Monday, november 2, 2015 new by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

APC's negative marketing killing Nigeria, says PDP

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NNPC records N38.67bn from sale of petroleum products in Sept P.5

Buhari will always tell Nigerians the truth –Presidency

Metuh

Vol. 5 N0. 1234

hammadu Buhari’s comment on the state of the nation, especially while on foreign trip,

residency and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday disagreed over the effect of President Mu-

OBIORA IFOH AND ROTIMI FADEYI

Monday, November 2, 2015

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Fasoranti steps aside as Afenifere leader …says group has derailed

OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

lder statesman, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has stepped aside as national leader of apex Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere. Fasoranti, who assumed the position after the death of Chief Abraham Adesanya, cited lack of unity among members for quitting. He lamented the failure of Afenifere to achieve its goals of a great nation and unified Yoruba race

Adebanjo, Lanihun Ajayi, Falae touted as replacement

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

No Boko Haram inmates in Ebonyi Prisons –Umahi P.7

L-R: Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof. Jerry Gana; Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Rahamon Bello, during the award and recognition dinner in honour of eminent alunmi of the University.

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UPDATED 30/10/2015

News

Monday, November 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fasoranti steps aside as Afenifere leader CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

despite making several efforts. The octogenarian made his decision known in a letter he personally signed, saying he had since stopped being the chairman of the foremost Yoruba organisation. The letter was addressed to Secretary General, Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa, and other leaders of the group, including Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Sir Lanihun Ajayi, Chief Olu Falae, Chief Supo Sonibare and all state chairmen of Afenifere. He wrote in the letter: “Our organisation, Afenifere, was formed in 1951 under the leadership of our leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The organisation was formed to serve as an umbrella to be used to actualise the dream of a great nation and the Yoruba race. “Over the years, the Yoruba have tried to focus on a common goal. Chief Awolowo tried to ensure the oneness of our people with a lot of efforts, notwithstanding the challenges he faced in the process. Unfortunately, he passed on without actualising this dream. “I joined Afenifere

from inception with the following leaders of our race, Pa Onasanya, Alhaji Ganiyu Daodu, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Sir Olanihun Ajayi, Chief Sam Sonibare, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Wunmi Adegbonmire, and so on. “The mantle of leadership fell on the late Pa Adekunle Ajasin and subse-

quently Pa Adesanya and then my humble self. As events have been unfolding in the past few years, the focus and goals of the founding fathers of our great organisation, 'Afenifere', were gradually eroded. “This therefore, made it a herculean task for our members to work in unity. Several efforts were made

to ensure the actualisation of Afenefere goals, but it appeared we have not succeeded in achieving this. This is basically due to reasons best known to our members individually. “Let me state clearly that the issue of adoption of the National Confab report had always been the focus and goal of our people in Afenifere, even

long before the National Confab was set up. The support of a leader who promised to implement this report was therefore not a mistake and inevitable despite all public insinuations. “Considering my age, efforts and selfless dedication to my country, my state (Ondo), my political parties, my past leaders

and members in Afenifere both in Nigeria and in Diaspora, I hereby wish to inform you all that I have decided to step aside as leader of our great organisation, Afenifere.” Our correspondent gathered that Chief Adebanjo, Falae and Lanihun Ajayi are being touted as replacement for Fasoranti.

United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Enwistle (middle) with beneficiaries of the US Mission in Nigeria's small grant to assist groups, neighbourhoods, villages, and communities, to help themselves, at the awards presentation in Abuja.

APC's negative marketing killing Nigeria, says PDP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

While PDP said Buhari’s constant negative marketing of Nigeria abroad is capable of discouraging foreign investors, the Presidency said the President would remain true to the virtues of honesty, integrity, sincerity, incorruptibility and plain-speaking, which endeared him to Nigerians and made them prefer his leadership. PDP, had in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh said the President’s unwary statements have become serious clog in the wheel of progress, eroding the confidence of both domestic and international investors in the Nigerian economic and social system. According to the PDP spokesperson, it is worri-

some that in the last six months, the President, “instead of making efforts to harness resources and grow the economy, has rather continued to apply himself, perhaps unwittingly, to demarket the nation thus scaring away investors through negative labeling of Nigerians and unwarranted unhealthy portrayal of the nation’s economy. “In the last six months, our President has only succeeded in discouraging foreign investors with his continued misrepresentation of our country as a business unfriendly environment, where most of the citizens are basically corrupt, dishonest, and cannot be trusted. “Whereas we have restated our total support for the war against corruption, we insist that Mr. President’s unceas-

ing blanket negative labeling of citizens, in a country where millions of honest and hardworking individuals/firms are genuinely contributing daily to the development effort, is indeed a disservice and injurious to the nation and the people,” PDP said. The opposition party said President Buhari's recent announcement to the world that the nation, with its abundant human and natural resources, is broke and cannot pay cabinet ministers not only sends a discouraging signal to the domestic and international business community, but also exposes the ineptitude of the present administration to meaningfully and sincerely exert itself and work with industrious and innovative investors to create and manage wealth.

“We ask; how can any reasonable investor still have the confidence to invest in a country where the President himself continues to alert that his country reeks of corrupt people and that the government is broke to the extent it cannot pay cabinet ministers? “Is the President not directly advising investors against having confidence in Nigeria and the system, and that they risk not being paid for jobs awarded by government at any level? “More worrisome is the fact that Mr. President most times, makes his damaging comments in international for a, with potential investors in attendance to the extent that it reminds one of the proverbial father who, in the presence of potential suitors, often portrays his daughters as wayward

and yet constantly complain of their inability to find husbands,” PDP added. Replying Metuh, the Presidency said that President Buhari would not lead a deceptive administration like the PDP. A statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina said the President would not, in the guise of “marketing” the country, refrain from telling Nigerians and the world, the emerging truths about the abject state in which years of plundering by a PDP leadership has left the Nigerian treasury and economy. The statement said: “We restate for the umpteenth time to Mr. Metuh and his ilk that their attempts to distract President Buhari from the job he has been elected to do

will fail. “President Buhari will remain true to the virtues of honesty, integrity, sincerity, incorruptibility and plain-speaking, which endeared him to Nigerians and made them prefer his leadership to that of a lying and deceptive PDP administration. “The President will not, in the guise of ‘marketing’ the country, refrain from telling Nigerians and the world, the emerging truths about the abject state in which years of plundering by a PDP leadership has left the Nigerian treasury and economy. “President Buhari will not in the name of ‘marketing’ or ‘attracting’ investors, follow in the footsteps of the ousted PDP administration and its discredited officials who shamelessly lied to CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PAGE

Monday, November 2, 2015

Good Health

Be careful, millions get infections during stay in hospitals • Majority die from it

they said. The researchers suggested constant hand washing as one of the measures for preventing hospital infections but added that patients need to be partly responsible for the cleanliness of their examination. “If a doctor fails to wash her hands before examining a patient it’s because she forgot, not because she didn’t know better. But this cognizance has to be a two-way street. Patients need to feel, and be, partly responsible for the cleanliness of their examination. Doctors must take every precaution they can to keep bacteria at bay, and patients should not be afraid to inquire about this things”, Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University said.

Another report by Laxminarayan and colleagues analyzed administrative data from a huge national database of information on hospital records for 69 million U.S. residents in 40 states between 1998 and 2006. They focused only on infections acquired in the hospital, and not on infections picked up in the community. They found out that every year, 48,000 people die of infections they caught while in the hospitals. “When a patient goes to the hospital with an illness and then dies of another one, it does not always occur to the family that it could be from the hospital. Hospital acquired infections actually kill three times more people than HIV does. Yet we’re only beginning to get a handle on the size of the problem”, says study researcher Ramanan Laxminarayan, a senior fellow at the Washington, D.C. think tank Resources. Among the deadly germs in hospitals are; Clostridium difficile (C. diff), carbapenemresistant Enterobacteriaceae and Methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA- a germ that is not easily controlled by antibiotics. According to researchers, the infections often develop during or after surgery, or can be traced to urinary catheters or central-line catheters, which are used to provide intravenous nutrition, fluid, and medication to seriously ill hospital patients. It was also found that children are most susceptible to hospital-acquired infections. This is because they always wander about the examination rooms touching things. “To prevent your child from picking these germs, make sure your child washes his or her hands with soap and water both before and after an office visit. When at the doctor’s office, encourage your child to sit in the chairs provided, avoid sitting on the floor and touching items in the office. Avoid them from wandering about or touching sick people. Finally, encourage children to help prevent the spread of their own germs when suffering from a cold. When coughing, they should cover their mouths with their arms”, they said.

Punishment can worsen bedwetting

• Doctor’s stethoscope major culprit

FRANKA OSAKWE

he Ebola virus Disease (EVD) may have gone, yet there are other deadly infections still lurking at hospitals, spreading from sick patients to hospital staff and to the well patients. A recent investigation of hospitals revealed that millions of people get infected from their stay at the hospital and majority of them die from those infections. The investigation by The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), conducted in hospitals within America, found that these infections spread majorly through doctor’s coats and stethoscope. According to their findings, even a well disinfected and clean waiting room could not prevent bacteria from spreading between vulnerable patients and hospital staff. The scientists found that much of the transmission, happen innocently through doctors’ iconic white coats. Unfortunately, little evidence suggests the coats should go. “While studies have demonstrated the clothing of health care personnel may have a role in transmission of pathogens, this role has not yet been well established,” Dr. Gonzalo Bearman, lead author of the study and member of SHEA’s Guidelines Committee, said in a statement. And aside doctor’s coats, the researchers found that the humble stethoscope may also be a breeding ground for germs. A recent study showed that stethoscopes are, on average, dirtier than doctors’ own palms. Researchers took swabs of both the instrument and several regions of the hand and found that all but the doctors’ fingertips were

dirtier than their stethoscopes. Lead investigator Dr. Didier Pittet argued the tool made it easy for diseases to be transmitted. “By considering that stethoscopes are used repeatedly over the course of a day, come directly into contact with patients’ skin, and may harbor several thousands of bacteria collected during a previous physical examination, we consider them as potentially significant vectors of transmission”, he said. Another reason they gave for the spread of hospital infection is lack of separate examination rooms for well patients and sick patients. “People may enter the examination room with a cold and leave with Methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA”,

DID YOU KNOW?

Malaria vaccine now potential cancer cure

group of Danish scientists accidentally discovered that a potential malaria vaccine had the unexpected side effect of killing tumors. The scientists were carrying out research on how to prevent pregnant women from getting malaria. Malaria is especially dangerous for pregnant women as the parasite may attack the placenta, which then puts the child’s life at risk. In their ongoing efforts to prevent these specific infections, the scientists from the University of Denmark, observed similar characteristics between tumors and placentas. They found that the same technique malaria uses to attack and destroy placentas could also be used to destroy cancer tumors. “The placenta is an organ, which within a few months grows from only few cells into an organ weighing approximately 2 pounds, and

it provides the embryo with oxygen and nourishment in a relatively foreign environment,” study author Ali Salanti said in a statement. In a manner of speaking, tumors do much the same — they grow aggressively in a relatively foreign environment.” The researchers attempted to improve on this natural design by attaching a cancer-killing toxin to the malaria protein. They found that the combination was lethal; in lab tests, it was up to 90 percent effective in destroying various cancer samples. The lethal combination was also tested successfully in mice that were implanted with different types of human cancers.

unishing children for bedwetting won’t solve the problem and may make it worse, researchers say. In a new study, children who were punished for wetting the bed at night were more likely to be depressed and had worse overall quality of life compared to bed-wetters who were not punished. Night time bedwetting, or “nocturnal enuresis,” affects about 15 percent of young children and is three times more common in boys than girls, according to the authors. Up to a third of parents punish their kids for bedwetting, they add. While parents might think punishment will make bedwetting stop, they should know that punishment can actually make the problem worse, leading to more frequent bedwetting, more depression and a poorer quality of life for the child, the researchers wrote in the journal Child Abuse and Neglect.

Dr. Faten Nabeel Al-Zaben of the Faculty of Medicine at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and a colleague studied 65 children ages seven to 13 years old who wet their beds, and 40 healthy children without a bedwetting problem as a comparison group.

Photo News

Monday, November 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Leye Oyebade; General Overseer, Victory Church, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun; representative of the Vice President, Mr. Ade Ipaye; Founder, Dorcas Hope Alive Initiative, Bishop Francis Wale-Oke and his wife, Victoria, during a public lecture on Child Abuse and the Challenges of the African Child, in Ibadan, on Saturday.

L-R: Managing Director, Arik Air, Chris Ndulue; Chairman, Noble Joseph Arumemi–Ikhide; his wife, Dame Mary Arumemi and Deputy Managing Director, Airk Air, Capt. Ado Sanusi, during Noble Degree Exemplification at Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu, at the weekend. PHOTO ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA

L-R: Communication Manager, Coca Cola Nigeria Ltd, Sam Umukoro; Marketing Director, Patricia Jemibewon; Senior Brand Manager, Gbolahan Sanni and Publisher, Pride Magazine, Chief Charles Anyiam-Osigwe, during the presentation of Marketing Excellence Campaign of the Year award to Coca Cola, and the Advan Awards for Marketing Excellence 2015, in Lagos, on Saturday.

L-R: Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries, Kufre Ekanem; Senior Brand Manager, Strongbow, Ngozi Nkwoji and Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries, Nichola Vervelde, during the Strongbow Golden Hour Consumer launch in Lagos, at the weekend.

National News

he number of internet users on Nigeria’s telecoms networks has hit 97.21 million, up from the 95.37 million recorded in August, according to figures released by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC. The regulatory body disclosed this in its Monthly Internet Subscriber Data for September, obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Sunday in Lagos. The data revealed that internet users on both Global System for Mobile Communications, GSM and Code Division Multiple Access, CDMA networks, increased by 1.84 million in September. The data showed that of the 97.21 million internet users in September, 97.06 million were on GSM networks, while 151,816 users were on CDMA networks. However, the CDMA operators lost 367 internet users, after recording 151,816 in September, against 152,183 in August. Telecom company,

Nigeria internet users now 97m –NCC MTN, has 41.84 million subscribers browsing the internet on its network. The NCC explained that MTN recorded an increase of 423,448 internet subscribers in September, after recording 41.41 million in August. According to the data, Globacom has 21.89 million subscribers surfing the net on its network in September; 20.77 million

surfed the internet on the network in August. Airtel had 17.73 million internet users in September as against 17.49 million customers recorded in August. The data showed that internet users on the Airtel network increased by 235,941 in September. The NCC also said Etisalat had 15.59 million customers who browsed

the internet in September, against the 15.54 million users in August. The data showed that those browsing the net on Etisalat’s network rose by 57,061 in September. The NCC data also revealed that the CDMA operators, Multi-Links and Visafone, had a joint total of 151,816 internet users on their networks in September.

It showed that the only two surviving CDMA networks in the country recorded a decrease of 367 internet subscribers in the month under review, from the 152,183 users recorded in August. According to the data, Visafone has a decrease of 393 customers surfing the internet in September, as it has 151,530, compared to the 151,923 users in August.

Multi-Links had 286 internet users in September, adding 26 customers from the August record of 260 users. The increase in the use of the internet in September showed that more Nigerians were embracing data as the next revolution as the country moves towards achieving 30 per cent broadband penetration by 2018.

Sultan urges wealthy Muslims to support needy folk

ultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, yesterday urged wealthy Muslims to pay their Zakat to the needy in order to reduce high level of poverty in the society. Abubakar made the appeal when he distributed over N4.67 million Zakat proceeds to the needy at

Durbawa in Kware Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The News Agency Nigeria, NAN, reports that 425 sewing machines, 85 deep freezer, 85 generating sets and 425 grinding machines were also distributed. “This will serve as a way of helping the society; it is

a way of eradicating poverty and unemployment among us. “The gesture will also serve as a means of fostering more understanding between leaders and their followers,’’ the Sultan said. He commended the efforts of Islamic scholars in the state for sensitising

the populace on the importance of giving out Zakat for the benefit of mankind. Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Mani Maishinku, called on the people to support government at all level to guarantee unity, peace and development in the country. Chairman of the state

Zakkat and Endowment Committee, Malam Lawal Maidoki, urged the beneficiaries to utilise the donation to become self-reliant. He disclosed that the committee would also utilise proceeds of the Zakat to cater for psychiatric and epilepsy patients in the state.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Monday, November 2, 2015

NNPC records N38.67bn from sale of petroleum products in Sept

igeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, said it recorded N38.67bn from the sale of downstream petroleum products in September. This was contained in the corporation’s report for September obtained in Abuja yesterday. It stated that the amount was in respect of revenue from “white products” sold by the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company, PPMC. White products include Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, Household Kerosene, HHK, and Premium Motor Spirit, PMS. The report also indicated that NNPC generated N44.2bn from the sale of white petroleum products in August. According to the report, the total revenue for white products sold from January to September 2015 stood at N461.1bn. It stated that PMS contributed about 86 per cent of all the revenues collected from January to September with a value of N395.68bn. According to the statement, the combined value of output by the three refineries in Nigeria amounted to N9.9bn for crude processed in September. The report said that the associated crude plus freight cost stood at N6.3bn, representing a loss of N8.8bn after an overhead cost of N12.4bn. The report also indicat-

ed that 75.78 million litres was produced compared to 200.2 million litres in August in respect of products from domestic refineries. It stated that the total crude processed by the three refineries in September was 261,371.14 bbls (35,648 MT) translating to a combined capacity utilisation of 1.96 per cent According to the report, only Port Harcourt refinery produced 31,008 million MT of petroleum products, out of 35,648 million MT of crude processed at an average capacity utilisation of 5.77 per cent. It said petroleum product supplied and distributed into the country from Off-Shore Processing Agreements, OPA, stood at 763.90 million litres of white products against 701.29 million litres supplied in August. The report said Dual Purpose Kerosene, DPK, receipt in September was 196.30 million litres compared with zero litres imported in the previous month. It stated that 507.90 million litres of downstream petroleum products were distributed and sold by PPMC in September 2015 compared to 606.84 million litres sold in the previous month. The report stated that the sale comprised of 456.81 million litres of PMS, 31.41 million litres of kerosene and 19.68 million litres of diesel. It stated that the total

APC's negative marketing killing Nigeria, says PDP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Nigerians and the world about the buoyancy and vibrancy of an economy they had bled dry for personal gain, when it was very obvious to the discerning, that the Nigerian economy was headed for serious trouble.” The Presidency stated that it was most unfortunate that instead of showing some remorsefulness for the harm done to the nation by his party, and giving genuine support for Buhari’s efforts to salvage and revamp the economy, Metuh persisted in a vain attempt to remain relevant on the

national stage The statement stated that Metuh was making the vain attempt by unjustly denigrating the President who continues to strive with all his might to alleviate and reverse the harm done to the nation by PDP misrule and corruption. It further said Metuh’s antics are futile, stressing that Buhari cannot be distracted by a broken record. It added that the administration would listen if the PDP spokesman ever has serious matters to bring to the attention of government.

sale of white products for the period, January to September stood at 6.41billion litres, with PMS recording 5.08 billion liters or 79 per cent of the sale. On gas production, it sated that 246 billion standard cubic feet (BCF) of natural gas was produced in September.

The report indicated that an average daily production of 8,187 million standard cubic feet per day was recorded during the period. It showed that 2,164 BCF of gas was produced between January and September 2015 representing an average daily production of 7,925 mmscfd dur-

ing the period. It stated that production from Joint Ventures, JVs, Production Sharing Contracts, PSC, and the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, contributed about 69.8, 22.0 and 8.2 per cents respectively to the total national gas production. The report stated that an

average of 773 mmscfd of domestic gas was delivered to gas fired power plants in September 2015. It stated that the supply was designed to generate an average power of about 3,141mw of electricity compared to the 2015 YTD average gas supply of 656 mmscfd and power generation of 2,843mw.

Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 12, AIG Tunde Ogunsakin being welcome by Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima, during Ogunsakin’s familiarization tour to the zone, at the weekend.

How FG plans to shore up value of naira –Osinbajo ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

ice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday said sustained diversification plan by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari by steadily moving away from the current monoproduct economy, would increase the country’s foreign exchange earnings and raise the value of the naira. According to him, raising the value of the naira would take a multipronged approach, including ensuring increase in earnings, exporting more and driving infrastructural development through local and foreign direct investments. A statement issued by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Vice President, Mr. Laolu Akande said Osinbajo unfolded the plans of the present administration to make the naira

more valuable during his visit to Enugu over the weekend. The Vice President said the Buhari administration’s economic policies would produce a stronger naira by encouraging exportation “This forms a critical part of the current Federal Government’s diversification agenda of the economy. “For instance, the government has already embarked on a plan for selfsufficiency in rice and wheat production, which, when it succeeds will reduce pressure on foreign exchange,” he said Speaking specifically on the economic diversification programmes of government in the area of agriculture, the Vice President said: “We are trying to ensure that we are self-sufficient in rice and wheat production, so that there will be less pressure on the dollar.” According to him, the

Federal Government was currently exploring how to expand and enlarge rice production through an effective partnership with several rice-producing states from the north. Explaining further how to shore up the naira, the Vice President said: “One of the major issues is that we have to earn more foreign exchange to raise the value of the naira. “We also have to do more business internally to raise the value of the naira. So diversifying the economy is an important way to strengthen the value of the naira. “Right now, we are importing a lot of rice and wheat. So if we are self-sufficient in rice and wheat, there will be less pressure on the foreign exchange; and that would improve the value of the Naira.” The Vice President also restated Federal Government’s interest in ensuring that all inter-state roads in

the south eastern region are accessible for the ease of commerce and movement of people. Citing this as an important reason for government to embark on the repair of several federal roads in the region and across the country, the Vice President expressed government readiness to intervene in addressing this national challenge for traders and commuters in the interest of economic development. Speaking about the rehabilitation of the EnuguPort Harcourt-Onitsha road, Osinbajo noted that he had already discussed the issue with Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, He said: “We are certainly interested in ensuring that all of the access roads especially between states where commerce is thriving are in good condition. “We are going to have a very good look at it, to see what the financial constraints are.”

News

Doosuur Iwambe Abuja

hief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, at the weekend said the judiciary has been properly positioned to meet the challenges posed by the dynamics of digital age. The CJN spoke while playing host to some members of the Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum, NEFF, led by Deputy Governor (Operations) of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Alhaji Suleiman Barau. The visit, according to Barau, was in anticipation of increase in electronic fraud attempts with imminent increase in electronic payments in the country following the take-off of the “Cash-less Lagos” pilot project.

Monday, November 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Judiciary well equipped for electronic fraud trials, CJN tells CBN

The CJN told the group that as a matter of principle, the judiciary gives priority to fraud or criminal cases, especially those brought on appeal to the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. The problem associated with adjudication of criminal cases, the CJN noted, was not mainly in the courts, but outside of it. “It is in the investigation, collection of evidence, presentation of the cases and trial. “Judiciary is like a builder, and works with materials that are brought to it. As such, the materials neces-

sary for construction must measure up to standard in order to be applied by the courts. “Court cannot carry out investigation and our security agencies must be encouraged to carry out investigation-led arrest and not arrested-led investigation,” he said. The CJN further counselled that once suspects are charged to courts, there should not be too many counts of offences (charges) as each count charge requires a witness or more. “In some cases, up to 200 count charge are brought

before the court which is a waste of court’s time and makes mockery of the constitution and the laws,” he added. The CIN said most superior courts in the country, including the Supreme Court, have enacted practice directions on serious crimes, including money laundering and fraud, which should see cases being fast tracked for trial and determination “I wish to assure the Forum that the judiciary will stand with the Banker’s Committee in providing an effective solution to electronic fraud and other ancillary is-

sues. “Indeed, it is our hope that soon Nigeria will become a major destination for the movement of capital investment,” the CJN added On his part, the CBN deputy governor stated that; given the importance of providing secure payment systems, whilst ensuring public confidence in electronic means of payment, the role of proactive fraud management could not be overemphasised. He said it was in

4.2m Nigerians benefit from UNFPA's humanitarian services —Country Rep

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Transcorp Hotels Plc, Valentine Ozigbo; Director, Benjamin Dikki; Company Secretary, Helen Iwuchukwu and Director, Peter Elumelu, during the completion board meeting for Transcorp Hotels Plc’s N10 billion bond issue for the renovation of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, in Lagos, at the weekend.

NFPA Country Representative in Nigeria, Ms Ratidzai Ndhlovu, has said no fewer than 4.2 million Nigerians have benefitted from the fund’s humanitarian and psychosocial support services. Ndhlovu disclosed this yesterday during a one-day visit to the most populated Dalori IDP camp in Maiduguri, Borno State. She said the intervention services began in January 2015 to date. This notwithstanding, the envoy renewed the UN resolve to increase humanitarian and psychosocial support services to victims of insurgency in the North East. She restated the UN com-

ASUU petitions Buhari over academic fraud at varsity Kemi Olaitan Ibadan

cademic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari over allegations of academic fraud, corruption and acts of impunity levelled against Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Hilary Odo Edeoga. According to the union, the allegations bothered on “extortion of money from students, extra-budgetary expenses, unlawful recruitment, misappropriation of TETFUND money, charging unapproved fees, fraudulent contract awards, and aca-

demic fraud.” It called on Buhari to constitute a special Presidential visitation panel for the university to conduct detailed enquiries into the way and manner the affairs of the institution have been conducted for the past four years. ASUU’s petition, addressed to the President through the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, which was signed by Dr. Uzochukwu Onyebinama and Dr. E.S. Willie, chairman and secretary, respectively, was made available to journalists at the weekend in Ibadan, Oyo State capital. The union with evidences attached to the petition, alleged that the VC issued statement of results to 90 students,

who were admitted into the B.Sc Agribusiness not approved for the university and without NUC accreditation, which made the graduates to be demobilised and decamped by the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC. According to ASUU, the university is running an undergraduate and a postgraduate programme in Human Resources Management without securing accreditation from NUC and resource verification. “The programme has graduated students at the Masters Degree level, including the wife of the VC, Mrs. Georgia Edeoga,” the petition alleged. The union further stated that the VC, has been repeat-

edly charging unapproved fees such as payment of N2,500 as validation fee before they can take their semester examination, which he directed all Deans and Heads of Departments to implement without Senate’s approval. “Immediately on assumption of office, the present Vice-Chancellor procured three Toyota Prado jeeps costing about N40m, tiling offices in the administrative building, as well as re-painting almost all the buildings at a reported cost of N3m each, without budgetary provisions and without competitive bidding, all in a bid to whittle down the over N2bn he inherited from the immediate past Vice-Chancellor.

this context and leveraging on lessons learnt from past experience (e.g. ATM magnetic stripe card frauds) that the Nigeria e-Fraud Forum was established. Barau disclosed that Payment System industry losses have grown to over N4bn, which give credence to the fact that e-fraud has become an industry of its own. The Forum, he said, recognises the role of the judiciary as strategic partners in stemming e-fraud.

“Extra-budgetary expenditure is frowned at by extant financial regulations and this prohibition is observed in compliance by all levels of government. “The VC has just purchased an additional Prado Jeep in preparation for his exit from office,” it stated. While asking the president to speed up the constitution of the presidential panel, ASUU alleged that Edeoga is currently “engaging in a last minute employment exercise in which he wants to fill over 2,000 advertised vacancies for senior lecturers, associate professors and professors, despite challenges of space as well as courses to teach faced by many lecturers on ground.

mitment after assessing the distress condition of IDPs in the camp, saying t the UN was deeply concerned with their plight. The envoy noted that insurgency had caused a lot of destruction to unquantifiable human lives and properties in the region, thus posing enormous humanitarian challenges. Ndhlovu said the victims suffered huge psychological trauma as they were attacked, sexually abused and lost their loved ones and property. According to her, the region had recorded massive destruction of socio-economic activities, including healthcare services, education, trade and institutions. However, Ndhlovu said the success of the interventions was predicated upon the effective synergy between the fund and the host government and various NGOs. She added that UNFPA, in collaboration with National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and affected states Emergency Management Agencies, SEMAs, was fast tracking the implementation of the intervention programmes. The UN representative also acknowledged the support the UNFPA was receiving from USAID, JICA, PCFRH and CERF in terms of funding and technical assistance. She expressed the UN desire to see the victims, most especially women and girls, overcome their challenges and resume normal life.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

National News

Monday, November 2, 2015

Ambode appoints new Head of Service

L-R: NUJ National President, Comrade Waheed Odusile; Deputy National President, Alhaji Idris Gidado; National Secretary, Mr. Leman Shaibu and Chairman, NUJ Enugu State chapter, Chief Louis Dilibe, during a thanksgiving Mass by the Enugu State chapter chairman at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Nkpolokolo, Achi community of Enugu, yesterday.

Amaechi’s clearance not endorsement of corruption –Sani

enator Shehu Sani (APC - Kaduna Central) yesterday said the Senate’s clearance of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as minister was not a tacit endorsement of corruption. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Sani spoke during a visit to ailing Abdulkareem Albashir, a veteran journalist and columnist, during which he offered to settle his medical bills and an artificial limb. According to him, the accusations of corrup-

tion against the former governor remain mere allegation until a court pronounces him guilty. “The APC position on corrupt allegation is that it is still an allegation and the issue is still in court, which the Senate committee should not have entertained in the first place. “In the general sense, we are duty bound to protect the interest of someone in our party and the opposition has the right to object to whoever is presented. “In the broader sense, Nigerians and posterity

will judge whether our approval of Amaechi was a tacit endorsement of corruption because the issues raised were not enough to stop his confirmation. “But we must also understand that even if you are made a minister and you get convicted, the law will take its course. “Certainly, if he is found guilty, he would not continue to serve as minister under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.” On the walk out by the opposition senators under

the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Sani said their action was part of democracy. “I think nothing is wrong with that, I see the walk out by the PDP senators as history repeating itself. “Opposition senators walked out when Mr Misuliu Obanikoro was brought in for screening for ministerial position by the previous administration. “You remember that their protest did not stop the ruling party from having its way.’’

No Boko Haram inmates in Ebonyi prison –Umahi Aliuna Godwin, ABAKALIKI

bonyi State Governor Dave Umahi at the weekend dismissed rumour that Boko Haram inmates were relocated to Abakaliki Prisons. In a press statement signed and issued to journalists in Abakaliki by chief press secretary to the governor, Emma Anya, he denied that there were Boko Haram inmates in Abakaliki Prisons as alleged in some national dailies (not National Mirror). He said: “We read with utter disgust the stories by two national dailies that there is panic in Ebonyi State over rumour of transfer of some Boko Haram inmates from Ekwulobia Prisons in

Anambra to Abakaliki Prisons. “His Excellency, Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, is surprised that almost 48 hours after he addressed a live broadcast denying the rumour, the newspapers still went ahead to publish falsehood. Recall that Umahi had at the press conference unequivocally stated: ‘Some of you journalists sent me text messages that Boko Haram prisoners in Anambra State prisons had been relocated to Abakaliki prisons. “That was a very bad news for me and I said, Father, still help me to overcome this challenge. I started making phone calls but at the end of the day, it turned out to be false news. We need to be very careful because

that was capable of disintegrating the state and inflicting fears in our people. “So, we need to screen information we are getting. One of them (journalists) said a prison official told him; but that was not cautious. So, there is nothing like that. Our people should go about their normal businesses. “If such a thing were to happen, what were the criteria that would make Ebonyi State qualify to host such high calibre criminals; the prison space is not there, security is not there, and Ebonyi is too small a place and, of course, the governor must be informed as the chief security officer. “I want to tell our people there won’t be such because Ebonyi is

not ripe at all to harbour Boko Haram prisoners and we will not harbour them in Jesus’ name.’’ Anya noted further that the governor agrees that rumours are a veritable source of information for journalists, but that the rumour must be verified and when not true, must be ignored. He added: “Abakaliki Prisons are within the capital city and therefore should not have taken the newspapers more an hour after His Excellency made the denial to authenticate his comment.’’ He argued that the 47 inmates in Ekwulobia Prisons were taken out of the South-East. Umahi expressed optimism that God will help Nigeria to overcome the threat of Boko Haram.

agos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday approved the appointment of Mrs. Olabowale Toluwalope Ademola as 19th Head of Service, HoS, in the state’s public service. A statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, said Ademola’s appointment, which takes effect immediately, follows the statutory retirement of Mrs. Folashade Jaji on October 26. The new HoS was born on November 10, 1957. She had her Primary Education at Corona School, Yaba and Lagos University Staff School (1962 – 1968), after which she proceeded to Queen’s College, Yaba, where she obtained her West African School Certificate and Higher School Certificate in 1973 and 1975 respectively. Thereafter, she was ad-

mitted to the University of Ibadan where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree (Second Class Honours – Upper Division) in Economics in 1981. She is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos and the Lagos Business School respectively. After several stints in the private sector, Mrs. Ademola joined the State Water Corporation as Controller Audit in 1995 before her transfer to the Mainstream Civil Service in 1999 where she rose to become Permanent Secretary in 2010. Until her appointment, she was the Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Civil Service Pensions Office.

High tariff major challenge of ground-handling equipment –SAHCOL MD Olusegun Koiki

kyrocketing tariff on imported ground-handling equipment has been identified as one of the major challenges confronting ground-handling companies in the nation’s aviation industry. In a bid to address the challenge, the Federal Government has been called upon to, as a matter of urgency, intervene in the situation. This was the view of Managing Director of Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited, SAHCOL, Oluropo Owolabi, in an interview with National Mirror in his office at the weekend. According to Owolabi, tariff on imports had remained high over the years, warning that if the government did not take proactive step, it would affect operations in the sector. He said SAHCOL recently acquired some state-of-theart equipment for the handling of South African Airways that plans its entrance into Abuja Airport from next January, adding that tariffs paid on the equipment were extremely high. He further noted that the recent collapse of naira against major currencies was another challenge confronting business organisations in the sector, especially those for importing and exporting cargo. He, however, observed that the nation had witnessed some increase in export in recent time, but

urged the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, to be proactive by embarking on enlightenment campaigns for farmers at the grassroots on the type of farm produce to be cultivated for export and packaging. He emphasised that with the level of exports from the country, the days of exporting rotten products out of the country were over and appealed to all agents at the airports not to frustrate exporters by introducing different forms of levies on them. Also, Owolabi regretted that packaging companies in the country had not done enough in packaging products for exportation especially farm produce, stressing that if some of the products were well-packaged, they would attract more clients abroad. He further called on government to stop paying lip service to cargo business, adding that the creation of a common warehouse for farmers to evacuate their farm produce would increase participation in the sector. He also appealed to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, to build locations for cargo pickups for onward movement to farmers. The SAHCOL boss noted that foreign airlines have been landing in the country with heavy tonnages while they return to their base empty and challenged exporters to take the advantage to negotiate for about 50 per cent deductions to convey their goods abroad.

South West

Monday, November 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Motorists, passengers groan on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

otorists and passengers heading out of Lagos State yesterday were subjected to long hours of traffic at Arepo area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway following potholes that dotted the road. Those coming to Lagos were not left out in the sorry tale as for over hours, vehicles and passengers barely moved in the gridlock that stretched to Berger Bridge, while some commercial vehicles trying to ply one-way were prevented by the combined teams of Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, and the Nigeria Police. A motorist heading for Ibadan, Segun Ogunse, said the deplorable state of the road has continued to cause hours of gridlock from Berger Bridge to the bad spots. “I cannot imagine that these bad spots have been like this for weeks without any effort from the state and federation governments. I have spent over three hours on the road since 11am and this is 2pm, I am yet to get to Arepo where the road is bad. A journey that is supposed to last less than two hours from Lagos to Ibadan, has now turned into five hours. I think this change govern-

ment should find lasting solution to the daily gridlock on this road,” he said. A resident of Imowe Area of Ogun State, Kingsley Njoku, who works in Lagos Island and was returning from church in Lagos, wondered what traffic on Monday would look like. “If we face traffic like this on a Sunday, imagine what Monday (tomorrow), a working day, would look like. There have been a lot of cries from Nigerians about the poor state of the road, but nobody cares to listen because the road is just getting bad and people now spend hours for a journey of 10 minutes. The Ogun State government cares less, while the Federal Government seems to have ignored calls from motorists,” he said. It was learnt last week that after the rains subsided, some motorists decided to fill the potholes with sand but all were soon washed away by renewed rains. However, officials of the Traffic Control Emergency, TRACE of Ogun State admitted that they had pleaded with the contractor, Julius Berger Construction Ltd, to do a palliative work on the road but the pleas were ignored.

Miyetti Allah denies destroying farms …blames migratory cattle rearers Boladale Bamigbola Osogbo

sun State chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Rearers Association yesterday blamed constant destruction of farmlands on migratory cattle rearers. The group disclosed this at a meeting in Osun with Afenifere leaders, organised by Department of State Security, DSS. Since the abduction of Chief Olu Falae, the flagship Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, and the leadership of the cattle rearers association have endured a rather poor relationship, giving rise to tension in the region. However, at a meeting said to have been presided over by Mr. Andrew Iorkay, Director of DSS in Osun, the cattle rearers condemned abduction of Falae and declared that members of Miyetti Al-

lah did not engage in destruction of farms. Sources said Miyetti Allah’s chairman and secretary, Salihu Ismael and Aliyu Kamilu, respectively, who led the group to the meeting, blamed those it called migratory cattle rearers for most of the destruction of farmlands and promised to continue to live peacefully with their host communities in the state. Led to the meeting by former Osun State AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Niyi Owolade, the Afenifere, it was learnt, expressed satisfaction with the peace meeting, but warned cattle rearers against destruction of farms in the state. The group noted that Yoruba people are peace-loving and accommodating, adding, however, that the people would not watch their farms destroyed through activities of the cattle rearers.

L-R: Executive Secretary, Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Ms.Toyin Caxton-Martin; Manager, Media and Communications, ExxonMobil, Mr. Oge Udeagha; Executive Secretary, Mainland Local Government, Ebute-Metta, Mrs. Omolola Essien and learning students, during the commissioning of three e-learning centers in Lagos, at the weekend.

Ooni: Lafogido house explains withdrawal of suit Boladale Bamigbola Osogbo

afogido Ruling House of Ile-Ife yesterday disclosed why it ordered discontinuation of the suit challenging the decision of kingmakers and Osun State government to restrict search for new Ooni to only Giesi Ruling House. It would be recalled that the Lafogido Ruling

House, one of the four ruling houses in Ile-Ife, had instituted a suit before an Osun High Court, challenging the choice of 1980 Chieftaincy Declaration as an instrument to pick new Ooni of Ife. Commenting on the development, head of Sookos in Lafogido Ruling House, Chief Adeleke Adewoyin, said the ruling house considered it unnecessary to go ahead with the matter since a new monarch has

emerged. He, however, insisted that rotational ascendancy to the stool of Ooni was lopsided, saying the Lafogido house has for a very long time been marginalised. But the former Osun State deputy governor stated the readiness of the ruling house to work with the new Ooni to ensure the anomaly is corrected to prevent future litigation on the matter. “Since the state gov-

ernment said we are late in our agitation, then we have no option than to work with the new Ooni to correct the imbalance in the ascendancy processes to the stool. “There is popular saying in Ile-Ife that it is against the Ife tradition to fight with Ooni. If you fight with a sitting Ooni, you bear the consequences. So we have advised our lawyer to withdraw the suit from court,” Adewoyin said.

Don’t consider ethnicity, religion in assigning portfolio to ministers, Buhari urged Boladale Bamigbola Osogbo.

resident Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to make full use the opportunity of having many professionals among the ministersdesignate, by not considering primordial sentiments of ethnicity and religion while assigning portfolios to them. Speaking to newsmen in Osogbo yesterday, a public affairs analyst, Mr. Oluwafemi Oluwaseun, said profession, experience and performance in previous assignments should form the basis on which portfolios would be assigned to ministers-designate.

He added that giving portfolios to the ministers based on their performances in their chosen career would lend credence to the change mantra and make the task of national development easier for the president. Oluwaseun said: “We need capable hands to handle security, education, power. We need to diversify the economy to agriculture and solid minerals and ensuring the petroleum ministry performs efficiently devoid of corruption. “Agriculture used to be the backbone for our nation with cocoa in the south west, groundnut and cotton from the north

and palm oil vegetation in the eastern part of the country giving the country her revenue. “We have arable of land suitable for farming. We must all go back to farming. “If the president wants to choose minister for agriculture and water resources, I advice him to look in the direction of Audu Ogbe based on his experience as a seasoned farmer, administrator and policy driver to neighboring countries like Togo and Cameroon.” According to him, the presentation of the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole, revealed the decay in the education

sector. “The colossal decadence in infrastructure in tertiary institutions, lack of motivation and non-funding of the education sector with researched data from both local and international agencies, showed that Nigerian education is in shambles and consequent upon this, an educationist like Prof. Adewole should be put in charge of Ministry of Education,” Oluwaseun said. He said former Lagos State governor, Mr. Raji Fashola should be drafted to the Ministry of Power, while Mr. James Ocholi, SAN, should be put in charge of Ministry of Justice.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Monday, November 2, 2015

Don bemoans rising cases of rape, gender-based violence Abiodun Nejo Ado Ekiti

ack of political will and weak technical support for implementation of laws has been identified as fuel for recurring cases of rape and gender-based violence in the country. A teacher at the Centre for Gender and Development Studies, Ekiti State University, EKSU, Ado Ekiti, Prof. Olabisi Aina, also listed lack of social and cultural commitment to fight gender-based violence as another factor. Prof. Aina spoke in a paper entitled: “Rape: An Extreme Form of Genderbased Violence”, which she presented at the third annual lecture of Women and Children Development and Health Research Initiative, WCDHRI, in Ado Ekiti. She noted that poor public awareness on the existence of legislations and policies against gender-based violence remained an issue that must be tackled. The don urged Nigerians to admit that genderbased violence affects everybody, so as to be able

to collectively tackle the scourge. President of WCDHRI, Dr Pius Adeojo, regretted that women are vulnerable to sexual violence globally. “Rape is the most devastating, all-pervasive form of gender based violence with both short and long term effects,” he said. Adeojo called on government, non-governmental organisations and all stakeholders to work in unison to prevent all forms of sexual abuse or violence and offer assistance to victims of such abuse. In a good will massage, Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Gender Empowerment and Social Development, Mrs Olayinka Ogundayomi, praised WCDHRI for the public lecture to sensitise Nigerians on rape and sexual abuse. The commissioner urged the people of the state not to keep quiet when crime occurred. “When people failed to react with equal display of disgust, we unwittingly encourage this act to become further entrenched in our daily lives,” She said.

Ekiti charges FG on economic blueprint Abiodun Nejo Ado Ekiti

kiti State government has challenged President Muhammadu Buhar-led Federal Government to tell Nigerians its economic blueprint targeted at preventing the country from grinding to a halt. The government said: “It is vital that the Federal Government tells Nigerians the blueprint it has for the economy. The issue at stake is beyond sheer politics.” A statement from the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, in Ado Ekiti alerted yesterday that the situation in the country was getting worse by the day and needed urgent redress. “Now, a national paper has quoted the President as saying that Nigeria is broke and that it might be difficult to pay ministers that would soon come on board. “If the trend continues, in the next few months, all the tiers of government may not even be able to pay a month’s salary to workers if three

statutory allocations are combined,” the government said. The statement expressed worry that what accrued to all the tiers of government was not even enough to pay workers’ salaries, lamenting that the last statutory allocation was the worst in the history of Ekiti State. “We got a net allocation of N1.4bn at state level, while the salary of workers is N2.6bn monthly. “At the local government level, the 16 council areas got a little over N1bn, while the wage bill there is over N2bn monthly. “Payment of salaries at both state and local government levels is impossible with such allocations. And government still has some basic needs to meet. The other time I said the Federal Government should come to the open on the state of our national economy, some people frowned at it.” The statement, however, appealed to workers in the state to bear with the government, saying a meeting of all stakeholders in the sharing of monthly allocation would soon hold to chart the way forward.

L-R: President, Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAP), Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; Special Guest of Honour/former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; lifetime awardee/former Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Gega and Vice President, NAP, Sir. Ifeanyi Atueyi, during the investiture and award night of NAP in Lagos, recently.

‘Nigeria needs transformational leaders’

university teacher, Prof. Solomon Akinboye of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, has stated that Nigeria’s economic woes are a function of poor leadership, citing corruption as the single biggest factor. Akinboye spoke in Lagos at the weekend, while delivering a lecture on ‘Leadership and National Development: The Nigerian Experience’, to mark 120 years anniversary of Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, LLTC. He said: “Nigeria’s baptismal name is corruption. This is an endemic social,

economic and political disease that has plagued this country. Each past leader that rules the country wants to be applauded for having stolen the most loot.” Stressing that corruption is a by-product of weak leadership and poor value orientation, Akinboye, who is the dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, said Nigeria needs visionary, selfless and transformational leaders, and advised the current administration to latch on its change mantra to address the developmental woes. While urging support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, Akinboye said emerging Asian economies like

China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, who lagged “far behind us in terms of GDP in the 1970s”, attained economic transformation within 50 years due to visionary, focused and purposeful leadership, commitment to development and good governance, and enjoined Nigeria to emulate them. He linked their success to systematic and well coordinated policy intervention by successive leadership, well articulated and strategically aimed industrial policies, investment in research and development; political stability, prudent management of resources, influx of foreign investors, developed infrastructure, productive workforce,

among others. Earlier, chief host and President of LLTC, Mr. Rotimi Edu, had canvassed the need for a value re-orientation for development that cuts across the nation. Specifically, he said youths needed to be retrained that money is not everything and properly engaged with good jobs and opportunities. Vice President of the Club and the anniversary committee chairman, Prince Gbenga Lufadeju, said LLTC, having been established in 1895 was celebrating a rich and satisfactory history at 120 years. He promised the club would do its best to lift the bar in service to its clientele and nation.

Oyedepo charges Nigerians on discipline

...as Covenant University matriculates new students Saidat Alausa

hairman, Board of Regent and Chancellor, Cov-

enant

University,

Ota,

Ogun State, Bishop David Oyedepo, said until the culture of discipline is restored in the society the country will continue to raise mediocres. He said this at the weekend during the institution’s 14th matriculation ceremony for the 2015/2016 academic session for undergraduate

and postgraduate students. Speaking on the topic: “Espousing Our Core Value and Discipline”, Oyedepo said there is no short cut to achieve excellence, adding that it is only with dedication and commitment that the society can change for the better. He said: “No world changer has a normal life style; it takes a global price to generate global impact. Therefore, everyone right from the corner of your homes needs to play your role so that the country would be among

the comity of nations in the nearest future.” Noting that the university cherishes discipline, the bishop expressed displeasure over the unruly attitude of some parents, who exchanged physical combat during the 2015 matriculation ceremony of the institution. He said: “I was disappointed with the attitude of the parents who fought physically with themselves and I don’t know how they got to this place because I know our kings and queens don’t fight.” Bishop Oyedepo urged

the new students to be dedicated, disciplined, determined and make sacrifices, saying it would help them in their endeavours. “We are here to raise leaders that are corruption free and people that would turn the country around. “There is no room for examination malpractices because it is a capital offence,” he said. 2,449 students were matriculated. Out of this number, 293 were post graduate students and 2,156 undergraduates.

South East

Nekede Poly student shot dead for jilting boyfriend Chris Njoku Owerri

final year Banking and Finance student of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, Onyinyechi Okegbulam, was over the weekend shot dead by her boyfriend for refusing to marry him. Okegbulam, 22, who hails from Egbu in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, was allegedly shot in the head by Chima Anyanwu from Isiala Mbano near Afor Egbu market square. According to an eyewitness, the deceased was lured out of her home by her boyfriend at about 7pm on Saturday, and on sighting his late girlfriend shot her at close range. It was learnt that the boyfriend attempted to smuggle the deceased into his car before an unidentified woman raised an alarm that attracted passersby. But the lover boy was

said to have escaped before people arrived the scene. Confirming the story to National Mirror yesterday, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Andrew Enwerem, a DSP, said the lover boy shot and killed the girl for refusing to marry him. “We have received the report and according to information, the boy killed his girlfriend. The girl was said to have refused to marry him and as a result, he shot and killed her. “He escaped after killing the girl, but parents of the girl know the boy very well as a boyfriend to their daughter.” However, the spokesman said the police are on the trail of the suspected killer. “We are investigating the case with a view to locating the whereabouts of the boy and bringing him to justice. Parents of the deceased are also helping the police to identify him,” he said.

FRSC mobile court jails 19 motorists in Enugu Emmanuel Ezeh Enugu

mobile court set up by the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, has convicted 19 drivers in Enugu State. The motorists, who were arrested last week for various traffic offences, got different jail terms. Briefing journalists, state Sector Commander of FRSC, David Mendie, disclosed that though 21 traffic offenders were arrested last Friday by a special patrol team of the command and arraigned before the mobile court, two were discharged and acquitted while the remaining 19 were convicted. Mendie further disclosed that many of the traffic offenders, who were convicted by the mobile court, were however, given an option of fine. He said one of the traffic offenders identified as Amechi Ozor, who was apprehended for using worn-out tyres, non-use

of seat belt, among other offences, was sentenced to two weeks imprisonment. According to him, the suspect, who was driving a Mitsubishi L300 Vehicle marked No KR, S1CXK mobilised people against the marshals on duty shortly after he was flagged down. He said the suspect was, however, arrested by the police shortly after his action and arraigned before a mobile court that sentenced him to two weeks imprisonment. Mendie advised motorists and pedestrians to have better knowledge of traffic rules, adding that they must also obey traffic rules at all times. He warned that any motorists that violated traffic laws must face the full wrath of the law. Further advising motorists to avoid using phones while driving, the FRSC Commander also reminded them that "we are already in the ‘ember months, hence the need for every road user to be careful.”

Monday, November 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Osinbajo deplores state of S’East roads Emmanuel Ezeh Enugu

igeria's Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the weekend described dilapidated road networks as one of the major problems facing the SouthEast zone. He, however, assured that the challenge was clear to the Federal Government.

Osinbajo noted that despite government's present financial constraint, there was need to improve roads in the South-East to boost commerce and living standards of the people. While fielding questions from journalists in Enugu where he attended a function at the Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd, Anglican Commu-

nion, Vice President Osinbajo said he had discussed the issue of the roads with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State. He also noted the need to raise value of the naira by discouraging importation of some items. In a homily at the church, where the vice president attended a wedding ceremony, ArchBishop of Enugu

Ecclesiastical Province, Anglican Communion, Emmanuel Olisa Chukwuma, had appealed to the Federal Government to create employment for the teeming unemployed youths in the country who he said are wallowing in poverty. He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for fighting corruption in the country.

Palm wine lined up for sale at the new Afor Umabor Palm Wine Market in Eha Alumona community, Enugu State, yesterday.

Don laments spate of child abuse Chris Njoku Owerri

lecturer of faculty of Law, Imo State University, Owerri, Chigoziri Ojiaka, has raised an alarm over escalating trend of exploitation, discrimination and sexual abuse of children in sub-Sahara Africa. She noted that the unhealthy development had become a serious obstacle to full development and survival of children. In a paper delivered at a one-day sensitisation workshop titled ‘Sexual Abuse of Children in Nigeria: The effect,’ Ojiaka noted that the vulnerability of children arises from a high probability of exposure to different grades of risks and a reduced capacity for their protection. The workshop on sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria was

organised by the Nigeria Police in collaboration with CLEEN Foundation in Owerri. The university lecturer said in sub-Sahara Africa, millions of children are faced with problems of exploitative labour, sexual abuse, servitude, discrimination, physical and psychological abuse, pornography and prostitution. She therefore, urged all stakeholders, including community and religious leaders, proprietors of schools and governmental agencies, to join hands in the crusade against the menace of Child Sexual Abuse, adding that outdated laws should be reformed to conform to global best practices. She also advised victims/survivors and family members to break the silence by reporting the crime, while special police unit should be empowered to protect children from abuse.

National President of Police Officers’ Wives Association, POWA and wife of the Inspector General of Police, Mrs. Agharase Arase, represented by the Imo State chairperson of the association, Mrs. Wunmi Lakanu, regretted that the spate of both reported and non-reported incidence of sexual and gender-based violence, SGBV, in society had become worrisome and required collective efforts to salvage. Arase recalled that several national and international conventions had condemned the upsurge of sexual and genderbased violence in society but which had unfortunately remained unabated. She therefore enjoined parents and concerned stakeholders to join hands with all relevant governmental and nongovernmental agencies to remedy the situation,

adding that POWA had continued to make useful contributions towards the elimination of sexual abuse and gender violence in the country. Chair person-International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Imo State chapter, Mrs. Ogechi Echebima, dwelling on the “Legal perspective, of Women and Children Rights in Nigeria,” listed the rights of the child to include Municipal law, International Instruments on the Rights of the child, legislative framework protecting women’s rights in the country in addition to the international legal framework/convention protecting the rights of women. Executive Director, Development Dynamics, Dr. Jude Ohanele, also spoke on the topic titled, Violence Against Persons (Prohibition), WAPP bill, an advocacy tool in curbing SGBV in Nigeria.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Monday, November 2, 2015

I didn’t call judiciary 419 –Says Abe Dennis Naku Port Harcourt All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the last general election, Senator Magnus Abe, has denied describing the judiciary as 419. Senator Abe stated this while addressing his supporters in his country home, Bera, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State. The senator, who spoke against the backdrop of the recent judgement of Rivers State Election Petitions Tribunal that upheld his defeat at the March 28, 2015, National Assembly poll, said people gave different interpretation on his remark about the verdict. He explained that it was the condition the tribunal gave him to provide witnesses from every unit in his senatorial district within five

days that he described as 419 and not the judiciary. He restated that there was no election in the state, particularly in his local government area, saying he would appeal the judgement. Abe said: “The truth remains that everybody in Nigeria knows there was no election in Rivers State. “The outcome of our case at the tribunal was not satisfactory. And we have decided, in keeping with the decision of the APC in Rivers State, that we must seek justice for you and for all of us. “We have decided that we must proceed to the appropriate court to appeal against the decision of the lower court. A lot of comments have been made about the decision of the court. “Most regrettably, one of the comments that people keep referring to is to say that Senator Abe said it was

SPDC JV collaborates with PETAN, foreign manufacturers on Nigerian content

evelopment of indigenous manpower for the oil and gas industry received a boost at the weekend as 40 engineering and geosciences graduates passed out from a one-year internship programme organised by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, SPDC, operated Joint Venture and Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, PETAN. PETAN is a group of indigenous oilfield service companies. The internship programme was introduced by SPDC JV in 2014 to support manpower development in critical disciplines and to equip graduates with vital industry experience for employment. Speaking at the ceremony, Managing Director of SPDC and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, disclosed that a number of the graduates have already been employed. Okunbor, represented

by SPDC’s General Manager, Projects, Toyin Olagunju expressed the willingness of his company to continue with the scheme in collaboration with other stakeholders. Guy Kent, Senior Procurement Manager, Shell Upstream Nigeria, said the company was committed to developing Nigerian capability “not because it feels good, but because it also makes good business sense.” Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, represented by Deputy Manager, Human Capital Development, Mrs. Michele Aiyegbusi, commended the SPDC JV for the internship initiative. She said: “What we see here today is the sort of thing that NCDMB will want to see in the industry – the collaboration between operators and the service providers. NCDMB also runs an internship programme specifically in the earth sciences.”

judicial 419. In making reference to that comment, everybody else forgot everything else I said in that comment. “First, I said we have absolute confidence in the Nigerian judiciary; and, that, we are confident that in this country, there are still judges that see merits in our

case; and will give all of us an opportunity to present our case the way we should present it. “I also said that I respect the industry of the judges that heard our case. But, that the reason that was given for the decision, I did not agree with it. And I

said that we should appeal. “In making those remarks, I said that when they ask me that we should have brought witnesses from every polling unit from the senatorial district, and we were given only five days to present our case. It was that action

that I said was 419. “I did not say that the Nigerian judiciary is 419. I have never said so and I will not say so. So, for those, who interpreted my words in that respect, I apologise. “I didn’t mean that and I did not say that. And, therefore, people should stop making reference to that.”

L-R: Paramount Ruler of Atissa Kingdom, HRM King Godwin Igodo; Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson and his Deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, during the governor’s Community to Community Meet the People tour at Obgogoro in Yenagoa, yesterday.

University of Uyo to get dual carriage expressway

overnor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has announced plans to construct a dual carriageway from Nwaniba

road to the main campus of the University of Uyo. The governor announced this during the 21st convocation ceremony of the university.

10,000 A’Ibom youths to secure employment in agriculture –Emmanuel

kwa Ibom State government has concluded plans to recruit 10,000 youths into various job openings in the agricultural sector to sustain the agricultural revolution soon to be witnessed in the state. Governor Udom Emmanuel announced this during an interaction with leaders of major socio-cultural organisations, who were at Government House, Uyo, on a solidarity visit. He said his administration was committed to laying a solid economic foundation for the future through industrialisation and that for a takeoff, 10 modernised Cas-

sava Processing Plant would be established in the state. He noted that the state was blessed with arable land that tolerates cultivation for all seasons and that he was committed to exploiting the agricultural potentials of the state to its maximum advantage by ensuring the abundant hectares of land was put to good use. The governor disclosed that the move will give premium to youths of the state who were earlier sent to Israel for training on mechanized farming. He said the plan was to ensure that indigenes of the state earned a living rather than begged for it.

He said the carriageway, which construction commences next year, would enhance the aesthetics and check traffic congestion in and out of the university’s campus. The governor also awarded a post-graduate scholarship to Miss Nsidibe Solomon Etuk of the Music Department, for emerging overall best graduating student. She is to study to any level in the institution of her choice. He congratulated the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Comfort Ekpo, and expressed delight at the giant strides recorded by the institution. Governor Emmanuel also congratulated the University Chancellor, Alhaji Abubakar Maje, on his conferment with an honorary Doctorate Degree in Political Science; the Special Assistant to the President on Legislative Matters, Senator Ita Enang, who was awarded an honorary Doctorate Degree in Law,

a foremost industrialist, Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, and traditional music maestro, Chief Uko Akpan Ekpo Umana. Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, NUC, Prof. Julius Okojie, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari, assured of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the quality of education in the country with emphasis on Information and Communication Technology, ICT. He explained that this will enable the graduands to be self reliant and compete favourably with their counterparts anywhere in the world. Earlier in a valedictory address, Prof. Ekpo, commended the Governing Council, staff as well as students of the institution for the support given her throughout her tenure. 3,948 bagged diploma and degrees in various discipline.

North

Monday, November 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

El-Rufai to compensate land encroachers A za Msue, KADUNA

aduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-rufai, at the weekend directed that private properties within Government College be valued for appropriate compensation to those with valid titles and planning approval. El-rufai said in addition to the compensation, the affected title owners will also be given replacement plots. Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to the governor, Samuel Aruwan, in a statement, said El-Rufai stated this during a tour of Government College and its environs. The governor said boarding facilities for students and quarters for school staff cannot co-exist with private dwellings. The statement added that during the inspection, the governor also visited the premises of government agencies that have

been sited on the school land, including those occupying former hostels. The governor said all government agencies will be relocated from the school, along with the private encroachers. He said similar instructions have been given in respect of Rimi College, which used to be an iconic boarding school, but whose facilities have been encroached upon by private interests and public institutions. The governor added that formal notices to relocate, with deadlines, will be issued to all the government agencies, some of them federal, that are currently accommodated within the school premises He said: “Government agencies in Rimi College have already received their relocation notices. Their departure will enable the government prepare the school facilities to receive boarding students.”

I never said I won’t declare my assets –Minister-designate

minister-designate, Ibrahim Usman Jibril, yesterday, denied a news report in which he and some of his colleagues were quoted as saying they would not publicly declared their assets. It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had declared their assets and the ministers-designate are expected to do same. But Jibril, in a statement in Abuja said he was not aware of any ministerdesignate, who would not declare his assets in line with the Code of Conduct provisions. The statement said: “My attention has been called to a story quoting me and some other ministers-designate as saying we will not publicly declare our assets as President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi

Osinbajo have done. “While I am unable at this time to ascertain at this time whether my colleagues quoted in the story spoke to the paper, I can say categorically, without any fear of contradiction, that I did not, at any time, speak to anyone from that newspaper. “The paper quoted a certain Ibrahim Umar, who it described as my media aide, as speaking to it on my behalf. I however have no such aide or associate. So it is either the quote was manufactured or it was given to the paper by an impostor. “While I remain ever available to respond to media enquiries about my service to my country and its people, I would continue to insist that the media deal with me with utmost professionalism and transparency.”

Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency, Muhammad Sidi, consoling a child victim of bomb explosion at a mosque in Yola, during his visit to Federal Medical Centre, Yola, yesterday.

APC wins Borno Central senatorial bye-election

ndependent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday declared Alhaji Babakaka Garbai, All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate winner of the bye-election for Borno Central Senatorial district. The election was conducted on Saturday. INEC’s Returning Officer, Prof. Mohammed Fannami, who announced the results in Maiduguri, said Garbai scored 120, 639 votes against 32,347 votes scored

by Alhaji Kaka Bolori of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who came second. The returning officer added that Alhaji Bukar Muhammed of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, had 324 votes, while Mallam Babakura Modu of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, had 660 votes. He said the total number of registered voters was 908, 114, while the total number of accredited voters was 174, 329. In his reaction, Garbai

He said the company was among the numerous companies that had indicated interest to invest in various sectors to boost the economy of the state and create employment opportunities. The governor said a Chinese Paper Company had expressed interest to invest in Ringim Local Government Area of the

“By God grace we are going to work for the people. “I intend to pursue an agenda to rehabilitate my people who are badly affected by the Boko Haram insurgency. “Borno Central is the major population area in the state. “Aside from Maiduguri, all the other population centres in the zone have been displaced by Boko Haram and my major task is to work towards rehabilitating them.”

PDP commends Speaker on LG autonomy move eoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Kwara State has commended the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ali Ahmad, for having the courage to call for financial autonomy for local governments in the state. The state government had mandated local governments to operate a joint account system.

The move pooled the sixteen local governments’ financial and developmental activities together in one channel and projects were only done at the instance of the state government. Chairman of PDP in the state, Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo and his Publicity Secretary, Chief Rex Olawoye on a weekly radio programme; ‘PDP Gb’ode’ monitored by our correspondent on Radio Nigeria, Harmony FM, Idofian, said it was gratify-

state, while a pharmaceutical company had concluded plan to also invest in the state. He said Nim trees, which are available in abundance in the state attracted the pharmaceutical company to the state. He said a Chinese company was set to establish technical and vocational schools where youths

would be trained on various skills with modern technologies. Badaru said that arrangements had been concluded for the establishment of furniture making company in the state before the end of 2016. He promised that his government would create enabling environment for the companies to thrive.

Wole Adedeji, ILORIN

Chinese coy to establish $120m sugar industry in Dutse –Badaru Chinese company has indicated interest to invest about $120m in Jigawa State for the establishment of sugar processing industry. Governor Muhammad Badaru made the announcement yesterday in Dutse, while briefing newsmen on his economic trip to China.

described his victory as an ‘act of God.’ He said: “The people have spoken; the victory is a clear testimony of the fact that the people have confidence in my ability to deliver. “It is also an indication that the people have confidence in the government of Borno, because the government has been working for them. “So any candidate presented by t APC in the state will always have the peoples support.

ing that the Speaker publicly announced his decision. According to the PDP chieftains, that the Speaker was able to boldly declare that the legislative house that he leads would see to it that local governments in the state enjoyed their autonomies, particularly their finances, was highly commendable. They argued that joint accounting system, which the council areas were being forced to operate, had not been of any good to the people at the grassroots levels. Oyedepo argued that governors, irrespective of their parties, “either PDP or APC derived pleasures in controlling the finances of local governments in their states because that provided them with the golden opportunity to freely tamper with the funds meant for governance at the third tier level.” The party chief further argued that while the

House of Representatives readily approved the motion for local government autonomy, the Senate refused because “Nigerian senators have the culture of recycling themselves into either the governorship of their states or the red chamber, randomly.” He also praised the Speaker for allegedly asking questions as to why there were not enough teachers in primary schools in the state, more so, when N1.2bn is being credited into the accounts of SUBEB every month as deductions from local government allocations, with only N750m spent on teachers monthly. The two party chieftains, however, commended the state government for paying workers’ salaries and pleaded that the same gesture should be extended to local government staff, pensioners, lecturers in tertiary institutions and the State Water Board.

Monday, November 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Beyond Akpabio’s EFCC appearance Ayuba Mustapha

he appearance of the former governor of Akwa Ibom State and Senate Minority Leader, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently caused serious stir in the country based on the personality and popularity of the former governor. Hardly had news got out that the former governor was with the anti-graft agency to answer questions on a petition written by a certain Leo Ekpeyong than many people declared him guilty as charged even though he was not yet arraigned by the commission. In fact, those in this category must have been behind the misinformation that the former governor was arrested by the EFCC. But for the insistence of some of Akpabio’s aides and the revealing interview of the governor himself that he had deliberately walked into the EFCC office to honour its invitation, the ‘misinformants’ and agents of mendacity would have prevailed. However, the governor had explained that he received an invitation from EFCC sometimes back before his involvement in an accident some months ago and had chosen to honour that invitation now that he was back in the country. Akpabio, who exuded confidence while addressing the press simply told it straight, his appointments with the EFCC were by no means prosecution sessions, as he was only asked questions and clarifications on an alleged N108 billion fraud contained in a petition by a young lawyer who did not understand the workings of government. Ever since his first appearance before the EFCC, several issues have been thrown up in the polity, which have led to questions that beg for answers. For instance, why was Akpabio invited to answer questions on a petition when his contemporaries, Babatunde Fashola(Lagos) and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) of the ruling APC, are parading the corridors of power unmolested? Why would two former governors,Timipre Sylva(Bayelsa) and Audu Abubakar(Kogi) with corruption charges in court be given APC governorship tickets? Why is Akpabio the only Niger-Delta governor to be so invited? And why did he not make a fuss about the invitation as some people were wont to do but chose to honour it? These were the questions already raising the tempo of political discourse in the country. Akpabio, without any doubt, was one of the biggest personalities in the politics of the country in the last six years. As a two-term governor of Akwa Ibom State, his name resonated loudly whenever issues surrounding good governance at the state levels are subjects of discussion, with many people still holding the belief that he was, by far, the best governor Akwa Ibom State has had in its over 25 years of existence and definitely one of the best in the country’s 16-years of democratic rule. Applauded for his commitment to the infrastructural development of Akwa Ibom State, which saw him leaving behind an international airport, a first-of-its-kind in West Africa e-library, a world class specialist hospital, an international stadium as well as many other infrastructure such as roads and a power plant, Akpabio had been renowned for saying that anger was behind the massive development of the state. Typically, the former Akwa Ibom number one man had shown the same commitment to human development through his educational and agricultural programmes

Akpabio

Already, the PDP is crying blue murder about what it described as selective anticorruption fight,

stating that only former governors on the platform of the party were being hounded and harassed that have changed the story of Akwa Ibom State. Akpabio was, no doubt a popular governor in his eight years in office and his popularity had been bolstered by his boisterous and benevolent nature, which had, at one point or the other, drew the flaks from people who felt otherwise. Undeterred, Akpabio had continued his benevolence, just as his knack for the transformation of AkwaIbom State continued to attract personalities and praises to him from all over the world. Such was the popularity and prowess of Akpabio that his development strides in the state attracted goodwill and commendation messages from leaders of thought in Nigeria including former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar; the late former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua; Professor Wole Soyinka and former Governor Segun Osoba, among others. But could his popularity and soaring profile ever since getting into the Senate, where though a first-timer, he became Senate Minority Leader, be one of the reasons for his travail? Akpabio’s popularity and commanding presence as the leader of PDP governors and a leader in the Niger-Delta geopolitical zone, which produced former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was then seeking another term of of-

fice, had, in the last one year, towered above many other factors to give him the status of a national political icon and also attract opposition to him, with many people in the APC marking him as “public enemy number one” for supporting Jonathan, who he described as his brother, rallying South-South electorate to support one of their own. By so doing, it had been clear that the former governor of the oil-rich state was putting his people first but also putting his neck on the line if the PDP lost the election, which was eventually what happened. However, while Akpabio was rewarded by his people who elected him as the senator representing Akwa Ibom North-West, his party could not garner enough support, which ended its 16-year rule and exposed personalities such as Akpabio, who were ahead of the vanguard of PDP’s youthful and remodeled politics of good governance to attacks under the new government. Therefore, while Akpabio’s contemporaries, Rotimi Amaechi and Babatunde Fashola have become poster boys for APC, with handsome rewards of ministerial posts based on their eight-year rule, Akpabio could only be invited to the EFCC to answer questions, leaving reasonable Nigerians to ask if the same would have happened if he had betrayed Jonathan to join the APC. Already, the PDP is crying blue murder about what it described as selective anti-corruption fight, stating that only former governors on the platform of the party were being hounded and harassed. Though the Presidency had been quick to pooh-pooh PDP’s position, asking if indeed, those being hounded committed the crime. It is still left to be seen how only Akpabio, who is a key opposition figure in the Senate, where the APC is having tough times, could be the only one who has ‘allegedly committed the crime’ when similar allegations have been levelled against President Muhammadu Buhari’s ministerial nominees. Interestingly however, Akpabio did not ask questions about his invitation, neither did anyone know when and how he was invited until he had honoured that invitation, a development that can aptly be described as uncommon in this clime. Typically, restraining orders would have been sought and bought; sponsored foot soldiers would have raised the roof few days to the governor honouring the invitation and the anti-graft agency would have been demonised. But Akpabio, unlike some of his colleagues who have now become ‘saints’ because they are in the APC, did not run to the court to seek an order to stop his invitation. It was not until his traducers and their media arm began to publish lies about the governor being arrested that Akpabio’s media aides and supporters had to clear the air. Not only did the former governor keep his appointments with the EFCC, he did so with honour in a way that seems to tell other politicians to do what is right when they are alleged, as the senator clearly pointed out in his interaction with the press. The last might not have been heard about the former governor’s issue with the EFCC, what is clear is that his action in the last one week has taught many people courage in the face of adversity and towing the path of honour when alleged, either rightly or wrongly. But there are other inherent lessons beyond the appearances, those in power today need be cautious, for nothing lasts forever and people should not condemn anyone that is yet to face trial. Mustapha, a public affairs analyst, sent this piece from Kaduna.

Politics

Monday, November 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Minister-designate felicitates with Ooni-elect Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

L-R: Representative of Director-General, National Boundary Commission, Mr. Adamu Adaji; representative of Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Mr. Adamu Mahmood and representative of Plateau State Deputy Governor, Mr. Emmanuel Godwin, during the Joint Stakeholders meeting on Inter-State Boundary Demarcation in Jos. PHOTO: NAN

Another PDP stalwart dumps party for APC in Bayelsa Osahon Julius, Yenagoa

s the gale of defections continue to hit both the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead next month governorship election, another stalwart of the PDP in Bayelsa State, Mr. Matthias Kuroekigha, has dumped the party for the APC. Kuroekigha, who formally declared for the APC,

at a press conference in Yenagoa, said he was leaving with about 100 of his supporters. This is coming just a day after the PDP at a rally in Yenagoa received about a thousand APC decampees. The defectors mostly delegates of the failed APC governorship primary which was marred by violence at the Samson Siasia sport complex were led by former senior aide of Governor Dickson, Chief Alex Ekiotenne. However Kuroekigha,

who was a strong member of the PDP, was at SylvaIgiri Campaign Organisation, SICO, secretariat on Isaac Boro Expressway, where they were received into the party by the deputy director-general, SICO, Mr. Jonathan Omo. The politician, who is a kinsman of Bayelsa State deputy governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah (retd), said he left the PDP because the current administration in the state had allegedly failed the people. He berated the PDP ad-

ministration in the state, saying for almost four years, the government had not been able to deliver on the needed dividends of democracy to the populace. Claiming that virtually all sectors in the state were not properly handled by the current administration, Kuroekigha said he and his followers decided to embrace change which the APC represents because they were confident that it is the APC that could rescue the state from the shackles of bad leadership.

Ajimobi’s boasting will end at the Court of Appeal –Ladoja Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

ormer Oyo State governor and Accord Party, gubernatorial candidate in the last election, Senator Rasheed Ladoja yesterday came hard on Governor Abiola Ajimobi, saying his boasting that Court of Appeal can never nullify his elections, will come to naught as power is transient. Ladoja who spoke through the DirectorI Genera, DG, of his campaign organisation, Hon. Adeolu Adeleke, during a press conference in Ibadan, said the dismissal of his petition by the Justice Muhammed Mayakiled election petitions tribunal, did not come as a

surprise, but rather a confirmation of the boasts by Ajimobi at different fora that he had already secured victory. While stating that the judgment by the tribunal is a great burden and challenge to the judiciary, he maintained that the judgment is a travesty of justice, full of contradictions and legal somersault. Ladoja who reiterated his commitment to the realisation and actualisation of what he termed mandate freely given to him by the people of the state, insisted that he and his party, will challenge the judgment of the tribunal at the Court of Appeal. He said, “In view of our belief in the judiciary and avalanche of evidence

against the declaration of Senator Abiola Ajimobi as the duly elected governor in the April 11, 2015 governorship election in the state, Senator Rasheed Ladoja, the gubernatorial candidate of Accord after wide consultations, has resolved to appeal the judgment of Justice Muhammed Mayaki-led tribunal at the Court of Appeal. “We wish to state unequivocally that no amount of attacks will stop Senator Rasheed Ladoja from retrieving his mandate through the instrumentality of law. More importantly, the denial of justice at the lower court cannot also make Senator Rasheed Ladoja to lose hope in the judiciary.”

He then berated Senator Ajimobi for his series of attacks on him because of his resort to challenge his victory, noting that with his position as a governor, he is expected to be a shining example, which he has turned out not to be.

inister-designate from Oyo State, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, yesterday sent message of felicitation to the Ooni-elect, Prince Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi, who is currently undergoing the pre-coronation traditional rites in the ancient town of Ile-Ife. In a message signed by Mr. Victor Oluwadamilare, on his behalf, the Oba-elect was said to have found favour of the Almighty God to have emerged among the numerous princes that jostled for the exalted and enviable position. Shittu, on behalf of the

Pay us our entitlements: Ex-legislative aides tell NASS management Robert Awokuse

egislative aides of the 7th National Assembly, NASS, have accused management of NASS of non-payment of their severance entitlements and other allowances accrued to them while in office. The legislative aides who were engaged from 2011 to May 29, 2015 resented the alleged foul-play by the assembly management. The aides numbering about 3,000 in different quarters decried the management for its perceived lethargy over payment of their N9billion and insensitivity to their plights. Speaking to journalists in Lagos, Mr. Rotimi ShittaBay bemoaned the unfair treatment the authorities of the assembly has meted out to his colleagues and him, stressing that such behaviour would likely discourage anyone from working

PDP commends Kwara APC Speaker on LG autonomy move Wole Adedeji ILORIN

he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Kwara State has commended the All Progressives Congress, APC, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ali Ahmad for having the courage to call for the autonomy of local government finan-

Ooni-elect thanked Almighty Allah for bestowing on him such huge responsibility at a relatively young age, urging him to be focused and rely on the power of Almighty Allah to succeed. He said: “The Ooni-elect has got a huge responsibility on his lap at such a relatively young age and he needs all the support he can garner to carry the heavy load. “He has got a position that would take away his personality and put on him a very big personality in the stature of his eminent predecessors and that’s a huge task that requires the grace of Almighty Allah to successfully undertake”.

cial accounts in the state. The APC controlled government in the state had mandated the council areas to operate a joint account system which pooled the sixteen local governments financial and developmental activities together in one channel and projects were only done at the instance of the state government.

for the government. According to him, the severance benefits were initially billed to be paid in June only for the NASS management to keep delaying the payment. It was gathered that NASS management though had blamed lack of funds for the delay, but have paid NASS workers and even those described as privileged contractors. He said even after the management, following a peaceful protest by some of the aides had promised that the issue would soon be resolved, there is still no hope in sight. He said: “We served in the 7th assembly under various House of Representatives members and senators. Since we left office in May, NASS management has not paid us our severance and duty tour allowances. We are being denied these entitlements for no just cause.” “From reliable sources, we are informed that the lawmakers who served in the 7th assembly have all received their severance and allowances since June while we are being denied our entitlements till date. The finance ministry had released the funds to NASS management but the management has failed to settle us.” Speaking on the issue, Muhili Adejumo lamented their dire situation, urging President Muhammadu Buhari and other government agencies to come to their aid.

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Monday, November 2, 2015

Onosode: Good night Mr. Integrity SUNDAY SAANU

eacon Gamaliel Oforitsenere Onosode, for the 82 years of existence, taught Nigerians that a life of holiness and godliness is possible in the midst of worldliness, wickedness and prevalent perversion. The avalanche of tributes which has now transformed to the festschrift of his celebration since he passed away on September 29 clearly shows that Deacon Onosode was indeed a godly pearl, who was shrewd with steadfast honesty. The late Onosode, who was buried in his hometown in Delta State on October 23 radiated a rare mix of humility, simplicity and integrity as well as corporate savvy to an uncommon level. His sterling qualities are just too many to enumerate. He was an icon with Midas touch; an outstanding, diligent and thorough bred entrepreneur with a dedicated faithfulness to his Creator. As a result of his honesty and integrity, Onosode became a much sought-after boardroom expert, becoming the Chairman of the Board of Nigeria’s best corporate organizations in a wide range of sectors, from manufacturing to telecommunications and consulting. He was simply amazing and remarkable, thus, serving as an avatar of morality. Unfortunately though, Nigeria hardly celebrates an icon of this mould, whose strength and weakness remain the strict adherence to the principles of honesty and

transparency. As captured by his eldest son, Ese, “Nigerians prefer celebrating halfdressed Nollyhood actresses and actors and tattoo-bodied footballers to admiring honest people like my father”. What a paradox! Born in 1933, Mr. Onosode attended Government College, Ughelli (1947 - 1952 before immediately proceeding to the then University College, Ibadan where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classics in 1957. He gave his best and made invaluable contributions in three key areas of national development: investment and finance, education and Christian faith. For instance in education, the late Onosode served as Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council of three federal universities, including Ibadan, Lagos and Uyo as well as a private university - Bowen University, Ogbomoso. Prior to his appointment as University of Ibadan Council Chairman in 2005, Papa Onosode along with Dr. Michael Omolayole had served the University of Ibadan Endowment Fund for 30 years. While Dr. Omolayole was the Chairman, Onosode was the Vice Chairman. They nurtured the Endowment Fund from a modest beginning of just a little less than a million naira capital grant in 1973 to a net worth of over N1.5 billion by 2005 when the duo retired. The newly constructed multi-million naira gigantic International Conference Centre (ICC) located around the Second Gate of the university is the major profit of the Fund. The ICC has now been yielding good money to UI as part of its Internally Gener-

THE LATE ONOSODE… RADIATED A RARE

MIX OF HUMILITY, SIMPLICITY AND INTEGRITY ated Revenue (IGR) Coming as Pro Chancellor in 2005, Mr. Onosode contributed in no small measure to the uplifting of his alma mater. He shunned the stipends accruing to him as his sitting allowance, rather donating it to the development of the institution. He advocated and organized a retreat for all Council members, where the University’s visions and missions were reviewed and strategic plans developed and packaged towards the internationalization of the University. More striking was his contributions through the then Zain Telecommunication as the Chairman of its Board. At an event with the directors of the company, Deacon Onosode casually remarked that it would soon be 50 years since he graduated from the university. The shocked directors, some of who had not been born then asked Onosode how he wanted the company to celebrate the golden jubilee of the graduation. Deacon Onosode urged them to celebrate UI which produced him. Consequently, the directors got in touch with the then Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Bamiro, who promptly gave the list of the needs of the

A word for the ministerial nominees IYKE OZEMENA

t is difficult to ignore the procedural changes that have taken place since the commencement of the 8th National Assembly. Not only because the new regimes are elected on the mantra of ‘change’, but also for the fact that the budget for law-making put at about N150 billion per annum after a drastic cut constitutes a huge fiscal burden on tax-payers. Any effort at rationalizing expenses becomes necessary. Ministerial and other nominees by the President must be confirmed by the Senate in accordance with S.147 of the 1999 Constitution. In practice, how long it takes and its cost implications depend on the preparedness of the nominees, number of persons on the list and the procedure adopted by the Senate. Since the value and benefit of the process and its management accrue to the nominees, it therefore, behooves on them to be adequately prepared so that no waste of resources or time arise from them. It is unfortunate that some technocrats who the president may consider appropriate for certain assignments may not have the political qualifications or clout required to sail through at the Senate. In the past 7th National Assembly a Taraba state technocrat nominee took his nomination for granted and was unable to attract political support of his state or enough in the senate, and therefore, lost the job opportunity. Another vice to be watched by nomi-

S TAT I S T I C S

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T H AT A N AV E R AG E ORAL AND WRITTEN QUESTION GULPED ABOUT

£35

£20

AND

VA L U E O F

L E G I S L AT I V E T I M E R E S P E C T I V E LY nees even if they consider themselves politically qualified is bad publicity. A typical case is that of former governor of Rivers State, Hon. Rotimi Amechi, who had been having a running battle since his election or ‘judicial selection’ as governor of the state. The avalanche of petitions, accusations and threats before and after his nomination require public relation consultants to clear apparent ‘dislike campaign’ against him. Since the nominees would be assumed to have done their home work properly before appearing at the Senate, only the procedure adopted would determine how fast the confirmation would be conducted. However, it is an established convention that prominent nominees are given the privilege to take a bow, as against the rigor of detailed interrogations, queries and reports around their candidacy, lives and qualifications. This practice saves legislative time even though some people consider the privilege undeserving. Be that as it may many nominees would have to account for every minute of contro-

versies in the lives and qualifications in order to scale through. The phenomenon has become universal with its dilatory effect. For instance, President Obama’s decision to appoint Lorreta Lynch as Attorney-General to replace the out-gone Eric Holder met with brick wall. The confirmation lingered at the Senate for about three months. This occurred because of the critical role played by government’s opposition; all that is required is an appropriate majority to confirm the appointment. However, the irony is that if procedural changes are made a lot of time would be saved. The equivalence of the screening procedure of the national assembly is the question time in a parliamentary democracy when government’s policies, appointments, administration and public complaints are entertained and addressed. Statistics showed that an average oral and written question gulped about £20 and £35 value of legislative time respectively. It is for this reason of increasing legislative costs that procedural changes become imperative. It is, therefore, a gratifying moment when the 8th NASS produced a document entitled “Legislative Agenda for 4 Years”. The rationale is aimed at reduction of legislative time. Towards this end the Senate proposed a committee for Legislative Rules and Business to introduce e-parliament that would expand participation by the people. Besides, the agenda would prioritize legislative actions in order to improve on the level of the 7th NASS and remedy the criticisms of the past procedures. It would also have tracking mechanism. In the case

university. Eventually, Zain donated a million US dollar, equivalent of N130 million as at that time. The money was used for the construction of new car parks around Oduduwa Road; installation of solar-powered street lighting along Oduduwa Road; rehabilitation of Mellanby Hall, and construction of relaxation park behind Trenchard Hall, which students now call “Love Garden”. Gymnasium was also put in place with the money. How can UI forget this valiant man married to a virtuous woman called Susan? Certainly, Onosode will be remembered for good. Even though he has been self-employed for several years, records show that he never defaulted on his taxes in a country where tax avoidance is the norm. The late Onosode also taught Nigerians to do away with the culture of “African time”. He hardly arrived late to any event he was invited to. As a matter of fact, he was a man who respected time so much so that he has embarrassed his hosts by being too prompt for prescheduled events. He appeared so stern, stand-offish and unapproachable, but behind the facade was a very friendly, kindhearted and jovial persona. According to one of his children, Mrs Toyin Olowo-Ake, “it’s amazing how you can find such contrasting qualities in one person: strict, yet so soft, a disciplinarian, yet very caring; and a tough man, still not ashamed to shed tears”. Saanu is of Directorate of Public Communication, University of Ibadan.

of nominees, new mechanism for screening them is now in place and no one would be surprised if sanctions are levied on acts of indiscipline before the house. If the extant House of Representatives is planning a revision of its procedure to enable the passage of the 4th constitution amendment, which remains inchoate as a result of President Jonathan’s failure to endorse it, the proposal comes late when the 7th NASS had already passed 46 bills at the 11th hour of the tenure. The passage was enabled by the suspension of Order 79(1) of the Senate’s standing rules, which deemed the bills to have passed first, second and third readings. There are those who want the nominees to go through elaborate and rigorous screening procedure. Why not, if that is what fetches the job. That is even more the reason for thorough and adequate preparation. It would not only save legislative time, it would boost the confidence of the masses in the screening process as well as the belief that only the best is good enough for Nigeria. Ozemena is of IKECHUKWU O. ODOEMELAM & CO (Corporate Attorneys/ Consultants)

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, November 2, 2015

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

SUNDAY OLAJIDE n MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO BEN MEMULETIWON n ACTING DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI n SATURDAY EDITOR AYO OLESIN n SUNDAY EDITOR DOZIE OKEBALAMA n COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE n EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR OBIORA IFOH n ACTING ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF AUGUSTUS IMEKAN n ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

Teachers’ pressure for education summit

he Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), early last month, drew attention to the need for the convocation of a National Education Summit in the interest of the nation’s bruised, spited and neglected education sector. National President of the group, Comrade Michael Olukoya, speaking on the occasion marking the 2015 World Teachers’ Day, said Nigeria needed a serious, result oriented and purposeful education summit where professionals and stakeholders would bring their experiences to bear on solutions to all challenges ruining the country’s education system. Such problems, the NUT President said, included teacher training, cut-off marks for admission into tertiary institutions, teachers’ salary structure and motivation, career progression, teaching environment, quality and functional education for the citizenry, among others. One Comrade Samson Akinlade spoke on his (Olukoya’s) behalf in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, during the Teachers’ Day event. Theteaching profession,the academicperformanceof Nigerian students,and,indeed,thechaotic and embarrassingspectacletheNigerian educational system has nowbecome, andtheir improvement,weresaid tohave compelledtheFederalGovernment,undertheleadershipof ex-President Goodluck Jonathan,to contemplate a similar summit from theangle of teachers,whileMallam

IbrahimShekarau held court as the Minister of Education. We recall that a couple of months before Jonathan left office, Shekarau told the 60th National Council on Education (NCE) meetingin Abeokuta, that the former President would preside over the summit meant toproffer solutions tothe challenges of the teachingprofession. But itnever came topass. The sharp dropin the quality of teachers, ridiculous infrastructural state of most educational institutions and their inhospitable learningenvironments, thelack of basic teachingand learning tools, issues on motivation and remuneration of teachers, and other extraneous factors and distractions that culminate cumulatively in the poor performance of students in both school-based and public examinations werenaturally in contention. We refuse to be excited by the mouthing of education or teachers’ summit. But we do know that a deep appraisal of the nation’s entire education sector has become absolutely necessary. Taken from the angle of teachers, for example, it is commonly agreed that the poor performance of students has a direct link with the quality of their teachers. Over the years, teachers at all levels of the country’s educational outfits are being denied adequate attention, remuneration and motivation. They are neither valued nor appreciated. The implications are legion - but being non-committal to their primary

Inadequate

recognition and funding seems the greatest hindrance to education in

Nigeria. This is the truth the FG should sincerely address

task seems the most visible. We had argued in a similarpast work here that the governmentfailed toaccord teachingthe respectitdeserves as aprofession. Upto 1992, there was nolaw in Nigeria thatrecognised teachingas aprofession. The jobwas vulnerable, and couldbe grabbed by questionable and non-qualified characters. Teachingwassimply regarded as avocation. Itwasthrough the Teachers Registration Council Act No. 31 of 1993 that the FGgave recognition toteachingas aprofession, asthe Teachers Registration Council (TRC) was established toscreen andregister professionally qualifiedteachers. Unlike in Britain and America, where ateacher must be licensedbefore beingallowed toteach; andthe licence withdrawn as punishmentforserious professional misconduct, the TRCis the first major step by the Nigerian government tostreamline who isoris not ateacher. Unfortunately,however, the TRC has at best recordedminimal success sofar because both the

ON THIS DAY November 2, 1984 Capital punishment: Margie Velma Barfield became the first woman executed in the United States since 1962. Margie (October 29, 1932 – November 2, 1984) was a serial killer convicted of six murders. She was the first woman in the US to be executed after the 1976 resumption of capital punishment and the first since 1962. She was also the first woman to be executed by lethal injection.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

November 2, 2007 Between 50,000 and 100,000 people demonstrated against the Georgian gover nment in Tbilisi, capital of Georgia. A series of anti-gover nment protests took place across Georgia that year. The demonstrations peaked on November 2, 2007. The protests organized by a coalition of ten opposition parties were against the allegedly corrupt gover nment of President Mikheil Saakashvili.

FGandstate governmentsare yetto demonstrate enough commitmentto itsimplementation .The FGhadspecifiedthatthe National Certificate of Education (NCE)wouldbe the minimum qualification forteachingin any partof the country; andsubsequently establishedthe National Teachers Institute (NTI), with branchesall over the country,to train enough NCE holders. Still, both the FGandstates are hardputinsistingon the standard orrecommendation because of the disparityin educational development between the northern andsouthern partsof the country. ‘Education Right Campaign’, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), in one of its current reports, revealed that Nigeria spends less than nine percent of her annual budget on education funding as against the 26 percent recommended by the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Even some less endowed African nations fund education better than Nigeria. They include Botswana, 19 percent; Swaziland, 24.6 percent; Lesotho, 17 percent; South Africa, 25.8 percent; Corte d’Ivoire, 30 percent; Burkina Faso, 16.8 percent; Ghana, 31 percent; Kenya, 23 percent; Uganda, 27 percent; Tunisia, 17 percent; and Morocco, 17.7 percent. Inadequate recognition and funding seems the greatest hindrance to education in Nigeria. This is the truth the FG should sincerely address.

x November 2, 2014 A suicide attack killed 60 people at Wagah, Pakistan. The bombing took place at the Wagah border following the daily border ceremony in Pakistan. The attack was claimed by three rival militant groups. On the midnight of 9 January 2015, the ‘FIA’ team led by special agents reportedly hunted and killed the mastermind of the attack in a police encounter which took place in Lahore.

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Business Courage

Monday, November 2, 2015

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FG, CBN, agropreneurs target agric sector to mitigate fiscal headwinds As the nation’s income continues to dwindle due to fall in prices of crude oil, the Federal Government and key stakeholders have intensified efforts to explore the opportunities availed by the agricultural sector to bridge the revenue gap in yearly budgets. Udo Onyeka reports

any stakeholders believe that if the current Federal Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari would live up to its promise to make agriculture replace oil as major revenue earner, the country would have not only provided food security for Nigerians, but also created jobs for the unemployed youths. To achieve this however, experts say the government takes practical and concrete steps to restore agriculture to its glorious position as the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy. Buhari had said at a forum that “We must stop paying lip service to agriculture by taking practical and concrete steps to restore it to its glorious position as the mainstay of our economy providing employment, food for our teeming population as well as leading foreign exchange earnings,” he said. On agricultural policy, Buhari said he will provide farmers

with a dignified living through improved inputs, extension services, access to credits and price support mechanisms. “We would re-vitalise the agricultural sector and make it the engine of growth, and source of job and wealth creation. Some of our policy thrust would include agricultural enterprises value chain and cluster development for commodities, and institutional framework and support for agribusiness investment. In this regard, the Abuja Commodity Exchange shall be reinvigorated and supported,” the president had also said. However, many industry watchers believe that the immediate past administration did not do badly in trying to revive the agric sector but would want the current government to improve on what is on ground. In line with federal government’s goals geared towards the diversification of the economy, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, through its Subsidiary,

Nigeria Incentive-based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending, NIRSAL and other key stakeholders have taken steps to reposition the agric sector. The CBN for instance has said it was poised to reposition agriculture through value chain fixing for economic growth and development to promote for sustainable and lucrative harnessing of the great economic potentials of key agricultural export crops in the country. As a key player in the country’s economy, the apex bank said it was committed towards boosting the Nation’s foreign exchange earnings from the agricultural sector. Acting Managing Director, NIRSAL Plc. Mr. Edwin Nzelu, at a recent capacity building organized by the CBN, Bankers Committee and German International Corporation, GIZ, in Lagos said the aim of the training was to share knowledge and to gain from the experts on agricultural value chain financing

“who will take you through the initiation and execution of agricultural credit requests and appraisal of it from farmers.” He said that capacity building is an important step in repositioning agric as a business. Nzelu recalled that the CBN in July 2011 launched the Nigeria Incentive-based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending, NIRSAL. According to him NIRSAL is a holistic approach aimed at de-risking agricultural lending through fixing of financing and commodity value chains in the agricultural sub-sector. “This is with a view to reducing the perceived high risky nature of agriculture harbored by bankers towards lending to this all-important sector of the economy. It is noteworthy that agriculture contributes more than 23 per cent to the Nation’s Gross Domestic Products, GDP and creates about 65 per cent of job in the country in 2014. Many stakeholders have

said that increasing attention of the CBN is well situated now that the price of crude oil has crashed. The CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, recently decried the neglect of the agricultural sector by successive governments, saying Nigeria is now a net importer of agricultural produce with import bill of over N630bn. Emefiele, who disclosed this at a workshop organised by CBN and the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa ,AGRA, on Innovative Agricultural Products, in Lagos, stated that the large import of food products include wheat, rice, flour, fish, tomato paste, textile and sugar. He disclosed that the insurance pillar of the Nigeria IncenUDO ONYEKA, CO-ORDINATOR BUSINESS COURAGE udonyeka@gmail.com c

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tive-based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending ,NIRSAL, has been activated as this would help reduce risks associated with the sector. “NIRSAL is built on five pillars where 1st and 2nd pillars, which are risk-sharing and technical assistance have been activated, while the 3rd pillar is the insurance, which is being activated today. This workshop signals the kick starting of the insurance pillar. We have the 4th and 5th pillars known as bank rating and bank incentive respectively. The bank rating and the incentive can commence after the insurance pillar,” he said. He, however, called for the development and expansion of the agricultural insurance sub-sector, as this would go a long way in mitigating natural disasters and eventually encouraging banks to lend to agriculture. “Expansion of agricultural insurance products has become imperative especially now that climatic reports have it that Nigerian farmers are prone to risks from natural disasters such as flood, draught as well as different crop and livestock diseases,” he said. According to Senior Technical Advisor,GIZ, Ayo Akinola, with over 50 per cent of the population living in cities, Nigeria has huge demand sinks for fresh and processed food and for products derived from raw material produced by agriculture, fishery, forestry and so on. He said the growing imports are needed to satisfy Nigerians’ demand for such products despite the favorable weather conditions, the landmass and the abundant human and natural endowments that can truly propel the Nigerian economy to greater heights. On his own the Country Director of GIZ, Dr. Thomas Kirsch said Agriculture is a good business for Nigerian producers provided that they combine technical and management skills with the required investments in quality inputs and equipment. He said that GIZ-Sustainable Smallholder Agribusiness, SSAB, Program has developed the Farmer Business School, FBS, in 2010 for 4 cocoa producing countries. “We supported extension services, Micro-finance institutions, companies to train over 300.000 farmers in Farmer Business School. “The success triggered others to take the approach over. Together with other GIZ programmes we have implemented FBS for over 400,000 farmers in 12 African countries and across a number of value chains principally, cassava, cocoa, coffee, cotton, rice and tomato”, he said. However there are challeng-

Business Courage

Monday, November 2, 2015

Emefiele

es facing the revival of agric in the country and many believe that the earlier the government intervene the better for the achievement of the desired goal. Some stakeholders in the Agro-Commodity Export recently called on the Federal Government to address the ban placed on some Nigerian produce by the European Union, EU. Chairman, Export Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Obiora Madu, made the appeal in Lagos. Madu said that it was imperative for the government to resolve the issue before the June 2016 deadline given by the EU to correct the anomaly. “Yes, there are many export markets beyond Europe but if we do nothing, it is likely to escalate when other nations join the EU to reject our produce then we are in trouble. “As a chamber, we are concerned about the trend and are actively at the forefront of sensitising farmers and exporters on compliance to international standard for our produce,’’ he said. He stressed the need for collaborative efforts of all regulatory authorities and relevant stakeholders in formulating a framework to address the challenges of the nation’s agricultural produce in the international market. Mr. Madu noted that the country’s natural resources were not utilised to the optimum for economic growth. “Agriculture is a viable alternative that can sustain the economy considering the reality of dwindling oil revenue. “At the country’s independence, agriculture held sway, over 90 per cent of earnings came from agriculture but presently the entire non-oil sector, including solid minerals is contributing less than 10 per cent to the GDP.

Masari

“The potential is there but the concentration in oil removes our attention from agriculture,” he said. He also urged the government to create more incentives for agro exporters to mitigate the deficiency of logistics, infrastructure and high cost of exporting goods. The EU in June suspended some of the nation’s food items. They include beans, sesame seeds, melon seeds, fried fish, meat, peanut chips among others from entering Europe till June 2016. According to the European Food Safety Authority, the rejected beans were found to contain between 0.03mg per kg to 4.6mg/kg of dichlorvos pesticide.The acceptable maximum residue limit is 0.01mg/kg.The excess chemical in the produce EU may be harmful to health. On his own, Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, Mr Bature Masari has called for the development of agro allied industries to boost job creation in the country. Masari, who made the call in Abuja said the agency is committed to the development of Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria. According to him, agro allied processing will not only boost job creation but also attract Nigerians massively into agriculture sector. Masari decried lack of access to finance by Nigerians, saying that SMEDAN had been mandated to coordinate activities on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in the country, including agricultural sector. ‘’We coordinate activities in that particular sub-sector with a view to ensuring that whatever is needed by the government to support MSME in Nigeria is implemented by the agency. ‘’And we have been doing

that to the best of our ability in every state of the country and we have been able to ensure that MSMEs receive financial assistance.’’ The Director explained that there were very many Nigerians with profitable enterprising ideas but lack necessary collateral to obtain the needed financial assistance to boost their businesses. Masari said that SMEDAN has been able to undertake proper identification of agriculture products that can generate both employment and revenue to the teaming population and the country. National Rice Millers Association of Nigeria, NRMAN, has that the NCS, erred in its decision to lifting of the ban on importation of rice through the land borders, would destroy Nigeria’s rice value chain attained by the previous administration. Chairman of the association, Mohammed Abubakar, such a policy decision should be looked at thoroughly in order not stifle agric. The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the empowerment of 30, 000 youths through its Youth Employment in Agriculture Programme (YEAP), according to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sonny Echono. According to a statement, Echono said the Programme endorsed by the ministry’s Director of Information, Mr. Tony Ohaeri in Abuja would cut across the various value chains, which include rice, maize, tomatoes and others. Mr. Echono stated that the ministry received about 34,000 applications from intending Nagropreneurs and Market Oriented Producers from 12 participating states including the FCT. He said that a total of 250 Nagropreneurs would be select-

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ed per state including the FCT under the first phase of the programme. The Permanent Secretary explained that the validation and final selection of the young Nagropreneurs and Market Oriented producers would be done at state levels in collaboration with the ministry’s state Directors. He said that training would also be conducted for the beneficiaries at different credible Agricultural and Research Institutions, universities and other vocational training institutions across the country. Analysts have said that agriculture Agriculture is a major component of the real economy. The federal government and the CBN have in the past three decades designed and implemented various programmes and schemes aimed at addressing the problem of low investment in agriculture. These interventions have ranged from instruments such as the regulation with variants of credit quota and interest rate ceiling to institutional supports such as the establishment of NACB now known as Bank of Agriculture, Bank of Industry ,BOI, Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Company ,NAIC as well as the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund ,ACGSF. Recent interventions have also included the N200bn Commercial Agriculture Credits Scheme, CACS, the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme, SMECGS and the N200bn Restructuring and Refinancing Facility, RRF. The strategic intent of NIRSAL according to the CBN is to spark agricultural industrialisation process through increased production and processing of the greater part of the commodities produced in the country to boost economic earnings across the value chain. NIRSAL will: Stimulate innovations in agricultural lending, encourage banks that are lending to the agricultural sector, eliminate state-dependency by banks for deploying loanable funds to agriculture and ensure a risk sharing system that will build a business approach where banks share in the risk of lending to the sector among others. It also intends to increase the total value of agricultural lending from the current 2 per cent to 10 per cent of total bank lending within 5 years, leverage N450bn in bank lending into agriculture, thereby closing 60 per cent of the agriculture financing gap , enhance lending capacity by banks and development of a sustainable agricultural lending systems, processes and reduce banks’ perception of agriculture as highly risky ,through increased lending. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, November 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Economic Outlook

Sanusiconometric theory of Naira devaluation!

‘

His Eminence needs to know how we in the private sector are doing today (before the devaluation) ...just before we all say goodnight to business!

tion the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade of blessed memory. He represented the Yoruba race at a meeting with the then President Babangida. The mandate of the meeting was to attempt to reclaim the mandate of the late MKO Abiola. The late Ooni had consulted Ifa and the whole array of Yoruba gods (all 200 of them!) in preparation for the historic assignment. When he got to Abuja, rather than convey the displeasure of the gods about what became of MKO’s mandate, the revered royal father said Babangida was “talking sense.” My brother, Dele Momodu, will explain the rest!

ment, the royal highnesses whipped out their royal horsetails and pronounced profuse royal blessings on Jonathan, only for him to be roundly defeated by Buhari, even though Buhari did not settle Igba Irunmole. There must be a good explanation for this! Maybe the traditional hot drinks were mixed with Crystal Champagne. The Irunmoles are clear about their preference for Ogogoro (local gin). I am not sure local gods are used to foreign bubbly intoxicants! Maybe they don’t even like Crystal Champagne. The urbane, high-living Ooni Sijuade (God rest his classy soul) should have known better than to replace good old Schnapps and cat fish with Champagne and Caviar when dealing with the gods! Or maybe the gods were confused by the wads of dollars which were rolled out instead of naira. Ifa and Igba Irunmole are not used to dollars unfortunately. That may have convinced them that there is a scarcity of Naira, and therefore of the need to devalue the Naira. Print more money! That is probably why the oracle is now speaking from

Kano on the urgent need to devalue the Naira. So whoever is saying that His Eminence does not know what he is talking about should please shut up! Only ignorant people who don’t understand the ways of traditional rulers and their oracles would utter such profanity The Sanusiconometric theory of devaluation is new to the praxis of modern events, except of course the oracle says so. His Eminence must be talking from a back-ofthe-envelope scenario; otherwise not even the probability of Monte Carlo simulation will predict devaluation at this time. I don’t know if His Eminence is just coming from holidaying in France. Perhaps he visited Monte Carlo City for the simulation exercises and came back with the conclusion that devaluation of the Naira is the way to go. Otherwise, he must certainly be conferring with beings from ‘the other world’ on behalf of Nigeria and Nigerians. I have produced the graph below to let His Eminence know how we in the private sector are doing today (before the devaluation) ...just before we all say goodnight to business!

‘

n his multi- billion Naira palace, right in the middle of his highly revered historic kingdom, located in one of Nigeria’s most important cities, his Royal Majesty, the Emir of Kano, has added to his busy schedule of traditional duties the duty of ‘big brother and adviser’ to the Nigerian economy and ‘extended supervisor’ to the Central Bank of Nigeria, of which he is former governor. Very kind of him! He could be speaking after gazing into the crystal ball, as is typical of traditional rulers when they consult the oracle or whatever equivalent of spiritual guide they favour. When they wake up in the morning, they find out from the ‘gods’ what the day will bring. In Emir Sanusi’s case, it makes sense to also find out what the economy will look like, given that he has played such a huge role in the economy in his previous life. As anyone who is familiar with such exercises knows, what the oracle will pronounce depends on how much hot drinks, kolanuts, salt and alligator pepper you offer it. It will make more important pronouncements if you add palm oil and dry fish to the mix. That is when it can get into the realm of whether to devalue the naira or not! The chief priest will then interpret these pronouncements to His Eminence. As the proceedings progress, the priest consumes the hot drinks on behalf of the oracle. His Eminence also takes little sips now and then to get him into the ‘spirit.’ The dry fish, salt and alligator pepper continue to disappear into these wise mouths and more pronouncements spill out. As the session moves to an end, with all or most of the hot drinks gone, the pronouncements become more profound. “Tell Buhari to devalue the Naira now....” This is not the first time the oracle of the palace will make vexing pronouncements on very important national matters. I still remember with great affec-

Another serious problem with these ‘supernatural’ beings is that, these days, they collect a lot of money before they make their pronouncements, unlike in the days of old when you only needed to give them a few cowries to get information from them. Times have really changed. I am still waiting for the new Ooni of Ife to settle down before I ask him to explain to Nigerians why Ifa, Igba Irunmole and the other sundry gods collected so much money from Jonathan, even in the presence of the no-nonsense Oranmiyan, and told him he would win the elections. Upon this pronounce-

The above graph simply shows that today’s entrepreneurs are operating at a level where all known costs are far above marginal revenue. All President Buhari is doing is to help create an environment where marginal revenue will be above all known costs. We pray the oracle speaks sense soon. (Amen) BC

• Jimoh Ibrahim writes from the MBA class of the University of Cambridge.

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Business Courage

Monday, November 2, 2015

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News Why we sacked 35 senior Customs officers- CG Francis Ezem

he Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali has said that his decision to sack a total of 35 senior officers of the service comprising Deputy Comptrollers General, Assistant Comptrollers General and some Comptrollers is in line with the mandate given to him by President Muhammandu Buhari. The service had last Thursday last week , compulsorily retired all the five Deputy Comptrollers-General of the service comprising John Atte, Ibrahim Mera, Musa Tahir, Austin Nwosu and Akinade Adewuyi. The CG, who also announced the sack of three Assistant Comptrollers General at the weekend, consisting of Madu Mohammed, who was Secretary to the Nigeria Customs Board, Victor Gbemudu, Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘A’ and Bello Liman, Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Headquarters, said the exercise was in line with the on-going re-organisation in the Service. According to him, the retirement of the 35 officers, which takes immediate effect as part of the re-organisation of the Service, is one of his core mandates handed down by the president. Also affected in the shakeare officers of the rank of Comptrollers serving in Customs Headquarters, Zonal Offices and various Area Commands. Ali also stated that the retirements were part of measures to kick-start the repositioning of the Service for improved performance. The President had in September appointed Col. Hameed Ali, a military officer, who retired over 20 years ago as the CG of the service following the voluntary retirement Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko, who served for five years The new CG had on resumption of duty, indicated that part of his mandate as the new helms man for the service by President Buhari would consist of Reform, Reform, Restructure and Revenue RRR,. The CG, who paid his maiden working visit to the service’s commands and

other seaport facilities in Lagos, had while addressing news men after the five day visit ruled out the possibility of sacking officers and men of the service. He had also said that only a very few officers and men of the service are corrupt, contrary to widely held belief even around the government circles. It was also gathered that the CG may also have set the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC against the six sacked top officers, who he had investigated on resumption of office with the support of the anti-graft agency and the Directorate of State Security Service DSS. Maritime stakeholders, who reacted to the mass retirement, noted that those of the five DCGs were expected but said that those of Comptrollers and ACGs were not. They argued that the compulsory retirement of some ACGs and Comptrollers may not be unconnected with the outcome of the corruption and security checks conducted by the CG in conjunction with the DSS and EFCC. President Buhari had come under heavy criticisms by stakeholders following the appointment of the new CG, who they argued knew next to nothing about customs administration. They argued that the appointment of a retired military officer, which was second of its type, as late General Sani Abacha appointed Ango Abdullahi, to head a highly Information Communication Technology ICT-driven will take the service back by over 10 years. These stakeholders believe that the best the president should have done is to fish out a young officer, who is untainted and not corrupt to purge the system so as to maintain professionalism and

Ali

efficiency in the service. “Bringing a complete novice in customs operations at this stage in the history and reform of Customs administration was the worst thing to happen to the service, especially under a democratic dispensation”, the stakeholders further argued.

Godwin Emefiele, CBN Governor

Farmers urged to access CBN intervention fund

he All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, in Lagos on Friday advised members to develop agribusiness proposals to access the N200 billion Central Bank of Nigeria’s, CBN, intervention fund. Mr Femi Oke, the State Chairman of the association, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos. He said that members needed to develop agri-business in order to take advantage of the CBN fund. NAN recalls that the CBN, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, introduced the Commercial Agriculture Credit Guarantee Scheme, CACS, in 2009 to finance agriculture value chain. The value chain begins from input supply to cultivation and finally to marketing. The CACS was originally introduced to fast-track the development of the economy through credit facilities at a single digit interest rate. Oke said that the fund has been available but that farmers and agribusiness owners were not utilising it. He said that the fund was an avenue for farmers to develop their productivity through the use of modern technologies. ``We are happy with the intervention fund by the CBN

being disbursed through commercial banks. ``Although the fund has been in existence, but farmers are not taking advantage of it. ``All they need to do is forward a credible business proposal through any commercial bank. ``The fund repayment plan is at a single digit interest rate which is very good because farmers cannot deal with double digit interest rate’’, Oke said. The chairman, however, called on the Federal Government to advise commercial banks to desist from collecting/making other charges, which discourage farmers from accessing the fund. He alleged that the banks were making the process too difficult for farmers thereby scaring them away. NAN reports that a farmer is entitled to N5million and above.

OPIC generates N2bn revenue in 8 months

gun Property and Investment Corporation, OPIC, on Friday said that the corporation generated N2 billion revenue between January and August. Managing Director of the corporation, Mr Babajide Odusolu, disclosed this in Abeokuta during an oversight visit to OPIC by members of Ogun House of Assembly Committee on Investment, Commerce and Industry. The managing director said that the N2 billion was just 14.2 per cent of the projected revenue for the period. He said that the revenue was generated from surveys, planning and building fees, plots allocation, layout fees, sale of buildings, incomes from investment and rents on government assets and

Odusolu

property. Odusolu said that the corporation had initiated and completed multiple housing prototypes across its various estates. He said that OPIC had also completed 11km roads at OPIC Estate in Agbara. Odusolu said that the corporation was not indebted, saying that every money spent was from the IGR of the corporation. ``We attracted business to come and buy what we have; we generated money from proceeds of sales and from our existing schemes. ``Orange Valley Estate in Abeokuta was also constructed with 100 per cent revenue generated by the corporation,’’ he said. The committee chairman, Mr Bowale Solaja, urged the corporation to make the prices of its houses more affordable, saying that the people must benefit from the good works of the state government.

Osun Assembly plans budget tracking for MDAs

he Osun House of Assembly says it will adopt a budget tracking mechanism to ensure full implementation of annual budgets by government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs,. Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr Kamil Oyedele, said this on Friday at the inaugural meeting of the committee in Osogbo. The committee chairman said that the 2015 budget was not being properly implemented due to dwindling resources. Oyedele promised that the House of Assembly would also ensure that wastages and leakages were blocked in the 2016 budget. He said that the House of Assembly would properly scrutinise the 2016 Appropriation Bill whenever it was presented by the executive arm. The committee chairman advised the state government to intensify efforts in the area of internally generated revenue, stressing that the state should not continue to rely on the monthly allocations from the Federal Government. Deputy Chairman of the

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Monday, November 2, 2015

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News

Rauf Aregbesola, Osun State Governor

Committee, Mr Rasheed Afolabi, said government must be ready to cut costs and spend money wisely. He advised that government must be creative in its revenue drive to improve the economy of the state. A member of the committee, Mr Babatunde Olatunji, called for a review of budgeting practice to ensure that capital expenditure would exceed recurrent expenditure. Olatunji said that reliance federal allocations was becoming impossible, stressing that the state must look inward to improve its finances.

Association urges FG to address manufacturers’ challenges

he Paint Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, PMA, has urged the Federal Government to provide an effective framework for the advancement of the industrial sector. The Chairman of the association, Mr Rotimi Aluko, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Friday in Lagos that the sector was faced with many challenges that necessitated the appeal. Aluko said that the challenges of the nation’s economy had made it imperative for the government to provide critical structures to facilitate sustainable growth and make manufacturers internationally competitive. According to him, infrastructure, finance, insecurity and low patronage of locally produced goods remain a bane of the manufacturing sector of the country. He said that power deficit increased operational cost of enterprises, reduced their production capacities, made Nigerian goods uncompetitive

and contributed significantly to ailing of local industries. “We appreciate the noticeable moderate improvement in electricity supply and the re-energised focus on it in the last few months. “However, the problem of the power sector is massive and the concern of the President for the sector is shared by us. “We, therefore, urge the government to bring the power sector reform initiated over a decade ago and which was pursued as ‘Road map for Power Sector Reform’ to a logical conclusion. “With this, we can gradually move from the present 5000 megawatts to the 20,000 megawatts mark.” Aluko also urged the government to address the issue of poor maintenance culture. He said that successive administrations had failed to maintain roads and other infrastructure, but instead embarked on new ones. “We urge governments at the three levels to, in view of dwindling incomes, embark on the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure facilities and lessen focus on new ones. “The rehabilitation, upgrading and reactivation of the rail network by the previous government should be sustained to enhance economic activities.” The chairman said that if rehabilitated, rail transport would reduce operational cost of business, as finished goods would be transported from points of production to sale at reduced rates. Aluko called on the government to champion the crusade for patronage of locally produced paint through regular maintenance of all government offices, armed forces barracks, educational institutions, airports and road makings. “Good painting culture will lead to the growth of the paint industry, its associated industries, and of course, the economy, while providing a clean and healthy environment.’’

tions, NITEL. Okongwu, a one-time Finance Minister, made the call at the 3rd Annual lecture series of the Economics Department of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka on Friday. His lecture is entitled, “National Security and the Nigerian Economy in the 21st Century.” Okongwu said the repositioning and effectiveness of NITEL would make Nigeria have easy access to high speed Internet for better communication, research and development. “Nigeria’s foremost telecommunication outfit should be strategically restructured and positioned to reap bountifully from the ever booming and lucrative Nigerian telecommunications industry. “The Federal Government should mandate NITEL to build the National Fixed Fiber Backbone network around the country, this would better permit Nigeria to join the rest of the world in the 21st century economy,” he said. He said the major threat to world and national security was the redistribution of resources and mass illiteracy among the population. Okongwu said national security could be better achieved if Nigerian government address the issues of education, housing, infrastructure and indigenisation of technology. “Man is both the agent and target of development, society-wide education especially in relation to literacy and numeracy is obligatory as a strategy and goal. “Urgent and correct steps should be taken to stimulate rapid development of local building materials, industries, facilitate mortgage financing, create secondary

Economist advocates nationalisation of NITEL

renowned Economist, Dr Chu Okongwu, has called for re-nationalisation of the Nigerian Telecommunica-

LNG ship at the port

market and increased access to such financing. “The deplorable state of our infrastructure is such that the nation stands in danger of losing her investment of over 30 billion dollars in the road network alone,” he said. Also, Prof. Adewale Alawiye-Adams of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, said the theme of the lecture was apt as Nigerian economy had suffered retardation due to multiplicity of national security challenges.

Group urges FG to revive leather industry

he Chairman of Sokoto Leather Crafts Association has called on the government to take drastic measures to revive the ailing leather industries in the country. Speaking last week-end chairman of the association, Alhaji Tukur Abubakar is the leather industries in the country should be supported to enable them produce optimally. He made the call in Sokoto in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN,. ``It is only by reviving the industries that the production of leather materials will be improved in order to achieve economic growth. ``This will also reduce unemployment and poverty among our people,’’ he said. Abubakar commended the immediate-past Gov. Aliyu Wamakko Administration for donating N50 million to members of the association. ``This had really helped our members.We hope that the present government will continue from where its prede-

cessor stopped in all sectors, “ he said. The chairman said members of the union were facing challenges, including non exportation of their products. ``As you can see, we can only sell our materials at the local markets or to the personalities, or government and traditional rulers to use either for wedding ceremonies or as gifts,’’ he said. He called on members of the association to remain resolute in their quest to boost the production of leather materials in the state.

14 ships arrive Lagos with petroleum products, other goods

ourteen ships laden with petroleum products and other goods arrived in the Lagos ports, the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA said on Friday in Lagos. The NPA made the disclosure in its daily publication, ``Shipping Position’’, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN. The document said that the ships were carrying bulk sugar, bulk fertiliser, crude palm olein, petrol, buthane, aviation fuel and diesel. The authority also disclosed that 34 other ships were expected to sail into the ports with buckwheat, bulk fertiliser, bulk sugar, bulk salt, rice, steel products and petrol from October 30 to November 16. NAN reports that 21 other ships are at the ports, discharging buckwheat, steel products, general cargo, frozen fish, containers, bulk sugar, rice, petrol, buthane and base oil. BC

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Monday, November 2, 2015

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Companies & Markets

Stanbic IBTC shareholders urge FG to call FRC to order Stories by Udo Onyeka

hareholders of Stanbic IBTC Holdings have appealed to the Federal Government to look into the activities of the Financial Reporting Council in order to forestall more damage to the operations of businesses and the larger economy. According to president, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, PSAN, Boniface Okezie, who addressed a press conference on the recent altercation between FRC and Stanbic IBTC Bank, shareholders are shocked by the actions of the FRC which have not followed procedure as outlined in the regulations. In a case where a corporate body disagrees with FRC’s interpretation of its accounts, said Okezie, FRC ought to go to court according to Regulation 27 of the Directorate of Inspection and Monitoring Guidelines Regulations. “Instead, the FRC took to the

Sola David Borha, Stanbic IBTC MD

media to make several questionable allegations against a corporate body.” Expressing shock and disappointment at the approach deployed by FRC, Okezie stated that “we would have expected FRC to recognize that circumspection ought to be its guiding standard.” He added that the role of the FRC is to help enhance the quality of financial reporting in Nigeria adding that the “FRC is not a

regulator of banks neither is it a regulator of the capital market.” The FRC, he added, ought to have recognized the implication of their reckless pronouncement in an unsophisticated capital market as it could lead to panic among investors. “Unfortunately, this recklessness has already made this happen as we have recorded losses in our share price over the last two days on account of the misguided actions of the FRC.” Affirming confidence in the leadership of the Board and Management of Stanbic IBTC, Okezie stated that “We have always commended the transparency and commitment by the Board to conduct business only in line with world class corporate governance principles. It is on account of this that Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc is the only bank in Nigeria that has an AAA Fitch rating.” He added that shareholders support the bid to expand the

operations of the bank as this would “guarantee optimal returns on our investment.” Again expressing disappointment at the manner in which FRC is executing what it believes is its mandate; Okezie observed that FRC is currently “operating without the necessary oversight to moderate its excesses.” He called on President Buhari to urgently constitute a Board for the FRC. “Such a Board will exert control and limit the excesses of the FRC which is currently run as a one-man-show by its Executive Secretary.” Okezie also called on the President “to deploy a tested technocrat to head the Ministry of Trade and Investment,” adding that “this minister will also exert a controlling influence on the activities of the FRC and help to ensure that good intentions of government are not thwarted by the incompetence and lack of exposure of publicity-seeking and egocentric professionals.” BC

FRC wins Financial Regulator of the year award

he Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, FRC, has won the award of the Financial Regulator of the year by the Pan African Leadership Summit and Merit Awards, PAMA, 2015. In a statement by the media/ communications consultant to FRC, Mr. Mack Ogbamosa, the award was conferred on the council by PAMA at a ceremony held in the British Council Auditorium, Accra, Ghana at the weekend. Conferring the award on the

Executive Secretary/CEO of FRC, Mr Jim Obazee, represented by Mr. Iheanyi Anyahara, a director in the council, the Chief Executive Officer of PAMA, Prince Ikechukwu Onwuka-Smarty, described the award as a mark of recognition of the role the FRC has been playing in sanitizing the financial sector through enforcement of financial standards in Nigeria. Obazee declared the award as recognition of the roles members of staff and board of the council have been playing in ensuring

players in the economy are playing according to the rules. He also said the impact of the FRC enforcement of accounting, auditing, actuarial and valuation standards are already being felt in the transformation of the nation’s economy. Established under the Financial Reporting Council Act. No 6 of 2011, the FRC is charged with regulating accounting, auditing, actuarial and valuation standards as well as maintaining codes of corporate governance in Nigeria.

Other categories of awards at the PAMA 2015 included Africa’s Foremost Agent of Change won by former President of Ghana, Jerry John Rawlings, Africa’s Most Outstanding Personality in Arts and Culture won by the Director General, Centre for Black Arts & African Civilisation ,CBAAC, Dr. (Sir) Ferdinand I. Anikwe, and Africa’s Most Outstanding Personality in Agricultural Development Award won by Dr.Akinwunmi Adesina of Nigeria, who is the President, African Development Bank, AfDB. BC

FBN Holdings rebrands, launches FBNQuest

n line with a commitment to improve service delivery to clients and position the group at the forefront of the emerging merchant banking and asset management sector in Nigeria, the Investment Banking and Asset Management business of FBN Holdings Plc has announced the unveiling of a new identity for the group, FBNQuest. FBNQuest a unified brand identity for the Merchant Banking and Asset Management group includes FBN Merchant Bank Limited, FBN Capital Limited, FBN Securities Limited, FBN Capital Asset Management Limited, FBN Trustees Limited, FBN Funds Limited and FBN Capital Partners Limited as

they will now operate under one brand identity. The new brand identity does not alter the existing ownership and governance structures of all the companies within the group. Speaking on the change, MD/ CEO of FBN Capital stated, Kayode Akinkugbe, said “As we prepare to commence Merchant Banking services on the 2nd of November 2015, this evolution to one brand is important for the alignment of our business and brand strategy. “The unification of all these subsidiaries under a single identity, FBNQuest, allows us to offer our broad range of services to our clients in a simplified way. It also conveys a more unified com-

pany ethos and vision that seeks to create value-driven connections with clients and build lasting relationships. “We aim to be the leading Merchant Bank and Asset Manager in Africa, a trusted and inspirational partner, with deep local roots and global insights. This client-centric approach allows us to provide services more efficiently and effectively,” he said. Chairman of the FBN Capital Limited, Mrs Ibukun Awosika, said with the acquisition of Kakawa Discount House by FBN Holdings, and the CBN’s approval of the associated Merchant Banking licence, it was important to consolidate the various brands “in our Investment Banking and

Akinkugbe

Asset Management group under one cohesive identity. The expansion of the IBAM group’s product platform gives FBNQuest the capability to offer a broader set of products and

Forex Rally berths with forex championship

orex Rally, an international forex brokerage company has announced the official launch of its operations in Lagos, Nigeria. Apart from providing an array of free educational resources to empower traders with access to global forex industry expertise through local experience, the company has also introduced the first ever Nigerian Forex Championship which will be the most lucrative in its offering of attractive prizes and educational to participants. According to CEO of the the company the competition is designed to encourage local traders to achieve their financial goals. According to the company, for three months beginning November 2, to January 29, 2016, traders have the opportunity to win one of the thirty prizes from a fund worth over a hundred thousand dollars and the champion will be awarded a grand prize of luxurious Toyota Hilux. The company explained that participants can register by opening a contest account and deposit a minimum of $500 dollars or N100,000. “The winner will be the trader with the highest number of points determined by three categories which include return on investment, deposits amount and turnover. Traders can join the contest at any time and will still have a fair chance to win the grand prize due to the points ranking system. “Nigeria’s capital markets have a meager penetration within the general public and knowledge of trading is low in the country. BC

services that will not only deepen existing relationships, but open up new opportunities for our clients. “Although Nigeria remains predominantly a commercial and corporate banking market, there is a growing need for merchant banking and asset management services as the conduit between the bank and capital markets. The group’s competitive positioning is enhanced by a strong track record of delivery, a stronger balance sheet, access to a wider universe of funding sources to enable the creation of value for clients, as well as the opportunity to generate incremental revenue from new product lines which will ultimately result in increased stakeholder value,” she stated. BC

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Monday, November 2, 2015

Companies & Markets

Access Bank boss seeks support for innovators

Stories by Udo Onyeka

anaging Director of Access Bank Plc and Chair of the Nigeria Health Innovation Marketplace, NHIM, Herbert Wigwe has advocated a consensus building between donors, government and the private sector in order to address healthcare challenges in Nigeria. Speaking at the presentation of awards to inaugural winners of the Health Innovation Challenge Awards in Lagos, Wigwe noted that health innovators, through their disruptive and entrepreneurial thinking have been able to come with solutions to some of the most daunting challenges in Nigeria’s health sector. A Nigerian-made malaria test that can diagnose the disease within 25 minutes using drops

of patients sample won the inaugural 2015 Health Innovation Challenge Awards. Accordingly, Wigwe appealed for private and public sector support to the health innovators, stressing that such combined efforts would play a critical role in addressing healthcare challenges and broader market failures. “Over the last twelve months, the Health Innovation Challenge went through massive campaigns and rigorous internal and independent assessments to identify people and organizations, who in various corners of Nigeria, in all geopolitical zones, are on the path of disrupting healthcare challenges. These bold individuals and their teams are looking at healthcare service delivery, medical technologies, locally manufactured commodities and even healthcare financing, in

different ways, in a bid to take us down paths that achieve the result of better health outcomes in Nigeria,” he said. According to him, the innovators, through their disrupting thinking have modelled their theories of change and innovations to be viable, profitable and sustainable for years to come. “This is a shift of the lens through which we have seen healthcare, which is that it is not merely a public good for which we rely on government but also that the private sector can play a central role in expanding citizens’ access to better quality.” From among over 100 entries, 42 innovations went through the recent business development boot camp, 12 were adopted into an accelerator program while 6 innovators were rewarded with vari-

Wigwe

ous amounts of grants. These grants are based on expert reviews of innovations’ potentials to save lives and their ability to self-sustain after the seed stage catalytic funding has been granted. BC

STI restructures for better performance

overeign Trust Insurance Plc has made some changes in a bid to provide excellent services to its clients. Under the restructuring exercise, the company elevated two of its erstwhile General Managers to the position of Executive Directors respectively. The duo who by their recent elevation will automatically become Board Members of the company are Mr. Olaotan Soyinka and Mrs. Ugochi Odemelam. Soyinka before now was the General Manager/Divisional Head, Technical while Ugochi took charge of Marketing/ Business Development for the organization in the capacity of a General Manager/Divisional Head. The two appointments were recently ratified by the Board of Directors and both have assumed their new roles since September 14, 2015. Mr. Segun Bankole spokesperson of the company said the Board and Management of the company have so much confidence in the two newly elevated Directors and it is expected that they will bring to bear their consummate wealth of experience in galvanizing the organization to the next level of its growth stage. He enjoined staff and management to give all the needed support to the new Directors in achieving the overall objective of the company as a leading Brand in the Insurance Industry and a profitable one

Onaolapo

at that. The Managing Director/ CEO of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Mr. Wale Onaolapo, in his congratulatory message to the two Directors emphasized Management’s commitment to succession plan in the organization and also stressed that “the elevation is expected to further strengthen the Board and empower Top Management Team of the company in ensuring that the medium and long term strategic goals of the company are accomplished”. He equally thanked both of

them for their immense contributions to the development and growth of the company in time past and charged them to do more than ever before as the organization forges ahead in the years to come. Mr. Olaotan Soyinka is an erudite and well-grounded Underwriter with over 20 years cognate experience. He is an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria. He is a Graduate of Insurance from University of Lagos and also holds a Masters of Science degree in Marketing from the same university. BC

NAICOM, Customs collaborate against fake insurance papers

igeria’s insurance regulator, the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, has strengthened its collaboration with the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, with the view to eliminate fake insurance certificates in the country. The collaboration is also expected to boost revenue generation and ensure a hitch free settlement of claims in the industry. Commissioner for insurance Mohammed Kari, firmed up the deal when he visited the Comptroller General, NCS, retired Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali in Abuja. Kari said the partnership would enable NAICOM to advise and guide customs properly so that the insurance indus-

try could increase the services provided to importers and users of NCS services in Nigeria. The commissioner said NAICOM was mandated in law to provide advice to government and its agencies on matters of insurance. “Our role is to advise MDAs free of charge on the best way to package insurance, what to insure, how to price insurance and identify a very good intermediary to place businesses through,’’ he said. Kari urged the customs to allow the commission have access to its electronic portal to enable them to identify and track down fake insurance certificates issued to importers. According to the commissioner, There are a lot of fake certificates out there, and the certificates need to be confirmed as genuine. The custom

service just arbitrarily charge 1.5 per cent of the imported goods for marine insurance for importation through the water ways and they charge 0.5 per cent for importation through the air ways. Speaking further, he said, Unfortunately those premiums charged are not transferred further to the insurance industries they are kept in the customs services. “ The idea is not only to make an income but to make sure that cover is provided in case there is a loss; there is a damage or inherent liability that has arisen from the transaction of that business. “ We will ensure to find a way where the industry can get into the NCS’ portal so that all certificates can be checked on the portal without any problem in a click of a button,’’ Kari said.BC

SAHCOL/ SAA collaborates on ground handling services

he Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL), has been appointed by South African Airways as a preferred Ground Handler for its Abuja operations. This further strengthens the long standing relationship between SAHCOL and South African Airways (SAA), in providing seamless services to the airline. By this contract, SAHCOL would have the singular privilege of providing fast and expedient ground handling services to the SAA operations in Abuja, in the areas of Passenger, Ramp and Cargo Handling services. To date, SAHCOL has successfully established a very strong market presence in the Domestic and International aviation industry, with its unmatched expertise in providing exceptional passenger, ramp and cargo/warehousing services. SAHCOL at the moment has become a reference point where the efficacy of a successful flight is born, having implemented structures/ procedures in line with international best practices, leading to expedient and speedy delivery of Aviation Ground Handling services to all its customers. The new structures and procedures made South African Airlines to opt for SAHCOL handling expertise at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, after its operation in Nigeria for several years. After the takeover of SAHCOL by the SIFAX Group in December, 2009, after which the Ground Handling Company became an ISAGO certified operator, SAHCOL has continued to expand and gain credibility of Domestic and International airlines operating within and into Nigeria. SAHCOL is currently witnessing massive deployment of modern state-of-the-art Ground Support Equipment (GSE), infrastructural development and trainings, geared towards its goal of meeting and exceeding customers’ expectations. SAHCOL is an Aviation Ground Handling company, offering services in Passenger Handling, Ramp Handling, Cargo Handling and Warehousing, Aviation security, Baggage Reconciliation, Crew Bus and Executive Lounge services and other related Ground Handling services; while ensuring that Ground Handling assignment is carried out in an efficient, speedy and safe manner, by deploying appropriate tools. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, November 2, 2015

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Global News

Barack Obama, US President

U.S. retailers push banks to use PINs on credit cards

ome big U.S. retailers are stepping up efforts to use personal identification numbers, or PINs, with new credit cards embedded with computer chips in a bid to prevent counterfeit card fraud. But they are being resisted by the banking industry, which sees no need to invest further in PIN technology, already used with debit cards, resulting in halting adoption and widespread confusion. A small band of retailers with the clout to call the shots on their branded credit cards is leading the charge. Target Corp is moving ahead with a chip-and-PIN rollout, and WalMart Stores Inc plans to do the same. But Wal-Mart faces obstacles because its credit card partner, Synchrony Financial, is not yet able to handle PINs on credit cards. Broadly, U.S. banks are unprepared or resisting the change. The impasse comes after many consumers got their hands on new credit cards embedded with so-called EMV chips in advance of an Oct. 1 deadline that required retailers to accept chip cards or be liable for fraud losses. EMV stands for EuroPay, MasterCard and Visa. But only about a third of merchants are actually using the chip technology, according to analyst estimates. The number may not pick up until early next year, if at all, because the retail industry typically halts upgrades during the crucial holiday shopping season. “PIN issuance will remain a niche,” said Julie Conroy, credit-card analyst with Aite Group. Banks favor using chip cards verified by old-school signatures, even though chip-andPIN usage has led to lower fraud over the decade they have been used in Europe and elsewhere. “The PIN is definitely a must,” said Lance James, chief scientist with cyber intelligence

firm Flashpoint. “It’s one extra step that provides true twofactor authentication.” But bankers say PINs provide little benefit beyond the advantage of using chips in combating the estimated $7 billion-plus in annual U.S. card fraud. EMV chips thwart criminals who use stolen data to create counterfeit cards, a category that Aite estimates accounts for 37 per cent of that fraud. Banks say that PINs only provide additional fraud protection when criminals seek to use lost or stolen cards, a situation that Aite estimates accounts for only 14 per cent of fraud. Banking groups say there are better approaches than PINs for verifying customers and have asked retailers to embrace tokenization and encryption to prevent theft of credit card numbers. “PIN is a static data element that would not have a meaningful impact on overall payments fraud,” said Electronic Payments Coalition spokesman Sam Fabens. PINs are also expensive to implement. Gartner analyst Avivah Litan estimates that banks would have to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in network improvements to support them. Most retailers have yet to begin using any form of chip technology on credit cards, instead relying on the magnetic strips that are still part of the new cards, even though it now puts them on the hook for fraud losses. But some are pushing recalcitrant banks, arguing that it is absurd to require them to spend billions of dollars to upgrade their point-of-sale terminals if they are not going to get the added security of chip-and-PIN technology. “If they really cared about security, it would be a nobrainer,” to use PINs, said National Retail Federation General Counsel Mallory Duncan.

Chevron slashes 2016 budget to weather low oil prices

Watson

about what projects to fund or not fund in order to offset natural declines at its existing fields. The choices are that much starker at large international oil giants like Chevron that rely heavily on their massive budgets to fund exploration projects crucial to finding new energy sources. Chevron said on Friday it plans to spend between $25 billion to $28 billion next year and expects to further slash spending in 2017 and 2018 as well, an acknowledgment that oil prices are not expected to rise at all in the near future. The San Ramon, Californiabased company also said it would lay off 6,000 to 7,000 workers as part of the cuts. “We are focused on improving results by changing outcomes within our control,” Chief Executive John Watson said in a statement. Chevron posted a sharp drop in quarterly profit that still beat Wall Street’s expectations due to cost cuts and strong refining margins. The company reported net income of $2.04 billion, or $1.09 per share, compared with $5.59 billion, or $2.95 per share, in the year-ago period.

Pfizer, Allergan drug merger talks raise tax hackles in U.S.

fizer Inc, the No. 1 U.S. drugmaker, and Botox maker Allergan Plc said they

Chevron gas station sign is pictured at one of their retain gas stations in Cardiff, California October 9, 2013. Chevron Corp, CVX.N, the second-largest U.S.-based oil producer, slashed its 2016 capital budget by 25 percent and said it would lay off roughly 10 percent of its workforce, one of the most-drastic reactions to date to the plunge in crude prices CLc1. The price drop has forced Chevron and dozens of its peers to make tough decisions

Clinton

were in friendly talks to create a pharmaceutical colossus but the prospect that the company would seek to avoid U.S. taxes sounded political alarm bells. Both New York-based Pfizer and Dublin-based Allergan said no agreement has been reached and declined to discuss any terms of the deal, which would potentially set up Pfizer to take advantage of Ireland’s lower tax rates. Allergan shares rose 6 percent to $304.38 in U.S. trading, while Pfizer closed off 1.9 per cent at $34.77. Pfizer is already facing political pushback at home that is only likely to intensify with the U.S. presidential campaign underway, as candidates take aim at high prescription drug prices and companies looking to avoid paying U.S. taxes. A spokesman for Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton said the candidate had not seen details of the proposed merger, but is against tax inversion maneuvers, in which U.S. companies relocate overseas to take advantage of lower tax rates. “Clinton is committed to cracking down on so-called ‘inversions,’ where a company chooses to leave the U.S. on paper to game the tax system, and believes we should reform our tax code to encourage investment in the U.S., rather than shipping earnings and jobs overseas,” Clinton spokesman Ian Sams said. Democratic U.S. Senator Charles Schumer of New York said in a statement: “The continued pursuit of inversions, mergers and foreign acquisitions of major U.S. companies for purely tax purposes shows there is a lot more work to be done to stop them.” From the right, developer and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said the deal was a reminder that the U.S. tax code needed an overhaul. “These corporate inversions take capital and, more importantly, jobs offshore,” he said in a statement. “We need leadership in Washington to get the tax code changed so companies will be coming to America, not looking for ways to leave.” Billionaire investor Carl Icahn, who has endorsed Trump and launched a $150 million political action committee advocating tax reform to eliminate inversions, said a Pfizer-Allergan deal would result in the loss of the country’s 10th largest company to Ireland. Analysts speculated a deal could be all or primarily done with stock because under new U.S. rules aimed at curtailing tax inversions, shareholders of the overseas company must own at least 40 percent of the combined entity.

Inflation in the Eurozone returns to zero in October

rice growth in food, alcohol and tobacco increased slightly, while energy prices were still considerably lower than last year, according to Eurostat estimates. The statistics agency also estimated the unemployment rate in the 19 countries that use the euro was 10.8 per cent in September, down from August’s 10.9 per cent. The rate for the 28 EU members was 9.3 per cent, down from 9.4 per cent the month before. The eurozone rate is the lowest since January 2012 while the rate for the whole EU is the lowest since September 2009. Greece had the highest rate at 21.6 per cent (Greece is expected to be higher but has yet to report September figures), while Germany had the lowest at 4.5 per cent. ‘Small improvements’ The inflation figures are an early, flash estimate from Eurostat and so are not broken down by member state. It does give broad indications of which groups of products have gone up or down. Food, alcohol and tobacco prices were estimated to be rising 1.5 per cent in October, compared with 1.4 per cent in September. Energy prices were falling an annual 8.7 per cent, compared with 8.9 per cent a month earlier. And the prices of services were up 1.3 per cent compared with 1.2 per cent the month before. Mario Draghi, president of the European Central Bank, suggested this month that he might be prepared to extend the bank’s programme of quantitative easing given the low levels of eurozone inflation. “Although today’s inflation and unemployment data for the eurozone revealed small improvements, they are still very weak by past standards, suggesting that the ECB cannot afford to delay increasing its policy support much longer,” said Jessica Hinds, European economist at Capital Economics. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, November 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brand Watch

Information paucity hinders research analysis, says Oluboyede Stories by David Audu

s Jumia, Tecno make top 10 list, the Chief Executive Officer of the Top 50 Brands Nigeria, Taiwo Oluboyede has lamented dearth of sufficient brand information in Nigeria as a major limitation to arriving at the quality research exercise. He made this disclosure in Lagos at the 2015 Top 50 brands event where 50 top brands were unveiled. While speaking on the challenging of arriving at the top 50 brands in Nigeria, Oluboyede said “a major limitation to our processes is unavailability of sufficient information, particu-

larly, for the quantitative review of the brands; hence we rely on the public perception from consumers in arriving at the top 50.” He said the aim of the exercise is to have a combination of both qualitative and quantitative. “We are working with several other organizations to achieve this and hopefully we will be able to have the top 50 brands listed in terms of asset base and consumer perception in the very near future.” The brands were selected through these criteria brand Identity and retention, market acceptability, corporate social responsibilities, customer service delivery, visionary and innovation and popularity evalu-

ation. The 50 top brands selected this year are brands that have weather the storms over the years, and setting the pace in their various industries. Apart from the usual top 50 brands this year exercise also includes the exciting 10 brands to Watch. The brands to watch are those with positive and promising outlook with the possibilities of being reviewed for the 50 top brands class soonest, Oluboyede said. Though they aren’t among the top 50 yet, nevertheless, they are brands with compelling presence and significant brand building activities. We hope this exciting block will be joining the top 50 league table very shortly.”

The top 10 brands to watch include Heritage Bank, Huawei, SABMiller, Daraju Industries, Startimes, Jumia, Konga, CWG, Tecno and Waka Now. The Top 50 Brand CEO stated that the categorization and attempt to value brands operational in Nigeria has become very important, particularly now that the Nigerian market is becoming a centre of attention in terms of investment globally. “We have a fast growing economy with budding middle class, it is important therefore to identify and categorise these major brands. We are also helping the brands and their investors to have an idea of the worth of their brand

Multichoice, PEP stores partner to enhace retail experience

n an effort to increase customer touch-points across the country, MultiChoice Nigeria, a video entertainment company has partnered with PEP stores. Speaking about the official announcement of the partnership in Lagos, Public Relations Manager, DStv, Caroline Oghuma, explained that the essence of the partnership is to enable more Nigerians have access to DStv and GOtv products in their neighborhood. According to her, potential customers can now get these decoders at the official rate in

the PEP stores in their neighborhoods. “We are aware that PEP stores are associated with product affordability, so the partnership will enable anyone who walks into a PEP store pick up both DStv and GOtv decoders” she remarked. Also speaking on the partnership, Financial Manager for PEP stores Nigeria, Ms. Kofo Awonuga, said with 32 branches of the stores located nationwide, PEP customers who want to pick up DStv and GOtv decoders can get them in all PEP outlets stores across the country. Awonuga, stated that the 32

PEP stores across the country provide a comfortable space for people on a limited budget to shop with dignity and pride. PEP seeks to continually delight its remarkable customers with relevant assortment and best prices. While explaining that there are no provisions for after-sales services at PEP outlets at this initial stage of the partnership, Oghuma noted that officials of PEP would gladly provide customers with guidelines on how to get authorized dealers and installers for after-sales services.

Firm tasks government, practitioners on aesthetics, environment

Oghuma

DStv subscribers have the choice of five bouquets namely; DStv Access, DStv Family, DStv Compact, DStv Compact Plus and DStv Premium, while GOtv has two bouquets namely; GOtv Plus and GOtv Value BC

Winners emerge in Unilever IdeaTrophy competition

he winners of the fourth edition of Unilever Nigeria sponsored Ideatrophy business challenge has emerged at the grand finale of the competition held in Lagos recently.. Team ‘Blueprint’, from the Federal University of Technology Owerri, came from six teams in a keenly contested battle of business ideas to emerge winners. Two other teams ‘Apex’ and ‘Idealist’ emerged first and second runners up respectively. The Ideatrophy competition is a national competition which gives undergraduates from various universities in Nigeria the opportunity to develop and execute strategies that deliver business results. The 2015 edition of Ideatrophy tagged “The Confidence to Do More” tasked the students to develop a communication and marketing plan for Rexona and also drive communication that Nigeria’s most popular and wide-

Utomi

ly patronized deodorant ‘Sure is now Rexona’. Speaking at the grand finale, the Managing Director of Unilever Nigeria Plc, Mr. Yaw Nsarkoh congratulated the winning team on their outstanding success and the other participating teams for their impressive performance during the competition. Nsarkoh expressed Unilever

Nigeria’s passion to help equip Nigerian undergraduates with invaluable business skills that will help them become successful entrepreneurs operating under a world class standard. He urged the students to continue to aspire towards achieving more success. “This is not the end, it is only a beginning, we believe that whatever we call best in Nigeria should be able to hold its own against any team in the world, he said.” He emphasised the need for creativity which he described as necessary for survival in the workplace and life in general. He further highlighted on the need for students to take advantage of the networking opportunity the competition provides. “Competition such as this provides room for development and networking as the participants get to work with people from diverse backgrounds and learn ethics, co-existence and integrity as it relates

from consumer’s perspective. We are creating an information platform where we readily provide information on these major brands.” A major highlight at this year event is that the 26 of the 50 top brands for 2015 are Nigeria home grown, 52per cent while multinational are 48 per cent. “This is a positive improvement over the previous exercise. While this is not our target; it is good to note that Nigeria based brands are giving good account of themselves.” Oluboyede said. Detailed breakdown also showed that the financial sector has 24 per cent of the top 50 brands, followed by food and beverages with 18 per cent. BC

to the workplace”. Also speaking at the event, Professor Pat Utomi while appreciating Unilever for their contribution to growing the youths of today into potential business leaders, urged the students to take advantage of the opportunity to make positive impact. He identified fortitude, creativity, perseverance and goal setting skills as vital. He also stressed on following set principles in the quest towards success. According to him, “Principles are like a compass that stirs you towards a destination, providing a guiding path”. “The problem in Nigeria today is that the country has become an instant gratification society where the attitude of overnight success is encouraged, where people embrace wealth without work, religion without sacrifice, education without character, pleasure without conscience and business without morality”. BC

rganisers of outdoor advertising reward system tagged “Brand As King’ award has urged government and practitioners on the need to nurture, protect and sustain the environment from dreaded global warming and its effects. The Editor-in-Chief of Billboard World magazine, Maureen Umanah made this known in Lagos when she briefed newsmen on the plan to host the 5th edition of the biannual industry award in Lagos this month. She said, “we are looking at outdoor advertising as a veritable tool to propagate this message. That is why the theme for this year edition is: Out-of-Home Media as a veritable tool in aesthetics and environmental sustainability.” The 2013 edition of the award was held in Accra, Ghana and was attended by advertising business in Nigeria and Ghana. This year edition will be held in Lagos and it is expected to attract personalities in advertising, banking, entertainment, media and government. Umanah who debunked speculation that the initative was a profit making one said “the Brand As King, BAK, instituted by the publication is a corporate social responsibility, CSR initiative aimed at encouraging, motivating and rewarding key industry players and brands that have distinguished themselves and have added immense value to the growth and sustenance of outdoor media business and the Nigerian society at large.’ BC

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Business Courage

Monday, November 2, 2015

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Fresh worries for airlines as experts confirm cyber-attack realities Isaiah Erhiawarien with agency report

rowing incidents of missing passenger airplane in the have continued to give experts great concern and as the United Nations have waded into the matter vowing to employ technology to tackle it headlong. An Indonesia passenger plane was recently reported missing. The Twin Otter aircraft was carrying 10 people, including three children, seven passengers and three crew members were flying through the South Sulawesi province when they lost radio contact roughly 11 minutes after taking off from Masamba. No distress signal was received. Transportation Ministry spokesman, Julius Barata confirmed a search crew was been dispatched for the passenger plane – owned by airline Aviastar Mandiri. Ahmad Munir, head of the airport authority in Makassar, the provincial capital where the plane was heading, said satellite data showed the plane’s last known position was about 20 miles from Masamba. Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 (MH370/MAS370) scheduled international passenger flight that disappeared on 8 March 2014, while flying from Kuala Lumpur International Airport near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, China. The flight last made voice contact with air traffic control at 01:19 MYT (17:19 UTC, 7 March) when it was over the South China Sea, less than an hour after take-off. The aircraft disappeared from air traffic controllers’ radar screens at 01:22 MYT. Malaysian military radar track the aircraft as it deviated from its planned flight path and crossed the Malay Peninsula. A multinational search effort began in the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea, where the flight’s signal was lost on secondary surveillance radar, and was soon extended to the Strait of Malacca and Andaman Sea has so far yielded no result. Analysis of satellite communications between the aircraft and Inmarsat’s satellite communications network concluded that the flight contin-

ued until at least 08:19 and flew south into the southern Indian Ocean, although the precise location cannot be determined. Both incidents are just two of the numerous cases of disappearing airplane that is prompting the aviation industry to step up efforts to enlist coordinated international support in the battle against the threats posed to airlines and passengers by hackers and those seeking to exploit IT systems. A security researcher, Chris Roberts recently claimed he was able to hack into flight controls via his under-seat entertainment unit indicating the vulnerability to cyber-attacks of commercial airlines. Roberts made headlines when he was hauled off a plane in New York by the FBI and accused of hacking into flight controls via his underseat entertainment unit. Other security researchers said Roberts – who was quoted by the FBI as saying he once caused “a sideways movement of the plane during a flight” has helped draw attention to a wider issue: that the aviation industry has not kept pace with the threat hackers pose to increasingly computer-connected airplanes. Through his lawyer, Roberts said his only interest had been to “improve aircraft security”. “This is going to drive change. It will force the hand of organisations in the aviation industry,” said Jonathan

Butts, a former US Air Force researcher who now runs a company working on IT security issues in aviation and other industries. As the aviation industry adopts communication protocols similar to those used on the Internet to connect cockpits, cabins and ground controls, it leaves itself open to the vulnerabilities bedevilling other industries – from finance to oil and gas to medicine. One airline official at a recent trade show, expressed fears over the growing trend of offering inflight WiFi allowed hackers to gain remote access to the plane. Another senior executive demanded that before discussing any sale, vendors must prove their inflight entertainment systems do not connect to critical flight controls. Chief Executive Officer of Israel-based security company ThetaRay, Mark Gazit, said that hackers probing aircraft systems on the quiet adding that his team found Internet forum users claiming to have hacked, for example, into cabin food menus, ordering free drinks and meals. In Nigeria, security reports revealed that passengers are not allowed to put on their devices during take-off and while landing but there are no laws that bar passengers from using their devices thereby creating a possibility scenario for hackers to bring down a plan. Latest aviation analyst re-

port suggests that along with WiFi and electronics on board, airlines, airports and air traffic management companies are sharing more information than ever before to make flying more efficient and deal with increasing numbers of passengers. However, aviation industry representatives said at the AVSEC World aviation security conference in Dublin last week warned that that provides more interfaces that can be exploited by attackers saying that those seeking to do mischief also know that attacking an airline will guarantee maximum impact. As part of initiatives to shore up the industry’s defences, a team has been put together by leading aviation industry associations to work on a declaration on cyber security to put to members of the United Nations’ aviation safety arm next year. One of the issues being looked at, for example, is the security of the ADS-B system on aircraft, which sends information on a plane’s position. The data is unencrypted, which could make it susceptible to outside interference. Director General of the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO), Jeff Poole, said that “Protecting our industry from cyber threats is hard, probably one of the hardest things we are facing because we do not know what we are facing or for what we have to prepare.” Poole is part of the team

coming up with recommendations that will be presented to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) next September, when the UN body holds its regular triennial meeting. It will then be up to ICAO member states whether to sign the declaration or not, though this would not impose any mandatory standards. ICAO’s deputy Director Aviation Security and Facilitation, Jim Marriott, said that signing a declaration would be a statement from member states that they are taking the issue seriously adding that states are also free to take action at a national level before then, he said. “We can only go so far ourselves as an industry. States have an important role to play,” Poole said. Speaking at the conference, Director-General of the International Air Transport Association, (IATA), Tony Tyler, said that aircraft manufacturers can also do their bit, particularly as they often have experience in the military sector. Boeing’s Director for Aviation Security, James Vasatka, told the conference that his company hires hackers to test the systems and software it puts on its planes stressing that “They [the hackers] are absolutely stunned at the quality we put in our software and products. It would be very difficult in today’s environment to disrupt that for the flight-critical systems.” BC

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Monday, November 2, 2015

Visa reinstates commitment to electronic payment benefits Stories by Isaiah Erhiawarien

isa West Africa is renewing its commitment to opening up the benefits of electronic payments through a number of different platforms in the bid to drive the government agenda of a cashless economy, Country Manager, Mr. Ade Ashaye, disclosed during the media launch of the integration of Interswitch multi-channel payment platform, Quickteller, with Visa that one of Visa primary goals in Nigeria is the benefit of the of a cashless economy. He said: “We are delighted that from now on, our cardholders will be able to use Quickteller’s platform and its multi-channel offerings to make both physical and virtual transactions all over the country. The partnership is further evidence of our dedication to constantly improve our offerings to our customers in Nigeria.” Ashaye described the partnership with Interswtich as further demonstration ofVisa’s commitment to working closely with financial institutions, mobile network operators, governments and non-governmental organisations in developing countries to extend access to financial services and electronic payments, helping to drive economic growth and financial

Fatokun

inclusion by migrating cash spend to electronic payments. Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Interswitch, Mr. Mitchell Elegbe, said that its electronic payment systems in Nigeria witnessed a tremendous success last year as over $2.4 billion payment in transaction was processed by Interswitch. He said that the figure is a reflection of the success story it has recorded following the creation of several multi-channel payment system by Interswitch since it was formed in 2008. He said further that the success of Interswitch is linked to the payment channels that it introduced into Nigeria, which were before nonexistence. According to him, Quickteller has more than three billion active users in Nigeria saying

that with the integration all kind of payment can now be made in Nigeria and abroad using the Visa Card. He said that Interswitch has a very ambitious programme especially with its expansion across Africa adding that its first target was East Africa where it acquired a majority stake in a leading payment process in the region. Elegbe said further that with the integration, Interswtich is confident of making every payment system in the country easier saying that it will stop at nothing in extending that proposition to its esteem customers. He explained that Visa cardholders will now be able to use their cards to buy airtime, pay bills and transfer funds across all Quickteller channels stressing that merchants on Quicktellercan now expand their customer base by accepting all Visa card payments. “This new integration represents an exciting step forward for the Quickteller platform, already the most popular online payment platform in Nigeria. Visa cardholders will be able to use their cards for the full range of payment services offered. We are proud to partner with a globally recognised brand such as Visa as we continue to make everyday payments easy for our customers”, he said. BC

Huawei tops 100 Best Global Brands C hinese technology Vendor Company with strong presence in Nigeria has been listed on the global top 100 brands award according to Interbrand, a brand consultancy, which recently released its 2015 Best Global Brands report. Following its debut on the 2014 list as the first mainland Chinese brand, Huawei appears on the 2015 list again. According to Interbrand, “Huawei is once again a highlight in the 2015 Best Global Brands report released by Interbrand. Its brand value, approximated at 5 billion US dollars, increased by 15 percent compared to a year ago. In Interbrand’s annual report, it is also one of the fastest rising brands in the technology sector, climbing from #94 to #88 in ranking. Huawei’s significant progress is not a result of luck. Everything has stemmed from the belief that customers always come first, and the persistence in providing value-driven products and services. Through their brand campaign, Huawei outlines ‘a better connected world’ and clearly illustrates how innovative ICT products, services and solutions not only break the bound-

aries of time and space to create smoother connections, but also enable the transformative evolution of enterprises and industries to drive progress in the world.” As Huawei’s 2014 Annual Report indicates, the company maintained robust growth in all business segments. In 2014, it recorded US$46.5 billion in annual revenue, a yearly increase of 20.6 per cent. Net profits reached US$4.5 billion, a yearly increase of 32.7 per cent. It is attributed to its robust growth worldwide and continuous innovation in products and services, Huawei’s brand has grown steadily both in value and influence. “Staying customer-centric and creating value for customers form the foundation of Huawei’s brand,” said Kevin Zhang, Huawei’s Corporate Marketing President. “We aim to achieve US$100 billion in annual revenue in five years. Any company that lacks ambition cannot go far.” Over the past two decades, Huawei has connected one-third of the world’s population, with its information networks covering more than 170 countries and regions. In order to utilize transformative trends in the future,

Huawei is increasing investment in innovative technologies, such as cloud computing, Big Data, 5G, SDN, and NFV. By pushing the limits of technology, Huawei is well positioned to seize opportunities in the digital era. It strives to provide full connectivity between people, between people and things, and between things. It will also continue to deliver innovative products to individual users, businesses, and organisations. As indicated by Interbrand’s professional evaluation in the 2015 Best Global Brands report, Huawei has progressed well over the past year in all its three major business segments – carrier, enterprise, and consumer. Its strong R&D capacity, forwardlooking strategic plan, and open innovation have contributed greatly to its brand responsiveness, relevance, and presence. The company has maintained steady growth in the carrier market. This can be attributed to three factors: continued investment in 4G networks in China; investment in network capacity expansion driven by global data traffic growth; and ICT investment driven by carriers’ digital transformation. BC

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Is your organisation exploring mobile Business Intelligence option?

he future of business intelligence is in mobile technologies. Business intelligence and mobile technologies are quickly becoming connected due to the advent of smart phones, mobile tablets, faster phone internet service, and great mobile applications. Business intelligence is the framework that enables organisations of all sizes to make faster, better-informed business decisions. Mobile business intelligence puts the emphasis on the application of mobile devices such as smart phones or tablet computers. Therefore, one can say that the fundamentals remain unchanged. Mobile BI is the enabler that, if designed, implemented, and executed effectively, can help organisations drive growth and profitability. The pace of mobile adoption across devices and applications is accelerating. More people own cell phones and mobility is no longer a nice-to-have option. Instead, it has become a must have for business leaders. With this paradigm shift comes the natural extension of business intelligence (BI) to mobile business intelligence (mobile BI). However, the way organisations go about realising the true value of mobile BI may depend on the state of their enterprise mobility (for example, whether or not a formal mobile enterprise strategy and a road map exist). Mobile BI is more prevalent and more relevant today because the gap between the experience of traditional BI content consumed on a desktop PC and that accessed on a mobile device is disappearing rapidly. We now talk about the gap between a smartphone and a tablet device. The tablet devices are getting smaller both in size and weight to compete with smart phones. Rapid growth in areas such as the cloud, in-memory technology, big data, and predictive analytics are fueling this innovation cycle. As a result, companies are looking for ways to harness the power of mobile BI through innovation. As businesses face more challenges and are compelled to deal with more complex business situations, they increasingly require greater mobile access to more processed data coming from both structured sources such as sales data, and unstructured sources like social media or email data that can’t be easily queried with traditional tools and technologies. Companies at the leading edge seek to gain the advantage to exploit mobile BI to support a workforce that is becoming more and more mobile. Benefits of mobile Business Intelligence Business models that rely on insight through outdated or limited capabilities can no longer compete in an ever-increasing global market, which simply dictates mobile execution. Organisations must deliver more for their customers and stakeholders. In this context, mobile BI can become a key differentiator in helping organisations cope with both the complexity and the real-time challenges they face with the execution of their strategy. Where mobile Business Intelligence can add value to your organisation Is there a CEO in the world who can say “We have access to all the data we need about our customers”? A 360 degree view of customers is something every company seems to be chasing. Though it might seem like an elusive goal, you can take the first steps by integrating data from your customer relationship management (CRM), accounting and customer support systems into your BI dashboards and reports to enable analysis of customer growth, profitability, and lifetime value which will help you identify opportunities to cross-sell, up-sell or simply target them more effectively. While BI has traditionally been used to look at historic data, more than ever it is incorporating predictive analytics. You can use past data to project future performance and make better decisions based on more accurate forecasts. In conclusion, as you establish your enterprise mobile strategy and goals, add more business intelligence to your overall mobile strategy because in today’s customer-centric world, customer interactions and personalisation are critical to busiBC BC BC ness success from all performance assessment parameters.

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Business Courage

Monday, November 2, 2015

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Atedo Peterside:

A mega deal investor He has a towering status, not only among his peers in the banking sector b bu but across the economic landscape of Nigeria. He is reputed ffor his frankness, integrity, determination and robust knowledge knowled dg of economic management. He is a corporate icon, investment banker par excellence and an astute deal maker. an inves stm This is tthe h story of Atedo Peterside, the man behind some of the biggestt and a best investment deals in Nigeria Adejuwon Ad de Osunnuyi

Atedo

e was born in 1956, six years after his parents, Dr. Michael Clement Atowari and Prin nc Princess Patricia Awune Gboloba of th the t famous Peterside dynasty of th the Opobo kingdom in RivS ers State tied the nuptial knot. Atedo Ate edo Peterside is the only male th family of three which inin the clude clu ude Tonye Unuigbe, founder and d Chief Executive Officer, Tison ns Limited, a book publishing sons company com mp and Belema Osibodu, De D a Deputy Director and Head of Public Pub bli Affairs, Department of Petroleum trolleu Resources, DPR. H father, an OphthalmoloHis gis st, is a retired Controller of gist, Medical Me ed Services in the Old Rivers errs State while his mother is a retired re eti Chief Matron with the for fo former General Hospital, PortHarcourt. Ha H Atedo attended Kings’ College, lleg Lagos for his secondary ar education and obtained a B.Sc. degree in Economic from the City University, ics L London and an M.Sc. (also in Economics) E from the London School S of Economics & Politica Science. He attended the cal O Owner/President Managem ment Programme of the Harv vard Business School. After completing his unive versity education, Atedo Pete terside toyed with the idea o getting a job in the City of of Lo London or on Wall Street but di dismissed it for fear of losing hi focus which was to be an h his en e entrepreneur; to own his own ba b bank with particular focus on the investment banking arm the o the t financial services sector. of Ev ve at that time that he was Even sttill fresh from the university, still he think the other banks e didn’t d in Ni Nigeria were any good at it core N investment banking. He was said inv ves to ha have feared that once he was h outside Nigeria, he would never outtsi be ab able to return and as such, unable una ab to realise his dream. He H returned to Nigeria and started sta arte his banking career with

the then NAL Merchant Bank and rose through the ranks to become the bank’s assistant general manager after 11 years. In 1989, at the age of 33, Atedo, along with a group of investors started the IBTC, the bank which was to later, at least for more than 10 out of its 18 years then became the dominant force in the market, actively engaging in various grades of mergers and acquisitions, capital raising and project finance as well as corporate restructuring. And in all these years, Atedo was the banker to know and he knows everybody there is to know too. Atedo Peterside is not known to be a flamboyant banker and he is clearly not an underdog too. Atedo, an investment banker and economist, is a meticulous visioner whose scholarly dispositions set him apart from his contemporaries in the financial services sector. For him, if people and nations on the global stage earn their respect substantially based on their economic achievements, there was no reason why Nigerians, especially those that ply their trades in the financial system should not “work hard to make Nigeria a true land of opportunities and business achievement.” Guided by this philosophy, he has effectively deployed his sojourn in the investment banking genre in the past three decades to build a massive investment nest that has today made him, not only a very successful banker but one of the wealthiest investment bankers with wealth transcending the banking sector to include manufacturing, agroallied among others. He has a publicly declared portfolio of about N3 billion from which he is believed to have earned over N100 million as cash dividends as at 2010 from investments in three of the six quoted companies where he had to statutorily declare his shareholdings. Peterside is one of the few professionals whose wealth is

largely believed to be founded on certainty and surefootedness and whose insights, proactive understandings of market situations and almost emotionless judgment have made him the master in the investment terrain. For several years, Peterside was the face of investment banking industry. From the formation and operations of what turned out to be a hugely successful Investment Banking and Trust Company (IBTC) Limited to capital market reforms, Peterside played, and still plays, important roles in the evolution of the modern capital market. As founder and chief executive of IBTC, he structured and executed many landmark transactions, which won him and the bank local and international recognitions, such that, years after he relinquished executive position, Peterside’s footprints still remain indelible as Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, continues to win honours as the leading investment banker. Peterside, as an astounding deal maker, ensured that IBTC, as it was then called was very strong in mergers, acquisition, divestment and corporate restructuring. In 1996, he led the bank to undertake about 80 per cent of the major mergers and acquisition transactions in the country with market value of about N10.5 billion. These include the N1.64 billion acquisition of CWA Holdings Limited (a Unilever subsidiary), remaining shares in Nigeria Breweries by Heineken Buouwerijen BV; and the N5.97 billion merger between Thermocool Engineering Company Plc and Paterson Zochonis Industries Plc. IBTC in earlier years had handled Unilever’s divestment from UAC of Nigeria Plc; the merger of Level Brothers of Nigeria Plc and Unilever Nigeria Limited. It also handled the N1.8 billion merger between Sterling Products (Nigeria) Plc and Smithkline Beecham, two pharmaceutical manContinued on pg A14

Business Courage

ufacturing companies as well as the N1.7 billion acquisition of Sapanda Industries Limited by Nigeria Bottling Company. The professional expertise with which the bank delivered on these deals continues to recommend IBTC to old and new clients. In spite of recent aggressive expansion into the retail and consumer banking segment, corporate and investment banking remains the mainstay of even the “modern day” Stanbic IBTC Bank, accounting for more than 75 per cent of the bank’s operations. However, asides from being an investment banker, Peterside is also an astute boardroom guru who has his imprints in most of the thriving companies and making inroads into some troubled corporations. As a result of his deep understanding of investment principles, Peterside not only invested in thriving enterprises, he also invests in troubled companies, seeing through the numerous opportunities therein. He is not only the chairman of Stanbic IBTC Bank, the position he assumed in 2007 after he stand down as chief executive officer, he equally chairs the board of Cadbury Nigeria Plc and sits comfortably on the boards of other quoted companies including Unilever Nigeria, Flour Mills of Nigeria, Nigerian Breweries and Presco Plc. Beyond the knowledge that he impacts on the corporate sector, Peterside has continued to demonstrate his belief and mastery of portfolio management. At the time Cadbury had problems and many Nigerian shareholders refused to pick up their rights issue in the multinational confectionary company, Peterside saw through the opportunity offered by the downturn in the fortune of the manufacturing giant and took a major position. That unusually wise decision has not only paid off immensely, it has also helped to open the eyes of many investors to the concept of strategic investment. Today, his 0.50 per cent equity stake in the company makes him perhaps, the single largest individual shareholder with only four other shareholders from a shareholder figure of 76, 680 within the range of his shareholding. In Unilever Nigeria Plc, a blue chip that has sustained threedigit dividend payouts in recent times, Petersides also holds the single largest shareholding among the directors and he is one of the four known major Nigerian shareholders in Presco Plc, a company with nearly 10,000 shareholders. The spread of his portfolio from banking to manufacturing to agriculture is a practical demonstration of the many lessons he had learnt on the potency of well-structured diversification in portfolio management. In Stanbic IBTC, although his 1.2 direct equity stake is not the

largest individual shareholding, his well structured shareholding has earned him cash dividends of well over N198 million in the past two years from a declared direct equities in the bank valued at about N2 billion. Away from executive functions, Atedo has become the Nigeria’s corporate governance icon. As chairman of the Committee on Corporate Governance of Public Companies set up by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), he was instrumental to the emergence of Nigeria’s first Code of Best Practices for Public Companies in Nigeria in 2003. However, of all the deals consummated by Atedo and his bank, the one that stands out and perhaps, remains a landmark in the history of corporate mergers and acquisition in Nigeria was the merger of IBTC Chartered Bank with Stanbic Bank in 2007. Indeed, the story of Peterside Atedo with regards to the Stanbic/IBTC deal is similar to that of John Craven, the British-born founder of Morgan Grenfell, an investment company that he sold to Deutsche Bank in a transaction attested to as the crowning deal of his career. Craven had managed to get such a good price for Morgan Grenfell, in which he owned a large stake that people doubted whether anybody else could have pulled it off. That was the same scenario that played itself out in 2007 when Peterside, then chief executive officer of IBTC pulled off a deal that had put the seal on his distinguished career. According to analysts, for every investment banker, there is one deal that stands out in their career. This might be because of its complexity, its size, or the sheer difficulty of closing it. It could be that it is memorable because of the country it was in, and they remember the long queues at the airport, the bad food, the nights out. For some bankers, there are deals that are even more poignant, because they involve something in which the banker has a big stake. Truly, the IBTC/ Stanbic deal was one of such deal that the Opobo, Rivers State born investment banker had more than a big stake in. After nursing the bank he founded in 1989 with some key investors to such a towering status, selling off a large chunk in a deal that clearly takes ownership off his grip was one investment decision most Nigerian businessmen would certainly not be disposed to taking. But as it later turned out, Atedo obviously knew what he wanted. For him, after over 19 years of highly profitable operations, it was probably time to move into something else. And so he did. Informed analysts who spoke with Business Courage traced the journey that later saw the fusion of IBTC with Stanbic Bank to 2004 during the recapitalisa-

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Monday, November 2, 2015

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As it turned out, that goal was effectively realised in August 2007 when he led IBTC Chartered into a merger deal with Standard Bank Group of South Africa. The events that led to the deal were as interesting as those before it

tion exercise initiated and supervised by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN under the leadership of Professor Chukwuma Soludo. The bank, in an attempt to cross the hurdle of a N25 billion minimum capital base had to merge with Chartered Bank. Besides, the wholesale adoption of universal banking concept, regardless of the strength and weaknesses of each of the banks significantly whittled down the operations of the bank as it had to broaden its operation to accommodate retail banking, an aspect which the bank was not known to be strong in at the time. Atedo was one of the few operators that took on Soludo at the time and challenged what he had called the “one size suits all” approach adopted by the apex bank in regulating the banks. Though he was said to have later admitted that the concept of universal banking was not really a bad idea after all because “If you want to sell a bank, it is better if you are a universal bank otherwise, people may fear they are just buying an empty shell if all the best people leave,” those close to him said he actually started planning his exit there from. At that time, those close to him disclosed that he worked towards one goal: to secure the bank’s financial footing and the future of its workforce. As it turned out, that goal was effectively realised in August 2007 when he led IBTC Chartered into a merger deal with Standard Bank Group of

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South Africa. The events that led to the deal were as interesting as those before it. With the end of recapitalisation, Standard Bank which already had a presence in Nigeria was hungry for more presence and was desperately looking for banks to strike deals with, it was at this time too that Peterside was said to be desirous of a merging partner ready to pay the right price. He was ready to let go his investment in the bank. He wanted to move on into something else but the only drawback then was that, Standard Bank was already evaluating other targets. First, the South African bank had looked at Afribank, now Mainastreet Bank, and then UBA and finally Oceanic (now bought over by Ecobank Plc) but for various reasons, none of those deals was completed and thus the track was narrowed for IBTC. By the time negotiation got underway, Atedos’ wizardry was put to task. There were two aspects to the deal. First, IBTC needed to acquire Stanbic, Standard Bank’s subsidiary in Nigeria. Second, and simultaneously, Standard Bank would require 50.1 per cent of the shares of IBTC through a tender offer. In this deal, pricing was crucial: “too low and the deal fails; too high and you get inundated with shares,” he was quoted in one of his media interface then. “It’s been a struggle,” Atedo admitted then. “For example, under current rules, if the market value you pay is more than the

book price – the difference being goodwill – you cannot pay out a dividend on the difference. You can write it off after five years. In the days when banks were being forced to merge in 2004, this didn’t matter, because there was very little difference between book and market price. But now, there is a big gap. Fortunately the South Africans were willing to bite the bullet and fight through the problems,” he had said then. However, upon completion of the deal, Atedo, like Craven obviously got a good deal and also insisted then that the deal was good for the customers, good for the shareholders and good for the staff. “We are happy,” he admits. “Our future is secured. Other banks are in a less happy position. Their structures are less solid, because they were put in place hurriedly to meet the capital requirements,” he said even when few others felt the shareholders would have gotten more if the bank had built up the commercial banking side of the business, and waited another year. Under the deal that saw SAHL acquired over 3.14 billion IBTC shares at a price of N16 per share, IBTC shareholders who invested N300,000 to buy the company’s shares at inception in 1989, for example, received N1.6 billion from Stanbic. Atedo Peterside is the President and Founder of ANAP Foundation, which is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting Good Governance. He is also the Founder and Chairman of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, where he was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) from inception of the Bank in February 1989 at age 33 (then IBTC) until 2007 when he was elected chairman. Peterside (a Commander of the Order of the Niger) is a member of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) and is the Chairman of the NCP’s Technical Committee. He is also a member of the National Economic Management Team which is headed by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. A Honorary Special Advisor to the Governor of Rivers State, Peterside is a Director of Nigerian Economic Summit Group and a Member of the Private Sector Advisory Board set up by the World Bank to assist in setting up a Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) for Nigeria. He served as Director of Mobil Oil Nigeria plc from April 2006 to December 2006. He served as Director of FSDH Merchant Bank Limited (Formerly, First Securities Discount House Limited). A member of the National Economic Management Team set up by President Goodluck Jonathan, he is also the Founder and President of the ANAP Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to promoting good governance. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, November 2, 2015

A15 31

ThebuddingEntrepreneurs

A painter’s suicide lesson for entrepreneurs

BUSINESS 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

say that business expansion is impossible in Africa without compromise, then you have choice of what to believe. The outcome of your belief is your responsibility. What you permit is what you experience in life and business. When Chinua Achebe first wrote his story, “Things Fall Apart” and presented it to different publishing houses, they rejected it. Some actually rejected it immediately, claiming that fiction from African writer had no market potential. He took responsibility for his work and didn’t wait for the permission of anybody to pursue his dream. Eventually, Heinemann publisher accepted to publish it in late 1950s. In the year 2005, Things Fall Apart book was selected among Time Magazine’s 100 Best English language novels. It sold over 8 million copies worldwide and translated into many languages. Dear friend, nobody has the permission to decide the future of your business. You decide what happens both in the near and long term. The responsibility of any entrepreneur is to provide direction and become the person in the business through learning and action. If you

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The responsibility of any entrepreneur is to provide direction and become the person in the business through learning and action. If you have a dream, then permission to succeed is resident in the dream

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hen artist Jules Holtzapfell did not make it into the salon in 1866, he shot himself in the head. “The members of the jury rejected me,” read his suicide note. “I must die.” For a painter in nineteenth century France, the salon was everything, and the reason that the salon was such an issue for the group of impressionist was that repeatedly, the salon jury turned them down and did not approve their paintings for exhibitions. Every painter relied on the approval and permission of the salon jury to continue in the business of painting. That lack of endorsement put pressure on artists who killed themselves because they saw themselves as failures. After years of rejections, some other artists abandoned the effort to exhibit their works at the salon. They decided not to seek the permission of the jurists again and created a new platform where many painters can exhibits their artistic talents to the public. That shift in mind opened up art gallery business in France. Dear entrepreneur, whose permission are you waiting for to move your business to make success of your skill? The truth is that you must take responsibility for your vision and the dream. That is your business. The law of responsibility says you are completely responsible for everything you will become. Whether you fail or succeed is your fault. The good thing about law or principle is that it provides a level playing ground for everybody. Let me give you an example; whether you live in Europe or Africa if you jump from third floor of any building you come down, the law of gravity applies. Laws have no respect for anybody, whether a chief executive officer or staff. When people around you

have a dream, then permission to succeed is resident in the dream. What is permission? It simply means authority. If you ever get idea through thinking or meditation, then technically, you do not need the permission of people to turn the idea into success. The best people can offer is counsel, professional support, and assistance or delegated authority to represent your business. The people who did not give you the business idea cannot have authority over the success or failure of the business. You do! You do not need the permission of people to succeed in business. It is your idea, do not subject it to authority of people who cannot see the possibility that you see. How do you take responsibility for your business ideas?

Be principle conscious. The first is to find as many principles and laws, and align your thinking with it. As an example, you know that the Law of gravity paraphrased says, “Here on earth, everything that goes up must come down.” It does not matter how many people who says no to the law of gravity, it is certain that whatever you throw up must come down. You need to be conscious of principle that can guide you in business. That is a first step for responsible business executive. Let people solve problems with you If the idea is yours, then, the best people can do is to solve problems with you and not for you. People can help you see how better you can apply your idea and solve problems for the public. The truth is that as someone with

Motivational Business Quotes

o waken interest and kindle enthusiasm is the sure way to teach easily and successfully. – Tryon Edwards Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning. – Bill Gates Success is often achieved by those who don’t know that failure is inevitable. – Coco Chanel The competitor to be feared is one who never bothers about you at all, but goes on making his own business better all the time. – Henry Ford The good or ill of a man lies within his own will. – Epictetus

I have known not a few men who, after reaching the summits of business success, found themselves miserable on attaining retirement age. They were so exclusively engrossed in their day to day affairs that they had no time for friend making. – B.C. Forbes The cynic says, “One man can’t do anything”. I say, “Only one man can do anything.” - John W. Gardner I feel that luck is preparation meeting opportunity. – Oprah Winfrey If there is such a thing as good leadership, it is to give a good example. – Ingvar Kamprad BC

business idea, you have given birth to brainchild and people should join you to nurture it and not to nurture it for you. You are the chief responsibility officer for the idea and the father of your brainchild. Constantly develop yourself Your decision is as good as your perspective and learning. Leaders are learners, says a wise person. The difference between an artist who committed suicide because the jurists at the salon rejected his painting and another who invented another art gallery in France was just a perspective. One saw impossibility and the other saw possibility of another platform without the permission of the jurist. If you develop yourself through reading, attending seminars, conferences, and peer discussion there is possibility that you will succeed without the permission of any mortal man. Love your self In business, there will be a lot of rejection. During business presentation, executive management can reject proposal sometimes and you must be able to differentiate between that proposal rejection and yourself. Sometimes people can reject your ideas during negotiation, it is not because your idea is bad but because the people cannot see what you see at that moment. Love yourself and it becomes easier to express love from that perspective to other people. When you love yourself, it helps your confidence to move on in business and see what is possible beyond what people say. Sometimes, an idea is unappreciated until it gets into another sphere. Go ahead and be productive with that idea, multiply the productivity through business expansion and influence the global market. Your choice is your responsibility. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, November 2, 2015

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ThebuddingEntrepreneurs

A daring fashion designer It was hard for people to understand her reasons for dumping a banking career to pursue another career in clothes making. However, rather than get discouraged, she instead, gained inspiration from the multitude of negative reactions that greeted her announcement and with that, she proceeded to build an endearing and highly successful fashion brand. This is the success story of Ayotomi Rotimi, founder of Xclamations

yotomi Rotimi is an alumnus of the University of Lagos where she obtained a B.Sc. in Business Administration. She also has a certificate in Fashion Technology from London Central Fashion Studies. Currently on a mission to create a chain of sales outlets both locally and abroad, Rotimi emerged winner of the MTN/ British Council Young Creative Entrepreneur for 2011, having exhibited a strong character and scoring the highest on all of the attributes in creativity, business vision and originality. Her label and her online store also have gained tremendous acclaim, fast becoming popular among avid fashion watchers and fashion lovers. On the bill of the British Council Nigeria, Rotimi has travelled to the United Kingdom UK on a tour of the UK fashion and design industry. The tour availed her with the much needed exposure, connections and links to actualise her dream of opening sales outlets in fashion capitals like New York, Paris, London and Milan in her desire to making her brand truly global. She relates how she embarked on a journey that has now seen her living out her dream, “I worked in a bank for about three years before I decided to set up this business. I had always had a flare for designing and making clothes since I was in school. Even when I was working in the bank, I still had that passion to do this. So, as at the time I left the bank, I applied to a fashion school in England, did a course in Fashion Technology before I came back to Nigeria, and started this business. It was difficult convincing people that what I am doing now is what I had always wanted to do, as they could not understand why I should leave a bank job to

start making clothes. So, trying to convince people was a major challenge.” Even though Rotimi desired to pursue her dream, it wasn’t really an easy option to become her own boss, the only thing that kept her going was her passion for clothes making and finding fulfillment in her work. “For me, fulfilment will be found in investing in this passion I have. I have had this passion for quite a long time. And I have laid my hand on it and have been successful. The bank job wasn’t fulfilling. I made a lot of friends there, I met a lot of people there and I’m grateful for the opportunity and experience, but the passion I have for what I’m doing now is more important to me,” she revealed. Despite many challenges faced by her, Rotimi always seemed to find a way over them, she disclosed that finding the right people in the country to work with on her designs were sometimes very challenging due to the fact that she had already set high standards for her products and she was not going to compromise on those standards. “I have a factory. I have tailors that work for me; I don’t contract out my clothes. I have my tailors so that I can supervise them to my own taste and standard to satisfy my customers,” she disclosed. Building up a quick customer base was not really much of a challenge for her because as a banker she was already doing her fashion business part-time and had a few customers then. “But managing the customers, getting fabrics and of course getting money to establish the business to my taste was also a challenge. But I thank God that everything worked out well,” she said. She believes that there is no fixed amount in starting the business as the capital needed

Rotimi

depends on the size and quality one has in mind; she however believes that there is wisdom in starting small according to her, “People want to start big, but I have always said that if you start big you make big mistakes. If you start small, you make small mistakes.

This is because whether you start big or small, you are still a beginner and as long as you are a beginner, to mature you have to make mistakes from which you learn from. So, it is better to make cheap mistakes by starting small. But if you start from the top, you still have to make

those mistakes down there. Even if you have the finance to start big, I would advise that you don’t throw the money into one-big establishment. For me, I started small and I have always considered myself a modest person. And right now I have learnt a lot of lessons that have really helped me now to focus and maintain a good standard.” That little start-up has really grown as can be attested to by her burgeoning market, which has necessitated her expansion plans, “In fact, I am expanding now because I need to meet more demands of my customers. The kinds of clothes I make are clothes that are very versatile, clothes you can wear to different occasions. I don’t make suits, I don’t make natives. I make casuals in my own designs. And the designs are such that people of various ages can find something for themselves. I say that my designs are ageless because whether you are 16 or 60, in fact, that is the range of customers I have. I have customers who are in school. I have grandmothers that wear these clothes.” She employs a unique marketing strategy which focuses on a single objective – customer satisfaction, but how does one satisfy so many customers with so many tastes? She says her

Management Principles

The five principles of Supply chain

competitive advantage will exist only if several key attributes exist in a supply chain. Five guiding principles are necessary for effective supply chains. Each principle is detailed below, including an illustration of practical application from an actual client’s experience * Know the customer Without a clear understanding and definition of customer requirements, a supply chain cannot be effectively constructed. To gain this understanding requires the use of classical market research techniques, the construction of an information infrastructure to capture customer transaction data, and the storage and analysis of these data from an operational perspective. The objective is to obtain a clear statement of the customer’s requirements. A supply chain’s requirements vary by customer, product, and location. These requirements must be thoroughly understood and be the foundation for constructing an efficient and effective supply chain. * Adopt lean philosophies During the past two decades, operationally excellent companies have focused on creating lean organizations. As a consequence, these companies have shortened internal lead times and made them more predictable and repeatable, reduced work –in process inventories from months of supply to days, implemented just in time delivery strategies for their most costly component materials, and has worked to dramatically reduce setup times. These actions have substantially reduced indirect costs and improved use of physical space. More importantly, they have created cross trained, empowered and more highly motivated workers. For maximum supply chain efficiency, all partners must engineer, align, and execute their processes so that the entire chain has the aforementioned attributes. Lean supply chains must also be designed as a system that quickly and profitably responds to market demand fluctuations. Therefore, lean philosophies must be extended beyond a company’s internal operations to the entire supply chain. No combination of software systems can compensate for a poor physical operating environment. * Create a supply chain information infrastructure. An effective information infrastructure, both intra and inter-organizationally, is necessary for a supply chain to achieve competitive advantage. Today, B2B collaboration via the Internet makes it much easier for supply chain partners to share timely demand information, inventory status, daily capacity usage requirements, evolving marketing plans, product

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Business Courage

Monday, November 2, 2015

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ThebuddingEntrepreneurs Personal Finance Personality types that can harm your business

MTN/British Council, Young Creative Entrepreneur of the Year 2011 and Creative Director, Xclamations, Rotimi, receiving a cheque of N1 million from the Senior Manager, Segment Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Cherry Eromosele (left) and the Assistance Director, British Council Nigeria, Ojoma Ochia (right) at the MTN Lagos Fashion & Design Week LFDW Award 2011

secret lies in not making her products appear too exotic rather she creates very simple comfortable designs that could be worn to different types of occasions. “A lot of people like them because they can invest certain amount of money on them and can wear them to different places. They don’t need to buy special clothes again for church or other occasions. Well, I’m proud to say that we are not cheap. It’s not my aim to make cheap clothes because that would affect the quality of the clothes. But all the same, our

clothes are affordable. Like I said I have students buying my clothes which tell you my clothes are not only for the upper-class,” she said. She advises would be successful entrepreneurs to invest in technical training because having just skills and talents without a managerial ability may amount to one shooting oneself in the foot. “Even at that, I still advise that you don’t take in too much staff in the beginning, don’t rent a very expensive shop. Take to advantage all the favours, start at a very low manageable level so that by the time you get up there you have

and process design changes, and logistics requirements to mention just a few. However, true collaboration requires more than just data exchange between successive supply chain partners. Rather, it requires joint planning of inventory and production strategies, and the reliable execution of operational plans on a continuing basis. How capacity is used daily must be considered from a systems perspective and not just a local viewpoint. Simply passing data (even customer demand data) among partners does not realize the true economic potential of collaboration. A traditional Collaborative Planning Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR) initiative is merely a starting point that barely scratches the surface of the true financial rewards and competitive advantages that are possible through a truly collaborative supply chain. What is recommended is much more substantive and comprehensive *Integrate business processes Business processes must be established both intra and inter-organizationally to support the supply chain’s integrated information systems and business processes strategic objectives. These processes, coupled with the information infrastructure, support the efficient flow of material through the supply chain. While much attention has been placed on understanding business processes within organizations, it is essential to understand what processes must be built inter-organizationally to leverage and enhance partners’ capabilities. These inter-organizational processes must be designed to take advantage of the increased information that drives daily supply chain decisions. *Unite decision support systems Academics and software providers have designed and built Decision Support System (DSS) environments for individual companies and supply chains. These environments are based on different philosophical models. Also, they differ in how they forecast demand, and how they drive production and allocation decisions. Their goal is to generate plans that simultaneously consider all elements of the supply chain. No matter which approach is taken, these systems and their embedded rules drive many daily supply chain activities. Therefore, they have a substantial impact on the operating behaviour, and consequently, on overall supply chain performance. How much they enhance this performance depends on both the accuracy of their input data and the modelling approaches employed. BC

learnt a lot,” she added. She revealed that all her fabrics are sourced locally and are mainly cotton based not synthetic because of her specialty in casuals, easy-to-wear and versatile clothes. “Nigerians like imported things, but when it comes to clothes they are more particular about it being comfortable and lasting. And as you know a lot of people have gone into the business of bringing in Dubai clothes. Most of my customers are not pleased with those imported Dubai things because they don’t last, but my fabrics last long,” she said. She counts her experience and foray into business as one that has been laden with a lot of rewards not necessarily money although she admits that it feels better to be paying oneself, creating opportunities for others with her talent than to be on a fixed salary in a paid employment. “As a business person, the first thing you learn about business is that you do not determine the profitability of the business based on how much profit you are making on individual clothes. But what you consider primarily is your turnover, how much sales you are making and how much money is passing through your hand. When you are working in a bank or whatever establishment, your costs are different from when you are on your own. Right now, I don’t spend much on clothes like I was doing then. I don’t spend much on petrol like I did then by moving around every day. And even I don’t spend as much on hospital as much as I did then. So, there are so many costs that have gone off my books. So, the value I get in terms of my time, I can now use to take care of my family, my husband, my son – that is a shield value that I can’t put money on,” she said. BC

he candidate interviewed for a sales position at a particular consulting firm, won the boss over with her work experience, friend-of-a-friend connection and good looks. But it didn’t take long after she started working for her to prove herself a nightmare employee. She refused to write sales proposals even after she was sent to a high flying training school on the topic. She didn’t meet sales quotas and grew abrasive at any kind of feedback. Within months, she’d managed to convince an intern at the eight-person firm to quit. Company morale was suffering. Employees would gather behind closed doors to complain. What makes the situation particularly compelling was that the company specializes in personality assessment and training. However, with this particular recruit, It shows that even the most perceptive business owners can make a bad hire when they don’t pay attention to the right signs. Discussed hereunder, are three personality types that can bring down your business and how you can spot them in an interview. The Narcissist One of the most dangerous personality types in the workplace is the narcissist but it’s quite easy to make the mistake of hiring a narcissist because they are often charismatic and radiate self-confidence. But a narcissist will manipulate others in the office, be careless about commitments, and will refuse to admit or learn from mistakes. In fact, they have some of the same personality traits as psychopaths. How to spot them: A narcissist will have a swagger, so watch a job candidate’s body language closely for signs of cockiness. When you ask candidates about their experience working in teams, do they focus exclusively on themselves or make deprecating remarks about teammates? Those are red flags that you might have a narcissist on your hands. The Social Loafer While this individual’s behaviour is far more passive than that of a narcissist, it’s this very passivity that will drive you and your employees insane. People who are inordinately lazy when it comes to working in teams can be just as damaging to your business as narcissists. This personality type is particularly problematic in a small business where every individual counts. Social loafers let others do their work for them and take on a passive-aggressive attitude in the office. Such behaviour will create resentment in others who feel they have to pull more weight. How to spot them: You need to assess a candidate’s energy level during the job interview. To get a sense of how much energy people have, pay attention not only to what they are saying, but also to how they are saying it. You could get a prospective candidate to get a cup of coffee during the interview. It’s a subtle way to get them moving and see if they can keep up with you. The Hyper-Emotional Hire While most people can keep their emotions in check during a job interview, they may be keeping feelings of aggression under wraps. They might act charming and delightful, even if they are a monster on wheels. They know how to control that. Hyper-emotional personality types can be resistant to rules, pessimistic and whiny. This is the type of employee who slams doors and is constantly complaining. Other employees will feel the need to tiptoe around them, and all that explosive negativity can be contagious. How to spot them: Even hyper-emotional job candidates will know better than to complain during an interview. Ask them what they didn’t like about their previous job or boss and you’ll likely get a rehearsed response. But if you press them for two such examples and challenge them to be more specific, you’ll force them to have to answer on the fly. Watch for their reaction: Do they get huffy when you challenge them? Do they offer lessons learned or focus only on the negatives? BC

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Business Courage

Monday, November 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Behind d Wheels This page is open to sponsorship

By Adejuwon Osunnuyi

he Mercedes-Benz F 015 is not a typical concept car, some lightly disguised version of next year’s sedan complete with zippy entertainment electronics and snappy taillights. Instead, this Mercedes is a leap into the future, a car so different and provocative that it leaves you feeling woozy, as if you had taken a ride in Doc Brown’s time-traveling DeLorean DMC-12. It has to be admitted that trundling around a deserted aircraft runway in the Mercedes-Benz F 015 is not exactly a futuristic experience. Even so, it did help to understand that this concept car introduced at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show is about more than just the latest technology for autonomous driving. Instead, it is a demonstration of what the future will feel like and why autonomous driving will seem like a very good idea in 2030, no matter what you might think about it now. Shaping the future At the 2011 Tokyo auto show, a group of future-oriented designers came together at the request of Holger Hutzenlaub, the leader of Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design in Sindelfingen, not far from the headquarters of Mercedes in Stuttgart, Germany. As Hutzenlaub explained, he was looking for more than just the usual thinking about new cars. Instead, he wanted to understand the cultural trends of our time and d then bring them together into o a car that could take Mercedes es into the future. The result is more like a carriage than a rockett ship. Passengers “inhabit” the e Mercedes-Benz F 015 ratherr than drive it, and the interior or has the visual cues and physical hysical features of a mobile office rather than the usual jetetfighter cockpit. The messsage here is comfort and d well-being, not exciteement and motion. Indeed d the vehicle is focused innward, even as it communinicates with the outside world with an array of sophisticated electron-

ics. It looks like an electronic product, and its license plate even carries a QR code. When Hutzenlaub presented the proposal to build the F 015 concept car to the Mercedes board of management, it was part of a complete report, “The City of the Future 2030+.” He recalls that the whole board unexpectedly seemed to respond to his plan with a sigh of relief. He says, “It was like they were pleased to know that there were people at Mercedes who were thinking about the future of the company.” The world will be spinning faster It should be no surprise that Mercedes believes that the world will be spinning faster in 2030 as life becomes more crowded and complex, yet the scenario is far from t h e

dystopian vision you might expect. It’s true that urban centers will grow, but Eric Larsen of Mercedes-Benz R&D in Sunnyvale, California, points out that a baby boom looms ahead as the millennial generation matures. In the U.S., this generation will turn to America’s large areas of suburban space to raise their families. And in the world of 2030 just as in the world of 1955, the automobile is the key instrument that makes the suburb possible. Not that the world of 2030 will look familiar. Alexander Mankowsky, the Mercedes specialist in future studies, says that the limited spaces and bustling crowds of the future will make it foolish to continue the use of a forest of traffic signs to maintain a strict

separation of cars and people. Instead, he says, cars must learn to coexist with humans in shared spaces, not only recognizing humans but also communicating with them. And in these circumstances, a car’s ability to deliver autonomous driving will be crucial. Motoring into the future Peter Lehmann, who leads the 100 people at Mercedes Advanced Design in Sindelfingen that engineer and craft prototype cars, cheerfully invites media men into the F 015. At the push of a button, the four doors swing outward by 90 degrees, and then four seats swivel outward to make it easier to cross the wide doorsill. The car is about the size of a Mercedes S-Class, although its long 142.1inch wheelbase and 26-inch wheels make it

look much larger. The platform carries its fuel cell up front, while the carbon-fiber tanks of hydrogen are hidden beneath the floor. The twin electric motors and the battery are in the rear. The lightweight body is built from steel, aluminum and carbon fiber. Lehman motors the Mercedes-Benz F 015 around with a futuristic steering wheel, and the various controls on the instrument panel in front of him are meant to be operated with gestures. Then he engages automated mode so the car will follow a programmed loop around the vacant runway here on the site of the former Naval Air Station Alameda, and he swivels his seat around so we’re all facing one another as if we were in a kind of booth at a very futuristic bar. The windows of the cabin present a view of our surroundings, only at a very subd u e d in-

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Business Courage

Monday, November 2, 2015

A19 35

Behind d Wheels This page is open to sponsorship

Autocare Car care myths you should ignore

tensity. Meanwhile the door panels incorporate electronic screens that display an interface to control telephone and computer communication, some basic vehicle functions and even screen-saver graphics. As Lehman points out, the great luxury in the future will be free time. And when your vehicle might be caught up in traffic during a trip, it will be a great luxury to devote yourself to work, entertainment or relaxation, and leave the car to its own devices. An autonomous vehicle like the Mercedes-Benz F 015 will get you to your destination thanks to a programmed route, an array of sensors, an ability to communicate with pedestrians and other vehicles with a system of external LED lights front and rear, and an incredibly powerful and fast-acting on-board computer. The technology for autonomous driving is already here The Mercedes-Benz F 015 is actually more like a rolling proof of concept than a research vehicle for autonomous driving, and it rumbles around like a science experiment instead of a car. Now, it is not actually much of an au-

tonomous car, although testing continues on a dedicated research platform at a facility in Northern California dedicated to this purpose by the state government. Of course, the surprise is the fact that almost all the technology for the autonomous driving car is already on the road. In August 2013, a preproduction Mercedes S-Class autonomously drove the same 100-km route from Mannheim to Pforzheim taken by Bertha Benz in 1888 when she carjacked her husband’s threewheeled science project without his knowledge and took their kids to see her mother. And now the Mercedes-Benz S550 you can buy incorporates precisely the array of radar- and optic-controlled sensors and systems required for fully autonomous driving. Of course, it is presently understandable that these systems as slightly prosaic features that give us adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, emergency braking, front-and-rear collision avoidance (both with cars and pedestrians), blind-spot warning and collision avoidance, and even active parking assistance. At the moment, Mercedes-Benz is also work-

ing on “Highway Pilot,” which allows automated driving at higher speed. The real leap into the future of autonomous driving will come only when the vehicle can recognize and respond to pedestrians in a compact environment, and this will take some serious computing power, not to mention sophisticated algorithms. In effect, Mercedes must teach the automobile to speak the same language as humans, and this will not be a simple process. Driving into the future The Mercedes-Benz F 015 is about the future, not just autonomous driving. It sees a time when humans and automobiles must share space, and this will call for new thinking when it comes to personal mobility. As it turns out, autonomous driving seems like the right response, since it leads the way to interaction between humans and automobiles that is safe, efficient, and even potentially rewarding in terms of taking road rage out of the driving equation. The key here is an intelligent partnership between driver and car, which is something that driving enthusiasts can understand. In the world that Mercedes-Benz envisions, there will be times and places when you let the car take care of its occupants, just as there is now. Other times and places, you will determine the car’s speed and direction, just as you do now. As long as the partnership between man and machine remains natural and enjoyable, Mercedes believes there will be little to fear from the forthcoming mobility revolution. BC

hen it comes to maintaining your car, misconceptions abound. And even the best intentions can lead you to spend more money than necessary or even compromise your safety. Here are common myths that can do more harm than good: Myth: Engine oil should be changed every 3,000 miles Reality: Despite what oil companies and quick-lube shops often claim, it’s usually not necessary. Stick to the service intervals in your car’s owner’s manual. Under normal driving conditions, most vehicles are designed to go 7,500 miles or more between oil changes. Changing oil more often doesn’t hurt the engine, but it can cost you a lot of extra money. Automakers often recommend 3,000-mile intervals for severe driving conditions, such as constant stop-and-go driving, frequent trailertowing, mountainous terrain, or dusty conditions. Myth: Inflate tires to the pressure shown on the tire’s sidewall. Reality: The pounds-per-square-inch figure on the side of the tire is the maximum pressure that the tire can safely hold, not the automaker’s recommended pressure, which provides the best balance of braking, handling, gas mileage, and ride comfort. That figure is usually found on a doorjamb sticker, in the glove box, or on the fuel-filler door. Perform a monthly pressure check when tires are cold or after the car has been parked for a few hours. Myth: If the brake fluid is low, topping it off will fix the problem. Reality: As brake pads wear, the level in the brake-fluid reservoir drops a bit. That helps you monitor brake wear. If the fluid level drops to or below the Low mark on the reservoir, then either your brakes are worn out or fluid is leaking. Either way, get the brake system serviced immediately. You should also get a routine brake inspection when you rotate the tires, about every 6,000 to 7,000 miles. Myth: If regular-grade fuel is good, premium must be better. Reality: Most vehicles run just fine on regular-grade (87 octane) fuel. Using premium in these cars won’t hurt, but it won’t improve performance, either. A higher-octane number simply means that the fuel is less prone to pre-ignition problems, so it’s often specified for hotter running, high-compression engines. So if your car is designed for 87-octane fuel, don’t waste money on premium. Myth: Flush the coolant with every oil change. Reality: Radiator coolant doesn’t need to be replaced very often. Most owners’ manuals recommend changing the coolant every five years or 60,000 miles. Of course, if the level in the coolant reservoir is chronically low, check for a leak and get service as soon as possible. Myth: After a jump-start, your car will soon recharge the battery. Reality: It could take hours of driving to restore a battery’s full charge, especially in the winter. That’s because power accessories, such as heated seats, draw so much electricity that in some cars the alternator has little left over to recharge a rundown battery. A “load test” at a service station can determine whether the battery can still hold a charge. If so, some hours on a battery charger might be needed to revive the battery to its full potential. Myth: Let your engine warm up for several minutes before driving. Reality: That might have been good advice for yesteryear’s cars but is less so today. Modern engines warm up more quickly when they’re driven. And the sooner they warm up, the sooner they reach maximum efficiency and deliver the best fuel economy and performance. But don’t rev the engine high over the first few miles while it’s warming up. Myth: A dealership must perform regular maintenance to keep your car’s factory warranty valid. Reality: As long as the maintenance items specified in the vehicle owner’s manual are performed on schedule, the work can be done at any auto-repair shop. If you’re knowledgeable, you can even do the work yourself. Just keep accurate records and receipts to back you up in case of a warranty dispute on a future repair. Myth: Dishwashing and laundry detergents make a good car wash. Reality: Detergent can strip off a car’s wax finish. Instead, use a car-wash liquid, which is formulated to clean without removing wax. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, November 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

REGULATORS

Debt market key to FG’s $25bn Infrastructure Fund target – SEC

Stories by Udo Onyeka

he Director General,(DG) of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Mounir Gwarzo, has described the debt market as a veritable platform to boost government $25 billion infrastructure intervention fund. He said the fund has become imperatives as Nigeria would need $3.9 trillion investment over the next 30 years to close infrastructure gap. Gwarzo, who was represented Mr. Zakawanu Garuba, Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services & Supervising Executive Commissioner Operations, SEC, at the Nigeria Debt Capital Market 2015 Workshop in Lagos,noted that the massive sum cannot come from budgetary allocations but can be supported through the debt market. He said the Nigerian domestic debt market has witnessed remarkable growth and activity within the last few years,

Gwarzo

despite the increasing focus of investors on the money market. “Since the FMDQ began operations, we have seen a phenomenal increase in the liquidity of debt market instruments. We have moved from N7.1 trillion in annual trading volumes in 2012 to an average of N5 trillion in monthly volumes”, he stated.

He said the Commission fully supports the Federal government planned $25 billion emergency fund for investment in infrastructure, adding that SEC is confident that a substantial part of that fund should be raised from the domestic debt market. Gwarzo noted that the revival of the corporate bond market has been quite slow and there are number of challenges to tackle in order to encourage companies to issue bonds. Key among these challenges is the current monetary policy. “We hope that soon, the right fiscal policies will be in place to drive down interest rates so that Nigerian businesses can assess affordable capital for investment, expansion and job creation. This should be a collective priority for all of us as the task of addressing Nigeria’s rising unemployment must be a goal for everyone”, he advised. In her address, the Chairman, FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange (FMDQ), Mrs. Sarah

Expert lauds sack in Customs

n economic crime detector and operations manager of Business Ventures Watch, BVW, Kola Ishola has commended the sack in the service, saying it is a set in the right direction. Ishola who made this known to Business Courage on Friday tasked the Customs Controller General, CGC, Hameed Ali to recover government funds allegely taken away with the connivance of some officers. According to him the CGC cannot fight corruption in the customs with the insiders who are deeply involved in corruption still in the service of the organization, adding that the CGC should look for private investigators who will work with him. He said for instance an officer who released 30 containers of brand new Camry cars as used ones or 20 containers of land cruiser jeep as land cruiser pickup, when we all know that Toyota does not have land cruise pick up. The detective said officers that were involved in these sort crimes cannot assist CGC to get the money he is looking for. “Some of the officers release car tyres as truck tyres which attract very low duty. Sometimes electric cable (china) is released as electrical parts and so on. The new CGC cannot succeed with those men around him now”, he said. He also advised Ali to look for officers who have not held sensitive positions such as valu-

ation, releasing officers to help him in the task of plugging the holes. “The CGC should ask John Atte how he was going to generate N35bn weekly which means that billions are kept aside for officers. “Only Atte who knows the trick can be useful in recovering lost monies because he was in the system and has been part of the system that is why he was able to confidently jack up revenue from N18bn to N35bn weekly, when he briefly acted as CGC, before the appointment of Ali. “Dikko was talking about N100bn monthly which will amount to N1.2trn, yet customs never collected up to that amount , but Atte was talk-

ing about over N1.7trn which means he knows where the difference was going” he said. He also the CGC should look into the controversial health insurance under Dikko’s where officers salaries were deducted monthly purportedly to pay for health insurance scheme, but which was alleged not to have been remitted to National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS. “Without investigating these rots, the CGC cannot succeed. I commend the CGC for his effort to purge the service, but I expected that by now some officers would have been arrested by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, because the rot in customs is known by everybody. BC

Alade , pointed out that a vibrant and well-functioning Debt Capital Market (DCM) will address Nigeria infrastructure problem. According to Alade, who also was represented by the Vice Chairman FMDQ, Mr. Jubril Aku, Nigeria is currently faced

SON, stakeholders unite to tackle fake products’ menace

he Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, has said that its recent Walk against Substandard Product was part of the efforts to stem the menace of face and defective products in the country. Director in charge of the agency’s laboratory services, Mr. Louis Njoku, who spoke to journalists, said it was also, a demonstration by SON’s staff and a good number of local manufacturing companies who showed their commitment and backing to the organisation’s recent proclamation to reduce the level of substandard goods in the country to 10 percent. According to Njoku, the distance of the trek would not be anything less than 5 kilometres when calculated but in reality the journey started in 2011 with an initiative called the Zero Tolerance Policy which was as a result of the high level of substandard goods in the country. At the time, it was a worrisomely 85 percent but presently it has been reduced to 45 percent. Part of the measures was the automation of its services and sensitization of importers and manufacturers as well as consumers. Said Njoku : “We learnt that automation of services would

Forex: CBN should limit PTA, BTA businesses to BDCs

ureaux De Change, BDC, Owners have called on the Central Bank of Nigeria ,CBN, to make foreign exchange transactions relating to Personal Travel Allowance, PTA, and Business Travel Allowance, BTA, exclusive businesses of BDCs. This call made during the second BDC Owners Forum’s meeting held in Lagos last week. Presently, banks and BDCs are allowed to sell foreign exchange for PTA and BTA. The BDC owners however stated that, “The CBN should disengage banks from the sales of PTA and BTA and make it an exclusive preserve for BDC op-

eration.” The BDC owners also called on the CBN to extend the deadline for use of BVN as criteria for foreign exchange transactions. Consequently, they mandated the leadership of the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria, ABCON, to write a position paper on the CBN’s re-introduction of the BVN. “The position paper should seek for an extension in the deadline for compliance on the use of the BVN while emphasizing the resolve of ABCON members to comply with the CBN circular and that we are indeed ready to partner with the regulatory au-

with a host of challenges, ranging from low credit transmission to inadequate infrastructure (power, housing and transportation) and low employment -with a host of others. “A lot of these challenges can be addressed by a vibrant and well-functioning DCM”, she said. BC

thority on its monetary and fiscal policies”, they stated. The meeting however lamented the gap between the official and parallel market exchange rates and resolved to take measures to reduce the gap drastically. The gap between the two exchange rates as at Friday October 30th was N20 with the interbank market rate at N197 per dollar and the parallel market rate at N227 per dollar. The measures include publication of the names, addresses and contact details of BDCs in national dailies and publication of foreign exchange rates in national dailies. BC

go a long way to checking the prevalence of counterfeiting, little surprise that the agency said by 2015, the level of substandard products circulating in the country would be 10 percent from its present rate of 35 per cent .” The sea of people marching in a long cue from Alausa, Ikeja to Police College GRA, caused a side attraction in a typical busy day in Lagos and while the green and white uniforms, flags and banners looked like a delayed independence day festivity it wasn’t one, rather it was a demonstration against substandard products by SON as they kick-started the celebration of the world standards day in Nigeria. Following the internal reforms, Dr Odumodu’s SixPoints-Agenda point agenda was formulated, giving the agency clear focus and it was made up of Capacity building, Compliance monitoring, Consumer engagement, Media engagement, Global relevance and competitiveness of made in Nigeria products. These were the first steps the agency took in fighting the production and importation of substandard goods in the country. Market raids were executed on industries such as the cement, iron rods, cables, tyres, phones and many more revealing the alarming quantity of inferior goods in the country. At this stage, the greater emphasis was on life endangering products. BC

Joseph Odumodu, DG, SON

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, November 2, 2015

A21 37

Stock market last week Equities turnover of 1.358 billion shares worth N14.722bn in 14,772 deals were traded this week by investors on the floor of The Exchange in contrast to a total of 992.719 million shares valued at N13.121bn that exchanged hands last week in 14,252 deals. The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 1.153 billion shares valued at N7.990bn traded in 8,887 deals; thus contributing 84.90 per cent and 54.27 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Conglomerates Industry followed with a turnover of 80.465 million shares worth N183.062m in 933 deals. The third place was occupied by the Consumer Goods Industry with 66.952 million shares worth N4.090bn in 2,592 deals. Trading in the Top Three Equities namely – Sterling Bank Plc, Zenith International Bank Plc and Guinea Insurance Plc. (measured by volume) accounted for 595.713 million shares worth N4.769bn in 1,576 deals, contributing 43.86 per cent and 32.39 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. ETPs: Also traded during the

XXXXXXXXX

week were a total of 330,708 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N1.616m executed in 53 deals compared with a total of 1.378 million units valued at N11.573m transacted last week in 121 deals. Bonds: A total of 400 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N423,765.35 were traded this week in 1 deal. There was no transaction recorded last week. Index Movement: The NSE All-Share Index and Market Capitalization depreciated by 2.78 per cent to close on Friday at 29,177.72 and N10.028trn respectively.

Similarly, all other Indices finished lower during the week with exception of NSE Insurance index that chalked up by 0.24 per cent, while NSE ASeM Index closed flat. Summary of Price Changes: Twelve (12) equities appreciated in price during the week, lower than twenty-six (26) equities of the preceding week. Fiftyone (51) equities depreciated in price, higher than thirty-seven (37) equities of the preceding week, while one hundred and twenty-seven (127) equities remained unchanged, similar to one hundred and twenty-seven (127) equities recorded in the preceding week. BC

Market Indicators for Week Ended 30-10-15 All-Share Index 29,446.95 points Market Capitalization 10,125,783,051,089.16

NASD WEEKLY MARKET SUMMARY-WEEK 43 Equity Report

24-Oct-15

The Unlisted Security Index (USI) and Market Capitalisation closed the week on a negative note. The USI pure price fell by 0.50% to close at 944.07 points to close the week as against the previous closed of 948.81 points. The Market Capitalisation depreciated by 6.52% to close at ₦445.70 billion as against the previous close of ₦476.81 billion.

Unlisted Securities Index 1020.00

1000.00 980.00

Volume traded fell by 98.62% from 184.59 million units to 2.54 million units while the total value of shares traded also dropped by 97.05% from ₦929.02 million to ₦27.42 million in 60 deals. Fourteen (14) securities were traded out of the 23 securities admitted to trade on the NASD OTC market.

960.00 940.00 920.00 900.00

USI

880.00

860.00

WEEK 43

TOTAL VALUE TRADED

(₦)

948.81

% Change (4.74)

DATE

23/10/2015

20/10/2015

15/10/2015

7/10/2015

12/10/2015

28-Sep-15

2/10/2015

21-Sep-15

%change

16/10/2015

948.81

445.70

476.81

(31.11)

(6.52)

19/10/2015

953.10

0.45%

184,588,990

(182,049,661.00)

(98.62)

20/10/2015

947.25

-0.61%

27,422,481.12

929,017,334.24

(901,594,853.12) L

(97.05)

21/10/2015

954.27

0.74%

50.00

22/10/2015

945.50

-0.92%

23/10/2015

944.07

-0.15%

NUMBER OF DEALS

NUMBER OF TRADED STOCKS

NUMBER OF UNTRADED STOCKS

16-Sep-15

8-Sep-15

11-Sep-15

3-Sep-15

31-Aug-15

USI

(0.50)

2,539,329

MARKET CAPITALIZATION (₦ 'BILLION) TOTAL VOLUME TRADED

UNLISTED SECURITIES INDEX (1 WEEK) WEEK 42 Change

944.07

26-Aug-15

August 1, 2015 = 1000

NASD MARKET STATISTICS

Unlisted Securities Index (USI-Pure Price)

21-Aug-15

18-Aug-15

13-Aug-15

5-Aug-15

Base date:

10-Aug-15

1-Aug-15

840.00

20.00

5.00

55.56

(5.00)

(35.71)

GAINER(S) SECURITY CODE

PCLOSE

SDFUMMAN

CLOSE PRICE ( ₦ ) 1.20

CHANGE

1.58

OUTSTANDING OFFERS & BIDS

%CHANGE 0.38

31.67

SYMBOL

VOLUME BIDDED

LAST BID PRICE (₦)

SDACORN SDARMLIFE

LOSER(S) SECURITY CODE

PCLOSE

SDCSCSPLC SDFCWAMCO SDGEFLUID SDNDEP

CLOSE PRICE ( ₦ )

CHANGE

%CHANGE

5.80

5.50

0.30

5.17

230.00

205.00

25.00

10.87

0.48

0.45

0.03

6.25

180.00

144.50

35.50

19.72

TOP 5 TRADED SECURITIES BY VOLUME SECURITY

TRADES

VOLUME

VALUE ( ₦ )

640,000 100

100,000

2.50

976,000

2.12

SDCAPDBETO SDCSCSPLC

2,135,000

5.50

SDDUFIL

1,100,000

10.00

26,000

202.00

SDFCWAMCO

0.78

SDGOLDEN SDIGIPLC

6,635,032.20

SDJAIZ

599,812.00

16,000

0.12

600

1.42

30,500

144.50

AFRILAND PROPERTIES PLC

119,200

NIGER DELTA EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION PLC

61,293

9,149,578.50

SDPARTNER

FRIESLAND CAMPINA WAMCO NIGERIA PLC

58,129

9,694,983.82

SDRSOURCE

2,000

0.43

SDRIGGS

1,000

0.95

500

1.20

SDNDEP

30,000

166.17

3,308,900

0.79

950,000

0.45

SDSWAPPLC

280,000

1.14

SDTRUSTMB

3,262,650

0.81

SDSPRINGM 58,129.00

9,694,983.82

NIGER DELTA EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION PLC

61,293.00

9,149,578.50

CENTRAL SECURITIES CLEARING SYSTEM PLC

1,130,737.00

6,635,032.20

SWAP TECHNOLOGIES AND TELECOMMS PLC

1,142,850.00

1,302,849.00

AFRILAND PROPERTIES PLC

119,200.00

599,812.00

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

224.49 0.47

1,302,849.00

178,492 1,084,066

1,130,737

FRIESLAND CAMPINA WAMCO NIGERIA PLC

5.70

SDGEFLUID 1,142,850

VALUE ( ₦ )

69.99

1,900,000

VOLUME

1,496,053 2,050,000

SDFOODCPT

TRADES

0.39

0.50

SDARMPROP

CENTRAL SECURITIES CLEARING SYSTEM PLC

TOP 5 TRADED SECURITIES BY VALUE

LAST OFFER PRICE (₦)

SDAFRILAND

SWAP TECHNOLOGIES AND TELECOMMS PLC

SECURITY

VOLUME OFFERED

A22 38

Business Courage

Monday, November 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lafarge Africa leverages on group’s strength holders. He said that African business climate remained quite challenging, while the cement market in the North East region which Ashaka operates has been slow in the period. Nevertheless, the ReadyMix business in Nigeria continues to expand with two additional plants to be commissioned in fourth quarter of 2015.

Johnson Okanlawon

or the nine months ended September 30, 2015, Larfarge Africa declared a five per cent increase in topline due to additional hikes in cement prices in the review period, though the botomline dropped by seven per cent because of increase in the company’s administrative and other operating expenses. Also, the profit after tax was eroded by extension of devaluation-induced cost pressures as well as losses from Unicement. Nevertheless, the sales volumes growth in Nigeria remains subdued largely due to deep cut in government capital expenditure.

Company background Lafarge Africa Plc, is a combination of all LafargeHolcim Nigerian operations – (AshakaCem Plc, Unicement, Atlas Cement Company Limited) and Lafarge South African Holdings Limited assets in order to create a stronger platform for growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, with value creating opportunities. The transaction was concluded in September 2014. Q3 performance The company reported a revenue of N168.1 billion, an increase of five per cent from N159.4 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2014, showing a flat to declining market, as the group has grown ahead of the market behind its product offerings and brands. Finance cost reduced toN2.19 billion, from N3.41 billion recorded in the three months of 2014, showing the efficiency of the company. The cement market is foreseen to return to growth as of next year. Group’s strenth Analysis of the result showed that Ready-Mix and Wapco Operations have driven the yearto-date revenue numbers with 31 and 11 per cent year-to-date growth respectively. South Africa’s revenues were marginally below the same period in 2014 in Rand, but in line with last year in Naira. The Ashaka year-todate numbers were affected by the unrest during the start of the year. Ashaka has since returned to normal operations. Industrial performance was strong, with stable plant operations across the board. The South African business continues to be cash generative and the Ashaka plant is now fully operational. However, the volume slow down impacted the profit, with after tax profit from consolidated operations declining by 67 per cent to N3.5 billion in the quarter. Unicement, which was included on an equity basis, brought the after tax profit to N3.3 billion.

Hoddinott

Its operational performance was strong, but an unrealized exchange loss was reflected in the profit and loss account as its foreign currency denominated borrowings were slightly revaluated with the Naira movements. Cash flow from operations was robust at the end of the nine months period, at N36.7 billion. Completion of acquisition Lafarge Africa concluded the second tranche of the acquisition of Flour Mills of Nigeria 15 per cent stake in Unicement. This brings Lafarge Africa’s ownership stake in Unicement to 50 per cent, while LafargeHolcim group owns the remaining 50

per cent. The acquisition has brought about an expansion in the Lafarge Africa scope in Nigeria. Unicem, the key cement player in the South South and South East market in Nigeria is now fully owned by the LafargeHolcim group. Commenting on the results, the Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Africa, Mr. Peter Hoddinott noted that in spite of the challenging business environment and competitive situation, the company has delivered a good performance during the year. According to him, the business expansion is remarkable and the company is optimistic to deliver strong value to share-

Q2 performance The company achieved a 22 per cent year-on-year profit after tax growth in the first half of 2015, from N21.5billion in the same period of 2014 to N26.2billion in the review period. Its pre-tax profit edged up by 15 per cent to N29.7billion in the six-month period to June 30, 2015 from N25.8billion in the corresponding period of 2014. The results also showed growth in revenue and assets with the revenue rising by 12 per cent to N116.7billion in the review period from N104.2billion in the same period of last year. Analysiss of the result showed that the key drivers of the remarkable earnings growth include a 200 basis points expansion in gross margin to 36.6 per cent, a N2.5billion share of profit from associates – essentially Unicement and a net interest income of N2.2billion. In terms of contribution to sales, WAPCO which grew its sales by 14 per cent year-on-year to N31.9billion (53 per cent of group sales) was the biggest contributor to the group’s revenue, while Ashaka’s revenue grew six per cent yearon-year to N6.2billion. Q1 performance The company reported a revenue of N57 billion in the first quarter ended March 31, 2015, an increase of 15 per cent when compared to the same period of 2014, while profit after tax closed the quarter at N8.6 billion, while N14.6 billion of cash was generated from operations. Futher analysis of the result showed that Wapco operations

(the company) had a very strong quarter, following its volume and revenue growth, plus enhanced operational efficiency. Overall, Wapco operation’s profit after tax grew by 19 per cent. The result revealed that the group’s and company’s revenues increased by 25 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively, in the period under review, when compared to 2014. Wapco operations had a strong quarter with 16 per cent volume growth and a favorable mix and pricing, leading up to its overall 25 per cent growth. The company’s Ready-Mix revenue grew by 40 per cent, with South Africa accounting for seven per cent. Ashaka was affected by insecurity in the north eastern part of the country and heightened election apprehensions in March, 2015, and saw a temporary revenue dip in the quarter. The Nigerian ReadyMix business expanded in the quarter to commence aggregate business in Nigeria. This reflects a remarkable step for the business in achieving its objectives of delivering innovative and quality building solutions. Company’s outlook The Nigerian market is temporarily challenging, but is expected to return to growth as the transition period is completed. This will translate into future growth in the infrastructural space in the short to medium term. The company said it will continue to leverage its strong brands, technological advantage and support from the global group. The expansion plans are on track, with the aggregate business ramping up, new ReadyMix plants being erected, the Uni Cement second line set to come on stream in 2016 and the Ashaka expansion plans being finalized. The South African market is foreseen to pick up over the medium term. Its operational performance and commercial offerings are improving, and the foundation is strengthening. Lafarge South Africa will remain a strong cash flow generator to Lafarge Africa, further improved by the strengthening of the Rand versus the Naira. 2015 stands to be an interesting year and the company is very confident about future performance. The underlying growth trend in sales reflects the huge market opportunities for cement sales and other business lines such as Ready-Mix and Aggregates. The company expects the cement market in Nigeria to remain strong, with increased participation from the private sector. Its objective is to deliver innovative and quality building materials to meet the specific need of its customers, while also driving value creation for shareholders. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, November 2, 2015

A23 39

STOCKWATCH Stock Exchange weekly equities summary as at Friday, Oct 30, 2015 SECURITY

PRICE (=N=)

AGRICULTURE/AGRO-ALLIED Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC 0.50 OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. 29.02 PRESCO PLC 30.50 Fishing/Hunting/Trapping ELLAH LAKES PLC. 4.26 Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. 1.60 CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. 1.03 CHELLARAMS PLC. 3.95 JOHN HOLT PLC. 0.96 SCOA NIG PLC 4.16 TRANSNATIONAL CORP. OF NIG.PLC 1.81 U A C N PLC. 26.48 CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Construction ARBICO PLC. 5.04 CAPPA & D’ALBERTO PLC. NT Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. 0.50 G CAPPA PLC 14.46 Non--Building/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. 38.81 ROADS NIG PLC. 6.60 Real Estate Development PINNACLE POINT GROUP PLC NT UACN PROPERTY DEV 7.03 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. 4.35 GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. 0.97 GUINNESS NIG PLC 125.00 INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. 16.00 JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC. 1.51 NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. 136.85 PREMIER BREWERIES PLC 2.95 Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. 196.00 Food Products BIG TREAT PLC NT DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC 2.55 DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC 6.92 FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. 21.16 HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC 2.58 MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC 0.50 N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. 8.99 NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC 7.00 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. 20.15 NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. 825.01 Household Durables BETA GLASS CO PLC. NT NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC. 29.78 VITAFOAM NIG PLC. 5.33 VONO PRODUCTS PLC. 0.93 Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. 24.00 UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. 38.68 Textiles/Apparel UNITED NIG. TEXTILES PLC. NT FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. 4.60 DIAMOND BANK PLC 2.62 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INC. 18.60 FIDELITY BANK PLC 1.42 FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC. NT GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. 23.09 INTERCONTINENTAL BANK 13.50 SKYE BANK PLC 1.99 STERLING BANK PLC. 2.05 U B A PLC 3.50 UNION BANK NIG.PLC. 5.80 UNITY BANK PLC 1.36 WEMA BANK PLC. 0.97 ZENITH BANK PLC 17.60 Insurance Carriers, Brokers & Services AFRICAN ALLIANCE INS. COY. PLC 0.50 AIICO INSURANCE PLC. 0.85 CONFIDENCE INSURANCE PLC NT CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INS. PLC 0.50 CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC 1.00 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 0.50 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 2.65 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. 0.50 N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. 0.70 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 0.50 Micro Finance Banks FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC 5.42 NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC 0.98 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 5.23 Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS 2.65 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INS. PLC 4.20 CRUSADER ( NIG) PLC. NT DEAP CAPITAL MGT & TRUST PLC 0.58 FBN HOLDINGS PLC 5.93 FCMB GROUP PLC 2.19 ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. 0.50 STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC 23.00 SIM CAPITAL ALLIANCE VALUE FUND 103.24 NIGERIA ENERGY SECTOR FUND 552.20 UBA CAPITAL PLC 1.37 HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers EKOCORP PLC. 3.72 UNION DIAGNOSTIC &CLINICAL PLC 0.50 Medical Supplies MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC. 1.73 Pharmaceuticals

NOTE NT=Not Traded on 30-10-15

QUANTITY

9,140 261,540 107,996

52 WK HIGH

0.64 107.81 41.14

52 WK LOW

0.50 20.92 8.24

SHARES OUTSTANDING

EPS

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

0.10 2.29 7.55

MOV. (%)

N/A -5.04 0.00

0.50 30.56 30.50

4.26

60,000,000

0.00

N/A

4.26

1,249,104

7.18

0.68

1,199,549,736

0.07

-5.88

1.70

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

1.03 3.95 0.96 4.16 2.07 29.00

375 3

26.00 95.49

5.05 95.49

148,500,000 196,876,000

0.33 4.50

N/A N/A

5.04 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

0.51 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

-2.95 N/A

39.99 6.60

NT 324,368

7.28 20.90

7.28 8.82

1,375,000,000

0.00 2.20

N/A -17.97

NT 8.57

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 -12.10 N/A N/A -0.12 N/A

4.60 0.97 142.20 17.00 1.51 137.02 2.95

24,150

75.90

38.12

640,590,362

4.46

N/A

196.00

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 -5.56 8.29 0.76 -7.53 N/A N/A -5.53 N/A 0.00 N/A

NT 2.70 6.39 21.00 2.79 0.50 8.99 7.41 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

0.75 -0.60

20.00 830.00

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 0.00 N/A

NT 29.78 5.33 0.93

156,973 119,119

56.00 76.00

21.02 27.60

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

1.34 1.42

-4.00 -7.90

25.00 42.00

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

-8.37 -8.39 2.76 -3.40 #VALUE! -5.76

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

-5.69 -4.21 -13.58 0.87 0.00 2.11 -0.56

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 0.00 N/A -5.41 N/A N/A 0.00 N/A 0.00

0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.55

0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

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

0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.07

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

10,000,000 584,766

6.60 1.22

0.00 0.72

500 500 500 220,000 4,570

1.65 0.50

1.37 0.50

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

0.03 0.02

N/A N/A

0.50 0.99

0.50 0.50

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

0.30 0.00

N/A N/A

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

2.1

0.5

0.61 2.02 21.50 5.70 1.33 20.72 103.24

0.50 2.02 8.57 2.90 0.50 10.64 98.33

1.70

0.00

1.18 0.19

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

0.00 0.15 2.45 1.23 0.13 1.53

0.50 0.86 NT 0.50 0.95 0.50 NT 0.50 0.53 0.50 0.50 NT 0.50 0.5 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.65 0.50 0.74 0.50 NT 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 5.42 1.05

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

5.02 2.86 18.10 1.47 NT 24.50 13.50 2.11 2.14 4.05 5.75 1.54 0.95 17.70

N/A N/A 0.00 N/A 0.00

0.29

1.25 0.50 1.42 0.50 5.23 2.65 4.20 NT 0.58 5.93 2.19 0.50 23.00 103.24 552.20 1.37

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

1.73

N/A=Not Avialable

SECURITY

PRICE (=N=)

EVANS MEDICAL PLC. 0.59 FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC 3.00 GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER PLC 39.99 MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. 1.22 NEIMETH INT PHARM PLC 1.03 NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. 4.91 PHARMA-DEKO PLC. 2.14 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 2.67 NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. 11.02 TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. 1.69 Processing Systems CHAMS PLC 0.50 E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC 2.85 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 23.00 BERGER PAINTS PLC 10.34 CAP PLC 38.00 CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC 7.96 DANGOTE CEMENT PLC 163.01 DN MEYER PLC. 0.70 FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC 0.50 IPWA PLC 0.50 PREMIER PAINTS 10.93 LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. 97.50 PAINTS & COATINGS MANFACT.PLC 1.20 PORTLAND PAINTS & PRDT NIG. PLC 3.53 Electronic and Electrical Products AUSTIN LAZ & COMPANY PLC 2.09 CUTIX PLC. 1.68 NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. NT Packaging/Containers ABPLAST PRODUCTS PLC. NT AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS 1.52 BETA GLASS CO PLC. 45.15 GREIF NIGERIA PLC 9.37 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. NT STOKVIS NIG PLC. NT NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. 4.18 Metals ALUMACO PLC 7.75 ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION IND. PLC. 9.84 MINING SERVICES MULTIVERSE PLC 0.50 Paper/Forest Products HALLMARK PAPER PRODUCTS PLC. NT THOMAS WYATT NIG. PLC. 0.64 OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SER. PLC 0.50 Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC 9.96 Petroleum &Petroleum Products Distributors BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC 0.5 CONOIL PLC 27.41 ETERNA PLC. 1.71 FORTE OIL PLC. 290.00 MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. 154.00 MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. 49.66 TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. 150.01 Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVT. CO, LTD. 234.50 SERVICES Advertising AFROMEDIA PLC 0.50 Apparel Retailers LENNARDS (NIG) PLC. 3.15 Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. 0.53 Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC 4.25 TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. 1.22 Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. 0.50 Hospitality TANTALIZERS PLC 0.50 Hotels/Lodging CAPITAL HOTEL 4.07 IKEJA HOTEL PLC 3.44 TOURIST COY NIG PLC 3.51 TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC 6.42 Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC 0.50 Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS 0.59 LEARN AFRICA PLC 0.81 STUDIO PRESS (NIG) PLC. 2.30 UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. 5.73 Road Transportation ABC TRANSPORT PLCPLC 0.51 Specialty INTERLINKED TECHNOLOGIES PLC 4.21 SECURE ELECTRONIC TECH.PLC 0.5 Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC 1.85 NIG. AVIATION HANDLING COY PLC 4.40 SUPPORT AND LOGISTICS CAVERTON OFFSHORE GROUP PLC 3.05 ASeM CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Property Management SMART PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC NT CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC NT OIL AND GAS CAPITAL OIL PLC NT NAVITUS ENERGY PLC NT Personal/Household Products ROKANA INDUSTRIES PLC. NT HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals AFRIK PHARMACEUTICALS PLC. NT INDUSTRIAL GOODS Electronic and Electrical Products NT ADSWITCH PLC. NT NATURAL RESOURCES Metals W.A. ALUM. PRODUCTS PLC. NT Food/Drug Retailers and Wholesalers NT JULI PLC. NT ETF’s Sector ETF LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF NT NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND NT VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF NT

QUANTITY

52 WK HIGH

52 WK LOW

SHARES OUTSTANDING

EPS

MOV. (%)

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

4.80 2.50 69.00 3.38 1.76 8.59 3.50

0.50 0.61 18.97 1.23 0.58 7.36 1.83

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

0.58 0.24 3.07 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 N/A N/A

Previous 0.59 3.00 39.99 1.22 1.03 4.91 2.14

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

2.67 11.02 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 2.85 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 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 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

0.00 N/A N/A

2.72 23.00 10.34 38.00 7.96 163.01 0.70 0.50 0.50 10.93 97.50 1.20 3.53

100 220,132 100

2.00 2.39 0.73

2.00 1.20 0.50

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

0.05 0.19 0.00

N/A 0.00 N/A

2.09 1.68 NT

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

NT 1.52 45.15 9.37 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

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

7.46 NT NT

10,000

9.35

5.68

393,120,000

0.76

0.00

4.18

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 9.84

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 0.64

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

0.00

9.96

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

76.00 4.87 115.64 146.00 59.00 190.01

16.96 1.32 7.73 106.00 16.20 118.75

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

2.69 0.61 1.43 9.93 1.04 12.91

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 N/A 0.00

0.5 27.41 1.71 290.00 154.00 49.66 150.01

306,355

28,677,671

200

0.72

0.50

100

3.48

209,933

2.45

1.00

2,572,000 3,000

5.10 3.45

2.19 0.73

4,059,547

1.64

1,500

0.75

100 599,750 1,000 2,800

4,035,497,307

234.50

0.00

N/A

0.50 3.15

980,294,400

0.00

0.53

589,496,310 198,819,763

0.52 0.00

0.00 N/A

4.25 1.22

0.85

865,808,912

0.00

N/A

0.50

3,211,627,907

0.00

N/A

0.50

1.72 3.88 10.00

0.64 3.51 10.00

2,078,796,396

0.00

4.07 3.44 3.51 6.42

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 0.00

0.59 0.81 2.30 5.73

955,140

1.29

0.50

1,507,000,000

0.21

N/A

0.51

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

4.21 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 0.00

1.85 4.40

189044

3.05

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, November 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Monday, November 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice nationalmirrorlaw@yahoo.com

Experience shows that most appeals are won on a few cogent and substantial issues, well framed and researched”Justice George Oguntade, Retired Justice of Supreme Court. xx

We need more judges to deal with cases —Etiaba 42

President, Muhammadu Buhari

How Dele Giwa was charged with Official Secrets Act 45

Alleged N1tn scam: Should Lamorde step aside? The Federal Ministry of Justice recently directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to investigate its chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, over alleged diversion of about N1 trillion being proceeds of corruption recovered by the commission. In this report, WALE IGBINTADE asks lawyers whether a man can be a judge in his own case.

40-yr-old serial killer appears in court 46

EFCC Chairman, Lamorde

emo judex in causa sua’ is a popular legal maxim that means no man should be a judge in his own case. It is a principle of natural justice that no person can judge a case in which he has an interest. This rule is basically to prevent any appearance of a possible bias, even if there is actually none. This is because justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done. Following a petition dated September 18, 2015 to the SolicitorGeneral and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. Abdullahi Yola, the Federal Ministry of Justice instructed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate its chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde for alleged diversion of

The authority that directed the Ministry of Justice to order a self-investigation by EFCC should know what to do and not put the investigators in difficulty about N1 trillion being proceeds of corruption recovered by the commission. The petitioner, George Uboh, in his petition asked the justice ministry, “through which EFCC derives its power to prosecute, to immediately rescind the fiat to prosecute criminal suspects from EFCC.” He also sought an immediate issuance of “fiat for the prosecution of EFCC’s past and present leadership and their known and unknown co-conspirators via the

22-page preliminary criminal charges the undersigned has prepared.” Uboh, who had earlier petitioned the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, leveling the same set of allegations against Lamorde, finally got the ministry’s letter dated October 8, 2015. The ministry’s letter which was signed by the Director, Public Prosecutions of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. Muhammad Diri, on behalf of the Permanent

Secretary, was dated October 8. The letter with reference number, DPPA/PET/EFCC/006/2008 reads, “I refer to your letter dated September 28, in respect of the above mentioned subject matter. “I am directed to inform you that your petition has been sent to EFCC for its response to the allegation contained therein. The commission has been directed by the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary to forward the result of its CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

Law & Justice

Monday, November 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

We need more Judges to Emeka Etiaba (SAN), is one of the 20 legal practitioners recently conferred with the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. The University of Jos graduate of law has a flourishing law practice. In this interview with WALE IGBINTADE, he speaks on plea bargaining, capital punishment and other issues. Excerpts:

Your have just been elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. How does it feel to be a SAN? It feels good. It gives one a sense of fulfilment. One is happy that his professional body has recognised one worthy to be given the best award that the profession can give. Being a privilege, it is not something that I want to toy with. It is something that has given me a sense of duty and a resolve to work harder and to make sure that the ideals of the profession is upheld to the highest level. Did it come to you as a surprise? No, it didn’t come as a surprise because I have been on the short list for quite some times now. But being on the short list does not guarantee that you will eventually make it. This is because a lot of people are qualified to be Senior Advocate of Nigeria. So, it is when it pleases God. I don’t think any of us who applied to be Senior Advocate of Nigeria will say he is surprised if he eventually makes it. Because, the whole idea of being in any race is to make it. Do you agree with the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, that corrupt officials should face capital punishment? No I don’t. I think it is a call that goes to the extreme. But that again can only be blamed on the desperate desire of the citizens of Nigeria to bring in measures that will dissuade people from continuing to loot public funds. That may not at the end of the day be the innermost desire of those calling for capital punishment, but that is just an expression. The desires of Nigerians for the government to take extreme measures against corruption because for too long we hear that those who embezzled our money are arrested, investigated, charged to court and that is the last you hear of such cases. Although, I am not in support of capital punishment, I am in support of serious measures being put in place which include jail term even when plea bargaining comes in like in the case of James Ibori who still went to jail in London after plea bargaining. But, some have argued that plea bargaining is unknown to our jurisprudence. How will you react to this? Plea bargaining is actually a situation where a suspects concedes to judgment on the understanding that rather than go to jail, he or she will bring out the loot. But in civilized societies, plea bargaining goes beyond returning what you have stolen. For example in the case of James Ibori in England, plea bargaining was employed, but after he volunteered to return what he had stolen, he was still sentenced. The only difference was that the sentence was a bit light;

Etiaba

Plea bargaining is known to our jurisprudence and that is why everybody is shouting we don’t stop at the exchange of money as a replacement for sentencing.

You collect the loot but, go ahead and sentence the person. it wasn’t as it would have been. In the case of Nigeria, somebody steals N1billion, you tell him to pay N700, 000.00 and then the person walks home. A lot of criticism has gone through it when the situation arose in Abuja. Now, with the new Criminal Justice Act, plea bargaining is known to our jurisprudence and that is why everybody is shouting we don’t stop at the exchange of money as a replace for sentencing, you collect the loot but, go ahead and sentence the person. It is known to our jurisprudence

now, but it shouldn’t stop at that. It does not mean the person should not go to jail. How will you react to insinuations that the judiciary is corruption? I cannot sit here and tell you the judiciary is corrupt. If there are particulars of corruption then I can come up with it. There are times judgments are analysed by people who never read the whole judgments and they will say this Judge must have taken bribe that is not enough evidence. There are

some proven cases of corruption and the National Judicial Council dealt with such cases, sacked those Judges involved or in other cases suspended those involved. But, that is not enough to criticize the judiciary as being corrupt, one case, two cases, even ten cases are not enough to say the judiciary is corrupt. So, don’t make a blanket labeling of the entire judiciary. One or two people may be bad eggs, but that is not all that is bad. You really have to search for those bad eggs and deal with them. Nobody is saying there are no bad eggs. Do you agree that corruption continued to thrive in Nigeria because our laws are weak? The system is bad the laws are not too good, that is why the new Act came into being. With the introduction of the new Act, criminal trials are supposed to go on day to day like election petitions. It is not like come today and take an adjournment for another

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice

Monday, November 2, 2015

deal with cases —Etiaba

three months, no, it is now day to day. The interlocutory appeals cannot stop trials, there is nothing like stay of proceedings anymore, those are the things that delayed trials. But also remember that Nigeria is a place where people shout you stole, you now called them as witnesses that they should come and testify, the same people will go and collect money and will not come to court to testify. In some of the cases they will not come to testify because they are afraid. It is not only the failing of the lawyers or the Judges because lawyers will not go into the witness box to testify. It is the people who witnessed the act complained about that will stand in the box and testify. Sometimes they will not come for some reasons. Again, another problem we have is that because we don’t have enough Judges to sit over these matters, you now find that in one day a Judge sits over 30 cases, sometimes it is up to 45 in some courts. How does a Judge, one man cope with 30 cases from 9am? So we need more Judges to deal with cases. Some people said we also need Judges who are specialised in criminal matters that is the theory propagated by some people, but the truth about it is that I believe they don’t need special training to handle cases of crime. Do you think that the National Judicial Council is doing enough in the discipline of Judges compared to the judiciary in Ghana where about 22 Judges were sacked at a time from the Bench because of corruption? The case of Ghana is different from the case that you have in Nigeria. Like I said before, where are the witnesses? In Ghana they have the CCTV camera showing where the Judges were taking bribe, who has ever produced such in Nigeria? The NJC meets, they look at the petitions, if it has merits they would call on the Judge to respond and call on the petitioners to come and establish their claims, but unfortunately, the Ghanaian experience you just mentioned, they brought CCTV to show their claims. Who can do that in Nigeria? What Nigerians do and I must tell you especially lawyers, is to now convert cases that should go on appeal to a petition issue. I go to a court, the court makes pronouncement that I am not satisfied with, rather than going on appeal, I now write a petition or asked my client to write a petition that the Judge is biased, he takes bribe, in some cases, they would tell you he accepted $50,000. Were they the ones that brought the money? How did they know that the money is $50,000? Most times, the people who writes petition don’t have evidence, but they just write to frustrate the case because the Judge will say “a petition has been written against me, I will withdraw, I will not handle the matter anymore”. Some petitions are targeted at achieving that. NJC is doing the most it can in the circumstance, they are human beings, they are not machines and human beings work based on evidence availed them. Evidence has to be made available. For the much they have done, they were able to achieve it because evidence came at the appropriate time. But, don’t you think that delay in justice delivery could lead to suspicion? The delay in justice delivery, if there is

anything like that, does not support any human being writing a petition against a Judge. You have to draw a distinction between a Judge acting corruptly and a Judge making mistake or being unable to appreciate the circumstances of the law. The fact that you make mistakes justified the establishment of the appellate courts. Court of Appeal will not exist if all judgments from the High Courts are proper and correct, that is why that court exists so that you can go and have a second verdict. But when a Judge corruptly transgresses the law and justice, then you can now write a petition. The petition you’re writing cannot be factored into the appeal because the ingredient of bias, the ingredients of corrupt practices is not what you put in the appeal. That has its own channel. The National Assembly is in the process of enacting a law that gives immunity to its principal officers. How do you see this? I don’t think that is the proper thing to do, I don’t think they are entitled to that because the whole essence of immunity goes to the reasoning that somebody who enjoys executive powers should not be distracted by unreasonable petitions and court matters because the stake is very high. They should focus on governance and not on frivolous things. If you allow people in executive power such as the President, Vice-President, Governors and Deputy-Governors to be distracted, if you remove immunity you will find out that every God-given day, they will be in court to answer one question or the other. That means they cannot function well in that office. For the legislators, theirs is different, because you have 10 people who can function at the same time. If the Senate President is sued; his deputy can go on in that position. Any day you don’t see Bukola Saraki presides, his deputy will preside, it is well known and nothing is wrong with that. We have quite a lot of people in the National Assembly, but for governors and president, they are limited and don’t forget that the work of the legislator is not an everyday work unlike the governor or the president, legislators work is part time. The governor does not work and go, he sits permanently for the period of four years. There are calls that lawmakers’ job should be on part time basis. Would you subscribe to that? The call is just a call stating the obvious, they are doing part time. How many times have they sat this legislative year? It is all part time, we are the ones that are cheated because they are paid monthly and that virtually take care of their everyday sitting, the call is just stating the obvious. It should be part time and payment should be made on those specific days they sat, not like they are civil servants. You will realise that the cost is enormous on the people. There was a radio programme that was discussing House of Representative that they have 96 standing committees that is what is called cost of governance. Why will they have such a number of committees? Is it not part of the wastage that we are complaining about? The cost is enormous and in these austere times, one should be more inclined to cut the cost.

Etiaba

You have to draw a distinction between a Judge acting corruptly and a Judge making mistake or being unable to appreciate the circumstances of the law. Lawmakers who are lawyers in the Senate and the House of Representatives said they should be considered for the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). What is your take? Senior Advocate of Nigeria that name does not suggest that lawmakers should be considered. Nigerians are funny people, you want to be Senior Advocate why going to become legislator? You cannot be in the National Assembly, far away from litigation and you want to become senior advocate. A large percentage of students failed the 2015 final Bar examination. What do you think is responsible and what is the way out? It didn’t come as a surprise because last year was the same, quite a lot of them failed. What it means is that the quality of education in the universities keep dropping by the day because Law School is an institution that has standards, it has never gone on strike, its standard remains good. But, if the people who come in as students are unable to cope with the standard then you find what is going on. It still boils down to the university system being repaired so that the people they send to the Law School will be able to cope with the course. In most times if you listen to a lawyer talking or write, you will be shocked

at what they write or speak and you will wonder if it is the same institution that you went through. How can the war on corruption be fought and won? The war on corruption can be fought and won if proper system of accountability is put in place. If laws are put in place so that people will not abuse it because like a lot of people say, all you need in Nigeria is to steal enough to be able to compromise the system with the best of lawyers there for you. But, if the legal system is tightened, I am very sure that people will think twice before committing atrocities. We also need to regenerates our hearts. Growing up, I remember we had moral instructions in school, I don’t know how much of that goes on and with the advent of the internet today, it is bad. Tomorrow it is likely to be worse because there are no boundaries anymore, your parents cannot actually determine what you hear, what you watch. In our own days, it was easy, but these days, not even my little boy can be under 100 per cent control because of the influence of internet. So, things are likely to go worst rather than go better because of the internet and the low moral standard. We really have to tighten our belt and live right.

Law & Justice

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, November 2, 2015

‘Nobody can be a judge in his own court’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41 investigation as soon as it is completed. “Please accept the assurances of the highest regards of the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary.” But many Nigerians wonder whether the commission can carry out a thorough investigation when Lamorde still holds sway as chairman. National Mirror therefore approached some top lawyers for their views. While faulting the directive, the ‘learned gentlemen’ were unanimous in their decision that the appropriate thing would be for the EFCC chairman to step aside before he could be judged. They noted that pursuance to the Civil Service Rules, Lamorde must step aside during the pendency of the investigation by the commission. Speaking on the issue, Dr. Biodun Layonu (SAN) queried the directive, adding that the Federal Ministry of Justice ought not to have ordered EFCC to investigate itself. ‘’The authority that directed the Ministry of Justice to order a self investigation by EFCC should know what to do and not put the investigators in difficulty. Besides, if what you are reporting is true, how can the EFCC be investigating itself or investigating its serving chairman? That is an assault on common sense not to talk of the legal maxim that a person cannot be a judge in his own case.’’ Similarly, Chief Gani Adetola-Kaseem (SAN) said, ‘’Nobody can be a judge in his own court; it will be a breach of natural justice. The gentleman involved is the Chairman of EFCC. In fact, it is like inviting the EFCC to probe itself. There is an allegation that money recovered and kept in their care has been diverted, so I think an independent body should conduct the enquiry. ‘’If they find anything, then they can refer it for appropriate sanction. The ministry of Justice can appoint whoever to investigate and at least come up with a report.

Layonu, SAN

Adetola-Kaseem, SAN

Olu Daramola, SAN

The appropriate thing is for an independent body to investigate and not the

EFCC.

And see if anybody is found culpable. So, EFCC cannot conduct such investigation. It should be given to another agency, either the Nigerian Police or the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC. ‘’However, to whom really is the letter from ministry of Justice addressed to, because most correspondence coming to EFCC will go to the Chairman. There must have been an error somewhere because asking the EFCC to probe its own chairman is not ideal.’’ In his view, Olu Daramola (SAN) said: ‘’they are asking him to investigate himself. Your guess is as good as mine.’’ When contacted, Lagos-based lawyer, Nnaemeka Amaechina, insisted that there would be no serious investigation unless the EFCC chairman steps aside.

Bar

Jokes

Lawyer’s son The lawyer’s son wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps, so he went to law school and graduated with honours. Then he went home to join his father’s firm. At the end of his first day at work, he rushed into his father’s office and said, “Father, father! In one day I broke the Smith case that you’ve been working on for so long!” His father yelled, “You idiot! We’ve been living on the funding of that case for 10 years!”

Too young to die

A lawyer dies and goes to Heaven. “There must be a mistake,” the lawyer argues. “I’m too young to die. I’m only 55.” “Fifty-five?” says Saint Peter. “No, according to out calculations, you’re 82.” “How’d you get that?” the lawyer asks. Answers St. Peter, “We added up your time sheets.”

You won’t go to jail

A man who had been caught embezzling millions from his employer went to a lawyer seeking defence.

He said: ‘‘The fact is that for EFCC to probe Lamorde, the chairman has to either proceed on suspension because he cannot be heading an administration that is probing him. The appropriate thing is for an independent body to investigate and not the EFCC. So, if the allegation is credible, then the proper thing should be done. The way they are going about it is like sweeping the matter under the carpet. You cannot ask me to probe myself, because that will give me the opportunity to cover-up. Nobody can be a judge in his own case. You cannot determine your own matter. It is never done. We are not saying the EFCC chairman should be removed because of the allegation, but he should step aside and proceed on leave so as to create enabling environment for a thorough probe to be conducted.

He didn’t want to go to jail. But his lawyer told him, “Don’t worry. You’ll never have to go to jail with all that money.” And the lawyer was right. When the man was sent to prison, he didn’t have a dime.

Lawyer Brains

A doctor notices a sidewalk stand that says ‘brains for sale.’ He goes over to investigate and sees a sign that says ‘Doctor brains $8.00 a pound’ and another sign that says ‘Paramedic brains $12.00 a pound, Nurses brains $30.00 a pound, truck driver $40.00 a pound and lawyers brains $90.00 a pound.’ So he asks the man behind the cash register, “how come his brains are only worth 8.00 and a lawyer’s worth 90.00?” The man replies, “do you know how many lawyers it takes to make a pound of brains?”

A Lawyer and an honest man

A woman and her little girl were visiting the grave of the little girl’s grandmother. On their way through the cemetery back to the car, the little girl asked, “Mummy, do they ever bury two people in the same grave?” “Of course not, dear,” replied the mother, “Why would you think that?” “The tombstone back there said... ‘Here lies a lawyer and an honest man.’” Culled from Lawyers weekly .com

zzzz

Amaechina ‘’Government should do the right thing; our President should appoint a substantive Attorney-General of the Federation. I really don’t know what is delaying the appointment. If there is one in office, I do not expect such kind of directive to be issued.’’

legal tips

Contempt of Court

ontempt of Court in legal parlance is the willful disregard of or disrespect for the authority of a court of law or legislative body. *Contemptuous act is punishable by the court and its purpose is the need to protect the dignity of the court to the person of the judge and to prevent undue interference with the administration of justice. *It is not to show or bolster up the power and dignity of the judge as an individual. Conduct or acts that amount to Contempt *Using language or exhibiting behaviour which is outrageous or which is deliberately insulting to the court; *Comments whether oral or written scandalizing the court is contemptuous; *Publication in a Newspaper or ar-

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ticle containing scurrilous personal abuse of a judge with reference to his conduct as a judge in any judicial proceedings. Forms of Contempt Contempt may be in-facie curiae that is, in the face of the court or exfacie curiae, i.e. outside the court. Punishment *Contempt is committed under S. 133 of the Criminal Code (CC) carries a maximum of three months imprisonment. *The court will pardon a contemnor whose conduct is unintentional and who purges his contempt by a sincere apology to the court. *A contemnor can be ordered to be kept in prison until he purges himself of contempt. We welcome feedback and reactions from readers via our e-mail: nationamirrorlaw@yahoo.com

Jokes

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How Dele Giwa was charged with Official Secrets Act FAMOUS CASES

About 33 years ago, the late journalist, Dele Giwa, was arrested over reports on the Republic building fire incident. He was subsequently charged with a breach of the Official Secrets Act before a Federal High Court in Lagos but was later discharged and acquitted, writes FRANCIS FAMOROTI, Head, Judiciary.

ometimes on Friday, October 29, 1982, the then Editor, Sunday Concord, Dele Giwa was arrested over reports on the Republic building fire incident and the subsequent probe panel on the causes of the fire incident. Sunday Concord had on October 24, 1982 serialised the yet to be officially released government White paper on the incident. The publication roughened official feathers, leading to the arrest of Giwa on October 29, five days after the publication. Ahead of Giwa’s arrest, a group of policemen led by Mr Raphael Osanaiye, then a Superintendent of police had stormed the Editor’s No. 11, Adolphous Davies Street, Ikeja, Lagos residence to apprehend him. Giwa was subsequently charged before the Federal High Court for allegedly contravening the Official Secrets Acts of 1962. The charge, No. FHC/L/390c/82 and initiated by the then Attorney-General Of The Federation as the complainant against Giwa and Concord Press of Nigeria Limited, cited as accused persons. The three-count charge reads among others ‘’That you Dele Giwa of No. 11, Adolphus Davies Street Ikeja, Lagos and Concord Press of Nigeria Ltd of Concord House, 42, Concord Way, Off Murtala Muhammed Airport Ikeja, Lagos on or about the 24th day of October, 1982 in Ikeja in the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, did reproduce a classified matter, to wit-draft of the Federal Government Views On the Report of the Republic Building Fire Incident Tribunal of Inquiry - on the Sunday Concord Newspaper Volume 3 No. 86 of 24 October, 1982, which matters you are not authorised on behalf of the government to reproduce and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) (b) and punishable under Section 7(1) (a) of the Official Secret Act 1962 (No. 29 of 1962 Laws of the Federation), as amended by the Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act 1966 (No. 12 of 1966 Laws of the Federation).’’ Giwa pleaded not guilty to the charges dated 17th day of November, 1982. The late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) stood in for the accused persons while the Director of Public Prosecutions, (DPP), Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. Ben Nwazojie, was the prosecutor. But despite the charge, for reasons best known to the police, they still harassed Giwa, that the General Manager of Concord Press, Yaya Awosanya who stood surety for him at the police station, should produce him at the police station, a move which elicited a strongly-worded letter from Gani Fawehinmi to the Police Commissioner. In a letter dated December 19, 1992, Gani Fawehinmi declared: “The Concord Press of Nigeria Limited was charged this morning before the Federal High Court No. 5 presided over by Hon. Mr. Justice Kachickwu. I enclosed herewith a copy of the charge. Mr. Dele Giwa who was to be charged with the Concord Press of Nigeria had not been

Dele Giwa

Fawehinmi

Giwa was subsequently charged before the Federal High Court in Lagos, for allegedly contravening the Official Secrets Acts of 1962. served. “Mr. Awosanya, the General Manager of Concord Press of Nigeria Ltd. told me this morning that you insisted that he should produce Mr. Dele Giwa within 36 hours from yesterday. I wonder why this development should take place, knowing fully well that as at yesterday, Thursday, the 18th of November, 1982, a criminal summons had been signed by a Judge of the Federal High Court to be served on Dele Giwa. “Perhaps it is necessary to emphasise to you that once a criminal summons is issued, the investigation being conducted by the police terminates. As it was in the course of the investigation that Mr. Awosanya stood surety for Mr. Dele Giwa and since that investigation has terminated, the suretyship lapses. “All that the police need do now is to effectuate service, on behalf of the court, of the criminal summons against Mr. Dele Giwa. I refer you to Section 88 of the Criminal Procedure Act which reads thus: “Every summons shall be served by a police officer or by an officer of the court issuing it or other public servant.” “It is also relevant to advert your mind to Section 89 and 90 of the Criminal Procedure Act. Section 89 which reads thus: “The person effecting service of summons shall effect it by delivering it: (a) If on individual, to him personally or (b) If on a firm or corporation — (i) to one of the partners,(ii) to a director, or .(iii) to the secretary, or (iv) to the chief agent within the jurisdiction, or (v) by leaving the same at the principal place of business in Nigeria of the firm or corporation, or (vi) to anyone having, at the time of service,

control of the business of the firm or corporation, or (c) If on a native authority then in accordance with the provision of Section 62 of the Native Authority Act or (d) If on a local government council then in accordance with Section 207 of the Eastern States Local Government Laws 1955.” “For you to continue to call on Mr. Dele Giwa after a formal charge had been laid before the court against Mr. Giwa amounts to illegal harassment of Mr. Awosanya because you have ceased to be legally in control since your investigation terminated and after the summons had been signed by a Judge. It is incontrovertible that the matter is squarely in the hands of the court and not in the hands of the police anymore. May I inform you that Mr. Awosanya represented Concord Press of Nigeria in the charge before the Federal High Court No. 5 today and he was granted bail in the sum of N5,000.00 - in his own recognizance. There is doubt therefore that Mr. Awosanya is no longer under your control but that of the court. “Finally, and this is very important, if you desire to effect service behalf of the court of the criminal summons on Mr. Dele Giwa, you can do this through our chambers. I can assure you that I will accept that summons. There is no point in your harassing Mr. Awosanya. Obviously you have no right to continue to call on him to show up in your police station. For your information, the criminal charge| a copy of which is attached to this letter, has been adjourned the 6th of December, 1982.” However, in a dramatist twist, when the case came up for hearing, the DPP, Mr

Nwazojie, acting on the directives of the Federal Attorney-General, Chief Richard Akinjide(SAN), entered a nolle prosequi by virtue of section 160 of the 1979 constitution and Dele Giwa was subsequently discharged and acquitted. But his freedom was short-lived as he flew into another turbulent weather when he was again arrested on February 2, 1983 again for allegedly flouting the Official Secrets Act. Giwa, this time around was accused of publishing a mere correspondence between the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police. He was detained at Alagbon close police cell, Lagos. He was subsequently charged before Justice Fred Anyaegbunam of the Federal High Court after the Attorney-General, Chief Richard Akinjide had granted his consent pursuant to section 7(3) of the Official Secrets Act of 1962. The three-count charge reads among others ‘’ That you, Dele Giwa of No. 11 Adolphus Davies Street, Ikeja, Lagos and the Concord Press of Nigeria Ltd., of Concord House, 42, Concord Way, off Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos on or about the 30th day of January, 1983, at Ikeja in the Lagos Judicial Division of The Federal High Court, did reproduce a classified matter, to wit - copy of a letter dated 14th December 1982 written by the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief R.O A. Akinjide, S.A.N., to Mr. S A. Adewusi, C.F.R., N.P.M., the Inspector General of Police, on the Sunday Concord Newspaper, Vol. 3 No. 100 of 30th January, 1983, which matter you are not authorised on behalf of the government of the Federation to reproduce and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) (b) and punishable under Section 7 (1) (a) of the Official Secrets Act, 1962 (No. 29 of 1962 Laws of the Federation) as amended by the Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act 1966 (No. 12 of 1966 Laws of the Federation).’’

Law & Justice

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40-yr-old serial killer appears in court Sydney man found guilty of 1988 rape, murder of 66-yr-old woman

uspected serial killer Stephen Port has appeared via videolink at the Old Bailey charged with poisoning and murdering four young men. According to BBC report, Mr. Port, of Barking, is accused of killing the men after contacting them via dating websites between June 2014 and September this year. The suspect allegedly gave his victims large amounts of British Prime Minister David Cameron the drug GHB.

AUSTRALIA

man has been found guilty of rape and murder of 66-year-old woman, Doris Fenbow, at Little Bay in Sydney’s south-east in 1988. According to ABC report, the man, who can only be referred to as BL because he was 17 years old at the time of the crime, was arrested last year after providing a DNA sample that matched evidence taken from the victim’s body. The victim was assaulted and killed and her home set ablaze in September 1988. Mrs. Fenbow had been beaten and there had also been an attempt to strangle her, but the defence said while the accused would not be disputing that he had sexual intercourse with the victim, he played no part in inflicting those injuries or in setting the fire. But a jury today found him guilty of both those counts. Earlier in the trial defence

Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott barrister Bill Neild told the jury that BL was walking back to his home on the night of the incident when he was approached, punched and dragged into the unit and forced to have sex with the victim by a man who had previously sexually abused him and has since died. Despite an extensive investigation and coronial inquest in 1989, the case went cold. It was reopened last year, with detectives conducting further investigations and carrying out a full forensic review.

odi James Maybir has pleaded not guilty in the New South Wales Supreme Court to murdering a boy in May 2013. Maybir was the boy’s guardian and was in a relationship with the boy’s mother, Kayla James. James is in jail after pleading guilty to manslaughter over her son’s death.

LONDON

He was remanded in custody of charges relate to the deaths of Anthony Patrick Walgate, a 23-year-old fashion and design student from Barnet who was pronounced dead on Cooke Street, Barking, on 19 June 2014. Also, Gabriel Kovari, 22years, from Lewisham, whose body was found near the churchyard of St Margaret’s Church, North Street, Barking, onAugust28, 2014. Jack Taylor, a 25-year-old forklift truck driver from Dagenham, whose body was

found near the Abbey Ruins close to North Street on 14 September this year. Daniel Whitworth, 21 years, an aspiring chef from Gravesend, Kent, whose body was also found near the churchyard on 20 September 2014. The deaths were not initially linked but after further investigation they were referred to the Metropolitan Police homicide and major crime command on October 14.

Court overturns dagga-smoking pupil’s expulsion SOUTH AFRICA

prestigious private school in Ballito said it stood firmly behind its no drug policy after a high court ruled in favour of a pupil who was expelled after being bust for smoking dagga. ABC in its report says that Durban High Court acting Judge Cassim Sardiwalla had ruled that a 15-year-old grade 8 pupil at Ashton International College, be allowed to return to school. The use of the substance

was discovered during a random drug test done by the school. Sardiwalla said the process the school followed was flawed because it did not abide by its own policies and rules. In a statement, the school said it was “not the ruling that Ashton International College were hoping for”. The school maintained that it had followed the correct procedure according to its code of conduct, but when it came to the disci-

Music producer accused of killing 7-yr-old boy Maybir is a hip hop artist and a producer of Christian pop music. On the witness stand, his mother Patricia Connell said he called her one morning asking her to come to the music studio in Sydney’s south, saying “something terrible” had happened.

Msr. Connell said when she arrived the police were there and told her one of the children had died. Maybir originally told police the boy died after falling off his pogo stick but the court has heard he had given multiple stories about how the child received head injuries.

plinary hearing, it opted to have the meeting chaired by an independent professional, “so as to give the student the full benefit of the doubt”. “Ashton has signed the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport Policy together with many of the schools throughout the country against substance and drug abuse, especially in sport. “Random drug tests are carried out throughout the country at both private and public schools. These policies are all signed by the parents and the students,” the school said. “As this is a very sensitive issue, with the end of the year fast approaching and examinations starting on November 9, Ashton offered the student an academic support programme

Jacob Zuma which would have assisted him in preparing for the examinations at the end of the year. This offer was declined.” Joe Erasmus, executive head of the school, added: “At all times, the best interests of the students of this school is, and will remain, our priority. We will continue to strive for a drug-free campus and random drug tests will still be carried out.

Promo: Trader files N60m suit again Sterling Bank Wale Igbintade

Lagos Trader, Mrs. Rihannat Adunni Caulcrick has instituted a N60 million suit against Sterling Bank Plc before a Lagos High Court over alleged unauthorised use of her photographs for Super Account Promo. The claimant, through her lawyer, Ajayi Fatoki, is asking for a court declaration that the surreptitious use of her photographs at various times for an upward of over five years as well as the use of her shop at Balogun market for advertisement without her

consent is illegal. In her motion on notice brought pursuant to Order 39 Rule 1&2 of the High Court Civil Procedure) Rule 2012, the claimant is asking for an order compelling the bank to pay compensation over alleged breach of her rights to dignity and personal privacy. She also is asking for a perpetual injunction restraining the bank from engaging in any form of secret use of her photographs or her shop without her consent. In a 22-page affidavit attached to the motion on notice, the claimant stated that sometime in August, 2014, she discovered that the bank has been using her photographs and

that of her shop for the purpose of their Super Account Promo in virtually all the states of the federation. According to the claimant, she got to know about the use of her photographs through her co-traders in the market and that she afterward confronted some of the respondent officers. She claimed that on August 12, 2014, she was invited for a meeting at the bank’s Headquarters at Marina, Lagos. The claimant stated that at the said meeting the respondent allegedly acknowledged the usage of her photographs for a period of five years, but offered a paltry N500, 000 as

It went very well — Chief Richard Akinjide

appeared before Sir Adetokunbo Ademola when he was Chief Justice of Western Nigeria in Ibadan.

It was a land matter. I appeared with my senior but he allowed me to argue the case and I enjoyed it. It went very well.

Chief Richard Akinjide

compensation. Consequently, the claimant stated that her lawyer and the respondent exchanged several letters, but no meaningful agreement was reached. When the matter came up before Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile, the respondent challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit. The respondent, through its lawyer, Adedayo Adesina in its originating application urged the court to strike out or dismissed the suit for lack of jurisdiction and that suit was not commenced by due process of the law. But in her ruling, justice OkikioluIghile dismissed the application and held that she has jurisdiction to hear the suit. Dissatisfied, the respondent filed Notice of Appeal and urged the appellate court to set aside the decision of the lower court. In ground one of its Notice of Appeal, the respondent stated that the lower court judge erred in law and came to wrong conclusion when she consolidated the appellant’s motion on notice dated May 7, 2015. The Court of Appeal is yet to give a date

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The limits of legislators’ powers in determining their emoluments Bashir Ramoni Introduction

ccording to Madison’s Theory explaining the concept of “separation of powers”, he opined that one branch of government must not be vested with the whole of another. This position further popularizes the need for checks and balances in government to prevent absolutism that breeds corrupt practices. It appears that there is an ongoing power play between the Revenue Mobilization and Allocation Fiscal Commission over the review and/or determination of the emolument of political and public office holders in a bid to cut cost of governance as proposed by President Muhammadu Buhari administration. To the common man on the road, he wants to see a justification for himself being denied of his hard earned money paid “on the basis of 30 days make a pay” only to be have his servants in government to be rewarded higher than the master. In such circumstance, one is irresistibly encouraged by the sage saying of Frantz Fanon who once said: “The future will have no pity for those men who possess exceptional privileges of being able to speak the word of truth to their oppressors but have taken refuge in an attitude of passivity, of mute indifference and sometime of cold of complexity”. In this paper, effort is made to consider the current emoluments of the members of the National Assembly, Nigerians’ grievance, the constitutional provisions relating to determination of such emolument as contained in the 1999 Constitution (as Amended), and Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries, Allowances e.t.c) Act, modus operandi for determining the emolument of public office holders and how this issue is being handled in other jurisdictions such as the United States of America. The views expressed in this piece such as protecting checks and balances in governance are also supported by relevant judicial authorities and concluded with possible suggestions to curb further abuse of the public treasury by those elected to safeguard it.

Factual Background

The Nigerian people are aggrieved with the bogus emoluments and severance packages paid to political office holders. Their Excellencies, President Muhammdu Buhari and Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN identifying the pain of the citizens, announced their intention to have their emoluments reviewed downward. The reason for this proposal presumably is their personal conviction that the cost of governance in Nigeria is not only huge but also outrageous which cannot be justified in the face of harsh economic realities on ground. The presidential announcement apparently signaled to the Revenue Mobilization and Allocation Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) the direction which the present government is set to go. As a matter of fact, many have argued that the political office holders should not be paid bogus allowances which ordinary workers that work for 30 days a month do not earn. For instance, one Chief Deji Fasuan, a senior citizen from Ekiti State, lamented from the bone marrow in his article titled “National Assembly remunerations: It’s a matter of conscience” published in the 12th June, 2015 Vanguard edition. The senior citizen said: “No, it can’t continue! Nigeria must be saved from l e s s than one per cent of the population that appropriates more than 10% of our national wealth. We must know what our National Assembly men earn. There must be a change. Let PMB start from the National Assembly, we will all line up behind him” The Honourable members of the National Assembly attempted to follow the presidential signal and accordingly referred its own emoluments to its committee for review. Unfortunately, it was recently reported that the National Assembly may not bend backward to review downwards either its budget or emoluments. One then wonders the essence of spending the larger part of our national resources on only 469 citizens called Legislators while over 170 million people continue to suffer the indignity of mismanaged resources!!! It would interest you to know that, one of the private investigative non-governmental social media on its website www.nairametrics.com/nairarain-at-nass-as-legislators-refuse-pay -cut-collect-n23-4m-each/ recently revealed startling statistics on the 8th National Assembly as follows:

• Sat for 15 days • Recessed for3 times • Each Senator collected #36.4m • Each Rep Member collected #25m • Total approximately #13billion • Bills Passed----- zero A juxtaposition of the work done and the amount payable as emoluments to the National Assembly as reported in many of the daily newspapers and on social media therefore refresh my subscription to the philosophical thought of John Stuart Mills (1806 - 1873), an English philosopher, political economist and Member of Parliament of the early modern period,, who once argued: “For any political arrangement to satisfy the liberty principle (or harm principle), according to which the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community against his will, is to prevent harm to others” The Utilitarian school believes that anything else has value only in its causing happiness or preventing suffering. The corollary of this ideology is that every “pleasure” or “happiness” comes with “pain” or “suffering”. By utilitarian standards, the totality of Nigeria’s resources belongs to the people. Therefore, if the resources must be spent, it must be for nothing other than the common good and interest of all the people. It can only be spent in the manner that would prevent maximum suffering or discrimination at its peak. The emoluments of political and public office holders cannot be an exception. The real question now addressed in this paper is who actually has the power to determine the emoluments of political and public office holders (including that of the National Assembly members) under the 1999 Constitution? The questions of whether the National Assembly in whatever manner has the powers to fix its own emoluments and whether the RMAFC is constitutionally handicapped from calling the National Assembly to order are all addressed in this paper. The paper of course raises other related and fundamental issues of concern. TO BE CONTINUED

EVENT

L-R: Mr. Soji Awogbade and Dr. Adesegun Akin-Olugbade, at AELEX Annual Lecture entitled ‘African Countries: Politics, Democracy and Ethnicity’ in Lagos.

L-R: Chief David Richards and Dr. Obafemi Olopade, OFR.

L-R: Mrs. Efunmi Olubanwo, Mrs Funke Adekoya, SAN, and Tokunbo Ekukinan

Guest Speaker, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi; Chairman, Senator Ike Nwachukwu and Managing Partner, AELEX, Mr. Theo Eneha. PHOTOS:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Monday, November 2, 2015

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Community Mirror Payment of tax is a civic responsibility of all adults. We enjoin our people to see reason in our agitation as we promise that their tax will continue to work for them. –GOVERNOR OF OSUN STATE, RAUFU AREGBESOLA

Women get cancer kits in Borno

L-R: Mr Taiwo O. Taiwo (2nd Vice President) Nigeria Bar Association; Mr. Austin Alegeh, President of NBA; Hon. Justice Christopher Balogun and Mr Gbolahan Gbadamosi (Public Secretary) NBA, during memorial lecture in honour of the late Hon. Justice A.L. Balogun, OFR, held at the Nigerian Law School banquet hall, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Ejigbo: Lawmaker intervenes in police/okada riders’ clash Ebere Ndukwu

ember representing Oshodi Isolo state constituency 11in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Sir Jude Emeka Idimogu, has called on motorcycle and tricycle operators on Ejigbo-Ajao Estate road to embrace peace and stop fermenting trouble in the area. The lawmaker made this call at the weekend while addressing newsmen after a police armoured car positioned in the area was allegedly burnt by okada riders, calling on government to allow security men remain in the area until sanity returns. He called on motorcycle and tricycle operators from Ejigbo and Ajao areas plying the route to make use of the parks assigned to them and make sure they obey all Lagos State traffic rules. According to him, “this is not the first time this is happening, the last time it was a bloody fight between indigenes of the area and Hausa settlers, they destroyed a lot of things and that was the reason an armoured car was brought here by the police and since then there was sanity and peace, however, this okada riders are be-

coming unruly again.” “If motorcycle and tricycle operators from Ejigbo and Ajao areas will make use of the parks assigned to them, picking and dropping passengers at the parks meant for them, we won’t be having these issues.There is no problem with them working here, but they must obey traffic rules. “We want peace here and I have before this time advised their leaders to try and control them, but it’s unfortunate. You can see what happened yesterday, even the armoured car that was here was

burnt,” he stated. While pleading with those concerned to let peace reign, the lawmaker called on the government to allow security operatives remain until there was sanity in the area. Reacting, Comrade Azeez Shola, chairman, Ejigbo Tricycle Riders Association, blamed the recurring problems on the road on motorcycle riders from the northern part of the country, who he said, do not really understand English and are provoked at any slightest offence. According to him, to ensure lasting peace in

the area, there is need for continuous presence of security operatives, adding that both okada and Keke leaders must unite to control the boys. He said: “We need to unite and control them the way we were doing before. The people from Ajao Estate should stay at Ajao park and the people from Ejigbo should stay at Ejigbo Park. It is because Ajao riders always leave their park and cross over to Ejogbo to pick passengers that is causing the problem. If police were here to control them, everything would be okay.”

ounder of Support for Women, Orphans and Tsangaya (SWOT) foundation, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, penultimate Thursday distributed kits for prevention and detection of cancer at early stage to wives of 27 Local Government Caretaker Chairmen for delivery to targeted beneficiaries in the state. Presenting the kits at a one-day Cancer Awareness and Enlightenment Campaign for stakeholders at the Multi Purpose Hall, Government House, Maiduguri, Hajiya Nana said cancer disease, which had become deadly, especially among women in the state, was worrisome, hence the need for government at all levels to contribute their quota towards its prevention. She said her office as Borno First Lady was having more concern on the health status of women, orphans, girl-child and the less privileged. Nana noted that October every year was the month set aside to commemorate cancer day globally, and that her office organized such day to enlighten the general public on how best to prevent breast cancer and

Lagos will promote tourism –Commissioner Francis Suberu

agos State Government has reiterated its desire to continue to support tourism and enhance the values of indigenous festivals and celebrations so as to boost tourism in the state. Honourable Commissioner for Tourism and Culture in the State, Mr. Folarin Coker stated this when the Ministry visited Epe for the celebration of the annual kayo-kayo festival held recently. The Commissioner who was represented by the Head of Tourism Pro-

motion Department Mrs Adama Oni noted that the Ministry has always identified with the annual Kayo-Kayo festival and the support will continue especially in view of the present Administration’s policy on tourism promotion as an investment window to spur employment and further increase the State’s economy. He added that the Ministry will continue to explore all avenues for the promotion and also provide enabling environment for the private sector to expand the business opportunities in the promotion of festivals, celebrations and

culture of the people of the State. The Commissioner also commiserated with the Olu of Epe His Royal Majesty, Oba shefiu Olatunji Adewale and the entire people of the town on the sad incident which according to the Oba, prevented the indigenes from celebrating the festival in the usual grand style while the community dedicated this year’s episode to mourn the unfortunate demise of the six illustrious sons of the community. He however promised that the festival will be celebrated glamorously come next year. The Secretary General

of the planning committee for the Y2015 Kayo- Kayo festival Town Planner Abiola Anifowose, noted that the people of Epe community chose to observe the Y2015 annual Kayo-Kayo day in a pensive mood with a special prayer and lecture on the significance of Hijra celebration and its link to the annual kayokayo festival observe in the community. Kayo Kayo is an annual religious and cultural festival cum carnival observed by the descendants of Oba Kosoko, who inhabited areas notably referred to as Eko-Epe in Epe Local Government of Lagos State.

other related ailments that had become rampant among women and the less privileged in the society. “Cancer as we all know is a deadly disease, statistics show that millions of people die globally. In Nigeria alone, more than 7,000 people are being infected annually due to lack of proper awareness on its prevention. “We should not allow this to continue. I want to renew my call on all stakeholders, particularly the wives of our Local Government Caretaker Chairmen here present to go back to their various wards and communities and organize similar programme towards enlightening our people against cancer and its eradication. “Also, our critical stakeholders, especially heath workers should redouble their efforts in the fight against the disease, as health is wealth”, she said The Guest Speaker, Dr. BabaganaUsman from the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) in his brief remarks, thanked Hajiya Nana for organising the programme. He said some women were more vulnerable to cancer in the state because of deprivation of their rights by their husbands, who were misled by certain norms and values of their religion, culture and tradition. He, therefore, urged participants to take awareness campaign against the scourge to nooks and crannies of the state. He called for the utilization of the breast self examination kits distributed, stressing that, another best option of preventing breast cancer was by early detection and reporting to health institution using Mammography test.

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Monday, November 2, 2015

World News Refugees need to be treated in a humane manner to avoid a humanitarian tragedy along the lines of Europe. –EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT, JEAN-CLAUDE JUNCKER

Afolabi Gambari

WITH AGENCY REPORT

urkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) took the lead after a critical parliamentary election, as early results indicated yesterday. With close to half of all votes counted, state-run TRT television said the party was on 53.2 per cent, with the main opposition CHP on 20.7 per cent. The pro-Kurdish HDP and nationalist MHP appeared likely to cross the 10 per cent threshold needed to claim seats. Attempts to form a coalition government after elections in June failed. The AKP may even secure 330 of 550 seats it needs to call a referendum to put changes to the constitution to a popular vote. Such changes would involve granting more executive powers to the president. Much depends on whether the HDP has done enough to hold on to the 10% threshold it

Election: Turkish ruling party takes early lead

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan voting, yesterday

needs to secure parliamentary representation. More results could create

doubt about whether it would surmount that hurdle. In the five months since

the last set of parliamentary elections in Turkey failed to produce a clear winner, the country has been severely shaken by terrorist attacks and become more deeply polarized than before. The vote in June brought a stunning end to more than 12 years of dominance in parliament by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party, or AKP. The party kept its majority but failed to keep enough seats for single-party rule. Efforts to form a governing coalition failed, and a new election was called. Erdogan’s party is apparently hoped before yesterday that enough voters would have changed their minds since June to give it back its majority.

‘Russian plane broke up mid-air’

Russian airliner which crashed in Egypt’s Sinai peninsula yesterday, killing all 224 people on board, broke up in mid-air, a Russian official says. The plane came down early on Saturday, shortly after leaving the resort of Sharm el-Sheikh for the Russian city of St Petersburg. Head of Russia’s Interstate Aviation Committee, Victor Sorochenko, said it was too early to conclude what caused the crash on Saturday. He told reporters debris was found across a 20sq km-wide area of Sinai, but said 163 bodies had been found at press time, even as Jihadists allied to Islamic State in Sinai, where such groups are active, claimed on social media that they had brought down flight KGL9268. But Egyptian Prime Minister, Sharif Ismail, said experts had confirmed that a plane could not be downed at 9, 450m (31, 000ft), the altitude the Airbus 321 was flying at, by weapons the militants are known to possess. President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi also urged caution yesterday, saying investigation into the cause was a complicated matter that could take months. Russian Transport Minister, Maksim Sokolov, said no evidence had been seen that indicated

the plane was targeted, as IS has not produced pictures or video footage to substantiate its claim. Meanwhile, Emirates, Air France-KLM and Lufthansa have decided not to fly over the Sinai Peninsula until more information is available. Russian and French investigators have joined the Egyptian-led probe, along with experts from Airbus, which is headquartered in France. Russia is observing a day of mourning after its worst air disaster.

Charred remains of the Russian airliner, yesterday

Al-Shabab attack kills 15

l-Shabab Islamist militants yesterday attacked a hotel in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, killing at least 15 people.

Flame at the bombed hotel, yesterday

Gunmen used two car bombs to blast their way into the Sahafi hotel compound before storming the building, police said. Victims included at least one

MP and the general who led the 2011 offensive that drove alShabab out of Mogadishu. But African Union troops and government forces said they had regained control of the hotel after a fierce gun battle. The hotel is popular with Somalia’s members of parliament. Al-Shabab said it was responsible for the attack, which it said was carried out early in the morning to avoid civilian casualties. The owner of the hotel and Gen Abdikarim Dhagabadan, who commanded the operation against al-Shabab in 2011, were among the victims.

AFRICA BULLETIN Berlin Wall blunderer passes on A senior East German official, whose impromptu announcement at a news conference led to the demise of the Berlin Wall in 1989 died yesterday, aged 86. Guenter Schabowski said travel restrictions on the ex-state’s citizens would be immediately lifted, prompting tens of thousands to cross to the West. Officials had intended to phase in changes the next day, but the mass of people hastened the Wall’s rapid fall. The measures were intended to stem an exodus to Hungary amid mass protests. Less than a year later, East and West Germany were reunited into one country, ending 45 years of division. Schabowski was a spokesman for the East German regime in 1989.

China, Korea, Japan in ties The leaders of Japan, China and South Korea say they have completely restored trade and security ties, at their first meeting in three years. They said in a statement they had agreed to resume regular trilateral meetings, not held since 2012 while also agreeing more economic co-operation. The talks in the South Korean capital Seoul were an attempt to ease ill-feeling fuelled by territorial disputes and historical disagreements. China and South Korea said Japan had not done enough to atone for its troops’ brutality in World War Two. “We shared the view that trilateral cooperation has been completely restored on the occasion of this summit,” South Korean President Park Geun-hye, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in a joint statement.

Migrants perish in boat mishap Twenty-two people died over the weekend when two boats sank in the eastern Aegean Sea, a spokeswoman for the Hellenic Coastguards said yesterday. She however disclosed that 144 people had been rescued. The Aegean Sea is bounded by Turkey on the east and Greece on the west. Greece, with its extensive coastline, which is difficult to patrol, is a common destination for people seeking to enter the European Union. And some Greek islands lie in the eastern part of the sea, close to the Turkish coast. Once people reach them, they have officially set foot on European Union soil, and they can file claims for the right to stay in the EU.

Monday, November 2, 2015

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Monday, November 2, 2015

Late Emir of Borgu buried PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

Emir of Bauchi, His Royal Highness Rilwan Suleman Adamu (2nd right) with the ‘Progressives Governors’ during a courtesy call to his palace in Bauchi, recently.

Wada lied over bailout fund –Audu WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

ead of media/publicity department of Prince Abubakar Audu Campaign Organisation, Dr. Tom Ohikere, has disclosed that Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State is deceiving the people on the bailout recently sought by some financially distressed states in the country. Briefing the media in Lokoja yesterday, Ohikere said people of the state particularly civil servants should not expect the bailout because Wada never applied for

it.

The former commissioner lamented why the governor, in an alleged desperate move to get the sympathy of the state’s workforce, resorted to misleading the people that it was Prince Audu who advised the Federal Government not to grant the loan. Ohikere further explained that investigation had revealed that Wada had tactically refused to apply for the bailout due to the backlog of its unpaid loans. He said as at September 18, 24 out of 27 states that applied for the bail-

out had received N222 billion, pointing out that only Borno, Bayelsa and Cross River were yet to access the fund. Ohikere therefore, urged the governor to disclose to people of the state the resolution of the state’s executive council authorising the borrowing, when the meeting was held and the resolution of the House of Assembly consenting to the bailout as required by law setting up the fund. Equally, Ohikere wondered whether there was any irrevocable standing payment order from the ministry of justice

of the state to the federal government guaranteeing a time for repayment at source from the state federation account allocation. He stressed that the release of the N338 bailout fund by the federal government followed the restructuring of the state governments’ debts into bonds by the Debt Management Office at an interest rate of 14.83 per cent of the value, maintaining that Kogi is already enmeshed in several loans and as such, could not guarantee repayment of the bailout fund.

Nasarawa pensioners partake in N4.3bn bailout fund –ALGON IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

ssociation of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON, in Nasarawa State said it has included all council pensioners in the state as beneficiaries of the N4.3 billion bailout funds handed to them recently by Governor Umaru Al-Makura. Pensioners in the state had given AlMakura a seven-day ultimatum to pay their outstanding benefits or they would take to the streets and other appropriate quarters to enforce their fundamental rights. However, chairman of ALGON in the state, Suleiman Wambai, told journalists in Lafia, the state capital, that ALGON had already directed the state’s Ministry

of Local Government to pay pensioners in the 13 local governments 250 per cent of their pension arrears. He said: “I can assure you that they (pensioners) have already received a cheque to that effect. So, it is uncalled for when the pensioners are agitating. The only thing they have been crying over, which we have taken note of, is that they have not been paid gratuity since 2011. “Nevertheless, we have set up a committee, comprising local government chairmen, to look into these grievances. And we must ensure that pensioners are paid their gratuity when due.” On whether ALGON would source funds elsewhere to augment the N1bn shortfall in the fed-

he body of Emir of Borgu, Haliru Dantoro, Nkitoro III, was yesterday laid to rest in his palace at New Bussa, Borgu Local Government of Niger State. Amid tears, the body of the emir was interred in his palace immediately after a prayer led by chief Imam of New Bussa, Ahmed Shehu. The corpse arrived in Arik Air flight markedr 5N-JEA and landed at the Nigeria Air Force Base, Kanji, around 11am. At about 11:20am, the body contained in a brown mahogany casket was brought out of the plane and received by Governor Abubakar Sani Bello. The corpse was then placed in an ambulance and conveyed in a motorcade to the emir’s palace in New Bussa, where a short prayer held. Dignitaries at the ceremony included President Muhammadu Buhari, National President of APC, Otunba Bola Tinubu, governors of Niger and Kebbi, mem-

Over 1,800 cattle recovered in Katsina JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

ore than 1,800 cows and sheep have so far been recovered from cattle rustlers in the last five months in Katsina State. Governor Aminu Masari, who stated this at a public event at the weekend, said the recovered livestock had been handed over to their rightful owners. Masari explained that

eration account to local governments for payment of October worker’s salaries, the chairman said: “You can’t source fund to pay salaries. It is amoral. ‘‘That N1.2bn we received from the federation account is meant for all sectors of the economy, to pay medical, electricity, water supply bills, etc. But now, all the mon-

ey is just going to the payment of workers’ salaries without much consideration about other sectors of the economy.’’ He stated that the money from Abuja is not meant for salaries alone, but now they had dedicated the money only for salaries yet the local government workers are not satisfied.

JAMES DANJUMA

Katsina gets 13 new commissioners

that the commissioners would be sworn in earlier than now, the state administration having been in office since May 29. Governor Aminu Bello Masari, who presided over the ceremony, charged the new commissioners to ensure prudence in the discharge of their duties. Masari said their appointments were based on merit, and that they should endeavour to live up to the confidence reposed on them. Those appointed include Prof Halimatu Sadiya Idris

KATSINA

he long-awaited swearing-in of new commissioners in Katsina State finally held at the weekend with 13 persons getting portfolios. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the 35,000-capacity Karkanda Stadium in the metropolis. The commissioners’ portfolios followed their screening and confirmation by the House of Assembly about two weeks ago. There was anticipation

bers of the national and state Assemblies, and traditional rulers from across the nation. Others were Alhaji Aminu Dantata and Colonel Sani Bello, former military governor of Kano State and father to the Niger governor, among others. After the burial, President Buhari took time out to condole with family of the late royal father. Aged 78 years, the Emir passed away after a brief illness in a German hospital in the early hours of Friday. The monarch was the first Borgu Local Gover nment Chairman, when the council was created in old Kwara State. He was also appointed Commissioner in Kwara State during the second republic. A former senator, the Emir was the gubernatorial candidate of the defunct National Republican Convention and a onetime Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. He ascended the throne of his fathers on February 26, 2000.

as Education commissioner; Mustapha Mohammed Kanti Bello, Resource Development Commissioner; and Abba Habu Dankum, as Commissioner for Sports and Social Development. Others are Hamza Sulieman, Hamza Bordo, Ahmed El-Marzuk, Abdulkadir Zakka and Muntari Abdulkadir, as commissioners of Environment, Information, Justice, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Finance respectively.

the state government had spent about N400 million to provide logistics to the army and police, who were currently fighting cattle rustling at Rugu forest. He said the war against cattle rustling in the state was yielding positive result as many cattle rustlers had been arrested and prosecuted by different courts. The governor, who reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to end cattle rustling within the shortest possible time, called on community leaders to assist security agents with vital information towards achieving the set goal. He, however, warned political miscreants, locally known as kauraye, to stop terrorising innocent people, especially within the metropolis. He said the state government would not hesitate to decisively deal with anyone of them found to be disturbing the peace.

Monday, November 2, 2015

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Association solicits release of N150bn export grant

rganised Private Sector Exporters Association, OPEXA, has appealed to the Federal Government to settle the backlog of unutilised Negotiable Duty Credit Certificates, NDCC, amounting to N150bn. This was contained in a statement signed by Mr Jaiyeola Olanrewaju, Executive Secretary of OPEXA, in Abuja yesterday. The statement stated that the operations of non-oil exporters had been paralysed due to the non-payment of outstanding NDCC claims. NDCC is an instrument of the Export Expansion Grant, EEG, which was introduced in 1999 to encourage non-oil exports. The grant is given to CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adelusi Adetutu Alice now wish to be known and called as Mrs Adenipekun Adetutu Alice. All former documents remain valid. Atakunmosa Local Government, Local Government Service Commission and general public should please take note.

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Nigerian exporters in the form of NDCC to cushion the effect of cost disadvantages faced by them as a result of infrastructural deficiencies. It explained that NDCCs are utilised by beneficiaries for payment of customs and excise duty on their export shipments after they have being validated by government. However, the government suspended the scheme in January 2014 to pave way for its review, according to former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. The statement said the backlog of unutilised NDCCs had accumulated to the tune of N150bn as at the end of CHANGE OF NAME Formerly called and addressed as Miss Anjorin Omowumi Deborah, now wish to be called and known as Mrs. Abiodun Omowumi Deborah. All former documents remain valid, National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) and general public should please take note.

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PUBLIC NOTICE MANNA GROUND INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Ebonine Ihekwoaba Kingsley 2. Opara Jovita Ihuoma

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED BY Ebonine Ihekwoaba Kingsley 08034391059

frican Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) will partner with Dangote Group, one of Africa’s leading indigenous multinational corporations, in promoting intra-African trade A statement by Afreximbank in Lagos on Sunday said t Afrexiimbank President, Dr. Benedict Oramah, made the promise while on a visit to Alhaji Aliko Dangote,

CHANGE OF NAME

December 10, 2014, indicates that 155 companies mentioned in the list had about N94bn worth of NDCC outstanding in their favour. “Others that were not on the list were told to wait for the next batch. Of this backlog, only

N5bn was approved for utilisation. “However, the non-oil exporters claimed that the backlog of unutilised NDCC at the end of 2013 was over N150bn. “It is imperative to note that there is a huge backlog of NDCCs yet to

be processed as at January 2014 when the embargo was placed,” it said. The statement stated that the issue was largely responsible for the decline in the non-oil exports by 10 per cent in 2014 and 20 per cent in the first quarter of 2015.

Afreximbank to partner Dangote in promoting intra-African trade

CHANGE OF NAME

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To propagate Christian Gospel. 2. To win souls for Christ. 3. To spread the gospel of Christ to all creatures and creation.

2013 before the scheme was suspended. This, according to the statement, has paralysed the operations of exporters, leading to a decline in the country’s non-oil exports. “The Nigeria Customs Service public notice of

President of Dangote Group, on Saturday. Oramah said that his plan was to direct heightened focus to developing and promoting trading activities among African countries in order to spur economic deCHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Adeyemi Oluwatosin Oluwafunmilayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Jonah Oluwatosin Oluwafunmilayo. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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velopment and integration. He said that his bank was, therefore, committed to making the necessary commitment to ensure effective collaboration between it and the Dangote Group in CHANGE OF NAME AKINLOSE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyindoubra Omonike Yvonne Akinlose, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oyindoubra Omonike Yvonne Sibo- Dennis. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that I Perfect Louise Ebeffa is the same person as Perfect Louise Gbeffa. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MAKINDE AYODELE MARIAM, now wish to be known and addressed as AZEEZ MUBEEN MARIAM. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAMENOVEMBER, 2015 I formerly known and addressed UNOR: I formerly known andSigned as MISS AUGUSTINA EMETULU, addressed Chidi as MR.B.ANTHONY Nnaji Esq (Barrister & Solicitor) now wish to be known and DEKU KPOGO, now wish Km I Onitsha / Enugu Express addressed asRoad, MRS. AUGUSTINA to be known and addressed 2, Onitsha, Anambra State UMEH. All former documents as MR. Omagba ANTHONYPhase UKAM UNOR. All former documents remain valid. The general public remain valid. General public should please take note. should please take note CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME

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OF LIFE CARE GOSPEL CHURCH INC. ON 29TH

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the field of intra-African trade. Earlier, Dangote had told Oramah that his group’s current initiatives included the construction of a 650,000 oil barrels (bbl) capacity refinery in Nigeria. CHANGE OF NAME JOSEPH: Formerly known and addressed as JOSEPH UBAH JOHN, now wish to be known and addressed as OKEKE CHUKWUDI JOHN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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I have nothing to say, no comments, no recommendation, no arguments, just nothing

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Sport

Arsenal target, Krychowiak rejects contract

–CHELSEA MANAGER, JOSE MOURINHO

U-17 Chile World Cup

Eaglets zoom into S-finals ...Beat Brazil 3-0 Paul Erewuba

igeria’s Golden Eaglets cruised into the semi-finals of the U17 World Cup as they beat three-time champions Brazil 3-0. The Eaglets will now face winners of the quarterfinal between Mexico and Ecuador slated for today’s night. The semi-final will be at Concepcion on Thursday. Brazil, who made four changes to their starting lineup against New Zealand, started the brighter of the two teams, but they failed to put away the several chances they created, before Victor Osimhen opened scoring

for Nigeria after 29 minutes for his eighth goal of the tournament. Kingsley Michael doubled the Africans lead in the 30th minute off a delivery by Osimhen, before Udochukwu Anumudu made it 3-0 in the 34th minute. In the second half, Brazil expectedly chased the game but they hardly threatened a well-organised Nigeria defence. Late in the game, Chukwueze came close to stretching Nigeria’s lead, before Udoh kept out a dangerous Brazil free kick by Evander. When both sides clashed in an invitational tournament in Suwon, South Korea, recently Nigeria won 2-1.

Micheal and Victor

Enyimba one point away from League crown

arri Wolves kept the pressure on Enyimba after they spanked Bayelsa United 4-0 at home yesterday to set up a cracking clash with the Nigeria league leaders next Sunday. Wolves will need to win their remaining two games including Sunday’s clash at Enyimba and hope Enyimba also lose at Sunshine Stars on the final day of the season to clinch the championship on a better goals difference. Wolves are second behind Enyimba with 62 points from 36 games, six points adrift of Enyimba. Gbolahan Salami opened the scoring in the 10th minute through a penalty after Etebor Oghenekaro was brought down.

U23 star Oghenekaro then made it 2-0 for Wolves in the 28th minute when he curled in a free kick from the edge of the box after Salami was brought down. Etebor completed a double in the 52nd minute, before he set up Joseph Osadiaye for the fourth goal in the 82nd minute to nail Bayelsa United. Meanwhile, Enyimba are now just a point away from being crowned Nigeria league champions for a seventh time after they beat local rivals Abia Warriors in ‘The Abia El Classico’ yesterday. Enyimba now have 68 points from 36 matches, six points clear of closest rivals Warri Wolves. The Aba club’s remaining matches are at home to rivals Wolves this coming Sunday, before their final game at Sunshine Stars on November 15.

Sports

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krychowiak

Arsenal target, Krychowiak rejects contract Unhappy Suarez eager O to force Liverpool move M

Federer (L) Nadal (R)

Federer beats Nadal to Swiss title

op seed Roger Federer beat his old rival Rafael Nadal in three sets to claim his seventh Swiss Indoors title. Federer, 34, ended a five-match losing streak against Nadal to win 6-3 5-7 6-3 in just over two hours, in their first meeting at his home ATP event in Basel. It was the 17-time Grand Slam winner’s sixth title of the season and the 88th of his career. Third seed Nadal, 29, still has a 2311 head-to-head record against world

number three Federer. With the match finely poised in the deciding set, Federer fired a series of winning ground strokes and broke Nadal’s service for a decisive 5-3 lead. The match was the first between Federer and Nadal since the Spaniard won their Australian Open semi-final in straight sets in January 2014. Earlier, Britain’s Jamie Murray and Australian partner John Peers were defeated in the men’s doubles final, losing 7-5 7-5 to Alexander Peya of Austria and Brazil’s Bruno Soares.

Chelsea warned against pressing panic button C helsea should not sack Jose Mourinho, according to Alvaro Arbeloa, who played for the Portuguese manager for three years at Real Madrid, according to The Guardian. Arbeloa stated that Chelsea would be wrong to sack their under-fire manager,

Mourinho

as Mourinho effectively “guarantees success”. During their three years together at Real Madrid, Mourinho won the Copa Del Rey and La Liga with the Spanish giants, but was sacked after differences between him and the first team squad grew too large. Mourinho has come under steadily mounting pressure this year, with Saturday’s defeat to Liverpool leaving the Stamford Bridge side 15th after 11 games played, with only 11 points. Despite his repeated suggestions that he does not feel the pressure and that he is perfectly comfortable with his position, Mourinho’s press conferences have, for the last few weeks, been taken over by questions regarding his future. If Chelsea were to sack Mourinho this would represent a tremendous change of fortune for the west London side, who clinched the Premier League title so convincingly with pretty much the same squad less than six months ago.

ario Suarez, the Fiorentina midfielder and Spanish international, is trying to force his way out of the club and into a move to Liverpool, according to reports from The Metro. After leaving Atletico Madrid in the summer, the 28-year-old midfielder was strongly linked with a move to Liverpool but went to Italy instead, where he has spent a lot of time as a substitute. After not starting for the last six games, Suarez is reportedly unhappy with his lack of game time and, reports from talkSPORT suggest, is asking his representatives to get in contact with Liverpool regarding a move in January. Suarez came through the ranks at Atletico but never quite nailed down a permanent first team squad, making a total of 125 appearances during his 11 years at the club. He has been capped three times for Spain, however, and would no doubt have gone to Italy looking to revitalise his career. Suarez operates mostly as a defensive midfielder, a position that will be of great importance to Liverpool if they implement Jurgen Klopp’s preferred style of high-pressing, fast-paced football.

ne of the most frequently linked Arsenal transfer targets has rejected a new contract offer from Sevilla as he is apparently hoping for a move to the Premier League. Sevilla are reportedly in advanced negotiations with Grzegorz Krychowiak regarding a new deal at the club. According to the International Business Times, the Spanish side are desperate to tie the Poland international to a new deal as consistent speculation has linked the defensive midfielder with a move to Arsenal and Manchester City. The 25-year-old was repeatedly linked with a move to the Emirates during the summer transfer window, however the deal never materialised and Krychowiak remained in La Liga. Rumours that a move may still come to pass however have persisted and as the midfielder has been in sensational form in La Liga, The Daily Telegraph recently reported that Manchester City are now also monitoring his situation. Krychowiak’s release clause stood at 30m during the summer and Arsenal were apparently very close to triggering it. With contract negotiations reopened in recent weeks, Estadio Deportivo revealed earlier this month that Krychowiak had rejected Sevilla’s first offer, as the player wanted a lower buyout clause to ensure a future move to the Premier League would not be scuppered.

Suarez

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Monday, November 2, 2015

Nigerian League and footballers’ welfare

Gbolahan Salami

Glo League results Abia

Enyimba

Wikki

Dolphins

Rangers

Akwa

Salami shoots to top of goals’ chart

arri Wolves striker Gbolahan Salami has shot to the top of the goal scorers’ chart of the Nigeria Professional Football League after he scored in Wolves 4-0 thrashing of Bayelsa United. The former Shooting Stars striker is now joint top scorer with 15 goals alongside Nasarawa United’s Esosa Igbinoba. The two players are being trailed by Sunshine Stars Tunde Adeniji who has

scored 14 goals. Abia Warriors Chisom Chikatara and Heartland’s Bright Ejike have scored 13 goals each. Wikki Tourists Mubarak Umar has scored 12 goals with Lobj Stars Tony Okpotu on 10 goals. Last season, Enyimba’s Mfon Udoh set new goal-scoring record with 23 goals, but it is unlikely this tally will be surpassed this season.

Fosla, GSS Yangoji set for final Afolabi Gambari

osla Academy, Karshi and Government Secondary School Yangoji will make history tomorrow as they meet in the final of the maiden FCT Principals’ Cup Football Competition. GSS Yangoji defeated Government Secondary School, Zuba 4-0 in the first semi final game while Fosla, owned by former NF president Sani Abdullahi Lulu, defeated Model Secondary School, Maitama 6-0 in the second semi final to set a date for the finals billed for the Area 10 Old Parade Ground pitch. According to Chairman of Organising Committee, Mr. Patrick Nwaogwu,

who is also Vice Chairman of the FCT Football Association, a third place match between GSS Zuba and MSS Maitama will precede the final. “Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Engineer John Chukwu, will be Special Guest of Honour while trophies will be presented to all the zonal champions,” Nwaogwu disclosed yesterday. “There will also be trophies for the highest goal scored, fair play, best coach, most valuable player and best goalkeeper, among others,” he added, stressing that there would be trophies for the best print and electronic media. The competition which started on October 12 has so far seen the students score 185 goals in 48 matches.

LMC boss, Shehu Dikko

Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello

he League Management Company (LMC) has no doubt done superbly well as the current season cruises to the end. Indeed, it has been songs of praise for the league body from all and sundry, including me, for a well organized and a more focused league. Although very little has been heard about new sponsors coming into the league, but the LMC has created more awareness by drawing more spectators to the stadia across the country. Home wins have been hard to come by this season because of strong competition in the league. Many clubs like Pillars FC of Kano, renowned for its long unbeaten home run, surrendered the status to Nasarawa United; a great indicator of the competitiveness of the league. What about the major actors in the league? I am referring to footballers who laboured to feature for their teams, work hard in training as in matches, while travelling for long hours to and from match venues twice almost twice weekly. They have been at the short end of the stick for no offence other than trying to make a living. The players have cried in silence, sometimes helped by journalists to appeal to the clubs’ administrators to pay their wages. But for the most part, it has been a story of pain oand anguish for the players who ironically are still expected

to give their best on the pitches. No less has this situation imposed heavy psychological setback on the players. Teams like Taraba FC, Enyimba FC, Dolphins FC and Warri Wolves have shortchanged their players for no apparent, sometimes defying orders of the league management company to pay the players their wages or risk points’ deduction and heavy fines. If I may ask, how many of the defaulting clubs have professional psychologists in their ranks? When was the last time that clubs held in-house training for their players on how to manage their emotional and other external challenges, as well as how the challenges would not affect their on-field performances? How have the injured players been handled to ensure that lack of activity do not send them into depression? As expected there should be a footballers’ welfare association in Nigeria. Curiously, it still does not exist in any form. This current league will be over in a matter of weeks and it is hoped that the LMC would come down heavily on the erring clubs to give the players all their dues. After all, footballers are human beings and not puppets. Ogunleye-Bello is an Abuja-based international award-winning journalist, speaker, change agent, sports for development enthusiast, advocacy

WORLD RECORD

Fastest-selling PC videogame Vol. 05 No. 1233 Monday, November 2, 2015

N150

Diablo III (Blizzard, 2012) sold 3.5 million copies in its first 24 hours after launch.

These exploitative discos need change

he popular imagination is that Nigeria is undergoing a fundamental change in the spirit of the change promised by the Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) Federal Government. It was this change promise that gave the former General victory in the last March 28 presidential election. Nigerians endorsed the promised change governance paradigm, rejecting the continuity paradigm of the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I am reiterating the fact that only a holistic change will lead to a meaningful reordering of the way things are done in Nigeria. Both the public and private sectors must work in synch to convince Nigerians that true change has come to stay in the country. It is obvious the Buhari administration is not firing on all cylinders, which is why the osmotic pressures for change are not felt everywhere. This is not an acceptable

change.

Farewell, Jide Akanmu!

HeartBeat Callistus Oke

Callistusoke@nationalmirroronline.net 08054103275 (SMS ONLY) anthonykila@mail.com excuse that some sectors of the economy should be manifesting anti-change proclivities. The power sector appears not to have keyed into the change vision of the Federal Government. It is to the credit of the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration that the power sector reform was actualized. While admitting that the actualization of the reform template was not a smooth sail, any noticeable imperfections ought to be the concern of the new federal administration. One sure way of showing the right concern is to right all that is wrong in the implementation of the new order. I read a news report of an approved 40 percent tariffs for all classes of electricity consumers. I search very hard for the justification of the planned increase without success. Therefore, it will be daylight robbery if NERC goes ahead to implement the planned tariff increase. As it is now, the electricity distribution companies (DISCOs), the sole marketers of publicly generated electricity, are currently behaving like over pampered private sector players in the way they hatched exploitative ploys and get away with them. One is the ‘crazy bill’ that comes in different forms. Let me share the experience of Ketu consumers. The September bills shared reflected the growing culture of unwholesome bill fixing. All the bills I sighted had figures for previous reading and nil for current reading. This allows the marketers of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company to fix, as the spirit

THE ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES

(DISCOS)... ARE CURRENTLY BEHAVING LIKE OVER-PAMPERED PRIVATE SECTOR PLAYERS of exploitation and impunity directs, the units of electricity consumed. In the month in question, there was no supply of electricity for one week in the Alapere area of Ketu, but the bill chargeable for most of the consumers was about 150 percent over that of August! In October, the Julius Elebiju area of Ketu was not supplied electricity for one week. It was only penultimate Sunday light was briefly restored to the area only to be ‘retaken’. Many of the consumers that spoke with this writer expressed apprehension that they would be charged for that one week of zero power supply. I have personally counted three days without light in OriolaKazeem area of Alapere, Ketu. The awaited October bills would definitely not reflect this reality. We can end this culture of impunity and exploitation by making pre-paid meters available to electricity consumers. This will be the genuine evidence of the promised

The ominous call, the first of the day, came very early on Monday September 28 from Mike Gwede, a friend like a brother. After exchange of pleasantries, he threw the bombshell: “Jide is dead”! “Mike, tell me it is not true. How did it happen?” His reply: “He was knocked down yesterday night by a hit-and-run driver taking one way while crossing the road to enter his street in Magodo area of Ketu. We are yet to tell his wife and parents in Zaria”. Jide was one of my younger friends I acquired through Mike, a self made man with the kind of can-do-spirit that converts challenges to opportunities for entrepreneurial exploits. Jide naturally earned my respect when I heard his life struggle story. A 2001 accounting graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Jide took the bold step of being the master of his own destiny, when after unsuccessful efforts to get his dream coat and tie job, he took to commodity trading, specializing in rams! Having be born and bred in Zaria, Kaduna State, he had his primary, post primary and tertiary education in the ancient town; and of course as a fluent speaker of Hausa language, the decision leading to the chosen commodity trading flowed from a deep thought process. It was a case of when the desirable is not available, the available becomes the desirable! Jide would go to the North, buy the rams and bring them to Lagos. The Berger area of Lagos/Ogun was where he did his exploits. He was doing well in his new business; I never heard express regret over his choice of business. November last year, he did his wedding in Zaria. Many of us his ‘Lagos brothers’ could not go, discouraged by the insecurity in the region. Jide became a father of twins just last July, a development well celebrated. But two months later, he exited this world with no opportunity to exchange ‘good byes’. A reunion is assured, when is what nobody knows!

Sport Extra

Golf: Dubuisson wins Turkish Open again

rance’s Victor Dubuisson won his second Turkish Airlines Open, as Rory McIlroy finished a disappointing sixth. Dubuisson, 25, carded a closing 66 to finish 22 under

par, one shot ahead of South Africa’s Jaco van Zyl, with Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat a further shot back. McIlroy began the day a shot off the lead after three consecutive 67s.

But the world number three could only manage a final round of 71, including bogeys on the eight, ninth and 12th. England’s Chris Wood finished fifth on 17 under par

with English pair Lee Westwood and Danny Willett and Wales’ Jamie Donaldson tied for 11th on 12-under, with Ian Poulter and Richard Bland a shot further back. Dubuisson and Van Zyl, the

joint overnight leaders, were tied when they teed off on the 18th after the Frenchman had recovered from a double bogey on the fifth, chipped in for an eagle on the 11th and birdied the 15th and 17th.

Dubuisson Emenike

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