Thursday, August 16, 2012 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Gunmen kidnap VC

Jonathan orders probe of poor Olympics performance

We’re succeeding in battle against terrorists –Ihejirika

DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

he Vice-Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science

Prof. Onyeji

and Technology, ESUT, Prof. Cyprian Onyeji, yesterday became the latest victim of kidnappers. All unions in the university, including the Aca-

Vol. 2 N0. 427

demic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, and the Non-Academic

...says heads may roll

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FG, labour talks over PHCN crisis deadlocked Govt indicts oil marketers over fuel scarcity

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JOHN UWE AND MESHACK IDEHEN

beegotiations tween the Federal Government and the organised labour over severance benefits for power sector workers ended in a stalemate yesterday in Abuja. The parties, however, CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Terrorists kill 9 in Damaturu

Long queue at a filling station as fuel scarcity resurfaces in Abuja yesterday.

Lagos, world’s 3rd worst city to live –Report

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PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Maiduguri attacks claim four, injure three Anxiety over Ado Bayero’s P.12 health

Nigerians spent N603.2bn on phone calls in six months E XC

Fashola

LUS

IVE

–Investigation

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IG redeploys 9 AIGs, shake-up looms in police

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Thursday, August 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigerians spent N603.2bn on phone calls in six months KUNLE AZEEZ

BUSINESS REPORTER

igerian telecommunications subscribers spent an estimated N603.2bn on the purchase of airtime for making calls in the first half of 2012, National Mirror investigation has revealed. The amount is equivalent to the estimated voice revenue accrued to telecoms operators, ranging from the Global System for Mobile operators, the Code Division Multiple Access operators and the fixed lines operators, during the period, spanning January to June National Mirror calculations are based on the industry Average Revenue per User, ARPU, in Nigeria as published in recent report by the Business Monitor International Limited. BMI, in the report titled: “Nigeria Telecommunication Report Quarter 2, 2012” pegged the country’s mobile ARPU estimate at N1, 011. ARPU is the financial benchmark used globally by telecoms companies to measure the average monthly or yearly revenue generated from an average subscriber. According to investiga-

tion, cumulative spending by the over 102 million active subscribers for the first six months of 2012 was conservatively valued at N606.2bn. In analysing the telecoms spending, the mobile ARPU rate was multiplied by the monthly industry subscriber data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, from January to June 2012. According to the telecoms regulator data, industry’s subscriber base stood at 96.1 million at the end of January 2012. With an ARPU rate of N1,011, Nigerians telecoms consumers were estimated to have spent about N97.1bn. In February and March when the subscriber base stood at 96.6 million and 99.1 million, Nigeria’s telephone users spent an estimated N97.6bn and N100.1bn respectively. The subscriber spending graduated to N102.1bn in April, when subscriber base stood at 101 million; N102.9bn in May with industry subscriber base at 101.8 million, while in June, with a subscriber base of 102.3 million, the estimated spending on phone calls reached N103.4bn. With the half year spending of Nigerians on telecoms services reaching

N603.2bn, industry analysts say telecommunications service has become a key aspect on household expenditure. According to them, the N603.2bn phone bill for the half year is about N500bn short of the N1.1trn that was spent on importation of essential food items such as wheat, rice, sugar and fish in 2011. Last year, Nigeria spent about N635bn on the importation of wheat; N356bn on rice; N217bn on sugar and

N97bn on fish. The N603.2bn expenditure is also about oneeighth of Nigeria’s approved N4.697trn budget for 2012. The President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, Mr. Lanre Ajayi, said that while the estimate could be lower or higher, “the figure is an eye-opener to the fact that telecoms services have become very critical to our daily household needs.”

Ajayi noted that with increased competition engendered by the regulator and the commitment on the part of the government to support the telecoms players in areas where they were facing challenges, the cost of telecoms services is bound to further crash to the benefit of the consumers. The President, National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, noted that telecoms industry had become a critical

L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan; Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke and Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

FG, labour talks over PHCN crisis deadlocked CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

said negotiations will resume on August 22 after the Federal Government agreed to pay the June and July salaries of the workers, who had also demanded the withdrawal of soldiers from Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, facilities. Those who attended the meeting include the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogo and officials of the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Corporations, SSAEAC. Wogu, who announced the adjournment of the meeting at the end of the closed-door meeting with the unions, said the meeting agreed to reconvene next Wednesday to continue the discussions on the issues raised, including NLC’s strike notice. He added that “the pay-

ment of full salaries for July to all PHCN workers was assured while the presence of security personnel in the offices of PHCN will be subsequently addressed.” PHCN workers had already commenced nationwide strike on Monday to press their demand, leaving thousands of customers unable to transact business at its offices nationwide. However, power plants which are being protected by soldiers remain in operation, which is why the impact is yet to be felt. The workers claimed that government had failed to implement the terms of their engagement in relation to the planned privatisation of 17 power companies, including 11 distribution and six generation firms unbundled from the PHCN. The meeting was called by Wogu to stave off a threat by the NLC and the NUEE to call a strike after

sector in Nigeria, growing at a very fast rate “as we all now depend on telecoms in all our daily life.” He said: “The growth is multifaceted in terms of subscriber base and the need to use telecoms services to achieve some critical ends in our daily and business life. “Many people also subscribe to the internet services on their phones, preferring to spend money on calls than for foods and other necessities.”

a one-week notice, which elapses today. The Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji and the PHCN officials as well as the NLC President, Mr. Abdulwaheed Omar, the key players in the crisis, failed to turn up at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity where the meeting held. Former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Ms. Timiebi Koripomo Agary, who was, however, present, appealed to the organised labour to suspend the strike in view of the security situation in the country. She stressed that government was open to discussion at all times and that the issues of gratuity and pension, the lingering issues in the sector, could be resolved if all parties agreed to dialogue. The meeting, which started about 3p.m. before it went into a closed-door ses-

sion, lasted till late in the night and was attended by the NLC Deputy President, who is also the General Secretary of the NUEE, Mr. Joe Ajaero; NLC’s Head of Administration, Emmanuel Ogbuaja and SecretaryGeneral, Trade Union Congress, TUC, John Kolawole. Sources at the meeting said government tried to make certain concessions which the labour representatives agreed to take to their National Executive Council, NEC, after which all parties would meet on August 22, 2012 to iron out the remaining grey areas. Wogu noted that discussions on the severance package had been on for 14 months, and expressed optimism that the issues would be resolved in the interest of the country and industrial harmony. According to him, “The main outstanding issues are the pension and gratuity of the workers; the 2004

Pension Act, Pension and gratuity and condition of service of 2010. They are all purely legal issues that relate to labour. “I do not take side; I am the arbiter you know but I will focus on justice as the main thrust of my intervention. I don’t think our relationship has gone bad. I remain firm, unbiased and the International Labour Organisation Convention and others would be obeyed.” Prior to the commencement of the privatisation programme, the Federal Government had appointed veteran labour activist and former NLC President, Mr. Hassan Sunmonu, to negotiate with the workers and draw up a report on the issues in contention, but the report was yet to be released. Meanwhile, power sector workers said yesterday in Lagos that they were ready to throw the whole country

into total darkness, through the ongoing strike, unless the government addressed the issues they had raised on the privatisation of PHCN and the disengagement of its workers. NUEE Zonal Organising Secretary, Mr. Temple Iworima, who spoke with National Mirror on Wednesday, said that the workers were not against privatisation, but that their entitlements had to be worked out properly. He said another area of disagreement was the whereabouts of the money the PHCN management had deducted over the years from salaries of workers in the name of severance package. Iworima said: “We are not against privatisation. The government knows that we have not been opposed to their privatising what rightly belongs to the government. PHCN is their CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Photo News

Thursday, August 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Managing Director, Learn Africa Plc, Fred Ijewere, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyema and Chairman, Learn Africa Plc, Mr. Emeke Iwerebon, at the African and Caribbean Business Expo in London, yesterday.

Anambra State Governor Peter Obi (left) and Head of Political Section, British High Commission, Mr. Paul Edwards, during a visit to the Government House in Awka, yesterday.

L-R: Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Prof. John Idoko, Country Representatives, World Health Organisation, Dr. David Okello and Lead Health Specialist, World Bank, Mr. Michael Duyer, during the Post-International AIDS Conference in Abuja, yesterday.

L-R: Chairman, National Productivity Order of Merit Award Council, Dr. Abbas Aidi, past awardee, Mr. Anjikwi Ciwar and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Tunji Olaopa, at the National Productivity Day and Conferment of National Productivity Order of Merit Award in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

National News

Lagos, world’s third worst city to live –Survey AYODELE OJO

agos, Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, is the third worst city to live in the world, a new report carried out by The Economist Intelligence Unit has revealed. According to the report on Liveability, which assesses locations around the world that provide the best or the worst living conditions, Lagos placed 138th out of the 140 cities surveyed. Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is the overall worst city while Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea came second in the chart of the worst cities to live in the world. Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire placed 131st; Tehran, Iran came 132; Douala, Cameroon is the 133rd; Tripoli, Libya placed 134th; Karachi, Pakistan came 135th; Algiers, Algeria is 136th while Harare in Zimbabwe placed 137th in the category of the worst cities in the world. Ironically, Africa was given prime place in the category of worst cities to live as six out of 10 worst cities

are on the continent. According to the survey, Melbourne, Australia tops the list of the best cities to live in, while Vienna, Austria, is the second best city. Three Canadian cities – Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary – are third, fourth and fifth best cities to live in. Again, Adelaide and Sydney, both Australian cities placed sixth and seventh liveable places in the world. Helsinki, Finland is eighth; Perth, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand are the ninth and 10th best places to live. No African cities feature among the best 10 cities to live in the world. Every city in the survey is assigned a rating of relative comfort for over 30 qualitative and quantitative factors across five broad categories: stability; healthcare; culture and environment; education; and infrastructure. Each factor in a city is rated as acceptable, tolerable, uncomfortable, undesirable or intolerable. In terms of stability, Lagos scores 25 per cent; 33.3 per cent in healthcare, 52.3 per cent in culture and environment and 48.2 per cent

in infrastructure. In the survey, Lagos has overall rating of 39.0 per cent. The ideal is 100. In the healthcare category, availability of private healthcare, quality of private healthcare, availability of public healthcare, quality of public healthcare and availability of over-thecounter drugs were used as the criteria. In culture and environment category, the following: humidity/temperature rating, discomfort of cli-

mate to travellers, level of corruption, social or religious restrictions, level of censorship, sporting availability, cultural availability, food and drink, consumer goods and services are used as the indices. In the survey, availability of private education, quality of private education and public education are used in the education category. In infrastructure where Lagos was scored 48.2 rating, indices such as qual-

ity of road network, quality of public transport, quality of international links, availability of good quality housing, quality of energy provision, quality of water provision, and quality of telecommunications were used. “Conflict is responsible for many of the lowest scores. This is not only because stability indicators have the highest single scores, but also because factors defining stability spread to have an adverse

effect on other categories. For example, the threat of armed conflict will not just cause disruption in its own right, it will also damage infrastructure, overburden hospitals, and undermine the availability of goods, services and recreational activities. Africa (North and Sub-Saharan) and Asia account for all 13 cities, with violence, whether through crime, civil insurgency, terrorism or war, playing a strong role,” the report stated.

the end of the Federation Account Allocation Committee meeting in Abuja yesterday. He said the revenues generated far exceeded the budgeted figures, thereby giving assurances that the targeted $10bn in the Excess Crude Account would be exceeded by year end. Specifically, the minister disclosed that N646.47bn was raked in from oil minerals source during the month, compared to the N178.92bn from non-oil source, while the Value Added Tax, VAT, collection was N53.91bn. “I am happy to an-

nounce to you the total oil minerals revenue that government collected for the month of July was N646.47bn. This is almost twice the budgeted revenue according to the 2012 budget. The budgeted revenue is N383.9bn, giving a positive variance of N262.56bn. And this amount collected also exceeded the amount collected for the month of June by N116bn. “For non-mineral revenue, the total revenue collected for the month of July was N178.92bn. This has exceeded the budgeted amount of N118.64bn by N60.27bn.

“The total fund for distribution this month is N825.39bn which exceeds the budgeted N502bn that we normally distribute by N322.84bn,” Ngama said. He explained that excess mineral revenue amounted to N85bn and excess nonmineral revenue of N60bn was also recorded and that in view of the surplus earnings, N213.1bn would be credited to Excess Crude Account. Ngama also gave the statutory allocation to be distributed to the three tiers of government from mineral and non-mineral sources.

FG, states, LGs shared N703bn in July TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

he Federal Government, states and local governments shared about N703.45bn in July. The amount includes the $1bn (about N162bn) withdrawn from the Excess Crude Account savings, among other accruals to government coffers during the month. The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama, gave the breakdown of the accrued revenue and amount shared by the tiers of government at

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Thursday, August 16, 2012

VC’s kidnap paralyses activities on campus CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Staff Union of Universities, NASU, have embarked on an indefinite strike until the vice- chancellor is released. This has paralysed activities on the campus. Our correspondent gathered that the decision to embark on the strike was to put pressure on the security agencies and his abductors to fast track his release. The vice-chancellor was reportedly abducted at about 11:30a.m yesterday by a five-man gang that had laid siege to the university gate in Agbani. An eyewitness said that the suspected kidnappers, on sighting the vice-chancellor’s cars, emerged from their ambush and shot at

the three policemen in the convoy, fatally injuring them. The policemen were said to have engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel but were overpowered by the abductors’ superior fire power. Specifically, the driver of the police van and the vicechancellor’s orderly were said to be the worst hit as they were reportedly shot at the shoulder and neck respectively. “After succeeding in overpowering the police officers, the kidnappers made away with the vice-chancellor in his own car while their waiting jeep followed to an unknown destination,” the University Public Relations Officer, Ossy Ug-

wuoti, said. The Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Police Command, Mr. Ebere Amarizu, who confirmed the incident, noted that the police were already on the trail of the kidnappers. He said the kidnappers were yet to demand any ransom as at the time of filing this report, adding that the injured policemen were receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital. Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Azubike Ihejirika, yesterday faulted the claim that despite the huge spending on defence, the security situation in the country was getting worse. He said that rather than

being on the downward trend, the country was succeeding in the fight against terrorism, citing the recent destruction of bomb factories in some parts of the North. Ihejirika added that due to the renewed increase in cases of kidnapping in the South-East, the Army would mobilise more men and materials to combat the menace. Ihehejirika spoke shortly after commissioning projects, including the newlyconstructed administrative blocks, Army Officers’ Mess and the parade ground at the 103 Battalion, Awkunawnaw Barracks in Enugu. He insisted that the Federal Government’s fight

Vice-President Namadi Sambo (2nd right); Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (2nd left) and other world leaders of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday.

FG, labour talks deadlocked CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

own. Let them do what they like with it. “We do not have any problems with the Canadian contractors too. I am sure you have heard that no NUEE member is disturbing the white men from doing what they had been invited to Nigeria to do. It is not their fault at all that they were brought into what should ordinarily be our in-house problems. But the government seems to enjoy exposing our domestic issues to the international world. “Our grouse is against the unjust way we are being severed. Our fear is that our lot will become like that of our other counterparts in the privatised NITEL and other organisations various administrations had privatised. Please, go and look at the records, every

company privatised in Nigeria ends up struggling for survival. In fact, they die out rightly and this is what our cry is based on.” He said that the valuation of the PHCH by the government, which the workers felt was far below what they believed the company was worth, was another major issue the electricity workers could not come to terms with. “Our other point of contention is that even if the government wants to sell the PHCN with assets and liabilities in today’s economy, should it be at N220bn? That’s a gross under-value of the entire assets. “Even if they say that the worth cannot be rated at the same value it was several years ago, I bet you, it is still a far cry from what it would be sold, if properly valued,” Iworima added.

against the activities of Boko Haram was yielding positive response and called on states, local governments and traditional institutions to complement government’s efforts through incentives and reporting suspected terrorists and kidnappers within their domains. Ihejirika noted that criminals were not spirits but individuals living among the people and pleaded with the public to report to the police “people who suddenly come to affluence without reasonable source of income.” “The efforts we are making are indeed yielding results because for every bomb that goes off, several others have been stopped from going off. “We have made a good number of arrests and only last week or two weeks ago, we uncovered bomb factories and recovered lots of sophisticated objects. We equally made some arrests. I want to assure you that we are making tremendous efforts. “As you are aware, kidnapping was one of the biggest problems we confronted in 2010. “At that time, it was mainly in Aba, Abia State and as you will recall, the town which was deserted later bounced back to life. “It seems a number of these kidnappers have resurfaced in Enugu, Imo, some

parts of Anambra and occasionally in Abia. We need to go back to action,” he said. Ihejirika explained that he had briefed men of the 103 Battalion and the 82 Division to brace up for the new challenge, assuring that additional vehicles would be made available to the division to tackle the problem. “These kidnapers live within the society. We have to identify most of the people who live in affluence without any visible means of livelihood. “They don’t go to work, they stay at home when others go out to work, I think by asking vital information, we’ll all work together to nip the menace in the bud. “It’s a serious concern and something must have to be done urgently by the Army and indeed all Nigerians,” he said, adding that kidnapping was another terrorism that must be collectively stamped out. Also speaking on the newly-commissioned projects, the COAS said the projects were undertaken as part of the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Army to meet contemporary challenges. He expressed the hope that the officers and men would make judicious use of the facilities to enhance operational readiness of the battalion.

Jonathan orders probe of poor Olympics performance ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

eads may roll in the Sports Ministry as President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday ordered a comprehensive reorganisation of the country’s sports following the dismal performance of the Nigerian contingent in the just-concluded London 2012 Olympics. President Jonathan disclosed the decision to probe the poor performance of the contingent at the weekly Federal Executive Council, FEC. The council reviewed the performance of the Dream Team who returned from the games without a medal after N2.2bn had been spent on preparation and participation in the games. Though the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, who briefed the State

House correspondents after the FEC meeting, would not want to speak on those that might be affected by the reorganization, our correspondent gathered that the total overhaul might consume key actors in the National Sports Commission, NSC, including the Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi and the DirectorGeneral, Patrick Ekeji, who superintended Nigeria's worst Olympic outing in the last 14 years. Maku said that the President had also directed a national retreat, which would involve state governors and the private sector to re-order priorities in the sporting sector. He explained that the President was not happy with the performance of the Nigerian team, stressing that what took place in London must be the beginning

of a new momentum to place Nigerian sports at a glorious level in sporting events. Maku explained that the President noted that for the country to change the present scenario, the country needed to specialise, plan and fund sports in a way that this country would continue to make impact in the sporting sector. He said that President Jonathan believed that the next Commonwealth Games and the 2016 Olympics in Brazil must enable the country set specific targets and realise them to promote our sports development. While speaking on the claim by the Boko Haram sect that it was negotiating with the government, Maku said that he could not confirm the claim but noted that the Federal Government was open to dialogue with the sect.

Also yesterday, the FEC awarded N1.6bn contract for the rehabilitation of Obudu dam in Cross River State. The Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochepe, said that the dam, which belonged to the Federal Government, had been in a state of disrepair. The minister explained that the contract would enable the state government to carry out its regional urban water supply project, covering four communities of Obudu, Ogoja, Ikom and Calabar. “Cross River State government has since 2005 secured an International Development Association, IDA, loan to develop the regional water scheme that would meet the needs of the communities in Cross River and because of the state of Obudu dam it has been impossible for the project to commence,” Ochepe added.

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Thursday, August 16, 2012

Nigeria records 1,000 HIV/ AIDS infections daily –NACA MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

he Director General of National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Prof. John Idoko, said yesterday that about 1,000 new cases of HIV infections were being discovered in Nigeria daily and that the country was ready to use any globally acceptable strategy to combat the spread of the scourge. Idoko, who spoke at the Post International AIDS Society Conference meeting held in Abuja, said that the recently concluded Conference of the AIDS Society in the United States had further proved the effectiveness of contemporary drugs and models such as PrExposure and Post-exposure Prophy-

laxis, Combination Prevention Therapy, Tenofovir Microbicide and Placebo Gel to contain the spread of the virus globally. He said participants at the conference reported the degree of workability of those models and drugs in surveyed regions across the globe. Odoko noted that various surveys had shown that persons who adhere strictly to the prescriptions of different drugs used for either prevention or treatment of the disease always realised the effectiveness of such drugs. He, however, said resistance could occur when patients or users fail to follow the instructions on the use of such drugs. Speaking on the benefits of the conference for Ni-

geria, Idoko observed that with Nigeria standing as the second most burdened HIV/AIDS countries in the world, after South Africa and currently recording about one thousand new infections daily, any model considered effective by the conference would be useful to the country at the moment. Meanwhile, girl child in Nigeria, he said, is three times yet more at risk than boys. Issues that Nigeria will likely examine on the use of PrEP, according to him, include examining the different delivery options for PrEP; use of microbicides compared to oral preparations, age of consent and ethical considerations of PrEP in adolescents, cul-

tural issues associated with sexuality in young women. Others are examining the different delivery options for PrEP and relationship of PrEP and HIV prevention communication with other HIV prevention and treatment efforts. It will be noted that PrExposure or PrEP is an HIV prevention method in which people who do not have HIV take a daily pill to reduce their risk of becoming infected while other models such as Antiretroviral Treatment is the type of treatment for HIV/AIDS which does not cure the disease but help stop infected persons from becoming ill for many years while the newest model, Combination Therapy, is the act of taking two or more antiretroviral drugs at a time.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Pregnant woman, two others killed as train crushes commercial bus MURITALA AYINLA

ragedy struck in the early morning of yesterday in Ikeja, Lagos State, when a fast-moving train reportedly crushed a commercial vehicle, leaving a pregnant woman and two others dead. According to the eyewitness account, the incident occurred at the intersection at the Ajayi farm Railway, near Ikeja along Bus Stop. Other injured passengers of the vehicle were rushed to hospital. It was gathered that the bus driver wanted to quickly drive across the rail intersec-

tion when luck ran out on him as the train collided with the vehicle. The gravity of the collision, National Mirror gathered, dragged the vehicle to Anifowose area of Ikeja. The vehicle, a white Fiat marked XF 899 GG had four passengers; a pregnant woman and three men. National Mirror learnt that such accident frequently happens early in the morning because the rail workers who are supposed to control motorists do not resume on time. A middle-aged man, who did not want his name mentioned, blamed the incident on the bus driver’s negligence.

Demolition: Court refuses motion to stop FCT Minister EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

ustice Hussein Baba Yusuf of a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High court yesterday refused a motion for an interlocutory order restraining the Minister of the FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed, from going ahead with the planned demolition of Mpape, an Abuja suburb. Specifically, counsel to The Indigenous Landlords of Gbagyi Villages in Mpape, Abubakar Ibrahim, had approached the court praying it to stop the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) from carrying out demolition exercise in the area, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Abubakar told the court that Mr. Friday Chiemeka and 10 others, who are plaintiffs/applicants in the matter fear that the August 31 deadline given to residents of Mpape to vacate the area by the minister may do collateral damage to residents, unless the court halts the planned exercise. However, Justice Yusuf, who is the vacation judge refused to grant their request on the ground that the court would not make any order that could likely be misinterpreted. He held: “I think it is wise at this point to refrain from making any order that could be interpreted to mean that the reliefs sought by the applicants have been granted.”

Abubakar redeploys nine AIGs OMEIZA AJAYI L-R: Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan; Group Executive Director, Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, Mr. Anthony Ogbuigwe and Mr. Samuel Babatunde, during a courtesy visit at to the governor in Asaba, yesterday.

Jonathan raises panel to review Osayande’s report on police reform ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

resident Goodluck Jonathan has set up a committee to look into the report of the Parry Osayande panel on the reorganisation of the police. The panel submitted its report to Jonathan on Monday where it called for the scrapping of the Ministry of Police Affairs. The panel also opposed the creation of state police. Addressing journalists yesterday, the Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade, said that the committee was

expected to come out with a White Paper on the Osayande report. According to Olubolade, the committee would look at the report and advise government accordingly. Olubolade said he is a member of the committee while the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke, is the chairman. Other members of the committee are Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Minister of Niger Delta. On the call for the scrapping of Ministry of Police

Affairs, Olubolade said the Osayande panel went beyond the assignment given to it. He said that the assignment given to the panel was to look at how the police could be professionalised and reorganised. The minister said: “Usually, when an assignment like this is given, one must look at the subject. The subject is to reorganise the police and any issue discussed outside that can be termed to be a derail. “Whatever assignment is given, you must look at the subject matter and stay within that confines

so that it does not generate unusual discussion in the public.” Defending the existence of the Ministry of Police Affairs, Olubolade said: “I want to say categorically that it is very easy to look at the situation on ground. We have a Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Defence exists comprising of the Army, Navy and Air Force, they all report to the Minister of Defence. All their budgetary provisions go through that line and the political head for them is the Minister of Defence. So also is the Ministry of Police Affairs.

nspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar yesterday approved the redeployment of nine Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs). Abubakar also placed the newly promoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Philemon Leha in charge of ‘B’ Department – Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja. He replaced the late DIG John Haruna, who died recently in a police helicopter crash in Jos, Plateau State. Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, said in a statement that among the AIGs affected by the deployments are Muktari Ibrahim, who is now in

charge of Zone 6, Calabar; Christopher Dega, as Commandant Police of Academy, Kano; Aliyu Musa, Border Patrol FHQ, Abuja, and Bala A. Hassan, who is now the Commandant, Police Staff College, Jos. Others are M.J. Abubakar, who is now AIG Zone 10, Sokoto; Tambari Y. Mohammed, AIG Zone 3 Yola, Ibrahim Abdu, AIG Zone 12, Bauchi; Alex Emeka Okeke, AIG Police Medical Services, FHQ, Abuja and Julius A. Ishola, AIG Police Veterinary Services, FHQ, Abuja Mba said: “The IGP, in his good will message to the officers, reminded them of their huge and strategic responsibilities as commanders in their respective departments and commands.

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Thursday, August 16, 2012

Oyerinde’s murder: Oshiomhole wants security agencies’ reports probed SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

do State Governor, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, has asked for the establishment of a panel of enquiry into the contradicting reports of investigations emanating from the works of two different federal security agencies into the dastard assassination of his Principal Private Secretary, Mr. Olaitan Oyerinde. The governor’s demand was contained in a press release made available to National Mirror yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria. It will be recalled that Oyerinde, a labour leader who was seconded for the service of the governor, was brutally shot in his head, chest and stomach

by gunmen in his residence in Benin City on May 4, this year. Investigations into the murder by the police and the State Security Service (SSS) have yielded contradictory results as different sets of suspected murderers have been paraded in connection with the murder. Following the parade of six suspects by the SSS and another four yet-tobe-paraded, unrelated suspects by the police that has also detained an activist, Rev. David Ugolor, in connection with the murder, the governor did not fail to point out the contradiction in his statement on the investigations, which National Mirror had earlier exclusively reported to have made the state govern-

ment and residents even more confused. The statement read in part: “The attention of Governor Adams Oshiomhole has been drawn to the contradictory claims by two federal security agencies, namely: the State Security Service (SSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, over the killing of Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, his Principal Private Secretary. “While the SSS paraded some people who (were) alleged to have confessed to the killing of Comrade Oyerinde on account of (a failed) armed robbery, the Nigeria Police also said they have in their custody exactly the same number of persons, who allegedly confessed to the killing of Comrade Oyerinde. “In fact, the police have gone ahead to arrest one

FG indicts oil marketers over fuel scarcity threat TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

he Federal Government yesterday accused oil marketers involved the fuel subsidy scam as being responsible for the fuel scarcity threat, saying that contrary to their claims, government has been paying fuel subsidy claims to genuine marketers as at when due. Making the allegation yesterday, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Yerima Ngama, said despite the threat by the indicted marketers, government would not succumb to their antics, but would be focused in its efforts at eliminating all forms of fraudulent practices in the fuel subsidy regime. He debunked the claims by affected marketers that they have embarked on strike because the Federal Government had failed to pay them for fuel imports.

Madueke

Describing the allegation as inaccurate, the minister, who read a statement issued by the ministry on the issue, said Federal Government did not owe any marketer whose claims had been verified by the appropriate authorities. His words: “For instance, between April and May 2012, Batches D/12 and E/12 involving 14 oil marketers with a claim of N17bn were fully settled through the issuance of Sovereign Debt Notes and

other relevant documentation. Meanwhile, long fuel queues have resurfaced in most of the filling stations in Abuja and its environs allegedly due to the non-payment of subsidy claims to oil marketers by the Federal Government. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there were long queues of vehicles in some filling stations in Abuja while others filling stations were locked.

World’s longest-serving female prison inmate released SAM OLUWALANA

n Arizona, native, in the United States, US, who has been in jail for the past 49 years, Betty Smithey, has been freed from prison following a prerogative of mercy, granted her by the governor of her state on Tuesday. She is regarded as the world’s longest serving female inmate. Smithey, now 69, was granted parole by the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency on Monday. She was released from the Arizona State Prison Complex in Perryville, walking with a cane. “It’s wonderful driving down the road and not

seeing any barbed wire,” Smithey told the Arizona Republic. “I am lucky, so very lucky.” At age 20, Smithey was convicted in the 1963 New Year’s Day murder of Sandy Gerberick, a 15-month-old girl she had been babysitting. Smithey was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. According to Arizona law at the time she was sentenced, only the governor could grant her clemency. She tried, appealing to then Governors Fyfe Symington and Janet Napolitano, but was denied until Jan Brewer, the current governor, agreed to lower her sentence to 48 years.

Rev. David Ugolor, who was alleged to have been implicated as the sponsor of the murder. In order to clear the position of the Edo State Government, we wish to note that: “Following the murder of Comrade Oyerinde, the governor gave the security agencies a 14-day ultimatum to find the killers, which he suspected was politically-motivated. Within a few days of his murder, Mr. Governor was informed by the SSS in confidence that they had made some progress, having located Comrade Oyerinde’s telephone and those who bought it and eventually using their skills, they were able to arrest, one after the other, those who have since confessed that they killed Comrade Oyerinde.”

Kidnapping: Whereabouts of judge, PDP vice-chair still unknown SOLA ADEBAYO WARRI

he fate of the abducted judge of Delta State high court, Justice Marcel Okoh and ViceChairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Mr. Ekenwa Akwagbe, hung in the balance yesterday, eight days after they were abducted by gunmen. The whereabouts of the two high profile personalities, who were abducted at separate locations on Tuesday, August 7, had remained unknown since then. Efforts by the state government and security agencies to locate the hideouts of the hoodlums and free the victims were futile. Already, the fate of the duo, especially Okoh, has thrown the state government and the security agencies into confusion.

The woes of the government was compounded by the threat by the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Warri branch, to boycott the courts in protest against the fate of Okoh and the general insecurity in the state. It was gathered that the state government has been battling to suppress the planned action by the branch of NBA, which is regarded as the most vibrant of the association in the state. Findings by National Mirror showed that the government was wary of the negative implication of the action for the image of the state. Okoh, who was recently appointed a judge of the High Court of Delta State, was abducted at Oria-Abraka in Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state.

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Thursday, August 16, 2012

Coalition decries projects duplication in budgets ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

oalition of civil societies in Ekiti State has said that the mode of preparation of the country’s budget gives room for loopholes for corruption and mismanagement of public funds. Vice Chairman of the Coalition, Mr Abiodun Oyeleye, said the loopholes included unnecessary duplication of projects and the lopsidedness in the inclusion of projects in the yearly budgets. Oyeleye spoke yesterday

during a state governmentorganised Consultative Forum held with the Non-Governmental Organizations/ Community Based Organizations and other interest groups on the preparation of Ekiti State Medium Term Expenditure Framework. He lamented that country’s budget was fraught with fraudulent practices, citing instances such as inclusion in the 2012 budget of an already completed N10 million communitybased motorized bore hole project in his countryhome, Omu Ijelu Ekiti and an ongoing one at Ado-Ijan

–Ikare Road. Relating his experience during a budget vetting exercise by the coalition of civil societies under the auspices of Forum for Wealth Platform, he said: “I was curious to discover while analyzing the projects state by state, that an already commissioned bore hole in my community and the nearly completed AdoIjan Road were included again in 2012 Budget. “In the case of Ado-IjanIkare Road, I found that it was split into two in the budget as Ado-Ijan Road and Ijan –Iluomoba-Ikare Road

and this, I feel, used to create unnecessary excesses in the budget and from there, a lot of corruption were being perpetrated by some people.” Oyeleye said said the coalition would continue to research and monitor federal and state projects since it was difficult for the governments to monitor the numerous projects stipulated in their yearly budgets. The Commissioner for Information, Hon Funminiyi Afuye, assured that the state governor would continue to engage the civil societies in the running of government.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Four robbery suspects held in Lagos MURITALA AYINLA

emesis caught up with four suspected robbers who specialised in using vehicle jacks as guns to rob their unsuspecting victims as they were yesterday arrested by officers of Neighbourhood Watch, a Lagos State grassroots security outfit. The suspects - Jude Ogor, Charles Nwozuzu, Ifeanyi Onwukwe and Akonye Chidozie - were handed over to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Headquarters in Alausa with a mini Nissan Sunny car marked BK 121 FKJ, which they used in carting away their loots. According to Mr. Oguns Musbau, who led his team in the operation, the robbers have subjected residents of Ijanikin and OtoAwori to perpetual fear with persistent robbery. Narrating how the robbers were nabbed, Musbau said his men mobilised to the robbery scene after the outfit had received distress calls from residents whose homes were visited by the robbers, adding that

the robbers were arrested around 2am at a mechanic workshop in Ajangbadi. He said: “For about two years, the people of OtoAwori have been sleeping with their two eyes open. They can’t just rest or sleep because these criminals keep attacking residents every now and then. We are glad that our collaboration with the police to displace criminals from the area is yielding results. We are glad with this arrest. This is a big plus for our campaign. “We heard people shouting for help and we responded immediately. When we got there, we saw them in action and laid ambush for them. We saw them removing spare parts from residents’ vehicles and watched them carefully moving from houses to houses wielding iron bars as guns and robbing people of their money and other belongings. “Our team swooped on them and in the process dispossessed them of their weapons and arrested them. It was a very successful operation and we thank God for that.”

Ekiti PDP flays Fayemi over ‘over-bloated’ aides ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

L-R: Site Engineer, Kopek Construction Company, Mr. Charbel Semaan; Oyo State Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Adeolu Akande and Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, during the inspection of the reconstruction of Secretariat-Bodija Bridge in Ibadan, yesterday.

Oyo has 7, 000 ghost workers –Commissioner KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

yo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Bosun Oladele, yesterday said the state has 7, 000 ghost workers in its civil and public services. He spoke at a roundtable organised by the League of Veteran Journalists (LVJ) in Ibadan, the state capital, saying that the search for the ghost workers would be extended to local government councils. Oladele said the state has 38, 000 workers and 13, 000 pensioners, pointing out that resources from the Federation Account were inadequate to meet the overhead. The commissioner assured that the government would go extra mile through the internally generated revenue (IGR) to jack

up the state resources. He urged residents to pay tax commensurate to their earnings. Oladele, however, said the review of the cases of the sacked workers would continue and assured that the innocent would not be punished. He said: “We need to make it clear that the state House of Assembly Committee, which sat on the review of the sacked workers cases, has not recommended that they should be recalled. The review is on. If anyone is found to have genuine case, such will be recalled.” Oladele stated that the frequent foreign trips of Governor Abiola Ajimobi had been yielding results, adding that the trips had opened the radar for the state from development partners. He said: “For six years now, the state has been lost

on the radar of development partners, but with the trips and physical involvement of the governor, we are now accessing grants, we have won the confidence of development partners. The World Bank has agreed to assist us to fight floods.”

Ajimobi

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has condemned “the over-bloated political aides” of the Governor Kayode Fayemi-led Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) administration. The state PDP Chairman, Mr Makanjuola Ogundipe, who alleged that Fayemi appointed over 1,200 political aides, stated that their monthly salary and emoluments were crip-

INEC asked to fish out perpetrators of fake voters’ register KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate in Ondo State, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fish out those behind the alleged fake voters registration exercise in the state. The Principal Organising Secretary of his campaign organisation, Mr. Banji Ayiloge, who stated this in

Ibadan yesterday, exonerated the party from what he described as a criminal act. He said: “ACN leaders have no reason to involve themselves in any criminal act to win the forthcoming governorship election in the state since the party has presented a popular and credible candidate in person of Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu for the poll.” Ayiloge therefore called on INEC and security agencies to arrest those behind the criminal act. He said: “We are the one

to first raise the alarm. We even wrote the police and the State Security Service (SSS) to inform them of this criminal act. How could they now turn around to say we are the one perpetrating this evil act? “We in the Ondo ACN don’t have any reason to panic over the election since we have presented a popular and credible candidate to the people. I can tell you categorically that our candidate is the most popular in Ondo State”.

pling the state economy. Ogundipe, in a statement yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, said the governor should reduce his appointees and focus on how to develop the state. Describing the appointment by the governor of Mr. Kayode Akinyemi as the Director General of Communication Strategy as “big error,” the PDP chieftain said the appointee had nothing meaningful to offer the state. Assuring that PDP would soon get to the Government House through the ballot, Ogundipe said: “The ACN-led government has crippled the economy of the state and brought poverty and underdevelopment and lack of direction into the state”. But Commissioner for Information Funminiyi Afuye said: “PDP has lost all arguments. If the paerty has facts, let it publish them. Then, we will react. “PDP has run out of ideas. The government is managing the meagre resources of the state well unlike the era of profligacy witnessed by Ekiti people during PDP government”.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sallah break: Osun indigenes get free train ride from Lagos WALE FOLARIN OSOGBO

sun State Government has offered free train ride for citizens of the state going home for the Eid-el-fitri holiday from Lagos to Osogbo. The Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, disclosed this in a statement he issued yesterday in Osogbo. He said the free railway transportation to aid those holidaying during the festivity would start from 9a.m. tomorrow and run till the following day. Okanlawon added that the train would convey passengers from the Ido Terminus in Lagos to Osogbo, the state capital, while at the end of the Sallah break; it would convey them from Osogbo to Lagos, on Sunday

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Thursday, August 16 , 2012

and Monday. He said: “The Omoluabi train, as the service is popularly called, is to facilitate easy movements of people in the state during the festive period. The service is part of the tourism and economic development strategies of the administration.” Okanlawon also quoted the Commissioner for Commerce and Cooperatives, Mr. Ismail Jaiyeola Alagbada, as assuring holidaymakers of smooth ride, even as he reiterated the commitment of the government to the welfare of the people. “Apart from our desire to ensure that the culture of rail transport is revived through strategies like this, the welfare of our people is also very paramount to this administration. This is why the government shall leave no stone unturned in its determination to provide all services that can make live better for them,” he said.

Ondo PDP’s umbrella is badly torn - Olowookere HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

here seems to be no immediate solution to the crisis rocking the Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as a factional chairman of the party, Hon. Akin Olowookere, said yesterday that there was no unity in the chapter. Olowookere disclosed this in a statement in Akure, adding that the unity rally held by a section of the party last weekend had further polarised the party in the state. “It should be noted that a feeble attempt by a rented crowd at the Akure rally to lend credence to the so-called unity cannot erase the fact that the um-

brella as at now in Ondo State is badly torn,” the factional chairman said. He pointed out that the crisis in the state chapter of the party was worse than what was happening in the Ogun State chapter. Olowookere said most of the members of the party in the state were still embittered, adding that PDP unity in Ondo State was a mirage. He said that all former senators and almost all former members of the House of Representatives and 70 per cent of the former lawmakers at the state level were against the present structure which produced the party gubernatorial candidate for the October 20 election. Olowookere disclosed

that those behind the peace move in the party had personal interest to serve at all cost. The factional leaders, also alleged that some PDP leaders in the state were collaborating with the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, while there was an injunction stopping the party executive from performing. He said: “A few days ago, some members of the party got an injunction against the state executive members of the party. As a result of this, there is presently a big vacuum in the party in the state. “The irreconcilable difference among the PDP chieftains in Ondo State is chronic as a malignant tumour. This is

so as all efforts made by some leaders to reconcile aggrieved leaders of the party failed because this endeavour was championed by those who have their personal interest to serve. In that circumstance, can we say there is unity in the party? “We cannot really describe the rally which so many eminent leaders of the party like Dr. Bode Olajumoke, Senator Gbenga Ogunniya, Chief Segun Adegoke, Mr. Gbenga Elegbeleye, Dr. Alaba Lad-Ojomo, Chief Temitayo Fawehinmi, Mr. Duerinimi Kekemeke, Mrs. Yetunde Ogundipe, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, Dr. Olu Ogunye, Profs Elemo and Olaleye and many others were absent as a unity rally.”

Lagos Citizens’ Mediation Centre opens office in Badagry DAYO AYEYEMI

o ensure prompt resolution of disputes at the grassroots, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice has opened a mediation centre in the heart of Badagry town. Speaking at the inauguration of the office, the Director, Citizens’ Mediation Centre, Mrs. Sedoten Ogunsanya, described the free legal services offered by the centre for mostly indigent citizens as a beacon of hope and respite for the less privileged in society. She said the centre would also make justice accessible at every level of governance. Mrs. Ogunsanya added that the mediation centre, described as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, would reduce, to the barest minimum, the number of cases in courts thereby reducing the pressure and cost of litigation on the citizens. She also said that the centre offered free services to the people irrespective of tribe or religious inclination.

This system, according to her, is in use in other climes as an acceptable alternative dispute resolution mechanism, which is often attained by amicable means. Mrs. Ogunsanya noted that the atmosphere for settling these disputes was friendly and conducive with well-trained professionals. She expressed gratitude to the Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Husitode Moses Dosu, for supporting the establishment of the centre through the provision of an office accommodation in the heart of the ancient city. Earlier during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Akran of Badagry Kingdom, His Royal Highness, De Whenu Aholu Menu Toyi I, the Akran, Mrs. Ogunsanya likened the services of the centre to the traditional method of resolving issues between people ranging from communal clashes, land matters, marital misunderstanding, etc, as the cases were brought to the Oba’s palace for intervention.

L-R: Chairman, Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission, Chief Bayo Adeniran, Governor Kayode Fayemi and Special Adviser, Bureau of Special Projects, Mr. Bayo Kelekun, during an inspection of the reconstruction and overlay of Ado - Ikere Road, yesterday.

Bodija Bridge: Slow pace of work angers Ajimobi

overnor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has expressed displeasure over what he described as the slow pace of work on the Bodija/Secretariat Bridge under construction in the state capital. The governor, who spoke through his deputy, Chief Moses Adeyemo, during an inspection of the project yesterday, expressed regret that many months into the construction of the bridge, the contractor was yet to make an appreciable progress on it. He noted that the bridge was very impor-

tant to the socio-economic lives of the people of the state capital, adding that government awarded the construction of the bridge to ameliorate the suffering of commuters plying the road. Ajimobi also expressed displeasure over the bottleneck of traffic which the delay in the construction of the bridge had caused around the Secretariat/Bodija axis of the state capital. He added that there was an urgent need for the contractor to expedite work and deliver the bridge to the government.

The governor also asked the contractor to, if possible, make a section of the bridge available to road users, to reduce the heavy traffic on the road. Responding, the Site Manager of Kopek Construction Company, Mr. Charbel Semaan, said his company had been working to schedule, adding that it was working towards completing the project before the end of the year. Semaan, however, said it would be difficult to open a section of the bridge to motorists because the company’s

heavy equipment were being moved on the only narrow temporary bridge constructed at the site. Ajimobi also spoke on preparations to avert flood in the state as predicted by the Nigerian Metrological Agency, NIMET. He said his administration had begun the demolition of structures built on flood plains and had intensified the dredging of rivers. The governor therefore warned the people to stop compounding the situation by dropping refuse on river paths.

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Thursday, August 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Anambra ACN shuns comment Power reform: NANS decries Nnaji, NUEE’s face-off on Soludo’s ‘defection plan’ CHARLES O KEKE AWKA

he Anambra State Chairman of the Action Congress Nigeria (ACN), Chief Amechi Obidike, yesterday refused to comment on the allege bid by the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, to join the party for the purpose of contesting the governorship election in 2014. It will be recalled that Soludo contested the

February 2010 governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and lost to the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Sources, however, said that the former CBN governor planned to defect to ACN for the purpose of contesting the 2014 poll. But efforts by National Mirror to confirm the alleged plan were unsuccessful as Chief Obidike shunned entreaty to speak on the issue.

Obidike said: “it is Soludo who should give you infor mation on this as he is in a better position to say whether he has made overtures to join ACN” A source, who did not want his name mentioned, said that ACN had started strategizing ahead of the 2014 election with series of meetings aimed at repositioning the party. He said one of such meetings was to be held yesterday.

DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

oordinator of the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) in Zone B, Mr. Chinonso Obasi, has expressed worry over the misunderstanding, disagreement and counter-accusations between the Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji and the General Secretary of National Union of Electricity Employees, (NUEE), Mr. Joe Ajaero, saying that it

L-R: Commander, Nigeria Army Enginneer, Enugu, Maj. Gen. I.I. Abubakar; Commissioner for Local Goverment and Chieftaincy Matter, Mr. Okey Ani; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, during the commissioning of a project at 103 Battalion Barracks in Enugu, yesterday.

ICAN builds South-East regional office in Enugu DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

resident of Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN), Mr. Adedoyin Owolabi, has said that the institute is erecting its South-East regional office in Enugu. Owolabi said the decision was taken because Enugu District of ICAN was the first to be created outside Lagos by ICAN Council after obtaining its charter in 1965. Owolabi, who laid the foundation of the edifice in Enugu, said that he was in the city to interact with members with a view to obtaining information about their welfare and challenges. He added that the visit would also afford him the

opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with stakeholders. According to the ICAN President, the visit would further enable him assess how well his members had been supporting the Enugu State government in line with the public interest mandate of the Accounting Profession. Owolabi commended Governor Sullivan Chime for the opportunity given to members of the institute to serve at the various capacities in his administration, including the Chief of Staff to the Governor, the Chairman Board of Internal Revenue and his Senior Special Assistant on Revenue Generation, among others. He, therefore, appealed to the governor for his supports for members to at-

tend training programmes to meet their professional obligations which will enable them earn the requisite Mandatory Continuing Professional Education (MCPE) credit hours. The ICAN President appreciated Governor Chime’s support to the institute, especially by fulfilling his promise to allocate a piece of land for the building of its regional office for the South-East. Receiving the ICAN team, Governor Chime identified capacity-building as bedrock that promotes efficient and effective production and service delivery in the civil service The governor, who spoke through the State Head of Service, Nze Dennis Eze, commended the institute for its programme on capacity-building for

its members. Chime noted that the issue of unemployment is a global one, but said that the state government had lifted embargo on employment.

was overshadowing the power sector reforms. In a statement made available to reporters, Obasi said that NANS in Zone B had waded into the matter with a view to finding out the basic issues in the confrontation. The student leader expressed regrets that the “combatants” in the ongoing power sector squabble are from his zone, stressing that given the possibility that various interests and considerations must be propping up the misunderstanding between the players for some narrow motives, there is need for the students’ body to intervene in the matter. He said: “The struggle involves a comrade and a highly placed official of the Federal Government; if for nothing else, NANS Zone B has a role to play because we are involved. This matter about power sector has much to do with the future of Nigerian youths. We, therefore, have a duty to know the details of this wrangling because we cannot dabble into it without a proper grasp of the underlying issues.” Obasi noted that the tension generated by the power minister’s directive on Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) staff to demand details of the workers pension fund from their union leaders suggested that there may be more to the misunderstanding, adding that after meeting with the NUEE, NANS would meet with

the minister before taking a position on the face-off. Commending NUEE General Secretary Ajaero for his candour, courage and patriotism, Obasi expressed the belief that dialogue and sincerity of purpose would usher in an amicable settlement of the impasse even as he condemned the attempt to blow up the NUEE secretariat in Lagos. He said: “NANS Zone B leadership has met with the NUEE leaders as the first leg of the attempt to unravel the underlying issues in the exchange of words between the Minister of Power, Prof. Bart Nnaji and the NUEE General Secretary, Mr. Joe Ajaero. We intend to meet with the minister to hear his side of the story. Our interest is for sanity to prevail and that the major players who happen to come from Zone ‘B’ axis toe the line of decency and patriotism. “We are pleading with the parties to subsume their personal interests to the higher patriotic ideal so that Nigerians can enjoy uninterrupted supply of power. We are worried that the present trouble involves a comrade and a highly placed official of the Federal Government. NANS Zone B cannot abdicate the mediatory role expected of it to guarantee the future of Nigerian youths, which has much to do with the health of the power sector.”

Owerri Master Plan: Imo demolishes fences on major roads CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

he Imo State Government has begun demolition of fences in the capital city as part of the measures geared towards implementing the Owerri Master Plan. The exercise began yesterday as the government demolished over 100 fences, including those of corporate organizations. Workers of some affected corporate organisations

along major roads in Owerri complained that the demolition encroached into their main compound. But the state government yesterday explained that the demolition was to pave the way for a modern walk-ways as captured in the master plan. Speaking with journalists in Owerri, the Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Planning, Hon. Uche Nwosu, said that the exercise was not aimed at witch-hunting anybody or organisation, but a

step towards restoring sanity and beauty in the state capital. He said that if need be to erect fences along the road, it must be dwarfed and uniform as obtained in major and developed cities of the world. The commissioner solicited for the cooperation and understanding of the public, adding that the government would be committed to the transformation of Imo to a model state by embarking on meaningful infrastructural projects.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Delta to partner with NNPC on gas production

elta State government is to partner with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in the establishment of gas, petrochemical and fertilizer plants in the state. The state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who announced this yesterday when NNPC Group Executive Director, Refinery and Petro-Chemicals, Engr. Tony Ogbuigwe, paid him a courtesy call in Asaba, said the gas sector was lucrative and would therefore work closely with NNPC to establish the plants. Uduaghan said NNPC

should tap the potentials in the gas sector, explaining that there was a hidden gold mine in the sector which was begging to be tapped. He also explained that his administration was interested in increasing its internal revenue profile and said investments in the gas sector was an opportunity to diversify the economy which the state government will take advantage of. His words: “We are building a state that would look beyond oil for sustenance and since investment in the gas sector was viable, we shall partner with NNPC to ensure the successful take-

Dickson signs symbols bill, others into laws EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

he controversial Bayelsa State symbols and songs bill was among the eight bills signed into law yesterday by the state Governor, Seriake Dickson. Dickson, who signed the bills at the State Executive Council meeting held in Yenagoa, hinted that it provided a unique opportunity for the state government to make a clear pronouncement on the real amendment of the law. Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, in a statement made available to National Mirror, said the state was a federating unit in the country, created and recognised with rights, powers and obligations. It will be recalled that the earlier flag, coat of arms and anthem bill forwarded by Dickson to the state assembly generated

negative criticisms across the country. It was learnt that these verbal attacks necessitated the amendment of the bill to symbols and songs by government. Part of the statement read; “That all structures, organs and officials of the state operate under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. That our decision to have state symbols and songs, are as a result of our belief in true federalism as a cardinal cornerstone of Nigerian nationhood and it is in exercise of our inalienable rights as a federating unit. This is a right, which we cannot be denied since several other states with the same rights have equally exercised such. “That the decision taken by our government in this regard is also as a result of our commitment to the propagation of Ijaw culture, language, history and ideals.

off of the gas, petrochemical and fertilizer plants in our state.” The governor said the state will use the resources from oil production to invest in other sectors of the economy to increase the internal revenue resources of the state. Uduaghan, however, enjoined NNPC to work closely with oil producing states to ensure that there were no frictions in some sections of the states. He expressed the need for NNPC to liaise with the state government when involving host communities and groups in its activities, saying: “Always liaise with the state government when involving groups and communities in the production activities of your organisation so that we can guide you properly to avoid conflicts and disruptions.” He requested NNPC to include the land area in its surveillance of pipeline networks, stressing that limiting surveillance to water-

Stakeholder denies looming port congestion CHINEDUM EMEANA PORT HARCOURT

C Uduaghan

ways alone will not yield the required result of wiping out pipelines vandalisation. The governor promised to intervene in the alleged encroachment on NNPC land in Warri as well as rehabilitate the Warri tankers’ park to avoid congestion and traffic hold up. In his remark, Engr. Ogbuigwe, said his organisation was ready to stimulate local capacity and generate 120, 000 jobs. Ogbuigwe said NNPC has a master plan to establish a petro-chemical industry in Koko as well as develop the Koko port to decongest the Lagos ports.

hairman of Onne Port chapter of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Mr. Francis Onwuchekwa, has described insinuation that there was a looming congestion at Eastern Ports, allegedly due to delay in cargo clearance and scanning operations, as untrue. Speaking to journalists yesterday on allegations of delay in container scanning operations at Onne Port, the NAGAFF chairman said the challenge was that most of the clearing agents and importers complaining are not professionals in the conduct of their businesses, which leads to problems in the course of processing goods for clearance. “If somebody has a problem with scanning his container because one or two things make him to experience delay, then it is not sup-

posed to be a problem with the port area. “At the scanner site, there is no delay, but if there is delay caused by what is found in the container, maybe under-declaration, or as a result of low duty payment, then the truck has to be there until the problems are sorted out. “Will you now say it is the scanning people causing the delay? No, it is not their problem, but the agent’s problem,” he said. Meanwhile, on the high cost of doing business in the Eastern Port alleged to be caused by a combination of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Port Terminal Operators and scanning service provider operating in the area, a competent source at SGS Nigeria Limited, who provides scanning and risk assessment services in the Eastern Port said SGS only provide valuation opinion based on some clear indices, which Customs can either accept or reject.

L-R: Leader of the Bayelsa State State House of Assembly, Hon. Peter Akpe; Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah (rtd); Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kombowei Benson and Governor Seriake Dickson, during the signing into laws of eight bills at the Government House in Yenagoa, yesterday.

Group demands release of six Ijaw youths’ corpses Bayelsa community records another Shell oil spill EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

ational Coordinator of Ijaw People Development Initiative, Austin Ozobo, yesterday demanded the release of the corpses of the six Ijaw youths allegedly killed by operatives of the Joint Military Taskforce at Agge in Ekeremor Local Government of Area Bayelsa State. Ozobo, who insisted that the JTF arrested the Ijaw youths in June this year on the suspicion that they were sea pirates, before they were killed, also de-

manded that the families of the felled youths be compensated. The national coordinator in an interview with journalists in Yenagoa, said he had testified at a probe panel constituted by the Chief of Army Staff to investigate the killings as he requested that the panel should visit the Niger Delta to ascertain the arbitrary torture and killings by the JTF on innocent persons. His words:“We requested that members of the panel visit the Niger Delta and they would be amazed at the

arbitrary display of brutality by men if the JTF who see no sanctity in the lives of the Niger Delta youths who they subject to arbitrary torture and most times deaths. “We also demanded the timely investigation of the extra-judicial killings of the six Niger Delta youths and the process of court marshal for the affected officers.” Ozobo lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, for his timely response to their petition by constituting an investigation panel.

EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

n oil spill from a facility belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) occurred yesterday at Nembe Three flow station near Ewelesuo community in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Eye witness account told National Mirror that the spill spewed from Edwin tide to Brass River destroying aquatic lives in the locality. It was gathered that

inhabitants of the area are apprehensive that their only source of drinking water and livelihood have been polluted. Chairman of Oil and Gas Committee in Nembe Kingdom, Chief Nengi James, confirmed this to National Mirror, saying that he has visited the scene of the spill to ascertain the extent of the damage. James said the cause of the spill was equipment failure of SPDC’s facility and urged the oil giant to mop up the spill to avoid epidemic in the area.

In the same vein, state Project Officer, Environmental Rights Action (ERA) said the oil spill he saw at Nembe was not large, but noted that most of the spill may have spilled into Brass River. But, in a reaction, spokesman of SPDC, Port Harcourt, Precious Okolobo, denied that there was a spill and impact on the environment of Nembe. Okolobo, however, admitted that a pump failure was reported at SPDC’s Nembe Creek Three flow station yesterday morning.

North

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Terrorists kill nine in Damaturu •Maiduguri attacks claim four, injure three INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

unmen suspected to be terrorists yesterday shot and killed nine people in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital. The Commissioner of Police, Patrick Egbuniwe, confirmed this in a telephone interview with journalists. He said: “I can confirm to you that nine people were killed by unknown gunmen suspected to be terrorists.”

In a related development, two people were killed yesterday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, when an Improvised Explosive Device, IDE, carried by a suspected suicide bomber, exploded in Customs Area of the metropolis. The bomber, who was in a tricycle otherwise called Keke NAPEP, missed a patrol vehicle of the Joint Task Force, JTF, and rammed into a moving Mercedes Benz car. The explosion claimed the life of the bomber and

a civilian. It also wounded two people and a soldier. The incident, which occurred about 10am, caused pandemonium in the area, as the residents scampered for safety. Also yesterday, JTF men killed two suspected terrorists who attacked the Monday Market in the metropolis. Confirming the explosion in a statement, the JTF spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa, said: “At about 10:00 hours, a lone suicide bomber in a

tricycle (Keke NAPEP) who targeted one of our patrol vehicles around Customs Area failed and hit a moving Mercedes Benz.” He said the bomber and a civilian died instantly, while two people and a soldier were injured as a result of the explosion. The bodies were taken to the mortuary while the injured were taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for treatment. Musa said the JTF had cordoned off the area but routine activities were going on unhindered.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Plateau governor’s Chief of Staff resigns JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

The Chief of Staff to the Plateau State governor, Mr. G. N. S. Pwajok, has resigned his appointment. It was learnt that his resignation might not be unconnected with his alleged ambition to contest the Plateau North Senatorial seat which became vacant following the death of Senator Gyang Dantong. Governor Jonah Jang said in a statement yesterday that he had accepted Pwajok’s resignation.

Benue Assembly gives commissioner seven days to resign

Contestants endorse new UNILORIN VC –Oloyede WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

enue State House of Assembly has asked the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Conrad Wergba, to resign his appointment within one week. The House took the decision yesterday at the plenary following what lawmakers described as uncomplimentary and derogatory remarks on members of the seventh Assembly. Wergba had two weeks ago called a press conference where he accused the Assembly of arm twisting the executive arm of government for pecuniary reasons. He was also quoted to have said that arm-twisting the executive had become the hallmark of the Assembly. The comments prompted the lawmakers to invite the commissioner for clarification. But when he appeared in the House yesterday, Wergba admitted that he was guilty, saying he made the comments to protect the image of the government. He said: “There is no armtwisting, there are no pecuniary reasons.” The commissioner said if there were any means he could retract the statements he would. He, however, regretted having said that in the first instance. But Wergba insisted that members were not owed salaries contrary to insinuation in some quarters.

The statement signed by the governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, James Mannok, said Pwajok had tendered his resignation to pursue other endeavours. It disclosed that Pwajok thanked the governor for the opportunities to serve in the government and the rewarding tutelage he had gained in the course of serving the administration. Jang, on his part, appreciated the contributions of his former Chief of Staff and wished him the best in the pursuit of his endeavours.

Director-General, National Orientation Agency, Mr. Mike Omeri (left) and Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Hon. Dameshi Luka, during a one-day Roundtable Awareness on Nigeria National Symbols in Lafia, Nasarawa State, yesterday.

16 die as bus plunges into river in Kaduna AZA MSUE KADUNA

bout 16 people were feared dead yesterday when the bus in which they were travelling plunged into a river on the Kaduna - Abuja Highway. A witness said the accident occurred in the rain about 9am. He said the 18-seater

bus, which was going to Abuja, suddenly plunged into a river near Rijana village, a few kilometres from Kaduna city. The Kaduna State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Olumike Olagunju, said in a text message that he had dispatched rescue team to the scene of the accident. Olagunju, however, did

not give details of where the rescue team deposited the bodies of the victims or whether there were survivors. Also, he did not give the registration number of the vehicle. In another text message, Olagunju said: “Sixteen persons were killed as the vehicle plunged into a river at Rijana village on Kaduna - Abuja Highway.”

Anxiety over Ado Bayero’s health •Kano Emirate Council suspends activities AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

he Kano State Emirate Council has announced the suspension of all activities lined up to mark the Eid-elfitri celebration owing to the failing health of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero. The council, however,

said the suspension would not affect the traditional Eid prayer, which would be held as planned. The Wamban Kano, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, who disclosed this in Kano yesterday while addressing journalists at the Emir’s palace, said the popular Hawan Nassarawa, Dushe and Dorayi, the Durbah and

other ceremonial activities would be placed on hold. Sanusi added that the horse riding by the Emir of Kano during this year’s Sallah had been called off. He said: “The suspension of the festivities was due to the Emir of Kano’s health condition. The Muslim Ummah are advised to celebrate the Sallah in peace and use

However, the eyewitness said that other travellers on the highway besieged the scene of the accident. He added that the likelihood of any survivor was almost impossible. The witness said there was heavy traffic jam on both sides of the highway because of sympathisers alighting from their vehicles to take a look at the accident scene. the occasion to visit friends and relatives.” All the District Council heads, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who is also the Dan Majen Kano, attended the news conference. Traditionally, at the end of Eid-el-fitri and Eid Kabir, the Emir of Kano usually rides on horseback round some strategic places in the state as part of celebration by the Muslim community.

he outgoing ViceChancellor of the University of Ilorin, UNILORIN, Prof. Ish’aq Oloyede, has said that the professors who contested to succeed him in office had embraced the choice of the Governing Council. Oloyede, who was addressing journalists in Ilorin, said though he was out of the country when Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali was chosen as the Vice-Chancellor-designate, he called other contestants and intimated them of the choice of the Council. He said all the aspirants, except one who was not in attendance, saw reason in the decision of the Council and pledged to work with Ambali for the smooth running of the university since their primary intention was to serve and promote the progress of the institution. To lend credence to their decision, Oloyede said all those in attendance took a group photograph with him and Ambali which was subsequently circulated to media houses across the country. The outgoing Vice-Chancellor, whose tenure would end in October, said the speed with which the Council concluded the selection exercise was in the best interest of the institution. He highlighted the vision of the university to move beyond the third generation category that it used to be and rub shoulders with the first generation institutions.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Resignation calls: A goodwill gone sour

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Nigeria must be rescued from bad governance – Fayemi

Ogun PDP asks court to sack Oyinlola as scribe EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

gun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approached a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to make an order removing Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola from office as National

Secretary of the party. The suit to that effect was filed by the state PDP chairman, Adebayo Dayo and Secretary, Alhaji Semiu Sodipo, for and on behalf of other state’s officers. They claimed that Oyinlola was foisted on the party by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and im-

mediate past National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the party, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo. Specifically, the plaintiffs contend that, by the order and two separate judgements delivered by a Federal High Court in Lagos, nullifying the SouthWest zonal congress that

produced Oyinlola as candidate, the former Osun State governor ceases to be national scribe of the PDP. The plaintiffs are praying the court to declare Oyinlola’s continuous stay in office as invalid, null and void. Furthermore, they are asking the court to compel

L-R: Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs 1, Prof. Viola Onwuliri; Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi and Minister of Labour and Productivity, Mr. Emeka Wogu, during the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

ACN, PDP trade words over call for Okupe’s sack FELIX NWANERI

he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been locked in a war of words over the insistence by ACN for the sack of the Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Doyin Okupe. ACN claims that Okupe is not fit to hold the position given his alleged past steeped in corruption and criminal conversion of state funds. In a statement issued in Ibadan yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party described as false and deliberately misleading, a statement credited to the spokesman of the Economic and Financial Crime

Commission (EFCC), Mr. Wilson Uwujaaren that he is not aware that Okupe is under investigation. According to the party, “it is on record that the Presidential aide was in the custody of the EFCC in Lagos for almost one month between July and August 2006, on account of a contract he obtained at the time from Imo State but which he failed to execute after collecting a huge mobilisation fee.” The party therefore warned the EFCC and other relevant agencies especially the Presidency not to attempt to falsify and obliterate records in order to give Okupe a clean bill of health as his fraudulent activities were not limited to Benue and Imo states alone and are too well documented for any attempt at a cover up.

ACN also reiterated its earlier position that “retaining Okupe as the administration’s spokesman on Public Affairs is not just an insult to the collective integrity of Nigerians, but equally a dent on the administration’s flaunted commitment to fighting corruption.” It added that the President’s spokesman is the face not only of the President but of Nigeria as a whole and that responsibility cannot rest on the shoulders of a person morally damaged. But in a swift response, the PDP in the South-West described the call by the ACN as irresponsible and hypocritical, saying: “As we have maintained before, a party of fraudsters, certificate forgers, ex-convicts, perjurers and money launderers like the ACN does not have the required

moral standing to talk on corruption or any crime in Nigeria.” The party’s Zonal Publicity Secretary, Hon. Kayode Babade said in a statement issued in Ibadan, also yesterday that “the ACN must first fumigate its own house to get rid of grossly corrupt and criminally-minded elements in its fold before seeking to clean other people’s house.” The party maintained that it is laughable that the ACN that kept silent over the trial of the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, accused of stealing over N7 billion as well as standing trial before a Federal High Court in Lagos for stealing and laundering another N500 million could be calling for Okupe’s head over an unsubstantiated allegation of fraud.

the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to delete Oyinlola’s name and replace same with another candidate that will emerge from a fresh zonal congress, which they urge the court to order. Listed as defendants in the suit are Oyinlola, PDP and INEC. Counsel to the plaintiffs, Dr. Amaechi Nwaiwu (SAN) has formulated three issues for the determination of the court to wit: “Whether the candidacy of Oyinlola as a nominee of the South West Zonal Chapter of the PDP and his consequent election to the office of National Secretary at the National Convention in March 2012 were not invalid, null and void by reason of the order and judgment of the Federal High Court made respectively on the 27th of April 2012 in suit no FHC/L/CS/282/2012 and 2nd May 2012 in suit

no FHC/L/CS/347/2012 nullifying the South West zonal congress of March 2012 from which Oyinlola emerged or ought to have emerged.. “Whether the candidacy of Oyinlola as a nominee of the South West Zonal Chapter of the PDP and his consequent election to the office of National Secretary at the National Convention in March 2012 were not invalid, null and void by reason that he was not a valid nominee of the South West zone .. “Whether the candidacy of Oyinlola as a nominee of the South West Zonal Chapter of the PDP and his consequent election to the office of National Secretary at the National Convention in March 2012 were not invalid, null and void in the combined circumstances of the said order and judgement of the Federal High Court...”

Take us to court, party tells Aregbesola SINA FADARE

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State has challenged Governor Rauf Aregbesola to drag it to court if actually he did not embark on projects to siphon the resources of the state. In a statement issued yesterday by its Director of Media and Strategy, Prince Diran Odeyemi, the party said that “we are aware that the Ogbeni Aregbesola as a governor enjoys immunity asking PDP to go to court as a response to series of financial recklessness we mentioned is not the right answer from a responsible and responsive government” Odeyemi challenged the governor to declare publicly how much has released for planting of flowers from Asejire border town of Osun State to Osogbo and its benefit to the peo-

ple of the state. “We alleged that N651 million was spent on bangers (fire works) in December, N4.7billion on decoration during last Xmas as well as claims of feeding muslims in the ongoing Ramadan period while another N2 billion was said to have been spent in renovating the Governor’s Office which is apart from the N1.5 billion said to have been spent on reconstruction of the roundabout in front of Government Secretariat, Abere in Osogbo, rather than tell us the accurate figures of expenditure they said PDP will be taking to people’s court “The incontrovertible analysis from this is that the sum of N78million is monthly being siphoned on the O-YES scheme alone, yet, Mr Aregbesola is creating the impression that he is prudent with resources of Osun State,” the party said.

Politics

FELIX NWANERI writes on the recent calls by the Boko Haram Islamic sect and the Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), for President Goodluck Jonathan to resign.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Resignation calls: A goodwill gone sour

as President Goodluck Jonathan squandered the goodwill which saw him win the 2011 election in a landslide? That is the question on the lips of many Nigerians as calls for his resignation grow by the day across the country. Although there have been several calls in the past for the President to step down over what members of the opposition termed as “inefficiency” of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government at the centre, none has evoked more reactions than the recent one by the Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). This is so because similar calls by the various opposition political parties, individuals, civil society groups and even the Boko Haram Islamic sect in the recent past, were viewed by many as motivated by political interests. That of the Boko Haram sect was particularly described as laughable, not only by the Presidency, but most Nigerians. The sect’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, it will be recalled, had penultimate week, in a video released online asked President Jonathan to convert to Islam or resign. “You should abandon this ungodly power, you should repent and forsake Christianity,” Shekau said. But the Presidency, which quickly described the call as “blackmail,” said: “When Nigerians voted overwhelmingly for President Jonathan in the 2011 general election, they knew they were voting for a Christian. As president, Jonathan is the leader of both Muslims and Christians. It amounts to sheer blackmail for any individual or group to ask the President to convert to Islam. The President cannot be intimidated by any group or individual. The President will never resign. Nobody should imagine that he will succumb to blackmail.” The President’s kinsmen under the aegis of Christian and Muslim leaders in Bayelsa State equally dismissed the call although they prevailed on the Federal Government and security agencies to step up efforts to curtail bomb attacks and reckless killing of innocent people in the country. The religious leaders, in a communiqué issued after an interactive session convened by the Special Adviser to Governor Seriake Dickson on Civil Society Matters, Faithful Toifatei, in Yenagoa, said Boko Haram contravened the constitutional right of individuals to freedom of religion, by asking the President to change his faith. They said: “We as religious stakeholders in the state do condemn the activities of the religious sect, Boko Haram, and also the recent comment credited to the sect to the effect that President Jonathan should convert to Islam or resign his office.” But unlike the Boko Haram call, that of the Northern CAN last Sunday, seems to have stirred a hornet’s nest as the group is one not to be dismissed with ease, given the composition of its membership. Ironically, the call was spurred by the President’s comment on the outlawed sect. The president was quoted to have said he

Jonathan

IF IT IS HIS RESIGNATION THAT WILL BRING ABOUT

NIGERIA, LET HIM RESIGN. TO ME, IT HAS BECOME PEACE IN

ABUNDANTLY CLEAR THAT PEACE IN

NIGERIA MAY NOT BE ACHIEVED BY THE

PRESIDENT

could not crush the sect because “they are our siblings and you cannot set the army to wipe out your family.” This was however viewed by the Christian body as a shield for the group at the expense of the lives of innocent people. Series of bombings by members of the group have claimed thousands of lives, especially Christians. In a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Sunday Oibe, the association said that apart from the explanation been an indication that the country was in a helpless situation as the President “does not seem to understand the aim of the sect to destabilise his administration,” his insistence not to use force on terrorists who have continued to kill other Nigerians and threaten the corporate existence of the country, was shocking to it. The statement read in part: “What he (Jonathan) is telling us now is that there is nothing he can do about it, but we know that the Federal Government has the capacity to stop the madness being unleashed on Nigerians. However, it is now obvious that the President will rather shield crimi-

nals… “Jonathan has failed us Christians, he has failed Nigerians and he should resign because by this statement, it is very clear that he is not capable of handling the danger pose by the Boko Haram insurgency.” A quick response from the Presidency, however, described the resignation call as misguided. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said while the Federal Government is compelled to sympathise with the Christian community in the North who have suffered incessant bloodshed as a result of the activities of the Boko Haram sect, asking the President to resign was ill-advised. Okupe said the security challenges in the country, especially in the North, were being handled with total devotion and commitment. His words: “Since this menace started about a year ago, the unwavering support and commitment of President Jonathan through massive deployment of resources, acquisition of hi-tech security equipment and other infrastructure have been seriously overhauled and enhanced.” “It is a fact that 60 per cent of the programmed attacks of the Boko Haram are frustrated or stopped even before they happen,” he added, appealing for understanding from the Christian community, even as he noted that the Boko Haram challenges had become very sophisticated with classifications into religious, criminal and political dimensions. Okupe also re-echoed the government’s assurance that the security challenges would soon be over, noting that it took the British government more than 28 years to contain the Irish Revolutionary Army (IRA), while the Sri-Lankan Tamil Rebels and Oman insurgency in Morocco were subdued in 27 and 16 years, respectively. He also noted that Nigerian Armed Forces have the capacity to contain all in-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

surgent attacks within days, but explained that such an action would be expensive at a great collateral damage to the civilian populace, hence the need for patience. But a former governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Lam Adesina, however believes that Nigerians are running out of patience and therefore advised the President to resign, if it will bring the desired peace. Speaking at a Ramadan lecture in Ibadan, Adesina, who is a chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), said: “After a thorough assessment of the situation, it is my belief that we must achieve peace at this point in time because if there is no peace now, then Nigeria is going to collapse. “Therefore, while I am calling on the Boko Haram sect to soft-pedal, I am also calling on President Jonathan, if it is his resignation that will bring about peace in Nigeria, let him resign. To me, it has become abundantly clear that peace in Nigeria may not be achieved by the President. These people are bent on evoking violence on the people of this country.” The founder of the O’odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Dr. Frederick Fasehun, however disagreed with the position and urged the President not throw in the towel. Fasehun said: “It will be a bad precedence for a president to leave his office because of terrorists demanding his removal. “We cannot override the National Assembly to remove him, if the people think he deserves to be removed,” he added, noting that only a fool would play the ethnoreligious card in contemporary Nigerian politics. “Religion has no place in Nigerian politics or government. Everybody seems to want to stop Nigeria to jump out of this troubled boat. Everybody is thinking of his primordial interest above national interest. Nobody seems genuinely committed to the unity of Nigeria, which is very worrisome,” Fasehun said. While the debate raged, a twist developed on the matter, Tuesday, as some persons within government circle tried to put the Northern CAN under pressure to retract its statement. In a veiled threat to the association, the Special Adviser to Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State on Religious Matters, Rev. Joseph Hayab, warned religious leaders across the country against overheating the nation’s polity with inflammatory statements that could cause disaffection. Hayab said the statement urging the President to resign was capable of inciting “Northerners and especially Christians against the Jonathan administration.” The governor’s aide who is a former secretary of the Kaduna State chapter of CAN, further said: “Northern CAN has no quarrel with the statement by President Jonathan that it would not be the preference of the government to send in soldiers to wipe out Boko Haram for the simple reason that they are faceless and when soldiers are sent in to wipe out a faceless group, it is the innocent that suffers.” Although this is not the first time that the President would be confronted by calls for resignation, which however did not see the light of the day, analysts are of the view that the rate at which groups and individuals that hitherto backed his presidential bid in 2011, despite stiff opposition by some political leaders in the North, are calling for his resignation points to fact that urgent steps need to be taken to curb the administration’s fast dwindling support by Nigerians.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Senate Minority Leader: The bell tolls for Akume Former governor of Benue State, Senator George Akume is fighting a battle of his life to save his job as the Senate Minority Leader, writes AYODELE OJO.

his is definitely not the best of times for Senator George Akume, the Senate Minority Leader. While most of his colleague - senators are currently junketing across the globe enjoying their annual vacation, Akume is sitting tight at home, waging a political battle that has all the trappings of defeat. If anybody had forecast the present travails for Akume, an Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) senator, a few months behind, he would probably have spat on the person right in his face. Akume’s problems appear to have been forewarned notwithstanding. By his own admission, shortly after the National Assembly commenced its annual vacation last month, he (Akume) received a telephone call from one of his colleagues who said he called to wish the Benue politician a happy recess. Instead of reading in-between the lines and interpreting the message as a politician, Akume merely described the remarks as the height of treachery and never took any pre-emptive steps to forestall the impending danger. Akume’s reaction probably demonstrated how naïve and inexperienced the lawmaker was with the politics of the National Assembly. If he had been versed in the politics of Nigeria’s parliament, he probably would have recalled that most of the plots that led to the removal of past principal officers of the National Assembly were either hatched or executed during vacation periods. Later, as the plot to remove him continued to thicken, Akume belatedly began to realise that the threat for his ouster was for real. One of the moves he took to avert the impending danger was to let the whole world know about it. In a reported encounter with some Senate correspondents, Akume was said to have told the whole world that there were moves by some political elements to destabilise the current stability of the Senate and truncate its leadership structure for their selfish gains. He said some people he described as “treacherous elements” were targeting to destabilise and weaken the minority leadership in the Senate, which he currently heads. The lawmaker said the forces are sponsoring certain unfounded political issues fabricated to pave the way for his removal as Minority Leader but noted that the minority groups were united and would resists such attempts. “There are certain people who are sponsoring this thing. Somebody is going round mobilising malicious fabrications against me. This is politics and we have a situation of anomy where norms and values appear to have broken down. I have said that human history is replete with people with inordinate ambitions,” he said. Asked if he has any problem with members of his party or the party leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Akume said there was

Akume

no crack in the ranks of the minority in the Senate, adding that he was also in good terms with his members as well as the party leader. “Our party is a highly disciplined party. We are united. I don’t have any problem with the leader of my party. I have no problem with Asiwaju. We have no problem whatsoever. This thing has nothing to do with Asiwaju. Asiwaju is at home with virtually every Nigerian,” he said However, one of the senators who is in the vanguard of impeaching Akume and who spoke to National Mirror on condition of anonymity accused the Senate Minority Leader of providing weak leadership for the entire minority senators, such that their majority counterparts in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) often make a mockery of the minority senators and take them for granted in the affairs of the Senate. He also alleged that Akume was in the habit of either coming late to plenary or maintaining long absence from Senate sittings. It was further alleged that Akume was in the habit of exhibiting unseriousness on the floor of the Senate whenever he was required to second motions or contribute to debates. “If you are conversant with what is going on at the Senate, nobody will tell you that the opposition have lost their voice in the Senate because of the type of leadership foisted on us, this is quite clear. We are only opposition senators by name as you can see from what is going on in the Senate. I wish we can regain our voice and play our role as true opposition senators,” the opposition senator said. This same unserious attitude to public service, according to the opposition senator, was exactly the same attitude Akume exhibited during the eight years that he governed Benue state. The opposition senator further told National Mirror that the game plan is to conclude the removal of Akume this vacation

period so that by the time the Senate resumes in September, a new minority leader will be announced. He also revealed that the Senate President David Mark has been properly briefed about the position of the opposition minority senators concerning Akume. Meanwhile, the Benue State politician has been going about blaming his present political woes on a particular minority senator from the North-East who he described as being more PDP than his own opposition political party. National Mirror gathered however that opposition to Akume is not limited to an individual alone or a particular political party but it cuts across all the opposition parties, including even the PDP. However, while other members of the opposition political parties openly expressed their distaste with Akume’s style of leadership, unfortunately for senators from the ACN stock, none of them has ever dared to come out in the open to voice his or her concerns about Akume, obviously for the

THE OPPOSITION HAVE LOST THEIR VOICE IN THE

SENATE BECAUSE

OF THE TYPE OF LEADERSHIP FOISTED ON US, THIS IS QUITE

CLEAR.

WE ARE ONLY

OPPOSITION SENATORS BY NAME...

I WISH

WE CAN REGAIN OUR VOICE AND PLAY OUR ROLE AS TRUE OPPOSITION SENATORS

fear of incurring the anger of Tinubu, the leader of their party. Akume’s emergence as the Senate Minority Leader remains one of the very wonders of the 7th Senate. In the build-up to the constitution of the principal officers of the 7th Senate, only a very few watchers of the politics of the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly gave Akume a chance in the first place. Right from the onset, he was never in contention for any of the principal offices of the Senate, let alone the minority leader. Also, Akume hails from the same Benue State as the Senate President, Mark, a factor that ordinarily should have worked against him. The initial choice for the position was Senator Ganiyu Solomon representing Lagos West. Indeed, it was an obvious fact that if the position had been thrown open for contest, Solomon would have emerged a clear choice. But once Tinubu stepped in and took a decision on the issue and handed the position to Akume, expectedly, all other minority senators, albeit ACN senators had no choice but to give way to the Benue politician. This is why the opposition senators are determined to do what they described as the right thing now by positioning Solomon to take over from Akume once the plot for his sack sails through. The choice of Akume was to position ACN as a national party and not a regional party, which Solomon’s candidacy would have portrayed. Sensing the gravity of the current battle as one he cannot wedge all alone, Akume appears not to be leaving any stone unturned. One of the panicky steps he took a few days ago was to activate the political machinery of his party, the ACN to come to his rescue. It was therefore not surprising that the spokes person of the ACN, Lai Mohammed issued a statement last weekend passing a vote of confidence on Akume. While exonerating its members from the political coup being plotted by antidemocratic forces, ACN noted that the Senate would prefer a stooge rather than “our principled and disciplined Senator Akume.” ACN alleged that the forces of reactionary in the hallowed chamber decided to venture into such uncharitable venture because of the growing popularity of the party and the battle for the soul of Benue State. The party noted that what the ruling PDP was trying to do was to give a dog a bad name in order to hang it. “Is the plot to remove Senator George Akume as the party’s senate minority leader not part of the desperate plot of the ruling PDP’s to give the impression to Nigerians that we are a tribal party, especially when we remove Senator George Akume and replace him with a senator from the South-West,” the party queried? Mark has washed his hands off the plot to remove Akume as the Minority Leader. “I am not a member of the minority parties. I do not attend the meetings of the minority parties. How then do I get involved in the plot to remove the minority leader? Election or nomination of officers of the party in the National Assembly is the exclusive preserve of the political parties,” he said. As it is, Akume’s fate hangs in the balance

Politics

No doubt, Nigeria since independence has battled to survive as a nation under poor leadership, amidst threats to her existence. SINA FADARE presents the views of Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State on critical issues as expressed recent lecture. Leadership challenges Nigerians mistrust and distrust their leaders, whether they are politicians, captains of industry, faith-based clerics, media watchdogs or civil society activists. I suppose as an active participant who has been asked to reflect on current challenges in the polity, my task is not to bemoan the fate of our troubled institutions in the polity. A progressive participant-observer in my view would want to call attention to what must be done to increase the population of those who access power with a view to serving the people and launching the country on an irreversible path of development. He would want to reflect, for example, on what is the place of values in politics? How can transactional politics be replaced by transformational leadership? How should institutions of state be strengthened to ensure effective checks and balances? What should be done to promote internal democracy in political parties? How should leaders and the led work together? What systems and processes should be put in place for genuine empowerment of the citizens towards the attainment of full rights? In short, how can excellence become the habit in our beleaguered nation? It is for this reason that I strongly believe that leaders – be they politicians or non-politicians should worry because their ability to lead effectively is being seriously undermined by the desertion of average citizens from the public space, deepening the crisis of legitimacy in the country. Yet, this lack of legitimacy cuts both ways. When we the people withdraw our trust in leaders or discountenance politicians, we make our democratic institutions less effective and risk making ourselves ungovernable. People’s expectations For too long, our political culture has perpetuated the myth that strong leaders can bring about change singlehandedly – rather than convert the formal authority derived from legitimate electoral mandate into a process of democratic renewal. In my own view, real leadership ought to involve motivating people to solve problems within their own communities, rather than reinforcing the over-lordship of the state on citizens. The authoritarian residues of politics continue to see leaders as magicians with all the answers to societal problems – hence the immeasurable disappointment when they fail to leave up to this exaggerated expectations. They hoped for real and immediate dividends in employment, clean water, affordable shelter, accessible health care, improved education, reliable and consistent power supply, rehabilitated roads and food on the table. While we generally enjoy a qualitative air of freedom in the last decade, there is still despair, despondency and disillusionment about material dividends of this democracy. Strong institutions The most practical way to link individual choice to collective responsibility is to participate in the institutions that influence our lives. We must ensure that formal and informal institutions are democratised and giving more responsibilities for exercising state power. To do it well, we have to see Nigeria as a permanent enterprise that has to be fought over and restructured in order to provide cover for all Nigerians. Understandably, if you make political discourse more negative as some do – you deliberately turn ordinary people off politics; more people grow cynical and stop paying any serious attention to politics. This experience is not unique to us in Nigeria; in fact it is the crisis that democracy is experiencing all over the world, with low turnout at the polls and scant regard for political leaders. Yet, if we as citizens choose not to play a part in this process of activism in our communities and our state, we will get the politicians we deserve, allow the hijack of the political realm by special interests, religious bigots and ethnic jingoists only

Thursday, August 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria must be rescued from bad governance – Fayemi As long as the country is not lucky to have visionary leaders who can see beyond the immediate and proffers solutions to the lingering national questions that are daily begging for answers, quest for way forward will always be a centre of focus in any national discourse.

Fayemi

keen in the promotion of their narrow agendas. So, being political is being patriotic and we all must be ready to leave our comfort zones to embrace active engagement. Developmental democracy Genuine democracy ought to rest on a much richer ecology of associational and organisational life and should be nourished and reproduced through everyday struggles of the citizens. Operating in the practical field of politics, I have come to realise how detached many citizens are from the institutions and structures that should ordinarily empower them to engage the state. To enable the citizens to engage, they must feel and actually be empowered to have oversight of their own state agencies and functions. They should be given local input and control in a genuine and open, not tokenistic and patronage-based, manner. Giving communities a role in their own development is the essential part of dismantling the command mentality which plagues our country today. There is no doubt that the democracy we are enjoying today continues to be threatened by severe internal contradictions. Nowhere are the limits of the democratic project in Nigeria more apparent than in the question of creating appropriate institutional arrangements for the political accommodation and management of social diversities and difference. By its very nature, democratic politics has radically altered the existing social boundaries and divisions, accentuating hitherto dormant identities and conflicts. The consequences of the relationship between the two have not only posed a challenge to those who seek to understand these dynamics, it has also placed a question mark on the very viability of Nigeria’s democratic enterprise. The lethality of many of these conflicts has been transformed in scope and intensity with the unrestricted availability of small arms and unemployed youths.

WE NEED LEADERS WHO HAVE A CLEAR VISION OF THE FUTURE, WHO SEE

CHARACTER AS DESTINY, WHO ADVOCATE VALUES-DRIVEN

REORIENTATION, WHO DON’T JUST MOUTH TRANSFORMATION

Security challenges With bombs going off incessantly in the Northern part of the country in particular and an increasing level of panic in other parts of the country, thinking of innovative ways of accommodating social diversity in a democratic frame is a challenge that is at once intellectual and political and it is perhaps the greatest challenge to democratic transition and security in our country today. Consequently, it is my view that we must at least see what is happening in Nigeria today as an outcome of the nature of the country’s democratic transition. It is an argument for treating Nigeria’s democratisation project as a work in progress, not as a condition for hopelessness. Poverty in Nigeria has not bred radical politics, but radical religious, ethnic and opportunistic agendas. Those who in the last decade would have eked out a living in the informal economy, are beginning to turn to the criminal economy to effect direct redistribution of wealth through the rising tide of terrorism, armed robbery, assassinations and kidnappings which form the backdrop to an increasingly brutalised society. Unemployed youths, when they do not become criminals, join vigilante organisations which supplant the job of the security forces by dealing out direct justice – at which point this threatens the state’s supposed monopoly on the legitimate use of force? Also, beyond this, they become thugs-for-hire, abused in their vulnerability by their scheming elders, who expend them in gang fights over electoral wards or dispose of them for a few hundred Naira in order to destabilise towns and cities for sectarian advantage. Way forward The immediate challenge for all of us is to concentrate on how to rescue our people from bad governance. Unless the critical mass of our people cutting across age, gender, zones and party and political affiliations adopt the same positions, with a more clearly defined collective agenda, the current approach to solving our problem will not suffice. There is an urgent need to build coalitions and permanent platform in the public sphere that is beyond party and personalities, but all embracing enough to those who subscribe to the core values of integrity, honesty and dedication to transformation in Nigeria. The task of such an allembracing platform must not be limited to reforming the institutional framework of the state alone. It must also focus on leadership and conduct in public life; the constitution and the legal framework of the federal state; human rights, militarism and civil violence; public sector management, transparency and accountability as well as visible economic progress and wealth creation for the ordinary citizens. I am convinced that the ordinary people in Nigeria are committed to democracy and genuinely want to see it work. Herein lies my hope about the future. This hope is certainly not bleary eyed optimism. It is not even the optimism that the crisis of governance in our land will simply disappear or that journalists will stop being cynical; it is not the hope that political impunity would stop being the name of the game, overnight. I am talking about the hope of our founding fathers in the struggle for independence and freedom. I am talking about their unshaken belief in our inalienable right to rule ourselves. We need leaders who have a clear vision of the future, who see character as destiny, who advocate values-driven reorientation, who don’t just mouth transformation, who are compassionate about changing the decrepit plight of our people, who act with integrity and ethics, who create an entrepreneurial mindset and capabilities in followers, who see leadership as service and responsibility and who are not content with mediocrity. We must move away from transactional politics to transformative leadership.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Views

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Unemployment as a time bomb MANY POST NYSC EXISTENTIAL HUMANISM

FRY

NDUBUISI

GRADUATES ROAM THE STREETS OF

NIGERIA

FOR YEARS LOOKING FOR ELUSIVE JOBS

fryndubuisi@nationalmirroronline.net (08023016709 SMS only)

he prevailing unemployment situation in Nigeria gives cause for concern. It is difficult to see how the nation’ economy is being rated high and yet lacks employment generating capacity. Renowned scholars and analysts have wondered how the country continues to experience unemployment despite being rated as one of the world’s fastest growing economies. The Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) puts the unemployment rate in the country at about 24 percent by the end of last year. Speculation is, however, rife that the unemployment rate is about 37.7 percent. The Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN) has put at 834 the number of factories that have closed down in the last one year, a development which resulted in the loss of thousands of jobs. While it is necessary to have accurate figure of the unemployed for proper planning, the signs of this syndrome is everywhere; and addressing it calls for concerted actions. With well over 300 universities, poly-

technics and colleges of education, leading to the production of over one million graduates annually, it is obvious that the Nigerian economy is not developed enough to absorb even 20 percent of this number. This is why many post NYSC graduates roam the streets of Nigeria for years looking for elusive jobs. Some of them have resorted to odd jobs to keep body and soul together. It is not uncommon these days to see Nigerian graduates ride okada to make ends meet. Many others leave the country in droves for greener pastures abroad. By this development we as a people are gradually losing both the body and the spirit that give hope to our nation. The youths that have skills and commensurate education remain the backbone and the engineroom of a nation. It is absurd for such people to idle away. Some have lost their lives in aborted efforts to migrate for greener pastures. A visit to any foreign embassy in Nigeria will reveal the precarious situation in the country now. Nigeria should be embarrassed that its nationals are daily being deported

from Europe, Asia, America, and even from third world countries like ours. Not quite long ago a batch of horrible looking Nigerian youths deported from Libya had tales of woes to tell. At the extreme level, some of these idle but capable hands have resorted to sophisticated forms of criminalities. Armed robbery has assumed new forms and shapes. Previously, armed robbers operate at nights and in isolated places, but now it is in broad daylight, and their targets are financial institutions and blue chip companies. Kidnapping has been turned into a thriving industry and it is second to terrorism in bestiality. Go to South South and South East regions for proofs. The ransoms paid for victims have transformed many lives. The big puzzle is how such money exchanges hands without detection. The governments must be pro-active in addressing this disturbing phenomenon. It is sad that the nation has sunk to this level, becoming almost a laughing stock in the comity of nations. We are yet to fully realize the potentials of all the huge budgets we make annually. While it is a reality that there is a flicker of hope from the power sector as a result of the privatization programme now going on, there is nothing to cheer about yet until all the industries that were closed down as result of power outages roar back to life .We are waiting to see the same flicker of hope in agriculture and transportation sectors. It

has been said severally that agriculture has immense potentials to reduce the level of unemployment in the country. But this cannot be given the uncoordinated actions of stakeholders and the hypocrisy of the various government agencies entrusted with this all important sector. You cannot make agriculture attractive and productive until it is modernized and mechanized. To realize the full potentials of agricultural sector, there must be good feeder roads to the rural areas, in addition to the establishment of agro allied industries. There is no pride in any nation that cannot feed its teeming population. The unemployment situation the nation faces should be seen as a serious threat to peace and stability, and this cannot be handled by mere proclamation. It requires concrete actions. If for instance we hear that the Ajaokuta steel complex or Oshogbo steel rolling mills has gone into production, or that the promised private petroleum refineries are ready to go on stream with the old ones rehabilitated and restored to installed capacity, Nigerians will cheer up and be hopeful that jobs will be available. But to promise to create million of jobs when there is no visible sign for its actualization, is a mere exercise in grandstanding. Professor Ndubuisi, an attorney at law, is of the Department of Philosophy, UNILAG

On the damning World Bank’s corruption report

eport of a World Bank study released last Monday stated that about 80 percent of businesses in Nigeria paid bribes to government officials in 2011 to remain in business. I see this as the latest of the damning “treatises” of international provenance that cast dark shadow on the nation’s socio-economic climate. Recall that credible organisations like USbased Human Rights Watch have over the years published unsavoury reports concerning pervasive corruption that rocks numerous institutions in the country and indict the mighty in the society. The World Bank latest report, which focused on investment climate in Nigeria, stated that one-third of the country’s micro-enterprises claimed that “informal payments/gifts to government officials” were common occurrences in 2011 and that they had to put up with this unethical graft culture to remain competitively in business. The report further stated that these customary, albeit informal payments/gifts, approximated 1.2 percent of annual sales for all micro-enterprises in the year under review. The report was said to have been compiled from empirical findings in the survey conducted in 26 of the 36 states of the federation. The states that reportedly furnished the damning statistics are Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Delta. Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti and Gombe. Others include Imo, Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi and Kwara states. The rest are Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara states. Although the so-called findings would be no news to anyone already well informed

about Nigeria socio-economic climate, nonetheless it constitutes yet another depressing statement about our dear country. It also puts question marks on the efficacy of our much vaunted official counter-measures against corruption. Since the inception of the current democratic dispensation, the establishment’s aversion to corruption and the counter measures put in place have always been blared from rooftops. President Olusegun Obasanjo remarkably vowed in his inaugural speech in 1999 that he would fight corruption to a standstill and that “there would be no sacred cow.” That promise has always been refrained by successive governments. Now to the posers. Why is it that 13 years after the first and consequent serial “covenants” to root out corruption were made, the menace is still maximally alive, festering and breeding with unbridled fecundity? Why is it that no single sector has been cured of the chronic affliction? Why has Nigerian picture continued to remain blacker as we sink deeper into morass of graft? Why have informed people, outside the establishment, been disenchanted and in despair that the battle might never been won if Nigeria remains Nigeria? Well if all the claims that had been made about fighting corruption are genuine, we are yet to see the palpable results! The reason is because corrupt practices are thriving in all the institutions, exists among all classes of people and manifest at personal levels. The executive, which is the primal institution, breeds it, the legislature consolidates it, the judiciary, to some extent, affirms it, and even the fourth es-

MANY NIGERIANS WOULD AGREE THAT THE MEMBERS OF THE

NIGERIAN POLICE

KAYODE

KETEFE

COULD REALLY BE THEIR FIENDS tate of the realm and proverbial watchdog, the media, to reasonable extent, condones it! Whence the salvation will come? In the Nigerian Police Force, corruption has gone to such level that potential informant is afraid of disclosing vital information for fear of in-house betrayal. This writer had once visited a police station where the mantra, “POLICE ARE YOUR FRIENDS”, was hung on the wall. Whether it was out of mistake, illiteracy or whatever, the message was rendered “POLICE ARE YOUR FIENDS” Wow! What a Freudian slip! Somebody who noticed the error inserted the omitted letter “R” between letters “F” and “I” with a pen. I had a good laugh over this involuntary self-confession! Many Nigerians would agree that the members of the Nigerian Police could really be their fiends. If they are not demanding and collecting bribe left right, right and centre, they would be making victims of innocent Nigerians through their infamous accidental discharge. This is not to talk of substituting torture for thorough investigation and forensic research, to elicit confessions under duress. Furthermore, our once hallowed judi-

kketefe@nationalmirroronline.net 08032147720 (SMS only)

ciary has now been reduced to a moribund institution, and from international reckoning, to a joke! You remember Justice Isa Salami (rtd) and Justice Iyorgeher Katsina-Alu (rtd) saga and the former Governor James Ibori’s paradox - the infamous “freed at home and jailed abroad” conundrum? The private sector is also putrefying with fat maggots of corruption dancing gleefully all over the socio-economic space. The scandals in private cum official sector are too numerous to be enumerated! Remember the Halliburton, the Willbros and the recent oil subsidy scam debacle? Well, unless we just manage to find solution to the problem of corruption, other associated problems like insecurity and social upheaval would continue to haunt us. Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.netmirrorlagos@ 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

Thursday, August 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

STEVE AYORINDE



MD/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

YELE AKINROLABU



ED OPERATIONS

SEYI FASUGBA



DAILY EDITOR

BOLAJI TUNJI



SUNDAY EDITOR

GBEMI OLUJOBI



SATURDAY EDITOR

LANRE OYETADE



GENERAL EDITOR

DOZIE OKEBALAMA



COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD

ADESOYE ADEKOYA



CONTROLLER, PRODUCTION

CALLISTUS OKE



EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR

ISE-OLUWA IGE



ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

KAYODE BALOGUN JNR



SM, STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT

FRANK OBOH



HEAD, GRAPHICS

Aviation minister’s contentious foreign investment drive

he purported foreign investment campaigns mounted by the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah and other top government officials have drawn the ire of industry stakeholders who doubt the genuineness and profitability of the ‘road shows’. Before the current 10-day campaigns in selected cities in China, Canada, and the United States of America, the Aviation Ministry had organized a similar road show in Dubai and a domestic campaign in Abuja, the rewards of which are yet to be evaluated. The current intercontinental investment drive, according to the aviation ministry, targets harvesting foreign “investment baskets” to fill the gaps in infrastructure deficits in the aviation industry. Another reason advanced was that it would enable the participants to study the airspace policies and airports of the countries covered and compare them with the situation in Nigeria to identify areas of inadequacies. The aviation ministry says this would help President Goodluck Jonathan’s regional transformation initiative, enhance economic growth, reduce over reliance on oil revenues, promote culture and tourism as well as safety, and drive rapid transformation of the aviation industry. The attention of foreign investors is said to be needed for the pro-

posed four new national airports in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano; and the development of “aerotropolis” to upgrade other existing airports. The aviation ministry’s pet project of remodeling 11 airports in the country at the cost of N7.5bn had pitted the ministry against the National Assembly (NASS) because of what the latter considered the controversial source of funding and the lack of transparency in the award of the contracts. Both chambers of the NASS were piqued by the Executive’s funding of the project from the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) without its approval as required by the Constitution. This, perhaps, contributed to the anger of the Senate against one of its members who allegedly collected $7,000 as allowance to participate in the road show. The said allowance had fuelled public suspicion of an aviation ministry having something to hide and attempting to compromise the integrity of the upper legislature’s oversight functions in the face of inconclusive investigations into the ministry’s role in the recent Dana Air mishap in Lagos. It is regrettable, however, that the nation’s over 12 years of democratic rule has witnessed a rash of rush for foreign investors that have remained largely elusive because of unaddressed,

A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF SUCH ROAD SHOWS MAY BE NEEDED TO SIFT A GENUINE INTENTION FROM A FRAUDULENT GAFFE AND AVOID THROWING AWAY THE BABY WITH THE BATH WATER severe domestic socio-economic infrastructure deficits, especially power supply. Such foreign jamborees popularized by President Jonathan’s predecessors and now being copied by his administration had often placed the cart before the horse, leading to a huge waste of public funds. It may be rightly said that the dramatic turnaround in Ghana’s economic fortunes, for instance, is traceable to the West African country’s determination to redress its hitherto daunting socio-economic and infrastructure inadequacies, including power supply, and the creation of a hospitable environment for industries and businesses to thrive. Ghana’s friendly economic climate and stable power supply, for example, magnetized many industries in Nigeria,

many of whom have since relocated to Ghana. Besides, Nigeria has diplomatic missions in the countries of Oduah’s choice capable of handling the intercontinental road shows. Information about these countries’ airports and aviation policies can also be easily sourced from the Internet or furnished by Nigeria’s embassies. It is also not to public knowledge that the Federal Government has addressed the recurring challenge of power outage at the existing local and international airports in the country; as well as complaints by airline operators of outrageous import duties on newly acquired aircraft and spare parts, among others. The country’s national airline was likewise crippled by bureaucratic ineptitude without any known attempt as yet to revive it, while how the N300bn Aviation Intervention Fund was managed is still contentious. Indeed, the burgeoning public suspicion and fears of the real intention behind the foreign aviation road shows and the rush for the building of new airports seem well founded, considering the rabid corruption pedigree of the nation’s public sector. But still, we think a critical evaluation of such road shows may be needed to sift a genuine intention from a fraudulent gaffe and avoid throwing away the baby with the bath water.

ON THIS DAY August 16, 1989 A solar flare from the Sun created a geomagnetic storm that affected micro chips, leading to a halt of all trading on the Toronto (Canada) stock market. A solar flare is a sudden brightening observed over the Sun’s surface or the solar limb, which is interpreted as a large energy release of up to 6 × 1025 joules of energy. They are mainly followed by a colossal coronal mass ejection also known as a CME.

August 16, 1972 In an unsuccessful coup d’état attempt, the Royal Moroccan Air Force fired upon Hassan II of Morocco’s plane while he was traveling back to Rabat. HM King Hassan II (July 9, 1929 – July 23, 1999) was the King of Morocco from 1961 until his death in 1999. He was the eldest son of Mohammed V, Sultan, then King of Morocco (1909–1961) and his wife Lalla Abla bint Tahar (1909–1992).

August 16, 1945 An assassination attempt was made on Japan’s prime minister, Kantaro Suzuki. Suzuki (January 18, 1868 – 17 April 17 1948) was an admiral in the Imperial Japanese Navy, member and final leader of the Taisei Yokusankai and 42nd Prime Minister of Japan from 7 April-17 August 1945. He narrowly escaped assassination in the February 26 Incident in 1936; and the would-be assassin’s bullet remained inside Suzuki for the rest of his life.

Education Today

Thursday, August 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Uwadiae appointed WAEC Registrar

‘We need a state of emergency in education sector’

Vice Chancellor, Achievers’ University, Owo, Ondo State, Prof. Adebayo Odebiyi, in this interview with HAKEEM GBADAMOSI, traces the source of poor standard of education to the primary and secondary schools and called for a real state of emergency in the education sector. Can you give us an insight into some of the hurdles that are on the way of the nation’s education development? To start with, we must first accept that the nation educational sector is in deep crisis and like I said four years ago when I came in here, there is need for the federal government to declare a state of emergency in the nation’s educational sector. We were focusing on the so-called decline in the quality of tertiary education, but we hardly reflect on the fact that the lower level of education that is feeding the university system is in a terrible mess. Therefore, you really cannot begin to correct the imbalance in the system by looking at the top alone, so we actually need to take a comprehensive view of our educational system from the primary schools. In my view the educational environment that must challenge a young mind that must strike a chord in them that they will always love to be in school must be very impressive. If you look at our primary schools system, apart from the private ones, you will notice that the structures are nothing to write home about – dilapidated buildings, hopeless structures, teachers and students not motivated while the environments are not inviting. In those days we used to have education inspectors that went round to check the activities of students and their teachers. But if we noticed from the period that schools were taken over from the private proprietors, either from the Muslims or Christians who first invested in the education sector and the schools were plunged into the public system and were being supervised by the civil servants, the whole thing started going down. Therefore some of those primary schools that were a showpiece in those days went into a state of neglect to such extents that we now have a situation where kids don’t even want to go schools. I’m talking about an average Nigerian kid, not those who are going to private schools, because that’s where the majority of Nigerians belong. When we were in school, we used to have special corners – the nature section, where we had flowers, birds, insects and all sorts of things. All these are things that attract small children to go to schools and they

will always want to be there. They are no longer there anymore and the teaching profession is also not attractive any longer. How has government’s frequent change of policy and teachers’ attitude contributed to this? Teachers in those days commanded a great respect. Today, the self esteem has gone down drastically, such that they can no longer cope with the stress within the society. Education is a thing of the brain and if you will now have a situation where making ends meet becomes a major challenge, there is no way you can think when you have so many things occupying your mind. The professional training of the teachers and quality of the training begin to drop. When the policy of government begins to somersault and we now begin to play this politics of federal character and the rest, the quality of education begins to drop. So we need to go back to the secondary schools too because that is the primary point that is feeding the university because as of now, majority of the work being done in secondary schools are now objectives which are based on guess work. In those days we had comprehension, composition, and essays. We have to think and unless we understand the structures of that language very well, it’s going to be difficult for us to move ahead. Now we begin to destroy that and we begin to remove substantially the ability of children to be able to think and write and all they have to do is to get there and pass their way through. Now with the advancement in technology – television and all sort of programmes which children watch, the comedian language and the rest have led us to the present situation whereby writing a simple sentence becomes difficult. They now use GSM language in writing. Then we come to the area of science. In those days, before we left the secondary school you would have gone through the process of filtration, boiling point and others at that level. But what they do now is theory of practical and the facilities are no longer there for them to use. Before I went to the university, I knew what a microscope was, most of the equipment were not strange to me but most

Odebiyi

of the students today cannot even know or recognize a microscope. It looks so strange to them. This year, we had to persuade our prochancellor to award some kind of scholarship to encourage those who are interested in science because a nation can only developed through the process of science and technology and we have to develop our own. We have some indigenous projects that must be developed, people must be scientifically trained, they must think scientifically before they can think of how to get things going. So these students are expected to be matured before coming to the universities. What was the situation in your school days, especially in the university? I could remember when we were in the University of Ibadan, nobody bothered to see whether we came to class or not but these days you have to drive the students away from their hostels to the lecture rooms. Even if they are there, a university is not supposed to be a crèche. We are expected to have sufficient matured students who should understand the reasons why they are coming to the university. Now, the nation is expecting the universities to take up the burden of secondary schools as well as the responsibilities of tertiary institutions. And it is even easier for them now because at the click of a button now, they have all the information at their disposal but they would rather prefer to hang up with their laptops to visit sites where they can watch football, pornography and all sorts. It’s unimaginable the kind of things we now find in the universities. There are quite some few of them that are good, they know why they are in the university and with just a little push, they are there but majority of them tend to influence others. Some have also said that the issue of funding should be addressed? Prior to 1975, the university system was well funded, I know this because I was already a lecturer then; whatever you wanted in the laboratory, you got – books were available. But just after the

military took over, they cancelled tuition in 1976 and they did this without studying very carefully what would take the university to survive while doing that. One would expect them to know how much it takes to train a student in the university annually whether they are studying sciences or arts and on that basis, provide for the university, because at the university level there is what we call internally generated revenue which supplements what the federal government gives. So when you cancelled that and you are also removing the IGR, you must find a way to replace that. That was not properly worked out and government started reducing the votes of the universities and the thing started going down gradually to the extent that some of these universities could not pay their lecturers as at when due. For instance, we are all witness to ASSUU agitation. If the agitation had been handled maturely and in an understanding manner, we will get to understand that ASUU is not talking about salaries alone. On a number of occasions they said it over and over again that their struggle was not all about salary but then, we should not bring devastation to the system. Here, nothing is working. We have no light, no water and I want to do certain things which I cannot do so it becomes more frustrating for the academicians. We now have some people becoming Andrew and checking out of the country and the system has become moribund to the extent that what we are still coping with are facilities we used as students. These are some of the things causing paralysis within the system which brought us to the level we are now. Now the next thing is that there is a terrible shortage of staff – even the bigger universities, UI, ABU, Nsukka, which are supposed to be training staff for other universities are affected. Right now, I think we have about 125 universities in the country but most of us have been poaching from one another. Most the professors in those universities have retired and they are the ones being used in most of the private universities.

he Head of the Nigeria National Office of the West African Examination Council (WAEC), Dr. Iyi Uwadiae, has been appointed as the next Registrar for the council. He will assume office at the WAEC’s headquarters in Accra, Ghana on October 1 when the incumbent registrar Alhaja Mulikat Bello, also a Nigerian will retire from the service of the council. Uwadiae, a trained Mathematics teacher joined WAEC in 1985 as Assistant Registrar III and rose through the ranks to become the registrar. A release by the council’s spokesman in Nigeria, Mr. Yusuf Ari, described Uwadiae, who is a member of Nigeria Institute of Management, as an administrator and researcher. In another development, the council has also appointed Mr. Charleston Eguridu as a successor to Uwadiae. Eguridu, who studied Psychology at both undergraduate and a Master degree levels at the University of Lagos, Akoka, joined WAEC in 1985 as Graduate Assistant and rose through the ranks to become the Senior Deputy Registrar Head of International Examinations Department at WAEC’ headquarters in Ghana, the post he held till his new appointment.

Uwadiae

Airtel to adopt nine primary schools

n line with its corporate vision of supporting underprivileged children and uplifting the standard of primary education across the country, a leading telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria, has announced plans to select nine primary schools under its ‘adopt-a-school’ programme. Under the programme, Airtel will renovate and rebuild the selected schools, provide learning materials for the pupils, re-train their teachers and continuously support the schools for an indefinite period. The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the company, Mr. Rajan Swaroop, disclosed this in Lagos at a news conference saying Airtel had already reached an agreement with the relevant State Universal Basic Education Boards for three schools each in Imo, Cross River and Ogun States. He added that the move underlines the company’s commitment to partnering the Nigerian government in providing quality education for children. “Airtel has come to stay in Nigeria. We are not only interested in increasing our investments to build the largest and best network, we are also committed to building a great future for Nigerian children, the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, August 16, 2012

‘Blind students deserve policy support from government’ Mr. David Okon, National President, Nigeria Association for the Blind, graduated with Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of Lagos, Akoka, where he also had his Masters’ degree in Public Administration. He was not born blind; he lost his vision to measles at the age of four. Okon, an activist, in this interview with MOJEED ALABI speaks on the challenges the visually impaired students face in the country, among other issues. Excerpts: How has it being for visually impaired students in the country? Well I will use myself as a case study. In my early days at King’s College, some of my books were actually Braille courtesy of Pacelli School for the Blind in Surulere, Lagos, where I had my early education. Then we had these Irish sisters, who were managing the school at that time who worked very hard to provide some of the books we needed in the format which we could read and understand. That format is called Braille. But that did not last for too long before they left the country and the Nigerian government that was supposed to take up from where they left us was not interested in us. So, at Kings College, I relied on friends, classmates, who read the books either to my hearing or recorded in cassettes. There were a couple of visually impaired students in the school then and we managed to study that way. But of course, at Pacelli School for the Blind, we were actually trained to adopt Inclusive Education whereby you are deeply involved in the whole learning. They knew our teachers would be unable to read Braille and these teachers were not trained on how to teach blind people. At Pacelli, we were taught how to type at least with manual typewriters. We usually type our homework and answers during exams for our teachers to mark. The only disadvantage then was that we were unable to see or go through what we have written. But it’s better today because we are now in the computer age. Any visually impaired student, who decide to use a computer to type fares better, because the computer can read it back to you and you can make the necessary corrections. But those days, your typing was meant for those, who could see and not for you who typed it. At the University of Lagos, when we first started using the device, our questions were brailed but I don’t know what happened and it stopped during my second year. They would get people during exams to read the questions and we just typed the answers. It was not always easy because I had some difficult experiences. I had one lecturer, who insisted that he would not inform the class when he would administer his test. But I thought that the lecturer would allow me to go to the hostel to get my typewriter because it was impossible for me to be carrying my typewriter to class every time in addition to my tape recorder. So, I usually take my tape recorder to class which I use in making my notes in Braille when I get back to the hostel. So, this particular day after teaching for three hours, he started writing on the board. I could hear the grumblings of my classmates. Then someone tapped me and told me that the lecturer wanted to speak with me. So I went to him and he told me that he was administering a test and that he would ask

me the questions and I would provide the answers orally. I told him that this method was not ideal but he simply asked; “are you ready to do your test or not?” Then I was compelled to say I was ready. He asked me the questions and I provided the answers. He told me that I had made four and half over 10. I told him that this would be the last time I would take his test in this manner. This is because if I was allowed to write the answers, I would have time to think before answering. The lecturer did the same thing in the second test and I refused to take it. I begged him to allow me to go to the hostel to get my typewriter but he refused. To cut the long story short, I followed him to his office and I wrote the test. He gave me a much harder and different test but the good thing is instead of me scoring four and half, I scored seven over 10. Then I told him to see the difference and he replied that I was just stubborn. What can you say about the standard of education available to the visually impaired in your time and the one available today? I will be very honest here. Education has become more expensive in the country and much more expensive for the blind. The people currently saddled with the responsibility of giving education to the blind and partially sighted are not too keen or enthusiastic as those who held their positions in the past. When I was at Pacelli, we had two reverend sisters – Sister Camel and Rosario, who were very dedicated to teach us. As late as 11.00pm, these sisters would be brailing books manually. I remember one certain afternoon, Sister Camel, who was the head of the school called me to read from a brailed copy of a book she had made. That was what we also benefitted from in our earlier days before they left the country. Such passion and dedication are no longer there today and unfortunately, the digital age which is supposed to bridge the gap between the sighted and the blind is not achieving such in the country because education for the blind is not funded by the relevant authority as it should. Many private organisations claim they give support to the blind, how would you react to this claim? In terms of scholarship for the visually impaired students, I would like to say that MTN Foundation came up with Science and Technology Scholarship Awards for tertiary institutions about three years ago. When we approached the company that we would be happy if the scholarship scheme could be extended to the visually impaired in higher institutions, we were invited to meetings where they eventually agreed to grant us scholarship. This year alone, the Foundation gave scholarships to 113 students in the first phase even though

Okon

it is willing to give to up to 200 yearly. We have this number in this very first phase because we had difficulties in verifying the results of our members in their respective institutions across the country. There would be other phases and if these current beneficiaries are able to maintain their academic performance of 2.5 grade points, the foundation has promised to continue to support them till they are through with their studies. As at the moment, this is the company that has really offered us massive support hoping other companies could emulate it. What are the criteria for receiving this scholarship? The scholarship is for every visually impaired student in the country, who qualifies under MTN set rules. The students fill the forms, MTN does the screening. What we do is to ensure that every blind student is aware and is given equal opportunity to take advantage. The scholarship is not automatic; you must meet all the requirements and must maintain the standard of your grades to remain on the scholarship. A lot of blind people are still on the streets begging for alms. In your own opinion, how best do you think these people could be empowered? First and foremost, let us look at the factors which make people beg on the streets whether they are blind, disabled or not. I have discussed this issue with people at different fora and some of them will say there are people who just like to beg. Well, I don’t know about that. When I was growing up, I made up my mind that I would never beg. The country is not properly governed. For instance, you will tell the government that we need facilities that are very necessary for the blind and partially sighted; the answer you get all the time is there is no money. Then you will wake up one morning to hear that the House of Representatives discovered that N1.67trn was siphoned out of the government purse. I almost hit my head on the wall. This is the same government we beg for subvention every year and our pleas continue to fall on deaf ears. Countries like Ghana, Mali and Niger are supporting the associations set up for disabled people heavily and Nigeria that prides itself as the giant of Africa cannot. So, it comes down to the fact that the people begging on the streets don’t have other means to survive. See, about two years ago, I sent one of

our members to drop a proposal at Chevron’s office in Lagos and she came back to me to say she discovered that one of our volunteer members was begging for alms at the gate of the company. She said she approached the man and even threatened to report him to the President of the Association of the Blind. The answer the beggar gave was simple; “Tell the president to provide me with the alternative and I will stop begging.” He was right. Can I provide him the alternative? No! When I made my own investigations, I discovered that he was rehabilitated and went through a vocational training but could not afford the cost of getting the equipment needed for soap making which he learnt at the Nigerian Society of the Blind in Oshodi and his best choice was to resort to begging. So, how can they be empowered? Firstly, the government has to accept them whether they are blind or with other disabilities as Nigerians. Nigeria does not have any legislation that protects the rights of persons with disabilities and give them the rights that they need. Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and Liberia all have the necessary legislations and funny enough I’m not talking about USA or other countries in the west, because people will say why am I comparing Nigeria to developed countries, but I am talking about African countries. Until you make people realise that it is their duty to include people with disabilities in their thinking, they will not do it. What advice will you give to parents of visually impaired children especially on their education? For parents, I would say God has chosen them to care and cater for the needs of the blind and partially sighted children. I know that many families do not accept or come to terms with the fact that their wards are blind. In fact, some of them would rather want to hide them. My late uncle asked my father who is also late now, why he was spending so much money on my education at King’s College at the expense of more important things. He went as far as saying that blind people never become anything useful in life. I am sure my father never wanted me to hear but unfortunately I heard. I went to him later that evening and he reassured me that he would continue to train me. So, it is like that with many families. But I urge every family to accept them as part of their children who must also be sent to schools.

Thursday, August 16 , 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ALMA MATER

‘St. Margaret’s Girls Grammar School, Ilesha, needs alumni attention’ Mrs. Sumbo Famuyibo, a trained nurse and businesswoman attended St. Margaret’s Girls Grammar School, Ilesha, Oyo (now Osun) State, between 1974 and 1979. A graduate of University of Ibadan and wife of Chief Reuben Famuyibo, a politician, Mrs Famuyibo shares her secondary school days experience with BANKOLE FAMUYIBO

hile many of her contemporaries were above 12 years old, Sumbo Famuyibo was only 10 when she was admitted to Saint Margaret’s Girls Grammar School, Ilesha, Oyo (now Osun) State, a boarding school, where she spent five years. The school as of that time according to her was arguably the best girls’ school in the entire Ijeshaland to the extent that every parent’s dream was to have their female children enrolled in the school. “Saint Margaret’s Grammar School, Ilesha, then was known for academic excellence, moral discipline and qualitative extra-curriculum activities and parents whose wards were in the school used to be proud of it,” Sumbo declared. Mrs. Cecilia Ibru, the former Managing Director of Oceanic Bank Plc and Mrs. Shonekan, wife of Chief Ernest Shonekan, head of Interim National Government, were among her seniors in the school while her classmates included Bayowa Sagay, Sade Adejuyigbe, Fola Ajijedidu. “I have lost contact with all of them,” she noted. On her most special memory, she recalled an interstate quiz competition where she represented her school with another student against Christ’s High School, Ado Ekiti, Ondo (now Ekiti) State. The competition according to her was aired live on T.V. Channel (WNBS), which is now known as Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). “It was a very tough quiz contest such that we and our opponent maintained the same points for a long time. But a bonus mark eventually gave us the victory. Christ’s School couldn’t answer a question which was ‘who is the Secretary- General of Organisation of African Unity (OAU))? And because I was vast in current affairs, I answered the question correctly. The man’s name was Edem Kodjo and that gave us the victory. The following morning on the assembly, the Principal, Mrs. E.O Alalade, who is now late, announced my name and my partner, Sade Adejuyigbe for commendation over the achievement.” Sumbo, who was the deputy head girl in the final class, explained that students’ itinerant for the days commenced from 5:30am when they had to wake up from bed for them to do some cleaning including bathing. We assembled at the Chapel by 6.30am for prayer meeting and this followed by breakfast 30 minutes later. “On Mondays to Fridays, we resumed lectures at 8.00am and closed by 2.00am. We used to have siesta between 3pm and 4pm and this followed by evening class known as ‘Prep’s after which, we entered into sporting activities and then had our dinner. Every student was expected to be on bed latest by 10:00pm. “We had more of social activities such as dance, debate and quiz competitions on Saturdays while on Sundays being a Christian school, we used to attend church service. This used to be a special event for students. We used to dress in a handmade skirt and blouse uniform and linedup in a long row and walked to the church. The juniors

would be in the front while the seniors following behind and you dare not break the line. Even if y ou see your mother, you wouldn’t think of greeting her. We would walk from Oke- Oye to Iloro while on every last Sunday of the month, we walked further to Omofe, which was about four kilometres away.” she explained. On challenges, Sumbo said the most notable one was that they always go to fetch water from a river in some kilometres away from the school. “It was a scary exercise because we used to pass through a bushy path and sometimes snakes could be crawling past,” she noted. Sumbo favorite’s subjects were English language and Literature but she did not like Mathematics. “I have loved for reading and writing since my childhood days. I used my pocket money to buy books and a newspaper. The interest had always been there for me to read any useful material. But I did not like MathematFamuyibo ics and part of the blame should be for our Mathematics Teacher. He was a quiet man and he would not bother to carry some of us who didn’t show much interest in his subject along when teaching. He knew those who enjoyed his teaching and he gave them more attention,” she declared. Sumbo’s mentor was Mr. Saseun, the school’s vicePrincipal, who she ran into in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, a couple of years back. On the impact of the school on her person, she said she couldn’t quantify that. According to her, the school built in her a solid foundation which is helping her on her career and other endeavours till today. She also said the phonetic she learnt helped her greatly in the United Kingdom where she had worked as a nurse as she was able to understand easily the Britons diction when speaking. “Reading which I had also cultivated then is still part of me till today and there are many benefits from that,” she stressed. When asked to compare education standard of those days with what obtainable today in the country, she said the standard had gone down. To Sumbo, those days, teachers were very committed to their work. They didn’t engage in buying and selling right inside the school and that they

Ogun libraries to be given face-lift - Commissioner TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

ibraries in Ogun State will soon be given face-lift and stocked with up-todate books and journals in order to improve the reading culture of students and members of the public. The state’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Segun Odubela gave

the assurance during his visit to Salamotu Kuku Memorial Library, Ijebu-Ode, which was donated by the Kuku family to the state government in 2006. Odubela, who was conducted round the facility by the state’s Director of Library Services, Mr. Lateef Benson, assured that prompt attention would be given to the leaking roof, cracked walls and the moribund internet facilities. According to him, provision of free education and re-

construction of dilapidated blocks of classrooms in our secondary schools without well stocked libraries may be counterproductive therefore we will immediately step-up action towards ensuring that our libraries are put into proper shape. The commissioner, who also visited the State Library in Sagamu promised that libraries in various secondary schools owned by the state would be improved upon for students to use.

were n o t p a rtial in

their judgment on students’ performance. “Equally,” she explained further, “There was much discipline and respect among students. It was a must for juniors to give respect to the seniors and prefect earned much more respect. On our Visiting Day, which was once a month, no parent irrespective of status was allowed into the hostels to see their wards unless on a visiting day. Asked when last she visited the school, she said she was there a couple of years ago but was not happy to find the school in despair. According to her, the whole place wasn’t look nice like how it was during our days. The buildings were old and the environment wasn’t also good enough. While appreciating the contributions of some alumni of the school to its development, she, however, appealed to other old students to join hands together in bringing back the glory of the school. Sumbo noted that she was an active member of Ibadan branch of the school alumni association, which is called: St Margaret’s Old Girls Association and that her branch holds meeting regularly. “St. Margret’s Girls Grammar School is our root, is our foundation, no matter our position today, we must all as alumni keep identifying with the school for its development,” she concluded.

Lead City University gets new VC BIYI ADEGOROYE

Vice Chancellor has been appointed for Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, with effect from August 1. He is Prof. Olufemi Onabanjo, who until now occupied the position in acting capacity. According to a statement signed by the Registrar and Secretary to the Council of the university, Dr. (Mrs.) Oyebola Ayeni, the appointment of Onabanjo by

the Governing Council followed the consideration of the recommendations of the Joint Committee of the Council and the Senate. The Registrar noted that “having carefully been guided by the provisions of all relevant extant laws, the council expressed satisfaction with the procedure adopted which followed due process, Prof. Onabanjo was selected to succeed the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Johnson Aladekomo, who served the university for seven years.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Education Today

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Preparing female undergraduates for future challenges Sponsored by the South African High Commission in Nigeria as part of its country’s annual Women’s Day celebration, Multichoice Nigeria on Monday assembled a total of 20 final year female students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, for practical workplace experience. MOJEED ALABI reports:

lusola George is a 400 level student of the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Lagos. She has flair for writing and passion for programme presentations on radio or television “because I like to talk very well.” However, as a would-be chemist, Sola felt combining her primary course of study with her innate potentials might be difficult. Therefore, she would like to pick up employment with either Unilever Company or Procter and Gamble as soon as she finishes her National Youth Service Scheme programme upon graduation from the university. “These were my thoughts before I attended this programme but now I know that my course of study is no obstacle to my dreams of being a writer or a programme presenter because I have met people like Dolapo Oni who studied Chemistry like me but now a presenter,” Sola said. Similarly, Sola’s schoolmate and final

Head of Communications, Multichoice, Mr. Segun Fayose (middle) with participants at the event

year student of the Department Economics of Education, Ogun Tolulope, had always loved photography as a vocation she could spend her extra time to learn. But her father would not want to understand why a woman would want to be a photographer “rather than choosing a more feminine career.” As a result of the discouragement she receives from her father whenever she raises such idea Tolu had jettisoned the idea of enrolling to learn the trade and was only planning to be a classroom teacher focusing on kids’ training and development. “But today, having met ladies like Sholafunmi Sosanya and Bukky Olabanjo of M-NetAfrica explaining how their proficiency at camera handling has earned them their new profession, I promise that my next task is to learn photography as soon as possible,” Tolu pledged. These are just two of the 20 students, who,

on Monday, participated in the third edition of the annual “Take a Girl Child to Work” programme organised by Multichoice Nigeria, who have discovered the new things in them and are ready to pursue those potentials vigorously. The programme, sponsored by the South African High Commission in Nigeria, is according to the Coordinator, Uche Nwagbaoso, a celebration of the beauties of being a woman and to bring out the qualities in them. She added that it is part of activities to mark the South African Women’s Day which symbolises freedom for women around the globe. Every August 9 in South Africa is set aside to commemorate the national march of women on the same day in 1956, who petitioned against legislation that required African persons to carry the “pass,” that is, special identification documents which curtailed an African’s freedom of movement during the apartheid era.

Uche further added that apart from exposing the participants to role models, interactive and corporate sessions, the programme is also designed to empower them for life after school. One of the models and Line Producer at M-Net Africa, Sholafunmi Sosanya, said she graduated at Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, in Ogun State as a nurse but later turned out to be a presenter. She encouraged the ladies to live above the usual challenges women face in a society like Africa by holding strong beliefs in themselves and not by limiting their scope of thoughts and actions. “When you say; “I am a woman now,” you have already lost the battle. As a woman you have advantage over men because there is hardly anything a man will do that will attract special attention but when a woman does something unusual she becomes a model. Never see marriage as obstacle; I am a responsible married woman and even with pregnancy I act like a man. So, when you don’t see challenges you would never know limitations,” Sholafunmi said. After the class sessions participants were taken round various departments at the Multichoice office at the Victoria Island where they were given roles to play working under the heat of deadline and instructions. According to the company’s Head of Communications, Mr. Segun Fayose, Multichoice would be willing to extend the programme to other higher institutions of learning beyond UNILAG and Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, which are current partners. “We would like to carry along other schools to increase the figure of female students we train as parts of efforts to build a guaranteed future for the African women folk.”

Ogun school wins national IT competition 449 candidates compete for CHINEDUM EMEANA

aptist Boys High School, Abeokuta, Ogun State has emerged overall winner of this year’s Information Technology competition organised by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) for secondary school students across the country. The duo of Ogunba Festus, 16, and Oludare Opeyemi, 15 from the school secured eight straight points to beat 16 other schools at the grandfinale of the contest held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital recently. Ikusemoro Boluwayife and Dada Bunmi Theresa of Chapel Secondary School, Ilorin, Kwara State came second while Kunle Adesina Paul and Esubunor Tega, representing International Secondary School of University of Lagos emerged third.

All 17 schools that participated in the national finals had previously won in their respective zones, with three schools emerging from each of the six geo-political zones, including three from a special zone reserved for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. NCS Education Chairman, Vincent Asor, explained in his address that the purpose of the competition was to prepare young Nigerians for the future by making them become computer compliant. “Like you say English is compulsory in secondary schools, Mathematics is compulsory in secondary schools, the next most important is computer science. So we are trying to make sure that we bring everybody in tune with the reality of what is happening, the trends in the computer industry”. He described the performance of the students as excellent as the

questions they were asked are in tandem with the reality of the times. A teacher from the Chapel Secondary School, Ilorin, Afolayan Roseline commended the organisers for the competition which she said had created a platform for secondary schools in the country to be exposed to Information Technology, adding that the contest had opened doors for a new system for teaching IT in schools as it has shifted attention from theory to a practical-based model. The excited winning pair, Ogunba Festus and Oludare Isreal Opeyemi was grateful to their teachers back to school for preparing them for the competition. While Opeyemi looks forward to pursuing a career in Computer Science, Festus said his dream is to become an Aeronautic Engineer.

Akpobecha condemns cultism in schools BIYI ADEGOROYE

he Delta State Director, Council of Arts and Culture, Mr. Akpobecha Okarefe Napoleon has condemned the menace of cult activities which has penetrated both secondary and primary schools in Nigeria. He made the statement recently at the graduation ceremony and 16th annual prize

giving day/send-off party of Assurance Group of Schools, off PTI road Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State. According to the Director, student cultists engage in examination malpractice, intimidation of fellow students or lecturers for high examination grades, drug addiction, arson, murder, love battles among rival boyfriends and girl-friends, rape, armed robbery and senseless

killings arising from clashes among rival cult groups. Akpobeche categorically stated that cultists are looked upon as antisocial individuals or odd fellows. His words “They are called odd fellows because they engage in evil activities that are detrimental to the society and their own human persons. There is a wise saying that the agent used by Satan to cause destruction gets itself destroyed in the process”.

Jonathan’s scholarship

IJEOMA EZEIKE, ABUJA

bout 449 First Class graduates from various universities across the federation on Monday sat for Aptitude Test for selection for Presidential Special Scholarship Scheme for innovation and development. Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Julius Okojie, who supervised the conduct of the test, said the candidates were those shortlisted from thousand applicants having met the selection criteria. He disclosed that the best 100 candidates from the number would eventually be awarded the scholarship. Prof. Okojie, who emphasised that the selection criteria was purely on merit also debunked claims in some quarters that the criteria used for selection was a deliberate policy to marginalise candidates in certain parts of the country. He clarified that the scholarship was for only students that applied and those qualified were shortlisted for the test, stressing that the NUC had to go the extent of outsourcing the ICT firm to conduct the test in order to free the exercise from any form of abuse. He said: “That is why the membership of the committee of the

Presidential Special Scholarship Scheme comprises a professor, each, who made first class from the six geo political zones, so there was nothing like marginalisation”. Okojie also disclosed that the scheme was part of efforts to create critical mass of manpower towards actualisation of Vision 20:2020 and the government’s Transformation Agenda He said: “Federal Government has plans to develop a critical mass of professionals, who will serve as catalysts of change and agents of scientific and technological advancement. This sustainable economic development will be achieved through the sponsorship of these outstanding students for postgraduate studies in the top 25 universities in the world. “This means only candidates, who have graduated between the 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 academic sessions that are qualified for the scholarship, ‘’he said According to him, the selection was based on graduates who had obtained First Class Honours Degree from recognised and approved universities from various fileds, including Sciences, Medicine, Basic Medical Sciences, Engineering, Economics, Special aspects of Biology, Nuclear Physics, Quantitative Genetics, Medical Biochemistry, Aeronautical engineering, among others.

Education Today

Thursday, August 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FROM OTHER LANDS

Peru: Catholic Church, Varsity fight T over name change

he Rev. Luis Gaspar says the land, buildings and financial resources of Pontifical Catholic University in Lima are the property of the Catholic Church and should be used for educational purposes in line with church doctrine. To its critics in the church, the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru is not deserving of its name. It has spurned the pontiff, they say. It is far from Roman Catholic orthodoxy, they argue. In their minds, the school ought to be called something else entirely. “It’s false advertising,” said Fernán Altuve, a conservative legal expert, who supports a recent order by the Vatican that the school change its name by eliminating references to the pope and the church. “It’s as if I sell you a bottle that says Coca-Cola but what’s inside is Pepsi.” The fight over the name of what is considered one of the top universities in South America is part of a fierce battle over academic freedom and the authority of the Vatican that is unfolding here. La Católica, as the school is known, is the alma mater of many of Peru’s elite, including President Ollanta Humala. The clash has divided the community. “I entered this school because it was the PUCP and I’m one semester away from graduating, and now my degree is going to say something other than PUCP,” said Vesna Gálvez, 25, a law student, using

the school’s Spanish acronym (pronounced pook). “I know the prestige won’t change, but it’s tradition and I’d like to get what I signed up for.” The school, closely associated with the teaching of liberation theology, a movement that emphasises Christianity’s connection to the poor, has refused to change its name or to enact other changes that would give the church more control over its operations. Officials say they are being targeted for a hostile takeover by far-right elements in the church, led by the conservative archbishop of Lima, Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani. “They’ve told us, ‘Hand over your money and obey,’ ” the university president, Marcial Rubio, told a gathering of students and faculty members in the school gym on Wednesday, casting the fight as a battle over the school’s valuable real estate and financial holdings. Mr. Rubio singled out a church spokesman and legal expert, the Rev. Luis Gaspar, accusing him of trying to scare students by suggesting that degrees from the school would not be valid. “Father Gaspar is a terrorist against the university,” Mr. Rubio said, to applause. Culled: The New York Times

Father Gaspar called the comments hurtful. He said that if Mr. Rubio continued to resist the church’s demands, church officials would be forced to con-

sider a range of sanctions, the most serious of which would be excommunication. “They are not currently adhering to Catholic values at that university,” Father Gaspar said. “They have shown rebelliousness to the ecclesiastical authorities, disobedience. This has caused a scandal among faithful Catholics.” In keeping with the order to change the name, Father Gaspar now refers to the school as the “exPUCP.” The church says the school is under the jurisdiction of canon law, which gives church leaders the right to approve the appointment of the university president and oversee its finances. The church also says that the will of a major benefactor who died in 1944 gives it additional claim to the school’s holdings, which include a profitable shopping mall and other real estate. University officials say the school is independent. The university president is chosen by an assembly of school administrators, faculty members and students, as well as a small number of church leaders. University officials disagree with the church’s interpretation of the will, saying they alone control the school’s finances. The two sides tried to negotiate their differences, but the talks broke down. In its latest move, the Vatican signaled that it had lost patience. In a decree

Hong Kong schools protest new curriculum

housands of people took to the streets in Hong Kong last Sunday to protest the introduction of Chinese national education in Hong Kong schools, a day after the city’s education minister warned that such demonstrations would not stop or delay the process. Victoria Park, the traditional starting point for the city’s frequent protests, was a sea of umbrellas as parents shielded their children from the sun. There have been at least two demonstrations since June: Hong Kong’s annual vigil for the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square killings in Beijing, and a protest on the 15th anniversary of Hong Kong’s transfer from British control to

Chinese rule. That protest coincided with the swearing-in of Hong Kong’s new Beijing-backed leader, Leung Chun-ying, on July 1. The protesters on Sunday, including many young families, blocked off parts of the Causeway Bay commercial area as they inched toward the new government headquarters in the city center. Many felt the changes had been rushed through without public consultation. Organisers told Hong Kong’s public broadcaster, RTHK that 90,000 turned out but the police put the figure at 32,000. The new curriculum is similar to the so-called patriotic education taught in mainland China. The materials, including a handbook

titled “The China Model,” describe the Communist Party as “progressive, selfless and united” and criticise multiparty systems, even though Hong Kong has multiple political parties. Critics liken the curriculum to brainwashing and say that it glosses over major events like the Cultural Revolution and the Tiananmen Square crackdown. It will be introduced in some elementary schools in September and be mandatory for all public schools by 2016. Talks between the education minister, Eddie Ng, and the National Education Parents’ Concern Group broke down on Saturday. Mr. Ng later denied that the curriculum was akin to brainwashing. Associated Press

signed July 11, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican’s secretary of state, said the university was not being run in a way that was “compatible with the discipline and morals of the

Sydney Police detain teenagers over assault on mate

church.” As a result, the decree said, the school had lost the right to call itself pontifical or Catholic. Culled: The New York Times

hree teenagers and a woman are being questioned over the gang-bashing of a 14-yearold whose mullet was cut off. The victim told police he was riding his BMX bike through Tandarra Reserve at Shalvey, in Sydney’s west, after school recently when he was ambushed by four males. He suffered severe facial injuries in the attack. Police believed he had been knocked off his bike, then tied to a tree with a piece of cord while his attackers kicked and punched him, cut off his mullet hairstyle and stole the SIM card from his phone.

Chile: Student protest turns violent

T Rev. Luis Gaspar

Seven Ghanaian Students suspend over occultism

even students of the Adidome Senior High School in the Volta Region, Ghana, have been suspended indefinitely for practising occultism in school. The headmaster of the school, Elias Avor, confirmed this to Daily Guide. An occult grandmaster at the school disclosed that occultism in senior high schools across the country was real and prevalent. The occultist, who is a first-year student of the Adidome SHS, made the revelation in a confession after the seven students were busted at their meeting ground. According to the student, he was initiated by one Mallam in Laterbiokoshie-Zongo, a suburb of Accra, along with 15 oth-

ers before being admitted to the school. He noted that the 16 of them were part of other occult groups scattered across senior high schools and tertiary institutions in the country. He said they were scattered in schools in the Eastern, Greater Accra and the Volta regions while other groups could be found in other institutions. According to Daily Guide sources in the school, the grandmaster was part of seven students who were busted by the Chaplain, Rev. Dzata, last Tuesday, July 31, 2012, around 6pm. Apparently, they were meeting behind the administration block while their mates were having supper at the dining hall. Culled: Peacefmonline.com

Fury as A-Level, GCSE examiners told on talented pupils, or to ‘fix’ results in UK fair schools producing high

eachers fear talented children will be held back by plans to limit the number of pupils able to get a top ALevel or GCSE grade. The system, known as ‘comparable outcomes’, means examiners can change marking boundaries to ensure the same number of pupils get the top grades every year. It has been brought in as part of the Government’s efforts to prove exams are not getting “too easy”. But teachers argue it is not

achievers, as they will get a lower grade than they would have in previous years. Ministers have been under pressure to ensure A-levels are not ‘dumbing down’ after a steep rise over the last ten years in the number of pupils achieving top marks. Last year, the number of pupils achieving A grades was pegged for the first time since the late 1980s at 27 per cent, following the introduction of the ‘comparable outcomes’.

he crisis over education reform in Chile remains unresolved despite more than a year of demonstrations by students, teachers and families. The marches have mostly been peaceful but often end with clashes between police in riot gear and vandals armed with sticks, who loot shops and hurl rocks and Molotov cocktails. President Sebastian Pinera’s approval ratings have plunged with the protests that have focused Chileans’ attention on academic and economic inequality. Pinera has refused to radically change the education system. Instead, he has proposed spending about $1 billion on thousands of new scholarships and lowering student loan interest from an average of 6% to 2%. Culled: Associated Press

Fees hike in UK varsity puts 15,000 teenagers off

ome 15,000 teenagers who were expected to apply to higher education courses this summer are “missing” from official statistics, it was claimed. The Independent Commission on Fees – set up to track the effects of the new funding regime – warned that students were most likely to be put off in England, where fees are higher than elsewhere in the UK, writes Graeme Paton for The Telegraph. It insisted that declines in application rates to the most sought-after universities were higher among students from middle- and upper-class backgrounds, who are less likely to benefit from a generous system of grants and bursaries. Culled: The Telegraph

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with Mojeed Alabi mojeedalabi2@yahoo.co.uk or mail@mirroronline.net

FUTMINNA science students go to poll FAITH OLANIRAN AND AJOBIEWE TOLULOPE

embers of the National Association of Science Students (NASS), Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT MINNA) chapter last weekend defied drizzling when they filed out in their hundreds to elect the new leadership for the association. The body, comprising students of the Departments of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Geology, Ge-

Thursday, August 16, 2012

ography, Physics, Information Technology Education (ITE), Mathematics, among others, is one of the strongest students’ associations on campus and as a result, its election was characterised by tough electioneering process. It would be recalled that the election had earlier been scheduled to hold in May but was cancelled by the university management due to what it described as logistics problems. However, this time round, students came out en masse to participate in

the process. The election was monitored by the university’s security men and members of the Man ‘O’ War group. The two presidential candidates; Muyideen Adebowale of Microbiology Department and Christopher Xyztus had their supporters canvassing for votes while the voting lasted. One of the observers and 200 level student of the Information Technology Education Department, Lucy Raphael said she participated in the exercise because she recognised the

need for change in the association and the university as a whole. “I am part of that change everybody is craving for, so if it the election will take us the whole day, I don’t mind.” The exercise, which lasted till late in the night had Christopher Xyztus declared as winner with 624 votes against 366 votes polled by his opponent. Other positions were occupied by; Oyiboo Ojochegbe (Vice President); Aliyu Ndayako (General Secretary); Zubairu Fari-

da (Assistant Secretary); Nnwanuwo Obomuneke (PRO); Abdullahi Ibrahim (Financial Secretary); Solace Omolaiye (Treasurer); Asiwaju Temitope (Auditor), among others. Also, a total of 20 students were also selected from each of the 10 departments with two representing each. They are regarded as members of the Science Students Representatives Assembly (SSRA), which forms the parliamentary organ of the association.

The president-elect expressed his heartfelt gratitude and joy to God almighty and the association members and pledged to execute his programmes as contained in his manifesto. He extended a hand of fellowship to those who contested but lost out in the election, saying “the whole process is a game and that you did not win election has changed your studentship status and should not stop your contributions to the association.”

… As Campus Marshals avert electoral fraud in LASU ously eventually produced “We already have inherited OLASUNKANMI AROWOLO

he security outfit of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, otherwise known as ‘Campus Marshal’ has been applauded by the electoral committee of the Communication Students’ Association (COSA) on the campus for averting what it termed planned electoral rigging during the election into the leadership of the association recently. The committee’s Public Relations Officer, Damilola Oduolowu, told National Mirror that some 300 level Students alleged of supporting a particular candidate had planned to disrupt the election but that the Marshals members curtailed “their evil plan.” The election which held at two campuses of the university simultane-

Ibrahim Fatoyinbo of the Department of Public Relations and Advertising, as the new president with 240 votes against his opponent, Tobi Awosanya, who polled 186. The results were declared at each of the centres. Each of the two presidential candidates claimed victory in each of the two centres. At the Ojuelegba campus, Awosanya narrowly beat Fatoyinbo with 6 votes, as he polled 113 votes against 109 polled by the latter. However, at the Ojo campus, Fatoyinbo in a landslide victory polled 131 votes against Awosanya’s 73 votes. The Winner of the poll and President- Elect, Comrade Ibrahim Fatoyinbo after the announcement of the election results said; “I am delighted that my people believed in my vision.” Speaking on his next line of action, he explained;

challenges. However, by next week, we the new officers will be meeting to enable us draw our agenda so as to work as a team.” The speaker-elect of the parliamentary arm of the association, Mayowa Adeyinka, pointed out a disappointing situation, alleging the electoral committee of not making proper provisions for security before the election commenced at the main campus; the situation he said almost truncated the whole process. He, however, praised the 100 and 200 level students to have come out in large number and participated in the electoral process, saying such has shown the increasing in the level of awareness on campus. A 200 level student of the faculty, Shoremekun Racheal, described the election simply as “free and fair.”

Senator Babjide Omoworare addressing participants of the summer coaching organised for secondary school students in Ile-Ife by National Ife Descendant Students’ Association and sponsored by Omoworare.

FUTMINNA students at the polling centre.

EKSU VC appoints new deans

he Vice-Chancellor, Ekiti State University, Prof. Oladipo Aina, has approved the appointment of new deans for some of the faculties in the institution. Some of the appointees were appointed for their second term in office and they include the Deans of the Faculties of Arts, Engineering and Law; Professors Michael Abiodun, S.B Adeyemo and

Dr. Ifeoluwa Akomolede respectively. Prof. Sunday Fasina also retains his position as the Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences; Prof. Bimbo Odu was appointed the Dean of the Faculty of Education while Prof. Williams Adebayo assumed the position of the Dean of the Faculty of Social sciences. An acting dean was however, appointed for the Faculty of

Management Science. He is Dr. Olajide Oladele. Similarly, Prof. Edward Olanipekun has been appointed as the Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies while Prof. James Olaogun is now the Chairman of the University’s Consultancy Unit. The Vice-Chancellor has since congratulated the appointees, urging them to put in their best in the on-going reformation of the university.

Six female students win American varsity scholarship MOJEED ALABI

ix female students of secondary schools across the six geopolitical zones of the federation have been declared winners of the maiden edition of the scholarship programme of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, Adamawa State. The winners include Nneoma Emejuru representing Providence High School, Enugu, Enugu State; Chiamaka Nwachukwu, Cita High School, Port Harcourt, Rivers State; Zamiyat Abubakar, May Day College, Lagos, Lagos State, and Joseph

Dalughut from St. John’s Vianney Seminary, Jos, in Plateau State. Others are Kingsley Jima, St. Peter’s Seminary, Yola, Adamawa State and Fatima Ali, Queens Science Academy, Kano, Kano State. The scholarship , which worth N120 million according to the university management will cover full tuition, accommodation and feeding fees for all beneficiaries throughout their undergraduate years in the university provided that they meet the renewal condition of a minimum gradient point of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The scholarship examination which according to the ivory tower

was contested by secondary school students from across the nation assessed a total of 54 candidates for merit-based scholarships and will henceforth be held annually. Apart from the meritbased, the university says there are also need-based scholarships for the under-served enrolled students. “Sports and other achievement scholarships are also available at AUN. In addition, we also recently received a scholarship from the Peace Corps Nigeria Alumni Foundation (PCNAF) and the Friends of Nigeria (FON) which are aimed at supporting the university’s scholarship scheme.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Kano lethal conundrum

HE NATION ON SUNDAY of August 12 exposed itself on so many occasions: “Some of the discovered explosive making devices and bullets in Kano” Truth in defence of freedom: explosive-making devices “Drunking bear” News Review: Drunken bear; “Olympic crying athletes” Joyful cry: Olympic-crying athletes “…says the Police is (are) truly rebranding.” “…the nominees (sic) reception was held in Lagos last week Saturday.” Glamour of the language: last Saturday or Saturday, last week. No swapping! Finally from THE NATION: “Line up for Nigerians at Nottinghill Carnival out” Grammar is not entertainment: line-up Let us welcome Nigeria Political Economist to this column. Its August edition, Volume 1 No. 7, goofed: “…our share in those agreements are (is) not the same as we have in the joint venture (a comma) so it’s lower.” National Mirror of August 2 did not make any difference on so many occasions in its use of the English language: “Will the emergence of Dasuki as the NSA have any positive impact on the security challenges facing the nation and put an end to terrorism and other forms of criminal activities to a stop?” When you write windy sentences, you go adrift like we have here! Do we take it that Dasuki and his principal are helpless on Boko Haram and insecurity? What happened in Okene, Kogi State, last week, is the preface to anarchy! “Jonathan and the looming impeachment threat” Existential humanism: looming impeachment? Yes. Looming impeachment threat? No! “Unilag, Akoka, was last Friday a

NOTE THAT ‘HARASSMENT’ IS UNCOUNTABLE, UNLIKE ‘EMBARRASSMENT beehive of activities as….” My alma mater was a beehive of activity/industry (not activities/industries) as…. “…confined her to the four-wall of her home with no help in sight.” What is ‘four-wall of her home’? Are there common triangular apartments? Simply put, the lady was confined to her home—the balderdash about ‘fourwall’ (instead of just wall) is a descent into lexical savagery! Still on National Mirror: Disappearance of coins weigh (weighs) down on pricing system.” This is a clear case of subject-verb disagreement that, if not for the writer’s/sub-editor’s/ proofreader’s slipshoddiness, the computer’s spelling and grammar mechanism would have detected the culprit’s absent-mindedness. “…the need to revisit the use of coins to curb fraudulent pricing trends that eats (why?) deep into consumer budgets.” This way: consumers’ budgets. Finally from National Mirror: “He was rushed to hospital for treatment.” This is an unintelligent sentence. When the editor of Daily Sun, Steve Nwosu, was taken to hospital after a gunshot by a bandit, it could not have been for picnicking, sun-bathing or revelry! So, just tell readers—who are not gullible—that the journalist was taken (not the cliché ‘rushed’) to hospital. Was there an ambulance for ‘rushing’ him? No! “One is gratified by the rising atten-

tion on (to) consumerism in the organized private sector.” “In addition, there had been no report that he had gone to condole (condole with) the family of the late….” “…he may be able to warm (worm) himself in (to) the recognition and acceptance of the various nationalities and interest groups in Nigeria.” “The police officer noted that since armed bandits have shifted their operation to the churches….” Whoever wrote ‘armed bandits’ does not understand the nature of banditry. There is no banditry without arms. Otherwise, it becomes another form of criminality, not banditry. A bandit is a member of an armed gang. “I am not sure the present leadership of (the) NNPC has grassroot knowledge of the oil industry.” No linguistic fraud: grassroots knowledge. “They demanded for money only after they had made sure that the victim would not survive the shooting” Delete ‘for’. “Most victims of sexual exploitation were found to be young girls aged between 13 to 18 years. Between 13 and 18 or from 13 to 18. “Crisis management in oil producing areas” A hyphen between ‘oil’ and ‘producing would have indicated scholastic depth. “I doff my hat for the resilience of those who staked their necks to confront the excesses of the immediate past.” Dogma at the barricades: I doff/ take off my hat to (not for) newspaper contributors, the occasional Freudian slips notwithstanding. “Others just ridiculed me outrightly” A protester at the American embassy: Others just ridiculed me outright. “NCP raises alarm over alleged harrasment of market women” Across the nation: harassment. Also note that

‘harassment’ is uncountable, unlike ‘embarrassment’. “…but the incidence rather than subdue you, (sic) should spur you to greater heights.” The human angle: incident (not incidence). “Gather every members of your family….” Either every member of your family or all members…. “Obasanjo, Buhari exchange banters” ‘Banter’ is uncountable. “…the chilling story of Calabar’s rival gang members who not only slaughter themselves (one another) but.…” “Eagles confront Malawians under scorching sun” This way: in the sun. ‘”In times past, the media might even have queried the gaming, or the double standards….” Professionalism: double standard. “We maintain that like every other institutions established by law….” Either every other institution or all other institutions. “Customs intensify air border patrol” No news: Customs intensifies. “PHCN has (had) earlier indicated that progress made towards stabilizing power supply has been reversed.” “Abubakar who was on a one-day working visit to Kano to round up (off) his familiarization tour of police formations in the country.…” I can understand the mix-up because of IGP’s involvement! “Ondo Polls: Jega, INEC chiefs hold last minute (last-minute) talks” “Unijos alumni holds convention” For the last time: alumni hold, but alumni association holds. “But none has raised more eyebrows than the vulgar display of wealth at (on) the occasion….” “Reneging on the agreement is palpably reprehensible and an affront on (to) the sensibility of Nigerians.”

Re-introduce 6-3-3-2 education system to ensure quality – VC MOJEED ALABI

he Vice-Chancellor of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Prof. Timothy Oyebode, has called on the Federal Government and all concerned authorities to consider the reintroduction of the erstwhile 6-3-3-2 school system to enable students get well prepared for university education. Oyebode, who is also the Chairman, Committee of Vice Chancellors and Registrars of Private Universities, said the foundation offered the students by the current 6-3-3 basic education system

does not guarantee thorough training which he said is contributing to the collapse of university education in Nigeria. He said students are not fully matured to effectively go through the university education “unlike in the past when we used to pass through Higher School Certificate (HSC) system whereby we would have undertaken the advanced level educational programme in preparation for the university education.” The VC also berated management of universities for shifting their attention from offering quality educa-

tion to running businesses which he said includes the introduction of part-time programmes. He, therefore, encouraged his colleagues to insist on quality rather than quantity to return the country to the path of glory. Meanwhile, Oyebode has credited the recent approval for the university’s College of Medicine by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to the commitment of the staff and students of the institution. He said several years after the ivory tower had been running a teacher hospital it was found worthy of running an independent medical college having certi-

fied the requirement which he said include standard teaching hospital. “Bowen University has the vision to be the foremost institution for producing highly rated graduates in science, technology and the humanities. It is also our dream to offer one of the best undergraduate trainings by integrating computer training as well as simulation into every student’s learning experience. And being a faith-based university, it is a beacon of hope to the students as we inculcate Godliness in our curriculum. These are what add up to qualify us for the approval,” Oyebode said.

Timothy Oyebode

Thursday, August 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Yes, I am ambitious to be in Rio 2016 Olympics. It’s a matter of the mind and the right attitude - Nigeria’s table tennis veteran, Segun Toriola

How skill, athleticism drove Dream Team’s dream 30

CAF names ref for Eagles, Lone Star AFOLABI GAMBARI

he Confederation of African Football yesterday appointed FIFA referee Koman Coulibaly of Mali to officiate the 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifying match between Liberia and Nigeria at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia on September 8. Coulibaly has officiated at five Afcon finals since the 2002 edition in Mali and refereed the Angola 2010 final between Ghana and Egypt. In an all-Mali affair, the first Assistant Referee, Bala Diarra, second Assistant Drissa Kamory Niare and Reserve Referee Ousmane Karembe will also be in charge of the crucial game. Former General Secretary of Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Dr. Bolaji Ojo-Oba, and currently Director of Federations and Elite Athletes in the National Sports Commission (NSC) will be Match Commissioner.

Olympics fallout: More Africans abscond

hree Guineans and three Ivorians have disappeared after their countries’ participation at the 30th Olympiad in London, adding to a total list of 11 Congolese and Cameroonians suspected to have absconded from their camps during the games. “Three members of the delegation did not return to the Olympic village,” Technical Adviser at the Ministry of Sports and Leisure in Ivory Coast, Adama Doumbia, said. He, however, declined giving the names of the missing members of the delegation but said they contained two swimmers and a wrestling coach. An official on Guinea’s Olympic Committee said on condition of anonymity that swimmer Dede Camara, judo competitor Facinet Keita and runner Aicha Toure had gone missing 24 hours before the games ended. Meanwhile, Games officials have mounted search for a Democratic Republic of Congo judo competitor, three other members of that country’s delegation and seven Cameroonian athletes. The London Olympic Organising Committee (LOGOC) said it had notified British police about the missing Cameroonians but added that the athletes would not be infringing immigration laws until their visas expired in November.

Sunshine Stars striker Izu Azuka (in orange shirt) during a recent Group A match with Esperance of Tunis in Ijebu Ode

ACL: Sunshine faces injury setback AFOLABI GAMBARI

WITH AGENCY REPORT

unshine Stars will be without several players, including striker Ajani Ibrahim, for tomorrow’s Champions League clash at ASO Chlef of Algeria. Ibrahim has been ruled out of the crucial Group A by suspension, while Osas Idehen and Okomu James are also injured. The team also left without former Enyimba and Heartland winger John Owoeri, whose transfer papers are still being awaited, as well as Cameroonian defender Isaac Hele.

But the Nigerian club is still optimistic to get another result on the road as it aims to reach the knockout stage of Africa’s foremost club competition. The Akure-based club is second on the table with four points, five points adrift of group leader and defending champion Esperance. Striker Izu Azuka told MTNFootball. com shortly before the team departed Lagos for Algiers yesterday that the Stars would get a good result in the encounter despite the absence of its top players. “We remain confident that we would get the result we want,” Azuka, who scored one of the Sunshine’s two goals

in the reverse fixture in Ijebu-Ode a fortnight ago, said. “We understand that a win in this game would put us in a very good position to finish behind Esperance in the group and we have worked towards it,” he added. Super Eagles defender and Sunshine captain, Godfrey Oboabona, goalkeeper Moses Ocheje and Tamen Medrano have however boosted the team’s chances in the encounter. “We are ready to go for the three points so as to move forward,” Oboabona, who was excused from the Eagles’ party to Niger Republic where Nigeria played a friendly yesterday, said.

Amiesimaka listed for Soccerex AFOLABI GAMBARI

ormer Nigeria international, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka, will be among experts that will speak at the Soccerex Seminar scheduled to hold in Lagos on September 27 and 28. Organisers told National Mirror yesterday that Amiesimaka, who has at various times been Rivers State Commissioner for Justice and Chairman, Sharks FC of Port Harcourt, will be joined at the occasion by the French Football League (LFP) Interna-

tional Development Manager, Redha Chibani and CEO of NIEMANN International and former CEO of DFL Sports, Dr. Robert Niemann. The trio will address a session that would look at the challenges of running a local professional league. With the European Leagues dominating broadcast times and the fans attention, it has become more challenging to run a successful local league in West Africa and the speakers would be expected to explore their extensive experience to proffers sustainable solution to the myriad of challenges that

have bedevilled the sport in the sub-region. Chibani has spent his entire career in the football industry working for major media companies Canal France International and TV5Monde before joining the LFP while Niemann has had a distinguished football business career having held senior positions at DFL Sports Enterprises and football club 1860 Munich. “We are thrilled that the experience and passion of Chibani, Niemann and Amiesimaka would add great value to the seminar,” Soccerex CEO, Duncan Revie, said yesterday.

Amiesimaka

Sport

Thursday, August 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Zidane gets coaching

eal Madrid legend, Zinedine Zidane, has been announced as part of the club’s coaching staff this season. Reports yesterday in Spain said Zidane would work with the Castilla and Real Madrid C players as part of the requirements for his UEFA coaching badges. Zidane will work closely with the club’s young midfielders-including those in the junior teams.

His 16-year-o Enzo is in the M nior team and has with the Jose M coached side a few

Zidane

Van Gaal in RVP chat

Lampard

Muamba

Heart ailment ends Muamba’s career B

olton midfielder, Fabrice Muamba, has announced his retirement from professional football. Various reports yesterday said the player’s decision was based on the recommendation of his medical team. “Football has been my life since I was a teenage boy and it has given me so many opportunities,” Muamba said in a club statement. “Above all else, I love the game and count myself very lucky to have been able to play at the highest level. “While the news is devastating, I have much to be thankful for.” The 24-year-old collapsed on the pitch at White Hart Lane as his team played Tottenham in the FA Cup on March 17 this year and it later transpired that the midfielder’s heart had stopped for 78 minutes.

Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry, was among a multitude of players who went to visit Muamba at the London Chest Hospital in Bethnal Green, while various clubs, including Real Madrid, showed their support by wearing t-shirts emblazoned with the name of the Zaire born midfielder. But after Muamba was discharged from hospital in April, there were hopes that he could return to football, including from the player himself. “The news I got from a leading cardiologist while in Belgium last week was obviously not what I had hoped it would be and it means I am now announcing my retirement from professional football. “I thank God that I am alive and I pay tribute once again to the members of the medical team who never gave up on me.”

Song nears Barca switch

epo eports ep por or ts yesterday yes y esstte erday rday revealed re re eveale vea eale led d that th hatt Barcelona Barce arce elo lona lon ona na President, Pre Pr esid iden nt, Josep Jos osep ep p Maria Maria Bartomeu, was in London L Lond Lo ond n on for talks tal alk ks over Arsenal midfielder Alex Son Song. ng. According to the reports, Barca cannot wait any longer forr Arsenal to decide whether Song is available for transfer to to bolster bols bo lste ter the Spanish side. Barcelona has al already alre eady ad tabled tabl ta blled a 15 million euros offer off fffer forr the he e Cameroon Came Ca m ro me r on midfielder, but butt the the Gunners Gunn nn ner erss are yet to respond. respond nd d. Arsenal Arrse senal is understood to o be seeking 20 million euros for Song, while Barca is hoping for a compromise of 18 million euros.

Lampard dreams long Blues stay

helsea midfielder, Frank Lampard, wants to end his career at Stamford Bridge but is still waiting for contract talks to open as he enters the final year of his current deal. The 34-year-old is uncertain what lies ahead even though he feels he can play at the top level for a few more years. “We spoke once last season and it was a case of coming back and it hasn’t come back from their end. I don’t know what will happen,” Lampard said yesterday ahead of the England friendly with Italy where he captained the Three Lions. “At the minute I’m just playing. I’d like to sit down and speak with them. But at the minute I’m playing and it’s up to the club to do that. “I would like to end my career there. I feel I can play at the top level for a good few more years, but it’s whether the club feels the same. “I know there are a lot of changes at Chelsea. I’d love to be involved, and the youth coming into the squad this year has really freshened up our team. I’d love to carry on but it’s a club decision to come and sit down with me.”

olland Manager, Louis van Gaal, has he has spoken with Robin van Per where his club future lies but insists sion ultimately comes down to the sought-after Speculation continues to surround the Arse tain, who is being heavily linked with both Ma clubs this summer following his revelation he intend to sign a new contract at Emirates Stadi The 29-year-old was dropped from Van Gaal’s line-up for Holland’s international friendly w gium last night and the coach is keen to see h his future ahead of the Oranje’s impending W qualifiers. “I think Robin always has to decide for hims Gaal said yesterday, adding, “When he wants he me for advice.” “I had the conversation and it was unbelie was one of the best meetings I’ve had with an in player.” Asked whether it was important, with next qualifiers against Turkey and Hungary loom Van Persie decided his future sooner rather th the former Barcelona boss added: “Yes, of cou it’s for the English clubs, and Arsenal of cour cide.”

van Gaal

van Persie

Ferguson cautious over Fletcher

anchester United Manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, is delighted to see midfielder Darren Fletcher back in the club but continues to adopt a cautious approach over the player’s fitness. Fletcher made his first appearance since November 22 2011 during a benefit match for Aberdeen legend Neil Simpson as a chronic inflammatory bowel condition has kept him sidelined

and threatened to end his playing career. He was, however, able to join the action at a packed Pittodrie as a second half substitute and came through the final 30 minutes unscathed, as United slipped to a 2-1 defeat. Ferguson admitted afterwards that a late decision was taken on the 28-year-old’s involvement, but he was only too happy to offer the midfielder a route back

into the first-team fold. “It’s been quiet prog the boy,” Ferguson said day. “He joined in trainin ple of weeks ago and it’ those situations where ‘Let’s see how he does bec has had a really difficult the last year’. “Therefore, I wasn’ placing too much hope let’s see how he does.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Sport

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Opeifa Padfootball advances

Tit bits...

Carroll West Ham Chairman, David Sullivan, says the club has agreed a deal with Liverpool for Andy Carroll, but the striker turned down the chance to be the focal point of Sam Allardyce’s side. Carroll’s future at Liverpool has been uncertain following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers as manager and he has been linked with several rival Premier League clubs. The Hammers were among those to show an interest and a season-long loan deal with a view to a permanent £17m transfer had been lined up by the promoted club.

A FOLABI GAMBARI

Agger

Liverpool defender, Dan Agger, is prepared to leave for Barcelona. The 27-year old defender reiterated his contentment at Liverpool and made it clear he has no real interest in joining Manchester City, despite a failed £20million bid for him from the Barclays Premier League champion. “Barcelona would be great. They are the one team who would make it difficult for me to stay,” Agger said yesterday.

Baggio

Juventus legend, Roberto Baggio, can see AS Roma making a title challenge this season. Baggio, however, regards the defending champion as Scudetto favourite. “This season, partly they are favourites because of last season. But do not rule out some nice surprises like Roma, who could do very well,” the former Italy international said.

Chamakh

Arsenal striker, Marouane Chamakh, is resisting interest from Blackburn Rovers. Blackburn wants to buy one striker and loan another with Leon Best out until Christmas, according to reports yesterday. Arsenal also wants to sell Chamakh but the player is not keen on dropping to the Championship, fuelling speculation that the Moroccan may switch to the lower rung club.

Drenthe Former Everton wing-back Royston Drenthe has revealed interest from Serie A clubs. Drenthe contract with Real Madrid has expired, so the wide man can make any move he likes as a free agent. “This is the moment we are evaluating the offers. There have been many calls and now is the moment to decide,” his representative, Antonio Salerno, said yesterday.

Nigerians will expect striker Desire Oparanozie (r) and other Falconets to put smiles on their faces starting from Sunday

he third round playoff for Opeifa Lagos Padfootball Championship commenced yesterday at the Monica Street field Agege, Lagos. After more than 100 participants kicked off the competition last week, only 32 participants have qualified for this round of the competition sponsored by the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa. Organising Committee chairman, Dapo Liadi, said yesterday that the event had lived up to expectation. “Participants who crashed out of the tournament gave a good account of themselves and some couldn’t contain their emotion after they were eliminated,” he added. “I think the third round will prove tougher because all

the participants are equal to the task,” he said. Liadi also the competition had offered youths in the area an opportunity to maximize the holiday period, saying vices associated with the youths had been drastically minimised. “I am happy that the youths of Agege embraced the game and lots of them also cheered their friends to victory,” he further said. “I want other individuals and corporate sponsors to emulate Opeifa’s gesture to help the youths to maximise their potential,” he pleaded.

U-20 W/Cup: Falconets target Japan glory F Ede Poly to host ew teams are as experienced in this tournament as Nigeria, who will be playing in its sixth FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The country has appeared in the knockout stage in the last four events, reaching a historic peak two years ago in Germany where it made its way to the final after going undefeated through five matches. A 2-0 defeat against the host in the ultimate match was no shock, but it left the Falconets hungry to become the first African nation to win a FIFA Women’s World Cup. With a policy of finding and promoting young talent, Nigeria was a team with relative experience at the highest level two years ago. Its domination of women’s qualifying in Africa at both U-17 and U-20 levels means it has many players in the mix with time on the World Cup pitch under its belt. That helped the Nigerians deal with a number of close matches in Germany, and the Falconets expect to have similar confidence in Japan. Inspired to think big by coach Edwin Okon, Nigeria can call on the deadly two-pronged attack of Orji Ebere and Desire Oparanozie. Those familiar faces are joined by budding national team prospect Francisca Ordega as well as U-17 goal-scoring hero Ngozi Okobi. Ambitious enough to see the continental preliminaries as a warm-up for the autumn finals, Nigeria blitzed past 2008 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup participants Congo DR 7-0 on aggregate over two legs in the final qualifying round. There are a number of players with full national team experience, and captain Gloria Ofoegbu will look to solidify a team heavy on attack-minded talent. Top scorer in qualifying with four goals, Ordega, is another name to add to the list of dangerous players the west Africans will bring to the Pacific rim.

Key players

Gloria Ofoegbu (defence), Esther Sunday (midfield), Desire Oparanozie (forward), Ebere Orji (forward) Squad List Goalkeepers Ibubeleye Whyte Chioma Nwankwo Damilola Akano Defenders Blessing Edoho Gloria Ofoegbu Ugo Njoku Jennifer Osawaru Fasilat Adeyemo Josephine Chukwunonye Chidinma Okoro Midfielders Cecilia Nku Ngozi Okobi Asisat Oshoala Osarenoma Igbinovia Strikers Esther Sunday Ebere Orji Desire Oparanozie Winifred Eyebhoria Francisca Ordega Charity Adule Abosede Olukayode Coach

Edwin Okon

Opeifa

WAPOGA zonals WALE FOLARIN OSOGBO

mpressed by the successful hosting of this year’s Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA) by the Federal Polytechnic Ede, organizers of the West Africa Polytechnic Games (WAPOGA) has chosen the polytechnic as one of the zonal centers for the games which would hold next year. Rector of the polytechnic, Dr. Joseph Sunday Oke, who made this disclosure in Ede, Osun State during a reception dinner organized in honour of the athletes that represented the institution at the 17th NIPOGA, assured that the polytechnic was prepared to host the WAPOGA event, adding that the institution would ensure comfort for the

athletes and officials. He commended representatives of the polytechnic at the last NIPOGA for their excellent performances, commitment and sportsmanship throughout the competition. “You have opened a new sports diary for the institution,” he said. The rector, who announced various cash rewards for medalists, also said that the institution would offer academic scholarships to deserving sports men and women. National Mirror learnt that gold, silver and bronze medalists would go home with the sum of N10, 000, N7, 500 and N5, 000 respectively. “We will also announce rewards for the coaches soon as a way of appreciating them,” the rector submitted.

Sport

Thursday, August 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SLAMMING AND E-mail: folashayoezekiel@yahoo.com Phone: 08027536696

DUNKING

With SAYO OGUNDEJI

USA Dream Team players posing with their gold medal after they beat Spain in the basketball final

How skill, athleticism drove Dream Team’s dream The basketball medals ceremony was awesome, 36 of the tallest humans standing in a row, all of them with witchcraft in their fingers and wings in their feet.

he game that had just finished, the final between the United States and Spain, ended with an American victory and a question. Why isn’t this game big over here? It was loud and full-on and addictive. It had it all-speed, amazing athleticism, squeaky trainers, method acting and the spectacle of giants in slouchy shorts and with gargantuan arm muscles being told what to do by little men with T-shirts tucked into their trousers and whistles round their neck (then again, that has been a theme of the games.) In front of a crowd full of American flags, stars and stripes lycra and red and yellow wigs, the players defined entertainment. They did not just bounce the ball, they bounced with the ball. They didn’t just send the ball flying, they flew with it: slamdunking into the basket and flicking themselves off again. A couple of them may be over seven foot tall but that basket is over three metres up. It was so impressive. Sometimes when you see a basketball player off the court, walking around the Westfield centre in a tracksuit drinking a lemonade, he can look ungainly.

But on the court on Sunday, they were gods. They twisted and dodged and ran with astonishing speed. The gymnastics took place in the North Greenwich Arena during the first week: it was surprising how similar some of the skills were. The two sides had met 11 times before in the Olympics. The Americans had won them all. They had contested two finals: in 1984, which finished 95-65, and last time round in Beijing, 118-107. This time the plucky Spanish got closer. They were behind by only one point at the start of the final quarter, but at the final buzzer it was 107-100. Not close enough. Basketball people had thought the Spanish in with a chance, despite an ordinary start to the tournament. They were taller and accurate and very well loaded with beards - at least three of the team seemed to be competing for the lead roll in Zeffirelli’s 1977 version of Jesus of Nazareth. The Gasol brothers Pau and Marc and Juan-Carlos Navarro are NBA stars. Pau, silky and so quick, was Spain’s top scorer with 24 points. Marc, built like a substantial Edwardian house, jotted up 17 points as well as picking up penalties like peanuts. But the current Dream Team are the cream at the top of the NBA. “They are a bunch of unbelievable players,” the Spanish coach Sergio Scariolo said on Monday. LeBron James and Kobe Bryant showed why they are household names even in households who do not follow basketball. James was all white headband and end-

less legs, his body seemed made of water it was so fluid. Bryant scored 17 points in his farewell appearance for the Americans. He was roared onwards by a crowd who included Arnold Schwarzenegger, David Beckham and Boris Johnson. There are rumours that this could be the last time the Dream Team come to the Olympics. There are rumours that the rules might be changed to make it more like football: full of juniors. But not a few are not wondering if that will not be a huge shame. For most people outside the United States, this is the only chance they get to see a bunch of elite superstars. If there was a purer basketball audience in the earlier rounds of the competition held in the Olympic Park, the arena was full of people desperate to pick up some of the glittering magic. To say they were there. As the Americans lined up on the podium at the end, facing their flag, hands clasped to their chests, it did not matter that been Olympic champions 14 times in 17 outings. They are the best. They might be multi-millionaires but they seemed thoroughly delighted to win a gold medal. To watch them do it was without doubt a huge honour. *Culled from ESPN.com

Star player, Lebron James

Thursday, August 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business & Finance Nigeria is not an oil rich country. We are an oil producing country.

Mr. President has set the transformational economic agenda for our country and our role is critical to the success of that agenda. We must ensure that we play our own part in delivering sustained economic growth and jobs.

Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

MINISTER OF TRADE AND INVESTMENT, OLUSEGUN AGANGA

CBN tasks banks on anti-money laundering policy compliance ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI

he Central Bank of Nigeria has directed all banks, discount houses and other financial institutions to provide relevant information to the joint examiners from CBN and Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, for full implementation of its gazetted Anti-Money Laundering /Combating Financial Terrorism (AML/CFT) Risked Based Supervision Framework of 2011. The CBN said this in a circular that it has commenced the full implementation of the gazette, which is aimed at curbing money laundering and other financial crime within the banking sector. This directive came barely a week after the CBN urged the banks and other financial institutions through a circular to set up an internal whistle-blowing mechanism to expose any internal sharp practices that is capable of truncating CBN monetary policies meant to sanitise and boost the financial sector. The apex bank has, however, designed a risk assessment template to gather all statistics on money laundering from the banks under CBN purview.

“The risk assessment questionnaire is designed to obtain information that would enable the Bank Examiners assess the adequacy or otherwise of the control functions in place to mitigate the Money Laundering and Financial Terrorism risks identified in your institutions. Other AML/CFT Templates provide uniform formats for all financial institutions to render their returns for ease of processing by the CBN and NFIU,”

CBN stated. CBN expects banks to render returns by en of this month. Meanwhile, security personnel in the country are currently undergoing training on how to prevent terrorists funding. Speaking at the opening workshop on money laundering through free trade zone in Lagos on Tuesday, the Director of Programmes and Projects of InterGovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in

West Africa, Dr. Bunu Nduka, said the aim of the workshop is to train participants on how to suspect the terrorists. Nduka explained that the workshop will provide participants with the knowledge and tools required to file mandatory and suspicious reports to relevant authorities and to afford participants the opportunity to share and listen to practical experiences from stakeholders in the country security.

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Air Nigeria International (Lagos - London) Los- LGW (VK293): Tue, Thurs, Fri & Sat 11.55pm LGW-Los (VK292): Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun 10.50am

Arik Air Los-Abj: 07:15, 09:15, 10:20, 15:20, 16:20, 16:50, 18:45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) Abj-Los: 07:15, 09:40, 10:20, 12:15, 15:15, 16:15, 17:10, (Mon-Fri/Sat); 12:15, 15:15, 16:15 (Sun) Los-PH: 07:15, 11:40, 14:00, 16:10, 17:15, (Mon-Fri) 07:30, 11:40, 15:50 (Sat) 11:50, 3:50, 17:05 (Sun) Abj-PH: 07:15, 11:20, 15:30 (Mon-Fri) 07:15, 16:00 (Sat) 13:10, 16:00, (Sun) PH-Abj: 08:45, 12:50, 17:00 (Mon-Fri) 08:45, 17:30 (Sat) 14:40, 17:30 (Sun) Abj-Ben: 08:00, 12:10 (Mon-Fri/Sat) 08:55, 12:10 (Sun) Ben-Abj: 09:55, 13:30 (Mon-Fri/Sat) 10:50, 13:30 (Sun)

Aero Contractors

L-R: Guest Speaker, Mr. Saul Garlick; Special Assistant to Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Mr. Stephen Amase and Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Alhaji Muhammad Umar, At a workshop on entrepreneurship development and job creation in Abuja, yesterday.

Naira rises to 3-month high on bank dollar sales he naira gained the strongest in more than three months as lenders sold dollars to comply with Central Bank regulations on foreign-exchange holdings before a currency auction. The country’s currency

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

climbed 0.6 per cent to 157.65 a dollar yesterday and set for the highest close since May 8. The naira has risen three per cent this year, the strongest performance in Africa after Ghana’s cedi, stated a data compiled by Bloomberg. “The appreciation is resulting from sales by banks as they manage their assets to correspond with latest stipulated dollar holdings,” Wale

IFC to invest $124m in Nigeria’s Persianas Group

Abe, chief executive Financial Markets Dealers Association (FMDA) quoted by Bloomberg. “The latest central bank decisions have made it difficult for banks to hold dollars for speculation, a development that has supported the naira,” he added. The Central Bank of Nigeria reduced the amount of foreign exchange banks can hold as a per cent of their sharehold-

T Tackling PoS redundancy

ers ‘funds to one per cent from three per cent and increased their reserve requirements to 12 per cent of total assets from eight per cent. CBN which holds its foreign currency auctions on Monday and Wednesday also restricted access to the sales to prevent dealers from buying dollars using naira purchased from the central bank at a discount.

Los-Abj: 06:50, 13:30, 16:30, 19:45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 12:30 (Sun) 16:45 (Sat). Abj-Los: 07:30, 13:00, 19:00 (Mon-Fri/ Sat) 10:30, 14:30, 19:30 (Sun) 18.30 (Sat) Los-Ben: 07:45, 11:00, 15:30, (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun) 12:30 (Sun) 15:30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) Ben-Los: 09:15, 12:30, 17:00 (Mon-Fri/ Sat/Sun) 17:00 (Sat), 14:00 (Sun) EXCHANGE RATES WAUA

234.6271

USD

155.84

CHF

159.2642

SDR

235.0535

CFA

0.2924

GBP

244.1701

EURO

191.3715

OIL / GAS FUTURES ICE BRENT

$123.39

-0.78

NYMEX

$108.45

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OPEC BASKET

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+1.16

NATURAL GAS

$2.83

-0.03

Franchise frenzy: Global brands vs local variants

Business & Finance

Thursday, August 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG pumps more gas for power generation UDEME AKPAN

he Federal Government has made available more gas for power generation in the nation. This has enabled it to meet the gas requirement of power stations such as Egbin, Sapele, PHCN, Delta IV, Olorunshogo Power Plants. The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke disclosed this in Abuja yesterday, barely four months after the declaration of a Gas Supply Emergency Plan with a 12 –month timeline to address the seeming misalignment in the nation’s gas to power aspirations. Alison-Madueke said major milestones in the project which has helped power generation to reach an unprecedented 4.2GW. Addressing journalists in Abuja, Mrs. Alison-Madueke noted that underpinning the improvement in gas supply which precipitated the noticeable increase in volume of power generations are aggressive infrastructure expansion and gas supply development initiatives. Spokesman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Fidel I. Pepple who

confirmed the development in a statement quoted the Minister as stating that “Since the roll out of the plan, we have achieved major milestones in the expansion of the Escravos-Pipeline System - the major gas supply artery to the power plants. This is part of the most extensive expansion ever undertaken on this pipeline network since it was built 30 years ago.” She listed the items completed in the critical pipeline segments to include the 27kmX24inch permanent gas supply pipeline from Itoki to Olorunshogo via Ewekoro all in Ogun State, the 56kmX24inch Escravos-Warri gas pipeline - doubling the pipeline capacity and enhancing gas evacuation from Escravos as well as the 130kmX36inch Oben to Geregu pipeline. The minister said, “The net impact of all these is the addition of 120million cubic feet of gas per day (mmcf/d) to the grid and the permanent elimination of the challenges of low gas pressure that has plagued the Olorunshogo PHCN and NIPP power plants. We are also now well positioned to supply gas to the existing Geregu Power plant and all anticipated future

L-R: Google Ambassador, Mr. Oluseun Oladipo; Google Map Advocate for Nigeria, Mr. Abiodun Adepoju and Google Mapping Trainer, Mr. Dotun Babayemi, at a training workshop on Google Map Making at the University of Ibadan, yesterday.

expansions in that axis.’’ The Minister explained that in addition to the pipeline projects, major works on the Utorogu and Ughelli gas plants have reached completion. Earlier in the year both plants recorded an all-time low combined output of 300mmcf/d as

CISLAC, CITN, others advocate sanctions to promote tax justice TOLA AKINMUTIMI

orried by the magnitude of leakages in the nation’s tax collection system and abuses by political leaders and the rich which have continued to deny taxpayers the socio-economic benefits of complying with their tax obligations, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Tax Justice NetworkAfrica and scores of civil society organisations have vowed to join forces to fight all forms of tax injustice in the country. The representatives of the organisations who declared their intention to work together during the formal launch of the National Platform on Tax Justice in Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja, collectively agreed that the current tax regime, especially the lapses that encourage embezzlement of tax revenues and evasion by the wealthy, has continued to make taxpayers suffer despite contributing so much to the economic development of the country. In his opening remarks at the forum, the Executive

Director of CISLAC, Barrister Auwal Ibrahim, noted that the battle for tax justice requires a collaborative approach since no single organisation can win it. He added that it is high time stakeholders, especially other civil society organisations joined forces to redress the anomaly as a strategic option of promoting fairness and equity in tax administration in the country. Speaking in a similar tone, the Chair, Tax Justice Network – Africa, Dr. Dereje Alemayehu, canvassed a paradigm shift in development policy and thinking on tax as a primary source of revenue for development finance; enlightenment at the highest level of policy formulation and implementation across the continent on importance of tax to development; plugging of major leakage areas of public revenue and adoption of tax policies that promote revenue, redistribution, re-pricing and representation as panacea to incidence of tax injustice. He listed his organisation’s major goals as ensuring that there is paradigm shift in development policy to “en-

hance linkages and plug leakages in African economies”, a progressive tax system that curbs tax evasion and abusive tax avoidance and an effective and efficient tax administration in countries across the continent. The President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, Mr. Femi Jegede, represented by the 1st Vice President, Dr. Mark Dike, said the institute was happy to be a part of the launch of the National Platform on Tax Justice and expressed the hope that the goals of the forum will be pursued with vigour and an unwavering commitment so that the ultimate goal to raise public awareness for a just and efficient tax system would be achieved. In her comments, the Country Manager of Christian Aid, Jane East, said her organisation welcomed the “fact that the establishment of this tax justice platform will focus on not only the promotion of a fair, effective, transparent and progressive tax system in Nigeria but also on the fair, effective, transparent and developmental utilisation of the revenues generated”.

a result of some maintenance challenges. With the repairs, the combined capacity is now 360mmcf/d which is a net addition of 60mmcf/d. She said, “Specifically, with these interventions, we are now able to supply gas to the full requirements of Eg-

bin, Sapele PHCN, Delta IV, Olorunshogo both PHCN and NIPP plants and Omotosho PHCN power plants. In addition, we are able to meet the requirements of two out of three turbines in Geregu and one out of two turbines in Sapele NIPP.’’

We have sufficient manpower, NAMA insists OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he Nigerian Airspace Management Agency yesterday debunked the claim that it has not trained its technical personnel in the last 15 years, saying that in 2012 alone, it has expended over $4m on training. A member of Aviation Round Table (ART), Grp. Capt. Oladipo Ojikutu, had accused NAMA on Tuesday at the Coroner’s Inquest sitting in Lagos on the illfated Dana plane crash in Lagos

that the agency had not trained any of its personnel in the last 15 years. Ojikutu said that NAMA did not have sufficient manpower, adding that the last time the agency trained its staff was about 15 years ago. He also faulted NAMA for poor emergency plan on air crash. Speaking with National Mirror yesterday in his office, the General Manager, Public Affairs, NAMA, Mr. Supo Atobatele, denied that it had not trained its personnel for the past 15 years, describing the claim as malicious and tissues of lies.

Farmers seek government’s assistance MESHACK IDEHEN

atfish farmers in the country have called on the Federal and states governments to save their businesses from dying. The farmers appealed to government to reduce the cost of feeds, among other challenges confronting them. According to the fish farmers, the high cost of fish feeds has pushed majority of their members out of business and that many farmers are on the verge of going out of the business. Speaking during a seminar organised by the a non-governmental organisation, Youth Focused on Food Production (YFFP),

yesterday, the President of the Catfish Farmers Association of Nigeria, and Chairman of Golden Hammed Farms Limited, Mr. Hammed Adegbesan, said that high cost of fish feeds has affected their business in no small measure being one of the major factors in catfish production. Adegbesan lamented that majority of members of the association depend on imported feeds to ensure the success of their business, saying high cost of the feed has made members abandoned their farms or to use them for other purposes. He explained that those farmers that are e still producing are struggling with the ever rising cost and other challenges to feed the nation.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Business & Finance

Thursday, August 16, 2012

IFC to invest $124m in Nigeria’s Persianas Group

FC, a member of the World Bank Group is to invest $124m in the Persianas Group to support its growth strategy in the rapidly expanding, and underserved, retail and commercial property market in Nigeria. The investment package consists of up to $74m in equity provided by IFC and IFC African, Latin American and Caribbean Fund, and $50 million in debt provided by IFC. Persianas, developers of the Palms Shopping Mall, West Africa’s first international-standard retail mall, will use the funds to further develop three or more retail and mixed-use centres in commercial cities in Nigeria, and establish a fully integrated design, property development, and asset management firm.

Chairman of the Persianas Group, Mr. Tayo Amusan, said, “IFC’s investment in Persianas demonstrates a commitment to supporting Nigerian entrepreneurs and is critical to preparing Persianas for our next phase of growth. This investment will help real estate development contribute to more jobs in businesses offering safe and healthyconsumer products and services.” Mr. Oscar Chemerinski, IFC Regional Industry Director for Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean, said, “IFC’s partnership with Persianas supports a rapidly growing, more diversified economy and encourages private investors in the Nigerian retail and commercial property industry. Persianas’ property devel-

opments provide a platform for smaller businesses to expand their retail operations.” Chief Investment Officer and Head of IFC ALAC Fund, Sujoy Bose, said, “Nigeria remains one of sub-Saharan Africa’s fastest growing retail markets due to increasing urbanization and retail consumption. This investment provides a unique opportunity for the IFC ALAC Fund to support Persianas’ growth strategy through the development ofhigh quality commercial properties in Nigeria.” Persianas’ property portfolio comprises the Palms Shopping Mall in Lagos State; Polo Park Mall in Enugu State; Kwara Mall (underdevelopment) in Kwara State; and, Ibadan Mall (under development) in Oyo State.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Panabiz introduces latest business imaging technology KUNLE A ZEEZ

anabiz International Limited, the leading provider of Digital imaging solutions, has introduced latest imaging technology to drive efficient for Nigerian businesses. According to the company, the latest technology, Canon imagePROGRAF large format printer range with optional MFP capabilities will deliver more efficient printing and scanning of large format technical documents for design and engineering professionals. The new, versatile Canon imagePROGRAF printers are optimised for use by professionals in a variety of different markets including Computer-Aided Design (CAD); Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC); Geographical Information System (GIS) and other technical document professional areas to produce large technical documents or posters in colour for Graphics artists. The software utilities that are

included are highly valuable to users in the retail signage industry as well as general office environments. The ability to quickly print technical documents up to 2400 x 1200 dots-per-inch (dpi) with precise lines can provide a tremendous professional advantage for organizations that rely on this speed and accuracy to stay relevant in a competitive market. The technology is built with other special features for enhancing productivity and improving performance in both private and public sectors. The General Manager, Panabiz International Limited, Mr. Diwakar Yadavalli, said, “At Panabiz, we not only see the importance of providing our customers the tools necessary for delivering outstanding document imaging solutions but also having a high-quality devices to print the output.” He said the introduction of the Canon imagePROGRAF models further solidified the company’s position to providing high-quality equipments that are easy to use and available at an affordable price.”

Etisalat, LBS to address market access for SMEs development ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI

Globacom’s Area Manager, Lagos 3 Territory, Mr. Sam Edo and Miss LASU 2012, Miss Comfort Ajoke Badmus, after being crowned at the Miss LASU Beauty Pageant sponsored by Glo, at the weekend.

Cashless policy: Traders decry low sales STANLEY IHEDIGBO

raders in Lagos have expressed serious concern on the issues of cashless policy, saying it is affecting their sales. They are calling the Central Bank of Nigeria to take serious steps to improve awareness on the policy or drop the idea. Some of the traders who spoke with National Mirror in markets across the metropolis, blamed lack of awareness of the cashless policy by their members and the public in general for their low sales. The cashless policy was intro-

duced April last year with the objective of promoting use of electronic payment channels instead of cash for payment. At the Oke Arin Market, in Lagos Island, some traders said their customers who buys good worth of millions , have reduced their buying strength to enable them transact business with the little cash they have at hand. Speaking with National Mirror, Baba Oloja of the Oke Arin Market, Prince Michael Thomas, Secretary General of the EbuteEro Market, M.O. Adeoti and Secretary General of Alakoro Market, Alhaji Olajide Salau , lamented that sudden introduction of cashless policy without putting

in place various alternatives and effective awareness measures is affecting their businesses. Except something urgent is done to begin proper awareness, they said the policy might not achieved it aims and will inflict more hardship on the citizen. They appealed to CBN to intensify on the awareness beyond television and radio adverts but to involve various market leaders, communities’ leaders, religions leaders in the country to spread the news of the cashless policy. They urged Federal Government to come to their aid in making more money available for them to do their businesses.

tisalat Nigeria in partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan African University is to hold Market Access Nigeria business network in PortHarcourt. The business networking session organised for small and medium scale businesses in the country is aimed at addressing ways to facilitate market access to small and growing businesses. In a statement yesterday, it was gathered that the event, which is billed to hold in Port Harcourt early September will

bring together industry leaders, chief executive officers of notable growing and large companies and emerging entrepreneurs. Justifying the holding of the event, Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Wael Ammar, said it was created out of the need to encourage entrepreneurship and stimulate the growth of small and medium scale businesses in Nigeria. “We realise that the growth and development of small and medium scale businesses is a major backbone of the Nigerian economy and as such it is important that we give all the necessary support these entrepreneurs require,” he said.

MTN presents 14 new SUVs to promo winners KUNLE A ZEEZ

TN Nigeria, the country’s largest telecoms service provider, has presented brand new Hyundai ix35 SUV each to 14 winners in the fifth prize presentation of the ongoing MTN Goodwill Automania game held in Abuja recently. One of winners, Mr. Ibrahim Suleiman has declared that the car he won was an invaluable Sallah gift from the telecoms company While describing the prize, the 39 year-old architect from Kaduna State said the Almighty God has put an indelible smile on his face at this Ramadan season through

MTN. “This is an holy month of Ramadan, for me to win this awesome gift is indeed a testimony of Allah’s mercy, in fact I will remain eternally grateful to MTN for this awesome Sallah gift,” he said. In the same vein, another winner, an Assistant Superintendent in Nigeria Customs Service, Kaduna/Kastina Command, Mr. Waziri Ibrahim, lauded MTN for keeping to its brand promise of making life better for its customers. Speaking at the event, the Director General of National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr. Peter Igho, applauded the telecoms company for upholding its ethical values.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Info Tech

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Tackling PoS redundancy With less than 25 per cent of the 62,095 registered Point of Sales devices currently active in Nigeria due to poor connectivity, the need to improve infrastructure for maximum PoS performance while rising awareness on the usage of the devices for merchants to boost electronic transactions, has again come to the front-burner, writes KUNLE AZEEZ.

ecent data released by the Nigerian Interbank Settlements Systems, the institution established by the Central bank of Nigeria to function as aggregator for Point of Sales connectivity is the country, has again presented a disappointing outlook of the state of PoS devices deployment and connectivity in the country. According to the statistics, while the number of PoS devices so far registered to drive the cashless Lagos initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria has reached 62,095, up from around 10, 000 where it was before the introduction of the cashless scheme in January 2011, only 94,123 had been deployed and connected. The statistics, however, become damning as only 13,303 of the registered PoS devices are said to be active on the Payment Terminal Service Aggregator of NIBSS, leaving 80, 820 PoS devices connected but not used by the merchants. The CBN, in August 2011, issued the guidelines on Point of Sale Card Acceptance Service and subsequently assigned NIBSS the role of Payments Terminal Service Aggregator, PTSA, in the approved guidelines. To carry out the role, NIBSS has established a PoS Transaction Aggregation infrastructure to provide reliable, secure and dedicated data channel for PoS transactions; provide interoperability; ensure PoS terminal availability and aggregate all PoS transactions, and provide operational support for the CBN payments oversight function. Against the background of the cheerless statistics coming from NIBSS, stakeholders have therefore pointed out the need to address critical issues affecting the non-usage of most of the PoS terminals already deployed for use by the merchants, a development that has resulted in redundancy of the PoS devices. PoS terminal is an electronic device used to process card payments at retail locations and together with the use of Automated Teller Machines, mobile money channels, web-based payment transactions, it is expected that a robust vista of channels would be open to Nigerian to carry out their transactions electronically. The CBN had set a target of 2015 for the deployment of over 400,000 PoS. It also hoped to accelerate PoS density in the country to 2,247 per 100,000 people by the end of this year. According to the CBN, the PoS density per 100,000 people in Nigeria is 13; India’s is 67; Uganda, 453; Namibia, 338; Malaysia, 1,063; and South Africa, 1,063. The target for Nigeria, according to the bank, is to meet Brazil’s PoS deployment rate of 2,247 per 100,000 people by 2015. However, National Mirror finding showed that the high rate of inactive PoS in the country is a reflection of some merchant-related challenges which needed to be resolved in order to ensure that deployed PoS are used for transactions. For instance, checks at various retail outlets in Lagos metropolis including Ikeja, Gbagada, Lagos Island and Oshodi and Ilupeju areas, showed that even retail outlets that have signed up to a PoS seldom used them. During National Mirror’s interactions with the merchants at some sales outlets in the areas, a number of challenges responsible for PoS inactivity were identified. Some of the current challenges resulting in PoS redundancy, as gathered include, low awareness on the usage, acceptance and deployment process of PoS ter-

SOME OF THE CURRENT CHALLENGES RESULTING

POS REDUNDANCY, AS GATHERED INCLUDE, LOW IN

AWARENESS ON THE USAGE, ACCEPTANCE AND DEPLOYMENT PROCESS OF

POS TERMINALS;

AND LITERACY LEVEL OF

MERCHANTS/SALES PERSONNEL AND HIGH TURNAROUND OF PERSONNEL minals; and literacy level of merchants/sales personnel and high turnaround of personnel. Another challenge is the low PoS terminal deployment to conventional markets and non cosmopolitan cities and the absence or low telecommunication networks occasioning transaction failures. Others are, the delays in crediting merchant accounts with cost of goods/services paid for using PoS terminals; discrepancies between amount paid by customers and amount credited to merchants by banks; and low interface between terminal deployers and merchants. Speaking on the development, the Executive Director, Business Development, NIBSS, Mrs. Christabel Onyejekwe, lamented the slow adoption of the cashless economy initiative in Lagos. She identified poor awareness on the part of the operators, especially in n the informal sector as one of the major problems, adding that there were also challenges with interoperability of networks from the telecommunications operators. “There are still challenges with awareness creation that will drive this initiative. I think we are yet to o really enter the informal sector, because the bulk of adoption will come me from them. Also, I can say that there here are still issues with the interoperability bility of networks, I mean from the telecommummunications operators. The networks are not fast and cheap, as we would have wanted. nted. But I think we are looking at that now. “The Lagos initiative started on a low pace, adoption has not been at a faster rate and the challenges are obvious. We can’t say we have recorded the required penetration looking att the population of Lagos. We started this race in August gust last year, but the belief is that by the time we overcome rcome these challenges in Lagos, implementation in other parts of the country won’t really pose a major challenge,” allenge,” she said. President, Medallion Communications, cations, Mr. Ken Nnamani, said the high PoS redundancy ancy in the country was indicative of the need for infrastructure nfrastructure upgrade to boost connectivity and the need to increase merchant education. The CBN Head of Shared Services, vices, Mr. Chidi Umeano, said though registered PoS on the NIBSS platform had reached an all-time high at 62,095, the

“gap between registered vs. deployed, is mostly due to lack of capacity on the part of the Payment Terminal Service Providers, such as include ValuCard, now called Unified Payment System Limited, ETOP, ITEX, PayMaster, CitiServce and EasyFuel, to meet the demand.” But the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, NIBSS, Mr. Adebisi Shonubi, highlighted infrastructure challenges such as power and telecommunications as major factors hindering deployment of PoS in Lagos. He specifically identified incessant GPRS network downtime as a major huddle to be crossed in PoS deployment, saying “every voice network downtime translates to GPRS downtime.” He blamed the telecoms operators for consistent PoS downtime and said many telcos had been engaged to provide workable PoS connectivity solutions. He said NIBSS had, however, made available various technologies such as GPRS, WiFi, CDMA, DSL, LAN to ensure reliable PoS operations, to ensure enduring success of the cashless economy policy. In her view, the Partner/Advisory, KPMG, Ms. Bisi Lamikanra, decried the insufficiency and unevenly spread of the over 80,000 PoS deployed in Lagos, adding that there was also the frequent instances of PoS terminals deployed but yet to be configured and setup for use. She particularly detested the difficulty in completing PoS transactions due to frequent network downtime while pointing out that, “Since PoS is a new way of making payment in the country, effort must be directed at ensuring reliable telecoms infrastructure as well as stepping up the level of education for merchants.” Meanwhile, NIBSS has said that the successful adoption of PoS terminals was dependent on the readiness of stakeholders to discharge their individual and dependent functions effectively. It noted that the adoption and continued encouragement of the use of PoS terminals is a major step for the success of the Cash-Less Project of the CBN as the promotion of alternaalterna tive channel to cash and concon venience to merchants and customers “We strongly believe that the enhanceenhance ment of PoS adopadop tion relies on high PoS avail availability and concon nectivity,” OnOn yejekwe said.

A POS device

Info Tech

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Slot Systems mulls assembly plant for mobile devices KUNLE A ZEEZ

lot Systems Limited, one of the pioneer retail outlets for mobile communications devices in Nigeria, has said establishing an assembly plant for mobile phone devices in the country was an item prime on its roadmap in the next three years. The Chief Executive Officer of Slot System, Mr. Nnamdi Ezeigbo, disclosed this in an interview during the visit of the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, to Slot office at the Ikeja Computer Village in Lagos recently. Other IT companies in the market. include Mizbeach and Micro Stations, Brian Integrated Computers, Balog Tech-

nologies Limited, IT World and Large Micahels Limited. Speaking, Ezeigbo, who was represented by the company’s Business development Manager, Mr. Patrick Egbulefu, said, “Slot has a roadmap in place here, we intend setting up an assembly. Currently, we work with major phone manufacturers where we bring mobile devices into the country as finished products.” He said the company was looking at a model where, “We can have an assembly plant in Nigeria and so that we only bring the phone parts as completely knocked down, CKD.” Ezeigbo, however, noted that the delay in setting up such a facility, expected to provide more job opportunity for Nigerians, promote local content and curb capital flight in the mobile devices sales in the country, was as

a result of number factors. “In an operating environment such as Nigeria, when you have lofty business idea to run, you are bound to be faced by a number of challenges such as the poor electricity situation in the country, poor infrastructure, lack of favourable import duty regime on importation of IT components for assembly incountry, as it is done in other countries, as well as the has operating environment, among others,” he said. The Slot boss also called on the Federal Government and Lagos State government to adopt a holistic approach in sanitisiing the IT market of substandard products and hoodlums to increase the value-addition of the IT hub to the nation’s economy. He emphasised the need to sanitise and develop Computer Village rather than relocate it to another place where possible disintegration could dampen its contribution to the economy.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tech Box Sony Xplod audio receivers

Providing immersive music, video experiences

ony, the leading consumer electronics brand, has announced the launch of five new Xplod A/V receivers XAV-701BT, XAV-741, XAV601BT, XAV-64BT and XAV-63. Offering enhanced iPod/ iPhone control, a wide range of smartphone and USB connectivity options, multi-channel surround sound and more, Sony’s latest in-dash receivers provide rich, immersive music and video experiences while on the move. The new Passenger App Control allows users to connect an iPod or iPhone via USB to display their favourite TV shows, movies, and compatible applications onscreen1. Bluetooth connectivity on the XAV-701BT, XAV-601BT and XAV-64BT with an external microphone completes the package, enabling true hands-free calling while driving. The XAV-701BT/741/601BT A/V receivers feature highquality WVGA panel displays with full touchscreen capability and a myriad of ways for passengers to share their favourite multimedia when on the road. Meanwhile, dual USB connectivity allows for simultane-

ous connection to USB mass storage devices such as the Walkman digital music player for music playback and control over the display of album artwork and playlists. The receivers also offer universal smartphone connectivity to any MirrorLink certified smartphone. Once connected, drivers can play music, make and take phone calls, as well as control smartphone-based navigation services and applications, all from the receiver’s 6.1-inch or 7-inch touchscreen. The application achieves full smartphone integration while not compromising driving safety. MirrorLink is a technology standard developed by the Car Connectivity Consortium that enables the streaming of smartphone content to in-dash receivers, facilitating control of applications and music on the receiver’s touchscreen.

Windows RT

New PC in the offing

L-R: Segment Manager, Small and Medium Enterprises, MTN, Mr. Sharaf Mohammed; Regional SME Sales Manager, MTN, Mr. Leke Adekunle presenting Mr. Keku Daniel of Pahek Security Service with a gift pack at MTN MyOffice customer reward prize presentation ceremony held in Lagos recently.

Resourcery, Checkpoint proffer IT security solution for MDAs KUNLE A ZEEZ

esourcery Plc., leading Systems Integrator in West Africa and Check Point Software Technologies, the worldwide leader in network security have concluded arrangement to assist Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government with latest IT security solutions. As part of the prograame to achieve the target, the two companies are set to organise a oneweek data security workshop for the public sector in Abuja. The data security enlightenment session brought together IT and Data security managers from about ten governmental agencies. Speaking on the workshop, Business Solution Manager, Enterprise Network Infrastructure

at Resourcery, Mr Bisike Uba, said the essence of the forthcoming event was to enlighten IT managers in government agencies on the need to protect sensitive data or information in their organization. Uba, while noting that such sensitisation has become imperative owing to current physical security challenges in the country, said, “Data security in the public sector is a task that cannot be handled with levity. Government agencies like Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Central Bank of Nigeria, Galaxy Backbone and the likes cannot afford to have their data compromised either from within or from an outside source.” He said the task of the two companies was therefore to pro-

vide the MDAs with globallyproven problem-solving technological solutions. “In this age of smartphones and other technological devices proliferated all over the place, there is a need for IT managers in government agencies to access and filter what information is available to who or certain cadre of employees. There is a clear need to ensure that employees and visitors alike cannot just bring in media devices like flash drives or hard drives to copy confidential information from the organization’s system without appropriate checks in place,” he added. Sales Manager, Nigeria and West Africa, Check Point, Mr. Rommy Okonkwo, noted that 71 per cent of businesses believe mobile devices have caused an increase in security incidents.

side from calling it a “PC,” there isn’t much about Windows RT devices that resemble the laptop one is using today, as Microsoft spelled out in its Building Windows 8 blog during the week. At the top the blog, Microsoft confirmed that Dell, Lenovo, and Samsung will be introducing Windows RT PCs running on top of ARM chips. This follows the announcement by Asus of the Windows RT Tablet 600. According to Microsoft, Windows RT is not just tablets being that being that many devices will come with physical keyboards. “Some of our Windows RT PCs come with full keyboard and touchpad solutions, whether removable/dockable or a traditional clamshell,” wrote Mike Angiulo, the Vice President of our Ecosystem and Planning team at Microsoft. The Windows RT also exude

a number of features, which include the following: •Native support for fast gesture: Working with touchpad component vendors, Microsoft has included native support in firmware to deliver “incredibly fast” Windows 8 gesture recognition. •Long battery life: Microsoft reiterated that Windows RT PCs will be a “thin and light in industrial design” with long battery life. •NFC: near field communication. “By tapping two NFC-enabled Windows RT PCs together, users can easily share photos, URLs, map directions, and anything else that our software partners have designed into their Windows apps.” •Support for a wide range of peripherals, connections: USB mass storage, printing, audio/ video peripherals, WWAN, WiFi, and Bluetooth. •Better graphics performance: In addition to “optimizations around power-efficient HD video playback, the core Windows RT UI animations achieve 60fps, which was our design goal.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Brands & Marketing

n recent years, the Nigerian marketplace has witnessed a phenomenon which some would describe in positive even glowing terms while others would be far less approving. These days, it is not uncommon to walk into a shop anywhere in Nigeria and ask for a tin of Peak Milk, only to be asked by the shop-attendant, ‘Is it Nigeria or Holland?’ ‘What’s the difference?’ you might ask. The answer is that apart from the obvious difference in price, there are other differences not immediately apparent by looking at the packaging or even sampling the product. Or you might wish to buy an electrical or electronic item, only to be asked if you wanted ‘original’ or ‘China’ or ‘Nigeria’. Again, prices may differ marginally or markedly, but the real difference may lie elsewhere, such as in value for money, performance and durability. These can certainly not be detected by merely looking at these items, or by feeling their texture and other physical characteristics. On the face of it, there seems to be nothing wrong with this business model among Nigerian manufacturers this sudden outbreak of which might be called ‘franchise frenzy.’ For one, it answers the imperative of putting products which enjoy long-standing brand equity and positive perception or even a strong emotional attachment, with the vast segment of their target audience within the reach of this target market. For many, if not most Nigerians, the only way to enjoy the benefits, both physical and psychological, of reputable foreign products with significant brand recognition is either to purchase them second hand or by patronizing local variants of foreign brands. For another, the Nigerian domestic market , for virtually everything under the sun, from pampers to heavy machinery is about the largest on the African continent, a fact which is not lost on any entrepreneur or investor, local or foreign who wishes to snag a significant share of this vast and diverse market. Given these factors, the low purchasing power of the average Nigerian; and the enormous size of the domestic market, it makes perfect sense therefore, for any serious entrepreneur to provide goods at lower-than-usual prices while trying to cut the cost of production and other overheads. According to a merchant,

Some global brands and their Nigeria variants.

Franchise frenzy: Global brands vs local variants A number of Nigerian entrepreneurs have now adopted the practice of buying the franchise of reputable foreign companies, especially European and Asian companies so as to manufacture local variants of their products for the local market. ELLA OLAMIJU examines the adverse effects of allowing the trend to continue. Mr. Jonah Ibe, who spoke with National Mirror “ I think we are doing many poor Nigerians good by giving them lower price options, not everybody can afford original products, you know the condition of many Nigerians, it is a kind of help to bring these products for them to be able to buy”. On value offered the consumer through supposedly sub-standard products, Ibe said, “Before the goods spoil they would have enjoyed the value of their money”. With the numerous environmental, infrastructural and bureaucratic challenges inherent in doing business in Nigeria, no right-thinking observer can begrudge the modest gains being recorded by these entrepreneurs who manage to keep their financial heads about water while meeting an essential local demand. The hostile nature of the Nigerian business environment has long become proverbial, so one must salute those who resolutely choose to operate in it even as others are finding the exit door in droves. This, however, is just one side of the coin – the side dictated by the vagaries of market and supply-side economics. It is, as they say, the seller’s paradise. Question is, is it also the buyer’s or consumer’s paradise? What impact does this franchise

OUR TRADE BALANCE WITH OTHER NATIONS AT PRESENT IS AT AN ALL TIME LOW, THANKS TO OUR STANDING AS A NET IMPORTER RATHER THAN A NET EXPORTER OF GOODS frenzy have on the overall economy especially the drive for self-sufficiency in meeting local demand for basic commodities even if such a ‘drive’ is probably only on paper at the moment? Does this not compound rather than ameliorate the underlying factors responsible for the comatose state of the Nigerian economy especially its manufacturing sector? Seen from the standpoint of the consumer and the future direction of the national economy, then, the disadvantages of this franchise frenzy would seem to outweigh the perceived advantages by far. First of all, this franchise frenzy and the policy thrust which supports, or tolerates it is anchored on a deep-seated distrust for local quality – both in terms of raw materials and human capacity. It encourages little or no local input, especially given the

fact that in some cases, some of these products are made abroad but marked ‘For the Nigerian market’ and then simply shipped over. The impact of local employment in a country where unemployment is beginning to assume an existential dimension in terms of insecurity and threats to established authority and social order, cannot be quantified. A consumer, Mr Alex Onyemachara when asked on why he chose to buy the foreign variant of a product said “ The diffrenece is clear, you know when they manufacture in Nigeria, they do a lot of management because of production cost and they don’t want to sell too high so the product is not always as good as the foreign ones but I like quality that is why I buy foreign products”. The inherent difficulties of operating in the Nigerian business environment such as the parlous state of infrastructure especially electricity supply, official corruption and the likes have been noted repeatedly by concerned citizens and stakeholders, which is the reason the franchise frenzy is seen more as a solution in the medium or long term. At best, it is no more than a short-term palliative target at the symptoms, rather than the source, of our economic ills and at worst, it hammers one more nail into

the coffin of local manufacturing. Many of the most vibrant economies of the world today, including those of the newly emerging BRICS nations, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa are defined by world-class and globally recognisable brands. For example, Finland, a small and rather anonymous country on the northeastern corner of Europe seem largly unknown. Politically, it lies outside the mainstream of current events on the European or world stage but mention the Nokia brand and Finland’s profile is immediately propelled to the centre-stage of global consciousness. For many decades, names like Sony, Honda and Toyota, among others, have helped to define global perceptions of the industrial behemoth known as Japan Incorporated and the so-called ‘economic miracle’ it has enjoyed since the end of the Second World War which in turn has been replicated in the equally astounding success of the so-called ‘Asian Tigers.’ The franchise frenzy currently gripping some major players in the Nigerian business community poses a mortal threat to the need to build equally recognisable Nigerian brands on which the rest of the nation’s economy can successfully leverage, as other economies have done. Marketing consultant, Mr. Lawrence OlaOluwa had offred, “This state of affairs simply does not bode well for the manufacturing sub-sector of our economy and its ability to create jobs for our teeming youths as well as provide the basis for our much-vaunted industrial take-off, our trade balance with other nations at present is at an all time low thanks to our standing as a net importer rather than a net exporter of goods”. Whatever low cost the consumer may be enjoying from these franchised product today will soon prove to be a temporary panacea to a more fundamental problem, as these prices will soon be offset by the ever-rising cost of importation, owing to our ever-depreciation currency. The solution to the malaise in the nation’s manufacturing sector which has led to such trends as the franchise frenzy is a massive overhaul of both our infrastructural facilities to a level that supports a modern, 21st Century economy. Anything short of this is bound to end in economic stagnation.

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Etisalat , Acatel launch Easyadz mobile advertising ELLA OLAMIJU

tisalat Nigeria has partenered with Alcatel-Lucent and Wild Fusion Media on an innovative move to redefine mobile advertising in the country. Launched in Lagos on Tuesday, Easyadz mobile advertising is a non-intrusive permission-based form of advertising via the mobile using the short message service (sms) and targeted at specific and profiled audiences. Speaking at the launch , the Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Steven Evans noted that globally, a World Bank report has estimated that mobile phone access three quarters of the planet’s popuation with total mobile subscription currently totalling 6billion. He said, “As technology continue to

drive innovation with more customers spending more time on their phones, Etisalat as an organsation is committed to meeting the customers need . What better way can we achieve thisbut to meet the consumer where they are, on their mobile phone”. Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat, Mr. Wael Ammar emphasised the need to optimise the mobile channel for business objectives. Ammar staed that, “Optimism is empowering us to achieve a number of exciting and important objectives. First we are bringing the power of permission based mobile advertisng to the Nigerian market with our Easyadz service. For subscibers this is a service that is respectful of their choices as well as being enjoyable and engaging for brands and advertisers.” He added that “ We are providing a large and highly profiled audience base as well as creating an avenue to con-

nect with our most important asset, our growing base of over 13million subscribers”. Etisalat network subscribers intetrested in specific ad types are to simply indicate interest in receiving such ads by texting ‘ join’ to 30500. The additional benefit added to the new service is that subscribers would receive a limit of adverts up to a maximum of 15 per month so they are not bombarded. Endorsinging the service, Advertising and marketing communications practitioner, Mr. Tolu Ogunkoya of Media Reach OMD said, “True, the mobile phone is taking over from traditional media and the non-intrusive nature of the service makes it appropriate for those who want to target specific audience, it is cost effective and you can measure and monitor your return on investment, it’s a service I readily commend to the public.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

New Product: LG L Series mobile phones introduced to Nigerian Market

ELLA OLAMIJU

G Mobile, one of the world’s leading and fast growing mobile communications company has introduced its new range of mobile phones – The LG Mobile L Series comprising of the LG Optimus L3, L5 and L7 mobile phones into the Nigerian market. The Marketing Manager LG Mobile, Mrs. Bukola Arabome while presenting the phones at the launch in Lagos stated that the LG Mobile L series are smartphones with stylish craft which compliments everyone’s unique style and comes in affordable prices to persons of various class. Presenting the Optimus L3 Dual-SIM E405, Arabome stated that the phone allows for the use of two SIMs, thus, giving its user a choice of network and offers huge set of features as one of the best buys in their categories. “LG Optimus L3 Dual functions on an Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system and its users will be able to download latest apps and softwares as its speed is boosted up by an 800 MHz Cortex-A5 processor”. The device she further noted, “offers a comfortable view with its 3.2-inch TFT touch screen display and 240 by 320 pixels camera resolution and also comes with 1 GB internal data memory which is expandable to 32 GB and also comes L-R: Brand Manager, Malta Guinness, Mr. Wole Adedeji; Head Innovation Mr. Sola Oke, Guinness Nigeria representative Ms Lisa Nichols and Market- loaded with a 3.2 MP Primary camera ing Manager Malt Mr. Emmanuel Agu, at the Malta Guinness/ Arsenal Fan Event held in Lagos recently. and a Wi-Fi option”.

JAIZ Bank clarifies advert campaign concept TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

aiz Bank Plc has clarified its REST ASSURED marketing communications campaign which introduces the concept of Interest-free banking using a sport that also requires some explanation in itself in order to fully engage the audience and deliver critical messages using a golfing analogy. A statement by the HDBE Advertising, the agency that won the account, explained that given the socio-political background concerning interest-free banking in Nigeria, it is deemed important to inform the populace about the concept and merits of this banking system; and reassure the populace that this system of banking is not here to usurp other banking modules, but to provide an alternative that is simply an additional method of banking available to everyone in Nigeria irrespective of religion. According to the agency, the television commercial features Edet Umoh, Nigeria’s top ranked PGA golfer and his caddy; focusing on the partnership be-

tween the two in ensuring success in a competitive environment. Making further clarification on the campaign, Head of Communications Department of the bank, Idris Salihu, pointed out that “interest-free banking is partnership banking”, adding that, “it is a specialised bank based on high ethics, fairness, transparency and objectivity. It is about sharing risk and reward, so there is a genuine reason for us to strategically work together, for our mutual benefit”. “The golfer in the advert is a visual metaphor of the bank’s customers while the caddy represents the bank as a supportive service provider. We aim to develop further iterations using this theme to gain salience over the next few months” reveals Jemba Moh, Partner at HDBE Advertising. The campaign includes above and below the line advertising activity with national press ads and regional billboard communications that convey appropriate levels of information using elements of the sport in a way that tells a cohesive story in understandable terms to the target audience.

Nirvana tonic, soda water relaunched ELLA OLAMIJU

he La Casera Company Limited, makers of such leading CSD brands as La Casera Apple and the Latina Range of Sugar Free Fruit Drinks, has formally introduced Nirvana Soda Water and Tonic Water drinks into the Nigerian market. Speaking at the launch which recently took place in Lagos, Head Distribution, La Casera Company Limited, Mr. Guna Sekaran, revealed to media that a lot of thought and research had gone into making the two Nirvana Drink variants. He noted that, “We recognise that there is a significant segment of the Nigerian market that demands premium, affordable quality drinks. As the name Nirvana implies, these Drinks offer a great-tasting and refreshing escape from the stress and hustle of daily life. Nirvana Soda Water is a refreshing low calorie drink, which appeals to young and sociable upwardly-mobile professional Men and Women. They enjoy feeling and looking good so they tend to go for low-calorie or zero-

calorie soft drinks either on the go or at their favourite hangouts.” Speaking more on the improved tonic water product, General Manager Marketing, CBTI, Mr. Dave Van Rensburg, emphasised that it offered many of the same qualities as Nirvana Soda Water variant, “if you are looking for a great tasting drink which offers refreshment and comes at an affordable price, then Nirvana Soda Water is the drink for you. Nirvana can also be used as cocktail mixers or consumed on its own, as it offers a refreshing time for mind and body along with its unique great taste. But whether one chooses Nirvana Soda Water or Nirvana Tonic Water, they are greattasting, refreshing and affordable quality drinks that suit a sociable lifestyle and which gives a physical and mental boost to the consumer.” The Nirvana Tonic Water and Soda Water variants have now been officially launched into the market; The products have enjoyed massive demands from consumers because of the great taste and affordability.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Mobile advertising to tripple by 2016 ELLA OLAMIJU

obile advertising is expected to hit its all time high with global mobile advertising revenue to expand by three and a half times its present level by 2016. These are findings from The Yankee Group report which has identified high-growth markets such as Brazil, India and China driving the increase. According to Principal Anayst Yankee Group and author of the report Mr. Jason Armitages “Yankee Group identifies mobility as the primary catalyst for disruptive change, and advertising is a prime example” He noted that, “Marketers approached this

platform initially as an extension of online, but that approach is no longer sustainable for a platform topping 6 billion subscriptions. Mobile advertising has begun to deliver returns and those returns will flow to companies that draw on user data to design, personalise and deliver effective mobile advertising.” Findings from the report include that Mobile advertising is exploding in new geographies. Mobile is moving up the list of priorities for marketers in highgrowth markets. In 2016, mobile will drive revenues worth U.S.$6 billion in Brazil, India and China and become the dominant platform for digital marketing in selected countries. The report emphasised the

need for digital marketers tocourt tablet owners as tablets generate six times the advertising revenues of the feature phones that dominated the market five years ago, and they are driving fast into the mass market. Report also predicts that in 2016, over a quarter of smart mobile devices globally will be tablets. It stated, “ Users will trade personal information for utility. Mobile advertising’s weak point has been a lack of data on the user. Apps are helping to fill that gap and drive better-targeted ads. Among app downloaders, more than 22 percent of smartphone owners and 27 percent of tablet owners clicked on an in-app ad during the first three months of 2012.”

L-R: Acting General Manager, Classic Beverages Total Impact, Mr. Gary Carlton; 2nd Runner-up, My Apple Story, Miss. Ebun Oluwa Meroyi; Top Prize winner, Mr. Adesola Ogunmuyiwa; 1st Runner-up, Mr. Hyacinth Madueze and outgoing General Manager, Mr. Dave Van-Rensburg, during the presentation of prizes in Lagos .

Public speaking is not a guerilla task

he media was awashed with several angled stories on “The attack dog” that has just resumed work in Aso Rock. This was in apparent reaction to Dr. Doyin Okupe, who in the estimation of that section of the media was employed to attack the perceived enemies of the government. The truth is that public communication is not what it is appropriated to be. Public speaking has basic and fundamental elements to make it effective. This is the more reason the speaker needs to possess requisite skills to perform effectively. A good public speaker should have a statement of purpose before communicating and this should involve the audience the message is directed at. The communicator should also have clear goals as it is not just enough to speak but the audience should take something tangible from the process.

It is not a good story to write when you see public speakers mount the podium and throw caution to the wind. It is even much more worrisome when professionals join the fray. It is highly expected for a public speaker to be proficient. Speaking well in the public domain is a skill with a very simple formular.A sound and tested public communicator need not abuse, degrade or pour venoms on others in the name of public speaking. Your speech should be anchored in a unique style that drives home the point. You should not utilize your platform as public speaker to speak ill. When this is done, you do not add any value both to yourself and the audience. It is pertinent to state that the moment the speaker and the audience do not connect, there is dissonance. The audience is expected to de-

ad VA NT AG E icon

Ogoke

rmed with a B.Sc. in 1990 and later an MBA in Marketing from the University of Nigeria, Ugo Ogoke started his Brand Strategy/Advertising career at TBWA/Concept (then Concept Unit Ltd) as a Media Executive. Facing him were active international accounts like Rothmans King Size Filter and Panadol. This fresh challenge accelerated the development of his potentials in media research, planning, buying and monitoring. An Associate Registered Practitioner in Advertising (arpa), Ugo was also deeply involved in events marketing & management. His brilliance and commitment paid off in good time. So he moved up in double quick time too. He was also on the other side – the client side. This sojourn saw him at Canplas Ltd as a Business Development Consultant in 1997, where he was saddled with the task of growing their customer base. As usual, he excelled, but his deep interest in marketing communications motivated him to return to his favorite constituency a year later.

Brand X-Ray with Ayodeji Ayopo Tel: 08023448199 E-mail: mayomipo@yahoo.com rive tangible messages from your public communication. I now go back to the issue of “The attack dog”. In our own clime here, the only reasoning that public officials have is to use uncouth language against the opposition or critics of the government. This is unthinkable and a terrible way of discharging public functions. The response of Okupe to Mallam El-Rufai’s critism on public infrastructure is what I leave to public court for judgement. In most cases, an effective public speaker should not attack the personality but should be strongly focused on the issue. When this is done, it reveals who you are as a thorough bred and sound communi-

cator. I know this is not a cheering news for Dr. Okupe and his ilk. Demeaning others and pouring invectives on them are not visible means of public communication. Public speakers are expected to give clear, inspiring messages. This is done through a good mastery of the delivery skills. Public speakers also deliver their speech to meet the high expectations of the audience. It is high time public speakers did away with gross misconduct in the name of public communication. This fuels my belief that a professional who worths his calling should not occupy public office and make a shipwreck of his solid career.

He joined DDB Lagos (then Casers Ltd.) as Deputy Manager, Strategic Planning & Business Development in 1998. There, he distinguished himself in the area of brand strategy development /relationship management in banking services as well as in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) category while working on accounts like FSB International Bank, Nigerian Breweries (NB Party Service), UBA (Moneygram International Money Transfer), United Biscuit (McVities’s), Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Glaxo Wellcome (Calpol). His uncanny understanding of the marketing terrain contributed to his success on the business development front. Like he always say…” this business is all about growing the brand’s competitive muscles”. Self styled Ogoke has to his credit many published works on brand/business development and media management. He has also attended many courses within and outside the country A firm believer in the concept of “Brand Business Unusual”, he drives the business engine of SMP and also serves on the board as a co-founder. Some accounts he has handled include: Grant of London Wrist Watch, IRS Airlines, Caverton Helicopters, Arik Air, Europcar, Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Justeen Pharmaceuticals, Zolon Healthcare, Neimeth, TechnoGlass Industries Ltd, POC Nig Ltd, Growmore Property Development Ltd.

Bad public speakers are not given the second chance by the audience. No matter the importance of the message, people would not listen because of the perceived image of the personality. I refresh your memories about the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoanka who was a terrible embarrassment due to his unguarded public utterances. Even the position he occupied was degraded due to his inappropriate manner of communication on salient public issues. An incident occurred where Aondoanka stated that Governor Fashola and himself were conferred with the SAN status same year and referred to him (i.e. Fashola) as his mate. Rather than for the amiable governor to respond in the same uncourteous manner, he provided clear and unambiguous message on the issue and was more effective. This endeared him to the audience because of the professional way he communicated.

Global Business

Thursday, August 16, 2012

July consumer prices unchanged as United States pricing power wanes T he cost of living in the United States was little changed in July for a second month, showing companies lack pricing power. The unexpected reading in the consumer-price index capped a 1.4 percent gain over the past 12 months, the smallest yearto- year increase since November 2010, the Labor Department reported today in Washington. The median forecast of 85 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News called for an increase of 0.2 percent. The core index, which excludes volatile food and fuel costs, rose less than forecast. Companies may find it difficult to charge more while joblessness hovers above 8 percent. Tempered inflation makes it possible for Federal Reserve policy makers to take additional steps if needed to revive the economic expansion when they meet next month. “The fact that the economy was so weak in the first half of the year means there’s probably less pricing power,” said Omair Sharif, U.S. economist at RBS Securities Inc. in Stamford, Connecticut. “It’s going to be tough to push prices through to the consumer who’s already very weak and shown an appetite for discount shop-

Obama

ping,” said Sharif, who correctly forecast the increase in core prices. “If you’re the Fed, inflation is the least of your concerns right now,” he said. Manufacturing in the New York area unexpectedly contracted in August for the first time since October, indicating factories are cutting back amid the global

economic slowdown, another report yesterday showed. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s general economic index fell to minus 5.9 from 7.4 in July. The median estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists was 7.0. Readings less than zero signal contraction in the so-called Empire State Index, which covers New York, northern New Jersey and southern Connecticut. Treasuries securities trimmed earlier losses after the reports, putting the yield on the benchmark 10-year note at 1.76 percent compared with 1.74 percent late yesterday. The contract on the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index maturing in September fell 0.2 percent to 1,398.8. in New York. Declining prices for a broad-range of goods and services, including hotel rates, airline fares and new and used cars helped offset rising costs for medical care and rents, the report showed. Economists’ estimates in the Bloomberg survey ranged from unchanged to a gain of 0.4 percent. Economists forecast a 0.2 percent gain in the core index, according to the survey median.

China can meet growth target on positive signs, Wen says

hinese Premier Wen Jiabao said the country is capable of meeting this year’s growth target as positive signs emerge, even as “downward pressure” remains on the world’s second-largest economy. “We have the conditions and capabilities to fulfill this year’s economic and social development target,” Wen said during a two-day inspection tour to eastern Zhejiang province, the official Xinhua News Agency reported yesterday. China National Radio cited Wen as saying economic downward pressure remained “relatively large” and that difficulties may continue for some time, while China Central Television reported him saying that rising prices continue to ease and that there’s “growing room for monetary policy operation.” Wen’s comments come after the country’s export growth and new yuan loans trailed estimates in July. Zhejiang, an

export base, is among the hardest hit by the economic slowdown, with its gross domestic product growth trailing only southern Guangdong province. “Policymakers have made it clear in recent weeks that supporting economic growth is their central concern,” Qinwei Wang, an economist at Capital Economics Ltd., said in an e-mail. “We continue to think that more policy support will be announced soon, including a further cut to the required reserve ratio, and that more infrastructure projects proposed by local governments will be given the go-ahead.” The reports didn’t specify the 7.5 percent GDP expansion target. Policy makers had lowered it from the 8 percent goal in place since 2005, Wen said on March 5. Wen, is trying to reduce China’s reliance on exports and boost consumption as he hands power to a younger generation of leaders this year.

Wen

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Australians’ confidence wanes, wages gain in conundrum

Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Glenn Stevens

ustralian consumer confidence fell by the most in five months even as wages climbed, sending mixed signals on the economy as the central bank weighs whether to hold interest rates at a developed-world high. The sentiment index dropped 2.5 percent to 96.6, according to a Westpac Banking Corporation and Melbourne Institute August. 6-10 survey of 1,200 consumers released in Sydney yesterday. A government report showed the wage-price index, which measures hourly pay rates excluding bonuses, rose 3.7 percent in the second quarter from 12 months earlier as mine workers’ pay surged. The acceleration in wage gains was “a material surprise, and raises the uncomfortable prospect that wage pressures may have troughed,” said Alvin Pontoh, an Asia-Pacific strategist at TD Securities Inc. in Singapore. “The surprise fall in consumer confidence in the face of a generally positive backdrop casts doubt on the sustainability of the pickup in consumer spending we have seen of late.” The Reserve Bank of Australia, which lowered interest rates by 1.25 percentage points from November to June to 3.5 percent and paused at the past two meetings, has indicated wages need to remain contained and productivity improve to ensure inflation stays within its target of 2 percent to 3 percent. Traders are pricing in a 67 percent chance the RBA will keep the benchmark on hold when it meets next month. Powering growth is Australia’s biggest mining boom since a gold rush in the 1850s. The latest bonanza -- for iron ore, coal and natural gas -- is bringing investment projects the government estimates to be worth A$500 billion ($524 billion).

BOE drops reference to rate cut as it considers policy options

King

ank of England policy makers dropped a reference to interestrate cuts this month as they voted to keep their bond-purchase target unchanged and said they will assess the need for other stimulus measures. The Monetary Policy Committee voted 9-0 to hold the target at 375 billion pounds ($587 billion), according to the minutes of the August. 1-2 meeting, published in London yesterday. It also voted 9-0 to keep the benchmark interest rate at a record-low 0.5 percent. “Over the coming months, the committee could take stock of the impact of

the Funding for Lending Scheme and the implications this had for other potential policy options,” it said, without mentioning rates. While for some members this month’s decision was “relatively straightforward,” others saw a “good case” for more asset purchases, it said. The central bank said last month it may review the merits of a reduction in borrowing costs once it assessed the impact of the FLS, which is aimed at boosting credit to companies and households. Investors increased bets on a cut after the comments before Governor Mervyn King lowered expectations, saying on August.

8 that it may do more harm than good at present because of damage to some banks’ margins. “Interestingly, there was no discussion of an interestrate cut that some analysts have called for,” said James Knightley, an economist at ING Bank in London. “We have long doubted that such action would happen given the” central bank’s concern “about what it would mean for interest margins and bank lending.” Sonia forward contracts show that a rate cut isn’t priced in through July next year, according to data from Tullett Prebon Plc.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Equities index dips 0.09 % on blue chips losses JOHNSON OKANLAWON

rading in equities continued on a bearish note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as some investors sold their holdings to take profit from the gains recorded the preceding week. The All Share index lost 0.09 per cent to close at 23,105.05 points, compared to the decline of 0.64 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 23,125.32 points. Market capitalisation shed N6bn to close at N7.35trn, lower than the of N47bn decline recorded

the preceding day to close at N7.36trn. The NSE-30 index, which represents the blue chips companies, dipped by 0.10 per cent to close at 1,080.20 points, while consumer goods index gained 0.11 pr cent to close at 1,956.17 points. The banking index depreciated by 0.09 per cent to close at 354.21 points, while the insurance index declined by 0.33 per cent to close at 126.88 points. The oil and gas index rose by 0.08 per cent to close at 166.61 points, while Lotus Islamic index shed 0.8 per cent to close at 1,346.40 points. International Brewer-

ies Plc led the gainers’ table with 31 kobo or 4.92 per cent to close at N6.61 per share, followed by Longman Plc with nine kobo or 4.86 per cent to close at N1.94 per share. Ikeja Hotel Plc gained five kobo or 4.67 per cent to close at N1.12 per share, while UTC Plc appreciated by four kobo or 4.55 per cent to close at 92 kobo per share. Evans Medical Plc rose by five kobo or 4.55 per cent to close at N1.15 per share. On the flip side, Berger Paints Plc dropped by 36 kobo or 4.94 per cent to close at N6.93 per cent, whiel Redstar Express Plc dipped by 13 kobo or 4.73

per cent to close at N2.62 per share. Continental Insurance Plc depreciated by three kobo or 4.55 per cent to close at 63 kobo per share, while Mobil Oil Plc lost N4.98 or 4.28 per cent to close at N111.51 per share. Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc shed 19 kobo or 4.23 per cent to close at N4.30 per share. Transaction volume in equities increased by 0.11 per cent, as a total of 231.9 million shares worth N1.65bn were exchanged in 3,757 deals, compared to 206.94 million shares valued at N1.35bn traded in 3,753 deals the preceding day.

Source: NSE NIBOR QUOTES 14 AUGUST & 15 AUGUST 2012 30.00 29.00 28.00 27.00 26.00 25.00 24.00 23.00 22.00 21.00 20.00 19.00 18.00 17.00 16.00 15.00

14-Aug-12

15-Aug-12

Source: Afrinvest

CCNN profit drops 42% in half year JOHNSON OKANLAWON

ement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc has declared a profit of N620.7m for the half year ended June 30, 2012, a decline by 42.1 per cent when compared to N1.07bn recorded in the same period of 2011. The company’s revenue rose by 14.3 per cent to N8.05bn in the review period, from N7.05bn in 2011 half year, while cost of sales increased by 52.1 per cent, from N3.73bn in the corresponding period of 2011 to N5.67bn in 2012. According to the result

presented to the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, gross profit stood at N2.38bn in the half year, from N3.73bn recorded in the same period of 2011. Further analysis of the company result showed 8.8 per cent rise in net assets, from N7.01bn in 2011 half year to N7.63bn in 2012, while the value of investories appreciated by 24.1 per cent to N6.01bn from N4.84bn in 2011 half year. The company’s chairman, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, attributed the drop in profit to the rising cost of power as well as inadequate supply of fuel,

which according to him, is hindering the expansion drive of the company. He stressed the need to expand its production line but however said it would need to invest in additional equipment to make the company depend less on electricity supplies from the grid to run at full capacity. Rabiu noted that the need for an upgrade of the company’s production lines as well as lack of fuels remained major obstacles to increase in its production level during the year under review. “The 12mw power plant cannot generate sufficient

power to run the whole factory. Investments in additional equipment are required to make the company less dependent on electricity supplies from the grid to run full capacity.” He said that the company produced 467,866 tonnes of cement and clinker with a turnover of N13.9bn in 2011, representing a 24 per cent increase over the 397,185 tonnes and a turnover of N11.18bn realised in 2010. According to him, there were considerable increases in domestic integrated cement production capacity in 2011 and 2012 which easily could have a downward pressure on the selling prices in the country.

US stocks rise as industrial production increases

nited States stocks rose yesterday, after a two-day decline in the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index, after a report showed industrial production increased in July. Target Corporation, the second-largest US discount retailer, gained 1.6 after profit topped estimates as sales gained at established locations. Deere and Company dropped 6.8 per cent as profit trailed analysts’ estimates and the largest maker of farm equipment cut its full-year earnings forecast, while Staples Incoporation tumbled 16 per cent after reducing its sales forecast as the retailer assumes slower growth for in the US.

The S&P 500 rose 0.2 per cent to 1,406.07 points, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 8.01 points, or 0.1 per cent, to 13,180.15 points. Industrial production in the US increased in July, propelled by a pickup in motor vehicle output and a rebound in utility use during the hottest month on record. A separate report showed manufacturing in the New York area unexpectedly contracted in August for the first time since October. The S&P 500 slipped less than 0.1 per cent the preceding day. Intraday price swings in the benchmark index narrowed to a daily average of 0.7 per cent from August 6,

the smallest fluctuation over a comparable period since January 2011, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The index has fluctuated around 1,400 for the past six trading sessions, with US equity volume reaching the lowest level since at least 2008 excluding holidays and volatility sliding to a five-year low. Trading has slowed as vacationing traders awaited policy clues from the Fed’s summit at the end of the month and the European Central Bank meeting in September. The index has rebounded almost 10 percent from a five-month low on June 1 amid speculation global central banks will intro-

duce further stimulus measures. About 4.5 billion shares changed hands on all venues on August 13, the lowest level in data compiled by Bloomberg going back four years that excludes the days surrounding New Year’s, Christmas, Thanksgiving and Independence Day. Volume averaged 5.9 billion shares a day this month, 12 per cent below the average level during the first seven months of 2012. The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index, known as the VIX, lost 7.1 percent to 13.70 on August 13, the lowest level since June 2007. The VIX fell 2.3 per cent to 14.51points yesterday.

Market indicators All-Share Index 23,105.05 points Market capitalisation 7,354 trillion

Stock Updates (as at May 28) GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

INTBREW

6.30

6.61

0.31

4.92

LONGMAN

1.85

1.94

0.09

4.86

IKEJAHOTEL

1.07

1.12

0.05

4.67

UTC

0.88

0.92

0.04

4.55

EVANSMED

1.10

1.15

0.05

4.55

AGLEVENT

1.15

1.20

0.05

4.35

HONYFLOUR

1.90

1.98

0.08

4.21

WAPIC

0.51

0.53

0.02

3.92

LIVESTOCK

1.33

1.37

0.04

3.01

FIRSTBANK

12.10

12.37

0.27

2.23

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

BERGER

7.29

6.93

0.36

-4.94

REDSTAREX

2.75

2.62

0.13

-4.73

CONTINSURE

0.66

0.63

0.03

-4.55

MOBIL

116.49

111.51

4.98

-4.28

CCNN

4.49

4.30

0.19

-4.23

ETERNA

2.45

2.35

0.10

-4.08

PAINTCOM

2.29

2.20

0.09

-3.93

SKYEBANK

2.77

2.67

0.10

-3.61

DIAMONDBNK

2.65

2.56

0.09

-3.40

RTBRISCOE

1.70

1.65

0.05

-2.94

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91-Day

30,647.81

13.50

23-Aug-12

182-Day

20,000.00

15.50

23-Aug-12

364 -Day

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

178 Days

14,231.30

15.50

23-Aug-12

118-Day

50,282.86

14.08

23-Aug-12

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$200m

N/A

$126m

15-Aug-12

$180m

N/A

$147m

13-Aug-12

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at August 15, 2012 1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

1st Tier Securities No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Thursday, August 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Int’l Youth Day: Calls resonate for better Nigeria

Miss Nigeria

Miss Sri Lanka

Miss World: Waiting for the queen on Saturday STORIES: LEONARD OKACHIE

total of 120 ladies started the journey on July 24 during the fantastic opening ceremony, but only one person will be crowned Miss World 2012 this weekend, August 18, in the Dongsheng Fitness Centre Stadium, Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China. Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela will crown her successor at the end of the event. Interestingly, not even the just concluded London Olympics could take the glitz and glamour off the 62nd Miss World Festival. However, Nigeria will be hoping on her representative, Damiete Charles-Granville for glory, after the woeful performance of her contingent at the London Olympics. The 23- year-old Damiete from Kalabari, Rivers State, was among the 46 Top Model semi- finalists that strutted their stuff on catwalk in front of the judges on Sunday, fashioning the best of Graham Black's collection for 'Erdos 1436'. Unfortunately, she could not make it to the top 10. Brazil, China PR, Poland, South Sudan, Jamaica, Chile, Mexico, Spain, Australia and Belize made it. Again, Damiete proved to the world that Nigeria is endowed with talents when she slinked centre stage in fuchsia and blue, during the Talent Show final last week Wednes-

day. She was gracious in her movements and did the most incredible body shaking to the cheering of the audience. But that was not enough to outwit the performances of contestants from Jamaica, Norway, Philipines, Panama and China PR, who emerged as the Top 5. The winner will be announced on August 18. For instance, Miss Jamaica Deanna Robins who appeared in a dazzling sequined headband with a black leopard striped with the Jamaican national colours, danced her way into the competition with a piece choreographed to Bob Marley’s Redemption Song. The audience was awestruck as she moved between the stage floors and then arced heavenward with series of leaps. The joy on her face was captivating. This year was memorable as audience was treated to some incredible performances by a gifted group of women. It was completely unique vocal feats, some serious musical maestro and contestants dancing up a storm. Nigeria’s Agbani Darego was the first black African winner of Miss World. She won in 2001. Damiete, who was first runner up at the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) 2012, got the opportunity to represent Nigeria after MBGN winner Isabella Ayuk was removed by the MBGN organisers because of some discrepancies. Will Damiete wear the crown this Saturday?

he future of the youth in Nigeria has been unarguably gripped with fear and uncertainty, and this has led to the increasing menace and involvement of youths in all kinds of inglorious and non-profitable activities. The resulting national complacency on the poor welfare of the youth has called for objective condition of a specialised platform where young people can effectively articulate their opinions and chart a new course for an egalitarian and a developed Nigeria in order to retain relevance among comity of nations in the nearest future. In commemoration of the International Youth Day 2012 (IYD 2012), which is August 12 of every year, the African Resourceful Leaders Foundation (ARLFoundation), a non-governmental organisation focused on implementing relevance, mobilisation and empowerment programmes that ensure the active participation of young people in effecting sustainable development in their community and Africa at large, last Saturday held a one-day youth leadership forum. The thematic areas for the year’s IYD 2012 were extensively discussed by youth leaders and representatives from 18 youth organisations across the country, as those issues were related to Nigerian society. In the short lecture paper presented by Ezekiel Akinrinade, the publisher of Y.E Magazine, he highlighted the countless issues contributing to youth underdevelopment especially in Nigeria, and implored the Nigerian government to take action to ensure the proper management of it youths and groom them for the future. He also encouraged the youths to see themselves as good ambassadors by

taking and/or supporting initiatives that can contribute to the building of a better nation and a better world. The theme for IYD 2012, Building a Better World, Partnering With Youth, as well as the highlighted thematic areas associated with the topic were extensively discussed at the break-out session. Participants engaged themselves and shared ideas especially on what can be done to contribute to the building of a better world starting by first building their communities, their nation and then, the world at large. During the discussion, the challenges facing the country’s educational system were highlighted and the youths urged the government for an urgent review of education policy that will enable an average Nigerian student to be creative and inventive. They also appealed to government to commit vast resources towards education, including science and technology research, training of teachers and scholarship for brilliant but less privileged students amongst others to guarantee worthwhile knowledge and capacity development. Youths called for a Sovereign National Conference where the voice of the Nigerian youths will be heard and considered. They advocated for inclusive governance at all level of government from policy making to implementation rather than being used as political machinery and thug to perpetrate evil political agenda. They also called on the government and

Representatives of youth led organisations at the forum

the general public to see issues of corruption as a fight to finish and should be addressed topside down. In order to overcome the challenges of youth unemployment and increase entrepreneurship capacity, they argued that national resources must be directed towards building of infrastructures and capital projects, adding that diversification in the non-oil sector, zero interest rate for entrepreneurs and a constant electricity supply will create a wider opportunities for youths to be productive and completely engaged in economic development. To achieve a mega result, representatives at the forum suggested youth-led organisations should come together, form a very stronger network, and work together to raise the level of awareness and advocacy on youth development and general issues. They asked the government, corporate bodies, international institutions and other stakeholders to see youthful initiatives as priority, hence partner and render their maximum support to the global call, Building A Better World, Partnering With Youth. Organisations present at the event are: African Resourceful Leaders Foundation, Y.E Magazine (Coordinating Partner), RAAP Networks, Youth Passion Initiatives, Ogbia Development Joint Force, Campaign for Democracy, Abstinence Icon, Super Change Brand, Justice Forum International, Christian Youth Association of Nigeria, D3H Foundation, Network for Talent Discovery, Caspertainment, YEC-Academy, Full Measure Impact, Unique Concept, FACE Nigeria, and Korede Bello (Musician; African Peace Ambassador).

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Rochas Foundation holds conference for less privileged

More children to benefit from GCLF workshops TERH AGBEDEH

he Volunteer Corps arm of the Rochas Foundation is organising a two-day conference scheduled to hold on the 21st and 22nd of September 2012 with the theme: Enhancing Quality Education Through Leadership and Volunteerism, The New Idea in Owerri, Imo State. This event which was earlier scheduled to take place in Accra, Ghana is focused on reaching out to the rest of Africa with the establishment of comprehensively free colleges to cater for the lessprivileged children. The first day of the conference is also scheduled for the graduation ceremony of two sets of graduates from the Owerri and Ogboko free Rochas Foundation colleges while day 2 of the conference will be the main day when international guest speakers, a former president and the Nigeria’s Minister of Education is expected to attend. The conference is an initiative of the Director General of the Rochas Foundation, Ms Uloma Rochas and the eminent Nigerians who make up the Volunteer Corps of the foundation. The conference is one way to orientate and establish a culture of volunteerism amongst Afri-

Rochas

cans towards great causes such as education. It is also to be a call to raise more volunteers to take the foundation’s vision to greater height. The major aftermath of this volunteers’ conference will be to reach out to the rest of Africa starting by establishing a Rochas Foundation College in Kenya, East Africa to cater for the education of the less privileged children. This conference is open for sponsorship from well-meaning Africans and organisations as it introduces Volunteerism and Leadership as the ‘New Idea’ towards enhancing quality education.

Contestants showing their talents in Calabar at the Nigeria's Got Talent audition

Nigeria’s Got Talent ignites Calabar

igeria does indeed have talents; the half of it has not yet been told. The Nigeria’s Got Talent Season 1 auditions train made its third stop recently in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, after very successful outings in Abuja and Enugu. Hopefuls from the nook and crannies of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States thronged Monty Suites, Calabar, where the audition held, to exhibit their God-given talents and stand a chance of winning the N10 million grand prizes. Just like in the FCT and Enugu, the Calabar audition attracted a rich and diverse array of characters. Some of the stand-out acts who auditioned in Calabar include ‘Adult Babies’Teddy White

and Bobby Black from the Nigerian Political Infant Preparatory Nursery and Primary School, Wuse, who performed an unusual kind of comedy they called cartoon comedy. These graduates of engineering drew comparisons with Nollywood stars Aki and Pawpaw. There was also the generator repairer, Edet, who displayed graceful athleticism on the skateboard. Edet, who said he’s an ambassador of the sport, trains over 100 skaters in Calabar pro-bono. Stand-up comedian and clown, Kabin Bizkit, who arrived the audition venue with an entourage of well wishers, as well as dance group, The Savages, with their brand of “hard hip-hop,” also displayed in a bid to win the nod of the judges.

The show’s producer, Debbie Schulman, was effusive in her praise of the “creativity of those who auditioned in Calabar”. She particularly commended the dance acts, “who fused drama, acrobatics and stunts into their display and showed brilliant thinking and storytelling”. With the popular Got Talent franchise now in Nigeria, gifted Nigerians, irrespective of gender or age have the opportunity to showcase their talents and stand a chance of winning N10 million while at it. The talent does not have to be the conventional, as everything from fire eating to acrobatics is allowed. The show, which would run on terrestrial from July to December is sponsored by telecommunications giant, Airtel.

irector of the Garden City Literary Festival (GCLF) and founder of the Rainbow Book Club, Mrs. Koko Kalango, has said that more children stand to benefit from the festival billed to hold from October 10 – 20. In its fifth year, the festival organised by Rainbow Book Club in conjunction with the Rivers State Government, has always had workshops for children coordinated by Sola Alamutu of Children and the Environment (CATE). “We have been having CATE with Sola Alamutu. They do quite a good job. This year, we are having another person to work with the children; Polly Alakija, a children book author based in the UK. She will be doing a workshop for children similar to what CATE does at the festival. We will bring more children this year (and) expand their involvement. As usual, they would come to the book fair and on Saturday, a day specifically reserved for them, they would do their thing. We would also have children perform one play,” Kalango told the press recently in Lagos. Apart from the usual funfilled children workshops in writing, drama and arts, this year, GCLF announced a national essay competition for senior primary school pupils to be assessed by the English Language Teachers Association of Nigeria (ELTAN). “Usually, we don’t have the same set of children and it’s always exciting for them. This year, we are doing a national essay completion and most of the entries came from Lagos and Ibadan.” Kalango said. Alamutu, the executive director of CATE, when reached on telephone on what the children coming to GCLF are to expect this year, said they would do what has worked in terms of workshops in fine art, writing and dance drama. “We do the same kind of creative art each year but we tailor it to the theme and what is different this year is the theme: Women in Literature,” she said. Alamutu, who said she is looking forward to the event since each year is different, explained that on the last day of the festival the children have a presentation depending on what they come up with during the workshops.

“A lot of what we do actually gets done while we are there because we work with the children; they come up with ideas based on what you tell them. So, we don’t go there with all the ideas in our heads,” she said. She added that there is a lot of teamwork involved as the workshop coordinators give the children the theme and get a lot of feedback from the children. And it is this feedback that they work with to come up with a presentation. “For example, last year we had 20 children write 20 lines each and what we ended up doing was pick one line from each child and come up with one poem. We are democratic; whatever the majority of the children say they want is what we have,” Alamutu explained, adding that it’s the reason each year the presentation comes out really good. She has over the years been actively involved in environmental issues through consistent advocacy seminars, workshops and other programmes in the print and electronic media. She loves working with children and co-wrote the award winning children book: “Cate Saves the Ikopi Rainforest” with Peju Dawodu. Alakija is a published author of children's books. Some of her published credits include Catch That Goat! When GCLF holds in Port Harcourt this year with the theme: Women in Literature it will be amid the euphoria of the city’s emergence as the 2014 World Book Capital City (WBCC) on July 9. And as has become tradition for the festival, visitors, particularly those who have something to do with the written word, will come from all over the world. Among them will be the keynote speaker: Veronique Tadjo, key writers; Lizzy Attree, Doreen Baigana and Lola Shoneyin.

Kalango

Media

Thursday, August 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Rising brutality on journalists

Iwuoha

Oluchi Iwuoha is IJNet journalist of the month STORIES: LEONARD OKACHIE

he south/southeast news correspondent for the Continental Broadcasting Service (CBS), Oluchi Iwuoha is International Journalists’ Network (IJNet) journalist of the month. Each month, IJNet features an international journalist who exemplifies the profession and has used the site to further his or her career. Thanks to IJNet, Iwuoha who hails from Imo State, has attended the Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum in Bonn, Germany, and the New England Centre for Investigative Reporting at Boston University. When asked about the impact of IJNet in her profession, Iwuoha said: “IJNet has helped me as a journalist to acquire more skills and knowledge through international exposure. I have attended training sessions at locations including the Poynter Media Institute in Florida and South Thames College in London. I have also benefited a lot from the articles and tips published regularly on the site.” She said she gets her story ideas from happenings in her environment and the world at large, stressing that she generates news ideas for special reports on human interest issues such as ecological problems, environmental degradation, health issues, oil theft and decaying infrastructures in the country. “My best story is one I did on illegal oil bunkering and refining as a result of the increasing rate of crude oil theft in Nigeria. I tagged along with a joint military patrol team to visit the creeks that are off the sea where some of the bunker-

ers hide to perform their illegal acts. They siphon the crude [oil] and they refine it into products like diesel and kerosene, which they then introduce to the city to be sold at a cheaper price than at gas stations...” said when asked her best story or work so far. She advised young aspiring journalists to remain committed and determined to the noble profession, maintaining that hard work will surely pay off in the future. Kosipre Charles of Africa Independent Television (AIT) , Yenagoa, Bayelsa State congratulated her for the feat, saying: “Thank you Oluchi for making Nigeria proud, presenting an exemplary conduct and motivating young journalists. Thanks also to ICFJ for recognising hard work and contributions to a better journalism.” Osita Aguzie, who is based in Los Angeles, California, USA hailed Iwuoha, adding, “All thanks to IJNet for recognising the great job this great journalist from Nigeria is doing in showcasing her country Nigeria and Africa to the world. She has made Nigeria/Africa proud. We Nigerians in USA are so proud of her. More grease to your elbow Oluchi!!!.” Expressing her happiness, Iwouha said: "I am so grateful to IJNet for selecting me as the International Journalist of the month. This is coming five days after I lost my dad. There is no better consolation than this. Am highly motivated and promise to work harder. I also express my appreciation to my friends who posted their comments, I am grateful, and to my organisation for giving me the platform to excel. Thanks once more.”

ress Freedom still seems a mirage in Nigeria despite its approval by the Federal Government in May last year, as journalists remain subject of battery by government officials and the public in the course of their official duty. In less than five days two photojournalists were assaulted and brutalised in Lagos, some days after editors of Daily Sun Newspaper, and Compass Newspaper, Mr. Steve Nwosu and Mr. Gabriel Akinadewo repectively were attacked by armed robbers on separate occasions. Last Thursday, staff of TOS Funerals brutalised Leadership photojournalist, Benedict Uwalaka while covering the release of the corpses of the victims of Dana air crash at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) morgue. While Uwalaka who was beaten to a pulp by his attackers is still recuperating in the hospital, another photojournalist with the Compass Newspaper, Mr. Tunde Ogundeji was on Monday beaten by thugs alleged to be from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) for trying to take pictures of passengers on top of the coaches in Ikeja. Ogundeji, was brutalised by social miscreants popularly called area boys with planks and bottles as he sustained head injuries.They seized his camera but was later retrieved by the management of NRC and handed over to the Railway Station Police Command in Agege, Lagos. Meanwhile, the NUJ has said it would sue LASUTH over the brutal assault Uwalaka. NUJ National President, Malam Mohammed Garba, made the announcement at a news conference in Abuja. Mohammed, who acknowledged the gesture of the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, in ordering an investigation into the incident, condemned the incident and demand-

Ogundeji

ed that “culprits involved in the criminal act be brought to justice.” "We have already instructed the Lagos State Council to seek legal advice over this matter to enable the national secretariat of the union take appropriate measures to forestall future occurrence of such impunity,’’ Muhammed said. The NUJ president also expressed concern over the rising incidence of attacks on media practitioners in Nigeria in the course of performing their legitimate duties. He recounted that Rasak Gawat of NTA Tejusosho, Lagos, also disappeared in a "mysterious manner’’ last month. "His whereabout still remains unknown while colleagues and family members daily live in fear of the unexpected,’’ said the NUJ president. Mohammed called on the police and the State Security Service to intensify the search for the missing Gawat. Highlighting other attacks on the media, the NUJ president said Tunde Ogundeji, a former photo editor with Compass Newspapers, was severely beaten by thugs on Monday in Ikeja while attempting to snap pictures of an overcrowded train. He noted that in the case of Uwalaka and Ogundeji, the police had been contacted to thoroughly investigate the cases and prosecute the culprits. Mohammed urged the Federal Government to ensure "effective safety standards’’ for journalists to perform their duties without molestation. He said that government must "summon the political will to spell out measures necessary to help protect journalists and this should be done without further delay.’’

Uwalaka

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Media

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Media Abroad

Swaziland to ban radio stations

Edetaen

MRA commends Fashola’s over attack on photojournalist

edia Rights Agenda (MRA) has commended Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), for directing an investigation into last Thursday’s brutal attack on Leadership newspaper photojournalist, Mr. Benedict Uwalaka, and ordering that the perpetrators be prosecuted. In a statement in Lagos, MRA welcomed the governor’s action, describing it as an important step towards ending the cycle of impunity in cases of attacks against journalists and media organisations. Officials of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) believed to be mortuary attendants attacked and brutalised Uwalaka on August 9 when he went to the hospital to cover the release of the bodies of victims of the recent Dana Air crash by the management of the hospital. Uwalaka’s attackers inflicted severe injuries on him, especially on his head and face, leading to his being hospitalised. Fashola is reported to have said that the state gov-

ernment will bring the culprits to justice and pledged that incidents like this would no longer be treated with kid gloves. Reacting, MRA’s Executive Director, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, said: “Last Friday, we called on the state government to take strong measures to show its disdain for the action and ensure that the full weight of the law is brought to bear on the perpetrators. We are greatly encouraged by the swift response of Governor Fashola and his clear and unequivocal acknowledgment that the action of the LASUTH officials was criminal.” Ojo added: “Obviously, the governor’s singular action may not by itself reverse a long-ingrained culture of impunity in cases of attacks against journalists and media organisations. But we are confident that it will send a very strong message to the journalist-haters out there that there may be consequences for them should they choose to batter journalists or in some other way violate the rights of media practitioners.”

adio in Swaziland is to be banned from broadcasting news and information that does not support the government’s own agenda. All radio in the kingdom, except one Christian station that does not broadcast news, is statecontrolled and already suffers from high levels of censorship. Now, in advance of national elections due next year, the government has barred all coverage of events, ‘except those authorised by relevant authorities’. New guidelines released this week, also bar ‘public service announcements’ unless they are ‘in line with government policy’ or have been authorised ‘by the chiefs through the regional administrators’ or deputy prime minister’s office’. The guidelines say the radio stations, which fall under the control of the Swaziland Broadcasting and Information Service (SBIS), cannot be ‘used for purposes of campaigning by individuals or groups, or to advance an agenda for political, financial popularity gains for individuals or groups’. Media in Swaziland already suffer severe censorship. There are only two TV stations in the kingdom, the state-controlled Swazi TV and the independent Channel S, which has a publiclystated policy of supporting King Mswati III, who rules the kingdom

as sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch. There are only two national newspaper groups in Swaziland: one, the Swazi Observer, is in effect owned by the king and the other, the Times of Swaziland, censors itself heavily so as to avoid anything that might be interpreted as critical of the king. There is a long history of censorship on SBIS. Strikes and anti-government demonstrations are usually ignored by the radio. Sometimes live programmes are censored on air. In July 2011, the plug was pulled on a phone-in programme when listeners started criticising the government for its handling of the economy. Percy Simelane, who was then the boss of SBIS, and is now the government’s official spokesperson, personally stormed the radio studio and cut the programme. In April 1 2011, Welile Dlamini, a long-time news editor at SBIS, challenged Prime Minister Barnabas Dlamini at an editors’ forum on why the state radio station was told by the government what and what not to broadcast. Dlamini said that at the station they were instructed to spike certain stories such as those about demonstrations by progressives and strike action by workers. The PM responded by saying editors should resign if they were not happy

Swaziland's Prime Minister, Barnarbas Dlamini

with the editorial policies they are expected to work with. In March 2011, SBIS stopped broadcasting the BBC World Service Focus on Africa programme after it carried reports critical of King Mswati III. In the same month, SBIS failed to cover the march by nurses that forced the Swazi Government into paying them overdue allowances. In 2010, Swazi police told SBIS it must stop allowing people to broadcast information about future meetings unless the police had given permission. Jerome Dlamini, Deputy Director of the Swaziland Broadcasting and Information Services, said this was to stop the radio station airing an announcement for a meeting that was prohibited. He said, ‘It’s the station’s policy not to make announcements without police permission.’ The police directive came to light when the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) tried to get an announcement aired about one of its meetings. Source: MediaSourceAfrica

Arts journalism contest Grants fund investigative journalism he Fund for Investiga- Park Foundation, the Ethics opens worldwide tive Journalism (FIJ) and Excellence in Journal-

he International Anthony Burgess Foundation, in collaboration with The Observer, is accepting applications from Arts journalists worldwide for the Observer/Anthony Burgess Prize for Arts Journalism. The prize will award the best writing on new work in the arts that has not previously been published, whether in print or on the internet. The winning essay might take the form of an interview or profile of a writer, artist or musician; a piece on a new artistic movement or venture; or a review of a book, film, a concert, a ballet or a stage play. The word limit for entries is 1,500. When choosing the winner, the judges will be looking for imaginative, original, and thought-provoking arts journalism that would be suitable for publication in the Observer. They will be looking for emerging talent, innovative approaches and writing from outside the mainstream, and are especially interested in entries from those who have not previously had work published by major media organizations. The winner will receive £2,000 (about US$3,109). The entry fee is £10 (about US$15.5). The application deadline is September 15.

seeks grant proposals for independent investigative projects from journalists worldwide that need support for travel and other reporting expenses. According to a statement by Sandy Bergo of FIJ in Washington, the group is interested in proposals that break new ground and expose wrongdoing. Projects relating to government accountability and environmental issues in the United States, local or regional stories with national implications, and applications from ethnic media are strongly encouraged. This year, the Fund for Investigative Journalism is also putting out a special call for investigative proposals on issues of economic inequities in America. It also invites investigations of climate change issues. FIJ’s grants are made possible through generous funding from the Morton K. and Jane Blaustein Foundation, the Park Foundation, the Green

ism Foundation, the Gannett Foundation, The Nara Fund, private family foundations, and the public. Pro bono legal services are provided by Dykema. FIJ is also supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Chair in Investigative and Enterprise Reporting at the Journalism Department in the College of Media at the University of Illinois. For more than 40 years, the Fund for Investigative Journalism has supported work by independent and freelance reporters who do not have the resources to do their investigations. Grants average $5,000. The awards support the costs of reporting, such as travel and document production expenses. Small stipends will be considered as part of the overall award. If the proposed project addresses an issue that has already been in the news, the applicant must acknowledge the work previously done, and explain how the project would break new ground.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror University graduate jailed for fraud

“We have been calling for a national sovereign conference to solve our national question but the powers that be have turned a deaf ear.”

FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF OPC, DR. FREDERICK FASHEUN

Hawker rescued from suspected kidnappers OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

middle-age woman, Bukola Afolabi has been rescued from suspected kidnappers in Abuja,by the Society Against Prostitution and Child Labour in Nigeria, SAP-CLN. The petty trader at the Utako Motor Park boarded

a taxi with two other male passengers already inside Except for the timely intervention of mobile policemen attached to SAPCLN, the men would have strangled her in the car. Afolabi who was found unconscious was later rushed to the hospital. Although, the taxi had no registration number plate, it carried the side

code FCT/RTS/T 6902, issued by the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services. Coordinator of SAPCLN, Grace Adogo, explained that her staff were on routine duty in Jabi District, when they noticed a woman being held by the neck at the back of a taxi with one of the men pointing a locally made pistol to

her head. “The patrol team called the office to alert us but trailed the taxi to a point where it was intercepted by the SAP-CLN bus. On the sight of the mobile police man attached to the team the taxi sped off,” she said. According to her, the taskforce chased the suspected kidnappers along

the Mike Akhigbe Way and in the process, the taxi driver lost control and crashed into the fence of Jabi Police Barrack on Emmanuel Adiele Street, adding that the gang however escaped leaving the woman unconscious. Afolabi, a mother of two, said she boarded the taxi from Utako to Karimo while going home, when

suddenly she was asked by the suspected kidnappers to submit all valuables in her possession. At that point, one of the suspects pointed a gun at her while the other grabbed her neck andshe became unconscious. Meanwhile, the matter has been reported at the Gwarinpa Police Station for further investigations.

POWA chairperson urges discipline among members BIYI ADEGOROYE

hairperson of the Police Officers Wives Association, POWA, in Lagos State, Mrs. Rabi Manko, a Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, has called on members of the association to be committed to healthy upbringing of their children, in order to promote discipline and peace in the barracks. Speaking at a meeting of the association in Ikeja, Manko, who is the wife of the police commissioner, said through such discipline, they will be able to take care of the home, and thereby enable their husbands to face the challenges of the job without distractions. She also enjoined them to ensure cleanliness in the barracks to ensure a healthy environment. Following the meeting, Mrs. Kehinde Ojajuni and Mrs. Biola Lasisi were elected Secretary and Assistant Secretary respectively. Others are Mrs. Rhoda Ekpo and Mrs. Florence Modebe who emerged Financial Secretary and Assistant Financial Secretary respectively, while Mrs Joy Ezimiri was elected as Public Relations Officer, to be assisted by Mrs. Oyin Adamu. Mrs. Rachel Ohu became Social Secretary, while Mrs. Comfort Peter, emerged the Assistant Social Secretary and Mrs. Esther Takobi,was chosen the provost, even as Mrs. Evelyn Inunu, became the treasurer.

Passers-by walk past a man sleeping in the open near the flyover at Jibowu, Lagos

PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Installation of Oba in order –Kingmakers ABIODUN NEJO EKITI

ingmakers in Aramoko Ekiti State have declared that due process was followed in the installation of incumbent monarch, Oba Adegoke Olu-Adeyemi, three years ago. They, however, dissociated themselves from one Eyejumu, who was recently quoted as saying that Oba Adeyemi was not properly installed. In a signed statement by Secretary of the Alarain-Council, and also High Chief Sajowa of Aramoko Ekiti, the kingmakers con-

demned the report in a national daily (not National Mirror) of July 8, 2012, credited to Eyejumu, claiming that Adeyemi’s ascension to the throne was fraught with irregularities. Eyejumu had alleged in the newspaper report that Oba Adeyemi, who ascended the throne following the demise of Oba Oluwole Amele, “Councillor Balogun” of the defunct New Village Headmaster television series, was not the choice of the Ifa Oracle . The kingmakers stated that it was not only ridiculous to the community but a false statement meant to malign the royal institu-

tion of Aramoko Kingdom. It further stated that the name of Prince Segun Aderemi, referred to in the story as the person favoured by the oracle was never selected. The kingmakers stated that; “Prince Segun Aderemi was never picked by the Ifa Oracle nor was he popularly elected as Alara of Aramoko, in the election that produced Oba Adeyemi. The kingmakers followed due process in the selection exercise that was openly conducted and recorded in the print and electronic media. “As informed individuals, we the kingmakers

to the Alara of Aramoko Chieftaincy are sufficiently educated to see the need to avoid doing anything that will impugn on the integrity of the court in a matter that is ‘subjudice’.” In another development, the leadership of Aramoko Development Association, ADA, an umbrella body of all indigenes of the town, has also reacted to the publication, saying that Eyejumu made the statement to embarrass the community, at a time all stakeholders believed the outstanding issues had been settled on the position of Alara. According to ADA President, Chief Adeosun Oni,

the process of selecting the Alara was transparent and in accordance with the declaration contained in the Morgan Commission of Enquiry on Chieftaincy matters in old Ondo State, which indicated that the selection of a suitable candidate to the throne, must be done by consultation of the Ifa Oracle, which should be followed by election of the new Oba by the kingmakers if there is more than one candidate. While declaring support for the process, Chief Oni added that contrary to insinuations in the said publication, the town has been witnessing new lease of life and positive development under Oba Adeyemi’s.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror

Thursday, August 16, 2012

University graduate jailed for fraud MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

university graduate, Oluwaseun Abatan 34, has been sentenced to 28 years in prison by a Gombe State High Court over fraud. A graduate of Quantity Surveying, Abatan, who was first arraigned on June 18, 2009, was convicted on

four of the eight count charge of forgery and obtaining by false pretence brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The convict, who was arrested in 2008 following intelligence report on the illegal activities of Guarantee Investment Network International Limited (GINI),

was accused of defrauding unsuspecting members of the public, while posing as real estate developer and business manager. He had claimed to be the General Manager of the outlet in Gombe,while luring innocent persons to deposit money with promise of earning interest of 40 percent in six weeks, and acquiring plots of land or

houses in the long term. However, investigations revealed that GINI Limited which has its head office in Lagos was incorporated as a trading company that sells mostly domestic consumables. But unknown to the company, Abatan had devised means of using its name to carry out fraudulent activities. He collected a sum of N2, 505,700 from

a total of 487 persons that were registered by him. During the trial, directors of the company testified that the company had no interest in real estate, that they did not appoint Oluwaseun Abatan as General Manager of the company’s Gombe outlet. They claimed that the flyer used by Abatan to promote his fraudulent business was

different from that of the company. In his judgment, Justice Sa’ad Mohammed held that the prosecution had proved its case against the accused person beyond all reasonable doubt on four of the eight count charge and sentenced him to 7 years on each of the four count charge without any option of fine.

Foundation to build centre for less privileged DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

non Governmental Organization, Sunshine Foundation, plans to build a civic centre for skills acquisition and training of less privileged persons in Amaba, Isiukwuato Local Government Area of Abia State. Co-ordinator of the foundation, Mr. Sunshine Onyekere, said that the proposed centre will offer courses in computer training, soft and hardware maintenance, tailoring, hair dressing, motor and tricycle maintenance, GSM phone repairs, carpentry, among other skills. He stated admission into the centre would be based on readiness of persons to acquire further trainings in circular institutions, adding that such less privileged persons would be given priority to acquire skills that will sustain and improve their living conditions. The foundation had recently embarked on tour of the United States of America to continue advocacy for support of less privileged Nigerians in need of assistance. Onyekwere, said in spite of huge oil revenue in Nigeria, the very less privileged have remained unprotected, even as he called for international assistance. Onyekwere said that all that is not given is lost, stressing that the organization is taking it upon itself to cater, for needy people. Earlier, the organisation donated essential materials such as clothing, food and other items for the less privi-

leged. The foundation had donated clothes to 2,000 less privileged children at Umuezebi, a suburb of New Haven, Enugu and also at Isukwato, Abia State and Amowu-Odifin in Lagos State. The coordinator, said his interest originated stemmed his poor background, while growing up in the Artisan Quarters of the city where he was denied the essentials of life. Onyekwere said the organisation has participated in many capacity building conferences and workshops and was recently invited by the European Union. He said that the organization uses questionnaires to ascertain the needs of particular group of persons before giving them charity. “Our passion is to add value to people’s lives. Not because we have so much money but want to show care to the less privileged,” said Onyekwere. The organisation said it is concerned about the widening gap between the rich and poor, adding that it wants to sustain hopes for the future. “The clothes are valuable possession and for now, we are focusing children in the ghettoes, where we conduct needs assessment to ascertain what a particular community wants. We have tall dreams but we have just started. He said membership of the club is meant for those have compassion for the needy and the desire to help. “We don’t need people because of their money. The less privilege people are crying, they need help and telling them you belong to them is never enough to console them.”

A man wading through a flooded compound after heavy downpour in Umon Community in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State. PHOTO: NAN

Nigerians urged to seek God SINA FADARE

he Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International, has said the incessant bombings in the north was because the people and country are far away from God. Chairman of the 2012 convention planning committee, Mr Ayo Badejo, disclosed this in Lagos at a briefing to herald the pro-

gramme of the convention, adding that “until Nigeria decides to return to God; we may not get our bearing right as a nation.” Badejo who noted that the earlier we go back to God and ask for forgiveness, “the quicker He will get us to the path of honour and glory which the country is destined.” He said the convention which will start from August 15 to 18 in Lagos would attract local and interna-

tional speakers, adding that at the end, participants will be equipped with tools for building successful business and showcasing righteousness in the market place. According to him, the convention is a bi-annual empowerment programme for the members and public with over 20,000 business men in attendance, noting that the theme for is “The season of his glory” Speaking at the occasion, Regional Vice-President,

Car crushes motorcyclist to death TONY ANICHEBE UYO

Toyota Camry car has crushed a commercial tricycle operator to death at the Nung Oku axis of Aka-Nung Udoe Road in Akwa Ibom State. The car was said to have lost control, while

trying to overtake and rammed into the tricycle, thereby killing the driver instantly. An eyewitness said, a passenger had just alighted from the tricycle while the operator was trying to negotiate his way back to Uyo, the state capital before the incident occurred. The incident drew sym-

pathisers to the spot,even as some were seen raining curses on the driver Cmry driver. Some of them lamented the rate of accident on the newly constructed in the state, as they urged the state government to enact laws making over speeding and driving against the traffic an offence.

South-West, Engr. Niyi Ogunnusi, said the convention would attract eminent clerics and pastors, including Bishop David Oyedepo, of Winners Chapel and National President of FGBMI in America, Robert Bignold. He noted that some experts have been nominated to handle the various sessions, saying highlight of the convention include rallies, business forums, teachings and life lifting testimonies.

Public Relations Officer, PRO, of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Akwa Ibom State Command, Godsgift Owen, said the agency intends to encourage the government to introduce road bumps in front of schools, markets, and churches to reduce carnage on the road.

Ramadan Special

Thursday, August 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Internalise Ramadan lessons’ ADEMU IDAKWO LOKOJA

uslims in the country have been charged to internalise the lessons and teachings of Ramadan throughout their life time so as to engender peaceful co-existence with

members of other faith. A member of the Kogi State House of Assembly representing Omala Local Government area, Hon. Aliyu Akuh gave the advice recently at Abejukolo, the council headquarters when he distributed over thirty bags of rice , condiment, cartons of milk and bever-

ages to Muslims in his constituency. The law maker stated that as a means of cultivating brotherliness among the major religions in the country, he decided to extend the gesture to Muslims in his constituency during Ramadan. He added that if every believer adheres to

the tenets of his religion, the prevailing social dislocation will be a thing of the past. He advised people to be security-conscious by reporting criminal elements living in their community to security agents and urged youths in the area to embrace ventures that will make them productive rather than becoming willing tools to be manipulated by some unscrupulous politicians.

L-R: Ustadh Murtadha Mustafa; Ustadh Abdul-Qadir Olawore and Rector, Arabic and Islamic Training Centre, Sheikh Muhamed Habibullah El-llory (OON), during the 27th Ramadan lecture of the Arabic and Islamic training Center (Markaz) in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA

Cross section of audience at Iftar Soim (Feeding fasting Muslim) in Pobe, Republic of Benin organised by Zakat & Sadaqat Foundation.

L-R: The chairman of the occasion and Permanent Secretary, office of the Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Mr. Adekunle Ajanaku; guest lecturer, Alhaji, Mustapha Ade- Bello; Alhaji Rasak Bello and President, Lagos State Public Service Club, Mr. Oluyomi Amoye during the maiden Ramadan lecture of the Club held at the Club premises, Sobo Arobiodu street, GRA- Ikeja recently.

JTMSN distributes food items to widows

s part of its effort to compliment government’s efforts at reducing poverty, an Islamic organisation, the Jama’at Ta’awunil Muslimeenon Society of Nigeria (JTMSN) has donated food items to no fewer than 400 widows in its charity programme during the holy month of Ramadan. The food items distributed were rice, maize, wheat, grains, beans as well as cash donation. Speaking at the event, the National President of the group, Sheikh Dawood Imran Molasan said that the group has been promoting western education and engaged in social services that have

impacted on the society since eighteen years of its establishment. The cleric also stated that the group has concluded arrangement to increase the numbers of the beneficiaries in the next year edition. Molasan advocated for empowering of the citizens by the government at all levels in the country, urging those who are well to do wake up from their slumber and assist the less-privileged

Day 28

citizens. Speaking further, he used the opportunity to declare that the group has nothing to do with dreaded Boko Haram sect as being claimed in some quarters of the society, stressing that the law guiding the group was that the no member of the group should attack any church or Christian, noted “we are not against the establishment of Bowen University in Iwoland”

Cross section of awardees, co-ordinators of Departments and the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Polytechnic Ikorodu, Amir, Bro. Yunus Hamzah. Inset: Deputy Rector, Barr. Olasunkanmi Longe, represent (Rector), Dr. AbdulAzeez Abioye Lawal, presenting an award to Dean School of Management and Business Studies (SMBS). Dr. Abayomi Cole, during the MSSN Annual Academic Seminar/Awards Presentation/Ramadan lecture of Lagos State Polytechnic Branch, recently.

Muslims pray for Nigeria L ATEEFAH IBRAHIMANIMASHAUN

uslims in KosofeAjegunle area have prayed for the improvement of the current security and end to poverty pervading the country. The prayer which took place at Mobile Police Barracks Mosque, Ogudu, Lagos hosted about 500 Muslims within Kosofe Local Government as they observe 20 rakats of Naflah from 12am-4am with special supplications to Allah to alleviate sufferings in

the country. The Imam of the Mosque, Ustaz Monsur Adesokan urged Muslims to always engage in prayer for the country with concentration and sincerity even after the fast. Organised by The Muslim Congress, the programme according to him, is an annual event that serves as a farewell prayer in Ramadan and a means of calling Muslims to order on life beyond fasting and the essence of the fast. He challenged them to grab the remaining bonus of Ramadan, use it to seek forgiveness, look forward

to seeing the end of the fast and strive towards utilizing the lessons learnt from the fast. “This period of Ramadan was the time when companions of Prophet Muhammad used to weep and the Prophet also said that if Muslims know the benefit of Ramadan, they will pray that the whole year is Ramadan.” He stated that another major act of worship that signifies the end of Ramadan is the Zakat ul-fitr which is an act that is compulsory on every Muslim, big and small, male and female, free-born as well as slave.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Police arrest 103 for various offences in Kano AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

ano State police command yesterday said it has arrested 103 suspects for various criminal offences, according to the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Idris. The police boss told National Mirror in an interview that most of the suspects were arrested for offences ranging from armed robbery, culpable homicide, rape, criminal conspiracy and breach of

trust to house breaking as well as unlawful possession of prohibited firearms. Ibrahim also said that assorted dangerous weapons were recovered during raids on suspected flash points in different parts of the city, saying some of the weapons picked up from suspects include AK47 rifles, assorted pistols, ammunition, knives and cutlasses as well as a number of pump action rifles. The police commissioner said three suspects were

in police net in connection with prohibited firearms and named the suspects as Mathew Oshobgemi, from Kogi State; Dominic Orji, from Anambra State and Umaru Nasarawa of Kaduna State, adding that from the suspects, two pistols, 11 pump action rifles, one air pistol, nine doublebarrelled rifles and 176 cartridges were recovered. According to Idris, four men suspected to be members of an unlawful gang known as “Yandaba” are cooling off their feet in police custody, pointing

out that from the suspects the following dangerous weapons were intercepted; three knives, cutlasses, swards and wraps of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp. He also said the command made a number of arrests in connection with various robberies committed in the city within the period. “On August 2012, a distress call was received that some armed men, numbering about four, invaded a shop at Chiranchi area, police responded promptly leading to the

arrest of Saka and Musa Tijjani, both 25 years old from whom two cut-tosize pump action rifles were recovered and they confessed carrying out numerous robbery attacks within Kano and neighbouring states.” The commissioner of police also hinted that the command is detaining a total of 30 suspects for robbery, car theft and rape, adding that they will appear in court as soon as investigations into their respective cases are concluded.

Philanthropist facilitates freedom of 41 prisoners JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

s a way of decongesting prisons as well as assisting inmates stand on their own after a long period of incarceration, a Katsina-based philanthropist, Mahadi Shehu, has facilitated the freedom of 41 prison inmates in the state. Shehu, who is Chairman of Dialogue Group Limited, has also assured that more prisoners would be set free in due course and be assisted with some money to enable them have something to do. Speaking with journalists on the issue, the philanthropist said such assistance would keep the inmates from going back to their former ways and learn to adapt to their environment. It was learnt that the inmates were set free at the Katsina central prison in Funtua and Daura medium security prisons, as well as Dutsima satellite prisons.

People crossing River Jama’are, which overflew its bank in Bauchi State yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Group protests closure of MTN call centre JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

group of Plateau State youths yesterday protested the closure of MTN Call Centre in Jos, the state capital. The group known as G17 said they would do everything possible to push the telecommunications giant out of business in the state because of what they described as injustice done to the people of the state. To achieve their aim, the group, numbering over

1, 000 took to the streets of Jos as volunteer marketers to other service providers and were publicly campaigning and encouraging the people to abandon MTN network for other networks. Leader of the group, Mr. Bachung Bagos while distributing the cards at Hwolshe area of the metropolis, said the exercise was aimed at discouraging Plateau citizens from using MTN lines, because of the closure of its call center in the city.

Bagos said the decision by the company has led to the sacking of over 1, 700 of its staff mostly Plateau indigenes. The convener of the youth group said over 1, 000 lines of other networks have so far been given to the general public, who immediately registered them for use. He said G17 would continue with the exercise until MTN is wiped out of the state. “What motivated us to do this as G17, is basically

because of what MTN has done to youths of the Plateau, which is unacceptable. “MTN claimed that insecurity was responsible, why they are relocating the centre. But a careful analysis revealled that the situation in Jos predates the coming of MTN in 2010. “We as youths will continue to show our disapproval in all ways possible till MTN rescinds its decision or go out of business in the Plateau.”

SUBEB, journalists to partner on project monitoring IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

asarawa State chapter of the Universal Basic Education Board (SEBEB) has expressed its readiness to partner with journalists in the state towards monitoring UBE projects spread across the state. The state UBE Chairman, Mallam Abdulkareem Mohammed, stated this yesterday when he was on an advocacy visit to the correspondents’ chapel office in Lafia, the state capital. He said the gesture is meant to promote transparency in all UBE projects. Towards this end, he used the occasion to call on members of the chapel to take time to visit all locations of UBE projects in the state for proper reportage of its activities. According to him, “Journalists are custodians of facts which the society wholly depends on to correct certain ills that are liable to bedevil human existence. No person should be allowed to jeopardise the efforts of the present administration in the state.” He added that the present government is an advocate of open door policy, hence journalists in the state should strive to check their information for proper analysis before disseminating same to the public. Chairman of the State Correspondents’ Chapel, Chuwang Dungs, commended the SUBEB chairman for partnering with the chapel in a way to maintain transparency as enshrined in the philosophy of the Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura administration in observing due process.

Kogi govt, teachers may clash over unpaid salaries ADEMU IDAKWO LOKOJA

ssociation of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON) in Kogi State has accused the state government of refusing to pay 30 percent of the primary school teachers over spurious allegations of

wrong spelling of names and bank account numbers, there by subjecting them to untold hardship. State Chairman of the association, Comrade Dominic Ondeku, yesterday in Lokoja, in an interview with journalists, said the state government has been hiding under the screening that was done

without teachers and other relevant stakeholders in the educational sector, to punish the primary school teachers. He alleged that the affected teachers have not been paid since July last year, adding that some have died while others have lost their beloved ones due to financial problems confront-

ing them as a result of lack of payment of salaries. The union leader said teachers in other states are already enjoying the minimum wage while Kogi State is yet to implement same for teachers. To this end, he said primary school teachers in the state may join the planned strike by 13 states to press

home their demand. It will be recalled that the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the umbrella body of teachers has been embroiled in battle with the Kogi State government over the continued refusal to pay salaries of teachers as well as implementation of the Teachers’ Salary Structure (TSS).

Gov. Wada

Thursday, August 16, 2012

World News ‘Possible Israeli war with Iran could be month-long’

WORLD BULLETIN Islamic militants warn Egypt army on Sinai raids Islamic militants in the Sinai Peninsula warned the Egyptian military yesterday against cracking down on jihadis and claimed they were not behind a sneak attack earlier this month that killed 16 Egyptian soldiers. In a statement posted on a website which usually carries al-Qaida and similar groups’ statements, the militants said their main focus is Israel and that they do not target Egyptians soldiers. There was no way to independently verify it. “Prevent bloodshed, blood which has been spilled and which will be spilled if this aggression continues. You are dragging us to a battle that is not ours,” the statement read. “Our weapon is not directed at you,” it continued, adding: “We don’t want to turn our rage against you.”

“Even if the diplomatic route fails, it does not necessarily mean we will go to war with our brothers and sisters in Tanzania because we can resort to other channels to solve the matter” - Malawian President, Joyce Banda

Zuma arrives in Zimbabwe to discuss reforms • Mugabe launches national census PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

outh African President Jacob Zuma arrived in Zimbabwe yesterday for briefings on reforms by the unity government, as Harare prepares for its first balloting since the deadly 2008 polls. Zuma arrived at Harare International Airport around 5:00 pm (1500 GMT) and was met by cabinet ministers and members of President Robert Mugabe’s

ZANU-PF party. Mugabe was launching a census drive elsewhere. He made no remarks after landing, but headed directly to his meetings. The South African president has not visited Zimbabwe since 2010, but after years of stalling, the country last month finished a draft constitution that could send voters to a referendum by the end of the year. That would be the first balloting since a 2008 presidential run-

off that long-ruling Mugabe won -- after his arch-rival Morgan Tsvangirai pulled out of the race in hopes of ending attacks that left more than 200 of his supporters dead. Under intense regional pressure, they formed a unity government tasked with drafting a new constitution and enshrining greater political freedoms -- with the ultimate goal of new elections. Zuma now wants an update on the constitution-making process,

Liberia arrests six over Ivory Coast border attack Liberian troops have captured six men they believe carried out raids on border posts in neighbouring Ivory Coast this week, Liberia’s defence minister said yesterday. Gunmen attacked border checkpoints manned by the Ivorian military near the town of Toulepleu in Ivory Coast’s volatile western borderlands on Monday morning. The fighting lasted much of the day, and one Ivorian soldier was wounded. Liberia dispatched troops to its side of the frontier during the clashes in an effort to contain the violence and arrested the men as they attempted to flee into Liberian territory.

‘ECOWAS troops only welcome in North of Mali’ Mali’s military has rejected the deployment of any foreign West African soldiers to the capital, saying any regional intervention could only take place in the North of the country, currently occupied by Islamist groups. The comments, after talks between West African defence chiefs and Malian authorities, are likely to dismay regional leaders who have been seeking to shore up a weak civilian administration in Bamako before helping the local army take on a mix of gunmen including some from al Qaeda. Mali faces a twin crisis after rebel fighters took advantage of the void following a March 22 coup to seize the North. Although soldiers have since handed power back to civilians, they have been accused of continued political meddling and, concerned at the prospect of a terrorist safe haven in the desert North.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South African President, Jacob Zuma, centre, is greeted upon arrival in Harare, Zimbabwe, yesterday.

PHOTO: AP

before heading to a regional summit Friday in Maputo. “President Zuma is coming to be given an update by the principals on the progress made so far,” Mugabe’s spokesman George Charamba told AFP. “President Zuma is not going to negotiate anything or push for anything. His visit comes against a background of tremendous progress made in terms of the constitution-making process and in respect of the consolidation of peace in the country.” Zuma is scheduled to meet separately with Mugabe and Tsvangirai, Charamba said. He will also meet with Welshman Ncube, who heads a faction of Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change and whose son is married to one of Zuma’s daughters. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s President Mugabe launched the national census yesterday, saying he hoped the once-a-decade count would measure the extent to which AIDS was affecting the population. Mugabe said he was disappointed by 2002 census results, which showed the southern African nation’s growth had slowed dramatically because of the disease.

ICC competent to try Ivorian ex-leader, Gbagbo –Judges

he International Criminal Court ruled yesterday against a challenge by Ivory Coast ex-president Laurent Gbagbo’s lawyers on its jurisdiction to try him for crimes against humanity. “The chamber finds that the court has the jurisdiction over alleged crimes... including those committed since 28 November 2010 on the basis of (a) declaration of 18 April 2003,” by Ivory Coast, the ICC said. Gbagbo’s lawyers in late May challenged the Hague-based court’s competence to put the former West African leader on trial for alleged crimes committed after Ivory Coast’s disputed polls in November 2010. The defence asked the court to rule that a declaration signed by Ivory Coast in April 2003 recognising the court’s jurisdiction, would “not be relevant to the pe-

riod covered by the allegations against Mr Gbagbo”. Gbagbo’s defence also asked the court to rule that his rights were infringed during the strongman’s eight-month detention in Ivory Coast and in the course of his transfer to the ICC, making

Gbagbo

“a fair trial impossible”. However, the ICC’s judges on Wednesday found that the declaration, signed by Gbagbo’s then foreign minister Bamba Mamadou, recognised the tribunal’s jurisdiction for an indefinite period.

Therefore, the Ivory Coast “accepted the jurisdiction of the court over events from 19 September 2002 onwards,” they ruled. Further, regarding claims that Gbagbo’s rights were violated while in detention in Ivory Coast, the court said “the chamber cannot proceed to a determination of any particular violation of Mr Gbagbo’s fundamental rights.” Former ICC chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo obtained the approval from judges on October 3, 2011 to probe crimes committed in the Ivory Coast during the violence that broke out after the 2010 elections. Post-poll fighting broke out when Gbagbo refused to step down in favour of his long-time rival and current President Alassane Ouattara, declared the election’s winner, plunging the country into deadly crisis.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ar with Iran would probably turn into a month-long conflict on various fronts with missile strikes on Israeli cities and some 500 dead, Israel’s civil defence minister said in an interview published yesterday. “There is no room for hysteria. Israel’s home front is prepared as never before,” Matan Vilnai, a former general who is about to leave his cabinet post to become ambassador to China, told the Maariv daily. The interview coincided with Israeli media reports over the past week suggesting that Israel might attack Iran’s nuclear facilities before the U.S. presidential election in November. U.S. Defence Secretary Leon Panetta said on Tuesday that Washington does not believe Israel has made a decision on whether to strike. “I don’t want to be dragged into the debate,” Vilnai said, when asked if Israel should go to war against Iran. “But the United States is our greatest friend and we will always have to coordinate such moves with it.” Echoing an assessment already voiced by Defence Minister Ehud Barak, Vilnai was quoted as saying hundreds of missiles could hit Israeli cities daily and

US launches broad immigration reform

ndocumented immigrants are applying for the temporary right to live and work openly in the US, as a sweeping immigration policy reform takes effect, BBC has reported. Up to 1.7 million people could be eligible for the programme, unveiled in June by President Barack Obama amid pressure from Hispanic voters. Republicans say Obama has passed over Congress - and unemployed US citizens - with the programme. The Latino vote could be important in November’s presidential election. Most of the estimated 11.5 million undocumented immigrants in the US are from Latin America. Illegal immigrants are getting their records in order as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) starts accepting applications. In an internal document, DHS officials estimated 1.04 million people would apply in the first year. The Migration Policy Institute and the Pew Hispanic Center have estimated as many as 1.7 million people could be eligible under the programme. The administration’s plan is to stop deporting many illegal immigrants who were brought to the US as children.

World News

Thursday, August 16, 2012

‘Possible Israeli war with Iran could be month-long’ kill some 500 people in a war with Iran, which has promised strong retaliation if attacked. “There might be fewer dead, or more, perhaps ... but this is the scenario for which we are preparing, in accordance with the best expert advice,” Vilnai said. “The assessments are for a war that will last 30 days on several fronts,” he said, alluding to the possibility Iranian-backed Hezbollah guerrillas in Lebanon and Palestinian militants in Gaza would also launch rockets at Israel. Israel has built a sophisticated missile shield likely to stop some of the salvoes and regularly holds civil defence drills to prepare for rocket strikes. Vilnai made no mention in the interview of the impact a month of conflict would have on Israel’s economy should Tel Aviv, Israel’s commercial center, be hit by long-range missiles. Tel Aviv was not struck by missiles during Israel’s threeweek war in the Gaza Strip in late 2008 and early 2009 and in a 34-day conflict with Hezbollah in 2006. But it came under Scud rocket fire from Iraq during the 1991 Gulf war. War jitters with Iran, which denies accusations that it is striv-

WORLD BULLETIN Assad’s forces committed crimes against humanity – UN Syrian government forces and their militia allies committed crimes against humanity including murder and torture while rebel fighters were guilty of lesser offences, UN investigators said yesterday. The latest report on findings by the UN Commission of Inquiry highlighted “reasonable grounds” to believe that government forces and their Shabbiha allies were also responsible for other “gross violations of international human rights law” including arbitrary arrest, unlawful killing and indiscriminate attacks against civilians. The 102-page report, which is to be presented to the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva on September 17, said the scale of the military operations and the “similar modus operandi ... indicate the involvement at the highest levels of the armed and security forces and the Government”. The militia loyal to the regime of President Bashar al-Assad and known as Shabbiha “acted in concert with Government forces”.

UK’s Prince Philip hospitalised

Netanyahu

ing to develop nuclear weapons, caused steep declines in Israeli financial markets on Monday although some of those losses were recovered on Tuesday. “Just as the citizens of Ja-

pan have to understand they are likely to be hit by an earthquake, Israelis must realize that anyone who lives here has to be prepared for missiles striking the home front,” Vilnai said.

Britain’s recession causes 1,000 suicides –Study

painful British economic recession and rising unemployment may have driven more than 1,000 people in England to commit suicide, according to a scientific study published yesterday. The study, a so-called timetrend analysis which compared the actual number of suicides with those expected if pre-recession trends had continued, reflects findings elsewhere in Europe where suicides are also on the rise. “This is a grim reminder after the euphoria of the Olympics of the challenges we face and those that lie ahead,” said David Stuckler, a sociologist at Cambridge University who co-led the study, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). The analysis found that between 2008 and 2010 there were 846 more suicides among men in England than would have been expected if previous trends continued, and 155 more among women. Between 2000 and 2010 each annual 10 percent increase in the number of unemployed people was associated with a 1.4 percent

increase in the number of male suicides, the study found. The analysis used data from the National Clinical and Health Outcomes Database and the Office of National Statistics. Keith Hawton, a professor at the Centre for Suicide Research at Oxford University who was not involved in the study, said its findings were “of considerable interest and certainly raise concerns”, but that they must be interpreted carefully. “It is also important that they are not over-dramatised in a way

that might increase thoughts of suicide in those affected by the recession,” he said in an emailed comment. Stuckler, who worked with researchers from Liverpool University and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, stressed while this kind of statistical study could not establish a causal link, the power of the associations was strong. Its conclusions were strengthened by other indicators of rising mental health problems, stress and anxiety, he added.

Workers placing barrier in a flood prone area, in British Columbia, recently PHOTO: REUTERS

Britain’s 91-year-old Duke of Edinburgh, husband of Queen Elizabeth, was taken to hospital in Scotland yesterday as a “precautionary measure”, Buckingham Palace said. “He was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary as a precautionary measure,” a Palace spokeswoman said. “We don’t have any further details and are waiting for the Duke to be medically assessed.” Two months ago, Prince Philip was taken to hospital with a bladder infection, overshadowing four days of celebrations for the queen’s 60th year on the British throne. In December last year, Philip had an operation to clear a blocked heart artery and spent Christmas in hospital.

Brazil unveils $60 billion stimulus package Brazil’s government has unveiled the first phase of a major economic stimulus package designed to boost growth in the flagging economy, the BBC has reported. More than $60bn (£38bn) will be invested in the country’s roads and railways over the next 25 years, with more than half in the next five years. This includes 8,000 kilometres of new roads and 8,000kms of railways. Further announcements involving investment in ports and airports are expected in the coming weeks. Growth in Brazil is predicted to be less than 2% this year, the weakest annual performance since 2009 and a sharp slowdown from an impressive 7.5% rise in 2010. The government’s recent measures, such as the recent devaluation of the currency, the real, and the progressive reduction in interest rates, have so far failed to stimulate growth.

Insight

Thursday, August 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Deplorable state of Lagos The World Bank-financed transport scheme of Lagos State has received some knocks recently from commuters it is meant to serve. LEONARD OKACHIE examines the operations of the four-year old scheme and the attendant challenges.

mpressed by the Lagos State Government’s commitment to the Lagos Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, Task Team Leader, World Bank for the Lagos Urban Transport Project (LUTP), Mr. Ajay Kumar had during his visit to Lagos to assess the operations of the project said that: “I would rather send city officials seeking to implement their urban transport system to Lagos than to Bogota, Columbia or Curitiba in Brazil.” The World Bank official was not the only one impressed by the timely intervention of the state. Lagosians and indeed Nigerians were full of praises for the state government for the massive transport infrastructure, including logistics to ease transportation problem in Lagos. The idea was out of a desire to drastically reduce traffic congestion, improve quality and meet the mobility needs of the ever increasing population of commuters, especially the poor and less privileged in the metropolis. Currently, there are two operators in the scheme: The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Cooperative and LAGBUS. This is an Asset Management Company owned by the Lagos State government and operates as a public-private partnership under the Ministry of Transportation, Lagos State. While LAGBUS buses are painted in red colour, those of BRT owned by the NURTW, are in blue. The BRT is regulated by Lagos Metropolitan Transport System (LAMATA). The initial phase of BRT buses started operations in March 2008 and operated from Mile 12 through Ikorodu Road and Funsho Williams Avenue. In all, 220 buses were put on the routes and moved more than 200,000 passengers daily. It has 26 bus shelters, one bus garage housing a maintenance bay, fuel dump, office and other logistics for efficient operations. Furthermore, LAGBUS which started with 500 buses on February 17, 2007, now has about 800 vehicles in its fleet which operates in mixed traffic on 58 routes. Sadly, less than four years after takeoff, the glamour that heralded this much touted metropolitan transport system has lost steam and focus. Most of the buses, especially the blue BRT look more like museum and contraptions from a distant past as their bumpers, windscreens and doors are either ripped off or non functional. The interiors are sad reminders of the country’s lack of maintenance culture, as many of the seats are either torn or held together by pieces of clothes and hurriedly improvised electric cables. Many lack functional trafficators and

brake lights, making it dangerous for other motorists to see them, while the electric bells inside do not function, thereby making it difficult for passengers to alert the drivers of their destination. Because of this, most resort to shouting and in the process causing distractions and irritations to other commuters. In a twist of irony, these buses are gradually turning to rickety commercial buses known as ‘Molue’, which the state government tried very hard to ban on the city’s roads. For example, one can see BRT buses crowded with passengers, many of whom are crammed into very narrow spaces like cattle destined for the abattoirs. Increasingly, there are complaints by passengers of rudeness on the part of the drivers who are called pilots, ticketing officers, conductors and even the supervisors.

Commuters lament Some of the commuters, whose opinions were sampled, decried the poor and unkempt state of the buses, and they blame these on lack of maintenance. Owolabi Ogundare, a fabricator, living in Ikorodu said: “BRT maintenance is very poor. Due to this, I do not always ride in the buses; you can see the way people queue for the buses. Many of them have broken down, even when the initial numbers are not enough to serve intending passengers. When it started operation some years ago, everyone was happy that the perennial transport problems of the state would finally be solved. Today, the problem has become compounded and that is why, we are calling on the government to do something to redeem the appalling situation”. Mrs. Funke Adelakun, a Fashion Designer and Deaconess said: “The buses lack maintenance as many of them look dirty both on the outside and inside. Some of the chairs, even doors are so bad that they are tied with ropes. “They are even worse than the ‘Molue’ which they are supposed to replace and the operators don’t give any thought on the welfare of the passengers. Some of the bells are not working. So when passengers are about to alight, they shout at the top of their voices. Besides, these buses are meant to operate till 10.pm but most don’t. For example, I work at Ajelogo, Mile 12 and live at Shomolu. Whenever it is 8.30 pm, the drivers will stop working and rather wait till closing time. They will park by the roadside and when intending passengers get tired of waiting, they resign to looking for alternative means of getting home. I know this because I take the BRT every day.” Another female passenger who refused to disclose her name was very furious with the system after queuing for a long time. She said: “How old are the buses that they are tearing like papers? There is no point queuing here while we have buses lying there. It appears those running the buses are not aware that there had been a time when Lagos State Government had a transport system. Look at the buses rusting there at Oshodi. They should learn from that experience. It appears Nigerians are used to hard life.”

Jam-Packed: commuters squeezed together inside a bus

Bus door held together with a rope

SADLY, LESS THAN FOUR YEARS AFTER TAKE-OFF, THE GLAMOUR THAT HERALDED THIS MUCH TOUTED METROPOLITAN TRANSPORT SYSTEM HAS LOST STEAM AND FOCUS For Sixtus Okeke, a trader at Ojota, the buses are now mere shadows of their former states. “I was very excited when the BRT was introduced in 2008.In fact; I have been a regular customer since then because it is easier for me to follow from where I live at Ojuelagba. But I’m not happy with the situation any longer. The buses are regularly breaking down. It is even worse during raining season. Rain drops on passengers because of leaking roof. At times, passengers use umbrella to protect themselves. It is shameful and embarrassing. I wish the government would do something about it urgently,” he said. Mr. Frank Anyaele, a computer analyst who boards LAGBUS from Dopemu to

Lagos Island on daily basis decried the rate at which the buses are breaking down on the way. “It is a pity the way these buses are breaking down. There was a day I saw about three to four buses broke down on the road. Eventually passengers were stranded. Besides, the attitude of the captains and the ticket officials is something else. These people are very rude. The officials behave like they own this world. They want to see people beg them before selling ticket for them. In fact the problems are many. You can ask other commuters if you want to confirm what I am telling you,” he said. Victoria Akpan, a student, bemoaned the rate at which the vehicles break down on the roads and subsequent transferring of passengers to other buses. “BRT has designated lanes which ensure that it gets to its destination faster than the normal commercial buses. Severally, I have boarded BRT and the passengers have to be transferred to other ones because they had broken down. At times, the drivers ask you to join another bus without explanation. There was a day we were asked to get down at Ojota and join another vehicle because the bus broke down. It is annoying the way the buses break down on the road,” she said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insight

Thursday, August 16, 2012

BRT, LAGBUS THE BRT BUSES PLYING IKORODU ROAD WERE INITIALLY MEANT FOR

60, 000 PASSENGERS, BUT DUE TO PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE, THE

SYSTEM IS CARRYING MORE THAN

200,000

PASSENGERS PER DAY

Lagbus: at their Oshodi park

A bus with its side torn off

Seyi Kansala, a journalist similarly shared her bitter experience with LAGBUS thus:“Recently, around 7.15 pm at General Hospital Road, Lagos Island, the officer in charge of routing whose name was not disclosed had a misunderstanding with a passenger who was going to Iyana Ipaja,And because of this misunderstanding the route director directed all the buses meant for Iyana Ipaja route to Dopemu route thereby frustrating the efforts of the Iyana Ipaja passengers , leaving them to stand in a very long queue for hours as they watched the buses come and go. “Some passengers were later forced to find some other way for means of transportation to their various routes. While, the particular passenger who the route director had a quarrel with because of a ticket was refused access to enter the Dopemu bus that was available. “At the course of the altercation between the staff and passenger, it was revealed that eight (8) buses usually come at different times to pick up passengers to Iyana Ipaja but unfortunately that couldn’t happen because of the angry route director.”

We are refurbishing our buses – 1st BRT When our correspondent visited the 1st

BRT office at Ojota, the Managing Director was not around for comment. But the Public Relations Officer, Nonye Owumere, said they are aware of the complaints from the public and are working hard to ensure a hitch-free system. She said: “We are into transportation and you should know that these things are inevitable .We have been managing the buses for four years now and you don’t expect that they will not break down some day. So once in a while, buses break down and we have maintenance crews that normally pick them up. We have three towing vans with the crews who are always on the highway to make sure they tow any bus which breaks down on the road. “We have a maintenance crew that always take care of them. One thing commuters should know is that, there are many challenges in the transport business. Even car owners will tell you that their vehicles break down occasionally. Most times, some of the parts are hard to source. It takes about one month to get some spare parts. But Lagosians do not want to see such things happen. That shouldn’t be a thing of concern. But one thing we are assuring our customers is that we will always carry them along. We started with 100 buses and

now there are 220 of them.” Owumere, said there is no need to refleet at the moment, but, rather they are refurbishing the operation,adding, “When you re-fleet, everywhere will be filled up. We were once faced with challenges, especially with regards to the first 100 buses. Today, they have been refurbished in such a way that you’ll think we bought new ones. We have been refurbishing them one after the other and I know that we have refurbished more than 20 buses. It is a gradual process.” She noted that strict disciplinary measures are always taken against unruly workers. “We train and re-train them. Everyone without exception is always undergoing training. The company spends millions in training but you know that human beings are complex. However, defaulters face different kinds of punishment. Some have their salaries cut or sent on suspension, because we are here to satisfy the customers,” she maintained. On the allegation of illegal collection of cash instead of ticket at night, Owumere reacted thus: “No, it is not true. There is what we call ticket recycling. You can’t enter the bus without a ticket and you cannot enter the bus with money. If you do that, the pilots already know the punishment as they will be sacked. I am not ruling that out but I know it is very rare. You know people say a lot of things and they are entitled to their opinions.”

Commuters should be patient with the captains- LAGBUS The spokesman of LAGBUS, Mr. Durojaye Olanrewaju in an interview with our correspondent urged commuters to be patient, stressing that they are trying their best to ease the transportation problem in the state. He said: “Lagosians have to be patient with the captains. Whenever they are on the queue, a bus will be right there to pick them up. Right now we have what we call schedule service. Every 20 minutes, a bus will be at station to pick you. But you have to consider the traffic because there is always gridlock on the roads. We trying our best to make sure we serve the commuters as at when due. We have a good maintenance culture. All these buses are machines and are meant to break down if they are constantly used. When they break down you repair and put them back on the road. Even human beings fall ill, and they go to the doctor. That is what is happening to the buses. Not that

they don’t break down; when they do, we fix and put them on the road again. We are at the service of the public. We train and re-train our captains, (drivers) on how to be nice to customers and other road users especially the small cars on the road. But you know there are bound to be some errant ones every now and then. We give them pep talk every regularly. The ticketing officers are not directly employed by LAGBUS. They are being given out to contractors. Even if we get reports that they are rude, we apply the necessary sanctions through the vendor who employed them. We have about 800 because the governor launched another 300 buses in May this year, and he also commissioned the new dedicated lanes on Yaba, Oyingbo and Iddo route.It will help in reducing queues and sufferings of commuters on the road.That are not even enough. In the nearest future, we will get in more buses and phase out old ones”.

BRT is working according to the regulation - LAMATA The External Relations Specialist of LAMATA, Mr. Kolawole Ojelabi, agreed there have been complaints about the service delivery of the agency, but added that the management is not losing its focus which is ensuring that the BRT operations are running well. Ojelabi said: “The BRT buses plying Ikorodu Road were initially meant for 60,000 passengers, but due to public acceptance, the system is carrying more than 200,000 passengers per day. Of course, there is no way this will not weigh down on the buses. The operators are doing all they can to ensure that the buses are functioning regularly but of course you know, if you have 220 buses for 20,0000 passengers, it is going to have a backlash on the number of passengers that will be stranded on the roads. So we have to do it in such a way that it will not really affect their movement. “On attitude of the crew, I always prefer that people give concrete evidence, because each bus has a specific number. If a pilot misbehaves, all you need to do is call or send email and give specifics. You remember that recently, those of them who could not fit into the system were relieved of their appointments. So this is part of what the operator is doing to make sure the system remains efficient and functioning. Yes! there have been complaints but even at that, you must have something concrete to hold on to. “For regulators, there are certain agreements they signed with us. So they must carry them out. For instance, in terms of maintenance, they have what we call daily, weekly and monthly maintenance. So we as the regulators carry out checks to constant and adequate repairs. If they are not then, we advice and even threaten them to do so. If they don’t do that, there are sanctions that are imposed. Sanctions have not been imposed before now because they are working according to schedule and instructions. “So we work together because if we do not, the system that has been running for more than four years would have packed up. You know there are many checks that we have in the place. For example, how many of the former mass transit buses are still on the road? It is because of our regulatory framework that the BRT bus is still working.”

WORLD RECORD

Tallest building

Vol. 02 No. 427

Thursday, August 16, 2012

N150

The tallest building is the Burj Khalifa (Khalifa Tower) which measures 828 m (2,716 ft 6 in) tall, was developed by Emaar Properties and officially opened in Dubai, UAE, on 4 January 2010.

On Newswatch saga, a thought for Dele Giwa

hese are interesting times for Nigeria’s flagship newsmagazine, Newswatch. For the first time in its chequered 28-year history, the magazine has temporarily ceased from watching the news, turning itself, instead, to the object of news reportage; thereby inviting comments and analyses on the transaction of May 2011 that saw the majority shares of the company acquired by the business mogul and Publisher of National Mirror, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, OFR. By that sheer purchase of the majority shares, the new investor expectedly became the Publisher and Executive Chairman of the ‘new’ company. In an era when news literally flies around every corner and just about anybody is able to afford a Blackberry or gain access to the internet, pretending to be a newsbreaker, the last few days have been awash with news of the developments in Newswatch. The saga first started penultimate week when executive members of the Nigerian

espite parading a depleted homebased team starring against the Menas of Niger Republic, Super Eagles yesterday at the Stade Seyni Kountche, Niamey battled the hosts to a goalless draw. The Nigeriens had issues

SOMETHING BEFORE THE WEEKEND

Steve Ayorinde

sayorinde@nationalmirroronline.net (08054500808 sms only)

Union of Journalists in Newswatch sought the intervention of NUJ’s Lagos chapter over its outstanding four months salaries. Such interventions might be unobtrusive, if the approach is sincere and the demands fair. But in a situation when unionists requested that a letter be sent to the Publisher and that all outstanding salaries be paid within two weeks, it became apparent that something was fishy. Very curious, indeed, was the fact that among those who made such an audacious demand were journalists from other media organisations where staff are being owed between six to 10 months salaries. It may be untidy for salaries to be owed, especially in companies where revenue is sufficient to accommodate wages. But how come what is considered unacceptable in Newswatch would not be an issue in several other media houses, as to even warrant a staff of a dying, debt-ridden newspaper fight for rights on behalf of workers in a turn-around period? The interventionists were not interested in why the magazine, not being a charity, would be unable to pay for workers’ salaries from proceeds, or at least run its operations. Core investors must simply continue to pump more money. It had become obvious that in fulfilment of one of the promises in the Share Purchase Agreement, the Ikeja, Lagos office of the magazine would have to be temporarily shut for a more befitting headquarters to be built by the new majority shareholder. But the vehemence with which that offer was initially rejected clearly signposts the fact that the whole hullabaloo of the

EQUALLY IMPORTANT IS THE LESSON TO JOURNALISTS WHO NEGLECT THE BUSINESS SIDE OF THE JOB TO FANCIFUL WRITINGS AND TRANSIENT CELEBRITY STATUS previous days were premeditated as they were indeed orchestrated. I should say, of course, that the interest of National Mirror in the unfolding saga is very germane. The controlling shares in Newswatch were acquired by Dr. Ibrahim through the holding company for this newspaper - the Global Media Mirror Limited. If it then looks as though there is either a curious naivety about the content of the SPA or a deliberate attempt to obfuscate facts and resort to subtle blackmail, what option has the core investor other than to temporarily pull the product in and administer proper medication towards an eventual re-launch? It may look like the current debacle is a mercurial struggle between Dr. Ibrahim and Messrs Ray Ekpu, Dan Agbese, Yakubu Mohammed and Soji Akinrinade. But the publication of the financial implications of last year’s acquisition and the voluntary retirement of those icons of print journalism ought to have put paid to baseless rumours that Newswatch was hijacked off them.

Yet, the arithmetic of what constitutes the value of a N510 million acquisition would soon be clear to the staff who had passed through all kinds of gulag, including writing off 13 months unpaid salaries at a time, especially now that they have joined their colleagues at the 17-storey building Head Office on Broad Street, Lagos, where modern equipment and conducive working environment, together with staff transportation, count for something. The real issue is about the legacy of the visionary behind this magazine and how needless squabble is putting into ruin Dele Giwa’s legacy that caused the new core investor to take controlling shares in a magazine that is in dire need of not just fresh funds but fresh ideas as well. In selling off whatever was left of Newswatch, was any thought spared the man who was central to the whole dream? I have heard people wonder why Dr. Ibrahim would spend so much on a brand that appeared to have reached its twilight. Well, the investor had always said nothing was too much to keep Giwa’s legacy alive. The question that should be asked is how much of the largesse collected as final benefits went to Dele Giwa’s estate? Maybe Newswatch has finally reached a stage where the aging mother of that great journalist, his wife or his son, Billy, should be considered eminently qualified to now serve on the new board where full disclosure should be the watchword. Equally important in all these is the inherent lesson to journalists who almost always neglect the business side of the job to fanciful writings and transient celebrity status. When companies run into turbulence and require either fresh injection of funds or outright sale, how many journalists are equipped for the right negotiations and invest quality time to read and understand what they append their signatures on? Examples of deals gone awry abound, even in the media. But on this very saga, while the truth sinks, it should be hoped that inadvertent actions of some professionals would not have further alienated potential investors from a sector already plagued by dwindling fortunes and the onslaught of the internet.

Sport Extra

Eagles hold Menas in Niamey late minute invitation to eight foreign-based players to fortify the Menas ahead of the Eagles’ invasion. They however failed to record the win they needed to boost their confidence to-

wards the Afcon 2013 qualifying rounds scheduled for the first week of September. Reports from Niamey yesterday said the Eagles had launched early raids on the opponents but failed to

get the goal until the humid weather hampered their game as the encounter progressed. Coach Stephen Keshi had hoped to use the match to determine players among

the home lads that would join the foreign legion to be invited for the Afcon qualifier with Lone Star of Liberia in Monrovia on September 8. Keshi is expected to release the list of invitees for the match next week in Abuja.

Stephen Keshi

Printed and Published by Global Media Mirror Ltd: Head Office: Mirror House, 155/161 Broad Street, Lagos Tel: 07027107407, Abuja Office: NICON Insurance House, Second Floor, Central Business District Area, Abuja Tel: 08070428249, Advert hotline: 01-8446073, Email: mail@nationalmirroronline.net. Editor: SEYI FASUGBA. All correspondence to PMB 10001, Marina, Lagos. Printed simultaneously in Lagos, Abuja and Ondo State. ISSN 0794-232X.