Monday, october 19, 2015 new by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Soldiers foil suicide attack at Nigeria army base

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…shot dead female suicide bomber •Troops arrest Boko Haram terrorists in Plateau P.2

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Electricity generation hits 4,324mw

•NERC approves expansion of AEDC’s vending centres to 500 Free inside

National Mirror Online @NationalMirror Monday, October 19, 2015

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Presidency blackmailing us with anti-graft war –PDP

... accuses APC of forcing members to decamp or face EFCC Allegation unfounded –Adesina

Obiora Ifoh and Rotimi Fadeyi

eoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday accused the Presidency and leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, of willful blackmail, hounding and harassment of its elected members, using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Students not happy with Buhari over economy -Research

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L-R: Head of delegation, Course 24, National Defence College, Brig.-Gen. Mahe Bashir; Lagos State Deputy Governor Oluranti Adebule and Chief of Staff, Lagos State, Mr Olakunle Ojo, during a courtesy visit to Lagos State Government by participants of course 24, National Defence College in Lagos, at the weekend.

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Monday, October 19, 2015

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Presidency blackmailing us with anti-graft war –PDP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

EFCC, to cow and force them to join its fold. The party said investigation of Godswill Akpabio, the Senate Minority Leader, by EFCC was politically motivated. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, who said this in Abuja at a press conference, noted that the investigation was also aimed at weakening PDP ahead of 2019 elections. The opposition party said part of the Presidency’s plans is to weaken the legislature and prevent it from effectively carrying out its constitutional role of checks and balances in a democracy. Metuh said verifiable reports from PDP key members revealed that agents of APC had approached them to join the ruling party with threats to victimise them with EFCC should they refuse. He said this clearly explained why the fight against corruption had been selective and focused against PDP members, Metuh said: “The APC and its government have been busy denigrating the PDP and trying to appropriate our achievements, while at the same time blackmailing, hounding and harassing our elected members to cow and force them to leave the PDP and join their party. “We have verifiable reports from our key members that agents of the APC have been approaching them to join the APC with threats to use the EFCC to victimise them should they refuse. “The APC and its agents have been boasting that they have the powers to deal with or spare any person, depending on the party such person belongs to,” he said. The spokesman said the best example of the curious nature of the war against corruption is the fact that former PDP governors and ministers are being hounded and arrested over apparently orchestrated petitions, while their APC counterparts, who have more damaging petitions, are being nominated for ministerial positions. “Even other APC former governors who have

on-going corruption cases in court are being rewarded with tickets for the forthcoming governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa. "This clearly explains why the so-called fight against corruption has been selective and focused against PDP members, despite counsels by stake-

holders that it should be holistic and in accordance with due process of the law,” he added. Metuh noted that former governors of AkwaIbom, Rivers and Lagos states had petitions written against them. “Whereas the former APC governors of Lagos and Rivers were rewarded

with ministerial nominations, their Akwa Ibom PDP counterpart and the current Senate Minority Leader is being hounded by the EFCC. “This is in spite of the common knowledge that Akwa-Ibom under Senator Akpabio is arguably the least indebted state in Nigeria, and where the

governor appropriately applied available resources to effectively transform the state. “We challenge APC to show Nigerians any of their governors that matched the feats achieved in Akwa-Ibom under Senator Akpabio, whose only building in Uyo is uncompleted and

being built with verifiable bank loans. “PDP therefore state categorically that the orchestrated investigation of Senator Akpabio is politically motivated and targeted at weakening the PDP for 2019 elections, by virtue of his being the face of opposition in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Guest Lecturer, Faculty of Pediatrics, Prof Olufemi Jaiyesimi (5th right), Acting Chairman of the day, Prof Joshua Owa (4th right) and other Old Fellows of the College, at the National Post Graduate Medical College of Nigeria, 2015 Day, at the LASUTH auditorium Ikeja, Lagos, recently.

Soldiers foil suicide attack at Nigeria army base James Abraham

WITH AGENCY REPORT

roops yesterday shot dead a suspected suicide bomber outside a military base in Maiduguri, Borno State, detonating explosives concealed in her handbag, a civilian vigilante and a military source said. The target was thought to be the Maimalari army barracks-the main military base in Maiduguri, which has been hit repeatedly in recent months by Boko Haram Islamists. “Soldiers at Maimalari army barracks this morning (Sunday) foiled a suicide attack by a female bomber,” said Babakura Kolo, from the civilian volunteer force assisting troops against the terrorists. The woman approached the barracks around 7:00 am and headed towards the gates, he said. Military

guards at the gates shouted at her to stop for security checks but she ignored them and continued walking towards the gates, he added. “She continued walking with her handbag slung on her shoulder, despite repeated shouts from the soldiers asking her stop. “One of the soldiers opened fire on the woman and the handbag exploded, blowing the woman to pieces,” he said. There were no other casualties in the explosion, which one military officer in the city described as an “attempted suicide attack by Boko Haram terrorists”. Boko Haram has intensified its use of multiple suicide bombers to inflict maximum casualties, with secondary explosions detonated as people rush to help victims of the initial blast. At least 34 people were killed in a wave of attacks

on Thursday night and Friday morning on the outskirts of Maiduguri, while last month 117 died in explosions in the Ajilari Cross area of the Borno State capital. Of the six suicide attacks in Nigeria this month, four have been in Maiduguri, killing at least 48 and injuring 99. The military source, who did not want his name mentioned, said the use of human bombs was a sign of the group’s desperation and frustration at the fightback by troops. “They are looking for every opportunity to hit back, which is why they have resorted to soft-target attacks on mosques and markets and such attacks on a military base is intended to show the terrorists are still strong,” the officer added. Meanwhile, troops operating under the code name Operation Safe Haven, OPSH, yesterday said they

have arrested some members of the Boko Haram terrorists in the state. OPSH disclosed this in Jos in a statement signed by its Media Officer, Captain Iweha Ikediche to update residents within its area of operational responsibility. The statement, which did not disclose the number of the arrested terrorists, however, said while the high profile suspects have been relocated out of town for investigation, other suspects will be handed over as soon as investigation is concluded on their cases for prosecution by appropriate security agencies. The statement urged members of the public to continue to maintain high vigilance, especially around places like parks, mosques, churches, schools and relaxation. The statement also said troops have also engaged cattle rustlers in the state

in a fierce battle to rid the state of their criminal activities. It said following the report of the rustling of cattle belonging to one Alhaji Sale Bala of Lugare village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on the 11 October 2015, personnel of OPSH engaged the rustlers in a hot pursuit with exchange of fire forcing the rustlers to abandon the loot. The cattle numbering 52 cows and 22 rams where shared into smaller groups to enable faster escape of the rustlers. The statement added that the recovered cattle were handed over to the owner in the presence of the Secretary, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in Barkin Ladi. In the same vein, 14 cows belonging to Mr. Nanbol Nimyel of Pinau village in Wase Local Government Area were also recovered from rustlers.

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Monday, October 19, 2015

Good Health

Parents beware!

Exposing children to pesticides may cause cancer Franka Osakwe

praying pesticide at home helps eliminate mosquitoes, cockroaches and other bugs, but exposing children to these chemicals increase their risk of developing leukemia or lymphoma, a new report suggests. The report also links pesticides to sudden infant death and lower IQ in children. The research published in the Journal Paediatric, explained that children can be exposed to pesticides by breathing them in or eating them. According to them, chemical residues often linger on surfaces where children play or spend time, and children easily touch these places and put their hands in their mouths. The researchers combined data from 16 earlier studies that had compared pesticide exposure between children who developed leukemia or lymphoma and those who did not. These studies estimated the level of insecticides and herbicides both inside the home and in the yard and outdoor residential space. They concluded that children who had been exposed to insecticides indoors were 47% more likely to have leukemia and 43% more likely to have lymphoma. The analysis finds that kids exposed to pesticides indoors are at higher risk for childhood cancers. The study, based on data mainly from North America, Europe and Australia, suggests that policies should be developed to limit children’s exposures at home and school to insect killers, researchers say. “When you apply pesticides so close to where kids are and they spend so much time in the household, I’d really be con-

cerned about their exposure,” said Chensheng Lu, the senior author of the analysis from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston. The researchers writes that children can be exposed to pesticides when they play on treated surfaces and then put their fingers in their mouths. Unlike adults, children may not be able to break down or excrete some of the chemicals used in pesticides. Reports show children had respiratory, stomach, nerve and hormone problems tied to pesticides, Lu and colleagues add. In the same issue of the journal, researchers from Italy published a report of a seven-month-old child dying after repeated exposure to massive amounts of a household insecticide. “I think that case highlights the acute effects of insecticides,” Lu said. The researchers also found a slightly increased risk of childhood cancers with the use of outdoor herbicides, or weed killers, but the association was only significant for leukemia. The link between outdoor exposure and childhood cancers was not as strong as for indoor exposure, because people tend to spray more pesticides indoors, Lu said. More research is needed to determine how exposure to pesticides may be linked to childhood cancers, the researchers write. Lu cautions, however, that parents should keep in mind that many pesticides are meant to be deadly to insects and pests. “Those chemicals have lethal potencies so why would people want to spray so close to their kids? he asked Eliminating the possibility of increased risk for childhood cancers comes

DID YOU KNOW?

Aspirin may double survival for cancer patients

ew research has shown taking an aspirin a day could double the survival chances of many cancer sufferers. The Dutch research found that 75 per cent of patients taking the drug daily were still alive five years after being diagnosed with several forms of cancer. This includes bowel, stomach, pancreatic and throat cancer. When compared to the survival rate for those not on aspirin - 42 per cent - it really is an astonishing figure. Martine Frouws led the research involving 14,000 adults by the Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC). She said: “Given that aspirin is a cheap, unbranded drug with relatively few sideeffects this will have a great impact on healthcare systems as well as patients.”

The news comes less than a month after UK scientists found being overweight can more than double the risk of developing colon cancer. But the 10-year study found the risk could be counteracted by regularly taking aspirin.

down to parents and caregivers not spraying pesticides in their homes, Lu said. “Prevention is the key in this type of association, I do not believe people need to spray pesticide in their household”, he added. Some of the studies that Lu and his colleagues included in their analysis suggest that rates of cancer were highest among children who were exposed in the womb and among those whose parents were exposed before they were conceived. “Women who are pregnant or intend to become pregnant can avoid home insecticide application,” said Roberts of the Medical University of South Carolina. Although it is too soon to say unequivocally whether pesticide exposure increases the risk of childhood cancers, there is stronger evidence connecting these chemicals with neurological consequences, such as lower IQ and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, said Dr.

Catherine J. Karr, professor of paediatrics and director of the Paediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit at the University of Washington. Explaining about leukemia incidence in Nigeria, a cancer expert, Abia Nzelu, said leukemia is one of the four most common cancers in Nigerian children. leukaemia has a 94% death rate in Nigeria, meaning that only one out of every 20 Nigerians with leukaemia survives. The Nigerian leukaemia situation is unfortunate because, leukaemia is now curable. For instance, the Tata Cancer Centre in India has a 99% survival rate for leukaemia, in sharp contrast from the current situation in Nigeria, she said. These experts advise parents to limit childrens exposures to pesticides; to remove childrens pets and toys from the area sprayed until after the pesticide has dried, and opt for bait strips rather than sprays that get everywhere.

High blood pressure linked to diabetes

eople with high blood pressure are at a significantly greater risk of developing diabetes, a study has found. The researchers from Oxford University, found that a person with high blood pressure was at almost 60 per cent higher risk of diabetes than normal. Although this link has been accepted before, the study involving more than four million people is expected to offer significant new understanding. The team believes their findings could boost the case for tackling the diabetes threat by prescribing drugs to lower blood pressure. The study, by Oxfords George Institute for Global Health UK, is published recently in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. This is potentially a game changer in the understanding and treatment of diabetes. It affects more than 400 million people world-

wide and we know that diabetics are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease such as heart attacks, stroke and heart failure, Institute deputy director Professor Kazem Rahimi said. Prof Rahimi said his team wanted to develop new insights and strategies for treating and reducing the chances of developing diabetes. During the study, the health records of 4.1 million adults who were free of diabetes and cardiovascular disease were examined. With every rise in blood pressure of 20mm, there was a 58 per cent higher risk of developing diabetes. Every 10mm increase on the scale was followed by a 52 per cent higher risk in the chance of developing the condition.

Photo News

Monday, October 19, 2015

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L-R: Ireti Doyle, Omoni Oboli, Mo Abudu (Executive Producer), Biyi Bandele (Director), Dakore Egbuson-Akande and Nse Etim-Ikpe, during the BFI London Premiere of EbonyLife Films’ ‘FIFTY’ in Leicester Square, London, yesterday. L-R: Treasurer, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), Mrs. Ifeoma Adeniji; Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC), Mr. Osagie Okunbor and CIPM President, Mr. Tony Arabome, after presentation of Special Recognition Award Okunbo by CIPM, Nigeria at their 47th annual conference in Abuja, recently.

L-R: Group Head, Electronic Payment Solutions, Guaranty Trust Bank Nigeria, Deji Oguntonade; Head, Coverage and Origination, Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria, Hector Okposo and Divisional CEO, Switching and Processing, Interswitch Limited, Akeem Lawal at the Lakowe Golf Club Tournament sponsored by Interswitch, in Celebration of Nigeria’s Independence, recently.

L-R: Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Michael Onuoha; Lagos Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission, Mr. Hyginius Omeje; MD/CEO, Guinness Nigeria, Peter Ndegwa and Corporate Relations Director, Sesan Sobowale, at the flag off of the Guinness sponsored “Ember Months Responsible Drinking Awareness Campaign” in Lagos, at the weekend.

National News Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

he leadership of the Fulani community in the South West region rose from an emergency meeting in Ibadan, at the weekend, with a resolve to embark on compulsory registration of all herdsmen operating in the various states of the geo-political zone, including their animals. The move is targeted at putting an end to the crisis between the herdsmen and farmers in the region. The registration is expected to ensure effective monitoring of the activities of the herdsmen by their host communities and security operatives to guard against unwholesome behaviours. The meeting, which lasted for over six hours was held inside the Sasa Palace of the Sardauna Yamma and Chairman of the Sarkin Hausawas in the 17 southern states, Alhaji Haruna Maiyasin. Maiyasin, while addressing journalists on the resolutions, called

Compulsory registration of Fulani in S/West sets to begin for cooperation of the host communities, including the various state and local governments in supporting the Fulani leadership to effectively implement the proposed registration exercise. The Sarkin Sasa of Ibadanland said the meeting also mandated Fulani parents to keep close watch on their children and wards to ensure that they do not engage

in anti-social behaviours or consumption of hard drugs. The Fulani community then expressed delight over the proactive measures taken by security operatives, which led to the arrest and subsequent prosecution of suspected kidnappers of Afenifere chieftain and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae.

It expressed the need for severe punishment to be meted on all those incriminated in the kidnapping saga to serve as deterrent. It however expressed reservations over the secession threat by Afenifere over the controversy. It said: “The outburst by the Pan-Yoruba sociopolitical group was least expected of whoever pro-

fesses to be national leaders, as this could heat up the polity and also create bad blood in the land.” The Fulani community then charged leaders of the various ethnic groups in the country notably Afenifere, MASSOB, Arewa Consultative Forum and such others to “be cautious in their utterances and always make patriotic pronouncements that would

unite the country and not those that would set the nation ablaze.” “We should take into cognisance the fact that centuries of co-habitation between the Fulani and Yoruba in the South West had blossomed into inter-marriages between the two ethnic groups, hence leaders from both sides should always preach peace and not discord,” it stated further.

IPMAN alleges hike in petrol price by private depots

ndependent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, yesterday called on the Federal Government to sanction private depots owners in Apapa, Lagos, for selling petrol above depots price of N 77.66k to marketers. Chairman, Western Zone of the association, Alhaji Debo Ahmed, made

the appeal in an interview in Lagos against the back drop of shutdown of Ejigbo and Mosinmi loading depots due to vandalism. Ahmed said this had become necessary as majority of the private depots in Apapa were taking undue advantage of the closure of the western loading depots to sell petrol to marketers between N82

and N84 per liter against N77.66k. “We marketers within the South-West of Lagos, Ibadan, Ore, Ilorin and Ekiti found it extremely difficult to load at Apapa depot due to bottleneck at the depot. “It causes us a minimum of four days to load product at Apapa private depots which grossly af-

fects our business and investment. “Private depots also take undue advantage to sell petrol to marketers at N 82 and N 84 per litre as against depot official price of N 77.66k,” he said. The chairman appealed to the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, to set up a taskforce to supervise the sale of pet-

rol in some private depots that sell above the official price. He said some of the private depots who displayed N77.60 on their billboards as ex-depot price, have also created other accounts into which customers pay additional money, thus increasing the ex-depot price through the back door.

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Monday, October 19, 2015

Electricity generation hits 4,324mw Udeme Akpan

he nation’s electricity generation has risen from about 3,000mw to 4,324.44mw as a result of improved gas supply. Investigations showed that the increase in generation recorded over the weekend has culminated in improved supply. The Presidential Task Force on Power, which confirmed the development, indicated that of the 4,324.44mw generated, 4,251.10mw was distributed while the balance was conserved to stabilise the system. But many consumers still live in darkness because the current generation is still below the nation’s 14,000mw estimated daily demand. Meanwhile, the Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, Dr Sam Amadi, has urged consumers to engage their service providers. The advice came on the back drop of barrage of complaints that the Commission receives from consumers, which should have been addressed at the service providers’ level, in line with the Complaints Handling Standards and Procedure. Amadi made the call at a forum to review tariff application by distribution companies, DISCOs. According to him, distribution companies were given a uniform template for tariff application, part of which was for them to consult with customers before submitting same to the Commission. Amadi pointed out that the Commission would work with the Discos to minimise the disparity in tariff among the Discos. “We expect comments as it is done all over the world, the comments usually become part of what will be used by the regulator to make decisions. “This is a real search for tariff regime that will enable investors recover prudent cost and at the same time provide incentives for quality service for consumers,” Amadi said. According to him, the Commission is duty bound to ensure that only the right cost is passed to the customer. This is even as the Com-

mission is committed to finalise approval of the tariff review applications by the end of October. “The procedure for tariff review and approval is very strict and would be followed rigorously to ensure that such an approved tariff is credible, affordable and incentives efficiency,” he added. In a presentation on electricity tariff determination, Mr. Aba Terab, a Senior Manager in the Market Competition and Rates Division, explained components of electricity tariff “as transmission charge for units of electricity de-

livered, cost of the bulk supply points, Disco’s cost of distributing through its network and retail cost, marketing, metering, billing and collection losses as well as capital expenditure for network reinforcements and new installations.” He explained that the objective of the current review was to achieve credible tariffs, address revenue shortfalls and enable Discos to meet their obligations to customers and to also firm up commitments to customers through ownership of the process and effective consultation.

In a related development, NERC has approved Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC’s, plan to expand the centres for vending of its electricity tokens to 500. According to a statement signed by Ahmed Shekarau, Head, Public Relations and Media of AEDC, the company which was legally licensed to market and distribute electricity, vends power through 50 different selling points. The statement which was made available yesterday, said the selling points were in the Federal Capital

Territory, FCT, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger states. The statement said Mr Ernest Mupwaya, Executive Director, Commercial Services, AEDC, confirmed the Regulatory Commission’s approval of the expansion project while fielding questions from newsmen. It also quoted Mupwaya as saying that the expansion would enable AEDC customers to have variety of options to choose from for the purchase of electricity credit units. It said that some additional options would also be made available to the

company’s customers. The options include; electronic payment channels such as inter-switch, credit cards, ATMs, POS at supermarkets and filling stations, and mobile money (electronic wallets on phones). It said AEDC had recently consolidated its five fragmented vending platforms into a single modern one. According to the statement, the consolidation allows for improvement in commercial efficiency by way of processing payments and providing a more secure way of sales and revenue collection.

L-R: Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SFG) Mr Babachir Lawal; APC National Chairman, Mr John Oyegun and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo during a thanksgiving church service for SGF at the ECWA Church Wuse 11, in Abuja, yesterday.

Presidency blackmailing us with anti-graft war –PDP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Nation-

al Assembly. “It is also part of the fight by the Presidency to weaken the legislature as an arm of government and prevent it from effectively carrying out its constitutional role of checks and balances in a democracy,” Metuh said. According to him, no APC member, despite the public petitions of corruption and squandering of state funds, has been invited or questioned by EFCC. He said: “We challenge EFCC, as an anti-corruption agency, to show

Nigerians any member of the APC it has so far questioned, not to talk of being arrested since the emergence of this administration, despite petitions against them. “Recall that even the case of former Adamawa state Governor, Murtala Nyako started before the advent of the current administration, but is now reportedly being worked on ostensibly to extricate APC members involved. “This government has established itself as a hypocritical regime that accommodates corruption, profligacy and sleazes in government

quarters while hoodwinking the people and witch-hunting PDP members. “The hypocrisy of this administration came to the fore with the show of insensitivity to the mood of the nation as copiously demonstrated in Saturday’s ostentatious thanksgiving party (with hundreds of millions of naira spent) by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SFG, Babachir David Lawal, at a time the people of the North East geo-political zone, where he hails from, are being ravaged by insurgency.”

Meanwhile, the Presidency yesterday dismissed PDP’s allegation. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina said he would not have commented on such matter because they were comments coming from a political party and response are better from the APC leadership. However, he said that there was no truth in Metuh’s allegation that the President’s anticorruption war was onesided. He said Metuh has always been saying the same thing all the time

and which has made him to sound like a broken record. Adesina noted that the President has always maintained that even when there is any allegation against APC members, such person must go and defend himself He stated that the issue should have been whether the people facing the EFCC actually committed the crime and not allegation of one-sided anti-corruption war. “I think what is of interest to Nigerians is ‘did these people commit the crime?’ not whether it is one-sided,” he said.

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National Assembly, worst violator of FOI Act –Group Omeiza Ajayi ABUJA

n advocacy group has lashed out at the National Assembly for non-adherence to the nation’s laws, specifically describing the Assembly as the worst violator of the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA, passed in 2011 by the lawmakers. The Freedom of Information Coalition, Nigeria, FOICN, made the allegation in a communiqué issued at the end of its three-day strategy review meeting of its Board of Governors in Abuja. Signed by its Public Relations Officer, Edegbe Odemwingie and other stakeholders, the communiqué expressed regret that the National Assembly, which is the ultimate oversight institution in the implementation of the Act, is perhaps also the greatest violator of its provisions. It noted that the Assem-

bly has failed to submit a single annual report to the Attorney-General of the Federation over the last years and had repeatedly failed to provide information to requesters even in cases where it has been ordered to do so by a court of law. “The meeting therefore called on the National Assembly to fulfill its obligations under the Act, both as a public institution to which the Act applies as well as its oversight responsibility in the implementation of Act,” said Odemwingie. While asking the media to take advantage of the existence of the law to improve its quality of reportage by providing more accurate and reliable information to members of the public, the group however called on the federal government to allocate adequate resources to public institutions to ensure effective implementation of the FOI Act. The meeting which was

called to review the state of implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, also expressed concern at the poor level of awareness among members of the public about the existence of the FOI Act and their right to information under the law. It also expressed concern about the low level of awareness among public institutions and officials about the Act and their duty under the Act to provide information to the public as well as the low level of compliance by public institution to their proactive disclosure obligations under Section 2 of the Act. The meeting further expressed concern that despite the relatively few number of requests for information made by members of the public, most public institutions have been unresponsive, opting instead to withhold such information without legitimate or justifiable reasons.

NATIONAL EAR CARE CENTRE, KADUNA P.M.B 2438 NO.3 GOLF COURSE ROAD/INDEPENDENCE WAY, KADUNA INVITATION FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION AND TENDER 1.0 1.1

INTRODUCTION The National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna is desirous of executing the under listed projects under the 2015 appropriation and hereby invites Competent/Interested Companies/Contractors to submit Pre-qualification/ Tender Documents for these project.

2.0 REQUEST FOR TECHNICAL/FINANCIAL BIDS LOT 1 Rehabilitation of Female Ward, Male Ward and GOPD LOT 11 Construction and furnishing of Two Storey Academic building for training and research which includes (A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

Temporal bone dissection laboratory Sleep Study Laboratory Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Dissection Laboratory Research Library Consultant offices

3.0

TECHNICAL/FINANCIAL BID REQUIREMENT Interested bidders are required to submit comprehensive technical and financial information as indicate below:

i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. x.

Evidence of registration with Corporate Affairs Commission Evidence of Tax Clearance for the last three (3)years(2012-2014) Evidence of experience in similar jobs in the last three(3)years Evidence of financial capability to handle the job VAT Registration Certificate Names and Addresses of Bankers Company Profile including Curriculum Vitae of Key Personnel Evidence of Compliance with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act 2014 Original Document of I and II above must be presented for sighting Evidence of payment of non-refundable fee of fifteen thousand naira (15,000.00) for LOT 1 and twenty thousand naira (20,000.00) for LOT 11 for financial bidding payable to the Accounts Department National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna. Evidence of ITF certificate

xi.

Monday, October 19, 2015 Monday, October 19, 2016

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SCOPE OF WORK AND SPECIFICATIONS The scope of work and specifications for each project is provided in the Tender Documents which shall be obtained from Planning Division of the Administration Department of National Ear Care Centre on payment of the financial bidding fee for each lot. SUBMISSION OF QUOTATIONS Completed technical and financial documents must be sealed in separate envelops and marked accordingly “Technical Bid” and “Financial Bid”. You are to indicate the project (LOT) on the bid documents with the company’s name and contact phone number boldly written on the envelope and addressed to: The Medical Director National Ear Care Centre, No.3 Golf Course Road/Independence Way, Kaduna. Closing Date: All submission must be received at the above address not later than 12noon on 30th November, 2015. The Technical and Financial Bid Documents shall be opened on 30th November, 2015 by 12noon. Important Notice i. Nothing in this advert shall be construed as a commitment on the part of the National Ear Care Centre. ii. The Centre shall reserve the right to verify the authority of claims made by the Tendering Parties. iii. The successful Company(s) will be notified formally. Signed: Management

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FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION FEDERAL SECRETARIAT COMPLEX, PHASE III, AHMADU BELLO WAY, CENTRAL BUSINESS AREA, ABUJA

INVITATION FOR TENDER AND EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR THE EXECUTION OF MINISTRY’S CAPITAL AND ZONAL INTERVENTION PROJECTS NATIONWIDE The Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja is desirous to implement its Capital and Zonal Intervention Projects Nationwide in the 2015 Appropriation. In compliance with the Public Procurement Act, 2007 the Ministry invites interested, competent, reputable and qualified Contractors & Consultants with relevant experience and good track records necessary for the execution of these projects. 2.

SCOPE OF WORK:

CATEGORY A (WORKS) S/N

PROJECT TITLE / DISCRIPTION

Construction of Class Room Blocks/ VIP Toilets

LOCATION Various locations in the Six Geo-Political Zones

Renovation/Rehabilitation of

Class Room

Blocks iii

Various locations in the Six Geo-Political Zones

Street Lighting

Gombe Central Senatorial District, Gombe State

CATEGORY B (GOODS) S/N i.

PROJECT TITLE / DISCRIPTION Supply of School Books/Furniture/ Office and Laboratory Equipment

ii.

LOCATION Various locations in the Six Geo-Political Zones

Supply of Vehicles, Motorcycles and Sewing Machines

Various locations in the Six Geo-Political Zones

CATEGORY C (CONSULTANCY SERVICES) S/N i.

PROJECT TITLE / DISCRIPTION Appointment of Consultants for the Supervision of Construction of Class Room Blocks

ii.

Consultancy Service for Empowerment Programmes for School Teachers/Indigent Students

LOCATION Various locations in the Six Geo-Political Zones Various locations within Nigeria

3a. MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS WITHOUT WHICH A BIDDER SHALL BE DISQUALIFIED FROM FURTHER PARTICIPATION: Prospective bidders are required to submit the following documents: i. Certificate of Incorporation/ Registration with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC); ii. Evidence of Certification of Compliance from PENCOM in accordance with the Pension Reform Act, 2004. No document from any PFA or evidence of payment to banks will be accepted; iii. Evidence of Tax Clearance Certificates for the last three (3) years (2012, 2013 & 2014) corresponding with declared turnover; iv. Evidence of VAT Registration with TIN No; v. Evidence of compliance certificate of contributions to Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in compliance with the provisions of ITF Amendment Act 2011; vi. Evidence of Certification by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN); vii. Evidence of compliance certificate of National Social Insurance Training Fund (NSITF); viii. Submission of an Interim Registration Report (IRR) as evidence of registration on the National Database of Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers in line with Section 5(h) and 6(1)(f) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007; ix. Evidence of Tender payment for each LOT; and x. A sworn affidavit confirming that all information presented and attached are true and correct of the company and that no officer of the Federal Ministry of Education is a former or present Director, Shareholder or has any pecuniary interest in the bidder. 3b. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: ix. Company Audited Accounts for the last three years (2012, 2013 & 2014) showing annual turnover; x. Company Profile and Technical qualifications of key personnel with evidence of experiences on similar jobs; xi. Evidence of Registration with Relevant Professional Bodies (for Architects, Civil Engineers, Quantity Surveyors etc.) is mandatory for Construction Works; xii. Detailed Company Profile evidencing its core business and years of experience; relevant experience in assignments of similar nature, references that can attest to successful completion of projects, key personnel available for the assignment, and any other information that may show the Consultant’s ability to carry out the assignment satisfactorily. (Consultancy Services); xiii. List of verifiable construction equipment, with proof of ownership or lease agreement (for Works only) xiv. Verifiable list of similar jobs successfully executed in the last three years including Letters of Award of Contracts, Project Costs, Job Completion Certificates and Payments (please provide contact addresses of the Clients); xv. Evidence of Financial Capability to execute the Projects (Bank Guarantees from reputable banks will form part of the evaluation criteria); and xvi. Evidence of Payment of Tender Fee of N20,000.00 as cost for production of Bid documents and sundry. 4. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: i. Compiled proposals (two sets of hard copy) shall be submitted in a sealed tampered proof envelope and labeled “WORKS”, “GOODS” or “EoI (CONSULTANCY SERVICES)”, and the Project Name at the top right hand corner of the envelope. The name of company should also be written at the reverse side of the envelope and addressed to: The Secretary, Ministerial Tenders Board, Federal Ministry of Education Federal Secretariat Complex, Phase III, Abuja. ii. The documents should be deposited in the Tender Boxes at the Podium Wing of the Procurement Department, 3rd Floor, FME, Federal Secretariat Complex, Phase III, Abuja. 5. CLOSING: Closing date and time for all submissions is as follows: i. Consultancy Services: on or before Monday, 2nd November, 2015 at 12.00noon prompt. ii. Works and Goods: on or before Monday, 30th November, 2015 at 12.00noon prompt. Late submissions shall not be entertained. 6. OPENING: Opening of the received documents will commence immediately after the closing time stated above for the Consultancy Services, Works and Goods at the Podium Conference Hall, 2nd Floor, Federal Ministry of Education. All Contractors/ Service Providers and/or their Representatives, Relevant Professional Bodies and NGOs are invited to witness the public opening exercise accordingly. 7. PLEASE NOTE THAT: i. Bidders shall not bid for more than two (2) Projects; ii. A post review of Procurement Documentation may be carried out where Contractors and Service Providers may be required to present the original copies of their CAC, VAT, PENCOM, TAX, ITF, FRCN, NSITF Certificates and may thereafter refer any/all to the relevant Security Agencies, Corporate Affairs Commission, Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), National Pension Commission and other relevant bodies for verification; iii. The Federal Ministry of Education reserves the right to reject any or all the submissions that do not meet up with the requirements as specified. 8. DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this advertisement shall be construed as a commitment on the part of the Ministry to award any or all of the above listed projects. Signed Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Education

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Catholic Church builds N16bn university Tunbosun Ogundare

uthorities of Catholic Church, Lagos Archdiocese, has disclosed that it would spend about N16bn to complete its newly established Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, in Lagos and make it a world-class standard. The university will be inaugurated on Friday for the first set of students with Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and former Chief of General Staff, Theophillus Danjuma billed as the keynote speaker and chairman on the occasion, respectively. Catholic Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, who is also the Proprietor of the University, Archbishop Adewale Martins disclosed this at the weekend. He spoke at the IlaraEpe campus of the university while addressing journalists on the inauguration ceremony, which will also have Governor Akinwummi Ambode of Lagos State and many other eminent Nigerians in attendance. Archbishop Martins noted that the university had a three-phase development plan with the first phase already completed. This includes such facilities as the Colleges of Education and Humanities,

Social and Management Sciences, administrative block, males and female hostels, multi-purpose hall/restaurant, science laboratories and health centre, which cost N7bn. The subsequent phases according to him will cost N5bn and N4bn respectively. While disclosing that the university would be for sound learning and character moulding, the cleric added that the funding came largely from supportive parishes in the archdiocese and donations from friends and development partners of the university. He said the university would have charged up to N2m as school fees per session because of its state-ofthe art facilities on ground but was generous in its wisdom to reduce it to N730,000 per session, covering tuition, accommodation, feeding, laboratories and medical. The amount payable, however, depends on course of study The aim, he stressed, is to give room for students from average homes. Adewale, who noted that indigents but brilliant students with consistent good grades would also have scholarship opportunity in the university added that the institution would kick off with 200 students.

Lagos APC charges new commissioners, advisers on service delivery

agos chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday challenged commissioners-designate and special advisers to see their appointments as a call to service and not as a tea party. The appointees are scheduled for swearing-in today. It reminded them that the APC-led administration cannot afford to let down millions of Lagosians who invested their votes to ensure victory for the party on March 28 and April 11. In a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, APC urged the officials to put in their best and take the Centre of Excellence to loftier pedestal. The party said: “We see their appointments as a call to service. So, we’re challenging them to put in their best to ensure that Lagos is taken

far in its insatiable quest for excellence. We believe they are competent and well qualified for their appointments so we expect the best from the commissioners-designate and advisers.” Reminding them that successive governments have built on the standard set by the Alliance for Democracy, AD, in 1999, the party said the crop of commissioners and special advisers must not lower the bar of governance. “Our party is aware that Lagos has set an enviable pace in governance. So, we believe the commissioners will key into the template that has advanced good and quality governance in Lagos these past 16 years. We charge them to be steadfast and work hard to step up the tempo and maintain Lagos as a pacesetter state in the country and even beyond.

L-R: National Secretary, FRSC Special Marshal, Mr. Tunde Ajiboye; Osun State former Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Sunday Akere; Secretary to Osun State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti representing the governor and Permanent Secretary, Osun State Ministry of Special Duties and Regional Integration, Mr. Adelowo Adewumi , during the FRSC Ember Months Sensitization in Osogbo on Saturday.

Students not happy with Buhari over economy –Reasearch

Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

tudents in the country may not be happy with President Muhammadu Buhari over the state of the economy. They have, therefore, called on him to address the parlous state of the economy to make Nigerians happy. This was the outcome of a research conducted by Bankole Michael and Dr Oludayo Tade of the Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, and

made available to journalists in Ibadan yesterday. The research entitled “Social construction of happiness among Nigerian students”, indicated that students are not happy with the poor power supply in the campuses and the country, poor leadership, untamed corruption and unpaid salaries in most states, which affects their economy in school. However to make Nigerians happy, the research noted that the Federal Government must fix roads and electricity, pros-

ecute corrupt leaders, equip schools and health institutions and heal the economy. The research noted further that the spiral effects of unpaid salaries affected students as most parents were unable to send money to their wards in school, making such students loose focus and concentration, leading to poor results. The research also stated that the students asked President Buhari to expand admission space for higher education, not-

ing that many candidates denied admission ended up being unhappy due to shrinking spaces. It noted that although the present government was making moves to fight corruption, the menace is responsible for downcast emotions in the country. The researcher then urged government and policy makers to formulate policies that will make life worth living for the people because of its effect on productivity, and building trust between the ruled and rulers.

Bank robbery: Police to use helicopters to monitor waterways …redeploys Area Commander

Patience Ogbo

ssistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, in charge of Air Wing, Mr. Samuel Aguda has assured Lagos residents of adequate security. Aguda was responding to last week’s robbery at the FESTAC area of the state where two banks were attacked by more than forty armed men dressed in military camouflage, which led to the killing of a nurse and her baby. The AIG in an inter-

view over the weekend said: “We attended a meeting with the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mr. Solomon Arase concerning the security challenges in Lagos State, especially on the issue of armed robbers using the waterways. “Among other strategies to be deployed to halt this crime, the IGP has ordered that we deploy helicopter to monitor the waterways. “So very soon, Lagos State will get helicopter monitoring its waterways and this will be a

continuous operation. We are going to arrest these armed robbers. The police authority will deploy all means to ensure we arrest these criminals and protect lives and property in the state.” It was gathered that police have beefed up security in FESTAC and the waterways. A police source however stated that the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Fatia Owoseni has redeployed the Area E Commander, Frank Mba, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP, following

the FESTAC bank robbery. The source added that the directive to redeploy Mba came from the Force headquarters, Abuja. “ACP Frank Mba has been deployed to Osun State Police Command as Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Department. “His posting follows the failure of his men to avert the bank robberies and killings. His redeployment is with immediate effect,” a source said.

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Monday, October 19, 2015

ABUAD produces 65 First Class among 739 graduates Abiodun Nejo ADO-EKITI

fe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) will on Wednesday graduate 739 students during the institution’s third convocation ceremony. Sixty five graduates made First Class, 339 bagged Second Class Upper Division, 258 second Class Lower Division holders and 74 Third Class degree holders. Vice Chancellor of ABUAD, Prof. Michael Ajisafe, said at the convocation press briefing in Ado-Ekiti at the weekend that the students, equipped with academic standard and entrepreneurial and leadership skills, were spurred to excel by the quality of instruction, conducive environment and necessary encouragement provided by the school authorities. Ajisafe said: “Surely, the academic, leadership and entrepreneurial training we have inculcated in them while here will stand them in good stead in their new phase of life. They will not fail because they cannot afford to fail.” According to him, the graduating students are from College of Social and Management Sciences; College of Medicine and Health Sciences (Basic Sciences); College of Law; and College of Engineering. The VC said that some students could not cope and had to withdraw from the institution on account of the management’s stringent measures against smoking, night clubbing, cultism and other anti-social activities. He said four eminent personalities would be conferred with honorary degrees of the institution “in appreciation of the various ways they have impacted the society.” They are the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Attahiru Jega; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev Mathew

Kukah; and former ICPC Chairman, Justice Emmanuel Ayoola (rtd). Ajisafe said ABUAD complied with the 2012 Keffi Declaration by the Association of Vice Chancellors that such honours should be meritbased and bestowed only on credible personalities. “It is apposite at this juncture to emphasise the place and import of honorary degrees. Their beauty anywhere in the world is that they are awarded to persons who are deserving of such honour having excelled in character, useful application intellect and academic excellence.” According to him, Kukah will deliver the Convocation Lecture tomorrow at an event to be chaired by Jega. The VC said ABUAD had in the course of its development since establishment in 2010 been able to distinguish itself as a leading university in Nigeria. As confirmation, Ajisafe said just as the Nigeria Universities Commission, NUC, described ABUAD’s College of Law as the best in West Africa, the Nigeria Society of Engineering declared the university’s Engineering Programme as a template for engineering education in Nigeria. “Besides, ABUAD has the unparalleled and enviable record of being the first university to have its medical programme accredited within five years and proceeded to build its own Teaching Hospital which will be completed in March next year,” the VC said.

L-R: Sector Commander, FRSC, Oyo State Command, Mr Yusuff Salami; Sector Head of Operation, Mr Olusegun Martins and Commanding Officer, FRSC Zone 11, Mr. Stephen Maitizumahsm, at the inauguration of 2015 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign in Ibadan at the weekend.

Osun partners Chinese investor on export processing Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

sun State government yesterday signed a broad range of economic development partnership with a Chinese firm, Geo Engineering Construction Alliance Team. A statement made available and signed by the Director Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, yesterday said the partnership covers agro industrial park, export processing, hydro power, dry port associated enterprise park and water supply and road projects among others.

He quoted Governor Rauf Aregbesola as stating after the signing ceremony in Abuja at the weekend, that the efforts of his administration to turn around the state economy was yielding the desired result. According to Aregbesola, with the Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese firm, Osun would maintain front row position in employment generation and modern technology in agriculture. Leader of the Chinese team, Mr. Shui Jin Tony, assured Aregbesola that with the signing of MoU on the Broad Range of Economic Development Partnership, the firm would hit the ground run-

ning in a week. He said the company’s resolve to begin the economic development partnership within a week is a demonstration of its commitment and seriousness to the pact. Also, a French organisation, Vergnet Groupe, has said the 13-megawatt solar power project in Osun will position the state well ahead of its peers, especially in solar power energy. Addressing Osun delegation before signing the MoU that also had the French ambassador Dean Gauer and the Economic counselor Demónique Simon in attendance, head of the team Frederick Chieve applauded the po-

litical will of the government in buying into renewable energy through the solar power project. Chieve added that the 13mw solar project will provide huge employment opportunities to the youths and complement the epileptic power supply. Aregbesola, in his remark, noted that energy and by extension power is key, critical and a primary requirement for development. He stressed that since adequate and uninterrupted supply of power and energy is capable of reducing poverty, powering the communities through alternative sources will be a priority of his administration.

ever that the funds were mismanaged. But Fadiora in his reaction called for patience, saying the outcome of the forensic audit on the financial records of the hospital during his tenure, due for release, will reveal that no penny was spent without approval from appropriate authorities. Fadiora further explained: “For avoidance of doubt, I want to put the records straight for the

good people of Osun and the whole world to know. That Osun State invested N1.7billion as capital project in the hospital in the last four years, is a testimony that health is one of the cardinal points of the government and this was budgeted for and approved by the government for the expansion of the hospital for new buildings and procurement of hospital equipments. “With this investment,

LAUTECH Teaching Hospital was able to get full accreditation in many departments to the extent that Medicine department was rated as second best in West Africa by West Africa College of Physicians. What a giant feat? Other teaching hospitals in Nigeria were coming to see original innovations such as Oxygen plant, Drugs production unit etc for replication in their various centres.

LAUTECHTH former CMD denies alleged N1.7bn graft Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

mmediate past Chief Medical Director, CMD, of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, LAUTECHTH, Osogbo, Prof. Olufemi Fadiora, yesterday debunked alleged mismanagement of N1.7bn meant for capital projects during his tenure. The acting LAUTECH-

TH, Prof. Akeem Lasisi, in a chat with newsmen last week had stated that he inherited a comatose teaching hospital, adding that over N1.7 billion meant for some ongoing projects could not be accounted for. Lasisi also stated that the said amount was the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, that accrued to the teaching hospital during the four-year tenure of Fadiora, alleging how-

South East

Monday, October 19, 2015

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Brace up or resign, ex-PDP scribe tells Okorocha CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

ormer Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Imo State, Enyinnaya Onuegbu, yesterday flayed Governor Rochas Okorocha’s style of governance, saying he should either sit down to do his job or resign his position as governor of the state. The PDP stalwart made the declaration while interacting with newsmen in Owerri, the Imo State capital. According to Onuegbu, a situation where the governor abandons his office and prefers jockeying from one state to the other, promoting his personal ambition when the time for politicking has not been announced by the authorities is unacceptable to people of the

state. He stated that the governor’s incessant trips have left the state fallow and derailed the act of governance, adding that “the way the state is being governed can best be described as a state without government. “Okorocha is running Imo like a sole administrator of a private business; five months into his second term there is no state executive, no advisers and more worrisome is that the state House of Assembly has been more on recess than on legislative business,” he noted. He regretted that the governor has spent more time globe-trotting and attending to private business rather than seeing to the economic growth and security of lives and property of the state

which he swore to uphold. “It is no longer news that economic activities in the state are fast on a decline owing to capital flight which Okorocha and his families are encouraging through their foreign counterparts,” he alleged. According to him, “salaries and pensions

are still owed despite the bailout fund of N26 billion and the steady influx of federal allocations.” The former ALGON chairman frowned at the neglect of roads in the state, saying all the capital projects in the state were not properly executed. “Most roads constructed by this administration never lasted more

than four months; worse still there are no indigenous contractors on his team.” He also lamented that the Imo State University road through Chukwuma Nwoha “that was awarded for the huge sum of N4.2 billion has been abandoned, causing high flooding in that environment.”

The ex-chairman of Ngor Okpala Local Government added that the economic crunch currently crippling all activities in the state is a direct consequence of Imo people’s neglect, contrary to PDP’s warnings in the last general election not to return Okorocha for second term in office.

UNTH saves N120m annually –CMD EMMANUEL EZEH ENUGU

uthorities of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku/ Ozalla, Enugu said at the weekend that over N120 million previously spent on outsourced services handled by contractors per annum had been saved following the decision to handle the services internally. These services were reviewed by the Dr Christopher Amah-led administration with effect from July this year. Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Amah told reporters in Enugu that the review followed the expiration of the five-year contracts in the area of laundry, cleaning and security services in the hospital. He added that the review had also infused competition and efficiency in the system as more than one contractor now handles these services within the hospital. Giving a breakdown of the figures, he stated that cleaning services that was contracted out for over N6 million yearly had been reviewed to about N3 million with two contractors engaged for the service, while laundry services had also

been reviewed downwards from over N6 million to about N1.5million. Amah said the hospital was paying over N8 million for security services at the old and permanent sites of the hospital contracted to one security firm. He added that one more security firm had been engaged and would be paid a little above N6 million for its services. He disclosed that cutting of grass within the hospital premises that was going for about N12 million has been reviewed downward to about N3million following the donation of weed slashers by a friend of the hospital.

L-R: President, Guardian of the Nation International, Mr Linus Okorie; Director-General, National Youth Service Corps , Brig Gen. J.B Olawumi and Acting Director, NYSC Community Development Service, Mrs Victoria Okakwu, during the official signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Guardian of the Nation International and National Youth Service Corps on youths Development in Abuja, at the weekend. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

NMA condemns concession of Imo public hospitals C HRIS N JOKU OWERRI

igerian Medical Council, NMA, has condemned the Imo State government’s plan to handover the management of public health institutions to private individuals, saying health is a basic responsibility government owes its people. Addressing news-

men in Owerri, the Imo State capital over the weekend, the state Chairman, Dr. Hyacinth Emele, noted that concessioning the general hospitals and health centres in order to waive such responsibilities or to generate profit would exclude the poor from accessing available and affordable quality healthcare in the state. According to Emele,

Don’t take loans without permission, Ebonyi commission warns officials

bonyi State Fiscal Responsibility Commission, FRC, has warned public office holders in the state against obtaining loans without its consent. Chairman of the commission, Mr Vincent Nwibo, gave the warning on Sunday in Abakaliki in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN. Nwibo said that public officers were expected by

law to be prudent in their financial dealings and follow due process while obtaining loans. The chairman said the commission had recruited five trained account investigators to visit financial agencies, revenue points and other relevant establishments to execute this task. “It is not going to be business as usual as these investigators will check remittances, receipts and

other stipulated procedures while remitting necessary returns. “This provision is specified by Law 003 of Ebonyi Fiscal Responsibility Commission and Related Matters Law of 2008,” he said. He called on civil and public officers at the state and local government levels to exhibit zero tolerance on corruption as the commission would punish erring agencies.

the concession of public health institutions in the state including health centres by the Governor Rochas Okorocha administration is already having adverse effect on health institutions and masses, especially the rural dwellers. The NMA chairman further explained: “A case study is the recent concession of Imo State specialist hospital, Umuguma to his former SSA on health, Dr Sylvanus Amaechi,” a situation, he said has exclusively excluded poor masses from the services rendered there. According to Emele, “If the state government hands off its responsibilities on issues as burdensome as health where it is needed most, one wonders what other use a government will serve for the people.” Also, the NMA chairman chided the state government for owing the health workers backlog of eight months’ salary including the workers of the

Imo State University Teaching Hospital, IMSUTH, who are owed five months arrears. Already, the IMSUTH workers, he disclosed, have embarked on an indefinite strike to press home their demand, adding that the strike also had affected the training of its students which he said has led to the suspension of admission of medical students for the next three years by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN. “This means that Imo State will not be able to produce medical doctors for three consecutive years,” he said. “The deliberate act by the state government in withholding salaries of doctors as well as other health workers despite the release of bailout funds by the Federal Government is both criminal and cruel. It is an inhuman act that should be condemned by all and sundry.”

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Monday, October 19, 2015

Navy arrests woman, 2 others for illegal oil bunkering in Delta ELO OGWARA WARRI

igerian Navy Ship, NNS, Delta at the weekend arrested three suspected oil thieves, including a woman in Delta State.

Speaking to newsmen after the operation in Jones Creek area of Warri South-West Council Area of the state, Flag Officer Commanding, FOC, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Apochi Su-

A’Ibom govt awards grants to UUTH

kwa Ibom State Government has concluded plans to award special intervention grant to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital to enable the institution update facilities and provide conducive operational environment for patients.

Governor Udom Emmanuel announced this during the October edition of Government House Prayer meeting held at the Latter Day House Chapel, Governor’s lodge, Uyo. The governor was reacting to the state of the tertiary health institution during an unscheduled visit. He particularly frowned at the poor sanitary condition and dilapidated infrastructure at the acci-

dent and emergency ward, stating that the situation he saw the patients was a far cry to the recovery process in which a health institution is known for. The unit, according to the governor, has dirty walls, broken tiles on the floor and in the lounge, grass competing with the building for space even as the toilet facilities beg for water. “I went to the only teaching hospital available in the state; you can imagine the deplorable sight. Lacking both in ambience and structure, yet managed by Professors and consultants. Even the environment is enough to hinder the recovery of the sick.

Dickson tasks federal lawmakers on Lokpobiri’s clearance

overnor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State over has called on members of the National Assembly from the state to close ranks and ensure Senator Heineken Lokpobiri is cleared as a ministerial nominee. Dickson, who made the call, when the members under the aegis of National Assembly Caucus Forum paid a condolence visit to him in Government House, Yenagoa, over the demise of Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, urged them to always commit themselves to the unity and progress of the state. He stressed that, the development of Bayelsa was paramount regardless of party affiliations or personal interest, expressing his resolve to collaborate with representatives of the state at the national level towards accelerating the pace of development. Governor Dickson

lauded members of the National Assembly for partnering with the state government with a view to actualising its vision, noting that development of the state was a collective responsibility. He described Chief Alamieyeseigha as one of the foremost Ijaw leaders, whose demise has created a vacuum, noting that, one cannot query God, because He giveth and He taketh. Speaking, Chairman of the Bayelsa State National Assembly Caucus Forum, Senator Foster Ogola, said Chief Alamieyeseigha was a political colossus, who laid the foundation for the development of the state. Recounting the Ijaw leader’s achievements while he was governor, Ogola pointed out that, he represented the voice of the Ijaw people across the country and protected their interest.

leiman reiterated his commitment to the war against illegal oil bunkering. According to him, the raid saw the destruction of five illegal refineries and 320,000 metric tons of illegally refined petroleum products. The naval boss further disclosed that his

men also raided hidden bases of oil thieves, as well as set equipments used for the illegal activities, such as engine boats, including twelve Cotonou boats with products, worth several millions of naira, ablaze. Admiral Suleiman noted that the canker-

worm must be crushed. “It is the mandate given to us by the Chief of Naval Staff to go all out against illegal oil bunkerers and we must attain this through the effort of all concerned, including the press, stakeholders and informants. “It is possible that

we may not be able to eradicate the scourge completely, but we will try as much as possible to reduce it to the barest minimum,” he added. He stated that the suspects will be handed-over to the appropriate authorities after the navy concludes investigations.

L-R: Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson; Managing Director, Nigerian Agip OIL Company, Mr. Massimo Insulla and Chairman, State Traditional Rulers Council, His Majesty, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, during a condolence visit over the demise of the 1st Civilian Governor of the State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha at Government House Yenagoa, at the weekend.

Ugbodaga, ex-Edo NMA chair, 2 others kidnapped SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

former chairman of Edo State chapter of Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Dr Phillip Ugbodaga, has been kidnapped. Ugbodaga, a consultant dentist at the Central Hospital in Benin City, was reportedly kid-

napped on Friday evening along with two other medical doctor colleagues in Imo State. The identities of the other two victims however remained unknown as at the time of going to press. Our correspondent learnt that the three were reportedly trailed, stopped and picked out

Dangote, Oshiomhole, Umahi, others for New Telegraph summit

hree governors, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano) and Chief Dave Umahi (Ebonyi) as well as President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, are among dignitaries to participate in the maiden edition of New Telegraph Economic Summit, holding in Lagos on October 27. The summit, with the theme: ‘Beyond month allocation: State of the Nigerian states’, will examine the financial crisis facing many states of the

federation in view of the oil price rout that has cut revenue to the Federation Account by about 65 per cent and how states could survive by expanding their internally revenue base. Dangote will be the guest speaker at the event where the three governors will also share their experience in weathering the economic storm that has buffeted many states and impaired their ability to meet their obligations to workers and contractors.

of their vehicle by gunmen near Umuaka in Isu Local Government Area of Imo State, where they had gone to assist a friend to render free medical services to a community whose people were in dare need of assistance. It was learnt that the medical personnel had hardly arrived their destination when they were forcefully led away at gunpoint by the suspected kidnappers, who our correspondent learnt from the distraught families, were yet to make any contact by yesterday evening. Effort our correspondent made to get the feeling and reaction of the Ugbodaga family proved abortive as neither the elder brother nor any other member was willing to speak on the matter. The elder brother, who is also a medical doctor and the Permanent Secretary of Edo State Ministry of Health, Dr Peter Ugbodaga, was unwilling to speak on the fate of his brother. Meanwhile, reactions

have been trailing the kidnapping, with some describing the incident as clear example of the failure of the Nigerian state. In a statement, immediate past President of NMA, Dr Osahon Enabulele said: “It’s really sad that our brother, Dr Philip Ugbodaga, was kidnapped by some faceless individuals. “While I urge all to fervently pray for his speedy release, I commend all on-going efforts being made to secure his safe release. Undoubtedly, our brother’s kidnap is yet another reminder of the failure of the Nigerian State.” Convener of Edo Focus, a platform for the discussion of Edo State socio-political status, Comrade Aiyamenkhue Edokpolor, urged the kidnappers to release Ugbodaga and the other two doctors unhurt while tasking the police to ensure the safe release of the captives and arrest the perpetrators.

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Monday, October 19, 2015

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5 Nigerian sites to gain recognition as World Islamic Heritage sites —NCMM D-G

Director-General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, NCMM, Malam Yusuf Usman, said yesterday that five sites in Nigeria have been submitted to the World Islamic Heritage Committee for recognition. This was contained in a statement signed by the Director-General and made available to newsmen in Abuja. Usman said the Islamic World Heritage Committee of the Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation, ISESCO, in Rabat, Morocco was giving due attention to the list. “The five Heritage Sites submitted are: Hubbaren Shehu in Sokoto State, Gobarau Minaret in Katsina and Sheikh Alimi Mosque complex in Ilorin. “Others are Mbormi Battle Ground in Gombe and Fanisau Palace Mosque in Kano. “The sites were selected based on their outstanding universal value as architectural masterpieces, archaeological and historical edifices,” he said. Usman said Hubbaren Shehu, otherwise known as Sheikh Usman Danfodio House, represented an outstanding example of typical Sudan-Arab Islamic traditional architecture which remained unchanged for over 200 years. “The place served as one of the famous centres of

Islam despite the 19th and 20th centuries period of missionary activities and colonialism in Africa,” he said. He further said the Gobarau Minaret was the single spectacular minaret structure of its kind in Africa still standing on its original site established over six hundred years ago. It explained that the building exhibited an architectural rarity in storey building construction and maintenance as exemplified by the traditional Katsina master builders through the use of indigenous sustainable local resources. The director-general further stated that the Sheikh Alimi Mosque complex comprised three mosque structures established by Sheikh Alimi in Kuho, Ori-Okoh and Idiape areas of Ilorin, Kwara State. He said: “The complex stands out as the tangible signpost of the historical account of the spread of Islam in South-west Nigeria and its association with the Jihad movement that characterised the entire West African region in the 19th century. “In its serial spread and construction patterns, the mosque complex also reflected the history of conflicts and adaptation between Islam and African ways of life and belief sys-

Group urges Assembly to reconsider suspension of varsity VC Igbawase Ukumba LAFIA

group, Lafia Posterity and Development, Initiative yesterday appealed to the Nasarawa State House of Assembly to revisit its resolution suspensing the Vice Chancellor of the state University, Prof Mohammed Mainuma Akaro. Last week the lawmakers directed the state government to suspend the vice chancellor over allegation of admission irregularities. The group made the appeal through its chairman, Dalhatu Musa Yusha’u, during a public presenta-

tion in Lafia, the state capital. Accordingly, the group called on the university management to balance the 2015/2016 admission to fall in line with the act establishing the institution, which stipulates 80 per cent for indigenous students and 20 per cent for non-indigenes. The group said: “It is also our candid suggestion that the assembly should work closely and harmoniously with the university management in order to surmount the challenges towards putting the university in the right track for the benefit of the state.”

tems.” Usman said the Mbormi battle ground was located in a rural setting near Nafada town in Gombe State. “The landscape was an abandoned settlement site with evidence of archaeological remains and the three marked graves of the leaders of Sokoto caliphate; AmirulMuminin Sultan Attahiru I, the Chief Imam of the caliphate and that of the commander of the British forces, Major Marsh.

“The Mbormi site was evidence of the patriotic and courageous resistance of colonialism as it bore a unique testimony to the phenomenal British colonial conquest in Africa,” he added. The Fanisau Palace Mosque, the fifth property submitted to ISESCO for inscription is located in Kano State. Usman said it was an ancient mosque structure attached to a palace built in line with Hausa

traditional architectural pattern now serving as a country guest house of the Emir of Kano. “The mosque in association with the palace structure represents the early history of Islam in West Africa embodying physical architectural elements as well as encompassing political, social, and cultural dimensions of Islamic heritage,” the director general noted. He further explained that the submission of

the sites to ISESCO was within the framework of Nigeria’s ongoing efforts at reconsidering cultural issues using innovative mechanism and concepts. Nigeria, he said, is rich in culture, traditions and natural landscape with unique features. According to him, listing the five sites will raise the heritage status of Nigeria and bring development in addition to creating job opportunities for the youths.

A suspected Boko Haram member arrested by the Military after second bomb explosion at Ummudari Molai Area of Maiduguri. PHOTO:NAN

•Ddistributes N60m worth drugs James Danjuma KATSINA

ore than N7 bn is being owed road contractors in Katsina State, Governor Aminu Bello Masari has said. The amount is part of liabilities inherited from the Ibrahim Shema-led administration.

Justin Tyopuusu JALINGO

araba State Coordinator of National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Mr. Freeman Tumba Kwaya has said 200 corps members of the 2015 Batch ‘C’ have their service extended for

Masari made this known over the weekend while inspecting ongoing construction of the 32 kilometre DandumeKaadisan–Daudawa –Sheme road. The governor however said the state government had commenced verification of the liability to ascertain its authenticity. He said the road inspection was part of the veri-

fication exercise being carried out by the state government to ensure contractors abided by contract specification. The governor said his administration would inspect ongoing and completed road projects awarded by the immediate past administration before releasing funds to contractors. He directed contrac-

tors that had abandoned sites to resume work and ensure completion of road projects as schedule. He however warned that funds would not be released to contractors that fail to deliver satisfactory jobs. Meanwhile, drugs worth more than 60 have been distributed to government owned hospitals in the state.

misconduct. Tumba, who stated this yesterday in Jalingo while interacting with journalists said the corps members were punished for absenteeism and truancy at their places of primary assignments. “We were instructed by the director general to

carry out head count for all corps members serving in the state and in the process of the exercise we discovered that 200 of our corps member absconded from their respective places of assignment,” he said. According to him, two other corps members died in the course of serving

their father land in the state. He charged corps members who had just passed out to make use of the skills they acquired during their service year, stressing that as potential leaders, they have a critical role to play in making Nigeria a great nation.

Monday, October 19, 2015

JAMES ABRAHAM looks at current leadership issues in Plateau State and examines how challenges of governance is pushing Governor Simon Lalong on edge.

n Plateau State, governance has entered into full swing or so it seems. Although Governor Simon Lalong is yet to constitute members of his cabinet, who are expected to assist him deliver the dividends of democracy to the people, governance has continued without them more than four months after he was sworn in on May 29, with major policy decisions being taken to the chagrin of the opposition party members and other stakeholders in the state. But Lalong is not bothered. For now, his major concern appears to be how he can use every available means to deliver on his campaign promises to the people which essentially center on infrastructural provision, security and welfare of the people. This is understandable given the fact that these deliverables which revolve around the provision of basic social amenities such as good roads, electricity supply, portable water, good education/schools, affordable housing among others have come to be acknowledged as the principal benchmark for measuring development and good governance in any clime. However, the way he is going about ensuring their actualisation has not only remained a challenge but is also attracting attention among stakeholders in the state with many expressing fear over the future of the state and its people In fact, his determination not to disappoint the people who elected him into office appears to have put the governor on edge, and indications to this emerged recently when the governor wrote members of the state Assembly indicating his administration’s intention to borrow N10 billion loan. Those who have raised eyes brow over the governor’s request have pointed at the N5.3 billion bailout fund which the Federal Government gave to the state recently aside the monthly statutory allocation said to be over N3 billion and coupled with the internally generated revenue amounting to over N700, million monthly and wondered why the governor would not utilise these revenues to the benefit of the people without resorting to borrowing. As it is, stakeholders are weighing the rationale behind the governor’s loan proposal and its implication for the state. From the look of things, there is no doubts that the state and its people are facing enormous challenges which requires funding if they are to be tackled For instance, National Mirror learnt that many of the state civil servants are still being owed outstanding salary arrears spanning between two and five months; same with pension and gratuities. Besides, there is still the problem of infrastructure decay in public institutions begging for attention and unemployment; insecurity especially in the northern zone among others. Now, the question the people are asking is whether the governor’s fresh N10 billion proposal is the way to go about rescuing the state from its current challenge. Is there no better alternative to drive governance other than borrowing? Although the state lawmakers have not granted his request, National Mirror learnt that the lawmakers will make their final stand on the issue known anytime soon. House Majority Leader, Daniel Dem who confirmed the development in an interview with National Mirror in Jos said the issue was such that should be examined critically

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Politics

Challenge of governance puts Lalong on edge the backlog of salary areas; agreed it was only N4.5 billion that was accessed. ‘’Federal Government also released N5.3 billion as bailout funds to the state to offset salary areas. This is a state that commissioners and other government functionaries are yet to be appointed, salaries not paid, where then are these monies taken to?,’’ he asked. Also speaking, member representing Mangu North East constituency, Abdul Yanga opined that the Assembly was not rejecting the collection of the loan, but that a copious explanation would be needed. ‘’If we must approve the collection of this loan, government must accompany this proposal with a clear blueprint on the projects it will be used for. We are representative of the people, and so we must make laws that will be in the best interest of the people; anything short of that will be antagonistic,’’ he said In the same vein, member representing Rukuba/ Irigwe constituency, Simon Kudu wondered what the government was doing with its monthly subvention that it had to always fall back to collecting loans. Lalong

before a final decision would be taken. He said that the House had already committed the matter to the House committee on Public Finance adding that members would take final decision on the issue during their plenary on Tuesday this week. He also assured the people not to entertain any worry over the matter and insisted that the 24 member Assembly would be guided by public interest in its decision on the matter. As it is, it is not clear yet if the governor’s request would scale through when the House reconvenes on Tuesday as, already, opinions are divided on whether the lawmakers should grant the governor’s request or not. To some, the loan should not be granted because the governor has not utilised the previous funds well. But the proponents argue to the contrary saying that the House members have a responsibility to partner with the executive in order to move the state forward. In his letter, the governor drew the lawmaker’s attention on the need for the state to have more developmental projects and urged the lawmakers to approve his request so as to ease the financial difficulty which his administration was facing in meeting up with its obligation, adding that the loan which was authorised by the National Economic Council, NEC, would be accessed from the Excess Crude Account, ECA. Lawmakers speak Speaking against the loan, member representing Kantana constituency and Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Yusuf Gagdi urged members to give assent to matters that would only breed development to the people. He said the Assembly had recently approved a loan of N4.5 billion which was taken by government, and that there was nothing on the ground to show that the said loan was used for something meaningful According to Gagdi, granting approval for the loan would further mortgage the future of the state and its inhabitants. ‘’We as legislators must operate as a people oriented Assembly; the one that will make good laws that will better the lives of the people. Recently we have granted approval for government to collect a loan of N9.8 billion to offset

Implication for the state Many stakeholders have equally join the lawmakers in highlighting the implication of the loan to the state and its people. A lecturer with the University of Jos Santos Larab Ayuba, said the issue of the state borrowing should not be a decision to be taken by the state House of Assembly alone but should be debated by the generality of the people of the state. He argued that the mere fact the new government within a short period of its existence has only focused on where to borrow money has cast serious doubts about its ability to govern well let alone providing a launch pad for the future progress of the state.

The way out As a way out of the challenge facing the state, Larab said since there is no money to embark on developmental projects, there is the need for the government not to open a flood gate of contracts which he said can only plunge the state into more debts. He said:”Why would you go into awarding fresh contracts when the ones already awarded have not being paid. There are recurrent debts here and there. I think there is the need to stop further pillage of debts in the name of fulfilling campaign promises. Secondly, there is the need to strengthen the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, of the state. Taxes that should boost government revenue are going to private hands on daily basis. For instance, why would taxes collected from Keke Napep operators be allowed to go into private hands when they are plying roads built by government. The truth is that Jos and environs have become commercial hub centres and there is the need for government to harness the informal sector and put it into proper use. Thirdly, government should be accountable to the people. Certainly, the change cannot come if a government that promises change chose to do things the old way”. Also speaking with National Mirror, a financial expert and former Permanent Secretary in the state Mr Isaac Wadak who agreed with Larab’s suggestions added that government must reduce its cost of governance as a way out of its present predicament.

Politics

Monday, October 19, 2015

Fight against corruption is priority of incoming ministers –Presidency Obiora Ifoh ABUJA

he office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, is set to work harmoniously with the incoming ministers to advance the fight against corruption in line with the desire of President Muhammadu Buhari to rid the country of the menace. Gideon Sammani, Senior Special Adviser, SSA, on political matters to the

SGF, Engineer Babachir Lawal said this in Abuja weekend, stating that the incoming cabinet members are already aware of Buhari’s strong desire to revive the national economy, first with the fight against corruption, while they will all enlist in the fight. Speaking with newsmen during a special reception and thanks giving service orgainsed in honour of the SGF at the International Conference Center, Abuja on Saturday, Sammani said

the SGF had already indicated resolve to lead in the fight against corruption and hence will mobilise the cabinet members to be anticorruption crusaders. He said the President’s emphasis on fight against corruption was the reason he assembled a cream of men and women of integrity with tested backgrounds to form his cabinet, noting that the nominees so far screened by the Senate have proved their competence and ability to assist

in driving the desire of the government towards reinventing governance and re-building Nigeria. Sammani said the office of the SGF was impressed that the incoming ministers, during screening, displayed knowledge, discipline, experience and capacity to serve diligently, the virtues he said will count in their desire to assist President Buhari to bring the dream of putting Nigeria back on track a manifest reality.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Osun APC, group backs Adewole’s ministerial nomination Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Osun State chapter, Hon. Deji Agboola, yesterday declared support for the nomination of Professor Isaac Adewole as a minister representing Osun in the federal cabinet. Stating what he described as the position of the party, Agboola, a former state officer of Osun APC, said Adewole merited the ministerial appointment going by his intimidating profile, noting that Adewole who is the incumbent Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan will be a great asset in revamping dying educational sector based on his unique antecedent

in educational development, urging the Senate to confirm his nomination. Also, a group, Osun Concerned Elders, OCE, has cautioned individuals or groups against creating bad blood in the state over ministerial appointment for selfish interest. The group, in a statement by its chairman, Chief Stephen Adebayo stated this while reacting to a publication in national newspaper by a group, Osun Concern Citizen, kicking against Adewole’s nomination to represent the state in President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet. It warned against using the ministerial slot for the state to create bad impression about the peaceful coexistence that has always prevailed among all tribes in the state.

Senator assures Ekiti of increased democracy dividends Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

N L-R: Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku and Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, during the thanksgiving service for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr. Babachir David Lawal, in Abuja, on Saturday.

YCY passes vote of confidence in NIAA DG Ayo Esan

he leadership and members of the Yoruba Council of Youths, YCY, a coalition of various youths and students organisations in South-West geo-political zone of Nigeria and in Diaspora has passed vote of confidence in Director General, DG, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Professor Bola Akin-

terinwa. In a statement issued yesterday and signed by the national president of the organisation, Aremo Oladotun Hassan, the body heartily commends Professor Bola Akinterinwa’s unprecedented landmark achievements and succinct track records of excellence, integrity, patriotism, innovations, dynamism, untainted diligence to service of the nation and unparalleled delivery of develop-

mental prospects at NIIA. Aremo said: “We commend him having made NIIA a desired institution based on international brand of great repute amongst committees of nations, most importantly we appreciate his qualitative intelligence and impeccable character of ‘Omoluabi’ which reflects his true identity and personality, aimed at the overall sustenance of the NIIA as second to none institution in

Nigeria and Africa, predicated on United Nations, UN, standard practices and administrative objectives. “We are indeed very proud of him as our father, mentor and trailblaser whose passionate drive and quest for developmental positive change is in consonance with the President Muhammadu Buhari’s change mantra determinants and noble vision for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Ministerial nomination tears Ondo APC apart Ojo Oyewamide AKURE

he choice of Professor Omoyele Daramola as the ministerial nominee representing Ondo State has thrown the All Progressives Congress, APC, into crisis in the state. Daramola was believed to have been nominated by the APC former national chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, and the senator

representing Ondo North in the National Assembly, Professor Ajayi Boroffice. A faction of the state executive committee however, at the weekend expressed reservation over the choice of Daramola. A statement signed by the party’s secretary, Raman Rotimi, and youth leader, Babalayo Olutayo, while acknowledging that President Muhammadu Buhari has the prerogative to appoint a

minister for the state, said the state chapter would forward its position on the ministerial nomination to the party’s South West leaders for onward transmission to the President. The faction also suspended the publicity secretary, Omo’ba Abayomi Adesanya, who at the nomination of Daramola, showed his support by issuing a statement hailing President Buhari for nominating her as

a minister from the state. The decision to suspend Adesanya was taken at the state working committee meeting on Thursday, where chairman of the party, Isaac Kekemeke, made a strong case for the suspension. However, Adesanya said he had not received any correspondence suspending him from office and that the state working committee had no such powers to suspend an officer.

ational Assembly member representing Ekiti North senatorial district, Senator Duro Faseyi, has assured the people of Ekiti State of increased democracy dividends in the years ahead. Faseyi said that the collaboration of the state governor and the seasoned National Assembly members from the state which had started yielding fruits would culminate in attraction of federal projects in addition to those of the state government. The senator in a congratulatory statement to mark the governor’s first anniversary said that Ekiti State had in the last one

year, been better under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governor in view of “his determination and zeal to bring real development to the state at all times. “The performances of the PDP-led governments in the state have always been exceptional and people are therefore always happy for making good decision at the polls unlike days of AD, ACN or APC,” the senator stated. The PDP leader said that “with the cooperation and harmonious working relationship of the governor and the present National Assembly members, no doubt, the state has started witnessing rapid transformation and development.

Group decries growing decay in Kogi Omeiza Ajayi

n Abuja based goodgovernance advocacy group, Positive Transformation Ambassadors has decried the growing rot in the affairs of Kogi State, lamenting the poor rating of the state in various performance and development index. While it lamented that the Governor Idris Wada-led administration has not been able to evolve well-thought out development plans let alone executing them, the group urged voters in the

state to queue behind the All Progressives Congress, APC and its candidate, Abubakar Audu in the November 21 gubernatorial polls. At a news conference in Abuja, President of the group, Yunusa Ikojo said the last 12 years of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP-led administration in the state amounted to a colossal waste of public resources “hence the need for the people to go for a result-oriented candidate like former Governor Abubakar Audu, whose achievement is yet unequalled by successive governments.”

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Views

Monday, October 19, 2015

What is wrong with Adamawa ruling elite? A HMAD SAJOH

omething is definitely wrong with Adamawa State ruling elite. Otherwise how can one explain the abject poverty and despondency in most communities in the state with little or no elite support to the communities, while the same elite spend millions of naira in legal fees and media propaganda to antagonize virtually every elected government in the state? This is really worrisome. If even a small percentage of the amounts spent by these elite in media, legal and political wars like impeachments were spent on our communities, life would not be as bad as it is today for most our citizens especially in our rural areas and urban slums. Former Governor Boni Haruna had a running battle with the elite when he heldsway as Adamawa State’s chief executive. Millions of naira was spent in legal fees, media war and several impeachment threats against him. In the end, he barely survived all the sinister plots and conspiracies. However, in the process, he lost a lot of steam, and in some instances even the focus and direction of governance. Meanwhile, the helpless and often hapless citizens became the losers. The same elite that hounded Haruna

ganged up to launch Admiral Murtala Nyako as the governor of the state. Shortly after he assumed power, they again teamed up and almost rendered the state under him ungovernable. Millions of naira was again spent in ceaseless media wars, spirited legal battles and an impeachment process that surpassed all in terms of money spent to achieve the goal. In the end, the state witnessed the greatest instability in the history of any political unit in Nigeria with seven governors presiding over the affairs of the state in eight years. It left the state heavily indebted, unstable and bruised to the point of being prostate. In the process no one gave a thought to the plight of the citizens. Now it appears the Adamawa elite are back to the drawing board, formulating what could be a new vista of war with the nascent government of Senator Muhammad Umar Jibrilla. Already some cases are in court seeking to nullify his election through the back door since his fellow contestants in the last election did not go to the tribunal to challenge the validity of his election. So much money is already being spent in the vain process of truncating the administration through a legal process instituted by people who have no stake in such matters except as glorified spoilers. We have also started seeing the

SO MUCH MONEY IS ALREADY BEING SPENT IN THE VAIN PROCESS OF TRUNCATING THE ADMINISTRATION…

media wars in the sponsorship of a false news reports in both the social and conventional media. One of such ungodly reports claimed that the people of Mubi, the Governor’s own hometown, had barred him from visiting home. They did not take into cognizance that His Excellency just approved the construction and refurbishment of 14 roads in Mubi in order to reposition Mubi area back to its economic relevance in the state. Mubi has always been the commercial nerve centre of Adamawa State and the Governor as a private sector person with thriving businesses in Mubi knows that more than anyone else. He has also ordered the completion of an ATV boaster station in Mubi and visited the water treatment plant in the town with a view to putting it back to shape, among many initiatives for the town. In addition, Governor Jibrilla has ordered the upgrading of the General Hospital Mubi, ensured the return of academic activities at both the state university and College of Health Tech-

nology sacked and destroyed by the insurgents. It is, therefore, unthinkable that the peaceful people of Mubi will deny the Governor entry into the town. For us in Mubi, we are indeed grateful to God Almighty for choosing our son to head the government of Adamawa State, and we will leave no stone unturned to fully support him to succeed. Everybody knows that Governor Jibrilla, popularly known as Bindow, is the people’s choice for governor of Adamawa State, and that the people of Mubi will continue to accord him all the support needed as both their son and the governor of our dear state of Adamawa. Meanwhile, as the imaginary and unwarranted battle is being waged by the Adamawa ruling elite, the abject poverty and despondency continue to bite harder on our communities with little or no effort from wealthy elites of the state doing anything to ameliorate the situation. It took someone like Owelle Rochas Okorocha of Imo State to realize that we need schools in Adamawa State that will carter for the neglected vulnerable children of poor peasants and traumatized Internally Displaced Persons. It’s indeed a shame on us all; especially given the colossal amount we waste fighting our governments! Sajoh is the Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Yola

Stay young, breathe right SANDRA A KUOMA

t may sound strange if we say that most adults need to learn how to breathe. This is so true! As infants, we breathed correctly by moving our ribcage and abdomen. As we grew older, we forgot how to breathe correctly. Our breathing is now very shallow, using the upper chest only. This is one of the major factors that accelerate ageing and causes a lot of health issues. One of the benefits of healthy breathing includes keeping your face wrinkle-free, or even getting rid of the wrinkles you may already have. It also cleans toxins and deposits out of your entire body. This is the true fountain of youth. Healthy breathing rejuvenates the body at the cellular level so that you look and feel young, and stay young and healthier. This method helps cure and prevent many diseases; gets rid of stress to reach deep healing levels of relaxation. More than 85 percent of illnesses are directly related to stress. Breathing well not only brings you good health, it also builds a pleasant disposition; and tone up your body. Breathing when combined with specific gentle stretches could give you better results than years of aerobic exercises; helps lower your blood pressure, lower your cholesterol and give you high levels of energy all day.

B R E AT H I N G

WELL

N O T O N LY B R I N G S

YO U G O O D H E A LT H , IT ALSO BUILDS A PLEASANT DISPOSITION Types of breathing techniques include Equal Breathing. To start, inhale for a count of four, then exhale for a count of four, all through the nose - adds a natural resistance to the breath. This calms the nervous system, increase focus and reduce stress. It works best at anytime and at anyplace; but this is one technique that’s especially effective before bed, which is “similar to counting sheep.” If you have trouble in sleeping, it is a good method to use - this breath can take your mind off the racing thoughts or whatever is distracting your sleep. Beginner abdominal breathing technique: With one hand on the chest and the other on the belly, take a deep breath in through the nose, ensuring the diaphragm (not the chest) inflates with enough air to create a stretch in the lungs. Slow your breaths to about six per minute for10 minutes each day to experience immediate reductions to heart rate and blood pressure. Keep at it for six to eight weeks, and those benefits might stick around even longer. When it works best is before an

examinations or any stressful event. But keep in mind that “those who operate in a stressed state all the time might be a little shocked how hard it is to control the breath. Beginner alternate nostril breathing: Starting in a comfortable meditative pose, hold the right thumb over the right nostril and inhale deeply through the left nostril. At the peak of inhalation, close off the left nostril with the ring finger, and then exhale through the right nostril. Continue the pattern, inhaling through the right nostril, closing it off with the right thumb and exhaling through the left nostril. This brings calm and balance, and unites the right and left sides of the brain. It helps clear the channels and make people feel more awake. It’s almost like an energy boost. It works best whenever it’s time to focus or energize. Just don’t try this one before bed. Intermediate skull shining breath: This one begins with a long slow inhale, followed by a quick, powerful exhale generated from the lower belly. Once comfortable with the contraction, up the pace to one inhale-exhale (all through the nose) every one to two seconds, for a total of 10 breaths. It works best when it’s time to wake up, warm up or start looking on the brighter side of things. It’s pretty abdominal-intensive, it will warm up the body, shake off stale energy and

wake up the brain. Advanced progressive relaxation: To remove tension from head to toe, close the eyes and focus on tensing and relaxing each muscle group for two to three seconds each. Start with the feet and toes, then move up to the knees, thighs, rear, chest, arms, hands, neck, jaw and eyes, all while maintaining deep, slow breaths. It works best at home, or at a desk or even on the road. If in holding the breath you ever feel uncomfortable, tone it down to just a few seconds at most. Beginner guided visualization: Head straight for that “happy place”, breathe deeply while focusing on pleasant, positive images to replace any negative thoughts. Guided visualization helps puts you in the place you want to be, rather than letting your mind go to the internal dialogue that is stressful. It works best in anyplace you can safely close your eyes and let go. Akuoma wrote from Lagos via sanlifepointers@hotmail.com and could be reached 08165583876

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, October 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

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

Falae kidnap, Yoruba wrath and grazing stress

he kidnap of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and one time Minister of Finance, Chief Olu Falae, by Fulani herdsmen in Akure, Ondo State, lately; and the wide interpretations given to the setback by prominent Yoruba leaders shortly after, should be of grave concern to the Federal Government. The incident points to the ethnic conflagration uncontrolled activities of Fulani nomads could visit on the nation if not quickly arrested. It seems obvious that criminally-minded Fulani herdsmen were behind Falae’s kidnap, but the unfortunate incident reminded the Yoruba of old wounds, to the point they threatened secession at an emergency Summit they held few days ago in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. They complained that unprovoked, unwarranted and mindless serial attacks on the economic rights of the Yoruba by nomadic Fulani cattle rearers had led to loss of lives, raping of our women and criminal abduction of Yoruba people for ransom. “… We have been victims of crude aggressions, violent violations from our hostile neighbors from pre-colonial days till modern time. From the 18th century Fulani Jihadists onslaught against Yoruba space, through the travails of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, through the June 12 saga to the latest war declared on our

people by the Fulani herdsmen, we have always risen about the hurt on us to strive to make our neighbors see the need to deal with ourselves peaceably in justice and fairness not because we are cowards but… “Our people are no longer prepared to tolerate further encroachment on their farmlands and brutal attacks on them. To this end, all nomadic herdsmen are to wind up their criminal nomadic activities in Yorubaland… Failing to do so may attract several consequences … If we do not see any step in this direction within a reasonable time, the Yoruba may reconsider their place in a union that cannot protect them and would not allow them to protect themselves and use all legitimate and peaceful means to attain selfdetermination”, parts of the communiqué issued by the Summit said. That some of the key suspects linked with Falae’s kidnap had been arrested; that Falae himself had identified them; and that they were set for prosecution, are cheering news. Not surprisingly, too, many have rejected the Ibadan Summit’s threat of secession as tantamount to killing a fly with a sledge hammer. For, constitutionally, the threat undermines Section 41 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as altered) which says: “Every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof; and no citizen

IT IS UNJUST AND INHUMAN THAT ONE FARMER WOULD

INSIST ON THRIVING, ALBEIT VIOLENTLY,

ON THE KILLING AND DESTRUCTION OF

FELLOW FARMERS…

of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry thereto or exit therefrom”. Nonetheless, the nation should not be unmindful of the havoc, criminal and provocative acts being perpetrated by some unscrupulous nomads represent. Reports indicated, for instance, that Falae had running battles with Fulani cattle rearers who, at various times, destroyed his crops. He, indeed, sought police intervention two months before his kidnap. The herdsmen were also alleged to have violated and killed one Mrs. AyesiI Balogun on February 7, 2015 in Asa, Yewa North Local Government of Ogun state; while a newly-wed lady was also reportedly raped by nomads in the same community. Such complaints are not peculiar to Ondo State alone. Many other Yoruba and non-Yoruba states in the South are also victims. We recall the alleged killing by Fulani herdmen, about the first quarter of

ON THIS DAY October 19, 1986 Samora Machel, President of Mozambique and a prominent leader of FRELIMO, and 33 others died when their Tupolev 134 plane crashed into the Lebombo Mountains. Samora Moisés Machel (September 29, 1933 – October 19, 1986) was a Mozambican military commander, revolutionary socialist leader and eventual President of Mozambique. He led the country from independence in 1975 until his death in 1986.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

October 19, 2001 SIEV-X, an Indonesian fishing boat en-route to Christmas Island, a territory of Australia in the Indian Ocean, carrying over 400 asylum seekers, sank in inter national waters with the loss of 353 people. SIEV X stands for Suspected Illegal Entry Vessel. SIEV is the acronym used by the surveillance authority for any boat that has entered Australian waters without prior authorization.

this year, of 10 youths at Ogume in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State. The fratricidal killings and razing of whole villages that are now recurrent decimals in some states in the North Central geopolitical axis like Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, among others, are also believed to have their roots in conflicts linked with animal grazing. About four months ago, reports said the Presidency directed the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to set up some committees, one of which was charged with the responsibility of drawing up a strategic action plan for the development of grazing reserves and stock routes nationwide. Incidentally, mapping out grazing reserves and stock routes have always been recommended and toyed with each time the problem of Fulani herdsmen and indigenous farmers flare up. May it please the FG to come up with a lasting solution to the problem this time. It is unjust and inhuman that one farmer would insist on thriving, albeit violently, on the killing and destruction of fellow farmers and the products of their sweat; especially now that some Fulani herdsmen are sliding into criminality; and in the 21st Century, when farmers in the advanced world confine and cater for their herds without constituting nuisance or any mortal threat to the rest of their citizens and communities.

x October 19, 2005 Saddam Hussein, the fifth President of Iraq, went on trial in Baghdad for crimes against humanity. On June 30, 2004, Saddam held in custody by United States’ forces, was handed over to the interim Iraqi government to stand trial for crimes against humanity and other offences. He was found guilty on November 5, 2006 and hanged on December 30, 2006, despite his wish to be shot.

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Utomi

Osibogun

Cutting governance cost to revitalise economy The continuous fall in the amount of revenue accruing to the Federal government following the sharp drop in the prices of crude oil in the international market has led to the growing stakeholders’ call on government at all levels to reduce the cost of governance in order to ensure deployment of more funds into the provision of infrastructure and social services. Gbenga Odogun reports

resident Muhamadu Buhari’s statement on the state of the economy last week has put paid to any doubt about the worrisome state of the nation’s economy. Speaking to state house correspondents last Monday, the President said that he met the nation’s treasury virtually empty with debts running into millions of dollars! A day after and in what appeared to be why Africa’s largest economy was plunged into its present state of fiscal comatose and productive inertia, Buhari also told state governors that “there are financial and administrative instructions

in every government agency but all these were thrown to the dogs” To say that the over bloated cost of governance has been impacting the economy negatively over the past years is an understatement. For instance, today no fewer than 18 states are falling behind in meeting their salary payment obligations, while their capacity to provide social services such as health, education, potable water, food security and agriculture, amongst others, has been vitiated by pervasive fiscal recklessness, particularly in the 2015 preelection months. Whereas successive administrations have con-

tinued to carry on as if the provision of social services is not implied in their social contract with Nigerians, corruption with impunity has been elevated to statecraft by political leaders such that the electorate’s hope for better days ahead is fizzling on daily basis. The pervasive challenges of epileptic power supply due to poor funding, fuel shortages arising from subsidy fraud and mismanagement of the financial and other resources have pushed Nigeria, the once flourishing and buoyant country with great potential to become global economic giant, down the abyss of economic hopelessness. Even when they are

aware of the multi-pronged challenges facing the country, analysts have in recent times identified the cost of running a Presidential democracy in a fiscally reckless environment where corruption has become a key component of public sector administration, as the most predatory factor militating against rapid transformation of the nation’s economy. Writing in the Nigerian Journal of Economics and Social Studies, a social scientist, Adeolu Adewole, of the Department of Economics and Demography Studies, Covenant University stated that Nigeria’s presidential system of government remained one of the most expensive in the glob-

ally. He posited: “Political analysts and other stakeholders have described the system as over-bloated and unsustainable. They attributed the high cost of governance in the country to corruption, impunity and duplicity of the functions of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, as well as the jumbo pay of political office holders.” The worrisome condition of the economy has necessitated the growing calls by development experts for drastic reduction in the size of governance personnel and institutions, especially of political appointees, to free up funds for development. For instance, the past few

months have witnessed the stoking of public discourse on this issue with contributors across the broad spectrum of the social order voting against bogus salaries and entitlements of political office holders as well as the need to prune Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, in such a manner that would reduce wastages in public governance at Federal, State and Local Governments levels. Justifying the need for reduction in governance UDO ONYEKA, CO-ORDINATOR BUSINESS COURAGE udonyeka@gmail.com c

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mitigate poverty, cost in the weeks before the Presidential election, the President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, Mrs. Debola Osibogun, urged the incoming administration to cut down on the retinue of political aides attached to heads of ministries, department and agencies. According to her, the most important issue requiring urgent attention of any government elected is to tackle the problem of the high cost of governance. She canvassed: “If you look at the number of special advisers and personal assistants, you will notice that they have rendered the bureaucrats who are in the ministries almost redundant and they get paid. They should allow them to do their jobs and reduce the number of people they bring when they get appointed.” Recently, the seasoned political economist and development expert, Prof. Pat Utomi, noted that high cost of governance remained Nigeria’s albatross that must be dealt with if socioeconomic progress is to be

made in the country and in order to make public life very simple. He explained: “In most parts of the world, politicians do not go around with the long motorcade and number of aides they go around with in Nigeria. It is Nigeria that you will see a minister having so much aides and wherever he goes, they go with him. “Buhari should ensure that public life is made very simple so that it will be easier to touch the people, feel and know about them”, adding that “governance should not be about moving in motorcades, living in mansions and not stopping at traffic lights.’’, Utomi added. Perhaps it is in response to this growing clamour for efficient public sector budgets that some newly elected leaders have now initiated the journey towards a more responsive governance by reducing the and entitlements of principal state officials in the Executive and Legislative arms of government as well as the size of their political aides. The newly elected governor of Kaduna state, Mallam

Nasir El-Rufai has also indicated his intention to make do with a smaller cabinet by reducing the number of commissioners in the state to thirteen as against the twenty-four that were appointed by the previous government. The governor said he would also place strict limits on the number of aides that the 13 commissioners can recruit to support them, adding that the state government must direct more of its resources to delivering public services adding that doing so, required a reduction in the proportion consumed by government. The House of Representatives in Nigeria has also promised to enact legislation that would cut the cost of governance. At the resumption of plenary last Tuesday, the need to cut cost of governance in line with the oil-rich nation’s economic challenges, was one of the core points outlined by the Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara, during his presentation of the 2015-2019 draft legislative agenda to lawmakers. According to him, the

legislative agenda takes lessons from the experiences of the 7th House of Representatives and seeks to consolidate the gains and achievements thereof. “The House recognizes that there remains widespread citizens’ distrust of public institutions and government generally. “It is also recognised that there is a lot of public misconceptions and misperceptions about the functions and contributions of the legislature to Nigeria’s overall socioeconomic and political development. “The 8th House of Representatives will legislate to cut the cost of running government, reduce wastage and tackle revenue leakages’’, Dogara said. The speaker stressed that the House would play its part in rescuing the country from hunger, poverty, disease, social, economic, political and infrastructural challenges. He said “the 8th House of Representatives, as peoples’ parliament, will be sensitive to public demands for transparency and accountability. “Our legislative actions

would therefore seek to build public confidence and trust and be responsive to citizens’ questions regarding the conduct of legislative business. Some Civil Society Organizations who staged a protest in Abuja last week at the National Assembly Complex however, demanded a cut of as much as 90 per cent from the member’s salaries and allowances as well as the scrapping of allocation for constituency projects. The protesters said that demand was important in view of the number of Nigerians living in poverty and the country’s revenue. The Executive Director, Conscience Nigeria, Mr. Tosin Adeyanju said the CSOs staged the protest because Nigerians were angry about the jumbo pay to lawmakers and appointees despite the country’s economic reality. Adeyanju said Nigerian lawmakers were the highest paid in the world, adding that “we need this money to develop our infrastructure’’. “In 2013, the National Assembly allocation and budget was about N50bn; by 2015, it has astronautically jumped to about N120 billion for just 469 people. Is it justifiable? “For a country that has over 180 million people, and in a nation that is in economic crises with huge dependence on oil revenue that has dipped by 50 per cent, we need to save Nigeria from imminent collapse or is it that they want this country to turn to another Greece,’’ Adeyanju said. He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to lead by example and to ensure that the number of political appointees was reduced and their wages cut by 60 per cent. “Political position must be made less attractive so that political assassination can stop and cost of electioneering in the country can reduce,’’ Adeyanju said. Similarly, senate president Dr Bukola Saraki said the National Assembly has concluded plans to bring down the cost of running it to N120bn from the N150bn expended by the previous Assembly. A Lagos-based maritime lawyer, Mr. Osuala Nwagbara, also added his voice to the growing call the for the reduction of the number of ministries and ministers. Nwagbara also said that government should slash the salaries and allowances of the elected representatives in the National Assem-

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bly as well as unnecessary overseas travels. “The number of vehicles allocated to politicians should also be reduced because they are purchased from the taxpayers’ money,’’ Nwagbara opined. “Growth in the economy will continue even if at lower than forecast rates, if government adopts reduced cost of governance by cutting wastes and fighting corruption,’’ said Kalu Abosi, an investment expert. Abosi, who is the Head of Corporate Finance and Capital Markets, SPA Ajibade and Company, said that that the present economic challenges faced by Nigeria were not insurmountable as things were not as bad as people made them to appear adding that government must fight corruption to a standstill failure of which can kill the economy. Dr Adegoke Ajila, a lecturer at the Department of International Relation, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, berated members of the National Assembly for their “extravagance’’. Ajila noted that the chunk of national expenditure was consumed by the lawmakers in the last 16 years. “Sincerely, Nigerian people have been seriously short-changed by the lawmakers who are elected to protect their superior interests. “It is pathetic that while an average civil servant is crying over the implementation of N18,000 minimum wage, lawmakers were raking in millions monthly with pride. “It is important for this administration to put a stop to this anomaly and distribute the commonwealth of the nation evenly and equitably for the good of all,’’ Ajila said. In the same vein, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Osun, Alhaji Saka Adejobi, called for openness in the implementation of salaries and allowances of the public office holders. Adejobi said salaries and other emolument of the public office holders, especially members of the National Assembly should no longer be secret, to promote transparency in governance. Experts were unanimous in their assertion that funds saved from the reduction in the cost of governance could be diverted to fund those areas neglected as a result of high cost of governance. BC

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News 41% of Nigerian businesses generate own power – NESG

Rural Development and Community Affairs to carry out due diligence on the issue of appropriate pricing and adequate supply to each household. This is to ensure consumer protection against exploitation,’’ he stressed. In his address, Chief Executive Officer of Arnergy, Mr.Femi Adeyemo, said the application of technology for industrialization is key to enthroning sustainable economic growth and development.

he organised private sector is negatively affected by unstable power situation in the country leading to many resorting to private arrangement for power generation. Nigeria Economic Summit Group, NESG, has said that despite improved power supply, 41 per cent of businesses in the country still generate their own electricity, while 56 per cent don’t have access to electricity Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 21st Nigerian Economic Summit, NESG Chairman, Kyari Bukar, canvassed for immediate passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill ,PIB, into law by the National Assembly. Bukar said the bill contained provisions that will transform the oil and gas sector. He said the country is faced with numerous challenges in developing a stable business environment as she ranked 170 out of 189 countries the World Bank is doing business with. According to him, As an emerging nation with developing institutions and structures, Nigeria faces significant challenges in developing a stable business environment as she ranked 170th out of the 189 nations the World Bank is busy doing business with. The security situation has made that challenge more pronounced despite some successes against Boko Haram in the Northeast. In that part of the country, security is a major challenge. We acknowledge the significant improvement recorded in the power sector since the inception of this administration. This administration has demonstrated a rare dedication and determination in providing a stable and constant power supply to all Nigerians. Speaking further, he said that power generation has, for the first time in Nigeria risen to an all time high as a result of efforts at tackling corruption, fixing the ailing facilities of the transmission companies, stable gas supply and tackling

Bukar

FG oil export earning hits $25bn in 7 months

N L-R: Group Head, Corporate Operations, Access Bank Plc, Banjo Adegbohunge; Executive Director, Business Banking, Titi Osuntoki; Director, Trade & Exchange Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Barr. Olakanmi Gbadamosi; Executive Director, Operations & IT, Access Bank, Ojini Olaghere and Executive Director, Commercial Banking, Access Bank, Roosevelt Ogbonna at a Customer Trade Forum organised by Access Bank in Lagos recently

vandalism. All these improvement, he stated are laudable and are merely the beginning if the desired change required in the power sector. “As at today, over 56 per cent of Nigerians have no access to electricity and those who are connected to the grid faces substantial power disruption. An estimated 41 per cent of Nigerian businesses generate their own power supply” Bukar noted. Nigeria he further stressed ranked far behind other developing nations in terms of electricity consumption, adding “We commend the present government for ongoing restructuring of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.

MAN canvasses special electricity tariff for steel industry

he Manufactures Association of Nigeria, MAN, has lamented cost of production specifically arising from electricity charges. It therefore called on the Federal Government to intervene in the travail of the sector. Director General of MAN, Mr. Remi Ogunmefun said Nigerian steel, as certified by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, could compete with any other across the world due to high quality of its products. Ogunmefun said for the industry to survive government should create special electricity tariff for the sector as well as look into the challenges of road infrastructure as both affect the steel industry growth. He also urged government to address the issue of communities interfering with the activities of steel manufacturers in the country, saying: “It is again

painful that most chieftains and land grabbers in most of the communities where these steel companies are located interfere, with the aim to extorting money from the companies. This also is a big issue that must be addressed apart from the multiple taxation that the companies are exposed to”.

Bol commissions 24 KW micro grid solar in Osun

he Bank of Industry (BoI) has inaugurated 24 kilo watts, kW, micro-grid solar solution in two Osun Communities. The initiative according to the Managing Director of Bol, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa,is in furtherance of the United Nations campaign for eco-friendly sources of energy. With this project Osun State has become the first State to benefit from Bol’s intervention in the provision of renewable energy in South West Nigeria. The solar electrification project which was inaugurated at the weekend is located in IdiAta and Onibambu communities in Osun State. Olaoluwa lamented that rural communities are the worst hit in terms of poor access to electricity, especially the off-grid arrears which have always been without power supply and have resorted to the use of kerosene lanterns, oil lamps, and other types of dangerous and unhealthy sources of light to able to live their daily lives. The development, he said, has hampered the socioeconomic development of the nation as it has created an atmosphere that is not conducive for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs, which are the drivers of the nation’s

economic growth to thrive. He said that the situation remained one of the main factors responsible for the concept of rural-urban migration. Olaoluwa lamented that the 4,500MW electricity generated from the national grid was grossly inadequate for a leading African economy like Nigeria with a population of 170 million people, hence the intervention of Bol and the United nations Development Programme ,UNDP. He argued that the situation remained one of the main factors responsible for the concept of rural-urban migration. The Bol boss disclosed that the bank is starting off with the provision of long-term financing for the installation of off-grid solar home systems in six communities in a pilot phase, as part of its Solar Energy Partnership with UNIDO. ‘‘These communities, with an average of 200 homes each, are located in Anambra, Edo, Gombe, Kaduna, Niger and Osun States. Today, we have come to Osun State in partnership with Arnergy Solar Limited to commission a 24kw micro-grid solar electrification system in Idi-ita/ Onibambu, a community which hitherto had no access to electricity,’’ he said. Also speaking, Governor of the State of Osun, Raufu Aregbesola, urged the leader of the two communities to judiciously protect the installation and ensure that payments are promptly made for energy consumed so that the scheme can be self-sustaining thus encouraging the investor to replicate such in other locations within the State. Aregbesola who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Moshood Adeoti said ‘‘As a responsible Government, I want the Ministry of Water Resources,

igeria earned approximately $25.10bn billion on crude oil lifting between January to July. Total volume of 439 million barrels, MB, of crude oil and condensate was lifted by all Joint Venture parties in the period. A monthly report of the activities of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, also shown that from January to July 2015 a total volume of 63.7 million barrels of crude oil and condensate was lifted in the month of July 2015 by all parties. “Out of this volume, 25.2 million barrels was lifted for and on behalf of the federal government of Nigeria, comprising of 17.4 million barrels lifted on the account of NNPC and 7.8 million barrels lifted on the account of FIRS. “The 17.4 million barrels lifted on the account of NNPC in July comprises of 15.4 and 1.9 million barrels for the domestic and export markets respectively,” the activity report stated. According to further breakdown, at an average oil price of $51.97/bbl and exchange rate of N195.95/$, the domestic crude oil lifted by NNPC is valued at $805,220,701 or a naira equivalent of N157, 782,872,917 for the period. The remaining crude oil lifted for export was valued at $108,916,802.23 at an average price of $56.76/barrel. The total value of crude oil lifted on the account of NNPC in July was thus $914, 136, 873. Nigeria Produced 445m Barrels of Oil, 1, 677bcf of Gas in Seven Months Within the period of review, Nigeria produced 445 million barrels (mb) of crude oil and condensates. The report also showed that within the same period, a total of 1,677 billion cubic feet (bcf) of gas was produced by the country and sold in the domestic and export markets. According to NNPC, the report provides the Nigerian public with reliable information that gives an overview of NNPC’s operations across the

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oil and gas value chain – upstream, midstream and downstream, as well as its responsibilities on behalf of federal government.

NCRIB to promote professionalism – Okunoren

he president of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, NCRIB, Kayode Okunoren has vowed to promote professionalism as his first consideration. Okunoren, installed last week-end in Lagos as 18th president of the Council said,” The first consideration that will engage my attention as President is the advancement of professionalism in the Insurance Broking profession. As the professional arm of the insurance industry, insurance brokers cannot afford to fail in being seen as professionals and acting as such. Okunoren said in order to give proper direction to his administration; he has decided to code name his tenure “A Regime of Consolidation and Progress” which was borne out of the need to consolidate on the solid and positive contributions of past Presidents and Leaders, as well as move the Council positively forward. He asserted that he will view and promote professionalism in its holistic form and whilst reckoning with the fact that paper qualification is the first step towards professionalism, more attention will be paid to issues such as ethical adherence, image, comportment, business relationship amongst operators and continuous education to buoy up the competencies of Brokers. “In fact, we shall promote a blend of learning and interpersonal relationships. Whilst individual Brokers will continually be attuned to their professional responsibilities, the regime will also concern itself significantly with how Brokers are perceived by the clients or the public. It may be noted that the horizon of brokers today has been significantly affected by the image clients conjure about the practitioners. Suffice to state that the wrong and degrading perception of Brokers has been responsible for the wrong treatment usually meted to them in bidding for business, unlike other professionals. This must stop. In order to restore or promote the integrity of our practice, this regime will strengthen internal disciplinary process to ensure that members adhere strictly to ethics and integrity in all their professional undertakings” Okunoren noted. “Similarly, I have articulated a thrust of office that will

L-R: Executive Director, South, Aku Odinkemelu, Executive Director, Shared Services, Chijioke Ugochukwu, President, Aba Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Lotenna Obasi, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, E.O Zubis Nigeria Ltd, Chief Azubuike Okoye and Executive Director, Lagos and South West Bank, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe at the Aba Customer Forum organised by Fidelity Bank.

remain a “covenant” between members of my team and the generality of our membership, as well as serve as a trajectory for measuring our accomplishments in office”, he said further.

NIPC official lists advantages of investing in Nigeria

he Chief Investment Officer of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, NIPC, Mrs Safiya Usman has said there are numerous advantages of investing in Nigeria. Usman disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Friday in Abuja. ``Our population alone is an attraction. 170 million people is a huge market and you will agree with me that whatever comes into Nigeria sells,’’ she said. According to her, investors are interested in Nigeria because of its unique position in Africa and globally. ``Nigeria is key in the ECOWAS region; we are the gateway to ECOWAS countries; we have the largest market combined. ``So with this, investors are sure that they won’t only serve the Nigerian market but other counties like Ghana, Cameroon, Niger and others,’’ she said. Usman said that the role of NIPC in investment drive was crucial as it served as the federal government agency that promotes the opportunities available in the country. ``The role of NIPC is to walk investors through the step by step processes. We do this through the One Stop Investment Centre (OSIC). ``And with the OSIC, we have agencies that are relevant to investment from start to finish. ``This is a single window that

caters to investments; from registration of businesses to orientation, also giving after-care services to investors. ``Business registration can be done in 24 hours. We can provide investors with expatriates quota slots, information and much more at the OSIC. ``We have a very low tax regime of five per cent, which is one of the lowest in the world, so a lot of investors are taking advantage of that. ``Investors can have 37 to 40 per cent return of investments. ``We have about 27 govt agencies operating there; like the NAFDAC, Immigration Desk, the Customs Desk, and others. ``But we have a long way to go because we still have to tidy the registration processes so businesses can register online instead of coming all the way here for that. ``We have served countries like China, France, India, South Africa, Germany, Spain, the UK, the U.S., Italy, Greece and others. ``We can see some of the success stories of investment in the country such as South Africa with MTN; which recouped almost twice their investment in their first year of operation. ``I know we have about 36 solid minerals in commercial quantities, and there are a lot out there that haven’t been discovered,” she said.

Bank of Agriculture to secure $150m for farmers

he Bank of Agriculture, BOA, is to secure 150 million dollars from international financial institutions for onlending to farmers for the development of agriculture in Nigeria. The BOA Managing Director,

Prof. Danbala Danju, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Katsina on Friday. Danju said that the financial institutions were the African Development Bank, ADB and the Islamic Development Bank, IDB. He said that the loans would be used by farmers to enhance their productivity and support others activities in the agriculture sector. ‘’To develop agriculture, you need to inject a lot of resources and provide support in terms of supply of fertilizers, seeds, land clearance and extension services,’’ Danju said. He said that the funds would impact significantly toward boosting agricultural productivity, guarantee food security, create job opportunities and alleviate poverty among Nigerians. Danju said the bank was being repositioned to provide the necessary services in developing the sector. He said that the bank’s management had commenced discussion with traditional leaders, state government officials and other stakeholders on the modalities for disbursing the loans. Danju also said that the bank would bring credible foreign investors who would put in enough resources in the bank and invest in agriculture.

FG may probe MAN Oron’s N8bn jetty, swimming pool projects Francis Ezem

trong indications emerged that the decision of the management of Maritime Acad-

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emy of Nigeria MAN, located in Oron, Akwa Ibom State to spend a whopping N8 billion on its jetty and swimming pool projects in less than did not go down well with the Federal Government, which is planning to probe this financial profligacy. It was gathered that the premier maritime academy may have wasted a total of N8 billion on jetty and swimming pool construction in the last two years. A source close to the Federal Ministry of Transport hinted that despite the huge amount spent on the projects, the management did not record any meaningful achievement, a development that may have informed the decision of the government to probe the entire contract.. The source also disclosed that the government is not happy that the school, which was established since 1978, has to stabilise, as it is still struggling to achieve adequate training for seafarers due to mismanagement of resources over the years. Investigations showed that the N8billion constitutes part of the statutory five per cent of of the revenue of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA designed to fund the academy. According to the source the management of the institution was not serious about the development of the academy, as no attempt has been made by the institution to provide training vessel for the academy from the funds release to the school by NIMASA . “There is infrastructure decay at MAN, Oron as students are denied the basic amenities for teaching and learning. The management has also suddenly increased the tuition by over 90 per cent. Our students are withdrawing gradually because of the hike in tuition fees introduced by management”, the source lamented It was gathered that academy management increased the tuition and other fees by 100 per cent with effect from the 2014/2015 session. Details of the increases show that before now, the National Diploma (ND I) and higher National Diploma HND I cadets paid N100, 702, while ND II and HND II paid N61, 340. Further details show that with the increase, ND I and HND I students now pay N200,704, while ND II and HND II cadets will pay N121,980. A major stakeholder in the maritime industry also alleged that nearly 35 years after its establishment, cadets of the academy have no access to basic teaching equipment, a development that does not promote high standards required of an institution of that age. BC

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Companies & Markets

Clear cut tariff reform’ll promote power sector investment – FBN Capital Stories by Udo Onyeka

nvestment in the power sector can be encouraged through sustainable and consistent cost reflective tariffs an expert has said. Vice President, FBN Capital, Mrs Abiola Baruwa, made this known as part of a stakeholder forum focused on ‘Managing the Risk of Releasing Private Sector Capital for Investment in the Power Sector’ during the 2015 Powering Africa conference that recently held in Abuja. The discussions were held against the backdrop of the need to encourage foreign investments in the power sector given that local banks were instrumental in providing acquisition financing during the privatization phase of the Nigerian power sector and have therefore substantially invested in the sector. “The major factors foreign investors are looking at before investing in the power sector are consistent and sustainable cost reflective tariffs and a substantial de-risk of the power sector. The power sec-

tor can be de-risked by allowing competitive gas prices, the power sector regulator, NERC, ensuring consistent and stable regulation, clear direction of government’s policy on transmission (including gov-

the sector,” Mrs. Baruwa said at the event. According to her a cost reflective tariff is a critical requirement for local and international investors in the Nigerian power sector.

Isaiah Erhiawarien

L – R: Company Secretary, C & I Leasing Plc, Mr. Mbanugo Udenze; Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar N. Onyema; Managing Director, C&I Leasing Plc, Mr. Emeka Ndu; Chief Finance Officer, C&I Leasing Plc, Mr. Alex Mbakogu and Managing Director, C&I Motors, Maureen Ogbonna at the Closing Gong Ceremony at The NSE

and in the diaspora. The awards rewards contributions in key business transactions, practice areas, strategic growth, excellence and innovation in client service, advancement in technology and support to the growth of the legal profession at large.

Mrs. Omowunmi Adewusi, Company Secretary and Head of Legal commended the organizers of the ESQ award saying: “We are indeed elated to be recognized and presented this award. The AXA Mansard culture of integrity, professionalism, team spirit and the continuous

desire for excellence are some of the factors that qualified the team for the award.” The ESQ Nigerian Legal Awards is an annual event and is the brainchild of Chief Executive Officer, Legal Blitz Limited and publisher of the ESQ Legal Practice Magazine, Lere Fashola. BC

NPA woos Canadian investors, seeks green field devt Francis Ezem

he Nigerian Ports Authority NPA, has charged Canadian investors to take full advantage of the successful completion of Nigeria’s port reform programme to make more investments in the country. Managing Director of the authority, Malam Habib Abdullahi gave the charge in Lagos when the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner, Lajos Arendas visited him in Lagos. He however disclosed that authority currently has a contract relationship with a Canadian firm handling the proposed 25 years port master plan and some Information Communication Technology ICT, projects. But the NPA boss said that despite these existing business

She also urged the government to provide requisite legislation to unlock the largest pool of local funding available which is the pension fund deposited with pension fund administrators. BC

Airtel fetes customers in Port Harcourt

AXA Mansard wins award

he Legal Team of AXA Mansard Insurance plc has emerged Best InHouse Legal Team in the Insurance category at the ESQ Nigerian Legal Awards 2015, held in Lagos. The ESQ Nigerian Legal Awards honours outstanding legal professionals in Nigeria

ernment’s clear funding plan for transmission which needs to be executed immediately. Until these factors are properly addressed, international investors will continue to be skeptical about investing into

relationships, he would want more Canadian firms to show more commitment towards investing in Nigeria especially in the area of greenfield port development and capacity building in marine related disciplines. According to him, NPA was committed to the 25- year port master plan and would therefore want the Canadian firm handling the plan to urgently conclude its work. He said that timely completion of the contract will chart a new course for the future of the port industry in Nigeria. “With the current developments in the country, the Nigerian economy is vibrant, attractive and robust. It therefore has the potential to yield high returns to both local and

foreign investors”, Abdullahi argued. He revealed that the Nigerian government currently has so many windows of incentives, which is part of its deliberate policy of encouraging massive inflow of foreign direct investments into the country, especially in the area of green field developments. The Deputy High Commissioner, had while speaking during the visit, expressed delight at the level of development in the nation’s ports. According to him, Canada plays host to many Nigerian students and that the visit has posed more challenges to him to seek for more ways to attract Canadian firms into the port industry as the commendable infrastructure development in the

ports will attract investments. The Deputy High Commissioner was accompanied to visit by Sylvia Koleva and Sarah Branco, both trade commissioners. The Federal Government had a few years back embarked on the reform of the ports, which it argued was designed to attract FDI into the port industry, reduce cost of doing business by enthroning a regime of efficiency and thus make the port competitive. Part of the strategy for the reform was to strip NPA of its cargo handling functions and assigned same to private terminal operators, who are also saddled with the responsibility of providing cargo handling equipment, which has boosted efficiency. BC

s part of continuous efforts to deepen relationship with its customers across Nigeria, telecoms services provider, Airtel Nigeria recently organised an exclusive business forum for premier customers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The interactive business session, which was held at Aztech Arcum, along Stadium Road, availed guests in attendance, the opportunity to gain insights on the benefits associated with being a member of the Airtel Premier club. It also provided yet another opportunity for the customers and members of the company’s top management to network and share valuable feedback. Airtel Premier is a special V-VIP reward programme specifically designed to offer exceptional and personalized privileges to high value customers on the network. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, reiterated the Telco’s passion towards exceptional customer service delivery and also committed to creating a world of exclusive privileges for its esteemed customers. “This is just a small token of our appreciation to our most cherished customers, who have contributed extensively to our growth and prosperity. It is with great pleasure that we offer you these benefits and rewards as a symbol of the esteem in which you are held,” he said. Ogunsanya, who was represented by the company’s Chief Sales Officer, Mr Godfrey Efeurhobo, thanked the customers for their special patronage over the years and also assured that Airtel is committed to building a fruitful relationship where the company will consistently exceed the expectations of the customers.BC

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Business Courage

Monday, October 19, 2015

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Companies & Markets

Fidelity to launch online marketplace for SMEs Stories by Udo Onyeka

n the coming weeks, Fidelity Bank Plc will be launching the GreenMall, an online market place with fully integrated e-commerce capabilities for online payment engine, delivery logistics, advertising boards, and business networking opportunities, etc. for SMEs. This was disclosed by Aku Odinkemelu, executive director, South, Fidelity Bank Plc, at the bank’s South-East Regional SME Conference recently. Odinkemelu, who was the lead discussant on the panel discussion session on ‘Overcoming Barriers to Funding’, said the numbers of SMEs in Nigeria has increased from 17million in 2011 to 37million by 2013 and employs 60 – 80 per cent of the workforce while contributing over 60 per cent of the GDP. She lamented that SMEs in Nigeria are faced with key challenges. These challenges, she enumerated to include, low levels of business management capacity which has to do with poor managerial/entrepreneurial skills and inadequate business processes; inadequate re-

search/market information to determine business viability; poor access to market; limited access to the export markets; inadequate record keeping; absence of proper business planning; lack of long term strategy and poor business model; low technology leverage; key man risk, etc Other challenges are finance, which has to do with limited

options; high cost; amount and tenor. On key remedies to the challenges, the ED tasked Fund Providers to do the following amongst others to tackle the challenge: Provide business management capacity building support and other accompanying support to empower SMEs by partnering with a network

of pre-qualified SME-focused professional services firms (Alliance Partners) to provide needed professional services support- accounting, HR, website building and management, inventory management/ ERP deployment, etc to target MSMEs as well as creation of low-cost shared services platforms for back and front office support. BC

L- R: Executive Director, (North) FirstBank, Dauda Lawal; Chairman-designate, FirstBank, Mrs. lbukun Awosika; Group Managing Director/CEO FirstBank, Mr. Bisi Onasanya and Vice-President Prof. Oluyemi Osinbajo during Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja

Ecobank raises $125m to facilitate trade

cobank Nigeria has secured from a Dutch financial institution, FMO Entrepreneurial Development Bank the sum of US$75m Syndicated Subordinated Term Facility, Tier 2 Capital, through the engagement of Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikklelingslanden N.V. ,FMO Entrepreneurial Development Bank) based in Holland and from the African Export-Import Bank ,Afrexim Bank, a $50m trade financing line facility from Africa’s foremost trade institution. Under the arrangement, the FMO Entrepreneurial Development Bank facility is for a tenor of seven years while that of Afrexim Bank is a short term. Ecobank Nigeria’s Managing Director, Mr. Jibril Aku, said transactions will broaden and strengthen Ecobank Nigeria’s base as a lending bank. “We are particularly encouraged by the response of the international markets, as it reflects confidence in our long-term growth plans,”he said. He added that the facilities would further increase the

bank’s dollar liquidity, trade finance lines and also enhance its competitiveness. “We got these facilities at attractive rates. This no doubt will further increase our competitiveness in the financial space and also deepen our trade financing activities both regionally and locally,” he further said.

Mr Aku noted that the readiness of the two renowned international multi-lateral financial institutions to do business with Ecobank further attest to the respect the bank commands globally. FMO is the Dutch development bank. It supports sustainable private sector growth in developing and emerging

markets by investing in ambitious companies. The financial institution believes a strong private sector leads to economic and social development, empowering people to employ their skills and improve their quality of life. It focusses on four sectors: financial institutions, energy, agribusiness, food and water. BC

LCCI holds symposium on auto industry growth By Adejuwon Osunnuyi

he Automobile and Allied Product Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry is set to hold Symposium in Lagos with the theme: “Viability & Growth in the Auto Industry”. According to a statement signed by the Chairman of the sectoral group, Mr. Oseme Oigiagbe, the symposium is slated for Thursday in Lagos. Expected at the seminar to address the theme of the event include; CEO, Economic Associates, Dr. Ayo Teriba, Group Deputy Managing Director, Coscharis Group, Mr. Okey Nwuke, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board, LASTVEB, Engr. Olawunmi Gasper, Managing Director, Trucks Masters Nig Ltd Mr. Anthony Areyenkah, and Managing Director, Subaru Motors Mr. Kofi Sagoe . The President of the LCCI, Alhaji Remi Bello, is to preside at the event. The Automobile & Allied Products Sectoral Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry is made up reputable Companies in the Automobile & Allied Products Sector of the economy. The Group is therefore a vibrant and active Sectoral Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry. BC

Metropolitan Club hosts BrandiQ 2015 symposium David Audu

etropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos will play host to the 2015 BrandiQ symposium slated for the first week of November, according to the event planning committee. A statement from the organiser of the symposium said the Club, has long been a premium gathering point for elites in Lagos. According to the planning committee of the symposium, this year’s event, which is the third in the series, is a continuation of BrandiQ’s determination to raise the level of public discourse – especially in the area of governance, the economy and citizens respon-

sibility. This year’s event is themed “Reinventing Brand Nigeria for the 21st Century Market Economy through Public Accountability and Responsible Citizenship.” Former Minister of Education and Senior Economic Advisor of Open Society Foundation, Dr. ObyEzekwesili will be the guest speaker at the symposium while the keynote address will be delivered by the Vice President of Nigeria, Professor YemiOsinbajo. Other speakers invited as discussants who would dissect various issues thrown up by the Guest Speaker include, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, Governor, Kaduna State; Prof. ChidiOdinkalu – Chairman, Ni-

gerian Human Rights Commission; Prof. EmevwoBiakolo – Director, PhD Programme, Pan Atlantic University, Lagos; and Prof. Abubakar Momoh – DG, The Electoral Institute, Abuja. Commenting on the essence of the 2015 symposium, Editor-in-Chief of BrandiQ and Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr. Desmond Ekeh said, “this year’s event is planned to be bigger and bolder in confronting the core issues that hinder Nigeria’s cultural, political and socio-economic development. A time has come to expand the space for national deliberation and engagement through the ‘Habermasian Communication Action’ which stresses the need for a consensual and symmet-

Ezekwesili

ric form of discourse amongst all stakeholders. This begins with constructive public discourse about Nigeria and her people. This is the reason for the BrandiQ Symposium”. BC

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Global News U.S. consumer sentiment rebounds; industrial output weak

.S. consumer sentiment rebounded strongly in early October, suggesting that the economic recovery remained on track despite headwinds from a strong dollar and weak global demand that have weighed on the industrial sector, particularly manufacturing. The snapback in sentiment reported on Friday underscored robust domestic demand and offered hope that consumer spending would remain solid enough to support economic growth, which has slowed significantly in recent months. The University of Michigan said its consumer sentiment index rose to 92.1 in early October from a reading of 87.2 September. The survey’s current conditions sub-index shot up to 106.7 this month from 101.2 in September. The index at current levels has historically been consistent with roughly a 4 percent annualized rate of consumer spending growth, according to economists. “This suggests that U.S. household sentiment has turned an important corner, and is a hopeful sign on the outlook for consumer spending activity going forward, given signs of weakness in other parts of the economy,” said Millan Mulraine, deputy chief economist at TD Securities in New York. The rise in sentiment, which likely reflected cheaper gasoline prices, suggested limited impact from recent stock market volatility. Consumers were the most optimistic about their personal financial expectations since 2007. Their views toward purchases of long-lasting manufactured goods were equally bullish. Consumer spending accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity and has been the bright spot in the economy as the industrial sector wobbles under the onslaught of slowing global growth and the resurgent dollar, which have eroded demand for U.S. manufactured goods. It is also being weighed down by lower energy oil prices that have undercut capital investment in the energy sector, as well as an effort by businesses to whittle down their inventories. U.S. stocks were trading higher on Friday, while prices were U.S. Treasuries were mostly weaker. The U.S. dollar rose against a basket of currencies. In a separate report, the Federal Reserve said industrial output slipped 0.2 percent on renewed weakness in oil and gas drilling after dipping 0.1

percent in August. Industrial production rose at an annual rate of 1.8 percent in the third quarter. “We do not expect the recent slowing to lead to a broader pullback in aggregate growth, as service sector activity remains solid,” said Jesse Hurwitz, an economist at Barclays in New York. Manufacturing accounts for about 12 percent of the U.S. economy. Still, the weak industrial production report added to soft trade, retail sales and employment data that have pointed to a significant slowdown in growth after the economy expanded at a 3.9 percent annual pace in the second quarter.

GE beats profit expectations as aviation counters weak oil segment

eneral Electric Co (GE.N) reported a better-thanexpected quarterly profit on Friday, helped by cost cuts and higher sales of its jet engines business that offset struggles in its oil and gas segment. The U.S. conglomerate, which is pulling back from financial services, also said third-quarter industrial revenue grew 4 percent, excluding the impact of foreign currency swings and acquisitions. The company maintained its profit forecast for its core industrials segment of $1.13 to $1.20 per share for the full year. Connecticut-based GE’s orders dropped 26 percent, with a big decline in oil-related orders, but Edward Jones analyst Jeff Windau said GE “had some big orders last year so the comparison was pretty tough.” Shares, up about 10 percent since activist investor Nelson Peltz unveiled a $2.5bn stake in the company earlier this month, surged 2.7 percent to $28.80 in afternoon trading. It was the biggest percentage gainer on the Dow Jones Industrial Average. On another positive note for shareholders, GE said it expects to retire as much as 7

Immelt

percent of its outstanding floated shares by mid-November, as it completes the spinoff of its former retail finance business, Synchrony Financial (SYF.N). The Federal Reserve earlier this week said Synchrony could function as a standalone company. The Synchrony split is part of GE’s massive retreat from financial services, which began in earnest in April when it said it would divest some $200 billion worth of its GE Capital financing assets to focus on industrial manufacturing. Including the Synchrony split, GE said on Friday it expects to return about $30 billion in cash to shareholders this year through GE Capital divestitures. For the quarter, net earnings fell 29 percent from a year earlier to $2.51 billion, or 25 cents per share. Excluding items, earnings of 29 cents a share exceeded the average estimate of analysts by three cents, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Revenue slipped 1.3 percent to $31.68 billion, with revenue in its oil and gas segment dropping 16 percent amid weakness in crude prices. Aviation revenue increased 5 percent, while revenue in its power and water division, its biggest segment, grew 1 percent. GE Chief Executive Jeff Immelt expressed confidence its $3.3 billion sale of its appliances unit to Sweden’s Electrolux (ELUXb.ST) would close this quarter, despite a challenge from U.S. regulators.

VW crisis: ‘Fewer than 10’ targeted in emissions probe

criminal inquiry into the Volkswagen emissions scandal is looking at “fewer than 10” possible culprits, according to a report. A spokesman for the prosecutors’ office in Germany said “more than two, but a lot fewer than 10” staff were being targeted, the AFP news agency said. The comment followed reports this week that up to 30 people may be involved. VW has recalled millions of cars after the discovery of engine software that could cheat diesel emissions tests. Klaus Ziehe, the spokesman for prosecutors in Brunswick, northern Germany, told reporters that state police were putting together a group of about 20 investigators to work on the case.Last week, VW’s headquarters was raided as part of its investigation to determine who was responsible for approving the use of “defeat devices” in engines to improve

Angela Merkel, Germany Vice Chancellor

emissions results. Huge quantities of information were seized Mr Ziehe said: “We’re talking terabytes, not gigabytes [of data], and certainly many cartons of paper.” German prosecutors launched their investigation into the scandal last week after receiving about a dozen criminal complaints from citizens and one from VW itself. Martin Winterkorn was forced to resign as VW chief executive over the scandal, and four staff have been suspended. Earlier this week, the weekly German magazine Der Spiegel reported that “at least 30 people” were involved in the deception. But VW dismissed the number as “completely without basis”. Some European countries have suspended the sale of Volkswagen diesel models that contain the cheating software, pending a fix from the company. German authorities have ordered a recall of all VW cars fitted with the software, affecting all 8.5 million diesel cars across the EU. The company says a fix could stretch through 2016. In addition to the German criminal probe, and investigations by authorities in countries across the world, VW is conducting its own internal investigation and has hired a US law firm to help. Separately, VW announced on Friday that it had recruited a Daimler executive and former judge Christine HohmannDennhardt as board member for Integrity and Legal Affairs. She will start the job on1 January.

Tata Steel ‘set to cut 1,200 jobs’

ata Steel is to announce 1,200 UK job cuts next week. The firm is expected to significantly reduce the workforce at its Scunthorpe steel plant, which employs 3,000 people and is one of the UK’s biggest. Tata may also cut jobs in Scotland, at Clydebridge in Cambuslang and Dalzell in

Motherwell. The company declined to confirm the job cuts, but said it had been facing challenges in the UK such as a surge in steel imports, and the strong pound. A spokesman said: “We’ve made a number of structural changes to our UK business over the last months and years to make us more competitive. Like all companies we continue to review the performance of our business.” Tata employs about 17,000 people in the UK. Tony Gosling, a steelworker in Scunthorpe and a Labour councillor, said the job cuts would be “absolutely devastating”. “This area is still heavily dominant on the steel industry - a lot of the other small manufacturing companies all rely on it,” he said. It is the second blow to the UK steel industry this week and follows SSI’s decision to close its blast furnace and coke ovens in Redcar. Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of the Community union, said it would seek talks with Tata Steel to discuss ways that jobs could be saved. “This is yet another blow to our steel communities and demonstrates the precarious state of the UK steel industry and emphasises the need for government action,” he said. Unions have called on ministers to take urgent action to save the UK steel industry, while John Cridland, CBI director-general, called on the government to work with businesses on a long-term industrial strategy. Unite assistant general secretary Tony Burke said the steel industry was at crisis point. “Ministers need to start by keeping the coke ovens at Redcar burning and supporting the wider steel industry through these turbulent times, so that British industry can benefit from major infrastructure projects, such as HS2,” he said. “A failure to do so will torpedo any ambition to rebalance the economy and lay waste to communities and key industrial assets. The clock is ticking. It’s time for the government to stop washing its hands of the industry and intervene to support steel.” Business Secretary Sajid Javid chaired a steel summit involving unions, business leaders and ministers in Rotherham on Friday that was organised following the SSI closure. Mr Javid said that the steel industry globally was facing one of the most difficult times in its history. “There is no magic bullet and we can’t change the price of steel, but we can forensically work through all of the challenges we know the industry is facing to see what solutions there might be,” he said. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, October 19, 2015

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Brand Watch

Experts to explore new frontiers in branding David Audu

randzone Consulting LLC, together with its knowledge development arm, Brand platform Lecture Series, will host the inaugural brand Conference that will focus on exploring new frontiers in branding and client servicing. The conference with the theme “Branding in the New Normal” will bring experts to share new insights on how advancements in technology and the proliferation of digital and new media has changed the landscape of business operations and consumers’ interaction with brands in the market place. Managing Partner, Brandzone consulting and Convener, Brand Platform Lecture Series, Mrs. Chizor Malize, said the conference speakers are individuals with proven track re-

cords of performance in their various fields. “The Conference Advisory Board composed of industry thought leaders. The members are responsible for the strategic direction of the Conference. The support and participation of these executives from top performing organizations ensures that we create excellent content and a conference that delivers maximum value” She also said “harnessing and maximizing these opportunities require executives to lead their organizations with skills necessary for these new ways of operation”. The conference is also expected to bring together hundreds of top, senior brands, marketing and communications professionals from diverse sectors including financial services like banks, pension and insurance, oil and gas sectors. Participants will be drawn from manufacturing, telecom-

munications and consumer retail services. “They will converge to share learning and new insights about the future of Branding and Marketing in a technologically driven world. The Conference will equip participants with comprehensive knowledge and skills needed to thrive in this new era. According to Malize, “the rise of technology has transformed the marketing and branding paradigm. Today’s consumers are engaging very differently with brands owing to the growing power of the connected consumer and an explosion of new technology tools. Branding, marketing and communications experts today face a constant proliferation of new methods and channels for consumer engagement that queries the traditional approach. In the 21st century, there is a battle for customer attention and the pressure to deliver

Malize

meaning and business impact quickly is compounded by the new always-on digital, social, and mobile world. Brand messaging and management in this “new normal” must convey more than what the brand does for an individual consumer; it must engage the consumer and

Firm trains youths on painting, decoration

s part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, Chemical and Allied Products, CAP Plc, has empowered some unemployed youths through its annual Dulux Painters Academy by providing them with skills to become professional painters. The Dulux Painters Academy initiative is a two months intensive painting apprenticeship programme, specially designed by the company to empower young people to become skilled professional painters. Speaking at the graduation ceremony for the 2015 bacth held at the company’s recreational centre in Lagos recently, the Managing Director CAP Plc Mrs. Omolara Elemide, described the Dulux Painters Academy as an intensive and

Elemide

practical training for youth with a minimum of Senior School Certificate. Elemide noted that the initiative is one of the several ways through which CAP Plc gives back to the society. She added

that empowering the youth to be self-reliant as professional painters would help reduce unemployment rate in the country.She also disclosed that the training covered modules such as Paint Technology and Application, Quantification, Colour Psychology, Common Paint Problems and Solutions, Professional Ethics, Entrepreneurial and communication skills. The trainees also had a three weeks field attachment with already established professional painters. “The Dulux Painters Academy by CAP Plc offers a rare opportunity for young people who desire to earn a living through painting to learn the craft during the eight-weeks intensive apprenticeship programme and paint their way to a better

life’’ she said.While presenting certificates, painting tools and accessories to successful beneficiaries of the initiative, the Managing Director assured that the company would continue to support them in their career as professional painters. Elemide also used the occasion to thank Oando Marketing Nigeria Plc. for partnering with CAP Plc. on the initiative by nominating candidates from their host community for the Academy. With over 12,000 colours, Dulux premium brand has consistently demonstrated its leadership in the Nigerian Paints market with its superior quality and wide variety of colours, which is aimed at giving customers value for their purchases BC

NBC revs up education drive with ‘Back to School’ initiative

igerian Bottling Company, NBC, has donated school kits containing educational materials to 5,000 pupils under its Back To School Initiative across different public primary schools in Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Onitsha, Okigwe and Asejire. During the presentation of the educational materials to the schools, the Managing Director, NBC, Ben Langat, who was represented by the Country Chief Security Officer, Van Wilberding, said “the move is aimed at supporting parents and guardians in relieving financial burden as their children and wards return to school for a fresh academic session and further encouraging enrolment in public primary schools as well as a

reduction in out of school rate in primary education across the country. Sharing her delight at the event, Mrs. Olabisi Ariyo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Lagos State, represented by Mrs. Omolara AkinAdekibigbe, Director, Administration and Human Resources, commended the effort of NBC in contributing to the intellectual capacity development of the Nigerian child. She said, “The initiative is in line with efforts at delivering qualitative education to our children, the future of our country and a manifestation of government’s call for private sector involvement in developing key sectors of the economy, particularly Education”. She

Langat

added that the gesture will go a long way in supporting and motivating the pupils towards

academic excellence. In the same vein, Chief Nzemeka Olisa, Executive Chairman, Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, during the presentation of the educational materials to pupils from United Primary School, Nkpor, Onitsha, said, “I applaud NBC for the initiative, it is a clear demonstration by the company that educational development cannot be left to the government alone, because of dwindling resources. Other companies and well-meaning individuals are hereby encouraged to emulate the NBC example”. Chief Olisa also urged the children to make the best use of the items received from the company, inspiring them to strive for academic excellence at all times. BC

build positive relationships and associations that sit excitedly at the consumer’s heart.” She said the conference is structured to address key and contemporary developments in branding and communication that can support organizations drive to increased brand penetration, revenue and profitability. “The conference programme includes a keynote address and four different plenary sessions and panel discussions all taken by industry experts. The sessions will examine a wide variety of topics relevant to building successful brands in the 21st century. It would provide insight and new knowledge to brand managers on how to keep global brands locally relevant. It would provide insights on the strategies for connecting brands to consumers while driving profitable businesses”, Malize explained. BC

Lawmaker commends firm for fulfilling promise to promo winner

law maker representing Surulere Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Desmond Elliot has commended Nigerian Breweries Plc, describing it as a corporate organization that has showed strong commitment to the development of its host community. Elliot made this remark at the corporate headquarters of Nigerian Breweries Plc, (NB) Iganmu-Lagos while appearing as the guest presenter at a prize presentation ceremony in the ongoing Gulder Ultimate Promo. Elliot presented the keys and documents of a brand new Hyundai Elantra to its winner, Chibueze Gift Chukwuoti who emerged winner via a raffle draw held in Port Harcourt recently. The law maker said the company has not only focused on consumers of its products but has also positively impacted its host community in diverse ways. He said apart from providing potable water to its host communities, NB has been actively involved in renovation of schools and provision of other basic social amenities for its host community. He commended the company for empowering youths through such promos as the one currently embarked upon by Gulder. BC

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Review

Consumers lament electricity charges, as DISCOs dare NERC In spite of directives by the National Electricity Regulation Commission NERC to the Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to provide electricity consumers billing meters to end the contentious estimated billing regime, the companies have yet to comply, thereby raising stakeholders’ concern about the impunity with which they flout the regulatory authority’s order. Gbenga Odogun reports on the billing system and what consumers describe as its seeming lawlessness.

hese are definitely not the best of times for electricity consumers across the country. East, West, North or South, the story is the same as consumers continue to groan under the yoke of crazy bills being sent to them by the Distribution Companies. For instance, in past month especially, consumers have expressed dismay at the amount the DISCOs are charging them which they see as totally outrageous when the power supply during the period could not justify the companies’ bills.. In Lagos, some consumers got between N40,000 and N45,000 last month due to what the DISCOS termed “coded billing” often issued based on estimation for those without meters or whose meters were faulty. Ademola Yusuf lives in a three bedroom flat apartment in Isheri area of Magodo. He complained that he got a bill of N30,000 for the month and all efforts to complain at the unit servicing his area had fallen on deaf ears of the officials of the distribution company serving the areas. They claimed that his complaint could only be attended to after his bill must have been settled fully. This system often produces what is now termed” crazy bills” as its calculations are never accurate since they are not based on actual consumption but on estimation deriving from previous bills. “My thinking is that the DISCOs may have deliberately deny consumers access to pre

paid meters to justify their estimated “crazy bills” said another consumers who narrated his experience. “For the past three years, the company has promised to distribute the meters but they have not. They have continued to enjoy coded billing of their consumers who are not on functional meters adding that the August billing is a clear case of extortion by the company”, Yusuf retorted. This practice has however received several knocks not only from the consumers but also the National Assembly who queried the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission NERC on why consumers were being forced to pay for electricity not consumed. The queries touched on the customer complaints by electricity consumers, the fixed charge, bulk metering of customers and estimated billing. Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in its response said that electricity consumers are not expected to make any other payment for electricity supply outside the monthly tariff as approved by the Commission. There are however, a few exceptions where a customer may make payment for capital items and get refunded, with reference to payment for meters and capital items. The commissions position as articulated by the chairman Dr Sam Amadi affirms NERC’s understanding of the place of customers in the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry

Amadi

adding that the Commission performs its function of encouraging distribution companies on consumer protection by establishing ‘ Customer Complaints Handling Standards and Procedures’ to covers that aspect. He further revealed that the Commission monitors the complaints to distribution companies on a monthly basis through the establishment of the NERC Forum Offices whose membership were drawn from stakeholders such as Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, Consumer Protection Council, Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Civil Society Organizations. ’ On customer complaints, the Commission helmsman affirms NERC’s understanding of

the place of customers in the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry as the Commission performs its function of encouraging distribution companies on consumer protection adding that ‘’The Regulation on Customer Complaints Handling Standards and Procedures covers that aspect’’ Amadi said. He revealed that “ this regulation stipulates that every distribution company should establish functional customers complaints units to receive and resolve all complaints from customers on electricity supply within their area of operation. A timeline of 15 days is specified for this’’. He further revealed that the Commission monitors the complaints to distribution companies on a monthly basis. This includes establishment of the NERC Forum Offices to make effective complaint management mechanism. Representations at the Forum comprise stakeholders from Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, Consumer Protection Council, Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Civil Society Organizations. Amadi also said that the Commission has asked the distribution companies to find a way to restructure the fixed charge such that no one would be made to pay fixed charge for electricity not consumed. ‘’ This

remodeling of the fixed charge will be part of the on-going tariff review process being conducted by the distribution companies’’ Dr Amadi also revealed that the Commission has carried out extensive customer sensitization at both local and state levels in conjunction with the distribution companies and the consumer protection council. This is even as the distribution companies have been mandated to carry out sensitization programs as part of their tariff review exercise. He informed that electricity consumers are not expected to make any other payment for electricity supply outside the monthly tariff as approved by the Commission. There are however, a few exceptions where a customer may make payment for capital items and get refunded, with reference to payment for meters and capital items. Contacted Mr. Pekun Adeyanju, Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company said that the increase in the bill amounts was a reflection of the improved power supply across the nation .Customers should expect to pay more since power has improved, but if there is significant increase ,it might be as a result of accumulation of previous bills, he advised the affected consumers with outrageous bills to visit any of their 10 commercial units for harmonization of their complains since the bill originate from there. BC

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Monday, October 19, 2015

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Nigerian firms adopt ICT tools for growth

Isaiah Erhiawarien

igeria has been predicted to become the hub for data innovation growth due to the embracing of advanced analytics to drive businesses by top executives. General Manager, SAS Rest of Africa, ROA, Razel Mavhungu Mushiana said that Africa’s appetite for analytics is expanding phenomenally stressing that Nigerian businesses are particularly keen to make the most of their data to grow revenue and reduce risk. Mushiana who as part of his new role has been visiting partners and clients across Africa over the past two months “We’re seeing increased budget allocations to data management, covering risk and fraud management, customer intelligence and productivity.” He noted that many top enterprises in Nigeria are staffed by educated young executives who have returned home after working overseas, and who now want access to the same advanced analytics tools they used elsewhere. He said: “They are engaging with organisations like SAS in search of solutions. And this is not a ‘fashion statement’it’s a genuine quest to move towards a more productive environment.” Mushiana’s own fact-finding visits and information from the SAS office and partners in Nigeria indicated a high level of dynamism and innovation in Nigerian business, with enterprises looking to use advanced analytics to gain a competitive edge. Analyst said that Nigeria is a fast-growing population and economy, and aims to become one of the top 20 economies in the world by 2020 in line with its Nigeria Vision 2020. Worthy of note is the fact that Nigeria has also been listed as the most watched frontier market in the Frontier Strategy Group’s FM Sentiment Index. Mushiana said the financial services sector and the telecoms sector are showing rapid growth and are particularly advanced in terms of analytics adoption saying that “In these sectors, a range of executives from COOs to chief marketing officers are using analytics

to understand their data and plan ahead.” He added: “They want to reduce risk and respond to what customers are saying, what they want, what they are buying and what they think of the service they receive.” The SAS top executive further observed that Kenya also is proving to be an innovative market showing strong interest in advanced analytics for improved business noting that “Here, we find sectors like the mobile money pioneers, in particular, looking to better understand how customers consume products and services, and what they want.” This upsurge in demand for tools to deliver competitive advantage presents a range of opportunities for SAS across Africa, he noted stating that his company aims to extend its focus beyond the current financial and telecoms sectors foothold and aggressively target untapped verticals such as government, particularly in education, health, social services, public safety and security. He recalled that in the past, budget restraints and skills shortages were hurdles in the way of analytics adoption, saying that companies across Africa now understand the potential ROI on advanced

analytics, while SAS and its partner network have made solutions more user-friendly, backed by highly qualified skills and support resources, he says. He also said that to help meet the growing demand for world-class analytics in Africa, SAS aims to expand its African partner network in future, and will also look to engage with academia to develop analytics skills in various regions. SAS said it hopes to replicate the success it has enjoyed in South Africa over the past 20 years in other parts of the continent adding that as the leader in software and

Zuckerberg

analytics services, SAS helps businesses respond to and embrace constant evolutions in technology and to better understand their data in a highly competitive market. It recently announced an overhaul of its global partner programme to better leverage partners’ domain expertise to benefit clients and to formalise the skills development process around specialisation, certification and competency paths through new marketing and enablement benefits. In a related development, Facebook said it is collaborating with French company Eutelsat Communications, to launch a satellite next year to provide Internet access to African regions. Facebook will collaborate with French company Eutelsat Communications, to launch a satellite next year to provide Internet access to African regions. Facebook will proceed with launching satellites to provide Internet to less connected areas of the world, starting next year in Africa. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on his Facebook that “As part of our Internet.org efforts to connect the world, we’re partnering with Eutelsat to launch a sat-

ellite into orbit that will connect millions of people. He said: “a new satellite called AMOS-6 is going to provide Internet coverage to large parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. The AMOS-6 satellite is under construction now and will launch in 2016 into a geostationary orbit that will cover large parts of West, East and Southern Africa. We’re going to work with local partners across these regions to help communities begin accessing Internet services provided through satellite.” According to analysts, the initiative is going to accelerate Internet usage in Africa and it will promote Facebook as a major gateway to the Internet. It also said enable youths in Africa to distinguish Facebook as a content provider. Facebook renamed the Internet.org app to Free Basics by Facebook last month. The app and Web site are available in 19 countries, and enable access to select “basic services”, such as Wikipedia, health and employment information free of data charges. Facebook has 31.5 million users in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, statistics released by the social network showed last month, with the majority using mobile devices to access their profiles.BC

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Business Courage

Monday, October 19, 2015

Spinlet launches Web Series, ‘I Go Blow’ Stories by Isaiah Erhiawarien

pinlet, Nigeria’s music download and streaming service has unveiled its debut original web series; I Go Blow with a screening of the first three episodes at a special edition of its monthly Karaoke Night in Lagos. The launch of the web series provided an opportunity for various stakeholders within Nigeria’s music value chain, from OAPs to artistes as well as popular Nollywood stars to relax and unwind in a convivial atmosphere. Some of the personalities who graced the event and also featured in I Go Blow include Tuebi Abidde, popularly known as Tuale of Wazobia 95.1 FM, Ife Salako also referred to as Ifektive of Naija 102.7 FM, radio diva, Omotunde Adebowale, Lolo 1 of Wazobia FM, actress and producer, Judith Audu, MTV Shuga leading man, Emmanuel Ikubese as well as newcomer and lead actor for the series, Segun Dada, also known as Jaygo. The launch of I Go Blow – a collaborative effort with SMAT Media -showcases Spinlet’s

move into wider media distribution, in addition to its core service offerings of promoting and selling music. Interwoven with comedy, the web series explores the issues that real artists face on their path to success. The main character, Xtra Large is a true reflection of many artists and their daily interactions with key stakeholders like radio On Air Personalities who are instrumental in the development of their music careers. Spinlet has also rolled out other original video content, including Lyrically Speaking and The Spindeck Show, targeting music lovers worldwide. According to Rotimi Fawole, Head Business Development, Spinlet, “Our reason for exploring the web series market is based on the fact that Nigerians - and in fact Africans at large have a penchant for comedy. It just makes sense to give them something funny with strong didactic elements while providing insights into the various scenarios that confront emerging artists. I Go Blow could not be more apt, as there are scores of artists, who because of desperation are ready to do absolutely anything to get ahead in the industry,” he said. Fawole also said that Spinlet

recognizes the importance of supporting upcoming artists and has plans to work with SMAT Media on subsequent productions. The past eighteen months has seen the Spinlet brand as well as its value offerings evolve rapidly as part of its #SpinletReloaded campaign. From the launch of a new streaming and download service website built specifically with the mobile market in mind and updated features such as the improved user interface and smoother payment options, Africa’s biggest download and streaming platform is ready to do even more for Africa’s stars. BC

Fawole

Telkom, Hitachi to sponsor Financial Innovation Summit

frica’s technology news leader IT News Africa, confirmed Telkom and Hitachi Data Systems as Gold sponsors of the upcoming Financial Innovation Summit holding in Johannesburg under the theme – “Advancing Financial Services Through Technology.” The event organisers in a press statement said that Telkom has a proud heritage of connecting people. Telkom is one of Africa’s largest telecommunication companies providing integrated communication solutions to both enterprise and consumer customers. They are a Forbes Top 2000 company with the country’s largest fibre network. Telkom offers business, residential and mobile customers a wide range of voice, data and technology services. Hitachi Data Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., builds information management and Social Innovation solutions that help businesses succeed and societies be safer, healthier and smarter. The company focuses on big data that offers real value. Hitachi Data Systems’ IT infrastructure, analytics, content and cloud solutions and services drive strategic management and analysis of the world’s data. Only Hitachi Data

Systems integrates the best information technology and operational technology from across the Hitachi family of companies to deliver the exceptional insight that business and society need to transform and thrive. Key topics for discussion at the Summit include Technology trends shaping the next era in Financial Services, Regulator reality - minimizing the impact on innovation and business, Leveraging analytics in today’s multi-channel customer strategy, Data Analytics, The new Mobile customer, Compliance and credibility: Assessing your data governance strategy and Assessing and responding to the challenges of the current regulatory landscape. According to the organisers, the attendance is open to Executives of state owned financial enterprises, Financial Services Regulators, NGOs in the financial inclusion sphere, Financial Services Executives responsible for innovation and Financial Services CIOs. The press statement added that the State of Financial Services in Africa is the second most populous continent in the world and with abundant natural resources; Africa continues to grow as the world’s economy currently stands on shaky ground. The statement said further

that steady GDP gains are sometimes obscured by the continent’s economic, political and social problems saying that as Africa grows and becomes more tightly integrated with the global economy, its citizens and businesses increasingly need access to financial services tools that will allow them to compete. ICT is one avenue for increasing that access as technology allows for greater financial inclusion. Purpose of this round table centres on the fact that innovation has already transformed the financial services industry, the event organisers noted saying that “a decade ago, who expected the massive growth of e-banking and e-brokerage? Who envisioned the entry of new players such as retailers and telecommunications providers into the financial services arena thanks to their ability to harness the power of innovative technology? Who predicted that technology would enable outsourcing and offshore contracting of core financial processes in low-cost countries such as India?” The press statement said that the business environment continues to change today, and the financial services sector needs to confront many issues to remain competitive adding that technology and innovation are boardlevel issues; they create opportunities and pose threats. BC

Technotalk

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

Tips to prevent cyber crimes

yber crime refers to the illegal activities that take place online, including fraud, spam, identity theft, computer viruses and worms, cyber stalking, sexual predators, and the like. The threat from cyber crime is multi-dimensional as it targets individuals, businesses, and governments at a rapidly growing rate. As we become more reliant on modern technology so also we become more vulnerable to cyber attacks. Thus, here are tips to prevent cyber crimes: Use strong passwords: Use different user ID / password combinations for different accounts and avoid writing them down. Make the passwords more complicated by combining letters, numbers, and special characters and change them on a regular basis. Secure your computer: You can secure your computer by activating your firewalls which is the first line of cyber defense; then block connections to unknown sites and keep out viruses and hackers. Anti-virus/malware software can also be used to prevent viruses from infecting your computer by installing and regularly updating the software. Encrypt important data you don’t want compromised. Utilize encryption software, which “garbles” your data to make it unintelligible to anyone who tries to hack into your computer system. Be social-media savvy: Make sure your social networking profiles (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Linked In, etc.) are set to private. Always check your security settings and be careful what information you post online. Secure your mobile devices: Your mobile device is vulnerable to viruses and hackers. Download applications from trusted sources. Recognise that your smartphone is really a pocket-size computer and is prone to the same types of attacks directed at your laptop and desktop. Take steps to protect it, such as keeping your operating system current and using a strong password Secure your wireless network: Wi-Fi (wireless) networks are vulnerable to intrusion if they are not properly secured. Review and modify default settings. Avoid conducting financial or corporate transactions on public wireless internet connections unless you have beefed-up security protection. Avoid being scammed: Always think before you click on a link or file of unknown origin. Don’t feel pressured by any emails. Check the source of the message when in doubt; never reply to emails that ask you to verify your account information or confirm your user ID or password. Just think of how many emails you have gotten in the last year that appeared to be from friends whose email accounts were hijacked. Know how to recognize phishing: Your bank won’t send you an email telling you that your account has been compromised and asking you to provide sensitive account and personal information it already has. Protect your e-identity: Be cautious when giving out personal information such as your name, address, phone number or financial information on the internet. For instance, don’t put your entire birth date, including the year, on facebook. Think about the security questions normally posed by your bank and other secure locations: “first school you attended,” “name of favorite pet” and the like. Are your answers on display online? Purchase only from reputable websites: When making purchases online. It’s really easy to create a fake online store or to create a store that sells stuff, but its real purpose is to collect credit card information. Make sure that you do online shopping on a secure website, like those with a url that starts with “https” or have a TRUSTe or VeriSign seal. If you don’t see these anywhere on the site, you run the risk of submitting credit card information and other personal information to a site that may be fraudulent. Finally, Cyber security is a shared responsibility, and each of us has a role to play in making it safer, more secure BC BC and resilient. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, October 19, 2015

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Oyin Jolayemi:

A quintessential

entrepreneur His story is akin to that of a lame rising into fame. Sojourning to Lagos from Iludun Oro, Kwara State 60 years ago at the age of 19 and armed with nothing but a mix of educational disability and strong commitment to excel and break loose from the yoke of poverty; Oyin Jolayemi, founder of the Daily Need Group of Companies, is today not just an ordinary industrialist, he is an industrial icon, a quintessential entrepreneur whose story, no doubt, provides the motivational pull for aspiring entrepreneurs By Adejuwon Osunnuyi

or those that are familiar with the city of Lagos, particularly the high-brow Victoria Island part of the metropolis, the name Oyin Jolayemi will certainly strike a chord. It is one of the major streets in Victoria Island, which plays host to head offices of some of the best big corporate organisations. However, beyond being a popular street, Oyin Jolayemi is also the name of one of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highly successful corporate icons, who by dint of hard work, strong determination to excel, courage and uncommon zeal, broke loose from the chain of poverty and deprivation to attain the commanding height in his chosen career. This is this same man that the popular Oyin Jolayemi Street was

named after. Born in 1940 at Iludun Oro in Kwara State to the family of Pa Sangotoye Jolayemi, a man reputed as the custodian of curative services, with magical prowess and the ability to call fire from the skies, Oyinlola, as he was then called, was the youngest of five surviving children. As a traditionalist himself, the elder Jolayemi, perhaps, forced by the circumstances that surrounded the loss of seven of his children decided to allow the remaining five certain privileges like freedom to worship whatever they chose. However, the freedom did not include being allowed to go to school as their father felt it was a ploy to lure them into Christianity. With the pursuit of academic, shut out, the young Jolayemi settled for handcraft,

Jolayemi

particularly, mat making. At infancy, those close to the Jolayemi family say the young Oyin was a bit rascally; the attributes which Business Courage learnt earned him serious reprimand despite his closeness to his father as the last child. However, as it later turned out, Oyinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s closeness to his father almost became a serious barrier to achieving his own career path as it took him so long to convince his father to free him to pursue a life-saving ad-

venture outside his birth pace, Iludun Oro just like his brothers. At a tender age of 19, the youthful Oyin Jolayemi left Iludun Oro with nothing except determination to come to Lagos and make a meaning out of life. When he arrived Lagos, Oyin started out as a shop boy selling handkerchief and dusters on the streets of Lagos but several challenges along with the unfulfilled promises of his boss to pay him a certain sum made

him quit the apprenticeship. There and then, he decided to take the bull by the horn. After he broke away from his boss, Oyin decided to put into practice, the little he had learnt from his boss by selling the same items he had hawked on the streets of Lagos Island. As he progressed, he added to his stock, the sale of raincoat. Interestingly, however, the young Jolayemi had at that stage, known the importance Continued on pg A14

Business Courage

of education as he enrolled for adult education classes which he attended every evening after each day’s sales. At the early stage of his entrepreneurial endeavour, Jolayemi was confronted with teething challenges that were strong enough to scare him away. Shortly after he broke away from his boss and opted to sell his own handkerchiefs and dusters, Oyin was hit by fraudsters who defrauded him of the entire handkerchiefs he hawked around the streets in Ikoyi. As he later narrated, the fraudster had pretended to be a big customer requesting a large quantity of his wares. Oyin was asked to go and bring the rest items in his small shop to meet up with their demand. Though young at that time, he was wise enough to know that bulk sales would afford him the opportunity of substantial funds to increase his stock. But he was dead wrong. “I thought he was serious. He told me he wanted to buy many. I ran back to my shop to bring all that I had, but only for him to order me in a way that I do not know to lie down in a gutter and start looking forward and praying. He warned me to just lie there and do not raise my head until the money came, but only for me to later raise my head with courage and the man was nowhere to be found again,” he recounted. Despite this shortcoming, however, Oyin Jolayemi refused to cave in. He picked up his pieces and intensified his drive in the handkerchief sale until he was eventually introduced to the sale of over-the-counter drugs by Folorunsho Akosile, who as at then, dealt in Patent Medicine. This connection opened doors for him, leading to the establishment of Daily Needs Chemist, at Idumota Lagos, thus transforming him from a handkerchief seller to a patient medicine seller, the business that raised his profile around Idumota and Ereko area of Lagos Island. Interestingly, it was that same line of business that ultimately unveiled the strong entrepreneurial spirit in Oyin Jolayemi and served as the progenitor of the later day group of companies. After running the patent medicine business for some time and becoming very popular around the Idumota/Ereko axis of the Lagos Island, Jolayemi, in 1970 opened a shop known as Daily-Need Chemist located at 134 Nnamdi Azikiwe Street, Lagos Island. Essentially, Daily-Need Chemist was the mustard seed that germinated and grew to become an oak tree which today is the Daily-Need Group, an indigenous conglomerate which has now grown to include Daily Need Industries Limited, DNI Personal Products Ltd., Oyin

Monday, October 19, 2015

Jolayemi

‘

When I came to Lagos, I started working as a shop boy running errands. Nobody taught me to save my income and by special grace of God, I knew by keeping my income, it will put in my hands the keys to wealth and greatness. Therefore, my principle was, if you want to have much, use little and save the rest

‘

A14 30

Holdings Ltd., De Honey International Ventures, and Jolayemi Nigeria Ltd, with turnover running into several billions. After two years of trading under Daily Need Chemist, Jolayemi ventured into manufacturing of “Paulina,” a beauty cream somewhere in Surulere, Lagos. This was followed by the production of Penicillin Ointment, the product that effectively launched him into full blown pharmaceutical production. Today, Daily-Need Group has over ten quality and vibrant brands under its portfolio. The company manufactures Biovit, syrup of Vitamin B Complex, which restores lost energy, reduces stress, replenishes the skin and enhances the well-being of the body system. Also, De-Deon’s, a syrup of Haemoglobin Vitamin B12 which restores lost energy, reduces stress and enhances the well-being of the body system is another brand which has today become a must have for all families especially patients in dire need of blood restoration. Other pharmaceutical prod-

ucts include Uniplex Cough Syrup, for effective treatment against irritating and chesty coughs, Matthew Worm Elixir for effective treatment against round worms as well as thread worms. Vilicin Balm is popularly known for fast relief from muscle aches and pains as well as ensuring fast and soothing relief from lumbago. In the foods sector, the group’s Suppy, a beef seasoning cube, is today one of the household brands which competes favourably well with its peers produced by foreign conglomerate in the country. The company also manufactured one of the leading tooth pastes in the country way back in the 80s. Daily Need Flouride Toothpaste however, suddenly went underground but in 2008, like the mythical phoenix, the toothpaste practically rose from the dead and has since bounced back into strong reckoning. The reformulated red gel toothpaste rose from the ashes of irrelevance to which its white fore bearer was confined several years ago, to return into the coveted Nigerian consumer

market with fanfare. Jolayemi was also into the banking sector, but his experience in this area may have left sour taste in his mouth as his Victory Merchant Bank Limited left the worst scar on him. The bank was among the list of distressed banks whose operating licence was revoked by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)in 1998 and was subsequently liquidated by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC). Indeed, the story of Oyin Jolayemi can simply be described as the life of a village boy who came to Lagos with nothing at the tender age but with determination, courage and focus in life became an industrial giant. His walk into an industrial fulfillment is quite an interesting one. Then, young Jolayemi would wake up every other morning on his 52, Balogun Street Lagos Island abode to take a view of many ships rowing into the country, while he hoped and prayed for his to come too. Indeed, his rise from grass to grace is a story which many aspiring entrepreneurs should take a cue from. Despite not having formal education and getting seared at different points in his rise to the top of his game, Jolayemi persevered and today, he is on top of the game. He is a very successful industrialist with over three decades of robust business experience. His background notwithstanding, Jolayemi has earned himself respect in the business and financial world and his lack of formal education as he sojourned on no longer count for a man who now holds a Honorary Degree in Business Administration from Keshington University (USA). His international exposures which have seen him traverse key industrial capitals in the world like the United Kingdom, USA, the Middle East and Far East has broadened his exposure in industrial management. Jolayemi himself admit that his desperate and dedicated spirit helped him climb the ladder of success to the present stage, “I do not look down on the elders. I always run errands for them and when I came to Lagos, I started working as a shop boy running errands. Nobody taught me to save my income and by special grace of God, I knew by keeping my income, it will put in my hands the keys to wealth and greatness. Therefore, my principle was, if you want to have much, use little and save the rest.” Jolayemi believes that what he was taught by his parents and what he learnt by himself were good but according to him, “it was not what mummy and daddy taught that matters. What makes me different in my life is the grace of the almighty God.” The “handkerchief boy” as

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Jolayemi is called by those close to him says his story is the “manifestation of God’s goodness” as he said “I tried to recollect the essence and event of my life, how God has brought me this far. I have also received a lot of help; I have received God’s help. I really do have a story as it is contained in this book ‘The Pursuits of destiny’ and I believe that many of us, especially the younger ones will have some lessons from it,” he said at the launch of his autobiography. Earnest Shonekan, himself a renowned industrialist and former Head of the Interim National Government described Jolayemi as a leading light, a kind of an industrialist who has shown way to others in the country. According to him, Oyin Jolayemi was not born with a golden or silver spoon in his mouth to have climbed the height of success in his chosen field of business, and as such, his rise from nobody to a status of international recognition should serve as a lesson for younger Nigerians not to have an excuse to be poor. The founder of the Daily Need Group is a first class philanthropist. Despite his towering status, Jolayemi did not forget his cradle, particularly in the area of providing infrastructure support. Among other things, Jolayemi was said to have singlehandedly repaired and tarred the road networks in his home town. He had also at one time, donated Bronchoscopy equipment to the pediatric unit of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for treatment of children with cases of foreign body injuries. Bronchoscopy is a technique utilised to visualise the inside of the airways for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. He also donated a complete laundry unit to the Massey Street Children Hospital, Lagos. The significance of Jolayemi’s donation to LASUTH was properly situated by Thoracic Cardiologist at the LASUTH; Dr. Bode Falashe who observed that while at least 500 children die from foreign body injuries in the United States of America, there is no accurate data in Nigeria as only very few of the patients are seen in the hospital. Several lives have already been saved since the donation of the equipment. “When a child’s airway is blocked by foreign bodies, it is not easy to remove like in adults due to the tiny size of the airway which may lead to complications and even death. Most times you find ear rings, fish bones etc; these things block the lungs making it impossible for the children to breathe well. But with this equipment in place, it is easy to remove such foreign bodies,” Falashe noted. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, October 19, 2015

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ThebuddingEntrepreneurs KLINIC

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

e-mail: olusegunmamora@gmail.com

he paradigm shift that business result is obtained by exploiting opportunities, not merely solving problems is a great break through for entrepreneurs who succeed. All one can get by solving a problem is to restore normality as said by P.F Drucker. Business is simply exploiting opportunity in problems. Sincerely, you rarely can make money solving problems but exploiting opportunities in problems. In Nigeria, between the late years 1990s to early 2000s, growing up and seeing a lot of government critics and social activist poor didn’t encourage a lot of people to venture into social entrepreneurship. Today social entrepreneurship has become attractive for many because of creative approach to it which attracts the attention of corporate organisation. Social entrepreneur’s brands who command followership of their business target market get paid for endorsement. Now social entrepreneurs are not just solving problems by campaign and criticism but build brand and exploiting opportunities in mass followership of people. There are two types of entrepreneurs; you could be either one that does business by default or one that does business by design. You could be deliberate about your endeavor. Being deliberate about your endeavor is an opportunity to take your business in a great direction. Every enterprise has the opportunity to create wealth and excel but it takes design and not default. If you are stuck, reach out to people around you whose business are designed and flowing with opportunities or get a consultant to help out. There are opportunities everywhere and people are the opportunity medium in business. An opportunity is an occasion, a situation that is favourable for the attainment of a business goal. It

is also an appropriate or favourable time of occasion. “Opportunity literarily means Time” according to Sam Adeyemi. Time is opportunity. Well, because time is opportunity, it makes every entrepreneur open to opportunity. However, time becomes assets only to those entrepreneurs who recognise and exploit opportunity. Recognition is about perspective; which means what you see and how you see. Two entrepreneurs view the same social and economy issues differently. For some entrepreneurs see problems, others see opportunities in solutions to problems. For you to recognise opportunity in any economy and society, you need to have positive outlook to be in this world. If your mind is filled with impossibility, fear and negativity, the only perspective about business, is failure, problems, and crises. However if your mind is filled with great belief, you will recognise opportunity for business results. The moment an entrepreneur is positioned in such a way that she believes that her business situations can

‘

Opportunity to improve business result The moment an entrepreneur is positioned in such a way that she believes that her business situations can be better she will recognise the opportunities that will improve the business situations and create wealth

be better she will recognise the opportunities that will improve the business situations and create wealth. Conversely, if her mind is filled with a history of her business past failures and disappointments from people, banks, and government policies then she will have is to go back to those unfavourable experiences. Dear entrepreneur, see a future filled with excellence, wealth, and global value addition, when you come across such opportunities you will recognise them. First advise to exploit opportunity to improve business result is to create a picture in your mind. If you are able to have the picture of the positive business results in your mind then you can recognise and tap into opportunities to

‘

BUSINESS

make it a reality when it shows up. Many entrepreneurs are stuck where they are because of negative thinking. Therefore, faith is the basic force that will help you out into new reality of the business you have always dreamt of. For entrepreneur, faith comes by hearing and hearing in your mind the stories and experience of possibility as prescribed by God. You will always need faith to maximise opportunities. Second advise to exploit opportunity is preparation. Success happens when preparation meets opportunity. There are two dimensions to preparation, which are character and skills. When you take time to develop self discipline and self-control, which are products of spiritu-

Motivational Business Quotes

he important thing is not being afraid to take a chance. Remember, the greatest failure is to not try. Once you find something you love to do, be the best at doing it. – Debbi Fields Life is too complicated not to be orderly. – Martha Stewart The winners in life think constantly in terms of I can, I will, and I am. Losers, on the other hand, concentrate their waking thoughts on what they should have or would have done, or what they can’t do. – Dennis Waitley Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming. – Richard Branson

Leadership is doing what is right when no one is watching. – George Van Valkenburg There is no royal, flower-strewn path to success. And if there is, I have not found it. For if I have accomplished anything in life, it is because I have been willing to work hard. – C.J. Walker Business is more exciting than any game. – Lord Beaverbrook Let every man be respected as an individual and no man idolized. – Albert Einstein We are currently not planning on conquering the world. – Sergey Brin BC

al intelligence you will be prepared for higher opportunity. Entrepreneurs need to develop delay gratification as a form of character to priorities and beat the trap of self-centeredness. Skills development and application helps in exploiting opportunity. Skill is the ability, coming from one’s knowledge, practice, and aptitude to do something well; Competent excellent. [Encyclopedic unabridged dictionary of English language] For entrepreneur, skill is a way of learning, assimilating information for building relationship with workers and customers, and for improving environment. Third advise is to have a flexible mind It is time to get rid of biases and prejudices otherwise, you will miss opportunities. Do not think one of your workers is not the link to a big business opportunity you have been aiming. Do not assume that your community is too poor to build wealth from there. Go ahead and create a better picture for your enterprise, prepare for the picture you created by developing your relational skills, develop leadership skill, build your technical competences, avoid taking undue advantage of people, develop your character daily, do not speak down on yourself or your ability because you made some fatal mistakes. Listen to positive and success experiences of other people. There is an opportunity in your town, your street and even in yourself, take a second look and maximise it. Dear friend, I believe this is your season of greatness and opportunities. Your endeavour will not be in vain because your opportunities are here. Be courageous to keep doing your best and your business results will compensate for all your effort. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, October 19, 2015

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ThebuddingEntrepreneurs

Seeing through the

storm

He was a victim of what has come to be known as the Sanusi Lamido-Tsunami in the banking industry between 2008 and 2009. But rather than getting soaked in the trauma and lamentations that came with it, Taofeek Akinwumi Raheem, a Business Process Analyst in one of the banks then, has turned the misfortune into a pool of wealth through his Starwumi International, an agro-business support initiative

hen the storm rages, it is often advised that one do not give up because tough times do not last like tough people, especially as there could always be light at the end of the tunnel. Opportunities abound In the midst of difficulties and challenges but it will take a bold heart to take the bold step and dare the storm. After almost a decade of serving in four different banks, occupying various positions with the last being as a Business Process Analyst, Taofeek Raheem was sacked along with some staff in the bank in the wake of the 2009 reform in the banking sector. It was a difficult moment for many as some contemplated suicide; others could not fathom where to start from. Their world seems shattered. The banking job is like a princely job in the country. It is often a pride to have a job in the bank considering the level of unemployment in the country. Family members are always more than willing to brag that a relative works in the bank. It is a job, not many will wish away. The fear and pain of those affected by the said reform is understandable. Their sack was followed by protest and allegation of victimisation with a call on the government to intervene; not many were willing to leave the banking walls and just a few saw life outside the banking walls. Luckily, Raheem was one of the few who never gave up as he wasted no time to think of something else to do and earn a living. Amazingly, he settled for the farm. Initially, it sounds almost odd for a man to leave the serene ambience of the banking hall for the rocky-patches of the farm. But that was the path the former

Business Process Analyst turned farm waste control expert has chosen. Today, he markets and installs German-Austria Bio Nano Technology (GABIN TECH) System in farms. The Gabin Tech system is used mainly to enhance friendly environment devoid of ammonia odour, flies and maggot for farmers, especially, those whose farms are in residential areas. Recalling his journey to providing solution to farmers, Raheem said, “Two major events happened that made me chose this work. The first was the need to make extra money and have an alternative mean of income while I was still in the bank. This was as a result of the accident I had in mid-2008 which opened my eyes to the need for alternative mean of income. I thought of what to do but could not figure one out until a friend introduced me to the Gabin Tech system. So I picked it as my plan B on a part-time basis. Then the crisis in the banking sector came around 2009, which affected my employment and I decided to go into the business fully and see what I can make from it because challenges are opportunities coming in a different form.” It was a difficult decision to make, one filled with fear and uncertainty but he chose to bid good bye to the bank and start life as an entrepreneur. “The fear was there on what will I make out of this because as a Business Process Analyst, job is always there. We were asked to reapply in the bank which I did and I got two offers but I felt the need to move on and concentrate on what I was already doing on a full-time basis. Deep inside me, I thought I should dedicate my time and expertise to the Gabin-

Raheem

Tech system because one day, either willingly or unwillingly, I will leave the banking job or any other job that I might be doing for someone else. So, I chose not to honour any of the two offers I had from the banks but pursue vigorously my own business,” he said. Amazingly the choice seems

to have paid off. He told Business Courage that in four months, his current job earns him what he “couldn’t earn in his banking job in eight months; in fact, it was almost equal my annual income.” Besides, he said that he derives joy from the feedback of his business partners. “It is great

when people call you and testify of how you have been able to help and provide solution to their business challenges,” he said. Since 2009 when he plunged into the business full time, there was no looking back for him even as he admitted that his satisfaction was not just because of the monetary gains, but his strong conviction that farming remains the bedrock of human survival. He believes that the world cannot survive without food, hence, the needs to seize the opportunities in the challenges faced by farmers in carrying out their daily activities of providing food for the world. “It is the zeal I have for farming and the global trend that agriculture is the future of the world. Without food, nobody can survive. The gap is still there for us to fill to make the farmer comfortable in farming and support the farming business. So, the question is how can we solve the challenges in the farming business? For instance, in poultry business, the offensive ammonia odour is a big concern, which before now had no definite solution but we now, provide solution through the Gabin Tech system which helps eliminate the offensive odour and thus make the environment friendlier; reduce mortality in birds and fishes thus leading to increase in production. Some people uses residential area for farming and neighbours will find it difficult to live with the odour if not well control,” he said. Raheem, a certified accountant stated that the research carried out on the Gabin Tech

Management Principles

Principles of marketing management

mall-business marketing management is based on a set of principles that encompass tasks from planning to ad creation and long-term maintenance. These principles vary in specifics and are determined by the industry and target audience you deal with. While a good deal of small-business marketing management involves the creation of interest on the part of the consumer, it also involves ad creation and day-to-day operation of the marketing strategy. Knowledge Small-business marketing management requires a familiarity with specific target segments, what these consumers want and how to best reach them. There must be an understanding about what the message should be and why, and what the short- and long-term goals of advertising are for the company. Market research, competitor analysis and industry experience all feed into the development of market expertise and all are essential to the success of the marketing strategy and the company as a whole. Organization The development of marketing plans is a key part of small-business marketing management. Plans must address the marketing desires of each marketing partner or of the company itself and rely heavily on organization to manage the process. Plans outline the initiatives of each proposed campaign and state the cost to the customer versus the projected return on investment. Marketing plans are a key part of setting the schedule, announcing the marketing goals for the year and developing relationships with marketing partners that can lead to partial or full funding of the advertisements created.

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Business Courage

Monday, October 19, 2015

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ThebuddingEntrepreneurs

At the farm

system by the University of Ilorin, revealed that birds on this system produce probiotic organisms from the guts of animal thus producing good bacteria needed to overcome the bad bacteria by the principle of competitive law. It also helps the animals to retain more nutrients in the feed given to them unlike before where most nutrients in their feed are excreted. “We decided to put it to test at University of Ilorin because initially, most farmers argued that majority of the tests done on it were from abroad but we are happy that we now have a report from one of our institutions,” he submitted. As to be expected, the idea was doubted at the initial stage by some farmers which posed a big challenge to him on how to convince them to adopt it. “The first challenge was how to buy people into the business, when you tell them there is solutions to something they

are not used to, they find it difficult to buy into. So, adaption was a bit difficult but what appeared most challenging in the course of his entrepreneurial endeavour was the assumption that if a product or service is not coming from the so called ‘big names’, people are unwilling to give it a trial. And when people finally adopt it, the next challenge, which is that of the ability of farmers to keep to instructions on how the system should be used and operated usually sets in. However, Raheem’s Starwumi International appear to have outlived those initial challenges as he admits that the company has been able to make substantial inroads in the sales and installation of Gabin Tech system in farms across the country, especially in states in the South west and a handful of farms in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Kwara, and

Creativity Since small businesses typically do not have the resources for the mass campaigns that large corporations develop, creativity in advertising is an important principle. This is often the most interesting part of the marketing management process, since marketers will get to see their ideas slowly take shape and form tangible campaigns. The process often starts with a few ideas written on paper, followed by a meeting with graphic artists or outside creative companies. From here, a back and forth of ideas and proofs lead up to the final result and distribution. Efficiency Once completed, each campaign initiative must be distributed. Distribution involves the placement of ads in publications, the delivery of recordings to TV and radio stations, the hiring of personnel to hand out fliers, the arrangement of proofs for glossy magazines and so on. Small-business marketing distribution requires practical skill and both financial and logistical efficiency. Relationships must be built and channels developed that provide quick and easy access to your target market segments as well as short turnaround times when new campaigns and promotions hit the market. Adaptability Small-business marketing management does not end with the release of new campaigns. Continual oversight of the progress of each campaign and adjustment is often required. For example, if you notice that your flier promotion initiative is no longer bringing the response that it used to, further analysis may be in order. Once the reason for the decline is determined, the promotion can be altered and redistributed to the consumer, after which a second round of analysis will reveal whether you are on the right track or not. Constant maintenance and adaptation is a principle of marketing management necessary to the continued success of any small business. BC

Abuja among others. Incidentally, at the point at which Raheem decided to give up paid employment and stick to his farming business, pressures, especially from relatives and friends almost got him distracted. But since he was determined, he remained resolute.”Pressure will always be there in whatever one chooses to do in life but the ability to see beyond the present will help to weather the storm and the pressure,” he said. He said that it is very hard to see a salary earner become a billionaire except he stole or engage in one dubious act but that with “a personal business, you can grow it and expand it to the whatever level you so desires. Well, I am proud of what I am doing because the Yorubas will say “Igbe lowo wa” (the money is in the bush or farm). This one is my business and I can see the future in it. I don’t see pressure now because I can do what I like to do, live the life I want to live, drive what I want to drive. There are stages in life and we all cannot be millionaire same day.” he said brimming with a smile. The Starwumi International boss is already thinking of how to expand his business frontiers to cover the entire farms in the country with a model farm in all the thirty six states and possibly, extend it to other parts of Africa. An accountant by training but a scientist by practice, Raheem said that the desire to meet the needs of his immediate and extended family motivated him in the course of pushing his business idea. “Whenever I feel weak, I look at my wife, my kids and the extended family and I move on. If the energy in you is low, people that look up to you will be low as well,” he said. He advised that institutions of learning must start training their students about entrepreneurship rather than for them to scouting for jobs after graduation even as he counseled people to plan ahead for their retirement or when their services will no longer be required by the organization they work for. He stressed that putting God first with passion, sincerity and follow-through of all clients the business will grow has been his major source of strength. “I will say the first thing to do is to move closer to God, then identify your passion because it will keep you going when the cash is low. The need to cease the opportunity when it presents itself is imperative. Then you must be sincere in whatever you do because your customers deserve it and they will appreciate it a great deal. And to grow your business effectively, you must follow-through all your clients, do not just follow up. You must follow-through all clients because one single client that fails to understand might hurt the business. So communication with the customer is important. You should also be up to date in your chosen field, especially on the available new technologies,” he concluded. BC

Personal Finance

Tips to avoid credit card fraud

redit card fraud is most certainly on the rise, especially when it comes to the Internet. Although it is becoming safer to enter your credit card on a secure server online, there are still some precautions you should take when giving your credit card number to anyone — whether in person or on a trusted site. Use common sense Keep an eye on your credit card every time you hand it out. Write down exactly what was purchased and where so that you have a record of exactly how much you are spending. This helps you to know if you were charged in excess of what you actually spent, of if someone made unauthorized charges to your card. Be careful whom you give your card to Don’t give out your credit card number to anyone who called you unless you are sure who the company is. Legitimate companies do not call you and ask you for a credit card over the phone, especially if they are just calling to “verify” your identity. Don’t respond to emails asking for information A scam called “phishing” is on the rise, in which what looks like a legitimate email message comes in asking you to verify your credit card details via email. If it was a trusted company, they would refer you to their website and never ask for specific details. Don’t write your PIN number on your card This includes not having it nearby in your wallet, in your car, or on you personally. This will give the thieves plenty of opportunity to wipe out your credit card completely. Use your shredder If you no longer use a specific credit card, then don’t leave it hanging around. There are many shredders now that are strong enough to shred plastic credit cards. Shredding also includes getting rid of any credit card applications that come in the mail, especially those with your personal details such as social security number, address, or employment information. When using credit cards in public places, shield numbers from potential cameras or people behind you Cell phone cameras are being used more and more to capture a picture of your credit card details, which is then later used for a personal shopping spree.

Always Sign Your Card and Include Instruction to “See Drivers License” Although it may be a hassle to whip out your driver’s license every time you use your credit card, it will save you a lot of trouble if someone else tries to use it. Aside from these tips to avoid credit card fraud, there is more that you can do to stay safe. Mostly it involves treating your credit cards like you would your cash. Only carry as many as you need, and hide the others in a lock box. Write down all your account numbers and expiration dates in a place others won’t be able to find, and lastly, do not give out your credit card numbers to anyone that you don’t fully trust. BC

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Behind d Wheels This page is open to sponsorship

By Adejuwon Osunnuyi

fter a decade-plus of trying to reinvent itself as the 21st-Century Standard of the World, Cadillac has its first serious chance of meeting that goal with the new 2016 Cadillac CT6 fullsize sport sedan, premiering this week at the 2015 New York Auto Show. As great a leap that the latest Cadillac CTS is over the second-generation car, which was a great leap forward from the first CTS, it still struggles to check all the boxes in competing with BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. The CT6 appears to be different. We say “appears” because while it ups the Cadillac ante with competitive materials (inside and out), fit and finish, presence and specifications, a first drive of the car is many weeks off. It’s scheduled to go on sale in North America just before the end of the year. But those specs, at least, are pretty impressive. Cadillac touts the car’s “similar” agility to the smaller, midsize CTS, though dimensions are closer to the standard-wheelbase BMW 7 Series sedan. Cadillac

marketing is clearly trying to suggest that the CT6 is more of a sport sedan than the 7 Series and its competitors, led by the latest Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Cadillac estimates the 2016 CT6’s base curb weight at “less than 3,700 pounds,” while the short-wheelbase BMW 740i (twin-turbo six-

cylinder-powered, compared with the CT6’s base turbofour) weighs 4,310 pounds, the Mercedes-Benz S550 (V-8) weighs 4,630-4,773 pounds, and the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe tips the scales at 4,191 pounds. The base engine for the CT6 will be a 265-hp, 2.0-liter turbo I-4, with a new 400-

plus 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 option the perfect size for the Chinese market (displacement is just under 3000-cc). This new V-6 engine will be available in North America only with all-wheel-drive. An all-new 335-hp 3.6-liter V-6 will be available with rear- or all-wheel-drive. A plug-in hybrid powertrain will debut in

two weeks at the Shanghai auto show, and, some time after the 2016 model year, a new overhead cam V-8 related to the 3.6-liter engine will be added to the lineup. With an overall length of 204 inches on a 122.4-inch wheelbase, the CT6 is a real ‘tweener, threading the needle between the larger S-Class

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Behind d Wheels This page is open to sponsorship

Autocare Care, maintenance tips for car efficient performance

e’ve compiled our best expert advice, surprising tricks, and car care tips to prolong the life of your automobile!

and long-wheelbase BMW 7 Series and the short-wheelbase 7 Series and 6 Series Gran Coupe. For example, the CT6 is 3.3-inches shorter and its wheelbase is 4.0-inches shorter than the long-wheelbase BMW 7 Series, though it’s 4.2 inches longer, with 2.6-inches more wheelbase than the short-wheelbase 7. These dimensions mean that Cadillac doesn’t need a stretched wheelbase CT6 for the Chinese market--that gap will be filled with the upcoming S-Class competitor (possibly called CT8 or CT9) coming in 2019. Engineers achieved the svelte body with its new Omega full-size, rear-wheeldrive platform. Cadillac calls it “aluminum-intensive,” with 13 high-pressure aluminum castings in the body structure and high-strength steel where it’s most effective for a stiff body structure and crash protection. The car features a 360-degree camera view displayed on the Cadillac User Interface (CUE) screen, to reduce blind spots. The CUE screen is 10.2-inches diagonally, with 1280 x 720 high-definition resolution and a consolemounted touchpad. An enhanced night vision feature uses more heat signatures to identify people and large animals, and a new rear camera mirror projects various 360-degree camera views on the rearview mirror. There’s new Advanced Park Assist autonomous parking tied to the automatic braking system, a new Pedestrian Collision Mitigation and wireless phone charging, OnStar 4G LTE, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Like the Lincoln Continental concept also premiering at the New York show, the production 2016 Cadillac CT6 features interior and exterior

1. Be patient during the break-in period: You’ve bought your dream car and now you want to make it last at long as possible in top condition. Here are some things to remember as you pull it out of the dealer’s lot: During the break-in period, typically the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km), keep your speed under 55 mph (88 kpm) or to the speed recommended by your car’s manufacturer. Avoid heavy loads on the drive train, such as towing trailers, and loading the roof rack or trunk with heavy construction materials Do not allow your new car to idle for long periods — this is good advice for the life of your car, but especially during break-in. The oil pressure generated by doing so may not be sending oil to every part of your engine. Use only light to medium acceleration, keeping the engine rpms below 3,000 for the first few hours of driving.

lighting that turns on when you approach the car with your keyfob. The interior is covered in what Cadillac calls Opus leather, and there are five seat-massage programs, reclining rear seats and, for the first time for this brand, heating elements woven into the seats. Our initial impressions are that the interior quality and materials are a clear step up from other Cadillac models like the CTS and Escalade. The articulating rear seats have about 3.3 inches of adjustable travel, lumbar adjustment, tilting cushions, massage, and heating/cooling. Media controls, HDMI, and USB ports are located in the rear center armrest. Connectivity and 10-inch rear

screens retract into the front seatbacks. A quad-zone climate control system allows for separate temperature and airflow for each of the car’s four seats. Audio is courtesy a new, highend high-fidelity Bose brand named Panaray, which Cadillac says features 34 “strategically placed speakers” and uses design and technology from Bose’s home and professional stereos. The car is part of General Motors’ $12-billion product investment for the second half of the decade, and will be built in Detroit-Hamtramck for North America, Europe, South Korea, Japan, Israel and the Middle East, and in China beginning early next year for that market. BC

2. Drive with care everyday: Being car considerate shouldn’t stop after the break-in. Drive with care every day and your car will reward you with longer intervals without repair. Do not race your car’s engine during start-up.This is a quick way to add years of wear to your engine, especially if it’s cold outside. Accelerate slowly when you begin your drive.The most wear to the engine and drive train occurs in the first ten to twenty minutes of operation. Warming the engine by letting it idle in the driveway is not a smart idea.The engine doesn’t operate at its peak temperature, resulting in incomplete fuel combustion, soot deposits on cylinder walls, oil contamination, and ultimately damaged components. Put less strain on your engine and automatic transmission by shifting to neutral at red lights. Otherwise, the engine is still working to push the car even while it’s stopped. Avoid driving at high speeds and accelerating quickly, especially when it’s very hot or very cold outside. Such driving behavior will result in more frequent repairs. Extend the life of your tires with careful driving. Observe posted speed limits. Avoid fast starts, stops, and turns. Avoid potholes and objects on the road. Don’t run over curbs or hit the tire against the curb when parking. And, of course, don’t burn rubber. When turning your steering wheel, don’t hold it in an extreme right or left position for more than a few seconds. Doing so can damage the power-steering pump. Consolidate your short driving trips. Most of the wear and tear — as well as the pollution your car generates — takes place in the first few minutes of driving. Doing several errands at once, during low traffic hours if possible, will keep your engine happier longer. 3. Buy gas at reputable service stations: Ask whether the gas you buy is filtered at the pump and if the station has a policy about changing the pump filters regularly. If you get a song and dance, find another gas station. Some stations don’t have pump filters, making you more vulnerable to dirty gasoline. Other stations may not mix alcohol and fuel properly — or worse, water down their product. Find a station you trust and stick to it. 4. Don’t fill up if you see the tanker If you happen to see a gasoline tanker filling the tanks at your local gas station, come back another day or go to a different station. As the station’s underground tanks are being filled, the turbulence can stir up sediment. Sediment in your gas can clog fuel filters and fuel injectors, causing poor performance and possibly necessitating repairs. BC

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REGULATORS

SON, Customs partner to tackle substandard products’ menace

he Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, has intensified partnership with other relevant government agencies to fight illicit trading that encourages influx of fake products. The latest partnership is with the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, aimed at check the influx of fake, sub-standard and prohibited products into the country. At a meeting in Lagos today, the NCS Comptroller-General, Colonel Hameed Ali ,rtd, said the collaborative understanding by the two government regulatory agencies was to ensure that sub-standard products would no longer find their way into the Nigerian markets by the end of 2015. During a visit to SON’s Operations office, Lekki, Lagos, the Customs CG stated that there was need to strengthen the existing relationship between NCS and SON, in order to drive home the nation’s quest for economic growth and development. The Comptroller General said his visit to SON office was to strengthen the synergy already existing between the two agencies, pointing out that SON has been one of the key government apparati for driving economic growth and development.

“We have always worked with SON. On the assumption of office, we identified key government parastatals that we must create synergies with for going forward. SON is one of those key government apparati that we must work closely with to ensure that what comes into the country meets minimum requirements of the Nigerian Industrial Standards, NIS,” the Customs boss stated. “We are here to agree that henceforth, we will be working hand in hand in order to ensure that our jobs are made easier. I want to assure that this partnership is the beginning of something good for Nigeria. I am going to make Lagos my second place of abode in terms of office because 60 to 70 per cent of our operations are in Lagos. I want to assure you that I will continuously pay courtesy visits to you because I believe there are so many areas of collaborations between the two agencies,” the Customs helmsman deposed. He stressed the need for effective collaboration among government agencies, while assuring SON that the NCS would deliberate on the way forward on strategic steps to tackle the vexed issue of the importation of substandard goods in the country. “I want to state that our job

as regulators is made easier if we collaborate. With regards to the issues you have raised, we will go back and discuss some of them and later get back to you. I am very sure that these are things one would consider looking at the prime factors that drive our job so that together we can make progress,” Ali told the Director General, SON. “Our visit is also to look at issues that border on our collaboration so that we can itemize them and proffer solutions to surmount the challenges. The expertise to identify the standards of products is rested with SON”. Earlier in his speech, the Director General, SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu announced that within six months, Nigerians should expect a drastic reduction of the level of substandard products in Nigeria, courtesy of the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System ,NICIS, the agency launched recently. Odumodu said collaboration with the Customs was very imperative, adding that without it SON’s operations will be limited, maintaining that the agency’s success was largely dependent on the level of collaboration with the NCS. “We know that without the Customs, our job as SON is

very limited. Our success is dependent to a very large extent on the level of collaboration we have with the NCS. I really must say that within the last three months, the level of collaboration with the Nigerian Customs has actually grown so rapidly that we are beginning to feel we can achieve a lot more in our enforcement activities,” he added.BC

NDIC tasks MFBs on MSMEs funding

he Managing Director of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim has deplored the level of funding of Medium and Small Scale Enterprises, MSMEs, in Nigeria. Ibrahim said currently the sector is underfunded to the tune of N9.6trn. Ibrahim, who spoke at a oneday sensitisation workshop for operators of micro finance banks in Kaduna, lamented the low level of deposits mobilised by the 936 micro finance banks, saying that by June 2015, the total deposits stood at only

Monetary policies ‘ll reverse slow growth – CBN

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that the recent monetary and foreign exchange policies issued by the bank were strategic response to slow growth recorded in the last two quarters. The bank said such policies are not suggestive to recession but rather a right step to achieve a positive reversal. Governor of the CBN Godwin Emefiele, has therefore dismissed the insinuation that the economy is heading towards recession. He said the current dip in the nation’s revenue was a global development, which is not peculiar to Nigeria. Emefiele, who spoke at the end of the IMF/World Bank annual meetings in Lima, Peru, advised that rather than interpreting the recent monetary and foreign exchange policies by the bank as a sign of an economy sliding into recession, Nigerians should accept the policies as a way of reversing declining revenue. He said: “Nigeria is not sliding into recession. We have had two quarters of slow growth; even the

global economy has revised its growth outlook from 3.8 per cent in April to three per cent at this meeting. “That of Africa has been revised from five per cent to 3.75 per cent at this meeting. But it is even projected at 4.25 per cent in 2016. So everyone is affected. “What we are saying is because we have seen two successive quarters of slow growth, we all need to embrace the policies that we are putting in place both by the monetary and fiscal authorities so that we can see a reversal, so that we can see increased

Emefiele

growth, not slowing growth, so no one has talked about the fact that Nigeria is going into recession. “We are only saying we need to work hard to begin to reverse the trend so that we can move towards positive growth rather than slowing growth.” According to him, the effect of the commodity crisis was a global one, the slowdown as a result of the drop in commodity prices coincided with the end of quantitative easing in the US to the extent that the Federal Reserve Bank has been contemplating raising rates through the sale of assets. He added that geopolitical tensions had also affected many economies and forced them to slowdown, and in some cases had slid into recession. He maintained that the recent exit of foreign investors from the Nigerian bond and equities market was not peculiar to Nigeria, adding that about $48 billion was the value of capital outflow from emerging and frontier markets in the third quarter of the year. BC

Odumodu

Ibrahim

N173.3bn. He said that though the micro microfinance scheme was developed in response to the apathy of other banks to serve the lowincome segment, certain trends on the global economy requires the MFBs to expand their capacities to absorb risks. These factors, according to him, include the drop in crude oil price by 50 per cent since 2014, increasing supply of shale oil, impact of treasury single account, loss of N1.8trn public sector deposits and the impact of 7.6 million illegal immigrants attempting to enter European countries, as well as the reduction of soft funding to MFBs and NGOs. “Each MFB faced its own unique set of strategic and operational risks which must be identified, measured, monitored and controlled for the institution to operate as a going concern,” he stressed. Ibrahim said the NDIC has increased the limit of reimbursement to depositors, including MFBs, to N200, 000 and has developed a framework for financial assistance to micro finance banks to assist them in overcoming temporary liquidity challenges. BC

NIMASA reiterates commitment to on Nigerian waters with trade facilitation security the ultimate aim of engendering a

cting Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Mr. Haruna Baba Jauro has reiterated the Agency’s commitment to collaborate with the Nigerian Custom Service to ensure seamless trade facilitation in Nigeria. Jauro said this when the Comptroller General of Customs ,CGC, Col. Hameed Ali ,rtd led members of the Customs management to NIMASA on a familiarisation visit in Lagos. Acting DG said that the Agency has put in place a number of innovations like the satellite surveillance system and committed itself to a number of strategic partnerships with the military to enhance

friendly business environment. Jauro further said the country needs to facilitate seamless trade in the maritime sector emphasising that this was even more compelling now given the dwindling price of oil. According to the DG, “NIMASA needs to partner with the Nigeria Customs in order to improve trade facilitation and also ensure that various loopholes through which Nigeria is losing revenue in these areas are blocked”. He advocated for improved collaboration with the Nigeria Customs especially in the area of information sharing as both Agencies have critical roles to play in generating the needed revenues for the government. BC

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Monday, October 19, 2015

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Stock market last week Equities turnover of 949.675 million shares worth N10.280bn in 14,833 deals were traded last week by investors on the floor of the Exchange in contrast to a total of 1.390 billion shares valued at N12.170bn that exchanged hands the previous week in 14,821 deals. The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 577.298 million shares valued at N4.874bn traded in 8,006 deals; thus contributing 60.79 per cent and 47.41 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Oil and Gas Industry followed with a turnover of 228.997 million shares worth N1.639bn in 1,798 deals. The third place was occupied by the Conglomerates Industry with 50.980 million shares worth N275.452m in 794 deals. Trading in the Top Three Equities namely – Capital Oil Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 370.170 million shares worth N2.386bn in 2,042 deals, contributing 38.98 per cent and 23.21 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. ETPs: Also traded during the

NSE trading hall

week were a total of 3,740 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N2.035m executed in 19 deals compared with a total of 3,180 units valued at N1.150m transacted last week in 18 deals. Bonds: A total of 1,000 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N1.165m were traded in one deal compared with a total of 29,472 units valued at N30.711m transacted last week in two deals. Index Movement: The NSE All-Share Index and Market Capitalization depreciated by 1.10 per cent to close on Friday at 29,834.21 and N10.253trn respectively.

Similarly, all other Indices finished lower during the week with exception of NSE Banking, NSE Insurance and NSE Oil/ Gas that chalked up by +0.67 per cent, +2.81 per cent and +3.75 per cent respectively, while NSE ASeM Index closed flat. Summary Of Price Changes: Twenty-nine equities appreciated in price during the week, higher than 23 equities of the preceding week. Thirty-nine equities depreciated in price, lower than 48 equities of the preceding week, while 122 equities remained unchanged, higher than 119 equities recorded in the preceding week. BC

Market Indicators for Week Ended 16-10-15 All-Share Index 30,141.06 points Market Capitalization 10,375,783,051,089.16

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

Offers

SD FOOD CONCEPTS PLC

Consumer Services

0.50

Last Offer Date 14-Oct-15 9-Oct-15 17-Aug-15 15-Oct-15 15-Oct-15 25-Jun-15

SD FREE RANGES FARM PLC

Consumer Goods

1.00

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

Consumer Goods Industrials Financials Financials Financials Oil & Gas

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

Financials Technology Industrials Financials Technology Financials

0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.00 10.00 0.50

11-Sep-15 16-Oct-15 8-Oct-15

0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.00

13-Oct-15 12-Oct-15 2-Aug-15

RUSTRUSTBOND MORTGAGE BANK PLC

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

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

Bids

Volume offered Last Offer Price Last Bid Price 640,000 0.39 0.50 118,990 2.50 1,496,053.00 69.99 580,000 5.70 5.08 10.00 26,500 230.00 225.00 1,900,000.00 0.78 -

1,106,666.00 78,963.00 3,308,900 950,000.00 280,000 3,262,650.00

2 DEMATERIALISATION AND CUMULATIVE TRADE IN OTC SECURITIES 16-Oct-15 Security SD ACORN PETROLEUM PLC SD ARM LIFE PLC SD ARM PROPERTIES PLC SD AFRILAND PROPERTIES PLC SD BGL PLC SD CAPPA AND D'ALBERTO PLC SD CENTRAL SECURITIES CLEARING SYSTEM PLC SD DUFIL PRIMA FOODS PLC SD FRIESLAND CAMPINA WAMCO NIGERIA PLC SD FOOD CONCEPTS PLC SD FREE RANGES FARM PLC SD FUMMAN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES PLC SD GEO-FLUIDS PLC SD GOLDEN CAPITAL PLC SD INDUSTRIAL & GENERAL INSURANCE PLC SD JAIZ INTERNATIONAL PLC SD NIGER DELTA EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION PLC SD PARTNERSHIP INVESTMENT COMPANY PLC SD RESOURCERY PLC SD RIGGS VENTURES WEST AFRICA PLC SD SPRING MORTGAGE PLC SD SWAP TECHNOLOGIES AND TELECOMMS PLC

RUSTRUSTBOND MORTGAGE BANK PLC

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

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

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

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

Volume Bidded Last Bid Date 100 9-Oct-15 285,000 14-Oct-15 1,100,000 2-Oct-15 83,000 15-Oct-15 -

0.48 170.00 0.79

0.12 1.42 158.40 -

1,000 600 4,000

0.45 1.14 0.81

0.43 0.95 1.20 -

2,000 1,000 500 -

9-Oct-15 2-Oct-15 13-Oct-15 9-Oct-15 9-Oct-15 9-Oct-15 -

TRADE INFORMATION (JAN 2015-TILL DATE) DEMATERIALISATION INFORMATION Total Share Capital Volume % '000 Dematerialised Dematerialised DEALS VOLUME VALUE (₦) 57,450,146 2,000,000,000 2.87% 92 5,104,356 2,011,726.02 606,000,000 5,785,673,000 10.47% 28,247,025 1,900,000,000 1.49% 31 89,030 248,236.80 58,257,462 1,249,000,000 4.66% 97 26,230,898 61,927,476.43 9,620,957,533 12,000,000,000 80.17% 5 6,300 18,900.00 2,476,525 196,875,000 1.26% 25 110,169 8,303,237.60 712,169,190 5,000,000,000 14.24% 315 511,035,982 2,798,945,183.45 6,753,333,334 0.00% 182,606,279 976,335,936 18.70% 625 138,859,924 43,557,111,560.31 97,148,195 5,650,000,000 1.72% 85 29,807,679 21,694,966.42 260,000,000 0.00% 69,369,303 3,600,000,000 1.93% 566,997,596 4,257,668,000 13.32% 36 11,116,771 16,279,697.95 252,255,056 1,170,324,536 21.55% 12 4,800 5,040.00 1,019,968,270 14,231,238,000 7.17% 75 144,177,775 114,395,086.00 301,972,809 11,829,700,000 2.55% 27 2,108,481 2,526,549.84 12,753,394 181,408,000 7.03% 161 12,813,334 2,775,708,640.25 197,337,494 2,875,595,000 6.86% 23 6,831,400 5,808,322.00 517,000,000 2,576,686,039 20.06% 41 448,253,880 224,180,236.40 880,394,000 0.00% 7,138,199,210 0.00% 1,352,788,000 2,705,378,000 50.00% 31 33,560 70,399.30 170,432,280 10,945,334,000 1.56% 18 12,160 10,739.70 104,163,142,055 15,826,186,557 15.19% 1,699 1,336,596,499 49,589,245,998.47

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

A22 38

Business Courage

Monday, October 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

UBA: Sustaining profitability on efficiency Johnson Okanlawon

nited Bank for Africa, UBA, has again recorded impressive performance for the nine months ended September 31, 2015, declaring 17.3 per cent increase in gross earnings and 44.4 per cent rise in profit after tax, compared to the same period in 2014. The bank has continued to leverage on pan-African platform and the strength of its committed work force in gaining competitive edge in the market place. Three months performance The bank declared a profit after tax of N48.6 billion for the nine months, an increase of 44.4 per cent when compared to N33.6 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2014. The bank generated 17.2 per cent interest income, from N149.4 billion in the third quarter of 2014 to N175.1 billion, while interest expense stood at N72.9 billion, from N67.4 billion, representing net interest income of N102.1 billion. The bank’s investment and other operating income yielded 17.6 per cent growth to N71.1billion, from N61.3 billion recorded the preceding year, while operating expenses increased to N104.6 billion, compared to N93.5 billion in the same period of 2014. The bank’s assets appreciated in the period under review, showing a return on average equity of 33.0 per cent, while earning per share stood at N1.5. Net assets increased to N322.6 billion, from N265.4 billion, while loan and advances to customer dropped by seven per cent to N1.04 trillion, from N1.12 trillion recorded in the corresponding period of 2014. Speaking on the result, the Group Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Phillip Oduoza said, “We have continued to sustain our financial performance in 2015, leveraging our unique pan-African platform and the strength of our committed work force in gaining competitive edge in the market place.” He also attributed the impressive performance of the bank to enhanced balance sheet efficiency and improving extraction of value from the bank’s channels.

“We have also maintained our discipline on how, where and with whom we do business and I am happy with the results, as reflected in our earnings and asset quality” said Oduoza. In the period under review, the bank maintained a non-performing loan ratio of 2.1 per cent and 0.6 per cent cost of risk. These ratios are amongst the lowest in the banking industry. Highlighting some of the significant achievements in the third quarter, the Oduzua explained that the bank led a consortium of local banks to facilitate a $1.2 billion syndicated facility for the National Oil Company in Nigeria, NNPC. The Group Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Ugo Nwaghodoh noted that the bank’s entrepreneurial persistence continues to yield results as the group increasingly extracts synergy opportunities across its African network. “Our business in Africa, excluding Nigeria, contributed a quarter of our profit after tax in the period; a resounding benefit of our geographic diversification” said Nwaghodoh. He assured that the bank is encouraged by the improving performance metrics, assuring “we will not relent on our commitment to achieving desired scale, size and profitability in all our chosen markets.” He stressed that the group’s balance sheet remains strong, with a 20 per cent capital adequacy ratio and 49 per cent liquidity ratio, noting that the bank will continue to balance the quest for earnings and growth, with the best sustainability principles. Six months performance Profitability For the six months ended June 30, 2015, the bank’s profit after tax margin, after deducting the cost of goods sold and all other expenses including income tax expense, rose to 19.2 per cent, from 16.5 per cent, indicating the reason behind rush for its shares, while return on average equity, which shows how much profit each naira of common stockholders’ equity generates, appreciated by 11.7 per cent from 10.24

per cent recorded in the corresponding period of 2014. Further analysis of the bank’s profit showed a gross earnings of N166.9 billion in the review period, from N138.2 billion recorded in the same period of 2014, while profit after tax stood at N31.9 billion in the six months, from N22.9 billion recorded in the 2014 half year. Net interest income stood at N65.7 billion, from N55.2 billion recorded in 2014 half year. Liquidity The bank total assets appreciated 17.6 per cent in the review period to N2.93 trillion, from N2.49 trillion recorded in the same period of 2014, showing the final amount of all gross investments, cash and equivalents, receivables,

and other asset. Its net assets stood at N307.6 billion, from N238.7 billion recorded in the same period of 2014. Customers deposit increased toN2.23 billion, from N1.98 billion, indicating a loan to deposit ratio of 52.20 per cent from 45.61 per cent it stood in the six months ended June30, 2014. Analysts forecast The Chief Executive Officer, Highcap Securities Limited, Mr. David Adonri, said the share price appreciation was linked to the positive results and an unexpected interim dividend of 20 kobo per share. “For the bank to come up with an interim dividend of 20 kobo, it means things are getting better for the bank and it is a sign of good things to come in the future,” Adonri said,

adding that it also showed that the bank’s expansion into other African countries is paying off. According to financial analysts, the rise in UBA’s share price is an indication of the strong demand for the shares, after the positive results, which analysts at FBN Capital Research said was positive across board. Another investment firm, CSL Stockbrokers, a division of FCMB Bank (UK) Limited, described the UBA results as impressive, sustaining its buy rating on the stock. By the buy rating, CSL Stockbrokers stated that it expects the stock to outperform the benchmark index over the next 12 months. Afrinvest Securities recommended UBA as one of its two stocks to buy, citing the first half results. Chapel Hill Denham Securities Limited stated that the UBA’s first half results came in better than expectations. All reviews also shared a consensus that the UBA is currently significantly undervalued and its shares hold mouth-watery potential for huge capital gain. CSL Stockbrokers set the bank’s share price target at N7.20, Chapel Hill Denham said the bank’s share price could reach N6.59. Renaissance Capital (RenCap) estimated a price target of N8 while Afrinvest Securities stated a current price target of N6.44, all indicating that the UBA’s shares could be one of the most attractive assets over the next 12 months. “On the back of these results, we would expect consensus estimates to be revised up. We believe these concerns (about growth and asset quality) about half-year earnings contributed to the sell-off in UBA shares over the past few months,” FBN Capital stated, predicting a strong recovery in the bank’s share price while designating the bank as outperform, referencing analysts’ consensus that UBA’s share will outperform the benchmark. Analysts at Renaissance Capital said UBA’s results outperformed their expectations. “We note that profit before tax growth in the second quarter of 2015 was supported by a decent top-line growth, and a decline in impairment charges, down by 51%,” Rencap stated sustaining its “buy” rating on the UBA stock. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, October 19, 2015

A23 39

STOCKWATCH Stock Exchange weekly equities summary as at Friday, Oct 16, 2015 SECURITY

PRICE (=N=)

AGRICULTURE/AGRO-ALLIED Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC 0.50 OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. 28.66 PRESCO PLC 31.00 Fishing/Hunting/Trapping ELLAH LAKES PLC. 4.26 Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. 1.72 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 2.23 U A C N PLC. 29.07 CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Construction ARBICO PLC. 5.30 CAPPA & D’ALBERTO PLC. NT Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. 0.54 G CAPPA PLC 14.46 Non--Building/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. 40.00 ROADS NIG PLC. 6.60 Real Estate Development PINNACLE POINT GROUP PLC NT UACN PROPERTY DEV 8.17 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. 4.60 GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. 0.97 GUINNESS NIG PLC 152.11 INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. 17.30 JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC. 1.51 NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. 140.00 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 2.59 DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC 6.55 FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. 22.00 HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC 2.75 MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC 0.50 N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. 9.46 NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC 6.97 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. 22.17 NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. 830.00 Household Durables BETA GLASS CO PLC. NT NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC. 29.78 VITAFOAM NIG PLC. 5.55 VONO PRODUCTS PLC. 1.01 Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. 25.00 UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. 46.50 Textiles/Apparel UNITED NIG. TEXTILES PLC. NT FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. 5.20 DIAMOND BANK PLC 3.05 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INC. 18.35 FIDELITY BANK PLC 1.51 FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC. NT GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. 23.33 INTERCONTINENTAL BANK 13.50 SKYE BANK PLC 2.20 STERLING BANK PLC. 2.13 U B A PLC 4.40 UNION BANK NIG.PLC. 5.99 UNITY BANK PLC 1.62 WEMA BANK PLC. 1.00 ZENITH BANK PLC 16.30 Insurance Carriers, Brokers & Services AFRICAN ALLIANCE INS. COY. PLC 0.50 AIICO INSURANCE PLC. 0.89 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 2.42 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 1.08 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 2.6 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INS. PLC 4.02 CRUSADER ( NIG) PLC. NT DEAP CAPITAL MGT & TRUST PLC 0.58 FBN HOLDINGS PLC 6.29 FCMB GROUP PLC 6.3 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 1.40 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 16-10-15

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 1.99 1.47

0.50 28.10 30.55

4.26

60,000,000

0.00

N/A

4.26

1,249,104

7.18

0.68

1,199,549,736

0.07

-4.44

1.80

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

4.04 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

0.99 3.95 0.96 4.37 2.32 30.00

375 3

26.00 95.49

5.05 95.49

148,500,000 196,876,000

0.33 4.50

N/A N/A

5.30 NT

807,550 217

2.66 14.46

0.72 14.46

920,573,765 125,000,000

0.00 0.00

N/A N/A

0.60 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

-9.26 N/A

44.08 6.60

NT 324,368

7.28 20.90

7.28 8.82

1,375,000,000

0.00 2.20

N/A 4.88

NT 7.79

93 100 6,350

100.00 50.00 10.50

100.00 50.00 0.00

20,000,000 250,019,781

5.82 0.19

N/A N/A

100.00 45.22 10.00

5,016

0.50

4,772,528,415

0.00

N/A

0.50

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

19.48 0.68 297.41 30.00 9.09 179.40 0.97

3.13 0.68 209.10 5.34 0.81 91.10 0.93

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

0.00 0.00 8.66 0.63 0.00 5.03 0.00

N/A N/A -1.23 N/A N/A -0.05 N/A

4.40 0.93 154.00 17.85 1.58 140.07 2.95

24,150

75.90

38.12

640,590,362

4.46

N/A

190.40

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 -8.80 -5.07 0.00 19.57 N/A N/A 4.03 N/A 0.00 N/A

NT 2.84 6.90 22.00 2.30 0.50 9.46 6.70 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

-7.62 1.22

24.00 820.00

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 5.55 0.85

156,973 119,119

56.00 76.00

21.02 27.60

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

1.34 1.42

-4.58 1.09

26.20 46.00

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

0.97 -6.73 -1.08 -1.31 #VALUE! -3.32

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

7.05 3.05 9.60 15.30 1.16 1.88 27.40

2.65 0.80 1.64 2.34 0.50 0.50 11.96

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

0.97 0.63 1.70 0.44 0.18 0.00 3.30

-5.98 0.00 3.77 -0.33 0.00 0.00 -9.99

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 -11.36 N/A 0.00 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 0.90 NT 0.50 0.98 0.50 NT 0.50 0.53 0.50 0.50 NT 0.50 0.5 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.73 0.50 0.70 0.50 NT 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 5.42 1.03

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

5.15 3.27 18.55 1.53 NT 24.13 13.50 2.34 2.13 4.24 6.01 1.34 1.00 18.11

N/A N/A 0.00 N/A 3.98

0.29

1.25 0.50 1.42 0.50 5.23 2.68 4.25 NT 0.58 6.29 2.31 0.50 22.12 103.24 552.20 1.46

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. 0.60 FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC 3.25 GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER PLC 36.96 MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. 1.21 NEIMETH INT PHARM PLC 1.01 NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. 5.16 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 3.00 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 22.41 BERGER PAINTS PLC 10.39 CAP PLC 38.00 CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC 7.91 DANGOTE CEMENT PLC 167.00 DN MEYER PLC. 0.73 FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC 0.50 IPWA PLC 0.50 PREMIER PAINTS 10.93 LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. 98.02 PAINTS & COATINGS MANFACT.PLC 1.20 PORTLAND PAINTS & PRDT NIG. PLC 3.71 Electronic and Electrical Products AUSTIN LAZ & COMPANY PLC 2.09 CUTIX PLC. 1.80 NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. NT Packaging/Containers ABPLAST PRODUCTS PLC. NT AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS 1.52 BETA GLASS CO PLC. 44.00 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 10.45 Petroleum &Petroleum Products Distributors BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC 0.5 CONOIL PLC 27.41 ETERNA PLC. 1.80 FORTE OIL PLC. 254.98 MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. 145.07 MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. 49.66 TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. 154.90 Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVT. CO, LTD. 229.00 SERVICES Advertising AFROMEDIA PLC 0.50 Apparel Retailers LENNARDS (NIG) PLC. 3.15 Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. 0.56 Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC 3.98 TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. 1.08 Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. 0.50 Hospitality TANTALIZERS PLC 0.50 Hotels/Lodging CAPITAL HOTEL 4.07 IKEJA HOTEL PLC 3.42 TOURIST COY NIG PLC 3.51 TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC 7.10 Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC 0.50 Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS 0.62 LEARN AFRICA PLC 0.92 STUDIO PRESS (NIG) PLC. 2.30 UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. 5.73 Road Transportation ABC TRANSPORT PLCPLC 0.53 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 4.31 SUPPORT AND LOGISTICS CAVERTON OFFSHORE GROUP PLC 3.21 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

-24.05 1.56 5.00 -8.33 -0.98 N/A N/A

0.79 3.20 35.20 1.32 1.02 5.16 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 2.75 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 1.77 4.63 2.56 -9.39 -1.47 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

0.02 N/A N/A

2.72 22.02 9.93 37.05 8.73 169.50 0.73 0.50 0.50 10.93 98.00 1.30 4.31

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 7.78 N/A

2.09 1.67 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 42.70 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

-9.52

4.62

320 100

7.75 12.39

7.75 10.55

75,600,000 100,000,000

0.00 0.24

N/A N/A

7.75 10.35

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

10.45

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

-3.52 -2.17 6.25 0.05 N/A 2.72

0.5 28.41 1.84 239.99 145.00 49.66 150.80

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

255.00

0.00

N/A

0.50 3.15

980,294,400

0.00

3.70

0.54

589,496,310 198,819,763

0.52 0.00

-5.24 N/A

4.20 1.20

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

-5.00

4.07 3.60 3.51 7.10

1,000

0.51

0.50

8,000,000,000

0.43

N/A

0.50

16500 224,498 20 20,800

3.09 2.78 5.77

1.39 2.52 3.00

771,450,000 425,641,111

0.00 0.00 0.61

N/A N/A 10.19

0.62 0.91 2.30 5.20

955,140

1.29

0.50

1,507,000,000

0.21

N/A

0.55

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 -4.43

1.85 4.51

189044

3.37

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

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Monday, October 19, 2015

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Monday, October 19, 2015

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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.

Lawyers condemn proposed immunity for NASS leadership

NBA not shielding errant members —Ogunleye

Just recently, a segment of federal lawmakers proposed an amendment to the provisions of Section 308 of 1999 Constitution. The purpose is to include the Senate President and his Deputy, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and his Deputy as well as the Chief Justice of the Federation in the list of public officers to enjoy the immunity clause. However, the proposal has thrown-up fresh debates among Nigerians and lawyers in particular on the propriety or otherwise of principal members of the National Assembly benefiting from the immunity clause which since its introduction under the 1999 Constitution has remain controversial. In this report, WALE IGBINTADE takes a look at the issue and sought views of some lawyers.

How medical doctor, three foreigners were jailed for Forex scam 45

EU Court backs German block on migrant benefits 46

CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed

ver the years, there has been serious debates regarding the provisions of Section 308 of 1999 Constitution (as amended) which exempts the President, Vice President, Governor and Deputy Governor from civil and criminal proceedings while in Office. While some Nigerians have called for its abrogation on the grounds that immunity breeds corruption and bad leadership, others argued that its removal would undermine the work of the executive. Specifically, Section 308 of the Constitution provides that; (a) no civil or criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against a person to whom this section applies during his period of office. (b) a person to whom this section applies shall not be arrested or imprisoned during that period either in pursuance of the process of any court or otherwise. c) no process of any court re-

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki

’It is inappropriate that it is when the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki is being charged before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, that immunity is coming to play. It seems the amendment is targeted towards protecting the current Senate President. quiring or compelling the appearance of a person to whom this section applies, shall be applied for or issued. It is clear that those who drafted the constitution inserted the immunity clause to enable the President and the Governors to perform their designated functions successfully without fear that a particular decision or action may give rise to criminal personal liability. This is because indicting or prosecuting a sitting President or Governor would interfere with their ability to perform their constitutionally assigned functions.

The Supreme Court reinforced this provision in the case between IMB Securities PLC V Bola Tinubu (2001) 45 WRN1; where the apex court held that the defendant who was then a state governor was immune from legal proceedings. However, following the arraignment of the current Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) over alleged wrongful declaration of assets when he was Governor of Kwara State, lawmakers in a move to protect the sanctity of the National Assembly from external interference sought to include the

Senate President and his Deputy, Speaker of the House of Representatives and his Deputy as well as the Chief Justice of the Federation in the list of public officers to enjoy the immunity clause already granted the President and Vice President as well as Governors and their Deputies in the constitution. As expected, the move by the lawmakers to amend section 308 of the constitution has provoked reactions among lawyers and socio-critics alike. For instance, Malam Yusuf Ali CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

Law & Justice

Monday, October 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NBA not shielding errant Martin Ogunleye is the chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos branch. He studied law at the Ogun State University and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. He cut his legal teeth in the Chambers of late Chief Bola Ige and after stints in few other law firms in Lagos, he founded his firm, Trite Law Partners. In this interview with WALE IGBINTADE he speaks on his programmes for the Bar, award of senior advocates among others. Excerpts...

You have just been elected as chairman of the premier Bar, how do you see your emergence as a consensus candidate? Well, I see it as recognition of my contributions to the branch and to the Bar in general. At the same time, I also see it as a very good development, because the amount of funds that go into NBA elections has been a source of worry at the local and national levels. It shows that we can elect our leaders with minimum degree of acrimony and cost. In any case, we are elected to serve the people and you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get paid for it. The more we are able to conduct our election without much dissipation of funds, the better for us. In your inaugural speech, you promised to provide a secretariat within the next two years. This project has been on for years. How do you intend to realise it? One advantage of being elected unopposed is that it has given me more time to prepare for the work ahead rather than campaigning for elections. In the past few months, I have been consulting with senior advocates, members of the Bar regarding what we need to do to move the Bar forward. We are also looking for land to buy. My predecessor in office was able to amass a building fund of N45 million, which we all agreed during our Annual General Meeting to use solely for that purpose. So, we will use the money to get a portion of land within the court vicinity, buy it, then raise funds to commence construction. I believe we can purchase the land itself in the next few months, as we have already seen lots of places and are negotiating for a parcel, as we speak. The building will be a collective task for everybody, by way of building levy and donations. But we can achieve it. You know that our branch is the largest in Nigeria; we have over 3,000 registered members. What about the proposed site for the secretariat at Lekki, Lagos? Yes, the branch has a parcel of land in Lekki. When late Erasmus Baderinwa was NBA chairman, his administration was looking at developing the Lekki land as our secretariat and a building committee was formed. But after his administration, the general thinking of our members was that having our secretariat in Lekki would inconvenience our members. So, the general thinking is to purchase land within the vicinity of Lagos High Court and develop it for our use. But we still have the Lekki land.

Ogunleye

The way our disciplinary structure is vested on the national body of

NBA should be reviewed. We need to deregulate disciplinary structure down to the local branches. In your opening speech you spoke of setting up a cooperative society to assist members. How do you intend to carry this out? I know that NBA Ikeja branch has a cooperative society. The truth is, a lot of our members are financially impoverished, especially the young lawyers. You see the society demands so much from lawyers. They expect a lawyer to be up-and-there. The society expects lawyers to be above board. A lot of us have been complaining of some lawyers engaging in financial impropriety. Take a young lawyer who has house rent to pay but has not paid. If he has client money around him, he might be tempted to use it to solve his need. So, the cooperative society will empower our members and encourage them to have saving culture. Also, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget that a lot of our members work in an informal sector. Majority of lawyers are either self-employed or engaged by other self-employed lawyers.

So, it is important for us to have a platform where lawyers can come together and have economic and financial assistance. We have already spoken to a number of banks who are willing to partner with us. We are in the process of registering the cooperative society. For example, a self-employed lawyer may need a car loan to buy a car. But the bank may not want to grant him the loan because he is self employed. It is for that class of people we are forming the cooperative society. So, the cooperative will serve as guarantor, the loan will be sourced and repaid through the cooperative. The same goes for acquiring land. Every man needs a shelter over his head, so we want to assist our members to have shelter. It is only when a man has shelter, financial balance and his children go to school without any worries, that he can perform optimally in his profession. Do not forget that a lot of young lawyers earn as little as N30,000 in some offices. So,

there is need for us to have a programme that will assist them to grow and be financially independent. Is it appropriate for NBA leadership to agree on appropriate remuneration for lawyers? Over the years, there have been debates about appropriate remuneration for young lawyers. But the biggest challenge is that it is not easy to legislate a minimum wage for lawyers because there is no way anybody can determine how much income he will earn per annum. But there are lots of things we can do to ensure lawyers get better pay. One of them is the Stamp and Seal scheme, whereby all lawyers will be registered and have a stamp and without which they cannot practice. The fact is, a lot of lawyers who employ young lawyers are also groaning under the economic hardship. Because, a lot of jobs that should be coming to lawyers are being taken over by other professionals who are not lawyers. This has been diminishing the income coming to lawyers. So, the Stamp and Seal scheme will ensure that only lawyers will do the job required of lawyers. We are hoping that within the next one year after the introduction of the scheme, the income of lawyers will increase and younger lawyers will be better paid. Another way of solving this problem is the cooperative system I talked about. It is a

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Law & Justice

Monday, October 19, 2015

members â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Ogunleye

way of ensuring financial stability for lawyers. So, to say that no lawyer must earn less than N100, 000 is not realistic. The possibility that it will kill a lot of law firms and prevent them from employing lawyers is apparent. So, the best thing for us to do is to continue ensuring that the incomes accruable to lawyers continue to increase. Over the years, we have had cases where clients alleged their lawyers duped them, what is your take? I have said earlier that the society requires a lot from lawyers. The profession itself demands moral and legal standing from legal practitioners. But at the same time, we must be careful to ensure that matters are investigated properly before castigating lawyers. There are some cases that are obvious and some are frivolous. However, no lawyer will be disciplined without a hearing. Another angle is that I will call on the national body of our noble profession that we should have a process whereby we regulate the disciplinary procedure for lawyers. For example, the present regime is that anybody takes his pen and paper and writes petition to Abuja against a lawyer and disciplinary action would be taken, whereas that lawyer belongs to a branch. I would rather want a situation where such petitions are sent to the branch for preliminary investigation and if there is a prima facie case, it will then go to the national body. This is because it takes long for disciplinary action to be taken against any lawyer. At times, it takes four or more years to conclude a matter. However, if we have filtering process, it will ensure that only prima facie cases get to trial. Petitions that are frivolous can be dealt with at the local level. Again, it is not easy for any lawyer to be travelling to Abuja for disciplinary proceedings. This is because the disciplinary committee only sits in Abuja probably for one week at a stretch in one year. That aside, lawyers must be very careful about what they do. However, I am confident that in the next couple of years, we will have less disciplinary issues. This is because the regulatory powers of the NBA will increase

and make it easier to monitor members.

Will you say the current NBA is as vibrant as when the likes of Alao AkaBashorun and Akeredolu were presidents of the Bar? Well, the NBA is going through a process of rebirth and regeneration. It is not easy for the NBA to always be there and continue to be the voice of the people because it has a lot of internal problems. So, the NBA is going through institutional reforms to purge its internal problems. The process has been going on for a while, and by the time we are through with this process, I can assure you the NBA will come out much stronger. I know the society expects a lot from NBA, but the society must also realise that NBA needs to first empower itself to be able to discharge its social responsibilities to the people. You recall that just recently, one of our past presidents, Okey Wali (SAN) was kidnapped for several weeks and it was only by the grace of God that we got him back. Recently, a serving judge in Kogi State was also kidnapped. A senior advocate, Chief Mike Ozekhome, was also a victim of kidnap. So, as much as NBA is trying its best, it is also having its challenges. But I can assure you that once we come out of the ongoing institutional reforms, the association will play a more prominent role in the society. Recently, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Muhammed, accused the Bar of shielding erring members from punishment. Is this true? I disagree with the CJN because the NBA has been and will continue to discipline its erring members. The way our disciplinary structure is vested on the national body of NBA should be reviewed and that was why I said we need to deregulate disciplinary structure down to the local branches. So, the problem is not that NBA has not been disciplining its members, but that the process takes time. Do you think there is need for a reform in the award of SAN?

Oginleye

How do you recommend someone to become a senior advocate when in the last 10 years he has not attended any meeting

NBA or even its Annual Bar Conference? How will such a person of the

become a senior advocate and then take preeminence in the That debate has been ongoing but I think we will get there eventually. On the part of NBA, we have a different argument, which is that the qualifications to become a senior advocate need to be reviewed. This year, the NBA made a representation to the CJN that NBA should be part of the process of appointing these senior advocates since they will become leaders of the Bar. The CJN for the first time acceded to the request and the shortlisted names of about 45 were forwarded to the NBA. The NBA set up a high-powered committee to screen the nominees. The result of the screening was that though all the people on the list qualified, we discovered that some of them do not participate in NBA activities. Some of them are not even known in their local branches. The NBA is an umbrella association for all lawyers and not just for non-senior advocates. So, anybody who wants to be a senior advocate must have been contributing to NBA and must identify with it. At the end of the day, the committee was only able to recommend about 18 names out of 45 sent to it by the CJN. How do you recommend someone to become a senior advocate when in the last 10 years he has not attended any meeting of the NBA or even its Annual Bar Conference? How will such a person become a senior advocate and then take preeminence in the Bar? I am sure after this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exercise, people applying to become senior advocate will understand that it is not enough to have other basic requirements. They must also be active and contribute to the growth of the Bar.

Bar.

Were the 18 approved by NBA part of the 21 recently honoured with the rank of SAN? Well, I cannot divulge that information but I have just told you the thinking of the NBA. In the eyes of NBA, the qualification for senior advocate must include that you are active in the Bar. Some lawyers may not attend Bar meetings yet pay their annual dues promptly; are you saying that is not sufficient? Yes, it is not enough; you must attend and be active. Look, a senior advocate is automatically a leader of the profession. A senior advocate is automatically a member of the National Executive Committee of the Bar. At NBA elections, a senior advocate is an automatic delegate. So, when a senior advocate has not in the past 10 years attended NBA function and by virtue of his appointment he is now a delegate, how will he take informed decisions on the leadership of the NBA? What advise do you have for your members? My advise is that any person who wants to continue to practice law must belong to a local branch. I have seen a lot of agitations by lawyers who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to accept change. Lawyers who do not even pay their dues yet want to practice as lawyers. That will never happen again and I want to urge all of them to start doing what is right. The NBA is there to protect the interest of all lawyers, but it can only achieve this with the cooperation of all lawyers.

Law & Justice

Monday, October 19, 2015

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Immunity for NASS leadership abuse of legislative power CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41

(SAN) described the proposed amendment as unnecessary and ill-timed. According to him, it came at a time when most Nigerians are still clamouring that section 308 should be either reviewed or repealed. ‘’I think the attempt by the National Assembly to create additional immunity for other public officials is absolutely ill-timed. Members of the National Assembly should read the mood of the nation. The mood of most enlightened Nigerians is that immunity for the President, the Vice President, the Governor and their deputies should either be repealed out-rightly or be reviewed. So the National Assembly will be acting contrary to the flow of public opinion,’’ he concluded. In his view, human rights lawyer, Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa described the proposal as an abuse of legislative power, adding that nobody should be shielded from investigation, prosecution or any court process whatsoever. He said; ‘’I believe that the clamour for immunity for legislative principal officers such as the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives is totally an abuse of power. Presently, Nigerians are demanding the removal of Section 308 which grants immunity to governors, their deputies and the President and Vice President. We believe that given the issues arising especially the war against corruption. Nobody should be shielded from investigation, shielded from prosecution or shielded from any court process whatsoever. ‘’I think it is good to lift the veil and allow legal process to take its due course. If this clamour had been raised during the period when members of the National Assembly were going round the geo-political zones, it could have been entertained, so that they will hear the views of Nigerians. It is inappropriate that it is when the president of the National Assembly, Dr. Bukola Saraki is being charged before the Code of Conduct Tribunal that immunity is coming to play. It would seem that the amendment is targeted towards protecting the current senate presi-

Amaechina

Ali

Members of the National Assembly should read the mood of the nation. The mood of most enlightened Nigerians is that immunity for the President, the Vice President, the Governor and their deputies should either be repealed out-rightly or be reviewed. dent. ‘’You don’t make laws to protect yourself, law is made for future events, it is made to regulate and predicts events. When you’re a lawmaker and you make a lot that is targeted at protecting yourself, we will challenge such law. It would be an abuse of legislative procedure, which will be challenged in court by Nigerians. Nigerians should reject the call for any form of immunity for anybody. As long as judges are not immune from being charged to court while they are still serving, there is no reason why others departments of government such as the executive and the legislature should enjoy any special privilege over and above the judicial arm. So let all be equal before the law,’’ he said. Speaking on the issue, Mr. Nnaemeka Amaechina observed that; ‘’ initially, the trend was to remove immunity clause completely. Now, it is to expand it which is not

Bar

Jokes

You won’t go to jail A man who had been caught embezzling millions from his employer went to a lawyer seeking defence. 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.

Too interested in money

“I’m beginning to think that my lawyer is too interested in making money.” “Why do you say that?” “Listen to this from his bill: ‘For waking up at night and thinking about your case: $25’.”.

How much was the roast?”

A dog ran into a butcher shop and grabbed a roast off the counter. Fortunately, the butcher recognized the dog as belonging to a neighbour of his. The neighbour happened to be a lawyer. Incensed at the theft, the butcher called up his neighbour and said, “Hey, if your dog stole a roast from my butcher shop, would you be liable for the

necessary. We ordinary Nigerians need protection of the law against politicians that are stealing our resources. So, we do not need to protect the politicians any further. We need to protect the rights of ordinary man. My take is that rather than expanding the immunity clause, we should remove all immunity completely’’. Also, a Non –Government Organisation, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in a statement described the move as a setback for transparency. In a statement signed by the group’s Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, the lawmakers were accused of trying to shield Saraki and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara from prosecution over alleged corruption. He described the move as a clear breach of public trust and a form of political corruption, adding that the proposed immunity

cost of the meat?” The lawyer replied, “Of course, how much was the roast?” “$7.98.” A few days later the butcher received a check in the mail for $7.98. Attached to it was an invoice that read: Legal Consultation Service: $150.

In one day I broke the case

The lawyer’s son wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps, so he went to law school. He graduated with honors, and then 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 accident case that you’ve been working on for ten years!” His father responded: “You idiot, we could live on the funding of that case for another 10 years!”.

Lawyer with business cards

An airliner was having engine trouble, and the pilot instructed the cabin crew to have the passengers take their seats and get prepared for an emergency landing. A few minutes later, the pilot asked the flight attendants if everyone was buckled in and ready. “All set back here, Captain,” came the reply, “except one lawyer who is still going around passing out business cards.” Culled from Funny Lawyers Jokes.com

Adegboruwa for lawmakers is tantamount to breaking the law. “It is a huge setback for transparency, accountability and the rule of law that the same privileged and powerful leaders of parliament who regularly make laws that consign powerless Nigerians to prison for even trivial offences, want to establish elite immunity to protect themselves from the consequences of corruption and money laundering: “That is the Nigerian justice system in a nutshell. This is called breaking the law. “It is a huge setback for transparency, accountability and the rule of law that the same privileged and powerful leaders of parliament who regularly make laws that consign powerless Nigerians to prison for even trivial offences, want to establish elite immunity to protect themselves from the consequences of corruption and money laundering: “That is the Nigerian justice system in a nutshell. This is called breaking the law. “This initiative by the leaders of the National Assembly is coming at a time countries like Guatemala has voted unanimously to strip their president of immunity from prosecution for corruption. The message the National Assembly leadership is sending to us is clear: in Nigeria, powerful and influential actors are not subject to the rule of law. It’s simply not proper for lawmakers to be the chief advocates of immunity for corruption,” stated Mumuni.

legal tips Legal Effects of Memorandum and Articles of Association

zzzz

emorandum and Articles of Association are public documents. They are inter-linked and require to be registered for the formation of a company. The memorandum and articles, when registered, bind a company and the members there of to the same extent as if they had been signed by the company and each member. * Members to the company: The memorandum and the articles constitute a binding contract between the members and the company the effect of this is that each member is bound to the company as if each member has actually signed the memorandum and the articles. * Company to the members:

Bar

A company is bound to the individual members in terms of their ordinary rights as members, only accordance with the provisions in the memorandum and the articles. A member can obtain an injunction restraining the company from doing an ultra vires act. * Members inter se: As between the members inter se the memorandum and the articles constitute a contract between them and are also binding on each member as against the other or others. Such a contact can, however, be enforced through the medium of the company. Written by Francis Famoroti, Head, Judiciary. We welcome feedback and reactions from readers via our e-mail: nationalmirrorlaw@yahoo.com

Jokes

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Law & Justice

Monday, October 19, 2015

How medical doctor, three foreigners were jailed for Forex scam FAMOUS CASES

About 38 years ago, the Federal Military Government (FMG) promulgated the Exchange Control (AntiSabotage) Decree No 57 of 1977, which criminalised sharp practices in the currency and foreign exchange markets. A number of Nigerians and foreigners were arrested, tried and convicted for the offence. FRANCIS FAMOROTI, Head, Judiciary writes.

ometimes during the tenure of Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo as the country’s Head of State in 1977, the open foreign exchange transaction was deemed to be an illegal business in Nigeria. Part of the provisions of the Exchange Control (Anti-Sabotage) Decree was that no individual or group of people was allowed to deal in foreign exchange without permission from the appropriate authority, who was the then Commissioner for Finance. Against this backdrop, the government promulgated the decree to curb the sharp practices. By so doing, the Obasanjo regime believed the measures would exert control on the foreign exchange market by putting pressure or eliminating the parallel market. Prior to the promulgation of Decree 57 of 1977, a group of suspected offenders had been arrested and accused of violating the foreign exchange regulations otherwise known at the time as ‘’Arrangee”. The men were thus tried under the retroactive decree, which prescribed a minimum of five-year jail term to offenders without an option of fine on conviction. Among those tried and convicted were; a Nigerian medical doctor, Dr. John Sodipo, British-Canadian, Nigel Turner, and an Italian, Umberto Carnazzi. Also jailed was a Chinese national, Peter Yung Ling Li. They were in the group of the first batch of 17 persons tried before the Special Tribunal set up by the FMG under the decree. Essentially, the men were charged with conspiracy to buy and sell N200, 000 naira for $230,000 dollars and were also accused of gross violation of the foreign exchange regulations. They pleaded ‘’not guilty’’ and were subsequently tried before the threeman tribunal headed by a former Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olakunle Orojo, (now late). At the trial, the prosecutor, Mr. Michael Ayoade, from the Federal Ministry of Justice, argued that the prosecution had established beyond doubts that the accused men flouted the foreign exchange regulations of the country. According to him, ‘’we have proved that the men agreed to transact illegal foreign exchange. We have established the case of conspiracy in their agreement. We have also succeeded in establishing the overt act of the agreement; and it is sufficient; my Lord, for the prosecution case was that the offence was committed in Nigeria.’’ The prosecutor referred to the statements made by Turner and Carnazzi and how the terms of the agreement to exchange one American dollar for 85 kobo were spelt out. Turner was to deposit $230,000 dollars into Carnazzi’s account with the Bank of America in San Francisco, United States, if the latter could give him N200, 000 in Nigeria. He said the men had in fact effected the agreement because Carnazzi had issued two cheques of Standard Bank, Iganmu branch,

Obasanjo

Justice Orojo

Prior to the promulgation of Decree 57 of 1977, a group of suspected offenders had been arrested

Forex regulations otherwise known at the time as ‘’Arrangee.

and accused of violating the

Lagos for N200,000 payable to Turner via his New Nigeria Bank account on Broad Street, Lagos. Ayoade prayed the tribunal to adjudge the accused men guilty and sentence them accordingly. The prosecutor further submitted that the contravention of the decree by both accused men was a conspiracy beyond the territorial limits of Nigeria. Legal luminary, Chief Rotimi Williams (SAN), who was the lead defence attorney, urged the tribunal to hold that Turner and Carnazzi had not commenced any criminal offence by entering into an agreement for business. According to him, if parties to a commercial contract cannot reach an agreement before approaching the Commissioner of Finance for permit to transact foreign exchange, then the commercial activities of the nation would be crippled. The defence lawyer said the agreement to buy and sell foreign currency could not be regarded as criminal conspiracy. Williams argued that before such conclusion could be drawn, the agreement so entered into must be proved to be a premediated desire to commit an offence under section (1) (1) D of the Exchange Control

Decree No 57 of 1977. This, he said, the prosecution had failed to prove adding that the prosecution also failed to prove that Turner contracted the agreement with a criminal intent. Besides, the lead defence attorney said the transaction was legally valid up till August 31, 1977. The co-accused, Sodipo, on his part sought more time to enable him put his defence together. He told the tribunal through his lawyer, Mr. Kehinde Sofola (SAN), that some of the vital documents required for his defence were abroad. Sofola also said the security men had impounded some files from his client, when he was arrested adding some of the documents he needed to establish his innocence were with the police. The defence lawyer said Sodipo was charged with a nine-count offence and access to the vital documents would enable them prove that Sodipo acted properly and had not stolen anybody’s money. But Justice Orojo quickly replied that ‘’nobody has said he had stolen money.’’ Mid-way into the case, the defence lawyers had threatened to withdraw from the case and protested against some aspects of the decree which they said were obnoxious

and a violation of the rule of law. Williams who led the team of other lawyers had expressed their intention to seek an audience with Obasanjo on the matter but the then head of state on September 16, 1977 declined to grant their request until the conclusion of the on-going trials. Three days later, the defence lawyers returned to the tribunal and defended their clients. At the close of the addresses, the tribunal chairman deferred the verdict till about two months later. When the judgement was eventually read, Justice Orojo, found the men guilty of conspiracy and illegal dealing in foreign exchange transactions. Williams however made an allocutus on behalf of the defence, urging the tribunal to take into consideration the fact that no money had been transferred out of the country. Making his pronouncement in October 1977, the tribunal chairman sentenced each of Turner and Carnazzi to five years jail terms for violating the foreign exchange regulation and contravening the Foreign Exchange Decree. Besides, the tribunal ordered both men to forfeit $230,000 dollars to the FG being the amount of the deal in which the foreign exchange was to be bought and sold between the parties. Sodipo also was equally convicted. In a similar manner, a Chinese national, Yung Ling Li was equally convicted by the tribunal. The FMG later confirmed the conviction of the men. However, some years later, the government granted Sodipo pardon.

Law & Justice

Monday, October 19, 2015

EU Court backs German block on migrant benefits

LUXEMBOURG

UK lawmakers not exempted from phone tapping —Court UNITED KINGDOM

British court has held that British lawmakers are not immune from communications monitoring, saying a 50-yearold doctrine protecting them from phone tapping has no legal force. According to ABC News, three politicians complained to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal that their communications were being intercepted by electronic spy agency GCHQ as part of its mass harvesting of emails, Web traffic and other communications data. Details of the surveillance powers of the U.S and its allies were revealed by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden.

The tribunal, which hears complaints about surveillance, ruled that the doctrine applies only to targeted, and not incidental, interception of Parliamentary communications and that it “is not enforceable in English law.” They said the doctrine, “which commenced in respect of the tapping of telephones was not intended to extend, and could not in practice extend, to prohibit the interception, as part of a very large quantity of communications, of communications by parliamentarians which were not targeted by (a warrant).” Lucas said the judgment was “a body blow for parliamentary democracy.”

Zimbabwean student docked for modelling without underwear ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwean college student who allegedly took part in a modelling contest without any underwear has appeared in court in the capital Harare, state media reported. A report by AP says that Panashe Zhaware, 21, is alleged to have walked the ramp in a full-length fuchsia pink dress with a revealing split all the way up the front. The official Herald newspaper said that Zhaware “intentionally wore her evening gown without her undergarments”. The student has been charged with public indecency and was granted $100 bail at a court appearance. She denied the allegations. Local tabloid H-Metro said in a report at the weekend that the principal of the polytechnic, Tafadzwa Mundondo, and nine other models had also been taken in for questioning, as had the

Zimbabwe President, Robert Mugabe organisers of the pageant. Mundondo said he was not involved in any way, according to H-Metro. “That was a function in July and we have not been aware [of the indecent exposure]. It was a students’ function and we had nothing to do with it. They inform us of what they will be doing. This is one of the isolated cases that happened at the college,” he told the paper. There were unconfirmed reports that the other nine models also wore no underwear after being told to take off their pants “to catwalk properly on the ramp”. There were also claims that photos of other students were deleted.

ermany can bar EU migrants from certain social security benefits even if they have previously worked in Germany, the EU’s top court has ruled. A report by ABC says, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling applies to all EU member states. Even after six months’ residence in an EU state a migrant may still be refused any social assistance, the ECJ ruled. The judgement concerned a Bosnian-born Swedish national - Nazifa Alimanovic who had claimed subsistence allowances after losing her job in Germany. Changes to EU policy on migrant benefits are a key part of his renegotiation, ahead of a UK in/out referendum on EU membership, set to take place by the end of 2017. In 2012 a job centre in Berlin stopped paying social

ritain’s Supreme Court has ruled in favour of two women who argued their husbands misled judges about their wealth during divorce proceedings. The ruling involves the cases of Alison Sharland, 48, from northern England, and Varsha Gohil, 50, from London. According to BBC report, both claimed their former spouses misled judges during proceedings. The court indicated their claims would return to the High Court for consideration. “All spouses subject to deceit and deliberate financial skulduggery in a divorce owe a huge debt of gratitude to the tireless efforts of the

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An ECJ ruling in November 2014 found that Germany also had a right to refuse benefits to EU migrants who had no intention of finding work in Germany, in the Dano case. Ms Alimanovic’s three children were born in Germany. The family had returned there from Sweden in 2010. Ms Alimanovic and her elder daughter had worked for less than a year before claiming benefits. The Conservatives’ employment spokesperson in Europe, Anthea McIntyre, called the ruling “a major endorsement of our stance on benefit tourism and our views on free movement. “Increasingly the rest of Europe is seeing things our way. It bodes well for one of our key areas of renegotiation.”

European Union Court building security to Ms Alimanovic. She and her daughter Sonita had been receiving unemployment benefits since December 2011. Denying certain noncontributory benefits to EU jobseekers from another EU country “does not contravene the principle of equal treatment”, the ECJ said.

A UK government spokesperson said the ruling “shows we are right to restrict benefits going to EU nationals who haven’t paid into the system in the UK. “It is also further supports our argument that individual member states should have the freedom to design their own welfare systems without being constantly challenged by the courts.” The UK Independence Party (UKIP) with 24 MEPs the largest British contingent in the European Parliament - said “abuse of the welfare system by non-nationals is also clearly becoming an issue in Germany”. A British Liberal Democrat MEP, Catherine Bearder, said the ruling had “huge implications for the current EU debate in the UK.

UK S’Court in landmark divorce ruling legal team here today,” Gohil said after the decision was released. Sharland, who had accepted more than 10 million pounds in cash and properties, realized her husband was about to float his company on the stock market despite testimony that it was “not on the cards today.” The financial press put the value of the company at as much as 1 billion pounds — far above what has described at the hearing. Though the judge in her case recognized her husband’s evidence had been dishonest, he declined to set aside the order because the

UNITED KINGDOM

British Prime Minister David Cameron

IPO still hadn’t taken place and because he wouldn’t have made a substantially different order. “By the husband’s fraud and the judge’s order, she had been deprived of her right to

a full and fair hearing of her claims,” Supreme Court Justice Brenda Hale said. Gohil had accepted 270,000 pounds and a car. Her husband was convicted of money-laundering following their divorce. Graham Coy, a partner at law firm Mundays, suggested the ruling may “open the floodgates” for people to renegotiate historic settlements where a party misleads the court. “It just goes to show that if you don’t put all your cards on the table when divorcing it might come back to bite you further down the line,” he said.

Aunt loses lawsuit over 12-year-old nephew’s hug UNITED STATES

jury has ruled against a woman who sued her 12-year-old nephew for a hug that caused her to break her wrist. A report by Reuters says that four years ago, Jen-

nifer Connell attended her then-eight-year-old nephew’s birthday party at his home in Westport, Connecticut. Birthday boy Sean Tarala leaped into his aunt’s arms and they fell to the ground, causing her an injury that

Jen, I love you,’ and there he was flying at me.” Ms Connell, 54, told the she said still plagued her. But the jury at Bridge- courtroom that she broke her port’s Superior Court ruled wrist and has struggled ever since with the injury. in favour of the boy. She was asking for $127,000 Recalling the fall, Ms Connell said: “I had to (£83,000) in damages, despite catch him and we tumbled the fact that she described onto the ground. I remem- her nephew as “very loving, ber him shouting, ‘Auntie sensitive”.

It was indeed a memorable experience —Nwodo

y first solo appearance was before Justice Lawal Akapo of the commercial division of the High court of Lagos state. I was instructed by my principal counsel in chambers to move a motion for

withdrawal. Prior to this day, our client had stopped contacting us and apparently we have to withdraw from the matter. When the matter was mention in the court, I entered my appearance while the other party also entered

his appearance. I told the court I have a motion to move while subsequently the other counsel also informed the court he has another motion to argue. Hitherto, I was given the opportunity to move my motion first and throughout my presentation I was quite calm

because I had done series of rehearsals before the proceedings. However the Judge noticed I was a new wig and was also friendly. The court granted my application. It was indeed a memorable experience. Fochi Nwodo

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Law & Justice

Monday, October 19, 2015

Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015: A brief sum up By James Ode Abah Esq

he Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 was passed into law in a bid to eliminate violence in private and public life, prohibit all forms of violence against persons and to provide maximum and effective remedies for victims and punishment of offenders and for related matters connected therewith. This Act is indeed a welcome development considering the fact that its provisions clearly criminalize various forms of domestic violence which have become an epidemic in Nigerian homes. The Act however applies only to the Federal Capital Territory Abuja. The National Agency for The Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Other related Matters (NAPTIP) is mandated to administer the provisions of this Act and collaborate with the relevant stakeholders including faith based organizations. Only the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja empowered by an Act of Parliament shall have the jurisdiction to hear and grant any application brought under the Act. However it is important for a sustained public awareness on the provisions of this law in order for Nigerians to be familiar with the offences created on the Act so as to serve as a deterrent in the violation of same.

Offences under the Act

The offences as stipulated under the Act are as follows to wit:

Rape:

Section 1 of the Act defines Rape to mean when a person intentionally penetrates the vagina , anus or mouth of another person with any other part of his or her body or anything else and the other person does not consent to the penetration or the consent is obtained by force or by means of intimidation of any kind or by fear of harm or by means of false and fraudulent representation as to the nature of the act or the use of any substance or additive capable of taking way the will of such person. It is important to note that when rape is committed by a group of persons, the offenders are liable jointly to a minimum of 20 years imprisonment without option of fine. In all other cases a

minimum of 12 years imprisonment without option of fine. Inflicting Physical Injury on a Person A person who willfully causes and inflicts physical injury on another person by means of any weapon , substance or object comits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding N100,000.00 or both. A person who attempts to commit the act of violence also commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or to a fine not exceeding N200,000.00 or both. A person who also incites , aids, abets or counsels another person to commit the act of violence also ccommits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or to a fine not exceeding N200,000.00 or both.

Willfully Placing a Person in fear of Physical injury A person who willfully or knowingly places a person in fear of physical injury commits an offence and is commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or to a fine not exceeding N200,000.00 or both. . A person who attempts to commit the act of violence also commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or to a fine not exceeding N200,000.00 or both.

Offensive Conduct

It is an offence under the Act if a person compels another, by force or threat to engage in any conduct or act, sexual or otherwise, to the detriment of the victimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s physical or psychological wellbeing. Such person upon conviction is liable liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or to a fine not exceeding N500,000.00 or both.

Prohibition of Female Circumcision or Genital Mutilation This provision is indeed a welcome development as it is now a crime within the Federal Capital Territory Abuja to circumcise any girl no matter what of the country one comes from. Section 6 of the Act clearly stipulates that the circumcision or genital mutilation of the girl child or a woman is prohibited. A Person who performs female circumcision or genital mutilation or engages another to car-

ry out such circumcision or mutilation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 4 years or to a fine not exceeding N200,000.00 or both. A who also attempts to carry out the offence of female circumcision or Genital Mutilation also commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or to a fine not exceeding N100,000.00 or both. A person who also incites , aids or abets or counsels another to commit the offence of female circumcision or mutilation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or to a fine not exceeding N100,000.00 or both.

Frustrating Investigation

The Act makes it an offence for any person to defraud or conceal an offence or frustrate the investigation and prosecution of offenders under the Act or any other enactment which is deemed a felony and is liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or to a fine not exceeding N500,000.00 or both.

Willfully Making False Statements

A person who willfully makes false statement, whether oral or documentary in any judicial proceeding under the Act with the aim of initiating investigation or criminal proceedings under the Act against another person commits an offence is liable on conviction to a fine of N200, 000.00 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months.

Forceful Ejection from Home

The Act also makes it an offence for a person who forcefully evicts his or her spouse from his or her home or refuses him or her access commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or to a fine not exceeding N300,000.00 or both. A person who also attempts to forcefully evict his or her spouse also commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 1 years or to a fine not exceeding N200,000.00 or both. A person who tries to incites, aides , abets or counsels another to forcefully evict his or her spouse also commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or to a fine not exceeding N200,000.00 or both. TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

EVENTS

L-R: Justice Opeyemi Oke and the Chief Judge of Lagos state, Justice Funmilayo Atilade at the Bar and Bench Forum held in Lagos, recently.

L-R: Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) and Mr. Sina Sofola SAN at the event

L-R: Second Vice President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Taiwo Taiwo and the chairman, NBA, Lagos branch, Mr. Martin Ogunleye.

L-R: Mr. Wale Adesokan and Mr. Ahmed Adetola-Kazeem at the occasion.

Monday, October 19, 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

Cross River to introduce re-fresher courses for motorists Richard Ndoma CALABAR

Mrs. Owolabi writhing in pains at a hospital bed

Ex-lawmaker’s wife bathed in hot pepper soup Michael Ogbonna

hief (Mrs) Oluwayemi Monsurat Owolabi, wife of a former member of house of representatives, representing Lagos Mainland constituency, Hon Owolabi Alaoseniyan, has been assaulted by some miscreants, said to be boys of a notorious man called Japron in Yaba area of Lagos state. The attack which occurred last week was said to have been allegedly master-

minded by woman leader of Yaba ward H and head, tax officers, Yaba market, Yaba Local Council Development Area, LCDA simply identified as Wemimo. Mrs Owolabi was bathed with hot pepper soup which left her with many burns. Speaking to journalists few days after the horrible incident, the victim lamented how the suspect had on several occasions threatened to deal with her in the wake of her challenge against her (Wemimo) authority as a tax officer following allegations from the

council that the market was evading taxes as no remittance has since been made. Owolabi recalled that Wemimo had during one of her raids had destroyed some of the shops and goods, stressing that nobody can challenge her authority. “As a result of our request and challenge of nonremittance of our taxes, she destroyed our shops and goods, saying that we cannot challenge her duties.” The suspect was alleged to have been defrauding the council and the traders in connection with her ac-

Globalisation encourages moral decadence among youths –Adams Ayo Esan

hief Promoter of Olokun Festival Foundation, Otunba Gani Adams has said that globalization through uncensored access to the media has continued to erode morality and assist moral decadence among young people. Delivering his welcome address during this year’s Olokun Festival Lecture titled: Culture, Cultural heritage and modernity in Nigeria. Any clash? In Lagos , Adams who is also the National Coordinator of the Pan

–Yoruba Group, Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC said in Nigeria today, parents no longer care about the way their children behaves. “It is sad to see that most young people, encouraged by their parents, do not speak our indigenous languages. “In our schools, our children are encouraged to speak, write and use English Language” Adams said. He added that, this development occasioned by globalization, is threatening the survival of our indigenous languages. He said globalization has led to the commercialization of Nigeria’s culture

and that it has given undue advantage to foreign cultures over ours. “As a result of cultural globalization, the movement of youths from the rural to urban areas has caused a significant depopulation of the rural areas. “The entrenchment of new faiths and religions has also reduced the population of adherents of our traditional religions and thus encouraged the spread of these foreign faiths”, he said. Adams averred that cultural globalization is also having negative impact on the number of movies produced by Nigerian Nollywood.

complice, Mr Ishola Fasasi amongst others. Meanwhile authorities of Tejuosho market had served notice of demolition to Yaba market occupants should they fail to maintain proper sanitation and ensuring that no goods are displayed on roads, stressing that the demolition would be carried out if the traders flouted the order. Owolabi’s predicament however came when she, for fear of the risk of demolition issued by the authorities, attempted to caution the erring traders who had displayed their goods on the roads. “As I wanted to bend down to remove some of the clothes displayed on the cars of some of the traders, i just heard a heavy splashing on my back and I saw my body emitting steam then I realised it was hot pepper soup that had just been prepared that was poured on me.” Mrs Owolabi noted that Wemimo started picking on her following the council’s demand of their receipts of tax payment which Wemimo could not completely make available to them and this informed her decision to tax her co-traders to raise some money to pay the council, instructing the traders not to give the suspect any money until further notice.

rrangement has been concluded by the government of Cross River State to organize refresher courses for commercial drivers operating across the state. Special Adviser to Gov. Ben Ayade Department of Public Transportation,(DOPT), Gabriel Ogulajah made the remark while declaring open ember month workshop with a theme “No to the Devil,” organized by Road Traffic Officers yesterday in Calabar. Ogulajah stated that the essence of the refresher course being initiated by the DOPT and VIO was to ensure that operators of the industry become properly certified to ensure that commercial drivers remain qualified to be on the road. The DOPT boss stated that the certification exercise became necessary given the fact that most drivers plying the nation`s roads maybe having one or two impairment which may hinder smooth driving

on the road. Also Speaking at the seminar, State Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) Engr. Paul Beteh stated that agency would soon introduced the use of drivers identification badges which would be compulsorily worn on the pocket of their chest to enable anyone who come in contact with the drivers know that they are commercial drivers. On the issue of vehicle road worthiness, the duo maintained that a special centre would be established to ensure that faulty vehicles would be sent to the centre for proper calibration before such vehicles leave the centre. “We would have a special centre where faulty vehicles would be sent in there for proper calibration before there leave the centre”, the duo said. Other issues which the vehicle chiefs hammered on includes driving of vehicles with seat belt and charged motorists to be courteous, focus and abide by the road safety rules so that they can get to their destination with passengers safely.

Ekiti seeks FG’s support for flood-prone areas Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

kiti State Government has canvassed massive support of the Federal Government to flood-prone areas in the state. Commissioner for Environment, Chief Bisi Kolawole, said such was necessary to protect the lives and property of the residents of such areas. Kolawole said at a press briefing on the activities of the Ministry in the last one year that the state government had taken steps in its capacity to control flood and erosion. These include dredging of stream channels in Ado Ekiti and Ilawe Ekiti and construction of access culverts in some prone areas in the state capital, which had been completed. According to him, ongo-

ing projects in that regard included erosion control works in Ado Ekiti and reconstruction of failed culvert at Iwesun in Otun Ekiti. Kolawole said that as part of efforts to ensure a healthy environment in the state, the state government had prosecuted no fewer than 574 persons at the Mobile Court for contravening the State Environmental Health and Sanitation Law since the advent of the present administration in the state. He said 354 offenders had been prosecuted for flouting monthly environmental sanitation exercise, while 220 persons had been prosecuted for committing offences ranging from open defecation, dumping of refuse into drainages, and canals, illegal trading on the road sides, among others.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, October 19, 2015

World News I have already testified about Benghazi to the best of my ability before the Senate and the House. I don’t have very much to add. –FORMER US SECRETARY OF STATE, HILARY CLINTON

Afolabi Gambari

WITH AGENCY REPORT

eports yesterday said Slovenia will only allow 2, 500 migrants to cross its borders daily, half the number neighbour Croatia has asked for. Interior Ministry Secretary of State, Bostjan Sefic, said Slovenia could not accept Croatia’s request to take 5, 000, saying Austria’s daily limit was 1, 500. Most migrants, many from Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq, are crossing Croatia and Slovenia to reach western Europe. The limitation on numbers has led to a build-up of migrants and refugees on Croatia’s border with Serbia. Around 40 buses of people were backed up in Serbia yesterday, and tempers flared between frustrated migrants and overstretched police officers. “We are waiting here four hours on the bus,” Muhammad Samin from Afghanistan said, adding, “The weather is too cold. We wear lots of shirts. The children are also in the cold and no food.” There were also reported to be 4, 000 migrants waiting at a reception centre in the east Croatian town of Opatovac, hoping for an onward journey towards Slovenia. The migrants have already spent weeks walking from Turkey, via Greece, Macedonia and Serbia. Meanwhile, around 1, 000

Migrants’ crisis: Slovenia slashes daily intakes

Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi

Two people have fallen ill with Ebola in Guinea, the World Health Organization has said, dashing hopes of an imminent end to the worst recorded outbreak of the disease after a two-week spell without any new cases across West Africa. The new cases mean the epidemic, which began when a 2-year-old boy who fell ill in a remote Guinean village on December 26, 2013, risks dragging on into a third year and into 2016. The outbreak has already killed 11, 298 people out of almost 28, 500 known cases in Guinea and neighbouring Liberia and Sierra Leone. Liberia was declared free of Ebola transmission on September 3 after 42 days with no new cases, and Sierra Leone is halfway to the same goal.

US Democrats eye gun debate

Migrants at a reception across Slovenian border yesterday

migrants and refugees crossed into Austria from Slovenia on Saturday, according to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. Slovenia became the main route for migrants after Hungary

closed its borders to them on Friday night, citing security concerns. German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, is also hoping to tackle the crisis at source, visiting Turkey which is currently hosting two

million Syrians and hundreds of thousands of Iraqis. The Italian navy tweeted yesterday that it had rescued 113 migrants and found eight bodies in a rubber boat, attempting to cross the Mediterranean.

Election: Egyptians vote for new parliament

olls opened yesterday in Egypt in the first round of long-delayed elections to choose a new parliament. They are the first such elections since the previous chamber was dissolved by a court ruling in 2012. The authorities said the poll was the final step in a transition to democracy. However, critics said most candidates were supporters of President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi

AFRICA BULLETIN Ebola: Guinea records fresh cases

and the new parliament was likely to strengthen his control. Sisi is a former general who led the 2013 military overthrow of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, following months of unrest. Morsi’s party, the Muslim Brotherhood, won about half the seats in the last parliament but is now banned and its leaders are

in jail with some facing death sentences. The election consists of two rounds of voting and results are not expected to be known until early December. Voters are choosing 596 MPs for the lower house, the House of Representatives. Security has been tightened across the country with at least

185, 000 troops supporting police, according to Egyptian news agency Mena. Analysts predicted the turnout to be low, with many Egyptians disillusioned with the democratic process. Apathy is particularly high among young people, with many angry at the government and its policies.

days to file complaints before the constitutional court validates the results. Diallo said in a statement he would not appeal to the court. “I will invite the other candidates and all the citizens who are the real victims of this electoral hold-up to organise, conforming to the law, peaceful demonstrations to express our disapproval of this situation,’’ he said. The allegations included ballot boxes being stuffed and some 400 polling stations staying closed. Figures released on Friday

showed a turnout of about 66 per cent of Guinea’s six million registered voters.

Conde returns as Guinea leader

uinea’s President Alpha Conde has won a second term, the country’s election commission has announced, six days after polling ended. Conde, 77, won in the first round with about 58 per cent of votes cast. Main opposition leader, Cellou Dalein Diallo, who has denounced the vote as fraudulent, won 31 per cent and has called for peaceful protests against the outcome. European Union observers said the vote was valid despite some logistical problems. Candidates now have eight

Guinea President Alpha Conde

After 15 years of a virtual gag order on guns in presidential politics, Democrats are talking again. President Barack Obama is considering more executive action on gun control. The front-runner in the Democratic race to replace him says she “will not be silenced” on guns. At the Democrats’ first debate in the presidential season, candidates jockeyed for bragging rights over who had the lowest rating from the National Rifle Association. The return of the gun debate comes in the first White House contest since the December 2012 shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, that killed 20 children and six educators at an elementary school, and a string of mass shootings after that. The absence of gun legislation passed by Congress has spurred a steady call for action from the Democratic base.

Typhoon hits Philippines Slow-moving Typhoon Koppu weakened after blowing ashore with fierce winds in the northeastern Philippines yesterday, leaving at least two people dead, displacing 16, 000 villagers and knocking out power in entire provinces, officials said. Army troops and police were deployed to rescue residents trapped in flooded villages in the hard-hit provinces of Aurora, where the typhoon made landfall early in the day, and Nueva Ecija, a nearby rice-growing province where floodwaters swamped rice farmlands at harvest time. After slamming into Aurora’s Casiguran town after midnight Saturday, the typhoon weakened and slowed down, hemmed in by the Sierra Madre mountain range and a high pressure area in the country’s north and another typhoon far out in the Pacific in the east.

National News

Monday, October 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Libel: Blogger arraigned, remanded in Ikoyi prison

l-R: President of the World Bank, Dr. Jim Yong Kim; BBC Broadcaster/Moderator of the forum, Lerato Mbele; Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Tony O. Elumelu, CON, and President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, discussing during ‘Shared Prosperity Forum’ at the University of Ghana, Legon, to mark the International Day of the Eradication of Poverty, at the weekend.

Ex-NOA boss decries monarchs’ neglect of Yoruba language Kemi Olaitan, IBADAN

ormer Oyo State Director of National Orientation Agency, NOA, Femi Mapaderun, has condemned the manner in which most traditional rulers in Yorubaland speak English language at public functions. He made the condemnation over the weekend in Oyo town while presenting a lecture titled, ‘The Concept, Values and Supremacy of Alaafin Oyo in West Africa,’ as part of activities marking the 77th birthday anniversary of Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III. Mapaderun, while describing as unfortunate that most traditional rulers could not speak fluent Yoruba, noted that this has necessitated situations where they speak in English at public events. According to him, while traditional rulers from the Eastern and Northern parts of the country understand English language, yet they speak their native languages as a way of promoting their culture, but their counterparts from the South-West are fond of speaking English language. The former NOA boss therefore charged the Alaafin to liaise with other traditional rulers in Yorubaland to ensure compulsory speaking of Yoruba language in schools and public functions, stressing that this will rescue the

language from its dwindling state. He also called on state governments in the SouthWest to make it compulsory for students and pupils to speak Yoruba while in school. A professor of International Relations at the Department of Political Science, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Prof. Hassan Saliu while speaking on the topic, ‘Impact of Alaafin in Yoruba Culture and Africa,’ described the monarch as a rallying point for

all traditional rulers in the race and their subjects. He said a major impact of the monarch is the sustenance of peace by traditional rulers in the land since the monarch ascended the throne of his forefathers in 1971. As part of the events sponsored by NEGRO Consult Nigerian Limited, an award of Royal Armour of Yoruba was conferred on Oba Adeyemi as well as conferment of posthumous awards on revered ancestors and founders of about

15 Yoruba towns and cities. Traditional rulers present to receive the award on behalf of their ancestors include the Oniru of Iruland, Osolo of Isolo, Ayangburen of Ikorodu and Onipoti of Ipoti-Ekiti. Also present at the event were the Aseyin of Iseyin, Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola and Prince Akeem Adeyemi, a lawmaker representing Atiba/Afijio/Oyo East/ Oyo West in the House of Representatives, among others.

days ago and was rushed to an undisclosed hospital in Owo, where he died yesterday. Former deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 2012, Saka Lawa, confirmed the former minister’s death. Saka, who was a political associate of Oni, de-

scribed his death as very devastating. Former Commissioner for Natural Resources in Ondo State, Solagbade Amodeni, said his death was a great shock to him. Omoniyi Omodara, former Commissioner for Transport, said Oni was a leader who served people with sincerity.

Ex-minister, Olaiya Oni, dies at 74 Ojo Oyewamide, AKURE

ormer Minister of Education during the military administration of Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, Dr. Olaiya Oni, is dead. Oni, who was also the pioneer chairman of Labour Party, LP in Ondo State, died early yesterday at the age of 74. Family sources disclosed that the former Secretary to the State Government, SSG, in the old Ondo State had been sick since 2012. The health challenge was said to have been responsible for his relocation from Akure to his home town, Ise-Akoko, Akoko North East Local Government Area of the state. It was learnt that Oni’s health degenerated three

blogger, Mr. Desmond Chima Ike, publisher of myemag.net and e-Nigeria. com has been ordered by the Igbosere Magistrate Court of Lagos to be remanded in Ikoyi prison. Ike, who was on Friday arraigned on a fivecount charge before the magistrate court in Igbosere, Lagos, was arrested by the police following a petition by Mr. Phillips Oduoza, the GMD\CEO of UBA. The blogger has been posting malicious publications against the person of Oduoza, alleging that he was having an illicit affair with Nigerian actress, Genevieve Nnaji. The accused, who was granted bail after the arraignment, but was unable to post bail before the close of the courts

FRSC boss orders re-arrest of traffic offender Olusegun Koiki

orps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi, has ordered the immediate re-arrest and prosecution of a traffic offender, Adeola Alabi, who was detained by Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, for impersonating an official of the corps. Oyeyemi, according to the image maker of the corps, Mr. Bisi Kazeem, in a statement said there was no record of the culprit as a staff of the corps. He emphasized that Alabi, who was booked N20,000 by the Ekiti

Nigeria society of international law holds yearly conference

nternational law and security experts, political scientists and diplomats, among others will gather in Lagos on Wednesday and Thursday for the 39th annual conference of the Nigeria Society of International Law, NSIL. The conference, which has as theme: ‘International law extrem-

ism’, will take place at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos. The programme, according to NSIL, will be declared opened by Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode. The keynote address will be delivered by a former Nigerian Ambassador to Australia, Ayo Olukanni. Other

on Friday, has been remanded at the Ikoyi Prison. The case has been adjourned until October 30. Recently, several high profile individuals have challenged false publications against them by unscrupulous elements who hide under the guise of being bloggers but are actually using their blogs to blackmail individuals to extort money in the guise of seeking advert patronage on their websites. These bloggers usually publish falsehood against high profile individuals and request advert commitments before such falsehoods are taken off the website. Bankers, especially bank managing directors, have been the worst victims of this trend.

issues on the agenda include international law; terrorism and insurgency; the problem of insurgency as a challenge to the Nigerian sovereignty: Boko Haram as case study and the sub-regional dimension of Boko Haram terror activities and possible application of international law to combat the problem, among others.

State Traffic Management Agency in Ado Ekiti, was neither a staff of the corps nor a member of the Special Marshal Unit of FRSC. Kazeem in the statement hinted that the Peugeot 505 vehicle driven by the offender with the registration number AG 738 FGB, as well as the owner were under investigation, adding that the corps had has taken a position to expose the offender who impersonated the corps to evade justice. Kazeem insisted that FRSC would not encourage ay of its personnel to violate traffic laws and vowed that the identity of Alabi would soon be revealed. He also appealed to all the staff of FRSC and its sister agencies not to ever violate traffic laws, but be good ambassadors of the agencies they represent. The statement further appreciated Fayose for identifying with the good road use culture propagated by FRSC. He recalled that other state governors such as Sokoto and Ogun had done similar things in the past.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Monday, October 19, 2015

Former Kwara councillors demand N2.5bn severance allowance WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

L-R: Chairman, Management Committee of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Council of Plateau, Mr Bitrus Doro; Head of Disaster Management, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Plateau Command, Mr Lawrence Ndu and Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji All-Hassan Barde, presenting relief materials to a beneficiary, Mrs Ladi Sagoelong, at the inauguration of distribution of relief materials to victims of communal clashes in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Council OF Plateau at the weekend.

NSCDC, NAFDAC join forces against counterfeiters A ZA MSUE KADUNA

orried by the adamant posture of counterfeit manufacturers who indulge in illegal manufacturing of food and drinks unfit for human consumption, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Kaduna State Command and the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, have joined forces to tackle counter-

feiters in the state. The State Commandant, Modu Bunu, who disclosed this when the state NAFDAC Coordinator, Kenneth Azikiwe, paid him a courtesy call in his office, said the command was willing to partner any agency of government in ensuring security lives and property in the state. He said prior to the visit of the NAFDAC officials, operatives from the command had already learnt of the production of a fake liquor site in

Kaduna metropolis and subsequently passed the information to the state NAFDAC boss. A statement by State NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Orndiir Terzungwe, explained that the action was a justification on the readiness of the command to partner NAFDAC in areas that would enable both organisations record great successes on their set goals. Earlier, State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Kenneth Azikiwe, who led other staff, solicited for

synergy with NSCDC in intelligence gathering and security cover during the agency’s enforcement exercises. He further said NAFDAC had declared total war on fake drugs, food and cosmetics manufacturers and importers in Nigeria. Azikiwe explained that following the agency’s action, perpetrators of such evil acts have fled to interior villages where NAFDAC’s coverage is limited to checkmate their nefarious activities.

Shettima issues riot act on runaway LG staff I NUSA N DAHI MAIDUGURI

overnor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has directed all runaway staff on the payroll of the state government, especially medical workers, to return to their base, failing which such person’s salary may be forfeited and appointment terminated. It would be recalled that at the apex of Boko Haram activities which is over a year now, almost 22 of the 27 local government areas were sacked by insurgents leading to destruction of lives and property and displacement of 1.5 million people who now take refuge at various camps in the north east

sub-region. But with the relative peace witnessed now, there is ongoing reconstruction of houses, schools, hospitals, police stations, courts, local government secretariat, worship centres among other public places across the state. Currently, the first phase of work is ongoing in different parts of Kaga local government area of northern Borno as Shettima visits 16 sites of the ongoing projects. Shettima, who was impressed with the level of work at the General Hospital Beneshiekh, directed ministry of health and other agencies to ensure that all their staff who had vacated duty post in the

last one year, but still receive monthly salary and allowances should immediately relocate to their base or face appropriate sanctions. “I want to inform all staff of Beneshiekh, which cut across all departments, to immediately relocate to their duty post in the next two weeks or I will not only stop their salaries, but also terminate their appointments,” he warned. Shettima also went on assessment visits that lasted several hours reviewing progress of work in major villages of Auno and Jakana as well as Beneshiek, headquarters of the local government area, all along the MaiduguriDamaturu highway.

The governor visited a primary healthcare centre rebuilt with staff quarters, modernised primary school and residence of the District Head of Auno who is expected to play renewed role in mobilising citizens towards community policing. The governor also assessed newly constructed boreholes and a central mosque already completed, before moving to Jakana which is 15 kilometres away from Auno. In Jakana, Shettima assessed reconstruction of a police station and its staff quarters, a primary school in addition to giving instruction for the immediate drilling of additional borehole for the community.

ormer councillors who served in the 16 local councils of Kwara State have pleaded with the state governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, to redeem his pledge to pay their outstanding severance allowances. The outstanding allowances, according to them, amounted to N2.5 billion. National Mirror was told that the state may soon be groaning under the burden of an outstanding severance allowances because of over-bloated political appointments for several years, aside those who were elected into offices. The councillors under the aegis of “Ex- Local Government Political Office Holders 2007 – 2010, Kwara State” made the appeal on Sunday in a statement signed by Suleyman Olota and Rasaq Ibiyemi, their chairman and secretary respectively.

They said the association had in the past met with the governor during which he assured them thrice of his resolve to pay the severance allowances. According to them, their first meeting with the governor was on July 31, 2014 when 300 of their members barricaded the Government House, before they were later allowed access to him there for a meeting. They further disclosed that the failure of an arbitration committee set up by the governor to effect payment of the allowances prompted the group’s second protest to the Government House in September 2014. However, the apparently aggrieved ex-councillors in their statement said the governor’s words to calm their frayed nerves when they staged their third peaceful protest to the Government House, Ilorin kept them away until now that their patience had run out.

Confusion trails sack of Plateau perm secs JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

onfusion is trailing the recent sack of permanent secretaries in Plateau State by Governor Simon Lalong It will be recalled that the governor had in September this year retired seven permanent secretaries appointed by the last administration of Governor Jonah Jang and appointed 12 new ones in their place. The governor’s action was seen by some as an act of victimisation as most of the affected civil servants were yet to attain retirement age. Those retired from office include Simon Pam, Habila Dung, Julie Anpe, Bankat Tokkes, Mustapha Galadima, Ruth Biangten and Isaac Wadak. National Mirror however gathered that despite their sack, the permanent secretaries who have since stopped work, were still being paid their monthly salaries. “Honestly, we don’t know how many perma-

nent secretaries this administration is working with,” a source from the office of Head of Service lamented. With the development, it was further gathered that the state civil service commission was at a loss on what to do and has refused to issue retirement letters to the affected top civil servants Checks also reveal that the affected top civil servants were yet to be given their sack letters even when those who were appointed to replace them had since being issued with their appointment letters When contacted, one of the retired permanent secretaries, Mr Isaac Wadak who confirmed the development said: “Yes, it is true. We have not been issued with any letter conveying our retirement. Our three months salaries in lieu of retirement were also not paid. We are at a loss of what is happening and plead with the government to resolve all outstanding issues concerning our retirement.”

Monday, October 19, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Olubukola Anike Fadahunsi, Bukola Anike Fadahunsi now wish to be known and addressed as Olubukola Anike Kupoluyi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as NNANNA OKECHUKWU FRANCIS, now wish to be known and addressed as ACHUNIKE OKECHUKWU FRANCIS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS OLATUNDE RAMOTA JUMOKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. BALOGUN RAMOTA JUMOKE OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Miss Falayi Olayemi Olanike now wished to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akomolede Olayemi Olanike,all former documents remain valid,Ekiti state housing corporation,Ado Ekiti and the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME FREDRICK: I, formerly known and addressed as FREDRICK CHRISTIAN LUCIEN, now wish to be known and addressed as AKOTOSSODE CHRISTIAN LUCIEN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME JIMOH: Formerly known and addressed as MISS JIMOH ABISOYE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. RAIMI SIKIRAT ABISOYE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Christabel Ogechi Ezere, now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. Christabel Ogechi Okoye. All Former documents remain valid. General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME JOSEPH: Formerly known and addressed as MISS JOSEPH GLORY JOY ONORME now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ARINZE GLORY JOY. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Okefe Veronica Ene, now wish to be known and called as Mrs. Onoja Veronica Ene. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note .

CHANGE OF NAME AKINTOLAYO: Formerly known And Addressed As Titilayo Aminat Akintolayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Olowookere Titilayo Aminat. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS UJAH CHRISTIANA ELAONDU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OGBANJE CHRISTINE ELAONDU. All former documents remain valid; Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), general public please take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Miss Suleiman Sherifat Abolore, now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. Majeed Sherifat Abolore. All former documents remain valid. N.Y.S.C and general public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Abolarinde Omolade Justina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adebiyi Omolade Justina. All former documents remain valid. Authority of Moba Local Government, Ekiti State and general public take note.

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2 by 1 Advert space for sale PUBLIC NOTICE AROWOIYABUNA AREA LANDLORDS ASSOCIATION OF OLODI-APAPA, LAGOS The above named Landlord Association is applying for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees are:

1. ODr. Goerge Abaye 2. Mr. Olumegbon Ibrahim Babatunde 3. Mr. James Chizoba Chukwuma 4. Ichie Pius Ikpo Chinuba 5. Mr. Dominic Chukwu Ezeanyika 6. Mr. Bertram Benaiah Nwajagu Aims and Objectives: 1.For the unity and development of the area. 2.To be their brothers “keepers and to foster co-existence amongst the residents of the area. 3.For security watch in the neighbourhoods. Any objections to the registration of the above-named Landlords Association should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission. Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maritama, Abuja, within 28days of this publication.

Signed: BARRISTER SAM UJUNWA 0802-3215-123:08175444808

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Formerly known and addressed as MISS KEHINDE MAJOYEOGBE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. KEHINDE NINA IKEDIASHI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinola Ololade Shakirat,. now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLAORE OLOLADE SHAKIRAT . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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NZEKWU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NZEKWU MARYANTHONY NGOZIKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NZEKWU OSEMEKA MARYANTHONY NGOZIKA. All former documents remain valid. UNTH and General public should please take note.

AGU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AGU IFEYINWA GLADYS, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MOSES IFEYINWA GLADYS. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known as Miss Adeniyi Folarin Victoria, now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs. Ehinola Folarin Victoria. All former documents remain valid. Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Ekiti State and general public to take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS EIGBILUESE EBOSELUMEN ANEGBEMU FAITH. Now want to be known and addressed as MRS IRUOBEOKHUEVBIE EBOSELUMEN FAITH all former documents remain Valid.general publc take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE x

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CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as JOHN UGBE MOMOH, now wish to be known and addressed as UGBE ABASHI JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as MISS HILDA ADENIKE ADEWUSI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. HILDA ADENIKE ONYECHI. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as AYODELE OLUYEMI IKECHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUYEMI AYODELE ODEFADEHAN. All Former documents remain valid. General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Rev Gideon Chidiebere Eromole, now wish to be known and addressed as Rev. Gideon Chidiebere Ezekiel. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adepitan Adeyinka. M now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kelani - Adepitan Adeyinka. M. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ibiyemi Abimbola Ganiyat, now wish to be addressed and called as Mrs. Abdul-Afeez Ibiyemi Abimbola Ganiyat. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss IJANADA JOHN JASINI, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. IJANADA ALIYU JACOB. All former documents remain valid general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AGU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AGU OLUCHUKWU JULIET, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UDEH OLUCHUKWU JULIET. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ADEJO OJOCHOGWU, now wish to be known and addressed as CHOGU DEJI BALOGUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Akintaju Oluwakemi Rita, now wish to be known and addressed as Emmanuel Oluwakemi Rita. All Former documents remain valid. General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as SULAIMAN LATEEF OLAJIDE, now wish to be known and addressed as BALOGUN OLAJIDE LATEEF. All Former documents remain valid. General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Onyemachi Jonah Okoronkwo, now wish to be known and addressed as Onyekwere Victor Kalu. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Aina Muibat Olufunmilayo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Aina Mary Oluwafunmilayo. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly addressed and known as Miss Odewole Mujidat Iyabo, now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs. Sonibare Mujidat Iyabo. All former documents remain valid. State of Osun, Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Obokun Local Government Education Authority, Obokun and general public should please take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as ORUGBOH EYITUEREMI JULIUS, now wish to be known and addressed as LORI UWAYEMI FIRST. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known as Miss. Agboola Olubunmi Blessing, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Abayomi Olubunmi Blessing. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti South-West Local Government Area, Ilawe Ekiti, Ekiti State and general public take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME

PUBLIC NOTICE NKANU RENAISSANCE FOUNDATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under the part C of the Company and Allied Matters Act.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PRINCE SAM EJIOFOR 2. BARR. ANTHONY NWAFOR 3. ENGR. MIKE OKOLO AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. Empowering the youths through skills acquisition programmes 2. To care for the less privileged, orphans, aged and to care for the widows 3. Scholarship to indigent Nkanu students. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Engr. Chukwuemeka Ngene No 24 Akpugo Road Agbani P.O.box 70 Agbani.

Monday, October 19, 2015

I have told my players to believe. I think at this stage, that is what comes most importan

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Sport

Djokovic wins Shanghai Masters

–ARSENAL MANAGER, ARSENE WENGER

Super Eagles pose before a recent game with Chad in Kaduna

Ahead Russia 2018

Herculean task awaits

Eagles in Mbabane

Afolabi Gambari

ational Mirror checks revealed yesterday that the Super Eagles will face an uphill task as they meet Sihlangu of Swaziland in their World Cup 2018 first round qualifier in Mbabane on November 7. Nigeria drew bye in the preliminary rounds and had to wait to face the winner between Swaziland and Djibouti. According to National Mirror contact in landlocked African nation, Pastor Ukozor Victor Macdonald, the Swazis, who beat Djibouti 2-1 on Sat-

urday to complete an 8-1 aggregate win over two legs, have started a countrywide campaign tagged “Operation shot down Super Eagles” as football fans have viewed the coming encounter with the 2013 African champions as the biggest match of this decade. “Fans here are the number one supporter of the Sihlangu and they get full backing from members of the Swaziland Parliament,” Macdonald said. “The football federation officials are expected to announce a bumper package for the players this week and I believe the package will be unprecedented in the country’s history as I

have no doubt that this gesture will spur the players to creating a possible and I think Nigeria must be wary,” the Nigerian clergyman added. On the inspiration that the Swazi team’s technical crew may have drawn from the whitewash of the Djibouti side, Macdonald said: “In truth, they are not thinking about the Djibouti defeat or even the eight goals scored. They are just focused on how to give Nigeria a good run for their money.” On the reception awaiting the Eagles, Macdonald revealed that the three-time African champions had what he called huge fan base in Swaziland.

“All that will not matter, however, as far as this crucial match is concerned because the only thing paramount to the Swazis is to get a win that will give them some cushion when they visit Nigeria two weeks after,” Macdonald further said, stressing, “The Sihlangu will go into two weeks camping from tomorrow (today) in Lobamba, a few kilometers from the capital Mbabane.” National Mirror learnt that the Nigerian delegation will arrive in Mbabane on November 5 ahead of the match and will be accommodated at the posh Royal Swazi Hotel in the capital.

Glo hails Eagles, Eaglets on CHAN qualifier, W/Cup victories

ext Generation Network, Globacom, has congratulated the Super Eagles Team B for defeating Stallions of Burkina Faso in the first leg of 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) final round qualifier. The Eagles, who defeated the Stallions by two goals to nil in Port Harcourt on Saturday, will face the Burkinabes in the return leg in Ouagadougou next Sunday and the aggregate winner will qualify

for the CHAN tournament in Rwanda in January next year. Globacom also congratulated the Golden Eaglets for defeating USA 2-0 in their Group A opening game at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile. ‎Nigeria went ahead in the 50th minute through Chukwudi Agor while Victor Osimhen increased the tally in the 61st minute. The Eaglets top the group after host

Chile and Croatia played 1-1 and will face Chile on Tuesday in the second match. “We are delighted by the weekend of victories. The Super Eagles and Golden Eaglets really made Nigeria proud,” Globacom said in a statement in Lagos on Sunday. “We urge the teams not to rest on their oars as they progress in both competitions.” “We especially urge the Eagles to re-

enact the Port Harcourt victory when they visit Ouagadougou or at least secure a draw in order to seal the CHAN ticket. We also believe that the Eaglets will also consolidate on their win over USA when they face Croatia,” the statement further said. Globacom commended the Nigeria Football Federation for motivating both teams to victory while enjoining Nigerians to support them with prayers.

Sports

Monday, October 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Djokovic

Djokovic wins Shanghai Masters

ovak Djokovic underlined his position as world number one with a dominant display to beat JoWilfried Tsonga in the final of the Shanghai Masters. The Serb was too good for his French opponent, winning 6-2 6-4 in 78 minutes at the Qi Zhong Stadium. It is the 28-year-old’s ninth title of a season in which he has also won three of the four Grand Slams.

Djokovic, who has won his last 22 sets, is unbeaten in 17 matches, dating back to the start of the US Open. He now has 25 Masters titles - one more than Swiss Roger Federer and two fewer than record-holder Rafael Nadal of Spain. Tsonga, who saw off Nadal in the semi-finals, came into the match having served 64 aces in the tournament, but Djokovic broke the 30-year-old four times

and prevented him hitting a single ace in the first set. Djokovic was broken once himself in the opening set, but by then he was 3-0 up. He gave his opponent few chances afterwards. Tsonga survived five break points in the second set until 10-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic was finally able to convert on his sixth when the Frenchman double-faulted while serving at 4-4.

Djokovic made no mistake on his own serve. The Serb now has 14,285 points in the 2015 Race to London, 6,415 more than second-placed Andy Murray, who he beat in the last four in Shanghai. In yesterday’s final of the Tianjin Open, second seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland beat Montenegrin Danka Kovinic 6-1 6-2.

UCL: Robben blow for Bayern

Chile 2015 Attention shifts to Group ‘A’ as host, Chile, Croatia share points Paul Erewuba

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

ith Host, Chile and Croatia taking a point apiece from their opening match, all attention in Group A turns to tomorrow and the next round of games in Vina del Mar. Chile opened up their FIFA U-17 World Cup 2015 campaign on home soil against Croatia as both teams

walked away with a point apiece at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago on Saturday night after a hardfought 1-1 draw. Chile were forced to make a substitution very early on after Fabian Manilla picked up an unfortunate injury and on the ensuing freekick, Croatia scored the opening goal in a flurry of activity in the area. Croatia’s set-piece, a routine straight from the training ground,

was cleared out to the top of the box and Croatia captain Nikola Moro’s somewhat awkward jumping kick managed to loop over goalkeeper Zacarias Lopez, who was caught in no-man’s land, and into the back of the net. That goal got the large Chilean crowd into the match, and the hosts responded well to the noise and pressed hard for an equaliser.

rjen Robben will miss Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash with Arsenal after the injured Dutch winger was left out of the German champions’ squad for scheduled for tomorrow. The former Chelsea star was injured in a Euro 2016 qualifier against Iceland last month and had targeted a return against Arsene Wenger’s side but has failed in his bid to be fit for the Group F contest. “For Robben this trip is too soon,” Bayern revealed in a statement, after the side left Munich on Sunday evening to avoid travelling through London’s traffic today. Fellow winger Kingsley Coman, however, was included, after sitting out Saturday’s 1-0 win over Werder Bremen following an injury he picked up while playing for the French Under-21 side during the international break. The defeat of Bremen saw Bayern set a Bundesliga record as they recorded their ninth consecutive win to start the season - breaking another record in the process. Alexander HassensteinInform: Lewandowski and pals are

yet to drop a point in the Champions League The German champions are seven points clear of Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga and have also made a perfect start in the Champions League, sitting on top of Group F having won both of their games so far. The Gunners have made a disastrous start to their European campaign, losing both of their games and sitting rock bottom in the group, ahead of the homeand-away double header against Bayern.

Robben

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Sports

Monday, October 19, 2015

Women League cautions Falode

Eaglets’ Victor Osimhen (9) scores the team’s no 2 goal against USA on Saturday

Eaglets’ winning start a morale booster – Amuneke … Face host, Chile tomorrow

olden Eaglets Head coach, Emmanuel Amuneke has described Saturday’s 2-0 win over the United States of America as a morale booster for the players in the quest to successfully defend the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The Golden Eaglets hit the road yesterday for Vina del Mer where they will play host, Chile at the 24,000 Capacity Estadio Sausalito tomorrow. Chukwudi Agor and Victor Osimhen gave Nigeria a winning start courtesy of

two second half goals against the Americans at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015. “The victory against the USA was important for us and I want to congratulate the boys for making Nigerians happy,” Amuneke said. “They (players) were tentative in the first 20 minutes and this was expected because it was the first time they were playing at a big stage such as the World Cup but it was important we won the first game since it would boost our confidence going into the next game against

Quadri returns to ITTF World Tour

host Chile; so we are happy but will continue to work harder. “The victory against the USA is for Nigerians especially for many who stayed up late to watch the match,” stated the former African Footballer of the Year who refrained from praising the goal scorers against USA. “It is the job of all the players to do their respective jobs in the interest of the team. We want to play and win as a team and collectively, we want to work in order to achieve our overall objective

at this tournament.” Meanwhile, midfielder Chukwudi Agor has described his goal and indeed the opening goal in Group A at Chile 2015 against the USA, as very important for his budding career. It was Agor’s second goal for the national U-17 side after he grabbed the winner in the 2-1 win over Brazil at the Suwon U-17 Tournament in September. “I’m happy that I scored,” said Agor, which means ‘gift from God’ in Ibo dialectic.”I’m dedicating the goal to my sister, Oluchi.”

Quadri

he Secretariat of the Nigeria Women Football League has frowned at the recent statement credited to foremost women sportscaster and purported chairperson of Inneh Queens FC of Benin City, Aisah Falode. Secretary of the NWFL, Emmanuel Adesanya, said the secretariat would not sit by and watch people who have not contributed to its development to malign previous efforts by the members. “We wish to put the records straight by informing Nigerians that Inneh Queens were disbanded over four seasons ago and have not played in any of leagues,” Adesanya said. “It was a surprise that someone is claiming to be chairman of such club and this shows that she may have lost touch of the realities of women football in Nigeria,” the secretary added. “Falode should also note that it is not the responsibility of the league body to ensure that clubs that have their management teams and mostly run by state governments attend matches, considering the fact that we have stipulated rules and punishment that follows such violations,” he concluded.

Anyansi cautions Eaglets against complacency

hairman of the NFF Technical and Development Committee, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu has praised the Golden Eaglets for a brilliant start to the defence of their FIFA U-17 World Cup with a 2-0 defeat of USA in Santiago on Saturday. Second half goals by Chukwudi Agor and Victor Osimhen gave the reigning world champions three points from their first game and immense confidence ahead of a potentially –explosive clash with host nation Chile on Tuesday night. “I am quite delighted with the win by the Golden Eaglets. It is always great to start a major competition with a win. That win has given the team a lot of confidence for the remaining matches of the tournament.

fter a disappointing start in the French League, Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri will this week return to the ITTF World Tour in Warsaw, Poland. Last week, Quadri could not save his French team Morez from losing 4-0 to Chartres AS in the elite league of the French table tennis league. “It wasn’t an easy game but I believe we will bounce back,” Quadri said yesterday. The 2014 ITTF Star Player, who has been nominated for the Sports Man of the year at the 2015 Nigerian Sports Award, has however been listed among the 32 players seeded for the ITTF World Tour. Quadri is seeded number 25 and he will start his campaign from the main draw of the men’s singles of the five-day tournament. In the men’s doubles, the Nigerian will partner his continental arch-rival

and friend, Egypt’s Omar Assar. Assar has also been seeded 21 in the men’s singles of the competition, which serves on Wednesday October 21. Meanwhile, Egypt’s Assar has failed in his bid to equal Quadri’s record at the ITTF World Cup. The Egyptian, who was Africa’s representative at the 2015 ITTF World Cup in Sweden failed to go beyond the second round of the championship at the weekend in the city of Halmstad, Sweden. Having managed to qualify from the group, Assar was unlucky to be set up against World Champion, China’s Ma Long, the African champion tried to put up a good fight against the Chinese but the pace of the Asian proved too much as he surrendered 4-1 to exit the ITTF World Cup in the second round (Round of 16), which was below Quadri’s quarterfinal berth at the 2014 edition held in Dusseldorf, Germany.

WORLD RECORD

First time to rush 1,000 yards in an NFL season Vol. 05 No. 1224 Monday, October 19, 2015

N150

Michael Vick and teammate Warrick Dunn (both USA) became the first quarterback-running back teammates to run for 1,000 yards in the same season in 2006

On Buhari ministerial nominees F inally, President Muhammadu Buhari has unveiled the men and women he wants into the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to assist him actualize his dream of a new Nigeria. Expectedly, reactions have been mixed on the potential ministers. While some have excited Nigerians on account of their impeccable pedigrees, others have attracted opprobrium. Among those in the latter category are former political officeholders allegedly tainted by corruption. Yet, another cause for attacks is the quality of the ministerial nominees, which the cynics say does not justify the long wait Mr. President puts Nigerians through! My take? The freedom of speech inherent in our liberal democracy dictates that all are entitled to their say in the affairs of Nigeria. By this token, general commentaries, which in themselves enhance our stakeholders’ status in the Nigerian project, are in order.

SALARIES:

HeartBeat Callistus Oke

Callistusoke@nationalmirroronline.net 08054103275 (SMS ONLY) anthonykila@mail.com However, we must know also that while we can have our say, the leadership would always have its way! President Buhari has our mandate, freely given on March 28, 2015, to administer Nigeria according to his ability, and perhaps, his whims and caprices. Therefore, his ministerial list should be accepted as reflecting his preference! The unveiled potential ministers could have been the very best from his long search. So, why can’t the senators just ratify the list? Don’t remind me the principle of checks and balances in our governmental system and the constitution of the country confer on the Senate a restraining power to check the likely excesses of Mr. President, one of which is impunity. I also know that such restraining power is meant to ensure that only the best should be allowed to serve Nigeria; and that the Federal Character clause enshrined in the nation’s constitution exists to ensure geopolitical balancing in the composition of FEC. However, one thing that is sure about the composition of the FEC is that the members are to work exclusively for Mr. President, who alone has the people’s mandate. On the cynicisms on the quality of the nominees, I dare say no list offered by President Buhari, even if all of them are anointees of the Almighty God, will pass without criticisms. This explains why some of the nominees considered the very best have protests hanging over them. We should not forget that this is the period of politics when even the air we breathe, the dress we

THE QUALITATIVE LEADERSHIP EXPECTED

FROM BUHARI NEEDS THE FULL COMPLEMENT OF A SUPPORTIVE LEGISLATURE TO BLOSSOM wear, our poise, and our culinary tastes are politicized. I heard some senators are warming to do battle with the President over his alleged plan to be the Petroleum Minister. Well, if it true, there is no basis for such senatorial grandstanding. There is nothing in our law books stopping Buhari from appropriating a ministerial slot. OBJ did same in his first term, and of course, Buhari has been ruling us without ministers since May 29. Let the senators find better things to do with their time. Sixteen unbroken years of democratic governance have not given us our dream country. All the indices of development underline our underdevelopment. The November 12, 2012 edition of The Economist Intelligence Unit, a sister company of The Economist of London, attempted to answer the question which country would provide the best opportunities for a healthy, safe and prosperous life in the years ahead. In the quality-of-life index it generated, Nigeria came last among the 80 countries covered. Two years later, the United Nations’ Human Development Index (HDI) 2014

confirmed the gory scenario when Nigeria occupied the 40th position among the 40 big countries of the world. The HDI 2013 Report put life expectancy in Nigeria at 52 years; showed only 1.9 percent of the nation’s budget is expended on health, 68 percent of Nigerians living on below $1.25 daily, and adult illiteracy rate 61.3 percent. The 2015 version of the Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) report, the dashboard African leaders use to track their governance progress, ranked Nigeria 39th of Africa’s 54 countries. Her performance rating is below Africa and West Africa average in all the four categories of parameters used - safety and rule of law; participation and human rights; sustainable economic opportunity, and human development. The report also confirmed that our education sector has been consistently deteriorating since 2011. The International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Global Employment Trends for Youths 2015 report raises fears of youth unemployment reaching crisis point in sub Saharan Africa. The report said: “Almost 43 percent of the global youth labour force is still either unemployed, or working yet living in poverty.” The Nigerian scenario would definitely be worse. Professor Mahbub ul Haq, the late Pakistani economist, once underscored the essence of governance thus: “The real wealth of a nation is its people. And the purpose of development is to create an enabling environment for people to enjoy long, healthy, and creative lives”. You and I know only government as an institution can give expression to the above. Though government is compartmentalized into executive, legislature and judiciary, it is organic. The qualitative leadership expected from Buhari needs the full complement of a supportive legislature to blossom. Nigeria’s youthful population of about 170 million; her large expanse of uncultivated and fertile arable land; her high hydrocarbon reserves and other solid mineral finds, etc, are valuable asset waiting for conversion.

Sport Extra

Beckenbauer denies 2006 World Cup cash-for-votes allegations

ranz Beckenbauer has said he did not send anyone with money to acquire votes for awarding the 2006 World Cup to Germany. Franz Beckenbauer,

who led Germany’s successful bid to host the 2006 World Cup, yesterday, denied cash-forvotes allegations in the latest scandal to rock football’s governing

body FIFA. (Germany Deny 2006 World Cup Vote Bribe) Magazine Der Spiegel shook both the German Football Association (DFB) and FIFA last Fri-

day by alleging votes for the 2006 World Cup were bought. “I have not sent anyone money to acquire votes for the awarding of the 2006 World Cup

to Germany,” said the 70-year-old Beckenbauer in a statement. “And I’m sure that no other member of the bidding committee did either.”

Beckenbauer Emenike

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