain reasons for it. BC

Yuguda

OPEC production hits 30.93mbpd in April

Sambo

tion of TCN. “But now that we have this Transmission Substation at Oke-aro, Ikeja West is going to be satisfied abundantly, which means that there is going to be relief to other parts of the Lagos Region. So, it is going to have effects on the whole of Lagos,” he said. Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited, NDPHC, Mr James Olotu, said at the commissioning of the project was currently the biggest transmission substation in the country. Olotu, whose NDPHC is the owner of the National Integrated Power Projects, NIPP, said that the 600 MVA transformers had capacity to distribute 480 mega watts of electricity. BC

il production from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries ,OPEC, totaled 30.93 million barrels per day (b/d) in April up from 210,000 b/d which the cartel pumped in March. The increase was as a result of several member countries production swell. “OPEC production has climbed within a whisker of 31 million b/d, well above the group’s current ceiling,” said Margaret McQuaile, senior correspondent for Platts, a leading global provider of energy and commodities information. “However, given the emphasis on preserving market share and barring some kind of pact with key non-OPEC producers, it seems unlikely that we will see any output policy change at the June 5 meeting. But, with the potential for additional barrels from Iran in the event of sanctions being lifted, the second half of the year could be a lot more eventful.” According to the latest Platts survey of OPEC and oil industry officials and analysts, the April total, which is the highest since November 2012, leaves the group’s output nearly 1 millionb/d above the 30 million b/d ceiling that has been in place since the beginning of 2012 and which Saudi Arabia successfully argued in November should be maintained, despite plunging

oil prices and misgivings among several member countries. The biggest single increase came from OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia, which increased output by 100,000 b/d to 10.1 million b/d in April, while slighter increases came from Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya and Nigeria. Angolan output dropped by 70,000 b/d month on month to 1.68 million b/d, largely due to problems at BP’s Plutonio field. Supply of another Angolan grade, Saturno, has also been affected by power outages in recent months. Libyan production in April rose to 520,000 b/d from 480,000 b/d the previous month. Output climbed as high as 600,000 b/d early in the month as production ramped up from eastern fields, but technical problems at fields operated by the state-owned Sirte Oil Company and the closure of the Elephant (El Feel) field in southwestern Libya saw production slide back below 500,000 b/d. In late April, crude supplies to the eastern Libyan port of Zueitina were suspended after protesters forced the closure of the pipeline feeding the terminal. Iraqi production was estimated at 3.6 million b/d, up 70,000 b/d from March, increased exports from Ceyhan in Turkey compensating for a drop in those from the south. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, May 18, 2015

A21 37

Stock market last week Equities turnover of 1.626 billion shares worth N14.426 billion in 20,124 deals were traded last week by investors on the floor of The Exchange in contrast to a total of 1.584 billion shares valued at N20.151 billion that exchanged hands the previous week in 23,279 deals. The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 1.289 billion shares valued at N9.741 billion traded in 10,522 deals; thus contributing 79.29 per cent and 67.52 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Services Industry followed with a turnover of 76.626 million shares worth N97.927 million in 1,140 deals. The third place was occupied by the Consumer Goods Industry with 69.608 million shares worth N2.078 billion in

3,552 deals. Trading in the Top Three Equities namelyUnited Bank for Africa Plc, Zenith International Bank Plc, and FBN Holdings Plc, (measured by volume) accounted for 754.043 million shares worth N6.223 billion in 3,699 deals, contributing 46.37 per cent and 43.13 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. ETPs Also traded during the week were a total of 25,469 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N3.339 million executed in 53 deals compared with a total of 1.388 million units valued at N31.490 million transacted last week in 47 deals. Retail Bonds There was no bond traded this week under review. However, a total of 4,569 units of

Federal Government Bonds valued at N4.966 million were traded last week in 2 deals. Index Movement The NSE All-Share Index and Market Capitalization appreciated by 0.15 per cent and 0.16 per cent to close on Friday at 34,439.40 and N11.697 trillion respectively. Similarly, six indices finished higher during the week with the exception of the NSE Banking and NSE Insurance indices that edged lower by 0.19% and 0.14% respectively.

65.2 per cent of the total, compared with N9.9trn and 65.1 cent at the end of the preceding month. It also said the All-Share Index, which opened at 29,562.07 at the beginning of the month, was 30,562.93 as at end February, 2015 and represented an increase of 1.8 per cent above the level in the preceding month. All other sectoral indices rose relative to their levels in the preceding period with the

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING PRICE

Summary of Price Changes Thirty equities appreciated in price during the week, lower than 32 equities of the preceding week. Forty-one equities depreciated in price, lower than 45 equities of the preceding week, while 122 remained unchanged higher than 116 equities of the preceding week. BC

exception of the NSE Consumer Goods and the NSE ASeM indices which declined by 1.6 and 0.03 per cent, respectively. “The NSE Banking, NSE Oil and Gas, NSE Lotus Islamic, NSE Insurance and NSE Industrial Goods indices rose by 10.0, 8.13, 7.53, 0.11 and 0.46 per cent to 327.72, 386.09, 2,094.81, 141.75 and 1,924.77, respectively, above their levels at the end of the preceding month”, the report said. BC

CLOSING PRICE

CHANGE

BERGER PAINTS NIG PLC

9.07

10.00

10.25

UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC

5.48

6.03

10.04

BETA GLASS CO (NIG.) PLC

30.00

33.00

10.00

NEIMETH INTL PHARM. PLC.

1.00

1.10

10.00

162.00

176.00

8.64

3.45

3.70

7.25

163.01

173.23

6.27

CONOIL PLC

38.02

39.92

5.00

UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC

43.00

45.03

4.72

4.70

4.92

4.68

7-UP BOTTLING CO PLC CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUP GRP PLC

NSE’s Market Capitalisation increases by 2% in Feb arket Capitalization at N15.45trn, the aggregate market capitalization as at end-February, 2015 indicated an increase of 2.0 per cent, compared with N15.14trn at the end of the preceding month according to Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s report The apex bank in its Economic Report February 2015 also said that market capitalisation for the equities segment rose by 2.3 per cent to N10.1trn, and constituted

Market Indicators for Week Ended 15-05-15 All-Share Index 34,414.18 points Market Capitalization 11.696,881,959,943.51

FORTE OIL PLC

RED STAR EXPRESS PLC

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING PRICE

GLAXO SMITHKLINE NIG. PLC

54.00

CLOSING PRICE

CHANGE

44.20

-18.15

UNITY BANK PLC

2.62

2.23

-14.89

SKYE BANK PLC

2.50

2.17

-13.20 -12.37

HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC

3.96

3.47

ECOBANK TRANS INCORP

24.49

21.56

-11.96

MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC

1.79

1.60

-10.61

LEARN AFRICA PLC

1.27

1.15

-9.45

165.00

150.00

-9.09

R. T. BRISCOE (NIG.) PLC

1.01

0.92

-8.91

TRANS NATIONWIDE EXP PLC

1.16

1.06

-8.62

TOTALFINAELF NIGERIA PLC

Treasury Bills Maturity date

Bid

Offer

13-Aug-15

10.54

29-Oct-15

13.62

10.83 14.53

05-May-16

13.27

15.25

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 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fidelity Bank maintains profitability on retail banking By Johnson Okanlawon

idelity Bank recorded an improvement in its financials for the year ended December 31, 2014 on the back of the bank’s renewed interest in retail banking. This contributed immensely to the net profit and turnover of the bank in the year under review.

Profitably The bank posted a profit before tax of N15.5 billion for the 2014 financial year, an increase of 71.9 per cent when compared to N9 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2013. The bank’s gross earnings rose 4.3 per cent to N132.4 billion, from N126.9 billion recorded in 2013. Profit after tax stood at N13.8 billion, from N7.72 billion recorded in the same period of 2013. The bank, which had consistently paid out dividends to shareholders for the past 10 years, approved 18 kobo per ordinary share of 50 kobo dividend for 2014. However, its net interest income was up 58.5 per cent to N48.8 billion in 2014, from N30.8 billion in 2013, while net interest margin increased from N4,1 per cent in 2013 to six per cent in the review period, showing the efficiency of the bank in the management of liquidity. Liquidity Considering the bank’s capital adequacy ratio of 23.2 per cent, which is far above the regulatory requirement of 15 per cent and its efforts to generate income from interests from loans, the bank is fit to respond to any financial challenges from the public. For the year under review, the bank’s liquidity ratio stood at 38 per cent, compared to 30 per cent stipulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. The bank’s net loan to customers also improved to 66.1 per cent, from52.8 per cent recorded in the corresponding period of 2013. Further analysis of the bank’s balance sheet showed a total assets of N1.19 trillion in 2014, an increase of 9.8 per cent from N1.08 trillion recorded in 2013. The bank’s assets appreciated on the back of its investments in the year under review. Its as-

sets for sale stood at N90.9 million, from N21.04 million in 2013 financial year, while those held to maturity stood at N69.5 million, from N45.1 million in 2013. The bank’s total liabilities however increased marginally due to its debt issued and borrowed funds in the review year. The total liabilities stood at N1.01 trillion, from N917.8 million recorded in 2013 financial year. Deposits from customers rose marginally by 1.7 per cent to 820 million, from N806 million in 2013, while deferred tax liabilities, other liabilities and current income tax liability stood at N1.41 billion, N66.2 million and N1.72 billion respectively. The bank’s retain earnings increased from N7.39 billion in 2013 to N11.7 billion, while reserve with the CBN increased to N20.9 billion, from N18.9 billion in 2013, due to the increase in cash reserve ration by the CBN. Efficiency The bank implemented a service programme centered on building a superior customer service franchise on the back of product innovation and service. The programmed speeded up the quality of service delivery. Its retail structure was flattened to improve market and deepened customers’ interactions. Business strategy The bank plays deeply in the retail and small and medium scale enterprises segment in 2014 and was able to grow

its loan book by 26 per cent, but the devaluation of Naira affected retarded the growth. This year, it’s targeting a loan growth of 10 per cent it’s going to have a big ticket transaction like the Shell Divestment, which it played actively in. “While maintaining our strong corporate banking play, SME banking would help you grow low cost deposits because the multinationals and upper market players cannot pay the type of interest rate you will charge. So, if we deepen our retail play, our cost of fund would be lower,” the Managing Director, Fidelity Bank, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, said last week. Notwithstanding, the bank has concluded plans to raise N30billion additional capital from the capital market to finance critical sectors of the economy. The lender said the funds would be used to finance the small and medium enterprises and boost the bank’s retail infrastructure. The Chairman, Board of Directors, Fidelity Bank, Dr. Christopher Ezeh, explained that the decision was taken to make resources available for the bank to finance its longterm investment and boost its lending to the SMEs and retail lending. Ezeh, who noted that the bonds were exempted from taxation, said it also qualified as securities in which pension fund assets could be invested under the Pensions Reforms Act 2014, and as securities in which trustees could invest under the Trustees In-

Okonkwo

vestments Act, Cap T22, LFN, 2004. He added that the significant growth the lender had recorded in its 2014 financials made the offer to be “firmly and fully underwritten”. This, it said, also gave the investing public confidence in the bank that the lender would put the money into good use. On why the board resolved to go for bond rather than right issues, the managing director said the lender’s financial status was a consideration. “Though this qualifies for a Tier II capital, if you look at our financials, you will see that our Capital Adequacy Ratio is 23.2 per cent, which means really we are very capitalised because the regulatory requirement is 15 per cent. “So, we’ve raised this bond to channel into the Small and

Medium Enterprises banking and to improve our retail infrastructure. The kind of growth we witnessed in the retail sector last year tells us that if we properly provide the right infrastructure for the segment, it should be the new frontier to help us to weather the difficult environment we are operating in,” he said. Background Fidelity Bank offering includes personal, private and corporate banking services, as well as diaspora banking. It also supports small and medium and large scale agriculture establishments within the Fidelity Agri-Nigeria Project. From January 1, 2006, the bank merged its assets, liabilities and undertakings, including real and intellectual property rights with that of FSB International Bank Plc and Manny Bank Plc. The bank was quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Analyst Opinion The bank is one of the best capitalized in the industry with a Capital Adequacy Ratio, CAR, of 23.2 per cent under Basel II, and as such may not be pressed to raise funds to plug any gaps. The bank has an extremely cogent plan for slow and measured growth in areas of competence which may lead to the generation of significant shareholder value in the medium-to-long term. Incorporating all our expectations for the bank, both positive and negative. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, May 18, 2015

A23 39

STOCKWATCH Stock Exchange weekly equities summary as at Friday, May 15, 2015 SECURITY

PRICE (=N=)

AGRICULTURE/AGRO-ALLIED Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC 0.50 OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. 28.44 PRESCO PLC 30.00 Fishing/Hunting/Trapping ELLAH LAKES PLC. 4.26 Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. 2.40 CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. 1.62 CHELLARAMS PLC. 3.95 JOHN HOLT PLC. 0.90 SCOA NIG PLC 4.44 TRANSNATIONAL CORP. OF NIG.PLC 3.19 U A C N PLC. 40.00 CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Construction ARBICO PLC. 5.30 CAPPA & D’ALBERTO PLC. NT Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. 0.81 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 10.25 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. 7.09 GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. 0.93 GUINNESS NIG PLC 155.00 INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. 20.00 JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC. 1.92 NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. 155.18 PREMIER BREWERIES PLC 3.43 Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. 176.00 Food Products BIG TREAT PLC NT DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC 4.64 DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC 6.60 FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. 35.00 HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC 3.47 MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC 0.50 N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. 18.05 NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC 8.00 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. 900.00 Household Durables BETA GLASS CO PLC. NT NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC. 31.82 VITAFOAM NIG PLC. 6.38 VONO PRODUCTS PLC. 0.94 Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. 29.00 UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. 45.03 Textiles/Apparel UNITED NIG. TEXTILES PLC. NT FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. 6.18 DIAMOND BANK PLC 4.37 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INC. 21.56 FIDELITY BANK PLC 1.89 FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC. NT GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. 29.50 INTERCONTINENTAL BANK 13.50 SKYE BANK PLC 2.17 STERLING BANK PLC. 2.15 U B A PLC 5.20 UNION BANK NIG.PLC. 10.50 UNITY BANK PLC 2.23 WEMA BANK PLC. 0.99 ZENITH BANK PLC 22.22 Insurance Carriers, Brokers & Services AFRICAN ALLIANCE INS. COY. PLC 0.50 AIICO INSURANCE PLC. 1.00 CONFIDENCE INSURANCE PLC NT CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INS. PLC 0.50 CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC 0.99 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 0.53 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. 0.68 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 0.54 Micro Finance Banks FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC 5.42 NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC 1.26 Mortgage Carriers, Brokers &Services ABBEY MORTGAGE BANK PLC 1.25 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 2.99 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INS. PLC 4.17 CRUSADER ( NIG) PLC. NT DEAP CAPITAL MGT & TRUST PLC 0.67 FBN HOLDINGS PLC 8.99 FCMB GROUP PLC 3 ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. 0.50 STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC 30.00 SIM CAPITAL ALLIANCE VALUE FUND 103.24 NIGERIA ENERGY SECTOR FUND 552.20 UBA CAPITAL PLC 1.49 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 15-05-15

52 WK HIGH

QUANTITY

52 WK LOW

9,140 261,540 107,996

0.64 107.81 41.14

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 -0.28 3.52

0.50 28.52 28.98

4.26

60,000,000

0.00

N/A

4.26

1,249,104

7.18

0.68

1,199,549,736

0.07

-2.04

2.45

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

0.00 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

1.62 3.95 0.90 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

0.82 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 0.00

NT 10.25

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 -3.46 N/A N/A 1.09 N/A

7.30 0.93 160.56 20.42 2.02 153.50 3.61

24,150

75.90

38.12

640,590,362

4.46

N/A

162.00

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 0.65 3.12 -0.82 -12.37 N/A N/A -3.61 N/A 0.00 N/A

NT 4.61 6.40 35.29 3.96 0.50 18.05 8.30 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

0.00 0.00

39.90 900.00

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 -0.31 N/A

NT 31.82 6.40 0.98

156,973 119,119

56.00 76.00

21.02 27.60

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

1.34 1.42

3.57 4.72

28.00 43.00

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

3.34 -5.00 -11.96 -1.56 #VALUE! 2.32

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

-13.20 0.00 4.00 -4.55 0.00 2.06 4.52

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 0.33 N/A -2.86 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

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

0.00 0.15 2.45 1.23 0.13 1.53

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

0.50 1.04 NT 0.50 0.99 0.50 NT 0.50 0.53 0.50 0.50 NT 0.57 0.5 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.99 0.50 0.70 0.50 NT 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.53 5.42 1.30

0.63

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

5.98 4.60 24.49 1.92 NT 28.83 13.50 2.50 2.15 5.00 11.00 2.62 0.97 21.26

N/A N/A -1.21 N/A 0.00

0.29

1.30 0.50 1.42 0.50 6.4 2.99 4.20 NT 0.67 9.10 3.25 0.50 30.00 103.24 552.20 1.49

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 3.20 GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER PLC 44.20 MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. 1.60 NEIMETH INT PHARM PLC 1.10 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. 1.69 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 20.47 BERGER PAINTS PLC 10.00 CAP PLC 43.00 CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC 10.50 DANGOTE CEMENT PLC 178.50 DN MEYER PLC. 0.83 FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC 0.50 IPWA PLC 0.50 PREMIER PAINTS 10.93 LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. 98.20 PAINTS & COATINGS MANFACT.PLC 1.27 PORTLAND PAINTS & PRDT NIG. PLC 3.64 Electronic and Electrical Products AUSTIN LAZ & COMPANY PLC 2.09 CUTIX PLC. 1.58 NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. 0.50 Packaging/Containers ABPLAST PRODUCTS PLC. NT AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS 1.52 BETA GLASS CO PLC. 33.00 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. 5.11 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 17.81 Petroleum &Petroleum Products Distributors BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC 0.5 CONOIL PLC 39.92 ETERNA PLC. 2.70 FORTE OIL PLC. 173.23 MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. 151.30 MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. 50.54 TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. 150.00 Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVT. CO, LTD. 387.00 SERVICES Advertising AFROMEDIA PLC 0.50 Apparel Retailers LENNARDS (NIG) PLC. 3.15 Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. 0.92 Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC 4.92 TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. 1.06 Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. 0.69 Hospitality TANTALIZERS PLC 0.50 Hotels/Lodging CAPITAL HOTEL 4.07 IKEJA HOTEL PLC 3.79 TOURIST COY NIG PLC 3.51 TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC 9.63 Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC 0.50 Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS 1 LEARN AFRICA PLC 1.15 STUDIO PRESS (NIG) PLC. 2.30 UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. 6.03 Road Transportation ABC TRANSPORT PLCPLC 0.56 Specialty INTERLINKED TECHNOLOGIES PLC 4.66 SECURE ELECTRONIC TECH.PLC 0.5 Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC 2.11 NIG. AVIATION HANDLING COY PLC 6.80 SUPPORT AND LOGISTICS CAVERTON OFFSHORE GROUP PLC 3.7 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 1.59 -18.15 -10.61 10.00 N/A N/A

1.99 3.15 54.00 1.79 1.00 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 1.69

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 NT NT NT 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 0.00 10.25 0.00 0.00 0.28 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

-0.30 N/A N/A

2.72 20.47 9.07 43.00 10.50 178.00 0.83 0.50 0.50 10.93 98.50 1.27 3.83

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 -4.82 N/A

2.09 1.66 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 1.52 30.00 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

-1.92

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

-3.21

18.40

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

5.00 0.00 6.27 0.87 N/A -9.09

0.5 38.02 2.70 163.01 150.00 50.54 165.00

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

4,035,497,307

387.00

0.00

N/A

0.50 3.15

980,294,400

0.00

-8.91

1.01

589,496,310 198,819,763

0.52 0.00

4.68 N/A

4.70 1.16

4,059,547

1.64

0.85

865,808,912

0.00

N/A

0.66

1,500

0.75

0.50

3,211,627,907

0.00

N/A

0.50

100 599,750 1,000 2,800

1.72 3.88 10.00

0.64 3.51 10.00

2,078,796,396

0.00

-4.77

4.07 3.98 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 10.04

0.96 1.27 2.30 5.48

955,140

1.29

0.50

1,507,000,000

0.21

N/A

0.57

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 1.80

2.10 6.68

189044

3.45

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 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, May 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice nationalmirrorlaw@yahoo.com

‘’The rule of ‘audi alteram partem’ is as old as the law itself. It is an indispensible requirement of justice that the judge who has to decide shall hear both sides’’ Justice Niki Tobi, retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria

Adherence to ethics, major challenge facing legal profession —Jimilehin 42 Oyebode

Ayeni

Lawyers playing lead roles in banks’ boards Due to the versatility of the legal profession, no fewer than eight corporate lawyers today are either presiding over the affairs of boards or serving as directors of banks in the country. These lawyers often offer advisory service meant to enhance the enterprise value of the banks in the society, writes FRANCIS FAMOROTI, Head, Judiciary.

Why Gani dragged Bar disciplinary panel to court 45

ICC begins trial of Gbagbo, Blé Goudé November 10 46

otable commercial lawyers otherwise called ‘corporate lawyers’ in the country are also leading top bankers and business entrepreneurs in the country. By their unique responsibilities, many of these lawyers are changing the face of the business environment in Nigeria. Rather than embracing litigation, they have developed passion over the years in offering their services to banks and other firms in the competitive economic environment the world over. In fact, every corporate lawyer who sets up a law firm has never lost focus that such firm should seek to create a leadership advantage through corporate governance, risk, ethics, and compliance practices. It was learnt that the lawyers and their firms usually act as a bridge and catalyst to investors wishing to undertake business in the country and other jurisdictions to ensure that their investments are secured and legally protected. Prominent commercial lawyers serving on the boards of banks include Messrs. Gbenga Oyebode, Asue Ighodalo, Adeyemi Adeola, Paul Usoro, SAN, Prof. Yemi

RATHER THAN EMBRACING LITIGATION, THEY HAVE DEVELOPED PASSION OVER THE YEARS IN OFFERING THEIR SERVICES TO BANKS AND OTHER COMMERCIAL FIRMS IN THE COMPETITIVE ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT. Osinbajo, SAN, and Mrs. Maryam Uwais, among others. Gbenga Oyebode, Chairman, Access Bank Plc Oyebode, Chairman, Access Bank Plc, has been Managing Partner of Aluko & Oyebode, (Barristers, Solicitors & Trademark Agents) since 1993. He is the chairman of the firm’s management board and heads its energy practice, with significant experience in corporate and commercial law, energy and natural resources, project finance, aviation and telecommunications. Oyebode worked as an Associate with White & Case, New York between 1982 and 1983. He was educated at the University of Ife

(LL.B Honours), and the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (LL.M) graduating in 1979 and 1982, respectively. He is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (admitted June 1980) and an attorney-at-law of the Supreme Court of New York State (admitted November 1983). Oyebode is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) (FCIArb) and the Nigerian Leadership Initiative (NLI). He is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the American Bar Association, and the International Bar Association (IBA). He is also a former Chairman of the Section of Business Law (SBL) of the NBA. Oyebode was conferred with one of Nigeria’s highest honours, the

Member of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (MFR) in 2000. He was also conferred with the Belgian Royal Honour of ‘Knight of the Order of Leopold’ in 2007. Apart from being the Chairman, Access Bank Plc and Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, he also serves on the Board of MTN Nigeria Limited. Oyebode presides over the Board of Access Bank Plc. commonly known as Access Bank, licensed in 1989 by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The commercial bank was listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1998. John Olatunde Ayeni, Chairman, Skye Bank Plc Ayeni is a Nigerian lawyer, investor and business magnate. Today, he serves as Chairman of the Board of Skye Bank Plc, and holds board positions on companies throughout Nigeria, spanning multiple business sectors. In fact, the lawyer whose consortium recently acquired NITEL and Mtel is also a director in Ibadan Electricity Development Company. Shortly after he was called to the Bar, he worked with Rodco (Nig) Limited as Legal Adviser from 1991 to 1994 after which he voluntarily left the company to start his own firm, Olatunde Ayeni & Co. in 1994. He later renamed it Legal Resources Alliance, which has remained till date. CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

Law & Justice

Monday, May 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Adherence to ethics, major challenge Chief Oladipo Jimilehin is a versatile lawyer and one-time National Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in the early 90s. He was called to the English Bar in 1977 and served as a member, National Constitutional Conference Commission in the mid1990s. In this interview with MATTHEW IRINOYE, he speaks on the ongoing JUSUN strike in some state judiciaries, the xenophobic attacks in South Africa, justice delivery system, and the future of Nigerian judiciary, among others. Excerpts. Compare the practice of law in the past with the present and what are the challenges? Just like in every sphere of life, there are tremendous challenges in the legal profession but to begin with is the proliferation of the profession. I can recount when I was called to bar the number of lawyers in the country was very limited but now every year large numbers are being turned out. Normally, the more the number of people in the profession the higher the challenges. Aside from this, we live in a society whereby decorum and discipline are no longer regarded, whereas the legal profession is supposed to be an honourable profession. In fact, it is an honourable profession and it is expected that any member of the profession should possess certain standards in terms of behavioural attitude. There are things that are expected of a lawyer to do, but my fear is how do we inculcate fear into the lives of the new generation of lawyers? Their attitude has changed tremendously and their priority is money, I don’t know how to combat the situation. There are ethics of the bar and how do we adhere strictly to the ethics is part of the challenges facing the legal profession now. A lawyer should know and understand that his first and foremost duty is to go to court because lawyers are supposed to be the officers of the court and at same time protect the interests of their clients. We have a fused profession in Nigeria unlike in England where there are solicitors and advocates. Once the person is called to the bar, he is a barrister and a solicitor, then there is separation between a solicitor and an advocate, being a solicitor one is limited to the chamber’s work and as an advocate, he appears in court to present the case, but in Nigeria everybody tends to become jack of all trades and master of non. JUSUN has called off its strike yet some state judiciaries still shut their doors to litigants. How will you comment on this issue? Unlike before when we claimed to have

Jimilehin

THE ESSENCE OF PARADING SUSPECTS BY THE POLICE IS FOR PEOPLE TO COME AND IDENTIFY IF ANY OF THE SUSPECTS IS THE ONE THAT ACTUALLY COMMITTED A CRIME one judiciary even though there is division, the lower Bench represents the magistrates’ court, the high bench which is the State High Court and the upper class bench represents the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court. For instance, when the industrial strike was called off in Lagos State, I never bothered to ask for the situation of things in Ogun State, I just drove down to the High Court, Ijebu-Ode but to my surprise when I got there they said they are still on strike. As long as we have this present set-up, the condition of things will remain the same. How will you react to the recent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other nationals in South Africa? I think one must first of all look inwardly about the cause of the attacks. I studied and lived in England; during our time an average English man usually asks where do we come from and if you say you are from Nigeria, the next thing he wants to know is what

are you studying, because they knew that every Nigerian then was there for a serious business. I am saying this with emphasis that in 1960s every Nigerian in England as a student had as priority to be a student and to come back home to make use of the certificate and change the situation of the country. But things changed when many Nigerians flooded nooks and crannies of the world doing all sort of businesses. I think there is an issue of a diplomatic relationship between the countries affected; what ought to have been done is to call on the ambassadors from the affected countries to iron things out amicably. How do you think the Federal Government should have handled the issue more diplomatically? Sometimes when you are not a driver driving a vehicle, the way one reacts to incidents on the road is different compared to a driver himself who sees clearly because he

is close to the steering so, the government is in dilemma in handling the matter and I think the situation is being handled to the best of their ability. The Nigerian Police parade suspects as criminals when they are yet to be tried and found guilty. What is your view on this? It is a wrong use of word; all they should do is to parade the suspects and not criminals, everybody is presumed innocent until the contrary is proved, it is as simple as that. They cannot say they are parading criminals rather they are parading suspects and it is a legitimate thing. The essence of parading them is for people to come and identify if the suspect is the one that has actually committed a crime, say for example, done burglary, house- breaking or not. The Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, recently directed the dismantling of all roadblocks in the country. But these days, Police still carry out what they call ‘stop and search’ on the highways, thereby causing incessant traffic congestion. As a senior lawyer, what is the different between Police road block and stop and search? There is a difference between the stop

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice

Monday, May 18, 2015

facing legal profession —Jimilehin and search and road blocks, when there is a road block, it is compelling someone to stop because the double lane is being reduced to one and it usually causes terrible holdup. When talking about stop and check, it is only a suspected vehicle that stops while others are on the move. For instance, using a tainted glass may amount to stoppage on the road for inspection, in that process others will continue moving even suspects might be among those moving but if he is lucky he escapes the Police men. I think there is need to say the Police men are not on the roads for fun but to watch if they will be able to catch the suspects. What innovations should be put in place towards criminal justice system in the country? A lot of innovations had been done in that regard but the major problem now is the implementation and not question of not putting so much, one would be surprised looking at the Penal Code but after sometime the law is there but nobody will uphold it. Times without number it has been said that no matter the stature of the person in the society siren is not allowed except the President, the Governors but, this time around a lot of individuals use it without being arrested. It is not the government that has not put the laws in place; it is a question of obeying the laws but, if we are determined to obey the rules we will do so and if we are determined to circumvent we will do the same. The Nigerian factor is that when there is a rule or regulation the first thing by many Nigerians is to look into how to circumvent it. I once had a driver who said that I should allow the government to make the rule and within three months it will be over. Do you share the view that the office of AGF and that of Justice Minister should be separated at the federal level and vice –versa in the states? It in neither here nor there, I have been involved in this issue for so many years, some people will not look at the rationale behind

it, it is cost- saving when the two posts are combined together because it is one office that is being maintained but there cannot be separation of the two offices and the government would be able to safe cost. Now, if talking about efficient reason, if there is an Attorney- General that knows his onions, ready and willing to make effective impact there is no need for the office to be separated after all, there is Director of Public Prosecutions and many others under him to assist and keep the work going. Although in England it is done because they have Attorney–General and Solicitor–General because their profession is separated, the SolicitorGeneral is for the law society, the law society is responsible for the training of the solicitors while the Attorney-General is responsible for the training of barristers and advocates so this is two different things because the solicitors have no right of audience in court except in lower courts like magistrate court or crown court but beyond that, it is the only the barristers that can appear in court so, it is justifiable for them to separate them because they are separate professions but for the Nigerians, once one is called to the bar he is a barrister and a solicitor, it will be very difficult to separate the office. Kindly set agenda for the incoming administration of Buhari? Mr. President has persons like Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who was a one time Attorney-General of Lagos State. I think he should be able to do a good job as far as I am concerned and that has nothing to do with Muhammadu Buhari. I made bold to say that Buhari of 1983 is not the same we are expecting now, people are making a lots of mistakes. Buhari at that time was a younger person, a military and man. Nigeria was at a cross road whereby one must instill discipline among the politicians, besides he was not accountable to members of the public, that was Buhari of that time and we expect him to do the same thing now people are making mistakes. Though it is a legitimate thing to use the slogan of change,

A LOT OF INNOVATIONS HAD BEEN DONE IN THE AREA OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, BUT THE MAJOR PROBLEM NOW IS THE IMPLEMENTATION. b their but h i wing i off change h iis selflf motivated i d simply because they have stayed long as opposition party and they want to have power at the centre. In my view, I think it is not right because those who are corrupt at the other party, the political jobbers and political prostitutes will also come and join them. During the campaign, the politicians promised so many things and now that they have emerged, they have started changing tunes. Instead, they said we should not expect magic and all shorts things. Although Nigeria is getting somewhere because sometimes we use to have about 70 political parties that are not functioning and now it has been reduced, among them about 10 parties do not even have presidential candidates. I think the last election has demonstrated that we don’t need some of these mushroom parties in the country because many of them fell by the way side; the whole election was focused on two major parties. As a former NBA National Officer, advise the Alegeh-led executive committee on how to implement the stamp and seal project without foisting hardship on

lawyers and yet obtain the Stamp and Seal in their branches? Well, I don’t know much about the present NBA President, so I may not be in best position to advise him, gone were the days when you hear the name of the NBA President one can predict what he is likely to happen and then the issue of being SAN before becoming president did not emerge, but now it is a matter of two years another president will come and what we have this time around is name overshadowing the actions. But what I would say is that the bar association has to protect the interests of its members. How will you advise young lawyers to excel in the legal profession? It is difficult to advice because during our executive days at the national body, our team compelled some chambers to employ certain number of lawyers, to sponsor them to national conferences and they must be properly taken care of. My chamber is on the list that the National Youth Service Corps sends at least four corps members to every year but it is surprising that at the end of their youth service it is very hard to get one retained simply because they usually have their focus. Many of them just want to become lawyers by name and not ready by books to face what it takes to be a lawyer. That is the problem the profession is facing, it is pretty difficult to advise a young lawyer because he is ready to be a rent collector and he is busy looking for money. When I was called to bar many of us never had it in mind to have a chamber in an awkward area but this time around one easily locates law chamber in every nooks and crannies of the town. In fact, there was one I saw at Agege, I felt sorry for the profession but time will tell if the economic situation regulates.

Law & Justice

Monday, May 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

How lawyers act as economic catalysts to investors CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41 In 2007, Ayeni became majority stakeholder and vice -chairman of ASO Savings & Loans. He is also a founding partner and current vice- chairman of Ocean Marine Security (OMS) which provides logistical support to the Nigerian Navy. In 2013, as vice- chairman of Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Ltd (IEDM), he led a successful bid to take control of the Ibadan and Yola Electricity Distribution Companies. He is also chairman of JKK (Nigeria) Plc and Temple Resources Ltd, and sits on the boards of PPP Fluid Mechanics Limited and High-tech Procurement Limited. Ayeni, a one- time Vice Chairman of the NBA, Ikeja branch and also a former Member of Council of Legal Aid Council is also the Chairman of the Board, ASO Savings & Loans, PLC. In September 2014, Ayeni was conferred with the status of Fellow of the Institute of Directors Nigeria. It was learnt that the bank chair has brought his business acumenism to bear in steering the Board of Skye Bank, which was formed in 2005 when five commercial banks (including Bond Bank, founded by Ayeni in 2000) merged to create a new entity with a balance sheet in excess of 1 trillion. Skye Bank is also quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange with over 450,000 diverse shareholders.

Asue Ighodalo, Chairman, Sterling Bank Plc Ighodalo is a Nigerian lawyer and Chairman, Sterling Bank Plc. He is also the Chairman, Section on Business Law of the NBA. Ighodalo is a non-Executive Director of Cardinal Stone and founding/managing partner of the law firm of Banwo and Ighodalo. As a lawyer, Ighodalo’s core practice areas are corporate finance, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, banking & securities, foreign investments & divestments, energy & natural resources, privatization and project finance. He is a member of several professional associations, and sits on the Board of several public and private companies, and NGOs, including the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Dangote Flour Mills Plc, Christopher Kolade Foundation, FATE Foundation, Lagos State Lottery Board, Main Street Technologies Limited (sponsor of Main One Cable Company), and Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI) . He is also on the Board of the Okomu Oil Palm Co. Plc and Kakawa Discount House Ltd. Ighodalo is a member of NBA, and also a member of Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN), USA, Nigerian Economic Summit Group, International Bar Association (IBA), Nigerian Maritime Law Association among others. A product of the prestigious Kings College, Ighodalo obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree (B.Sc) in Economics from University of Ibadan in 1971, LL.B in 1984 from London School of Economics and Political Science and a BL in 1985 from the Nigerian Law School. After his call, Ighodalo worked as an Associate in the law firm of Chris Ogunbanjo & Co between 1985 and 1991, and in 1991, with Femi Olubanwo formed the law firm of Banwo & Ighodalo where he is currently the Managing Partner. It was gathered that the lawyer-banker has rendered numerous advisory services to Sterling Bank often described as “the onecustomer bank” and a full service national

Osinbajo

Uwais

USORO HAS ADVISED A WIDE RANGE OF BLUE CHIP COMPANIES IN PROJECT FINANCE AND

DEVELOPMENT, EQUITY RAISING, INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT BUY-OUTS.

commercial bank in Nigeria. In over 50 years of operations, Sterling Bank (formerly NAL Bank) has evolved from the nation’s pre-eminent investment banking institution to a fully-fledged commercial bank on completion of a merger with four other banks – Indo-Nigeria Merchant Bank, Magnum Trust Bank, NBM Bank and Trust Bank of Africa – as part of the 2006 consolidation of the Nigerian banking industry.

Adeyemi Razak Adeola, Managing Director/ CEO, Sterling Bank Plc Adeola is presently the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank Plc – a position he has held since December 2007. His banking career started at Citibank Nigeria Ltd, where he worked between August 1988 and June 2003 in various capacities including Chief Legal Counsel and Executive Director, Commercial Banking, Public Sector & Infrastructure. He then moved on to Trust Bank of Africa Ltd, where he served as Deputy Managing Director between June 2003 and December 2005. Following the concluded merger of Trust Bank with four other banks, he became Executive Director, Corporate & Commercial Banking of Sterling Bank Plc in January 2006. Adeola holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from the University of Ife and Master of Laws (LL.M) degree (with specialisation in Law of Secured Credit Transactions, Comparative Company Law and International Economics Law) from the University of Lagos, Nigeria.

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo,SAN, Non-executive Director, Citibank Osinbajo is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Senior Partner in the Law firm of Simmons Cooper Partners. He is currently an Ethics Advisor to the Ethics Committee of the African Development Bank and is a nonexecutive Director of Citibank. He was appointed Lagos State AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice in 1999 and re-appointed for a second term in 2003. During the period of his public service, he commenced the Lagos State justice reform project. A prominent feature of that project was the establishment of the Directorate for Citizens’ Rights (DCR) which provides free legal services and legal representation to indigent citizens of the state. This initiative gave a voice to many who would otherwise not have a way to access their rights.

Prior to that appointment, Osinbajo, a Professor of Law, was the Head of Public Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos. Between 1988 and 1992, he was the Special Adviser to the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He had his tertiary education at the University of Lagos and the London School of Economics and Political Science obtaining the LL.B and LL.M degrees respectively. He also served as a staff member of the United Nations and Member of the United Nations Secretary- General’s Committee of Experts on Conduct and Discipline of UN Peacekeeping personnel around the globe. Osinbajo is Co-founder & Board Member Convention on Business Integrity and the Justice Research Institute Ltd. He has also authored several law books. Osinbajo was elected as the Vice-President along with the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari during the 2015 elections.

Paul Usoro, SAN, Non-executive Director, Access Bank Plc Usoro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN is a non-executive Director, Access Bank Plc. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the Founder and Senior Partner of the law firm of Paul Usoro and Co. Usoro has over 30 years post-call experience and is acknowledged as one of Nigeria’s

Bar Two Lawyers in a Bank Two lawyers are in a bank, when armed robbers suddenly burst in. While several of the robbers take the money from the tellers, others line up the customers, including the lawyers, against a wall, and proceed to take their wallets, watches and so on. While this is going on lawyer number one jams something in lawyer number two’s hand. Without looking down, lawyer number two whispers, “What is this?” To which lawyer number one replies, “It’s that $50 I owe you. Cigars for the Judge A defendant in a lawsuit involving large sums of money was talking to his lawyer. “If

Ighodalo

brightest litigators and foremost communication law experts. He has advised a wide range of blue chip Nigerian and foreign companies in project finance and development, equity raising, infrastructure development and Management Buy-outs. Usoro’s experience and skills has been extremely diverse, transcending the communication sector and touching on finance, energy and environmental law. Usoro currently serves on the Board of Airtel Network Limited (and the Chairman of the Audit Committee), Nigeria Bulk Electricity Traders Plc, Marina Securities Limited, Premium Pension Limited and PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc. He represented Access Bank on the Board of Intercontinental Bank in 2011 as a Non-Executive Director following the Bank’s acquisition of the Intercontinental Bank Group. He holds a Bachelors of Law Degree from University of Ife (1981) and was called to Nigerian Bar in 1982.

Mrs. Maryam Uwais, Non-executive Director, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc Mrs. Uwais is a legal practitioner and non-executive Director, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and Master of Laws (LL.M) respectively. Prior to her appointment to the bank’s board in 2011, she was a partner in the law firm of Wali Uwais & Co. Mrs. Uwais’ is also a member of the bank’s board remuneration committee. Stanbic IBTC Bank on which board she serves is a leading provider of integrated financial services, pensions and wealth management products and services. The bank has an extensive footprint across Africa and in selected markets globally. I lose this case, I’ll be ruined.” “It’s in the judge’s hands now,” said the lawyer. “Would it help if I sent the judge a box of cigars?” “Oh no! This judge is a stickler ethical behavior. A stunt like that would prejudice him against you. He might even hold you in contempt of court. In fact, you shouldn’t even smile at the judge.” Within the course of time, the judge rendered a decision in favor of the defendant. As the defendant left the courthouse, he said to his lawyer, “Thanks for the tip about the cigars. It worked!” “I’m sure we would have lost the case if you’d sent them.” “But, I did send them.” “What? You did?” said the lawyer, incredulously. “Yes. That’s how we won the case.” “I don’t understand,” said the lawyer. “It’s easy. I sent the cigars to the judge, but enclosed the plaintiff’s business card.” Culled from Best lawyers jokes.com

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice

Monday, May 18, 2015

Why Gani dragged Bar disciplinary panel to court Lagos lawyer and human rights crusader, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi in one of his numerous legal battles crossed path with the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) of the Bar in 1981. FRANCIS FAMOROTI, Head, Judiciary writes.

FAMOUS CASES

hirty four years ago, a publication titled: Nigerian Constitutional Law Reports 1981 Volume One edited by Chief Gani Fawehinmi, ‘’the famous reputable and controversial Nigerian lawyer’’ appeared in a weekly news magazine, ‘’West Africa’’ edition of March 23, 1981. This publication became an albatross for Fawehinmi as the Bar to which he belonged said it amounted to a professional misconduct. The office of the Attorney- General of the Federation by a letter dated December 1, 1981, wrote the radical lawyer and asked him to defend himself of the alleged misconduct. One Mrs. O.O Fatunde of the Federal Ministry of Justice who signed the letter said the conduct offended against Rule 33 and 34 of the Rules of Professional Conduct in the legal profession published as Government Notice No. 69, No 5 of Vol. 67 in the Official Gazette of January 18, 1980 which prohibits adverting, touting and publicity. The office therefore directed Fawehinmi ‘’to show cause by way of written explanation within 14 days thereof why the matter should not be referred to the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee for appropriate action.’’ Before the expiration of the 14 days notice, the LPDC on December 3, 1981 filed charges against the lawyer citing him for professional misconduct. In the charges, the Federal Ministry of Justice, alleged that Fawehinmi engaged himself in ‘’adverting, touting and publicity’’ in a publication in the weekly news magazine, the ‘’West Africa’’ in its edition of March 23, 1981. Specifically, the LPDC alleged that Fawehinmi committed the misconduct when he described himself in the ‘’West Africa’’ news magazine as the ‘’famous, reputable and controversial Nigerian lawyer.’’. The LPDC filed two charges under section 10 (1) (a) of the Legal Practitioners’ Act, 1975 against Fawehinmi and asked him to appear before the committee to defend himself of the allegations. Sensing that the committee might be biased against him, the lawyer pre-empted the proceedings and filed an ex-parte motion, seeking an order of a Lagos High Court to stop the LPDC, as constituted, from proceeding with the hearing of the matter. Fawehinmi’s application was granted at the high court by Justice Candide Ademola Johnson on January 27, 1982.The next day, the lawyer, by a motion on notice of that date, put the LPDC on notice. By an affidavit sworn to on February 4, 1982 by the then President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Adetunji Fadayiro, he said the NBA National Executive Committee (NEC) at its meeting in Calabar on April 24, 1981 resolved among others, to refer Fawehinmi’s conduct to the Bar disciplinary committee. The matter was subsequently referred to

. Fawehinmi

the committee by the NEC secretariat which reported back to the NEC at its meeting in Maiduguri on July 3, 1981. The obvious implication of this was that the LPDC was maintaining that the then Attorney -General of the Federation, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN) was not responsible for sending the matter to the disciplinary committee and, therefore, could not be said, as claimed by Fawehinmi, that he was in desperate hurry to nail him. The embattled lawyer denied Fadayiro’s affidavit and at the hearing of the matter at the high court, Dr. Olu Onagoruwa, was the lead attorney for Fawehinmi while Chief F.R.A Williams (SAN) led the team appearing for LPDC. The grounds of Fawehinmi’s action was that the active involvement of the office of the Attorney General of the Federation as the complainant, and the prosecutor in the complaint and charges against him before the disciplinary committee in which the AGF is the chairman contravened or was likely to contravene his fundamental right under section 33 of the 1979 Constitution. The lawyer and human rights activist contended that the constitution of the LPCD vis-à-vis the complaint and charges against him did not secure the independence and impartiality of the committee. Besides, Fawehinmi said the chairman of the LPDC was the Federal Attorney General and Justice Minister and he was also the complaint and prosecutor. He argued that this being so, the proceedings of the committee by the way it was constituted in this particular instance would be contrary to the principle of natural justice. Fawehinmi said as a result of the part played by Akinjide, the then AGF, in bringing the complaint and charges to the LPDC, there was the real likelihood of bias on his part as the chairman of the committee in the consideration and determination of the said complaint and charges. At the conclusion of the hearing, Justice Johnson, who was then the state Chief

Chief Akinjide

IN THE CHARGES, IT WAS ALLEGED THAT

FAWEHINMI

ENGAGED HIMSELF IN

‘’ADVERTING, TOUTING AND PUBLICITY’’ IN A PUBLICATION IN THE WEEKLY NEWS

MAGAZINE, THE

‘’WEST

AFRICA’’ IN ITS EDITION Judge, decided the case in Fawehinmi’s favour and it accordingly stopped the committee from adjudicating on the charges framed against the activist. Dissatisfied with the verdict, the LPDC lodged a notice of appeal at the Federal Court of Appeal. The Appellate Court in a unanimous and considered judgment of five justices dismissed the appeal. In the lead judgment of the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Mamman Nasir, to which the other justices concurred, he said ‘’the crux of the matter is to give the person accused a fair hearing.’’ The appeal court prohibited Akinjide and three other members of the disciplinary committee against whom the complaint had been made from taking part in any future proceedings as members of the committee for the frame against the respondent. The three other members were, Fadayiro, Messrs. D.C.O Njemanze and Idowu Sofola. Aggrieved further, the LPDC went on appeal to the Supreme Court where Chief Williams argued that the work of the committee was, at that stage of the proceedings merely administrative against Fawehinmi. The appellant had also argued that the direction of the LPDC on the issue would not be conclusive since appeals lie to the Appeal Committee of the Body of Benchers and finally the Supreme Court ‘’whose decision is

final ‘’. The lawyer-activist however submitted that the committee was a quasi-judicial tribunal whose decision could affect the rights of others particularly their means of livelihood and therefore ought to be made to observe the principles of natural justice of fair hearing. Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Anthony Aniagolu said if the LPDC proceedings had not been arrested by an order nisi of the high court made on January 27, 1982, the Attorney- General of the Federation would have been the accuser and the judge at the same time in this matter. According to the court, ‘’I would be recalled that the respondent was not given the chance by the Attorney- General to answer the letter, Exhibit C, which brought the complaint about the respondent’s conduct to his notice. ‘’Up to this date, Gani has not stated whether or not he inserted the advertisement complained of in the ‘’West Africa magazine. ‘’ The apex court said in the instant case, ‘’Chief Richard Akinjide, by reason of the way he handled the respondent’s matter, his behaviour seemed to portray him as having arrived at a conclusion on the guilt of the respondent, Gani, thus rendering him unfit to sit again, in judgment over the case, in the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee.’’ Justice Aniagolu upheld the decision of the appellate court that the prohibition should be restricted to Akinjide and three others named on the committee. ‘’To hold that the disciplinary committee, qua, committee, is barred from sitting over Gani’s matter, is, in effect to make it impossible for the disciplinary committee to exercise any disciplinary authority over him in this matter.’’ The apex court said ‘’in the result, this appeal by the LPD C must fail and hereby fails. The judgment of the Court of Appeal is hereby affirmed and the order it made hereby confirmed.

Law & Justice

Monday, May 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ICC begins trial of Gbagbo, Blé Goudé November 10 THE HAGUE

S’Africa court halts deportation of 300 migrants

SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa President, Jacob Zuma

outh Africa’s High Court has temporarily prevented the deportation of more than 300 undocumented migrants. Rights activists have criticised the arrests of more than 700 suspected illegal migrants following recent deadly xenophobic violence. Police say they made the arrests during crime prevention operations. The authorities have been under pressure to both bring an end to the attacks on foreigners and to introduce tighter immigration controls. ‘State-sponsored xenophobia’ The African migrants detained at the Lindela repatriation centre, 25km (15 miles) west of Johannesburg, were due to be deported reports the BBC’s Nomsa Maseko. They had been arrested over the past few weeks during night time raids in and around Johannesburg. But their deportation has

been halted for at least two weeks after the organisation Lawyers for Human Rights went to the Johannesburg High Court to prevent it from taking place. BBC report says that, the lawyers have also been given permission to consult with their clients after being barred from doing so by the government. This will give the lawyers time to get a list of names of those who have been arrested, and check if they are in the country as asylum seekers. The raids come after a wave of xenophobic attacks in April which affected major cities in South Africa. Thousands protested against the recent wave of xenophobia in South Africa and at least seven people were killed, 5,000 left homeless and many foreign owned shops were looted in the attacks. Campaign group Right to

Chinese court has thrown out China’s first gay workplace discrimination suit due to lack of evidence. According to a BBC report, the plaintiff, only identified by the alias Mu Yi, was fired from a design company in the southern city of Shenzhen a week after he was ousted as gay in a viral online video. He accused the company of violating his

rial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) scheduled opening of trial in the case of The Prosecutor v. Laurent Gbagbo and Charles Blé Goudé for 10 November, 2015, in order to hear the opening statements of the parties and participants. A statement on the website of ICC says the Prosecution will start its presentation of evidence in January 2016, at a date to be confirmed. In light of its duty to ensure a fair and expeditious trial, the Chamber set the date for the opening of the trial after considering the Prosecutor’s undertaken that the disclosure of evidence will be completed no later than end of June 2015, as well as the Defence’s submissions regarding the time needed for preparation. The Chamber noted that the Defence will have more than four months between the date of full disclosure by the Prosecution and the opening statements, and two additional months before commencement of the presentation of

evidence. The Chamber found that this schedule would provide sufficient time for the Defence to carry out all necessary preparations. The trial is conducted by Trial Chamber I, composed of Judge Geoffrey Henderson, Presiding Judge, Judge Olga Herrera Carbuccia, and Judge Bertram Schmitt. Laurent Gbagbo, former President of Côte d’Ivoire, was surrendered to the ICC on 30 November 2011 and he first appeared before the Pre-Trial Chamber on 5 December 2011. On 12 June 2014, Pre-Trial Chamber I confirmed, by majority, four charges of crimes against humanity (murder, rape, other inhumane acts or in the alternative attempted murder, and persecution against Laurent Gbagbo and committed him for trial before a Trial Chamber. Charles Blé Goudé, born on 1 January 1972 in Niagbrahio, Côte d’Ivoire, was surrendered

ICC President, Judge Fernández de Gurmendi

on 22 March 2014 to the ICC by the national authorities of Côte d´Ivoire following a warrant of arrest issued by the ICC on 21 December 2011. On 11 December 2014, PreTrial Chamber I confirmed four charges of crimes against humanity (murder, rape, other inhumane acts or in the alternative attempted murder, and persecution) against Charles Blé Goudé and committed him to trial before a Trial Chamber. The crimes were allegedly committed in Côte d’Ivoire, between 16 December 2010 and on or around 12 April 2011.

Homeless single people should get more help — S’Court UNITED KINGDOM

he UK Supreme Court has said that councils must do more to help single homeless people, in a landmark ruling. According to BBC report, the court found that local authorities were failing to recognise homeless people in vulnerable situations. Ruling on the cases of three homeless men, the court found that one, Patrick Kanu, was wrongfully denied care. The court said councils assessing the needs of single homeless people should compare them with an “ordinary person” rather than another homeless person. The decision will change the “vulnerability test” by which councils decide which homeless people should be provided housing.

Prior to the ruling, councils assessed potentially vulnerable people by comparing them with a so-called “ordinary homeless person”. That led to situations in which single homeless people suffering from problems including depression and suicidal thoughts were deemed not vulnerable because an “ordinary homeless person” would be expected to suffer from those problems. The comparison meant that Mr. Kanu was deemed not to be a priority for housing assistance when he applied to Southwark Council last year, despite suffering from “multiple physical problems as well as psychotic symptoms and suicidal ideation”. Kanu, along with two other men, Craig Johnson and Sifatullah Hotak took their cases to the Court of Appeal but the court upheld the decisions made by Southwark and Solihull councils. All three men then took their cas-

British Prime Minister David Cameron

es to the Supreme Court, which found on Wednesday that Mr Kanu should have been deemed a priority. It ruled that Mr Johnson and Mr Hotak should not have been, but suggested that Southwark council look closely at its protocols with regard to Mr Hotak.

Court rejects China’s gay workplace discrimination suit CHINA

right to equal employment by dismissing him because of his sexual orientation and requested an apology and 50,000 yuan in compensation for ‘spiritual damages.’ During the trial, Mu produced a record-

ing dated 20 November between Shenzhen PFLAG covenor, ‘Dong Mama’ and a manager at the company surnamed Li. In the recording, Li said he did not directly mention the video to Mu because he was worried he would overreact. Under Dong’s questioning, he admitted

‘the company thought the video would affect its image.’ But during the trial, the company challenged the authenticity, legality and relevance of the recording, and referred to the resignation form in which Mu said the reason for leaving was ‘personal affairs.’

I went to court fidgeting —Sofola When I came back from England, my elder brother, the late Kehinde Sofola, was busy with the Coker Commission of Inquiry during the problem of the Western Region

then. The day I was enrolled as a lawyer of the Supreme Court, it was a Monday My brother took time off to get it done. The following day, we had breakfast together at

home. He was going for the Commission of enquiry and when we got to Tinubu Magistrate’s Court he gave me a file, he said it wasa simple case. I said to myself why didn’t this man

give me the file since yesterday so that I could read through the file. I went to court fidgeting but luckily for me the case was not heard that day, so I was happy.

Chief Idowu Sofola, SAN

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice

Monday, May 18, 2015

EVENT

Former Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA Ikeja branch, Alhaji Olalekan Yusuf and Chairman, NBA, (Ikeja branch), Mr. Yinka Farounbi at NBA Annual Lecture Law Week 2015 in Lagos. PHOTOs: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN.

L-R: Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN); Solicitor- General and Permanent Secretary, Lagos Sate Ministry of Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro and Executive Secretary, Lagos Security Trust Fund, Mr. Fola Arthur â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Worrey .

Mr. Jiti Ogunye (left) and Director, Administrator- General and Public Trustee , Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Bimbo Olaniyi.

Mr. Gbenga Demola-Ojo and first Vice- Chairman, NBA Ikeja branch, Mrs. Gloria Nweze

Oladiran Olubunmi (left) and PRO, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Bola Akingbade.

L-R: Mrs. Josephine Bode; former Chairman, NBA, Ikeja branch, Mr. Adebamigbe Omole and Justice Abdulfatai Lawal

Director, Office of the Public Defender, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi (left) and Mr. Ajibola Akinwale.

Oreoluwa Ogunwumiju and Debo Oladinni

Monday, May 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror Eligibility of a candidate for appointment to the Bench will no longer be based on nepotism, familial or fraternal connections. –Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmoud Mohammed

Four Cops arrested over extra-judicial killing FRANCIS SUBERU AND DARE AKOGUN

gun State Command of the Nigerian Police have arrested four policemen , who on Sunday killed an operative of Donyx Global Concept Limited , one of the security companies licensed by the Federal Government to protect pipelines , in Sagamu area of the state The deceased identified as Musibau Jimoh was killed at Sagamu junction by one of the policemen , who allegedly trying to rescue two pipeline vandals , who

were arrested in Arepo area of the state by men of Donyx Global Concept Limited. The policemen according to findings were as at Sunday evening still being detained at the command headquarters of the police at Iperu Road in Sagamu. Angry residents in the area attempted to lynch the policemen, who shot sporadically to escape from the scene, before they were later arrested. Community mirror gathered that security men attached to the company intercepted some vandals in Arepo in possession of stolen premium motor spirit, and are be-

ing taken to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC depot in Mosinmi Sagamu , when the policemen allegedly attempted to free them. The deceased Jimoh and Temitope Odunsi were in one of the buses leading others to Sagamu , when the policemen stopped the bus and demanded to know why the suspects and the buses should be taken to the NNPC office. According to Odunsi “Jimoh brought out his identification card, which was given to us by our company and NNPC and was explaining to them , when one of them snatched it from him

and ordered him to stop talking. An argument ensued and one of them shot him at very close range and he died on the spot. “We started noticing them at Sagamu interchange but because we could see that they were policemen, we continued with our journey. “When we got to the junction that leads to Sagamu , they crossed our vehicle and pointed their riffles at us , asking us where we were going and we explained to them. “They insisted that we must surrender the vandals and the product to them but because

we don t know them , we tried to explain that we were going to hand them over to the police at NNPC depot as we have been doing in the past “, he narrated. General Manager of Donyx Global Concept Limited, Femi Ekundayo , described the incident as very unfortunate and unprofessional of the policemen.

PCRC lauds Lagos Police DARE AKOGUN

People checking a car that fell into the drainage at Gwagwalada in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Rescued women: Group calls for holistic solution

non-governmental organization, the Change Monitor, has called for a concerted and holistic approach to finding solution to the plight of pregnant rescued women from the Boko Haram insurgents, hoping that other girls and women, including the Chibok girls will be brought back. In a release signed by the Coordinator, Change Monitor, Olatunde Fasanya, the group described the news of some of

the women being pregnant has unfortunate, pathetic and traumatic. “In a bid to enrich the decision of the government, we have consulted professionals in many fields including religious leaders and social advocacy groups, considered the moral, legal, and religious implications of aborting these pregnancies and the possible effects on the mother and the country, both now and in the nearest future.”

“The women should be considered first and their feelings cannot be overlooked in the issue that touches their lives directly. “The decision should be left to them only after they must have gone through a complete process of psychotherapy and counseling. Though abortion from the moment of conception is immoral, irreligious and not culturally acceptable to us as Nigerians, we undoubtedly considered the

rape of these women by misguided elements in our society as a strong reason for these women and their families to consider the option of an abortion,” the statement added. The group posits that for those who wish to deliver their babies, they should be allowed and such babies should be adopted by the state or rather allow women who wish to nurture such babies after birth, with the support and monitoring by the government.

pparently pleased with the recent successes recorded by the Lagos State Police Command in combating crime in the metropolis, pioneer Chairman of Police Community Relations Committee Chief Francis Oladun has lauded the Police Commissioner Kayode Aderanti for the good job. He noted that since the Police boss took over the reign as Commissioner, the command has recorded some inspiring successes, stressing that he has not only proven to be a good leader of men and a pragmatic user of resources, but that with the rate at which robbers are quickly rounded up is encouraging. According to him, “This man Aderanti since he assumed office has not relented in his resolve when he assume office that he was going to make Lagos uncomfortable for robbers and true to that promise, he has kept to that mandate of his”. He pointed to the feat he performed by arresting the armed robbers that caused tension in Lekki area of Lagos recently by the manner at which that robbery was carried out, when they stormed First City Monument Bank which resulted in the death of three policemen and two innocent Nigerians is worthy of praise. He specifically gave praise to the Officer -in- charge of the Anti Robbery Squad Abbah Kyari and his counterpart at the Crack Squad Joel Ugowe whom he said have displayed exemplary courage at giving these robbers a dose of their trade in stock.

Monday, May 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

I stressed the need for China to reconsider its approach on some of the issues that hold us back from realising full potential of our partnership

Obama renews call for US sanctions on Myanmar

INDIAN PRIME MINISTER, NARENDRA MODI

Burundi’s president warns of al-Shabaab after coup fails

urundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza has said his country faces a specific threat from the Somali Islamist movement al-Shabaab. He was appearing in public in the capital Bujumbura for the first time since a failed coup bid against him was launched on Wednesday. Nkurunziza made no mention of the coup attempt, which came after weeks of sometimes violent protests against him. On Saturday 18 people appeared in court on charges of helping the coup bid. The alleged ringleader, Godefroid Niyombare, is still on the run. Activists are planning more protests for Monday against Nkurunziza’s decision to seek a third term in office in elections due next month. The BBC’s reporter, who is in Bujumbura, said the president’s claims have been met with scepticism from many, who fear they could provide a pretext for the security services to crack down hard on Monday’s demonstrations. On Saturday, our correspon-

Nkurunziza

dent saw evidence of a retaliatory attack at a hospital where soldiers involved in the coup were being treated. Three soldiers were taken from the building and bundled into a police van. Nkurunziza was out of the country when military officers launched their coup bid against him on Wednesday. He returned on Friday after forces loyal to him had regained full control.

The president said he came to his office to speak on the telephone with the leaders of Kenya and Uganda regarding a specific threat from the Islamist group alShabaab. Al-Shabab, which is battling the UN-backed government in Somalia, has carried out a string of attacks in neighbouring Kenya and is allied to al-Qaeda. The UK Foreign Office and

the US state department say alShabaab has threatened to carry out attacks in Burundi because of its role in the African Unionled peacekeeping mission in Somalia. The US has advised its citizens to leave the country because of the deteriorating political situation, and had previouslywarnedaboutthethreatfrom al-Shabaab.

Mother of Pistorius’ slain girlfriend condemns possible release

he mother of Oscar Pistorius’s slain girlfriend told a newspaper yesterday it would be too soon to release the fallen Paralympian from prison as early as August for good conduct. The 28-year-old South African double amputee sprinter was found guilty last year of culpable homicide -- a charge akin to manslaughter -- and sentenced to five years in prison for shooting his girlfriend, model and TV presenter Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentine’s Day 2013. Pistorius claimed that he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder, firing four shots through a locked bathroom door.

He is now waiting for the South African prison authorities to decide whether to grant him conditional release, possibly from August. If Pistorius is released then, he will have spent just 10 months in prison. “I don’t think it is long enough for somebody who has caused somebody’s death,” Reeva’s mother June Steenkamp told South Africa’s Sunday Times newspaper. “Surely her life is worth more than 10 months’ incarceration? He’s taken something so precious out of our lives. Her life is gone,” Steenkamp added. “All I could think about was her in that toilet and that she couldn’t

WORLD BULLETIN

Syrian army pushes ISIS jihadists back from ancient Palmyra Syrian troops pushed Islamic State group jihadists back from the ancient city of Palmyra yesterday, easing fears over the world heritage site, after fighting that left hundreds dead. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said nearly 300 people have been killed in four days of fighting since IS launched an assault on the desert oasis city on Wednesday. The toll comprised 123 soldiers and loyalist militiamen, 115 IS fighters as well as 57 civilians, dozens of whom were executed by the jihadists, the Observatory said, quoting sources on the ground. On Saturday the jihadists pressed their offensive and seized the northern part of the modern town of Palmyra, known as Tadmur in Arabic, but were driven out by regime forces.

Car bomb on EU vehicle kills at least three in Afghan capital A suicide car bomber rammed a European Union vehicle near the main airport in Afghanistan’s capital yesterday, killing two Afghan civilians and a British security contractor in the latest attack in the city, officials said. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack on the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL), which advises Afghan law enforcement authorities. The insurgents have launched a wave of attacks around the country since the drawdown of most foreign troops last year to a small training force of about 12,500.

South East Asia migrants ‘killed in fight for food’ on boat

Pistorius

move. She couldn’t get out of the way. She was trapped in there. She was suffering. She was in pain and agony. Her brains all over... I’ve had nightmares over that.”

Reeva Steenkamp was 29 years old when Pistorius shot her dead. Pistorius, 28, has been serving his sentence in a central Pretoria prison since October.

Migrants rescued from a sinking boat off Indonesia have told the BBC that about 100 people died after a fight broke out over the last remaining food. Survivors told of horrific conditions. Three men separately said people were stabbed, hanged or thrown overboard. The 700 rescued migrants from Myanmar and Bangladesh are being processed by the Indonesian authorities. Thousands of migrants are estimated to be adrift in South East Asian waters, denied permission to land. The BBC’s Martin Patience spoke to some of the survivors in the Indonesian port of Langsa, on the island of Aceh. He cautions that their accounts cannot be verified.

World News

WORLD BULLETIN

Merkel calls for global emissions trading system German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for the European Union’s Emissions Trading System (ETS), the bloc’s flagship policy to cut greenhouse gas emissions, to become a global system. Thousands of power plants, factories and airlines in Europe have to surrender an allowance for every tonne of heat-trapping gas emitted. However, a surplus of allowances has depressed their price on the ETS and has made it cheaper to burn coal than to switch to greener fuels. “This instrument would of course be particularly effective if we could introduce it beyond Europe because then we’d have the same general framework around the world,” Merkel said in her weekly video podcast. “And that would enable us to expand the certificate trading to further areas, even in Europe,” she added. On Tuesday Merkel is due to speak at the Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Berlin, a conference where ministers from around the world will prepare for a United Nations climate conference in Paris later this year. Merkel said that while a discussion about the price of carbon emissions and a global system was likely, she feared that no agreement would be reached yet. Earlier this month the European Union agreed a deal to start reforming the ETS, the world’s biggest carbon market, from Jan. 1 2019, opening the way for a more radical shake-up of the trading system.

Russian mogul in custody after deportation from Cambodia

A Russian tycoon accused of embezzling tens of millions of dollars in a real estate scam was taken into custody in Moscow yesterday after being deported from Cambodia, officials said. Sergei Polonsky, who is in his 40s, was detained on an island off the southwestern town of Sihanoukville in Cambodia on Friday for overstaying his visa. Upon his arrival at Domodedovo airport in Moscow, Polonsky was immediately taken into custody. “Mr. Polonski was extradited to Russia where he will be prosecuted according to the law,” Elena Alexeyeva of the Russian Interior Ministry said in a press release. “He is a naughty man,” Uk Heisela, chief of the investigations unit at the Cambodian interior ministry’s immigration department, told a news agency. Polonsky had lived illegally in Cambodia by over-staying his visa for more than two years and his activities “affect Cambodian national security,” Heisela said. Eight other Russians have been arrested and also face deportation, he added.

Monday, May 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Obama renews call for US sanctions on Myanmar

resident Barack Obama has renewed for a year his authority to maintain sanctions on Myanmar, amid international alarm over the plight of Rohingya Muslims whose mass flight has caused a refugee crisis in Southeast Asia. The White House notified Congress of the renewal on Friday, five days before the existing authority was due to expire. It said that despite significant progress on some reforms, concerns persist over conflict and human rights abuses, particularly in ethnic minority areas and Rakhine State. Although the renewal was widely expected, it comes as thousands of the stateless Rohingya who have fled apartheid-like conditions in western Myanmar are believed to be stranded in boats abandoned in the Andaman Sea because of crackdown on human smugglers. The flight of Rohingya over the past three years is the region’s largest exodus of boat people since the Vietnam War. The U.S. is calling for a regional response to “save lives,” but Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand appear unwilling to take more Rohingya. State Department spokesman

Obama

Jeff Rathke said the U.S. is urging governments in the region not to push back new boat arrivals. He said Secretary of State John Kerry called his Thai counterpart to discuss the possibility of Thailand providing temporary shelter to the migrants. Rathke did not disclose the Thai response. He said the U.S. was also pressing Myanmar to “do more” to improve the humanitarian situation in Rakhine State. “We’re working on this now at

high levels because of the crisis it’s created,” he said. The displacement of Rohingya has been a black mark on Myanmar’s historic transition from decades of military rule, a shift often touted as a U.S. foreign policy success. Myanmar regards the Rohingya as illegal migrants from Bangladesh and doesn’t recognize them as an ethnic group although many have lived in Myanmar for generations. The United States eased broad

economic sanctions on Myanmar in 2012 to reward its political opening but it still restricts business with some individuals and companies who it says oppose the democratic transition or have ties to North Korea. Patrick Ventrell, a National Security Council spokesman, said the U.S. will continue to review sanctions policies as it monitors Myanmar’s progress on political and economic reform.

Turkmenistan pardons over 1,200 prisoners ‘Belmokhtar rejects ISIS allegiance pledge’

he gas-rich former Soviet state of Turkmenistan has pardoned more than 1,200 prisoners in an amnesty, state media reported, quoting strongman President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov. “Guided by the traditions of charity and humanity that belonged to our ancestors, our country regularly conducts amnesties of prisoners who were convicted of crimes, but who have sincerely repented,” Berdymukhamedov was quoted as saying. The amnesty saw 1,202 Turkmen citizens and 13 foreigners walk free ahead of the Central Asian state’s Constitution Day on May 18, state media reported. Turkmenistan gave no details of the non-nationals amnestied but they are believed to be mostly citizens of neighbouring countries arrested for trafficking drugs. The amnesty comes after Berdymukhamedov flew to Vienna earlier this week to meet Austrian President Heinz Fischer, who later confirmed at a press briefing that he had touched on widespread rights abuses in the country. Advocacy groups had appealed to Fischer to press Turkmenistan

A A protester holds a placard, reading: “Freedom for political prisoners in Turkmenistan,” during a picket in front of Turkmenistan Embassy in Moscow

on its rights record which places it close to the bottom of freedom rankings conducted by international organisations. “This is a rare opportunity for Austria to directly raise with Berdymukhamedov issues that no one in his country dares to raise,” said Rachel Denber, deputy Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch, ahead of the pair’s meeting. Turkmenistan is seen by Brussels as key to to diversifying from Russia-sourced gas imports and EU energy boss Maros Sefcovic

visited the capital Ashgabat at the end of April. Western officials are hopeful that gas from Turkmenistan, which has the fourth lagest reserves in the world, might reach Europe as soon as 2019 via an ambitious $5 billion plus pipeline link that would pass along the seabed of the Caspian Sea. Russia, which supplies around 30 percent of the EU’s gas, has voiced its opposition to the link, ostensibly on environmental grounds.

lgerian jihadist commander Mokhtar Belmokhtar distanced himself on Friday from a pledge of allegiance made by his jihadist group to the Islamic State organisation, Mauritanian media reported. Belmokhtar’s north African Al-Murabitoun group was linked to Al-Qaeda but a recording broadcast by Mauritanian news agency Al-Akhbar on Thursday said it was aligning itself with the IS organisation and its leader Abu Bakr alBaghdadi. But Belmokhtar said the declaration “does not comply with the conditions and covenants” of the movement’s “shura” advisory council, according to the agency. “It clearly violates the foundational statement that determined the method and behaviour of the organisation,” Belmokhtar was reported to have said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Monday, May 18, 2015

Stroke kills 12m people yearly –Expert

pharmacist at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, UITH, Lanre Alege, has said that no fewer than 12 million people die of stroke and heart attack annually around the globe. Alege disclosed this yesterday at a lecture after the monthly ‘keep fit’ exercise by staff of UITH at Kwara State Stadium in Ilorin. Quoting from the World Health Organisation, WHO

statistics, Alege said that stroke was higher among men than women. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that stroke is a medical condition that occurs suddenly when part of the brain is damaged. The damage may be as a result of lack of blood supply (caused by blockage) or rupture (bursting) of a blood vessel. Alege, who coordinates

the exercise programme, said that stroke usually occurs without warning and has rendered many people totally or partially paralysed. He listed some risk factors as high blood pressure, cardiac disease, diabetes mellitus, ageing, smoking and obesity. Other factors, according to Alege, are race, gender, medical history and lack of

exercise. He explained that the warning signs included sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, blurring of or dim vision in one eye and sudden severe headache. The pharmacist also said sudden nausea or vomiting and sudden speech difficulty or slurred speech were signs of stroke, advising people

to quickly seek medical attention if any of these signs were noticed. Alege advised people to exercise regularly and avoiding consumption of cigarette and alcohol. He also advised that any ailment should be properly treated and that cholesterol in the system be within normal limits. Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UITH, Prof.

Abdulwaheed Olatinwo, charged members of staff of the hospital to take exercise regularly. The CMD was represented by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Yinka Buhari, who is also the hospital’s Director of Clinical Affairs. He said that the institution would continue to encourage adequate participation in keep-fit exercises.

Sultan charges FRSC on road campaigns

ultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has charged the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, to sustain its current campaigns against road carnage in the country, stressing that road safety was a collective responsibility. The Sultan gave the charge at the weekend while receiving the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi, in his palace. According to him, part of the challenges facing the campaigns against road carnage in the country is how to mete appropriate punishment on those who violate traffic rules, pointing out that this has created room for people to commit traffic offences without being punished. The traditional ruler emphasised that no society can function properly without the people obeying the law, adding however, that for people to obey the law, appropriate sanctions must be strictly imposed on violators to deter others. On the use of crash helmet by motorcycle riders and passengers, the Sultan restated his earlier admonition that motorcyclists be made to appreciate the safety benefits of using crash helmet while riding, to protect head injuries in the event of a crash. He dismissed the cultural argument that the prevalent use of turban in the North hinders the use of crash helmet, insisting that life is too precious to be taken for granted. He therefore called for more aggressive public

enlightenment through the community leaders to create adequate awareness on the safety benefits of the crash helmet to both the rider and the passenger, to avoid death and injuries resulting from crashes. Earlier, Corps Marshal Oyeyemi stated that he was in Sokoto as part of his ongoing nationwide campaign for safer road environment in the country. He pointed out that he was also in the palace to solicit the Sultan’s support in efforts to get members of the public to understand the importance of road safety. While reviewing the operational activities of the FRSC in the last one year, Corps Marshal Oyeyemi disclosed that though FRSC has achieved drastic reductions in road crashes and casualty rates as compared to successive years, stakeholders were being sensitised to join the corps for greater success through collective efforts. According to him, it was in demonstration of that spirit of partnership that the Sokoto State government built and donated an office complex to the FRSC Command in the state, which was commissioned by the governor. The Corps Marshal was accompanied on the visit by principal officers of the FRSC, including the Zonal Commanding Officer of Zone 10 Headquarters, Sokoto. Among those that joined the Sultan in receiving the Corps Marshal were members of the Sokoto Sultanate Council, including former president Shehu Shagari.

L-R: President, Offa Descendant Union, Alhaji Najeem Yasin; Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold; Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, and Chairman, Offa Local Government, Prince Waheed Olanipekun during inspection of Owode market, Offa, which was gutted by fire, yesterday.

Gunmen kill Plateau traditional leader JAMES ABRAHAM JOS.

armers in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State have recovered the corpse of Galadima of Saluwe, Isiaka Adamu, who was killed by yet-tobe identified gunmen. The 62-year-old traditional leader in the council area

was found dead at the weekend after his assailants shot and amputated his limbs. The victim, said to be a security guard at Wase local government secretariat, was suspected to have been killed by thugs, according to Plateau State Youth Council, PSYC, chairman for Wase, Yusuf Mohammed. Mohammed said the deceased had left for his farm

early in the morning close to the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, when he met his death and was later found by neighbouring farmers. He said: “Last Sunday, over 300 cattle were stolen around the same axis by some youths. And today the Galadima has been killed. We are becoming impatient with the state government and the STF (Special

Taskforce). These people walk almost six kilometers just to come and attack us, yet we are told not to carry arms to defend ourselves.” According to the PSYC chairman, the incident has been reported to the STF in Wase, adding that “right now we are on our way to have a meeting with the captain in charge of Ford Operation Base, FOB Wase.”

Parents seek review of Borno curfew

ome parents in Borno State yesterday appealed to the state government to review the curfew imposed on the state capital, Maiduguri, to enable students attend schools. The appeal followed review of the 24-hour curfew imposed on the state capital by 7 Division of the Nigerian Army after troops foiled Boko Haram attack on May 13. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that many parents claimed the

curfew reviewed from 8am to 5pm would affect their children’s education. Mallam Ali Abubakar, a father of nine said, “We need to take our children to school before 8am as most schools close their gates by 8am or 8:15am. “Lectures also start by 8am in higher institutions. For example, a student who resides in Bulumkutu, 707 and 1,000 housing estates, needs to leave home 30 to 40 minutes before 8am,’’ Abubakar said. Bulama Modu, another

parent, said the curfew would affect students’ success and punctuality to school. Modu said, “The state capital had been attacked severally but this kind of curfew was not imposed,” and urged the governor to review the curfew. Sherrif Hamza, another resident, said the curfew had negatively affected the development of socio-economic activities in the state. Hamza said the curfew should be reviewed from 6 p.m. to10 p.m. to enable

people carry out their businesses. “The security agencies should rather impose curfew on motorists and people coming into town because most of the insurgents are coming from outside the capital to perform their evil act on the people. “The security operatives and the civilians JTF must also intensify checks on motorists, houses including every nook and cranny of the state capital to protect the people from unsuspected attacks,” Hamza said.

News

Monday, May 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

LP denies merger with PDP, others GEORGE OJI ABUJA

abour Party, LP, has said it has no plans to merge with either the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, or any other party like the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Hope Party, or KOWA Party to form a formidable opposition to challenge the All Progressives Congress, APC, as being alleged. National Secretary of LP, Kayode Ajulo, in a statement in Abuja yesterday, dispelled the rumour as â&#x20AC;&#x153;false and diversionary,â&#x20AC;? stating that at no time whatsoever had the leadership of the party entered into merger talks with any other party. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Abati Rukayat Oluwatosin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onatade Oluwatosin Rukayat. All former documents remain valid; National Youths Service Corp (NYSC) and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The rumoured talks of a merger between LP and other parties such as PDP are a figment of the fevered imagination of some mischievous people. Such issue has not been raised within the party executive at all and neither has anyone or any party any agreement on the issue with us. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is highly irresponsible for anyone to drag the esteemed name of the Labour Party into rumours of an impending merger. If at all anyone has entered into any such talks, he is doing it strictly on his own, not in the name of the Labour Party,â&#x20AC;? the National Secretary said. There is a recent media report that PDP members, including Governors Sule CHANGE OF NAME

NWOSU : Formerly known as Mr Nwosu Chika Eventus now wish to be known and address as Mr Dumije Chika Eventus. All former documents remains valid. Public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Lamido, Godswill Akpabio, Muazu Aliyu and a few other governors have been push-

WALE IGBINTADE

efence counsel in the N5.2 billion suit filed by Dr Ted Iseghohi Edwards against the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and five others, Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN), has asked Justice Valentine Ashi of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory to hands off the matter. Citing lack of confidence as well as unusual and hurried approach adopted in the CHANGE OF NAME

GEORGE: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss George Oladapo, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Inegbedion Oladapo (F/No:040493 W/Cpl Inegbedion Oladapo) due to my marriage to F/No:384653 CPL INEGBEDION FESTUS. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Tawakalitu Titilayo Idowu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Tawakalitu Idowu Sunmonu. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Omene Ijeoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Osiegbu Ijeoma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to inform the public that Ezejibuaku Basil Eluma and Ezeji Basil Eluma refer as one person but now wish to be known as Ezejibuaku Basil Eluma. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to inform the public that Eteng Patience Joseph and Eteng Kommomo Joseph refer as one person but now wish to be known as Eteng Patience Joseph. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Alao Oluwakemi Gbemisola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ayeni Oluwakemi Gbemisola. All former documents remain valid. Federal University Oye Ekiti, Covenant University and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and called Miss Sarah John now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Sarah Saratu John.All former documents remain valid. Niger State Secondary Education Board and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Balogun Oyindamola Sarah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akpabio Oyindamola Sarah. All former document remain valid. Ogun State Teaching Service Commission Abeokuta and general public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Adesanya Olabisi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Odusote Funmilayo Olabisi Adeola. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

CORRECTION OF NAME This is to inform the general public that my name was wrongly written as Ihechukwu in admission letter Nsuka and Waec 2002 chimere, my real names are CHILUWA TEMPLE IHECHIMERE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajide Rashida Aina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Abiona Olatunji Rashida Aina. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

PUBLIC NOTICE STRETCH SPHERE FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

This is to inform the General Public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, for Registration under Part â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. Arch. Bayo Adewakun 2. Prof Sola Akinrinade 3. Richmond Dayo Johnson 4. Omotola Fawunmi 5. Oladele Olunike 6. Prof. W. Alade Fawole

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. Educating and impacting on the social, economic and political development of the populace through a wide range of services 2. Initiation of strategic plans such as seminars, trainings, talk show, leading health improvement and environmental friendly programs Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent off Aguiyi-Ironsi street , maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED BY: ABISOYE O. AJAYI (MRS) 08023278152

other PDP chieftains such as former Defence Minister, Theophilus Danjuma, and

N5.2b suit: Judge told to hands off case against CBN

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adaramodu Wumi Evelyn, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Otie Wumi Evelyn. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public take note

ONWUMELU: Formerly known as Miss Onwumelu Chiamaka Anastecia Now wish to be known as Mrs Amalukwue Chiamaka Anastecia. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

ing for an alliance with other parties. According to the report,

former Finance Minister, Adamu Ciroma supported the move, and have planned a special convention after the handover on May 29 where a formal merger process will start.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as Miss Obianuju Jennifer Akutu, now wish to be known as Mrs Obianuju Jennifer Areh. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

IFEAKOR : Formerly known as Miss Ifeakor Chinaza Akachukwu, now wish to be known and address as Mrs Tasie Chinaza Akachukwu. All former documents remains valid. Fed Poly Oko and public note.

conduct of the suit, Chief Idigbe in a motion set before the court and made available to National Mirror is seeking an order transferring the suit to Chief Judge of High Court of the Federal Capital Territory for re- assignment to another judge in Abuja Division of the High Court. The motion was brought pursuant to Order 32 Rule 1 of The High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2004 was supported by an affidavit deposed to by Eric Otojah, a legal practitioner in the firm of Punuka Attorneys and CHANGE OF NAME

MUSTAPHA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Mustapha Toyosi Teslimat, now wish to be known and address as Mrs Aremu Toyosi Teslimat. All former document remains valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKEKE: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Dr. Miss Okeke Nneoma Irene, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. Mrs Okoye Nneoma Irene. All former documents remain valid. MDCN, and general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

KOLAWOLE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Kolawole Nimotalai Yetunde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mustapha Kolawole Nimatallai Yetunde. All former documents remain valid. University of Ibadan and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Mr Joseph Ogheneovo Bojeghre, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mr Joseph Ogheneovo Jenakevwe. All documents and FHUWLÂżFDWHV EHDULQJ P\ IRUPHU QDPHV remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ANI : Formerly known as Miss Ani Gladys Anayo now wish to be known and address as Mrs Okoye Gladys Anayo. All former documents remains valid. Public note.

Solicitors. In addition, the applicant is also seeking for an order staying the ruling/judgment of the court to be delivered today (May 18, 2015), pending the determination of the Motion On Notice for Transfer of the suit and pending the appeal filed at the Court of Appeal, Abuja.

CHANGE OF NAME

ADENOWO:Formerly known and addressed as Adetokunbo Abayomi Adenowo, now wish to be known and addressed as Adetokunbo Abayomi Abdurrasheed Adenowo. All former documents remain valid. Lagos State University and the general public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

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

CHANGE OF NAME

IWUANYANWU: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinemerem Eleanor Iwuanyanwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Chinemerem Eleanor Agulanna. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adegor Precious, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ibagere Precious. All former documents remain valid. DESPOLY, Otefe and the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olawale Modupe Victoria now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Imade Modupe Victoria. All GRFXPHQWV DQG FHUWLÂżFDWHV EHDULQJ P\ former names remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

DURU : Formerly known as Mr Duru Chukwujekwu Chukwuemeka, now wish to be known and address as Mr Duru Henry Chukwujekwu. All former documents remains valid. Public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Also in the appeal filed on Friday, the applicant is seeking the setting aside of the order of the court on the ground that the learned trial judge erred in law when he refused to rule on the 1st respondentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (CBN) application for amendment and held that the ruling shall be made together with the substantive suit. CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ruth Ehi. Obazee, now wish to be known and addressed as Ruth Ehi. Osaro-Idemudia. All former documents remain valid. University of benin and the general public please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of loss of C of O registered as 99/99/1515 Plot 3 Block 23 Ogbete Layout by Mr. Peter Nnamoko at land Registry. If found contact the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development Enugu.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKONKWO: I, formerly known and addressed as Kennedy Okonkwo, now wish to be known and addressed as Kennedy Obinwanne Nnayereugo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Alexander Grace, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oluwadamilare Alexander Grace, KRS Investment Limited and General Public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Hazzan Modupe now wish to be known, called and addressed as Hassan Modupe Elizabeth. All GRFXPHQWV DQG FHUWLÂżFDWHV EHDULQJ P\ former names remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as 0XKDPPHG 6DQQL 6XÂż\DQ now wish to be known and addressed as Xufyan Ali Xani. All former documents remain valid. America Embassy and General public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

7KLV LV WR FRQÂżUP WKDW Ajanaku Mariam is the same one person as Ajanaku Mariam Adeola, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Ajanaku Mariam Adeola. All former documents remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public should please take note.

7KLV LV WR FRQÂżUP WKDW Olanrewaju Hammed B. is the same one person as Olarewaju Hammed Babatunde, that henceforth wish to be known and addressed as Olarewaju Hammed Babatunde. All former documents remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic Iree and general public should please take note

ACHUGA: I formerly known and addressed as Miss Achuga Stephanie Chikaodili now wish to be known and address as Mrs Okpara Stephanie Chikaodili. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AMADI: I formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyinye Augusta Amadi, now wish to be known and addressed as As Mrs. Onyinye Augusta Nwoke. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to inform the public that Miss Nwosu Ifeyinwa Mercy and Miss Nwosu Ifeoma refer as one person but now wish to be known as Miss Nwosuifeyinwa Mercy. All former documents remain valid. Abia Poly and General public take note.

AZURUCHUKWU: I formerly known and addressed as Miss Azuruchukwu Njideka Rejoice now wish to be known and addressed asMiss Chukwuemeka Njideka Rejoice. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

FAMILY CHANGE OF NAME All the members of Nwosu, which are formerly addressed as Nwosa had after family meeting unanimously agreed to change their family name to Nwosu. All former documents bearing Nwosa remain valid. NNPC & general public to please take note.

FALODUN: Formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Falodun Oyinkansola Grace, now known and addressed as Mrs. Martins Oyinkansola Grace. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Defence and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Anigbo Chioma Ogochukwu now wish to be known and addressed as known as Mrs Eze Chioma Chinedu. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWAGBARA: Formerly known and addressed as Mr Nwagbara Emmanuel, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Ezeh Emmanuel. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Tolani Veronica Atoyebi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Tolani Veronica Atoyebi Ogundele. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

Formerly known and addressed as Udo Obioma Ohaju now wish to known and addressed as Obioma Udo Echezolachi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Bisola Dorcas Olufolajimi, now wish to be known and addressed as Bisola Dorcas Babatunde-Idowu. Former documents remain valid. General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Elughaiwe, Monday Solomon Nwabunwane Lucky, now wish to be known and addressed as Elughaiwe, Solomon Monday Nwabunwane. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Kazeem Olufunke Modupe, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Oyedipe, Olufunke Modupe. All Former documents remain valid. General public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Fayemi Eniola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adeyemo Eniola. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Monday, May 18, 2015

It was a massive disappointment for me not to have won my last game in Anfield

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

The ‘killer instinct’ in Asisat at la Oshoala

54 4

–LIVERPOOL CAPTAIN, STEVEN GERRARD

CAF Cup result Leopards

Wolves

Glo League results Gabros

Sharks

Giwa

Taraba

Dolphins

Enyimba

El-Kanemi

Bayelsa

Wikki

Lobi

Abia

Pillars

Heartland 2

Akwa

Nasarawa

Sunshine

New Zealand 2015:

Iheanacho, two others face delayed flights M

anchester City youngster, Kelechi Iheanacho, Spainbased Isaac Success and Belgium-based Moses Simon will join the Flying Eagles separately at the U-20 World Cup in New Zealand, officials disclosed. The trio have all been listed in Nigeria’s final 21-man squad for the World Cup, but could not join the

rest of the team in a training camp in Nurnberg, Germany, after their clubs refused to release them due to different commitments. But Coach Manu Garba had trusted the players on their current form at their respective clubs. Iheanacho has been booked to fly out to New Zealand via Singapore on May 24, while Success will depart

B’ball: Ogbuche Camp hosts youth

Kelechi Iheanacho (in green shirt) during a past match involving the Flying Eagles

CBN Tennis: Top seeds take centre court

JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

he Samuel Oguche Youth Basketball Camp sponsored by Bullet Energy Drink will commence today in Abuja. The annual camp is aimed at giving youth in the country opportunity to combine basketball with education. Founder and organiser of the five-day camp, Samuel Oguche, told National Mirror that arrangements had been made for a hitch-free exercise. “I can confirm to you that 300 students and youth have registered for this year’s edition,” the ex-basketball international said, adding that the kids would learn basketball rudiments with the aid of modern facilities. “Resource persons like USA-based Greg Brown and UK-based Lanre Awolabi and hosts of local coaches will guide the participants,” he also disclosed.

from his base in Malaga and Simon will be the last to join the junior national team as his last game of the season will be on May 24 in a Belgian championship playoff bwten his club Gent and Anderlecht. Gent leads the Belgium top League after seven matches with 43 points, two points ahead of closest rival Anderlecht.

PAUL EREWUBA

Babalola

op seeds Clifford Enosoregbe, Abdulmumuni Babalola, Thomas Otu, Henry Atseye, Joseph Imeh and others will compete from today as the round of 64 Men’s Singles of the 37th CBN Open Tennis Championship begins at the National Stadium, Lagos. Women’s Round of 32 and the men and Women Wheelchair Tennis will also hold on the courts. According to the draws, the women’s singles will be

played in the round of 32 with the men’s doubles cadre while the women’s doubles and the men and women’s wheelchair event would be played in the round of 16. Meanwhile in the seeded players’ list released over the weekend by the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Enosoregbe retained the top seed in the men’s singles event ahead of hard-hitting Babalola who is seeded number two. Otu, Henry Atseye and upcoming Joseph Imeh are seeded three, four and five respectively while Nonso Madueke is tournament’s sixth

seed. Veteran Christy Agugbom, who won three tournaments last year, is the top seed in the women’s singles category while Sarah Adegoke is number two as Anu Aiyegbusi, Airhunwunde Osareimen, Loveth Donatus and Ronke Akingbende are third fourth, fifth and sixth respectively. National Mirror learnt that about N14million has been earmarked as prize money while all the registered players will receive N8, 000 subsidy from the tournament sponsor.

Sports

Monday, May 18, 2015

Toure inspires

EPL results Swansea

Man City

Man Utd

Arsenal

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

City win A

Asisat Oshoala

The ‘killer instinct’ in Asisat

Oshoala

Yaya Toure double and a late strike from Wilfried Bony on his return to the Liberty Stadium gave Manchester City all three points in a thrilling 4-2 win over Swansea yesterday. Bony, who joined City in January, came on as a substitute to round off an impressive attacking display by the deposed champions, who closed in on second spot and secured their place in the Champions League group stages with a fifth successive league win. Toure gave Manchester City the lead in the 20th minute against the run of play after David Silva played his captain in on the edge of the box and the midfielder took a speculative shot which deflected off Ashley Williams knee and flew past Lukas Fabianski. James Milner extended City’s lead in the 35th minute as Lampard’s long pass found Aguero down the left and he played Milner in on the edge of the box. The midfielder shot across Fabianski and the ball bounced in at the far post. Gyllfi Sigurdsson got his seventh goal of the season on the stroke of half-time to give Swansea a lift heading into the break. Batefemi Gomis scored the equaliser just after the hour after some awful defending from the visitors, when he played the offside trap perfectly after latching onto Jazz Richards long ball to beat Hart from 15 yards out. It looked to be heading for a draw before Toure got his second and former favourite, Bony got his name on the score-sheet a minute into injury-time. The win guarantees City automatic qualification in the Champions League, while the Swans are guaranteed eighth place in the Premier League.

heneve verr the the me edia dia di the celebrate ate Nig stre str st Niige ree eet e ets et ger ts of La eri ria ri ian n Lag gos g os, the high os hly ly talente pla p ay pl ye ed ers d rs,, it get gets etts in intto ‘tom ‘t tomboy’ w o the the heiirr wa as s dis d isc is cov cove ver ere re e d at hea he an a n a d. ear ea a rly rl Th ly y ey start bluffing when per age for her uniqueness. She was refectly created re by the media, girls wil cently nominated for willl the prestigiou rol l the ir uss eye s and flick their braids BBC Women’s Footballer ds of wh the ile Yea the r. guy s pierce their ears and The year 2014 was indeed paint their hair, her year. sag their trousers, Having won the Africa forgetting that sagn Women’ n’s ’s ging originall Footballer of the Year ally ly starts from prison. in 2014, African No doubt, a Women’s Youth Player lot has been written of the Year in n about 201 4 and African Women’s Asisat Lamina Oshoala Championship, ip p, a.k.a Golden ball and Golden SuperZee, boot at the FIFA U-20 or Seedorf, whom m Wo men’s World in 2014, she I met physically for the will be the centre e e first of attraction as she plans time this year at the Ab to rul uja e the e National Stadium having ti wo w orld in Canada shortly. admired her prowess fro Foc cus us u and concentr m TV trattio ion io V n is and a an d You Youtub alll sh a al tube. she ne nee eds ds and can d ca an take a As a L Liv clu c ive lue erp e from Cynthia rpo pool ol Footba tball ll ll Clu a Uwak Club b ard k wh ard who rde ent o n fan fa n,, I w wa an ntt to ssay n got g go o t dissttra di ay tthi tra r cte hiss 20 hi cted 20-y d and yea e r-o ea nd fell fel old elll out lld d st strriiike out off k r is ke skiillllfu sk lful lf ul, l,, luc lucky her he h ky ky and er car and a rec care ree eer eer er wh reco whi cor ord ord hil ile d ma le e loo mak loo ook ker ker kin kiing er,, bei g up bein up to ing ng ng the the firs fi ir t Afr Afri ric ica ican an pla play aye the th h yer yerr to e res re e to eve s si ilie lien li ev ver ent en ntt Per er pla Pe p lay la rpe rp y pet p etu et in t n ual ua a the t he l Nke Englis g is gl ish h women le lea agu ag gue g ue. ue e. She iss a g wo w cha cha as goa oall ne oa a a nett ki aut uth ut kil hen ller ll ler e l er nti tic t i c rol r olle witth wi h her h ski k ll, talent and team spirit ki model. which I hope she can sustain and not get carrie She needs to think of hav ing kids and becoming a d away by fame. wife some day if she so wishes Her success story is a gre . As someone who respec at one for women footba ts evll in eryone’s sexual orientati Africa. She has on severa on, I think Oshoala may l occasions professed her as we lov ll e overcome lesbianism cha and commitment to footba llenge which seems the ll and it apparently worke ban d e for of women football, in eve her. A nightmare, torme n sometimes controversia ntor and destroyer of def l end and ers sensitive manner. Howe and goalkeepers all rolled ver, the last thing she into one. needs is any form of distraction Oshoala, in her unique while planning for bigger way, knows how to always things fin d ahead. the back of the net and she always smashes it. Sh e has built herself into a brand Oshoala says she droppe d out of school for footba in the mode of a ferocious , furi- Of course, it has ll. ous and prolific striker now become expedient to within a short period of enr oll in som tim e. e A courses in UK, even online made-in-Nigeria, conqu ering Europe. courses that are more flex ibl e. She should make the mo A young achiever, savvy ney now and spend big, , strong, black and beauti but not ful, forgetting to save were the words amongst for the raining days as not others to describe the Afr hin g las ts forica n eve finest female footballer. r. She however was nomina ted for the inaugural BBC Wome •Ronke Ogunleye-Bell o, an Abuja-based spo n Footballer of the year. rts journalist, contributed Born and bred in Lagos this piece , and having played footba ll on

Toure

Kenyans sweep Okpekpe top prizes

enyan duo of Korio Alex Olotip and Tanui Anfele emerged winners of the respective men and women races of the IAAF bronze label 3rd Okpekpe 10km Road Race held in Okpekpe near Auchi, Edo State at the weekend. Olotip raced home first in a very tight race in 29 minutes, 20 seconds to emerge the third man to win the title and the accompanying 25,000 USD top prize. He was chased to the tape by Ethiopia’s Leul Gabrasilasis (29.22) and fellow Kenyan and last year’s first runner-up, Amos Mitel (29.24). Interestingly, Mitel came into the compettition as the pre-race fastest man and the seventh fastest in the world so far this year at 27:58 but neither he nor the two people in front of him and even Ethiopia’s Dawi Fikadu who holds a 28:04 personal season’s best could break the 28 minutes,26 seconds race record set by Ethiopia’s Teshome Asfahu Mekone at the second edition of the race last year. Fikadu, for the records, came a disappointing ninth (30.18) while Mekome came in 16th (32.31) in Saturday’s race.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Monday, May 18, 2015

NNL: Elijah unfazed by drab start

Chiney Ogwumike of Connecticut Sun with kids at the ‘Power Forward’ launch in Abuja

oach of Kogi United FC of Lokoja, Yomi Elijah, has expressed optimism on his side’s chances to gain promotion to Premier League, despite 1-1 draw against Spotlight in the opening day of Nigeria National League, NNL season. Kogi United fell behind within just eight minutes of the game when Spotlight capitalized on a lose ball in the midfield and Kabir Janaidu raced down to open score, even as the hosts missed a penalty to level even terms minutes later. The Confluence team waited till the 73rd minute, however, to get the equalizer through as header from Babangida Chindo T h e but efforts to get the winner proved abortive. “It’s unfortunate we got draw at home Power Forward curriculum inwe were only unlucky not to have scored but health and training corporates leadership the chances created,” Elijah said. from classof awareness through a combination believe we will be fine in the coming “I student with room and athletic activities, to be on top,” the gafer added. games initiathe of stages evaluations at different related development, Confluence a In coach a has school tive. In addition, each Lokoja Assistant Coach, Abubaof Queens guide curriculum, assigned to oversee the said his side was the better has Musa, kar monitor and students through lessons, 1-0 loss away to Adcontroversial a in side progress. 3 game at the weekWeek in Queens amawa comNigeria in ExxonMobil affiliates end. to annually million mits about $10 to $12 The home team’s Stella Nwadike convertsustainable, long-term initiates among what looked like a questionable spot kick ed Track which is the Nigeria/ExxonMobil 64th minute to seal the win. the in prohas which and Field Championship Mirror learnt yesterday that ofNational the for athletes duced some of the best visiting team had filed a protest the of ficials country. against the home team before the encounter for fielding Florence David and goal scorer Nwadike, both allegedly ineligible. “We played better than Adamawa Queens, but it’s just unfortunate we lost the match,” Abubakar was quoted by the club’s Spokesperson, Tosin Ojo, stressing, “We just have to look ahead and focus on the next match educate our leaders that in nations where against Osun Babes in Lokoja this weekpeople are passionate about football, the end,” the coach said. sports fund it,” Anugweje said. Confluence Queens have won a game “Since the board of AFN was inauguthree matches played so far, their only from rated in May 2013, government has not coming at home to FC Robo. victory given us a kobo as subvention, yet football gets billions of naira,” he lamented Thomas said the 3rd All Comers Competition will hold May 26 at University of Port Harcourt Sports Centre. “Clubs, institutions, military and paramilitary athletics clubs have been invited and enjoined to submit their realistic entries for this All Comers competition by irst timer, Association of Nigerian May 22,” the spokesman said. Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), has won the 2015 Maritime Cup competition. ANLCA defeated three-time champion Nigeria Customs Service 5-3 via penalty kicks to cart away the coveted Pa Olayiwola Okunloye trophy. “We are coming into the competition for the first time but we are here to win,” National President of the association, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, who led the team’s supporters’ club had said at the opening ceremony of the competition on May 2. ANLCA defeated Micura 1-0 whle Customs also defeated Micura Stevedoring Services 1-0 in the semi finals. Micura defeated Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to win the third place match.

Why we supported ‘Power Forward’ a h g a e d U – M edia and Communications Manager, Exxon Mobil, Oge Udeagha, has said that the essence of bringfor the ‘Power Forward’ players top ing project is to give life-skill and basketball something to involved youths 300 over the to. aspire “We are glad at the impact that the role models are having on the kids,” Udeagha said during the second launch of the project in Abuja over the weekend. “The national basketball team captain, Olumide Ayodeji, and Chiney Ogwumike of Connecticut Sun are all great examples of people who have achieved a lot during a very young age are tremendous inspiration for the youths here,” the Exxon Mobil official added. The Power Forward pilot program was

launched in 2013 in partnership with the ExxonMobil, NBA, Africare, local school and education officials. It had Nigerian Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon, fellow countryman and former NBA player, Obinna Ekezie, and three-time WNBA Champion, Swin Cash, in attendance. The second season of the ‘Power Forward’ project pilot program will include basketball games, clinics, life skills seminars and train-the-trainer sessions for the coaches, culminating in a 2015 Boys and Girls Power Forward final game. ExxonMobil Nigeria Upstream Treasurer, Anibor Kragha, said at the launch that the company’s philosophy for supporting the project was to stress that “a productive, healthy and educated society is a place to do business”.

Athletics: AFN to commission P/Harcourt centre AFN boss, Ogba

MERCY JACOB

he Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) will commission its High Performance Center at the University of Port Harcourt on May 25

with a view to providing a training environment for athletes based at home. President of Confederation of Africa Athletics, Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, and AFN President, Evangelist Solomon Ogba, will declare the centre open, according to AFN Spokesman, Olukayode Thomas. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s foremost sports scientist, Ken Anugweje, who initiated the center, said it was a shame that a federation as the AFN lacked adequate support from the Federal Government and Corporate Nigeria. “I think the sporting press needs to

T/tennis: Lagos hosts NNPC-NAPIMS Open AFOLABI GAMBARI

two-day table tennis tourney tagged NNPC-NAPIMS Open will hold in Lagos on Thursday this week. Friday and The tournament which will be played at the Rowe Park, Yaba is organised by the Lagos State Table Tennis Association. Chairman of the association, Architect Femi Sokoya, the tournament called “Chairman’s Cup” is opened to Lagos

State table tennis players with over 100 participants expected to compete in the Men and Women’s Singles, Junior Boys and Girls Singles categories. Prizes donated by the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) will be given to winners of various categories. “Lagos is regarded as the “home of table tennis” in Nigeria and we want to live up to the name by giving our players good ground to exhibit their talent,” Sokoya said yesterday, adding, “We expect exciting times.”

ANLCA wins Maritime Cup

Lagos’ DOS,Tandoh

WORLD RECORD Most Fastest people running 100fimetres in a 24 hour relay mile reman’s carry

Vol. 05 No. 1114 Monday, May 18, 2015

N150

The most people running 100 meters in a 24 hours relay is 4 , 5 3 1 p a r t i c i p a n t s a n d w a s a c h i eve d b y Ru n f o r C h i l d r e n ( I t a l y ) i n P r a t o d e l l a Va l l e , P a d ov a , I t a l y, o n 1 8 Ju n e 2 0 1 1 .

On FG, oil marketers and Nigerians

“E

ditor, whither Nigeria? Why are we being treated like rags by our leaders? We have had close to one month of chronic fuel scarcity coupled with worsening power outages and no one is addressing them. Is this the way a transition is conducted in other lands?” I got this call in the office last Tuesday morning when, honestly speaking, I was emotionally down, physically drained and spiritually low. My fouled mood was the result of a deep introspection after I witnessed a most horrendous absurdity of undergovernance in the land: oil tankers’ total blockage of Funsho Williams/Iponri/Ijora/ Apapa road and the attendant gridlock that accompanied it. If the Tuesday spectacle was scary, the subsequent ones that followed were scarier. That part of Lagos, including Eko Bridge that accommodates vehicular

HeartBeat Callistus Oke

Callistusoke@nationalmirroronline.net 08054103275 (SMS ONLY) anthonykila@mail.com traffic going to the Island witnessed an induced ‘locked down’. Many vehicles to the Island had to take a diversion at Costain to Oyingbo and then enroute to their final destinations. What a life, and what a way to visualize government at its worst inefficiency. In answer to the call, I blurted: “I do not know if I should call your observation one of the transition blues we have been witnessing; what I do know is that the development is bizarre. I see the situation as one of abandonment - those who have the responsibility to minister to our needs have abandoned their statutory responsibilities. The Executive Secretary of Members of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Mr. Obafemi Olawore, said this as much when he recently disclosed that ‘For the two weeks that you have seen all this madness or fuel scarcity on the road in Lagos, nobody has spoken with us. Even the last meeting we had with the Minister, we requested for it and we believe that if they are sensitive, they should call us this time to ask us’. “He could not have put it better. The truth of the matter is that individuals’ economies have been grounded from the high cost people have to pay for black market fuel to power their generators at night and run their micro businesses in the day time. Indeed, Nigeria has been in a state of immobilism!” This is putting it mildly. I have witnessed many excruciating privations in my adult

THE APPARENT INCREMENTAL WITHDRAWAL OF

MR. PRESIDENT

FROM HIS STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITIES TO

THE NIGERIAN PEOPLE IS NOT EXCUSABLE years. The 1989 anti-SAP riots of the General Ibrahim Babangida regime is a case in point. The effects of the riots paled into insignificance compared to the grinding strike embarked upon by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) on July 5, 1994 to protest the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election result. The strike, which was called off on September 4, 1994, plunged the nation into a monumental economic crisis. IBB and General Sani Abacha could afford to toy with the destiny of Nigeria then because as military dictators they were not answerable to Nigerians. But now we have in place a democratic government. In the 16 years of democratic governance, Nigerians have not been so cavalierly treated. It will be uncharitable to adduce the current development to power change. The Goodluck Jonathan presidency will terminate on May

29, 2015 with the inauguration of the Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari presidency. The solution to the prevailing socioe-conomic logjam is his responsibility. So, the apparent incremental withdrawal of Mr. President from his statutory responsibilities to the Nigerian people is not excusable. Since March 31, when the result of the presidential election held four days earlier was made public with the declaration of General Buhari as the President-elect, the gulf between Nigerians and the Presidency has widened. The lingering acute power supply deficit and egregious fuel shortage of the past three weeks that has defiled all solutions give credence to my assertion. Electricity and fuel are at the heart of people’s daily activities in Nigeria. The economic and social life of Nigerians is tied to the availability of fuel and electricity. Their true happiness revolves round these two ‘essential commodities’. Any leader that fails to make them available would earn the eternal enmity and disrespect of the people. Since this fuel crisis, I have seen another side of the undying Nigerian spirit: Black marketers name their prices, and they pay! I have seen people who paid N1, 500 for five litres of PMS; they would have paid more if only to have their sanity intact, especially at a time of serious power outages. In the popular imagination of the people, the unresolved fuel scarcity is Mr. President’s own way of getting his pound of flesh from Nigerians for rejecting him at the polls! I doubt if this is true. It is one of those fantasies arising from human puzzles. However, whatever the official explanation for exposing Nigerians to the energy shortageinduced pains, the government’s passivity is feeding the nation’s rumour mills. This is not good for the image of a leader who has been on the saddle for more than five years. Mr. President has been unfair to Nigerians, shutting them out the way he has done. The Federal Government’s information machinery has gone to sleep since March 28, leaving Nigerians to their imaginations.

Sport Extra

I doubted Terry’s staying power–Mourinho

helsea Manager, Jose Mourinho, says he had doubts over captain John Terry and whether the former England defender could compete for a regular

place in the Blues’ squad. At 34 years old, Terry has suprised many with his classy performances this season, managing 47 appearances and eight goals in all compe-

titions. “I think he knows that without me, he probably wouldn’t be at Chelsea in this moment,” Mourinho said yesterday. Probably, with anoth-

er manager he wouldn’t play and without playing, he wouldn’t have another contract,” the Portuguese gaffer added. “Under me, John has

had already two new contracts. But I also know that without him, I wouldn’t be Premier League champion as it would have been very difficult.

Mourinho

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